Wendover News March 2025

NEW OWNERS AT WORLD’S END GARDEN CENTRE

Dobbies unexpectedly announced its imminent closure via its customer loyalty scheme on 10 February, leaving many staff, franchise operators, independent business owners and the much-loved mental health charity Lindengate, uncertain of their future.

Hundreds of people queued for a 50% off closing-down sale, seeing shelves stripped nearly bare, while the rumour mill was working overtime. By the end of that week Blue Diamond Garden Centres had announced its intention to take over the lease, redevelop and the site re-open as a premier garden centre.

RAF Flypast

RAF Flypast

At the time of going to press, it was expected that Dobbies will close the site on 2 March and Blue Diamond Garden Centres will take control a week later. The date for the store to start trading again will depend on negotiations over fixtures and fittings. If what we have been told is accurate, this will be the third site that Blue Diamond has taken over from Dobbies – the others being Huntingdon and Harleston Heath. The Wendover site will become the group’s 50th site.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres are well-known by many thousands who visit their sites all over the UK and Guernsey. According to the company’s publicity, “customers enjoy high standards of food in their restaurants, extensive, well-laid out plants, clean, bright and inviting spaces with a huge offering of lifestyle items, making their sites a destination experience.” This takeover and redevelopment adds to other changes at the World’s End area seen in recent years including the Wendover Day Nursery, the new Wendover Manor redevelopment of the adjacent care home, and the hostel at the former Coombe Lodge. The old Village Gate pub is still derelict however.

Frank Durden, chair of Lindengate trustees, told Wendover News: “Lindengate has enjoyed a positive relationship with Dobbies since they took over the site from Wyevale in 2018, and we are sad to see them closing. We understand an established group will shortly be taking over the site and continue to operate it as a garden centre and look forward to working alongside them. In the meantime, Lindengate will continue to operate as normal, delivering the existing schedule of programmes, events and open gardens.”

Jo Durden-Moore

Please send your contributions for the March edition (Including payments for advertisements) by Wednesday 12 March at the latest. We may not be able to include unexpected content after that date.

To celebrate the completion of training at RAF Halton, a flypast will take place, weather permitting, at 13:30 on Wednesdays 5 & 19 March 2025

Wendover | Stoke Mandeville | The Lee | Halton | Weston Turville | Aston Clinton | Dunsmore March 2025 FREE

and Wellbeing

Events

Simply Walks and Cycle Rides

Wendover – Tuesdays: Weekly walks from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am. You can socialise afterwards at Wendover Christian Centre.

Aston Clinton – Thursdays: from Aston Clinton Park leave 10.30am. Meet beside “Your Café in the Park.” Refreshments are available afterwards. Registration is 15 mins beforehand at both locations.

Chilterns Neuro Centre

Pop-up Art Weekend

Sat 1, 10am-5pm & Sun 2, 10.30-4pm, Chilterns Neuro Centre, HP22 5LX

Showcasing a variety of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, drawings, ceramic and other forms of art from local artists. Refreshments available. Free entry. See ad p3 & p14.

World Challenge Fundraising Quiz Night

Sat 1, 7pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF

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ST ANNE’S HALL to hire

All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk

Aylesbury Cycling UK – Sundays. Easy pace: every first and third week of the month, about 30 miles. Newcomers: each second and fourth week and about 20 miles. www.cyclinguk.org/ group/aylesbury-cycling-uk

Yoga with Alice D

Mons, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG 19.00-20.15 Pregnancy Yoga. 20.30-21.45, Women’s Yoga.

Weds, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 10.30-11.30, Mum and Baby Yoga, 12.0013.00, Nurture Baby Massage. www.yogawithaliced.com See ad p8.

Cracklewick Morris

Tues, 8.15-10.15pm, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG 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.

Auditions for School of Rock

Sat 1 & Wed 5, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is raising funds with a production of School of Rock on Sat 9 August. Auditions for children on Sat 1 March and adults on Wed 5 at the theatre. More details on p14.

Could you help us at Wendover CE Junior School and serve our local community ?

We are looking for new governors

While someone with either an education, finance or HR background would complement the current skills set of the Governing Board, more importantly an interest in the education of the children and the ability to give time and energy to supporting the school are priorities.

Please contact admin@wendoverjunior.co.uk

Teams of eight but don’t worry if you can’t get a full table, you will be allocated a team to join. Tickets £10 each, bring your own nibbles, drinks available from the bar. Contact Helen Campbell – hm.campbell@btinternet.com or leave a message on 07810 171400.

Let’s Get Moving for Dementia

Sun 2, 9am-1pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, Charity keep fit fundraiser for all ages, youngsters to grandparents. Fun short sessions! Tap dancing, Country Dancing, Flexercise. Go along anytime between 9am and 1pm. Free entry and refreshments. Donations to support dementia. Phone 01296 624 994 or 07498 330 195. See p17.

Friends of St Mary’s AGM Sun 2, 12.15pm, St Mary’s, Wendover, HP22 6NL

The Friends of St Mary’s Church is a charity designed for those who wish to help keep the beautiful 800-year-old parish church building maintained for future generations. Its donors are not necessarily church attendees. No payments towards running costs are made.

Last year the charity contributed towards the repair of a sink hole in the church car park. Any donations are welcome and will help towards keeping the building fit for another 800 years. Wine and snacks will be served. All

WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL

Great for Children’s Parties Ideal for Weddings & Functions

Excellent kitchen facilities

Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk

LEGACY FAIRS

Antiques & Collectors Market Wendover Memorial Hall 20 March 9am-2pm (Trade 8am) For updates Tel: 07543 524212 or email: p.hetheringtonwh@gmail.com

Entrance by donation to Charity

are welcome. For any information, to donate or join, please contact the secretary, C J Pallet on 01296 625008.

BBOWT Activities

College Lake Nature Reserve, HP23 5QG 4; Wellness Walk at College Lake, 15; Young Rangers session, 16; Family walk round the reserve, 27; indoor craft session on Botanical Monoprinting. www.bbowt.org.uk/events. More details on p25.

Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society

Tue 4, Stewart Hall, Little Kimble, HP17 OXN 7 15 pm; AGM, 8 00 pm; “Colour in a small garden.” Timothy Walker’s talk, inspired by the Oxford Botanic Garden’s Gold Medal winning exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show, explains some of the theory employed by artists and gardeners to achieve a variety of effects. The theory is supported by examples of specific colour combinations from his own gardens. www.kehs.uk

Compassionate Café Wigginton

Wed 5, 1.30-3pm, The Sports Ground community café, HP23 6HH A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.

Chilterns Light Network

Wednesdays, 7.30 for 8pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 5; Inside view on the NHS, 12; Epigenetics – managing energies can shape your mood, 19; Fun wellness evening – try out therapies/ remedies, 26; Try African drumming. All welcome. New information, new experiences! £5 non-members. www.chilternslightnetwork.org or email clnwendover@protonmail.com

Wendover Horticultural Society

Thu 6, 2.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover, HP22 6GJ Chris Leach, from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will talk on “Gardening the world”, describing the horticulture behind their

cemeteries around the world. He will also explain more of what the Commission does closer to home. There will be trips in May, June and July, with details to come.

Poetry Please

Fri 7, 10.30am, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6GJ

This month’s theme is “Leisure.” Take a poem on the theme or go along to discover what others have chosen. A friendly welcome guaranteed!

Wendover Society – Spring Supper & AGM

Fri 7, 7 for 7.30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF

The speaker is Dr Helen Fry, author, historian and broadcaster, who will talk about MI9’s untold role in WWII. Tickets £25 for members, £28 for non-members. So it could be worth your while joining the Society beforehand! See p24. www.wendoversociety.org.uk/Events/FutureEvents.aspx

Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Local History Group

Fri 7, 7.30 for 7.45pm, St Leonards Parish Hall, HP23 6NW

Dr Wendy Morrison, heritage and archaeology manager at the Chilterns Conservation Board, will talk about Grim’s Ditch and historic routes through the Chilterns. New research between 2021-24 uncovered more information about the past, linking people to landscapes.

Grim’s Ditch is Buckinghamshire’s longest and largest heritage landmark, but much of the history surrounding it and other historic routes through the Chilterns remains a mystery. Visitors welcome, £4 on the door. www.cholesbury.com

Spring Indoor Market

Craft Group

Wed 12 & 26, 10am-12pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6GJ

Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Please bring your own materials or just go along to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.

Board Game Café

Thu 13, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6GJ

Enjoy a variety of games old and new or take your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all.

Energy-Saving Homes Workshop

Thu 13, 7.30-9pm, Aston Clinton Guide Hall, Aylesbury Rd, HP22 5AB

Come for a short FREE talk from Bucks Community Energy’s team of home energy experts and guests who will give you trustable advice and a chance to find answers to questions you might have about heat loss in your home and how to insulate it, installing solar panels to generate electricity, and what are the actual facts about air-source heat pumps and how they work?

Wendover Art Club

Thursdays, 7.30-9.30 pm, St Annes Hall, Wendover, HP22 6JG 13; Creative evening of “Rapid Sketching” with Liz Boote. Often we take far too long to create a sketch or painting. This is a chance to find out how effective a few lines created in a short time can be. 27; Demonstration by Leila Ward of a Turneresque riverscape in watercolour. Painting water is always a challenge so Leila’s demonstration will be very welcome, particularly as it will include reflections.

Sun 9, 12-3pm, Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, HP22 5UJ

Local crafts and gifts including candles, books, toys, cakes, bags, jewellery and more. Supporting Breast Cancer Now.

What’s On? ? ? March 28th Quiz Night

27th March ? ?

Join us for our Quiz night! Test your knowledge, share some laughs, and make memories with family and friends

Comedy Night

Quip Shed Comedy is back with TV's Jess Fostekew headlining, with support from Alex MacKeith, Joe Foster and host Jamie Allerton!

Kids Easter Craft Party 19th April

Join us for an afternoon of eggcellent, crafty fun over Easter Weekend! £2 per child 12 - 3pm

Book your tickets here

Meetings on the second and fourth evenings of each month. Entry fee: £10 for non-member guests for demonstrations, £2 for creative evenings.

Find an Adult Learning course for you

Learn a new skill or pick up a hobby with one-day workshops and short courses near Wendover, including:

• Languages

• Creative Arts

• Silver Jewellery Making

• Fused and Stained Glass

• Sign Language

• Lip-Reading

• Gardening

• Textiles

• Pottery

Call or enrol online: 01296 382403 | adultlearningbc.ac.uk studentenquiries@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Churches Together in Wendover invite you to mark the holy season of Lent 2025

Shrove Tuesday pancakes will be served from 11am to 1pm in the Wendover Christian Centre on 4th March.

Ash Wednesday services on the 5th March: 9.30am Mass with Distribution of Ashes at St Anne's 6pm Service of Holy Communion with hymns and Imposition of Ashes at St Mary’s 7pm Mass with Distribution of Ashes at St Anne’s

We offer a course on the Lent book “The Whole Easter Story”. Why is the cross good news for all creation?

Tuesdays in St Anne’s Church from 11am to 12 followed by soup lunch at 12.30 in the Christian Centre.

Wednesdays at the Manse from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church on Thursdays at 10am. During Lent we will be exploring what our purposes are as Christian people. Refreshments will be available.

More details of Lent activities will be available from the churches and the Just Shop from the beginning of March. If you need any information, please contact us.

St Mary's C of E Church

St Anne's RC Church Wendover Free Church

Proud Sponsors

Sarah Routley BSc (Hons)

Max Rogers ANAEA

Artists’ afternoon with Jaany Ravenscroft-Hull

Fri 14, 1.15-3.15pm, Real Magic Books, High St, Wendover HP22 6DX

Bring your own art/craft project. Share ideas, talk to people who love art too and get 1:1 tuition and advice from Jaany to take you to the next level and help you succeed. www.bit.ly/3Ql8ykI. See p14.

Spring Charity Stall

Sat 15, 10am-2pm, Manor Waste, Wendover Wendover Evening WI will have its spring charity stall at the monthly Local Produce Market. Please drop by to say hello and purchase some wonderful homemade cakes and preserves, plants, and Easter crafts and gifts. There will also be the chance to win an Easter Egg on the tombola!

Tree Council Workshops

Sat 15, 10am–2pm, Stoke Mandeville Station

The Tree Council is running workshops on techniques for tree planting, staking, protection and propagation, in the green space at Stoke Mandeville.

Workshops are scheduled for 11am and 1pm and for the rest of the time you will be able to chat to members of the Tree Council and help with some practical tree and hedgerow planting. Members of the station adoption group will also be there to tell people about the work they do and Chiltern Railways will be providing refreshments. More details: assistant.clerk@stokemandeville-pc.org.uk

Aylesbury Vale Stitchers

Sat 15, 2-4:30pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF

Speaker: Michelle Carragher, costume embroiderer, an artist, based in London, who also works in film and TV media. email aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com. More details on p24.

Strictly Cabaret

Sat 15, 7.30pm, Victoria Hall, Tring, HP23 6AA

Listen to the Zebra Jazz Collective whilst you sip a complimentary glass of fizz. Watch dancers performing to TMP’s Phoenix Big Band and have a go yourself. The night finishes with tunes from Tring School Swing Band. Tickets £25.00, or £15 for students under 18, from Fancy That on Tring High Street (cash only) or online via www.bit.ly/4jTFvSV

BBOWT

Tue 18, 7pm Great Missenden Memorial Centre, HP16 9AE

Spring Social Evening – a short talk, supper and a nature and music quiz. Reserve tickets, £5, by emailing richardbirch60@yahoo.com or pay at the door on the night.

Aylesbury Centre of the National Trust

Thu 20, 7.30 for 8pm, Broughton Junior School HP20 1NQ

Simon Keable-Elliott speaks on “Utterly Immoral Robert Keable and his scandalous novel.” All welcome. Details from Hon Sec 07399 540626 or email aylesburycentrent@gmail.com, or Facebook.

Greenfingers Charity’s Garden Re-Leaf Day

Fri 21 March

The charity’s flagship fundraiser will see events and activities taking place to raise funds to help design and build magical therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. For more information or to obtain a fundraising pack, get in touch with the charity’s fundraising team at fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk See p18.

24-hour “Fit-a-Thon with BML Fitness

Fri 21, 7pm until 7pm Sat 22, Robert Mews, HP22 6DU

BML Fitness will host a 24-hour “Fit-a-Thon” event to raise money for charity. If you can help, check out the BML Fitness & Personal Training page on Facebook, or contact emma@bmlpersonaltraining. com More details on p15.

Politics in pubs

Tue 24, 7.30-9pm, The Bull, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5UP

“Happy fifth birthday Brexit! Or is it?” Another hugely topical debate and terrific fun for those with an interest in politics. Open to everyone! Read more about it on p17.

Compassionate Café, Great Missenden

Wed 26, 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. www.bit.ly/3Zqn5RH.

Events at Bel & The Dragon

Thu 27 & Fri 28, 9 High Street, HP22 6DU

27; Quip Shed Comedy, 28; Quiz Night; Test your knowledge, share some laughs. www.belandthedragon.co.uk/Wendover See ad p4.

The Arts Society Ballinger

Thu 27, 7.30 for 8pm, Ballinger Memorial Hall HP16 9LQ

“Jewellery and Fashion from 1890 to 1929.” Jewellery designer and curator Andrew Price will talk about the extraordinary decades and events where the great couturiers collaborated with the finest jewellers. Contact ballinger@theartsociety.org

Weston Turville Historical Society

Fri 28, 7.30 for 8pm, Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW

“Discovering the Invisible,” with speaker – Keith Westcott, a specialist in heating engineering, a passionate metal detectorist and Time Team detecting team manager. He is also a keen amateur archaeologist and advocate of responsible detecting. His talk will be a whistle-stop tour covering: diving on the HMS Ramillies; the last case in British Common Law of Treasure Trove; Broughton’s Great Roman Villa in Oxfordshire. Entrance – £2 members, £3 visitors. See p18.

Book Club

Sat 29, 10.30-11.30am, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6GJ

No set book. Just go along and hear what others have been reading. If you wish, talk about something you’ve read – whether you loved it or not. Starts with coffee and sometimes cake. Please note the change of date from the previous information.

Chilterns Dog Rescue Society Quiz Night

Sat 29. 7.30pm at Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF

Teams of six. £10 per head. Food not included – take your own snacks, drinks and glasses. There will also be a raffle. Call 01296 623885 or email fundraising@cdrs.org.uk to reserve your table.

SAVE THE DATE

12 April. 200+ singers from Wendover singers and The Wing Singers will be “Singing Out for Mental Health” at Aylesbury Waterside with Andy Collins. See p10.

Sat 24 May – bank holiday Mon 26 - Wendover Arts Festival

Planning ahead? Wendover News production dates. Don’t wait until the last minute to send details of your event!

All contributions for inclusion in Wendover News can be submitted as early as the first day of the month preceding the issue in which it needs to appear. To ensure we have enough space, email newsdesk@wendovernews.org or advertising@wendovernews. co.uk to let us know your intentions as early as possible.

Edition Deadline (18:00) April 2025 12 March

May 2025 7 April June 2025 13 May

PROVIDING OUTSTANDING HOME CARE

We are passionate about supporting people to stay in the comfort of their own home and are one of the few home care companies to offer both - around the clock live-in care as well as daily visiting care. Our carers are professionally trained to help in any situation be that emergency care following a hospital stay, respite care for the family or specialist support to those living with Dementia or other complex health conditions.

Letter from Stoke Mandeville: Liz Tice

Late last year, Wendover News was contacted by Liz Tice. She said that a number of people in Stoke Mandeville felt an affinity for Wendover and that they were wondering if there was any prospect of getting their village involved with the magazine. We loved the idea. We asked her to tell us why she thinks participation helped her feel part of the community. She said:

Moving from a rather down-at-heel town in north Kent to Stoke Mandeville, I was amazed at how little I knew about Aylesbury Vale and the Chilterns. Indeed, it took me a good couple of years before I stopped feeling that I was on holiday and actually lived here! I can remember catching an episode of Midsomer Murders many years before and wishing that I could live in such a beautiful place (without the murders of course!). Little did I know…

spirit. Lockdown had shown me how important community spirit can be and so I dropped the Society an email and went along to the next meeting. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Society has achieved a lot since its formation. Campaigning on behalf of residents for a War Memorial has been its biggest project so far, as well as Christmas sing-a-longs, visits to the local care home and the provision of a small free lending library situated by the church. I’m very proud to be the current chairman and grateful for the contributions, support and friendship of the committee.

It was during the Covid lockdown that I really began to appreciate just what we had locally. I adopted my fourth retired racing greyhound, Ronnie, and I’d spend my lunchtimes (while working at home) exploring the fields and footpaths around the village. In 2022 I spotted a notice outside St Mary’s church about The Stoke Mandeville Village Society. The original society, set up in 1973, was known as The Village Green Association. A group of residents had come together in December 2021, partly by distance-meeting during the weekly lockdown ‘Clap for Carers,’ with a similar aim –to preserve a village way of life, along with developing community

• Loose covers

• Curtains

• Re-Upholstery

• Tracks & Poles

TEN YEAR GUARANTEE

For personal, helpful service, please call Tel: 01844 261769 Mob: 07801 182400

By Dawn Smith

What have I learned about community? Well, the most important thing is that if you want things to happen, to change, then don’t expect everyone else to do it. With anything, you get out what you put in. Every day I read posts on social media ‘why are the council doing this?’, ‘whose idea was it to do that?’ Yet, when it comes to recruiting people to join committees, become local councillors or volunteer their time, it’s sometimes a real struggle. If you find yourself frustrated by the lack of action, then I would encourage you to step up. It can be incredibly rewarding, and you won’t regret it.

Communication is so important within communities, making sure that everyone knows what’s going on, and that they can be heard. Having lost our only local publication, I’m so very pleased that Stoke Mandeville is now included in Wendover News. The village stockists are always delighted to see us when we take the monthly edition into them. It’s just one more thing that makes it such a pleasure to live here.

Liz Tice

Looking for a volunteer or two. Or more...

Would you like to have fun, serve your community, learn new things and meet new people? You can get all that by volunteering for Wendover News.

Since the new Wendover News team took over less than a year ago, a lot has happened. We hope you have enjoyed the changes. We are now looking for enthusiastic people to help take Wendover News to the next level.

There have been some experiments with the layout and design already. Over the next few months, we’ll be considering more extensive redesigns, so prepare for a whole new look for Wendover News!

We’re also re-thinking how Wendover News uses online, digital technology and media. We have a website, a Facebook page and email broadcasting, but there are plenty of other options available. The future online system will extend into technologies that were not even available two years ago. We want to hear from readers about how they would like to access news, views and features about Wendover and the surrounding area.

The third element of the new development is to get better coverage to serve the local community even better. Wendover News coverage was recently extended to include Stoke Mandeville. We would also like to engage more closely with other villages that gravitate towards Wendover for their social life, shopping and recreation.

Who do you know who could be a volunteer?

We are still short of deliverers to cover some roads in Wendover, and most of Stoke Mandeville village. Most importantly, we also need two organisers for the important role of managing deliveries as soon as copies come back from the printer.

Four online editorial assistants

Four volunteer editorial assistants are needed help ensure that items of interest get routed to the right member of the team, or to be fact-checked and posted online. You might see yourself as a future online influencer, a champion of online community journalism, or just want an interesting and sociable hobby.

This will also involve research, writing articles, maintaining our presence on online platforms, moderating public posts and curating our historical records. You will need the skills required to follow our editorial guidelines, but we can provide training and support.

You may already have expertise in online apps, or a strong desire to learn more. You will need to have your own smartphone, tablet or computer for this.

We envisage the team being willing and able to teach each other and rotate functions to develop experience. Some tasks involve technical knowledge: we can help if you would like to learn.

Two volunteer director/ trustees

Wendover Community News

CIC is a company registered at Companies House and has all the reporting and compliance duties of any commercial company. On top of that it relies on volunteers to get virtually everything done. It is also a regulated media organisation with high standards of reporting, to maintain the trust of the community. It’s there for the long haul, with a legacy of over 35 years serving the Wendover community, and an aspiration to be fresh and relevant for at least another 35.

We need two more volunteer trustees/directors to help us improve and innovate. Experience and expertise will be a bonus, but we are mainly looking for enthusiasm, a team-friendly personality and willingness to learn. It will be useful if potential trustee/directors have knowledge or interest in some of the following: community building, finance, governance, human resource management, journalism, media and online technologies (including AI). Existing volunteers may also apply.

Volunteer welfare/engagement friend

Despite their best intentions, volunteers may sometimes encounter difficulties juggling working with Wendover News with their other priorities. This may be a challenge when there are deadlines we must meet. We need a team overseer with excellent communication, management skills and sense of fun, to help plan and ensure that things get done, while being mindful of our valued volunteers’ welfare and other commitments.

The volunteer taking on this role will need to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and to adhere to the standards of our safeguarding policy and volunteer charter.

If you are interested in any of the above, or can suggest somebody, please contact getinvolved@wendovernews.org

Local choirs combine to sing out for mental health

Two popular choirs in Wendover and one in Wing are joining together to put on a concert at Aylesbury’s Waterside theatre in April. It’s testament to the way that both communities have found singing to be a great way of meeting new friends, boosting self-esteem, learning new skills and aiding general wellbeing. A ground-breaking new concert ‘Sing Out For … Mental Health,’ devised by community choir champion Jill Neenan, will raise the roof with uplifting and popular songs showcasing the positive effect of singing on people’s wellbeing.

‘Singing out for…’

The new concept seeks to spotlight through singing areas which are affecting all of us, irrespective of age, demographic, gender or belief. Mental health is top of the list because singing has been proven to have a direct impact on people’s wellbeing. More of us are suffering, yet often unable to access the support required.

For the concert on 12 April all three choirs, which include singers as young as five and others nearing 90, will be on the Waterside stage to create one huge choir of 200+ singers. This enormous effort will be the largest ever gathering of performers on the Waterside Theatre’s stage.

Much-loved and well-known TV and radio presenter Andy Collins is lined up to host this spectacular concert with Jill and her special guests – David Rhys, Daisy Amphlett, Jim Aldcroft and Rebecca Izard. They are well-known on the local and national entertainment scene and will perform with the combined choir. The audience can expect a sprinkling of Andy’s much-loved humour and well-known audience participation.

Humble beginnings

Bringing people together of all abilities and walks of life to work as equals is where the magic lies, and it results in the most beautiful and powerful sound.’

Turning ordinary into extraordinary

Jill has been creating successful, flourishing and dynamic community choirs, which sound semi-professional, for decades. Her years of professional singing, teaching, coaching and directing choirs of all ages enables her to get people from all walks of life to find their voices so they can experience the joy, sense of achievement and benefits which singing together can bring.

The chance to make a difference

It’s because of their personal experiences that the three choirs realised that they could make an even bigger difference to their local communities by coming together for a concert. This not only entertains and uplifts, but also puts the spotlight on how singing and performing can be a fantastic way to aid people’s well-being and mental health.

All profits from the concert will go directly to MIND UK, Lindengate and SPACE – mental health charities supporting thousands every year.

The majority of the choir members have never sung before and many cannot read music. They all share a common goal, to have fun, to sing and to learn. In a matter of months, after joining the choir, they are following scores, learning from others and singing their hearts out, following often complex four or six-part harmonies which are simply spectacular to hear. For the most part they might look like ordinary people, but to hear the choir in full voice really has to be seen and heard to be believed.

Talking with some of the members, their personal stories are humbling and heart-warming. One local member tells how she suffered with social isolation and depression, especially after the pandemic, so had to move back home with her parents. But since coming to choir her confidence has lifted and she feels able to go out, meet her friends and participate in society again.

All three choirs were formed by local people, passionate about singing in the community, meeting in village and school halls each week for the sheer joy of singing together. The community choir in Wing is 10 years old and Wendover’s two choirs are coming up for their fifth and third years respectively. Both adult choirs boast over 100+ members. The unique Wendover Children’s Choir includes 20 children at any one time, providing highly tailored teaching and support in a closed, safe and nurturing environment.

The choirs have performed sold-out summer and Christmas concerts as well as private performances throughout the year. All three choirs share the same musical director, Jill Neenan, who told Wendover News why people enjoy singing so much: ‘So much joy comes from finding your voice through singing, it’s a way to express how you are feeling and to let it all out. It is even more powerful when surrounded by others who are finding their voices as well. At the beginning of each rehearsal there is an air of excitement and expectation. We literally switch off from our trials and tribulations and sing together.

Another spoke about her husband, diagnosed with cancer, and how coming out once a week was her saving grace to be able to support him. Far more so, realising at 70 years of age that she could sing has been transformative for her confidence and sense of belief in herself. It has made so much difference to her as well as her husband and those around her.

So many members constantly are amazed at what they sound like, “but I didn’t know you could sing like that” they say to one another, and often the response is “nor did I!”

Everyone’s involved…

The opportunity for people from every walk of life from five to 90 years old to sing out and shine on a full-blown, West End-worthy stage is incredible. With rehearsals ramping up (see social media to watch them rehearsing), members of the three choirs are getting excited. Sponsors, partners, volunteers and supporters are all lining up to make the concert a huge success.

If you’re interested in supporting the concert in any way, do get in touch. For further information about the concert see www.singoutfor. org. Tickets for the concert can also be bought from www.atgtickets. com.

Wendover Singers at St Mary’s Church

Photo: Gordon Moore

Photo: Jade Johnson

The Lee – and closure of Rocky Lane

The Lee is a little oasis of peace, 3.5 miles up on the ridge that runs parallel to the A413 London Road. Turn left into Rocky Lane about a mile out of Wendover, then follow the narrow windy roads for about two miles through lovely countryside.

Well, that used to be the case, until HS2 closed Rocky Lane in February (until 18 August) and created a six-mile detour. You can still get to The Lee though, and it is still worth the visit. You now follow the A413 under the newly installed Small Dean viaduct, past the Rocky Lane turn, all the way to the double roundabouts outside Great Missenden. Turn left at the second roundabout. A short way up Frith Hill, take the first left (stay in low gear) towards South Heath, past the workings for HS2’s North Portal, and follow the road back to The Lee.

There’s a lot more to say about this detour and the annoyance, disruption and damage it is doing to the people who live ‘up there’ on The Lee. You can read my full story on the Wendover News website at www.bit.ly/4jXxFYi

Richard

Byford

Support group for men with Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer has been in the news a lot over the last couple of months – for all the wrong reasons. It is now the most common form of cancer in England. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and it can be very serious. The good news is that diagnosis and treatment are easier now than ever, particularly if it is found early. The first step is to talk to your doctor.

We were contacted by Philip Traynier, secretary of the Aylesbury Vale Prostate Cancer Support Group, which provides support from a group of men who have been through this potentially life changing condition. If you, or a partner, have been recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer the group offers support based on personal experience.

Go to their website at www.avpcs.org.uk or email aylesburyvalepcsg@ gmail.com

Stoke Mandeville fundraising goes like the clappers!

Readers please forgive the awful pun, but Ellen Cowley, Church Warden at St. Mary’s Church has told Wendover News that they have reached their target to get the church bells repaired and serviced. Ellen thanked everyone who had donated to the fund and said that the work would start in early March and that they would be ringing out again across Stoke Mandeville later in the spring.

Also as part of the VE80 Day commemorations on 8 May, and in conjunction with Stoke Mandeville Parish Council, the church is holding a retrospective exhibition about life in Stoke Mandeville in the 1940s. Ellen is appealing for anyone who may have any familytype photos or similar showing village life 80 years ago. They may have been taken in front of the church, the school, station, shop, Methodist Chapel, Ex Service Men’s Hall, football team, or even picnicking in a field!

Halton Physiotherapy

Photo: jane Larkham

If anyone has a couple of photos and would be willing to share those captured memories with local community, then please contact Ellen on 01296 415615 or email her at bookingsattheark@gmail.com Any photos lent to the exhibition will be carefully looked after and returned.

Jon Theobald

Local energy experts help residents save money and keep warm! Over a couple of evenings last month, dozens of residents from Wendover and Stoke Mandeville took it upon themselves to find out the facts and figures behind two of the ‘in the news’ energy-efficiency technologies at local workshops run by Buckinghamshire Community Energy (BCE) and Climate Action Wendover (CLAW).

As well as an introduction to the world of solar panels and air source heat pumps (ASHP), those attending were also given information about heat loss in homes and tips on inexpensive effective ways to reduce draughts

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Representatives from local companies Kimble Solar and Delta T Eco Heating Systems were on hand giving presentations and taking questions from residents about the solar and ASHP systems, as well as EV chargers, covering the costs – including what grants or discounts are available, installation requirements and what sort of savings could be achieved if they took the plunge. In fact, a local homeowner reported how he saves over £2,500 a year on energy and fuel by having a heat pump, battery and EVs.

Following this, BCE and CLAW members braved the weather to chat with passers-by at Wendover’s Saturday produce market. Of the day, Kirsty later said “We had some great conversations, particularly around different available technologies, and everyone enjoyed playing our ‘How much carbon do you use?’ tennis ball game.”

The BCE evening workshops are continuing across Buckinghamshire over the next few weeks and will be in Chesham (26 February), Whitchurch (6 March), Aston Clinton (13 March) and Ivinghoe & Pitstone (19 March). Tickets to attend are free and can be booked at: buckscommunityenergy.org/energy-saving-homes-workshops CLAW is also surveying locals to find out how people feel about efforts to protect our local environment including the role they would like local groups and authorities to play. Have your say by filling in a two-minute survey by visiting: www.climateactionwendover.org

Matilda Florence releases her debut album ‘My Love’ Valentine’s Day was an appropriate time to release Matilda Florence’s debut album “My Love.” Matilda is 19 and grew up in Wendover. Last summer, before heading off to Salford university to study music, performance and recording, she returned to recording engineer and producer Jake Stanton at ‘Big Fig Studios’ in Aylesbury with these acoustic staples and really had some fun, re-interpreting and re-arranging to create a powerful and beautiful album.

Her album features nine tracks, including Slow Dance, Beach Song, My Love, Golden Fantasy, and Old Fashioned Love. Followers of Matilda will recognise many of her collection of heartfelt love songs, which featured in her live set lists for the past few years.

Lionel Abel-Smith Trust helped fund the recording and production.

You can stream My Love and her previous single releases on all music platforms. To stay in the loop follow her on Instagram –Matildaflorence_music or visit www.matildaflorence.co.uk.

Audition for Florence Nightingale Charity’s School of Rock Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is back at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, raising funds for local hospice care, with an exciting community production of School of Rock. Auditions will be held at the theatre for children on Saturday 1 March and adults on Wednesday 5 March.

No experience is needed to audition, just a love of singing, acting and dancing. The charity is seeking local children (aged 6 – 18 years) and adults, with a love of theatre, to be part of this special production on a professional stage.

Aimed at bringing the local community together whilst raising money for local hospice care services, successful auditionees will be asked to attend an intensive two-week rehearsal period during the summer holidays leading up to the show, where they will be guided by trained theatre professionals, culminating in two performances on the big stage at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 9 August. Tickets go on sale in April.

To register to audition visit www.fnhospice.org.uk/schoolofrock or call 01296 429975.

The ‘Boy Least Likely To’ return to Wendover

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album – The Best Party Ever – the band will kick off Real Magic Weekend on Friday 30 May! Carl Gosling from Real Magic books, who is promoting the event said: ”The gig will be the first time they will play the whole debut album live, their first gig in Wendover and the first night of our Real Magic Weekend!”

The band, made up of Peter Hobbs and Jof Owen, met when they were still at school and grew up together in Wendover. Initially released on their own Too Young To Die imprint (and later re-released by Simon Fuller’s 19 Records) The Best Party Ever was constructed from glistening melodies, glockenspiels, guitars, recorders and insightful lyrics informed by an awareness of mortality and a loss of innocence.

The Best Party Ever was released in 2005 to widespread critical acclaim, earning spots in both Pitchfork’s Top 50 albums and was number eight in the Rough Trade Shop top 100 of that year. Pitchfork called the album ‘a thing of wonder, made of rubber and springs’ and they were featured in Rolling Stone’s top ten bands of 2006. Details from www.wegottickets.com/event/648546.

Real Magic Books

Joint owner Carl Gosling writes: We’re rolling out a brand-new series of art workshops upstairs at Real Magic Books and have opened the upstairs room diary for other community bookings and classes.

This year we are working with our friend Jaany Ravenscroft-Hull and the Wendover Art Hub to put together an exciting range of art classes here in the heart of the village. Working with the best local independent artists and teachers there will be sessions for all ages, with a diverse and exciting range of disciplines covered. We’re hoping to see this programme grow as the year goes on, so keep an eye on this page for all the listings.

Our upstairs room is now available to hire for art workshops, classes, discussion groups, home working and other community gatherings. Get in touch via email at shop@realmagicbooks.com or pop in to the shop to discuss hiring out the space. Available for morning and afternoon sessions every day of the week.

Chilterns Neuro Centre Pop-up Art Weekend – 1 & 2 March Showcasing a variety of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, drawings,

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ceramic and other forms of art from local artists. At least 33% from every sale goes directly towards the centre and will help to provide treatments and services to people with MS, Parkinson’s and stroke survivors, so they can live life to the full. The café will also be serving delicious cakes, soup and sandwiches, as well as hot and cold drinks.

Charity fitness event for local charities

BML Fitness, a fitness studio on Robert Mews off the High Street, will host a 24-hour “Fit-a-Thon” event to raise money for charity next month. It will run about 34 exercise classes, including indoor cycling, bootcamps, weights and stretching classes. Last year’s event attracted around 200 participants and raised more than £5,000 for Breast Cancer Now, through Kate’s Cancer Warriors. This year it will start at 7:00pm on 21 March and run until the same time on 22 March.

Emma Eustace, the owner of BML, says that all proceeds from this year’s event will be divided between two local charities, Wendover Shed and Aylesbury Women’s Aid.

Dave Walls, a Spinning instructor at BML and a trustee of Wendover Shed, highlighted the strength of the community formed by both organisations. “While BML focuses on physical fitness and Wendover Shed on practical applications, they also share a common goal of promoting movement and activity, which is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of their members.”

Aylesbury Women’s Aid provides a safe haven for women in need, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. It offers a sanctuary for women and their children, along with the support needed to rebuild their lives free from abuse and violence.

Emma and Dave are seeking support from local businesses, particularly through donations of raffle prizes.

TISSUE

On a cold morning in February, eight members of Wendover Shed volunteered to clear Ivy on 35 of the gravestones and monuments in St Mary’s Wendover churchyard. Here the Shed chair Bob Duggan stabilises a stone cross after cleaning it.

WENDOVER MOTOR SPARES RED ROSE GARAGE

Picture: Millie Andrews

BML Fitness provides a variety of fitness activities. If you’re able to help, would like to get involved or be a part of the classes, check out the BML Fitness & Personal Training page on Facebook, or contact emma@bmlpersonaltraining.com

Remember a loved one this spring with a Precious Pink Peony Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity has partnered with Waddesdon Manor to launch a special Forever Flowers event to celebrate and remember loved ones.

A stunning temporary display of 1,200 bespoke metal pink peonies will be installed in the Rose Garden at Waddesdon Manor in April. Each flower will represent the life, love and memories of a loved one.

The charity is offering you the opportunity to be a part of this event by dedicating one of these limited “Precious Pink Peonies,” with an invitation to a private viewing of the display on Monday 28 April while the grounds are closed to the public.

The installation will then remain on display to the public for three weeks. Once the installation is removed, those who have dedicated a flower will be able to take it home to display as a forever keepsake.

To dedicate a Precious Pink Peony visit www.fnhospice.org.uk/ foreverflowers or phone 01296 429975 for more information.

Christian Aid supporters in Weston Turvill raise £700+ Weston Turville Christian Aid Group organised a soup-tastic lunch at the Manor House near Aylesbury, to fundraise for the charity, which is marking its 80th anniversary this year. Supporters around the UK are marking the 80th milestone by sharing stories and organising services and events.

The soup lunch in Weston Turville is an annual event which this time was in support of Christian Aid’s work in South Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of people are seeking safety from the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

Soup lunch organiser, David Blackmore, said: “This year, around 70 people came together in beautiful surroundings to enjoy a wide variety of home-made soups – all equally delicious! Thanks to the kindness of the owners and the good work of the cooks and servers, everyone had the chance to share a sociable winter’s day and show their support for the work of Christian Aid. We’re proud to be a part of that and look forward to more years to come.” More on wendovernews. co.uk/news/weston-turville-christian-aid-group-raise-more-than-700

The Boiler Blokes Wayne & Clinton

David Blackmore thanked the volunteer cooks and servers

Politics In Pubs

Frances Tipper writes: “Following the success of the first Mid Bucks Politics in Pubs event held in January 2025 at The Bull in Stoke Mandeville on the extremely topical subject of Donald Trump a week after his inauguration, we are now gearing up for Round 2. Politics in Pubs is a free event open to people of all political persuasions, to attend to discuss and debate the hot political topics of the day. Exactly a week after the inauguration of America’s 47th president on 27 January, The Bull’s back room was packed with people to debate ‘Why did Trump win and what are the implications for the UK?’ People from Haddenham, Princes Risborough, Wendover and Aylesbury all came along to have their say. Everyone had the time to circulate to different tables where team captains facilitated specific areas of discussion to make sure that every voice was heard.

It was an exciting, challenging, warm-hearted, friendly, fun and stimulating evening and we were looked after beautifully by the fantastic staff at The Bull.

The next topic will be even more topical, even more controversial and slightly closer to home: ‘Happy fifth birthday, Brexit. Or is it?’ If you’re interested in politics (and not a politician) and would like to share your thoughts and opinions with others willing to listen, do come along to The Bull on Tuesday 24 and join the debate.”

Wendover Arts Festival

Deborah Hale writes: Following the success of Mentmore Arts Festival we are continuing the festival for 2025 at a fabulous location in Wendover from Saturday 24 to Bank Holiday Monday 26 May. More than 70 wonderful artists will be there with their work, which will be available to purchase, including paintings, photography, jewellery, glass, pottery, ceramics, cards, prints and textile art. All card payments accepted!

Let’s Get Moving for Dementia

Ruth Dennis writes: The ‘Let’s Dance Campaign’ spearheaded by Angela Rippon is aiming to be the biggest dance event the UK has ever laid on, with an invitation to everyone to join in the fun. The aim is to raise awareness for the benefits of dance, for your mental and physical health, get fit and have fun. The event takes place on Sun 2 March, 9am-1pm at Wendover Memorial Hall. Short sessions of Scottish country and tap dancing, Salsa and Flexercise movements. Contact Ruth on 01296 624994.

The importance of early diagnosis in dementia

Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial for both individuals and their families, offering significant benefits that can improve quality of life and care outcomes. Identifying dementia in its early stages allows for timely interventions that can slow the progression of symptoms and provide individuals with more control over their future.One of the most important advantages of an early diagnosis is the opportunity for personalised care planning.

With early knowledge of the condition, patients and families can explore treatment options, such as medications that may help manage symptoms or delay cognitive decline. Furthermore, individuals can make informed decisions about their health, legal, and financial matters, ensuring that their wishes are respected in later stages of the disease.

Early diagnosis also provides emotional benefits. It can help people to come to terms with their condition and plan for the future in a more structured way. It reduces the uncertainty that often accompanies cognitive decline, allowing families to provide more effective emotional and practical support. In addition, early diagnosis opens doors to support networks and community resources, such as caregiver support groups and dementia-specific services, which can significantly ease the caregiving burden.

Ultimately, while there is no cure for dementia, an early diagnosis can transform the care journey, improving not only medical outcomes but also the overall well-being of both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.If you know someone living locally with dementia who needs support, contact Wendover Dementia Support: www. wendoverds.org or 07732 342409.

Offers are open to buy this signed limited edition Red Arrows 60th Anniversary framed poster (47x64cms). This stunning piece was donated by RAF Halton and will be offered to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to Wendover Dementia Support.

To place a bid, please send an email to info@wendoverds.org.uk

How to join Garden Re-Leaf Day

Wendover-based Greenfingers Charity’s Garden Re-Leaf Day takes place on Friday 21 March. The event is the charity’s flagship fundraiser and will see events and activities taking place in schools, workplaces, community groups and garden centres to raise funds to help design and build magical therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices across the UK.

The popular sponsored walk also returns with walkers able to tackle a either a 25km route or a shorter 10km one, starting and finishing at Tring Garden Centre thanks to British Garden Centres. The special 25km route across the Chilterns will celebrate Greenfingers’ 25th anniversary. With a floral theme to the event this year, the charity is calling on walkers to dust off their walking boots, dig out their best (or worst!) floral gear and get ready to take on a challenge while raising vital funds.

If cycling is more your thing, Tring Garden Centre will once again be the hub for the Garden Re-Leaf cycle challenge. With routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles, there’s a challenge to suit every fitness level. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or getting on your bike for the first time in years, this is your chance to go the extra mile for Greenfingers. Don’t miss out on this great day of fun and fundraising. See www. greenfingerscharity.org.uk for details, or sign up directly at www.bit. ly/3ERMfjT and start planning your floral-themed outfit today.

Formore information or to obtain a fundraising pack, get in touch with the charity’s fundraising team at fundraising@greenfingerscharity. org.uk

Wendover Singers chooses Lindengate as its Charity of the Year

Following its sell-out inaugural Christmas concert on 14 December at St Mary’s Church, Wendover Singers has chosen Lindengate as its Charity of the Year for 2025.

The church was packed to the brim with families, friends and supporters of this popular community choir who revelled in the 80+ adults and children singing together for the festive season. At the event Frank Durden, chair of Lindengate trustees, spoke passionately about the work the charity does quietly behind the doors of its six acre site at World’s End, for everyone and anyone in the community. He invited everyone to visit the beautiful gardens and hopefully to sign-up for volunteering.

Wendover Singers will continue to support Lindengate this year with its community giving, fundraising and volunteering where possible. Carol Crockett, choir co-founder, says, “Lindengate is such a special charity which supports so many people in our community with their mental health and wellbeing. The connection with singing and mental health is so profound, with so many of our members benefitted from singing in our choir, it is therefore a natural fit for our wonderful choir to be supporting Lindengate this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be in a position to support them.”

The choir itself is currently deep in rehearsals, practising many wellknown, moving and uplifting songs for its joint concert Sing Out For Mental Health with The Wing Singers (see page 10). Tickets can be purchased at www.atgtickets.com or see www.wendoversingers.com.

Weston Turville Historical Society

The society’s meeting on Friday 28 March will be a presentation from Keith Westcott. A European specialist in heating engineering, a passionate metal detectorist and Time Team Detecting Team Manager. Keith is also a keen amateur archaeologist and advocate of responsible detecting. He made headlines with his discovery of a huge Roman villa at Broughton, Oxfordshire. Keith wrote and teaches the first-ever course on Metal Detecting for Archaeological Projects at the University of Oxford. His talk will be a whistle-stop tour covering •Diving the HMS Ramillies

•The last case in British Common Law of Treasure Trove •Broughton’s Great Roman Villa in Oxfordshire.

Where’s Alex?

Why would anybody want to get up in the dark, drive for hours, swim 1500m, ride 40km, run 10km whilst carrying a prosthetic leg in a backpack, then put on a business suit and attend a networking event? The obvious answer is that they are mad. That’s clearly not true in the case of our Alex Davis: Alex is the sales director for a cybersecurity and technology company the Equate Group, based in Wendover. He’s half-way through a quest to do a triathlon in every city in the UK, raising funds for three charities as he goes.

And the prosthetic leg? Alex was joined on one of his previous triathlons by television presenter/comedian Adam Hills (The Last Leg, Channel4). Adam had made a bet that required him to surrender his leg to a museum in Stoke Mandeville. It’s a long story, we’ll run it in a future issue.

Stadium, where it celebrates its connection and history with the local community. Access information can be found on its website: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk.

Much of the trust’s educational work is delivered in primary schools across Buckinghamshire and neighbouring counties. NPHT spokesperson, Emma Carroll said “From 2023 to 2028 for every £2 we spend we will positively broaden somebody’s understanding of disability. It will cost NPHT nearly £500k to operate this year, which as a charity we need to raise ourselves. We’re delighted that Alex is raising funds for NPHT with his epic Triathlon Challenge.”

One of the charities is The National Paralympic Heritage Trust, based in Stoke Mandeville, the home of the Paralympics. Established in 2015, its mission to preserve and share the history of the British Paralympic movement. By creating educational resources, exhibitions, and from this July a Global Virtual Museum, NPHT aims to inspire and educate people about disability using the legacy of the Paralympic Games. It has a permanent free Heritage Centre inside Stoke Mandeville

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When asked why he chose NPHT he said, “We’re proud of Buckinghamshire. We’re proud of the establishments and facilities like the [Heritage] centre. And [the NPHT] is inspiring businesses to do things which they may not have thought of originally. The stories they share, and through interviews with Paralympic athletes, they share a psyche of how they’ve got where they are now, and who’s helped them on that journey. I think that that’s the big thing for me, just to say you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.”

Alex managed to complete triathlons in 32 cities in the second half of 2024 and is now well into completing the last 46. By the time he has finished, he will have swum 72.7 miles, cycled 1,938 miles and run over 484 miles. If you would like to encourage Alex towards this incredible goal, you can donate at www.bit.ly/3EEyjKl.

Small Dean Viaduct

The deck of the Small Dean Viaduct was successfully “launched” over the A413 and Chiltern Line at the end of January.

Further work is needed to install the parapets and other features, which will entail some night time closures of the road, but we understand that this should all be finished by the end of 2025.

Dobbins Lane and the Spring Chamber

Following MP Greg Smith’s invitation to challenge HS2’s plan to use HGV trucks on Dobbins Lane; we issued a paper (www.bit.ly/3EEkI5J) describing the “Spring Chamber” project. See the box opposite for details. We were surprised by the scale of the project, being roughly six times larger and longer than was indicated at the public presentations last May.

Along with Wendover residents and the Parish Council we opposed the proposal, and engaged with the HS2 project teams and councils to get it changed. As a consequence of the significant opposition, HS2/EKFB has revised the design so it will only need one third of the previously predicted lorry movements; now there will be some 60 round trips spread over 12 weeks; an average of roughly one per day.

HS2 has also taken local residents’ public safety concerns into account. It has agreed to limit truck hours to between 09:30 and 14:45, avoiding times when children and parents will be travelling to and from schools, as well as avoiding peak commuter hours around Wendover Station. There will be no trucks on Thursdays when the refuse lorries are active, and when also people park for the market. Each truck will follow an

escort vehicle along South Street and Dobbins Lane, to ensure that it does not exceed 20 mph.

The normal eight-week Bucks Council planning application approval cycle is likely to be extended to include the subsequent review by the Planning Committee, due to the level of community complaints received.

As Wendover News goes to press the application has not been made public, but as soon as it’s available we will provide guidance on our website at https://tinyurl.com/DLnextsteps about how to access the details and make any response. Hopefully it will be there by the time you read this page.

If a decision cannot be achieved in April prior to the Local Council elections on 1 May, the start of construction may be delayed still futher. If so, HS2 may not be able to demonstrate to the Environment Agency that the Spring Chamber works effectively during the lowest groundwater period in the autumn. This could well stop HS2 getting approval to excavate the “Green Tunnel” until late 2026. A year’s delay in finishing the civil engineering means that disruptions, road diversions and path closures would probably continue until around 2029.

We at WHS2 continue to support the position that NO HS2 HGVs should have access to any roads in Wendover, and are seeking formal endorsement of that policy. However we need to be prepared for the possibility that HS2 and Bucks Council may ignore the will of Wendover residents. The number of complaints raised has enabled us to have argued (successfully) for the much less intrusive approach outlined above, and the level of support will hopefully lead to further concessions before the Spring Chamber planning is approved.

Rocky Lane closure and diversion

HS2 has closed Rocky Lane for six months to get utilities diverted onto the new alignment under the HS2 tracks. Its works notice (www.bit. ly/3EGZB2D) suggests a diversion using Frith Hill at Great Missenden. However people trying to get from Chartridge or The Lee to Wendover or Aylesbury might not discover that until too late.

We are very concerned about the volume of two-way traffic that might attempt to use the narrow, hilly, single-lane section of Hale Lane; and have asked Bucks Council and HS2 to post a diversion from Swan Bottom using St Leonards, Chivery, Aston Hill, Upper Icknield Way, and Tring Road.

Our 2025 priorities

In addition to handling immediate issues we’re expecting to make progress on two longer-term important issues – mitigating the noise we will experience from the trains; and how the land returned from HS2 will be restored.

Photo: Keith Hoffmeister

Issues with HS2?

If you’re affected by the construction activity, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 (which is available 24 hours a day) or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk to get your issues resolved. It helps if you have photographic evidence and please get a complaint reference number so that we can follow up issues as needed.

Need our help?

If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas and suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org

Ellesborough Road excavation

The works to divert the water main and sewer at Ellesborough Road are due to be completed by the end of February, and so we’re

What is the ‘Spring Chamber’?

What we know so far….

Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group has long been arguing that HS2’s initial designs do not take account of some of the complex water flows around and under the Wendover area.

Eventually, the Environment Agency (EA) stepped in and insisted on some substantial changes to the way the water was handled around the green tunnel and its emergence at the northern end.

One of the requirements of the EA was that the water flow into the Stoke Brook tributaries that pass Kings Farm be monitored.

To make this happen, HS2’s contractor, EKFB, needs to install a 3m diameter concrete chamber in the field half-way between Dobbins Lane/Bridleways and the Farm Shop, at a position near the existing right of way track where there is an existing sub-surface spring.

expecting the 18 metre deep cutting through the old road to start in late March. This depends on the weather being good enough to allow the dump trucks to operate.

The chamber is designed to allow water to percolate from the natural spring, pass through a water flow gauge into a second smaller monitoring chamber and then discharge into the existing ditches heading north and eventually reaching Stoke Brook, north of Nash Lee Road.

The water will go under the existing Chiltern railway line and make

Left: The sewer at Ellesborough Road – a small pipe that played a big part in the construction delay.

its way in the direction of Stoke Mandeville. It will combine with surface water draining from along the new railway as far south as Small Dean Viaduct. From there it will go into a series of ponds designed to buffer peak flow and release water at a controlled rate.

Once installed, the visible elements of the Spring Chamber will be secure manholes leading into each of the chambers. There is talk that monitoring and transmission equipment, solar power unit and security/safety fence will surround the chamber, but at the time of writing, the planning application is awaited to see the detail.

Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group has pushed for a significant rationalisation of the design to minimise the overall impact: For example, replacing the equipment with a battery system enclosed in the chambers.

Wendover News understands that a small concrete slab will need to be poured in the entrance to the field, to enable construction traffic to come and go without disturbing the underground water main. We also understand that vehicular access, which was originally intended to be over a fully constructed road, has been downgraded to one made from crushed concrete, or similar, to allow grass to grow over and naturalise it.

The amount of traffic entering the field to maintain the chambers will probably be limited to monthly inspections for the first few months and annual visits thereafter.

Photo: Murray Cooke

Other viewpoints: Dobbins Lane and HS2

Issues from the residents’ point of view

HS2’s proposal to permit construction vehicles to use South Street and Dobbins Lane for accessing the Spring Chamber construction site has raised significant concerns among the residents of these areas. This led to planned co-ordinated protests by residents at HS2’s consultation meeting at Wendover Tennis Club on 19 February (after Wendover News went to press).

The Residents Group representing the two roads has been encouraging Wendover residents to object to the Planning Application submitted on 12 February 2025. These objections are not directed at the construction works themselves, but specifically at the proposed use of South Street and Dobbins Lane by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for site access. The residents’ group believes that there has been insufficient consideration of the impact on residents and traffic, and minimal exploration of alternative access routes through farmland from Nash Lee End, which could potentially avoid using the two roads in question.

In a recent meeting between the residents’ group and HS2, it was revealed that there had been no comprehensive assessment of traffic management pertaining to the use of South Street, its junction with the High Steet, and the entry into Dobbins Lane. Moreover, no formal evaluations of alternative routes or engagements with local landowners regarding land use permissions for such access have been conducted.

Concerns related to the use of South Street include the navigation challenges presented by the pedestrian sanctuary opposite the King and Queen pub, the mini roundabout, the dog-leg into Dobbins Lane

and the numerous parked cars along the road. Additionally, the vehicles would pass by a nursery school and an academy. Similarly, Dobbins Lane accommodates a residential home for the elderly, with many elderly individuals walking or using mobility scooters to visit local shops. When questioned about the feasibility of an alternative access route via Nash End, it was understood that HS2 cited concerns over disrupting hedgerows and wildlife habitats. While these environmental concerns are valid, they must be weighed against the road safety issues raised by the residents.

Stephen Ellis-Jones

Wendover Parish Council’s statement

“The Parish Council continues to support the residents of Dobbins Lane and all residents who would be impacted by the proposal from HS2 to use South Street and Dobbins Lane as an access route for HGV trucks for the construction of the Spring Chamber. The Parish Council’s position is that we remain opposed to any HS2 Heavy Goods Vehicles entering Wendover.”

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All photos: Simon Eccles

EKFB wants to build an access road or reinforced trackway on this farm track that leads from the end of Dobbins Lane.

Farming today in Wendover

By Leigh Porter

With farmers’ inheritance tax issues, tractor protests and food security being regular topics on news channels, it seemed an appropriate time to visit Bank Farm and catch up with Edward Mogford, owner of much of the farming land around Wendover and based at Bank Farm.

Edward’s life seems typical of a farming family. He has spent all his life on the farm, working on it from a very early age, with a busy 365 days per year work schedule seen as an accepted part of life on a farm. Growing up and farming in such a beautiful area has lots of pleasures and an appreciation of the local wildlife is certainly one. Edward noted the increased number of hares, more roe deer and significantly more badgers. We discussed the swathes of yellow cowslips and orchids and the excitement of a Roman gold ring uncovered in his field, but just at the point you think this is an idyllic life living in a beautiful Grade II* Listed farmhouse in an AONB, it all starts to fall apart.

death of his father Tony Mogford in April 2022 the farm passed to Edward and his sister. Probate has been costly and has taken years. Edward has three daughters and currently none of them feels a burning desire to take over the farm. Now you can start to get a picture of how difficult it is to keep these family farms going and the overall impact it would have on our community if Bank Farm was sold one day, as Edward fears could happen, to one of the large farming corporations.

I hardly dared ask Edward what impact HS2 has had on the farm. Initially HS2 had taken about 30 acres but later decided to compulsory purchase 100. HS2 payments are notoriously slow and Edward has learnt to refuse to sign any agreement until money is in the bank. However, payments are then subject to capital gains tax on this forced purchase, so it’s no surprise that he couldn’t replace his lost land.

“Why on earth are people farming?” wasn’t quite what you might expect from Edward, but it’s an honest insight into farming today. Most of us are now quite separated from food production. Gone are the days when kids spent summer holidays fruit picking, or the years when it was common to wait patiently for animals to cross the road in Wendover when sheep were herded up the High Street to new pastures.

Yet some things never change and farming is still one of those activities at the mercy of the weather. Anyone trying to grow sunflowers for the Make Wendover Smile campaign knows about the plague of slugs in the wet weather last year, and unsurprisingly those same conditions had a detrimental effect on Edward’s harvest.

I was surprised to hear though how his sheep are sold live at Thame market, but shockingly are then bought and shipped down to Frome or Falmouth for slaughter. Some are shipped abroad, but annoyingly for Wendover there is nothing nearer that could make butchering and selling his own meat viable.

That issue can be put aside for the next two seasons though, as Edward tackles another matter: worming drug resistance. “Along with many farmers who regularly worm their livestock, they have seen a growing resistance to multiple classes of wormers and now, after 100 tests over the year, Edward has decided to remove his sheep from his pastures for at least 18 months to break the cycle, and is considering other uses for the land for that period.”

If that isn’t enough, let’s add the increased cost of diesel, fertiliser prices trebling and insurance costs rocketing as farm thefts increase. Its no surprise to hear that profit margins are practically zero.

Now we can begin to understand why the farming community is despairing over the introduction of the government’s new change in inheritance tax. Edward raised his eyebrows, “If my father had died now, we would have to sell the farm.” Like almost all family farmers, they are asset-rich but cash-poor. As it is, following the

With all the issues facing Bank Farm it seems there will have to be some changes to keep the farm viable. Edward’s plan is some diversification and he has a few ideas. It sounds really exciting and hopefully will ensure Bank Farm remains in the centre of our rural community, but the farm house is a listed building and any potential changes will be highly scrutinised and challenging. A recent “reptile survey,” which couldn’t find any reptiles, concluded they must be hibernating and so it will have to be repeated, no doubt until they find some.

If you wonder about our country’s food security, consider this, China’s food self-sufficiency in 2000 was 94%. When it fell to 66% in 2020, its government feared that global food trade could become weaponised, so since 2023 China has attempted to increase local food production by expanding its agricultural land. The UK authorities apparently think there isn’t any such issue, as farmers are driven to the edge. Meanwhile valuable productive farmland is being covered by solar panels and wind turbines, or rewilding in an attempt to reach net zero targets. Edward is really concerned about food security and worries that the public doesn’t yet understand the full picture. He wonders how the local community can be made more aware.

A scan through the government’s own UK Food Security Report 2024 makes for depressing reading as we are a long way from being self-sufficient in food. To change this, in Edward’s view, depends on whether you feel that farmers, rather than government, are better custodians of our countryside and our food production.

On 10 February (three days after our interview) farmers headed to Westminster with their tractors. Locally, Edward’s tractor joined other farmers protesting in Aylesbury, in an attempt to inform the public of their concerns. I decided to go along, to see how they were doing. Despite the rain and the array of tractors and farm vehicles mingling in the traffic, it seemed the public were very supportive, with lots of honking of horns and thumbs-ups.

Despite all the challenges of farming today, let’s hope Edward, the Mogford family, and Bank Farm remain as an integral part of our community for as long as possible. Having a farmer in the middle of our village is as important as our shops, restaurants and pubs in shaping the very special rural character of Wendover.

Many thanks to Edward for the interview and his continuing support for the Make Wendover Smile campaign.

Edward Mogford with helper Candy, at his historic Bank Farm house.

Photo: Simon Eccles.

Club Corner

Wendover Society – Spring Supper – Improving the High Street

Nicky Gregory writes: Our spring supper and AGM are being held on 7 March at the Memorial Hall. Our speaker is Dr Helen Fry, the author, historian and broadcaster, who is going to talk on MI9’s untold role in WWII. This secretive branch of military intelligence, run from Wilton Park in Beaconsfield, organised secret escape routes through Nazi-occupied Europe, saving countless Allied lives.

We would like to take the opportunity to hear your views about the Society’s project to improve the High Street. We have received a number of suggestions already and intend to hold a general conversation so you can, if you wish, put forward your ideas.

Tickets are available at £25 for members and £28 for non-members. So it could be worth your while joining the Society beforehand. We hope to see you there! Members will have received further details and can book from the personalised emails they have received; non-members please look at our website www.wendoversociety. org.uk/Events/FutureEvents.aspx.

Aylesbury Vale

Stitchers

On 15 March Michele Carragher, an artist based in London, will be giving a talk at Wendover Memorial Hall. Michele works as Costume Embroiderer in the Film and TV Industry.

Photo left: stumpwork – embroidered armour.

She has worked on many productions such as Game of Thrones, House of the Dragons, The Crown, The Nevers, Assasin’s Creed, Peaky Blinders, Elizabeth 1, starring Dame Helen Mirren and the 2020 film production of The Secret Garden. Recently Michele has had her

first book published showcasing her art entitled Trace. www.michelecarragherembroidery.com

Wendover Tennis and Squash Club

Nicky Cliffe writes: Our hardy tennis players are continuing to attend our popular mix-ins despite the weather. We have two exciting pieces of news on the squash side. Firstly, Katie Malliff has reached a ranking high of number 26 in the world. She continues to travel the world on the squash tour.

The other news is about Allan Whittow, who lives in Wendover. He has put us on the map for sport for all ages!

Allan is the British Over 80s Squash Champion (Masters). His court coverage is nothing short of a man half his age. Allan is a very active member of our squash club and his ability to play at the standard he does is a tribute to his commitment and dedication to the sport. He is and should be an inspiration to us all!

See www.wendovertennisandsquash.co.uk which has all the information about our activities and prices. We are just off the High Street on Dobbins Lane, with four tennis courts and two squash courts.

Wendover Evening WI

Sandra Borns writes: In November Wendover Evening WI held their annual Christmas Fair in the Wendover Memorial Hall. The members’ tremendous efforts resulted in £1,000 being raised for each of their nominated charities: Aylesbury Women’s Aid; and The Little Princess Trust that supports children with cancer by the provision of wigs.

Did you know that Wendover has a swimming pool on the schools campus at Wharf Road? It’s a volunteer-run charity and has public swimming sessions every day. here are free and paid memberships available, and bookings are fully online. ore information, membership and booking at www.wendoverswimmingpool.co.uk

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At the January meeting, a representative of Aylesbury Women’s Aid told the members about their amazing work to help vulnerable women and their children. Committee members were delighted to be able to present AWA with a cheque for £1,000.

BBOWT

Richard Birch writes: March starts a move outdoors for Wildlife Trust activities. College Lake will be celebrating the spring with a Wellness Walk on 4 March, Young Rangers session on the 15th, and a Family Walk round the reserve to see the wildfowl before they disperse to their breeding grounds on Sunday 16th. See more details of events and getting involved at www.bbowt.org.uk

As for indoor events, on Thursday 27 there is a craft session there on Botanical Monoprinting, while at Great Missenden on Tuesday 18 the Chilterns Group celebrates the end of its winter talks season with a Spring Social Evening – a short talk, a supper and a nature and music quiz. Tickets for £5 can be reserved by email to richardbirch60@yahoo.com and paid for at the door on the night.

Wendover Cricket Club

Jonathan Seabrook writes: If all goes as expected and by the time this edition is published, actual work on Wendover Cricket Club’s new ground on Tring Road next to the Vets will, at long last, have started. The initial works will include forming the new access and creating the new levels at the upper end of the site, so it will involve a lot of earth-moving. The proposed plan of the overall site shown on the right:

Editor’s note. This plan is oriented with North to the top of the page. Some details have been removed from the original plan, so that it can be seen at this scale. The road running diagonally across the bottom right corner is the B4008 Upper Icknield Road leading to Halton Camp main entrance. The space facing the right margin is occupied by Wendover Heights vets.

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Health and wellbeing Lindengate Charity reveals plans to blossom

By Jo Durden-Moore

Wendover’s mental health charity, Lindengate, has launched an ambitious new three-year strategy. It aims to double the number of people who benefit from Lindengate’s gardens and wellbeing programmes from 3,000 currently, to 6,000 by 2028.

At the heart of its strategy is a call to action encouraging people to support and nurture themselves: mentally, physically, spiritually – for the good of everyone in the wider community. It’s based on the concept of social and therapeutic horticulture which is at the centre of everything Lindengate delivers, with a new tagline ‘Let’s all grow together.’

Individuals of all ages visit Lindengate to work in the beautiful six-acre garden, learn skills, meet new friends, build confidence and resilience and find support when they need it most. Whilst social and therapeutic horticulture is not new, Lindengate is innovative in how it harnesses the power of nature for a purpose. The design of the garden is conservation-led and designed to bring people together. Lindengate’s ambition to grow comes at a time of severe pressures being placed on UK mental health services. It’s estimated that one in four adults suffer from some form of mental health issue in their lifetime, with less than 5% of them receiving any form of funded help or facing long waiting times for treatment.

The charity provides a lifeline for individuals or families suffering from anxiety, depression, or social isolation. It helps all manner of people with physical or mental health conditions and those living with differences which can be challenging to navigate.

Fundraising successes

interest in programmes are being logged so far. Most encouraging is the fact that the charity is seeing many younger volunteers (aptly called ‘green volunteers’), committing to the charity beyond their school years.

Dedicated staff and volunteers dig in

The dedicated team of 11 staff ensure the garden is well managed and that the well-being programmes are structured and safe. Supporting the staff are hundreds of passionate volunteers who ensure the garden is nurtured and the well-being programmes continue to be a success. They also contribute by running the well-being workshops, helping with admin, baking cakes and making many cups of tea, running events and fundraising initiatives. Part of the fundraising includes them creating bespoke items for the garden and to sell.

At the end of 2025, the trustees put a new leadership team in place to deliver the new strategy by promoting from within the organisation. Andy Grant, a passionate and dedicated horticulturist and superb people-focused leader is general manager, Jacqui Greenham, a brilliant horticultural therapist and highly experienced change manager is programmes and business manager and Jane Leathers, a commercial and financial expert, assumes the role of finance manager.

Chair of trustees, Frank Durden, said “Andy, Jacqui and Jane bring a wealth of knowledge in horticulture, well-being, business and programme management. Alongside that, their ability to bring people together makes them the perfect team to bring our new strategy to life and deliver on our much-needed, ambitious goals.”

The Trustee Board has been strengthened by the arrival last year of Jane Penton, who is volunteering officer at the Alzheimer’s Society and a long-standing governor at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. More recently there was the appointment of Sheila Bulpett, wellknown to Wendover and surrounding villages for her tireless work in the community as a trustee of the Lionel Abel Trust and former chair of Wendover Parish Council.

Lindengate Charity also announced that Roger Jefcoate, CBE DL, who is a long standing passionate supporter of Lindengate, has agreed to be vice-patron working alongside current patron, The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

The new strategy follows two hugely successful fundraising initiatives in December – the hotly anticipated ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ which sold-out in days – welcomed over 100 people to the garden. The second, the ‘Big Give Christmas Appeal’, exceeded its target in a matter of weeks. Whilst financial pressures on charities across Buckinghamshire and beyond remain tighter than ever, donations continue to appear, and record numbers of new volunteers and

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The gardens are open to all visitors on Wednesday – Saturdays between 11am to 3pm and on Saturdays between 1pm and 3pm. Its open-days and popular events kick off on Saturday 19 April with an Easter Egg Hunt. For more details about the work Lindengate does, to get involved, donate or volunteer visit www.lindengate.org.uk

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l-r Andy Grant, Jane Leathers, Jacqui Greenham with 2 team members

Chiltern Way’s Harry Jones is DofE Youth Trailblazer of the Year

Harry Jones, a student at Chiltern Way Academy’s Wendover campus, has won the prestigious award, Youth Trailblazer of the Year, for his work on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Harry’s difficulties with speech and language did not hold him back from climbing through the familiar stages of Bronze, Silver and Gold. He then embarked on the further challenge of becoming a Young Leader.

Academy teacher Matthew Rush, supported by teacher Charlene Martin, worked to prepare last year’s Year 10 students for the DofE Awards, as covered in Wendover News November 2024 issue.

Jason Fox, a judge of the Youth Trailblazer of the Year award, said: “Judging this year’s Trailblazer of the Year category was incredibly tough – there were so many amazing young people who have done some truly incredible things. However, it was Harry’s remarkable strength and perseverance that really stood out to me.”

“Harry went from being a very shy young lad who felt uncomfortable interacting with his fellow pupils, to being an inspirational leader, selfless in supporting them to overcome their own challenges. Harry should be incredibly proud of his achievements, and it was an honour to congratulate him in person at Buckingham Palace.”

Harry describes himself as going on a journey through each of his DofE Award levels, from starting Bronze with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, to taking on a leadership role within the group at Gold, and later becoming a DofE Young Leader, supporting fellow students to take part in their own DofE programmes.

Harry’s leadership abilities were put to the test during his Gold expedition when, at the top of a mountain and in poor weather conditions, a member of the team who experienced high anxiety started to struggle and he could see they needed support.

With his teammate saying they didn’t think they’d be able to continue, Harry took the lead and set up an emergency shelter at the top of the mountain, standing outside in the rain himself to ensure the others were all able to stay dry. From there, Harry phoned their DofE Leader Matt and, by the time he arrived at the shelter, the young person was feeling better and ready to continue with the walk.

Matt Rush, DofE Leader at Chiltern Way Academy, said: “Harry didn’t panic and really kept his cool in a situation that would be difficult for most teachers. He leads by example and has an excellent calming manner.”

Harry’s supportive mentality continued long after he achieved his own Gold DofE Award, when he supported the following year’s Gold group by stepping in to finish the walk with them when other team members dropped out.

Matt said: “Harry will do anything to help others, even if it’s uncomfortable for himself or he finds it difficult. Harry became a Young Leader during the second year of sixth form, after he passed his Gold, and he helped me with the next cohort of students who were doing theirs. Harry has his own complex needs and finds social situations challenging but he said he was happy to do the Gold expedition again so the others could proceed. It shows just how much the DofE has helped him.

“Harry really deserves to be this year’s Trailblazer of the Year. Despite having his own speech and language difficulties, he’s used his communications skills to help other students – helping them complete the DofE is a massive achievement. He is an inspiration to other young people at this school. I’ve seen him grow from a young man into an inspirational young leader.”

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Harry was celebrated alongside six other This is Youth winners at a star-studded event hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. He shared his story – and afternoon tea – with his Royal Highness and This is Youth celebrity judges.

Community Awards

Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our community? Someone who makes a real difference through their kindness, dedication, or hard work? Now’s your chance to nominate them for the Wendover Community Awards 2025 and give them the recognition they deserve!

Award Categories:

• Young Volunteer of the Year (16-21)

• Lifetime Achievement

• Business of the Year

• Service with a Smile

• Volunteer of the Year

• Neighbour of the Year

Nominate online at www.wendover-pc.gov.uk/ community-awards or by posting your form through the Clock Tower door. The deadline is Friday 21 March 2025.

Winners will be awarded at the Parish Council’s Annual General Meeting. Let’s celebrate our local heroes! Nominate someone today and help us recognise those who make Wendover a better place.

Community Showcase

Are you part of a local organisation looking for new volunteers, members, or supporters? Or do you want to showcase what your organisation offers to the local community?

Wendover Local Produce Market

Saturday 15 March, 10am to 2pm Manor Waste

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

www.facebook.com/wendoverparish

Sunday Church Services in Wendover

• St Anne’s: 9am Mass

• St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am

The Community Showcase at the Annual Parish Meeting is the perfect opportunity to connect with the Wendover community.

6-7pm on Thursday 17th April at Wendover Library

This is a fantastic chance to promote your organisation, recruit volunteers, and engage with local residents. Stands are free, but spaces are limited – secure yours today.

To book a stand or find out more, please email estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk

Allotments

Wendover Parish Council has allotment plots available for an April 2025 start at both our sites:

•Hogtrough Lane

•London Road Interested? Fill out a form at www. wendover-pc.gov.uk/allotments o r email estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk for more info.

Senior Estates and Grounds Person

The Council are pleased to announce that our estates and grounds person, Stefan Ziolkowski, has been promoted to senior estates and grounds person.

Stefan has been an invaluable member of the team since he started working for Wendover Parish Council in October 2017. He is hardworking and dedicated to ensuring Wendover is a beautiful place to live, work and visit.

The Council believes that the passion Stefan has for his job will continue to increase in this new position, where he will be assisting the Council with projects to maintain and enhance Wendover’s open spaces and amenities.

Ivy Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for a new project this year? Or do you want to get out more and meet new people?

You can join the group of ivy volunteers that have been working hard over the past year by cutting ivy at the base of trees. The Tree Safety Report commissioned by Wendover Parish Council recommended doing this work to safeguard the trees. Doing this also protects trees from the ‘sail effect’ where heavy growth of ivy makes trees vulnerable to damage in strong wind; ivy prevents photosynthesis which weakens the trees.

If you think you might like to help with this work, why not come along for a session and see if this is for you? The volunteers meet at the Clock Tower at 10:30am on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month. Equipment and protective gear are provided.

If you’d like any more information on this please contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk

Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday 4 March, 7:30pm

St Anne’s Hall, Aylesbury Road HP22 6JG Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk

• Wendover Free Church: 10.45am