ALL CHANGE!
In early July, historic changes took place that affected the whole of the UK. The political map of the country changed to an extent not seen before. Many people voted tactically, simply to ensure that the next prime minister would not be a Conservative. Others voted for the candidates they thought would do the best for the locality. If you attended the hustings at St Marys church, you could not help but be impressed by the good intentions of all the candidates for the Mid Buckinghamshire constituency. There were some very good people there, but one clearly stood out for many people and ended up becoming our MP.
Conservative candidate,
Who is Greg Smith?
Wendover News interviewed Greg Smith ten days after he was elected as MP for Mid Bucks. You may know Greg from his previous activities in parliament as MP for the Buckingham constituency, speaking in many debates. His interventions have been broad, ranging from local, national and foreign policy. His detailed understanding of the role of our countryside in food security and the value of farming, means that the natural environment and sensible land use have been high on his list of priorities. In his own words: “While I understand the need for more housing in the UK, I firmly believe that we should prioritise developing brownfield sites in towns and cities rather than encroaching on our beautiful countryside.” He has been a vocal opponent of HS2, which he considers to be unaffordable and environmentally destructive.
He says he was pleased to have been selected to stand for Mid Bucks, where he lives with his young family in Chearsley (two miles NW of Haddenham). Greg initially moved to Grenville Avenue in Wendover with his wife Annalise in 2017. Before becoming an MP for the first time in 2019, he worked in print, design, and marketing, serving clients across the manufacturing, medical technology, and charity sectors.
Greg is now one of a much smaller contingent of Conservative MPs, and when parliament reopened on July 17, he found himself on the Opposition side of the debating chamber. I asked how that will affect his role. He replied “My core function is to hold government to account – both the ministers and the civil service. My commitment to be an accessible champion for my constituency is unchanged. I see myself as a bridge between the real people I serve – and government.”
Continued on page 22
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Greg Smith attracted 20,150 votes (37.3%) followed by Liberal Democrat, Anja Schaefer (26.5%) and Labour’s Carissma Griffiths (17%). The Reform UK candidate, Stephanie Harwood, received 12.8% of the vote.
Greg
All Change: Greg Smith MP(continued) 22
Local Face: David Marshall BEM .................... 23
WPC View from the clocktower..................... 24
Local Walks and Cycle Rides
Simply Walk - Weekly walks on Tuesdays from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to register with the walk leader. After the walk, you can socialise at the all-ages drop-in at Wendover Christian Centre.
Aylesbury Cycling UK: Easy Pace: every first and third week of the month, about 30 miles long. Newcomers: each second and fourth week and about 20 miles long. Email: aylesburycuk@ gmail.com.
Free drop in sessions for young carers
the two World Wars, along with a further 160+ Armed Forces Non-War Graves. Many of the casualties buried here have links to the RAF Halton camp.
Tickets are free, but numbers are limited so advance booking via Eventbrite is essential. www.cwgc.org/visit-us/war-graves-tours
Wills and Estate Planning Surgery
Thurs 1 & 15, 12- 2pm, Wendover Library
To book, call 01296 415700 or email iain@ wanstallconsulting.co.uk See ad p5.
Poetry Please
Editorial Team: Richard Byford, Rory Lavery, Lorna Archer, Izzie Addison, Simon Eccles, Wynne Byford and Jane Larkham.
Coordination, ads, social media and online: Wynne Byford
Production: Richard Byford, Simon Eccles
Accounts: James Harrington & Paul Hammett
Distribution and deliveries: Catherine Pleass and about 60 other heroic team volunteers!
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Tailored book-keeping and accountancy solutions to suit you and your business
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Lindengate Gardens, based in Wendover, is running free drop-in sessions during August for young carers aged 7-15 years old who support a friend or family member who has mental health needs See p12.
Cracklewick Morris
Tuesdays 8.15-10.15pm, Halton Village Hall
An all-inclusive mixed Morris side that meets most Tuesdays for dance practice. Everyone welcome - musicians and dancers. No experience needed to dance. Email cracklewickmorris@gmail.com
Board Game Café
Thurs 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre
Four afternoons in August for lovers of board games! Enjoy a variety of games old and new or take your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all.
Free Commonwealth War Graves
Commission guided tours
Thu 1 & Sun 11, 2-3:30pm, St Michael & All Angels, Halton, HP22 5PQ
The churchyard is the final resting place for 104 Army, Air Force and Naval personnel from
Fri 2, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre
This month the theme will be “Friendship”. Bring a suitable poem to read or go and see what others have found. Everyone welcome!
Make Wendover Smile Sunflower Trail
Sat 3
Join in the fun to see the sunflower displays. The event aims to cheer Wendover up and bring the community together See back page
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Sat 3, 2pm & 7.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Presented by Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Matinee and evening performances. Join the world of pure imagination based on the famous book by Roald Dahl. Book your tickets at fnhospice.org.uk/Charlie
BBOWT activities
Tue 6, 13 & 29 from 9.45am, College Lake BBOWT focuses on children’s’ activities at College Lake with Nature Explorers Day Camps for 7–12 year-olds. Book quickly at bbowt.org. uk/events and look out for the opportunity to book the last few Chilterns guided walks coming up in September.
St Mary’s Church Wendover has launched a churchyard trail for children and adults. Leaflets are available inside the church. Take a drink or picnic and enjoy the peaceful and environmentally friendly outdoor space. There is also a trail inside if the weather is bad.
BBOWT
College Lake Reserve is open free every day 10am-4pm: except Monday. See the flowers and birds and enjoy refreshments in the café.
Summer of Fun at Discover Bucks Museum
Until 3 September
Open seven days a week. A packed summer programme of activities for all ages including May the Toys Be With You exhibition of Star Wars toys and movie posters, special craft days, Make-A-Toy Mondays, Out-Of-This-World Wednesdays and Fantastic Fridays, Find out more at discoverbucksmuseum.org.
Summer Fun at Wendover Christian Centre
30 July - 22 August
Four weeks of activities for every age on Tuesdays and Thursdays. www.facebook.com/Wendover Free/ or text Elly 07941 448560 to book lunches or crafts. Under 14s please take an adult!
Wendover Youth Centre Summer Programme
Wendover Youth Centre runs a variety of different activities for young people aged 9-18 years old. Various activities have been organised on Thursdays during the school summer holidays. More adult volunteers needed too: contact the youth centre. www. wendoveryouth.co.uk See ad p5.
Scarecrow Trail
Sat 31 Aug - Sun 15 Sep
Make a scarecrow. Rennie Grove Peace Hospice is running its annual Scarecrow fundraising event. See p10 for more details
...and for the grown-ups...
Celebrate our Pubs, Restaurants, Cafés and Shops this August Bank Holiday
Our seven Wendover public houses are coming together again over the three days of the August Bank Holiday, to encourage us to meet up and celebrate the hospitality we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.
Restaurants, cafés, and shops are joining in too, so look out for details around the village.
Proud Sponsors
TEACHERS
Sarah Routley BSc (Hons)
Max Rogers ANAEA
We are looking for several new members of staff to join our friendly John Colet School team for immediate and September starts
For further information and how to apply, please refer to the Vacancies page on our school website. www.johncolet.co.uk
u3a Open Day
Wed 7, 10am-1pm
St Mary’s Church, Wendover HP22 6NL
An opportunity to meet some of the members and to see and hear what the various interest groups do. www.wendover.u3asite.uk
Compassionate Café Wigginton
Wed 7, 1.30-3pm,
The Sports Ground, HP23 6HH
A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.
Chiltern Miniaturists Club
Wed 7, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall
The club meets on the first Wednesday each month. The current project is market stalls for a Christmas Market. contact Leanne Hutchings, lee-annehutchings@hotmail.com
Chilterns Light Network
Weds, 7.30pm Wendover Memorial Hall
7 Harry Rhodes’ incredible inventions 14 Iridology (eyes) & Pet Health 21 Join Organic food cooperative 28 Numerology what numbers tell you. Fun and friendly group. All welcome. £5 non members. www. chilternslightnetwork.org or clnwendover@ protonmail.com
Craft Group
Weds 14 & 28, 10am-12pm Wendover Christian Centre Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly
company to work on any kind of craft project. Please take your own materials or just come to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
Book Club
Sat 17, 10.30 to 11.30am
Wendover Christian Centre
Whatever your summertime reading, you’ll be welcome at Book Club. There is no set book. Just go and hear what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you’ve been reading. It begins with coffee and often cake!
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 17, 2.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall HP22 6HF Open Meeting – Stitching Session. Free to non-members. Aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail. com.
Local Farmers and Craft Market
Sun 25, 11-3pm, Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW
Held on last Sunday each month from June to October. Pop-up café, various stalls including fresh food, hold an owl, dog accessories. Free entry. Contact: allevents.fantasia@gmail.com
Kew Little Pigs Family Fun Day!
Sun 25, Old Amersham Farm, HP7 0HR
An Alice in Wonderland themed fun-filled day at the farm with whimsical adventures
inspired by the classic tale. Meet adorable pigs, participate in fun activities, and enjoy delicious treats.
This interactive event is perfect for families looking for a magical day out. Book your one-hour slot by visiting kewlittlepigs.com/
Bank Holiday Cream Teas
Mon 26, 3 -5 pm, St Mary’s Church Weston Turville All welcome.
Jazz Upfront
Thu 29, Doors open 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury
A rare opportunity to see and hear world-renowned Singer Salena Jones and her Quartet of elite musicians. Salena is totally comfortable in diverse styles that she makes her own: blues, jazz standards, pop, Latin, big band and orchestral are all in her repertoire.
Tickets on sale at Aylesbury Music Shop and www.ents24.com/ aylesbury-events/
Wendover Picnic in the Park Sat 31, 12-4pm, Witchell Meadow
A day of community fun! See back page for more details. www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/picnic-in-the-park
ST ANNE’S HALL to hire
All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk
September Events
7 – Afternoon tea in Great Missenden for Macmillan Cancer Support. Call Jill York 07846 534301
8 – Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge
15 – The Battle of Britain Anniversary Concert at Chiltern View Garden Centre. Free entry, numbers limited.
Email: office@westonturville-pc.gov.uk
27- Rennie Grove Quiz at the Memorial Hall
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September ..................................................................... 9 August
October 13 September
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January 2025 7 December
WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL
Great for Children’s Parties Ideal for Weddings & Functions Excellent kitchen facilities
Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk
Liz Brown Yoga
Tuesday evenings: Wendover Memorial Hall Friday mornings: St Anne’s Hall Wendover Groups, 1:1s, workshops, retreats Online & Face-to-Face www.lizbrownyoga.co.uk 07941 425187
I am a Wendover based Wills & Estate Planning Consultant, having previously spent over 20 years as a private client solicitor.
My next FREE Wills and Estate Planning Surgery is at Wendover Library on Thursday 1st August from 12 – 2pm and Thursday 15th August from 12 – 2pm
I can help you with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estate and Later Life Planning, Probate, and related matters. Is it time for a review of your Legal Affairs?
To book a slot, please call me directly on 01296 4157001or email me at iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk
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From the Editorial Team
There are quite a few changes happening around Wendover at the moment. One of the biggest is reported on the front page. The team was flattered that at a frantically busy time in Westminster, the new MP for our area, Greg Smith, travelled over to Wendover to give us an interview. Last week he had been sworn in as an MP for a second time – this time for a different constituency and now for the opposition party. In the fallout from the general election, he watched as 1,500 of his colleagues carried boxes of possessions from parliament.
The names above some of the shops are changing too. We wave goodbye both to Agora and our much-valued Wendover Hardware. We’ll be reporting on the new businesses that are moving in as soon as we know all the details.
Most of the other changes, as usual, are HS2 related. Now that all the rain has stopped, EKFB will be starting the bulk of the spoil movements along the haul road, and you will also notice a lot more activity in the area where the Green Tunnel is going to be constructed. The A413 is being wriggled (the official term is ‘re-aligned) to the other side to allow for the construction of the final pier for the Small Dean viaduct. All this means more road closures – the impact of which is not good for people wanting to drive to or from the south of Wendover in the evening.
If you didn’t manage to get to the excellent joint WHS2 Mitigation Action Group and Wendover Parish Council meeting, Simon Eccles has written a summary for you on page 18.
Farewell Jan and Jim (Elliot)
The Editorial Team
Jan and Jim have been helping us with domestic requirements large and small for over 30 years from their Tardis of a shop, Wendover Hardware, on the Manor Waste. Sadly, this wonderful arrangement can no longer continue and reluctantly the shop closed on Thursday 18 July. You may have noticed that their closing down sale started in June.
Their presence on the High Street and willingness to supply small items in small quantities has been a godsend to so many Wendover residents, especially those who do not find it easy to travel outside Wendover for that one essential item which supports smooth living at home or in the garden. They were not “open all hours” but always open-hearted to fulfilling the needs of their customers as their core “mission statement” long before such a marketing phrase was invented.
Their business was proudly face-to-face enabling both customer and client to work together for mutual benefit getting regular retail hours. Neither form filling nor a password was ever required when transacting business.
From their vantage point overlooking the War Memorial they were generous in supporting events on the Manor Waste, including Remembrance and Christmas Celebration.
Many of our younger generation will never know the warmth which such a business engendered in its everyday behaviour and never experience that special community feeling of familiar people in a familiar place. Our senior residents will mourn the moving on of real friends who could genuinely anticipate their needs and enjoyed serving them.
Thank you, Jan and Jim for the care with which you looked after us all for so long.
Jane Larkham
Night-time closures on the A413 It’s great being in Wendover. It’s a friendly place and there is plenty to do. Unfortunately, it’s not so good getting in and out of Wendover, particularly in the rush hour. Until now, we have had periods when roads have been closed or restricted, causing inconvenience for a few days – or months, in the case of Ellesborough Road. One by one, we have lost access to footpaths and bridleways.
At the combined parish council/WHS2 meeting at the Memorial Hall on 28 June, one of the concerns was the loss of the Bridleway which allowed cyclists to bypass the chicane-like arrangement of
the road through the Small Dean viaduct works just outside of Wendover past the southern end of the A413 Wendover Bypass. This bridleway allowed brave walkers and cyclists to cross the road at the roundabout, then use the path going in a westerly direction up the incline to Dunsmore. From there they could use alternative routes to find their way south or SW around the route of the A413.
In June, HS2 decided to close this bridleway. It did so on the basis that it had explored ‘all reasonable solutions’ to keeping it open. This was challenged by Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group, but to no avail. This means that cyclists are faced with the risk of joining the long stream of motorised traffic through this particularly congested piece of road, if they want to go south from that side of Wendover.
Road cyclists have no real alternatives, though people with off-road bikes can make their way over the hills via Hogtrough Lane to Kings Ash or over Coombe Hill to the West.
The A413 is being realigned for the construction of the remaining pier (upright support) for the Small Dean viaduct. It will be closed entirely from 20:30 to 05:30, four nights a week for an initial period of four weeks, with more to follow. Alternative routes will be signposted. So if you want to nip into the Firecrest or up to The Lee for a meal and a great evening of live music, you still be able get there easily, but be prepared to return via the recommended route, which EKFB usually says is via High Wycombe (other routes are available…) In fairness to EKFB, the recommended diversions must be via roads of a similar designation – ie ‘A’ roads.
When the A413 is open, you will still be able to drive to the villages on the hills – if you don’t mind a bit of wear and tear on the suspension. Many drivers will have become used to driving up Rocky Lane or Leather Lane only to find their route closed. Those days are hopefully
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over, because both these roads are now routinely open and controlled by traffic lights across the HS2 works.
Businesses in The Lee soldier on. In fact one is going quite a few steps further. The newly refurbished Cock & Rabbit pub, situated on one of the most idyllic and historic greens in the county, is one of many reasons to push back against the road closures and inconveniences. The pub in its current position dates back to 1907, having been rebuilt by Arthur Liberty of Liberty London fame because in its previous location, it reputedly ruined the view from his home.
Purchased by the new owner in November 2022 and reopened that Christmas after a full refurbishment, The Cock & Rabbit has been stripped of its dark ivy cloak and is back to its former glory – hub of the community once more and host to various events including a monthly blues band.
Lunch is served Tuesday to Sunday, dinner Wednesday to Saturday, and is a step or two up from usual pub fare. It’s also home to a separate coffee shop, frequented by dog walkers, rambling groups and cyclists. Hay bales in the pub garden – overlooked by cows and rolling hills – keep the kids entertained and the whole ambiance is reminiscent of a wealthy country house open to all.
Of course the best way to visit is to follow the lead of Rory Lavery and walk there. The route he chose from Wendover is printed on P23 in our April 2024 edition which can be found online at www. wendovernews.co.uk/print-editions
Cock&Rabbit
Our Local Produce Market
Ross Bleakley, is a summer intern for Wendover Parish Council. Here he introduces himself and explains his project: “My mission is to get the people of Wendover to support produce from the local area. I have just got back from walking across New Zealand’s South Island on the Te Araroa trail, and worked as part of a successful sales team in Australia. I am looking forward to joining Reading University in late September.
I am currently working on the front line of local government with the Wendover Parish Council to breathe new life into the Local Produce Market. This pioneering role is the first ever offered by the Wendover Parish Council, and the reason it has done this is quite clear – the market needs your help.
The Local Produce Market takes place on the third Saturday of every month. The next is 17 August , between 10am – 2pm. If this is the first time that you have heard about this, then quite frankly… you’re welcome. Do you realise what you’ve been missing out on?
The LPM has it all, from baked goods to wood carvings. In its glory days during Covid, it played a vital role in keeping local businesses open by facilitating outdoor trade. However, it has since been in decline.
Why is that? It is in an excellent location on Manor Waste, there is free parking on Saturday nearby in the Witchell Pavilion car park
Photo: John Cox
just up South Street, and it is an excellent opportunity to help local businesses. Yet, during February this year, there were only three stalls due to a lack of foot traffic, which subsequently means that many businesses that used to sell at the LPM are moving away.
We are currently working on a bold new strategy to entice new stalls to the market, but we also need your help. By scanning the QR code, you can have your say and help us save the local produce market.”
Update on Arriva bus services
After 27 July there will be changes to Arriva bus services in Buckinghamshire. Here’s what you need to know: Arriva is going ahead with the proposed closure of its Aylesbury and High Wycombe depots; both sites continue to be loss-making despite efforts to change the routes to reflect local demand. Arriva will therefore cease to operate the following services from Aylesbury:
X7/X8 – Aylesbury to Oxford
X9/X90 – Aylesbury to High Wycombe X9/90 – Aylesbury to High Wycombe
Carousel Buses has promised to step in to take on some of the services in the High Wycombe area, and is currently in the process of recruiting extra drivers. Luke Marion, it’s managing director, said, “we will ensure that Wycombe and the surrounding area will be covered by a very similar level of bus services to today - albeit with different coloured buses running the routes. We will be working hard over the coming months to plan the new services.
Its sister company, Oxford Bus Company, will be starting a 280 service from 1 July to replace the X7 route between Oxford and Thame. One resident of Liffre Drive, Wendover, who preferred not to be named,
said: “The loss of the X7 had the potential to be a big loss. I make regular visits to Oxford to see friends and have come to depend on the X7, but thankfully it looks like another service will fill the vacuum, which is a relief.” A student from Wendover, Alana Lavery, said: ‘It’s frustrating to hear of closures because public transport is better for the environment and makes travel available to everyone; perhaps this will push people towards more individual modes of transport, like cars. I’m happy to hear that the Aylesbury-Oxford service will continue, that’s been an excellent and reliable service up until now.’
Whilst Carousel Buses has stepped up to replace the X7 and the majority of Arriva’s Wycombe bus routes, it has not, as yet, promised to replace the Aylesbury-Wycombe service. Passengers seeking this connection will have to find alternative means of transport.
Rory Lavery
An EKFB spokeman writes: “ In July, EKFB began the second phase of the realignment of the A413 London Road. The realignment is being completed so that we can construct the final piers of the Small Dean Viaduct to cross the A413. In the upcoming weeks, there will be overnight road closures to allow for the installation of kerb tie-ins and surfacing activities. These overnight closures will occur on the following dates between the hours 8:30pm and 5:30am:
* July 22 – July 25
* July 29 - August 2
* August 5 – August 8
* August 12 – August 15
The current traffic management on the temporary realignment of Ellesborough Road will remain until further notice as we await a
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date from our utility partner to remove the cable from the lane in the new road. The Advance Works Notice in circulation has been updated. A new notice and update will be shared once a date has been provided for the cable’s removal.
EKFB was proud to support the Grand Opening of the Wendover towpath in June. We were delighted to donate £11,000 to the towpath signage and railings, and it was wonderful to see the new path able to be used and enjoyed. On the warm and sunny opening day, EKFB organised a Teddy Bear’s picnic activity and a nature trail for school children from the Wendover John Colet School. We also had lots of community interest in our nature activity booklets and were able to hand out a few extras to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to take home for budding nature-lovers!
EKFB attending the Wendover Canal Towpath opening (see page20)
At our stall we had members of the EKFB geology team showing fossils and talking about the interesting geological finds on the project. We had a crazy straw building that the school children and young-at-heart adults were invited to add to and change, with some very creative additions including a garage, a windmill, a balcony and a solar panel! Please refer to the HS2 website regularly to check for any changes
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and updates, or to view our detailed Advance Works Notices. Click the ‘in your area section’ to view the interactive map.”
Scarecrow event and Picnic in the Park Rennie Grove Peace Hospice is running its annual Scarecrow fundraising event from Saturday 31 August to Sunday 15 September.
Sandy Smith, from the charity’s Wendover Fundraising Committee, writes: “This year the theme is the Olympics and Paralympics, so get your entry form from the Rennie Grove Peace Hospice charity shop on the High Street, and make a scarecrow, to represent a sport and a country.
Entry forms are available from the shop throughout July and August. It is £5 to enter each scarecrow and the closing date is 28 August. Scarecrows will be on display from 31 August – 15 September throughout Wendover.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Worried about your drinking? Call our local AA helpline, open 24/7 01628 530055 www.aachilternthames.org.uk National helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
2023 Winner
Photo: EKFB
Trail maps will be available at the shop from Friday 30 August and entry is £3 per family. Trail entry forms must be submitted by Wednesday 18 September and winners will be contacted by text.
Some of our volunteers will be dressing up as scarecrows at the Picnic in the Park on 31 August to advertise this event, and Rennie Grove has a stall – so please go along to support us.
We invite everyone to take part on this day to link the different generations in the community: school children, families and grannies and grandads. Lots of fun for everyone!”
Haringtons Hairdressing Helps
Julie Bentley writes: “At Haringtons we are all about giving the gift of confidence to our clients and wider community.
We have always been proud of the communities we serve, offering to help when asked and providing a service which we know improves the wellbeing of our clients. To give back a little more, with the aim of spreading joy, we came up with the concept Haringtons Helps.”
Haringtons Helps offer individuals and groups within its communities the chance to come and experience its Cut and Finish service completely free of charge. “Whether it’s a thank you to the leader of a community group doing vital work, recognition of a volunteer that’s gone the extra mile or a little pick-me-up for someone who may have come out of the other side of chemo – we’re here.”
Each week the reception teams will share the appointments which are available, booking on a first come first served basis. So do you know someone who you feel deserves a special treat and could benefit from the Haringtons Helps scheme? Contact your local salon or place your nominations online at www.haringtons.com/haringtons-helps
Wendover News co-ordinator Wynne Byford was invited to have a free haircut at the beautiful, spacious salon in Wendover. She said “The team are very friendly and I was well-looked after by Lilli.”
The Vale Federation is recruiting
The Vale Federation is a group of special schools in Aylesbury – Booker Park Primary Special School, and Stocklake Park Secondary Special School which offers educational provision for students with complex learning difficulties up to 19 years old. They are currently recruiting assistant teachers to supplement their existing team.
The schools help enable our young people to be successful learners in a caring and supportive environment. Working together is at the heart of The Vale Federation, and its relationship with parents, carers and many professionals is central to them helping its young people succeed. Together they work to provide the best education to support the children’s unique learning needs. See ad p3.
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Chiltern Way Academy
The academy welcomed back Wendover resident and member of the class of 1969 Denis Tunks as part of its July Community Programme.
Assistant Head, Peter Robinson, writes: “Denis regaled current staff and students with tales of life when he was at the school. Of particular interest was the alleged location of the tunnel linking the Manor House with St Mary’s Church which will remain secret! Denis is pictured in his old woodwork classroom which has been transformed into a creative design studio.
Thank you for visiting Denis. We hope you liked the way the school has grown into something amazing.”
A New Era for Wendover Choral Society.
Rebecca Kinnarney writes: “Wendover Choral Society would like to introduce its new musical director Kenton Brigden, who is also Director of Music at St Mary’s Parish Church Aylesbury.
Kenton is an accomplished and experienced choral trainer and inspirational teacher who, in one short term has transformed the sound, precision and general enjoyment of the choir beyond recognition. His belief that music should be fun and bring people together drives his incredible energy and enthusiasm.
The choir has been uplifted and inspired by his appointment and is looking forward to hearing his plans for our Christmas concert on 7 December. So, if you enjoy singing beautiful music why not come along to our rehearsals without commitment. Our Autumn term starts on September 5th at 7.45 at St Mary’s Church. Wendover. You do not have to be a good sight-reader or experienced singer. You will find a warm welcome.“ Details available at wendoverchoral.co.uk
Wendover electric vehicle (EV) charging project
In February 2024, Buckinghamshire Council launched the Wendover electric vehicle (EV) charging project, funded by UK Government, Buckinghamshire Council and Wendover Parish Council, with the
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installation of in-pavement cable channels (IPCCs). The trial IPCC locations were installed for households that expressed an interest in Summer 2023, and will be monitored and reviewed over the next two years.
As part of this project, the trial scheme is providing new public EV charging points at various locations around Wendover. The Council is looking to install kerbside EV charge points (via lamp columns) and introduce Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to turn selected parking spaces, which will have access to the new public EV chargepoints, into EV only charging bays. This will ensure those who are using the EV chargepoint spaces are connected and charging their EV, and avoid misuse and overstaying in high demand locations.
The Council wants to hear your views on the locations that have been shortlisted and is interested in hearing from those who live, work or visit the town of Wendover. The Council also wants to hear from
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Local Wendover Parish Council Councillor and EV Working Group member Rob Goodall said “We’ve been working closely with Buckinghamshire Council officers and Climate Action Wendover through the Working Group to explore and influence potential locations throughout Wendover, to provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to charge their Electric Vehicles where they don’t have access to a driveway. WPC are supportive of this initiative and we would encourage residents to engage positively with the consultation.”
Free drop in sessions for young carers at Lindengate Gardens
This summer, Lindengate Gardens, based in Wendover, is running free drop in sessions in August for young carers aged between 7-15 years old who support a friend or family member who has mental health needs.
During each session there will be the chance to learn about nature conservation, take part in pond dipping, relax and cook food on fire
07796 694036
pits or take part in nature-based art. These sessions will be a great way to meet other young people who are also carers. There will also be a Pop Up Café so the person who is cared for can relax with a cup of tea and cake whilst you enjoy the session. To book your place go to www.lindengate.org.uk/
Carol Lowe, treasurer of Wendover Dementia Support wants to give a big ‘Thank you’ to all the readers who have helped care for families who have a loved-one with the condition. She says: “We have received many generous donations from local people – among them Lady Grey Tea Room and Larissa Goff from Hub Care Support Mid-Bucks.
Lady Grey Tea Room is owned by Tori, her brother Jonathan, and their mother Susanna. A wonderful great aunt knits unique budgies that are sold in the café and the proceeds are being given to Wendover Dementia Support. They wanted the money to go to a local dementia charity as they have a family member with dementia. We have received £115 so far which we have used to buy craft items for our Monday Café.
Larissa is the branch manager of Hub Care Support Mid-Bucks who helps to find personal assistants to meet a range of people’s needs - www.hubcaresupport.co.uk. Larissa visited our Monday Club Café and really wanted to do something to help us as she thought it was a happy and inspiring place. She and her friend Mel therefore
climbed Snowdon for Dementia Action Week, reached the summit in 2.5 hrs and raised £1,135 through her JustGiving page for WDS. An incredible achievement and a very generous amount of money which we will use to fund a visit of the Virtual Dementia Bus, an experience that helps people understand what it is like to have dementia.
The Dementia Bus is visiting Wendover on 28 Aug. If you are interested in this or know a local person living with dementia who needs support do contact us: 07732 342409 or www.wendoverds.org.uk.”
Alex Davis completed the Canterbury Triathlon on the 11 June. He messaged Wendover News: “A couple of hours sleep the night before then onto networking at Canterbury Golf Club with Spires network group at 6.30am. It was great to meet new contacts.
I then headed to Kingsmead pool for 9.30am, it’s a 32 metre pool – a bit shorter than usual with their building works going on . A slower than normal swim due to the full English I had at the networking and lack of sleep. On my trusty bike I road out of Canterbury heading east got a flat tyre! Not a Formula 1 change, but it got sorted. Then north and along Reculver Beach, with a sunny view over the flat
North Sea. It was inspiring to see a group of disabled children and their carers whizzing along the path on their trikes, great memories for them. The run took in the Cathedral and the interesting streets of Canterbury overtaking a few tourists on the way.”
Chelmsford Triathlon: “18 June Started off with a good swim at Riverside Leisure Centre, Chelmsford. My fastest so far. On to my trusty bike around a nice flat terrain without any flat tyres thankfully.
On to the run without any issues. My 10th triathlon and 9th successfully completed.
Bristol Triathlon - 24 June: “Early morning swim at the South Bristol 30.5m pool, which was a good recharge after a two hour journey in the car.
Then off around Bristol Docks, the tidal Avon and under Clifton suspension bridge on my trusty bike. Last leg running was a bit harder with way too many possible bars to stop off at!”
Norwich Triathlon 2nd July: “Great swim at Riverside pool. Then onto my trusty bike round Norwich taking in the cathedral and castle and River Wensum. Run was good with some interesting cobbled streets through the heart of Norwich.”
Rory’s Story Tips
As the 30 September deadline for the Wendover Community Library’s short-story writing competition approaches, Rory Lavery has been looking out for useful tips for budding fiction-writers. These come from local resident Christine Devine, professor of English.
So, you’ve decided to write a story. Now ask yourself these questions:
• Where will the story be set? Wendover, Africa, in space, in a world of your own invention?
• What sort of person do you find interesting enough to write about? Will your main character be young, old? Will they be strong, quirky, hard done by, hard-nosed, angry, kind, beautiful? Are they admired, loved, misunderstood?
• Will the main character describe their own actions and experiences (“I decided to walk onto the stage despite my shaking knees …”) or will you, the author, be explaining how the character acts and feels (“Heart beating furiously, she decided to step through the portal into the unknown”)?
• What change does your main character bring about or undergo? What causes this change?
It’s all up to you and your imagination. But the most important thing is to sit down at that laptop or computer or sheet of paper and start writing words! They don’t have to be the right words the first time – you can go back and change them later. Just start writing and before you know it, your story will begin taking shape.
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Alex, ‘looking hot’ outside Canterbury Cathedral
Getting ready for the Dump Trucks
We now expect the complete route between Small Dean and Stoke Mandeville to be opened by August. The excavation of the last section of the “haul road” between Ellesborough Road and the new diversion was held up by the need to remove an underground electricity cable. This was being fixed as we go to press, so with about 600,000 tons of spoil that need to be moved north (and using the largest dump trucks) we’re expecting this to take until the end of next year.
North Cutting Works starting
The first stage of work to excavate the “Wendover North Cutting” has been approved by the Environment Agency. This involves the installation of an underground wall up to 30 metres deep, which will stop groundwater from the Coombe Hill aquifer escaping into the railway cutting.
The walls will extend from Folly Bridge northwards to Nash Lee Road. Four special “clamshell” excavators are being used to create the deep holes which will then be filled with concrete slurry to form wall segments. A second batching plant has been built to produce the volume of concrete needed. The Environmental Agency will be regularly monitoring the impact of the wall as it is built, to ensure that the volume and quality of water being supplied to the Weston Turville Reservoir is maintained.
June Public Meeting
The public meeting on 28 June gave an update on the key issues that we are addressing, and the presentation sides are available on our website at whs2.org. We included a report on our discussions with Bucks Council about land reuse following completion of the HS2 works. The Council approved the landscaping plans submitted by EKFB, which reveal that the cottages demolished on Ellesborough Road will not be replaced, on technical grounds.
The Council is also confident that all the land used temporarily by HS2 will be restored to its original purpose, so things like the Ellesborough Road diversion will be removed. It is also confident that under the existing legislation the character of the Chilterns “natural landscape” will be maintained. “Very special circumstances” would be needed to allow any development in the Green Belt. However we will be keeping a watching brief on this as changes may be forthcoming with new central Government policies and revision of the Bucks Local Plan.
Issues with HS2?
If you’re affected by the construction activity, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 (which is available 24 hours a day) or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk to get your issues resolved. It helps if you have photographic evidence and please get a complaint reference number so that we can follow up issues as needed.
Need our help?
If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas and suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org.
Doing what’s right for Wendover See whs2.org
The 30m deep trenches will be dug using computer-controlled excavators such as this, shown near the Nash Lee end of the site
Pouring concrete for the underground wall is time-critical. The mix will be prepared on-site using the new concrete slurry batching plant
Photo: Murray Cooke
Photo: Murray Cooke
Wendover Evening WI
Club Corner
Margaret writes: “In August we do not have the usual monthly meeting but instead enjoy our birthday outing. This year we will be visiting NT The Vyne in Sherborne St John. If you are interested in joining our friendly group in September then please contact me on 01296 582318.
To celebrate the summer season, in early July, a large group of ladies from Wendover Evening WI went on a cruise down the Thames.
Whilst taking in the many points of interest, the group enjoyed a champagne lunch with their voyage culminating in a spectacular view of Windsor Castle.
Wendover Bowls Club
Don Knight writes; I’m afraid I start with the sad news that our president John Firmin died in May. John was known and respected in the bowling world. He was an authority on the preparation and maintenance of bowling greens and was at one time an advisor to The English Bowls Association. He was club chairman for seven years from 1994 and was delighted when offered the role of president after the death of Tony Mogford. John was a gentleman in every way who really loved his Club.
John would not be happy with the condition of the green at the moment. The depredations of Mr Fox and his excavations last winter has left us with some bald patches that refuse to recover. Also it is not a uniform green all over with lighter areas showing that it isn’t very happy. This could be due to drainage problems but the Committee has decided to try to get some expert advice to try to resolve this.
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Holidays and the surge in Covid numbers have caused a few problems. Ever since I have been on the mowing team it has been a male preserve so I was pleased to be joined by Val Holland the other morning. Now I must try not to sound patronising here but Val is the second smallest lady member (I have checked) and she coped with the mower brilliantly. Mind you I have always felt that the mower is female by nature. If you try too hard to steer it, it does not behave but if left to its own devices life is much easier. So perhaps it responded to another lady. I had better go before I dig a REALLY deep hole.
John Firmin was Local Face in June 1997: wendovernews.co.uk/news/ local-face-john-firmin/
His wife’s tribute appeared in March 2021: wendovernews.co.uk/ news/tribute-marlene-firmin/
Making a Splash: Volunteer at the Wendover Swimming Pool
Eli Kling writes: “The Wendover Swimming Pool is located in the schools campus behind the Memorial Hall, providing a place for exercise, leisure, and aquatic fun for people of all ages. There are lane swimming sessions, family splash sessions and shielding sessions catering also for those who require assistance entering and exiting the water.
Did you know it is kept afloat thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers?
There are several different volunteer roles available at the pool, so you can find one that suits you. Whether you’re a lifeguard ensuring everyone’s safety in the water, a first-aid assistant providing medical care in case of emergencies, or a friendly face greeting patrons at the front desk, your contribution makes a real difference.
The session numbers and schedule are guided by the availability of Lifeguards.
About two years ago I joined the Wendover Swimming Pool’s volunteer team, and it’s been a rewarding experience. From the very first day, I was warmly welcomed by the other volunteers, who patiently showed me the ropes (not that it is complicated). An unexpected side effect of my activity is that I have significantly increased my physical exercise which dropped to zero during Covid times.
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The pool runs a couple of training sessions a year and can arrange for more if demand is indicated.
If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact in your community, I strongly encourage you to consider volunteering at the Wendover Swimming Pool.” See ad p18.
Contact the Wendover Swimming Pool at www.wendoverswimmingpool.co.uk/
Lucy Clark Scottish – “Keep Dancing – at home and abroad”
Liz Mitchell writes: “I write this having just rounded off a great year with our end of term dance on 27 June.
Over 60 dancers made the most of live music from the Ian Robertson Duo to dance the night away. They certainly appreciated the extra strawberries and Prosecco too!
We’ve been running a combined tuition class this term, two of which have been led by visiting teachers allowing dancers to experience different teaching styles. Attendance has been high and it’s been rewarding to watch dancers’ progress.
One particular success has been a French family who joined us. Their eagerness to learn, coupled with translations from one of our teachers who speaks French (and a little Gallic charm!) have produced great results.
on Friday 22 November (7.30–10.30 pm) in The Red Kite Pavilion. Ceilidh dancing is the easier form of Scottish dancing and tremendous fun. There will be a caller to guide everyone and local musicians, Ian and Tom Robertson, will provide the music. Tickets – £12 each or £40 for a family of four will be available via the Church Office.
I finish with a quote about our club from the 14 year old daughter of our French family: “Whatever the language we speak or the country we come from, they want to include you and want you to feel good.”
If you’re tempted to sample the fun, fitness and friendship that we enjoy, please contact me to book a place at our classes starting in September.”
lucyclarkscottish@gmail.com www.lucyclarkscottish.org
Wendover Cricket Club
The club has had a busy season, and as the juniors’ season begins to draw to a close, the seniors are still in full swing.
The sense of community is growing fast, with Friday training sessions for the under 8s to under 10s becoming a good opportunity for socialising – it has certainly allowed people to mingle beyond the boundary.
There are many highlights, tournaments and cups to reminisce on this season, from the juniors divisions, first eleven and second eleven tournaments, and the village cup. Alongside this, the club are still trying to increase the participation of women and girls in cricket – with some success –in hope of developing their own leagues, as well as friendly training sessions and tournaments.
the world and in June one of our teachers was invited to teach at a dancing weekend in Barcelona. This was a great opportunity for our excellent teacher as well as good publicity for the club. In July, three of our dancers attended the RSCDS Summer School in St Andrews where dancers from all over the world gather for more socialising and dancing to music from the best musicians around.
Some readers might have watched our demonstration at the Family Festival in June. We were delighted to be part of this wonderful village event and share with a wider audience the joy we get from Scottish country dancing.
Looking ahead, we’re organising a Village Ceilidh in aid of funds for St Michael’s Church
The juniors had a successful season, competing in the Southwest divisions from the age groups under 11s to under 14s. The under 8s, under 9s and under 10s also had triumphant wins in their respective leagues.
While the seniors’ leagues are still ongoing, there have been some important victories: The men’s first eleven team achieved a win against Frieth Cricket Club, in a scintillating match which left the opponents stumped. The second eleven also enjoyed a triumphant victory against Ballinger waggoners, winning the match by four wickets.
The Seniors season is far from over, and their future matches will count towards their overall standing in their divisions.
While the juniors’ cricket tournaments and training sessions will certainly be missed as their season ends, there is still much to look forward to with the seniors’ league.
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HS2 WENDOVER PARISH COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING
28 JUNE 2024
On 28 June Wendover Parish Council held its second public meeting to discuss the current status of HS2 construction near Wendover, and what’s likely to happen next. It was attended by about 70 residents. As with the first meeting last November, WPC partnered with the Wendover HS2 Mitigation group (WHS2).
The HS2 local contractor EKFB was also invited, but declined, partly because the General Election the following week meant that it was not allowed to make public comments.
Council chair Julie Williams started by saying “the working assumption is that HS2 will go ahead.” The purpose of the meeting was to assess progress, what happens next, and to take feedback from residents present at the meeting.
The WHS2 members gave presentations on how they and WPC have been working to monitor, and in some cases successfully pressurise, HS2 and its contractors to reduce the impact on Wendover residents and the environment.
Murray Cooke said that construction near Wendover is likely to continue until 2028 at the earliest, although further delays are possible, with 2030 a possibility.
He gave brief updates on progress on the Small Dean Viaduct, where five of six piers were completed by late June, with the six due to go in while the A413 was due to be closed while a dogleg between the
piers is built. The final “push” of the lengthy steel viaduct is currently scheduled for 25 March 2025.
A “mass haul” by trucks along the HS2 trench is planned for stone excavated from the southern tunnel, north past Aylesbury to build up a viaduct at Stoke Mandeville. At the time of writing progress is still halted by problems in getting past Ellesborough Road – the latest delay was due to the discovery of a high voltage electricity cable buried across the planned route.
Other aspects that WHS2 is engaging with HS2 include the Small Dean bridleway, which EKFB wants to close; ongoing problems with providing a safe cycle way along the A413 past the viaduct works; the new Tring Road cricket ground being paid for by HS2 where the archaeological survey has been completed; plans to use Dobbins Lane as an access road for trucks for construction of a water balancing tank in the fields beyond; and the burial of the water pipe running beyond the gardens on Lionel Avenue so unsightly security fences can be removed.
Andrew Burnett gave an update on likely noise levels affecting residents, some of which remain unresolved. WHS2 was hoping to approach the Government’s Transport Select Committee to further query HS2’s noise calculations, but this was brought to a halt by the election.
WHS2 has also done research that suggests that planting vegetation
Swimming in Wendover!
Did you know that Wendover has a swimming pool on the schools campus at Wharf Road? It’s a volunteer-run charity and has public swimming sessions every day. here are free and paid memberships available, and bookings are fully online ore information, membership and booking at www wendoverswimmingpool co uk
on the areas surrounding the north end cutting will reduce noise levels by a significant 5dB. In 2016 HS2 agreed to pay St Mary’s Church £250,000 to help with soundproofing. So far nothing has been received.
Ron Peterson talked about the traffic impact of HS2’s current and planned construction works. “We are seeking a solution to congestion on South Street,” he said. “Bucks Council traffic strategists are reviewing the restoration of Hale Lane down to the A413 roundabout. There is also a proposal for a feeder lane from the Wendover direction onto the A413.”
Andrew Burnett talked about local water issues. The walls along the HS2 north cutting will divert groundwater north with the potential of flooding farm fields. For this reason, HS2 is building a holding tank in the fields near Kings Farm Shop, which will then feed into the existing Stoke Brook.
Dobbins Lane will be used to access these fields during construction, although there seems to be some chance that EKFB will rethink this and use the much lower populated Nash Lee End for access.
An FOI request finally revealed that green belt land will be kept and the land restored after use, not re-developed. There will be no rebuild of the Ellesborough Road cottages – the gap will be landscaped. The old cricket pavilion will be demolished, and the land will become agricultural.
Councillor Leigh Porter talked about her projects with community engagement, including the distribution of 4,000 packets of sunflower seeds and her idea of a sunflower walk through the Wendover streets. She has also organised a second “pub crawl” for the August bank holiday, where residents take in a score card to each of the Wendover pubs for the chance to win a free pint every month.
Wendover Parish Councillors and WHS2 members take questions at the meeting.
A £1.5m pipe has been built to take water into Weston Turvill reservoir. One or two artesian boreholes will be sunk to maintain the flow to Hampden Pond.
Murray Cooke talked about environmental impacts, including visual appearances. Details of the pylons that will carry the catenary wires for the trains have emerged. There will be single support poles for much of the length. However, sidings near Nash Lee may need twin-pole bridge type supports.
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“We must start to do things and help us remember that we are a proper community,” she said.
“Wendover News is a big part of that, keeping us all updated on HS2, so we are not just dependent on EKFB information.” Cllr Porter has also led the campaign for spending locally in Wendover, at least £5 per week.
In the public Q&A afterwards, residents raised points about HGVs on South Street (residents are urged to record the reg number and time and report this to Bucks Council); concerns about lorries along Dobbins Lane, particularly because of parked cars and the hazards to cyclists; the “temporary” traffic lights for the Ellesborough Road diversion (a power line has to be moved before they can go); and questions about water monitoring on the Wendover Brook.
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Eccles
Grand Towpath Opening 28 June 2024
The sun came out, stalls were erected and an estimated 500 visitors plus numerous schoolchildren came to Walnut Tree Meadow on 28 June to celebrate a brilliant new piece of infrastructure.
Clive Johnson, Chairman of Wendover Canal Trust, welcomed all visitors, especially patron Robbie Cumming, the TV presenter of ‘Canal Boat Diaries’ and Dr Elaine King from Chilterns National Landscape, whose organisation played a major role in securing funding to make all this happen. He also thanked Ros Daniels of the Canal & River Trust and Cllr Steve Broadbent of Buckinghamshire Council whose permissions were essential. Many non-school children came because they were fans of Robbie Cumming or appreciated the weatherproof walk for their dogs.
Everyone was entertained by Cracklewick Morris from Halton before and after the ribbon cutting ceremony which included a trumpet fanfare by Kathy Gifford, former trumpet teacher at the Wendover Schools. Visitors were also able to chat to local organisations Wendover Evening WI and Wendover Shed.
Funded by five organisations, the footpath upgrading took six months to complete, cost £750,000 and runs for 1.7 miles from Wharf Road, Wendover to Halton Village. It is part of the Wendover Canal Trust’s (WCT’s) and Canal & River Trust’s wider ambition to see the entire seven-mile Wendover to Grand Union canal towpath upgraded.
Undertaken by Rothen Group and Kier plc, the work has hugely improved the former muddy towpath, and for the first time made it accessible to the entire community all year round. The funders were HS2, Chiltern AONB Review Group, Wendover Parish Council, Lionel Abel-Smith Trust, Wendover Community Board and Halton Parish Council.
WCT volunteers also contributed by erecting new walls and railings at Wharf Road and new signage between Wendover and Halton. These were jointly funded by EKFB (a partnership of four leading civil engineering and construction companies involved with HS2) and Wendover Parish Council. In total 28 local, regional and national organisations supported the campaign to upgrade the towpath. These included all the schools in Wendover, the Chiltern Society, Chiltern Conservation Board, Inland Waterways Association, Sustrans and Chiltern Railways.
This footpath is a vital route enabling children to walk to school without encountering the dual dangers of pollution and road traffic so schoolchildren were at the heart of the celebration. Pupils from Wendover Church of England Junior School enjoyed a Teddy Bear’s picnic – thanks to EKFB – which provided nature trail worksheets and ‘passports’ for children to complete on the day, reflecting their experiences. Geologists were on hand to show some of the fossils found during HS2 digging along the new railway route. Pupils from John Colet School also walked the towpath to Halton Village and back as well as completing a quiz devised by their geography teachers.
Access to pizza, ice cream and coffee/other drinks was very popular with all visitors to the event. They could also find out about paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing from local clubs. Cindy Smulders, a Trustee of Swan Lifeline came to speak to them about respecting wildlife and there was a Mini First Aid stall run by Fran Brooman who taught some young people about CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with differently sized models.
Wendover Junior Staff said, “ Our students thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, especially the certificate and teddy bear that they each received!”
Robbie Cumming cuts the ribbon, with Clive Johnson, WCT Chairman to his left and Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust, and Dr Elaine King, Chiltern National Landscape, to his right.
Cracklewick Morris
Trumpeter Kathy Gifford with Clive Johnson
JCS Student: “The new path is great. It was such a beautiful day and the events in the meadow were great.”
JCS Head: “ Students really engaged with the celebration of the opening of the new Towpath. The new signage gave them some really good insights into the history of the canal and its context within the local community of Wendover.”
Beryl Hunter, resident of Bankside said, “What could be more blissful than being in an English meadow, next to the nature-laden canal on a wonderful sunny afternoon and chatting happily with such a terrific broadcaster and canal enthusiast as Robbie Cummings! He gave so generously of his time to anyone who wanted to share canal experiences with him.
I had a wonderful time being able to travel on the new towpath on my mobility scooter and then being able to reminisce with Robbie about the time I explored the Huddersfield Narrow canal and the Standage tunnel (the longest, deepest and highest tunnel under the Pennines). I also really enjoyed the Morris Dancing.”
The event was organised by Wendover Canal Trust, John Colet School, Wendover News, Wendover and Halton Parish Councils and EKFB and sponsored by Fairhive Homes and the Rothen Group.
Contrary to expectations, he was looking forward to working with some of the new MPs on the other side of the house: “They might have a different political view, but we all realise that most of the work we do is for the benefit of the country, and so we often work quite closely. The public see the heated arguments in parliament on television and might assume it’s like that all the time. It’s not.”
I asked him about his interests, and the causes he supports. HS2 was the obvious one and stood at the top of his list, along with local roads and transport. He is concerned about land use – mainly in respect of food security and farming, but also its amenity value. Enterprise comes high on his list as well as a very personal matter for him – early years education.
Under the Conservative government, Greg was a member of the Transport Select Committee, where he had a special interest in HS2 and the East-West Rail project. You can see and hear some of his questions online, where he challenges HS2 Ltd about a wide range of issues, not least compensation for people and companies disrupted by the construction, and assurances about damages emerging from the line after it is operational. Usefully, in his previous constituency he successfully fought for East-West rail to be held liable for damage to roads surrounding their construction work. It resulted in them having to pay for the repair of 21 miles of roads. Hopefully, that will have set a precedent that might apply to HS2 and the Wendover area.
When parliament is dissolved and an election takes place, select committees cease work and are re-constituted by the incoming government. For this reason, Greg cannot assume that he will be on the committee, but regardless of politics, he would still be a useful member and would obviously be considered in the selection process.
On environmental matters, I questioned him about his enthusiasm for McLaren and for F1 generally. “What about all the emissions, noise and petrol consumption? Are you really a petrol-head?” I got a smile. “Do you realise the amount of research that goes into making those cars super-efficient?” he said. “The motorsport industry is at the forefront of innovation. It is developing materials, fuels and methods to benefit many other industries and the national economy. Advances which have been designed to turn cars into race winners, translate to advances that will be used in the motor industry to cut emissions, create more efficient fuels, find better materials, make them safer and contribute to a circular economy.”
Lastly, I asked what sort of things he can help people with, and how they could contact him. “I’ll try to help any constituent if they need it. Sometimes I can offer advice or refer them on to some other agency or contact the organisation on their behalf. In a few cases, it prompts to me to ask a question in parliament. Examples have included abused tenants, immigrant families who had been treated badly and specific social care issues. Close to my heart are problems around the award of Education, Health and Care funding in Buckinghamshire that is proving extremely difficult for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities.
I have already begun running surgeries in the new constituency, where people can make an appointment to meet with me. We will let Wendover News know when they are being held in the local area, but you can also find them on my web page: www.gregsmith.co.uk. Constituents can also email me on greg.smith.mp@ parliament.uk.”
Greg’s wife’s family are farmers, and he is sometimes involved in the running of the farm. This, and a love of the countryside gives him strong views about farming in Buckinghamshire. When we started talking about land use, it was immediately obvious that he is not one for good/ bad, black/white approach to complex issues.
He talks with authority about food security and how world events might affect access to food and why home grown is better. He understands the need for land for housing and jobs and goes into detail about how government should look at more effective use of brownfield sites – particularly for solar energy which, he says, should not waste land that could be used for food production. But he realises we need renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions. He is a person who understands how things inter-relate and why “just stamping your feet” doesn’t go anywhere near solving problems.
I was surprised that a busy MP, who clearly has responsibilities in national government and a deep understanding of global issues, should keep coming back to talk about problems that affect ordinary people in the constituency. “It’s very important to me to help constituency members who have problems. I’ll never forget the people who put me into the job”, he said.
Referring to the fact that his first career was in print, design and marketing, I asked Greg if he could be a volunteer for Wendover News in his spare time? He smiled, as he replied “Spare time…?”
Richard Byford interviewed Greg Smith MP for Wendover News at Halton Tennis Club on 15 July 2024.
Local Face: David Marshall BEM
Congratulations to David Marshall on being awarded the medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the community, in the Birthday Honours of King Charles in 2024. He has been invited to an award ceremony by the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Howe, but no date or venue has yet been fixed.
David and his younger brother were born in Hemel Hempstead and lived at the time in Abbotts Langley before moving to their mother’s village of Weston Turville around 1945.
David’s maternal grandfather had been a builder and the family were able to buy that home when his grandmother died. Their father came from Sutton in Surrey and was a printer and publisher in London but he was conscripted into the RAF for WW2. He was good at fixing things so he became an engine fitter for Rolls Royce Merlin engines before returning to civvy street from an RAF base in Lincolnshire.
David must have inherited his father’s genes and practice as he started an apprenticeship at RTB (Richard Thomas and Baldwin) Steel Laboratories in Whitchurch. It was there that he met his wife, Jane who was also qualifying as a bench chemist. They married in 1970 and lived in Weston Turville.
and develop two local buildings, which eventually led to the award of the BEM for services to the community.
It started with Dunsmore Village Hall, a brick building provided by Langford Lovell, the Lord of the Manor of Wendover Dean in 1849, as a schoolroom for the children of agricultural labourers with one teacher employed for that purpose. This use ceased after WW1 when it became the Village Hall. It still has the original black and red Victorian tiles and a small fireplace. David helped to fit replacement windows with his friend the late Tony Wood and others.
The Hall was registered as a charity and David is a Trustee and chair of the Management Committee. He is keen to thank all fellow Trustees and other villagers who willingly help with maintenance and repair. He has provided a patio area with access from modern French windows and has also been on a mission to eliminate rodents from the roof.
No sooner had David become involved with Dunsmore Village Hall, than the other community building needed serious work. In about 1978, Ellesborough Parish Church sought to sell off the Church of the Resurrection, a wooden building constructed in 1897 as a chapel of ease mostly for agricultural labourers. It did not have water or a septic tank and water could not be introduced making the sale more or less impossible.
RTB eventually consolidated its laboratories in South Wales but neither youngster wanted to move away. Meanwhile, brother Stephen (always known as “Ginger”) had been learning to be a car mechanic and wanted to set up on his own. David joined him in starting up a car business in the California area of Aylesbury.
They offered service and repair including for sporting models. Jane used her laboratory skills first at PRL (Princes Risborough Laboratory) then she became an air hostess with BUA for a short while before joining TRADA (Timber Research and Development) in Naphill. David and Jane moved to Dunsmore in 1975.
David and Jane felt welcome in Dunsmore from the moment they arrived (December) and David was drawn into helping to maintain
• Loose covers
• Curtains
• Re-Upholstery
• Tracks & Poles
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The villagers took on the responsibility of rebuilding the south wall in the same materials as the original. Then came re-roofing, the first part by volunteers then a local roofer kindly offered to finish the second side. David made a chandelier so that the carol service could be by candlelight. Dunsmore cream teas in summer support both buildings and are advertised in roadside posters and Wendover News so do go up if you are available.
Sadly David’s wife Jane died in 2017. A further blow came this year when his family home was destroyed by fire on 3 January. Friends were very supportive and David hopes to be able to rebuild as soon as the insurance claim has been settled. Fortunately David’s outbuildings were not harmed so he continues with his hobbies including helping friends to maintain classic cars, mostly Austin-Healeys for sprints and hill climbs. Words and photo: Jane Larkham
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Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower
Welcoming summer project staff
As the Wendover Parish Council office staff team has gone down from three members of staff to two, we are looking at how we can keep staff costs down while maintaining service. We have recruited and developed three summer project roles to create efficiencies and make step changes in projects that need a bit more resource.
Emma Harrington will be looking at all our internal processes and making efficiencies so that we will spend less time behind a spreadsheet and have more time for community projects. Ross Bleakley (see page 8) will be working on making the Local Produce Market a busy and popular local attraction and George Atwell will be supporting the Strategic Planning Process.
All three are local or have links to Wendover and we are already excited by what they can do to improve services to residents.
Parish Council Meetings
Tuesday 6 August, 7:30pm St Anne's Hall Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG
Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
Wendover Local Produce Market
Saturday 17 August, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste
We're looking for new traders! Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
www.facebook.com/wendoverparish
Helianth and us – sunflowers are starting to smile!
Sunflowers are starting to bloom and we are hoping it will make you smile. Drop onto our website at www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/ make-wendover-smile to see the details and a map of our Sunflower Trail. We are encouraging everyone to walk some or (if you are brave) all of the trail and look out for the sunflowers on the route. If you spot a fellow sunflower spotter don’t forget to say hi and swap sunflower notes!
The event aims to cheer Wendover up and bring the community together – so who you meet on the trail is just as important as the sunflowers you see. Details of where to post pictures on social media are on the website and if you have a house on the trail and fancy making a display of sunflowers (which can be paper, wood or wool) then you still just about have time before the 4th August (just!).
Picnic in the Park
Our successful picnic in the park is back and this time it has gone to the dogs – along with the usual street food vendors, live music, DJ, local charity stalls/games, we have a skateboard ramp and demos and finally the Make Wendover Smile dog show. Don’t worry – you don’t need to start training – they just need to come along and be gorgeous.
There are much more details on our website www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/picnic-in-the-park
The event on Sat 31 August is designed as an end-of-summer treat before gearing up for less exciting things such as school. You can
come along with picnic blankets and a hamper or take advantage of some of the excellent food and drink available in Wendover.
Streetlight switch off
We are now working with other local Parish Councils on how we can reduce our energy consumption, reduce light pollution and help insects and humans. This has delayed some of the surveys we intended to undertake but it is positive as we will ultimately have a much bigger impact – keep watching for more information
Councillor Surgeries
We have changed the date of the Surgeries –where you can drop in and ask a question of the Parish Council. They are now held every third Saturday of the month – the same day as the Local Produce Market. They are held in the Library so feel free to drop in and chat – then peruse the local produce over on the Manor Waste where there are some tasty treats and fine arts and crafts on display.
Wendover Parish Council, The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU