250th Edition of Henley NEWS Online

It was about 6 years ago that the first editions of Henley NEWS Online began to circulate. The very early editions were not saved and on the right is the edition of 29th October 2004, which is earliest edition still available in our archive.

In that edition, there was a report about the JPC trying to impose censorship on HNOL. 100% of the readers voted in an electronic poll against the JPC censorship. Today the "ruling group" of parish councillors would still like to suppress this publication and the latest attempt by one of their supporters, Miss V Johnston, failed this week. It is reported on in the JPC Watch column below.

Our readership has now grown to around 3,000 for each edition and we have won several awards over the years. Today we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of regular correspondents and photographers who record the events of the Town for our fortnightly editions and some for Henley Life on the Town Website.

We hope you will continue to enjoy each edition and my thanks to all readers, correspondents and photographers for your support.

Bill Leech - Editor

'Land Girls' returns to record 2nd Series

Set against the backdrop of war-weary Forties Britain, Land Girls is set on the Hoxley Estate as the girls balance their working lives at the run-down Pasture Farm, and the opulent Hoxley Manor.

In the first series, Nancy, Joyce, Bea and Annie had all joined the Women’s Land Army for very different reasons but they all had one common goal – to serve their country and help win the war.

The drama follows the women as they try to live out their lives in very challenging circumstances, with lots of laughter and tears along the way.

Henley NEWS Online has been told that the cast and crew will return in July to start shooting a second series around Henley.

The cast and crew will be eating this time at the Black Swan which is now managed by Linda and Ian who looked after them during the shooting of the first series at the White Swan.

Jazz in the Garden

This year's JAZZ IN THE GARDEN takes place on Saturday 17th July in the Guild Hall Garden and is as usual organised by Marijana and Duncan Bainbridge. It is sponsored by Lodders Solicitors and John Earle Estate Agents. This year Henley NEWS Online will sponsor the fireworks.

Marijana has told Henley NEWS Online that there are still plenty of tickets available and to contact her on 795149 to make a reservation.

St John’s Church Summer Fete

At 11.00am the Town Crier, Gordon Trinder, officially declared the fete open and requested that the visitors spend lots of money.

On one of the hottest days so far this year nearly 400 people came and did as Gordon had asked. They enjoyed tea and home-made cakes, tried their luck on the various games outside, had a fabulously cooked BBQ lunch and bought plants, bric a brac, gifts, pictures, won bottles and other prizes on the tombola and much much more.

The highlight of the day was the famous Duck Race on the River Alne, with 1,000 ducks floating down in very little water towards the finishing line in Beaudesert Lane. It was a very close finish and the first duck home won £50 for its sponsor, Brian Jackson.

Thanks must go to One Stop, Somerfield, Dudley Taylor Pharmacy, R S Mills Butcher and Dukes Stationers for their generous donations of raffle prizes. Henley Ice Cream Parlour kindly provided the ice creams to sell at the fete.

The fete raised almost £3,000 for church funds, which was a fantastic result.

A key to this success was the effort put in by all the helpers and stallholders under almost sauna conditions!

Barbara Colclough reporting

Success in the Henley Tennis Club Championships

To coincide with the start of Wimbledon, Henley Tennis Club held their own Junior and Senior club championships which were a huge success.

The Junior championships were held for all mini tennis age groups and a 12 and under age group. The weather was perfect and some fantastic tennis was watched by all the supporters. The mini red tournament's runner up was Louis Walsh whilst winning both the mini red and the mini orange was Alex Evans with the runner up Alex Didlick. The mini green championships saw a fabulous final fought out between Maya Sargeant and Max Beishon with Max clinching the win after some gruelling rallies and points.

The 12 and under tournament had 12 entries with the final consisting of Ethan Treacy and Oliver Richardson. The match went to the wire with numerous deuces occurring on both serves; however, Oliver Richardson reigned supreme adding to his mini green title that he won last year.

On the hottest day of the year so far Henley held their senior championships finals day and play tennis open day. A fantastic turnout of spectators enjoyed the tennis and a lunch provided by many willing volunteers and served with a smile by Chris Lardner.

The Henley Carpets mens singles final saw Ben Summers clinch a victory in a championship tie break against John Turner. At the same time Jane Palmer beat Sarah Rowen in the Henley Carpets ladies singles final despite the rising temperature.

The Hockley Building services ladies doubles final was won in a championship tie break by Linda Lardner and Paula Holmes coming through strongly after being a set down against Lucy Webster and Sarah Hancocks. The Hockley Building Services mens doubles was won by Neil Supperstone and Milan Mazic after beating Max Retallack and Jake Rowen in a well contested match.

The Tennis Rooms mixed doubles final saw Ben Summers and Sharon Smith take on John Turner and Caroline Daw in a closely fought match with Ben and Sharon winning in a championship tie break for Ben Summers to claim two of the three final victories.

The mixed doubles plate saw some really good tennis being played and good rallies with Jake Rowen and Juliet Mason-Jones claiming the victory over Farrell Treacy and Annette Walker. All in all a fantastic day was held at the tennis club with a real sense of community being shown throughout. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this possible especially the tournament organiser Mike Holland. If you are interested in joining the tennis club please contact Judith Matthias on 01564 792378.

Lucy Webster reporting

Contempt or Confused ?

re: LOST VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Dear Editor,

I am concerned at the failure of the Council to respond positively to the vote of “No Confidence” registered at the Parish Refendum in the last week of May. Their failure to take this vote seriously at Monday's JPC meeting was embarrassing to say the least. Is it they hold the electors in total contempt or is it that they are confused and don't know what to do?

Their attitude that nothing could done because none of the councillors knew who the voters were, seems to me to be ridiculous and inept. To say that the solution was for the 117 voters, or if you extrapolate the numbers the 921 voters of the parish, to turn up at their monthly surgery with their criticisms is a joke.

What more does the JPC need to know other than they LOST A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE?

I would suggest the JPC put together their proposals on how they will restore confidence in the Council and communicate this via the public notice boards, Henley News Online and a public meeting.

If they do nothing we will all know it is because they hold the electors in total contempt; or is it that they simply don't know what to do?.

Either way, we deserve better.

Malcolm Coulter.
High Street, Henley-in-Arden,

An Art Session Taking Place In The Youth Centre

During the summer break the Youth and Community Centre in Henley known as “The Hub” is to undergo a substantial refurbishment. This has been funded by a partnership with the Early Years Team for our area.

The following proposals were agreed subject to confirmation that the design of the equipment used and the redecoration would be sturdy and durable enough to be placed in a Youth Centre:

The project will install a buggy shelter with bar for securing buggies. This looks like a small bus shelter and would double for a small bike shed. In the wheelchair users’ toilet a baby changing facility would be installed. The kitchen will be transformed with new work surfaces, sinks and taps, water heater and dishwasher, new floor and redecoration. The main room, refreshment area and pool room will have new flooring and carpet enhanced by new furniture. There will be brand new toilets and new flooring in the entrance hall.

The work will to take place starting from July 19th and last about 4 weeks. This will not affect the groups that meet there including The Mother and Baby Group, Henmen, Stratford College Computer Course, Chill Out and Youth Club meetings. This is a great step forward for the centre which is becoming one of the busiest community buildings in South Warwickshire. The centre is also available for private bookings particularly at the weekend. It is an excellent venue for a children’s party having been designed with young people in mind. Contact (01564) 794042 or Peter Crathorne on 795470 for more details.

Peter Crathorne reporting

Heritage Centre to unlock mysteries of the past!

Henley in Arden's Heritage Centre, which is located on the town's High Street, is to unlock some of the mysteries of the past with a series of "Saturday Specials" dealing with different aspects of the town's fascinating history. The talks will be light hearted and have been organised in response to requests by local residents and visitors from further afield who contact the centre seeking to find out more about the history of a medieval town.
 
Ray Holding who runs the Centre said, "Since the centre opened 13 years ago we have been surprised by the number of people who have approached us seeking general and specific information. This has ranged from broad based historical information to simply tracing the origins of an Urn that has stood in a Barn for years, to tracking down relatives that once lived in the town. Requests have come in from all over the UK as well as from Europe, America and Australia. We do hold extensive and fascinating records on every aspect of the town  which are freely available to visitors and you don't have to be computer literate to access them. It was this interest that encouraged us to run this series of special days in order that we could deal with some subjects in detail."
 
The "Saturday Specials" start on 24th July with a look at the 1000 year history of the Lords of the Manor of Henley, followed on 7th August by the story of the town's involvement in the Battle of Evesham. 21st August sees an amusing and entertaining  look at the Centre's archives and finally 28th August will focus on Henley's involvement in the second World War.
 
Each event starts at 2.30pm and entrance is free.

Rob Kingscott reporting

Star From West End Hit To Visit High School

Back to Broadway Musical Theatre Schools will be rehearsing the hit musical Hairspray this summer at Henley-in-Arden High School from 9th -13th August and are pleased to announce that either Keisha Atwell or Zara Warren, stars of Hairspray, will be making a guest appearance during the week.

Keisha played the part of Pearl, one of the Dynamites, in the smash hit musical. She also has a string of West End credits to her name, following intensive training at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts School.

As well as appearing in Hairspray, Keisha has performed in Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Follies, The Genius of Ray Charles and has toured the UK In Annie Get Your Gun, Saturday Night Fever and The Wedding Singer.

Zara played the part of Penny in Hairspray and is currently appearing in Jersey Boys in the West End. She also has many theatre credits to her name including the UK tour of Beauty and the Beast, so they will have some great stories to tell and are looking forward to joining in the rehearsals!

The summer school students will perform their version of Hairspray to family and friends at the end of the week. This will be in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

It will be an amazing experience for our young performers, aged 8-14years, to sing and dance alongside a current West End musical theatre performer. There are a few remaining places available, so for further details contact 01297 553602 or apply online at www.backtobroadwayschools.co.uk

700 Km Race in the Outer Hebrides

Between July 4th and 9th 2010 two friends and myself, James Hamilton, will be adventure racing up to 700km over the wildest parts of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Physically and logistically there are plenty of mountains to climb. Eighteen months of training incorporated hill running, road and mountain biking and sea swimming all over the country.

The reason for this Scottish foolhardiness is to help fund the progression of clinical trials to repair damaged spinal tissue and restore quality of life.

Trust PA is a charity striving to make spinal injury treatable rather than a precursor to a lifetime of dependence or palliative care. The charity was established in 2002 in memory of my close friend Paul-Andre (PA) Blundell who sadly died from complications of a spinal cord injury sustained whilst playing rugby, aged 26.

PA’s exceptional drive and endurance whilst alive has motivated and inspired me to support his charity following his death.

Spinal injury is an ever present threat in all walks of life. With help from Trust PA there is a real possibility that spinal patients could regain their independence. Please look at www.justgiving.com/JamesHamilton10 for photos of us in action and for more information on our cause.

James Hamilton reporting

England Flags under Attack

The yobs seemed to have been very busy, not only have they uprooted trees etc but they also stole my beloved flag (ENGLAND OF COURSE) from the flat roof of the Henley Ice Cream Parlour.  4 hoodies are recorded on CCTV at 4 am pulling and tugging the flag from the roof and also pulling down the watering system for my hanging baskets.  They were monitored arriving from the Stratford end, standing on our bench and appeared to be trying to pull the roof down as well as the flag.
 
We try very hard to join in with the atmosphere of what’s going on in the world and especially in Henley.  It’s the summer, we are very busy and this is so frustrating. If anyone has any information about these yobs, perhaps you could contact us at the Ice Cream Parlour or call 01564 795172.

Cindy Brittan

Henley-in-Arden Property Gazette.co.uk

A pleasant journey either Standard Class or Premier Dining - Fares from £17.50

50 miles of main line steam travel - Trains may travel at up to 75 mph (dependent upon locomotive used)

Choice of Starting Station: Birmingham Snow Hill - Birmingham Moor Street - Tyseley
Henley-in-Arden - Stratford-upon-Avon

SERVICE INFORMATION

Shakespeare Hospice Events

Saturday 10 July 2010 - The Shakespeare Hospice Family Fete; 1pm-4pm at the Hospice, Church Lane, Shottery. Food and craft stalls, games, birds of prey, fire engine, fancy dress competition, pat a pony, plants, cash raffle, live entertainment and refreshments. Plus a big marquee in case it rains! For more information visit www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk
 
Saturday 17 July 2010 – The Shakespeare Hospice 10,000m Swim Relay Challenge; 5pm, Stratford Leisure Centre, Bridgefoot, Stratford. Open to teams of 10, this 10,000m challenge promises to be full of competitive fun again this year. To enter a team or find out more please call Amanda or Richard on 01789 266852.
 
Sunday 22 August 2010 – The Great Shakespeare Ride; 3 cycle routes to choose from starting at Stratford Manor Hotel – a 100 mile sportive, a 100km challenge ride and a 20 mile leisure ride. For full details please visit;
www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk/thegreatshakespeareride or call Carole on 01789 266852
 
Thursday 26 August 2010 – Food and Craft Fayre; Chipping Campden Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Come and browse a wonderful array of food and craft stalls at this popular event in the heart of the Cotswolds. Contact Linda or Deb on 01789 266852 for more information.
 
Thursday 26 August 2010 – Learn to Dance in an evening; Waltz and Foxtrot; Chipping Campden Town Hall, 8pm, £5.00 per head. Partners not essential! A fun night for beginners to learn the waltz and the foxtrot. For more details please call Linda or Deb on 01789 266852.
 
Thank you for your very kind support.

Deborah Jones
Fundraising Assistant
The Shakespeare Hospice

Australian Seeks Help

I am seeking assistance in the matter of James family circa late 18th - early 19th Century in Lancashire. I have been attempting to contact Miles Macnair, without success, hoping he may be able to assist in tracing some ancestral links.
 
We have found reference to the Marriage of Frederick William James (Senior) and Elizabeth Baldwin in Manchester Cathedral on 22nd January 1804. The 1841 Census Shows Frederick William James and Family at Leach Hall in Sutton.

Maybe there are some people in Henley in Arden who have information that could help.
 
Mike O’Brien JP
WARWICK WA  6024

The editor will pass on any information.

Ford Direct from Jacksons Ford

Ford Direct is the safe and easy way to buy a nearly new Ford. To give you complete peace of mind all Ford Direct cars are prepared to stringent Ford safety and quality standards as well as being inspected and approved by the RAC. Every vehicle comes with a two year unlimited mileage warranty and two years’ Ford Assistance roadside recovery.

Your local Ford Direct dealer is Jacksons Ford of Henley-in-Arden which specialises in ex-Ford Management cars with high spec options (for example DVD Navigation systems, Multimedia DVD Systems, leather interiors, RS Styling kits etc) as well as low mileage standard vehicles.

Jacksons Ford are your local Ford Dealership – family owned and managed and in Henley since 1973. In addition to Ford Direct they can sell any new Ford model as well as a range of their own secondhand Ford cars – all of which come from their own customers. Jacksonford also have full, Ford approved, service facilities in their new purpose-built workshop so they are able to keep your car in tip top condition.

With Ford Direct you can buy safe in the knowledge that your car:

• complies with its original new Ford specification, spare keys and service pack
• has a full service history as recommended in the Ford Service Plan
• Every Ford Direct car also comes with a 7 Day Free Introduction to car insurance from Ford Insure.

Arrange your free introduction with one simple phone call and the cover will start from the moment you pick up your car.

So if you are looking for a nearly new Galaxy, Kuga, DS-Max, Mondeo, C-Max, Fusion, Focus, Fiesta or Ka, pick up the phone to Chris Watson at Jacksons Ford (01564 793050) or (if you prefer) you can search direct on www.forddirectuk.co.uk and see what is available.

Josh Treacy goes to Wimbledon

Henley in Arden Tennis Club is delighted to hear that Joshua Treacy, one of the club's young tennis leaders, has won the opportunity to attend the first week of Wimbledon Championships.

Josh, who is 17 years old, was short listed at the prestigious WLTA awards last January as a young tennis leader for his amazing contribution to the sport by donating more than 100 hours of voluntary service to the club. The club was happy to put his name forward for one of the coveted places which the LTA has set up at the All England Championships. During the first week he will helping to run the Play Tennis Zone (an area where people can play fun tennis games such as target practice) and meeting tennis stars who visit the area.

His accommodation will be provided at Roehampton University and hopefully he will be able to visit the National Tennis Centre which is also in Roehampton.

Henley Tennis Club holds regular Tennis Leaders' courses for any interested young people over the age of 13.  To find out more contact Neil Supperstone on 07912664426. They are also holding the finals of their annual club tournament next Sunday 27 June from 2pm and open their courts to everyone on that day, from 12 midday, who may be interested in playing tennis and meeting club members; refreshments will be served.

Lucy Webster reporting

John Garner's Business Column

Our 250th!

While researching for this business column I frequently come across anecdotes that are business related but in themselves wouldn’t make an article. So, as this is a rather special edition of HNOL, it seems like a good time to string them together and try and persuade you that this is really a business column.

So, relating to accountants:

To the optimist, the glass is half full.
To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.
To the accountant, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

What’s the definition of an accountant?
Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand

What’s the definition of a good tax accountant?
Someone who has a loophole named after him.

What’s an auditor?
Someone who arrives after the battle and bayonets all the wounded.

Why did the auditor cross the road?
Because he looked in the file and that’s what they did last year.

There are three kinds of accountants in the world:
Those who can count and those who can’t.

Marketing speak:

"Customer experience has become the primary source of differentiation for many B2C brands. As the volume and complexity of customer interactions increase exponentially, major B2C players have realised the opportunities presented by inbound interactions...static data-centric CRM give way to dynamic, real-time interaction optimisation opportunities.
"Portrait Customer Interaction Optimization Suite delivers the power of predictive analytics and the strategic logic of business rules right to the point of interaction."

…. I won’t bother to explain that as it’s all pretty obvious……..................

And a thought for modern times: Albert Einstein said,

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

….unless of course you’re using Microsoft software when you always get different results!   (I said that last bit, not Albert!)

John Garner

Make Henley Greener
Save Money - Help Save the Planet

Why is meat a problem ?

Gird your loins (not pork!) and be prepared for a few statistics:-

Part of the answer is that 81% of UK agricultural land (60% of all UK land) is used to produce meat and dairy produce whereas only 19% of agricultural land is used to grow plants for food.

The second part of the answer is that the 81% devoted to livestock contributes only 18% of UK food production, whereas the 19% growing cereals, fruit & veg. etc provides the remaining 82% of UK food production. In a crowded country which is running out of space devoting such a large proportion of farmland to producing such a small proportion of our food looks like a not very clever use of the land.

The third part of the answer is that the 81% of our agricultural land that supports livestock gives rise to 84% of agricultural carbon pollution (Greenhouse gas emissions). This is roughly 10% of UK carbon pollution.

So, the 81% of agricultural land used for meat and dairy produces only 18% of the food but 84% of agricultural carbon pollution. This means that meat and dairy is 24 times more carbon polluting than non meat foods. (84/18 x 82/16 for you mathematicians!)

Now I’m not a vegetarian but it is clear from the above that eating less meat is a good thing to do for reasons other than reducing cholesterol. The diagram below shows amounts of land used for different agricultural purposes and the corresponding food outputs and carbon pollution. The highest emissions are from beef and milk production. Poultry is the third highest but produces more food than either beef or meet, so switching from beef to poultry helps to reduce carbon pollution as well as cholesterol. Similarly, in terms of pollution per amount produced, pork is far better than beef or lamb.

The figure above is from a report entitled ‘Zero Carbon Britain 2030’ available at http://www.zcb2030.org but it’s a very big report!!!!

John Stott - Make Henley Greener

Stratford District Council

Planning Applications - Search on-line Stratford-on-Avon District Council Website

Jem Jones

Stephen Thirlwell

JPC Watch - Democracy and Free Press Challenged

JPC Supporter's Official Complaint Dismissed

Miss V Johnston made a complaint to the Standards & Ethics Committee of Stratford District Council against Councillor William Leech of the Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden Joint Parish Council.

The complainant alleged that Cllr Leech had failed to register his interest in Henley NEWS Online (of which he is editor) and a further interest as a (founder) member of the Henley-in-Arden Reform Association. In addition the complainant indicated that by his membership of the Reform Association, and by publishing it through Henley News Online, Cllr Leech had 'defaulted' his Council and fellow councillors and had used 'inside information' of council business for a political use.

The complaint was dismissed as it was found that Cllr Leech had registered all his activities correctly and his activities as a member of the Reform Association and his editorship of Henley News Online were not undertaken as a Councillor.

Read the full Decision Notice by Stratford District Council

Reform Association First General Meeting

The Reform Association will be holding its first general meeting on 7th July at 8 pm to elect its first chairman and agree its future strategy for returning the parish council to being a democratic organisation, working economically for the benefit of all the residents. Anyone interested in attending should contact the acting secretary, Malcolm Coulter, on 01564 794898 or malcolmcoulter@talktalk.net