The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed 'too British'.
Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be 'offensive' to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team 'too militaristically British.' Red Arrows pilots were said to be 'outraged', as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being 'too British' is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain.
The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world.

The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular.

It is to be hoped that common sense prevails.

If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition by clicking here.

Some kind person, for whatever reason, has removed all the Save Our Village signs from Henham.  The big signs cost £80 each and many have been privately bought. The police have been informed - BB

On Thursday 3rd April, the Government  published a short list of 15 possible Eco-Towns in the Country and Elsenham/Henham is one of them.  Please go to the Save Our Village site for the latest Information.

The outcome of the 'consultation' by Post Office Ltd. on its intention to close the post office as one of the 2,500 across the country has resulted in the predictable 'no-change' to its original decision. The formal notice of the decision is now posted up in the shop.

The decision by Essex County Council to put up £ 1.5 million in order to help keep at least some of the sub-post offices open that have either been closed recently or are like Henham, under notice of closure has been given publicity in both local and national press. This initiative appears to be pioneering a new approach to rural post offices, though the mechanism for implementing it has yet to be worked out in what is a complex situation.

At the outset the issue was raised as to whether the Essex scheme might fall foul of EU rules on state support for businesses. I understand that this matter has probably been resolved, so that the county council can progress with detailed planning of a workable scheme, though this remains dependent on continuing cooperation of Post Office Ltd. In this respect pressure on the minister, Pat McFadden, during the recent debate in the House of Commons, must have helped.

In recent months we have been very fortunate in retaining a full complement of volunteers for all the hours the shop is open each day and this is much appreciated by the members of the management committee.

However, we have just lost three people in a very short time and we now need replacement volunteers as soon as possible. The vacant slots are:

Alternative Wednesday mornings 11.00am - 1 00pm

Alternative Thursday mornings 11.00am - 1 00pm

1 in 6 Saturday mornings ll.00am – I.00pm

It would also be very helpful if we could increase the number of our 'reserve' volunteers who have no regular times but who are willing to step in when there is a particular, short term problem.

This is stimulating and satisfying work for anyone interested in supporting the village and meeting more people. Full training is given to new recruits and if anyone wishes to offer themselves, they should contact Linda Peake on 850374