Community news: Patisserie plan dropped (From Bucks Free Press)

Community news for Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Seer Green and Jordans

12:40pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

A COMPANY founded by chef Raymond Blanc has dropped plans to open a French patisserie in Beaconsfield New Town. Maison Blanc had won permission to open an outlet in the old Martin's newsagent in Penn Road in 2010. The firm said the dimensions of the site were “operationally not suitable”. The French chef is still interested in Beaconsfield however, as separate proposals put forward in the Old Town include a Raymond Blanc Brasserie (see link below).

A BEACONSFIELD consultancy firm has helped launch a new 10k race, which will help raise cash to care for people with life-limiting illnesses. The Hospice 10k Challenge, set up by Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, will be held at Hodgemoor Woods in Chalfont St Giles on March 4. Austyn James Consulting, based in London End, has agreed to sponsor the off-road race. Entry for the race will be £17, including a timing chip, medal and t-shirt. See www.hospice10k.org for more details.

THE Beaconsfield Lions Club thanked shoppers at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose in Beaconsfield, as well as Tesco in Loudwater, for donating more than £2,500 to their collections in December. Trolleys of food were also donated, enabling the Lions to make up over 120 bumper Christmas hampers, which were distributed to those in need in Beaconsfield and surrounding area. They also thanked the supermarkets and Alfriston School, where the hampers were made up.

A GERRARDS Cross chef who has cooked for Hollywood stars is set to host weight-loss classes in Gerrards Cross. Suzie Hayes, of Oak End Way, lost 34lb last year after starting a diet and wants to share her knowledge with other residents. She will be leading WeightWatchers classes, every Tuesday at 7pm at the Ethorpe Hotel in Packhorse Road, and every Monday at 9.30am at the guide hut in Station Road. Email shayes@weight-watchers.co.uk or call 07791 980 438 for details.

WAR memorials across in Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross are set to be protected from thieves and vandals after a council signed up to a new scheme. South Bucks District Council will protect the memorials in the district using Smartwater, which if touched by vandals is likely to rub off on their clothes and spread forensic evidence.

YOUTH footballers in Seer Green are set to benefit from a Robbie Williams tribute show this month. Rob Idol will be singing at the Old Bengal restaurant in Beaconsfield Old Town on February 26, at an event to raise cash for Seer Green United FC. Booking is essential, £26 to include poppadoms and a two-course meal. From 7pm, tickets from Chris Owen on 01494 670744, or 0777 0888 997, or email crisowen@tiscali.co.uk

JORDANS Quaker Meeting House is hosting a Retreat Day on February 10, with author Jennifer Kavanagh exploring the theme of ‘Simplicity’. Refreshments will be from 9.30am with a bring-and-share lunch. Cost is £35 per booking, or whatever you feel you can afford. For more information call 01494 876594 or email: office@newjordans.org

AQUATIC insects will be the subject of a talk in Holtspur next Friday with the Wycombe Wildlife Group and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust. Peter Lapley, an amateur entomologist, will talk about life beneath the surface at St Thomas’ Church Hall from 8 - 10pm. Entry £3, refreshments included. Call 01494 676091 for more details.

GERRARDS Cross shop CountrySmiths has reached the finals of the British Equestrian Trade Association Business Awards. The Station Road business will be up for the Retailer of the Year Award (Internet retailer category) during a gala dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on February 19.

A NEW pony academy has been launched in Gerrards Cross, for children aged five - 16. Call 07584066560 or see www.gxponyacademy.com for details.

GERRARDS CROSS Cross Golf Club raised £12,000 for Scannappeal last year through a series of events. The funds will go toward the purchase of a new 3D heart scanner for High Wycombe Hospital, which will be the first in the country.

Email ldunhill@london.newsquest.co.uk with news and events for these areas.