December 2014 - Fulmer Village

FULMER NEWSLETTER
December 2014 – Issue 56
www.fulmervillage.org
LIST OF ADVERTISERS
Bucks Prestige Cars, Mark Roberts
07436 548784
Brunel Gallery
01753 662323
Chiropody, Adriana Rozek
Dog Walking Service
Hamptons Estate Agents, Gerrards Cross
Helping hands – Care Service
Hibiscus beauty salon, Wexham
01753 652754
07922 577699
01753 886464
0808 1801021
01753 664166
Plumbing/electrics, Tom Kehoe 01494 580518/07716 440916
South Bucks Physio, Wexham
Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens
01753 664114
01753 523744
We are very grateful to our advertisers, many of whom have been
supporting the Newsletter for a number of years. Please remember
to tell any of the advertisers that you have seen their advert
here. The advertising income with a contribution from the Parish
Council helps us fund the Newsletter and secure its future.
If anyone would like to advertise in a future
issue, please contact
Susie Simkins on 662537 or by email to
susiemsimkins@gmail.
From Dominic Grieve QC MP
As I write this piece, the rain is falling outside and the long-range weather
forecast predicts a wet winter. I hope it may be mistaken as my trips round
the constituency show me that ground and river water levels remain high after
last winter’s offering. Fortunately much of Fulmer being an old settlement
was wisely placed in dry locations, something which modern development
often ignores.
Firm foundations both terrestrial and moral are a good place to withstand the
vicissitudes which daily life throws up for us. I am conscious that the year has
been not without its challenges. The prospect of the start of development at
Pinewood is a source of anxiety and we must strive to ensure that the process
and the end result preserve Fulmer’s charms. The maintenance of a cohesive
community in a world of change is another. And for me personally as much
as for the electorate, a looming election year will see hopes and fears for the
future debated and expressed as political parties set out their stalls and those
we strive to serve have an important opportunity to tell us what they think.
But before we reach that I that this Christmas will see the village able to share
together in the seasonal rejoicing at the possibility, despite our imperfections,
of redemption through our Saviour’s birth, a Christian festival accessible to all
of goodwill.
I wish all Fulmer residents a very happy Christmas and New Year.
FIFTY YEARS A FULMERITE
By coincidence the 50th Anniversary of my family moving into Fulmer was on the 24
June, two days before my 90th birthday. We had bought Huyton Fold (the name of my
boyhood home in Lancashire), the year before and as our family was growing, we
converted the three bedroom house into five. The original had been built seven years
earlier and stood in three acres of grassland, looking rather isolated. The reason for
the three acres derived from the fact that Harold Colebrook, who lived at Fulmer Hall
and who had done so much to modernise Fulmer Village in the ‘30’s, was alarmed that,
before the Town & Country Planning Act and before the advent of the Green Belt, there
was no protection against development and he, therefore, persuaded the families who
owned the land to agree that no new properties would be built unless they stood in a
minimum of 3 acres. The previous owner had not been interested in creating a garden
and so we were faced with establishing a lawn by levelling out a steep bank; starting
flower beds and a fruit and vegetable garden and planting trees, hedges and shrubs.
It took many years but enabled Elizabeth and I to claim it as ‘All our own work’.
Early on we set about discovering Fulmer and the community in which we had come to
live. I describe this in the following article. When I was co-authoring (with Ken
Peters), ‘Fulmer’s Fallen’, the stories of the 19 sons of Fulmer who lost their lives in
two World Wars, I reconstructed what life in Fulmer would have been like for those
who left it for the battlefronts in World War I (Fulmer’s Fallen has just been reprinted
and is currently available). By the standards of today, conditions bordered on the
primitive and life was hard. Fulmer was very much a rural community and travelling
any distance was unusual and those who lived here were very interdependent. But
there was a very identifiable community spirit, which must have established some of
the traditions we enjoy today.
How Fulmer life has developed in the intervening century has been well chronicled in
Michael Saxby’s Histories of Fulmer, Pauline Hedley’s History of Fulmer Church; the
pages of the Fulmer Newsletter; the dramatic presentations of Fulmer life devised by
Ken Peters and produced by Merry Rushton, Fiona Gray and Diana Mann and so many
items in the County Archives in Aylesbury, the comprehensive form it now takes being
the fruits of the work carried out by the Archiving team which operated in Fulmer
between 2005-2010.
On two occasions at meetings convened in the Village Hall, residents have been asked
whether Fulmer should remain an active and vibrant community or serve as a
dormitory village and traffic thoroughfare and on each occasion there has been a
resounding ‘Yes’ vote for it to remain so, accepting that this entails the need for
residents to give active support to the various organisations which are part of our
community life together.
And our community life in a small parish remains rich. With Fulmer Day; the activities
initiated through the Black Horse and the Church; the Infant and the Nursery Schools;
the Village Hall; the Annual President’s cricket match and the robustness of the Youth
Football, enhanced by the new Pavilion at the Recreation Ground; the Neighbourhood
Watch Scheme; winning this year the Sword of Excellence in the County’s Best Kept
Village Competition; the recent introduction of the Civic Awards; our association
with the Riding for the Disabled Centre on Framewood Road and the Teikyo School;
the Family Activity Day; the Christmas and Harvest Suppers with the drama
productions while not forgetting those anonymous people who do so much for the
elderly people living in our midst, all this is the constant evidence of a community that
is breathing and breathing well. It is all part of the Fulmer Torch - may it burn brightly
for many years to come.
It is not the province of an Introduction to be quite so personal but perhaps I can claim
for this to be exceptional. Since founding the Fulmer Newsletter in 1986, I have
written the Introduction and compiled the Personalia pages, which have included
tributes to those who are sadly no longer with us. Ronnie and Susie Simkins have
agreed to take over the latter. At the end of June, we not only celebrated our 50 years
in Fulmer but also, at my 90th birthday party, we launched my autobiography, ‘A
Brewer’s Tale’ which covers not only my family life and career in the brewing industry
but also so much of my involvement in Fulmer community life. I feel this is the
moment to lay down my pen with regard to the Introduction with grateful thanks to all
those who have supported me in an eventful period of Fulmer life.
EDWARD GUINNESS
BEST KEPT VILLAGE - Hurrah—we won the Best Kept Village Competition again this year. The
judges gave us a score of 95 out of a possible 100. Several areas got maximum marks, and no
area got less than 9 out of 10. The areas which got 9 out of 10 were: hedges and ditches, the
Village Hall, the Playing Fields, ancillary features and overall appearance.
Amongst the judges’ comments were:
Obvious pride taken in the village………no litter.….neat hedges….fresh paint….informative Notice
Board…..very attractive pub.
Following refreshments in the Black Horse, Countess Howe, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant,
presented the Gurney Cup to Richard Marshall and the Sword of Excellence to myself. The
Judging Party included Richard Pushman, the Competition Chairman, and Ruth Powell, the
Competition Administrator. Fulmer has won the Best Kept Village more than any other village in
our category and hopefully with the efforts of the Volunteers, householders and The Black Horse
we can keep up an excellent appearance and succeed in the Competition again next year.
RONNIE LAMB
FIFTY YEARS IN FULMER – THE EARLY YEARS
Huyton Fold was situated in Windmill Road next door to the Old Rectory from which in
1964 the Rev. Rex Lloyd was retiring as Rector of Fulmer; he was succeeded by Rev.
Bill Taylor. He and his family moved there shortly after we had come to Fulmer and on
their first evening I went down to see if they required any help. Sitting on a sofa –
about the only piece of furniture to have arrived – were the three sisters, Margaret,
Valerie and Mary. Valerie was training as a physiotherapist and when qualified she
went to East Pakistan, as it then was, and out of a population of 77 million she and one
other were the only trained physiotherapists. Valerie was later to found the Centre for
the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Dhaka, in what had become, Bangladesh.
People in Fulmer were very active in supporting her work and the Friends’ of the
Centre was founded with John Morrell, who had come to live at the Old Rectory, as its
Chairman and myself as Vice Chairman. The Friends received tremendous support
through the country and were able to send tens of thousands of pounds annually to
establish the charity in its early stages. Some years later the Princess Royal asked me
where the enterprise had started and I was proud to answer ‘Fulmer’.
Like myself, Bill Taylor, was new to Fulmer and we set about together getting to know
people and learning how community life in Fulmer ‘ticked’. As a result, in 1973 I was
asked by Peter Bryett, the Chairman of Fulmer Parish Council, to agree to be
nominated to succeed him as he was leaving the area. I accepted and Bill Taylor was
one of my Councillors. He regarded this as important as it enabled him to have the
‘pulse’ of those who did not attend the church as well as those who did. The high
quality of Bill’s sermons became legendary and many were taped for posterity. It was
a good apprenticeship before starting to undertake the responsibilities of the
Chairmanship of the Parish Council. It was an exciting time as early on the village of
Fulmer, rather than the whole Parish, was designated a Conservation area. The main
structural changes in the centre of the village had taken place in the ‘30’s as
mentioned in the previous article and the threats which arose from unauthorized
dumping of building materials in the ‘80’s had been fought off (it took two Courts of
Inquiry to achieve this) and with the bottom of Hay Lane and Stoke Common Road
being especially affected, the Fulmer of today is very recognisable from the village of
50 years ago when I started here with its natural attractiveness being sustained. This
was a major factor in our successes in the Best Kept Village Competition which started
in the later ‘70’s since when we have been Cup Winners on 12 occasions since 1985
and have won the Sword of Excellence three times. The Sword is awarded to the best
kept village in the County of Buckinghamshire. Having run the Fulmer participation for
28 years, I can attest to the fact that this feat can only be achieved through the efforts
of everyone in our community and Fulmer has every right to be proud of it.
Another serious challenge was although the old Eton Rural District Council had mapped
out a main drainage scheme covering the whole Parish, the responsibility had passed
to Thames Water who placed an embargo on all ‘first time’ sewerage schemes. At that
time Fulmer was suffering badly from lack of main drainage and the stench when
septic tanks and cesspits were being emptied earned us the unwelcome sobriquet in
the local press of ‘Smelly Fulmer’. It took 18 years of representations to Government
departments at ministerial level, local authorities and the packing of Fulmer residents
in the public gallery at District Council meetings before agreement was reached and in
1994 the centre of Fulmer village was at last on main drainage. Perhaps we now take
it for granted but it was very hard work and a sustained effort at the time!
On taking up the reins of the Parish Council in 1973, I found that my predecessor had
done most of the Council work himself with very little delegation. He was assisted by
the Clerk, a lady from Ruislip who would not drive in the dark so that Council meetings
took place on Saturday mornings, probably the most inconvenient time in the week for
everyone other than herself. In this respect I was fortunate in recruiting one Alf
Westwood, who lived in Stoke Poges and as a staff member of Eton RDC had been
responsible for planning the main drainage scheme which was to cover the whole
Parish. As a result he knew Fulmer well and was to prove excellent. I quickly realised
that with changing times there were a growing number of issues facing Fulmer such as
those mentioned above and there was no way by which I could cope with these by
myself (I was more than fully employed by Guinness at the time) and I therefore
allotted specific roles to Council members such as Planning; Highways & Bye-Ways;
Liaison with County and District Authorities; Liaison with Church, Schools and Village
Hall; Finance (mostly handled by the Clerk); young people; the Recreation Ground and
so on. I found that members responded well to taking on responsibilities involved and
at Council meetings would report on the progress or otherwise on items in their sector.
Apart from the issues set out above, there were also:
· Proposed substantial gravel excavation sites at the Pickeridge and in the Fulmer
Lane vicinity
· Plans were being formulated for the routes of the M25 and M40 motorways,
both of which would be occupying Fulmer land while gravel for their
construction was to be taken from ‘borrow pits’ sited in the vicinity of Low Farm
· Boundary changes which could vitally affect Fulmer
· At that time the Recreation Ground came under the jurisdiction of the Parish
Council, which had to approve every significant item of expenditure. To me
this seemed ridiculous as the Groundsman would be the best judge of
requirements. As a result the Sports & Social Club was formed and they
received an annual grant from the Council to be spent as they thought most
fitting. The new Pavilion was opened in 2003.
· Car parking at The Black Horse, which was blocking Windmill Road: setting
down and collecting children at the Infant School in Alderbourne Lane could be
dangerous
·
There was no co-ordinated effort in respect of the Best Kept Village Competition
and it was clear that success could only be achieved if the whole village became
active participants and this cannot be generated overnight. We started the
Warden system, each Warden being responsible for his/her own particular
sector – it took 6 years before we had our first success, but our record since
then has been consistently excellent.
These are but some of the early challenges to be faced by the Parish Council in the
‘70’s but it was steadily to become a coherent and effective team and we were
enjoying working together.
EDWARD GUINNESS
Elizabeth’s dog walking services.
Monday to Friday – weekends negotiable
(available through the Christmas break).
Based in Fulmer.
From £10/hour – discount for multiple dogs.
Energetic enthusiastic dog lover.
Full Public Liability Insurance.
Tel: 07922 577699
FROM OUR RECTOR
There is something both comforting and very reassuring about things that stay
the same. The church building in Fulmer village is a great symbol of that
reassurance. Familiarity, consistency and reliability all flow from the things
that stay the same. Village life is attractive and preferable to many of us for
that same reason. While all around us is changing at an increasing rate, the
village stays the same. The bible tells us that God is unchanging, He is the
same 'yesterday, today and for ever'. His character, his love, his care for
everything and everyone that He has made, never changes. Yet as someone
once said, 'one thing is for sure, change is here to stay'. The world changes,
we change and nothing really stays the same. And change, we all know can be
very healthy and often essential Charles Darwin said, "It is not the strongest of
the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives, it is
the one that is the most adaptable to change."
Jesus said 'My Father is always at work', in other words God's character may
never change but he is always at work in the world. He is the ultimate change
agent. He changes our perspectives, he changes our understanding and he
changes our very eternity if we put our faith and trust in him. When we
commit our lives to Christ he brings the most extraordinary and wonderful
change imaginable and into the bargain he gives us the strength and the
wisdom we need to handle all the change that the world might throw at us. If
God is interested in change and transformation surely we should be too; so
much in our world needs to change to make it a better and safer place to live
in for us and future generations. What are you working to change? Whatever
that may be, big or small, if it is for the good of your neighbour and your
community it is surely worth persevering with. And perhaps this prayer of
Reinhold Niebuhr might be a help to us all as we seek to change things for
good:
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage
to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold
Niebuhr
Martin Williams – Rector - 01753-883301
www.saintjames.org.uk
RNLI – FULMER BRANCH
Just one event held since the last Newsletter – a very successful and
well supported Bridge Drive with touching 100 players at the Memorial
Centre Gerrards Cross in November.
Our next event is our annual Quiz Night at Fulmer Village Hall – make a
note in your diaries for Saturday, 24 January at 7.30pm for a fun
evening with great questions, fish & chips from Andrews’ in GX and
delicious home-made puddings and good wine. Please contact Susie on
susiemsimkins@gmail.com if you would like to come – either make up a
table of 8 or we can put you with others. It is lovely to have an event in
the village and we hope you will come and support a very worthy
charity.
SUE FAGAN - susanhumefagan@gmail.com
ADRIANA ROZEK
- STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST
Iver Heath Health Centre, Trewarden Ave, Iver, SL0 0SB 07966
426627/01753 652754
And: Chiropody Clinic & Footcare,
1b Oaklands Grove, Shepherds Bush
Tel: 020 8749 3456
Authorised Stockist of
SOUTH CENTRAL AMBULANCE SERVICE
NHS Trust
MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BY BECOMING
A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER (CFR).
SOUTH CENTRAL AMBULANCE SERVICE NHS TRUST (SCAS) RUN CFR SCHEMES IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE,
BUT IS FUNDED BY CHARITABLE DONATIONS (REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBERS 1049778 & 280826)
YOU’LL BE FULLY TRAINED BY SCAS PROFESSIOBNAL CLINICIANS.
INTERESTED TO JOIN OR WANT TO DONATE?
EMAIL – cfr@scas.nhs.uk
RING – 0800 587 0207
VISIT – www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk
For all your plumbing and
electrical needs.
City & Guilds qualified.
No job too small.
HIGHWAY MATTERS - Michael Saxby
Take note of a number of new ways of obtaining information and reporting problems.
·
For road or pavement defects, contact Buckinghamshire County Council
Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB for short) - 01296 382416
Out of hours (5pm to 9am and weekends): 01296 486630
Email: tfb@buckscc.gov.uk (also useful if you want to send pictures)
TfB information can be found on - www.buckscc.gov.uk/tell tfb and
www.transportforbucks.net/parish-zone.aspx
· Lighting defects: notify Peter Kelly, Parish Clerk, and, most importantly, the
light standard's reference number and location. His telephone number is
01628 628183; or email: PeterKelly199@gmail.com
· Street Names. Contact Simon Gray, Property & Contract Services, South Bucks
District Council, regarding damaged street signs and new developments
Telephone:
01895
837200;
or
email:
requiring
signage.
simon.gray@southbucks.gov.uk
PERSONALIA
FUNERALS – We record with sadness the funerals of:
Greville Selby-Lowndes on 26 June in Fulmer Church.
Gillian Hubble on 10 September in Stoke Poges Church
David Farrant, died 6 September, funeral in Fulmer Church 1 November
Robert Norman Hall died on 13 September in South Carolina, funeral on 17
September. Robert had a long association with Fulmer when he established the
Fulmer School of Equitation in the 1960’s until the 1980’s.
BURIAL OF ASHES
Lionel Adrian Evans known as Adrian who died 19 February.
Brother of Colin Evans, Adrian and his sister lived with their parents in Hay Lane
whilst growing up. Adrian continued to visit the Black Horse for many years.
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
Joan Elizabeth Ryan known as Nanny Ryan, she died on 21 June at age 100.
ARRIVALS – We welcome into the Fulmer Community:
Charlie, Alexis Gray and their daughter, Perdita, into Bracken Cottage, Cherry Tree
Lane.
Richard Walker who has moved to 1 South Row (the former village shop)
Jessica & Peter Whelan into North Row with their daughter, Yvie Florence.
Fiona Gray has moved from Gerrards Cross into Fulmer Place; Fiona has a long
association with Fulmer through St James and it is lovely to have her living in the
centre of the village now.
Matt Small & Gemma Saffhill into North Row from Iver.
Tom Laslett and Paul Pownall, co owners of TOPA Hair Design, Gerrards Cross, have
recently moved into Fulmer Village
GOODBYES – we are sad to say farewell to:
Dee Knight who has moved to Bledlow in August.
Pauline Vahey who has moved to Stoke Poges.
ACHIEVEMENTS – We congratulate
Michael Saxby who writes of his special birthday:
The Big 90 - Wow! Only another ten years to scoring my century. In September, my
wife Dahlia was 95, topping my 90. Sadly, she has not been in good health, whereas I
seem to keep going. We had advance birthday presents in the form of flu jabs
administered by a charming lady doctor, elegantly attired in an ankle length dress
and colourful head scarf. We shook hands and she had me chatting about my
"achievements" - obviously a good sort! She asked me to what I attributed my
longevity. I answered that apart from long life being the norm on my father's side of
the family, keeping mentally active was a contributor, such as the various voluntary
commitments. My very supportive neighbours turned up with a bottle of champagne.
Another day, all the family came for a happy lunch party. I do enjoy being spoilt.
Another occasion of importance was in July - 60 years of marriage.
Bradley Stone from Fulmer Common Road has been playing ice hockey since the age
of 5, and has represented England in the World Championships as well as competing
in several South West Conference Tournaments.
When he was just 16 he was accepted into a hockey school in New York in the hopes of
one day becoming a professional hockey player and knew if he was to realise his
dream he would have to make the move to the States and because of his good grades,
his school offered him a place and lived in New York for 2 years, he graduated on May
17th, and has a contract with a Junior A hockey club in Boston in the USPHL – he is
the first British Goalie ever to play in that league and their number one goalie!
Bradley has worked so hard to get where he is today, who would have thought that a
little boy from Fulmer has ended up playing on a team in Boston! Hopefully this is
just the beginning of a new journey, for him.
MARRIAGES
We send our best wishes for their future happiness together to:
Oliver Newton and Laura Thomas who were married in Fulmer Church on 24 May.
Laura is the daughter of Celia & Daffyd Thomas (of Cherry Tree Lane)
James Ramsay and Christine Wilson on 19 July in Fulmer Church. James is the son
of Fiona Gray now living in Fulmer.
David Martland and Katrina Stone on 4 October in Fulmer Church; Katrina is the
daughter of Sue and Richard Stone.
Ian Radford and Clare Stutton on 21 June; Clare lived within the Parish for many
years.
Leslie Fraser and Sophie Jarman on 26 July
Gerhard Du Plessis and Katherine Secoy on 27 September.
BIRTHS - we congratulate:
Steve & Lucy Marsh on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth Amy on 17 June; Steve
and Lucy live in Stoke Poges
William & Beatrice Ramsay of Geneva on the birth of their son, Henry Thomas on 20
October, a brother for Holly. William is the son of Fiona Gray of Fulmer Place.
CHRISTENINGS Imogen & Lydia twin daughters of Yvette (Baba) & Russell Pengelly, and
granddaughters of Yvette and the late Steve Harris, on 6 July in Fulmer Church.
Elizabeth Amy Marsh on 6 July in Fulmer Church.
GREVILLE SELBY-LOWNDES
Greville Selby-Lowndes was born on 8 March 1920 in Lowestoft, in the most
easterly house in England, to a clergy family; he had two older sisters, with his
brother Guy arriving 9 years later. An early move to the Vicarage in Bramley,
Surrey, saw many happy days.
He went to school at Marlborough College, which were informative and
important days for him. He always talked of them with fondness, although
tempered with a tinge of sadness for friends who didn’t survive the upcoming
war. He was a keen and energetic sportsman who played cricket and rugby.
After Marlborough, he spent two years only at Pembroke, Cambridge reading
anthropology. War was declared when he first went up to Cambridge, and, as
with all his colleagues, they signed up straightaway. They were allowed to
finish their second year.
Initially Greville joined the Cavalry but didn’t want to be in a tank so he
transferred to the Grenadier Guards and, perhaps ironically, ended up in the
Guards’ Armoured Division where he commanded a troop of what became his
beloved honey tanks, which were the reconnaissance unit. From the initial
break out from Normandy, capturing bridges on the Seine, to joining 30 corps
and liberating Brussels and into Holland - it was here that he faced his hardest
challenges from a series of battles, to making sure that his men and tanks were
rescued from being stuck in the mud while heavily under fire.
Whilst guarding a bridge in Holland, his appendix burst – and he was returned
to England. When he recovered, he was posted to Norway. Greville believed
common sense was more important than anything else, and that rules should
follow common sense, not the other way round. An example being, when he
was in Norway, at the end of the war, he was sitting on a military tribunal
when a young overseas soldier was up for theft. It was still war-time which
meant the sentence was death. Greville spent considerable time persuading
the Colonel that discretion and common sense were more important and that
following the law for the sake of it was wrong in situations like this. A
sentence of imprisonment followed.
After the war Greville began his pursuit of activities that remained at the
heart of the rest of his life: skiing, sailing, shooting and golf. Perhaps the most
important was sailing. From his early seeking of crew work at the RORC, he
ended up on Foxhound and Bloodhound and made friends for life. It gave him
a passion for sailing, and the beautiful mooring on the Beaulieu River, where
he spent happy years on Artemis, Talu and Callisto, were punctuated by many
a jovial time at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
After he was discharged from the army, he worked for a year at an advertising
agency and then joined the Reader’s Digest. Many things are remembered of
his days at 25 Berkeley Square, but perhaps especially his window box
tomatoes, as the Daily Mail commented in its diary one year; “We know it is
summer because tomatoes are back in Berkeley Square”.
He continued working for the Reader’s Digest until 1982 when he retired, aged
62. During his time at the magazine he had travelled far, including India,
Europe, South Africa and America as well as Brazil. He was in India during
the 6-day war with Pakistan.
Greville married Patricia on 9 May 1962. Initially they lived in London where
Polly and Sally were born. They moved to Langley Cottage, Fulmer in 1966
with William being born in 1968.
Following Greville’s retirement he became High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in
1983-84. 1984 was the year of the Los Angeles Olympics. Unfortunately Los
Angeles had no interest in the Paralympics and they decided to cancel them as
they had only raised the equivalent of £6,000 in 7 years. Stoke Mandeville
wanted to take them on, but they needed to double the £6,000 within 14 days,
and, thanks to Greville, they more than raised that sum, as all of the Digest
offices happily supported this great cause, and the Paralympics survived. This
led to a long association with what was known as the British Paraplegic Sports’
Society.
Greville remained in Fulmer until his death on 31 May 2015. He was a regular
at St James and read the names of the Fallen for the last time at the
Remembrance Day service in 2013, supported by his family. He was a VicePresident of Fulmer Cricket Club and had a lot of friends in the
neighbourhood.
Greville was a very active man who skied on his 90th birthday, and played golf
until about a year before he died, as well as having one last day shooting in
2013. His health had declined following a heart operation in 2011 but his
death, although peaceful, was a shock in the end. He will be much missed by
many people, but in particular, by Patricia and his three children, Polly, Sally
and William and his nine grandchildren.
WILLIAM SELBY-LOWNDES
GILLIAN HUBBLE
Gillian Mary Hubble, of Cygnet House, Windmill Road, passed away peacefully
on the 27th August at Wexham Park Hospital after a stroke.
She was surrounded by her close family, including her three sons Dominic, Matthew and Ben - in her final hours.
Gillian (nee Saint) was born in 1933 in Iver, and lived at the village surgery
where her GP father practised during and after the war.
After studying at the Sorbonne, Paris, she worked at Woman's Journal
in London, climbing to the rank of fashion editor. She met her husband, John,
whilst interviewing him for a feature article. After marrying in London, they
lived in Stoke Poges, where they brought up their 3 boys.
Gillian produced the annual fashion brochure for Rose and Hubble,
the successful fabrics wholesaler, which was managed by her husband. She
remained an active employee, and then director, into her fifties, yet still
managed to be a hands-on mother and run an always hospitable house at the
family home, Calladown.
John, tragically, suffered a pulmonary embolism aged 66, after which he was
severely debilitated until his death 11 years later in 2009. Gillian bravely
cared for him for many of those years - whilst being a type 1 diabetic herself and, after eventually agreeing to admit John to Windsor Lodge Care Home, she
visited him every day.
It was during this period that she moved to Windmill Road, where, thanks to
the kindness of her friends and neighbours, her final years were spent very
happily, even as her health and memory deteriorated.
The family would also like to thank St. James Church, who were extremely
welcoming to our mother and most thoughtful as she approached her later
days.
DOMINIC, MATTHEW & BEN HUBBLE
RENEE ANNIE WILLIAMS
Renee was born in 1925 in Islington and went to school at Hornsey Girls’
School and always attended school annual reunion lunches until about 3 years
ago.
Her family ran a silk flower manufacturing business, which during the war
turned to making parachutes. She was an only child but had a large number of
cousins. She met Peter Brundall Williams, her future husband, at a Christmas
dance, whilst he was at college. He was two years younger and also an only
child (his father committed suicide when Peter was about 50 years old). Peter
was training as an electronics engineer and Renee for a firm of
residential/letting agents who were striving to provide accommodation during
the bombing and later during post-war rebuilding. They married in September
1950 and honey-mooned in Sidmouth, Devon. They lived in North London for
12 years before moving to Eastcote. Peter rose through the ranks with Ultra
Engineering, eventually becoming Managing Director. He went to the USA
frequently and sometimes Renee accompanied him. Whilst in Eastcote, Renee
worked for many years as a part time secretary at The Metal Box Company.
At this time she loved zipping around in her little mini, which was very
fashionable at the time and those who knew her thought was marvellous!
They moved to Long Spinney, Stoke Common Road, an architect-designed
property in a large woodland garden in Fulmer and it was in October 1987
when sadly, in a snowstorm, Peter had a heart attack and died – he was only
59. They never had any children but Renee was very independent and stoic
and took everything in her stride – moving to a house with a small garden in
Chalfont St Peter in 1988. In later life she also bought a flat in Bournemouth
and enjoyed many short breaks there. She loved walking along the prom with
an ice cream and going to the summer shows. Renee and Peter had travelled
together over the years and she continued to travel extensively after Peter
died. Her friends all enjoyed hearing about her escapades and receiving tips on
where to visit themselves. She and Tina’s mother, Joyce, (who had been
Renee’s bridesmaid) took a wonderful trip to Australia and enjoyed touring
there for 3 weeks – one highlight was an upgrade to First Class and enjoying
the champagne!
Renee downsized in 1999 to a sheltered flat in Amersham near all amentities
and made new friends at Archer Court and she continued driving her beloved
Ford Fiesta until 4 years ago. She started going to church at St James, Fulmer
in 1987 and worshipped regularly until 2012 after which she was too ill to
attend, though members of the congregation continued to visit her. She
attended the local horticultural society and Women’s Institute and was very
clever making knitted animals and doing embroidery. Members of the Fulmer
congregation remember the basket she used to bring to church with her – so
often with a knitted animal in it. She enjoyed going to London to the theatre
and taking day trips. On their travels Renee and Peter had made friends with
Derek and Beryl Hazell. They have been wonderful, kind friends for over 38
years and had been on trips abroad together. They helped Renee in the last
few years as her illness progressed – visiting her, looking at Care Homes and
helping her move to Sunrise in Beaconsfield in June 2013; and again this year
in seeking a Nursing Home nearer to them as her condition deteriorated and
she was no longer able to stay at Sunrise. She moved to Austen House,
Reading in August this year.
Renee was a very independent lady and had a good sense of humour, which
still came through, even with her dementia.
Mary Salvage, Karen Woodison & Tina McIntosh
(Renee’s Goddaughter)
VILLAGE EVENT MESSAGING SERVICE
Help yourself and your neighbours by joining the Fulmer Neighbourhood Watch and
Event Notification Scheme.. The primary purpose of the scheme is to alert Fulmer
residents to crime in the village in order to raise the level of awareness so that
measures can be instigated to reduce the possibility of attack. This is a two way
communication system, so if members have any information that they think would be
of interest to their neighbours or other E-Watch members, they e-mail the information
to me and I circulate it to all the other members. Additionally, I circulate notice of any
celebrations or events, or any other information that I consider may be of interest to
the residents of Fulmer. I do not name the persons from whom information is
received, I merely refer to them as 'watch' members. Neither do I identify exact
addresses relating to incidents unless specifically asked to do so by the victim, in order
to protect their privacy.
To ensure members privacy I circulate all messages as ‘blind copies’ so that members
e-mail addresses are not visible to others. Some of the messages that I circulate are
'Ringmaster' messages. These are messages received from the police at Amersham.
They tend to be of a more general nature than the messages that I circulate and
include crime prevention advice. I also circulate specific warnings, reports and
requests sent to me by the police and local authorities.
Following requests from Watch Members, I also circulate messages alerting Fulmer
residents to other matters that may be of interest or concern. Some of these are
circulated by myself on my own initiative; others are messages that I forward on
behalf of the Parish Council or other village groups. In these cases it will be evident as
to who has requested the circulation.
To join please send an e-mail with your contact details to: weild@btinternet.com
Brian Weild, Fulmer Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
FULMER PARISH COUNCIL
I did not expect to be back in the Chair at the Parish Council again and am
very sorry that Pauline Vahey found it necessary to stand down. She was an
excellent Chairman and the Parish Council is the loser with her resignation.
May I also say at this juncture that I hope I will not be in the Chair for any
length of time. I think it is very important that the Parish Council has a fresh
leader who can address those issues that inevitably occur within the Parish.
Meantime I will do my best to see that matters are conducted properly and
that a new Chairman is found reasonably soon.
Over the last few months there have been a number of events or issues that
should be noted:
- Mark Dixon was elected to the Parish Council: he is Chairman of the local
School
Board
- A lot has been going at the Mosque and it is not clear what their ultimate
intentions
are
- As far as Pinewood is concerned, there have been several rumours about
what is happening there and whether whatever was happening was in our
interests.
- Then HS2, much is written about it but it is still not clear whether it will have
any real impact on Fulmer and immediate neighbours.
Regarding all these matters, you are most welcome to come to our Parish
Council Meetings and raise any issues you want. The dates of our next
few Meetings in Fulmer Village Hall at 8.00pm are: Tuesday, 2nd December,
Tuesday, 13th January and Tuesday,17th February.
Open day at the Minor Land of Fadak al Muhassan Mosque
On the morning of Wednesday 24th September 2014 37 villagers attended an
‘open day’ at the Minor Land of Fadak al Muhassan Mosque Windmill Road,
Fulmer. The event was arranged by the mosque management team in liaison
with Fulmer Parish Council with the intention of de-mystifying the mosque and
answering questions from the community.
The meeting was hosted by Mr Hamid Al-Tahir who explained that the mosque
represented a minority group of the Shia Muslims. He is a Kuwaiti, as is their
Imam Shiekh Yasser Al-Habib and a number of their followers who were
expelled from Kuwait for their religious beliefs. We were told that they had
purchased the old Exclusive Brethren site as it provided a quiet place to meet
and pray. They also run a TV station that broadcasts in French and Arabic to
Southern France, North Africa and the Middle East and in particular to Egypt
where they have a considerable following. Hamid and a colleague then gave a
presentation explaining their religious views. They stated that they are keen
to integrate with the Fulmer community and live in harmony with their
neighbours. Following their presentation they answered questions from the
floor. When the meeting was over, the mosque provided an excellent bar-b-q
lunch. It is hoped to repeat the ‘open day’ next year.
Brian Weild
FROM OUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Most residents will be aware that in June 2014, Buckinghamshire County
Council’s Services for children in need of help and protection were inspected by
Ofsted. The Services were found to be ”inadequate” and the Council were
required to produce a detailed improvement plan to address the
recommendations contained in the Ofsted report. The plan has been costed
and Council have already agreed the release of £1M contingency, together with
a further £1.64M from the General Reserve fund.
This will result in service reductions elsewhere in the County Budget for the
next financial year, and the year after, at a time when because of Government
reduction in Local Government grant we were already facing significant
difficulties in maintaining services at their current level. The County Council
has been out to resident consultation as to the services residents would
prioritise. and inevitably some hard decisions will need to be taken.
Over the last four years over £80M has been taken out of BCC spending, with
significant staff reductions and re-engineering of how services can be
delivered. In addition there is a significant drive for greater co-operation and
cross boundary working between the Bucks local authorities, all of whom are
examining new ways of working, including looking at any unitary models if
they were costed and proven to be in the best interests of our Council
taxpayers.. However, with the General Election looming in May 2015 any
structural changes to local government will of necessity need to wait until the
post election period of political stability.
At the end of November 2014, Buckinghamshire Law Plus, the County Council
and the Fire Authority’s new legal services company launches. This company,
approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, will then be able provide legal
services to both public organisations and private business across the County
and beyond, in addition to being the in house legal advisors to the Council and
to Bucks Fire and Rescue Service. The profits which the company makes will be
available to the Council to invest in expanding the company to generate
increased profits or to fund Council services.
After an exhaustive study, the creation of a Joint Trading Standards Service
between Buckinghamshire and Surrey was agreed by both Authorities in
October, and work continues to create this joint service, to be implemented
from April 2015.
A number of in-depth Select Committee enquires have been undertaken,
including an investigation into the provision of GP Services across
Buckinghamshire. I chaired this investigation, as Vice Chairman of the Health
and Adult Social Care Standing Committee. Amongst other activity, we visited
12 GP Practices across the County to gather first hand evidence. Our final
report will be made public before Christmas.
As a Lead Member for the Bucks Fire Authority I am delighted to be able to
report that Buckinghamshire is not only the safest county in which to live in
England but also enjoys being the least expensive for Fire Services.
Councillor Roger Reed
County Councillor Denham and Fulmer
PLANNING APPLICATIONS May – Nov 2014
Property
Proposal
Result
Church Farm And Grove Two storey and part first floor rear
Cottages Windmill Road extension. Loft conversion with dormer
14/00638/FUL
window and roof lights. Removal of a
chimney stack.
Refused
Fulmer Infant School
Alderbourne Lane
14/00768/VC
Variation of condition 2 of planning
permission 13/00792/FUL to amend
approved drawings to incorporate additional
door and air source heat pump.
Permitted
Amberwood Stoke
Common Road
14/00845/GPDE
Buckwood Fulmer
Common Road
14/00899/GPDE
Land West Side Of
Hawkswood Lane :
14/01003/FUL
Fugelmere Grange
Fulmer Road
12/01533/FUL
Buckwood Fulmer
Common Road
14/01123/CLOPED
Single storey rear extension..
Prior Approval is
not required
Single storey rear extension
Prior Approval is
not required
Retention of residential home
Refused
Two storey extension
Permitted
Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness
for proposed: Single storey front extension
and single storey side extensions.
Permitted
Amberwood Stoke
Common Road
14/01186/CLOPED
Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness
for proposed: single storey extensions to
both sides of existing dwellinghouse.
Certificate of
Lawful Use
Granted
Fulmer Hall Windmill
Road
14/01344/FUL
Fulmer Hall Windmill
Road
14/01712/LBC
Pantiles Fulmer
Common Road
14/01390/FUL
Conversion and refurbishment to form one
dwelling house.
Permitted
Single storey side extension.
Permitted
Land West Side Of
Hawkswood Lane
14/01490/FUL
Woodcroft Fulmer
Common Road
Retention of residential home.
Refused
Notification under The Town and Country
Planning (General Permitted Development)
Approval is not
required
Listed Building Application: Conversion and Permitted
refurbishment to form one dwellinghouse.
14/01595/GPDE
Order 1995 (As Amended), Part 1 of
Schedule 2 Class A 4 for a single storey
side/rear extension and extension to existing
porch.
Grove Cottage Windmill
Road
14/01489/FUL
Oakville Fulmer
Common Road
14/01725/FUL
Fulmer Chase Stoke
Common Road
14/01755/TPO
Fernacres Farm Fulmer
Common Road
14/01834/FUL
Pantiles Fulmer
Common Road
14/01854/NMA
Single storey side/rear extension.
Permitted
Enlarged side dormer window and detached
double garage.
Permitted
Willow (W11) - Fell (SBDC TPO. NO.
03,1950).
Permitted
Redevelopment of site to provide 4 detached
dwellings.
Permitted
Non Material Amendment to Planning
Permission 14/01390/FUL to allow: Larger
rear door and amendments to position and
appearance of one skylight and rear window
Porch, two storey side extension and single
storey rear extension and incorporating stone
cladding and render to the dwelling.
Permitted
Roughwood Windsor
Road Gerrards Cross
14/01941/FUL
Conservatory with veranda.
Pending
Consideration
The Birches Windmill
Road
14/02006/CLOPED
Application for certificate of lawfulness for
proposed: Single storey side/rear extensions
incorporating part tiled/part flat roof.
Certificate Refused
Fulmer Chase Farm Hay
Lane
14/02124/FUL
Redevelopment of site to provide two
detached dwellings with associated stable
blocks, parking, landscaping and access.
Pending
Consideration
Amberwood Stoke
Common Road
14/01878/FUL
Pending Decision
MARK DICKSON
Do you know about Credit Unions?
There has been so much in the news recently about unscrupulous money lending
institutions. Banks, which will not lend, and money lenders like Wonga who did lend
and charged horrendous interest sums for doing so. To be fair Wonga are righting
wrongs and cancelling the worst debt cases caused by excessive interest. However, the
fact remains that the careful saver is not rewarded and the small needs borrower is
heavily penalised. Years ago we had a thriving Cooperative Savings Society, which
encouraged small regular savings and allowed borrowing against those savings at low
interest. It was a good system for Communities because those who could afford to leave
their savings in “the Bank” helped those who needed a little extra for special times.
Well such a scheme has, with the encouragement of Government and Local Councils,
been put in place again. It is called a Credit Union. In South Bucks, where we have one
in place it is called The Community Bank. This is the way it works. You are
encouraged to save on a regular basis, weekly, or monthly a small amount, such as you
might put in a piggy bank and after three months you are entitled to borrow up to three
times of the amount of your savings. You have up to 60 months to repay and interest
charges start at 0.75% a month. So if you could save £10 a week, in 3 months you
would have £120 and you could, if you had to, borrow without any fuss or hassle £360.
It is a great way for young people to learn the value of money, the advantage of saving
and the cost, although very small, of borrowing, At this point the Community Bank has
648 Adult members with savings of £540,000. There is £94,000 in reserves, which is
statutory and £239,000 available to borrow. It is a safe, non-flashy, community based
outreach, which promises sensible stable help. There are plans to roll out some very
useful savings plans for the young family. For example, relating to Child Benefit. Half
can be saved and borrowing can be done on that saved portion to get some larger item
for the family, e.g a buggy or a holiday play scheme which would knock a hole in the
normal monthly budget. For the person who wants to do something to help in the wider
community and who has a little spare cash to invest will find it a very altruistic way to
earn interest and benefit those who need some help from time to to time. I have just
joined as a saver, as have our two local MP`s (so has the Duchess of Cornwall!). The
organization of Credit Union exists in 103 countries and has 280 million members. It
works!
How do you apply? You either download the application form from the website, make
contact by email or you can telephone. A form can be sent to you at your address, which
is a very easy one to complete. The only documents you need are copies of a birth
certificate or passport or driving license. You also need a proof of address. The
Community Bank is not run by the Council, just supported by them; it is essentially run
by the members for the benefit of the members. It is a not for profit organization so
there are no fat salaries. Any profit made is given to members in the form of a dividend.
(Ask Grandma if she recalls the Co-op “Divvy” - for many it was a boon at Christmas!)
So there it is. A very good scheme, tried and tested, and an excellent way to role model
saving for our children. They can have their own junior account and watch their money
grow. As adults we can help each other in a positive way and help to change the lives of
some at times when they need it.
www.mformoneycreditunion.org
admin@mformoneycreditunion.org
Anita Cranmer, District Councillor Portfolio holder, Community Affairs
ac@thecranmers,com/0208 756 3866
1914 – 100 years on …….
Diana Mann recently wrote the following piece for the St James’ Magazine:
Write an entertaining review of the last 100 years to take about an hour to perform
including music ….. That was the task set for Kenneth Peters, Fulmer’s resident
playwright, who, together with Fiona Gray as director, rose superbly to the challenge
to produce a delightful evening on 7 November (and on 28 June when the review was
first performed). The audience was entertained by songs and vignettes from the
outbreak of war right up to the visit to Australia of Prince George (“whose parents
trailed along as well”) earlier this year. A group of local children who joined the
members of St James’ Fulmer, excelled themselves with renditions of “Daisy, Daisy,
give me your answer do” as well as acting and poetry reading. The remarkable history
of the last 100 years was taken at a tremendous pace; from women being given the
vote to the first woman Prime Minster; from Alcock & Brown’s first flight across the
Atlantic to the first man on the moon. The reign of Queen Elizabeth II which covers
the last 60 years, included the Falklands War, live tv broadcasts of Parliament and
the Olympic Games.
The names of the local boys and men, who did not return to the village, are recorded
on a brass plate over the vestry door (15 in 1914-18 and 4 in 1939-45). They were
remembered by the choir singing the “Clare Benediction” and the playing of the Last
Post.
Kenneth Peter, the reluctant playwright, as he describes himself, takes up the story -
This production was the 6th in just 4 years; miraculously Fiona Gray found a group of
people who not only enjoyed taking part in the first production, but, surprisingly, like
Oliver asked for more, and have done ever since that first presentation ‘An Evening
with Sir Marmaduke Darrell’, in 2010. That year saw the 400th anniversary of the
Consecration of the new St James’ Fulmer in 1610. A committee was formed (an
ancient English custom) to consider ways of celebrating this important occasion. Some
spark suggested brightly that among these there should be a form of re-enactment, in
the church itself, of historical events occurring in St James from the time the good Sir
Marmaduke caused the church to be built until the then present day, 2010.
Unaware of subsequent consequences Kenneth laughingly suggested that he could be
the ghost of Sir Marmaduke, “You know, coming from behind his tomb, dusting myself
down”. “Right”, said one, Fiona Gray. “You can write the script and I’ll produce and
direct the performance, Diana will help me!” At that point it ceased to be a laughing
matter and there could be no ghosting of the script. I retired to lick my pencils.
Fiona enthusiastically and diligently set about chasing me while charming other
members of St James’ congregation into agreeing to take part in the proposed
production. Now, it’s all very well Shakespeare banging on about, ‘All the World’s a
stage’, but in the case of St James it is a platform of 28 square feet (ancient English
measure), a pulpit and the choir stalls – a demanding space in which to present a
moving performance.
It took place on 26 October; initially those taking part in ‘An Evening with Sir
Marmaduke Darell’ were asked to wear ‘something that indicates who you are and the
period; a hat, shawl, scarf’. In the event, the cast showed as much enthusiasm in
dressing the part as in acting the part. The outcome of that performance was success
resulting in a demand for a ‘Whodunnit’ for Harvest Supper 2011. It seemed to the
playwright that he had grasped the tail of the thespian tiger for June 2012 saw a full-
length production at St James of ‘A Jubilee Pagaent’ to mark the Queen’s succession to
power, following in October by another ‘Whodunnit’ at the Harvest Supper. In 2013 ‘A
Coronation of Coronations’ was performed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of
Elizabeth II. Finally, (though probably not), in June this year ‘2014 and all that’ was
performed on the 28th to mark the event that resulted in the Great War 1914-18.
‘Marmaduke & Fred’ as they had become known to each other – the first nickname is
obvious, the second too complex to explain here – agreed that attempting to portray
the disaster of the Great War should be avoided; better to use it as a gateway through
which to pass from the certainties of the Edwardians’ world into the post-war era, to
show how ordinary life and society at large was changed by this cataclysm and then
highlight the achievements and successes that ensued.
Of all the productions, each directed by Fiona Gray, this was probably the most
musical and fast-paced – certainly it was very well received. This led to a number of
‘Why don’t you do it again?’ comments and so, after due consultations, it was decided
to do just that, on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday. To the delight of those
taking part and the relief of the Director and Scribe, they again performed to a full
house.
KEN PETERS
We have just received notification of this letter to the church, which we are delighted
to re-print here - Editor
"Dear Editor,
As a member of the audience, I would just like to say that I
thought '1914 - 100 years on’ was such an enormous success.
It was all so professional and of such a high standard yet
the great thing was how much everyone involved enjoyed
themselves, which radiated throughout the audience. There was
also great sensitivity over the handling of the memory of
those who died for us in the World Wars.
It was a really encouraging way to bring the village together
in the Church and I thought that the Rector, Martin Williams,
gave just the right message at the end. The reception was
very enjoyable with many I know to speak to. I couldn't tear
myself away!
Congratulations to all, who, in so many different roles,
brought it all together in such a welcoming and exciting way
Best wishes, Jonathan Rushworth"
St James Church Fulmer – Remembrance
In this 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War it seems fitting to begin with
the ways in which Fulmer has honoured those who gave their lives for our freedom in the
two World Wars. At our Remembrance service on 9 November Edward Guinness read the
Bidding Prayer and the names of those who had died, recorded on the Memorial in St
James, Fulmer as part of our solemn Act of Remembrance.
Present on that occasion were relatives of George Bowden, one of the fallen, including Mrs
Greenfield, his granddaughter, who had travelled from Swindon especially to be present at
this service. Intriguingly, we understand the Greenfield family had visited the Poppy
display at The Tower of London just the previous Friday, subsequently researching and
discovering where George had lived; in time to drive to Fulmer for the ceremony on the
following Sunday. They were given a copy of ‘Fulmer’s Fallen’ written by Edward
Guinness and Ken Peters, and were able to read more about George’s life in Fulmer at the
time of World War 1, and of the 14 others who died.
We marked the beginning of the Great War with a contemplative ‘Lights Out’ service on 4
August between 10.00 and 11.00pm. Most of the time was devoted to silent reflection but
we opened and closed with relevant prayers and Bible passages and some poems by First
World War poets. Finally the last single lit candle was extinguished.
On 7 November we presented in church ‘1914 – 100 years on’; words and music
illustrating the world of 1914; life and atmosphere through the decades since. Parts of the
programme were poignantly moving, including the reading of the names of those who died,
by young Henry Dickson, other parts were more light-hearted. There were several
opportunities for community singing and the audience joined in readily. As ever our
talented cast of characters and choir and some of the children of Fulmer Infants School
produced an evening to remember just as they had on 28 June when the event was first
presented. To close, Martin Williams, our Rector, handed out pocket sized copies of St
John’s Gospel, similar to those given to the servicemen going to fight in the Great War.
Cast and audience enjoyed further community spirit at a reception in the Village Hall
afterwards.
Looking back to the summer and Fulmer Day 12 July; the Church was open for anyone to
visit and look around with bell ringing demonstrations, kindly given by Geoffrey Cooper.
The Community Service on 13 July with Martin Williams officiating was well attended and
we welcomed several civic guests and our MP, Dominic Grieve. Ronnie Lamb spoke on
behalf of the Parish Council as the service concluded in the Village Hall. The ‘Black
Horse’ donated sandwiches for the Reception alongside canapes from members of the
congregation. Following on from Fulmer Day the Community Service was a fitting way to
complete this Village weekend.
Harvest Supper was another church and village event on 3 October when we welcomed
nearly seventy people to a lovely meal of salmon en croute and apple crumble, beautifully
cooked for us by Rebecca Reid and her team. Our thanks also go to Brendan Keane who
manned the bar for us and to members of the choir who entertained us with music and
readings ably accompanied by Janice Holmes at the piano. There were again more
opportunities for community singing much appreciated by the audience.
It was a joy to see the church almost full on Harvest Sunday when we were again joined by
some of the Fulmer Infants children. They sang some of their Harvest songs, offered us
the prayers they had written, and read from the Bible. The children celebrated their own
Harvest Service in church on 6 October, bringing many gifts of vegetables, fruit and food
which were afterwards donated to SHOC, one of the homeless charities we support in
Slough.
As part of a week of 24/7 prayer (round the clock prayer for a week) at St James, Gerrards
Cross; St James, Fulmer was open from 9.00am to 9.00pm on 8 October for anyone to
come in and pray. We welcomed individuals and one group who came to pray during the
day, finishing with a contemplative service of Compline and reflective music at 8.00pm.
Look out for the prayer banner as we develop this idea for the future.
Our Thursday coffee initiative continues with parents and carers of children from Fulmer
Infants School and the Beehive Nursery and some small children, our ‘church in the
community’ goes from strength to strength. As you can see we have continued to build our
relationship with the Infants School in particular and Mrs. Hunt, the Headteacher. Phil
Mann, our Associate Minister and Tom Holbird, our Curate also offer their willing support
week by week.
Sadly we have lost one of our faithful Thursday morning helpers as Levita Power and her
husband Philip returned to Levita’s native Philippines on 21st November. We said
goodbye to Levita and Philip at a service on 16 November giving them a picture of St
James, Fulmer as a reminder of their time with us. We are encouraged that Levita will be
taking our coffee idea and that of the Friendship lunches held at the St James Centre in
Gerrards Cross with her to the Philippines. We plan to stay in touch and to learn how these
ideas work out on the other side of the world. Anyone wishing to be part of Coffee for
Mums, please contact us.
By the time you read this our Christmas preparations will have begun with an Advent
Wreath making event in the Village Hall on 28 November. Enclosed with this newsletter
you will find the leaflet outlining all our Christmas services. We would love to welcome
you to St James, Fulmer over this very special season in our church’s year. You will be
assured of the warmest of welcomes.
Jacky Hughes
Francesca Hall-Drinkwater
Churchwardens
Fulmer Day 2015
- SAVE THE DATE!
The Fulmer Day Committee is delighted to announce that Fulmer Day 2015 will take place
on Saturday, 11th July.
We are also pleased to introduce our new Committee Chairman, Darren Jones. Many of
you will know Darren from his involvement in the Best Kept Village competition and his
work with the conservation group. Darren and his wife have been Fulmer village residents
for 8 years.
Along with Darren, the Committee is looking forward to arranging a fun packed, exciting
day for all villagers, neighbours and friends.
Fulmer Day is YOUR day so, if you have any ideas or suggestions of things you’d like to
see on the day, do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. We always welcome new
members so if you would like to volunteer to join us, please contact Darren on 07894
259283, darren2712@btinternet.com
or Barbara Zoltowska on 07803 503786,
barbara.e.zoltowska@gsk.com.
Why not join our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fulmerfete to keep up with the
latest developments and progress.
We look forward to seeing you next July!
FULMER DAY 2014
Once again Fulmer Day has grown with 2014 seeing a major increase in both stalls and
visitors. The Black Horse Pub was again a focal point of the day. They have really supported
the village, providing great sponsorship, getting signs up around the area and running a
fantastic free party with live music in the evening.
We had a very special guest open this year’s event – Sophie Christiansen our Gold medal winning
equestrian Paralympian who gave a wonderful opening speech and started the day off really well.
All this helped Fulmer Day, once again, be a great success with neighbours, families and friends
enjoying themselves.
Local estate agents Roberts Newby, stalwarts in the community, also came on board.
They sponsored all the advertising boards and signs, not only printing them but
getting them erected and setting up the famous ‘Soak the Estate Agent’ Stall on the
day.
Indigo were an integral part of Fulmer Day, both as programme sponsors and by
providing wonderful Indian food, ensuring that everyone got a variety of culinary
delights to choose from. Fulmer Day is a family event and our main aim is to
entertain the whole family by having something for everyone.
Fulmer Day 2014 again recognised some very special people with the Civic Awards so kindly
sponsored by Edward Guinness. The three worthy recipients were:
Susie Simkins, Gordon MacFadyen and Richard Marshall for their amazing community work.
PLUS a Lifetime Contribution Award went to Ian Trott – thoroughly deserved for many years
work.
The awards supper in the Black Horse was sold out and everyone agreed with the judges’ choices.
Thank you to all of them for their sterling work and for giving their time so
freely.
This year Fulmer Day is helping to fund the cost of refurbishing the ladies toilets in the village hall
with a donation of £2000. This is only part of the sum needed but will allow the work to be planned
and move ahead. It will mean the village hall can host more weddings receptions, parties and
events.
The School raised over £2000 from their stalls and from the raffle tickets they sold. They really put
in the effort and thoroughly deserve the rewards. The RDA received a donation for Sophie opening
the day and the Brownies did very well too. If you are a local charity or good cause, then why not
request a free stall for 2015, get creative and keep all of the takings to help your funding.
The Fulmer Day Committee is inviting you to nominate a local organisation who would benefit
from our funding. It’s your community so let’s have the ideas and reasons as to why.
Nominations close on 5th April 2015. Send to fulmerday2014@gmail.com
I am sad to stand down as Chairman after three very enjoyable years, but business commitments
make it impossible to carry on any longer. I would like to thank all those who have supported me
so successfully.
Can you help by joining the Committee Team in planning and running next year’s event? If so, call
the new Chairman, Darren Jones on 01753 664095 or 07894 259283 who will be delighted to chat it
through with you.
Finally, make sure you put next year’s date in your diary – Saturday 11th July 2015. Bring your
family and friends to one of the most fun days in the calendar and know you are helping your local
organisations survive and grow.
LARRY BROOKS
Co-Chair of Fulmer Day Committee
FEATURING FULMER – 2nd EDITION
There are still a few copies left of the second edition of Featuring Fulmer - the
updated account of the variety of people and places that have graced our
parish. Additions and amendments make up the 172 pages, together with a
number of illustrations in colour. The first edition was good (I would say that,
wouldn't I), but the second is even better. At the time of writing, Gerrards
Cross Bookshop has 10 and I have 3.
Michael Saxby
Fulmer Sports and Community Association
Another excellent Firework Night was enjoyed by a good crowd on the evening of
Saturday, 8th November following a lot of hard work by Paul Colloff and various
helpers. Hopefully the financial outcome from the event will be positive. The excellent
firework display was again organised and carried out by John Hargreaves.
Going back to March, Fulmer Family Activity Day was another success and the weather
was kind to us. Parking was not properly controlled and that along with the need for a
banner and more advertising in advance will be discussed. A successful Quiz Night
was held in October and once again we need to thank those who give up much of their
time to ensure that these activities and the football and cricket is properly planned and
carried out. Initial thoughts have been raised regarding the need for a 3 Year Plan for
FSCA and the Clubs who operate there. Hopefully some progress will be seen in
beginning to tackle this important task. Overall the FSCA had a surplus of £ 1,936 in
the year to 31.3.14 with Net Assets of £ 15,436. The newly formed Fulmer Allotments’
Association held their first Meeting in the autumn. Unfortunately we are losing our
excellent Secretary, Barbara Zoltowska at the end of November and have yet to find a
replacement. If any one knows of a possible replacement could they get in touch with
Paul Colloff.
Ronnie Lamb - Chairman
Farewell
This November we are losing an individual who has contributed much to
Fulmer in the last few years. We shall miss Barbara Zoltowska very much
especially when we go into The Black Horse and she is no longer there sitting
at the bar. Barbara has been Secretary of both The Fulmer Sports and
Community Association and Fulmer Village Hall but she has been much more
than just the Secretary. She has been a driving force who gets things done or
ensures that they will be done. In no small way she has contributed to
Fulmer’s success in the Best Kept Village Competition.
We wish her every happiness and success in her move and hope that she will
come back to visit Fulmer as often as she can, especially when the Volunteers
are out on a Saturday morning.
Ronnie Lamb
I am pleased to report that the Royal British Legion Poppy Day Appeal
collection for Fulmer amounted to £624.57. An additional £420 was
received at the St James’ Church Fulmer Remembrance Sunday service
bringing the Fulmer total to £1,044.57.
I am grateful to Alex Bates, the Black Horse and Fulmer Infant School
for their assistance.
Brian Weild
AUTUMN TERM FULMER INFANT SCHOOL
On November 6th and 7th Fulmer Infant school was inspected by Ofsted and I am
absolutely thrilled to inform you that Ofsted has judged the school to be OUTSTANDING in
every area! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and governors for all
their hard work. We are all very proud of our school. As you may be aware the school is
having a school hall constructed and I am very pleased to report that the work is very
much underway and it is on target to be completed on January 27th. This hall will enhance
the lives of generations of children here at Fulmer Infant school and I would like, once
more, to thank all of you who contributed to this building.
The children’s learning is always enriched by a number of trips throughout the year and
since May the children have been to Pizza Express to design their own pizzas, Windsor
Castle to learn about different architecture, Roald Dahl museum to develop their writing
skills and to the Iver Environment Centre to take pride in the mosaic which they designed
last term. This artwork was sponsored by Anadarko a local firm which has donated many
resources and activities to the school. I am sure that you agree that the children’s work is
stunning.
There was great excitement in our library as we all thoroughly enjoying watching chicks
hatch thanks to the ‘Living Eggs project’. It is wonderful to see the obvious enjoyment of
the children as they watch the eggs cracking and see the chicks struggle out. If you would
like to see the chicks being born then scroll down the curriculum page on the school’s
website and click on the link.
I am very proud to inform you that the school has been awarded Green Flag status for the
third time and the highest Fair Trade award – the Fair Achiever. The children are all very
knowledgeable about how to care for our environment and know why it is important to try
to buy Fair trade products when ever possible. The children also participated in Water
Week and raised £70.88 for Oxfam. We had our own mini Olympics last term. The
children were put into four groups of mixed ages and it was lovely to see the older children
encouraging the younger ones. They did a variety of activities from running to javelin
throwing and then the children learned some dances including the Haka!
Music and dance are so important for the development of children and we are so lucky to
have an excellent link with the Amersham music centre. The children were entertained by
the centre’s string section as the musicians explained how their instruments worked and
then played a variety of compositions. The children also made their annual trip to
Dropmore School for their afternoon of country dancing which was great fun.
Earlier this term we celebrated Harvest with a concert in St James’ church, Fulmer. Thank
you to Reverend Phil Mann who led the congregation in prayer, to Fransceca HallDrinkwater for taking the produce to SHOC and to Jacky Hughes for opening the church
and turning the heating on. The retiring collection was for MacMillan Cancer Research and
we have sent a cheque for £112 to this very worthwhile charity.
As I write this report I can hear the children practise for the Christmas production so I end
by wishing you all a happy, safe and healthy Christmas.
Mrs Cathy Hunt
Another busy term for Fulmer Brownies
It’s been a busy summer and autumn for 1st Fulmer Brownies, particularly for the
seven girls who were lucky enough to go on the trip of a lifetime to celebrate the
centenary of the national organization. My daughter Noor was amongst those who set
off to France and Belgium in July for Eurohop - four days of fun, exploration and
laughter. Under the watchful eye of leader, Snowy Owl, Angela Hurlstone, she joined
Brownies from throughout the UK to take part in a wide range of activities, from sand
yachting to canal cruises and visits to chocolateries and boulangeries. Parents were
kept up to date with plenty of pictures and messages and once Noor returned the trip
was a constant topic of conversation.
Weekly meetings resumed in September and the schedule was immediately pinned up
on Noor’s wall so she always knew what to look forward to. The Brownies, aged 7 to
10, meet on Tuesdays at the Fulmer Guide Centre, King George’s Playing Fields,
Fulmer Common Road. Among the highlights this term have been making loom
bracelets to sell to family and friends for charity, a fireworks display, learning how to
care for pets and getting to know a friendly dog, choreographing their own version of
the ballet Swan Lake, exploring the stars with a telescope and enjoying a minimakeover and photo shoot. They are also looking forward to their own Christmas
dinner out at the Toby Carvery in Denham. The emphasis is very much on the girls
and developing their independence. Brownies gives them a space of their own away
from parents and teachers in which to grow, with the added reassurance of support
and supervision thanks to Snowy. They can make new friends from other schools and
try out things and activities they otherwise would never have come across. Best of all
are the adventurous outings – this term there have been visits to the Museum of
Childhood in London and there are trips to see the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Royal
Opera House and The Little Match Girl at Sadlers Wells.
All this and badges for achievement too – what more could a girl (or a parent) ask for?
Sara Horton (Brownie Parent)
1st Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Scout Group
Another very busy time since May; in November we attended the Remembrance Sunday
Service at Gerrards Cross Memorial centre with more children than before as you will see
later in my report.
We have 15 children in the Beaver Section with a new Leader, 16 Cubs with 2 Leaders and
the Scouts have 14 boys with 3 Leaders (one being new and the other one having finished
university and now having more time) so this is a far healthier situation than last year! All
sections had numerous activities as I have reported before and this improves as the Leaders
become more experienced, we have had Night Hikes ending at a Fish & Chip Shop (very
popular!), camping outside our HQ, etc. In fact all activities work towards earning badges
and the highest is the Chief Scouts Award, which I am pleased to say one Scout and 4
Beavers achieved this year.
Last December we sold Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at the GX Christmas Lights Festival,
which was a great success as we made a contribution to our funds, advertised the group and
had an excellent turn out of scouts to help sell them! Later in December we bag packed at
Tesco GX, to raise more funds.
Since my last report there has been some big changes to our membership, the Scout
Association identified that in the GX area there was a number of girls and boys who were
unable to join scouting due to long waiting lists and/or a local scout group. We ran a test 8
week scouting session in the summer at Thorpe House School (who kindly volunteered
their Junior School Hall) on Tuesday evenings and attracted 22 children. Based on that
success, 4 parents stepped forward to become Leaders so that we could carry on into the
autumn of this year. There is now a programme running with 26 children (including 8
girls) and 4 Leaders, which is a great opportunity in the area for more children.
In conclusion a good year for our group with the new section and higher numbers at
Fulmer. We still need adult help from 18 - 80 years old, you don’t need any scouting
experience just some enthusiasm, so get out of your chair and join us! Or, if you prefer we
need help with admin jobs (no uniform) for a few hours a week.
Please contact me
MARK SHAW – Group Scout Leader
(07788 891 232) / scoutermark@hotmail.co.uk / www.gxscouts.co.uk
FULMER CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
Fulmer and its diverse community once again won recognition as one of the best
kept villages and towns of Buckinghamshire by winning the Gurney Cup, awarded
to communities of up to 500 people. Again, we won the Sword of Excellence for the
highest points awarded to any winner of the other population categories entered
and judged in the 2014 Best Kept Village Competition. We were awarded 95 marks
out of 100, so well done everybody! In 2015 we will compete for the Tindall Cup,
effectively the ‘cup-winners cup’ where we compete against other category winners
of 2014.
In April I had written my contribution for the May Newsletter but succeeded to send
my article to an e-mail address that had not been used for several years, hence the
May 2014 Newsletter never had any sort of contribution from me. I did, however,
use it as the basis for my report to the Annual Parish Council Meeting in May so it
was not altogether a wasted effort. I’m reflecting on the fact that it was in
November 1994 that I came to live in Fulmer. In fact I had a house here but
between 1990 and nigh on 2000, I was constantly travelling to and from a myriad
of destinations in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Kyrgistan, Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Baltics, Belarus plus my old stamping grounds in
Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia as was, Hungary, Poland, Romania and DDR. It was in
the early 1990s that the Berlin Wall was dismantled so no more forays through a
certain famous checkpoint or other crossings were required. All this travel meant
that my new home in Fulmer was mostly empty as I was hardly here at all. It did
make for an interesting and varied working and social life and in fact a very good
entomologist friend from Kazakhstan, Andrey Slivkin helped me move into my
house together with my mother and another Russian friend, Volodja Kondrashkin
then later helped me to bless my house with copious amounts of vodka. However,
enough of that reminiscing, as I need to get back to the matter of Fulmer
Conservation Volunteers and activities around the village and on the footpaths.
Parish Footpaths
In general the paths on both sides of the village are completely accessible except
for some minor obstruction with small branches, which can be easily removed. All
of the way signs, including both the small discs and the finger signs are in good
order. Generally speaking there is a lot less litter than previously with the
exception of an area adjacent to the old gate house next to Stoke Common Road
which was being used as a beer drinking meeting place and where in April, I
counted around 100 or more beer cans just strewn all over the place. FCV
collected the beer cans for disposal the very next day, and did the same close to
the judging time for Best Kept Village. That general area remains a magnet for
litter and this time it is old car tyres rather than beer cans that are the most
noticeable eyesore. Elsewhere and generally speaking, I feel that the path
network is in an acceptable state.
FCV has done some work on the paths including clearing up along the length of
Footpath 6 and in particular at the bottom end near to the first house. This could
do with further attention just at the moment. At the May Annual Parish Council
Meeting we were requested to arrange or do some work to remove branches at
horse-rider head height on Bridleway 7 and eventually managed to do that later in
the year and at the same time to do some clearing at the junction of Footpath 1
and Bridleway 7. That’s about all the work we did on the footpaths, as the major
part of work was concerned with the village and the recreation ground.
Best Kept Village
I started this short report with the good news about Fulmer and another Best Kept
Village success.
Up to and including the judging period in June Fulmer
Conservation Volunteers spent time throughout the village doing everything to
make the village look as good as possible. It was a difficult season and we never
really knew where we were with any chances in the competition. We can only be
thankful, I suppose that our competitors were in the same position with unusual
weather patterns making it very difficult to decide what to do for the best.
Please don’t forget that winning the competition is as a result of the whole
community contributing and in writing here I am representing Fulmer
Conservation Volunteers, and not all those other individuals and groups that look
after St James Church, the Village Hall and who make sure that all the village
facilities including also the Recreation Ground are well used. This year also thanks
to workers provided by the Black Horse who have made and are making an ongoing and major contribution to the appearance of the verges and hedgerows
along Fulmer Road and to the appearance of the centre of the village. After the
end of June FCV tends to wind down efforts for a time, but when our success was
announced and the presentation ceremony was fixed for 13th September, we
worked on both 6th September and also early on the presentation day itself, so as
to present the village at its best on that day.
So leading up to that great day we spruced up the village, and subsequently FCV
has started the process over again, working towards the Tindall Cup. Keeping a
record of our activities is now a must as on each occasion we work, I am
completing and signing a generic risk assessment as I undertook to do as a
condition of our group insurance. As we often work on and adjacent to our busy
roads, this is no bad thing except that we have in any case had to become more
risk conscious as the roads have become busier and the traffic quicker and people
in general seemingly more impatient. Following on from the 13th September we
have worked on a further three Saturdays at the Recreation Ground on two
occasions, next to the Alderbourne stream and on Fulmer Road. You may notice
we endeavour not to collect leaves, but on occasions it becomes unavoidable as
otherwise it looks as if we have done nothing.
Thanks to the few volunteers, both regular and occasional in 2013/2014. On the
last 5 days worked we were a maximum of 5 individuals on any one occasion and
in total contributed approximately 80 man-hours. We start at around 9 am and
work through to 12:30 after which we usually try to have a drink at the Black
Horse to mull over work done and plan the next outing. If there is anybody out
there who can spare even a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, please let us
know.
I’d just like to finish with a mention of Peter Kelly, Clerk to Fulmer Parish Council
and to thank him for all of his contributions to the Best Kept Village process and
for his advice and opinions which have contributed to our many successes.
To be continued…………………………….!!
Dr. Richard Marshall
Footnote FROM RONNIE LAMB (662662): we are very short of
Volunteers; currently we have perhaps seven overall but usually only
five manage to turn out on any morning. We are out perhaps once a
month except in the summer when it may be two or three times in the
month. We need more Volunteers on a Saturday morning for three
hours or so from 9.15am. Fulmer is a lovely village please come and
help us. Anyone interested should contact Richard Marshall or myself
South Bucks Riding for the Disabled Association
Summer has gone and winter is on its way. As the ponies grow their thicker coats
to keep themselves warm we remember back to an interesting summer that
brought both success and sadness. The National RDA Championship weekend
will not be forgotten for a long time. This was an event of two halves. On Saturday
there was torrential rain, thunder and lightning, flooded arenas and classes being
cancelled or rescheduled all day. While on Sunday the sun shone, and the ground
steamed. The great team of staff and volunteers worked hard keep everything
going. All our riders managed to ride in a least one class and came home with
rosettes and big smiles. One young rider, Joseph, was interviewed for BBC News;
his beaming smile and keen answers hid his shivers and dripping show clothes.
The rain certainly did not dampen his enthusiasm for the day. Another rider,
Sarah, came home with the trophy for the rider who had achieved the highest
marks for the whole weekend, for a rider taking part in the countryside challenge.
Sophie continued to bring in the medals throughout the summer with Rio her
equine partner. She was champion rider at Hickstead for the British Dressage
championships, quickly followed by a successful trip across the channel to
Normandy to the World Equestrian Games, where she was a member of the British
Gold Medal winning team and the grade 1a World Champion. This was her last
competition with Clive Millkins as her main coach. Natasha Baker, a fellow Gold
Medal team member, rode at South Bucks RDA for 6 years. Sophie’s busy
summer continued with her winning the Grade 1a KBis Championship Stoneleigh,
supported by Richard Forsythe, the Centre’s stable manager.
Shortly after returning from the World Equestrian Games, Clive Milkins said his
final good byes to the group. He had spent nearly 21 years at South Bucks RDA
developing his teaching and coaching skills. The group held a farewell party and
presented him with a painting of the two, gold medal-winning horses he produced
for the Beijing and London Paralympic Games, Lambrusco and Rio. Clive is
embarking on an international career as a coach. Everyone at South Bucks RDA
wish him well in this amazing opportunity.
We have had to say good-bye to 3 of our hard working horses. This is always a
sad occasion. They all had had a good working retirement with us. We have
managed to find one replacement ‘Libby’ a 6 year old New Forest pony, who coincidentally is related to our very successful and popular pony Forrester. We are
still on the look out for a good school-master who understands dressage to replace
the larger horses.
South Bucks RDA is now functioning most days of the week. We continue to need
more helpers, particularly on a Wednesday and Thursday. Volunteering at South
Bucks RDA is a very rewarding opportunity. If you are interested please contact
our Administrator Gina on: info@southbucksrda.org or ring 01753 662796.
Theresa Drake Instructor
As we enter our 10th season GX&F FC continues to develop in to a large
grass roots football club. Founded back in 2003 with one 11-a-side team
by Phil Mooney, Bob Bracey and Andrew Morten we now have 11 age
groups and 13 teams from U6 to U18. As starting point I would like to state the
club’s Vision Statement;
·
·
·
·
·
Gerrards Cross & Fulmer FC provide quality, safe, fun and good value-for-money
opportunities for as many local young people from 5 to 18 years of age as possible
to learn and enjoy playing football
To help these young people to use football to realise their individual potential,
develop their fitness, personal skills and self-confidence
To do this regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnic background
To improve the performance of players, coaches and their assistants, within the
club
To ensure that our club is regarded as a well-run organisation, that champions
sporting behaviour on the pitch and excellent community relationships away
from the game.
The club continues to evolve and this season we have seen an influx of new
coaching volunteers, and while very welcome, new volunteers add to the challenge
of keeping the club’s FA Charter Standard status within the requirements of the
Football Association. Ensuring everyone with regular contact with players has a
Criminal Record Check (what was called a CRB disclosure) and current FA
Coaching, First Aid & Child Welfare qualifications is a continuous task and as child
welfare issues continue to make news this workload will only get bigger. On the
pitch 2013/14 saw some significant success with teams winning cups and being
promoted through the divisions. Our player membership continues to be around the
200 mark, and we have around 35 volunteers, mainly parents of current (and some
past) players, who give their time freely to coach, provide team administration
support, and run the club. Although we have a constant flow of request for
membership from new residents to the area and other people who wish their children
to join the club, most age groups are full and we are limited in the number of teams
we can accommodate without finding additional space for new pitches – and that is
something at a premium around Fulmer.
We enjoy good relationships with our ‘landlords’ the Fulmer Sports and Community
Association (FSCA) as the custodians of King George Field (KGF), as well as
Fulmer Cricket Club with whom we share KGF and Gerrards Cross Parish Council
who allow us to use GX East Common for playing matches and training.
GX&F FC participate significantly in FSCA community and fund raising events
held at KGF such as the annual Bonfire Night and Fulmer Fun Day providing
assistance in planning, managing and running the events. The profit from these
events goes to help fund the maintenance & improvements of the grounds, pavilion
and other assets through the FSCA. However, even so our annual accounts show
that in the year to March 2014 the football club directly invested over £14,000 in the
preparation and maintenance of the grounds at Fulmer which in turn benefits all
users of the facility. You are most welcome to come to KGF on a Sunday morning
and catch some of the action, and there is always a coffee or a tea and a bacon roll to
be had as well.
Finally a big thank you to all our players who equipped themselves well over the
season, representing the club and our playing ethos well and an equally big thank
you on behalf of the players and the club to the parents whose continuing support is
very much appreciated.
KEITH GUPWELL - Chairman
Fulmer Cricket Club
Playing performance - Won 12, lost 19, drawn 3, cancelled 13 (half due
to weather and half due to not getting a side, mostly us) abandoned 1. First
time we have been net negative in the win/loss ratio for a few years. We lost
from winning positions on a number of occasions. Can’t say it was due to The
Chairman’s absence in Australia for 6 weeks! The President’s match saw a
win for the President’s XI for the first time in four years. There were a lot of
Guinness’ but not a lot of family likenesses! It was another excellent day and
our thanks once again to Edward, Peter and Kiki. 25 players played 5 or more
matches and there were 30 other players. Getting sides out seemed to be more
of a struggle than in recent years with James King, our new vice-captain and
Derrick Randall bearing the brunt of the chasing. Manu Kapila has been very
productive in finding players.
Season off the field - Tansy, Sue, Sheena and James were the main
deliverers of the famous Fulmer teas with Tansy doing the greatest number.
Sheena did a wonderful job of finding a replacement curry supplier for the
Annual Awards Evening when our previous one let us down at short notice.
Well done Sheena and Manu. Very much appreciated. Ian Fisher did a great
job with match reports, keeping the statistics up to date, manning the bar and
looking after the finances. Paul Colloff did a magnificent job on the square
and with wicket preparation and was supported by field mowing from Julian
Gibbs. Jim Harmesworth Cowles again sparked up the Awards’ Evening with
an entertaining quiz and continued to maintain the website.
Senior Vice President’s 90th Birthday - The season saw the celebration
of Edward Guinness’ 90th birthday. The Club presented Edward with a
framed photo from the President’s Day cricket match capturing the players
and Edward in the sunshine.
2014 Season Awards
Batting
Most runs – Nomi 702
Highest innings – Nomi 152*
Best average – 73.88
Bowling
Most wickets – Paul Colloff, 29
Best in a match – Paul Colloff, 6 for 22
Best bowling average – Danny Randall, 8.6
Qualitative
Best junior player – George Field
Most improved – Ben Bausor
Best fielder – Prash
Most valuable player – Venkat
Players’ player – James King
Duck Cup – Armando
Outstanding contribution – Ben Fisher
Chairman’s award – Derrick Randall
Players Wanted
We always have room for new players and we are a friendly club. Please refer
to our website for contact details, www.fulmercricketclub.com
PETER BOX
KING GEORGE’S FIELD FULMER
FULMER SPORTS & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Fulmer Sports & Community Association administers the usage of the playing
fields at King George’s Field on Fulmer Common Road together with its
pavilion, children’s play area and all-weather multi-sports surface. King
George’s Field (or the ‘Recreation Ground’ to long standing residents) is
maintained for the use of all Fulmer residents and its facilities are also used by
local schools and by Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Football club (youth teams),
Fulmer Football club (mens), Fulmer Cricket club and Fulmer Tennis club,
whose reports are elsewhere in this Newsletter. There will be a new addition to
the ranks this autumn with the introduction of netball for girls of Years 3-4 and
Years 5-6 provided by GX&F Netball Club. Please contact Sonia on 07428
393939 or gxfnetballclub@gmail.com for further details.
King George’s Field has just hosted the annual Fireworks spectacular, this year
with a Wild West theme, complete with a Wild West town bonfire. The date
was changed to a Saturday rather than the traditional Friday in order to allow
families with parents working in London a better chance of attending. The
pavilion was decked out as a Saloon Bar complete with swinging doors and
Western signs and backdrops gave the appearance of a film set. Thanks to all
the volunteers who gave a lot of time to set the scene. Despite wet weather
during the day, the rain held off for the fireworks and a lucky raffle winner set
our bonfire town ablaze by traditional dynamite plunger. The barn dance that
followed the fireworks provided enough exercise for some to keep the cold at
bay, others resorted to the tried and trusted method of some mulled wine from
the bar. Watch this space for news of next year’s Bonfire Night theme or send
in a suggestion!
The pavilion hall provides all the facilities to make it an ideal venue for
children’s parties, evening events such as quizzes, family celebrations and
parties, and barbeques. For larger events a newly refurbished licensed bar is
also available by arrangement. The FSCA also owns three marquees and has
both the space and surroundings to make it an ideal location for weddings,
christenings or large family celebrations. With general use of the field and
pavilion hall being available for hire, and pitches specific to cricket and football
also available subject to arrangement, King George’s Field caters for sporting,
social and commercial events.
The all-weather multi-sports surface, used primarily during the winter for
football coaching and five-a-side football, is also available for outside hire at
certain times, for either tennis or football. There remains an opportunity for an
enthusiastic tennis coach to make the most of our two tennis courts and
breathe new life into the Fulmer Tennis club – details on request.
For more information on the activities of the clubs, the facilities available for
hire, and booking enquiries for King George’s Field, please email
kgffbookings@yahoo.co.uk telephone 01753 662705, or write to the
General Manager, King George’s Field, Fulmer Common Rd, Fulmer, Bucks SL3
6JN
PAUL COLLOFF
Stoke Poges , Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society
www.hortsoc.org
AGM
Our last meeting in 2014 was on Wednesday 12 November at 8pm at Stoke
Poges School, Rogers Lane. Alex Millar, Head Green-keeper at Stoke Park,
gave a most interesting talk on ‘Growing Grasss’. It was also our Annual
General Meeting. Three long serving members of the Committee resigned and
three others were elected.
The Society encompasses the three parishes of Stoke Poges, Wexham &
Fulmer. While we have people on the Committee representing Stoke Poges
and Wexham we do not have someone from Fulmer.
Serving on the
Committee is not onerous. The Annual Show, a unique horticultural and
community event, with its huge marquee to house and display a multitude of
exhibits is our most important activity. If you think you may be interested in
joining the Committee please give me a call on 01753 648040 to discuss it
further.
This is a quiet time of year for the Society but plans are in hand for next year!
Full details will appear on our website www.hortsoc.org in due course. In the
meantime, here are some dates for your 2015 diary.
Members’ Spring Social Evening Wednesday 11 March 8 pm at Stoke
Poges School, Rogers Lane - There will be an illustrated talk , a buffet and
a table show, where members exhibit whatever is growing in their garden.
Visitors are welcome, non-members 3.50, prospective members admission
free.
Annual Plant Sale Saturday 25 April 10 – 12 noon at Stoke Poges
Village Centre - Don’t miss this great opportunity to buy good quality plants
at reasonable prices. All the proceeds go towards paying for the cost of the
marquee for the Annual Show
Lecture Evening - Wednesday, 13 May 2015 at 8 pm at The Stoke Poges
School, Rogers Lane.
Annual Show 2015 - Saturday 25 July in the grounds of The Stoke Poges
School.
Membership of the Society
We would be delighted if more people were to join as members; at £7 for an
individual or £10 for two people living at the same address it is a bargain,
particularly as members have free entry to the Show, Lecture Evenings and
other events. You can apply for membership via our website www.hortsoc.org .
Alternatively, telephone our Membership Secretary, Peter Montgomery on
01753 643384.
RUTH ROOLEY - Chairman
Treasure by Susie Matthews
Have you ever found something in a charity shop that you think could be of
value, thus facing the dilemma of what to do about it? I have… Let’s go back
four years ago to February 2010 when a chance visit to ‘Help the Aged’ in
Beaconsfield prompted the above quandary. There are six marvellous charity
shops in the town, and it was my habit to plunder the lot in my lunch breaks,
in the endeavour to unearth props and costumes for a production of ‘Annie’ at
High March School, where I worked. What joy to be a ‘bag lady’ with such a
good excuse.
Searching through all the eclectic paraphernalia, I found a large framed
photograph (very dirty and covered in cobwebs) that looked interesting. It
featured several rows of smartly dressed gentlemen, blazers and ties all
matching, posing on a stand, which posed the impressive logo ‘Lords Cricket
Ground’. They were cricketers! All members of the Lord’s Taverners Club.
Above this was written ‘The Guinness Silver Trophy’. The signatures of the
players were at the bottom written neatly in black ink. ‘Good Heavens’, I
thought- ‘Even a non Cricket fan woul d recognise these iconic names’. Priced
at £19.99 I decided to purchase it. What use it could be to a production of
Annie illuded me. The rather harassed volunteer at the cash desk was
wrapping up a pottery penguin at the time, and I approached her with the
intention of pointing out the possible value of my find, trying to decide if this
would delight or confuse her further. I decided on the latter, purchased the
photograph and declined the kind offer of bubble wrap.
I am fortunate enough to live in the beautiful building Fulmer Place, which has
seven residents in total, one of whom was due to get married - Andy Reid, who
was the secretary of Fulmer Cricket Club for some time. Being aware of his
passion for the noble game, I thought the photograph would make the perfect
wedding present and would be appreciated and treasured. All the residents
were invited to the reception, to be held at Fulmer Cricket ground, and we
decided it would be a good idea to club together to buy a suitable gift. I
proudly produced the photograph; by now de-cobwebbed. They were all highly
impressed, but having left the price sticker on the glass, it was considered to
be rather mean as the total split between us was only £4 each. “What a
bargain”, I thought, “In exchange for a jolly good knees up at the pavilion”.
In the end an alternative gift was chosen and the photograph stayed within my
possession.
One Sunday morning, I walked down to the church to look for my good friend
Fiona Gray, who sings in the choir (incidentally now a fellow resident at Fulmer
Place). Whilst waiting in the porch for the service to finish I was attracted to
an interesting flyer displayed on the notice board advertising a book about the
war entitled, Fulmer‘s Fallen, written by Edward Guinness and Kenneth Peters.
I happened to have a khaki Nazi hat in my hand at the time, so it seemed
rather appropriate that I should endeavour to buy a copy (more about the hat
later). The congregation emerged and Fiona wasn’t singing that day but I was
lucky enough to be introduced to said authors of the book, who had both been
attending the service. They were understandably intrigued by the hat, which
was not from ‘Help the Aged’ by the way, but had been picked up in the North
African desert by my father during WWII. Edward, Ken and his wife Jennifer
were all off to the Black Horse to celebrate the Peters’ silver wedding, but
vowed to keep in touch and investigate the hat later. It subsequently occurred
to me that Edward Guinness might be interested in the photograph as it bore
his family name. He was!... What a relief; a home for it at last, so I delivered
it to his door. After having a look at it more closely Edward called me to say
that he’d noticed the ‘Help the Aged’ £19.99 sticker was still on the glass and
asked if he could pay for it. I declined, saying that it was a gift, but that he
could donate something to charity if he wished - and he did.
The plot thickens… After several lengthily conversations with him on the
telephone, it transpired that his former Guinness colleague and friend ‘Brian
Baldock’ happened to be the chairman of the Lord’s Taverners. Mr Baldock
had personally ‘set up’ this iconic photograph some time ago and was
responsible for providing the pen with which all the members signed their
autographs. He was equally excited by it and sent a car to Fulmer to collect it
from Edward with the intention of auctioning it at the next Lord’s Taverners
Ball.
Amongst many other credentials, Brian Baldock was at the time,
chairman of MENCAP, the huge charitable organisation which was founded by
Sir Brian Rix, whose daughter had Down’s Syndrome.
Back to the WWII khaki hat - it was picked up out of the sand by my father,
Austen Jenkinson, an officer architect in the Royal Engineers, who was
‘mentioned in Dispatches’ twice during the war for converting the Royal Palace
in Naples into a N.A.A.F.I. This was known worldwide as the dream N.A.A.F.I
and was considered by the Royal Institute of British Architects to be one of the
finest war time conversions. It is now back to normal by the way.
His peacetime architectural practice was in Rotherham, where he designed and
built the premises. On retirement he was anxious that whomever rented it,
should reflect something charitable and thus MENCAP became the tenants.
About ten years before he died he passed the building over to my brother Paul,
now deceased, and myself, and they have been tenants ever since. I pointed
out this coincidence to Edward and he was equally surprised and he promptly
gave another donation – this time to MENCAP. The precious photograph was
still in the safe possession of Brian Baldock, who had since retired from
MENCAP. In 2012 Edward attended an event at which he was present and had
the brief opportunity to make inquiries about its long journey. Low and
Behold! It had taken pride of place at a charitable event earlier in the year
and had fetched a very good price indeed, which was subsequently donated to
MENCAP. Three cheers to one and all who made this happen!
Hip hip Horray
Hip hip Horray
Hip hip Horray
Next time: Ken and Jennifer Peters, the Nazi hat and the Imperial War Museum
AND FINALLY ……
Grateful thanks to all our contributors for this issue – we know it is a
very busy time of year for everyone and we appreciate the efforts made
to send through each article.
We have some new advertisers this time and our thanks to them and to
the very loyal companies who have supported us for many years – this
all helps to fund the Newsletter and keep it going. Edward Guinness
writes very interestingly in this issue about his period of office in the
village, which has been such an impressive one, not least for starting
this publication 28 years ago. We are extremely grateful to him for
continuing to entertain us all with his introduction and other articles
over all the 56 issues!
There will be a small change to the Newsletter – from 2015 the May
issue will change to being a June one – it seems to make sense to have
the 2 issues at six monthly intervals.
Thanks to those who help deliver the Newsletter to your home – please
do let us know if you would like to write an article, know of any potential
advertisers or would like to comment on anything you have read.
Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
RONNIE & SUSIE SIMKINS
Editors