Have you spotted a hedgehog in your garden? There’s been an increase in hedgehog sightings within gardens in Wendover, particularly on Dobbins Lane, where residents have played an active role in putting up ‘Beware of Hedgehog’ signs from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. The signs remind drivers to slow down to protect our spiky friends. We all associate hedgehogs with their spikes covering their backs and sides. What not everyone may know is an adult hedgehog has approximately 5,000-7,000 spines, or that they have a small tail. Nor would many of us know if a hedgehog has passed through our garden, due to their nocturnal behaviour.
Endangered hedgehogs find sanctuary in Wendover
because hedgehogs are facing a 30-75% decline in their population within rural areas, according to the State of Britain’s Hedgehog’s report. As we steadily approach hedgehogs’ period of hibernation – late December until the end of March – this becomes even more important.
Consequently, most hedgehog sightings occur at night and so are easily missed. However, they may leave a well-worn trail over the grass, if feeding regularly within a garden or area of greenery. As hedgehogs are a nomadic species, with individuals walking up to two miles an evening to forage for food, it is unlikely that you will see one in an enclosed garden. This is why many people in Dobbins Lane have created hedgehog corridors (holes in the bottom of their fences), which provide the little mammals with pathways to search for food. Encouraging them to enter your garden this way is beneficial.
Hedgehogs are ‘the gardener’s friend’. This is because their diet consists predominantly of insects and they eat things like slugs or beetles in your garden. They will not destroy your shrubbery or flowers. They may also enjoy dog food placed out to encourage them, or earthworms, which are high in protein and treated as a supplement to their normal diet. However, it’s important not to place slug pellets in areas accessible to hedgehogs as these may harm them.
It’s evident that hedgehogs are an essential part of our environment and so we should make active efforts to protect this species. Particularly
To help prevent underweight hedgehogs, who may not survive hibernation, our local animal welfare charity and hospital Tiggywinkles suggests leaving meaty-flavoured tinned cat or dog food out in the evenings. Not milk or bread. Dog owners should be aware that they may attack hedgehogs, so please monitor them carefully. It is also crucial to make sure hedgehogs have areas to safely hibernate in, so you might set up a ‘hedgehog home.’ You can use Tiggywinkles’ hedgehog home step-by-step guide, online here: www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk/ hedgehog-fact-sheet or www.bit.ly/3ZpruV6 The website has useful information on other local wildlife you may encounter too.
If you’re interested in helping to protect wild hedgehogs in our local area, See Tiggywinkles (www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk), the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk), or Hedgehogs R Us (www.hedgehogsrus.co.uk).
Charlotte Prescott
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LEGACY FAIRS
Antiques & Collectors Market
Wendover Memorial Hall
Thursday 17 October 9am-2pm (Trade 8am)
For updates Tel: 07503 465532 or email: peterphillips39@yahoo.com Entrance by donation to Charity
Events
Simply Walks and Cycle Rides
Wendover: Weekly walks on Tuesdays from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am. You can socialise afterwards at Wendover Christian Centre. Aston Clinton: Every Thursday from Aston Clinton Park leaving 10.30am. Meet beside “Your cafe in the Park.” Refreshments are available there afterwards. Registration is 15 mins beforehand at both locations.
Aylesbury Cycling UK: Easy Pace: every first and third week of the month, about 30 miles long. Newcomers: each second and fourth week, about 20 miles long. Email: aylesburycuk@ gmail.com.
Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury
Opening times vary – check website
On now – May The Toys Be With You: vintage Star Wars toys and movie posters to bring back memories of 70s and 80s childhood.
WEIRD: exhibition of strange and curious objects from the museum stores. Enter the Bucks Photography Competition – closing date for entries 4 November. Activity sessions for under 5s every week. Spooky half term 28 Oct – 2 Nov. www.discoverbucksmuseum.org.
Cracklewick Morris
Tuesdays 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
Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society
Tue 1, 8pm, Stewart Hall, Little Kimble Climbers and Wall Shrubs for Vertical Gardening, with Tom Cole, lecturer, author and broadcaster. He was head of Horticulture at Capel Manor College, then head of faculty at Writtle University. He also runs a soft
landscaping and maintenance business. For details visit: www.e-voice.org.uk/kehs
Compassionate Café Wigginton
Wed 2, 1.30-3pm, Sports Ground, HP23 6HH
A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.
Real Magic Books, High Street, Wendover 2, 7pm Non-Fiction book group discussing “Pirate Enlightenment” by David Graeber. 4, 7pm Tom Shakespeare talking about his book “The Ha-Ha.” 5-6 – Real Magic Records. 12 Bookshop Day (all day). 12, 5pm – Debate Parlour. 18-20 Real Magic Weekend II – a mini festival. 23, 7pm Fiction Book Group. www.realmagicbooks.com See p11.
Chilterns Light Network
Wednesdays, 8pm, Wendover Memorial Hall
2 Hypnotherapy. 9 Accessing spiritual guidance. 16 Organity – organic food cooperative 23 Rife healing machine. 30 tba. Fun and friendly group. All welcome. £5 non-members. www.chilternslightnetwork.org or email clnwendover@protonmail.com
Wendover Horticultural Society
Thu 3, 2.30, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover
The speaker will be Amber Partner, of Howe Farm, Dorton, who grows seasonal cut flowers. Her talk is entitled “My Blooming Business.” Contact Diane on 07966 155775.
Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards
Local History Group
Fri 4, 7.45pm, St Leonards Village Hall
The first meeting of the new season is a talk by Rev Dr Tim Yates, entitled “A Bellingdon History.” Followed by tea/coffee and biscuits, providing an opportunity to meet and talk informally to the speakers and chat to fellow
members. Guests are very welcome and the fee for a single meeting is £4. Membership for the season is £10. www.cholesbury.com.
Poetry Please
Fri 4, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre
Take a favourite poem – any theme you like – or go and see what others have chosen. Everyone welcome!
NEW: Weston Turville Repair Café
Sat 5, 10am–12pm, Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW
The first session of a new Repair Café, offering electrical, mechanical and bike repairs with refreshments. You can take your items for repair, or please get in touch if you are able to help to do fabric or furniture item repairs. Contact Rachel and David, 07811 116152. racheljblackmore@gmail.com.
Wendover Evening WI
Tue 8, 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover Guest speaker Fiona Balding, a passionate print maker who will demonstrate “eco printing” which uses the natural dyes and tannins in plants to create spectacular prints on both fabric and paper. Contact Margaret on 01296 582318.
Craft Group
Weds 9 & 23, 10am-12pm, Wendover Christian Centre Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Take your own materials or just go along to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
Board Game Café
Thu 10, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre
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
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7.30-9.30 pm
St Anne’s Hall, Wendover Christian Centre, Wendover, HP22 6JG 10 Creative evening, “Musical chairs” with pastels, pencils and paper. 19 Saturday workshop: Keith Hornblower – Watercolour Townscapes 24 – Demonstration by Gary Spencer, who is making a return visit with a harbour scene in acrylic and collage. His approach to landscapes last session was great fun so this will be an evening not to miss.
Proud Sponsors
Sarah Routley BSc (Hons)
Max Rogers ANAEA
We are looking for several new members of staff to join our friendly John Colet School team for immediate starts; including casual invigilators
For further information and how to apply, please refer to the Vacancies page on our school website. www.johncolet.co.uk
BBOWT
Plant and Produce Market
Saturday 12 October 11.00am - 1.00pm
College Lake Reserve HP23 5QG
Aston Clinton Repair Café
Sat 12, 9-12pm
St Michael & All Angels, Aston Clinton
See if the team of volunteers can bring your household items back to life.
Eco Family Fun Day
Sat 12, 10am-4pm
Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW
A free fun day for all ages with eco crafts, talks, information, sharing of views about Wendover and Villages Community Climate plans. Refreshments available. Everyone welcome! Contact racheljblackmore@gmail. com, 07792 475094.
BBOWT Activities
peaceful atmosphere with beautiful Japanese maples and carefully placed shrubs and stones. Experience the brilliant autumn colours of the almost 70 unique Japanese maples (Acers).
Entry receipts go to the National Garden Scheme charity. Proceeds from hot beverages and cakes go to South Bucks Jewish Community.
Christmas Launch at No1 Thu 17, 9.30am-8pm
Beautiful gifts and decorations available in the shop. Join them for a glass of fizz. See ad p1.
Aylesbury Centre of the National Trust Thu 17, 8pm
Sat 12, 11am-1pm, Plant and Produce Market at College Lake. See ad p4. Tue 15, 7 for 7.30pm, autumn talk at Great Missenden Memorial Centre admission £5. For information on College Lake youth and childrens’ activities. See www.bbowt.org.uk/events for details and booking.
The reserve and visitor centre are open every day except Monday.
Open Garden at Acer Corner, Wendover
Sat 12 & Sun 13, 2-5 pm.
10 Manor Road, Wendover, HP22 6HL
All are invited to visit Acer Corner, a stunning Japanese-inspired garden. Lovingly designed by owner Jo Naiman, it offers a serene and
Broughton Junior School HP20 1NQ Lorna McGowan will talk on services at Marie Curie Nurses. Details from 07399 540626 or aylesburycentrent@gmail.com
Wendover Shed Fundraising Quiz Night Fri 18, 7 for 7.30pm
Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF
For teams of eight – you can buy a whole table, but individuals can also get together to form teams on the night. There will be a raffle and a pay bar, but you can bring your own nibbles. Profits go to support Wendover Shed, a registered charity co-operative community. £10 per ticket, payable in advance by phoning Bob Duggan on 01296 623869, or email secretary@wendovershed.org.uk. Also see www.wendovershed.org.uk/public-events.
TRES CORAZONES
TAPAS | BAR | GRILL
CHRISTMAS MENU
£32 per head, 3rd-24th December available by pre-order only (excluding Sundays, visit our website for menus, email to enquire) TRES CORAZONES
TAPAS | BAR | GRILL 4 Pound Street Wendover Buckinghamshire HP22 6EJ
Sat 19, 10am-2pm, Local Produce Market, Manor Waste
An opportunity to speak to the HS2 contractor EKFB’s community engagement team and gain insight into upcoming local HS2 works. See p14.
Book Club
Sat 19, 10.30 to 11.30am, Wendover Christian Centre
Go along to hear what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you’ve been reading. For November only (16), the discussion will be about one book: “The Go-Between,” by L P Hartley. You may like to get reading to join in!
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 19, 2.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall HP22 6HF
Anna Nikipirowicz will give a talk about her knitting and crochet. A few years ago Anna was lucky enough to become Rowan Design Consultant and a tutor. She now teaches crochet and knitting across the south of England www.mooshka.co.uk More details from aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com
Annual Duck Race
Sun 20, 2pm Heron Stream (HP22 6NN) by the Community Orchard
Jazz Upfront
Thu 24, 7.30 for 8.15pm, St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury, HP20 2JJ
Set in an intimate candle-lit atmosphere, enjoy the music of the Arnie Somogyi Jazz Quartet: featuring Gideon Tazelaar. The UK’s leading jazz bassist Arnie Somogyi is well-known to jazz audiences through his work with some of the stars of the British and international scene, performing frequently at the world-famous jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, and at festivals throughout the country
With Gideon Tazelaar, tenor saxophonist; Mark Edwards, piano; and Matthew Holmes, drummer. Bar and refreshments available. Tickets from Aylesbury Music Shop or www.bit.ly/4e2itpy
Barn Dance
Fri 25, 7-10.30pm, St Mary’s Church Wendover
Dancing to “The Old Time Stringband,” plus fish and chip supper and bar. Vegetarian and gluten-free option available. Meal included in ticket price, drink payable separately. Tickets: Adults £15, Children £5, from Just, Wendover High Street. See ad p4.
Weston Turville Historical Society
Fri 25, 8pm (Doors open 7.30) Weston Turville Village Hall
Title - “Another Icarus.” Speaker, Roy Smart. Fee: £2 members. £3 visitors.
LOOKING FOR A NURSERY/ RECEPTION PLACE FOR SEPTEMBER 2025?
November is Make a Will Month!
Make or update your Will at one of our participating solicitors and help people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes to live life to the full.
THE JOHN HAMPDEN SCHOOL WENDOVER
OPEN MORNING –EARLY YEARS (NURSERY) & RECEPTION PLACES
All fees will be waived in lieu of a donation to the Centre.
The John Hampden School Wendover is a large infant school for children aged between four and seven years. We also have a thriving 26 place Early Years Provision for 3-4 year olds and offer the 30 hours flexible free entitlement for pupils in this class. We are justifiably proud of our excellent reputation in the local community and we work hard to provide children with an outstanding start to their school life.
Pupils ‘love to learn’ at this school, fully reflecting the school’s motto. They are highly motivated and behave very well. High expectations permeate every aspect of school life, and pupils flourish, both academically and socially.
Ofsted 2024
We are offering four opportunities to come and view the school and find out more about us.
Monday 7th October at either 9.15am or 10.30am. or Monday 18th November at either 9.15am or 10.30am.
Please contact the school office via phone or email to book 01296 622629 office@jhampden.bucks.sch.uk
Buckland Art Show
Sat 26–Sun 27, 9.30am-4pm, All Saints, Buckland
Local artists showcasing their works including art, paintings, ceramic and jewellery. Refreshments available throughout. Contact Natalie on 01296 632488 or email Benefice3@gmail.com
Local Farmers and Craft Market
Sun 27, 11-3pm, Weston Turville Village Hall, Pop-up café, various stalls including fresh food, hold an owl, dog accessories. Free entry. Contact: allevents.fantasia@gmail.com
Compassionate Café, Great Missenden
Wed 30, 10 – 11.30am
Great Missenden Library
Each session is facilitated by trained volunteers who ensure the café offers a safe and welcoming space for people to meet for emotional support. www.bit.ly/3Zqn5RH.
Arts Society Ballinger
Thu 31, 7.30pm for 8pm
Ballinger War Memorial Hall, HP16 9LQ “Cinema from the rubble: the post war politics of Ealing Studios.” Ealing Studios superfan and film lecturer Benedict Morrison revisits the Ealing films, this time in the light of the post-war new waves that were beginning to emerge across Europe. For details email ballinger@theartssociety.org, or visit www. theartssocietyballinger.org.uk.
LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICES
Family run since 1985
Is your garden looking tired and uninspired? Well now! Is the time to seek help
SAVE THE DATE – NOVEMBER 1-16 Tring Book Festival
1 and 29 Flicks in the Sticks, All Saints Buckland. 1, 6.30–9.00pm, Wendover Memorial Hall
Preview evening of The Bucks Art Society Exhibition and Young Artist’s Awards, Sat 2–Sun 3 The Bucks Art Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition, , See ad p2. 22 Ceilidh Dance Evening, Red Kite Pavilion, Aston Clinton Park Benefice3@gmail.com. 30 Christmas Lights Switch-on in Wendover. DECEMBER
1 Festive tea, St Mary’s, Weston Turville 13 Carols around the tree, Wendover 20 Flicks in the Sticks. All Saints’ Buckland.
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@ wendovernews.co.uk or advertising @ wendovernews.co.uk to let us know your intentions as early as possible.
Edition Deadline (18:00) November 9 October December (Christmas) 6 November
With over fifty years of gardening experience, our family has been transforming gardens. We are happy to come and talk and offer advice on what your garden might need from simple tidying repairs to fencing, replanting to a complete garden redesign. Call Ben on 07922 845371 or email: benjaminthegardener@gmail.com for a free no obligation quote Landscaping, Paving, Turfing, Hedging, Fencing, Tree pruning, Replanting, Garden Clearance etc.
The hidden little shops of Wendover
Do you really want to drive for miles, then spend ages trudging round soul-less shops looking for unique or unusual items? Big brand stores only display items that they know will sell in quantity, so it’s difficult to find anything that is novel and delightful – and have you ever tried to engage in a conversation with any of their staff – or ask them for ideas?
Luckily Wendover has more than its fair share of shops with personality and charm, but some of them are a bit hidden away and may get overlooked. Here we highlight some that you might have missed.
Cornelli: Debbie Cattle came to Town Court, Wendover High Street in 2006 and has been serving her customers with specialist sugarcraft items ever since, while helping them learn the art of cake decoration with her regular classes after hours. On sale are tempting stocks of icing colours, decoration tools and equipment, as well as hand-made models and sugarcraft flowers. Plus there’s great advice available in the store, as only an experienced sugarcrafter can give. Check out the website www.cornelli. co.uk/about for more information. With fellow tutor Tracy Mann, Debbie runs Cake Party, a social learning experience in local pubs. Check out the website www.cake-party.co.uk for more information.
Basford Fine Jewellery: Andrew and Shân have been creating minor miracles in their studio at 11E High Street since October 2019. As you would expect, they can repair broken jewellery, remodel and make bespoke pieces. Their skills were honed by Cartier but now you can buy their unique work here in Wendover. www.basfordjewellers.co.uk
Simply the Best: This wonderful specialist dry cleaner has been serving the residents of Wendover for at least 30 years. Debbie has been with them almost as long. The premises are at 2A, High Street but the door is in the archway by Crumbs café. It is a family-run business which has a small chain of shops radiating out from Chesham, where the cleaning machines are run. There is also a handy local pick-up and drop-off service.
A few years ago Simply the Best is aware that its customers need not only dry cleaning but also supplies for simple repairs to clothes so it started stocking haberdashery items and knitting wool. No need to go further afield when everything is available right here in Wendover, even shoe repairs. simplythebestdrycleaning.co.uk.
The Bakers Shop: We are lucky to have had a dedicated baker’s shop at 1 Icknield Court, Back Street for over 40 years. Mike can sell you a loaf or a cake but there’s plenty of lunchtime food as well, including soup when you need a warm-up. He says “Come in for sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, sausage rolls. Your regular purchases of bread will be from a local baker to go with the local honey. Why not pop in to see what’s on offer? Cakes are on sale and you can order celebration cupcakes or larger cakes.” The shop opens at 7.00am and close at 2.30pm. Orders can be phoned through on 01296 624642.
The Barn Courtyard at 25 High Street, Wendover
This haven of small boutique shops is next to Antiques At.. Wendover, accessed through the archway bearing that name. It also leads to the Garden Area of the Antiques Centre where you will find statues, fountains, urns and benches. The Barn shops are closed on Mondays. Before you go into the Courtyard, visit Antiques At.. Wendover itself. It’s home to dozens of small traders including many specialists, such as those selling furniture, clocks and instruments, antique hand tools, silverware, jewellery, kitchenalia, clothing and gardenalia, etc. The Antiques Centre is open everyday including Sundays. www. antiquesatwendover.co.uk
Balloon Times: Opened in July 2024, so you might not have had a chance yet to check out Donna’s good value selection of greeting cards, helium balloons and party banners. The range of partyware is being extended, including serviettes and tablecloths and orders can be taken for special items. The owners are looking forward to displaying their Christmas stock including memorials and lanterns. Telephone 07519 869433.
a little bird told me gallery: Yes, Wendover has its own Art Gallery, which features work of local artists and generally interesting pieces, including silver jewellery as well as a bespoke framing service. Owner Melanie has a great range of frames and possibilities. Her cards are sourced from designers and makers from the UK using eco-friendly and sustainable materials and practice in their production. The gallery hosts Bucks Art Weeks and exhibitions of local artists throughout the year. www.alittlebirdtoldmegallery.com
Sidehill Alley: This little shop only opened in August this year. It offers a selection of products and gifts, with a bespoke ordering service. Groups of up to eight people can book a candle-making class, for either a birthday party, hen do, baby shower or a catch-up with friends or family while enjoying a tea or coffee. The owners say “over the course of two hours, you’ll learn each step of creating a duo of candles from a friendly expert. You will learn the fundamentals of a new craft and have created a pair of gorgeous, sustainable candles to take home with you. We also offer a painting workshop, and gift boxes that can be ordered.” See www.sidehillalley.co.uk
Bank Holiday fun tour puts Wendover pubs on the map
Wendover Parish Councillor Leigh Porter was the driving force behind the second Wendover Pub Crawl this year, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It’s one of her initiatives to boost traffic into local businesses while encouraging the sense of community among residents and visitors to the town.
Here are her impressions of the long liquid weekend. “After the success of the Easter Bank Holiday pub ‘celebrations’ it wasn’t just the publicans who were keen to see a repeat, but the shops, restaurants, teashops, Library, Wendover Station and other businesses that gained from the additional visitors around the village. They also offered their support by handing out the ‘Pub Cards’ on which to record each pub visited. Pubs put their individual stamps on the card. Completed cards went into a draw with three winners each receiving a free drink in each of the seven pubs for three months.
It took more than the weather to dampen the spirits of our Wendover residents as the mission to visit the pubs started, with families in particular finding this great entertainment for the summer holidays. It was fun to watch as the Pub Cards were flashed around by young and old with big smiles and friendly banter in recognition of the joint mission.
The Pub Crawl route stayed buzzing into the night, with live music and karaoke adding to the entertainment. Of course, some were intent in doing all seven pubs asap while others were happy to spread their visits over the three days. There may have been some who did all seven
on each of the three days, but they were probably among those who completed the cards but forgot to add their name and contact details!
The word “community” is the one constant when describing the event, with everyone happy to be meeting old friends and making new ones, visiting pubs and shops they hadn’t been to before and appreciating being out and about having fun. The dog walkers of Wendover were out in force too, along with families and day visitors caught up in the general bonhomie.
Pub crawl? Who needs an excuse?
It was good to hear that one of our Wendover residents invited his friends from around the country to join him on the pub crawl and they all stayed at The Red Lion. No doubt they weren’t the only visitors who travelled to join us?
The fit and able might have jogged the route but being in a wheelchair did not preclude you from joining in, as one comment said “the publicans couldn’t have done more to help.” There are so many stories to tell but we have to be discrete, so let’s leave it that the ladies of Wendover WI were definitely on form!
Many thanks to all the Wendover publicans for joining together to make this a special event for our Wendover community and special thanks to all those who took part because without you making the effort to join in and visit the pubs, restaurants, shops and businesses it wouldn’t have been the success it was. Thank you. It did Make Wendover Smile!
The outgoing Chair of the Parish Council, Julie Williams, drew the three winners, who collected their certificates with big smiles – or smug grins? You decide.”
Words and photos: Leigh Porter
The winners (L to R): Elouise Shelley, Rob Weisner, Vanessa White
Local Support
Rotary Wendover in action again
Jane Larkham writes: Rotary in Wendover is always looking for local causes to support and this year (July 2023 – June 2024) we gave donations of £3,000 each to Wendover Dementia Support and Chiltern Foodbank.
In Autumn 2023 we started to improve an area by the Ludwig Gutmann Stadium at Stoke Mandeville Hospital so that wheelchair athletes could share a pretty space while they were at leisure, such as eating lunch. Supported by Waitrose Ltd, we bought oak half barrels and planted them up with bulbs for spring and perennials for the summer and autumn. A grant from within Rotary District 1260 helped the purchase of recycled tables suitable for wheelchair relaxation.
We were invited to the Paralympic Flame Festival held at the stadium on the morning of Saturday 24 August and filmed live for French TV. After the ceremony Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE was
wheeling herself past the garden with her paralympian equestrian gold medal winner friend Sophie Christiansen CBE and they were thrilled to take a place at a table. Soon after the Frenchman looking after the Paralympic flame joined the party for the photograph with Rotarians Cheryl and Jane.
Picnic in the Park
Rotary in Wendover supported Picnic in the Park on Saturday 31 August with a free giant Connect 4 which many children enjoyed playing. Many thanks to the generous parents who gave donations.
We also supplied a giant map of the world for our treasure hunt which proved very popular with groups of adults reminiscing about their travels in the world. The “treasure”, a £20 book token, was hidden in Cheyenne, Wyoming in the USA. The person who guessed closest was David Crosser who thought we may have hidden it in his home town of Osage, Iowa, just a short 11 hours drive away!
Annual Duck Races 2024
This year’s Rotary Duck Races will take place as always on the Heron Stream (HP22 6NN) by the Community Orchard, starting 2pm on Sunday 20 October. The first race is the classic small ducks at 2pm, entry ticket price is only £2. Then the local Business Race with slightly larger ducks takes place followed by a race for ducks purchased by local Rotary Clubs. High Street Businesses have generously supported in the past and will be visited to ensure they don’t miss out. Tickets will be available at school gates on selected dates and are now available from J Brown Funeral Servicest, Rotarians or rotary.md3@gmail.com
From left: Sophie Christiansen, Jane Larkham, French flame bearer, Cheryl Law, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
Ana Brown, left, the world map and Linda Downey
Local News
From the Editorial Team
Some young people have been getting bad posts on social media recently – for good reason. A small number of ‘youngsters’ have been causing damage and distress around Wendover – and to some people, everybody under a certain age seems to be guilty by association. We disagree, and recognise that the area is home to a majority of talented and well-adjusted young people. In the case of the perpetrators, boredom, low aspirations, lack of prospects or of hope may all be explanations; but many would argue – they are not justifications for bad behaviour.
Over the next few issues of Wendover News, we will be looking at some of the potential remedies – and how younger people can be engaged to become positive and constructive assets for the community. Some of the those, who are currently labelled as problems, could one day become part of the solution – and have the potential to be leaders in the community.
Wendover News is beginning a campaign to recruit a team of young authors to write for the publication and expand our online activity (see below). Coinciding with that, in this issue we are looking at the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, through the eyes of one of its participants, Isabella Banks.
The Editorial Team
The next generation of journalism: young writers at Wendover News
Since Wendover News became a community-owned company in April 2024, many new writers have appeared on its pages – including a steadily increasing number of young people!
In this issue you’ll hear from two brilliant school-aged writers. 14-year-old Isabella tells us about her experience working towards her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, while on the cover, 17-year-old Charlotte explains measures being taken to protect hedgehogs in Dobbins Lane and other parts of Wendover.
Wendover News is largely run by volunteers, so we’re always keen to hear from you if you’d like to get involved. But we’re especially eager to hear from young people in and around Wendover and surrounding villages who are interested in volunteering.
So if you’re aged 14 and above and want to get some experience in writing (and see your name in print!), please get in touch. When you do, let us know who you are, how old you are and why you’d like to get involved. If you’re under 18, please copy a parent or carer into your email. Get in touch at: editor@wendovernews.co.uk
Izzie Addison
Obituaries
It is with sadness that we report the passing of two well-known members of the community.
The first is Victor (Vic) Cox of Victory Road, Wendover, who passed away on 5 September. Vic was a much loved local, always stopping to chat or feed dog biscuits to the dogs he saw on his walks into the village. Vic is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret, three sons Ray, Barry and Mark, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. A service for Vic was held on Friday 20 September.
The second, is Margaret Seabrook, who died peacefully at home on 7 September 2024. Margaret was one week short of her 99th birthday and was well and enjoying life with family and friends right up until the end.
She had resided in Wendover for 70 years, had taught at Halton Primary and John Colet Schools, and been associated with St Mary’s Church, The Wendover Society and the Cricket Club amongst others.
Margaret, alert and cheerful in 2023, watching the cricket.
The funeral and celebration of her life will be held at St Mary’s Church, Wendover HP22 6NL at 12.00 noon on Saturday 28 September. Dress: smart casual, any colour. More information from Jonathan Seabrook on 07767 148119 or jseabrook@wendoveremail.co.uk
Real Magic Weekends
Carl and Sophie at Real Magic Books, Wendover High Street are organising their Real Magic Books 2nd Birthday on 28 & 29 September. They are also organising Real Magic Weekend II on 18-20 October, following the success of the original in May. Carl says “This will again be a magic mini-festival celebrating books, food and drink, art and music, bringing lots of amazing writers, artists and musicians to venues in Wendover. We always hoped to make this a regular fixture and after the huge success of the launch event, and lots of kind words and support, we thought it would be lovely to do this again in the autumn.”
He adds “We are putting the finishing touches to the weekend programme now, we have loads of brilliant events already confirmed but we’re not announcing anything just yet. We are also putting a very limited amount of weekend tickets on sale again, still only £25, to get you into every event and they will only be available in the shop.” For details of other Real Magic events see p2.
Wendover Shed
Wendover Shed and the magic lamp
Eve Defty contacted us: My gas lamp had seen better days and suffered from careless handing, over the years, during many house moves. The suggestion that I dispose of it at the tip was unthinkable. So I turned to Bob Duggan at Wendover Shed. Bob’s face displayed total disbelief as he looked down at the distorted metal frame and pieces of glass before him. My heart sank! His response, however, was surprising. “I think I know the very Shedder who would like to fix this,” he said. So my lamp
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and I were introduced to Paul Mosley, who smiled as he placed the pieces into the boot of his car. “Leave it with me, and I’ll see what I can do.”
There was some confidence in Paul’s tone but I still felt a rush of regret, almost like waving goodbye to an old friend, as it disappeared down the drive. This old lamp is of great sentimental value and has been in my family for over 50 years. Would it be impossible to mend? Would it stand the strain of being twisted back into its original shape? Had I made the right decision? My concerns were soon allayed when Paul messaged to say that he had started the challenge and all would be fine so I could relax.
From then on everything went well until it was pointed out that the two brackets I’d provided to attach the lamp to the wall would support hanging baskets but not a heavy lamp!
Whilst searching for the solution of how to bend a piece of metal to make a suitable bracket, Paul approached a fellow Shedder, Mike Greasby, who came forward with the right equipment and together, they solved the problem and the job was done.
This friendly cooperation and willingness to help one another is a very obvious characteristic and expectation of all members of the Shed.
The welcome, atmosphere and friendly camaraderie is obvious as soon as you visit. My magnificent lamp has now been restored to its former glory and takes pride of place on my wall overlooking my garden and when lit, it glows with the pride that was lost! In future it will be handled with the respect it deserves.
Listen to the natural music of Wendover Woods
Wendover has frequently featured in films, books and TV programmes, but now its birds and wildlife could be heading for fame on BBC Sounds. Paul Liam Walker, a musician and field recordist based in Birmingham, recorded the natural sounds of Wendover Woods for a track that’s appropriately named “Wendover Woods.”
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The musician explains: “It is an immersive ambient song combining instrumental music with nature sounds of birds in a woodland. With its intricate soundscapes and delicate melody, it captures the essence of being immersed in nature. The track aims to evoke a sense of tranquillity for listener.”
The nature sounds were recorded in Wendover Woods by Paul on a walk back from Coombe Hill after enjoying Morris dancers perform a May Day dance. You can hear the result at www.bit.ly/3TrFCcQ or by clicking the link on the Wendover News website.
2.00pm. All the other library services, including computers, Wi-Fi, printing, and the Council Access Point (CAP), will be unavailable for this period. The nearest alternative library branches are in Aylesbury, Great Missenden and Princes Risborough. However, online services will continue to be available, including online newspapers, books and audiobooks. You can also renew items online or via phone (0303 123 0035, although this was out of service when we checked on 16 September). Details are on the Wendover Community Library section of the Buckinghamshire Council website, here: https://bit.ly/4e5cWi3
Buckinghamshire Library Service received a primarily Arts Council grant of almost £493,000 towards the refurbishment, which allowed most of the planned improvements to go ahead.
Wendover Community Library is now closed to visitors until at least the spring of next year, as the long-planned and much-delayed refurbishments take place. It closed on Monday 23 September.
Library members will be able to access a “Click and Collect” service to collect and drop off books from the WPC office at The Clock Tower for the duration of the closure. This will allow for the collection of reserved items and returns only, along with a small collection of picture books. For the duration of the project, items reserved for collection at the Clock Tower will be free of charge. The service will be confined to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only, from 10am to
The improvements include an internal refit and decorations; with a larger “sensory” children’s library; better wheelchair facilities; and dementia-friendly space overlooking the community garden; new flexible meeting spaces for community activity or private hire; comfortable seating areas; self-service technologies (loanable tablets, and self-serve kiosk); improvements to the outdoor spaces; improved energy efficiency; a multi-functional reception area; and internal and external art installations co-created with the community. New “diverse” book collections will promote health and wellbeing. So far it’s unclear what will happen to some of the existing community displays and artwork.
Wendover Astronomer play runs at
Hampstead Theatre
The producer says “The play is set in Boston 1956 at a time when Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin is about to be appointed Chair of Astronomy and the first woman to head a Harvard department.” The Lightest Element reveals a further struggle in 1956 as fellow academics tried to prevent her from becoming the first female chair of department at Harvard. This time the anti-female prejudice was compounded by McCarthyism, but she prevailed.
Hampstead Theatre is easily approached by train and underground or bus. The play runs until 12 October.
It’s worth a trip to Hampstead Theatre, www. hampsteadtheatre.com, to see Wendover-born Cecilia Payne triumph after decades of being side-lined. Despite writing “the best PhD thesis ever” in 1925, her findings were denied then stolen and it took 30 years for her to become the first female professor at Harvard.
Reviewed by Jane Larkham.
See Wendover News online for full review.
Nutrition and Dementia: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting brain health and managing symptoms of dementia. A well-balanced Mediterranean-type diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, nuts and seeds, provides the essential nutrients that can help slow cognitive decline, enhance memory, and improve overall well-being in individuals with dementia. While nutrition is important, many will experience challenges related to eating, so caregivers may have to balance providing a healthy diet without undue pressure to eat which can cause anxiety and agitation.
Practical tips for promoting their nutition can include creating a calm routine and eating environment, offering small and frequent meals, and ensuring food is easy to chew and swallow. Recognition of familiar food can be helped if the plate is a contrasting colour. Mealtime patience and understanding is important as eating a meal can take time. Dehydration is a common problem so all sorts of fluids should be encouraged throughout the day.
Addressing common eating challenges involves providing favourite familiar food, adjusting food textures for easier consumption, and offering finger foods for those who struggle with utensils. It can also help to involve them in the choice and preparation of their food. If someone with dementia suddenly refuses to eat or drink, this can be a sign of infection or illness, so a medical assessment is advised.
If you know someone living locally with dementia who needs support, contact Wendover Dementia Support: www.wendoverds.org.uk or 07732 342409.
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Maureen Beattie as Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin in The Lightest Element_
Photo: Mark Douet 2
On 12 September, we hosted a mobile visitor centre (MVC) event outside the PACE Therapy Centre on Wendover Road, Aylesbury. The event provided local residents with the opportunity to speak to our community engagement team and gain insight into our upcoming works in the area. We will also be bringing our MVC to the Local Produce Market on Wendover High Street for the morning of Saturday 19 October. An official invitation will be shared in the first week of October. We look forward to meeting you there!
This summer EKFB completed the second realignment phase of the A413 London Road to allow us to complete the construction of the final pier and abutment at the Small Dean Viaduct. The road is currently operating on the new realignment and will undergo a final realignment in summer 2025. In October, we will be completing sheet piling works at the final pier, as well as water main works on the A413, which will require off-peak lane closures on Wednesday 2 October – Thursday 3 October (9am – 3pm) and then again on Monday 7 October – Friday 11 October (9am – 3pm).
There will be further works in preparation of the deck push of the Small Dean Viaduct scheduled for early 2025.
If you would like to read more about the works and view the advance works notices and maps, then please go to HS2 website www.hs2. org.uk and click the ‘in your area section’ to view the interactive map. For questions about HS2 contact our Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.
Christmas is coming...
Although Christmas might seem to be a long way off, it’s time to start making plans already – anticipation is part of the pleasure! If you run a business, now is a good time to start organising your events for the season – you are spoilt for choice for pubs and restaurants for celebrations. If you run a pub or restaurant, start working on your seasonal menus and advertisement for December. Wendover News is going to press in the second week of November for the Christmas issue, so don’t leave it too late to get your advertisements and events to us.
Just to get you in the mood, here’s a couple of ways you can get involved in the festivities, starting right now:
Rotary Santa’s helpers call for volunteers
Eco Santa Sleigh 2024: We invite people to volunteer with our local Santa Sleigh collections on weekday evenings in December. Please contact rotary.md3@gmail.com for further details as soon as possible so that we can schedule which evening(s) you are available. Please come dressed in red if possible, but warmly dressed.
We will provide a hi-viz jacket/tabard. We will be supporting Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and 14th Aylesbury Sea Scouts, based in Weston Turville. We need volunteers to cover as much of Wendover and Weston Turville as we have in previous years so find your inner Santa and help bring fun and laughter to our communities.
CribFest
Wendover Free Church is planning to run CribFest 2024 on Friday 13 December from 3 to 6pm and on Saturday 14 December from 10am to 3.30pm. Community groups, organisations, and individuals are invited to provide home crafted cribs or treasured nativity scenes. (All scenes can be collected after the event). There will be a prize
Information supplied by EKFB, the local contractor for HS2
for the most creative display. voted for by CribFest visitors. There will be two categories, one for individuals and one for groups or organisations. For questions, or to reserve a space please email christmas@wendoverfreechurch.org.uk or ring Remco on 01296 622354.
Please let them know by 1 December if you are planning to provide a nativity scene. During CribFest there will also be refreshments and a Christmas Fair. Cribs will be in the St Anne’s church building and the refreshments and the Christmas Fair will be in the Wendover Christian Centre.
Night Riders
For a couple of nights in September Wendover High Street was closed for resurfacing. A train of dumper trucks lined up to be filled by the huge Tarmac stripping machine as it advanced. Photo by Simon Eccles.
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Wendover Scarecrow Trail 2024
Once again the creatives in Wendover had a great time producing scarecrows for friends and neighbours to enjoy. This year the Trail took place from Saturday 31 August to Sunday 15 September. Groups of people could be seen first of all finding the Scarecrows (of all sizes) and then working out which Olympic Sport and country they represented. A small entry fee of £3 means that money was raised to support the organiser – Rennie Grove Peace Hospice which has a shop at 5 High Street Wendover.
The official judges included Ana Brown of J Brown Funeral Services, 23 High Street, Wendover and members of the local Rennie Grove Peace fund raising group. Their final decisions, shown on the left, were:
1st # 7, skateboarder from Germany by Millie Andrews.
2nd # 9, BMX from GB by Jane McHardy Jones.
3rd #3, Paralympic Swimmer from GB by Beryl Hunter.
Special Commendation – Equestrian from GB (specifically Zara Phillips) by Kristan Ecker of Gusto, Castle Park Road, Ashbrook Park.
The winners voted for by the public will be announced online
This annual competition gives so much pleasure that it is a shame that some people damaged a couple of the scarecrows this year. Fortunately our Wendover Shedders were swiftly on the scene and made the necessary repairs.
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These also scared some crows away...
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: “There is more in you than you might think.”
I’d like to begin by taking you back 68 years to 1956. It was only 11 years after the end of World War 2. Sometimes glorified as a golden time of coffee bars, skiffle groups, mini skirts and sideburns, the 1950s were a turning point for people all over the world. However, at the start of the decade, times were still difficult. Rationing lasted until 1954 for food and 1958 for coal and people sometimes still queued for food. Bombed houses and factories were continuing to be cleared and rebuilt. Over 450,000 war-related deaths were still being mourned. Life was gradually improving, but lots of people, especially teenagers, were struggling to resume normal life.
It was during this post-war era that the idea for a national programme to support young people’s development was first conceived by Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and Kurt Hahn, his former headmaster. In February of 1956, a pilot of the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award was launched with the original aim to help boys bridge the gap between leaving formal education at 15 and entering into National Service at 18, while building a sense of purpose that would support them into their future.
After its early success, the programme continued to evolve, expanding to include both young men and women from 14 to 24 in 1980. But despite how DofE may have changed over the years, its overall aim of giving young people a sense of purpose has always remained. And that’s what I felt when I participated in my Bronze expedition (the first of the three awards) this year. At least … most of the time.
Is this really worth it? That’s the question that I woke up with at 6am on the morning of my practice expedition. For the 15 hours we had spent on our expedition so far, it had rained. For every. Single. One of them. Sadly, the next eight were no different. So, cold and damp, I awoke with that question: is this really worth it?
In that moment, it didn’t feel like it. There were definitely other moments too, like getting lost at the very start of our assessment and spending over an hour walking around the same field! But what
adventure is without these moments? I think that we needed the rain in the practice to fully appreciate the sunshine in the expedition. We needed the challenge we had with losing our way to properly try with our map reading.
In a recent interview, Bronze participant Lola reflected that, “the best bit was when we finally understood that we had to use the compass and we actually started going the right way! I found that quite rewarding.” We needed these challenges because they made us learn and appreciate the outcomes even more.
If you’re considering starting out with your Bronze DofE, here are five top tips from a group of participants to help make sure that you get the best out of your experience:
Be prepared for all weathers: Although weather in the UK is rarely extreme, it averages 159 days of rain a year.
“Bringing a jacket or making sure that you don’t leave things out in the rain is quite important. Then again, if it’s too hot, make sure you bring appropriate clothing”, Elsa reflected. “Being prepared will definitely prevent the weather from affecting your experience.”
Plan your meals well: “In the practice, we basically ended up having raw vegetarian sausages and didn’t consider our leftovers for the second day! We changed our meals for the actual expedition which worked much better. But think through your meal plan and don’t be too ambitious!,” Esme advised.
Distribute the weight of your bag: Millie, recommended using the straps to help take the weight off your shoulders and make it easier to carry when you’re walking. You can also lean forward during stops to take the weight off without removing your bag!
Adjust your expectations: Freya said that it’s important to not underestimate the experience; make sure you’re prepared to be challenged. “It is hard but it’s definitely worth it and all of the different sections are good life lessons.”
Support your group: Finally, Lola’s main recommendation was to stay positive with each other. It’s imperative to keep a zealous attitude in your group throughout the experience and challenges.
So, was it worth it? A resounding yes. As the Duke of Edinburgh himself once said: “There is more in you than you might think.” I think that DofE helped me to find that more.
Isabella Banks
A413 traffic rerouted
In September the piling works for the last pier of the Small Dean Viaduct started, following realignment of the A413 to create a safe working space.
The road currently bends sharply around the site, but this will be smoothed out following the completion of the viaduct deck next year. The 40mph speed limit will be retained, however. The three inverted triangular structures in the middle of the photograph above are the completed piers which will eventually support the viaduct.
Dump trucks at Ellesborough Road
The “haul road” is now operational, with dump trucks moving clay from Small Dean to an area just north of Ellesborough Road, and this
will probably continue to the end of next year. The massive Volvo dump trucks can carry up to 60 tons of spoil and are surprisingly quiet. However, the tracks of the bulldozers used to level out the stockpile are certainly audible in Wendover when the wind is from the west. Monitoring of the noise, vibration, and air quality is undertaken at Ellesborough Road and so far the results are within the limits agreed with the council.
During the dry period in September dust from the haul road was being managed by damping it down with water from special 27,000 litre off-road tankers. During wet weather the haul road surface would be damaged by the weight of the trucks, so we’re expecting a winter break from November until April.
Green Tunnel decision
The contract for the construction of the Wendover Green Tunnel was reviewed last year, and now, 15 months later, we understand that HS2 has decided to continue using EKFB, instead of handing the job over to Align JV as had been rumoured. This is probably good news, as we were concerned about the overall project delays that could be introduced in managing the handover.
We’re awaiting the details of the construction timescales but expect that it might not start until 2026 and could then take two years to finish.
What’s not happening…
There are two community issues that have slipped and now have undefined timescales. Firstly the traffic lights on Ellesborough Road are still in place six months after the opening of the diversion. There’s no date from UK Power Networks about when it is going to finish moving the sub-station and underground cable that are causing the need for one way traffic management.
Secondly, we were disappointed to learn that the works in the fields at the end of Dobbins Lane have been delayed due to lack of planning permission, and consequently the burying of the water pipe there has also been delayed to coincide with the other works.
Want to know more?
You will be able to put questions to the local HS2 Community Engagement team when they bring their Mobile Visitor Centre van to the Local Produce Market on the Manor Waste on Saturday 19 October, between 10:00 and 14:00.
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
Wendover Bowls Club
Club Corner
Don Knight writes: “How fast this year has rushed past. It seems like yesterday that I was saying how good it was to get to play outside after being confined indoors and here we are about to shut up the green again for the winter. Last weekend saw the culmination of all the efforts of the internal competitions as the finals were played. So we now know where the silverware is going. Well done to the winners, bad luck to the runners up.
On the inter-club level in various leagues we have had mixed results. There are clubs that expect to win and are a bit grumpy if they don’t. The other day we played against a team that had a very dour skipper who hardly said a word to our skip. He seemed to begrudge every point we won. While we were enjoying our after-match drink he got out his phone to show us pictures of himself with various silver cups and told us that he had been England Indoor Bowls Champion several years running. I wondered why he seemed quite good! I always remember it is a game to be enjoyed and winning is a bonus. Everyone does their best and no one bowls badly on purpose.
Now, no Bowls Club report would be complete without a wildlife update. We were still having fox trouble so in desperation we rigged up CCTV on the green and caught two foxes on camera. At least we were able to spot where they were coming in and we have rigged an electric fence down that side. It hasn’t stopped them entirely but it
certainly has slowed down their activities. It was suggested that if they realised they were being filmed they would develop a routine for the camera…. the foxtrot maybe? On the wildlife theme, we have had a significant success in winning back The Squirrel Trophy from Broadway Bowls Club. This has been competed for annually since the early 1980s and now hangs proudly on our club wall. No one seems to know the significance that a framed picture of a rather embarrassed squirrel or, indeed, any connection squirrels have to bowling, but it is a good excuse for a match.
A couple of important encounters are still to be resolved, namely the Chairman’s team v the Captain’s and then the Ladies versus the Gents. Last year the Ladies won handsomely so we are looking for revenge. Watch out Ladies!”
Cracklewick Morris
Cracklewick Morris is a mixed all-inclusive Morris side which has celebrated a very successful, busy and fun first year, having formed in August 2023.
Jacqueline King writes: ”We’ve danced at some amazing events during the year including Aylesbury Christmas Light switch-on, Pitstone Green Museum, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, and we had great fun dancing at Studham May Fair and the Wendover local produce market. We did a couple of workshops, one for the 1st Halton RAF scouts
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and the other for the Wellbeing Pathways lunch at Lindengate. We taught them our signature Cracklewick March dance. All tremendous fun with lots of laughter.
We had a delightful day at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Saunderton. They had a dog in training who was going to someone involved in Morris Dancing, and we were asked to go and dance and play music to the dogs to see how they reacted. Some dogs will bark as they don’t like the bells, but all the dogs – and trainers – behaved impeccably on the day.
The Grand Opening of the Wendover to Halton canal towpath gave us the opportunity to dance for a diverse audience. It was wonderful to be part of the community event organised by the Wendover Canal Trust.
At a fun evening in July with Owlswick Morris we were invited to join them dancing at The Bell at Chearsley. A great evening with some super dancing, music and great company. We’ve had such a great and fun first year, filled with smiles and laughter. We’ve been thrilled to be part of so many different and diverse community events and are looking forward to the same and more, as we head in to our second year.”
If you would like to be a part of this merry band you can go along to the dance practice, on Tuesday evenings 8:15pm to 10:15pm at Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG. No experience is needed and your first month is free. Be prepared for a lot of fun and laughter!
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Aylesbury’s visual history man
Karl Vaughan not only collects and publishes historic photographs that show us the past of our area, but with his amazing drone videos of the HS2 works, he is recording history in the making.
Since 1994 Karl has been collecting old photographs of Aylesbury and its surroundings, and restoring and republishing them, first as books and now though his website www. aylesburyremembered.com and other social media. He has also been taking “then and now” comparison shots from exactly the same spots as old photographs from the 19 th and 20 th Centuries.
As work started to transform the landscape with the HS2 works, he started documenting it with videos taken from his drone, and putting them on his YouTube site, www.youtube.com/@KarlVaughan. An excellent example can be seen at www.bit.ly/SouthHeathtoWendover, which shows progress along he HS2 route from South Heath to Wendover in February 2024.
He has been providing frequent updates on progress (or otherwise) along the construction site, from where the tunnel opens near Great Missenden, then past Wendover, Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury. They are usually more timely and more informative than HS2’s carefully manicured public revelations.
Unfortunately, he has not been able to update the area around Wendover since March, when a HS2 surveyor warned him that filming there using a drone is forbidden by a NOTAM (Notice To Airmen, a legally enforceable no-fly zone), ostensibly to prevent interference with HS2’s own drones which are being used to monitor and control truck movements. Wendover News is looking into this and hopes to resolve the issue so that Karl can continue his filming.
Karl really is recording history in the making, and as long as the digital formats survive, they will be a resource for historians of the future too. Imagine if Karl and his drones had been around in 1799, when the canal was being dug from Wendover to the Grand Union Canal at
From Karl’s collection: The Shoulder of Mutton in about 1900.
Bulbourne. Or in the 1890s, when the Metropolitan Line was being extended from Amersham to Aylesbury and beyond, passing Wendover and opening in 1892.
Today we have some written records of those mammoth projects, which had as big a local impact as HS2 in their time. But there are no visual records of the canal work, and very little of the railway. Where were the huts and tents used by the “navvies” (construction workers) as they travelled with the work, often with their families in tow? What happened to all the “spoil” that was dug out of the trenches? We know all about that for HS2 and can see it evolving in Karl’s videos. So will future generations.
through the old Nightingale history book of Aylesbury with my mum when I was 10 or 11.” The book was called Old Aylesbury, with about 180 photographs, written in 1977 by Pamela Nightingale and Elliot Viney (one of the directors of the big Aylesbury book printer Hazell, Watson and Viney).
It took Wendover News a while to track down Karl. The self-effacing archivist and local history expert seems to be happy working in the background – despite having published four successful photo-history books on Aylesbury and the area over the past three decades. Simon Eccles and Richard Byford met up with him in the Kings Head in Aylesbury.
We’d been fans of Karl’s books and Aylesbury Remembered FaceBook site for years before we met him. We asked him how he became such an expert in the history of Aylesbury area. He says he’s been interested in local history since he was a boy. “I remember going
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“I also did history projects at school, such as one on Quarrenden that I researched in the libraries. In the 1980s there were also lots of archaeological digs going on, and I helped at the one at the Prebendal, next to the church. I got friendly with Mike Farley, the county archaeologist. We found traces of the ditch that had been the old town boundary, probably dating to the Iron Age. Mike Farley wrote a book on the ditch, and he reckoned that one of the entrances may have been where the Kings Head is now.”
Over the years Karl has compiled four books of his historic photographs, including A Century of Aylesbury (2002), Aylesbury Remembered (2005) and Aylesbury Then and Now (2012). Some are still in print and may be found in local shops, but if not they appear frequently in used book sales and websites.
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 Postal address only – no visitors: 11 Manor Road, Wendover, HP22 6HL
When you have finished reading this edition of Wendover News, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it responsibly.
The Parish Council welcomed a new Chair at our September meeting. Councillor Clive Gallagher was previously Vice Chair and was elected unanimously to take on the role. Clive has been on the council for a few years, after moving to Wendover in 1994. He is now retired, but busier than ever and a feature about him will be in a future issue of Wendover News.
Shortly we will be looking for new councillors so if anyone is interested please get in touch with the office for an informal discussion. We often get many comments on our social media about our work so it would be a great chance to get involved and see the work we do and get involved in making a difference.
Forthcoming attractions
We hope everyone enjoyed the Picnic in the Park event and any comments and suggestions are welcome through the Parish Council office. Although it wasn’t a sunny day it certainly wasn’t a dull event, with plenty of things to eat, drink and do. In the run-up to Christmas we have many more events and attractions lined up that we hope you will enjoy:
Local Produce Market: More and more local crafters/food producers and plant growers are joining our stalls on the Manor Waste on the
Wendover Local Produce Market
Saturday 19 October, 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
third Saturday of each month between 10 and 2pm. We also have additional entertainment at selected markets. Choirs, Morris Dancers, singers and bands have all featured at our markets. Keep an eye on our social media and website for more details.
Annual Quiz: The quiz starts on 3 October at 7:30pm in the Bowls Club. Even if you are not competing you can go along and cheer on a team or just challenge yourself to see how much you would score. The rounds happen over a number of weeks on Thursday nights as we whittle down the competitors for the grand finale.
Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on event: On the Manor Waste and hosted by the fabulous team at Bucks Radio (now on DAB in north
Bucks and online elsewhere) we will have local school choirs and musicians, stalls full of present ideas and warm food. The whole High Street is normally open with shops doing their own events and attractions. Saturday 30 November is the date for your diary and keep your eyes open for more information closer to the date.
Parks
A lot of people have commented on social media about equipment being removed from the parks. The Council has an obligation to maintain the equipment and receives quarterly inspections from an external specialist who assesses what works are required. The Council always has an ongoing programme of works to replace equipment, but sometimes the timetable changes if something significant is spotted in these surveys and we have to remove the equipment before we are ready to replace. Rest assured the parks are not being closed down and will not remain empty – it is just a matter of timing.
If you are interested in the reports and our responses then this is discussed by our Amenities Committee and the reports can be found by downloading the agendas at www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/2024-25.
Parish Council Meetings
Tuesday 1 October, 7:30pm St Anne's Hall Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
Parish Council, The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU www.wendover-pc.gov.uk clerk@wendover-pc.gov.uk 01296 623056
• St Anne’s: 9am Mass • St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am • Wendover Free Church: 10.45am
