Henley-on-Thames

Band

2013-05-19T14:33:00.001+01:00

Here we are down the prom at Mill Meadows with a little warmth and a wonderful band on the stand.
The Cholsey Silver Band from 2pm to 4pm and FREE.
I don't think we have a Town Band anymore. Please correct me if wrong.
When you consider the size of Cholsey it's a bit of a surprise.

Please Pick Up

2013-05-18T12:05:00.001+01:00

With the weather expected to be better this weekend than the beeb's mobile forecast |(but piers was near the mark) why not come to to Henley for your picnic, walks or gentle stroll down by the river.

Kids to the park. A bit of putting or a chill out in a deck chair. All can be enjoyed here. Please remember to pick up the rubbish after you and the dog poo (needed to pick this morning). Not good.

Help us to get Henley in full colour for the coming months.

Bluebells and Woods Plus Butterflies

2013-05-12T20:33:00.000+01:00

Now the weather is back to a more normal May this is a great time to see all the bluebells and woods. I suspect this week and next they will be at their best. With some bright strong warm sunshine interspersed with some showery rain it makes for intense colours and with a little less wind some term time Butterflies like the Orange tip here.

As good a place to start would be at Greys Court in the surrounding woods.

New fenced moved!

2013-05-12T20:30:00.003+01:00

Can anyone tell me why this fence is being moved after only being put in place for around I believe £10k (see blog) a year ago. It looks like the path is being diverted yet again.

Now this path as the path over the now cattle fields have been walked for decades and although I value the fields are once more back to being farmed I dislike the sense of loosing open space with barbed wire put up on the gates. I understand the need to keep out some irresponsible people but there were fewer of them and indeed partly why the fence path was a compromise.

It could be that there is boundary dispute but this should have been resolved prior to any fence at all going up and avoiding more expense. I also note there is now an inner fence going up which is what I felt was all that was needed in the first place at a much reduced expense.

On the note there is now a large horse chestnut tree across the path from adjoining land and guess this is waiting to be cleared once responsibility is acknowledged. This has been there for around two weeks now.

Henley Festival Move

2013-05-12T20:17:00.000+01:00

It's great to see that the very successful and enjoyable Henley Festival is on the move after 30+ years. I can remember the first ones down there late in the evening with babes in arms in anticipation of the fireworks to music.

The move looks to be down to its continued success but sadly like Henley Show, Henley Rewind and Henley Regatta none take place in our beloved Oxfordshire which has always slightly saddened me. I wish them all continued success for the future of this event and it is evident that the facilities will on the whole be much better. As for the view, although fantastically superb, I am sure there will be some sadness from regulars at its move.

In a way its a coming of age and independence and possibly part reliance from the Regatta if that was the case.

I do recall in the early days that this event was encouraged to take place as a link on from the Regatta to keep and use as many facilities that were there only for a few days. Another real positive I hope is that the public footpath will be returned to normal service after the Regatta.

I just hope no one now considers trying to close the footpath that angles across the Greenlands land and one that is walked regularly. That would be a travesty. If its fenced for the event then that's acceptable, just!

Midsomer Murders Southern Trail. For all the fans.

2013-05-12T10:53:00.003+01:00

We get asked a lot about the locations of the series Midsomer Murders which seems to have been around forever and is extremely popular.

Well SODC have now produced a leaflet for just that. It gives you the trail and locations.

Why not do it and end up back down at Henley by the river.

Community Spirit

2013-05-10T18:48:00.001+01:00

Being born in Henley and more specifically at Gainsborough I'm very proud of both.
I learn that a community has got together to put some flower beds at the entrance to the estate which I think is long overdue and makes you wonder why it has not been done before now.
Well done to everyone involved. I know there are other ideas on the agenda.
Can't wait to see the full blooms now.

Events Diary Update

2013-05-09T09:57:00.001+01:00

Just to let you know the Henley events calendar is being updated regularly. So keep an eye out for what's on.

A Rare Sunny May Day at Mill Meadows 2013

2013-05-08T21:46:00.000+01:00

As I say, not many bank holidays like this but today was one and it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves. We hope!!

Cold returns. For how long? "Global Warming"

2013-04-29T20:14:00.003+01:00

As the cold returns I thought worth noting that around this time in 1908 we had a really cold snap with, I believe, the most snow ever to be recorded in this area; at least a level foot and close by in Hampshire it was over 2 feet.

Now we are not in this position. Just showing how much worse it can be.

The heat wave did arrive. As I said it was short and sweet but slightly later. There is a lot of indication that some good weather is set to return but not before we have had this chill for a little while. Below just shows you how uncertain things are. Three different weather association computers show different scenarios. Never a good thing for solid forecasting.

That's why I have for a few years now drawn my inspiration from the solar forecasting site of Weather Action which becoming more and more credited and certainly has its place amongst the day to day run of the mill agenda that's being followed.

Of course everyone must draw their own conclusions but when you see this man's great interactions of the sun, moon, etc. you cannot fail to be impressed. And backed up with some great stats too that here encourages the Global Warmers socially to come forward with their evidence.

Whatever conclusion you draw it would be foolish to ignore such a vital influence on our weather and no one can doubt that surely?

It goes with out saying that even if you don't believe in global warming we all want to protect the world but we must first have all the facts. I have been around long enough to know how governments, etc. have deceived in the past and why I personally have no confidence in it anyway. Just deny it and tax us.

Just sit back and ask the question. That's all that's needed. Then make your own minds up.

As always listen to all aspects and parties. I remember my stepfather saying once that if you did not vote tory you were a communist. Now that's no use to man nor beast.

Bank Holiday Monday

2013-04-28T09:05:00.001+01:00

At this moment in time all charts are pointing to a dry weekend (at least) with the potential of becoming warm or very warm from the 6th.

So for any May Day events it looks very hopeful?!

The time is right. The time is now.

2013-04-27T14:54:00.001+01:00

The deck chairs have arrived and the putting green is open.
Come on down and enjoy the sun. Well between the showers.
Kids park open as usual with an hours free parking. Please don't forget to get your timed ticket at the information centre.

Gin Clear Skies

2013-04-21T20:05:00.000+01:00

Today we see a strong sun and crystal clear blue skies and not a BBQ in sight compared to last weekend.

It makes no difference to me if anyone has a BBQ as long as they take their rubbish home and don't destroy the fields. What is annoying and gets feedback from time to time is that it states no BBQs allowed. So it needs to be made clear, yes or no.

I have also noticed, as is normal human nature, how we all have the right answers. Last week I got into trouble where I parked. Bearing in mind I am supposed to have a permit and to be fair it's quite right. I was possibly not in the best place on this particular day.

More importantly I notice this when these people of importance come around, like councillors in particular (pity they don't have the answers elsewhere), they are very good. Why is open? Why is this not happening? That's fine but surely that's what they should know and do. That's what we vote them in for and pay their wages and mine!!

I know there are egos about but just get it together. There are some good people who just need pulling together. I do agree that I think we should have had the putting green opened by now.

Please pick it up. River or land. Regatta or no events.

2013-04-21T13:23:00.001+01:00

With the new season looming we want more of this …

…and less of this…

So here's to a great summer.

Bluebells

2013-04-15T17:33:00.002+01:00

According to the Woodland Trust today is normally the first day we would expect our native bluebells to flower.

Well this year the buds are not even there yet compared with last year at this time:

Spring has Sprung

2013-04-14T12:14:00.002+01:00

I wrote this little piece at the end of March in a desperate bid to find spring. Now I share it. I hope you like it?

“OH SPRING YOU HAVE LIED”

Oh spring you have lied, I thought you had gone, left and died!

Oh spring you have lied, you showed us some blue sky, then you hide

Oh spring you have lied, you gave us flowers, but then, they died.

Oh spring you have lied, the sun we sought, but the chill wind you cried.

Oh spring you have lied, today is April and still we sigh, as Spring has yet not arrived.

Oh spring you have lied, lied, lied.

Please now give us that Surprise, to light the sky to bring the warmth and flowers that we can enjoy for hours and hours.

Now I forgive you spring, in the end you gave us everything, you did not lie.

By Tornado Man

Heat Wave Still on Target?

2013-04-13T21:36:00.001+01:00

As stated on the 9th 70 degrees looks still to be on target and more so from the 16th onwards so keeping everything crossed!

Bit of rain before but watch spring take off!

The birds are really singing out loud now.

Streams & Memories

2013-04-11T15:29:00.001+01:00

Took a walk around by cold bath stream to see if there was much wildlife activity at present. Unfortunately not a lot with the slightly later spring putting things on hold for a little longer. Soon though it will burst into life.

What it did do though was bring back fond memories of playing in the stream and pond where part of the museum now covers and where the other stream make its entrance. We used to spend hours there pond dipping through the weeds, etc. Shrimps, frog spawn, newts and plenty of wild birds about. Today it forms part of a trail. Interesting but much better fun back then.

Note: I took a different slant on the museum from the meadow this time. It's no secret that I am not a great lover of the building, like others, even though it won awards! But make no mistake its contents are fabulous and the food was pretty good too.

Spring! Spring! Spring!

2013-04-10T14:18:00.001+01:00

A few butterflies don't make a spring I know but I will clutch at all things that start to make spring
feel that it's here at last.

Quite a few people down the meadow this afternoon. Playground busy.

You can almost feel the sense of relief. What a little warmth and sunshine will do!

This weekend's looking pretty good with some showers but a strong warm sun as we draw our air from the south.

70 Degrees Next Week?

2013-04-09T18:41:00.001+01:00

The charts appear to be settling down now. More consistency both in accuracy and more importantly the jet stream has shifted back to its more common place.

If these charts hold out I can see 21°C (70°F) here in the south with a slight cooling off after but looking to continue dry.

Let's wait and see.

Starlight Hike - 22 June 2013

2013-04-07T20:58:00.003+01:00

An announcement from a very worthy cause…

Starlight Hike is our 10k night time walk with a difference, starting and finishing at Green Park in Reading. Walk with us under starlight this summer, remembering loved ones and raising money for Sue Ryder.

Our night kicks off with on stage entertainment and a warm up for hundreds of walkers before you set out on your 10k walk. You'll follow a safe marshaled route around the enclosed nature reserve of Green Park with entertainment to keep you motivated under the night sky. You'll also get to experience Starlight Avenue, our dedicated area to our Sue Ryder stars who have received our incredible care. Crossing the finish line you'll be rewarded with plenty of cheers, complimentary food, a hot beverage and a goody bag. What's more, you'll know that you've done something incredible for local people living with incurable illnesses.

All money raised will help Sue Ryder to continue to provide their incredible care to patients living with incurable illnesses within the community of Berks, Bucks and Oxon, via Nettlebed Hospice, Duchess of Kent House in Reading, along with our Day Care Therapy units in both Wokingham and Newbury.

We are currently running an online early bird offer where adults can register for just £12 per person by the 26 April. After the 26 April this price will increase to £15 per person. Children under 16 years old can register for free. Your entry fee includes your Starlight Hike t-shirt, goody bag, refreshments, support with your fundraising and a great night out!

Your entry fee covers the cost of putting on the event, but what we really need is money to keep providing incredible care. If you could raise at least £100 per person this could cover the cost of a Sue Ryder nurse's seven hour shift.

If the hike isn't for you but you still want to be part of the big night, we need an army of volunteers to help us in the run up to the event and on the night itself. If you, or any of your friends and family have even a little time to give, we'd love to hear from you!

For more information please call 01491 641070 or email emma.harpaul@sueryder.org. Alternatively please visit the website www.sueryder.org/starlighthike

It's here

2013-04-06T14:20:00.001+01:00

Double digits at 10°C, no wind and one of the sure signs that spring is here at last!

Better

2013-04-06T13:42:00.002+01:00

What a day yesterday was. Coldest April day for 50 years down here.

With the wind and snow we still had some hardy visitors to the Meadow. Today much better at 8°C with less wind. So more people, leaflets recharged and up to date. Just need the rest and all go for the new season with the putting up and running very soon!

I understand we are now being or twinned with Bled in Slovenia. A wonderful place on all accounts.
Not been there my elf but my son and daughter-in-law have brought me back a wonderful Bled hat and no I won't be wearing it!!

I wonder how much this has to to with rowing contacts?

By the way are we strictly "twinned" when you are twinned with other countries first? Sister towns as it is with their town may now be more appropriate. Bled has roughly half the population of Henley.

Good weekend coming up with some good sun about so if find you want a few hours out pop down to the river. Enjoy yourselves whatever you do.

Snowing

2013-04-04T14:37:00.001+01:00

Down Mill Meadows and the snow is falling. The wind is biting. Skies are leaden and it's 4th April with no real sign of any warmth. It now looks possible, after a brief lull this weekend, that it will turn colder again next week. What a B. Still people milling but skiwear the order of the day. At -3°C windchill which is no joke at the best of times. Cafe open, no rides and little activity. Even the wildlife seems so tired of this weather and must be suffering even the Henley ones!

Keep smiling.

Better Weather

2013-04-02T14:47:00.001+01:00

It's on its way with a few hiccups.
Today less wind more sun.
Rides working. Cafe busier.
Looks great.