The river has been flowing right through Chalfont St Peter for nearly a month now (since our Work Party on Feb 12th).  “So what?”, you may ask, “Surely, that is what happens towards the end of the winter?”  Well, yes, you would be largely correct but followers of the monthly rainfall and groundwater level dip statistics will be aware that cumulative rainfall in the past 5 months remains below the long term average, and groundwater levels are a good half metre below normal for the time of year.  Indeed, the spring fed “backstream” is still quite dry.  Clearly, and unusually, the welcome flow through the village is “perched flow” brought down the valley in our cherished channel.  Unless rainfall moves back towards long term averages, which it did in February, it may be difficult to sustain but it is an encouraging start to the year.

As scheduled, our next drink & chat  – “not a meeting” – will be at The Village Hall, Goldhill Common, this Tuesday 8th March from 7.45 p.m.  As before, we will be at the ‘L-shaped’ table in the corner of the restaurant area.

Moving on, the March Work Day is on Sunday March 20th.  Last month we made a very good impression on several of the target areas – particularly, hydraulically,  just upstream of Chalfont St Giles and, cosmetically, around the Community Centre at Chalfont St Peter.  These and the other usual areas will benefit from further attention and it would be good to also tackle some work a little further upstream by the dump (recycling centre).  So, lots to do –  please let me know if you expect to be able to join us, even for an hour,   I will reply with work plan ideas a day or so before when we know roughly how many we will be.

I know several of you have marked your calendars with the year’s programme and I am sorry that it has become necessary to move April’s programme.  The Work Day will now be Saturday April 9th and we will need to meet for plan and chat on Tuesday 5th.  Apologies for any inconvenience.  Of course, there’;s nothing to stop anyone doing their thing on the original day and the usual kit can be made available if required.

Chalfont St Peter Feast Day is on 25th June. As previously, we will be with the Village Appraisal Group.  Please let me know if you would spend a little time on the stand.