Harnam reopens Ivinghoe Post Office after shocking attempted ram raid and fire
‘The Post Office is open again as normal now, from August 21, and I’d really like to thank the local community for all their support.”
Popular postmaster Harnam Sanghera is back behind the counter at Ivinghoe Post Office – just a week and a half after an August 10 attempted ram raid and fire badly damaged the Grade II listed Ivinghoe Town Hall, where it is sited.
Miraculously, the post office counter and shop, which sits behind security doors and has barred windows, was spared from the flames that shot upwards, lighting up the night sky.
The library, first floor hall and windows and the roof all suffered significant damage. Beacon Villages Community Library has been invited to relocate to a room in St Mary’s Church, Ivinghoe, for the next three months.
Harnam says: ‘The Post Office is open again as normal now, from August 21, and I’d really like to thank the local community for all their support.”
Access is via a side entrance that is clearly signposted, while the front door remains scaffolded awaiting full repairs by a Bucks Council contractor. Security guards remained in attendance for the reopening.
The ram raid happened between 3am and 4am on August 10, and the perpetrators had fled before police and the Fire Brigade arrived at the scene.
A shaken Harnam says: “It was very shocking and emotionally affecting to hear the bad news. The whole episode has been difficult, but over time I am trying to get back to normal. Everyone has been so supportive, while the Town Hall’s owner, Bucks Council, is doing a good job with the repairs.”
He adds: “I’m very relieved it wasn’t all burned down, otherwise we would have lost everything. That would have been devastating. It was so unnecessary to set fire to this special building. Hopefully with the efforts of the community and police, these people should be caught and brought to justice.”
Two days later a similar ram raid took place at a shop in Wing and police say the two events may be connected. So far no-one has been arrested.
A stream of customers came into the Post Office after it reopened to warmly welcome Harnam back and offer their support, including those who had posted parcels the evening before the ram raid, who were relieved to find everything was still there undamaged, despite the shocking blaze.
RED LION EVENTS: It's going to be a busy weekend at the Red Lion with a music festival on Saturday (Aug 22, 12pm to 9pm), all in aid of Hector's House, with many activities and lots of live music. A barbecue and magical garden are planned.
The September line up at the Red Lion includes: Thu 3, 5–9pm Friends & Flavours burger van; Fri 4, 6pm Auction for Hector’s House; Sat 5, 5–9pm Souvlaki van; Wed 9, 7.30pm Pub Quiz for Hector’s House; Fri 11, 5–9pm Dough With The Flow pizza van; Thu 17, 5–9pm Friends & Flavours burger van; Thu 17, 8–10pm Open Folk Music; Fri 18, Indian street food; Thu 24, 1.30–3pm Book Club; Sat 26, 5–9pm Crazy Bird van; Sun 27, 1–5pm Crepes Delight; Fri 28, 5–9pm Bollywood Bites Indian van.
GIG AT THE ANGLERS: The Anglers Retreat pub is holding a Bank Holiday Monday Big Gig on August 31 – a day of live music, (cash-only) barbecue, raffle prizes and family fun. The event will raise money for The Henry Allen Trust – Henry’s Happiness – so please bring some loose change and give generously while enjoying the live music from local bands.
These include Ross, Razorz, Kev, Out of the Blue, Tess and the Durbervilles, Donny Graceland (Elvis!). Free entry, dogs and children welcome.
COMMENT ON THE LOCAL PLAN: Remember to send in your comments about the Buckinghamshire Draft Local Plan and the proposal to build 90 homes at Marsworth and 7,459 additional homes at Cheddington.
Carole Hawkins’ notes on responding are available on Marsworth Parish Council’s website – https://www.marsworth-pc.gov.uk/community/ - and there is also a link to the Bucks Portal where you can check planning applications. https://www.marsworth-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications/
Marsworth Parish Council is preparing a submission.
But the group is encouraging all Marsworth residents to submit their own objections as soon as possible, ahead of the September 6, 11.59pm deadline. “This affects the whole village,” said Carole. “Everyone’s voice matters.”
Villagers can visit https://buckinghamshire.oc2.uk or email [email protected] quoting Site 760, Land Off Lower Icknield Way, Marsworth.
Write to The Secretary, The Diocesan board of finance, Church House, Langford Locks Kidlington, Oxen OX5 1GF or email [email protected] - and email Aylesbury MP [email protected]
You can also join the Cheddington Action Group Community on Facebook and register your signature of support.