Communities - Chalfont St Peter

Indian bishop visits school

2010-03-18T15:31:20Z

A LINK between a Chalfont St Peter school and one in India was celebrated last week when a bishop from the country visited.
The bishop of the Nandyal diocese of India paid a visit to Chalfont St Peter C of E School in Penn Road to receive a cheque for £8,000 that the school had raised.

]]> The school has links with the Bishop Bunyan Joseph School in Nandyal, and the bishop has visited on two separate occasions to celebrate the connection between the two area.
The money raised will go towards supporting building and ICT projects in the very poor Indian region.
John Underwood, headteacher at the Chalfont St Peter C of E School, said; "This wonderful link for our school started in December 2007 with a visit from the Bishop of Buckingham and and since then it has just been a wonderful opportunity for our school.
"Last year, our children raised more than £6,500 for our link school, Bishop Bunyan Joseph School, and we are delighted that this has enabled so much progress to be made with the provision of English medium teaching in the region, improving the life opportunities for hundreds of children."
The connection between the schools was also celebrated in a special assembly, with a live video link set up with the Bishop Bunyon School, so that the children could see where the money they had raised was being spent.

High speed rail route to tunnel under Chalfonts

2010-03-16T19:30:52Z

The preferred route for High Speed Two is in a tunnel underneath Chalfont St Peter and Chalfont St Giles.

]]>
The tunnel would commence at the M25 and emerge at the Western end of Amersham Old Town close to St Mary's Combined School on School Lane. For most of this time it would be at least 30 metres under ground. But the route would be visible from above, because emergency access and egress tunnels would be built every two km, with some new access roads constructed.
From Amersham, the route would run parallel to the the A413, and north of it, for 2.25km through a cutting 10 to 20 metres deep before entering a 1.05km long tunnel between Little Missenden and Hyde Heath.
It would then run for 2km in a cutting less than 10 metres deep near South Heath, "passing through one hamlet and requiring a number of roads to be modified," according to the DfT website.
A 450m long viaduct would take trains over a steep valley known as Wendover Dean and another 600m long viaduct would take them over the A413 before passing Wendover close to the junction of Nash Lea Road and Nash Lee Lane.
For more details go to www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/routeengineering/pdf/Chapter6.pdf
To look at the maps reproduced here visit www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route

Street lighting questioned after A413 death

2010-03-16T17:09:41Z

A YOUNG woman has died following a serious car accident on the A413 in Chalfont St Peter.
Elaine Stacey, who was 23, was involved in an accident on the dual carriageway at around 8pm on Sunday, February 28.

]]> She was in a coma for a week, but eventually succumbed to her injuries after having been airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
The incident has once again called into question the issue of street lighting on the road, after Bucks County Council (BCC) decided to switch of the lights on the busy section of road.
Miss Stacey had been driving in her red Fiat Punto along the road and was involved in a three car collision with a black Ford Focus and a black Ford Ranger.
The driver and two passengers of the Ford Focus were also injured in the accident and were taken to Wexham Park Hospital, but their injuries were not as severe as Miss Stacey's.
She spent a week in a coma and it was initially feared that she would be left with lasting brain damage, but she eventually died.
Her father Ray has been keeping a blog ever since the accident, detailing his feelings when she was in her coma and upon her eventual death.
After she died, he wrote: "Last night, while writing the entry to this blog the hospital rang and informed us that Elaine's condition had worsened.
"We immediately returned to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit and spent the last 24 hours by her bedside.
"This evening she passed peacefully from this mortal toil into the loving arms of the God she served and loved so much."
Since the accident, many people have questioned BCC's decision to turn off street lighting along the stretch of road.
One woman, who lives near to the road, said: "This is tragic and proves how dangerous that road can be.
"Traffic moves along that road very quickly and it is dangerous as it is. When you add the gaping potholes that cars have to contend with, it is madness that the lights are still off.
"It was an accident waiting to happen, and I hope that BCC now realises that it is time to switch the lights back on before there are more tragic accidents there."
BCC declined to comment on the situation until the police investigation into the incident has finished.

Group hits out at Holy Cross plans

2010-03-16T17:07:19Z

AN ACTION group has hit out at a planning application which aims to develop the site of the former Holy Cross Convent School in Chalfont St Peter.
Earlier this month, planning consultants Gerald Eve submitted an application to Chiltern District Council (CDC), to develop the site.

]]> It comes as CDC are planning to build hundreds of new homes in the village in order to fit in with government housing demands.
However, the Sense 4 CSP group has opposed the planning application, saying that it has the scope to include many more houses than are currently shown.
A statement from the group said: "The application only seeks clearance of the principle of redevelopment and means of access to the site.
"Everything else is left for a future application which, once the principle is grant, could be quite different.
"It could eventually include many more home for example.
"The Holy Cross Convent School was a fully functioning school until 2006 when it was closed for financial reasons.
"We believe that it would be best suited as a new home for our massively oversubscribed middle school.
"The planning statement would prefer to demolish this perfectly good and historic school and build unnecessary levels of new housing which will only serve to exacerbate the education shortfall, neither do we have any other available land on which to build a new school.
"This application completely ignores the all too clear wishes of the village as set out in the recent parish survey.
"These outline plans are just the thin edge of the wedge, of allowed to go through they will ultimately be elaborated and expanded by the developer and would prove utterly disastrous for our village."

Youth warned over racist graffiti

2010-03-10T15:50:58Z

A TEENAGER has been given a warning by police after racist graffiti was sprayed at various sites in Chalfont St Peter.
The 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given an advance caution by Thames Valley Police's youth offending team after racist graffiti including Nazi swastikas was found at playgrounds on Gold Hill Common and Gravel Hill.

]]> He was warned in relation to offences of causing criminal damage, racially aggravated criminal damage and assault.
Chief Inspector Ian Hunter, police area commander for Chiltern, said that if the youth re-offends he will find himself before a court.
He said: "We have got an issue with youths carrying out graffiti at weekends.
"We are very keen to find out who they area and will take action. We ask parents and guardians to ensure it is not their children that are involved in these offences.
"It does cause a lot of concern and distress in the area. We have shown we are bringing people to justice and they will be held to account for their actions."
Parents in Chalfont St Peter were shocked about the graffiti, which began to appear at the beginning of last month, with some banning their children from using the play grounds until it was removed.
Jenny Lewis, a mother-of-two, who saw the graffiti at Gold Hill Common, said: "I'm very pleased that police have found the person responsible.
"It doesn't surprise me that it was a young lad. Hopefully he'll now be made to realise the seriousness of his actions and it will mean that the graffiti will stop for good."

Potholes will be fixed, promises council

2010-03-08T12:30:09Z

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE County Council (BCC) has claimed that it is "pulling out all the stops" to ease the area's pothole problem, despite the continued anger of residents.
The unforeseen harsh winter weather, especially that which took place in late December and early January, took a huge toll on the road s in the area, with deep potholes appearing in numerous roads in the county.

]]> Between mid December and mid January there were four significant snowfalls, and 28 out of 30 nights had below zero road surface temperature.
BCC has been flooded with complaints in the weeks since the snow melted, from residents who are concerned at the danger that the holes are posing to vehicles.
There have also been a number of claims made to the council from residents who have damaged their cars when driving over the holes.
An extra £2m from BCC's reserves was recently made available to deal with the ongoing problem.
Valerie Letheren, cabinet member for transportation, said: "Our gangs are working so hard trying to ensure that the roads in Buckinghamshire are safe for all users.
"The £2m additional funding is being spent wisely and the approach we are using will ensure the money for repair is shared equally across the county.
"Our residents will soon start to see the results but this severe winter has really taken its toll on our roads.
"I would ask that people bear with us as traffic congestion will inevitably increase as we carry out more major repairs."
However, drivers in the area are sceptical about BCC's statement.
Steve Marsh, 46, of Chalfont St Giles, said: "I honestly can't see much being done. There are so many roads in this area that are in a terrible state and have been for a long time.
"I know that the council has to prioritise, but there are a number of roads with really dangerous potholes in them that have been left for weeks.
"I'm surprised that there hasn't been any head on collisions because I have seen so many cars swerving to the other side of the road in order to avoid potholes. Whatever, the council says it is doing, it's clearly not enough. The roads in Bucks are an absolute disgrace.
"I drive all over the country and the roads in this area are worse than any I have seen anywhere else."

Woman to take on Great Wall of China

2010-03-01T14:56:40Z

A MUM from Chalfont St Peter is set to take on the Great Wall of China in order to raise funds for charity.
Jules Montogomery-McCullagh has taken on the challenge of the 80km trek with the aim of raising £3,000 for the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

]]> The trek takes place in a remote part of the Famous landmark in Northern China over hilly and difficult terrain and camping in sub zero conditions.
Ms Montgomery-McCullagh, who lives in Chalfont St Peter and has three young children aged seven, five and one, has been actively fund-raising for the last six months and has been doing various activities including a 10k race, car boot sales and jewellery parties.
Toni Fry, events manager fro CLIC Sargent, said: "Each day children with cancer are fighting their own challenge, overcoming the stresses and strains of their treatment.
"We are extremely thankful to Jules for choosing to take up this tough challenge for us and wish her the best of luck."
If you would like to sponsor her, go to www.justgiving.co.uk/julesmontymac.

Volunteer up for Royal award

2010-02-25T15:55:48Z

A RETIRED accountant from Chalfont St Peter who has helped hundreds of disadvantaged young people to transform their lives has been nominated for a Royal award.
David Priest, 60, has been short-listed for a prestigious award at the national Prince's Trust Celebrate Success ceremony.

]]> The glitzy awards presentation will be held at the Leicester Square Odeon, which is usually used for major film premières.
Mr Priest has been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award which honours exceptional volunteers who have helped the Prince's Trust to support disadvantaged youngsters.
Over the past six years, Mr Priest has helped hundreds of young people on a variety of Prince's Trust programmes, dedicating a huge amount of his personal time to helping them succeed in life.
One aspect of his role includes working on the Prince's Trust business programme, using his experience as a chartered accountant to help young people write business plans and pitch their ideas to a funding panel.
He then guides them as they launch and grow their own companies.
James Connon, one of the young people that Mr Priest has mentored, said: "David has been an inspiration to me. He is a very likeable, kind person who has the complete best interests of the individual at heart.
"He makes it his mission to help them succeed."
Mr Priest has also fundraised for the Prince's Trust and worked on the charity's Get Started with Football programme in conjunction with Reading and Wycombe Wanderers football clubs.
The programme uses football to engage unemployed young people and teaches them skills such as confidence and motivation.
He said: "I am thrilled and delighted about this nomination. It really is such an honour. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from using my life experience to benefit a young person in need of a second chance."

Anti crime meeting to be held

2010-02-25T15:44:05Z

A LIBERAL Democrat parliamentary candidate is set to host a meeting to gauge residents' opinions on how to tackle crime in the area.
Tim Starkey, candidate for the Chesham and Amersham constituency, which also includes Chalfont St Peter and St Giles, will hold the meeting to try and get to the bottom of the problem in the area.

]]> He is set to stand against Cheryl Gillan and Anthony Gajadharsingh, the Labour candidate for the area, in the general election set to be held later this year.
He said: "In recent months I have been out and about all over the Chesham and Amersham constituency talking to literally thousands of residents.
"One of the big concerns, other than potholes, is crime and anti-social behaviour.
"Many people complain about young people not having enough to do or anywhere to go in the evenings.
"As a barrister specialising in criminal law, as a local councillor and as a parent, these are issues close to my hears.
"However, the point of the the meeting is to hear what the residents have say, so whatever your political persuasion, come along and help find solutions to local issues of crime and anti-social behaviour."
The meeting, entitled How to Cut Crime, is open to all people living in the Chesham and Amersham constituency.
It takes place at Little Chalfont Village Hall between 8pm and 9pm tonight (Thursday).

Sex infection test kits to be available by post

2010-02-18T10:00:49Z

YOUNG people are being targeted by health professionals in Bucks in a campaign to get screened for sexual health infection chlamydia.
A new postal self-test kit is set to become available soon, which people can order confidentially online. Including a prepaid envelope to return the test, the results are available by text or phone within 10 working days.
The initiative, which is part of a national clampdown, is being incorporated into NHS Buckinghamshire's 'More than a Hug' project which highlights the potential infertility that can be caused if the condition is left untreated.

]]> Anne Downes, clinical lead for the chlamydia screening programme, said: "Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the sex organs and in 2008/09 one in 14 people tested for it nationally were positive. If chlamydia is not treated the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause pain, especially in the abdomen and in some cases it leads to infertility. This risk is increased if you get infected again and again.
"Our message to sexually active people under 25 is to choose a chlamydia test annually, or when you change your sexual partner. The test is free, painless, confidential and now even available to do at home with our new postal kit. You do it yourself and don't even have to be examined. Chlamydia is also very easy to treat. "
To order the kit and for more information see its website.

Cyclist off to South Africa in time for World Cup

2010-02-15T16:20:29Z

A CYCLIST who appealed for travelling companinons to accompany her on a trip to South Africa has set off on her journey.

Lindsey Cole, 27, is making the epic trip 8,000 mile in order to reach the country in time for the World Cup, which starts in June.

]]> She had planned to cycle the distance on her own, but her mum feared for her safety, and as none of her friends fancied making the trip with her, she advertised for a companion, only to be inundated with 400 replies.

From those, she eventually settled on three - Dickon Broadhurst, 27, John Walton, 26 and Duncan Hills, who once cycled from London to Taiwan for a £1 bet.

On her blog, Lindsey, from Chalfont St Giles, said: "I decided to make the trip because I have had no luck finding work in journalism. I have nothing holding me back, and an adventure of a lifetime calling my name, so I'll create my own work on route.

"However, I'm my mum's only daughter and she refused to let me go alone. Being a stubborn and determined madam I reassured her I was definitely doing it but for the sake of her sanity I'd find someone to accompany me."

She has held a number of fund raising events in Chalfont St Giles to help her on her way and has now set off on the journey with the three men.

She added: "To help me raise funds my friends suggested I should have a raffle and a leaving do, so that's what I did.

"I've lived in the village since I was born and so have a good base of friends in Chalfont St Giles. My mum brought all her friends down and all my favourite people from past and present made the trek to see me."

Miss Cole is hoping to raise money for the SCI charity on her trip, which helps people in Africa who suffer from tropical diseases, and her raffle managed to raise £250 for the cause.

If you would like to sponsor her, go to www.justgiving.com/sci-worldcup-cycle

Pothole problems continue

2010-02-09T17:02:59Z

ANGER over the state of the roads in Chalfont St Peter has continued after few improvements have been made to fix the pothole problems.
Drivers who use the A413 from Denham into the village and onwards have been shocked to find the fast moving road littered with the potentially deadly holes.

]]> Most of the problems started following the heavy snow which plagued the area in early January and late December last year, but while some potholes in the area have been fixed by Bucks County Council (BCC), a large amount of them still remain, especially on the busy A413.
Judi Aylett, who regularly uses the road, said: "The surface of the A413 from Chalfont St Peter and onwards is lethal, full of potholes, missing chunks of tarmac and the white lines that separate the lanes are virtually gone, meaning all that is left is a trench.
"We were told that the county council were saving money by turning the street lights off and that the money would be spent on road repairs, but that has not happened.
"They should have turned the lights back on until the repairs have been completed.
"They should hang their heads in shame after leaving such a busy road in such a state."
The road has become much worse since the snow, but many drivers say that it was in a poor state even before.
In January this year, the county council said that they would be working to fix the pothole problem as quickly as possible, and that main roads would take priority over lesser ones.
A statement said: "These repairs must be carried out as a matter of urgency. The longer we wait, the worse potholes will become. It is imperative that we get these repairs under way as quickly as possible.
"Six extra highways maintenance gangs were drafted in earlier in January, bringing the total to 15 gangs out on the roads, repairing 25 -30 potholes a day. That's around 2000 potholes repaired per week across the county."

More Nazi graffiti appears in village

2010-02-09T17:00:56Z

MORE racist graffiti has appeared in Chalfont St Peter, with another children's play area being defaced.
Last week, the Advertiser reported that the playground on Gold Hill Common had had Nazi swastikas daubed over some of the play equipment there, as well as foul language.

]]> This week, the playground in Gravel Hill by the village's community centre suffered the same fate, with more swastikas painted there.
Parents using the site were shocked at their discovery and reported the matter to the police.
In recent weeks, there have been a number of reports of the graffiti at a number of other sites in the village, prompting concerns among residents.
However, it is believed that the group responsible for the damage is coming into the village from Iver, as much of the graffiti contains a reference to the SL3 postcode, which belongs to Iver.
Police now say that they are close to catching the group following their latest activities.
Chief inspector Ian Hunter said: "We have assigned extra patrols in the area and we have done some work at the Chalfonts Community College to try and show the youngsters in the village that we take these types of incidents very seriously.
"I think this is most likely to be a case of youngsters causing trouble and not anything more sinister than that."
However, residents in the village who have seen the graffiti remain angry.
Steve Smith, who saw the vandalism at the community centre, said: "It is disgusting. Even if it is just kids, it needs to stop now, because it is getting out of control and the village is being defaced."

Feast Day preparations get under way

2010-02-05T14:41:10Z

PREPARATIONS are already under way for next year's Chalfont St Peter Feast Day.
The event, which was given a major revamp last year, is set to take place on Saturday, June 26.

]]> Last year's Feast Day proved to be a huge success, with around 6,000 people attending, nearly half the population of the village.
It was reintroduced after having not taken place the previous year, and was held on Gold Hill Common for the first time.
Attractions at the event included a free concert by an Abba tribute band at the end of the day.
This year, organisers are hoping for an even better event, with a series of displays and event, stalls, food and drink and other entertainment.
This year, the day is set to culminate in another free concert, this time by a top Queen tribute band.
Michael Day, president of the Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce, one of the groups who organise the event, said: "It is anticipated that several thousand people will attend what, it is hoped, will be the event of the year.
"Any surplus profits from the day will be used to support three local chairties."
The Feast Day is a long standing tradition in Chalfont St Peter, with records of it dating back to 1229 when the right to hold an annual fair in the village was conferred by the King to the Lord of the Manor.
Stall pitches are already being booked for the event, and advertising support is being sought.
If you would like to book a pitch or to be a sponsor, call Sandra Clark at the parish church on 01753 880067, or Michael Day on 07717 295369.

Schools celebrate Ofsted success

2010-02-04T12:33:23Z

TWO schools in Chalfont St Giles joined together to celebrate glowing Ofsted reports.
Chalfont St Giles Infant School in School Lane and the Junior School in Parsonage Lane both received Outstanding Ofsted reports in recent months, so decided to hold a joint celebration.

]]> Cheryl Gillan MP spent all afternoon at the two schools to help them celebrate their success, and visited every class in both schools, talking to teachers and pupils.
She also met school council members to discuss what makes each school a success and attended an assembly at the Junior School.
After the event, she said: "What a fantastic afternoon I have spent looking at these terrific schools.
"Both schools show great leadership, from the governors, staff and of course the head teachers.
"The children are delightful and welcomed me into all their classes. There is a wonderful standard of education in Chalfont St Giles and it is great for the families in the village to know that both schools have been recognised so highly in their Ofsted inspections."
Later on, the schools joined together in the village's Memorial Hall for a special celebration.