Dorney Parish News February 2024 Flood Alert Map Thames Valley: 5th January 2024 The Jubilee River continues to do its job! RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK |RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK01753 6933332RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK |RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK01753 6933332 ISSUE NO. 01/24 FEBRUARY 2024 EDITORIAL The model railways hobby, I read the other day, is in crisis. The major retailer, flourishing in Widnes since 1946, has ceased trading. The hobby’s 2023 national exhibition, once held at the NEC, will be the last. It’s all about, apparently, fewer customers, changing demographics, and ‘supply chain disruption’. In other words, enthusiasts are aging, and the internet is a game changer. Why should this column be concerned with a hobby it left behind six decades ago? Well, knowing that this magazine would once, back in the day, have carried reports from the Dorney Loco-spotters Club has always seemed symbolic of a Dorney that might have had more ‘community’, more sociability. If generations of people who ran things and attended meetings are not being replaced as lifestyles change, then it seems parish magazines not only diagnose the problem but suffer the consequences more than most. (But please see the announcement elsewhere in DPN from the Slough and Windsor Railway Society!). In the December issue of Eton Wick News, the Editor states that ‘this issue will be the last one’. Alas the same issue has sad news of the Eton Wick History Group as Teresa Stanton explains in this magazine. A favourite magazine of mine in west Oxfordshire, with many more copies circulated than we manage but equally short of distributors, headlines ‘Could this be our last year? We need your help!’ A magazine based closer to us in South Bucks is more sweeping – ‘we urgently need more people to step forward and take part in almost every activity in the village.’ Dorney Parish News really appreciates all the support it receives from our community. Our price rise last year was gracefully accepted and is not being repeated this year! But residents have hardly beaten down our doors to answer our call for new distributors, so we repeat the request. The small editorial team is very conscious that it represents just one, elderly, demographic. Soon we must focus on the question of succession! We have been made aware of one area where the community is not being served, and we apologise for the omission. The Christmas break seemed to last forever which was combined with a fiendishly unwieldy Bucks council refuse collection website. This Easter and for every succeeding holiday break, we will print the definitive, official guide to collection dates. What does unite the community is a reaction to us feeling hard done by. We welcome the detailed proposals recently put by the Parish Council to Dorney Lake intended to allow year-round access to residents. We understand the need for the site’s essential security and privacy, but such an arrangement would recognise the toleration shown now over several decades by the Lake’s neighbours. Finally, two community successes…bravo to the Playground committee for achieving their target of sufficient funds to replace malfunctioning equipment, and thanks for the memories of a spectacular Horticultural Society Christmas Supper to keep us cheerful through what is proving a very cold start to 2024. We thank our friends in advance for their 2024 subscriptions – don’t delay! ‘I Read the News Today, Oh Boy…’ We’re always asked ‘what’s happening about…’ As we enter a new year, it’s time to reflect on issues as they appeared in our pages through 2023. They opened and closed our year – potholes featured on the cover of February’s and December’s issues. Our call for action turned into a celebration of resurfacing in Village Road. Will Bucks’ extra £5million, Bucks’ new Pothole Pro machine and better liaison between the Local Area Technician team and the Parish Council continue the improvement? Symbolically, the smart M4 was removed from the Council’s agenda but an article reprinted in May from the AA correctly predicted a halt to the rollout by the government. Was the despoliation of Dorney all in vain? It looked as though a 40mph limit could be introduced on Dorney Common minus the usual exorbitant cost. We endorse the principle that Dorney’s unique rural character (this year we dubbed this Dorney’s DNA) should be preserved and the Green Belt undeveloped. Such policies will bump up against the ambitions of Eton College. In May we pointed out the unacceptable housing densities inherent in Eton’s plans for Dorney and welcomed the refusal in July by Bucks Council’s Planning Committee of their application to develop Boveney Court Farm. In December we reported a lukewarm reception by many residents to their plans for Court Farm as revealed in the Boathouse, and we note that an application for this site plus an appeal against the Boveney decision have yet to be lodged. A highpoint for the magazine was a behind the scenes tour of Dorney Lake, written up in May, to be followed by a minibus tour for a larger party in June under the wing of Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay. The Lake’s invitation to hold the Annual Parish Meeting in the Boathouse was encouraging, but many of our readers will be dismayed that a detailed plan submitted by the Parish Council to allow year-long access for residents has just been rejected. We have supported the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan as a protection against unwelcome local development and reported on the related village questionnaire results and the two public meetings held by the small working party, whose draft has been sent to Bucks Council. More discussion will no doubt follow. We joined the Parish Council, our County Councillors and the MP in calling on Bucks to issue an Enforcement Notice against the owners of the Orchard Herbs site, which has now been issued and could lead to a vacating of the site by June. Alas, Mr Balls, the owner is mounting an appeal. The long-awaited Emergency Plan found its way on to the council website (which is on the way to becoming a real community asset) in February, and, it seems, kicked in following a severe springtime thunderstorm. A social buzz is returning to Dorney. The Playground Committee have created a real social focus on Trumpers Field, ran parties and cinema evenings and, most importantly, achieved their fund-raising target. The revival of Dorney Horticultural Society after the lockdown has continued with new meeting venues and new members, a spectacularly well-supported Annual Show, and a great Christmas Supper, which seemed to boost attendance at the Palmer Arms’ First Wednesday. One village asset sadly lacking since July has been a vicar, but we must hope that congregations at St James the Less have little to fear for the future. Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Part-time Assistant Curate: Rev. Carole Gooding (07786) 290162 Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes: I’d firstly like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year and hope you all had a great Christmas. Following our Christmas period, the church entered the period of Epiphany which depending on how early or late Easter falls, can contain anywhere between four Sundays and nine Sundays. The season of Epiphany marks the arrival of the Magi, wealthy noblemen, often referred to as the wise men or kings. This took place some two years after the birth of Jesus, when He, now a toddler, Mary and Joseph had now set up a home. The Magi brought with them the three gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold a symbol of a king, frankincense a perfume symbolising divinity and myrrh an anointing and embalming oil symbolising death. Epiphany comes to an end on Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day to some) and is an opportunity to consider the upcoming season of Lent. On Wednesday 14th February we enter the season of Lent, with Ash Wednesday, which this year is also Valentines Day, so if you would like to treat your special someone to an alternative Valentines Day evening, you are more than welcome to join us at St. James the Less Dorney. This service focuses on repentance and acknowledgement of our mortality and during the service we have our foreheads daubed with ashes made from the previous year’s palm crosses. Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert being tempted by Satan three times. It is widely recognised that Jesus did this immediately after his baptism by John the Baptist and prior to him beginning his ministry and teaching. The 40 days have significance within The Bible as this was the same period that Moses went into the mountains, again praying and fasting, before receiving the Ten Commandments, and also the prophet Elijah spent 40 days fasting and praying in the mountains before the word of the Lord came to him. Lent is now seen as a period of prayer within the Church and whilst we do not fast for the full 40 days, it is traditional to give up something unnecessary for that period, usually a food or beverage. Some Christians also add into their existing prayer schedule a daily Lent prayer and there are plenty of online resources out there, from individual prayers for each day to bible studies to be completed daily. The internet is full of free resources and if you would like to try it, have a look around. It certainly does not have to be a taxing experience. Lent comes to an end on Maundy Thursday 28th March. So, I will leave it there and save some content for my March update. As a reminder, we do operate services every Sunday at 0930 and we are a friendly congregation. If you would like to come along and see what ‘goes on’, please feel free to attend. If you are worried about going up for communion, you can go up for a blessing or you can remain firmly sat in your seats for that part. Wishing you all a great February. Stephen Baker Church Services in February 2024 Sunday 4th February 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Any Age Family Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 7th February 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 11th February 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 14th February (Ash Wednesday) 7.00 pm Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney Sunday 18th February 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 21st February 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 25th February 9.30 am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Dorney Horticultural Society Dear members and friends of the Horticultural Society, By the time you read this, hopefully, all of our members will be receiving their 2024 yellow membership cards. Your committee have been busy planning the 2024 programme of events and we will be starting off the new year with a return visit to Crocus for a fascinating talk on ‘Honeybees and the Garden’ in the cafe annex with tea and cakes on the afternoon of Tuesday 27th February. This will be followed up in April with a cheese and wine evening and guest speaker in Dorney Village Hall. We have two garden visits planned for this year in June. The first is an afternoon guided tour of Stonor House and Gardens, Henley. The second is a private guided tour of Oxford Botanic Gardens and this will be a coach trip. Hopefully this will be enough to whet your appetites to renew your membership for 2024, and we look forward to seeing you in February. Dorney Horticultural Society Committee Slough and Windsor Railway Society has recently started to create a model railway layout of Taplow Station around 1948-1950. They are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in this project. This could be getting involved in the modelling, on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays at their base near Slough Station. Equally welcome are any memories of the station in the years up to 1970 and especially any photographs or other information. Please contact Frank Taylor at f52taylor@gmail.com to learn more about the project. You can find out about Slough and Windsor Railway Society here: https://www.facebook.com/SWRSonline https://www.instagram.com/sloughandwindsorrailway?igsh=Y2dmYTAza3h2YW g0 http://www.swrs.co.uk/swrsweb/index.html Great News! The Timber Snake Swing is on its way. If you have been following the activities of Dorney Playground Management Committee in Dorney Parish News, you will know that we have been raising funds to replace the not working I- Play with a Timber Snake Swing. However, the cost of removing the I-Play and replacing it with a timber snake swing is £15,440! The good news is that we now in a position to place the order. How did we do it, you might ask? – well a lot of hard work and generous people. Donations Grant from Beeches Community Fund £ 8,000 A very generous donation from Simon Brades £ 1,000 A very generous donation from Dorney Village Hall £ 500 Matched donation from Aviva* £ 1,000 *Jackie Seels worked for Aviva Fund Raising Summer Party £ 1200 Halloween Party £ 600 Film Night £ 200 Making a total of: £12,500 We would also like to thank Maria Holloway who has spent many of her hours opening the afterschool tuck shop during the winter months when it would normally be closed. She has also opened the tuck shop for the dance school that use the Village Hall on Saturdays. All the money raised by the tuck shop goes into the Dorney Playground funds. So, although it is not too late to make a donation, we have sufficient funds in the bank to order the timber snake swing. So watch this space for the opening ceremony in April/May. But don’t worry, the committee will not be sitting around now with nothing to do. It costs about £6,000 a year just to keep the playground in good order and all the money spent on maintenance has to be raised. We don’t get any money from the local authority to maintain the playground equipment. You can donate any amount using the ‘fund me’ barcode below. Thanks to all the Dorney Playground Management Committee who are: Richard Hall – Trustee and Chair Isy Hall – Trustee Jacke Seels – Trustee and Treasurer Adam Seels – Trustee Sam Smith – Trustee Ettie Brand – Secretary Maria Holloway Dorney Playground Management Committee Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 07737053409 The Palmer Arms Valentine’s Menu 2024 2 courses -28.95 3 courses –33.95 The Palmer Arms Valentine’s Menu 2024 2 courses -28.95 3 courses –33.95 Starters Mix Platter to Share (panko breaded squid, garlic mushrooms, BBQ wings) Chicken Liver & Port Parfait with a fig and apple onion chutney and toasted brioche (GF) Smoked Salmon and cream cheese roulade with prawns and watercress (GF) Vegetable samosa’s with a vegan mayo and mango dip (Ve) Mains Pan fried Seabass with crushed new potatoes, wilted spinach & garlic prawn butter (GF) Chicken supreme with mash, cabbage, and creamy mustard chive sauce (GF) Wild Mushroom Risotto with peas and truffle oil (Ve) (GF) Beef Wellington with spinach duxelle, dauphinoise potato, buttered carrots and jus (+£4.00 Supplement) Desserts Selection of British cheese with red onion chutney, crackers, celery, and grapes (GFA) Somerset Brie Applewood Smoked Cheddar Shropshire Blue Chocolate Cherry Tart with vegan ice cream (Ve) Strawberry Cheesecake with strawberry coulis Chocolate Fondant with mint chocolate ice cream Sticky Toffee with vanilla ice cream (GFA) *For any questions or allergy related enquires please ask one of your servers* GFA = Gluten Free Alternative VE = Vegan www.thepalmerarms.com 01628 666612 Orchard Herbs Enforcement Notice issued at last! Finally, Bucks Council have issued a comprehensive Enforcement Notice on all the illegal activities being conducted on this site. Below are the key points, in DPN’s opinion, from the Enforcement Notice ES/23/00431/COU. The full Notice can be seen on the Dorney Parish Council website under Planning and the Bucks Council Planning website under Enforcements. Congratulations are due to Dorney Parish Council, especially Cllr Robert Stopford, to our Ward Councillor, George Sandy, and our M.P., Joy Morrissey, for all their sterling efforts to get this Notice drafted and issued. It is being appealed, but there is now a legal Enforcement Notice against which, if necessary, in due course, an injunction can be raised. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) ENFORCEMENT NOTICE [DPN EXTRACTS] ISSUED BY: Buckinghamshire Council ("the Council") 1. THIS NOTICE is issued by the Council because it appears to it that there has been a breach of planning control within paragraph (a) of Section 171A(1) of the above Act, at the land described below. 2. THE LAND TO WHICH THE NOTICE RELATES Land lying to the West of Lake End Road (Formerly known as Orchard Herbs), Dorney, Buckinghamshire, SL4 6QS (Registered with Land Registry under Title number BM82250) (“the Land”). 3. THE MATTERS WHICH APPEAR TO CONSTITUTE THE BREACH OF PLANNING CONTROL Without planning permission, a material change of use of the Land to a mixed use, comprising: • Open storage; • The storage and distribution of aggregates; • The preparation, storage and distribution of readymix concrete; • The stationing of a static caravan for residential occupation; • Vehicle breaking and repairs; • The storage and distribution of scaffolding and associated equipment; • The siting of racking; • The siting of metal containers; • The siting of concrete batching plant; • The siting of associated paraphernalia, materials, equipment brought onto the Land in connection with this unauthorised use of the Land; And, to facilitate the unauthorised use, the carrying out of operational development comprising: • The laying of hardstanding and roadways • The erection of aggregate storage bays; • The erection of concrete batching plants and associated equipment 4. REASONS FOR ISSUING THIS NOTICE It appears to the Council that the above breach of planning control has occurred within the last TEN years. 1. The site lies within the open Green Belt wherein there is a presumption against inappropriate development. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the material change of use of the Land to the mixed use identified, does not fall into any of the forms of development which are not inappropriate in the Green Belt, listed in paragraph 150 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Policy GB1 of the South Bucks District Local Plan -Adopted March 1999 Consolidated September 2007 and February 2011. The development by reason of the unauthorised use, is inappropriate and results in a reduction in the openness of this part of the Green Belt and conflicts with the purposes of including land within it. There are no very special circumstances evidenced because the substantial harm to the Green Belt, and any other harm, cannot be clearly outweighed. 2. By its very nature, the unauthorised use results in the storage of a large number of vehicles, scaffolding, manufacturing material, plant, equipment and machinery. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, this has an urbanising appearance, which is cramped and clustered and incompatible with the more rural character of the surrounding area. 3. The access to the site does not have a minimum width of 4.8m and the required visibility splays of 2.4m x 215m are not achievable to the north of the access, due to the rise of Lake End Road and the sudden drop when going over the bridge over the M4. 5. WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO 1. Cease the use of the Land for open storage; 2. Cease the use of the Land for the storage and distribution of aggregates; 3. Remove all aggregates and associated equipment from the Land; 4. Cease the use of the Land for the preparation, storage and distribution of readymix concrete; 5. Remove all readymix concrete and associated equipment from the Land; 6. Cease the use of the Land for the siting of a static caravan; 7. Disconnect and remove the static caravan, from the Land; 8. Cease the use of the Land for vehicle breaking and repairs; 9. Cease the use of the Land for the storage and distribution of scaffolding and associated equipment; 10.Remove all scaffolding and associated equipment from the Land; 11.Remove the racking from the Land; 12.Remove the metal containers, from the Land; 13.Rip up and remove the hardstanding and roadways from the Land; 14.Rip up and remove the aggregate storage bays from the Land; 15.Remove the concrete batching plant from the Land; 16.Remove from the Land allparaphernalia, items, equipment and vehicles,brought onto the Land in connection with this unauthorised use of the Land; 17.Remove all materials and debris resulting from complying with steps 1-16 of this Notice, from the Land These requirements are necessary to satisfactorily resolve the breach of planning control. 6. TIME FOR COMPLIANCE Within SIX months of this Notice taking effect. 7. WHEN THIS NOTICE TAKES EFFECT This Notice takes effect on 1ST January 2024 unless an appeal is made against it prior to that date. Issued: 29th November 2023 Appeal against Orchard Herbs Enforcement. There has been an appeal against the Enforcement Notice issued by Bucks Council. We need your help to ensure the Enforcement Notice is held up by writing or emailing the Planning Inspectorate with your comments. You can either email TeamE5@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or write to the following address, Rebecca Gray, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square. Bristol BS1 6PN quoting reference APP/N0410/C/23/3336002. Comments have to be submitted by the 28th of February 2024. Action Plan Updated: 16 January 2024 In Progress Action Purpose Completed Heritage Review of Dorney Conservation Area Consider expansion to include other parts of Dorney Village and Lake End NP Working Group Orchard Herbs Site Work with Burnham PC and Bucks Council for new enforcement notice/injunction and to revert to permitted usage as soon as possible. Robert Stopford Environment Review management of roadside verges How to manage a less manicured look Jill Dax Planting at Dents Corner, Marsh Lane/Harcourt Road areas Improve appearance of Dorney Reach entrance and centre of Dorney Village Jill Dax Thames Water Field Rewilding Proposal sent to Thames Water for local volunteers Jill Dax Trumper’s Field, Dorney Reach Review Review ownership and usage Memorial Garden, Village Road Review planting in Memorial Garden Memorial Garden, Village Road Conduct Tree Survey (DEC23) Parish Clerk Trail bikes in fields and on Jubilee River footpaths Work with Slough, EA, police to prevent trail bike incursion on Jubilee River/local fields & footpaths Jill Dax/Robert Stopford Annual Footpath Audit Ensure all footpaths are usable and maintained according to standards. Stephen Baker Volunteer litter-pickers Continue to support large group of volunteers with necessary equipment Jill Dax Jill Dax Transfer of Dorney Village Hall charity to DPC In consideration Anna Palmer/Parish Clerk Possible parish boundary change - Lake End Support parish boundary change Robert Stopford Complete Neighbourhood Plan 2024 Support Neighbourhood Plan Working Group as required NP Working Group Best Kept Village competition Dorney Lake Community Planning and Architecture Infrastructure Potholes Consider re-entering in 2025 - involving Dorney Horticultural Society and others. Meetings with Dorney Lake to gain summer access for residents Pressure on Bucks Council to repair all potholes on FixMyStreet All Pursue previously agreed resurfacing of certain roads Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Resurface certain roads Resolve dangerous parking at the junction of Ashford Jill Dax Dangerous Parking outside Pineapple Lane and Lake End Road Pressure Bucks Council to make good and reduce noise Martyn Westcott-Wreford Village Road Cattle Grid Lake End Road (Sainsbury’s into Dorney): reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph. £10,000. Review reduction in speed limits Common Road/Boveney Road: reduce speed limit from Parish Clerk Review reduction in speed limits 60mph to 40mph using National Parks precedent Marsh Lane (from entry to Dorney)/Court Lane: reduce speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. £10,000. Review reduction in speed limits Review installation of white entry gates on verges - Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Reduce speed on entry to Parish Dorney Reach at Marsh Lane from Taplow and Lake End Road from Sainsbury's Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Replace damaged Dorney Sign at Tilstone Bridge Install Wildlife warning sign on Marsh Lane Parish Clerk Reduce number of street furniture and signage Annual Street Furniture/Signage Review Stephen Baker Flooding of Lake End Common (Ashford Lane) Investigate flooding on Lake End Common/Ashford Lane Parish Clerk with Thames Water and Environment Agency www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk THE NEW YEAR ARRIVED WITH A STORMY BLAST… ...bringing down trees and branches. Bucks Council responded swiftly in clearing a fallen branch in Court Lane. A BIG THANK YOU to our ‘silent’ band of regular litter pickers, without whom the parish and Jubilee River would not be so clean. Bucks have found us some sturdy grabbers and bags. Please contact our Clerk (Ruth Senior) if you would like a new grabber. Sadly, the passing traffic and other visitors don’t adhere to the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ slogan, and it is down to us all to do our bit within our own areas. ORCHARD HERBS: DORNEY LAKE: THE LONG-AWAITED NEW AND NEW ENFORCEMENT REPLACED DPC Proposal to NOTICE HAS BEEN ISSUED – AND IMMEDIATELY NO PARKING POSTS permit residents access during summer months APPEALED. RESIDENT RESPONSES INSTALLED not agreed by NEEDED! SEE DPC ON LAKE END Dorney Lake WEBSITE UNDER LOCAL ROAD PROJECTS. DPC ACTION PLAN UPDATED AT LAST MEETING… … in Dorney Parish News and on the DPC website. Neighbourhood Plan. Updates on this important document will be posted in DPN, notice boards and by email to those residents who have provided their email address. NEXT DPC MEETING Tuesday 19th March 7.30pm at Dorney School. 2024 Meetings will be held January, March, May (+APM), July, September, November. 15 Dorney Nature Notes “I can’t get no sleep” sang the late, great Maxi Jazz on ’Insomnia’ the huge nineties house banger by Faithless (if you’re on Spotify, you’re looking for the ‘Monster Mix’. You’re welcome :-). And I couldn’t get any sleep either at 5am on Sunday 7th Jan after returning from holiday in the French Alps. But to my delight my own insomnia meant that for the first time over the festive period I heard the Tawny Owl calling for almost an hour in the Thames Water field. I subsequently heard it several times in the week, as did my neighbour Theo, in fact I can hear it starting to call now as I write this: Theo and I are now scheming on how we can erect a Tawny Owl box or two this autumn to help attract a breeding pair. I’ve still never actually seen the Tawny Owl (in fact any Tawny Owl!), but I do see a friendly Red Kite almost every day in the garden. It has taken to roosting at the top of a big Black Locust (false acacia) tree in my neighbour Adam’s garden. I think the tree must have been planted by the late Ralph Liney but I can’t be sure. It’s a North American tree, so not native, but does provide shelter and roosting opportunities for the local birds, and given I have no mature trees of that size in my own garden I am a tad jealous! When I walk down the garden now, the Kite sometimes calls and follows me, mainly (I presume) because I occasionally leave bits of liver and the odd chicken carcass (used for stock) at the bottom of the garden for it. My family from Scotland who were visiting over the festive period were delighted to be able to see such a marvellous and distinctive bird of prey at such close quarters every day. Although they live on the Isle of Mull where there are Golden Eagles, Buzzards, Hen Harriers and recently re-introduced White-tailed Sea Eagles, you don’t see them every day, or so close by. Given my limited bird identification skills, I love the fact it’s almost impossible to mistake a Red Kite! In medieval times Red Kites were widespread throughout the UK and were protected as street cleaners in the City of London, but by the 16th century there was a bounty on their head, and they were persecuted as “vermin”, and then by taxidermists and egg-collectors as they got rarer. It blows my mind (and saddens my heart) how effective we are at eradicating other species. By 1871 the Red Kite was extinct in England. However, a tiny population clung on in Wales (down to one breeding female at one point) and thanks to various breeding programmes (including translocations from Germany and Sweden) the Red Kite has now rebounded spectacularly (there are now around 4000 pairs in the UK) that we now export them to Extremadura and Andalusia. Recently (when a farmer was presumably ploughing a field and exposing loads of earthworms and other bugs) I counted at least 30 – 40 in the sky. An inspiring sight. Unfortunately, however, some are still being poisoned and shot by landowners and gamekeepers, especially on grouse shooting estates. I don’t understand that mind set and never will. Hopefully in time, landowners will be encouraged to increase biodiversity and not eradicate it. Excitingly, Theo saw “our” Red Kite carrying a stick in its beak one morning, so we are now hoping it makes a nest in the tree but I’m not sure if its too close to human habitation (and our dogs) for that. The Thames Water rewilding field will no doubt provide excellent forage for the Tawny Owl and the Red Kite. I’ve recently seen a Kestrel hovering over the field as well. Theo also got some great photos of our local Little Owl on his trail cam opposite the box we have installed. There has been some disruption that many of the Dorney Reach residents have been concerned about as SSE remove trees and vegetation that is potentially encroaching on the power cable that runs parallel to the boundary of the houses on the south side of Harcourt Road. No doubt what they have removed will start to bounce back but as usual there seems to have been minimal communication with the local community and the work has been carried out in a relatively slapdash fashion. I looked under a wood pile in my garden last week and was delighted to see a large collection of juvenile common newts hanging out there, so I hope any affected wildlife by the work was able to retreat into safer areas in our gardens and the field. If anyone wants to boost wildlife in their garden, build a pond!!! (and fill it with native plants and no fish!) There is no better way to increase the value of your garden to boost biodiversity. I have put together a proposal, with the support of the Parish Council, to form a local organisation to take over the management of the Thames Water field. (I would love to build some ponds in there!) The original vision for rewilding would stay (which Thames Water are legally bound to, but also because hopefully the local community agrees that nature restoration in the field is a positive thing for us), and we could then hopefully influence better access and maintenance for the local community, have better communication and engagement, and start to undertake our own species surveys etc. and make decisions around other habitat improvements and maintenance. I think we are all agreed that we do not want to publicise the site or try and make it a destination for non-locals, especially as there is no dedicated parking for the field. We have an active list of local residents who would be prepared to lean in and help with management activities. Jill Dax has kindly forwarded the proposal to the main contact at Thames Water, so we now wait with bated breath to see if they will respond…. Andrew (Olly) Oliver Leap Years Hope the New Year resolutions are still going and haven’t been abandoned just yet! 2024 is a Leap Year. This is especially important for my family, as my dad, Otto, was born on the 29th of February. So technically speaking, I’m older than him, which I love to remind him of. The Leap Year was made in 45 BC by Julius Caesar. He just decided that he wanted to add a 0.25 day, therefore with the solar Leap Year being 365.2422 days, this added on an extra day every four years. This created ‘the year of confusion’. If we didn’t have a Leap Year, all the seasons would be merged together and in seven hundred years, summer wouldn’t come in June, it would come at Christmas. Imagine having a hot Christmas in December in the UK! So, my dad is turning a teenager this year, yet he has his own boat building business. He’s doing quite well for himself. When most of us were thirteen we were at school, unfortunately. As a family we celebrate his birthday on the 28th on non-leap years, although I know some people celebrate it on the 1st of March, as it is actually the law that Leap Year babies turn a year older on the 1st rather than then the 28th. Every morning on the 28th my dad gets a card from one of his oldest friends and it has the amount money equalling his age. For example, last year it was £12.75p. That is one of the memories I have of his birthday every year. Some interesting facts about the 29th of February: There are actually 5 million people worldwide born on a Leap Year, which isn’t the rarest day to be born. It is in-fact the 25th of December. Who would have guessed that the 29th of February was National Toast Day, how very random! Something more interesting -Gone with the Wind won 8 Oscars in 1940 on this date, and a superstition is that women can propose on the 29th of February. Surprisingly, the Olympics fall on Leap Years. This year they are being held in Paris. If you ever wonder when the next Leap Year is - which I’m sure you all do – think about when the next Olympics are. Laila Marples *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. Your space... Mentionthisadvertforanexclusive25%discount* for spectacular celebrations Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. Create.Inspire.Together. info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake Dorney Court Stables' horses on the Estate last week “No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle” — Winston Churchill The much-loved Dorney Walks Map is resurrected -online! Many residents will recall this excellent footpath map of Dorney, which was published in the early 2000s, being linked to the Millennial Celebrations and the opening of Dorney Lake and the Jubilee River. Dorney Parish News retrieved a copy and has scanned it in four A4 pages for online viewing and printing. We are delighted to report that Dorney Parish Council has agreed to post it on their website so it can be easily downloaded. A new main tab has been added to the website, entitled Dorney Maps, where the official Parish Map now is, together with the official Dorney Village Footpath Map and this Dorney Walks Map. We have already heralded Peter Tyler as an inspiration for our view of ‘Dorney DNA’ and this map had much input from Peter, the naturalist, and his friend the late Rusell Spencer, the walker, a leading light in the East Berkshire Ramblers. We have made a couple of updates to the Dorney Walks map, firstly, ensuring that Lake End Common is not in the Orchard Herbs site, with a new arrow and, secondly, adding a note regarding the closing of Dorney Lake during the summer months. We also believe that we need to add some new bridleways at the next update. Should any resident notice any other updates/changes that they believe are necessary, please email me at peter.bowman@talktalk.net and we will make any changes necessary. Enjoy your further discovery of Dorney Parish and beyond! Peter Bowman S.*.*. S Welcome to the Society of Divorced and Separated. We wish you a very Happy New Year. You have probably not heard of us before and there is a very good reason for that dilemma; its inaugural meeting was on 30th December 2023; yes, about two weeks ago. The qualification for membership is rather obvious and sadly, I qualify. For us S**S, Christmas can be a trying time; it is for some single people too, especially so for those with children. I have been very fortunate indeed that since my qualification, I have been blessed with a new wife, and wonderful friends and relatives who have made sure that yours truly was never alone on the two festive days, and so until last year, the dilemma did not occur to me but by force of circumstances, Boxing Day loomed as a dark cavern ready to swallow me up in the torrent that inexorably propelled me toward it, and in a very unattractive bout of mild self-pity I confessed to the lovely new Mrs. Quincey, who had long standing ritual celebrations from her singles days, that Boxing Day may be less than thrilling. A friend at work badly needed the same day off for compassionate reasons, and it was with a little relief that I nobly volunteered to step into the breach, or more accurately perhaps, to swim away from the cavern; an offer that was gratefully grabbed. I wondered what it would be like to tend to the poor and needy on such a day. I recalled from my policing days the unwritten rule was that married officers with children would have the festive days off but would be expected to volunteer for New Year’s night when singles would do what single youngsters do on such occasions, and it worked pretty well, only occasionally failing, where on two occasions in my career, I was required to work a Christmas night and a Boxing Day late turn. On the Christmas night a few years ago we police were called to a large fat man dressed in red stuck at the top of a chimney. I suspected that he may have been an adventurous drunk and prepared to take him to the station to sober up, until he pointed to a very large sleigh shackled to some reindeer hovering nearby, saying rather haughtily, “If you do that, Officer, Christmas will be ruined for all the boys and girls including your Peter and David along with, I suspect, your career and reputation!” Rather blushingly, we pulled and pushed and heaved and sweated dangerously on a roof in the cold night air, and finally he was free and delivering presents from a huge sack. After returning to the Nick to wash off all the soot, the rest of the night was very busy with the more usual calls for assistance that I had anticipated. The Boxing Day late turn was dead as children built dens with cardboard boxes that had contained the now abandoned presents from the previous day, Dads nursed hang overs while Mums did what Mums do every day. I expected Boxing Day in a green suit would be either very busy or the complete opposite. (In this context the D word would seem insensitive.) Sadly, the latter was the case and my partner in crime and I sat in the crew room for eight hours watching Boxing Day TV, reading the Christmas issue of Private Eye, or in his case, glued to a mobile phone. To paraphrase an old but excellent police recruiting poster that hooked me, with a Police Rover, blue lights ablaze sliding through a bend in London with the slogan writ large “Dull it isn’t” was, in the context of Boxing Day 2023, “Dull it certainly was!” I returned home to my lovely wife, all pink and fulfilled from her traditional long Boxing Day walk with her sisters. “How was it, Honey?” she asked sweetly. I made the best of the reply, but there was no conviction in it, rather the atmosphere of a cold wet day in Slough, which, come to think of it, isn’t far from the truth! “Well, there must have been a few people in your situation,” she smiled. And so we considered those in our circle of friends, and sadly, we had a few who, like me, had qualified, but like me too, had found happiness again, and thanks to the wonders of the wretched mobile phones, our small group met in our home, each bringing something to sit around a blazing brazier to put the world right. Of course, Henk had the last word with heavy rain, howling wind and floods, but we moved indoors and put the world right till 1.00am on the last day of an eventful 2023. It was the first S**S meeting, and we plan more. Maybe you would like to come? The following day we saw in the New Year in our dance club (or rather Mrs. Quincey’s club – I have two left feet) followed by a Boxing Day for me on New Years Day with the people I care about most in the world. All this proved lots of old wives’ tales to be true, including this one. “When you’re in a hole, the only way is up, where the light is!” To be fair, mine was a very small hole indeed, and in the two weeks since, I have met several in much larger holes with far greater problems than the odd ‘left out of it’ day. I do hope you all had the best days possible over the holiday with many many more to come in 2024. I do hope too that the Editor continues his approval of my monthly ramblings, and that you, Dear Reader, continue to ponder them. Was that Father Christmas all those years ago? Well, Peter and David rushed up to me as I returned home with a large plate of mince pies and a large glass of Port. There was a note attached. It said, “Thanks for your help, Officer. You earned these. Love Santa. XX Stay safe. Mike Quincey Disappearances in Dorney Reach We can report on two recent dark events in Harcourt Road. The first of these has faintly comic undertones, yet is still disappointing for residents, while the circumstances and implications of the second are rather more serious. Yet again the contents of the book exchange in the ex-BT telephone box have been mysteriously removed, while one December evening, a family’s BMW X5 car was taken from a driveway not far from that very same box. The first recorded literary heist was over a decade ago and prompted an immortal September 2013 headline in the Maidenhead Advertiser reporting that ‘bibliophiles in Dorney Reach have been scratching their heads about a whodunnit in their sleepy village’. A year or so before, Dorney Parish Council had taken over responsibility for the upkeep of the phone box for a nominal fee after BT discontinued its use for phone calls. A book exchange had started with maybe a hundred or more titles and now both books, and the shelves installed by residents, had vanished. This pattern of replenishment followed by disappearance has continued, with maybe more incidents reported in recent years. I must say that this writer has much enjoyed the ‘library’, particularly by catching up with sci-fi classics that have a cover price of 2/6, courtesy of a kindred spirit mystery donor, but it has been sad to see hardback novels donated in return disappear within weeks. In 2020, the Parish Council did authorise proceeds from a necessary clear out of the Village Road box benefitting Swan Sanctuary, but the council and all three local swan groups confirm that no ongoing arrangement now exists. The only answer is to hope and be vigilant, and maybe to install some sort of written notice to prevent any future misunderstandings about clearance. Those who stole the BMW raised many issues. As the owners have said ‘they thought of everything!’ They checked out the property and the vehicle in advance – two days before a young man had been caught on the owners’ doorbell camera apparently inspecting the parked car and looking out for cameras. The vehicle probably went about 11pm, with the owners believing that their house was being watched at that time, with the move being made as lights were switched off. Perhaps most sinister of all was evidence that the ring doorbell was made redundant – it picked up no sign of movement – by the wireless signal being blocked. On the very same evening, number plates were stolen from another BMW in Dorney Reach. It was thought that the numbers may well have been switched. Obviously, the car owners contacted the police, as did we, and Thames Valley Police suggested we draw attention to their published information on keyless car theft. Reading through this is quite a revelation as to both the criminals’ methods and the preventative steps that can be taken. Have a look at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehiclessafe/ preventing-car-vehicle-theft/ Keyless theft involves a device fooling the car that the key is nearby thus unlocking the vehicle and starting the ignition. The need is to prevent the key’s signal being captured. A signal blocking pouch or Faraday Box or Bag is recommended to house your keys. Strangely, in this case, the BMW keys were stored in such a box. Other solutions, now embraced by the owners, can be traditional or high tech, such as steering locks or better cctv. Peter Bowman Request for a community governance review (CGR) to move the Parish Boundary between Dorney and Burnham: Letter from Robert Stopford, Lake End House to the Boundary Commission. 1. Introduction. The current boundary between Dorney and Burnham near Lake End Road runs along the Roundmoor Ditch. This means a group of seven houses on the old Lake End Road are part of Burnham, not Dorney, which is geographically nearer and also the centre of village activity for us. I would like to ask that a Community Governance Review is carried out to see if the Parish boundary should be moved to the M4, so including this small group of houses in the more logical Dorney, rather than Burnham. 2. Details Historically the boundary between the two villages was the Roundmoor Ditch. This made a lot of sense before the building of the M4 as the ditch was any easy physical line to draw in the landscape between the two parish councils. The coming of the Maidenhead Bypass (M4) in 1963 had two effects -firstly it produced a clearer demarcation that could be used, and secondly it resulted in our section of the Lake End Road being cut off from the main road and becoming a cul de sac. DorneyParishSloughBurnhamParishFigure1ExistingParishBoundaries I would like to request that part of the northern boundary between Dorney and Burnham is moved to the M4, as shown in the dotted line in the below map. Such a move would move seven houses (with approx. 15 residents) from Burnham Parish to Dorney Parish. From the point of view of elections, the only impact will be on Parish Council elections as both Unitary Council and Parliamentary constituency boundaries will be unchanged by this change. DorneyParishSloughBurnhamFigure2ProposednewParishBoundaries All properties which would be affected by the Boundary change have the address Lake End Road, Dorney, Windsor Berks SL4 6QS. Robert Stopford WINTER WARMERS ON DORNEY COMMON ‘To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold’ Aristotle. January brought plenty of icy weather to chill our cockles and freeze our fingers. Although not much snow fell, the flakes falling but not gathering, mesmerised by their so� descent and beauty. The world seems silent when this happens, as if the 􀆟ny coton wool cushions setle to muffle the everyday grey noise. Freezing temperatures means larger flakes, with no two, apparently, being the same, each snowprint as unique as our fingerprints. According to the Guiness Book of Records, the largest recorded snowflake was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick, in 1887 in Montana. How did they get an accurate measurement before it landed and merged with others? Sounds like an avalanche from the clouds! On Boxing Day, I le􀅌 for a week in Marrakech with my boyfriend Bob, for a spot of souk and tajine in the Medina and a stay in one of their renowned Riads. For the unini􀆟ated (me included, un􀆟l this holiday), a Riad is a tradi􀆟onal Moroccan home built around an interior garden or courtyard, tradi􀆟onally owned by wealthy merchants or cour􀆟ers. The word ‘Riad’ stems from the Arabic word for garden, where one can experience the country’s culture and history on an immersive level. Our Riad was inside the walls of the Medina (old part of the city) with a labyrinth of alleyways housing the Souk (marketplace), and so we used our mobile map to locate ourselves and find our way back to base camp. Our Riad, without excep􀆟on, was beau􀆟ful and although a stroll from the hub bub, very peaceful and quiet. This is mainly because there are no outward facing windows, restric􀆟ng the influx of dust, heat and noise to provide privacy and good shelter. At this 􀆟me of the year, day􀆟me temperatures hover around a very comfortable civilised 25 degrees, but plummet to 6 degrees during the night. It was not good news that there was litle or no hea􀆟ng in the bedroom or bathroom. Brass monkeys! I re􀆟red to bed dressed in a fleece, bed socks and thick Bridgets. I imagine in the hot heat of the summer the rooms would be perfectly cool and the inhabitants grateful for it -note to self ‘do not return during the winter climes’. Nowadays most are modernised with running water, and mod cons, but on New Years Eve morning the hot water ceased for two days. We had a lick and a promise twice a day assisted by a French wash (blast of perfume). The original inhabitants would have bathed at their local public ‘hammam’ spa, some ancient establishments s􀆟ll exis􀆟ng in the Medina although we sadly did not try one. The Souk was glorious fun, many miles long, snaking through 33 square miles of the Medina, and mostly undercover. We quickly learnt to dodge the motorbikes that zoomed down the narrow alleys and have fun with the market sellers who were full of humour trying to flog their wares. Many spoke English and the male youth took pride in bantering in a heavy East End accent, ‘alright geezer, lovely jubbly’! The motorbikes have been a big issue for the governing body of Marrakech, as they pelt fumes out into the enclosed alleyways causing respiratory problems and occasional pedestrian accidents. Alongside this, local older folk use bicycles, or donkey and carts to pull wares into the souk to be sold. The restaurants and cafes were mainly on roo􀅌ops, where we spent many a lunch languishing over some delicious tagine and gazing over the city, to later wander yet again to seek a find. One of my best finds was a stall selling pure powder pigment in eleventyeight different colours. I purchased a palete of eight jewel like shades, which were weighed out carefully and then put into a small plas􀆟c tub. The owner of this shop told me that they all had different densi􀆟es, so he had to weigh each carefully to obtain the correct price. Growing nervous and wondering how much this would all be, I felt relieved when he told me the total was £3 including the tubs. The second-best thing I discovered were the Oranges, sweet juicy and mouthwatering. Why is it that we don’t get Maroc oranges anymore? Arriving home to a saturated Dorney, the Common was puddled with small ponds and the drive to Dells Cotage fit for a few ducks. However, it was not long before the rain stopped and the shi� to minus caused ice and snow flurries as the temperatures plummeted, then changed again to stormy high winds. Throwing cau􀆟on to the wind, I turned the hea􀆟ng up a few degrees! At this point, I started to reminisce about the roo􀅌op sunny lunches and the tagines that filled our bellies with hot tasty food. Inspired by the spices and tenderness of this cuisine, and spurred on by the chill prevailing, I set about obtaining a Tagine and then experimen􀆟ng to replicate the flavours that we had enjoyed. On the sixth atempt, Bob was silent but smiling as he ate busily, I had cracked it! A nod is as good as a wink. ‘One of my students tried to explain today how “blink” is the plural of “wink”, and I can’t stop thinking about it’. Jake Burt Now as February is upon us, we remain clad in our thickest garb, I eagerly await the Vernal Equinox, the day that has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness, which heralds the first day of Spring, on the 20th March, according to the astronomical calendar, although apparently for meteorologists it is always 1st March. ‘It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade’. Charles Dickens However, I must not wish my life away, every day is a precious one, and should be filled with posi􀆟ve vibes and vibrant postula􀆟on. Remember the three rules of happiness, something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for. So, plan a special event (maybe for Valen􀆟nes Day), invite your most loved one or best friend to dinner (cook a tasty Tajine), and have hope that by March, the first signs of Spring have landed. Kris􀆟na Perkins DORNEY SCHOOL Yourlocalschoolwitha‘bigheart’andawarmDORNEY SCHOOL Yourlocalschoolwitha‘bigheart’andawarm welcome Visit our website at www.dorneyschool.co.uk or call us on 01628 620871 to arrange a visit. •Beautiful grounds and excellent facilities office@dorneyschool.co.uk Academic results above local and national schools, every year. Warm, inclusive, nurturing community that places the child first. Ofsted graded ‘Good’forEYFS, Personal Development, Behaviour & Attitudes •5 mins drive from the local Sainsbury’s (Taplow) •Ample and safe parking for everone Dorney School, Harcourt Close, SL6 0DY DORNEY SCHOOL News from Dorney School RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW “Children are the purest manifestation of love and divinity in the world; they care, they are considerate and they know more about humanity than the smartest adult. We must protect, guide and allow the children of our world to flourish because they are the key to heal this broken planet.” Sam Fuentes. For those who do not know who Sam Fuentes is: Samantha Fuentes was amongst the injured in the Parkland tragedy in the US, and while fortunate to be alive, her body and life changed forever. She has bullet shrapnel permanently embedded in her legs and behind her right eye, and currently manages symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She lost revered friends and faculty members. Despite these tragic events, today, Samantha is resolved and committed to a poignant mission: to make sure that no child or adult is devastated by senseless and preventable gun violence ever again. At Dorney School, we believe in the universal rights of every child no matter who they are, and where they live. We teach our children that they are protected by the 54 Articles in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child https://www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/unconvention- child-rights/ we explain how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights. Our Personal, Health, Social and Economic curriculum drives the learning in our school and is centred on ‘Belonging’ and ‘Acceptance’. It breaks my heart when children are exposed to violence, devastation, and the horrors of conflict. It worries me that they may grow up broken, traumatised, orphans, and in despair. I know that their journey in life will be harder and without love, support and compassion, they will find it hard to thrive. Surely this is what we wish for everyone in our society, country, and the world. Our school serves all children, and we have served many who have had to flee war and conflict. We also serve those whose families have faced discrimination and prejudice. We observe, first hand, the impact of finding refuge, on these children, and we feel our privilege, living in a society of relative safety and security. If ever there is to be peace in our world, then the path to peace must start with us. There is no justification, ever, not to protect every child from harm. “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” – Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Prize winner) May we forever be blessed by the innocence of all children. The values we want to see are held within the palms of our children. Warmest wishes, Mrs Sharifah Firza Jelany-Lee Headteacher As this is my first column for 2024, I wish everyone in Dorney a very happy and prosperous New Year. I hope you had a lovely time celebrating Christmas with your loved ones. This month has been a busy one for me, both in the constituency and in Parliament. In this column, I want to share with you some updates on my activities and my plans as your Member of Parliament for the coming year. As your MP, one of my key priorities is to protect our beautiful Green Belt, which is under threat from various development proposals around the constituency. Dorney is full of beautiful green spaces and wildlife, so I am sure it is an issue close to the hearts of residents. I have been closely monitoring the situation at Orchard Herbs, advocating for the protection of this land under the Green Belt. I'm pleased that Buckinghamshire Council issued an Enforcement Notice, but with an ongoing appeal, residents must voice their concerns. If you wish to object to this appeal, please email TeamE5@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or write to Rebecca Gray, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN. All representations must be received by 27 February 2024. In January, we faced significant flooding issues, which affected many parts of our constituency. Over this period, I worked closely with the Environment Agency, Thames Water, and local authorities during flood warnings to ensure they did everything possible to help the people and businesses throughout the constituency. I am glad that the situation has improved and the flood risk has decreased. In Parliament, I have been busy with my role as the Government Defence Whip, helping the Defence Secretary with the organisation of Defence questions. With the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Ukraine and other parts of the world, our defence and security are more important than ever. On a solemn note, January marks Holocaust Memorial Day, a time to remember the millions who suffered during World War II. To mark such an occasion, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment, pledging to honour the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust while standing against hatred and antisemitism in our society. Looking ahead, I remain committed to working hard to deliver on your priorities. I will continue to advocate for better access to GP appointments and local health services, improved transport links for residents and businesses, a safer community, more investment in education, and the protection of our Green Belt. These issues matter most to you and me, and I will do my best to represent your views and interests in Parliament. Thank you for reading my first column of the year. I know that the people of Dorney want me to deliver on their priorities, which I will be championing throughout 2024. If you need assistance or have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. Joy Morrissey MP Dorney Parish News 2024 Subscriptions Due. £7.00 for 10 issues Delivered to your door. Please either pay your Distributor or by Bank Transfer to: NatWest Bank, Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 • What’s happening in Boveney, Dorney Common & Village, Dorney Reach and Lake End. • Protecting the DNA of Dorney Parish • Planning Updates • Dorney Parish Council Meeting Minutes, Updates & Action Plan • Church News and Services • News from Dorney School • Local Advertisers • Articles by local correspondents • Information from Local Societies • Dorney History and other History Groups • Emergency Numbers And more! MINUTES OF THE DORNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 16th JANUARY, 7.30pm AT DORNEY SCHOOL Present Cllr. Jill Dax (Chair) Cllr. Euan MacLennan Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford Cllr. Robert Stopford Cllr. Stephen Baker Cllr. William Voaden Clerk Ruth Senior and 1 member of the public Public Forum Peter Bowman raised a concern that the telephone box on Harcourt Road (belonging to the Parish Council) which is used as a community library is regularly emptied. It was confirmed this is not by the Parish Council and we are unaware of who does this. Peter agreed to put a sign up to ask that it is not emptied. PC/136/23 Apologies for absence Cllr. Anna Palmer PC/137/23 Declaration of interest on any items of business on this Agenda There were none declared. PC/138/23 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21st November 2023 These were approved with no amendments required and signed by the Chairman. PC/139/23 To receive the Clerk report The Clerk report was circulated prior to the meeting. One point of interest was noted that the Clerk and Chairman had a successful meeting with the Local Area Technician and his Manager in December to discuss outstanding and future issues within Dorney, this was very positive and well received. PC/140/23 Items of business carried forward 140.1 The Orchard Herbs Site Cllr. Stopford reported that the Enforcement Notice that was served at the beginning or January has been appealed. It was agreed that the Clerk will contact Stephanie Penney to make a response at the appeal hearing. There has been significant construction development on site since the notice was issued which will be reported and monitored. The hotel planning application appeal is still with the inspector who is preparing a report for submission. 140.2 The Neighbourhood Plan The draft NP was submitted to Buckinghamshire in December and we have been asked questions and for clarification on certain points, the draft of this is being prepared by Cllr. Voaden and Mr Brand, both have been thanked again for their dedication and work on the project. Cllr. Dax questioned the need for extra manpower Cllr. Voaden has asked for this to be put on hold for now. It was agreed that Cllr. Voaden will provide Council with a list of the requests from Buckinghamshire asap and then the draft response for agreement. It was agreed that the minutes from the Working Party meeting will be circulated to Council. It was agreed that time must be taken with the overall project and not submitted before it is completely ready. PC/141/23 Planning Cllr. Stopford expressed concern that the planning reports being sent from Buckinghamshire are incorrect and not up to date. It was agreed that the Clerk will check the planning portal for all outstanding applications. PC/142/23 To update on the broken sign and new entrance signs to the village and consider contribution to the Community Board application The Clerk confirmed that the broken sign is being replaced by Buckinghamshire although there is no current timescale. Two quotations have been sought and one more needs to be found for the new white gates in order to submit the Community Board application. It was agreed that the Parish Council will potentially be running over budget for the next financial year and no funds will be available for contribution. PC/143/23 To discuss and finalise the Annual Plan for Dorney Parish Cllr. Dax circulated a draft plan before the meeting. All unallocated roles were allocated to Councillors and it was agreed that the completed version will be sent out and a copy to Dorney Parish News. PC/144/23 To consider and adopt th Biodiversity policy Following Government guidelines, all Parish and Town Councils must have a Biodiversity policy in place. The Clerk circulated the template policy before the meeting and it was agreed that a scaled down version, with relevant items, will be adopted by Dorney Parish Council. PC/145/23 To update on the Thames Water rewilding field There is no update on this project despite Cllr. Dax requesting information from Thames Water. This will be followed up and Andrew Oliver kept informed. PC/146/23 To receive an update on Dorney Lake Cllr. Dax presented a plan to Dorney Lake for the safe and manageable use of Dorney Lake by residents in the closed season however this was turned down. PC/147/23 Finance 147.1 The cashbook was circulated prior to the meeting and approved. 147.2 It was agreed that the precept for 2024/25 will be set at a 5% to 8% increase, whichever is most inline with other local Parishes. It was agreed that the Clerk will inform Councillors of this information as soon as available for a final decision to be made and submitted by the end of January. PC/148/23 To consider any complaints/comments received from residents PCSO Angela O’Connell reported that there has been an increase in theft from motor vehicle reports in the area which is being monitored. A resident reported that cars and vans are parking inconsiderately on the entrance to Oak Stubbs Lane, blocking pavements and obstructing the view. It was agreed that the Clerk will respond to advice these parking matters are forwarded to the enforcement team through Fix My Street. PC/149/23 Items to consider for discussion at the next meeting on 19th March 2024 Playground update Dorney Village Hall update Meeting ended at 8.45 pm Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk ETON WICK HISTORY GROUP When you read this contribu􀆟on to the magazine, the Eton Wick History Group will have held its final event, which comprised talks by Caryl Cullum on a pain􀆟ng showing Stoke Park, and by Teresa Stanton on William Simmonds – the ‘Silent Heart of the Arts and Cra􀅌s Movement’. The History Group has offered programmes of eight talks per year for over thirty years, but now, precipitated by a number of factors, the decision has been made to discon􀆟nue this educa􀆟onal entertainment, at least for the present. A small History Group Commitee will con􀆟nue to exist in order to respond to enquiries about the history of the village etc., and to supply copies of our photographic history book and the late Judith Hunter’s ‘Story of a Village 1217-1977’; and, of course, if we are asked to display our photograph albums we will do our best to oblige. For informa􀆟on rela􀆟ng to aspects of Eton Wick’s history, ini􀆟ally, please refer to our website www.etonwickhistory.co.uk (an invaluable source of informa􀆟on on our local history) or e-mail informa􀆟on@etonwickhistory.co.uk; if your enquiry then remains unsolved, please contact 01753 860591. Looking forward, we have been pleased to hear people express an interest (not confirmed) in undertaking some of the work involved in running the History Group, which could include arranging a programme of talks and engaging speakers. Exis􀆟ng Commitee members would be most willing to assist any newcomers. In conclusion, we wish to add that we know we have been fortunate to have had a very loyal audience (which certainly included Dorney residents) and we have so much appreciated their turning out in all weathers to support our events – we thank you, wholeheartedly. The Eton Wick History Group Commitee Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Advertising Rates Height mm Width mm 10 issues 1 issue Full Page 190 130 £100 £13 Half Page 90 130 £55 £8 Third of a page (Horizontal) 60 130 £50 £7 Quarter Page (Horizontal) 45 130 £45 £6 Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 SUSAN HANDYDANCE A Complete Dance Training FREE TRIAL CLASS BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News March 2024 Jill Dax, Chair of Dorney Parish Council, showing Joy Morrissey M.P. the “Orchard Herbs” Site See Joy Morrissey’s comments on Page 29 1 RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK |RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK01753 693333RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK |RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK01753 693333 ISSUE NO. 02/24 MARCH 2024 EDITORIAL The owner of the Orchard Herbs site is appealing to the Planning Inspectorate. Sorry to be frivolous, but this headline reminds me of the riposte made by David Frost in reference to the case of a notorious 1960s insurance swindler and the headline ‘Emil Savundra appeals to the House of Lords’…’well, I’m glad he appeals to somebody.’ It’s the new fashion for Spring – appealing. They’re all at it. We hear that Eton College will be appealing against the decision by Bucks Council to refuse planning permission for 12 new houses at Boveney Court Farm. Needless to say, this magazine covers all the details. See elsewhere in this issue. We would rather devote our pages to spring flowers and photos of ducklings, but it seems that threats to our neighbourhood will take up far too much of everybody’s attention. Incidentally, if any of our readers disagree with our designation of these as ‘threats’, please let us know or air your views in these pages. We unashamedly make a big deal out of the visit to Dorney of Joy Morrissey MP. It’s not so much that we expect our MP to work miracles so much as it’s good that a key political player expressed a readiness to see the site and, indeed, the ‘sights’ of Dorney. I’m sure we would welcome Martin Tett, the Leader of Bucks Council, for instance. He could cheer us with news of the £110 million now committed to road improvement and repairs in the county over the next four years and the 30 repair teams out working on those potholes or chill us with news of a 5% rise in council tax, however much one sympathises with the financial restraints on local government. These items were taken from a Bucks Council update which dropped into my inbox today. Cllr Dev Dhillon, chair of the Beeches Community Board, might like an update. Our former district councillor told us that Dorney would always be in his heart. Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Communities, could see the site and at the same time view the absurdity of Mr Ball’s other local undertaking, that 416-bedroom hotel, hard by the M4. In reality, one wonders whether these visitors, or our readers, would take this column seriously anymore. To illustrate the supposed decline of community activities, we highlighted last month the demise of model railway clubs and exhibitions. A day later we heard from Slough and Windsor Railway Society of their plans to recreate our own Taplow Station in its 1940s heyday. Further to that, we‘ve discovered that there are flourishing societies in Maidenhead and Marlow, and all three had exhibitions in 2023. Still, it does appear that readers are willing to keep subscribing. We thank the many subscribers who have paid their subscriptions (no increase on last year) directly online or via our very diligent distributors, who are really puling out all the circulation stops. We called for new volunteer distributors and acknowledge that several kind residents offered to help. We’ll be back to you just as soon as the Editor can work out new rosters. Keep safe. Avoid the potholes. Watch out for mud and debris on Lake End Road near that site. Have a good Easter break. We’ve printed the Dorney refuse collection days over the holiday, by popular demand. 3 Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Part-time Assistant Curate: Rev. Carole Gooding (07786) 290162 Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes: During our Lent course this year we have been looking at Jesus’ response, as detailed in three of the four Gospels (not John), to the religious leaders when challenged over which was the most important of the commandments. Jesus answers with (paraphrased from the three Gospels): “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart and soul and mind and strength. The second is that you shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two laws hang all the laws and the Prophets.” This response was different to the commandments as handed to Moses at Mt. Sinai, a refresh, or even refocus of those as laid out in the Old Testament of the Bible. These accounts were not the first time that we learned about these, as a similar text can be found in Deuteronomy, laying the way for Christ’s new covenant with his people. The original commandments focused on God, the fact that he was a single God (there had been worship of many idols in those days), that God was a jealous God and the punishment for failing to adhere to that first set of commandments would pass punishment down for many generations. Jesus, with the words from Deuteronomy, simplified this and brought the focus of the second most important commandment to a more loving focus, to love the whole of humankind as yourself, looking at unity rather than the previous division of Jew and Gentile (not Jewish). As we look around the country and world today, this core messaging is as important. We see divisions within societies, between countries and even within family units. With Easter fast approaching we have a selection of Easter Services across the Benefice. There are more details at the end of this article, but I would like to focus your attention on to two which are usually well attended, the first being the walk of hope which will be taking place on Good Friday 29th March commencing at Eton St. John the Evangelist starting at 09:30 where we meet upstairs in the church and after a short service carry a large wooden cross to Eton Wick, St. John the Baptist, where another short service takes place at 10:30 and then we carry the cross over to Dorney, St. James the Less. We normally get up to about 20 walkers and are often joined by the RCCG Praise Embassy from Eton Wick. The second service I would focus your attention on is the Sunrise Service that is taking place at Boveney, St. Mary Magdalene’s at 05:45 on Sunday 31st March. This is a beautiful service where 4 we light the first Easter Candle across the Benefice. I hope to see you at one or more of the services across the Benefice and wish you all a good Easter. Stephen J. Baker Church Services in March 2024 Sunday 3rd March 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) 11.00 am Any Age Service Wednesday 6th March 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) Sunday 10th March (Mothering Sunday) 9.30 am Holy Communion 11.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 17th March 9.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Worship (children welcome) Wednesday 20th March 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) Sunday 24th March (Palm Sunday) 9.30am Morning Worship 11.00am Holy Communion Wednesday 27th March 6.30 pm Passover Communion Thursday 28th March (Maundy Thursday) 7.00 pm Foot Washing and Tenebrae Service Friday 29th March (Good Friday) Walk of Hope: 9.30 am Beginning of Walk 10.30 am Middle of Walk: Good Friday Service 12.30pm End of Walk Sunday 31st March (Easter Day) 5.45 am Sunrise Service 9.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Easter Family Communion St James the Less, Dorney St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St John the Evangelist, Eton St James the Less, Dorney St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St James the Less, Dorney St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St John the Evangelist, Eton St James the Less, Dorney St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St James the Less, Dorney St John the Evangelist, Eton St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St James the Less, Dorney St Mary Magdalene, Boveney St James the Less, Dorney St John the Baptist, Eton Wick DORNEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2024 Programme of Events Tuesday February 27th3 -5 pm (The Cafe at Crocus) Honey Bees by NielsAbildgaard Refreshments will be served FridayApril 26th -7.30 pm Cheese and Biscuits Herbs, propagation, care, including medicinal uses by BelindaAllen Tuesday, June 4th -1 pm Stonor Park -Henley on Thames House & Garden Tourfollowed by Tea and Cake Tuesday June 25th -10.30 am Oxford Botanical Garden Coach trip and Guided Tour Saturday August31st Annual Show -entry free (See separate programme) Friday October11th -7.30 pm Autumn SupperEvening Autumn Colour by Antony Powell Friday December6th -7.30 pm Christmas Supper Evening with Festive Entertainment All meetings held in the Village Hall Dorney Reach off Oak Stubbs Lane, SL6 0DW (Unless otherwise stated) Please contact us formore details ifyou’d like to join us or become a member. Website: https://dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk/dorney-horticultural... Email: ddhs@btinternet.com Update from the Dorney Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan Working Group Firstly, apologies for the lack of communication since September of last year. We can assure you that the Dorney Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan Working Group has been working hard on your behalf. Towards the end of last year, we submitted our draft plan to the Bucks Council team that deals with Neighbourhood plans. We then had a useful meeting with them at the end of November which required some considerable changes to the original submission. We have, at last, completed those changes and, following approval by Dorney Parish Council in March, will submit them to Bucks Council. They will review the documents over a six-week period and let us know of any further changes that may be required. Once we have made any required alterations, we will then have a special Parish Council meeting for the Councillors to consider and approve the plan. At this point the plan will be publicised to you, the residents, and anyone who works or runs a business within the Parish. This consultation will last for a further six weeks and will allow for feedback to be made and, where appropriate, applied to the plan. The plan will then be resubmitted to Bucks Council and a review will be undertaken by an independent assessor. Depending on the outcome of this review further steps will be decided. Well, nobody thought this would be a speedy exercise and it is meeting expectations. We will update you at regular intervals, but if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on dorneyneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com Dorney Neighbourhood Plan Working Group 7 An M4 Eco Update A year or so on from us all saying ‘Good Riddance’ to National Highways and their futile despoliation of Dorney in the cause of the benighted SMART M4, the area around the Marsh Lane Bridge looks as desolate as ever. It appears to be an ecological and aesthetic disaster. One assumes that our friends the badgers have not been happy. Any relief would be welcome. But that relief is apparently on its way. DPN has heard good news from James Palmer. Eagle eyed residents may have noticed that a corridor of Christmas trees has sprung up at the far end of the field that James farms abutting the M4 alongside Marsh Lane. James told us that ‘although small, we hope these trees will flourish and, in time, serve as both a natural screen to the eyesore of the motorway and, more importantly, act as a green sponge absorbing sound and pollution from the passing traffic’. He continued ‘we are grateful to Eton College for allowing us, as their tenant, to plant the trees, and to Maydencroft for lending the muscle.’As he described all this to DPN it was rather poetical as these are cast-off trees that had served their time over Christmas in people’s homes across the Southeast and London, and now they are getting a ‘new lease of life and a permanent home’. Now that is a development project in the Parish that we can all applaud. Peter Bowman 8 2023 Vehicles and Speed Data from Bucks Council’s Vehicle Monitor on B3026 in Dorney The Bucks Council’s Vehicle Monitor on B3026 in Dorney is in the Memorial Garden on Village Road, near the cattle grid. It is one of many such monitors placed at the boundary between Councils in order to measure the flow of vehicles into and out of the County. Since 2022, in addition to counting vehicles, it has also detected and reported on their average speeds at the monitor. I have been collecting this data since 2005. It is available by hour and by day for both directions – a huge amount of useful data. It is interesting to note the reduction in the total number of vehicles since 2019 which is due to the pandemic, working from home and, possibly, the additional capacity of the M4. A reduction of 20% in the number of vehicles over the past five years is significant – even though many residents still believe that there are too many! The 2023 average speed data shows that the mean average speed of vehicles entering the 30mph zone at the junction of Common Road and Village Road is 28mph, with 9% of vehicles exceeding the 30mph speed limit at that point – which is encouraging and supports the installation of the MVA flashing sign at that point. However, whilst the mean average speed of vehicles leaving Village Road to enter Dorney Common is only slightly higher at 29mph, there are 21% who are accelerating out of the 30mph zone at a higher speed – a few above 45mph at that point. This supports the view expressed by Dorney Parish Council to Bucks Council that the speed limit over Dorney Common should be reduced from 60mph to 40mph. Bill Dax 10 Join us for the Dorney Parish Litter Picking Morning Sunday, 17th March 2024 at 1000hrs for an hour. Bucks Council has generously provided some grabbers and large rubbish sacks, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Meeting Points. Please select your preferred area and advise Jill Dax by emailing jill@daxfamily.com. If you would like to borrow a grabber please advise Jill in your email, and whether you will be joining the bacon buttie brigade at The Hermitage at 1100-1200hrs. • Dorney Village – meet at Memorial Garden, Village Road. • Dorney Common – meet at Memorial Garden, Village Road (need to collect all litter before the Common opens for cattle). • Dorney Reach – meet at Village Hall Car Park. • Lake End – meet at Pineapple Pub Car Park. Hi viz tabards will also be available. At 1100hrs, the hungry pickers are then invited fortea/coffee, bacon or sausage rolls, and biscuits courtesy of Jill Palmer at The Hermitage, Court Lane. 11 Dorney Nature Notes “Invaders must die” stated the mighty Prodigy on their thunderous 2009 track of the same name. And this is exactly how my neighbourTheo understandably felt as a pesky grey squirrel tried to set up home once again in our Little Owl box. However, after evicting the errant beast, and with some very impressive metal work, he has hopefully provided a sufficiently robust upgrade to prevent squirrel re-entry and we can keep our fingers crossed the Little Owl sets up home. If the Little Owl does choose the box as its nesting site, between 3 and 5 eggs are normally laid towards the end of April, with incubation lasting about a month. Young fledge at 5-6 weeks of age but are dependent on the adults for a further 2-4 weeks thereafter. Excitingly, they tend to return to the same nesting site year after year but let’s see if we get one year first. We will of course share any pics of cute owlets in the DPN! The last weekend in January saw some beautiful dry, settled weather and I decided to get out into the garden to do some well needed maintenance. In shock news, the Olly juniors volunteered to help me, I think mainly as the task at hand was to climb trees and use sharp saws to prune the apple trees. Their mother’s anxiety increased exponentially as thumbs were bloodied and thin branches whipped them, but thankfully no limbs were lost. I have been learning about hedge laying on the rewilding course I am on, which provides a livestock proof barrier, and a fantastic dense habitat for wildlife. There are various techniques and styles, where the hedges are cut or “pleached” and bent over and tied with stakes, named after the region they are after (from Midland to Dorset). I think we can safely call my effort on that day “Olly’s special style”. It has succeeded (for now...) in its main purpose though of preventing my dog Ella from jumping over here into my neighbourAdam’s garden. “South of England style” hedge “Olly’s special style” hedge 12 It was the weekend of the RSPB annual birdwatch, so I left my Merlin app running on my phone for a couple of hours as we went about our garden tasks. This was the reassuringly extensive list of bird species that Merlin picked up: Robin, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Jackdaw, Green ringed Parakeet, Magpie, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Redwing, Siskin, SongThrush, Blackbird, White Wagtail, Wren, Skylark, Long tailed tit, Crow, Dunnock / Hedge Sparrow, Greenfinch, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Starling, House Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Rook, Raven, Goldcrest, Red Kite. Several of these birds (Bullfinch, Redwing, Siskin, Skylark, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, the wagtails) I have never actually seen in the garden, and even on the day I saw less than five of the bird species listed. As my garden backs on to the rewilding field, I can only think it is helping to support this myriad of birds. On walks round the Jubilee this month, the app also heard a Cetti’s warbler (which is very hard to spot apparently) and a kingfisher. The power of Merlin! In stark contrast I couldn’t quite believe the Windsor Farm Shop sells Snipe (for £3 a pop). Seriously, who eats snipe? “Ooh, darling, shall we have roast snipe with all the trimmings tonight?” There is barely any eating on the poor things. Dead snipe Live Snipe Snipe are (for an unfathomable reason) still on the quarry list (along with the red-listed Woodcock and Golden Plover) but they are also listed as Amber on the Birds of Conservation Concern list, principally because their breeding population has crashed by 62% between 1980 – 2002): https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/wading-birds/snipe I contacted the Farm Shop to understand why they felt the need to shoot and sell Snipe given this perilous status, and to be fair, their butcher made the effort to reply to me. They “only” sell about 10 snipe a year he claimed, and it was mainly partridge and pheasant in the game section. The difference is (and estimates vary) we release ~50 million partridge and pheasant into the UK landscape every year. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-021-01508-z 13 However, there are only 67,000 pairs of breeding wild snipe left in the UK, but they can be shot between August and January, and they are being shot on the Crown Estate. If like me you feel this is wrong, do let the Windsor Farm Shop know, but in my view the quarry list needs to be revised permanently to stop this from happening anywhere in the UK. In other disheartening news, there has been no response from Thames Water regarding the offer to explore an opportunity for a local community organisation to take over management of the rewilding field, Jill Dax has tried contacting them again at a higher level in the organisation. We continue to wait for any engagement... And finally, in non-Dorney related news, I attended a meeting in Harrow where Derek Gow (preeminent UK rewilder I have mentioned before) was giving a talk on the history of beavers in the UK and the benefits they can bring to the landscape. In Harrow, they have massive problems with flooding of the Wealdstone Brook which flows through Woodcock Park, primarily caused (according to the locals) from untreated sewage overflow regularly allowed by Thames Water. Of 44 invertebrates that should be present in Wealdstone Brook, only 4 were found in the last survey. Although beavers wouldn’t be the answer to all the problems here, there is genuine local interest in whether a reintroduction could help slow water flow and improve water quality. I’m interested to see if they manage to get the project off the ground and continue to wonder if there is a suitable area of land in South Bucks that could be given over to a beaver pen. Andrew (Olly) Oliver A Presumption Against Development? Planning officers must take account of national guidelines, but most village communities tend to prefer continuity. 85% of respondents in last year’s parish survey favoured only ‘construction and building materials in keeping with the area’. In these pages, Virginia Silvester has described how the dwellings forming the western end of Harcourt Road in Dorney Reach have just celebrated their centenary. Mainly occupied in 1923, there must be fears over how these homes might be extended, or even replaced, potentially with much larger dwellings, as housing needs and fashions radically change. A recent planning application proposed to demolish an existing two-story house at 59, Harcourt Road, near the junction of Harcourt Road and Dorney Reach Road, and replace it with a new 6bedroom dwelling. Permission has been refused and the Bucks Council case officer’s report is of interest and might reassure many residents. Firstly, the Green Belt, within which there is a ‘presumption against development’, is defended. This would be an ‘inappropriate development which by definition is harmful to the Green Belt’. No ‘special circumstances’ were found to exist. Secondly, there is the question of design. ‘Harcourt Road’ the recommendation says ‘is comprised of predominantly medium sized detached dwellings benefitting from simple roof forms and Arts and Craft influenced designs’. The proposed dwelling is ‘much larger than the local vernacular’ and ‘would poorly integrate with the street’ and harm the area’s character. Thirdly, and the report uses the example of loss of ‘roosting opportunities for bat species’, there is no compensation for biodiversity loss. In prioritising the Green Belt, design ‘in keeping with the area’, and wildlife, is the Case Officer in tune with local sentiments? He very probably is. Peter Bowman 14 MEET, DRINK & EATDorDneyorney MEET, DRINK & EATDorDneyorney The Palmer Arms Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! The Palmer Arms The PineappleThe Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Palmer Arms The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS Village Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepineappledorney.co.uk www.thepalmerarms.com 15 01628 666612 01628 662353 IDIOMS ON DORNEY COMMON Confucius say ‘Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall’. It seems as if rain falls nearly every day on the Common, big fat drops that dampen the best of ardour, restricting me to indoor pursuits. We often refer to this unfortunate English weather as ‘raining cats and dogs’. What does that mean?Apparently, this phrase may come from the Greek expression ‘cata doxa’ which translates as ‘contrary to experience or belief’ which migrates to raining unusually and exceptionally hard. However, ‘cats and dogs’ may be a perversion of the old now obsolete English word ‘catadupe’, which means cataract or waterfall. In Latin, ‘catadupa’ referred to the cataracts of the old Nile River. We use many idioms in our everyday language, not realising where they originate from, these common phrases perfectly illustrating a meaning. Some are obvious, and others not so clear. Conservative PM Robert (Bob) Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, appointed his nephew Arthur Balfour as Chief Secretary of Ireland in 1887, an act of nepotism causing surprise and unpopularity. Whatever other qualifications Balfour might have had, ‘Bob’s your uncle’ was seen as a conclusive one, insinuating his privileged rise in career and status. This phrase perpetuated as it became the title of a jolly song ‘Bob’s yer uncle’ in 1923 (there may be earlier efforts) and then as a cover for many others. Meantime, at Dells Cottage, we tackled the task of eleventy-eight home improvement quests, my boyfriend Bob carrying his professional toolbox, and me in the shadow rolling up my sleeves to participate. However, as we all know, completing one task is offset by noticing another, to create an around the clock fountain of ‘just need to do’ jobs… keeping our noses to the grindstone. One step at a time was a good mantra, and in the process, Master Craftsman Bob showed me a few nifty restoration techniques to keep up my sleeve, to put to good use on other rainy days. Bob’s your uncle I was almost past the apprenticeship stage! ‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’. Martin Luther King Like anything, it is logic that makes sense and not always science. Very much like the story of the psychology professor who raised a glass of water to his students who thought, here comes the customary question, ‘is the glass half empty or half full’. Instead, smiling, he said ‘how heavy is this glass of water I am holding?’. Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple of pounds! 16 He replied ‘from my perspective the absolute weight of the glass doesn’t matter, it depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two it is fairly light, if I hold it for an hour or two it might make my arm a bit tired. However, if I hold it for a whole day my arm may experience some cramp and numbness which could cause me to drop the glass to the floor. In each case the weight of the glass does not change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it feels to me’. So, the moral of this tale is that the stresses and worries of life are very much like the glass of water, think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them for a bit longer and your head begins to ache a little, think about them all day long and your mind feels fogged and numb, incapable of doing anything else until you drop those thoughts. Another indoor pursuit was a ruthless tidy up of my art studio (old bedroom my son vacated some time ago), where a skyscraper high pile of materials and ‘works in progress’, sat gathering dust. I took that first step on the staircase, and by lunchtime the wade through had been enthused, not just by clearing areas, but the discovery of long-lost items of interest! Three days later, Ebay listing bulging, and boxed items stored away (shunted to the loft), the room became a scene of harmony and concord, inspiring me to finally grasp the nettle to start finishing those abandoned projects. Hurrah! Sadly, the Maidenhead Drama Guild has all but folded, a solitary panto each December marks the end of a wonderful era, causing me to have time on my hands. There are other groups still active, so all is not lost, and some simply lovely productions by some local musical groups putting colourful shows on at the Kenton Theatre in Henley. Well worth a night out! On the other hand, our Horticultural Society here in Dorney, is going from strength to strength, with a full year of activities, bursting at the seams with a selection of diverse events. Our next event will have just passed, a talk about Honey Bees by Niels Abildgaard at the Crocus Garden Centre, which promises to be extremely interesting and en pointe. Our next event is back at the Village Hall, where we will devour an offer of some splendid cheese and then listen to BelindaAllen speak about the propagation and care of herbs, and how they are used in our medicinal care, so we can keep ourselves as fit as a fiddle. Save the date, it is Friday 26thApril with a 7:30pm kick off. I enjoy all our DDHS events, it is a good place to meet your neighbours who are by now mostly friends, chat about the meaning of life, and give your life a meaning. Life is a journey, not a destination… the path of our lives is much more important than the final conclusion, which is usually perpetual silence. ‘Life is no brief candle to me. It is a splendid torch, which I’ve got held up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations’. George Bernard Shaw Kristina Perkins 17 Ted Longden (12th June 1929 – 10th January 2024) ‘He and Shirley adored their time in Dorney…’Ted Longden’s two sons Jonathan and Christopher together paid moving, and funny, tributes to their beloved Dad at a celebration of his life on February 15th and with these words provided a fitting start point for any Dorney tribute to Ted, a genial presence in our village for over four decades. Ted and Shirley, the girl he met in 1959 and married in 1960 and who, as he said, ‘made my life’, moved to Dorney in 1973, after a previous nine years in Slough. They lived in Pond House in Dorney Village until, sadly, Shirley passed away in 2016 and Ted moved to Canterbury to be closer to members of his family in 2017. Why was Dorney life so pleasing to Ted? Well, to quote Jonathan, it was ‘because of everyone around them, the people they met, the friends they made, the dinner parties…an unforgiving and riotous social calendar’. There were many in that congregation who had shared in the couple’s sociability and his family graciously thanked us for that. But, of course, many villagers will recall other aspects of Ted. He had played bridge all his adult life, and he took it up even more passionately in retirement. Christopher recalled how one year Ted and Shirley had been the highest scoring pair at Burnham Bridge Club. It was no surprise that almost on his arrival at Freeman House, Canterbury, overlooking the beautiful ground of Kent County Cricket Club, Ted made a presentation about setting up a bridge club. Ted gave generously of his expertise to this village. Having been raised in Chesterfield, living above his father’s grocery shop, Ted was a grammar school boy who won a university scholarship to study economics at Leicester University and became an accountant and later a company financial director. We’ve heard of a number of examples of his financial acumen benefiting Dorney. A decade or so ago, the Friends of St James raised an enormous amount to restore our parish church’s Tudor brick tower to its former glory, with Ted as an expert Secretary. In similar fashion back in the 1990’s, the village wide pressure group DROPET, formed in the face of plans to build the Rowing Lake, turned to Ted to control the purse strings. Jonathan said, ‘the kindness my dad had shone through’. His specific example referred to Ted’s concern for fellow soldiers when promoted to sergeant during his two years national service from 1950 – yes, Ted’s ‘fantastic innings’ stretched back that far – but many will recall Ted’s concern over the health and well being of his friends and neighbours. But also Ted had a certain style. I’m certain I’d heard the story before, quite possibly from Shirley, but we’re told that this ‘sensible financial man’ acted like the ‘single bloke in his late 20s who had always been short of cash’ he was at the time, when left £1200 by his Auntie Clara. ‘He went straight down the car showroom and there was a gleaming bright red Sunbeam Rapier with highly polished chrome bumpers...a convertible’ priced at £1100. When they met a couple of years later, Shirley was impressed. Over the years, Ted’s friends were likewise impressed. Dorney will recall our time with Ted, and Shirley, with affection and respect. Peter Bowman 18 19 Would social media help a small village? Social media are a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through virtual networks and communities. The largest social media platforms worldwide are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Now some would argue that a website isn’t a form of social media, but I would argue it is, it’s a computer-based technology and it shares information to various people and in the case of the Dorney Parish News website it reaches out to the community. So, as I was writing this article, I googled ‘Dorney’. You are offered links such as the Wikipedia page, Dorney Court, the Parish Council & History Group and the Pineapple and Palmer Arms pub sites. Looking at the Dorney Parish Council website I wondered if the website could be the community’s social media platform to help engage more and use and share content from the different generations that live here. Another interesting thing I came across was the various Instagram accounts that Dorney had e.g. Dorney Lake and Dorney Court but not a Dorney Parish one. This could be an idea. Social media have grown massively in the past 10 years and more than 4.7 billion people use it and because of this growth each generation uses different platforms. This makes it hard to communicate through the generational barriers through a single platform unless you are face-to-face. For example, my brother and I use TikTok along with generations below us as well, but where I use Instagram as well, my brother isn’t at all into it. So, even less than a 2-year age gap changes what platform we use! My mum uses Instagram and Facebook but not as much as my grandma who uses Facebook more than Instagram. Whereas my dad only and rarely uses Instagram. My Mum, Dad and Grandma all use WhatsApp and my brother and I usually use iMessages so much so that we forced our parents to make the family group chat on IMessages rather than WhatsApp. This displays the confusion of social media and the various platforms and technologies that the older people in the world must try and keep up with. I think as a younger person in this village that social media can actually help to bring the community together, using the Dorney Parish Council website as a start. This could allow the younger generations to drive social content. This could create a tight net community and join various generations together. Regarding social media and online aspects, we as a community are lucky enough to still have our local news come delivered to our home by the fabulous volunteers (and speak to Peter if you would like to join this team). Lots of villages have resorted to having online articles. The fact that Dorney has kept the magazine on paper media I personally think is fab. We don’t realise how much – maybe the younger generations in particular – use social media and having a paper copy of the magazine is almost refreshing. Is there a way we could have both? Some content exclusively in the magazine but other content added to the Parish Council website? Should we have our own Instagram account for people to tag on their accounts? If any of you readers have ideas, let the Parish Clerk know (Clerk@dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk) Laila Marples 20 *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. Your space... Mentionthisadvertforanexclusive25%discount* for spectacular celebrations Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. Create.Inspire.Together. info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake ‘Not If’ but ‘When’ My reader, Bless you, will hopefully read the first few lines this month and ask, “Where’s the old fool going with this? What’s it to do with Dorney?” Read on and all will be revealed. It was a scene from Hell. Whoever had been in the small white van stood little chance, embedded as it was in the front of 28 tons of loaded eight-wheel tipper. The van had been cut open by the Fire Service to free the only occupant, a young twenties slim white male, who was being loaded into an ambulance en route to the patiently waiting Air Ambulance. “Christ Mike, you think you’ve seen it all, and then ….” my colleague Bob looked close to tears, “you have this,” he sighed, waving a uniformed arm over the area of road thick with sticky wet mud. “You OK?” I enquired gently. “Work to do,” he swallowed hard. He was the accident investigator. A short drive following the muddy trail revealed a building site from which large tippers hauled wet soil away until stopped by the disaster nearby. We noted there were no arrangements for wheel washing, and the mud from the tyres laid down an everlengthening strip of mud and oil along the quiet country road. The surface was ‘poor for braking and steering’ in the police jargon at the time, ‘bloody lethal’ to everyone else. Bob was the expert in such matters, an old ‘Rat’, as in ‘Black Rats’, a derogative unflattering nickname for traffic police officers; occasionally deserved, but not today. I had twelve years in ‘The Job’, mostly chasing wife beaters, thieves, bullies, violent drunks and the like and had done more than my share of metaphorically and occasionally literally holding the hand of the frightened and, sometimes, the dying. It was time for a change, and this was it. Frying pans and fires, and in my first few weeks in The Rats. The road was closed to everyone as Bob carefully reconstructed the accident, a surprisingly scientific skill I learned later, but never to Bob’s standard, when suddenly a well-worn Vauxhall appeared carrying four tearful adults. “I’m sorry Sir, but the road is closed at the moment. Can you ….” “That’s our son’s van,” the male driver said quietly as two females wailed in the rear seats. “Mum, her sister and her husband. We just heard and only live nearby. Is he OK?” “He’s in good hands,” I dodged the question. “He’s in an Ambulance on his way to hospital.” The wailing increased. “Don’t go near the vehicles please. Hang on here and I’ll find out what’s happening.” I called our control and asked for an update on the casualty, letting them know the family were on scene and frantically worried. “Mike, it’s not good I’m afraid. Can you get the family to the hospital on the hurry up now?” “Of course.” I told Dave, my posted partner. The specialist hospital was a good fifteen miles away and included some of the M25. We spoke to the driver away from the others and explained as gently as we could that their presence with their son was required urgently. We could take two, but not four. “That’s going to be tricky,” he said. “Dorris is his aunt and has as much to do with Derek as we do. He is my son. I need to be with him.” “Follow us and try to keep up as safely as you can, and we’ll take you there,” I said hastily, ignoring the raised eyebrow from Dave. 22 “OK,” said Dad. “Can we go now please?” Within a mile it was clear that it was beyond him. We stopped. “Sir, please go to the police car and I will drive yours, if that’s ok with you.” He leapt from the car, glad I thought, of the responsibility and the need to visit their son. The old Vauxhall struggled, but Dave set a good pace, blue lights flashing, siren wailing, as I hung on grimly dodging other drivers who believed I was tailgating the police! Conversation was difficult as the two ladies constantly sought reassurance I was unable to give that all would be well, and before too long we arrived to be met by smiling over happy nurses who led us to the relatives’ room. We said our goodbyes to the family, tearful hugs all round, and prepared to leave when a senior nurse pulled me back. “How have you got on with the family?” she asked. “In all these circumstances, OK, but they’re petrified,” I replied. “Could you please stay with them. The young man is in a bad way. I’ll give you all a cup of tea!” She half smiled. The tea arrived in porcelain cups and saucers. I knew we were in for trouble when the proper cups and saucers came out. We chatted uneasily about Derek, his fiancée and the ardent hope of his parents for grandchildren. Conversation was easing and taught straining nerves slackened to stretched when suddenly the door burst open and all conversation stopped as the man in blood splattered scrubs stated, “There is no easy way to tell you this. He has died.” Even with expecting the outcome, I was shocked, and as the surgeon walked away, I whispered to my nursing friend, “Is that what passes for empathy round here?” “He’s a bit like that I’m afraid,” was all she could offer as the family howled in the agony of losing a loved son so cruelly and suddenly. We stayed a few minutes and left, leaving them in their private Hell. And all for the want of a wheel wash. I was driving the Dagenham Dustbin away from Dorney to the fleshpots of Burnham and as I passed the Pineapple into the slight right hand bend over the M4 bridge in the dark and light rain, I saw the long strips of mud on my side of the road disappearing over the brow to the deceptive unannounced falling left hand bend on the downside. Imagine if you will an enthusiastically driven hot hatch new to the area belting up that road suddenly finding the surface “poor for braking and steering,” losing adhesion and control on the falling left hand bend into the path of someone you love. And all for the want of a wheel wash. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 23 “Orchard Herbs Site”, Lake End Road, Dorney SL4 6QS: Appeal Status 2018 2024 As anticipated last month, the owners of the Site have lodged an appeal against the Enforcement Notice issued by Bucks Council that requires the commercial and industrial activities to stop and the associated plant and equipment to be removed from the Site. Their Grounds for Appeal may be downloaded from the Dorney Parish Council website (under Local Projects), together with the timeline of this issue over many years. There will be a public inquiry later this year to determine the appeal. 24 With regard to the appeal, we are aware that a number of residents have made their views known to the Planning Inspectorate and Dorney Parish Council has submitted a full response (on their website) to the Planning Inspectorate requesting that the appeal is dismissed, and the requirements of the enforcement notice upheld. The appeal reference is APP/N0410/C/23/3336002. As can be seen elsewhere in this edition, Joy Morrissey, our M.P., visited Dorney on 19th February to see the problem for herself, guided by Councillors Jill Dax and Robert Stopford. She also wrote to the Planning Inspectorate. There is no doubt that all these communications assist the cause. As there will be another appeal regarding the planning permission refusal for Boveney Court Farm buildings – and, possibly, for the upcoming Court Farm development – we felt it would be useful to provide some detail on the appeal process from a very useful book called “How to object to a planning application or planning appeal” by Christian Leigh, Chartered Town Planner. DPN thanks Christian Leigh and the publishers Peculiarity Press for their agreement for DPN to reprint these extracts. Who determines a planning appeal (Page 65) The actual appeal is determined by the appointed planning Inspector. It is that one person who makes the new decision. The process is technically a tribunal and the inspector’s decision making process is quasijudicial in character. Therefore, at appeal one is looking to make one’s case to and persuade just one person. Essentially all appeals are determined in the same way. The appointed Inspector looks at the case afresh. They consider all the evidence presented at the time of the planning application and the evidence presented with the appeal itself. The process is truly independent and impartial. The Inspector will have no ties to the Local Planning Authority (they do not work for the LPA nor even live in the area). Inspectors are very experienced and may come from a range of backgrounds. The appeal system is highly regarded amongst professionals for its independence. The inspector, having reviewed the case, will make the new decision on the refused application. They may agree with the case put by any party in the appeal and so grant planning permission or refuse planning permission. They can refuse permission on different grounds to those put forward by the LPA. Each inspector exercises their impartial judgement in coming to their decision. Their actions and decisions are though governed by the relevant act of parliament, statutory instruments and case law. The new decision is binding on all parties whatever the decision is. It can only be challenged in the courts on points of law not just because one party disagrees with Inspector’s judgement.” Let us hope that we are on the final (but lengthy) stretch of this horrific issue. Bill Dax 25 TAPLOW STATION REVISITED Astute readers of this magazine may recall that I wrote about the history of Taplow station some years ago. Last month you may have read about the project to create a model railway layout of the station. Inspired by this, I have been reflecting on the varied uses of the station during its life, overlapping phases in its history. I make no apology for returning to this subject given the importance of the station to Dorney residents past, present and future. There can be few households in Dorney that have not used the train service there, often regularly, and it’s fair to say that the development of Dorney Reach owes its very existence to the rail link with London. Commuting to work from Taplow has long been a key feature in the life of the station, from the years when the bowler hatted brigade boarded a slip coach to await pick-up by a passing train to today when the trains are part of London Transport’s network. But I want to look at some other aspects of station life. Arriving at Taplow was another stream of passengers, visitors using it to access the River Thames while avoiding the toll payable to use Maidenhead Bridge. It was said in 1885 that some 2,000 tourists a day disembarked at Taplow heading for the river at summer weekends, especially on Sundays. In 1897 Skindles Hotel advertised excursions for parties of twelve or more – 1st class return on the train from Paddington to Taplow, carriage from the station to Skindles, a river trip to Henley and lunch, all for a guinea. Boating and fishing in lovely scenery were the attractions and there were several other hotels on the riverbank, such as the Thames Hotel and the Riviera. A guidebook of 1890 described the area as “one of the most…fashionable resorts on the Thames. On a fine Sunday in the season the crush of boats waiting to pass either up or down, and the crowd of onlookers, are sights worth seeing.” Providing a constant background activity to the comings and goings of passengers was the goods yard and sidings east of Station Road, the yard to the south and cattle dock to the north. Although the yard itself handled relatively low volumes, it was busy with a steady flow of goods arriving and departing. The sidings at Taplow were used to assemble daily goods trains serving the line from Maidenhead to High Wycombe, of which only the branch to Bourne End now remains. The station also provided an essential link to local businesses. A siding on the north side of the railway led to a coalyard, accessed from Lent Rise Road and now marked by Coalman’s Way. This coalyard was the main source of fuel for local houses. Next to the coalyard was a 26 depot for Geest bananas, imported from the West Indies and then brought from the docks by train in specially designed vans, up to 20 vans at a time. There were sidings too for William Wood’s horticultural business. At the far end of the goods yard was the station master’s house, shown on a map from 1872 with an ornamental garden, and cottages for other railway workers. This meant there were families living on the station premises. In 1901, stationmaster John Grigg was living in the station house with his wife and seven children. Two of his sons were already working as railway clerks. Three families occupied the other cottages. Frederick Malyon was a labourer on the railway and lived with his wife and two young children. Andrew Evans worked as a gate minder and he and his wife had nine children, the eldest two boys employed at Taplow Paper Mill and the youngest only a baby. Platelayer William Johnson, his wife and two children were in the third cottage. By 1911 the cottages in the yard had been vacated and the accommodation replaced by four purpose-built railway cottages in Approach Road, two of which now housed Frederick Malyon and William Johnson who had moved from the yard. The two world wars saw different forms of activity at Taplow station. Starting in March 1915, a fleet of motorised ambulances met special ambulance trains carrying convoys of wounded Canadian servicemen from Southampton or Dover. The aim was to transport them as quickly as possible to the Canadian Red Cross Hospital which had been built in the grounds of Cliveden. In the first months of operation, the arrivals came from the battlefields in France and Belgium, and then from Gallipoli. In total, the hospital treated 24,000 wounded servicemen during the 1914-18 conflict. They had suffered horrendous injuries, losing limbs or eyes, or lung damage caused by gas attacks. It must have brought the reality of the war home to those who worked at or used Taplow station, which was also the main access point for those who worked at or were visiting the hospital. The railways were highly important for transporting servicemen and supplies during the war, and key parts of the infrastructure were guarded by armed sentries. A company of Territorial soldiers led by a captain was responsible for guarding the railway bridges at Taplow to protect them against sabotage. They were required to challenge anyone suspicious and shoot if necessary. In September 1914, a sentry guarding the bridge over the Bath Road challenged a man approaching, and when he failed three times to respond the sentry shot him and he died a few days later. It transpired that the 55-year old victim was deaf and had a wooden leg, and was simply returning home, but the inquest found his death was justifiable homicide. This was by no means an isolated incident; indeed, two 27 weeks earlier a guard at Haymill bridge had shot dead someone who did not answer his challenge, who turned out to be a lance-corporal in his own regiment. Rather than wounded soldiers, it was Canadian military tanks that Taplow became known for offloading during the Second World War. To take their heavy weight, a concrete and steel reinforced road was laid, and evidence of this can still be seen in the car park south of the station. The tanks were taken to a Canadian camp at Haymill on the outskirts of Slough trading estate where they were maintained or repaired. During this war, railways were vulnerable to attack by bombs and were protected by strategically placed anti-aircraft batteries. There was one of these in a field just east of Huntercombe Lane. The station did suffer slight bomb damage in January 1941. The early 1950s saw a different cast of characters coming to the station, as it featured as a location in several thriller films with titles such as “Tiger by the Tail” and “Highly Dangerous”. Glamourous actresses and handsome actors swept up the road in dashing motor cars while steam trains thundered through in the background. One film included an atmospheric sequence shot in the goods yard, the villain leaping from a window in the stationmaster’s house and making his way among the lines of wagons in the sidings. Anyone looking for a dose of black and white nostalgia can watch “Highly Dangerous” on YouTube for free. Now, in the present day, the station of those times is being recreated by the team of modellers in Slough. Good progress has been made – the initial track layout is in place and it’s hoped to have trains running for a model railway exhibition in Burnham Park Hall at the end of October. The project also aims to engage with the local community and explore the history of the station and its connections with the neighbourhood. It’s not too late for anyone to get involved and any photos or memories of the station would be very welcome. Virginia Silvester 28 Over this last month, I have had many fantastic visits across the constituency – including a brilliant day in Dorney. In Parliament, I continue championing the issues that matter most to you and your families. The Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, and I had another productive meeting about the roads in our local area. I had previously met with Guy in late 2023 to raise the issue over the poor quality of our roads, and I reiterated in our latest meeting the urgency and the importance of repairing them in an efficient but sustainable way. I know the road conditions in Dorney have been troubling the residents – I had a good conversation with your Parish Councillors, Jill Dax and Robert Stopford, about this matter. During the February recess, I visited several GP surgeries and met with the various teams. As your MP, I have always prioritised ensuring access to good health care for local residents. I had a great meeting with Dr Simon Daily and his team at Burnham Health Centre to hear about the difficulties they have been coping with. I was happy to hear of recent improvements in practices that will help all residents who want to access their local health care. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any issues with your GP surgery. Protecting our Green Belt has consistently been an issue that residents have cared deeply about, and it is an issue that I am proud to champion. When I visited Dorney, I knew the most pressing issue for residents would be the ever-growing Orchard Herbs issue. I visited the site with Cllr Dax and Cllr Stopford during my visit. The site, which is within Green Belt land, needs to be cleared as soon as possible. During my visit, I was struck by the continued growth of the site and the size of the vehicles entering the site on such a regular basis. With this in mind, I have written to the Planning Inspectorate asking them to support the Enforcement Notice that was put into force by Buckinghamshire Council. As I have said before, I have been working closely with the local and Parish Councillors to ensure that this site is restored to its lawful use and that the Green Belt is protected from further harm. I will continue to make representations until this site is cleared. It was wonderful to be in Dorney again over the recess period. A huge thank you to Jill and Robert for meeting with me to discuss the issues that matter most to residents in Dorney. If you require further assistance or have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. Joy Morrissey MP 29 RobertStopford,Jill Dax and Joy MorrisseyM.P. Eton College are appealing the Refusal decision regarding Planning Reference PL/22/3562/FA for the 12 new houses at Boveney Court Farm buildings, Boveney Road, Dorney According to The Planning Inspectorate, this appeal has been validated and they are currently waiting for a Case Officer to be allocated to the case. Unfortunately, they do not have an indication as to when a Case Officer may become available. Once the appeal is started it will then appear on the Appeals Casework Portal (searchable with the last 7 characters of theAppeal Reference Number – not known at present), where a representation can be made. All representations made during the application stage will be made available to the appointed Inspector. The Appeals Casework Portal website is https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ We understand that it can take 3 months or more to appoint a Case Officer. The Inspector will take account of: • the material submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) • all the appeal documents • any relevant legislation and policies including changes to legislation, any new Government policy or guidance and any new or emerging development plan policies since the LPA’s decision was issued • any other relevant matters • and should the site visit be undertaken by their representative, their recommendations. The role of interested people (includes those who made comments) People who are interested in the outcome of an appeal but are not one of the appeal parties play an important role in appeals. Their views in support of, or opposition to, a proposed scheme are taken into account by the Inspector. Interested people are also sometimes called ‘third parties’, ‘interested parties’ or ‘interested persons’. Interested people are notified by the LPA that the appeal is taking place. In most appeals, interested people can make ‘representations’ (comments) during the appeal. DPN will advise when a Case Officer is appointed. 30 DORNEY SCHOOL Your local school with a ‘big heart’ and a warm DORNEY SCHOOL Your local school with a ‘big heart’ and a warm welcome Visit our website at www.dorneyschool.co.uk or call us on 01628 620871 to arrange a visit. •Beautiful grounds and excellent facilities office@dorneyschool.co.uk Academic results above local and national schools, every year. Warm, inclusive, nurturing community that places the child first. Ofsted graded ‘Good’ for EYFS, Personal Development, Behaviour & Attitudes •5 mins drive from the local Sainsbury’s (Taplow) •Ample and safe parking for everone Dorney School, Harcourt Close, SL6 0DY A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG DORNEY SCHOOL RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW News from Dorney School I love our school in Springtime! As the spring breeze greets our school, I can’t help but feel my heart swell with joy. This warm and welcoming place nestled amongst Burnham, Taplow and Dorney is truly a second home for our children. Their faces light up each day as they eagerly arrive, ready to immerse themselves in learning and opportunity. Laughter echoes in the hallways as they work together on exciting projects, their brilliant minds sparking with creativity. Our little scholars have blossomed here, reaching for their highest potential with support and care from their teachers. This community has become a family and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Our school is a ray of sunshine in Springtime and all year round! Each week, we have the marvellous Christine Thomas teaching us Makaton, which is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. This term, our school has partnered with several sports organisations to bring a wealth of new and exciting opportunities to our students. Through these partnerships, our children will be able to discover and develop passions for sports. We’re thrilled for our students to step outside their comfort zones and experience the joy and benefits of staying active and trying something new. With enthusiastic participation from our children, and the expertise of our partners, this promises to be an energetic term filled with personal growth, teamwork and fun on the field! The classrooms are bursting with the school values on display! Pupils continue to spread kindness, respect and responsibility across our school like the first rays of spring sunshine. Keep up the outstanding work – you are helping our school community flourish. Together, we can make a positive impact! When schools and families work as a team, students thrive. We offer many ways for parents to get involved, with an open-door policy, updates and invitations to school events. By being an active participant and voicing encouragement, parents let their child know that school matters. The little things – like asking about homework, volunteering, make a big difference. When families partner up, students are set up for success! Why not come and visit us to see for yourself. Contact us at office@dorneyschool.co.uk Warmest wishes, Mrs Sharifah Firza Jelany-Lee, Headteacher 32 BurnhamAbbey Wall, Huntercombe Lane South, Burnham, Buckinghamshire DPN has learned that Bucks Planning have been advised of the terrible state of the BurnhamAbbey wall – which is a listed building – along Huntercombe Lane South. 04 April 2003 © Mr Martin Bond. February 2024 Listed Building legislation requires either the owner to repair it or, if that is unsuccessful, then Bucks Council has to repair it and seek payment from the owner. Whilst the three nuns of the Order of the Precious Blood have left BurnhamAbbey to join a group in Gerrards Cross, theAbbey is still owned by them, and it is their responsibility to repair all of the wall. The latest Accounts (31 December 2022) for BurnhamAbbey confirm their Net Assets were around £7,500,000, so there shouldn’t be any difficulty in funding these required repairs. Let’s hope they get them done before the wall falls down! Bill Dax 33 FixingA Hole? We’ve got a pothole. It’s all our very own because it affects only ourselves attempting to reverse out of the drive, being in the gutter. There was a recent TV series about a group of Los Angelinos who fell through a large hole and found themselves in the California of ten thousand years ago. This may well happen to us before the next issue of this magazine. It appeared before Christmas and has got deeper. One day, I looked out the window and remarked ‘we’ve got to do something about that hole…’As if by magic, a truck emblazoned with the logo of ‘Balfour Beatty Living Places’ pulled up outside. My heart sank because in these parts BB reminds us only of the Smart M4 nightmare. But I had heard, not least from the Clerk of the Parish Council, that the company had been doing an excellent job since they had been awarded the eight-year contract to maintain the roadways and other infrastructure for Bucks Council. They expertly repaired next door’s pothole, presumably saw ours, but drove off. I realised that you had to be on their roster. We had to draw attention to our pothole. Many ways have been reported of how others have achieved this. One driver, fed up with a longlasting hole outside his children’s school, set up a second birthday party for the pothole, placed in it a cake and a candle and invited local news media. The hole was dealt with within 48 hours. But no birthday was imminent for our pothole, so I resorted to the usual policy of ‘going online’. I remembered that in these very pages, it had been recommended to report such issues on the website FixMyStreet. FMS is a national site, but the Clerk recommended going to the Bucks Council version of it. Initial impressions werehopeful. I posted under the headline ‘Pothole on access…becoming difficult to enter or exit.’An email confirmed whether it was me really wishing to report, followed by another telling me my pothole had been logged and even had a reference number. Things were looking up, even more so when a day later I was emailed to say my pothole 34 had been ‘inspected’ and added to the ‘package of works’. Slight doubts then crept in as the matter would be addressed when we are next in the area. Two months have passed. The Balfour Beatty boys have not parked outside. The hole deepens. The report is described as ‘closed’ which is disappointing, but probably means that decisions have been taken what to do, but not when to do it. So, we’re in limbo over whether the site is the necessary panacea, but what is FixMyStreet all about and what sort of impact is it having in the locality covered by this magazine? What is so appealing about using this site is that issues can be reported directly to Bucks Council by ‘simply locating them on a map’. FixMyStreet Bucks is primarily for reporting things which are ‘broken or damaged or dumped, and need fixing, or clearing’. You can be a registered user, but the site is free to use. FMS nationally and for Bucks was developed by mySociety, which is an organisation devoted to ‘active citizenry’. Other services include TheyWorkForYou, which allows the citizen to follow how MPs vote and what they say, and WhatDoTheyKnow, which encourages information requests to public bodies. All part of the fun are daily reports of all the issues raised in your area – invaluable to Dorney Parish News, and, of course, I now have the FMS app proudly nestling on my phone. I can be a busy body without delay at any time. Future historians will see the multitude of reports appearing daily as evidence of two trends in 21st century Britain, the decay and dereliction of the infrastructure and the end of the British mindset ‘mustn’t complain’.’ It seems that a large majority of reports both nationally and locally concern, yes, potholes, followed by fly tipping. It seems to me that we have a few local specialities here. Localised flooding, probably caused by the failings of Thames Water, overhanging roadside foliage and, especially in Dorney Reach (I didn’t realise) abandoned vehicles. I thought I was in the vanguard reporting via the site, but no, there are issues pinpointed all over the parish. Not only are there many Dorney reports, but they also seem to be getting more frequent. Last week anger became apparent over the debris in Lake End Road opposite the Orchard Herbs site. ‘The road is littered with scree, mud and debris from the site’ was one headline to a report of a near miss between a car driver and a ‘large lump of brick’ falling from a lorry leaving the site. ‘Enough’s enough’ said one reporter last week, who urged Bucks Council to stop ‘passing the buck’. Last week’s heavy rain saw the alarming site of stretches of Harcourt Road under water. This will be taken up with Thames Water thanks to the alacrity of a couple of my neighbours on FixMyStreet. It’s also getting mighty wet under foot down by Lake End House and the barn conversions off Lake End Road, where the residents have also been concerned by a black pick-up truck with smashed windows. Take a walk down to Old Marsh Lane and you will see three incidents of fly tipping, that is ifyou can walk past the M4 bridge due to the pedestrian pavements totally blocked by foliage in Marsh Lane itself. Walk in the other direction and you will come across builders’ waste left around the Thames Water field. Let’s finish where we started. There are potholes opposite the Pineapple. The crevice on the lefthand side as you approach Dorney Reach along Marsh Lane made its debut today. There are still reported potholes even in Village Road. My pothole is not very significant. But we may well report on future progress as the weeks go by. Unless we disappear into it, or the flood waters get us first. Peter Bowman 35 My collection day is FRIDAY Recycling and Waste Calendar My collection day is FRIDAY Recycling and Waste Calendar November 2023 Fri Fri Fri Fri 3 10 17 24 Fri Fri Fri Fri 1 8 15 22 December 2023 February 2024 Tue Mon Sat Fri Fri 2 8 13 19 26 April 2024 March 2024 January 2024 Fri Fri Fri Fri 2 9 16 23 Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat 1 8 15 22 30 Sat Fri Fri Fri 6 12 19 26 Friday -Week 2 Recycling week General week Please present bins by 6.30am on the day of collection, and no earlier than 5pm the evening before. OUT BY Bank holiday week collection Garden waste collection suspended mixed recycling, paper and cardboard, food, garden, batteries, small electricals, textiles general waste and food waste Crocus Spring MarketSunday21stApril10-4pmPleasecomeandjoinus! WearethrilledtowelcomearangeoflocalproducerstoselltheirproductswithininourbeautifulwalledgardenatCrocusatDorneyCourtSL46QPFood,drink,Jewellery,Art&Craft&more.... Formoreinfopleasecheckoursocialmedia.Ifyouwouldlikeastallpleaseemailevents.dorney@crocus.co.uk. Crocus Spring MarketSunday21stApril10-4pmPleasecomeandjoinus! WearethrilledtowelcomearangeoflocalproducerstoselltheirproductswithininourbeautifulwalledgardenatCrocusatDorneyCourtSL46QPFood,drink,Jewellery,Art&Craft&more.... Formoreinfopleasecheckoursocialmedia.Ifyouwouldlikeastallpleaseemailevents.dorney@crocus.co.uk. Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 39 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Advertising Rates Height mm Width mm 10 issues 1 issue Full Page 190 130 £100 £13 Half Page 90 130 £55 £8 Third of a page (Horizontal) 60 130 £50 £7 Quarter Page (Horizontal) 45 130 £45 £6 Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 41 SUSAN HANDYDANCE A Complete Dance Training FREE TRIAL CLASS BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News April 2024 Boveney views threatened by Eton College’s planning appeal. Details on Page 32 RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK|RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK01753693333RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK|RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK01753693333 ISSUE NO. 03/24 APRIL 2024 EDITORIAL Let us consider two communities under pressure. Neither of them is contemporary Dorney. ‘This scheme makes no sense as a way to benefit local people and it is doubtful that even people further afield will benefit by gaining access to truly affordable housing. In the end you can’t help but ask why Eton College is risking its reputation by associating itself with a development that makes no sense in terms of local need?’ says a residents’ group about the first example. A more official view of the second was ‘it is easy to understand why local residents feel vulnerable to domination by this large-scale project, the like of which the locality has not seen before. The Parish Council is concerned at the prospect of widespread disturbance to residents and harm to the visual amenities and character of the area…’ The first is from the website of Don’t Urbanise the Downs, a campaign opposing (so far, it seems, successfully) a plan by Eton College to build a ‘3250-house new town’ in East Sussex, centred on the village of East Chiltington. The second, from 1993, are the words of the disarmingly sympathetic inspector who eventually allowed the appeal by Eton against the earlier refusal of planning permission to build what has become Dorney Lake. These words are worth quoting because they express the collective incomprehension that such disruptive and destructive undertakings can be mooted by a body with such an august reputation. By the time this magazine is in your hands, the deadline will have passed for objecting to Eton’s appeal against earlier refusal of permission to develop the Boveney Court Farm site. In this issue you will read how a group of residents has worked intensively to rebut the appellant’s case, activity that has contributed to the delay in this magazine reaching you, dear reader. We don’t claim to speak for all in the parish, but this column is utterly saddened that once again this community is in opposition to our mighty neighbour, who once championed the preservation of Dorney, and cannot believe that it would propose a course of action that, together with likely plans for Court Farm, will change the hamlet of Boveney and, indeed, Dorney Common, for ever. This column has suffered the same heartaches felt by many over the inadequacies of Burnham Health Centre’s relations with its patients, before we mercifully escaped to a Maidenhead surgery. It is fitting that this issue publishes a couple of reactions to this scandal, in part as a reaction to our MP’s reassurance in our last issue that there had been ‘recent improvements’. In discussion with Ms. Morrissey’s team, they reiterated her desire to hear of these issues from constituents. We recommend that you let her office know – in detail, and often. After all, complaining works. Our March issue carried the tedious tale of our very own pothole right by our drive. On the very day the issue went to press, the Bucks Highways team arrived, and before the words were published, the hole was fixed. 3 Services in the Local Churches Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Part-time Assistant Curate: Rev. Carole Gooding (07786) 290162 Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes: By the time you read this, Easter will have passed and for all those who gave up chocolate for Lent, I will have smiled and given you a high-five to those who were gorging on Easter Sunday. Prior to Easter we, as a Benefice, were welcomed to spend time with our three local Primary Schools, Dorney, Eton Wick and Eton Porny through not only attending school assemblies, but also inviting a year group into each of their respective churches for Experience Easter, an afternoon of activities. We, as a Benefice, are privileged enough to be able to engage with our local primary schools as part of their curriculum under the branding of Religious Education/Studies. Our Holy Week services were neatly rounded off by our Sunrise Service at Boveney, although this year we didn’t use water from the Thames to signify baptism, due to the recent negative press coverage over pollution levels, and then our services in Dorney and Eton Wick. It was great to see so many faces. So what does our future look like? We gave our farewells to both our Vicar, the Rev. La Stacey and (husband) David last year. Both are truly missed. We have been lucky enough to be able to maintain all of our services under the newly ordained Rev. Carole Gooding, but Carole’s training is coming to an end and she will be deployed elsewhere in July of this year. I promise you we’ve tried to keep her... One of the options we are discussing is bringing Datchet into our Benefice, still operating as separate Parishes but joining with “Eton, Eton Wick, Boveney” (single 4 parish) and Dorney (single parish) and Datchet (single parish). Details are still being worked out, but the expectation, should this go ahead, is that we would share two Reverends across the broader Benefice. and Dorney (single parish) and Datchet (single parish). Details are still being worked out, but the expectation, should this go ahead, is that we would share two Reverends across the broader Benefice. Wishing you all a great April. Stephen Baker Church Services in April 2024 Wednesday 3rd April 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 7th April 9.30 am Holy Communion (BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Any Age Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 14th April 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 17th April 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 21st April 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 28th April 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St Mary Magdalene, Boveney This beautiful church on the Thames is open daily. www.st-mary-magdalene-boveney.org.uk 5 Nature Notes In my younger days back in the eighties (argh how far away does that seem now!) I was always an Adam Ant fan, versus my best friend who was a “Duranie”. However, it was “Hungry Like the Wolf” I was singing in my head, not “Prince Charming” as I walked past Bloomsbury Square and headed towards Conway Hall last week. It was my first time at Conway Hall and it’s an attractive, high ceilinged stone and wooden venue run by an organisation called the “Ethical Society”. The event was a launch for the book Shadow of the Wolf by one of my rewilding heroes, Derek Gow. His basic argument is that wolves were unfairly demonised, tortured, persecuted and eventually extirpated centuries ago in the UK, especially when sheep were very valuable for their wool, and that as a civilised society we should have space for the return of what many consider an essential apex predator in a properly functioning ecosystem in this country, which especially would start to control the abundant and growing deer population. Of course, I am under no illusion that the reintroduction of wolves to the United Kingdom faces many hurdles, and I find it hard to believe it will happen in my lifetime. However, if small countries as densely populated as Holland and Belgium can live with wolves why can’t we? Italy has the Italian wolf, two varieties of brown bear and the Eurasian lynx. The most dangerous animal in the UK is ……. the cow. I was struck by the statistic that over the last 20 years, there have only been 25 human fatalities reported from (non-rabid) wolves globally, while 80,000 humans die every year globally from domestic dogs. I don’t have the reference for this (you’ll have to buy the book!) but it does make you think (or at least it did me).Another startling statistic that I can’t get out of my head was that only 4% of global mammal biomass is now made up of wild mammals. The rest is made up of humans, our pets and our livestock (see diagram below). I found this quite astounding, and unsettling, especially when an MP in Parliament is calling for more culling of “all wild animals”. We really are in danger of losing even more than the wolf, the bear and the lynx. Two Little Owls checking out potential home Back in Dorney, regular readers may be excited to hear we have new photographic evidence of TWO little owls in the box in the tree on Marsh Lane. As you may recall much effort has been made to remove grey squirrels twice from the box in advance of this momentous occasion, so we are now very excited about the prospect of viewing a little owl brood. Fingers crossed. In my own garden I’ve had some success capturing some images of the red kite that regularly hangs out in nearby trees. When I leave out liver or other meaty treats for it, the kite tends to circle a number of times to make sure it is safe, and then swoops down at such speed that it’s too 6 instant to trigger the trail cam video. However, the image on the right was when it obviously spent a little bit of time o. However, the image on the right was when it obviously spent a little bit of time on the ground, and then the still on the left is from a video where I dropped the liver (triggering the video which records for 30 seconds) and the kite swooped down behind me 10 seconds later. It was incredible to watch on slow motion when I retrieved the trail cam and uploaded the videos. I’ve seen several kite couples fighting in the sky and over the garden attacking each other’s talons in the past week. I’m not sure if this is some kind of spring mating ritual but would love to observe a nesting pair and see their young. There has also been some nocturnal activity at the back of the garden as I often see a couple of foxes on the trail cam. Sadly, Peter Bowman advised me there has been reports of two dead foxes on Dorney Common and I am now slightly panicking as I only captured video of one this week.Am keen to see if I am lucky enough to capture footage of gambolling fox cubs this spring. Lastly, I became vaguely addicted to the Twitter (sorry, “X”) updates of the Henley Toad Patrol over the past month. Incredibly, they have helped 11,068 toads, 406 frogs and 185 newts cross the A4155! What an admirable service to provide, out in all weathers at this time of year often late in the evening gloom. Does anyone know if the Maidenhead Toad Patrol is active? I did email them to volunteer but had no response. I have newts and toads in my garden, but I’ve never seen a frog or any spawn in the pond. The newts are definitely spawning as I’ve seen tiny wee newtlets and have occasionally uncovered the eggs fixed underside pond foliage. My neighbour Theo saw eight newts by torchlight in his pond this week and when I tried a similar survey, I saw four. I am intrigued if anyone else in our parish has a pond (or knows of a pond locally) where they have seen clumps of frog spawn over the past month. Do let me know if you have – a more comprehensive amphibian survey of the Parish would be very interesting. Andrew Oliver 7 Dorney Playground Management Committee invite you to the opening ceremony of The timber snake swing on Wednesday 1st May 16.00, Dorney Playground, Trumpers Field If you have been following the activities of the Dorney Playground Management Committee, you will know that we have been raising funds to replace the faulty Iplay (which has been repaired on numerous occasions, but never worked properly) with a timber snake swing. The swing has now been ordered and, if all goes to plan, will be installed week beginning 22ndApril. An opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 1st May 16.00. We are really excited and are planning on selling food and drinks. It would be great to see as many of you as possible. If you can help with the barbecue and selling drinks – even better. Raffle tickets will be going on sale nearer the event to chose the first 5 children to officially use the swing and hopefully have their photo in the local newspapers. Dorney Playground Management Committee now have their own FaceBook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553109223078) so please check the page nearer the event to confirm that the installation has taken place as promised. Alternatively, contact us on: Playground4Dorney@gmail.com or 07737053409 8 Use your Tesco power Removal of the I-play and installation of the timber snake swing is costing £15,440.00. With fund raising, donations and grants we have raised £12,500. At the moment the rest is coming from reserves needed to maintain the playground. BUT Tesco have chosen Dorney Playground and the timber snake swing as one of their three charities betweenApril and June. So if you shop at Tesco, please use the blue token, available at the checkout, to support your local playground. If we receive more blue tokens than the other two charities, Tesco will give Dorney Playground £1500.00. Support Dorney Playground at Tesco So, what is the next project for Dorney Playground? The Committee have decided that the next project for the playground is a fence around the area. There are several reasons we feel this is needed, the main ones being: -To stop dogs entering the area. Not only do owners allow their dogs to roam freely in the playground while children are playing, we also, regularly, have to clear away dog faeces. We have also witnessed dogs chewing on some of the swing seats – the teeth marks are there as proof! -Although Dorney Playground is, overall, a safe area, there are cars around. A fence around the playground will make this a safer area for all. As you expect, this will not be cheap! We have currently got quotes from four companies, which range from £15,000 -£26,000, depending on the type of fence. So, if you would like to get involved with raising funds for a fence around the playground, please contact us. As you can see, Dorney Playground Management Committee are very busy. Three of our committee are standing down in April, so if you can help in any way, please contact us. Dorney Playground Management Committee Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 07737053409 Scan here to donate to Dorney Playground. We are a charity and do not receive any money from local authorities to maintain the playground equipment. 9 On a dull and drizzly March morning 18 residents joined the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ campaign. Armed with robust grabbers and distinctive purple rubbish sacks, courtesy of Bucks Council, we targeted areas of the Parish, including the Common and parts of the Jubilee River, with a resulting 35 bags of rubbish taken immediately to the rubbish tip. All agreed it was a most satisfying few hours work and were rewarded with hot drinks, bacon/sausage burgers courtesy of Jill Palmer at the Hermitage. Thanks to all who joined in, and our regular ‘pickers’. We plan another event later in the year. If you’d like a grabber there are a couple spare, please contact jill@daxfamily.com. Every little helps to keep the parish clear of the general rubbish chucked from passing cars and disrespectful picnickers. ORCHARD HERBS: Agreement at the At the request of DPC, Annual Bucks Council APPEAL HEARING WILL BE HELD AUGUST/SEPTEMBER -ANTICIPATED TO BE Commoner’s Meeting to support DPC recommendation to pursue a 40mph investigating reinstating ditches to restrict vehicle access to Trumper’s Field Football Pitch, and providing a disabled 7 DAYS LONG speed limit on parking space at the Dorney Common Village Hall Dorney Playground committee invitation to attend 1st May, 4pm, opening of their new timber snake swing. All welcome. Join us at the Annual Parish Meeting at the Boathouse Dorney Lake 7.30pm 15th May. Refreshments will be served. NEXT DPC MEETING Wednesday 15th May 6.30pm at the Boathouse at Dorney Lake. Rest of 2024 Meetings will be held May (+APM), July, September, November. 1 10 Dorney Horticultural Society Invites you to: 'An evening with Belinda Allen -a talk about herbs, their propagation, care and medicinal uses' Friday 26th April 7.30-10.00 pm in Dorney Village Hall Belinda is passionate about gardening, especially growing and using herbs -there will also be seeds, cuttings, oils and cream to buy. Entry includes cheese and biscuits, bring your favourite wine and a glass, we'll supply the cheese ‘n biscuits. Invite some friends and make up your own table. Tickets £10/head for members £12/head for non-members (New members can join on the evening) Please book your place with Peter Bowman on 07889 912714 or email ddhs@btinternet.com 12 DHS – Honey Bees at Crocus On a pleasant Tuesday afternoon, at the end of February, the Dorney & District Horticultural Society kicked off its 2024 programme with a talk on Honey Bees. Niels Abildgaard, the Chairman of the Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead Beekeepers’ Society, kindly gave us a very informative and engaging talk. As in 2023 our first talk of the year was held at Crocus Dorney in their Cafe Annex. Huge thanks to the team at Crocus for the delicious cakes, teas and coffees and all their help setting up the Annex. Niels started his talk with a question for us: “How many trips do you think it takes a bee to fill a 454g/1lb jar with honey?” We bandied around various numbers from 4,000 to 60,000. The answer is at the end of this! Niels’ talk covered the honey bee lifecycle, popular plants to support the bees by season, pollination and the role of bees, the differences between the male and female bees and who does what, (did you know bees even have their own funeral undertakers in a hive?), the Queen bee and her role, the bee dance (and where the expression “to make a bee line” comes from) and much more. It was a fascinating insight into our humble honey bees. The audience was regaled with humorous bee stories and anecdotes from Niels which kept us all engaged throughout. It was highly educational and fun. We send our thanks to Niels for his time and enthusiasm and sharing his vast knowledge with us. Perhaps we can arrange a follow up talk in the future? By the way, did you know the name Dorney is an old Saxon word meaning the Island of the Humble Bee? Any town or village (or similar) ending in, or starting in EY, or EA denotes it’s an Island, taken from the word EYOT. It was therefore very appropriate that this talk was held at Dorney. Finally, the answer to the question posed by Niels at the start of the talk…., It takes 22,700 trips to fill a jar with honey. So next time you see the honey bees with their pollen baskets full, flying back and forth, you know they are on just one of the 22,700 trips back to their hive. Each bee carrying between 0.02 and 0.04 grams of nectar. That’s one for the pub quizzers amongst you!! Our next talk is back at Dorney Village Hall, on Friday 26th April. This talk is by Belinda Allen on the subject of Herbs, their propagation, care and medicinal uses. Belinda will also be bringing with her some seeds, cuttings, oils and creams. We hope you will join us. Louise Whaley 13 Annual Parish Meeting The Annual Parish Meeting is an opportunity to ask questions that are important to you as a resident of Dorney. Wednesday, 15th May 2024 7.30 pm Dorney Lake Boathouse Everyone welcome. Come and join us for the Annual Meeting in The Lake View Room, have a chat with your local community groups and councillors. Lift available. Refreshments will be served. Agenda on www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk Please ring for discounted rate. SPRINGTIME IN DORNEY As I write, the verges in Dorney are bright with cheery daffodils, and trees and shrubs are bursting into blossom. Thoughts turn to spring cleaning and a parish litter pick is planned. I remember that for many years we were encouraged to make our frontages look nice, as Dorney competed in the Best Kept Village competition. Volunteer litter pickers made constant efforts to keep our roadsides clean. There was a time when Dorney had its own roadsweeper. Lewis William Webb was born in Cippenham in 1890 and married a girl from Dorney in 1912. He worked as a platelayer for Great Western Railway, helping to maintain the railway track. When he enlisted during the First World War, his skills meant he was posted to the Royal Engineers Railway Troops. He was sent to Salonica in September 1916, remaining there for two and a half years, helping to build and maintain railway lines to facilitate the movement of troops and equipment. When he returned, he went back to work for GWR and settled with his wife and children in a cottage near Dorney school. After he retired, he took up roadsweeping in the 1950s and kept five miles of Dorney’s roads clean until he died in 1972. According to the book "Around Slough in Old Photographs", he was said to have contributed significantly to Dorney's success in the Best Kept Village competition in 1969 and again in 1972. 16 Newspaper reports from the 1850s indicate that May Day in Dorney was celebrated each spring by the local children. The occasion involved the children being “decorated in the costume of May-day” and making “their usual rounds” of the neighbourhood, before gathering at Dorney Court “according to custom”. There, some 75 to 80 youngsters were treated to refreshments and given cash presents by the Palmers. There were games and races and dancing, and the national anthem was sung. The whole event was characterised as “contributing to the perpetuation of good feeling between rich and poor”. May Day is no longer a key event in Dorney (perhaps Halloween has taken its place for our young residents). But one tradition still observed is putting the cattle out onto the common for the summer. This continuity spans many hundreds of years. You can read on the Dorney History Group website a transcript of the manor court roll of 1526 which sets out the conditions under which commoners were allowed to graze their livestock. The rules may have changed, and we no longer see sheep, pigs or (domestic) geese on the common, but the principle remains the same. It's a joy to see the pleasure the cattle take from their release every spring onto the fresh green grass, and we are so lucky to live in a place where this practice continues. Mid-19th century author Albert Richard Smith visited Dorney one spring day and was inspired to write a poem which included the following lines: Blossom and leaf and each fair thing, The emblems of the gentle spring, In one glad vast surrounding, And insects, poised on golden wings, With thousand gentle murmurings, Their notes of joy are sounding. Clearly Dorney made a strong impression on Albert, who also used the village as a setting in a fictional short story. Step outside in Dorney this spring and enjoy the blossom and buds and unfolding fresh leaves and the buzz of insects, just like Albert and countless generations before and after. Virginia Silvester 17 MEET, DRINK & EATDorneyDorney MEET, DRINK & EATDorneyDorney The Palmer Arms Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! The Palmer Arms The PineappleThe Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Palmer Arms The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QSVillage Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepineappledorney.co.uk 01628 666612 01628 662353 www.thepalmerarms.com 19 Doctor not in The House (or anywhere else!) I don’t do ill, in truth I’m a little smug about it, “And you’re still working at your age! Amazing!” Well ‘pride comes etc etc’and as I drove to an Oxford Krankenhaus with a constantly coughing patient sitting behind me, rather selfishly I thought, “I hope he doesn’t give that to me,” but of course three days later my brain jolted me awake at 03.00 to rectify my non breathing status, caused by some unmentionable substance blocking a part of my breathing kit, kicking my brain and me bolt upright in alarm. I leave you, dear reader, to consider quietly in private the vision of yours truly in the altogether at 03.00 head hanging over the porcelain. It’s not a vision upon which to linger; well, that’s what my wife assures me anyway. It’s not very professional to wheeze germ laden droplets all over patients, some of whom have damaged immunity systems. I struggled in foolishly that morning, picked up my schedule, and it made me think. Some were professional friends, others yet unmet but ill; neither needed a bad chesty cough like a hole in the head, and thought, “No, I can’t do this,” called the Control and gave them the bad news. They assured me, Bless them, that I had done the right thing putting the patients first, with a tiny sting in the tail that last night might just have been a better time to pull out. I crawled home, sat up in bed and coughed and coughed. Being a bloke, I did nothing about it for five days, hoping it would go away, but ‘Constant Cough’ was joined by his more alarming mate, ‘Difficult Breathing’, thankfully a rare visitor in my body, but frightening all the more for that, and being a bloke, I thought I might die, so in all innocence, I called my doctor. I had done the course, so I knew I had to be first in line for the 0800 ‘fastest finger first’ competition. “The surgery is now closed. The hours are....,” I dialled again straight away, the fingers tapping frenziedly, as my life depended on it. “The surgery is now….” And again. “The sur….” And again. “Welcome to Carry on Doctors,” it started, and curiously told me, in a fit of nostalgia presumably, all about Covid, and what to do. Then it went into a diatribe that would have sent me to sleep (save for the inability to breathe) about going ‘online’and other matters until finally, “for appointments press 5” and I did. I’d made it!!! “There are no appointments left today,” said the machine. I seem to recall that an Eastenders extra used to say, “this call will now be terminaded (sic)”. It’s changed now, but the message is the same. Experience told me that ringing again would be another frustrated listen to the diatribe as my cough worsened, and blood pressure and anxiety increased with every passing shallow breath. I dialled 111 and was treated with respect, concern and empathy with lots of relevant questions asked, with the result that there were in fact some appointments left as a doctor from the earlier emporium called me later that morning; the treatment was very good with an offer of an audience (foolishly politely declined as I thought I knew the problem and the resolution – I did not!) and collected the prescription for antibiotics. “Come back if there’s a problem,” they said, and there I was a week later. “May I see a doctor please?” “There are no appointments left today.” 20 R N L I Charity Sale ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE LIFEBOATS When: Sunday 5th May 2024 @ 11am - finish Where: Dorney village hall, Off meadow way, SL6 0DS What: Beautiful up-cycled furniture such as coffee tables, side tables, rocking horses and so much more… Why: To raise money for the R.N.L.I, saving lives at sea In memory of Iain Farrell Any enquiries or contributions, please contact Kathy or John Farrell on: 07818 202 942 “But the doctor said to call back in a week if there was a problem.” “There are no appointments left today.” “How do you suggest I get an appointment to see a doctor?” “You can call tomorrow morning.” “I tried that, it doesn’t work for me.” “Or you can go online,” “I can’t make that work either.” It was actually suggested that I could join a queue in the morning (before 07.15 I’ve been told subsequently) and hope for an appointment then. Even I thought a 77-year-old with a chest infection standing outside for maybe an hour on a cold wet February early-morning was not the ideal treatment. I was speechless. I rang again to apologise for ending the call abruptly. Perhaps I was in shock! I found a private doctor, and £104 later after an ‘instant’ queue-less appointment lasting 20 minutes, I returned to my humble abode armed with my very first ‘puffer’ to ease the breathing kit. Later and still unwell, a lovely lady at the surgery took pity on me, presumably bent the rules (if you ever read this; I can’t thank you enough) and I got another audience; again, utterly professional, with some more pills. I could go on; frankly, I’m tired of writing this stuff, but sufficient to say that via 111 I had my last audience; again, very professional. I have however, found a way of by passing all this and seeing a doctor. Become our MP!!! She’s actually bragging about it I hear, though happily I have been spared the photo. I found a leaflet from the Maidenhead Primary Care Network with the NHS Frimley logo. Perhaps it could help me but either it was fiction or did not apply to me when I read, and I quote, “Your GP Practice will be able to book you an appointment. They have made improvements to their telephone and web systems making it easier to book an appointment.” Where I’m standing (or coughing), there are fairies at the bottom of my garden too; or maybe our local harbingers of bad news haven’t seen the leaflet. But there’s more good news!!! ‘If you need treatment in hospital, you can choose where you go!’ Yes! Really! It says so on the radio. Your doctor can help you…… “There are no appointments left today.” There is only one key for the gate to this nirvana, and I can’t get it by right. I have to win the 8 am lottery. In frustration, I rang every surgery within a five-mile radius; all politely not taking patients from outside their area, apart from one who stated abruptly, “We do not take patients from other surgeries.” Anyone know a good doctor? Stay safe. Mike Quincey 22 Best Kept Dorney in 2024 Visit the Dorney Parish Council website and you will see anAction Plan for 2024. On that Plan are 11 objectives concerned with the Environment. Last month two of those began to work in combination – the intention to support large groups of volunteer litter pickers and the possibility of entering the Bucks Best Kept Village competition from 2025. Jill Palmer told us that Norman Griffith and herself (with, as she pointed out, a combined average age of 80) had planted cistus creticus, with cornus kousa chinensis going into the midst of them shortly afterwards. We agree with Jill that this wonderful picture should kick start the notion of entering a future Best Kept Village competition. Jill also pointed out that passers by are welcome to do a spot of weeding. Sunday 17th March was the day of the Dorney Parish Litter Picking Morning. Large rubbish sacks and grabbers were provided by Bucks Council. The organisers’ response was ‘What a successful Sunday!’and that was in spite of heavy rain that morning. Eighteen pickers braved the elements, and more than thirty large bags of rubbish were collected. Response was rather uneven throughout the different parts of the parish, but we all will have another chance as a further date will be set aside for another Litterpick later in 2024. I rather think some of us were incentivised by the kind offer of bacon and sausage rolls along with a much-needed hot tea or coffee courtesy of Jill Palmer at The Hermitage. Peter Bowman 23 NOTHING TRIVIAL ON DORNEYCOMMON “A war is not about deciding who is right, but who is left” George Bernard Shaw Finally, the rain faded to a drizzly mizzle, leaving many of us with a bloom of green algae on our buildings, a coat of moss on our lawns, and here on the Common, little ponds grew bigger. Along dragging end to our winter, was punctuated by the media, broadcasting uncouth political statements against each other, which became quite a bore for some, maybe most of us. These insults between the well-educated and privileged, have occasionally an element of wit about them, intended to smear integrity. The use of language, as an art form, is quite able to pierce the skin of anyone’s rhino hide, without a weighty sword. ‘Be sure to taste your words before spitting them out’ Oscar Auliq-Ice (modern day author and philanthropist However, before insults were boiled down to a ‘four letter word’, we used language in astute repartee: • George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill, ‘I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend if you have one’. In response, Churchill wrote ‘Cannot possibly attend first night, I will attend the second… if you have one’. • A member of Parliament to Disraeli: ‘Sir, you will either die on the gallows, or of some unspeakable disease”, by which Disraeli replied “That depends Sir, whether I embrace politics or your mistress”. • “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure” said by Clarence Darrow, an American trade unionist, but also a well-known public speaker, and we see why. • William Faulkner, Nobel laureate and celebratedAmerican writer, spoke of Ernest Hemingway “He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary”. • Moses Hadas, an erudite scholar, wrote quite obscurely “Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I will waste no time reading it”. • Irvin S Cobb, best known for his colloquial handling of familiar situations with ironical, penetrating humour: “I’ve just learned about his illness. Let’s hope it’s nothing trivial”. • Fairy tale Scottish writer, Andrew Lang, also had an imaginative way with words: “He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts, for support rather than illumination”. • Australian filmmaker and screenwriter Billy Wilder once said, “He has Van Gogh’s ear for music”. Incidentally, one of his films was ‘Some Like it Hot’; when Billy passed away, the French newspaper ‘Le Monde’ titled the frontpage obituary: ‘Billy Wilder is dead. Nobody is perfect’ a reference to the famous last line in that film. 24 *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. Your space... Mentionthisadvertforanexclusive25%discount* for spectacular celebrations Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. Create.Inspire.Together. info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake • Lastly, we return to Churchill, always quick with his tongue and direct with his speech, “He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire”. So, we see language in all countries has provided the world with entertainment and provocative output. The content and presentation much more engaging than the political wrangle our ears usually face. I love the way some make an analogy of character that paints a picture so clearly, as in ‘the pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, but the realist adjusts the sails’ and admire the writer, William Arthur Ward, for expressing it so eloquently. I hope that I am the realist, flexing forward, for sitting on one’s backside achieves very little, (I have tried it with a poor outcome), and a whinger is a negative stance to adopt. Spring is here, despite the rain, our gardens are starting to bud up, for very soon our cows will be back on the Common to accompany us. They are the sign of good hope and pastoral tranquillity, the hallmark of our village. Let’s try and keep it like this for as long as we can, it is unique, it is special and once gone, it will only be in our memories. “Be careful to leave your sons (and daughters) well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant”. Epictetus (Greek philosopher) Our descendants will reflect on the decisions we make today, some whose impact will probably either leave deep furrows or change the quality of lives permanently. But, we can make changes and reverse plans that we don’t think beneficial, if we collectively speak up and out, hold hands tightly and unite. “The most ignorant of all people is a person who is self-assured in his or her premature decisions” Oscar Auliq-Ice Meantime, as Easter fades into the background, we look forward to our community gathering at the village hall on Friday 26thApril, kicking off at 7:30pm, a tasty Cheese and Biscuits event held by Dorney Horticultural Society, with a very interesting speaker. Bring your own bottle of pop to give a sparkle to your faces and loosen your tongue, as we very much look forward to seeing you! Kristina Perkins 26 Dear Editor, As we approach ‘the other party cannot be any worse election’ I have asked numerous friends to tell me something in society that has improved in the last 14 years. The silence has been deafening. Out of the blue, my splendid, discerning wife gave me the first decent answer — it is “The local magazine -the ‘Dorney Parish News’ -it was always readable, now it is superb” The March cover silhouettes Jill and Joy, two champions for the betterment of our community, viewing the ghastly Orchard Herbs site (or should I say sight?) with a Saints logo between them. The magazine goes on to an excellent new feature, from our Parliamentary representative who is caring and actively involved at local level to all our benefit. Her article this month features a great meeting with a Dr Daily of Burnham Health Centre. This records recent improvements. May I ask that she gives this good news to us? It then tells us not to hesitate to contact her with any issues. I will not hesitate. Two people in my house sought urgent consultations with a doctor. The local surgery resisted offering any contact for over two weeks. They were forced to enrol with a private Practitioner at a cost initially of £2000. May I ask Joy if this is to be the method of a new stealth tax for those who can pay for medical needs? Congratulations on your magazine. Yours Simon Donan 27 Dorney Parish News 2024 Subscriptions Due. £7.00 for 10 issues Delivered to your door. Please either pay your Distributor or by Bank Transfer to: NatWest Bank, Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 • What’s happening in Boveney, Dorney Common & Village, Dorney Reach and Lake End. • Protecting the DNA of Dorney Parish • Planning Updates • Dorney Parish Council Meeting Minutes, Updates & Action Plan • Church News and Services • News from Dorney School • Local Advertisers • Articles by local correspondents • Information from Local Societies • Dorney History and other History Groups • Emergency Numbers And more! 28 A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG DORNEY SCHOOL Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach Maidenhead, SL6 0DY Tel: 01628 620871 E-mail: office@dorneyschool.co.uk Website: www.dorneyschool.co.uk RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW Headteacher: Mrs Lee British Science Fortnight at Dorney School was exciting and inspired all children to think, and work like scientists. WOW -3 letters, 1 word! This is the best and only word to describe Science Fortnight. There was a real buzz of excitement and energy as children across the whole school took part in various practical science investigations. Children had a 'Science Skills Passport' where they had to tick off and complete a range of scientific enquiry skills. In KS1 children learnt about life cycles and animals. In KS2 children made their own magnets, created a sundial clock, learnt about travelling water and played with cornflour slime to learn about solids, liquids and gases. Reception looked at what happens when we leave different food out over a period of time. What a lot of brilliant learning and thinking! Some quotes from Year 6: Joseph -"I feel it was fun to learn about the science behind how everything works." Maxwell -"The day was great fun. I enjoyed mixing with the other classes to do science." Lily -"I really enjoyed today because it was different to our usual curriculum and fun to mix with the other classes." For British Science Week, Eton College boys enthralled many children across school with their Natural Science collection. The children learned about British species of animals, and how some are becoming endangered. The highlight must be the stuffed real foxes, bears, badgers, otters, hare and porcupines! We are grateful to for the support and additional resources by Eton College. Every week, we have a group of Eton Boys who support enrichment activities in Years 5 and 6. Best wishes, Mrs Sharifah Firza Jelany-Lee Headteacher DORNEY SCHOOL Your local school with a ‘big heart’ and a warm DORNEY SCHOOL Your local school with a ‘big heart’ and a warm welcome Visit our website at www.dorneyschool.co.uk or call us on 01628 620871 to arrange a visit. •Beautiful grounds and excellent facilities office@dorneyschool.co.uk Academic results above local and national schools, every year. Warm, inclusive, nurturing community that places the child first. Ofsted graded ‘Good’ for EYFS, Personal Development, Behaviour & Attitudes •5 mins drive from the local Sainsbury’s (Taplow) •Ample and safe parking for everone Dorney School, Harcourt Close, SL6 0DY Updates on Eton College’s plan’s plans for 12 new houses at Boveney Court Farm buildings and 11 new houses at Court Farm, Dorney Common. Boveney Court Farm buildings Planning was refused for these in July 2023. Eton College have decided to appeal this decision and it is now in the hands of The Planning Inspectorate. The date for submitting comments to the Planning Inspectorate closed on 3rdApril 2024. There were three reasons stated by the Bucks Council Planning Committee for Refusal: 1. The number, bulk & massing of the buildings causing substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt spatially and visually. 2. The Boveney Conservation Area Document notes that Boveney has a tranquil, rural character and seems to be almost untouched by the development that has spoilt similar settlements. Furthermore, it highlights that the hamlet has a rural, low density character which is worthy of preservation. The size of the proposed development, including the number of dwellings and its overall density, would be out of character within the context of the rural, low density character of the existing hamlet and it would therefore fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Boveney ConservationArea. 3. Failure to provide 40% of units as affordable houses, unless it is clearly demonstrated that this is not economically viable. [Eton College then offered a contribution of £280,000 which is 21% -2.5 houses, to be built elsewhere in Bucks] Dorney Parish Council has provided a 129 page document to The Planning Inspectorate in support of the Reasons for Refusal and seeking a dismissal of the Appeal.A number of residents have also sent their comments.A copy of the DPC document is posted on the DPC website under Planning. It is anticipated that the result of theAppeal should be available in May. Court Farm, Dorney Common Court Farm is the first set of buildings on the left hand side as one leaves Dorney Village and enters Dorney Common. Eton College have recently submitted a planning application for 11 new buildings, in addition to the four buildings already there. The plans, as with Boveney, are seeking to retain three historical (not listed) buildings and convert them (or part of them) into houses. They are also looking to build eight new houses, four of them on Green Belt, previously developed land (brown field) and four of them on Green Belt land that is not brown field – the historic orchard of Dell’s Cottage, a listed building. Concerns have been raised by residents about the potentially dangerous junction that the single track access roads have with Common Road with its 60mph speed limit. Residents andAmazon vans will be attempting to go up and down the tracks at the same time, with some then having to reverse out onto Common Road to give way!An accident waiting to happen? Some have already. Bucks Council have stated that Dorney Parish “has very few services and facilities and is not considered suitable for major new development [>10 houses].” Any comments regarding the plans have to be submitted to Bucks Council’s Planning Department by 17thApril 2024. Search on the Chiltern & South Bucks View and Comment on a Planning Application website and use Reference Number PL/24/0586/FA. Bill Dax 32 Over the last month, I have been continuing to champion the issues that matter most to residents in Dorney and across the constituency – whether it be locally or in Westminster. The window to write to the Planning Inspectorate on the Orchard Herbs Enforcement Notice Appeal has now closed. Thank you to all the residents who took the time to contribute their views. I will continue to work with local Buckinghamshire and Parish Councillors on this issue. Working together and delivering a united voice is vital to ensure the Enforcement Notice is upheld. We all want the local landscape and green spaces to be finally protected from the current impact of this site. Delivering a quality education for our young people remains a key priority for me. Residents in Dorney may have heard about the closure ofBurnham Secondary School in 2019 – since then I have been pushing for it to reopen. The case for reopening the school is getting stronger. At the heart of my concerns is the wellbeing and financial impact this is having on young people and their families. I have asked the local councils for a joint meeting with me and the MP for Slough to try and find a collective way forward. It is a complex issue to solve, but I remain committed to doing all I can for local families affected by the lack of a nearby school. Protecting the Green Belt also remains a key focus for me, in Dorney and across the whole of Beaconsfield, Marlow and the South Bucks villages. I was delighted that the proposed development on Broad Lane in Holtspur was rejected last week – protecting our Green Belt. I voiced my objections to this development from the outset, given the clear harm it would do to our Green Belt. My thanks go to the local residents who campaigned so hard to stop this development. It was a privilege to work alongside them. Our Green Belt matters. Once we lose it, we can never get it back. In Parliament, as well as being the local champion for Dorney and the rest of the constituency, I have been busy in my role as a Government Whip. Earlier this month, the Government delivered an additional tax cut for residents in Dorney. Since January we have cut National Insurance by 4% -meaning a worker on an average salary of £35k will be saving £900 per year. As a Government Whip, I had the privilege of declaring the result of Parliament’s vote that made this tax cut a reality for over 27 million people. I love sport and our local sports organisations are such a vital part of our community. I was pleased to be part of the Beaconsfield Rugby Club’s Minis Festival recently. It was a fantastic day, and it was so inspiring to see young people enjoying their rugby so much and demonstrating such resilience in lots of mud and rain! Huge appreciation to the entire team at the Beaconsfield Rugby Club for putting on such a fantastic event. Thank you for reading this month’s update. It is such an honour to be your local Member of Parliament in Dorney. If I can ever be of help to you on any issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. 33 MINUTES OF THE DORNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 19th March 2024, 7.30pm AT DORNEY SCHOOL Present Cllr. Jill Dax (Chair) Cllr. Anna Palmer Cllr. Euan MacLennan Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford Cllr. Robert Stopford Cllr. Stephen Baker Cllr. William Voaden County Cllr. Paul Kelly Clerk Ruth Senior and 1 member of the public Public Forum Peter Bowman commented that the telephone box on Harcourt Road has once again had all the books removed and we ask if anyone knows who is responsible for this, please let the Council or Peter know. PC/01/24 Apologies for absence There were none PC/02/24 Declaration of interest on any items of business on this Agenda Cllr. MacLennan and Cllr. Palmer expressed an interest in considering the transfer of Dorney Village Hall to the Parish Council. PC/03/24 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16th January 2024 These were approved with no amendments required and signed by the Chairman. PC/04/24 To receive the Clerk report The Clerk's report was circulated prior to the meeting. PC/05/24 Items of business carried forward 5.1 The Orchard Herbs Site Cllr. Stopford reported that only 21 residents objected to the appeal which was disappointing. We are awaiting a date for the appeal hearing (possibly June/July), it was agreed that the Clerk will inform Stephanie Penney that a member of the Parish Council would like to speak. The hotel planning application appeal is due by 8th April. 34 5.2 .2 The Neighbourhood Plan The Working Party met on 4th March and Cllr. Voaden confirmed the plan is at the final stages of answering the questions from Bucks Council, which were mainly on planning policy. When this is complete, it was agreed that the updated draft will be circulated for Council approval before submission. A question was asked if local land owners will be consulted on the plan, it was agreed that Cllr. Voaden will confirm this. PC/06/24 Planning No new plans of note. Cllr. Stopford confirmed that the Boveney Court development has gone to appeal, DPC submissions will be circulated to all before the closing date of 3rd April. It was agreed that the Parish Council will object and support the original decision made by Bucks planning. It was also reported that the Court Farm development is progressing and the residents have been served notice. PC/07/24 To ratify the £150 fee for inclusion in Dorney Parish News Ratified. PC/08/24 To update on and consider the transfer of Dorney Village Hall (DVH) to Dorney Parish Council (DPC) DVH Trustees approached DPC with a view to DPC taking over the DVH charity and management. Another option being proposed is that the charity is closed down and the monies transferred to DPC, DPC will then manage DVH which is very common for small Parishes. The Clerk has asked the Charities Commission for further information on the options as requested. PC/09/24 To update on the Thames Water rewilding field Cllr. Dax confirmed that Thames Water are not willing to engage with an individual for the field project but are looking into options such as a local land owner. PC/10/24 To receive an update on Dorney Playground After being awarded a Community Board grant, the playground now has a new piece of equipment and have passed the annual check with only low risk maintenance suggestions. Everyone is invited to attend the official opening on 1st May, 4pm – refreshments will be available. The Playground has also requested that any local Tesco shoppers consider the blue token scheme (open now) for them as they may receive another grant for more equipment and fencing. PC/11/24 To update on speeding through Dorney, particularly Dorney Common Cllr. Westcott-Wreford informed Council of a serious accident, allegedly due to speeding and dangerous driving, on the Common on Saturday 16th March, police are appealing for witnesses. Cllr. Dax attended the recent Commoners meeting where James Palmer and the Commoners approved the request to ask for the speed limit to be reduced across Dorney Common. It was agreed that we will write to Eton Wick Council to ask for their support. Cllr. Dax is preparing a response to Buckinghamshire Council. PC/12/24 To update on Trumpers Field David Stowe at Buckinghamshire Council has taken over the management of Trumpers Field and is investigating; re-instating the ditches, disabled parking at DVH, road surface and barriers. PC/13/24 To comfirm plans for the May Annual Parish and Parish Council meetings CHANGE OF DATE AND LOCATION – Wednesday 15th May @ Dorney Rowing Lake. 6.30pm Dorney Parish Council meeting 7.30pm Annual Parish Meeting – including guest speakers and refreshments All Dorney residents are welcome. 35 PC/14/24 Finance The cashbook was circulated prior to the meeting and approved. Cllr. MacLennan circulated the revised, agreed budget including an advertising fee and Clerk salary increase. It was confirmed that a precept of £27,000 was requested, which is 8% higher than last year and is a £4.33 increase annually for each Band D Council Tax payer. PC/15/24 To consider any complaints/comments received from residents PCSO Angela O’Connell sent an overview of crime in the local area. There was one theft from motor vehicle and one burglary reported in Dorney. The trail bike problems arose again last weekend and were reported to the police. The clear up Dorney day on 17th March was very successful, 14 people helped and over 35 bags of rubbish were collected. PC/16/24 Items to consider for discussion at the next meeting on 15th May 2024 Thames Water Treatment Plant update from Cllr. Kelly. Meeting ended at 8.30 pm 36 Crocus Spring MarketSunday21stApril10-4pmPleasecomeandjoinus! WearethrilledtowelcomearangeoflocalproducerstoselltheirproductswithininourbeautifulwalledgardenatCrocusatDorneyCourtSL46QPFood,drink,Jewellery,Art&Craft&more.... Formoreinfopleasecheckoursocialmedia.Ifyouwouldlikeastallpleaseemailevents.dorney@crocus.co.uk. Crocus Spring MarketSunday21stApril10-4pmPleasecomeandjoinus! WearethrilledtowelcomearangeoflocalproducerstoselltheirproductswithininourbeautifulwalledgardenatCrocusatDorneyCourtSL46QPFood,drink,Jewellery,Art&Craft&more.... Formoreinfopleasecheckoursocialmedia.Ifyouwouldlikeastallpleaseemailevents.dorney@crocus.co.uk. Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 39 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Advertising RatesHeight mmWidth mm10 issues1 issueFull Page190130£100£13Half Page90130£55£8Third of a page (Horizontal)60130£50£7Quarter Page (Horizontal)45130£45£6 Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 41 SUSAN HANDYDANCE A Complete Dance Training FREE TRIAL CLASS BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News May 2024 Springtime sunshine and showers over Dorney Lake (With many thanks to Richard Shymansky for the photograph) RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 ISSUE NO. 04/24 MAY 2024 EDITORIAL This column has always enjoyed the Annual Parish Meeting. We missed, being on holiday, the first of these events at Dorney Lake a year ago, but we urge every single one of our readers to attend the second APM at this hallowed venue on May 15th. Remember, this a meeting for residents of the parish, not just another Parish Council meeting, with the opportunity to air and hear differing views. As we go to press, the Clerk to the Parish Council is diligently putting together the official agenda, but we can give you a preview. We learnt recently of the importance of ensuring contact with and engaging the support of Bucks Council, so County Councillor Paul Kelly will be welcome. The same goes for our MP, and we were pleased to hear that Joy Morrissey will be represented by her team member, Will Barnes. This column, remembering the heady days of the DROPET campaign, appreciates the pivotal role of the Bursar of Eton College in the development of this village, so we will particularly welcome the presence of Janet Walker, the current Bursar. PCSO Ange O’Connell might have something to say on water safety and trail bikes. Farming is still crucial to this neighbourhood, thank goodness, and William Emmett of West Town Farm is always good value. Dorney Parish News also might have something to say to thank our subscribers and speculate on our future direction and personnel. This writer’s first column for ‘DPN’ was a report on the 2010 APM. Some issues then seem from a different age. There was considerable ire over the designation of our local Olympic venue as ‘Eton Dorney’. It was pointed out that no such location existed. Indeed, the outside presence looming over us then was LOCOG, which at that time had not addressed dealing with the incursion of 30,000 rowing spectators into the parish. Once again, the capacity of Boveney Road to take extra traffic was highlighted. We seemed far more concerned over Taplow car boot sales than we are now. Considerable controversy was brewing over the funding of proposed improvements to the Village Hall. On a more positive side, there was excitement over the construction of the longawaited Playground, with much credit going the way of Leanne Kittel and her team. Dorney had been Highly Commended in the Bucks Best Kept Village competition, which is an encouraging pointer for our future involvement. This column has a new hobby. It takes up a lot of time and effort. I hope to give it up soon. It is submitting comments to either Bucks Council or the Planning Inspectorate about what we see as threats to the Parish. In a time when all of us are asked everyday for our instant online opinions about everything from couriers to our dentist, surely expressing our response to Green Belt incursions could be made simpler. After experiencing two ‘essay crises’ as I sat at my laptop with piles of notes trying to beat a midnight deadline, I thought no normal person would do this, and if they ask me, no I would not ‘recommend the Bucks Planning portal to a friend or colleague’. But this column does still recommend that our readers do make their opinions known to the planners controlling our destiny. 3 Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Part-time Assistant Curate: Rev. Carole Gooding (07786) 290162 Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk _____________________________________________________________ RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes: As with most businesses and charities, April is a busy admin time of the year for us with the production of annual accounts and reports, culminating with our Annual Parochial Church Meeting on the 5th of May, including the election of officials onto the Parochial Church Council. We have just completed a round of roof repairs, primarily to the Garrard Chapel, but also above the altar with minimal needs for fundraising outside of grants and the sale of some investments. Over the next month or so, we are transitioning from Eastertide through to Pentecost and Trinity. Our Ascension Service taking place on Thursday 9th of May at 09:30, finishes, subject to the weather, with a trip up the church tower for those who are up for the challenge of the tower stairs. Our Wedding programme for the year is also slowly ramping up with ten booked in for the summer months and the likelihood of a few late additions. I hope to see you at some of our upcoming services. Best wishes, 4 Church Services in May 2024 Wednesday 1st May 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 5th May 9.30 am Holy Communion (BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am ‘Any Age’ Family Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Thursday 9th May (Ascension Day) 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney Sunday 12th May 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist Eton, Wick Wednesday 15th May 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 19th May (Pentecost) 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 28th May (Trinity Sunday) 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St Mary Magdalene, Boveney This beautiful church on the Thames is open daily. www.st-mary-magdalene-boveney.org.uk 5 In Progress Action Purpose Completed Heritage Review of Dorney Conservation Area Consider expansion to include other parts of Dorney Village and Lake End NP Working Group Orchard Herbs Site Work with Burnham PC and Bucks Council for new enforcement notice/injunction and to revert to permitted usage as soon as possible. Robert Stopford Orchard Herbs Site - Hotel Application Support Appeal Dismissal Robert Stopford Environment Review management of roadside verges How to manage a less manicured look Jill Dax Planting at Dents Corner, Marsh Lane/Harcourt Road areas Improve appearance of Dorney Reach entrance and centre of Dorney Village Jill Dax Thames Water Field Rewilding Proposal sent to Thames Water for local volunteers Jill Dax Trumper’s Field, Dorney Reach Review Review ownership and usage Memorial Garden, Village Road Review planting in Memorial Garden Memorial Garden, Village Road Conduct Tree Survey Parish Clerk Trail bikes in fields and on Jubilee River footpaths Work with Slough, EA, police to prevent trail bike incursion on Jubilee River/local fields & footpaths Jill Dax/Robert Stopford Annual Footpath Audit Ensure all footpaths are usable and maintained according to standards. Stephen Baker Volunteer litter-pickers Continue to support large group of volunteers with necessary equipment Jill Dax Best Kept Village competition Consider re-entering in 2025 - involving Dorney Horticultural Society and others. Dorney Lake Meetings with Dorney Lake to gain summer access for residents Jill Dax Community Transfer of Dorney Village Hall charity to DPC In consideration Anna Palmer/Parish Clerk Possible parish boundary change - Lake End Support parish boundary change Robert Stopford Planning and Architecture Complete Neighbourhood Plan 2024 Support Neighbourhood Plan Working Group as required NP Working Group Infrastructure Potholes Pressure on Bucks Council to repair all potholes on FixMyStreet All Resurface certain roads Pursue previously agreed resurfacing of certain roads Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Dangerous Parking outside Pineapple Resolve dangerous parking at the junction of Ashford Lane and Lake End Road Jill Dax Village Road Cattle Grid Pressure Bucks Council to make good and reduce noise Martyn Westcott-Wreford Review reduction in speed limits Lake End Road (Sainsbury’s into Dorney): reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph. £10,000. Review reduction in speed limits Common Road/Boveney Road: reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph using National Parks precedent Parish Clerk Review reduction in speed limits Marsh Lane (from entry to Dorney)/Court Lane: reduce speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. £10,000. Reduce speed on entry to Parish Review installation of white entry gates on verges - Dorney Reach at Marsh Lane from Taplow and Lake End Road from Sainsbury's Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Replace damaged Dorney Sign at Tilstone Bridge Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Install Wildlife warning sign on Marsh Lane Parish Clerk Reduce amount of street furniture and signage Annual Street Furniture/Signage Review Stephen Baker Flooding of Lake End Common (Ashford Lane) Investigate flooding on Lake End Common/Ashford Lane with Thames Water and Environment Agency Parish Clerk Action Plan 2024/2025 Updated: 26 April 2024 www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk 6 If you shop at TESCO PLEASE use your blue token To vote for Dorney Playground You may be aware that Dorney Playground Management Committee have been raising funds to replace the i-play with a timber snake swing. By the time you read this article, the swing should have been installed and being used. Hurray!!! Last summer we applied to Tesco to be included in their charity support scheme. If successful, we will get £1,500 to help pay for the timber snake swing. Dorney Playground are now one of the three local charities selected by Tesco, and the charity that gets the most votes between 1st April and 30th June (using blue tokens in their stores) will receive £1500. It would be great if we could be successful as we didn’t raise enough money to pay for the swing and had to take the balance from money intended for general maintenance of the playground. So….. If you shop at TESCO PLEASE use your blue token To vote for Dorney Playground Summer is on its way. During the warmer weather we are pleased that so many people use the playground, not just for the play equipment, but also as a nice place to have a picnic. However, Bucks CC only supply two rubbish bins which they empty every two weeks (I think!). So, if someone stuffs all their rubbish from their picnic in the bins, they will be overflowing before the next collection is due. Last year I spent a lot of my time picking up rubbish and using our own black bags to make more space in the bins. Please can I ask that if you do have a lot of rubbish, please take it home. Last year, Dorney Parish Council asked Bucks CC for either bigger bins or more bins. Bucks CC reply was: NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT OVERFLOWING BINS Both the Playground Committee and DPC reported the overflowing bins last year, but this is obviously not enough. So, if you see an overflowing bin at the playground (or actually anywhere else), please report it to: https://fixmystreet.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ The postcode is: SL6 0DS, and despite what it says on the website, the bins do not have an identifying number. Thanks Lastly, three trustees of Dorney Playground Management Committee are standing down this month. So, if anyone has about 30 minutes a week to spare and would like to help, please give me a ring. Dorney Playground Management Committee Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 07737053409 8 Annual Parish Meeting The Annual Parish Meeting is an opportunity to ask questions that are important to you as a resident of Dorney. Wednesday, 15thMay 2024 7.30 pm Dorney Lake Boathouse Everyone welcome. Come and join us for the Annual Meeting in The Lake View Room, have a chat with your local community groups and councillors. Lift available. Refreshments will be served. Agenda on www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk Herbs (and cheeses) with the Horticultural Society. Dorney Horticultural Society held a rather special meeting in the Village Hall on Friday April 26th. Belinda Allen gave a talk on ‘Herbs – Their Propagation and Care’. Special? Well, an appreciative audience rarely gets the chance to hear and see such a combination of dedication to an area of horticulture combined with such detailed knowledge. Added to that, it’s hard to recall another occasion when audience members afterwards thronged the stage to inspect and purchase the fruits of the speaker’s own labours and expertise, in Belinda’s case cuttings, oils and creams. Furthermore, the decision to serve an array of cheeses (thank you, Chrys of The Palmers Arms) during the talk, hopefully created a relaxed and informal event. Belinda (from Aldershot) pointed out that her subject had many sides. There was the long history - there was evidence from archaeology of herbs in use around 7000 BCE, early contact between Europe and Asia was based on the trade in herbs and spices, herb use was later confused with witchcraft, and then there was Nicholas Culpepper’s Complete Herbal in Tudor times. There were medicinal uses, herbs as cosmetics, cooking with herbs, herbs laid out in formal gardens (think the Chelsea Physic Garden) but also ‘herb walls’ on balconies outside flat kitchens. Belinda’s answer was to cover them all with a dazzling array of slides. Belinda said there was a Top Twelve of Herbs but homed in on four. Sage (aids digestion), Rosemary (combats fatigue and aids memory), Lavender (improves the mood), Mint (mint tea, anyone?). So, thanks to Belinda. The Society hopes to see many of you for ‘Autumn Colour’ in October. That talk is after two summer garden visits and (plan your entries now), the Annual Show on August 31st. Peter Bowman 10 DORNEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY STONOR PARK - HENLEY Following the success of our Honey Bees afternoon presentation at Crocus at Dorney Court in February and a very successful evening presentation on Herbs in the Village Hall recently, the Horticultural Society has arranged a private guided tour of Stonor Park on June 4th. Home to the Stonor family for over 850 years, Stonor Park is one of the oldest family homes still lived in today - but it's no musem. As the oldest member of the Stonor family, the house has a thousand stories to tell. As well as being architecturally fascinating each room contains a lifetime of experience and anecdote. There are art and treasures collected from across the globe and historic maps and documents that reveal generations of service to the country. A stroll through the house is a stroll through history. The society has arranged a private guided tour of the house followed by a guided tour of the gardens followed by tea and cake served in the Old Hall. For all enquiries about joining the society or for more information please contact the secretary Peter Bowman at ddhs@btinternet.com 11 R N L I Charity Sale ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE LIFEBOATS When: Sunday 5th May 2024 @ 11am - finish Where: Dorney village hall, Off meadow way, SL6 0DS What: Beautiful up-cycled furniture such as coffee tables, side tables, rocking horses and so much more… Why: To raise money for the R.N.L.I, saving lives at sea In memory of Iain Farrell Any enquiries or contributions, please contact Kathy or John Farrell on: 07818 202 942 Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Please ring for discounted rate. Wayfaring in Thailand and Dorney! As a young lad, I have distinct memories of visiting friends whose parents owned the double gatefold sleeve for the soundtrack to Chess on vinyl. It intrigued me as the simple, understated black sheen of the cover seemed very adult and glamorous and I had no idea who Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were, but they sounded kind of exotic, and were certainly not from Fife. It was only years later as a student in Aberdeen whirling around some sticky dancefloor to “Dancing Queen” that I made the connection with ABBA who suddenly, and somewhat remarkably, became “retro” cool for a period in the early nineties. Anyway, I mention all of this as the only track I really recognised off the Chess album was “One Night in Bangkok” and its slightly odd lyrics (“The bars are temples, but the pearls ain't free”, anyone?) were swirling around my head as we flew into, er, Bangkok at the end of March for a two week family holiday in Thailand organised by my lovely wife to celebrate my fiftieth year on the planet. Of course, it had to involve some wildlife encounters, and we were lucky enough to spend two nights staying in a treehouse in the jungle in Khao Sok national park. After a very hot and humid scramble up ropes and ladders we walked deep into a series of cooler caves to see some roosting bats (and to crawl past one enormous spider). Later, we enjoyed a night safari where the guide took great delight in informing us how much venom each animal had and how the spectrum of any contact could go from “crying for days” to “instant death”. Cheery. We saw a king cobra swimming across the river, a pit viper curled in a tree, a black and yellow ringed mangrove snake dangling from a branch, a supremely lackadaisical slow loris (which has venom in its elbows apparently. Who knew?), langur and macaque monkeys eyeing us suspiciously from above, various sized scorpions (remarkably, the guide showed us that the scorpions glow green or white under UV light), tarantulas hiding in their dens, huntsman spiders (including the David Bowie huntsman spider which really is named after good old Ziggy), stick insects, a forest crab, a giant centipede, tree frogs, a forest crested lizard and various geckos…. My trusty birdsong identification app Merlin seemed to struggle with the jungle location, and I kept getting a warning message that it did not have enough data to make any positive identification. Nevertheless, once we transferred to the islands, accuracy seemed to improve and we heard Asian koel, greater coucal, white throated kingfisher, Indian cuckoo and lots of common myna birds which liked to drink from our pool. At Koh Samui airport there were plenty of cheeky wee Eurasian tree sparrows, and over the bay in Koh Pah-ngan we had several sightings of a Brahminy kite, which I especially enjoyed as it reminded me of our red kites back home, which I was genuinely missing. Brahminy Kite over Kho Phangan Wild Asian elephants on the shore in Khlong Saeng Rescue elephants in Koh Samui sanctuary 14 The following day my son Archie and I were thrilled to see wild elephants on the shore during a boat trip and we also got to spend some time with rescued elephants at a sanctuary on Koh Samui. It was really quite humbling to see such impressive creatures in such close quarters. Asian elephants can weigh between three to five tonnes but they were very gentle as we got the chance to feed and wash them. Back in Dorney, my neighbour Theo has been keeping a close eye on the little owls and they have been catching several rodents a day, and he shared this great pic of one of them feeding on a wood mouse and giving the camera some serious side eye. Perhaps by the next DPN issue, we will have some owlet pictures to share too. The suspense is killing me! While on a river boat trip in the Klongs in Bangkok we saw several elegant little egrets (and a few monitor lizards leisurely cruising the river banks) and I was delighted to see a little egret on the Jubilee River on a dog walk on my return from holiday. It was the first time in fifteen years down here I’d seen one, but Theo says he often sees one on the common near Boveney. Apparently, little egrets started to expand their range over the Channel from France back in the mid-nineties, in those halcyon days when we all had freedom of movement. And finally, back to the red kites, and as regular readers will recall I wrote in the last issue about the kite that roosts in our tree and swoops down when I leave a treat out for it. I was therefore interested to read a thread on the Nextdoor app complaining about kites stealing picnic items and the odd sausage from a barbecue and blaming people feeding them in their gardens for the behaviour. Here is the link if you have the time, energy and good enough eyesight to try and type it into your internet browser: https://nextdoor.co.uk/p/__Zjbb2FsBQh?utm_source=share&extras=MTc1OTIxODg2MDcx Mzc%3D Even the RSPB have advised against it, but to my mind red kites are natural scavengers anyway. One of the reasons they were persecuted previously was because they used to steal from market stalls and open barrows, as noted by someone in the thread. They are never going to harm anyone beyond a light scratch and so I think I will continue to help my one out, but feel free to come and complain to me if you find yourself a couple of sausages down when you first crack the bbq out this summer. Andrew Oliver 15 Reaching out for Support So, you might have seen me at TK Maxx occasionally going up and down in the lift holding the hand of an anxious person. Or accompanying someone on an escalator. Perhaps standing on the edge of a balcony. Capturing a spider for close inspection. The life of a therapist can be quite varied. When I am helping people to overcome their fears, phobias, and anxieties it often helps to experiment, but only once we have got to a point where the individual feels more confident and willing to face their fear. Afterwards they feel relieved, proud, and more confident in themselves. It is surprising at the moment just how many people have a fear of travel, flying, driving, or simply going out into situations that were once considered normal – visiting London or even local delights such as Reading or Bracknell. Fears can become compounded over time, and I often see people who say they wish they had come to see me years ago, but they hesitated to take that first step. Unfortunately, the fear hasn’t gone away, it has worsened and takes longer to overcome. I always tell them that they have already taken the most difficult step as that first contact is the hardest – acknowledging you need help and reaching out for support. Once you have decided to take an action, even if you are not sure it is the right one, it will propel you forward and help you to become unstuck. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown has had a major impact on mental health. We all suffered a global trauma and experienced a sustained level of cortisol (stress chemicals) in our brain over such an extended period of time. Staying mentally healthy is a critical part of modern life as we know. You might ask how I can: • manage my stress? • get my anxiety under control? • Stop overthinking and catastrophising? • recognize and treat depression? • stop people-pleasing? • manage imposter syndrome? • overcome low self-worth? • feel more included? • become confident to speak up? • live a happier life? Fortunately, there is one therapy that is better than all others at dealing with stressful situations, whether they exist in the past, present, or future. Recommended and used extensively by the NHS in the UK, it is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT. It addresses logical thinking, emotions, and behaviours and how we use our conscious mind to navigate and cope with the difficulties in life. The key difference in the way I work, is to couple CBT with hypnotherapy. 16 Hypnotherapy uses the power of the subconscious mind to change how we operate and build our confidence. The power of positive suggestion is surprising. Altering the language we use when we talk to ourselves is one of the most useful things we can do to manage our mental health. We can change the voice of our inner critic to become that of our wise, inner advisor – a kind and compassionate voice of reason. One way to do this is use of the phrase ‘I can…’ We all have the potential to succeed in our goals, no matter how negative we might feel about our capability. In my recent online book, ‘Thinking Like Magic’, I show how the human brain is faulty, how it tricks and deceives us but how we can use this knowledge to overcome rigid, extreme thinking, to better manage our emotions and change how we behave. I show how CBT works and give you some simple tools you can use yourself to feel well immediately. Thinking Like Magic Transform your Mental Wellbeing Link https://bookboon.com/en/thinking-like-magic-ebook About the author Karen Kimberley is a business coach and trainer based near London, who has been coaching people to improve their confidence, communication and capability since the late 90’s. A qualified therapist in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) she runs a business called The Engagement Ring, with her vision to make business a happier, healthier and more productive place to be. Karen helps anxious people to overcome their negative thoughts, emotions and limiting behaviours using a mix of tools and methodology. You can follow her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenkimberleycommunication/ 17 Is it Spring? One of the joys of owning an old house is that you are never bored; something is always falling off, or rising through the damp proof course (DPC), or seeping through a hole in the roof that can’t be found. What fun! There was a sharp intake of breath as my surveyor, (my eldest son) pointed out that some moron had covered my DPC with concrete render. Worse, this had happened when God was a little boy giving the lowest bricks lots of time to soak up gallons of water which, trapped inside the sealed DPC, sought escape through the internal plaster feeding healthy mould hiding behind furniture. Following his advice both my lovely sons, Mrs Quincey and I dug out the wet soil and stones adjacent to the wall to let everything breathe and piled it on the driveway. “No,” was the answer to my request of the Council to allow me to trailer it to the tip. My heart sank as the “apply on line for a permit” was advised. Due to operator error no doubt, it redly informed me I had failed, and overcoming the desire to hurl the machine through the window and onto the pile, I decide to collect the bins instead. But what’s this? My waste food bin was in pieces where it had been thrown once too often by the remarkable bin persons (who’d want that job?), and I needed a new one. You’ve guessed it; apply on line. It wasn’t my fault this time! I had an admission, no less, that the website was faulty. I rang the council and after ten minutes of recorded or artificial nonsense, a charming lady I shall call Christine soothed away my frustration as she calmly and professionally arranged for the provision of a new ‘Caddy’, seemingly omitted from parts of the website. “Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asked sweetly. I pushed my luck. “Can you help me obtain a DIY permit for the tip please?” I grovelled, adding an abridged account of my IT failure to date. “Of course I can,” she verbally beamed down the phone, and within minutes she succeeded where I had taken two hours to fail. “I will email it to you now,” she concluded, and sure enough, the coveted permit appeared on my phone. It made my day, adding to the glorious weather at that time. Maybe it was springing after all. Days later I dropped the lovely Mrs. Quincey at her place of employment, and finding an ice cream van nearby, spoiled myself with a spectacular cone with all the trimmings, teasing Mrs. Quincey with a WhatsApp selfie of yours truly and the treat. Once at home for another three-hour bash at my money pit, as I prepared to leave to collect her, I experienced that awful stomach–wrenching feeling when you know something has gone pear–shaped, and it’s your fault. My wallet was gone! Vanished! 18 The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS www.thepineappledorney.co.uk 01628 662353 The Palmer Arms Village Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepalmerarms.com 01628 666612 Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. The Palmer Arms VILLAGE ROAD • DORNEY • BERKSHIRE • SL4 6QW The Palmer Arms THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! THE PINEAPPLE The Palmer Arms The Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Pineapple MEET, DRINK & EATDorney A search of the house, sheds and even the car revealed nothing. I had to go, time pressing, and drove planning endless calls to my bank, credit card companies and even the DVLA to suffer the inevitable frustrating endless musak, or, Heaven forbid, go on line. I passed the ice cream van site on the return journey. The van had gone, but I had a sad and fruitless look around for my wallet, and sadly driving out I heard, “Mister! Mister!” and glancing back, I saw a chubby man puffing after my car in full voice, waving of all things, my wallet! “I remember car,” he said breathlessly, “and you. You leave wallet, I pick up. It’s all in there, the money and everything. Look, please check.” It was indeed all there. I could have hugged him for his honesty, and kindness to a complete stranger. “Oh you wonderful man,” I gushed. “You have saved me endless hassle. Please take you and your wife out for a nice meal on me,” and I gave him the cash. It was cheap at the price. Spring was definitely springing. Armed with my DIY permit, Mrs Quincey and I loaded our trailer to the point of borderline recklessness and headed for the tip. The guard on the gate examined our load suspiciously, noting the rubble under the broken plastic chair and what the council call ‘Green Waste.’ It was like being stopped by police while driving my early £10 cars; it’s a long story full of Rileys, Jaguars and MGs, and as the ‘officer sauntered up to yours truly squirming in the driving seat, I offered nervously, “I’ve got a permit,” holding up my phone for the scrutiny of Christine’s permit. “That’s fine. Chair and bits in bin two. Green waste bin three. Rubble over there,” he instructed, and I cravenly nodded my thanks and proceeded onwards. Bins two and three were no problem, but the rubble bin was designed in such a way as to make the unloading and deposit as difficult and wearying as possible in that every stone had to be walked through a sort of labyrinth to the bin. We only had one shovel, and while I balanced heavy shovelfuls down the course, Mrs Quincey gallantly grabbed handfuls with her bare hands. It was a hard way to empty a trailer, but we persevered, soon to be joined by two young men in two cars depositing boots full of chunks of broken concrete with gloves. We all danced the heavy dance in the labyrinth trying to keep out of each other’s way. Suddenly they had finished and to our delight and surprise, stepped up with bags and loaded our rubble into them and dragging them to the bin. “Give me the shovel please,” asked one of our saviours and in minutes the trailer was empty, and we all shook hands with big smiles. “That’s really kind of you,” I said. “Helping our senior citizens,” he grinned. Ouch! But spring and sunshine in all its forms smiled on Mrs. Quincey and me. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 20 Dorney Parish News is looking for a Deputy Editor We’re seeking an extra pair of hands to help the magazine move forward. Initially we are looking for additional subscriptions and more advertising to assist us to make the magazine more salient and impactful. We would also welcome someone who could write articles, participate in our weekly editorial meetings and become part of a small team. If you are interested in such a volunteer role, which could assist with work experience if that applies, please contact Peter Bowman, Editor on peter.bowman@talktalk.net or 07889 912714 Karen Kimberley Karen Kimberley (BA, DCH, DHP, NLP, GQHP, MAC, ITOL) is a Taplow-based therapist and coach specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP), Counselling & Hypnotherapy to help with: ● Lack of confidence and low self esteem ● Anxiety and depression ● Communication, business or relationship problems Contact Karen: kk@karenkimberley.co.uk to arrange an initial conversation or call 07785 566468 www.theengagementring.co.uk www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk/lifecoaches/karenkimberley 21 Dear Editor, Dorney is our village, our home, our community, and our safe place where many grow up and others grow old. We know our neighbours, we recognise the landscape and embrace the bubble that ties the Reach, the Village, the Common and Boveney together. Steeped with listed houses and plenty of friendly faces, we enjoy the unique setting of our hamlets. But most of all we treasure our unique pastoral ancient Common, a spit away from Windsor Castle, Heathrow, and the Elizabeth Line, tranquil, green and medication for the soul. Each summer our cows are turned out to graze with calves at foot, occasionally wandering over the road, so we stop to admire this privileged sight. A single-track farm road runs down to Boveney across the Common, which we walk down to meander along the riverside with the sun on our backs, often stopping to cool or rest in the little chapel, St Mary Magdalene, which sits near the riverbank. As we return to the Common, we can shut our eyes and breath deep the tranquillity that soothes away our anguish. Suffused in history, virtually untouched by the sharp sword of modern frenetic living, it is open to everyone to have a wander and enjoy. A small oasis in an angry aggressive world. Of course, over the years, small changes are noticed, an increase in rat run traffic through Common Road, creating large potholes by vehicles too big or too fast, further aggravated by our contemporary shopping habits that promote deliveries of on-line goods and food in large vans. We have enough traffic thundering through. I bought Dells Cottage towards the end of 2005. It was rustic, a bit overgrown and needed some TLC weather protection. Now years later, work continues, as it does with most listed properties, as they are vulnerable and require protection and care. This cottage and others that are listed, do not need this aggressive building works on their doorstep, their fragile framework potentially compromised. Dells Cottage is a hammer-beam cottage, dating back to around 1700, built by Jeremiah Dell, an artisan chairmaker. The timber skeleton of this cottage holds many secrets from generations of family life, the ups and downs and the inside outs. Now, as a (slightly) older woman, it had been time to downsize to a smaller property and pass this pretty cottage on to another gracious owner for the next chapter, but for now I will stay on, with my bazooka to hand. However, before putting the cottage on the market, a local Estate Agent approached me to say they had a ‘special’ person who was keen to view. After one viewing an offer came in, considerably low, citing that the adjacent Court Farm and L-shaped paddock, both belonging to Eton College could possibly be built on one day, so the value of the cottage would seriously be affected. Five months later, after a snail-like approach, this person pulled out at the end November 2023. This person turned out to be the Bursar of Eton College. Only a few days later, a letter was hand delivered to Dells Cottage and other residences, signed by this same person, Janet Walker, the Bursar of Eton College, saying that she would be holding a presentation on a wonderful new planning application for 11 houses on Court Farm, including many on the Green Belt L-shaped paddock, asking for support for this planning proposal. 22 Shortly afterwards, a second letter arrived, this time from the Eton College estates management, saying that the L-shaped paddock boundary was incorrect, and at the same time alerting me to the fact that the Title Deeds of Dells Cottage included an access strip in the front garden where Eton College had vehicular access. An uncomfortable thought of bulldozers and eleventy-eight types of building materials being driven across the front garden lawns was seriously unpleasant. The news of the proposed development of Court Farm and in particular the adjoining Green Belt paddock was worrying, as I had followed the plight of Boveney Court Farm. Oh my, the flex of that Etonian muscle was arriving at both ends of our lovely Common. We can only hope that the Green Belt holds water, that it doesn’t become diluted down. Once one section goes, either here or at Boveney, it will be a loss that cannot be reversed, and could very possibly set a precedent for building on other Green Belt areas in our village. This Green Belt paddock, which was the orchard to Dells cottage, and within the original curtilage, could now become a row of terraced houses at the rear end, with an enormous intimidating Mock Tudor house to the left side of the cottage, far higher and far bigger than the cottage itself. I am not a campaigner or crusader, nor an activist with specialist knowledge, but I do believe in standing up for good causes to fight the good fight. We can only fight if we use joined up writing, that is stand linked together to overturn proposals that Eton College have submitted. The Tree Protection Officer from Bucks Council rang me, with news that he had very limited powers to save trees, since 2022 the government had changed the protection that could be enforced. He was upset to hear the full story, knew the Common land well, but now that he could see the full picture, realised he had been thrown a curved ball, so kindly gave me a few tips. Joy Morrisey wrote to me, expressing concern over the Green Belt and put me in touch with a relevant MP, who responded with another letter in a House of Commons envelope! I kept that for posterity (smile). The one-acre Green Belt paddock next to me, that we used for a few outdoor charity open air theatre events, has a prolific selection of owls, deer, foxes, badger, and many birds and bats, that live and breed in the vicinity. This is under threat. They might put in the right wordage, the measures to help minimise destruction, but these are only good if monitoring is long-term. Don’t let Eton College clog up our single-track roads, congest our Common Road, lose our wildlife, destroy the unique serenity, and bully their way into our village to line their sows ear purses. There is a very important meeting coming up, the Annual Parish Meeting, which includes a discussion on these planning proposal projects. Come join me and the rest of the ardent villagers on Wednesday 15th May, at the Dorney Lake boathouse, 7:30pm for a showdown with the Bursar who will be present for local people to ask questions. Have your say, protect our Green Belt, preserve our Common, and defend our village from this oppressive intrusion. We need your help. Kristina Perkins 23 Dorney Parish Council and Dorney Lake Management offer residents a tour of The Meadows of Dorney Lake. The tour will be by minibus, kindly provided by Eton College, and will take place, starting at 2:15pm, during the afternoon of Thursday, 6th June 2024. We will meet in the car park of Dorney Lake (free parking). Tour lasts approx. 1 hour. The tour will include a visit to the “Far Side” of the Lake which is usually not open to the public. Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay will conduct the tour and will be able to answer any questions that residents might have about the landscaping strategy and execution. There are 14 free seats available, and seats can be booked from 6th May until 28th May 2024 by emailing the Parish Clerk on Clerk@dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk (stating your car registration number). First come, first served. Refreshments will be served at the end of the tour in the Olympic Suite. Dorney Lake has been implementing a landscape strategy over the past decade to encourage biodiversity. Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay and his team have been working on this 400-acre parkland to transform the traditionally heavily managed environment into a more natural and diverse habitat. Meadows are emerging, and the term "rewilding" accurately describes the changes occurring at the site. Jill Dax, Chair, Dorney Parish Council 24 for spectacular celebrations info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake Your space... Create.Inspire.Together. Mentio n this a dve r t for an e xclus i v e 25 % discount* Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. Ducks and Drakes in Dorney Reach We’ve adopted a pet duck. More precisely, she has adopted us. Actually, right now we have two visitors, because our female mallard (we presume it’s a mallard) true to form has been joined by a drake companion. It’s hard not to see them in human terms, but they seem to be inseparable. They seem very relaxed, and their main focus seems to be our modest garden pond. Their behaviour is endearing, but we have many questions and some concerns. Readers might have some answers. I very much believed that it just couldn’t be the same female who has visited us from about mid-March for the last five years. But it appears that it almost certainly is. Ducks live about 7-9 years on average, and females mature and breed very early in their life cycle. The longevity is right, but it seems that breeding females will return, alone, in early Spring to the same site year after year. Actually, we could tell that by the confident way she waddled up to peer through the french windows to announce her return. She seems attached to us and our domain, but what about her relationships? Again, it’s hard not to think in human terms. Mallards do practice ‘seasonal monogamy’, but these strong bonds only last through the egg laying season. As winter ends, females find a new mate each year. This year, like most years, our duck arrived alone. We hoped she would be successful and, sure enough, after three weeks or so her current beau arrived and they’re going steady. At this stage, he looks particularly sleek, with a lovely green tinged head, and he’s very protective of her, but it seems that after pairing it eventually goes downhill. As summer advances, the pairs begin to dissolve, and drakes shed their bright spring plumage and become dowdy (we’ve noticed that) which must be the duck equivalent of donning slippers and an old cardigan in front of the telly. Also, the urge of drakes to mate can be so strong that they go off for one off couplings with spare ducks, which might explain why our lady duck sometimes is seen to be alone quietly musing by the pond. Our concerns? Feeding them and looking out for any ducklings. Of course, they love it here because they get fed. Usually breakfast and afternoon tea. They are ravenous, especially her which tallies with the demands of egg laying. But they eat the duck food we bought only grudgingly because what they want is bread. It’s hard to believe we’re doing them harm, but we know bread is against all the good advice. In the five years we’ve never seen a nest, eggs or chicks. If they did nest here, wouldn’t the magpies have the eggs and the foxes or cats the chicks? The RSPB tells those chosen by ducks to relax. They will always find a way to waterways with any family, and we should leave them alone if nesting and never interfere. I have another theory. It seems ducks can leave their eggs, often covered with leaves and feathers for an hour or so. I think our pair enjoying a snack and a swim might have a nest elsewhere. It’s like us going to the gym and popping in for a Costa. They use us for rest and relaxation. Peter Bowman 27 I am now back in Parliament after the Easter break, championing the residents of Dorney and continuing my work as a Government Whip. Over the Easter holiday period, it was great to be out and about in Dorney speaking to local residents. In this column, I want to provide an update on some issues locally and in Westminster. I was delighted to learn that the application for a 400-room hotel on the Orchard Herbs site has been rejected at appeal. The application was completely out of keeping with the local area and would provide further damage to the Green Belt. This is something with which the Planning Inspectorate agreed, citing that the hotel would be an “inappropriate development in the Green Belt and would have an adverse impact on openness”. The Secretary of State agreed that this new application does little to protect the Dorney Conservation Area, which I know is of key importance to residents. I have always been clear in my view on Orchard Herbs – the enforcement notice must be upheld, and the Green Belt must be protected. I look forward to continuing to work with local residents, Parish and Buckinghamshire Councillors to ensure that this happens. Please do get in contact if you have any concerns or further information about this site. I know how important an issue this is for Dorney residents. Back in Westminster, as a Government Whip I have overseen the smooth delivery of legislation through Parliament. In this role, I am also able to have regular conversations with Ministers about local issues of concern. One area I have continued to raise is the protection of our waterways. This is an issue I care deeply about - a concern I know I share with many residents in Dorney. I was pleased to meet Robbie Moore, the Minister for Water to discuss issues locally with Thames Water. The Government has put in place the strongest monitoring arrangements and obligations on water companies ever, alongside significant new powers for the Environment Agency. I will be doing all I can to ensure that this translates into action locally on our waterways. I know that my colleagues in Government are working to tighten even further the regulations on permits issues to companies for storm overflows as part of the Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan. It is key that water companies increase their capacity to ensure sewage is treated before it is discharged. I was pleased that after much deliberation, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill finally passed through both Houses of Parliament. I was responsible for declaring the votes on several amendments for the Bill. I was also the Government Whip who was in place when the Lords confirmed their agreement to the bill, in the early hours of Tuesday morning. This is an important step in deterring people from dangerous channel crossings and breaking the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them. I will continue to focus on being the local champion for residents in Dorney, in Westminster and locally. If I can ever be of help to you on any issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. Joy Morrissey MP 28 Current Planning Issues affecting Dorney Parish Elsewhere in this edition there are reports of the excellent news regarding the dismissal by the Secretary of State of the Appeal for the proposed hotel at the Orchard Herbs site in Lake End Road, next to the M4. However, it can be appealed again – before 21 May 2024. In addition to this long-standing issue, the DNA of Dorney continues to be challenged by other planning issues that are wending their way through the labyrinth of UK planning law. Below is a list of them – with their current status and relevant applicable dates. Dorney Parish News will keep residents informed of any major steps that occur for all of them. We are hoping that the Court Farm major development of 11 new houses will be the last major issue for some time – but we could be wrong! Planning Issue: Status: Date: Orchard Herbs: Hotel Planning Refused 17 June 2022 Orchard Herbs: Hotel Appeal Dismissed 8 April 2024 Orchard Herbs: Hotel Appeal 2 To be advised Before 21 May 2024 Orchard Herbs: Enforcement Initiated 29 November 2023 Orchard Herbs: Enforcement Appeal In progress Hearing: 10 September 2024 Boveney Court Farm buildings: Planning Application Refused 27 July 2023 Boveney Court Farm buildings: Planning Appeal In progress (Written) Comments deadline was: 3 April 2024 Court Farm: Planning Application In progress Comments deadline was: 17 April 2024 Court Farm: Appeal (if refused) To be advised It is encouraging to see so many residents making comments about these issues to the planning authorities – Bucks Council and The Planning Inspectorate. Fortunately, making a comment online is relatively simple and effective. The more comments the planning authorities receive, the more they take account of residents’ views. Whilst any comments from Dorney Parish Council carry weight, they are only considered as one comment. Bill Dax 29 A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG DORNEY SCHOOL RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW Headteacher: Mrs Lee What a brilliant start to the summer term by children and staff! The changeable and cool weather did not deter our learning and the enjoyment of the outdoors. Our school has been learning all about Earth Day and we have also been discussing the Jewish festival of Passover where the slaves of Egypt were protected by God as a plague passed over their homes. The nature garden has had a makeover, and this started a few weeks ago with a brand new, beautiful pond. As you can see, it is the new desirable residence for Mr and Mrs Duck, and a large family of newts! This of course is in addition to our wonderful school chickens and our pet guinea pigs. Year 5 have used a range of tools to create moving toys. They had great fun using saws to cut the dowels to the correct size. They made holes in the box and inserted the dowel and CAMS mechanism. Year 6 have been learning about the circulation system in science. Just how does our blood flow through our heart, taking oxygenated blood to our body and bringing deoxygenated blood back to the lungs? A complicated system that the children got to grips with by creating a chalk design of the heart chambers, valves, arteries and veins on the pavement and then walking through the system whilst reading the process out aloud. They all completed the journey well, even managing to say the difficult anatomical names. It was great fun! Do come and visit our wonderful school. Ring us on 01628620871 to arrange a visit. Mrs S F Jelany-Lee Headteacher Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach Maidenhead, SL6 0DY Tel: 01628 620871 E-mail: office@dorneyschool.co.uk Website: www.dorneyschool.co.uk 30 DORNEY SCHOOL • Beautiful grounds and excellent facilities office@dorneyschool.co.uk Academic results above local and national schools, every year. Warm, inclusive, nurturing community that places the child first. Ofsted graded ‘Good’ for EYFS, Personal Development, Behaviour & Attitudes • 5 mins drive from the local Sainsbury’s (Taplow) • Ample and safe parking for everone Your local school with a ‘big heart’ and a warm welcome Visit our website at www.dorneyschool.co.uk or call us on 01628 620871 to arrange a visit. Dorney School, Harcourt Close, SL6 0DY Orchard Herbs – The Hotel is Rejected There no longer appears to be a threat that a 416-bedroom hotel will be constructed on the Orchard Herbs site close to the M4. On April 8th it was announced that developer Adveneco’s appeal against an earlier decision to refuse outline planning permission had been rejected. Given the other threats which face Dorney and Boveney, this is cheerful news. This result was announced by Felicity Buchan MP, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness on behalf of the Secretary of State, Michael Gove. The grounds for refusing the appeal arguably strengthen the case against Orchard Herbs and other real and potential threats to the Parish. This magazine first featured the Hotel in September 2020. I can recall the disbelief when the scope and ambition of the application was revealed. Not content with just a hotel, this was to be an ‘advanced multi-dimensional, highly sustainable renewable energy park…with extensive landscaping…and an advanced educational facility’. Buildings were to be adorned with ‘vertical foresting’ which a local paper likened to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The first proposal even had overhead gondolas over the M4 and the use of ‘Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft’. National Highways pulled the plug on the last two. A ground breaking project that might be welcomed somewhere, but not in Dorney, not in the Green Belt, not on agricultural land. That is precisely what Bucks Council thought, so in June 2022 planning permission was refused. Not surprisingly, the scheme was an ‘inappropriate development’ in the Green Belt and its scale made it ‘out of keeping’ with the site. We might wonder why a company only incorporated in 2020 would be mounting such a vast and detailed project on the Orchard Herbs site and overshadowing Dorney (actually the site is in the parish of Burnham, but Dorney’s predicament featured large in the rejection of the scheme). But Adveneco did appeal against the Bucks refusal. We should thank those who lobbied the appropriate authorities throughout this process such as Dorney Parish Council and our MP, but the rejection of the appeal was largely based on the conclusions of the appeal inspector, Hayley Butcher. The ultimate verdict rested with Mr Gove’s department because of the floor space of the project and the Green Belt location. The Secretary of State agreed with Ms Butcher that the Hotel was an inappropriate development in the Green Belt. The development’s scale would impact on the openness of the Green Belt. There would be a ‘permanent loss’ of the ‘historic, rural, agricultural and open setting of designated heritage assets’. Significantly, it was concluded that the ‘existing use of the site (Orchard Herbs) is unauthorised’. The site did not ‘preserve the significance of either the Huntercombe Conservation Area or the Dorney Conservation area’. It looks as though important precedents have been set for the future preservation of Dorney’s DNA. In the short term, Adveneco could appeal again – they have six weeks to lodge an appeal, but it looks as though we won’t be gazing on the Hanging Gardens of Dorney any time soon. Peter Bowman 32 A guide to the ownership and management of Dorney & Lake End Commons – Part 1 Regular questions that are put to the Dorney History group relate to the management of Dorney & Lake End Commons. Amongst other things they include questions on common rights, whether anybody can graze a cow (or horse, sheep, hog, goose or a gander) on it, who owns it, who manages it, who owns the cattle, can residents and others walk over it and do vehicles or cattle have right of way on Common Road and Boveney Road/Lock Path? The Dorney History website contains a considerable amount of information about Dorney and Lake End Commons, which are both common land with the same byelaws etc. Many residents are not aware of the smaller Lake End Common, which lies next to the Pineapple Pub and runs westwards behind the houses along Ashford Lane. In this article, and future ones, we will attempt to provide some answers to the questions. We could start this guide on the 26 June 1514, in the 6th year of the reign of King Henry VIII, when we have the first record of the Manor Court of Dorney. However, to be more practical we should start with an Act of Parliament, the Commons Registration Act 1965. This Act provided “for the registration of common land and of town or village greens; to amend the law as to prescriptive claims to rights of common; and for purposes connected therewith.” Three years were permitted to complete the registration of such commons, which included Dorney and Lake End Commons. The Lord of the Manor at that time was Philip D. S. Palmer, who, in the early 1960s set about the enormous job of going back in the records to 1637, when the first stints were allocated, and determining how the Commons were managed at that time so that the future management of the Commons could be based on correct historical precedent. This process was launched to residents by Philip Palmer on 15 December 1966 when he wrote to all Commoners and Freeholders in Dorney Parish with his proposal on how the future management of the Commons would operate together with an explanation of the role of the Lord of the Manor. These fascinating documents can be found on the Dorney History website under the tab “Dorney & Lake End Commons and the Commoners”. The conclusion of this lengthy and historical process came about with the last meeting of the Manor Court on 27th August 1970 and the publication of the Copy of Court Rolls for the Manors of Dorney with Boveney, which is also on the Dorney History website. This is now the definitive document for the management of Dorney & Lake End Commons. It created the Annual Common Meeting to replace the Manor Court and the Management Committee to manage the Commons. Let us start by understanding some of the elements included in this document: 1. Definition of a Common Right A right of common of pasture appurtenant to graze the above Commons in common with the owner of the soil and other Commoners between dates agreed at the Annual Common Meeting and in accordance with the Common Rules anywhere over the whole of the 34 permanent pasture of Dorney Common and Lake End Common …. without let or hindrance within stockproof boundaries whose maintenance is the responsibility of frontagers occupying abutting land; to permit own beasts to stray onto the highways within the bounds of the Commons without committing an offence under the Highway Act, 1959, Section 135; to have a pound within the bounds of Dorney Common; to have gates across the Public highway, B.3026, on the Common boundaries in place of cattle grids. This starts to answer some of the oft-asked questions: A. The owner of the soil is the Lord of the Manor, currently James Palmer. B. The dates of cattle (and horse) grazing are usually 1 April to 31 October. C. The boundary fences on both Commons are the responsibility of the owners of the properties (or land) fronting onto the Commons. D. The cattle (and horses), effectively, have legal right of way on the roads crossing the roads within the Commons boundaries. E. The gates across the B.3026 were replaced by cattle grids at some time, it is believed, between the two World Wars. However, it remains unclear as to whether the right to place gates in place of cattle grids across the two vehicular entrances to Dorney Common still exists! 3. Definition of a Commoner A Commoner is defined as a person who occupies within the Manor of Dorney with Boveney a dwelling or land or both with rights of common of pasture on Dorney Common and Lake End Common, which rights have been registered under the Commons Registration Act 1965 and its Regulations. A Manor Court in 1948 produced a list of dwellings and land which had historic common rights. These were initially established at the Court 15th April 1782 and confirmed again at the Court on 27th April 1911 and re-established and confirmed at this [1948] Court. These rights were designated stints (designated grazing rights) per dwelling or land, in terms of the number of neat beasts (cattle or horses), hogs, geese and ganders each Commoner could graze on the Commons. This was updated in 1970 following the Commons Registration Act. There are now 25 houses and 8 parcels of land holding common rights. Common rights are only held by the older houses in the Parish. Each house and land parcel is allocated a number of stints to allow them either to graze their animals on the Commons or to let their stints to others through the Annual Common Meeting. Most houses have stints of 2 Cow, 4 Hogs, one Goose and one Gander. The total current number of stints, with grazing periods, are: Cow 198 Grazed between 1 April and 30 October each year Horses 77 As Cow. A horse stint can be converted to a cow stint Sheep 1,680 Grazed (Folded) between 1 December and 31 January Hogs 396 1 November to 28 February. Ringed to avoid digging. Geese 30 Between 1 November and 31 March. Ganders 30 Between 1 November and 31 March. Whilst the Commons now only use the Cow stints (occasionally increased by Horse stints), it would be interesting to see the 1,680 sheep and 396 hogs grazing during some of the winter! The Canada Geese seem to be taking up the Geese and Ganders stints. Part 2, in a future edition of DPN, will cover the ownership and management of the Commons. Bill Dax, Dorney History Group 35 Dorney Wetlands, Jubilee River The mute swan, which is the white swan most commonly seen in the British Isles, will normally mate at anytime from spring through to summer, with the cygnets being born anytime from May through to July. (With many thanks to Karen Furlong, Really Lovely Photos, for the photograph) 36 37 Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken - no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 Bank holiday waste changes 2024 Early May bank holiday The early May bank holiday falls on Monday 6 May. There will be no bin collections that day so we have created a revised schedule. Usual collection day Revised collection day Friday 10 May Saturday 11 May Spring bank holiday There is a bank holiday on Monday 27 May. There will be no bin collections that day so we have created a revised schedule. Usual collection day Revised collection day Friday 31 May Saturday 1 June 40 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) ____________________________________________________ Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 Advertising Rates Height mm Width mm 10 issues 1 issue Full Page 190 130 £100 £13 Half Page 90 130 £55 £8 Third of a page (Horizontal) 60 130 £50 £7 Quarter Page (Horizontal) 45 130 £45 £6 41 Emergency Contact Details Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice Crimestoppers Anonymously report information Water Leaks Thames Water Sewage Problems Thames Water Power Cuts SSE Networks - Central Southern England Gas Leaks National Grid Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk C123X 999 101 111 0800 555 111 0845 9200 800 0845 9200 800 0800 072 7282 0800 111 999 Reporting Footpath Problems www.transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow .aspx South Bucks District Council www.southbucks.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 local swan rescue and rehabilitation 07968 868172 Electrtc:al Services (Burnham) THE TRADITIONAL RESTORATION COMPANY LTD The Coach House, Dorney Court 01628 660708 www.TraditionalRestoration.co.uk enquiries@TraditionalRestoration.co.uk Restorers of Fine Antique Furniture S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News June 2024 The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) over Dorney 11th May 2024 RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 ISSUE NO. 05/24 JUNE 2024 EDITORIAL Ever since one of my favourite books (or movies), Day of the Triffids, I’ve been reluctant to gaze at spectacular displays in the heavens. Remember, on that occasion universal upward gaze at spectacular comets led to near universal blindness. I was not expecting to be in the garden on the night of Friday May 10th.Then one son posted with just a single word ‘Aurora!’ just before midnight. Then my phone exploded. Not too far away, the streets of Burnham had filled in an instant, it seemed. I wonder how many less well-versed users of their devices were warned ‘use your phone cameras’. Those cameras led to the spectacular local results included in this issue. It seems that our Northern Lights are the hardest to see with the naked eye, being blue or purple. Purple, it seems, is the result of ionized nitrogen, and as one website said, ‘not seen as often as others and is a treat for those lucky enough to witness it’. It must be the Dorney DNA again…. This column tends to bang on about how Dorney faces mighty struggles and fierce dangers. Throughout the centuries and in many ancient cultures, the Lights were seen the harbingers of great events or even omens of evil to come. For instance, in the months before the French Revolution in the late 18th century, bright red aurora were seen in the skies over England and France, and French peasants reported the sound of huge armies battling in the sky. Our Lights were witnessed just days before an Annual Parish Meeting that a writer predicted to be a ‘showdown’ took place (it wasn’t), let alone the events in a rainy Downing Street, all in the same month. The Vikings believed that mighty female warriors, the Valkyries, with clashing shields and spears led dead earthly warriors to Valhalla. The Lights were the reflections of their armour. Many cultures link the aurora to magic chariots crossing the heavens. The aurora were seen by other ancient Nordics as a glowing arch across which the fallen mortals were led to their final resting place. Surely, the sight of our Lights predicted the Valkyries of Bucks and Dorney Councils leading with a mighty clatter the chariots from the Orchard Herbs site, across the Lake End Bridge far away from the earthly realm of this village? We tend to see the Northern Lights through the eyes of northern European myths, but in Asia, where admittedly their appearance is less common, the omens are more pleasing. In Vietnam, their appearance is seen as a special blessing. The Aurora bring good fortune, happiness, luck, and fertility to those who witness them. Maybe for those out with their cameras, as Friday night turned into Saturday morning, a prize in the Annual Show next August will be the result. It is very tempting to make a reliance on ancient myths and legends the guide for the future content of this magazine. But rest assured, these events, especially the Annual Parish Meeting, the practices of our local councils, and the preparation for the Annual Show are all covered in an entirely rational fashion in this month’s edition of Dorney Parish News. 3 Services in the Local Churches Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Part-time Assistant Curate: Rev. Carole Gooding (07786) 290162 Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Farewell from Rev Carole The saying ‘time flies’ seems so much more apparent the older I get; do you find that too? I have been part of the benefice of Eton with Eton Wick and Boveney and Dorney for 3 years now and my curacy, or practical training to be a minister, is coming to an end. My last day is the 21st July 2024 when I will be leading my final Sunday services at 9.30am in St James the Less, Dorney and 11am in St John the Baptist, Eton Wick, followed by a ‘bring and share lunch’ at Eton Wick to which everyone is welcome. The years have flown by. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement as I have stepped into the role of a ‘curate in a vacancy’ this year. It has given me great insight and admiration for Rev La as she coped with such a large workload. I can honestly say I would not have been able to fulfil this role as a part time curate if it were not for so many people from the benefice that have stepped up and taken on extra responsibilities. The highlights have been the major festivals of Christmas, Easter and Remembrance and all the ‘extra’ celebrations that happen during these seasons such as the Christingle services in all 3 churches and inviting the schools to ‘Christmas Unwrapped’ and ‘Easter Experience’ where the children can take part in interactive activities to help explain the meaning of these festivities. I have also had the privilege to book and preside at many weddings and a few baptisms, always a joyous part of my ministry. I have come to realise that relationships are key for not just the Christian faith, but for everyone. I have made some deep connections with people during these 3 years, and it will be a struggle to move on. It has especially been a privilege to lead funerals and help people through the sadness of bereavement. God has created us 4 to be in relationship with each other, we are not meant to be isolated and alone, even introverts need fellowship. This is one of the reasons we are encouraged to go to church, so that we can support each other as we worship together and learn more about the love that God has for everyone. Perhaps if you used to come to church, I would encourage you to return and see what you have been missing. Or if you have never attended, why not give it a try, you might be surprised about how it lifts you! Christians believe in one God in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are in the ultimate relationship or fellowship with each other. We are made in the image of Go, even introverts need fellowship. This is one of the reasons we are encouraged to go to church, so that we can support each other as we worship together and learn more about the love that God has for everyone. Perhaps if you used to come to church, I would encourage you to return and see what you have been missing. Or if you have never attended, why not give it a try, you might be surprised about how it lifts you! Christians believe in one God in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are in the ultimate relationship or fellowship with each other. We are made in the image of God and therefore are ‘made’ for relationship with each other, it is a basic human need. As I move on to work as an Associate Minister in Iver, alongside my husband who is the Parish Priest, I will hold you all in my prayers because of the deep connections I have made with you all. Finally, I want to thank all of you in the wider local community, both inside and outside the church, who have welcomed me so warmly and made me feel at home in this very special area. I pray that you will flourish and be mindful of those that are lonely. God bless you all, Rev Carole Church Services in June 2024 Sunday 2nd June 9.30 am Holy Communion (BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Any Age service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 5th June 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 9th June 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 16th June 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 19th June 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 23rd June 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 30th June 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 5 The Northern Lights as seen in Dorney on the night of 11th May 2024 Matthew Gannon (Boveney) From Eton Wick (Tilson Bridge) Alice Foxley (Dorney Village) Sandy Shaw (Dorney Reach) More from Dorney Reach (Peter Bowman) 6 7 Comments made by Jill Dax, Chair, at the Annual Parish Meeting on 15th May 2024 Good evening and welcome to the 2024 Annual Parish Meeting. First and foremost, I extend my sincere gratitude to Janet Walker, Bursar of Eton College, and Phillip Highy, MD of Dorney Lake, for hosting our gathering once again this year. Their generosity provides us with a delightful venue for our important discussions. Tonight I am joined by fellow councillors: Martyn Westford-Wreford, Deputy Chair, Robert Stopford, Planning, Anna Palmer, Dorney Playground PC rep, Stephen Baker, Footpaths and signage and William Voaden, Neighbourhood Plan. I extend my thanks to my fellow dedicated Parish Councillors who tirelessly serve our community for their hard work and support. In addition to our esteemed Councillors, we welcome guest speakers: Councillor Paul Kelly (apologies from George Sandy), Will Barnes representing Joy Morrisey who sends her apologies, PCSO Angela O’Connell, our Parish Clerk, Ruth Senior, Maria Holloway, Dorney Playground and Peter Bowman, Dorney Parish News Before we delve into their updates, I'd like to touch on a few ongoing matters of significant interest to our community. The Orchard Herbs Planning Application for the hotel and associated amenities was refused by the Secretary of State. The lengthy and robust report highlighting illegal businesses on the site is now available on our website. The hearing for the lorry park and other businesses is scheduled for late August or early September, spanning seven days. DPC will present our case, and we extend our gratitude to Joy Morrisey and George Sandy for their invaluable support in this matter. Following Eton College’s appeal for the refusal by Bucks Planning Committee (South Area) of the proposed development at Boveney Court Farm, we await a result from the Planning Inspectorate. Furthermore, the planning application for a development on the Court Farm, Common Road site has been called in by DPC and underscores our commitment to ensuring thorough consideration of issues regarding proportionality and our rural parish’s Green Belt and conservation areas. No date for the Planning Committee has yet been announced. The resurfacing of Village Road from the cattle grid marks a positive improvement and we continue to advocate for further upgrades to our local roads. Following regular meetings with the Local Area Technician we are assured that Lake End Road, Marsh Lane, Court Lane and Common Road are all on their 2024/25 ‘to do’ list but, to date, no dates have been released. In the meantime, please continue to use the Bucks Fix my Street portal as this does seem to trigger fairly rapid response. Our participation in the Bucks Great Tidy Up at the end of March highlighted our community’s dedication to maintaining cleanliness and a pride in our surroundings. 8 Thank you to all who turned out on a drizzly morning with their bags and grabbers. 35 dustbin bags were transported straight to the local dump. Another gathering is proposed later in the year, date to be agreed. Our thanks to the residents who regularly patrol many parts of the parish with a trusty grabber as this makes a noticeable difference. you to all who turned out on a drizzly morning with their bags and grabbers. 35 dustbin bags were transported straight to the local dump. Another gathering is proposed later in the year, date to be agreed. Our thanks to the residents who regularly patrol many parts of the parish with a trusty grabber as this makes a noticeable difference. Update on maintenance. The very wet lead up to spring has interfered with grass cutting. Strimming should now have been completed and the programme of weed killing road edges. Once the bulb areas have fully died down these areas will be cut. However we are very aware that improvements to the schedule are required and a meeting with our contractor has been arranged to discuss this. Regarding road safety, our efforts to address the speed limit change to 40mph on Common Road with Bucks Council persist. A further report which will be sent to Highways holds promise, and we remain hopeful for a successful outcome at minimal or no cost to DPC. Sadly, a recent incident highlights the urgency of this matter, with a cow already killed by a local driver … claiming the cow "stepped out in front of me.” A tragic, unnecessary and unpleasant loss of the animal’s life. I am pleased to announce the date for the Dorney Lake Tour kindly offered by Phillip Highy. This will take place on 6th June. Meet in the top car park at 2.15pm. The tour, by minibus, takes approximately an hour and ends with refreshments in the Olympic Suite, then return to your car. Spaces are limited to 14 on a first come first serve basis. Please send your request to the Parish Clerk quoting your vehicle registration number. This was a fascinating tour last year and it will be of great interest to see the areas we visited a year on. As we reflect, discuss and engage with our community this evening let us be reminded of the strength found in our unity and the impact of our collective voice in shaping the future of this parish. We have to look to the future and accept that we need to allow some development (as has happened over the generations) at the same time ensuring it is in keeping with our surroundings whilst protecting our Conservation and Green Belt areas. Thank you. 9 Action Plan 2024/2025 Updated: 15th May 2024 In Progress Purpose Consider expansion to include other parts of Dorney Village and Lake End NP Working Group Work with Burnham PC and Bucks Council for new enforcement notice/injunction and to revert to permitted usage as soon as possible. Robert Stopford Support Appeal Dismissal Robert Stopford How to manage a less manicured look Jill Dax Improve appearance of Dorney Reach entrance and centre of Dorney Village Jill Dax Proposal sent to Thames Water for local volunteers Jill Dax Review ownership and usage Review planting in Memorial Garden Conduct Tree Survey Parish Clerk Work with Slough, EA, police to prevent trail bike incursion on Jubilee River/local fields & footpaths Jill Dax/Robert Stopford Ensure all footpaths are usable and maintained according to standards. Stephen Baker Continue to support large group of volunteers with necessary equipment Jill Dax Consider re-entering in 2025 -involving Dorney Horticultural Society and others. Meetings with Dorney Lake to gain summer access for residents Jill Dax Transfer of Dorney Village Hall charity to DPC In consideration Anna Palmer/Parish Clerk Possible parish boundary change -Lake End Support parish boundary change Robert Stopford Complete Neighbourhood Plan 2024 Support Neighbourhood Plan Working Group as required NP Working Group Pressure on Bucks Council to repair all potholes on FixMyStreet All Pursue previously agreed resurfacing of certain roads Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Resolve dangerous parking at the junction of Ashford Lane and Lake End Road Jill Dax Pressure Bucks Council to make good and reduce noise Martyn Westcott-Wreford Lake End Road (Sainsbury’sinto Dorney):reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph. £10,000. Common Road/Boveney Road: reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph using National Parks precedent Parish Clerk Marsh Lane (from entry to Dorney)/Court Lane: reduce speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. £10,000. Review installation of white entry gates on verges - Dorney Reach at Marsh Lane from Taplow and Lake End Road from Sainsbury's Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Parish Clerk Annual Street Furniture/Signage Review Stephen Baker Investigate flooding on Lake End Common/Ashford Lane with Thames Water and Environment Agency Parish Clerk Action Heritage Review of Dorney Conservation Area Orchard Herbs Site Orchard Herbs Site -Hotel Application Environment Review management of roadside verges Planting at Dents Corner, Marsh Lane/Harcourt Road areas Thames Water Field Rewilding Trumper’s Field, Dorney Reach Review Memorial Garden, Village Road Memorial Garden, Village Road Trail bikes in fields and on Jubilee River footpaths Annual Footpath Audit Volunteer litter-pickers Best Kept Village competition Dorney Lake Community Planning and Architecture Infrastructure Potholes Resurface certain roads Dangerous Parking outside Pineapple Village Road Cattle Grid Review reduction in speed limits Review reduction in speed limits Review reduction in speed limits Reduce speed on entry to Parish Replace damaged Dorney Sign at Tilstone Bridge Install Wildlife warning sign on Marsh Lane Reduce amount of street furniture and signage Flooding of Lake End Common (Ashford Lane) www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk 10 Celebrations at Dorney Playground On the 1st May about 100 people joined the Dorney Playground Management Committee to celebrate the opening of the new timber snake swing. The red ribbon was cut by Simon Brades and John Hellmuth, who had each generously donated money towards the purchase of the swing. The removal of the i-play and installation of the timber snake swing cost over £15,000 – money raised through grants, donations and fund raising. We would again like to thank Beeches Community Fund for their grant of £8000 and Dorney Village Hall for a donation of £500. So, what’s next? The Dorney Playground Management Committee have decided that the play area needs a fence to surround it. The main reasons are: -To stop dogs entering the area. Not only do owners allow their dogs to roam freely in the playground while children are playing, we also, regularly, have to clear away dog faeces. We have also witnessed dogs chewing on some of the swing seats – the teeth marks are there as proof! -Although Dorney Playground is, overall, a safe area, there are cars around. A fence around the playground will make this a safer area for all. The estimated cost is £16,000 + VAT. So please join us on Tuesday 9th July 15.30 – 18.00 for our summer party at Dorney Playground (by Dorney Village Hall) The main attraction will be “Basil and Crew” Mobile Farm, where children will be able to feed and groom farm animals, or even walk a goat alongside Basil and his assortment of furry and feathered companions. Obviously, there will be a barbeque and drinks and lots more. Tickets are £10 each for children. Adults and accompanying pre-school children are free. Tickets are available from the tuck shop (Dorney Playground, open most school days between 3.15 and 4.00ish). Alternatively call Ettie on 07737053409 or email Playground4Dorney@gmail.com. All funds raised go to maintaining and improving Dorney Playground. Dorney Playground Management Committee 07737053409 Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 11 APM – what we learned Our reporting of theAnnual Parish Meeting by necessity must be in the form of minutes and reports. This doesn’t necessarily convey the mood of a meeting and maybe the significant points can be lost on the casual reader. What might the resident sitting in the audience (with, it must be said, the magnificent sunset streaming into the room) have picked up? Politicians by and large support the Green Belt This magazine has been rather keen on preserving ‘Dorney’s DNA’. Our MP, or strictly speaking our ‘former’ MP because parliament will have been pro-rogued by the time we publish, tends to talk the talk and walk the walk over the Green Belt – ‘Dorney is truly a gem’. County Councillor Paul Kelly’s focus seemed rather more on wider county council concerns, but ‘improving our environment’ was one of the county’s four main priorities (does that mean roads?). Jill Dax was commendably pragmatic, wanting to preserve our Green Belt and Conservation areas (a very moot point with Eton College overshadowing all such future speculation), while allowing ‘some development’. This resident is disappointed that the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan, designed to address these issues, is not more transparent. There will be a public consultation followed by a public vote, but when will that be? Is Dorney getting less safe? We all respect how PCSOAnge O’Connell carries out her duties, and how she diligently turns up each year to enlighten us residents, but I’m going to pay more attention to her statistics in future. It’s hard to extract data for Dorney from the wider ‘Local Policing Area’, but burglaries from ‘dwellings’have increased by 7% in the South Bucks LPAin the last 12 months, but ‘outcomes’ are dropping severely, and the detection rate is down to 3% (and it’s lower for vehicle crime). OK, so there were only 12 burglaries in Taplow/Dorney, but 21 thefts from vehicles and worryingly, 23 thefts of vehicles. Perhaps the newly re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley could be invited to anAPM. Anger is growing over Eton College’s development ambitions, sparking lively debates at the meeting. Residents from Boveney and Dorney Common voiced serious concerns about specific issues causing them considerable worry. While the DPN has generally opposed Eton College's plans, this level of opposition was unexpected. In the 1990s, the community's resistance to the Rowing Lake was driven by widespread environmental concerns, congestion, and noise. The current situation presents new challenges. Some residents suggested that Eton College should engage with the Parish Council to address these issues directly. Until now, efforts to oppose Eton College's proposals had been concentrated on persuading the Bucks Planning Committee to reject the Boveney Court Farm application and ensuring the Court Farm application was also ‘called in’by the same body. Successful fund raising for the Playground is a cause for celebration. Remembering pastAPMs there is usually a star speaker, and arguably this year it was 12 Maria Holloway of the Dorney Playground group. Of course, the focus should be on that £15,000 raised for the newly installed snake swing plus the upcoming events (see article elsewhere in this issue for news of kind donations made to the fund) but after a tremendous burst of initial fund raising a decade ago, the future of the Playground looked uncertain a couple of years ago, so the turnaround is so welcome. The new Beeches Community Board, lauded by Paul Kelly in his address, seems to have been instrumental in raising funds here, and this magazine did predict four years ago that would be the most positive part of the new Bucks Unitary Council. ‘Something has been done’ about Orchard Herbs We pointed out that the big question asked of the magazine was ‘is anybody going to do anything about that eyesore’ or variations on that theme. Enforcement orders have been issued against the owners, which is an indicator of success being possible when forces act together – Parish Council, Bucks Council, our MP, even in the teeniest of ways, this magazine. But a victory roll seems a bit premature as the owners have appealed and a hearing (lasting 7 days!) should take place in August or September. It may be some while before trucks roll out. I hope the PC hires a bus to take residents to the hearing. Are there editors in waiting for Dorney Parish News? The editor of ‘DPN’ reminded those present that the combined age of the two-man editorial team was 152. Thought should be given to issues of succession. The number of writers from Gen Z has risen to two, but any replacement of the boomer generation seems a long way off. After a lull, issues of road safety loom again. Our pages quite recently were full of traffic management issues. Regrettably these could be divisive in the past. Good advice has been given to report issues like potholes via Fix My Street. We’ve counted 35 different complaints made from Dorney in the last few weeks. The official view is pessimistic in general – potholes nationally are at an eight year high with councils having around two million potholes to deal with. But it seems 29 gangs are out in Bucks dealing with some 30,000 potholes. They have £5 million extra to spend. Agood development in these parts has been the closer liaison between the Parish Council and the LocalArea Technician, which is a recent positive move. There is no doubt that the resurfacing of Village Road was of enormous benefit to all who used that route. One of the bigger questions facing us is whether the undertaking to continue the work in Court Lane, Marsh Lane, Lake End Road and Common Road is followed through. This writer has come round to the idea that a speed limit is needed across Dorney Common, not least after recent cattle fatalities. It would be a triumph if this could be implemented by Bucks Council while incurring little cost to our community. Are we to be submerged by litter? Astaple of past APMs has been discussion about entering or withdrawing from the Best Kept Village Competition. Not this time. But the omens are good. We did have a Sunday clean up operation and there is a growing number of volunteers who individually patrol the village with grabbers supplied. I went out that Sunday (who can resist a free breakfast?) and was amazed how much refuse could be removed from around the Village Hall. I’ve resolved to return. It’s all back, ankle deep. We love highlighting threats to the village. Here’s a new, more deadly opponent -twenty-four-hour McDonalds at the Bishop Centre. Peter Bowman (NB. Full APM Minutes are on DPC website – Annual Parish Meeting Minutes) 13 Dorney Horticultural Society Your Annual Show Dear members and friends of the Horticultural Society, With everything in the garden happening all at once, you are no doubt up to your eyes in bedding plants after trudging round the garden centres spending a small fortune as well as pruning, feeding, tidying, potting etc and dusting off the BBQ hoping for a sunny Sunday afternoon. By the time you read this the danger of late frosts should have passed and you can safely introduce your precious young plants to the outside world. The Annual Show is on 31st August this year and we thought a timely reminder to start preparing would be welcome so we can make this year a record year. Last year we had almost 200 entries in categories including vegetables, fruit, flowers, preserves, domestic, handicrafts and special children's sections. Let's see if we can make 2024 a record year, especially with more children's entries. Best wishes and happy gardening Dorney Horticultural Society Committee Nature Notes “We are the Tartan Army, We are the Tartan Army, We are the Tartan Army”. Not the sort of thing you are likely to hear chanted in Dorney, but for many around the country, excitement is building for Euro24 in Germany and I’m particularly excited about Scotland making a rare appearance at an international tournament. So excited in fact that I’ve only gone and written a dance track to celebrate the occasion! It even features my dulcet tones (yes, as well as being a wannabe rewilder I’m now trying to be a wannabe pop star!)Anyway, help out my streaming stats on your favourite music platform and search for “We Are The Tartan Army” and you will soon find it. And send it to ANYONE Scottish that you know • This is what is looks like on Spotify (please excuse the shameless plugging!): Having a track on Spotify is fascinating, as you get access to analytics behind the scenes. The track is listened to most in London, followed by Glasgow and Edinburgh (unsurprisingly) and then a whole host of UK locations but also in such far flung places as Melbourne, New York, Prague, Oslo and Hamburg. Anyway, as well as being excited about the football and potentially being number 1 in the pop charts, I’ve also been VERY excited about the return of our soprano pipistrelle maternity bat roost. Regular readers may recall that this roost first appeared in 2022 which we only discovered after one rather unlucky bat almost drowned in our toilet. They skipped 2023 (according to a rewilding friend soprano pipistrelles (or “pips” as she refers to them) do often move their roost around depending on environmental factors). I’m sure it wasn’t the toilet incident that put them off and I hoped they had found somewhere nice to hang out, but I was disappointed nonetheless. However, on returning from a weekend away this Sunday, my wife noticed they were back as some of their tiny droppings were stuck to the outside of our bedroom window. Thrilled at this news I immediately decamped at dusk to my favourite bat viewing chair and didn’t have to wait long for the bat action to start. First to emerge at 20:55 were the two lonely boy bats that have been in the wall bat boxes for some weeks now, swooping off down the hedgerow in determined fashion. Maybe they were going to choreograph some special bat moves to impress the lady bats. Then, as the light began to fade and a few dozy insects floated gently above, the maternity roost started to emerge in bursts of three to five bats at a time. 18 …. 27 … 36 … 43 … 57! 57 bats tucked in a tiny space in our eaves. One hilarious rewilding wag commented on WhatsApp that if I had 57 bats, they must be Heinz Soprano pipistrelles. I confess it took me a few seconds to get this reference and rather embarrassingly I even googled to see if such a variety existed. The show was all over only fifteen minutes later at 21:10. I proudly announced the news to my wife and she looked less that enthused, especially when I checked my #batstats on the bat 16 CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk Please ring for discounted rate. conservation website and reminded her that in 2022, we had 65 bats in the roost in mid-June, but this more than doubled to 145 by mid-July (after most of the mum bats have a single baby bat). Am intrigued to see what happens over the next couple of months and if the same trend unfolds. The Dorney little owls are still doing well in their box. The male is regularly bringing back rodents to presumably give to the female to feed on, on her nest. Theo shared some excellent pictures with me with various rodent limbs and tails hanging out of their beaks. I know I say it every month, but I really can’t wait to see the owlets emerge. Sadly, a friend in Farnham had to rescue an owlet that had fallen from its nest and was being attacked by magpies and crows. She rushed it to Tiggywinkles animal rescue centre so hopefully they were able to help it pull through as it was not in a good state. She later found another owlet dead in the field. Farnham fallen owlet Dorney litte owl with mouthful of unfortunate and unidentifable rodent We were glamping near Elstree on the weekend of the big Northern Lights show and unfortunately retired to bed to early and missed it all but awoke the next morning to a plethora of pictures on WhatsApp, from Dorset to Aberdeen and Cardiff to Kent. Afriend who was flying that night posted the picture above on Instagram. What a spectacle. I love this time of year. Not only is it my birthday in May, but everything is bursting into life. I feel very lucky to be living in Dorney and to be surrounded by such a nature rich environment. As well as the bats and little owls, we have starlings nesting in our roof, a dove raising a chick behind a down pipe, blue tits in a nesting box and newts spawning in the pond. But, as a frontpage article of the Independent today reminds us, the decline of nature and biodiversity in the UK continues to decline and “is in crisis right now”: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/biodiversity-crisis-uk-habitats-speciesloss- birds-fish-mammals-plants-government-b1072760.html If you care about this as much as I do, perhaps consider writing to our MP to highlight your concerns, like I have this morning. Even in the worst projected Tory apocalypse at the next elections, Joy Morrissey will still be our MP so worth letting her hear your support for nature. Andrew Oliver Northern Lights from a plane at 35,000 feet on 10th May 18 Upscaling for the RNLI A splendid event was held in Dorney Village Hall on Sunday May 5th. This was a sale featuring, alongside much else, beautiful up-cycled furniture in aid of a wonderful charity, the RNLI. It was a happy day as neighbours met up, with many volunteer helpers on hand. Friends reported that they had loved the occasion and had found items to purchase. Our village has many people to thank for this day, but, above all the tireless drivers behind it were John and Kathy Farrell. The RNLI have thanked the Farrell’s for the resulting donation of £1,570. To quote their letter, ‘every penny we receive is crucial to our lifesaving work and without fundraisers like you, we simply couldn’t continue.’This donation should grow. ‘Dorney Parish News’ urges all those reading these words to donate via the website Just Giving to add to the several hundred pounds already raised by a page set up by Kathy. Her words on that page describe the motives behind this appeal far more movingly and eloquently than we can here. We should just point out that, before his retirement, John had been the Dorney Parish groundsman for the previous decade. A long conversation with John and Kathy revealed two key motivations behind their organisation of that Sunday in our Village Hall – a deep support for rescue charities, primarily the RNLI and a long term and growing interest in the recovery, restoration and recycling of furniture and other discarded household possessions. As Kathy writes on Just Giving, ‘My son Iain sadly passed away through drowning in May 2019 doing a coasteering activity in Dorset with his two young sons. Although we are devastated by the loss of our truly loved son Iain, we are extremely grateful for the efforts the RNLI and coastguard gave to endeavour to save his life andthose of his two wonderful sons’. John and Kathy have accumulated, and originally paid for, most of the items on sale. Trip after trip has been made to shops, depots and restoration centres around the south east. Kathy paints a picture of John unable to pass an inviting skip without asking the owner if there is content fit for upscaling, a chest of doors or a cabinet. John particularly mentions as a fruitful source the Marlow and Sunbury centres of recycling company Suez. Iain Farrell Even today, the visitor to the Farrell’s will notice the clutter. A nice, friendly, homely clutter. That is because bargains from the Village Hall remain for sale. Just think what their home must have been like over the winter as the collection accumulated. Every shed, every cupboard, upstairs or downstairs, sitting room and hallway became a storeroom. If John had repaired and refurbished furniture, Kathy had spruced up and re-stuffed countless cuddly toys. They made certain that all had new batteries. Talking of toys, I spotted a super rocking horse, from mamas and papas. He looked immaculate now; even bright new stirrups had been supplied by a well-wisher from outside our area. At the time of writing, the rocking horse is still available for sale. John showed me a list collated by their daughter Helen of all the objects collected by her parents. Believe me, it went on for page after page. So, it’s hardly surprising that all were not shifted from the Hall that Sunday. If you want to know more, call John on 01628 662211. 19 John started to move the items from his home to the Village Hall at 5.30am on that Sunday. He wanted to thank Steve Townsend for helping out with his van, while Paul Bosher provided a trailer. The Trustees of the Village Hall waived any hiring fee. Village Hall secretary Ruth Senior was very helpful, as was Jill Dax of the Parish Council. Daughter Helen arranged much of the extensive publicity, especially on social media. John and Kathy also wanted to thank their other daughter Katie and her husband David plus their grandsons and their partners Ciaran and Tyler and Ethan and Imogen. Far away in New Zealand, son Matthew, who just happens to edit the community magazine in Omokoroa, was giving his support. Fund raising was not limited to selling items – a raffle was supported by a major list of prize donors. Around a dozen donors contributed representing a long list of major local retailers and others, but John highlighted that stalwart of such fund raising, Chrys Fisher of the Palmer Arms. His donation of a Palmer’s meal plus wine kickstarted the campaign. There were too many volunteers on hand to mention, but DPN noticed another stalwart of these occasions, friend of the magazine, Mary Baker, selling toys. The event lasted from 11.00 to 17.00. Kathy reckoned that ‘hundreds’ attended There is still chance to increase the proceeds, and the Farrells are likely to try again. Maybe any next time might support another organisation, maybe the Air Ambulance Service. If the indefatigable John and Kathy do try again, this magazine will be right behind them, as we hope will be our readers. In the meantime, why not support this cause via Just Giving? Peter Bowman 20 for spectacular celebrations info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake Your space... Create.Inspire.Together. Ment i o n t his ad vert f o r an ex c lu s i ve 25 % d i s co u nt* Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. DIY in Dorney What is it with bikes? Especially our bikes. Another one gone, this time from the fleshpots of Slough High Street, and Cheryl was not happy; not happy at all, and who can blame her. We rang Thames Valley’s finest. It didn’t warrant a 999 call, so we tried 111. I had forgotten how tedious this was, (see my piece ‘Now You See It!’ in a past issue), and after the first recorded threat of prosecution if I wasn’t nice, I gave up. “Maidenhead Police Station is open,” advised a work colleague cheerily, and Mrs Google confirmed as much; eight to four no less. It looked closed from the road; a bit sad really, the only sign of life being two men leaning against the building enjoying a smoke. We approached speculatively. “Is it open?” we asked. “Yep.” “Are you police officers?” “No.” “Oh, are you waiting in the queue then?” “No,” one smiled. “We are waiting for a result.” We walked in and waited a short while. A smart uniformed young lady enquired, “Can I help?” “We’ve had a bike stolen from Slough High Street,” I said, and she professionally wrote all the details on a slip of paper, including, clever old us, the frame number obtained with some difficulty in order to assist the apprehension of the lowlife now, no doubt, sniffing the class A proceeds of Mrs. Quincey’s property. She disappeared behind a screen on her side of the counter. “Is there any CCTV evidence?” she asked remotely. “I should think so,” I replied voice raised because of the screen as she pounded on a distant keyboard out of sight. I was surprised. “It’s Slough High Street. I thought you would do that.” “Oh no,” she replied, “we’re far too busy to do all that. Is there anything else we can help you with?” Mrs. Q has a flat and a parking space. Some selfish driver had taken up residence of the bay with a huge, tattered Range Rover. I had a photograph. “Actually, there is,” I said, and showing the photograph I explained to her colleague that the vehicle appeared damaged though secure and had not been moved for a month; nor had a note under the windscreen been disturbed. Was it stolen I ventured to suggest? Apparently, a check on the Police National Computer (PNC) in order to find out would be inappropriate and could not be justified. The poor man was tying himself in knots to help, but appeared terrified at the prospect of having to justify this intrusion into the privacy of either a selfish driver or a car thief. “I understand I can’t have the owner’s details; I just want to know if it’s stolen. Surely you do too,” I uselessly protested politely. We left clutching our crime report number and no nearer getting our parking space back. “Don’t forget to tell us if you find any CCTV!” the lady implored as we reached the door. A day or so later a Sergeant rang us about the case and assured us that the police do look for CCTV evidence; about two weeks after that, another caller stated that they could not find any evidence and the case was closed. All this made me think. “Good morning Sir, how can Bowman’s Bank assist you this morning?” Yes, yes. I know banks don’t have branches anymore, let alone people behind counters eager to help, but this is fiction after all. “Good morning. I’d like to see what CCTV you have protecting your bank. You see, we had our bike…….” “BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!” The alarms wail as a solid wall drops between us and the bank staff and security and police (it’s fiction, like I said) rush in and throw us to the floor. 22 The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS www.thepineappledorney.co.uk 01628 662353 The Palmer Arms Village Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepalmerarms.com 01628 666612 Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. The Palmer Arms VILLAGE ROAD • DORNEY • BERKSHIRE • SL4 6QW The Palmer Arms THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! THE PINEAPPLE The Palmer Arms The Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Pineapple MEET, DRINK & EATDorney What would happen if we find some CCTV and identify a suspect? “That’s Billy,” shouts Cheryl in delight, and sure enough, there’s the evidence of a drug raddled Billy levering the lock of Mrs. Q’s bike with a crowbar brought for the purpose. “Come with me Billy,” says I in my best Sweeny. “You’re nicked son,” and Billy in his semicomatose state, waddles from his free flat into the waiting Ford Granada, (well a Mondeo actually). Back in my garden shed, the interview goes well as ‘Chummy’ coughs to the blag and signs a confession. This policing lark is easy. What’s all the fuss about? The Old Bill seem a trifle reticent to finish off what I have started, so I release Billy telling him, “Be in no doubt Son, you’ve not heard the last of this. I’m taking out a private prosecution.” Well, if the Post Office can do it, why can’t I? A few days later, we get a letter from Sue Grabbit and Runne, Solicitors. Billy’s got himself a brief! “Dear Sir,” it reads. “We represent our client Billy Smith in the matters listed below. Our client alleges kidnap, unlawful detention and torture forbidden under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights in that you forced a confession by threats of intimidation and violence amounting to torture. It is further alleged that you unlawfully kidnapped my client and failed under the Police and Criminal Evidence 1984 to caution him, to ensure that he was fit for ‘interview,’ he’d had sufficient rest, he was refreshed, had access to legal advice, and the ‘interview’ was not recorded either on tape or contemporaneously. We will pursue these matters in due course and advise that you obtain legal advice. Yours SGR.” It seems there’s more to this policing lark than Ford Granadas and testosterone! Here’s a thought! On reading last month’s DPN, I note our MP’s pleasure in her part in the passing of the “Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill”. My reader may recall that I am a retired Metropolitan Police Sergeant, and Magistrate. Consider this fiction very much based on fact. I am sure similar conversations actually take place in some form or other. It is 2024 in London. Colin is a probationary constable enjoying a well-earned cuppa in the canteen of his station and is approached by his reporting Sergeant. “Well done young Colin with those illegal immigrants today. You did well getting them on that bus to the airport. Good Lad.” “Thank you, Sarge, but I’m a little confused. Don’t we in the UK accept asylum seekers from Rwanda because it’s an unsafe country for them?” “Now, now young man. Don’t you worry about all that. Our nice Mr. Sunak, the Prime Minister no less, says it’s fine and they’ll be looked after. Now keep up the good work!” It is Berlin in July 1939. Klaus is a new member of the Schutzpolizei, the State Protection Police. He is enjoying a break from his busy morning. “Well done young Klaus rounding up all those undesirables today. You did well.” “Thank you, Sergeant. I am confused. I have a mate in the Munich Schutzpolizei and he tells me they are going to a small town nearby called Dachau. He says terrible things happen in a camp there.” “Now now young Klaus. Your boss Mr Himmler says it’s fine. They’re being re-educated. Just obey your orders and carry on the good work.” Stay safe. Mike Quincey 24 Dorney Parish Council and Dorney Lake Management offer residents a tour of The Meadows of Dorney Lake. The tour will be by minibus, kindly provided by Eton College, and will take place, starting at 2:15pm, during the afternoon of Thursday, 6th June 2024. We will meet in the car park of Dorney Lake (free parking). Tour lasts approx. 1 hour. The tour will include a visit to the “Far Side” of the Lake which is usually not open to the public. Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay will conduct the tour and will be able to answer any questions that residents might have about the landscaping strategy and execution. There are 14 free seats available, and seats can be booked by emailing the Parish Clerk on Clerk@dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk (stating your car registration number). First come, first served. Refreshments will be served at the end of the tour in the Olympic Suite. Dorney Lake has been implementing a landscape strategy over the past decade to encourage biodiversity. Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay and his team have been working on this 400-acre parkland to transform the traditionally heavily managed environment into a more natural and diverse habitat. Meadows are emerging, and the term "rewilding" accurately describes the changes occurring at the site. Jill Dax, Chair, Dorney Parish Council 26 Tour Dorney Court in June Widely regarded as one of England’sfinest Tudor Manor Houses, Dorney Court welcomes visitors from near and far to join a guided tour this June 2024. Concessions for visitors (and up to 3 friends) who bring a hard copy of Dorney Parish News. Opening Times In June 2024 Dorney Court is open every day Doors open in the afternoon at 1230 with last admissions at 1530. Tours take approximately 1 hour Admission Prices ADULT CHILD (10-16YRS OLD) CONCESSION House, Garden & Grounds £13.00 £7.50 £11.00 There is no need to book tickets in advance as you can simply pick them up from the front of the House on the day www.dorneycourt.co.uk 27 In May 2021, we introduced readers to Jamie Turvey. Jamie’s Dad, Clive, grew up in Dorney Reach. Clive’s parents are Roger and Pam who live in Harcourt Road. Jamie lives in Alton, Hants with Clive and his Mum, Suki. Our article then featured an appeal to give Jamie an electric wheelchair and a balloon ride. Jamie is now a promising young writer. He won the 2023 Harrison Cup presented to writers who attend secondary schools. Jamie received his cup at a ceremony at The Stationers’ Hall in London. The judging panel said that they were ‘moved, humbled and inspired by his story’ and were unanimous in their verdict. When we heard about his success, we asked Jamie to send us an article for publication: Musings From a Country Boy Moments in the garden Whenever I go into the garden in May, I always find there is so much to do. There are lots of flowers all full of colour. At this time of the year the birds are singing which is such a happy sound to me. It is the sort of thing to do when something is on my mind that is bothering me. One of the things I also like doing when in the garden is just relaxing & watching the flowers weave in the breeze. The gentle wind rustling through the leaves sounds like a piece of music. I like to find somewhere to just take a moment and sit down, often with a nice hot drink which helps me to unwind and be happy. Every time I have gone out into the garden during this month, so far I see a lot of new flowers that have come up, it is almost like a sea of different colours every day. The colours from each flower have a bright effect on me. Above there is a picture of one of my favourite plants. It is a Purple Rain Allium. I love the way this plant bobs about in the breeze. When the flowers are in bloom, the shape of the florets reminds me of a sparkler. Jamie Turvey 28 Crocus Summer MarketSunday14thJuly10-4pmPleasecomeandjoinus! WearethrilledtowelcomearangeoflocalproducerstoselltheirproductswithininourbeautifulwalledgardenatCrocusatDorneyCourtSL46QPFood,drink,Jewellery,Art&Craft&more.... Formoreinfopleasecheckoursocialmedia.Ifyouwouldlikeastallpleaseemailevents.dorney@crocus.co.uk. Crocus Summer MarketSunday14thJuly10-4pmPleasecomeandjoinus! WearethrilledtowelcomearangeoflocalproducerstoselltheirproductswithininourbeautifulwalledgardenatCrocusatDorneyCourtSL46QPFood,drink,Jewellery,Art&Craft&more.... Formoreinfopleasecheckoursocialmedia.Ifyouwouldlikeastallpleaseemailevents.dorney@crocus.co.uk. AS OTHERS SAW US We who live in Dorney have our own views about our surroundings. But what have people coming in from outside thought about Dorney over the years? Being away from the main roads, a little isolated in our curve of the river, we have not had as many travellers passing through as other places. Those who have recorded their impressions paint a picture largely recognisable today. A reporter in the Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press in 1885 wrote enthusiastically about Dorney. The common was a “splendid piece of grazing ground” and he admired the “very agreeable landscape” with the view of the Windsor Castle in the background, the Royal Standard floating “in the breeze from the round tower”. On his way to visit Dorney Court and the church, he passed the “neat” village school and “a collection of wooden buildings of antiquated date on one side, and some of a more modern character on the other”. When the schoolteacher Miss Bennett later wrote down her recollections of arriving in Dorney in 1919 to take charge of the village school, she said: “How different the old village was then. The water supply only wells and pumps. No street lighting, only oil lamps and candles in houses and church. No public transport, so it was bicycle or walk to shop in Windsor. Motor cars were still a novelty, and horses were used on the farms and by tradesmen delivering goods. There was a village smithy where horses were shod, and one of the sights I liked best was the return of teams of horses ambling up the village after a hard day’s ploughing, their weary teamsters sitting side saddle on their backs. The roads were in poor repair after the war years. We could never have competed in a tidy village competition for the wooden garden fences were old and untidy. There were no proper side paths and no curbs. Drainage was very primitive, so water lay about in the gutters. The entrance to the village from the Common was spoilt by a rubbish dump on the piece of ground now used as a War Memorial, and the field on which the (Old) Post Office now stands was often a camping place for gipsy caravans. In spite of these drawbacks Dorney was then as now a delightful village in which to live." A newcomer to Ye Meads in Taplow in the 1920s was enchanted by the pretty countryside though she commented on the “saffron coloured gravel lanes, often rutted and puddled”. However, the Acton Gazette in 1926 noted that the character of the countryside was changing. “A mere decade ago, much of this district was as rural as if it had been a hundred miles from London” but the development of new homes for people working outside the village was encouraged by the increased use of motor cars and the establishment of Slough Trading Estate. “Nevertheless, much of the rural charm of this district remains untouched”. Country Life paid a visit to Dorney Court in 1924 and wrote about the area from the perspective of a former Eton schoolboy: “The country round Eton and Slough is plain, not to condemn it as austere. And that particular road from Eton which leads to Dorney led from the haunt of amenities and beauty into a forbidding region overhung by the blights of ignorance….Beyond Arches the way to Dorney grew drearer. The sewage farm….lay close to the next village, and probably the least 30 We have a very exciting opportunity at TVAP this summer where Lavender Green Flowers are very kindly donating us preloved cut flowers and plants (indoor and outdoor) which have been used at various events, including Chelsea, Ascot and Wimbledon, to name but a few. We were overwhelmed by such generous support at our last Flower Drop, rehoming flowers donated from the Royal Windsor Horse Show and a couple of gorgeous weddings. Together we raised over £500, and we can't wait for the next one! If you would like to know when the plants and flowers are at TVAP please text 07362653199 and ask to join the WhatsApp group. Key dates can be found in the description, and we will add more details when we know them. 31 seductive hamlet in all the county. In Eton Wick it seemed that one had come to the uttermost confines of human habitation. it seemed that one had come to the uttermost confines of human habitation. Yet immediately after, the road cheers up. You cross the sunny and shade streaked meadow of Dorney Common, with Windsor fantastically framed in huge elms. And then the huddled village at the common’s edge. It is like a new world, an ocean, a desert, between you and known haunts. Here all is magical.” During the Second World War, among the temporary residents of Dorney was schoolgirl Telma Dufton, who in 2018 recorded her memories of that time. She wrote of the dairy farm opposite the Palmer Arms from where the cows were taken out to the common each morning and back again in the evening. Her overall verdict was that “Dorney was slightly scruffy, because it was a working village, but beautiful just the same. It contained a remarkable diversity of people among its inhabitants, almost a stationary Canterbury Tales.... 'old' family with roots going back centuries, with the ancient traditional relationship with their staff, a sprinkling of theatre people, an internationally known painter, a real master baker, one or two city people who had retired there, a farm and all that went with it, a charming and eccentric parson indeed a long list of diverse characters”. The internationally known painter mentioned by Telma was professional artist Nora Cundell who lived at Further Dimmings, next to her sister and brother-in-law at Hither Dimmings. Murray’s 1948 Buckinghamshire Architectural Guide, of which John Betjeman was one of the editors, summarised Dorney succinctly: “A preserved Thames Valley village among elm trees, with some seventeenth-century cottages, mostly restored as residences.” More effusive were the words of someone who was not actually an outsider – TWE Roche, who lived in Dorney Reach and was a prolific author among his many other activities. In the introduction to his book “A Pineapple for the King”, published in 1971, he wrote of a final stretch of country before the Thames which was still rural England beyond the urban sprawl of Heathrow and Slough: “The motorist on the M4 can just detect it, if he can take his eyes from the road long enough, but the most effective route to it lies past Eton College. Suddenly the bricks and mortar are left behind and ahead lies the broad sweep of Dorney Common where the cattle graze unhindered as their forebears have done since the 12th century. On the far side lies the village, still barely extended beyond its mediaeval shell: some of the houses are very old and even the petrol-pumps stand in front of a 16th century cottage! One of the two inns, The Palmer Arms, stands in the Village Road, the greyhound and trefoils magnificently painted on its sign. At a curve in the road at the far end of the village is a junction, the major road bearing right past the secluded village to the outlying hamlet of Lake End, where the second inn stands. This is The Pineapple, a vivid picture of the fruit swinging before it. The left turn at the junction is Court Lane, pursuing a sinuous course under great chestnut trees with arable land on the right and the woods bordering the manor estate on the left. The traveller rounds the sharpest curve of all and there, half-hidden from the lane, the gabled Tudor Dorney Court stands opposite the ancient church”. Who would not warm to this affectionate portrait of Dorney! Virginia Silvester 32 Dorney Parish News is looking for a Deputy Editor We’re seeking an extra pair of hands to help the magazine move forward. Initially we are looking for additional subscriptions and more advertising to assist us to make the magazine more salient and impactful. We would also welcome someone who could write articles, participate in our weekly editorial meetings and become part of a small team. If you are interested in such a volunteer role, which could assist with work experience if that applies, please contact Peter Bowman, Editor on peter.bowman@talktalk.net or 07889 912714 Karen Kimberley Karen Kimberley (BA, DCH, DHP, NLP, GQHP, MAC, ITOL) is a Taplow-based therapist and coach specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP), Counselling & Hypnotherapy to help with: ● Lack of confidence and low self esteem ● Anxiety and depression ● Communication, business or relationshipproblems Contact Karen: kk@karenkimberley.co.uk to arrange an initial conversation or call 07785 566468 www.theengagementring.co.ukwww.lifecoach-directory.org.uk/lifecoaches/karen- kimberley 33 A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG DORNEY SCHOOL Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach Maidenhead, SL6 0DY Tel: 01628 620871 E-mail: office@dorneyschool.co.uk Website: www.dorneyschool.co.uk RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW Headteacher: Mrs Lee In our school and community, we celebrate the diversity of language and the different ways we communicate with each other. We raise awareness on how we can all work together to reduce the barriers that the deaf community face. In Reception and Year 1, Mrs Thomas teaches children and staff Makaton every week so that everyone learns a common way to communicate, whatever our needs may be. Our children participated in National Gardening Day and LOVED it! Some feedback from our children: The best day ever! – Ravleen I loved planting my sunflower seed – Ottilie I liked doing the gardening because we got to use the shovels! -Emilia A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG The children in Year 1 enjoyed a trip to complete a Bear Hunt (based on the well-loved book by Michael Rosen) at Alfriston School. The trip was organised and run by the sports partnership and the Sports Leaders from local secondary schools took the children around a variety of activities and obstacles while the reenacted and re told the story "We're Going on a Bear Hunt’’. The children enjoyed all the activities, showed perseverance when things were hard and enthusiastic to complete all the challenges offered. Well done Year 1! English Curriculum Session Parents’ drop-in Our parents enjoyed ‘dropping in’ and learning with all pupils! MINUTES OF THE DORNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 15th MAY 2024, 6.30pm AT THE BOATHOUSE, DORNEY LAKE Present Cllr. Jill Dax (Chair) Cllr. Stephen Baker County Cllr. Paul Kelly Cllr. Anna Palmer Cllr. William Voaden Cllr. Robert Stopford Clerk Ruth Senior and 1 member of the public Public Forum No comments PC/17/24 To elect a Chairman and Declaration of Office of Chairman Cllr. Baker proposed, Cllr. Palmer seconded, Jill Dax as Chairman, who accepted the role. AGREED – all in favour. Declaration of office completed. PC/18/24 Apologies for absence Cllr. Euan MacLennan and Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford PC/19/24 To elect a Vice Chairman Cllr. Baker proposed, Cllr. Dax seconded, Martyn Westcott-Wreford as Vice Chairman, who accepted the role. AGREED – all in favour. PC/20/24 Declaration of office signed by each elected Councillor This was duly completed with the exception of Cllr. MacLennan, to complete on return. PC/21/24 To elect a Finance Chairman Cllr. Dax proposed, Cllr. Baker seconded, Euan MacLennan as Finance Chairman, who accepted the role. AGREED – all in favour. PC/22/24 Declaration of interest on any items of business on this Agenda There were none declared. PC/23/24 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19th March 2024 These were approved with no amendments required and signed by the Chairman. PC/24/24 To receive the Clerk report The Clerk report there was no update for this meeting. 36 PC/25/24 Items of business carried forward 25.1 The Orchard Herbs Site Cllr. Stopford reported that the appeal for the hotel application has been rejected and the appeal for the Enforcement Notice will take place in September with the Certificate of Lawfulness appeal being rolled into this. Many comments were made regarding the HGVs and traffic on site, these should be reported to the Traffic Commissioner and can be reported by any member of the public. 25.2 The Neighbourhood Plan The Neighbourhood Plan is now in draft format and it was agreed this should now be submitted to Buckinghamshire under regulation 14 for approval. After this stage, the plan goes to an external assessor before the 6 week public consultation. PC/26/24 Planning There is no date set for the Boveney Court Farm appeal. Also awaiting a date for the Planning Committee for the Court Farm, Common Road application. PC/27/24 Finance The cashbook was circulated prior to the meeting and approved. It was agreed that the finances are correct and ready for submission for Audit and Annual Governance and Accountability Return. PC/28/24 To update on and consider the transfer of Dorney Village Hall (DVH) to Dorney Parish Council (DPC) The Clerk is still awaiting formal advice from the Charities Commission. PC/29/24 To receive an update on Dorney Playground The snake swing which the playground received funding and two very generous £1000 donations from residents for, is now in use following a successful opening event on 1st May. They are now fundraising for fencing. PC/30/24 To consider the annual insurance renewal Clear Councils insurance renewal of £884.81 was agreed. PC/31/24 To update on speeding through Dorney, particularly Dorney Common The Clerk reported support for this from Eton Town Council and the Eton Wick Village Association. It was agreed that Cllr. Dax will respond to Buckinghamshire Council. Sadly another cow has been killed and one injured following accidents this month. PC/32/24 To receive an update on the Thames Water Treatment Plant There has been no response from Thames Water despite requests for an update. Cllr. Stopford and County Cllr. Kelly will continue to chase information. It was agreed that the Clerk will also contact Eton Wick Council regarding their latest water testing. PC/33/24 To consider any complaints/comments received from residents The online consultation for the boundary review is currently open for comment http://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/burnham-dorney-boundary PC/34/24 Items to consider for discussion at the next meeting on 16th July 2024 Cattle grid Meeting ended at 7.05 pm 37 Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken -no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 Month Food Garden General Mixed Paper and Textiles/Batteries waste waste waste recycling cardboard Electricals Jun 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 1, 14, 28 7, 21 1, 14, 28 1, 14, 28 1, 14, 28 Jul 5, 12, 19, 26 12, 26 5,19 12, 26 12, 26 12, 26 Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 31 9, 23 2, 16, 31 9, 23 9, 23 9, 23 Sep 6, 13, 20, 27 6,20 13,27 6, 20 6, 20 6, 20 Provided by Bucks Council Dorney Waste Collection Calendar 40 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Advertising RatesHeight mmWidth mm10 issues1 issueFull Page190130£100£13Half Page90130£55£8Third of a page (Horizontal)60130£50£7Quarter Page (Horizontal)45130£45£6 Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 41 Emergency Contact Details Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code C123X Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action 999 Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls 101 National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice 111 Crimestoppers Anonymously report information 0800 555 111 Water Leaks Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Sewage Problems Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Power Cuts SSE Networks -Central Southern England 0800 072 7282 Gas Leaks National Grid 0800 111 999 Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Footpath Problems www.transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow .aspx South Bucks District Council www.southbucks.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 local swan rescue and rehabilitation 07968 868172 Electrtc:al Services (Burnham) THE TRADITIONAL RESTORATION COMPANY LTD The Coach House, Dorney Court 01628 660708 www.TraditionalRestoration.co.uk enquiries@TraditionalRestoration.co.uk Restorers of Fine Antique Furniture S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News July/August 2024 The Dorney Horticultural Society Annual Show Saturday, 31st August 2024 For more information, please see details on Page 13 RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 2 ISSUE NO. 06/24 JULY/AUGUST 2024 EDITORIAL Dorney Parish News likes to be, well, ‘parochial’. Our pages might offer a diversion from the turbulent affairs of the wider world. As we write, two matters loom large. A general reaction to the General Election campaign and the Euros, or at least England’s progress in them, might be boredom. After our copy date, football despair might kick in, but for the moment we can merely ask you to feel the pain of Olly, our Scots Nature Notes writer. But sometimes national concerns coincide with those of this parish. The collision of a wretched calf with a police car has re-opened the debate over the damage caused to cattle by traffic. At the Annual Parish Meeting the comments by the Chair of our Parish Council highlighted the campaign to lower the speed limit on Common Road from 60 mph to 40 mph. A letter was recently sent to Martin Tett, the Leader of Bucks Council, requesting that the speed limit be lowered, and indeed, lowered without the usual £10,000 charge being imposed. We urge you to read this letter, and the detailed supporting case offered in justification, on the Parish Council website under the Local Projects tab. Between 150 and 200 cattle freely graze on Dorney Common, free that is under the Highways Act to roam over the highway. That highway, the unfenced B3026, carries 2 million vehicles annually. That confrontation has resulted in 31 cattle fatalities in the last 15 years. There have been two more since grazing commenced this year. The horrid ‘stock killed ratio’ runs at 1% to 3% each year. Crucial to the Dorney case is the experience of Hampshire County Council and the New Forrest Verderers, who after exploring options like fencing, corralling and reflective collars, reduced their limit to 40 mph. Their stock killed ratio reduced tenfold. The Chair also talked of agreeing schedule improvements with the Dorney maintenance contractors. Discussions are underway and it is our ambition to share with residents much more detailed information about these schedules going forward. But let us return to the matter of our first paragraph. We are able to report on so much that is positive. The Dorney Playground Group are planning a major summer event very soon after this issue is published – get your skates on or you’ll miss it! The local Beavers held major activities on Trumpers Field. We are, incidentally, tempted to adopt the usual naming here and refer to ‘Dorney Park’. This column was privileged to attend a marvellous production in the Village Hall by local young people of Grease. The Horticultural Society has enjoyed two successful day trips in June. Then, of course, there is the Annual Show. We do not hold back from supporting the Show. It should be the wonderful community event Dorney deserves. Why not enter? If you do not tend towards the horticultural, there are classes for foodstuffs and craft. Encourage any grand children to enter the younger classes. Make it a combined project. The programme will be distributed by hand throughout the parish and beyond in July and will be available on the DHS section of the Parish Council website. Entry is free to all. This magazine now takes a break. We will be back at the start of September with that month’s issue. Do all have a lovely summer. 3 Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Part-time Assistant Curate: Rev. Carole Gooding (07786) 290162 Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk _____________________________________________________________ RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes… At the time of writing this there are three things that are primarily on my mind, the first being ‘is summer actually here?’ We have had a few really good days of beautiful weather in the low 20s interspersed with on and off showers and a couple of thunderstorms thrown in for good measure. The second is that when I come to write my piece for the next article, we will be truly at a place of vacancy across the parish churches in Eton, Eton Wick, Boveney and Dorney. Whilst we’ve officially been in vacancy for nearly a year now, we have had the Rev. Carole Gooding completing her training with us and she will have departed. The support we have received from Rev. Carole has literally been the definition of a Godsend. You may think it is a bit cheeky of me including Boveney in my list of churches, but on day one of true vacancy it is the patronal service at St. Mary Magdalene (date for your diary - Monday 22nd July at 4pm at Boveney). Thirdly is the upcoming General Election, not as in who I am voting for, that I know, but what it will mean for the country. It is a critical moment in the life of our nation, as who we vote for, and their policies will shape the future of our nation. By the time you read this you will have sent off any postal votes weeks ago, or be on your way to the polls, or will have already voted. My prayers are with the candidates and our new government, hoping that they will act with integrity and that their policies are in line with the needs and wants of the electorate. There are so many critical systems within the UK that need support, the NHS, Social Care, Education, Housing and Defence. I pray that the plans put forward in the manifestos have substance and there is the will to deliver upon them. Finally, I would like to wish you all a great summer. Stephen 4 Church Services in July and August 2024 Wednesday 3rd July 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 7th July 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Any Age Family Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 14th July 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 17th July 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 21st July 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Monday 22nd July 4.00pm Patronal Festival Service St Mary Magdalene, Boveney Sunday 28th July 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 4th August 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Any Age Family Service St John the Baptist Eton Wick Wednesday 7th August 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 11th August 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 18th August 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 21st August 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 25th August 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 5 St. Mary Magdalene Apostle to the Apostles There will be a special service 4pm on Monday 22nd July At the riverside church of St. Mary Magdalene, Boveney ‘Grease’ was the word – and now it’s your turn. A year and a half ago, Dorney Parish News published an article about Corinne Carlisle’s classes in which we said that ‘something rather special and rather inspiring’ was happening twice weekly in Dorney Village Hall. Since then, Corinne’s classes and their participants have flourished, several shows have been put on, and on one Saturday morning in June, we attended a wonderful production of Grease that quite definitely was ‘special ‘and very ‘inspiring’. Now it is the turn of the grown-ups. The Studios School of Performing Arts will be starting classes for adults in the Autumn. We hear that the early response has been positive. Corinne and the students in her two weekly classes have staged shows in the summer and at Christmas. The Wizard of Oz has been featured. But on that Saturday morning ‘Grease’ was quite certainly ‘the Word’. Your theatre critic (me) was knocked out by the performance and the occasion. You could say that before long I was ‘hopelessly devoted’. It was memorable to be in a Village Hall that was packed. When I arrived, there was standing room only. A shout out here is appropriate for the Dorney Playground Tuck Shop. I was able to snuggle into the back of the Hall with a fortifying cup of coffee and Maria Holloway was soon doing a roaring trade in hot dogs to the hungry cast members after their on-stage triumphs. As Corinne said to us ‘it’s a full Village Hall that makes me do this.’ But the play, as they say, is the thing…and what a thing it was. 8 The young actors playing ‘Sandy’ and ‘Danny’ sang and danced with great style and poise, while the chorus supported them with enormous energy. This ‘critic’ from the boomer generation thought the 1950s costumes, all T-shirts and leather jackets, Levi’s and prom dresses, with appropriate quiffs and ribbons, were highly authentic! Corinne makes things happen but these events in our Hall have great back up. Drama tutor Barry Callan has years of experience in youth theatre and drama workshops, experience that has recently included the Royal Opera House. Barry may be known as Corinne’s workhusband, but real-life husband Kevin has constructed a portable stage extension for use in the Village Hall. Dance tutor Auriol Hatcher joined the team last year – Auriol is a graduate of the Italia Conti School and has played the leading role in Mama Mia. In our last article Corinne said that what she really wanted to teach was ‘kindness’. This time the memorable phrase was ‘kids have such busy lives with many challenges, I just want them here to enjoy being kids…’ These classes are all about improving selfconfidence, making friends and having fun. There appeared to be a tremendous range of natural dramatic ability and contrasting levels of extroversion. Of course, many of those gaining from these benefits are the sons and daughters of Dorney households. I hope they get as much pleasure from reading this article as we did preparing it. OK, so if we’ve established that the classes are fun, and they are not auditions for big parts, and that no past experience is required, our readers will be eager to find out how adults can share in the enjoyment. The classes are scheduled to start on 12th September. Initially they are likely to run for six Thursdays, and will probably last an hour and a half between 7.00 pm and 8.30 pm. Of course, they will be on our doorstep, in Dorney Village Hall. Needless to say, they are open to both ladies and gentlemen. Barry Callan will lead them. The cost will be £10 a class – I’m sure it will be possible to have a trial session. Details of the Studios School can be found in their advertisement in this magazine, but you can quite simply ring Corinne on 07710 968642. Give it a try. I will. Who knows, maybe one day, Dorney might see a revival of the Dorney Players, and we’ve always wanted to enjoy a village panto. Peter Bowman 9 1 . Parish Litter Picking: Another litter picking event is planned in early October. Date will be announced in the September edition of DPN and on the DPC website shortly Orchard Herbs Appeal Hearing in early September: DPC will attend and will appear as a witness supporting the Enforcement Notice. NEXT DPC MEETING Wednesday 16th July 7.30pm at Dorney School. Rest of 2024 Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday in September, & November. Dorney Village Hall: Following residents’ requests, two disabled car parking spaces have been allocated at the Village Hall, on the right hand side near the door. Update on Parish Grounds Maintenance (Grass Cutting etc.) Following a recent meeting with our contractor, RCJ, we confirm that grass cutting is now up to speed following delay due to the unprecedented wet Spring weather. The schedule (weather permitting) is a two-weekly rotation between Dorney Reach (including areas around the Playground, Tennis Courts and Village Hall) and Dorney Village/Lake End. The first round of three weed killing sessions annually has been carried out, the second is due shortly. Wildflower areas were discussed, and plans agreed to sow seeds within some of the areas best suited to a less formal appearance. Please note that where any stones or logs have been placed on the grassed verges along the highways, these areas will not be mown due to the damage caused to mechanical equipment. We would very much appreciate householders who place such items to arrange the mowing of these areas themselves. Thank you. Reinstating the Trumper’s Field Security Gates in Meadow Way. Residents of Meadow Way have been disturbed by late-night and earlymorning antisocial behaviour in Trumper’s Field, especially near the Village Hall. To address this, with sincere thanks to local residents, the lower security gate will be locked every evening at around 11:15 PM (or earlier if no cars are in the car park) and unlocked at around 7:00 AM. The higher security gate will also be locked if there's an imminent threat of a "traveller" incursion. An emergency phone number is available in the Emergency Contact Details section of DPN for those inadvertently locked in or out. Dorney Common Speed Limit Reduction Our proposal to Bucks Council for the reduction from 60mph to 40mph can be found on the DPC website under the Local Projects tab. Our primary rationale is to stop the slaughter of cows and calves, of which there have been more than 30 fatalities over the last 15 years. Awaiting response. 10 for spectacular celebrations info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake Your space... Create.Inspire.Together. Mention thi s adve rt fo r an excl u sive 25% dis c o u nt* Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. DHS Visits a Rain Swept Stonor Park In May or June each year, Dorney Horticultural Society traditionally visits a country garden. The visits are enormously enjoyable, and, let’s be honest, a key ingredient in all the fun is tea and cake. This year, in early June, tea was taken in the distinctive surroundings of a Hall dating from the 13th century – ‘The Pantry’. Yes, our visit to Stonor did emphasise the historical over the horticultural. This was because our trip was in that horrid early summer cold spell, and it rained heavily for good measure, and by way of compensation, the conducted tour of the house at Stonor Park, not far from Henley, was just so interesting. We did appreciate the extraordinary way the House nestled in the lee of the Chilterns, which meant that visitors stepped out of the first floor back door to cross the lawn. Maybe the Italianate Pleasure Garden and the Old Kitchen Garden must await another visit, but at the start of the tour our brilliant guide introduced us to Stonor’s own Stone Circle, formed from Ice Age boulders. The Stonor family, in more recent times taking the name the Camoys, have one very distinct identity. From the time of Henry VIII, the occupants of Stonor Park have been unyielding in their adherence to their Catholic faith. After Emancipation in the 19th century, their status may been somewhat restored but their struggles over several centuries created the ethos of this wonderful place. Whether it was the wonders of the unique Chapel of the Holy Trinity, with its art works by the likes of John Piper, the links to the martyred Edmund Campion or the game our guide taught us to spot the coded reference to their faith hidden away in family portraits, this was a visit that will be long remembered by our damp little band of gardeners. Peter Bowman 12 DORNEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Sixty-ninth ANNUAL SHOW Saturday 31st August 2024 In DORNEY VILLAGE HALL Everyone Welcome - Free Entry Special Children's Section Parents and Grandparents get the kids involved! Exhibits registration: 10:00am to 11:30am Exhibitors excluded at 11:30am Exhibition opens to all at 2:15pm Prizes presented at 2:30pm 13 DHS in Oxford June 2024 Oxford Botanic Garden is a walled oasis of tranquillity just off the busy ‘High’ opposite Magdalen College. A bus arrived outside on a beautiful June morning and 23 members of Dorney Horticultural Society got off expecting a day of wonders. We weren’t disappointed. The visitor finds at least three different aspects to the Garden. These were reflected in the tours on offer. We were so fortunate in having tour guides pre-arranged to enrich the experience. There were the medical origins implied in the founding of the garden in 1621 as a ‘physic’ garden. There was a stern scientific aspect focused on ‘evolutionary genetics and taxonomic diversity’ and enshrined in a fascinating (and cool) herbarium based on the work of Linnaeus, the founding father of botany. Finally, the Walled Garden and the Lower Garden allowed guide Peter to share gardening tips as we looked at giant lillies as inspired Monet and the country’s largest herbaceous border. Added to all that, the gardens are ideal for quiet walks and happy picnics (which were enjoyed), the delicious coffee and ice cream on sale were most welcome, views of Christchurch Meadows were savoured, and much fun was had in the seven tropical glasshouses cultivating plants from around the world. I think most of us intend to return. For more pictures see the DHS website and Facebook pages Peter Bowman 14 Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Please ring for discounted rate. Which Party? With the upcoming General Election and finishing A-levels, there are plenty of parties to be thinking about in my world this summer! I have had a break from writing for DPN to focus on my academic work, but now I am back, and I have chosen an interesting and timely topic to write about, the General Election (not the Euros). On the 4th of July, the 2024 election consists of 4,515 candidates who have been nominated to stand, which tops the standing record of 4,150 in 2010. Politics and individuals' preferred party can be a very sensitive topic, as people are entitled to their own views, and to avoid any conflicts or reactions, I will not be expressing any views, more talking about the younger person’s perspective on the process and various parties reaching various age groups. With a report last year revealing that nearly 40% of 18- and 19-year-olds had not yet registered to vote, it becomes increasingly important for the parties and their Leaders to give young people a reason and the motivation to register and vote. Annoyingly, I have just missed the deadline to vote this year, which is unfortunate as most people thought that it would be in November, and I was looking forward to contributing. As a younger person, I am a little less educated on politics (it is not a topic that is widely covered in the education system, unless you take Politics as a subject), but as a reader of the news, (by that I mean having the BBC News App and other social media platforms), and being aware of what is happening, I have gathered some knowledge as, although younger and still unable to vote, I believe it is key to understand the basics of politics to understand the society we live in and the changes that are happening. It is also a good conversation starter at social events, the other type of party I referred to at the start of the article. So, what are young people looking for in their political party, and how do we shape our opinions? A lot of our early preference likely mirrors our parents' opinion, if they are open to share it. Or how the government and its policies play a factor in our daily lives, how dependent we may be on some of the policies the leaders speak so passionately about (not potholes). Some lasting impressions are likely to include the green benches of parliament where (in most cases) grown men just seem to be arguing against each other, while their friends laugh at what the other side says - a behaviour that, if carried out at school, would instantly result in a form of punishment or exclusion. Similarly, when interviewed politicians never really give the direct answer to the question and this just seems to be accepted, though that has never been my or my brother's experience when being asked something by our parents. So, I think the youngest set of voters, the 18- to 19-year-olds, may be too young to fully understand or appreciate the difference between NHS cuts and high earning tax levels and how that will impact them for the next 4 years (at least). But they do want to respect the Leader who represents us in front of the rest of the world. They need someone they want to trust to protect the source of social resources we have been largely protected from until this point but will increasingly need to understand better. It is a pretty impossible task to be something to everyone or to get everything right and I think many people in this country (indeed the world) can be unforgiving. People naturally gravitate towards people with similar opinions or to people who can help them - it is just understanding what each of us want to prioritise from our daily lives & values and lean towards a government that looks likely to protect that the most. Meanwhile as I don’t get to vote this time, I am prioritising what party to go to next this summer. PS. Despite not knowing everything about politics, I do know that it is really important to use your vote, something that people sacrificed a lot to allow us to be able to do. Laila Marples 16 Nature Notes “Thiiiiiiiiiiiings ……. can only get BETTER!” Well, that was a blast from the nineties past, wasn’t it? Those halcyon pre-internet days when people didn’t sit staring at their phones all day and play loud TikTok videos on trains (really gets my goat that one). I did enjoy hearing it again and it made me feel quite nostalgic I must say. I was at University in Aberdeen when D:Ream originally released that song so have a lot of good memories from that time. We preferred the seven minute long ‘12” D:Reamix’ which you can find on Spotify and YouTube. Oh to be young again with nothing to do but spend endless hours obsessing over the best version of your favourite tunes! But hearing it also made me reflect that things have not really got better in some regards, certainly not for nature in this country. Politics has never been overly concerned with the environment - it doesn’t really seem to be a vote winner – and it is noticeable that nature recovery does not seem to be a priority for the political parties (or the media) in this general election, except for the Greens who do feature it in their manifesto: https://greenparty.org.uk/about/our-manifesto/bringing-nature-back-to-life/ There is a fair bit on “clean” energy policy elsewhere, but very little on increasing biodiversity, encouraging nature friendly farming or species reintroduction. There is some talk of creating new National Parks, but I fear these will be sheep-wrecked grass deserts like the Peak and Lake District or vast tracks of the Scottish Highlands that look stunning but are filled with nothing but grass, deer, grouse and sheep. This is not wilderness. As always though, I feel fortunate that we do have so much nature surrounding us in Dorney. I am sure regular readers will be dying to hear how this year’s bat counts are going. I often (well, not often) get asked for bat updates as I walk down the street. Well OK, Rob McDairmid asked me once. Anyway, as of last month our running total for the soprano pipistrelle maternity roost was at fifty-seven. My mum was down visiting a couple of weeks ago and she offered to do the bat count as I was out for the evening. When I saw her the next morning, she looked quite worried. Was anything wrong, I enquired. “Two hundred and thirty-eight”, came her reply. I was not quite wide awake and now thoroughly confused. Two hundred and thirty-eight what? “Bats”, she stated quite clearly. I won’t write my actual response, which was short but most definitely unprintable. I shared this exciting breaking news with my wife who just shook her head, looked up at the roost and requested quite firmly, “please just clean all the [something else unprintable] bat poo off the window”. After rather awkwardly cleaning the bat mess off said first floor window with my specially bought telescopic cleaner, I then did a corroborating bat count a week later but “only” saw one hundred and ninety-eight. Noticeably no boy bats emerged from the bat boxes. Perhaps they were off flirting with another maternity roost, the wee scallywags. Helen the bat lady says they can move around depending on conditions. However, the maternity roost baby bats are still not ready to fly yet, so it’s very likely that we get another boost in numbers in the next month. As ever I will keep you posted on these exciting developments. Feeding time at the zoo Lurking predator Almost ready to fly! 18 The excitement around the huge bat counts was equalled if not surpassed by the long-anticipated trail cam footage of the little owlets finally emerging. The parents have been very busy catching rodents and worms etc to feed the young uns up and try and tempt them out to fledge. We started to see their wee heads bobbing up and down in the box entrance and there are at least two, possibly three. Our excitement turned to vague panic as a magnificent looking barn owl started stalking the box, but a friend reassured us that the chicks were probably now too big to be taken by the barn owl. I tried to put the dark thoughts of a limp little owl chick hanging from the mighty barn owl’s beak from my mind. Everything seemed to be okay though and we soon had footage of a strong and healthy-looking chick emerging from the box and calling to its parents. According to my neighbour Theo’s contact at the BTO little owls are declining in Bucks so it is heartening to see them breeding successfully here. As always, I firmly believe the rewilded Thames Water field has provided excellent habitat cover and forage for them. Would love to see more local landowners giving over more of their land to do the same. And finally, as announced in last month’s issue, I’m sure there is great anticipation for an update on how my career as a wannabe pop star is going. Well, I don’t think Tay Tay will be looking over her shoulder in my direction, but I had a record 4,500 daily streams on Spotify for my football song “We Are The Tartan Army” in the pre-game excitement before taking on Germany in Munich, only to see us crash to a terrible, humbling defeat to what looks like a very good German team. Germany’s Rudiger scored an own goal for us which rather embarrassingly makes him joint top scorer for Scotland in tournament football for the past 25 years. Nevertheless, the eternal hopes of the Tartan Army seem to be naively unlimited so perhaps we will get more engagement over the next two games. Sadly, I don’t think I will be giving up the day job anytime soon on my 0.03p Spotify royalties. Good luck to both England and Scotland as the tournament progresses. Andrew Oliver The owls I've been observing are part of a classic British hedgerow wildlife habitat. They are just a small part of this bustling ecosystem and, although this is on part of Dorney’s rural farmland, our garden hedges are no different. With that in mind I asked Olly’s permission to hijack this column to remind caring members of the community of the RSPB advice re cutting our hedges in Spring/Summer: "We recommend waiting until after the main nesting season (March- September) as the possibility of birds nesting is very high" Out of interest, it is actually a criminal offence to do so on protected or agricultural land under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. For our gardens the legal obligation doesn't apply, and it’s down to our moral conscience. The advice goes on to acknowledge that if a hedge must be cut for some reason then good practice would be to observe for a few days to see if there is any wildlife that may be affected.” Theo Alexander 19 Dorney Playground Management Committee are pleased to invite YOU to our Summer Party on Tuesday 9th July 15.30 – 18.00 at Dorney Playground, Trumper’s Field As part of Dorney Playground’s fund-raising activities, we are having a summer party. The star of the show will be Basil and Crew mobile farm. As they say on their webpage: It's an exciting opportunity for both children and adults to gradually build their confidence around our friendly farm animals. During your visit, you might find yourself feeding, grooming, or even walking a goat alongside Basil and his assortment of furry and feathered companions. The farm will have: Donkey, Shetland pony, goats, lambs, ducks, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs There will be lots of other things to do including tombola, face painting, sparkly tattoos, zap the rat and (weather permitting) a wet area to cool off with water pistols. There will be burgers and hot dogs and drinks for children and adults to purchase. All money raised will go towards the cost of a fence around the playground. Tickets cost £10 a child. Accompanying adults and accompanying preschool children are free. Tickets are available from Dorney Playground tuck shop – normally open between 3.15 and 16.00 on school days. However, if you can’t get to the tuck shop, you can always do a bank transfer to Dorney Playground Management Group Sort code: 20-03-84 Account: 33288889 Put you name as the reference and we will have your arm bands ready and waiting on the day. You are all welcome And of course – if you can help for an hour or so on the day, please do contact us. Dorney Playground Management Committee Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 07737053409 20 A PINCH OF SALT ON DORNEY COMMON ‘If the wicked flourish and the fittest survive, nature must be the god of rascals’. George Bernard Shaw Hot weather, brown lawn. Sums up the second half of June, where we rise early to drench our border plants in a cool soak and deadhead the brown wilt of our roses. Only dandelion stalks flourish, standing like mini soldiers on our grass wearing their yellow sunbonnets. This month, whilst contemplating the root rot from previous prevalent rain, we now have a blast of blistering heat, but whilst watering in the garden, noticed something very peculiar with my Tree Fern. I have two in a minor clump, which have thrived well with the constant moisture provided by yours truly a dedicated garden servant. The taller Tree Fern, now well over 6 foot in height, was not faring as well as his shorter companion. On closer inspection, it rather caught my breath, there was an ugly sinister growth on the bark that made we quite glad I was not eating a sandwich at the time. It looked like rotting flesh and had a black trail of goo tracking down the spiny bark. What was this? Using my trusty gardening app, ‘Picture This’ this growth appeared to be a Stalked Puffball, part of the family of Calostomaceae. Worryingly, beneath this was a red warning triangle with an exclamation mark, which said ‘CAN NOT be used as basis for EATING or TOUCHING ANY MUSHROOM’. Reading more about this family of fungi, it is in the order of Boletales, containing several genera of unusual fungi, and found growing naturally in the Americas and Far East. How did it get here? The answer is, (thank you App), it travels by wind, water or animals. Is this what came down in that long deluge of rain we had recently experienced? Ignorance is not bliss. Whilst cooking with the blare of Aga heat melting my forehead and curling my lashes, I seasoned a pot of food with some Camargue salt, paused for thought, then headed out into the garden to give my unwelcome guest a pinch of it too. Somehow, images of shrinking slugs liquidised in brine shot through my mind. Returning to the cooking pot, somehow my appetite had somewhat diminished. Not much happened at first, then several days later the fungi from outer space, turned a darker shade of pale and then slightly black, whilst the exuding goo continued to make a murky path down the trunk. A few days later, I set off to Sainsbury’s car park, to meet my fellow Dorney Horticultural chums (23 of us armed with water bottles, straw hats and factor 50), on a crazy hottest day of the year (30 degrees), on a coach trip to visit the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden, situated opposite Oxford’s Magdalen College. This 130-acre ancient garden combines word-class science, and 400 years of history and horticultural knowledge in a single space. We were allocated three guides and could choose our destination choice of medicinal plants, gardening enthusiasts or a historical 22 tour. Of course, I chose Peter, who was the gardening specialist, as I had an ulterior motive… but I had to pick my moment. The spectacular gardens were full of interest, colour and artistic depth, and the guide so very knowledgeable and passionate, engaged us with his cheerful personality and encyclopaedic delivery of all eleventy-eight plant questions asked. On inspection of a very pretty border full of dramatic Angelica stalks, he mentioned that growing beneath, were clusters of Ivy Broomrake, (Orobanche hederae) and were a terrible garden pest. Known within the gardening world as an obligate parasite, it did harm to the roots of our plants and could cause contact dermatitis. An interesting fact is that Broomrake does not have any chlorophyll, and thus is totally dependent on its host. Parasite… this was the moment. Piping up that I may have a parasite in my garden, whipped out my iPhone to show Peter my picture. I knew it wasn’t good when his eyes made a cartoon horror shape, and further exclaimed he had never seen such a thing before. However, one of our DDHS ladies sneaked a look and told me to contact the RHS for advice. Brilliant idea! After our tour, we visited the hot houses, which not only felt way more than the outdoor temperature of 30 degrees but resembled a steamy sauna. Trudging along with soaked damp clothes and heavy feet, we were soon enlivened with what was contained within. We filed through five or more, energised by the magnitude of exhibits. Huge 2- foot-wide water lilies, carnivorous and pitcher plants, and exotic blossoms amongst many other fascinations. Later collapsing under a shady tree, we bought ice creams and chilled drinks to cool our core. What a wonderful day! I would like to return in the winter with my sketch pad, maybe go on the medical plants tour, but hopefully sit under the tree in my winter coat with a hot chocolate watching the Oxford punts slip by. Watch out on our website or Facebook page for further adventures to other wonderful gardens! Meanwhile, Dorney remains our vibrant home, surrounded by beauty that we find by the Thames, on our Common and along the Jubilee River. It is very hard to believe the proximity of our position to major landmarks such as our Capital city and Heathrow, that still retain an oasis of joy, where the natural nature of summer brings us medicine for our soul. Update: while I wait for a response from the RHS, the Tree Fern and its offending appendage now seem to have stabilised, the invading fungi hardened, totally blackened and dry. ‘The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature, with an open mind’. Paracelsus Kristina Perkins 23 D Day The weather was a dull and cold summer’s day as I walked through Hitcham graveyard to bell ringing practice with Dorney ringers. We ringers aren’t proud. We’ll ring anywhere and Dorney and Hitcham are very close in every sense. Suddenly a shaft of sunlight lit up a small gravestone Biblical style and out of curiosity I took a look. ‘Private 180442 A. Beesley of the Machine Gun Corps aged 25 died on 18th November 1918’ and I thought, “Poor lad. After all that, and he dies in 1918.” I thought of my sons when they were twenty-five, full of life, hope and vigour; not dying in mud-soaked horror as the finest each side had to offer tried to kill each other at the behest of failed politicians slaughtering with the best technology of the time. After practice, I pointed it out to a colleague. “The war was over on the 11th. He died a week later,” he said sombrely. It was the week of the D Day commemoration, and history had repeated itself all over again as our finest, with courage I can’t begin to imagine, ran into the hail of mechanised slaughter put down by Germany’s finest, again all because of awful decisions made earlier since, perhaps, 1918. For some survivors, it was a life sentence of hospitals, prosthetic limbs, years of plastic surgery rebuilding smashed burnt faces and patiently treating mental scars and anger seared into the minds of these youngsters who had seen and done the unspeakable. “What a waste,” I ponder until I recall, reminded by horrific jerky black and white images, that it was all so necessary in 1939 to stop the murder of whole races as an industrial process. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for the sacrifices you made to provide most of us with a very satisfactory safe life. This all coincided with a general election, and while political views are not for these pages, by the time you read this, it will all have been decided. My dear reader, I hope we chose wisely, and for those who took the view that it was all too much trouble, just remember 19-year-old uniformed bodies rolling in the surf on a Normandy beach. While on the subject of courage, you may recall that the lovely Cheryl and I lost all three of our cats in a year and decided that either we sell up and move to a quieter road, leaving our pretty bungalow, lovely neighbours and very local shops or wave farewell to the serenity and comfort cats begrudgingly provide. The upside of our decision is that we now seemingly have more birds than Burnham Beeches that visit, devour our offerings at an alarming rate and, while the outcome 24 The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS www.thepineappledorney.co.uk 01628 662353 The Palmer Arms Village Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepalmerarms.com 01628 666612 Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. The Palmer Arms VILLAGE ROAD • DORNEY • BERKSHIRE • SL4 6QW The Palmer Arms THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! THE PINEAPPLE The Palmer Arms The Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Pineapple MEET, DRINK & EATDorney 25 of this activity needs a lot of clearing up, they are wonderful; particularly a pair of blue tits raising their young in a bird box made from left over plywood. I gazed in quiet reflection and thanks for all the above when this serenity was marred by a pair of hectoring magpies that had nested in a tall tree nearby to harass our new friends in their sanctuary, and while I accept that they are all God’s creatures, I take the view that magpies are the bullies of the bird world, and my support, backed up by clapping hands and much shooing, is most definitely on the side of their smaller victims. A few days later in my sanctuary watching and waiting for our chicks to appear blinking into the bright sunshine, a whooshing above lifted my eyes to a stunning bird of prey, perhaps a buzzard, gliding at frightening speed ten feet above the ground trying to escape from a furious squawking magpie snapping at the wings of the bird ten times its size. The battle continued for ten to fifteen minutes, the buzzard unable to lose the magpie, occasionally flying off only to return later to glide lazily over the magpie’s nest whereupon one or both parents would fly up and chase it off once more, the big bird lazily circling while the tiny (by comparison) magpies pounded their wings as they snapped at the huge tail and wings. Eventually, the magpies won, and I raised my beer to them in a salute to their courage in protecting all they held dear; exactly like those brave youngsters of eighty years ago. I’ll leave you to work out any connection. Mrs. Quincey and I had occasion to visit Boveney Church on a recent wonderful cycle ride along our side of the Thames. It was completely open, but clearly redundant, although some good souls from the Friends of St. Mary Magdalene, Boveney cut the grass, lock and unlock it and provide the necessary TLC. We stopped in quiet contemplation; I removed my cycle helmet in His presence that was clearly there. A tall blonde man appeared alone. He said, like us, he was visiting this place of his youth where he used to worship with his parents. He walked to the bare altar and disappeared from view. Quite unexpectedly, out of the gloom, a honky tonk piano was knocking out hymns to an empty congregation save for us, and for a moment, the years rushed away. Enjoy the summer. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 26 Dorney Parish News is looking for a Deputy Editor We’re seeking an extra pair of hands to help the magazine move forward. Initially we are looking for additional subscriptions and more advertising to assist us to make the magazine more salient and impactful. We would also welcome someone who could write articles, participate in our weekly editorial meetings and become part of a small team. If you are interested in such a volunteer role, which could assist with work experience if that applies, please contact Peter Bowman, Editor on peter.bowman@talktalk.net or 07889 912714 Karen Kimberley Karen Kimberley (BA, DCH, DHP, NLP, GQHP, MAC, ITOL) is a Taplow-based therapist and coach specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP), Counselling & Hypnotherapy to help with: ● Lack of confidence and low self esteem ● Anxiety and depression ● Communication, business or relationship problems Contact Karen: kk@karenkimberley.co.uk to arrange an initial conversation or call 07785 566468 www.theengagementring.co.uk www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk/lifecoaches/karenkimberley 27 A GLIMPSE OF DORNEY IN THE 1300s Throughout the 1300s England was ruled by a succession of Plantagenet kings. This was a period of relative stability and peace. Although two of the kings were deposed and died imprisoned, there was no civil war, and the Hundred Years War was far away in France. But between 1315 and 1322 there was a Great Famine, when prolonged heavy rain and cold weather caused crops to fail, and 10% to 15% of the population died. Then in 1348/9, the Black Death killed around a third of the population and was followed by further epidemics of plague in the 1360s. The reduction in the labour force, particularly after the Black Death, was one factor behind the gradual breakdown of the old feudal system under which most people were tied to the manor they lived in, and the requirement to provide services by working for the lord was replaced by cash payments. In Dorney, life revolved around farming. There were three or four large open fields where people owned or rented strips growing the same crops as their neighbours. Hay meadows ran alongside the streams, passing through the arable fields. Common pasture was available on Dorney Green (Dorney Common) and there were commons also at Lake End, West Town and Boveney. A detached portion of Dorney parish on the higher ground at Dorneywood provided woodland. The church of St James the Less had been built in the 12th century; the font where local babies were baptised dates from the same time. Much of the fabric of the medieval church remains today, but the walls would have been covered with paintings and the chancel separated from the nave by a rood screen, of which only traces survive. Nearby, the church at Boveney was also built in the 12th century and Burnham Abbey at Huntercombe had been founded in 1266. At the beginning of the 1300s, the lord of the manor of Dorney was William Cave. He died in 1305 when his son and heir Nicholas was only 14. Nicholas could not inherit until he came of age, up to which time he was the ward of Adam de Braye who looked after his estate during this period. When Nicholas reached the age of 22, an enquiry called an “Inquisition post mortem” was called to make sure he really was old enough; there were of course no such things as birth certificates or even parish registers. Thirteen local men aged between 40 and 60 gave evidence that Nicholas was 22 at the last feast of the Purification and had been born in Dorney on that day in the 18th year of the reign of King Edward the king’s father and baptised in Dorney church the following day. They remembered the year for various reasons – it was the year they got married, or their father died, or their son was born. Thomas Worthingpole knew it for the year he returned with his brother Richard from Gascony where they had been in the king’s service; he had gone to William Cave’s house and seen baby Nicholas in his cradle. This example of a document from 1312 highlights several features of those times. Surnames were only just solidifying and people were identified in various ways. The men giving evidence included Richard atte Lente (as in Lent Rise), John of Burnham and John of Dorney, and they spoke of Walter the son of Walter the son of Robert of Dorney, who was the same age as Nicholas Cave. In other documents we find Nicholas, son of Walter the blacksmith of Dorney, Robert of Brutewell (Britwell), Henry the fisher of Boveney and Richard the merchant of Dorney. As the century progressed, it became more usual to develop a surname, although even in 1364 the vicar of Dorney was described as William of Shiplake, because that is where he came from. People also recorded dates differently from the way we do today. It was common in official documents for many centuries after 1300 to define the year by the regnal year – the number of years the current or a previous monarch had been on the throne. King Edward I became king in 28 November 1272 so the 18th year of his reign began in November 1289. Edward had visited Gascony – a region of France which he owned, south of Bordeaux – in 1286 and returned in 1289. The feast of the Purification, or Candlemas, was celebrated on 2 February, so that pinpoints Nicholas Cave’s date of birth – 2 February 1289 as it was then, when the year began on 25 March rather than 1 January. Just about every day could be associated with a saint; Dorney documents name Monday next before St Matthew the Apostle, the feast of St Thomas the Martyr, the feast of St Peter ad Vincula, Saturday next before St Perpetua the Virgin and so on. It was a different way identifying a date, but it worked fine for our 14th century forebears. Nicholas Cave continued as lord of the manor of Dorney well into the middle of the century. In 1348, he was sued for debt in the court of Chancery by William de Evesham. We don’t know for certain who this William was, but a man of the same name was buying houses in St Clement Dane in London at this time. Nicholas owed £112, equivalent to over £100,000 today. At the request of the court, the sheriff of Buckinghamshire made a valuation of Nicholas’ estate in October 1349. In Dorney, he owned the manor house with its garden, 244 acres of arable land, 17½ acres of mowable land and 200 acres of woodland (this would have been at Dorneywood) and heath which were common land. He also had 11 acres of mowable land in Hitcham and received rents from free men in Dorney. The total annual value of his estate came to £18 16s. 6d. By 1373, Dorney manor had passed to Nicholas Newnham who was succeeded by John Newnham. John also found himself pursued for debt, in 1395. These debts were owed to London traders, one for 18 marks and another for 40 marks. A mark was two thirds of a pound sterling, so John owed just under £39 – around £40,000 in today’s money. John was also taken to court by the abbess of Burnham Abbey. The abbey was entitled to receive the rectorial tithes from Dorney, which in those days were given in actual produce rather than cash. John Newnham seized the abbess’s carts loaded with produce and her horses and carried them off to his manor house. It was not just the lords of the manor who left traces of their lives in Dorney. Records of land transactions in particular include many names of people who lived and worked there. We have already met Thomas Worthingpole, born about 1260, who served the king in France. Thomas was married to Christine and had a daughter Alice and a son Simon, who married Agatha. The Worthingpoles owned land and houses in Dorney and Thomas was able to provide for his married daughter and for his wife after he died. Rather sweetly, the rent for the few acres in the strips on the open fields which Thomas granted to Alice and her husband was a rose. Later generations of the family were still in Dorney in 1384. The name Worthingpole is very unusual; could it be a corruption of the place name Warnyngpole noted in Dorney in a deed of 1386, or maybe the place was named after the family, as often happened. Another Dorney family who owned houses and land was the Fitzwalters, who appeared in the mid- 1300s and may have come from Cippenham. Like others, they held land in Boveney and Burnham as well as Dorney. Hitcham, Cippenham, Eton Wick and Eton were other places where Dorney farmers acquired land. The Fitzwalter family seem to have sold their remaining property to Eton College in 1511. The earliest Dorney manor court roll, dating from 1514, mentions these earlier owners in identifying land held by current villagers. A farm and land formerly owned by William Fitzwalter and 29 some land once held by Simon Worthingpole were described as “free land”, while a farm once owned by John Worthingpole was held by “knight service”. Free land equates to freehold, for which only minimal payments were due to the manor, while “knight service” was probably copyhold tenure, involving more payments and less freedom. An individual could and did hold both types of land and could also rent it out to a sub-tenant. Farms, houses, cottages and land, even parts of gardens, were constantly being traded. A significant buyer of property from 1365 was Thomas Comberton and his wife Margaret. Over a period of 25 years, they bought up small and big parcels of land from various owners, including houses and a farm called Bygauntes. This may have been named for Robert Bygaunt, who had been killed by Richard Cave, who was pardoned for the death in 1358, claiming self-defence. A frequent name throughout the 14th century documents for Dorney was Lovell. The Lovells lived in Boveney where in 1246 Henry Lovell, the king’s cook, was given a farm with 10 acres which he already rented in Boveney. Over time, this became the manor of Boveney, and the family also owned West Town. The last Lovell in Boveney was Richard who died in 1479, leaving two small daughters, Agatha and Joan, and Boveney was sold. Many other names pass through the records – Simon Saffrey and his son Richard, the Dents who had a little farm with 6 acres, Richard Kenebald and his wife Magota and son William, Ralph Elys who left his cottage to his daughter Margery, Robert and Matilda atte Sawegere who had a cottage; the list could go on. These people, who lived in our village so long ago, knew the same major landmarks that we know today. To identify the location of a piece of land, they referred to the river Thames, to the common and the church. Some field names are still familiar to us. South Field near the common is remembered in the name of Southfield Close, and North Field has a house named after it. West Field may well be what was later called Thames Field, as it was also linked to Oakley on the opposite bank of the Thames. These open arable fields were divided into furlongs, designed originally to be the length of furrow which a team of oxen could plough without resting. The furlongs, which might also be given names, contained groups of strips which were individually owned or rented but which all grew the same crop (or remained fallow) at the same time. Typically, a farmer would have strips in several different places. When these strips changed hands, other names were used, reflecting specific local characteristics. Twamthorne would have been either two thorn trees or one that was split. Tordeland was where the dung was spread. Foxhurste denoted a place where foxes lived. Swetelonde was a fertile plot. Middelslade referred to low lying or marshy ground. Wythemed was where willow trees grew. Parkfere probably references the former deer park in neighbouring Cippenham, which had become a royal stud farm by the mid-1300s. These specific landmarks are no longer recognisable, but the features they describe mostly still exist in today’s landscape. The echoes of these people’s lives remain in the church where they were baptised and married, the churchyard where they were buried and the fields and paths they trod as we do today. Virginia Silvester 30 Crocus Summer Market Sunday 14th July 10-4pm Please come and join us! We are thrilled to welcome a range of local producers to sell their products within in our beautiful walled garden at Crocus at Dorney Court SL4 6QP Food, drink, Jewellery, Art & Craft & more.... For more info please check our social media. If you would like a stall please email events.dorney@crocus.co.uk . DORNEY SCHOOL RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW News from Dorney School Summer is always the busiest term with so much to do, learn and enjoy. As the weather gets warmer, there is always the pull of the outdoors. Pupils in multiple classes enjoyed a whole day at the local Cliveden Estate enjoying many fun adventures. The children in year 1 and Reception did a fantastic assembly displaying the poems they have learnt from The Poetry Basket and Makaton they have learnt in class. Day of Welcome The children enjoyed participating in a national webinar where the author of the book Bobble read their book. This book was inspired and produced by Asylum Speakers, an organisation providing a platform for people to share their lived experience of displacement. Asylum Speakers builds awareness, education and empathy through storytelling. We highly recommend this book to everyone. HSBC workshops Children from Year 2 onwards attended workshops organised by HSBC on different aspects of savings, online fraud, and how banking works. The workshops tie very well to Maths, learning about money, and place value. Come and see us in action, or join us on Friday 5th July from 3.15pm onwards for our annual summer fayre. So much to see and experience. Drop us an email office@dorneyschool.co.uk 32 Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach, Maidenhead SL6 0DY Ofsted graded ‘Good’ for EYFS, Personal Behaviour & Warm, inclusive, nurturing community that places Visit our website at www.dorneyschool.co.uk or call us on 01628 620871 to arrange a visit. How I found my fear of flying – and lost it! True story. If you get nervous flying from Heathrow Airport (or know someone who is) you might be interested to read this...or you might just be curious about how as a therapist, I cured myself of my fear of flying. It all started when I missed my flight back to the UK when I was 18. I lived in the airport for two days sleeping on the floor and all our luggage had gone back to Manchester without us (as it did back then). A kind airport policeman took pity on my friend and I and bought us a meal while we grappled with the difficulties of finding another charter flight in peak holiday season. We had been so proud of having a last swim, leaving the beach, dressed in shorts and bikinis, and managing to get 2 ferries and a train back to Athens airport in time for our flight home and our second year at university. But as 18-year-old girls tend to do, we got distracted by a group of off-duty pilots flirting with us. So, we hadn't even reached the main departure lounge when a check in assistant pointed out our flight leaving above our heads and my friend burst into hysterical tears. We had a few coins to phone our desperate parents and let them know the bad news. After two days of stress, sleeping on the floor, being kicked and woken and treated as vagabonds we appealed to the check in desk, badgering them yet again. (We must have been quite smelly having come straight out of the sea two days ago). We were frantic to get back to university for the start of Fresher’s Week where we were volunteer helpers. I saw the pilot behind the desk and said to my friend 'cry, just cry!' There and then we had more hysterics in front of the pilot who insisted on us flying back on the next plane. I actually flew in the cockpit with the pilots and have a photo included to prove it. My friend sat in the jump seats with the stewardesses. None of that would be allowed now! We were so relieved (as were our parents) but that was just the start of developing my fear of flying. It's what's known as the ISE - the 'initial sensitising experience' for a phobia. The first thing you recall about your fear. Compounding the fear The next thing is that the initial fear gets compounded. Mine developed with a short and very bumpy flight to Edinburgh where the tea and coffee was flying out of our hands as it was so turbulent. (Now, I quite enjoy turbulence amazingly). Then I took a business flight to the USA when we lost one of the engines over Ireland. To be honest I might not have noticed had the American pilot not said we were boldly carrying on. He said in typical gung-ho cowboy style that this was 'a normal situation...er, well maybe it is abnormal... but hey, we practice this type of thing all the time in simulators so we're carrying on!' My heart dropped into my stomach as I realised these problems do happen. However, my colleagues were all strangely confident that we could fly on even one or two engines if necessary. This was the second episode that compounded my fear. 34 Interestingly I wasn't really aware of this until it started to affect me going to the airport and catching, or rather missing, flights. I live so near Heathrow, but I would avoid going and chat with friends as if I was ‘oh, so relaxed’ about my upcoming flight. And then promptly miss it! I often found myself in long queues at the airport frantic about where I needed to be. On one occasion I actually got compensated for inadvertently missing a flight. Instead of being on my way to Zanzibar I spent the evening in a curry house in Twickenham! On another trip I gratefully received compensation to be bumped and take a flight the next day ...I could avoid flying for another day and get £150 quid and a free hotel stay too! When I finally got on the long flight to Zanzibar where I was alone, I was petrified of missing connections, so I asked BA for the 'special service' for vulnerable passengers. Normally it’s used for old, infirm people and children, when I was in my early 30s! Surprisingly, I got the service, but it didn't help much...I never saw the words Zanzibar on the departure boards...only Casablanca and Blantyre which made me fear I was on my way back to Scotland! But I made it. I was now even becoming afraid of going to the airport, being in the airport ...as well as flying itself! I was constantly watchful of the signs and departure times when I was at the airport. It was time to act. Overcoming the fears At this time, I'd started learning how to be a therapist with various techniques including NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and hypnotherapy. It meant that I was able to practice on myself and learn how to overcome my own fears. I did this via simple tools with complex names. Changing the 'VAKOG sub modalities of my lSE' which in simple terms means altering the powerful memories installed by the initial experience. The picture in my mind was bright and vivid so I learnt how to tone it down, the noise volume was high so I found I could lower it and do the same with the other senses. I also learnt fast phobia cures, relaxation with hypnotherapy, the power of positive suggestion and how to change the negative language in my head. I could become more logical and rational like those colleagues who had been fine about flying on one or two engines. And so, slowly I learnt how to fly again. It took time but as I gained confidence and learnt new techniques and coping strategies, I was able to fly comfortably and safely. I even flew to Australia on my own which was probably the final step in curing myself. Now I am fine flying and even though glitches happen with overbooked planes, cancelled flights and bad weather I know I'll be OK. But I still keep a watchful eye to make sure I never miss a flight again! Karen Kimberley Karen Kimberley - Maidenhead - Life Coach Directory (lifecoach-directory.org.uk) An expanded version of this article is to be published in the August edition of Top Sante magazine. 35 Lent Rise and Dorney Beavers’ Adventures at Dorney Playground 36 On Monday 10th June, the Lent Rise & Dorney Beaver colony embarked on a community-focused adventure at Dorney Playground. Their mission? To carry out a litter pick as part of their Community badge requirements. But that wasn’t all – these enthusiastic and energetic Beavers also worked toward their Cyclist badge, taking full advantage of the playground’s excellent facilities under the supervision of a British Triathlon coach. Keeping with the cycling theme, they were also thrilled to meet a London Ambulance Service cycle paramedic who explained their role and demonstrated the equipment they use when responding to emergencies in the nation’s capital. The Dorney playground committee opened the tuck shop, providing welcome snacks for the young environmentalists and their parents who stayed to watch or assist with the activities – hot dogs in particular proved a popular choice! One of the Beaver leaders commented enthusiastically on the playground and its facilities, being unaware of it despite having lived in the area for decades. He was particularly impressed that all the facilities are funded and maintained by a small team of volunteers from across the community as it does not receive any regular or ongoing funding from other sources and relies entirely on grants. Thanks to their efforts the Beavers provided some valuable support to keeping their community playground safe and enjoyable for everybody and demonstrated what can be achieved when local community groups work together – most importantly, however, they appeared to have fun doing so. Isy Hall 37 MINUTES of ANNUAL PARISH MEETING Wednesday 15th May 2024 at The Boathouse, Dorney Lake Extracts of Minutes for July/August 2024 Dorney Parish News. Full Minutes are available on DPC website 1 Report from County Council County Cllrs. Paul Kelly & George Sandy As independent democratic bodies parish councils work within defined financial constraints and represent your community at a truly local level. We recognise the parish council is a key connector between the unitary council and your residents to help improve services, foster greater community empowerment, and we remain committed to working with the parish councils. It is important to note some of the current challenges that local government as a whole is facing. Setting this year‘s budget was the toughest on record with escalating costs and growing demand particularly in key areas, children and adult social care, supporting children with additional needs to get to and from school and providing accommodation for an increasing number of homeless people. We are pleased with our record of prudent financial management because Buckinghamshire is not in the position of a growing number of Councils that are in serious financial trouble. Instead we are pleased to have produced a balanced budget for the next three years taking us to 2027 however this isn’t without making some really difficult choices and we are having to find significant savings during that period and it’s an incredibly tough context in which to operate. It has also been a very wet winter, indeed one of the worst on record, and this is having a continuous, severely detrimental impact on our road network. We are all aware of the damage the weather has caused in terms of Potholes and flooding and our teams have been working around the clock to address these issues. It is a situation that is Impacting upon all parts of the country. National media coverage recently reported the asphalt industry alliance citing Potholes to be at an eight year high with councils expected to fix about 2 million Potholes this year. Although faced with ever decreasing resources we are doing everything we can to improve things. In Buckinghamshire we have 29 gangs responding to emergency callouts and repairing defects arising from last winter’s weather. We have repaired 30,000 Potholes and anticipate that number will be even higher this year. We welcomed the news that over £8 billion of funds saved by cancellation of HS2 is now allocated to road repairs nationally but we know this is long-term and we won’t see the impact of this investment in the immediate future. With better weather on the way this will allow us to fully embark on a program of longer term maintenance and improvements. In addition, we have also released an extra £5 million from our reserves to spend on the roads which will benefit our plane and patch program. We are currently prioritising this work based upon input from local councillors and area technicians. Four key elements of our corporate priorities are: strengthening our communities, protecting the vulnerable, improving our environment, and increasing prosperity across the County. In strengthening our local community it’s important to recognise that due to boundary changes our electoral ward now comprises the three parishes of Burnham, Taplow and Dorney and will have three representatives on Buckinghamshire Council. There are 16 community boards across the county, ours is The Beeches. The CB Managers keep in regular contact with their County Cllrs and the Parish Councils. Each community board is allocated a budget to support local issues and improvements. During the year 2023/24 over 270 projects were funded across the county. It is commendable that each pound of community board funding from council tax also benefited with 38 an average £1.80m extra coming mainly from parish precepts and donations. £966,000 has been invested in replacing and improving seven children’s play spaces, and Dorney’s playground received a grant of £8,000 towards a super new snake swing. Buckinghamshire does so much to protect the vulnerable in society. There isn’t time to mention everything but a few that may interest and surprise you are; over 14,000 children in this relatively wealthy county are eligible for free school meals, £81,000 of support was given to the NHS to fund booster jabs for the elderly, accommodation provided to 25 Afghan Families threatened with persecution by the Taliban plus finding accommodation for 1800 guests who’ve fled the war in Ukraine, needy residents received support to stay warm, and we provided ‘welcome spaces’ in libraries and other community areas, 7500 financially vulnerable folk were supported with furniture, white goods, emergency food and fuel, and a 58,000 food vouchers were provided to eligible families during school holidays and so on. A major step towards improving the environment and roads was made by launching a new Buckinghamshire Highways Service in conjunction with Balfour Beatty, and in recent months you may have already noticed the improved quality of ‘plane and patching’ and pothole repairs. A new ‘Strict Permit’ scheme has been introduced with ‘zero tolerance’ to ensure the utilities who dig up our roads are off-site on time and penalised if not. Grants totalling £1.9M enabled 110 older buildings to be brought up to levels of acceptable thermal comfort. Over £300,000 has been allocated to replacement of the Jubilee River footbridge which is due to reopen next month thereby restoring this popular footpath from Burnham through Taplow to Maidenhead. Initiatives to increase prosperity across Buckinghamshire include working with the parish councils and the Community Boards to encourage collaborative working: for example, on a quarterly basis the Chesham and Villages Community Board hosts a village forum where all the parishes are invited to come together to receive updates from the Board, listen to guest speakers (connected mainly with Council Services) and share updates from neighbouring parishes. These meetings are productive, as good practice is shared, and problems within parishes addressed and resolved. To complement these meetings the Board Manager organises ‘Parish Walkabouts’ with the Chairmen to look at potential projects, any ‘Parish pinch points’, and generally catch-up with local matters. This format is also being used in other Board areas following discussions with the clerks and there is no reason whatsoever why Taplow, Dorney and Burnham should not do likewise. The Planning and Enforcement Teams within the Council have established bi-weekly surgeries for Parish Councils, to provide a means for discussing planning/enforcement issues and for them to build up a better knowledge of Planning. Many Parish Councils have used these surgeries to build their knowledge of legislation, which can be difficult to understand. There have been a number of examples where officers have taken Parish Councils through the following policies to support them to confidently perform their roles; Cato-in Process which seeks to limit County’s role in domestic and ethical government, Enforcement policies, Beechwood Special Areas of Conservation Policies. Planning Surgeries have helped foster positive relationships with Officers and Councils and are a means to removing unnecessary communication often better dealt with by discussion. Finally, as we move towards an election later this year there is one extremely important consideration for all our council tax-payers that stands above national politics and it is that your county’s finances are sound, in good shape, and in good hands. 2 Community Udates PCSO Angela O’Connell Crime statistics cover Burnham/Farnham’s/Taplow and the rolling 12-month figures from April 2023 – 2024 shows the following. Residential Burglary; Dwellings Overall to date South Bucks LPA has seen an increase of 1% in terms of all burglary offences when compared to 2022/23. • All burglary offences: 883 offences this year compared to 873 in 22-23 – increase of 1% • Dwellings: 719 offences this year compared to 672 in 22-23] - increase of 7% • Unconnected buildings: 164 offences this year compared to 201 in 22-23 - decrease of 18% 39 QUARTERLY COMPARISON There have been a total of 200 offences this quarter compared to 295 in the last quarter, a decrease of -32%. YEARLY COMPARISON There have been a total of 883 offences in 2023-24 [873 in 2022-23], 30 outcomes [37 in 2022-23] and a detection rate of 3% [4% in 2002-23]; Breaking this down further we had 30 burglaries in Burnham, 14 in Farnham and 12 in Taplow/Dorney between this period. South Bucks LPA continues to be targeted in respect of residential burglary. We have seen a slight decrease in offences across High Wycombe and surrounding areas overall [-6%] but have seen a significant increase in offences to the east of the LPA, especially in Chalfont’s, Missenden’s, Burnham and Iver areas [+17%]. Geographically, the LPA is constantly vulnerable to cross-border offending due to the main arterial routes surrounding our borders. The LPA has by far the highest burglary offending rate in the force with 883 offences recorded, of these offences, 719 specifically relate to dwellings. We have initiated a number of operations to combat burglary this year, Op Grotto was our winter burglary campaign and we currently have Op Guyet which is focused on a pattern of cross border offending. We continue to suffer from offences whereby offenders utilise cleaning fluids / chemicals in an effort to counter forensic opportunities and it is thought that the persons responsible for these offences regularly interchange vehicles and crews, often between offences making identification extremely difficult. We have also seen a rapid rise and continuing series of first floor entry offences where cash and jewellery are stolen, this is an issue that a number of forces are suffering from and it is believed offenders in these series of offences are mainly Eastern European. Despite the low detection rate we have seen some successes in terms of convictions this year which have led to several persons receiving varying terms of imprisonment. Op Geothermal was an intelligence-led PCT operation to target a burglary series in the Chalfont’s and Gerrard’s Cross by disrupting criminal use of the road network. Theft from motor Vehicles Vehicle offences including; • Theft from motor vehicle • Theft of motor vehicle • Unauthorised taking of motor vehicle • Aggravated vehicle taking There have been 2344 offences to date this year compared to 2280 offences in 2002-23, an increase of 3%. There have been 42 detections [40 in 2022-23] and a detection rate of 2% [2% in 2022-23]. Theft from vehicles we have seen 28 for Burnham, 38 for Farnhams and 21 for Taplow & Dorney. The LPA sits 10th out of 11 LPA’s in terms of offences recorded and in response to this issue we have initiated Op Hoover which is the LPA response to vehicle crime, specifically the theft of tools from vans at identified hotspots. Local tasking’s are requested daily and through bids we have also had assistance from other departments. With regards to reports of theft of vehicles we have had 22 reports in Burnham, 14 in Farnhams and 23 in Taplow & Dorney Antisocial Behaviour The NH team are working closely with Bucks Community Safety team and Bucks and Berkshire Fire and Rescue to promote awareness around water safety and cold water shock. We have been visiting schools and giving joint talks 40 to pupils as well as working together with partner agencies to create a new video to raise awareness around these issues. Maria Holloway – Dorney Playground Dorney Playground needs a bottom line of £7000 per year to run, this includes insurance, surveys etc. Successfully raised £15,000 for the recent addition of a snake swing. Currently fundraising for a new fence to surround the playground for child safety and to keep animals out, this will cost around £20,000. There are only 5 committee members and fundraising is a continuous job. The tuck shop operates after school, weekends and holidays and is all volunteer run. The next fundraising is the summer event, everyone is welcome along on 9th July for a petting farm and BBQ at 3.30pm. Please visit the facebook page for all playground information – Dorney Playground & Tuck Shop. Any help or donations always welcome. Peter Bowman – Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News need your help – Deputy Editor position available to help with the production of the magazine, add an extra viewpoint and hopefully secure the future of DPN. Thank you to everyone for subscribing and for the encouragement and to Bill Dax. Thanks also for accepting the £2 increase in 2022. There are currently 210 copies sent out each month which is great for a village of around 300 households but DPN would like to have more. DPN tries to reflect interests of all in the magazine however it cannot reflect/report on short term changes and events as it only produced once a month, what can be done about short term communication? Perhaps a new/extra team could introduce an information service. If anyone has a great picture of the Northern Lights over Dorney, please contact me. Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford on behalf of Cllr. Euan MacLennan – Finance Chairman The Parish Council is funded by a slice from the council tax paid by every household. We have managed to keep our funding constant for the last three years but 2024/25 we have had to increase it by 8% just to meet our commitments, although the overall effect on the total council tax is minimal. Even with an 8% increase, it is likely to leave us slightly out of pocket so we will have to dip into reserves. There is nothing to cover unexpected costs such as falling trees and branches and damage to traffic and speed signs or new projects in the village – if there are any, we will have to use more reserves. 3 Questions from the floor on Parish/County issues - How much is currently in the Parish Council finance reserves? Circa £30k – at least one year of spending is advised as best practice to have in reserve. - Court Farm Planning? This has been *‘called in’ and we are awaiting a date for the Planning Committee. *the Parish Council can ask our County Councillors to call in an application which means if all 3 do this, the application will automatically go to the Planning Committee. - Can the Common areas be protected as Village Green Status? Dorney Parish Council are currently producing a Neighbourhood Plan and these areas will all be a part of this. - Is there a possibility of meeting with Eton College? This will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting on 16th July. - Thames Water field update? Cllr. Dax is still in contact regarding the re-wilding project but there is no update at present other than Thames Water looking to engage with a local land owner. - Orchard Herbs mud on the road and HGVs? There is a body called the Traffic Commissioner that licences the HGV use, this is for anyone to use and report to. Orchard Herbs site currently sits in Burnham Parish however this may change as the boundary review consultation is currently open for comment – http://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/burnham-dorney-boundary - Pothole? Please report all potholes and other problems such as fly tipping on the Buckinghamshire Fix My Street portal. 41 Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken - no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 Month Food Garden General Mixed Paper and Textiles/Batteries waste waste waste recycling cardboard Electricals Jul 5, 12, 19, 26 12, 26 5,19 12, 26 12, 26 12, 26 Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 31 9, 23 2, 16, 31 9, 23 9, 23 9, 23 Sep 6, 13, 20, 27 6,20 13,27 6, 20 6, 20 6, 20 Provided by Bucks Council Dorney Waste Collection Calendar Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) ____________________________________________________ Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 Advertising Rates Height mm Width mm 10 issues 1 issue Full Page 190 130 £100 £13 Half Page 90 130 £55 £8 Third of a page (Horizontal) 60 130 £50 £7 Quarter Page (Horizontal) 45 130 £45 £6 45 Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code C123X Trumper's Field (Dorney Village Hall) Security Gates in Meadow Way 07955 672150 Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action 999 Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls 101 National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice 111 Crimestoppers Anonymously report information 0800 555 111 Water Leaks Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Sewage Problems Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Power Cuts SSE Networks - Central Southern England 0800 072 7282 Gas Leaks National Grid 0800 111 999 Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Footpath Problems www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 Local Swan Rescue/Rehabilitation 07968 868172 Emergency Contact Details S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News September 2024 One of the red kites nesting in Dorney Reach. See Andrew Oliver's column on page 8. Photo by Ian Silvester. For more of his work, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/dorneyphoto RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 ISSUE NO. 07/24 SEPTEMBER 2024 EDITORIAL We hope you enjoyed the lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer. Or, at least, reminiscing about those in years past. But even during this mid-summer, serious events outside grasped our attention. This September issue always was intended to be concerned with Planning, and in particular, Dorney’s Neighbourhood Plan, but one of those outside events was July’s General Election. On July 30th, the new Secretary of State announced consultation on plans to overhaul the current planning system and to increase national annual mandatory housing targets from 310,000 to 370,000 homes, an increase of 19% with much higher targets proposed for Buckinghamshire. The implications of this for Dorney are set out in the article by the Neighbourhood Plan group, which we strongly urge you to read. Martin Tett, the Leader of Bucks Council described the new targets to Dorney Parish News as ‘just awful’ and in local newspapers has talked of ‘cataclysmic’ effects on the county. Indeed, our friends at Eton College have already sought to influence the outcome of their Boveney Court Farm appeal by asserting that this new ‘direction of travel of national planning policy’ should be a ‘material consideration’ in the inspector’s considerations. Perhaps more constructively, Mr Tett has declared ‘importantly this is not about nimbyism – it’s about protecting our communities and our environment from inappropriate sprawl and directing new growth to areas where growth can be properly planned with good well-funded infrastructure’. This must be close to the aims of our much-needed Neighbourhood Plan. To support the NP steering group, we plan a series of articles over the next few issues covering the preservation of Dorney’s rural character, housing and development, the improvement of daily life and protecting our heritage and environment. Thinking of our environment, the true heroes of this issue are our new aerial neighbours, the kites. We are blessed with Olly’s lovely ‘Nature Notes’ and we thank Virginia and Ian Silvester for sourcing perhaps our most dramatic ever front cover. The environment struck back via an extraordinary outbreak of lethal to livestock ragwort on Dorney Common, and we heard reports of teams of Commoners cutting back the plague. The focus remains on the Common as a resolution is awaited to more problems with the cattle grid, and hopes are high of agreement to a very popular speed limit reduction on Common Road. As always, life speeds up in September – read in this issue about the reopening of Dorney Lake and the long-awaited appeal hearing over Orchard Herbs, plus the search for a new vicar. We are proud to publish a eulogy for the late Robbie Gibbs, who I’m sure would have relished our update on the Dorney History Group, while our resident historian revisits the past of Taplow Station via wonderful railway modellers. Before we close, this column would like to recall two smashing summer events, the soggy July gathering organised by the Playground Group and Crocus’ Summer Market. At the first we enjoyed hot dogs and the second, cheese! We’re glad ‘DPN’ is back after the summer break! 3 Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Vicar: Vacant Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk _____________________________________________________________ RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes… Firstly, I hope that everyone has had a great summer and had an opportunity to enjoy some good (hot) weather. So, it’s been over four weeks since Carole’s departure back to her Iver parish and things have gone remarkably smoothly. It just goes to show you what you can achieve with a year’s planning. I need to give special thanks to our supporting Licenced Lay Ministers who have been supporting us in addition to the work they undertake in their own parishes (Jill from Wexham and Anne from Windsor). I also need to thank the clergy that have supported us not just in running services but also for blessing the holy sacraments outside of services to allow us to run a Communion by Extension on a Sunday and a Wednesday where necessary. Our recruitment of a new Vicar (Priest in Charge) across Datchet, Eton with Eton Wick and Boveney and Dorney is progressing and after completing our 48-page profile of the three parishes will be advertised for four-weeks. Our aim is to have someone in position for early January. Once the Vicar is offered and accepted, we will then start to recruit for a part-time Associate Vicar (Associate Priest) with the new Vicar’s input to bring the three parishes up to full strength. As we roll into September, we move on to focus on the letters St. James wrote to the twelve tribes of Israel and to the early churches across the lands, sharing Jesus’ teachings and asking them to be humble with others, to show respect and to have patience. Something that is just as true today as it was then. With God’s love, Stephen 4 Church Services in September 2024 Sunday 1st September 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Any Age Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 4th September 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 8th September 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 15th September 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 18th September 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 22nd September 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 29th September 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick St Mary Magdalene, Boveney This beautiful church on the Thames is open daily. www.st-mary-magdalene-boveney.org.uk 5 Dorney Parish Neighbourhood Plan: A Journey of Progress and Patience The Dorney Parish Neighbourhood Plan has been on quite a journey since our community came together for surveys and meetings in late 2023. While we've made significant strides, we've also encountered some unexpected turns along the way. Our initial progress owes much to William Voaden and Mark Brand, whose research and groundwork set us on the right path. Though they've had to step back for personal reasons, their contributions remain invaluable. The torch has now been passed to Robert Stopford, our parish councillor for planning, who has taken the helm as chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. Working with Robert, Bill Dax has stepped forward to draft a complete version of the Neighbourhood Plan. This draft will incorporate insightful feedback from the NP Team at Bucks Council, helping to shape a plan that aligns with broader regional strategies. As we move forward, we're keen to involve more of our community in this process in reviewing the draft as it develops. We're extending an invitation to residents who've been involved in recent planning challenges, as well as those who've expressed interest in the Neighbourhood Plan, to join our review team. If you'd like to lend your perspective to this important work, please contact our Parish Clerk, at Clerk@dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk. However, our journey hasn't been without its hurdles. The recent change in government has brought about several factors that are causing us to reassess. Bucks Council's housebuilding targets have seen a substantial increase of 42%, and the introduction of a "Grey belt" adds another layer of complexity to our planning. These new developments mean we need to exercise some patience. We can't finalise our Neighbourhood Plan until we have more clarity on how these changes will affect Dorney Parish (if at all). But, rest assured, this doesn't mean work has ground to a halt. We're continuing to refine our draft, engage in necessary consultations with landowners, utilities, and government organisations, and assess the potential impacts of current planning applications for brownfield sites like Boveney Court Farm buildings and Court Farm. Looking ahead, our path is clear, even if the timeline isn't. Once we complete our draft and receive the go-ahead from Bucks Council, we'll make the plan available on the Dorney Parish Council website for a six-week consultation period. This will be your opportunity to review and provide feedback, ensuring the plan truly reflects our community's vision. Following the consultation, we'll prepare a final version to be reviewed by an independent assessor appointed by Bucks Council. The last, crucial step will be a parish referendum, where you'll have the chance to cast your vote at the Polling Station in Dorney Village Hall, just as you would in an election. While the road to finalising our Neighbourhood Plan has been longer and more winding than we initially anticipated, it remains a vital tool for shaping Dorney's future. It's a framework that, with your ongoing engagement and support, will help preserve the rural character of our parish for generations to come. We may face challenges and delays, but together, we have the opportunity to craft a vision for Dorney that reflects our collective aspirations. Your participation, your voice, and your vote will be crucial in making this vision a reality. Jill Dax and Robert Stopford, Dorney Parish Council 6 “So, when you’re near me, darling, can’t you hear me? S.O.S.” Everybody loves a bit of ABBA, right? ‘Waterloo’ was the number one single when I was born. My wife and various friends have been to the ABBA Voyage “live” show at Queen Elizabeth Park and reviews have been glowing to say the least. But I had a real life S.O.S. a few weeks ago when I saw a post on the Nextdoor app about a red kite fledgling that was grounded in the Dorney area. I tried to help with some rescue suggestions and luckily the team from Swan Support turned up as the fledgling was under-nourished and clearly struggling. It turned out the red kites were nesting in my neighbour Cara’s garden in Harcourt Road, so although it was concerning that one of the fledglings was in distress, I was pretty excited that the red kites had decided to nest on our road! Later in the week, my neighbour Theo spied the two parents with another, healthier looking chick at the bottom of our gardens, calling quite frequently, so I did put out some extra food to help. Theo also shared a video of the third little owl chick, but as you can see it looks like it may have a deformity. He is going to check with his contacts at the BTO. Hopefully, it is not life threatening. Struggling Red Kite fledgling picked up by Swan Support Kite family with healthy fledgling Third little owl chick I have also been keeping a close eye on my bats and submitting counts to the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP), as well as submitting counts for the Big Butterfly Count, who have a really easy to use app. Has anyone else been concerned about the very low numbers of flying insects this year? The very wet winter seems to have had a very negative impact on breeding populations. I have a massive white buddleia in my garden and usually in July I would see up to 12 butterflies on it at one time in sunny conditions. This year I haven’t seen more than 2 concurrently. I have spotted many gatekeepers in the garden (mainly on wild marjoram), a few small whites and a smattering of small purple and golds, but only one peacock, one red admiral and one comma. On dog walks I have seen one speckled wood and one Tiger moth. I know enough about the birds and the bees to have two teenage sons, and I know that one individual butterfly is not enough to breed and continue the population. I try not to dwell too much on the devasting thought of a world without butterflies. Anyway, back to the bats and because I submit surveys to the NBMP I was contacted by a young lady called Hannah Romanowski who is doing a PhD on researching insect declines as a potential driver of change in UK bat populations. She was looking for some bat roosts to survey and I readily volunteered. As you can imagine I was very excited at the prospect of being involved in some bat research by actual scientists to corroborate my own #batstats. The great day arrived where Hannah came round to set up the survey equipment. She laid out some plastic sheeting under the bat boxes to collect the droppings and put up a small sound recorder device on the wall. 8 Then she revealed the pièce de resistance: an enormous insect suction trap (yes, I thought it sounded menacing too) that resembled an enormous camo rocket launcher. Rather terrifying looking insect suction trap Theo’s young newt Crap reply from Bucks Council re: glyphosate We did one overnight sampling session, and pleasingly the bats complied and left lots of droppings, and there were a good number of poor insects hoovered into the deadly suction trap (yes, I have felt conflicted with on one hand worrying about the lack of insects this year and then being complicit in allowing a whole bunch to be drowned in ethanol, although, you know, not the WORST way to go). Hannah’s PhD overlord then suggested it would be interesting to sample over consecutive nights, so she brought all the kit back again and we sampled over 3 nights. Again, the bats left plenty of droppings every evening and I felt very proud of them. I did bat counts every night which varied between 2 – 7 bats, which again very firmly leads me to the conclusion that they are boy bats and are often too distracted partying / gaming to go out feeding. Hannah is planning to have her research complete by the end of the year, and will share the results with me, which will include DNA analysis to reveal the exact bat species, the insect species population and the recordings of any other species nearby. Needless to say, I await it all with bated breath and will publish the highlights here. Theo also shared with me a picture of a young newt in his veg patch as you can see in the photos above. Amphibians are really struggling, and I was quite upset when a friend of mine brought to my attention that Bucks council have decided to spray all pavements with glyphosate which is toxic to all aquatic life if it enters the water course. This was their partial reply to my email of complaint: “We are confident that glyphosate, when used correctly and in accordance with the guidance, does not pose a direct risk to the health of people or animals, acknowledging that some people have legitimate concerns about the use of this weed killer and its impact on health and the environment. However, as with any chemicals designed to kill plants, it will carry some level of toxicity. We apply glyphosate sparingly to minimise the impact on the environment and it remains licensed for use by the UK”. Monsanto has settled over 100,000 Roundup (glyphosate) lawsuits, paying out about $11 billion as of May 2022. It is not safe. In a biodiversity crisis it is crazy to keep spraying chemicals into the environment, both for nature, and humans, who, lest we forget, are also part of nature, not somehow separate and above it … Andrew Oliver 9 Taking a Gap Year As mentioned in my previous article, I have just finished my A-Levels, so for this edition of Dorney Parish News I thought I would talk about me and what I am planning on doing after school. Thanks to this opportunity I have been able to consolidate my love for writing and will be going to Oxford Brookes to study Journalism, Publishing & Media. But first I am taking a gap year, something that continues to be a popular choice amongst my peers. Finishing school comes with some very important decisions and results. There are so many choices for people of my age regarding the range of education courses, future careers which change by generation and whether you continue with studies or take the decision to start work straight away. It can be overwhelming. However journalism is something that I have become very passionate about, something that I want to pursue in the future. This interest has influenced my choice of course and what I have decided to do after school. Like so many subjects the growth of AI is influencing and changing the shape of how we learn, communicate and inform, and this is certainly true for journalism and the argument of ‘will journalism service change’ after the rise of Chat GPT. So, I believe now is a really exciting and interesting era to learn about and be involved in journalism. Originally, I was going to go straight to university, but the thought of taking a year out sounded more appealing. But I don’t want to waste the year so I’m planning on going on various writing courses and doing some travelling. The plan is to explore Florence in early 2025 for a couple of months which includes a writing course specifically focused on journalism and following that I am planning on going to either Toronto or Vancouver and embark on a writing course there as well. After completing two writing courses and doing something productive and impactful in my year out I am planning on going to Southeast Asia for just over a month. I’m hoping that these experiences help me shape more content for when I get to university. I suspect you have also heard about and have your own opinion about how journalism is being influenced by the rise of Chat GPT, but one thing Chat GPT lacks or can’t easily replicate is personality. It may be good for getting facts and research on various topics, but it probably couldn’t engage you as much as articles such as this one does (not to toot my own horn). Despite it being an amazing tool, I don’t think it has the capabilities to provide true experiences and genuine opinions. So, lots of change happening for me right now, half exciting half a little terrifying. Laila Marples 10 11 A DORNEY ARTIST When I wrote about how others saw us earlier this year, I mentioned that when Telma Dufton wrote down her memories of living in Dorney during the Second World War, she commented that among the diverse characters living there was an internationally known painter. This was Nora Cundell. Nora was born in London in 1889. Her grandfather Henry Cundell was a renowned landscape artist, and she studied painting at the Blackheath School of Art, Westminster Technical Institute and the Slade School of Art. By 1911 she was exhibiting at the Royal Academy, and she had her first solo exhibition, at the Redfern Gallery in London, in 1925. She painted people, interiors, flowers and landscapes, in oil and watercolours. Inspired by JB Priestley’s descriptions of the landscape of the American West, Nora travelled out there in 1934 with her sister Violet and brotherin- law Charles. It was to be the first of many lengthy visits, as she developed a deep love for the dramatic desert scenery and native Navajo people of the Colorado River Country in Arizona. She painted and sketched what she saw, often travelling alone, by car or on horseback, and she wrote a book about her travels, Unsentimental Journey, published in 1940. How did Nora come to be living in Dorney? Nora’s younger sister Violet had married Charles Eaton in 1930 and by 1931 they were living in Hither Dimmings in the village. Charles already had at least four children by his two previous wives and he and Violet do not appear to have added to his family. By 1935, Nora’s home address was Hither Dimmings in Dorney but by October 1937 she had moved into Further Dimmings, which remained her home until her death in 1948. She sailed to New York for her fifth annual visit in December 1938, but by September 1939 she was back in Dorney. During the war, Nora volunteered as a Casualty Superintendent in London, driving an ambulance through London streets during the blackouts, transporting injured victims of bombing raids. She still found the opportunity to paint and in 1942 produced a portrait of what must have been a colleague, Air Raid Precautions Casualty Superintendent McGill. The title of the map hanging in the background includes the word “Bucks”, so perhaps their unit was locally based. The 1939 register indicated that Nora was attached to ARP Burnham. Meanwhile, Charles Eaton, a former army officer, was again called into service. Hither Dimmings became home to evacuees. In September 1939 there were four children from London living there, and later we know that Telma Dufton stayed there with her mother, brothers and sister. After the war, Nora made one last trip to America in February 1947. When she returned home that summer, she was diagnosed with cancer. She continued painting in England until her death on 3 August 1948. According to her wishes, her ashes were taken out to Arizona by her sister Violet the following year and were scattered at the foot of one of her favourite locations, Vermilion Cliffs. A brass plaque on a rock there marks the spot. Virginia Silvester 12 The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS www.thepineappledorney.co.uk 01628 662353 The Palmer Arms Village Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepalmerarms.com 01628 666612 Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. The Palmer Arms VILLAGE ROAD • DORNEY • BERKSHIRE • SL4 6QW The Palmer Arms THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! THE PINEAPPLE The Palmer Arms The Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Pineapple MEET, DRINK & EATDorney Explore Dorney's Rich History Online Did you know that our parish has a dedicated website chronicling its fascinating history? The Dorney History website (www.dorney-history-group.org.uk) has been serving as a valuable resource for both residents and history enthusiasts since 2013. A Growing Resource Created with the aim of preserving and sharing Dorney's history, the website has become increasingly popular. It now attracts around 2,000 visitors monthly, with over 23,000 visits in the past year. The site regularly receives inquiries from former residents and their descendants seeking information about their ancestors, local properties, and life in Dorney through the ages. Recent Updates The website is regularly updated with new material. Here are some of the latest additions: 1. Local History Articles: Virginia Silvester has contributed 44 informative articles, originally published in Dorney Parish News. These excellent pieces offer fascinating insights into parish life from the 1300s to the present day. More recently added. 2. Dorney Manor Court Rolls: Newly available are 30 PDF versions of Court Rolls dating from 1546 to 1949. These documents provide a unique glimpse into the agricultural life of Dorney's residents over the centuries. 3. Dorney's Waterways: A new section (Dorney Waterways) features excerpts from Michael Bayley's book, "The Unwritten History of the Useful Waters of the River Thames." It covers local waterways including interesting anecdotes covering the Thames, the Dorney River, Roundmoor Ditch, Cress Brook, and Boveney Ditch. 4. Dorney War Memorial History: Read about the history of Dorney's War Memorial, written by ex-Cllr. Ruth Robinson in 1996. 5. Dorney Anti-Aircraft Camp: Discover the story of the anti-aircraft battery that was located on Dorney Common between 1940 and 1944. Why Visit the Website? - Research your family history or the background of your property - Learn about Dorney's role in significant historical events - Gain a deeper appreciation for our parish's rich heritage Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, the Dorney History website offers a wealth of information about our community's past. Why not take a few moments to explore www.dorney-history-group.org.uk? You might be surprised by what you discover about our parish's fascinating history! …it is a truly valuable site”, Jane W, Queensland, Australia “I was impressed by your website”, Blair I, Old Windsor Bill Dax 14 for spectacular celebrations info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake Your space... Create.Inspire.Together. Mention thi s adve rt fo r an excl u sive 25% dis c o u nt* Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. I hope all Dorney residents are enjoying a wonderful summer. This is my first update since the election, and I remain committed to being your strong local champion in Dorney. I am here to stand up for the issues that matter most to our community. I want to take this opportunity to share updates on several key matters that I have been working on that directly impact residents in Dorney. During the election, one concern expressed by residents was about the traffic speed on Common Road. I've discussed this issue with your local Parish Councillors who have stressed the need for a speed reduction in the area. This issue is currently with Buckinghamshire Council, and I will closely monitor any developments. Road safety is a top priority, and I will continue working with local authorities to address this concern. The Green Belt is vital to our community, offering us natural beauty and protection against overdevelopment. Recently, I spoke in Parliament to stress the importance of Green Belt protection. This is an issue I am deeply committed to, and I will continue to advocate for the preservation of our local countryside. During my first term as your MP, I worked closely with Dorney's Parish Councillors to oppose developments at Orchard Herbs, located on Green Belt land. I am fully aware of the continued activities at the site. With the appeal set for 10th September, I remain committed to working with local Councillors and residents to protect our Green Belt from inappropriate development. Before the recent election, I heard from many of you about your experiences with the Burnham Health Centre. I am keen to gather more feedback on the services provided and any areas that need improvement. In the coming months, I plan to meet with the centre's staff to discuss any additional concerns you may have. Your input is invaluable in helping me advocate for better healthcare services in our community. Finally, my role in Parliament has changed since the election. I am now a Shadow Energy Minister. In this capacity, I recently spoke in the Chamber on the crucial issues of energy independence and security. As your MP, I will continue to hold the government accountable for these matters, ensuring that our energy policies serve the needs of residents in Dorney and across the country. I am here to represent you and make sure Dorney's voice is heard loud and clear in Parliament. As ever, If I can be of help to you on any issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. Joy Morrissey MP 16 Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Please ring for discounted rate. Dorney Playground Management Committee would like to thank everyone who supported us with their Tesco blue token We have just received an email from the Tesco Stronger Start charity informing us that Thanks to your support we will receive a grant of £1500. The initial application was made last summer, but took a while to be processed. The application was for money to help pay for the removal of the broken I-Play and installation of the timber snake swing. As you know, the timber snake swing has been installed and we had an opening ceremony on 1st May. However, we had to use money reserved for repairs and maintenance to pay for the swing, and this grant will replace that money. Our next project is to have a fence installed around the playground to improve safety and keep dogs out of the playground area. We are applying for grants to help pay for the fence. Our summer party in July raised £500. This was, unfortunately, a bit lower than last year, but the weather forecast was against us, with heavy rain forecast for the afternoon. We would like to thank all those who attended. Despite the weather, it was an enjoyable afternoon. Our next event is the Halloween Party on Wednesday 23rd October; 17.00 – 19.30 More details next month! Lastly Can you spare 30 minutes a week to help? The Management Committee carry out a weekly check to make sure all is well in the playground. It’s mostly a visual check and can be carried out at any time of the day / any day of the week. (We also do a three-month check which is more detailed, and we pay PlayDale to do a very thorough annual check.) We need people to help us do the weekly check in October, November and January. Could you help? Obviously, we will explain everything. Dorney Playground Management Committee 07737053409 Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 18 Dorney Horticultural Society Invites you to: An evening with Antony Powell with a talk about Planting for Autumn Colour Friday 11th October 7.30-10.00 pm in Dorney Village Hall The price includes a hot supper of cottage pie and peas (vegetarian option available), bring your own drinks and glasses Invite some friends and make up your own table Tickets £12/head for members £15/head for non-members (New members can join on the evening) Pre-booking is essential Please book your place with Peter Bowman on 07889 912714 or email ddhs@btinternet.com Payment Details - Dorney Horticultural Society A/C No 53987179 Sort Code 01-08-15 Please use your surname as the payment reference THROWING A WOBBLA ON DORNEY COMMON “I still have a lot of tantrums to throw’ Breaux Greer August persistently lets us vent our rage against British weather, with either scorching heat or persistent rain boosted by gusts of gale from Lilian, who was the latest storm to breach our island, to intrude and spoil our garden events. Usually, my boyfriend Bob enters his 1957 little red Corvette into Car Fest South each year. But the invite failing to arrive this year caused him to try out the Silverstone Classic Car Festival. As they say, a change is good as a rest, and the rest is good for a change. However, on the downside there would be no track driving or charity rides, but also no cramped campervan (fabulous) as there was a new on-site hotel, with modular spaces overlooking the racetrack. However, a spanner in the works three days before departure caused dear Bob to spiral into a wobbling crisis, as we had news that this new accommodation had failed to be finished on time. This caused a major dilemma, as we quickly had to source alternative lodging, may be some distance from the car show, which did not have paddock protection for his car. Luckily, we found Whittlebury Park Spa Hotel (Spa! Yay!) and convenient as only a 15-minute walk cross country to the track. Silverstone was an interesting place, eleventy-eight square acres of tarmac, with a looping racetrack. Being flat, however, meant strong blasts of wind continuously blew, making stand-up hair the look of the weekend for most folk. Every type of car was in attendance, including some rare and others recognisable from my youth! Ayton Senna’s racing cars made a guest appearance on the track, where all day many vintage cars took up the racing challenge of their compatriots, to create one hellava noise and belch fumes whilst zooming round. Spread out over such a large area, the steps raked up massively, so by the end of the day it was very necessary to sit down with a large tonic infused with a super long slip of gin. At the beginning of this year, I happened across Keeeps Pottery (yes there is three e’s, I do have my glasses on) in Marlow. Set on the High Street, a charming shop with comprehensive studios above, full of people manipulating mud. I joined a class to take up the learning and wobbled away with my clay spinning in varying speeds on a wheel, but not really having any idea or control. The lady next to me was 8 months near birth, couldn’t quite get near enough to her wheel, but very adventurous in her clay turning, foot down, full acceleration all the time, a la Silverstone, so frequently caused lumps of nearly-pots to fly across the room like a clay skeet. Duck! Sadly, this studio closed down in the summer, so I found a lady in Cookham who taught pottery in her home studio (converted garage), and although she was not keen on teaching the wheel it was here I learnt quite a bit about hand building, which is a different skill altogether. Using hands and hand tools only, we experimented with both design and underglaze. Much less structured, in fact not structured at all, boosted creativity and allowed experimentation. But I still wanted to conquer the wheel, having only had a couple of goes at Cookham, and I mentioned to Jeanne, our tutor, that I had thoughts about buying my own wheel. This was met with a frosty response, part of which was ‘it will take you 1000 throws to make a decent pot’. So, of course, Bob was straight on the job making a good space at my cottage for this new activity. By mid-summer, Grant, the owner of Blue Matchbox Pottery supplies, arrived to install a Rohde wheel and kiln. As I had no experience of firing, I was relieved to see it came with a thick manual. 20 ‘The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place’ George Bernard Shaw The kiln had digital connection, and so could be monitored from one’s smart phone, and also sported a complex wall mounted gadget. After installing, Grant asked me to name the kiln, (for digital reference) and of course, looking at the heat she could go up to, 1300 degrees Celsius, aptly called her ‘Hot Pants'. Bob then named the wheel ‘Dizzy’ as she only danced in circles. Now installed, we took on a VERY steep learning curve on how to use them, using my memory at Keeeps and time at Cookham. The first pot was small, more like a little shallow cat bowl, but actually perfectly formed. Hurrah! Short lived. The following couple resembled Hartley’s jelly in the making, with both thin and thick walls on the finish… not so easy then. Frustrating, persistence was the only door to take, two steps forward and one and a half steps backward. Just when you think progress is being made the walls of Jericho collapse. However, the next step is fettling, a skill that can really improve a badly thrown wobbla. Using tools to trim leather hard clay into a better shape, this process eliminates rough areas, trims off knobbles and slims down fat bits, ready for a first fire. Marvelous! Hot Pants is an Ecotop kiln, meaning she runs hot and lean, with low energy usage through German technology. I couldn’t understand the manual, so passed it to Bob, who fed me information in small bite sized chunks, so that I could complete the first stage known as Bisque firing. This process gently reduces most of the water content, turns the clay to a pale colour, ready for decoration with underglaze, and subsequently a final super-hot fire that changes the clay into ceramic. We loaded Hot Pants with my four wobbla’s, and crossed our fingers that I hadn’t left any air or pockets of wet in the formed clay, which is the common cause of big cracks or explosions! The first Bisque 950C fire took 30 hours (no cracks or explosions) followed by a final fire up to 1250C, taking a further 40 hours, both times constantly checking progress on my phone. After final cooling down was completed, I gingerly opened the kiln lid to see all intact and resplendent in colour, well except for the odd bobble and one small crack. However, I still have 984 to make before getting a perfect one! I am a very long way from throwing a truly useful and substantial pot. My son, Robert, asked me to make him a cereal bowl. He’s a big lad, he likes a big bowl of breakfast, but I have made one more suited for his Weight Watchers week, small but perfectly formed. I am sure once I have decorated it, he will kindly say its beautifully painted Mum, and it means I can have two kinds of cereal, one after the other… Meantime, our Dorney Horticultural Annual Show is nearly upon us, gone by the time you read this. I hope that we all enjoyed the day, but most of all that you enjoyed the company of your fellow villagers comparing your produce and laughing at the most comic vegetable. Make a note in your diary of the next event, Friday 11th October, our Harvest Supper, where we shall all sit together to enjoy the excellent speaker, the delicious food and beverages along with the usual banter. ‘No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it’ H E Luccock Kristina Perkins 21 The Demise of the Machine A long, long time ago when I was knee high in shorts I have wonderful memories, some of which include banks! I kid you not! Banks! Really. My brilliant Mum, a mixture of Mother Theresa and Sophia Loren took us shopping up town from our sleepy Essex village to the fleshpots of Chelmsford on a double decker (one and two halves to the uniformed conductor, complete with white cap and a huge shiny ticket machine that spat out paper ticks at the turn of the handle) where my brother and I would stare wide eyed at Foden lorries, AEC Buses, Humber Hawks and Austin Sevens, Woolworths, Burtons and iced marble open fronted MacFisheries (ask your Grandfather if you’re under 30). Our regular ritual was a milk shake treat (nothing like the goo in MacTrumps), a cream bun and a visit to the bank where Mum would hand over a cheque to the same cashier, a smart smiling old forty something in a sober suit and tie under pristine Brylcreamed hair, who in return counted out ten shilling, one pound and large five pound notes, together with a boiled sweet for my brother and I. All this was replaced with an ATM bolted to the wall of the bank as my young family blossomed. With great ritual, my wife, two small boys and I fed the shiny plastic card into the machine for the first time, and upon entering the correct password on the third attempt, requested a modest £15. As it clicked and chuntered, our boys skittishly tiring of this brave new world, it suddenly produced a till roll receipt which informed me that there were ‘insufficient funds available’. In high dudgeon I marched up to the counter (I said it was a long time ago) and stated loudly, “I have been issued this card, and the very first time I try to use it, there are ‘insufficient funds’ in the machine!” The suave young man was placatory, with a hint of servility. “Oh dear, Sir. May I see the card please, I’ll see what I can do,” and he peered haughtily at the offending article, consulting some ledger out of sight to me. “And the printout please, Sir? Ah yes, I see what’s happened. We have sufficient funds in our machine. Sadly, the insufficiency is yours.” “I’m sorry,” I sighed theatrically. “I don’t understand.” He smiled a patronising banker smile and breathed, “We have sufficient funds in our machine. Sadly, you do not in your account.” This was my introduction to the brave new world where ‘The Machine’ ruled, and it’s disdain for me followed a steady downward path as ‘The Machine’ grew ever more complicated requiring we poor souls to do more and more of the work whilst dispensing with the services of people like Mr. Smug referred to above. In my police career, arresting violent wife beaters, chasing criminals in stolen cars, even arresting murderers was less daunting than negotiating with a photocopier the size of a small car, now occupying a corner of what had been the typing pool. If I went anywhere near a machine with a brain of its own, disaster usually followed. And so, on 25th July 2024 at 8.30 I had a Doctor’s Appointment!!! Uncertain as to whether to use it or sell it on E Bay, I turned up shortly after 8.00am with the instruction ringing in my ear, “When you arrive and see the queue outside the surgery, come to the front and tell the reception you have an appointment,” having seen the long queue of sick people, my resolve faded at the 22 prospect of a lynching until I saw a kindly lady at the head standing in front of closed doors with a clip board. With some trepidation, I mumbled “Excuse me please” to my fellow sickies as I squeezed my way to the front. “Your date of birth please?” the nice lady enquired. “I have an 8.30 appointment with a doctor,” I whispered. “All the computers are down,” she announced. “All appointments are postponed.” I expected a groan from the waiting throng, but clearly, they were not surprised, as neither was I, of yet another failing of the key of the door into everything else NHS. But on this occasion, it was not their fault! It was worldwide and my fault...again. ‘The Machine’ saw my name inside its bowels and struck another blow. “We’ll call you,” she said. Did I get my appointment I hear you ask? Well of course I did, but not with a Doctor. They are becoming as distant as bank clerks. I saw a very nice associate instead. Days later, I entered a petrol station in the fleshpots of Slough in my green suit, having filled the ambulance. Squatting to one side of the doorway was an early twenties man. “Do you have any change Sir?” he asked looking up. “No sorry mate,” I answered without slowing down. He was clean shaven, neat but grubby, wellspoken and looked tired. I paid for the fuel (with the NHS fuel card!) and walked past him without looking back. “You miserable git!” I scolded myself. He was somebody’s son. He could have been one of mine in different circumstances. It could even be me one day. Who knows what Fate holds? I found some coins. Four pounds. Oh, to Hell with it. I walked back and gave him a fiver. “There you go Sir,” I smiled as he looked up. Everyone loves the green suit, so I asked, “What’s the story Mate. You’re articulate and well-spoken at the beginning of your life. There’s got to be something better for you than sitting in doorways. It’s none of my damn business I know, so please tell me to clear off if you don’t want to discuss it.” He started to talk, and I squatted down with him. A story of drink, drugs, violence and minor convictions made the path back difficult to say the least, if not impossible. After a while, introductions made and handshakes, with fervent wishes for good luck, I returned to the ambulance, and got behind the wheel. As I started it, I heard “Mike. Mike!” I looked up. My new friend arrived breathlessly at the window. “This is for you Mike,” and he pressed a small chocolate bar into hand. It was delicious. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 23 The Changing Face of Dorney Parish: A Planning Saga (September 2024) As autumn approaches, the rural Dorney Parish finds itself entangled in a complex web of planning issues that threaten to reshape its very character. Let's journey through the current landscape of planning applications, appeals, and community concerns shaping our beloved parish's future. The Orchard Herbs Odyssey The Orchard Herbs site saga continues to captivate the community. While the recent refusal of a hotel development appeal might seem like the end, it's merely the beginning of a new chapter. This decision has provided valuable insights for the upcoming appeal concerning the continuance of the truck scrapyard, concrete suppliers, and scaffolding suppliers. Picture a stern-faced Secretary of State penning words for the hotel refusal that would echo through local government corridors and will apply to the Enforcement Notice appeal: "Weighing against the proposal is the harm to the Green Belt, which carries substantial weight, the potential harm to highway safety which carries moderate weight, the potential harm to flood risk which carries significant weight, the harm to the character and appearance of the area which carries significant weight, and the less than substantial harm to the setting of designated heritage assets which carries great weight." Mark your calendars for September 10th, 2024. At 10 AM in the High Wycombe Council Chamber, a public inquiry will commence, lasting eight days over two weeks, to determine the Orchard Herbs site's fate. It is available on Microsoft Teams. Email planning.appeals.csb@buckinghamshire.gov.uk and they will send you a Microsoft Teams link. A Parish in Flux But Orchard Herbs isn't the only act in this grand performance. Court Farm's plans for 11 new houses, once thought to be the final frontier of major development in Dorney, now seem but one chapter in an expanding story. Then there's the curious case of Eton College stables, with three planning applications submitted for rescue pony housing. One can't help but wonder about the old Cow Shed at Boveney Court Farm Buildings, owned by Eton College – doesn't it whisper of a ready-made solution? The Supporting Cast Our story's supporting characters include: - Boveney Court Farm Buildings, awaiting a written appeal's outcome - The pending Court Farm planning application Each thread weaves into the tapestry of our parish's future, creating a complex pattern of change and preservation. The Power of the People Dear readers, you are not mere spectators but crucial players in this grand production. Your voices, raised in comments to planning authorities, have the power to shift the very foundations of these decisions. Imagine a chorus of concerned citizens, their keyboards clacking in unison as they submit their thoughts online. In the world of planning, numbers matter. The more voices join the chorus, the more weight it carries. Even the esteemed Dorney Parish Council counts as but a single voice in this grand symphony. It is the collective voice of the community that truly has the power to shape our shared future. As we turn the page on this chapter of Dorney's story, we look to the future with a mix of anticipation and concern. What will the next act bring? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the story of attempts to build major housing developments in Dorney Parish is far from over, and each one of us has a role to play in writing its next chapters. Stay tuned, dear neighbours, for the saga continues... Bill Dax 24 Many Dorney residents must be looking forward to the return of access to Dorney Lake in September. ‘Dorney Parish News’ was informed by the Lake management that opening was scheduled for September 3rd. Judging by the events of 2023, a definite date such as this might just be a little provisional. Then the site opened and almost immediately shut for a further fortnight. If you are looking forward to a quiet walk in the Lake grounds, pray for heavy rain. Last year, the Lake opened during a hot spell and almost immediately there were swimmers jumping off bridges and motor bikes speeding around. But re-opening is imminent, and the Lake would like us to pass on the message that car park passes should be renewed ready for that. Easiest for everyone is to go to the Dorney Lake website and complete the renewal form. If anyone has any issues with that online form, the Lake assures us that phone callers will be able to renew their passes. Eton College’s plans for the Parish, and Dorney resident’s hopes for controlled access to the Lake are matters of great discussion, so it is little wonder that many at the Annual Parish Meeting in May called for meetings between the Lake management and Dorney Parish Council. Following the July Parish Council meeting, it was clearly the intention that these meetings will be resumed. 25 1 . Vacancy for Parish Councillor Dorney Parish Council has a vacancy following the resignation of William Voaden. If any resident is interested, please contact the Parish Clerk: Clerk@dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk Orchard Herbs Appeal Hearing starts 10 September: DPC is supporting the Enforcement Notice. See Page 24 about joining online. Parish Litter Pick: After our great success in April our next community litter pick is on 6 October with refreshments afterwards at The Old Cottage, Village Road from 11:00am. Please RSVP to jill@daxfamily.com NEXT DPC MEETING Wednesday 17th September 7.30pm at Dorney School. Last 2024 meeting will be held on 19 November. We do regularly update the Parish Council website with new information. Please, especially, check Planning and Local Projects. www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk With sincere thanks to our friends at the Rotary Club of Langley and Iver and all of our regular litter pickers: From: Rotary Club of Langley and Iver Subject: Jubilee River Plastic Blitz Date: July 2024 Hello Jill (chairperson of Dorney Parish Council!) The Rotary Club of Langley and Iver organised a Plastic Blitz on the Jubilee river this afternoon and three members of the Rotary Club of Burnham Beeches attended, me included. Plastic Blitz is where a 50m stretch of riverbank is meticulously searched and recordings taken of what is found and sent to the Environment Agency. Two of us walked from the car park by the Pineapple toward Maidenhead as far as West Town pedestrian Bridge. One collected rubbish, the other recycling. I am delighted to inform you that there was very little of either! Maybe half a dozen cans/plastic bottles and less than an A5 sized bag of rubbish, mainly tissues. The six who went toward Slough also came back astounded at how little they had collected. We walked for about an hour. In total about three black sacks of cans/bottles and one half of rubbish. So, it looks as if your volunteer group is doing a splendid job! Well done! Nick (Teale, our previous parish litter picking guru – much missed!) 26 TAPLOW STATION MODEL UPDATE In March I wrote about aspects of the history of Taplow station and the model railway layout of it being created by Slough and Windsor Railway Society. This project started with a lot of background research. Old Ordnance Survey maps which can be viewed at https://maps.nls.uk/ provided snapshots of the development of the station and track over time. A detailed contemporary signalling plan was unearthed and an equally detailed report on the former footbridge by the Museum of London Archaeology Service was found online. Books and magazines were combed for pictures and descriptions. Photos were studied to understand better the way the station used to operate. A visit to the National Archives in Kew uncovered beautifully drawn plans of major changes to the station in the Victorian era and the specification for the new signal box in 1929. Armed with this information, the modelling team drew up accurate paper plans for the layout. These are now being translated into actual track, complete with authentic points and signalling. Four of the eventual eight boards - which together will extend to 36 feet long – now have the railway lines in place and test trains have been run on them successfully. This initial layout concentrates on the station itself and the extensive sidings which used to run east of the station, to the goods yard and beyond. One of the surprising aspects of Taplow station’s history to those of us who know it only as a passenger station is just how important it was for goods traffic, including serving local businesses. The image demonstrates how carefully these features are being reproduced. It will take time to complete the full model of Taplow station especially recreating its iconic buildings. But you can see progress so far, among other layouts, at the SWRS exhibition in Burnham Park Hall on 26 and 27 October, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4pm on Sunday. The price for adults is £8, children half price or £20 for a family. Virginia Silvester 27 Robbie Gibbs (1941 – 2024) Although to most he must surely have been ensconced at Dorney since the time of the famous pineapple and Barbara Villiers, Robbie first crossed the cattle grid and appeared in Dorney around 1990. He had been introduced to Peregrine and myself as a potential house sitter. We knew little about him other than he was reliable and loved dogs. Robbie’s parents married during the Second World War, both aged 20. His Father, a Fighter Pilot, who wanted little to do with him, vanished from his life to be replaced by a much beloved step father who died aged 41 leaving his wife, 5 siblings,12 and under, and Robbie who was then 20. Robbie was an incredibly gifted school boy, academically gifted and a brilliant sportsman but after leaving Wellington his life became complicated for too many reasons to fully understand. As one Villager wrote “We were intrigued by his interesting personal history, but the precise details often seemed a little elusive” He made an instant impression as he would with all those he encountered. Always positive and in an unforgettable fashion. Mention any name and he would either be related or have some connection. In 2004 Robbie arrived in Dorney for what was originally intended to be a brief pit stop on his peripatetic journey ended up becoming a 20 year stay until circumstances took him to North Marston. So Robbie arrived in his caravan – Harry his beloved Norfolk terrier in tow and their lives in Dorney began at Pigeon House Farm under the watchful eyes of Liz and Richard George who made sure he was coping and who soon got him involved with various escapades – he became a proficient bundler of asparagus, although sensibly never a picker. It was also the start of his regular Sunday suppers with Richard and Liz which he relished as Liz is a superb cook. Over the following years Robbie became a presence around the Village. He started taking guided tours round the house and it was not long before he was vying for the non-existent role of Head Guide much to the dismay of those who had started guiding in 1981! His extensive knowledge of history intermingled with the part some of the Palmers played in it over the last 400 years led to his tours being much acclaimed and many a letter singing his praises winged their way to me. He also ventured into public speaking with his ‘Courtiers and Courtesans’ lecture to many a University of the Third Age, WI or History Society Group. I soon realised how invaluable Robbie could be to the many roles I had to play after Peregrine’s death, film supervision being one of them. I found the film days starting 28 at the crack of dawn and often ending in the early hours of the following day hugely exhausting on top of everything else and Robbie volunteered to take on the role of a Film Supervisor. Soon his knowledge of all film workings was extensive and he even told me he got various jobs at Pinewood but I never followed those conversations up . . . . . . Despite the stresses and strains of the filming hours and responsibilities involved, Robbie kept everything under his own version of control until age and excruciating leg problems made it impossible for him – albeit he refused to countenance any limitations and denied any problems, much like the Monty Python’s Black Knight. On one occasion I was trying to track Robbie down with some filming issue and could not find him anywhere – someone eventually pointed him out to me – he had gone and got a part as an ‘extra’ and was dressed as a monk and relishing his AmDram moment. I was not overly thrilled that he was moonlighting but his filming role became a major part of his life over his Dorney years and he also snagged roles for his dogs including Thistle being ‘cast’ relatively recently by Kenneth Branagh as Shakespeare’s faithful hound. He helped the Lower Ward Caledonian Society in Windsor organise many a Burns Night Celebration along with his Military Knight friend, David Steele (who sadly died last week). Here his thespian aspirations could rival Ian McKellen as he boomed out the Address to the Haggis. He also played a pivotal role at the many corporate dinners and lunches I was having in the house – as I welcomed at the front door most thought I was the maid so handed me their coats, going on into the house to be greeted by Robbie who they presumed was the Lord of the Manor, and he played this part remarkably well. Wherever our guests came from Robbie had been there, whichever company they worked for Robbie had too – it was quite extraordinary he seemed to have connections with everybody and extensive knowledge about everything. Robbie had a wonderful bass voice, much needed in our congregation here at St. James’s, and he also sang with the Windsor and Eton Choral Society and again took on various roles for them, along with being a member on our PCC for a few years, and I believe a bell ringer. All these positions he took on with great gusto. The Dorney Palmers will certainly miss his thunderous voice carrying across the fields shouting for his dogs– HARRY, HOSTSPUR, BODIE and latterly his muchloved THISTLE. His stories were legendary, and he had a gift for covering three different subjects in a single breath. Keeping up was tough! His huge kindness to me – never a bad mood (although others might not have been quite so blessed), always willing and making my life so much easier after Peregrine’s death allowing me some freedom away from Dorney trusting in his dedication of running things his way which worked for me. Thank you, Robbie. Jill Palmer 29 The Taplow Sea Bears: A Channel-Crossing Triumph In just 7 months, a group of strangers transformed into the Taplow Sea Bears, tackling one of the world's most iconic swimming challenges - the English Channel. Named for their connection to Taplow Lakeside, this determined team defied the odds with an average age of 51, well above the typical 36 for channel relays. Under the guidance of professional swim coach Stephen Gould, six swimmers - Katy, Bondy, Carine, Janet, Mike, and Claire - embarked on an intensive training regimen. They braved local lakes and lidos, honing their strokes, building speed, and steeling themselves against the cold. But their mission extended beyond personal achievement. The Sea Bears swam to raise funds for The Samaritans, a vital lifeline for those in crisis. Team member Katy, a Samaritans volunteer, explained the impact: "Being able to give someone the time and space to be themselves, explore their thoughts and feelings with no judgment... can be the starting point to finding a way to get their life heading in a better direction." After a false start due to weather, July 8th saw the team finally dive in. At 11:48 AM, Katy took the first plunge, initiating a strict rotation where each swimmer tackled an hour in the channel's challenging waters. The initial hours brought unexpected visitors - jellyfish! Three team members felt their sting, but with laughter and mutual support, they pressed on. On the boat, a flurry of activity kept seasickness at bay as teammates prepared food, assisted with changeovers, and maintained morale. By 7 PM, they reached the Separation Zone between English and French waters. As the sea grew choppier, Bondy likened it to "going a few rounds in the boxing ring." Yet spirits remained high, with silly dances and the Image shows narrow separation zone between English and French waters. The curve is demonstrating how the swimmers are pulled sideways by the tide Samaritans flag flying proudly from their boat. Nightfall brought new challenges. Mike and Janet found themselves swimming twice in the darkness, battling not just the waves but the disorienting lack of visual cues. The tide turned against them, threatening to push the team towards the dangerous shipping lanes near Calais. It was a critical moment. Only one in five relay teams succeed in crossing the Channel, and the Sea Bears found themselves swimming against a seeming treadmill of tide and wind. But this "random group" revealed its true strength. When the pilot expected them to break, they dug deeper, encouraging each other with laughter and determination through the long night. Their perseverance paid off. Breaking through the opposing tide, they made their final push towards the French coast. Katy, in a testament to the team's endurance, took on her fourth leg to bring the swim home. 30 At 6:40 AM on July 9th, after an epic 18 hours and 52 minutes, the Taplow Sea Bears touched French soil. Their triumph wasn't just personal - it was a beacon of hope for the countless individuals supported by The Samaritans. The full route – what an epic crossing One supporter beautifully captured the parallel between the swim and the charity's mission: "I can't possibly imagine what it's like out there in the cold water in the dark. That's possibly how people feel when they call The Samaritans." The Sea Bears' journey embodies the very essence of The Samaritans' work - being there in the darkest moments, offering support, encouragement, and a helping hand to those who need it most. To support the Taplow Sea Bears and The Samaritans, visit their JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/taplow-sea-bears-1713707903093 or search for "Taplow Sea Bears" on JustGiving. Remember, Samaritans are there for everyone, always just a call away at 116 123. The Taplow Sea Bears - L to R: Claire, Mike, Bondy, Stephen, Katy, Janet, Carine Sally Sharp 31 Anti-Social Behaviour and Security Issues at Trumper’s Field/Dorney Village Hall Through 2024 there have been anti-social behaviour and security concerns at the Dorney Village Hall car park and surrounding the Trumper's Field area. Residents, particularly those on Meadow Way, have been experiencing disturbances from people using the car park late at night for activities such as dangerous driving, drug use, and loud music. Both Dorney Parish Council and Dorney Village Hall were advised of problems in June and immediately took action, within their legal powers. A trial system was implemented whereby volunteers from the local community would lock the gates at night and unlock them in the morning. While this has been effective in reducing the anti-social behaviour, it is not seen as a sustainable long-term solution. The volunteers are becoming frustrated, and some have stopped participating due to abuse and threats. The proposed solution is to install an automatic gate, like the one at Dorney Lake. However, there are complications around funding, ownership, and responsibilities since the land and current gates are owned by Buckinghamshire Council. In June it was agreed to start a trial of volunteers locking and unlocking the gates. Padlocks and keys were purchased and distributed by Bill Dax of Dorney Village Hall. By July, the initial feedback was that the locked gate was deterring anti-social behaviour. Even if ‘100% effective’ volunteers still have faced abuse. A new system using combination locks and earlier closing times has been proposed. But who uses the gates? Quite a number of people it seems! Event bookings at the Village Hall can be made between 0800hrs and 2300hrs, 365 days a year. During the week, it is usually regular users – dance classes, badminton, drama classes and the like. These finish at around 2200hrs. Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays it is usually children’s and family parties which finish as late as 2300hrs. Dorney Village Hall cleaners need access by 0700hrs on three mornings a week. Biffa Waste and Bucks Council waste collectors have variable hours. Dorney School, during term time, needs access for children to be dropped off for 0730hrs Breakfast club. And people visiting the Playground. As we go to press, all the parties are considering possible next steps. For gates, quotes are being pursued and funding options considered for an automatic gate installation. This seems to be the preferred long-term solution, although it may present tailgating problems. There could be repair and refurbishment of existing gates to enable combination padlocks to be used, short-term. Communication is being improved between all stakeholders with temporary signage installed at the gates and in the Hall with clear information about opening/closing times and procedures. Dorney Village Hall is taking the lead here. The Parish Council continues to engage with local authorities (Police, Bucks Council) to push for their involvement in addressing the underlying anti-social behaviour issues. Short-term alternatives to the volunteer system are being looked, such as paid individuals or a security company to lock and unlock the gates or just making the volunteer system more sustainable. CCTV installation could be a deterrent. Peter Bowman 32 MINUTES OF THE DORNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 16th JULY 2024, 7.30pm AT DORNEY SCHOOL Present Cllr. Jill Dax (Chair) Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford Cllr. Anna Palmer Cllr. Robert Stopford Cllr. Euan MacLennan County Cllr. Kirsten Ashman, Clerk Ruth Senior and 1 member of the public Public Forum No comments PC/35/24 Apologies for absence Cllr. Stephen Baker, County Cllr. George Sandy and County Cllr. Paul Kelly PC/36/24 Declaration of interest on any items of business on this Agenda There were none declared. PC/37/24 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15th May 2024 These were approved with no amendments required and signed by the Chairman. PC/38/24 To receive the Clerk report The Clerk report there was no update for this meeting. PC/39/24 To agree the meeting dates for 2025 These were circulated by the Clerk before the meeting and agreed for distribution. PC/40/24 To agree the policies and constitutional document updates These were circulated by the Clerk prior to the meeting. No changes were made other than the removal of an appendix and general formatting. All agreed. PC/41/24 Items of business carried forward 41.1 The Orchard Herbs Site Cllr. Stopford reported that there has been no movement on the enforcement notice and the appeal hearing is scheduled for September. Parking on Old Lake End Road from the site is causing problems and there is an abandoned vehicle which has been reported to the Council. Burnham Parish Council have also confirmed that they have written to Bucks in support of our work. 41.2 The Neighbourhood Plan Following the resignation of William Voaden, the Clerk has been in touch with the Neighbourhood Plan team at Bucks and information has been passed to Cllr. Stopford. Cllr. Dax and Cllr. Stopford will meet with Bucks to work on the plan going forward. Dorney Parish News have agreed to regularly publish the lastest information on the plan to keep residents informed and there will be the re-introduction of a Working Group to manage the plan development, including Peter Bowman, Bill Dax and any other residents who would like to be involved. PC/42/24 Planning There is a new application for 53 Harcourt Road, Cllr. Stopford will update the Council. There are no changes to the Boveney Court Farm appeal or Court Farm application. PC/43/24 Finance The cashbook was circulated prior to the meeting and approved. 34 The Clerk confirmed that the AGAR has been submitted to the External Auditor. PC/44/24 To discuss the replacement of resigned Councillor William Voaden There are two options, advertise and co-opt a replacement now or wait until the elections next year. It was agreed that we will wait until next year however if anyone is interested in more information about becoming a Dorney Parish Councillor, please contact the Parish Clerk. PC/45/24 To update on and consider the transfer of Dorney Village Hall (DVH) to Dorney Parish Council (DPC) Following the information from the Charities Commission advising that the Governing Documents of the Hall should state how the transfer could take place, the Village Hall are seeking further legal advice. PC/46/24 To consider a meeting with Eton College to discuss future plans It was agreed that this meeting should take place. Cllr. Dax will confirm details. PC/47/24 To agree the new security gate actions at Trumpers Field Thanks were given to the team of volunteers from Meadow Way who will now open and lock the gate daily at 7am and 11.15pm. The padlock will be checked for security and fire safety. PC/48/24 To receive an update on Dorney Playground The summer party on 9th July raised £475 and there is another Halloween party planned for 23rd October. Funding is being sought for the new fencing around the playground. PC/49/24 To update on speeding through Dorney, particularly Dorney Common including MVAS There has been no further update from Martin Tett following the letter in May, other than the information was being passed on to Cabinet Member, Steven Broadbent. It was agreed that this will be followed up and County. Cllr Ashman confirmed that she will also ask for an update once the Clerk has sent all the information to her. PC/50/24 To receive an update on the Thames Water Treatment Plant Cllr. Stopford discovered that contractors are being put in place for the upgrade works and has contacted the Project Manager, David Mayfield for a full update. PC/51/24 To discuss the cattle grid The side of the cattle grid entering Dorney Village from Common Road has become very noisy again on entering the village. It was agreed that the Clerk will contact the Local Area Technician to report. PC/52/24 To consider including the cost of strimming around playground equipment with our contractor This was agreed. PC/53/24 To ratify opening a savings account for DPC reserves It was agreed that we will investigate opening two savings accounts, one with Cambridge and Counties with a 90 day access and one with our existing bank Unity Trust giving instant access. PC/54/24 To consider any complaints/comments received from residents Overgrown hedgerows and paths have been reported to the Clerk and has been logged on Fix My Street however Bucks have confirmed that their current priority is dangerous sight lines and junctions. The recent weather conditions have meant that the whole country is suffering with growth. Dorney Common is suffering with a ragwort problem since the ban on pesticide use, there will be groups out on the common pulling the ragwort up by hand. If anyone would like to join, any help would be welcome. PC/55/24 Items to consider for discussion at the next meeting on 17th September 2024 None Meeting ended at 8.35 pm 35 Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach, Maidenhead SL6 0DY Ofsted graded ‘Good’ for EYFS, Personal Behaviour & Warm, inclusive, nurturing community that places Visit our website at www.dorneyschool.co.uk or call us on 01628 620871 to arrange a visit. Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken - no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 39 Month Food Garden General Mixed Paper and Textiles/Batteries waste waste waste recycling cardboard Electricals Jul 5, 12, 19, 26 12, 26 5,19 12, 26 12, 26 12, 26 Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 31 9, 23 2, 16, 31 9, 23 9, 23 9, 23 Sep 6, 13, 20, 27 6,20 13,27 6, 20 6, 20 6, 20 Provided by Bucks Council Dorney Waste Collection Calendar 40 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) ____________________________________________________ Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 Advertising Rates Height mm Width mm 10 issues 1 issue Full Page 190 130 £100 £13 Half Page 90 130 £55 £8 Third of a page (Horizontal) 60 130 £50 £7 Quarter Page (Horizontal) 45 130 £45 £6 41 Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code C123X Trumper's Field (Dorney Village Hall) Security Gates in Meadow Way 07955 672150 Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action 999 Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls 101 National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice 111 Crimestoppers Anonymously report information 0800 555 111 Water Leaks Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Sewage Problems Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Power Cuts SSE Networks - Central Southern England 0800 072 7282 Gas Leaks National Grid 0800 111 999 Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Footpath Problems www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 Local Swan Rescue/Rehabilitation 07968 868172 Emergency Contact Details 42 S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News October 2024 Dorney Horticultural Society Annual Show My Best Friend by Leo Seels, selected as the winner of the Dorney Mouse RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 ISSUE NO. 08/24 OCTOBER 2024 EDITORIAL Apocolypse now. Apocolypse here? There might be a new school term, a new government, a new football season and, yet there is a distinct ‘End of Days’ atmosphere around Dorney. For instance, we could be consumed by fire. ‘Get your camera and get over to Orchard Herbs, it’s on fire!’ yelled one of our contributors one afternoon. So, on September 3rd I saw that the view from Marsh Lane across the fields to the Jubilee River and beyond recalled newsreels of Middle East conflicts with oil wells ablaze on the horizon. What looked like two large bonfires in the site were belching toxic looking black smoke directly towards The Pineapple. Racing to alert my editorial partner I bumped into the very concerned manager of our beloved pub. The garden had been emptied of customers as ash had literally dropped in their beer. Unprecedented. At least two fire engines arrived. An officer warned us to avoid breathing in the acrid smoke. Hoses were unfurled, connected to hydrants, Lake End traffic was halted, jets played on flames. The urgency around the site contrasted with the complete lack of it within. Then, it was over. Countless myths from many cultures tell of a world ended by flood. It seems strange to see a flood not caused by weather as an item on our September Parish Council agenda. Orchard Herbs casually burning well, something, and Thames Water releasing water from the Slough Treatment Works prompts a cynical ‘they do it because they can’. This column grew up in East Anglia on the edge of The Fens where a fertile environment no longer immersed was created and preserved by respect for nature and fellow humanity, vigilance and engineering precision. How far downwards towards reckless selfishness we seem to have moved as a society. Given the faintly mystical nature of this column, I should record that the RSPB are very excited by the bird watching opportunities created by ‘Dorney Lake’, especially the fact that rare Great Egrets have been sighted on the Common. In Egyptian and Celtic culture, the appearance of this bird heralds a return of harmony, balance, patience and purity…none of which would go amiss. I don’t suppose those who created The Book of Revelations had any knowledge of the Planet of theApes franchise, but surely the end of humanity might not be by fire or flood but by replacement by another species. Already in Dorney, the bats and the badgers are proving our friends in the face of overarching stupidity by humanity. The Boveney Court Farm inspector wrote that ‘the sum of the benefits delivered by the development…would be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the harm to bats…’ while I seem to recall that the unforgiveable destruction of trees and bushes on the M4 embankments adjacent to Dorney Reach were delayed by many months as Highways England were forced to respect the badgers’ right to an elongated breeding season. I always had a soft spot for those badgers… 3 Services in the Local Churches Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Vicar: Vacant Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes… Dear All, I recently updated you on our application timescales for our new Vicar and Associate Vicar. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone to plan. We did receive an application, but they were deemed by the Diocese of having insufficient experience. So, when I previously stated that I would expect a new Vicar in January I am moving it now to February… I was probably too optimistic, maybe I still am. That said, all services are covered from now until just before Easter so we will continue to bring you a Holy Communion within the new Benefice weekly. In fact, we have an excessive number of Holy Communion services this coming month. I promise it is not due to Halloween. Our Bishop will be attending 13th October in both Dorney at 09:30 and Eton Wick at 11:00. There will also be a Harvest Lunch after Eton Wick’s service at 12:15… All are welcome. Halloween… Whilst Halloween can be dated back to the Celts, over 2,000 years ago, our current modern interpretation/celebration can be traced back to when the settlers from England colonised the ‘New World’, i.e. the United States of America. They would come together to share food. It was a time of celebration, prior to All Saints Day, when those who were less fortunate would knock on the doors of the local 4 aristocrats, lord and ladies and ask for food, in exchange for knocking they would be invited in for a feast and celebration. I am sure, if I knocked on anyone’s door on Halloween nowadays, I would not be invited in for a feast, and probably at my age, I would be sent off with a ‘flea in my ear’, but that is where our modern Halloween comes from. As a final thought, we have now confirmed all our Christmas services, and I will bring you details of these next month. God Bless invited in for a feast and celebration. I am sure, if I knocked on anyone’s door on Halloween nowadays, I would not be invited in for a feast, and probably at my age, I would be sent off with a ‘flea in my ear’, but that is where our modern Halloween comes from. As a final thought, we have now confirmed all our Christmas services, and I will bring you details of these next month. God Bless Stephen Baker Church Services in October 2024 Wednesday 2nd October 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 6th October 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am All Age Family Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 13th October (Harvest with Bishop Steven) 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 16th October 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 20th October 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 27th October 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 5 Dorney Parish Planning Update: September 2024 As autumn arrives in Dorney Parish, our community continues to balance its rural character with ongoing development pressures. This update covers recent events in our local planning landscape. Orchard Herbs Site: Public Inquiry Concluded The Orchard Herbs site remains a focal point of local planning discussions. A Public Inquiry, lasting eight days, concluded on Friday, September 20th, 2024. The inquiry featured testimonies from local residents, council officials, and expert witnesses, all presented before a Planning Inspector. Two barristers led the proceedings, which included testimonies and cross-examinations. We now await the Inspector's decision, though the exact date for this verdict has not been announced. Eton College: Boveney Court Farm Buildings Appeal Eton College recently received a setback in its development plans. The Planning Inspector dismissed their appeal regarding the refused planning permission for Boveney Court Farm Buildings. However, it's possible that Eton College may submit a revised planning application in the future, potentially after the new government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill is finalised, which could happen before the end of the year. Court Farm: PendingApplication The Court Farm planning application remains under consideration. This development proposal continues to be an important part of our local planning discussions. Boveney Court Stables This is the third planning application for some alternative stables for the ponies currently in the area near Rambler’s Car Park. Some suggest that the unused old Cow House at Boveney Court Farm would be an excellent solution. Community Involvement in Planning Decisions We continue to encourage community participation in the planning process. Your input is valuable, and the number of responses can significantly influence planning decisions. While the Dorney Parish Council provides its own input, individual community members' contributions are equally important in shaping the future of our area. LookingAhead The topic of major housing developments in Dorney Parish remains an ongoing issue. As we move forward, each community member has an opportunity to contribute to the discussion and help shape the future of our shared environment. We will continue to provide updates on these and other planning matters affecting Dorney Parish. Bill Dax 6 “You’ve lost that loving feeeeeeling, woah….oaah, that looooving feeeeling”. I was never a massive fan of The Righteous Brothers, but it does have that incredible (and very distinctive) “Wall of Sound” production courtesy of Phil Spector, who sadly later went completely bonkers, murdered the actress Lana Clarkson and then died in disgrace in prison. Geniuses, eh? The song was also immortalised in the original Top Gun film (I still haven’t seen the sequel although I hear its pretty good, if you like that sort of thing). However, I best remember it from my old days living in West Ealing before we moved to the delights of Dorney Reach. At that time, there was a weekly music pub quiz in one of the local pubs called the Haven (sadly no longer there, although looking back perhaps for the best) and given it was in Ealing, one of the regular pub quiz teams were called You’ve Lost That Loving Ealing. You can see what they’ve done there. Our team wasn’t so obvious, we were called Smells Like Team Spirit. I’ll get my (grungy checked) coat… Anyway, I digress. The reason I mention all this is that I was back in the vicinity of Ealing this weekend to meet some friends at Horsenden Hill. We spent the afternoon at Horsenden Farm, where there was a very cool kind of mini festival going on with live music, local ciders and beers and most excellent wood fired pizzas courtesy of thehorsendenloaf.co.uk. I’m not sure how often they run the event, but I think its quite regular and they do pizzas on the Saturday and then roast dinners on the Sunday. One to check out if you are ever nearby. However, that was not the main reason I was there. What I really wanted to check out was the beaver enclosure in Paradise Fields, where there is an introduced beaver family living in a 14 hectare robustly fenced in enclosure, directly opposite a TK Maxx and McDonalds. Quite the contrast. https://theealingbeaverproject.com/paradise-fields/ Leaky dam helpingtoprevent floodingandimprove water quality Gnawed beaver stumpand chippings Funky beaver graffiti inunderpass I think as I have said in these pages before, beavers are amazing eco-system engineers, only behind elephants and of course humans for their impact on their local environment. It was great to see the dams and ponds they had created which would benefit all sorts of other wildlife, and to check out the very obvious evidence of tree felling which they use for food, dam building and to construct their lodges. There are more macro invertebrates in the water, kingfishers are now spotted regularly, and water rail has been spotted for the first time ever, which you can see in this video of beavery activity: https://youtu.be/wHLCr2jkDUs?si=r6u6c5B-FAXs4_w3 8 Removing some trees is of great benefit as it opens up the canopy for other plant species, provided lots of decaying dead wood (which in many ways is of even more value to wildlife that living wood) and their favourite tree is willow which is very well adapted to vigorously grow back, even after being thoroughly chomped by the beaver crew, and providing lots of lovely coppiced scrubs for endangered birds like the willow tit for example. Aberfeldy beaver pond with problematic Tiny froglet benefiting Gnawed oak still clinging Himalayan balsam in the from beaver wetlands to life foreground While on holiday inAberfeldy with the family we also checked out some of the beaver action up North. As you can see in the first photo they have created some lovely ponds, although it was noticeable that the invasive Himalayan balsam is proliferating everywhere. Although very pretty and very popular with bees, it is crowding out lots of the native plant life and there seems to be no strategy to control it, although the beavers are partial to it and make a noise like crunching through celery as they fell the stems. There are approximately 2,000 wild beavers living in the Forth and Tay catchments now. Not everyone is delighted about this. Some farmers shoot the beavers under licence or illegally, but the majority of Scottish people are in favour of the return of beavers and as well as their positive impact on the environment they provide a direct economic boost via wildlife tourism. Personally, I would love to see wild beavers living in South Bucks. Under the new Labour administration, I believe wild beaver releases will finally be legally allowed in England, and we may see the glorious sight of a pair of beavers and their kits frolicking in the Jubilee River in my lifetime. Lastly, I hadn’t been down to Dorney Lake for quite some time. It is still frustrating that it’s rarely open to locals in the summer, but we took advantage of the gates for once being open to us mere peasants and took the dogs for a good stretch. I was encouraged to see a small area they have given over to wildflowers which is still in the initial stages of establishment. They’ve taken an interesting approach of bordering the wild native flowers with some attractive cottage garden standards which while not native are still excellent for pollinators and, of course, provide a lovely splash of colour Andrew Oliver 9 It is always a pleasure to write for Dorney Parish News and update you on the work I’ve been doing. Both locally and in Parliament, I am continuing to stand up for the issues that matter most to our wonderful community. As your MP, I’m always listening to your concerns—from protecting our precious Green Belt, to ensuring the best education for our children, and supporting British farmers. Locally, I’ve been closely monitoring the Orchard Herbs inquiry, which concluded on 20th September. I know how concerned residents have been with this development over such a long period of time, which is why I will be following the outcome carefully. I’ve always believed in protecting our local environment, and the current site at Orchard Herbs, in my view, is an eyesore on the local community. More broadly, I’ve been working hard to protect the Green Belt across the constituency. It’s alarming that the Government’s planning changes could result in 100,000 new developments in Buckinghamshire. I share your concerns, and I will be doing everything in my power to preserve our beautiful countryside. Our Green Belt is not just land—it’s part of the fabric of our community, a place where families enjoy nature, and where wildlife can thrive. Education is something I’m deeply passionate about. I recently responded to the Government’s consultation on independent schools. I made clear my views on the dangers of imposing VAT on these schools. Such a change will lead to unplanned pressure on our state schools, increase class sizes, and make it harder to support children with special educational needs. As a mother myself, I understand how vital it is to give every child the best start in life and an educational setting that works for them. We need a system that offers parental choice, opportunity, and quality for all. The Government are ignoring all the evidence about the impact this will have on children and on the state education sector in particular. You can find my letter on my website. In September, I was proud to support Back British Farming Day, and I couldn’t let the occasion pass without acknowledging the incredible work of our local farmers. They are essential to our food security and play such an important role in the protection of our environment. I’m standing firmly behind them and supporting the National Farmers' Union’s call for the Government to source at least 50% of food for the public sector from British farms. This is not just about food—it’s about sustaining a way of life, protecting our countryside, and ensuring future generations can enjoy locally grown, high-quality produce. During the conference recess, it has been great to hold my local surgeries where I had the pleasure of speaking with many local residents. It’s always great to meet residents and discuss the challenges we face, as well as the ways we can come together to find solutions. It’s the part of being your MP I love the most. Whether it’s a big issue like Green Belt protection or something closer to home, I truly believe that by working together, we can achieve great things for the constituency. As ever, If I can be of help to you on any issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. Joy Morrissey MP 10 11 National Treasure! Twice over. After seeing a positive revue for “As You Like It” in Stratford upon Avon, my classical side emerged after a 66-year spell being dormant. Apart from attending some of his pubs I had paid no reverence to the Bard since school days in the 1950s. I was encouraged to attend the play as a callow youth after news of my sad failure to gain my O level in English literature was broadcast in 1957. With my lifelong dear friend Michael Pohlmann (his father, the actor, was head of Spectre), we journeyed (actually under threat of pocket money reduction) to the Old Vic in 1958. A twenty-three-year-old was starting her amazing career— her movement, her diction, her beauty enchanted us. Her name Judi Dench. We sat there enthralled for nearly two hours basking in her every word and action. Inspiration overtook us, we both gained honourable passes on our examination retake. After nearly 67 years I felt a compelling wish, for more Shakespeare. This time actually in Stratford on Avon. Sadly, my dear wife Lynda had a prior appointment, so I purchased just one £20 ticket to enjoy top viewing in the third elevated row. The three seats directly below were reserved. At exactly three minutes before the curtain raised who do you think appeared, with amicable companions? Would you believe Judi Dench herself -National Treasure first class! My crush, harboured secretly for over six decades, returned with revitalised zeal. I sat directly behind the great actress. Judie and friends were obviously thrilled to see me as we reminisced -sadly a small disagreement occurred as our treasure thought she had played Phebe not Rosalind, as I had thought. (Don`t bet on it). We had a highly pleasing conversation where she expressed joy and amazement at my exam result, before her hordes of admirers appeared wanting a word. The production was truly superb. All of us Shakespeare fans sat there in sheer joy for an hour and a half of sheer entertainment. I made a promise to myself not to leave it so long next time! Simon Donan Editor’s Note: Wikipedia only lists one occasion when she played any part in “As You Like It”, which was at the Old Vic in 1958. The part she played was Phebe. As ever, she was correct! But – others say differently! 12 The Pineapple Lake End Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QS www.thepineappledorney.co.uk 01628 662353 The Palmer Arms Village Rd, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QW www.thepalmerarms.com 01628 666612 Classic British food using the freshest seasonal ingredients. From light lunches, more formal a la carte menu and delicious traditional Sunday roast dinners. The Palmer Arms VILLAGE ROAD • DORNEY • BERKSHIRE • SL4 6QW The Palmer Arms THE PINEAPPLE Famous for our extensive Pineapple Sandwich menu and a choice of freshly made stonebaked pizza. We also offer sandwiches and pizza takeaway, just give us a call with your order! THE PINEAPPLE The Palmer Arms The Palmer Arms The Pineapple The Pineapple MEET, DRINK & EATDorney Brahms and Dinosaurs Young and Old I have a very glamourous family, although sadly it doesn’t include me. More years ago than I care to remember, the single Mike was present at a large family do at my parents’pile in the New Forest, and was sat around the bonfire that always features large in a Quincey social, gazing into the magical caverns of heat, beer in hand, when I found myself next to the latest in a long line of would be suitors for the hand of a drop dead gorgeous eighteen year old cousin. He was in beer and fire induced reflection, as was I. “What do you do for a living?” I asked the young man. “Hi,” he said leaving reflections behind. “I’m Graham. I’m a cello player. “What do you do?” “Poser,” I thought unkindly. “Some amateur band no doubt.” I know a little about classical music and prepared to bore him. “Oh really. What band?” “The London Symphony Orchestra,” he stated matter of factly. “I’ve just got back from a tour in Hong Kong. What do you do?” My brain raced, completely out posed. “Er, I’m a lorry driver,” I blurted. “Oh, how interesting!” he beamed, patronising git. “We need a lorry driver!” “Yeah, and I’m the Queen of Sheba,” I thought, but three months later, I was the Transport Manager of the LSO, driving, amongst other duties, a glorious shiny black sixteen ton pantechnicon with GB stickers all over it and “London Symphony Orchestra” emblazoned down each side in real gold. It was, dear reader, quite the best pose in London at the time and my job was to transport the instruments and set up the stage in any part of the world. It was a mucky job, but someone had to do it, and the Lord chose me. One of our tour dates was Wells Cathedral, and the lovely Mrs. Quincey and I had occasion to visit this truly beautiful building whilst mumping a bed from a not so glamourous cousin Andy and his lovely partner who lived nearby. I had not been back since that concert, but clearly recall nearly every detail. I arrived well before the band and was directed to a large pair of ancient oak doors set into the base of one of the front towers. “Back up onto the doors Mate (why are all lorry drivers called Mate – or worse!), close as you like.” My new friend guided me from the parked pose-mobile to the other side of the doors where, thank you Lord, was the back of the platform especially constructed for our visit. The normal task of walking endlessly with all the heavy instruments and dragging them back in the middle of the night after the concert (Royal Festival Hall please note) would not tax me as I could almost drop the tailgate onto the platform. All was set. The conductor and players were happy, the rehearsal was running smoothly, my part completed, and I climbed back into the cab, drank a well-earned coffee and nodded off. Bang bang!! There was a sharp tap on the window; I woke up with a jolt to see a small rotund man dressed in an ill-defined uniform that was unsure whether it was police, fire, traffic warden or coastguard. He looked unhappy, a default position no doubt. “You can’t park that there,” he barked rudely. “Why not,” I asked, “I’m with the orchestra. It’s written on the sides if you look.” “Like I said, you can’t park here. It’s a fire risk and I’m the fireman.” 14 That cleared up that then. “Well, where can I park?” “At least one hundred yards from the building.” “Over there then?” I pointed across the huge pedestrian only area to which I had been graciously granted access. “Yep.” “Look Mate, at the end of the concert ten thousand people will be flooding out of here. It will take me half an hour to reverse back to here.” “You can’t…” “Yes, you said,” I grumbled as I started the diesel. It was a wonderful evening. Life was good as I leaned against the truck listening to the heart rending music from the other side of the doors, a small tear in one eye. “Hang on! That’s the last movement,” I realised. I walked to the truck and reversed back to the door. “Ha! One in the eye for Trumpton.” Enthralled crowds poured out as I walked up the platform where the timpanist at the back of the stage by the doors was packing his pom pom sticks into his case. “Ah Mike,” he grinned. “Thank you so much for your contribution to tonight.” He was a man difficult to please, not normally handing out appreciation for my efforts. “Half way through a pianissimo passage of the last movement ‘Doi oi oi oi brmm brmm brmm.” It all came flooding back. It was wonderful. Avisit to Wookey Hole was made memorable by a Guide with Captain Morgan’s delightful pirate chat plus the outfit to go with it. “You need to get to Ebbor Gorge,” he advised. “It’s where all this water comes from.Arrrrggg.”And the next day we found it. Reading the information boards in the free (Yes! Free!) car park, I read that this was an area favoured by dinosaurs. Like me, they loved the views no doubt, and as we walked into the gorge proper, there to prove the point, was a young dinosaur running across the path yards ahead. I photographed it. Hopefully the editor will share it with you. I had leg trouble, but bravely strode into the gorge until I could go no further and sat sulking on a scree slope. Alocal lady and Milo the dog appeared promising it was easier to go on than back, and together she and Mrs.Q dragged the old dinosaur to an agonising return to the car park eased by the swapping of life stories of we three in our new easy friendship. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 15 DORNEY SCHOOL RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW News from Dorney School I am always delighted to highlight the wonderful learning and magic that happens at Dorney School. We believe in a balanced approach of high academic expectations in a truly nurturing environment. We are a Forest School as we encourage our children to experience and explore the outdoors as part of the school curriculum. Some wonderful pictures that capture the magic of Forest school. Jeans for Genes Our special speaker, Charlotte Hobbs returns to deliver a whole school assembly on how our genes may affect our ability and mobility. This is part of a range of assemblies organised over the academic year which celebrates differences. Learning about others also help the children understand and empathise. Our first session in a series of open events happened recently. Our children and staff were amazing and our new school ambassadors were brilliant tour guides and role models. The parents and their children were really impressed by what they saw! Do come along to the next session. These events are for everyone, not just parents of children looking for Reception places. The next event is 1.30pm on 10th October. Email office@dorneyschool.co.uk or check out the school website. I hope to welcome you soon. With very best wishes, Mrs Sharifah Lee, Headteacher 16 CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk Please ring for discounted rate. for spectacular celebrations info@dorneylake.co.uk . 01753 832756 . dorneylake.co.uk . @dorneylake Your space... Create.Inspire.Together. Ment i o n t his ad vert f o r an ex c lu s i ve 25 % d i s co u nt* Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or big family get-together; whatever your style our events team will work with you to make the event your own. *Offer valid for 25% off room hire for bookings made for 2024. Excludes wedding bookings. DHS ANNUAL SHOW - LIST OF AWARDS 2024 DIV 1 - FRUIT & VEGETABLES Comments Name BEST EXHIBIT (Fruit & Vegetables) Outstanding show Standard John Akerman OVERALL WINNER (Fruit & Vegetables) His exhibition Shallots John Akerman JUDGES SPECIAL AWARD (Fruit & Vegetables) His Cucumber! Pete Stevens DIV 2 - FLOWERS BEST EXHIBIT (Flowers) Attention to detail Anna Snook OVERALL WINNER (Flowers) Excellent Pot Plant John Akerman DIV 3 - DOMESTIC BEST EXHIBIT (Jams & Preserves) Festive Season Treat Andrea Alsworth BEST EXHIBIT (Pastry & Homemade) Outstanding Presentation Anna Snook OVERALL WINNER (Domestic Section) Focaccia Inside as good as Outside Anna Snook DIV 4 ADULT HANDICRAFTS BEST EXHIBIT (Adult Handicrafts) Graphic Artwork Kristina Perkins OVERALL WINNER (Adult Handicrafts) Amazing Portrait Christine Barber DIV 5 - CHILDRENS SECTION BEST EXHIBIT (Children under 8 years old) Magnificent Necklace Wilbur Eylek OVERALL WINNER (Children under 8 years old) Quality of her entries Ophelia Maudsley BEST EXHIBIT (Children over 8 years old) Magnificent Artwork Leo Seels OVERALL WINNER (Children over 8 years old) Quality of his entries Henry Maudsley Dorney Mouse presented to Leo Seels with his drawing on DPN front cover OVERALL SHOW WINNERS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE SHOW (DDHS Cup) John Akerman SPECIAL AWARD-BEST (Awarded at the Judges Discretion) NEWCOMER Zoe Eylek OVERALL SHOW WINNER(Dorney Show Cup) Alice Foxley 19 ’ A ‘Most Successful Show – the DorneyAnnual Show August 31 Each year we report optimism about the Dorney Annual Show. Interest seems to be growing and post-Covid recovery has been under way. This page named 2023’s show as a ‘great platform to build on’. Well, what a platform…. Exhibitor numbers were up this year on last by nearly 40%. Each year the organisers fret over the lack of enthusiasm for the children’s section. But here the numbers are even better. Youthful entries increased by over 50%. Ron Alsworth, the chair of the Horticultural Society, the organisers behind the Show, with admirable restraint called the 2024 event ‘one of the most successful shows in recent memory’. Ron went on ‘everyone who entered deserved an award for their commitment and effort’. The Show wasn’t just about the winners and all the competitors, but those who crowded into the Village Hall to inspect the entries as the judging ceased and the doors were opened, played a part in creating what someone called on the day ‘the lovely community vibe’. The vibes were enhanced further by the roaring business done on the day by Maria Holloway and her Tuck Shop. It’s great for DHS to be working with the Playground Committee in this fashion. Once again, the judges – John Barker (Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers), Joanie Wraight and Andrea Alsworth (Domestic) and Jan Bowman (Handicrafts and the children’s section) highlighted the wealth of local talent demonstrated by horticulture to national show standard, culinary masterpieces and a wide array of paintings, artwork and local handicrafts. But we must highlight the successes. The finale to the 2024 show was a special award to one of DHS’long term dedicated supporters, John Akerman, who has been a wonderful mainstay of the society for over 40 years, always willing to do anything to promote our interests. This year John entered a record number of 37 entries and also donated a cash prize to the person who correctly guessed the length of his enormous parsnip. The chairman was very pleased to present John with an inscribed chocolate cake saying "Simply the Best" a treat and a title richly deserved by John. Alice Foxley contributed 17 entries many of which achieved a first or second place, so Alice was awarded the Dorney Show Cup as Overall Show Winner.Another multiple entrant, Zoe Eylek, was deemed Best Newcomer, while last year’s winner of the award, Pete Stevens, won a special mention for his cucumber. Anna Snook excelled in both the Flowers and Domestic sections. Everybody remarked that Anna’s focaccia looked mouthwatering! This year’s art work excelled in number and quality. Christine Barber contributed a beautiful portrait as Division 4 winner. Handicrafts excelled too, and special mention was made of Chris Vine’s very special leatherwork. In the much larger children’s competition, Wilbur Eylek created a lovely necklace and the Maudsley family, Ophelia and Henry once again excelled. Everybody just loved the portrait of ‘his best friend’ – his cat – by Leo Seels, which won Leo the Dorney Mouse and a place on the front cover of this magazine. Peter Bowman 20 Inspecting the Entries A growing children’s section The two Johns – Barker and Akerman 21 Anna Snook’s Focaccia Handicrafts winner Christine Barber Committee member Kristina Perkins presents Leo Seels with his award 22 Kristina and Zoe Eylek Wilbur Eylek’s necklace Kristina and Anna Snook John Akerman’s Cake 23 New planning laws that will impact Dorney Parish An email from Martin Tett, Council Leader of Bucks Council, on 9th September stated the following: “Proposed changes to planning laws I have written about this before, but I make no apology for majoring on it again. In my opinion this is the subject that, above all others, could most directly influence and potentially radically change our towns and villages. We now have a lot more details from the new Government and I want to make sure that you are aware of them. The proposed changes relate to something called the ’National Planning Policy Framework’. This is simply the legal rules that all councils must follow in Planning. The proposed changes are complex, but I will try to simplify them. Firstly, the new Government is proposing introducing non-negotiable legal targets for the number of houses that must be planned to be built in an area. Previously this was a ‘starting point’ and could be modified due to constraints such as the Green Belt, the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty, flood plains, agricultural value etc. This would no longer be the case. Secondly, the way this target would be calculated has changed very significantly. This means that the proposed target for Buckinghamshire would increase from 61,152 to 86,562 [over 5 years] by 2045 -an increase of 42%! At the same time the proposed target for London has been reduced. On top of this Buckinghamshire would have to allow for an additional 5% to encourage builders to build and finally the Government is proposing so called ‘new towns’ of at least an extra 10,000 homes in addition. As a result, Buckinghamshire could be required to plan for and absorb almost an additional 100,000 houses in the next few [5] years. To enable this the next major change being proposed is to the Green Belt. Councils would be required to designate areas that make a ‘limited contribution’ to the overall Green Belt as so called ‘grey belt’. Developers would also be able to put forward sites that they claim are ‘grey belt’. This is clearly a very vague definition and could lead to many applications to build across much of the Green Belt. Very importantly, if the changes come into effect as currently proposed then from early next year it will be very difficult to refuse applications even if they are not in existing and approved Local Plans. Lastly, I am also concerned that, with the potential for such significant housebuilding in Buckinghamshire, there is no commitment to fund the necessary infrastructure and facilities from doctors to roads, schools and sewage treatment that will be needed to accompany these very large numbers of new homes and new residents. The Government has been running a consultation on these changes during August and this will finish on Tuesday 24 September.” 24 The consultation Martin Tett refers to indicated that the new government is considering several additional significant changes to planning laws which Martin Tett didn’t include above, but which could potentially impact rural parishes like Dorney, especially those in the Green Belt. Here's a summary of the key additional points: 1. Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development: The government plans to strengthen this presumption, making it easier for developments to be approved where local plans are not up-to-date [and Bucks’isn’t] or where there's insufficient land supply. 2. Brownfield Development: There's a proposal to broaden the definition of brownfield land and set a strengthened expectation that applications on brownfield land will be approved. 3. Mandatory 5-Year Housing Land Supply: All local planning authorities would be required to continually demonstrate a 5-year supply of specific, deliverable sites for housing, regardless of their local plan status. [Bucks Council’s doesn’t] 4. Strategic Planning: The government intends to introduce new mechanisms for cross-boundary strategic planning, which could affect how housing needs are distributed across wider areas. [This brings the housing shortages identified in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead into the south Bucks considerations] 5. Removal of Some Local Discretion: Several changes aim to reduce local authorities' ability to refuse development based on local character or to use alternative approaches to assess housing need. These changes could potentially impact Dorney by: 1. Increasing pressure to identify more land for housing, potentially including areas currently protected as Green Belt. 2. Making it harder to refuse development applications, especially if the local plan is not up-to-date or if insufficient land supply can be demonstrated. 3. Potentially leading to more development on the edges of existing settlements or in areas currently considered part of the Green Belt. 4. Reducing the ability to protect local character as a reason for refusing development. However, it's important to note that these are proposed changes subject to consultation, and the final implemented policies may differ. Or may not, given the significant majority of this government in Parliament. The formation of the new Buckinghamshire Unitary Council on 1stApril 2020 has not resulted in expedited progress on the Buckinghamshire Local Plan, which is not expected to be finalised until 2027. This delay is particularly concerning in light of the government's proposed changes to planning laws. Without an up-to-date plan, the Bucks Planning Department may find it increasingly difficult to refuse development applications, as implied by the government's statements. While Council Leader Martin Tett has highlighted the potential issues arising from these national policy changes, he has not addressed the local authority's own tardiness in developing the Local Plan over the past four years. This lack of progress has left both the Unitary Authority and parishes like Dorney in a vulnerable position regarding managing future development pressures. Bill Dax 25 St. James the Less Church. I am sure most of our readers know a little something about our local church and the long-standing history it entails in its stone and brick walls. This church was built in the 12th century and has had various changes and alterations over the centuries. As a younger person, and as interesting as knowing the history of where I have lived for 18 years is, what interests me more are the various people or events that have stepped in the church or been held in the church -for example my brother and I were both christened in this church! Probably more interestingly, the Princess of Wales’s parents, Michael & Carol Middleton were married in this church on the 21st of June 1980 and are still happily married. In fact, in the history of the church there have been a lot of Middleton’s married on this spot – I’ve no idea if they are all connected. Through research when writing this article, I have learnt a lot about the church and its long dated back history -it seems to be well documented. People create their own experiences and memories around a church -it is a place that can trigger different emotions depending on what took them there; celebrations, thoughtfulness, paying respects or, of course, regular worship. My memories of this church in particular are going on Christmas Eve and going to the Christingle service and being surrounded by family. I was fortunate enough that my school assemblies happened in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle which is significantly bigger and somewhat grander, so this was my introduction to regular worship. St James the Less, however, is our church and provides regular services, including the sound of bell ringing, for anyone that wants to go. The church itself is breathtaking. Thanks to my History of Art A-level I can relate on a new level to the architectural features and the art that is positioned in the church. This has created a new perspective in contrast to the younger girl that used to go for the sweets in the Christingle. One element which I find quite unusual is the small Dolphin window at the base of the gallery stairs. It shows brightly coloured dolphin, starfish, fish and shell… Dorney seems a long way from the sea, I wonder if any of you know the significance of this for our church? And, finally, less related to the church, but something I found in my research which is interesting and cute… the name Dorney means ‘Island of the Bumble Bee’… maybe something for another article. Laila Marples 26 DORNEY MANOR COURT ROLLS Bill Dax wrote in last month’s DPN about the wealth of information on the Dorney History Group website. This is a treasure trove of local history material and I return to it again and again. I was delighted to read that more of the Dorney Manor Court Rolls have recently been added to the site. The manor extended beyond the village and parish of Dorney. It included Boveney, which covered Lake End as well as the hamlet of Boveney, and these were in the parish of Burnham. To the east were fields which are now part of Eton Wick; to the north the manor of Dorney stretched into Hitcham parish. The records of the manor court are full of interesting details which give insights into the lives of the people of Dorney over many centuries. My attention was caught by the record of the manor court held in 1630, the first under the ownership of the Palmer family. This listed those who owned freehold land or houses within the bounds of the manor, giving a unique snapshot of the more prominent farmers in Dorney at this time. The records show how scattered individual landholdings were. Take, for example, William Weatherheade; he had his farm buildings and then 6 different half acres. The four arable plots were in the fields known as New Croft, Oak Stubbs, Upcotts and Thames Field; the two plots of meadow land were in West Mead and Rowmoor. Thomas Dollin, who had taken over from his late father, had an even more piecemeal holding. Eight acres were in North Field, with his farm nearby, but the remaining 12 acres of arable, meadow and pasture were scattered between 13 locations. He also owned a half acre called Hawkland in Boveney and rented further land. The Dollin family appeared in the earliest manor court roll in 1514, when Alice, the widow of Robert, was holding the farm on behalf of her young son Thomas. It was probably this Thomas who was recorded in 1548 as having “enclosed a certain parcel of land with divers fences in the common field called le Northefeyld containing…three acres of land, contrary to the custom of this manor” and that he “blocks a certain cart-way leading by the common fences next to the town of Dorney, to the grave injury of his neighbours”. He was told to take down the fences and unblock the path, or he would be fined 6s 8d, equivalent to about £100 today. Thomas was fined a further 4d for having grazed more geese on the common than he was allowed. The following year he faced a fine of 40s for verbally abusing the Steward in the court using “evil and slanderous words”, complaining that the Steward had recorded in the rolls things that weren’t true. This could have been connected with a Chancery court case concerning a farm and land which he was bringing about the same time. The court rolls record that Thomas was succeeded by his son Anthony, whose grandson was the Thomas Dollin farming in 1630. The family line was continued by John Dollin who had the right to graze 4 cows and 2 horses on the common. When he died about 1720, he left to his son John not only his house and land in Dorney but also another house and land in North Town in the parish of Cookham (now part of Maidenhead). The farm in Dorney 28 subsequently passed out of the Dollin family into the ownership of an absentee landlord. The manor court rolls allow us to follow a single Dorney family through over 200 years and at least 6 generations. One name that stood out in 1630 was Henry Fellow who had a farmhouse and garden in Boveney, purchased from John Garrard. This must surely be the same as the Henry Felo whose name is inscribed on the gallery in Dorney church with the date 1634. TWE Roche in his book “A Pineapple for a King” writes that Henry was the Palmers’ master carpenter. Earlier court rolls show that Henry had bought two tenements plus land in Dorney from John Garrard by 1616. He had two children baptised in the church – Marie in 1617 and William in 1619. Unfortunately, there are big gaps in the parish registers for Dorney in the 17th and 18th centuries and we don’t know when Henry Fellow died. By 1693, the court rolls list William Fellow having the right to graze 4 cows and 2 horses on the common; this could be a son or more likely grandson of Henry. Other records tell us that William Fellow was a maltster in Dorney/Boveney, in partnership with Humphrey Clarke. Their business was destroyed by fire in 1707, and William was buried in Burnham in 1709. A later Henry Fellows was buried in Dorney in 1760, perhaps the last of the family in the village. But the name lives on today with the splendid gallery in our church. The manor court set rules for the organisation and management of the common fields and grazing, and as we have seen fines were imposed for transgressions. The early rolls identify villagers who were chosen to oversee the implementation of the rules. In 1560, four men were elected, and were allowed to keep 8d out of any 3s 4d fine. By 1616, the role of monitoring the numbers of animals grazing on common land and checking that they were correctly identified (pigs ringed, cattle branded and so on) had been formalised in the position of hayward. It was recorded that several people had had their livestock impounded for breaching the rules, including a horse belonging to Nicholas How. Nicholas’s son John attacked the hayward while he was taking cattle to the pound and effected a rescue. In 1638, the hayward was Edward Field, who received a salary of £8 a year in quarterly instalments. This was paid for by a rate levied on every farm and every acre of arable and meadow held in the common fields. By 1692 the hayward was Bartholomew Langley, who as well as enforcing the rules was required “to look after and keep the herd of cows and beasts in the mead from the first day of August until harvest”. The hayward reported to the bailiff of the manor, who in turn was responsible to the steward. Dorney manor had a hayward well into the 20th century. In 1911 Thomas Hawkins was chosen at a salary of £14 6s and was also appointed as bailiff. There is still a hayward appointed for Dorney common at the present time. The manor court rolls may seem archaic and of no relevance to our lives today. But the shape of the village and the continuation of livestock grazing on Dorney Common are at least in part thanks to the workings of the manor court over many centuries. Virginia Silvester 29 Update for Dorney Playground Dorney Playground Management Committee are trying to raise money to pay for a fence around Dorney Playground. In order to raise the £16100 (ex VAT) needed, we have applied for grants and are holding several fund-raising activities. Our next event is: Halloween Party Wednesday 23rd October 17.00 – 19.30 Dorney Village Hall Please see poster for details. We are also organising a Christmas Party on Thursday 12th December. More details nearer the time. The reasons for wanting a fence around the playground are: 1) To mitigate the risk caused by dogs in the playground area. Currently, many dog owners allow their pets to roam freely in the playground, which can cause anxiety among children who are afraid of dogs. While we have been fortunate so far to avoid serious incidents of dogs hurting or intimidating children, a fence would eliminate this risk entirely. Additionally, the Playground Management Committee frequently has to remove dog faeces from the play area, including difficult-to-reach spots like inside tunnels. Despite regular inspections, children sometimes discover the faeces themselves, which is both unsanitary and distressing. Moreover, we have faced damage to playground equipment, such as swing seats, caused by dogs chewing on them. The zip wire seat was replaced last year at a cost of £800. It is already showing signs of damage with bite marks evident. We think the dogs think the seat is a frisbee being thrown for them to catch 2) To mitigate the risks associated with the nearby car park and access road While Dorney Playground is generally a safe environment, the proximity of moving and parked cars poses a potential danger. Installing a fence around the playground will create a secure barrier, protecting children from accidentally wandering into the car park and reducing the risk of accidents. 3) To mitigate the risk caused by the adjacency of the river Installing a fence around the playground will significantly enhance child safety by preventing smaller children from leaving the area unnoticed, especially on the far side nearest the river. This crucial barrier will reduce the risk of children accidentally wandering into the unmown meadow or, more concerning, onto the river path. Can you spare 30 minutes a week to help? The Management Committee carry out a weekly check to make sure all is well in the playground. It’s mostly a visual check and can be carried out at any time of the day / any day of the week. (We also do a three-month check which is more detailed, and we pay PlayDale to do a very thorough annual check.) We need people to help us do the weekly check in October, November and January. Could you help? Obviously, we will explain everything. Dorney Playground Management Committee 07737053409 Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 30 N GOING COMMANDO ON DORNEY COMMO ‘Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall’ Confucius. More haste less speed, an old-fashioned slogan that rings through my ears, as I elevate my multicoloured swollen foot onto a cushion, to pacify it with a large bag of frozen peas. Forget the fancy medical ice packs, nothing fits so snuggly as the peas that mould into just the right shape. For once, the weather was fine, so my boyfriend Bob took the rare dry opportunity to mow the lawns. Rushing out to call him in for an appointment, he was still busy making stripes and couldn’t hear my calls. Foolishly, I stepped off the terrace straight into a grass covered pothole. The tumble was fun, sideways dive followed by a magnificent commando roll, but the intense pain in my ankle that came with it, brought a few tears to my eyes. When the wailing subsided, horror above horrors, I could not put my foot to the ground without wincing. We rang South Meadow surgery to get advice, to be met with a rather steely reply of ‘what would you like me to do about it?’. Wrong response. It is so very sad that the poor NHS is so low in morale that their patients have become a nuisance, and having been part of that team decades ago, the loss of their focus feels like a bereavement. Anyhow, we tracked down the Bracknell Small Injuries Unit which happened to be located just behindAfton Chemical, a company where my son works. Handy! Extra sympathy. An X-ray later revealed a fracture in the Lateral Malleolus, 3 to 5 weeks recovery and no driving for 6 weeks. Disaster! However, faith was restored in our health system, as this wonderful unit was kind, informative, efficient, and swift, so within 2 hours I had my foot in a big black boot, and a pair of crutches supporting my weight. I only have the highest praise for the team that resides there, and so the riverbank was climbed. ‘You drown not by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it’ Paulo Coelho It’s that time of year when the supermarkets are piled high with amazingly bright orange pumpkins, some challenging the size of the famous Akerman specimens! This signals the approach of Halloween and the traditions that are associated with it. Across the water the Americans have adopted this in a big way, but in fact this celebration comes from 16-century Ireland, Scotland and England, traditionally on the 31st October, from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which has pagan roots. Also known as ‘All Hallows’ Eve’, it is the beginning of the observance of ‘All Hallowtide’, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to the remembrance of all those that have passed away, including saints ‘hallows’, martyrs and all the beloved departed. This must mean why we see so much prolific spooky symbols associated with this celebration and its association with the macabre and supernatural. Let’s hope it brings more treats than tricks. Before the haunting commences, we have a holiday to Cuba, but sadly, this will be a little hampered by my cracked ankle, confining me to spectate the wonderful music and dancing, rather than having a jolly good Cha-Cha-Cha. This rhythmic dance music is a genre called ‘danzón’, dates from the 50’s, and characteristically has a syncopation of the fourth beat. Commonly known as Salsa, here it is called ‘Casino’. I love dancing but my accident will bring restraints (emoji very sad face). 32 As somsome know, my boyfriend Bob is an avid petrolhead for the old classics. So, Havana beckons with promises of restored cars from the retro years of vintage beauty, where design reigned over anything else. However, it is reported that of course, many of the old engines are now redundant and these refurbished bodies contain modern efficient engines. While I rest my ankle in some shady bar, I am sure he will find plenty of interesting treasures. Havana is also known for its tobacco, and before sending my postcards to ‘wish you were here’, will visit the humidors to ‘have a cigar’. Actually, I don’t smoke, just squeezed in a PF gag… but I will probably be found in some cocktail lounge having a Cuba Libre, which translates as ‘Free Cuba’ which was the slogan of the Cuban independence movement. Rum, Coke, lime juice and ice! Such a good analgesic for an aching foot. However, before the Rumba starts, DHS’Autumn Harvest Supper is upon us, on Friday 11th October starting at 7:30pm in our lovely village hall. Chrys our local publican is behind the cuisine yet again, so this promises to be extra special tasty tucker for us to wash down with a splendid tipple. This is known to sate the soul, the sole of my foot too, I hope. Do come along and enjoy the evening and have fun with your neighbours and friends. Kristina Perkins 33 MINUTES OF THE DORNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 17th September 2024, 7.30pm AT DORNEY SCHOOL Present Cllr. Jill Dax (Chair) Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford Cllr. Stephen Baker Clerk Ruth Senior Public Forum No comments PC/56/24 Apologies for absence Cllr. Anna Palmer, Cllr. Euan MacLennan, Cllr. Robert Stopford, County Cllr. Kirsten Ashman PC/57/24 Declaration of interest on any items of business on this Agenda There were none declared. PC/58/24 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16th July 2024 These were approved with no amendments required and signed by the Chairman. PC/59/24 To receive the Clerk report The Clerk report there was no update for this meeting. PC/60/24 Items of business carried forward 60.1 The Orchard Herbs Site Report from Cllr. Stopford: On Tues 3rd September there were a couple of fires on the site, which required the Fire Brigade to attend. The incident was flagged with the Environmental Agency and the Fire Brigade will be sending a report to the EA. They were burning waste from the site, which caused a plume of Black smoke to drift over Ashford Lane and a nasty stench which lingered. General Enforcement of the site -The Appeal case is on-going expected to finish on the 19th of September. The applicant has submitted a revised plan saying he would only use the strip of land next to lake End Road and return the rest to nature. PL/20/3452/EU Certificate of Lawfulness for existing use as a builder’s yard and storage of commercial vehicles, equipment and building materials -This is being held at the same time as the appeal against the enforcement notice 60.2 The Neighbourhood Plan Working with Bill Dax and guidance from Ella Wood from Bucks Council we have produced a draft plan. It is currently going through an internal review and to help us we have invited some of the residents who've been involved in recent planning challenges, as well as those who've expressed interest in the Neighbourhood Plan, to review our initial draft. 34 Once the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) changes come into effect we will have to adapt our Neighbourhood Plan. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) changes come into effect we will have to adapt our Neighbourhood Plan. Despite this we continuing to revise our draft and will be engaging in necessary consultations with landowners, utilities, and government organisations PC/61/24 Planning The Clerk confirmed that the proposed Boundary Change is going ahead to move 7 houses on Lake End Road, closest to the M4 and the Orchard Herbs site into Dorney Parish from Burnham Parish. PL/22/3562/FA Boveney Court Farm Boveney Road Dorney Buckinghamshire -The Appeal has been rejected. PL/24/0586/FA Court Farm Common Road Dorney Buckinghamshire SL4 6QA -Still ongoing. PL/24/1929/FA | Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a new dwelling. | Ronita 59 Harcourt Road -On going. PL/24/2395/FA | The erection of 9 mobile stable boxes with a tack room and hay store. Boveney Court Stables Boveney Road -Ongoing. This is a revision of the application originally submitted, which was rejected. We have submitted our objections to this based on the reasons the original application was rejected. PL/24/2645/HB Lavender Cottage, Village Road. Listed building consent for installation of new flue opening for boiler -No comments to be made. PC/62/24 Finance The cashbook was circulated prior to the meeting and approved. PC/63/24 To update on and consider the transfer of Dorney Village Hall (DVH) to Dorney Parish Council (DPC) Dorney Village Hall Trustees asked that the Parish Council consider becoming the Sole Trustee of the Village Hall, closing the existing charity from the start of the next financial year. It was agreed unanimously that the Parish Council will become the Sole Trustee on the condition that the outstanding issue of the Buckinghamshire Council owned gates at the entrance to Trumpers Field is resolved, along with any other planned maintenance work. PC/64/24 To update on the security gate at Trumpers Field Currently the gate is being locked and unlocked by local volunteers however investigations are being made into automatic gates or a security company taking on the unlocking and locking role. This will need to be authorised by Buckinghamshire Council as the owners of the gates. PC/65/24 To discuss the Chiltern Society footpath project and map The Chair and Clerk met with Cath Knight, Chiltern Society volunteer and footpath representative for Dorney. She is keen to ensure our footpaths remain clear and useable. There was also suggestion of joining with Taplow to produce a new local footpath map. It was agreed the Clerk will contact Cath to take this further. 35 PC/66/24 To receive an update on Dorney Playground 66/24 To receive an update on Dorney Playground Dorney Playground are fundraising for fencing to surround the playground at a cost of £16100. They have raised £2500 and have applied to grants from the Beeches Community Board and the Co-op. The summer party also raised £500 and there are Halloween and Christmas parties planned. The Chair thanked the Trustees for their continued hard work. PC/67/24 To discuss the flooding on Lake End Common It is believed that the flooding on Lake End Common is caused by the release of water from the Dorney Treatment Works and it was agreed that the Clerk will contact Thames Water to ask for the Freedom of Information Report and that they do smaller regular releases to try and alleviate the floods. PC/68/24 To update on speeding through Dorney, particularly Dorney Common including MVAS It was agreed that the Clerk will write to Steve Broadbent to express our disappointment in not receiving a response to previous correspondence on this matter. It was agreed that Cllr. Westcott-Wreford will explore data retrieval from the MVAS. PC/69/24 To approve the purchase of the Remembrance Day wreath The purchase was agreed. PC/70/24 To consider any complaints/comments received from residents Meadow Way residents contacted the Parish Council regarding placement of telecom poles that are being erected on Meadow Way. They were advised that direct contact with Open Reach and with Buckinghamshire Council is the only way to change the positioning. A resident requested information on a covered/blocked fire hydrant in the village, it has since been established that the responsibility for the 9 fire hydrants in Dorney lies with the Buckinghamshire Fire Service who have been contacted and will service the hydrants. PC/71/24 Items to consider for discussion at the next meeting on 19th November 2024 Local Area Technician update RJC wildflower update Meeting ended at 8.45 pm 36 Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 4 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken -no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 39 40 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Advertising RatesHeight mmWidth mm10 issues1 issueFull Page190130£100£13Half Page90130£55£8Third of a page (Horizontal)60130£50£7Quarter Page (Horizontal)45130£45£6 Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 41 Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code C123X Trumper's Field (Dorney Village Hall) Security Gates in Meadow Way 07955 672150 Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action 999 Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls 101 National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice 111 Crimestoppers Anonymously report information 0800 555 111 Water Leaks Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Sewage Problems Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Power Cuts SSE Networks - Central Southern England 0800 072 7282 Gas Leaks National Grid 0800 111 999 Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Footpath Problems www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 Local Swan Rescue/Rehabilitation 07968 868172 Emergency Contact Details 42 S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News November 2024 Harvest Festival at St. James the Less: 13 October 2024 RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 ISSUE NO. 09/24 NOVEMBER 2024 EDITORIAL This column is celebrating. It has been since October 11th. On that date it was revealed that the Planning Inspector had dismissed all appeals by the owners of the Orchard Herbs site. Let me quote from the comprehensive coverage on the Parish Council website, which I advise everyone to consult: ‘Overall, this represents a comprehensive dismissal of the appeals and rejection of the appellant’s arguments, requiring the unauthorised uses to cease within 9 months’. This will crop up on other pages and Bill Dax will consider the planning aspects and implications. But now it is over (we hope), let us consider what a long, strange journey it has been. Have you ever tried to explain just why we have been so angry? I mean ‘Orchard Herbs’, it sounds so charming. I’ve a copy on my desk now of Dorney Parish News from December 1994, almost exactly thirty years ago. You could buy fresh smoked salmon and farm cheeses from the Orchard Herbs Farm Shop (they advertised with us), not to mention hanging baskets and then ‘domestic stoneware’ from ‘The Pottery’. This benighted site seems to be cursed. As late as 2018 public bodies including the RSPCA and Dorney Parish Council were trying to force out the owner of an ‘Animal Sanctuary’ which reputedly had at one stage celebrity endorsement from the likes of Simon Cowell and Joanna Lumley. The owner went from staging open days for local school children to facing charges of animal cruelty. Then, I suppose, the lorries arrived… The site was the biggest cause of complaint when this magazine was being delivered. One lady said, ‘what are they going to do about The Dump?’ Visions of Crowpiece Lane flashed into my head, but she went on ‘you know, in Lake End’. This uncertainty over what to call the site or what went on there was reflected in this week’s Maidenhead Advertiser. A fine article was under the headline ‘Builder’s Yard loses Appeal Over Land Use’. Many outside Dorney must have wondered why so much pressure was exerted on a ‘builder’ by councillors, an MP and much of Dorney’s population. But pressure there was, and we know why, and the concerted actions of the Parish Council, co-ordinated by Cllr Robert Stopford, himself a Lake End resident, plus local County Councillors with support from our MP, lobbying by residents of course, and eventually and crucially Bucks Council, helped lead to this welcome result. This magazine recognised a turning point in 2022 when the owners overreached themselves. This column was asked by the occupants of a family saloon where the car park was – Orchard Herbs had set up an illegal transfer service to Heathrow – and ready-mix concrete lorries arrived in substantial numbers. One of our favourite covers (from earlier this year) shows our MP and Parish Council chair gazing over the site as if to say, ‘how can this be?’. Well, now it isn’t, and we can hope for the return of green fields before too long. 3 Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Vicar: Vacant Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk _____________________________________________________________ RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 Stephen Baker writes: Lest we forget… November brings our Remembrance Services for those who have fallen in the World War 1 and World War 2 and their families. Thank you. In addition… There were also those who served and survived the wars. I believe they need our prayers as much. I can’t imagine coming back from those wars and not suffering. In addition… As each generation moves on, we seem more distant from what our parents and grandparents did for the UK and our allies. In addition… I would ask you to pray for all those in the UK Military overseas, to ask they come home safe and that they don’t experience modern warfare. We would welcome everyone at one of the Remembrance Sunday Services as depicted on the website covering Eton, Eton Wick and Dorney. As some of you are aware we also run a Thanksgiving and Commemorative Service each year which will be taking place this year on Sunday 3rd November. This service will remember those within our extended Parishes who passed away in the last year. It seems highly inappropriate to talk about Christmas, so I’ll share that next month. 4 Can I leave you with a simple thought. Whether you are religious or not: The nations, we should look to the day when we will gather people from north and south, east and west, into the unity of a peaceable Kingdom, guide just and gentle wisdom all who take counsel for the nations of the world, that all the people may spend their days in security, freedom, and peace. God bless, Stephen Church Services in November 2024 Sunday 3rd November 9.30 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am All Age Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 6th November 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist Eton Sunday 10th November (Remembrance) 9.15am Holy Communion with Remembrance St James the Less, Dorney 10.55am Remembrance Service St John the Evangelist, Eton 3.00pm Remembrance Service with scouts St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 17th November 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 20th November 10.00am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist Eton Sunday 24th November 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 5 Poems of Remembrance In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. John McCrae The Soldier If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England’s, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven. Rupert Brooke 6 The Dorney Fallen in World War I and World War ll They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon World War l (1914 – 1918) James (“Jack”) Henry Moriarty Percy Charles Poolman Albert Poolman Bertie Belcher Robert James Eustace Lieutenant Courtenay Traice Lindsay Frank Reginald Church (St Mary Magdalene, Boveney) World War ll (1939 – 1945) 2ND Lieutenant Richard Vernon Cholmondeley Colonel Andrew D. Clinch Lance Corporal Percy Thomas Robert Evins Sergeant Peter Arthur Ingram Wing Commander Reginald Frederick Stuart Leslie Lieutenant John Pendennis Dunning McCartney Private William George Poole Gunner Benjamin Rolfe Lance Corporal Edwin Alan Sprackling Sergeant Harold Stevens Harold Tudor Thomas Captain Alan Douglas Comyn 7 ♫ “All the young dudes … carry the news” ♫ One of my favourite rock’n’roll stars David Bowie had such a plethora of great songs that when he wrote ‘All the Young Dudes’ he gave it away to his friends Mott the Hoople who were struggling for a hit at that time. Of course, it got to #3 in the UK Singles Chart, back when these things actually mattered. I was singing it in my head as I walked down the garden in the sunshine this weekend. Having turned 50 this year, I’ve been reflecting on my own youth quite a lot recently. I was also struck by this headline on the BBC which covered the time I have been on this earthly planet. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y3j0vzpl3o It seems relatively extraordinary to me that I have ended up living through the beginning of what is coming to be termed the “Sixth Mass Extinction” which sounds suitably terrifying I’m sure you’ll agree. As this title suggests, there have been five mass extinctions so far. The fifth period of extinction happened around 65 million years ago and is more commonly known as Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction (catchy, eh?). It was the fastest period of mass extinction (to date), occurring over one to 2.5 million years. It’s possibly the most ‘famous’ period of mass extinction because this was when dinosaurs were wiped out from the face of the earth. Scientists believe a meteor fall in today’s Gulf of Mexico compounded with high volcanic activity (which produced a significant amount of carbon dioxide) killed half of the earth’s living population. Anyway, to try and distract myself from these apocalyptic thoughts, I decided to fire up my trusty Merlin birdsong app and leave it running at the bottom of the garden while I did some autumnal hedge trimming. Later, when I went to review the results I was quite taken aback at the list recorded (I hadn’t heard much birdsong myself): Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Robin, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Goldcrest, White Wagtail, Kingfisher, Starling, Blackbird, Reed Bunting, Jay, Dunnock (hedge sparrow), Wren, Rook, Chaffinch, Kestrel, Greenfinch, Parakeet, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Song Thrush and Firecrest. I was buoyed by the breadth of these results and again felt very thankful to live in Dorney and close to the rewilded field. I’d seen a kingfisher on a dog walk the week before and was thrilled as always to see the distinct flash of blue zooming over the murky Thames. As always (I have no idea why), Merlin failed to record the sound of the Red Kite, two of which were perched on the tall poplar with a bunch of chattering 8 starlings watching me beadily and calling regularly and loudly to remind me (I think) to leave a treat out for them. As you do your garden tidy up this autumn, please consider not tidying up too enthusiastically and leaving some wild corners for them. Think log piles and discreet mounds of leaves and grass clippings, don’t use pesticides (kills their food sources) and consider holes in fences to allow them to move around. As well as this plethora of birds, I was also excited to find a tiny baby newt under a flowerpot I was moving (yes, I put the flowerpot back for now, so the newt didn’t lose its home) but was later saddened to see a flattened hedgehog on Huntercombe Lane South. I couldn’t decide if this was a good sign of a healthy local population, or the death of the last remaining one. I remain glass half full for now, although I note that the plight of hedgehogs in the UK (numbers have halved in a decade) is now so bad that a nationwide strategy has just been launched to try and save them (https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cp95l 9l99z9o). In a weird twist of fate, as Britain’s last hedgehogs potentially head for extinction, the British hedgehogs introduced to New Zealand in the 1870’s to make British ‘settlers’ feel more at home have done remarkably well. Too well in fact. In many parts of New Zealand there are between 2 and as many as 8 hedgehogs per hectare and they pose a real threat to the already vulnerable invertebrates, lizards and grounddwelling birds that are native to New Zealand. Perhaps we should round them all up and ship them back home to boost our own flagging population. Andrew Oliver 9 Parliament is now back in full swing after a busy conference recess earlier this month. In this update, I want to touch on the work I have been doing in Parliament to champion the issues that matter most to you. First and foremost, I was thrilled to learn the wonderful news that the appeal at Orchard Herbs has been dismissed. Protecting our Green Belt has always been one of my top priorities, and the damaging developments that had taken place on this site had gone on for far too long. I have been proud to work closely with your local Parish Councillors and residents to ensure that the enforcement notice was upheld. I look forward to seeing this land returned to its rightful use, preserving the character of our beautiful countryside. As I write this, we are just over a week away from the Chancellor's Budget. Many residents across the constituency have contacted me regarding the issue of fuel duty, and I share your concerns. It is critical that we keep fuel prices affordable, especially for hardworking families and small businesses in Dorney and across the constituency. That’s why I am proud to have co-signed a letter to the Chancellor, urging her to continue the freeze on fuel duty in the upcoming Budget. A rise in fuel duty would place an unnecessary burden on drivers and small businesses, so I will continue to push for policies that ease the financial strain on residents across the constituency. Rest assured I will also hold the Government to account on their promise not to raise taxes on working people. It is vital that we protect families and workers from additional financial pressures in these challenging times. The Labour Government must keep this promise. In Parliament, I was pleased to speak in a debate on support for carers. This is an issue close to my heart, as my husband is a carer for his mother. Carers, both paid and unpaid, dedicate so much of their lives to supporting loved ones, friends, and neighbours. We owe them our deepest gratitude, and I will continue to advocate for stronger support for carers in our society. Lastly, I was delighted to attend the Animals Matter event in Parliament. I am proud to support initiatives that ensure all animals receive the care and respect they deserve. It’s essential that we continue to champion animal welfare, protecting both pets and wildlife alike. As ever, if I can be of help to you on any issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at joy.morrissey.mp@parliament.uk or 01494 977 505. I hope everyone in Dorney has a fantastic November ahead! Joy Morrissey MP 10 Dorney Planning Inquiry: Orchard Herbs Decision in our favour The recent Planning Inquiry has dismissed the appeals related to the Orchard Herbs site, (which is shortly to be in Dorney Parish). The decision upholds the Enforcement Notice issued by Buckinghamshire Council and dismisses the appeal for a certificate of lawful use. Key Points of the Decision 1. Green Belt Protection: The Inspector found that the development constituted inappropriate use of Green Belt land, impacting its openness and purposes. 2. Landscape Impact: The development was deemed to affect the character of the Dorney Floodplain Landscape Character Area. 3. Heritage Considerations: The ruling noted that the development did not preserve the setting of nearby listed buildings and the Huntercombe Conservation Area. 4. Residential Impact: The decision acknowledged noise and dust disturbance to nearby residents from the unauthorised activities. Implications for Dorney This decision is part of a series of recent planning outcomes in Dorney. The community has seen several planning applications and appeals dismissed, including: • Previous Orchard Herbs hotel development application and appeal • Boveney Court Farm Buildings planning application and subsequent appeal • Boveney Court Stables (Mobile Boxes) planning application Next Steps The Orchard Herbs site owner has been given nine months to comply with the enforcement notice (July 2025). This includes ceasing all unauthorised uses and removing related structures and materials. This process will be monitored closely. However, the site owner can apply to the High Court for a judicial review into the process to arrive at the decisions. Community Engagement 12 Optional 12.5% Service Charge will be added to the bill Terms & Conditions Apply The Palmer Arms Festive Menu 2024 £32.45 - 3 Courses / £28.45 - 2 Courses Complimentary Crackers Starters Parsnip Soup, parsnip crisps, truffle oil, Crusty Bread (VG) (GF) Roasted Pumpkin risotto, sage fritters (VG) (GF) Smoked duck, orange, spring onion salad, chilli plum jam Chicken Liver & Port Parfait with a fig and apple onion Chutney, toasted brioche Prawn and Smoked Salmon Cocktail, bread and butter Mains Turkey Breast with Pigs in Blankets, Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, sage onion stuffing & Red Wine Gravy (GF) Pan Fried Seabass with Crushed New Potatoes, Wilted Spinach, prawn and garlic butter (GF) Pork Belly with Crackling, Apple Cider Sauce, Roast Potatoes, Cabbage & Bacon Beef Wellington with Spinach Duxelle, Dauphinoise Potato & Buttered Carrots, Jus (+£5.00 Supplement) Lentil and Chickpea Moussaka with seasonal vegetables (VG) (GF) Desserts Christmas Pudding with brandy Custard (VG) (GFA) Chocolate fondant with mint chocolate Ice cream Selection of British cheeses with celery, grapes and crackers (+£3.00 Supplement) Apple & raisin Crumble with custard (GFA) Speculoos cheesecake with vanilla ice cream (VG) 1 . Parish Litter Picking: Many thanks to John & Joan Wraight for organising and hosting refreshments at recent Parish Litter Pick Proposed boundary change to move 7 properties at Lake End into Dorney Parish agreed by Local Government Boundary Commission Request made to Bucks Council for replacement dog bin at Trumper’s Field DPC have asked for a Fire Hydrant Review, based on residents’ concerns NEXT DPC MEETING Wednesday 19th November 7.30pm at Dorney School. Dorney Playground: Congratulations to Dorney Playground for winning Bucks Community Board funding towards fencing the playground area. More still to be raised! After years of disruption, pollution, and unauthorised activity at the Orchard Herbs site, Dorney Parish are celebrating a significant legal victory. The site, once a source of contention due to its improper use, has been the subject of numerous enforcement notices issued by Buckinghamshire Council (Bucks). The case finally reached the Planning Inspectorate after years of legal wrangling. A two-week public inquiry, strongly supported by Bucks’ legal department and an experienced barrister, resulted in a tense wait for the Inspector’s decision. To the relief of local residents, the appeal was entirely dismissed, and the site’s owner has been given nine months to clear the area. The decision has been widely welcomed by the community, who have long called for the site to be restored to its original agricultural use. A detailed document outlining the Inspector’s decision, along with a summary of the outcome, is now available on the DPC website under ‘Local Projects.’ In the ruling, it was confirmed that the land must be returned to agricultural use. Residents and officials have expressed their gratitude to Bucks for seeing the case through to its conclusion. 14 In Progress Action Purpose Completed Heritage Review of Dorney Conservation Area Consider expansion to include other parts of Dorney Village and Lake End NP Working Group Orchard Herbs Site Work with Burnham PC and Bucks Council for new enforcement notice/injunction and to revert to permitted usage as soon as possible. Robert Stopford Orchard Herbs Site - Hotel Application Support Appeal Dismissal Robert Stopford Environment Review management of roadside verges How to manage a less manicured look Jill Dax Planting at Dents Corner, Marsh Lane/Harcourt Road areas Improve appearance of Dorney Reach entrance and centre of Dorney Village Jill Dax Thames Water Field Rewilding Proposal sent to Thames Water for local volunteers Jill Dax Trumper’s Field, Dorney Reach Review Review ownership and usage NP Working Group Memorial Garden, Village Road Review planting in Memorial Garden Jill Dax Memorial Garden, Village Road Conduct Tree Survey Parish Clerk Trail bikes in fields and on Jubilee River footpaths Work with Slough, EA, police to prevent trail bike incursion on Jubilee River/local fields & footpaths Jill Dax/Robert Stopford Annual Footpath Audit Ensure all footpaths are usable and maintained according to standards. Stephen Baker Volunteer litter-pickers Continue to support large group of volunteers with necessary equipment Jill Dax Best Kept Village competition Consider re-entering in 2025 - involving Dorney Horticultural Society and others. Dorney Lake Meetings with Dorney Lake to gain summer access for residents Jill Dax Community Transfer of Dorney Village Hall charity to DPC In consideration Anna Palmer/Parish Clerk Possible parish boundary change - Lake End Support parish boundary change Robert Stopford Planning and Architecture Complete Neighbourhood Plan Support Neighbourhood Plan Working Group as required NP Working Group Infrastructure Potholes Pressure on Bucks Council to repair all potholes on FixMyStreet All Resurface certain roads Pursue previously agreed resurfacing of certain roads Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Dangerous Parking outside Pineapple Resolve dangerous parking at the junction of Ashford Lane and Lake End Road Jill Dax Village Road Cattle Grid Pressure Bucks Council to make good and reduce noise Martyn Westcott-Wreford Review reduction in speed limits Lake End Road (Sainsbury’s into Dorney): reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph. £10,000. Review reduction in speed limits Common Road/Boveney Road: reduce speed limit from 60mph to 40mph using National Parks precedent Parish Clerk Review reduction in speed limits Marsh Lane (from entry to Dorney)/Court Lane: reduce speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. £10,000. Reduce speed on entry to Parish Review installation of white entry gates on verges - Dorney Reach at Marsh Lane from Taplow and Lake End Road from Sainsbury's Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Replace damaged Dorney Sign at Tilstone Bridge Jill Dax/Parish Clerk Install Wildlife warning sign on Marsh Lane Parish Clerk Reduce amount of street furniture and signage Annual Street Furniture/Signage Review Stephen Baker Flooding of Lake End Common (Ashford Lane) Investigate flooding on Lake End Common/Ashford Lane with Thames Water and Environment Agency Parish Clerk Action Plan 2024/2025 Updated: 17th September 2024 www.dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk 15 DORNEY SCHOOL RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW News from Dorney School Harvest Celebrations As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness descends on us, the children at Dorney School reflect on the bountiful harvest and how we can share this with everyone, especially those who are in need. We welcomed again local farmer William Emmet to speak to the children about local farming and harvesting. The only disappointment was that he was unable to bring in his tractor due to the heavy rains. His knowledge and family history of farming always surprises us, and we learnt so much how climate change is farming’s greatest challenge and threat. Year 5 helped pupils and parents learn all about the celebration of Harvest around the world. It is a time of reaping, and also a time for sharing and giving. We were joined by Maidenhead Foodshare Charity that helped us to understand how many families in our local area are struggling with food poverty. They were extremely grateful for the food collection by our school community and explained how the charity works. At our school we encourage kindness, compassion and empathy even as we pursue excellence in learning. We share what we have and understand that society is always stronger when we work together. We model our values of Respect, Collaborate and Grow. Do get in touch office@dorneyschool.co.uk or visit our website https://www.dorneyschool.co.uk/ Mrs Sharifah Lee Headteacher 16 DHS – A Successful Year with a Christmas Supper to come. When we look back at the very end of the year at an active and happy 2024 for Dorney Horticultural Society, which event will really stand out most in the memory? Well, we would expect it to be a marvellously successful Annual Show or the highly anticipated Christmas Supper. But it’s worth highlighting an evening meeting back in April, when Belinda Allen from Aldershot gave a talk on ‘Herbs – Their Propagation and Care.’ As was said in DPN, ‘it’s hard to recall another occasion when audience members afterwards thronged the stage to inspect and purchase the fruits of the speaker’s own labours and expertise, in Belinda’s case cuttings, oils and creams.’ The oils and creams, by the way, were very effective. During an evening meeting a few weeks back, Antony Powell, with perfect timing, reviewed in detail many examples of ‘Autumn Colour’. Members will also fondly remember a super cottage pie supper served up that evening by our great stalwart, Chrys Fisher of the Palmer Arms. In 2023 the Society had its first Friday afternoon meeting. This year Tuesday afternoon made its debut in the schedule, as Lars Abildgaard, the Chair of Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Beekeepers Society, with the accompaniment of teas, coffees and cakes, spoke on Honey Bees in the café annex of Crocus Dorney. We learnt a lot, but one fact will stick in the mind – it takes 22,700 bee trips to our flowers to fill a 1lb jar of honey. Perhaps the biggest influence on our programme this year has been the weather. Just how different it can be within the same month – in this case June – was demonstrated by dark skies and rain for a visit to Stonor Park and that the super coach outing to the Oxford Botanic Gardens was blessed with the most gorgeous of English summer days. We said in this magazine that the weather at Stonor plus the interesting and intriguing tour of the house – for instance taking tea and cakes in the thirteenth century Pantry – emphasised the historical over the horticultural. There was so much to enjoy at Oxford – the Walled Garden, the cool herbarium, the seven tropical glasshouses cultivating plants from around the world, and of course, delicious coffee and ice cream. The Annual Show was ‘one of the most successful shows in recent memory’. Exhibitor numbers were up by nearly 40% on 2023, while entries to the children’s section increased by over 50%. The stars of the Show were Alice Foxley, overall show winner, Zoe Eylek, this year’s best newcomer, John Akerman who was presented with a chocolate cake inscribed ‘Simply the Best’ and Anna Snook’s delicious looking focaccia. 2023’s Annual Christmas Supper was probably the best ever, and most of its features will be retained this year, most notably Chrys Fisher’s roast turkey supper, preceded by mingling over a glass of bubbly on the house. Mini quizzes with bumper prizes will keep the party atmosphere going along with crackers, bunting and a Village Hall dressed up in its party best. All this will take place on Friday December 6th at 7.30pm. Reserving a place beforehand by email or phone is vital. See you there and at our 2025 events. Do follow us via our website or Facebook. DHS Committee 18 £18 members - £20 non-members s DorneyHorticultural Society Annual Christmas Supper Friday 6th December 7.30 to 10.00 pm at Dorney Village Hall A welcome glass of bubbly on entry Traditional Full Roast Turkey Supper with all the trimmings Followed by Christmas Pudding Fun mini-quizzes with hamper prizes full of goodies Crackers, Bunting, Decorations Galore and much more Come and join us for a great party evening Don't forget to bring your own drinks and glasses Tickets £20/head for members, £22/head for non-members (New members can join on the evening) ddhs@btinternet.com Tel: 07889 912714 Dorney Parish Welcomes New Residents as Northern Parish Boundary Shifts In a significant development for our parish, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England has approved a change to Dorney Parish's northern boundary. Effective from 1st May 2025, seven houses on (Old) Lake End Road, situated closest to the M4 and the Orchard Herbs site, will be incorporated into Dorney Parish from Burnham Parish. Background of the Proposal The initiative for this boundary adjustment came from the residents of (Old) Lake End Road in Lake End. They proposed aligning the boundary between Burnham and Dorney with the M4 motorway, arguing that this change would better reflect the community's identity. Impact of the Change This boundary modification will have several effects: 1. Community Growth: Dorney Parish will welcome seven new households to its community. The Orchard Herbs site and other agricultural fields are also included. 2. Financial Implications: The tax base for Dorney Parish Council will increase by seven households, while Burnham Parish Council will see a corresponding decrease. 3. Administrative Shift: The affected properties will now fall under the jurisdiction of Dorney Parish for local matters. Below are maps illustrating both the current and future boundaries: For any questions regarding this boundary change, please contact the Parish Clerk, Dorney Parish Council (Clerk@dorneyparishcouncil.gov.uk) Cllr. Robert Stopford 20 Breakfast with Santa Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd December 2024 Seating times available between 9.00am & 11.00am Santa and his reindeer are pulling up their sleigh, and he’s inviting you and your little ones to share in the magic of Christmas at Dorney Lake! Children will receive a visit & gift from Santa, festive table activities, and a breakfast of their choice. After your breakfast, why not wrap up warm and take a festive stroll around our lake and grounds? Festive Afternoon Tea Sunday 8th December 2024 Seating times available between 1.00pm & 2.30pm The classic indulgence with a festive twist. Enjoy sweet treats and savoury delights whilst overlooking our 400 acres of stunning Berkshire countryside. Junior Afternoon Teas are inclusive of a small Christmas Gift. Adult Ticket: £27.50 Child Ticket: £25.00 Under 3's Ticket: £15.00 Under 1's Ticket: £5.00 Adult Tea: £29.95 Junior Tea: £16.50 info@dorneylake.co.uk | 01753 370370 | www.dorneylake.co.uk Scan the QR code to book your Tickets: Scan the QR code to book your Tickets: Christmas at Dorney Lake Festive Events for all the Family From Festive Afternoon Tea & Breakfast with Santa, to one of the most unique Christmas Parties in Berkshire, celebrate the festive season with friends, family & colleagues in the magical setting of Dorney Lake overlooking stunning countryside and our world famous rowing course. Inclusive of a small gift and table activities (Gift only) Delight and Doom in Dorney The day had started badly as I waited for an hour in the dark for the alarm to end a bad night coughing my heart up, trying not to wake the lovely Mrs. Quincey. I padded into the kitchen, filled the kettle and was surprised to find that I was short of breath. The first time Mr. Puffy and I met, I was really quite scared (see a previous DPN for the full story!!!), but by now we were old acquaintances, and I knew that a short dose of antibiotic would soon see him off . Later that morning I was finally granted an audience with the lone Doctors’ receptionist as my predecessor shuffled uncomfortably towards the exit. “Can I help?” she asked in a bored monotone that did not portend good news. I sought to impress her, perhaps appeal to her maternal instincts, or even perhaps instil some anxiety in that, if I dropped dead in front of her, she would fear clutching the rail in the local coroner’s court. “I’m short of breath,” I wheezed dramatically, continuing “but I know from previous….” “No appointments left today!” She barely looked up. “But all I want is….” “No appointments left today!” “Was this AI?” I thought. “But….” “No appointments…” “Yes, so you said. What do you suggest I do?” “The urgent care centre in Slough.” “Where’s that?” “Priors Close. Can I help?” She raised her voice. I was dismissed. I too shuffled uncomfortably to the exit, eased myself into the Dagenham Dustbin, found Priors Close and with some apprehension entered what I expected to be a scene from Blade Runner. (Ask your Dad). The passage through the brief induction was kind, empathetic and quietly professional. Inside an hour I had had my vitals checked and seen a young lady doctor who must have been harassed but showed absolutely no sign of it, treating me in a way that made me feel that I was the most important patient that she would see that month, and a visit to the pharmacy provided the antibiotic I sought, as promised by the remarkable doctor in the Urgent Care Centre. What a difference. Doom and delight indeed. My reader, bless them, may recall that I have written much on these pages about the joy of transporting remarkable patients, some with proper grown up problems, while wearing with great pride my green uniform emblazoned with its NHS ambulance badge incorporating The Staff of Life which appears to be respected and loved by just about everybody. It gives me great delight every time I go to work, if indeed, work it is! We are the Rolls Royce of patient transport, or at least we think we are. 22 Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Please ring for discounted rate. “You won’t like this at all,” a colleague said, gazing at the computer screen, and there in electric black and white, was news that promised to burst my bubble. South Central Ambulance Service have lost the contract which has been won by a private company. We are to be transferred to this company, no longer a treasured part of the NHS. We are in the process of grieving, doom indeed. What will become of our patients when, it could be argued, our employers overriding priority will be the bottom line? What will become of us? We have been told that we will no longer serve from Wexham Ambulance Station which we share with the proper blue lights and siren heroes; rather at some base not yet announced. What will happen to Slough’s (and our) ambulance station if half the occupiers are removed along with their share of the rent and other running costs? Few of us like unplanned and unexpected change, the older we get, the less we like it. Oh, gloom indeed. And then I pick up one of my frequent flyers with a proper grown-up problem. She looks much better, and can’t wait to tell me, with a beaming smile, that treatment for her late-stage life threatening illness has worked, and this is her last appointment for a while. She has her life back, and I in my small way, have been part, albeit tiny, of that success and her joy. My gloom fades into obscurity where it belongs. Oh, the delight! We bell ringers occasionally put on our anoraks and spend a lovely day in good company ringing bells in different towers. I have to admit that I am a small anorak in these matters and enjoyed a beautifully organised trip recently. Bell towers are like cars in many ways. Hitcham, for example, is shiny and new in bell ringing terms but plain, reliable and cheap in that there are six, all quite light; what also helps is that they are scrupulously maintained. So in that sense, ringing them is like driving a three-year-old mid-range Kia; utterly reliable, but if you die in it, it will only be of boredom. Another tower eight miles from Dorney has, what once was a grand heavy eight, installed no doubt when the living (income) from the village was considerable. Bells were a way of showing off the living; the heavier and greater in number, the better the living. Sadly, the village’s good fortune has deserted it over the centuries and the very old heavy bells are now an absolute disaster to ring; certainly not for the unwary. They remind me of an elderly Mark 2 Jaguar I ran in my youth; bought for a fiver, I was ripped off! It still drove frighteningly quickly but punished you if taken for granted. Most bells fall into the mid-range Ford category, comfortable, forgiving, relatively easy without heart stopping moments. A very few are Rolls Royce gorgeous, delightful. What are Dorney’s likened to? Ask the tower captain. This band of brilliant bell ringers and I just happened to ring for the following Sunday service at Hitcham. We rang a complicated method (a mathematical tune) so flawlessly that the congregation turned round and stared in awe at this beautiful moment, drinking in the perfect, serene sound. It was a rare moment in a lifetime, and I was lucky indeed to be a part of it. Thanks Jo, Janet, David, Roger and Jake. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 24 25 VETERANS In the 1920s, many houses in Dorney were occupied by men who had served in the armed forces during the First World War. These were those who had survived that brutal conflict, though not necessarily unscathed. Similarly, after the Second World War, in many households there were former servicemen and women. It would have been commonplace, not an exception, for your neighbour to have been involved in some way. In this month of remembrance, let’s take a look at some of these. The first owner of our house in Dorney Reach, in July 1924, was Cecil Notley, a young man working in advertising. As an eighteen-year-old straight from school, he had joined the Royal Flying Corps in September 1917. He became a fighter pilot, flying low level ground attack missions in support of British troops fighting on the Western Front. He appears to have undertaken this dangerous activity unscathed and resumed his previous occupation when he was demobilised in 1919. I am not sure that he ever actually lived in the house, as he worked in London, and a few months before marrying he had sold it on. Gordon Richard Smith purchased the house in March 1925. He had married the previous year; the young couple did not move in straight away but by 1930 they were in Dorney Reach with their young son. Gordon came from Whitehaven. In 1916, aged 18, he was an apprentice mining engineer when he joined the army. By May 1917 he was a 2nd lieutenant in the West Riding Regiment and was sent to fight in France, taking part in several battles – Arras, Cambrai, Lys, Playe. He was attached to the 10th Trench Mortar Battery, operating light mortar guns. On 18 July 1918, he was involved in providing artillery cover for a raid to take Pacaut Wood and capture a German garrison there. The mission was successful but a shell in a gun under Gordon’s command exploded prematurely, leaving him severely wounded. He subsequently received the Military Cross for maintaining the artillery barrage despite his injuries. Gordon’s injuries were life changing. Invalided home to England, his other wounds healed but he lost the sight in both eyes and suffered from frequent headaches. He was judged to be 100% disabled as a result and was awarded a small army pension. Unable to pursue his previously chosen career, he retrained as a chartered 26 masseur. Gordon and his family left Dorney Reach around 1936, but he continued to practice as a masseur and was part of the Massage Corps in the Second World War. The Smiths were followed by Hamish Macdonell, a retired banker, with his wife and teenaged daughter. In September 1939, Hamish was recorded as a lieutenant in the Royal Armoured Corps, which may have been his rank during the First World War. His wife and his daughter – who was unable to return to her school in France – had both volunteered as telephonists for the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) in the current conflict. A few years later, the house was purchased by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Barry Costin-Nian, although I don’t think he ever lived in it. He was Canadian by birth, educated at Sandhurst and then joined the Canadian army. In 1915 he transferred to the West Yorkshire Regiment and was sent to France. As a captain, he was awarded the Military Cross in January 1916 for distinguished service in the field. By 1918, he was attached to the Machine Gun Corps and promoted to acting major. After the war Charles continued his military career, including spells in Australia and Egypt with the Royal Tank Corps, and reached lieutenantcolonel in 1933. He had retired in 1937 but was recalled in June 1939 shortly before war broke out again, being finally released in 1943 having reached the age of 55. Between 1940 and 1944, he wrote regularly as military correspondent for the Daily Express and other newspapers, commenting on the progress of the war and providing tactical guidance for Home Guard volunteers, of which he was one. Advice covered subjects such as how to shoot down a dive bomber with a rifle and how to fortify your village and ambush enemy tanks with trip wires in the event of invasion. In 1948 the house was sold again, to Herbert Buckmaster. He had been too young to take part in the First World War, and during the second he was engaged in other war work as technical director and works manager of McMichael Radio Ltd in Slough. The company spent the war manufacturing equipment for the armed forces, 27 producing bomb racks, suppressors, and even secret equipment for resistance movements. They also played a crucial role in the development of radar technology, producing components for early radar systems. Herbert was awarded the MBE in 1945 for his contribution to the war effort. In 1940, when the threat of a German invasion felt all too real, Herbert issued instructions to key personnel in the factory, concerning the disposal or destruction of equipment, parts and machinery if the worst happened. He was also a lieutenant in the Home Guard and led the company’s own Home Guard platoon, equipped with rifles expropriated from the shooting section of the company’s Sports and Social Club. Post-war the company resumed production of civilian radio and television sets, and Herbert became managing director in 1951. Wartime service was still a feature of the next family to move into the house, in 1955. Peter Cane joined the RAF as a nineteen-year-old in 1933 and became a pilot officer a year later. Posted to Egypt in 1937, he was promoted to flight lieutenant and then in 1941 to temporary squadron leader. That same year he left the RAF and joined BOAC as a captain. The airline was unable to undertake normal commercial services during the war and instead transported personnel and supplies for the Government. Peter took part in the operation to maintain supplies in the Western Desert, where BOAC made 270 flights in the first half of 1943, and he received the King’s commendation for this in June 1943. After the war, he remained with the commercial airline and was heavily involved in the development and testing of new airliners, the Comet and later the Vickers VC10. He was described as one of BOAC’s most experienced pilots in 1959 when he flew the Duke of Edinburgh from Heathrow to Delhi. These people were all associated with just one house, and many other houses in Dorney would have similar stories to tell. This November, I will remember not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also the many ordinary people who came forward to help protect our country in time of war. Virginia Silvester 28 Data Centre Expansion and Renewable Energy: Slough's Tech and Sustainability Boom In recent years, Slough has transformed from a town often derided in popular culture to a powerhouse in both digital infrastructure and renewable energy. Now home to what's claimed to be "Europe's largest collection of data centres" and innovative sustainable energy projects, Slough's evolution has put this unassuming town on the global tech and sustainability map. Slough: The Unexpected Tech and Energy Hub Slough's journey to becoming a data centre hotspot and renewable energy pioneer is rooted in its strategic advantages. Located just outside London, with excellent transport links to the capital and Heathrow Airport, Slough offers an ideal combination of connectivity and space. The Slough Trading Estate has become the epicentre of this digital and energy revolution, now considered the largest data centre hub in Europe and home to innovative renewable energy projects. Since welcoming its first data centre in 2005, Slough has seen exponential growth, with current estimates suggesting between 30 to 35 data centres operating within the borough. This concentration has attracted major players in the tech industry, cementing Slough's position as a critical digital infrastructure hub. Renewable Energy Innovation Alongside its data centre boom, Slough is also at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. In 2008, SSE acquired Slough Heat and Power (SHP), a company that provides electricity and water to the Slough Trading Estate. SHP owns and operates a biomass plant, burning waste wood to generate clean, affordable energy, and steam and heat to the estate as a byproduct. SSE is currently investing £400M in a new state-of-the-art energy-from-waste facility, expected to be fully operational by 2024. Once complete, it will have an electricity generation capacity of nearly 50MW - equivalent to meeting the annual energy requirements of 18,000 homes - and will be capable of processing approximately 480,000 tonnes of waste-derived fuels annually. The Growing Demand for Data Centres and Clean Energy The proliferation of data centres in Slough is driven by an insatiable global appetite for digital services. From AI and cloud computing to social media, online gaming, and virtual reality, our increasingly digital lives require vast amounts of data to be stored, processed, and transmitted at lightning speeds. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend, with remote work and digital entertainment driving up demand for data centre capacity. 30 Simultaneously, the demand for clean, renewable energy to power these data centres and other industries is growing. Slough's innovative approach to energy production, using locally sourced waste products and the latest technology, offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable industrial development. Environmental Concerns and Resource Usage While Slough's data centre industry brings economic benefits, it also raises significant environmental concerns. Data centres are notoriously resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of electricity to power and cool their servers. The National Grid has warned that data centres' power consumption could increase six-fold in the next decade, straining existing energy infrastructure. Water usage is another critical issue. During the 2022 drought, Thames Water scrutinized the water consumption of data centres in the area, highlighting potential impacts on local water resources. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, the sustainability of data centre operations becomes increasingly concerning. The renewable energy initiatives in Slough, such as the biomass plant and the upcoming energy-from-waste facility, offer potential solutions to these environmental challenges. By providing clean, locally generated power, these projects can help mitigate the environmental impact of the data centre industry. Economic Growth and Government Support The UK government has signalled a strong commitment to economic growth, with particular emphasis on sectors like data centres and renewable energy. Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) indicate that economic growth is to be given additional weight in determining planning applications, especially for data centres and digital infrastructure. This policy shift could potentially accelerate the expansion of data centres and renewable energy projects in and around Slough. Expansion Beyond Slough: Opportunities and Challenges As Slough's data centre market approaches saturation, developers are increasingly looking to neighbouring areas for expansion opportunities. This trend has raised concerns among local communities and environmental groups, particularly regarding potential encroachment on Green Belt land, including West Town Farm, over the M4 from Dorney. Balancing Growth and Preservation As data centre demand and the need for renewable energy continue to grow, finding a balance between economic development and environmental preservation becomes increasingly crucial. Several strategies could help mitigate the impact of growth on neighbouring areas: 1. Integrated Development: Encouraging the co-location of data centres and renewable energy projects. 2. Brownfield Development: Prioritizing the redevelopment of existing industrial sites or brownfield land. 31 3. Green Technology Investment: Continued investment in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. 4. Transparent Planning Processes: Ensuring open communication and community involvement in decision-making. Conclusion Slough's emergence as a hub for both data centres and renewable energy presents unique opportunities and challenges. The government's focus on economic growth adds complexity to this dynamic. For residents of Slough and surrounding areas, engagement with local planning processes is crucial as expansion pressures grow. Balancing technological needs with community wellbeing and environmental sustainability is essential in this digital age. Slough's transformation exemplifies the broader societal challenge of reconciling progress with preservation. The future of the region hinges on striking a delicate balance between digital infrastructure expansion, renewable energy innovation, and maintaining local quality of life and environmental integrity in places like Dorney. Bill Dax Karen Kimberley Karen Kimberley (BA, DCH, DHP, NLP, GQHP, MAC, ITOL) is a Taplow-based therapist and coach specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP), Counselling & Hypnotherapy to help with: ● Lack of confidence and low self esteem ● Anxiety and depression ● Communication, business or relationship problems Contact Karen: kk@karenkimberley.co.uk to arrange an initial conversation or call 07785 566468 www.theengagementring.co.uk www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk/lifecoaches/karen-kimberley 32 A Year of Articles I wrote my first article titled ‘What is it like living in a small village as a teenager’ in September 2023. I am now an adult and still loving writing these monthly articles. From the first article I tried to set my tone as light-hearted, weaving in the perception of a young person on various topics from the election to social media. I thought in this article I would reminisce on those previous articles. In my first article, as I said, it was a little bit of an intro and talking about how I find living in a small village. At that point I hadn’t passed my driving test (which I discussed in my second article), so trains were my best friend as well as my parents being my uber drivers. Now, being able to drive well, I’m my brother’s best friend because I’m more convenient! Being able to drive and Dorney being so near the M4 allows even more options for travel. Dorney’s location keeps being extremely ideal. Despite missing most of the village society events this year, which I’m pretty gutted about due to a busy school year and other commitments, the community continues to be friendly and connected. My following articles discussed various topics such as Christmas, New Years resolutions and Leap Years. These focused on my own perspective or a ‘young persons’ perspective, making sure I am still following my own brief of bringing a new tone into the Dorney Parish News. These are the kind of articles I enjoy as I can do research and find out facts that I didn’t know and then turning those facts and figures into something a bit humorous and engaging, as this tends to be what a younger person would be more interested in reading rather than a page of information talking about how the Leap Year was made by Julius Caesar in 45BC. Don’t worry, I’ll stop there! I try and bring topics I’m interested in into these articles as it makes it more enjoyable to write and explore - well it’s either this or just talking about myself in 500 words which I’m sure very few of you want to hear about. That said I still went and did it in one of my recent articles talking about my year out and my plans for the future, which is already changing as I get closer to jetting off to the city of Florence. Another article I wrote was about social media possibly helping small villages. Social media did and still does have a large presence in my life as well as many peoples’, as the world carries on fuelling the rise of it. I’m sure many of you heard about the circumstances of Liam Payne’s death, but what you may not have heard of was how TMZ in fact posted photos of Liam’s body for millions of people to see, including his 7-year-old son who will have to grow up seeing news reports about his father. So social media on a large scale I can’t agree is always a positive thing, but in small, controlled environments with the idea to help and bring people together I can agree on. But a topic like this is something I have grown up with, so seeing it change, develop and affect people interests me making it something I like to write about. That’s a quick overview of the last year of articles. I hope you continue to enjoy reading the ‘DPN’. If there are any readers that want me to write about a certain topic from a younger person’s perspective, please do get in contact. Laila Marples 33 27, The Fairway, Burnham 30 Sept.2024 Dear Editor Anyone for Hallowe’en? Our former neighbours in Dorney of some 28 years, Sylvia and the late Charles Livsey went annually to a holiday home on the Isle of Purbeck. They continually invited us to go and visit them there and we finally took up their offer shortly before the lease on the property was due to expire. You take the chain link ferry toward Swanage and turn right after Studland, drive through some military owned land and at the North coast of the peninsular is an imposing house, completely isolated in a beautiful setting. After a meal in Swanage, we retired to bed. Shirley and I were in what used to be the children’s room with four single beds. We were soon asleep, but at around 2am something surprising happened. It was a warm night, and we had left the window ajar. I was woken by a gust of wind which moved the window slightly. Then Charles came in and sat on the foot of my bed and started to read my large AA atlas. It was the turning of the pages that really made me awake. I decided to say nothing so as not to disturb Shirley and for fear of waking him should he be sleep-walking. At breakfast I looked at him quizzically, was he going to say anything, perhaps apologise? Nothing! Just a munching of cereals as he read his paper. Sylvia suggested a walk with the dog along the coast, so I went to fetch the wellies from the car. There on the back seat was the AA atlas! I was confused. As we were walking along Sylvia asked if we had slept all right. “The children used to say that the room was haunted and a monk used to come and sit on the bed in the middle of the room and read a large Bible” she said. “We didn’t really believe them”. My gob was totally smacked! My flabber was utterly gasted! I had seen a ghost. AAAAAARGH! It transpired that the house they had called summer home for 25 years used to be a retreat for monks who had transgressed, where they had to do the equivalent of a thousand lines by Bible reading. So, beware if you visit the North coast of the Isle of Purbeck. Forewarned is....... forearmed is......... quadruped! Nick Teale 34 Fun in the Village Hall with the Studio’s School I’ve been to some breathtaking places over the last few weeks. Try this one. It’s a dark night in Soviet era Moscow. The night is full of menace. A man is making a recording to be heard after he has gone, a desperate man privy to secrets so explosive he is contemplating suicide. Why, he wonders, is that car always parked just across the street with its lights on? Not impressed? OK, so next up was depression era California. Two migrant workers long for a better future. One may be a gentle giant, but with just him and the unhappy wife of his boss confined in that barn, his very next action might just be to murder her. How come? Well, here’s a clue. I was speaking words previously spoken by no less than Jared Harris and John Malkovich. Yes, this was me trying my hand at acting. Not Moscow but Dorney Village Hall, with the scripts of Chernobyl and Of Mice and Men. In July’s issue, after reviewing their youthful production of Grease, we previewed the adult classes due to be launched by the Studio’s School of Performing Arts, under the inspirational guidance of Corinne Carlisle. ‘Give it a try’ I had said, ‘I will’. I had no choice, but I’m glad I joined in. I must not give the impression that all is doomy and dramatic. It’s just that I’ve most enjoyed the leader of the classes, Barry Callan, guiding us though the interpretation of a film or TV script. But most of the time so far has been with what Barry calls ‘exercises’. These start with improvisation and are guaranteed to end with all involved falling about laughing. It seems that informal acting classes for adults with no intention of becoming serious stage performers are selling out all over the country. It’s probably a post-Covid thing. I read in my newspaper that the appeal may well be greatest to those with stressful lifestyles or those who just crave to escape the straight jacket of everyday life. So, it might be gaining confidence, it might be relaxation, it could be meeting new friends that is the appeal, but who wouldn’t enjoy these roles I’ve performed at Barry’s request? A hard of hearing robber on the run who reveals that he stole a lion (which is in the car boot) rather than nick an iron; a computer dater whose new first date is revealed over dinner to be an alien; a chat show host in the style of Graham Norton confronted by the two biggest female stars on the planet who clearly loathe each other. Much fun was had by the whole company…. The initial run of six lessons started in September and is coming to an end. Corinne and Barry declare them to have been a success. Another set of six sessions will follow. They have been for an hour and a half on a Thursday evening. More details will be announced in this magazine and please see the current Studio’s School’s advertisement for contact details. I got an enormous kick out of being fleetingly ‘Legasov’, the Chernobyl whistle blower. You might enjoy more coping with an alien. Either way, see you in the next course. I’m going back. Peter Bowman 35 Gillian Cox (1953-2024) Gillian Cox, who sadly passed away in July of this year, was certainly a long time Dorney Reach resident. In fact, her husband John told us that she lived in the same house in Meadow Way for the whole of her life. Gillian was born Gillian Morley seventy-one years ago. Her parents were originally from Slough and arrived here when the local council put up houses in Meadow Way in 1952. Priority in these homes was given to armed services personnel, and, indeed, Gillian’s father (who died in 1998) was ex-army. He became a jobbing gardener. Some might remember him doing gardening jobs all around the village. Gillian had one older sister, Janet, who emigrated to Australia as one of the last of the ‘£10 poms’ in the 1970s. Gillian was a pupil at Dorney School attending firstly the old building in Village Road and then moved with the school to Dorney Reach. After that she attended secondary school in Slough. John told us that her fondest memory of her teenage years was of being a very young bellringer at St James the Less and was a regular, he said, at Sunday services and weddings on Saturdays. In fact, John believed that there were at least three young bell ringers from Meadow Way. She would recall first Colonel Palmer, and later Peregrine Palmer, arriving to give lifts to practices. Gillian certainly was a consistent lady. After leaving school in 1968 she joined the staff of Marks and Spencer in Maidenhead and remained there for thirty-five years before taking early retirement in 2004. Gillian met John, who came from Cox Green, at a dinner party organised by a mutual friend to mark the Millennium in 1999. They were married at Maidenhead Registry Office in 2001. John told us he had been a ‘car maniac’. He had been an engineer at Vandervell’s and Hewland’s Engineering. After his own early retirement, John and Gillian enjoyed their caravan at Selsey Bill for many years. But it seems Gillian’s main passion for all those years was tending her garden in Meadow Way. It must have been in her genes. John says that his knowledge of gardening had previously stretched only to mowing the lawn. ‘But Gillian taught me everything, which plants were best where in the garden…she would tell me plant names, the proper Latin names.’ She must have been successful because they entered and won prizes at many Dorney Annual Shows. Gillian was ‘friendly and talkative’, and John mentioned several of her special friends among the neighbours. I hope they will enjoy being reminded of Gillian, this true and very long term Dorney Reach resident. Peter Bowman 36 Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken - no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) ____________________________________________________ Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 Advertising Rates Height mm Width mm 10 issues 1 issue Full Page 190 130 £100 £13 Half Page 90 130 £55 £8 Third of a page (Horizontal) 60 130 £50 £7 Quarter Page (Horizontal) 45 130 £45 £6 41 Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code C123X Trumper's Field (Dorney Village Hall) Security Gates in Meadow Way 07955 672150 Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action 999 Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls 101 National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice 111 Crimestoppers Anonymously report information 0800 555 111 Water Leaks Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Sewage Problems Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Power Cuts SSE Networks - Central Southern England 0800 072 7282 Gas Leaks National Grid 0800 111 999 Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Footpath Problems www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 Local Swan Rescue/Rehabilitation 07968 868172 Emergency Contact Details S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk Dorney Parish News December 2024/ January 2025 Happy Christmas and New Year From Dorney Parish News (with thanks to Kaz Furlong for the seasonal photograph of St Mary Magdalene, Boveney) RENAISSANCEBATHROOMS.CO.UK | RENAISSANCEKITCHENS.CO.UK 01753 693333 2 ISSUE NO. 10/24 DECEMBER 2024 EDITORIAL This magazine doesn’t nominate a Dorney ‘Person of the Year’. It has crossed my mind. In 2024 perhaps, as ‘TIME’ magazine is prone to do, there should be a generic award. How about ‘The Inspector’? For the purposes of this review, let me assume that broadly speaking our readers are supportive of attempts this year by a number of interested parties to preserve Dorney’s Green Belt and heritage. At various times this has included our Parish Council, Bucks Council, our MP, this magazine and, most important, residents who commented during the planning process or generally expressed their views, for instance, in the lively audience at 2024’s Annual Parish Meeting in May. If that is true, then the Event of the Year was the decision that emerged from The Planning Inspectorate in mid-October, after a September inquiry, dismissing the appeals of the Orchard Herbs site owner against Bucks’Enforcement Notice. After a process we estimated to have endured for around eighteen years, the owner was given nine months to ‘cease all unauthorised uses and remove related structures and materials’. Furthermore, in our October issue we wrote that ‘Eton College recently received a setback in its development plans’ as another Planning Inspector had dismissed in August their appeal regarding the refused (in Summer 2023) planning permission for Boveney Court Farm Buildings. Dorney has rather basked in the afterglow of another important decision – that by the Secretary of State to refuse (in April) the application to build a 416-bedroom hotel and energy park adjacent to the Orchard Herbs site, a judgement that we thought would be helpful in dismissing further threats to Dorney’s Green Belt. Those with their eye on Boveney are quietly pleased that another application by Eton College to develop Boveney Court Farm stables has recently been refused. But, as we write, Eton’s Court Farm application remains under consideration and it’s possible that a revised Boveney Court Farm planning application will be submitted in the future. Although many may be sympathetic to the new government’s objectives, a new application could take advantage of the expected Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Another generic award, a little less obvious perhaps, would be to ‘The Historian’. Only the other day, this column was talking to a loyal DPN reader who expressed the view that readers can’t get enough reading on history in general and the history of Dorney in particular. Some months we do have plenty of local historians to choose from, and we thank them all. If we believe that understanding Dorney’s past helps us better shape its future, then among the significant events of 2024 is the publication of a new history of Dorney. OK, this column is biased because Dorney Through Time: Preserving a Parish’s Heritage is written by our co-editor, Bill Dax. It is a recommended read! We happen to know that the relevant research involved reading a large number of our past editions. It seems readers’opinions may have been more frequent and trenchantly expressed in the past. So, now comes my annual appeal for new writers in general and ‘letters to the Editor’ in particular. I have a feeling that we will hear more impassioned 3 opinions as we move forward in these turbulent times. ‘DPN’ endorses no particular such viewpoint. The qualification for publication would be some relevance to Dorney or to be the viewpoint of an official elected to shape our future. Could we nominate a Dorney ‘organisation of the year’? We would make honourable mention of Dorney Horticultural Society and Corinne Carlisle’s Studios School of Performing Arts. DHS organised a wonderfully successful Annual Show with entries up year on year by 40% while Corinne and team’s troupe of young actors mounted a super production of Grease in the Village Hall. Perhaps star billing should go to Dorney Playground Group who, apart from running a now wonderful village facility with a flourishing Tuck Shop alongside, raised £15,000 for the newly installed snake swing and are three quarters of the way to funding a necessary Playground fence via grants and summer, Halloween and Christmas parties. Perhaps the occasion of the year was the remarkable solo effort by John and Kathy Farrell to run a day long sale featuring upcycled furniture in the Village Hall in aid of the RNLI to honour the memory of their late son Iain. We were honoured to mark the passing in our pages of three long term Dorney residents – Ted Longden, Robbie Gibbs and Gillian Cox. We salute their memory. Some aspects of Dorney life prospered in 2024. A boundary change meant that 7 Burnham households in Lake End were lucky enough to move into Dorney. Regular volunteer litter picking days became fixtures. The Beeches Community Board were praised for their grants to our Playground, Dorney Village Hall seems to be moving towards Dorney Parish Council, and some wildlife flourished like the red kites who graced both our skies and our front cover and the little owls growing up in their Marsh Lane boxes. In May our Northern Lights were spectacular in blue and also were awarded a front cover. A draft Neighbourhood Plan has gone to Bucks Council and our six-week consultation period (currently being enjoyed by Burnham and Maidenhead) can’t be far off. On the other hand…despite evidence of 40 bovine casualties over 15 years, Bucks Council seems unresponsive to DPC’s request for a 40 mph speed limit over the Common, despite arranged meetings, residents seem no closer to year round entry to Dorney Lake and the repaired Village Road surfaces featured on our cover a year ago have not been followed as expected by Court Lane or Marsh Lane. Dorney is still without a vicar despite moves to share with Datchet Parish, Thames Water seem unwilling to act on Dorney Reach rewilding proposals, Dorney is more than ever an island as the Ashford Lane Bridge over the Jubilee River is shut and Summerleaze Bridge to Bray looks about to be, while the Dorney Reach ‘library’ regularly vanishes from its phone box home. Dorney Parish News has had much to report on in 2024. We hope our reports have been useful and enjoyable to the majority of Dorney households who subscribe. Happy Christmas to contributors, advertisers, distributors and, above all, to our loyal readers. Keep in touch, and when the time comes, please, please pay your subscription. We will be back, after a break for the holidays, at the beginning of February. 4 Services in the Local Churches St James the Less, Dorney St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick St. John the Evangelist, Eton Vicar: Vacant Churchwardens: Stephen Baker & Mark Procter Correspondence Address: St. James the Less, C/O St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JA Email: Helen O’Neill stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk For information about our churches, activities and church history please see our parishes’ web site: www.stjohnstjamesed.org.uk RCCG Praise Embassy, Haywards Mead, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6JN Pastor: Olusegun Omotayo 07712 126334 www.rccgchurchatslough.com Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Burnham Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Udoh, M.S.P. 01628 605764 News from St. James the Less: THE YEAR 2024 seems to be passing very quickly so when you read this article preparations for Christmas will be in progress. Although we are still without a vicar, our church activities continue along with our worship each Sunday at 9.30am. With Christmas approaching there will be the usual changes to our patterns of worship which are as follows: December 8, 3pm Advent Carol Service at St Mary Magdalene’s, Boveney December 15, 6.30pm Service of Lessons and Carols at St James December 22, 9.30am Morning Worship at St James. December 24, 3pm Christingle Service at St James 11.30pm Midnight Communion at St James December 25, 10.15am Family Communion at St John's Eton Wick December 29, 9.30am Morning Worship at St James You are more than welcome at all of these services. As we look ahead to 2025 we pray that the right clergy person will be found to be appointed as Priest in Charge of our Benefice. David Pepler 6 Church Services in December 2024 and January 2025 Sunday 1st December 9.30 am Holy Communion (BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am AnyAge Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 4th December 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 8th December 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 3.00 pm Advent Carol Service St Mary Magdalene, Boveney Sunday 15th December 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 4.00 pm Carol Service St John the Evangelist, Eton 6.30 pm Nine lessons & Carols St James the Less, Dorney Wednesday 18th December 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 22nd December 9.30 am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Tuesday 24th December: Christmas Eve 3.00 pm Christingle Service St James the Less, Dorney 4.30 pm Christingle Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 11.30 pm Midnight Communion St James the Less, Dorney Wednesday 25th December: Christmas Day 10.15 am Combined Family Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 29th December 9.30 am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 5th January 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Any Age Family Service St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 12th January 9.30am Morning Worship St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Morning Worship St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Wednesday 15th January 10.00 am Holy Communion (said BCP) St John the Evangelist, Eton Sunday 19th January 9.30 am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00 am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick Sunday 26th January 9.30am Holy Communion St James the Less, Dorney 11.00am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Eton Wick 7 Come and celebrate Jesus’ birth with us! You are welcome to all of our services 8th December Advent Carols 3.00 pm St Mary’s Boveney 15th December Nine Lessons and Carols 6.30 pm St James’ Dorney 22nd December 9.30 am Morning Worship St James’ Dorney 24th December - Christmas Eve Christingle Service 3.00 pm St James’ Dorney Midnight Mass 11.30 pm St James’ Dorney 25th December - Christmas Day Family Communion 10.15 am St John’s EtonWick 29th December – Morning Worship 9.30 am St James’ Dorney Contact: stjohnstjamesed@hotmail.co.uk St. James the Less, Dorney invites you to… CARING FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Tel: 01628 604555 Email: office@caah.co.uk Please ring for discounted rate. TAPLOW STATION COMES TO BURNHAM COMES TO BURNHAM Over the last weekend in October, hundreds of visitors made their way to Burnham Park for the model railway exhibition previously advertised in these pages. For the children, the star attraction was a track where they could operate the controls to run the trains themselves. Who knew that little girls not yet two years old could be so entranced by an opportunity to play the Fat Controller! Adult locals were more drawn to the first public outing of the Taplow layout. There was general surprise at how extensive the railway at Taplow once was. Now reduced to only four lines, the model shows how 70 years ago sidings branched off in all directions. Most people had no idea about the goods yard, the cattle pen, the coal yard and the banana depot, now all built over by housing or light industrial units. It was so rewarding to share the history of the station and hear others’ stories about it. Only one person could remember actually seeing the banana depot (after it had closed). But several people shared their recollections of the station. A former Marsh Lane resident, who originally made contact through the Dorney History Group website, was part of the trainspotting group led by TWE Roche when he lived in Harcourt Road. This visitor travelled all the way from Hampshire to see the exhibition and recalled the grumpy porter on the (now disused) platform 1 who shouted at little boys 10 watching the trains over the fence. He remembered which sidings were used to unload horse boxes for Cliveden and which to put together the goods trains for the High Wycombe branch. There were memories of the gradual transition from goods hub to today’were used to unload horse boxes for Cliveden and which to put together the goods trains for the High Wycombe branch. There were memories of the gradual transition from goods hub to today’s commuter service – the old goods yard used as a temporary car park after the track was lifted, the road sign indicating a former ungated level crossing on the line to the gravel workings north of Institute Road. Someone who lived in Harcourt Road as a boy recalled going to the house of a school friend whose family still lived in the station yard in the early 1960s. These snippets of information are the life blood of local history – lived experience which brings colour to the bare facts. And that has been one of the key reasons for creating the model – to engage with the local community. Anyone interested in helping with this project still has the opportunity to do so; there’s plenty of track to lay and buildings to create! Slough and Windsor Railway Society welcomes new members keen to get involved. If you didn’t manage to visit the exhibition this year, there’ll be another chance next year, when the Taplow layout will be back bigger and better. See you there! Virginia Silvester 11 As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy and fulfilling month in Parliament and across the constituency. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many of you in Dorney and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year in this final edition of Dorney Parish News for 2024. This year has been one of incredible moments for our community. A particular highlight was the dismissal of the Orchard Herbs appeal, a victory for local residents and our cherished green spaces. I will now work closely with your Parish Councillors and residents to ensure this site returns to its former glory, reflecting the beauty and character of Dorney. It was also a tremendous honour to be re-elected in July. Thank you for placing your trust in me once again. Whether you’re spending this Christmas season at home or enjoying a festive meal at local gems like the Pineapple or the Palmer Arms, I hope it is a time of joy and togetherness for all. Please do get in touch if you would like to raise an important issue with me. Since my last piece for Dorney Parish News, the Government has announced its budget. One concern I’ve heard repeatedly is the impact of Labour’s planned National Insurance rise on our businesses. In November, I met with local businesses from across Beaconsfield, Marlow, and South Bucks to discuss these changes. It was devastating to hear firsthand how this increase would harm businesses already working hard to weather economic pressures. I will continue to stand against measures that hurt our local economy and livelihoods. Another highlight of the past month was attending the Farmers’ Rally in Westminster. Standing alongside thousands of hardworking farmers, their families, and supporters, we voiced our strong opposition to Labour’s Family Farm Tax. This unjust policy threatens the backbone of our rural communities, putting generations of cherished family-run farms at risk. Our farmers deserve better, and I remain committed to ensuring their voices are heard in Parliament. November is a time of reflection and gratitude, as we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. It was a profound honour to lay a wreath at this year’s Remembrance Sunday Service in Beaconsfield, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. I was also deeply privileged to plant a cross in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance on behalf of Beaconsfield, Marlow, and the South Bucks villages. We will never forget their courage and sacrifice. As we enter the festive season, let us reflect on the strength and resilience of our community. I look forward to continuing to represent Dorney in the year ahead and working together to build on this year’s successes. Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Joy Morrissey MP 12 Ashford Lane footbridge over the Jubilee River has been closed off now for nearly a year. We are advised that an engineer has inspected the bridge and we await the report on whether it needs repair or full replacement. A request has been lodged for details of the report under Freedom of Information. Taplow pedestrian bridge also experienced a failure. Repairs or replacement for that bridge were recently completed. Once we have the report and can determine whether the two bridges have encountered the same issue, DPC will initiate the process of advocating for Ashford Lane bridge to be addressed. Planning permission for Boveney Court Stables refused on basis of Heritage Officer Report Car Access at the Eton Dorney Therapeutic School to be discussed . at next DPC Meeting NEXT DPC MEETING January 14th 2025 DPC Finance meeting at 1830 hrs followed by Village/Lake End Road Wildflower seeding to Council commence in areas of meeting at Street lights reported 1930hrs the Parish not working. Now fixed. Jan/Feb 2025 1 13 “2000 miles…is very far through the snow…I’ll think of you...wherever you go” Do you have a Christmas playlist? I have one hard rule: No Michael Bublé. I love Canada, I have family who live on Vancouver Island and my wife and I honeymooned on the West Coast Trail that traverses the coastal wilderness on the island. There are no facilities, cafes, shops, or showers. You had to bring all your own food and shelter. You could be confronted by a black bear or a cougar. Who said romance is dead? So I love Canada, and I am sure Mr Bublé the Canadian is a very nice man, but I have a strong aversion to any of his musical output. My Christmas playlist has 37 non-Bublé songs on it. It includes a variety of the Wham, Mariah, Pogues and Chris Rea classics you’d expect, but also some slightly more off the wall choices like East 17’s “Stay Another Day” and St Etienne’s “I was Born on Christmas Day”. I am a child of the 90’s after all. My absolute favourite Christmas song though is “2000 Miles” by the Pretenders. I love Chrissie Hynde. Like, I LOVE her. The tousled hair, the skintight denims, the shiny leather boots, the pulsing vibrato, the attitude, the songs, everything. I’ve had a schoolboy crush on her since around the mid 80’s when the band released the “Get Close” album at the height of their fame. I lived in North Queensferry in the Kingdom of Fife then, and I later discovered that Chrissie had married Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, and they were living in brief matrimonial bliss in South Queensferry directly across the silvery grey Firth of Forth. She was within touching distance! Her autobiography “Reckless” is a good read and worth putting on your Christmas list. My favourite Pretenders song is their classic “Brass in Pocket” and I am probably now into double figures in terms of the times I have seen them live. The band line up has changed through the years as drugs and death have taken their toll, but Chrissie (who is 73) now has three strapping young lads on guitar, bass and drums, and they play proper energetic, powerful rawk’n’roll. I most recently saw them play live at the London Palladium last month, a quite special and historic venue right on Oxford Street that I’d never been to before. I don’t think the band have ever sounded better. Mojo magazine described it as a “rock and roll masterclass”. As always, I felt very privileged to listen to them doing their thing. https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/stories/pretenders-live-review/ Anyway, this article is supposed to be about nature in Dorney, not about my infatuation with the lovely Chrissie! This past month I have mainly been trying to wrest some control over my wildlife garden. Hog weed has begun to dominate the meadow, hedges have sprouted by about 20 feet it seems with all the rain, two self-seeded willows have overshadowed the pond, the veggie beds are overrun with chickweed and the seedlings of old man’s beard. Young teasel is sprouting everywhere, a bramble has invaded the greenhouse and the ancient apple trees need to be pruned and protected from the enthusiastic ivy tendrils wrapping around the gnarled trunks. Luckily my rewilding friend Josh had been booked to come and stay for the week and we focused on the vegetable garden. The apple trees were carefully pruned to allow 14 more light in and the ivy cut at the base so the habitat will remain for small creatures, birds and bats, but the expansion will cease and not smother the poor tree to the point of death. The hedges are initially brought down to head height and we utilise all the cuttings to make a dead hedge along the rear perimeter of the garden. It may sound like an oxymoron, but a dead hedge provides a fantastic habitat that’s full of life. As it rots down it is naturally absorbed back into the earth, and provides great instant cover for insects, beetles and hedgehogs and useful potential nesting habitat for blackbirds, wrens, robins and dunnocks. Hedge laying cut Consider leaving leaf piles this year to provide shelter and food for wildlife and to improve your soil fertility Theo’s birds nest kindling basket We stacked the cuttings of maple, hawthorn, dog rose (watch those fearsome spikes!) and put to one side the thicker trunks for firewood, or perhaps a wildlife friendly “stumpery” or log pile. Some of the hedge trees have grown so extensively that we need to cut them at ground level to sprout again, but for others Josh “lays” them using special cuts to allow them to fall over but keep enough connection through the bark to allow new hedge life to begin again. I am very keen to see how the hedges adapt and recover next year. As we worked, the bird feeders were busier than the M4 as various tits, finches, woodpeckers, parakeets and the naughty grey squirrels went to and fro. The Merlin birdsong app also picked up Hawfinch, Bullfinch and Blackpoll Warbler. Blackpoll Warbler is a North American bird that can migrate this far over the Atlantic, but I did wonder if the Merlin app was having one of its more creative moments as I have never had it identified before. As we cut down a rather overgrown buddleia, we found a perfect, round birds nest near the top of it, and my neighbour Theo shared a beautiful photo of a birds nest he found intertwined in one of his handmade kindling baskets in the shed. Hopefully, by reshaping the garden and letting more light in, but creating alternative habitat in other areas with the material, there will still be plenty of nesting sites for the garden birds next spring as the sap starts to rise and everything buds up and life springs into action once again. Wishing you all a fantastic festive season, and I encourage you all to leave some leaf and log pile presents in your garden for our wildlife friends this Christmas! Andrew Oliver 15 News from Dorney Playground I think it is safe to say, that if you were at the Dorney Playground Halloween Party – you had a great evening! You may have suffered ear drum injury from the noise – but it was fun.As well as the entertainer, there were burgers, hot dogs and an array of things to eat and drink.About one hundred children (plus parents) attended and we raised £600 towards the new fence around the playground. If you have read previous Dorney Playground updates, you will know that we are trying to raise £16,100 to erect a fence around the playground. So far, we have raised: Grant from Beeches community board £8000 Grant from Tesco £1500 Grant from Louis Baylis (Maidenhead Advertiser) £1000 Summer party £ 500 Halloween Party £ 600 Obviously, we still have a way to go with £4500 still to raise! Our next fund raising activity is the Christmas Party On Thursday 12th December All details are provided in the poster opposite. ALL Key Stage 1 and 2 children are welcome! This is the first time this committee has held a Christmas party, so if you have any spare items / unwanted decorations that could be used to give Dorney Village Hall a festive feel, we would be happy to pick them up. Apart from improving the playground, we also have to maintain the existing facilities. There are two ‘maintenance jobs’ that the committee would like to do in the next 12 months: Both the surfaces of the tennis court and MUGA (MultiUse Games Area) need cleaning. We have been advised that they need treating with a moss killer and then power cleaned. We have had some quotes from professional tennis court cleaners, but it is very expensive. Do you know anyone who could clean the courts at perhaps a reduced rate? The surface of the aerial runway ramp is covered in a synthetic material. It is starting to fray at points, and probably, will soon need replacing. We are having trouble getting anyone to even quote us for the job as it’s a bit unusual. Do you know anyone with the skills to resurface the aerial runway ramp? Dorney Playground Management Group, 07737 053409, Playground4Dorney@gmail.com 16 Dorney Playground Christmas Party Thursday 12th December 1700-1800 Reception & KS1 1815-1930 KS2 Dorney village hall FOOD, Entertainer, games, face painting & prizes for best costume Parents ARE responsible for their children throughout purchase at tuck shop 07725494871 All proceeds go to dorney playground £7per child 17 REMEMBRANCE Last month’s Parish Magazine gave due tribute to the local men who lost their lives in war and Virginia Sylvester’s article brought life to some of those from these parts who participated in two wars. As I write, itis Armistice Day,11thNovember or now, as it is retitled, Remembrance Day. This year,thereasons forthis act of rememberingwere heightened for me, and my sense oftheenormity of events awakened, by a weekend journey in August through northwest France and southwest Belgium. My grandfathers were both colliers, reserved occupations during wartime. For reasons unknown to me or the records (destroyed by a bomb on the Imperial War Museum in World War II), my paternal grandfather enlisted, in June 1915, at the age of 34, to join the Welbeck Rangers, 17th Bn., SherwoodForesters (Notts andDerbyRegiment). He wasmobilised towar andlandedin Le Havre on 6th March 1916. By 8th May 1916 Lance Corporal Randle was dead. A short war: like it was for so many. He was a tunneller, literally a “miner” setting underground mines beneath the German trenches. He left behind my grandmother andfivechildren aged11years toababe-in-arms. Aman who did not have to go on the basis of occupation and age but did so for country and his own reasons. Not at all an unusual happening in the so-called Great War. In Dorney we see seven names from that war. On the memorial in Sutton-in-Ashfield (where my grandfather is named) there are 432. Not large numbers but significant to population and great losses for the individual families. For the 100th anniversary of the Armistice in November 1918 we attended the service in Sutton-in- Ashfield to honour this man I never knew, or even recall being spoken of in my family, other than he had died in the war. We noticed that there were a few other Randles, brothers, cousins, unrelated? After that event, I thought I would like to visit his grave in France at Le Touret Military Cemetery. I doubted if any of my family had ever previously been again, unmentioned. Thanks to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission inMaidenhead, locating the cemetery and gravesite were made easy. Had I ventured off on my own, I would probably have gone to the cemetery, then returned home but I have the fortune of having a son-in-law who has taken many school excursions to the WWI battlefields, and he persuaded me to see the broader picture. Le Touret is relatively a small cemetery with 13,400 names/graves. Like all Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries, immaculately maintained. We found Thomas, we said a few words, mytwo grandchildrengave a readingandleft tokens; asimplehello, thank you andgoodbye. As we walked around,the Empire as itwas then, wasfully representedindeath. One strikingheadstone – Pt G Paterson, Scots Guards, AGED 16 (in 1916); such waste of youth. Of course, the countryside is a now serene, arable landscape with pockets of acknowledgement in theform ofcemeteries andplaces ofmemorial. At Vimy Ridgethe CanadianMemorial has remnants of trenches and tunnels, manned by young, Canadian, student guides, the proximity of the enemy trenches vividly close. At Beaumont-Hamel there is the intact Somme battlefield preserved by the Newfoundlanders. The Lutyens designed Somme memorial standing high on the hill at Thiepval bears the names of over 72,000 service personnel. Of particular interest to me was Lochnagar Crater, which is a preserved crater, the result of “miners’” tunnelling, one of a programme of 19 mines at the outset of the Battle of the Somme; digging through Chalk at the rate of 90cm per day over 300 metres to load 27 tonnes of explosive. That was before my grandfather’s time at war but indicative of the work he may have engaged in. 1Lochnagar Crater (DepictingMiners) 18 2SanctuaryWood On into Belgium where we took a detour to one of the two small cemeteries at Brandhoek (522) where one of the two WW1 Double VCs rests – Captain Noel Chavasse RAMC. Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62) is a battle-site that remains ungroomed, with its corrugated iron clad trenches and tunnels it gives quite an authentic feel for conditions. Its privately owned museum is a little haphazard and random but nevertheless interesting. The Passchendaele Museum at Zonnebeke is muchmorestructuredandorganised. Outsidethere isastrikingmemorial to the Maori that fought together with the many other nations. The most overwhelmingcemetery wevisitedwasTyneCot,risingupthehillsiderow upon row of white headstones towards the memorial walls commemorating over 35,000 servicemen:the largest Commonwealth war cemetery anywhere. One also has to remember that the soldiers of the opposing side also died and left behind families so, to finish our cemetery visits, we walked round the Langemarck German Cemetery. A very different style with flat-laid, dark headstones and Oak trees that have grown tall, making it quite gloomy. Our tour closed in Ypres (Leper). We stayed in a house just opposite the Menin Gate; unfortunately, currently girded in scaffolding and wrapped in plastic. In WWI the Cloth Hall on the market square wasalmost flattenedalongwiththerest of the citybut now fully restored,ithouses acomprehensive, and interactive museum to record events of the war. As a nation we commemorate once a year on the Sunday of November closest toArmisticeDay. In Leper they commemorate every evening at 8 pm under theMeninGate toremember andpay tributetothesoldiers who fought anddied forpeace, by a simple bugle Last Post Ceremony. The ceremony is maintained by the Last Post Association, a group of Belgian volunteers, passionate about keeping alive the memory of those who fought to free their city. Over 54,000 missing casualties are recorded at the Menin Gate. One has to remember too that many, many French and Belgian citizens were killed or maimed by what is now called “friendly fire” in the war to liberate their countries. 3YpresClothHall2024 This was a well worthwhile voyage of discovery. I was surprised to be so affected by being closer to where the reality of that war took place: just a glimpse at the more than 8 million who died. Numbers too large even to imagine. Even grandchildren of 11 and 14 found the visits interesting and moving. I would encourage anyone with the vaguest interest to see for yourself and better comprehend. So, it was “the war to end all wars” but 20 years on the battles started again; fought, in part, over some of the same territory. I was born in the latter part of WWII and alas, I find it hard to recall a year that war was not raging somewhere in the World. Clive Randle 19 Do we celebrate Christmas too early? The 5th of November was when the Christmas lights were turned on in Oxford Street, only 5 days after Halloween and with some of the larger stores in London already having opened their Christmas shops, is this too early? I love Christmas, it is arguably one of my favourite times of the year, but for me it only truly starts to feel like Christmas in the later days of November and the start of December, despite the shops trying to start the Christmas spirit in much earlier with the typical Christmas goodies being stocked on the shelves. I understand that some people are Christmas enthusiasts and wait every single year for it to begin, this being their happiest time so wanting to make the most of it and not limit it to 25 days …. but there is the argument against starting quite so early. I recently had a conversation at a wedding in which this topic came up with people celebrating too early, which inevitably makes the year feel like it’s going too fast. It starts with Christmas, as soon as Christmas is finished everyone’s thoughts go to Valentines Day (a smaller holiday but yet effects what the shops display) shortly after its Easter with shops getting full of Easter eggs and bunny decorations. Then it’s summer before you know it, with people getting hopeful that it will be sunny for more than 3 days in the entirety of the English summer and buying new garden furniture which gets stored away faster than London put up the Christmas decorations nearly 2 months in advance! By the time summer is over its Halloween, then bonfire night and then you’re back to Christmas. All of this leaves us with the impression that the year is going faster and faster, exasperated by the rise in commercialisation with shops taking advantage and constantly seeking the next event or holiday to entice shoppers to spend money. So, should we wait to put Christmas lights up, stock Christmas goodies and decorate our houses or should we embrace the festive season? In my opinion waiting till at least halfway through November to start celebrating is the appropriate timing. I have to agree that Christmas is a special time of the year and people want to celebrate it, but I also argue that there needs to be more of a break between these big events before quickly moving on and feeling rushed into the next holiday. Yet saying this I did attend the Eton light switch on the 14th of November, and it was a very joyful evening kick starting Christmas spirit. In my family we don’t decorate our house till after the 1st of December when we go and choose our tree and get down half a dozen boxes of Christmas decorations we’ve collected over the years from the loft (just to put half of it back up in the loft), so maybe this is why I believe and don’t feel fully in the Christmas spirit till December. I wonder what you readers’ opinions are. Whenever they go up, remember make sure you have taken your decorations down before the 6th of January! Laila Marples 20 The Palmer Arms Festive Menu 2024 £32.45 -3 Courses / £28.45 -2 Courses Complimentary Crackers Starters Parsnip Soup, parsnip crisps, truffle oil, Crusty Bread (VG) (GF) Roasted Pumpkin risotto, sage fritters (VG) (GF) Smoked duck, orange, spring onion salad, chilli plum jam Chicken Liver & Port Parfait with a fig and apple onion Chutney, toasted brioche Prawn and Smoked Salmon Cocktail, bread and butter Mains Turkey Breast with Pigs in Blankets, Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, sage onion stuffing & Red Wine Gravy (GF) Pan Fried Seabass with Crushed New Potatoes, Wilted Spinach, prawn and garlic butter (GF) Pork Belly with Crackling, Apple Cider Sauce, Roast Potatoes, Cabbage & Bacon Beef Wellington with Spinach Duxelle, Dauphinoise Potato & Buttered Carrots, Jus (+£5.00 Supplement) Lentil and Chickpea Moussaka with seasonal vegetables (VG) (GF) Desserts Christmas Pudding with brandy Custard (VG) (GFA) Chocolate fondant with mint chocolate Ice cream Selection of British cheeses with celery, grapes and crackers (+£3.00 Supplement) Apple & raisin Crumble with custard (GFA) Speculoos cheesecake with vanilla ice cream (VG) Optional 12.5% Service Charge will be added to the bill Terms & Conditions Apply 21 22 New Book Chronicles Dorney's Rich Heritage and Future Challenges I am delighted to announce the publication of "Dorney Through Time: Preserving a Parish's Heritage," a comprehensive exploration of our parish's history and the challenges we face in protecting its unique character for future generations. As founder of the Dorney History website and a participant in preparing our Neighbourhood Plan, I've long felt the need for an accessible account of Dorney's past and present. While the website offers extensive information, its depth can sometimes overwhelm casual readers. This book distills that knowledge into a more approachable format while addressing the crucial concept of Dorney's "DNA" -the essential characteristics that make our parish unique. The book explores Dorney's journey from its Saxon origins to present-day challenges, examining our agricultural roots, connections to the Thames, and the influential families who shaped our development. It covers landmark events from various wars to modern developments like the M4 motorway, Dorney Lake, and the Jubilee River, showing how these have impacted our community. However, this is more than just a historical account. It's a call to understand and appreciate what makes Dorney special, and a guide to navigating the complexities of preserving our heritage while adapting to inevitable change. As someone who has called Dorney home for nearly half a century, living in three different houses and now settled with Jill in an improved version of the cottage we first bought in 1976, I've witnessed firsthand our parish's recent evolution. The book is 82 pages and includes 15 chapters covering everything from our churches and manor court rolls to natural history and the impact of wars. It concludes with a detailed examination of current development pressures and the urgent need to protect Dorney's essential character. Special thanks go to my wife, Jill, for her unwavering support, James, Anna, and Jill Palmer for their invaluable information about Dorney and the Palmer family, Virginia Silvester for her excellent historical articles in Dorney Parish News, and Peter Bowman for granting access to the DPN archives. The book is intended as a living document, with updates planned as events require. For instance, the imminent transfer of the houses in [Old] Lake End Road, the fields behind and the Orchard Herbs site to Dorney Parish will necessitate future revisions. "Dorney Through Time" is available through the Dorney History website www.dorney-history-group.org.uk – as a bound book. The Recommended Retail Price is £6.00, but for DPN readers it is £5.00. I hope it will serve not only as an informative read but as a tool for residents and policymakers alike. By understanding Dorney's past and the essence of its character, planners and others can, hopefully, make more informed decisions about its future. Bill Dax, Dorney History online www.dorney-history-group.org.uk 23 The Eton Wick Waterways Group (EWWG) plays a vital role in maintaining and protecting the local waterways that connect our communities. Dorney Parish News asked if we could reprint for Dorney readers information that was set out in the November issue of the Wick 4-weekly newsletter for November. Here is an updated version of that report on action by the EWWG and Thames Water to improve the waterways and on a major project to increase TW’s capacity to treat and store effluent. We would like to thank the EWWG’s Laura Regazzacci for her help with this update. Water levels on all our waterways have been very high over the last year or two, due to persistent heavy rainfall and an increased outflow from Thames Water’s Slough Treatment Works (STW). In addition to this, partially treated effluent has frequently been released when the treatment works have reached full storage capacity. This can be tracked on the EDM (‘Event Duration Monitor’) tracker https://www.thameswater.co.uk/edm-map. After EWWG negotiations with a new project management team, Thames Water (TW) have now committed to clearing the Roundmoor/Boveney rivers twice annually until the planned improvements to processing and storage of effluent at the Slough Treatment Works prevent any future sewage releases into the Roundmoor. Their contractors have now cleared dense weed from Boveney and Roundmoor for a second time this year. Some issues have been identified along this watercourse including low bridges and fallen trees, which have prevented some sections from being cleared. However, the overall effect of the weed culls has been to reduce the resistance to flow, allowing water to flow faster to the Thames and therefore mitigate against winter and spring storm overflows. Now that TW are taking on the weed clearance of the main rivers, our team of volunteers has not been idle! They were out every weekend in September to clear weeds, fallen branches, and other debris from the smaller streams. The issue of 24 flooding on the footpath between Eton Wick and Cippenham should be addressed by Slough Council who own the land and the Environment Agency, who were responsible for its alteration over the Jubilee, and both have been made fully aware by us of their responsibility to safeguard residents who use this path regularly for work, school and shopping. on the footpath between Eton Wick and Cippenham should be addressed by Slough Council who own the land and the Environment Agency, who were responsible for its alteration over the Jubilee, and both have been made fully aware by us of their responsibility to safeguard residents who use this path regularly for work, school and shopping. We have an update from Thames Water regarding planned improvements to the Slough Treatment Works. TW acknowledges that STW is due for an upgrade and states that whilst it may seem that no work has been happening, behind the scenes a lot of engineers and designers have been working to find a solution that does not just shift the problem from location A to location B. The original proposal to route the wastewater through a tunnel from STW directly to the Thames has been shelved, and the revised plans are to implement a robust solution to the process and treat the incoming sewage on a flow to fall basis. So, what does that mean? TW advise there will be greater odour control and the high nutrient levels that have fed the weed growth resulting in spring and summer flooding will be removed before the water is released into the Roundmoor to make its journey to the Thames. New storage and treatment tanks and other infrastructure are proposed to be built at STW, and TW advise that this is a complicated build in a live working environment with hazardous areas so there are risks that they must plan for. This is not only for the safety of the live operations of the builders and engineers, but also to ensure that no part of the facility is taken out of service without that process being able to run in a safe manner to protect the works and the environment. They plan to make their final contractor selection for these works at the back end of 2024 with a contract award around March 2025. There will then be 12 months of designing from the contractor with the build starting in 2026. Some works have already started on site as you might have seen. Meetings between senior project managers at TW and SSE (the energy provider) have resulted in an earlier date for the additional power supply installation. There is no firm date yet for completion but we understand that Thames Water is fast tracking this project. They have been asked to present their project either online or in person and to engage with residents who will be affected, as promised in the original planning proposal of 2022. Meantime, the EWWG has submitted a bid for Water Restoration funding from the Rural Payments Agency to restore our waterways independently of any plans by Thames Water. If the bid is successful, the planning will start this winter, and landowners and riparian residents will be involved in the consultation throughout. EWWG have received new guidance from the Environment Agency for Riparian Owners, who have rights and responsibilities for their stretch of the river. This includes the removal of impediments to flow such as fallen tree trunks. It also offers guidance on what permissions are required for any construction on or near the river, such as flood defences, bridges and the use of herbicides. Link below. https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/your-watercourse-rightsand- roles 25 TVAP offers Family Support – Gary Warrington When TVAP opened all those years ago we were determined to make play more accessible to those who find it difficult to or even impossible to enjoy mainstream provision. To give people choices. Even in those early days our mantra was very much ‘people not just things’ and that is still true today. Whilst the provision of exciting, accessible and appropriate play equipment remains vital we firmly believe that having someone to share them with and enjoy the experience together is even more important. TVAP has become a community over these many years – as one mum recently put it -“TVAP is my place of happiness and hope” and a visit to TVAP is not just about the equipment and resources (as important as they are) but it is about belonging and being respected for who you are. Covid really brought home how much our families rely on us, and we take that very seriously. TVAP is about friendship, understanding and equity, a safe space where families and individuals with disabilities can play and learn together in a creative non-judgemental and supportive environment, whatever their individual needs and abilities. Families of children with disabilities often have very few recreational choices that suit the whole family -we have learnt from them just how inaccessible and scary mainstream provision can be. TVAP has always offered a unique opportunity to relax and have some quality time away from the life of caring, making happy family memories to get you through the harder times. Whilst I think that we deliver on our original promise really well, if there is one thing we have learnt over the years it is that we can always do more, we want to do more. We are really excited to have secured some funding enabling us to create a new Family Support role. We have exciting plans but are starting small to make sure we can learn more to deliver what is really needed. We are so proud to be part of the local disabled community and hope that this service will help make life easier to access information and gain much needed support both from professional bodies and volunteer groups but also essentially from each other. We want to make connections and in turn to connect people with each other in a positive, fun and empowering way. Beckie, one of our long-standing team with a wealth of experience has agreed to take on the initial role and will be working hard to build a team of volunteers to support our visiting families -we are not thinking rocket science here or reinventing the wheel but things that matter -everyday. Beckie has been researching the types of things that our visitors need and surprisingly they are, in the most part, things that we all take for granted, such as how to teach personal care, finding a hairdresser, accessing legal advice or even just having somebody to bounce ideas off. This is where we started and Beckie is putting together a programme of practical support sessions and coffee morning type affairs to help our families feel less isolated and more empowered. We hope that these will be a springboard. Beckie is busy putting together a library of local resources and signposting opportunities to increase choice and together with Lucie, our Community Engagement Co-ordinator will work to foster better links with our local community. But it is not all about information -many families also expressed a need for more practical support to make their visits even more enjoyable. We are recruiting support volunteers for Saturdays to be on hand and help support our families in simple ways but ways that make a difference.Awelcome smile and a helping hand when you arrive after a fraught journey makes such a difference, having another adult to chat to whilst your child plays can be a real bonus. Having someone available to look after their child whilst you go to the loo or grab a quick coffee – or just 5 minutes to go for a quiet walk, on your own, in the grounds and recharge might be just what you need. We fully intend, as funding allows, to move this service forward to the next stage of our grand plan and partner with local business and volunteer groups to create an active information hub, both online and on site that can be accessed by our disabled community to ask questions and be signposted to available help and advice as needed. It is really important to us that we provide a holistic experience that is fun but is also relaxing and helps the family in their ‘away from TVAP’ life too. We hope our new services will go a long way to making your visits to TVAP even better. See you soon for a play, a chat, a coffee and a haircut! 26 CHRISTMAS GROUNDS OPENING HOURS 2024 Dorney Lake’s grounds will be open every day throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Our gates will be open from 7.00am to 4.00pm daily. Please do exit by 3.45pm to ensure that the gates do not close on you. For the most up to date grounds opening times, visit our website at: dorneylake.co.uk/seasonal-grounds-visiting WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE DORNEY LAKE TEAM A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG DORNEY SCHOOL Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach Maidenhead, SL6 0DY Tel: 01628 620871 E-mail: office@dorneyschool.co.uk Website: www.dorneyschool.co.uk RESPECT * COLLABORATE * GROW Headteacher: Mrs Lee Fireworks Night Saturday 9th November 2024 Every year, I am amazed how this event gets better and better! We had many more members of the public attending this event. The event raised just under £3000, and this money will go towards a new sound system for the school. All tickets were sold out and many people had to be turned away at the gate. There were just under 500 people who attended. I know that the PTA are already planning a bigger event for next year! We hope to see you there! A member of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England. Company Number 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG 7769232. Registered office: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HG Remembrance Day Monday 11th November 2024 It was a poignant assembly as year 6 pupils recounted stories from their family history during the Great War. The pupils helped us to understand the impact of such wars on nations, citizens, individual and families. Through this assembly we understood how our diverse histories are intertwined. There were recounts of courageous acts, harrowing details and how war and migration changes our landscape. It is so important that we carry this legacy as stories from the past get quieter over the years unless we remember, retell, and ultimately learn from them. “Lest We Forget. Never Again.” Rami and Aaryan remind us through a verse of this poem, In Flanders Field by John McRae Wishing our Dorney community a happy and peaceful Christmas. Mrs S Lee, Headteacher Not Forgetting Last month we all remembered those who gave up everything, even their very existence, so that we could live the very satisfactory lives that most of us have enjoyed. This year we rang at St James the Less for the fallen in both Great and subsequent wars as a small congregation stood, heads bowed, around a war grave in the churchyard; our debt is everlasting. This year, as in every Remembrance Day, we rang half muffled which produces a clear note on one side of the bells and a hauntingly soft caress on the other. I had the honour of ringing the tenor, the largest bell with the lowest note in slow sad changes to a final ‘staggered stand’ where the lightest bell with the highest note stands first, followed by the second, third, fourth and fifth until the tenor is left wretchedly alone, like a sole survivor crying over lost friends. It’s always heart rending. We all stood quietly at the end, each lost in our own thoughts. It gets us every time. I have often felt that the ceremony at the Cenotaph, moving as it is, amounts in part to an opportunity for a procession of the ‘great and the good’ to parade their respects in the public gaze, often wearing fancy outfits paid for by you and me, where perhaps, the story of a random youngster caught up in the horror may be more appropriate, and, while I contemplated this very scribbling, I chanced to meet a remarkable man, the only living relative of another hero Private Richard Houston. He related this story to me, and he graciously permitted me to pass it on to you. Richard (‘Rigger’) Houston was eighteen and in deep trouble in Dunkirk, having been chased literally into the sea. The horrors the youth must have seen there defy imagination, but he got away while others, like an old acquaintance of mine Ashley did not, holding the Germans back to aid Richard’s and other’s escape and suffering the Great March to Poland as a POW, getting frost bite, and still being treated at Wexham Hospital for it in 2016. Having escaped Dunkirk, young but wiser Richard landed, with perfect timing, in illfated Singapore, itself on borrowed time after the fall of Malaya and lived first-hand the largest surrender in British history. Having sailed lethal waters halfway around the world, his task on arrival was to destroy everything so that it would not fall into the hands of the Japanese as the enemy drew ever closer. It must have been quite terrifying, eighteen years old, barely old enough to shave, running out of food along with starving locals while destroying their means of defence. Inevitably, Richard was hit by a grenade and badly wounded in his thigh. Much had been broadcast that the enemy were Barbarians, incompetent and no match for the superior defenders both in numbers and quality, and that they regarded it a matter of honour not to surrender nor become prisoner. They would be treated with complete disdain and contempt, and history shows how right this appalling prediction was. I recall watching in horror ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ and before that actual newsreel of the cruelty meted out to Richard and his mates. 30 Not so Richard! He was taken to hospital, patched up and nursed back to a reasonable health by his enemy and was forced to load ships with other POW’s, living a meagre existence. Surprisingly, he found his guards very like him, away from home, somewhat frightened as to what the future held for them. They showed him crumpled photographs of home, Mum and Dad and small babies, and occasionally shared a little of their ration, as both captors and captured were permanently hungry. My new friend related the story passed onto him by Rigger where a civilian lady dropped an apple by the gang as she passed by at great risk to herself, and the gang divided it equally between them. Although they risked being shot, presumably for fraternising with the enemy, some civilians took pity on these wretched men and kept them alive with similar offerings. My informant did not know how Rigger got home, but clearly he did. Only to discover that he had been listed as missing presumed killed in action, and his young wife had married again. He held no hatred for the Japanese, recalling that they had restored him to a form of health and that the squaddies guarding him missed home just as much as he did. I understand that he died young; hardly surprising after what he suffered. I would have loved to have met him, but like my father, and perhaps yours too, he did not want to speak about the war or his part in it, but things I have learned about what Pa did and what he saw increased my love and respect for him and his modesty. There must have been thousands of Riggers and Gordon Quincey’s whose heroism and stoicism modestly fought to get our freedom back and of course, those youngsters trapped in sinking ships, burning planes and tanks and others suffering a horrifying imminent death. I don’t want to think what their last thought must have been. Thank you all, oh thank you, for the wonderful life you gave us at the cost of your own. We will never forget, and I shan’t, particularly when I am ringing the mournful tenor bell on its own, lost in admiration for those remarkable people. Let me wish my reader and anyone else who picks up DPN a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year, and for lucky me, it promises to be a cracker. What is certain is that internationally, it certainly won’t be dull. Stay safe. Mike Quincey 31 Planning Update -December 2024 Boveney Court Stables: Second Time Unlucky The latest planning application for Boveney Court Stables has been refused, marking the second unsuccessful attempt. The first application was allowed to lapse. The planning authority determined that the development would adversely impact the character of the Boveney Conservation Area and the setting of several listed buildings, including Pond Cottage and Boveney Court. Despite arguments that the development could be temporary, planners concluded that even a time-limited impact on these heritage assets would be unacceptable. The good news is that it appears that Pauline Cadey will be able to continue caring for her retired ponies at the current stables. Orchard Herbs: The Final Chapter? The long-running Orchard Herbs saga appears to be reaching its conclusion. Following the dismissal of the hotel appeal in April 2024, the enforcement appeal was also dismissed in October 2024. The site must now be cleared by July 11th, 2025, marking what could be the final chapter in this protracted planning dispute. Court Farm:Awaiting Decision The significant Court Farm development proposal remains under consideration. Following its "call-in" by Dorney Parish Council, supported by our three Bucks Councillors, the application will be decided by the Bucks SouthArea Planning Committee in a public session. While the statutory consultation period has ended, the planning process continues, and comments raising material planning considerations may still be considered until a final decision is reached. Magnolia Cottage: A Different Approach An interesting contrast to Court Farm has emerged with the Magnolia Cottage application in Slough Borough. The proposal to replace the existing property and its distinctive Dutch Barn with five three-bedroom houses demonstrates a notably different approach to development. The application promises significant reductions in building footprint (37%), volume (30%), and hardstanding (29%), while increasing green space by 16%. This stands in stark contrast to the Court Farm proposal, which would see a 94% increase in footprint and 120% increase in volume. Dorney Lake Maintenance Building: Questions of Abandonment Dorney Parish Council has taken action regarding the abandoned maintenance building at Boveney Court. Following Eton College's decision to relocate their grounds maintenance to Pococks Lane, the partially completed structure has remained untouched for years. The Council has written to Bucks Council requesting a modification of the planning consent under Section 97 of the Town and Country PlanningAct 1990, which could require a new planning application before any further development occurs. The Broader Picture The parish continues to face significant planning pressures, with decisions on several major applications pending. The Boveney Court Farm buildings appeal was dismissed inAugust 2024, adding another layer to the complex planning landscape in our area. These ongoing cases highlight the importance of community 32 engagement in the planning process, with each application potentially affecting the character of our parish. As we look ahead to 2025, these various planning decisions will play a crucial role in shaping Dorney's future. While some cases appear to be reaching their conclusion, others are just beginning their journey through the planning system. Residents are encouraged to continue engaging with the planning process, as community input remains vital in influencing these important decisions. The contrast between different development approaches – as illustrated by the Magnolia Cottage and Court Farm applications – raises interesting questions about what constitutes appropriate development within our parish. As these various planning sagas continue to unfold, they will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing discussion about preserving Dorney's character while accommodating necessary change. Bill Dax 33 MINUTES OF THE DORNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 19th NOVEMBER, 7.30pm AT DORNEY SCHOOL Present Cllr. Jill Dax (Chair) Cllr. Anna Palmer Cllr. Euan MacLennan Cllr. Martyn Westcott-Wreford Cllr. Stephen Baker Clerk Ruth Senior and 1 member of the public Public Forum The area where Harcourt Road meets Oak Stubbs Lane is looking messy – the Chair confirmed this is on the grounds work schedule to be tidied and planted with wildflowers in the spring. PC/72/24 Apologies for absence Cllr. Robert Stopford PC/73/24 Declaration of interest on any items of business on this Agenda There were none declared. PC/74/24 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2024 These were approved with no amendments required and signed by the Chairman. PC/75/24 To receive the Clerk report The Clerk report was produced and circulated to the Council prior to the meeting. The main points of note were that Bucks Council have closed the Ashford Lane bridge by legal order and the structure is being assessed. There has still been no response to the emails sent to Steve Broadbent regarding speeding across Dorney Common. MP Joy Morrissey has been informed as have SBALC. The new Council noticeboard will be installed at the Palmer Arms shortly. PC/76/24 Items of business carried forward 76.1 The Orchard Herbs Site Report from Cllr. Stopford: The deadline for Mr Balls to appeal against the process of the report is 25th November. 76.2 The Neighbourhood Plan The next draft has been submitted to Bucks council for comment. The decision to agree that Burnham Parish Council should proceed with their Neighbourhood Plan and neither council will object to the other’s plan on the basis of the changed boundaries was ratified. PC/77/24 Planning PL/24/0586/FA -Court Farm Common Road Dorney Buckinghamshire SL4 6QA -Still ongoing. PL/24/2395/FA The erection of 9 mobile stable boxes with a tack room and hay store -Boveney Court Stables Boveney Road -Ongoing. PL/24/1929/FA Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a new dwelling -Ronita 59 Harcourt Road – Permission refused 2nd October. PL/24/3290/FA Part two storey and part one storey side extension – Ronita 59 Harcourt Road – No comments to be made. 34 Group Bookings Plant pot recycling Walled gardens to explore Visit us at crocus.co.uk/dorney-court/ Our address: Court Ln, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QP Opening hours: 9am - 5pm 7 days a week Café open: 9am - 4:30pm (Kitchen closes at 3pm) Making beautiful possible Come and visit our Nordmann Tree Forest and pick out your perfect real Christmas tree. We will wrap it for you and help carry it to your car Take home one of our freshly planted Christmas containers to brighten up your front door Browse our fabulous Christmas decorations, our range of gifts and selection of delightful houseplants in our fantastically festive shop For more info scan the QR code or visit: crocus.co.uk/dorney-court/ For all your Christmas needs with this advert YOUR TREE £5off Lavender Cottage, Village Road PL/24/2645/HB Listed building consent for installation of new flue opening for boiler. PL/24/3090/HB Removal of internal stud walls. PL/24/2645/HB Installation of flue opening. No comments to be made. Cottage, Village Road PL/24/2645/HB Listed building consent for installation of new flue opening for boiler. PL/24/3090/HB Removal of internal stud walls. PL/24/2645/HB Installation of flue opening. No comments to be made. PL/24/3272/FA – Front, side and rear extensions – 5 Marsh Lane, Dorney Reach – No comments to be made. PC/78/24 Finance 78.1 The paperwork for the new bank account was signed and it was agreed that £30k should be transferred into it when open. 78.2 The cashbook was circulated prior to the meeting and approved. The budget and precept request for next year is now being planned for circulation before the January finance meeting. PC/79/24 To update on and consider the transfer of Dorney Village Hall (DVH) to Dorney Parish Council (DPC) Dorney Village Hall are still waiting for the Charity Commission to respond. Cllr. MacLennan confirmed he will no longer do the finance work for the Village Hall when the transfer take place. It was agreed this will be taken on by Ruth Senior subject to an hours and salary review. PC/80/24 To consider action on Eton College abandoned buildings Cllr. Dax circulated a draft letter to Councillors prior to this meeting regarding the abandoned buildings to Bucks Council, it was agreed this should be sent. PC/81/24 To update on the wildflower planting and grounds work The wildflower planting will begin in spring. The extra charge quote of £80 per month from RJC Landscapes to cover the extra land up to the M4 bridge was agreed. PC/82/24 To receive an update from the Local Area Technician The artwork for the welcome to Dorney sign on Dorney Common has been requested for the replacement of the sign. Cllr. Dax has tracked down the original artwork and will forward this to the LAT. It was agreed that the wording regarding the Olympic village will not feature on the new sign. PC/83/24 To update on the missing dog waste bin in Trumpers Field The dog waste bin at the top of the field has gone missing and has been reported to Bucks Council. It has been confirmed that this will be replaced asap. PC/84/24 To receive an update on Dorney Playground Dorney Playground are fundraising for fencing to surround the playground at a cost of £16100. They have so far raised an incredible amount, only £4500 left to go and have parties and events planned. The Chair thanked the Trustees for their continued hard work. PC/85/24 To consider any complaints/comments received from residents There were none received PC/86/24 Items to consider for discussion at the next meeting on 14th January 2025 Old Lake End Road signage Parking at the Dorney Therapeutic School Precept and budget Meeting ended at 8.15 pm 36 37 Dorney Village Hall www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk Floor completely sanded and repolished in December 2023! Dorney Village Hall has a large main area with stage, a smaller annexed room, and kitchen. It has recently been redecorated throughout. It is served by a large private car park and adjacent there is a tennis court, a multi activity games area (MUGA), playground and a playing field. It is used by residents for a multitude of activities such as dancing classes, keep fit, yoga, badminton, horticultural and hired out for parties, dances and weddings. Licensed to seat 100 people Children’s tables and chairs available Beechwood suspended dance floor 75 space free car park From £15 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) for Dorney Parish Residents Email: bookings.dorneyvh@gmail.com Online on www.dorneyvillagehall.co.uk 38 • Carpentry • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Roofing Specialist • Bespoke Garden Rooms/Offices • Renovations and Refurbishments All aspects of building work undertaken -no job too big or too small 07876 275129 varneyandson@gmail.com www.varneyandson.co.uk G & J Decorating Local decorators with 20 years' experience. All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highest standard. Free estimates and references available. Gav 07795 081141 39 40 Dorney Parish News Published monthly (except January and August) Editors: Peter Bowman, peter.bowman@talktalk.net Mobile: 07889 912714 Bill Dax, bill@daxfamily.com Mobile: 07802 365448 (Production) Distributors: Mr Cobb, Mrs Leishman, Mrs McCabe, Mr Penfold, Mrs Stockwood, Mr Temple Miss Snook, Mrs Tuddenham, Mrs Wood-Dow RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION: £7 per annum for 10 issues Bank Transfer Details: Sort Code 60 04 53, Account Number 13611690 The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. Advertising in Dorney Parish News Dorney Parish News is an A5 newsletter that is circulated monthly (except January and August) to residents and businesses in Dorney Village, Dorney Reach, Boveney and Lake End. Our current print run is 250. Estimated readership is around 400 people. There are approximately 300 residential properties in Dorney Parish. Rate Card: Advertising RatesHeight mmWidth mm10 issues1 issueFull Page190130£100£13Half Page90130£55£8Third of a page (Horizontal)60130£50£7Quarter Page (Horizontal)45130£45£6 Contact: Peter Bowman, Editor peter.bowman@talktalk.net 07889 912714 41 Dorney Reach (Village Hall) Defibrillator Code C123X Trumper's Field (Dorney Village Hall) Security Gates in Meadow Way 07955 672150 Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls: Incidents in Action 999 Thames Valley Police Non-urgent calls 101 National Health Service For urgent medical problems. Need advice 111 Crimestoppers Anonymously report information 0800 555 111 Water Leaks Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Sewage Problems Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Power Cuts SSE Networks - Central Southern England 0800 072 7282 Gas Leaks National Grid 0800 111 999 Reporting Pot Holes www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Fly-tipping www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Reporting Footpath Problems www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk Swan Support 24/7 Local Swan Rescue/Rehabilitation 07968 868172 Emergency Contact Details 42 S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E FROM BABIES TO ADULTS W W W . S U S A N H A N D Y D A N C E . C O . U K BABY BALLET 18 MONTH+ PRIMARY BALLET PRIMARY MODERN PRIMARY TAP ACROBATIC ARTS BALLET BODY CONDITIONING CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE DANCE GCSE DANCE MODERN JAZZ TAP ADULT BALLET STRETCH ADULT BALLET ADULT CONTEMPORARY ADULT BEGINNERS TAP ADULT INTERMEDIATE TAP BOYS CLASSES office@susanhandydance.co.uk / 07515 270432 A Complete Dance Training ETON WINDSOR DATCHET OLD WINDSOR ETON WICK ICKENHAM WOKING RICHMOND FREE TRIAL CLASS BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Pony Club Centre Ri:ling School & Liverv Elm Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney Common NrWindsor, Berkshire, SL4 6QD We are a family run Riding School based on Dorney Common established for over 40 years! • Qualified lnstructors • Lessons available from 7 years upwards • Pony Rides available for children as young as 4. • We offer very popular Birthday parties • Large Indoor and Outdoor schools • Pony Club and Own a Pony activity days • Open 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday Gift Vouchers available through the website For bookings and enquiries please call us on 01628 661275 www.spanishbit.co.uk