Local Face: Helen Biggs

Helen Biggs was bred from Bucks stock and born in High Wycombe. Her father was a tenant farmer on the Hughenden Estate where life was idyllic with Disraeli’s nephew as landlord and her brother’s godfather. Unfortunately, on Coningsby’s death, the Estate was broken up, as often happens, so the family had to move, first to Hampshire and war-time food production then post- war, aged 10, to The Hale and eventually to Boswells where they were very happy working for the Barlows.

Here Helen gained a scholarship to Aylesbury Grammar, which was co-ed at the time, and she thrived. She gained experience with young children locally before starting the intensive and thorough 21 month course to become a Norland Nanny, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. There was a very expensive uniform to buy, too! As the job was on call 24/7, all students had to live in. After that, the candidate had to stay in their first job for a year and achieve a satisfactory report before the final certificate was awarded.

Helen started work in Buckingham in a family which expanded from 2 to 5 young children in a relatively short time but in a beautiful setting. A nursery maid came to help when the third baby arrived. A busy but good and gentle regime was developed. The parental atmosphere was Victorian but very loving.

Helen’s parents moved to Nash Lee Lane with her father working for Crowford & Brackley Plumbers. Helen came home to support her ailing mother and found the perfect job at the Royal Bucks Hospital maternity unit, not a live-in job, for the next 24 years.

She changed the age range during a short stint at Ellesborough Manor when it was a home for retired clergy but she was always happiest with babies and the young. Her final job was as nanny to a child in Wendover who now has two children of her own, also in Wendover, so Helen can keep in touch, health permitting, during this time of pandemic.

Helen has always kept in touch with her college Nanny friends including reunions and newletters. She has enjoyed news of all generations with the passing of time. Until recently, Helen led the Tuesday morning walking group in Wendover, even managing to return to walking after a back injury.

Helen was very involved in St Agnes Church in Dobbins Lane until it was demolished in the 1980s. She continues to be a committed member of the congregation at St Mary’s. She remembers all post WW2 vicars!