September 2007 Archives
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Working Mum's Diary: Chene Koscielny
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 3, 2007 11:54 AM
WE are in the last gasp of a terminally-ill summer with the end of the school holidays mercifully in sight. What better way to while away a few hours with activity-starved children than to head down to the leisure centre pool? Or so you would think.
I phone a fellow mum whom I suspect would be keen to step out from behind her ironing board and escape the constant nagging for attention, snacks and Cbeebies.
Let’s face it, when you’re a non-celebrity mum racing towards your forties, you don’t readily volunteer to parade around in your bathing suit in full public view.
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Hundreds flock to country show
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 3, 2007 1:37 PM
by Sean O'Hare
"Best of British" was this year's theme for the Chalfont St Giles Country Show and the three glimmering Aston Martins lined up outside the entrance captured it beautifully.
Despite the foot and mouth scare derailing plans to showcase a variety of rare-breed farm animals, the show lost none of its appeal as hundreds flocked to the village on Saturday, September 1.
A 10k Fun Run signalled the start of the day's proceedings and involved an estimated 200 runners.
The show's president, Frederick Nolan, said: "The psychology was right. We knew that if the sun was shining at noon, people would say let's get down there and they would be there for the day."
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View from the House: Dominic Grieve
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 3, 2007 1:58 PM
Although most school pupils are enjoying a well-earned rest, the summer can be an anxious time for those waiting for exam results. I am not sure that I would have wanted to receive my results by text message, but some pupils in Scotland have chosen this method.
Let’s wish "Good luck" to all who are waiting for those results and let us recognise how hard most of them have worked towards their goals.
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Chesham United win away
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 3, 2007 3:09 PM
Chesham United won when they played away against Farnborough on Saturday. The final score was 0-2.
For full match report see Thursday's Buckinghamshire Examiner.
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Teams through to FA Cup qualifying round
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 3, 2007 5:41 PM
BOTH Chesham United and Chalfont St Peter progressed to the first round qualifying of the FA Cup after beating Farnborough 2-0 and Hamble 1-0 respectively on Saturday.
Beaconsfield SYCOB will visit Hungerford Town for a replay on Tuesday, September 4 after their game finished goalless at Holloways Park.
Chesham will now host Henley Town at The Meadow on Saturday, September 15, while Chalfont St Peter will be away to Fareham Town or Sandhurst Town who are involved in a replay.
Should SYCOB beat Hungerford, they will host Chippenham Town.
Chesham put a poor league start behind them, recording their first win of the season with goals from Dave Fotheringham (14 mins) and Danny Burnell (34 mins) at Boro's Cherrywood Road ground.
Bradley Bubb was the scorer for Chalfont (37 mins) at Mill Meadow.
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Alec clinches GB 50-plus top ranking
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 4, 2007 5:57 PM
Alec Allen of Chesham Bois Tennis Club has clinched the Great Britain 50-plus top ranking.
Allen, the reigning GB National Indoor Champion, beat British Open winner Paul French of Middlesex 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 for the title at the LTA South of England Veterans Championships at Eastbourne's Devonshire Park.
In his first 50-plus season, Allen also won the National Grass Court title at Wimbledon, progressed through two rounds of the US Championships and represented Great Britain at the World Indoor Championships in Turkey.
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Twelve cars damaged at garage
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 6, 2007 11:39 AM
TWELVE cars were vandalised on the forecourt of car dealership Kars.co.uk at Station Garage, Station Approach, Great Missenden.
The attack happened between 2pm on Sunday and 10am on Monday.
Vandals threw flint stones over the compound fence onto the cars, causing several smashed windows and dents in bodywork. The damage has been estimated at £4,500.
PC Michael Jervis, said: “This is the second time in a fortnight that this car trader has suffered such an attack. I am keen to hear from anyone who can help the police investigation.”
Contact PC Paul Jervis at Amersham Police Station on 0845 8 505 505.
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Car stolen
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 6, 2007 11:41 AM
A car has been stolen in burglary in Amersham.
The burglary is believed to have taken place between 10pm on Monday and 6am on Tuesday.
After forcing a door to a home in Hervines Road, burglars stole a number of electrical items, cash, a hand bag and wallets, as well as the keys to the residents’ silver BMW 5-series, which was parked outside the property. The car was discovered on fire in Pingewood, Reading shortly after 7am on Tuesday.
Contact PC Nikki Horlock at Amersham Police Station on 0845 8 505 505.
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chartridge horticulture society
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 7, 2007 2:30 PM
Posted by pauline squire on Thursday, September 06at 5.14pm
Chartridge horticulture society held there late summer show on sunday the 2nd september at chartridge park golf club. it was very well attended lots of entries fantastic dahlias and vggies. our club secretary exhibited his champion winning onions. Brian Rance on saturday 1st september won the welsh championship, class for three onions over 250grms. he then won the welsh open championship for five onions over 250grm, this is the ultimate prize for an onion grower of brian's class, we are very proud to have him as our club secretary a true champion indeed, who knows his onions I have a photo of his exhibit that I can send also a couple more of the show if you are interested, they are digital.
Thank you, pauline squire
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Heritage weekend
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 7, 2007 2:37 PM
by Jack Abell
IF YOU would like to find out more about the history of the area you live in, you will be able to take a step back in time at this weekend's Heritage celebrations.
The Chiltern District's history and culture will be celebrated this weekend with a selection of free events and some of the area's most famous landmarks will be opening their doors on September 8 and 9 in a bid to inform residents of the history that surrounds them.
The main attractions will include Milton's Cottage in Chalfont St Giles, the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, Holy Trinity Church in Penn and the Amersham Fair Organ Museum.
A vintage bus will operate from 10.25am until 5.30pm on Sunday, transporting visitors between these events.
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From councillor to TV presenter?
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 7, 2007 6:33 PM
by Sarika Sharma
When she is not sitting in on council meetings, Mimi Harker will be selling diamond jewellery and other exclusive products in front of the cameras for a television shopping channel.
Mrs Harker, 42, councillor for Chesham Bois and Weedon Hill on Chiltern District Council, has made it through to the final eight in a competition to become a presenter on the QVC shopping channel.
Mrs Harker, who is married to Robin, 45, and has a daughter Robyn, 14, and son Arrun, 12, initially went for the first auditions in June where she was told she had made it through from 2,500 applicants to the next round of 77 candidates.
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A problem shared
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 8, 2007 9:32 AM
by Sarika Sharma
YOUNG people in the community will have an opportunity to share their problems with three new youth workers determined to help change the negative image of teenagers as trouble-makers.
The youth workers are to be welcomed by Little Chalfont Methodist Church, St George's and Chenies Baptist Church this month as part of a continued effort to help young people in the community.
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View from the House: Cheryl Gillan
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 8, 2007 2:52 PM
The end of summer is here and I had been planning a light-hearted article about the Parliamentary break. Then I heard of the murder of poor Rhys Jones, aged 11, in Liverpool.
Rhys’ parents described the brand new school uniform, which their son was to have worn at his new school, which he will now never wear. All that life and promise was extinguished in a cruel instant.
More parents will now wonder if they should let their children enjoy the freedom which they themselves took for granted at the same age.
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Disco for Frances
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 9, 2007 10:36 AM
by Sarika Sharma
THE mother of a six-year-old girl suffering from cerebral palsy is hoping to raise enough money to buy an electric wheelchair to give her daughter more independence.
Heather Knowles, 28, of Benham Close, Chesham, is organising a fundraising disco in the town on Saturday, September 15 to raise funds for Frances, who developed the condition because of a lack of oxygen during birth. Doctors warned that the little girl would never be able to walk, but she has already proved them wrong and is talking and walking with the aid of a walking frame.
However Ms Knowles, who is pregnant with her third child, said Frances still has to rely on her heavily because she needs to be pushed around in a manual wheelchair.
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Urban sprawl
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 9, 2007 10:51 AM
By Sarika Sharma and Sean O' Hare
PLANS to 'racthet up' the number of new homes already proposed for Chiltern District over the next 20 ears have led to fears of urban sprawl, traffic congestion and loss of Green Belt.
The draft South East Plan, prepared by the South East England Regional Assembly, and submitted to the Government in march 2006, suggested the building of 1,880 homes in South Bucks District and 2,900 in Chiltern District between 2006 and 2026.
An independent panel, appointed by the government, to examine the draft, suggested last week that this number should be upped by 500 in the Chiltern District.
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Leamington v Chesham United
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 10, 2007 10:28 AM
Leamington 1
Chesham United 0
by Simon Newbury
TAKE away the opening minute and a half and this was a good footballing performance by Chesham against a team expected to be among the front runners in this division. Unfortunately in those opening moments Chesham conceded the softest of goals and spent the whole of the rest of the game in a vain attempt to undo the damage.
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All in his Head: Sean O'Hare
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 11, 2007 12:32 PM
Sean O'Hare
I'VE got a nickname, his name is Billy. He's the little prat I turn into when I've had upwards of five pints and my eyes glaze over. Some nights he overpowers me and charges out of his box like a tramp pestered by a wasp. Other nights I find myself coaxing him out. As a result, he doesn't know where he stands. The truth is, I can't make my mind up whether I like him or not.
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Mimi makes it through to the next round
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 11, 2007 1:24 PM
COUNCILLOR Mimi Harker was live on the QVC shopping channel vacuuming away pet hairs and popcorn as part of a competition to be a presenter.
Mrs Harker has beaten more than 2,000 entrants as part of a gruelling challenge to get the job at QVC and she is one of the last seven contenders.
The judges chose three entrants to be subject to the public vote on Sunday, but Mrs Harker made it through to the next round.
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Advice bureau needs funds
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 13, 2007 1:38 PM
by Martyn Pritchard
AT a time when the number of people seeking advice for debt problems is soaring, the Chilterns Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) is appealing for funds to ensure the service can continue.
The cash-strapped Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) is seeking a vital cash injection to help guarantee its future and CAB chairman Tony White will meet Alison Hadden, chief executive of Paradigm Housing Association, this afternoon to ask for financial help.
The CAB, a registered charity, has a projected annual £16,000 cash shortfall.
In a bid to survive longterm, the service has already cut its operating hours from 50 to 40 weekly.
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Riding charity celebrates 21 years
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 13, 2007 3:44 PM
by Rob Burnett
STUDENTS and helpers past and present were celebrating on the weekend as a charity-run riding school marked its 21st anniversary.
Bank Farm Riding for the Disabled in Bellingdon, Chesham, held a day of celebrations on Saturday, September 8 to commemorate the landmark with a big cake, and of course, plenty of pony riding.
They also received a donation of £1880 from Chesham firm Lynwood Construction and friends to help keep the centre running.
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Review: The Elvis Years 1954-1977
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 11:39 AM
Julie with Elvis after the show
The Elvis Years 1954-1977
The Elgiva, Chesham, Thursday, September 13
by Julie Voyce
ELVIS lives, I saw him in Chesham on Thursday night.
Ok then, I admit it, it wasn't actually Elvis, but he might just have well of been. The way he moved those hips and gyrated his way through Elvis's repertoire you could be forgiven for thinking Elvis was alive and well.
Mario Kombou, who takes on the guise of the big man, leads the audience on a journey of Elvis's hits from 1954-1977. With the help of his backing singers and band Mario performs all the classics including In The Ghetto, Love Me Tender, Blue Suede Shoes and the audience favourite Suspicious Minds.
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One in seven caught drink driving
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 12:12 PM
by Greg Burns
CAR drivers in Buckinghamshire continue to break the law by either driving under the influence of drink or drugs or by using their mobile telephones on the road according to latest police figures.
A total of 1,446 motorists were breath-tested between Monday, July 30 and Sunday, September 2, by Thames Valley Police (TVP) as part of a national crackdown on drink and drug driving.
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Tree stories sought
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 12:29 PM
ON a January day in 1940, Chalfont St Giles lost one of its great landmarks.
The ancient elm tree which had stood for more than 300 years in the High Street was felled as the tree was considered a danger to passers-by. An on-looker at the time said many would be sorry to see it go but ‘There is little sentiment today for these ancient landmarks’.
The Special Trees and Wood Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is recording trees such as this throughout the Chilterns.
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Biggest coffee morning event
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 12:32 PM
Sylvia Brown and friends invite you to join in the biggest coffee morning in the world on September 28 at Hyde Heath Village Hall from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Every coin you give will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Tea, coffee with cakes and biscuits, a raffle, soft toy tombola, quality second hand books and lots more.
Come and meet old friends and new and enjoy the spirit of Hyde Heath.
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Walk for cancer
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 1:11 PM
PEOPLE are invited to join the Chess Valley Walk to help raise money for charity this weekend.
The picturesque walk along the river will take place on Sunday, September 16, and all proceeds will go to the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
The event will start at Westwood Park in Chenies Avenue, off Elizabeth Avenue in Little Chalfont at 10.30am.
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Chesham comes out blooming
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 4:08 PM
by Rob Burnett
CHESHAM residents are celebrating after the town won three awards in the Thames and Chiltern in Bloom contest including the highly coveted Silver Gilt award in the large towns category - the best ever finish for the town.
The contest is the regional section of the Britain in Bloom competition and the silver gilt is quite a step up from the silver award Chesham has won for the past two years.
Two schools also picked up awards, with Waterside County Combined School in Blackhorse Avenue winning best school in the region, and Brushwood Junior School in Brushwood Road receiving a highly commended award.
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Parking fees decision deferred
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 14, 2007 6:22 PM
by Martyn Pritchard
COUNCILLORS have drawn back from making a final decision on new parking charges in Chiltern District.
But a lengthy discussion on the topic took place at Tuesday's (Sept 11) district cabinet meeting at the council offices in King George V Road, Amersham.
Members of the district cabinet were presented with an array of options to put the charges up effective from April 1, 2008.
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Tackling youth problems
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 15, 2007 10:07 AM
by Martyn Pritchard
A MAN with 35 years experience as a magistrate, specialising in juvenile cases, has called for parents to play a more leading role in combating anti-social behaviour in Chesham.
Ted Weston, 67, a former teacher and a member of the Bench since 1971, serves as chairman of the Central Bucks Youth Court Panel and vice chairman of the Magistrates' Association Youth Courts Committee.
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Double success for Dr Challoner's
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 16, 2007 10:10 AM
by Sarika Sharma
DR CHALLONER'S Grammar School has scored a double victory after two of their pupils were been named among the top ten students sitting their GCSE and A-level exams with a national awarding body.
Martin Lugton,18, was in the top ten for his A-level results in English Literature and Dan Johnson, 16, excelled in English Literature and IT for his GCSEs. Both were equally surprised because neither of them will be taking these subjects further.
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Chesham United win 5-1
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 16, 2007 7:47 PM
Chesham United 5
Henley Town 1
Apart from a brief wobble early in the second half, Chesham were always in control of this FA Cup tie against a team from two levels lower. Chesham could have wrapped up the game in the first half but missed chances, and took advantage of the lack of height of the Henley goalkeeper to grab three goals from corners.
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Mimi voted off QVC show
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 17, 2007 10:25 AM
AFTER making it as far as the last seven, Councillor Mimi Harker has been eliminated from the Shop Idol contest for a presenting job on the QVC shopping channel.
Mrs Harker, who represents Chesham Bois and Weedon Hill on Chiltern District Council, said she was pleased she got down to the final seven out of 2,500 applicants, adding that she really enjoyed the whole process.
She said: "I have seen thngs and experienced things I never would have in my normal life and it has been great fun and I just want more of it!"
Mrs Harker would like to thank everyone who watched and voted for her.
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Mimi voted off QVC show
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 17, 2007 10:25 AM
AFTER making it as far as the last seven, Councillor Mimi Harker has been eliminated from the Shop Idol contest for a presenting job on the QVC shopping channel.
Mrs Harker, who represents Chesham Bois and Weedon Hill on Chiltern District Council, said she was pleased she got down to the final seven out of 2,500 applicants, adding that she really enjoyed the whole process.
She said: "I have seen thngs and experienced things I never would have in my normal life and it has been great fun and I just want more of it!"
Mrs Harker would like to thank everyone who watched and voted for her.
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Tesco asks for 6am-11pm drink license
Posted by Julie Voyce on September 17, 2007 12:27 PM
by Sarika Sharma
CONCERNED residents have expressed fears that under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour will rise as a result of Tesco's application for an extended alcohol license for its new store in Amersham.
This follows an application by the company to sell alcohol between 6am and 11pm, whereas other off-licences in the area are only allowed to sell alcohol from 9am to
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