I l .. \ nH I􀀞 ··: -1 'i},1,;':!(,· ';i,j. - Nf Y CHUR Windsor Berkshire (0753) 869055 Bray Berkshire (0628) 36234 Englefield Green Surrey (0784) 33696 Twyford Berkshire (0734) 320222 Property sales & rentals in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Surrey. **** Riverside/Country Houses & Cottages throughout the Thames Valley. **** B. S. CAMPSIE Your Fully lndependant Estate Agent THE OLD SCHOOL ANTIQUES DORNEY PURCHASERS AND VENDORS OF GOOD QUALITY A NTIQUES V A LU A T IONS & RESTOR ATIONS undertaken. Tel. BURNHAM 3247 APPLETREE COTTAGE·ASHFORD LANE·DORNEY·Nr. WINDSOR·BERKS PATIOS·F ENCING·TU RF I NG·PRUN ING·ROTOVA TI NG· TREE FELLING TEL: BURNHAM (06286) 61768 or 66022 79 HIGH STREET, BURNHAM, BUCKS. K. C .J. GUTHRIE FLORIST GREENGROCER e FRUITERER TELEPHONE: OPEN9.00.:i m -5 30p.m BURNHAM 63372 fsnddys.,week/ FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS. WREATHS AND BOUQUETS TO ORDER. ----------------------------------------- SERVICES IN THE PAR ISH CHURCH OF ST. JAMES SUNDAY 8.00a.m. 10.20 a.m. 10.30 a.m. FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 8.00a.m. 10.30 a.m. 8.00a.m. 10.30a.m. Hol y Commu nion Explorer s and Creche at the Vicarage Par is h Communion Hol y Communion Famil y Se rvice Hol y Communi on Mattins PRIEST-IN-CHARGE OF DORNEY CHURCHWARDEN Revd. Col in H. Pontin 3 Leig h Park, Datc het, Sl oug h, Berks , SL3 9JP . Tel : Sl oug h 40745 Mr. David Pepl er 54, Hag Hil l Rise, Tapl ow, Maidenhead, Berks. Tel : Bur nham (06286) 63593 To contac t the Revd. Col in Pontin either te lephone him direct or l eave a me ssage at Dor ney Vicarage, Tel : Bur nham 62823. Printed by Suro Press Old Station Yard Taplow Telephone: Burnham 63122 ISSUE N0.1/89 February 1989 EDITORIAL The bleak mid-winter and the snow I was carolling about a few weeks ago have not materialized (at least, not at the time of writing), and I am not complaining, Sometimes we are not too sorry when the expected does not turn up, although this latitude rarely extends to the non-arrival of a service engineer or non-delivery of goods, In fact householders have become so impatient with the tradesmen 1 s general disregard for promised appointments that they are now prepared to sue for breach of contract, Recently a couple took British Gas to court for failing to keep appointments to install a new meter in their home, Eventually settlement of £100 was made out of court, for apparently, and to my surprise, Monday morning means Monday morning, and, if they don 1t show, you can claim compensation. This case involved a working couple, one of whom had to take time off work to accommodate the promised fitter, I do not know whether one could claim compensation for loss of some leisure-time activity, but perhaps loss of the use of an appliance, due to non-delivery or non-repair, could make one eligible for some restitution. It is good to know that a promise is a contract and that if someone fails to deliver his goods or himself then he can expect to be sued. The outcome may be that suppliers will be reluctant to give a firm time or date, and if it is a repair or a service that one requires then I am afraid it may be difficult to get a commitment. On the other hand, nothing should be purchased without a definite delivery arrangement. As to the non-delivery of the mid-winter snow: I will accept early daffodils in recompense. LENTEN LUNCHES Our usual Charity Lunches will be held during Lent, Each hostess chooses the charity to which the proceeds of her lunch will be sent, so please come along and support the various charities, and at the same time enjoy the food and also the company, February 9th February 16th February 23rd March 2nd Gill Hayton, 46 Harcourt Road. Marion Hellmuth, 15 Marsh Lane. Bridget Ames, Pear Tree Cottage, Village Road. Mary Baker, 11 Elm View11 , Marsh Lane. -1- From Revd. Colin Pontin The long period of mild weather seems to have given an added impetus to our propensity to discuss our climate. The optimists say to me brightly: 11 It 1 11 shorten the winter, 11 or II It I s nice to hear the birds singing; reminds me of spring, 11 and 11 It I s bringing the bulbs on well. 11 The pessimists on the other hand remark, gloomily, 11 We 1 11 pay for it later, 1 1 or 11Doesn 1 t do any good you know - this is what causes all the 'flu,11 and "Bad for the gardens - pests are multiplying like mad. 11 It is said that one of the reasons we take such an interest in the weather is that, because it affects our lives so much, and in England is so unpredictable, (shades of Michael Fish and the hurricaneJ) it is very important. We talk about the things which are important to us. If the above is true it raises a big question about how important we consider our faith to be. It is a banned subject in some places, viewed with deep distrust in others, and often only embarked upon as a conversational gambit when we can make a joke about it or pretend that it doesn't interest us. It should be something of a relief,therefore, for us to come to church or meet up with other Christians. Surely then we can talk without reservation. Surprisingly, and sadly, this is rarely true. It would seem that Christians, too, find it hard to talk about the things which are the most important of all and which we should want to share above all others. Jesus said to the man who was healed in Mark's Gospel: 11Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. " (Mark 5:19.) In the early church the disciples 11 gossiped the gospel" and the result was that the good news of Jesus Christ spread throughout the then known world at a tremendous rate. As we go forward into the new year let us, perhaps, make yet another resolution: to share our faith with others. Think back and remember some of the things that God has done for us and meant to us in 1988; prayers answered, encouragements received, and yes, perhaps, sorrows shared, and then take the opportunity to share with someone else as the occasion arises. Christianity is not just an exercise for Sundays but a living reality which affects the whole of our lives. The Apostles Peter and John, when questioned about their faith and which they were subsequently forbidden to share, said this: 11We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. 11 (Acts 4, 20.) What have we seen and heard in 1988 which we feel compelled to share? Colin. -2- Lent/Lent Courses Ash Wednesday, February 8th: There will be a combined service of Holy Communion for the whole of the Riverside Team at the church of St. John the Baptist, Eton Wick, commencing at 8.00 p.m. All will be welcome. Lent Course Commences on Thursday 16th February at 8.00 p. m. in the Vicarage, Dorney, and thereafter at the same time each Thursday evening during Lent. {Final session Thursday 16th March,) The course this year is entitled 'Re-Discovering Jesus 1 , This is an ecwnenically based course to help Christians of all churches to see their lives more fully in the light of scripture. The evening study will last approximately l½ hours and will include time for coffee and a chat, Please join us if you are able. Confirmation A service of Confirmation for the Riverside Team has been planned this year for July, to be held in the church of St. Michael, Horton, If you are thinking of being confirmed or would like to discuss it, please contact me Colin. as soon as possible. Preparation classes are to commence after Easter. JUMBLE SALE ON FRIDAY The Annual Church Sale in aid of Charities will be held on 10th February at 7 p.m. Please donate your unwanted clothes and junk by taking to the Village Hall during the afternoon (or telephone Burnham 2243 for collection). Your offers to help sort out and to man the stalls will be greatly appreciated. Mary Robb. DORNEY PARISH NEWS The 1989 magazine covers showing revised Church Service times and advertisements will not be ready until the next issue. -3- ST. JAMES DUTY ROSTER 19th February 10. JO a.m. Sidesman First Reader Creche & Sunday School Coffee Cleaning 26th February 10. JO a.m. Sidesman First Reader Creche & Sunday Coffee Cleaning 5th March 8.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m. School Sidesman 8.00 a.m. Sidesman 10. 30 a.m. Creche & Sunday School Coffee Cleaning 12th March 10.30 a.m. Sidesman First Reader Creche & Sunday School Coffee Cleaning SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT Parish Communion Mr. Robb Luke 19: 41-end Mrs. Robb 1 John 4: 1-6 Mrs. Dollimore, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Pepler Mr. and Mrs. Hayton Mrs. Eastgate and Mrs. Jones THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Parish Communion Mrs. Harpur Luke 9: 18-27 James Pepler Colossians 1: 24-end Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Westendorp and Mrs. Hayton Mrs. Morrow and Mrs. Westendorp Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Grenfell MOTHERING SUNDAY Holy Communion Family Service Mr. Annstrong Mrs. Baker Readings to be advised All in church Mr. and Mrs. Belcher Mrs. Street PASSION SUNDAY Parish Communion Mr. Pepler John 12: 20-32 Mrs. Hayton Colossians 2: 8-15 Mrs. Baker or Mrs. Dollimore, Mrs. King and Mrs. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong Mrs. Robb -4- • • • Dorney Pa rish - Eton College Project Warden: Adrian Cotterill A551.Warden: Elizabeth Harrison Wardens Desk February 1989 Dear Friends Dorney Vic arage Windsor, Berks, SL4 60S Tel: Burnham (06286) 62823 From The Etan Darn py Prolect May I take this opport unity to thank everyone for their continued interest, support and friendship toward the work of the Project . 1989 is looking to be a very busy year for us, and in the next 18 months a group have asked to be booked during the summer of 1990. A very encouraging step forward for all of us here. The Holidays for Chi ldren from Hackney went very well with the usual mixture of fun, games, outi ngs and excitement, in the local places of interest. The team of helpers included an old Etonian, a young man from the midlands, a sixth form girl from a School in Windsor, and two girls on their Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, Gold Resident ial require:ment. One of the favour! te outi ngs is to take the children out to Crowthorne woods where teams of three children and two leaders do some orienteering. Some of the children have never had the chance to run wild in the woods before, and their enjoyment is immense . Since 1985 there has been a Parent and Toddler group which met in the Vicarage, up until Xay of last year. It may be that this group is no longer needed, but if there are Kathers or Fathers with children of preschool age, who wou ld like to discuss the possibility of holding this group again, there will be a meeting held at the Vicarage an Friday 17th February at 2pm. Children will be welcome too. Finally the Youth group is going to increase it's :maetings from once to twice each mo nth. They will meet on the first and third Sunday of each month from 7pm until 9pm. There have been members coming from Eton, Eton Vick as we ll as Dorney, which is good as a representative sign of the new Parish. Young people aged eleven to fifteen wou ld be welcome to join us. Yith best wishes from Adrian Cotterill, Varde n. -5- Trustees: The Right A . evd. The Dean ol Windsor (Chairman), WEK Anderson, Esq., Head Master ol Elon 􀂄Hege. MJL Amlslrono. Eso , The Aiohl Revd. The Bishoo of BucklOQham. The Venenible The Archdeacon ol Btick1r1C1ham. THE PARISH PUMP Notes on a Meeting of the Parish Council held on 6th December 1988 1) Village Hall Floor. The Parish Council is still expressing some disappointment at the manner in which the work has been undertaken, as the finish leaves something to be desired. 2) Highway Matters. The Council is keeping a log of various damages to paths and verges which the Gas Board have undertaken to reinstate. The Council notes that considerable tidying is needed at this time of year, which has been done to some extent in the Village, but much more awaits when finance and labour are available. 3) Parking in Meadow Way. Recently there has been an improvement in this thorny problem, which is kept constantly under review. 4) Mud on Roads. This has been more of a problem since the increase in the use of farm vehicles harvesting vegetable crops. The appropriate authorities have been informed and are keeping the matter under review. 5) Finance. The Council studied the report produced Finance Committee and agreed on a precept of £5, 000. are to be found in the minutes of the meeting, posted on the notice boards. by the Details as usual 6 ) Planning. No comments were passed on the following applications: SBDC 1340/88 Retention of partially built extension 20 Harcourt Road SBDC 1411/88 Ground floor and first floor extension 15 Oak Stubbs Lane Historians AwakeJ Is there anyone interested to sift through the past history of Dorney? Several boxes of local archives need sorting and cataloguing before being sent to the County Archivist. Could reveal a skeleton or two ! Anyone interested, please phone Maidenhead 27047 for further information. (See page 7, item 6 ). -6- • , Notes on a Meeting of the Parish Council held on 10th January 1989 1) Village Hall Floor. No replies having been received from the company who laid the floor regarding the unfinished business, we resolved not to pay any more of the outstanding cash due until full satisfaction has been received. The floor is now serviceable and has been marked out by the villagers for use as a Badminton court. It is an enormous improvement on what was there before, 2) Highways. The main outstanding problem already notified to the County Council is the flooding/ ponding in Marsh Lane. The cattle grid on Dorney Common was reported as being dangerous with a sizeable chunk of one of the metal bars missing. The County Council is proposing to renew the whole grid in the near future. They have had to move some water and electricity services close by, which is why the light has been out of action for some time. 3) Mud on Roads. Comment was made again about the build-up of mud on roads, caused by the harvesting of vegetable crops. It was decided to seek further comment from other parties about what could be done about the potential hazard from the greasiness. 4) The footpath between Lake End and Dorney has still not been satisfactorily reinstated by the Gas Board although they have tried twice. 5) Some street lights have been out of action for at least two months and the Southern Electricity Board have been contracted to do the job which was caused by the laying of Gas. It seems that at the prese_nt rate of progress the lights will be repaired by mid-summer which is when they are least wanted. The Parish Council regard it as totally unsatisfactory that, when they are most needed in the winter, they are out. 6) Archive papers. Mr. Len Eastgate has volunteered to be our archivist and search for interesting and important papers to be preserved and catalogued. We are much indebted to him and are grateful. 7) Plav􀈩round. The equipment has now been removed as it was unsafe. One complaint had been received from a four year old child who philosophically pointed out to the Chairman on one of his walks that it would be replaced in due course. It is the policy of the Parish Council that we should have a safe and suitable playground, but it is likely that this will in future be the adventure playground type rather than swings and roundabouts with concrete to fall on because the absorbent surfaces are really beyond the resources of a small parish. 8) Finance. Bills in the sum of £76.25 were approved for payment. 9) Eton College Rowing Course and Flood Relief Scheme 􀈪 Considerable discussion took place on both these matters and it was agreed that the College might be asked to address the Annual Parish Meeting on the latest situation. As regards the -7- Flood Relief scheme, there was nothing new to report except that we believe we should be hearing something from Thames Water fairly soon on the stage of their scheme, when further comment would be made. 10) The next meeting is on 14th February. * * * VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS Will members and representatives of organisations please note that meetings will be held at 8.15 p.m. and not 8, 00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. * * * WHIST CLUB The Whist Club will meet on the following Thursdays: February 9th February 23rd March 9th March 23rd All are welcome - no special skills required except a readiness to enjoy oneself! * * * DORNEY BABY-SITTING CLUB For details contact Jean Foster-Key Maidenhead 36875 * * * -8- DORNEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - 1989 Friday 24th February Friday 7th April Sunday 9th April Sunday 14th May Coach Trip Saturday 22nd July Sunday 20th August Saturday 2nd September Saturday 23rd September Friday 20th October Friday 17th November Saturday 27th January Steak Pie Supper Cheese/Wine Evening Spring Gardens Competition Bring and Buy Sale TBA Barbeque and Dance Summer Gardens Competition Annual Show Harvest Supper Cheese/Wine Evening AGM .!9..2Q Winter Dance Please book early to avoid disappointment. Since the dances are such popular functions it is not always possible to provide as many tickets as are requested. We apologise to anyone who has been unable to have tickets in the past but we are legally restricted by the size of the Village Hall and operate on a "first come, first served" basis until we are sold out. Tickets are on sale to members two to three weeks before each event from your area representative. Note : At the Annual Show it is proposed to hold a competition for the tallest sunflower in the Children ' s section. Seeds will be available in time for planting to those wishing to enter. -9- Thursday 9th February Friday 10th February Thursday 16th February FTrhiudrasyd a2y4 t2h3 rFde bFreubarruya ry Friday 3rd March Saturday 11th March Saturday 1st July DORNEY W. I . DORNEY P. T . A . PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE DORNEY P . C . C . DORNEY VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE DORNEY OVER 60 1 s CLUB BROWNIES GUIDES VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS DIARY OF EVENTS Dorney Whist Club - Village Hall 8 p.m. Dorney Church Jumble Sale - 7 p.m. Dorney W. I. Coffee Morning - 10. 30 a.m. DD.oDr.nHe.yS .W hSitseta kC lPuibe -SuVpiplelra ge Hall 8 p. m. Dorney PTA Jumble Sale - 7 p.m. Dorney PYA Spring Dance Dorney School Fete * * Second Wednesday of each month 2,30 p.m. First Monday of each month Second Tuesday of each month 8 p.m. Second Tuesday of every other month 7,45 p.m. , preceding Parish Council First Wednesday of each month at Dorney Vicarage 8 p. m. Second Monday of each month in the Village Hall 8.15 p.m. Second Tuesday of each month Luncheon at the Vicarage Each Thursday, Village Hall, 6-7,30 p.m. Each Wednesday, Vicarage, 7,15-9, 00 p.m. * * * Mrs. Michele Thick Burnham 65745 DORNEY PARISH NEWS We are still looking for someone with their own typewriter or word-processor who would be willing to help from. time to time with typing the magazine, Otherwise we shall have to ask all our contributors to submit their copy ready typed for the printer! The Editors -10- , • D O R N E Y S C H O O L J U M B L E S A L E VILLAGE HALL Friday, 3rd March 1989, 7 p.m. CAKE STALL, REFRESHMENTS, BRIC A BRAC, ETC. DORNEY COURT Are there any girls aged 14+ who would like to help do teas at Dorney Court this year? Please telephone or write to Mrs. Palmer, Dorney Court, Windsor, Berks. PRIOR 'S NEWSAGENT Moores Lane Eton Wick Burnham 4638 Petrol, Newspapers, Groceries etc. Open 7 days a week Tel: Windsor 865784 -11- DORNEY WOMEN 1 S INSTITUTE December The Village Hall, transformed with Christmas decorations, together with our own Art Group 1 s very attractive table settings, made this month 1 s meeting a very festive occasion . After welcoming the visitors from Taplow W. I., the normal business was quickly dispensed, one notable mention being made of the invitation extended to us by the Headmaster of Dorney School, Mr. Luckin, to participate in the Christmas Fayre . This had proved to be an enjoyable event and of considerable assistance, and appreciation was expressed to Mr. Luckin and the School for our inclusion . All who had attended the Carol Concert held at Aylesbury had greatly enjoyed it, and notice was given of Carols at Taplow W. I. on December 19th. Attention was then turned to lighter matters and a competition, organised by Mrs. Allen, called 11 Seasonal Teasers 11 , Christmas Carols in anagram form, proved to be an entertaining pastime. The granddaughters of our President, Mrs. Street, then gave an excellent gymnastic display, which was greatly enjoyed by us all, particularly so as no-one present would have been capable of indulging in activities of this nature . The meeting ended with a most welcome tea of Christmas goodies and a small present for all. January A good start to the New Year; with all the lovely d_ays we 've been having, the usual January blues have been chased away, and no bad weather excuses for non-attendance; let•s hope this weather holds. After the usual preliminaries, the President, Mrs. Street, welcomed a new member, Mrs. Smith, to our group. It is always nice to add someone new to our number and we hope she enjoyed it sufficiently to join us permanently. Items of interest from the News Letter included the following: Outings - To Stratford in August for a matinee performance at the Memorial Theatre and the rest of the day in the town. The deadline for applications will be in March . Day visits to Denman College are available again, but a Group visit has to be arranged. The International Sub-Committee are planning a visit to Longwith College, York, from 14th to 21st August, and interested members should advise Mrs. Allen. A Group competition is being organised for the Bucks County Show to be held in September, and it was suggested that Dorney Group should take part. The theme is a Nursery Rhyme depicted by an item of Cookery, one of Craft, and a flower arrangement; any suggestions are welcome. A Mix 'n Mingle evening is being held on 21st March at 7,30 p. m. at the Bourne End Community Centre; advice of attendance should be given at the February meeting, A coffee morning has been arranged for 16th at 27 Meadow Way. This is also a Bring and -12·· February at 10. 30 a.m. Buy, and it is hoped • • • there will events and so we hope join us on be a good attendance. These are usually very happy good opportunities for getting to know new people, other Dorney Village and Dorney Reach residents will this date - all will be welcome. An outing to the Windsor Theatre is being planned for Febrμary 27th; members interested in attending should advise Mrs. Allen. The speaker this month was Miss C. Shaw, on Swaziland. She proved to be an able and entertaining speaker, and having lived and worked in that country for many years, she was able to share her first-hand knowledge of the country, the people and living conditions generally; we enjoyed her talk very much indeed. Next month we have Mrs. S. Harris on Just for Fun - Your Stars. The monthly competition this year is Flower of the Month, and this time we had a lovely collection of flowers, particularly as January is not nonnally noted for flowers in the garden; congratulations to the members who contributed. * * * NATURE NOTES November/December so There seem to be a large nwnber of fieldfares in our area and I wonder if this means we shall have a hard winter, It was reported that the Barnacle geese arrived at the Wild Fowl Trust in Slimbridge earlier than usual and that this is a sign of a bad winter. A friend brought us some moths which had been flying around her house. One was the Brick moth and is the same colour as its name, and the other was the Feathered Thorn which is rust coloured on the upper wings and pale yellow underneath. The pattern gives it a feathery effect. The Scarce Umber came into our light trap for the first time in four years. It is very pretty with golden wings patterned with rust coloured lines. A small hedgehog visits us daily and I put out cat food and bits of cheese for it. It is also often seen running around the garden during the day, which is unusual as they are nocturnal creatures. It ha8 put on weight during the last month but will need to eat all the food it can find to survive the winter. Another friend brought me an Ichneumon fly which was very attractive with black, yellow and red colouring, but this family of diptera are deadly parasites. They prey on the larvae of butterflies and moths, piercing a hole in the body of their host with the ovipostor which is the egg laying instrument, and leave the eggs to hatch. On hatching, the larvae of the Ichneumon feed on the non-essential organs of the host, draining its strength. It is easy to spot a parasitised caterpillar as it is smaller than normal and appears inactive. When the Ichnewnon larva·e are fully grown, they will then attack the essential organs and kill the host, which by this time will be little more than a skin. Also the host can be a cushy billet for the larvae of the Ichneumon to over-winter. - l J NATURE NOTES contd. December/January How lucky we were to have a mild December. It certainly kept the hedgehogs out of hibernation, My husband saw Waxwings in the vicinity of Huntercombe and we were later told that a Bird Watching Society was keeping guard on them, and long range cameras were being used. These pretty birds, seven inches long, are partial migrants from Scandinavia. They have a pinkish chestnut crest and short yellow tipped tail. Their upper parts are chestnut, under parts are pinkish brown and their rump is grey, The dark wings are marked white and yellow with scarlet waxy tips, and they have a black eye stripe and throat patch. They breed in coniferous and birch woods, and seek berries in open country in winter. They migrate as far as Iceland. We are now in January, the After Yule of the Saxons, who also called it the Wolf Month. This was probably because reserves of food and fodder were becoming low and hungry wolves would venture nearer habitation, On January 7th a hawthorn was in bloom and coots were already fighting over territory. My husband saw a large flock of fieldfares, numbering about 100, and as they were not seen again they were probably a travelling flock which will feed and then pass on looking for more food, Skeins of Canada geese are much in evidence, and nuthatches have been seen in quiet gardens. I have seen no Redwings this winter in our area but they must surely be here. A spider has laid her eggs on the edge of one of my picture frames, and it will be interesting to see the young when they hatch, so I will not disturb the yellow, woolly ball in which they are safely enclosed. L. Parker. * * * THE STORY OF A SCHOOL - PART IV By now the site had been settled; Sir Charles Palmer had offered a quarter of an acre of land, part of Bunce 1 s Garden as it was generally known, together with six perches of Dorney Common needed to give access to the site and provide a footpath, for the sum of £69, Sir Charles Palmer also suggested that the sum of £6. 10s. be paid to the tenant as compensation for disturbance and crops lost. This was agreed and the Seal of the Board was affixed to the contract with Sir Charles and the Contract with Mr. G. Almond. The Public Works Loan Board had by this time, 25th January 1876, agreed to the loan of £1200 repayable by fifty equal instalments of Principal and Interest paid annually, So far we have read of the actions of the School Board members as written down in the Minute Book by their Secretary or Clerk, But now let us turn to the official correspondence kept in the -14 - Public Records Office, File Ed. 2/18 and see what really happened. The Inspector's return of 28th February 1872 had reported that the population of Dorney was 374 and that school accommodation should be provided for 60 children. There was at that time efficient school accommodation, in the National School that the Revd. Sir Henry Palmer had provided, for 45 children, so extra room was required for another 15 children. The Revd. Bellairs recommended 11combining with Boveney and a reconstructed class-room at Dorney. 11 The Liberty of Boveney was reported as having 80 inhabitants requiring school accommodation for 14 children who at present had no efficient school. So Dorney and Boveney were formed into a United District on 11th September 1872, A Final Notice was issued on 1st July 1874, Six children were to be accommodated at St. Anne 1 s National School, Dropmore, but further accommodation was required for 75 children at Dorney. It was pointed out that this could be provided by making the National School at Dorney efficient by the appointment of a certificated teacher and by enlarging it for 75 childr·en altogether. On 21st January 1875 a Notice to the Revd. Pickard (Her Majesty•s Inspector) from Mr. Hodgson of the Education Department pointed out that the time (six months) limited by the Final Notice had expired. T.he Revd. Pickard noted: "When I was at Dorney in September the Managers of the School told me that they intended to do nothing and that they expected a Board to be formed. 11 Mr. Hodgson replied, 11 It will be better to enquire again. 11 ( 26. l. 7 5) The Revd. Pickard did so: 11I have heard this morning that nothing has been done and nothing will be done till a Board is formed. 11 (10. 2.75) On 6th May 1875 a letter to Sir F. Sandford from the Revd. E.V. Mason, Vicar of Dorney, vice-chairman of the School Board, informed him that a School Board had been elected and a site for school Buildings fixed upon. It also revealed that the present uncertificated mistress would be giving up her post on 21st June and asked if the Board could engage a certificated mistress from that date to carry on school in the present premises which the proprietor was willing to lend until the completion of the new buildings, the mistress to be paid out of the school pence. The Revd. E.V. Mason 1 s letter went on: 11 I take the liberty of troubling you with this que1·y on account of my inability to procure sufficient funds from voluntary contributions to carry on the work of elementary education in the interim. 11 Mr. Hodgson replied on 10th May 1875, 11 Their Lordships will not object to the School being carried on in the old building until a new School is built, If you will inform my Lords when a certificated Teacher is appointed we will communicate with you on the subject of an Annual Grant. 11 By the end of 1875 the Clerk to the Board was able to report that matters were proceeding satisfactorily, The Public Works Loan had been approved, repayable by fifty equal yearly instalments of principal and interest. The Accounts of the Board to Michaelmas last had been duly audited by George Barnes, Esq. , District Auditor, and found correct, but the amount due from the Overseers -15- of the Parish of Boveney had not yet been paid, so the Chairman undertook to communicate with the Overseers upon the subject. By the 25th January 1876 the Seal of the Board had been affixed to the contract with Mr. G. Almond and work on the new School buildings commenced, Len Eastgate (To be continued) DO FARMERS HAVE BROOMS? The hedge has grown beside the path The farmer decides it needs a cut So with tractor and flail he does the job Without a thought For those who walk Along the path, The hedge was thorn and now the path Is strewn with pieces Sharp as needles. They pierce the footware of those with two legs - But stop and think of those with four Who get the pieces in the paw! Do farmers have brooms? Work on the fields needs to go on And tractors work and pass from field to field And farm to farm. Earthmover tyres bring out the mud and stones And deposit these along the roads, The result - chipped paint on cars, Cyclists sliding in the mud And those who walk - a rotten mess! Do farmers have brooms? I know the cry - When in the country we are living - You must expect such things - Why? Can 1 t farmers use brooms? It's not much to ask You farmers who will make the mess To clear it up - just once a day, And let us all Go on our way - Cleaner. All you need to do is sweep - And this will mean that Britain will keep - Cleaner. So farmers can you buy a broom AND USE IT? K.I.R.G. -16- ----------------------------------------- Material for publication should reach one of the Editors by the 16th of the preceding month. NOT PUBLISHED IN JANUARY AND AUGUST Editors : Mr. C.C. Cody. Easter Folly, 7, Dorney Reach Road, Dorney Reach. Tel: Maidenhead 24121 Editorial Board Distributors : The Editors, Mrs. M.C. Cody. Mrs. J. M. Spencer Dorincourt 45. Harcourt Road, Dorney Reach. Tel: Maidenhead 24213 Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Crane, Mrs. Foster-Key, Mrs. Gorle, Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Harland, Mrs. Hellmuth, Mrs. Hewitt Teale, Mrs. Hutton, Mrs. Millward, Mrs. Oxlade, Mrs. Pilkington, Mrs. Rae, Mrs. Sharphouse, Mrs. Tuddenham, Mrs. Wiltshire, Mrs. Wooller, Mrs. Wright. Rate of Subscription : £3.50 per annum for 10 issues. (Payable in Advance). It is requested that Treasurers of Local Organisations pay their subscriptions in January. Distributors who collect subscriptions from those taking the magazine should hand them to Mrs. Cody. The Editors are not responsible for the opinions of correspondents expressed in letters or articles published in this magazine. E. SARGEANT AND SON FUNERAL DIRECTORS WEDDING & PRIVATE CAR HIRE Head Office: Church Street, Slough. Tel: Slough 20081 PRIVATE CHAPELS J.B. PET SUPPLIES. 31, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick. Tel: Windsor 850994 MONUMENTAL MASONS. Windsor Branch: 61, St. Leonards Road, Windsor. Tel: Windsor 865982 DAY & NIGHT SERVICE PETS: INCLUDING BIRDS & SMALL ANIMALS. PET FOODS for CATS, DOGS, SMALL ANIMALS and BIRDS. BULK FOOD ALSO SUPPLIED. NEVILLE AND GRIFFIN LIMITED DAIRY FARMERS (Est. 1857) Milk - Skimmed Milk - Eggs - Bread - Fruit Juice - Potatoes 733, Bath Road, Taplow. E 0. LTD. 'We offer a personal and efficient service" 2 YEAR GUARANTEED BATTERIES OPEN 8.30 a.m. • 5.30 p.m. !SATURDAYS J.1111 p.m.) 6 DAYS A WEEK "LEISURETRACK" BATH ROAD, TAPLOW Near MAIDENHEAD Tel: BURNHAM 67424 Tel : Burnham 3277 All Prices Include Valve Balance and VAT PLUS! * The Latest Computer Balanciny • Wheel Alignment (F1ee Checkl • lnslanl Puncture Repairs • Free Battery Check and Fitment • *• Free Fitting and Change Round Free Punciure Service for OAP's • • • Free Puncture Service to Kid's Bikes B.H.S./A.8.A.S. APPROVED ESTABLISHMENT panish5it Elm Farm Boveney Road Dorney Common Nr. Windsor • Berkshire Telephone: Burnham 61275 RIDING SCHOOL & LIVERY HACKING * HOLIDAY COURSES * SHOW JUMPING * GYMKHANAS INDOOR RIDING SCHOOL * QUALIFIED INSTRUCTION Daily and evening individual lessons and classes ., Exclusive quality cakes - sculptured to your own design "' or chosen from a wide range of professional suggestions by- 􀀑f2 Jllranc.h • Weddings • Birthdays Tel: Maidenhead 0628 • 28648 The Coppice • 50 Harcourt Rd. Dorney Reach Maidenhead • Engagements • Anniversaries '•C hristenings •Special Occasions Jill & Michel the new owners of ETONCROP welcome you!! For Hair and Beauty Open six days a week and lunch hours 2 Bell Lane, Eton Wick Tel. Windsor 865682 􀀖,,,WHITE HEATHER GARAGE ,..R.._.c.., (Established 76 years) (Dorney) LTD. Telephone: Burnham 3188 OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERV/CESAutosense ®Co111puterised Vehicle Test Syste111 Pinpoints problems quickly, eliminating "trial and error" methods. Prints out a report showing your car's actual performance compared to factory standards. Professional Repair and Servicing using Sun Roller brake tester, Hartridge Headlamp setter and Dunlop alignment equipment. MOT Testing carried out vvhile you vvait and vvatch feel free to ask questions. Full Tyre, Petrol and Lubrication Service we have the best equipment in the area and we know how to use it ! Please visit our workshops and discuss your problems we test -- not guess I l [ . j' ;-1.11:, :·::1,1-:::1- --­· '·•·;.::!J., ''􀃜J" NE.Y CHUR Windsor Berkshire (0753) 869055 Bray Berkshire (0628) 36234 Englefleld Green Surrey (0784) 33696 Twyford Berkshire (0734) 320222 Bracknell Berkshire (0344) 860890 Property sales & rentals in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Surrey **** Riverside/Country Houses & Cottages throughout the Thames Valley **** B. S. CAMPSIE Your Fully Independent Estate Agent • THE OLD SCHOOL ANTIQUES DORNEY PURCHASERS AND VENDORS OF GOOD QUALITY ANTIQUES VALU ATIONS & RESTOR A TIONS undertaken. Tel: BURNHAM 3247 APPLETREE COTTAGE·ASHFORD LANE·DORNEY·N,. WINDSOR·BERKS PATIOS·FENCING·TURFING·PRUNING·ROTOVATING·TREE FELLING TEL: BURNHAM (062861 61768 o, 66022 PRIOR'S MOORES LANE FILLING STATION ETON WICK NEWSPAPERS (Sales and Reliable early morning deliveries) PETROL GROCERIES DRY CLEANING (0753) 865784 SERVICES IN THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. JAMES SUNDAY 10. 2 0a.m. 10.30a.m. FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 8. 00a.m. 10.30a.m. 8. 00a.m. 10.30 a.m. TEAM VICAR OF DORNEY CHURCHWARDENS Mrs. Mary Baker Elm View, Marsh Lane, Dorney Reach, Maidenhead, Berks. Tel: Burnham (06286) 61435 Explorers and Creche at the Vicarage Parish Communion Holy Communion Family Service Holy Communion Mattins Revd. Colin H. Pontin 3 Leigh Park, Datchet, Slough, Berks, SL3 9JP. Tel: Slough (0753) 4 074 5 Mr. David Pepler 54, Hag Hill Rise, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berks. Tel: Burnham (06286) 63593 To contact the Revd. Colin Pontin either telephone him direct or leave a message at Dorney Vicarage, Tel: Burnham (06286) 62823. Printed by Suro Press, Old Station Yard, Tap/ow, Berks. Tel: (06286) 63122 • ISSUE NO. 2/89 March 1989 EDITORIAL It is not generally known (at least I never heard it at school) that before he discovered South America, Christopher Columbus discovered the British Isles. Of course, we had been discovered already, by Ancient Britons, Picts, Scots, Angles, Saxons, Romans, Vikings, Normans and so on, and he must have realised that to become really famous he would have to go on and find somewhere new. In Las Palmas ir. the Canary Islands we recently visited a museum called the House of Columbus, formerly the residence of the Spanish Governor of the Island, with whom Colwnbus is known to have stayed on the eve of his first great voyage across the Atlantic, in 14?2. The Canary Islands had been conquered by Spain only a few years earlier, and formed a useful port of call for stocking up with fresh fruit and water and effecting necessary repairs to leaky ships before setting out on a long voyage, In fact, there is a plaque on the wall proclaiming that without the help of the Canary Islanders, Colwnbus would not have been able to carry out his great enterprise. The museum is dedicated to illustrating the life and achievements of the famous explorer, but what caught my attention was a series of maps showing his earlier voyages. Born in Genoa and trained from his youth for a life at sea, Columbus sailed to Lisbon in his early twenties as part of a fleet of merchant ships looking for trade outside the Mediterrc,nean. One of the maps shows the route he is said to have taken in 1476 on a voyage to Iceland, or Ultima Thule as it was known in ancient times. The ship called at London and Bristol, and then at Galway Bay before the last stage to Iceland. The merchants were always looking for jewels and spices, and Columbus was no doubt hoping to find a way to China from the north. However, Iceland could not have looked very promising, as he did not go there again. It was from Bristol that John Cabot sailed to North America only five years after Colwnbus 1 epic voyage, and landed on the coast of Maine. His descendants later became prominent in the city of Boston ... 11The home of the bean and the cod, Where the Lowells talk to the Cabots, And the Cabots talk only to God. 11 Meanwhile in Spain great preparations are being made to celebrate in 1992, so while sportsmen are getting ready for the Olympics, and we are facing up to the prospect of the Single European Market, they will be remembering 500 years of links with America, all due to the imagination and daring of Christopher Columbus. We have to report the sad news that Arthur Clement Adcock, Vicar of Dorney from 1943-1960, suffered a sudden major stroke on 11th January 1989 and died peacefully in hospital on lJth ,January. He was buried in Yarnton cemetery on 19th January. Friends who want to commemorate Arthur are asked to contribute to the Woodland Trust Plant-a-Tree Campaign so that a tree can be planted in his name. Address: Autumn Park, Grantham, Lines. NGJl 6LL -1- From Revd. Colin Pontin March 1989 When talking to people about the Christian faith the comment is often made, with some hesitancy - 11 Well, yeeees, I believe in God, 11 and then with more assurance, as if this clinched it: 11 1 always watch Songs of Praise/Stars on Sunday on the Television every week! 11 Now I have nothing against Television, Stars on Sunday or Songs of Praise, I watch them myself when I have the opportunity. They are, however, no substitute for personal experience. We are becoming, increasingly, people who experience things secondhand. From racing to rugby, from gardening to gastronomy, from cooking to Christian faith. The media, especially the TV, provides a convenient and anonymous window into activities which make no demand upon us and which leave us as empty at the end as at the beginning. If there is one thing we learn from Jesus' ministry it is that faith is not an academic theory but a vital personal experience to be explored and enjoyed alone and with others. The shepherds, at Christ's birth, were told the news by the angels who then said in effect - 11Don 1 t take our word for it - go and find out for yourselves," and it has been like that ever since. The problem is, that when we do seek, we find ourselves faced with challenges to our pre-suppositions and prejudices, and demands made upon us which can be very disturbing. God is not a tidy God but a God who stirs us up to new things. The rewards, however, are worth all the challenges. Easter, which seems to have come upon us so quickly this year, presents us again with the stark reality of the Cross. It also emphasises the fact of the Resurrection. JESUS LIVES - Not an ethereal, mystical, heavenly figure divorced from reality, but a robust, living, caring Christ who challenges us to follow him, to serve him, but above all to experience him here and now, as well as in the future. DO WE DARE???? Helen, a friend of ours from Wimborne, was a good churchgoer and a prominent member of the local community. She did all the 1right1 things but kept God at a distance. Tragedy came to her and she became increasingly aware of the emptiness of her life. One day, whilst motoring down the M3, she cried out in her distress - 11 God, if you really are there help me to meet you. 11 - He did! Her personal experience of God changed her life and she became a different person, radiant to the day of her death a few years ago. Second-hand experiences are fine in their way but no substitute for the real thing. Let us all, this Easter time, make it not just an occasion for hot-cross buns and easter eggs but, as for the disciples, a time when we can shout, from our own personal experience: "ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN. " £.2..!.i!!. -2- • • • ' A reminder: 19th March 10.30 a.m. Sidesman First Reader Confirmation - A service of Confirmation for the Riverside Team has been planned this year for 6th July in St. Michael1s, Horton. If you are thinking of being confirmed or would like to discuss it, please contact me as soon as possible. ST. JAMES DUTY ROSTER PALM SUNDAY Parish Communion Mr. King Matthew 21: 1-13 Creche & Sunday School Mrs. Liney 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Westendorp, and Coffee Cleaning 2Jrd March 8.00 p.m. Sidesman First Reader Cleaning 24th March 10.00 a.m. Sidesman 26th March 8.oo a.m. Sidesman 10.JO a.m. Sidesman First Reader Creche & Sunday School Coffee Flowers Mrs. Parker Mr. & Mrs. Pepler Mrs. Harpur and Mrs. Allen MAUNDY THURSDAY Parish Communion Mrs. Richmond Luke 4: 16-21 Kristina Richmond Revelations 1:5-8 Mrs. Pontin and Mrs. Pepler GOOD FRIDAY Family Service followed by Meditation on the Cross starting at 10.45 a.m. Mr. Hayton Readings to be advised EASTER DAY Holy Comnmnion Mrs. Breslin Parish Communion Mr. Dollimore John 20:1-10 Mrs. Parker 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 All in church Mrs. Coish and Mrs. Paton All ladies JUMBLE SALE We thank all who contributed to raise £283 for the victims of the Anneoian Earthquake at the Annual Church Sale on 10th February. -3- 2nd April 8,00 a.m. Sidesman 10,30 a.m. Sidesman Creche & Sunday School Coffee Cleaning Flowers 9th Apr il 10.30 a.m. Sidesman First Reader Creche & Sunday School Coffee Cleaning Flowers February 11th, 1989 March 2nd FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER Holy Communion Mr. Liney Family Service Mrs. Grenfell Readings to be advised All in church Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Griffith Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Richmond Mrs. Ames SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER Parish Communion Mr. Belcher Luke 24: 13-35 Mrs. Pepler Revelations 19:6-9 Teachers to be advised Mrs. Harpur and Mrs. Ames. Mrs. Belcher and Mrs. Neal Mrs. Belcher MARRIAGE Salvadore del Prete to Lisa Sudlow LENTEN LUNCH Mary Baker, 11Elm View11 , Marsh Lane. D O R N E Y S C H O O L J U M B L E S A L E VILLAGE HALL Friday, 3rd March 1989, 7,00 p.m. CAKE STALL, REFRESHMENTS, BRIC A BRAC, ETC. * * DORNEY BABY-SITTING CLUB For details contact Jean Foster-Key * * -4- Maidenhead 36875 I THE PARISH PUMP Notes on a Meeting of the Parish Council held on 14th February 1989 1 ) Mud on Roads. At the Parish Council 1 s request, Sergeant May attended the meeting to clarify the position. The Council expressed itself as deeply dissatisfied with the lack of improvement to this problem. It appears that the driver of the vehicle and not the farmer is to blame. The farmers concerned have been approached by the police and have promised to alleviate the nuisance; however, specific instances should be reported immediately, quoting time and vehicle registration number; The Council is to contact the County Council to ascertain their statutory duty for cleaning the road surface. 2 ) Speed Limit in Marsh Lane. The Council is to write to the appropriate authorities supporting a local request for such a speed limit. 3) Highway Matters. The cattle grid which was badly damaged and dangerous is now being renewed. 4 ) The Agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 15th March was drawn up. Copies will be delivered to every house, and it is hoped that ther􀌞 will be a good attendance. 5 ) Neighbourhood Watch and Village Appraisal. These two schemes were discussed and further details will be available in due course. 6 ) Accounts for Payment. These totalled just over £1,000 this month, largely due to the final phase of modernisation of the footpath lighting a t a cost of £772 less VAT, the overhaul of the mower at £95, and the annual insurance premium of £69. 7 ) Flood Relief Scheme. Considerable discussion of the present situation took place. The Land Drainage Committee has given authority to Thames Water to draw up a detailed plan of their scheme, which could appear next year, though there are many as yet unresolved aspects. The Council is writing to Thames Water for further information on a number of points. 8 ) Planning Applications. The Planning Committee had made no observations on SBD 34/89, a single storey extension to 28A Harcourt Road, but expressed con_cern over the boundary with a neighbouring property following application 1513/88 for a two storey front and single storey side extension to 39 Harcourt Road. 9 ) Heavy Vehicles. The Council expressed dismay at the number of heavy vehicles using the Manor Farm site. Some loads of sludge -5- have been dumped on the Marsh Lane Water Board field, and quickly removed. The Council is further concerned at the dumping of waste on Plot 19 at the Sewage Works, and urgent explanations are required as to why raw sewage has appeared in Roundmoor Ditch. 10) Recreation Ground. The installation of a seat in the recreation ground as part of the refurbishing was discussed. * * LITTER PICKER The Parish Council wishes to employ a "litter picker" to keep the Parish generally tidy. Gloves, bags and a "litter-pickerupper" are provided. Salary? £25 a month. Anyone over the age of 16 who is interested, please contact Maidenhead 22820. Friday 3rd March Thursday 9th March Saturday 11th March Thursday 23rd March Friday 7th April Sunday 9th April Sunday 14th May Saturday 1st July Saturday 22nd July Sunday 20th August Saturday 2nd September Saturday 23rd September Friday 20th October Friday 17th November 1..2..2..Q Saturday 27th January DORNEY W.I. DORNEY P. T . A . PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE DORNEY P.C.C. DORNEY VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE DORNEY OVER 60 1 s CLUB BROWNIES GUIDES YOUTH GROUP * * * DIARY OF EVENTS Dorney PTA Jumble Sale - 7 p. m. Dorney Whist Club - 8 p. m . Dorney PTA Spring Dance Dorney Whist Club - 8 p.m. DDHS Cheese/Wine Evening DDHS Spring Gardens Competition DDHS Bring and Buy Sale Dorney School Fete DDHS Barbeque and Dance DDHS Summer Gardens Competition DDHS Annual Show DDHS Harvest Supper DDHS Cheese/Wine Evening DDHS AGM DDHS Winter Dance Second Wednesday of each month 2. JO . p.m. First Monday of each month Second Tuesday of each month 8 p.m. Second Tuesday of every other month 7 - 4 5 p.m., preceding Parish Council First Wednesday of each month at Dorney Vicarage 8 p.m. Second Monday of each month in the Village Hall 8.15 p.m. Second Tuesday of each month, Luncheon at the Vicarage Each Thursday, Village Hall, 6-7. 30 p.m. Each Wednesday, Vicarage, 7.15-9.00 p.m. First and third Sundays of each month, Dorney Vicarage, 7-9 p.m. VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Booking Clerk is Mrs. Will readers please note that the new Pat Guider, 22 Meadow Way. Tel: Maidenhead 71668 - 6 - r-------------- A --------------· zz e zzh ¼ COFFEE MORNING Z at 􀌟 zz 'MELROSE I zzZ Z 6th April 11 a.m. ½ In Aid Z z¼ of z􀌠Z ¼ Brownie & Guide Funds ZBring & Buy Raffle ¼ i f _______________________________________ L BROWNIES It is a little while now since I decided to take up a new ' Venture ' in Guiding by becoming a Brown Owl. I know that I have lots to learn about Brownies, ·but with the help of the Brownies in the Pack and Linda Weeks our Unit Helper I am sure we shall succeed. I was pleased that Victoria Robb has agreed to come along and help as a Young Leader. The Brownies spent many meetings before Parents Evening rehearsing their parts for the play and learning the words of ' Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's Washing Day • . During the Parents Evening the Brownies recited poems, played recorders, danced and sang; then they performed the play. The Brownies were pleased to learn from Mrs. Hill, their tester, that they had earned their Jester Badge at the end of the evening. Mrs. Jean Tyler was invited to come along to meet Mary Peachey, Victoria Lewis, Caroline Millward, Rebecca Mockett and Melanie Penfold who were ready to pass their Hostess Badge. They had been very busy making some lovely cakes for everyone; while refreshments were being served, 􀌡ean spent time with them all looking at the letters they had written and the table decorations they had made. To close the evening Bonnie Peachey _ was enrolled as a Brownie. The next day after school the Brownies held a Bring and Buy Sale for Blue Peter's Kampuchea Appeal. They had lots of customers and were able to send £40 to the appeal. In Christmas Week we joined the District for a Carol Service at Dorney Church. Our hyacinth bulbs which we had planted in September were ready to give to some of our Elderly Citizens in the area; we were ever so glad to hear how much pleasure they had brought to people. We have welcomed Virginia Parsons and Eleanor recently. 1989 is going to be quite exciting where as they celebrate 7 5 years of Guiding. planned in the County in September. Lewis to the Pack for Brownies everyA big Fun Day is Congratulations to the following Mary Peachey - Jester, Hostess Victoria Lewis - Jester, Hostess Brownies who have gained Badges: -7- Jane Winsall - Jester Anna Ibbotson - Jester Rebecca Mockett - Jester, Hostess Melanie Penfold - Jester, Hostess Caroline Millward - Jester, Hostess Kate Winsall - Jester Deborah Linton - Jester, Venture Sarah Bosher - Venture Bonnie Peachey - Venture Gill Langston 1Brown Owl1 FIRST DORNEY GUIDES This is my first opportunity to write as the First Dorney Guide Leader. I would like to tell you about what the Guides have been up to since Christmas, and look forward to reporting Guide activities and events over the coming months. As many of you know, my mum originally started the company in 1972 and she has now undertaken the job of Brown Owl for the Brownie pack. I would like to thank her for all her help and knowledge, and hope that I can keep up the good work. I am very pleased to take on the challenge of this position. We attended the District Carol Service at Dorney Church; the theme of the service was Christmas in other countries. At our Christmas Bazaar which we held at the Village Hall we made £51.00 for our company funds. Thank you to all the people who supported this event. On Sunday 5th February we held our annual Old People's Party at the Vicarage. During the afternoon the Guides served tea and entertained our guests with poems and music played on the piano, guitar and violin. Last week the Guides went to Slough Fire Station for the first of a four week course where they will be learning about the prevention of fires and will see how the station operates. At the end of the four weeks they will be tested for their Firefighters Badge. On Wednesday of half term we organised a trip to London to visit the Museum of the Moving Image which is all about the history of cinema and television. We travelled by train and tube from Taplow station. As you can see below the Guides have been working hard on badges and I would like to congratulate the following: Caroline Ashford Sarah Backhouse Lucy Backhouse Kate Mitchell Laura Donnington Sarah Penfold Gemma Ibbotson Anna Mitchell Georgina Williams - Helen Linton Michaela Langston Accident Prevention and Speaker Accident Prevention and Speaker Accident Prevention and Speaker Accident Prevention Accident Prevention Accident Prevention, Hostess and Entertainer Accident Prevention, Hostess and Entertainer Accident Prevention, Hostess and Entertainer Accident Prevention, Hostess and Entertainer Yellow Trefoil -8- I • DORNEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE February A lovely sunny day, all members arriving for the meeting with a springlike step and smiles; the gloomy winter atmosphere really has been banished this year. Mrs. Street, our President, and Mrs. Allen, our Secretary, dispensed business and news items with brisk efficiency; this springlike weather acts as a tonic to all of us. The Group co-operative competition was discussed and suggested Nursery Rhymes put forward for approval. Volunteers were requested for a working committee, and a meeting arranged. Enthusiasm for the idea is growing. There is to be a Regional Home Economics Meeting at Taplow W.I. at 10 a.m. on 24th April, with a demonstration on the making of Chocolates - for those with a sweet tooth. A reminder was also given of the Group Meeting on 31st March at George Green. Items of note in the News Letter were: notice of Farm Visits to be arranged in May, and, also to do with the countryside, a meeting at Aylesbury on 19th June with guest speakers Mrs. Mollie Harris (of •The Archers• ), a fascinating broadcaster on country life; Dr. Chris Smith, Bucks. Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, and M·r. Bob Uglow, Holly Green Farm, Bledlow. Friends of the Earth have produced an improved copy of 1 1The Aerosol Connection11 • The complete list is available from them at 26-28 Underwood Street, London Wl7 7QJ, price £1. On 22nd May there will be a day and evening event, 11 A Taste of India 11 which will include a talk on 11My Childhood in India" by Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor and a talk on 11Spices11 by Schwartz. Mrs. S. Harris was our speaker this month on 11 Just for Fun - Your Stars", and she certainly proved to be fun. We all enjoyed her talk immensely and hope that we shall have a r·eturn visit in the not too distant future. A lovely collection of flowers for our monthly competition proved that at all times of the year there is always a flower to be found somewhere - a lesson to us on how to survive the hardest of times. The speaker next month will be Mr. E. Stock on "Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park". NATURE NOTES January/F ebruary The mild weather continued. Our small hedgehog had not yet hibernated in mid-January and does not seem to have grown, Violets and several hawthorn bushes wer0 in bloom and others in leaf. Some birds, probably robins, had commenced nest building. Fungi, too, were doing well. I saw Beefsteak fungus, which is bracket shaped and resembles steak when cut, oozing t:lood-coloured drops. Trametes gibbosa, a large, white, tough bracket, was growing on many tree stwnps. Violet Trametes appeared on the logs -9- we had stacked in the garden. At first it is a beautiful deep violet but soon turns grey. It is a small, convuluted bracket fungi growing in large clusters. Flammulina velutipes was seen in the hedgerows. It is yellow ochre, slimy with thin, tough, dark brown stems, and grows in groups. It is mushroom-shaped with wavy edges to the cap. On 18th January the Brindled Beauty moth came into the light trap, which is the earliest date it has appeared here. Last year it did not arrive till the end of February. A Melanie Brindled Beauty also appeared. It is described as Melanie because during the industrial revolution it adapted its colouring to blend in with the grimy background caused by sooty deposits from factory chimneys. Thus it was more difficult for predators to see it. Many birds have not waited for St. Valentine' s Day to choose a partner and others, including collar doves, have already mated. The sunshine brought out a few over-wintering butterflies, and catkins and pussy willow brightened up the bare branches of hedgerows. A Ringed Carpet moth appeared in the light trap for the first time. It has an attractive pattern of semi-circles, hence the name. It is rare in Berks. and Bucks., usually frequenting the New Forest. The Dotted Border moth came on 13th February. This is its usual time. It is common but pretty with pale yellow underwings and sandy upper wings with a dark b rown border carrying the dots. Lois Parker DORNEY & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The garden begins to lose its bleak appearance. Buds are swelling and the leaves of herbaceous plants are appearing above the soil. Early shrubs are sending out their leaves before the flowers. Forsythia, Flowering Quinces, Currants, Plum Blossom and Daphnes are examples. Crocus, Scillas, Hyacinths and early Daffodils are signalling an early Spring. Now is the time to repair paths, walls and fencing. Remember to kill the weeds before they grow on the paths, and don't forget climber support. Clean out window boxes, tubs and troughs. Order stores of potting compost, fertilizers, peat and seeds. If the lawn is soggy pierce the surface with a fork, then sprinkle a dressing over it. Jeyes fluid is an excellent moss killer. Just spray it on and the moss will be dead in a couple of days. For those who have a greenhouse, start to sow summer bedding plants and tomatoes. Start off winter-stored dormant plants, including Pelargoniums, Fuchsias and Tuberous Begonias. Now is the time to put Gladiolus corms into boxes or pans of moist peat to encourage growth before planting out. If you are considering planting roses and shrubs do so now for time is becoming short. Remember to prune your clematis to get nice, large flowers during the summer. -10- • ' • • If the weather is right sow broad beans in the open, and you should have prepared your onion bed. Here is a good recipe for large onions, Over winter dig in per 4 sq. yds. , 4 fork fulls of potato haulm or bean straw, one barrow load of manure, 5 ozs, of bone meal, 6 ozs. of sulphate of potash, Double trench haulms in bottom, muck etc. in top, and put 8 ozs. of basic slag on top. In March, sprinkle on 2 ozs. of superphosphate, 1 oz. of lime and 5 ozs. of wood ash. Sow seeds at Cnristmas under glass, pick out seedlings with most leaves, 3 - S. Plant out under cloches in late April. At the end of May to mid-June, water in one ounce of nitrate of soda per sq.yd, Keep soil moist in dry weather. Seems a lot of effort but to have large onions you must work at it. At the Cheese/Wine evening on Friday, 7th April, slides will be shown of members 1 gardens. May you all have a Vt'ry successful year with your gardens. W.J. Parker THE STORY OF A SCHOOL - PART V By the summer of 1837 a good solid building made up of a Schoolroom, a Board-room and a School-house had been el'ected by Mr. G. Almond, the builder from Burnham. From an old plan, kindly supplied by Colonel Victor Wildish, the present owner of the School and School-house, we can see that there was also a playground with a fence down the middle to separate the Boys from the Girls and Infants. The school doors opened straight out on to the Common but on the opposite side of the road there was a large pond where the Memorial Ground now stands. Of course the roads in those days were only muddy cart-tracks as proved by an item in the Minute Book recording the provision of 11 3 common scrapers". There was an old well in the Girls' Playground and at the bottom of both playgrounds were some things quite new to most of the children, for Dorney School was one of the first village schools to be provided with this new invention. Mr. Almond had built a cess-pooL and a Mr. Edmund Perfect had been appointed, at a salary of £1 per annum, to pump the water twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays and flush the toilets. This was a great improvement on the old earth closets tne children were using in their own homes. Most of them lived in the old brick and timber Tudor cottages grouped around Court Farm and Manor Farm in the northwest corner of the.Common, or in the old cottages along the side of Village Road and Boveney Road, or in thf􀌝 similar old Tudor cottages facing on to Lake End Green, as it was then called. There was a large ditch running alongside Village Road, emptying itself into a large pond near Pond House and Lodge Farm, in fact Dorney itseLf was still an island intersected by a network of ditches, small streams and ponds or lakes, especially when the floods came, which were quite frequent. The roads had to be- built up and maintained by the two Parish Surveyors, elected annually at the Easter Vestry Meeting, but as the Lord of the Manor was usually one of these he supplied most of the gravel needed as in the past, Later on the County Council took over this t·esponsibility. -11- Lake End Road was only a cart-track, it turned sharp left when it reached the Pineapple Inn and followed the bridle path down Ashford Lane, which was then called the Back Lane, skirted the 11 Auld Field11 and finished up at West Town Farm where Mr. Trumper, a farmer and substantial land-owner, lived. There had been another Commori called West Town Common which lay just behind the farm but the cottages and inhabitants of this little hamlet had disappeared by 1876. There was another exit from Lake End Green, however, by means of a bridge over Roundmoor Ditch and this led to Burnham Abbey and Huntercombe Manor, 'l'hat "'as as far as the catchment area of the new school extended. Miss J.A. Clark, a Certificated Teacher, had been appointed on 9th July, 1876, at a salary of £70 per annwn with furnished rf:sid<:-nce in the School House, and on 18th October a Miss Bessie Perrin ,,as appointed as c: Pupil Teacher at a salary of £] 0 i7-er c,nnwn, Under a Bye-law sanctioned by the Queen ,.m 14th September, 1876, (No. 2202) the Managers were empowered to notify employers and parent􀌘• that it was their duty 11to cause every child not less than 5 anrl no􀌙 more than 12 years old to attend school unless reasonable excuse for non-attendance could he prtiduced. 11 Large copies of this Notice were put up in the Church porches, and smaller noticer. wel'e distributed from house to house. So the new school luc,gan with approximately 75 children paying 2d. pe1· week in School Fees and the inhabitants of Dorney and Boveney paying a School Rate of lOd. in the £. Len Eastgate * Press Release (To be continued) BERKSHIRE FEDE!