Maybe my posting below was a little harsh, however, I was thinking about this whole subject in more depth last night and the outcome of my thoughts is quite damning on the property owners within any area.

NIMBY's think they are trying to conserve the way they live currently even though (as below and the message board I mention) they constantly moan about the way things are around them.  Someone or some people try to do something about it (invariably not them you understand - another classic quote "charity begins at home") and suddenly, change is upon them. How are they going to cope with this short term change that in the medium / long term will improve their surroundings and maintain or improve their house values, the thing they are most worried about after all (as I am - its a lot of our pensions at the end of the day).

So what does make up their house value, why is chalfont st peter such a special place to live and one of the highest house prices in the UK? well a number of things too many to list here - but amongst them is the education facilities, the other people that live here, the relative closeness to countryside and commuting to London and the amenities / facilities available in the village.  Yet the people who make up and work in these facilites cannot now buy homes here - so what will happen?

Now charity that begins at home doesn't foster much of a community ethic, and a wish to build a community spirit and a "fabric" within the community.  Of course I'm talking about things like the hockey club, scouts / cubs, football clubs, tennis clubs all run by volunteers - but nobody wants to volunteer - yet they are too busy moaning about others especially youngsters who have nowhere to go at present and nothing to do each night - especially those who suffer a different kind of depravation in the village of enough money, but the parents don't want them in the house all week.  Yet Estate Agents are quick to point out what a vibrant community it is - at the moment...

The Tithe Barn is next on the list to revitalise, however, just like the youth shelter which is only a tiny part of the jigsaw to give the young something - i suspect the residents near the Youth Club will fight against us to re-open it (so to speak). Much like the youth shelter which was a good 100mtrs from anyone the residents have probably got used to not having a club with lots of young people hanging around.  Anyway we shall see.

Time for me to get on with some work and pay my mortgage!

Been a fairly quiet couple of days since I last posted - if my regular readers are wondering what is happening.  Finished my end of month reports and accounts (one particular nice surprise) and clearing the decks ready for Folkestone this weekend.  The Outlook 2003 with business contact manager on my Chalfont Web Design site is receiving about 15 visits a day I think - not bad considering it only went up last Friday!  Also been doing some work on a database driven site and an ecommerce site - the latter about to launch but can't tell you any more I'm afraid readers.

Also decided I'm not going to post / contribute to the Chalfont St Peter forum site as I've taken plenty of time responding to posts in an official capacity only for some people either to not take on board what I've said.  One person in particular is creating a hysteria around the car parking and wishing to single handedly remove confidence from shoppers in the village - so best I just keep out of it.

The cricket open day / sports club flyer is currently hitting the streets over 10,000 of them - already had one response for cricket - and I haven't received mine through my door yet - supposed to be finished by tomorrow.  Got the sports club monthly meeting tomorrow night so we'll see if the footballers have decided whether they are going to carry on taking the piss out of us and the other members or tow the line and become a responsible playing section of the club.  Speaking of which, the first softball game was played sunday so well done to Neil Turner and Martin Cartledge for organising that.  Martin was also putting together the cricket fixture card today - well done to him.

Saw a Blue Tit on the bird table for the first time today - but wasn't quick enough with the camera. 

My parents unexpectedly popped in to see us on Saturday (and Sarah / Rich / Harry) and Dad and I searching round the census of 1901 looking for some family history.  We think we discovered quite a few of the family from Dad's side going back to 1850's (due to the ages etc and the details of where they were born).  All very interesting stuff and hope to post it on Watsy.com soon!

The youth shelter is now open on Gold Hill Common.  It was installed on Friday lunchtime and had some names etched on to it by the evening - very impressive.  They are using it though which is the good thing.  A few people turned up to the opening - Alan Moffat has done a marvellous job all the way through and Saturday was no exception.  I was still feeling rough though from the night before and the men's 1/2/3's end of season dinner at the Village Hall!!

Next project is to revitalise the Tithe Barn, but a breather for a few weeks will be good I think.