In early September we went to Four Oaks Caravan Club site just on the edge of Henley. Henley is a small town with a population of 10,500 and is most famous for the Henley Regatta (early July) and the Leander Rowing Club.
By the river in Henley
Our first visit out was to the National Trust property Hughenden Manor. It is a red brick Victorian mansion, located in High Wycombe. In the 19th century, it was the country house of the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.
During the Second World War, Hughenden Manor was used as a secret intelligence base code-named "Hillside". The UK Air Ministry staff at the manor analysed aerial photography of Germany and created maps for bombing missions, including the famous "Dambusters” raid.
Sue and I were surprised to see that two of the photos on show were of Dortmund and Munster, both places we have lived in.
The photos were taken from a slide show hence the poor quality.
The first weekend in Henley was ‘Heritage Open Days’. I had booked a visit to the Ercol factory in Princes Risborough. We enjoyed the visit, but because of the factory noise, early on in the tour, we didn’t hear all that was said.
In the quieter part of the factory they were steaming and bending the wood for seats, backs etc. I was surprised to see that it was very hands on.
On the Friday we knew that David Walliams was passing through Henley on his epic 140 mile swim down the Thames. I was returning from a cycle ride down the Thames Path to be met by a couple of thousand people cheering David on. He can be seen here at the Leander Club who fed and watered him. I am pleased to say that David reached his goal despite Thames Water dumping raw sewage into the Thames close to his route.
On the Sunday we headed for Marlow, 8 miles away. They had quite a few offerings for the Heritage Weekend. Most of them are available all the time, but on this weekend there are people about to give the history and background of the structures, statues etc.
Marlow Place – now used as offices
An old Gestetner: some of you might remember them as very messy.
Marlow town bridge – the only suspension bridge over the non tidal part of the Thames. It is a smaller version of the suspension bridge over the Danube in Budapest.
View from the bridge
We found a lovely little garden with this wonderful sundial.
Oldie Photo
Berlin 1970’s - Sue in front of the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate (which was in East Germany)
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