Archive Page

(Pictures & bits etc. that I am reluctant to delete completely at the present)

I have had to reduce it a bit because I am nearing my maximum on the service provider's server.

Vera Isabel Leader
14th August 1919 - 24th December 2009

On Wednesday 6th January 2010, Vera Leader was buried at Henham Cemetery in Chickney Road. At 11.00am a well attended Memorial Service was held at St. Mary's. Please click here for a copy of the tribute to her life. She was an important part of Henham and will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

Freda Doris May DIXON 1930 - 2010

A lovely picture of a young Freda

Mrs Freda Dixon, wife of the late Don Dixon died after a long illness on Thursday 7th January 2010. Her funeral service was conducted by the Reverend John Richardson at St. Mary's on Thursday 14th January to a packed congregation.

A bible reading was given by Martyn Fiddler followed by another reading from Freda's niece Julie Hollingsworth and a tribute by her long-time friend and neighbour Jo Jeffrey. I will not try and summarise the kind words said about Freda's life because they are adequately and concisely contained in Jo Jeffrey's tribute (click her to view)

Freda was later buried at Henham Cemetery in Chickney Road. Henham will sorely miss her.

Donations, if desired, can be made payable to ACT (Lewin Stroke Unit)
c/o DC Poulton & Sons Funeral Directors
2 Chapel Hill, Stansted CM24 8AG

Old Mead Road - Dangerous Snow and Ice

In the last couple of weeks there have been a number of accidents in Old Mead Road on the stretch leading down to the bend just before Toot-Toot bridge when cars have lost traction on the slippery surface and ended up hitting the barrier in front of the ditch outside The White House. This is a notorious Henham 'black spot', (or white spot at this time of the year).

Oops

Local 'gritters' Di and Jill putting ash on the road.

At 5.0pm on Wednesday 6th January a local man ended up in the ditch with his car upside down. Fortunately he was not hurt. This was closely followed by another car which slid into the driveway of the house.
Please be very careful driving down this part of the road. Select a low gear, drive slowly and avoid heavy use of brakes.

(Pictures by our roving reporter Ken S.)

Recovering the vehicle the next morning

Nick Baker O.B.E. the chairman of Henham Parish Council, introduced the key speaker, our MP The Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst who spoke for the first part of the meeting.

Sir Alan commenced by stating his belief that councils such as ours were the basic unit of democracy and stressed the importance of 'community' in that process. He praised Henham for the involvement of its community, its school, community shop, public house and and that we had retained a re-opened village post office as a result of help from Essex County Council.

He lamented the recent decision to allow the passenger increase to the limit of the existing runway, but that both opposition parties were convinced that the second runway would not be built. He said that a second runway would be the ruination of North-west Essex and East Hertfordshire and its absence would take away much of the alleged need for excessive house building in the area.

He and his party firmly believe that planning decisions should be made locally and not centrally and agreed with the current government view that priority for housing should be given to local people. He said that the Regional Spacial Strategy had recommended far too many houses for the area to cope with.

Questions then followed and Sir Alan explained the roll of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and that whilst he could not make political speeches in the House he most certainly could at constituency level. He also explained the Conservative policy on local devolution of power and said there was far too much pressure on the South of England and that there was huge potential in the north and midlands and that economic vibrance should be shared equally across the country. Improved rail transport would help great deal.

At the end of his session Nick thanked Sir Alan for a very interesting speech and Henham Councillor Don Sturgeon praised him for his quick responses to communications and for all he had done to promote the Save our Village campaign, particularly in facilitating meetings, arranging meetings with ministers and for advice on 'political' matters.

After Sir Alan had left Nick chaired the second part of the meeting. He began by paying respects to Martin Nicholson. the former chairman, who unexpectedly died in November last year. His death was a great shock to the many villagers who knew and respected him. He said that Martin was a great chairman and worked very hard for the good of this village he loved so much and that we miss him very much.

Nick said that the work of the Henham PC was mainly focussed on safeguarding our lovely village and that in order to achieve this various sub-committees of the PC had been organised. He explained the purpose of each and what they had done over the past year. He said that the accounts were in good order and thanked Trevor Judd who gives freely of his time in bringing then together for presentation to the auditors. Importantly, Nick said that all land owned by the PC especially the village greens, Village Hall, allotment land and the adjacent land known as Blossom's Farm would be registered with the land registry in the near future.

He then asked Cllr. Don Sturgeon to sum up the current position regarding the proposed eco-town and the U.D.C. housing options. Don then thanked Nick for all his hard work throughout the year especially considering his other activities. (As an addendum we have learnt since that the decision on eco-towns will be possibly made on 21st July)

(Hope I have not missed out anything important - if so please let me know - BB)

Neighbourhood Watch - Telephone Scam
Another very special occasion at the village hall on Saturday 26th September saw Ruth and Alan Green together with family and friends celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was a tremendous evening. Once again the hall was superbly decorated, the food excellent and the entertainment (Alan and Clifford) of the usual high standard. On behalf of those who attended may we thank you and all your helpers for a wonderful evening and may you have many more happy years of marriage.
Click here for more pictures

Click here to visit the charity web site	'Help For Heroes' Charity Day Sunday 23^rdAugust 2009 at The Cock Inn
Blessed by very good weather, the Charity Day organised by Mel and Paul in aid of the Help for Heroes Charity proved to be a great success. Personally I have not seen a such a turnout at The Cock for a very long time. It is anticipated that in excess of £1600 cash was raised to provide 'practical and direct support' for wounded service men and women and when the final figure is calculated I will let you know. However, already a great effort from everyone.
	Shoe box parcels and other donated items to be sent to our troops

An exhibition of restored army vehicles and their proud owners


All the money from the barbecue, auction, raffle and the sale of wristbands will go to the charity.








Guest auctioneer, comedian and writer John Mann in full flow	Why would Paul Donnelly buy an imitation sheep for over £200 and then try to stop it giving an interview.

	The Downside

A Surprise Birthday Party for Bessie
	On Saturday 15th August, Bessie, our postmistress and long time resident of Henham, celebrated a surprise 75th birthday party at the village hall. It was a brilliant evening. I have never seen the hall looking more splendid, the food was excellent, the music from Alan Greene just right. Thanks to Mel and Wendy, Sue, Trevor, Jane and Doreen and everyone else who had a hand in the organisation. Happy Birthday Bessie and thank you on behalf of all who were privileged to be there Click here to see more pictures

Memories of an Evacuee
Every now and again I receive an email out of the blue from somebody who has a connection/memory of our Village which they wish to share. This week a very interesting one arrived from Mrs. Ann Carter (nee Middleton) now living in France who talks about the time she and her sister were evacuated to Henham during WWII. It is a long email so I have created a separate page for it. Thank you Ann. Henham still has many residents who were here at that time and will remember the people you mention. Click here to view	Ann's parents; seated her aunt, Ann, Mrs Willet, and Ann's sister

Henham Village Hall Refurbishment
Saturday 25th July saw a very well attended barbeque and disco at Henham Village Hall to celebrate the opening of the refurbished bar and kitchen areas. Over the past three years the hall, built by villagers in 1928, has already seen some major improvements including new toilets, drainage system and redecorating. This time, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the Village Hall Committee, chaired by Trevor Ellis-Callow, both the kitchen and reception/bar area have been radically improved and the floor re-sanded. The evening was a great success and may I, on behalf of the village thank Trevor, Sue, Pauline, Jane, Dawn, Kay and Vanda and Keith for all their efforts in making the hall a great venue for all types of occasion. It is believed that well over £1,000 was raised on this occasion, but more money is still needed before the next stage can commence.	Bessie Hayden (whose husband Jack helped to build the hall all those years ago) formally opening the new kitchen








	For more about the hall, and how you can hire it for your function please click here.

Henham 10K Fun Run Sunday 21st June 2009
I know it was a few weeks ago, but I have received a few more pictures that are well worth publishing.



Click here to view more pictures and the results
Henham Fun Day
A really splendid afternoon was had by all at Woodend Green on the afternoon of Sunday 10th May. The weather was very kind to us and literally hundreds of people of all ages came out in support of the Save Our Village Fund and other charities and good causes. There were over 20 stalls and activities including an Inflatable Slide, Bouncy Castle, Coconut shy, Tombola, Penalty shoot-out, Face painting, Tennis game, Ball-in-a-bucket, Name that dog, Guess the Cake Weight, Books, Crafts, Ice Cream, Animal Shelter, Put the tail on the Pig, Labrador Rescue, Henham History, BBQ, Tea/cakes, Beer tent, and Pony & Trap Ride courtesy of Guy and Bessie Hayden. There was also a demonstration arena for a Dance Display by pupils from Henham School and children from Saffron Walden. (Apologies to any people I have missed). We saw a repeat of last years Rally Rounders Tournament, competing this time for the Martin Nicholson Shield. Fiercely contested and umpired by Norman and Carol Elson, it was eventually won by the 'Tennis Juniors' who beat the Henham Dads in the final. (click here to see a report from the Henham Dad's perspective from John Bawden). The shield was presented by Mrs. Sylvia Nicholson who had donated it in memory of Martin who sadly died at the end of last year. picture courtesy of Monica Sutherland Organised by a small committee of Gerry Bigland, Julie Churchouse, Karen George-Lafferty and Clare Robertson and supported by many, many other helpers, the Fun Day was a brilliant success and much money was raised. I have it on good authority it will be an annual event. On behalf of everyone who attended may I thank you all for your efforts. The community spirit of our village really showed through. Final figures show £775 for S.O.V. and £525 for the Fete Fund - Brilliant (Some pictures below - again apologies if your stall/event is not featured)











	Looking forward to next year

Tuesday 1st July 2008- Sad Day for Henham as our Post Office Closes

Since the community shop was re-opened in December 1998, the Post Office part has been run by Mrs. Bessie Hayden, a Henham resident for many years. Indeed her late husband Jack's parents used to own the shop in the 1900s.

Despite the Post Office being highly popular, profitable and cost effective, it fell foul of the last round of closures. Having been told it was safe, at the last minute it became a substitute for one of the three POs in the region that were reprieved. A cruel blow.

The Post Office closing at 1.00pm on 1st July

Bessie with shop volunteers

Bessie knows practically everyone in the village and the service and support she has given to our community went far beyond just being the lady behind the counter.

May I on behalf of everyone in Henham wish her every happiness in her forced retirement and many many thanks for all she has done for us. - BB

St Georges Day - New Henham Flagpole

Wednesday 23rd April 2008 at 11.30am.

Our new flagpole has been donated by Paul Donnelly in memory of his wife Rona and friend Jack Hayden, two very popular Henham people who have sadly died in the last year.

Unfortunately the celebrations were marred to a degree by pouring rain, but in spite of this about 30 people braved the weather to hear Paul say a few words and Jayne Brinkley raise the first flag. Both Rona and Jayne have wanted a flagpole at the War Memorial for many years and at last their wish came to fruition.
Afterwards, in true Henham tradition, everyone adjourned to The Cock where the celebrations continued for quite a while.

Pictures courtesy of Ken Sammons

St Georges Night at Henham Village Hall - Saturday 19th April 2008

Organised by the Village Hall Committee, we had a tremendous evening celebrating St Georges Day. The meal was splendidly cooked and served, the speeches and toasts by Vanda Collins, Simon Lee, Trevor Judd and Don Sturgeon were brilliant and the singing was awful. On behalf of all who attended our thanks go to Sue, Trevor, Pauline, Jane, Vanda, Keith, Kay, Jerry and Sheena for all their hard work and to Clifford, (Starlight Disco) for the music. It is estimated that over £1000 was raised for Village Hall Funds. Well done everyone!!!!!!

The Haydens 95 years on

This picture, which was taken in 1910 outside the village shop is the one that appears on the cover of the 'Memories of Henham' book, published in 2001. It is of Owen Hayden, (Jack's father) and a lad named Jimmy Johnson. Standing in the doorway is Alice Hayden, Jack's mother. Owen was the owner of the shop and his name appears above the doorway of the shop.

This picture, which was taken on 23rd June 2005 is of Jack aged 83 in his trap with his pony Tonto outside the existing shop. As you can see the shop has moved along the building a bit since then, but standing outside the shop is Bessie Hayden, Jack's wife. She is the village post mistress and her name now appears above the door of the shop.

Tony Carlisle
'Brush'
1938 - 2004

Tony Carlisle
Looking splendid at Serena's wedding in May 2002.

On Friday 13th August 2004 Tony was cremated at Cambridge Crematorium. This service was attended by family and immediate friends.

Later, at 3.00pm Tony's family and many friends gathered at St Mary the Virgin Church at Henham for a thanksgiving for his life.

The proceedings were lead by the Rev. Dick Farr and 'recollections' were given by Joy Lafferty, John Collard and Ken Sammons.

Joy said how honoured she was to be asked to talk about Tony and how equally honoured she was to have been counted as a friend. She spoke about his family, his friends and his faith.

John Collard, a friend for many years talked fondly about the young Tony, especially about his cricket and badminton at Blindley Heath in Surrey and their trips together to Twickenham to watch England.

He summed him up as a 'Christian Gentleman and a very good friend.'

Ken Sammons spoke of the Tony of Henham, his career as an accountant/financial director in commerce and told a number of amusing anecdotes, including how Tony was given the nickname 'Brush'. He said that throughout his illness Tony never complained and added how much Pat was to be admired in the way she had coped in the last very difficult months.

Brush will be sadly missed.

(my apologies for a piece of text above being missing for the last few days- my incompetence)

Picture of a Muntjac taken by Tony Dyson circa. December 2003 from outside the village shop.

Uttlesford Community Achievement Awards 2004

On Thursday 12th February two of our Henham residents attended the council chamber at Saffron Walden to receive very well deserved Community Achievement Awards.

Kath and Don are hiding up at the left corner

Don Dixon and Kath Bowmar who were amongst a group of 35 people nominated by parishes throughout the borough were presented with their awards and citations by Council Chairman Mike Hibbs.

Don Dixon

Don Dixon originally hailed from Palmers Green but moved to Cherry Green and then to Henham in 1942 when his house in Palmers Green was bomb damaged. In 1947 at the age of 18 he joined the army and amongst other places he served in Egypt and Palestine. Following discharge after 5 years he worked for Essex County Council. It was driving all sorts of construction vehicles, including steamrollers, that he gained his deep knowledge of the infrastructure of our ponds and water drainage systems. Indeed he helped install some of the drainage himself. Further knowledge of the area was gained in his subsequent job as a local postman for 24 years.

Don's award was for Service to the Local Community. He was a Parish Councillor for 28 years and it was only recently at the last elections he was obliged to withdraw from office owing to ill health. His deep knowledge and experience of Henham matters have proved invaluable over the years and even now after retirement his opinion is still sought.

Part of his citation reads, ' Donald has always demonstrated a genuine concern for other people within the village of Henham and its environment. In this sense, Donald has been a fine example of the kind of interested and active village centred person vital to a council. A real community minded person.'

Don receiving award

Kath Bowmar's award is for Service to the Elderly. She was born not too far away in Cambridge, but was raised and educated in South Yorkshire. She met her husband Bill at school and they moved to Henham 27 years ago. Their four children were educated at Henham school.

Twenty years ago, Kath a hairdresser, started visiting elderly ladies in the village cut their hair. She readily admits that the hairdressing sessions take appreciably longer than they should because of their need to chat.

However, her award is for much more than hairdressing. It can be explained no better that the words on her citation, part of which reads.....

.....' she has been known by members of the Parish Council to carry out countless voluntary tasks for the elderly. Kath has provided transport free of charge to to local residents to the day centre at Stansted for social activities and for chiropody, taken people shopping who have not got transport, visited elderly people in their own homes to do their hair with only minimal charge, collect prescriptions and deliver them to the needy, and all this has been carried out quietly, without fuss or thought of any reward.'

It concludes by saying ' Kath is a fine example of the village good neighbour.'

Kath receiving her award from Cllr. Hibbs.

Both Don and Kath are very modest about their work in the community and quite embarrassed by the public acclaim. However, they both seemed to thoroughly enjoy the and the reception, presentation and the buffet afterwards. Don was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife Freda and Kath by her husband Bill. Councillor Martin Nicholson with his wife Sylvia attended on behalf of the Parish Council and Councillor David Morson on behalf of Uttlesford District Council.

Martin, Don, Kath, Freda, Sylvia, Bill and David

Don and Kath, on behalf of the people of Henham, thank you.

Mrs. Gladys Parkin 2002

I am pleased to announce that on Thursday 21st February 2002, Mrs. Gladys Parkin was presented with an award by Uttlesford District Council to recognise her many years of outstanding service to the community of Henham.

Gladys moved to Henham nearly 60 years ago and was deputy head at the village school for many of those and clerk to the Parish Council for over 30 years.

Many of the clubs and societies in the village have reason to be grateful for her support, not only as a member but for taking on a variety of responsibilities - treasurer, secretary, booking clerk to name but three. She served on the village hall committee for almost 25 years and is still active in the Friendship Club, Gardening Club and OSCA.

There cannot be many fund-raising activities for village causes in which Gladys has not actively participated. Goodness knows how many poppies she has sold over the years. This reward is richly deserved and long may she continue in her variety of roles.

Trevor Judd
Chairman Henham P.C.

A fall of snow - Thursday 28th December 2000

(Kept in for a bit because the pictures seem popular)