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THE SOCIETY newsletter

NUMBER 128 SUMMER 2003

Not a good advertisement

WELL, NOT for the Planning Inspectorate. What you see above is the exit from our handsome, historic town. If, like me, you think it’s horrible, you will want to know how it happened. Currys are a national chain with a corporate image, which they seek to impose on all their stores. Some will point out that they have a legal duty to look after their shareholders. But those signs originally went up without planning consent. The planning authority, Council, to their credit, required them to be covered up. Currys put in a planning application, which the Council refused. The Council then started negotiating for signs that were more tasteful and less gross. But Currys appealed and, horror of horrors, won their appeal. The Planning Inspector, it seems, was unmoved by the ugliness of what was proposed, and allowed the appeal. Negotiations for something more tasteful collapsed, and out came the signs. In hindsight, the Society might have done more. Had we objected to the planning application, we could have spoken at the appeal and that might have tipped the balance. But our Planning Group is hard-pressed. There is a great deal going on and without everyone’s help, there will always be some that get away. If you realise something nasty is in the offing, please let us know. And no, the picture above is not an advertisement for Curry’s. I went there just once: their shelf labelling was so inadequate that I returned to John Lewis for their excellent displays and service. Chris Woodman

…caring about our town: past, present and future Registered Charity No. 257897

Honorary Secretary: Frances Presland, 61 Hicks Farm Rise, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP13 7SX. Tel: (01494) 523263 THE HIGH WYCOMBE SOCIETY 2 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

AGM 2003

The 2003 AGM at the Reggie Goves Centre on 7 April was a lively, unbureaucratic event. After the Hon. Secretary’s report describing the Society’s work over the past year, the Hon. Treasurer, Nick Giles, made his financial report. Insurance and newsletter printing costs were comment on changes to the Local Plan. The up, charity stall takings were down, there had Society’s participation in the planning process for been a new print run of the “Water Trail”, and Wycombe Marsh had been particularly successful, costs were incurred in mounting photographs with many of our recommendations being for future exhibition use. The Civic Trust had accepted. We were updated on the current state called for increased subscriptions from of play on Phoenix and the Western Sector (see registered societies (a request that the Executive p.6), where further progress had to await the Committee is still considering–Ed.), which Council elections on 1 May. Tony thanked his looked, Nick felt, like empire building. Pann predecessor, John Gore, for the excellent state of Mill, with a separate account, incurred the files he had taken over. In a brief question substantial expenditure but had considerable session, member Norman Belson raised the takings on its open days and its finances marking out of plots off Hughenden Road: this remained healthy. The meeting later agreed to seemed to be a scam on unsuspecting raise subscriptions to £7 for individual purchasers, and the District Council had made it members, £10 for family members and £3.50 clear that no action could be taken without a for pensioners. With these subscription planning application, which is unlikely to be increases Nick was “cautiously optimistic” granted at present. Eric Alexander urged the about the Society’s finances overall. Society to maintain its pressure for deculverting. Next came the election of officers. Almost two John Gore pointed out that valuable deculverting years after John Mayes’ death, the Society was being achieved at Wycombe Marsh. elected Stuart King as its new President (see In Robert Turner’s absence, John Mumford gave p.9). Vice-Presidents John Gore, Myra King, an impressive impromptu account of the work of Kathleen Peatey and Olive Scruton were re- the Pann Mill Group. The 52 new pit-wheel teeth elected, as were the Hon. Secretary (Frances should last for many years, and new bearings Presland), Hon. Treasurer (Nick Giles), made for much smoother running. There had Chairman (Roger Lawson), Vice-Chairman been much safety-related work. Future plans were (Chris Woodman), and all the existing to restore the winnower (with electrical power) Executive Committee members (Tony Fooks, and flour grinder, install remote operation of the Angela Rees, Evelyn Roe, Ron Sims, Robert sluice (now completed) and build a new footbridge Turner and Annie Woodward). The Chairman to allow a better view of the wheel from the upper noted there remained seven vacancies, and side. He particularly thanked Margaret Simmons advocated some arm-twisting of any members for her long hours worked in the garden. who might potentially be co-opted. Thus For the Friends of the Rye Group, Frances concluded the formal AGM. Presland gave a presentation on the Government’s Around the Groups Open Spaces policy. Compulsory Competitive There followed an interesting review of the Tendering in the 1980s had been damaging to work of the Society’s groups. public open spaces, but now the policy was “Best Roger Lawson presented Pauline Cauvain’s Value”. However, it is still Government policy to report on the work of the Heritage Group. The get private money involved. They had warned that past year had seen several displays in the “advertising should not intrude on the open Library and Guildhall and at the Wycombe space”, and Frances believed constant vigilance Show, but she was now keen to launch a was required. Eric Alexander was horrified by the project to record the Town Centre. This was an growing weekend use of the car park near the enormous undertaking but, in her view, Environment Centre. Another speaker said “joy- achievable, and members were encouraged to riding” car thieves were doing a lot of damage. attend a meeting on 27 May (see p.4). For the Transport Group, Elsa Woodward referred Tony Fooks described the work of the very to the withdrawal of the busway proposal and the active Planning Group, now revitalised with welcome progress made in getting the District seven members plus two available “as and County Councils’ support for the High needed”. During the year, the Group had Wycombe to Bourne End railway proposal. A reviewed 105 of the 3,054 planning planning application that would have encroached applications received by the District Council. on the line at had been decisively There would soon be an opportunity to rejected. The Group had also continued its work on Demand Responsive Transport (which the www.highwycombesociety.org.uk 3 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

Councils were now adopting for the Railway run smoothly and oversees the membership lists. Station, Town Centre, Hospital and Cressex Although there is a very active team, there is a route), and had made proposals for pedestrian need for more volunteers to help with this work, and cyclist provision across the and also to man stalls at all the Society’s events. motorway junction. The fall in the returns from the charity stall Finally, Ann Simone (who has since handed on referred to by the Hon. Treasurer was because leadership of this group to Angela Rees) “we need more things to sell”. described the comprehensive work of the So ended the 2003 AGM – a necessary yet Programme and Membership Group, which interesting and entertaining occasion. arranges the programme, makes sure events

Planning This Quarter

THE PLANNING GROUP continues to be very Group plans for the west side of the town centre. active in many areas, with events and planning I thank all 70 members who attended and filled applications being a high priority during the in the questionnaire and also those who sent months of April and May. additional comments by various means. These Wycombe Marsh Paper Mill and Sewage Work have been collated with comments from the Site The group has now received two sets of group and passed to Shearer/Tesco. Following planning conditions and legal requirements for the Council Elections on 1st May all developers this development covering the site as a whole have been considering their positions and plans (outline) and the Paper Mill site only. These are with a view to presenting a planning application being examined by the group, and comments to the Council in the next few months. During forwarded to WDC. the Annual Meeting of the Full Council on 19 May it was stated that “The full cabinet You will have seen the reports in the “Midweek” committee will be taking on the role of the of the arrival of the drilling rig to bore a two-mile former Major Projects Committee in relation to tunnel from High Wycombe to Project Phoenix.” The Planning Group will Sewage Treatment works. Measuring more than continue to monitor activity on this large project ten metres in diameter it will drill at a speed of and will report to the executive and members 175 metres a week. The sludge removed during accordingly. the treatment process will be mixed with wood chippings and composted as a fertiliser. Best Value Inspection The Government’s independent Audit Commission are required to Delivery of materials and removal of excess spoil audit council departments from time to time. from the tunnel will be via controlled haulage During the week of 12 May inspectors carried routes to minimise nuisance to the public and out an Audit of WDC’s work as Planning damage to the environment. Authority. During the week they requested a We would welcome any comments on this private Group meeting with representatives of operation to me on (01494) 526580. amenity and residents’ societies in the district. 16 Lucas Road We hope the end of this saga is Tony Fooks our Planning Group Leader attended now in sight with the appeal to demolish No.16 this meeting on the 15th of May. The format of Lucas Road and erect a 24-bedroom Residential the meeting was to discuss/report on the Care Home taking place on the 18th June. A performance of WDC as Planning Authority and previous appeal to gain access to No.16 and to help the Inspectors develop a rating of their build houses on the back gardens has been services including areas for potential dismissed. improvement. The meeting was well attended by all the amenity societies in the district, with Telecommunications Masts Planning applica- constructive comments and criticisms flowing tions continue to be submitted to WDC. We freely to the Inspectors. scrutinise each one and raise objections as appropriate. In May I addressed the Royal Town The Inspector’s report will be published in June Planning Institute South of Branch on and will be posted on their web site www.audit- “Why the Public are Concerned”. commission.gov.uk. Project Phoenix or The Phoenix Centre At the time of writing I am pleased to announce that Trevor Carter will be joining the Planning What’s in a Name! Surely more important, what Group as from June onwards. I extend a warm is in the plans being presented? On 24th April welcome to him. the Society had the opportunity to attend a Tony Fooks private viewing of the Tesco/Shearer Property

THE HIGH WYCOMBE SOCIETY 4 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

Hon. Sec’s Cuttings Heritage Group - Special Meeting Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings A special “brainstorming” meeting about the SPAB has produced an article called “The Big work of the Heritage Group was held on 27 Steal” about the theft of historic artefacts. One May in the Friends Meeting House. Following a item mentioned was a sanctuary ring, dating realisation that we were not going to get from 1151, which was prised from the door of enough volunteers for the proposed town St. Johns Adel. (To claim sanctuary in the centre documentation exercise following publicity in the Winter Newsletter, an church, you held on to the ring and made your announcement was made at the AGM and then claim. You could then remain within for 30-60 there was some fairly intensive contacting of days.) A royal coat of arms dating from 1160 possible participants by telephone and e-mail. was taken from St. Mary’s Church Langham. Some 25 people attended and most of those Other common items include statuary, fireplaces volunteered to help with the project, making it and gates. Luckily a new law is making its way a very worthwhile occasion. through Parliament. The Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Bill should stop these crimes The main objective of the study is a detailed against our heritage being treated with no more 2003 “snapshot” listing all buildings, their gravity than the theft of a lawnmower. current ownership and use. The area covered, it was decided, would be roughly that bounded There is also an excellent SPAB article on by the railway line and station car parks, transport posters. These were produced to Abbey Way, Lily’s Walk and Bridge Street. After promote trips around London and the volunteers have recorded the information – surrounding countryside. One of these posters, relying solely on external observation – on a produced in 1938, is called “Queer Things” and form, the Heritage Group will attempt to relate features nine buildings or objects of interest, these to existing information about our including High Wycombe’s Bassetsbury Mill. buildings going back to mediaeval times, and perhaps carry out additional research on the Common Wood, Penn intervening years including the 20th century. It The Penn and Residents was decided that the buildings recorded should Association is working hard to raise £500,000 also be photographed and it was agreed we (of which £100,000 must be raised locally) to needed to find out the best kind of buy 237 acres of Common Wood. They need photographic techniques to produce long- people to pledge as much money as they can to lasting records – as durable as the black-and- safeguard the wood. Pledge forms are available white prints that form most of the Society’s from your Hon. Sec. or by e-mail to current photographic archive. [email protected] Not all the streets got somebody signed up to The Tragedy of the White-Clawed Crayfish do them. If you would like to help with the project, please contact Pauline Cauvain on An article in the Chiltern Conservation Board 01494 529224 or Annie Woodward on 01494 Newsletter “Chalk and Trees” recounts the 527978. In conclusion, it was agreed a further demise of Britain’s only native crayfish. This “brainstorming” meeting should be held in the crayfish is now extinct in the Chilterns, autumn when the initial data collection is destroyed by a fungal disease carried by the complete. American signal crayfish. It is amazing that even after so many examples of the devastation Finally the meeting considered what other that results from bringing in alien species, projects the Heritage Group might take on. people still do it. One proposal that received a lot of support was to prepare a “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” Computer Images of Planning Applications exhibition of photographs, to which members and the public might be invited to contribute In the Civic Trust’s “Civic Focus” magazine, both opinions and contestants for the best and Susan Monaghan, the Hon. Sec. of the Street the ugliest. Nigel Vickery (now freed from Society, Somerset, has called for all major Council duties – their loss is the Society’s developments to be made available as computer gain!) said that his proposal for “The Ugly” images “as a matter of course”. Anyone who would be the new hospital extension, which he has struggled to understand the dimensions and considered seriously out of character. Frances scale of many planning applications will agree Presland said she would vote for the Wilkinson with this. It would not be difficult, and would Sword building because its ugliness was so greatly enhance non-specialists’ perception of widely visible in the town. how a development would look. Frances Presland www.highwycombesociety.org.uk 5 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

The Embroiderer’s Obelisk

Walking down the footpath through the Memorial Transcripts”. This records as many churchyard of All Saints’ Parish Church from inscriptions as could be deciphered some years Castle Street, you cannot fail to see the after the majority of the headstones had been obelisk, damaged and not very elegantly flattened. The obelisk commemorates the repaired. The Hawgood family; in stonework is so particular, Thomas weatherworn that it and Martha is now impossible to Hawgood, and some read any of the of their descendants inscriptions on the from their daughter memorial. Sad to say, Elizabeth’s marriage this damage seems to to Henry Lovegrove, have occurred mainly the last mentioned in the second half of death being in 1847. the 20th century. However, one has to Fortunately, parts of turn to an illustrated the inscription were guide to High recorded for posterity Wycombe Parish before being Church by Bernarr completely eroded Rainbow published away, including an in 1947 to find this unusual tribute to the artistic skills of one of unique inscription to Martha herself carved on those commemorated. the western face of the obelisk. Dated 1736, it describes her as “a compleat Mrs. of all the There is a volume in the High Wycombe curious branches of Imbroidery.” The artist Central Library Reference Section entitled “All evidently did not have the room or the Saints’ Parish Church, High Wycombe: inclination to carve the word ‘Mistress’ in full!

and — A Mysterious Stone at Wycombe Marsh

Mrs Inez Wright of Wycombe Marsh has Halfway House milestone. After making recently drawn my attention to a piece of enquiries, she seems fairly certain that it formed stone, evidently worked by human hands, part of the former Wycombe Marsh Bridge over which lies partially buried at the side of the the River Wye, which was much lower than the footpath on the boundary of the former present road. One old-time resident remembers Wycombe Marsh workmen using the stone Paper Mill in London to load paper from the Road opposite the mill on to carts, probably junction with Cock in the late-1920s. Some- Lane (see photo- one else recalls that graph). She values it during the First World as part of Wycombe War, local women Marsh history, and workers used to race to fears that it may be the first to sit on the disappear when the stone during their lunch development of the breaks to do knitting or old paper mill site crochet. None of the gets under way. She former mill workers she hopes the Society contacted could tell her may be able to anything about the persuade the stone’s history. owners/developers, Thames Water, and/or If any of our readers can provide further Wycombe District Council to preserve it in a information please let me know – we would be meaningful way, preferably on site. very grateful. Under the new development it is What function did the stone fulfil? There is no likely that the river will be deculverted at or near inscription visible, but there could be one this point. Hopefully it will be possible to lower down. Mrs Wright says it is definitely incorporate this stone into the scheme. not a milestone: its position is too close to the John Gore

THE HIGH WYCOMBE SOCIETY 6 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

And then it was Tesco’s turn

IN THE Spring Newsletter, we described our special public meeting at which Stannifer, the managers of the Octagon, presented their proposals for Project Phoenix. But Stannifer are not the only firm who want to implement this new development. There is developer LXB, and there is also Tesco. Tesco are so keen to run the project that they arranged a public exhibition in High Street premises at the end of April, and arranged for their developers, Shearer Property Group, to give Society members a “private viewing” with an introduction and question-and-answer session led by Mr Guy Shearer and assisted by their architects and Tesco directors. Many people were impressed. Mr Shearer spoke with authority and experience of the many other developments that his firm has overseen for Tesco, and addressed issues that lurked just below the surface of the Stannifer presentation. Wycombe District Council played no part in the Their idea is to have a stretch of river exposed event. The Leader, Roger Colomb, told us this between their new store and Oxford Road which would be inappropriate as they were bound by would offer opportunities for the main north- an exclusivity agreement with Stannifer. facing elevation of the store. In answer to Mr Shearer said Tesco had always wanted to questions, they said the river would have to be be part of the Phoenix Development but had pumped, using a fish-friendly Archimedes Screw been excluded. This was detrimental, he said, design. because it prevented a truly comprehensive Other questions dealt with included: redevelopment of the town centre. (No doubt • the continued severance of the town centre by the councillors responsible for deciding to Abbey Way. Shearer, like Stannifer, could hold “build around” Tesco would have agreed, but out only very long-term hopes on that; their position was that it had not been possible to reach a reasonable deal.) They did not • the need to give the development local consider that the Council’s Stannifer deal was character (a matter to which Stannifer had binding. clearly devoted some thought). Shearer said the proposal was for a covered shopping Tesco’s proposal, like Stannifer’s, included one street using “the finest materials and a department store, but differed in having six contemporary design”. He saw the project as “really large units” to attract big names like extending Wycombe’s centre. He clearly did Gap, Next, Border Books, Zara and HMV. not accept that the scheme, with its bigger Without such names, they were convinced that bulk and huge new Tesco store, could not second-tier chains (“the Monsoons and the satisfy the Committee on Architecture and the French Connections”) would not come to Built Environment (CABE), as asserted by Cllr Wycombe. Other elements of their proposals Colomb in a letter to the press. included: • traffic. Shearer’s traffic consultant said • (of course!) a single-storey “fantastic new Wycombe’s problems were not unique. state-of-the-art Tesco’s” on the existing Shopping was “not a peak hour issue”, but Western Sector car park; Handy Cross was a problem. • a bus station in Desborough Road, not And what next? Bridge Street; At the time of writing, the situation remains very • a big single-floor library (which they fluid. Stannifer’s exclusivity agreement with the insisted librarians preferred); Council expires at end-July and is said to be • a leisure complex, restaurants etc at an unenforceable. They are making changes to their upper level, linking to the car park; proposals following discussions with their two • more car parking spaces, a third of them rivals, and hope to make an outline planning underground, than Stannifer. application within weeks. They are keen to meet representatives of the Society again. It is expected Mr Shearer insisted their scheme was “only a that the new Cabinet, led by Cllr Lesley Clark, will few months behind Stannifer”, who had not yet meet all three developers, and there are submitted a planning application. He emphas- indications that, once again, the public will not be ised that Tesco had the money and could have admitted to crucial Council meetings. the scheme “coming out of the ground” in 2- 2½ years “if everyone gets on with the job”. The Society’s position is that it will not comment formally on individual proposals until planning Mr Shearer said they had been under a lot of applications are available. However, the pressure to look at deculverting of the River presentations that we have received have smoked Wye. A survey had convinced them it was not a out a lot of issues, and Tony Fooks, as our big engineering problem, and they would like planning group leader, is keen to update our to do it. But there were cost implications which “wish list” to reflect the latest information. If you they would have to agree with the Council. www.highwycombesociety.org.uk 7 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

have views on issues like the scale and design of the development, whether the “streets” Pann Mill Open Day should be open to the elements or enclosed, As seen from behind the refreshment stall and all the other points above, please let Tony Fooks know on (01494) 526580. He wants It’s 9.15 on Sunday morning as I drive up to the your help and participation! gate of Pann Mill. Other members of the society

are already there and we exchange greetings and agree that despite the weather forecast it looks as All change at WDC though it will be a nice day. My husband Ron helps me to unload the many boxes, one The Bucks Free Press has told us all how the containing the blue and white striped gazebo. I 2003 local elections were followed by a “Night make my way to the storage shed to find that the of the Long Knives” which resulted in the “Mill Boys” have put the chairs and trestles out so ousting of most of the old Cabinet. It seems that I can get on with transforming the shed into that a majority of Conservative Councillors felt our operations centre. Thanks lads! Jane arrives that the Cabinet, led by Cllr Roger Colomb, had and we set to. “A table down the middle and one not been involving them sufficiently in across there, yes that’s lovely thanks.” (Who was decisions, and there were even reports that that man?) One across the entrance to serve from some Cabinet members themselves felt and one at right angles for the cakes, all set. Oh insufficiently involved. yes where are the cakes? I brought some with me We can understand these sentiments, but from Rosemary and Joan, there are some coming wonder whether the blame ought really to lie from Jean and Alison, and Valerie is bringing with the Government. The Local Government something so we should be OK. Here comes Tony, Act 2000 forced local authorities to adopt “Gosh he’s been busy,” and Frances, “Yummy Cabinet Government, and encouraged Leaders more Eccles cakes.” A tin of biscuits from Gladys to act in an “executive” style. This was always magically appears, we are spoilt for choice. unpopular in Wycombe, where the traditional Council committees worked well, and as openly It’s only just 11 o’clock, the urn is on and two as they could. In the end, it seems to us, the kettles are boiling and already we have hard-working Councillors who did their best to customers. “Two teas and cake? Oh yes, we have make the new system work took the rap. plenty of cake, do help yourself.” Be that as it may, the new appointments were It’s getting warm now as the first of the day’s adopted at the Annual Council meeting on 19 washing up arrives and is tackled. Jane has to go, May. Cllr Lesley Clark is the new Leader (and and Kathy and Valerie take over. Time passes and chair of the Cabinet) and Cllr David Cox her everything seems under control so I pop home for deputy. Cllr Betty Lay takes planning, Cllr a break and put my swollen feet up for a few Peter Cartwright takes Transport and minutes. Upon my return I find there has been a Employment, and the new chairman of the rush and my lovely ladies are up to their eyes Development Control Committee is Cllr Pam washing up. I dive in at once taking over the Priestley. The new Cabinet has 8 members, washing up duties and cutting more cake (after not 6, but town centre redevelopment will be thoroughly washing my hands of course!) overseen by the Cabinet as a whole. Time for another change of faces, hello to Rita They all have our best wishes for the successful and Margaret for a couple of hours, and look, discharge of their responsibilities, and we look some Welsh cakes too, they soon start to forward to continuing the fruitful relationship disappear. The afternoon flies by and we have our that the Society has enjoyed over recent years. last change of volunteers. Ann lends a hand as we gather up the mugs and cups. We find the milk is Thank you, Angela running out, but it seems quieter now. “What’s for taking over as Leader of the Programme and the time?” Quarter to five already! Time to start Membership Group, in place of Ann Simone. clearing up. I count the money and am pleasantly Angela Rees was a fairly new member when she surprised at the amount we have taken. agreed to be Programme Secretary; since then she My husband arrives to help take down the gazebo has joined the Executive, and has now added to and load the car. Time to go home and have a her busy life by taking over as Leader of our Group. nice hot bath and collapse in the chair for a few I will continue as a member of the Group, but hours. Another open day finished. (except where I am specifically indicated) all My sincere thanks to all the cake makers and queries now to Angela, please! She would helpers, and apologies to any I haven’t welcome suggestions from any member. mentioned. Ann Simone Eileen Walters

THE HIGH WYCOMBE SOCIETY 8 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

King for President

IT WAS a real coup for our Society to get Stuart King for President. We have already had a splendid demonstration of his lecturing skills at the quarterly meeting, reported in the last Newsletter, when he showed his slides of our town in the 1950s and 60s. It now seems there are several more talks where that one came from! I paid Stuart a visit in Holmer Green to find more about the man and his work. Stuart is one of a dynasty of working skills, you can do practically Holmer Green Kings. His anything.” grandfather, Rupert, worked in But Stuart is also an avid student of the local orchards. Stuart’s rural life and crafts – a compulsive mother, Florrie, was born in No.1 collector and documenter of artefacts Castle Place (near the railway and tools. He gives a range of footbridge), and during the war illustrated lectures, including she worked for Hoover’s at “Romanies and their Crafts”, “Echoes Cressex, winding electric motors. of Old Village Life” (in 1870), not to Stuart, the eldest of five, was mention demonstrations of intended to be born in Holmer woodworking skills and of some of his Green but burst upon the world old lathes. somewhere along the Road, in 1942. His Indeed, Stuart’s life is an father, Ted, was a chairmaker, working first extraordinarily busy one – with three lectures for Parker Knoll and then, for 25 years, for and demonstrations in the previous week. He is Dancer and Hearne. Stuart has misty in the Association of Pole Lathe Turners, and the recollections of wartime – of tanks on Tools and Trades History Society, not to mention manoeuvres, of aircraft flying over and, being President of Holmer Green’s Village curiously, of German POWs assisting local Produce Association (“basically a gardening troops to search homes for illicitly gathered club” with roots in “Dig for Victory”). He writes firewood. frequently for woodworking magazines and is in demand in America. Two months in 2001 were Holmer Green School – the infants, juniors spent as an artist-in-residence at the University and then the “seniors” – was the only school of Pennsylvania. Stuart ever went to. It was a good enough school it seems, but Stuart was, in his words, Stuart regrets not having been to college and is “not academic” and did wondering whether to rural studies including become a mature student. I gardening and bee- asked about connections keeping. At 15 (the usual with our local educational age in those days), he left institutions. “Isn’t the to join Castle Brothers in college quite strong on Cressex as a marquetry furniture-making? Haven’t cutter. That was a good they noticed you?” Well, place to start because he yes, but that seems to be as could be creative – far as it goes: “It would be perhaps not at work but nice to contribute.” But he could bring off-cuts Stuart doesn’t seem to let home and make pieces to that put him off. He’s his own designs – “like played supporting roles in painting with wood, several TV shows, most really”. As soon as he recently in “Flog It”, and could buy his own house, would really like to create he set up in self- his own programme. He is employment, restoring not short of projects to antique furniture and complete when he has the specialising in veneer and time. His huge collection of marquetry repairs. He tools encompassing every could turn wood aspect of chair-making will (something his father take a couple of years to didn’t do) and taught catalogue, on which himself to polish, stain A wooden goblet celebrating the Green Wycombe Museum are and colour. “Once you’ve Man, and a wonderful example of our being very helpful. Then got some basic wood- president, Stuart King’s, craft. there are photographs, www.highwycombesociety.org.uk 9 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

other artefacts and many tape recordings of to involve its members, and social functions local personalities and dialects. One exciting have a role, he says. If there are gaps in the prospect is that he wants to write a book on Society’s work, it reflects the lack of people the history of chairmaking, not like John willing to find the time. “People these days work Mayes’ book, but concentrating on the long hours, join all sorts of things, go to all sorts techniques, tools and social history. All the of places.” For his part, he feels flattered to have material is available, but time is in short become President, and is determined to play his supply. part, attending functions and occasionally doing a quarterly meeting. I asked Stuart for his ideas on the High Wycombe Society. He believes the Society The Society is indeed fortunate to have come by does a fantastic job, particularly on the Stuart King’s services. Stuart’s own account of planning side, the “number one priority”. He his childhood memories has been held over for a points out that any successful society needs later issue of the Newsletter–Ed.

Quarterly Meeting The Man Who Loves Wood

CHRIS WALLIS is a shy, somewhat retiring and modest man, but when talking about wood he does so with a passion. Everyone who attended his lecture/one-man show entitled ‘The Restoration of Ancient Wood’ as the High Wycombe Society’s contribution to the Wycombe Arts Festival will have admired Chris’s dedication and enthusiasm. Railway engineering formed much of Chris Wallis’s early career, sorting out problems with the drainage on the Settle to Carlisle line viaduct, thus saving the line, and such things. He still retains a strong interest in local transport issues! Although Chris has an abiding love of early fate of the old Chequers building as it was ‘left to timber-framed buildings, his engineering rot’ for many years. background also gives him an understanding Using “the right piece of wood for the job” was of their construction, what important. We were told gives them their strength “If the average architect had the how a ‘grown’ curve in and what can be done to smallest understanding of how timber timber was stronger than a restore them. I remember framed joints work we would not lose sawn one, for example, for a attending his first lecture any more old buildings.” corner brace. We were told about 30 years ago given “One of the most exciting things I do is about the use of wooden to the Heritage Group on to make a curved rib, seeking out the pegs for holding joints the restoration of Lacey right piece of wood.” together and how to detect Green Windmill. I was which way wood grain runs. very struck with the model “People who control money do not More artefacts were revealed he produced to illustrate understand old wood and would rather as the evening progressed: a how the ‘twist’ in the demolish.” pit saw from a Welsh timber structure was carpenter’s shop used to corrected with tractor and “We all drool over the standing stones saw the sails of winch. at Avebury but forget the men responsible. Existing old buildings are a windmill was the largest. An The approach was similar measure of human endeavour and adze was the ‘number one’ this time. Simple models should not be forgotten or destroyed.” tool said Chris when were used to show in a describing the correct angle practical way the various strengths and of the tool, before giving a demonstration of what attributes of timber. Not only were these it can do. models used to explain the uses of joints and The evening was rounded off with a few slides bracing but they were deliberately put under illustrating some of the work Chris Wallis has considerable strain to prove the points made. been engaged in through the years. The Roofs are the biggest problem with ancient restoration of the cap of Wheatley windmill was buildings and Chris explained that more of particularly impressive as was the decision to his time is spent on their repair than on any excavate and restore the capstan at other element. Most of the problems emanate flash lock in defiance of the from the failure of the tie beams and their authorities. Chris Wallis is very much his ‘own related truss and braces, and again he man’. What a pity there are not many others like showed this by way of a model. Failure him. usually occurs due to poor maintenance, Stuart King deliberate or otherwise. We all remember the

THE HIGH WYCOMBE SOCIETY 10 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

The High Wycombe Library Book

By Martin Rickard

MARTIN RICKARD, a former member of the High Wycombe Library staff, has done a fine job tracing the history of the library in its various incarnations over the past century and a quarter. The book, in report format, is copiously illustrated and contains facts, figures and anecdotes about Library and Museum events and personalities over the years. From 1875 to 1921 a Free Library functioned innovating new services, coping with growing in a now demolished building at what is now and changing populations, local government the entrance to the Chilterns Centre in Church reorganisation in 1974 when the County took Street. It was largely thanks to the initiative over the library service, new technology etc. and generosity of James Oliff Griffits QC, who From the 1960s onwards all have recognised also donated the land for Frogmoor and its the ultimate need for a new library on a new original fountain to the town, that this first site, and there have been many library was opened and made financially disappointments. In the mid-80s there was a sound. (He gave £4300 towards the cost, good prospect of a new library in what was to equivalent to £½ million in today’s money.) In become the Wycombe Swan complex, but the those early days, books could not be borrowed County could not find the necessary money from the library, only referred to on site. Then and had to pull out. Then in the mid-90s a site in 1921, the committee applied to the Borough for a new Public Library was reserved in the Council for financial help, and at long last the Western Sector and plans were drawn up for a Council agreed to adopt the Library Acts to new £3.5 million state-of-the-art building, but permit them to raise money for the library on as we well know the whole project fell through the rates, something they could have done in 2001. As the author concludes: “At the time about 50 years before if they had wished! A of writing the future of High Wycombe Library book lending service was stipulated as a is uncertain.” Whatever the future for Project condition of rate support and this was started Phoenix, a new quality Public Library must not in late 1923 in the same premises, thereby be put off for much longer. opening up the library to new users and giving John Gore it a new lease of life. In spite of rate support, the Council were still tight-fisted and the 39 pages, A4 ring-bound, £7.50 available from High Librarian had to work all hours and do all Wycombe Library. manner of menial jobs for £130 per year without paid assistance until 1927. Pressure for a new library increased in the late The Little Market House 1920s, but it was only the promise of a On 13 May, the Society had a meeting with Government subsidy for new buildings to Wycombe District Council’s consultant, Rick alleviate unemployment that jolted the Council Bond, who had been asked to consider options into starting work on the present Queen for the use of the Little Market House (LMH), Victoria Road building in 1931. It was officially that quaint little Grade 2 listed John Adams opened in June 1932. The new library was Building in the High Street. The Council is nearly four times the size of the old building about to embark on strengthening work, and to and, for its time, was well equipped, apart from install a lift for disabled access. We were the embarrassing fact that there were only surprised to hear that currently the LMH is the about 5,000 books to fill shelves for 25,000, best-used of the town’s public “halls”, being totally inadequate for a then population of more or less continuously let for classes of 28,000. With the employment of professional various kinds. We sensed that this might now Librarians and more staff, considerable be in doubt. We took the view that this would progress began to be made in the mid-1930s in an ideal location for “surgeries” or occasional improving the library service, including the month-long consultation exercises, whether opening of a Junior Library and branches in about Phoenix, new supermarkets, or new other parts of the town. transport services. We agreed the “undercroft” It is perhaps somewhat surprising to note that might become a dining-out area. The building over the past 70 years since the Library opened needs to be made more inviting from the street there have been only seven Librarians. Much side, but it is a precious part of our heritage the longest serving one was John Mayes from and should not “modernised” without regard 1936 to 1971, with a break for war service. He for its historic nature. If you have views, was, of course, the President of the High please send them to the Hon. Secretary, or visit Wycombe Society for a number of years until our web site for a fuller account of the meeting. his death in 2001. All have shown enterprise in www.highwycombesociety.org.uk 11 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

Opinion Paved with Good Intentions? And then there are the Squirrels!!! “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” After the meeting at the Friends’ House to talk goes the old saying. A well-meant act can have about Pauline Cauvain’s appeal for help with a serious detrimental effect – exactly what her project to make a time capsule of High seems to be happening at Holywell Mead. Wycombe in 2003, Roger asked if there was anything else we thought the Heritage group I hear the District Council is considering might be doing, and two things sprang to mind, putting down “paviours” - concrete blocks that although perhaps only the first is strictly let the grass grow through them – on what speaking heritage. The ruins of the Hospice of they call the “overflow car park”, the area of St John: this must surely be the third or fourth grass between the swimming pool car park and oldest thing in Wycombe and deserves better the tennis courts. When I questioned this, I than its dilapidated state at present. I’ve heard was told it was for safety reasons: people who a theory that it may have been linked with park their cars in the churned-up grass could Pann Mill. The monks must have had slip in the mud and sue the Council. Later, I somewhere to grind their corn, and on old learnt they intend to look at the feasibility (i.e. maps there was a farm at the top of Bibby’s “cost effectiveness”) of making the area large Lane, No 1, maybe that’s where the corn came enough to take coaches for children to be from. That would take some researching. bussed to the Environment Centre. Meanwhile could Wycombe Society not put I take issue with this. pressure on English Heritage, under whose jurisdiction an ancient monument is held, to First, it was always my impression that clean up the ivy that chokes the outlines and parking on the grass area was actually illegal the elder trees that are growing over it? and that Wycombe District Council were just ignoring it. However, on writing to the Leisure Second plea is for the state of the fish in the Department, I was told it is has “long been dyke. I understand (correct me if I’m wrong) allocated” as a car park. I am amazed that we that the fishing group that hands out licences have such tight controls over where parking to fish on the Dyke are responsible in exchange takes place in the town centre, yet large areas for keeping the Dyke clean of weed. I do NOT of an open space can be given over to parking. think they are keeping their side of the When I came to see the problems for myself bargain. The weed is very bad, and white one Sunday morning, plenty of parking was patches of fungi can be clearly seen on the fish. available in the Easton Street car park, but Partly to blame for this is the indiscriminate cars littered Holywell Mead. I have asked the throwing of bread for the birds – done with the Leisure Dept for clarification on when this car best of intentions but even early in the park allocation was made and what legislation morning there was a thick scum of mouldy permits this on the open space, and await their bread on the water by the top of the waterfall. reply at the time of writing. Also partly to blame is gardeners’ use of herbicides and pesticides, which drain into the Second, our Society raised the issue of parking water table, adding nitrates and taking out when we objected to the Environment Centre oxygen from the river. Farmers have to account being sited on Holywell Mead. We were told for all the chemicals they use, but gardeners in (and it was stated in the submitted plans) that their attempts to be one up on the garden next no further parking provision was required, and door can pour in what they like. Better to use that ways would be found to get people to walk natural compost, plant plants that help each to the Centre. Now they are after a coach park. other. Hand weeding is hard graft, but more Another issue for those, like me, anxious to environmentally friendly. Another indiscrimin- preserve the area is the potential privatisation ate feeder is the “Squirrel Lady.” Does she not of the swimming pool site. Nine years ago the know that squirrels and rats have an inborn people of High Wycombe moved heaven and birth control? When food is scarce, they have earth to stop a private leisure centre being less babies, so with her lavish scattering of built on the swimming pool site. A major food she is causing a population explosion. The objection to the scheme then was the lack of rats in particular are a problem, but even the parking provision for the leisure centre users. squirrels are a health hazard carrying a mite which causes a Sars-like illness. Feed them if No doubt there will be cries of “but it’s for the she must, but in her own neighbourhood, and children”. My reply to that is that the Rye and less lavishly. I get tired of finding all my plants its environs are the true legacy of the children uprooted, and replaced with brazil nuts! of High Wycombe and it’s up to all the people in the town to preserve it for them. Margaret Simmons Frances Presland

THE HIGH WYCOMBE SOCIETY 12 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003

Notices weekend, so once again we will be showing off our Members’ craft and hobby skills. If you can New Members display, demonstrate or sell your work, and would like a space, please contact Ann Simone We warmly welcome the following new members: on 01494 448773 and we’ll try to put together Mrs S B Hemsworth of Beech Close St'knchurch an equally interesting event. Mr and Mrs P Lerner and family of Victoria Programme and Membership Group Gardens HW

Mr and Mrs M Moorcraft of Hicks Farm Rise HW Mrs J M Perkins of Barratt Place HW Back to our Roots Mr and Mrs E Shankster of Hicks Farm Rise HW Our future meetings will not be in the Reggie Goves Centre, but in the Guildhall. This was Obituaries where we used to meet a decade or more ago. With the excellent refurbishment done by the We regret to announce the deaths of: Council in 2001, it is once again a most Mr C Aanensen attractive location. As already announced, future Mrs June Day meetings will commence at 7.30pm. We extend our condolences to their families and friends. Keep them Coming

Once again, thank-you to all who sent us Pann Mill Open Days contributions for this newsletter, including those The Summer and Autumn Pann Mill Open Days like Ian Guy and Dick Hoare whose contributions on July 13th and September 7th will have the have had to be held over for lack of space. usual teas, cakes, bric-a-brac, publications and Material for the next issue should reach me at Cottage Plants stalls. Members may remember 29 Maybrook Gardens High Wycombe HP13 6PJ that at our Autumn Open Day last year we (01494 528106) by 20 August, please. organised a very successful “Alternative Chris Woodman (Hon Editor) Wycombe Show”. Although this Autumn there will be a Wycombe Show, it will not be on “our”

Put these in your diary now! DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2003 Sunday 29 June Bucks Tour No.5 – shared-car trip to Stoke Poges to see Gray’s Memorial, the church and Memorial Gardens. Then a break for lunch in Eton and a one-hour visit to Eton College in the afternoon. To book (with or without a car) phone Ann Simone on (01494) 448773. Sunday 13 July 11am–5pm Pann Mill Open Day. Teas and cakes, plants. Also Water Trail at Pann Mill 11am, start and finish at Pann Mill. Town Trail 2.30pm, meet at Parish Church, finish at Pann Mill. Thursday 17 July 7.30pm Quarterly Meeting: “Future Planning, Local and National”. Speakers: The Guildhall Chris Kenniford, Bucks CC, and Ian Fletcher, Wycombe Dist. Council. Saturday 19 July 8am–noon Charity Market Stall. Little Market House Friday 8 August Members’ outing by shared cars, to Greys Court near Henley (National Trust). House (part of ground floor), gardens, teas. Phone Ann Simone on (01494) 448773. Sunday 7th September Pann Mill Open Day. Crafts by Society Members. Bric-a-brac, plants, 11am-5pm teas and cakes. Also Water Trail at 2.30pm, start and finish at Pann Mill. 12th/15th September Heritage Weekend – see Press or website for details of activities. Tuesday 14th October 7.30pm Quarterly Meeting: “Waste Matters – Recycling.” Speaker: Sally The Guildhall Wright, Wycombe District Council. 2004 Thursday 15th January 7.30pm Quarterly Meeting: “Disraeli – Hughenden Squire!” Speaker: Arthur The Guildhall Taylor, WEA Lecturer.