Archived press releases for year 2007

Chairman’s message

The recent Community Association/Residents Association quiz night once again lived up to its reputation, as a packed house at the Community Centre enjoyed an excellent and fun evening. The event really promotes a feeling of community spirit. This year the Drifters were deserved winners, just pipping “Why Cant We Watch the Rugby.com” to the post. They had been runners up 2 years in a row, making their victory even more special. As the event clashed with the England/France Rugby World Cup semi-final,  some of the more ardent sports fans were seen concealing (or attempting to conceal!) certain listening devices beneath clothing, much to the Welsh Quizmaster’s chagrin!

On a more somber note the FHRA have been increasingly worried about anti social behaviour in the village, and have written a letter about this to Chief Inspector Dave Gilbert – more in this edition on p??? We believe it is imperative that all incidences of crime, no matter how small or apparently insignificant, should be reported to the police, as it will help in producing the correct statistics and encouraging a better police presence in the village as a result.

Grant Foster
Chairman

Events Group

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Flackwell Heath will be celebrating the start of the Christmas Festivities in style on Saturday 1st December with a Christmas Extravaganza.
From 11a.m. until 7p.m. there will be a quality Craft Fayre in the Community Centre (admission free) with more than 20 stalls filled with Christmas gifts. Seasonal refreshments will be on sale throughout the day; and in the car park outside there will be children’s entertainments.
At 4.45p.m. Father Christmas will be transported down Chapel Road in a Grand Christmas Parade in a traditional Horse Drawn Sleigh and led by the Egham Band to the Christmas tree for the annual Christmas tree switching on ceremony. The Egham Band will accompany the singing of Christmas Carols and the Rev. Christopher Bull, vicar of Christ Church, will be on hand to take charge of the proceedings.
Afterwards Father Christmas will be inside the Community Centre to meet the children.

Don’t miss this opportunity to welcome in the Christmas season in traditional style.

ORPHEUS CHOIR

By popular request the Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir will be giving a concert in support of the Cherry Fayre on Saturday 26th January 2008. Tickets will be available next month.

Another date for your diaries is Sunday 13th July 2008 – the Cherry Fayre 2008. The theme will be “The Wild West comes to town.”

Contact: Mike Scullion: 01628 524187

Police and Traffic Group

Village Traffic Plan
The plan has now been completed and presented to Bucks CC by our County Councillor Mike Appleyard. It was also presented to Chepping Wycombe Parish Council at a recent meeting representatives of the Group had with the Works, Services and Planning committee

Police Issues
At our meeting with Sgt Dick Beard on the 9th Oct the increase in Anti Social Behaviour in the village was discussed. Concerns yet again about the level of policing in the village were raised, in failing to control the anti social behaviour of youths congregating. Sgt Dick Beard announced the imminent set up of the long awaited Neighbourhood Action Group [NAG] for the village. This is supposed to allow local communities to have a say in the policing of their particular area, and more resources would be available from Thames Valley Police. While the actual number of officers will rise including extra PCSO’s, doubts have been raised as the area covered is to include not only Hazlemere, the Chepping Wycombe  area, but also to stretch as far as Hughendon, See the separate report on NAG’s elsewhere in the Grapevine.

Beat Surgeries
The next beat surgeries will be held on Sat 3rd November and Sat 15th December. 11.00am at Christchurch Chapel Road. If you have a problem of Crime, Anti Social Behaviour, Speeding Traffic, etc, please make sure you attend these surgeries to discuss your problem with your Area Beat Officer Rob Page.

 New Bus Routes
A public meeting is being set up by our Bucks County Councillor Mike Appleyard. Date to be announced

Kebab Van.
The van has now ceased trading from the Green Man Car Park

David Onslow
Chairman FHRA Police and Traffic Group
Contact: David Onslow at police-traffic@flackwellheath.net

Please telephone Thames Valley Police on
999 for serious crime
08458 505505 for non-serious crime
In addition please use our PAT Group Helpline No. 07871 825201 to let us know if you have a problem or with the lack of response. All messages left on our Helpline are discussed with our Area Beat Officer Rob Page

Contact the FHRA This will open up a new window

Please note that if you don’t have your own PC, e-mail access is available at the library.

Alternatively, you can write to us care of
Unit 4 Newsagents, Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, Bucks HP10 9BN

Chairman’s message

Although the summer weather never really seemed to happen this year sadly, a good time was still had by all at the Cherry Fayre in July, where for the majority of the afternoon the weather held until the last hour and a half. Still it was heralded as a great success by all and sundry, and is now such an important event for the village. My thanks go to all those who supported the Fayre either by simply attending, or to the many businesses and organizations that are supporting us each year – we really would not be able to continue without you.

Grant Foster
Chairman

Events Group

Firstly, the Cherry Fayre balloon race competition was won by Mr. Paul Randall of High Wycombe. The winning balloon was found on the shores of te Wash in Lincolnshire!! His prize is a 2 day hire of an X3 BMW, courtesy of Sytner High Wycombe. Well done!

The Cherry Fayre charity dinner dance is to be held on 23rd November, 7pm for 7.30 til midnight, at Flackwell Heath Golf Club. There is a 3 course meal and dancing to a live band. Dress is formal and the price is £30 per head. Tickets are available from Ashley Hopkins on 01628 648706 (W) or 01628 850660 (H).

The Grand Christmas Celebration will take place on Saturday 1st December. A quality Craft Fayre will be in the Community Centre from 12 noon, followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights, and carols around the tree, accompanied by the Egham band. Admission is free.

A date for your diaries is Sunday 13th July 2008 – the Cherry Fayre 2008. The theme will be “The Wild West comes to town.”

Contact: Mike Scullion: 01628 524187

Planning and Environment Group

The proposed development of the Magpie pub area is being closely watched by the group. We are awaiting a detailed planning proposal, still forthcoming, from the developers, and will review the situation when this happens.

Contact: Graham Carter: plan_environ@flackwellheath.net

Police and Traffic Group

Village Traffic Plan
The group have now completed its final review of the Village Traffic Plan, having taken into account residents views received during the consultation period. A final version is now being prepared.

PCSO
At the meeting with our ABO Rob Page on the 7th Aug we were introduced to our 2nd PCSO Dayton, who when he has completed his training will bring some extra resource to policing within the area

Anti Social Behaviour
There have been further incidences of Anti social behaviour at our youth leisure facilities, with youths throwing water bombs at cars travelling along Straight Bit and causing them to swerve. Also one unfortunate elderly resident has had her window broken by the same means with stones inside the water bombs
              
Beat Surgeries
Would be held in October and December.

Neighbourhood Action Group
Rob Page offered to speak to Sgt Dick Beard about when the Neighbourhood Action Group would be set up for the area

Proposed New Bus Route
Discussion took place, and it was decided to oppose the proposal for the withdrawal of the bus service down Treadaway Hill, as it would mean that non-car drivers would be unable to get to the surgery in Loudwater. It was agreed to contact the Practice Manager at Cherrymead Surgery.

New Web Pages on F/H Website
Changes to the FHRA pages on the F/H Website have now been completed and are up and running. Our thanks to Brian Moulson of Right Click Designs, and to our member Rob Grange.

Contact: David Onslow at police-traffic@flackwellheath.net

Youth Group

We believe that the new skate facilities on the recreation ground have been a great success, the vast majority of youngsters enjoying them. As ever though, this is sometimes spoilt by the odd few. Please report any abuse of these facilities, as the lack of reporting of crime by residents to Thames Valley Police is still a major concern

Contact: Pam Mannering: 01628 525317 or youth@flackwellheath.net

Please telephone Thames Valley Police on
999 for serious crime
08458 505505 for non-serious crime
In addition please use our PAT Group Helpline No. 07871 825201 to let us know if you have a problem or with the lack of response. All messages left on our Helpline are discussed with our Area Beat Officer Rob Page

Quiz Night – Saturday October 13th

The quiz night sold out 6 weeks before the event and we wish all those who were lucky enough to get tickets an enjoyable evening.  Food and a bottle of wine per table is being provided but please don't forget to bring more drink (hic) and of course a cork screw!  We look forward to announcing the winner next month.

Contact: Craig Lewis on 01628 528550 or email flackwellevents@aol.com

Contact the FHRA This will open up a new window

Please note that if you don’t have your own PC, e-mail access is available at the library.

Alternatively, you can write to us care of
Unit 4 Newsagents, Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, Bucks HP10 9BN

Chairman’s message

By the time everyone will be reading this article the Cherry Fayre will have taken place. My thanks go out to all those people who have been working hard behind the scenes to make this event such a popular one, you know who you are. Two people who need a special mention are Mike Scullion and Terry Darby who have worked tirelessly since, believe it or not, the end of the last Cherry Fayre to ensure the success of  this one. The organizers have already ensured that next year’s Cherry Fayre will NOT coincide with the half Marathon.

Don’t forget that further information regarding our activities can be found on www.flackwellheath.net
 
Finally I would like to publicly thank all those who have recently joined the Association, especially those making extra donations, and the new members who attended the recent Village Traffic Plan Open Day.

Grant Foster
Chairman 01628 522135

Planning and Environment Group

Flackwell Heath Litter Pick

Although the rain deterred a lot of people from turning out for this event the litter pick was still a great success. On Saturday 30th June you may have spotted various people around the village with blue bags and litter grabbers. Many thanks go to all those who ventured out in the rain.

We plan to have more of these events, watch this space for upcoming dates, hopefully in dry weather this time!

Contact: Graham Carter: plan_environ@flackwellheath.net

 Police and Traffic Group

The Group have been concentrating their efforts on the Village Traffic Plan, which will be presented to Bucks County Council in the Autumn.

A very successful Open Day was held on the 23rd June, when residents had the opportunity to view the proposed plan, and discuss it with members of the Police & Traffic Group and the Chairman of the FHRA.  The Committee would like to thank all who took time to visit them at the Community Centre, as well as those who have completed and returned the questionnaires.  Many constructive comments and suggestions have been received, both at the meeting and from the questionnaires, and these will now be collated and analysed in preparation for submission of the final plan.

The Group would welcome more comments on parking problems before the consultation period ends on 31st July.  Questionnaires are available in the Library and Unit 4. At the time of writing there are still more forms coming in all the time.

Contact: David Onslow: police-traffic@flackwellheath.net

 Forthcoming Event:

By the time the 13th October comes, will you remember who won Wimbledon, the name of the latest Harry Potter film, how many Live Earth events there were, who our local Mp is, or how many inches of rain fell during June?! Will the team from the cricket club defeat all again or will Christ Church regain their crown, or will a new team emerge to conquer all? The quiz is open to all, clubs, pubs, schools, family, friends and tickets are available from flackwellevents@aol.com or by phoning Craig Lewis (the quiz master) on 01628 528550. Such is the popularity of this joint event between the Community and Residents’ Associations that a third of the tables are already taken. Tickets are £10 per person and there are 6 in a team. This includes one of Pam Mannering’s famous suppers and a bottle of wine per table. If you can’t make up a 6 let us know and we’ll try to place you on a table, another great way to make friends (provided you answer the questions right!!). The “we’re in the lead” hat and “last place at the moment” wooden spoon will be making a reappearance and there will be spot prizes in between some rounds giving everyone a chance to be a winner. Come along, bring your friends and let’s have another fun packed evening.

Pictures from last year – Baloo from the local cub pack caught flagging, whilst the nonchalant chairman of the FHCA, John Sweetman and team eat the food not the questions!!

Chairman’s message

Our main event this summer will be the Cherry Fayre on Sunday 15th July where all are invited to join in the spirit of the occasion – “Cherry Fayre at the movies” - why not dress as your favourite movie character?  We are particularly looking forward to this event as this year there are more stalls and attractions than before. Please come along with family and friends, and let’s make it a great day.

Grant Foster
Chairman
steeringcommittee@flackwellheath.net

Planning and Environment Group

An informal pre-planning application meeting was held with the potential developers of the Magpie pub who are interested in our views.

We welcome peoples concerns over issues such as:

Volume of development
The amount of parking
The dangers of the road junction
The style of building and landscape

By the time you read this hopefully Flackwell Heath will be a much cleaner place, following the litter pick on Saturday 30th June. Thanks to all who made the effort!

We must admit to having no prior knowledge of the landing of the modern day “tardis” which has mysteriously appeared outside the Post Office. On a more serious note there have been adverse comments about this and we are looking into why it has arrived.

Contact: Graham Carter: plan_environ@flackwellheath.net

Police and Traffic Group

The Village Traffic Plan is on show in the Public Library till the end of July. Comment forms are available to return to our group.

The Parking Survey of residents’ comments is also underway Please keep filling in your comments forms to give us feed back on the Village Traffic Plan and also the Parking Survey

Our Area Beat officer Rob Page attended our last meeting on the 22nd of May, and he was again pressed for a more visible presence in the village. Particularly we have stressed the importance of officers leaving their cars to at least chat with local businesses as this would give their presence much more impact. We have yet to make headway on this but will keep pressing the point in subsequent meetings!

Sgt Dick Beard has also been informed of the disquiet among our group and from residents, of further acts of vandalism, anti social behaviour and another Graffiti attack, this time on Christ Church

Contact: David Onslow: police-traffic@flackwellheath.net

Events Group

Cherry Fayre – Sunday 15th July 2007

We are really looking forward to this event as this year there are more stalls and attractions than ever before - Arena events not hitherto mentioned include Boys’ and Girls’ Football Matches, Tug of War, Morris Dancers, Birds of Prey and  T’ai Chi displays.

If you would like to take part in the Parade, and there may be just time to book your place, call Terry Darby on 01628 523375.
 
Contact: Mike Scullion: 01628 524187

Membership

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding membership of the FHRA.  Many people believe that if you subscribe to the Grapevine you’re a member.  This is NOT the case.  The Grapevine is run by Tim Kendell on behalf of the Flackwell Heath Community Association. Albeit we do run some joint events, such as the Quiz Night.  The FHRA is a completely separate organization with the remit of improving community spirit and life within the village.  Becoming a member is easy, you can download an application form from www.flackwellheath.net , phone 01628 528550 or see our stall at the Cherry Fayre.  We run many events throughout the year; press the Police on various issues and comment on planning applications.  So please help us to continue with our aim of improving life within the village, membership is only £5 per person per year!

The FHRA has brought to the village the Cherry Fayre, The Christmas tree and village lights, events such as the Cabaret night, the Open Gardens afternoon, and the Wycombe Orpheus concerts. Also our work with the local Youth includes discos and new facilities on the recreation ground.

Membership Secretary: Craig Lewis – 01628 528550

Quiz Night – Saturday 13th October 2007

Plans are well under way for the annual quiz night hosted jointly between the Community and Residents’ Associations. The evening will include a light supper and a bottle of wine per table of 6, all for £10 per head. Last year was a complete sell out so make sure you book in plenty of time.  To express your interest please email flackwellevents@aol.com or telephone Craig Lewis, “The Quizmaster” on 01628 528550. Previous winners include a team from Christ Church and the Cricket Club. The quiz is open to all – why not make up a team of friends?

Chairman’s message

Now that summer is here we are really looking forward to the Cherry Fayre on Sunday 15th July – Admission is FREE this year! Also the Residents Association is delighted to announce a new litter initiative – a major litter pick will take place on Saturday 30th June 2007 between 4 – 6pm, starting from the Recreation Ground, Straight Bit.

Also I would like to encourage all readers to look at the new look Flackwell Heath website: www.flackwellheath.net which has just been revamped. If you are not already a member of the Residents Association you can find a new members form that you can download – please join as Flackwell Heath needs you!!

Grant Foster
Chairman 01628 522135

Youth Group

As you may have seen on the Recreation ground the youth facilities are finished!
Luckily we managed to have them in use for the last week of the Easter holidays & they were certainly well used. Do go and watch the skills of all the youngsters, I think you will be amazed at what they manage to do with wheels and some concrete.

The costs are reported elsewhere in the Grapevine and will possibly seem excessive to some, but I can assure you we have been very careful with the money it has taken us so long to raise.

I would like to say thank you on behalf of all the users to those who have supported our funding, they are certainly having fun with all the equipment. (All the kind people who have contributed are also mentioned in the Grapevine)

Planning and Environment Group

Special thanks go to the following youngsters: Sarah Hammond, Martha Southby, Nancy Southby and Jamie Carter, who helped us plant the raised bed on the corner of Chapman Lane and Sedgemoor Road. We will need help during the summer with watering, and also if anyone wants to add annuals or shrubs, please contact us! We hope everyone likes how this is looking - there are some wild grasses and hardy perennial seeds that might come through later. The top was like concrete and we will try to turn in some compost at the end of the season.

Flackwell Heath Litter Pick

We have decided to do a litter pick from 4-6pm on Saturday afternoon, 30th June 2007. Everyone is invited to come and join in!
This will be combined with a hot soapy wash down of the village signs and an assessment of possible locations for planting more Cherry trees – if enough people turn out we will also be asking people to look around the village while they litter pick with a view to canvassing more opinion on the subject of how the village could be improved in terms of street furniture and development planning for the Village Design Statement.

Contact: Graham Carter: plan_environ@flackwellheath.net

 Police and Traffic Group

a] Village Traffic Plan
     The plan as proposed by the Group will be going on display in the Public Library for a two month consultation period from the middle of May to July when residents will be invited to make their comments. The highlights of the proposals are a 20mph speed limit throughout the village and the removal of the speed bumps in Straight Bit. It is proposed also to hold an Open Day after the consultation period is over. It is hoped the plan will be also be able to be viewed shortly on the F/H Website: www.flackwellheath.net

b] Similarly, a Parking Review is being undertaken. Questionnaires will be obtainable during the Village Traffic Plan consultation period from the Public Library, and shortly from various outlets in the village Your answers will assist in the Group’s endeavour to stop illegal parking.

 c] At its last meeting, the Group discussed vandalism, the recent outbreak of graffiti and the shoplifting experienced by local businesses, and Thames Valley Police are to be asked once more for a more visible police presence in the village.

Contact: David Onslow: police-traffic@flackwellheath.net

Events Group

Cherry Fayre 2007

Sunday 15 July - the ‘Cherry Fayre At The Movies’ starts at 12.00 noon with a parade through the Village led by Batman, Robin and their Batmobile with the Egham Band, arriving at the Recreation Ground for the official opening at 12.30pm. Admission is FREE so bring all of your family and friends and have a great day out.   Why not dress up as your favourite movie character and add to the spirit of the event?   Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed girl and boy under 8 years, and between 8 and 12 years, and also for those older…..

If you would like to take part in the Parade, and there is still time to book your place, call Terry Darby on 01628 523375.
 
Contact: Mike Scullion: 01628 524187

These are just some of the exciting things that are happening in the village this year and I am very happy and privileged in being able to join the Executive Committee as Chairman at this time. I would like to thank David Onslow for all he has achieved during the last year, and am now looking forward to the coming year with a full strength Committee.

Grant Foster

Youth Group

At last the new equipment is in use and has been very well received.

To celebrate we are going to have a "grand opening" on Sunday 29th April at 2.30pm.
We would love to see you there as everyone has contributed to this venture. You are invited to come and celebrate with a glass of lemonade!

Click on image for a larger view

Contact: Pam Mannering: 01628 525317 / youth@flackwellheath.net

Planning and Environment Group

Currently the group is discussing flower planting and cherry trees in the village. They have discussed planting cherry trees at each village sign. Please tell us what you think!!

Contact: Graham Carter: plan_environ@flackwellheath.net

Police and Traffic Group

a] The proposed Village Traffic Plan was on display for the first time at the FHRA Annual General Meeting, when attendees were invited to make their comments. The highlights of the proposals are a 20mph speed limit throughout the village. In a consultation exercise, the Group proposes to have the plan available, for residents views and comments on display in the village, the details of which will be announced later. The plan will be also be able to be viewed on the F/H Website flackwellheath.net

b] Similarly, a Parking Review is being undertaken.  Questionnaires were distributed at the AGM and will be obtainable shortly from various outlets in the village. The form can be downloaded from the F/H Website flackwellheath.net. Your answers will assist in the Group’s endeavour to stop illegal parking.

c] Crime Reporting Cards with relevant telephone numbers for reporting crime, have been distributed to the local shops, and will be available shortly for residents from various outlets in the village, who require them.

The lack of reporting of crime by residents to Thames Valley Police is still a major concern
Please telephone Thames Valley Police on
999 for serious crime
08458 505505 for non-serious crime
In addition please use our PAT Group Helpline No. 07871 825201 to let us know if you have a problem or with the lack of response. All messages left on our Helpline are discussed with our Area Beat Officer Rob Page

d] At its bi-monthly meeting with our Area Beat Officer Rob Page, the Group discussed vandalism, the recent outbreak of graffiti and the shoplifting experienced by local shops.

e] The new PCSO responsible for Flackwell Heath is André Edwards.

f] When rolled out by Thames Valley Police, Neighbourhood Action Groups will be assigned to high crime areas first.  It is hoped that the PAT Group will have representatives on this Group.

Contact: David Onslow : police-traffic@flackwellheath.net

Events Group

Cherry Fayre 2007

SUNDAY 15th JULY will be an exciting day for families and friends of Flackwell Heath when Batman and Robin in their Batmobile will lead the Grand Parade from Chapel Road to the Recreation Ground starting at midday, entry is FREE. There will be a full programme with sixty  Stalls including outstanding Craft Stalls, games, food, bar, funfair and a 1000 plus balloon race. A marquee will be available for those who would like to sit and rest awhile and enjoy a cup of tea and a cake.
Application Forms for the few remaining stalls or to enter the Parade are now available from Terry Darby on 01628 523375.
 
Contact: Mike Scullion: 01628 524187

Quiz Night

The annual quiz night hosted jointly between the Community and Residents’ Associations will take place on Saturday October 13th. This will be a superb evening, and will include a light supper and a bottle of wine per table of 6, all for £10 per head.  Demand will be high so make sure you book in plenty of time.  To express your interest please email flackwellevents@aol.com or  telephone Craig Lewis, our Membership Secretary on 01628 528550.