Many of you will recall the Taplow Heritage celebrations in 2009. I was pleased to contribute to those events in a number of ways including remembering Taplow’s history in wall-mounted words and photographs in the June and in an illustrated talk in the October. Somebody asked afterwards if I had thought about pulling all my information and imagery together in a book. I hadn’t. But I have since. And now I’ve finally published my father’s biography, the idea is coming into sharper focus. Three things are clear: for the book to be the best it can be, the past needs greater depth (especially about Hitcham), the story needs a better finish and, particularly when it comes to the recent past and the present day, it might make sense for me to be more editor than author. And this is where you come in...
As far as the past is concerned, I have already begun plans to dig into various local and national archives – but it would be so helpful if you could let me know of any facts or anecdotes you have about Taplow and its former inhabitants in general and about your houses and their former owners in particular, or if you could point me to sources of information that I might not have come across yet.
And for the finish, I’d like to develop further the ‘Local Hero’ theme that featured in my presentations. After all, the nearer it gets to the modern era, the more Taplow’s history becomes the story of notable individuals. It was appropriate in 2009 to celebrate the likes of Lord Desborough but what about others recently departed or still living who should have their potted histories captured for posterity in the book’s gaze? I’m thinking not only of those in the local or national spotlight but also of less high-profile but still remarkable characters who add colour to the tapestry of Taplow and Hitcham. But who are they? What do you think? Please let me have your nominations and, if possible, please also provide supporting stories, explanation or information – preferably in writing (to avoid too optimistic reliance on my little grey cells).
I anticipate that the final content of the book will be a selection of my own words and pictures and those that are submitted to me. While I must reserve the right to edit your contributions, especially to give context and create ‘flow’, I will aim to incorporate and accredit those that require little or no literary development. However, it is not necessary for your contributions to be the finished article. Where necessary, I will follow up with research, questions and interviews before producing final draft entries. And to reassure anyone who feels a little shy, I’ve proposed to Eva Lipman as chair of the Hitcham & Taplow Society that the committee should have final editorial selection of who will appear in the book, that nobody will be featured against their will or the will of their surviving family, and that this will be a charitable venture not a commercial one.
My contact details are: Nigel Smales, The Cottage, Rectory Road, Taplow, Bucks SL6 0ET; telephone 01628 661636; e-mail
cazanig@aol.com. I shall look forward to your contributions. At the moment, there is no deadline – but striking while the iron’s hot might be a good idea.
Nigel Smales
