Wendover News March 2024

March 2024

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR WENDOVER NEWS

A personal message from Jane Larkham, Editor: When I started Wendover News, I had no idea I would be still be running it 35 years later. In the intervening time, my husband Peter and I had the joy of bringing up two lovely daughters, experienced the recession of the early 1990s, the 2007-8 economic crisis, return of the Carnival as Wendover Celebrates, the solemnities of the centenary of WW1, Brexit, Covid lockdowns –and the enthusiasm of everyone who ever worked for Wendover News, paid or as a volunteer! Now it is time to hand over the reins. Next month’s edition will be published by a new company, which is entirely owned by the people of Wendover.

Running Wendover News was never about making money – and that may be why it has lasted so long. It has been about the community, the place and most importantly about the people. Sharing a small office with a small team was a pleasure. Our little band of workers have made work a joy: Carole, Claire, Jackie, Paul, Sue, Wynne and all the others in the preceding decades. Without them, Wendover News would have just been a business.

Because Wendover News has always been free, everything relied on income from advertising.

Luckily we prospered without needing to do any ‘hard selling’. It has been a pleasure to stay in touch with so many of the advertisers on a personal level. Honourable mentions go to Ivan R Cammack Ltd who advertised on the front page from the beginning until 2010 and Antiques at Wendover who now provide a mystery object puzzle every month. Hase Osborne has been on the back page since the mid noughties and continues to support in the new guise of Fairstone. Ray Smith featured since the 1990s and his successor Carl Knight continues the relationship. Similarly, Brian Smith started a computer business back then and now Pete Williams carries that mantle. Where would we be without these great businesses and their trusted services? Thank you to all the countless small businesses which offer such vital services to all of us.

I may be handing Wendover News over to a new company, but I am not leaving. The last nine editions have been produced by a steadily growing team, under my editorial control. They form the foundation of the new company. Although they found it difficult at first, it has been a great pleasure working with them and seeing them discover new ways of doing things.

... continued on page 7

RAF Flypast

March Mystery Object at the

January’s was a back massager

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the views of the editor. If you have a complaint or concern about content in Wendover News, please visit www.wendovernews.co.uk/complaints.

Send contributions for April 2024 during the week commencing

Monday 11 March (including payments for adverts) Book early to avoid disappointment

07340 993802

editor@wendovernews.co.uk

Postal address only – no visitors: 11 Manor Road, Wendover, HP22 6HL

Wendover News, established 1989, is delivered through the door to many local households. If you do not receive one at home and would like to volunteer to deliver for us, please contact the office (see above). Wendover News would like to thank all its willing volunteers.

To celebrate the completion of training at RAF Halton, a flypast will take place, weather permitting.

Wednesday 20 March 2024

£10 gift voucher for the winner

Produced by Wendover News Ltd:

Editor: Jane Larkham

Reporting: Simon Eccles, Jane Larkham, Lorna Archer, Rory Lavery & Richard Byford

Creative: Robin Boult

Coordination, graphics & online: Wynne Byford

Production: Richard Byford, Simon Eccles and Rory Lavery

Accounts: Paul Hammett

Distribution wizzard: James Harrington (temporary)

Distribution and deliveries: Tom Coffey and 61 other terrific team members!

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: The leisure section of the club welcomes new riders. 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.

HS2 on Manor Waste

When you have finished reading this edition of Wendover News, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it responsibly.

28 February, 10am – 3pm at Manor Waste Meet HS2’s Community Engagement Team to find out more about the project, at its first mobile visitor centre (MVC) in Wendover. The team will also join Align at its drop-in sessions at Great Missenden Hall on 7 March See p16

I Grew Up 80s* at Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury

Tues – Sat, 10am – 4pm (until 16 March 2024)

A nostalgia-filled exhibition with over 200 objects, from BMX to Betamax, Dirty Dancing to Donkey Kong, Thompson Twins to Transformers. Visit discoverbucksmuseum.org

Winter Warmer Soup Lunch

Tues, 12.30-1.30, Wendover Christian Centre Churches together in Wendover offer soup lunches every Tuesday until Easter.

Cracklewick Morris

Tuesdays 8.15-10.15pm, Halton Village Hall

An all-inclusive mixed Morris dancing side that meets most Tuesdays for dance practice. Email cracklewickmorris@gmail.com. or call Squire Darryl: 07946 150380. See p19.

Poetry Please

Fri 1, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre

This month our theme will be “Animals.” Bring a suitable poem to read or come and see what others have found. Everyone welcome!

Cholesbury-cum-St Leonard’s Local History Group

Fri 1, 7.30pm, St. Leonards Parish Hall, HP23 6NW “The Lollards of Amersham,” with speaker Dr Peter Burrows, a scientist and resident of Old Amersham. Guests welcome - the fee for attending a single meeting is £4. www. cholesbury.com.

Charity Art Exhibition & Sale

Chilterns Neuro Centre, HP22 5LX

Sat 2 10am-5pm, Sun 3 10.30am-4pm

Are you looking to brighten up your home or your office? See what is on offer while supporting local artists and a local charity. Free entry. chilternsneurocentre.org/event/ pop-up-art-weekend/. See p9.

Afternoon Tea at The Oldham Hall

Sat 2, 3pm, Great Missenden, HP16 0BA Raffle, Gift and Produce stalls. Book your seat/table now to avoid disappointment –numbers limited. Tickets £10, including tea and cake, from Samways/The Post Office in Great Missenden. In aid of Rennie Grove Peace. If you would like to make a donation or buy raffle tickets, please contact:Jill York: 07846 534301. jillelizabethyork@yahoo.co.uk

Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society

Tues 5, 8pm, Stewart Hall, Little Kimble, HP17 0XN

Plants for Shade and Woodland with Timothy Walker, lecturer in Plant Sciences at Somerville College, Oxford. This talk looks at which plants can be grown in the five different types of

shade in a variety of different soils. If you are not a member but would be interested in more information please visit: www.e-voice. org.uk/kehs.

Compassionate Café Wigginton

Wed 6, 30-3pm, Sports Ground, HP23 6HH

A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others. First Wednesday of every month at the community shop and café.

Cake Party with Tracey and Debbie Different dates (7) and locations in March Easter and Mother’s Day themes. For more information visit the website: www.cornelli.co.uk/cake-party See Cornelli ad p20.

Chiltern Miniaturists Club

Wed 6, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall

With Easter at the end of the month, Chiltern Miniaturists is getting into seasonal spirit by making miniature egg-decorated Easter trees. This is the first project in the new programme of activities for the next year, with interesting and varied projects lined up. Anyone is welcome to join. Contact Diane on 07899090399 or email arcadia96@ btinternet.com.

Chilterns Light Network

Wednesdays, 7.30pm Wendover Memorial Hall

6 Mindfulness, 13 The Two Victorias talk chakras and more, 20 Health Hacks, 27 tba. £5 non-members. E: clnwendover@protonmail.com or visit www.chilternslightnetwork.org.

Wendover Horticultural Society

Thurs 7, 2.30 pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover

Speaker: John Marshall. His subject will be “Seed propagation and taking cuttings.” Practical advice from a local gardener. Details of the May outing will appear in the April issue.

Countryways CIC Inspired to Grow Project at Road Farm

Thurs 7, 5-6.30pm, Great Missenden, HP16 9LS

For teenagers with an interest in nature, plants, food or growing. Polytunnel growing: first early potatoes, cucumber seeds, radish/ beetroot. To book: www.trybooking.com/uk/DALD

Chiltern Alpine and Rock Garden Group

Fri 8, 7.30pm, The Village Hall, Great Kingshill, HP15 6DW

Speaker Diane Clement on “Travels in Japan.” Visitors welcome (£4), Annual Subscription: £18.00 pp, plus a hall meeting attendance charge of £1. Phone 01296 613577 or visit chilternalpinegroup.org for details.

Repair Café

Sat 9, 9-12noon, St Michael’s church, Aston Clinton, HP22 5HW

Bring along all your broken household items – clocks, vacuum cleaners, gardening tools and electronic items. The team of seamstresses can

EASTER CHURCH SERVICES

Easter Sunday - 31 March

St MARY’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND

6.00am Dawn Service of Light with communion, followed by breakfast

9.00am Sung Communion Service

10.45am Family Communion stmaryswendover.org

St ANNE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

9.00am Mass stanneswendover.uk

WENDOVER FREE CHURCH

10.45am Communion Service wendoverfreechurch.org.uk

Proud Sponsors

Sarah Routley Bsc (Hons)

Max Rogers

ANAEA

Events

Is it time for a review of your Legal Affairs?

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 14th March from 12 – 2pm and Thursday 28th March from 12 – 2pm

I can help you with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estate and Later Life Planning , Probate, and related matters .

sew and darn most items. Refreshments available. All donations to St Michael’s church.

Rotary Rocks presents Man the Lifeboats

Sat 9, 8pm, Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury HP21 7RT

Expect an original musical cocktail of high-octane swirling punk-folk and dark rumination. Seated concert promoted by the Rotary Club of Aylesbury Hundreds. All net proceeds to Buckinghamshire Mind.

Tickets: £16.50 from Queens Park Arts Centre https://bit.ly/47AQvwT

Mother’s Day Remembrance

Sun 10, 10-1pm, Hampden Chapel, Chilterns Crematorium, HP7 0ND

The Hampden Chapel will be open to commemorate Mother’s Day. Bereavement volunteers will be on hand for a chat. Seeded paper available for you to write a letter to your loved one which can be planted in its wildflower meadow or taken home to plant. Free event. Memorial information and refreshments available. Email chilternscrem. csb@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 01494 724263.

Wendover Evening WI

Tues 12, 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover

Illustrated talk by Jo Laurie on her life in the WRAF. If you are interested in joining this merry group please contact Margaret on 01296 582318.

WPC Community Library meeting

Weds 13, 7:00pm, Wendover Library

To discuss latest proposals for the Library redevelopment. See p14 & 24.

Craft Group

Weds 13 & 27, 10am-12 noon, Wendover Christian Centre

Craft Group provides a warm space in 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.

To book a slot, please call me directly on 01296 415700 1or email me at iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk

Wills and Estate Planning Surgery

Thurs 14 & 28, 12-2pm, Wendover Library

To book a slot, s ee advertisement p4 for contact details

Board Game Café

Thurs 14, 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.

Wendover Art Club

Thursdays 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, HP22 6GJ

14 Keith Hornblower, a Fellow of the Society of Architectural Illustrators, on how to tackle pictures, such as one of Wendover High Street. 28 Creative Evening – Local Scenes. Bring your own local scene to work through the ideas from Keith’s demonstration to develop your own version using your own choice of medium. £10 for non-members for demonstrations, £2 - Creative Evenings. www.wendoverartclub. co.uk

Garden Re-Leaf Day

with Greenfingers Charity

Fri 15, Tring Garden Centre, Bulbourne Road, Tring, HP23 5HF

Fundraising challenge event. All money raised will help to create magical gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. For more details visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

WENDOVER SOFT TISSUE THERAPY

Anna Barton LSSM, ISRM

Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy qualified since 2004

Studio based just off Wendover High Street emergency / home visits possible www.annabarton.com

07796 694036

Wendover Evening WI Spring Charity Stall

Sat 16, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste, Wendover Please drop by to say hello and purchase some homemade cakes, preserves, plants and much more!

Book Club

Sat 16, 10.30-11.30am, Wendover Christian Centre

If you enjoy reading, come to the Book Club! We don’t have a set book. Just come and enjoy hearing what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you’ve been reading. All welcome.

A Celebration of Music in Tring

Sat 16, 7.15pm, Akeman Street, HP23 6AA

Gala Performance at Victoria Hall featuring the Tring Music Partnership Zebra Jazz Band, Phoenix Big Band, Tring School Swing Band and Musical Theatre Workshop performers. Tickets (various options) from Fancy That in Tring (cash only) or via: https://bit.ly/3Sv8C1U

Appassionata from Aylesbury Vale Concert Orchestra

Sun 17, 4-6.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Appassionata allows the audience to experience live orchestral music. Talented Spanish Pianist Juanjo Blázquez will play Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2 and Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto. These, and many of the other pieces that the Orchestra has selected, are some of the most well-known

LEGACY FAIRS

Antiques & Collectors Market

Thursday 21 March 9am-2pm (Trade 8am)

Entrance by donation to Charity Wendover Memorial Hall Tel: 07503 465532

email: peterphillips39@yahoo.com

Events

classics, including Chariots of Fire by Vangelis, theme from “The Mission” as well as excerpts from Swan Lake. All proceeds to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. fnhospice.org.uk/event/appassionata/

BBOWT

Tue 19 , 7.45 -9.45pm, Great Missenden Memorial Centre HP16 9AE

An entertaining evening of poetry readings and traditional English and Scottish music and songs related to nature, in aid of the local Wildlife Trust’s Nature Recovery Fund. Featuring The Wick Trimmers and volunteers from BBOWT Chilterns Group and Wendover U3A. Admission £7.50 includes light refreshments in the interval. Book now via bbowt.org.uk/events

Aylesbury ValeStitchers

Sat 23 , 2.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall

Susan Dye – Growing and using your own dyes in textile craft. This talk will introduce you to the ‘Grand Trent’ dye plants of madder, woad and weld. It will include a mini dyeing demonstration and be supported by a wide array of dyed and printed textile samples. Dye plant seeds will be available to purchase. Email: aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com

Tring Choral Society & Orchestra with Conductor Colin Stevens

Sat 23, 7.30pm, St Peter & St Paul Church, Tring, HP23 5AE

Mozart Requiem Solemn Vespers. Tickets: £17.50, Under 18s free. www.tringchoral.org.uk/tickets

Easter at Dundridge Manor in aid of Scannappeal

Sun 24, 11.30-3.00pm, Oak Lane, St Leonards, HP23 6NN

Easter egg trail, Easter bonnet competition, visit from the Easter Bunny, Easter crafts, Tim Matthews vintage tractor collection and other unique vehicles, history talks about the historic property and grounds. Refreshments, BBQ sausages and Easter treats.. Tickets adults £6. children £4 (under 12’s) and includes an Easter egg. Tickets in advance only from scannappeal.org.uk/event/family-easter-egg-hunt.

Arts Society Ballinger

Thurs 28, 7.30 for 8pm, Ballinger War Memorial Hall, HP16 9LQ The Dowager Empress Cixi – “Ruling from behind the yellow silk screen.” Lecturer David Rosier seeks to provide a balanced insight into the life and achievements of one of the most important women in Chinese Imperial history. From relative obscurity as a low-ranking consort she was made Dowager Empress in 1861. Email ballinger@theartssociety. org or for programme details visit www.theartssocietyballinger.org.uk.

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday 21 April - Pace BIG Walk thepacecentre.org/event/the-big-walk See p9.

Sat 27 April 7:00pm, Kings Church Amersham

Pendyrus Male Choir, internationally acclaimed Welsh male choir, charity concert in support of Every Life. Tickets £22 from https:// everylife.org.uk/events, also available from Kings Church Amersham.

Sunday 2 June – Coombe Hill Run/Fell Race organised by Tring Running Club, www.tringrunningclub.org.uk.

Friday 28 June – grand opening of the new canal towpath joining Wendover and Halton Village. (see p8).

LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICES

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Landscaping, Paving, Turfing, Hedging, Fencing, Tree pruning, Replanting, Garden Clearance etc.

Ballet

... continued from front page

I will be joining the team of volunteers as an ordinary team member. I won’t be on the board, but I know it is in good hands and will continue to be so. You will still see me around Wendover, doing quite a lot of the things that I have always done, but without the worry or stress of running the business side of things.

The new company has promised to look after all the advertisers and organisations that have supported, and been supported by, Wendover News over the years. They have a strong ethos and concern for the welfare of the community from which they are gathered.

Because the team is composed of people with a wider set of skills and specialisms than we have had in the past, expect some changes. They are committed to encouraging more people in the community to write content. The range of subjects covered will increase but will be covered with a strong local focus on the areas where our readers live or in which they are interested. News items will be covered in greater depth and breadth – under strict editorial control and regulated in the same way as the best national titles.

This print edition will continue to be produced for the foreseeable future but will increasingly be integrated into a joined-up local news system that includes online content and possibly a wider range of media. Also in the plans, will be a range of workshops for community

authors, aspiring journalists (print and online), and advertisers. Despite being composed almost entirely of volunteers working remotely, they are working to find ways of providing a work experience programme and documented placements for career-changers of any age.

The hand-over to the new company comes at a time where Wendover and the World are changing at an unprecedented rate. Climate change is now affecting everybody in most parts of the world and impacts food, water and energy supply. Globally, we have increased political, economic (cost of living crisis), and social turbulence creating an ever-widening web of conflicts and supply chain disruption. In times like this, truth, trust and compassion can start to fade without publications with integrity such as Wendover News.

Here in Wendover, we have our own unique changes to contend with. Whilst not existential, they will change the area substantially. Wendover News will continue to be an asset for those in the community who are trying to make sure those changes are beneficial, or at least to minimise their damage. In this edition alone, we have important news about the redevelopment of RAF Halton (page 12), the continuing disruption of HS2 and the potential opportunities presented by the development of Wendover’s Library into an essential community hub (page 14).

Jane Larkham, Editor and Publisher, Wendover News, 1989 - 2024.

Entrance to Wendover Canal Towpath

After the delight which followed the opening of the newly surfaced towpath along the Wendover Canal, the Wendover Canal Trust (WCT) has been refurbishing the entrance in Wharf Road. The work wasn’t quite finished when this edition of Wendover News went to press but the volunteers were hard at work making a new brick wall on which the rails will rest. WCT has already ordered new signage which should be in place in May.

On Friday 28 June there will be a celebration of the new towpath which links Wendover, the source, with Halton and will extend to Aston Clinton. Save the date because it should be great fun for all including pupils from John Colet School walking to Halton. Ribbon cutting by WCT Patron Robbie Cumming of BBC4’s Canal Boat Diaries, www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bks0. More details next month.

Jane Larkham, editor

local Abbeyfields to remain open seem to be the fully independent home in Great Missenden and the nursing home in Amersham. Richard Carr-Gomm founded the Abbeyfield Society in 1956, as “A scheme to bring lonely people together, in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street, getting support and creating an atmosphere of companionship from neighbours and family; returning to the community rather than moving away from it.”

All residents either came here to be close to relatives or had always lived in Wendover. They were all fit enough to live independently, not needing full care but some support, mainly with cooking meals. Now they are looking for something similar in a place where it doesn’t exist, so they are adding to the council’s list of homeless people. Not surprisingly, this has caused a lot of anxiety. Their neighbours in Dobbins Lane are also waiting to find out what will happen to the property.

Abbeyfield House Wendover update

The remaining residents of Abbeyfield House Wendover will now have to move out, whether or not they have anywhere to go. The Abbeyfield Society’s Head Office has confirmed that it intends to close the Wendover supported living house on Dobbins Lane, in the same way that the other nearby supported living Abbeyfields in Amersham and Princes Risborough have already been closed. No dates have been given as yet. Staff have also been told to look for new positions, although they will have help with applications and redundancy advice if necessary.

Readers will remember that Abbeyfield residents, with the help of concerned Wendover Community members, have been consulting professionals and devised two possible fully costed business plans to keep it open, but the Head Office rejected these suggestions. The only

The residents would like to thank the wonderful Wendover community members, who have helped them through thick and thin especially during these recent tough times. Over the years Abbeyfield House has been involved in Wendover celebrates, the scarecrow trails and selling craft goods at their gate for local charities.

Christopher Pallet

Could your vote affect how the country is run?

The next general election must be called this year, and your vote could be the one that decides who wins. Lots of things are changing about how, and for whom you can vote. Wendover News won’t be making any suggestions about which party or individual should get your votes, but over the intervening months, we hope to be able to supply useful information to support your decision.

We begin with an important consideration, highlighted by our

local champions against climate change and environmental degradation, Climate Action Wendover. They point out that dealing with the climate crisis must be high on the agenda of all the political parties. They continue: “That’s why we as a group support and endorse the Greenpeace Project Climate Vote. In fact, several of our members have already been out on the streets of Wendover, knocking on doors, encouraging local people to pledge to be Climate Voters at the next election. Climate Voters are people who want to see real action on the climate crisis and will commit to vote based on who has the best policies at the time of the vote.”

“Come election time they’ll receive detailed analysis from Greenpeace, ranking all the parties in terms of their manifesto pledges on climate and nature.”

“We all know that bold solutions to the climate crisis can also create jobs, lower energy bills, improve our health and protect the environment. What’s missing are politicians with a plan to implement them. We need the government to step up to the job of tackling the climate and nature crisis. That’s why we’re knocking on doors in Wendover as part of Greenpeace’s campaign to recruit 1 million Climate Voters ahead of the next election.”

Climate Action Wendover (CLAW) is looking for volunteers to join it in spreading the word and getting its voices heard. “If you’ve never done door-knocking before, please don’t be put off – we’ll team you up with an experienced partner and they’ll take the lead in all the doorstep conversations. You’ll learn as you go along.” Initially contact CLAW by emailing climateactionwendover@gmail. com. You can also get information about Greenpeace’s national campaign on this issue at www.greenpeace.org.uk/take-action/ project-climate-vote

Pace BIG Walk

The annual BIG Walk will take place on Sunday 21 April. The routes will take in the ancient Ridgeway Trail. There is a choice of 18m, 12m, 6m or The Superhero Mile routes. There is something to suit all ages and abilities and this is a great opportunity to set yourself a challenge for 2024 and have some outdoor fun.

By taking part in the BIG Walk, you will not only have the opportunity to explore this beautiful countryside in a completely unique way, but you will also be helping to provide life-changing support to babies, children and young people with neurodisabilities. See www.thepacecentre.org/event/the-big-walk

ST ANNE’S HALL to hire

All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk

WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL

Great for Children’s Parties

Ideal for Weddings & Functions

Excellent kitchen facilities

Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk

Pop-up Art Weekend

The Chilterns Neuro Centre will be having a pop-up art exhibition and sale on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March, sponsored by the Clare Foundation. It promises to be its biggest and best exhibition yet. Showcasing a variety of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, drawings, ceramic and other forms of art from local artists. Refreshments available. See p2

New CEO & Chair Appointed for Lindengate

Lindengate has appointed a new CEO, Brian Brady and Chair of Trustees, Frank Durden. Brian takes over from General Manager Michael Cole, who retired at the end of January. He brings a wealth of business experience and commercial acumen from his long career in property and residential development.

consultant with a background in consumer marketing, having previously held board level roles at mobile phone company Motorola and advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather. He has been volunteering with Lindengate since 2023 providing the management team with help on preparing its three-year strategy.

Another Theft from Antiques at Wendover

There are no updates on Eric the monkey but Nicky Gregory has informed us that on Thursday 1 February, an opportunist slightof-hand, managed to steal a George II gold and coral baby’s rattle/teether worth £2,500. That’s three thefts since October. If anyone has any information, please get in touch with the Antiques Centre.

Aylesbury Vale Tutors

Making learning enjoyable

Jim and Karen Lucas

QTS

BA (hons) Education, Science, Maths, SEND 01296 613582 07908 460 133

Email: aylesburyvaletutors@gmail.com

All ages and abilities catered for

He started volunteering in early 2023, and has plenty of experience getting his hands dirty at Lindengate’s amazing 6-acre garden. He has seen first-hand how the charity supports people’s wellbeing through the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Frank takes over as Chair of Trustees from Stuart Siddall, who had been acting as interim chair following Paul Miles’ decision to step down earlier in 2023. Frank is a management

THE RUMOUR MILL

Loss of free parking on Hale Lane

Rumour: Speculation has been circulating on social media that the Forestry Commission blocked vehicle access to the woods on Hale Lane with topsoil and bollards, to make people pay to use their car park.

Facts: Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport said: “The decision to restrict parking at this location follows a review carried out by the council at a number of locations across the county, following reports about blocked roads, congestion and dangerous parking close to country parks and other areas of natural beauty. This is a single tracked road where at times it has been almost impassable, making it extremely difficult for local business traffic including farmers to get their vehicles through. He continued, “consistent parking on the verge had also led to it being worn away, creating dangerous ruts and damage to the carriageway.”

“Notification of the proposals to restrict parking at this location have followed the usual process of consultation and local engagement. We are not seeking to deprive people of places to park in order to access Wendover Woods but we have a duty to keep our highways safe and passable for all road users.”

So the fact that this was carried out independently of the Forestry Commission and the good reasoning provided suggests there is no bad intention here, though it is of course an inconvenience. Free parking sites elsewhere around the circumference of the forest also remain untouched.

Rory Lavery

Delivery volunteer Susanna Allford has a neighbourly helper to deliver Wendover News at the northerly end of Wendover. Susanna is also well known as she worked at little Acorns before “retiring”. Now she is a waitress in her children’s business, Lady Grey Tearoom in the Barn courtyard, just off the High Street.

Susanna’s helper has additional needs and delivering Wendover News has helped her confidence and social skills greatly. It has become a firm part of her routine for the past few years’.

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

RAF Halton

RAF Halton redevelopment proposals – register your opinions by 4 March

Wendover and Halton residents have been given until just 4 March to register their opinions on the latest proposals for the redevelopment of RAF Halton after the service leaves towards the end of this decade. This can be done online, or via email or written letter.

In Wendover News’ opinion, this time-scale is far too short for public comment, especially in view of the length of the documents being presented, the planning jargon used throughout, and the complexity of the commenting arrangements. However, Wendover News understands that the time scale is determined by planning legislation and cannot be varied.

What’s going on?

On 22 January (days after Wendover News went to press for the February edition), Buckinghamshire Council released what it calls the “Draft RAF Halton Supplementary Planning Document” which will be the baseline planning criteria used in the future planning approvals process.

It does not mean that these proposals will be adopted, or retained during negotiations with developers. The SPD is the result of discussions between Buckinghamshire Council members and officers and other “local stakeholders” including Halton Parish Council, adjoining parish councils, plus representatives of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) which will be involved in the disposal of the RAF base. It appears to work on the assumption that the RAF will vacate the site “after 2027,” though local rumours say this might be postponed to 2029 or later.

The starting point is a proposal for at least 1,000 homes; building a new primary school and a mixed-use local centre including a community hall; the “creation, enhancement and restoration of woodland, parkland and open spaces”; some new access roads; and new or improved pedestrian and cycling routes across the site and to the wider area.

Not all building work will be new, the plan also includes the reuse or conversion of existing listed and historic buildings.

The map on the page opposite shows the proposed redevelopment area from page 13 of the Supplementary Planning Document. The quality of print is limited by the resolution of the image taken from the public document.

The area involves the whole of the RAF Halton site to the east of Upper Icknield Way (ie the right hand side if driving out of Wendover, with the main entrance, guard house, barracks, parade ground etc), plus most of the current base area on either side of Chestnut Avenue (which leads off Upper Icknield Way to the west), as far as the junction with Halton Lane and the right hand bend to Halton Village. The area covered is 82 hectares.

All this land is within the current Green Belt, but just outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which follows the borders of Wendover Woods at this point.

What you can do

To avoid hand-typing all the URLs below, you can find them in the online version of this page at www.wendovernews.co.uk/?p=80552.

The first point of access is a website, https://yourvoicebucks. citizenspace.com/planning/raf-halton, (or you can use the simplified URL https://bit.ly/42rQXwI). This lets you download the planning document and contains a link where you can register to comment, here: https://buckinghamshire.oc2.uk This page also has a 15-minute video summarising the proposals, which can also be viewed on YouTube, here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WNxT7kEC2M

Most of the plans are covered in the downloadable document, “RAF Halton Draft Supplementary Planning Document,” which is a 5.44MB PDF file. It can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/3OzViYR. It covers 85 pages and is very detailed if somewhat repetitive, including site description maps, as well as imagery and maps of the proposed developments and locations, tables, and reproduction of the Aylesbury Development Plan.

There are two other files: the RAF Halton Strategic Environmental Assessment (PDF 4.15MB); and RAF Halton Habitats Regulations Assessment (PDF 6.26MB).

How to comment

If you want to give your opinions on these online, this you have to go to the website https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/ raf-halton (or the simplified https://bit.ly/42rQXw) and follow the link at the bottom of the page to register yourself. The three documents are presented there as web pages. The only way to express your views appears to be by clicking on icons next to paragraphs through the pages, and typing in comments for any of these you chose. There appear to be no pre-set forms, tick box options or any other way of expressing opinions.

Alternatively, comments can be sent by email to planningpolicyteam. bc@buckinghamshire.gov.uk ; or in writing to: RAF Halton SPD consultation, Buckinghamshire Council, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe, HP11 1BB.

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Main proposals

As stated earlier, the review document is 85 pages long and is accompanied by other documents. Below is a very brief summary.

A lot of existing RAF barracks and administrative buildings in the areas southeast of Upper Icknield Way will be retained. These will be converted to housing. The parade ground will be grassed over and landscaped to become a public park with a play area, and there will be a separate community orchard. Some buildings on the other side of Upper Icknield Way, on both sides of Chestnut Avenue, include St George’s Church and Halton House, (Grade II listed), will be retained, together with its gardens and park.

There are proposed walking and cycling routes, and traffic calming measures along stretches of Upper Icknield Way and Chestnut Avenue. New houses and apartments will be built, in currently unused areas around the edges of the barracks blocks on the southeast side of Upper Icknield Way, and on the present site of the abandoned workshops to the southwest of Chestnut Avenue. “A contemporary architectural character is encouraged,” says the report. These will include formal street layouts of terraces, town houses and apartments of two to three storeys; short runs of terraces and semi-detached houses, in varying densities. There will be provision for some affordable housing, self-build and custom-build plots.

New community amenities will include a civic centre close to St George’s church; a new combined primary school and pre-school facility. There appears to be no clear provision for any shops and no mention of a medical centre. Current RAF sports grounds and facilities will be retained, as will be the WWI trenches and some other historic areas.

By Simon Eccles and Richard Byford, Wendover News

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Back on track:

Parish Council steps up to help save library transformation

Wendover’s library is on the verge of undergoing significant transformation. An ambitious renovation design, first put forward in 2017, proffered a transformed exterior and interior replete with a new children’s library and art installation commissioned to Kremena Dimitrova, a lecturer and illustrator specialising in children’s illustration and visual culture.

The proposal also includes a community garden which will be glimpsed from the front of the building through an elegant glass sightline. It is envisioned that the library would transcend its current purposes and host other important community services, like the Wendover Parish Council, an administrative police presence, and possibly even a weekly banking service.

Seen above, this design has the potential to transform the library into a burgeoning community hub, allowing it to become a more significant focal point for Wendover.

However, in November 2023 it came to the attention of the Wendover Parish Council that as a result of significant and unforeseen inflation in construction costs, the original designs were in danger of being abandoned in favour of something more restricted. In light of its clear potential to enrich the culture and community experience of Wendover, a decision was made by the Parish Council to investigate options for a £150,000 loan to fill the gap between the current budget and the £608,000 projected cost.

A meeting is being held at the library on 13 March at 7pm in order for the Parish Council to get a local mandate for the loan so that work can begin as soon as possible.

on

One of the several internal layout design options considered

Artist’s represenation of the exterior

There is time pressure, however, because a significant funder, the Arts Council, has placed a deadline on the use of their contribution in April 2025. So a decision needs to be made as soon as possible in order for funds to be activated and the work to begin well in advance of that date.

Andy Smith, Wendover Parish Council Clerk, reminds us in the most recent meeting agenda

minutes, that this is not a done deal, and there is a risk that such a timely opportunity to create an elegant, original and reinvigorating community hub could pass us by. Wendover News urges you to go along and support the Parish Council and exercise your right to influence what could be one of the most significant developments for the community in recent years.

Rory Lavery

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The 12-month programme at Wendover Dean Viaduct has begun, which will see our engineers carefully slide nearly a half-kilometre bridge above the Misbourne Valley.

This 450m long bridge is the first of its kind in the UK, using special steel and reinforced concrete to cut carbon emissions and reduce the bridge’s carbon footprint by 56%, saving around 13,000 tonnes of carbon. This supports HS2’s goal to halve the amount of embedded carbon in construction.

The new alignment works on Ellesborough Road have commenced as planned, including resurfacing of the road, utility works and removal of temporary concrete barriers. The newly diverted road will be open to the public from late February. Traffic will travel over a temporary bridge which then allows our site traffic to pass underneath, reducing the number of vehicles on the main roads in Wendover. For more information on the realignment works of Ellesborough Road, please see the full advance works notice on the HS2 website.

Works will also be continuing along the A413 London Road, where road users are now using the new temporary alignment. There will be overnight closures from 26 February to 9 March whilst we excavate for the piers which are close to the carriageway for the Small Dean Viaduct. Daytime lane closures for piling ring movements are also planned for 11 and 27 March.

If you’d like to meet our community engagement team and find out more about the project, our first mobile visitor centre (MVC) in Wendover is scheduled for 28 February between 10am – 3pm at Manor Waste. We will also be joining Align at its drop-in sessions at Great Missenden Hall on 7 March. We recommend signing up to our mailing list and checking the HS2 events page for future events.

If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2. org.uk. Alternatively, visit your community website at www.hs2. org.uk/in-your-area/ and sign up to receive the latest updates and information for Wendover.

Deck slide at Wendover Dean Viaduct looking south toward Great Missenden

Photo: EKFB

Ellesborough Road diversion

The diversion of Ellesborough Road was still expected to be brought into use during February at the time of writing, despite some lastminute issues. We are concerned about the need for more warning signs to alert motorists about the sharp right band bend just after the bridge over the bypass, and we have alerted Bucks Council Highways, which will undertake a Road Safety Audit before the new road is opened.

Small Dean Viaduct progressing

A permanent 40 mph speed limit has been introduced just south of the Wendover Bypass as part of the realignment of the A413. HS2 has started work to build the viaduct piers in the space now available between the Chiltern Line railway and the road.

Completion of the first pier was rescheduled for February, and should be complete by the time you read this. The pier is very visible right beside the A413 and gives an indication of the huge scale of the eventual viaduct.

HS2’s animation of how the viaduct will be built is available at https:// tinyurl.com/sdv2023video. The steel deck sections have now arrived from France and work has started to weld them together before being launched over the piers next year.

Green Tunnel cutting excavation

HS2 is expecting to start further excavation for the green tunnel between Ellesborough Road and Folly Bridge alongside the bypass during March, once the weather improves. This is subject to Environment Agency approvals being granted, and should not cause significant extra noise or dust at the Station Approach Business Park.

Cutting through Ellesborough Road and onwards south to Bacombe Lane is still delayed due to the need for utility companies to divert their services. Preparations for the second bridge to carry the Thames Water main and sewage pipes were completed in January, and the bridge should be completed by March.

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.

A413 realignment January 2024

Building the Utility Bridge at Ellesborough Road

Photo: Murray Cooke

Photo: Murray Cooke

Club Corner

Anyone for tennis this Easter?

One of Britain’s most vibrant tennis centres is just on our doorsteps at Chestnut End in Halton (HP22 5PD), where it is home to Everyball Tennis Coaching. As well as a year-round programme (made possible by amazing indoor facilities for adults and minis) regular mini and junior holiday camps will be held over the Easter holidays. Find out more via https://everyballtennis.uk or alternatively contact Director of Tennis, Mike James on mikejames@everyball.net or call 07958 008312. See ad p5.

Wendover Bowls Club

Don Knight writes: “Recently I was contemplating the newspaper story of the wildlife park which was the unfortunate owner of a gang of foul-mouthed parrots. We have no parrots in our club and, apart from the occasional inaudible mutter, no strong language. In fact we tend to go to the other extreme.

The other day I played a really awful shot and a voice from the other end said “Oh, bad luck,” which is about as strong as it gets. All very polite. Or perhaps my failing hearing just misses the expletives.

Our Social Secretary has been working hard to keep us all amused with games evenings, horse racing and quizzes. The horse racing proved particularly popular and was heavily oversubscribed. We will

have to build a bigger clubhouse. We have given in to the excavating fox and installed an electric fence round the green which now looks like the OK Corral. Let’s hope that is the end of his mining efforts.

On the bowls front, it is a bit like the curate’s egg, good in parts. On the whole I get the feeling we are doing better than last year in various leagues. We shall see in a few weeks’ time when we move from indoors to play outside.”

1st Wendover Beavers

– 24 hours of fun and fresh air!

Scouting is thriving in Wendover. 1st Wendover Scout Group has 2 cubs packs: Mars and Saturn. They take children from eight years old to six months after their tenth birthday, when they move on to Scouts until they are fourteen. At that age, young people can join Wendover’s Hermes Explorer Scout unit for even more fun and adventure.

At the age of eighteen, rather than walk away from scouting, many go on to become Young Leaders and end up becoming part of the leader team.

Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal

development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. It starts young. Before getting into cubs, scouts and exploreres, boys and girls over the age of six can join a beaver colony – like Venus and Gemini beavers in Wendover. So what do beavers get up to? We asked Andrew Inkley, Group Scout Leader for an example of recent activities.

Andrew writes “After the usual family Saturday morning activities, members of 1st Wendover Beavers set out on an adventurous 24 hours. They were dropped off at Cholesbury and walked just under 3km to Braid Wood Scout Campsite. A quick snack and drink re-energised the Beavers for an afternoon filled with fun in the woods. They searched for firewood, made fires and learnt some new campfire songs. As it turned dark they headed into the scout hut to make their beds and have a disco! After dinner, they settled down to the evening’s entertainment (with popcorn!) before heading to bed.

Bacon rolls and cereal for breakfast (with vegan and gluten-free options too) before

Giving it a bash with bells on!

Jacqueline King writes “Morris dancing is a centuries-old tradition but is becoming trendier, younger and more diverse.

Cracklewick Morris is a colourful new mixed Morris side. Our dances embrace several Morris traditions – Cotswold, Border and Northwest, which we perform adding our own individual twist and style. Our musicians play traditional lively folk tunes as well as music from other countries.

Our kit is very different to the usual Morris sides – no white trousers here – with very colourful patchwork waistcoats designed and made by our Dance Lead Denise. The pockets on our waistcoats are embellished with individual embroidered animals, which we choose when our kit is being made.

Throughout the year we have great fun ‘dancing out’ at various events and venues. Our first event for 2024 was Wassailing, where the fruit trees are blessed to awaken them to ensure a good fruit harvest the following

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heading straight out to find more firewood. Leaving a leader to look after the fires, the Beavers headed back inside to pack up their beds and make cake mix and damper bread to cook on the fire with sausages, fish and beans. 1st Wendover Beavers left Braidwood filled with fresh air, having had lots of fun learning about how to make and cook on fires. Everyone (leaders too) slept well on Sunday night.

Feedback such as this sums up why as leaders we run these events and captures what the young people get out of Scouting: ‘I have never seen L as happy as he was showing me his fish that he cooked.

He kept telling me how amazing it was and it was so lovely seeing the contentment on his face and smell of bonfire in his hair. We are so happy that he was given this opportunity.’

1st Wendover Beaver and Cubs currently have limited spaces on Tuesday evenings for young people wanting to join in with the scouting adventure.” For more information please email waitinglist@1stswendoverscouts.co.uk

autumn. So, if you fancy being a part of this extraordinary adventure, want to explore the richness of English folklore or are just curious, you are welcome to come along to our weekly practice on Tuesday evenings at Halton Village Hall 8.15 – 10.15pm.

Dancers, musicians and the simply curious are all welcome and you are guaranteed an evening of fun, laughter and friendship.

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Helping someone who is confused

Encountering a stranger with dementia in the community who is experiencing confusion can be a challenging situation, but offering assistance with kindness and understanding can make a significant difference. When you make contact with them, it’s important to

It’s good to look around in case you see someone looking for them and try and keep yourselves visible to anyone searching.

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remain calm and approachable. Speak in a gentle tone and introduce yourself clearly, allowing the person to become familiar with you. Reassure them that they are safe and that you are there to help.

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Meanwhile, engage in conversation with open-ended questions to assess their level of confusion and understand their needs. Listen attentively to their responses, offering validation and empathy for their feelings. Avoid using complex language or overwhelming them with too many questions.

Remember to remain patient and compassionate as they are likely to be anxious and wary. If they give you a phone number, you could try and contact a family member. If their address is very close by, they may agree to gently walk home with you. If they seem better once inside their front door, you can usually leave without going into the house, but you could leave a note explaining what happened.

If you are unable to help them or they continue to be very confused or distressed, you should phone the police who will help.

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Tribute: Christopher Dean

Christopher Dean, who lived in Wendover all his life, passed away suddenly on 19 December 2023 aged 67 years. His great-grandfather’s rope-making business began trading in South Street almost 150 years ago, but his family had lived in and around Wendover since the mid-1700s, with at least six generations lying in St. Mary’s churchyard.

The extended family lived in properties adjoining the rope-maker’s business; rope was made in what is now the community orchard beyond Witchell, hence its name, Rope Walk. Cherries were grown and sent to London markets by train. This deep personal history was why Chris so enjoyed walking his dog locally every day, happy to share his local knowledge.

Chris was born at just six months, weighing 2lbs 2ozs (850g) at a time when babies so premature rarely survived. As a child he suffered from severe asthma and was often laid up for days, doing much of his schooling from his bed.

His grandmother ran her own school in Wendover and Chris developed an early love of reading. He had an encyclopaedic general knowledge, owed in no small part to Look & Learn and of course The Beano and Dandy! He amassed many books on trains, planes and automobiles and devoured masses of fiction.

The family shop and barn became a grocer and tobacconist, eventually run by Chris’s parents Jack and Jean Dean, who brought up their four children in the house alongside. After their retirement the shop was converted into the cottage where Chris lived. He passed his 11-plus exam aged 10, but ill-health prevented him from going to Aylesbury Grammar School, so he attended John Colet School and Aylesbury College where he was happy and made good friends.

joined British Rail, working at Euston Control and Paddington as a performance analyst and witnessing the changeover to Network Rail. Years after retirement, he regularly met up with a like-minded group known as “The Young Buffers,” who attended his funeral.

Throughout his life he had many hobbies, playing football and cricket, crewing with a team of hot-air balloonists and retrieving at the National Championships.

He built his own garden railway which was much loved by his nephew and nieces, who had engines named after them. He had as much trouble with leaves on the line as Chiltern Railways!

Chris loved his garden, painted watercolours, drew cartoons, and was an expert photographer specialising in planes, trains and local landscapes, giving talks, with some photos published in the Wendover Calendar. He was well-read, always interested, always curious.

TIAs, strokes and blood clots took their toll, but his family helped him to read and speak again. His speech was permanently affected, which was an understandable source of frustration.

After he retired Chris adopted three rescue dogs – Barney, Buddy, then Saffie. He made good friends with Sevgi and her team at the Istanbul restaurant on the High Street, where there was always a welcome, great food and a bowl of water and treats for his dog.

Chris was fiercely independent but loved being part of a large family who have many, many happy memories. At his funeral, local people and dog-walkers with their dogs followed the hearse, and the vicar of St Mary’s, Sally Moring’ led the way, with Peter Linford the undertaker carrying a lighted signalman’s lantern. The dogs and walkers formed a guard of honour as his coffin was borne from the Lych-gate into the church, which was full of family and friends. Wendover florist Eileen supplied the funeral flowers, adorned with a train, plane and automobile from Chris’s collection, and a close friend paid him tribute with a stunning steam engine arrangement.

Chris came into this world early and left it far too early, but he will never be forgotten.

As a young man he spent a lot of time on his uncle’s farm, developing a strong bond with nature. Being train-mad from a toddler, Chris

Chris’s Family

Did you know that Wendover has a swimming pool on the schools campus at Wharf Road? It’

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.

There are some important issues for the Parish Council and Wendover to consider at the moment.

Wendover Library

It was nice to see so many people at the last Parish Council meeting on 6 February, with many there to hear the information on the Library refurbishment. There are more details on the Library in this issue of Wendover News (page 14). The Parish Council is holding a public meeting on the refurbishment and whether it should financially support the library. Everyone is welcome to attend at the library on Wednesday 13 March at 7pm.

Halton redevelopment

The Parish Council has considered and is responding to the draft document which has been published on the RAF Halton development, to be known as Halton Wood (see also page 12). There may still be a little time left for people to make their views known online before the 4 March deadline.

In summary we believe that although the document naturally focuses on the Halton parish, it will have significant impact on the Wendover Parish, and potentially other neighbouring parishes too. We feel the direct impact on Wendover is too significant for the document to ignore.

Wendover Local Produce Market

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Manor Waste

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If you would like to read the information, we have printed a copy that can be read at Wendover Library and from the following link: https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace. com/planning/raf-halton.

Wendover Car Park

We have discovered that there is a consultation on the charges for the Library car park, which will see the end of free parking. We encourage as many people as possible to get in touch about this issue. See also https://yourvoicebucks. citizenspace.com/roads-parking/ on-off-street-parking-review-2024

Summer placement roles

WPC has created two wonderful job opportunities for the summer that would be ideal for university students. These are paid part-time role positions for six weeks and are focused on specific projects. The benefits offered to successful applicants include realworld experience, with opportunities to build and develop a portfolio of work around a specific project. The roles will give experience of working in a local government setting with an elected leadership team, with support from the Clerk and Councillors. Please help us publicise these opportunities to students, who can learn more from the Wendover Parish Council website at https://www.wendover-pc. gov.uk. Although the posts were designed with students in mind, all applicants are welcomed.

Lighting up your life?

The Parish Council has been reviewing the street lighting in the Parish. We have had

some complaints in the office about light coming through residents’ windows. We have also noted some of the studies about the impact on wildlife and the energy used keeping lights on all night. Therefore, the Council is looking into turning off the lights on the side roads (not the main routes) between 12:30 and 6am.

There have been pilots of this in other areas which have shown an increase in wildlife and in some areas a reduction in crime as a result. We would not make the decision without consulting the Parish first. This consultation will be happening throughout March.

Make Wendover Smile!

Finally, we are progressing a project that will hopefully bring Wendover together and put a smile on all our faces.

We are encouraging everyone to grow their own sunflowers and hopefully brighten up our lovely area. We will be giving out seeds if you need them (although there are all sorts of varieties locally available – you may fancy a Big Smile, Waooh, Shock-o-Lat or Ruby Sunset!) Finally: it is about the fun of growing them and not a competition to get the tallest, but we might dust off the tape measures just in case!

Parish Council Meetings

Tuesdays 5 March and 2 April, 7:30pm

St Anne's Hall

Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG

Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk