The Buckinghamshire Council

Since 1971, the Council has been the trustee of the Charity. That means every decision it takes must be in the best interests of the Charity and the community it serves. Here are some decisions it has taken.

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Key Moments - Timeline

• 1971 - Charity adopted with land gifted by the Webb family. Council became trustee.

• 1975 - Playing Fields and 9-hole golf course opened on Charity land

• 1982 - Full 18-hole golf course opened, set up and managed by the Council, incorporating the "Blue Parcel", a patch of land owned by the Council.

• 2013/14 – New clubhouse built, funded by Council loans and a Sport England grant.

• 2016 – Closure of "The Lanes", a nearby 9-hole course and driving range, ousting teaching pros and drying up a consistent supply of new 18 hole players.

• 2017-2024 Phase of financial decline of the Charity under Council management

• 2024/25 – Council realised and admitted its own managerial shortcomings and tendered the site

• August 07 2025 joint press release with Wycombe Wanderers FC who are announced winners of the process. No information on criteria or reasoning has been provided so far.​​

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The Problem

The Council is in a conflict of interest:

• As trustee, it must ensure the Charity fulfils its purpose for the community.

• As creditor and landowner, it wants to recover loans and find new income.

These aims can clash. Decisions that prioritise Council finances over the Charity’s purpose expose the Council to Charity Commission scrutiny and damage to its reputation.

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Our Expectation

• Decisions in the Charity’s best interest first.

• Full adequate community consultation before any change.

• Transparency and accountability in every step.​​