The Croxley Green Resident

The Croxley Green Resident
Published by
CROXLEY
GREEN RESIDENTS'
No. 132
AND RATEPAYERS'
Editor: Denise Mangles.
ASSOCIATION
Summer 1977
To All Members:
The ANNUAL
CROXLEY
GENERAL
MEETING
GREEN RESIDENTS'
RATEPAYERS'
of the
AND
ASSOCIATION
will be held on
THURSDA Y. 20th OCTOBER, 1977 at 8 p.m.
in CROXLEY
GREEN LIBRARY.
BARTON WAY
L.w. Fry (Acting Secretary), The Orchard, The Green.
EDITORIAL
With the announcement of our October A.G.M. may I
ask you all to make a special effort to attend. Unlike
previous years, it will be held in the warm atmosphere
of the centrally situated library andwill be followed
by a filmshow and talk on "Home Protection". We
urgently need new blood on the Committee, so if you
are not satisfied with anything in Croxley, join us and
add weight to your elbow!
Our Secretary, Mrs. P. Lansdale, has resigned her
post and her responsibilities have kindly been taken
over by Mr. L. Fry, The Orchard, The Green, until
the A.G.M. when nominations will be sought. We wish
to record our thanks for her services and hope
congratulations will soon be in order.
Once again, our countryside ramble organised by
Roger King was a great success.The sun shone and we
had a lovely walk through fields yellow with buttercups and woods blue and scented with bluebells.
On September 25th, we shall be looking forward to
shuffling through Autumn leavesand on October 9th
to doing some litter collecting as we go. Everyone
welcome, information inside.
In May, Three Rivers District Council's Community
Plan was released to the public for inspection and
criticism. Costing £1.50 for the six booklets but on
free loan in the library, it outlines the present services,
resources and manpower with a view to increasing
public participation prior to drawing up future policies.
Any comments should be directed to your local
Councillor and to this Association, which will help
in determining priorities when the annual budget
allocation is being prepared. A precis of the books
follows, whilst the Committee are looking into the
cost/effectiveness of services in view of the Council's
recommendation for a manpower finance pool to
meet future demands.
This edition of the Resident is my last as Editor.
I have learnt much from the position and thank all
those who have contributed articles and letters over
the past two years. I have pleasure in handing over
to Mr. R. Hampson, "Halfway House", Cassiobridge,
a keen Committee member with active interest in the
Inland Waterways, who would appreciate some
assistance with producing this bulletin.
THE COMMUNITY PLAN
In 1976/77 the District Council spent approximately
£2.20 million on manpower and at present is working
6% under full establishment. Efficiency requires
careful handling of staff numbers and incentives.
Bonus schemes in operation at the moment affect
housing: plumbers, carpenters and decorators;
manual and mechanical sweeping and refuse
collection.
HOUSING
There are approximately 4,000 houses and flats,
1121 garagesand 16 shops owned by the Council.
The Government"s recent directive has not only
reduced building but capital expenditure on repairs.
No new dwellings were completed between 1974 and
1976 but 421 should be ready by March, 1978 :
114 (1 bedroom), 80 (2 bedrooms), 197 (3 bedrooms),
2 (4 bedrooms), 27 (sheltered) and 1 (disabled). This
represents a rate of 150 dwellings per annum, 100 less
than was considered necessary in 1974 to reduce the
waiting list by 100 per annum. !n December 1976,
there were 738 homes required in the current waiting
section and 577 in the deferred section, after only
258 properties became available in 1976.
WEllER HillI HUBBlE
162 Watford
15 Church
Road, Croxley
Street,
Green.
Telephone:
R ickmansworth.
Estate Agents, Auctioneers,
Surveyors and Valuers.
Established 1862.
Rickmansworth
Telephone:
74734/5
R ickmansworth
75232
Head Office:
'Monmouth House', 99 The Parade, High Street, Watford WO 1 1LT. Telephone: Watford 23372
Other Offices at: Abbotts
Langley,
If it's
NEW WINDOWS in beautiful satin anodised aluminium
- no more painting or woodrot. Keep warmth in and
co!d out. Full Guarantee.
Single or double glazed.
Also Patio Doors and Porches. Get details now. Our
advice and estimates
are free. Sensible prices. Also
manufacturers
to trade and industry.
ELECTRICAL
righting, Sockets, Cookers, Garages,
Extensions, etc.
COli
Call, write or telephone:-
HIGHLIGHT WINDOWS LIMITED
4, Melinite Estate,
Brixton Road, Watford.
Telephone:
Watford 30656 or Rickmansworth
tact your local electrician
R. Walker, I Harvey Road, Croxley Green
Telephone: Rickmansworth 76318
"The Handyman's Shop"
(24 hour answering
EMERGENCY!
307 BALDWINS LANE, CROXLEY GREEN
Timber, Hardboard and Mouldings
Ironmongery and Tools
Domestic Hardware
Garden Requisites
Key Cutting
Electrical Accessories
Glass cut to size
Stockists of High Class Decorating Materials
Agents for Crown, Le.I., Melody, Sanderson
and Shand Kydd Wallpapers
3 New Parade, The Green, Croxley Green
HEAT1NG
24 HOUR SERVICE
P. BECKFORD Ltd.
76729.
service)
PLUMBING
Tel: Rick. 75697
Hardware
Bushey and Garston
SERVICES Co.
WATFORO
26666
ELECTRICAL
•
Chioa
Picture Frames Made
•
DRAINS
Gifts
•
•
Timber
Paints
•
•
Wallpaper
Paraffin
•
•
Tools
Delivery
Telepbone: RICKMANSWORTH 74556
FOR THE VERY BEST
IN
*
V. W. PENNEY
144-146 WATFORD ROAD,
CROXLEY GREEN
Rickmansworth
74904
2
*
CARPETS
Save time and money by buying your
carpets from us. We offer the keenest
*
prices for Croxley residents. Compare
our prices with the large storesl.
Easy parking.
Estimates
and advice
without
obliqstion.,
Maintenance costs of council houses/garages for
1976/77 averaged £50 per house plus £17 central
establishment
charge for staff involved. An allocation
of £130,000 this year for re-wiring, re-roofing, rerendering, replacinq metal windows, fences and baths
will mainly fund the General Improvement
Area in
Rickmansworth.
Present level of inspection of Council
properties is once every 15 years - tenants being
expected to maintain their homes in good decorative
order and are charged for repairs not resulting from
routine wear.
Grants and loans for private homeimprovement
are available from the Council for provision of
stanoaro amenities: tenants can request the Council
to serve a Compulsory
Improvement
Order on their
landlord. With Council property, it might be best to
determine a point where redevelopment
to increase
the housing stock is more economic than modernisation. Croxley Green with its 432 Council dwellings
ranks 4th of the eleven areas with Council owned
property.
The policy of selling houses to sitting tenants at
current market price less 20% is in operation, but
flats, maisonettes and old folks dwellings are
excluded from the scheme. Loans for house purchase
to a max imum of £15,000 with advances of 100% of
the property's valuation are restricted to staff/nonwaiting list ratepayers who seek pre-1919 properties
and others who are virtually. homeless/overcrowded/
existing Council tenants or high on the waiting list.
The number of new mortgages 1976/77 available
were 55, (total existing at the end of the financial
year being 770) whereas the number of initial
appl ications for buying Council property was 116.
The setting up of a Housing Aid/Advice Centre has
been shelved due to financial stringencies.
The Council also monitors the period houses
remain empty and can ultimately make a compulsory
purchase. Houseboats and licenced caravan sites are
periodically inspected to determine fitness for
habitation but no statutory controls exist as yet.
ENVI RONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
A free pest control seniice is available to householders for dealing with rats, wasps, flies and
insects, squirrels, feral pigeons, bats and foxes.
Pollution whether sound or atmospheric
is monitored
and the implementation
of smoke control areas is
being considered. Voluntarily surrendered
motor
vehicles are accepted at civic amenity sites provided
that the Vehicle Registration document is surrendered
to the Council. 26,000 households receive bin liners
weekly and bulky items will be collected by the
Council on request at a charge of £1 payable in
advance. Many public conveniences
need vandal
proof fitments and assessment of further need is
required. The issue of animal licences and cess pool
emptying are further duties undertaken.
PLANNING
The Town and Country Acts 1971, 1974 and the
1972 Local Government Act make the County
responsible for a "Structure
Plan" and the District
for the preparation
of Local Plans. Along with determining development
policy, the observance of
building regulations, the conservation
of trees and
historic buildings, this section is also concerned with
transport policy.
HIGHWAYS, WORKS AND TRANSPORT
Highway authorities are responsible for the provision
of new roads with the exception of trunk roads and
special roads and for the maintenance of existing
adopted roads. The making of traffic orders is also
delegated to the District Council. The Herts. Constabulary is responsible for traffic control and the
enforcement
of traffic orders, regulations and
restrictions.
The District Council acts as a "Watchdog"
in
presenting balanced views of the Community's
requirements - the County Council retaining direct
responsibility
except for environmental
maintenance
of principal roads. The County have reduced expenditure on grass cutting and street sweeping {30%1.
special maintenance
(10%), small improvement
schemes (30%), but have continued to maintain
safety standards on principal roads. On non-principal
roads, road improvement
schemes have not been
approved apart from street lighting.
A future target will be the realignment of
carriageway and provision of footpath in Little Green
Lane between Lincoln Drive and Norwich Way, and
the widening of an unadopted lane to the rear of
209-245 New Road. The saving of energy by reduced
lighting periods is expected to be about £2,000 per
annum on 1975 prices. There is an annual rolling
programme for conversion from existing 100 and 150
watt tungsten lighting to 35 watt sodium lighting
and also conversion from mercury to sodium lighting.
The Council is particularly concerned with the
education of children in road safety. There were 14
black sites in 1975 (having 12+ accidents over
330 yards in a 3 year period). Black spots are definsd
as having 4+ accidents within 1 year over 1/10 km2.
Statistically one person per household has been
involved in a road accident in the last 10 years.
The frequency of street cleansing is detailed in the
report and 136 litter bins are regularly emptied. This
department
is also responsible for producing a
definitive map of rights of way and ensuring that
landowners cut back overhanging hedges, treegrowth
and repair styles.
RECREATIONAL
SERVICES
According to the National Playing Fields Association,
six acres of open space should be provided per
thousand population.
The Greater London Development Plan have refined this on a hierarchy based on
accessibility, viz. parks up to 2 acres having
children's play areas and a sitting area should be a
quarter of a mile from "every home. A local park of
approximately
5 acres should be provided Y.-% mile
away with court games, play areas and landscaped
gardens. However, these standards which are likely
to be applied by the District Council do not take
account of indoor facilities.
Targets for 1977/78 include provision of petrol
bunkers at all playing fields (£1,OOO) and for Croxley
in the future, a new pavilion at Barton Way playing
fields (£22,OOO). Long term goals include an amenity
study for Common Moor and surroundings and the
feasibility of providing a sports centre and consideration of joint use of playing fields e.g. at the proposed
Cassio Bridge Secondary School.
The Thorpe Report suggested 0.5 acres of allotment per 1,000 population.
Provision of allotments
includes site maintenance and the cultivation of new
3
r
I
plots. The possibility of forming Management Committees to administer plots is under consideration
as is the provision of new allotments adjoining
Dickinson Square.
The Aquadrome, having two lakes provides the
only outdoor swimming, rowing and water skiing
facilities in the area; joint use pools to be provided at
William Penn and Sir James Altham Schools. The
Aquadrome has been included in the Colne Valley
Regional Park and long term goals are: provision of
a children's paddling pool (£33,000), a development
project (£50,000), and provision of a catering
building (£25,000). In the near future, safety
measuresare to be improved. With regard to
Rickmansworth golf course pavilion, four squash
courts are under consideration.
There is no museum in the District. Culturally,
Watersmeet is the main centre. Recently 35mm
cinema equipment has been installed and it may
prove viable to have a fixed auditorium.
With regard to cemeteries, the old chapel site at
Chorleywood will be considered for futu re useand
the institution of a lawn cemetery is to be
considered.
The District Council employ two playleaders over
the Summer holidays in conjunction with a school.
Fixed playground equipment totals 75 items on 12
sites; maintenance and inspection costing £1,500 p.a.
The provision of equipment follows pressure from
local bodies or individuals - no money is allocated
for updating playground equipment.
Editors Note
To decide whether provision of warden assisted
housing or a swimming pool is the most important
priority in his ward, a Councillor requires an intimate
knowledge of his electors' needs.Without consultation with the electorate and no age of population
census available I fail to see how our Councillors
arrive at a democratic decision.
For instance, Croxley primary school-children are
suffering overcrowing in Yorke Mead and Harvey Road
Schools compared with falling birth rate in other
areas, e.g. Rickmansworth where amenities for the
young are centred.
The last population census (undertaken in 1971)
showed Croxley Green (North and South) to have
a population of 10,825 - only a little lessthan the
combined population of Mill End, West Hyde and
Rickmansworth Town i.e. 13,520. When one takes
into account the new developments: Highfield Estate
and Cassiobridqe, the numbers must approximate.
Surely an age of population as well as a
population size censusis a prerequisite for a
Community Plan in determining future necessities?
A Cynic: A man who knows the price of everything
and the value of nothing. (0. Witde}.
CROXLEY CAMERA CLUB
The 1977/78 seasoncommences 7th September at
8.00 p.m. prompt in St. Oswalds Hall, Malvery Way.
Pleasebring holiday slides or any slides you may
wish to show. This is an open evening therefore,
visitors are especially welcome.
For further information please contact
Brian Square, Watford 41537 or 01-951 2157.
4
COUNCILLORS FOR CROXLEY
GREEN
CROXLEY GREEN WARD
Mrs. F. Kwintner,(Planning)
Driftwood Lodge, Parrotts Close, The Green.
Tel: Rickmansworth 71713.
Mr. P. Sheraton, (Highways, Works, & Transport),
3, New Parade,The Green.
Tel: Rickmansworth 74556.
Mr. J. Wilyman, (Community and Leisure Services),
38, Copthorne Road, Croxley Green.
Tel: Rickmansworth 75389.
CROXLEY GREEN NORTH
Mr. J. Gell, (Community & Leisure Services),
Little Waterdell House, Little Green Lane,
Croxley Green.
Tel: Rickmansworth 75570.
Mr. C. Ford, (Planning, Policy & Resources),
25, Durrants Drive, Croxley Green.
Tel: Watford 31625.
CROXLEY GREEN SOUTH
Mr. P. Robinson, (Finance & Admin., Housing),
2, Harvey Road, Croxley Green.
Tel: Rickmansworth 73214.
Miss K. Raggett, (Housing).
County Councillor
Dr. C. Nemeth,
27, Wolsey Road, Moor Park.
Tel: Northwood 23133.
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Commence at 7.30 p.m.
August 2nd
Housing, Basing House.
August 11th
Vacation, Basing House.
August 18th,
Planning, Chorleywood House.
September 6th
Planning, Chorleywood House.
September 13th
Community & Leisure, Chorleywood House.
September 15th
Highways & Transport, Basing House.
September 22nd
Housing, Basing House.
September 27th
Finance & Administration, Basing House.
September 29th
Planning, Chorleywood House.
October 6th
Policy & Resources, Basing House.
October 13th
Housing, Chorleywood House.
October 18th
Council, Oxhey Social Centre.
October 25th
Planning, Chorleywood House,
CHIPPERFIELD IN AUTUMN
We shall meet at the Recreation car park at the top of
Baldwins Lane at 2.30 p.m. Sunday 25th September,
and go by car to the car park near the Church at
Chipperfield Common. A lift will be available for a
few walkers without cars and if you can offer a lift
this is a novel way to meet other "Residents".
We shall be walking through the ancient woods of
Chipperiield Common which give the feeling of what
the Chilterns must have been like before woodlands
were cleared. The track leading to Hillmeads Farm
takes us towards the very attractive Commonwood
House - a house which belies its name. After
Commonwood
we shall walk along a road, taking care
in facing oncoming traffic and holding children firmly
by the hand.
After crossing the Chipperfield Road we shall head
for Jeffrey's Farm, meander through rolling countryside and return to Chipperfield near the Manor House.
Our gentle stroll will be slightly shorter than our last
walk - about 4 miles. If the weather is kind, a picnic
will take place on the Common at Chipperfield so
please bring your goodies which can be left in the
cars.
LET'S CLEAN UP CROXLEY
WOODS!
On Sunday, 9th October a working party from the
Residents' and Ratepayers'
Association will be
attempting to clear as much litter as possible from
the Croxley woods area. Pleasecome along - all you
will need are a pair of old gloves and a plastic sack
(extra sacks will be available!. We shall meet on the
Green at the entrance to Windmill Drive at to.a.m.
for about two hours work in the woods. (A lift will
be available).
This is your chance to make a positive contribution
to enhancing the well-loved charm of Croxley Green.
We hope to finish the morning's work at one of our
local pubs!
MATTERS DISCUSSED
a) Policeing of Croxley Green.
b) Parking on yellow lines in New Road and pavement
obstruction.
c) Lack of maintenance of cherry trees - Baldwins
Lane to Kenilworth Drive.
d) Replacement of Elm trees - Mill Hill.
e) Vandalism near Cassiobridge and conditions of
roads thereabout.
f) Motorbike nuisance on Common Moor.
g) Lack of car park notice near Red House,
Watford Road.
h) Condition of hedge in front of Parrotts Close,
The Green.
i) Cesspool emptying charges.
j) Crossi ng facil ities, Baldwi ns Lane.
Zebra Crossing, Watford Road/
Harvey Road
Following a request for spotlights to illuminate the
crossing, the County Council. propose to undertake
street lighting improvement
scheme in Watford Road
before the Winter.
(An all or nothing approach seems to 'operate for
road safety!!!.
LETTERS
Quite a number of parents who live in the lower
half of Baldwins Lane and Durrants Drive area are
very concerned about the high speed of vehicles
travelling along Baldwins Lane, coupled with this is
the extreme difficulty they have in crossing 8aldwins
Lane at the Girton Way footpath when taking their
children to and from Malvern Way School.
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
FOR CROXLEY?
Councillor Ford has been approached on this
subject and he has suggesteda list of names so that
he has something to act upon if possible.
Plans for a local bureau are under consideration
and if
approved will provide a Y:.-day/week service to be
sited probably in the library or Welcome Club,
starting towards the end of this year.
Therefore, if anyone is interested in adding his or
her name to a petition for some sort of Crossing
Patrol or Zebra Crossingplease call and see me or
sign the petition in the library by 6th September.
We have 30 signatures so far, your support would be
much appreciated.
Bollards - Frankland Road
Regarding the replacement of a refuge at the bellmouth of Frankland Road it was recommended
that
the County Surveyor be asked to provide a double
island refuge at each side of the junction of the
Watford Road and Frankland Road.
SPONSOR-A-TREE
Britain has fewer trees than any European country,
so the Tree Council is sponsoring a National Tree
Week: November 6th - November 12th. Remember
your Jubilee Party/Society/loved
ones and have a tree
planted in Croxley Green. The Residents' Association
are running a scheme and welcome enquiries.
Contact Mr. Marsden: Rickmansworth
72747.
Maryel G. Curnow,
128A, Baldwins Lane,
Croxley Green.
Dangerous Driving - Baldwins Lane
Traffic and pedestrian counts showed recently that
only one hour between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. produced
a result comparable to the Department of the
Environment criteria for a pedestrian crossing,
whereas it is necessary to reproduce this kind of
result for four separate hours throughout
the day.
Thus, no crossing has been approved near the junction
of Winton Drive and Baldwins Lane. Nevertheless, this
is a dangerous area and taking other considerations
into account the only action which can be taken is to
5
;
)
I' .
paint SLOW on the carriageways. Near Links Way
junction there have been over 20 accidents in 20
years, one house having had its garden wall knocked
down four times!
A zebra crossing in existance at the top of
Baldwins Lane is badly sited - a crossing patrol man
being required to assist children en route to Durrants
School within a few hundred vards. Support of
Mrs. Curnow's petition should help to get something
done. May be the Council could consider crosshatching the road with fluourescent paint or erecting
a temporary pedestrian crossing - anything to make
drivers take note of dangerous areas.
CROXLEY REVELS
Croxley Green made Saturday 2n~uly
a day to
remember with Revels on the Green and Silver Jubilee
Celebrations. This year we had a glorious day and the
Croxley Green Society wish to acknowledge with
grateful thanks all those who made this possible;
schools, organisations and individuals who not only
provided a wonder,ful procession with over thirty
floats and walkers, but who also contributed to the
arena entertainment, decorated the procession route
and had stalls etc., on the Green. A special thank you
also to the "Back Room" boys who worked so hard
beforehand.
This year the Queen, Deborah PouJter and her
attendants Nicola Quick and Patricia Evett were
selected from Rickmansworth School. The Page,
Andrew Horwood came from York Meade School.
The Best Decorated Float was won by Harvey Road
School (for the second year running), with Hazelmead
Club, second and The Community Association, third.
The Mofhers and Toddlers float was Highly
Commended.
FANCY DRESS
Under 5 years
1st, Russell, Maria and Bernadette Bell - Lion,
Unicorn and Queen.
2nd, Rachel Clements - Crown Sceptre and Orb.
Consolation Prize Mark & James Hindell Beefeater & Page.
5 -11 Years
1st Joanna Abbot - Jubilee Roase
2nd Clive Gold - Clown.
Consolation Prize, Patrick Alien, John Bull & Dog.
An Oak Tree was planted to commemorate the
Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth 11 by Mr. J. Brown
and Mrs. G. Wilcox.
Raffle results displayed in the library.
The evening commenced with the Dedication of a
Seat to Mr. A. Barton-Smith. This was followed by
Music and Folk Dancing. The evening ended with a
Bonfire on the Green. This year the proceeds of the
Grand Draw to the GORDON LOOSEMOORE
MEMORIAL FUND and the Croxley Green Society.
The procession collection will go to the Queen's
Silver Jubilee appeal.
Chiropody Service
Available to everyone. Call in at the Red Cross Centre.
6
Rickmansworth Crime Prevention Panel
The inaugural meeting of the Rickmansworth Crime
Prevention Panel took place at Rickmansworth Police
Station in April with Chief Inspector Jefferies as
Chairman and Constable Gary Smith as Secretary.
The Panel which consists of 12 members of the
Community, including the Chairman of the Croxley
Green Residents Association, Mr. Dunderdale, will
meet quarterly to discuss various aspects of crime
within the Police area of Rickmansworth (which
includes Croxley Green).
One of the main objects of the Panel is to
promote and harness local effort in an attempt to
combat our ever increasing crime rate. To this end,
Constable Smith, who is the assistant Divisional
Crime Prevention Officer, outlined the various
facilities which the Crime Prevention Department
offer to the public. These include talks, films and
private security surveys, all free of charge!
The Police welcome any constructive ideas on
the Prevention of Crime - your suggestswill be given
every consideration.
With the holiday season under way, more and
more housesare unoccupied, The Police recommend
that householders going away should ask a neighbour
to keep an eye on their homes. By adopting the
following simple precautions, you may prevent your
holiday being spoilt with the news that your home
has been broken into during your absence.
Ask a neighbour to hold a key.
Ask the milkman, newsagent and other traders to
stop supplies (but be careful of who may be listening
when you do this).
Do not draw your blinds or curtains.
Seethat all locks and window fastenings are in good
condition and before leaving make sure that they
are all locked and secured properly.
Lock all outhouses and put away all garden tools.
Do not lock internal doors, this could result in
considerable damage if your home should be broken
into.
Deposit valuable items in the Bank .
. Lock up your ladders.
Tell your neighbour if you are expecting callers.
When your neighbour is away, his home is
vulnerable. Here are ways in which you can help
to protect it.
Make sure that ...
No papers etc. are left sticking out of letterboxes.
No milk bottles are left on the doorstep.
Use your neighbours dustbin, (whoever heard of an
empty dustbin a week or more after the refuse
collectors have called!l
If you are suspicious of a caller, dial 999 and report
the incident including the car-number and
description of the caller if you can.
YOUR CONCERN MA Y PREVENT A BURGLARY.
Crime Prevention Officer.
Dental Surgery
138/138A Watford Road for J. Muller Esq., to be
opened soon.
F"
Secretary:
reen
quite a lot has
happened on the entertainment
front, but the movement towards our new Community Centre is going
rather slowly.
The present position of the building programme is
that the Three Rivers Planning Committee have
decided to form a working party to investigate all
aspects of our Community Association. Their worry
seems to be that we are aiming for a building too large
for the site allotted (at the rear of the Youth Centre),
but our argument is that with over 2,650 members we
need a centre as large as possible to cater for the needs
of all ages and tastes. Our main concern now is that the
_c::ouncil Working Party is formed as soon as possible,
but to date, we haven't heard anything. The longer
they take over their decision the faster building costs
escalate, and we are very perturbed over this aspect.
Yorke Road Annexe was offered to us but we
have declined as the cost would have been prohibitive
to bring it up to the required safety standards for the
short lease available.
As for Yorke Road School, we had the chance to
. tender for it but again we felt that the facilities
available were far too limited for our needs. A purpose
built centre is our aim in the best interests of the
community
as a whole.
Our Fund Raising and Entertainments
Committees
have been very busy. Last Bank Holiday Monday we
were involved in a joint venture with Maple Cross and
Mill End Community Associations running a fete at
the Aquadrome.
Unfortunately,
the weather was
against us, but many people braved the rain and we
feel this may become an annual event.
As for the Revels, what more can be said? The
weather was grand, the crowds turned up, and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. We were fortunate
to come third in the decorated float competition
which was no mean feat when one considers the very
high standard of the entries. Our thanks go to all those
who helped to make the day such a resounding
success.
On Friday, 8th July, a coachful of members and
friends went to see a T.V. production of the Rag
Trade and this was so enjoyable that it is hoped to
run more. Unfortunately,
tickets are very limited for
this sort of outing so it is a case of first come first
served.
Here is a list of events to take place in the coming
months:
Sept. 1Oi:h
Family Night, All Saints Church Hall.
Oct. 22nd
200 Club Dance, Durrants School Hall.
Nov. 12th
Tramps Dance, Durrants School Hall.
Dec. 10th
Christmas Dance, Durrants School Hall.
Jan. 28th
Barn Dance, Watersmeet.
There will no doubt be other outings and fund
raising activities and these will all be advertised in our
shop in New Road, and the Watford Observer "Go
Diary".
All members will soon be called on for their
second annual subscription.
Remember, if we cannot
start building by the end of 1978, all subscribers will
have their money refunded.
The Community Association has different aims and
purposes to the Residents' and Ratepayers'
Association. Our subscription
is £1 per family or
50p per person, 10p for O.A.P.
0 0 0 Oc C C C C C C eel C C Oc C I le C Ice C I g g g egg g C gee a a II egg II C Oi
Societies Affiliated to the
Croxley Green Society
Conservative Party Nth,
Miss S. Smith, 2, Canterbury
Croxley Green.
All Saints Church,
Mr. P. Lloyd-Davies,
40, Watford Road,
Croxley Green.
Conservative Party Sth.
Mrs. Fineburg,
59, Sycamore Road,
Croxley Green.
Baptist Church,
Mr. F. Hilsden
5, Lodge End,
Rousebarn Lane,
Croxley Green.
Croxley Green Guides L.A.,
Mr. Child,
36, Norwich Way,
Croxley Green.
Camera Club
. Mrs. K. Howard,
79 Shepherds Way,
Rickmansworth.
Kenilworth Drive.
Telephone: Rickmansworth 72183.
Chairman: M. Watkins, 123, Winton Drive,
Telephone: Watford 35190.
COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION
Since our last report in this publication
lQt>OOOC 0000001
o-. D. Miller, 126,
Flower Group,
Mrs. S. Thomas,
West Ledge,
Watford Road,
Croxley Green.
Way,
Highfield Residents Assoc.
Mrs. A. Connelly,
21, Windmill Drive,
Croxley Green.
Labour Party,
D.A. Bowsher,
1d, Links Way,
Croxley Green.
Liberal Assoc.,
Mrs. C.M. Hindell,
220, Baldwins Lane,
Croxlev Green.
Mothers & Toddlers
Mrs. Humphreys,
5, Girton Way,
Croxley Green.
Club; .
7
Rickmansworth
Croxley
Miss T. Lawrence,
65, Watford Road,
Croxley Green.
Durrants Afternoon
Mrs. M.E. Latham,
24, Lincoln Drive,
Croxley Green.
Green Afternoon
T.W.G.
T.W.G.,
All Saints Mothers
Mrs. B. Atkins,
15, The Green,
Croxley Green.
Union Evening Group,
B.P. Scout Guild (Croxley
Mr. D. Andrews,
80 Winton Drive,
Croxley Green.
Croxley Green Evening T.W.G.
Mrs. M.W. Reed,
35, Dover Way,
Croxley Green.
Croxley Green Community
Dr. D.C. Miller,
126, Kenilworth Drive,
Croxley Green.
Sunnyside Club for Disabled,
Mr. S.C. Green,
70, Dene Road,
Northwood,
Middlesex.
Horticultural
& Allotment
Mr. H. Dewar,
1, Frankland Close,
Croxley Green.
Residents & Ratepayers
Mr. l.W. Fry,
The Orchard,
The Green,
Croxley Green.
Friends of the Green,
Mr. N.S. Thomson,
Coplands,
Copthorne
Road,
Croxley Green.
Association,
Greensleeves Womens Club,
Mrs. N. Forster,
39, Winton Crescent,
Croxley Green.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Mrs. Child,
36, Norwich Way,
Croxley Green.
Hazelmeade,
Mrs. A. Simpkins,
Malvern Way,
Croxley Green.
. N.S.P.C.C.,
Mrs. W. 8enwell,
6, Wycamore Road,
Croxley Green.
Red Cross Society,
Adults:
Miss M. Parkins,
3 Grove Crescent,
Croxley Green.
Cadets:
Mr. G. Penman,
5 Malvern Way,
Croxley Green.
Road Safety Committee,
Mrs. V. Reed,
35, Dover Way,
Croxley Green.
Welcome Club,
Mrs. D.B. Craig,
Red Cross Centre,
3arton Way,
Croxley Green.
8
Green) Branch,
Association,
Holders Association,
National Federation of Old Age Pensions
~M. T.A. Hart,
66, Claremont Crescent,
Croxley Green.
Trefoil Guild,
Miss J.A. Newton,
8, Downer Drive,
Sarratt,
Rickmansworth.
Association,
Woodcraft Folk,
Mr. J. Preston,
5, Maple Close,
Rickmansworth.
Youth Centre,
Mrs. M. Perkins,
55, Sycamore Road,
Croxley Green.
TAKING ON BUREAUCRATS
Rule 1:
Avoid a.situation where prestige/self-esteem
is
involved by starting the argument quietly via polite,
well-reasoned letter and/or telephone call to the
official concerned.
No reply? Commence battle!
Stage 1
Brief your local councillor
Stage 2
Approach
and ask for help.
your M.P.
Stage 3
Get publicity. Involve your Ratepayers'
Association,
local Chamber of Commerce/political
parties if
appropriate.
The most powerful weapon you have
against the entrenched and the unsackable is the
weapon of ridicule!
Stage 4
Become a Councillor!
THE T.W.G.
8.
'Why not join the Croxley Evening Townswomen's
Guild?" the notice in the Croxley Resident said.
'Why not?' I thought, so I picked up the telephone
and rang the secretary. She sounded friendly so I
took the plunge and said that I would like to go to
the next meeting. That was nine years ago and I am
still going to meetings, even though I have moved
from the district. A more friendly group of people I
have yet to meet.
The Guild has one main meeting a month, on the
third Friday, when we have a speaker. Then on the
first Monday of each month we have a social meeting.
Apart from that there is a thriving gardening club and
a social studies section which is great fun. It is at these
sectional meetings that one really gets to k now the
'other members of the Guild.
If you are interested why not 'phone our
secretary and find out all the details. I am sure you
will be glad that you did.
The secretary's 'phone number is Watford 31144.
Margaret Wakeling.
JUBILEE COMPETITION RESULTS
A £3 voucher was awarded to Mr. Peter Furr by the
Revels Queen on behalf of the Residents' and Ratepayers' Association, for being the outright winner in
our competition.
For those who found the questions
too hard to tackle, here are the answers:
1.
2.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Daphne du Maurier lived in Croxley Green.
The five listed buildings on the Green are:
Stat. Grade List 11:
Parrotts and Granary (Whitegate Close) a 17th century farm with a galleried hall
and granary on stooks.
The Well Head, Croxley House - dates from
1770 with massive well preserved wooden
gearing.
Suppl. List Grade Ill:
Hollow Tree House - 17th century farm.
Croxley House - built by the Earl of
Clarendon dating from 1770.
Coach and Horses Pub - 17th Century.
(The application for a Conservation Order for the
Green submitted by the Friends of the Green makes
interesting reading - available in the library).
3.
Other names by which this bulletin was
known:
The Croxley Argos (1939-)
Croxley Community
News (pre 1947?-1950)
The Croxlev Resident (July/August
1950-)
The Croxley Green Resident (March 1973
onwards, following the desire to have "Croxlav
Green" on name boards at Cassiobridge and
Scots Hill!.
4.
5.
6.
7.
George Wilcox laid the foundation
stone of
the Red Cross Centre on July 17th, 1965.
Croxley Met. Station was opened on
November 2nd 1925.
The Artichoke!
British Rail Croxley branch line is not
useable between 9.20 a.m. and 3.52 p.m.
(once known as the "watercress special"
when the line took pickers to Rickmansworth)'
9.
"Rose's", the drink suppliers
transporting
their products.
Tithe Barn' (anagram).
10.
Oickinsons
of Croxley
PART B - Our Advertisers
use the canal for
make us "noteworthy".
Wares:
Perspex - Argyll Glass Factors, Watford Road.
Contiboard - Tysons, Beckfords, Decor Craft,
Timberclad.
Motor tax certificate - R. Gray & Son,
(P.O. Watford Road)
Fresh Veg. - H. Willoughby, Baldwins Lane
Fireplace - Petit Roque, New Road.
Repaired shoes - P. Beckford Ltd., Baldwins Lane.
M.O.T. - P. & M. Autos, New Road.
Theatre Tickets - Croxley Travel & Theatre Service
Ltd., Watford Road.
Bread - J. & S. David (Hertsl Ltd., New Road.
Leg of lamb - W. Gadsden & Son, New Road.
Tin of peas - G.W. Hunt & Son, Scots Hill.
J. & S. David, (Herts.l Ltd.
Radio - R.A. Tolley, New Road.
Hot meal - New China House, The Green.
The Corner Plaice, Baldwins Lane.
Rug - V.W. Penney, Watford Road.
Top-dec paint - Tysons Hardware, New Road.
Thrift Stamps - Decor Craft, The Green.
Watford 26666 - Plumber/Electrician.
Rickmansworth
76318 - Electrician.
Watford 20819 - Plumber.
Well er, Hill & Hubble, Highlight Windows Ltd.,
Baptist Church, Durrants.
Mr. Furr's suggestions: Conservation of the Green
and improve the layout of the library and enlarge
if possible.
A JUBILEE STREET PARTY
Should we, could we? So went the minds of countless
people up and down the country some two months
ago. We overcame the initial trauma by putting a
note through every door inviting those interested to
a meeting.
First we had to raise some funds - coffee
mornings and raffles were agreed upon and all
neighbours and children were asked to join in.
Most people were glad to know that a street party was
being organised and offers of food and donations
arrived. The coffee morning was a great success
financially and also because we got to know each other
better. Meetings were held at different houses and
"volunteers"
were persuaded to help. We hit on the
idea of a newsletter for those unable to attend.
We soon began to realise the size of our undertaking; a childrens' party and catering for over 80
residents for tea and in the evening! There were games
to organise, competitions
to set, prizes tobuv and
food to prepare. On top of the work involved we had
the worries: would all the children participate, would
there be any objections to closing the road from the
Council, should we insure, where would we get
bunting, chairs, trestle tables, cups and plates, a BIG
tea-pot and would we get coins in time??? WHAT IF
IT RAINS?!
9
About then there were a few sleepless nights!
Then gradually offers came in of cakes, flans and
bread with more donations and the Raffles helping.
All our requirements
were met including a Disco!
Jubilee paper plates and cups, crepe paper,
balloons for the children's party, also sweets and
small prizes and after much thought a Jubilee
present for all the school age children.
We found we were all getting quite excited
particularly the children who were given a silver
band to start them off making a crown and which
spurred them to suggest a Fancy Dress competition.
Mothers then had to put on their thinking caps and
devise costumes for the younger children and offer
help to the older ones. During those weeks there
was much toing and froing between neighbours
sorting out the last minute arrangements,
and on
the Friday before Jubilee Week, the older children
made a start on the bunting.
Men and boys could be seen monkeying
up
lampposts and hanging from trees whilst Mums stood
on terra firma with arms outstretched
holding on to
ends of bunting. Getting the bunting higher than
the dustcart was quite a feat! There were sore hands
from cutting up plastic bags to make up the last
string or two when we discovered a shortage, but in
the end the road looked really festive especially
when lights were strung up. As those in charge of
baking and filling freezers worked like mad, we all
hoped fervently for fine weather.
Day after wet day passed with no sign of
improvement.
On the final Saturday of Jubilee week it
just poured down but-with all the food prepared and
all the street decorated we felt we must try to go on.
We were kindly lent some tents by the Scouts and
these were used to cover Trestle tables. It was very
cold and wet there were some soaked anoraks that
morning. Even so there were some laughs to be heard
- a very hardy race the British! Three o'clock came and
it got brighter and all the children voted for staying
in the street rather than a Hall. So, by popular
request the tea tables were set up in a decorated
car port and the gorgeous spread looked very
tempting indeed.
Eventually it stopped raining and with a last
minute rush, the children dashed home to get into
their costumes. Some of the older ones had been up
until after midnight working on costumes and there
were "oohs" and "aahs" when one tot of 18 months
trotted up the road dressed as an angel in white and
gold complete with halo and harp. All the neighbours
came out to see the children, watch the games and
crown competition
and enjoy the tea. It was very
cold and we brewed up tea all afternoon.
The games
went on until bed time for the younger ones. Then
as evening wore on, the Disco was set up, the music
started and the youngsters went out there under
the lights.
..
. . .
We older ones stirred our tired bones to jorn m
and as we feifted and danced we remembered
the
reason for the party and toasted the Queen.
Whatever it cost to have a Jubilee, the enjoyment
it gave to the whole country in watching the
processions or having street parties with neighbours
was very worth while.
Mrs. O. Dunderdale.
Editor: Street parties were held in more than eleven
roads in Croxley.
10
BACK NUMBERS
Have you kept any back numbers of the Croxley
Resident? If so, perhaps you would be good enough
to donate them so that our file may be completed
and a bound volume can be made which will be on
view in the library. Our collection starts with No. 2
- The Croxley Argos of 1939 and the missing
editions we require are:
No. 1,3 -19,
21, 23? Editor Mr. Fowler.
No. 27 (1949)? Editor: A. Thomson, W. Hadaway.
No. 61,62, 63? Editor: Mrs. Horwood/Mrs.
Wilkins.
65,66,67
No. 70, 76? Editor: Mrs. Horwood.
No. 101, Editor: Mr. N. Cherrill.
No. 115, 116. Editor: Messrs. Gardner/Gell.
Please make an effort to find these missing editions
as the library will not accept an incomplete volume.
Fuller Hall ...
85th Anniversary
It was in 1892 that the church which now meets in
the above hall was first formed. Our original meeting
place, the old Gospel Hall on the site where Rickmansworth School now stands, was completely destroyed
by a land mine during the Second World War, an
event which we found difficult to understand at the
tima'but which, we now realise, was to our advantage
as we were driven to our present position in the
centre of the village.
We feel it right that the anniversary, coinciding
as it does with the completion of our present
building, should be celebrated by a Service of
Thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness to us. This
we are planning for SUNDA Y, OCTOBER 9th, at
3 p.rn. and we should be delighted to welcome our
many friends from the village, especially old Sunday
School scholars, who might be able to join us.
Please make a note of the date and share the occasion
with us if you can.
E. Plumridge.
Summer Activities for Children
LIBRARY
Throughout
the whole of the summer holiday,
Croxley Green library will have a cassette tape
recorder with pre-recorded
stories available for
anyone who would like to come and listen.
Story time for the under-fives on Fridays
(2.30-3.00
p.m.) will be supplemented
by a storytime for 5-9 year olds from 3.15-3.45
p.m. on
29th July and the 5th and 12th of August. These will
be augmented with film strips.
Children aged 5+ are invited to a Crazy Clown
day when costumes, models, puppets, pictures and
collages will be made. This will be held on
Wednesday, August 10th from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and
it is suggested old clothes are worn.
EDITOR'S
NOTE
Letters/contributions/advertisements,
will be gratefully
received by Mr. R. Hampson, "Halfway House",
Watford Road, Cassiobridge. Tel: Watford 28418.
Press Date: October 30th.
r
f
202A Watford
Croxley
Rickmansworth,
Telephone:
HARDWARE
(Proprietor:
T.R. Tyson)
143·145 NEW ROAD, CROXLEY GREEN
Houseware
.Timber
Hardboard
Garden Equipment
DELIVERY
Paints
Wallpaper
Paraffin
Pet Foods
SERVICE
TELEPHONE: RICKMANSWORTH 77625
G. W. Hunt & Son
Family Grocers and Provision Merchants
FREE DELIVERY SERVICE
26567
Rickmansworth
PETER WEBB
for
Groceries - Provisions - Frozen Foods
Beers - Wines - Spirits
Glasses loaned free
301 Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green
Telephone: Rickmansworth 75n8
Deliveries & Orders / Wavy Line Service.
P. & M. AUTOS (Croxley Green) LTD.
50 New Road, Croxley Green
Telephone: Rickmansworth
75144.
PETROL / MoT TESTING /
12 Scots Hill, Croxley Green
Telephone:
Herts.
G lass Merchants
Glazing Contractors
Aluminium, Windows & Doors
Double Glazing Specialists
D. MACLEAN
TYSONS
Watford
Road
Green
72127
CRASH REPAIRS / SERVICING
/
WHEEL BALANCING
Personal Service
Sample our Finest Cantonese Food in your local
Hew ehina ijou~e
1 The Green, Croxley
Green, Rickmansworth
Telephone:
~"1l
Rickmansw-orth
75052
R. GRAY & SON
H. WILLOUGHBY
305 Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green
Telephone: Rickmansworth 74559
High Class Fruit & Vegetables
PERSONAL
SER VICE
Newsagent / Tobacconist
/ Confectioner
Greetings Cards / Post Office
158 Watford Road, Croxley Green
Telephone:
Rickmansworth
72512
11
---F
pE
You are invited to worship at the
God is our refuge and strength,
attested help in times of trouble.
Baptist Church, Baldwins Lane
Morning Worship: 9.30 a.m.
Family Service:
11.00 a.m.
Evening Praise:
6.30 p.m.
Psalm 46, Verse 1
DURRANTS
Old Mercht11lt Taylqrl'
Aflflivtor_ry
"
.t-'
"'
~ -e
tor BUllinflllll CoDveattoDII
RlcklJl8llllwortb 1101'
.:
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r. ",
".
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'··"~·.:;~~.,dJ,1
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• ••.••.d.'.
FAMILYBUTCHERS
·f,· .1,
,\It,,"
_
FACILITIES
r.·
N;'~<'
C'
:. '
·c.~ ,
Receptbt,
Oele~
FULL CATERING
Available
Tel. -
CROXLEY TRAVEL AND
THEATRE SERVICE LTD.
Society
CROXLEY GREEN
tor your
213t Birt1&dG!I Party,
Wedditlg
:.Jif!fi..
Home-Killed Meat
Farm Poultry
'Meat ~or Home Freezers
Supplied
175 NEW ROAD, C1WXLEY GREEN
Telephone: Rickmansworth 72171
J. & S. DAVID (Herts.) LTD.
Family Grocers and Off Licence
"delivered
Rev. Keith Moyes, B.D.
Telephone: Watford 31403.
to your door"
Fresh cut bacon-cheese-tongue, etc.
Freshly Roasted and Ground Coffee
Beers, wines and spirits for all functions
with free loan glassservice
141 New Road', Croxley Green. (Rick. 73323)
154 Watford Road, Croxley Green
Telephone: Rickmansworth 76252/3
We offer the complete travel service by acting
as agents for all the world's transportation
and
holiday companies. For the best in personal attention. call in and see us.
~
PLEASE NOTE
~
R. A. TOLLEY RADIO & TELEVISION
. SERVICE has closed the retail shop in New
Road but the workshop at the rear of shop
245 New Road, Croxley Green, still remains
open for repairs to television and audio
equipment at normal shop times.
The telephone numbers remain unchanged:
Rickmansworth 73997 (Day)
Watford 39509 (Evening)
A. DICKINSON
& CO.
REGISTERED PLUMBERS
and
HEA TlNG ENGINEERS
64a Valley Walk, Croxley Green
WATFORD
20819
ISPI REI_LA
made-to-measure foundations
and fashion wear
Period, traditional and Individual designed fireplaces.
D.I.Y. Kits; Log Grates; Fire Baskets; Canopies;
Gas Log Fires; Wood Burning Stoves;
Most Fireplace Accessories.
12'
Mrs. Edna Sansom
25 New Road, Croxley Green
Telephone: Rickmansworth 73635
I
r
RICKMANSWORTH and CROXLEY GREEN
FAR
E PAY
E R S
ASSOCIATION
Recent decisions by the GLC on the financing and fare structures of
London Transport in this area, have meant penal fare increases now,
with a threat of further increases very soon. Quite apart from this
direct increase in our cost of living, at a time of pay restraint,
there is also the implied reduction in the train services generally
and the Watford branch in particular, due to lack of subsidy.
Did you know that Hertfordshire County Council have told London
Transport that they should commence the formal procedure for CLOSING
the lossmaking parts of the Metropolitan Line (by implication, the
Moor Park -Croxley - Watford section) ? (Source: LTPC 1976 report)
The FAREPAYERS Association is being formed, to ensure that YOUR needs
and interests are taken into account by those responsible for planning
the future transport systems and charges in the Rickmansworth and
Croxley Green areas.
The Inaugural meeting will be on Thursday 1st September, at 8-00 p.m.
in the Ebury Hall, Rickmansworth: Guests will be Geoffrey Dodsworth MP,
and Tony Colman. Please talk about the problems, and come to this
meeting.
YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL !
Further details (and membership forms) from either of:
David Dunderdale, 25, Frankland Close, Croxley Green CR 73599)
Richard Cox,
10, Mount View, Rickmansworth
CR 71414)