Lindengate opens new education Hub
By Jo Durden-Moore
Lindengate Charity has built an education Hub to support young people, in the heart of its gardens at World’s End. The purposebuilt facility will provide new opportunities for education, therapeutic horticulture, and wellbeing support to those who need it most.
From summer 2024 to April 2025, the horticultural charity’s team carried out extensive works to build the Hub, creating a fully accessible space with indoor meeting room, garden, fire pit, seating area and a Japanese water garden. All designed to foster calm and togetherness while learning.
An area that once housed construction materials and bins has been transformed into a new entrance with plants, trees and wildflowers. The outdoor learning spaces have fire pits for gathering and cooking, movable benches and canopy trees. It’s all designed to encourage communication, confidence, healthy eating, curiosity, bushcraft and storytelling.
Hands-on learning through gardening, conservation and environmental science, combined with safe, warm indoor spaces for workshops, art, reflective time, one-to-one and group sessions, is very powerful.
Even before completion, to pilot its suitability, the Hub is being used by Strive Alternative Provision. It’s aimed at students aged 6-18 years, with varying special
educational needs, who are disengaged from learning and find accessing a traditional school environment challenging.
By using the Hub, Strive has been able to deliver accredited and bespoke programmes across a broad range of activities in an outdoor setting. This is integral to students’ positive re-engagement with learning and feeling part of a community again.
Already 30 young people have joined, which is unprecedented for alternative providers such as this. The new facilities help Strive to support this number of students in small bespoke therapeutic groups. Some
students have already been able to return to school or engage in other forms of education.
In addition to the Strive programmes, Lindengate’s Green Volunteens will also benefit from the Hub. This cohort of 13-18 year olds, who formed during lockdown, ensure those from disadvantaged backgrounds, or suffering from social exclusion are included. It’s been a particularly successful programme for Lindengate. The Volunteens work in the garden for three hours every Saturday, planting, watering, seeding and engaging in physical activities together. This helps develop confidence, communication, social and leadership skills.
Jacqui Greenham, Lindengate's head of programmes, said “Whether it’s gardening, cooking, using technology, or understanding the environment, participants learn realworld skills in a hands on, inclusive way. The Hub has brought the whole Lindengate community together as everyone has been involved in creating this fabulous facility.”
During school holiday periods the Hub will be used for summer camps for young people, in partnership with providers, Lindengate staff and volunteers.
The Hub has been funded by The Clare Foundation, HS2, The Ernest Hecht Foundation, The Tree Council and Laxton Properties. For more information see: www.lindengate.org.uk .
Wendover | Stoke Mandeville | Dunsmore | The Lee | Halton | Weston Turville | Aston Clinton
June 2025 FREE
Contents – June 2025
Events - June 2025
Sci-fi props exhibition
WildBelt open to public 19 Local cheerleaders win in USA 19 Local Voices: Roisin Stewart 20
Wendover HS2 MAG .............................. 27
EKFB’s HS2 news .................................... 29 Club Corner 30 From The Clocktower 32
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WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL
Great for Children’s Parties Ideal for Weddings & Functions Excellent kitchen facilities
Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk
FRANK FENNELL
PLUMBING & HEATING
Plumbing & Heating Services
small plumbing maintenance / repair jobs gladly undertaken 07967 638527 francoffennell@gmail.com www.frankfennellplumbingservices.co.uk
ST ANNE’S HALL to hire
All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk
24 May-5 October – Discover Bucks Museum, Church St, Aylesbury HP20 2QP “Beyond the Stars: a propmaker’s guide to the galaxy.” A special exhibition showcasing original models and props used in some of the most iconic science fiction shows on British TV, including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Exhibits include Imperial and Supreme Daleks from Doctor Who; Marvin the Paranoid Android from the 1981 BBC TV production of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; and a Starbug model spacecraft used in series 3 to 7 of the cult classic Red Dwarf.
The museum is working with visual effects designer Mike Tucker. He began his career in the BBC’s in-house Visual Effects Department and was on the effects crew for Red Dwarf, series 1–7. He was an effects assistant on the final four series of the original Doctor Who run, and miniature effects supervisor for the revived series in 2005.
Real Magic Weekend III
Fri 30 May to Sun 1 Jun Events throughout Wendover Check www.realmagicbooks.com for details of line-ups and tickets. See also News p13.
Yoga with Alice D
Mondays, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG 7–8.15pm, Pregnancy Yoga, 8.30–9.45pm, Women’s Yoga.
Weds, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 10.30–11.30am, Mum and Baby Yoga, 12–1pm, Nurture Baby Massage. www.yogawithaliced.com.
Seated exercise classes
Mons, 2–3pm Aston Clinton Baptist Church HP22 5EX.
Tues, 2–3pm The Ark, Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UT.
Weds, 1:15–2:15pm Wendover Health
Centre HP22 6LD.
Thurs, 2–3pm Weston Turville Village Hall HP22 5RW.
Details: www.activeinthecommunity.org.uk/ seated-exercise
All classes cost £3 per session, in cash on arrival. Book space in advance with amelia. evans@aitc.org.uk or phone 7399748803.
Yoga and Mindful Art Classes
Guide Hut, Manor Crescent, HP22 6HH Mons 09:15–10:15am KundaDance www.happywellyoga.com/classes/ kundadance
Mons 10:30–11:15am Chair Yoga www.happywellyoga.com/classes/chair-yoga Mons 11:30–12:30 Mindful HeART Class www.artyparty.fun/mindful-heart-mondays
All classes are run by local Yoga Teacher and a Mindful Art enthusiast.
Simply Walks and Cycle Rides
Wendover – Tuesdays: Weekly walks from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am.
Aston Clinton – Thursdays: From Aston Clinton Park leave 10.30am. Meet beside “Your Café in the Park.” Registration is 15 minutes beforehand at both locations.
Aylesbury Cycling UK – now every Sunday. Three groups depending on ease/difficulty. www.cyclinguk.org/group/aylesbury-cycling-uk
Diamond Bridge Club
Tuesdays 6.45 for 7pm, Ellesborough Village Hall, HP17 0XA
A friendly club for playing bridge in a relaxed environment. If you would like to join, contact the membership secretary at DBCAylesbury@yahoo.com
Cracklewick Morris
Tuesdays 8.15–10.15pm, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG
LEGACY FAIRS
Antiques & Collectors Market Wendover Memorial Hall Thursday 19 June 9am-2pm (Trade 8am) For updates Tel: 07543 524212 or email: p.hetheringtonwh@gmail.com Entrance by donation to Charity
An all-inclusive mixed Morris side who meet most Tuesdays for dance practice. Everyone welcome – musicians and dancers. No experience needed to dance. Email cracklewickmorris@gmail.com
Fitness and Fun for the Over-60s
Thu, 2–3pm, Park Room, Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, Eskdale Road Every other Thursday afternoon with refreshments afterwards.
BBOWT Activities
College Lake Nature Reserve, HP23 5QG Sun 1 moth trapping session.
Sat 14 orchid count at Aston Clinton ragpits. Sun 15 free trip round Grangelands reserve with John Tyler.
Sat 21 guided visit to extended nature reserve at Dancersend with Mick Jones. Sun 22 close up view of Aston Clinton ragpits with Phil Townsend. Please book via www.bbowt.org.uk/events, charges (£5) may apply.
Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society
Tuesday 3, 8pm, Stewart Hall, Little Kimble, HP17 OXN Billy Stott from Stotts Nursery, Stokenchurch, will talk about what can be planted to give a range of leaf and flower colour at this time of year. His talk is illustrated with slides covering a wide variety of plants, taken at the nursery and in gardens around the country. A selection of the plants featured will be available for sale. www.kehs.uk
Tuesday 10, 7pm,
Stewart Hall, Little Kimble, HP17 OXN Visit to Professor Sandy Primrose’s garden in High Wycombe which contains many interesting and specialist plants. We will have a guided tour and refreshments. www.kehs.uk
Craft Group
Wed 4 & 18, 10am–12pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Take your own materials or just go along to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
Compassionate Café Wigginton
Wed 4, 1.30–3pm, The Sports Ground café, HP23 6HH
A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.
Wendover Horticultural Society
Thu 5, 2.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, HP22 6JG
Katherine Hersee is an amateur gardener, garden historian and blogger. Her talk “The Tea-Break Gardener” will reveal the creation and past history of her garden in
the Chilterns. After that there will be no indoor meetings until September, but there are outings each month instead. Visitors welcome, as always.
Singing Workshops
Thu 5, 12 & 19, 8–10pm, St Mary’s Church Wendover Wendover Choral Society is hosting a three-week singing workshop programme with the renowned soprano Siân Dicker. Cost £30 for the series.
Tickets online from: www.ticketsource.co.uk or phone 0333 666 3366. Open to all, no previous vocal experience is needed, just a joy of singing.
Chilterns Light Network
Weds, 7.30 for 8pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF Fun and friendly group. All welcome. £5 non-members
4; Mindfulness – find inner peace 11; Organity – source organic produce 18; Your personal sovereignty and the law 25; Somatic breathwork (enquire for places) Contact www.chilternslightnetwork.org or email chilternslight@proton.me
Craft Group
Wed 4 & 18, 10am–12pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project.
Take your own materials or just go along to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
Poetry Please
Fri 6, 10.30am
Wendover Christian Centre HP22 6JG “Children see magic because they look for it.” Christopher Moore.
At the next Poetry Please the theme will be “Children.” You will be assured of tea, coffee, biscuits and a warm welcome!
Gift Day at St Mary’s Church, Stoke Mandeville
Sat 7, 2pm
A chance to enjoy the church setting and delight in the Village School choir’s singing performance. You can also admire local amateur artists’ work, challenge children to a treasure hunt and sit and enjoy a delicious cup of tea and scone.
Open Garden at Acer Corner
Sat 7 & Sun 8, 2–5pm, Acer Corner, 10 Manor Road, HP22 6HQ You are invited to visit Acer Corner, a stunning Japanese-inspired garden, lovingly designed by owner Jo Naiman. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere with beautiful Japanese maples and carefully
Alcoholics Anonymous Worried about your drinking? Call our local AA helpline, open 24/7 01628 530055
www.aachilternthames.org.uk National helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
placed shrubs and stones. Go along to enjoy almost 70 unique Japanese maples (Acers).
Entrance receipts go to the National Garden Scheme charity. Proceeds from hot beverages and cakes go to South Bucks Jewish Community.
Rotary Rocks presents Totally Blondie
Sat 7, 8pm, Limelight Theatre, Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury HP21 7RT
Relive those classic 70s and 80s Blondie moments with a stunning lookalike and soundalike singer, and a professional live band.
Promoted by the Rotary Club of Aylesbury Hundreds. All net proceeds will go to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.
Tickets: £17.50 from Queens Park Arts Centre. www.bit.ly/3S7w9X5 or www. queensparkarts.com. Tel: 01296 424332
Tour de Vale Bike Ride
Sun 8, 9am–5pm,
Stoke Mandeville Stadium, HP21 9PP
Starting and finishing at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, this much-loved ride is in support of Wheelpower, a brilliant local charity.
Cyclists can sign up online at www. tourdevale.com or by calling 01296 395995. More details at www.wendovernews.co.uk/ news/tour-de-vale-bike-ride
PRIX FIXE
Open Farm Sunday
Sun 8, 11am–4pm,
Buckmoorend Farm, Butlers Cross, HP17 0UT
Enjoy a fun family day and learn about everything that goes on behind the scenes.
Discover the world of animals, crops and machinery; taste delicious produce in the farm shop and kitchen; watch a butchery demonstration from the onsite butchers; take part in fun activities for young and old, and meet some amazing animals. See advert p.31. Details: www.buckmoorendfarm.co.uk
Politics Book Club
Mon 9, 7.30–9pm,
The Bull, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5UP
Two books to discuss at the next meeting: “The Twilight of Democracy” by Anne Applebaum and/or “How Migration Really works: A Factful Guide to the Most Divisive Issue in Politics” by Hein de Haas.
Go along for a lively group discussion on both of these topical issues.
Wills and Estate Planning Surgery
Tue 10, 12–2pm, Wendover Library
To book a slot phone: 01296 415700 or email: iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk
Board Game Café
Thu 12, 10, 2–4pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG
Enjoy a variety of games old and new or take your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all.
Father’s Day Remembrance
Sun 15, 10am–1pm, Hampden Chapel, Chilterns Crematorium, HP7 0ND
Informal commemorative event. Bereavement volunteers will be on hand and refreshments will be available.
Seeded paper will be offered to those who may wish to write a letter to their loved one, which can be taken home to plant or left to add to the wildflower garden.
Donations will be gratefully received for the charity “WAY” (Widowed & Young). Call 01494 724263 or email: chilternscrem.csb@ buckinghamshire.gov.uk.
Aylesbury Centre for the National Trust
Thu 19, 7.30 for 8pm, Broughton Junior School HP20 1NQ
Jill Eyers speaks on ‘Food Glorious Food’. Details from 07399 540626 or email aylesburycentrent@gmail.com or Facebook.
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 21, 2–4:30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF Daria Bilan – Ukrainian Embroidery. Email: aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com
Book Club
Sat 21, 10.30–11.30am, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG
No set books. Just go and hear what others have been reading and, if you wish, talk about something you’ve read – whether you loved it or not. It begins with coffee and sometimes cake! All welcome.
Wendover Horticultural Society
Tue 24
Coach trip to RHS at Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford. Different times in the year are chosen for visits to see the variety of the different seasons. Visitors welcome. Non-members welcome, contact Diane, on 07966 155755. Cost £36 coach only, free admission to the RHS garden as it is an affiliated society.
Compassionate Café, Great Missenden
Wed 25, 11.30am, Great Missenden Library, HP16 0AL
Each session is facilitated by trained volunteers who ensure the café offers a welcoming space for people to come together for emotional support.
Details at: www.bit.ly/3Zqn5RH
Nights at Bel & The Dragon 9 High Street, HP22 6DU
Thu 26 - Comedy Night. Fri 27 - Quiz Night
Tue 29 July Shakespeare in the Garden. See advert p.4 or website: www.belandthedragon.co.uk/wendover
The Arts Society Ballinger Thu 26, 7.30 for 8pm, Ballinger Memorial Hall HP16 9LQ “Magic in Byzantium: In Search of the Miraculous.” Artist, iconographer and art historian Helen Dejean lifts the lid on the surprising world of spells, amulets, charms and miraculous objects which operated throughout the diverse regions of the vast Byzantine commonwealth.
For more details email: ballinger@theartssociety.org.
Weston Turville Historical Society Fri, 27, 7.30 for 8pm, Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW Title: “Grave Robbers.” Steve Bacon, historian and former primary school teacher, delves into the notorious profession of resurrectionists. Through the compelling character of Nehemiah Bacon, Steve reveals how grave robbing shaped the progress of medicine, navigated the law, and challenged public morality.
Entrance £2 members, £3 visitors.
WENDOVER
It’s getting to that time of year when we let our great team of volunteers take some time off and (hopefully) enjoy some summer sun after working hard on creating the bumper Summer July/August issue of Wendover News
This means there will be no separate August issue so the next deadline for news, events and advertising dates is 17 June 2025.
Normal service returns in August for the September issue.
Wendover News Summer production dates. To ensure we have enough space, email newsdesk @wendovernews.org or advertising @wendovernews.org to let us know as early as possible.
Issue deadline (18:00) Summer 2025 17 June September 2025 12 August Then:
WOULD YOU (OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW) LIKE TO JOIN US..?
We are looking for someone adept at helping with a variety of our administrative tasks across both offices, part/flexi or full-time considered: if that might be you, then please send your CV and a covering note to elaine@stuartfantham.co.uk
12 High Street, Wendover HP22 6EA Telephone: 01296 620300 Email: legal@stuartfantham.co.uk
Local News
SMPC win High Court challenge over BCC planning proposal Stoke Mandeville Parish Council (SMPC) has successfully challenged Buckinghamshire Council's decision to grant itself planning permission for 100 residential units on the former Bucks CC Sports and Social Club site on the Lower Stoke Road in Stoke Mandeville.
In a judgment handed down on Friday last week at the High Court, Mrs Justice Lieven ruled in favour of SMPC on two of the three grounds put forward, finding that Buckinghamshire Council had misinterpreted key planning policies and failed to properly consider the parish council's formal bid to purchase and restore the site for community sports use.
The ruling means the planning permission has been quashed, and Buckinghamshire Council must reconsider the application.
Following a lengthy campaign, in partnership with a local community group, SMPC had submitted a formal offer in February 2024 to purchase the site, along with detailed plans to refurbish it as a community sports facility, backed by secured funding. However, this bid had nor been properly presented to Bucks Council's Strategic Sites
Committee when it made its decision.
The Judge found the Council officers had “materially misled” the committee members that SMPC’s bid was "irrelevant" to the planning decision, when in fact it was directly relevant to planning policies protecting community assets.
Councillor Gaurav Shrivastava, who led on the SMPC’s challenge, told Wendover News: "This judgment vindicates our position that this valuable community asset should not be lost to housing development without proper consideration of viable alternatives.
“We remain committed to preserving this important space for sports and recreation
use for the community. The site has been registered as an asset of community value since August 2020, and we will continue to pursue our bid to purchase and restore the facility.”
This story broke as Wendover News went to press. Bucks Council was approached for comment but felt unable to do so in the time available.
Wendover locals call for slower traffic, greener streets and sensible parking fees
A recent survey of Wendover Society members asked their views on local issues, including: whether to impose a 20mph speed limit for the High Street and maybe other streets; the need for a second pedestrian crossing at the top of the High Street; the change in rates for the Library Car Park; the condition/décor of buildings in the centre; bins being left out on non-bin collection days; the adequacy of street benches; and whether there should be more trees, hedges and planters?
While this was a somewhat self-selecting group with only 39 responses, the answers were revealing.
Photo: Google Maps
Many supported introducing a 20 mph speed limit on the High Street to improve pedestrian safety and reduce pollution. However, others were sceptical about its enforceability and potential impact on traffic and local businesses. There was support for 20mph limits in other streets, with Wharf Road, Manor Road and Aylesbury Road frequently mentioned, especially near schools and denser residential areas.
Respondents supported a second pedestrian crossing at the top of the High Street to improve safety, in a busy and potentially hazardous stretch.
There was strong opposition to the revised parking charges imposed in early 2024 by Bucks Council at the Library Car Park, with fears it is harming local businesses and discouraging use of the library. A widely-supported compromise was reinstating the original free first hour of parking, to balance access with the need to deter long-stay use.
Respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the poor condition of buildings in the town centre, calling for improved maintenance and stricter enforcement on landlords to enhance the area’s visual appeal. Concerns were also raised about bins being left out on non-collection days, creating visual clutter and obstructing pavements and clearer rules and enforcement were suggested. There was general support for more street
benches, especially near the Manor Waste, along the High Street, and key public areas. Similarly, residents backed adding more trees, hedges, and planters to green and beautify the town, with proper upkeep considered essential.
“Any other suggestions?” included calls to improve footpaths, signage, and amenities around locations like Manor Waste, the station, and the canal path, alongside broader ideas such as supporting local businesses and potentially establishing a Wendover Museum.
“Overall, the feedback emphasises a desire for a more accessible, vibrant, and well-maintained village for residents of all ages,” says Ron Peterson, chair of the Wendover Society.
Ashbrook Park is playful again
Work started on replacing the playground equipment at the Ashbrook Playpark off on 15 May. It wasn’t completed as Wendover News went to press, but Wendover Parish Council posted an image of the planned changes online (see above). The previous equipment was popular but removed following outside safety advice.
At the end of May, there will also be an installation of a slide in Hampden Meadow to replace the one that was removed.
Work on the new skatepark in Ashbrook Park is also due to start soon, at which point
the wide gates onto Aylesbury Road will be left open to allow constructors’ access. Park users are warned to ensure small children and dogs are kept safely out of the way.
Best Kept Village award entry
Once again Wendover has been entered by the Parish Council into the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village 2025. Judging takes place on one day between 1 June to 14 July, so hopefully whichever it is, will be a sunny one.
Wendover previously won the “Best Kept (Small) Town” award in 2023, and “Best Kept Village” in 2018, triggering social media disputes on whether it’s a town or a village! The council says, “Whether it’s tidying your front garden, picking up litter, or simply keeping an eye out for areas that need attention, every bit helps. You can even borrow litter pickers from the Clock Tower
LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICES
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.
Boiler Blokes
if you'd like to help with a local tidy-up.”
WPC also welcomes’ residents’ ideas and can be emailed here: estates@wendover-pc. gov.uk. More details including a link to the judges’ marking criteria on the WPC website here: www.bit.ly/4drd5gb. These include floral displays; shops and pubs; general environment such as hedges, verges and ditches; public spaces such as playing fields, outdoor recreation areas; graveyards; bus stops, notice and information boards, community facilities such as village and church halls; and finally community engagement including website and magazines (that’s us at Wendover News!).
Stoke Mandeville’s solar-powered parish council
Just in time for the recent bout of spring sunshine, Stoke Mandeville Parish Council has completed the installation of solar panels on their community centre.
Over 100 of the panels were fitted ‘in-roof,’ using specially-designed trays which replace the actual roof tiles, meaning the panels are visually less intrusive than those mounted onto rails and, in addition, means that the usual bird-proofing mesh is not required to stops our feathered friends trying to nest underneath.
Parish council chair Kirsty Shanahan, told Wendover News “We have been waiting to
install the system since the end of last year, but due to the number of bookings for the community centre, we had to wait until the school Easter holidays for free time, and better weather, for our contractors to install the panels and the rest of the system.”
“Our energy bills – like many PCs running community centres – run into thousands of pounds a year, and as well as reducing our overheads, it is also reducing our carbon footprint. In addition, we are also looking to sell any extra energy generated from the panels to feed into the National Grid, increasing the use of renewable energy.”
The system, which also includes battery storage for evening usage or days when the sun isn’t shining, was fitted by local solar contractor KimbleTech, following a tender process. The costs were funded by the s.106 scheme, administered by Buckinghamshire County Council, where contributions from
housing developers are re-distributed to qualifying community projects, investments or initiatives.
So far the sunshine has helped the system generate around one Megawatt of energy every week since installation.
Lionel Abel-Smith Trust Annual Meeting
Sheila Bulpett, trustee, writes: on 30 April the Lionel Abel-Smith Trust (LAST) held its Annual Meeting, where trustees said thanks to Dr. Gwen Williams for her chairmanship for the past six years. Gwen is staying on as vice-chair. Robert Duggan has now taken over as chair and we wish him every success.
The Trustees also thanked Wendy Gray for her sterling efforts as a Foundation Trustee for the past 16 years. As one Trustee retired, we welcomed a new Foundation Trustee, David Walls, and we look forward to working with him.
Hannah Raynor was the guest speaker at the Annual Lunch. Hannah is a young lady with great ambitions in the field of wheelchair dance. The Trust supported her endeavours by funding a special wheelchair in August 2022 and Hannah outlined what an immense difference this has made to her life. She has appeared in films, the blockbuster ‘Wicked’, and appeared on Strictly and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
Photo: KimbleTech
2 3 R D - 2 7 T H J U N E
A
: P R A Y E R T U E S D A Y : O U R L A D Y
W E D N E S D A Y : R E C O N C I L I A T I O N
H U R S D A Y : H E A L I N G A
W H A T I S A P A R I S H M I S S I O N ?
A Parish Mission is an intense time of renewal in the life of a Catholic Parish They only happen every few decades, and are a chance to look afresh at our faith and how we live out our Christian lives.
They are characterised by having visiting priests preach about different aspects of the Christian faith It’s a time to be challenged and to ask the tough questions about life, what it means to be human, our relationship with others, and especially our friendship with God.
The visiting priests are always available for the Sacrament of Confession, particularly if someone has been away for decades. Often people who might have stopped practising their faith for whatever reason take the opportunity of a mission to come back to church.
In the beautiful gardens and countryside around Wendover we’re seeing the arrival of summer Just as we notice the changing seasons around us, so our faith lives can have different seasons. Sometimes everything is sunny and going well, and at other times we might feel like we’re in a gloomy autumn, or a chilly winter If your faith life is in a difficult patch, then the mission might be for you as well
Wherever you are in your journey of Faith, you’d be warmly welcome at St Anne’s Church for the Mission Services and events.
2025 WENDOVER MUSIC
Sunday
at 3.00pm St Mary’s Church, Wendover
A major fire extensively damaged a house at 126 Aylesbury Road on 28 April. Bucks Radio quoted the Fire Service as saying nobody was badly hurt although one person was treated in hospital for minor burns. The adjoining semi was also damaged.
Training is for life, not just for puppies
Charity founder honoured again
Local resident
Anthony Martin CBE has been recognised again for his work to improve animal welfare and reduce suffering in the UK and around the world. In April 2025 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education by the University of Buckingham, for his major contribution in this field. The chancellor, Dame Mary Archer, conferred the award.
He set up the Anthony V Martin Charitable Foundation solely with his own funds. This is dedicated to improving animal welfare around the world, with both practical projects on the ground and in campaigning.
Anthony was Wendover News ’ Local Face in April 2023: www.wendovernews.co.uk/news/ local-face-anthony-martin-cbe
Honorary OU Doctorate awarded to astronomy charity founder Ross Hockham, founder of local charity UK Astronomy, was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from The Open University, recognising his outstanding contribution to public science engagement and education.
Health Centre parking changes start on 4 June and may mean fines Westongrove will begin its new cameramonitored parking scheme at Wendover Health Centre at midnight on 4 June.
As detailed in Wendover News last month, this is to prevent car parking spaces being taken by drivers who aren’t visiting the health centre. Anyone parking a vehicle is required to go into the centre and enter their registration number on a touch-screen inside. Failure to do so may result in a £100 fine (£60 if paid promptly) from the company Parkingeye, which is running the scheme.
In his speech of thanks he referred to his long years of international travels for his work in finance and recruitment, when he became aware of human and animal suffering and started working with charities to help them.
He said: “It was during those travels that I decided to support charities working to help people and animals but the idea was born much earlier when I moved, as a small child, during the Second World War to live on a farm in Essex and witnessed first-hand the destruction and horror of the bombs killing people and animals around me. The fragility of life during that time never left me and was the start of a lifelong wish to contribute positively to the world.”
At a graduation ceremony in Manchester, Ross stood alongside Open University graduates to receive the title. “I didn’t go there as a scientist, astrophysicist or academic,” he said.
“Just Ross, the guy who left school in 1999 with five Cs, hoping it might be enough to get into the fire service. To be recognised by a place like The Open University, which shares the same values I live by, is something I’ll never forget.”
When the centre is closed, from 7:30am Saturday to 7:30am Monday, they have to pay on a smartphone app. The charge is £4 for all 48 hours, or £3 from 7:30am Saturday to 7:30am Sunday, or £1 from 7:30am Sunday to 7:30am Monday. However, weekday evening out-of-hours parking, including Fridays, isn’t allowed at all and will result in the fine.
Feedback from readers and on social media mostly welcomed the idea if it frees up spaces for legitimate visitors. However, there were serious concerns too.
Wendover News asked Sophie Ketley, the practice site manager, about some of these. One was whether there would be an exemption for the Wendover Community Car, which might have to wait for lengthy
periods if patients are in with a doctor. Ms Ketley said, “we have added the Wendover Community Car to our permit list, reflecting the work they do in supporting our patients to attend their appointments. There will be no requirement for their registration number to be entered into our parking tablets.”
This doesn’t apply to taxi drivers or friends and relations who are regularly dropping off or picking up. Ms Ketley said “The signage will be very clear as Parkingeye are members of the British Parking Association (BPA). The BPA has a code of practice which includes the requirement for clear signage.”
Finally, the St Anne’s Christian Centre site opposite had an informal agreement to share car parks when not needed. St Anne’s visitors could use the Health Centre as an overflow for Sunday services or Saturday events, while in weekdays St Anne’s is available as a free
overflow for health centre visitors (but not staff). Now St Anne’s visitors will have to pay at weekends.
Ms Ketley said that Westongrove has published a letter to residents explaining how it will work. This says that Westongrove asked Parkingeye if eveningonly permits could be issued to residents, but it would not do this. It also says that nobody gets in for free at weekends.
“We understand the disappointment that this may cause,” the letter concludes. “However, after years of ongoing difficulties, we have been left with no choice but to implement a structured car parking solution to ensure our patients can access timely and uninterrupted care.”
Simon Eccles
Real Magic Weekend III
Carl Gosling and Sophie Green, owners of Real Magic Books, are holding their third Real Magic Weekend from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June. Literary, musical, arts and crafts events will be held across Wendover.
Carl says “Join us for three days of music and talks, workshops and walks, drinking
and dancing. This is our biggest magic mini-festival yet!”
Events and participants include Mercury Music Prize nominated artist Gwenno; BBC News presenter Ros Atkins; author Joe Dunthorne; Lias Saoudi; The Boy Least Likely To; Stone Club; and Caught by the River. There will be art workshops, dancing in the pub, a magic walk, food market and more.
A limited amount of £50 all-weekend tickets are still available online or over the counter at Real Magic Books on the High Street. These will get you into every event, talk and gig (including sold-out The Boy Least Likely To). See: www.realmagicbooks. com/real-magic-weekend-iii
Veterans roar up Aston Hill for centenary celebration
Words and photos by Simon Eccles and Peter Larkham
Saturday 17 May saw the centenary commemoration of the last Aston Clinton Hillclimb in 1925. Some 87 vintage cars and motorcycles from all over the country gathered in Aston Clinton Park to take the short 2.5km journey to the start of Aston Hill, and up the hill itself.
A few of the cars had actually competed on the hill a century and more ago, and found it just as challenging now as then! One of the Bentleys was just too young, although it was exactly 100 years old on the very day!
At the top of the hill the old cars joined 447 classic cars that were gathered in a huge array in one of Hill Farm’s fields. Apart from these, there were 750 cars from the public.
The one-off event was hugely popular,
but numbers were hard to judge as the £10 tickets were sold per car not per person, but there were probably 3,000 to 4,000 people throughout the day.
The climb was the culmination of a four day event that included a parade of period vehicles in Aston Clinton Park. The Red Kite centre hosted an excellent exhibition of old photographs and material explaining the history of Aston Hill, unknown to many people in the local population.
The event had taken 15 months to organise, from an idea by the Aston Hill Classic Car & Coffee Collective club members. Aston Clinton School pupils got involved in preparing material for the exhibition, and the history became part of many projects. A fabulous large scale recreation of the hill built from papier mache at the school was a star of the exhibition!
The racing hillclimbs at Aston Hill ran from 1904 until 1925. There was a competition in February 1925 and another scheduled for 16 May, 1925, but this was cancelled after a crash at another venue and all racing on British public roads was ended.
A century on, the event was described as “fabulous” by many participants and spectators. The organisers say “It was a real community event, engaging local people, businesses and schools in understanding their local history. It was strongly supported by the Aston Clinton Parish Council throughout, which helped the organising team get it off the ground, together with primary sponsors Ecurie Bertelli and Immun Age. The local involvement had created a great welcoming and friendly atmosphere, a tribute to everyone involved.”
Will there be another one, maybe sooner than 2125? The organisers seem tempted!
Time to make Wendover smile again!
By Leigh Porter
Thanks to the donation of sunflower seeds by Edward Mogford of Bank Farm last year there were lots of packets sown and there were plenty of success stories. Sadly though, 2024’s awful wet spring brought out a plague of slugs and snails and there were endless stories of woe and enthusiasm waning as these hungry foes chomped their way through multiple repeat sowings.
But this year the endless rain has gone and we are blessed with amazing blue skies – and having to water our seedlings! What a difference a year makes.
The idea of bringing our community together with something positive and fun, ie sunflowers, has grown. ‘Make Wendover Smile’ was a message we could all embrace
and whether that involved growing sunflowers in your front garden or in a pot by the door it seemed something we were happy to do and it was a welcome distraction.
For those defeated by the slugs last year, knitting needles and crochet hooks came out to create woolly varieties of sunflowers. Paint pots, coloured pencils and even Lego created sunflowers too, so in the end, Wendover did smile.
The High Street in particular was vibrant with sunflowers, albeit on cakes, window decorations and other amazingly creative expressions, thanks this year, to a generous donation by EKFB to support this community campaign.
Right now is peak sowing time, getting your seeds in will see them emerging in double-quick time. That’s very satisfying for impatient young things and people like me who want to see results fast.
Wendover Smile front garden competition. If you don’t have green fingers at all you can still Make Wendover Smile by knitting, sewing, painting, drawing, cooking or getting creative with wood, metal, pebbles, beads or your camera and creating your own unique sunflower displays.
If the sun stays out and the slugs stay away, this could be our chance to really Make Wendover Smile, with towering sunflowers all over the town.
Wendover Parish Council is again entering the Best Kept Town award and, as part of that initiative, is considering a Make
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If you don’t live in Wendover, you are still welcome to take a packet of seeds, just as long as when they flower it reminds you to come back to Wendover for a visit and judge for yourself if we did indeed Make Wendover, and all its many visitors, Smile.
Please share details, pictures or stories of your own endeavours to Make Wendover Smile and thank you from us all at Wendover Parish Council. Contact me at: leigh.porter@ wendover-pc.gov.uk
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Wendover marked the week with cinema, songs, and community spirit
Words and pictures by Simon Eccles and Andy Smith
Wendover came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day—the end of the WWII in Europe—with a series of events organised by the Parish Council.
Five years ago the 75th anniversary was commemorated under Covid restrictions, with residents happily embracing sociallydistanced street parties after weeks of lockdown. While this year didn’t see many outdoor gatherings, flags fluttered from houses and shopfronts, adding a patriotic touch to the village in the lead-up to 8 May.
The celebrations began with a free evening cinema at the newly reopened library, showing wartime films, followed the next morning by a special children’s screening.
Sadly the hoped-for sighting of some of the aircraft returning from the flypast over Buckingham Palace and the Mall on Monday 5 June didn’t happen, disappointing people gathered on the roadsides near RAF Halton.
On the day itself, Thursday 8 May, Wendover joined the nationwide commemorations with a beacon lighting on Hampden Meadow. First there was a short open-air service led by ministers from St Mary's, St Anne's and Wendover Free Churches. After a community rendition of the national anthem, the Wendover Singers gave a medley of 1940s favourites. Councillor Stephen Worth lit the beacon.
The crowd included not just local residents but also representatives from the police, RAF Halton personnel and local MP Greg Smith.
The commemorations wrapped up on Sunday 11 May with a community day on the Manor Waste. Food stalls, music, and good cheer filled the air, with the 1940s swing band The Polka Dots bringing commemorations to a rousing close.
80 years on: commemorating
WPC posted the image at right on its Facebook page, showing Wendover School’s VE Day celebration in 1945, with the children in fancy dress.
WPC wrote:
“This is a picture of Wendover residents celebrating VE Day 80 years ago, thank you to the resident who sent this picture to us.”
A thank you to everyone who came and supported our VE day 80th Anniversary Events. We had a range of events each with different “tones,” so the community could remember and celebrate in their own ways.
We raised awareness in conjunction with the Library by putting on two special editions of their film club, with wartime-themed films for adults and children.
On 8 May, for the actual 80th anniversary evening, we commemorated by joining a network of communities all lighting a beacon/bonfire at 9:30pm and singing We vow To Thee Our Country.
Finally, we celebrated on Sunday 11 May with our community event on the Manor Waste. Community groups, market stalls and food traders gathered, and we were entertained with 40s/50s song and dance from The Polka Dots.
From the Clock Tower ‘Special’ Wendover Parish Council
commemorating VE Day
Activity-packed
commemorates VE80 in Stoke Mandeville
Words and pictures by Liz Tice, Jo Durden-Moore and Carol Jenkins
Stoke Mandeville Parish Council teamed up with community organisations to stage a variety of events over two days. It was a true community affair which saw residents of all ages come together to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought during World War Two to preserve the freedom we enjoy today. It was also an opportunity for locals to celebrate all that is great about living in Stoke Mandeville.
Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, saw a garden party and music from swing duet The D-Day Dollies at the Fremantle Care Home on Risborough Road, followed by a singalong led by Wendover Choral Society and a quiz at The Bull pub in the heart of the village. BBC Three Counties Radio broadcast live from Fremantle Court's garden party, interviewing residents who had lived through the war.
Thursday 8 May, the official 80th anniversary of VE Day, started at 9.00 am on the village green with the raising of the commemorative VE80 flag, watched by children from Stoke Mandeville combined school and members of the public.
St Mary's village church held an exhibition of loaned wartime items and photographs relating to the area. Local residents gave talks recounting their memories of relatives who had been involved in the war efforts.
The UK’s only surviving vintage mobile cinema (called Audrey) parked by The Bull to show Pathé short films of mid-20th century life in Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville. Sadly this was one of the vehicles destroyed a week later in the Bicester Motion fire, where three people tragically lost their lives.
Evening entertainment came from the Vintage Gramophone DJ, a community singalong with local entertainer Dan Blaze, followed by a 1940s-era performance by The Polka Dots trio.
The commemorations ended with the lighting of a ‘lamp of peace’ on the village green. Rev Keith Justice led the service, with an address by chair of Stoke Mandeville Parish Council, Kirsty Shanahan.
Carol Jenkins from Stoke Mandeville Parish Council, who led the organisation of the events, said: “When the war ended in 1945, people took to the streets and celebrated the advent of peace. The garden parties at Fremantle Court and The Bull pub were an attempt to recreate the elation and hope that must have been felt by ordinary people who had endured six years of war and hardship.
“Our VE80 programme was a real mix of respectful remembrance and jubilant celebration that saw everyone come together to mark this important anniversary.”
Blue Diamond begins rolling re-opening at Worlds End
By Simon Eccles
The revamped and revitalised garden centre at World’s End is opening in phases under the new ownership of the Blue Diamond chain, which is investing at least £2 million to make the site what it calls “an experience.”
Phase One, which opened on 1 May, introduces the outdoor plants and gardening section. It uses the original arched main entrance, now bearing the Blue Diamond name above, leading to a newly laid out selection of garden plants at the back.
In the covered areas are selections of gardening supplies, tools, furniture, bird feeders and other handy items and the original till area is currently still running in the shop area near the south exit.
Phase Two, opening in June, will include a new restaurant, food hall and part of the home department. Phase Three in July will re-open the main centre covered greenhouse area, which was being re-roofed during May. That doesn’t include the fashion section which is planned to be opening at the end of August or the beginning of September.
Blue Diamond is a Guernsey-based business that’s expanding throughout the UK, and currently operates around 50 garden centre sites. The centres seem popular with customers and have a high 4.7 (“excellent”) rating on Trustpilot from over 5,800 reviews.
Ryan Holyoake is the Worlds End garden centre manager, and he previously worked at the same site when it was owned by Dobbies until earlier this year. He grew up in the area. “I was here for the last 9/10 months of the Dobbies journey,” he says, “but worked in this site when it was Wyvale and have been a customer here my whole life!”
He says: “Blue Diamond have offered roles to the entire team that was here previously and we have all witnessed the breathtaking changes in our outdoor plants and gardening sections. Having visited many of our Blue
Diamond sites recently and familiarised myself with our experience and offering, I am genuinely excited for what is to come over the coming months, we will be unrecognisable. As a team we are so grateful that a business has invested so much into our site and are giving us the opportunity to make our customers happy again.”
Regular customers will be aware that the separately-owned businesses on the right hand (south) end of the site, the butcher Walter Smith, greengrocer The World’s Finest Fruits, aquarium supplies Maidenhead Aquatics and Clips dog grooming, all stayed open during the redevelopment work.
Danielle Brown, Blue Diamond’s group communications manager, says that the popular Pets Corner pet supplies shop had to close during the building work, but it will return to its original position in the central area when that re-opens.
However the Waitrose food shop has closed permanently and she says it will be replaced by Blue Diamond’s own Food Hall.
“There are no plans for additional concessions at the moment,” says Ms Brown. “However, we will be opening our own smaller café offering in the space previously occupied by Costa Coffee, alongside a main restaurant.”
Last year a number of charging points for electric vehicles were installed but never activated and so far they remain fenced
off. “The EV chargers are operated by a concession partner,” says Ms Brown. “They are currently awaiting approval to join the network, and we are actively working with them to resolve the issue.”
The Lindengate garden charity at the north end of the car park is unaffected by the Blue Diamond development, though it has its own big news (see front cover ). “We strongly believe in supporting our local community and Lindengate will be our chosen charity partner for World’s End,” says Ms Brown.
Ryan Holyoake, garden centre manager
Wildbelt reserve will open to the public in June with launch events
Wendover WildBelt, a long-term biodiversity project on the edge of the town off London Road, is celebrating its fifth birthday, and on 26 June will welcome visitors for the first time, alongside a screening of the documentary film ‘Wilding’ at St Mary’s Church. A new “interpretation” information panel will be there, to explain the history of the site and the wildlife to look out for. It will also encourage local residents to engage and participate in caring for the site.
The WildBelt has access gates at its north and south ends on London Road. The north is more or less opposite Chapel Lane and is suitable for wheelchair access. The other end is nearly opposite the junction with Church Lane. There’s no on-site parking, but there’s parking on Church Lane or the Witchells car park. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on their leads, and please remember to clear up after them if needed!
The story began in 2020 when Climate Action Wendover (CLAW) was invited by the Parish Council to adopt the 3,600m2 (1/3 hectare) London Road site, vacated by the old skate park. At that time, it was something of a desert of tarmac and grass, sandwiched uncomfortably between London Road and the railway and bypass. But CLAW saw the possibility of a Community Garden and designed a space featuring a diverse mix of fruit, nut and flowering trees and shrubs, extensive hedging and a wildflower meadow.
From 2022 CLAW partnered with the Chilterns Society through their Community WildBelt Project, whose aim was to create a network or “wildbelt” of nature spaces across the Wendover area to help nature thrive. With their pools of skilled volunteers and tools, and under the supervision of WildBelt manager Amanda Barnicoat, they were able to create this wildlife haven.
The volunteers (seen above) scythed the grass and scarified the ground in preparation for wildflower seeding. Hundreds of hedging
plants, donated by the Woodland Trust, were planted and tarmac covered with wood chippings donated by a local tree surgeon.
With further support from the Wendover and Villages Community Board and Wendover Parish Council, CLAW has added a rainwater harvesting tank for future watering in dry summers, additional gap-filling planting of saplings from the Woodland Trust and a wheelchair-accessible gate.
In total, CLAW received £1,724.90 for the rainwater harvesting tanks and £1,048.10 for the accessibility gates from the Wendover and Villages Community Board. It also received £500 from the Chiltern Society Small Grants Fund (which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Rothschild Foundation) and £949.49 from Wendover Parish Council.
This hard work has already paid off with increased biodiversity, including pollination shrubs and wildflowers, with a notable area of yellow rattle in June, abundant insect life, birds and resident toads. The WildBelt now provides an important restoration site, close to the centre of Wendover and easily accessible to all ages.
CLAW will be hosting a Wendover WildBelt Walkabout at 7pm on 26 June, when the site will be in all its summer glory! This will be followed by a screening of the documentary film ‘Wilding’ in nearby St Mary’s Church at 8pm. The film tells the successful story of the wilding of the Knepp Estate in Sussex and will be followed by a Q&A with WildBelt project manager Amanda Barnicoat.
To register for this event click on the QR code below, or go to www.bit.ly/3FjnRZ5
Local cheerleaders win US competion
By Leigh Porter
Behind the scenes we have some amazingly talented local youngsters but it was nevertheless surprising to hear that four young Wendover girls from Aylesbury Cheerleading Academy had returned home as the winners of the prestigious Grand Nationals cheerleading competition in Orlando, Florida, USA. Libby Hawthorne (16), Emily Heaton (15), Hannah Jaggers (13) and Eva Sturgeon (13) should be proud of their achievement. Entry to the Grand Nationals is through qualification only, having to place top in their division at a major international competition. This is no small feat, and highlights the dedication and hard work of the girls and their teams at this level.
If, like me, your idea of cheerleading involves pom-poms and leg kicking then I have news for you. Watching a video of their performance I described it as “street dancing for athletes” and the girls laughed. This is seriously athletic, so it’s no surprise to hear that it may soon become an Olympic sport.
There were 157 teams attending the Grand Nationals and for two teams from “little old England” to walk away with two first place positions, in a sport that’s nowhere near mainstream in this country, was outstanding. It will no doubt encourage other local girls who fancy a challenge in an activity where, it can be argued, we help set world standards.
Although winners’ medals and rings are important mementos, it was no surprise that the girls were quoting their achievement as something they would never forget and an “experience of a lifetime”. I’m sure with all their enthusiasm it is likely to be the first of many accolades and I hope we will hear more from them in the future.
Proud mums, Stacey and Pauline, accompanied the teams on the trip and were clearly overwhelmed at how well the girls had done. I think residents can add our own congratulations and thanks too for the support given by the Lionel Abel-Smith Trust.
There may not be an open-topped bus or ticker-tape parade through Wendover this year, but watch this space!
To find out more about cheerleading see www.aylesburycheerleadingacademy.co.uk/ about-us
Local Voices: Roisin Stewart, Wendover Community Car
Frances Tipper writes: Last summer Roisin Stewart saw an appeal for Wendover Community Car drivers in the Wendover News and decided to become a volunteer driver. The Wendover Community Car is the large, bright green minibus that you will see most days in and around Wendover. It has been providing door-to-door transport for residents of Wendover and surrounding villages since 1996.
Without the Community Car, Roisin says she knows how isolated her passengers would feel: “A small number of my hours a week to support these lovely people is my absolute pleasure!” Roisin took on the role as secretary for the Community Car
last December to help the small team that runs the charity, headed by acting chair Roy Coates.
According to Roisin, “We take care of our wonderful passengers and our super drivers, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years. We are always looking for more volunteers so if you have a clean, driving licence and a couple of hours to spare in the week, please contact us and come and join the team. We will organise everything else for you; training, insurance, DBS and any support you need. If you’re like me, you’ll look forward to seeing your regular passengers every week.
“The next year is going to be challenging for Community Car. We need to replace our minivan within the next two years, so we will be fundraising with help from the Parish Council and Lionel Abel-Smith Trust.”
When not driving the Community Car, Roisin is a full-time volunteer dog trainer for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and has trained 10 smart and eager hearing dogs who went on to give life changing assistance to their deaf partners. The beautiful Rose, a 10-month old red miniature poodle ( pictured above with Roisin) is her latest pup in training.
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 Telephone 01296 622001 email: suerozelle@gmail.com www.rozelleschoolofdancing.co.uk
Roisin lives in Aston Clinton and for many years represented her community on Aston Clinton Parish Council. She also is part of the team that runs the Rhubarb Café every Monday afternoon (2pm–4pm) at St Michael's Church, Aston Clinton. This is a warm, open and friendly place for locals to gather, have a cup of tea or coffee and sample fabulous homemade cakes.
If you’d like to become a volunteer with Wendover Community Car, or just to find out more, email an enquiry to: admin@ wendovercommunitycar.org; or phone 01296 317769. Also see the website: www.wendovercommunitycar.org for details of becoming a volunteer, or indeed becoming a passenger!
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WENDOVER MOTOR SPARES RED ROSE GARAGE
Easter weekend Pub Trail winners toast to their luck
By Leigh Porter
The long Easter weekend saw another rollout for the Wendover Pub Trail, organised once again by parish councillor Leigh Porter. The idea was to get people out and supporting as many of Wendover’s seven pubs as possible over the four days. Customers were handed cards that would be stamped in each pub they visited, and completed cards went into a prize draw at the end.
Completed Pub Trail cards were still being handed in long after the draw by those who were having such a good time that they 'forgot' to leave them in the last pub visited. Altogether, there was grand total of 335 completed cards collected (a big increase on just over 200 last Easter). “Who knows how many more incomplete cards there are in handbags and coat pockets, but it was an amazing total and an indication of the growing popularity of our new community event,” says Leigh.
The three lucky winners were picked out at The Craftyard. Certificates entitling them to a free drink a month in each of the seven pubs for the next three months were presented at the King and Queen. No wonder there are wide smiles from Dave, Scott and Charlie in the photos.
“Wendover clearly knows how to have to have a good time and no doubt there are many stories still circulating about the goings on over Easter and there is nothing quite like a bit of pub gossip,” says Leigh.
Inspired by the success, The Craftyard is holding its own beer and music festival, YardFest, 19 July on Hampton Meadow to add to all the other pub events being held around Wendover.
The next Wendover Pub Trail will be over the August Bank Holiday (23-25) so make a note to pick up your card in good time.
“We hope even more will want to join in with the members of Wendover’s cricket, football and rugby club, netball team, darts teams, neighbours, friends and families and many more, not forgetting the illustrious ladies from the Wendover WI,” says Leigh.
“Some of my favourite comments were: ‘no one seemed to be on their phone;’ ‘it was lovely to see groups of strangers of differing ages have a good chat together;’ ‘it was nice to see so many young people;’ ‘can’t believe we’ve met so many people;’ and my favourite ‘The Swan was so packed we couldn’t get in the door so had to come back later.’
Leigh concludes: “Thank you to all who joined in, whether you made the whole pub trail or just part. It was your effort that is applauded and made the whole event such a success both for our precious businesses and for our own wellbeing. We were reminded of how much fun it is to get out as a community so let’s not stop. Cheers to the next time!”
Culture, Performing and Visual Arts
Compiled by Jo Durden-Moore
A lot is happening locally that deserves recognition and praise, reflecting the level of creativity and talent in our area. Here is a recent round-up.
The Sing Out Choir joined Aled Jones at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for one night in early May, where he shared his personal story since he found fame as a boy tenor. Over 50 singers from the Sing Out Choir, joined him on stage to sing at the end of his show, and 80 singers gave a mini concert in the foyer for audiences as they walked into the theatre. More money was raised for local mental health charities, continuing from the Sing Out For Mental Health inaugural concert in April. Totals will be announced next month and awarded to the charities MIND, Lindengate and SPACE.
Wendover Choral Society led a singalong of popular 1940s songs as part of a garden party on 5 May, organised by Stoke Mandeville Parish Council in partnership with The Bull pub to celebrate VE80 (see pages 16-17 ), which was, in turn, part of a packed programme of events over two days.
Kenton Bridgen led the singalong and really encouraged audience participation. The singers sang a medley of popular wartime hits that included: Roll out the Barrel, Any Old Iron, Lambeth Walk and
Organiser
Carol Jenkins said: ‘It was such an uplifting and positive event that saw residents come together to celebrate the elation that must have been felt by ordinary people when it was announced that World War Two had officially ended 80 years ago. The performance really inspired and encouraged residents to join in with the singing and celebrate this special day.’
The Choral Society also performed a concert on 17 May at St Mary’s Wendover, of Fauré’s Messe de Requiem and Poulenc’s Gloria, with organist Colin Spinks and Soprano Alison Langer.
The award-winning show which no-one had heard of, The Drowsy Chaperone, was finally put on the map at the DEMBE Theatre, Tring. It played for six performances to sell-out audiences, received standing ovations and rave reviews. The cast and crew even received a surprise visit from the President of NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) for their final performance. NODA has a membership of over 2,500 amateur theatre groups and 1,000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, who stage musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a variety of performing venues, ranging from the country's leading professional theatres to tiny village halls.
The National President Graham Liverton, said “Vale Musical Society presented a stunning production of The Drowsy Chaperone with great singing, acting and choreography, a joy to witness.”
The Society’s next show, also at the DEMBE Theatre, will be the world-premiere of Gary Wilmott’s new musical about the search for a new Father Christmas.
Children Are The Future Concert
Saturday 14 June, at St Mary’s Church, Wendover, will host the popular Chiltern Concert Band, with special guest soprano Jill Neenan offering an uplifting and celebratory concert in honour of our local children.
The performance is in aid of Wendover Singers Children’s Choir and Lindengate’s Youth Wellbeing Programmes. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketlab or from the JUST shop in Wendover High Street, at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. See: www. chilternconcertband.net
High School Musical for juniors
Halton-based children’s performing arts club, Dramarama, is now offering local children a complete ‘West End Experience’ and chance to be in the High School Musical Jr. Dramarama provides supportive, inclusive performance opportunities for all. This year director Danielle Gaglione has enlisted the help of West End pros for an even more special experience. Rehearsing at Wendover Memorial Hall, the children will go on to perform in the 500-seat Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted. See: www.dramaramaclubs.uk
Sing with the professionals
Wendover Choral Society is hosting a three week singing workshop programme with the renowned soprano Sian Dicker. It will take place in St Mary's Church Wendover on
Run Rabbit Run.
cllr
The cast of The Drowsy Chaperone
Photo: NODA
Photo: Ian Tilley
5, 12, 19 June, from 8-10pm. Price for the series is £30. The workshops are open to all who love singing – no experience necessary. Details from www.wendoverchoral.co.uk.
Let us know if there is anything coming up in the performing arts in Wendover and the adjacent towns and villages at editor@ wendovernews.com
Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Wendover for rehearsals
This much-loved musical, to be staged by Berkhamsted Theatre Company (BTC) has started rehearsals at Wendover’s Memorial Hall. Auditions were very popular with well over 100 professional and semi-professionals seeking a role. This provides an rare opportunity to extend the performance not only to those cast in the show, dancing and singing (34 in total), but to people who simply love to sing. So a 58-strong choral ensemble will join the cast on stage to perform the iconic songs, fun melodies and intricate harmonies from the cult 1970’s rock opera.
The cast now comprises 92 members – the majority from Wendover and surrounding villages. Members from Wendover Singers and the Sing Out Choir have been cast in the choral ensemble, with lead roles cast from young and older local actors. Including the production more than 100 people will be involved for each performance.
BTC is using Wendover for rehearsals, plus some other venues locally as such a huge cast requires large rehearsal spaces.
Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals are famously guarded, with performing rights rarely granted, especially to amateur dramatic associations. BTC has been trying to secure permission for some years but last year these were granted.
David Rhys, the BTC artistic director, will direct and choreograph the show. He told us: “We are thrilled to bring this classic to the stage, it’s a huge honour and responsibility. It’s going to be very exciting for everyone involved given the scale and ambition we have for this production, bringing one of the greatest stories ever told to our local area”
The show will be staged at the Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted on 21-25 October. Tickets are already on sale. See: www. berkhamstedtheatre.co.uk
Wendover Arts Festival provides a new visual arts impetus for the Chilterns
Kelvin Campbell quotes “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”which was attributed to Pablo Picasso.
This article goes to print as the Wendover Arts Festival is underway. In the words of its organiser, Deborah Hale, “We are trying to break down barriers to reconnect people with art, culture and creativity. We stand up for people who are underrepresented in the arts. We see talent where it has been overlooked and undervalued. Anywhere can be your studio, your gallery, your stage. At Wendover Arts Festival we believe you are the artist.”
There is a growing demand for Wendover to offer more than just shopping. Our town needs multi-use spaces that attract visitors for more than one reason.
Wendover’s creative town approach will encourage creativity to thrive throughout, creating a place where everyone can have opportunities to make and experience art in all of its forms: music, dance, sculpture or any other creative activity.
We want to stimulate creativity amongst our residents and open more doors to creative opportunities.
Wendover Arts Festival has encouraged
different communities and organisations to create more opportunities for creatives to meet and work professionally or informally, sharing their projects and ideas with local people.
This brings people together, creating a unique and vibrant environment, and attract visitors and investment, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents whilst also boosting the economic growth.
As Deborah says, “The arts, in all their forms, bring culture and depth and sense of place, they make a place stimulating, exciting, educational, enjoyable and a place where people want to live, work and to visit. Without that input, businesses struggle to attract staff, skills and the long-term view is that creates an environment where people want to develop their careers and build a home for extended families.”
Celebrating 40 years of Creativity: Bucks Art Weeks return in June
Sarah Cripps writes: Shortly after the Wendover Arts Festival, Bucks Art Weeks –the county’s largest celebration of visual arts and crafts – returns this June with a vibrant programme that opens the doors of studios and galleries across Buckinghamshire.
From painters and photographers to ceramicists, textile artists, and sculptors, the event offers a rare glimpse into the creative processes of hundreds of artists working across the region.
Running from June 7 to 22, this annual open studios event is free to visit and provides a rare opportunity to explore art in a more intimate setting.
Whether nestled in picturesque villages or tucked behind busy high streets, these venues invite the public to meet the makers, ask questions, and maybe purchase original artwork and gifts directly from the source.
What makes Bucks Art Weeks special is its community feel. Rather than confining itself to galleries, it spills into local life – artists open up barns, conservatories, and garden studios, often offering refreshments and demonstrations. Some even run drop-in
Rehearsals start for Jesus Christ Superstar Photo: David Rhys
workshops, making this an ideal day out for families and aspiring creatives alike.
Now celebrating its 40th year, Bucks Art Weeks is organised by Visual Images Group, a volunteer-led collective of artists who are passionate about supporting and showcasing the county’s creative talent.
The event spans the entire county, from Olney to Burnham, and includes both established professionals and up-and-coming artists. In Wendover, six artists will be exhibiting alongside many more in the surrounding area.
Prospective visitors can browse the full programme online at www.bucksartweeks. org.uk, where they’ll find an interactive map, artist profiles and themed trails to help plan your visits.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, looking to start your own art collection, or just simply want to enjoy a cultural day out, this year’s Bucks Art Weeks are a celebration not to be missed.
Bucks Art Weeks at Obsidian Art and The Buckinghamshire Craft Guild, Stoke Mandeville
There’s a wealth of artistic talent on show this June in Stoke Mandeville as part of this year’s Bucks Art Weeks.
Bucks Art Weeks brings together the work of hundreds of contemporary artists and makers around Buckinghamshire. Each year in June, pop-up exhibitions appear in working studios, galleries, and other venues.
Every type of work is on show – sculpture, glass, jewelry, painting, wirework, woodwork, photography, textiles, and more – for visitors to view, purchase or commission. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet makers and artists!
Taking part in Stoke Mandeville are the two permanent art galleries, Obsidian Art and The Buckinghamshire Craft Guild; both are based at Layby Farm, HP22 5XJ (follow the signs on Risborough Road to The Bucks Goat Centre).
Obsidian Art gallery displays selected art and designer craft by UK-based artists and makers all year round in exciting and varied exhibitions.
This year for Bucks Art Weeks in June, Obsidian Art is showcasing the work of six talented local artists and makers in the gallery and also in the pop-up space next to the café.
Exhibiting artists are: Clare Tebboth (watercolour paintings inspired by nature), Heidi Fenn (contemporary jewelry and felt art), Helen Boden (original printmaking), Kelly Vincent (ocean waves on solid wood and resin and wood homewares), Melanie Cairns (pen and ink cat, dog and animal portraits), Sophie Court (laser-cut jewelry, greetings cards & assemblages).
Next door is The Buckinghamshire Craft Guild, which was set up to promote the best in designer and applied contemporary crafts in Buckinghamshire.
The gallery provides an all-year-round showcase with the opportunity to meet the makers, see demonstrations and learn about the processes involved and the creative journeys taken.
The Guild is showcasing work by its 32 makers during Bucks Art Weeks.
The galleries are open daily from 10am to 4pm during the Bucks Art Weeks fortnight, 14 to 22 June. Both are free to visit and all work is for sale. Refreshments available from the on-site café.
This year Obsidian Art is also organising an Art Trail in Swanbourne, north Bucks: see the gallery’s website (below) for more details and to view the Swanbourne Art Trail.
“We are thrilled to be part of Bucks Art Weeks once again. This event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of local artists and makers.” said Trisha Woodcock, gallery director for Obsidian Art and The Buckinghamshire Craft Guild.
“We invite everyone to come and experience the diverse range of art and crafts on display,”
For more details on what is happening see the advert on p.6 or visit the Obsidian Art website: www.obsidianart.co.uk
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Clare Tebboth painting at Obsidian Art with other artist’s work on display in the background.
HS2 update
Leather Lane Bridge victory
Local residents have persuaded HS2 to change its plans for the bridge that will take Leather Lane over the railway tracks. It will now be a 25-metre wide green bridge (rather than a simple bridge or tunnel), planted to maintain essential wildlife corridors. This will be only green crossing of its kind planned for the Chilterns National Landscape.
This is a major success for the Leather Lane Conservation Group (LLCG), following what it describes as “four years of dedicated collaboration and advocacy.” This will be a significant achievement in the preservation of Leather Lane’s unique landscape and biodiversity, it says.
Carol-Anne O’Callaghan, who founded the group, says “In late 2023, Align took over as the principal HS2 contractor for Leather Lane, marking a new chapter in constructive engagement. Thanks to the sustained efforts of LLCG, a complete redesign of the original plans has now been secured, ensuring protection not only for the critical bat flightpath but for the wider ecosystem and local landscape.”
In its Schedule 17 planning application to Buckinghamshire Council, Align wrote: “Working collaboratively with the local action group the LLCG, we set about meeting and reviewing the existing approved designs to ensure that local concerns regarding environmental mitigations, and potential loss of ‘Ilona’ an iconic lone oak.”
A Redesign Driven by Conservation LLCG was able to demonstrate that the
original plans would have been unlawful in light of the bat activity data. Due to LLCG’s work, HS2 and Align accepted the need for a fundamental redesign of the Leather Lane overbridge crossing HS2’s track.
The design now submitted for approval by Bucks Council now includes the 25m wide green bridge, with a lower road alignment to reduce visual and environmental impact on residents and the landscape.
In addition, a transformer power station will now be located at the trackside, avoiding the skyline placement originally proposed, which would have created long-term maintenance challenges and visual intrusion.
Improved landscaping at Hammonds Hall Farm, with sound barriers moved down to the track line, will also help to protect both the landscape and local tranquillity.
Design modifications and other measures will allow the preservation of Ilona, along with other mature oaks and the ancient hedgerow stretching from Ilona to Potter
Wendover Green Tunnel and the Chiltern aquifer
Significant progress has been made with installation of the concrete “McDonald’s” twin arch shell for the middle section of the Green Tunnel during May. Excavation for the foundations of the southern section has now started at Bacombe Lane, and various preparations have been made for the deep cutting works through to Ellesborough Road. HS2 is now proceeding to excavate the northern section down to ground water level and beyond, at which point the temporary pipeline in the Dobbins Lane fields will finally come into operation. This conveys water from the workings to Wendover Brook and is being watched by the Environment Agency who want to see that enough water still flows
Row. Root protection zones established for the remaining veteran oaks, were also directly secured through LLCG’s advocacy. While the initial plans would have resulted in the loss of 100 trees (mostly oaks), only 16 oak trees will now be been lost.
Mitigation put in place during construction will create an artificial bat flightpath.
Commitment to long-term stewardship
Beyond influencing the construction phase, LLCG has taken steps to secure the long-term protection of Leather Lane’s biodiversity.
LLCG is registered as a charity, with the mission of establishing a conservation area to encompass the new and old lanes, the remaining trees, hedgerows, ponds, and surrounding habitats.
Donations to the registered charity (1212850) can be made through www. gofund.me/2f428a5f.
For more information, contact LLCG at leatherlanecg@gmail.com
to Wendover Brook and the Weston Turville Reservoir nature reserve as HS2 start digging into the aquifer. If anyone notices flooding or a sudden drop in the stream water flow around Cold Comfort Farm (as a result of the pipeline), please let us know.
Extensive computer modelling predicts that water will flow under the Green Tunnel to Wendover Brook and the Spring Chamber once the tunnel is built. The idea is that the depth of the chamber lowers the effective ground level at the point where the aquifer emerges as a spring near the Kings Farm Shop, which should result in more water flowing into Stoke Brook for more months of the year.
The chamber has an adjustable dam so that the amount of flow into Stoke Brook can be optimised in future. There will be permanent flow metering at the chamber and numerous other temporary monitoring points have already been established across the local area, so that the reality can be checked as the aquifer evolves over several years.
CGI render of proposed Green Bridge at Leather Lane. Image: Align/HS2.
Photo: Murray Cooke.
As we go to press there is no indication from HS2 about what it is going to do following Bucks Council refusing the “Spring Chamber” planning application (see Wendover News front cover story and inside, May 2025 ).
It could appeal the Council’s decision to the Planning Inspectorate; or alternatively support the community’s suggested alternative to redesign the scheme by removing the permanent track and to access the site from Nash Lee End.
This would stop the proposed use of South Street and Dobbins Lane with HGV trucks and other vehicles.
We think a redesign is in line with HS2’s declared “Good Neighbour” policy and we are working with both parish and county councillors and our MP to influence HS2’s next steps.
We will keep you informed with progress!
Leather Lane Green Overbridge
There is a precedent of the impact of local community pressure on HS2, as the design of Leather Lane has been changed (see previous page, 27 ).
This had been called for by residents in the Missenden area for several years, but progress was made following HS2’s decision to change the contractor for this section of the line from EKFB to the Align JV in 2023.
The new design (ref PL/25/1383/HS2) can be seen on the Chiltern and South Bucks planning portal (www.pa-csb. buckinghamshire.gov.uk/online-applications).
Small Dean Viaduct
In early May some motorists discovered that EKFB had decided to close the A413 at 8pm to enable concrete pouring works.
This is despite having trained local commuters using the A413 to expect weekday evening closures from 8:30 pm over recent months, and publishing the timing of the May works on both static yellow and dynamic electronic road signs.
EKFB’s response was that “It was crucial for us to utilise as much time as possible to ensure the completion of works” and it “understands that the early closure may have caused some inconvenience and apologise for this.” We don’t think this is “good neighbourly” behaviour.
Get in touch
If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas and suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, please get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org
We are always keen for new members. We are looking for volunteers to help us further with our public communications, challenging HS2 over noise issues and making sure we build up a decent case of returning land to its natural state and not being developed.
Having issues with HS2?
If you’re affected by 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 if needed.
Photo: Murray Cooke
HS2 wants to make this track a permanent road.
Information provided by EKFB, main contractor for HS2 at Wendover and Stoke Mandeville.
Small Dean Viaduct progress
Following the deck slide of the Small Dean Viaduct in February 2025, we have been steadily progressing with the next stages of construction. The deck has now been successfully lowered by 60cm onto its permanent bearings, and we have installed pre-cast concrete segments and undertaken concrete pours in-situ.
By the end of May, the concrete works directly above the Chiltern railway will be completed and will no longer require weekend possession of the railway. The next phase of construction will involve installing parapets on the viaduct deck and then we will be looking at the final alignment of the A413.
Carbon Heroes support
Outside of our construction sites, we’ve been supporting local sixth formers from John Colet and Waddesdon School who were involved in the Carbon Heroes (Green Behind the Scenes in Construction) initiative, a programme aimed at encouraging green skills and sustainability within the construction and civil engineering industries.
The students attended a Green Careers
Conference and were then paired with professional mentors to work on a project related to carbon reduction and sustainability. Over six weeks, they conducted research and prepared reports, participating in a “Dragons’ Den” pitch and Carbon Heroes exhibition.
The hard work was recognised at an awards ceremony, with awards distributed for best projects and pitches. This unique experience gave the students a taste of the industry setting and helped them develop crucial professional skills.
If you would like to read more about the works and view the advance works notices and maps, please go to www.hs2.org.uk and click the “In Your Area” section to view the interactive map.
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Small Dean Viaduct during deck lowering. Photo: HS2
John Colet’s Carbon Heroes. Photo: EKFB
Club Corner
150 not out at The Lee
This year’s cricket season marks the 150th anniversary of The Lee Cricket Club.
It was Arthur Lasenby Liberty, a sometime local resident and landowner, who instigated the first informal match when, on 2 May 1875, The Lee Common Amateur Cricket Club hosted and won a fixture against Prestwood on a local pasture.
That same year, Liberty opened his eponymous emporium in Regent Street, London. Although he had moved away from his birthplace in Chesham, he regularly came back “home” to visit his grandparents at Chartridge Farm at The Lee. As his store rapidly acquired a reputation with stylish London society and so bolstered his bank account, he began renting the Manor House in the Lee, eventually buying it in 1898.
Over the ensuing years, he extended the estate boundary, taking in numerous properties, and invested his new-found wealth in community recreational facilities such as the green and a football ground. The field where that first match was played became The Lee Cricket Club’s Manor Park.
Before the erection of a makeshift wooden hut at the ground, players changed into their cricket whites “al fresco,” but then moved to the former Guild Rooms by the village green as a base for refreshments and changing.
It wasn’t until 1974 that a proper pavilion was constructed by club artisans, and modernised in 2009 to provide the facilities that the club and visiting teams enjoy today. The is a key attraction for many opposition teams and supporters, and an “away match” at The Lee is a coveted fixture for players far and wide.
At the beginning of this anniversary year, the committee agreed a new lease with an extended footprint, securing the future of the Club and its facilities. The club has begun improvements to the pavilion this summer, updating the interior and exterior to ensure it is a welcoming environment for all members and visitors, whether they’re playing or not – and there is a new barbecue and coffee machine.
There will be four “commemorative fixtures, starting with the Chairman’s XI, captained by Patrick Walsh v the Sunday XI in May.
On Sunday 28 June the club is hosting the inaugural ‘Rick Brockett Cup’, against Ballinger Waggoners. This trophy honours the late Rick Brockett, a local resident who was involved with both clubs over the years.
On Sunday 27 July a team of ‘Lee Legends’ will return to Manor Park for a fixture against current players. Finally, Sunday 24 August will see an MCC XI visiting to play a
commemorative match to mark this historic year in the club’s history.
Wendover Cricket Club
Jonathon Seabrook writes: Wendover Cricket Club’s junior season is well under way, and we still have spaces in some age groups for new members, particularly in school Year 5 and in the girls section Years 5 to 8. We are always keen to hear from new volunteers to coach, umpire and score matches. Please contact Dave Smith at wccjuniorscontact@ gmail.com if interested.
In the seven senior matches played so far, five players have scored 50s – Nathaniel Clark (best with 83), Dave Cleary, Thomas Duff, James Harrington and Alex Stheeman, whilst six bowlers have taken four-wicket hauls –George Jackson (best with four for seven), Faisal Ibrahimi, Veerasingham Ketheswaran, Vrishab Khanna, Jefin Mukkolil and Jonathan Seabrook.
Bowls Club Corner
Don Knight writes: At last we have managed to try out our green after all the work lavished on it over the winter. It is bowling very well although it is a little heavy as the mower is set a couple of millimetres high so as to give the grass a chance to really establish itself. We mere “mower fodder” are not allowed to interfere with the settings of the cut but it is a splendid machine, which is more than can be said about the roller.
I regard the mower as a benign motorised Zimmer frame as I plod up and down the green but the roller is an impossible beast with a perverse mind of its own. For a start you travel sideways on it like a demented crab with the direction controlled by a foot
pedal and a handlebar. Everything is very heavy but I’m told it lightens up the faster you go. Being of a nervous disposition I leave it to other fearless members of the cutting team.
I really must mention our pre-season dinner. Over 50 members sat down to a truly excellent meal. Numbers were down a little as the date clashed with a music concert at the Waterside Theatre where they were singing… what a multi-talented bunch our membership is!
The season has got off to a reasonable start with a smattering of good wins and some defeats but we are still a bit rusty after playing indoors all winter. To add a bit of variety we decided to pay homage to our North Country brethren and have a Crown Green day. We couldn’t manage a “humped” green but did have teams bowling in whatever direction they fancied which caused a sort of controlled chaos. Northern dress was encouraged with flat caps and waistcoats much in evidence and a few of the ladies sporting head scarfs and curling rollers, I was disappointed there was not a single whippet, but I did spot a cockapoo.
The Lee CC players c.1914 outside the Guild Room in The Lee, which they used as a changing room before facilities were constructed at Manor Park. Photo courtesy of The Lee CC
150 years not out. Photo: The Lee CC
8th June 2025
TASTE
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The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the views of the editor. If you have a complaint or concern about content in Wendover News, please visit www.wendovernews.co.uk/complaints Postal address only – no visitors: 11
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Parish Council Awards
Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower
At our Annual Parish Meeting on 17 April we presented awards to members of the community, in recognition of their work. This year we had a lot of nominations and it has become increasingly difficult to pick one person for each award. We have an independent panel of previous years’ winners, local business owners and Parish Councillors and we thank them for their endeavours each year to get to these awards.
The Service with a Smile award goes to an individual or organisation who has given excellent service, with a smile! This year it was awarded to King's Farm Shop.
The Volunteer of the Year award goes to someone who has worked tirelessly in a voluntary role. This year John Bedford, who volunteers at the Chilterns Neuro centre, was recognised.
Business of the Year is awarded to an organisation with inspiring achievements and commitment to Wendover. This was a very close-run category this year and was won by Rumsey’s, but other nominees were recognised on the night.
The Lifetime Achievement award is given to an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to the community over an extended period of time. The winner of this award had been at the heart of the John Hampden school for 35 years and there are very few local children, grown-up children and parents who will not
know and fondly remember “Mrs Barnes.” The award went to Sue Barnes, along with our best wishes for her retirement and future plans.
Wendover Parish Council works with a wide range of community groups, sometimes in public or more behind the scenes. The Parish Council Award is aimed at individuals who contribute to Wendover without people realising what they do. This year it was awarded to Roy Coates for 20 years of work with the Wendover Community Car (see p20).
The final recognition on the night was for one of our Parish Councillors. At the recent Parish Council elections Jennifer Ballantine stood once again, as she has done for over 50 years. In fact Jennifer has been on the Council for so long we are not sure when she first joined, but with such long service the Parish Council wanted to recognise all she has given to the community.
New staffing at the Parish Council
The Parish Council is looking to make significant progress in some larger projects that will benefit the residents of Wendover and this needs capacity within the staff team to support this.
On that basis we are pleased to welcome Michelle Rolston to the team as our Administration Assistant. Michelle is a local mum and is looking forward to supporting the community.
We must thank all the candidates we
interviewed – they were all amazing and we wanted to recruit each and every one of them. I implore local businesses to look towards job shares and flexible contracts as Wendover and surrounding areas has a lot of amazing talent.
Skatepark construction
The final plans are coming together and will be on our website soon, then construction will start on the skatepark at Ashbrook. Construction is set to take around eight weeks and will require access through the front gates of the park.
During this time the construction area will be fenced off but there is plenty of park left to enjoy. Construction traffic will be moving at a crawl with hazard lights on, but do take care. There will be times where the front gates are open so, please keep an eye open for any risks that this may pose if you have young children or dogs off leads.
Make Wendover Smile
Our ambition to Make Wendover Smile continues and once again we are giving away sunflower seeds for residents to plant. There will be events later in the year at our local produce market and as a part of our Picnic In The Park in August. We are encouraging all residents to grow, knit, sew, glue and perhaps even weld sunflowers together as a community, to bring a sense of pride and cheer to the area (see p15).
Wendover Parish Council, The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU
Wendover Local Produce Market Saturday 21 June, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste
We're looking for new traders! Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
Sunday Church Services in Wendover
• St Anne’s: 9am Mass
• St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am
• Wendover Free Church: 10.45am
01296 623056 clerk@wendover-pc-gov.uk www.facebook.com/wendoverparish
St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church – 07753 633713 stanneswendover.uk
St Mary’s Church of England – 01296 696136 / 623123 stmaryswendover.org Wendover Free Church – 01296 622354 wendoverfreechurch.org.uk
Next Parish Council meeting: 3 June, 7:30pm St Anne’s Hall, Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG
Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
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