Henley Society

WE have been contacted by Network Rail regarding upcoming track renewal work on the Henley branch line, which will run from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1.

During this time, trains won’t run between Twyford and Henley and replacement buses will be running between Twyford and Shiplake via Henley instead.

Valid rail tickets will also be accepted on the number 850 Carousel bus service between Twyford and Henley. Season ticket-holders for the Henley branch can also use their tickets for travel between Marlow and Maidenhead while the work takes place.

Online journey planners have been updated and customers will be made aware through station posters, station and on train announcements and traditional and social media.

Our joint initiative with Henley Town Council, the washing down of road signs, is nearing completion with around 200 signs having been cleaned by our contractor, Washforce. This has been a very successful project and we trust that you have noticed the improved appearance of the signs in time for the royal regatta.

Members should be aware that if you live in a street where vegetation is such that negotiating safe passage of pavements is impacted then the authority to be contacted is Oxfordshire County Council and reporting the fact on Fix My Street can be a very effective way of getting the excess vegetation cleared.

Members might also like to know that every roadside gully in the county is due for attention this year. Again, if your street is affected, reporting on FixMyStreet might be sensible.

Thursday, June 26 was a special day for the society when the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, came down from Westminster to unveil our blue plaque commemorating the birthplace in 1591 of William Lenthall.

Lenthall was Speaker during the Long Parliament of 1640-1660. The unveiling was carried out in the presence of Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo and Mayor Tom Buckley.

It was Lenthall who defied the wishes of King Charles II and in doing so established the independence of Parliament. The occasion was attended by three descendants of Lenthall, Toby Lenthall, from Ascot, Toby’s grandfather Colin Lenthall, from Surrey, and Henley’s own Andy Fiennes Trotman.

Mr Hoyle made a short speech introducing Lenthall at the unveiling and the party then moved on to Phyllis Court for afternoon tea in the sunshine on the terrace.

Described as the best, most inclusive festival on the Thames, we would like to highlight the Traditional Boat Festival, which runs from July 18 to 20. You can obtain tickets for the 46th renewal at www.tradboatfestival.com

Finally, tickets for our summer event, Music on the Lawn on Sunday, August 10, are now on sale. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, visit www.the
henleysociety.org

The Executive Committee