1 Timeline of Events in From 1900 to 2000 Photographs of Church & CourtHouse to commence the Timeline

Information obtained from the following: - Memories of my Youth by Ernest Blane; A Short History of Long Crendon by Joyce Donald; Long Crendon School Centenary 1877 – 1977; Parish Council minutes from 1927-1973; Preservation Societies History Committee; Crendon in Camera by Malcolm Warner; Crendon Crier since it’s inception in 1973 and many villagers who have provided me with information. My apologies if you should find anything incorrect as this has been put together in a very short time. Olive Waters

1899 The Court House was one of the first properties to be acquired by the National Trust. (Photo No.1)

Pre 1900 – See history of Long Crendon Part 1 & 2 by Joyce Donald. The Village School - the foundation having been laid in 1876, it opened for it’s first pupils on 26th March 1877 when 118 children registered. Prior to the school opening most children’s learning came about through the Sunday Schools of the village Churches. There were four places of worship, the Parish Church of St Mary’s, the Baptist Chapel, the Methodist and the Weslyan. The Salvation Army had no permanent building but used the Hall in Burts Lane (was Searles Bakery before becoming a Butchers shop and now a private dwelling). Employment for men was mostly as farm labourers – 14 farms in all. The largest landowner was Lord of the Manor Mr Herbert Dodwell. He also owned the brickwork’s at the foot of Barrel Hill, which employed some men. There were 4 Bakers who also gave employment, 2 Coal Merchants and 2 Blacksmiths. Lace Making was an occupation for women and up to 200 were recorded in the 1861 census. (Photo No 2)

1901 Sir Lawrence & Lady Gomme came to live in the lower part of the Court House and in 1904 re-built the Mound from a collection of cottages (See Photographs from Preservation Society).

1902 In June, School Children were given a half day holiday to celebrate the ending of the Boer War (1900-1902) and school was closed for a whole week to celebrate the Coronation of Edwards VII on 20th June. Around this era there was much poverty and some women became foster mothers to Dr Barnardos children, which gave extra income.

1904 Transport to , and was by the Carriers Cart.

1908 The Horticultural and Industrial Society started in this year and held it’s 1st show in the cart shed in Herbert Dodwells rickyard, catering mainly for Allotment Holders. The day ended with sports in the park at the rear of the Manor.

1909 Lloyd George’s Old Age Pension Act became law and elderly people over 65 who earned less than 10/- were entitled to a pension of 5/- per week. Church House was opened and was given to the village by Dr Elwell as a memorial to his wife.

1910 Village laundress was Sally Edwards who lived at Lower End (56 Bicester Road). On Sunday the copper was filled ready for the fire to be lit early on Monday, which was washing day, Tuesday and Wednesday ironing and on Friday deliveries were made using a hand cart, plus collecting of laundry ready to start again on the next Monday.

1914 A Horse-tram driver from , (Photo No 5) a Mr White took over the Golden Cross public house and began a carrier service to Thame picking up parcels from Thame Station. Mr Fred Pearce (Baker) had a special cart called 2 a "fly" which he used for weddings and special occasions. The Post Office was kept by Henry Hunt and situated on the East Side of the Square (now Stratten Cottage). Charlie Clark and Henry Hunt delivered the Post.

1911 School was closed for the Coronation of King George V.

1918 The School Children were granted a holiday to celebrate the signing of the Armistice.

1919 The Recreation Ground as we now know it was given to the village. The Women’s Institute was formed in this year; the Minute Book of 1923 records the following as officers: - President – Mrs Burrows, The Manor High Street. Vice Presidents – Miss Curwen, The Crown, Bicester Road & Miss Woodhouse, Sandy Lane. Treasurer – Mrs Coles, Mill Terrace, Chilton Road. Secretary – Mrs Woodcock, The White House (now Burnham Cottage) High Street. There was a Committee of Eleven and a membership of 55.

1920 Still one of the largest landowners and employer was Lord of the Manor Herbert Dodwell. Mr Henry Reynolds, farmer of (Photo No3) gave work to many men and boys around this time. One project was to build a road from the Abbey to join the Aylesbury to Thame Road (Photo No 4). Long Crendon Manor came into the hands of Mrs Laline Barry, daughter of Lady de Lisle & Dudley of Penshurst. The Architect Philip Tilden transformed it to its present state. He later restored House and also built the Bernard Hall and Vicarage in the village of Cuddington.

1925 A dinner for the Aged and Poor began in 1876 in the Eight Bells public house. From 1890 in early January of each year a Xmas Dinner was held for the Old Folk. Now organised by a local committee and provided by John Coltman who also supplied staff from his hotel in London to serve the meal in the New Hall. Entertainment followed and all the folk took home a bag of groceries. This came to be knows as the Old Folks Dinner. The meal was cooked in the Bake house of Dodwells Stores, which was adjacent to the New Hall; a turkey dinner with Xmas pudding to follow. A real treat for the elderly folk. Summer Holiday for villagers was the Annual Feast held on Whit WeekEnd when The Square plus areas of Bicester Road to the Angel Public House was occupied by travelling showmen.

1928 Parish Council considered the cost of street lighting; estimated cost per light to be £2.50 per annum. After much discussion the matter was deferred until 1929. In October the Parish Council (See Photo No.7) made plans for a United Armistice Service at the War Memorial. Organisations represented were: Scouts – Mr Reynolds; School - Mr Maugham (Head Master); W.I. – Miss Woodhouse; British Legion – Mr A Turner; Trumpeter – Mr Ernest Cadle. Rev Williams of the Parish Church St Mary’s and Rev Pugh of the Baptist Church led the Service.

1930 Parish meeting held on February 13th 1930 discussed improvements to be made to the Recreation Ground, i.e. 3 Tennis Courts, Bowling Green, Cricket Table, Senior & Junior Football Pitches, Children’s Corner, Old Peoples Corner! and a Social Club. Aylesbury R.D.C. proposed the Parish Council should consider a piped water supply. This was rejected as unnecessary and too expensive.

1931 The Population of the village was now 978. The Bowls Club was formed. 1932 In this year Mr Bradbury Snr bought Drakes Farm and the land surrounding and operated a small gravel pit (Photo No.6) until 1936. New building projects began to emerge making roof tiles and glazed wall tiles.

3 1934 Until this year Long Crendon had a Rural District Council, which comprised the Parishes of , Brill, Chilton, , , Long Crendon, Oakley, , Towersey and . Towersey at that time was in Bucks but was later swapped with , which was then in Oxon. Long Crendon Horticultural & Industrial Society paid out a total of £33. 14s 1d to villagers for the collection of queen wasps, 1d per wasp. The winner was George Warner who collected 355.

1936 Land adjoining the Recreation Ground on the north side was purchased from Mr G Gascoyne, which was then, called the ½ acre. Street Lighting again considered by Parish Council, but no action taken.

1937 Coronation of King George VI (Item 2) A Carnival procession took place along with Sports. A sit down tea for children under 14 years of age and a Coronation Mug & Buffet refreshments for all over 14 years. Miss Ruby Hamilton opened a fee-paying school at her cottage in Hollington. This she ran for 28 years. Amenities were sparse, 1 cold water tap and an Elsan toilet. Long Crendon Flower Show held an Athletic Sports event at The Manor on 21st August. (Photo No.10) Interesting to see that the programme advertised Willis Hawes of The Friars Dairy as the only dairyman with Steam Cleansing Equipment, Refrigeration and ‘Three’ deliveries daily.

1939 War having been declared, the school did not open after the Summer Holidays until 15th September, when arrangements could be made to accommodate evacuees from Ealing. As there was not enough seating, two sessions were organised, one a.m. with the local teachers the other p.m. with the Ealing teachers. On the August Bank Holiday the Horticultural & Industrial Society Show took place at Long Crendon Manor, this was to be the last of these Annual events until after the War. Bucks Water Board provided a main water supply, but very few houses were connected. Public wells continued in use until after the War. These were situated at the rear of The Star, Well Cottage (Church House Square), grass verge opposite Madges (High Street) and Lower End Green. There were also pumps in Bicester Road (Opposite Highfields), in Chilton Road and two Springs in Sandy Lane & Barrel Hill (Lion Spring).

1940 In March the School was having problems with its water supply and workmen had to descend into the well to correct the pump. No census was taken for 1941 due to the war and the population probably doubled due to the evacuation from London. Most villages had allotments and kept themselves in vegetables. Some kept chickens and a pig or two as some very old cottages had a pig sty. All groceries were rationed and each person had to take along their ration books to obtain goods. Adults were a buff colour, children blue and babies green. Oranges and bananas were in very short supply and as soon as word got around that they were available at the greengrocers (Blane & Sons, Burt’s Lane) a long queue would form.

1941 Air Raid Shelters were constructed in the school playground. A new Head Master was appointed in October, a Mr F Bingham who continued until 1949. Children worked in the school garden as a subject and summer months were enjoyed as the fruits from blackcurrants and strawberries were picked. Later apples and vegetables were harvested. Many women at this time worked on the land picking up potatoes. Blackberries and rosehips were picked from the hedgerows and used for jam making, around 3d per pound would be paid for the produce.

1942 A local defence committee was formed and the HQ was at Bakers Close, home of Judge Sir Edgar Dale.

1945 The Crendon Concrete Company began to increase with the need for new housing and new farm buildings. Roof tiles continued to be manufactured until 1965. The Second World War ended. Winston Churchill declared that the 8th & 9th May would be Public Holidays. 4 Families in Highfields and the locality had a wonderful street party, ending with a huge bonfire in the evening. Food for the party was conjured up from all directions; Grace Pearce provided her delicious honeycombe toffee.

1946 Jo Hampton and Don Hunter were invited to ride Jo’s Penny Farthing bicycle around Wembley Stadium for which they were paid £5.00 each. The photograph shows John Lovell riding bike in Hilltop (Photo No.17). First post war houses were erected in Hilltop and Harroell. On 7th July the School was closed for Victory VJ Celebrations.

1948 The Scout Hut was erected in ½ acre adjoining Recreation Ground.

1949 Crendon Players held their first pantomime in the Church House, produced by Mrs Cobden-Sanderson and very much enjoyed by all who took part. Playing to full houses from Tuesday to Saturday (Photo No.16). The Baptist Church celebrated 150 years. On 1st December 1949 Mr A W Eason was appointed as Head Teacher of the Village School.

1950 The Annual Parish meeting decided to organise an Exhibition and Pageant in connection with the 1951 Festival of Britain and a History of Long Crendon to be published. The cost to be 2/- per copy. Houses built in Coltman Avenue. Giffard Way and Bonnersfield were built over the following years.

1951 Population 1205

1953 Long Crendon became known as the Coronation Village and was featured on BBC Television. Events took place in Church House on Saturday May 23rd, notably the choosing of the Coronation Queen (Eileen Davies) by Laurence Olivier (later Sir) (Photo 11) Beakers were presented to the children to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at a tea party in the School and the CourtHouse, where the babies’ clinic was held. There was a six-a-side cricket match on (Item 3) Recreation Ground and at 10 pm a torchlight procession, which assembled in the Square and proceeded to Windmill Hill where a Beacon was lit. 6th June was presented as a Gala Day when a Grand Carnival Procession headed by Miss Crendon (Coronation Queen). On her arrival at the Recreation Ground the newly erected gates were declared open and sport events for children and adults were held. Later there was a display of Country Dancing. Last event of the day was a ‘Flannel’ Dance at Church House.

1954 Parish Council proposed the purchase of three cups for the Horticultural Society to present to winners to commemorate the Queens Coronation, when the newly formed committee hold their first post war show on August Bank Holiday, 1955. A Darby & Joan Club was formed around this time by Mrs Wallace (Photo No.13) Member’s ages ranged from 65 to 95+. June 1954 saw the end of the food rationing; some items had been rationed since 1940 i.e. Butter, Margarine, Cheese & Cooking Fats.

1955 Special Constables were active in supporting the Police Force. First post war Horticultural Show took place at Long Crendon Manor. A membership of 90 was recorded with Sir Lawrence and Lady Olivier included in this membership. The Folk Dance Club was very active and met weekly in Church House. Square Dancing also became very popular and members of the club gave displays at local events. The Hostel in Road (Originally for displaced persons) came into use as the Junior & Infant School. Mr Tom Wallace became the village milkman having taken over from Mr Fred Baker, who had been the milkman for many years. Later the Wallace's opened a shop next to the Dairy, which they called the Dairy Stores, having converted their garage at No 53 Chilton Road. 5 1958 A Wife & Home Club was formed under the umbrella of the local health authority. Our Doctors wife Mrs Samuel was the Chairperson. They enjoyed a variety of social events i.e. Tramps Supper Dances, Beetle Drives and meeting with similar clubs events. (Photo No.12 Members Reunion)

1960 In November a Church Hall extension was opened at the rear of the Baptist Church (See Newspaper Photo No.20)

1961 Population 1498

1962 The village Preservation Society was formed.

1963 Owing to the blizzards on 29th/30th December children from Dorton, Chilton, Worminghall, Ickford & Shabbington were unable to get to school in January as no coaches could travel as snowdrifts blocked the roads. The severe weather continued until mid February with snowdrifts and ice making travel difficult for everyone. Snow could still be seen on high ground into April. Decision made by Parish Council for the Community Centre Fund (Fund was accumulated during the war years) to be used to build a Sports Pavilion. For many years the CourtHouse had been used on a fortnightly basis as the Baby Clinic, with the local nurse and a doctor in attendance. Mothers with babies in arms and a toddler or two had to negotiate the steep and uneven stairs. Many villagers will remember the wonderful Christmas Parties that were held. (Photo No 20A)

1964 Tenders were accepted by the Parish Council to build a Pavilion on the Recreation Ground.

1965 Hollington Antiques was opened by Jane & Val Asta . Previously used by Jane’s Aunt Miss Ruby Hamilton for her school. April saw the retirement of Miss J Churches, a much-loved teacher. She joined the school as a pupil in 1907 and later qualified as a teacher. The Women’s Institute celebrated its Golden Jubilee in February and the Queen invited a member from each W.I. Group to attend a Garden Party on May 31st at Palace; Mrs Barbara Berthon was the lucky member. This year the Bank Holiday was transferred from 1st to last Monday, which changed the date of the Horticultural Show to 30th August for this year. On 9th September the New Sports Pavilion was officially handed over to the Parish Council. Installation of Street Lighting began and was completed in 1967.

1966 A village Festival was proposed by Mr John Butler at a Parish Council meeting. Crendon Morris Men was formed and were accompanied by Kevin McHale on his accordion.

1967 More classrooms were added to the rear of Baptist Church as the congregation and Sunday school grew through the Ministry of Mr Candy. The first Village Festival took place and organisations decorated floats; Headed by Festival Queen, Diana Heath they proceeded from Lower End – Bicester Road, along the High Street to Church End, up to Chearsley Road before entering the Recreation Ground. (See Video)

1968 A Playgroup for the pre-school children, organised by Maureen Godfrey and Audrey Cornell began in Church House. The Preservation Society was involved in raising funds to fight against a third London Airport proposed to be built in Wing. (Photo No.14 & Item 4.)

1969 Elm Trees Estate was built. 6 1970 Population 1978

1971 The New Catholic Church was built in the Chearsley Road (Photo No.15). Joyce Donald produced a “Short History of Long Crendon” in two parts.

1972 Parent Teacher Association held a Cheese & Wine Party to mark the closure of the High Street School in July. On 5th September the School re-opened in the former C of E School in Chilton Road with 273 pupils on the roll. A Village Association was formed to consider the future of the Old School. In May the St Mary’s Vicar the Rev. Stanley Young, introduced the York Mystery Plays. Ian Fraser, son of Cath & Ted won a Scholarship to Eton College, a first for Long Crendon School.

1973 First Village Association AGM was held on 23rd May. The steering committee resigned and a new committee of affiliated organisations was elected. The British Legion Summer Fete held in the gardens of Dr & Mrs Samuel. For many years it had been held at Thompsons Farm, home of Commander & Mrs Getley.

1974 Re organisation of Local Government has given greater strength to Parish Councils. The Crendon Crier our Village Newspaper was born in March; the prime mover in this was Barbara Berthon. The first copy consisted of 3 double sided A4 sheets, with info from all organisations in the village, i.e. Parish Council, Village Association, W.I., Deanery Youth Fellowship, Crendon Folk Club, Darby & Joan Club, Horticultural Society, Baptist Church, Christian Aid Group, Guides, Parish Church of St Mary’s, Football Club, Bowls Club, Cricket & Netball Clubs. Cost of Crier was 2p and was produced fortnightly. In May Clive Measey, a member of the Football Club Boys Section was presented with the Underwood Shield for Club boy of the Year. The Football Club is to lose its Secretary, Reg Underwood who had been secretary since 1946. The Club accomplished much during those years. (See Crier 3rd May 1974) It was recorded in the Crendon Crier that Raymond Copping was ordained as a Deacon, he was previously a Teacher at the then Bernwode C of E School and had been a very active member of the community.

1975 New Library was opened in the building, which was previously part of the old Village School. Conversion cost £21,000. An amenity much appreciated. On Tuesday 7th June, ‘Beating the Bounds’ took place, commencing at the Rising Sun, Easington. On July 9th the Mummers play “Mack the Sheep Stealer” took place outside each of the . Performed on a trailer, covered with bales of straw. Produced by Ian Severn and performed by Ian, Brenda Collins, Norman Grainger, Bob Gower and Ray Boulton. Assisted by Nigel & Catherine Meek. On 20th July the Bentley Drivers Club Office & Museum at 16 Chearsley Road. , was opened by Mrs M Bentley. First Post War BD Club was at “Madges” in the High Street, home of Col.Berthon who was Ex Vice President of the Club. Darby & Joan Club celebrated it 21st Birthday, Guests of Honour Mr & Mrs Wallace who were founders, Mrs Perkins (Leader) welcomed them and Mrs P Jones the previous leader. They enjoyed an Xmas Dinner and this was followed by some local entertainers i.e. Kevin McHale, Malcolm Warner & Robin Blane.

1976 Mr Herbert Shrimpton celebrated 55 years as organist at Baptist Church.

1977 In February the Rev.J.Steadman commenced his Ministry at Baptist Church. Mr A W Eason, Headmaster of Junior and Infants School since 1948 retired (Photo No.18) The Queens Silver Jubilee was marked by a week of activities. (Item 5) On Saturday 28th May an evening of entertainment was held in Church House when the village Jubilee Queen was chosen, Beverley Clements who was crowned by Coronation Queen Eileen Davies. (See Video) St Mary’s PCC were informed in August that the Vicar of Long Crendon was to become Priest in Charge of 7 Chearsley & Nether Winchenden. On Saturday 4th June a Carnival procession was held touring the village, led by Jubilee Queen. (Photo No.19) A children’s party was held in the High Street and the day concluded with a dance at the Village Centre. On Sunday 5th a combined Open Air Church service was held in Church House Square and Village gardens were opened. Monday 6th A six a side Cricket was played all day and an exhibition of Needle & Lacemaking, plus Village History film “A Queen is Crowned” was shown in the Church House. The day concluded with a Torchlight procession and Firework display.

1979 Saw the closure of Rose Stores in the Square. After the death of Cecil Rose it was taken over by Tim & Pat Feasey.

1981 Population 2336 In March a Day Centre for the elderly commenced. Organised by Mrs Delia Cave and supported by volunteers from the village. (Newspaper Photos No.21) New Tennis Courts are installed.

1983 The New Crendon Players performed “Puss in Boots” to a capacity audience at the School in February. In April, Mrs Olive Popp designed a cover for the Crendon Crier i.e. Corner of Square & Thame Road, appropriate for the 10th Anniversary. Long Crendon Football Club won the Oving Village Cup, goals score by Kevin Benton, Neal Waters & Melvyn Warner (2). Result Steeple 0 – 4 Long Crendon. Long Crendon won the Defrain Cup for the Best Kept Village for the second year. North Transept Window of St Mary’s was restored at a cost of £12,000, of this £7,000 was contributed by the village. In September the Baptist Church Annual 5 to 12 Club attracted 158 children. Theme for the week was “Follow the Leader”. Mrs Alice Andrews died aged 97 years on the 27th November, the oldest resident of the village. Mrs Joyce Donald of Dragon Farm passed away on 26th October. Her legacy to us all is the Short History of Long Crendon, which she documented and published. She also researched the industry of needle making, which flourished here for three centuries. An appreciation of her work appears in the Crendon Crier January 84.

1984 Mr & Mrs Danny invited the “Friends of St Mary’s” to an ‘Afternoon at Notley Abbey’ in April. On 2nd June Mr & Mrs Baden Lawrence celebrated their Golden Wedding. Long Crendon Bellringers rang a special peal to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Miss Janet Frazer on June 16th. In July a week of activities celebrated Long Crendon Heritage Festival. Old house and Churches were open to view, along with exhibitions of Lace Making and Photographs. The new organiser of the Day Centre is Mrs Pat Reid, who takes over from Mrs Delia Cave who retired in October. (Photo No.22)

1985 Parish Councillor John Butler resigned in February after nearly 19 years. During that time he was Chairman for two separate periods, eight years in all. All councillors agreed that he would be greatly missed. In March the Head Teacher of Long Crendon County Combined School, Mr Mathews retired due to ill health. He had been Head for three years and nine years as deputy head. This years resurrection plays in May at St Mary’s was well supported, with visitors coming from far afield. (The Midlands, , Gloucester & London). The sum of £1,200 was raised towards the Helen House Hospice for sick children. A Medieval Supper preceded the last performance. In August the foundations of the New Vicarage was laid by the Bishop of Buckingham, Simon Burrows (Photo No.23) On August 18th a special service was held in St Mary’s Church to dedicate the Annunciation Window, designed and executed by Kenneth Knowles. The Cricket Club had a successful season winning Premier League Div. I, also the Airey Cup for the 2nd year and the Coppuck Cup Six-a-Side competition. The induction of the new Baptist Church Assistant Pastor, Peter Grainger took place on 19th October. In December the Village Centre provided a Xmas Dinner for over 100 OAPs. 8 1986 Villagers were saddened by the death of Miss Jesse Churches, Infant teacher at the School. She began as a pupil teacher at the age of 14 years and continued to teach until her retirement for some 50 years. She taught Country Dancing with music from a wind up grama phone. The Bernewode Group of Guides Guiders, Rangers & District Commissioner met at Long Crendon School (Photo No.25) December 9th saw the final meeting of the Wife & Home Club (Photo showing a reunion of past members No. 24). It began 28 years ago. Remaining club funds were donated to Charity.

1987 A memorial service was held at St Mary’s for Dr Samuel. He had cared for the community for 41 years. In May the Football Club held a day of matches to celebrate their centenary. Twenty Girl Guides and six Leaders enjoyed a holiday in Switzerland where they enjoyed cable car ride, ice skating, swimming and a special trip to the Girl Guide Centre ‘Our Chalet’.

1988 Darby & Joan Club decided to change its name to Friendship Club.

1989 At a memorial Service to Richard (Dick) Prockter in June, the sum of £1,500 was given to the Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund. Building Repairs to Church House were completed in September; refurbishing is the next project.

1990 English Heritage award a grant of £25,000 to St Mary’s Church in January for the restoration of the Bell Tower. This work will take 2 years to complete. In April, the Tennis Club’s new floodlighting was officially switched on. The Parish Council’s ‘Project 2000’ re Harroell Recreation Ground site held it’s steering committee meeting. Malcolm Warner published an illustrated book entitled ‘Crendon in Camera’. His research has produced some 200 vintage photographs. An exhibition of early village life coincided with this publication helped to raise funds for the Church Bell Tower restoration. (See Crendon Crier April 1990) Les & Michael Blane, Builders of long standing in the village have won the Friends of competition for their extension to “Woodpecker” in the High Street, home of Lis & Peter Inglis-Smith. “Neighbourhood 90” a Massive Marque was erected in a field near Mead Farm in Thame Road. Bringing Churches in the area together for a week of music, drama, a children’s holiday club and Christians in Sport. Special guests were Derek Cleave, Chaplain to Bristol City F.C. and pop star Helen Shapiro.

1991 Population 2505 After an absence of five months the Church Bells returned in June, with the addition of two new smaller bells (Photo No.27) this makes Long Crendon the only Church in Bucks with Ten Bells. The bells were dedicated on 4th August.

1992 February – The Royal Mail will no longer deliver bulk mail to Long Crendon Post Office, but have arranged for the Village Postmen to work directly out of Aylesbury sorting office. This marks the end of an era as the post has always been delivered by a local person. Mrs Ethel Beecroft retired teacher (Chilton School) late of 41 Chearsley Road celebrated her 101st birthday in July. Crendon Morris Men, plus families, Canon Stanley Young and Catherine Meek travelled to Wisconsin for a three week tour. A great time of friendship was had by all. Miss Ruth Pitter died at the grand age of 94. Although unwell and with poor eyesight during her latter years, she continued to live in the house that she had shared with her friend Kathleen O’Hara. Ruth was renowned for her poetry and was invited to meet the Queen as Poet Laureate.

1993 Mrs Hilary Conboy took over as Head Teacher at the County Combined School. The Playgroup celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a BBQ in the School grounds. A group from the Baptist Church visited the Holy Land in May 93. They were based in Jerusalem for their first 9 week and on the shores of Galilee for their second. A trip of a lifetime for them all. September saw the closure of the Butchers Shop in Burts Lane. Prop. Harold Hudders was taken by surprise when customers had decorated his shop and presented him with garden vouchers as a thank you for his 22 years of service.

1994 The Vernacular Architecture Group produced a booklet listing the Cruck Buildings in Long Crendon and they are as followings: - Dragon Farm, Northend Farm, Lower End House, Old Bakehouse, Warwick Farm, Sycamore Farm, Harfield Cottage (next to Star), Cordwainers and No 2 The Square (Saddlery). Manor House & Manor Garage. 25, 29, 96, 98, 104 High Street, Wapping. Abels Cottage and the Eight Bells in High Street and Notley Barn. The village has lost one of its well-known residents in December, Kitty Myall had given much time and commitment to village activities, W.I., Drama, Horticultural Society, Parish Council, British Legion, Mothers Union and BBONT. She also helped run the Myalls market garden (Chilton Road) and the shop.

1995 Fiona Castle (wife of Roy) came to speak at the Baptist Church Ladies Coffee morning. She spoke of how her Christian Faith helped her to cope with Roy’s illness and death. In April a special edition of the Crendon Crier was produced to promote the 50th Anniversary celebrations of VE Day 1945. An exhibition of Wartime memorabilia took place in the Village Centre. An interdenominational Church Service took place in Church House Square. A children’s’ Street Party in the High Street with entertainment and dancing to Jo Kelly Big Band with 40s and 50s Glenn Miller style music. December saw the retirement of Mrs Yvonne Lester from Long Crendon School. Having taken up the post of Arts & Crafts teacher in 1966, she will be remembered by all the children she taught for the inspiration that she gave them to have ago at all types of Art & Craft. 1995 saw Crendon Concrete Company area begin to emerge as an Industrial Estate, with much purpose built structures being available to rent.

1996 Miss Violet Shrimpton, one of a prominent village family died in February aged 85 years. Her family has been connected to the Baptist Church almost since it began in 1799. They also ran the village grocery stores, which was next door to the Star Public House. Our Lady of Light Catholic Church celebrated its Silver Jubilee in March with a Recital by the Studley Singers. District Cllr Paul Markcrow put forward a proposal to the Parish Council re an enhancement of the Village Square. A plan of the proposal was produced for residents to see in the Crendon Crier. Much discussion about this project continued about this proposal, resulting in a vote being taken by residents giving a majority for this scheme of 127 votes. In November Mrs Olive Waters, our village Postmistress for the past 17 years retired. Mrs Marion Mayos has taken her place. The Bowls Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary this year. Long Crendon Scouts held a Xmas Party inviting the Guide Company to a buffet meal and a fun time was had by all. Future plans of the Group are to modernise the kitchen and toilets in the Scout Hut.

1997 Crendon Morris Men celebrated their 30th Anniversary in March with a special concert in Long Crendon School. Morris teams from Headington Quarry, Oxford City Men, Union Rapper Sword Dancers and the Icknield Way Men joined them. The Football Team won the Oving Village Cup in March, beating Stone 2 – 1. Crendon won the First Oving Cup competition when it began in 1890, beating by 2 – 1. Mrs Bertha Getley died on 31st March at the grand age of 92. She and her late husband Commander Getley had given much of their time and energy since coming to live in the village in the 1930s. Both were involved in the British Legion and for many years their garden at Thompsons Farm was the venue for the Annual British Legion Fete. Mrs Getley was the Girl Guide District Commissioner of the Bernewode Guides, also Patron of the Conservative Association and a supported of the WVS. They were both Parish Councillors and for a while Commander Getley was Chairman. The Getley family donated a new Parish Council Notice Board, which is at the Village Centre as a memorial to them. 10 The Bellringers had a busy month in June, ringing for four Weddings on four consecutive Saturdays. A Traffic Survey in September of Thame Road showed an average of 10,000 cars travelled along this road each day. An Arts Festival took place on September 27th & 28th at Long Crendon School, with a grant from the Arts Council; a tremendous boost was given to the whole project. Music, Drama, Art, Craft, Workshops for children, Demonstrations and a Display of Old Village Photos. All of this brought together hundreds of people to see and take part in the activities.

1998 The Doctors Surgery in the High Street is to be refurbished and the Baptist Church has kindly made rooms available for use as a surgery until the work is completed. Refurbishment of the Village Square was completed in March. The Crendon Crier celebrated its 25th Anniversary, thanks to the late Barbara Berthon who founded the Crier in March 1973. A special Edition was produced, the cover having been designed by Yvonne Lester. A party for all past and present helpers was held at Church House. The New Pavilion Project which the Parish Council are involved is proving very difficult. Crendon Footballers again win the Oving Village Cup, for the second year in success in March. Martin Jourdan was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Bucks in June. In July the Preservation Society had a guided tour of the High Street by Catherine Muncy (Architect Historian) who pointed out Cruck buildings along the way. The tour was completed by a visit to Abel Cottage to view a Cruck building from the inside. The Parish Council is to arrange traffic calming measures by installing gates at the 30-mile signs on entering the village. Judith Holland was welcome as new Head Teacher for the School in September. Kay & Bill Eason celebrated their Golden Wedding in October. Having come to the village in 1948, when Bill became Headmaster of the Long Crendon County School in the High Street (now Village Centre). They have both contributed much to village activities. Horror of horrors, three masked men held up the village Post Office. A considerable amount of money was stolen and though badly shaken, thankfully neither counter staff, nor customers hurt,

1999 Long Crendon Baptist Church held events throughout this year to celebrate its Bi Centenary in November (Item 6). A meeting hosted and arranged by Isabel Warner and Ron Bernstein, re the proposed Millennium Fete on July 1st 2000 was attended by 18 organisations that enthusiastically agreed to take part in the event. The Parish Council required no election in April, as only seven nominations were received. Councillors are as follows: - Mike Baxter, Rebecca Smith, Lady Anne Shelton, Nic Hamlin, Olive Waters, Catherine Meek, Jim Peddell, Simon Callow - co-opted, Herbie Holland co-opted. Long Crendon Baptist Church continued their Bi Century celebrations with a Keyboard Concert by Rick Wakeman. Preservation members took a walk across the footpaths to Notley Abbey in July, where Mrs Danny provided a welcome cup of tea. A proposal in September by ORANGE (Mobile phones) to erect a Mast at Friars Furlong/Meadowbank Close has met with much opposition by the local residents. A project team under the leadership of Jim Peddell is hoping to make progress in the Parish Councils efforts to provide a New Sports Pavilion. AVDC Leisure Services, English Sports Council and Lottery Fund could provide up to 65% of the projects funding. Long Crendon School has an ICT (Information, Communications, and Technology) room, which is now in full use. On Christmas Eve the Crendon Mummers toured the Village Pubs performing a topical version of the traditional Mummers Play, collecting for Charity as they perform. The Christmas Story was depicted with a Festival of Flowers in St Mary’s Church to celebrate the Millennium from 19th to 31st December. New Years Eve was celebrated with Church Services and at Midnight with fireworks, lighting up the sky in all directions Also at Midnight a full peal was rung to celebrate the Millennium and again at 12 noon on New Years Day. (Photo of Bell Ringers No. 26)

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