LOCAL NEWS

Rotary in Wendover & District

Last call for nominations for Covid Heroes: Please send your nomination(s) to cheryl@monkeypuzzlehighwycombe.co.uk by Sunday 28 February. Please include your own name, the name of your nominee and an indication of what your named hero has done for an individual or a group of people.

Home schooling iPad

We have all become aware that interactive devices are essential for home schooling which has become essential during current pandemic lockdowns. Many families have not been able to provide the number needed for educational purposes. A local Rotarian was able to donate an iPad to a family which needed one for home schooling.

Ailsa

In early January, Wendover News received a query from Richard Pownall about a house called 'Ailsa' which used to be in Wendover: "At the time of the First World War, my great-grandparents lived in 'Ailsa' in Wendover. Does anyone know where that was - or is? Would appreciate any local knowledge. Many thanks."

A local genealogist was able to find out approximately where it used to be from the 1911 census, when the forms were completed by the resident and collected. They were recorded in order of collection by an official. The record for Ailsa mentions it being "next to" 'The Red House' which still stands in Aylesbury Road in Wendover. Hence it is likely but not certain that 'Ailsa' is on or near that part of Aylesbury Road. If you know anything about the house, please email editor@ wendovernews.co.uk.

Freemasons support the NHS

(See title photo.) Such are the pressures of working within the NHS at the moment, that staff are often unable to stop for meals and are using ice cubes as a way of staying hydrated during their busy shifts. Buckinghamshire Freemasons saw a post on Facebook asking for assistance to buy two freezers so that staff on COVID wards at Stoke Mandeville Hospital could take in food and provide easy access to this important, hydrating ice. One freezer had already been funded. Bucks Freemasons immediately paid for the second freezer after making contact with Paula Tompkins from Haddenham, who was leading the fundraising. A week later, Buckinghamshire Freemasons again partnered with Paula Tompkins and her team to bring a little joy to the staff of Ward 9 by providing a fridge and microwave so staff can store and heat their meals when there isn’t enough time to leave. A coffee machine and microwave were also supplied by Paula and her team. In addition to practical solutions, the Buckinghamshire Freemasons also provided some pamper packs for the staff including hand cream, face cream and body mist. Haddenham Lodge also provided lip balms.

Such is the success of these projects that Buckinghamshire Freemasons has a dedicated contact for NHS personnel in need of some help. If you are a member of NHS staff and would like some assistance then please email helptheNHS@buckspgl.org.

Freemasons throughout the UK are also assisting with the Covid vaccine drive by serving as volunteers in many capacities. In addition, the Freemasons have offered their lodges to administer the vital jabs and many buildings are now being used as Covid-19 vaccination centres.

Chiltern Way Academy

Dominic Williams (left) and Raphael Labonne (right) proudly show off a display of their completed English IGCSE course work. Both pupils wrote a persuasive piece challenging the legal issues facing a town that has been hit by increases in criminality. Both boys touch on the topics of justice and liberty, questioning who has the right to make decisions on the behalf of others

Weekend Market at Chiltern View Nursery

From Friday 5 March Chiltern View Nursery on Aylesbury Road will hold a weekend market every Friday & Saturday through the summer. More information next month!

Lynda Winter - Mask-maker for charity

Lynda Winter has been making face masks and has raised £1,375 for Wendover Dementia Support. Lynda lives with Alzheimers and was previously an arts teacher at the John Colet School, always involved with sewing and textiles. Unable to attend many of her usual activities during lockdown, her daughter Joh encouraged her to go back to her sewing room unused for some time. She started to design and make face masks from beautiful textiles. They were sold for a suggested donation and the large amount of money raised was donated to Wendover Dementia Support. Lynda and her family have been regular attenders of their Monday Club Café and have loved the phone calls, friendship and support they have continued to receive from WDS volunteers during the pandemic. Joh says, “Seeing Mum’s confidence in her own ability reminded us that although she has Alzheimers she is not defined by it.”

Congratulations Lynda – you are a star!

Southeast Aylesbury Link Road Consultation

This public consultation closes 26 February, and was supported by an online question & answer session on 15 February. To have your say, please visit https://yourvoicebucks. citizenspace.com/highway-projects/sealrphase2-feedback/.

Christopher Pallet Window Display

Christopher Pallet Estate Agents in Wendover High Street have decorated their window in a salute to key workers for their efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Knowing Your Place

Enjoy local history? Then Buckinghamshire Council Archaeology Service needs your help with updating its special ‘parish summaries’. Full details on https://wendovernews.co.uk/ news/knowing-your-place-discovering-buckinghamshires-parishes/.