In 2008 Ann Simone created a ‘Time Line’ to celebrate the Society’s 40-year anniversary. For each year from 1969 she identified news items that related to:
- The Society
- Events in High Wycombe
- “World” News
Headlines of newsworthy items made up the main body of the timeline, but they were supplemented with quotable quotes, cartoons, and particularly in later years, by photographs.
For our Golden anniversary, the timeline was extended to cover the years up to 2018.
Ann used a roll of wallpaper for the original and many hours of work went into selection and mounting the entries. We have now taken Ann’s work and used it to create a web-based timeline. In this version we have focused upon the Society but there are one or two references to notable events in and around High Wycombe.
Sadly, Ann passed away in 2019 so she is not able to see the new incarnation of her timeline. It is however a fitting tribute not only to the work she put in creating the original but to all the work she did for the Society over many years.
High Wycombe Society
1968
1969
Survey of Footpaths.
Formation of Groups within the Society: Outdoor Activities, Historic Works and Buildings, Publicity and Trees.
First newsletter May 1969 – 3 pages long
The Society registered with Civic Trust and Charity Commissioners.
Jack Scruton: “fine example of how controversy almost inevitably leads to improvement”
1970
Coffee Bring and Buy evening 2/- entry.
Derek Woods ‘Old Chequers Inn (1752)’ Christmas cards sold for 9d.
LOOK OUT! THEYR’E AFTER YOUR JEWEL..
We reproduce the late Jim Cottrell’s cartoon drawing in support of the Rye Protection Society’s Hands Off The Rye Campaign back in the 1960s. The Rye was once described by the old Borough of High Wycombe as ‘The jewel in High Wycombe’s crown’.
1971
Membership fees: Life £10; Individual 60p.
14-mile ramble.
Raffle tickets sold with newsletter resulting in £12.47 profit.
Water and Traffic Groups created.
Possibility to restore Toll House.
“To promote a well-kept river with attractive banks, and establish riverside walks”
1972
Our logo – a stylised swan.
Planning and Tree Groups created.
Christmas cards featuring ‘Old Market House 1880’ sold for 35p a dozen.
Planning Group looking at ‘Western Desert’.
18c music, BBQ and wine at AGM – 130 members and friends attended.
“Western Desert – we wish to see a balanced development of mixed residential/commerce/light industrial premises, perhaps a hotel with conference facilities and a theatre complex.”
1973
President: Patrick Reyntiens.
Chairman: Ted Kearey.
Hon Secretary: Jack Scruton.
Subs now 75p.
Plant a tree in ’73
1974
35 other societies are now affiliated with HWS .
Town Trail Leaflet 5p.
Newsletter full of sketches by Jim Cottrell whose contributions continued.
Lorna Cassidy sketch on cover.
Car crashes into Toll House.
“Air pollution in High Wycombe was worse than Central London in June and July”
1975
Restoration work starts on the wheel at Pann Mill.
White seedless chestnut planted on the Rye in memory of Ewert Steevens.
1976
Music event – 250 people – profit £200.07p.
Heritage Group formed.
1977
Talk and film on chairs.
Continuing work on mill machinery.
Planning Group comments on the ‘County Structure Plan’ submitted to DoE.
“Does the Society lean too heavily on too few members? Do we re-elect willing horses?”
1978
End of struggle to preserve Toll House and keep in Wycombe. Money from donations to fund campaign re-distributed to donors, the Rye Preservation Society and the Chiltern Open Air Museum.
Waterwheel turned at Pann Mill.
1979
150 people attended the Summer Dance raising £87.45.
Jim Cottrell dies. HWS planted a tree on the Rye in his memory.
“Redevelopment of High Wycombe Station: This major project is moving ahead”
1980
Mini-exhibition about work of the Society.
Historic Buildings Group held AGM.
600 Town Trail leaflets sold.
“We supported the District Council’s plans for street tree planting”
1981
President: M Conner Wilson.
Trees and Water Interest Group (TWIG) formed.
Eric Fowler’s drawings on notelets were published.
“There has been a dramatic incease in office development”
1982
New logo introduced.
Charity Stall in Little Market House raised £43.
“High Wycombe is behind the times with regard to town centre traffic restraint”
1983
Informal social event held in the Oak Room for the Society’s 15th anniversary.
HWS says M40 extension to Birmingham not necessary.
Major objections were voiced for new relief road from the Law Courts to Temple End.
Agreement reached on town centre housing and pedestrianisation policies.
Jack Scruton: “Amenity societies have a useful role to play in controversial planning matters”
1984
M&S to be benefactor of Pann Mill, official opening ceremony 13th June.
Festival exhibition “ A Walk Down the River Wye, charting West Wycombe to Bourne End.
TWIG De-scaling of Pann Mill water wheel and renovation of machinery.
Barn Dance at British Legion Hall – 55 people.
Changing face of High Street: “No half pound bacon and bag of sugar, but still fresh fruit and veg and bread. Lots of Take-Aways”
1985
Society exhibition in library.
Pann Mill Fund: donations from Airflow, Midland Bank, Rank Hovis, Compare.
Decline of TWIG as members move away.
Carnival Day saw the Society horse and cart travel from West Wycombe to the Rye.
Pann Mill vandalised – all windows broken.
“We want a permanent display for visitors to see inside the complete mill”
1986
Roger Lawson: Chairman.
Ted Kearney: President.
Milling machinery and Hurst frame at Pann Mill.
Now 35 affiliated societies.
Controversial planning includes Hughenden Golf Course and Toll House.
Historic Buildings Group.
Music Hall evening in costume.
Chairman: “Plea for persons, no experience required, to form nucleus of planning group”
1987
Contractors sand-blast 1.5” of scale off the Pann Mill wheel. The group then apply red oxide paint.
Heritage Group decide to embrace local history with a wider catchment area.
Survey of HW Conservation area.
Nick Giles: Treasurer.
Planning for the future: housing, Green Belt, AONB.
“Lack of support for Society events weakens the resolve of those who work hardest for our projects and campaigns. A small surge of enthusiasm could revitalise the Society in many aspects of its work”
1988
J Gore: Secretary.
J Scruton: Planning Sec.
L J Mayes: President.
Pann Mill: WDC replaces commemorative willow blown down in gales.
Sid Spence posters published.
Margaret Simmons planted the Pann Mill garden.
Opposition to convert The Falcon into offices and public lavatories.
“It is only relentless desire of developers to “cram ‘em in” that causes the siting of houses in undesirable locations”
1989
Litterblitz with Boys Brigade at Keep Hill Wood.
120 members attend 21st anniversary party in Oak Room. Engraved glass goblet presented to Chairman: Roger Lawson.
Transport Group set up by Jack Scruton.
“There is a need to deal carefully with the local environment: 6600 houses instead of planned 9840”
1990
HWS publish policy document: ‘New thinking on Transport’.
Roads Group set up by Elsa Woodward.
BT presents original Susan Hart drawing from Phonebook to Roger Lawson.
Litterblitz ‘90.
Visit to Aylesbury town conservation area.
“One man’s beech sapling is another man’s goalpost, Tarmac which offends some is vital access to others”
1991
June – Jack Scruton dies – MBE awarded 4 days later.
Memorial Exhibition in Guildhall.
New logo, faces right, shows water.
John Mayes describes tunnels in town centre. High Street, Marlow Hill, Priory Road.
Pann Mill 1:20 scale model.
Roger Lawson: “Where HWS leads today, others will follow tomorrow”
1992
Eric Fowler dies.
Patrick Reyntiens OBE (first president from 72′-76′) leads Jack Scruton exhibition.
Derek Woods dies. He is remembered for the Rye campaign, local history, heritage, outings, being a postman and as a researcher extraordinaire.
“It was Jack Scruton’s genius to involve many members in varied projects”
1993
25th Anniversary party at Wycombe Museum.
Outing – Stowe Landscape Gardens.
Heritage Group tours of St Lawrence Church, West Wycombe.
First meeting of Friends of the Rye Group.
Excavations at Pann Mill by Pauline and Stanley Cauvain.
Annie’s on the warpath,
She has her eyes on you,
You can’t dodge the issue
When the yearly subs are due
It’s no good you forgetting,
Annie’s there reminding you
It’s your money that she’s after,
To this end she’ll pursue.
If you have those nightmares
When someone’s chasing you,
Then bet your life it’s Annie
If your sub is overdue!
Elsie Fowler
1994
Trip to Kyoto Garden Holland Park London.
Trip on Kennett and Avon canal.
Walk – three lost!
The Rye – Past, Present and Future at Wycombe Show.
“Jack Scruton won his spurs defending the Rye against a dual carriageway across the north west corner. He believed in jealously guarding all our open spaces, so he would undoubtedly have supported the Society’s present action on the south east corner”
1995
Transport Group report on Handy Cross.
Stand at Wycombe Show.
Outing to Devizes Locks.
Jean Archer “Hidden Bucks” talk – a sell out.
Pann Mill – Hurst frame erected, upper floor complete.
“One person’s leisure is another’s nuisance”
1996
New Heritage trail organised by Heritage Group and WDC.
Walter Kraft dies.
Pann Mill confirmed to be the last mill on 9 miles of the River Wye.
Pann Mill machinery fitted inside Hurst frame.
“You cannot buy heritage in a supermarket; it is up to us to cherish it or it will be lost forever.”
1997
Lifting the 660 kg millstone at Pann Mill takes 10 hours.
Canal cruise fish and chips.
1st New Members Tea party.
Shed and chute, cogs and wheels are repaired at Pann Mill.
“Protect and enhance river environment by encouraging wildlife, protecting water quality, improving landscape, design of river bank developments and increasing public access”
1998
30th anniversary at the Museum.
Our logo in Library Garden.
Myra King: Vice President.
First Hidden Bucks Tour – inspired by Jean Archer’s book.
Former H W Arts Association files given to the Society.
Chris Woodman edits newsletter after 10 years by John Gore.
Transport Group wants HW to Bourne End line re-opened.
1999
Jack’s Garden opened.
Frances Presland succeeds John Gore as Hon Sec.
Tour of the Wildings’ garden.
Second Hidden Bucks Tour.
New members Tea party.
Heritage Group represents HWS on Town Forum.
Sponsored wheel cogs installed at Pann Mill.
“A memorial garden which we hope will delight people of all ages for many years to come”
2000
Pann Mill first flour production “I’ve milled on the millennium”.
May 14th 2000 “An abundance of water, a beautiful, hot sunny day and hundreds of visitors conspired to create a lively atmosphere and a marvellous sense of achievement when flour was ground at Pann Mill for the first time since the late 1920s”
Hidden Bucks Tour 3.
The Society is online: www.highwycombesociety.org.uk
“We have always stressed the traditional importance of the Rye and Holywell Mead as green areas for informal recreation”.
2001
Life President John Mayes dies at 90.
Hidden Bucks Tour 4.
New members Tea Party at Gladys Pearson’s.
Coffee Morning poorly attended.
Wycombe Peace Council ’81-’91 newsletters donated to Society.
“Planning matters are rarely simple: they can involve tricky balances between conservation, amenity, money and social issues”
2002
Roy Roe dies and is remembered for his support and enthusiasm for establishing Rye Protection Society in ‘65.
Pann Mill – new pit wheel teeth and restoration of winnower.
Visit to Henley Museum.
Walk around Marlow.
“The Victorian idea of living over the shop seems to be returning on an increasing scale”
2003
Stuart King: President.
Drawings of Handy Cross by Chris Wallis are published.
Retirement presentation to John Gore.
Heritage Group to list buildings, ownership and use.
Vice-President Olive Scruton dies.
Chris Wallis: “People who control money do not understand old wood and would rather demolish”
Dick Hoare: “A nation that forgets its past, forfeits its future”
2004
£500 is donated by the Bucks Foundation for flood relief at Pann Mill.
20 Affiliated Societies.
Transport Infrastructure Group.
Charge for quarterly meetings considered?
2005
New colour membership leaflets.
Visit to Chenies Manor.
Big George interviews Society members on Mix107 (Three Counties Radio).
Pann Mill Open Days – too hot in July – water low in September.
“The challenge is to bring the Society to the notice of young people”
2006
Chris Wallis dies – Society’s best engineering friend.
Fawley Hill Museum outing.
May Pann Mill Open Day – low water.
“Do we want High Wycombe to be known for its shopping, or do we want to be proud of our rich heritage?”
2007
Evelyn Roe is granted the ‘Unsung Heroes’ at the BCC Quiz Night.
Quiz night.
Margaret Simmons receives 1st Prize at the “Inspiration Awards”.
Recruitment and Publicity Day at Chilterns Centre.
New flagstone floor in Pann Mill Tea Room.
“Ron Sims our former Minutes Secretary and Chairman Roger Lawson aim to be the first wrinklies on the new skateboard park – provided it is in the right place!”
2008
40 year anniversary of the High Wycombe Society.
Ann Simone creates first version of this timeline.
Over 70 people attend AGM.
Myra King and Ian Barratt marry.
Pauline Cauvain dies.
Ian Simmons and Dave Scott publish “High Wycombe’s Contribution to Aviation”.
The Environment Centre closes at the Holywell Mead pool site.
The Mitford plaque is unveiled at Old Mill Cottage.
“Who wants trees?”
2009
Society opposes fishing platforms on the Dyke resulting in reduction in planned size.
HWS consulted by church authorities about planning issues re tower and new bells at All Saints.
U3A Bromley undertake guided tour of High Wycombe.
Handy Cross development meeting.
Security of tenure at Pann Mill sought as a formal lease.
2010
Membership fees increased to current (2018) levels.
Holywell Mead Swimming Pool development meeting.
HWS liaise with WDC about Hughenden Corridor.
Chiltern Mainline and station improvements, car park, bus integration.
Booker football stadium proposal.
Flexibus proposal.
2011
Successful local listing of 12 buildings from 18 proposed.
Wycombe ‘Pioneers of Progress’ exhibition and book launch.
Pann Millers build bridge over the leat by the watermill and lay down woodland walkway.
Chris Woodman stands down as newsletter editor – replaced by Jackie Kay and Malcolm Connell.
Tony Fooks re-elected Chairman of ANTAS (Association of North Thames Amenity Societies).
2012
Meeting with WDC regarding town centre plans.
W.H.A.T. – Wycombe Heritage and Arts Trust comes into being. Paul Meek represents HWS as a trustee on the new board.
New bells to be installed at All Saints Church. David Snoxell leads Society campaign to save the “Wycombe Bell”.
Tony Murphy sets up a Facebook page for the High Wycombe Society.
2013
Awayday working party at the Clare Foundation.
HWS adopts a new constitution and joins Civic Voice. Roger Lawson and Frances Presland step down after long service.
Naming of Margaret’s Garden.
First Behind-the-Scenes visits organised by Mary Woodman.
First 4-week pilot of Wycombe Sound includes interview with Jackie Kay and Charles Brocklehurst from WDC.
HWS Lunch Club launched.
2014
Prompt action stops Marsh Green becoming a car park.
Society members man a Civic Day stall in the High St.
Uplands granted Grade 2 listing thanks to the Chiltern Society.
HWS is invited by WDC to contribute to WW1 Heritage Trail.
Ann Simone represents the Society at an inaugural “Wycombe in Bloom” meeting.
New HWS website goes live.
M40 junction 3a proposal by WDC.
2015
HWS invites participation in a Civic Day Competition.
The Society successfully advocates restoration of the “War Office” gates and railings. The new gates are ‘opened’ by Lord Carrington.
Activities to commemorate the work of the Rye Protection Society include – a photographic exhibition at the Environment Centre in the Chilterns and A Big Picnic on the Rye itself arranged with the Open Spaces Society.
Members of Planning and Transport groups agree to serve on Reserve Site Liaison groups.
HWS receives a Civic Voice award for Community Relations.
2016
Campaign to raise funds to restore the Red Lion statue gets underway.
Meetings with architects held to discuss plans for the Rye toilets/café.
“Fine Words Butter No Parsnips!” Society’s Transport group express disdain for LTP4 (BCC’s transport plans).
WDC consult HWS about Hughenden Park plans.
‘Walking with Willie’ programme of guided heritage walks begins in High Wycombe.
Campaign to clean up St. John’s Hospital remains in Easton St.
2017
Release of W.W.1. Heritage trail.
85 pupils from Greenford School visit High Wycombe.
Society supports plans to restore 2/3 High St. and Brunel shed.
HWS becomes a “Worthy Cause” for the WDC lottery.
Work begins on verification of footpaths on the Definitive Map.
Society President, Stuart King, is awarded medal by the Worshipful Company of Turners.
Evelyn Roe, Vice President and long-serving member of the society, dies.
2018
Bridge Mill Information Board is unveiled.
Refurbishment of waterwheel buckets in progress.
New South Bucks Community Hospice building nominated for a Civic Voice design award.
Ian Simmons contributes to documentary filmed at Wycombe Abbey – due for release in Spring 2019.
Wycombe Sound live broadcast from Pann Mill.
50th Anniversary lunch held at Wycombe Abbey.
Proposal to put a Works Compound on the Rye rejected.
Lord Carrington dies aged 99.
2019
Ann Simone, creator of the original timeline, dies.
Marquis of Lincolnshire’s mammoth scrapbook digitised. A copy is held at Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies.
2020
All events are curtailed due to Covid-19 pandemic.
AGM is cancelled.
Trustees meet via ‘Zoom’.