JPC Rejects CCTV Request from Henley Society  The Stratford Herald reported on the unsuccessful attempt by the Henley Society to request the JPC to reconsider its recommendation on the style of CCTV cameras. Philippa Prankard, the Herald's reporter who lives in the town, wrote:
DETERMINED members of the Henley and
Beaudesert Society have pledged to continue their battle to ensure the
“most fitting” style of CCTV camera is installed in the
town, despite parish councillors dismissing their pleas. Six members of the society, which aims
to protect the character of Henley as a small historic town, turned out
to a meeting of Beaudesert and Henley Joint Parish Council on Monday
night. They wished to discuss the parish council’s choice of CCTV
camera after writing a letter to the council in April and receiving no
reply. The letter, which urges the parish
council to change their preferred choice of camera to a second option
society members feel would be more fitting in the town, was read out at
the meeting followed by the question—what do councillors plan to
do about it? Philippa, in her report of the JPC meeting on 16th February when the CCTV cameras were also discussed, wrote: "There was a distinct feeling that the
parish councillors had already made up their minds, leaving the
residents' comments unheeded." The Henley Society's letter to the JPC, which was read out at the meeting, appears below. 
On Friday 6th June the Prime Minister Gordon Brown said at his reshuffle press conference, "
... the next stage of reform in public services, a reform driven by one
central principle that everyone and not a privileged few has a fair
chance to succeed. And this will depend crucially on putting much
greater power in the hands of patients and parents." David
Cameron has also called for "Greater Transparency" in government.
Surely, these principles should also apply to the unelected JPC
councillors who represent us at the lowest tier of local government. The style of camera housing, which is
recommended by the JPC councillors, is similar to the style of camera
used on motorways and outside prisons (see picture above). The Henley
Society is campaigning for cameras similar to those used outside the
Birthplace in Stratford and illustrated in their letter. John Stott, Vice Chairman of the Society, told Henley NEWS On-line,
“Stratford DC has said that the new scheme (whatever it is) will
have to go for planning approval. If the proposed scheme contains the
JPC's choice of camera the planning enquiry is likely to receive
opposing submissions from the Henley and Beaudesert Society and others
interested in conservation of the town's heritage. This could lead to
further delays in the arrival of CCTV and if it does, the cause will be
the failure of the JPC to listen to the wishes of people of Henley." After the meeting he said that he felt that
the Society's arguments had fallen on deaf ears and said the Society
would consider by-passing the Parish Council and going direct to the
District Council with a petition from the people of Henley. With acknowledgement to The Stratford Herald. |
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The Manor of Henley-in-Arden Court Leet and Court Baron  | Court Circular Published by Authority of the High Bailiff | |
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Court Leet Day 6th June, 2009.  Saturday.
What a day! Thor roared and the clouds burst, and the rain it did not
‘Dropeth like the gentle dew from heaven!’ It dropped as
straight as stair rods on the sea of umbrellas gathered at the Guild
Hall.
But what can you do? You have
been on the hot–line to heaven, and asked for a sunny day. You
have been on your knees and prayed for a sunny day. And the answer you
get from the Rev. John Ganjavi, the Court’s Chaplain, is,
‘Well, High Bailiff, you haven’t accumulated enough credit
with God to be blessed with a nice day, you’ve got a rainy
day.’ ‘What, not even on the back of the good works of
Henley W.I and their agreement to run the tea tent?’ No,
you have just to get on with it.’ Yes, Saturday was the day the
Court had chosen to complete its traditional ale, fish and flesh
tasting, butter and bread weighing, brook-looking and the beating of
the manorial bounds.  So,
despite the atrocious weather conditions and no heavenly blessing, the
Court Leet and its guests, which included the Bailiffs and Ale Tasters
of Warwick, Bromsgrove and Alcester, started the day at 10.00am from
Henley Market Cross. The Town Crier, Gordon Trinder, read the High
Bailiff’s proclamation and the procession set off down Beaudesert
Lane to put the brook-lookers, Graham Smith and John Tristram, into the
water at the Beaudesert Bridge. Their task was to walk the River Alne
as far as the Medical Centre Bridge and report their findings. The
Hayward, Jonathan Dovey was also sent on his way up the Mount to survey
the manorial bounds to the north, east, south and west of the town, and
report his findings. The river water was well above normal, and the
path up the Mount tricky, but all officers did their jobs and reported
their findings to the High Bailiff on reaching the Medical Centre
Bridge. At the bridge the final task of the brook-lookers was to
release an armada of yellow plastic ducks into the river for the start
of the Court Leet Charity Duck Race!
It was a most entertaining and
amusing race because as soon as the ducks hit the water the speed of
the current took them off down river at a rate of knots! The winner was
duck number 122 backed by Maggie Moon of Torquil Pottery, Henley.
Second duck across the finishing line was number 273 backed by Fran
Rogers of Bromsgrove Court Leet and the third duck home was number 260
backed by J. English of Henley. 
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The next stop
was Henley High Street and the Henley Ice Cream Café where the
first of the day’s butter and bread weighing and tasting
ceremonies took place. Further weighings and tastings took place at
Somerfield, Henley Bakery and au Petit Village Café. Similar
weighings and tastings for fish and flesh were also conducted at Sea
Spray and Mills Country Butchers. The Court’s elected Master
Weigher and Taster, and District Councillor, Laurence Marshall in
reporting his findings to the High Bailiff found the weight, taste and
quality of wares offered for sale in each of the establishments visited
‘to be of a good standard and of excellent value for money.’ 
Checking the value and standard
of ale offered for sale in the town’s taverns was the
Court’s next task. The Court’s two Master Ale Tasters,
Andrew Gardner and Barry Tulloch, believe this task for them to be the
‘crème de la crème’ of the Court’s
responsibilities. The first tavern visited was The Nags Head, then on
to The Black Swan, The Blue Bell, Matricardi’s, The Three Tuns
and finally The White Swan. The ale tasters were pleased to report that
in each of the establishments visited the ale for sale was ‘of
good measure and excellent to taste.’ Not a poor pint was pulled,
and all was drunk!! 
Alarmed Lucas at The Bluebell as Ale Taster Barry Tullock inspects the Ale. | 
The High Bailiff presents the Court Leet's certificate to Linda at The White Swan |
It was during
the visits to the taverns of the town that members of Henley Amateur
Dramatic Society were to perform their ‘Street Theatre’.
This feature had to be cancelled because of the weather.
Upon the findings of his Court Officers the High Bailiff was pleased to
be able to award each establishment with a ‘Certificate of
Worthiness.’ ‘To record that the said premises had this day
been visited by the Court and the wares on offer tested for quality,
fairness and value for money. That the certificate may be displayed in
the said premise for the period of one year for the comfort of the
townspeople of Henley in Arden.’ 
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The Court Leet Day concluded
with entertainment provided by students of Henley High School for the
Performing Arts under the direction of Head of Department, Matt
McCarthy, when they acted out extracts from Shakespeare’s play
‘A Mid Summer Night’s Dream’ in the nave of St
John’s Church. They were supported in ‘The Dream’
sequence by children from five of the local primary schools. The
primary coordination and choreography was the responsibility of Hayley
Pope, Henley Community Arts Officer. The High Bailiff, Roger Sutton,
thanked his guests from the other Courts for their support, and all who
took part in the day, for their resilience and their dedication in
helping the town’s Court Leet perform its ancient re-enactments
of ale, fish and flesh tasting, butter and bread weighing,
brook-looking and the beating of the bounds. History is alive in
Henley. | Roger Sutton - High Bailiff | Photos by Alan Robson & Bill Leech |
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 Video of Court Leet Day
John Love, Henley NEWS On-line's Chief Photographer, recorded the day's events on video, featuring the Butter Weighing, Fish and Meat Inspection and the Ale Tasting. A great record of the atmosphere of the day. Copies of this video can be obtained direct from John Love. |
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JPC calls for Flood Wardens  In
July 2007, the River Alne broke its banks and areas of the High Street
and the Warwick Road were flooded. Many residents had to be quickly
evacuated from their homes.
The Joint Parish Council is planning a
strategy to help residents whose homes and businesses are at risk and
part of this is to set up a system of Wardens if a flood (or other
emergency) were to be declared. The JPC needs voluteers to help to
distribute sand bags or other emergency supplies. Cllr Chris
Milsom said, "In the event of homes being evacuated you could be asked
to make hot drinks or prepare food at community centres around the
town. Even being able to compile lists and keep records is a useful
skill. Many residents witnessed the awful results to homes and
businesses of the 2007 floods and whilst we cannot guarantee that it
will not happen again, what we can do is ensure we are well prepared." Complete the Volunteer Form below and Henley NEWS On-line will pass your response on to the Parish Clerk, Jenny Walsh. Volunteer Form |
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Modernised Seymour Homes for New Residents
 You
may have noticed the John Clayton builders sign outside the Seymour
Homes which are next to the General Stores in Wootton Wawen. Yes, the
builders have been called in to renovate part of the Homes and bring it
closer to modern day standards.
Seymour Fieldhouse Homes, originally
a property comprising 5 single bedroom units, was built in 1923 by
William John Fieldhouse as a memorial to his son Seymour, to benefit
elderly people of modest means living or born in the civil parishes of
Wootton Wawen, Henley and Ullenhall. An additional property (now called
Seymour House, 2 doors away) was built for the District Nurse. The original 1923 Trust Deed set up stated
how the property was to be administered and who was to benefit. In 1968
a new Trust Instrument was agreed and the property vested in the
official Custodian of Charities and new Trustees appointed. In 1969,
following these changes and financed by the proceeds from the sale of
the Nurses house and other sources, new Trustees arranged the
enlargement and considerable alterations and improvements to the
property. The accommodation was increased to seven modern units (4 bed
sitters and three single bed room properties). The name of the builder at that time was
John Clayton – the same builder being used today. It is also
ironic that John Clayton will change the 2 bed sitters back to a single
unit, similar to its original conception, though now comprising two
bedrooms instead of one. The Trustees believe that bed sitter
properties are less appealing today and that the proposed modernised 2
bed room property will give more space and comfort and be more
attractive to a married couple. At the time of writing new occupants have
not been identified and potential residents of retirement age from the
3 villages mentioned should contact the Trust Clerk, Mrs Sue Stewart,
telephone 01564 794475 for further details. See also the advert on the
Henley Notice Board below. Sue Stewart - Clerk to the Trustees, Seymour Fieldhouse Homes |
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Healthy & Safe Food for our Children  Healthy
eating and the importance of hand washing are being promoted in primary
schools across the District as part of this year's National Food Safety week, 15-21 June 2009.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council and South
Warwickshire Dietetic Service are working in partnership with
Stratford-upon-Avon College Performing Arts’ Department to take
the message of healthy eating and hand washing to primary schools
across the District through Theatre in Education (TIE). So far, 90 students from Stratford-upon-Avon
Performing Arts’ Department have learnt the messages of healthy
eating and food safety and are creating 8 different shows as part of
their Theatre in Education project and work experience. This
opportunity provides a significant contribution towards the college
attaining Grade 1 status in performing arts. As well as hand washing, the plays will
include messages on the importance of 5-a-day and what constitutes a
healthy diet. Performances will be delivered in 47 primary schools
across the District reaching thousands of small hands. Given the rising levels of childhood
obesity, this is a significant project which aims at getting important
information to children and through them to their parents and carers.
Students delivering these messages through performing arts provide good
opportunities for local colleges to give a memorable and tangible
experience for all involved. |
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Warwickshire County Council Election Result 
Henley-in-Arden elected Mike Perry (Conservative) with 2,003 votes or 67.55% of the votes. Mike has asked Henley NEWS On-line to publish the following statement: I would like to take this opportunity
to thank all the people who voted for me in the recent County Council
Elections and especially to my support team who worked tirelessly
to achieve this result. I was delighted to receive 2,003 votes which
was nearly 68% of the total vote - this was very encouraging as I am a
new face in the area and despite the disillusionment at Westminster,
the Conservative vote held up very well as it did throughout the
country. We also now have overall control at the County Council
in Warwickshire, the first time since 1993.
I feel very proud and honoured to represent Henley-in-Arden and I can
assure you I will work very hard on your behalf to repay the confidence
you have shown in me. The other candidates polled: Barrett, Judith Helen
(Green)
Votes: 244 (8.23%)
Brown, Alec George
(Labour)
Votes: 147 (4.96%)
Cook, John Michael (Liberal Democrat) Votes: 571 (19.26%)
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European Parliamentary Elections  Polling took place on 4 June and the votes were counted on 7 June.
The member states of the European Union (EU)
are: Austria, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria,
Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Italy, Romania, Czech Republic,
Latvia, Slovakia, Denmark, Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia, Luxembourg,
Spain, Finland, Malta, Sweden, France, The Netherlands, United Kingdom. There are nine electoral regions in England.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and each is a separate electoral
region. 72 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will be
elected to represent the UK: 59 for England, 6 for Scotland, 4 for
Wales and 3 for Northern Ireland. The West Midlands Region elects 6
MEPs. The results for the West Midland Region were: | | 
with acknowledgement to BBC Election Results |
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Rotary International Convention at NEC  The 100th annual Rotary International Convention will be held at the NEC from 20 to 24 June, with pre-convention events beginning 18 June. Rotary was founded in 1905 and held its first annual convention in 1910. Up to 20,000 Rotary members from nearly 150
countries are expected to attend, injecting at least £20 million
into the local economy. The Rotary International Convention is often
described as a “mini-United Nations” because of its
internationality. Rotary has more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in over 200
countries and geographic regions. Many convention-goers wear
traditional attire from their homelands and share their cultures with
fellow Rotary members from around the world. Four Rotary International presidents have
hailed from England. Birmingham also hosted the 75th Rotary
International Convention in 1984, drawing 22,452 registrants. The host
club, The Rotary Club of Birmingham, was chartered in 1914. |
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| For the most Comprehensive Information
about Henley-in-Arden Visit the Henley-in-Arden Town Website at: This website is sponsored by the TIC and receives no money from public funds | |
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100 Mile Endurance Test by Canoe During the May Bank holiday from Friday 22nd to Tuesday 26th, Warwickshire Clubs for Young People
(WCYP) took part in the National Association of Clubs for Young
People’s most grueling challenge of the year…the 100 Mile
Canoe Test! This event takes place over four days and
challenges young people from affiliated clubs to paddle 100 miles over
the four days. WCYP had young people take up the challenge from The
Bradby Club in Rugby, Coventry Boys’ Club and Riverhouse School
in Henley in Arden. The test took place on the beautiful River Wye
starting from Glasbury and finishing 100 miles later at Monmouth Rowing
Club. 
The 2009 WCYP 100 Mile Canoe Test group ready and raring to go. The Canoe Test is a national event and this
year attracted young people from all over the country with a total of
150 paddlers taking part. The Warwickshire team was made up of young
people ranging from 14 to 16 years old. Graham Norman, WCYP’s Youth
Development Officer, said, “The Test this year was a stand-out
event for me. We had good weather, a fantastic group of young people on
the water who all completed the test and an excellent support crew
without whom we couldn’t have done it.”
For more information on WCYP and the activities they offer, please
contact the County Office on tel: 01926 425191, visit the website at: www.wcyp.org.uk or e-mail: contact@wcyp.org.uk. |
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Microsoft launch BING  With
91% of all Internet searches being carried out by Google, Microsoft has
been attempting to improve its share of this lucrative advertising
market. It first attempted this with its own search engine as part of
MSN. Then it tried to buy Yahoo. Now, it has launched its own new
search engine called BING.
Bing contains several new features not available on Google and is certainly worth a visit. Visit the new search engine BING. The Town Website, This is Henley-in-Arden, is top of the search for 'Henley-in-Arden' on Bing, as it is on Google, Yahoo, Ask and most other search engines. |
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Petrol Prices Forecast to Rise According to similar artcles in both the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail (June 8th), petrol prices are due to rise again and Henley was mentioned as one of the more expensive areas in both articles. The Daily Telegraph wrote: Petrol prices hit their highest point
for almost a year on Sunday as millions of motorists endured soaring
costs at the pumps when filling up their cars. After breaking through
the pound a litre barrier last week prices are now heading for between
£1.10 and £1.15 according to the latest research. But price
tracking specialists say that the highest price was found in west
London where motorists faced a charge of a staggering £1.39 a
litre for unleaded at one service station.
Greedy City speculators, not petrol station bosses, are being blamed
for the latest hefty hikes in pump prices. They are gambling on the
future cost of crude oil rising which is pushing up prices. At its
lowest point in January, petrol was down to 86p per litre and diesel
98p. But fuel prices have been increasing since then, mirroring the
worldwide cost of oil, and broke through the £1 a litre barrier
last week. On Sunday, average petrol prices
reached to £1.00 per litre while diesel cost £1.04
according to comparison website petrolprices.com. But motorway service
stations and garages in rural areas are charging a lot more. At Heston
services on the M4 it was £1.05 a litre, in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, it was £1.10 while in Newcastle upon Tyne it was £1.14 per litre. At Holland Road service station in Kensington, West London, unleaded cost £1.39 a litre and diesel was £1.45 a litre. Last night motorists were warned that
average prices could soon hit £1.10 or £1.15 per litre. RAC
spokesman Adrian Tink said: "We won't see the meteoric price rises of
last summer, but we will see a steady upward trend in the next few
months." Last July petrol was at a record high of £1.20 per
litre while diesel cost £1.33 when oil prices peaked at 147
dollars a barrel. |
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Henley Crime Report
This
crime summary is a look at the crimes of public interest that occurred
in the Henley, Claverdon and Tanworth policing area over the last 14
days. We do not as normal practice include crimes of shoplifting,
bilking, domestic violence or fraud. BURGLARY DWELLING
Between 0730 hours and 0930 hours on 28th May 09 unknown offender/s
approached a property on Arden Road, Henley-in-Arden. They then reached
through an open window and removed a handbag from the windowsill.
Incident 158 of 28th May 09 refers. BURGLARY COMMERCIAL AND OTHER BUILDING
Between 1900 hours on 9th May and 1830 hours on 21st May 09 unknown
offender/s approached a secure shed on Pennyford Lane, Wootton Wawen.
They have then forced entry and removed gardening equipment and a
petrol lawn mower.
Incident 462 of 21st May 09 refers. Between 1600 hours on 20th May and 1100
hours on 22nd May 09 unknown offender/s approached a property on
Earlsmere, Earlswood. They have then forced entry to a shed and removed
a bicycle.
Incident 413 of 22nd May 09 refers. Between 1900 hours on 21st May and 1540
hours on 26th May 09 unknown offender/s approached a property on Penn
Lane, Tanworth-in-Arden. They have then forced entry to a shed and
removed gardening equipment.
Incident 381 of 26th May 09 refers. Overnight between 26th and 27th May 09
unknown offender/s approached premises on Liveridge Hill,
Henley-in-Arden. They have then gained entry to an outside storage
container.
Incident 251 of 27th May 09 refers. CRIMINAL DAMAGE
Prior to 24th May 09 unknown offender/s have forced entry to a property on Hunger Hill, Henley-in-Arden.
Incident 328 of 24th May 09 refers. At approximately 1815 hours on 27th May 09 a
group of youths on Arden Road, Henley-in-Arden were throwing stones and
damaged the windscreen to a vehicle.
Incident 460 of 27th May 09 refers. THEFT
Between 1800 hours on 30th May and 0845 hours on 2nd June 09 unknown
offender/s approached a vehicle in Ullenhall. They then forced entry
and removed items including Sat Nav equipment.
Incident 106 of 2nd June 09 refers.
HENLEY POLICE SURGERY
Henley In Arden Police will be holding a ‘drop in’ facility
at Henley Police Station for you to come and discuss any issues or
problems within the community with your local policing team! June 10th between 1100 hours and 1300 hours
July 1st between 1100 hours and 1300 hours
July 22nd between 1100 hours and 1300 hours CRIMESTOPPERS
If you did have information regarding the displayed incidents, but for
whatever reason do not wish to contact the police directly, then you
can ring 0800 555 111 and give the information to the Crimestoppers
Charity. Crimestoppers will then pass the information to the Police
without revealing any details of the caller. You may also receive a
reward. BE AWARE
If you have any information or have
witnessed the above incidents, please can you contact Alcester Police
on 01789 762207. Thank you. HENLEY, CLAVERDON AND TANWORTH COMMUNITY POLICING TEAM |
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John Garner's Business Column In sickness and in health…….  Apparently
sick leave is estimated to cost the UK economy £100 billion a
year. For small companies the cost of employees taking time off sick
(however genuine) has always been a severe burden.
A recent European Court of Justice ruling
has stated that employees should still accrue paid holiday on the basis
that they were not able to take those days off due to sickness! This
ruling came after the House of Lords
requested clarification over the case of five civil
servants’ rights to long-term sick leave. This reverses the
Court of Appeal’s ruling 4 years ago that found workers
ineligible to claim holiday pay. Remember there is now a legal minimum of 28
days paid holiday per annum to which employees have been entitled since
April this year. So not only do we have to cover employees
who are off sick we have to pay them to take the holidays they would
have had if they hadn’t been sick. This appears to apply also to
bank holidays not taken for the same reason. This means therefore that an employee who is
off sick for a whole year can still take his 28 days paid holiday after
completing his sick leave. The new holiday rules do state, though, that
any unused holiday can only be carried over for one year at the
employer’s discretion so presumably an employer could refuse to
allow this. It would make an interesting test case if challenged. More realistically, imagine an employee
being off sick for 6 months (where his contract provides for his sick
pay to be made up to his full pay for 6 months – not uncommon)
who then wants to take his full holiday entitlement. This means he
could be away from work for a total of 33 weeks in the year, all of
which the employer would have to pay for. A severe blow to businesses
when they are fighting to stay solvent in the current climate. Well done politicians! John Garner - Business Correspondent |
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David Hadley's Column Most Expensive Catastrophes in History
 11. Titanic - $150 Million
The sinking of the Titanic is possibly the most famous accident in the
world. But it doesn’t quite make the list of top 10 most
expensive and is here because of its historical prominence.
TheTitanic was considered to be the most luxurious ocean liner
ever built but on April 15, 1912 it sank on its maiden voyage. Over
1,500 people lost their lives when the ship ran into an iceberg and
sank in freezing waters. The ship cost $7 million to build ($150
million in today's dollars).
 10. Tanker Truck vs Bridge - $358 Million
On August 26, 2004 a car collided with a tanker truck containing 32,000
litres of fuel on the Wiehltal Bridge in Germany. The tanker crashed
through the guardrail and fell 90 feet off the A4 Autobahn resulting in
a huge explosion and fire which destroyed the load-bearing ability of
the bridge. Temporary repairs cost $40 million and the cost to replace
the bridge is estimated at $318 Million.
 9. MetroLink Crash - $500 Million
On September 12, 2008 in what was one of the worst train crashes in
California history, 25 people were killed when a Metrolink commuter
train crashed head-on into a Union Pacific freight train in Los
Angeles. It is thought that the Metrolink train may have run through a
red signal while the conductor was busy text messaging. Wrongful death
lawsuits are expected to cause $500 million in losses for Metrolink.
 8. B-2 Bomber Crash - $1.4 Billion
Here we have our first billion dollar accident (and we're only at no 7
on the list). This B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after taking off
from an airbase in Guam on February 23, 2008. Investigators blamed
distorted data in the flight control computers caused by moisture in
the system. This resulted in the aircraft making a sudden nose-up move
which made the B-2 stall and crash. This was 1 of only 21 ever built
and was the most expensive aviation accident in history. Both pilots
were able to eject to safety.
 7. Exxon Valdez - $2.5 Billion
The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not a large one in relation to the
world’s biggest oil spills, but it was a costly one due to the
remote location of Prince William Sound (accessible only by helicopter
and boat). On March 24, 1989 10.8 million gallons of oil was spilled
when the ship's master, Joseph Hazelwood, left the controls and the
ship crashed into a Reef. The cleanup cost Exxon $2.5 billion.
6. Piper Alpha Oil Rig - $3.4 Billion
 The
world’s worst offshore oil disaster. At one time the rig was the
world's single largest oil producer, spewing out 31,000 barrels of oil
per day. On July 6, 1988 as part of routine maintenance technicians
removed and checked safety valves which were essential in preventing
dangerous build-up of liquid gas. There were 100 identical safety
valves which were checked. Unfortunately, the technicians made a
mistake and forgot to replace one of them. At 10pm that same night, a
technician pressed a start button for the liquid gas pumps and the
world's most expensive oilrig accident was set in motion. Within 2
hours the 300 foot platform was engulfed in flames. It eventually
collapsed, killing 167 workers and resulting in $3.4 billion in
damages.
 5. Challenger Explosion - $5.5 Billion
The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after
takeoff on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to
seal one of the joints allowing pressurised gas to reach the outside.
This in turn caused the external tank to dump its payload of liquid
hydrogen causing a massive explosion. The cost of replacing the Space
Shuttle was $2 billion in 1986 ($4.5 billion in today's dollars). The
cost of investigation, problem correction and replacement of lost
equipment cost $450 million from 1986-1987 ($1 Billion in today's
dollars).
4. Prestige Oil Spill - $12 Billion
 On
November 13, 2002 the Prestige oil tanker was carrying 77,000 tons of
heavy fuel oil when one of its twelve tanks burst during a storm off
Galicia, Spain. Fearing that the ship would sink the captain called for
help from Spanish rescue workers, expecting them to take the ship into
harbour. However, pressure from local authorities forced the captain to
steer the ship away from the coast. The captain tried to get help from
the French and Portuguese authorities but they too ordered the ship
away from their shores. The storm eventually took its toll on the ship
resulting in the tanker splitting in half and releasing 20 million
gallons oil into the sea. According to a report by the Pontevedra
Economist Board, the total clean up cost $12 billion.
 3. Space Shuttle Columbia - $13 Billion
The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space-worthy shuttle in NASA's
orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February
1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the wings during launch 16
days earlier. The original cost of the shuttle was $2 Billion in 1978.
That comes out to $6.3 Billion in today's dollars. $500 million was
spent on the investigation making it the costliest aircraft accident
investigation in history. The search and recovery of debris cost $300
million. In the end the total cost of the accident (not including
replacement of the shuttle) came out to $13 Billion according to the
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
2. Chernobyl - $200 Billion
 On
April 26, 1986 the world witnessed the costliest accident in history.
The Chernobyl disaster has been called the biggest socio-economic
catastrophe in peacetime history. 50% of the area of Ukraine is in some
way contaminated. Over 200,000 people had to be evacuated and resettled
while 1.7 million people were directly affected by the disaster. The
death toll attributed to Chernobyl, including people who died from
cancer years later, is estimated at 125,000. The total costs including
clean up, resettlement and compensation to victims has been estimated
to be roughly $200 billion. The cost of a new steel shelter for the
Chernobyl nuclear plant will cost $2 billion alone. The accident was
officially attributed to power plant operators who violated plant
procedures and were ignorant of the safety requirements needed.
 1. Gordon Brown - £300 Billion since he came to power
Since he came to power Gordon Brown has spent £300 billion (c.
$450 billion) with soaring public spending mainly wasted on wage rises
and non-jobs, together with propping up the banks in the ailing economy
which he also presided over as Chancellor. He also managed to sell the
bulk of the UK’s gold reserves at the bottom of the market.
David Hadley |
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To Read Previous Editions Back to 29th October 2004 Click Here |
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Make Henley Greener
Save Money - Help Save the Planet More about miles per gallon
Several people have mentioned that they
found last week’s article about the effect of speed on fuel
consumption surprising and interesting so here’s some more about
maximising miles per gallon. The graph on the right (from What Car)
shows that higher gears give more miles per gallon. In the example
shown the difference between 5th and 6th gear is about 4 MPG more or
about 1p per mile saved. That might not sound much but it’s 8%
saving. In reality rather less because we don’t normally drive
for long periods in low gears. Not all cars are happy in top at 40 mph
but the sooner you can get into top the better. The following also help to maximise miles per gallon: - - Switch off the engine if you're stopped
in traffic or at traffic lights. Watching the vehicles in the queue
ahead or looking at the lights will with a little practice enable you
to judge when to restart the engine.
- Keep windows and sunroofs shut
especially above 40 miles per hour. At high speeds most of the fuel
burned is used in overcoming wind resistance. Car designers have
devoted considerable effort to shaping cars to minimise wind
resistance. The turbulence caused by open windows and roofs upsets this
streamlined flow and causes more drag which requires more fuel burn to
overcome. Similarly, always remove roof racks and bike racks when not
needed.
- Make sure your tyres are at the right
pressure. If you feel your tyres after driving at 50 or 60 miles per
hour for a while, you will discover that they are warm. This heat came
from the work done by the fuel burned in the engine to overcome the
rolling resistance of the tyres. The extra flexing in the walls and
tread of under-inflated tyres consumes more energy and increases fuel
bills. In extreme cases of under inflation the heat damages the tyre
and it has to be replaced. Running under inflated also causes
additional tyre wear and shortens the life of the tyre. With many
modern tyres the pressure can get quite low before the tyre looks under
inflated so regular checks with a pressure gauge are really the only
way to tell if pressures are correct.
- Minimise the use all electrical
equipment. Rear demisters, ventilation fans, lights and any other
electrical equipment draw power from the alternator driven by the
engine. If you want to check this out listen whilst on steady tickover
for the change in sound from the engine as you switch on the demister
or headlights. This change is the extra fuel burn needed to supply the
extra electrical power.
- Minimise use of air conditioning. This
is also driven off the engine. Frequent use of air conditioning can
increase fuel consumption by about 10%.
- Lose some weight; the engine will not
have to work so hard and will use less fuel. Empty your car of anything
that you don't need to carry around all the time. This is particularly
important if you do a lot of stop-start driving.
- Modern engines don’t need to be warmed up before you start driving, so get in and drive off straightaway.
- Watch the road well ahead so that braking, especially heavy braking, is minimised. Much of the design of brakes on cars is
 concerned
with ensuring that they can dissipate the heat generated by braking.
Many cars have ventilated discs to help keep them cool. The heat
dissipated in the bakes comes originally from the fuel burned in the
engine. So, a driving style where the need to slow down is spotted
early and done only by lifting off the accelerator will save fuel.
Leaving a bigger gap to the vehicle in front definitely helps with this
and gives added safety.
For those who missed last week’s item,
here’s the graph showing the results of tests specially
commissioned by What Car on five cars. In top gear, the faster the car
goes, the less the miles per gallon. Dropping speed from 90 mph to 70
mph saves about £1 every eight minutes! John Stott - Make Henley Greener |
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Stratford District Council | |  Laurence Marshall |  Stephen Thirlwell |
Food for Thought
Everybody’s no doubt aware that a new recycling service started in August 2008. In addition to the previous ‘black
box’ items and in response to requests from you the customers,
cardboard and plastic bottles were added to our recycling list. But we
haven’t stopped there: as from April 2009 residents have also had
the opportunity to recycle their kitchen waste by adding this to their
green garden waste. This has had a positive impact on our recycling
rates and, although it’s early days yet, our provisional figure
for the month of April is 63% against the best performing Council in
2007-8 (the most recent National result available to date) of 51%. Could Stratford District Council be the best in the country? Not without you! Note - When setting about this ambitious
target we had concerns about food waste and therefore promised you a
mechanism for disposing of kitchen waste on a weekly basis. For the
vast majority of residents the solution is simple - one week it can go
with your household waste and the next week with your garden waste. Some residents, such as those on Henley High
Street, have slightly different arrangements as they are still using
bin bags because they have no space for the plastic bins; in these
instances you can still have your food waste collected weekly by using
a green bag on alternate weeks. Please contact 01789 260925 for more
details or if you are experiencing difficulties with your collection.
Laurence Marshall |
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| The Henley-in-Arden Notice Board | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Henley Diary Dates Articles and news stories for Henley NEWS on-line should be sent to the editor@henleynews.co.uk at any time. Future diary dates should be notified to Diane Bayley at 6 Nightingale Close, Great Alne, B49 6PE. Email: henleyparishnews@btinternet.com | “WHOSE WIFE IS IT ANYWAY”
– a musical farce by Concensus, a group of local actors. Friday
12th June 7.30 pm at the Memorial Hall. Tickets £10 at the door.
Tel.795219. HENLEY WILDLIFE SOCIETY
On Tuesday 16th June we have our first outdoor meeting. Please come to
the Market Cross at 6.30 pm and telephone David Evason or Bob Riley if
you need transport. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WEEK
15th – 21st June. Please be extra aware. Anyone interested in
becoming a coordinator for Henley contact Annette Walker on 792837.
Next meeting 21st May, Henley Police Station. CHURCH FETE
Saturday 20th June. This
year it’s bigger, better and much more fun for all the family,
starting at 11.00 am – 3.30 pm. All the usual favourites such as
toys and games, tombola, cakes, plants, produce plus even more
including BBQ, good as new clothes, glass and china, bottle stall, etc.
Admission by lucky programme. HENLEY & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH
LEGION & HENLEY EX SERVICES SOCIAL FUND
Holding a coffee
morning and cake stall in the Guild Hall on Saturday 27th June to
celebrate Armed Forces Day. All proceeds will go towards the new
Memorial to be erected in St John’s Church. CANOLDIR MALE VOICE CHOIR
On Saturday
27th June at 7.30 pm. Tickets £10 (£3 under 16) available
as above. Proceeds in aid of Church Charities and St Nicholas Organ Fund
– a church with many associations by people of Henley and beyond. G & S IN TANWORTH – “PATIENCE”
17th and 18th July at 8.00 pm. Tickets will be on sale in The Bell on
Monday 29th June 10-12 noon, £9.50 includes the programme. For
ticket availability after 29th June call Judith Allen 01527 550499.
Other enquiries to Wendy Dillon on 742464. JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
Saturday 18th July in the Guild Hall Garden. The Ad Hoc Jazz Band,
dancing, picnics, strawberries and fizz. Details from either Duncan or
Marijana Bainbridge on 793539 day or 794987 evening. In aid of Memorial
Hall Funds. STRAWBERRY TEA on Thursday 23rd July
at Alne House, Beaudesert Lane from 2.00 to 4.30 pm. Tickets £5
to include strawberries and cream, homemade cake and tea or coffee.
Tickets from the members of the Church Fellowship Group. PETER PAN
HADS, with the kind permission of Great Ormond Street Children’s
Hospital, are to perform Peter Pan, “A Fantasy in Five
Acts”, based on the children’s book by May Byron and
adapted for an outdoor arena by the writer. From Wednesday the 19th to
Saturday the 22nd of August 2009 in the Guild Hall garden. GALA DINNER
Celebrating 100 years of the Memorial Hall on Saturday 24th October.
Details from either Duncan or Marijana Bainbridge on 793539 day or
794987 evening.
BONFIRE NIGHT
Saturday 7th November - 1st Henley and Wootton Scouts Annual Bonfire Night at The Scout Hut, Henley Sports and Social Ground. | | Details of all the local cinemas, theatres and exhibitions can be found on The Henley Town Website www.Henley-in-Arden.org | | HENLEY IN ARDEN TENNIS CLUB
Open to members
(juniors and adults) of any standard. Full time coach. 7 courts open
throughout the year mean that there is always a court available. No
need to book. Club and American Tournaments held during summer months.
League matches summer and winter. For details of
membership please contact Judith Mathias 01564 792378 | HENLEY-IN-ARDEN EVERGREEN CLUB.  Meetings
are held on the first Wednesday of the month in the Parish Hall, Beaudesert Lane at 2.15pm. The Club has around 80 members and
organises a varied programme together with various outings. If you are interested in joining please contact Gordon Trinder. | | HENLEY-IN-ARDEN FLOWER CLUB
Are you interested in gardening and flowers or just spending a pleasant
evening watching a demonstrator arrange foliage and flowers? We meet on
the second Tuesday each month at 7.30pm in The Memorial Hall, Station
Road, Henley-in-Arden so why not come along and see for yourself?
Visitors are always welcome £3.00. You do not have to be an
active flower arranger to enjoy watching our demonstrators but if you
do feel you would like to 'have a go' we hold occasional workshops. For
further information contact Secretary - Annette Walker - 01564 792837 | | HENLEY BADMINTON CLUB
Welcomes players who may be interested in joining the club. Club nights
are Friday and Sunday from 8.00pm in the Memorial Hall. Further
details: Chairman 793320. Visitors welcome (£2). | | HENLEY CRICKET CLUB
Henley Cricket Club fields two teams
in the Cotswold Hills League on a Saturday and two teams in friendly
fixtures on Sundays from mid-April to mid-September. We are always on
the lookout for new players, irrespective of age or ability. Anyone
interested in joining our club should contact Kevin O'Brien on 01564
794903. |  HENLEY-in-ARDEN BOWLS CLUB
meets on Monday evenings from April
to September at 6.30pm and plays until it is dark. The club is situated
next to the Tennis Courts at the Sports and Social club ground on the
A3400 just outside Henley. The Club welcomes new members, whether
beginners or established players. For further information
contact John Townson 01564 792407. | | JOLLYTOTS
Jollytots meet every Tuesday morning during term time between 10am and
11.45am in the Church Hall on Beaudesert Lane, Henley. It is open
for all under 4 year olds and costs only £1.50 which includes a
drink and a biscuit. There are toys, games, arts and crafts and
singing. Any questions please ring Rachel on 01564 794470. |  NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHThere are still vacancies in some areas of Henley-in-Arden for
Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators. If you are aware that your area is
not covered or you are willing to be a coordinator, please contact
Annette Walker on 792837 |  THE
WARWICKSHIRE BUSINESS CLUB
Holds its monthly lunchtime
meeting on the third Thursday of each month from 11.30am to 2.15pm at
the Henley Golf Club. There is a one hour networking session followed
by a quality lunch and an informative speaker on a business topic. Full
details at www.swbc.co.uk | | WOOTTON WAWEN FOOTPATHS GROUP
Meets the last Sunday of the
month at Wootton Wawen village hall at 2.15pm for a conducted walk of
about 5 miles over the local and surrounding area footpaths. The Group
welcomes all walkers. There is no subscription. More details from
Denis Keyte on 01564 792872. |  THE PROBUS CLUB OF BEAUDESERTMeetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Membership
consists of retired professional and business men residing in the
vicinity of Henley. Visitors are most welcome and for further details
please contact the secretary Andrew Yarwood on 794079. | | DE MONTFORT LODGE OF FREEMASONS
De Montfort Lodge is the only freemasons’ lodge meeting in
Henley. It was established in the town in 1930 and holds meetings in
the Guild Hall. Anyone interested in freemasonry should contact John
Pollard on 0121 704 5140 for further details. | | WRVS LUNCH CLUB
The WRVS organise a lunch club for the elderly of the district at Dell
Court every Tuesday at 12.30 pm at a cost of £3.10. For further
details contact Christine on 01789 209210. |  HENLEY-in-ARDEN BRIDGE CLUB
Plays Duplicate Bridge of
intermediate standard on Tuesday evenings at the the White Swan Hotel
and usually finds time for a tipple, which may or may not improve our
play!! Play commences at 7.15 promptly. There are normally 5 - 8
tables and the club does not issue master points. For further information please contact the Secretary - Christine Whitehouse on 01564 792993. |  HENLEY FOCUSEach month the Henley Focus contains plenty for everyone with local
business advertisements, reviews and community information. The Henley
Focus could be helping you to promote your business or service to local
people at affordable prices and also offers a range of design services
at very reasonable rates. The publication is very happy to promote
community and charity events free of charge. Please call Karen on 01564 774748 or email karen@henleyfocus.co.uk for more information. | | Details about tourist attractions and neighbouring villages can be found on The Henley Town Website www.Henley-in-Arden.org |
From our own Correspondents Henley NEWS on-line is looking for additional correspondents to send in stories and pictures. Why
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