A  warm welcome was given by Jayne Faversham, President, to three new members, who now bring the Group membership to 40.

Ten members attended the Group Meeting at St Leonards-cum-Cholesbury and very much enjoyed hearing about Bill Hamilton’s experiences as a BBC journalist and war correspondent.

Beautiful views around Knotty Green were enjoyed on last month’s walk organised by Sandra Stevens and Pam Epps.

Thanks were given to Pam Ruff for holding a Charity coffee morning which raised a massive £170.

Barbara Aris has kindly agreed to organise the last walk of the year, in London, which will be on 27^th November, meeting at Great Missenden Station at 9.05am.  The Pool of London Walk is a circular walk starting at the Tower of London where there will, hopefully, still be some of the ceramic poppies planted to commemorate 100 years since the start of the First World War.

The Christmas party with dinner and entertainment will be at 7.15 for 7.30pm on 11^th December.  Tickets costing £7.50 should be purchased by 30^th November.

The AGM then commenced with Mary Collins, Treasurer, presenting the financial statement.  The annual report was also presented giving details of all the outings, events and speakers that had been enjoyed during the year, and both were adopted

Jayne Faversham volunteered to be stand as President for a third year and was elected as were the eight nominated Committee members.

Jayne said it was nice to see the Group membership growing and she thanked the Committee members for all their support during the year, particularly in the organisation of the Golden Anniversary celebrations last April.

Before a delicious tea, brains were tested with a Quiz and purchases made at the Bring and Buy table.

2015’s first meeting will be at 8pm on 8^th January when a cheque presentation will be made to Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance.  The speaker will be Sue Benwell who will talk about the life of Norman Wisdom.

The October meeting commenced with Mrs Deakin giving a fascinating talk and slide show on New Zealand, which she and her husband visited for their 25^th wedding anniversary a few years ago.

The original Maoris came from Polynesia and call the country “the Land of the Long White Cloud” because the clouds do seem to form long lines across the sky.  We were taken on a wonderful tour round both North and South Islands, visiting some popular and remote parts of this beautiful and varied country.

The North Island is volcanic with hot geysers at Roturua, while the South Island has Alps with Mount Cook being the highest at 3754m.  It takes about 3 hours by ferry to travel between the islands. 

Following the talk, President, Jayne Faversham, announced the sad news that a retired member, Audrey Begg, had died on 13^th September and four members had represented the Group at her funeral.  A collection was made for donations to The Brompton Fountain in her memory.

The Jigsaw Challenge team of Mary Collins, Pam Ruff and Doreen White very much enjoyed the competition, which was well supported by 18 teams.

The next walk to be organised by Pam Epps and Sandra Stevens will be on 23^rd October.  Details will be advised.

There will be a charity coffee morning at Pam Ruff’s house on 24^th October between 10am and midday with a raffle and bring and buy sale.

The Christmas Party with entertainment will be at 7.15 for 7.30pm on 11^th December.  Tickets at £7.50 should be purchased by 30^th November.  There will be a hot buffet dinner provided by the Committee members and contributions of desserts by members.  This is always a very enjoyable and sociable occasion.

After a number of years of stalwart work on the Committee, Christine Richfield Andrews has resigned following an operation and a request for new Members was made. 

On 13^th November at 8pm the Annual Meeting will be held.  Contributions for a bring and buy and sales table were requested. 

President, Jayne Faversham, welcomed everyone back after the summer break during which 43 members and partners enjoyed a delicious barbeque.  This raised £269.50 towards the charity, The Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance. 

Grateful thanks were made to everyone who very kindly helped to make it such a success and especially to Margaret Dunn for the use of her garden.  Thanks were also given to Barbara Aris for organising the August walk. 

The next walk, organised by Gillian O’Flynn, will be on 26^th September starting at 11am from the Pink & Lily pub near Lacey Green and October’s walk will be on 23^rd, details to be announced at the next meeting. 

The Autumn Beechwood Group meeting will be at 7.45pm on 15^th October at St Leonards Parish Hall when the speaker will be former BBC journalist, Bill Hamilton. 

Pam Ruff has offered to host a coffee morning at her home between 10 – 12am on 24^th October.  Donations of cakes and raffle prizes would be appreciated. 

In September 2015 it will be the centenary of the National Federation of Women’s Institute when each Group will hold a celebration.  Volunteers were invited to form a sub-committee to organise this event. 

It was agreed that Sue Flint, who socialises puppies for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, would be welcome to bring hers along to the meetings. 

The evening’s speaker was George Davis who spoke about Wild Game Direct.  His family have been game keepers for five generations in the Hampden area and he was trying to get more people interested in eating game.  

He was certainly doing a great job with the members as the enticing smell of his Sister’s cooking wafted through from the kitchen, and was enjoyed later!  

George has taken a number of courses on the preparation of varieties of game, which is an excellent source of protein without the saturated fat of other meats or any additives etc being added. 

Fallow deer, pheasant, hare and rabbits were hunted by the Roman and William the Conqueror planted the woodlands in the New Forest for this purpose.  Hunting has taken place throughout the centuries.   

In Victorian times, gamekeepers took to wearing hard bowler hats as protection from being hit on the head by poachers!  The gamekeeper was the most important staff member on an Estate. They were also invaluable in the Boer War when they were used as scouts.  

The next meeting will be at 8pm on 9^th October when Mrs Deakin will speak about the Land of the Long White Cloud – NZ.  The competition will be New Zealand memorabilia.

The Summer Evening Charity Ramble held on 2^nd July was pronounced a lovely evening with 28 walkers and three more for supper afterwards.  The proceeds of £130 will go towards the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance.   

Part of Audrey Begg’s donation has been put towards a three year WI Friendship Club membership. 

The summer BBQ will be 6.30pm for supper at 6.45pm on 14^th August at a cost of £7.50. Margaret Dunn has again kindly agreed to the use of her garden. The proceeds of this event will also go towards our charity. 

An invitation was made for anyone willing to host a coffee morning in aid of this year’s charity. 

The next Beechwood Group meeting will be held on 15^th October at Cholesbury cum St Leonards. 

Rosa Maria Welch was a member of the WI when she lived in Zambia a few years ago.  She joined Work Aid, a charitable organisation based in Chesham, just over a year ago when she retired from her work at Missenden Abbey. 

We learnt that one of our members has hidden talents. Janet Bangay has been helping repair sewing machines, with guidance from an expert, one morning a week for three years, so if anyone is bored and would like to do useful work in friendly surroundings, there is a place for you at Work Aid ! 

In 1985 Bob Geldoff and Midge Ure initiated the Live Aid concerts to raise funds and awareness for famine relief in Ethiopia and other African countries and were soon supported by various Churches, including the Free Church in Chesham.  

In 1986 a workshop was started by volunteers in a garden shed in Amersham but this was soon outgrown.   

It was felt important to help the Africans to help themselves so initially, collections were made of sewing machines and small tools, which were repaired and shipped out.   

Some years later the old Boot and Shoe factory in Chesham was purchased and renovated. A shop was added for local people to purchase items.  Volunteers sort and repair a huge variety of goods collected from other volunteers around the country.   

It is then shipped out to Africa, using old clothes for packing, which can also be used.  Even the containers are useful for converting into educational buildings such as libraries, school rooms or Red Cross Centres. 

Rosa Maria gave a very enlightening talk. It was quite remarkable to hear how much of our “rubbish” can be repaired and reused when donated to Work Aid.  

The next full meeting in the village hall will be on 11^th September at 8pm when George Davis will talk about Wild Game Direct.  The competition will be An Old Game.

Gillian O'Flynn

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June 2014

The June meeting was opened by President, Jayne Faversham, welcoming all members old and new.  She gave her thanks to WI members who had helped with the teas and provided so many cakes for the village fete last month which, despite the bad weather, made £450 which will go towards the Village Hall funds.   

Thanks were also given to Felicity Beynon for organising last month’s walk around Little Missenden and Shardeloes, which was very much enjoyed. 

Forthcoming events include the Summer Evening Charity Ramble to be held on 2^nd July.  Tickets will be £6 to include supper, the proceeds of which will go to the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance.  Walkers should meet at 6pm outside St Andrews Church on the Common.  Non walkers may go to the supper starting about 7.30pm.  Friends and family are very welcome. 

Margaret Dunn has again kindly agreed to hold the Summer Barbeque in her garden at 6.30pm on 14 August.  Provisions of deserts and raffle prizes will be much appreciated. Tickets will be £7.50. 

Barbara Aris has reserved seats at a cost of £15 each at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury to see The Importance of Being Ernest at 2.30pm on 9^th October.    

It was suggested that some of Audrey Begg’s very generous donation should be used to buy a subscription for the BFWI Friends Club. 

A letter has been received from the South Bucks Hospice, the charity that was supported two years ago.  They are hoping to start building work in January 2015 on the garden and path where our named paver will be placed. 

Edwin Rye, accompanied by his wife Pamela, had brought with them some beautiful plants and gave a fascinating, informative and lively talk about Colour in the Garden. 

He and his wife sell plants to support a school in South Africa, by supplying equipment. 

His garden, 11 The Paddocks in Wendover, is listed in the NGS Open Gardens for Charity and from looking at his photographs, would be well worth a visit.  

The next meeting in the Village Hall will be at 8pm on 10 July when Rosa Maria Welch will be talking about Work Aid.  The competition will be a Hand Tool.

Gillian O'Flynn

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Jayne Faversham, President, thanked the Committee, particularly Doreen White and Gillian O’Flynn, for all their hard work in making the 50^th Anniversary party such a success.  Some lovely comments had been received from people who had attended. 

Members who attended the Beechwood Group meeting very much enjoyed the Chocalatiere and the chocolate tasting! 

The bluebell’s were beautiful on the Ashridge Park walk organised by Barbara Aris as was the delicious tea in the café afterwards. 

The Quiz team members, Judith Butt, Christine Richfield-Andrews and Mary Rose, who stepped in at the last minute, were congratulated on gaining a very creditable 5^th out of the 30 Institutes who took part.   

Gillian reported on the brilliant Gems and Jewels of London BGWI trip visiting the London silver vaults, Hatton Garden and the Cheapside Hoard of Jewels at the Museum of London. 

Barbara Aris gave a report on the BFWI Council meeting in Aylesbury where she was presented with a Certificate from the BFWI marking the Hyde Heath Group’s 50^th anniversary.   

The car boot sale was very successful making just over £319, making the efforts of Mary Collins, Doreen White and Sandra Stevens all worth while. 

Some forthcoming events were announced starting with the Charity Walk and Supper at 6pm for 6.15pm on 2^nd July meeting at St Andrews Church.  Tickets will be £6.  Non walkers are welcome to come just to the supper. 

Margaret Dunn has kindly agreed to hold the BBQ in her garden again on the evening of 14^th August and there will be a trip to the Waterside Theatre to see “The Importance of Being Ernest” on 9^th October. Tickets will be £15. 

Barbara presented the one Resolution which will be voted on at the NFWI Annual General Meeting, to be held in Leeds, in June this year.  Resolution:  “The NFWI notes that three people die every day whilst waiting for an organ transplant.  We call on every member of the WI to make their wishes regarding organ donation known, and to encourage their families and friends, and members of their local communities to do likewise”.  This was discussed and agreed unanimously.  Our delegate to the national meeting will be advised of our opinion. 

There followed a fun photo quiz with a delicious tea. 

The next meeting will be at 8pm on 12^th June when Edwin Rye will talk about Colour in the Garden.  The competition will be a Pressed Flower.

Gillian O'Flynn

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March 2014

Jayne Faversham, President, welcomed members to the meeting and said that the most important item on the agenda was next month’s Golden Anniversary.  She hoped to see everyone on the evening of 10^th April to join in the celebrations.   

Barbara Aris will be the delegate attending the Resolution Briefing meeting also on 10^th April.  A letter from the National Council had been received congratulating Hyde Heath on achieving 50 years. 

The Spring Beechwood Group meeting will be on 15^th April at 7.45 for 8pm at Ballinger with tickets at £3.50.  The speaker will be Anne Scott, a chocolatier from Auberge du Chocolat. 

Details were given by Barbara of this month’s walk around some of the gardens in the City of London starting at the Barbican on 20^th March.   

A reminder was given for donations of any items for the car boot sale on 26^th April to be given to Mary Collins as soon as possible. 

Volunteers were requested for help with serving teas and making cakes for the Village Fete which is now on 10^th May. 

A thank you letter had been received from the Chilterns MS Centre in Wendover who were very appreciative of the members fund raising efforts last year. 

Four members very much enjoyed the Bucks Federation’s Science day held at The Oculus in Aylesbury on 3^rd March when the four fascinating subjects presented were Astronomy, Meteorology, Cancer Research and Forensics. 

Members were looking forward to a talk on “Titanic – True Story” but disappointingly the speaker did not arrive.  It transpired he had got lost. 

However, all was not lost as a delicious tea of sandwiches and cakes was consumed whilst enjoying a good chat! 

The next full meeting will be at 8pm on 8^th May when the Resolutions will be presented.  There will also be a Bring and Buy sale table.

Gillian O'Flynn

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February 2014

Vice President, Christine Richfield-Andrews, took the meeting in the absence on holiday of the President and welcomed all the members and a guest. 

The theatre visit to The Mill at Sonning was a great success and thanks were given to Jayne Faversham for organising the trip. 

Mary Collins, Doreen White & Janet Manson will again very kindly be organising a fundraising stall at the Denham car boot sale on 26th April.  They would be grateful for donations of any saleable items by the beginning of March. 

Barbara Aris has very kindly offered to organise the first walk of the season on 20^th March.  Due to the appalling conditions in the countryside following all the torrential rain durig the past few weeks, she has suggested the walk should be around the City of London gardens starting at The Barbican with lunch near St Paul’s. 

There are a number of forthcoming events for the year, including the BFWI Annual Council Meeting which will be held on 2nd April at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury.  The guest speaker will be Chris Beardshaw, the award winning garden designer, TV and radio presenter.  A delegate will attend and Observer tickets are available at £12 each for other members. 

The Beechwood Group meeting will be at Ballinger on 15^th April when the speaker will be a chocolatier. 

Di Thompson, Judith Butt and Christine Richfield-Andrews have volunteered to form a team to compete in the County Quiz in Great Missenden on 24^th April. 

The 50^th Anniversary Dinner for members present and past will be 7.15 for 7.30pm on 10^th April.  Tickets will be on sale from February at a subsidised cost of £14 to include a 2 course meal with drinks plus a special entertainer. 

Suggestions were put forward for a charity project for this year and the Air Ambulance received the most nominations. 

The speaker for the evening, Annie Januszaveki, gave a vivid description of the preparations for and her very adventurous journey rowing across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua with a friend, Melanie King, 3 years ago.   

They travelled a distance of 3,700 miles in 77 days and were the fastest female pair in the competition.  They only saw one yacht and one cargo ship during this time, but plenty of sea life including dolphins, whales, sharks and marlins but mistook an orange Sainsbury’s plastic bag for an unusual jelly fish! 

The next meeting will be at 8pm on 13^th March when Mr D Richards will talk about the “Titanic True Story”.  The competition will be Titanic memorabilia.

Gillian O'Flynn

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January 2014

President, Jayne Faversham, wished everyone a Happy New Year especially as the evening marked Hyde Heath Evening WI’s 50^th birthday.  

At the start of the meeting a presentation of a giant cheque for £450 was made to Robert Breakwell, CEO of the Chilterns MS Centre, Wendover.  He was most appreciative and explained that the funds would go towards the care of just under 300 patients a week that they saw at their new building on the old hospital site at Halton. 

The entertainment was “Rock & Roll & a Rocking Chair” by John Dunstaville.  He gave everyone a memorable evening singing and playing on a ukulele and guitar, music from the Fifties and Sixties, which some members also sang along to reminding them of their youth!    

John told us about his life of music, starting as a young boy and eventually playing and meeting with well known groups such as the Everley Brothers, the Moody Blues and the Beatles. He subsequently joined Rick Wakeman’s band with whom he travelled around the world performing in places like Madison Square Gardens. 

The “Rocking Chair” in the title refers to the period of time when he enjoyed playing in Val Doonican’s band!  John has three records being produced this year on the Rainbow Ffolly label. 

Thanks were given to Barbara Aris and Ann Crook for producing a very special tea including a celebratory golden cake, which was ceremoniously cut by two original members, Eve Brown and Anne Lloyd Jones.  This was accompanied by Bucks Fizz. 

A Golden Anniversary dinner will be held on the evening of 10^th April for members present and past.  Tickets will be on sale from February at a subsidised price of £14 to include a 2 course meal provided by a caterer, drinks and special entertainment. 

The Christmas party and entertainment was considered a great success and thanks were given to the Committee for cooking and serving the main course and those members who had produced delicious desserts. 

Suggestions for a new charity for this year were requested and also fund raising ideas were needed too. 

After discussion, voting took place on the four Resolutions listed in the WI Life magazine. 

Next Month’s meeting will be at 8pm on 13 February when Annie Januszaveki will talk about “Rowing the Atlantic”.  The competition will be “a Boat”. 

Gillian O'Flynn

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