Henley-on-Thames

fireworks

2009-07-03T10:18:00.008+01:00

The Regatta fireworks that had only recently been saved have now been cancelled at the last moment, my understanding is that it is to do with the foot path that runs at the bottom of Sham Hill, please correct if I am wrong.
Apparently the people that had worked closely together to save the fireworks either over looked this potential problem, or did not perceive it as a problem. It was one I had raised earlier and just assumed someone would have sorted this bit, now it looks not to be the case. Now footpath closures are contentious anywhere and at any time and I have to say, like many people are against closure for most reasons and more so including the Regatta footpath along the river and which also includes the Festival which I feel should never be closed. There are many of the same opinion and who still walk this path as there right, I do not know of any legal reason why you can or cannot exercise your rights to access the path, perhaps someone could tell me. I have been told by local people that still walk it that it is the right of anyone to walk at any time, is that right?
I have to be consistent here and although I am in total favour of the fireworks and acknowledge the great effort these people/land owner and organisers have done in recent weeks to save this one last event for locals and the like and what a great disappointment this is to them and many people, but I have to stand by my own views and think that no footpaths should be closed unless for exceptional circumstances, I think I could have lived with this being closed for the display itself, but either side of that no, of course this would not have been an issue if the powers that be had not withdrawn in the first place, then we could all have enjoyed the fireworks again and from that great family view point Sham Hill
*APPARENTLY YOU HAVE TO GIVE AT LEAST SIX WEEKS NOTICE TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY FOR FOOTPATH CLOSURE.
It does ask the question who missed this particular criteria and who informed them at this stage? I feel that on this occasion that the council could grant an emergency closure so as not to disappointment the many people and still feel this could be done!!

Watch this space

Press release

3rd July 2009 – For Immediate Release
Council reverse decision to allow Regatta Fireworks
With less than 48 hours to go until the much talked about Regatta Fireworks,
Wokingham Borough Council have gone back on their decision to allow a crucial
temporary footpath suspension. Wokingham Council had agreed to suspend a very
small stretch of footpath for a short time either side of the display, crucial for health
and safety. Everything was set to go ahead with organisers promising the best
display yet only to be dashed late on Thursday by the Council’s unexplained change
of heart.
Organisers stressed that thousands of people would be let down by this decision and
they would be unable to notify the many people who had made plans in time – this
proved to be of no interest to them.
“This decision is a blow to both the town and us as organisers” said James Brennan
of Hofmanns in Henley, “To keep the minority happy to the detriment of the majority
shows that our old friend, Common Sense, seems to have again been beaten.”
A Henley Standard survey showed that people in favour of the fireworks outnumber
those against nearly 10 fold.
“It makes a mockery of so called democracy when one or two people can exploit
loopholes in local government polices for their own purpose” said Dave Coles of A40
Fireworks.
“This is my first time as part of the Regatta Fireworks team and whilst out speaking to
many local people I have learnt that the vast majority of businesses and residents
support the event whole heartedly” said Angie Major of Blueberry Business. Mrs
Major also highlighted lost revenue opportunities for businesses who will have
specifically sold tickets for firework related events. “Banning the Fireworks diverts
from the real underlying issue of licensing and yobbish behaviour which has nothing
to do with the Fireworks. It is utterly disappointing“.
- ENDS -

90°F

2009-07-01T16:13:00.002+01:00

We did it! 32°C (90°F) at 16:08. Anorak time; 32°C actually equals 89.6°F precisely.

Phew!!

2009-06-29T13:35:00.002+01:00

Phew!!

Just reached 30.2°C at 13:30.

Follow the temperature live for Henley here.

That Time of the Year

2009-06-27T09:16:00.006+01:00

Well here we are again. "Two oars and a load of rowlocks." Now, to the visitor this brings high spirits (not just in mind) and a fashion parade. But for many locals it does the opposite with some shops and businesses closing due to lack of trade and is of a contentious nature. Of course it's a great rowing event with masses of excellent talent but now it is not the local family event that it once was. Just ask around. I feel today its a corporate event for people to be seen and a place where they can drink their Pimm's and watch Wimbledon.

In the past we could roam freely in front of the tents, have a picnic and watch some rowing in this most wonderful part of the world. We could then visit the fair next to the enclosure, mix with the crews and toffs on the rides. We'd all get together in the evenings, especially on Saturday - the BIG day where we'd have great fun generally in anticipation of the grand finale of fireworks and that last ride on the waltzer. So come on you guys who make the difference, bring back the people's regatta for at least one day for the people of the town.

This is an event that should be encouraged for maximum benefit to all. Let's do an Ascot and have a locals day.

House Martins

2009-06-25T13:48:00.003+01:00

Here's one for the ornithologists. Coming back to work today I saw a flight of House Martins on wing of course. Can you tell me what they were called and where they used to live? I assume they have been coming to the shores for thousand if not millions of years - before we built houses!

Summer Solstice

2009-06-18T09:24:00.008+01:00

Here we are, coming up to the Summer Solstice; the longest day and the official start of Summer. I have always been fascinated by these sorts of events. I know, sad isn't it, but doing a bit of minor research I note that the sunrises and sunsets for our postcode in Henley are the same for the 18th, 19th and 20th of June. Are they not all equally the longest day? My only thought is that it must be seconds of variation. Still I am sure someone will know and of course I could make the extra effort and search the web!!

London's sunrise on 21st June is at 4:42am and sunset is at 9:20pm. Sunrise at 4:42am is London's earliest from 11th-22nd June but the sunset maximum is 9:21pm from 22nd June.

Saved

2009-06-16T23:21:00.007+01:00

Well I hear today that the Henley Regatta fireworks have been saved and will take place on Sham Hill near Henley (will need to find somewhere else to sit now!) with the kind permission of the land owner. So fair play to them.

Just a thought though, as on a previous blog, could you tone down the noise just a little to protect wildlife and such.

New Born

2009-06-11T08:42:00.007+01:00

Well on this glorious sunny morning we welcome a new addition to the family. Congratulations!

It got me thinking about past things. This time prompted by an article in the Henley Standard about Scott of the Antarctic and a great aunt of ours; Lilane or Nin for short. She was born some time around 1890 and as a youngster used to tell us how she used to "bay sit" or "house keep" at a house in St. Marks Road. I note her name is not mentioned, for what reason I do not know. Still a nice little story.

Link

2009-06-10T08:54:00.005+01:00

Now, as you can probably understand, we get enquiries from all over the place and on various subjects; one recent enquiry has led to this, my latest blog.

On a particular enquiry regarding the Regatta I thought I would do the norm and send them to the Henley Regatta website; the logical thing to do. Then I thought, thinking ahead, why not contact the Regatta headquarters and suggest a reciprocal link to each other sites. Well, I did not get very far. On the suggestion of this mutually beneficial informative link I was shot down in flames by quite an abrupt lady whose reply was along the lines of, "Link? This is Henley Regatta we need no link," of course all in the best possible English. So I quietly put the phone down having been put into my humble place.

I suppose with that sort of attitude it's no surprise that we have no fun fair and will soon have no fireworks either unless they're saved by the current land owner.

Isolated

2009-06-05T09:23:00.006+01:00

Headlines in the local rag about wheelie bins to be boycotted. Come on Henley, let's get a life. If this is the main news we can raise in our lovely town it just goes to show, maybe, how much we must be isolated from the real world. I am certain there are more pressing issues. The wheelie bin is here to stay. I hate these things with a passion (see previous blog) but come on. While fully accepting that in the cases of the Victorian terrace houses and other places of restricted access they don't make sense I see this as a better choice than black plastic bags and carrier bags with their contents spilt all over the roads. I have seen some out of my window that have not been collected for two weeks now for some reason or other. Foxes and vermin will have had their fill on our waste so the wheelies will be a great advantage. I almost feel converted but not entirely. The fact is that no better solution has arose, yet!

Now with local celebs involved perhaps we could have a new version of the wheelie; Thunderbin 6!

I still feel that we should look at a block bin solution where we take our rubbish to them as they have been doing in parts of Europe for over 50 years.

Back to the paper headlines. As this is the worst we have to complain about it just goes to remind us what a great area we are in.

P.S. Heard another Cuckoo today. Now that should be front page news!!

Heavy Going

2009-05-22T14:32:00.005+01:00

Now this one came to mind the other week with all these goings on in Parliament. Although not a greatly read man I do take a great deal of interest in history and politics, amongst other thing. What struck me was the speech Oliver Cromwell gave to Parliament in the 17th century that seemed apt. The "lord protector". Of course there are different schools of thought but love or hate the man, the speech has stood the test of time.

Oliver Cromwell Speech - Dissolution of the Long Parliament

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!" Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653.

Who now for lord protector? My money's on Joanna Lumley with an army of ghurkas. Who could argue!

Weather - "BBQ Summer"?

2009-05-02T09:19:00.006+01:00

Well we see that the Met Office forecasts a "BBQ summer". Although I suspect that particular term came from a newspaper and not the Met.

Now, this is quite unusual for the Met office to really do such a long range forecast and I suspect that this has been a forced issue to compete with the commercial sites. Or, should I be more cynical and say it's government driven to send some good news out in all this doom and gloom. Conspiracy?

From my humble position (45+ years of weather observation) and not wishing to put a dampener on things; to make such a forecast that the majority will see as endless days of warm sunshine is like shooting yourself in the foot. It's true that we have progressed with fantastic technology but the reliability of forecasting more than 5 days ahead is shakey, 5 days is about as good as it gets, and even that quite often changes. So to attempt three months is a big big ask but great fun to monitor.

Of course there are trends and very reliable folk law that people can draw some very good signals from. Whether they would admit to that though is another question altogether. For instance, no sun spots and reduced solar flares with the reduced affect of the Pacific influence a Strong Azores high pressure and of course, "Ash before oak, summer will soak. Oak before ash summer will be a splash." I would assume the splash would mean we would have been larking about in the water; a swim in the Thames as we often did. Oh yes you ask, what is it this year? Oak or ash? Well it's Oak! Well that's how I see it, so there's a good start! Mind you, I am sure that has more to do with what sort of winter we have had and even the previous summer/autumn.

Here we go, putting my money where my mouth is. Yes, I think it will be a better summer. Not by some scientific approach though but a simple law of averages and trends. May will be good up until mid/end, then a lot of thundery activity. June will be very average and for some disappointing. July will see the hottest time of the year; 33°C!?! interspersed with some thundery activity. August will be good also with some very nice weather and in most places average to below average rainfall, apart from the odd places that will have intense showers or storms which will give that extra rainfall. This is for fun and will be interesting to watch. See you at the end of the summer for a "de-brief".

Thing to look for on a synoptic chart is how strong the Azores ridge is. This is the one big factor that makes us in the south have more chance of a good warm summer, but in the north a lot more cloud - especially on the west coast of northern Britain.

Cuckoo

2009-04-29T11:35:00.002+01:00

Well, the first cuckoo heard this year today!

Fire

2009-04-24T08:08:00.005+01:00

Hello all.

I thought that today I would use my blog to say a big thank you to our local retained firemen.

I always understood their value to our community but it's not until you have the reality of a situation like I just had this week that you fully appreciate the great work they do when called upon. We had a serious fire at the shop this week that did a great deal of damage but without these guys and their speedy response it would have been much worse.

So once again thanks to you all, and the police, and all the locals for their best wishes. Although at the time, because of the situation, you cannot acknowledge them, I do now. It goes a long way to have such genuine support.

Fawley Court

2009-03-14T11:46:00.000Z

I knew there was a reason for having a shop. Not to make money but to pick up local gossip! I've got to say that I have been pretty poor in the past and this news might be old hat to most but here goes…

Fawley Court has apparently not been bought by financier Urs Schwarzenbach (of course, could be a red herring) but by some other business person and is going to be turned into an exclusive hotel? As long as this does NOT affect our access rights to the river in Henley, good luck to them!

Recycling

2009-03-13T16:01:00.000Z

I really am on a rant at the moment. Now, those that know my blogs will also know that I have run one of the many small businesses in Henley for years. Like all other businesses, shop owners, tenants, etc. I pay business rates to the council. It's just one of those acceptable things we all do.

Now the gripe…

I had to pack up some cardboard and paper; all neatly boxed up for easy collection by our local collection people (not sure what is the correct title now in this PC obsessed world).

Guess what. They left it!! Now me being me I rang SODC to asked about this particular situation. I said, "What do my business rates cover?"

I was taken back with the total honesty but shocking reply, "Nothing. It's just a tax."

So, if I want paper collected I have to pay for it again!!

So good in these times that they're three to help your business. Bizarre!

Sweet Man

2009-03-12T19:45:00.002Z

Now the person who informed me of this knows who they are but I thought I would float this about to see who else might remember this person.

Those of us that attended the old infants school in Greys Road (now a housing estate) and there were many of us (see old Henley infants school photo in earlier blog) but I have to confess I do not personally recall this particular person. Apparently he stood in the alleyway between the Bird in Hand and the cottages selling sweets!! So, please if you also have any of these memories please let me know.

The source is very reliable so there must be others?

SOS

2009-03-11T19:18:00.000Z

Here we go...a local campaign to think local. It's not the thinking that's important it's "buying local". You can have as many initiatives and meetings you like but this is not the answer.

Although I applaud the fact there are attempts being made which is of vital importance but the facts remain in these times, and Henley is no different. People buy what they need now not necessarily what they want. So food is normally always going to be the winner. So if you really want to help local shops there's one simple solution. Get rid of supermarkets! We know that is not going to happen just as much as getting rid of the motor car.

People go to supermarkets for their obvious convenience not necessarily for the service or price. People sometimes are deceived by the marketing believing they get better prices. In lots of cases that not the case. My own position for instance; in most cases I can compete and in many cases beat the the prices of my bigger competitors and with a service people like. However the perception is that we cannot and of course the one draw back is I cannot stock the volume these big shops can. In most cases though I can provide the same day delivery or at worst (in most cases) the next day.

Also needed is good healthy competition that helps each other. In most cases as long as it is a fair level playing field this is all good business sense. Having shops and goods that people need first and want. That's why the news of two household names coming to Henley has got to be a plus. Let's have some more and a good across the board selection.

The local paper backing is also good news. Perhaps they could offer cheaper advertising for local businesses and back their own campaign. I do not see this happening as this is the same paper that refused my own advertising because they classed me as competition. I did not know I had come so far and regarded it as a compliment but as for encouraging competition, this was not! I did manage to get advertising in the local magazine though!

Regatta

2009-03-10T21:22:00.003Z

Here we are again, that old chestnut. One that fuels either a massive for or a massive against.

Now, I personally do not have anything against the rowing. Indeed I know many local rowers and trainers and what a great job they do. However in terms of the event itself it is nothing but a corporate get together. There is nothing there really now for the majority of the town folk and its businesses. In some cases it even gets in the way of some local routine, i.e. closing the right of way. This should never have been allowed. I am not sure who has the ruling over that. My guess is Wokingham but please correct me.

No fair, no fireworks, no local interest other than the genuine people who have an active roll in the event itself. So short-sighted.

Now, no one wants to put down the value of the sport of rowing itself which is fantastic and requires the highest level of fitness that few sports could reach. The clever part I feel is those boffins who decided the sports that funding should be issued into. They saw the potential of rowing and other, dare I say it, minority sports like cycling in noting that the reality is GB as a nation could no longer compete in the Olympics and Athletics World Championships. So they worked out a plan to put in massive amounts of money into sports such as cycling and sailing as it was an area where many other countries could not compete. A great bit of strategy. So we will a few years on beat the third world countries on this playing field and have a chance to win some more medals.

Shops / Businesses

2009-03-08T09:10:00.008Z

Jogger blogger here. Well, walker blogger! Once again lots of things to get off the chest and stand on the old soap box about.

I have read and listened to some comments and views regarding business in Henley. Some are valuable points and some are absolute rubbish. The first comment I will make is with regards to a local pub restaurant owner with a couple of local pubs who went into administration.

Very sad indeed and that should be the natural reaction of any normal person. However then you read of a local brewery that is owed money from the forementioned. Now, if this is the case then this is where it really gets to me. Having run a local business in Henley for 17 years and had people go out of business on me owing lots of money makes you start to look at the issue differently. This is because I can't help thinking that for some of these people it is a deliberate move on their part and they're just stringing you along. This was how it was in my own case.

They say they will pay you but don't. Now, call me naive or even stupid but if people say they are going to pay you why should one not believe them? In business you build on trust. In many cases lots of businesses use it as an easy option out. Of course there are still the genuine ones that will let you know and keep talking. With these businesses you have the respect and they retain their integrity but in lots of cases they do not.

Of course I do not know all the ins and out of this restaurant owner but reading between the lines and listening to what has been said on the radio I can only draw my conclusion. I feel that people should not hide behind their Ltd status and do the right thing and support those businesses that have supported them.

My business has suffered a lot with this issue and I think it's about time we looked at the limited company requirements. Where there is a genuine case that these people can pay from their personal wealth then they bloody well should.

It is this very scenario that puts many businesses out of business and I include myself in that.

Henley Town Football Club

2009-02-19T17:26:00.009Z

It's sad to hear of the current problems that the town side is having due to what seems in part to be postponements leading to a financial strain.

I do not know much about the town these days even though my family have been involved in the past. My football loyalties were with another local club^* which was my first love and who I played for over period of ten years. That was before a serious injury but, as I have said before, even though there is more to Henley than the Regatta, football has come a poor 3rd (at least) behind rugby and hockey for as long as I can remember.

Of course what makes it worse is that it has come at a time of very difficult economic times for most and this will make it even harder for the club to raise funds that they so need.

It goes without saying that I/we wish them well.

*Mainly because I was not the greatest footballer around but you could never fault my commitment!

End of an Era

2009-02-13T16:40:00.005Z

So it's the last of the fireworks at the Regatta. Tinged with sadness but if the reasons given for their demise are genuine then it's understandable. My more cynical side tells me though that the real reason might be something else. The fireworks were the last real attachment for the local people to have any feelings for this now almost completely corporate event. Those that are old enough will remember a week of anticipation for the fair and then the last night of the Regatta being finished of by the fireworks - well, no more.

I do wonder if this had not involved oarsmen would the same decision been made?

The Regatta is a more corporate orientated event like most others these days.

"Have you seen any rowing yet?" a guest was asked, "Rowing? I haven't even seen any river yet!" as he watches Wimbledon on the 40" wide screen.

I for one am at an age where I will not miss the fireworks as I think they are far too loud. Yes I'm a grumpy old git. And they do no favours to the wildlife, dog owners, etc.

I suppose that the festivals will be next! Hopefully. See, I told you I was a grumpy old man.

Dead Man's Hole

2009-02-07T09:16:00.008Z

Now those of you who live locally and were born and bought up in Henley would remember this place. Now who can confirm where it is? We used to play there as kids and I have fond memories and I am sure others do to.

Now we know it was called that but why? Was it something made up by our predecessors or by us. I never did know. Perhaps some one could help.

What I do know without giving its location away is that when you looked at it (the trees) from a certain view point it was like the outline of a person lying on their back. You know, the sort of view where you see Gulliver tied down.

I don't think I am making it up but confirmation of this place's existence would be nice.

Snow (again!)

2009-02-05T12:18:00.005Z

Here we go. That was quite a lot of snow this morning! Thought you might like to see Friar Park lodge and entrance in the snow.

Snow

2009-01-31T08:14:00.006Z

Here we go - a forecast of some heavy snow. Now now I know what you're thinking; it never really happens, well not the forecasted type. You have to understand that for us weather anoraks we know "they" (The Met Office and co.) have to forecast worst case scenarios and that is exactly what this is. However, note from 45+ years of weather observations this late weekend into the early week does really have the potential of serious snowfall at some stage. With a low pressure forming just to the south of the UK and meeting some extremely COLD continental air from Europe this is a perfect chart for the white stuff in the south and east. As per usual the normal places will be affected worse but everywhere away from the coast could see a good covering. More so late Monday into Tuesday but we will have seen a few flurries before that. Now the downer for those that love the white stuff is (and this again is a common scenario) is that the low pressure drifts further north and east than the computers suggest. This means only a very slight change in temperature of 1 or 2 degrees it will turn it to rain as some milder air gets mixed in the pool. We wait and see!