Haddenham

The AGM of Haddenham Village Hall was attended by representatives of many local organisations which use the various rooms and main hall as well as a number of residents.

The chairman, John Heydon, who was re-elected to office reported that the year ending March 2001 had seen a notable increase in lettings but since April there had been a number of cancellations, possibly due to the foot and mouth epidemic although Haddenham has had no cases. Su Parkinson was re-elected secretary and Jeremy Lovell continues as treasurer. It was agreed that their honoraria should remain the same.

There was a lengthy discussion on the subject of letting of the main hall on New Year's Eve. For many years the Haddenham Ceilidhs, run by John Heydon had been held on that night. Mr Heydon stood down while the discussion took place. Members of the public present wished to know if they could book the hall for a New Year's dance and those present and qualified to vote agreed that the residents should be able to book the hall for December 31, 2002. It would not be possible for them to have the hall this year as Mr Heydon is already committed to a number of contracts. Meanwhile the booking form is being re-written.

A sub-committee is looking into the disabled access and the problem of ventilation in the main hall is being investigated by an independent examiner. This is expected to be an expensive item and it was agreed that extreme care should be taken over the matter.

Four new windows and an emergency exit door have been installed and new kitchen fittings put into the Walter Rose Room by local man Mick Radwell. The two wall hangings donated by Haddenham Quilters and Stitchers have been removed from the main hall and will be resited in the Mabel Parkinson Room.

This decision follows queries about their effect on the acoustics of the main hall and also concern about the detrimental effect of smoke and dirt on the hangings themselves.

IT is 28 years since the Haddenham Fish Scheme was formed and for six of these Jeanne Watt has been chairman. At their AGM she was re-elected to office and is now appealing for more people to come forward to help with transport for the elderly or housebound and also to man the telephone so that bookings can be made. If you feel you have as little as an hour to spare for this valuable work sometimes just transporting people to the health centre or hairdresser, please phone Alison Green on 01844 292088.

HADDENHAM Abbeyfield Society members held their AGM last week with Margaret Aston continuing in the chair. Mary White, who announced her intention to resign as treasurer a year ago when no successor was found, has now been able to hand over office to Sharon Smith of Sheerstock. Elizabeth Jubb continues as secretary. Reports were given on a number of activities arranged for residents with the WEA talks having proved very popular.

NORMAN and Florrie Mann have supported the Methodist charity The Whitechapel Mission by acting as a collecting agency for discarded clothing and shoes. The couple, now both in their late 80s have handed over to Ken Austin of Forty Green Farm, Bledlow, who says he has plenty of storage space.

Norman has been an organist for 70 years and now often deputises at the keyboard for three local Methodist churches. His woodcarving skills have graced many local chapels and his nativity scene was the window display at Vicary's (chemist) last year. Florrie continues to preach something she has been doing for 68 years and both take a lively interest in village affairs, in particular the museum which is in the former Methodist schoolroom.

DO you belong to an organisation or club in Haddenham? If so ask the librarian for a copy of the village directory which is currently being updated. Check your club's entry if there is no entry ask the librarian for a form, complete it and return it to her. Volunteers are also wanted to help check the entries in the new directory.

Contact Angela Hart on 01844 292070 or Gill Dudley on 01844 292411.