Local Face: Bryan Smith CBE

Bryan Smith never thought he would leave his native West Riding of Yorkshire. Yet, in 1969, he and his wife Patricia found themselves moving south. Bryan’s work had taken him to London-so he took that journey familiar to many-the train out from Marylebone in search of somewhere to live. Brought up in a small village it was not until he reached Amersham that the countryside started to look promising. A builder in Great Missenden told him of a house he was constructing in Wendover. As Bryan had never l heard of the place, he asked his son to pop over from Oxford to give it the once over. The verdict was positive so proceedings began and they were soon happily settled.

In 1981, Bryan felt the warnings of impending ill-health and took advice to retire early. Retirement was marked by being awarded the CBE for services to the gas industry.

This is when Wendover began to benefit from his attention. A decision was made that some industrial units should be built on, the old goods yard at Wendover Station to provide employment for local people. Bryan was very sceptical, having seen similar ventures turn sour in other parts of the country. Having proffered his views, he accepted an invitation onto the committee of the Wendover Society.

The main objective of the Society has always been to maintain the way of life and character of the village but Bryan felt sure that its effectiveness was not just to be reactive but to anticipate events and to be knowledgeable about the part the society could play in the planning process. Hence Bryan and another committee member Gordon Cumming undertook a review of all undeveloped land in Wendover, its status as Greenbelt (MGB) or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) land especially proposals for Wend over in the County Structure 1 Plan (CPS).

This homework became vital, as soon a proposal was made to build 1000 houses on Castle Park Farm-the area bounded by Halton Lane, the canal bank, Bryant’s Acre and Aylesbury Road. Local residents were horrified and a large petition, protesting that such a development would completely change the nature of the village was handed to Aylesbury Vale District Council. Nevertheless, AVDC Planning Committee passed the proposal. Now Chairman, Bryan had already taken legal advice so the Wendover Society immediately obtained a High Court injunction which was served on the District Council as it gathered to ratify the Committee decision.

The issue was later resolved by a Public Enquiry held at Wendover Memorial Hall in 1987. Planning permission was refused.

Keeping Wendover “green” has always been the Society’s motto, so it was decided to add a (green) belt round its clocktower logo. This became particularly apt in 1993 when the Society had to battle against the local authorities keep the MGB and AONB status. The Countryside Commission agreed with the Society and the AONB status was maintained. The only area left vulnerable was again Castle Park Farm with the District Council wanting the MGB boundary set at he canal. The Wendover Society was represented at the 1995 Public Enquiry, making he same points about over-development. Thankfully the Inspector agreed and allowed only 85 houses varied in size and style. Recently the Society was given the old railway line, running from the Aylesbury Road the canal. Now called the Pursell Path, it s maintained by the Society as a wildlife reserve. Over the years the Society has endeavoured to enhance Wendover by its replanting programme on Tring Road and Ellesborough Road. The Manor Waste has benefited by the trees, new waste bins and most recently the up-dated village map.

The proposed development at Princes Mary’s Hospital Site and its effect on Wendover is the Society’s current concern and last November, jointly with Wendover Parish Council, was represented at yet another Public Enquiry. Bryan has always taken a leading role in these Enquiries, devoting many hours to reading and writing evidence. He felt it an appropriate time to step down as Chairman whilst awaiting the results of the Society’s latest efforts. Having had a heart by-pass in 1992, he is glad to be fit enough to enjoy gardening and other activities with his wife, son, daughter and four grandchildren.