hiya bucks Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Missenden June 2017 | Page 33

We have never visited the old village of Hedgerley before so the invitation to join John and Sally, from the Hedgerley Historical Society, for a guided tour, was gratefully accepted. It’s unusual these days to visit a village that doesn’t have a constant flow of traffic through it. Luckily for Hedgerley, the village isn’t on a cut-through so the roads remain relatively quiet. With buildings dating back to the 17th century there is plenty to see. In 1893 Mrs Stevenson, a prominent figure in the village, turned her grand manor house into a home for Waifs and Strays, boys aged 12-16, who were given agricultural training. Some of these boys ended up in Australia where they had very good careers. Being bluebell season we were excited to visit Church Wood where we had heard the bluebells were spectacular. And spectacular they were. We followed the quiet, circular, woodland path, and were in awe of the bluebells, like the sea sweeping through the trees. Put a note in your 2018 diaries to visit here and don’t forget your camera. At the entrance to the wood the RSPB have signs asking for people to keep their dogs on short leads. From March to September Church Wood is home to many birds nesting close to, or on, the ground. Their slogan is “Inspiring everyone to give nature a home” and we totally agree with this. Of course, we couldn’t avoid popping into The White Horse pub, a freehold pub that has been run by the same family for decades, after our walk. Dating back to 1679 it’s full of olde-worlde charm, with a beautiful display of hanging baskets at the front and a scenic garden to the rear. No wonder they have won so many awards. A ploughman’s lunch it was for us then to end our visit to Hedgerley. Monthly Meetings of Hedgerley Historical Society take place at Hedgerley Memorial Hall, Kiln Lane Hedgerley SL2 3UZ at 8pm and visitors are most welcome. Further details from John Lovelock 01753 647187 [email protected] Helen Gerrish Editor hiyabucks.com | 33