Henley Society

THE year 2022 was a busy one for the Henley Society and one of considerable progress.

January saw the results of our member survey on the Henley Bridge lights in which 82 per cent of respondents were in favour.

We also published the society’s history, The Henley Society — The First 60 Years.

February saw the unveiling of a reinstated sign at Peartree Cottages in Rotherfield Greys which we carried out on behalf of the Henley Housing Trust.

In March 120 members enjoyed an informative and entertaining talk by the Queen’s swan marker, David Barber.

March was also the month we presented a lime tree to Henley Town Council to be planted in Freemans Meadow.

In April the society’s annual meeting was attended by 45 members who were informed about the importance of the joint Henley and Harpsden neighbourhood plan by town councillor Ken Arlett.

Later in April more than 100 members were entertained by Simon Clinton’s talk entitled “Save Wild Tigers” and enjoyed a coach trip to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for the Commandant’s Parade.

The Raymond Youle Plaque was unveiled at the Gravel Hill amenity area.

In May, we updated the planning page on our website with useful tips on how members could comment on planning applications.

In June we celebrated the planting of eight trees at Sheephouse Lane/Reading Road, all generously sponsored by our members in memory of loved ones.

In July our membership passed 600 for the first time in our history when Jenna Shanks enrolled.

The society took a stand at the Thames Traditional Boat Fair for the first time, again enrolling a number of new members.

In August our signature event took place at the Remenham Club.

Music on the Lawn was enjoyed in glorious weather by some 200 members and guests.

We were honoured to have the presence of the Mayor Michelle Thomas who officially opened the proceedings.

In September almost 100 members enjoyed a trip to the Fawley Hill steam day and railway museum courtesy of Lady McAlpine.

Some members enjoyed afternoon tea in the on-site cafe and train rides around the grounds.

The society took a stand at the Henley Farm & Country show at which seven new members were enrolled.

In October we sent a letter of condolence, on behalf of all members, to King Charles III on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. A gracious reply was received.

In November Julian Brookes, our deputy chairman, laid a wreath in memory of the fallen of the two world wars at the remembrance service outside the town hall.

Also in the month members heard an enjoyable talk by long-time resident Peter Hancock who spoke to his wonderful full colour films of VE/VJ Day and the 1946 Henley Royal Regatta.

In December we held our birthday celebration breakfast at the Catherine Wheel Hotel on the exact 60th anniversary of the founding of the society.

Again, we were honoured by the presence of the Mayor, who unveiled a com-memorative blue plaque, sponsored by the society, noting our long association with the hotel. Breakfast was a sell-out.

While all this was going on the society committee was busily engaged during the year in attempting to get the Friday Street slipway re-opened, completing the Phillimore Fountain restoration, promoting the removal of graffiti, assisting with the review of the neighbourhood plan and lobbying regarding the (un)cleanliness of our town centre roads and pavements, pursuing the solar compactor bin trial and reviewing and commenting on almost 300 planning applications.

The executive committee comprised Valerie Alasia, Julian Brookes, Veronica Carlton, Dr Jenny Copeland, Karen Grieve, Geoff Luckett, Sandra Moon, Catherine Notaras, Nora Scanlon and David Whitehead.

The committee is grateful for the excellent support shown at all of our events, talks and visits by our members. Thank you.

Geoff Luckett
chairman