Wendover News July 2023

Abbeyfield House under threat

Abbeyfield House in Dobbins Lane has been offering supported living accommodation in flats, with meals, for decades. The residents play a full part in the life of Wendover, and Abbeyfield House was recognised by a Community Service award in 2021, Service with a Smile, from Wendover Parish Council for professional service, caring excellence and cheerful atmosphere.

They have featured in the Parades associated with Wendover Celebrates in recent years and in 2022 were the Judges’ winner in the annual Wendover Scarecrow Trail. They hold coffee mornings several times a year, splitting any profit between their own residents’ fund and the local charities they support. They also give volunteering opportunities to Guides (to earn badges) and candidates for Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Imagine the distress caused to residents in their 80s, 90s and often 100s, too, to receive an invitation to a meeting on 19 May as the

futures of 41 homes within The Abbeyfield Society are under review. On 30 May, our MP, Rob Butler, sent a letter to The Abbeyfield Society asking that the needs of the residents should be fully taken into account – not simply financial – and asking for a meeting. Residents volunteered for tasks to help and some over 90s who can only walk long distances with a stroller, delivered leaflets to neighbours. Neighbours also volunteered to deliver the leaflets once they saw these senior leafleteers at work.

RAF Flypast

ANTIQUES AT . . WENDOVER

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the views of the editor. If you have a complaint or concern about content in Wendover News, please visit www.wendovernews.co.uk/complaints send contributions for August 2023 before Monday 10 July

(including payments for adverts) book early to avoid disappointment

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editor@wendovernews.co.uk

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

/continued on page 18

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

Wednesday 12 and 26 July 2023

Aston Clinton Beer Festival

- editor

Wynne Byford - co-ordinator, graphics & online

Richard Byford & Simon Eccles - technical production

Cycle Rides and Local Walks

Simply Walk - Weekly walks on Tuesdays from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am. First-time walkers, please arrive at least 15 minutes early and register with the walk leader. After the walk, there's an opportunity to socialise at the weekly allages drop-in at Wendover Christian Centre.

Aylesbury Cycling UK has group rides throughout the county. They all have leaders and alternate weekly between newcomer rides and easy pace. See P13 aylesburycuk@gmail.com

Cornelli Sugarcraft Classes

Dates vary. for more details please visit www.cornellisugarcraft.co.uk/our-courses/ See ad p5

Grass Cutting Service

Jazz Upfront

St Mary's Church, Aylesbury, HP20 2JJ Thu 29 June, 19.15. Oli Howe Trio. www.ents24.com

Discover Bucks Museum

Tues–Sat, 10am–5pm, Aylesbury HP20 2QP Enjoy and buy stunning art in the Open Art Exhibition until 8 July. Opening 22 July for the summer holidays Mechanics Alive! A humorous, hands-on exhibition from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre combining art, science and engineering to delight all the family. For more information visit www.discoverbucksmuseum.org

BBOWT Events in July

An extensive programme of walks plus activities for children at College Lake. Check events@bbowt.org.uk for availability and how to book richardbirch60@yahoo.com

Wendover Scarecrow Trail

Saturday 1 to Friday 14 July.

Entries need to be made prior to 1 July. Booking forms (£5) available from the Rennie Grove Shop, Wendover. You must be able to display a robust scarecrow for 2 weeks. The winner will be the people's

Events

choice. Pick up a trail map and form (£3 per family) and guess which countries the scarecrows are from.

WhizzFizzFest @ Aylesbury on Sea

Sunday 2, 11:00am - 4:00pm

WhizzFizzFest lands in Aylesbury’s Vale Park for the first time. A vibrant celebration of children’s creativity alongside plenty of beach-based fun. www.whizzfizzfest.org.uk

Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society

Sun 2, 2.00-4.30pm, and Tues 4, 8pm

2 Summer Show - Stewart Hall. 4 Evening Garden Visit to Robin Hill, Stokenchurch. An informal cottage garden/prairie style garden created by Caz Renshaw with a variety of trees, woodland edge plants, shade borders, shrubs, perennials and grass borders. www.e-voice.org.uk/kehs.

Chiltern Miniaturists Club

Wed 5, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall

Chiltern Miniaturists' Club (formerly Aylesbury Dolls House Club) is continuing their floral theme. Flowers made in June will be used to add to a miniature floral wreath. Anyone interested in joining will be most welcome - contact Diane on 07899090399, or arcadia96@ btinternet.com

• Curtain alterations

• Custom made Roman Blinds enquire@ingridsneedle.com

Tel: 01296 752 747 www.ingridsneedle.com

WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL

Great for Children’s Parties

Ideal for Weddings & Functions

Excellent kitchen facilities

Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk

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All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713

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Events

Wills and Estate Planning Surgery

Thurs 6, 12noon-2pm, Wendover Library Please call 01296 415700 or email iain@ wanstallconsulting.co.uk

Poetry Please

Fri 7, 10.30am, Wen Christian Centre

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

Wendover Music

Sun 9, 7.30pm, St Mary's, Wendover

Two quartets in one evening. See advert p3.

Craft Group

Weds 12 & 26, 10.00am - 12 noon, Wendover Christian Centre

Craft Group provides warm space in friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Please bring your own materials or just come to see what others are doing. All welcome. Coffee served at about 11am.

Aston Clinton, Buckland & Drayton

Beauchamp Horticultural Society

Wed 19, 6pm - 9pm

Social Evening, Buckland Village Hall.

Tring Carnival

13 - 16, Pound Meadow, Tring, HP23 5NG

Organised by Tring Together in partnership with Tring Brewery. Big Quiz Night, Rock n Roll bingo, Beer & Band night, Carnival Day, Mobile Bike Events, Blues Festival. www.tringtogether.org.uk

Celebration of Wedding Dresses

Sat 15, 10am-6pm, Sun 16, 12-4.30pm, St Mary's, Wendover

The festival will be displaying some 20 wedding dresses and wedding memorabilia through the ages and some wonderful floral displays. See advert p2

Book Club

Sat 15, 10.30, Wen Christian Centre What are you reading this summer? At Book Club, there are no set books, just

NURSERY CLASS

THE JOHN HAMPDEN SCHOOL WENDOVER

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• Up to three terms of high-quality education in our purpose-built learning environment inside and outside

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• Outstanding transition arrangements

• A gentle introduction to school

• Highly qualified, experienced and caring staff committed to developing the potential of every child

• A friendly and welcoming environment

• Five morning sessions 8.45a.m- 11.45a.m, universally funded

• Chargeable lunch club

• Optional afternoon sessions 12.15p.m-3.15p.m (up to 30 hours of flexible free entitlement)

• Breakfast Club from 7.45a.m, After School Club until 6.00p.m (Childcare vouchers accepted)

Why not book a vi si t and t our by phoni ng

01296 622629 or emai l i ng of f i ce@jhampden bucks sch uk

To

the chance to hear what others have been reading and, if you choose, talk about the books you’ve enjoyed. We start with coffee and often cake.

Aylesbury Vale Stitchers

Sat 15, 2.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall

Loetitia Gibier, hand embroidery specialist. Stumpwork, Goldwork and Silk Shading are her techniques of choice. Her talk will cover her work and how she designs, from the smallest robin to the large Jabberwocky or Darth Vader, and her work with Stitch Magazine.https://stitcherystories.com/ loetitiagibier/

Wendover Youth Festival

Tues 18, 12.30pm-5.30pm, Ashbrook Park The return of the Festival. See p10 &11.

Aston Wine Club

Fri 21 , 8pm, Buckland Village Hall Jane Dooley - South Africa. www.astonwineclub.co.uk

Wendover Dementia Tea Dance

Saturday 22, 2-4pm, St Mary’s, Wendover See p6 and ad front page.

Aston Clinton Beer Festival

28 - 30 July, Aston Clinton School

Ticket numbers will be limited, available online and from selected outlets. For more info visit astonclintonbeerfestival.com

Coming Soon:

Sat 2 September

Music from SS Peter & Paul Gt Missenden Orlando Jopling will play the three remaining cello suites.

Sugarcraft Specialist

Cake decorating supplies

Cake decorating courses 01296 696860

1 Town Court High St Wendover HP22 6EA www.cornellisugarcraft.co.uk

Planning Permission & Building Regulation Drawings for Domestic & Commercial Development

Call or e-mail for a free quotation

Louise Dove BSc (Hons), MRICS

07517 171480 louise@bucksplans.co.uk www.bucksplans.co.uk

Buckinghamshire licence

Wendover’s next Tea Dance is on Saturday 22 July 2-4pm in St Mary’s Church, Wendover.

Put on your dancing shoes or just come and have a FREE relaxing, fun, summer social with your family, friends and children. Everybody from the local area is welcome.

of popular songs during the afternoon and volunteers from Wendover Dementia Support and the church will provide tea and plenty of cakes.

Home boarding for your dog

4 PAWS Wendover Contact Nick Taylor 01296 696840 07507 829423 pawswendover@btinternet.com

Peter Bird Garden Design

RHS Medal Winning Designer offering an individual and creative design, construction and planting service

call Peter on 01296 622790 www.peterbirddesign.co.uk

Sandy and her volunteers from SwingDanceMK will be leading the dancing, ranging from country and 60’s music to disco dancing! There will be a sing-a-long

For reservations and takeaways call 01296 620500 / 620050 info@thespicegarden.net www.thespicegarden.net Order online with Android pay or Apple pay

Banquet every Sunday & Wednesday Only £16.95 per person

Choose: 1 Poppadom, 1 Starter, 1 Main Dish, 1 Side Dish, 1 Rice or Naan (Dining in only)

10% DISCOUNT

on collected orders over £15.00

FREE Home Delivery on orders over £20.00 (within 3 mile radius)

Opening Hours:

Monday - Thursday 5:30 –11.00pm

Friday & Saturday 5:30 –11:30pm Sunday 5.00 –11.00pm

57 Tring Road Wendover HP22 6NU

Free Private Parking at Rear Of Building

A wonderful collection of crockery has been put together by members of WDS, and other local people, and is available for the community to use at events throughout the year. We would appreciate a donation to the charity for their use.

Our last Tea Dance, just before Christmas hosted over 100 people (young, old and inbetween….) in St Mary’s wonderful space. As you can see from the photos, a brilliant time was had by all!

Remember - FREE ENTRANCE and dancing is optional, so come along and join the fun!

See advert front page

Please mention Wendover

Produced by an experienced Chartered Building Surveyor

RAF Halton Trenchard Museum

Trenchard Museum needs local volunteers

Do you have an interest in local history and/ or RAF history and a little spare time? The Trenchard Museum at RAF Halton is looking for volunteers to help out with hosting visitors and general behind-the-scenes tasks.

Assistant curator Garron Clark-Darby says that no previous military or museum experience is needed. The Museum is open every Wednesday and is often open on other days by appointment for special groups.

If you don't know the museum, it's on the edge of the parade square at RAF Halton, "inside the wire", (so appointments and security passes are required). It covers the history of Halton's time as the central apprentices school for the RAF, and there's a real Gnat jet trainer inside, as well as other historic items. Sadly not running.

A nearby building holds the James McCudden Flight Heritage Centre, which is

about the history of flight, with four flight simulators, plus aircraft engines and other parts.

Garron says “If you are not sure then just come and visit and have an informal chat over a cup of terrible tea, and even if you are not able to volunteer then please come and visit anyway. The museum is free to enter and we have an awful lot of interesting stuff.”

If you're interested take a look on the website: www.trenchardmuseum.org.uk and use the contact form. Alternatively either phone him on 07410 89171 or email garronattrenchard.jmfhc@gmail.com

F R JEFFERY & SON

Coal Merchant

Kiln dried logs, Compost

Coal & smokeless fuel

Delivered to your door, low prices

Rex & Carol Jeffery 01296 661258

Nash Lee roads diverted

The diversion of Nash Lee Road and Lane came into use in June, including a bridge over what will become the Wendover North Cutting. Bucks Council also took the opportunity to resurface the rest of the road to Terrick.

Excavation of the cutting is still on hold pending agreement of HS2's aquifer plans from the Environment Agency. The groundwater in that area is very close to the surface and could get diverted downhill along the cutting towards Stoke Mandeville. We are concerned about further project impact and community disruption.

Ellesborough Road issues

The expected closures of Ellesborough Road for diversion of the various underground utility services in June were postponed due to some snags with high voltage power lines, and it is not clear (at time of writing) when this will be resolved. Moving the utilities is a critical step before the temporary diversion route behind the cottages can be brought into use. This has a knock on delay for creation of the Green Tunnel cutting through Ellesborough Road which is needed to allow spoil to be moved from the Small Dean area to Stoke Mandeville.

A reinforced “haul road” crossing with traffic

lights is also being created over Bacombe Lane to handle the 60 ton dump trucks.

Issues with HS2?

With increased construction activity over the Summer months there’s a likelihood of more issues arising. If you’re affected, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 (which is available 24 hours a day) or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk. 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

See

THAI FOOD

note bridge for Wendover North Cutting

Between June and August more than 80% of the 1.7mile (2.7km) canal towpath between Wendover and Halton is being substantially upgraded by Canal & River Trust with its highly experienced contractors Kier and the Rothen Group.

The high-specification upgrade, which started on 6 June, will result in an all-weather path of a width of 1.5m, or more where possible, together with bank reinforcing, a strong membrane, a solid foundation and a 50mm surface of Centrack which is limestone-based, highly durable, widely used and particularly suited to this rural environment. Initially, while bank protection is taking place, individual stretches will be closed, but from mid-July the entire towpath will be closed to enable foundations and the Centrack surfacing to be laid.

The improvement will enable people of all ages and abilities to use the towpath throughout the year. Families, schoolchildren, walkers, runners, cyclists and those with reduced mobility will all be able to use the path whatever the weather or time of year.

This project has been made possible through funding from the HS2 Chiltern AONB Review Group (with the substantial support of Chilterns Conservation Board), Wendover Parish Council, Wendover Community Board, Lionel Abel-Smith Trust and Halton Parish Council. Wendover Canal Trust has led the funding bids for these organisations and is now trying to obtain grants for the remaining 520 yards (480m) to the centre. of Halton by 2024.

Wendover Youth Centre

Pete Swinford leaves firm foundations to build on

When Pete Swinford joined Wendover Youth Centre as its first full time Lead Youth Worker in January 2020, he couldn’t have anticipated events of just two months later. Covid lockdowns presented enormous challenges when meetings were banned, but Pete, the trustees and young centre members rose to the challenge, met on Zoom and started community outreach programmes such as pen pals with isolated older people and helping with the Chiltern Foodbank.

Now Pete is leaving to move with his family to the lovely seaside town of Looe in Cornwall. The Youth Centre’s trustees were interviewing candidates as Wendover News went to press, and hoped to appoint Pete’s replacement by the end of June.

The Youth Centre has been a community-owned charity since 2012. “Appointing and supporting a full-time youth worker was part of the trustees’ vision to attract more young people and to manage the centre with more continuity,” says Chris Heald, the trustees’ chair. “Now we are intending to build on this, and to attract new trustees who are strong on fund raising. We’d also like a second full-time youth leader.”

Pete studied Sport Science at university and then spent two years working in India on sports and social work. Returning to the UK, he worked in Coventry as a sports coach, and gained a qualification in youth working.

He was appointed as Wendover Youth Centre’s full-time lead in January 2020. Nobody knew what was about to happen two months later.

“Prior to Covid we generally got groups of about 50 young people, but lockdown meant that we couldn’t open the Centre,” says Pete. “The choice was to furlough me or keep going. So we kept going, via Zoom until we could meet up again, and decided on more social action.”

The Youth Centre continues to work with the Chiltern Foodbank and its other community supporters, and has sorted and stored 3.5 tonnes of food so far, with young people helping to collect it. “After Covid we looked at what was needed and set up more services, more focused,” Pete says. “We now have six clubs, and we see 140150 young people per week.”

Today the Centre in the Wharf Road campus is not only back to normal opening, but it’s attracting more young members and doing more than ever before. A typical half term will see 550 to 600 young people attending for various activities. Details are online at www.wendoveryouth. co.uk

Meanwhile, the countdown has started to the Youth Centre Fest in Ashbrook park on Tuesday 18 July (details on opposite page). It's the day that John Colet Academy breaks up for the holidays, so students can go in the afternoon. “There will be activities, inflatables, food and drink and local organisations with stalls. Entry will be £5 for four or five hours of fun,” says Pete. “The target age group is 9-16, but anyone can come as this is a family friendly event.”

The Centre is also hired by other organisations, which helps to bring in funds. "For schools we also deliver well-being and mental awareness activities,” says Pete. “We also offer a one-to-one mentoring scheme for young people with behavioural problems – they can come for an hour every week and just play table tennis and talk, for instance.”

Pete feels that “Wendover gives the impression of being a wealthy place, so such problems have been overlooked by authorities. But in getting to know the community it’s evident that there are people with real needs and there are pockets of deprivation.”

With this in mind the Centre applied to implement the Government’s HAF (Holiday Activity & Food) scheme aimed at 11-15 year olds who are normally eligible for free school meals during term times. This will run on Fridays during the coming school summer holiday.

“Providers who normally charge are paid to give the services for free, with free food too,” explains Pete. “It’s also a youth club that offers activities like cooking, baking, football, inflatables,

and three trips: bowling, GoApe and ice skating.”

As centre manager Pete has helped it grow into a more structured organisation – previously it was very reliant on volunteers. “Because of Covid I did everything at first, and then delegated after that. So it’s not just me, I’ve been trying to make it more sustainable to go on,” he says.

Looking to the future, Pete feels that the Youth Centre could usefully start to reach more into the community, beyond the schools and existing circles that already know about its activities and benefits.

“We’ve created an environment that’s safe to chill out in and meet friends. We’re demonstrating that young people are doing useful and positive things, countering some people’s ideas that they’re always up to no good. The main thing to know about is the passion of young people – it’s a great community!”

Summer fun on Coombe Hill with Pete Swinford at front right.

Pete is moving to Looe with his family.

Charity success as Shed goes solar and expands

Wendover Shed has been advancing on all fronts in the past month: its application to become a charity has been approved, membership is growing, it’s opening three days per week, it has solar power and a start has been made on an outdoor covered space that will double its working area. It held its first educational demonstration, on wood turning, on 10 June.

It was earlier in June that the collaborative craftwork and social interaction group learned that it had succeeded in its application to become a registered charity in record time – it only applied a month previously.

Anyone with an interest in making things, mending them, learning how to work with

tools, or just wanting to meet up with likeminded people, is welcome as a member. Membership is just £15 per year. The Hog is open to members, prospective members and visitors for three hours every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with times on the website at www.wendovershed.org. There are also monthly “open shed” meetings and occasional educational demonstrations.

The first of a planned series of skills demonstrations took place on Saturday 10 June, when Gary Rance, a renowned and famous wood turning expert who lives in Wendover, gave a demonstration of using a lathe to make beautiful wooden toys and ornaments.

A fund-raising quiz is being organised for 13 October – keep an eye on the website at www.wendovershed.org.uk for details.

Digital TV & Satellite specialist

New aerials supplied and fitted

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- Tree Pruning / Re-shaping / Felling

- Dead Wooding

- Stump Removal

- Hedge Maintenance

- Planting

- Tree Preservation

- Supply of Mulch & Woodchip

- Seasoned Logs

- All work performed to British Standard 3998

The Boiler Blokes Wayne

Business Forum featuring a local business

Fah has returned! Fah Mickleburgh is back in Buckinghamshire. She used to run the Simon Carter shop for menswear at 4 South Street, now a different business. There were two branches, in Wendover and in Great Missenden. We rejoiced at the birth of Oliver a few years ago but that turned to mourning after Fah's husband James contracted a terminal illness.

James had worked at corporate level in the firm Simon Carter incorporating some of Europe's leading textile suppliers of fabrics and garments, with a strong emphasis on working with English mills and manufacturers, supporting our unique sartorial heritage. James helped create the Simon Carter brand which became famous for its floral shirts. He also created collections

other brands, including Burberry and Aquascutum and helped revive many other historic menswear brands.

Working with Fah, James finally created his own label, Oliver James London. Fah has continued the family business and is equally passionate about great design and quality materials in menswear. "I love retail and I love serving people," she says, "It's my job to make every man look perfect. Producing our own collections to complement the other leading brands that we showcase, means we have happy customers who return time and again.” As well as presenting the Oliver James London label,

the new shop currently stocks many highquality British made goods. There are Loake shoes and belts, beautifully soft merino sweaters, exquisite summer jackets, iconic floral shirts, chino trousers, scarves and other accessories.

Fah very much looks forward to meeting clients, old and new in her new premises at 34 High Street, Gt Missenden, HP16 0AU, opposite the Library, tel 01494 700330 Do drop by whenever you can for the same quality service of old. She would love to see you.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm. Closed on Sundays. Mondays by appointment . See advert opposite.

We are open and welcoming new members at 'The Gym at Halton'. Located at the beautiful Halton Tennis Centre, our gym benefits from outdoor training areas and plenty of equipment.

It's simple and easy to joinenquire today!

Our priority is to provide a safe and welcoming gym, so membership is currently restricted to 400 members.

To arrange a visit, please contact Camilla at camilla@haltonuk.com or 07748 596607

Membership Full: £55 Student: £30 (per month)

thegymathalton.co.uk

Local Cycling Group gets a new name!

On June 1st this year Aylesbury CTC (Cyclist Touring Club) changed its name to ‘Aylesbury Cycling UK’. This local club is part of the national club Cycling UK .

In the early 20th century touring was the mainstay of the CTC, but cycling has evolved and far less people tour on bikes. Now Cycling UK’s emphasis is on encouraging people from all walks of life to take up cycling.

The rides all have leaders and alternate weekly between Newcomer rides and Easy Pace rides. The Newcomers are 15 to 20 miles at a nice relaxed pace, and the Easy Pace up to 30 miles. .

This year under its new name of Aylesbury Cycling UK, the club hope to build on their success and encourage even more people to join their rides. It’s not just about the pleasure of cycling, it’s about meeting new people, making friends, seeing our beautiful countryside and having the safety and support of group riding. It also helps that there is a tea break during each ride at one of Bucks many great cafes for bacon rolls and cake to reward riders efforts!

Last June with the help of Wendover News, Aylesbury CTC launched a new programme of leisure rides. These have proved very successful with up to 20 people joining its regular Sunday rides!

For those who want to stretch themselves a bit more, Aylesbury Cycling UK also run faster Step Up and Moderate rides.

Further information can be found on the clubs webpage, search for Aylesbury Cycling UK or email the club: aylesburycuk@gmail.

English Courses for Ukrainians

WAVUS provides English lessons for Ukrainian Families

Wendover and Villages Ukrainian Support (WAVUS) is holding its second course of 10 English lessons on Wednesday evenings from 7:15pm to 9pm at Tres Corazones, finishing on Wednesday 19 July. The following have been written by two of the families attending:

From the Stasyshyn Family

We are the Stasyshyn family and we came from Western Ukraine because of the war. We are very grateful to the people of England got their help and support. We are especially grateful for the English lessons in Wendover, for good communication and speaking practice, and for the good atmosphere.

We have made many friends here. We are happy to come here to study and relieve

our stress from the war. There are nice and attentive teachers and we are very grateful to them for helping us. Our pronunciation has become better and we have learned how to pronounce words correctly. Lessons are fun and lively.

from Odessa, Natalia is from Sumy and I am from Kyiv. My name is Ohya. We came to the UK and received amazing support from the British community.

We are learning English in Wendover on Wednesday evenings. It’s not only a great opportunity to improve our English, it’s also a nice relaxed atmosphere where we can meet with other Ukrainians.

From Nina, Natalia and Ohya

We

I decided to go to classes because I’d like to know more about the values, history, and customs of the English people. I feel comfortable and calm in this class. It helps me forget about my fear. I am going to continue attending these English classes. We are very grateful to the English people for this opportunity. We are looking forward to going to Brighton with the English class as we have not had a holiday since the war started.

are three ladies from Ukraine. Nina is

Climate action: Water your street trees

Rising temperatures and dry spells are leading to an increasing loss of new street trees. The Arboricultural Association is joining forces with the Woodland Trust and local authority tree officer associations to rally the UK public to water their new street trees using recycled rainwater or grey water, such as washing up water.

Catherine Nuttgens, head of the Woodland Trust’s urban tree programme, explained: “Trees are crucial to our well being by cooling our towns and cities and improving air quality so we need to not only plant more but look after those we already have. While in rural settings newly planted saplings and woods can take care of themselves and adapt, the challenging conditions presented by living in the built environment means trees in our streets and urban areas need a bit more TLC. It’s a fun job to do with the kids or make it a post tea time routine to water the trees . It can rally community spirit too if estates or streets club together.”

John Parker, chief executive of the Arboricultural Association said:

“Planting a tree is just the start of the story. The health and survival of new urban trees is threatened by increasingly dry weather. It is recommended that newly planted trees are given 50 litres of water per week during the summer months, for the first three years. You can help ensure healthy trees for the future over the summer months by watering trees near you.”

Watering should ideally be carried out in the early morning or evening. Where possible, water should be sustainably sourced. Harvested rainwater; bath water; or washing up water. Not water containing bleach or strong detergent or after cleaning floors.

CHILTERN FOOT HEALTH SERVICES

Ian Phipps MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Practitioner

(Wendover - based)

visits - 01296 623851

Providing Outstanding Home Care

Based in Wendover. Providing the highest standards of workmanship, at competitive prices, to all my customers.

On 24 June 2023, with little ceremony, Wendover Community News Community Interest Company (CIC) became an official, legally registered company. It’s an important development for Wendover News. In the coming weeks and months, the ownership of the Wendover News title will be transferred to the new company and will be run by and for, the community of Wendover and the surrounding areas.

Unlike ordinary limited companies, there will be no ‘owners’ in the traditional sense. Nobody will be pushing for greater profits, and there’s no risk of being controlled, or sold off to big media companies.

The management and governance of the company is in the hands of five capable volunteer trustees who are known and trusted by the community: Paul Hammett, James Harrington, Rory Lavery, Huw Price and Holly Tallarico. They are additionally aided by specialists Simon Eccles, Jane

Larkham (as a volunteer), Richard Byford and Wynne who runs the virtual office.

As a community interest company, Wendover News will have strict controls on political coverage and will be regulated as a media organisation by IMPRESS, the independent monitor for the press. These controls extend both to the print edition and all online activities. Far from being constraints, they will enable Wendover Community News focus on being a trusted and reliable provider of news and opinion in the communities it serves.

The company is in the final stages of drafting its own editorial policy, with supporting checklists, procedures and training material for its volunteer and community journalists. The editorial policy will be publicly available on the website, along with other policies.

To be accepted by the Regulator of CICs as a suitable company for registration, Wendover

Community News had to submit a ‘purpose statement’ as part of its constitution. In addition to sustaining the current activities of the limited company, it contains sections on sustaining and developing a wider team of volunteers, providing a trusted local media service, maintaining a strict ethical editorial policy, and promoting local charities, social enterprises, and community groups.

Although in the medium term, the new company will be applying for grants and philanthropic funding, in the short term, it will rely on income from advertising. If you are a local trader, business or start-up that wants to access thousands of people in Wendover and the surrounding villages (and much wider, via online links), then now is the time to invest in an advert in Wendover News. You will be able to look back in another 32 years and be proud that you helped the community get its own media channel started.

Could you write for Wendover News?

We’re looking to expand our pool of writers and contributors. You don’t have to commit to being a volunteer. You might just want to write something which will appeal to most of our readers. It could be news, an article, or an expert piece on something relevant to the community. To be included, it needs to have specific relevance and interest to people living in Wendover and surrounding areas. That includes Wendover, Dunsmore, The Lee, Halton, Weston Turville and Aston Clinton. However, we can be flexible enough to address the needs of people further away who may be influenced by our content –such as travel and commuting details, places to visit within a few miles of Wendover or developments that affect the area generally. We are keen to involve lots of people in writing for us, but we must be selective about what we print. This means we could sometimes be at risk of disappointing individuals who have dedicated time to writing something that might never be published. It’s a good idea to run your ideas past one of Wendover News’s editorial team who can advise you on the likelihood of publication and even offer help with writing style and structure. You don’t necessarily need any previous experience or qualifications in writing to get yourself into print!

Printing the monthly newspaper costs us

Master

Class 11+ Learning for Results

money, so we often charge for inclusion – especially if it is for the benefit of a commercial business or funded organisation. We sometimes write about local businesses, where we feel that the editorial content is news-worthy, interesting, and informative. We don’t ask for payment for publishing material provided by individuals in the community that meet our editorial standards.

If you have got this far and are wondering who this editorial team are, then one of them could be you... We will be building a panel of editorial experts who have journalistic and writing skills, the ability to enforce editorial policy inclusively, impartially, transparently and have good ‘people’ skills. Selection for this panel will be by interview. Successful applicants will be supported by other professionally experienced people and provided with training appropriate to their needs. Contact the team via editor@ wendovernews.co.uk.

Examples of potential future articles

The new owners of Wendover News wish to increase the amount of content that is sourced from individual members of the community. These sources could be in the form of suggestions, competition entries or unpaid research/commissioned items.

The following is just a sample list:

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• Who lived here? (Historical, archaeological – based on research),

• Book and film reviews set locally,

• Locations and clues to bygone industries in the area,

• Local legends & folklore,

• Day trips from the Wendover area, using public transport,

• Working from home in the Wendover area,

• Wildlife in the Wendover area. Selected features and series will be announced in future editions and accompanied by details of how you might be able to participate.

Established in Wendover for nearly 20 years – we are here to provide you with the best service and choice of local properties

Local News

Continued from P1: Abbeyfield

On behalf of the concerned residents proposals have been put forward to Abbeyfield Head Office for upgrading the house with local input at an affordable cost in an effort to save the House from closure.

On Saturday 10 June the residents held a fun afternoon and invited Wendover residents to join them to discover how much they enjoy living in the Wendover Community. Plenty of supportive neighbours came and £339 was raised for the Fighting Fund. The Abbeyfield residents have organised a petition. To sign it online, please go to https://chng.it/ DMjHJ5dVPx

The next consultation meeting is set for the end of July.

Closure of Wendover News office

Wendover News is becoming a virtual organisation! The office in Robert Mews has been closed, in preparation for the transfer

of the title to the new Community Interest company (see page 16). That does not mean that editor Jane Larkham will be missing from Wendover. You will be just as likely to see her engaging with people in Wendover as ever. But in addition, there is a growing number of volunteers working from their homes and meeting up in public venues across Wendover and the surrounding areas.

Postal items can be addressed to the temporary address on the front cover while we transition to the new owner.

The much-loved paper version of Wendover News will continue to be delivered in the same way it has been, for over thirty years.

(the duration of your qualification) in return for The Wendover Swimming Pool paying for your course. Full training in Wendover Pool procedures will be given upon successful completion of the course. Please contact Mel on mel@wendoverswimmingpool co.uk or 07546550540 to register your interest. We would also like to gauge interest in a first aid course, which will be run separately (minimum age 14). Please contact Sarah on 07853843531 or sarah@ wendoverswimming.org (please note the email address domain is different to Mel's) to register interest and give your availability for a first aid course.

The

Wendover Swimming Pool Wendover Swimming Pool are looking at running a lifesaving (NRASTC) course Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 July. For this course, due to pool operational requirements, the minimum age is 18. We ask you to cover at least one session per month for two years

Volunteers at the pool receive free swimming for themselves and members of their household. Details will be given at your pool induction.

Wendover Dementia Support

WDS are on the lookout for two disablefriendly high backed arm chairs to keep and use at their Monday Club Café? If you know

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of someone who might be able to help then please contact WDS – 07732 342409 or email us at wendoverds@gmail.com

Wendover u3a – Invitation to Open Meeting Wednesday 2 August

Wendover u3a is a thriving organisation of over 500 members, no longer in full time work, who come together to learn, stay active and have fun in a friendly and informal environment. We have over fifty different interest groups, ranging from Archaeology to Wine Appreciation and are always open to suggestions for new groups.

Each month we hold our Main Meeting in St. Mary's Church, with speakers on such diverse topics as “Samuel Pepys”, “The Great Days of Wireless “and Georgi Markhov and the Poison Umbrella Murder”. Our August Meeting is an open meeting. There will not be a speaker but there will be a couple of short presentations and a number of group displays. We would like to welcome non-

News

members to come and meet us and see if they might like to join us. If you're interested please come along to St Mary's Church on Wednesday 2nd August at 10am and see what we have to offer.

Artwork

by John Colet teachers

selected for Open Art Exhibition

Art and photography teachers Sally Bulteel and Sarah Dridi from the John Colet School in Wendover have both been selected to show their artwork at Discover Bucks Museum.

More details about the exhibition, now held until 8 July at www. discoverbucksmuseum.org/whats-on/ open-art-exhibition2023/

Sarah Dridi is also showing her artwork at Kingsey Church in Kingsey. This is open every weekend 11am to 5pm for the last three weekends of June.

Expression of Thanks - Brenda Munro

Marisa and Scott Munro would like express their sincere gratitude for the support they have received since the tragic death of their dear mother, Brenda Munro, at Cherry Tree House in Wendover on 13 July 2022.

Mum (and Dad and myself) moved to Wendover in 1969. Our family home in Castle Park Road remained Mum's home for 52 years before she courageously went to live in Cherry Tree House.

She lived a life of loving kindness, raised a family and keenly took part in the rich tapestry of village life, from Memorial Hall jumble sales to Wendover Mothers Club meetings and then the U3A in her later years.

She practised her Christian faith with a quiet, gentle humility and as such, became one of those individuals who rarely attracted public recognition or praise.

We miss her more than words can say.

At Heritage & Sons we understand that no two lives are the same, which is why every funeral we arrange is completely individual too. Whether you’re making the arrangements for a loved one or prudently planning your own, we’re here for you in every

As we reach the mid-point of 2023 our construction around the A413 and Small Dean Viaduct area continues to progress ready for the opening of phase one of the A413 London Road diversion. To allow us to realign the road slightly to the east of the existing layout, we must first complete a series of utility diversions that run underneath and along the road.

Illustration showing an indicative location for the utility diversions which cross the carriageway to be carried out over the weekend closure.

We implemented overnight lane closures throughout June on the road so our team could prepare the area and we are now ready to carry out the main utility diversion work. This will be done under a full weekend road closure and following weekend lane closure on the A413 London Road on the following dates:

• Full road closure - Friday 30 June at 8:30pm until Monday 3 July at 5.30am

• Lane closure - Friday 7 July at 8:30pm to Monday 10 July at 5.30am

The initial work will involve digging trenches diagonally across the road to insert pipework and cables, therefore it can only be completed safely under a full road closure. The temporary diversion of the A413 is expected to be operational for road users from late summer 2023 with the Small Dean Viaduct construction being completed in 2026.

Our latest newsletter filled with progress updates of the works in Wendover is now live on the HS2 website. To stay informed of our works and get the latest news you can register your email on the HS2 website. Visit your community website at www.hs2.org.uk/in-yourarea to sign up.

If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

Green Futures –Waste, Worms and Wellbeing

Climate Action Wendover’s (CLAW) key aims include increasing local biodiversity and reducing waste. This affects us all but, especially our young people who will live with future environmental challenges. Funded by Wendover Community Board, we’re running a number of workshops in local youth groups and schools called “Green Futures”. We’ve been working with the local cubs groups and John Hampden Infant School, with plans to work with the Junior and Secondary schools too. Delivered through Learning Without Walls, we’ve focused on soil health and food waste in a fun way, through worm poo!

The food waste paradoxThe food system accounts for up to a quarter of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but one third of food is wasted and millions of people are affected by hunger worldwide! Did you know that a quarter of the earth’s biodiversity is found in the soil?

In our wormery workshops at John Hampden School, students learnt that food waste often ends up in landfill where it rots and emits the very potent GHG methane into the atmosphere. Alongside this they discovered how we can only grow healthy food if we have healthy soil.

They got their hands dirty searching for those essential soil savers – worms! We investigated a large wormery where tiger worms were helping to turn food waste into organic matter, and they made their own wormery to investigate the burrowing activities of Earth Worms. They now have their own wormery, where the whole school can help turn their food waste into vermicompost to feed their allotment!

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Local Faces:

The process for choosing the Head Students at John Colet School now starts in March so that the old team can spend time with the new team passing on some of their experience. They are also at the head of a team of prefects each of which has a special responsibility to deliver.

Examples include:

• National Diversity Week is celebrated in John Colet School 26-30 June in common with other schools.

• Community involvement, liaising with local junior schools including 2 days of Induction 4-5 July.

• Peer mentoring to support vulnerable younger students.

• Open Evenings - the student voice.

• Careers advice - there will be a careers fair in February.

The team is really looking forward to the opening of their new sixth form block in September and working with the new Head Teacher Mr Ian Brierly.

THE JOHN COLET SCHOOL

We are looking for several new members of staff to join our friendly John Colet School team.

Vacancies include: Casual Invigilators Learning Support Assistants (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

John Colet School Head Students

Maths

Further Maths Biology Physics

Post A-level Natural Sciences (uni)

Future plans nature conservation or environmental protection

Chemistry

Maths

Post A-level University

Future plans medicine or accountancy & finance

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Wendover Parish CouncilMatters Arising

View from the Clocktower

We have been lucky enough to have experienced a period of dry and sunny weather and I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

There are a lot of positive projects going on at the moment, with work starting on the canal tow path, making it a lot more accessible. During the works, sections will be closed whilst they work on them, which is a small inconvenience for a big improvement.

Coming up we also have the RAF Freedom Parade through the village on Sunday 25 June. We host the parade every 4 or 5 years and being so near to RAF Halton it is a great opportunity for us to celebrate our close relationship. The route will go from the entrance of Wharf Road to the Clock Tower and up the High Street to Dobbins Lane where it will turn round and parade back to the entrance of Wharf Road. It is always well attended but please understand that there will be temporary road closures during the parade for obvious safety reasons.

We are still looking at the feedback from the Manor Waste consultations over the past couple of years and we are hoping to be able to announce some community events

Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday 4 July, 7.30pm St Anne's Hall

Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG

Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/2022-23-agendas

in that space, particularly over the summer holidays. If you are a community group interested in how you can use the space then please get in touch with the office on estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk

As well as the Manor Waste, we have some fantastic open spaces in Wendover but, with the good weather, they have been coming under pressure to be great spaces for everyone. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour with the permanent loss of a picnic table due to vandalism, damage to the shelter in Hampden Meadow and fires in many of the bins. All that we ask is for a bit of thought and more effort to think of fun without resorting to vandalism and arson.

Wendover Local Produce Market

Saturday 20 July, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste

We're looking for new traders! Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk

We also had a resident observe a 4 or 5 year old happily running in the grass barefoot only to end up covered in dog mess. As well as being deeply unpleasant this could have potentially serious health consequences. We are collecting data on all these issues so

any response will be informed rather than accusatory towards all those responsible users of the spaces. Please could everyone enjoying our open spaces be considerate and clean up after their dogs and themselves so we can keep our lovely village safe and clean for all.

A lot of people wonder about the grass cutting around the village and everyone has a view – both positive and negative! The Parish Council has been struggling to keep up – first with the very wet weather in March and then with 2 key bits of equipment failing in May. Thankfully we are back up and running and catching up. Where we can, we do leave the edges of our parks for wildlife and we don’t cut all of the grass in Wendover. Our website now has a map which shows where we are responsible for. Have a look at WHICH COUNCIL DOES WHAT? and follow the link to the Devolved Grass Cutting Map

And Finally – we are looking for new Councillors. Do you care about Wendover? Do you like being a part of a community? Are there things you want to change? Then this may be a role for you. There are currently 2 seats available. The deadline for this month is 21 June so you are probably reading this and thinking you have missed it but another seat will become available next month so get in touch with the office on clerk@wendover-pc.gov.uk or see some background information on CO-OPTION.

Andy Smith

Clerk to Wendover Parish Council & RFO