The Parish Pump - Official magazine of Croxley Green Parish Council - Issue 1 to Issue 23
You can view the history of the Croxley Green Parish Council HERE
The Parish Pump - Issue 1
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In this Issue
It is now almost six years since Croxley Green Parish Council was established, When the council was first elected in March 1986, we all made something of a leap into the unknown. All of us were new to local government and all of us were volunteers, united only in our wish to serve the people of Croxley Green. Our lack of knowledge was offset by our enthusiasm and commitment, but we did start with some problems. Firstly we had no premises and so there was nowhere to use as a Parish Council Office. Secondly we had no money - just a first year precept set by Three Rivers District Council. | ||
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The Parish Council believe they have found a solution to the parking problems around the tube station in Croxley Green. A Parish Map is a new approach to conservation, encouraging local people to be actively involved in the place where they live. It is not just an ordinary map of the Parish but a map showing local features which are important in our everyday life. They may be particular buildings, an orchard, a favourite walk by the canal or across a moor, an event held on the local green. Through the making of such a map we can identify what Croxley Green has to offer and what aspects of our community may require attention. It can be a snapshot in time and reinforce our defence against insensitive change and future plans that may be in store for Croxley Green. | ||
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In this Issue
PARISH OFFICE - On a fortunately dry day, Friday 2nd April, the prefabricated building was delivered, in two halves, to its site adjacent to the Community Centre. As you can imagine it caused some interest in Barton Way and the news will have travelled fast. Village Cleanliness & Recycling - As mentioned earlier, we are encouraging the use of litter bins through our Anti Litter Poster Campaign. We would like to remind or make-you aware of the facilities for recycling bottles and now also Newspapers / clothes / cans in Barton Way Car Park. (Newspapers, magazines and paper have for a long time been collected by the Scouts at their headquarters in Watford Road, so please do not forget them). | ||
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In this Issue
Stone's Orchard was once such an orchard, well known in Croxley Green for its cherries, but apples, pears, plums and cob nuts were also grown. Waiter Stone, from whom the name derives became a tenant farmer in 1893: Previously known as Shepherd's Farm, the owner Waiter Stone and his family lived at Rose Cottage and kept horses, cows and pigs that roamed the orchard freely. Families walked to the Green during the cherry picking season, to buy and eat their cherries. Many wealthy families sent boxes to as far away as Devon and Scotland. The Parish Council has continued to care for the cattle drinking trough on the corner near All Saints' Church. Many residents are kind enough to express their appreciation of the upkeep to this and its appearance. | ||
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In this Issue
PARISH PATHS & DOG HYGIENE - John Griffin, our Ranger, has worked on many of the rural footpaths, clearing back undergrowth that has been allowed to grow unchecked for many years. Regular attention, is also now paid, to the urban footpaths throughout the village. As we gradually increase the number of bins for use of dog owners to enable them to clear up after their pets' necessary natural functions, it is hoped that these areas, in particular. will remain faeces free. Many parents know the dread of their young children stepping into dog faeces, especially on their way to and from school. Little Green Lane has the remains of two ponds shown on the Tithe Map of 1839 and, even earlier than this, on locally drawn maps (estate map). The Green had three dew or dill ponds, now non-existent. | ||
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In this Issue
VILLAGE APPEARANCE - Many are the varying features that contribute to the attractiveness of particular areas. In Croxley Green one of these features are the grass verges that adorn some streets especially where there is a wide pavement. One such avenue is Baldwins Lane although there are a number of other roads similarly blessed. The Parish Council is concerned at the damage being done to some of these verges, detracting from the appearance of the village, either by parked cars or by contractors working on adjacent premises. It is accepted that the wet weather of recent months has not helped. | ||
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In this Issue
RESTORATION OF THE PONDS AT LITTLE GREEN - It is just over one year since the initial start was made to manage and restore these ponds. We know the loss of ponds in Hertfordshire is considerable and to manage these old ponds can be long term as their uses have changed since the introduction of new farming methods and the general changes to the countryside over the past few decades. Many fields / lanes etc. have been subjected to change and altered with land drainage. The water shortage during freak summer heat waves has resulted In the water table falling. All these play a part in pond losses and not least of all to unmanaged ponds. So as the winning dog hygiene poster slogan says: EVEN GOOD DOGS NEED A POOP, SO DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR SCOOP. | ||
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In this Issue
PARISH COUNCILS COST LESS - A number of people have said, very pointedly. that our Parish Council is a waste of money and that they get nothing for the Council Charge that they pay It is, therefore. time that the facts were made clear. Look again at your Council Charge demand. It is clear that the charges, in total, show that the un-parished area is the most expensive and that parished areas are cheaper, depending on the length of establishment and the services covered. The basic rate covering Hertfordshire County Council and Three Rivers District Council are the same throughout the area and amount to (on a band D property):- Herts CC £450.77 Herts Police Authority £46.02 TRDC -General expenses £72.81 TOTAL £569.60 | ||
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MY FIRST YEAR AS A PARISH COUNCILLOR - (A Personal View) In May 1995 I was elected by the voters of Croxley Green South Ward to be a Parish Councillor. What had I let myself in for? Having lived in Croxley Green for the last eight years and having been involved in the Revels organising committee for six of those years there's not much, I naively thought, I didn't know about the area or some of its characters! The first meeting I attended was dominated by heated discussion about a wooden platform over a pond that I didn't even know existed. A week later an anonymous letter about this platform dropped through my letter box with a veiled threat attached to it !! It can't get much worse, can it? Wrong. Less than twelve weeks after the election I was required to attend a special meeting to decide on a vote of confidence in the Chairman of the Council. Who said local politics was boring.......... | ||
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In this Issue
Our Rangers work tirelessly to keep our village tidy and a pleasant place to live. Footpaths are worked upon by them and, because of that the Countryside Management Service have also contributed materials and labour to make them safer, In this respect we shall be erecting footpath signs to demarcate all our footpaths in the coming months We can't let Sarratt do it all. It can be fun working on the Parish Council but it can also be frustrating, Official wheels tend to roll slowly and impatience is the biggest problem that is raised at our regular meetings, All our meetings are open and we will welcome you to come and listen. There is always a space for you to air your views. We do have some regular visitors and we have become firm friends, | ||
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Dear Sir,The pleasure garden of All Saints Church gives happiness to many residents in the long summer months as they wander through it or sit down to have a picnic. On a quiet summer day it is a haven of tranquillity. Not many people realise that in June 1897, at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, an oak tree was planted just outside, on the corner at the end of the garden. There it stands today - the plaque is quite clear underneath it. It is not a very big tree, even after one hundred years, and yet our country has gone from being a huge empire, covering twenty-five per cent of the world's surface, back to the little island we know today. Queen Victoria used her Jubilee to celebrate the fact that her dominions were, at that time, the largest empire that the world had ever known and yet today nothing remains. We can reflect that, though empires wax and wane, the mighty oak takes centuries to reach maturity and so does all woodland. | ||
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In May 1996, the Parish Council published a book called "A History of Croxley Green through its Street Names" written by Shirley Greenman, illustrated and designed by John Kirkham. It was decided to enter this publication for the Alan Ball Local History Award. This award is made by The Library Services Trust. Seeking to encourage local authorities to produce local history publications of a high standard, the Trust makes up to five awards annually. The awards are named after Alan Ball, formerly Borough Librarian of Watford and Harrow, in recognition of his service to libraries and his keen interest in local history. | ||
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Our Village Green has been used for special celebrations since before the turn of the century, and we have records of many regular events. Until more recent years the Green was used several times a year, not least for Cherry Sundays which occurred in the fruiting season. I can remember, as a boy, walking up the Green on a Sunday evening furnished with cherries from Stone's Orchard and casting the pits about me. It is a wonder that the Green did not become a cherry orchard in itself, there must have been tons of cherry pits cast upon its verdant stretches. The annual Revels is recorded for many years, though we only have good records since 1951, when the Festival of Britain was a cause for revival. It was called the Revels because originally it was held on May Day. Doubtful weather caused its moving to the nearest Saturday to the longest day and, despite folk lore to the contrary, it is generally reasonable weather. | ||
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The weekend has arrived at last and you are here. Our Inaugural Craft Fair has got
off to a good start by your presence and, on behalf of the Parish Council, I extend a warm welcome. Our Village Green has been used for special celebrations since before the turn of the century, and we have records of many regular events. Until more recent years the Green was used several times a year, not least for Cherry Sundays which occurred in the fruiting season. I can remember, as a boy, walking up the Green on a Sunday evening furnished with cherries from Stone's Orchard and casting the pits about me. It is a wonder that the Green did not become a cherry orchard in itself, there must have been tons of cherry pits cast upon its verdant stretches.In this Issue. The annual Revels is recorded for many years, though we only have good records since 1951, when the Festival of Britain was a cause for revival. It was called the Revels because originally it was held on May Day. Doubtful weather caused its moving to the nearest Saturday to the longest day and, despite folk lore to the contrary, it is generally reasonable weather. You can see photographs from the event HERE | ||
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GARDEN COMPETITION - FRONT GARDEN Winner - Mrs Hooley, 12 Winton Crescent Very Highly Commended - Mr & Mrs Martin, 54 Harvey Road Highly Commended - Mrs Quelch, 92 Barton Way BACK GARDEN (SMALL) Winner - Mrs Quelch, 92 Barton Way Very Highly Commended - Mr & Mrs Edwards, 3 Lancing Way Highly Commended - Mr & Mrs West 35 Barton Way BACK GARDEN (LARGE) Winner - Mr Benning, 69 Valley Walk Very Highly Commended - Mr & Mrs Martin. 54 Harvey Road Highly Commended- Mr Sherriff, 126 Valley Walk Commended - Mr Cawthorne, 138 Baldwins Lane PUBLIC HOUSES Winner - The Coach & Horses, The Green | ||
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PROPOSALS FOR CROXLEY'S TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION TO MARK MILLENNIUM: GATHERING ON THE GREEN WILL MARK THE YEAR 2000 It is proposed that the people of Croxley Green be invited to join a torchlight procession to mark the millennium. Families will be asked to leave their New Year's Eve parties and join other residents as they make their way to the Green in time for the midnight chimes. And the organisers intend that Croxley villagers won't miss a bong of Big Ben. Croxley will be having its own famous replica of the London landmark, as well as a Trafalgar Square-style Christmas tree. The Capital will come to Croxley as the chimes of Big Ben will be relayed through its smaller brother. | ||
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From the Chairman of The Parish Council As a result of the compliments and encouragement the Council received last year for the Inaugural Craft Fair it has pleasure in again sponsoring one for this year. There will be more of just about everything, more exhibitors, some with demonstrations, more live entertainment, more competitions and particularly more for the children to do, not forgetting the party on Saturday evening dancing to a live band. You can see photographs from the event HERE | ||
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In this Issue
Croxley Green Community Association, registered charity no. 270561, has been awarded a lottery grant of £5,000 for redecoration, both inside and out. We anticipate this work will take place towards the end of December/beginning of January and, when completed, we will hold an Open Evening for all the residents of Croxley Green to come along and take a look. If you are anticipating holding a family function next year, we would recommend you "look lively" and get your booking in quickly. We will still offer very reasonable rates, and the hall will be available for hire both Friday and Saturday nights. Just contact either Marion Johnson, the Club Secretary on 01923 778607 (most mornings) or Bob Hallett, the Steward on 01923 777647 to check available dates. If you haven't yet decided how 'to celebrate the New Millennium, we will be holding a family disco, at £15 for members and £20 for guests. Children under 18 are admitted free of charge. There has never been a better time to become a member! | ||
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In this Issue
Croxley Tennis Club is located just off "The Green", through the Croxley Guild gates opposite to The Artichoke public house. We are a friendly social tennis club, made up of people, with new members always welcome. The club comprises five all weather courts, (three floodlit) and a small timber pavilion, that are available to its members throughout the year. The membership is currently in excess of 200 and has a broad age mix (5-80ish, not wishing to give anyone's secrets away), which we think adds to the friendly character of our club. The standard of tennis played is equally varied and all are catered for from beginners to those accomplished enough to be selected for the Club teams. The teams compete in leagues (ladies / men's / mixed / veterans) against other local clubs throughout the summer. | ||
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For years this fascinating area of about one hundred acres on the borders of Croxley South was barely known about by most residents, although the grassy bank along the River Gade is still fondly remembered by many mature men and women as a place where young lads and lasses used to gather on long sunny evenings in the fifties and sixties. Muscular males displayed swimming and even diving skills in front of shapely young female spectators. In short, it was once a very romantic spot, when love life was so much more innocent and simple. I know two couples (still married and living in Croxley) who ~ first met at Canal Lock 79 - the 'Lido' of Croxley Green - and who regularly visit the spot to rekindle their romance. | ||
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On Sunday the 15th July the Parish Council are holding their 5th annual Fun Day. As usual it is an ideal opportunity to come onto the green with your family, to bring a picnic and to either sit and relax, or to join in. We will have our usual races comprising of 3 legged, sack, egg and spoon and all the others. Last year some 160 people attended, along way from the 15 or so who attended the first one some 5 years ago. So if you and your children fancy a Sunday afternoon on the Green come along and who knows you might even enjoy it. We do!! | ||
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A MESSAGE FOR CHRISTMAS - The world changed on September 11th this year. Many of the assumptions on safety and security by which we live our lives were shattered in such a devastating way. It was brought closer to home by the loss of so many British lives. Croxley Green may not have been directly affected but the reverberations from being so close to London must, I am sure, have reached people here. Our thoughts go out to those who lost family or friends. But I want to pose a difficult question. How much did the world really change? No doubt the scale of the terrorism was without equal and should be remembered for such. But think of the number of lives lost over the years in other troubles, both near and far. I would like to suggest that the way the future pans out is very much dependant on the way we react to September 11th and the speed in which we bounce back. | ||
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How I came to live in Croxley Green - Up until 5 years ago I had lived in London for over 40 years, so moving to Croxley Green was somewhat of a culture shock. A lot of the reasons I moved were to do with my beloved mother who had lived in a little village in Spain and, as she got older and more vulnerable, I persuaded her to move back to England. Now, she was a west country girl and not into big cities. As soon as she saw Rickmansworth she fell in love - the area, and when she saw Croxley Green there was no budging her, not only the village, Nuttfield Close and the house. She raved about the shops, the neighbours and the walks. She was extremely happy and just before she passed away in 1999 she made me swear that I would not part with the house. Cllr Anne Senior | ||
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The Parish Council is pleased to welcome Neil Saxon as our new Clerk. Moyra Pumfrey, who has done most of the work in getting this newsletter together, has also joined the office staff in a permanent capacity as assistant to Neil She has been invaluable during the months that we have been without a Clerk. Our next Parish Pump will be published in May 2003, so if any of our readers would like to submit an article please let Moyra have it by 31st March 2003. In the meantime, we would like to wish the residents of Croxley Green a very merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2003. Cllr Hazel Seeley | ||
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DID YOU VOTE? - By the time you read this, you should all be aware that the local council elections were held on 1st May. There were no Parish Council elections as insufficient number of persons put themselves forward to stand. Those who did stand were automatically elected but is this really what local democracy is about? The Parish Council is now responsible for spending significant amounts of YOUR money and it was disappointing that only 11 members of the local community put themselves forward. I sincerely hope that at the time of the next elections, we will be able to at least fill our 16 Councillor seats without having to co-opt, Cllr Mark Saxon | ||
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NEW INITIATIVES - We are asking you, the residents, for any ideas that might improve the community you live in. If you can think of any new initiatives that would improve Croxley Green, drop the Parish Council a line with what you think could be done. If the Council thinks the idea is feasible we can arrange to meet you and discuss it further. Some people complain that the Parish Council seem to do nothing, but we are all residents like yourselves and we can only bring forward your ideas if you tell us about them. We have 16 Councillors representing some 5000+ homes and 11000 residents, and would like to hear from more of you about how you think we could improve Croxley Green. So please, drop us a line or telephone the Parish Office on 01923 710250 or e-mail us at croxleypc@btconnect.com if you have any ideas. Cllr Robert Ridley | ||
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YORKE MEAD SCHOOL 30TH BIRTHDAY Yorke Mead Primary School in Croxley Green celebrates the so" birthday of the building in Dulwich Way in 2004. Prior to that the School was housed in buildings in Yorke Road, now occupied by Leukaemia Research Fund. We hope to celebrate this birthday with events in the Summer months, although arrangements have not been finalised. We hope that past pupils, staff, parents and governors will be able to join us. If you have been associated with Yorke Mead in the past and would like to be notified of the details, please let us know by telephoning the School on 01923 778420 or e-mail admin.yorkemead@thegrid.org.uk and mentioning the so" birthday. | ||
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12th Annual Garden Competition I am always amazed at the many lovely gardens there are in Croxley Green. The standard of entries was very high this year, which made judging quite challenging. As always, the final judging day was very hot, and our thanks go to Mr and Mrs Edwards and Mr and Mrs Mead for providing much needed cold drinks. Thanks too to Elizabeth Boleat, District Cllr who presented the prizes at a very enjoyable evening at the Parish Council offices in September. There is a display of photographs of the gardens entered at the Parish Council offices, so please do come along and have a look. The results of the competition are shown elsewhere in this edition of the Parish Magazine. Cllr H Seeley | ||
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