Tring Park CC, London Road
Please contact us via our website.
Archives: Local Info
Herbalife – Wellness Coaching
Sports nutrition, weight management, energising & general support for healthy lifestyles and skin care.
Please contact us for full details.
Ivinghoe Golf Club
Ivinghoe Golf Club, Wellcroft, Ivinghoe.
Opened in 1967, this family run 9 hole golf course, set in the beautiful Chiltern Hills, provides challenging golf to all ages & abilities. Mens, Ladies, Senior & Junior sections. Open to visitors daily. There is also a large, well stocked Pro Shop, offering tuition and club repairs. Hot and cold food available in the clubhouse.
Tring Showstoppers Drama
Our studios in Tring and the surrounding areas are the perfect place to introduce your children to all the fun of the theatre.
Our classes are taught by Kate Turnley and Emma Russon, incorporating singing,drama and musical theatre, ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential
At Pitstone Memorial Hall every Wednesday during term time.
4.00pm-5.00pm for 6-11 years and
5.00pm-6.00pm for 12-18 years
kate@tringshowstoppers.co.uk 01296 661389
emma@tringshowstoppers.co.uk 07590 377756
Pitstone, Ivinghoe, and Cheddington United Football Club (Senior)
Matches every Sunday, kick off 10:30 during the season at the recreation ground.
Pitstone & Ivinghoe Football Club
Matches every Saturday afternoon during the football season on the Recreation Ground.
Pitstone & Ivinghoe Junior Football Club
Football coaching and games for children between the ages of 5 and 18 throughout the season.
Members of the Club are drawn from local villages and towns in the surrounding area, including Pitstone, Ivinghoe, Cheddington, Eddlesborough, Leighton Buzzard, Marsworth, Mentmore, Slapton, Tring, Wilstone, Wing, Wingrave and beyond.
Fencing
Dacorum Fencing Club, based in various venues in Hemel Hempstead.
Cubs
For children aged 8-10.5 years.
Part of 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone Scout Group. Meet at the Scout HQ next to the Lawn in Ivinghoe.
The Windmill Pack meet between 6:30-8.00pm every Wednesday during term time. Leader: Dan (Akela)
The Watermill Pack meet between 6.30-8.00pm every Thursday during term time. Leader: Rob Mercel (Shere Khan)
For any enquiries or to join the waiting list please contact us.
Crazy Golf
Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead open throughout the summer.
Also available: croquet, petanque, giant chess and draughts and outdoor table tennis.
Beacon Community Choir
Meets during term time only on Thursday evenings between 8.15pm-9.30pm at St Mary’s Church in Ivinghoe. Join us for a cup of tea beforehand at 8.00pm. No audition or experience required. Do not require ability to sight read music but basic ability to follow music is helpful. We are led by an experienced professional musical director.
Cheddington Bowls Club
Bowls can be played by all ages, abilities and sexes so the whole family can enjoy it together. Outdoor bowling green on the Recreation Ground, High Street, Cheddington.
Beacon Short Mat Bowls Club
Full size woods on mats 45’ x 6’. Main Hall of Pitstone Memorial Hall
Wednesday 09:45-12:15
Thursday 19:00-21:30
(Oct-Apr).
Beavers
For children aged 6-8 years.
Part of 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone Scout Group. Meet at the Scout HQ next to the Lawn in Ivinghoe every Monday & Tuesday during term time.
Watermill Pack 6.00pm-7.00pm on Monday, Leader Tom
Windmill Pack 6.00pm-7.00pm on Tuesday, Leader Jakki
For any enquiries or to join the waiting list please contact us.
Ballet Dancing
Fun classes for children in ballet, following the ISTD syllabi, with qualified, registered teachers. Monday afternoons from 3pm (term time only) at Ivinghoe Town Hall for children aged 3 years or over. You are welcome to come along for a trial session.
Contact: Lisa Sabatini, Beacon Arts, The Studios, 3 Boss Avenue, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4SD
Pitstone Badminton Club
One court at the main hall at Pitstone Memorial Hall. Takes place each Monday between September and July 7.30pm-10.00pm. The club is friendly, and competes in the Aylesbury and District Leagues.
Pitstone and Ivinghoe Baby and Toddler Group
Ivinghoe & Pitstone Baby and Toddlers meet at Pitstone Memorial Hall every Thursday morning during term time from 9.30am-11.00am.
You can be sure of a warm welcome & cup of coffee, and for the little ones there is a variety of activities, music sessions, arts & crafts, toys, games and story time. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
£3 per family (which includes your drinks and snacks).
Contact via our Facebook page below:
Chiltern Archery
Chiltern Archery are based at the Archery Centre (the largest archery centre in Europe), Buckland Village, Aston Clinton. With over 7 acres of outdoor shooting plus 30m 7 boss indoor range. Beginners courses available.
Tring Anglers
The Tring Anglers are a small, friendly club committed to improving and promoting fishing. They are based on the Grand Union Canal, Aylesbury Arm at Marsworth Reservoir.
Pitstone Town Lands Charity
Reg. Charity. No. 204053
Pitstone Town Lands Charity provides financial support to people who need help in our community. We offer grants to individual Pitstone residents, as well as local organisations who provide valuable services to them.
- The Charity makes individual grants to local people who need financial support. Grants include the cost of transport to hospital or job interviews, support for further education or training (including books), as well as bereavement grants towards funeral costs.
- We regard people of pensionable age as among those most in need. We assist with grants for glasses, dental care and chiropody. The charity does not make regular payments or fund a higher level of service than considered necessary by the NHS or other statutory services.
Pitstone Town Lands Charity has been helping residents of Pitstone since 1422. Years ago, settlements that were larger than a hamlet or with a church, used to be called a town. That’s why today villages often have a Town Farm or Town Hall and, like Pitstone, may have Town Land Charities. These charities owned strips of land that were used for the benefit of needy inhabitants in the town.
Back in 1422, PTLC owned two acres of arable land. Then in 1625, documents held in the Buckinghamshire County Archive, showed the charity also owned a cottage, barn, garden and an orchard. During the 19th century the charity’s assets fell into disrepair. Its buildings were only fit for housing ducks and in a sixty-year period it only earned £10 in rent.
In 1912, PTLC was revamped, and the Charity Commission approved a new scheme allowing the charity to use funds for nursing tasks and associated travel costs. This operated until 1968, when the current scheme was adopted to widen the scope of benefits which the charity could offer.
Today, PTLC owns four flats for rent to tenants with a strong Pitstone connection, two large fields used for agricultural purposes, and a 6-acre field rented by residents to keep their horses. The charity also receives dividends and interest from investments. We report our annual accounts to the Charity Commission, and these can be viewed on the Commission’s website.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Gill Lowe (Chair of PTLC Trustees) in confidence on 01296 668809 or gill.lowe@pitstone.email
Pitstone Town Lands Charity Trustees:
Gill Lowe (Chair) gill.lowe@pitstone.email
Tracy Fuentes (Treasurer) tracy.fuentes@pitstone.email
Kate Smethers kate.smethers@pitstone.email
Sue Gregory sue.gregory@pitstone.email
Mark Robinson mark.robinson@pitstone.email
Alasdair Russell alasdair.russell@pitstone.email
Eric McCashey eric.mccashey@pitstone.email
March 2025
The Williamson Trust
Registered Charity. No. 266108
The Williamson Trust provides financial support to any Pitstone resident aged 65 or over on 31 March. Grants are made in April each year and delivered as cheques to eligible residents.
- The Williamson Trust is a registered charity and was established in 1973 for the benefit of people over 65 who live within the parish of Pitstone.
- The Trustees maintain a list of eligible couples and individuals, delivering the grants as cheques annually.
The Williamson Trust was established in 1973 for the benefit of people over 65 who live within the parish of Pitstone. It takes its name from Mark Williamson who donated £10,000 following the sale of land to develop Crispin Field. A further bequest of £93,000 was made to the charity following the death of his son, Humphrey Williamson, in 2009. The Charity has invested donations from the Williamson family and uses the interest from these funds to make grants.
If you know someone who is eligible, or you are eligible but not registered with the Williamson Trust, please contact Gill Lowe (Chair of the Williamson Trust) on 01296 668809 or gill.lowe@pitstone.email
Williamson Trust Trustees:
Gill Lowe (Chair) gill.lowe@pitstone.email
Tracy Fuentes (Treasurer) tracy.fuentes@pitstone.email
Kate Smethers kate.smethers@pitstone.email
Sue Gregory sue.gregory@pitstone.email
Mark Robinson mark.robinson@pitstone.email
Alasdair Russell alasdair.russell@pitstone.email
Eric McCashey eric.mccashey@pitstone.email
Please click here for a copy of the Williamson Trust leaflet:
Youth Cafe
94% of the young people we spoke to told the parish council that they would love somewhere safe to hang out and have fun with their friends. The older generation said that they would like somewhere constructive for the young people to go, rather than hang around the streets.
We held several successful pop-up cafe’s during the spring & summer holidays and are very grateful to Brookmead school for offering the Youth Cafe a regular home in the past.
In May 2021, the Youth Cafe moved to its new home at Pitstone Pavilion, on Marsworth Road, opposite the Junction with Westfield Road. The full address is:
Pitstone Pavilion, Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9AP
The cafe is an initiative by Pitstone Parish Council, we are very grateful for the support of all our volunteers, without whom it wouldn’t be able to operate.
If you are 11-16 years old and at secondary school you are welcome to attend the café, which is held every Wednesday from 6.30pm-8.00pm, during term time.
The Youth Cafe offers loads of cool activities like games, wide screen computer games, sports, workshops, craft activities, snacks and drinks, music and chill out space. The trained youth leaders will also be able to provide you with support and guidance.
All we ask is that you show respect to the people and property whilst at the cafe and to the neighbouring residents as you make your way home – so do come and join in the fun.
We are currently looking for additional volunteers to help us run the cafe, no qualifications are necessary, just a willingness to play games, serve refreshments, or join in with sports, crafts or activities. Suitable for anyone 18yrs or over with no upper age limit. Please contact Laurie Eagling if you would like to have a chat about helping, or for more information.
Allotments
The new allotment site on Marsworth Road, opposite Delicious meal & Woodz Pizza, opened in April 2010, with 4 extra plots added in 2014.
The National Trust has leased the land to Pitstone Parish Council for the sole purpose of providing allotments for village residents.
The Pitstone Allotment Association was formed to manage the site on behalf of the parish council. They provide support to all the allotment tenants to ensure they get the most benefit from their allotment plots by encouraging the sharing of knowledge, a love of growing fruit, vegetables and flowers plus social interaction. They arrange a number of open days and special events at the site throughout the year, so that the whole community can benefit from this superb facility.
The site is divided into 73 quarter sized plots (which measure approximately 6.25m x 5m or 20ft by 16ft) and residents can request up to 4 plots, subject to availability. All plots are currently occupied and a waiting list is in operation.
Vinghoe Veloes
The (I)vinghoe Velos are a group of residents of the Buckinghamshire villages Ivinghoe and Pitstone who get together regularly for a bike ride. It is suitable for all fitness and equipment levels. The main rides are from the Rose and Crown Pub in Ivinghoe:
- Saturday 10am Tea Ride, goes as fast as the slowest rider with regular ‘stop and waits’ along the route plus a tea and cake stop half way round. Usually back at the pub around 12.30pm. Everyone and all cycle styles welcome.
- Sundays at 9.50am. A group ride averaging 13mph. Faster and slower riders welcome but these groups are self led. Returns to the pub around 12.15pm
- Tuesdays at 7.30pm – the Pitstone Loonies – meets at the junction of Rushendon Furlong and Marsworth Road. A technical and challenging off-road ride for mountain bikers only. Lights essential during winter months.
- Thursdays at 7.30pm – the Pitstone Puddlers – meets at the Marsworth Road/Vicarage Road roundabout for general trail riding. All abilities welcome. Lights essential during winter months.
- Occasionally we arrange rides on other days including some off road adventures.
The focus is to support all members of the group to achieve what they want to from each and every ride and to have FUN.
We welcome ALL cyclists so please encourage friends from all over the area, the more the merrier. All rides will be published on the website,
Please visit the following website www.ivinghoevelos.org.uk or just turn up at one of the meeting points.
You can also subscribe to the mailing list by visiting the above web site and then you will be notified as soon as each new ride is posted.
If you are into social media, you will find (I)vinghoe Velos on Facebook (where you will also find updates for the mid-week rides) or you can follow them on Twitter @Vinghoevelos
You will get to see some of the stunning countryside around our village and the local areas and get fit at the same time, so do give it a try. Happy cycling!
Rose and Crown Public House
A public house since 1699, The Rose and Crown is probably Pitstone and Ivinghoe’s oldest surviving business. Today it is operated as a community facility and in 2010 was awarded Aylesbury Vale’s Community Pub of the Year, Runner-up. As well as being run on a day to day basis as the village pub, The Rose and Crown is available for events. There is no charge for the venue; only for catering. The pub is also available for local fundraising activities and regularly contributes to, and assists with, local fundraising initiatives.
The pub hosts a number of clubs, groups and activities. Please check the website for up to date information.
Ivinghoe Town Hall
Ivinghoe Town Hall dates back to the early 16th century and has a long history of supporting the local community, being the meeting place for trading and social events. Whilst it has been modernised over the years to cater for modern day needs, it has lost nothing of its charm and character. The hall is the perfect location for meetings, classes as well as parties and gatherings.
The meeting room is located above the Post Office. A chair lift is provided for those who find the stairs difficult. You can find the Town Hall in the High Street, opposite the Lawn.
Yardley Avenue Sheltered Accommodation Lounge
The sheltered accommodation in Yardley Avenue is run by the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust. The elderly residents have a dedicated lounge for social events. Often these events are restricted to the residents only, but sometimes they are open to anyone.
Pitstone Pavilion
These premises on the Marsworth Road (almost opposite the Westfield Road junction) sit on the site of the old Castle Cement work force football pitch. The original Pavilion and two football pitches were provided to the village as part of the leisure facilities agreement with the developers of the Castlemead housing estate. These premises are owned by Pitstone Parish Council.
The complete redevelopment of the site was finished in December 2020. We now have a new function room called The Platinum Room (approximately 11 x 7.5m), kitchen, and changing facilities as well as the two football pitches and training area for hire.
We have a premises license which allows the sale of alcohol, by hirers of the Pavilion, for example to provide after match refreshments or cater for small wedding receptions.
The building is fully accessible. We have disabled parking bays, ramp access into the front of the building, single level interior, ramps to the rear of the building, disabled toilets and induction loop.
What’s On at Pitstone Pavilion
Bookings
To make a booking or view availability click here
Hire Fees (effective 1/8/24)
The Platinum Room (including use of the kitchen) is available for:
£25 per hour (including VAT) for ad-hoc hires, one off events and hires by people that are not resident in Pitstone (General Hire rate).
£20 per hour (including VAT) for Pitstone residents or local clubs and classes (Village rate).
£15 per hour (including VAT) for regular hirers that make in excess of 17 bookings per year (Regular user rate).
Local charities and community groups who are unable to afford the above hire rates should contact the parish council who may be able to grant a discount.
Please note that other charges eg deposit or cleaning fees may apply. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
If you are interested in hiring our kitchen, changing facilities or sports pitches please see the Terms and Conditions for details and contact parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk for further information.
The day-to-day management is handled by Pitstone Parish Council’s Sports and Leisure Committee, which consists of members of the Parish Council and co-opted members to represent all the leagues that play regularly at the site and the Ground Keeper.
There are a suite of documents, to which you have to agree, when placing a reservation for parish council facilities via Hallmaster. Please make sure you thoroughly read through the documents below before placing your reservation:
Pavilion Terms and Conditions of Hire:
Pavilion Fire Safety Policies and Documentation:
Pavilion Emergency and Evacuation Policies and Procedures:
Pavilion emergency ^0 evacuation plan ^0 Emergency Plan for the Temporary Responsible person 05.03.25Download
Pavilion Health and Safety Policies and Documentation:
Pavilion Premises Licence:
Location Information:
Pitstone Pavilion, Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9AP
Location on Google maps, click here: https://g.page/Pitstone-Pavilion?share
Google Plus Code: R9J2+2C Leighton Buzzard
What 3 Words Location: bugs-scrapping-numeral
Pitstone Memorial Hall
Visit the Pitstone Memorial Hall web site to find out more information, find out what is going on at the hall or make a booking:
St Mary the Virgin Church, Ivinghoe
For 800 years there has been a church in Ivinghoe.
History
A church existed on its present site from 1220, but in 1234 the Village was set on fire as an act of spite against the local Bishop, and the church was rebuilt.
Henry III rewarded Peter de Chaceport with the living of Ivinghoe in 1241 and it is he who is honoured as the builder of the rebuilt church. The effigy of a Norman in priestly robes once described as the ‘best bit of sharpening stone in Buckinghamshire’ now in the chancel is considered to be of Peter, placed there by the Bonhommes of Ashridge. In the chancel there are several brasses to remind us of the sheep farmers of the district. Part of one tomb lies beneath the west wall indicating the shortening of the church by a few feet. In their time the walls of the nave were raised for the insertion of a clerestorey. Parts of the original rose windows can be seen in the walls today. The nave arches show evidence of the rood screen (which once divided the church and it can be seen that the door leading to it from the tower stair has been filled in.) Queen Elizabeth I had its images removed and, in her time, pews were provided. Their ends are there today, the Ivinghoe ‘poppy heads’ with carvings of witches, knights and the well-known mermaid.
The church is open daily for private prayer and for visitors to look around. A guide book is available for purchase in the church.
Contact details
You can contact the vicar for Ivinghoe and Pitstone at the vicarage (01296 668260) or Sandra Green who is the Lay Minister (01296 668648).
Information is also available on the church website: www.ivinghoe-church.org
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmary.holycross.allsaints/
Regular activities
Evening Bible Study
8pm at 1 Queen Street in Pitstone on 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month; studies are chosen by the group at the beginning of each term. Contact Jane and Chris Grimmette 01296 660972
Morning Bible Study
10am at 5 Windmill Close in Ivinghoe on 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month; studies are chosen by the group at the beginning of each term. Contact Betty Swabey 01296 668617
Tots Praise
Meets in the children’s corner at St. Mary’s Church every other Friday morning. We begin our story, songs, and activities at 10am. We are a very friendly bunch and our term-time meetings are open to all mums, dads, grandparents, and carers. Contact: Sandra Green 01296 668648.
Messy Church
Messy Church is held on Sunday afternoons from 2-4pm in church every two months. All families welcome for fun, food and all-age activities. We also have a Facebook page – www.facebook.com/Messy-Church-at-St-Marys-Ivinghoe. Contact Sandra Green 01296 668648
Church Choir
At St Mary’s held every Thursday at 7pm. The church choir sing regularly for services and special occasions such as weddings and welcome singers of all ages. Contact: Barbara Cummings 01296 668621
Beacon Community Choir
Rehearsals at St Mary’s held every Thursday from 8.15pm during term time. Everybody is welcome to join with this friendly group of enthusiasts led by our professional choir mistress, Judith, as we enjoy singing a wide range of contemporary and popular material. The choir are often involved in concerts and shows locally. Contact: Barbara Cummings 01296 668621
St Mary’s Music Group
At the Worshipping Together service on the first Sunday of each month a friendly collection of musicians play the worship songs. The group includes violin, clarinet, flute, trumpet, piano and guitar and we would be very happy to welcome any new musicians of any age and ability and any instrument. If you would like to know more contact Jeanette Lowrie 01296 660194.
Youth Group
Meets on various dates for fun, friendship, activities, and BBQ`s. Contact Jane Grimmette 01296 660972.
Bell Ringing
Practice is held on Tuesday evenings in St Mary’s church bell- tower. Individuals of all ages and experience, or none at all, are very welcome to come and join in as we practice in readiness for services and weddings under the expert guidance of our tower captain. Contact: Corrall McCormack 01296 662560.
Food Bank
In conjunction with our sister churches in Marsworth and Slapton and also the village community in Cheddington, St Mary`s runs a food bank. If you need a food parcel please contact Babs Byrom 07860 780127 and she will arrange for it to be delivered to you. If anybody wishes to donate food, please take it to the church and leave it just inside the main door.
Normal service pattern for St Mary’s Ivinghoe
1st Sunday of the month 10 am Worshipping Together (informal service with music group)
2nd Sunday of the month 9.15 am Holy Communion with choir
3rd Sunday of the month 9.15 am Morning Praise
4th Sunday of the month 10 am Holy Communion with choir
5th Sunday of the month 10.30 am Holy Communion held at either Slapton or Marsworth churches
Wednesday morning 9.15am Holy Communion; a short said communion.
St Mary’s Church, Pitstone
Newcomers to the villages of Ivinghoe and Pitstone may not be aware of this gem standing out between Pitstone’s Vicarage Road and the new Castlemead development.
When the two parochial parishes were combined in 1974 its historical significance was appreciated and its future secured by being vested in the Churches Conservation Trust, with a local committee to look after the day to day administration.
The earliest parts of the church, the chancel and north chapel, date back to 1250 and some carved fragments of stone from the 12th century indicate that it may have been built on the site of an earlier church.
You should particularly look out for the Norman font, the unique brass (probably depicting Lady Neyrnut) and the ancient wooden chest and sanctuary chair. Notice the Medieval floor tiles and the wall painting, dating from the early seventeenth century.
Limited car parking in Church Road, Pitstone.
What happens at this venue?
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Sunday afternoons from May to September & Bank Holidays | Open Afternoon |
| Late May Bank Holiday Weekend | Annual Festival of Art and Craft |
Bridgewater Monument, Visitor Centre and Ashridge Estate
The monument sits on top of the Chilterns Plateau and is a great focal point for discovering the Ashridge Estate. The monument was built in 1832 to commemorate the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater , a pioneer of 19th century canal building.
Set within 2,000 hectares of atmospheric mature woodland with lots of waymarked trails to explore owned by National Trust. There is a programme of walks and activity days. There is a visitor centre, shop, cafe and car parking. Climb the hill from Aldbury & turn left onto the B4506 towards Ringshall. The centre is on your left.
The Visitor Centre is open mid February to mid December 10am-5pm or dusk if earlier. The cafe is open all year (except 25 & 26 December) 8am-4pm (8am-6pm April to October). The Bridgewater Monument is open weekends and Bank Holidays April to October 2-4.30pm (weather permitting).
Click below for a series of useful National Trust guides relating to the Ashridge Estate:
Information for horse riders: 
Information for dog walkers: 
Information for cyclists: 
Information on parking at Ashridge: 
Information for organisers of events and activities at Ashridge: 
College Lake Nature Reserve, Bulbourne
Once a chalk quarry, College Lake has been restored over 20 years and is now a flag ship site with a marshland, lakes, chalk and rough grassland and woodland plus a visitor centre and cafe.
A great day out for all the family. Full programme of special activity days for adults and children. Picnic areas available.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm during the summer and 10 am-4 pm during the winter, plus open on Bank Holidays.
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Cafe: Tues-Sun 10.30am-3pm
Turn right out of the Westfield Road roundabout onto the B488 to Bulbourne & Tring. College Lake is on the right hand side past the railway bridge. Ample parking.
College Lake Environmental Education Centre
Upper Icknield Way, Bulbourne, Tring, Herts, HP23 5QG
Grove Farm Pick Your Own, Great Gap
The pick your own started in 1981 and now covers 80 acres with a wide choice of over 30 different fruits and vegetables.
A great day out for all the family. Picnic tables. Refreshments available.
Follow Station Road (B488) past the Kings Head and Ivinghoe Lawn down towards Cheddington. Grove Farm is on the right hand side once you reach Great Gap.
You can find full details of what is in season on the web site
Entry Times
Monday – Saturday 10 – 5 (close at 6) Sunday 9 – 12 (close at 1) Great Gap, lvinghoe, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9DZ
Ford End Watermill, Ivinghoe
This lovely little watermill has records that date back to 1616 but is certainly very much older and was in use up until 1963.
Restored by volunteers and maintained and run by Ford End Watermill Society, it is the only remaining working watermill in Buckinghamshire with original machinery.
It retains all the atmosphere of a small farm mill of the late 1800’s.
An unusual feature is a sheep-wash in the stream below the mill, washing made the fleece easier to shear and increased it’s value.
Stone-ground wholemeal flour is on sale during milling demonstrations.
Schools and other parties are very welcome. To make an appointment please telephone Mrs Jill Graves on 01296 660074.
The watermill is open on certain Sundays and Bank Holidays between Easter and the end of September and can be found approx 600 metres from Ivinghoe Church along Station Road (the B488 towards Leighton Buzzard). Ample free parking.
What happens at this venue?
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Certain Sundays from Easter to September & Bank Holidays | Open Day and Milling Demonstrations |
Pitstone Windmill, Pitstone
This is one of the most imposing and important features in Pitstone. It is one of the oldest surviving post mills in the country and the whole top timber part of the windmill could turn, so the sails could face the wind. The date 1627 is carved on its framework. An 1824 map shows a road running from the present windmill car park, passing the mill, the Vicarage Road, Pitstone. In 1874, Earl Brownlow of Ashridge, bought the mill and leased it to the Hawkins family of Pitstone Green Farm.
In 1902, a violent storm caused sufficient damage to stop any further milling and make the mill uneconomic to repair. With the break-up of the Ashridge estate in the 1920’s, the mill passed to the ownership of the Hawkins family in 1924. By 1937, vandalism and bad weather had necessitated heavy expenditure merely to safeguard the fabric, so the windmill was offered to the National Trust. The Trust immediately carried out a first aid operation but little further happened until the Pitstone Windmill Restoration Committee was formed in 1963. It launched an appeal for funds for material (Labour was given voluntarily) and in 1970 the committee successfully completed the restoration work to gain a “Countryside in 1970” award.
A team of volunteers now open the windmill to the public every Sunday afternoon during June, July and August. The car park can be accessed on the B488 Upper Icknield Way and there are a variety of footpaths that lead to the windmill from the village.
The Heritage Park, Pitstone Green Museum, Pitstone
Located in Vicarage Road, opposite the Memorial Hall. The Collection is housed in farm buildings, many of which have remained unaltered since the farm was built. Indeed many of the implements and machinery exhibited are those that were used during the working lifetime of this farm. The farm, was largely built by the Countess of Bridgewater and is unusual in that it has been occupied by the Hawkins family since 1808.
It was built on the site of earlier farms and some of the old buildings survive to this day. Most prominent of these is the Big Barn, a section of which dates from the 17th century. The museum also contains many items and photographs of people and places that are part of the history of Pitstone, Ivinghoe and the surrounding villages.
The museum is run by the Pitstone & Ivinghoe Museum Society and is open to the public on the second Sunday of the month from June to October and all Bank Holiday Mondays. There is ample free parking and refreshments are available.
On open days attractions include more than 30 exhibition areas based in an old Victorian farm. Full sized Lancaster Bomber Cockpit, 2 model railways, tractors, farm machinery, 1940’s room, engines, enormous rack saw, printer, bookbinder, model engines, the new Cook Collection – one man’s lifetime collection of interesting historical pieces. Try your hand at pottery or lace making, browse the shop and craft market, watch a basket maker and a blacksmith or relax, with refreshments on sale all day. Take a tractor ride to the windmill or just take in the sights.
Adults £8, Children £3, dogs on leads welcome
What happens at this venue?
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2nd Sunday of the month from June to October plus all Bank Holiday Mondays | Open Days (10:30am-4:30pm) |
| 4th Thursday of every month | Pitstone and Ivinghoe Museum Society Talks and social events. Everyone welcome. |