David Gantzel’s excellent and well researched book on the history of Hazlemere sheds some light upon the events in 1919 referred to in Mr Mapletoft’s patronising and emotive letter (BFP letters, Oct 17).

According to Mr Gantzel a special memorial service of remembrance was held on 6 April 1919. He makes no reference to either a parade beforehand or to the unanimous support for a village hall. The following evening a meeting of the villagers took place to discuss how best to remember the fallen. Various ideas were put forward, including a public hall, but that selected was a War Memorial which was duly made and dedicated on December 12, 1919. The dedication was preceded by a procession similar to that described by Mr Mapletoft; could Mr Mapletoft’s research have got the two events mixed up?

The Rev F.F. Field was a local resident, having retired as rector of Woughton on the Green. He undertook the day to day running of the church while the incumbent Rev Clissold was a Chaplain to the forces. It seems curious that Mr Mapletoft implies that Rev Field donated £500 for a memorial hall, when this was not being considered. It is therefore not surprising that this amount is untraceable, but if it was donated perhaps it was used to purchase the Recreation Ground in June 1919. This purchase of land previously leased for 21 years in 1913 was for the amount of £500. Incidentally, one of the first actions by the Social Workers League after the purchase was to erect an army hut as a Pavilion, not a memorial hall, to serve both the sports and social requirements of the village. Unless I am mistaken, Mr Mapletoft’s interpretation of historical events to support decisions of the parish council is misplaced. – C.J. Andrew, Green Street, Hazlemere