Tributes have been paid to a popular resident of Chalfont Heights who served the estate over many years.

Derek Bryan, 87, was a former Chairman of the Roads Committee which maintains the estate and its roads on behalf of 200 families who live here.

Derek Bryan (1931-2018)

Derek and his wife Pamela moved into their home on Chiltern Hill almost a half century ago in 1969. For many years Derek served as a volunteer on the Committee, chairing it for six years from 2002.

Born in London, he graduated from Imperial College London with a degree in Physics and Maths and went on to work in marketing for the British photographic company, Ilford, and later internationally for engine component manufacturers.

He was always interested in cars and motor racing. Derek was instrumental in organising a parade of classic cars which retraced the route of historic hill climbs on the Chalfont Heights Estate in June 2015.

Chalfont Heights Hill Climb re-enactment, 2015

A genial, kind and patient man, for many years Derek was the driving force behind the committee of volunteers who serve the estate.

Fellow Chalfont Heights trustee and committee member Robin Mellor said: “Derek was the most knowledgeable and conscientious person and devoted himself to looking after the affairs of Chalfont Heights. His knowledge of the estate and its history was outstanding and he supported me in my capacity as a trustee with responsibility for development. He had a wicked sense of humour. I will really miss him.”

Jonathan Pegler, who later followed in Derek’s footsteps as Chairman of the Roads Committee, commented: “We shall all miss Derek. He was a clear-thinking and commanding presence as Chairman, and gave generously of his time and expertise over the years after he stepped down.  I could not have functioned as Chairman without his help and support.”

Derek Bryan (right) at the street party marking the Royal Wedding , 2011

Derek ran a wine company as a hobby and was a qualified Advanced Driving Instructor. He loved playing golf, and listening to music – attending concerts and recitals in London and across Europe.

He leaves his widow, Pam, to whom he was married for 63 years, children Kate and Rod, and seven grandchildren.

If flags were flown in Chalfont Heights, they would surely be at half mast today. Rest in peace, Derek.

Chalfont Heights Roads Committee sends sincere condolences to Janet and all the family of Paul Cassell, who sadly died recently.

Paul served the Chalfont Heights estate as a Committee member, Trustee, and also Chairman. He was unfailingly  calm and considered in all his dealings. Those who worked closely with him fondly remember his wry humour and wisdom.

Paul will be much missed in the estate, and his extensive service to all who live in Chalfont Heights is much appreciated.

Chalfont Heights Roads Committee

A parade of classic cars will retrace the route of historic hill climbs on the Chalfont Heights Estate in June, in a one-off display marking the 80^th anniversary of the last event held here in 1935.

Courtesy: Motoring Pictures Library

The commemoration of the Chalfont Heights Hill Climbs on the Village Feast Day on Saturday 27^th June has been organised jointly by FEAST OF ST PETER, THE CELFUNDE INHERITANCE, and the CHALFONT HEIGHTS ESTATE. Hill climbs were held on the dirt roads of the Estate between 1929 & 1935, organised by the Middlesex County Automobile Club, the Bugatti Owners’ Club and the Junior Racing Drivers’ Club.

Courtesy: Motoring Pictures Library

On the morning of the annual VILLAGE FEAST DAY event, many cars of the types that took part in the hill climbs between 1929 and 1935 will retrace the original route of the climb. Assembling at 10.00 at Chalfont Park House, they will start at 11.00 and proceed to the bottom of Woodside Hill, up along the original course to the Finish on Woodside Hill. Then along Ellis Avenue, Chiltern Hill and Upway to Joiners Lane. From there they will drive back down to the village centre where they will drive through the High Street and Market Place to join other classic vehicles gathering on Goldhill Common. Most will negotiate the hairpin, introduced by the Bugatti Owners’ Club in 1933, around the island at the junction with Lincoln Road.

Courtesy: Motoring Pictures Library

The event offers unrivalled opportunities to see many of these historic, beautifully kept cars in the original setting that is part of the Village history. When the hill climbs took place in the 1930’s there were only a few houses on Woodside Hill and hundreds of spectators came to see them compete. Cars like the Bugatti, Riley, Frazer Nash, Invicta, Alvis, Bentley, MG and others that you will see on the 27^th June were brought to Chalfont St Peter by enthusiastic owners. They included Peter Whitehead who raced in F1, won in a Jaguar at Le Mans, had his racing workshop at Motorwork in Market Place and regularly conducted business in the White Hart. We may not be fortunate enough to see such a gathering of Classic Cars again in Chalfont St Peter, most of which are over eighty years old.

Heritage group, Celfunde Inheritance, will be displaying original photographs of the hill climbs and details of the course at their stand on Goldhill Common on FEAST DAY. The classic hill climb cars will park there next to the popular classic cars from about 11:30 onwards.

Close-up map of hill climb route

Residents in Woodside Hill, Ellis Avenue, upper Chiltern Hill and Upway are requested not to park on the roadway between 10..30 – 11.30 on Saturday 27^th June to ensure that the Parade has a clear run through the Estate. You are welcome to come and see the cars as they assemble at Chalfont Park from 10.00 onwards but are requested to park in the Staff car park to the left side of the house.

A pair of glasses has been found outside Chaltry, Chiltern Hill.

The spectacles are prescription and have black frames with a square shaped lozenge on the side and the makers are Elle.

If they may be yours, or you know someone who has lost them, please contact Mrs June Cook at Chaltry.

Very strong winds brought a tree down on Ellis Avenue in the early evening of Weds 6th May.

Fortunately, no one was hurt when the tree fell, at April Cottage.

However, a resident’s car was damaged.