A sold-out talk discussing the history of former MoD site, Wilton Park, unearthed some secrets about the site – as the guest speaker revealed even the trees were ‘bugged’.

Organised by the Beaconsfield Society, more than 100 people attended the event in the town last week, as residents say they will do all they can to preserve the history, despite looming development.

Kari Dorme of the Beaconsfield Society introduced guest speaker Sarah Paterson.

Ms Dorme said: “It was a wonderful and informative evening learning about the clandestine work of the secret listeners at Wilton Park.

“Sarah told us that the lovely grounds relaxed the Nazi PoW’s but not only their cells but even the trees were bugged.

“What impressed me most was the eagerness with which so many of the audience shared their own knowledge and asked questions over a wide range of issues.

“At the end the place was really buzzing with the interest of it.”

Mike Elliott the Chairman of the Beaconsfield Society said, “Clearly Wilton Park is of great interest to local residents.

“Those lucky enough to get the hottest tickets in Beaconsfield were rewarded with an excellent talk plus enthusiastic and informative contributions from the floor.

“I hope we can devise a fitting way to recognize the importance of the site to the town.”

The Beaconsfield Society have arranged for a similar event to take place on the evening of their AGM in November, after such high demand to last week’s talk.

For more information visit www.beaconsfieldsociety.org.uk