Chiltern Way Academy Celebrating success

Chiltern Way Academy, Wendover is celebrating the success of two ex-students, Jordan Brown and Kai Carswell.

Jordan joined the school as a year 8 back in 2014. Whilst at school, he enjoyed a wide range of subjects but PE was a particular interest for him. He left Chiltern Way Academy after completing his exams and made a promise that one day he would return to see them. In March 2023, Head Teacher Paul Coffey, received a call from Jordan asking if could come in and visit the staff and students.

Since leaving the school he went on to do A-levels, which eventually led to him studying ‘Sports and Exercise Science’ at Oxford Brookes University (achieving a 2.1). Whilst at university he acquired a personal training qualification which led him to become a personal trainer. He still has a hunger for education and is now at St. Mary’s University where he is completing a Master's degree in Strength and Conditioning. Paul Coffey said "Jordan is a real success story for CWA. He progressed so much during his time here both socially and academically. We are all very proud of what Jordan has achieved and wish him the best in his future studies and career".

Kai Carswell is also enjoying success in his career since leaving the school’s sixth form in 2022. After joining the academy in Year, 7 Kai took part in all subjects, while excelling in his BTEC mechanics studies. He now uses this passion in his new career working for EROS Hire Tools where his knowledge of all things mechanical comes into play. He impressed the firm early on and was recently promoted to Lead Hiring Manager – a role he is enjoying and thriving in. Kai says, "The promotion was a challenge because I deal with complicated and detailed hiring arrangements. I need to be organized and keep track of a lot of numbers and data. I also need to deal with customers and help sort out their issues in a calm way. My time at CWA Wendover prepared me well for these challenges. The staff and qualifications helped me develop the skills I need to cope with the technical and human challenges I face every day".

Head Teacher Paul said, "Kai really developed his people skills at CWA. He learned to be calm and always looked for solutions to solve problems. When faced with a challenging task, he showed his learned maturity to find the best possible solution. I am not surprised he is doing well in a career that needs someone to be personable and thorough. In our sixth form, he really stood out in these aspects. We wish him all the best in his career!”

Wendover News transition

If you have been following the news in recent editions, you’ll know that Wendover News is transitioning into a Community Interest Company, to make explicit that the magazine is run by the community for the benefit of the community. Our application is underway as you read this. We are continually grateful to our advertisers and the volunteers who deliver the magazine each month. However, we still need volunteers to help produce the magazine and run our website and social media channels, among many other things! If you’re interested, get in touch: Please contact us at editor@wendovernews.co.uk

Message from Atilla at McCoys

A customer of McCoys, Wendover, dropped some cash on the floor when queuing for food on the evening of Friday 31 March. A notice was posted on the Wendover News Facebook page on Thursday 6 April. This usually elicits a response from the public but not on this occasion. After much soul searching, the staff of McCoys decided to give the money to a charity supported by the finder.

Closure of Wendover Twinning Association

It is with great sadness we announce the cessation of the formal Twinning arrangement between Wendover and Liffré. This was a cordial agreement, reluctantly taken, accepting that lifestyle changes on both sides of the Channel have greatly affected the feasibility of the link. I would like to thank the current committee and members for their continued help and support, and also pay tribute to the founders and all those past members – and to our French hosts - who did so much to make the Association a happy and successful enterprise since its creation. Deep friendships have been made which have led to many happy memories of weddings and christenings. It was unanimously agreed that any remaining funds will be donated to Wendover Community Library

Barbara Jefford, Chairman

Volunteers Week 1-7 June 2023

The annual celebration of volunteers and their contribution to charities and community groups around the country. It is a great opportunity for volunteer-involving organisations in Buckinghamshire to thank volunteers as well as inspire others to step forward and boost your volunteer cohort. The Volunteers Week website is a great place to get ideas and resources to support your Volunteers' Week activities. Have a look at www.volunteersweek.org

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s appeal for 'Big Help Out' volunteers

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is appealing for supporters to volunteer as part of events to celebrate The King’s Coronation. 'The Big Help Out' is a national initiative to encourage people to give back to their local community by volunteering. Opportunities include helping at our Walk of Light this summer, or longer-term roles in our shops and hospice. To find out more, get in touch on 01296429975 or email volunteering@fnhospice. org.uk

Leaf Open Farm Sunday - 11th June

Buckmoorend Farm, 11am – 3pm - Come and join us to learn more about how the bread and cereal you enjoy for breakfast every morning is grown, learn why worms are so important for the soil on our farm, and why we need bees and other pollinators. On the day you can also get up close to the machinery we use, find out how we look after and care for our cows, pig and sheep, as well as the wonderful wildlife that lives on our farm (See ad p2) www.buckmoorendfarm.co.uk

Open Farm Sunday - 11th June

Road Farm 12.30-4.30pm - Join us for a family day out with activities for all ages to celebrate sustainable British Farming at our Open Farm Sunday event. Stroke a goat, dote on a donkey or tickle a turkey! Or why not wander our wildflower meadow?

Come along to see farm life in action and learn about how our farm encourages wildlife and biodiversity. There’ll be a BBQ, fresh pizza from our outdoor oven, and home baked cakes!

Road Farm is a 100Ha family-run farm which also hosts Countryways CIC, providing Care Farming interaction to help confidence, skills and wellbeing plus educational interaction for many. To find out more visitroadfarmcountryways.com/ ofs23 or book in advance using our online system trybooking.co.uk/CJGC For those with limited mobility, we have an all terrain wheelchair and accessible toilets, including a Changing Places facility.

The future of Coombe Lodge

Several Wendover residents are concerned about a planning application concerning change of use from Class C2 care home (residential) to a Sui Generis Hostel for Coombe Lodge, Nash Lee End, HP22 6BH which has been derelict for many years. Full details can be read online

Since 3 February, 88 comments have been received (to 12 May 2023) by Buckinghamshire Council, most of which object. Our own Councillor Peter Strachan is the Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration. He spoke on this matter at the Wendover Parish Council meeting of 2 May 2023 and assures Wendover News that the application is undergoing proper process as it passes through the rigorous planning process of Buckinghamshire Council. His fellow Ward Councillors, Richard Newcombe and Steve Bowles, are representing the disquiet of local residents, particularly the parents of children at the Day Nursery and wish to reassure residents that their views are understood.

Cllr Richard Newcombe has called the application into the Planning Committee. This should mean that the application will be decided by the Central Buckinghamshire Planning Committee instead of being delegated to officers.