Wendover News April 2024 Launch

RELAUNCHED AND REBORN

“Defying gravity” is a term applied to Wendover News by one publishing sector expert. “Newspapers like this should not exist these days. Most local print editions have been bought up by big groups. Others just gradually lost their readership and advertising to online competitors until they could survive no longer.” That commentator was our own Simon Eccles, a volunteer with the new Wendover Community News CIC, which takes over as publisher with this edition.

to people who live here. Having that simple approach will help maintain our success, but getting to that has taken a lot of hard work and good luck.

Understandably, everybody is delighted that we are defying gravity, and that it looks like we will be able to do so for many years to come. So why is Wendover News different? Well to start with, we have established a new niche: we are ultra-local media (we made that term up). Elsewhere, media organisations are fighting for world domination, trying to get more money from advertisers and using every trick they can to get people to view their pages.

Wendover News, on the other hand, first asks “How best can we serve our local community?” We address a small geographical area and talk about things that are specifically important

Firstly, we are a start-up, and needed capital to get us through the first couple of months of production. We could not have done that without the full support of Wendover Parish Council, which recognised our unique value to the community and provided important seed funding. This was matched by the Lionel Abel-Smith Trust , which doubled the funding from the Council. Lastly, 41 individuals contributed a total of £1,106 to us on our crowd-funder page. It wasn’t just the money; the votes of support meant everything to us. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Other people we couldn’t have done without are the deliverers. We have 60 or so volunteers, who turn out in all weathers once a month to post copies of Wendover News through over 4,500 letter boxes. We hope they know how much they are appreciated, but if you see one in your street, please thank them again for us.

RAF Flypast

Open

The main element in the equation is the fact that we are inheriting the goodwill generated by Jane Larkham over a period of 35 years. Since last April she has continued to publish Wendover News at her own expense, while we built the team and found our feet. Wynne Byford, Paul Hammett and Jackie Brown worked with her to help us build that capability. Jane has handed over invaluable archives, a legacy created during the publication of over 400 editions and most importantly, the relationships with literally hundreds of advertisers, past and present.

It’s all those elements, in their entirety, which allow us to defy gravity, continue to serve Wendover and begin a second life.

Richard Byford

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

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

Wednesday 3 & 17 April 2024

April

£10 gift voucher for the winner

February’s was a Milliner’s hat burnisher

Saturday 4th May 12 - 4pm Chiltern

Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

Spring fun for the family!

Dancing Ice Cream Bouncy castles

Produced by Wendover Community News CIC – a Community Interest Company.

Editorial Team: Richard Byford, Simon Eccles, Wynne Byford, Jane Larkham, Rory Lavery & Lorna Archer

Coordination & online: Wynne Byford

Production: Richard Byford, Simon Eccles

Accounts: James Harrington & Paul Hammett

Distribution and deliveries: Robin Boult and about 60 other splendid team volunteers!

Events

Local Walks and Cycle Rides

Simply Walk – Weekly walks on Tuesdays from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to register with the walk leader. After the walk, you can socialise at the all-ages drop-in at Wendover Christian Centre.

exhibiting please see Spring Show Information on the website: www.e-voice.org.uk/kehs/

Compassionate Café Wigginton

Wed 3, 1.30pm, The Sports Ground, HP23 6HH

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

Aylesbury Cycling UK: The leisure section of the club welcomes new riders. Easy Pace: every first and third week of the month, about 30 miles long. Newcomers: each second and fourth week and about 20 miles long. Email: aylesburycuk@gmail.com

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury

29 March - 14 April

Egg-cellent Easter Craft Activities. This Fractured Land inspired art classes, celebrate Eid with paper craft, step back in time to Victorian Bucks plus make your own pet for National Pet Day! Enjoy the Easter Egg Trail on every day over the holidays and don’t miss the special Family Easter Eggstravaganza. Visit www.discoverbucksmuseum.org/

Cracklewick Morris

Tuesdays 8.15-10.15pm, Halton Village Hall

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

Kimble & Ellesborough Hort. Society

Tues 2, 8pm, Stewart Hall, Little Kimble, HP17 0XN

The Art of Low Maintenance Gardening – Professor Sandy Primrose will discuss techniques he uses to reduce gardening chores and keep maintenance to a minimum, while having flowers all year round. Sun 7; Spring Show. See beautiful displays of Spring flowers and enjoy delicious home-made cakes. If you are not a member and are interested in

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

Chiltern Miniaturists Club

Wed 3, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall

Find out how you can use foam board, plaster moulding bandage, tissue paper and a wet wipe to make a miniature ‘battered’ armchair, in two scales. Anyone who would like to know more is very welcome. Email arcadia96@ btinternet.com or call Diane on 07899 090399.

Chilterns Light Network

Wed, 7.30pm Wendover Memorial Hall

3 Chakra clearing/intuition 10 Dowsing for Healing 17 Food prepping/storage/nutrition 24 Sound Bath (pre booking required) MAY 1 Fitness. Fun and friendly group. All welcome. £5 non-members www.chilternslightnetwork. org or clnwendover@protonmail.com.

Cake Party with Tracey and Debbie

Wed 3 & 17, Thurs 18 – various locations

3; Pink Floral Cupcake Wreath, The Five Arrows, Waddesdon. 17; Spring Floral Cupcake Wreath, The Kings Arms, Tring. 18; Spring Floral Cupcake Wreath, The Spread Eagle, Thame. visit: www.cornelli.co.uk/cake-party See Cornelli ad p7.

Wendover Horticultural Society

Thurs 4, 2.30 pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover “Orchids at Home” by Dr Manos Kanellos, plant physiologist and orchid expert. You are invited to bring any orchids requiring attention. Non-members welcome, cost £3.00.

Poetry Please

Fri 5, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre

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

Cholesbury-cum-St Leonard’s Local History Group

Fri 5, 7.30pm, St. Leonards Parish Hall, Jenkins Lane, HP23 6NW

Mike Palmer will talk about The Aylesbury Duck & Aylesbury Prune. This talk will cover the rich history and customs surrounding two of Buckinghamshire’s contributions to English cuisine and culture. Mike is Keeper of Natural History and Geology at Discover Bucks Museum. www.cholesbury.com

Wendover Evening WI

Tues 9 , 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover

Guest speaker Rosie Insley will give a talk on “Why Buy Local Flowers?” Rosie founded the Wild Rose Flower Company in Buckinghamshire. She grows beautiful, scented English country flowers (no chemicals or air miles involved) at her farm, which are made into bouquets and arrangements for the home and special occasions. If you are interested in joining, please contact Margaret on 01296 582318. See p10.

Craft Group

Weds 10 & 24, 10am-12 noon, Wendover Christian Centre

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

Board Game Café

Thurs 11, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre

A monthly get-together for lovers of board games! Enjoy a variety of games old and new or bring your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all.

Chiltern Alpine and Rock Garden Group

Fri 12, 7.30pm, The Village Hall, Great Kingshill, HP15 6DW

Gareth Manning’s topic will be A tour of West Green House Gardens. Call 01296 613577 or visit chilternalpinegroup.org for details.

Repair Café

Sat 13, 9-12noon, St Michael’s church, Aston Clinton, HP22 5HW Bring along all your broken household items. 74 broken items were taken in last month, only two were not fixable. An estimated 1.4 tonnes of CO2 emissions was saved and the sum raised, £390.37, will be split between the Brain Tumour Research charity and the church.

Annual Parish Meeting

Thurs 18, 7pm Wendover Youth Centre

See back page for details.

Proud Sponsors

Sarah Routley Bsc (Hons)

Max Rogers

ANAEA

ST ANNE’S HALL to hire

All enquiries to Angela German

07423 266713

stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk

LEGACY FAIRS

Antiques & Collectors Market

Wendover Memorial Hall

Thursday 18 April 9am-2pm (Trade 8am)

For updates Tel: 07503 465532 or email: peterphillips39@yahoo.com

Entrance by donation to Charity

Grass Cutting Service

Regular or one off cuts

For free quote call Ian Whittome 01296 682361 07885 031431

WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL

Great for Children’s Parties

Ideal for Weddings & Functions

Excellent kitchen facilities

Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk

Aylesbury Centre of the National Trust

Thu 18 Apr 8pm

Broughton Junior School HP20 1NQ

John Benjamin will talk on The Life and Works of Peter Carl Faberge. Details from 07399 540626 or aylesburycentrent@gmail.com.

Wendover Art Club Spring Exhibition

Fri 19-Sun 21, 10-5 A Little Bird Told Me

An exhibition of paintings and other work, from over 20 artists together with prints and cards. Visit www.wendoverartclub.co.uk. See adverts p3 & 4 and p27.

Book Club

Sat 20, 10.30, Wendover Christian Centre

Whatever you enjoy reading, you’ll be welcome at Book Club. There is no set book. You can go along and see what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you’ve been reading.

Aylesbury Vale Stitchers

Sat 20, 2.30pm, Memorial Hall HP22 6HF Sandie Lush has been designing and

making Welsh Quilts for many years. Her talk is entitled “Old Cloth to New Cloth.” aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com

Pace BIG Walk

Sun 21, The Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF Staggered registration times at Wendover Memorial Hall for 18, 12, or 6 miles, or The Superhero Mile routes. Parking available at John Colet School. Help Pace to provide life changing support to babies, children and young people with neurodisabilities. www. bit.ly/3viz1s7 See p12.

Wendover Friends of Guiding Termly Meeting

Wed 24, 8pm, Guide Hut, Wendover

If you have about an hour to spare once a term, why not join the team? There’s sure to be a role for you. Hope to see you there.

Arts Society Ballinger

Thurs 25, 7.30 for 8pm, Ballinger War Memorial Hall, HP16 9LQ

Lecture: “Hogarth at the Hustings: The Election Entertainment Series and the Birth

2024 Season

You’ve been putting it off, haven’t you…? It’s back …!

Stuart Fantham & Company are pleased to announce the return of our popular Wendover

Wills Week

• Sunday 14 April to Saturday 20 April

• Runs for 7 full days

• Saturday and Sunday appointments available

• Appointments all day from 7am to 7pm

• Free initial appointment – with no obligation

• Free Will storage – no annual fees

• 10% off our normal Will-writing charges

Looking at Lasting Powers of Attorney…?

If you are thinking about an LPA for yourself or a family member, why not take advantage of our extended opening hours during our Wendover Wills Week event to come and have an informal chat to find out more – there’s no charge for the chat either!

Solicitors open on a weekend…? Yes, you did read this correctly! We will be open for a full seven days, from 7 until 7, to help you to review your current Will or write a new one and if you make a new Will with us during our Wendover WillsWeek, we will reduce our normal fees by 10%. What could be easier!

To book your appointment, Call, Click or Come in ...

12 High Street, Wendover HP22 6EA

Telephone: 01296 620300

Email: legal@stuartfantham.co.uk

Making learning enjoyable

Jim and Karen Lucas

Aylesbury Vale Tutors

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

Email: aylesburyvaletutors@gmail.com

All ages and abilities catered for

Peter Bird Garden Design

Events

01296 622790

•

• Custom made Roman Blinds

Tel: 01296 752 747

of Political Satire.” The long British tradition of political satire is coming to the fore again as the General Election approaches. At the root of that tradition is William Hogarth’s Election Entertainment series of prints from the 1750s. The expert lecturer is Rupert Dickens. Email: ballinger@theartssociety.org or visit www. theartssocietyballinger.org.uk.

Jazzupfront

Thurs 25, 7:30pm, St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury

Adrian Cox is an Internationally acclaimed jazz clarinettist. The concert will demonstrate that connection with New Orleans, paying homage to his clarinet playing idols. Tickets from Ents24.Com and Aylesbury Music Shop.

Weston Turville Historical Society

Fri 26, 8pm, Weston Turville Village Hall

“King Louis XVIII & the French royal family at Hartwell House” with Speaker – Neil Rees. Entrance - £2 members, £3 visitors

Sat 27 April 7:00pm, Kings Church Amersham

Pendyrus Male Choir, internationally acclaimed Welsh male choir. Charity concert in support of Every Life; a locally based charity working with disadvantaged urban communities in Uganda and Kenya. Bar and raffle. Tickets £22 from https://everylife.org.uk/events/, also available from Kings Church Amersham.

Great Missenden Choral Society 75th Anniversary Concert

Sat 27, 7.30pm, St Peter & St Paul Church, Gt Missenden HP16 0AZ Features Brahms Requiem and motets by Parry and Bruckner. Tickets on the door or from www.gmcsonline.co.uk.

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday 4 May

Florence Fete, Chiltern Way Academy See advert on front page.

Tuesday 14 May

Wendover Horticultural Society visit to Kingsbridge Farm, Steeple Claydon. Contact Diane on 07966 155775.

Saturday 18 May

Wendover Choral Society with Amersham Band present Sounding Brass and Voices.

May Bank Holiday Weekend Mentmore Arts Festival.

Saturday 1 June, - St Leonards Village Fete.

Sunday 2 June – Coombe Hill Run/Fell Race organised by Tring Running Club, www. tringrunningclub.org.uk. See p25.

Friday 28 June – grand opening of new canal towpath joining Wendover and Halton Village.

m:

t:

Wendover Shed

Lord Lieutenant visits Wendover Shed

The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, paid a visit to Wendover Shed on 26 February, at the invitation of Shed chairman Bob Duggan.

She met a group of Shedders who showed off their current projects and also the work they’ve done to improve the original metal office and brick stables to make them warm and weatherproof, to extend the working areas with the covered wooden “outdoor space,” and installing off-grid solar power and batteries to run all the machinery and lights.

Countess Howe has been Lord Lieutenant of the County since 2020, having been a Deputy Lieutenant previously since 1994. Although she makes 300 to 400 visits throughout the county of Buckinghamshire every year, she said this was her first visit to any of the nine “Men’s Sheds” in the area (Wendover Shed isn’t confined to men, however).

She was impressed by the power system and battery storage, which was duly demonstrated by heating the water for teas and coffees all round!

Wendover Shed welcomes new members who can come and work on practical projects with the wide range of tools (and friendly expert helpers), or just to have a chat and a hot drink. Although spring is in sight, it can still be chilly up on Hogtrough Lane, so both main sheds now have efficient heaters. And in addition to the solar powered hot water, there’s a fridge for beers when the summer comes!

To find the Shed, navigate yourself to Hogtrough Lane, which starts at the Wellhead Cottage crossroads between Hale Road and Church Lane (there’s no sign for Hogtrough Lane itself, but there’s a Ridgeway fingerpost pointing along it). Drive along to just past the rifle club and the bridleway sign, then turn left into the allotments. The postcode is HP22 6NJ, but a more exact location is given by the What3Words location: https://w3w.co/ painted.flopping.surfaces.

Opening hours are posted on the website: www.wendovershed.org.uk.

Alcoholics

Worried

www.aachilternthames.org.uk

National

Sugarcraft

Cake

Cake

From the Editorial Team

Local News

Wendover News had got into the habit of beginning this section with ‘From the Editor.’ Now the title is published by a team of volunteers, we tend to make editorial decisions as a team. So this time, you will notice a subtle change in the heading for this section. Also, in this relaunch edition, we are using the central four pages to introduce ourselves.

The process of transitioning from the former Limited Company to one owned by the community has been challenging, but made easier by the luck we had this time last year.

On 22 March 2023, Jane Larkham, the former owner and publisher, invited 12 people to a special supper at the Red Lion. Assisted by Richard Byford, the meeting was presented to recruit foundation directors for a new company, which at that time had not even been formed. Still struggling to overcome the setbacks of the Covid lockdowns, those who attended were even asked to pay for their own suppers!

The supper resulted in recruiting five directors: Paul Hammett, Rory Lavery, Huw Price and Holly Tallarico. James Harrington joined them a few weeks later. Holly has since left to concentrate on her career, Huw’s travel business has been more successful than he anticipated, and Paul is stepping back to give more attention to his family and

clients and to continue his great work with Wendover Youth Club. Jane is still very active within Wendover News and is a valuable volunteer and source of wisdom.

Since then, these individuals formed the company and established the legal framework for it to operate. Simon Eccles, who was at the supper, Richard Byford and his wife Wynne, who was the last remaining part-time employee of Wendover News, managed to build the production capability to continue publication and enabled the magazine to continue without missing an edition. The vital team of deliverers stayed with us and have continued to ensure that readers got their copies as normal. With all boxes ticked, the new company was able to register as a regulated media organization with IMPRESS. This month, the transition is complete, with just a few trivial details left to be sorted out.

Jane particularly wanted to use this edition to thank all the people who sent their best wishes by email and on paper. She was very touched.

This edition continues to evolve. We have stepped beyond the traditional range of subjects to include a two-page feature to invite people to consider taking up running. One Wendover resident Francesca Bowers is a keen runner but this is the first time she has actually attempted a Marathon in an officially organised venue, on Sunday 14 April in Manchester. She feels blessed to have been

offered a place raising money for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of her Auntie Valerie, sadly lost to the family in 2022. You can read more and support by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Francesca-Bowers

For the less energetic, we have included a prototype page testing the idea of publishing readers’ favourite walks on page 23.

We also reveal some virtually forgotten detail about a historical part of Wendover on page 30. This Secret Wendover feature is the result of several months of research by Simon Eccles, aided by Wendover residents and the Trenchard Museum.

Should Wendover News be talking about politics?

Most people yawn at the thought of an imminent general election. No date had been announced at the time this edition was going to press, but we think it is important that our readers have access to information that will support their decision on polling day. We have several pieces about voting in this edition, but we’ll leave the actual politics to you.

Voting apathy has led to the main parties understandably pitching mainly to the faithful of their parties. Yet this country and the planet face challenges that some people feel are not being adequately addressed.

The future belongs to the young and if politicians believe that younger people will not vote, then they will put these issues aside in favour of the short-term, to get votes and get elected. If you are a young voter, or know somebody who is, get them to make it very clear to everybody – especially politicians, that they will vote, because the future matters.

The Editorial Team

Photo ID required for voting

Since this time last year, you have needed to show photo ID before you can vote in any election or referendum. That means that if you don’t have suitable identity documents, you could be turned away. You may already have suitable forms of identity: the obvious ones are a passport or driving licence.

In addition, there are some acceptable documents that you might not have thought of – for example, an older or disabled person’s bus pass, an Oyster 60+ card, or other photographic identity documents issued by a recognised authority such as the MOD. For a full list of inclusions and exclusions, go to www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need.

If you have a relative or neighbour who might not be aware of this, now would be a good time to help them get their Voter Authority Certificate sorted. This obviously applies to older people, but don’t forget that even people who are currently under voting age at the moment will need to be prepared. Details can be found on the page linked above.

What happened to the Abbeyfield Residents?

Christopher Pallet’s article on page 8 of the March 2024 print edition of Wendover News confirmed the sad news that Abbeyfield House is closing. We now know that by mid April most of the residents will have found new homes, though there are still some waiting anxiously for suitable 11th hour placements.

On Thursday 29 February, the remaining residents and staff threw a party for many Wendover folk, and others, who supported them over the past 30 or more years. Everyone attending had a fond connection

Local News

with Abbeyfield over the years but was very sad. There was a good turn out for this opportunity to say goodbye. At least three people were there when the foundation stone was laid in the 1970s. Also it was wonderful to welcome back a young girl who had completed her Duke of Edinburgh award training at the house.

The good news is that some residents were able to accept supported accommodation in Bankside, thus staying in Wendover, while others were able to find a room in the independent Abbeyfield House in Great Missenden. Staff are facing redundancy and some are struggling to find new positions. Some have left already but others, out of concern for residents, are staying on until the closure is completed.

We hope to be able to tell you what is to happen to the building and land.

Beryl Hunter

Wendover Evening WI

The ladies of the Wendover Evening WI were delighted to present The Thomas Ball Children’s Cancer Fund with a £1,000 donation from their highly successful Christmas Fair held last November. The money enabled the charity to treat 50 children with cancer to see the ‘Beauty and The Beast’ pantomime at the Wycombe Swan Theatre, have lunch, meet Santa and be presented with a cuddly Beast toy each. They were absolutely thrilled! Elaine Ball warmly thanked the Wendover Evening WI members for their generosity in donating such a significant sum.

Defibrillator at Wendover Motor Spares (see ad below)

Julie at Wendover Motor Spares, next door to the filling station on Aylesbury Road, contacted us to say that they had a defibrillator fitted outside the front of the shop.

Charity News

Green fingers Charity

Linda Petrons is thrilled that the quiz and games night raised a fantastic £1,100. She says that “almost 90 quizzers took part and they all seemed to enjoy a fun night out.”

Afternoon Tea For Rennie Grove Peace Hospice

Jill York is pleased to report that the afternoon tea held at The Oldham Hall on Saturday 2 March raised £1,336 for the charity.

A defibrillator “is a portable life saving device that can give a casualty’s heart an electric shock when it has stopped beating normally in a sudden cardiac arrest. A defibrillator works by checking the casualty’s heart rhythm once the defibrillator pads are placed on their chest and giving them a shock if needed. By using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival.” (St John Ambulance website.)

We think it is an excellent way of honouring the memory of Roy Collins (Julie’s brother), who ran the workshop until his untimely death last summer. This is actually the tenth defibrillator installed in Wendover itself. They are increasingly common: there are also two in Weston Turville, two in Halton, seven in Aston Clinton, three at The Lee, two at Ballinger, one at St Leonards and one at Wendover Woods. If you need to find one, or familiarise yourself with where they are, go to www.defibfinder.uk and enter your location to see all those in the area.

Wendover Library Annual Photography Competition

Spring is almost here, together with a gentle reminder from Ron Melville of the Wendover Library Annual Photography Competition! The closing date is not until the end of July so there’s plenty of time to send in your best scenes of Wendover and surrounding areas. Landscape format please. Entries can also be used in the annual calendar. Contact fowlmembers@hotmail.com.

A record-breaking Pop-Up Art Weekend for the Chilterns Neuro Centre

The Chilterns Neuro Centre’s Pop-Up Art Weekend in Wendover wrapped up its most successful year yet with over a thousand art enthusiasts venturing into a realm of creativity, as the usually clinical space was transformed into an art gallery for the weekend with record-breaking sales.

The exhibition, held in partnership with the Clare Foundation, featured over 80 extremely talented local artists covering a wide range of artistic styles, including paintings, sculptures, glasswork, ceramic and jewellery.

At the heart of the exhibition, amidst the kaleidoscope of stunning artworks, was an incredible display of cakes that could only be described as edible masterpieces. The sale of these cakes not only added an extra layer of joy to the event but also contributed significantly to the fundraising efforts.

In total the charity raised over £21,000 which will be used to support its work enabling people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes to live life to the full.

Allotments – no dig for victory!

Wendover Parish Council is aiming to increase the number of plots available in its two allotment sites. Councillor Leigh Porter says “With the cost of living crisis, as well as so much talk about mental heath and food security, getting out in the fresh air for a bit of exercise has limitless benefits and WPC would like to encourage that.”

There are two sites in the parish: on London Road and Hogtrough Lane. The Ashbrook Allotments site on the other side of Aylesbury Road from Ashbrook Park is privately owned. Cllr Porter says that allotments don’t always have to be hard work. “Most people are daunted at the prospect of lots of back-breaking digging but after growing vegetables for many years I discovered the No Dig method during lockdown, and it has transformed my gardening.

“This is a system where you lay sheets of brown cardboard directly onto the patch where you want to grow your veg, cover the cardboard with compost – either homemade or bought – and you

01296 509 892 theboilerblokes.co.uk

07879 400993

A local family-run company who specialise in the installation of domestic gas boilers.

Are you tired of your old boiler continually breaking down? Do you need a more efficient boiler?

The Boiler Blokes Wayne & Clinton

Reviewed on

Our aim is your complete satisfaction from start to finish.

BOILERS EXPERTLY FITTED

can immediately start sowing seeds or planting plug plants. The idea is that by the time the cardboard has rotted, the weeds beneath will have been killed off and you have a perfectly prepared vegetable patch. I love it and have consequently grown so many more plants because it’s not all about fighting weeds!”

No experience is needed to audition, just a love of singing, acting and dancing. Auditions will be taking place for adults on Thursday 11 April at the Charity’s Head Office on Walton Street, Aylesbury and for children on Sunday 28 April and Thursday 2 May at the Norman Bragg Studio, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Aimed at bringing the local community together while raising money for local hospice care services, successful auditionees will be asked to attend an intensive rehearsal period for two weeks leading up to the show, where they will be guided by trained theatre professionals, culminating with two performances at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 3 August.

All money raised from the show will go to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, which is dedicated to delivering the best hospice care for everyone who needs it across Buckinghamshire and its borders. To register to audition visit https://fnhospice.org.uk/charlie or call 01296 429975 for more information. Tickets for the show will go on sale late spring and be available on the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre website. Follow the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity on social media for the latest show announcements.

Pace BIG Walk

From its centre on Wendover Road in Stoke Mandeville, Pace helps children with neurodisabilities achieve their potential. For many of the children at Pace just achieving independent mobility is a huge achievement and takes years of practice. Whether it’s taking one step or learning to use a motorised wheelchair, the challenges they overcome to be independent are huge.

If you’d like to learn more, she says, “Charles Dowding is an English horticulturalist and author who has pioneered modern no dig and organic soil management in the UK and has a popular YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/3PrUbuN) which gives tons of encouraging advice and tips.”

For more details of WPC allotments and a downloadable application form, see: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/allotments

WAVUS

A group from the English class of WAVUS (Wendover And Villages Ukraine Support) met Sir Keir Starmer and some of his Labour Party colleagues at a drinks reception at the Houses of Parliament on 19 February. Guy Blackman, one of the WAVUS committee members, writes: “It has been two years since the illegal and terrible invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The event was an opportunity for the Labour leader to show his support for the people of Ukraine and to reassure them that Labour will continue the support that has been forthcoming over the past two years, should they find themselves in Government after the election.

“Some of our Ukrainians were able to ask Sir Keir questions about visas and other matters that were of concern. All in all, it was a great opportunity for us to meet with Sir Keir and explain their thoughts and feelings and although we all hope that there is a speedy end to the war, our group felt that they had been listened to and that their concerns taken on board.”

Enter a World of Pure Imagination..

Audition for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is back at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for a third year, raising funds for local hospice care, with an exciting community production of new musical ‘Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ on Saturday 3 August. The charity is seeking local children aged 6-17 years, and adults from across Buckinghamshire, with a love of theatre to be part of this special production on a professional stage.

But you can help them achieve their goals and transform the lives of children with a neurodisability, like cerebral palsy, by putting on your own walking shoes and joining Pace for the 2024 BIG Walk. There is a choice of three routes which all take in the ancient Ridgeway Trail. The £15 registration fee includes a BIG Walk t-shirt, a medal, water and snacks, with a support team. For details of routes and registration visit: https://thepacecentre.org/event/the-big-walk24/

Russell Arms re-opens

We should have had some fun with the headline: “Tik Tok phenomenon moves next door to Chequers?”; “PM has celebrity-cook set up next door?” or how about “New Ellesborough pub landlord raising £1million for cancer charity?” All of them are true (or close), and they all apply to the reopening of the Russell Arms at Butlers Cross.

In the real world – of people in living in Wendover and the surrounding areas – we have the news that Roly and Katy May, residents of Wendover have moved into the Russell Arms. Despite a delay in getting access to the pub, they had to worked frantically to get open as soon as possible. It seems to have paid off and early reports are that the food is excellent, and the freshly recruited staff are performing well.

If you spend as much time online as you do in the real world, then you might be familiar with the TikTok online chef Daddy May and his wife Katy (Mummy May?). Since taking on the Russell Arms his TikTok account has had over a million likes and had 430K followers. Comments include people in Scotland and even overseas pledging to book a table as the highlight of their annual holiday. Their personal TikTok account has another 1.8M followers and focuses mainly on the everyday life of the couple and their family. If Wendover was an online place, their presence alone would make it into a large city.

Last year they set up a campaign to raise £1m for Macmillan Support. If you want to see how they are doing, go to www.bit.ly/3x13VWC

Lorna Archer

who might be interested in the opportunity to advertise on that page or pages?

Towpath celebration, Friday 28 June 2024

You might have noticed some building works by the entrance to the Wendover Canal in Wharf Road. This is work associated with the heroic building of an all-weather towpath from Wendover to Halton Village in 2023. One fence with elegant new iron railings has been installed, (see photo)

During April and May, the volunteers from Wendover Canal Trust are working on the new railings that will lead off Wharf Road down to the new towpath and then across the canal. They will also be putting up smart new signage. Fortunately many school children and dog walkers are already benefitting from this wonderful new facility.

John Colet School is involved in the planning of the grand towpath opening celebration taking place on Friday 28 June 2024 from 10am to 3pm. EKFB is working in partnership with HS2 locally and they will be organising activities to connect local primary school children with local geology and ecology. Make a date to be present when Wendover Canal Trust Patron Robbie Cumming of BBC Four’s Canal Boat Diaries cuts the ribbon! Wendover Canal Trust volunteers will be selling some of the amazing goods they fashion from discarded renovation materials. More news next month.

Looking ahead

Next month, May, we hope to be following up our ‘Get Running!” feature with a biking and cycling feature – including a story about an important role Wendover played in the development of off-road biking as a sport. Do you have any stories, advice or tips for people considering bike-related activity? Do you know of any local businesses

Together with Wendover Parish Council, Wendover News is in the early stages of setting up a potential Volunteer Festival in Wendover to run in the first week of June. If you are looking for volunteers in the area, get in touch to help us turn this into a reality.

June will be a busy time. As well as volunteer week, it also marks the 80th anniversary of D-day. If we get enough material to work with, we will dedicate a page to honouring the memory and legacy of the brave people who took part in that fateful period in history. Do you have any stories or photos of people from the Wendover area who took part? Do you know what role RAF Halton played in D-day?

June will also mark the official reopening of the canal towpath. Tell us what the towpath means to you and your ideas for protecting it as a resource for the community.

Lastly...

In the article ‘From the Editorial Team’ at the start of this section, we talked about the future belonging to the young. Two pieces were contributed by young people this month. Firstly, a six-year-old correspondent in Weston Turville notified us that Akshata Murty, ie Mrs Sunak, popped in to his school to read something from a book about the Gruffalo.

Also, Ella (aged 10) sent in a delightful reminder not to drop litter. There is a photo below of her out litter-picking with her friend, Ava.

We love being able to publish things like this, but we have to ensure that we comply with regulatory standards.

In this case, we got all the necessary permissions from the parent. We’ll try to find a way of including contributions from our younger readers, but for the time being we are unable to routinely publish material submitted by minors.

Mysterious organisations operating in Wendover

Wendover News is aware of three mysterious organisations in the Wendover area who do good things. One is best known for its funny handshakes and secret ceremonies; another has given lots of money to worthy causes – including Wendover News – and the last is probably best known for dressing up as Santa and racing plastic ducks along the Heron stream. What they all have in common, is that they provide a huge amount of support to charities and seem to have fun doing it!

A generation ago, Freemasonry had a reputation for secrecy and strange rituals. The foundation for most of the stories was an accumulation of misinformation and misunderstanding. Today, things have changed. The organisation is very keen to publicise its activity – particularly its work with charities. It claims to be the second largest charity funding organisation after the National Lottery. For example, Freemasons paid for the London Air Ambulance G-LNDN and the two new super-ladders for the London Fire Brigade. Closer to home, Bucks Freemasons support hundreds of local charities.

Wendover resident Richard Peck is a Freemason with Hampden Lodge in Aylesbury. The name association of the Lodge with Wendover is obvious, but many of the members also live in Wendover and the lodge supports many of the local charities, including the Florence Nightingale Hospice Trust and the PACE Centre. Rather than being secretive, Richard was very keen to explain that modern Freemasonry is open and welcoming. “We do everything we can to demystify Freemasonry. It’s about integrity, friendship, respect and service to our community - we exist to ‘make good men better’ through charity work, friendship and shared experiences. Our ceremonies are morality plays that teach us how to live a good life serving others, and many of us give our time to charities outside Freemasonry as part of our way of life.”

To find out more about Hampden Lodge and local Freemasonry visit hampdenlodge.com or email hampdenlodge6483@gmail.com

The Lionel Abel-Smith Trust – often referred to as ‘LAST’ – is a charitable trust providing financial grants in Wendover parish and Moor Park. For those who haven’t studied a road map of Wendover recently, Moor Park is a row of about 50 houses off Halton Lane but before Perch Bridge in the northern end of Wendover.

The Trust was created in December 1977 by the Lord of the Manor of Wendover, Lionel Abel-Smith, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. His family had been the principal landowners in Wendover from the 1790s and, with great generosity, Mr AbelSmith gave cottages and a substantial cash endowment to found the Trust. He said then that he wished to create something for the benefit of Wendover and its inhabitants. As a result, since 1977 the Trust has been able to award over £2 million in grants to individuals and organisations in our community.

LAST invites applications for grants early in the year for their annual review but will accept urgent requests at other times. The applications are judged against strict criteria by a committee of trustees and awarded to individuals, clubs and organisations. Typical individual grants include medical necessities, educational needs and the pursuit

of talent. Notable major institutional grants in recent years include refurbishment of the Memorial Hall, the construction of a retractable roof and changing rooms at the Community Swimming Pool and the refurbishments of St Mary’s Church and St Anne’s Hall.

Lastly, some colourful characters who are far from secretive: Rotary is no longer a male-only organisation and famously the Rotary Club of Wendover and District has more women than men as members. It is a humanitarian organisation that supports all sorts of groups and organisations as well as raising money for charitable projects at local, national and international level. The Rotary foundation, its award giving body, has been awarded 4 star rating (the highest level) by the international Charity Navigator. At local level, one current project is brightening up a dreary meeting area near the Gutmann Stadium in Stoke Mandeville Hospital to make it more pleasant for wheelchair users and their families but particularly for the competitors when they meet for UK wide competitions.

Since Covid, Rotary in Wendover has concentrated on local Charities especially PACE and our local Foodbank, the Trussell Trust. Its biggest international project to date was building and equipping a library for a school in South Africa with guidance from the Charity BookAid. Rotary in Wendover has also made its mark nationally with Cheryl Law, a past president, who is now on the National Committee with fund raising responsibilities for the Rotary Foundation.

Richard Peck and Clifford Isabelle presenting new kit to Chinnor Youth Girls FC

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!

What just happened? Was it a take-over?

From this edition onwards, Wendover News will be published by a new company, called Wendover Community News. It has ‘CIC’ after its name instead of ‘Ltd’ to indicate that it is a Community Interest Company, owned by the community it serves. It took over publication from Wendover News Ltd in a very amicable process. The aim was to allow Jane Larkham, the publisher and editor for over 35 years, to retire and continue to do what she enjoys – but as a volunteer.

Why a new company?

Jane’s company was a normal commercial company, limited by shares. It has been very successful for a long time, but never recovered from the financial problems caused during lockdown. By using all residual funds left in the company, Jane sought to ensure the future of the company. The most appropriate way of doing this was to transition it to a community interest company, limited by guarantee.

Who controls the company and gets all the profits?

Unlike a limited company, where there are shareholders, the equivalent role is held by trustees. Shareholders usually expect to be paid money from the profits, whereas trustees of the CIC can’t take any money out for being a trustee. Wendover Community News CIC is run to serve the community, not to make profit.

Where is the head office?

Wendover News no longer has an office. This makes it a little difficult when we want to hold team meetings, but we get by. One of the reasons that we don’t need an office is that we don’t really have any assets. No filing cabinets, no furniture, no office machinery. No physical assets apart from historic archive material

accumulated during the first 35 years of the magazine. Volunteers use their own devices to communicate, participate in discussions, write content and take photos.

Who controls the content?

We are regulated by IMPRESS, the media regulator. Its Standards Code provides guidance on producing high quality journalism, without limiting freedom of expression. It also ensures trustworthy news content and protection from unethical news practices. As a CIC, we are also legally obliged to be politically neutral.. You can see the Standards Code at www.impressorg.com/standards/ impress-standards-code

What’s its purpose?

The obvious part is that we have committed to publishing the print version for the foreseeable future. More broadly, we see ourselves as the communications hub for the Wendover area, to enable the people and community organisations to collaborate for the benefit of everybody. By offering a range of opportunities for engagement, we intend to make volunteering with us a constructive, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.

Meet the team

Who’s on the team?

It’s a very big team of over 60 people. The majority of those are deliverers. Busy people who find the role rewarding and like the excuse to get some exercise. Some of them only really socialise with one or two of the other volunteers, but many come along to our monthly get togethers for the opportunity meet other deliverers and chat.

The other part of the team are the core volunteers. They tend to run the company’s operations and so have invested a lot of commitment to getting the business running and making it resilient. Many of these are managers and professionals – some retired, some still with busy careers and a few who can’t make their mind up yet.

The cost of printing this page was sponsored by the advertisers below

Proud to have been associated with Wendover News since establishing my business in 2014

Good luck to the team… both those involved now AND those to come

e-mail: paul@ph-as.co.uk

Tel: 01296 621162 www.ph-as.co.uk

Directors? Managers? Isn’t this a bit like work?

In some ways, yes. We all behave very professionally and have high standards, because it is a real business and needs to serve its purpose. The reason it’s not like work is that everybody is an equal and anybody can speak up when it comes to decision-making. There are directors who make some rules, but even then, it is only after consultation. They also ensure that the company stays within the law and maintains its own ethical standards.

Volunteer Vacancies

If I were to consider becoming a volunteer, would I have to commit to certain amounts of time?

The team has agreed a ‘Volunteers Charter’. Top of the list of items is that you work on your own terms choosing the extent and duration of your volunteering and how much regular time you commit. All the other terms have been agreed by the whole team and apply equally to everybody. You can see a copy of our Volunteer Charter on the ‘About Us’ menu at wendovernews.co.uk.

Do you have any vacancies?

Yes! We are looking for new volunteers to complete our team, in all areas of our work. This includes content-creation and editing, administration and accounts, production, co-ordination and distribution management. With a bigger team, we will be able to deliver on our plans:

Get the community writing. We would like a substantial proportion of our content to be written by ‘ordinary’ people in the community. In reality, nobody is ordinary, but most have a story to tell or a voice that needs to be heard. We need more people who can write to a very high standard and follow our style guide for consistency. Our ideal recruits would be able to help community authors who have less developed writing skills to get their content ready for the page.

Become a multi-media communications hub. The print edition is the anchor for everything we do. In the future, we would like to use it as a gateway, signposting the way to a safe and convenient online hub that protects local people from unsuitable, irrelevant and dangerous content. We might also include video. Why stop there? Live events? We need people with tech knowledge who have vision as well as knowledge. Online editors, creators and content producers will be needed too.

Provide excellent work placement opportunities. People hit career dead-ends for many reasons – time off raising a family or staying at home being a carer, loss of confidence or illness. Some young people

need work experience before they can even think about a career. Wendover News will fulfil a valuable role in connecting people to the world of work, or maybe just getting them used to socialising again. But we can only do that if we have enough people to work alongside them, coaching, mentoring and helping them expand their mental ‘safe zones’.

If you would like to meet up with some of the existing team to explore the possibilities, email getinvolved@wendovernews.org

Here’s some of our existing team:

James Harrington keeps all our operational processes working, manages anything that needs doing and oils our virtual machinery. One of the foundation directors.

Richard Byford is part of the Editorial Team and currently handles most elements of production. Is on the board and helps with management and governance.

Jane Larkham original publisher, now news gatherer, journalist, fact-checker and member of the editorial team

Wynne Byford is co-ordinator, point-of-contact, takes bookings and creates some of the advertisements, collator of editorial content, online updates and social media.

Simon Eccles brings in-depth journalism and page-makeup expertise and helps to uphold high editorial standards.

Lorna Archer writes about Health and Wellbeing and is part of the Wendover News Editorial Team. Resident of Ellesborough.

Stephen Ellis Jones is a board member, looks after compliance and provides guidance on governance and legal matters.

Paul Hammet is one of the foundation directors. He helps by advising on accounting matters and billing.

Rory Lavery is one of the foundation directors. He writes, researches and creates policy. And anything else that needs doing!

Printing, distribution and delivery

At the end of the production process, we send a large PDF file of all the pages to The Magazine Printing Company (Magprint) in Merthyr Tydfil, which converts the PDFs into aluminium plates for its printing press. The pages are printed on large B2 sized sheets of paper, cropped to size then folded and stapled. A week later, they appear on a pallet in Wendover. A pallet of 5,000 Wendover News, weighing about 400kg, is delivered to our friends Real Magic Books in the middle of Wendover.

From there, a small team of distributors pick up boxes of Wendover News and take them out to the homes of deliverers. Dividing out the right numbers of copies for each deliverer can be a pleasant social activity, working around a kitchen table. We are looking for two more people who can help with this task –preferably with a car and able to commit to helping for about two hours when the delivery is scheduled.

The distributors take bundles of copies out to distribution points such as Wendover and Halton Post Offices, Wendover Heights Vets, the cafe at Wendover Woods and The Shop at The Lee.

Part of our mission is to get as many copies as possible read and enjoyed by as many people as we can. The people who help get copies onto the coffee tables of the Wendover area, are our dedicated deliverers. The printed copies arrive before the start of the last weekend of each month, so most people will get their copy posted through their letterboxes before the start of the month it covers. Bad weather can slow deliveries down and every deliverer deserves to take holidays, and sometimes they fall ill, so the magazines will occasionally arrive late. Please be patient.

We are currently on the look-out for new deliverers to cover the following roads/areas:

A constellation of stars (deliverers)

There are also distribution points in other areas including Aston Clinton and Stoke Mandeville. They are particularly valued in commercial locations where people wait to have their hair done, or for their takeaways to be prepared. Estate Agents like to have copies handy to show to people who are considering moving into the area.

Some shopkeepers recognise the value of having a few copies on their counters to encourage people to call in for a copy and perhaps make a purchase whilst they are there. If you sometimes miss out on getting a copy because there is no distribution point in your area, please call or email editor@wendover news.co.uk. We will consider adding a location to our list.

Wendover Central Wharf Road campus (would suit a helpful young volunteer…), Pound Street, Holland Close.

Wendover East

Parts of Tring Road, Old Tring Road, Warneford Avenue, Honeybanks and Juson’s Glebe, Tedder Road.

Princess Mary Gate

Haddington Close, McIndoe Drive (Part 2), Portal Road, Princess Mary Drive, Trenchard Avenue, Whittingham Avenue, Wood Lane, Baird Place, Caudery Place, Cruickshank Drive (Dwellings), Giles Road, Jeannie Arm Road, Babington Road

Weston Turville

Bakers Walk, Millstream, Brookside, Bye Green, Fitkins, Meadow, Lodge Farm Close, Lower Green, Middle Field, Mill Lane, New Road, Walton Place, West End Place and part of Worlds End Lane.

Once a month, we book a local venue, so that all the deliverers can get together over a tea or coffee to chat to each other, hear the latest develpments with Wendover News and discuss ideas for future articles and features. Invites are sent out by email.

You could write for Wendover News

Can anybody write for Wendover News?

Yes. We intend that a good proportion of every edition should be written by a community author.

You might have noticed we have started putting names on some of the articles to show who wrote them. How cool would it be to see your own name mentioned? As a community-owned and volunteer-run publication, we want to start including material produced by our local readers. That doesn’t mean that you must commit to becoming a volunteer. You can just write a single piece or submit something from time to time.

If I write something and send it to the editor, is there a guarantee that it will be published?

We discourage people from sending us written material without contacting us first. This avoids the disappointment of getting rejected when you have spent a lot of time putting something together. We have a process that is designed to prevent that ever happening.

Why can’t you just print anything somebody sends in?

As a reader, you no doubt expect Wendover News to be full of entertaining, engaging, local content which is trustworthy and unbiased. We have a very high standard for editorial quality and a strict selection process for what we publish and we try to ensure that we get a suitable variety of articles and news to suit all our readers.

How do I get started?

We have begun by testing out some topics that we think will interest most readers. We refer to them as occasional features, because we won’t have space for them in every edition. If you have an idea for writing about something that would fit under one of these topics, email editor@wendovernews.co.uk and somebody will get back to you to discuss your idea.

How is the decision made?

We have an editorial team comprised of Simon, Jane, Lorna and Richard. They will decide if it fits the scope of the topic and that it is locally relevant, interesting and is likely to fit our editorial policy, which will be available online.

What happens next?

Once we have accepted your idea, we’ll agree with you how much time you would like to write the piece. It could be as little as a week

or as long as three months if you need to do some research. We’ll also provisionally agree a word count and the approach that would be most helpful. We’ll also talk about photographs or illustrations you might need, and help you make arrangements.

We’ll help you with proofreading and editing when you submit it, but also during the writing phase, if you would find it useful. Everybody deserves to tell their story, if you find it difficult to write, we will give you moral support and practical help. If you can’t write, for any reason, we take down your story verbally, read it back to you for any changes you want to make, and put your name as the author.

So you could see your name on one of the pages of Wendover News or remain anonymous if you prefer. Just get writing!

Secret Wendover: Do you know about something you think is important and which could be forgotten if it isn’t captured for posterity? It could be an event, a place, an object, a vista, person or just an anecdote. There’s an example in this edition – a forgotten military camp from WWII which is now an empty field. It’s on page 30.

Music in Wendover: If you only favour one genre of music, you might think there is not a lot going on in and around Wendover. You might be missing out. Classical, rock, pop, dance, folk, country, orchestral and songwriters who might stay under the radar unless we write about them. In the past, we have run articles on classical. Coming up soon will be a feature on Matilda Florence, our local singer/songwriter.

The Rumour Mill: If you spend your life reading social media, you will know the difficulty of working out the difference between truth and fictional material. We need authors who, from time to time, do some in-depth research for us to help tackle local rumours.

Local Face: Over the last 35 years, former editor, Jane Larkham has written over 500 features about local people. You could propose somebody for inclusion in ‘ Local Face ’. We can help you prepare the whole thing, or work with you – maybe even by finding a photographer for you.

My Favourite Walk: Prototyped in this edition page 23. We sent our own Rory Lavery out in the foulest of weather to record one of his favourite routes, from the Clock Tower to The Lee, in the rain. You will be pleased to know that Rory has recovered and completely dried out.

This is your new Parliamentary constituency

Wendover News, being owned by a community interest company (CIC), is not allowed to side with any political party. That doesn’t mean that we don’t care about how the country is run. The next general election must be called this year and your vote could be the one that decides who wins. Lots of things are changing about how you vote and who you can vote for.

If you live in Wendover or Halton, this time round you won’t be voting for the Aylesbury MP, but instead, your vote will be for the person who represents the new Mid Buckinghamshire County Constituency.

You’ll be voting alongside people in a whole swathe of countryside that on the map wraps in an irregular jagged arc around the south, west and north of Aylesbury town.

The Parliamentary Boundary Commission (an ‘arms length’ public body) has re-jigged the parliamentary boundaries for Buckinghamshire and decided that we should be grouped with other parts of the county to even things up. We at Wendover News would like to think it’s because we are somewhat ‘special’, but in fact, it is a lot more

to do with the number of voters in a particular area. Oddly enough, they left out our friends and readers in Weston Turville and Aston Clinton, who stay in the rearranged Aylesbury constituency.

Also included in this new area are the upland areas to the north and west of Chesham, and Naphill and Great Kingshill to the south. To the west, the new constituency extends to Brill, round the northern boundary of Thame, then to Steeple Claydon. Most of the area to the north and east of Aylesbury Town is part of the Aylesbury constituency, apart from the new Berryfield development along the road to Bicester. There’s also a strange bit of Aylesbury sticking into our new constituency around Quainton, but apart from that small area, most of the route of HS2 will be our MP’s responsibility – up to as far as the county border near Twyford. Another oddity is the inclusion of Stokenchurch and a small area on the other side of the M40.

For finer map detail, go to www.boundarycommissionforengland. independent.gov.uk, then select ‘2023 review’ and look for Map 338.

RAF HALTON PLANS

Wendover Parish Council responds to Halton development proposals

Wendover Parish Council has published a detailed 11-page response to the proposed planning guidelines for development of the RAF Halton site after the base is closed towards the end of this decade. Last month Wendover News published a précis of these proposals, which were published on 22 January as the “draft RAF Halton Supplementary Planning Document” (SPD) by Bucks County Council in co-operation with various “stakeholders,” though not local residents. A six-week “consultation” period, when actual residents could register their views by post, email or through a website, ended on 4 March.

Wendover Parish Council’s response stresses very strongly that the impact on Wendover itself is barely mentioned in the proposals, despite it being the nearest settlement of any size to Halton, and where most of the public and private amenities are sited.

It starts by saying: “Engagement on the SDP has revealed significant disquiet about: • The absence of meaningful consultation by planners beyond the boundaries of Halton Parish, which includes the relatively short deadline for this consultation; • Unrealistic projections over the increased demand for education facilities, welfare and health services; • Increasing pressures on a currently sub-standard local transport network (especially public transport and walking and cycling); • A concern that supporting infrastructure and community facilities should come before the residential development.”

It continues: “We recognise the opportunities that the redevelopment of the site could bring, but fear that these will be entirely missed without meaningful engagement with the Parish of Wendover and due consideration of the impact (during and post construction) on the transport network.

“The historic nature of the highway network, that necessitates movement through Wendover centre and its neighbouring villages, are already experiencing significant negative impacts because of HS2 construction works. In order to support existing residents and protect against further reduction in the quality of life of those whose homes are adjacent to major roads, we are requesting further detail is provided, a greater level of assessment is undertaken and significant greater ambition demonstrated around providing alternatives to car use (which includes but is not limited to significant walking and cycling infrastructure).”

It continues: “It should be noted that this is a development of 1,000 houses immediately next to Wendover, which contains 3,000 houses. We feel the direct impact on Wendover is too significant for the SPD to simply stop at the boundary of the VALP D-HAL003.” Editor’s note: “VALP D-HAL003” is the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan concerning development of the RAF Halton site.

WPC complains that the SPD does not take into account the “cumulative effect” of other planned or likely nearby developments, especially the 3,000 new homes on Hampden Fields, and the potential for another 1,000 homes on the RAF airfield, which will presumably also be disposed of but isn’t mentioned in the SPD.

On the positive side, WPC praises the “common-sense approach to use of existing facilities and the land swaps.” However, it warns,

Residents were invited to view the plans at Halton Village Hall on 21 February.

“lessons need to be learned from the Princess Mary Gate estate,” where it says residents feel “isolated and forgotten.”

It hopes that proposals for “affordable” homes are not watereddown, and says “Despite the number and quality of common ground, open space and wooded areas, it would be very easy for the layout to create isolated communities within the larger development: pseudo ‘gated communities’ would not help the integration of this development into the existing community.” It strongly recommends that “the SPD should require (rather than recommend) a single developer/master developer and there should be a clear pathway to Buckinghamshire Council adopting common areas as well as highways.”

The SPD proposes very large areas of sports and communal public access lands (including the opening of Halton House), but doesn’t explain who will pay to maintain them. WPC welcomes this, but warns that this together with the new homes, will increase traffic. “There is a risk that vehicular traffic will be increasing in all directions and again this is a major concern of Wendover Parish Council, when it is likely that Wendover will experience an increase in traffic and the negative consequences of this. It criticises “the lack of quality separated and dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure and the absence of frequent and reliable public transport.” The SPD talks about walking and cycling, but, says WPC, “the detail around how this will be achieved is severely lacking.”

More homes should be good news for local businesses, especially retail, the WPC notes, but calls therefore for such businesses to be part of the consultation process. It also says that the expanded Wendover Community Library and the relocated Wendover Cricket Club could be shared resources.

Healthcare provisions are a worry too, the WPC says. “The plan mentions that the local centre would house essential units such as Healthcare. It does not specify any further. The local GP surgery is regularly reported in local social media and to the Parish Council as not keeping up with current demand, and whilst it is not down to Buckinghamshire Council to provide healthcare services, they should be placing significant pressure on the Integrated Care System to provide plans to address these issues.” It also notes that there’s no provision for a secondary school, just a junior school.

WPC stresses that it “believes that it should be clearly specified that infrastructure should be delivered up-front before any residential development is built out and occupied to embed sustainable behaviours from the outset. The Council believes that it is too common an experience where houses are built and sold with the promise of infrastructure that never appears.”

The full 11-page report covers items that we don’t have room for here, or to include the full details, such as references to previous proposals including the Wendover Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2033 and the 2018 consultation with RAF Halton Stakeholders Group. It can be downloaded in PDF form from the WPC website, here: https://bit.ly/3Tquv2H

HS2 IN WENDOVER

EKFB hosted the first mobile visitor centre (MVC) event of the year in Wendover on 28 February. The event provided local residents with the opportunity to speak to the EKFB community engagement team and gain insight into the upcoming works in the area. Further community drop-in events will be held throughout the year, so please do sign up to the mailing list and view the HS2 events page to find out when the next event will be held.

In the last month, the realignment works on Ellesborough Road have progressed well. The road is currently operating under two-way traffic lights on the old road until the new alignment is opened to the public in April. Before the opening of the newly diverted road, there are utility works that will need to be finalised by our partners. The road will undergo a closure once more for the necessary utility works between 25 to 28 March.

On the A413 as you leave Wendover in the direction of Amersham, works will be continuing for the excavation of piers at the Small Dean Viaduct, requiring an overnight road closure from 29 March to 2 April. There will also be daytime (off-peak) lane closures for piling rig movements, which will require two-way traffic lights on the following dates: 27 March; and 3, 10, 15 April.

Please note, these dates may change. Please refer to the HS2 website regularly to check for any changes and updates or to view the detailed Advanced Works Notification.

If you would like to read more about the construction works and view the advance works , notices and maps, please go to the HS2 website www.hs2.org.uk and click the ‘In your area section’ to view the interactive map, or simply scan the QR code on the right.

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

Ellesborough Road diversion

The diversion of Ellesborough Road is now expected to be brought into use before Easter, although this is dependent on UK Power Networks moving some overhead cabling that runs above the top end of the new section and is thought to be too low to allow the highest vehicles to pass underneath. The delay has meant the continued use of the original road, but this has been narrowed to a single lane for safety as it passes a new low-level roadside girder bridge that carries water and sewage utilities.

Traffic lights are controlling access from alternate ends, potentially leading to queues in rush hours. When the diversion does eventually open, the lights will be retained to control the junction as a temporary single carriage at the Wendover end. This will be until UK Power Networks resolves a different issue, this time with a buried cable that’s too close to the new road section. There’s no indication of when this will be fixed.

Viaduct progress

The first Small Dean viaduct pier has been completed close to the A413 and the second (of six) had been started by mid-March.

Meanwhile the steel deck sections are being welded together before being launched over the piers next year.

There have been four weeks of noisy sheet piling works on the railway side of the road; clearly audible in Dunsmore, Wendover, and up the Hale Valley. This was needed before works could be undertaken next to the railway line.

Piling installation is also planned with 24 hour working over the Easter Weekend, with no trains running and the A413 closed.

Green Tunnel cutting excavation delayed

Further excavation for the green tunnel between Ellesborough Road and Folly Bridge alongside the bypass is still stalled, awaiting approval from the Environment Agency. We understand that it is concerned about the amount of water that is expected in the cutting just north of Nash Lee Road, and seeking changes to the groundwater management plans.

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.

AMR Flat Roofing

Single ply rubberbond fleece back - FeltGRP fibreglass - - Roofing repairs

Mr Jack M Molcher Phone 01296 620870 Mobile 07840444644

amrflatroofing@hotmail.com

MYFAVOURITE WALK

By: Rory Lavery, Wendover News

Start: Wendover, Clock Tower

End: Cock and Rabbit pub, The Lee (return by reverse route)

Distance: 13.7 Km (8.5 Miles)

Time: About 3 hours (plus stops)

Difficulty: Medium (gradient going out of Wendover, + uneven ground conditions)

Beginning at the clock tower in Wendover, you’ll start by heading towards St Mary’s Church along the public footpath beside No1 gift shop. Follow the stream until the footpath naturally veers to the right. When you reach St Mary’s Church, veer left on Church Lane until you meet Hale Lane, at which point you’ll continue across to Hogtrough Lane.

2. Hogtrough Lane is marked on old maps as the important Chesham Way. We did this walk in early March after several weeks of almost relentless rain. The sides of the ‘sunken lane’ at the top have filled in over the years, but water still runs freely down the middle.

Stay on Hogtrough Lane until you reach Boswell’s Farm. After this, the path will fork in three different directions when you reach the foot of the woods.

Take the rightmost path and continue straight on this until you emerge onto Chesham Lane in King’s Ash. There is a farm up on the hill to the left and a sweeping view down into the the Chilterns on your right.

3. This part of the route runs parallel to the HS2 route. You can see here where one of the many footpaths has been closed for the duration of the construction phase.

For any fans of TV series, this little village has recently featured in Saints and Sinners, Midsummer Murders and The Mrs Bradley Mysteries. The pub itself has lovely food as well as a strong selection of beers and ales on tap - the thought of which might help you to make it through the last stretch of King’s Lane - not to mention the fire in the bar room which makes it a very cosy spot to settle down with a beverage and good company.

Continue left along Chesham Lane for a couple of hundred metres before taking a right onto Kings Lane. On this stretch of the journey there are some magnificent views over the Chiltern valley as well as the odd rumble of heavy HS2 machinery that occasionally interrupts the lovely birdsong!

Watch out here especially for gatherings of skylarks, which, if you’re lucky, will move overhead in big flocks called “exaltations,” not unlike murmurations of starlings. Quite spectacular. They also have a fantastic song so be sure to listen out.

It’s plain sailing from here to the Cock and Rabbit. Just stay on King’s Lane all the way up to The Lee, at which point the Cock and Rabbit pub will be on your left.

4. As you enter The Lee, you will see this impressive figurehead of Admiral Lord Howe from HMS Impregnable, one of two ships which was dismantled for the timber used to build Liberty’s shop in Marlborough Street in London.

Some noteworthy attractions in the Lee include two delightful churches: a ‘new’ Victorian one that you can enter and sign your name in the register book; the other much older, smaller and, at least when I tried, unfortunately locked.

7. A Celtic Cross stands centrally on the green to commemorate the lost lives of men from The Lee across both world wars. Soil from their graves in France has been buried beneath the plinth.

Photos: 2,3 & 4 James Levingston. 1, 5, 6 & 7 Simon Eccles (taken during improved weather!)

6. The Old Church was built about 1220

1. The entrance to Hogtrough Lane (opposite)

5. The Cock and Rabbit pub

Get Running!

Richard Byford

WENDOVER SOFT TISSUE THERAPY

Anna Barton LSSM, ISRM

Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy qualified since 2004

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

07796 694036

For an effective and convenient way of keeping fit and managing stress, why not consider running? Most people can fit it into a busy schedule and many find it’s a good way to get in some thinking time and an enjoyable way to start the day with a positive attitude.

I asked local runner and GP, Dr Phil Clayton, for the best way to get started. He suggested: “Follow a plan. There’s an app called ‘Couch to 5K’ which is available for smartphones on Apple’s App Store and from Google Play. The app gives you instructions and encouragement via your earphones. It starts with just one-minute runs in the first week and gradually builds up over a nine-week period to the point where you are running five kilometres. As well as the regular ‘in-ear’ coach, Laura, you also get encouragement from some famous people, like Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican, Sanjeev Kohli and Steve Cram.”

As if it wasn’t obvious, I reminded Dr Phil that I was getting on a bit. I asked him if Couch to 5K was just for young people or if it could be used by anybody – and if there was a maximum age to start running? He replied “The app was developed by a runner called Josh Clark who wanted to help his 50-something mother get off the couch and start running. So there’s no real maximum age.”

“Sometimes people get concerned about damaging their bones or stressing their hearts. If you start gently and are sensible, running will be safe. Research has shown that weight-bearing exercise strengthens bone and actually helps to regenerate shockabsorbing cartilage in the joints. We now say that the best way to reduce osteoarthritis is to move, not rest. You will find that you get out of breath, but that is not a problem, in fact, it is very natural and beneficial – as well as raising the heart rate. The main thing is to be sensible, increase activity gradually and not to panic when you start getting breathless and become conscious of a fast heartbeat.”

Dr Phil says that running can also work as a stress-reliever. For people who get stressed or suffer from anxiety he recommends trying to

YOGA FOR ALL TEEN YOGA

Mondays 7.00 - 7.45 pm

to de-stress, build strength and flexibility with fun, flowing sequences Suitable for DofE

ADULT YOGA

Wednesdays 8.00 - 9.00 pm

All classes at St Anne’s Hall, Wendover

Email: sarahyoga@sky.com

www.sarahyoga.co.uk

Register of Exercise Professionals Level 3

run in the early morning. This is usually when the stress hormone levels are highest, and exercise puts them to good use in the body before the working day starts. People often say they feel calmer and more wakeful during the day, and feel they need less caffeine.

I asked if it was important to consume loads of carbohydrates before running. For example, is it best to have my coffee and doughnuts before or after the run? He laughed. “If you run in the early morning then ideally run before breakfast. If you load up on sugars and carbohydrates, your body compensates with a rush of insulin to balance your blood sugar levels. That will just make you feel awful. Run, then eat.”

“You need a varied and balanced diet, whether you run or not. Cut sugars out of your diet, substitute complex carbohydrates and protein where you can.” He added: “If you get the chance, use other exercises to build up your core strength - this will improve your balance and give you confidence when you run. Perhaps try pilates or yoga.” [Editor’s note: See ad at the bottom of p16 and 24].

What about clothing, footwear and other kit?

“Wear what is comfortable at first. Joggers and trainers are OK, but be aware that some fashion trainers have very little cushioning and support. You don’t need to spend very much to get reasonably good shoes for running on pavements and roads – which is where it’s easiest to start. You will notice the difference when you pay more to buy shoes that are designed for running. Don’t forget hi-vis clothing and a head torch if you are running into the evening. Running in appropriate

CHILTERN FOOT HEALTH SERVICES

Ian Phipps MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Practitioner (Wendover - based)

Home visits - 01296 623851

Surgery at the Belmore Centre

01296 612361

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Photo: Runaway Racing

Photo: Runaway Racing

clothing helps us reclaim long dark winters and bad weather days by getting outside no matter; what a psychological boost!”

Is there a secret to enjoying running? “Very much so!”, he said. “Run with other people. Join a club - they all do taster sessions and most also cater for beginners, and they are very inexpensive - or meet up with friends to run together. You’ll experience running off-road on interesting and beautiful trails in the area. Talk as you run and that will help control your pace and help you run for longer – you can talk when you are out of breath, but not if you are going too fast. You don’t need to make your running sessions competitive; make them supportive. It’s actually a very good way to make new friends. Joining a running club is a great way to get support, encouragement, and advice.”

There are several clubs around that have members from around Wendover or organise runs near there. Details of some of these local clubs that you might want to consider can be found in the Club Corner of this edition.

Wendover is also the home of some commercial race organisers that run races both locally and nationally:

Runaway Racing organises friendly trail running races and events within the Chiltern Hills ranging from short distances, such as the Hughenden 10K, to extremely long like the Chiltern Ridge 50K that finishes in Hampden Meadow. “We are a small team of runners all living locally to Wendover. We work with, and support, several local organisations such as the Chiltern Society and the Chiltern Neuro Centre, with the aim of providing a positive impact for the local community and businesses.” See advertisement on this page.

Extreme Energy Ltd says: “Our heartland is multi-day endurance events; we originally started to help people training for the world’s toughest desert footrace, the Marathon Des Sables. Today, we welcome hundreds of competitors across our events, from single day ultra marathons to multi-day events.”

Coombe Hill Fell Race

Sunday 2 June, Shoulder of Mutton pub (for registration 9.30am - 10.45am). The run starts at 11am.

The Coombe Hill Fell Race is a fun, hilly 7km fell run, classified in the BS Category by the Fell Running Association (be prepared for a steep climb and descent). Entries on the day only. £5 for general entry, which includes a free pint in the Shoulder of Mutton (at the end of the race, not the start!); £3 for Fell Running Association (FRA) members, including a free pint. Minimum age is 14 years on the day (no under 14s, sorry, because it would invalidate the insurance). For more information, email Race Director Rick Ansell at fellrunning@ tringrunningclub.org.uk

Photo: Runaway Racing

Painter & Decorator

E: andy@avocetdecorating.co.uk FREE ESTIMATES

Dementia is not a singular disease but rather an umbrella term encompassing a spectrum of cognitive disorders, each with its unique characteristics and challenges.

T: 07980 684919

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting memory and cognitive abilities that can disrupt daily life. Vascular dementia is the next most common and often associated with conditions such as a stroke.

Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia further contribute to the complexity of this condition, each presenting distinct symptoms and progression patterns.

People have often had unrecognised symptoms of dementia for years before a diagnosis. Early diagnosis is very important as it offers an opportunity to access treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease. Moreover, early diagnosis empowers individuals and their families to plan ahead, make informed decisions about care, and access support services.

If you are concerned that you, or someone else, may have dementia, do not delay but see your GP who can make a referral to the Memory Clinic, where tests can lead to a diagnosis and possible treatment.

Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in performing familiar tasks are common experiences, but symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of dementia and the individual.

Make a change for the better:

Choose the option that lets your loved one receive full-time care at home, avoiding the need to sell the family home and move to a care home.

Get in touch to talk through the options available 01494 917 344 or email care@ashridgehomecare.co.uk

It is possible for people with dementia to live well with their disability, provided they get good support. If you are concerned about someone with dementia who lives locally, please contact Wendover Dementia Support.

www.wendoverds.org.uk or Email info@ wendoverds.org.uk Phone 07732 342409.

Club Corner

Local running clubs: continued from ‘Get Running’ article p25.

On the Run

A running club catering for all abilities from complete beginner to the more experienced runner. It offers town, cross country and track running for all abilities in a fun and safe environment, saying: “You will be welcomed whatever your fitness level and we will champion you to reach your goals. Our run coaches, who are all qualified, first aid trained and DBS checked, are experienced and genuinely care about your progress. We run several Couch to 5K programmes, marathon, half marathon and 5k to 10k programmes a year and very much look forward to welcoming you to the friendliest and most inclusive club in town!”

www.ontherun.me.uk

Bearbrook Running and Triathlon Club

A friendly running and triathlon club based in Aylesbury. It is a growing club with over 100 members who are always pleased to welcome new runners of any ability. Members pride themselves on being open and welcoming to new members of all ages and abilities – from those that have never run before, to experienced marathon runners, saying: “We run because we love running, want to stay fit and enjoy running with others.”

www.bearbrookrunningclub.co.uk

Parkrun

Not so much a club as a phenomenon. Very informal, free, and very sociable. Volunteers provide guidance and support. Probably the best way to find out more is to turn up at Wendover Woods at 08:30 and start chatting to people. Activity starts at on a Saturday09:00. Some people take it very seriously; most just do it for fun.

www.parkrun.org.uk/wendoverwoods

Tring Running Club

A small, friendly and social running club, based in Tring. It welcomes adult runners of all abilities, from beginners to experienced runners. Most of its running is off-road on the Chilterns trails, but they also offer a wider range, including fell running and road running. There is a complimentary initial two months’ free membership so you can run with them a few times before deciding whether to join. www.tringrunningclub.org.uk/new-members

Forthcoming events for experienced runners

Sunday 2 June Coombe Hill Fell Race

Shoulder of Mutton pub (for registration 9.30am – 10.45am). The run starts at 11am.

The Coombe Hill Fell Race is a fun, hilly 7km fell run, classified in the BS Category by the Fell Running Association (be prepared for a steep climb and descent). Entries on the day only. £5 for general entry, which includes a free pint in the Shoulder of Mutton (at the end of the race, not the start!); £3 for Fell Running Association (FRA) members, including a free pint. Minimum age is 14 years on the day (no under 14s, sorry, because it would invalidate the insurance). For more information, email Race Director Rick Ansell at fellrunning@ tringrunningclub.org.uk.

The Wendover Swimming Pool

The Wendover Swimming Pool is planning a lifeguard training course in June, date to be confirmed, depending on candidate and trainer availability. Certification lasts two years, and the pool will pay for your training if you’re able to commit to covering at least two sessions each month for the duration of your qualification. If you’re interested and at least 18 years old, contact mel@wendoverswimmingpool. co.uk to sign up.

Wendover Friends of Guiding

Wendover Friends of Guiding manages the Guide Hut on Manor Crescent, and is holding its termly meeting Wednesday 24 April at 8pm in the Guide Hut. If you have about an hour to spare once a term, why not join the team? There’s sure to be a role for you!

Wendover Art Cub

Wendover Art Club has a new venue for its spring exhibition this year. Mel Bird, the owner of A Little Bird Told Me Gallery, has made the upstairs of her gallery available to the club for three days. Mel is an experienced and skilled picture framer and an active and valued member of Wendover Art Club. The Exhibition runs from Friday 19 April to Sunday 21 April, 10 to 5 every day. The Club hopes to have paintings and other work, framed and unframed, from over 20 artists together with prints and cards. Admission is free and there will be stewards from Wendover Art Cub to give you more information. See: www.wendoverartclub.co.uk See adverts p3 and p4.

Did you

that

every day. here are free and paid

Club Corner

E10 Cub Scout Walking Challenge 2nd/3rd March 24

Andrew Inkley reports: “A team from 1st Wendover Cubs took part in the annual E10, 10km walking event held by Bucks Scouts in the Chilterns. Over 500 Cubs walked and after a very wet Friday, this made the challenge even more of a challenge than normal. The route took the cubs from the railway station at Chesham to Great Missenden School on some very waterlogged and incredible muddy foot-paths. The cubs managed to complete the walk in just over three hours so well done to all.

“We also had Wendover Scouts walk E40 with 7 finishing the Challenge. Our intrepid Beaver leader team walked the E80 (50 miles) in just over 20 hours which was an amazing achievement. Leaders from the Group also supported the event driving minibuses and facilitating a check point on route.”

1st Wendover Beaver and Cubs currently have limited spaces on a Tuesday evening for young people wanting to join in with the Scouting adventure. For more information please email: waitinglist@1stWendoverScouts.co.uk.

Happiness is…. Scottish country dancing! If you’re thinking of taking up a new activity which will give your brain and body a workout, why go along to Wendover Memorial Hall

LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICES

Family run since 1985

Is your garden looking tired and uninspired?

Well

now! Is the time to seek help

to sample the happiness that is Scottish Country Dancing? Recent activities have seen a quiz, a Christmas Dance, and a Burns Night celebration. This year is the 70th anniversary of Lucy Clark starting her first dance class (originally at Amersham), so a celebration dance took place at the end of March.

Normal classes are every Thursday evening at the Wendover Memorial Hall in Wharf Road. You’ll have a warm welcome and the first visit is free. For more information see the website www.lucyclarkscottish. org, or email Liz Mitchell at lucyclarkscottish@gmail.com

Launch yourself into Spring with BBOWT

Richard Birch writes; “The lighter mornings and longer days are perfect for making the most of time in the Trust’s reserves around Wendover like Bacombe HIll, Aston Clinton Ragpits and Weston Turville Reservoir, all within easy walking distance for most people. To celebrate the Easter holidays, College Lake Reserve and Visitor Centre will be open through the long weekend from 10am to 4pm and thereafter from Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, (some cafe services will finish at 4pm).

“During the school holidays there are lots of very popular activities for children, tots, teens and families, such as Easter trails and pond dipping. Go to www.bbowt.org.uk/events for all the details and to get booking before places run out.”

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.

Wendover Bowls Club

Club Corner

Don Knight writes: “The electric fence seems to have put the fox off from paying us visits but the rooks still tear up the turf. We spread several rather alarming plastic snakes about to deter them, but I think they rather like this addition to the decor of their dining room.

“Our social evenings are as popular as ever. I know they involve a lot of planning and effort, but they do so much for funds and, just as importantly, for the pleasure of belonging to a thriving club that is about more than just bowls. So our thanks to those who go that extra mile to make them such a success.

“The indoor season has just about come to an end, with just the Club finals to be decided and the last few inter-club matches to be completed. Then off we go outside to join the fox and rooks and enjoy our green. But first we will have a sumptuous evening to celebrate the end indoors and look forward another season outside. Fingers crossed for a decent summer.

“Our open evenings will take place every Friday in May at 6.30pm. We provide coaching and equipment – all we ask is that you wear flat shoes that will not damage the green. Come and have a go, all welcome!”

Calibre Audio Bucks Book Groups

If you find reading print difficult but would love to listen to and discuss books, join Calibre Audio, the Audiobook Charity, and take part in free Bucks Book Groups. These are suitable for people with any form of sight loss, learning disability or medical condition that means they cannot access a printed book.

In Person Book groups take place on the last Wednesday of every month 11am-12.30pm in Weston Turville. Telephone Book Groups also available. Contact calibreaudio.org.uk or call 01296 432339.

Wendover Youth gains new Lead Worker

Wendover Youth Centre has a new Centre Manager and Lead Youth Worker, Suad, who started in February. She joined with extensive experience with youth work and says she has hit the ground running, with a “relentlessly positive attitude, high energy and my own unique twist to being a youth worker!”

Suad moved from London to Aylesbury as a teenager and took her GCSEs and A-Levels there. She went on to take a law degree at UWE Bristol before returning to Aylesbury. She originally started working with young people when still at school by volunteering for homework clubs and various local community activities, then joined the National Citizen Service when she was in the sixth form at Aylesbury High School, nine years ago. She’s remained involved in various guises for about ten years now, and ran the Youth Club in Princes Risborough before joining Wendover Youth Centre full time.

“I believe in a hands-on approach to being a youth worker,” Suad says. “I am keen on getting involved, taking part in sessions and being unapologetically myself in order to encourage the youth to embrace their own identities and grow.” She has plenty of plans for this year, so watch this space!

Coming soon

If you are responsible for communications for your club or society, email editor@wendovernews.co.uk to get sent details of our workshop ‘Getting your News out’. Dates and venues to be decided.

Suad. Photo by Simon Eccles

Flying Aussies in Halefield

Most people in the area know the story of how Alfred de Rothschild loaned his Halton lands for the British Army in WWI, after which it progressed to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and its successor the Royal Air Force to become today’s RAF Halton. What’s less well known is that Halton Camp soon became so busy and overcrowded that several temporary satellite camps were set up nearby.

One of these was in the Hale Valley, in the Halefield that lies below Boddington Hill, between Hale Road, Hale Lane and Hogtrough Lane. Although it long ago returned to farmland and was ploughed over, when Antony Chapman was running the Hale Valley Vineyard on Hale Lane, he sometimes used to see strange tracks and markings in the field during particularly dry summers. He’s retired now, but last year he contacted the Trenchard Museum at RAF Halton, and also appealed to Wendover News readers for any memories they might have.

Then in June 1918 the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) moved there until just after the end of the war. First it won an argument with the Halton medical staff, who thought it was too close to the Army’s bakery on the Halefield. The Australian

The AFC’s Air Staff Officer Captain Horace Clowes Brinsmead MC (right ) pointed out as the bakery was 40 yards from a sewage farm and a mule stable was only 30 yards away, the troops weren’t likely to pose much additional health hazard!

The AFC duly moved in on 19 June 2018 and set about renovating and extending the dilapidated facilities. With the war ending five months later, it only occupied the camp for a few months (records are vague after the war ended in November), and probably moved out early in 1919. By then, some 159 officers and 1,444 other ranks had moved through the Halefield Camp. It seems that the land returned to farm use soon after the end of 1919.

Wendover News’ appeal for information did attract one idea about what happened to all those leftover huts after the war. David Ditchburns told us that he used to live in a wooden bungalow on Cobblershill, above Wendover Dean.

“When we moved in we were informed that it had been a hospital ward building from Halton,” he writes. “I now think that it originated from the Halefield site that was decommissioned

about the same time as our plot of land was purchased from the Seventh Earl of Buckinghamshire’s estate in 1919.

John Mayhead responded with links to some photographs on the Australian War Museum’s website collection, while Bill Beag pointed us at some RAF aerial photographs from the 1940s and 50s that showed definite outlines of structures.

It was Francis Hanford, curator of the Trenchard Museum, who found the most detailed explanation, thanks to a study written in 1993 by an Australian researcher, Alan Fraser, and kept at the museum.

Mystery solved: the Halefield Camp was an overflow camp from Halton Camp, originally for the Royal Engineers, though after they left for France, it was run on a smaller scale for the British Army Service Corps and the Military Police.

Garden Care & Maintenance

“The shed, as we called it, succumbed to woodworm attack and was replaced with a brick building in 2008.”

Now all is peaceful in the Halefield, with only the ghostly reminders in dry summers.

Simon Eccles

A more detailed version of this story is online at : www.wendovernews. co.uk/news/flying-aussies-in-halefield

Do you have a secret that you could write about? We are keen to recruit ‘Community Authors,’ to help write stories of interest to the people of Wendover and the surrounding villages. Email: getinvolved@ wendovernews.org with ‘I have a secret’ in the subject line.

The last remnant of Halefield Camp in 2008

Tribute: Brian Gardner MBE

Brian Gardner was a well known and beloved Consultant Surgeon in Spinal Cord Injuries at Stoke Mandeville Hospital since 1985. He spent the rest of his life serving patients with spinal cord injuries acting as doctor at every stage of their lives, acute, sub-acute and chronic.

He became a worldrenowned consultant in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Brian was very popular with all of his patients, who always spoke of his kind and caring approach. In order to do this work thoroughly, he worked closely with the Spinal Injuries Association and other charitable bodies, both UK and abroad, that aim to help those with SCI, even though he never sought publicity for his own work. He was instrumental in establishing the All-Party Parliamentary Group for SCI.

Brian retired from his post at Stoke Mandeville Hospital Spinal Unit in 2011. He continued lecturing and advising in many capacities

working extensively as an expert witness. This gave him a depth of knowledge into the day to day life of living with SCI, medically physically and psychologically. His approach influenced the compensation process by his reports which created a complete picture of living with an SCI. This enabled appropriate compensation to help people live safely and for many to have a very full life.

He was unfortunate to be diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2019. Shortly before he died he learned that he had been awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to people affected by spinal cord injuries which was announced in the New Year 2020 Honours List.

By approval of Her Majesty The Queen and delayed by the pandemic, the medal was presented to his widow Stephanie (a resident of Wendover) by HRH Princess Anne – Patron of the Spinal Injuries Association – on 6th February 2024.

Roof Repairs

New roofs

tom chamlet builders

Extensions: Renovations:

New Builds

All building work undertaken

Friendly, Professional Service References Provided

Members of the Federation of Master Builders

07831 445691

01844 351519

cowleaze chinnor

tomchamlet@gmail.com

www.tomchamletbuilders.com

• Loose covers

• Curtains

• Re-Upholstery

• Tracks & Poles

TEN YEAR GUARANTEE

Lead Flashings Repointing

Gutter Repairs

Call Pete: 07775 732192

petekurnik123@btinternet.com

For personal, helpful service, please call Tel: 01844 261769

Mob: 07801 182400

grahamblake123@btconnect.com

www.grahamblake.com

Make Wendover Smile

With so much negativity in the world it can be hard to find a reason to smile. April is the month to start growing your antidote to this, by popping your sunflower seeds in bit of muck, watering them and watching nature do the rest.

Wendover Parish Council is asking all residents to grow sunflowers to make Wendover smile. We have been distributing seeds, donated by Edward Mogford in memory of his father Tony, in the local and Produce Market. Lots of lovely shops in the high street have been helping us distribute seeds to their customers.

As well as the free seeds there are hundreds of varieties, shapes, sizes and colours you can grow. Feel free to get creative with your plants to help make everyone in Wendover smile. You can join us in uploading pictures to our @welcometowendover Instagram social media account. . You can use the tag #MakeWendoverSmile on there, and most other social media platforms.

Annual Parish Meeting

This year our Annual Parish Meeting will be held at Wendover Youth Centre from 7pm on Thursday 18 April. This year we want to

Wendover Local Produce Market

Saturday 20 April, 10am to 2pm

Manor Waste

We're looking for new traders!

Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk

focus on some of the big local issues and seek your input as to where you think we should be channelling our efforts. We will also be presenting the community awards (see next issue for winners). If you want to look at who has been nominated then please look on our website and social media feeds. The meeting will have a brief report from the Chair on the Parish Council activities for the year, a report on the finances then the community awards. The most important element of the meeting will be questions and comments from the Parish. If you cannot attend the evening meeting we also have a Parish Council drop in point at the Library.

Streetlights

Wendover Parish Council would like to consider the evidence around LED streetlights and the impact on humans and wildlife. We are starting a consultation that will see street lights on side roads turned off between midnight and 6am.

Since the introduction of the LED lights in the area the Parish Council has managed to reduce carbon emissions by reducing electricity consumption but it now seems this is at a cost. Studies have shown dramatic reduction in insects around LED streetlights, with knock on effects for birds and bats that rely on them as a food source.

In one study conducted in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire the LED-lit areas showed a reduction of nearly 50% of caterpillars compared to unlit areas. Other studies have shown how light pollution impacts on our

own health. The Parish Council has had issues raised by residents about the LED lights glaring into their properties. Further, the impact on crime seems to point to a reduction in crime in the areas where lights are off.

However, we are aware that dark areas can be difficult to navigate for many people, so we want to make sure we hear all views before progressing. To be clear, the main road lights will not be turned off.

Local Produce Market

Don’t forget – every third Saturday we hold a Local Produce Market on the Manor Waste. With the warm weather approaching (hopefully) we will be having themes and events alongside the market stalls. Look out for our social media posts to see what is coming up. We also have stalls available for local community groups to help raise funds or recruit new members – for example the March Women’s Institute (WI) stall proved incredibly popular!

We also set aside stalls for local people who have artistic abilities or crafting projects that they would like to share or sell. If you are interested then please get in touch with the office.

Parish Council Meetings

Tuesdays 2 April, 7:30pm

St Anne's Hall

Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG

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