February 2024
Available in Wendover, Dunsmore, The Lee, Halton, Weston Turville and Aston Clinton
HELP CROWDFUND YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS COMPANY! Last year, the decision was made to transfer Wendover News into community ownership – a not-for-profit company like the swimming pool and library. That way, the magazine can remain free and work for the benefit of the community – all residents, our many groups, our local economy, and businesses. The last seven editions have been produced by the community volunteer team, financed by the current owner, Wendover News Ltd. It’s time to complete the transfer – but to do that, we need start-up funding…
We need your help.
We plan to do a lot more with Wendover News. The team is three times larger than it was this time last year and the volunteers include media professionals, a career journalist, a software engineer, legal experts, a novelist, a teacher of English and collectively, a rich repository of experience to call upon. Most importantly all these volunteers have similar passions and interests to you, the reader. Would you like to be able to say that you were one of the people who set up Wendover News for its second life? We have established a crowdfunding page on which you can pledge any sum over £1, towards our immediate target of £5,000. Every pound pledged proves to us that there is a real need and affection for Wendover News. The Lionel Abel-Smith Trust (see 2nd column) has kindly offered to match every pound that we raise, with another pound up to
the target. Can you help us to hit that target, and give Wendover News a further 35 year run as a trusted local news source? The Wendover Community News team
Go to www.bit.ly/wcn-kick-start or scan the QR code and pledge your support by donating now.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the views of the editor. If you have a complaint or concern about content in Wendover News, please visit www.wendovernews.co.uk/complaints.
Send contributions for March 2024 during the week commencing
Monday 5 February
(including payments for adverts) Book early to avoid disappointment
07340 993802
Lionel Abel-Smith Trust – apply now for financial support
The Lionel Abel-Smith Trustees will be holding its 46th annual meeting on 24 April 2024, to consider grant applications from individuals and organisations from within Wendover and the Moor Park Estate. Applications for grants should be submitted by 29 February, so there’s only about four weeks left to do this if you believe you are eligible. You can apply online at www.wendovertrust. org or email to clerk@wendovertrust.org or send to Clerk to the Trust, c/o Numbers Ltd, 32 High Street Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6EA. Grants for urgent need will always be considered throughout the year. “We now have an online application which is very user friendly, making applications for grants really straightforward, so if you are in need of financial support please take a look at the website. We may be able to help,” says Gwen Williams, chair of the Trust.
RAF Flypast
FREE
editor@wendovernews.co.uk Postal address only – no visitors:
11 Manor Road, Wendover, HP22 6HL Wendover News, established 1989, is delivered through the door to many local households. If you do not receive one at home and would like to volunteer to deliver for us, please contact the office (see above). Wendover News would like to thank all its willing volunteers. We are a regulated media company funded entirely by advertising revenue. Please support our advertisers.
To celebrate the completion of training at RAF Halton, a flypast will take place, weather permitting. Wednesday 14 & 28 February 2024
ANTIQUES AT . . WENDOVER
ANTIQUES AT . . WENDOVER
February Mystery Object at the Antiques Centre
£10 gift voucher for the winner December’s was a Wine Corker Open 7 Days a week Free customer car park THE OLD POST OFFICE, WENDOVER, BUCKS 01296 625335 www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk
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Small retail unit for rent in the Barn Courtyard Please call: 07712 032565 editor@wendovernews.co.uk
Produced by Wendover News Ltd: Editor: Jane Larkham Reporting: Simon Eccles, Jane Larkham, Lorna Archer, Richard Byford Creative: Robin Boult Coordination, graphics & online: Wynne Byford Production: Richard Byford & Simon Eccles Accounts: Paul Hammett Distribution wizzard: Simon Eccles (temporary) Distribution and deliveries: Alison Daniel, Jan Ward and 58 other fantastic friends of Wendover News!
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When you have finished reading this edition of Wendover News, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it responsibly.
Contents Call for crowdfunding ............................... Cover Events................................................................2 Business Focus - Rumsey’s................................6 Local News.........................................................8 Wendover News Volunteers............................11 National charity says “Hello Wendover!”........12 Club Corner.....................................................13 A warmer... Shed!............................................15 Planting time again..........................................16 Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group.........16 Wendover Dementia Support.........................17 EKFB report.....................................................18 Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group.........19 HS2 construction update.................................20 Tribute: Irene Beer..........................................22 Local Faces: Carl and Sophie............................23 Wendover Parish Council................................24
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 weekly all-ages drop-in at Wendover Christian Centre. Aylesbury Cycling UK: The leisure section of the club welcomes new riders. The Easy Pace are still every first and third week of the month, about 30 miles long. The Newcomers are each second and fourth week and about 20 miles long. Email: aylesburycuk@gmail.com.
Winter Warmer Soup Lunch
Tuesdays, 12.30-1.30, Wendover Christian Centre Churches together in Wendover are again offering soup lunches this winter each Tuesday until Easter. See article p10.
Cracklewick Morris
Tuesdays 8.15-10.15pm Halton Village Hall. An all-inclusive mixed Morris side who meet most Tuesdays for dance practice. No dance experience necessary and less experienced musicians will be given lots of support. First four sessions are free. contact Squire Darryl: 07946150380. Email cracklewickmorris@ gmail.com.
Wendover Horticultural Society
The Look of Love by Yvonne Coomber
01296 620428 07854 787733
info@alittlebirdtoldmegallery.com
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Wendover News February 2024
Fri 2, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre The theme will be ‘Children’. Bring a suitable poem to read or come and see what others have found. Everyone welcome!
Family Bingo Night
Fri 2 , 6-8pm, Wendover Guide Hut HP22 6HH An evening of Bingo fun! Tickets £5 each or £18 for a family of 4. Ticket price includes hot dog, squash and all bingo cards. Sweets and drinks also available to purchase (cash only, please). All funds raised will be supporting Guiding in Wendover - this event is open to everyone, you don’t need to be in Guiding to come along and join the fun!Booking link www.trybooking. com/uk/events/landing/52578
Cholesbury-cum-St Leonard’s Local History Group
Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society
Thurs 1, 2.30 pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover Tues 6, 8pm, by ZOOM “Sugar and spice and all things nice”. The Organic Gardening – Happy Plants, Happy speaker will be Prof Sandy Primrose, who is Minds. Nicola Hope is an RHS Master of
a little bird told me gallery
Tue - Sat 10AM - 5PM The Barn Courtyard 25 The High Street Wendover • HP22 6DU
Poetry Please
Fri 2, 7.30pm, St. Leonards Parish Hall HP23 6NW The British Civil Wars, 1642-51, in Art with speaker Stephen Barker. This presentation highlights some important moments during the Civil Wars of the mid seventeenth century, as represented in works of art. Membership Wills and Estate Planning Surgery is £10 for the 2023-24 season. Guests are Thurs 1 & 29, 12-2pm, Wendover Library welcome and the fee for attending a single To book a slot at one of these surgeries meeting is £4. For more details visit www. call 01296 415700 or email iain@ cholesbury.com. See p14. wanstallconsulting.co.uk.
Picture Framing
Established 2009
a botanist, passionate gardener and lecturer on plants and gardening. Usual price of £3.00.
ROZELLE SCHOOL OF DANCING
Ballet - Tap - Theatrecraft Classes for children from 2 years Tap Classes for adults Wendover Memorial Hall Wharf Road HP22 6HF For more information
www.alittlebirdtoldmegallery.com
Telephone 01296 622001 email: suerozelle@gmail.com www.rozelleschoolofdancing.co.uk Please mention Wendover News when responding to adverts
Horticulture with a passion for organic gardening and is a designer, writer, and speaker. She will take us through a gardening year at the big garden in the Cotswolds where she works and has promised plenty of tips, beautiful flowers and vegetables. If you are not a member but would be interested in more information, please visit: www.e-voice.org.uk/kehs.
Cake Party with Tracey and Debbie – Red Roses Heart Garland Tues 6 & Wed 7, 6.30 for 7pm at both locations 6: Dukes Wine Bar, Princes Risborough. 7: The Five Arrows, Waddesdon. For details visit www.traceyscakes.co.uk/category/cake-party-tickets. See Cornelli ad p20. 20.
Compassionate Café Wigginton,
Wed 7, 1.30-3pm, The Sports Ground, HP23 6HH A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others. Meetings on the first Wednesday of every month.
Chilterns Light Network
Weds, 7.30pm Wendover Memorial Hall 7 Radio group. 14 Time to sow seeds. 21 Richard Vobes. 28 Herbal talk. £5 non-members. www.chilternslightnetwork.org
multi award winning Proud Sponsors
Chiltern Miniaturists Club
Wed 7, 7.30pm, Halton Village Hall The next meeting will be a session learning how to make miniature teddy bears. Anyone interested is very welcome to come along. Meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Diane on arcadia96@btinternet.com, or 07899090399 for more information.
Board Game Café
Thurs 8, 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.
Countryways CIC Project at Road Farm
Thurs 8, 5-6.30pm, Great Missenden, HP16 9LS Container growing & Grow a rainbow - Now is the time to start growing colourful heirloom varieties in the polytunnel! In this workshop you will have hands on experience of propagating a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables. Find out how you can grow vegetables if you’re short of spaces. www.roadfarmcountryways.com
Sarah Routley Bsc (Hons)
Max Rogers ANAEA
Wendover Art Club
Thurs 8 & 22, 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover, HP22 6GJ 8 Creative evening – Limited Palette. Attending artists will only be allowed paper, Payne’s grey or black, white and one colour. Nearer the time there will be an explanatory example to see. This is a great exercise in how not to use too many colours and to experience what can be achieved with a very limited palette. 22 Peter Keegan will be
From..
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Events demonstrating how to make portraits more expressive. Peter is a very accomplished portrait painter. £10 for non-member guests for demonstrations, and £2 for Creative Evenings.
Chiltern Alpine and Rock Garden Group Fri 9, 7.30pm, on ZOOM The Utrecht University Botanic Gardens include tropical glasshouses, Evolution Garden, Taxodium Marsh and North American Woodland garden,and the Rock Garden. With Connor Smith. Call 01296 613577 or visit www. chilternalpinegroup.org for details.
Repair Café
Sat 10, 9-12 noon St Michael’s, Aston Clinton, HP22 5HW Bring along all your broken household items – the team can fix clocks, vacuum cleaners, gardening tools and electronic items. The seamstresses can also sew and darn most items. Refreshments are available and all donations are given to St Michael’s church.
Winter Waggle with Pace
Fri 16, from 11am Waddesdon Manor Estate, HP18 0JH Sponsored dog walk. Choice of 3km and 5km routes around Waddesdon Manor grounds. Registration at the Welcome Pavilion, between 11.00 – 11.30am. Walk starts at 11.30am. Free parking. For details visit: www.thepacecentre. org/event/winter-waggle/ February Half Term Family Fun Week Tickets bought before 8 February are £10 for Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury an adult and £5 for a child. After that the prices 12 Discover the Year of the Dragon 13 Make are higher. Waggling dogs go free, naturally... a Moveable 80s Game 14 The Marvellous Marble Race 15 Grow-a-Troll 16 Bucks Heroes Greenfingers Quiz and Games Night Craft 17 Gameshows of 80s Family Day. Fri 16, 7pm, Wendover Memorial Hall Quizmaster: Alex Knowles. Teams of eight. If For more details on the above events visit you can’t make up a full team, Greenfingers discoverbucksmuseum.org. Charity will help you. Licensed bar and nibbles on tables. £10pp. See more about the charity Wendover Evening WI on p12. Tues 13, 7.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, HP22 6GJ A light-hearted games evening with lots of CLAW Tree Planting Initiative opportunity to socialise. If you are interested Sat 17, Wendover Local Produce Market stall, in joining this friendly group please contact Manor Waste Margaret, the president, on 01296 582318. Climate Action Wendover (CLAW), is encouraging Wendover residents to plant Craft Group native broadleaf trees by making them freely Wed 14, 10am-12 noon, available, one per household. See article p16. Wendover Christian Centre Craft Group provides a warm space in friendly Book Club company to work on any kind of craft project. Sat 17, 10.30 -11.30am Bring your own materials or just come to see Wendover Christian Centre what others are doing. Coffee at about 11am. If you enjoy reading, go to the Book Club!
ART EXHIBITION & SALE Saturday 2 March 10am - 5pm Sunday 3 March 10.30am - 4pm
popupartweekend.org.uk Chilterns Neuro Centre Wendover, HP22 5LX
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Wendover News February 2024
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There’s no set book, just go along and enjoy hearing what others have read and, if you choose, talk about something you’ve been reading. All welcome.
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 17, 2.30pm on ZOOM KIm Thittichai- “Textile Travels”. This lecture looks at the design inspiration that is all around us when we travel. From the strong lines and shapes of buildings and bridges to the colours of the earth and local costumes. aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com
BBOWT
Tue 20, 7pm, Gt Missenden Memorial Centre HP16 9AE A talk on ‘Mosses and Similar Plants of the Chilterns.’ Admission £5 at the door includes refreshments. 19 March Please go to www. bbowt.org.uk/events to book for ‘The Rhythm of Nature,’ a musical evening, featuring The Wick Trimmers. Admission £7.50 including refreshments.
The Aylesbury Centre National Trust
Thurs 22, 8pm Broughton Junior School HP20 1NQ Mike Payne talks on ‘Shops and Shopkeepers of Princes Risborough.’ Ask for details from aylesburycentrent@gmail.com
Weston Turville Historical Society
SAVE THE DATE!
Fri 23, 7.30pm for 8pm Weston Turville Village Hall Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 March – Pop-up Art ‘A Warning to Country Folk.’ Speaker: Graham Exhibition & Sale at Chilterns Neuro Centre. Harrison. Entrance – £2 for members, £3 for See advert p4. visitors. www.wthsoc.org.uk. Saturday 9 March, 8pm Rotary Rocks Arts Society Ballinger presents Man the Lifeboats at the Limelight Thurs 29, 7.30 for 8pm, Ballinger War Theatre, Aylesbury. Tickets: £16.50 from Memorial Hall, HP16 9LQ Queens Park Arts Centre. All net proceeds Lecture: ‘Now you see it now you don’t: the to Buckinghamshire Mind. art of visual deception.’ Expert lecturer Bertie www.bit.ly/47AQvwT. Pearce takes you on a tour of art which fools, surprises and amuses the viewer. Beginning 22-23 March and ending with Belgian surrealist Rene Kate’s Cancer warriors cycle-a-thon Magritte, it encompasses Trompe L’oeil, Banksy, 24hour cycle-a-thon to raise funds for Breast Bridget Riley, Arcimboldo and Escher to name Cancer Now. Plans in progress. The event is a few! Go along for a friendly and entertaining being supported by BML. evening. Email ballinger@theartssociety.org or visit www.theartssocietyballinger.org.uk for full programme details. Friday 28 June – Grand opening of the new canal towpath joining Wendover and Halton Jazz Upfront Village. Thurs 29, 7.30 for 8.15pm St Mary’s Aylesbury, HP20 2JJ Tenderlonious – ‘You Know I Care.’ Flautist, LEGACY FAIRS saxophonist, producer Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Antiques & Collectors Market Cawthorne is regarded as one of the leading Thursday 15 February figures in the London jazz scene. 9am-2pm (Trade 8am) Tickets: £20 from Aylesbury Music Shop or Entrance by donation to Charity https://bit.ly/41YdzVe Wendover Memorial Hall
Tel: 07503 465532 email: peterphillips39@yahoo.com
wendovernews.co.uk
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editor@wendovernews.co.uk
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BUSINESS FOCUS News and tips from local businesses Lessons in marketing from Rumseys: Is what you think you are selling, actually what people are buying?
to know them as they make regular trips to Wendover to visit the antique shop, book shop and other places where the stock changes constantly and they can find little treasures. They say their highlight is to come into Rumsey’s to discover new chocolates or ones they haven’t tried before.” The process of making the chocolates is far removed from the mass produced ones you can buy in supermarkets. Some of them take up to three days to make – first to make the shell and let it solidify, then one or more fillings are added, each needing time to set properly. Then the casing is sealed and dusting or decoration added to the exterior.
The classic business school example is the company making masonry drill bits: What their customers need is nice, neat holes in walls. The holes may be needed by people putting up shelves to make their partner happy. Are they selling drill bits, or family happiness?
In most businesses, that would be the end of the process. But for Rumsey’s the final act of the show is the packaging. Counter staff ensure that the purchase ends with perfect presentation - and the encore – a little ribbon tied with a bow around the package as gift wrapping. They know that every purchase will end up as a gift, even While running master-chocolatier demonstrations from his home in if it is a gift to yourself. Aylesbury, former pâtissier Nigel Rumsey realised that people enjoyed watching him at his craft, and also relished the thought of consuming The chocolate theatre would not be the same if the quality of the the chocolates as a special experience later. He came to realise that ingredients did not match the craftsmanship. Rumsey’s chocolate the success of his business would rely on four important elements: is made from a blend of cocoa beans from Ivory Coast, Ghana and A sense of theatre, the deferred pleasure of the consumption, an Indonesia, from sustainable sources. Other ingredients and products exquisit buying experience. And, of course, product quality. for sale in the shop come from suppliers as nearby as the Chiltern Brewery in Terrick and Lacey’s Family Farm at Lane End. Nigel and his wife, Mary opened their first shop, in Wendover, on Valentine’s Day 2004. As well as the display cabinets and counter, it Kate is keen to ensure that the staff are mentioned. “We have some has a coffee shop and a very large window through which, usually, great staff – some who have been with us for 10 or 20 years. Having you can see chocolates being made. They call this their ‘Chocolate loyal staff means they get to know every customer individually, and Theatre’. Rumsey’s, as well as being a shop, became a venue. that leads to loyal customers.” Rumsey’s is a great place to start if you are taking up the challenge from Wendover Business Group to The business is now run by Kate, Nigel and Mary’s daughter-in-law. ‘spend an extra £5 in Wendover each week.’ She says “Quite a few customers come from out of the area. We get Richard Byford, Wendover News
Celebrating 20 years on Wendover High Street We first opened the doors to our chocolaterie on Valentine’s Day 2004, taking Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates from the family kitchen into the heart of this wonderful community. We are incredibly proud to still be here, thank you, we hope that you will come and help us to celebrate. Please shop local and support your independents. www.rumseys.co.uk
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Wendover News February 2024
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We can’t help you choose the colour... But we can help you buy or sell a property! Do your solicitors offer you...? • Fixed fees - no hidden extras • Longer hours to help when you are busy • Free initial appointment • A no-obligation, itemised quotation • An office that doesn’t close for lunch! • Evening appointments on a Thursday until 7pm • A ‘Saturday Surgery’ once a month • A handy local office with parking close by
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We do! There’s never enough time to do everything during a busy week. As well as being open late on a Thursday until 7pm, did you know you can book a no-obligation free appointment with one of our Solicitors on a Saturday morning. So, whether you are worried about wills, puzzled by probate, looking for straight-forward advice on your house move or commercial property transaction...
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Local News Emergency access for fire engines
On Thursday 11 January residents of South Street were surprised to see a fire engine entering the car park of the King and Queen pub on South Street in the early morning around 8:00am. Soon after, another appliance arrived. The two engines stayed about an hour but then left, leaving just an acrid smell in the air.
Our major beneficiaries will be Wendover Dementia Support and Chiltern Food Bank. Once again, we invited our volunteers for a joyous thank you get-together in January.” If you would like to find out more about Rotary in Wendover & District, contact cheryl@monkeypuzzlehighwycombe.co.uk.
Since then, locals have been asking what happened, as there was no damage obvious to the outside or inside of the pub? The answer is that the fire engines needed to use the car park in order to access an emergency at a nearby property. We don’t need to trouble the privacy of whoever needed the emergency service, except to wish them well. Jane Larkham, editor, Wendover News
Community Library
Rotary’s Santa Sleigh results
The whole library area will be redecorated and given new, more attractive furniture. The children’s area will be moved to the front of the library to a space that will allow more flexibility. The main entrance will be moved to the back of the repaved open area between the library and the main meeting room. New windows will be positioned at the front.
Cheryl Law writes “On behalf of my friends at Rotary in Wendover, a big thank you to everyone who came forward to help with the Rotary Santa Sleigh collections in December. An even bigger thank you to all who donated, either on your doorstep or at one of our static collection sites.
Phil Mitchell, chair of Trustees of Wendover Community Library, writes: “Many readers will be aware that, with support from Buckinghamshire Library Service, Wendover Community Library has made a successful application for funding and is now planning a major enhancement to both the library and to the services that emanate from it.
“We have been overwhelmed by your generosity this year as we The reception desk will be repositioned, which will make the stairs gathered in nearly £5,000, the largest collection we have ever made. more accessible to customers. This in turn will make the upstairs rooms
Cats, dogs & small pets Birds & exotics
Join our Pet Health Club… save money and spread the cost of your pet’s* regular recommended healthcare * plans available for dogs, cats and rabbits
The complete package in equine veterinary care
Canine Rehabilitation and on-site Pet Shop
01296 623439 www.whvc.co.uk LIVE IN CARE
Tring Road, Halton, Bucks, HP22 5PN
T H E A LT E R N AT I V E TO A C A R E H O M E 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
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Wendover News February 2024
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of the Library more obviously a part of the library. Laptop computers Wendover News was contacted by Ian Ringham from Risborough will be easily accessible, and people using the new computers will Plant Services (Holdings) Ltd, who is frustrated by the difficulty be able to take them to different parts of the library to use. in being able to remedy damage caused by recent changes to the drainage of the area. It is affecting two of the tenants: motor repair The kitchen and toilet areas will be upgraded. Access to the garden company SF Repairs and DSM Fabrication, which constructs steel will be made easier and, because of changes to some windows, it will structures on the site. be easier to appreciate the garden from within. The improvements to the garden are being completely managed locally. Ian pointed out that in the 50 years the company has owned the land, it had not flooded until 19 October 2023. Like his tenants and a Recent and current rates of inflation have required some aspects nearby business, he believes the flooding is caused by the extensive of the ‘Library Project’ to be pulled back a little and this has caused changes to the ground surfaces directly behind the compound as some delay, but hopefully it is clear from the above that a major part of the HS2 works. Flooding has also been noted on the road enhancement to an important public service in Wendover is underway. between the Firecrest and his compound. As the new schedule and details of the new layout are confirmed we will make sure the community is well informed and consulted.” No progress on kidnapped toy monkey... Nicky Gregory, Antiques At Wendover, writes: “Unfortunately there More flood damage near Rocky Lane is no news of Eric the monkey, who was stolen from the Antiques Most of Wendover escaped the worst of the floods during the Centre before Christmas. first week of January. One area that was not so lucky was the RPS compound between the entrance to Rocky Lane (on the road out “Eric has been at the Antiques Centre to Great Missenden) and the Firecrest restaurant. entertaining children, while their parents look round the shop, for over 20 years and is sorely missed. There is CCTV of the man stealing Eric Right: The A413 London and stuffing him inside his jacket, on Road, looking from the the Facebook pages for Antiques At Firecrest towards the Wendover, or Everything Wendover. RPS compound. Photo: Jane Larkham.
“Please share the image of the thief, he may be local and perhaps could be shamed into returning Eric to his rightful place. Many people have been Eric, relaxing in Wendover into the Antiques Centre and told us Antiques, summer 2023
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how upset and appalled they are that anyone William’s entry (a hand-sewn ‘book’ based on would steal Eric.” carols) won the Individual category.
ST ANNE’S HALL to hire
“Eric’s distant cousin, Louis the Lemur, has come to stand in for him and hide each month so the children will have someone to find. There are pictures of Eric and the man who took him in the window of the Antiques Centre. There is a £25 reward for Eric’s safe return who is sadly missed by us all.“
All enquiries to Angela German
Left: Louis the Lemur on his favourite piece of furniture
07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL Great for Children’s Parties Ideal for Weddings & Functions Excellent kitchen facilities Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk • Curtain alterations • Custom made Roman Blinds enquire@ingridsneedle.com Tel: 01296 752 747 www.ingridsneedle.com
Congratulations to the winners and to everyone whose creative entries made the choice so difficult. The event raised over £500 for ‘Embrace the Middle East,’ for its work with disadvantaged people.
Neighbourhood Care
We are in the middle of what is, typically, the coldest part of the year. Even the most sociable of us are staying indoors because of the cold, and rarely see our neighbours from Wendover News understands that the police one week to the next. At the same time, fuel are unable to investigate kidnappings where costs are at a record level and the cost of the victim is a stuffed animal. living crisis is taking its toll.
Crib Fest 2023 winners
Visitors to Wendover Free Church’s Crib Fest voted for their favourite entries. In the Group category, the winner was Cherry Tree Residential Home with their crib in a box. Mal
If you haven’t had contact with your neighbours for a while, give them a phone call or knock on the door. Just one cheery phone call, or a smile from outside the window might be enough to stop some individuals falling into
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Wendover News February 2024
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a state of loneliness. Less mobile people might find it difficult to get their shopping and an offer of help might make all the difference. If you or a neighbour are struggling with the Deliverer of the Month cold, lack of food or loneliness, there are Deborah Evans started to deliver Wendover people around who are keen to help. News in Bryants Acre at the time that her children were leaving senior school and going Remco van den Heuvel, minister at Wendover to university. Although working full-time for Free Church, said “There’s a warm welcome the Bucks Library at Wendover Christian Centre on Tuesdays. service at the time, Warm Welcome starts at 10am with Coffee she felt she would still Drop in and is joined by Walkers late morning. be able to volunteer. Soup is served at 12:30 prompt so please don’t be late! In the afternoon tea and cakes She says that one are served. Refreshments are paid for by of the benefits of voluntary donation.” doing the round is definitely that she does meet a lot of people, particularly in the summer. It is also an opportunity to check on elderly residents, she adds. Deborah enjoys reading Wendover News as it keeps her up to date with the happenings in Wendover, which is a village that has so much going on. She believes the printed copy is a boon to people who are not IT experienced “It’s not just for people in absolute need. The or do not want to be on social media. idea is to invite people into a space which is already full of smiling faces rather than New deliverer one in which a new face will be conspicuous. The team welcomes Martin Gillett as a new Everybody can contribute, just by turning up!” deliverer.
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National charity says “Hello Wendover!” If you happen to see Alan Titchmarsh or any other famous gardening experts near the station, it will probably be because they are on their way to visit the charity ‘Greenfingers’ in one of the nearby Station Approach units. The charity recently moved to Wendover from Beaconsfield and has quietly gone about its business of creating gardens and nature spaces for the benefit of life-limited children.
Why does the charity have such a low profile locally, we asked? Linda explained that although the charity organisers enjoy being part of the Wendover community, their work is national. “We have completed over 70 gardens, from as far away as Balloch in Scotland to St Austell in Cornwall – and all places in between.”
In this, its 25th anniversary year, Greenfingers is running several fundraising events closer to home which may interest some of our readers. The first is ‘Garden Re-Leaf’ day – a sponsored walk Wendover News spoke to the director of fundraising and or bike ride around the Chilterns communications, Linda Petrons. Linda is a resident of Wendover on Friday 15 March. Details can and until 11 years ago, worked for Rennie Grove Hospice at Home. be found at www.bit.ly/48Rvq2j. She spoke with obvious enthusiasm about the work of Greenfingers Charity: “The gardens we design and build can be many things – an More locally, it is running a ‘Quiz area for play, exploration, therapy, reflection, relaxation and often and Games’ night at Wendover Memorial Hall on Friday 16 February. quite simply space where children who spend time in hospices, along The quizmaster and host will be Alex Noall, a great friend of the with their family, friends and carers, can charity. spend precious time together, in a safe and protective environment. Teams of eight will participate and if you can’t make up a full team, Greenfingers “The belief that time spent outside in a Charity will help you find some new natural environment can be enormously friends! There will be a licensed bar and beneficial to children with life-limiting nibbles on the tables. The cost is £10 and life-threatening conditions is at the per person and all money raised will go heart of the work Greenfingers does. We towards the good work of the charity. work closely with each hospice, to design and build a scheme that will suit their For more information, you can get in needs and the needs of the children and touch with Linda by emailing: Linda@ families who spend time there.” greenfingerscharity.org.uk. She says she’d love to hear from you.
run Walk or miles. 10 or 20 Or cycle 5 25, 50, 7 iles or 100 m Registered Charity Number: 1076640
Join us at Tring Garden Centre on Friday 15th March for Garden Re-Leaf Day, our flagship fundraising challenge event. All money raised will help us to create magical gardens in children's hospices across the UK. For more information, email: Fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or visit : www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1076640
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Wendover News February 2024
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Liz Brown Yoga
Tuesday evenings: Wendover Memorial Hall Friday mornings: St Anne’s Hall Wendover Groups, 1:1s, workshops, retreats Online & Face-to-Face
Club Corner Lifesaving at the Swimming Pool
Wendover Swimming Pool is looking at running a lifesaving (NRASTC) course in March 2024 (date to be confirmed). Due to pool operational requirements, the minimum age for this course is 18. In return for Wendover Swimming Pool paying for your course, it asks you to cover at least one session per month for two years (the duration of the qualification). Full training in Wendover Pool procedures will be given upon successful completion of the course. Volunteers at the pool receive free swimming for themselves and members of their household. Details will be given at the pool induction. Contact Mel on mel@wendoverswimmingpool. co.uk or 07546550540 to register your interest for the lifeguard course.
Two exciting Scouts volunteering opportunities.
Are you looking to get involved with your local community? Wendover Scout Group may have that opportunity for you. Group Scout Leader Andrew Inkley writes: “We are currently looking for someone aged over 18 to help with our Tuesday Cub Pack, working as part of the leadership team. You
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will get the chance to not only support the development of the young people but also learn new skills yourself. You do not need to be the next Bear Grylls but your enthusiasm and willingness to get involved is important. As part of this role you will need to complete a DBS check. “Do you like tinkering and making sure things work? Then our other role may be right up your street. With the ‘Out’ in Scouting being very much at the heart of what we do, we are looking for someone to take on the upkeep of the camping and activity equipment owned by the group. This ranges from tents (as you would expect) right through to kayaks and mountain bikes. We do not expect you to be an expert in all things outdoors, but keenness to support is just as important. Again, a DBS check is required.” If you would like to get involved in volunteering at 1st Wendover Scouts, please email Andrew. inkley@1stwendoverscouts.co.uk
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Wendover Bowls Club
Don Knight writes: “Our New Year’s Eve party was almost a disaster when two of the main organisers were struck down with a bug, with just two hours to go before 50 folk were due to descend on the Club to welcome in 2024. Such a pity when they had put in so much effort.
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Wendover News February 2024
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“But this is Wendover Bowls Club so three stalwart members stepped forward to supervise the preparation of the meal and evening’s entertainment. They allowed the guests to demonstrate their towering intellects and inventiveness with a quiz and a fiendish construction challenge involving mini marshmallows and straws. That’s a good game, as you can eat your failures. The evening was a great success, and our thanks go to the noble ‘volunteers.’ Commiserations to Peter and Belinda who, I understand, are now fit and well.
ailments or getting up to comedic antics, says Alison. “Instead, they were served a sumptuous Christmas lunch, complete with trimmings, admiring the passing bucolic vistas as they enjoyed their lunch. All the ladies agreed that this was a truly memorable outing with delicious food, delightful surroundings and good friends.
“The dust has settled on another Christmas and it just remains to wish everyone, not just our club members but everyone, a happy and peaceful 2024.”
Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Local History Group
Wendover Evening WI
55 women in a boat Alison Jarvis-Evans writes: “For their Christmas Lunch, the ladies of the Wendover WI followed in the steps of the famous comical travelogue written by Jerome K Jerome (Three Men In A Boat), with a voyage along the Thames from Windsor to Bray. Rather than a simple wooden skiff as in the novel, the ladies hired The Georgian, a grand cruiser with a wood panelled dining room.” Unlike Jerome’s hapless heroes, the ladies wasted no time discussing their respective
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“Disappointingly, the ladies didn’t spot Montmorency, who was probably causing a canine nuisance of himself to other Thames travellers.”
On Friday 2 February a talk will be given by Stephen Barker, an independent heritage advisor who works with museums, universities, and other heritage organisations. The talk on ‘The British Civil Wars, 1642-51, in Art,’ will highlight important moments during the Civil Wars of the mid 17th century, as represented in works of art. This includes artwork both from the time and from the Victorian era. Refreshments are served afterwards with an opportunity meet the speaker and fellow club members. Membership is £10 for 2023-24, including all meetings, a newsletter and an invitation to the summer outing. Guests are welcome, at £4 per meeting. See www.cholesbury.com
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Wendover News February 2024
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Wendover Shed A warmer welcome!
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If you’ve been considering a visit to Wendover Shed on Hogtrough Lane but are deterred by the cold, worry no longer! The Stable workshop next to the main shed has been thoroughly renovated, weatherproofed and insulated by experts among the Shedders. Thanks to a diesel heater it’s probably the warmest shed in town! 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 – there’s a kettle, but also a fridge for beer when the weather improves!
Inside the insulated warm stable. Photo: Simon Eccles High points have been the building of the big wooden “outdoor space” covered working area, the installation of very effective solar panels, batteries and power outlets to provide all the electricity needed to run interior and exterior lighting and tools, and the major renovation of the existing stable block to become a cosy heated workshop.
Particularly welcome would be anyone who can help others to learn or improve their Everything has been done by Shedders using woodworking or metalworking techniques. the wide range of skills shared between them. Shed chairman Bob Duggan is also calling for volunteer chaperones who can accompany Plans for this year include an additional shed and help people with mobility or other for storage and an ecological compost loo health issues, thus allowing them to get the to replace the current chemical Portaloo. full benefit of the Shed. To find the Shed (HP22 6NJ), drive along The Shed is coming up to its first anniversary Hogtrough Lane to just past the gun club since the main “Hog” metal Portacabin and the bridleway sign, then turn left into was trucked and craned into place on 17 the allotments. Opening hours are posted February 2023, and a lot has happened on the website: since then. www.wendovershed.org.uk
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The weatherproofed stable block is below here. Photo: Simon Eccles
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Wendover News February 2024
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Tailored book-keeping and accountancy solutions to suit you and your business e-mail: paul@ph-as.co.uk Tel:01296 621162 www.ph-as.co.uk
Planting time again...
In the depths of winter, tree planting may by planting now while tree seedlings are appear to be the last thing on people’s dormant. minds. Nevertheless, Wendover has lost RHS Medal Winning Designer numerous trees to ash die-back disease and As part of our tree planting initiative and offering an individual and creative design, decimation from the in addition to larger construction and planting service HS2 works. Even with scale planting around call Peter on 01296 622790 the promises of tree Wendover, Climate www.peterbirddesign.co.uk planting by HS2, there A c t i o n We n d o v e r is no guarantee when (CLAW), is encouraging Garden Care & Maintenance this will begin and Wendover residents to how many, let alone plant native broadleaf Dead leaves, brown plants, the time for trees to trees by making them unruly shrubs? survive to reasonable freely available, one Have your garden tidied for winter maturity. per household, at Call Simon Shirley its Wendover Local 625053 / 07836 665512 Some of the more Produce Market stall on A friendly and reliable service successful planting is Saturday 17 February. by established local THE PRACTICAL trees dispersing their We have deliberately Photo: Climate Action Wendover selected trees that do GARDENING seeds to form a new not normally grow large COMPANY generation of plants best suited to local and regional conditions, or cast heavy shade, those more suited to Reliable Lady Gardeners Garden tidying rather than imported from European stocks. gardens than open areas. We hope to see Regular garden maintenance We can provide a helping hand by starting you there! Tel: 07732 484545 the process in and around our own gardens Climate Action Wendover
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Wendover News February 2024
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CHILTERN FOOT HEALTH SERVICES Ian Phipps MCFHP MAFHP
Music has emerged as a powerful therapeutic tool, particularly for individuals grappling with dementia. Studies reveal that music can be more effective than medication in promoting a sense of calm and peace among patients. The impact is even more profound when the chosen music holds personal significance for the individual, often evoking feelings of relaxation and contentment. For music to become a reliable therapeutic aid, it is crucial for individuals to incorporate it into their daily routine, using it as a mood-enhancing ritual. Familiarity with using headphones also proves beneficial, enabling individuals to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of music in public spaces without causing discomfort to others. The routine use of music has demonstrated its potential to be remarkably effective in alleviating distress associated with dementia. The rhythmic melodies and familiar tunes can reach individuals on a deep emotional level,
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Recognising the Registered member of the therapeutic potential of music, Wendover British Association of Foot Health Professionals Dementia Support has taken initiative to make music more accessible. Thanks to a generous grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, they were able to acquire dementia-friendly music players. These devices are • Loose covers offered to their visitors, • Curtains allowing them to take the healing power of music • Re-Upholstery home with them. • Tracks & Poles Music therapy extends its benef its beyond dementia care, proving to be a valuable resource for anyone grappling with stress. Its soothing melodies and rhythmic tunes offer a calming effect, reducing anxiety and promoting overall well-being. Accessible to all, music serves as a versatile tool for relaxation, making it a simple yet profound remedy for anyone seeking relief from daily pressures.
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Wendover News February 2024
17
Overnight road closures A413 London Road
EKFB are now close to implementing changes to the road layouts around Wendover. We will be continuing the phased construction on the A413 to enable the Small Dean Viaduct. Overnight lane closures have been in place throughout January to finalise kerb installations, drainage and sub-base work before tarmacking into the new alignment. The closure in the final week of January will involve undertaking earthwork hauling and installation of the tarmac surfacing to the new road diversion. We will also be undertaking survey works between 23-25 January along the Wendover Bypass and the A413 near World’s End. We are required to survey this area to establish the locations and sizes of walkways, buildings, underground utilities, road layouts and more.
Ellesborough Road diversion
Following the completion of the A413 and Wendover Bypass works, we will be working on the diversion of Ellesborough Road. This will be open to the public from February. The newly diverted road will go around the back of the existing houses and includes a temporary bridge allowing our site traffic to pass underneath.
Photo: Simon Eccles, Wendover News
Ellesborough Road bottom junction, January 2024 Road closures will be in place from late January to complete the works. To find out more, please see the full advance works notices on the HS2 website. Our new programme of community drop-in sessions and meet the team events will recommence from February, so please do sign up to the mailing list and view the HS2 events page to find out where you can meet your community engagement team and find out more about the project. Don’t forget to register for email updates on the HS2 website which will give you a choice of how you would like to receive information from us. To find out more visit your community website at www.hs2. org.uk/in-your-area. If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk All words and information provided by EKFB, the HS2 construction consortium. 18
Wendover News February 2024
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Green Tunnel contractor change
Viaduct deck – also see pages 20-21. There’s an HS2 web page with timelapse video at www.bit. ly/3RZCgvW.
Align JV, the construction contractor for the Chiltern Tunnel and the Colne Valley viaduct, says that it will be taking over from EKFB as the contractor for the Wendover Green Tunnel later this year. This was mentioned in the trade press last year and confirmed Align JV in a recent webinar about its progress with the Chiltern Tunnel.
Two other significant developments planned for January include the initial realignment of the A413 to move it away from the Chiltern Railway line to allow piling for two viaduct pier foundations for the Small Dean Viaduct, north of the current Wendover Dean Viaduct. Just before Christmas, Align said it was 90% of There will still be night-time road closures the way through the 10 mile (16km) Chiltern A pier foundation such as this will following the diversion. The other very visible Tunnel which it started boring in 2021, and soon be constructed adjacent to the work is the completion of the first pier, closest expects to break through at the northern end newly aligned A413 London Road to Rocky Lane. The short vertical section was during 2024. completed in December and the 50 ton precast “hammerhead” is due for delivery and installation by the time Murray Cooke from the independent Wendover HS2 Mitigation you read this. These concrete structures will support the girders Group says: “Our understanding is that EKFB will complete the underneath the viaduct deck. A further five piers are expected to excavation for the Green Tunnel during 2024 before handing over be completed during 2024 to Align to undertake the actual construction of the tunnel and subsequent landscaping. We are investigating the details of the Ellesborough Road cutting excavation handover but anticipate that this change will just cause further Further excavation for the Green Tunnel cutting beside Ellesborough project delay.” Road continued in January, and another bridge is planned here to carry the Thames Water main and sewage pipes. Crash barriers and Wendover Viaducts progressing road signs have now been installed on the diversion road which will In early January HS2 started the “launch” of the Wendover Dean allow excavation through Ellesborough Road to be started.
Issues with HS2?
If you’re affected by construction activity, contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.
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. Also see whs2.org for updates.
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Wendover News February 2024
19
s’ Wendover Newes cl Ec Simon on the HS2 site
HS2 construction
Launch day for Wendover Dean Viaduct Early January saw the long-awaited “launch day” for the first 90m section of the Wendover Dean Viaduct to be winched into place over the first of nine enormous concrete “hammerheaded” piers. Eventually three huge steel and concrete box sections (the others are 180m) will be joined and hauled in one piece over the whole 450m width of the viaduct, which spans the Misbourne Valley south of Wendover. The process will take all of 2024, it is anticipated.
EKFB engineers look up at the first section of beams that will form the deck of the Wendover Dean Viaduct. This 90m section was winched out southwards over the valley on 10 January, to meet the first of nine support piers. All photos are courtesy of HS2
Wendover News was invited to a press visit on the following day, which was also attended by an ITV News crew and journalists from railway, engineering and construction publications. Local residents naturally have strong views on HS2, given the huge cost, the scaling-back of the route, and the environmental destruction we are witnessing every day. There’s little to add: the work has started in our area, and a lot of the damage has been done. Thanks to the sterling efforts of the independent Wendover HS2 Mitigation Group (see p19), some proposals have been challenged successfully, but overall there’s no stopping it unless the next government has an unlikely change of heart. However, there’s no denying that as an engineering project, it is all deeply impressive. The dedication and skills of the engineers and construction crews is beyond doubt. See Wendover News December 2023, p26-27, for a full explanation (www.bit.ly/3RYXlqu), but note that we got Wendover Dean and Small Dean the wrong way round! A similar method will also be used for the Small Dean Viaduct which will pass over the A413. The first pier has been installed (see p19). Unlike the Wendover Dean project to the south, this will mean Simon Eccles significant road closures and traffic disruption.
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Wendover News February 2024
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An aerial view of the whole viaduct site over the valley on 10 January, with the first section in place after launch.
The temporary guide ‘nose’ of the beam resting on the first pier during the first deck slide.
James Collings is one of the HS2 agents on the site, liaising with the EKFB staff who are carrying out the actual construction.
A view from the launch side of the deck being winched into position. The white machine below left is one of the winches.
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Specialist engineers from Eiffage Metal carefully guide the sliding deck into position.
Sunset after a long day. The ‘nose’ extends past the first pier, where the main beam will stay until the next haul.
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Wendover News February 2024
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Tribute: Irene Beer Irene Beer was born in 1925 in East Ham. She was the same age as the at home to raise funds for the church. Having been a school meals Queen, and her husband Jack was born the same year as Prince Phillip. cook and supervisor for 25 years she also volunteered to take on They married in the same year and therefore received letters from and run the lunch club at the church, which she did until she had a the Queen on important anniversaries. stroke in 2001. She later attended the lunch club for meals with Jack. Irene had always enjoyed needlecraft, which she learned from an aunt who By 1990 Irene had started to help at the had trained and worked as a court Forget-me-not Club which met in Wendover dressmaker. In her turn, Irene taught Memorial Hall and she became secretary highly skilled embroidery to her “adopted in 1993. This led to her organising many niece” Juliet, who was an attentive pupil! outings, including to the Cotswold Wildlife Through the Royal School of Needlework, Park, Windsor, Brill for meals out, Hampton Juliet eventually set up her own business Court, several visits to Eastbourne, trips specialising in clerical embroidery, including on steam trains etc. She loved to organise making the inauguration robes and mitre parties including for VE Day and the 50th for Archbishop of Canterbury Carey and anniversary of the Club in 2000. This also 1994 Irene and Jack at a Forgetother significant items such as altar cloths led to her being invited to a garden party, me-not Club dinner in 1994 and banners. where she represented the Club in the presence of the Queen and Prince Philip Irene and Jack moved to Wendover in 1989 with their daughter who spoke to her. She also knitted items for sale on the Age Concern Lindsey, to be near their son John, who lived in Weston Turville, and stall in charity fairs on the Manor Waste from time to time. immediately joined Wendover Free Church. In the last few years Irene attended the Union Chapel in Weston She enjoyed going on the away days with the church, doing the flowers Turville as it was easier to see and hear the service. She died peacefully and attending the poetry group. Every year they had a garden party at home on 5 December 2023, just four days short of her 98th birthday.
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Local faces: Carl & Sophie Last September saw the first anniversary of Real Magic Books, which is certainly the liveliest bookshop in town, despite being the only one! It’s the first one to open its doors in Wendover since the closure of the Wendover Bookshop over a decade ago.
With this in mind they organise events such as regular readings upstairs. “We have put on lots of author events since we opened, hosting events with big names like Irvine Welsh, the awarding-winning poet Salena Godden, Cold War Steve, John Niven, Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller and Emma Forrest,” says Carl. This includes the Thanks to the hard work of founder-owners Carl Gosling and partner neighbours: “We have regular events in partnership with our best Sophie Green, Real Magic Books quickly established itself as a popular mates at Block and Butcher. We love living next door to them. Watch spot in Kings Head Parade on the High Street. Carl and Sophie choose this space for more joint events!” all the books themselves, and support local authors when they can. Carl describes it as a “general bookshop, taking a keen interest in Carl works in the music business and has instigated a series of live new fiction and big new non-fiction titles, a big children’s selection, Real Magic Music Nights. “There were four nights last year, with politics, nature, poetry, music, young adult and much more. three sold out at the British Legion and one upstairs at the shop,” he says. He’s been involved in a music venue called The Social in “I think lots of people simply come in to browse for inspiration rather central London for the last 20 years. He also programmes and runs than searching for a specific title,” he says. “We gets lots of feedback the late-night Stonebridge stage at Glastonbury festival. Sophie about what a great shop it is to look around as most of our books has an outside role too, in events and communication for NatWest. are displayed face-out on the wall and tables, and easy to see. Lots of our customers come in and use our ordering service: we can get What about the steamroller competition from Amazon online? “We most books if they’re still in print within a day or so.” try not to think about it too much,” says Carl. “Amazon can’t compete with our connection to the local community, our recommendations, The couple live in Wendover, and Carl was born here – Sophie was our enthusiasm, our author events and the feeling of walking into born in Manchester. They have three daughters, all currently at the our lovely shop for a chat. I hope people value real life bookshops John Colet School. Carl says being local is the reason he wanted to in their towns or they will keep disappearing.” open Real Magic Books: “Selfishly we wanted there to be a bookshop in Wendover, it felt like something that was missing from the High Real Magic Books opens every day except Mondays. See also Street since the last one shut. Somewhere that sold books but also www.realmagicbooks.com for events, blogs and online ordering. provided a space for cultural events and activities as well.” A longer version of this story is on www. wendovernews.co.uk/?p=80480
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Wendover News February 2024
23
Wendover Parish Council View from the Clock Tower Shop Local
Vibrant Wendover pubs, shops, restaurants and local businesses are key to local life. They provide money for the local economy, job opportunities and generally make the place better to live in. A busy high street also makes it easier to attract exciting and innovative new businesses when units do become available. Furthermore, Wendover is lucky to not only have its high street, but many other successful businesses dotted around the parish in the many shops, industrial units and offices – again success breeds success if it is felt that Wendover is a good place to do business. If we did lose these businesses then that would impact the local economy, local job opportunities and make the area a less attractive place to move to or live in.
welcometowendover.co.uk. It is a site we have developed to help navigate all of the businesses and services on offer locally – drop on to see what is available. If you are a local business or service and not on the website then we are really sorry: please get in touch (contact details below) to tell us and we will fix that.
Parish Council Strategy
We are reviewing and refreshing our strategy, looking as far ahead as 2034/35. Of course, a lot can happen between now and then, but some of the bigger projects will need many years of planning (and will need the Council to save up for them). We will be asking for ideas from local community groups and running a survey later in the year. Currently we are collecting any and all ideas informally to feed into the process and you are welcome to Throughout this year the businesses and send any thoughts to the contact details in parish will be delivering events and attractions the boxes below. to improve the local experience, but to start with we are asking people to swap £5 of their Parish Councillor Surgeries weekly online spend and use it instead in local The next drop in at the Library is Thursday shops and businesses. 15 February – you can come in and chat to Parish Councillors about any issues or bring As we said in the previous edition the advice your ideas for the strategy. Councillors will and guidance our local businesses provide is be sat on the sofas – feel free to join them, exceptional and the Parish Councillors are even if it is just for the latest local gossip! working with the business group to build and 10am to 12pm. deliver this information through the website Wendover Local Produce Market Saturday 17 February, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste We're looking for new traders! Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
The wooden decoration raffle!
We managed to sell pretty much all of the decorations and the draw was made at the Parish Council on 9th January 2024 - here are the winners. If you have a matching ticket then please contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
www.facebook.com/wendoverparish/
Winners 9 – Electric bike donated by Councillor Stephen Worth 299 – Cut & blow dry voucher - Scruples of Wendover 180 – Theatre voucher - J Brown Funeral Services 290 – A gift item from the shop – Just 331 – A gift item from the shop - Number One 262 – A voucher to spend in the Café Whitewaters Deli Café 232 – A gent’s haircut - South Street Barbers 266 – A child’s haircut - South Street Barbers 148 – Sledge - Wendover Hardware 66 – Cheese selection - No 2 Pound Street 132 – £25 beer voucher - The Pack Horse 139 – £25 beer voucher - The White Swan 227 – TBC - Real Magic Books 209 – Wendover Royal sausages - Kings Farm Shop 216 – drinks vouchers for the King and Queen 319 – TBC - Budgens
Parish Council Meeting Tuesday 6 February, 7:30pm St Anne's Hall Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
Wendover Parish Council, The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU
www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
clerk@wendover-pc.gov.uk
01296 623056
Sunday Church Services in Wendover • St Anne’s: 9am Mass • St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am • Wendover Free Church: 10.45am St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church – 07753 633713 St Mary’s Church of England – 01296 696136 / 623123 stmaryswendover.org Wendover Free Church – 01296 622354 wendoverfreechurch.org.uk 24
Wendover News February 2024
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