Added 17 December
Chalfont St Giles Parish Council is running two Christmas competitions this year.
The Christmas window competition has two elements – children under 11 can count the number of coloured crackers in the shop windows and enter the competition. There will be three prizes available when the winning entry is drawn in January.
Adults can vote for their favourite window using the link below.
The shop window with the most votes counted in January will win a prize and be awarded the prestigious Best Dressed Window Cup.
Entry to this competition can be found at Christmas Competitions in Chalfont St Giles 2025 | Chalfont St Giles Parish Council. You can either complete the form online or download a paper copy. Paper copies are also available in the Community Library on the High Street.
The second competition is the Christmas Tree Trail. There are 10 trees located around Chalfont St Giles High Street and Three Households. The trees have been decorated by groups and charities and you can vote for your favourite tree. The tree with the most votes will win a cash prize. The locations of the trees and a suggested walking route can be found at Christmas Tree Trail 2025. You can vote online or there are voting forms available in the Community Library.
The Christmas window competition has two elements – children under 11 can count the number of coloured crackers in the shop windows and enter the competition. There will be three prizes available when the winning entry is drawn in January.
Adults can vote for their favourite window using the link below.
The shop window with the most votes counted in January will win a prize and be awarded the prestigious Best Dressed Window Cup.
Entry to this competition can be found at Christmas Competitions in Chalfont St Giles 2025 | Chalfont St Giles Parish Council. You can either complete the form online or download a paper copy. Paper copies are also available in the Community Library on the High Street.
The second competition is the Christmas Tree Trail. There are 10 trees located around Chalfont St Giles High Street and Three Households. The trees have been decorated by groups and charities and you can vote for your favourite tree. The tree with the most votes will win a cash prize. The locations of the trees and a suggested walking route can be found at Christmas Tree Trail 2025. You can vote online or there are voting forms available in the Community Library.
Please contact the Parish Council if there is a streetlight near you that is not working. If you are not sure who owns the street light please visit our web page to check Street Lighting | Chalfont St Giles Parish Council. You can either e-mail clerk@chalfontstgiles-pc.gov.uk with the location or you can call 01753 890 517.
Now is the perfect time to cut back any vegetation that is overhanging the footpaths and pavements adjacent to your property. The Highways Act 1980, section 154 requires property owners to manage vegetation that poses a hazard to public roads and footpaths. This year has been a bumper year for fruit trees, however some of the trees overhang the pavements and this has caused issues when the fruit falls, causing a hazard for people walking. Please take a look at your hedges and trees that are adjacent to footpaths and pavements. If they are overhanging please cut them back to within your property line. Your neighbours will thank you.
Now is the perfect time to cut back any vegetation that is overhanging the footpaths and pavements adjacent to your property. The Highways Act 1980, section 154 requires property owners to manage vegetation that poses a hazard to public roads and footpaths. This year has been a bumper year for fruit trees, however some of the trees overhang the pavements and this has caused issues when the fruit falls, causing a hazard for people walking. Please take a look at your hedges and trees that are adjacent to footpaths and pavements. If they are overhanging please cut them back to within your property line. Your neighbours will thank you.
Misbourrne Practice Newsletter for December 2025
🔗 Read the Bulletin here: Misbourne Practice Patient Bulletin: Covering Misbourne and St Giles Surgeries_December 2025
🔗 Read the Bulletin here: Misbourne Practice Patient Bulletin: Covering Misbourne and St Giles Surgeries_December 2025
Added 10 December
More Houses? Comment from a member of the village.
Our village will change beyond recognition should this proposed plan to build 102 houses on Narcot Lane go ahead.
Here are a few of the reasons we need to oppose this development that will cause loss of wildlife and our precious green belt. The surgery and schools cannot cope with the extra number of people who will occupy these properties. It will create extra traffic, flooding and pollution.
Our village is a place of outstanding beauty which we need to preserve and maintain.
Please register an objection on the council website by the deadline of 17th December, as there is power in numbers.
Thank you
Save Our Green Spaces Action GroupPlanning Application PL/25/4390/OA
If you're using a VPN you might have problems getting to the planning site! Ed.
Our village will change beyond recognition should this proposed plan to build 102 houses on Narcot Lane go ahead.
Here are a few of the reasons we need to oppose this development that will cause loss of wildlife and our precious green belt. The surgery and schools cannot cope with the extra number of people who will occupy these properties. It will create extra traffic, flooding and pollution.
Our village is a place of outstanding beauty which we need to preserve and maintain.
Please register an objection on the council website by the deadline of 17th December, as there is power in numbers.
Thank you
Save Our Green Spaces Action GroupPlanning Application PL/25/4390/OA
If you're using a VPN you might have problems getting to the planning site! Ed.
I'm pleased to announce that the CSG Village Show Cups are now back from the engravers (finally) and are ready to be collected from The Hub, Gold Hill Baptist Church, Chalfont St Peter.
The Hub is open during normal office hours during the week and also on Sunday mornings.
Message me if you need to arrange an evening pick up. 07951901545
Thank you so much for your patience.
Stephen - Cups Manager 2025
The Hub is open during normal office hours during the week and also on Sunday mornings.
Message me if you need to arrange an evening pick up. 07951901545
Thank you so much for your patience.
Stephen - Cups Manager 2025
Click the poster to go to the website
Friends of Milton's Cottage celebration of Miltons 147th birthday.
Making Hiss-tory Encountering Snakes in the 17th Century
Snakes have been a part of Earth's history for over 100 million years, and have long been an object of both fascination and repulsion for humans. In Milton's time, snakes held significant cultural weight, influencing art and literature as well as perceptions of the natural world. Like his peers, he would have encountered snakes through the pages of bibles, travelogues, natural history books, works of heraldry and more. While Herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians, was not yet a distinct scientific discipline, this period saw the collection and observation of these animals, often within the context of curiosity cabinets and early museums. Influenced by the expansion of global trade, individuals began to collect and document both indigenous and exotic snakes, laying the groundwork for future scientific study. It was a period of observation, collection, and early attempts at understanding reptiles and amphibians within the broader context of natural history.
Publications such as Topsell's The Historie of Serpents and Charas' New Experiments Upon the Viper, along with Robert Hooke's detailed anatomical drawings, laid foundations for the development of herpetology as a distinct scientific field. At the same time, these works depicted as equally real, alongside snakes such as the viper, a "monstrous Serpent of four or five Yards long... very large and furious," and the Ethiopian dragons, inherited from ancient Greek mythology and believed to kill elephants "by winding themselves about the Elephant's Legs, and then thrusting their Heads up their Nostrils, fling them, and suck their Blood till they are dead:
What emerges from these works is a kind of natural history tinted by supernatural inheritance. Topsell was a cleric, not a scientist (the word scientist was yet to be coined) and his tendency to describe animals in moral terms carried through to the 18'" century, when one of the foremost natural scientists of the day, Charles Owens, spoke of the "Divine Wisdom in the works of Nature,' and the immutability of species in their "Eternal Design," even as he progressed the scientific observation of snakes. He acknowledged the limits of knowledge and advocated the rewards of observation, especially of looking more closely at what is commonly overlooked. Although his motive is theological, its end and effect are almost scientific.
All of these writers were working at a time when it was difficult to verify sources, and the world was deeply strange. They were working without the massive contextual advantage that modem life sciences give us when studying zoology - and, lacking the taxonomies and genetic techniques we take for granted, were always in danger of misinterpreting and misapplying what they knew. But although their works abounds with fanciful ideas, it also offers an early glimmer of modern science. For all its imperfection, it represents a vast collection of would-be observational data, and it even includes rudimentary rules for sifting truth from supposition. Milton, as a keen student of contemporary science throughout his life, would have been familiar with these works. From pamphlets to printers' devices, this exhibition includes a selection of serpents that Milton would have seen in the 11th century, as well as some of the later depictions he inspired. These remarkable reptiles slither through the collection at Milton's Cottage, courtesy of the many copies of Paradise Lost on display. During the Lunar Year of the Snake we invite you to discover more about these fascinating creatures, and the many ways they have been represented across the centuries.
Milton's Cottage Trust, 21 Deanway, Chalfont St Giles. Buckinghamshire. HP8 4JH Chanty registration number. 1163039
A cake!
From every beast, more duteous at her call,
Than at Circcan call the herd disguised.
He, bolder now, uncall'd before her stood,
But as in gaze admiring. Oft he bow'd
His turret crest, and sleek cnamell'd neck,
Fawning, and lick'd the ground whereon she trod.
His gentle dumb expression tum'd at length
The eye of Eve to mark his play; he, glad
Of her attention gain'd, with serpent tongue
Organic, or impulse of vocal air,
His fraudulent temptation thus began:
'Wonder not, sovran mistress, if perhaps
Thou cunt, who art sole wonder; much less arm.
Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain,
Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze
Insatiate, I thus single, nor have fear'd
Thy awful brow, more awful thus retired.
Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair,
Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine,
By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore,
With ravishment behdd, there best beheld
Where universally admired; but here
In this enclosure wild, these beasts among,
Beholders rude, and shallow to discern
Half what in thee is fair, one man except,
Who sees thee? (and what is one?) who shouldst be seen.
A Goddess among Gods, adored and served
By Angels numberless, thy daily train.'
So glozed the Tempter, and his proem tuned;
Into the heart of Eve his words made way,
Though at the voice much marvelling; at length,
Nor unamazcd, she thus in answer spake:
'What may this mean? Language of man pronounced
By tongue of brute, and human sense expresed!
The first at least of these I thought denied
To beasts, whom God on their creation-day
Created mute to all articulate sound; T
he latter I demur, for in their looks
Much reason, and in their adions, oft appears.
Thee, Serpent, subtlest beast of all the field
Than at Circcan call the herd disguised.
He, bolder now, uncall'd before her stood,
But as in gaze admiring. Oft he bow'd
His turret crest, and sleek cnamell'd neck,
Fawning, and lick'd the ground whereon she trod.
His gentle dumb expression tum'd at length
The eye of Eve to mark his play; he, glad
Of her attention gain'd, with serpent tongue
Organic, or impulse of vocal air,
His fraudulent temptation thus began:
'Wonder not, sovran mistress, if perhaps
Thou cunt, who art sole wonder; much less arm.
Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain,
Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze
Insatiate, I thus single, nor have fear'd
Thy awful brow, more awful thus retired.
Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair,
Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine,
By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore,
With ravishment behdd, there best beheld
Where universally admired; but here
In this enclosure wild, these beasts among,
Beholders rude, and shallow to discern
Half what in thee is fair, one man except,
Who sees thee? (and what is one?) who shouldst be seen.
A Goddess among Gods, adored and served
By Angels numberless, thy daily train.'
So glozed the Tempter, and his proem tuned;
Into the heart of Eve his words made way,
Though at the voice much marvelling; at length,
Nor unamazcd, she thus in answer spake:
'What may this mean? Language of man pronounced
By tongue of brute, and human sense expresed!
The first at least of these I thought denied
To beasts, whom God on their creation-day
Created mute to all articulate sound; T
he latter I demur, for in their looks
Much reason, and in their adions, oft appears.
Thee, Serpent, subtlest beast of all the field
Added 4 December
More Houses?
An outline planning application is being considered by Buckinghamshire Council for the erection of 120 homes on Narcot Lane.
Anyone can comment on this application - please follow the link to make see the details of the application and make a comment.
Public Access Link
An outline planning application is being considered by Buckinghamshire Council for the erection of 120 homes on Narcot Lane.
Anyone can comment on this application - please follow the link to make see the details of the application and make a comment.
Public Access Link
Be My Santa Baby
Growing up in Chalfont St Giles, Maddie Martin later moved to London to study at The Royal Academy of Music, and she’s now making her mark on the city’s jazz scene. She has just released her debut Christmas single, “Be My Santa Baby,” featuring The Maddie Martin Big Band. The track is available on all major streaming platforms, along with an accompanying music video on YouTube.
Written and arranged by trumpeter and composer Gabriel Taylor, “Be My Santa Baby” shares a message about offering help and kindness whenever you can. If you’re able, please consider supporting one of three London-based homelessness charities: Thames Reach, the Marylebone Project, or Streets Kitchen.
If you enjoy the music, don’t miss Maddie’s Christmas party performance on 20 December at Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the door. Doors open at 6:45 PM, and the music begins at 7:15 PM!
Written and arranged by trumpeter and composer Gabriel Taylor, “Be My Santa Baby” shares a message about offering help and kindness whenever you can. If you’re able, please consider supporting one of three London-based homelessness charities: Thames Reach, the Marylebone Project, or Streets Kitchen.
If you enjoy the music, don’t miss Maddie’s Christmas party performance on 20 December at Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the door. Doors open at 6:45 PM, and the music begins at 7:15 PM!
Added 26 November
A Festive Evening of Jazz and Soul Christmas Classics
Vocalist Maddie Martin has lived in Chalfont St Giles her whole life. Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music last July, she’s been performing across London and the UK with various bands and ensembles. Recently, Maddie recorded her debut EP and hosted a successful fundraiser for the project at the Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall. The incredible support from the village inspired Maddie and her band to return - this time for a Christmas Celebration!
Join us for a festive evening filled with your favourite jazz and soul Christmas classics, performed by Maddie’s Quartet and Septet. The lineup features Maddie on vocals, Columbus Sandor on piano, Guy Dempsey on bass, Kai Macrae on drums, Joe Evans on trombone, and Josh Short on trumpet and flugelhorn.
Come along in your festive glamour and celebrate the season with Maddie and her Band. Enjoy mulled wine, bubbles, and beer from our fully stocked bar, and don’t forget your dancing shoes for a good festive boogie! We can’t wait to see you there!
Join us for a festive evening filled with your favourite jazz and soul Christmas classics, performed by Maddie’s Quartet and Septet. The lineup features Maddie on vocals, Columbus Sandor on piano, Guy Dempsey on bass, Kai Macrae on drums, Joe Evans on trombone, and Josh Short on trumpet and flugelhorn.
Come along in your festive glamour and celebrate the season with Maddie and her Band. Enjoy mulled wine, bubbles, and beer from our fully stocked bar, and don’t forget your dancing shoes for a good festive boogie! We can’t wait to see you there!
Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall - 20th December 2025
Doors open at 6:45pm
Music from 7:15–9:15pm and festive drinks served until 10pm!
Tickets: £16 on the door or via Eventbrite
Maddie’s Socials
Instagram - @maddiemartinmusic
Website -
Pony and Trap Public Spaces Protection Order consultation 2025.
Buckinghamshire Council want to hear your views on our proposal to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order which would prohibit the use of any equine animals and associated carriages on the following stretches of highway:
-both side of the carriageway of the A413 from Joiners Lane at the A413 roundabout, Chalfont St Peter, travelling south to the junction of the A413 (Oxford Road and Amersham Road) Denham
-both sides of the carriageway of the A40 from Pyebush roundabout, Beaconsfield, travelling southeast to the junction of the A413 (Oxford Road and Amersham Road) Denham
Please follow this link and complete the consultation:
Buckinghamshire Council want to hear your views on our proposal to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order which would prohibit the use of any equine animals and associated carriages on the following stretches of highway:
-both side of the carriageway of the A413 from Joiners Lane at the A413 roundabout, Chalfont St Peter, travelling south to the junction of the A413 (Oxford Road and Amersham Road) Denham
-both sides of the carriageway of the A40 from Pyebush roundabout, Beaconsfield, travelling southeast to the junction of the A413 (Oxford Road and Amersham Road) Denham
Please follow this link and complete the consultation:
CSG and Fawsett
A reminder that the closing date for applications for Fawsett Trust 2025 Christmas Vouchers is this Friday 21st November. If you, or anyone you know, may qualify application forms are obtainable from the Co-op, Warners, and The Post Office.
Fawsett Trust is a village charity which supplies extra comforts at Christmas time for elderly, long time residents of Chalfont St Giles who are of limited means. Their vouchers can be redeemed at local village shops.
A reminder that the closing date for applications for Fawsett Trust 2025 Christmas Vouchers is this Friday 21st November. If you, or anyone you know, may qualify application forms are obtainable from the Co-op, Warners, and The Post Office.
Fawsett Trust is a village charity which supplies extra comforts at Christmas time for elderly, long time residents of Chalfont St Giles who are of limited means. Their vouchers can be redeemed at local village shops.
Thanks to everyone who came to see the Everyone Welcome stall on the Village Green last Saturday, we hope you enjoyed the cakes and biscuits! We really enjoyed meeting you all, and had some great conversations. Also, thanks for the generous donations to All Together Community, we raised over £100.
