Club Corner

Wendover Bowls

Don Knight writes: “We played our final match of the outdoor season on the last day of September between teams for the Chairman and the Captain. Unfortunately the wrong team won as the Captain’s team prevailed (guess whose team I was on). The match was enjoyed by everyone, with plenty of banter and was followed by a splendid supper. Next day a large gang descended on the Club to put the green to bed and prepare the clubhouse for our indoor season.

In my last report I mentioned that Wendover used to have a second bowls club called the Orcadians, playing behind the Red Lion. By a strange coincidence someone gave me a pair of bowls that his grandfather used to play with. When I cleaned up the rather fine silver mounts I found that they were presented as a trophy to F Wood of the Orcadian Bowls Club in 1916. Some of us older Wendoverians will remember Frank Wood and the builders’ yard opposite the George. One of the bowls has now been mounted and will be presented annually as a trophy. A rather nice “full circle.”

Although we are not playing on the outdoor green so it does not affect us, the fox has started digging larger holes, some almost a foot deep. Other clubs that have had the same problem have installed low electric fences. Let’s hope that we don’t have to go down the same route. I can see some of our less active members getting the thrill of a lifetime as they step onto the green!”

Wendover Cricket Club Attracts New Sponsors

Brian Goodwin writes “As the 2023 cricketing season comes to an end Wendover CC is pleased to report three new key sponsors this year. Squirrel Storage has agreed a multi-year contract to sponsor the club’s senior league kit. This very generous sponsorship allowed all new kits to be purchased this season for our two league sides.

LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICES Family run since 1985

Is your garden looking tired and uninspired? Well now! Is the time to seek help

With over fifty years of gardening experience, our family has been transforming gardens. We are happy to come and talk and offer advice on what your garden might need from simple tidying repairs to fencing, replanting to a complete garden redesign. Call Ben on 07922 845371 or email: benjaminthegardener@gmail.com for a free no obligation quote Landscaping, Paving, Turfing, Hedging, Fencing, Tree pruning, Replanting, Garden Clearance etc.

“Local butcher Kings Farm Shop and Aylesbury based Double Glazing Direct have also agreed much valued yearly sponsorship deals which offer a great cash injection for the club. This allows us to purchase equipment and maintain our facilities in a way that best supports both junior and senior cricket.

“As any club knows, raising funds is an important but not so easy task, so sponsorship deals at any level really help to keep the club alive. If you have an interest in supporting the club by becoming a sponsor and at the same time promoting your own local business, contact Brian Goodwin at wendoverccsponsorship@outlook.com to discuss potential options.“

Jonathan Seabrook writes: “Wendover Cricket Club enjoyed a largely successful season despite some awful weather. In the senior section, the 1st XI in a higher league division came 8th out of 10 whilst the 2nd XI under new captain Danny Nelson had their best season in years, finishing 4th out of 14; the Sunday teams continued to flourish, winning many more than they lost, including the club’s second highest successful run-chase when they chased down 272 at Chesham Bois.

The 2023 senior trophies were awarded to Emile Jansen Van Rensberg (Batting), Jonathan Seabrook (Bowling & 1st XI Player), Thomas Duff (Fielding), Zach Cleary (Young Player), Emile & George Greer (Silver Bail for their 164 run opening partnership), Danny Nelson & Puneet Kapoor (2nd XI Players), Alex Stheeman & Calum Plews (Sunday Players), Danny & Sara Nelson (David Boardman Clubman).

“The Junior Section catered for large numbers and 4 age groups won their league divisions – the U10 Mosquitos, the U11’s in the ADMCL and the Girls won both their U11 & U12 divisions. Thoughts are now turning to indoor training in the new year and a full programme is being planned.

“Re the new ground, the contracted archaeology works have been completed but more is likely to be required. Meanwhile progress is being made with a view to the construction happening in 2024; this still means the club will have to hire alternative grounds for another one or two seasons to enable all its activities to be accommodated.”

4 November from 11 am, College Lake, HP23 5QG. There will be two presentations at the Visitor Centre by nature book authors as part of the Tring Book Festival. One covers birdsong books by two authors and the other covers a wildflower journey through the UK. Tickets are £15 per presentation and can be obtained through the Festival catalogue or online at: https://bit.ly/48QRVWd

Winter visiting hours will apply at the College Lake Reserve from Tuesday 31 October: open daily (except Mondays) from 10am, last entry at 3pm, gates closing at 4pm.

Caroline Budden has now joined Emma Mitchell as visitor experience manager after a career spanning African conservation projects, and the National Trust at Ashridge and Cliveden. To learn more about local activities, please email richardbirch60@ yahoo.com.”

Behind the scenes of WYC: A spotlight on our trustees

Amber Hawes writes “At Wendover Youth Centre, we are lucky to have an excellent team of voluntary trustees who work diligently in the background to make WYC what it is. They meet regularly to discuss how to improve the centre and ensure that it continues to provide value to the local community.

“Our trustees have joined the team from various backgrounds; for example as parents, youth workers, church members and locals. One thing they all have in common is a passion to support young people.

“For example Chris Heald, chairperson of WYC, says: I believe that young people are vital for our future; they are often badly neglected when society sets its priorities and we need to listen to them more, respond positively and enable young people to fulfil their potential as people.’

“The trustees combine their strengths to turn their vision of WYC into reality. This includes building relationships with local businesses and schools, planning fundraising for the centre (which is a charity), mentoring and working with youth workers and activity deliverers, managing budgets, and general governance of the centre and its activity.

“Finally, a big thank you to our trustees: Chris Heald, Kazeem Olayinka, Paul Hammett, Miranda Frost, Jennifer Ballantine, Tessa Churchard, Nadine Rose, Keith Lavine and Kyla Sansbury.”

The WYC vision and governance documents are all available online at www. wendoveryouth.co.uk. If you are interested in becoming a trustee or supporting WYC, contact admin@wendoveryouth.co.uk.

Happiness is…Scottish country dancing! Liz Mitchell writes” “Once again, we welcomed more new dancers to our class this term and we hope to help them master the basics required to join in our informal Allcomers’ Evening in November. As usual, we’ll have live music to accompany us –which always helps us to dance better!

“At the end of September we participated in another RSCDS Centenary Event “Dance Through the Decades”, a programme of dances – one published in each decade of the Society’s 100 years.

This was a worldwide event so, from Aberdeen to Adelaide, The Hague to Hawaii, Washington to Wendover we were all dancing the same dances at the same time.

“In November, three club representatives will attend the RSCDS Centenary Autumn Gathering in Glasgow – where the society was formed 100 years ago. It will be a weekend of dancing, discussion, networking and more celebrations. We hope to return revitalised and with new ideas to share with our dancers.

“Our next large event is our Christmas Dance and this year the band will be led by Ian Robertson, an Aston Clinton resident. There’s been a waiting list for tickets for this popular dance in previous years; naturally, we hope for the same this year!

If you’re thinking of taking up a new activity in the New Year, why not come and sample the happiness that is Scottish Country Dancing? Your first visit is free. Another New Dancers’ Class will start on 11 January at 6.45 pm in Wendover Memorial Hall.” See www.lucyclarkscottish.org for details or contact Lucy Clark, lucyclarkscottish@ gmail.com or 01296 631695/07947 000368.

As mentioned in Wendover News’ October edition, The Rozelle School of Dancing is doing its bit for the BBC Children in Need appeal once again this year, by participating in a nationwide Tapathon event.

No matter your age or ability the Tapathon is a great opportunity for all to come together. A family event, that brings children, parents, relatives and friends to a local event benefiting children less fortunate across the country.

The routine this year is to Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” There are two routines, one hard and the other is a simplified version for those who haven’t done tap before, beginners, or just wanting to have fun.

Spectators are encouraged to come along to watch and support the performers and a small voluntary contribution to the appeal would be welcome but not compulsory.

There will be refreshments for sale with all proceeds going to Children in Need.

Pudsey Bear will also be taking part in the World Record attempt so why not come along and meet him too!

Polo Shirts Floral Shirts Classic Shirts

Loake Shoes Chino Trousers

Wool Jackets Merino Sweaters

Accessories

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Mondays by appointment only Sundays - Closed info@oliverjameslondon.com : oliverjameslondon

Aylesbury MP visits Wendover Shed

Wendover Shed on Hogtrough Lane was visited by Aylesbury MP Rob Butler on 5 October. He met a group of Shed members who were finishing off the large wooden Outdoor Space extension that was constructed over the summer, (see Wendover News October edition). He was shown the completely off-grid solar power battery charging system as well as the growing collections of wood and metal working tools and machinery that are being built up and installed.

On his FaceBook page Rob wrote: “It was good to visit the Wendover Shed this afternoon: a local group that aims to promote health and well-being through social interaction and practical activities.

“The ‘Shedders’ have recently built a large structure for their activities, with lighting coming from solar power – an impressive feat indeed!

“Despite being the local branch of the popular Men’s Sheds association, the group is open to both men and women, and is always welcoming new members. There’s a wide range of activities on offer and chatting to shedders today, it was clear that this is an excellent way to overcome loneliness and isolation.”

Wendover Shed held its first fund-raising quiz night at the Memorial Hall on 13 October. It was well attended by about 100 people, and raised just over £1,200 in tickets and bar sales. www.wendovershed.org.uk