HS2 and Me On a typical British November day in 1976, just one week after our son’s first birthday, we arrived in Ellesborough Road, Wendover. Forty years on to the month, not sure about the day, we left. We didn’t want to leave, but we had no choice. Our home for all those years was in the way of “progress” ie HS2.
be financially viable? Would it be distressing? Though it seemed a never ending process, HS2 were ultimately fair. But by then, the community we knew was no more. Our neighbours had scattered and the new short term occupants had no interest in investing in their homes or neighbours.
Now 4 years on, perhaps sufficient time has passed for me to reflect on how HS2 has changed our lives, especially now that work appears to have begun in Ellesborough Road. In fact it was was already blighted in the 1970s by plans for a new much needed By-Pass. Luckily in the end, no houses were demolished for the new road and a new bridge re-connected Wendover to the historic Ridgeway Path to Bacombe Hill and beyond to Coombe Hill.
As Heraclitus commented, “The only constant in life is change,” and HS2 has Alison's former home in Ellesborough Road can certainly brought about change. Wendover be seen in this photo taken by Graham Evans has already changed and is no longer the over the middle weekend of January 2021 when place we left. Things have moved on and the bridge was blocked off. perhaps one shouldn’t scrutinise from a a very hard act to follow. Why, unless forced, distance. would anyone want to leave Wendover? We And HS2 goes on regardless, demolishing certainly didn’t. homes and destroying local ancient Yet things had begun to change from the woodland. I hear they have invested in moment they announced the route of HS2. community amenities like the cafe in We hadn’t wanted to move but their plans Wendover Woods. I do hope they were better in consulting with the community made it inevitable as our home was to go. on which projects to support. In the end, I For almost 2 years we searched for know I am lucky to have lived so long in such Alison Black somewhere to settle. We looked as far afield a remarkable place. as Canterbury, Chichester and Stratfordupon-Avon. Key factors were dependent Sugarcraft Specialist on HS2. Would the protestors win out and Cake decorating supplies the project be cancelled? What was the real timescale? Having lived in the same house Cake decorating courses for 4 decades what price would HS2 pay and 01296 696860 therefore what would we able to afford? 1 Town Court High St Wendover HP22 6EA Could we stay in the same area? Would that www.cornellisugarcraft.co.uk
Wendover is a beautiful town and just popping to shops in the High Street could turn into a prolonged outing, especially on Market Days. There was always a friend or neighbour happy to chat. Our neighbours in Ellesborough Road were a quiet and gentle group. People gave willingly of their time for the well-being of the Wendover community. There are plenty of activities, a volunteer-staffed Community Library, loads of local clubs and special events. All things I greatly miss. Wendover is • • • • •
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Wendover News March 2021
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