Local Headlines
How an impressive summer residence was turned into a research centre
In the previous articles we have seen how the premises currently occupied by the Khalsa Secondary Academy in Stoke Poges were originally part of the Stoke Park Estate.
In 1885 Frederick Pritchard from Bayswater, London, bought some 40 acres of land in the Estate to the south of what was then Uxbridge Road (now Hollybush Hill) in Stoke Poges to build a summer residence.
This he called Carton Tower. The Pritchards lived there until around 1900, when for a few years Carton Tower was occupied by Alfred Albert, a batchelor. He sold it to publisher Walter Judd in 1908, who greatly extended the house and renamed it Holly Hill.
Walter Judd died in 1931, but his family continued to live at Holly Hill.
At the start of WW2 in 1939 his widow Florence and 50 year old unmarried daughter Flora were living there with members of their extended family, and many servants. During the war years Flora served as Secretary of Stoke Poges Evacuees Committee, which was responsible for those people who had been evacuated to the village.
At some time during the war, part of the house was requisitioned by the military authorities.
The precise use to which this was put is not known, but it was possibly as some sort of convalescence home for wounded Officers.
Just two months after WW2 finally ended with the surrender of Japan in August 1945, Holly Hill, including the 40 acre estate, was purchased by Colonel Wallace C Devereux. As the local press reported Devereux made the purchase not for his residence, but “as the home of the Research Institute he has founded”.
Wallace Devereux was a local man, having moved to Stoke Poges to live in a house called Meads in Stoke Park in the mid-1930s. He had established the company High Duty Alloys on the Slough Trading Estate in 1928 to produce and fabricate alloys based on aluminium and magnesium.
These alloys, collectively known as “Light Alloys” to distinguish them from the much heavier metals like steel and cast iron, which are based on iron, came to be widely used in the rapidly developing aviation industry.
During the war HDA’s factories, which as well as at Slough Devereux had established operations at Redditch near Birmingham and Distington in Cumbria, were in production 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In the later years of the war Devereux had resolved to develop more diversified industrial uses for these Light Alloys. To do so he needed a Research Institute which could service all the different companies which he planned to assemble into one group, with the name Almin Ltd.
Recognising that there may well be opposition by local residents in Stoke Poges to his plans for the Research Institute, Devereux made it clear in his interview with the local press that he was “resolved that the use of Holly Hill to house the Research Institute shall not detract from the amenities of the district, rather it should enhance them.
"The house and gardens will be fully preserved and any additional buildings that may become necessary will be so designed as to blend in with the architecture of the house.”
At this point in time planning permission had not been granted by the local authority for the change of use from residential to research laboratories. The application was submitted to Eton Rural District Council (at that time they were the local authority responsible for the parish of Stoke Poges) on October 30 and considered by them at their next meeting on December 12 1945.
The application was accompanied by a letter from Devereux’s architect which asked for “ the Council’s consent to the use of this property for the purpose of a Research Institute, and stating that (1) the scope of the work to be carried out in the building will be fundamental research and testing and the establishment of process testing procedures of non-ferrous metals.(2) the establishment of a research Library and consultant facilities (3) keeping the portion of the living premises at present occupied; and it is not in the interests of his client to change the present rural and residential character of the building.”
The Council’s Surveyors submitted a report stating that they had examined the premises and that “the cost of adapting the house for reasonably separate use by families would result in an uneconomic expenditure of labour and material, bearing in mind the structural difficulties, the initial cost, the probable rents, and subsequent reinstatement, and that he has ascertained that five rooms in “Holly Lodge” will continue to be used for housing accommodation as will also the cottages adjacent to the Lodge, accommodation over the stables, and Orchard Cottage”.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Council had received only one letter of objection to the proposed use from local residents.
The application was approved subject to six conditions.
These were designed to ensure that the Council could keep control of any developments on the site, “which shall be substantially completed within three years from the date of the issue of the Permission”.
So on February 7 1946 the Fulmer Research Institute was formally incorporated as a company situated at Holly Hill in Stoke Poges. Quite why Devereux chose to associate the name with the adjacent village of Fulmer rather than Stoke Poges is unclear. It may have been because the acronym FRI is more appealing than SPRI, or because the telephone number would be Fulmer.... rather than Slough....!
Mr E A G LIddiard had been appointed the Institute’s first Director of Research. He was a metallurgist by profession and had been a senior member of the staff of the British Non-Ferrous Research Institute based in London. In June 1946 Dr Philip Gross was appointed as Chief Scientist, he was a physical chemist by profession.
The recruitment of staff and equipping of the various laboratories could now begin in earnest.
The Fulmer Research Institute was formally opened on July 2 1947 by the prominent member of Clement Atlee’s Labour Government, Sir Stafford Cripps, who was at that time President of the Board of Trade.
In his speech he stated that “the Institute, the first of its kind, will act as a Brains Trust to industries anxious to translate scientific discoveries into practical industrial processes”.
So Colonel Devereux had established the first of what became a new breed of research & development establishments. These spanned the gap between academic research such as that carried out at Universities and the practical development work done in industry.
Known as Contract Research Organisations these operate on the basis of contracts for specific projects which they undertake for companies in industry and for Government Agencies throughout the world.
In the final article in this series we will describe how the Fulmer Research Institute developed over the next 40 years or so, before the site at Stoke Poges went through another change of use.
We would pleased to hear from any reader who worked at the Fulmer Research Institute or was a client of the company, please contact Mike Dewey by phone 01628 525207 or email deweymiked@aol.com.
Bucks Free Press
Hillingdon & Uxbridge Times
Oxford Mail
BBC News
Google News
Tel
Bucks Free Press News
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:58:02 +0100
High Wycombe train driver took photos up sleeping woman's skirt
A train driver from High Wycombe who took photos up a sleeping woman's skirt has been sentenced for the 'vile and disgusting' act.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:12:29 +0100
Police searching for missing man from Henley with links to Bracknell
Police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing man from Henley.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 13:43:58 +0100
Milton Keynes MP calls for crackdown on animal thefts
A Buckinghamshire MP is calling for criminals to face up to five years in jail for abducting cats and dogs.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:30:00 +0100
Marlow residents have their say on smacking children ban
Shoppers on Marlow High Street believe calls to introduce a ban on smacking children in England could ‘set a dangerous precedent’.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:26:25 +0100
Milton Keynes man convicted of murder after underpass attack
A man has been convicted of the murder of 34-year-old John Davies after he was 'brutally' killed in a Milton Keynes underpass.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0100
Plan for new homes and barn conversion across South Bucks
Plans have been unveiled to convert an agricultural building at Upper Warren Farm, located on Hampden Road, Prestwood, into a four-bedroom dwelling complete with a garage, parking and landscaping.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0100
Chesham and Amersham has more green footpaths than anywhere in UK
Chesham and Amersham has more green footpaths within walking distance than almost anywhere in England, new analysis has revealed.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100
The Chilterns Fox restaurant receives 1 food hygiene rating
A HIGH Wycombe restaurant has received the second lowest possible food hygiene rating.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100
Chiltern Open Air Museum hosting medieval jousting this weekend
MEDIEVAL fun featuring knights, battle demonstrations, and fire-breathing dragons will be taking place this St George’s weekend.original article
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 11:30:37 +0100
I went to the most expensive Wetherspoons and now I'm broke
I visited the most expensive Wetherspoons in Leicester Square London, The Moon Under the Water and the price of a pint broke my bank.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0100
Autistic mother's death traced back to council's lack of support
Buckinghamshire Council's lack of support has been recognised as a contributing factor to the tragic death of young Fern Foster, her family has confirmed.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:42:05 +0100
High Wycombe gang jailed for child trafficking offences
A GANG has been jailed for child trafficking offences after three children went missing.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:30:00 +0100
Stonegate: 45 pubs across pubs face closure as per GMB union
More than 40 pubs, bars and clubs across the county could close after the chain behind them issued a profit warning.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:40:09 +0100
Wanted man hunt: Police tell public 'do not approach'
Thames Valley Police is appealing for the public’s help in tracing a man who is wanted in connection with an incident of stalking with fear of violence in Milton Keynes.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:51:26 +0100
High Wycombe vendor of 40 years shares financial struggles
One of High Wycombe’s longest-serving market vendors says he can only continue trading because he’s not financially reliant on turning a profit.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:30:00 +0100
High Wycombe man fined for stealing over £100 of chocolate
A man has been ordered to pay compensation after stealing almost £150 in Red Bull and chocolate.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100
Drivers issued parking notices ahead of Beaconsfield Charter Fair
PARKING notices have been issued to drivers ahead of the historic Beaconsfield Charter Fair next month.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100
Totteridge residents oppose plans for floodlit 3G pitch
Neighbours are opposing plans for a 3G pitch on a field that backs onto their gardens.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:33:19 +0100
Police investigate sheep killed by dog in Marlow Common
POLICE have launched an investigation after a ewe was killed in Marlow Common.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:08:27 +0100
CCTV image released after woman attacked by dog
A CCTV image has been released after a woman in her 20s was attacked and bitten by a dog.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:49:35 +0100
Why people are using the eight charity shops in Amersham
Several Amersham residents have encouraged more people in the town to visit charity shops in the area.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100
The Beaconsfield Society slam town's Neighbourhood Plan
The Beaconsfield Society has criticised the town’s proposed Neighbourhood Plan for being ‘badly drafted’ and ‘not protecting Green Belt land’.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:23:34 +0100
Bradford murder: IOPC meets with family of young mum
Two police forces are being investigated over contact they had with Bradford mother Kulsuma Akter in the weeks before she was stabbed to death, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100
Online bookings for Spring Covid-19 vaccinations open on NHS
Spring Covid-19 vaccinations have commenced with online bookings open on the National Health Service (NHS) national booking system.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:51:05 +0100
Wycombe Talking Newspapers celebrates 40th birthday
A ‘LIFELINE’ service that provides the Bucks Free Press in audio format for free to those who are visually impaired has celebrated its 40th birthday - and says its future is secure for the long term.original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:32:12 +0100
Praise for reporter who covered chaotic Thames Water meeting
Dear Editor,original article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0100
Solar panels and battery storage: Bucks' council-backed scheme returns
Solar panels and battery storage: Bucks' council-backed scheme returnsoriginal article
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:03:26 +0100
ITV Red Eye: Full cast list and when it will be on TV
Richard Armitage and Jing Lusi star in the ITV thriller Red Eye, which will be on TV very soonoriginal article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:45:00 +0100
Fern Foster: Coroner gives verdict after three week inquest
A coroner has concluded that the death of an autistic mother who took her own life almost four years ago was due to two contributing factors.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:07:07 +0100
Dozens turn out for High Wycombe's Aldi grand opening
A NEW Aldi store has opened in High Wycombe with the help of Paralympian Jeanette Chippington cutting the red ribbon.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:52:42 +0100
Ben Fogle calls for 20mph on Bucks road after nearly dying
Ben Fogle has said he suffered a “very, very close call” when he was almost killed by a delivery driver on a rural road near his home.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:40:00 +0100
Russell Brand plan to transform village pub refused
Russell Brand has been dealt a blow as his plan to convert a village pub into a recording studio, offices and more has been refused.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0100
Customers slam Asda over cashless pay at pump decision
'A cashless society' is what Buckinghamshire motorists are warning we will become following supermarket petrol stations switching to card only payments.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100
Closure of Paul's Row toilets sparks resident's outrage
A HIGH Wycombe resident has branded the decision to close the public toilets in High Wycombe town centre as an "absolute disgrace". original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0100
Thames Water: Environment Agency calls sewage in Marlow 'unacceptable'
The Environment Agency has said Thames Water ‘must take action’ to reduce sewage pollution in the River Thames after local naturalist Steve Backshall uncovered ‘horrifying’ bacteria in water samples from Marlow.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0100
Dad and son try London's 'hottest curry' where diners go to hospital
A dad and son tried 'London's hottest curry' - so spicy diners have 'hallucinated and been rushed to hospital' - and survived by downing a pint of milk.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0100
Marlow: Fresh hope for 'multi-storey' car park on Riley Road
Plans to build a new level of car park decking in Marlow may be back on the table – just in time to stop the town from becoming a ‘motorised jungle’.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:34:21 +0100
Council unveils roadmap for future housing across Bucks
A FIVE year housing strategy has been revealed by the local authority to meet countywide housing needs and conquer associated dilemmas.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:30:00 +0100
Dubai flooding: Chalfont St Peter couple's 'nightmare' experience
A couple from Chalfont St Peter were stranded in Dubai during the worst storm the United Arab Emirates has ever seen.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:25:02 +0100
Amersham A413: Two women injured in three car crash
Two women were taken to hospital after three cars crashed into each other on the A413 in Amersham.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:51:27 +0100
Police seize car in Amersham for no tax or MOT in tax
Police have seized a car in Buckinghamshire this week due to having no MOT or tax.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:28:52 +0100
Inquest into death of Fern Foster, 22, to conclude today
An inquest into the death of a mum from Buckinghamshire is due to conclude today at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100
Marlow Bridge: Bucks Council urged to 'get serious' about maintenance
Marlow Town Council risks becoming ‘inert’ unless it ‘leverages its contact with Buckinghamshire Council’ to press for solutions to local issues, according to leader Chris Funnell.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:02:58 +0100
Man banned from Buckingham town centre after stealing wallet
Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order in Buckingham.original article
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:03:55 +0100
Widow of Roald Dahl, Felicity, made dame commander in honours
THE widow of Great Missenden author Roald Dahl, Dame Felicity, has been named dame commander at a ceremony at Windsor Castle today.original article
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:06:10 +0100
Hundreds attend the chaotic Chalfont St Peter flood meeting
The leader of Buckinghamshire Council has apologised to the residents of Chalfont St Peter after a public meeting about the village’s recent flooding issues descended into chaos.original article
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100
Red Kite Housing resident kept awake by rats in his loft
A RETIRED war veteran is "living in hell" after hearing rats in his loft during the night.original article
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0100
Wycombe drivers warned to remove teeth because of potholes
Residents who live near a road in Bledlow Ridge have erected a humorous sign after having enough of potholes.original article
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:14:47 +0100
Marlow man, 82, accused of injuring man while driving carelessly
An 82-year-old has been charged with seriously injuring a man while driving carelessly.original article
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:30:00 +0100
Chesham Grammar School caretaker claiming £200k after fall
A caretaker who was left with a fractured skull and brain injury after slipping on ice at a school has launched a High Court claim for more than £200,000 in compensation.original article
Last updated by System Admin on 27th August, 2018