Wendover Shed was awarded £12,000 at the Angels’ Den public charity presentation evening on 10 September. This will help to fund its activities throughout the next year, as it expands while continuing to offer social and hands-on practical activities for likeminded people at its site on Hogtrough Lane.
This was the third annual Angels’ Den event run by the Clare Foundation, an organisation founded by entrepreneur Mike Clare, that advises and supports charitable and not-for-profit activities across Buckinghamshire. It aims to bring together “key stakeholders, partners, businesses and charitable organisations to facilitate and create positive change across society.”
The Angels’ Den awards panel was formed from members of the Clare Foundation and its philanthropic partners. They examined a
Angelic award for Wendover Shed
By Millie Andrews and Simon Eccles
crop of entrants earlier this year and announced the finalists in May. Wendover Shed was one of these.
The final was held in the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham, where representatives of the ten charities to reach the final round made a two-minute presentation on their activities, followed by questions from the panel. Bob Duggan and Derek Ayshford represented Wendover Shed. Nathan Turner from Bucks Radio was the MC for the night.
The total awarded was £120,000, with each finalist guaranteed to receive at least a portion. Every charity is different, assisting a wide range of recipients. This year’s finalists supported all ages, from early years autism support to the Wednesday Club supporting lonely seniors, and everyone in between through cricket, cancer support and more.
Since 2022, Wendover ‘Shedders’ have been gathering and working on both individual and collective projects where they can use their skills and learn new ones. There’s a wide and growing range of tools, machinery and materials, with men and women from a
To
range of ages and all sorts of backgrounds and experiences willing to help each other. There are now more than 90 members.
Millie Andrews is a Wendover Shed committee member who was present at the event. She said: “This generous donation will make an enormous difference by enabling the Shedders to buy materials to build themselves a bigger, warmer shed so more Shedders can continue to attend sessions through the colder, darker months when warm, sociable spaces are most needed and appreciated.
“Huge thanks from the Wendover Shedders to all the Angels and the Clare Foundation, for enabling this amazing opportunity. Doing what we do at the Shed will assist in the Clare Foundation’s mission of making Buckinghamshire a ‘happier, stronger and more connected place.’”
In addition to Wendover Shed, the 2025 finalist charities were: Autism Early Support; Hector’s House; Inspire Bucks (working in partnership) with Sacks of Hope (Mehiel Foundation); One-Eighty (working in partnership with Restore Hope); The Wednesday Club; Bucks Cricket Vision; Hope After Harm; Myeloma UK; The Brilliant Club.
For information on Wendover Shed, see: www.wendovershed.org.uk.
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Wendover | Stoke Mandeville | Dunsmore | The Lee | Halton | Weston Turville | Aston Clinton
October 2025 FREE
Awards winners at the Elviga Theatre. Photo: Millie Andrews.
Wendover Shed MEET
Contents – October 2025
Local News .............................................. 7
Tips to beat car-park scammers.............. 11
Martha takes on the World .................... 14
Local Face: Carol Crocket ...................... 15
Sunday Market talks 16
WHS2 Mitigation Action Group 18
EKFB HS2 Update 19
Culture, performing and visual arts 20
The trees of Dobbins Lane 22
Wendover Summer Picnic 24
2025 weather and local farming 27
Club Corner 28
Scout group opens new HQ 30
From the Clock Tower Back
Published by Wendover Community News
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ST ANNE’S HALL to hire
All enquiries to Angela German 07423 266713 stanneshallwendover@hotmail.co.uk
WENDOVER MEMORIAL HALL
Great for Children’s Parties
Ideal for Weddings & Functions Excellent kitchen facilities
Enquiries : 07804 671445 angelawmh@aol.co.uk
Events - October 2025
Real Magic 3rd Birthday
Sat 27 September
Kings Head Parade, HP22 6DX
Celebrations all day with a Real Magic Bar, New Moon Morris dancers at the front of the shop at 3pm and writer Priya Hein as special guest in the evening. realmagicbooks.com
A space for local people affected by bereavement to meet others.
Chilterns Light Network
Weds, 7.30 for 8pm, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 1; How to improve relationships with non-violent communication. 8; Mindfulness. 15; Lines of destiny talk. 22 & 29 tba. £5 non-members. Open and friendly group. All welcome. www.chilternslightnetwork.org
Wendover Horticultural Society
Thu 2, St Anne’s Hall, Wendover HP22 6NL
A talk from Andrew McCarthy, experienced horticulturalist/arboriculturist, on “Help in the garden, specialist pruning and plant care”.
Poetry Please
Fri 3, 10.30am
Wendover Christian Centre HP22 6JG
The theme for October is “Autumn.” Take a relevant poem to share or, if you prefer, a favourite poem of your choice. Drinks, biscuits and a warm welcome await you!
Ceilidh Dance
Fri 3, Aston Clinton, HP22 5HL
At Red Kite Pavilion with Lucy Clark Scottish Dance. In aid of St Michael’s Church Open House Project. To book call Natalie, 01296 632488 or email benefice3@gmail.com
Menopause, Me and My Skin
Fri 3. 6.45pm, 4 Robert Mews, HP22 6DU
With Dr Lorna, Dr Naomi and Emma at BML Fitness. Free ticketed wellness event with some drinks and nibbles followed by a talk/ demos and questions. For details: enquiries@ wendovermedispa.co.uk.
Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards History Group
Fri 3, 7.15pm, St Leonards Parish Hall, HP23 6NW
‘The Rothschilds and The Vale of Aylesbury’ with Adam Smith, historian and lecturer on county houses and estates. A question frequently asked is: “why did this powerful family of bankers move to the area and build this unique group of seven country houses?” This is a chance to learn the reasons. £5 to attend a single meeting. More details: www. cholesbury.com
Craft & Gift Market
Sat 4 & Sun 5, Wendover Woods, HP22 5NQ Shop for original handmade gifts and support independent and small local businesses while enjoying the natural surroundings. See ad p3.
Harvest Lunch at The Ark
Sat 4, 12pm, Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UT For details of the above, please email: bookingsattheark@gmail.com
Kimble & Ellesborough Horticultural Society
Tue 7, 8pm, Stewart Hall, Little Kimble, HP17 OXN
Growing Perennials and Woody Plants for Cutting. Rachel Seigfried, flower farmer
and florist, will talk about why she grows predominantly perennials and woody plants for cut foliage and flowers. She will highlight her favourites through the seasons and offer some tips and cultivation for cut flower use and how to arrange them in the home. She will also bring some dahlias, her own seeds and her book. Details: www.kehs.uk
Craft Group
Wed 8 & 22, 10am-12pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG
Craft Group provides time, space, and friendly company to work on any kind of craft project. Take your own materials or just go along to see what others are doing. Coffee served at about 11am.
Board Game Café
Thu 9 & 23 , 10, 2-4pm, Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG
Board Game Café now meets twice a month!
Enjoy a variety of games old and new or bring your own to play with others. Open and free of charge for all ages.
Fitness and Fun for the Over-60’s
Thu 9 & 23, 2-3pm, Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, Eskdale Road
Every other Thursday afternoon, followed with Refreshments. clerk@ stokemandeville-pc.gov.uk.
Wendover Art Club
Thu, 7:30-9:30pm. St Anne’s Hall, HP22 6JG 9; Preparing your work for hanging, with Lori North, a very experienced exhibitor. 18; Saturday Workshop – Bex Gouvernour, on how to use charcoal to portray an animal. 23; Lizzie Bentley will be demonstrating a floral still life in oils. wendoverartclub.co.uk/
Real Magic Events
Kings Head Parade, HP22 6DX Fri 10; Real Magic Music – Modern Nature will be performing at The British Legion with support from Will Burns. Tue 21; Book Talk – Novelist Jemimah Wei will talk about her book, ‘The Original Daughter.’ The New York Times review says: “Precise layered and moving, it is a book not to miss.”
Wendover and Villages Community Climate Action Workshop
Sat 11, 10am-3pm, W/Turville Village Hall
A free collaborative event to draw up climate and biodiversity plans. All welcome, lunch included. For details and tickets. www.bit. ly/3VcYr3D.
Politics Book Club
Mon 13, 7pm, Wendover Community Library
A discussion on “Post-truth: why we have reached peak bullshit and what we can do about it,” by Evan Davis. This book looks at
the levels of deception you find in all walks of life and considers why this has happened. Why are company annual reports often nonsense? Why should you not trust estate agents? And above all, why has political campaigning become the art of stretching the truth? If you don’t have time to read the book, you are still welcome to join in. Go along to take part in what is always a lively, fun and fascinating discussion. Everyone welcome (except politicians!).
Wills and Estate Planning Surgery
Tue 14, 12-2pm,
Wendover Community Library, HP22 6DU
To book a slot email: iain@wanstallconsulting. co.uk or call Tel: 01296 415700. See ad p8.
Aylesbury Centre for the National Trust
Thu 16, 7.30pm
Broughton Junior School, HP20 1NQ
Paul Rabbitts talk on ‘The concise history of our great British parks’ Details from Hon Sec 07399 540626 or email aylesburycentrent@gmail.com or Facebook.
Book Club
Sat 18, 10.30-11.30am
Wendover Christian Centre, HP22 6JG No set books. Just go along and hear what others have been reading and, if you wish,
When: 4th & 5th October 2025
Time: 10am to 4pm
Explore over 20 craft stalls in the woodland Shop for original handmade gifts, something different for yourself, friends or family Support independent and small local businesses while enjoying the natural surroundings
talk about something you’ve read – whether you loved it or not. Beginning with coffee and sometimes cake! All welcome.
Oktoberfest weekend at Gusto
Sat 18 & Sun
Castle Park Rd, Wendover, HP22 6AE
BBQ, German treats and collaborations with local beer manufacturers. gusto-world.com
Open Garden at Acer Corner
Sat 18 & Sun 19, 2-5pm 10 Manor Road, HP22 6HQ
You may remember seeing the story about the garden at Acer Corner in the summer edition of Wendover News. The garden, lovingly designed by owner Jo Naiman, offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere with beautiful Japanese maples and carefully placed shrubs and stones. Come and enjoy almost 70 unique Japanese maples (Acers). Entry receipts go to the National Garden Scheme charity. Proceeds from the hot beverages and cakes go to South Bucks Jewish Community.
Aylesbury Vale Stitchers
Sat 18, 2-4:30pm
Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF
From Clay to Cloth with Janet Edmonds who has many years’ experience of teaching City & Guilds courses in embroidery and runs courses for the Embroiderers’ Guild. Her own
work is mainly three-dimensional, based on natural forms and landscapes. www. janetedmonds.co.uk email aylesburyvalestitchers@gmail.com.
RSPB
Mon 20, 7.30 pm
Prebendal Hall Community Centre, HP19 7QW
The Aylesbury Group’s next talk is by Jon Mason speaking on “BBOWT Reserves,” which will include the fauna and flora of local sites in the Chilterns and further afield. More info at group.rspb.org.uk/Aylesbury
BBOWT
Tue 21, 7pm
Gt Missenden Memorial Centre HP22 6DJ
Sarah Scott, senior advisor on Biodiversity Net Gain at the Environment Agency, will bring to life this key conservation topic and its vital importance for nature and planning. email richardbirch60@yahoo.com. Staff at College Lake Reserve and Visitor Centre also have a big programme mostly focused on children and young people see: www.bit.ly/3KjvNf0
Wendover Shed Quiz
Fri 24, 7pm
Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF
This will be the third year that the popular quiz has been held to raise funds for Wendover Shed. Please take your own drinks
PRIVATE DINING ROOM
and nibbles as there is no bar. There will also be a ‘heads and tails’ round and a raffle. Table teams of up to eight are permitted, but individuals can join together to form teams on the night. Tickets cost £12 each. To purchase them email the number required to: events@wendovershed.org.uk
Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury Sat 25, until Sun 22 February 2026. Opening times vary – check website Step back to the 1990s with the new exhibition ‘I Grew Up 90s’ and relive the decade that brought us Cool Britannia, Britpop, Teletubbies, Trainspotting, Lara Croft and the Spice Girls. Don’t miss Spooky Science and Ghoulish Fun at this October half term, 25 October – 2 November. More at www.discoverbucksmuseum.org. See ad p7.
Ageing Well Day
Tue 28, 11am-3pm, Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, HYP22 5UJ
Find out how to get the most out of your retirement. www.buckscommunityenergy. org/ageing-well. See ad p5 & p9 for details.
Compassionate Café, Great Missenden
Wed 29, 11.30am, Great Missenden Library, HP16 0AL Each session is facilitated by trained
UPCOMING
volunteers who ensure the café offers a welcoming space for people to come together. www.bit.ly/3Zqn5RH
The Arts Society Ballinger Thu 30, 7.30pm Ballinger Memorial Hall HP16 9LQ
‘The many faces of William Morris.’ Jo Banham, a curator and lecturer, provides an insight into William Morris, a man of prodigious energy, talent and versatility. He is best known today for his wallpapers and textiles. email: info@theartssocietyballinger.org.uk or visit www.theartssocietyballinger.org.uk
Weston Turville Historical Society Fr 31, 7.30 for 8p
Weston Turville Village Hall, HP22 5RW ‘Secrets, Scandal & Salacious Gossip of the Royal Court.’ Speaker Sarah Slater will reveal the tales of all the naughty bits of history you would probably not have learnt about at school! Entrance – £2 members, £3 visitors.
LEGACY FAIRS
Antiques & Collectors Market
Wendover Memorial Hall
Thursday 16 October 9am-2pm (Trade 8am)
For updates Tel: 07543 524212 or email: p.hetheringtonwh@gmail.com
Entrance by donation to Charity
REGULAR EVENTS
Yoga with Alice D
Mondays, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG 7-8.15pm, Pregnancy Yoga, 8.30-9.45pm, Women’s Yoga. Weds, Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 10.30-11.30am, Mum and Baby Yoga, 12-1pm, Nurture Baby Massage. www.yogawithaliced.com. See ad p14.
Seated exercise classes
Mondays, 2-3pm
Aston Clinton Baptist Church, HP22 5EX Tuesdays, 2-3pm
The Ark, Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UT Wednesdays, 1.15-2.15pm Wendover Health Centre HP22 6LD Thursdays, 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 phone 07399 748803.
Simply Walks and Cycle Rides
Wendover – Tuesdays: weekly walks from Wendover Clock Tower, leaving 10am. . Aston Clinton – Thursdays: from Aston Clinton Park, leave at 10.30am. Meet beside ‘Your Café in the Park.’ Registration is 15 mins
beforehand at both locations.
Aylesbury Cycling UK – Sundays. Easy pace and newcomers For details visit: . www. cyclinguk.org/group/aylesbury-cycling-uk
Diamond Bridge Club
Tues 6.45pm
Ellesborough Village Hall, HP17 0XA
A friendly club with an ethos of playing bridge in a relaxed environment. If you would like to join, contact the membership secretary at DBCAylesbury@yahoo.com
Cracklewick Morris
Tues 8.15pm, Halton Village Hall, HP22 5NG
An all-inclusive mixed Morris side who meet most Tuesdays for dance practice. Everyone welcome – musicians and dancers. No experience needed to dance. Email: cracklewickmorris@gmail.com
SAVE
THE DATE – NOVEMBER
Sat 1 & 2 , Bucks Art Society Autumn Exhibition. See p21.
Sat 8, 8.30am-1pm, Shop at The Lee’s Christmas Market
Fri 14-Mon 16, Real Magic Mini-Festival Sat 15, Wendover Evening WI, Christmas Fair, Fri 21, Christmas on the Manor Sun 23, Children in Need Tapathon, See p9 Sun 30, Festive Tea, St Mary’s Church Weston Turville
GUSTO LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS
Gusto, a popular coffee and ice cream store, located on Castle Park Road in Wendover, will be hosting various activities including:
• Octoberfest weekend event, 18 & 19 October
• Children’s autumnal after school craft afternoons
• A full week of activities for half term to include: Halloween crafts, Halloween biscuit decorating, face painting, Spring bulb planting and winter flower potting, and rock painting.
Other classes that will be taking place at this location include adult art, knitting, french social group, peri-menopausal social group and seated yoga
Details: Instagram (gusto_good) or Facebook (gustoworld) or www.gusto-world.com
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.
Issue deadline (18:00)
November 2025 8 October Winter 2026 12 November
From the publisher...
The Autumn season has begun and everything is starting to change. During the summer we have had hot, dry weather and children needed more attention in the school holidays. Now the weather is giving a strong hint of Autumn and if you need to visit the ‘big’ shops, you will be mislead into thinking that Christmas is here already!
Like last year, we will be producing a single bumper Winter edition covering both December and January. The edition will have 25% more pages than this issue and events listings covering both months. It is intended to be useful to readers over a much longer period – useful to know if you are one of our much valued advertisers. Obviously, you will need to start making plans for Christmas before long, but there is much that will be going on in Wendover and the surrounding villages to keep us interested during the next few months.
The team at Wendover News is starting to
OSTEOPATH
WENDOVER HEALTH CENTRE
Penny H. Dathan BsC (Hons) DO
Please call 01296 696999 or email pennydathan@live.co.uk. to discuss your musculoskeletal needs. Website: www.pennydathanosteopath.co.uk
BARN DANCE
Saturday 1st November 2025
7.00 – 10.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Wendover
Dancing to ‘The Old Time Stringband’
(caller – Tim Rooke)
Plus, a fish & chip supper and bar (vegetarian and gluten free option available)
Tickets £17.50 for adults £6 for children under 16 years (meal included in ticket price, drinks payable separately)
Tickets available from Just, 11, High Street Wendover
hear rumblings of lots of events planned for November and December. We would like to be able to help you by putting them in the Events section (free), but we can only do that if we hear about them in time.
To get your event listed in the November issue, information needs to be with us by 8 October. That issue will be distributed from Wednesday 22 onwards. The December/ January edition will be hitting the streets (and letterboxes) a little later than usual on 3 December. Information for that Edition needs to be with us by 19 November, or earlier.
Now that the evenings are drawing in, everybody is starting to use their leisure time differently. Sports and hobby based clubs usually have an increase in interest. Club Corner is looking particularly spectacular this month, but we can make more space if your club or society has news that our readers would find interesting, entertaining and useful. Contact newsdesk@wendovernews. org if you would like guidance.
PAINTER & DECORATOR
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 01296 294175 07581 693653
brendanmcfall511@btinternet.com
THANKSGIVING AND MEMORIAL SERVICE
Sunday 2nd November 3.00pm St Mary’s Church, Wendover
A service to remember our loved ones whether they have died in recent months or longer ago.
If you would like a loved one named during the service, please email to info@stmaryswendover.org, drop into JUST, 11 High Street, Wendover, or pick up a leaflet from the back of one of the churches. Thank you. Everyone is Welcome.
BRENDAN MCFALL
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE WENDOVER COMMUNITY!
Since setting up Wanstall Consulting, my own specialist Wills and Estate Planning Consultancy, back in January 2020, I have been providing both personalised and specialist legal advice to local residents and military clients for many years.
I have very much enjoyed this time but have decided that it is now time for me to plan the next phase - a phased retirement! To do this, I will be merging with an old colleague and friend at ProTrust Consulting, a well-established business based nearby, in Aston Sandford.
ProTrust Consulting offer the same services as myself, plus more and we have similar approaches to how we work, so it will very much be a case of same person, same advice, same way of working but under a different name!
I very much look forward to updating you on progress and please visit my website at www.wanstallconsulting.co.uk for further updates.
To book into one of my forthcoming surgeries or to make direct contact for a no obligation chat, please call me directly on 01296 415 700 or email me at iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk
I also offer free ½ hour consultations via the phone or videocall, at a time that suits you.
885581 hello@potterpaws co uk www.potterpaws.co.uk
Local News
Wendover Society addresses new housing issues
Nicky Gregory, on behalf of the Wendover Society, writes: Buckinghamshire Council is beginning work on developing a new local plan, to be finalised in 2027, which will guide major developments in the county and aims to deliver 95,000 new homes in the next twenty years. The council has put out several ‘Calls for sites’ in their search for land which could be used for development. Many of these will be turned down, but that still leaves areas which may be used for infilling or loss of land used by local people.
The Wendover Society has serious concerns about future development proposals and possibilities for areas in and around Wendover. We feel it is of utmost importance that the people who live locally and in the surrounding areas are conversant with what could be imposed on us. We will be working with the parish council and other local representatives to protect our village from inappropriate development.
Some of the risks, as we see them are:
• Government policy changes which could weaken the protection of the green belt and AONB.
• The policy dictates that there will be at least one ’new town’, in Buckinghamshire. There will be no consultation, the Government will decide on the location and an announcement is expected shortly.
• HS2 has land which should be returned to the community but could easily be used for building if we are not vigilant. There are large areas already under threat which could mean coalescence with Stoke Mandeville, Weston Turville, Halton and even Aylesbury.
• RAF Halton is still officially due to close which would initially mean the
building of 1,000 planned houses. If it does not close, then the quota for building would still need to be met.
• Much building is planned, the infrastructure needed to service these homes and the people who will live in them is not.
The Society, with the parish council, intends to hold a public meeting once we have more information on specific proposals affecting our village. This will give you the opportunity to make your opinions known and guide the society in its response to the proposals.
Get inspiration for a happy and healthy retirement
Stoke Mandeville Parish Council is sponsoring an Ageing Well Day at Stoke Mandeville Community Centre on 28 October from 11am-3pm, as part of its work to make life in the parish more community-orientated and enjoyable by bringing people together to find support and activities locally.
Kirsty Shanahan, Chair of the council, writes: “The free event will include activities from exercise class taster sessions to board games, plus the chance to meet organisations offering everything from mobile barbering and home care to volunteering and social activities.
The Parish Council has been thinking about ways to enrich the lives of our residents and make living here more fun and supportive for all ages,” says Cllr Dean Field, Chair of the Communities Committee. “We’ve got exercise classes designed for older people already in place at our Community Centre, but we wanted to provide an event to show our retired residents how much is available locally in terms of social, health and home support to help them make the most of life by staying active and sociable.”
Participants include Age UK Bucks, Carers Bucks, DL Moss Counselling and more, while
Buckinghamshire Community Energy will be handing out free Winter Warmer Packs with its energy efficiency advice. There will also be a programme of information and activity sessions and free tea, coffee and cakes. See the Advertisement page 5, visit https:// buckscommunityenergy.org/ageing-well/ or phone 07905 147649 for more details.”
Children in Need Tapathon
Rozelle School of Dance, established in 1966, has been serving the dancers of Wendover for decades. In recent years, they have taken part in the Children in Need Tapathon. This biennial event will take place again in Wendover Memorial Hall, on Sunday 23 November from 12 noon 2pm. Dancers of all ages and abilities can dance their hearts away. This year the music will be Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits.” There are two routines, one is a hard routine and the other is a simplified version for those who haven’t done Tap before, a beginner or just want to have fun. Most of the dancers started practising in the summer term, but if you are interested, please contact suerozelle@gmail.com or phone 01296 622001. See ad P20.
Wendover Dementia Support
The anniversary of VJ Day is always an important event for Irene Morris. During WW2, Irene’s father was in service in the Far East. A few days after the war ended on 15 August 1945, he received a telegram to tell him that he was the father of a newborn girl. He expressed his wish to name his daughter Irene as it means peace.
Irene decided that to mark the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day and to celebrate a big birthday, she would invite her family, neighbours and friends to a garden party. Instead of receiving gifts, she asked the guests to donate to her local charity, Wendover Dementia Support.
A collection box, was provided by the charity and a generous amount of £550 was donated and handed over to the charity’s treasurer, Carole Low. Carole says: “Wendover Dementia Support is very
grateful to Irene for having such a wonderful idea of fundraising to help a local charity and celebrating her birthday. Happy Birthday Irene from all of us.”
If you know someone living locally with dementia who needs support, contact Wendover Dementia Support: www. wendoverds.org or 07732 342409.
Another round of awards for Chiltern Brewery
As well as raising a glass to its 45th anniversary this autumn (see WN last month), Chiltern Brewery is celebrating another couple of
Great Taste Awards for its beer range. These are a 2-Star award for Beechwood Bitter, the brewery’s signature ale from 1982; and a 1-Star award for Three Hundreds Old Ale, a full-bodied beer first brewed in 1989.
George Jenkinson, who runs the brewery in partnership with his brother Tom, says: “In 2011 we submitted our first entries to the Great Taste Award international competition, and we have been tickling the taste buds of their judges ever since. In 14 years, we have garnered 56 stars sprinkled across 40 awards.”
Greenfingers Charity Christmas
Pudding Fun Run – 2 or 5km of festive fun!
Families and festive fun-runners are invited to kick-start the Christmas season in style by taking part in the Greenfingers Charity Christmas Pudding Fun Run!
Taking place on Saturday 29 November, the run will start and finish at Bel & Dragon at the Red Lion, Wendover. Participants can choose between a 2km or 5km route, suited to all ages and abilities, and enjoy a day filled with festive outfits, jingle bells, and plenty of smiles along the way.
Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a special Christmas Pudding medal to take home. By taking part, runners will be raising money for Greenfingers Charity, the Wendover-based national charity dedicated
to creating magical gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. These are special spaces where life-limited children and their families can spend precious time together outdoors.
Fancy dress is warmly encouraged. Whether it’s a Santa suit, a Christmas pudding costume, elf ears, reindeer antlers or the sparkliest of jumpers, the more festive, the better.
Linda Petrons, Greenfingers’ director of fundraising and communications, said: “We are so excited to bring the community together for our very first Christmas Pudding Fun Run. It’s all about families having fun while helping us create magical, therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices. We can’t wait to see puddings, elves, Santas – and maybe even Father Christmas himself – at the start line!”
So round up your friends and put the fun into fundraising, to help Greenfingers Charity bring the gift of a garden to even more children’s hospices.
To register or find out more, email: Fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or visit: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk
Looking for a more rewarding role?
Wendover Dementia Support
an award-winning local charity is seeking a Part-Time Paid Dementia Support Co-ordinator to help people living with dementia and their families.
This flexible role (15 - 20 hours per week) includes:
Supporting families at our welcoming Monday Club Café in Wendover
Home visits and independent community-based work Working alongside our team of experienced volunteers
If you’re compassionate, motivated, and want to make a real difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
For a full job description, please contact info@wendoverds.org.uk
Top tips to beat car park scammers
Car parking scammers are an increasing nuisance, so Thames Valley Police has published some guidance to help all drivers to be vigilant. Scams may take the form of fraudulent claims that you owe money for parking fines, fake payment QR codes on parking machines, or even card readers attached to the machines that steal your account details.
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, head of the Central Fraud Unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “We have recently seen an increase within the Thames Valley area and I would urge you to remain vigilant and know what the signs are in order to keep yourself safe from this type of fraud.”
He says that the public can help to become part of the solution by forwarding spam calls and texts messages to 7726, and forwarding suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
Helpful tips are contained in the TVP Fraud Prevention Toolkit document, which can be downloaded from www.bit.ly/3Iinvn2
“Knowledge and collective action are our biggest asset when rising to the challenge of fraud,” says DI Wynn. “I encourage you all to start having conversations about fraud, especially with any vulnerable family members or those in your community.”
TVP’s advice for spotting fraud includes three signs to check that a parking notice is genuine: real parking fines include the vehicle registration; they show the time/date of the alleged offence; and they show the location where the alleged offence took place.
A genuine fine will always come in writing and will either be left on your windscreen, handed to you in person or arrive in the post. There are three types of fines: a penalty charge notice issued by the council; a fixed
penalty notice issued by the police usually linked to offences such as speeding; or a parking charge notice issued by a private company. Parking charge notices aren’t technically fines, they are invoices for breaching parking rules.
“Fraudsters prey on creating pressure which is designed to make you act quickly but ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ empowers us to
collectively join together to help stop fraud in its tracks,” says DI Wynn.
A very important rule is: don’t click on links in texts. If you get a text out of the blue saying that you owe money for an unpaid parking ticket, stop before you click. One of the most common tactics is a fake text or email demanding payment for an unpaid fine.
BBC scams expert Nick Stapleton explains that these texts usually come with a link you are told to click on to pay the fine and “use
Tailored book-keeping and accountancy solutions to suit you and your business
urgent and threatening language to make you panic.” Some texts may even say that your licence will be revoked if you do not pay for the ticket but “that is not how it works, you won’t lose your licence.”
If you have received a text message that does not feel right, STOP! Break contact – do not reply, do not click on any links, do not call any phone numbers, or make any payments. To check if it is genuine, contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, eg from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card, or by calling 159 for banks. Also, forward the message for free to 7726.
A new scam, which is increasing according to Action Fraud, targets people paying for parking at machines. Fraudsters attach a physical device to the contactless payment reader on a parking machine and when you try to pay, the machine displays a “card declined” message. As you walk off to try another machine, the skimming device has already stolen your card details.
How to spot tampering. Look for an extra sticker. Check there is not an extra sticker or item placed on top of the contactless button. Verify branding: look for correct logos and branding. Fraudsters often use stickers with mismatched logos. Trust your instincts: If something looks or feels suspicious, do not use the machine. You may be able to pay by cash or through a parking app.
For more advice on how to protect yourself from fraud, see https://stopthinkfraud. campaign.gov.uk. If you have lost money or provided financial information because of a phishing fraud, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www. actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Pub Trail winners at the Pack Horse
Here are Daniel, Sam and Emma, lucky winners of the August Bank Holiday Wendover Pub Trail’s prize draw. Participants who bought a drink in each of Wendover’s seven fine pubs could collect a stamp on a card which was then entered into the draw. MP Greg Smith drew the winning card at the Pack Horse pub in Tring Road. The prize for each of them is a free drink in each of the pubs over the next three months!
Leigh Porter is the Wendover Parish Councillor who has been organising the Pub Trails at Easter and August for the past two
years. She wrote: “Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all who participated and didn’t win but had a great time. They
helped to spread some joy as they met up with friends, visitors and members of our Wendover community bringing the pub route alive and calling in at the shops, restaurants, cafes and businesses.”
Update on the Weston Turville Civil Wars coin hoard
Wendover News has been contacted by Ollie, who discovered the buried hoard of 161 coins from the time of the English Civil Wars, as reported in the Summer 2025 edition.
The hoard was composed of a mix of half crowns, shillings and sixpences dating to between the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), through to about 1645 in the reign of Charles I.
The find has now been through the legal process involving the local antiquities scheme and coroner, and has been catalogued by the British Museum. Having been released back to him as the finder, Ollie is in a position to dispose of the coins as he wishes, with half the proceeds going to him and the other half to the owner of the land on which they were found. He has expressed an intention to sell them at an auction to be held in
Weston Turville. They will be sold in small lots, rather than the simpler and – probably more lucrative option – of selling them through specialist auction for coin dealers.
Ollie is an experienced auctioneer himself and told us: “The coins came from Weston Turville, so it will be good for the local residents to get a a chance to own some of them. I’ll be selling them in small lots to make them as affordable as possible. I hope that at least some of them will get into the hands of children and young people and become the start of a lifelong interest in history.” Watch out for details of the auction in a future issue of Wendover News.
Son of Eric discovered!
There has been a positive development in the sad story from two years ago, about the toy-napping incident involving Eric the monkey. Members of the Eric Fan Club will be pleased to hear that a relative of Eric has stepped in to take over his role.
Nicky Gregory at Antiques of Wendover writes: “Sadly, Eric has not been returned to us. He was kidnapped just before Christmas 2023 and we have been hoping for his return ever since. The police know who took him, but have been unable to find the thief.
In June one of our dealers noticed a small face amongst the items on a car-boot stall. The face was younger than Eric’s, but an exact likeness. It has turned out to be Bertie, Eric’s son. Bertie left Africa to search for his father as soon as he was old enough but got lost and was being cared for by a kindly trader.
Bertie has taken over Eric’s duties, hiding himself in different places every month, waiting for children (of any age!) to find him. Finders will be able to search ‘Bertie’s toy box’ for a prize. He looks forward to seeing everyone who has asked about his father and all those who have been so kind and remember Eric with fondness.”
Jane Larkham Writes...
Wendover Community Library
Hurry along to Wendover Community Library to buy the 2026 Library Calendar illustrated with photographs submitted to the Photography competition. All proceeds from the sale of this calendar support Wendover Community Library. It is an excellent Christmas gift for your friends and family who love Wendover as much as we do.
The end of September sees the end of the summertime competitions: Short Story and Photography. This means that the eagerly awaited WAFTAs (Wendover Author and Fotography (sic) Top Awards) will happen on Thursday 20 November hosted by Wendover poet Will Burns. On Saturday 29 November the Annual Library Quiz & Chips will be held in St Anne's Hall (tables of 8) the price is £17.50 per person. Tables can be booked at the library or at fowlmembers@hotmail.com
Scarecrow Trail and Challenge
During the Summer holidays, volunteer Beryl Hunter supervised Scarecrow making support groups in many venues including Wendover Community Library, Wendover Christian Centre and Gusto. Carers and children flocked to them to work with an expert. To illustrate what could be done,
Beryl made eleven mini-scarecrows. The Scarecrow Trail in the streets of Wendover finished on Saturday 13 September. All forms should have been handed back to Florence Nightingale Hospice Shop by then. Judging and presentations were not completed by the time the October print edition of Wendover News went to press so watch out for winners in the November edition
The classes are as follows:-
• Judges Favourite
• Correct Guesser Champion
• People’s Favourite
Once the Scarecrow Trail proper began in the streets of Wendover on Saturday 30 August, Wendover Library created its own Scarecrow Challenge. It costs only 50p (all profits also to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity) to enter the Challenge and to help our very young residents, the entry form has covers of six books to match with the mini-scarecrows. Just drop into the Library and ask a member of staff or volunteer for more details. The mini-scarecrows have proved a great talking point during book borrowing so do pop in and find out what all the fuss is about.
The Scarecrow Challenge in Wendover Community Library finishes on Saturday 30 October. Please make sure you have handed back your completed form to the Library by then.
Martha takes on the World!
Martha Caroll is a 17 year old student at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School. She has lived in Wendover all her life. This summer she went on an ambitious and rewarding “World Challenge” trip to India. She flew out to Delhi on 16 July for three weeks as a part of a group of 16 students from her school. Martha spent 18 months fundraising for the trip – that is very much one of the challenges.
World Challenge is an organisation that takes young people to places that challenge them physically and mentally. They experience very different cultures and landscapes and they volunteer within remote communities to help improve the lives of others. No mobile phones allowed either!
Here is an account of Martha’s experiences, based on her journal notes.
“My World Challenge 2025 started in New Delhi from where we travelled up to the Himalayas, stopping off at Rishikesh along the way. Immediately, we were fully exposed to the bustle of India including sights, sounds and smells, plus keeping our cameras hidden from the monkeys as we put our hands in the Ganges. From there we travelled to a camp for the night, meeting the trek team and taking altitude medicine for the ascent the
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next day. We started in the heat but it cooled as we trekked up.
We camped at 3,030m and for the next two days did set loops, trekking from 7am - 5pm on average. The first loop was the famous Valley of the Flowers, learning about the wildlife of the mountains and the second loop took us up to 4,300m where we visited a lake and two fascinating temples.
The fourth day of trekking took us back down the mountains and south of Delhi to spend a week city hopping and sightseeing, including visiting a wildlife charity sanctuary for elephants, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Our monsoon safari was followed by an open top jeep in Ranthambore – a highlight of the whole trip! In Jaipur we were dressed in saris, followed by kite flying on the rooftops.
We visited the largest sundial in the world at the Jantar Mantar observatory.
For the community initiative we took a train to Udaipur. Here we built sports facilities at the local school and, as a cricketer myself, it was thoroughly enjoyable to build the facilities that I have always taken for granted and to play on them with the school children.
We built cricket nets and a football pitch and some benches on the side lines too. We got to witness how different school life is there, and how happy the students are even though they don’t have the same facilities that we do.
Lastly we took an overnight train back to Delhi, doing some shopping in the local markets before heading home.
Overall this experience was extremely rewarding and eye-opening, to learn how different life is in other parts of the world and how rare it is for some people to see foreigners – we were asked for many photos.
There was a lot of money to raise to pay for the trip, and I couldn’t have done it without the generosity of my family and friends, as well as Chiltern Artisan which offered me a job where I still work.
I would also like to thank the Lionel AbelSmith Trust for its generosity and support and also all the High Street shops which donated vouchers and haircuts as raffle prizes for the fund-raising quiz I held.”
rob@justaerials.co.uk
Local Face: Carol Crockett
By Jane Larkham
In 1994, Carol moved to the area following her marriage to Michael (a Wendover resident since 1954). At the time Carol was working as senior education manager at County Hall in Aylesbury. One of her responsibilities was training school governors, and Carol served for several years as chair of governors at Flackwell Heath Primary School, and was also chair of the Personnel Committee of Wendover Junior School governors.
Prior to working in the Education Office, Carol held senior education roles at several schools ranging from King Edward VI Grammar School in Southampton, to Boness Academy in Scotland. Turning away from her ambition to be a dancer, Carol gained a degree in Nuclear Physics at UCL in the 1960s at a time when very few girls were getting physics degrees.
With husband Michael she has been a member of the St Mary’s church choir/music group for almost 30 years. Carol served on the church PCC for many years during which time she managed three very successful
flower and music festivals, raising money for church refurbishment funds.
An active member of Wendover and District Rotary for 15 years, in 2019 she managed a music event for Rotary, where attendees were trained to sing in one afternoon, then performed to a paying audience that evening. It was a huge success and not only raised funds for Rotary charities but also showed the demand for a community choir in the area. Carol began the process of setting up a community choir with her friends Sue Thornton and musician Jill Neenan, and Wendover Singers was born.
The choir started with their first rehearsal in John Colet school in February 2020, with Carol’s daughter Penny as pianist and Jill as Musical Director. However, rehearsals had to stop after just two weeks because of Covid. Resuming in 2021 Wendover Singers has grown from strength to strength and the choir is now 100 strong with a waiting list, and three professional musicians. A children’s choir was added in 2022, and this now has over 20 junior singers. Three summer concerts, a Christmas concert, local soirées, community events and fundraising have all followed, with the pinnacle so far being a part of the highly successful ‘Sing out for Mental Health’ project at the Waterside Theatre. Carol’s ongoing dedication to this community asset knows no bounds as she
continues to manage the day-to-day running of the organisation. With more concerts and performances in the pipeline, her legacy is clear to see.
In her spare time, Carol enjoys walking and mixing with new friends at WI events or chatting to old friends at her local book club. A major focus is her family. She had two wonderful daughters, but sadly her older daughter Niki was lost to cancer in 2017. Carol takes great joy from her four grandchildren living nearby, plus Harry, whom she sees less frequently as he lives abroad. Having recently celebrated her 80th birthday, with much happiness, frivolity and delight, there seems to be no stopping this lady yet!
Sunday market proposals opened to public comments
By Simon Eccles
A decision on holding monthly Sunday markets on the Manor Waste has been postponed by Wendover Parish council as it seeks the opinions of local traders and residents.
The WPC manages the Manor Waste and already organises the regular Thursday markets and the Local Produce Market on the third Saturday of each month.
Originally, a Parish Council meeting at Wendover Library on 5 August had agreed in principle to a proposal to hold Sunday markets by a company whose name was “redacted,” ie blacked-out, from the council’s agenda and minutes.
However it was quickly apparent from details in the agenda that this was Cooper’s Markets, a company that already organises regular markets in Old Amersham, Great Missenden, Gerrards Cross and at local events.
Cooper's proposal was included in the WPC agenda. In part it said: “We would bring a selection of our traders from in and around the local area including hot food, cold food and craft stalls, all of which have been a success at each of our other locations.
“We would look to start with roughly 20 stalls and see how the market takes, and potentially add more if possible. Our proposition is to run the market on the 4th Sunday of the month.”
Business Network pushback
The WPC decision caused a lot of negative comment on social media, within the WhatsApp group of the Wendover Business Network. This is an informal group comprising the owners of Wendover shops and pubs, plus some non-retail businesses. They hold meetings every six weeks, and Wendover News attends as an observer.
One network member, James Grant, owner of the No 2 Pound Street delicatessen, cheese and wine shop, was particularly angry about the decision to approve Cooper’s proposal. He said there had been no prior discussion or invitation to others to apply.
For the past few years he has organised evening markets in July and November on the Manor Waste with invited traders, and he will
hold a “Christmas on the Manor” event this year on 21 November.
As a former parish councillor he helped organise the Wendover Celebrates events, and has previously applied to run a Sunday market without success. “I applied in 2022 and have highlighted my interest in prior emails as an individual,” he told Wendover News.
Wendover already has markets every Thursday, plus this monthly local produce market on a Saturday.
In response to the council’s August decision, he wrote a counter-proposal for a Sunday market to be run by a committee of local traders. This, he said, could agree on and control the type of stalls to attract business into Wendover without competing unduly with established permanent shops, and there would be reasonable pitch fees set.
September WPC meeting
At the next WPC meeting on 2 September, the council chair Clive Gallagher acknowledged concerns over the previous month’s decision. He clarified that there had not been an actual “application” from the company (ie Cooper’s), but “it was more of a request.” He added that “anyone can apply to run a market.”
At the unusually packed September meeting in the Library, councillors listened to representations from members of the public and from some of the councillors, who mostly said that the August decision should not have been taken in the way it was. The name redaction was criticised, as some councillors said they thought it had been a Wendover trader. The decision to put the proposal on the WPC agenda for August without inviting other proposals was also criticised.
Public representations
It’s normal for members of the public to be given three minutes each to make representations to the WPC. James Grant read out his proposal for a local shopkeeper committee-run Sunday market. This should have a no-duplication rule, he said: “Traders offering products already available from existing Wendover businesses – particularly hot food, beverages, and artisan goods – will not be permitted.” Local businesses would receive first refusal on pitches, and all trader fees would be paid into a dedicated Parish Council account with financial reports published for public scrutiny.
Other members of the public had differing views. One read a statement by an Old Amersham retailer, saying the Sunday market there takes away sales from local retailers,
closes a road and blocks parking spaces (Manor Waste markets don't close the road ).
Ed Pires, a local beekeeper and owner of Wendover Honey, said he often takes stalls at markets and other events, including Cooper’s Markets and Wendover Saturday markets, and doesn’t feel that the no-duplication rule would be realistic. He said he does not think that a Sunday market would be viable for Wendover, but if it were to be held it should be organised by WPC in the same way as the Thursday and Saturday markets. He suggested that there should be a few trial Sunday events to judge the demand.
Council responses
Andy Smith, clerk of WPC, said he agreed that the redaction “could have been handled better,” but added that if the applicant had been named, “for commercial issues we would have to go into confidential sessions with the public excluded. We would rather keep the public involved.”
After hearing the representations and discussing the issues, the council resolved to “consult with residents, the high street and engage with the retailers to bring forward an updated proposal for Council to consider.”
The WPC agenda for the August meeting is online here: www.bit.ly/4mEsGw1 (see p45 ).
The September minutes are here: www.bit.ly/3Ig36za (see p16/17 and p19).
If you have views on a Sunday market, tell us at newsdesk@wendovernews.org
To contact WPC, see www.wendover-pc. gov.uk, email estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk, or phone 01296 623056.
Ed and Madge Pires on their market stall.
No 2 Pound Street owner James Grant.
THREE HUNDREDS OLD ALE
A DARK ALE WITH SERIOUS DEPTH (AND NOW A GREAT TASTE STAR TO PROVE IT)
D r L o r n a a t W e n d o v e r M e d i s p a
HS2 update
By Murray Cooke
Dobbins
Lane Spring Chamber
You may have heard that EKFB/HS2 is intending to submit an appeal against the decision to refuse planning for the Dobbins Lane spring chamber.
Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group nevertheless believes that despite the appeal, we are close to a revised scheme being brought forward by EKFB/HS2, which will, based on the community suggestion, give access from Nash Lee End. If this happens, it should satisfy all concerned. We also believe that this proposal is likely to be issued imminently in the form of a new planning application.
The appeal should make it clear that it will be withdrawn if this new application, if and when made, receives planning approval. Hence it is our current belief that the appeal is simply a holding position on the part of EKFB/
HS2 and hopefully will not proceed. We will publish an update when we know more in due course.
Wendover Green Tunnel progress
Steady progress has been made with the tunnel, though this is not generally visible. Inside the existing concrete arch shell a significant quantity of reinforced concrete has been poured to form a 600mm deck for the track, which also locks the precast segments into place.
Work has also started on the foundations for the “Phase 2” section near Bacombe Lane where the concrete slab is now being formed; and this is just visible from Ellesborough Road.
Design Changes
Until now the focus has been on building the structures that form the railway, but with HS2’s “programme reset” there has been work done on some of the wider design aspects of the
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project. Numerous changes are appearing to the drawings previously submitted to Bucks Council in the light of detailed design consideration.
An example is a lengthening of the new bend in Bacombe Lane which will reduce the gradient of the slope down the east side of the Green Tunnel. We’ve been working with the residents, Bucks Council and WPC to make sure that the reinstatement plans actually reflect the community needs.
The “Highways” issues are being considered now, and we’re expecting the “Landscape” designs to be finalised next summer. Our concern is to make sure these are co-ordinated.
Protecting the Chilterns
The land being used to build HS2 will eventually be handed over as part of the railway, given back to farmers, new roads handed over to the Council and some plots probably sold off. We’re working with the Parish Council, The Wendover Society, The Chilterns Society, and Chilterns National Landscape to establish how we think the various parcels of land should be handled to protect the local environment for future generations.
For all your building requirements from patios and driveways to alterations and extensions
Building locally for 25 years
Please call 01296 582215
Green Tunnel phase 2 foundation slab being laid near Bacombe Lane. Photo: Murray Cooke.
Concrete arrives underneath the arches. Photo: Murray Cooke.
Our objective is to establish the postHS2 Wendover area planning policy which can be fed into the draft Bucks Local Plan, so that in future Bucks Council planning officers can understand our local requirements in discussions with developers.
Issues with HS2?
If you’re affected by the construction activity, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 (available 24 hours a day) or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk. It helps if you have photographic evidence and please get a complaint reference number so that we can follow up as needed.
Need our help?
If you need help, want to join us, or have ideas or suggestions to help mitigate the community impact, get in touch at: enquiries@whs2.org.
We Need your Help!
We are always keen to recruit new members. If you are interested in joining us see whs2. org. We are looking for volunteers to help with public communications and making sure we build up a good case for returning land to its natural state – and not developed in ways that would cause further damage to Wendover.
Information provided by EKFB, the prime contractor for HS2 in the Wendover and Stoke Mandeville area.
Spring flow chamber
As part of our works in the Wendover north cutting area, we have been progressing with the plans for the installation of the spring flow chamber, which is required to support groundwater monitoring required by the Environment Agency consent.
Following the refusal of the initial planning application from earlier this year, we have challenged the need for a permanent access track which significantly reduces the number of deliveries to the site and allows us to consider an alternative route on a temporary basis via Nash Lee End which avoids the use of South Street and Dobbins Lane.
This will be subject to a new planning application which will be submitted to the Council in the coming weeks. As the approval of the new application is not guaranteed, we need to safeguard our construction programme and intend to make an application to appeal the initial application. However, the appeal will be withdrawn if the new application is granted approval.
This updated proposal has been developed following further review of maintenance requirements and environmental considerations. The Environment Agency has extended the required completion date for the spring flow chamber, allowing time for a revision to our proposal.
Public Meeting 21 November
Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group will be holding an HS2 Update public meeting at the Wendover Memorial Hall on Friday 21st November from 19:00. Come along and hear about what’s happening with the HS2 project, what this means for Wendover, and help us prioritise what’s most important for the Community.
Doing what’s right for Wendover See whs2.org
HS2 and EKFB are working closely with the Council, community representatives and groups to ensure the new application reflects local priorities. Updates will continue to be shared and we will issue an advance works notice prior to starting any work.
A4010, Risborough Road
Construction on the new relief road and overbridge bypassing the village of Stoke Mandeville is progressing well. The new road will divert the existing A4010 Risborough Road from Fremantle Court to Lower Road. It connects to the South East Aylesbury Link Road project, being built by Buckinghamshire Council.
most of the road surface, kerbs, footpaths and highway drainage. There are ongoing utility diversion works around a section of the new road to the west of the A4010. We expect to close the A4010 again for one weekend at the end of October to complete the last piece of the new relief road around these utility works. The Stoke Mandeville Relief Road is due to open in early November 2025.
If you would like to read more about the works and view the advance works notices and maps, please go to HS2 website www. hs2.org.uk and click the ‘in your area section’ to view the interactive map. (HS2 in your area – HS2)
During August and September, we closed a section of the A4010 to complete tie in works. We have nearly completed the construction of the new road and overbridge, including
Alternatively, if you have a question about HS2 please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@ hs2.org.uk
Early view of the Stoke Mandeville relief road. EKFB
Culture, Performing and Visual Arts
Written and compiled by Jo Durden-Moore
Wendover Music Concert
The concert at St Mary’s church on Sunday 7 September featured two young musicians playing both as soloists and together.
Trumpeter Matilda Lloyd was accompanied by Richard Gowers on the organ of St Mary’s, Wendover. He had his own solo in each half of the concert. This afternoon concert attracted an appreciative audience who enjoyed a wide range of music from the Baroque era to the twenty first century including “Adoration” by African-American composer Florence Price, active in the 20 century. Many stayed behind for delicious tea and cake chatting with one another and the artists. A brilliant development of Wendover Music into afternoon performance.
Oxmoor Farm Art Fair
During the last weekend in August, Oxmoor Farm, ten minutes’ drive from Wendover in Great Hampden, was utterly transformed into a festival of creativity by The Art Exhibitionists. This is a dynamic local team
known for making “Unique Art in Unique Places.” The opening was on Thursday 28 August with a preview night as lively as any in the London art world.
Some 200 art lovers arrived to be welcomed by a wood-fired pizza, good wine, and Anoushka, a remarkable young vocalist and guitarist. Her music set the mood as guests wandered among a variety of artworks, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, spilling across three barns, a terrace, and into the leafy courtyard. Festivities kept pace through Friday, with Anoushka providing another melodic serenade and artist Mel Cairns showcasing drawing skills live in the courtyard.
Creativity blossomed everywhere: the gazebo bustled with visitors of all ages painting ceramics, while a roster of immersive masterclasses in linocut, impressionistic landscapes, and candle making kicked off, placing tools and techniques in the hands of the curious.
On Saturday, The Hemley Hillbillies played in aid of Parkinson’s, while celebrated painter Derek Witchell demonstrated plein air oil painting. Hands-on sessions for jewellery making, needle felting, watercolour, and wildlife ink and wash made the day a festival of learning and making.
Sunday brought the smooth stylings of the Blue in Green jazz band, plus another live painting session from Witchell, along with masterclasses in drypoint etching and the artful mystery of gilded letters on glass. All weekend, the creative fever spilled from the barns to the café and restaurant, where amazing food, cakes, and cocktails were served.
At the heart of The Art Exhibitionists is a mission to create magical, inclusive art experiences that uplift community and charity alike. This year, a portion of every
ticket went to the Oxford Kidney Unit Trust Fund, which supports young people facing kidney transplants in the Thames Valley. The spirit of giving has always been a hallmark of the group, who have raised funds for causes including Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Wycombe Homeless Fund, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and Ukraine to Chilterns CIO.
High School Musical Jr
Wendover-based children’s performing arts club, Dramarama, lit up the stage with their summer ‘West End Experience,’ giving 60 young budding artists the opportunity to perform in the High School Musical Jr. Dramarama is well-known for providing supportive, inclusive performance opportunities for all.
ROZELLE SCHOOL OF DANCING
TAPATHON EVENT For Children in Need Sunday 23 November
Classes for children from 2 years
Tap Classes for adults
Wendover Memorial Hall
Wharf
Anoushka sets the mood at Oxmoor Farm Photo courtesy of The Art Exhibitionists
Derek Witchell demonstrating Photo courtesy of The Art Exhibitionists
This year the director, Danielle Gaglione, enlisted the help of West End pros to create an even more special experience. Rehearsing at Wendover’s Memorial Hall, the children went on to perform in the 500 seat professional theatre, The Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted, to friends and family, giving a unique and bespoke experience to all those involved.
Coming up this autumn…
Discover Bucks Art Exhibition
Judith Harper, a volunteer at the Chiltern MS/Neuro Centre, reports that as part of a social programme for its members, the art group is hosting a community art exhibition with the Aylesbury Discovery Museum, from September through to mid-November, displaying members’ artwork.
This not only ties in with the 40th anniversary year of the Chiltern MS/N Centre providing a community art exhibition but also emphasises the importance of art as a therapy for specific groups.
More information can be found at: www.discoverbucksmuseum.org
Jesus Christ Superstar
October is arriving and the 96-person cast at Berkhamsted’s Centenary Theatre is nearly ready to showcase one of musical theatre’s best-loved shows from Andrew Lloyd Webber. Performances are Tuesday 21 October to Saturday 25 October.
There will be a British Sign Language (BSL) performance which brings a whole other dimension to the spectacle too. Tickets are available at www.centenarytheatre.com
Real Magic Books
Mini Festival, 14 – 16 November. Plans for the next Real Magic mini festival are already in progress, with many magical and fascinating readings, talks, music, concerts, food and drinks on offer.
Keep an eye on social media for updates or pop into the bookshop in Wendover for more information.
Bucks Art Society Annual Exhibition
Buckinghamshire Art Society is holding its 2025 Autumn Exhibition at the Wendover Memorial Hall for the second year on 1 – 2 November.
The exhibition will open on the evening of 31 October, with the announcement of the Young Artist Award (YAA) at 6:30pm. YAA is a county-wide initiative supported by Bucks Art Society to encourage artistic ability among younger members of the public. The exhibition will be opened at 7:00pm. Drinks and snacks will be provided, and it is open to all. This year the featured artist is Julia Wetenhall, a prominent professional artist from Lane End, Bucks.
Founded in 1920, Bucks Arts Society plays an active role in the visual arts in Buckinghamshire, organising exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and various social events, the majority of which are open to the public. The society maintains close links with the County Museum in Aylesbury. BAS has around 95 members, a large proportion of whom are professional and semi-professional artists. Representing a wide variety of styles and media, all members are elected to the society based on their skill as artists.
Since its foundation, BAS has organised at least two exhibitions per year, traditionally one in the autumn for members only, and another in spring to which non-members can also submit their work.
Wendover Choral Society
Rod Ainsworth, chair of the society writes: “it’s not too late to come and sing with Wendover Choral Society! If you love singing but are too embarrassed to sing with other people, can’t read music, or don’t like classical music, then the Choral Society is for you. Choir leader, Kenton, includes 15 minutes of music-reading teaching in rehearsals. And while a lot of what is sung is classical music, it is by no means all. We have a lot of fun and share the joy of making music together.
“Rehearsals are every Thursday, in St Mary’s Church, Wendover, from 7.45 to 9.45pm,
with a tea break at half-time, and biscuits! We’re revving up for our festive Christmas concert on 6 December.
Although rehearsals are underway, it’s not too late to come and join us and see what fun we have at rehearsals. The music is all by English composers and varied to suit many tastes.
If you’d like more information or just to talk things through, please visit our website at www.wendoverchoral.co.uk.”
Mindful Art Classes
Sabina Dye writes: “An essential part of mindfulness is being in the moment and noticing all the beautiful, magical, tasty and wonderful hues in everything that surrounds us – all of that is art. Mindful Heart classes enable you to find the magic of art, and if you do then it can become a part of your life, so that you will be able to see beauty where before you saw none, where you can pay more attention to the feelings that art and life invokes in you.
Sabina is offering a nine-week Mindful HeART course to learn how easy and fun it is to be mindful with art. With the help of guided meditation and interesting themes for each class, you will be connecting to your heart to create art. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Starting Monday 6 October 2025, 11:30-12:30, at the Rainbows Guide Hut in Wendover. After that, it’s every Monday, term times only, with no classes on Bank Holidays. See www.artyparty.fun.”
Sally Evans Artists & Makers Fair
Sally Evan’s fairs offer exhibitors a welcoming, well-organised environment and access to a local audience. Local Fairs showcase an array of incredible local talent. Visitors have the chance to meet the makers and can also purchase high-quality art and craft directly from the creators, including ceramics, textiles, prints, and jewellery.
To be held at St Mary’s Church Hall, Princes Risborough, Saturday 15 November 2025, from 10am to 4pm.
The trees of Dobbins Lane
By: Richard Byford & Lisa Evans.
Dobbins Lane contains some of the best 20th century buildings to be found in Wendover. The trees lining each side of the road frame the houses perfectly, and turn a gentle walk into a source of pleasure. It’s an ancient road, appearing on a 1620 map as Dame Agnes’ Lane, but the trees were probably planted in the 1920s as more houses were being built. Some trees have been replaced over the years. Neglect of the remaining original trees prompted local resident, Lisa Evans, to write:
“I know that like me, most people are horrified with the devastation caused by HS2. However, if you take a minute to look around Wendover itself, you see lots of beautiful trees and green areas: the Heron path, the parks, Dobbins Lane and Hale Lane. Looking at the damage in the HS2 areas has drawn my attention to the greenery closer to my home. I am concerned. Dobbins Lane is –and throughout my mother’s lifetime – has been, a beautiful tree-lined road. For the last ten years I have felt that these beautiful trees needed some serious attention but wasn’t sure who is responsible for them.
Are they being left to sprout again? Surely that will neither look good, nor help with the damage to the pathways. Would it be better to take those that are too big and diseased right out of the ground and replace them with young trees? Not just leaving the stumps to their own devices, then later replacing the remaining older trees. If nothing is done soon, we will end up losing the lovely tree-lined lane that we all admire now. That would be such a shame. Please could whoever is responsible for these trees reply to this concern, so we all know what is going to happen?”
Last year I saw tree surgeons taking a couple of trees down along Dobbins Lane. Obviously, they are getting too big, and as I know from walking along there, they are causing damage to the pathways, making them uneven and difficult to walk on. To my horror nothing more has been done.
Lisa also provided this photograph, at left, of her mother and a friend walking down the middle of Dobbins Lane with the High Street in the background, in about 1949.
Wendover News spoke to Andy Smith, clerk to Wendover Parish council. He said: “Because they are in what is described as an ‘adopted highway’ area, Buckinghamshire County Council is responsible for them. Surprisingly, unlike many of the trees in the middle of Wendover, most of these lime trees do not have preservation orders attached to them. The exception is a few of them at the High Street end of the road.”
Normally trees of this size in similar locations would be subject to a regular maintenance schedule and be worked on to preserve their health and amenity value. Presumably, because of financial pressure, the council has had to prioritise spending on more important services.
We spoke to tree specialist, Pat Kernan, who runs P Kernan Tree Surgery Ltd (see his ad opposite). He explained that roadside trees of this type and maturity would normally be pollarded every ten years or so, and that the Dobbins Lane trees may well be overdue.
Pollarding is when most of the branches above a certain level are removed in one go. The operation can leave the tree looking unattractive initially, but in spring, new buds form, and the trees push new growth to form a replacement crown. The reduction of vegetation at the top reduces stress on the roots and prevents roots extending and thickening. Regular pollarding also reduces the risk of branches falling in the winter period of dormancy, particularly after a dry summer.
Mature trees extending branches over a garden can cause unwelcome shade for gardens of some homeowners and require the trees to be cut back. Problems can also be caused by root extension into house foundations. Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) will occasionally give permission for individual trees to be cut back over garden boundaries for these reasons. See the BCC website for details.
We asked Pat about the stumps. He said: ”Our preference when felling mature trees with roots encroaching under walkways, is to remove the stump completely. Once that is done, the walkway can be levelled and the ground made ready for replanting. It’s a lot of work and the council would probably want to avoid the expense. The alternative, grinding the stump down to ground level, looks better, but inevitably creates a trip hazard. The sensible course of action is to leave them as they are. They will look unsightly but will eventually rot away.”
Wendover News forwarded Lisa’s query to Buckinghamshire County council and hopes to be able to print its reply in a future issue.
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Wendover Summer Picnic 2025
By Leigh Porter
To conclude a summer of activities
Wendover Parish Council invited the people of the Parish to a picnic in Hampden Meadow. The weather held out until just before the end but for those who attended it was a cheerful event with live music, lots of exciting activities to occupy the children and plenty of interesting traders with oodles of food and drink amongst other offerings.
It was also the second year of the Make Wendover Smile Dog show, an opportunity
for all those Wendover dogs to join in the fun. Although it might not have been quite up to Crufts standards, both dogs and owners had a great time and it offered plenty of entertainment for those watching. Thanks to The K9 Chiropractor, there were lots of rosettes and prizes handed out.
WPC also took the opportunity to announce the various winners of all the Make Wendover
Smile competitions with more certificates and prizes awarded. (See the third column for the winners of the children’s competitions).
After a fun-filled afternoon it ended in typical English summer style: just as we
were contemplating a last drink and a pizza the rain started so there was a hasty mass exit from the park while the Ellesborough Silver Band played on under the cover of the pavilion.
Best Shop Window:
1. Florence Nightingale
2. Wendover Community Library
3. Bread & Brew
Best Front Garden:
1. 25 South Street
2. 4 Nocton Hall Drive
3. Crumbs & Simply the Best Dry Cleaners
Best Front Door:
Salveo Care in Back Street
Thanks to all who took part and didn’t win, but did help Make Wendover Smile!
Sunflowers Make Wendover Smile You’ll have spotted sunflowers all around the village over the summer, in gardens, streets and shop windows. A lot of them were in response to Wendover Parish Council’s ‘Make Wendover Smile’ campaign. This has been its second year and the idea of growing sunflowers indeed helped to make us smile. 4,000 packets of seeds were distributed through shops, cafés, library and businesses and, with a much warmer summer this year, the flowers were ubiquitous. It’s not always easy to encourage customers to shop locally but our businesses used the sunflower theme to transform Wendover into a cheery destination hotspot. The sunflowers have been everywhere – painted on windows, framing doors, hanging on shelves and on a myriad of products to buy. It’s a bit of fun and a happy distraction when you turn off the news and venture into the village.
Sadly, Wendover was judged early for the Best Kept Village Awards, and results were disappointing –maybe because the sunflowers were only just making an appearance!
That doesn’t mean our back gardens aren’t looking wonderful and ablaze with sunflowers! Wendover Parish Council and Wendover News readers would welcome your Make Wendover Smile stories and photos as memories as summer turns to autumn. Please send them to estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk or editor@wendovernews.co.uk
Thanks again to EKFB for its continued support of the Make Wendover Smile campaign.
Library children’s art
Phoebe Sharps, estates and events manager at Wendover Parish Council, writes: We also partnered with Wendover Community Library to run free children’s art sessions, with a competition to help Make Wendover Smile.
We thank the library staff and volunteers for helping make these sessions happen and thanks to everyone who got creative at these sessions, a special mention for covering the library with great sunflower decorations and crafts, including the sunflower covered Clock Tower!
Children’s Art Competition winners
are:
4-6 Years: Alba O’Neill
7-11 Years: Emma Peters
We’d love to see pictures of your sunflowers, or any other sunflower inspired crafts that you’ve been working on this summer.”
How 2025 weather has affected local farms
By Richard Byford
It’s been a strange summer this year – with four heatwaves and a conspicuous lack of rain. The heat was a problem for some people, but for many it was an ideal time for relaxing on a sun-lounger under a parasol. But what was it like for local farmers? We spoke to two of them and also talked to the MPs covering Wendover and the surrounding villages.
Daniel Hares, who runs Buckmoorend Farm, said: “Our weather, both nationally and globally, is breaking records year after year. It's easy to become desensitised to the headlines, and consequently the causes of extreme weather events when they happen so regularly. It is confirmed though, that the Summer of 2025 has been the hottest on record, and notably dry. The impact on farmers of both livestock and arable enterprises is stark.”
Livestock feed problems
Edward Mogford, who works from his old farmhouse in the middle of Wendover, told us: “The drought over the spring/summer is still having a devastating effect on agriculture. The lack of grass for the livestock is causing farmers to feed forage, hay and silage much earlier than usual, creating a shortage for the winter. The knock-on effect of this is the doubling of all types of winter forage prices.”
Daniel added: “A significantly dry spring meant we did not make an average quantity of hay and winter forage. Furthermore, the hot and dry summer has meant we have had to put out feed that should be reserved for winter, due to the lack of grass growth.”
Arable woes
Edward: “The arable sector – wheat, barley, etc experienced drastically reduced yields, as much as 30% lower than average. This will cause most farms to make a trading loss this year. We as an industry must take weather variations as the norm and do indeed plan to reduce our vulnerability to a minimum.”
Daniel agreed: “Where we would normally expect to harvest 9 – 10 tonnes per hectare, we were fortunate to achieve yields of around 7t on average. It was the spring sown crops (beans and barley) that really suffered, where yields were anything between 30% – 60% down. Unfortunately, these are global commodities, and so where we suffer shortfalls, it has little impact on the price we are paid. Basic economics quite often don't apply in agriculture.”
The farmers’ predicament
Farming is the largest industry in our area, in terms of land-use. Daniel summed up the predicament that is central to farming in the area: “We keep cattle and sheep, and we grow crops. Farm businesses can be adaptable through diversification. However, if focus shifts from the core aim of producing food, then that part of the business will suffer. We are an island nation, and we only produce about 60% of the food we consume. Shortages of fresh and perishable foods happen swiftly and can have significant impact when shelves start looking empty.”
During and after WWII, farmers were tasked with producing as much food as possible, which eventually led to grain and butter “mountains” across Europe. Successive governments tried to control food production, and prices, through schemes and quotas. Recently these schemes have been linked to positive environmental measures, where farmers can secure steady income through provision of established wildlife areas on parts of their farm. However the current government pulled the plug on schemes which are less than 5 years old, overnight. Many farmers are now feeling abandoned, having invested in expensive projects which could unravel quickly without support, leaving significant environmental damage.”
Government to the rescue?
Edward’s response was measured: “The government could do more to help. I don't want to sound like a 'bleating farmer,’ but these are the facts: the government's Sustainable Farming Incentive – a scheme to help farmers and protect the environment, encouraging diversification and better efficiency – was dramatically halted mid roll-out. Less than half the UK farmers got on this scheme and the rest were left high and dry, including myself.”
Daniel added: “The biggest challenge facing farmers isn't so much the weather or the soil, it's the volatility within the industry. The best thing the government can do now is sit down with other parties and agree a long-term plan, with cross party support,
that supports farmers to balance their environmental responsibilities with their commitment to producing food.”
Greg Smith MP is connected to a farming family by marriage and represents the Mid Buckinghamshire constituency in opposition. He commented: “Our farmers have had a difficult time this year. Weather has been particularly impactful with yields down significantly in many parts.” He cited the issues expressed by Edward Mogford and added: “Our farmers deserve better. They are the custodians of our countryside, the very beauty of Buckinghamshire. They produce our food – for the whole nation. There needs to be a total change in attitude that gives farmers certainty and the support they need to carry on with confidence.”
Food security
Laura Kyrke-Smith is MP for Aylesbury constituency, including Weston Turville, Aston Clinton and other Buck agricultural areas. She said: "I’ve been speaking with many farmers locally and know how tough this year has been for them. The prolonged drought, uncertainty over tax and grant scheme changes and continuing high costs are having a real impact on families and businesses across Buckinghamshire.
“While some support has been put in place, I know there is more to do. I want to see the next iteration of the Sustainable Farming Incentive launched quickly, knowing this is crucial to many farmers. I also want to see the Government conclude its review and strategy for improving profitability of the sector.
“Food security is national security, and ensuring our farmers can continue to feed the nation must be a priority. I will keep working with farmers across the Aylesbury constituency to make sure their concerns are heard and that they get the support and guidance they need to adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges."
In a later issue of Wendover News, we will be looking at the effects of the erratic rainfall on our watercourses and wildlife.
Lack of rain led to reduced yields at Buckmoorend Farm. Photo: Richard Byford
Club Corner
Wendover Cricket Club
Chair Jonathan Seabrook writes: “Wendover Cricket Club’s developments are becoming more visible. The new nets installation at Witchell will be completed this month and will provide a first-class practice facility, for which the club is receiving a significant grant from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund.
The new ground on Tring Road is taking shape, with the pavilion structure now rising. The cricket square is currently the only part seeded – the weather was first too dry and now too wet – and it is an island of green in an otherwise grey landscape until the remaining areas are seeded/planted.
On the field, the Club’s 1st XI became champions of the Mid Bucks League Division 1. Next season will be a new challenge as the club recognised a year ago that with better facilities coming, it needed to consider its playing options.
The application to join the Thames Valley League was successful, meaning the two Saturday teams will be playing there for the 2026 season.”
The photo above is a drone view of most of the new site, with land-drains being installed and looking up, the training area and pavilion site to its left, and the parking/ new access at the top (with Tring Road hidden by trees).
01296 752 747 www.ingridsneedle.com
Since the photo was taken the cricket square is now green, and the pavilion site is more visible.
Wendover Junior Football Club –Womens’ football
Rob Dalby writes: Calling all ladies! Join our Women’s football session every Monday from 7-8pm at the John Colet 3G pitch! All abilities welcome, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Meet new people, get fit, and have a blast playing the beautiful game! If you are interested email Paul Sitzberger, WJFCChair@Hotmail.com
Wendover Evening WI
Sandra Borns writes: On Tuesday 12 August, Wendover Evening WI travelled to NT Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire for their annual birthday outing. Anglesey Abbey is a beautiful Jacobean Manor House set in gardens designed as an 18th century landscape.
It was a lovely summer’s day and our members enjoyed exploring the treasures
Book club for visually impaired
Calibre is hosting an audio book group for people who have difficulty reading print. The club is held in Wendover library, on the first Friday of each month from 11-12.30pm.
Calibre Audio is a national charity based in Aylesbury that loans audiobooks via their streaming and download platforms or posts USB memory sticks.
To find out more about this service or register your interest for the book group, phone 01296 432339, or email enquiries@calibre. org.uk
of the old Manor House and wandering the broad avenues and winding paths of the garden. They also found time to visit the café and the NT shop!
Wendover Bowls Club
Don Knight writes: We all experience days or events that stand out like a beacon, that bring us a smile every time we recall them. Our day with the Chelsea Pensioners was certainly one of those. The only regret was that the
Photo: Andy Milne
piper who was to lead them into the Club was not able to attend, but they did form up and march in, clapped by Club members who lined the drive. They all kept their scarlet coats on for tea and biscuits before changing for the match. It made the clubhouse look wonderfully festive.
Soon after play started the rain, that had been threatening, arrived and it was decided to bring lunch forward. Our splendid caterers rose to the occasion and all went smoothly. Back on the green again there was continuous banter and teasing among the Pensioners whose ages ranged from the mid-60s to 92.
I think that Wendover won but the result was irrelevant, it was the occasion that mattered. I certainly learned a lot about life in the Hospital Everyone enjoyed it hugely and the Pensioners have invited us back to play them at Chelsea next year.
Back down to earth all the Club finals were played on the first weekend in September. Congratulations to the winners, bad luck to the losers, revenge awaits next year. There are a couple of away matches to complete and then the green will be put to bed and we start on the indoor season. How time flies!
and
The Chelsea Pensioners visit to Wendover and Chiltern Hills Bowls Club, 27 August 2025. Photo: Andy Milne
Scout group opens new headquarters
By Richard Byford
On 6 September 2025, a scout group which has already been part of the lives of thousands of local people for many decades, ceremonially opened its new HQ building in Weston Turville. Sited on the Aylesbury Road, it is the culmination of a 30-year project, involving the volunteer-run group raising £485,000 to cover the construction costs.
The building
The building has been constructed on the same footprint as the original headquarters that had been used since soon after the founding of the group in 1970. At nearly 400m2 (4,294 square feet), it has two large activity halls, allowing for two sectional meetings to take place at the same time. In between the halls is a large multi-purpose foyer which will be good news for parents and friends collecting their children on cold, wet winter evenings!
The group is part of the global scout movement and was founded as a ‘sea scout’ unit. This means that the young people wear a different uniform to most other scout groups, although in all other respects they operate in the same way.
mid-1990s but had peaked in the last decade, with applications for grants from many large national and global organisations. In addition, the group was grateful for local donations from ex and current members of the group, Weston Turville Parish council, Enterprise, Mobbs Memorial Trust, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Tesco, John Lewis Partnership, Weston Turville WI, Wendover Community Board, Wendover Rotary, HS2 and EKFB.
The original building was demolished last summer and completely new foundations constructed.
The structure of the new HQ was built from modular units made offsite and assembled by the supplier. Most of the fit-out was done by local volunteers – some of whom worked on the building in ‘spare’ time between doing day jobs and running the weekly activities for young people.
At the opening event, Kevin Inkley, the senior leader for the group, thanked some of the key individuals involved in the development. These included Stuart Twigg who handled the electrics, Ian MacMillan, Dan Inkley and Oli Inkley, who worked hard to get the funding and Kevin Rivett the carpenter/ scout-leader, who fitted all the woodwork. Special thanks also went to Jo Inkley and Fiona Rivett for putting up with not seeing their husbands for much of the entire period of construction.
Team effort
Preceding the ribbon-cutting, Kevin presented seven very important awards to members of the group.
Volunteers Luke Henning, Daniel Inkley and Liam O’Callahan were awarded their Wood Badges for qualifying as a fully-trained leaders. Liam also received an award for five years of service to Scouting. Poppy Blischke was awarded for 10 years service and Andrew Dollemore for 25 years. Oli Inkley was presented with the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service. Kevin Inkley himself was presented with the Silver Acorn – one of the top awards to be given to any member of the Scout movement – by ex-member Charles Wilson and District Lead Volunteer, Julian Cochran.
The search for funds started in the mid-1990s when it became clear that the original building was coming to the end of its life. That building had originally been built as a hostel for students of agriculture at the nearby Hampden Hall County Farm. When the building was first occupied, it was configured as multiple single bedrooms, so had to be stripped out and completely rewired. Many ex-members of the group in the 55 years since will tell you the building had ‘character.’ In more recent years that term was used less favourably. Although refurbished in 1993, it was clear that it would need to be completely replaced before long. Ian McMillan, treasurer for the group, which is a registered charity, told Wendover News that fund-raising had begun in the
During the construction, beavers, cubs, scouts and explorer scouts still met and experienced their normal programme of activities, but away from the site in alternative accommodation. This involved dispersing the weekly meetings to Weston Turville and Stoke Mandeville village halls – and even as far away as Wendover Guide hut.
The Opening event
About 200 people attended the event, which was held in the open area at the front of the building. The actual ribbon cutting ceremony was carried out by representatives of the most important individuals – the young people: Beaver Jack Inkley did the ribbon cutting, aided by Explorer Scout Katie Taylor, while Scout Daniel Tattam and Cub Alice Tattam held the ends of the ribbon.
The first person through the door after the ribbon cutting was 90 year-old Doug Inkley, re-tracing steps that he made 52 years ago when he entered the original building after founding the scout group. The original designation was ‘1st Weston Turville Scout Group’. The fact that he was the most senior person of four generations of scouts in the group, was not lost on many of the people attending the opening. His son, Kevin, is the Group Lead Volunteer and several grandchildren are in the volunteer team in various roles. Another son, Andrew, is the Group Lead Volunteer for the 1st Wendover group.
The project has not only given the scout group a new better home, it has also brought together many volunteers into a much closer team. The sense of ‘family’ was enhanced by the ex-members of the group returning to meet each other, and the leaders who had been so important to them in their formative years.
The 14th Vale of Aylesbury Scout Group serves the young people of Weston Turville, Stoke Mandeville, Wendover and the surrounding area. It shares the same aim as all scout organisations across the world which is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. It has 37 Beavers (6 – 8 yrs), 38 Cubs (8 – 10 ½ yrs), 36 Scouts (10 ½ – 14yrs) and 19 Explorers (14 – 18). There is currently a waiting list of 40. All sections are open to both sexes. On reaching the maximum age for Explorers, young adults are encouraged to stay on as members of the Scout Network and become Young Leaders.
The group has no shortage of enthusiastic leaders but, like most scout groups, is always looking for new volunteers. To find out more, go to www.14thvaleofaylesburyseascouts. org.uk/contact-us/ or the Scout Association’s page at www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer
Wendover News would like to thank Oli Inkley for providing information in this article.
Explorer Scout Katie Taylor and Beaver, Jack Inkley cutting the tape. Photo: Robyn Inkley
Photo: Richard Byford
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Wendover Strategy
Wendover Parish CouncilView from the Clock Tower
The Parish Council is looking towards the future and some of the big projects that will make a real difference to Wendover. We have a clear vision that Wendover is a thriving market town in which people want to live, trade and visit. We will do this by developing community, enhancing the environment, promoting prosperity and having an efficient functioning council.
But what does that mean?
It means that alongside the day-to-day work (allotments, parks and open spaces, the pond, markets, summer and winter events, taking care of grass verges, working with Bucks Council on paths and pavements and so much more), we have identified some big projects that we see as necessary to fulfilling our vision. They are, as they say on the telly, in no particular order:
• Reviewing the Wendover Neighbourhood Plan and feeding into the Buckinghamshire Local Plan, to ensure that new building and development is sustainable and does not damage Wendover and its infrastructure – from getting a GP appointment, school place or simply flushing the loo! As a part of the above project, we need to ensure that after HS2 has been completed the land is returned to Wendover in a suitable condition for the area.
• Ensure Hampden Pond and Witchell Pond are vibrant spaces for nature and residents alike and fit for the future, including ensuring accessibility to these spaces.
• Add a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) to our parks to increase opportunities to engage with younger people
• Review key areas of land around Wendover that have become run down and could easily be opened for public use and made more attractive for wildlife. We would seek to secure the land for the long-term community benefit.
• To develop and explore bigger and more diverse events and attractions that will bring visitors into Wendover
• A high-level review of parking around the Wendover High Street with a view to taking on the Library Car Park along with the current Witchell Car Park, so we can offer a full parking solution for all uses. This includes re-instating the first hour free parking.
We have had many suggestions through the office and would welcome many more. If you live in and around Wendover or are part of one of the many vibrant clubs and
community groups, please let us know what you feel about the proposed projects, and of course any new ones that would benefit you. Contact clerk@wendover-pc.gov.uk
We have to plan and think long term. Parish Councils can only take out loans in certain instances, we cannot spread the cost or dip into an overdraft. If we want to invest in something big, we must save up for it or get funding.
For instance the Skatepark built this year took many years to fully fund and was based on a survey from before Covid. Many other Parish Councils have had a lot of houses built locally, giving them money to spend on infrastructure that we haven’t had – a plus in many ways but a drawback when it comes to funding.
Dobbins Lane
As reported elsewhere in this issue of Wendover News we are pleased to have been involved in representing the community on the planning application for a spring chamber and are now hopeful that a positive outcome from our hard work will be in the news soon.
What do you want to see next summer?
If you have feedback or ideas on council engagement, please email: estates@wendover-pc.gov.uk
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
Wendover Local Produce Market Sat. 18 October, 10am–2pm Manor Waste
We're looking for new traders! 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: 7 October, 7:4 0pm Main Meeting room, Wendover Library Information about upcoming meetings: www.wendover-pc.gov.uk
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