NEW PLAY DRAMATISES
FAMOUS LOCAL SCIENTIST
One of our most eminent former residents not only has the only blue plaque heritage sign in Wendover displayed on her former home, but a play about her is about to open in London. In honour of the occasion, Wendover News is jumping on the bandwagon with our own, totally unofficial blue plaque scheme, and readers can join in!
The honoured daughter of Wendover is Cecelia Payne (1900 – 1979). How could a local girl, born at the bottom of Chiltern Road, have an HS2 tunnel boring machine named after her, decades after her death in the late 1970s? How is it that 125 years after her birth, Hampstead Theatre is premiering a play about her life?
Wendover News has featured Cecilia several times over the years, so volunteer and founding editor of Wendover News, Jane Larkham, is well-equipped to explain how she came to get a plaque in her name.
lived. The principal of the school, Elizabeth Edwards, convinced her pupils that women were the stronger sex and by the age of eight,
was determined to become a scientist.
“As an astronomer at Harvard, Cecilia was the first person to prove that stars are mostly made of hydrogen and helium, even though no-one believed her at first, and then as often happens with women, someone else was initially recognised for this work.
“So where does Wendover feature? She was born here and it was the local schooling she received that spurred her later studies. Her small school was at 36 Chiltern Road, immediately opposite number 47 where
“Her family moved to London when Cecilia was 12 and her new school was declared by her to be ‘inferior to the little school in Wendover,’ where she had been drilled in mental arithmetic and learning poetry as a method of developing memory. Both these skills were essential in her life’s work. By 1918 she had moved to St Paul’s School where the music master, one Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame) was keen for her to study music, but she still wanted to be a scientist.
She won a scholarship to Newnham College Cambridge to study botany, her childhood dream, but she changed to astronomy. However, Cambridge didn’t award degrees to women until 1948. So she applied to the new astronomy school for women at Harvard, where she was the second pupil admitted.
Cecilia Payne married another émigré astronomer to the USA, Sergei Gaposchkin from Göttingen in Germany,
Continued on page 8
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Dunsmore, The Lee, Halton, Weston Turville and Aston Clinton
Cecilia
Cecilia
Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group 22 WPC View from the clocktower 24
Events
Simply Walks and Cycle Rides
Wendover: Weekly walks on Tuesdays from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am. Participants can socialise afterwards at Wendover Christian Centre.
Aston Clinton: Every Thursday from Aston Clinton Park, leaving at 10.30am. Meet beside “Your Cafe in the Park.” Refreshments are available there afterwards. Registration is 15 minutes beforehand at both locations.
Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society
Stewart Hall, Little Kimble Sun 1, 2-4.30pm Autumn Show. See some beautiful displays including chrysanthemums, dahlias and vegetables and enjoy delicious home-made cakes.
Editorial Team: Rory Lavery, Lorna Archer, Izzie Addison, Simon Eccles, Wynne Byford, Jane Larkham and Richard Byford.
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LEGACY FAIRS
Antiques & Collectors Market
Wendover Memorial Hall
Thursday 19 September 9am-2pm (Trade 8am)
For updates Tel: 07503 465532 or email: peterphillips39@yahoo.com Entrance by donation to Charity
Aylesbury Cycling UK: Easy Pace: every first and third week of the month, about 30 miles long. Newcomers: each second and fourth week and about 20 miles long. Email: aylesburycuk@ gmail.com.
Scarecrow Trail
Sat 31 Aug – Sun 15 Sep Scarecrows will be on display throughout Wendover. Trail maps will be available from Rennie Grove Peace Hospice charity shop from Friday 30 August – entry is £3 per family. Trail entry forms must be submitted by Wednesday 18 September and winners will be contacted by text. Some of the volunteers will be dressing up as scarecrows at the Picnic in the Park on 31 August to advertise this event.
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 is needed to dance. Email cracklewickmorris@gmail.com
Afternoon Teas at St Mary’s Wendover
Sun 1, 5 & 29, Church Lane
The ancient parish church is perfectly situated on The Ridgeway for people wanting a treat after enjoying a Sunday walk.
Tue 3 , 8pm Have You Done Your Roots? Good root growth is essential for healthy and productive plants. How can you be sure your plants are performing well under ground when you can’t even see them? Andrew Mikolajski, writer, speaker and RHS judge, returns to answer this and other questions with his new talk. www.e-voice.org.uk/kehs
Compassionate Café, Wigginton
Wed 4, 1.30-3pm, Sports Ground, HP23 6HH
A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.
Chiltern Miniaturists Club
Wed 4, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall
The club meets on the first Wednesday each month. The current project is market stalls for a Christmas Market. Lee-annehutchings@ hotmail.com
Chilterns Light Network
Weds, 7.30pm Wendover Memorial Hall 4 Somatic Breathwork, 11 Doc Malik, 18 The Five Elements, 25 Emotional Freedom Technique. Fun and friendly group. All welcome. £5 non-members. www.chilternslightnetwork.org clnwendover@protonmail.com
The Lightest Element by Stella Feehily 5 September-12 October Hampstead Theatre, London NW3 3EU World premiere of a play about the life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin who was born in Wendover. www.bit.ly/4fEy2VC. See p1.
A TEN WEEK COURSE IN PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY
Waterperry Gardens, Wheatley, Oxon starting Sat 28 Sept 10:00am-12:15pm Wesley Memorial Church, Oxford starting Mon 23 Sept 7-9:15pm
Aylesbury Multicultural Centre, Aylesbury starting Wed 25 Sept 7-9:15pm
Tel: 07856 197881
Price £90, £75 early bird
Wendover Horticultural Society
Thu 5, 2.30, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover
The speaker is Phil Townsend, his subject is “Alpine Flora and butterflies.” Phil is well known in the society and a popular speaker. His work for BBOWT includes managing the Aston Clinton Ragpits, home to rare and protected animals and plants. For details, contact Diane on 07966 155775.
Poetry Please
Fri 6, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre
This month the theme will be “A poem that makes me smile.” Take a suitable poem to read or go and see what others have found. Everyone welcome!
Aston Clinton Repair Café
Sat 7, 9am-12pm, St Michael & All Angels, Aston Clinton, HP22 5HW
See if the team of volunteers can bring your household items back to life.
Afternoon tea in Great Missenden
Sat 7, 2.30-4.30pm, Damien Hall, HP16 9AA
Raffle, gift and produce stalls. Tickets £10 inc. tea and cake available at Samways/the Post Office. In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Contact Jill York on 07846 534301 or jillelizabethyork@yahoo.co.uk
RAF Halton Heritage Open Day
Sun 8, 10am-4.00pm, Halton House, HP22 5NN
A rare opportunity to see the interior of Halton House, built by Alfred de Rothschild in 1883, as a ‘party’ and country residence. Optional coaches to the Trenchard Museum elsewhere on the base. Free admission, no booking required. See p13.
Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge
Sun 8 – from Princes Risborough School, HP27 0DR
Open to all ages and abilities. The route is not buggy-friendly, or wheelchair-friendly due to the terrain. Toilet and water stops are provided at regular intervals. Any walker under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian aged 18 or older on the day. Dogs welcome. Visit www.renniegrovepeace.org/C3P
Wendover Evening WI
Tues 10, 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover Helen Norman will be giving lots of ideas and tips to revamp your autumn wardrobe in her demonstration “Colour and Style.” If you are interested in joining, contact Margaret on 01296 582318.
Craft Group
Weds 11 & 25, 10am-12pm, Wendover Christian Centre Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Please bring your own materials or just come to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
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 and September starts
For further information and how to apply, please refer to the Vacancies page on our school website.
www.johncolet.co.uk
Wendover Art Club
Thurs, 7:30-9:30pm, St Anne’s Hall, HP22 6JG 12 Annual General Meeting, 26 Demonstrator (Subject, artist and medium to be confirmed). Wendover Art Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month, September to May. Please note there is a fee of £10 for non-member guests for demonstrations.
Board Game Café
Thurs 12, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre Enjoy a variety of games old and new or take your own to play with others. Free of charge for all.
Mid Bucks Beekeepers’ Annual Honey Show
Sat 14, 1-3pm, Weston Turville Village Hall
Alongside the honey show there will be displays, a live observation hive and local honey for sale. More details on p19.
The Battle of Britain Anniversary Concert
Sun 15, 12.30pm, Chiltern View Garden Centre
Live performances from Halton & High Wycombe Military Wives Choir and D DAY Darlings. Free entry, numbers limited. For tickets email: office@westonturville-pc.gov.uk
BBOWT
Tue 17, 7 for 7.30pm
Great Missenden Memorial Centre
Speaker Jon Mason is a BBOWT member and photographer who has visited every reserve and distilled his observations into a fascinating
talk. Admission £5. Sun 29 See the autumn flowers and fungi at Aston Clinton Ragpits Reserve, on a short field study trip led by the warden Phil Townsend.
Please don’t forget to prepare plants for the Plant Market on Sat 12 October at College Lake. For other events at that reserve look and book online at www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Book Club
Sat 21, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre
Whatever you enjoy reading, you’ll be welcome at Book Club. There’s no set book. Just go along, hear what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you have read. Starting with coffee and often cake!
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 21, 2.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall
Jill Kipnis will give a talk on key elements needed to create a good embroidery design. email aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com
Compassionate Café, Great Missenden
Wed 25, 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 come together for emotional support. www.bit.ly/3YCxJEz.
Arts Society Ballinger
Thu 26, 7.30pm for 8pm
Ballinger War Memorial Hall HP16 9LQ “As if by magic: the Secrets of Turner’s
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Hundreds of one-day workshops and short courses across Buckinghamshire, including:
• Languages
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Watercolour Techniques.” Art historian and author Nicola Moorby examines Turner’s watercolour practi ce in detail, unlocking the mysteries behind his exceptional effects. A friendly and informative evening. www.theartssocietyballinger.org.uk or email ballinger@ theartssociety.org
Bingo Night
Thu 26, 7-9pm, St Michael’s, Aston Clinton, HP22 5HW
A fun evening with bubbles and snacks. £5 per person which includes three bingo games. For further information or to book a place contact Natalie on 01296 632488 or email Benefice3@gmail.com
Weston Turville Historical Society
Fri 27, 8pm (Doors open 7.30pm) Weston Turville Village Hall
“Henry VIII and the Art of Kingship.” Speaker – Siobhan Clarke. Entrance – £2 members, £3 visitors.
Local Farmers and Craft Market
Sun 29, 11-3pm, Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW
Pop-up café, various stalls including fresh food, hold an owl, dog accessories. Free entry. email allevents.fantasia@gmail.com
Cream Teas St Mary’s Church, Weston Turville HP22 5SQ
Sun 29, 3 -5 pm
Everyone welcome.
SAVE THE DATE - OCTOBER
Sat 5, 10 am–12pm New Repair Café, Weston Turville Village Hall
Details from racheljblackmore@gmail.com
Sat 12, 10am-4pm Eco Family Fun Day at Weston Turville Village Hall
Information stalls on retrofitting and children’s crafts
Sat 12 & Sun 13, 2-5pm, Open Garden at Acer Corner, Wendover Fri 18, Fund raising Quiz Night with Wendover Shed. See p13.
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All contributions for inclusion in Wendover News can be submitted as early as the first day of the month preceding the issue in which it needs to appear. To ensure we have enough space, email editor@ wendover.co.uk or advertising@wendover.co.uk to let us know your intentions as early as possible.
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Deadline (18:00)
October ................................................................ 13 September
November 11 October
December (Christmas) 8 November
January 2025 ........................................................... 7 December
Frebruary 2025 10 January
WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL
Liz Brown Yoga
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All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk
Great for Children’s Parties Ideal for Weddings & Functions Excellent kitchen facilities
Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk
Tuesday evenings: Wendover Memorial Hall Friday mornings: St Anne’s Hall Wendover Groups, 1:1s, workshops, retreats Online & Face-to-Face
For more details visit our website www.lucyclarkscottish.org Or Email: lucyclarkscottish@gmail.com Our course for new dancers starts 26th September 2024 First
‘Dad’s just weird’: An interview with author Raymond Hugh
Rory Lavery
Raymond Hugh is an author from Wendover, whose latest book, Bloodied Minds, is due for release in November of this year. The writer’s work spans a range of genres: beginning with hiking guides in the 1990s, Hugh has gone on to write crime fiction and fantasy horror set in the Chilterns. I sat down with the author to discuss the sources of his inspiration, what advice he has for aspiring writers and blurring the line between fact and fiction in his work.
I met Hugh at a local café, dressed for the weather in a white tee and shorts and is carrying an edition of his latest book. I began by asking the author where he gets his inspiration; he laughs as if to suggest a certain familiarity with the question, and tells me his daughter is so fed up with people asking that she’s resorted to saying “Dad’s just weird.”
The author himself, fortunately, seemed more than willing to recapitulate his sources, and did so with a freshness of enthusiasm and excitement that might befit a younger writer: “Well I always question things. If I see a street name that’s unusual, I want to find out more. I’ve always had a curious mind. When I go hiking I always use an OS map. I hate to use anything else because you’ve got all the names on the map - you feel like you’re a detective hunting for clues.” Hugh also cited frequent use of a Dictaphone to record any ideas that come to him while he’s out: “Quite often it comes to me all of a sudden when I’m talking to my Dictaphone; I go back home and then I’m ready to write.”
“Our local library is running a short story competition,” I tell him. “What advice do you have for our contestants?” Hugh suggested four pillars for success: write for pleasure, research diligently, keep a discipline and be resilient. “Don’t try and write to win the competition,” he says, “write for your own pleasure and enjoy it. Just put down what’s coming from inside you”. As we get talking it also becomes apparent that Hugh is a rigorous researcher. “Detail is retail” he tells me, and cites conversations he’s had with medical professionals, military servicemen and women and others who have crossed his path in order to inform his work’s accuracy. And while he cited many instances of his work receiving a warm reception, with a look that hinted at more than a few bouts of experience, he said you need to be prepared for criticism: “I won’t pretend that every review is good.”
Hugh’s most recent work centres on a phenomenon called the red market, a little known circle of organised crime in which bodies are illegally harvested for organs. It makes for gripping and graphic reading, and I asked Hugh to explain his motivation for blurring the line between fact and fiction: “I’m hoping people start talking about the red market. It needs to be talked about. And I’ve used something that actually happens, which isn’t fantasy, you know, or imagination.”
Hugh leaned over slightly and spoke with an urgency and expertise that suggested deep research: “it’s something that governments sweep under the carpet. In fact, the law was tightened in this country six months ago to try and stop it from happening, and it completely went under the radar of all the national media. I’ve come across it personally too,” he added, “I had a reader who was a victim of the red market. She went to Turkey for a cosmetic operation, came back, fell ill, and found she’d had one of her kidneys removed.” “Don’t read these books if you’re easily shocked,” reads the caption to the advertisement.
As we draw our conversation to a close, I ask Hugh how he’ll spend the rest of his afternoon in the good weather: “I’m going to lie down on the sofa with my Dictaphone,” he tells me. Writing, it seems, is a full-time occupation.
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Raymond Hugh
who she helped to escape from the new and viciously antisemitic Nazi regime in 1933. They later married, but this didn’t stop her work or the recognition she eventually received for it. Let’s hope Cecilia is an inspiration to all schoolchildren in Wendover!”
The new play is called The Lightest Element by Stella Feehily, directed by Alice Hamilton and will have its world premiere at Hampstead Theatre from 5 September to 12 October
The play’s promoters say: “British born Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin revolutionised our understanding of stars. Now a new play will illuminate her life and achievements. The play is set in Boston 1956, at a time when she is about to be appointed Chair of Astronomy and the first woman to head a Harvard department. However, two
LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICES
things stand in her way: a covert investigation aimed at exposing her as a communist sympathiser, and the entrenched conservatism of her male colleagues. When a student journalist asks to profile her, it feels like an opportunity to control her own narrative – assuming, of course, that the invitation is actually what it seems…
Stella Feehily’s taut drama explores how challenging social norms can be almost as difficult as overturning scientific orthodoxy.”
Nominate your local hero
Wendover and its surrounding villages have had their fair share of the “great and good” (and sometimes not-so-good) living here or passing through over the years, and indeed centuries. Residents might be interested in learning more about them, so Wendover News is starting a ‘virtual’ blue plaque scheme. This is not related to the Wendover Parish Council scheme that put up Cecelia Payne’s blue plaque, and anyone can join in!
If you would like to nominate a person for the virtual blue plaque, email newsdesk@wendovernews.org. The person must have had a sustained connection with Wendover or a surrounding village and must have died more than 20 years ago. Some of the official English Heritage rules have been waived, but the nominee who gets chosen is likely to tick most of the boxes. Having said that, we’re not taking it too seriously and one or two frivolous nominations might make it onto our webpage if they are funny enough (and not libellous).
Full rules will be published in our October edition, and online. Once you have notified us the name of the person you are nominating, you will have the exclusive right to write about them which will last for six months, after which somebody else may be able to claim it! Collaboration with other readers is encouraged and we will be happy to lend a hand, if asked.
Richard Byford
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.
Local News
From the Editorial Team
If you have been wandering around Wendover during August, you must have noticed the number of sunflowers there were on display. Thousands of them! They were of course, part of the Sunflower Trail instigated by the Parish council to ‘Make Wendover Smile’.
Quite a few people have taken photographs of them and there is an abundance of examples online. Here in the Wendover News Virtual Office, we discussed having a page full of photographs, then decided that it would be better to make our own sunflower trail – through the pages. As you read through the local news, look out for photographs taken by the editorial team. Here’s one, to get started:
Correction
On the front page of the August print edition, we implied that Greg Smith gained a majority of the votes for Mid-Bucks in the general election. As he won only 37.3% of the available votes, we should
have written “one stood out for most people and ended up becoming our MP.” We should have written “many” instead of “most”. Thank you to reader Ian Moloney for pointing out the error and keeping us on our toes!
High street retail changes
In the past few months we waved goodbye to two of the best known shops in Wendover: Agora and Wendover Hardware. Both will be missed. Readers Eileen Cullen and Jacqui Clark said in an email “We are very sorry that the shop Jan and Jim have worked so hard to maintain has had to close. They were almost the last of the small shops left in Wendover to be called proper village shops. As such they helped maintain an atmosphere of welcome, combined with service and efficiency.
Where else could you get that small item you needed in a hurry, which would be produced as if by magic from an apparent confusion of goodies? Yes, we shall certainly miss you – not just the shop, but your lovely smile which has helped cheer your friends and customers.
Thank you for your perseverance. We send you our best wishes for a brighter future.”
New private healthcare clinic in Wendover
On 2 September, the new private b2 Wendover Clinic will be opening in Wendover, set up by chiropractor Ben Boulter in the High Street corner premises vacated by Agora.
It will offer a variety of health services, including chiropractic care, osteopathy, podiatry, acupuncture, sports massage, and more. According to Ben, these services are designed “to meet the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that patients receive personalised and effective treatments.”
Photo: Lorna Archer (her own garden)
The new Wendover branch is the third in the chain established by Ben, who is also the principal chiropractor for the group. The first was in Chalfont St Giles in 2012, followed by another in Gerrards Cross. “The latest expansion into Wendover aims to bring the same high standard of care and comprehensive range of services to the local community,” he says.
The b2 Wendover Clinic will be managed by Gabrielle Maitland-Jones, a dedicated chiropractor and local resident. Ben says that “Gabrielle brings a wealth of experience, and her commitment to patient care and her deep roots in the local area make her the perfect leader for this new venture.” For more details see www.b2chalfontclinic.uk.
OTEC Bikes
Originally operating out of Halton Tennis Club, OTEC Bikes has a new home at Buckmoorend Farm, close to the Chequers Estate. In the hiatus of the move, OTEC operated as a mobile business with collection and delivery of bike repairs – a service that is still offered
from its new home. The new centre enables full service of bikes, maintenance, repairs and advice; plus sale of bikes , both new and second-hand, spare parts, accessories and bike hire. Opening hours at the new location are Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. You can nip into the Farm Shop for a coffee and bite to eat next door at the same time.
OTEC also offers bike hire, including electric bikes, with online booking possible. Wendover is renowned for the best mountain biking around and is one of the reasons that owner Lee Niven decided to move from London and settle in Wendover. He organises weekly and sometimes bi-weekly cycle rides from the Buckmoorend site. Call 01296 696343, or see www.otec.bike.
Lorna Archer
Wendover Community Library
The Library short story competition on the theme of “Changes” is drawing to a close on 30 September. That gives contestants just a few weeks to either get writing or put the finishing touches to their pieces. If you’re looking for guidance, consult any of the previous three editions of Wendover News for story-writing tips from writers such as Stephen Ellis-Jones, Professor Emeritus Christine Devine and me, Rory Lavery. Remember there is a 1,000 word limit and submissions should be sent via email to fowlmembers@hotmail.com.
Good luck, and may the best story win!
In the final stages of writing your story, here are some additional tips for editing:
• Recruit an editor: get someone you know with experience of reading in a professional context to give some suggestions and, crucially, look for those ever-elusive typos. Sharpness is finesse!
• The chainsaw and the scalpel: don’t be afraid to hack and hone your piece - some edits will be large, others small. Don’t scalpel where unnecessary swathes could be chainsawed and don’t chainsaw where finer sections only need a light touch of editing.
• The Hemingway approach: look over your piece and edit out as many unnecessary words as possible. This will keep your reader’s attention primed because each word will carry more weight within the story. Think economy over elaboration, density over decoration.
Rory Lavery
Photography Competition
The Friends of Wendover Library Committee members have chosen their favourite 24 photos from those which were submitted for the annual Photography Competition. All show Wendover at its wide and beautiful best throughout the past year.
It is your opportunity to help find the Photo of the Year by voting in the library. The photos will be displayed until Saturday 14 September and you can vote for your favourite three. Please go and view this beautiful selection and hopefully add your suggestion for the 2024 Wendover Photograph of the Year!
Library hosts Press-On-Print-Bike
Visitors to Wendover Library on one morning at the end of July
were treated to an unusual sight. Parked near the reception desk was a special bicycle with a small hand-operated printing press on
For all your building requirements from patios and driveways to alterations and extensions
the back, owned and operated by Nick Hand. This summer Nick has been cycling between libraries all around the country, printing special bookmarks that celebrate something different about each one and the famous figures who used them. For Wendover he was printing a poem, “The Mid Country,” written by local author Will Burns, who has been a friend of Nick for years.
Will and his wife Nina were there too, as visitors to the library were engaged in a chat and a demonstration of the little press, together with a free bookmark. Children were invited to have a go at pulling the lever that operated the press to print their own bookmark to take away.
Right: Will Burns, Simon Eccles with the press, and the printer Nick Hands. Photo by Will’s wife, Nina
Nick’s day job is running a printing workshop in Bristol called The Department of Small Works (www.departmentofsmallworks.co.uk), specialising in traditional pre-digital methods such as hand-set type, letterpress and linocut printing to produce short-run books, cards, posters and art prints, as well as teaching the craft. He says he is touring the countrywith the Print Bike to publicise the vital part that libraries play in local communities, as well as to demonstrate the intimate links between books and printing.
The press itself is a small hand-operated model called an Adana, which is popular with craft printing operations. First introduced in the 1930s, it uses raised type and images that are inked and pressed against sheets of paper. Surprisingly you can still buy new Adana presses from their maker Caslon, a 300 year old company now based in St Albans. The full story is on www.wendovernews.co.uk, along with more photographs and interesting technical details.
Simon Eccles
Apply for up to £500 for your nature project
Amanda Barnicoat writes: The Chiltern Society’s Community WildBelt project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Rothschild Foundation, is creating a lasting and joined-up approach to nature conservation through local people. The project develops and supports individuals, parish councils and community groups to take practical and positive action and help nature recovery on their doorsteps.
Building locally for 25 years
Please call 01296 582215
Local News
Key to the success of the Community WildBelt project is facilitating local people to actively care for nature in their own neighbourhood. The Community WildBelt Small Grant Fund aims to encourage local initiative, engage more people and add to the legacy of stewardship for the natural environment. It recognises that there is a strong desire within local communities to take positive action to improve nature, but they may face a range of barriers to this. Often these can be overcome with a small amount of support.
If you, or your organisation, care passionately about nature in your local area, want to protect it, have some ideas on how to get more people involved in it and need a small amount of financial support to help get things going, then do contact the Chilterns Society. It may be that your project can get started with a small budget, or that your larger project could apply for additional funding to make it even stronger.
For information email: amanda.barnicoat@chilternsociety. org.uk or check out the website: www.chilternsociety.org.uk/ community-wildbelt-fund
Arriva additional update
Further to last month’s update on Arriva’s closure of its Aylesbury and High Wycombe depots, we’re grateful to a reader, John Wood,
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who provided additional information. This gives greater detail to the picture of Arriva’s withdrawal.
Over the past four years Arriva has experienced increased competition from Red Rose Buses, Redline Buses and Red Eagle Buses on the High Wycombe and Oxford routes. Redline’s 130 route from Aylesbury to High Wycombe was faster than Arriva’s 300 service, and at one point, when both services were running, there were eight buses every hour – which far outstripped the demand.
Redline has similarly been competing on the Aylesbury-Thame-Oxford route since September 2021 with an X20 service which bypassed Haddenham and Wheatley villages to provide a faster service.
Redline has now altered the X20, increasing the frequency from every 30 to every 15 minutes daytime, and diverting the route to serve Haddenham and Thame railway station.
For further information about public transport availability see Bucks Council’s bus timetable website, here: www.bit.ly/3YGgdiI
Open day at Halton House and Trenchard Museum
Halton House will be open to the public on Sunday 8 September, from 10-4pm, with free admission, no booking required.
This is the once-yearly opportunity to see the interior of the house, built by Alfred de Rothschild in 1883, as a ‘party’ and country residence. For the rest of the year it is used as the Officer’s Mess for RAF Halton and is closed to the public. As usual there will be the additional option to visit the Trenchard Museum elsewhere on the RAF site, with coach transport provided.
Halton House was the venue for Rothschild’s opulent weekend parties for the high society of the day, and it is preserved as a lasting reminder of Victorian decorative taste.
The House has also been used extensively as a location for filming and TV programmes. Recent examples are ‘The King’s Speech, ‘The Queen’ ‘The World is not Enough’, and ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.’ TV programmes shot there include scenes from ‘The Crown’, ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Bridgerton.’
The Trenchard Museum, which is next to the main parade ground on the base, tells the history of the RAF Station starting during World War I, including 70 years of the RAF Apprentice Scheme, and the separate James McCudden Flight Heritage Centre, which illustrates the History of Flight.
Extensive parking is available only at Halton House. Coaches will run Halton House and the Trenchard Museum/James McCudden Flight Centre. As RAF Halton is an active Ministry of Defence site, the only access to the Trenchard Museum and the James McCudden Flight Centre is via the official transport. NB. Halton House has very limited disabled access and no disabled toilets, no dogs (other than assistance), and the entire site is a no-smoking zone.
October Quiz night for Wendover Shed
Following the success of last year’s fund raising Quiz Night, Wendover Shed will be repeating the event on Friday 18 October, at the Wendover Memorial Hall on Wharf Road (HP22 6HF). All are welcome. Doors open at 7:00pm to 7:30pm.
It will be run as teams of eight per table – you can buy a whole table if you want, but individuals can also get together to form teams on the night. There will be a pay bar, but you can bring your own nibbles. There will be a raffle too. Tickets are £10 per person, payable in advance by phoning Bob Duggan on 01296 623869, or
email secretary@wendovershed.org.uk. Last year’s event attracted 90 people and raised around £1,600.
Profits go to support Wendover Shed, a registered charity co-operative community resource set up early in 2023.
It provides a shared space where people can meet to create and share practical projects, with access to working facilities, tools, and each other’s help and experience. The goal is to promote health and well-being through social interaction and practical activities. See www.wendovershed.org.uk.
* Wendover Shed will also have a marquee stall showing membership benefits and selling woodworked items at the Picnic in the Park in Witchell Meadow on Saturday 31 August
Volunteering: try something new this autumn
With the nights drawing in and the kids back to school, why not try something new and volunteer this autumn? Wendover News’ June edition covered some of the local charities and organisations looking for more support. Since then, a local volunteering opportunities hub has been launched on the website: wendovernews.co.uk/news/ volunteering-opportunities.
The Red Arrows flew over central Wendover and RAF Halton on 9 August. Photo: Simon Eccles
Shed quiz 2023. Photo: Simon Eccles
From youth groups to charity shops, your local swimming pool or favourite community-owned magazine – there’s an opportunity to suit anyone, no matter what your skill set, interests or how much time you can spare.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is calling for volunteers to help out at the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on Sunday 8 September. The 3 Peaks Challenge will see supporters walk a range of distances across the picturesque Chiltern Hills to mark the charity’s 15th anniversary. Volunteers are needed to help marshal road crossings and car parks so the event runs smoothly. Email c3peaks@renniegrovepeace.org or visit renniegrovepeace. org/C3P for more information on volunteering or taking part in this special challenge, and head to the Wendover News website to find out more about local volunteering opportunities.
Izzie Addison
How to communicate effectively with people with dementia
These simple tips can really help people with dementia feel understood and reassured.
1. Use non-verbal cues: Calm and attentive body language and facial expression with good eye contact conveys attention, understanding and empathy. A gentle touch can provide reassurance and simple gestures can aid comprehension. Listen carefully and observe facial expressions as this can give vital clues to how they are feeling or what is on their mind.
2. Validate emotions: Individuals with dementia may struggle to articulate their feelings, leading to frustration. Acknowledge their emotions, even if their words are unclear. Phrases like “I can see that you’re upset” or “It sounds like you’re worried” can provide comfort. Validation helps reduce anxiety and creates a sense of being understood.
3. Adapt your communication style: Simplify your language without being patronising. Use short sentences and speak slowly, pausing to allow time for processing.
Don’t ask questions unless they are absolutely essential as trying to remember factual information can cause anxiety. If a question is essential, be patient and reassuring while waiting for a response and try using repetition and rephrasing.
Try not to correct people with dementia as this can cause distress. For example, if a person sitting in the opticians thinks they are in an airport, it is usually best to go along with it, rather than tell them they are wrong.
If you know someone living locally with dementia who needs support, contact Wendover Dementia Support: www.wendoverds.org or 07732 342409.
Chiltern Way Academy
What a way to end the school year! Chiltern Way Academy held an open day on Monday 15 July to celebrate the work it had done during the closing school year. Chiltern Way Academy is a very special school which provides education and care for young people between the ages of 11 and 19, with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition.
They do everything they can to prepare the young people for the future, using a mix of academic and lifeskills activities. These were demonstrated very clearly by the young people themselves at the Open Day.
“Making the impossible possible” is an important goal. A mosaic of that ambition was being made in the art room. Staff and pupils were preparing for a new library, which needed signs making to show where the different books are kept.
In this library, some shy pupils enjoyed reading their chosen book in a safe space on a bean bag under a table. Another group of pupils was preparing a new outdoor bushcraft area, so they will be looking forward to using a wonderful resource in the new school year starting in September.
Some of the pupils were supporting their neighbours in St Mary’s churchyard with a general tidy up agreed by the churchyard committee. These included Duke of Edinburgh Award pupils who had not long before been to Buckingham Palace to collect their gold awards from the Duke of Edinburgh himself. He was very keen to congratulate them in person on their brilliant achievement. “The Academy is particularly proud that it is able to offer their pupils such opportunities”, said Sarah Stevens, Head of Campus.
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Photo: Jane Larkham
Photo: Jane Larkham
EKFB was able to take advantage of the school holidays to undertake work in the outdoor area at Great Kimble Primary School. The work has involved replacing a decking area, handrail and stairs.
Team members went above and beyond when they discovered some support timbers were rotten, they proceeded to replace all the timbers, as well as the steps and gate affected. At the front of the school, they also replaced two damaged gate posts with new and made repairs to the gate which was re-hung. The school is extremely grateful and appreciative for the works EKFB has undertaken, especially as the original request was to simply replace the handrail!
Wendover Dean Viaduct launch
The deck slide of the Wendover Dean Viaduct reached its final phase during August. The previous two deck slides took place earlier this year in January and May. To view a video of the this phase of the launch, go to: www.bit.ly/46H6U4g
Ellesborough Road
Nearer to Wendover, our engineers have found novel solutions to a long series of seemingly intractable problems which prevented the completion of the haul road where it crosses Ellesborough Road.
Having completed the latest part of the solution we can now transport material excavated from areas as far away as the North Portal of the Chiltern Tunnel, to Stoke Mandeville and beyond. This is likely to make a substantial improvement in the progress of the project.
Please refer to the HS2 website regularly to check for any changes and updates or to view our detailed Advance Works Notices.
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, or simply scan the QR code provided.
Alternatively, if you have a question about HS2 please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
Replacement of decking, handrail and stairs at Great Kimble Primary School
Photo: EKFB
Where’s Alex?
We are always pleased to be able to include a sensational headline in Wendover News. This one was a ‘gift’ from Quentin Davis, who reports on the progress of his brother, Alex, who is on an epic tour around all the cities of the UK – completing a triathlon in each, as he goes. In the process, he is raising funds for three charities in addition to having a day-job and a family. He expects to complete the epic by the end of the year.
Quentin reported: “During recent weeks, he has completed triathlons in Nottingham, Stoke on Trent, sunny Southend (the city formerly known as Southend-on-Sea) which he says was one of his highlights. In Sheffield, he completed his first 10k with the Australian comedian Adam Hills; probably best known for his role on the Last Leg on Channel4 and ran it with Adam’s old prosthetic leg in his backpack. He was met with a few confused looks and many supportive comments!”
Quentin explained: “The reason he has this new addition to his charity triathlon is that Adam bet the GB team that if they got more Golds than the Australian team in the 2016 Paralympics, he would paint his prosthetic leg gold, and have their names written on it. He used the leg for the next seven years! When Adam ‘retired’ the leg, Alex offered to take it back with him to the National Paralympic Heritage Centre in Stoke Mandeville, to be part of the collection.”
Alex arriving at the Heritage Centre with his trusty bike and the famous spare leg. Photo: Quentin Davis
Club Corner
WENDOVER YOUTH CENTRE IS ‘LED AND CHAMPIONED’ BY YOUNG PEOPLE
There’s no getting around it, after six weeks of summer holidays, going back to school in September can be tough. Any trace of what warm weather we had is usually long gone, and much of the day is once again spent sitting in a classroom.
That’s why the team at Wendover Youth Centre is so passionate about running high-quality, youth-led sessions for children and young people. With weekly sessions that cater to ages 9-16, the Youth Centre is all about creating a safe space where they can go to relax and be themselves. “It’s a space for young people to come and hang out, engage in sessions, meet new people and build a relationship with the youth centre and its staff. I want them to have somewhere they can really own and have a part in shaping,” said Suad, Centre Manager & Lead Youth Worker.
Giving young people the opportunity to take the lead is something that’s really important to Suad and her team, and integral to the youth centre’s approach.
“The young people have their say in what decor we should do, what trips we should run, what projects we should take on as a youth centre,” she says. “They can really personalise the space to be somewhere they’re proud of and can call their own.
“We have an amazing team of staff, volunteers and trustees here who are all very hands-on. But we’re also a centre that is led and championed by young people. For example, we’ve just made a decision on what to do with our garden by asking the young people what they wanted. We’ve taken what they said on board and will be starting a project to redo the garden as they want it.”
As well as running sessions in the youth centre itself, the team often runs trips outside of the centre, based on where the young people say they want to go. From walks around the local area, to venturing to London, theme parks, bowling alleys, ice cream parlours and the cinema – if the team can find a way to make it happen, it will.
“Everything we do here is centred around young people. All the staff and volunteers here come from completely different walks of life,” Suad explains, “but one thing we have in common is that young people are at the top of our list.”
She explains the direct impact a dedicated, youth-led safe space can have on young people, their confidence and development. “When we do games and different activities, we let them lead. Little things like that give them the power to be free, without judgement,
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Photo: Wendover Youth Centre
to make mistakes and learn to leave their comfort zones in a safe space,” she said.
For example, 12-year old Adam says: “At youth club I get to have fun with my friends and the leaders. There are lots of different activities that are enjoyable for everyone. My favourite sessions are when we do football on the Astro and hide and seek!”
Opened in 1986, Wendover Youth Centre now sees up to 60 young people come through its doors every week. The youth centre is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who help to run their youth services and support their work in the community. If you’re interested in getting involved with volunteering at Wendover Youth Centre, please contact admin@wendoveryouth.co.uk
Izzie Addison
Wendover Youth Centre run the following weekly sessions:
Youth Cafe – Tuesday 2-3pm, ages 11-16
Wednesday Workshops – Wednesday 6-7:15pm, ages 9-16
Girls4Girls – Wednesday 7:30-9pm, ages 12-16
Thursday Night Youth Club - Thursday 6:15 -7:30pm, all ages
Amazing Donkey – Friday 6:15-7:30pm, ages 10-12
Friday Night Youth Club – Friday 7:45-9pm, ages 12-13
Mid Bucks Beekeepers’ Annual Honey Show
Helen Palmer writes: Mid Bucks Beekeepers will be holding their annual honey show on Saturday 14 September at Weston Turville village hall. The exhibits of honey, bees wax, candles, mead and cake will be staged and judged in the morning and then the show will be open to the public from 1pm 3pm.
Once the judging is complete people will be able to view the exhibits and in addition to the main honey show there will be a number of classes that are to be judged by the people attending the show so you will be able to judge your favourite photograph, craft item and tasty honey based treats.
Alongside the honey show there will be displays providing information about bees and beekeeping, our live observation hive and local honey for sale. Please do drop in and see the wonderful products from the hive. honeyshow@mbbka.org.uk
Wendover Singers mid-summer concerts proved hugely popular Wendover Singers sang their hearts out to a packed St Mary’s Church on Saturday 22 June. The sun shone, the music flowed, the bar was full, and the raffle, run by Rotary, raised a whopping £700 for Wendover Dementia Café and Aylesbury Food Bank.
The enthusiastic team of singers, talented musicians, crew and
Photo: Wendover Youth Centre
Photo: Simon Eccles
volunteers returned on the Sunday afternoon to delight another crowd with well-known songs, moving solos, duets and ensembles and a star performance from the Wendover Singers Children’s Choir.
Jill Neenan, the musical director, said “We had the most beautiful concert, showcasing our singers and support musicians and I am so thrilled that after only three short years we are a fully-subscribed choir, with many on our waiting list.”
Afterwards, one of the children whispered to Jill “Wow! That felt amazing! I can’t believe we sang the marching song from Les Miserables - it felt like we were in it!”
Following the concert the children’s team saw seven new recruits, with more expected to join in September after the school holiday break. Family, friends, supporters and local residents from within Wendover and its surrounding villages were buzzing after the shows, one enthusiastic audience member commented ‘This has been the best £10 I have ever spent!’
The singers will be back at St Mary’s for their first Christmas Concert on Saturday 14 December. Tickets will be on sale in the autumn. Anyone can join Wendover Singers, regardless of previous singing experience. For more details see www.wendoversingers.com.
Results
Wendover Bowls Club
Don Knight writes; We held our annual Summer Gala in the middle of July. Thank goodness we were blessed with good weather and the day was a great success.
It is one of the highlights of the Club year when we invite 12 clubs to come and play against each other for a significant prize. Unfortunately, one club dropped out at the last minute, so we cobbled a Wendover team together so we could still play six rinks of two teams.
It involves a huge amount of hard work which fell on the shoulders of Sandy Stevens who did a magnificent job. It is helped by the ethic in the Club that if there is a job to be done, the members all muck in and help. I think the entire membership was involved in some way or another. There was a raffle with well over a hundred prizes, many of which were donated by local businesses, for which we thank them. The kitchen staff excelled themselves with a sit-down three -course lunch, as well as a wonderful selection of homemade cakes at the end of the day, on top of feeding all the helpers and spectators. The object of the day is, of course, not only to swell Club funds but also to show off our Club to others. All the visitors that I spoke to said they will be back next year.
To more mundane matters, our fox friend is back. I was mowing last week and had to spend half an hour before each session filling in holes and trying to fit the turf back in the areas that he has torn up. I really don’t know what we can to about him. It is impractical to erect the electric fence every day. I did notice in the mower shed that someone had lent one of those ultrasonic scarers. I’m not sure of it is on “fox” frequency, but if you see a fox trotting about Wendover wearing ear defenders you will know where he has been.
Autumn Term at Wendover Choral Society
Penny Cobb writes: “Do you like singing and are you free on a Thursday evening?“ If the answer to both questions is yes, then why not come along to St Mary’s Church in Wendover and meet us? I joined this small and very friendly group in February and I can assure that you will be given an extremely warm welcome.
We sing a wide selection of mostly classical music and this term will be preparing for our Christmas concert which will include A Ceremony
and
Our new conductor, inspirational and youthful Kenton Brigden, runs our weekly rehearsals, making them great fun as well as being informative and aspiring to high standards. You do not need to be able to read music but just be on board for having fun, singing your heart out, learning varied material and meeting new people.
Our autumn term starts on Thursday 5 September at 7.45 in St Mary’s Church. If you would like further details, please contact our chairman Rod Ainsworth – 07768 602495 or Wendover Choral Society or wendoverchoral@gmail.com
If you have something important to say about your club, society or association’s activities in Wendover and the surrounding villages, it could be featured in this section. We will be running some free workshops in Wendover during the autumn to help you publicise your activities. Email newsdesk@wendover.org to be informed about when they are running.
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MP Greg Smith engages with WHS2
A group from WHS2 Mitigation met the newly elected MP Greg Smith, to review Wendover’s issues and see if he can help resolve them. As the former MP for the the constituency which included Calvert and Quainton, he is very experienced in dealing with HS2 and the Department for Transport. We look forward to seeing what can be achieved. In addition to getting a grip on how the construction plan will impact Wendover, he’s also taking up our need to get a safe cycling route re-established between Wendover and Dunsmore; and seeking better noise mitigation for North Wendover.
Night time working at Nash Lee
HS2 managed to convince Bucks Council that it needed to undertake continuous works from 08:00 to 03:00 the next morning, to create the piles used as foundations for the new Nash Lee Road bridge. This would mean noise levels up to 66dB in the late evenings. In practice HS2 discovered that the ground conditions needed stabilisation, so it has a new plan which allows works to be done during normal working hours rather than keeping local residents awake at night.
We’re also investigating a proposal that 24 hour working will be needed to excavate the 30 metre deep trench for the underground wall at the North Cutting. The massive “clamshell” excavators have started daytime work, and we’re seeking details of the expected noise impact from the Council.
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A413 traffic rerouted
During July and August there were numerous night-time closures of the A413 at Small Dean, for the realignment of the road through the Small Dean Viaduct site. This is to make space for construction of the final pier to support the viaduct deck. The good news is that we’re not expecting further closures this year.
In late January however, there’s a plan to close the A413 for four days to allow the deck to be launched over the road, and the Chiltern Line railway will also be closed. Details will be available closer to the time. A footpath and cycleway will then also run under the viaduct to allow a safe route between Dunsmore Lane and South Street.
We’re trying to get that opened as soon as possible, as the previous safe route using Small Dean Lane is closed until September next year.
To illustrate what the viaduct launch will look like, HS2 has published a stop-motion video of a similar ‘deck slide’ being carried out in August on the longer Wendover Dean Viaduct: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=K56bb6lkUE8. The Small Dean Viaduct is over half the length of the one shown in the video, which was launched in three separate sections. The Wendover Dean Viaduct, at two thirds of the length, will be done in one go.
Dump trucks from Small Dean
The “haul road” north of the Ellesborough Road diversion was cleared in July, and the ramp up to the old road was being brought into use as we go to press.
The computerised mechanism of the clamshell excavators enable them to dig very precisely to depth required for the underground wall at the green tunnel
Excavating the haul road ramp at Ellesborough Road: The view is from the new bridge towards Pound Street, and the digger is where the cottages used to be.
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The dump trucks started running from mid-August, and we estimate that they could continue for up to two years.
We’ve tried to get a five-year construction plan from HS2, but it is still considering changing the Green Tunnel contractor from EKFB to Align (which recently took over the section just north of the Chiltern Tunnel).
The National Audit Office also produced a report about how HS2 had reacted to the Government cancelling the construction of the northern Phase 2, including “The contracts have also proven too large for HS2 Ltd to effectively manage or control, and to allow for a change of contractors in case of underperformance.”
…are crossing Bacombe Lane
The dump trucks will be moving spoil from the Small Dean conveyor to Stoke Mandeville, so they will have to pass over Bacombe Lane, where an interim site crossing has been established with traffic lights. However as the excavation for the railway progresses, the lane will need to be closed at the crossing point to allow excavation. Access to Bacombe Lane will then be available using a temporary road and bridleway that is being built across the field from the bend in the old Ellesborough Road.
Building the new link road junction at Ellesborough Road
The scale of that can be seen now from Bacombe Lane and work has just started to establish the junction at the Ellesborough Road end.
Words and photographs: Murray Cooke
Issues with HS2?
If you’re affected by the construction activity, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 (which is available 24 hours a day) or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk to get your issues resolved. It helps if you have photographic evidence and please get a complaint reference number so that we can follow up issues as needed.
Need our help?
If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas and suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org
Doing what’s right for Wendover See whs2.org
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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.
Fleet of dump trucks on the haul road north of Ellesborough Road
Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower
Farewell to Julie Williams
It is with great sadness that the Parish Council says farewell to Chair Julie Williams who is leaving to seek new experiences around the world. Julie leaves behind a Council that respects each other’s views, is open and transparent and is committed to developing a clear strategy for the future.
Julie was featured as a Local Face in Wendover News in the November 2023 edition (www. wendovernews.co.uk/news/julie-abbottwilliams). She has brought a tremendous amount of energy and integrity to the role and was never afraid to accept responsibility if a decision was wrong, so that the Council that could learn and grow from that. She has worked hard to champion Wendover residents by representing their views on a number of key local issues, including the Halton development, HS2, street trading and local parking, all complex issues with no obvious and clear answer.
A new Chair will be elected at the Parish Council Meeting on 3 September. This will leave a vacancy on the Council, and whilst there is a process to follow, if anyone is interested in joining the Council then please feel free to have an informal conversation with the Clerk on the office number or with one of the Councillors (contact details at www. wendover-pc.gov.uk/councillors).
Wendover Local Produce Market
Saturday 21 September, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste
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Sunday
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Services in Wendover
Picnic in the Park
Wendover News will be out just before Picnic in the Park. Sat 31 August, 12 to 4pm on the Witchell Meadow (with free parking at the Chiltern Rail Car Park between those times). If you haven’t put it in your diary, see if you can!
We hope to build on the success and atmosphere of last year’s Coronation picnic in the park. There will be a skateboard ramp and coaching, fairground rides, food stalls, local organisations running activities and the Make Wendover Smile Dog Show. We have a singer and DJ playing music all day, so please pop along and set up your rug! The event is free and the shops in the high street have some fantastic food to fill your basket, or just try our street food stalls. There will be a bar on site for the mums and dads and an ice cream van for the… mums and dads as well!
Parish Council Meetings
Tuesday 3 September, 7:30pm St Anne's Hall
Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG
Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
Play park maintenance
Our play parks need constant updating to keep them safe, while allowing children to explore and test themselves. Over the coming months there will be changes in the parks as we look at equipment. These will be happening over a number of years so don’t be surprised if you find equipment removed – it will be replaced, but this may not be immediately. Currently there will be a need to close the playpark section of Hampden Meadow.
The parks are suffering high levels of vandalism and anti-social incidents such as dog mess and disposal of adult nappies in public bins. Leaving dog mess in the parks is not a victimless crime – it could well lead to severe illness of anyone who comes into contact with it. Likewise if someone comes into contact with a disposed adult nappy. Everyone has a right to use the space but not to abuse it.
We are keeping a log of incidents and reporting all vandalism to the police, including any video footage on social media or taken by witnesses. It is important that the people who use our open spaces understand their responsibilities.
Our parks are a community asset for everyone to enjoy and facilities are part of that community asset.
Vandalism in the parks is not a victimless crime – each bench we must replace effectively adds 30p to the Council Tax bill and reduces the staff time available to get some funky new equipment. This includes the skatepark.
If anyone has any information about any incidents in our open spaces, particularly if you have any photographs or footage that you don’t mind us passing to the police then please get in touch with the office.
Street light switch off
We have had enquiries, and the Council will be conducting a public consultation before anything happens. However, many other local Parish Councils are looking to work together on this project so we will be combining forces to present the options available.
Parish Council, The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
• St Anne’s: 9am Mass • St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am • Wendover Free Church: 10.45am
