The ones who do: how volunteers and their actions are shaping our local future...
Steve Jobs famously championed those who saw things differently. He believed that meaningful progress and good things come from people who believed they could change things and were prepared to stand up to make a difference. Today, local, national and international events with environmental changes are challenging our communities in very different ways, so taking an interest and taking action is needed now, more than ever.
Wendover and its surrounding villages have some excellent volunteers working on behalf of the community to change things for the better. Despite what some people think, parish and county councils also have equally dedicated individuals doing their best, albeit frustrated by bureaucracy. An organisation the size of Buckinghamshire Council needs to have extensive policies, procedures and systems in place to cope with the complexity it faces, but this in itself imposes many constraints.
Wendover News’ Jo Durden-Moore spent time with some of the individuals driving community projects forward. She heard firsthand how they are getting over the barriers of officialdom and politics to get things done and how they have taken matters into their own hands to kick-start projects and show that progress is possible.
As one says, “it’s so easy to look around at the incessant disruption caused by central and
county-wide projects and give up”. But these people are fighting back, against the odds, often causing trouble with those who are uncomfortable with change. Here are some examples.
Planning permission for four new Padel tennis courts is imminent to open at Aylesbury Rugby Club in Weston Turville, thanks to four like-minded residents who got together to make it happen despite planning
challenges. Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, and uses special small courts.
With additional parking specifically for Padel, the club is anticipating increased use by bringing new activities to the area, strengthening its role as a social hub. The courts will open to players of all abilities and ages, with coaches and staff organising events.
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Wendover | Stoke Mandeville | Dunsmore | The Lee | Halton | Weston Turville | Aston Clinton
Contents – May 2026
Izzie gets National Journalism Award....... 7 Wendover Arm and Wilstone Reservoir 7
Local News .............................................. 8
Culture, visual and performing arts 16
Wellbeing on your doorstep 18
Coming up smelling of (wild) roses 19
Continuation of front page 20
Wendover News Survey findings ............ 23
Jeweller’s Insight into House of Faberge 23
WHS2 & EKFB ........................................ 24
Pub Trail 26 A strip of land beside Wendover 29 Club Corner 30
From the Clock Tower Back
Published by Wendover Community News
CIC: A community-owned company.
Editorial Team: Jo Durden-Moore, Sean McCarthy, Simon Eccles, Jane Larkham, Jon Theobald, Wynne Byford and Richard Byford
Coordination, ads, social media and online: Wynne Byford
Production: Jon Theobald, Simon Eccles, Wynne Byford and Richard Byford,
Accounts: James Harrington
Distribution and deliveries: Lisa Bailey and 70 other charming volunteers!
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Aylesbury Vale Tutors
Making learning enjoyable
Jim and Karen Lucas
Events – May 2026
Poetry Please
Fri 1, 10.30am
Wendover Christian Centre HP22 6JG
“Myths are made for the imagination to breathe life into them” – Albert Camus. The theme will be fantasy – myths, legends and folklore. Bring a suitable poem if you wish. Everyone is welcome!
Wendover Bowls Club Open Evenings
Fris, 6pm, Dobbins Lane, HP22 6BU
Every Friday in May 6pm. Try out this fascinating, frustrating game. Wear flat shoes. Bowls and coaching provided. See p30.
The Dead Cherry Pickers Music Society
Fri 1, 8pm,Limelight Theatre
Aylesbury, HP21 7RT
The group’s material spans indie pop, acoustic, funk, prog and jazz. Bar opens at 7pm. A fully seated event. Free parking. All proceeds To Young Carersbucks. £16 from tickets.queensparkarts.com/ event/763:378/763:9634/. See p16.
WPC Ivy Volunteers
Mons 4 & 18, Meet 10am, Clock Tower
Supporting Wendover Parish Council tree protection on first and third Monday each month. Equipment provided but feel free to bring your own favourite tools and gloves.
Aylesbury Sailing Club Open Day and BBQ
Mon 4, 1-3pm
Weston Turville Reservoir, HP22 5PS
Discover a welcoming, well-hidden sailing club in the heart of Bucks. See p30. www.aylesburysailingclub.uk/openday.php
at Capel Manor College, will talk about climbers, including clematis groups, and how to plant, prune and look after them as well as how these plants attract various insects which benefit the garden. www.kehs.uk.
Wendover u3a Talk
Wed 6, 10am, St Mary’s Church, Wendover HP22 6NL
Val Brown on ‘Who was this King Arthur Bloke Anyway?
Craft Group
Weds 6 & 20, 10am-12 noon
Wendover Christian Centre HP22 6JG
Craft Group provides time, space and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Take your own materials or just go along to see what others are doing. Coffee served about 11am. Newcomers always welcome.
Board Game Café
Thurs 7 & 28, 2-4pm
Wendover Christian Centre
Enjoy a variety of games old and new or take your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all ages.
Wendover Horticultural Society
Thu 7, 2.30pm, St Anne’s Hall, HP22 6JG
A talk on ‘Hedgelaying’ by Paul Blissett. As well as laying over 13 miles of hedge since 2000, Paul is also a very experienced yoga teacher. Price £3.00.
Saturday Sleuth’s Crime Fiction Group
Sat 9, 10-11.30am
Wendover Library, HP22 6DU
BA (hons) Education, Science, Maths, SEND 07908 460133 or 07508 036366 aylesburyvaletutors@gmail.com
For all ages and abilities DBS Checked QTS
LEGACY FAIRS
Antiques & Collectors Market
Wendover Memorial Hall
Thursday 21 May 9am-2pm (Trade 8am)
For updates Tel: 07543 524212 or email: p.hetheringtonwh@gmail.com Entrance by donation to Charity
Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society
Tue 5, 8pm Stewart Hall
Little Kimble HP17 OXN ‘Clematis and other climbers.’ George Lockwood, an organic gardener who trained
PLANT & PRODUCE MARKET
A discussion around ‘A Study in Scarlet’ by Arthur Conan Doyle, in which the now iconic
RAF Flypasts: To celebrate the completion of training at RAF Halton, flypasts will take place, weather permitting, at 13:30 on Wednesdays 6 and 26 May.
WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL
Great for Children’s Parties Ideal for Weddings & Functions
Homemade Produce Refurbished Tools
Coffee, Crafts & Books
Excellent kitchen facilities
Great Missenden Memorial Centre Great Value Plants
SUNDAY MAY 17 11am-1pm
For more information contact: richardbirch60@yahoo.com./ 01296 624511 Free Parking
Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk
ST ANNE’S HALL to hire
All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713
stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk
detective Sherlock Holmes made his fictional debut.
Members will be recommending their favourite titles, and will also be able to take part in a book swap. Tea, coffee and biscuits served. Free to attend. All welcome. Please email carol@the-investigator.co.uk for the reading list for the term.
Kimble & Ellesborough
Horticultural Society plant sale Sat 9, 10-11.30am
Ellesborough Village Hall, HP17 0XA
A great opportunity to buy locally grown perennials, vegetables and annuals. Arrive early as everything sells quickly. Cash and card payments accepted. Free entry
Open Days at local crematoria
Sat 9, 11-2pm, Bierton Crematorium Cane End Lane, HP22 5BH Sun 10, 11-2pm, Chilterns Crematorium Whielden Lane, Amersham, HP7 0ND
You are invited to attend these events which offer an opportunity to speak to industry experts, and ask questions about end-of-life planning in an informal and supportive setting. For more details call 01494 724263.
Run Prestwood Sun 10, 9.30am-12pm, From Prestwood Gym, Prestwood, HP16 9QY
Why not get a team together and take on
Run Prestwood? A friendly and inclusive event offering both 5k and 10k routes and a great way to support a great cause, Chilterns Neuro Centre. www.run.prestwood.co.uk
Wendover Youth Centre AGM
Mon 11, 7pm, Wharf Road, HP22 6HF
Hear about the work of the Youth Centre. See ad on p2. More on p10.
Purssell Path volunteers
Tues 12 & 26, 10am, Purssell Path
Meet at the Purssell Path sign. Bring your own tools and gloves.
Wills and estate planning surgery
Tue 12, 12-2pm, Wendover Library, HP22 6DU
To book a slot email: iain@protrustconsulting. co.uk or tel: 01296 415700.
HS2 Mobile Visitor Centre
Sat 16, 10am-2pm, Manor Waste
The engagement team will be available if you wish to discuss HS2 works around Wendover or support for local community projects.
Book Club
Sat 16, 10.30-11.30am
Wendover Christian Centre HP22 6JG
No set books. Just hear about what others have been reading. If you wish, talk about something you’ve read – whether you loved it or not. Begins with coffee. All welcome.
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 16, 2-4.30pm
Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF
With Nicola Jarvis, a highly respected embroiderer whose work is inspired by the countryside and wildlife. email: aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com.
Wendover Choral Concert
Sat 16, 7.30pm
St Mary’s Wendover, HP22 6NL
In The Key of Triumph, Vivaldi Gloria, Haydn’s Nelson Mass. Tickets in advance (£17.50/£5) from the Just shop or wendoverchoral@gmail. com (£20 on the door). See p16&17.
BBOWT Plant and Produce Market
Sun 17, 11am-1pm
Great Missenden Memorial Centre Plants, produce, books, crafts, WorkAid tools. Popup Cafe. In aid of The Wildlife Trust. For more information email Richard Birch at richardbirch60@yahoo.com. See ad p2.
Aylesbury Centre of the National Trust Thu 21, 7.30pm
Broughton Jnr School HP20 1NQ
Nigel Crompton speaks on ‘The History of the British Fire Service.’
Details from Hon Sec, phone/SMS 07399 540626, emailaylesburycentrent@gmail.com, or Facebook.
Wendover Arts Festival
Fri 22 to Mon 25
St Mary’s Church, Wendover
Tickets for the Friday evening preview will be available at the Just shop on the High Street. www.wendover-arts-festival.co.uk. See p17.
. Wendover Repair Café
Sat 23, 9.30am-12pm
Wendover Library HP22 6DU
The skilled Repair Café team is ready and willing to do whatever they can to fix, mend and save your electrical items, clothing, fabrics, toys, jewellery, ornaments or gardening tools. Last repairs start at 11.30am. In June, the Repair Café will be offering bicycle repairs and servicing in the library’s decking area. See p12.
Wendover Talks at the Library
Thu 28, 2.30pm- 4pm, Wendover Library
“A Model Spy” - An interview with local author John Rory Maclean who published his book ‘A Model Spy’ in February 2026. See Wendover News April, p26.
The Arts Society Ballinger
Thu 28, 7.30 for 8pm, Ballinger Village Hall, Ballinger, Great Missenden HP16 9LG
‘Who Was Breugel? Discovering the master through his sons.’ Amy Orrock, curator and art historian, asks who was Pieter Bruegel the
Elder? His small body of surviving paintings demonstrates his supreme ability to depict the daily life of the peasants with both humour and humility. For more details email ballinger@theartssociety.org or visit www.theartssocietyballinger.org.uk
Brew’s Company
Fri 29, 10am-12.30pm, The Bull Pub Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5UP
Brew’s Company monthly café and social for over-60s. Featuring an interactive talk by local resident Brian Butler, a seasoned traveller who will share his experiences of visiting 13 capital cities. Be on alert, as Brian will also be testing your knowledge of capital cities!
Marion Dalkin will also be giving a demonstration of decorative mending techniques which turns clothing repairs into art.
If you see over-60s in the village with sequins and stars on their clothes, you know they’ve been to Marion’s class!
If you would like to give a demonstration or speak at a future event, or have any questions about the café, email caroljenkinsnews@ gmail.com.
Weston Turville Historical Society
Fri 29 8pm
Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW ‘British women in aviation: the pioneers,’ with Guy Bartlett. www.wthsoc.org.uk.
REGULAR EVENTS
The Saxons Are Coming!
Until 1 November 2026
Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury Explore Buckinghamshire’s Saxon past.
Yoga and Mindful Art Classes
Guide Hut, Manor Crescent Wendover, HP22 6HH
Mon/Wed 10:30–11:15am Chair Yoga www.happywellyoga.com/classes/chair-yoga Mons 11.30–12.30 Mindful HeART Class www.artyparty.fun/ mindful-heart-Mondays Friday 09–10.00 SlowFlow Yoga Friday 10.15–11.15 KundaDance www.happywellyoga.com/classes
Yoga with Sarah St Anne’s Hall, Wendover Mons, 7.15–8.15 pm Weds, 6.15–7.15 pm & 7.30 - 8.30 pm Thus 9.30–10.30 am. Email: sarahyoga@sky.com
Seated exercise classes Mons, 2–3pm
Aston Clinton Baptist Church, HP22 5EX Tues, 2–3pm
The Ark Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UT Weds, 1.15–2.15pm
highly experienced teacher delivering term time and intensive holiday courses for Years 4 and 5. Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Wendover Health Centre HP22 6LD
Thus, 2-3pm
Weston Turville Village Hall HP22 5RW Details: www.activeinthecommunity.org.uk/ seated-exercise. All classes £3 per session, cash on arrival. Book in advance with amelia. evans@aitc.org.uk or 07399 748803.
Yoga with Alice D
Mons, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG 7-8.15pm, Pregnancy Yoga 8.30-9.45pm, Women’s Yoga.
Weds, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 10.30-11.30am, Mum and Baby Yoga 12-1pm, Nurture Baby Massage. www.yogawithaliced.com.
Busylizzy classes:
Mons, St Mary’s Church, Wendover 13:00 Baby Massage.
13:45 Postnatal Yoga (babies welcome). Tues,St Anne’s Hall, Wendover 10:00 Postnatal Pilates (babies welcome). Thus, Wendover Memorial Hall 10:00 Postnatal Circuits (babies welcome). 13:15: Baby Music.
Contact Emma to book on: 07418 609829. www.busylizzy.co.uk/wendover.
Simply Walks and Cycle Rides
Wendover – Tues: Weekly walks from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am.
Socialise after at Wendover Christian Centre. Aston Clinton – Thus: from Aston Clinton Park leave 10.30am. Meet beside ‘Your Café in the Park.’ Refreshments afterwards. Registration is 15 minutes beforehand at both locations.
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
Liz Brown Yoga
Tues, 7pm, Wendover Memorial Hall Fris, 10.30am, St Anne’s Hall 1:1 Yoga Therapy by appointment. Also online classes. www.lizbrownyoga.co.uk 07941 425187.
Diamond Bridge Club
Tues 6.45 for 7pm,
Ellesborough Village Hall, HP17 0XA
A friendly club who play bridge in a relaxed environment. If you have any questions or would like to join, email the secretary at barbara.barnes@me.com.
Cracklewick Morris
Tues 8.15-10.15pm
Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG
An all-inclusive mixed Morris side who meet most Tuesdays to dance. Everyone welcome – musicians and dancers. No experience
needed to dance. Email cracklewickmorris@ gmail.com
Compassionate & memory cafés
Wigginton: First Wed, 1.30-3pm, The Sports Ground Community Café, HP23 6HH
Great Missenden: Last Wed, 11.30am, GM Library, HP16 0AL, www.bit.ly/3Zqn5RH. The Halton Memory Café, Chiltern Neuro Centre: First Fri, 10am-12pm, run by Ashridge Home Care For further information email Abbi at hello@ashridgehomecare.co.uk.
Chilterns Light Network
Weds 7.30 for 8pm
Wendover Memorial Hall
What’s going on in the world? Are we being told the truth? Explore new perspectives through talks and discussion in this lively and open minded group. Many topics – something for everyone. Check schedule on the website. £5 non- members www.chilternslightnetwork.org or email ChilternsLight@proton.me
Halton Art Group
Thus,1.30-3.30pm
Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG
Join in the fun with a small local art group. £15 per session. A tutor attends every 5 weeks. Refreshments provided. Tel: 077538 41590.
Fitness and Fun for the Over-60’s
Thus, 2–3pm, Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, Eskdale Road
Every other Thursday afternoon. Refreshments afterwards. clerk@stokemandeville-pc.gov.uk.
JUNE 2026
The Golden Age of Hollywood Thus 4, 11, 18, 7.45pm, St Mary’s Wendover Three singing workshops led by Kenton Brigden. All tickets - £30 - from www.wendoverchoral@gmail.com or www.ticketsource. co.uk. See p17.
Mikron Theatre at Lindengate Fri 5, 7pm, Lindengate
‘Top of the Wold’, a musical adventure. Gates open 5pm. Performance starts 7pm. www. lindengate.org.uk/events. See p17.
Party in the Park, Sat 6, Stoke Mandeville Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, Eskdale Road. See p17.
Acer Corner garden opening Sat 13 & Sun 14, 10 Manor Road HP22 6HQ
An opportunity to visit a stunning Japaneseinspired garden in Wendover.
Planning ahead?
Here’s the Wendover News next production dates. To ensure we have enough space, email newsdesk @wendovernews.org or advertising @wendovernews.org to let us know as early as possible.
Ad and submission deadline (18:00)
June 2026 11 May 26
Summer 2026 15 June 26
September 2026 10 August 26
October 2026 7 September 26
November 2026
Former Wendover News volunteer wins national journalism award
By Richard Byford
Izzie Addison, who grew up in Wendover, has been awarded ‘Student of the Year’ by the National Council for the Training of Journalists at an award ceremony in Brighton. Izzie showed early promise in journalism by volunteering on Wendover News in 2024, both writing stories and organising the Wendover News’ Young Writers Group.
She was selected from 1,406 students, after completing her level 5 NCTJ diploma in journalism at PA Media Academy last year. The qualification is usually seen as one of the important steps in the career of a successful journalist.
It includes media law, journalism/broadcast ethics and regulation, the essential skills of the profession, and production of an e-portfolio, as well as specialist elective modules.
Izzie attended the event at the Brighton Dome on Tuesday, 24 March with her dad, Matt, and was presented with the award by Sky Sports’ Hannah Wilkes.
Izzie joined the Wendover News team early in 2024, while she was working in PR and Communications for a national youth charity. As well as writing and editing for the magazine, she ran the Wendover News Young Writers Group with Rory Lavery.
She gained her gold standard NCTJ diploma with PA Media Academy last year,
Wendover Arm and Wilstone Reservoir
By Sean McCarthy
A year ago, Wendover News reported that canal water had been released from the Wendover Arm to relieve Wilstone Reservoir while strengthening work to the reservoir embankment was carried out.
The work on the reservoir, at a cost of £6 million, was necessary to ensure its continued viability for the next hundred years. Wendover News is pleased to confirm that the main civil engineering work has now been completed and that the reservoir has reopened to the public.
Some construction work is still taking place, including improvements to an access road and footpaths. However, new steps and safety rails are now in place, making the reservoir
going on to work for the Henley Standard before joining the Press Association as a news reporter.
From John Colet School to No. 10
Her highlights so far have included covering the Henley Royal Regatta, the Royal Variety Performance, and Ukraine peace talks at Downing Street.
In March, she was the only reporter in the room covering Sir Keir Starmer’s first statement at No. 10 after the attacks on Iran.
Izzie is 24 years old and is still a resident of Wendover. She attended John Colet School before moving to Aylesbury High School and gained work experience with Jane Larkham at Wendover News at a time when it had a staffed office.
Wendover News was established to produce this magazine, but that is only part of the
one of the many stunning local destinations for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers.
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) website states that the reservoir car park and most of the footpath reopened on 2 April, although a small section at the far north-east end of the reservoir will remain closed until culvert works are completed.
By the end of April, the CRT’s engineering contractors, Kier, will have left the site. A small team will return for 7–10 days towards the end of June to install materials at a culvert.
Later this year, a series of biodiversity improvements are planned, including reed bed enhancements within the Wilstone Reservoir nature reserve area and gap planting in the reservoir’s hedgerows.
With its very large heronry, it is possible to see these usually solitary birds, as well as little egrets, in significant numbers.
Following the embankment improvements, it is especially the biodiversity and
story. Its purpose is to provide a springboard for people to move forward – from parents wanting to gain skills, experience and confidence before going back to work, to those of all ages aspiring to a new career in print and broadcast journalism. We were pleased to figure as a minor step in Izzie’s career pathway.
When we asked her about her experience as part of the team back in November last year she said: “Volunteering with Wendover News is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the community and gain new skills. Regulated by Impress and powered by a team of dedicated and talented volunteers, Wendover News is a brilliant example of high-quality, hyper-local journalism.”
The Wendover News team wish Izzie the very best, for what appears to have the makings of a stellar career.
environmental work that is welcomed at what is widely considered to be one of the best birdwatching sites in the South East of England.
Izzie with Tim Singleton, head of international news, Sky News, at the NCTJ awards in Brighton.
Photo: NCTJ
The reservoir in August 25 as embankment strengthening works were completed.
Photo: Simon Eccles
Local News
Lionel Abel-Smith seeks its next Youth Ambassador
The Lionel Abel-Smith Trust is looking for its next Youth Ambassador. This is a voluntary role, working alongside the trustees to promote the work of the trust within Wendover, with a focus on youth engagement. The Youth Ambassador will need to attend the two full trustee meetings each year and ad-hoc meetings at other times, which could include evenings and weekends. Applicants will need to be in Year 12 at their school from September 2026 when this role starts (ie in Year 11 now), and they should be living or studying in Wendover parish.
Lizy Pearson (centre photo below) was the previous Youth Ambassador. She wrote “I really enjoyed helping people and although not really knowing what this truly entailed at the time, I wanted to try something new. I had a busy schedule, but this was not time demanding, which meant I could do something beneficial to my future without stressing, and being able to do my studies too. I felt I could give back: personally my family have had to rely on trusts and so, for me, this was a meaningful decision.”
She said that being an Ambassador helped her subsequently: “It stood out on my CV and university applications.” It gave her skills in communications, networking and creative thinking, and increased her confidence to
offer her thoughts in professional settings, she said.
LAST says that the qualities it is looking for include people skills (including confidence in talking to people); enthusiasm for helping people; proactiveness; and creative thinking. “If you have a thought, it’s worth raising it even if you think it’s not – trust me!” says Lizy.
More information and the application process are on the Trust website: www. wendovertrust.org/youth-ambassador
Chair Yoga classes start at the Guide Hut
Happy & Well Yoga is offering a new Chair Yoga class, at Wendover Guide Hut, off Manor Crescent, HP22 6HH. Practitioner Sabina Dye says this is “a gentle, accessible form of Yoga that can be practised while seated.” She says benefits include improved flexibility, strength, balance, and reduced stress. It’s suited to people of all ages and abilities, especially office workers, seniors and those with limited mobility.
“In this 45-minute class you will be mindfully moving while listening to your body, gently stretching, working on fascia, muscles and joints, using Pranayama (Yogic breathing) and relaxing at the end of the class,” says Sabina. “Those who tried it noticed improvements in flexibility, mood and peace of mind, as well as better core and muscle strength. Classes are fun and varied from week to week.”
She also offers Slow Flow Yoga, Meditation, Kundadance or Kids Yoga classes, and these can be arranged for
organisations, companies and schools if needed. school or kindergarten. More information from www.happywellyoga.com.
WI Spring Stall
Sandra Borns writes: On Saturday, 21 March, Wendover Evening WI held their annual Spring Stall on the Manor Waste. There was a fabulous display of WI homemade cakes, preserves, crafts and plants. It was all quickly snapped up! The Easter Egg Tombola was a runaway success as usual. After a very busy morning just over £700 had been raised for WI funds… all credit to our very industrious and talented members!
Canal towpath litter picking
Jane Larkham writes: Rotary in Wendover has been doing a litter pick along Tring Road annually for a few years now. This always happens in early spring and this year president Ana Brown saw that it coincided with the Keep Britain Tidy ‘Love where you live,’ Great British Spring Clean, so fixed the date for Saturday 28 March. Rotarians had noticed that there was an abundance of litter along the towpath so they decided to change the venue and ask others to join in. The trustees of Wendover Canal gave their blessing.
As always, Wendover Parish Council was very happy to supply litter grabbers, collecting sacks and rings to hold them open: collected on the Friday afternoon and
returned on the Monday morning. Dangerous objects like glass and discarded bags of dog poo were collected in a cardboard box which was sealed before disposal.
On the day, members of The Wendover Society joined in and started litter picking from Perch Bridge, back towards the start of the canal in Wharf Road. Rotarians and other volunteers from Wendover worked the other way, from Wharf Road towards Walnut Tree Meadow.
One of the Wendover Society members heroically took it upon herself to litter pick on Halton Lane, because there seemed to be more rubbish there than on the towpath. Rumour now has it that John Colet School has also been litter picking on the towpath so there was not as much rubbish as expected, but still enough to keep several people busy for an hour or so.
The two groups met up near Oliver’s Bridge (and the Purssell Path), where the photo above was taken, before as many as possible joined up at Craftyard for a coffee in the spring sunshine.
The Wendover Society has also been pioneering a monthly Wendover Tidy Up, starting with the High Street (including weeding) since the beginning of this year.
Let’s all make sure we keep our environs in good order.
Nest brings family support to Wendover Staff, trustees, volunteers and beneficiaries from Nest Aylesbury Vale hosted a community drop -in event at Wendover Library in March, to introduce the charity’s work and connect with local residents.
Operations manager Tammy Jackson said the team really valued the conversations on the day: “It was lovely to speak with people from such a range of backgrounds. Those who came along were genuinely interested in what Nest does, and it gave us a great opportunity to strengthen our links within Wendover and surrounding areas.”
Alongside the positive response to the event, Nest saw a rise in volunteer enquiries both in the run - up and the weeks following, helped by the increased publicity and growing awareness of the charity’s work locally.
Nest Aylesbury Vale is a local charity offering free, personalised support to families who are experiencing challenges, feeling overwhelmed or facing isolation. The team provides practical help, emotional encouragement and signposting, working in a flexible, compassionate way shaped around each family’s needs.
The charity already has several in-home volunteers and trustees based in Wendover, and has provided support to families across the local community.
Volunteers draw on their own parenting or
caring experience to walk alongside individuals and families, offering practical help, encouragement and connection. Beyond this lived experience, no specialist background is required - just empathy, reliability and a willingness to support someone through a challenging time.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer, or to find out about the support Nest offers, see: www.nestaylesburyvale.org.uk or email info@nestaylesburyvale.org.uk
Walnut Tree Meadow and Barlow Wood survey results
Wendover Parish Councillor Frances Tipper writes: WPC included a survey in Wendover News ’ February issue, asking residents for their use and comments of two beautiful and unspoilt open spaces in the heart of our community – Walnut Tree Meadow and across Oliver’s Bridge to Barlow Wood. The response was one of the largest responses that the Parish Council has ever
Editorial clarification
On page 19 of the March issue of Wendover News, last minute edits may have created some misunderstandings. We stated that elected councillors at Buckinghamshire Council do not get salaries. Whilst this is technically true, they are elected members – rather than paid employees – and therefore their remuneration is in the form of ‘allowances’ and expenses, as oppose to a ‘salary’. The range of allowances (depending on the position held) are clearly set out on the Buckinghamshire Council website.
We also said that councillors can’t dictate the council’s decisions. In fact, collectively, councillors have powers to make changes to the Council’s policies and to develop new ones, in properly convened council meetings. Individually, however, they are not able to unilaterally direct officers relating to specific cases or activities.
We apologise for any misunderstanding this may have caused.
Tammy Jackson (3rd left) with staff, trustees, volunteers and a former beneficiary who donated their time and professional skills in support.
received and was overwhelmingly positive. Our thanks to all who took the time to reply.
The aim of the survey was to establish whether we had grounds to nominate these areas as assets of community value, in order to give them legal protection from immediate development.
Survey answers demonstrate that these two interconnected areas of land are frequently used and wholeheartedly loved by residents. In the forms, 98.3% (Walnut Tree Meadow) and 96.9% (Barlow Wood) of responders selected ‘Yes’ to these lands becoming Assets of Community Value. They are regularly used, with 79% of respondents visiting Walnut Tree Meadow and 54% visiting Barlow Wood at least weekly.
Underlying themes of responses came from recurring words including peaceful, nature, wildlife, calming and tranquil, highlighting mental health, recreation, and community connection benefits. Respondents consistently described these spaces as accessible, restorative, and important meeting places for walkers, families, and dog walkers.
The nomination forms and the survey results have now been sent to Bucks Council for consideration and the WPC clerk hopes to have a response in July or August this year.
Youth Centre turns 40 this year
Paul Hammett writes: Wendover Youth Centre (WYC) is 40 years old in June, and we are making plans to celebrate this occasion in the summer. WYC was opened in 1986 and run by Buckinghamshire Council until 2011, and thereafter by local people from our community through the charity, Wendover Youth Centre Ltd.
We were saddened to hear the news of the passing of our long-time chairman and original founder, Tony Playle. We are extremely grateful for his contribution to the running of the Centre.
WYC continues to run today by our great team of staff and volunteers who provide a range of activities and opportunities for young people. This has been made possible through the continued funding from within the community and we thank the generous support from Lionel Abel Smith Trust/ Wendover Parish Council and our other partners over the years.
We are currently looking for volunteers to become Trustees to help us continue to keep the Centre open for the young people of Wendover. As a Trustee you will attend just six meetings a year to discuss plans, events and fundraising ideas.
Kings Head offers history tours
The historic Kings Head pub in central Aylesbury has been running “behind the scenes” tours this year, and is about to announce dates for May and June (possibly by the time you read this). The Kings Head is operated by Terrick-based Chiltern Brewery, which two years ago completed a renovation of the Tudor era Great Hall and opened it as a
second bar and restaurant. Wendover News covered the re-opening in the DecemberJanuary 2024/25 issue. Historical records for the separate Farmers Bar building on the same site date back to at least 1455 and it is believed that one of its cellars is 12th Century. George Jenkinson, a co-director of the Chiltern Brewery, will conduct the tours. He has been the landlord of the Kings Head for more than 20 years. He says: “These are not formal lectures or museum-style guided walks, but relaxed, story-led visits designed to reveal more of what makes the pub so special. Guests hear about the pub’s history, see areas not usually open to visitors, and gain an insight into how a historic coaching inn works in the present day. The emphasis is on warmth, conversation and authenticity — very much in keeping with the spirit of the place.”
He adds that “In an age when so much changes so quickly, there is something pleasingly reassuring about a place that has offered hospitality for well over five centuries. For lovers of pubs, that matters. A genuinely historic inn is not simply an old building with beams and fireplaces. It is living, shaped by people, trade, local life and the simple pleasures of conversation over a pint. The King’s Head remains exactly that: a proper pub, deeply rooted in Aylesbury’s and England’s story, and still serving that same understated purpose today.
Check for dates and bookings on: www.kingsheadaylesbury.co.uk/event/ kings-head-tour
Chiltern Brewery is also now selling its latest small batch brew though its Terrick
Shop on Nash Lee Road (HP17 0TQ), as well as online at www.chilternbrewery.co.uk
Here Comes The Sun is a bright extra pale ale (4.5%) available in 440ml cans. George Jenkinson calls it “Bright, refreshing and easy-drinking, with vibrant hop character and a clean finish, brewed for a sunny afternoon, a garden chair, or the first barbecue of the year.”
Chatty Café starts at Wendover Library
Wendover Community Library has joined The Chatty Cafe Scheme, in partnership with Right at Home Aylesbury Vale and Chiltern. The Chatty Café is intended to help people to talk to others.
The scheme was the brainchild of Alexandra Hoskyn, who founded it after a miserable day at a supermarket café with her infant son in 2016, where she noticed that no one was talking to each other. She found that by simply putting ‘Chatter & Natter’ signs on tables in cafés it created a space for people to talk. A Chatter & Natter table brings people together and everyone is invited.
Anyone can join in – if you’re on your own, in a couple, with a friend, if you’re a carer. It’s for mums and babies, dads and babies, grandparents and babies, young people, older people and anyone in between! It’s a way to meet new people in your community. It’s easy to join in – just look for the Chatter & Natter table at the Library and sit there. The organisers say “it’s not about making lifelong friends, just having good old fashioned human interaction.”
Other Chatty Cafés in the area include the Rhubarb Café at St Michael and All Angels Church in Church Road, Aston Clinton. This is open from 2-4pm on Mondays only. You can find other Chatty Cafés in the area via the website at https://thechattycafescheme.co.uk
A report by Coventry University found that 100% of Chatter & Natter table users said it made them feel less lonely and socially isolated, while 97% of venues feel that the Chatter & Natter tables are encouraging community spirit.
Library continues improving a year after re-opening
Ron Melville and Frances Tipper write: The Friends of Wendover Library (FOWL) came together on Friday 24 March to celebrate the first anniversary of the re-opening of the Library after its major refurbishment (see Wendover News May 2025, p16-17). FOWL has now put the final touches to the building to complement the fresh and light interior, adding new facilities including an electric piano with headphones.
On entering the Library, children run in and know immediately to turn right under the big arch into “their space,” start looking for books, settle down on a bean bag, fight over who goes into the sparkly seat or start playing with the jigsaw pieces. Meanwhile parents can relax for a few minutes knowing their children are safe.
Children and adults alike enjoy exploring the new back garden. The Library often holds seed planting sessions for children to discover how to grow their own plants. FOWL has added garden chairs and tables with shades for sunny spots, creating another restful place for anyone coming to the Library. There are also comfy new armchairs looking out from inside onto the garden so visitors can enjoy
the sunshine and the view. The armchairs in the main Library also let visitors catch up with friends or find a quiet space to read.
The meeting spaces are hosting new events, such as monthly talks and the Repair Café ,which are proving popular. The On Screen movie showings continue in the large meeting room, and FOWL has purchased a new projection screen and sound system for this. These, together with new blackout blinds, give the feel of a regular cinema, but with added tea and biscuits. On Screen now includes Carer and Baby screening dates, and other screenings with subtitles or open captions.
FOWL also organised the remaking of the seat around the Twinning Stones to be safe again.
If you haven’t yet visited Wendover Community Library, you are missing a treat and an opportunity to meet the helpful volunteers. It is situated just off the High Street, by the car park.
FOWL thanks the Lionel Abel-Smith Trust, The Rothschild Foundation, Wendover Shed and Wendover Parish Council for their support with funding.
CLAW recognised “Environmental Champion” by Wendover Parish Council
Climate Action Wendover (CLAW) is delighted to have received the Wendover Parish Council’s Environmental Champion Community Award. This is a great honour for the very active local organisation and
reflects the hard work and dedication of all CLAW members to this extremely important cause.
Recent initiatives from the group have included developing the Wendover Wildbelt in collaboration with the Chiltern Society and Wendover Parish Council and tree planting on the Witchell and Hampden Meadows.
There was also an extremely well attended workshop in Weston Turville in collaboration with Climate Action Weston Turville and the parish councils of Wendover, Weston Turville, Halton and Stoke Mandeville. This sparked activities ranging from improving food security to highlighting the challenges of cycling on local roads as well as promoting domestic energy efficiency and green transport.
CLAW has also organised community film screenings, including Six Inches of Soil, which explores the issues and benefits of regenerative farming.
The group will also be showing The People’s Emergency Briefing later in the summer, a recently released film from the National Emergency Briefing initiative. This public information project aims to ensure that the UK and especially local communities are fully informed about the climate, nature and food crisis.
Repair Café arrived in Wendover
The First Repair Café in Wendover has opened, hosted by Friends of Wendover
Library. Jenny Summerfield, one of the coordinators, explained: “Don’t throw away that jacket because the zip is broken or chuck out a lamp because some bits are coming loose.
“Mend and Make Do” was the mantra of Friends of Wendover Library (FOWL) as the Wendover Repair Café set up shop in the library meeting room on Saturday 27 March.
Over sixty curious people came to the launch of the Repair Café; some bringing all manner of items that had seen better days or had in some way got damaged, others coming to see what was going on and to enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake.
The Repair Café was able to fix over thirty items ranging from electrical gadgets, gardening tools, clothing, toys, pottery figures, mechanical items, one set of earrings and even a fountain pen!
If an item was too complicated, too large or would take more than two hours to be sorted out customers could be referred to Wendover Shed.
The concept of the Friends of Wendover Repair Café is to raise funds for the library by using the skills of local volunteers to fix items that might otherwise be thrown away. The owner makes a donation and would be expected to supply any replacement parts such as a zip for a coat or the correct colour wool for a jumper that needs darning.
The Repair Café was a fantastic community
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effort with not only the highly skilled repair volunteers mucking in to help each other solve a challenging problem, but amazing cakes were donated by students at the Chiltern Way Academy who baked them especially for the Café’s customers.
There is also a special thank you to the Florence Nightingale shop who donated some spare clothing that couldn’t be sold for the sewers to use as patches.
A rota has been established so different people will be repairing each month, and plans are afoot to have bicycle repairs and even servicing from 27 June.
The next FOWL Repair Café will be on
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Saturday 23 May from 9.30 to midday at the Wendover Library meeting room. If you have a special skill for fixing things or just need a cherished jumper darned, make sure you go to the next Repair Café at the Library.”
For more information, please contact: Frances or Jenny (Repair Café Coordinators) frances@spokenwordltd.com or jenny. summerfield@hotmail.com
CLAW expands volunteer team
Climate Action Wendover had a very active winter period and is gearing up for even more community engagement throughout the spring and summer months.
Several CLAW members attended a workshop in Aylesbury at Buckinghamshire New University, hosted by Community Impact Bucks, an Aylesbury-based organisation that supports local charities and groups to develop skills and partnerships for the benefit of their communities.
The workshop explored how local organisations such as CLAW can work with like-minded bodies to share ideas and help
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volunteers make the greatest possible impact in their chosen fields.
We heard from BBOWT (Bucks, Berks and Oxon Wildlife Trust) about their RBOR (Reconnecting Bernwood, Otmoor and the Ray) nature recovery project, covering a 120-square-mile area between Aylesbury, Bicester and Oxford. Volunteers have been trained to conduct hedgerow surveys, butterfly and egg counts, as well as to implement habitat restoration plans.
The workshop also featured the Bucks Climate Action Alliance, which brings together a range of volunteer organisations across the county with shared environmental goals. This provided an opportunity for the CLAW team to strengthen local networks and exchange ideas.
We also learned about free web-based tools such as “Volunteer Bucks”, which helps volunteers and organisations find each other, and the Mycelium Map, which provides information on local groups involved in environmental and climate change mitigation projects.
Finally, the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) outlined the wide range of work they undertake across the country and explained how reliant they are on their 14,000 volunteers, who help run nature reserves, carry out administrative and planning work, conduct wildlife surveys, and support local RSPB groups.
The main takeaway from the workshop was that we do not need to feel isolated in our efforts to improve the local community. There are many well-established and professionally run organisations already in place to support local initiatives—we simply need to reach out and ask how we can help
Your chance to comment on Wendover housing application
Local residents are invited to comment on an outline planning application for 85 new houses on Aylesbury Road opposite the former Village Gate pub site. Rectory Homes is the developer and its initial proposals were on the cover of Wendover News ’ March issue.
In a social media post, Wendover Parish
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Council pointed out that “This is an outline application, which means the full design isn’t final yet. Right now, the main thing being decided is how vehicles will access the site (roads, traffic, entry/exit). So this is your chance to comment on things like:
• Traffic and congestion on Aylesbury Road
• Road safety and access points
• Whether the access is suitable for this size of development
• Any general concerns about the proposal.”
The deadline is 6 May and the link to the Bucks Council planning website is here: https://bit.ly/3OGMxQ1
Rectory Homes already invited local comments before applying for outline planning permission. Its website for the development is here: www.rectorywendover. co.uk
Ellesborough Road rumour quashed
What started as a single conversation, soon became a collective sense of outrage. There was a rumour that HS2 were going to close the Ellesborough Road for about six months because the Bailey bridge was too low. It was said that EKFB couldn’t get the green tunnel segments underneath.
It must be true, because other people heard it from residents in Ellesborough Road who had received a written notice and some people in Dobbins Lane knew all about it.
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Jackie Brown, former assistant editor at Wendover News, now has more time on her hands!
finished. All that wasted money, ‘they’ said. That’s how the story came into Wendover New s.
First, we questioned the team at Wendover HS2 Mitigation Group. They said they knew most of what was going on in that area, and the story didn’t make any sense. They knew that EKFB were closing the road overnight on 23/24 April for maintenance.
One of the biggest advantages of Bailey bridges is that they can be assembled very quickly. The downside is that you must make regular checks that all the nuts and bolts have stayed as tight as they need to be. So, no six-month closure…
We called EKFB. They didn’t know anything about it, despite allegedly being the organisation causing the problem. Ultimately, we went right to the top. A call to the CEO of HS2, Mark Wild’s office confirmed what we had been told. It was not true.
If you want to know what is really happening, see the third paragraph of WHS2’s report on page 24.
Saxons exhibition to have resident artist
Jane Larkham writes: The Saxons Exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury will have an artist in residence during May.
Jane Charles is the 2026 Muir Trust Residency artist and she will be at the museum from 6-30 May, Wednesdays to Saturdays. She will be working in response to
the Saxons exhibits, which include artefacts from two high-status individual Saxon burials from Taplow and Marlow and astonishing everyday items from the Wendover Saxon cemetery (remains from 141 burials) recently excavated by HS2.
The Muir Trust was founded in 1997 by Weston Turville artist Jane Muir, in memory of her husband, Alastair. It provides an endowment for a short residency programme to support established artists in the field of visual and applied arts as artist in residence at Discover Bucks Museum on a biennial basis.
Jane was the successful applicant for 2026 and she has been given her own space in the Georgian Room on the ground floor at the museum, by the base of the stairs when leaving the exhibition. She will be available to talk about her work and to introduce visitors to some of her techniques.
For details of her talk and her full-day
workshop see www.discoverbucksmuseum. org/whats-on/the-saxons-an-immersive-exhibition-in-buckinghamshire or www.bit. ly/4cFIFIe
Jane’s earlier work can be seen at www. smallbeans.co.uk and also on Instagram @ smallbeanstitchings.
Jane says she will be inspired by the Saxon landscape and will express herself through the medium of textiles. She will be using oak gall ink and locally sourced leaves for printing on linen, and intends to create 15 to 20 A4 size pieces of work and a banner suitable for a celebration in early Saxon times.
You can watch her at work and engage with her at the museum. Jane is also in touch with Cate Bowley, a Wendover textile artist and member of Aylesbury Stitchers. ■
Culture, Visual and Performing Arts
Looking forward to local arts, music and creativity
By Jo Durden-Moore
Vale Musical Society presented cheques totalling £3,000 to two local children’s charities, following the successful December run of its new show Vote For Father Christmas at the DEMBE Theatre.
The eight performance run consistently sold out and received glowing reviews from audiences and critics. Proceeds from ticket sales, the gala charity event and associated fundraising activities were donated to Inspire Bucks and The Pepper Foundation.
Inspire Bucks, established in 2021, supports vulnerable children through mentoring, careleaver assistance and educational support. The Pepper Foundation, founded in 1993, enhances the quality of life for families caring for children with complex health needs by providing clinical nursing support, specialist play services and family respites.
A great example of local arts communities coming together to have fun while making a meaningful difference.
Here’s a flavour of upcoming events over the next few months.
Friday Art Club by Jaany RavenscroftHull at Gusto Café, 2pm–3pm, begins its summer term running until 10 July. Sketching, watercolour, collage and digital work are all on offer, with each week featuring a different activity. £15 for a trial session, £66 for 6 sessions. It’s described as a friendly and welcoming group, open to all abilities. Just turn up, or for more information email Janny at art.hub.ox@gmail.com.
The Dead Cherry Pickers Music Society will be playing at the Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury, on 1 May at 8pm; bar opens at 7pm. Formed during the pandemic lockdown
of 2020 as a project to record original songs, all self-penned by members from the local area, the band has since built a strong following.
It’s not often you get the chance to attend the debut live performance of a much-loved local band playing their own music. Their material spans indie pop, acoustic, funk, prog and jazz. The concert will feature predominantly original material, alongside a few ‘tasteful’ covers.
This is a fully-seated event, with all proceeds going to Young Carers Bucks. Tickets from www.queensparkarts.com.
Lindengate will be in full spring mode at The Art Exhibitionists’ Bradenham Art Show from 1 to 4 May, with a plant stall full of nursery-grown plants, bird boxes and bug hotels, creating a cheerful celebration of the season and its creativity.
All 2026 exhibition donations will support Lindengate’s work, meaning every ticket, masterclass and plant purchase will help both landscapes and lives to flourish. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Manor Farm, the event promises art, music, cake and festival vibes, in support of a charity that champions wellbeing through nature.
See www.theartexhibitionists.co.uk.
Real Magic Live Music on Saturday 9 May hosts Pictish Trail at the Legion Club. Pictish Trail, AKA Johnny Lynch, has just completed work on a new album, ‘Life Slime.’ He returns to the stage in 2026 accompanied by his full live band. BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne describes the band as “a favourite artist of ours; I’m always excited to hear what Pictish Trail is doing next—this is beautiful.”
Seamus Fogarty will follow on Friday 15 May, also at the Legion Club. The London-based artist’s new album features poignant and humorous slice-of-life vignettes – everything from Geoffrey Chaucer to DIY
coffins, where songs and storytelling sit side by side.
Tickets and information from www. realmagicbooks.com
Real Magic also runs a monthly book club on Wednesdays at 7pm, exploring titles across politics, history, nature, biography, travel, music and modern philosophy. Entry is free, including wine (with purchase of a book in-store). New members are always welcome. Details: www.realmagicbooks.com
The Wizard of Oz comes to Tring’s DEMBE Theatre from 5 to 9 May, with many local actors bringing this much-loved classic to life in a Vale Musical Society production. This stage adaptation of the 1939 film was created for the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the Barbican in 1987.
It’s a faithful scene-by-scene adaptation with songs from the original film as well as extended versions of familiar favourites. There’s a “relaxed performance” on Tuesday 5 May. Tickets from: www.dembetheatre.org
Wendover Choral Society Spring Concert, on 16 May at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, promises a programme including Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi and the Nelson Mass by Joseph Haydn.
The previous concert was well attended and warmly received, and as this thriving local choral society continues to grow, it promises another memorable evening of classical music. Tickets and information: www.wendoverchoral.co.uk
Lindengate’s popular Rest & Refresh Pop Up Cafe over Easter saw more than 150 visitors to the beautiful gardens on a sunny (if slightly windy) afternoon. The next one is on Saturday 16 May, 12:30-15:30, forming part of its Open Garden season.
Everyone is invited to enjoy a stroll around the six-acre garden and nature reserve followed by a cup of tea and homemade cakes. It’s an accessible space and children and dogs are welcome.
There will be entertainment from Kings Langley Community Choir, with other activities planned throughout the season. See www.lindengate.org.uk
Wendover Arts Festival at St Mary’s Church hosts a four-day celebration of creativity from Friday evening 22 May through to Bank Holiday Monday 25 May. Tickets for the Friday evening preview will be available from Just on the High Street. More details, updates and artist information: www.wendover-arts-festival.co.uk
Mikron Theatre Company returns to Lindengate on 5 June, promising a “magical evening of outdoor entertainment” with its new musical adventure ‘Top of the Wold’. Gates open at 5pm for refreshments and garden strolls, with the performance beginning at 7pm.
Visitors are invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnics for what promises to be a memorable summer evening. Ticket information: www.lindengate.org.uk/events
Party in the Park, 6 June, 12pm–9pm at Stoke Mandeville’s Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, returns for its fourth year, bigger than ever.
The Parish Council has teamed up with members of the Astonbury team, with popular BBC 3CR presenter Andy Collins appearing during the day to keep it all flowing.
Three main live music acts are scheduled from 1pm to 9pm, alongside a variety of community performers. There will be subsidised children’s activities, craft stalls, a BMX trail, food vendors, craft beer and more.
For more information or to get involved: www.stokemandeville-pc.gov.uk
Wendover Choral Society will host a series of singing workshops on 4, 11 and 18 June, led by their musical director Kenton Brigden.
With experience as a musical director, performer and teacher, he has worked with choirs and ensembles and is known for his engaging and encouraging approach.
The workshops will explore The Golden Age of Hollywood and are open to singers of all abilities. Details and tickets: www. wendoverchoral.co.uk
The annual Bucks Art Weeks event will run from 6-21 June. As the largest visual arts event in Buckinghamshire, it brings together the work of hundreds of contemporary artists and makers.
Pop-up exhibitions will appear in working studios, galleries and venues across the county, offering a unique opportunity to view and purchase original artwork, meet artists, sculptors and ceramacists and gain insight into their creative processes.
Wendover’s A Little Bird Told Me gallery (pictured right) has participated in Arts Weeks since they started in 2009 and will host three contrasting artists: Jay NolanLatchford (mixed media paintings), Chris Noel (landscape linocut prints) and Heidi Ines (illustrated pottery).
More information about all participating local artists will follow in next month’s issue.
Wendover Singers will host their popular summer concert on Saturday 27 June, at St. Mary’s Church, Wendover, and will feature both adult and children’s choirs.
Starting at 4pm, the extended concert will support National Armed Forces Day.
A raffle, bar and refreshments will be available.
More information and tickets: www. wendoversingers.com.
Yardfest on 11 July, 12.30–11.30pm in Hampden Meadow, Wendover, returns for its second year following last summer’s successful debut. Hosted by the Craftyard team, the festival promises a full day of family-friendly entertainment, including children’s activities, live music, street food, stalls and a bar.
Organisers promise “a vibrant celebration of summer, music and community spirit.” Further information and early bird tickets from: www.weareyardfest.co.uk
Local children and teens are being offered the opportunity to star in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr at Dramarama’s summer holiday camp from 17-29 August.
Open to ages eight to 17, the programme builds confidence through singing, acting and dance, culminating in a professional theatre performance. With limited places available, early booking is essential at :www. dramaramaclubs.uk
A Celebration in Song – the highly awarded Berkhamsted Theatre Company, in collaboration with The Sing Out Project, will present a musical concert marking 100 years of performances by the local community, celebrating the transformative power of singing on wellbeing.
This special one-off event, featuring performers from Bucks and Herts, will take place on 31 October and 1 November at the Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted, with profits donated to the mental health charity Mind.
If you would like to be involved, whether performing, singing in the choir or helping backstage, do get in touch; all are welcome.
Details from: www.berkhamstedtheatre. co.uk
Wellbeing on our doorstep
By Jo Durden-Moore
Wendover and its neighbouring villages are fast becoming a destination for health, fitness and holistic wellbeing. Once known mainly for countryside walks and a strong sense of community, the area now boasts an impressive mix of studios, trainers and therapeutic specialists.
From first-time fitness to expert rehabilitation, there’s never been more choice on your doorstep. High-intensity training sits alongside restorative yoga, while clinical rehabilitation meets calming holistic therapies. Boutique studios thrive alongside friendly community classes, offering something for every age, ability and goal.
The best part? You don’t need to travel far. More than ever, local residents can invest in their physical health, mental clarity and emotional wellbeing close to home. The Wendover area is becoming a place where wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s part of everyday life.
A look around reveals not just the sheer number of services available, but their variety and accessibility. The listings featured here offer just a snapshot of what’s available. So whether you’re ready to lift weights, roll out a yoga mat, book a massage or kickstart a new fitness journey, there’s no better time to begin. This spring, everything you need is right here.
Strength, fitness and training
For those drawn to energising workouts, The Gym at Halton offers a refreshingly welcoming environment. This independent gym has earned a loyal following thanks to its friendly atmosphere, well-equipped training space and personal touch, a place where both beginners and seasoned gym-goers feel at home.
Nearby, Spirit Health & Fitness Club in Weston Turville provides a full-service experience, combining gym facilities, a
swimming pool and group exercise classes. It’s a favourite for members seeking variety and flexibility, with options to suit a wide range of fitness levels.
Meanwhile, Stoke Mandeville Stadium Gym brings a unique sense of sporting heritage to everyday fitness. Training in such an iconic venue adds a subtle boost of motivation, with facilities and sessions designed to support both casual and more focused goals.
Mindful movement and balance
Yoga and pilates enthusiasts are equally well catered for. Happy & Well Yoga in Wendover offers everything from dynamic HIIT Yoga and flowing sequences to meditation, children’s classes and Reiki, emphasising both physical vitality and mental calm. Therapeutic yoga specialist, Liz Brown, at Brown Yoga & Reflexology offers gentle somatic, therapeutic and restorative yoga for both group classes and 1:1 sessions.
Nature lovers can deepen that sense of balance at Yoga at Wendover Woods, where outdoor sessions blend breath, movement and the restorative beauty of the Chiltern landscape, creating a unique opportunity to reconnect with both body and nature.
Over in Stoke Mandeville, Bodysong Wellness Studio provides a boutique experience centred on mindful movement. Known for its small class sizes and personalised guidance, the studio specialises in Pilates, yoga and functional movement designed to improve posture, mobility and body awareness.
Across the villages, community Pilates, yoga and movement classes for seniors continue to flourish in village halls, offering friendly, accessible ways to build strength, flexibility and connection. Many sessions are suitable for beginners or those returning to exercise.
Personalised coaching & support
One-to-one fitness guidance is readily available for those seeking structure or faster progress. BML Personal Training in Wendover delivers tailored programmes
within a private studio setting, supporting clients with goals ranging from strength and conditioning to confidence and lifestyle transformation. It also offers semi-private training, including a 10-bike spinning studio and a separate exercise space hosting small-group classes.
Jodie Digby Fitness is widely respected for her depth of experience and highly personalised coaching style, particularly in strength development, rehabilitation and pre/ post-natal fitness. Programmes are adapted to suit individual needs and life stages.
A network of independent trainers across Wendover, Halton, Weston Turville and Aston Clinton ensures residents have access to bespoke support close to home, with flexible options including one-to-one, small group and outdoor sessions.
Recovery, therapy and restoration
Wellbeing here extends far beyond workouts. Halton Physiotherapy & Massage offers an integrated approach to recovery and maintenance, combining sports massage, therapeutic treatments, reflexology and rehabilitation support.
Soft tissue expert Anna Barton, based in Wendover, offers personalised treatments focused on relieving muscular tension, supporting injury recovery and improving mobility, with sessions tailored to individual needs.
Massage specialists such as EG Sports Massage, alongside a range of soft tissue therapists across Wendover and Weston Turville, help clients manage tension, improve mobility and support injury prevention. Treatments suit both active individuals and those seeking general wellbeing support.
For those seeking relaxation and stress relief, holistic providers including Wisteria Wellbeing deliver treatments such as reflexology and Indian head massage, gentle yet powerful tools for restoring balance and encouraging deep relaxation.
Energy therapies such as Reiki, alongside services like hypnotherapy and chiropractic care available at Wendover’s B2 Clinic on the high street, further highlight the breadth of local support, with practitioners offering a range of approaches to enhance both physical and emotional wellbeing.
See www.wendovernews.org for further information and many more listings of what’s available in your area.
Coming up smelling of (wild) roses
By Sean McCarthy
Many residents may realise that opposite the Halton Lane mini-roundabout, just off the Aylesbury Road and not far from the burnt-out Village Gate pub, lies a ten-acre plot of land hidden behind an imposing chain-link fence. This site was once the sewage treatment works for Wendover.
Now owned by Thames Water, it was a fully-engineered biological treatment plant, likely constructed in the 1930s, but decommissioned in the late 1960s when sewage treatment was centralised at Aylesbury.
Having been unused for decades, the site has become substantially overgrown, with mixed scrub including hawthorn, blackthorn and bramble, as well as areas of broadleaved woodland, a line of trees associated with a chalk stream, and patches of neutral grassland.
In mid-March, the Thames Water Biodiversity Team invited a number of local groups to visit the site to learn about plans to transform this disused and in places hazardous, area into a beacon for biodiversity.
Members of Climate Action Wendover (CLAW), the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), the Chiltern Society, and a team of Chiltern Rangers (armed with saws and loppers to begin hands-on restoration work), heard from Thames Water’s Biodiversity Field Officer about the company’s intention to enhance habitat quality and increase biodiversity across the site.
The Wendover site is one of 12 identified by Thames Water to help deliver its statutory
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biodiversity performance commitments. Planned restoration includes habitat enhancements for target species identified in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, such as the black hairstreak butterfly, Duke of Burgundy butterfly, and common lizard. These improvements will also benefit species already known to be present, including reptiles, badgers, birds and bats.
Thames Water has already commissioned an environment consultant to establish a baseline ecological survey of the site. However, the most immediate priority is to make the area safe for contractors and volunteers. Although the site is biochemically safe, it contains hazards such as exposed concrete, old pipework, rubble, shallow pools and ground voids that require remediation.
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safety works in the spring, which will require access for heavy equipment. Once completed, Thames Water hopes to work in partnership with local organisations and volunteer groups to manage the site long-term under a formal Biodiversity Management Plan, with the possibility of opening it as a public nature reserve. This could involve collaboration with specialist local groups, such as ornithologists, ecologists and even beekeepers, to help enhance and monitor biodiversity on the site.
This initiative appears to offer a win–win outcome: enabling Thames Water to meet its environmental commitments, improving habitats for local wildlife, enhancing the natural environment for Wendover residents, and potentially securing the site from development for the foreseeable future.
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The old Wendover sewage treatment works will blossom into a woodland glade.
Photo: Sean McCarthy.
Continues from front page...
A spokesperson for the investors making this happen, said: “We are excited to be working closely with the Rugby Club, allowing local residents to participate in this popular and fun sport, as well as meeting the growing needs of the local community. It’s been an interesting journey getting to this stage but we hope to see the results very soon.”
Doing the right thing
The protection campaign for the Bucks Sports & Social Club in Stoke Mandeville is showing real promise of a conclusion. After years of campaigning by passionate residents, the parish council has submitted a bid with funding from housing developments (Section 106 funds) and aims to bring the site back into community use – breathing new life into a valued local amenity and protecting the green space from proposed housing development. Following delays, high court injunctions and heated debates with policymakers, momentum is finally building. Resident campaign chair Mungo Duncan tells me, “It’s been a lengthy and often very difficult campaign, but the support and determination of residents and the parish council has never wavered in the face of enormous resistance from Bucks Council. Nonetheless, whilst there’s still much to do, persistence and a determined campaign has brought us at least within sight of a satisfactory outcome for the local community.”
In Stoke Mandeville village, plans for a public war memorial are moving forward after years of fundraising and planning red tape. Initiated by residents and the Village Society, this important project can now be realised thanks to the support of the Parish Council, which took over the project to complete it due to planning permission errors.
Building permits have now been secured, and groundwork can begin shortly. Chair of the Parish Council Kirsty Shanahan says, “It’s been a long struggle, not least because of confusion and delays created by Bucks Council, but we’re using our legal status and financial reserves to overcome the final hurdles and deliver the project, demonstrating the amplifying benefits of
collaboration and bringing community resources together, to get things done.”
Long-term plans for an innovative irrigation reservoir on Ellesborough Golf Club land are taking shape. Despite the need for further environmental surveys which continue to delay the project, the club is determined to reduce water consumption during the hot summer months.
Spearheaded by local resident members of the club, it has submitted plans for this much-needed natural solution with hopes for agreement soon.
James Turner, general manager at the club’ says “we’ve already made significant strides in improving our sustainability credentials at the club and will achieve GEO accreditation later this year. Our new reservoir will make a further impact on our need for water at times when it is in short supply.”
Collaboration creates action
Peter Strachan and Dean Field, ward councillors for Wendover, Halton & Stoke Mandeville, are backing these projects with a no-nonsense approach, helping residents cut through the tape, understand Council processes and move things along.
Over the past year, both councillors have worked successfully together to make these, and other projects become a reality, despite their different political affiliations – Strachan is Conservative and Field was originally Liberal Democrat – proving that politics doesn’t (and shouldn’t) get in the way of getting good things done.
However, the past year has not been without challenges. Councillor Field’s move from the Liberal Democrats to the Conservative group in March 2026 reflected growing frustration with what he saw as unproductive opposition and a lack of practical alternatives from his former party.
Particularly he voiced concerns around the party’s opposition to the council’s proposed budget and its suggested cuts to fire services. He said he “could not support proposals if he didn’t believe they were in residents’ best interests.”
Field and Strachen share a belief that collaboration is key to success. As Strachan puts it, “real
progress happens when a passionate resident, an engaged parish council, and strong ward councillors work together.” Field echoes this view, stressing that success is never about one individual.
As his early efforts to protect the Bucks Sports & Social Club demonstrated, “it’s about the whole team pulling in the same direction.” When asked, both agree it’s the common ingredient for projects which happen and those which don’t.
However, making these projects happen is proving extremely difficult. Buckinghamshire is under pressure to deliver the central government’s directive of 95,000 new homes. Strachan, who is also cabinet member for planning, has voiced concerns about the scale of development, emphasising that “infrastructure must come first.”
Both councillors are equally firm that communities must help shape what comes next and stress the importance of residents taking part in the public consultation of the Buckinghamshire Local Plan, starting in late July. Field added that “the Local Plan is far from complete; there is still much to do to ensure it is fit for purpose.”
On a smaller level, Field highlights planned improvements to how local issues are reported and resolved. The FixMyStreet app will soon provide a direct line to both Strachan and Field, enabling quicker follow-up on residents’ concerns.
Just do it...
There are many other initiatives and ideas being driven by passionate residents who refuse to sit back and watch.
Strachen concludes that ‘there is real power in local residents stepping up, no-one understands why these issues matter like those who live in the area”.
At a time when our National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), faces growing pressure from largescale development, it is reassuring to know that us local people can, and still do, make things happen.
Because as the late Steve Jobs famously reminded us “the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ■
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Wendover News Survey 2026 – Final Findings
By Sean McCarthy
Now that all responses to the Wendover News survey have been collected and analysed, we thought readers would like to see some of the key findings.
Unsurprisingly, many responses came from our core audience, with most respondents (72%) receiving the free magazine delivered to their home. However, readers living outside Wendover, particularly in Stoke Mandeville, Weston Turville and The Lee, also value the magazine as a useful source of local information that helps create a strong sense of community beyond Wendover.
Keeping residents informed about developments such as HS2, road construction and housing growth was seen by many as a key role of the magazine. Comments such as “Where else would we get this locally focused news?” and “We value an independent voice” were frequently expressed.
With ongoing housing development and a growing number of young families in the area, it will be increasingly important both to extend distribution into new areas and
A jeweller’s insight into the House of Fabergé
John Benjamin was a guest speaker at Wendover u3a’s March monthly meeting, delivering a talk on the famous jeweller Carl Fabergé. John lives locally and is a former jewellery expert on the Antiques Roadshow. Over 200 members, both in person at St Mary’s Church and online, learnt much about the history, artistry, and mystique surrounding the House of Fabergé.
Drawing on decades of experience in the antique jewellery trade, John explained how Fabergé learnt his craftsmanship in Germany, Paris and London before taking over his father’s business. Apart from his creativity as a jeweller, he was skilled at marketing to his target customers and also a stickler for quality control – any piece that was not up to his meticulous standards was destroyed.
to ensure content remains relevant to a changing population. The south Aylesbury region is currently a dynamic area, shaped by nationally significant issues including MoD restructuring, environmental pressures and major infrastructure projects including HS2 and the SEALR roads.
As expected from a large and diverse group of respondents, there were differing views on content. Several readers would like to see less coverage of sport, possibly because this is already well addressed by individual clubs. Opinions on people profiles and local history were more divided, with some readers keen to see more, while others preferred less. Thankfully that will probably be a decision for the editor.
One particularly clear finding, although possibly influenced by an older readership, was the strong preference for a printed magazine. Many readers said they would be less likely to engage with a digital-only version and look forward to receiving and reading the printed edition each month. The Wendover News team greatly appreciates feedback highlighting the magazine’s quality, both in its content and presentation. There were also constructive suggestions for improvement. Some readers would welcome more engaging, interpretive writing that goes beyond reporting facts, while still maintaining balance and trust. Wendover News aims to remain a trusted,
Fabergé was known especially for the exquisite imperial Easter eggs commissioned by Russian Tsars each year. However, there were many other objets d’art which reflected meticulous detail, innovative design, and luxurious materials. Many command huge prices when they come onto the market.
John illustrated many of the special designs such as flower studies and cigarette cases. Many pieces are in the collection of the British Royal Family, while other examples can be seen at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Anecdotes from John’s career included encounters with Fabergé artefacts and the challenges of authenticating such treasures. There was genuine excitement in discovering hidden gems and
curated, hyper-local information resource that supports community awareness and encourages participation in local discussion.
In terms of communication, over half of respondents said they would prefer to contact Wendover News by email, compared with around 20% who favour social media. Around a quarter would use a comments section on the Wendover News website. However, as website traffic is currently relatively low (something we hope to expand in future), email remains the most effective way to get in touch: newsdesk@wendovernews.org
Finally, the team at Wendover News would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey. As a community publication, it is vital that we listen to — and remain relevant for — local people and businesses. We always welcome your news, ideas and opinions.
appreciating their provenance, especially sharing the drama of these finds.
He also described the Russian Tsarist regime that existed when Fabergé was working. The overthrow of the Tsars by the Bolsheviks brought an end to the Fabergé factory and Carl himself died in exile – a sad end to a glorious chapter in the history of jewellery.
See http://www.wendover.u3asite.uk/ for upcoming events and membership details.
HS2 update
Future landscaping
Following the recent meeting with Mark Wild, the HS2 chief executive, we’ve been busy getting feedback on the “Wendover Link” landscape restoration proposals. We’ve been in touch with residents in Ellesborough Road and Bacombe Lane and with interested community groups. Officers from Bucks Council had a site visit with us and we hope to agree the final plans with HS2 by the end of May. We’re gratified to see the level of detail included in the recently revised planning submission for the Wendover Dean area, and expect similar treatment for the Small Dean to Nash Lee sections this summer.
Future train noise
Mark Wild also facilitated two meetings with HS2’s Head of Noise Assessment and we have further discussions planned with Bucks Council and EKFB’s noise designers this month. Our modelling suggests that the noise could be worse than predicted by HS2, but there has been an intervention by Heidi Alexander, the DfT Transport Secretary of State. The HS2 “Programme Reset” was due to be announced in April but this has been delayed as she has requested HS2 consider
slowing down the trains to save money. This would have the knock-on effect of reducing the noise levels. However we are seeking changes to the overall design to ensure that the noise is still limited, in case they decide to run the trains faster in future.
Wendover Green Tunnel
Installation of the concrete shell of the final “fourth” phase of the tunnel is progressing well and getting close to Ellesborough Road. Constructing the shell underneath the two bailey bridges needs a different approach as there is not enough room to accommodate the large crawler crane. We understand that special lifting equipment will be used to slide the pre-cast concrete segments into place with millimetre accuracy.
Meanwhile the rock “backfilling” of the cutting around the first phase is nearly at the top of the tunnel shell.
A413 realignment at Small Dean Viaduct
Last month we reported that the final realignment to smooth out the curves between the viaduct piers was anticipated to be completed this Autumn. Regrettably it seems that HS2
WENDOVER MOTOR SPARES RED ROSE GARAGE
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have not yet agreed the precise positioning of the road with Bucks Council Highways, and the roadworks have slipped into 2027.
Community help from HS2
HS2 staff are available to undertake some “social value” projects with community groups in the Wendover area. In March they undertook a “litter pick” with the Parish Council. If you need a volunteer to help fix a local issue then email us at enquiries@whs2. org and we’ll pass on the details.
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.
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Parapet installation on the Small Dean viaduct (photo below) has now been completed, marking an important step forward in the construction of the structure. In total, 228 parapets are now in place, bringing the viaduct closer to its next phase.
Much of this work was carried out overnight, when access near the railway environment is safest. These carefully planned operations involved specialist lifting equipment and close coordination between teams, all working efficiently to reduce disruption to the surrounding area.
To help residents better understand what’s involved in this type of work, our latest video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the overnight parapet lifting operations carried out earlier this year. It provides a glimpse into the skill, teamwork and planning that goes into delivering these construction milestones.
You can watch the video by scanning the QR code here or by accessing the link: https://bit.ly/ sdvparapets
We are completing the outstanding minor road signage, verge and footway crossing works through overnight works on the Stoke Mandeville Relief Road at the end of April
In May we will be carrying out overnight works on Nash Lee Road. There will be two overnight closures on 5 and 6 May between the hours 8.30pm–5.30am to complete an
inspection and general maintenance of the temporary bridge to ensure safe operation of the structure.
We will be hosting our Mobile Visitor Centre at the Wendover produce market on Saturday 16 May between 10am–2pm.
Our engagement team will be available should you wish to discuss HS2 works around Wendover or support for local community projects.
If you would like to read more about the works and view the advance works notices and maps, then please go to HS2 website www.hs2.org.uk and click the ‘in your area section’ to view the interactive map.
Alternatively, if you have a question about HS2 please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2. org.uk.
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Great time had by all – except the bar staff!
By Leigh Porter
The Wendover Pub Trail is becoming ever more popular and this Easter the growing numbers of residents were joined by their friends, relatives and visitors, some of whom had come from some distance to join in the fun.
If you were one of the many who “stepped up to the bar,” you witnessed for yourself the ram-packed pubs and bar staff under pressure. Jim and Stacey at The Pack Horse gave all the appearance of working on zip wires as they shot back and forth across the bar. When questioned over how busy it had been at The Red Lion, Fin responded “It was brutal.”
After a busy day, Paul at The White Swan made the mistake of letting his young barman go just before a large crowd rolled in, so he turned into an octopus barman as pints were pulled and drinks poured simultaneously. Each pub had its own story but despite the hard work, everyone enjoyed
the experience and the extra trade was no doubt welcome compensation.
It wasn’t just the pubs who benefited from the extra customers. A group of us met up at Tres Corazones to eat before we headed out, and we weren’t alone.
White Waters café owners Paul and Michael were pleased they had taken out a temporary drinks licence over the weekend, so having a bite to eat there could come with a glass or a cup.
No 2 was another popular refuelling spot. Nicky at the Antiques shop also reported “a very busy Saturday” and hopefully other Wendover businesses who remained open over the long weekend benefited too.
Our Wendover-based, pub-supporting, MP, Greg Smith, was at the Shoulder of Mutton to draw the three winners of the Pub Trail, who will each receive a certificate entitling them to a free drink a month in each of the seven pubs for the next three months.
Anja, the Shoulder of Mutton’s landlady, talked of the number of people who started visiting her pub because of the Pub Trail and she now sees them returning, with growing families!
Word of our Pub Trail is spreading, demonstrated by the three winners being a
mixture of locals and visitors. Winner Sam is from Norwich and was invited by his Wendover friend Rob. Another winner, Bailey, is local while the third winner, Izzy, is based in London.
There was a record number of 344 completed cards handed in with an unknown number still in handbags and back pockets or deliberately kept as a memento.
An enormous thank you to everyone who joined in to support our seven pubs, along with other eateries and shops along the route.
For those who didn’t win this time you can try again over the August Bank Holiday weekend (28-31 August).
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A strip of land beside Wendover (part 1)
By Richard Byford
There’s a strip of land that goes alongside the main stretch of the Wendover bypass for about a mile in the direction of Aylesbury. Until recently, most of it was one single field, less than a quarter of a mile at its widest. It is where HS2 are now building the green tunnel. The works are interesting to some folk but are ugly to most. But it has not always been ugly – and may not remain so in future.
The old cricket ground
In former years, if you had walked over the bridge by the Shoulder of Mutton pub, a little way up Ellesborough Road on the right, you would have found the entrance to an unmade road which led down to the cricket club. The view from there in the early part of the 20th century would have been of open fields with an area in the foreground covered in allotments.
The allotments lasted until after WWII, during which they would have been used by the people of Wendover to supplement food rations.
Food rationing was forgotten by 11 May 1957, when Wendover Cricket club played its first home game where allotments were previously tended. According to a memoir written by one of the founder members of the club, Ray Matthews, in about 2003, the club rented land there for a peppercorn rent from Lionel Able-Smith who was the Lord of the Manor at that time. He also wrote: “It had been a ploughed field for as long as I remember…”
Wendover Bypass
The strip of land was made even narrower when the Wendover Bypass was constructed in 1998. The new road cut a good slice off the cricket club’s ground and necessitating the demolition of their changing room and ‘gentlemen’s toilets’. That was the second time that the area had been narrowed. The first time was in the years leading up to the opening of the Wendover station on the new Metropolitan Railway line.
The arrival of the railway defined the label for the area given to it by the farming community – The Narrow.
Smith’s
Lane? Or Penyngs Lane?
That bumpy road that led from Ellesborough down to the cricket ground was once much busier. Ralph Ludlow, who grew up on the nearby Wellwick Farm said he always knew it as ‘Smiths Lane’ and that it was used to get to the big, long field. The Narrow was
‘Sam Fay’ Express steam train thundered underneath, the same time, just after 4pm every day.
His exhileration turned to horror when, as a teenager cutting hay nearby, he saw the end carriage of the same express train come off the rails just after passing the bridge over the old Nash Lee Road. He recounted: “That actually affected me quite badly. I couldn’t sleep for days afterwards.”
Based on survey 1876-77, updated to 1888-89. Crown copyright 1921.
research and conduct archaeological surveys. In doing so, they discovered some remarkable finds.
Part two of this article will appear in the next issue of Wendover News. In the meantime, if you have any photographs, memories of stories relating to ‘The Narrow’, then email NewsDesk@WendoverNews.org, being sure to include your contact details if you would like us to consider publishing them.
Club Corner
Aylesbury Sailing Club open day and BBQ
An open day for Aylesbury Sailing Club is taking place at Weston Turville Reservoir on Monday 4 May, from 12–3pm. The location is Worlds End Lane, HP22 5PS.
Iestyn Jowers says “if you are a keen sailor, or have never tried sailing before, come and see what we have to offer. Experienced members of the club will be at hand to take you out on the lake in one of our fleet of double-handed dinghies. Bring spare clothes for sailing, and some cash for the BBQ.”
More information: www.aylesburysailingclub.uk/openday.php
Wendover Bowls Club
Don Knight writes: The middle of April will see all the internal matches played off and we will know who the victorious bowlers are. They are easily recognised by their smug expressions.
I hasten to add that I have never had reason for a smug expression, but I can dream. Well done to the winners anyway.
The final tweeks to the green have to be completed before we will be allowed onto the grass. I watched with awe as our greenkeeper carried and spread another five tons of sand and top dressing on the surface.
He must be the fittest man I know as this is the second time he has had to do this in the last few months.
It has paid dividends as the green looks so much better than last year. Now it is up to the mowing teams who will cut it every other day until the autumn.
As a prelude to the start of the new outdoor season about 50 members enjoyed a lovely evening at The Chiltern Forest Golf Club. Delicious food and fine company.
Not everyone is happy that we exchange the gentle indoor game for the much more physical outdoor game. Indeed, a significant number of members only play indoors. So
last year there was some discussion about restricting the jack length on some rinks to allow less able members a chance of a game. We shall see if this is viable.
Meanwhile I look forward to getting behind the mower again. I put the step tracker on one session last year and it came out at 4,900 steps in 90 minutes – who needs a gym?
Finally, don’t forget that we have open evenings every Friday in May from 6pm onwards. Come along wearing flat shoes and try out this fascinating and frustrating game. Bowls and coaching provided.
Wendover Cricket Club
Jonathan Seabrook writes: Wendover Cricket Club’s progress on the new ground has suffered another unavoidable delay due to the water main connection in the road, which cannot be undertaken before May.
This has now pushed the planned completion date back to 29 May, although everything else should be completed this month.
Provided completion is achieved, there will be a public open day in the new pavilion on Friday 10 July between 2pm and 8pm.
Cotswold Archaeology, which undertook the site’s archaeology works, will be attending with staff and a display – more details to follow.
Their work is continuing on the
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analysis which will form the basis of the final archaeology report that is expected to be completed in 2027.
Work to all the surrounds is re-starting this month as ground conditions allow; there will be no use of or access to the grounds (except for the nets) this year while establishment takes place.
Cricket matches and training are planned from the start of the 2027 season. The perimeter hedgerows will be planted during the 2026/27 winter period, but the other planting has taken place during April.
A full programme of junior and senior cricket starts mid-April, with 15 junior teams across eight boys’ and girls’ age groups and three to four senior teams at weekends, with the 1st and 2nd XI’s in the Thames Valley League which starts on 9 May.
Contact Jonathan Seabrook on jseabrook@ wendoveremail.co.uk or text 07767 148119, for all playing enquiries (for any age).
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An application has been made by:
Notice Of Application for a Club Premises Certificate
Licensing Act 2003
Wendover Cricket Club
For the grant of a club premises certificate in respect of:
The Seabrook Pavilion
The Lionel Abel-Smith Ground, Tring Road, Wendover
The licensable activities proposed are as follows:
- The supply of alcohol by or on behalf of the club to, or to the order of a member of the club and their guests for consumption on the premises at varying times in line with cricketing and other club activities between the hours of 11:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.
Full details of this application and the proposed activities may be viewed during normal office hours at the Council Offices of Buckinghamshire Council, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UA or at the Buckinghamshire Council website.
If you wish to make a representation in respect of this application, you must e-mail licensing@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or write to Licensing Section, Buckinghamshire Council, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8FF.
Your representation must be received by 22 May 2026 and should clearly state the grounds upon which the representations are made.
It is an offence for anyone knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with a licence application. The fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction is unlimited.
Dated: 24 April 2026
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the views of the editor. If you have a complaint or concern about content in Wendover News, please visit www.wendovernews.org/complaints
Postal address only – no visitors: 11 Manor Road, Wendover, HP22 6HL
When you have finished reading this edition of Wendover News, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it responsibly.
Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower
Congratulations!
We start by wishing congratulations to our awards winners announced at our Annual Parish Meeting. We had many nominations again and an independent panel of previous years’ winners scored each nomination, based on the information from those nominations.
Our winners this year are: Business of the Year – The Village Midwife Service with a Smile – Bread and Brew Volunteer of the Year – Paul Skinner Environmental Champion – Climate Action
Wendover
Lifetime Achievement – Pat Riley-Page
The Wendover Parish Council Award went to David Cobb for his leadership in engaging the community over the HS2 spring chamber application and we also offered a Special Recognition Award to BML Fitness Studio for community engagement and local charity fundraising.
We are always listening! Thank you for telling us what you think – it does make a difference! We get a lot of enquiries through the office or through councillors and our meetings, but when we hold local consultations Wendover is not shy on letting us know what it thinks, and we genuinely appreciate that and thank you all for keeping in touch with us.
In November our update meeting with
Wendover Local Produce Market
the HS2 Mitigation Action Group started a broader discussion on what our next steps should be with HS2.
We had over 150 attend on a cold, dark Friday night and pretty much everyone responded to the follow up survey. 97% of our responses tell us we should persevere with the noise issues we had identified and because of that response we have had productive meetings with the HS2 noise team to reduce impacts on Wendover.
We also produced a report on what community benefits we could gain from the land around Wendover when it is returned by HS2: This too is progressing well because of the feedback.
The very recent response to support our application for two pieces of land to become Assets of Community Value was incredible and will hopefully mean that the application is granted because of your input. Please see the article in the inside pages.
Our final major consultation of the year was around the streetlights. Whilst many felt the consultation lacked a “do nothing” option, we were keen to find out what change was the most acceptable.
Over 300 of you let us know your thoughts via the survey and the response showed 55% preferring alternate lights being turned off, rather than all lights off between midnight and 5am.
The Parish Council is aware that if “do
nothing” was on the survey, it would have been the clear favourite.
We are keen to ensure next steps are in the best interests of Wendover so have been undertaking further research. At the same time, we have been tendering for the streetlight maintenance contract so that we could better understand all the costs.
Unfortunately, the state of the world has meant our electricity costs for the streetlights have just shot up by up to £9k a year and so we will have to do something that saves money as well as carbon.
But because of your feedback we will likely be proposing holding trials in smaller geographical areas, with more detailed feedback after the trial to ensure we get it right.
It doesn’t stop there. In the coming months we will look to be attending community groups and listening to their needs and issues to see how the Parish Council can support them.
We will be engaging with Wendover residents on the Parish Council response to the final draft of the Buckinghamshire Council Local Plan… there will surely be more to discuss regarding HS2!
We do monitor social media periodically but there are well-known issues with just listening to those comments! If you have a view or an idea, then please drop us an email or give us a call.
Wendover Parish Council l The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU l Tel 01296 623056 clerk@wendover-pc-gov.uk www.facebook.com/wendoverparish
Sat 16 May, 10am–2pm Manor Waste
Contact estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
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Sunday Church Services in Wendover
• St Anne’s: 9am Mass
• St Mary’s: 9am and 10.45am
• Wendover Free Church: 10.45am
St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church – 07753 633713 stanneswendover.uk
St Mary’s Church of England – 01296 696136 / 623123 stmaryswendover.org
Wendover Free Church – 01296 622354 wendoverfreechurch.org.uk
Next Parish Council meeting: 6 May, 7:4 0pm Main Meeting room, Wendover Library Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
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