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LOCAL FOCUS ARCHIVENo archived stories yet available
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LOCAL FOCUS - NEWS AND CHAT - LOCAL ISSUES AND NEWS
WILLIAM'S FUND CHRISTMAS CARDS
William Dodd was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer. It was given various names as the weeks turned to months but we never found out the exact type of cancer William had… all we know is that he had every treatment he could have. Childhood cancers behave in a very different way to adult cancers; they respond differently to treatment and can be unpredictable in both positive and negative ways. William's Fund was established in February 2001 in memory of William, who died on December 12th 2000 at the age of 4 years and 9 months. William amazed everyone at how he coped, always smiling with a twinkle in his eye that won so many hearts. Christmas Cards to raise money for the Fund are available from The Black Horse Pub in Fulmer,and in Chalfont St Peter: The Activity Chest, Friday Flowers, The Rodgers Partnership. Beaconsfield: Abstract salon, Albemarle salon in Old Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross: The Rodgers Partnership, Ballare, Farnham Common: The King of Prussia or by contacting Johanna at johanna@williamsfund.co.uk Need your details printed inside?. Ben Nixon at The Print Centre has kindly agreed to take care of all your printing needs and you pay The Print Centre direct!. For all overprinting enquiries and orders please call Ben Nixon at The Print Centre on 01442 876600. You do not need to buy your cards first, Ben has them already!. And don't forget the William's Fund Christmas Fair on 5th November - Click Here
THE RED KITE IN THE CHILTERNS
The Chilterns can be said to be the primary home of the Red Kite in the UK since plans were prepared to return the Red Kite back to England and Wales in 1989.
Over a period of five years, more than 90 birds were brought into the Chilterns and released into the wild and now the Red Kite can often be seen soaring in areas above the Chilterns.
The first successful breeding in the Chilterns took place in 1992 and since then numbers have steadily increased to approximately 300 - 350 breeding pairs. In a number of recent projects, birds reared in the Chilterns have been taken from our area to help build and grow the population of Red Kites in other parts of the United Kingdom. © Helen Olive The reintroduction programme of Red Kites into the Chilterns has been a huge success, and has received support from local people, including farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and of course the local public who enjoy seeing this magnificent bird once again in the Chilterns.
The success of any such programme largely relies on the birds being actively monitored by experienced volunteers and one such volunteer - Helen Olive runs a most comprehensive Web Site that is highly informative about the subject of Red Kites. Most importantly however, one of the useful parts of info on the website, are the local contact details of people who can help the public should they find an injured/dead red kite.
We encourage you to visit this site and learn more about the Red Kite in the Chilterns and enjoy the Video Clips which can be seen of the Red Kite in their natural surroundings - in fact learn everything their is to know about the Red Kite.
Click Here to take you to http://www.redkites.net
Click Here to see some fascinating Video Clips of Red Kites
Click Here if you see an Injured or Dead Red Kite in the Chilterns
ROTARY'S CHILTERN GOLF CLASSIC TOPS £100,000
The 22nd Golf Classic was held at Harewood Downs Golf Club, Chalfont St Giles on 4th September, and raised more than £6,000. A number of local charities have benefited from the event over the years including Iain Rennie Hospice, The Pepper Foundation and The Rushymead Hospice. The main beneficiary this year is The Hospice of St Francis, based in Berkhamsted. Which provides palliative care to people with life limiting illnesses in and around the Chiltern area. Other local charities will also benefit from the monies raised this year. The day concluded with dinner and prize giving, and was attended by Harriet Karia, Community Fund Raising Manager at The Hospice of St Francis. Harriet commented “The Hospice of St Francis has to raise £3.3 million a year to fund its free service. The support and money raised from event’s like the Chiltern Charity Golf Classic are an essential source of income, making sure that patients and their families can make the most of the precious time they have together". Harriet was very passionate about the Charity and involved herself in the event by assisting with the sale of raffle tickets. The event is generously sponsored by local companies NHBC and The Buckinghamshire Building Society, who view the day as an opportunity to support local charities and at the same time entertain their clients and staff. If you are interest in sponsoring or participating in next years event please contact Nick Webb on 01494 434544.
SMOKE ALARMS & FREE HOME SAFETY CHECKS
“The message is simple – smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work! We’re urging residents to pull their fingers out and test their smoke alarms – this simple action could save the lives of their loved ones.” Apathy seems to be the main reason that people do not test their smoke alarms, with about half of the people surveyed attributing forgetfulness, being too busy or simply saying they can’t be bothered to do something that only takes a few seconds, but could potentially save their lives. Ensuring you stay safe from fire is quick and simple. Here are five essential fire safety tips to help you protect yourself, your family and your home from fire: 1 - Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape, so an early warning is vital. Make sure you replace battery operated smoke alarm units after 10 years. Alternatively consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm. 2 - Test it weekly - a working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out. Once you're out, stay out and dial 999. 3 - Plan your escape route - make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked. 4 – Stay safe in the kitchen - this is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Also, never leave cooking unattended. 5 – Ask the experts - Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service offers free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. To find out more, ring 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk To Book a Free Home Fire Risk Check on-line - Click Here
40 YEARS OF CARING
Would you like to help dogs in need or are you thinking about getting a dog ?.
Chiltern Dog Rescue will not only help you try to find a dog of the age and temperament to suit your home, but will also assist with care and training advice to make the dog you choose a real success.
Whether you are looking for a cross breed or a pedigree dog, a puppy or a more established dog then please make contact with The Chiltern Dog Rescue Society. The Chilterns Dog Rescue Society was formed to rescue unwanted and homeless dogs and to provide accommodation until such time as permanent homes can be found. Since the Society was formed over 16,000 dogs have been successfully homed and they currently re-home approximately 400 dogs a year. The Society always tries to help a dog, whatever its size, age, temperament or background and they pride themselves in saying that no dog is ever needlessly destroyed. They put a lot of effort into putting the right dog into the right home, as well as providing training support where needed and this is reflected in what the public say about us. Without donations from the public the Society could not ensure the continued work of The Chilterns Dog Rescue Society. If you are able to donate any amount it would be greatly appreciated - even if it is as little as £10. The money you give will help the Society to save the lives of dogs with nowhere else to turn to. For more Information and to donate money to this important Local Charity - The Chiltern Dog Rescue Society, please visit the Web Site by Clicking Here.
REDUNDANT, UNEMPLOYED OR JUST LOOKING FOR A CHANGE
Careers Springboard was formed in 1991 to help redundant managers and professionals in the Chilterns, South Bucks and High Wycombe areas get back into work. It is part of a national chain of groups and the local self help group meets weekly in Gerrards Cross. Redundancy could give you an opportunity to take up an alternative career - perhaps doing something you have always wanted to do. You might decide to start your own business Former members of Careers Springboard who have made such a change successfully, frequently speak at our meetings to give advice and share their experience. So you can talk to, and learn from former members who have changed their work pattern For example, have you considered using your experience and transferable skills by becoming an Interim Manager. Organisations increasingly recognise the effectiveness and cost efficiency of Interim Managers The Group holds Meetings and Workshops every Tuesday and the Winter Programme starts at 7:15 pm for 7:30 pm at St Andrews United Reform Church Hall, 12 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7QE on the 6th September. Topics covered include CV Preparation, Interview Techniques, Networking, Interim Management, Starting and New Business and much more. To learn more about how Careers Springboard might help you or someone you know please visit the Web Site by CLICKING HERE
DON'T JUST RECYCLE - FREECYCLE AS WELL !!
The Chiltern District Freecycle® Network is open to all in the Chiltern District Council area who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano or an old door, feel free to post it. Or maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself! Non-profit groups are also welcome to participate too! One main rule: everything posted must be free. This group is part of The Freecycle Network, a non-profit organisation and a movement of people interested in keeping good stuff out of landfills. To participate in this Network, to Offer Items and to answer offers, it is necessary to Register into the Yahoo Group where the Network is run from. Follow the Web Site Link below and Select "Join this Group"
There are now almost 2250 Members in our local network which was started in 2006 and the variety of goods offered each week to other members is truly staggering. From building materials to unwanted computer equipment, from breadmakers to children's clothes, from DVD's to greenhouses - someone out there will be interested. Once you have become involved in offering goods, it is also possible to post messages seeking specific items. I know of one person, who had five responses to a request for an Instruction Manual which had been lost for a particular Breadmaker - which was vital as it contained the recipes for various types of bread. Within a matter of hours - they were back producing fresh bread again !!.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL AIR AMBULANCE AND HAVE A GREAT DAY OUT
The Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance is here to save
lives. Covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, the
service has flown more than 10,000 missions.
Whatever the emergency, the air ambulance is a vital service aimed at getting people treatment within the golden hour – the period of time when they have the best chance of surviving a serious incident. The ability to land in difficult places is a key asset in the areas covered given the many rural places that a conventional ambulance would struggle to reach. The air ambulance costs £1.2m a year to keep running, and they receive no funding from the Government, NHS and the National Lottery. Everything needed to keep running comes from the public in the form of donations, fundraising, legacies and sponsorship. You can help the Air Ambulance and have a great fun filled day out too - AT HAZELDENE ORGANIC FARM OPEN DAY on Sunday 31st August between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
A fun-filled day for all of the Family and within a mile of the centre of Chesham on the Asheridge Road. Barbeque - Tea and Cake Marquee - Ice Creams - Classic Cars - Bouncy Castle - Tractor & Trailer Rides - Animals in Pens and a Farm Shop are just some of the activities that will be available. If you are interested in having a stall at the Open Day, there will be no formal charge but you have to provide your own table and gazebo if wanted. If you are successful - then a small donation to the Air Ambulance would be appreciated. Entry is £2.50 (Children under 16 - Free) 50% of the Gate Takings will go to the Local Air Ambulance. See the Chiltern Calendar Map and for more details - Click Here
CHALLENGING & FUN-FILLED TREASURE HUNT IN THE CHILTERNS
There is a great new way to enjoy a day out with the Family, Friends and Neighbours - or even as an Office Outing !!.
A Company called Treasuredays, takes all of the hard work out of planning such a day, by preparing a challenging and fun filled Treasure Hunt for you. A clue-based Treasure Hunt is a fun and challenging way to mark a special day or simply for something different to do on a weekend with friends or family.
A new Treasure Hunt which they have prepared focuses on the Chess Valley. The tiny gems of villages are very special indeed: starting at Chenies with its ancient Tudor Manor house, Latimer, Flaunden, Belsize, and finishing in Sarratt, perfect for a picnic with its enormous village green and excellent hostelries.
There is another Hunt in the Chilterns Area called the Chiltern Chaser - This covers an area often used for countless TV locations, including the Vicar of Dibley, Midsomer Murders and The Avengers, these traditional villages are beyond beautiful. Starting in Watlington and finishing in Hambleden (which Little Britain fans will recognise as the Welsh village of Llandewi Brefi).
For £25, you are provided with all of the Instructions and Routes, Papers and Clue Sheets for all of the participants - and this entitles you to two separate Treasure Hunts. There are Rural Hunts and City Hunts and more seem to be being added for release in the near future.
For more information Click Here
LOCAL TALENT AT THE ELGIVA
The Late Season Programme - September through to December has just been published and is available widely around the District - including various Council Offices, Information Points and Council and Community Libraries. The breadth and the variety of what is on offer is stunning and includes a lot of local Talent and other Activities
Tuesday 23rd September : Business 4 Business 2008 - Click Here Sunday 12th October : Chiltern International Day - Click Here Wed 22nd - Saturday 25th October : Magical Musical Movies - Chesham Musical Theatre - Click Here Saturday 1st November : Some Enchanted Evening - Chess Valler Male Voice Choir - Click Here Saturday 8th November : Chiltern's Got Talent - Way In Presentation - Click Here Thu 13th - Saturday 15th November : Laughter in the Dark - Chesham Theatre Company - Click Here Monday 17th November : Christmas is Coming - The Salvation Army - Click Here
and of course - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Traditional Family Panto - Click Here
and In January 2009 - The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Chesham Bois Catholic Players - Click Here
And now you can book on-line - Click Here
THE CHESHAM COMMUNITY VISION SHOWS US THE WAY
The Chesham Community Vision has launched a series of new walking routes around Chesham, together with an excellent series of leaflets which can provide an informative commentary as you exercise !!.
There are 6 in the current series :-
1. The Chesham Heritage Trail - 2 Miles 2. The Chesham Outer Ring - 7.5 Miles 3. Tylers Hill, Ley Hill and The Chess - 5 Miles 4. Chesham Bois and the Beech Hangers - 3.5 Miles 5. Chartridge "Vales and Bottoms" - 8 Miles 6. Ashley Green "Farms, Forts and Fighters"
You can pick up these Leaflets at any Local Library and at many other local Information Points in and around Chesham - as well as at Chesham Town Hall.
The Leaflets provide a fully detailed description of the Route suggested, together with a very clear map and highlights of the History and Points of Interest along the Route. Visitors from further afield are also provided with detailed information about how to get to the appropriate walk and guidance on any other Maps which they might find useful.
Designed to get us all out and about around Chesham - reading the leaflets alone provides a wonderful background to the area and I am sure even the most hardened resident will learn something new - and the walks themselves not only will give us the exercise we all need - but will really show us what we have right on our doorsteps !!.
A TAME TIGER COMES TO THE CHILTERNS ON MONDAY 28TH !!
Woottens, the well known local Coach Service supplier will launch its first scheduled local bus service on Monday 28th July 2008. Using the new brand 'Tiger Line'. Service T1 will link Aylesbury to Hemel Hempstead via Stoke Mandeville, Wendover, Great Missenden, Chesham and Bovingdon - providing useful links to many in the Chiltern Area - both to Shopping Centres and to Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Utilising a fleet of dual purpose buses and a team of dedicated drivers, the service is designed to meet the needs of local people travelling across North East Bucks providing new links in areas where public transport has been absent for many years. Operating approx hourly Monday to Friday with a limited service on Saturday, when it will operate a timetable designed to serve the popular shopping attraction of Bovingdon Market. The vehicles will offer new levels of comfort, with improved leg room, coach style seats, seatbelts, panoramic windows and natural ventilation.Working in conjunction with Buckinghamshire County Council it is intended that Tiger Line T1 will be included in the county’s new real time passenger information system, providing both web based and SMS information. To view a detailed Timetable - CLICK HERE
For more Information including Fares - CLICK HERE
RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEP - BUT HAVE YOU PAID A VISIT RECENTLY ?
For many of us, The Amersham Museum is almost on our doorstep - but how many of us have visited recently ?. Do you really know the history of Amersham, - have you enjoyed one of the Guided Town Walks or have you followed the Amersham Martyrs Walk ?. Now is a great time to visit !!.
THE MUSEUM : In 2008 there have been a number of new additions, including :-
- a display of toys, many originally purchased at Mr Butler's shop in Market Square and others with local associations, some made by Amersham Toys.
- more information about the museum's herb garden and the medicinal and culinary use of plants in past times. Follow our trail to find out which plants were used to make war-paint, flavour food, make medicines and dye cloth. And make a flower or insect to add to our garden collage.
and a new introductory film about the history of Amersham.
Plus
THE GUIDED WALKS : A visit to the Museum can be combined with one of the Guided Walks available via the Museum :- Old Town Walk : Guided Walks around Amersham Old Town take place every Sunday from Easter to the end of October; starting at the museum, 49 High Street, at 2.30pm. The walk takes about one and a half hours. The cost is £2.00 for adults, children under 16 free.
Amersham Martyrs Guided
Walk :
Guides in 16th century costume tell the
story of the Lollard Martyrs and life in Amersham in the early 16th century. The
walk starts at 2.30pm at the museum on
We are open from Easter Saturday to the end of October on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday afternoons from 2.00 - 4.30 pm. In addition from May to September the museum is also open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. A great afternoon out during the Summer Holidays - for all of the family. See the Full Museum Entry for More Information - Click Here
IS THERE ANYBODY LEFT IN MIDSOMER ?
I am sure we all know that the popular TV Series - Midsomer Murders is largely filmed in and around the Chilterns Area.
That this series is one of the most popular on Television, is illustrated by the fact that the 11th series has been completed, work in now being done on the 12th Series and a 13th Series has been commissioned which will take filming well into 2010 - as long as their are still some people in the Midsomer Villages, who have not yet been murdered !!.
The series, which stars amongst others John Nettles has spawned quite a variety of Web Sites which provide detailed insights and a wealth of information about the Stars, the Locations, the Episodes and a variety of pictures and extracts - often stretching back to the start of the series.
A "Google" Search will identify many unofficial sites and three excellent examples can be found by clicking on the links below :-
MidsomerMurders.net Midsomer Murders Visit Bucks - Midsomer Villages
LITTLE CHALFONT ENTERTAINED BY JUNKANOO DANCERS
One of the leaders of
the Group said beforehand, "We are going to
basically take over the High Street, grab anyone that is around and bring some
crowd to the stores and generate some interest. "We have some Bahama Mamas here,
a couple of Kaliks, Bahamas flags, and travel brochures basically to raise
awareness to get people interested in The Bahamas." The Group certainly brought Little Chalfont Village Centre to life with their colourful costumes, their dancing and music and both Shoppers and the Shopkeepers enjoyed the spectacle.
More information and the views of local people can be read by Clicking Here.
CHALFONT ART & FRAMING - THE BEATLES EVENT
On Thursday 10th July it was official Beatles day with celebrations in Liverpool. Little Chalfont was not left out !! and to mark the occasion at Chalfont Art & Framing, they were lucky enough to secure the attendance of Tom Murray, the famous Beatles & Royal photographer. Ian Morris, who owns Chalfont Art & Framing on Nightingales Corner in Little Chalfont was pleased to welcome a large turnout to his Gallery and to receive a Picture valued at some £2500 which will be auctioned for the Children's Charity - shed@thepark later in the Year. Tom Murray spoke about his experiences of working with the Beatles during what has now been known as the "Mad Day Out" collection which consisted of some 23 images. There was another highlight for one visitor - a Mrs Siggs from Amersham who won a Prize Draw resulting in her photograph being taken by Tom Murray on the same camera that he used to photograph the Beatles in 1968 and which he still uses. You can view the 23 pictures of the "Mad Day Out" collection at Ian's Gallery until Sunday 27th July. Chalfont Art & Framing - 7 Nightingales Corner. Little Chalfont. HP7 9PZ Tel : 01494 766220 E-Mail : info@chalfontartandframing.co.uk Internet : www.chalfontartandframing.co.uk
STOP TEARING THE HEART OUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES !!LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LEFT TO MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN Earlier this Year, the Government let it be known that it wanted to close up to 2500 Post Offices across the UK and more recently they announced plans for those that they wished to potentially close in the Chiltern District Area. Those affected locally are in Amersham Old Town, Botley, Chalfont Common, Hazlemere and Waterside in Chesham. Many local people directly involved and affected by these closures will have already made their views known, however we still need to keep the pressure on, to try to get these plans which are supposedly out for "Consultation" reversed. Some of us may not be directly affected and may continue to enjoy the benefit of a local Post Office - which is often the heart of a local community and so vital for the young and old alike - and indeed for the local businesses. We should all be doing all we can to put the pressure on !!. THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS ON MONDAY 28TH JULY - SO WRITE AND EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS NOW Send your comments and views about these measures to :- Gary Herbert. Network Development Manager. C/o National Consultation Team. Freepost Consultation Team (No Stamp Required) Or By E-Mail :- consultation@postoffice.co.uk And lend your weight to the Campaign being staged by The Bucks Examiner Write expressing your views to :- Buckinghamshire Examiner, The Vale, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 9ST. STOP PRESS - 18th July Possibly some good news - a Debate in Parliament pushed for by Cheryl Gillan MP - see Article from the Bucks Free Press by Clicking Here
THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST UPON US !! - WHAT CAN THE CHILDREN DO ?SUMMER HOLIDAYS 2008 - 28TH JULY UNTIL 29TH AUGUST
One of the best activities for Children and Young People, aged between 8 and 17 Years is the result of the Sports Zone Initiative in the Chiltern District. Summer Holidays 2008 which runs from the 28th July until 29th August is jointly organised by Chiltern District Council, Nexus Leisure and Positive Activities for Young People in Buckinghamshire. It's all Free of Charge !! - and the sessions are designed to introduce children and young people to a variety of team sports activities. The Children and Young People get the opportunity to learn new skills whilst having fun, keeping fit and most importantly meeting new friends. Activities are being arranged on multiple days in various locations across the District including Amersham, Chesham, Holmer Green, Hyde Heath, Little Chalfont, Little Kingshill, Prestwood - so there is bound to be a venue close to your home. Simple Registration is required, although there is no need to book !!. For more information, the dates and to download the Registration Form visit the Chiltern Calendar by CLICKING HERE AND THERE IS THE BUCKS FESTIVAL OF SPORT 2008 For Children & Young People between 12 and 18 years of age, resident in the County of Bucks or Milton Keynes, inspired by the 2008 Games in Beijing and the prospect of a 'home' Games in 2012? - The Bucks Festival of Sport offers the chance to try, a number of the 2012 London Games or Paralympics sports and to join a local club. It's also mainly Free of Charge and there are activities across Buckinghamshire. CLICK HERE for more detailed information and the required Registration Details.
THE ENVIRONMENT - HOW CAN YOU HELP ?You can help play your part in maintaining the excellent environment in the Chiltern District, by lending your support and a few hours of your time - to one of the many Conservation Group Working Parties. A number of local groups are always keen to have volunteers to carry out practical conservation jobs in the Chilterns. Amongst those that have regular work parties are :-
In addition, the local Revitalisation Group in your own area, often have Projects in hand where volunteers coming forward would make all the difference. CLICK HERE for more details of the Revitalisation / Community Group in your area. Just a few hours of your time - could help make all the Difference !!
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DRIVE OUT DISTRACTION BURGLARIESSpare a Thought for the Elderly and Vulnerable !! Elsewhere on this Web Site you will find information about a recent Distraction Burglary in Amersham and there have been other similar incidents in recent weeks in various parts of the District. Distraction burglaries, where criminals use tricks to get into homes and steal, are a constant blight on communities. We need your help to drive out distraction burglars. You can help by making sure the homes of elderly and vulnerable people in your family or neighbourhood are secure and do not attract the attention of these opportunist criminals. We know that distraction burglars and rogue tradesmen will call at several homes before they strike and will not stop until they find a potential victim. So we would urge you to contact police immediately on 08458 505 505 if you have had someone suspicious call at your home. Your call could stop them devastating the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. Remember that anyone who has a valid reason to call at houses, will carry authentic identification - and no genuine caller will object, if you leave them outside while you check on their identity by telephone with the appropriate authority.
AMERSHAM ROTARY MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE IN AN EAST AFRICAN SCHOOLThe Rotary Club of Amersham knows no bounds, not only helping many local Charities and causes but extends it helps to Overseas as well.
For the past three years, Amersham Rotary Club has been helping to make learning easier for the pupils at Ngamani Primary School in Kenya. Before the club’s involvement, the classroom floors were just bare earth, in which lurked nasty little insects that would bore into the tender flesh of bare feet. A few older children might be lucky and sit on a bench or at an old desk, but most had to sit on the earth floor or even outside under a tree. Amersham Rotary Club first came to learn about the school’s problems from Rotarians in nearby Kilifi – a small town on the Kenyan coast half way between Malindi and Mombasa. Amersham’s first donation enabled the school to have all that insect-ridden bare earth concreted over. The local Rotary Club was also able to buy locally-manufactured furniture for the school so that more pupils could have a place to sit as they learnt. Now the Amersham Club and The Rotary Foundation have jointly donated a further £2,000. This has enabled Kilifi Rotary Club to buy enough locally-manufactured tables, chairs, desks, benches and book cases to equip the school completely. Just what these donations meant to the school became very apparent when a Rotary Club member and his wife visited the school. Margaret and David Bull, whose son and family live and work in Kilifi, were expecting to meet the headmaster, have a quick look round the school, and take a few photos. But as their vehicle pulled into the school grounds, it was obvious that the occasion was going to be rather different. “Waiting for us outside,” recalls Bull, “was a very large welcoming committee, plus all 300 pupils. Seated in comfortable chairs in the shade we met and shook hands with every teacher, school governor, parent-association member and school official. “There was speech after speech of welcome and gratitude, and a presentation of beautiful, colourful Kenyan kangas which we were obliged to wear! Then pupils from the school entertained us with singing and dancing. Every pupil now has a chair or bench to sit on. They have a concrete floor under their feet, and their reading and writing books rest on a desk or table. Their teachers have tables on which to do their marking, instead of having to sprawl on the floor. This has had an immediate effect on the school’s performance. In the national school-leaving exam, Ngamani rose from 95th place (out of 109) in 2006 to 20th place last year.
LOCAL RESIDENT & TV CHEF PROMOTES SUMMER BLOOD CAMPAIGNWith the holiday season fast approaching and thoughts turning to al fresco dining and barbeques, TV chef and local Chilterns Resident, Phil Vickery, and the National Blood Service (NBS) are highlighting the importance of giving blood this summer and eating an iron rich diet to help maintain healthy blood. Last year, one in 20 people* who visited a donor centre to give blood, was unable to do so, because the haemoglobin in their blood was too low. Iron is important to keep your levels of haemoglobin up, which is why it is so important to eat foods containing it. Blood is needed for treating a variety of illnesses and conditions - not just for accidents and emergencies. Even for some whose illness has no cure, a blood transfusion can help to improve the quality of their life. The NBS needs to collect up to 7,000 units every day to make sure that patients in hospitals across England and north Wales are able to receive the life saving treatments they require. This means a total of almost two million donations each year are required to meet the ongoing demand for blood.Phil Vickery said: “The need for donors is constant and yet still only four per cent of the eligible population gives blood and donor numbers are falling. The NBS needs new donors to come forward, and existing donors to give blood this summer. “If you’re rustling up a barbeque, remember to pick foods which are iron rich in order to keep your blood healthy. Meat such as lamb and beef are perfect for barbequing and contain lots of iron. Choose beans and other pulses or green vegetables for accompaniments to your meal or for those who don’t eat meat.” CLICK HERE to find out Where and When you can donate Blood and get answers to any questions you might have.
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The
annual Chiltern Charity Golf Classic, organised by the Rotary Club of Amersham,
has now raised over £100,000 for local charities. 
the
last Saturday each month from May to September. The walk takes about one and a
half to 2 hours and part of the walk is a climb up through the fields to the
Martyrs Memorial. Cost £2.00, children under 16 free. We do not take bookings in
advance for these walks, you are welcome to just turn up and join in.
Rendezvous
Travel in Little Chalfont hosted a visit by a Group of Bahamian Dancers last
week, in one of their last performances following a three week tour in the
UK sponsored by The Arts Council of Britain.
With
the long Summer Holiday's almost upon us - parents and relatives will be
wondering how they can keep their Children amused through the long and we
hope hot Summer Holidays.
