Local News

Wendover News was sorry to hear that Roy Collins, Wendover Motor Spares, passed away on 25 July. We send our condolences to his family and friends.

I felt I had to write to say how sorry I was to hear about the end of an era. Having taught at John Colet for 28 years, I was lucky enough to visit Liffré on many occasions including taking the school production of West Side Story there along with the school orchestra and many helpers , including parents, staff and Philip Mitchell the head teacher. Over the years I made lasting friendships, received the most amazing hospitality and enjoyed the company of the wonderful students I was privileged to teach.

Many not-so-young people will be left with a wealth of lovely memories like mine. Thanks to everyone involved over the years.

Averil Wilkinson M.B.E

Please remember to contact Wendover Parish Council by Monday 4 September to enter your team in the Annual Village Quiz. It takes place in the Bowls Club in Dobbins Lane on Thursday evenings in October and November, excluding half term. Teams of three compete head to head in a knock out competition. More details at www. wendover-pc.gov.uk/annual-quiz

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is encouraging local people to put their best foot forward and sign up for the return of its annual Chilterns 3 Peaks challenge event this September. Taking place on Sunday, 10 September 2023, the walking event offers three alternative routes, which all take in some of the Chilterns’ most spectacular peaks. All three routes begin at Princes Risborough School with 6.5, 10 and 18mile options available. The longest of the routes tackles all three peaks – Whiteleaf Cross, Coombe Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon –before a bus takes walkers back to the start point. Transport for the day has kindly been donated by Arriva which is providing both vehicles and drivers to support the event. This year’s event is supported by headline sponsor, Origin Doors and Windows, as well as R. Benson which is supporting this event for the second year.

Laura Elliot, Head of Supporter Fundraising at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, says: “The Chilterns 3 Peaks is a long-established event in the area that has been well supported by local people over the years. Every penny raised by the event is used to provide patient care and as we have extended the reach of our services through our recent merger, we’re aiming to make it even more successful than ever before - so we can reach more people in our local area.

“For this we really need the support of our local communities. Whether you have a personal link to the cause or want to take on a physical challenge, this event is perfect for you. Each year we see walkers taking part with their friends, family, colleagues or even their four-legged friends! So why

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Reviewed on not get a group together, sign up and play your part in raising funds to support care for local people with a life-limiting illness?”

Tickets are available now and cost £15 for adults over 16, and £7.50 for children (5-16), with under five-year-olds walking for free. A group ticket is available, priced at £40 for two adults and two children. Visit www.renniegrovepeace.org/C3P to sign up today.

Red and white ‘towpath closed’ signs mounted on temporary fencing have become a frustratingly familiar sight for anyone seeking access to the canal in the Wendover area. And there was something especially disheartening about seeing the canal all bandaged up with signs and fencing when the weather decides to take a turn for the better. But now, we are please to discover that started to be opened from mid-August, from Wharf Road to Bankside. This may become a preferred route for schoolchildren when they go back in September. A dry path without car fumes!

During the summer holidays, incidents of petty crime can seem to be on the rise even if police recorded statistics don’t always reflect this. After all, if we don’t report an incident, we cannot assume that the police know about it.

Most of us are familiar with Neighbourhood Watch, and there are several schemes running in streets in Wendover. It's not always about looking out for suspicious activities in your street, however. Neighbourhood Watch also publishes a newsletter with useful information. In the August newsletter a campaign against street harassment offered a downloadable pack including advice on how to behave if you are a bystander witnessing harassment.

In addition you can download the Neighbourhood Watch Impact report, where there are examples of actions that can bring neighbours together while reducing crime. If you’d like more information, go to www.ourwatch.org.uk, or email enquiries@ ourwatch.org.uk

The organisation also monitors and warns about doorstep, telephone and online scams. Since January of this year, 268 people have reported falling victim to a scam involving a telephone call invitation to share a one-time passcode to get onto a Zoom meeting. This actually enables the scammers to enter a WhatsApp group and encourage other members to send them money or similar. Just as a password should never be shared, nor should a two-factor authorisation code (a six-digit code sent by text SMS). Always query an unusual request by contacting the person independently and checking it is genuine.

After some recent vandalism in Wendover, local councillors at parish and council level approached Thames Valley Police. Rebecca Mears, LPA Commander for Aylesbury responded:

“Any resident feeling vulnerable from anti-social behaviour is a matter Thames Valley Police will always take seriously. In the last six months, the wider Wendover Neighbourhood area has seen a reduction in overall crime of 13% from the previous time period and anti-social behaviour (ASB) related incidents that don’t amount to a crime but nevertheless dealt with is down by 65%.

“Reports of ASB will continue to be a priority but will always be balanced with the priorities of other demands which present a higher risk to life such as knife crime and domestic abuse. The local PCSO is very aware of these ASB experiences and there have been additional patrols for the last six months which has had a positive effect on reducing ASB. It is naturally worrying for our older community members.

“When the Neighbourhood team have been made aware, they have attended and engaged with the victim and community as a whole and investigated the matters. There is a need for witnesses to ASB that amounts to a crime, and evidence, for us to be able to take the report further.

“We encourage residents to continue to report incidents of ASB in Wendover. We will be continuing to conduct extra patrols and the Neighbourhood PCSO has, in mid-August, made contact with all the residents involved to discuss any issues and so far, no significant concerns have been raised.”

This shows how important it is to notify anti-social behaviour to the police so any pattern can be spotted, making it easier to deal with. Phone 999 for an emergency, or 101 for non-emergency calls.

Wendover has a growing reputation as a community that cares. Wendover Dementia Support is one of several local charities that depend on the people of Wendover – and they have willingly come forward as volunteers. There are over 35 volunteers working for Wendover Dementia Support.

Road Farm for the Monday Club. The picture shows every generation having a good time with the grandchildren making it more fun for everyone.

This is only one example of how our volunteers often go the extra mile to

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They have many different roles, such as helping with the Monday Club Café, being a voluntary driver or doing home visits. Others work hard behind the scenes with responsibilities such as finances and fund raising.

Our team of volunteers is wonderfully enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. The Monday Club Café is a genuine club bringing volunteers and visitors together to provide friendship, enjoyment and understanding.

Recently two of our volunteers, Christopher and Wendy Trower, organised a visit to provide new enjoyable experiences for visitors. New visitors can come to WDS feeling anxious and lonely, but they can feel rejuvenated when they realise that others are interested and care about them.

The experience is positive for both volunteers and visitors. Visitors have often led fascinating lives and volunteers can be inspired by how well visitors and their families support and care for each other.

If you know someone with dementia who needs support – ring 07732 342409 – or for more information look on our website: www.wendoverds.org.uk.

Anna Barton LSSM, ISRM

Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy qualified since 2004

Studio based just off Wendover High Street emergency / home visits possible www.annabarton.com 07796 694036

We all want to leave a legacy, to know we have made a difference to the lives of our families, friends and communities

Leave a gift in your will and help people with neurological conditions to live life to the full chilternsneurocentre.org/legacy

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