Chairman’s Report by Ron Waters

The change of government in the last year was certain, we all knew, to bring about fundamental changes in local affairs. These changes may be the result of a different political philosophy, to the strictures and pressures of global or national economies or the result of a different form of government. Whatever the cause, we can expect to have to adjust to things being done differently. Clearly the first problems we are all going to encounter will be the result of the restriction of Local Government funding. I fear we are going to have to do without many services that we have enjoyed and perhaps relied upon.

Quite apart from the restriction, withdrawal or changed providers of our services we will have to get our minds around changes in the decision making process in some important areas. Not the least of these is the planning system, which could well affect much of the Society‘s activities. The proposed devolution of powers in the planning system is set out in the new Localism Bill now going through its second reading in Parliament and scheduled to be enacted in 2012.

In Donald Rumsfeld speak, one of the "known unknowns" for the Society in the forthcoming year is how we align with this new system and whether we have the resources (people, funds and expertise) to assume the additional commitments that might be required.

In the last year we have continued to monitor all planning applications made to the Wycombe District Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and responded, either in support or objection, where we consider the proposal affects the character or environment of our area. We have also continued to investigate and respond to any development which should have planning permission and be subject to public scrutiny.

I have reported separately on the important issues of the proposed construction of a stadium and sports complex at Wycombe Air Park, Booker, for Wycombe Wanderers / London Wasps consortium and the proposed change of use of Lloyds Bank to a bar. The Society has opposed both of these proposals after the receipt of many views from members expressing their concern.

We are all having to be more careful with our money these days and the Society is no exception. We have been careful over the past year with the funds we have and with our expenditure and resisted any increase in membership fees. I suspect we all know very well how easy it is to spend money! I am therefore very grateful to Mike Cottrell for his carefull husbandry of our funds and for his advice on our income and expenditure and I am pleased to present his end of year accounts for your approval.
It was with much regret that, due to his ill health, we had to accept Tony Reeve‘s resignation from Chairmanship of the History Group. The role has now passed to David Greenwood who has a comprehensive knowledge of the town‘s history. My thanks go to Tony for all his hard work and to David for taking over the reins. My thanks also go to Val Beadle for her work in organizing our very successful town walks. She has now stepped down from this duty but continues as one of our town guides. We are looking for a new organizer and would be delighted to hear from any interested member.

Last year we were saddened at the death of Professor John Griffith who, while leading the Marlow Group, remained a Member of the Society. John was instrumental in saving our bridge from demolition in the 1950‘s and in the establishment of the Society which he saw as important in protecting the town‘s character and environment. Lets hope we have lived up to and continue with his vision. In response to a request from his friends in the town, the Society has started to investigate the possibility of a memorial, perhaps on or near to the bridge, to commemorate his achievement. The Society continues to monitor the condition of the bridge and lobby for the proper care and maintenance of what is now an internationally recognized symbol of Marlow and is one of our Grade 1 listed buildings.

Last year saw some changes in our Executive Committee with Henry Sless and George Lawrence, who bring valuable input to our work, replacing David Steele, Derek Done and Bob Savidge. I am fortunate still to have the assistance of all three in planning, transport and environmental issues. I also regard myself as very lucky to have the safe hands of Harriet Wilson and Sarah Pratt (editor and public relations and membership secretary respectively) and the experience of Mike Overall in local affairs and Geoff Wood in licensing and the preservation of our valued memorials and structures. I am continually amazed that Martin Blunkell, our Hon. Secretary, in addition to his secretarial work, seems to have expertise in construction, engineering, electronics and computers, all of which I have aspired to but never quite mastered. I am also very grateful to our President Sir Keith Stuart who keeps a weather eye on all our activities and I am reassured and guided by his advice.
I commend to you the voluntary work of all the Executive Committee and all those Members whose help is given in pursuit of the wellbeing of our town.