Several members of the High Wycombe Society took seats in the public gallery at a Wycombe District Council Cabinet meeting shortly before the Christmas break. On the agenda was the receipt of a report delivered by Cllr Hugh McCarthy as chairman of the Task and Finish group which has spent some time over the past year examining the practicalities of plans to de-culvert the river … [Read more...]
Films To Go …
Local Films will be the flavour of 2019 as the Society's "Save Our Film Archive" project gathers momentum. Our thanks to all who have already pledged their support for this project. We are pleased and excited to announce that the sum raised has recently passed £1000 which is enough to enable us to send a first batch of the films for digitising. We have selected a cross-section of the titles … [Read more...]
Fake News!
Amongst the archives of the High Wycombe Society are a number of items that have been used on exhibition boards over the past fifty years. One of these is a reproduction of a pamphlet announcing "A Glorious and Happy VICTORY" in 1642. Historians will immediately recognise this as a propaganda pamphlet of the period. There is no reason to believe that the events described within it actually … [Read more...]
Going, Going, Gone!
A unique glimpse into the history of High Wycombe's town centre can be gleaned by dipping into a collection of Estate Agents' brochures recently donated to the Society and made available online. Included within the collection are details of many landmark buildings as well as some modest commercial properties which changed hands in the latter half of the twentieth century by auction. Local … [Read more...]
Golden Souvenirs
2018 will be remembered for many reasons, not least for a number of significant national anniversaries including the centenary of the end of World War I and the centenary of the Representation of the People act which gave many women the vote for the first time. And at a very local level, we also celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the formation of the Society. For logistical … [Read more...]
There are Holes in Our Buckets
If you go down to Pann Mill on the first or third Sunday morning of the month, then you're likely to encounter some of the team of volunteer millers who regularly undertake all the minor maintenance tasks that are needed to keep the mill in working condition. They are usually happy to welcome visitors wanting to know more about their work and particularly appreciate any genuine offers of … [Read more...]
Ancient Trees
Ancient Trees are on the agenda on Monday 19th November as the High Wycombe Society joins forces with Wycombe Wildlife Group to welcome as a guest speaker Ted Green, founder and president of the Ancient Trees Forum. The event will be held in Trinity United Reformed Church on the London Road from 7.30p.m. for a 7.45p.m. start. All are welcome to attend so do please help spread the message - there … [Read more...]
Save Our Film Archive
Urgent Attention is Needed! Over 100 cans of 16mm cine film dating from the mid 1930s through to the end of the twentieth century, (formerly in the care of the High Wycombe Film Society), depicting events in and around our town, need attention if they are to be preserved for future generations. The films are in varying conditions but the first barrier to access is their format. Few people … [Read more...]
The man who created AirCo
Local pioneer and entrepreneur George Holt Thomas (1870-1929) is the subject of a new book by Dave Scott and Ian Simmons - and will also be the subject of a talk by Dave Scott to the Society at 7.30 p.m. on Friday 12th October at the Riverside. Reviewing the book in the Summer Edition of the High Wycombe Society newsletter, Chris Woodman commented "They've done it again!", reminding readers of … [Read more...]
Please Come to the Mill
On Sunday 16th September, Pann Mill will once again be open to the public from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. All are welcome. There is free car parking in Railway Place car park opposite. So please come down to the mill. Spread the word. Bring your family and friends. Meet the volunteer millers who will be on hand to talk about their work. Watch the wheel turn to provide the … [Read more...]