The Resident Number 167 - 1994
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
ILLUSTRATED MAP OF CROXLEY GREEN Work was finally completed in October 1993 and given to the printers early in November. Although you might expect us to say this, we are pleased with the result and relieved that after twelve months, it is finished. We publicised the map with posters, visits to schools and by handbills distributed with the Free Observer. The Watford Observer gave us some valuable time and space, which was much appreciated. We were also featured on Three Counties Radio. Even after these efforts, there was no certainty that more than a small number became aware of the project. However, on the launch day, Saturday 4th December 1993 at the Parish Office, we were pleased to welcome quite a number of local residents and around 300 maps were sold. Everyone has been generous in their praise of the work. At the time of writing, about 900 maps have been sold. The costs, incurred by the Parish Council, will be covered after 1000 sales and any further income will be used for local community projects. We thank everyone who has worked on and supported the Map Project, which is a fitting celebration of Croxley Green. We have already thanked the artists, Daphne Simmons and June Thomas, and our researcher/scribe, Norma Stubington but would add our thanks to all who believed in and supported us. Maps may still be purchased from the Parish Office between 10am and 2pm on any weekday morning or from the Library during normal opening hours. The give-away price is £3.00 per copy, size 28" x 22", including protective cardboard tube. A special thank you to Library staff for promoting and selling the map so effectively. Ernest Burdis & Margaret Pomfret. | ||
The Resident Number 168 - 1994
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
CHURCH ARCHIVES - Whilst going down Baldwins Lane and passing Manor Way I was reminded of Durrants School, and so here a few words on our schools. The first school as opened in Yorke Road on January 4th 1875. From the School Log on that day we learn that Harriet Lawrence, Head Teacher, admitted 71 children during the week. It is most interesting to read the School Log and here is another entry. June 14th 1909. The timetable was not kept to this morning, the children lined up on the road and by-and-by the motors came along. The Queen and Princess Victoria kissed hands and the King bowed and raised his hat. I was very glad for the girls to have the opportunity of seeing their sovereigns.' So the school went on and at one time in the thirties used the Church Hall as the school was overcrowded, but already changes were under way. From the minutes of HCC Educational Committee dated November 1st 1937 we learn that they approved plans for an elementary school to be built on the Durrants Estate, Croxley Green. Furthermore a temporary school was approved to be built in Harvey Road. In January 1938 the Parochial Church Council of All Saints' Church advised Hertfordshire County Council that they could no longer provide accommodation for the education of the children of this parish and entrusted the task to that authority. Work proceeded very quickly in Harvey Road then, in May 1938, it was found that there were 185 more children to accommodate so it was decided that additional buildings be built to deal with children in the area for the next few years. Harvey Road School opened in September 1938 when 139 children were transferred from Yorke Road School. This school closed in July 1975 when Yorke Mead School was opened | ||
The Resident Number 169 - 1995
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
ANOTHER EVENING OF NOSTALGIA It has been agreed to hold another slide evening at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 22nd March at the Methodist Hall in New Road at 8 pm, to show a glimpse of Croxley Green in the recent and not so recent past. Although some 200 slides were shown at last years AGM it was evident when the last slide was projected the evening could have gone on much longer. Not only did the older residents enjoy reliving memories of the past but we new-comers found it fascinating to see how a community enjoys village activities as well as celebrating national events. Croxley Green has so many areas where one can enjoy a walk so it was an opportunity to show these on slide too, for the less able residents who are now unable to visit these parts. Interest has also been expressed in recent activities on slides, such as some of the Gardens that have been chosen in the recent competition, started 2 years ago. The restoration, so far, of the ponds with the valuable volunteer effort of local residents and our school children who so enjoyed themselves. The recent re-introduction of the mummers, captured with pictures and slides. All this and slides that were not shown last time of old Croxley Green can bring an evening of enjoyable memories of our community. | ||
The Resident Number 170 - 1995
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
MEMORIES OF CONNIE WHEATLEY She recalls that Croxley Green was a self-contained village, many families marrying and could recall her parents saying that everyone seemed to be related. They were the odd ones out, they came to Croxley Green in 1906when Connie was born. In those days the only roads were Old Road (now Watford Road), New Road, Dickinson Square and Yorke Road. There were no houses between the Church and Cassiobridge except Lindiswara (now modern flats), the Duke of York and the Boys' School. On the opposite side of the road there was the Vicarage and then nothing until Mill Hill, where there was Nuttfield House (now Nuttfield Close), then open fields until the station goods yard (now Mayfare Estate). Mention is made of the Half Way Public House - a very low rough place now demolished and with a derelict 1950s house on the site. On many occasions I have mentioned the generosity of John Dickinson's Company, and it gave me great pleasure when she expressed the fact that they were very good to their employees, not only at work, but afterwards. After the General Strike, in 1926, John Dickinson formed their own Union, called Union of House of Dickinson which my father and all employees had to join or leave the company. The name of the Institute was changed to the Guildhouse and at about that time they bought the field at the back of New Road. The Tennis, Cricket, Football and Bowls Club were known collectively as the House of Dickinson Guild of Sport. Employees paid a penny a week and other local people only 15/- a year. | ||
The Resident Number 171 - 1996
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir, I was very heartened after reading the articles in the Parish Pump's December issue with regard to local shops. Possibly this was prompted by the closure of Richard Cole's greengrocers shop in New Road. It is often said that people don't know what they've got until they lose it! I think credit must be given to the people of Croxley Green who do support their local shops. We all know how convenient it is to jump into the car, drive to the nearest superstore, fill the trolley, flash a credit card and drive home. We also know how convenient it is to be able to pop down to the local shop if, for instance, we forgot to pick up a lemon when we were in the Superstore. Just for a minute though, pare a thought for the small shopkeeper. He can't run his shop on the basis of people popping in for the odd item that they have forgotten. Also they CARE ABOUT US!!! Yes, they really do. Why? Because we're all they've got. How many of liS have been in our local shop and when it came time to pay, have found that we are a bit short? We're often told; "Don't worry, bring it in next time you're passing!" It has happened to me many times. Could you see any of the big boys doing that? No chance, no matter how much a week you regularly spend. In Croxley Green we have four good butchers, all struggling. Sadly, the only surviving greengrocers, both very good, are both in Baldwins Lane. Look and see, you'll find that they are cheaper than the Superstores. All these shops deserve your support, please give it to them before it is too late!!! ........ A Local Shopkeeper. | ||
The Resident Number 172 -1996
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
STREET NAMES I hope that by now many of you will have read and enjoyed my book "A History of Croxley Green through its Street Names." For many years I have been interested in the history of Croxley Green and realised that little information was readily available. I grew up in Croxley Green. My grandfather bought one of the first houses built in Beechcroft Avenue in the mid 1930s. Like many local residents, he built an air-raid shelter in his back garden and saw many "dog-fights" over London during World War Two. My childhood summers were spent walking in Croxley Hall woods, picnicking on Common Moor, catching tiddlers in the river and watching colourful barges go through the canal locks. I can remember the horse-drawn barges and the busy John Dickinson Mill with employees going up and down Mill Hill to work. Sometimes the river became polluted by mill processes and the fish died. I was one of the first pupils to attend the new school in Malvern Way, before moving on to Harvey Road School. My first year here was spent in Mrs Rosen's class, held in the Old Boys School in Watford Road which was being used for two overflow classes, as the main building was overcrowded. How many of you remember dear Mr Ford - the headmaster, Miss Green, Mrs Warner or Mr Powell? I remember going, with my father, to choose library books in the former Library situated along the shopping parade in Watford Road and, with my mother, to buy cherries from the stalls on the Green during Cherry Sundays..... Shirley Greenman. | ||
The Resident Number 173 - 1997
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
LOTTERY & TENNIS Croxley Tennis Club, which is situated at The Guild of Sport opposite the Artichoke has received a massive cash boost from the National Lottery. The Members owned club was awarded a Provisional Grant of £35,577 towards the costs of carrying out improvements. The overall cost of the project will be £57,742 and the club has already received grants from the Parish Council and TROC towards improving existing flood-lighting The management costs of the project are £1,035 and will be undertaken, free-of-charge, by Mr D Trimmer of Matrix Project Management. This leaves a balance of £13,300 needed and the Lottery Grant is dependant on the members raising this amount. It is hoped that, by the time you read this, cash will have been pledged by either the Foundation for Sport & the Arts or TROC, maybe a iocal firm would be interested in sponsorship. When the project is complete the club will have 5 all-weather courts, three with good floodlighting. Over the past two years, membership has risen consistently, there are now 90 members of all ages and ability. The club has recently started a training programme with Paul Dent, LTA coach, to co-ordinate junior tennis development in the district. It has three teams in local leagues and organises frequent tournaments as well as plenty of social play throughout the week. Anyone interested in playing is welcome to come along on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon and have a game. | ||
The Resident Number 174 - 1997
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
CHURCH ARCHIVES As you all probably know, All Saints' Church is, this year, celebrating its 125th Anniversary and, as I am the archivist, I have to record the events marking this occasion. Already, a large amount of material is coming together; you see it is important for the 150th Anniversary, which takes place in the year 2022. I hope to leave a complete picture so that they may be able to use some of our records for their exhibition. Many of you will remember Yorke Road School which was started by the Church and opened on January 4th 1875. The headmistress was Harriet Lawrence. During that week some 72 children were enrolled and by the end of that month some 109 children had enrolled. Prior to this, children from Croxley Green had to walk to Rickmansworth, the building still standing near to Watersmeet. I have in my possession the School Log Book which will be kept in the Church Archives and, from time to time, I will publish excerpts in the Resident. As the Logs cover the period 1875-1952, you will appreciate that it takes time to get the picture. Sometime, in the future, I will have them on display but, I hope you will understand, I cannot permit them to be handled. However, I will endeavour to be as helpful as possible. Norman Spring - 01923 776933 Archivist - All Saints' Church | ||
The Resident Number 175 - 1998
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
BARTON WAY ALLOTMENTS - The allotment site at Barton way dates back to the 1920s. Since then the site has been continuously cultivated by the residents of Croxley Green. Today we have 150 plots of varying sizes. Allotment plots are measured in the ancient measure of poles. Full plots are normally 10 square poles (30 x 10 yds) but most of ours are now half that size (5 sq poles). We also have some smaller plots. The cost is £1.20 per pole per annum with reduced rate for pensioners. Our members also come in all shapes, sizes, sexes and ages. A feature of Sunday afternoons at the allotments is the broad cross-section of our local community working on their plots, sharing produce and exchanging tips. We have pensioners in their 80s and families with small babies all enjoying the pleasures of "The Good Life". The pleasures of renting an allotment are so many: the peace and quiet / the healthy outdoor life / meeting your friends and making new ones / keeping fit and mobile / lots of fresh vegetables and fruit / growing your own favourite varieties / planting unusual species / masses of beautiful flowers / watching the fruits of your labour grow / saving money Renting an allotment doesn't have to be about allotment widows, slipped discs and smelly manure. Allotments can also be about an alternative life-style where all the family can have a "day out" in the fresh-air digging, planting, weeding, watering and harvesting. Yes, some of the work is physically hard, but you don't have to do it all at once or on your own ..... and you have always got the picnic, the thermos and the hot bath to look forward to! | ||
The Resident Number 176 - 1998
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
IS THIS THE LAST EDITION OF THE RESIDENT? Dramatic words - a bold statement - but unfortunately it could be true. We are currently unable to fill necessary posts. Just glance to the left and you will see that we have no Chairman - no Vice-Chairman - and (most critically) - no Secretary. This means that the Association cannot continue. We do have the rump of a Committee but, apart from those indicated as holding posts - important posts - there is no one else. The former office holders have had to resign due to pressure of work and Parish Councillors cannot be expected to, nor is it appropriate that they should, serve in any official capacity. So, we have, as an emergency measure, decided to issue this Special Edition and to hold a Special General Meeting. It is now over to you. Read this carefully and please respond - it is now up to you I!! | ||
The Resident Number 177 - 1998
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
Morris Minors Pre-School - A new venture is being opened at Durrants Club and, in the spirit that we support any local effort, we include a few notes on this venture. Morris Minors opened on 7 September in the Coach House at Durrants Club, Lincoln Way. Children from the age of two years and nine months rising to five are very welcome. It is open from Monday to Friday, morning sessions 9.15 am to 12 noon, afternoon sessions 1.00 pm to 3.45 pm. Full days are also available. Charges, excluding lunch, are £7 per session or £16 for a full day. The aim is to make children feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents and carers. Children are encouraged to learn through their experiences and to share this learning with their parents. There is a dedicated and qualified staff, who are there to encourage and support the children. There is a high adult to child ratio that is essential in providing good quality preschool care. It is the intention to provide children with a happy, friendly atmosphere, with a wide range of activities, that will ensure a firm foundation for their future education. For further information please contact:- Oelia Morris - 01923 442386 DURRANTS - The ideal setting for wedding receptions, christenings and other family occasions, or business meeting Enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere with arrangements tailored to your requirements Telephone (01923) 773014 | ||
The Resident Number 178 - 1999
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
EARLY DAYS AT THE MILL In the Autumn 1998 issue of the Resident, an article of mine was published about John Dickinson. A short while ago, I received a telephone call from Mr J Sadler which led to a most interesting conversation. I asked him if he could write to me, to which he agreed. A few days later I received a letter enclosing two menus for the Papermakers Annual Dinner dated March 8th 1924 and February 1st 1930. He wrote that members of staff did the singing and reciting. The 1924 programme includes the names Mr Beeson, Mr H Barnes and Mr H Toms. He went on to say that in writing to me a host of memories had been evoked - happy days - miserable ones - hard work and sweat - the rattle of clogs - the hiss of steam - the roar of the machines - above all the comradeship of the Mill. I telephoned and asked if I could call on him as my interest was aroused and I had so many questions. A few days later, just after 9.00 am, I called on him and he presented me with some nine foolscap sheets with more memories. Iwas aware that he had an invalid wife to whom he had to devote much of his time and I expressed my profuse thanks for the time he had spent writing out these memories. | ||
The Resident Number 179 - 1999
Croxley Green Residents Association
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In this Issue
MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS THANK YOU - For supporting the Millennium Celebrations at this year's REVELS. Because of your support, purchasing succulent burgers and buying our specially commissioned Millennium Mug as well as the £1 dash into the arena, enough money has been raised to provide a firework display on the eve of the year 2,000. Special thanks must go to our sponsors who supported us with their donations by advertising in our leaflet at the REVELS. Don't miss the fireworks!! 31st December 1999 THE GREEN 11.30pm - 0030am (approx times) Many families will be wondering or undecided how to celebrate NEW YEAR'S EVE this year and the arrival of the new century. As part of your own celebrations why not join many other Croxley Green residents and their families and friends on The Green. The idea is that there should be two processions making their way to The Green to arrive at about 11.45pm - join in the count-down to the New Year and hear the chimes of Westminster relayed from Croxley Green's own BIG BEN, erected on the REVELS site. After the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" - there will be a Free Firework Display and we would then ask you to disperse back to your own private parties and celebrations or simply back to the warmth of your own home and bed. The organisers of this event are concerned with the safety of those attending the Millennium Celebrations. After taking advice from the Police and other relevant authorities, we ask you to keep to the programme of events and to follow these few, simple but essential, safety rules: | ||
