That's good, as I have some news that will make you need to sit or fall down.
Remember I went to the stakeholders' meeting to decide the facilities we wants in our new General Hospital last July and we were told that another meeting would be called in October for us to choose from 3 locations that met the criteria that was agreed. Do you also remember that that October meeting didn't happen, but I heard that it would be in January? Funnily enough, that didn't happen either, but another rumour indicates that the existing site in Hill field Road was one of the three locations and the Trust will decide in March. Just don't hold your breath while sitting down!

Meanwhile, I've been doing some remedial electrical works at St. Lawrence's Church in Nettleden and I thought I would tell you a little about it.
The present building dates from 1470, although there has been a church on the site since at least 1285 and was a chapel-of ease within the Parish of Pitstone. In 1811, at the same time as Ashridge House was being rebuilt, the Earl of Bridgewater paid for the chancel and north wall to be rebuilt and at the same time the porch was moved to the north site from the south side.

No church is complete without bells and the flint tower houses three, two of them both ancient and rare. The oldest dates from 1478 and is only one of eight Thomas Harrys in the country, the next oldest dates from 1636 and made by Richard Chandler (just three now remain) and the youngster was made by George Chandler in 1714 and carries a dedication to St. Lawrence.

The pews are Canadian Oak and date from 1887 and the pulpit is a memorial to the Churches' Victorian vicar, poet and artist Rev d. George Spencer Cautley. Outside (to the right of the porch) lies a stone coffin dating back to the 14thC, which was found 2ft beneath the west wall of the churchyard when it was rebuilt in 1930. The yew tree behind the church is recorded as being 620 years old.

If you are walking in the area, it's worth having a look, although it's normally locked (sign of the times, I'm afraid), but the churchwarden lives at Nettleden Farm (about 100 yards up Roman Lane, same side as church) and I know several villagers have a key or would know does, so it's worth a knock. Inside there is a wealth of history and a decent guide. They even have converted oil to electric lighting in the aisle! There are plans to use the church for more community minded activities, but essentials like water, toilet(s) and better heating need money, so go and soak up a little history and make a donation whilst you are at it.

On a personal note, my wife has just had cataracts removed from both eyes and if you think you might need the operation but are worried, don't be. The world changes and she says she can see better than ever – please can I have the old model back as she's driving me nuts peering into everything!