MAKE YOUR MARK
No politics here. But democracy is another matter…
In the United Kingdom, one thing you can rely on is that every four or five years, there will be an election to appoint a prime minister. At least, that’s how it normally works, but recently, we have had three prime ministers in as many years. This year, we may be choosing a prime minister to lead us through a full term – or even longer.
The odd thing about how the elections work is that we don’t actually vote for the prime minister; we vote for an individual who will represent our locality, ie our constituency, in parliament, and then the party with the most MPs determines who is going to run the country.
This means that many people feel that their vote is not going to make a difference. You hear people saying, “there’s no point in voting, nothing will change” or “they are all the same”. That’s understandable if you look at the number of people who are allowed to vote. Your vote could be one of over 48 million, according to the Office of National Statistics. Your vote has as much chance of ‘counting’ as any other – but only at a local level.
Wendover News is likely to change your mind if you are set on voting tactically. So we put our minds to what might inform your decision in choosing an individual who you would like to have representing you in parliament on local matters.
Before we continue: most Wendover News readers live in the new Mid Buckinghamshire constituency. Based on the time and resources we have available, we decided to focus on the majority, rather than to include those who are in Aston Clinton and Weston Turville. If you are one of the minority, we are very sorry, we didn’t forget you – and we hope you will forgive us.
Image by Freepik
We set out to find out which of the candidates was most likely to focus on local issues, rather than to follow the party line and disregard the needs of the people who elected them. Wendover News is constitutionally non-political and is in the business of providing you with local news that will keep you informed, interested and entertained. We don’t think we should be telling people who to vote for. What we have done though, is to get information from the candidates – giving them all the chance to answer the same question equally, so that you can make an informed decision.
Continued on page 13
There are many ways of making the choice. If you favour one particular party, then you probably won’t have to think about it for too long. But more so in this election than any previous, we hear people talking about voting for the ‘least bad’ option. Nothing that we can say at
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Wendover, Dunsmore, The Lee, Halton, Weston Turville and Aston Clinton
Voting: Make your mark Cover
Evicted voters 16
David Morgan at D-Day 80 17 Club Corner 18
WDS: Carers need care too 20
Health and Wellbeing: Exercise session 21
Business Focus: Lessons from Gusto 22
Local Faces: JCS head students 23 WPC View from the clocktower..................... 24
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Events
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.
BBOWT activities in July
See the walks programme online at www. bbowt.org.uk events. Enjoy learning about the incredible biodiversity of our local reserves.
Seated Exercise & Forever Cycling Classes
In Wendover and Aston Clinton
2-3pm, Aston Clinton Baptist Church, HP22 5EX Mons 1, 15, 29 - Forever Cycling Mons 8, 22 – Seated Exercise 1.15-2.15pm, Wendover Health Centre, HP22 6LD Weds 3, 17 & 31 July – Seated Exercise Wed 24 - Forever Cycling
All classes cost £2 per session, you can pay for your session in cash on arrival. Contact Amelia via Amelia.Evans@aitc.org.uk, 07399 748803, ahead of your first session to ensure your space! For more information about the sessions, including a full timetable. visit: www. activeinthecommunity.org.uk/forever-cycling and www.activeinthecommunity.org.uk/ seated-exercise See p21
Kimble & Ellesborough Hort Society
Tues 2, 6-7.30pm,Members garden visit Chalgrove Grange, Oxfordshire. The 11 acres of gardens include herbaceous borders and
a large expanse of prairie with many grasses and a wildflower meadow. It also includes a lake, arboretum, old orchard and a vegetable garden. www.e-voice.org.uk/kehs
Cracklewick Morris
Tues 8.15-10.15pm, Halton Village Hall
An all-inclusive mixed Morris side who meet most Tuesdays for dance practice. Everyone welcome – musicians and dancers. No experience needed to dance. Email cracklewickmorris@gmail.com
Compassionate
Café Wigginton
Wed 3, 1.30-3pm, The Sports Ground, HP23 6HH
A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.
Craft Group
Weds 3, 17 & 31, 10am-12pm, Wendover Christian Centre
Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Please bring your own materials or just come to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
Chiltern Miniaturists Club
Wed 3, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall
The club meets on the first Wednesday each month. The current project is market stalls for a Christmas Market. For more details, contact Leanne Hutchings, lee-annehutchings@ hotmail.com.
Chilterns Light Network
Weds, 7.30pm Wendover Memorial Hall 3 Inner Strength 10 Somatic Breathwork 17 Dowsing 24 Sound Bath (pre book) 31 Shamanic Journeying. Fun and friendly group. £5 non-members. clnwendover@protonmail. com and www.chilternslightnetwork.org
4 July
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! ...take your photoID with you.
Wills and Estate Planning Surgery
Thu 4 & 18, 12- 2pm, Wendover Library
To book, call 01296 415700 or email iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk
Poetry Please
Fri 5, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre
This month the theme will be ‘Nature.’ Take a suitable poem to read or go and see what others have found. Everyone welcome!
Chilfest
Fri 5-Sat 6, Cow Lane, Tring, HP23 5NS
Friday is Totally Tribute, a tribute band line-up that kicks off the weekend’s festivities. Saturday will see the main stage graced with favourite bands from the 80s and 90s, including Marc Almond, Nik Kershaw, Scouting for Girls, Heaven 17, and Go West. Details at www.chilfest.co.uk.
Tring Choral Society
Sat 6, 7.30pm. St Peter and St Paul Church, Tring, HP23 5AE
Colin Stevens will celebrate his 50th anniversary as musical director of Tring Choral Society. The classical choir will sing ‘Choral Classics,’ a selection of some of Colin’s favourite pieces. www.tringchoral.org.uk
Wendover Music
Sat 7, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Wendover
Details and tickets available online via www.wendover-music.org and from Just, High St, Wendover. See ad Front page.
Family Jazz Picnic
Sun 7, 12:30-4:30 pm. Picket Piece, Hale Lane HP22 6NQ
Bring your own food, drink, mat, chairs etc. Open to non-members. £8 (members), £10 (non-members). Children under 14 free of charge. Parking is available. To book go to www.bit.ly/3VGszWn See p9.
Wendover Evening WI
Tue 9, 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover The speaker, Dr Jill Eyers, will be giving a talk entitled “Food Glorious Food”. If you are interested in joining or finding out more about the WI then please contact Margaret on 01296 582318. See p19.
Planning for Later Life
Wed 10, 6-7pm, Wendover Library
A free talk on Wills. For contact details see advert p6.
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Board Game Café
Thu 11, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre
A monthly get-together for lovers of board games! Enjoy a variety of games old and new or bring your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all.
Repair Café in Aston Clinton
Sat 13, 9am-12pm, St Michaels, HP22 5HW Take along your broken household items. All donations are given to St Michael’s Church.
Youth Fest with Wendover Youth Centre Fri 19, 12.30-5.30pm, Castle Park, Wendover For 9-16 years. Crafts, Inflatables, Food. £5 wristband. See ad p5.
Summer of Fun at Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury
20 July to 3 September
Open seven days a week with 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, Garden Play Zone, Sensory and Toy Room and hands-on fun in the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. Find out more at discoverbucksmuseum.org. See ad p4.
Book Club
Sat 20, 10.30 to 11.30am Wendover Christian Centre
Whatever you enjoy reading, you’ll be
welcome at Book Club. There isn’t a set book. Just come and see what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you’ve been reading.
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 20, 2.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall
Local artist, Katie Jones, on her work and inspiration. If she’s not painting in her studio or sketching when outdoors, she’s running clubs and workshops to help others unleash their creativity. She loves experimenting with different materials so you will find an eclectic mix of colours and textures in her expressive abstracts, still life and landscapes (and the odd portrait when she’s feeling brave!).
Katie will bring along her sketch books, cards, and prints to buy. Visit www.katiejonesuk.com aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com.
Wendover Horticultural Society
WEDNESDAY 24
Visit to Kingston Bagpuize House and gardens, leave about midday, cost £45. If interested, contact Diane at 07966155775
Arts Society Ballinger
Thu 25, 7.15 for 7.30pm, Ballinger War Memorial Hall, HP16 9LQ
Kettle’s Yard: A masterpiece of Curatorship. Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge described as one of the country’s most intimate and spellbinding museums was the collection of one man.
Su mmer Fun at
Wendover Christian Centre
Tuesdays and Thursdays 30th July to 22nd August
Tuesdays: Café and games from 10am Lunch at 12.30 £4.00 Crafternoon 2-4pm £4.00
Thursdays: Noah’s ark 10-11.30 under 5s Board game café 2-4pm
Checkout Facebook www.facebook.com/WendoverFree/ or text Elly 07941448560 for more info and to book lunches or crafts. Under 14s please bring an adult!
H S Ede opened his home to university students in 1957 - his collection included works by Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Christopher Wood and Alfred Wallis alongside pieces of furniture, ceramics and natural objects.
Please note the earlier time as the AGM takes place for 15 mins just prior to the start of the lecture. Please join us for refreshments after the lecture. Email: ballinger@theartssociety.org or refer to the website www.theartssocietyballinger.org.uk
Tring Summer Carnival
Thu 27-Sun 30
27 Tring Together Big Quiz; 28 Beer Festival and Band Night; 29 Carnival Day until 5pm; 29 from 7.15pm Music in the Marquee; 30 Music at the Roots Music Marquee in Pound Meadow. For details and tickets visit www.tringtogether.org.uk
Local Farmers and Craft Market
Sun 28, 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
Cream Teas St Mary’s Church Weston Turville Sun 28, 3-5pm
All welcome.
Kew Little Pigs Family Fun Day
28 July & 25 Aug, 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/
Summer Fun at Wendover Christian Centre
30 July - 22 August
Four weeks of activities for every age on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See ad p4 and p7.
Save the Date:
Look out for details of the Scarecrow Competition – Make a scarecrow and display it from 31 August. The theme is the Olympics and Paralympics. Contact wendoverscarecrow@gmail.com
3 August - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, at Aylesbury Waterside. fnhospice.org. uk/Charlie.
7 August - u3a Open Day at St Mary’s Church – See ad p5 and p18.
7 September – Afternoon tea in Great Missenden for Macmillan Cancer Support. Contact Jill York 07846 534301
Planning ahead? Wendover News production dates. Don’t wait until the last minute to send details of your event!
All contributions for inclusion in Wendover News can be submitted as early as the first day of the month preceding the issue in which it needs to appear. To ensure we have enough space, email editor@ wendover.co.uk or advertising@wendover.co.uk to let us know your intentions as early as possible.
Edition Deadline (18:00) August .............................................................................. 12 July September 9 August
Wendover u3a Open Day at St Mary’s Church, Wendover HP22 6NL Wednesday 7 August 10am-1pm
You can find out more on our new website at wendover.u3asite.uk.
See article in Club Corner
Local News
From the Editorial Team
In January this year, we were privileged to feature Wendover’s oldest veteran, David Morgan, on our front page, with the news that he had been awarded the Legion d’Honneur by the president of France. Last month, we were thrilled to see the centenarian on television attending the commemorative event in Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy, attended by the King. Jane Larkham was able to capture an account of his recent trip to France and it appears on page 17.
Some 170 Local residents,military veterans and guests who were not able to make the trip were able to attend a commemoration event put on by Chiltern View Garden Centre. Guests were treated
They were then entertained by The D-Day Darlings who had earlier been on the BBC’s One Show. The free event was sponsored by Suzi Bone of Chiltern View Garden Centre who said: “[The event] saw the community of Buckinghamshire and Aylesbury come together for a fun yet moving commemoration of those brave people who achieved so much for us 80 years ago. It gave us the chance to remember those who risked their lives for peace and freedom. It was great to have some wonderful guests and speakers join us and we thank everyone for coming along.”
It is important to remind ourselves of the events of the past. Details can get forgotten and the lessons learned lost from collective memory. That is why we started the occasional series ‘Secret Wendover’.
In this edition on page 16, Rory revisits his piece from last month about the former status of Wendover as a Rotten Borough and describes what may have been one of the least pleasant effects of dysfunctional democratic practices. This is particularly relevant this month as the General Election will likely be the preoccupation of the mainstream media.
This time round, probably more so than ever before, the subject of Tactical Voting will be an issue. Many people seem to be taking the view that they will have to vote for the ‘lesser of two evils’. Those who prefer to take an alternative approach may welcome our feature
PLANNING FOR LATER LIFE
You are invited to join me at my FREE talk on Wills, why have them and what can happen if you do not have them, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Related Matters.
WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY FROM 6-7 PM AT WENDOVER LIBRARY
To book your place or to find out more, please contact assistant@wanstallconsulting co uk or call 01296 415700
to afternoon tea, drinks and speeches from Colonel Derek Plews and Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council Mimi Harker OBE.
that starts on the front page and continues on page 13 in which
to see how they would tackle a particular local problem.
The Editorial Team
Olivia Chapple awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Olivia Chapple, founder and Chair of Trustees at Horatio’s Garden, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list with an OBE for her exceptional services to charity.
In 2012, Olivia and her husband David set up the charity Horatio’s Garden, creating and nurturing beautiful, fully accessible, garden projects across the UK to give vital places for reflection and adjustment for people who have experienced spinal injuries, their families and NHS staff.
The charity is a memorial to her eldest son Horatio an aspiring doctor, who identified the need for a garden for patients in the NHS spinal injury centre where volunteered. He was tragically killed by a polar bear when on a school trip to the Arctic in 2011.
Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville opened in September 2018 and was created by RHS Gold Medal winner and presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World, Joe Swift. The garden is part of the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which is the largest centre in the UK.
Keeping the children busy over summer
Summer Fun at Wendover Christian Centre
Elly van den Heuvel writes: This summer there will be four weeks of activities for every age on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 30 July and 22 August.
On Tuesdays there will be a drop-in café from 10am. Call in for a chat. Toys and games are also available. At 12.30 we have a community lunch with a suggested donation of £4 for a main course and dessert. From 2pm we have a different craft each week: bottle lights, stone painting, candle decorating and Indian block print fabric bags. Crafts are suitable for adults and children, booking essential, £4 donation for materials.
On Thursday mornings we are running Noah’s Ark under-5s group from 10-11.30am. Baby area, variety of toys, stickers and colouring, garden area with outdoor toys. Suggested donation £1 per family. On Thursday afternoons we have a board game café from 2-4pm. We have lots of different games, but feel free to bring your own. See Facebook www.facebook.com/WendoverFree or text Elly on 07941 448560 for more info and to book lunches or crafts. Under-14s please bring an adult. See advert p4
Wendover Youth Centre
There’s plenty of fun and activities being arranged during the school summer holidays. Every Thursday from 5 to 9pm. All the activities include a hot meal which is free for families who can provide a HAF code. The season culminates with an evening out bowling and a visit to Go Ape. See ad page 6
There’s also a full afternoon of activities for 9 - 16 year olds running on 19 July at Ashbrook Recreation Ground. See ad page 5
Photo: Jonathan Jones
Local News
Discover Bucks Museum
The museum in Aylesbury has a packed summer programme of activities for all ages including a May the Toys Be With You exhibition where you will be able to see amazing Star Wars toys and movie posters. discoverbucksmuseum.org See ad p4
Make Wendover Smile Trail
Make a Sunflower creation for the above and display it . On Saturday 3 August you can join in the fun and go at whatever pace you choose to see the sunflower displays along the Trail. See back page for more details.
Wendover Choral Society
Penny Cobb writes: “If you weren’t at St Mary’s Church in Wendover on 18 May, then you missed an absolute treat. Wendover Choral Society was joined by organist Adrian Bawtree, Amersham Band and the amazingly versatile trumpeter Sasha Canter, for an outstanding evening of wonderful music. The choir was led by inspirational and highly energetic Kenton Brigden, Director of Music at St Mary’s Church Aylesbury.
The evening kicked off with the choir performing three short sets of varied songs ranging from William Byrd to George Gershwin. Kenton’s verve and professionalism were evident to all and comments from the audience were overflowing with praise for the whole performance.
call 01296 582215
The choir’s songs were interspersed with two magnificent organ solos by J S Bach and Zsolt Gardonyi, performed with agility and vigor by Adrian Bawtree, Director of Music and Organist at Rochester Cathedral.
The whole church was also treated to two spectacular virtuoso solos by trumpeter Sasha Canter. This young man, winner of the Brass section final of 2022 Young Musician of the Year, showed an outstanding display of technique and virtuosity, along with a selfassured maturity way beyond his years.
The rousing finale saw band and choir combine to perform the much-loved ‘Va, Pensiero’ from Nabucco by Verdi. A fitting end to a fantastic evening.
As the newest member of Wendover Choral Society, I am perhaps a little biased in my comments above, but this small, yet inclusive choir, has shown a most friendly and welcoming warmth, and rehearsals are a joy to attend. If you love to sing, whether you can read music or not, come on down to the beautiful St Mary’s Church Wendover on a Thursday night from September to May, and see for yourself!”
Family Jazz Picnic
The Wendover Society invites you to yet another fantastic Family Jazz Picnic on Sunday 7 July. Enjoy the beauty of the grounds of Picket Piece (about 1/3 of a mile up from Hale Road on the left).
You will be serenaded by the sweet tones of Blue in Green. Bring your own food, drink, mat, chairs etc. (Ice cream and water will be for sale for cash). Open to non-members. £8 (members), £10 (non-members). Children under 14 are admitted free of charge. Parking is available. To book go to tinyurl.com/Ticket-WS
Wendover Art Hub
Wendover Art Hub (WAH!) launched on 19 of May at Real Magic Book’s first festival weekend with a fantastic, creative and fun family art workshop making paper bird mobiles to take home and hang up to flutter in the wind.
Local artist Jaany Ravenscroft-Hull runs Wendover Art Hub and is planning exciting and expressive local art workshops for children as well as adults in future. These will explore printing, drawing, painting, felting, mixed media, seascapes, photography and more.
Do you love art already? Want to improve but don’t know where to start? Looking to inspire your child to be creative? You can get involved and learn a range of exciting techniques taught in a friendly atmosphere by Jaany, an experienced, DBS checked teacher. Workshops will be held in local spaces, including upstairs in Real Magic Books.
To be informed about upcoming art workshops email Jaany at art. hub.ox@gmail.com or follow www.instagram.com/wendoverart where workshops and dates will be posted.
Fund a nurse for a year
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is appealing to people in Buckinghamshire to help it ‘make the impossible possible’ by supporting an appeal to fund a nurse for a year.
The local charity aims to raise £70,000 over the next year, which
Tel: 01494 482787 Mob: 07725 328 049 Email: grace.gcb@outlook.com
638527
will be enough to fund a clinical nurse specialist at the hospice care charity. To support the Rennie Grove Peace Fund a Nurse appeal, visit www.renniegrovepeace.org/fundanurse
Charity Golf Day Chilterns Neuro Centre
Near perfect weather conditions and a pristine green made for a great day of sportsmanship and friendly competition for golf enthusiasts at the Chilterns Neuro Centre’s Charity Golf Day at the exclusive Stocks Golf Club, held on 7 June, raising over £13,000 for the charity.
The event brought together golfers, sponsors and volunteers to raise funds for the Chilterns Neuro Centre, Wendover, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes.
After everyone completed their round and the scores were tallied and adjusted for handicaps, the team competition was won by ‘2 Gunners 2 Cannons,’ led by team captain, James Lawton, who was also the individual winner.
The winners were presented their trophies at a special prize-giving ceremony after the event which also included a barbecue, raffle and silent auction to help raise funds for the Centre.
“Events like this are crucial in helping us raise funds that provide people with life-changing treatments, therapies and support,” said Hannah Prentice, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Chilterns Neuro Centre. “They are also vital for raising awareness of what we do at the Centre and the support we provide people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes.”
“EIC was proud to support the Centre, once again, as we are always delighted to be affiliated with such an incredible charity,” said Charlie Hicks, Managing Director at EIC Insurance. “As a business, it is great to support such a great event and, as a golfer, it was great to be involved in such a well-organised event.”
Anyone who missed out on this popular event can sign up for a second Charity Golf Day at Chiltern Forest Golf Club on Friday 13 September.
Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity seeking Volunteers
The Charity is seeking short-term temporary volunteers to help in its 13 shops across Buckinghamshire including Wendover over the busy summer holiday period.
“With summer fast approaching, we are on the lookout for shortterm ‘Summer Temp’ volunteers to support our shops during the busy summer period and to help cover when our existing volunteers go away themselves.” says Su Bennett, Volunteer Engagement
Manager at the Charity. “It’s a fantastic opportunity if you have long summer holidays, are in-between jobs or retired as you can make new friends, try something different and give something back to their local community. So, if you can spare a few hours a week between June and September, please get in touch.”
To find out more, call the charity on 01296 429975 or email volunteering@fnhospice.org.uk .
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory stars 150 local children Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is proud to present its production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Saturday 3 August . Welcome to the world of pure imagination with this tasty Broadway and West End musical based on the famous novel and hit movie.
WHERE’S ALEX?
Local entrepreneur and athlete Alex is doing well on his mission to complete 73 triathlons in each of the UK cities this year. So far, he has notched up Coventry, Belfast, Peterborough, Cambridge on his tour – fitting in other cities in between business calls on clients.
This month, on his ninth city, Leicester, he faced a temporary setback when the wheels started to come off. Literally. He had two punctures in quick succession. He attempted to get two bus trips back into town to repair the tyres but was refused both times. He says “I ended up walking an hour and a quarter back into town and then time was against me. In my frustration and against my better judgement, I ended up in a Domino’s for a consolatory pizza. I will be back in
Suitable for the whole family, with all the well-known hits, don’t miss out on this special, one day only event. Get your golden tickets today! This amateur production will star over 150 local children and raise money to fund specialist palliative and end-of-life care services for patients across Buckinghamshire and its borders.
Amy Quinlan, Senior Fundraiser for Special Events and Projects for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, who is directing the project said: “All of our young performers are full of talent and enthusiasm and raring to hit the stage. We’re so proud to be bringing the local community together and raising money for such a worthy Charity at the same time. We expect this to be a sold-out show and tickets are limited so please don’t delay in ordering yours.” Book your tickets at fnhospice.org.uk/charlie.
Leicester for the triathlon, and this has increased my resolve to be more prepared and anyway, I always knew I would have a few bumps along the way”.
At the time of writing, he has completed eight triathlons and hopes to complete all 73 by the end of this year. Maybe we should plan some sort of reception for him at the end? Perhaps having him running into a crowded Manor Waste to rapturous applause? Or, if the weather carries on the way it has, perhaps he could swim in…
If you would like to encourage Alex, by dotating to his favourite charities, go to www.justgiving.com/page/alex-davis-1710164587869.
& Remedial Massage Therapy qualified since 2004 Studio based just off Wendover High Street emergency / home visits possible www.annabarton.com 07796 694036
Wendover Community Hub approved!
In 2022, Buckinghamshire Libraries embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the Wendover Community Library into a dynamic, inclusive community hub. The project has successfully secured just under £493,000 in funding, which includes contributions from the Buckinghamshire Council Capital programme, Wendover Parish Council, Wendover Community Library Trust and the community fundraising campaign. However, due to inflation and budget constraints, the original scheme faced delays. After a resubmission of the grant application, the Arts Council as the lead funder approved a revised scheme, allowing the project to proceed with all original deliverables, excluding the extension.
The revised scheme will offer an internal refit which includes: an art installation co-created with the community; new sensory children’s library and dementia friendly space overlooking the community garden; new flexible meeting spaces for community activity or private hire; comfortable setting areas for work, study or social interaction;
• Range of Heritage Products • Double Glazed Units • Single Glazing & Putty Work • Splashbacks & Toughened Glass • Rooflights & Lanterns
• Bi-folding & Patio Doors
• Secondary Glazing
We are a local, Buckinghamshire, Independent Window, Door and Glazing Company with over 30 years experience in the industry. We offer a relaxed, friendly and professional design and installation service with all quotes and surveys free of charge. 01296 487586 or 01296 710044 enquiries@countyglassandglazing.co.uk
new self-service technologies (loanable tablets, digital media screens and self-serve kiosk); improvements to the outdoor spaces; and improved energy efficiency and a multi-functional reception area.
Planning and building control applications will be submitted in mid-June 2024, followed by a procurement exercise which will enable us to award a contract for main construction works by the end of July 2024. Works are expected to start in September 2024, and the new library is planned to launch in spring 2025.
We will be offering a reduced interim library service at the Wendover Parish Council Offices, Clock Tower, High St, Wendover when the library is closed for works. More details to follow.
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You could be a writer...
In our last edition we published news of a short story competition without, rather significantly, adding the word count! If you’ll forgive the fumble, we’d like to add a little asterisk to that piece signalling that the upper limit is 1,000 words. You can either consult that piece or the poster in the library for further information. Thank you for bearing with us.
Could you imagine yourself being a writer for the Wendover News?
Do you have a way with words - or could words be your way? You don’t have to be Shakespeare, but Shakespeare started somewhere.
The Wendover News team is looking for writers of all ages to contribute articles for publication. It might help to think of writing as a muscle, words as little bricks, and the creation of the Wendover News as a building to house what’s going on in the community. Every great construction needs great workers, and Wendover News is looking for motivated people to help us build something great - for the community, as a community.
To add to that, it’s a great opportunity to gain connections in the world of words – a stepping stone to something new – or perhaps you’d like to get a little taste for journalism; or perhaps again you’d simply like to volunteer your expertise to do something beneficial for the community. Whatever your circumstances, we’d be grateful for your contribution.
So if you think writing might be for you - whether a toe-dip, neck and shoulders or full plunge into a literary career - why not put a piece together (based on something local, of course), and send it through to editor@wendovernews.co.uk? You never know what might happen.
Rory’s Story Tips
Having given us his own tips last month, Rory Lavery asked fellow volunteer, Stephen Ellis-Jones for his. Stephen is a keen writer who is currently working on a crime novel set in the Chilterns of long ago. His four tips for writing short stories are:
Read – or more specifically, read, read, read! The more you read, the more you will pick up the art of writing, from plots, to characters, to simple writing craft. Try copying the style of a writer you love. It might sound like cheating, but it will get you going and your own style will soon emerge.
Interest – write about something that interests you. This is not a prerequisite for a professional writer, particularly journalism, but if you’re not interested in what you are writing about, your reader – even if it’s just you – will not be interested in reading what you have written.
Main character – make your main character warm. There are of course, many famous novels where the main character is truly odious, but if the reader warms to your main character they are more likely to like the story as a whole. It is much easier for you to write about a character that you like.
Hook – this is the most important element and something that every creative writing course will teach you. You must provide something early on in your story that hooks your reader’s attention. Without it, they will simply give up on it. There are many examples of great novels that provide a hook in the very first sentence – such as “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
We chose HS2 as our primary topic. It is the biggest single issue that disproportionately affects everybody in and around Wendover. There are others, but most issues are dealt with at a national level. To ensure impartiality, we sent identical emails to all candidates for the Mid Buckinghamshire constituency asking them:
“If elected, how would you use your influence as an MP, or on relevant committees, to ensure that HS2 delivers on its promises and statutory duty to mitigate the effect on the people living in the Mid Buckinghamshire constituency, both during construction and eventual operations?”
We gave them a limit of 120 words for their response. They were given a deadline and those that required it were reminded when the deadline was imminent. The full content of the email can be seen on our website at https://bit.ly/3xftnZ0
To ensure fairness, the responses on the next page have been presented in the order their names were picked out of a nice little flower bowl by Eileen Lock-Macardy, owner of Eileen’s Flower Shop, witnessed by Jane Larkham and Simon Eccles.
How to vote
Some time in the past two weeks, you should have received a poll card. You don’t need to take the card with you to vote, but it will help speed up the process. What you must have with you though, is photographic identification.
On the back of the poll card, it states the constituency in which you will be entitled to vote and the purpose of the poll, which is to elect a member of parliament – though you might well have discovered that from other sources. It will also tell you where you will be expected to vote. This is important as if you go to the wrong location you will not be on their list and they will turn you away.
Our readers in Wendover, Halton and Stoke Mandeville will no longer be voting for candidates in Aylesbury, because they are now in the new Mid Buckinghamshire Constituency.
Weston Turville and Aston Clinton residents remain in Aylesbury, but the new constituency takes in most areas to the immediate west and south of Wendover, including St Leonards, The Lee, Great Missenden, Ellesborough and Kimble. There was a slightly longer article on the boundary changes in our April edition on P19: https://bit.ly/3Vt8WzD
The poll card also reminds you of the importance of photographic identification. This was first seen at the earlier election for a Police and Crime Commissioner, but turnout was quite low so some people may not be aware of this requirement.
The message certainly didn’t get noticed by Boris Johnson, who famously turned up for that election without photo ID (according to the BBC). We included a piece about the new requirement on page 9 of our April edition. There is also a more comprehensive list of acceptable forms of photo ID printed inside the polling card.
Go along to the polling station where you are registered and just follow the instructions from the friendly polling officials!
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Responses from the Mid-Buckinghamshire candidates
Wisdom Da Costa, Climate Party
“The High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Act 2017 may have been passed by Parliament on the basis of strategic misrepresentations and the deliberate dumbing down of the projected costs of HS2.
These cost estimates were at best complete fantasy and at worst may be considered fraudulent, meaning that the sovereignty of parliament was effectively negated. This has deprived public services of 30 billion pounds of funding; destroyed the lives or livelihoods of up hundreds of local people and businesses; caused environmental damage on a scale not seen since WWII.
I will cooperate with others to bring forward further evidence on the scale and extent of this scandal to identify those responsible and, to seek appropriate redress for local people and businesses.”
Greg Smith, Green Party
“As an MP, I would use my influence to empower local groups, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed. Local residents and businesses have a role in minimising ongoing damage and disruption. This involves monitoring heavy vehicles, managing chaotic road closures, and ensuring that HS2 delivers on its environmental commitments to nature recovery.
HS2 is failing short on its promise to restore wildlife refuges, nature reserves, and ancient woodlands. By galvanising local people into action and harnessing HS2 resources, we can hold them to account.
I would also push hard for a public inquiry to understand how such a significant public project could be so badly mismanaged. Gaining insight into these failures will help us avoid similar mistakes in future.”
Greg Smith, Conservative
“I’m a total opponent of HS2. I fight them every single day, in the Commons, on the Transport Select Committee and dragging Ministers and HS2 Ltd execs to Buckinghamshire.
I’ve exposed the shameful acts HS2 Ltd think they can get away with. From endless closures of the A413 and Nash Lee Road, drainage issues, lorries tearing up our local roads, draining streams for water. No one should be expected to live with this or looking to the future, operational noise from the trains. I’ve heard Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group’s concerns and am ready to go into bat.
Effective challenge of HS2 requires persistence, detailed analysis and unflappable patience. That’s what I have done – and pledge to continue to do.”
Stephanie Harwood, Reform UK
No response received.
Yvonne Wilding, SDP
“The HS2 project was ill-conceived and should never have been initiated. I would insist that all work on the current stage of the project is completed on schedule, to the necessary standards – ensuring strict controls on any further damage to the natural habitat. The contractual commitment to landscaping and environmental repair and enhancement, already factored into the project, must be completely fulfilled, and should remain a ring-fenced spending priority.
No milestone payments should be made to the contractor until those impact environmental mitigation measures are delivered to the Wendover residents’ satisfaction. Both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party talk of revisiting the second stage of the project which was cancelled. I would oppose this vigorously.”
Carissma Griffiths,
Labour
“It’s clear that HS2 has caused unforgiveable damage to this beautiful area and now – with its journey north suspended by the Government – all credibility for the economic case has been lost. As your MP, it would be my job to try to ensure the physical scars from this project are healed.
If elected I would take the interests of our community to the heart of government, advocating on behalf of local opinion and interests. But also, I would work with the relevant agencies, tiers of government and build on my experience in the construction sector to salvage something from this terribly managed project. Something good must come from this. I will work with this community to make sure it does.”
Anja Schaefer, Liberal Democrats
“As MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, holding HS2 to account would have top priority for me. Following the example of Sarah Green, Lib Dem MP for Chesham & Amersham, I would raise HS2 oversight in parliament and committees wherever possible, and I would seek regular meetings with the construction company and with local stakeholders.
I would focus on specific issues, such as mitigating noise and disruption, nature protection, eg water management and habitat restoration, and returning high quality assets to communities after construction. Wendover is one of the communities particularly badly affected and I would seek to work closely with Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group and other local activist groups to make sure communities are given a voice during and after construction.”
Getting ready for the dump trucks
The last section of the “haul road” under the Ellesborough Road bridge was being excavated as we go to press, with the rest of the route between Small Dean and Stoke Mandeville now visible. There is about 600,000 tons of spoil that need to be moved north, so even with the largest dump trucks we’re expecting thousands of round trips moving on the HS2 excavation route alongside Wendover from July.
Works at Dobbins Lane
The excavation of an underground water chamber in the fields at the end of Dobbins Lane has been delayed, and is now expected to happen in September. When the diggers are on site, the new drainage pipe reported last month is also to be buried. This will allow the removal of the security fencing that caused several complaints from Lionel
Avenue residents at a recent meeting held with HS2. The meeting was to inform the local community about the “12 round trips per day” heavy goods vehicle movements planned along South Street and Dobbins Lane. We’ve raised our concern about the likely state of the roads following the works with Bucks Council.
Future of HS2?
With the announcement of the General Election, it is not currently clear what the new Government’s attitude will be towards progressing HS2. In the absence of an HS2 Minister the “six-monthly update to parliament” didn’t happen. A number of significant procurement contracts are due to be placed in September, including the track and overhead catenary high voltage power systems. Our working assumption is that these will go ahead.
Meanwhile HS2 and its contractors have withdrawn from public events until the election is over. We are still able to talk to Bucks Council and have been discussing various road traffic issues as well as what will happen to the land that HS2 will dispose of when it’s finished. We plan to give an update on all the above at the Public Meeting in the Wendover Memorial Hall on Friday 28 June at 19:00.
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 usual page about HS2 by contractor EKFB is not appearing this month, because this edition is being published during the General Election period.
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Haul road excavation under the Ellesborough Road bridge
Haul road beside the bypass
Haul road from Small Dean to Bacombe Lane. All photographs by Murray Cooke.
Evicted voters and the story of the York Buildings
As we approach the general election, it’s interesting to look back on the way today’s UK democracy evolved. In 18th century Wendover, local parliamentary democracy followed a very different and less transparent course to what we know today. It’s well known that during that century, electoral corruption was widespread, resulting in the formation of what we know today as ‘rotten boroughs’. In constituencies like Old Sarum, Gatton and even Wendover, it was common practice for the local landowners to influence their tenants on which way they should vote, securing their own preferred candidates. See also our original story on Rotten Boroughs in the June 2024 issue.
The Evil Landlord –or was he?
It’s worth remembering that although it seems ridiculous that a landlord would have that kind of influence today, in the 18th century it was seen as a natural recompense for the privilege of being allowed to rent property.
In many cases, perhaps surprisingly, the landlords were far from extorting tyrants; many accepted a kind of feudal responsibility over their tenantry, taking financial responsibility for essential local services like hospitals, the import of grain, and in certain cases the establishment of soup kitchens for the poor. So, another way that things have changed! In those days, following the normal pattern of voting ensured the balance of a complex ecosystem which underpinned many towns and villages across the country.
Boat-rocking
But from time to time the local electorate would rock the boat and an election followed an unexpected course. One notorious instance of electoral boat-rocking occurred right here in Wendover, resulting, supposedly, in the construction of an outcrop of cottages on the Tring Road, known as the York buildings.
According to the book The History of Wendover, the local landowner, Earl Verney, would allow his tenants to rent property for free, and ‘the conditions on which they enjoy[ed] this privilege are easily comprehended.’ In other words, the tenantry could stay rent-free ao long as they voted for whoever Verney told them to. But in 1768, at the very last moment of the election process, a certain local lace manufacturer by the name of Mr Atkins proposed his own candidate, Sir Robert Darling, a former Sheriff of London.
Darling was elected ‘by a handsome majority.’ After the vote went against his candidate, Mr Verney evicted the intractable voters from their homes. As a result, a make-shift assemblage of tents and shacks resembling a shanty town was erected known as ‘Casualty Meadow,’ where the evicted lived for the next six months. This gave rise to the name ‘Casualty Row’ along the Tring Road, later replaced by the row of terraced houses called the York Buildings.
What remains unclear from Wendover News’ research is that although historical documentation makes a link between the make-shift village and the row of cottages, their relationship to the Verney eviction is somewhat hazy. What all sources agree on is that ‘Casualty Row’ was the site where the evicted tenantry were forced into tents and
huts for about six months. In any case, two rows of the cottages adjacent to the intersection of Tring Road and Manor Road still stand as a symbol of Wendover’s fidelity to the democratic independence of its members.
Postcard photograph of the cottages in 1910 from the Wendover News archive. If you look at the roofs of the cottages today, you should be able to spot the former baker’s shop at the end nearest the clocktower.
Today: The middle row of York Buildings. The furthest block was demolished when the new Tring Road was built in the 1950s.
This year, Wendover’s electorate has the opportunity to vote, thankfully, under less imposing circumstances. We hope for a fair contest, large electoral involvement, and passionate, open, transparent debate between candidates to inform voting and enrich the future of our community.
Thanks to Helen Sharp, Jenny Gooding (of Eileen’s Florists) and Jane Larkham for their help in the research for this article.
Article and colour photo by Rory Lavery
If you know something about Wendover and the surrounding area that could be lost if not written down or discussed, then perhaps you could write an episode of ‘Secret Wendover’. It could be an old story, something hiding in plain sight, or even a beautiful view that should be appreciated by more people. If it is interesting, educational and entertaining get in touch and we will guide you through the process of preparing your idea for publication. Your involvement could be a ‘one off’ or you could use it as a first step to becoming a regular contributor. To get started, email newsdesk@wendovernews.org with ‘I have a secret’ in the subject line!
Wendover’s David Morgan at D-Day 80 in Normandy
As the world watched the 80th commemoration of the D-Day landings in France early this month, Wendover’s own 101 year-old veteran David Morgan was there taking part. David served in the Royal Signals Parachute First Division and was subsequently attached to the US forces with which he landed on Utah beach on D-Day+7 in 1944, where he worked to establish secure radio communications.
Wendover News readers will recall our celebration of David’s 100th birthday as the Local Face in the February 2023 edition. In January 2024 he made the front page with the news that he had been presented with the French Legion d’Honneur for his D-Day military service. It was no surprise that he was invited by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to be part of the group which they took to Normandy to remember D-Day 80.
David lives by himself in Wendover and took his step-daughter Alexandra as his carer, and was taken to and from the event by taxi driver Simon. They stayed in Portsmouth overnight, including a celebratory dinner, so that they would be fresh for the crossing to Ouistreham via Britanny Ferries on Tuesday 4 June. When they boarded, they were given reclining seats in a special lounge but soon each veteran and carer had access to a cabin for the seven hour journey. They had access to all restaurants
with no charge and were given a “goodie bag” to keep them going in France. Once in Normandy, wherever the taxis went, they were accompanied by motorbike outriders, a splendid sight!
The taxi charity organised everything impeccably, including mixing up the veterans in their cabs so that they had journey time to spend with different people with different memories to share as they moved from location to location. The weather was perfect so everyone had a great time although it was physically and emotionally exhausting.
The various gatherings at Sword and Omaha Beaches were very moving. The silhouette soldiers on Gold Beach were particularly evocative of the actual landings. The 1,475 silhouettes represent the number of fatalities under British command on 6 June 1944. The remains of a mulberry harbour can also be seen at Gold Beach. The bases of the stillages are decorated with a total of 22,442 knitted/ crocheted poppies, made by the Women’s Institute, representing the total number of fallen service personnel on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy combined. The taxi veterans returned to Portsmouth on Saturday 8 June.
A large sign said Normandie pour la Paix – Normandy for Peace. David says he looks forward to a time in the future when we don’t have to spend money on weapons of war but rather on health and social services. However, he says he wouldn’t have missed this visit for the world.
We salute him as a veteran of Normandy. As told to Jane Larkham
Club Corner
Wendover u3a open for new members
Many people are increasingly deciding that work isn’t the centre of their life and that it’s time to wind down, retire, or at least to work from home and go part-time. That’s great for the soul for some people, but not so good for the intellect and general health. Deleting colleagues’ names from your social address book can leave a worrying vacuum.
Not to worry – Wendover has a thriving u3a community that gets together to continue to learn for fun! U3a was originally called University of the Third Age, but Ian Crookall, chair of Wendover u3a, says “this can put some people off. We prefer to be known as a
group of people who enjoy our retirement in company with others, rather than some intellectual pursuit which ‘University’ suggests.”
He contacted Wendover News to explain that Wendover u3a is looking to welcome new members. You can join a community of many retired and semi-retired people both here in Wendover and across the country.
After struggling with unprecedented demand for the last few years, Ian says that Wendover u3a now has places again for new members in many of its groups.
“The groups range from art, bowls and computing through to table tennis, ukulele, walking and many other interests,” he says. “With more than 50 groups, we try to offer something for everyone! In addition to interest groups, members arrange holidays, visits to places of interest, trips to the theatre and social events. Each month we have a main meeting in Wendover’s St Marys Church, where members have a chance to meet, chat, have a coffee and enjoy a presentation from experts on topics of broad interest.”
He adds “On Wednesday 7 August, we will be holding an open day at St Mary’s Church. This will be an opportunity to meet some of the members and to see and hear what the various interest groups do: some of our music groups will be playing too. Come along to St Marys between 10.00am to 1.00pm for a no-obligation chat and coffee. You can be assured of a warm welcome and we hope you like what you see.” Find out more on the website at www.wendover. u3asite.uk. See ad on p5.
Wendover Bowls Club
Don Knight writes: The day of our much anticipated match against the Royal Household arrived and a large contingent set off for Windsor. We were met by two jovial policemen who just asked “cricket or bowls?” and pointed us on our way across the Park. In some ways it was a bit of an anti-climax to find that only a couple of the entire Club membership actually worked in the Castle. We imagined them slipping out of brocade and leggings and donning their whites to play us. Never mind, they were a friendly bunch and we enjoyed a good game in a delightful setting with the Castle showing through the trees.
Occasional flights of parakeets were a bit of a distraction but the most disconcerting thing was the constant stream of huge aircraft passing over at one minute intervals a couple of hundred feet above
our heads. The match itself went fairly well. We played six rinks, won three and lost three, with Windsor just ahead on overall shots. Our open evenings were a success with a lot of people trying out bowling for the first time. I’m sure some of them will take up membership. Of course we welcome new members throughout the year. Contact us and try it out: www.wendoverbowlsclub.co.uk
WI: Friendship, Fun and Fizz in the Sun
Alison Jarvis-Evans writes: Over the last couple of years, the Wendover WI has made donations to Little Princess Trust, Chiltern Foodbank,
Spinal Research and Aylesbury Women’s Refuge. Recognising that the bountiful, enduring support of their members, who have made cakes, grown plants, handcrafted items and given their time freely, has been pivotal to this achievement, the WI Committee thanked their ladies by holding a delightful cream tea in the sunny Rose Garden of St Anne’s Hall.
The Committee put on a spread of tasty sandwiches, baked scones and added fizz to show their heartfelt thanks. Following on from the tea, a guess the baby competition baffled the members. In addition, the whole WI group thanks the local community for their participation and contributions to the events for these well deserving organisations. Naturally, the Committee has exciting charity fundraising activities planned for the future!
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Wendover Dementia Support, The Thomas Ball Children’s Cancer Fund, Stoke Mandeville
Carers need care too
Caring for someone you love with dementia can take a significant toll on caregivers, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The progressive decline in their loved one’s cognitive abilities can lead to feelings of loss and mourning for the person they once knew.
These emotions, if not addressed, can accumulate and lead to exhaustion and chronic stress.
Tips for Self-Care
1. Be realistic: Accept that you can’t do everything. Prioritise tasks and set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Take Breaks: Schedule time for yourself. Whether it’s a short walk, a hobby, or simply relaxing; breaks are essential. You may need to employ a carer for your loved one so you can give yourself this time.
4. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote emotional stability.
Seeking Support
1. Ask friends and family for help. Don’t hesitate to ask and be clear about exactly what you want. This could be practical help, spending time with your loved one while you go out or simply giving emotional support to you.
2. Join Support Groups such as our Monday Club Cafe: Connecting with others in similar situations can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community.
3. Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from counsellors or therapists.
3. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep. Physical health impacts mental well-being.
4. Respite Care: It is important to plan for respite care before it is needed, for both live-in and residential care. Use respite at an early stage, while ensuring your loved one is well cared for.
By acknowledging the emotional challenges and actively seeking selfcare and support, dementia caregivers can better manage their stress and maintain their well-being, ultimately enhancing the care they provide.
Wendover Dementia Support
If you need help caring for someone with dementia living locally you can contact WDS here: Tel: 07732 342409; Email: info@wendoverds.org.uk. More at: www.wendoverds.org.uk.
Health and wellbeing
Halton based company ‘Active In The Community’ is running seated exercise sessions in Wendover and Aston Clinton. With two different types of seated exercise sessions running alternatively at both venues, the company says: “There is a class for everyone, with time to socialise and have some tea or coffee too!” The sessions will take place at the following locations:
Aston Clinton Baptist Church (HP22 5EX) Mondays, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Wendover Health Centre (HP22 6LD) Wednesdays, 1:15pm - 2:15pm The dates are in the events section on page 2.
All classes cost £2 per session, with payment for your session in cash when you arrive. Contact Amelia via Amelia.Evans@aitc.org.uk, or 07399 748803 ahead of your first session to ensure your space!
Forever Cycling
Indoor cycling exercises are also run. The company says “Travel the world from the comfort of your local GP surgery! A low mobility cycling initiative, providing users
with a virtual cycling experience around some of the world’s most iconic locations. Participants will watch a recording of over 2,000 worldwide destinations, whilst pedalling at their own pace with exercise pedals at their feet! These sessions are a great way to increase physical activity levels, and with an opportunity to socialise. All abilities are welcome!”
Chair Based Exercise
Using chairs and other props for support, the fun exercise class will help improve flexibility, balance and strength, while you make new friends. All ages and levels of fitness welcome, just bring yourself and an open mind. Sessions last for 45 minutes, with an opportunity for a cup of tea or coffee at the end!
More information, including a full timetable, can be found in Wendover Health Centre or visit: www.activeinthecommunity.org.uk/ forever-cycling/ and www.activeinthecommunity.org.uk/ seated-exercise/ 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
Classes for children from 2 years Tap Classes for adults
Wendover Memorial Hall Wharf Road HP22 6HF For more information Telephone 01296 622001 email: suerozelle@gmail.com www.rozelleschoolofdancing.co.uk
BUSINESS FOCUS
Lessons from Gusto: The difference between high-growth and lifestyle businesses
Have you ever wanted to start your own business? The idea of being your own boss might be exciting, but if you have watched ‘Dragons Den’ then you will know that there’s a lot of hurdles to jump when you get started.
Dragons Den can be misleading. The people on there are presenting their ideas to raise funding, in exchange for shares in the business. Most of the winners have persuaded the investors that for putting a small amount of money in, they might get lots of money back later. Not all businesses are like that – the ones that need substantial external funding are often referred to as ‘high-growth’ and are run mainly for creating wealth. Others, started with realistic but more modest goals, are started for happiness. They are usually categorised as ‘Lifestyle’ businesses.
It’s unusual to meet an entrepreneur who is comfortable at both ends of the scale. Wendover resident Kristan Ecker is the Head of Commercial Operations for a privately owned investment company that specialises in trade and project finance. Her working life involves juggling her busy family life with trips out to Zurich, the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Middle East. She’s involved in major developments, from international renewable energy projects to building refineries, power plants and even new cities. That’s her job.
Her passion (lifestyle) project is much closer to home. It’s an ice cream parlour/coffee shop that she is creating on the Castle Park Road edge of the Ashbrook Recreation Ground. At first sight, that seems like a bad idea. Any Dragon worth their millions would be shouting “I’m out” as soon as they see it on a map. But Kristan
(‘Krissie’ to most people) has thought it through. It’s going to be a success. More importantly, it’s going to be good for the community.
Krissie is starting from a different viewpoint. She’s not seeking to make a fortune, sell the business and retire in the Bahamas. She wants to make a difference and have fun at the same time – generating enough profit to pay its own way and stay resilient.
The biggest cause of failure of a lifestyle business is to assume that if you enjoy doing something, and you are good at it, people will want to buy what you are selling. This assumption is clearly not the case with Krissy, who proved that she had a good business case for her venture: “The idea came from the observation that there was nowhere for people to meet at this end of Wendover. It’s very difficult to find somewhere to just sit down and chat, without first walking all the way into Wendover or to the garden centre. We don’t expect many people to arrive by road, so parking isn’t really an issue. We’ll be serving people of all ages who live and work within walking distance. When you add in the ramblers from the canal towpath and nearby footpaths – and the dogwalkers – we have got enough of a market. This is something for the community – not for profit alone.”
Hearing that she had personally taken on loans for the building, I probed her attitude to profitability. “I’ll have to pay back the loans, plus make enough to employ a manager and possibly a couple of additional local people. The quality of products and service will also need to provide an excellent experience for customers. I’m calling it ‘Gusto’ because this is the way I feel we should live our lives, meet our challenges, laugh and love, and embrace our opportunities.”
Building work is in progress and Krissy aims to open in the third week of July. She will sell ice creams, patisserie items, sandwiches, baps, children’s snacks, crêpes and paninis, alongside a variety of hot and cold drinks. The café could be the first of many and end up making lots of money, but that’s not the point. Krissie has higher goals.
• Curtain alterations
• Custom made Roman Blinds enquire@ingridsneedle.com Tel: 01296 752 747 www.ingridsneedle.com
Richard Byford
The Boiler Blokes
Local Faces: John Colet School head students
As the school year draws to a close and the old head students leave school, a fresh new team of head students prepare to further improve the school by fulfilling their goals and aspirations. With many ambitions, this new team hopes to tackle a wide range of issues –some individually and some as a group. Common themes discussed by the team include being a role model for the school and easing anxieties for younger year groups. They all seem to agree that increasing student participation, including listening and acting on their input, is the key to achieving their goals in helping improve the school.
At such a pivotal time in their lives, the responsibilities that come with being a head student can certainly be strenuous. Juggling A-levels, EPQs (extended project qualifications), and extra curriculars are just some of the tasks they have to work towards. Alongside this they are also planning for their future after school, with some students aspiring to go to university and others wanting to pursue apprenticeships. Balancing all of this with the head student roles is tricky, but their passion and ambition will undoubtedly allow them to successfully fulfil their role.
One of the key goals for the new head students is to increase student voices and feedback, to improve the experiences of children throughout year groups. Evie aims to expand the ways students are able to express their school experience. Additionally, she hopes to increase inclusivity and awareness by holding assemblies to teach wider issues. She aspires to review the sixth form dress code, as well as focusing and helping to improve the lessons taught in enrichment to be more relevant to student’s needs.
Lizy hopes to focus on the lower school, providing them with a happy environment where they feel comfortable sharing problems or queries in. She particularly hopes to ease the induction of year 6 students to give them a smoother transition to secondary school, allowing them to settle in and feel secure and content at school. She also seeks to collaborate with members of staff more frequently to aid change around the school.
Improving safety and security in the school environment is emphasised by Jonny. Following the staggered lunches and segregation during the COVID-19 restrictions, the entire school now has more opportunity for interactions between year groups, causing some concern amongst younger students. He hopes to reduce anxieties of younger students around older students by increasing monitoring throughout the school.
Olive strives to be a familiar friendly face to all year groups and students in the school, being a trustworthy and reliable role model. She hopes to achieve this by increasing her active participation in the school community and getting involved with various activities. She plans to frequently involve herself in aspects that include all year groups, as a means to relate to students of all ages and ensure no group feels ‘forgotten’ or less important.
This new team of head students are certainly promising individuals who are determined to successfully execute their ideas. They are ready and intend to tackle change and make improvements to their school in order to benefit all those involved in the school community.
Reporting by Radha Patel
Experienced piano teacher living in Wendover has a few vacancies for children and adults of all ages and levels, from complete beginner to post diploma level.
If you would prefer online piano lessons on Zoom this is available and works well. Phone/text Denise Erlandsen 07767 372049 or email: derlandsen@yahoo.co.uk
THE JOHN COLET SCHOOL
FOR YOUR PAINTING, DECORATING AND HOME MAINTENANCE NEEDS imithepainter@gmail.com 0746 623 1964
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
CHILTERN FOOT HEALTH SERVICES
Ian Phipps MCFHP MAFHP Foot Health Practitioner (Wendover - based)
Home visits - 01296 623851
Surgery at the Belmore Centre 01296 612361
Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals
Reliable Lady Gardeners Garden tidying Regular garden maintenance Tel: 07732 484545
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Photo: Lucy Bonsor
Left to right: Evie Shakespeare-Lynch, Olive Wheeler, Jonny Robinson and Lizy Pearson
Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower
Make Wendover Smile Sunflower Trail
Saturday 3 August
Sunflowers are being grown all over Wendover and our Make Wendover Smile Campaign has become hugely popular. It won’t be long before the sunflowers are in bloom and Wendover Parish Council is encouraging residents to share their sunflowers with our whole community by taking part in the Make Wendover Smile Sunflower Trail.
On Saturday 3 August we invite you to join in the fun and go at whatever pace you choose to see the sunflower displays along the Trail.
Are you one of Wendover’s talented residents?
Do you paint, draw, knit, crochet, embroider, bake, bead, print, stamp or sew? From potters, wood and metal workers to flower arrangers, we are calling on you to share your sunflower creations with Wendover in mini exhibitions along the Sunflower Trail. If the slugs have chomped your seedlings, then you could get inventive and produce
Parish Council Meetings
Tuesday 2 July, 7:30pm
St Anne's Hall
Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG
Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
Wendover Local Produce Market
Saturday 20 July, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste
We're looking for new traders! Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
www.facebook.com/wendoverparish/
Sunday Church Services in Wendover
your own sunflower creations to Make Wendover Smile. This is an opportunity for all ages and abilities to show off your skills, raise the profile of your club, sell some crafts or raise funds for your charity, whilst having a lovely day with your Wendover neighbours and friends.
Thanks to Edward Mogford for his generous donation, over 4,000 packets of sunflower seeds have been distributed, so we are hoping for wonderful floral displays all over the village mixed with other mini-exhibitions or displays. Don’t be shy, if you have an idea that you think would bring a smile to Wendover then go for it. If you need any help, or just a bit of further encouragement, contact WPC or Leigh.porter@wendover-pc.gov.uk
Check out the link below to see if your home or business is along the Sunflower Trail:
Grateful thanks to Luke and Melissa Webster and map maker Adam Giles for composing the route and producing the map.
• St Anne’s: 9am Mass • St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am • Wendover Free Church: 10.45am
Picnic
in the Park (with Make Wendover Smile Dog Show)
Saturday 31st August 12-4 at Witchell Meadow. Come and join the fun
Socialise and Update on HS2
We hope to meet you over a glass of wine at the Wendover Memorial Hall on Friday 28 June at 7pm. The WHS2 Mitigation Action Group will provide an interesting update on the work it’s been undertaking to monitor the construction of HS2 to ensure the best outcome for Wendover with respect to noise, water, traffic and our local environment. Our vigilant and expert volunteers will enlighten you on what is currently happening on the site, what comes next and how potential issues have been avoided.
Help our trees breathe
Volunteers with secateurs are asked to come and help control ivy and thereby protect the trees along the Chapel Lane borders of Witchell and Hampden Meadow. Not only is there much to learn about how this work is so vital to the trees health but it’s fun and rewarding. If you would like to help, come to the Clock Tower for 10.30 am on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
Celebrate our Pubs, Restaurants, Cafes 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, cafes and shops are joining in too, so look out for details around the village.
independent advice from one
