Dennis Claydon

Dennis Claydon Report by The History Group

Dennis was born on 28^th October 1942 in the Royal Bucks Hospital, Aylesbury. He always said that meant he was ‘not Lacey Green born and bred’, but he was certainly a Lacey Green man at heart.

His mother, Crisilla Hickman was from Turnip End and his father, William Joseph Claydon (‘Joe’) was one of six brothers who lived in Kiln Cottage (now known as Kiln Barn). Dennis’ parents were Sunday School teachers at the Primitive Methodist Church, Lacey Green and Dennis had recently completed a book on the History of Methodism in Lacey Green, which can be found on the History Group website. Dennis said that his interest in history was sparked by talking to Miss Mabel Janes, a teacher at Lacey Green school - a near neighbour who lived at White House Farm.

Dennis’ mother died in 1947 when he was just five years old and in 1952 his father married Evangeline Harber.

At Hatters Lane School, Dennis suffered a bad accident in the playground and dislocated his hip: this was treated at Oxford, where he was in traction for a long time. Dennis was in the scouts and Lacey Green vicarage garage served as a scout hut. Here he would have met one of his life-long friends, Gordon May.  Later, interested in cricket, but unable to actively participate because of the earlier injury, he became a score keeper for the local cricket club.

Dennis’ career was spent entirely at Whiteleaf Furniture, Princes Risborough, finally as a Progressor, supervising and checking orders, retiring early after developing Deep Vein Thrombosis.

All his life, Dennis attended Lacey Green Methodist Church, where children were expected to go to the three Sunday services.  He was taught to play the organ there by Mrs Kathleen Church and when the Methodist Church closed, often played at Naphill.  Dennis was an accomplished organist.

A highlight of his life was in 1968 when he became ‘Bard 0f Lacey Green’ on winning a poetry competition. Dennis was a very talented artist and several of his drawings appeared on the covers of Hallmark.

Dennis also served on the Parish Council for over 25 years, much of the time as Deputy Chairman.

It is believed he was one of the founder members of the Princes Risborough Heritage Society.

in 1971 Dennis and Joan West worked on local history and in 2008, together with Rosemary

Mortham, formed the History Group, since adding more members.

A number of exhibitions have been held since, including a large event at the school and with friends, Douglas Tilbury and Gordon May, a ‘virtual tour’ of the history of properties and occupants over the years, together with the invaluable technical assistance of Leigh Axe.

More recently, Dennis and Rita Probert researched and documented details of all local men who lost their lives during World War 1 and together, last year, compiled files for the Wedding Exhibition in St John’s Church.

Around 2012, Dennis developed an untreatable cancer, but carried on with his work as historian and Parish Councillor for as long as he was able. He spent a few weeks in the Sue Ryder Hospice, Nettlebed and later in the Shelburne Nursing Home, High Wycombe, where he passed away on Friday, 13th November 2015.

Dennis was a very private person and few realised just how much he did for the community or how

talented he was. We in the History Group feel proud to have worked with Dennis and grateful that we have been able to preserve many of his memories and research for future generations. Dennis will be sadly missed by us all.

By The History Group

Dennis Claydon was one of the first 5 writers and researchers for the Lacey Green and Loosley Row Local History Group.

PROFILE. as on the Local History Website

Dennis wouldn't claim to be a true local, since he was not born in Lacey Green. However, he has spent most of his life in the village. He started school at St. Joh's and later transferred to High Wycombe.

FAMILY. Members of the Claydon family have resided in Lacey Green for well over 200 years. This stimulated in Dennis from a very early age, an interest in local history. From the initial examination of family documents his hobby had led to a far wider study of general village history. His pursuit continue to grow over the years and he had done considerable research whenever time would allow.

INTERESTS. He was a member of Princes Risborough Area Heritage Society, Risborough Countryside Group and Bucks Family History Society. Lately he was a serving member on Lacey Green Parish Council, a position which he held for over 20 years.

SADLY Dennis died on Friday 13th November 2016 aged 73, just after he finished a History of Methodism in Lacey Green.

For research and writings by Dennis, click: --

Methodist Chapel, Lacey Green

Absentee Landlords. Dennis researched 2nd half of the first article 'Lords of the Manor'.

1905 Auction. Sale of properties at Up Green, Documents found by Dennis

1915 Sale of Estate of Thomas Dell documents found by Dennis

Saunderton Station Research by Dennis. First printed in Hallmark, February 1990.