A visit to Higginson Park (From Bucks Free Press)
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A visit to Higginson Park
2:14am Sunday 21st June 2009
It has been a few weeks since my visit to Marlow. Whilst in the town I made a point of visiting Higginson Park.
The park covers an area of 23 acres and has been opened to the public since 1926 although there has been a garden on the site since 1758. Situated at the end of Marlow High Street it is easily accessible and over the course of a year attracts around 1 million visitors.
Upon entering the park I was very impressed. Whoever looks after the park has obviously done a very good job. There was not a piece of litter to be seen or blade of grass out of place.
A series of tarmac paths guide visitors between the large expanses of grass and fine trees. At the High Street end is a large playground which happened to be full of children who seemed to be having a good time.
Ambling slowly along I soon came to the river where I stood for a few moments to watch the boats and swans sailing along. To my left was a most wonderful view of Marlow Bridge.
It was surprising just how large the park was. The fact that the park was broken up into small areas only served to make it seem even bigger.
With plenty of proper wooden benches the weary traveller has plenty of places to rest. People were walking their dogs in the park although there were red bins for the owners to put the mess.
Continuing my walk through I came to a cricket pitch which is home to Marlow CC. Close by was a skate park although unlike the skate park in Wycombe there were no children in attendance. This was not surprising as the skate park was right at the far end of the park so the youngsters would have to be very determined to find it.
There were lots of people in the park. All ages were present from older people to mothers with their children. Whatever their age everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in the warm sunshine.
As it was around lunchtime it seemed like a good idea to eat my picnic there. I proceeded to unpack my refreshments which included sandwiches, cakes, chocolate biscuits and fizzy drinks. After eating all that lot I was feeling quite sleepy so I nodded off for a while.
Despite being such a large area there was a feeling of safety in the park. The people were all respectable and I would imagine there are very few crimes committed there.
How lucky the people of Marlow are to have such a lovely park so central in their town. Leaving the tranquillity of the park I soon found myself back amongst the hustle and bustle of the High Street.
Have you been to Higginson Park? What do you think to it?
Comments(67)
ivor
says...
2:36am Sun 21 Jun 09
But it was an extremely large picnic and the weather was very warm. What could be nicer than a sleep under the shade of the trees beside the river?
I am not a great walker so I unfortunately I do not know much about the local walking routes.
Yes, the toilets were very clean. Made of brick there has obviously been great investment in the toilet facilities in the park.
Unfortunately I never went over to Marlow as a child. I can see how much I missed out in life.
OllieNewbury
says...
2:43am Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:So you are still eating king-size banquets as picnics and doing no exercise. You won't lose weight that way, especially with cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks. Haven't you heard of fruit?!
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 2:32am
But it was an extremely large picnic and the weather was very warm. What could be nicer than a sleep under the shade of the trees beside the river?
I am not a great walker so I unfortunately I do not know much about the local walking routes.
Yes, the toilets were very clean. Made of brick there has obviously been great investment in the toilet facilities in the park.
Unfortunately I never went over to Marlow as a child. I can see how much I missed out in life.
You should try a small section of the Thames Path, from Marlow to Bourne End. It's not too far, and there will be other people there to help if you do have trouble. You can then get the train back to Marlow.
Here's a request- could you do a blog about the Rye, including the Dyke and that waterfall? I haven't been there for years.
ivor
says...
2:47am Sun 21 Jun 09
Yes, unfortunately my food intake is that of several men although I did quite a bit of exercise that way walking around Higginson Park and Marlow. My weight is holding steady so look on the bright side at least I am not getting heavier!
I am not too good at walking and even the shortest of journeys can be difficult for me. Perhaps when I have lost weight I may have a go at walking along the Thames.
Yes, I will be visiting the Rye very shortly maybe Hughenden Park too. I may even do a comparison of how the parks of Marlow compare with the parks of Wycombe! Now that may bring some very interesting conclusions!
smiley cat
says...
8:42am Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Ivor,
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 2:43am Yes, unfortunately my food intake is that of several men although I did quite a bit of exercise that way walking around Higginson Park and Marlow. My weight is holding steady so look on the bright side at least I am not getting heavier! I am not too good at walking and even the shortest of journeys can be difficult for me. Perhaps when I have lost weight I may have a go at walking along the Thames. Yes, I will be visiting the Rye very shortly maybe Hughenden Park too. I may even do a comparison of how the parks of Marlow compare with the parks of Wycombe! Now that may bring some very interesting conclusions!
Whenever you do comparisons, it never ends wel.
Higginson Park is a love;y place - that is for sure.
But so is the Rye and so is Hughenden.
I think I have said before how special those places are to me and my family.
I think we also all know that you will make unfair comparisons with all of them.
So I am asking you not to.
They should not be compared at all - they all have their own merits.
tom.marlow
says...
1:53pm Sun 21 Jun 09
Although I don't really know the Wycombe parks that well, I think there are plenty in and around London that I remember as being rather better.
ivor
says...
2:52pm Sun 21 Jun 09
No. I will not make unfair comparisons. I really think the two should be compared so we can see which is best and highlight any failings.
You never know I may say that the Rye is better....
ivor
says...
2:53pm Sun 21 Jun 09
But there are so many facilities in Higginson Park. You are so lucky to have such a lovely place so close to your town centre.
Are the London parks better? For a start surely the air quality in a London park can never be as good due to the pollution in the city?
tom.marlow
says...
7:41pm Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I was fortunate enough to live near Alexandra Park for 4 years. That was had excellent facilities - boating lake, pitch and putt and of course Alexandra Palace itself provided the mother of all bonfires!
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 1:53pm But there are so many facilities in Higginson Park. You are so lucky to have such a lovely place so close to your town centre. Are the London parks better? For a start surely the air quality in a London park can never be as good due to the pollution in the city?
I'd also recommend Golders Hill Park on the edge of Hampstead Heath. I did a lot of revision for my finals there.
The central London parks are pretty good too. Yes, the air quality is not as good, although it has improved a lot since the congestion charge.
We are lucky, I suppose, to have the park and the river at the bottom of the high street but Wycombe has the Rye at one end and West Wycombe hill at the other.
I think most towns have a pretty decent park near the centre. We have the Victorians to thank for that.
smiley cat
says...
7:42pm Sun 21 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:Tom
While I don't think that there is much bad to be said about it, Higginson Park isn't that brilliant. It's OK, just nothing to get too excited about. Although I don't really know the Wycombe parks that well, I think there are plenty in and around London that I remember as being rather better.
Go to Hughenden Park.
You will not be disappointed.
ivor
says...
7:51pm Sun 21 Jun 09
I guess the London parks are all right for those living in London but I fear they are too far for the people of Bucks to travel. Besides surely the Buckinghamshire countryside is far better than anything that London ahs to offer?
Even thought eh air quality has improved is it wise to go jogging, etc.... in an atmosphere that is still badly polluted? Surely the parks of Bucks will always be better due to their fresh air?
But West Wycombe hill is over a mile from the town centre. For some of us it is just too far to go on a regular basis.
ivor
says...
7:52pm Sun 21 Jun 09
Are there many interesting things to do in Hughenden Park? For example does it have a skate park, cricket pitch, playground and proper brick toilets, etc...?
security word: poor-post!
smiley cat
says...
9:46pm Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:It is a vast open space.There are trees, a stream, and vast amounts of beautiful parkland.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 7:42pm Are there many interesting things to do in Hughenden Park? For example does it have a skate park, cricket pitch, playground and proper brick toilets, etc...? security word: poor-post!
There is a playpark - toilets are available at Hughenden Manor. There is no skate park but people can and do play cricket.
Ivor - if you are telling me that you have lived in Wycombe all your life and have never visited Hughenden Park,then you have lost ALL credence as a Wycombe person.
ALL......
OllieNewbury
says...
10:15pm Sun 21 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:I live near Hughenden Park and it is one of the most beautiful places I know. A visit to the Manor is a perfect addition to a walk in the park, especially for a NT member.
ivor wrote:It is a vast open space.There are trees, a stream, and vast amounts of beautiful parkland.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 7:42pm Are there many interesting things to do in Hughenden Park? For example does it have a skate park, cricket pitch, playground and proper brick toilets, etc...? security word: poor-post!
There is a playpark - toilets are available at Hughenden Manor. There is no skate park but people can and do play cricket.
Ivor - if you are telling me that you have lived in Wycombe all your life and have never visited Hughenden Park,then you have lost ALL credence as a Wycombe person.
ALL......
My mother prefers the tidiness of the Rye, but both my father and I choose Hughenden Park, which is more natural, yet still a pleasure to walk through.
ivor
says...
10:20pm Sun 21 Jun 09
I have visited Hughenden Park, maybe not as much as I would have wanted but yes, I have definitely been there.
ivor
says...
10:28pm Sun 21 Jun 09
You, indeed all the people of Wycombe, are so lucky to have the Rye and Hughenden so close. Think of all those living in the inner cities who lack such lovely places so close to home.
But the big question is “is Hughenden Park as interesting as Higginson Park”?
OllieNewbury
says...
10:33pm Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Well no, that's not the big question. Parks are there to be enjoyed, not compared.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 10:15pm
You, indeed all the people of Wycombe, are so lucky to have the Rye and Hughenden so close. Think of all those living in the inner cities who lack such lovely places so close to home.
But the big question is “is Hughenden Park as interesting as Higginson Park”?
London is crammed full of parks. Look at a Greater London atlas. Almost every page will have green space, very close to home. The people of the inner cities have wonderful parks, just like we do.
ivor
says...
10:47pm Sun 21 Jun 09
Yes, I suppose you are right but surely the facilities added to the parks are very important?
The green spaces are what make the concrete world in which we live bearable.
We may have many parks out the edge of out town but do we have enough open green space actually in the town centre?
smiley cat
says...
10:59pm Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:No it isn't. That is not the big question at all..
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 10:15pm You, indeed all the people of Wycombe, are so lucky to have the Rye and Hughenden so close. Think of all those living in the inner cities who lack such lovely places so close to home. But the big question is “is Hughenden Park as interesting as Higginson Park”?
Please don't do this...
ivor
says...
11:12pm Sun 21 Jun 09
What do you have against me questioning the facilities of Hughenden Park?
Surely if our parks are lacking facilities the issues should be highlighted and something done about it?
OllieNewbury
says...
11:13pm Sun 21 Jun 09
I remember playing in the stream beside the bridges when I was little- small enough to crawl through the tunnel! I loved that.
I remember kicking a football around with my Grandad and then grazing my knee.
I remember playing football with some other kids in the play area. We used to take our shirts off and pretend to be all muscular, like professional players. We were egotistical little sods!
The one thing I'd love to do in Hughenden Park one day is walk a dog. I've never had a dog or walked one and Hughenden Park seems the perfect place to go.
I'm feeling depressed- I'm having nostalgia attacks, and I'm only 18...
ivor
says...
11:15pm Sun 21 Jun 09
You obviously have fond memories of Hughenden Park. Did you visit any other parks in Wycombe or was Hughenden your “local”?
The last time I visited there seemed to be lots of people walking their dogs in Hughenden Park. I guess it is an open space for all people.
smiley cat
says...
11:31pm Sun 21 Jun 09
ivor wrote:There is nothing wrong with Hughenden Park. It is a beautiful place.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:59pm What do you have against me questioning the facilities of Hughenden Park? Surely if our parks are lacking facilities the issues should be highlighted and something done about it?
You don't get beauty or unspoilt splendour.
You will cheapen it by your ill thought comments.
I a actually upset at the thought of what you will say...
there is not one bad thing that anyone with a soul could find wrong with it.. but you will.
ivor
says...
11:32pm Sun 21 Jun 09
But maybe I will say that Hughenden Park and the Rye is good? If it is so good then you should have no problems with me paying a visit there....
OllieNewbury
says...
11:46pm Sun 21 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:Same here. I've listed some things I remember above... they are happy memories. I would hate it if the park was ruined by so-called 'improvements'.
ivor wrote:There is nothing wrong with Hughenden Park. It is a beautiful place.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:59pm What do you have against me questioning the facilities of Hughenden Park? Surely if our parks are lacking facilities the issues should be highlighted and something done about it?
You don't get beauty or unspoilt splendour.
You will cheapen it by your ill thought comments.
I a actually upset at the thought of what you will say...
there is not one bad thing that anyone with a soul could find wrong with it.. but you will.
ivor
says...
3:00am Mon 22 Jun 09
Well if Hughenden Park is as good as you say it is then you have no worries about me paying it a visit. I'm sure I will be bowled over with the place and write a good blog on my visit....
Melanie1
says...
7:20am Mon 22 Jun 09
I don't want or need a skate park, childrens play area or brick built toilets. I also prefer to see some areas of a park that are left to be more natural, ie. longer grass, some dead wood, wild flowers all of which is beneficial to wildlife. However, I accept the fact that some people prefer close cut grass, well laid paths and childrens play areas.
So what you think is important may not be as important to other people.
I've never (that I know of) been to either The Rye or Hughenden Park but I have been to Higginson Park many times as a child. I can't say that I remember too much about it, although it may have been where I used to go fishing for tiddlers with my aunt and uncle.
tom.marlow
says...
11:11am Mon 22 Jun 09
As for other facilities, it doesnt really matter. Brick toilets? Plenty of trees around. Cricket pitch ? perhaps if you like to watch or play cricket. I could go on.
Important thing is to have the open space.
tom.marlow
says...
11:13am Mon 22 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:Yes I've been there a couple of times. Its nice.
tom.marlow wrote: While I don't think that there is much bad to be said about it, Higginson Park isn't that brilliant. It's OK, just nothing to get too excited about. Although I don't really know the Wycombe parks that well, I think there are plenty in and around London that I remember as being rather better.Tom Go to Hughenden Park. You will not be disappointed.
That post was ambiguous; the intention was to say there are parks in london better than higgy park, not that they are in general better than the wycombe parks.
parcelman
says...
1:33pm Mon 22 Jun 09
faisal mahmood
says...
2:24pm Mon 22 Jun 09
I remember when i was a kid going to the sands park in mill end road playing on the stwings and cycling my bike as a daily routnie.
good work keep it up
faisal mahmood
says...
2:28pm Mon 22 Jun 09
it is also well know to the local people of sands and green street and green street has a coummuntry centre for all age groups to enjoy as well as a small park.
both have alot of car parking spaces around them.
when are you doing a blog on sands and green street..
all the best keep it up
tom.marlow
says...
2:43pm Mon 22 Jun 09
parcelman wrote:No there's Riley Road Rec., Gossmore Lane Rec. and Seymour Court Rec.
Is there only one park in Marlow ?
But they are not on the tourist trail :-)
tom.marlow
says...
2:49pm Mon 22 Jun 09
The May Balfour Garden has an interesting sun-dial
ivor
says...
1:23am Tue 23 Jun 09
I guess you are right. A park does not have to have specialist facilities for it to be nice. It’s a matter of taste and what people want.
If you have never been to the Rye or Hughenden Park why not come to Wycombe for a day out and have a look? You never know, you may like the parks of Wycombe!
ivor
says...
1:24am Tue 23 Jun 09
Indeed open space is important but it’s what you do with that open space is also important.
With Hughenden Park we also have a stately home close by. Does Higginson Park have a large house nearby?
ivor
says...
1:24am Tue 23 Jun 09
Have you ever visited the Rye?
ivor
says...
1:24am Tue 23 Jun 09
Yes, the Rec at Sands by the school is also very good and there are rivers running both sides as an added bonus!
Thank you for your kind words of praise.
ivor
says...
1:24am Tue 23 Jun 09
My blog on Sands will be coming up shortly. As the moment it’s too hot for me to travel very far but don’t worry I will write that blog.
ivor
says...
1:25am Tue 23 Jun 09
Are all the other parks you listed as nice a Higginson Park?
ivor
says...
1:25am Tue 23 Jun 09
I have never said that having brick toilets and a skate park is vitally important although it does help to cement the area as a place for all generations.
tom.marlow
says...
8:59am Tue 23 Jun 09
ivor wrote:You were there recently. Why are you asking me? :-)
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:11am Indeed open space is important but it’s what you do with that open space is also important. With Hughenden Park we also have a stately home close by. Does Higginson Park have a large house nearby?
While it is not on the scale of Hughenden Manor, it does of course have Court Garden right int he middle of it, providing a whole range of leisure and other community facilities. If you were ever to find a woman that matched your exacting standards you could even get married there.
Does Hughenden Park have any bronze statues of 5 times olympic gold medal winners?
tom.marlow
says...
9:01am Tue 23 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Yes.
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:13am Have you ever visited the Rye?
Have you ever been to Hampstead Heath? At night ? :-)
tom.marlow
says...
9:03am Tue 23 Jun 09
ivor wrote:They all fulfill different roles.
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 2:43pm Are all the other parks you listed as nice a Higginson Park?
They are all nice in their own way
faisal mahmood
says...
1:42pm Tue 23 Jun 09
Ivor Peter Goodwin 83, Is former director of music for the university and a resident of High Wycombe.
Ivor said: Get rid of Eden centre, it is an eyesore,useless and impossible to find anything.
''Also give the town a large enough hall so we may have concerts to fit a full sized orchestra instead of going to Basingstoke or London. The Swan is No good.'
This information is found out from the bucks free press todays midweek page 8.
I think this is Ivor like usual running eden high wycombe down.
OllieNewbury
says...
5:00pm Tue 23 Jun 09
faisal mahmood wrote:I've just seen that section in Midweek. What a load of moaners!
What changes would you like in the town centre?
Ivor Peter Goodwin 83, Is former director of music for the university and a resident of High Wycombe.
Ivor said: Get rid of Eden centre, it is an eyesore,useless and impossible to find anything.
''Also give the town a large enough hall so we may have concerts to fit a full sized orchestra instead of going to Basingstoke or London. The Swan is No good.'
This information is found out from the bucks free press todays midweek page 8.
I think this is Ivor like usual running eden high wycombe down.
That man should go and live in Basingstoke if its so good.
Melanie1
says...
8:43pm Tue 23 Jun 09
ivor wrote:My house and garden back directly onto the glorious chiltern countryside which is crisscrossed with beautiful bridlepaths and footpaths, I have no need (or wish) to go to High Wycombe to walk around a park.
Re the comments of Melanie1 at 7:20am I guess you are right. A park does not have to have specialist facilities for it to be nice. It’s a matter of taste and what people want. If you have never been to the Rye or Hughenden Park why not come to Wycombe for a day out and have a look? You never know, you may like the parks of Wycombe!
ivor
says...
2:02am Wed 24 Jun 09
Yes, I saw the impressive leisure centre while I was there. Unfortunately I am having difficulty in finding a lady who reaches my high standards so I fear that I will not be getting married there in the near future but I live in hope though.
No. Hughenden Park does not have a statue of a five times Olympic gold medallist but I suppose we could always put such a statue up the only problem being finding such a person who came from Wycombe!
ivor
says...
2:02am Wed 24 Jun 09
No. I have never been to Hampstead Heath at night. What is it like there?
ivor
says...
2:03am Wed 24 Jun 09
You are so lucky to have so many wonderful parks in Marlow.
ivor
says...
2:03am Wed 24 Jun 09
How do you know that Hughenden Park isn’t better than the Buckinghamshire Countryside?
Melanie1
says...
8:06am Wed 24 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Because it no doubt has a surfeit of wooden benches so I am likely to meet you there, whereas the bridleways and footpaths that crisscross the countryside around me do not. That's about as good a reason as any!!!
Re the comments of Melanie1 at 8:43pm How do you know that Hughenden Park isn’t better than the Buckinghamshire Countryside?
Also, I see hares, deer, foxes, badgers, stoats, hobbys etc etc when out on my morning dog walk and apart from the odd deer or town fox I'm unlikely to see the rest in a town centre park.
smiley cat
says...
8:37am Wed 24 Jun 09
Melanie1 wrote:Hi Melanie
ivor wrote: Re the comments of Melanie1 at 8:43pm How do you know that Hughenden Park isn’t better than the Buckinghamshire Countryside?Because it no doubt has a surfeit of wooden benches so I am likely to meet you there, whereas the bridleways and footpaths that crisscross the countryside around me do not. That's about as good a reason as any!!! Also, I see hares, deer, foxes, badgers, stoats, hobbys etc etc when out on my morning dog walk and apart from the odd deer or town fox I'm unlikely to see the rest in a town centre park.
It is wonderful that you are lucky enough to have such access to the countryside on your doorstep.
However - whilst I would ( obviously) ignore idiot's remarks about Hugenden Park being better than the countryside, I have to tell you that it is not a town cenrre park.
It is a huge open space with massive trees, a stream and woodland walks.
It is a perfect place to spend a sleepy sunny afternoon. Take tea at the Manor tea rooms and then go for a wander.
Take a book and sit under the shade of an ancient oak tree.
Honestly it is a beautiful place - unsullied and unchanged over the years.
It cannot be compared to any other place ( despite the numpty's thoughts) and is a haven for families, older people, young people ... anyone.
Melanie1
says...
10:44am Wed 24 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:Smiley - That's a whole different ballgame and more like the sort of place that I'd visit for a walk, picnic and maybe an ice cream, although I wouldn't fall asleep on a bench! Although to be honest I probably won't write a date in my diary, just yet!
Melanie1 wrote:Hi Melanie It is wonderful that you are lucky enough to have such access to the countryside on your doorstep. However - whilst I would ( obviously) ignore idiot's remarks about Hugenden Park being better than the countryside, I have to tell you that it is not a town cenrre park. It is a huge open space with massive trees, a stream and woodland walks. It is a perfect place to spend a sleepy sunny afternoon. Take tea at the Manor tea rooms and then go for a wander. Take a book and sit under the shade of an ancient oak tree. Honestly it is a beautiful place - unsullied and unchanged over the years. It cannot be compared to any other place ( despite the numpty's thoughts) and is a haven for families, older people, young people ... anyone.ivor wrote: Re the comments of Melanie1 at 8:43pm How do you know that Hughenden Park isn’t better than the Buckinghamshire Countryside?Because it no doubt has a surfeit of wooden benches so I am likely to meet you there, whereas the bridleways and footpaths that crisscross the countryside around me do not. That's about as good a reason as any!!! Also, I see hares, deer, foxes, badgers, stoats, hobbys etc etc when out on my morning dog walk and apart from the odd deer or town fox I'm unlikely to see the rest in a town centre park.
smiley cat
says...
10:52am Wed 24 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Have you heard of Benjamin Disraeli?
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 8:59am Yes, I saw the impressive leisure centre while I was there. Unfortunately I am having difficulty in finding a lady who reaches my high standards so I fear that I will not be getting married there in the near future but I live in hope though. No. Hughenden Park does not have a statue of a five times Olympic gold medallist but I suppose we could always put such a statue up the only problem being finding such a person who came from Wycombe!
Did you also know that the Manor was used for very secret WW2 work?
I think Wycombe can hold its own against Olympian winners..
tom.marlow
says...
11:37am Wed 24 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:I didnt know Disraeli won 5 olympic gold medals.
ivor wrote: Re the comments of tom.marlow at 8:59am Yes, I saw the impressive leisure centre while I was there. Unfortunately I am having difficulty in finding a lady who reaches my high standards so I fear that I will not be getting married there in the near future but I live in hope though. No. Hughenden Park does not have a statue of a five times Olympic gold medallist but I suppose we could always put such a statue up the only problem being finding such a person who came from Wycombe!Have you heard of Benjamin Disraeli? Did you also know that the Manor was used for very secret WW2 work? I think Wycombe can hold its own against Olympian winners..
The war work at hughenden was so secret that none of us know about it. Now that you do, you will have to be shot :-)
Actually I have a vague memory of reading about something to do with that. But I've completely forgotten what it was; honest.
smiley cat
says...
12:21pm Wed 24 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:it is a little known fact but yes indeed Disraeli was an Olympic gymnast. He was know as Dashing Dizzy and was celebrated for his feats of heroism on the bars.
smiley cat wrote:I didnt know Disraeli won 5 olympic gold medals. The war work at hughenden was so secret that none of us know about it. Now that you do, you will have to be shot :-) Actually I have a vague memory of reading about something to do with that. But I've completely forgotten what it was; honest.ivor wrote: Re the comments of tom.marlow at 8:59am Yes, I saw the impressive leisure centre while I was there. Unfortunately I am having difficulty in finding a lady who reaches my high standards so I fear that I will not be getting married there in the near future but I live in hope though. No. Hughenden Park does not have a statue of a five times Olympic gold medallist but I suppose we could always put such a statue up the only problem being finding such a person who came from Wycombe!Have you heard of Benjamin Disraeli? Did you also know that the Manor was used for very secret WW2 work? I think Wycombe can hold its own against Olympian winners..
Oh and BTW - I think I am okay re the war work....
thank god for user names... ;)
tom.marlow
says...
12:33pm Wed 24 Jun 09
Ha - answer me that :-)
parcelman
says...
12:58pm Wed 24 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:Perhaps that was where his second home was
If Disraeli thought Wycombe was so good why did he call himself the "Earl of Beaconsfield" ? Ha - answer me that :-)
smiley cat
says...
3:31pm Wed 24 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:OMG
If Disraeli thought Wycombe was so good why did he call himself the "Earl of Beaconsfield" ? Ha - answer me that :-)
Well any scholar knows that!!
Ye olde Waitrose did not have a branch in High Wycombe and Dizzy liked their marchpane cakes...
Durhhh!
tom.marlow
says...
5:05pm Wed 24 Jun 09
ivor
says...
5:02am Sun 28 Jun 09
You never know, you may catch the glimpse of the odd fox in Hughenden Park!
Why not come and have a look for yourself?
ivor
says...
5:03am Sun 28 Jun 09
Of course Hughenden Park can be compared after all it’s only a park.
ivor
says...
5:03am Sun 28 Jun 09
Indeed I was ware of the contribution made by Hughenden Manor in the war. Can you compare being home to a Prime Minister with being an Olympian? Surely the Olympian would win every time?
ivor
says...
5:03am Sun 28 Jun 09
Good point! Why didn’t he use an association with Wycombe in his name rather than Beaconsfield?
ivor
says...
5:03am Sun 28 Jun 09
Good comment!
smiley cat
says...
4:13pm Wed 1 Jul 09
ivor wrote:Its only a park.....
Re the comments of smiley cat at 8:37am Wed 24 Jun 09 Of course Hughenden Park can be compared after all it’s only a park.
And that says it all.
Well I am sorry but Hughenden Park ( like any open space) is a miracle of nature. There is NOTHING at all that man has ever built that will ever compare with the beauty of an oak tree... nothing.
And that Ivor is sadly something you will never see... god I pity you, you sad little man.
The river runs close by the park.
There are many formal flower borders in the park.
In this section
- Welcome to Nature Connections
- The writing is on the wall for the traditional bookshop
- 'Snowmaggedon' – I Don’t Think Snow
- What can you do on a cold day in Wycombe?
- Are you worried about the cold this Winter?
- Airbrushing – what of it?
- The snow has arrived
- The lights are on but everyone’s at home
- Numbers!
- Its about to get colder
OllieNewbury says...
2:32am Sun 21 Jun 09
You are right though. Higginson Park is nice. You didn't mention the fact that the Thames Path goes through it as well, bringing in long distance walkers. I also thought the cafe there was very good, and the toilets were nice and clean.
I remember going to the play area as a child and feeding the ducks...
I may have to go again one day.