Archives: Local News

This years Horticultural Show is taking place on Saturday 9 August

Please find above the programme and entry forms

We wish you all the best of luck with your entries!

Have your say events

The Wing neighbourhood team will be conducting two Have your Say events next week, please see the below details:   📍 Daisy chain cafe, 2 high street, Ivinghoe, LU7 9EX  📅 Wednesday 23rd July 2025  ⌚ Starting at 10am    📍 Edlesborough Pavillion, The Green, LU6 2JF  📅 Friday 25th July 2025  ⌚ Starting at 3:00pm

Ivinghoe Freight Zone Phase 3

Replacement of signs and signposts at the below locations. Working hours are 9am to 3:30pm for all sites.

B440/B489 Traveller’s Rest Roundabouts
7, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24 July using multi-way traffic lights. 8 July the crew will also be working from the verge. 

B488 / B489 Junction, Ivinghoe
 17 and 18 July using multi-way traffic lights.  

B488 Vicarage Road, Church End
18 July using multi-way traffic lights. 

B488 Westfield Rd RBT, Pitstone (Near Folly Farm)
22, 25, and 28 July using multi-way traffic lights. 24 July the crew will be working from the verge.

Upper Icknield Way, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

09 July – 10 July

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: SIGN INSTALLATION

Works location: SELECTED USRN

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400763009928

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Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

10 July – 10 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Description: Coring

Works location: Coring at 50m centres

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400266683888

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Northfield Road, Aldbury, Hertfordshire

11 July – 12 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: SIGN INSTALLATION

Works location: SELECTED USRN

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400749026994

The new Council term is taking shape. Cabinet has had its first formal meeting and other scrutiny meetings are due within the next week or so, although the first planning hearing has been cancelled due to lack of business to discuss. The new Community Boards have been constituted, and for us will be known as the East Bucks area. This will encompass the electoral wards of Ivinghoe – Bierton, Kingsbrook and Wing – Wendover, Halton and Stoke Mandeville – Aston Clinton and Weston Turville. I am delighted to have been appointed as Chairman with Julie Ward as my deputy. Michelle Parker will remain as the Board Manager. The boards will have a very different look and feel this year as there will be more focus on engagement by the managers and Chairman and fewer meetings. Work will start immediately with a proposed first meeting in September. Communities will be asked to set their own priorities and I envisage much more collaborative working between the many and varied parishes which make up our Board area.   Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet holds first meeting ​

Buckinghamshire Council’s new Cabinet has held its first meeting (Tue 17 June), during which the council’s overall performance and stable budget position were reflected on. A number of key reports were discussed and considered by the new Cabinet, including the council’s Annual Report and a summary of its financial performance during the 2024/25 financial year. The Cabinet recognised the excellent level of achievement and firm foundations the new council has inherited following the May elections, and paid tribute to the work of the previous administration. Council Leader Steven Broadbent highlighted a number of achievements in the Annual Report, which covers the full range of services and projects delivered under Buckinghamshire Council’s four core priorities: Strengthening our communities Protecting the vulnerable Improving our environment Increasing prosperity The annual report is an update on the over-arching Corporate Plan which acts as a golden thread for all the work and services that the council delivers to improve lives and have a positive impact on Buckinghamshire and its people. The Cabinet also considered the ‘2024/25 Budget outturn’ report which documents the significant achievement in balancing last year’s budget against a context of considerable pressure and volatility. While portfolio budgets were overspent by £6.5m, primarily from Children’s Social Care, Home to School Transport and a smaller than forecast income from parking services, these were offset by overall savings made across the council’s spending. Overall, the council successfully delivered £147.1 million of investment during 2024/25 on capital schemes, progressing major projects such as new South East Aylesbury Link Road and key town centre improvements that include the upgrade of White Hart Street in Wycombe and the creation of the new ‘Pavilion Quarter’ in Aylesbury Town Centre.

Join our Self Defence Classes across Buckinghamshire

Across Buckinghamshire we have been running FREE self defence classes, supported by local Community Boards.   These classes, delivered by Bucks Pro-Mai, have been designed to empower ladies (12+ – under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult) with the understanding of how to pre-empt any potential situations through pre-defence and to learn the skills of how to defend themselves if a situation does arise.   What to expect on the day:   Pre-defence: how to recognise and avoid potential situations, running through body language and simple skills Practical Skills: master basic self-defence techniques Q&A with trained Bucks Pro-Mai instructors Advice & Support: attendees will be provided with crime prevention leaflets and products Evaluation: to help assess the class you will be asked to complete a short evaluation at the end of the session   Visit for upcoming and future events: Community Safety Events – Eventbrite     Cllr’s Chris Poll and Peter Brazier.

Dear resident,

It’s National Bike week , a great time to think about how secure your bike is!

This week the Community Safety team are offering #Bucks residents FREE bike marking labels* – email communitySafety@buckinghamshire.gov.uk to get yours!

Visit the Thames Valley Police website for further advice on protecting your bike – Protect your bike from theft | Thames Valley Police

*Whilst stocks last

This message is sent on behalf of Buckinghamshire council, any queries please contact them direct.

PHISHING TV ALERTS

Don’t get hooked: new warning urges the public to continue reporting phishing emails and texts with 41 million already reported As of April 2025, the total number of phishing frauds reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) reached over 41 million since its launch in April 2020. This has resulted in 217,000 frauds being removed from across 393,395 websites pages by the National Cyber Security Centre. Insight revealed by Action Fraud shows the top industries impersonated in reported phishing emails were streaming services, tech, and telecommunication companies, with some posing as various UK government schemes.  Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber-crime reporting service, launched a phishing awareness campaign to urge the public to beware of phishing frauds and report all emails and messages if they look suspicious.  Spam calls and suspicious text messages can be reported too. By using 7726, a free service offered by mobile network providers, customers can forward suspicious text messages, which helps the removal of fraud websites and allows networks to block users sending fraud text messages. Between April 2020 and April 2025, more than 27,000 frauds were removed because of being reported using 7726.  Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of Central Fraud Unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “Fraudsters continue to exploit manipulative tactics to gain access to your personal information and money. I urge you to become part of the solution by ensuring you forward spam calls and texts messages to 7726 and forwarding suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk Every fraud starts through a route of contact which is covered in our Fraud Protection toolkitKnowledge and collective action are our biggest asset when rising the challenge of fraud.I encourage you all to start having conversations about fraud, especially with any vulnerable family members or those in your community.Together, we will continue to rise to the challenge of fraud.”  Superintendent Amanda Wolf, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, said:  “We know it can be difficult to spot fake messages or tell if a call is genuine. Criminals can change tactics fast and use the technology available to constantly create genuine looking emails and messages or facilitate calls that feel authentic – all designed to trick us and try and steal personal and financial information.  “Every phishing email reported helps us gain a better understanding of the tactics being used and enables us to tackle it head on by identifying malicious URLs trending in phishing emails and texts – they can be taken down and disrupted, preventing further activity. The more reports received, the more people we can protect, preventing them from becoming victims.  “Do not get caught out, Stop, Think Fraud, and make sure you report suspicious-looking emails or messages if you receive them. You can forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, or forward spam text messages to 7726.”  Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society Resilience, said: “Since 2020, over 41 million phishing attempts have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service — a powerful sign that the public is staying alert to online threats, helping to protect themselves and others. “But cyber criminals are not giving up – they are constantly finding new ways to trick people into clicking malicious links, sharing personal information, or handing over money. “That is why it is more important than ever to stay alert. You will find clear, practical advice on how to spot and report frauds – and how to stay secure online – on the NCSC website.”  What is phishing? ‘Phishing’, ‘quishing’ or ‘smishing’ is when criminals use fake emails, text messages, QR codes, or phone calls to trick victims.  The goal of a phishing message is to encourage the victim to click a malicious link, or scan a fraudulent QR code, which usually leads them to a genuine-looking website, designed to make victims part way with their financial and/or personal information. Criminals will use well-known brands or organisations the victim already has a connection with, like a bank or tradesperson, to make fake emails seem genuine and more convincing.   How can you protect yourself? If you have received an email that does not feel right, STOP!   break the contact – do not reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers, or make any payments  check if it is genuine: contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks  before you delete the email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk  If you have received a text message that does not feel right, STOP!  break the contact – do not reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers, or make any payments  check if it is genuine: contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks  forward the message for free to 7726  If you have received a call that does not feel right, STOP!   hang up  check if it is genuine: contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank  do not trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it is not proof of ID  report it by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘call’ followed by the fraud caller’s number  For more advice on how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/ If you have lost money or provided financial information because of a phishing fraud, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Message Sent By Jo Howland (Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Aylesbury Vale)

The East Bucks Community Board has commissioned a FREE one-off self-defence class.

This class, delivered by Bucks Pro-Mai have been designed to empower ladies (12+. Under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult) with the understanding of how to pre-empt any potential situations through pre-defence and to learn the skills of how to defend themselves if a situation does arise.

What to expect on the day:  

• Pre-defence: how to recognise and avoid potential situations, running through body language and simple skills
• Practical Skills: master basic self-defence techniques
• Q&A with trained Bucks Pro-Mai instructors
• Advice & Support: attendees will be provided with crime prevention leaflets and products
• Evaluation: to help assess the class you will be asked to complete a short evaluation at the end of the session

To book on the class please complete the EventBrite sign up here Self Defence Class- Pitstone Tickets, Sat, Jun 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite or alternatively email Michelle.Parker@buckinghamshire.gov.uk and she will work with you in obtaining the details to sign you up.

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

16 May – 16 May

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: full repair patch 7.0 x 1.0

Works location: at roundabout

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400238385830

Your local Neighbourhood Policing team, look forward to seeing you to discuss any issues you may have or chat about crime prevention measures at the next Have Your Say event.  The Wing team will be holding event/s in your area on:  09/05/2025 Stoke Hammond Community Hall 12:00-13:00 10/05/2025 Wingrave  Pavilion 11:00-12:00 19/05/2025 Great Brickhill, Parish Hall 14:00-15:00 20/05/2025 Edlesborough Pavilion 15:00-16:00 They will be offering advice, discussing local issues and answering any questions you may have. Please come along and say hello.  please note these events can be cancelled at short notice due to operation demand

Message Sent By Jo Howland (Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Aylesbury Vale)

Visit The Village Swan – Best Restaurants in Leighton Buzzard | The Village Swan, Ivinghoe Aston

Link above to the website for The Village Swan, who would like you to know that they have a weekly fun quiz on Wednesdays, Bike nights every 2nd Weds of the month, and live singers every Sunday lunch. 

International Compost Awareness week is just a few days away – and this year’s theme is ‘Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost!’. From 4-10 May, help share the magic of composting with your friends, colleagues and community. You’ll find lots of tips, advice and troubleshooting on the Garden Organic website at gardenorganic.org.uk/composting.

Join Garden Organic and its Master Composters for two FREE lunchtime webinars on Tuesday 6 May and 8 May.

On 6 May its ‘Introduction to Home Composting’ talk will show you how to optimise your composting at home, what you need to know to get started – with an opportunity to put your questions to our composting experts. Click on the link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/register/_nPSOJT5QVCVXAjbXPp3mg

While on the 8 May, its ‘Composting in Action Webinar’ will exploring the impact of its Compost Demonstration Sites and how they have helped to build more sustainable communities. Book your FREE place at https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/MA2RsmL7SluN1aK_aelvTg…

Do you love theatre? Dream of treading the boards? Or just fancy trying something new and meeting a great bunch of people?

The Slapton Players are calling all budding actors, backstage wizards, costume creatives, lighting techs, and enthusiastic helpers to join our lively amateur dramatics group!

We’re a fun, welcoming bunch with a passion for putting on great shows and having a laugh along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have never stepped on stage before, there’s a place for you with us.

No experience? No problem. Just bring your enthusiasm!

We rehearse in Slapton’s Village Hall and our aim is to put on productions at least once a year — from comedies and classics to pantos and plays. So if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to be part of something like that” — now’s your chance!

Come along, give it a go, and be part of something special.

Get in touch at slapton.players@slapton.com

The Slapton Players – where community meets creativity.

This year there will be a TTRO (Temporary Traffic Regulation Order) in place, closing Stocks Rd from the Pitstone / B488 end.  This means that traffic will only travel along Stocks Rd in one direction – from the village centre to the car parks, and then past Stocks Golf Club and out of the village towards Pitstone.

Visitors will be encouraged via social media to access May Fair / enter Aldbury, from Station Rd or Toms Hill Rd only, so that we can keep traffic moving towards the car parks. Please let friends and family know, and that they may need to allow extra time than usual to get to, or through, the village.

The one way system and any congestion will only happen during the afternoon of May Fair, and fortunately it’s only one day a year, so hopefully any inconvenience will be bearable. 

If you have a query or comment, I’m Lisa  – lisa.thompson@wlands.co.uk07745228153

On behalf of Friends of Aldbury School May Fair committee

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

03 May – 05 May

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL343PITSTONE-DF-2

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

30 April – 30 April

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: full repair patch 7.0 x 1.0

Works location: at roundabout

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400294412350

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

07 May – 15 May

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

Traffic management: No carriageway incursion

Description: last part of connection on verge only

Works location: works in the verge only final connection

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400321535629

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

19 April – 21 April

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL343PITSTONE-DF-1

Have Your Say

 10:00AM – 10:30AM, Sat 12 April 2025

 Ivinghoe Beacon

 Add to calendar

Have Your Say

 10:45AM – 11:45AM, Sat 12 April 2025

 Ivinghoe park

 Add to calendar

Have Your Say

 1:45PM – 2:45PM, Sat 12 April 2025

 Pitstone memorial hall tea rooms

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Delays likely – Diversion route

Name: ADR – Cheddington Road, Pitstone

Location: Cheddington Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

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Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Delays likely – Road closure

Name: Cheddington Road, Pitstone

Location: Cheddington Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

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Roadworks

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Advanced planning

Works reference: KL352LEC1-34M0837Y

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Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL352LEC1-34M0837Y

Message from Cheddington Bowls:

Think lawn bowls is just for retirees? Think again! With the current World Indoor Bowls Champion just 28 years old, this sport is shaking off outdated stereotypes and attracting a new generation of players. It’s competitive, strategic, and social – making it the perfect activity for teens and young adults looking to try something fresh. Now’s your chance to get involved!

Cheddington Lawn Bowls Club is excited to welcome new players for the upcoming season, which kicks off on 19 April 2025. To celebrate, we’re hosting a special Open Day on 9 May 2025 (4 PM to 9 PM), where you can experience the game firsthand, meet members, and see what the club is all about. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed way to stay active or something more competitive, lawn bowls has it all.

A Sport for Everyone – Truly Inclusive

Lawn bowls is one of the few sports where you’ll find teams with players aged 10 to 90 plus, playing side by side. It’s also a mixed-gender sport, so everyone plays together, creating a uniquely welcoming and social environment. We’re especially keen to grow a junior section and, if there’s enough interest, we aim to form a junior team for the 2026 season. If you want to be part of a growing sport and make your mark, now is the perfect time to join!

Friday Night Bowls – The Perfect Start to Your Weekend!

We run weekly Friday sessions from 6 PM to 9 PM for those who do not wish to play regularly or become full members, making it easy to drop in and play after school or work. These sessions are completely free for under-18s if accompanied by an adult and just £6 for playing adults, offering an affordable and fun way to unwind while enjoying a sport that’s easy to learn but deeply tactical. Plus, there’s always a welcoming and sociable atmosphere, making it a great way to meet new people. We encourage families, friends’ groups and organisations to enjoy our facilities together. We provide minimum coaching for these sessions giving you the freedom to enjoy your experience without undue pressure. But we have coaches on hand if you want help.

Opportunities to Play – No Matter Your Skill Level

One of the best things about lawn bowls is that it’s suitable for all experience levels. If you’re looking for competition, our full members take part in internal club competitions, as well as friendly and competitive matches against other clubs. Most matches are played on weekday evenings or weekends, so there’s plenty of opportunity to fit bowls around your schedule. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry – we’ll provide three free coached sessions to help you get started.

Affordable and Accessible – Get Involved!

One of the best things about lawn bowls is that you don’t need to buy expensive gear to start playing. We provide all the equipment – just bring along a pair of flat-soled shoes, and you’re ready to roll!

If you want to go beyond the Friday sessions and play in matches, our first-year new bowlers membership rates are unbeatable value:

• £25 for under-18s
• £75 for adults

This membership gives you access to all club facilities, match fees for friendly and competitions matches, Bowls England affiliation and year-round social events. Whether you want to improve your skills, enjoy friendly competition, or simply be part of a fantastic community, it’s an investment worth making.

Why Try Lawn Bowls?

Lawn bowls is more than just a game – it’s a sport that combines precision, strategy, and teamwork in a relaxed yet competitive setting. Whether you’re naturally competitive or just want to enjoy a gentle but engaging activity, it offers the perfect balance. Plus, the social aspect means you’ll always have a great time on and off the green.

So, why not give it a go? Join us for our Open Day on 9 May or drop into a Friday session – we’d love to see you there. You might just discover your new favourite sport!

With Easter approaching, Buckinghamshire residents are being reminded to take note of some changes to bin collections over the bank holiday weekend.

Due to the bank holidays, normal collections will be operating to a revised timetable. Be sure to double check to find out when your bins will be collected and remember to leave them out by 6.30am on the morning of collection.

Buckinghamshire’s Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) have now moved to summer opening hours of 9am to 6pm. If planning a visit, remember to check opening days of your local site as this varies. You can also avoid the queues by checking the webcam at each site to check how busy it is before you set off. Finally, don’t forget to bring some ID to show your address. HRCs are for use by Buckinghamshire residents only and visitors will be asked to show proof of address by staff at the entrance.

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/household-recycling-centres-permits-and-waste-facilities

Buckinghamshire Council advise that the following notices have been published on their website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/current-and-previous-elections-in-buckinghamshire/election-timetable-and-notices/buckinghamshire-council-unitary-and-parish-elections/

Town and Parish Councils

• The statement of persons nominated (only where contested ie. more candidates standing for election than there are seats)
• Notice of uncontested elections (these candidates are automatically declared elected and will take office on the 6 May)

There are no inquorate parishes this year. 

Unitary Wards (Buckinghamshire Council)

• The statement of persons nominated (list of candidates standing for election)
• Notice of Election Agents

The details include a Notice of Uncontested Election for Pitstone Parish Council. Nine of the current ten councillors chose to stand as candidates and are therefore automatically declared elected and will take office on the 6 May 2025. No other residents chose to stand as candidates in the election. Pitstone has a total of eleven available seats, so there will be two vacancies for which the Parish Council will seek to co-opt councillors.

Our thanks to all those residents that have expressed an interest in joining over the last few months, but ultimately decided that the time was not right. We do appreciate that being a councillor, and trustee to two charities, can be time consuming and a big commitment. Getting involved in Local Government and helping to shape the community in which we live, can also be very rewarding. If you have a few hours each week spare to volunteer, and would like to find out more information about the work of the parish council, the Recreation Ground Charity and the Parish Charity, please do contact the Parish Clerk on parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk or 01296 767261 or come along to one of our meetings to say hello.

Cheddington Road, Pitstone (Thursday 3 to Friday 4 April)
Carriageway resurfacing works using a road closure in operation between 7am and 7pm.

Every year, the Williamson Trust provides financial support to any Pitstone resident aged 65 or over. 

If you know someone who is over 65 on 31 March and lives within the parish of Pitstone – or you are eligible but not registered with the charity – please contact Gill Lowe (Chair of the Trust) on 01296 668809 or WilliamsonTrust@pitstone.email. 

Grants are made in April each year and delivered as cheques to eligible residents. You will find more information about the charity at www.pitstone.co.uk/WilliamsonTrust.

What’s the Vision?

During 2024 the parishes consolidated the idea of

Working Together to Create Opportunities for Positive Encounters

Central to this goal is the aspiration of developing an atmosphere of Love & Support in each of our parishes.

Early in 2025 the Vision – and its outworking – is to be revisited by each Parochial Church Council (PCC).

Did We Make Some Progress in 2024?

As I’ve said before, community life is a team game and so the sudden passing of the well-liked & well-respected Bishop of Buckingham, Rt. Rev. Alan Wilson, in Feb 2025 was a shock to us all. He & his family remained in our prayers throughout the year. I am so grateful, though, for all our folk! Without the hard work of church members and other volunteers – offered out of the goodness of their hearts – nothing would be possible. My sincere thanks to all who make our communities better places.

And, in 2024, one example of this was the good engagement with the Church School at Marsworth – which is extending its provision to accept even younger children. There was also good engagement with the Windmill pre-School in Ivinghoe and Pitstone (I&P) – which will soon have a branch opening in Marsworth! And some encouraging contact with Brookmead School. Sandra Green’s exceptional work with young families in Ivinghoe and Pitstone developed. And the informal Sunday Breakfast service in Slapton Village Hall continued to be small but lively!

Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms all provided good opportunities to show something of God’s love to people that we don’t see often on a Sunday morning. And we appreciated the augmented congregations for our services in Holy Week and at Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas. I hope folk know that they are always welcome.

Each church held successful fundraising events – some with a partner organisation: Ivinghoe Summer Fete (with Scouts & Daisy Chain Café) and Music-a-thon (with Beacon Choir & others); the Steam Rally & Fun Run at Marsworth; the Summer Fete, Film Club, Quizzes & Murder Mystery at Slapton.

I also need to mention the somewhat hidden work of the Foodbanks – whose discreet service provides support for families and individuals experiencing real need. The Foodbanks are administered through the PCCs of I&P and Marsworth – and were resourced by grants (including from Buckinghamshire County Council) as well as generous private donations.

The Vicar’s Book Club (which also included the Lent Group & Advent Group) attracted a core of folk throughout the year. And eventually followed the example of the Slapton Prayer Lunches – meeting in people’s homes rather than the Village Hall.

The “A Church Near You” website www.achurchnearyou.com continues to cover all our Parish Churches.

Other highlights in the year included

• The summer filming at Ivinghoe of Hugh Jackman’s movie, “Three Bags Full”.
• A group from Slapton dining with their patrons at Christ Church, Oxford
• John White being made Churchwarden Emeritus for all his service at Marsworth

Looking Forward

I maintain that a crucial idea going forward is to dethrone the concept that our churches exist to “get people to come to services”. Obviously, I like it when folk come to worship God with us but perhaps a more outward-looking focus might be to identify partners that we can work with in order to make our parishes better places.

Partners will be individuals or groups with whom we have some shared goals and values – and with whom we have (or feel able to develop) relationships of mutual support, trust and respect.

Rev. James Grainger-Smith

Vicar of Ivinghoe with Pitstone, Slapton and Marsworth

March 2025

There is now an additional number 63 bus offering a peak times service between Cheddington-Pitstone-Tring Station-Tring offering a combined improved level of service and better co-ordination with train times.

This service is being partially funding by Section 106 developer funds from both Pitstone and Cheddington developments, along with some travel to school funding.

There are also changes to the number 61 bus timetable.

Timetables for both services below.

Please do make as much use as you can of the Tring station trains for your commute. Both Bucks Council and Red Eagle will continue to monitor the level of uptake of the service, before reviewing if any further expansion of the service is possible.

As before, our thanks to those residents that provided feedback to Bucks Council, and please do continue to do so if you value the service (email: passtrans@buckinghamshire.gov.uk)

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Delays possible – Diversion route

Name: Diversion

Location: Westfield Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

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Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Delays possible – Road closure

Name: Westfield Road, Pitstone

Location: Westfield Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Streetworks / License – Streetworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: None/signing only

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Works location: Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

Works reference: Unknown

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Description: Full repair patch [1] – 7.1 x 1.3 m

Works location: At junction with Corfe Road

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Advanced planning

Works reference: D400213484353

The Green, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

21 March – 25 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC411001WG4K3L0N

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The Green, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

21 March – 25 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC411001WG4K4K4T

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

24 March – 28 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: Connect, POC is on the corner of Westfield road then goes into a private road

Works location: works in the carriageway and footway

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400351597622

The National Trust’s Ashridge Estate is recruiting a new team of engagement officers to help in their goal of protecting the future of this special landscape. In September 2023, the charity launched its Protecting Our Roots project to protect the long-term future of the landscape which is under increasing pressure from high visitor numbers. Now, it’s looking to expand the team and is recruiting three new engagement officers who will primarily be involved in engaging with visitors on the ground and reaching out into our communities. The senior role will help to manage development and delivery, while the two officers will also support the rangers in their conservation work.

• Senior Volunteering and Community Officer
• 2 x Volunteering and Community Officer

Visit nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and search ‘Ashridge Estate’ to find out more about the roles and how to apply. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025.

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 March – 11 March

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Anglian Water.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03265263648

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Pitstone Road, Cheddington, Buckinghamshire

19 March – 19 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC008WFTJ168YSB

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High Street, Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire

19 March – 20 March

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion

Description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Anglian Water.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03265592779

Buckinghamshire Council has notified of the following:

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 March – 11 March

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Anglian Water.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03265263648

Rushendon Furlong, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

10 March – 11 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Description: DEFECT REPAIR

Works location: AS PLOTTED

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400762324390

An extract from the latest (3/3/25) update to residents from Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council in relation to potholes and road repairs is replicated below for your information:

Dear resident, As I write this the sun is shining and the days are becoming noticeably longer. Some of the spring flowers are out. It’s hard to believe that only recently it has been incredibly cold and very wet. Sadly, weather as we have experienced in the past six weeks or so is becoming the norm with less snow, but lots of rain and cold. Driving around the county from Buckingham to Burnham regularly, I am only too aware that many roads are seeing the impact of the weather with new defects.

Some are deep potholes but many are surface layers of tarmac peeling away in places. These are caused by rain getting into minute cracks in the road and then freezing. When frozen the water expands and breaks up the road surface in places. Sadly, this happens every year and across the UK. In Buckinghamshire, we also have the additional challenge of scores of HGV vehicles moving round our county every day due to the HS2 and East West Rail constructions, placing even more strain on the roads. The best solution is to completely resurface a road. This is incredibly expensive and we do have a major programme of resurfacing planned to continue. We also continue to pressurise HS2 to contribute to repairing our roads. Frankly, it is not fair that residents bear the cost burden of their damage.  I want to assure residents that the council is fully aware of the deterioration in many roads, particularly rural ones. It’s at this point in the season that things are at their worst as the damage accumulates without continuous better weather allowing for permanent repairs.  Our approach to road repairs depends on the time of year. During the colder months we operate on a ‘reactive, safety first’ basis, with teams ready to assess and respond to reports of defects. Our local technicians inspect the problem and where it poses a danger, order an emergency fix. These aren’t pretty and may not last but are there to make the road safe until the weather improves, then we can follow up with a permanent fix. It would simply be a waste of money and resource to try and do permanent repairs in poor conditions as they will not hold and we’d have to do it again anyway. We do have 16 teams now out fixing reported potholes and other defects but it will take some time to get around to them all.  I do want to reassure you that we aren’t just focussed on being reactive. Over the past four years we have spent over £100m on road resurfacing and repairs. Many hundreds of roads have been resurfaced and over 35,000 potholes filled in the past year alone. However, much more needs to be done. I’m therefore really pleased that the full council agreed last week to our proposal to invest a record £120m in even more road resurfacing and repairs over the next four years. We are also looking at new ways and new technologies to improve how we do things, such as trialling a new ‘thermal repair’ technique to repair potholes. Please take a look at our ‘Highways Highlights’ webpage to find out more.  In the meantime, please continue to report defects using the council’s website and take care when driving, particularly in wet and dark conditions when potholes may not be visible.

Please also be advised that our Buckinghamshire Council Highways Local Area Technician advises that Westfield Road has been added to their program for resurfacing (eta 12-24 months) and that the pothole repairs are now in the process of being scheduled with an eta of approximately 6-8 weeks.

Buckinghamshire Council has advised of the following upcoming roadworks:

Pothole repairs with road closure on 19/2/25

Followed by two way traffic controls on 20/2/25 whilst an Ash tree is removed

Emergency works are being carried out on 5 & 6 February, and planned works on 10 February. Road closure and diversion will be in place.

We are a Mental Health Charity specialising in social therapeutic horticulture based in Wendover.

Let’s all grow together in 2025.
There are times when life seems anything but a smooth journey. Challenges to our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing lie around every corner, and simply hanging on to what we have can seem beyond us. Lindengate is a place where everyone makes a difference, helping grow the amazing garden, helping grow others, and helping to grow themselves. In 2024 we helped over 2,500 people through our wellbeing programmes, volunteering sessions and open garden sessions.  Without support from our amazing team of staff and volunteers, donations, grants and gifts in kind none of this would have been possible.

Hear how Lindengate has supported Annette, James and one of our Green Volunteens 2024…  

Annette’s Story
Lindengate’s 9-week Wellbeing & Nature Course has been my ‘saving grace’ this year. It has renewed my self-belief and confidence, lifting my depression, and opening up my love for nature. It gave me the confidence to enrol as a volunteer – giving me a sense of belonging and taught me new skills. Feels like belonging to a big, happy family, giving me full support and a lot of fun!

James’s Story   

When I started volunteering with you my relationship had broken down and I’d left my family home. Being able to come over to the gardens each week was a life saver, it gave me something to do during a period when I was emotionally very low and struggling.  I have now started to rebuild my relationship with my partner and the children. Thank you for your support – everyone made me feel so welcome. 

A Parent’s Story

My daughter has been a Green Volunteen at Lindengate for 2 years. The calming environment helped her to get through some really tough times in her life, the ongoing bereavement of her dad and grandma, bullying, self harming, eating disorder, and neurodiversity issues.  Coming to Lindengate has helped give her back her self belief, confidence, and to trust again. I am proud to say that she is now in college which she loves, something I never thought I would hear her say.

Grow your Wellbeing
At Lindengate gardening and nature-based activities help people to manage depression, anxiety and other mental health difficulties as well as supporting people with memory loss and dementia.
Find out more about our wellbeing programmes & short courses.
https://www.lindengate.org.uk/wellbeing-programmes

Volunteering
The gardens are maintained by a large community of over 130 garden volunteers aged from 13 to over 90 but we always welcome more pairs of hands! If you would like to join a warm and friendly volunteer community, meet new friends, working together to support the wellbeing of people and the environment and help us maintain the beautiful 6 acre Lindengate gardens, then get in touch.   We have a variety of volunteering opportunities and would love to hear from you.

Find out more https://www.lindengate.org.uk/volunteer

Rest & Refresh Café Dates for 2025
Throughout the Spring and Summer we will be running our pop up ‘Rest & Refresh’ café. Come along and enjoy a stroll around our 6-acre garden ad nature reserve followed by a cup of tea and cake! During these sessions we also have additional activities planned.

• Saturday 19th April 1-3pm: Including Easter Egg Hunt.
• Saturday 17th May 1-3pm: Including wildlife activities. 
• Saturday 21^st June 1-3pm
• Saturday 19^th July: Including opportunity to relax and listen to music from the Old Time Pickers.
• Saturday 16^th August: Including performances from the Cracklewick Morris Dancers.
• Saturday 20^th September: Including wildlife activities.

For more details please visit our website: https://www.lindengate.org.uk/events

Support Us
Lindengate is an inclusive green space in Wendover where mental health comes first. We rely on donations to carry out our work, helping people build their confidence, self-esteem, sense of purpose and achievement. Please support us today. https://www.lindengate.org.uk/donate

The far end of Church Road closed 29 & 30 Jan for emergency repairs

Arising due to works being carried out by Anglian Water:

Notified by Buckinghamshire Council:

Buckinghamshire residents are being reminded to take note of changes to bin collections during the festive period and to remember to recycle as much of the extra waste that accumulates at this time of year as possible.

Due to the bank holidays, bin collections will be operating to a revised timetable. Make sure you check the amended dates in the below table and leave your bins out for collection by 6:30am on the morning they are due to be collected.

Revised bin collections dates:

Normal day	Revised day
Wednesday 25 December 2024 (Christmas Day)	Friday 27 December 2024
Thursday 26 December 2024 (Boxing Day)	Saturday 28 December 2024
Friday 27 December 2024	Monday 30 December 2024
Monday 30 December 2024	Tuesday 31 December 2024
Tuesday 31 December 2024	Thursday 2 January 2025
Wednesday 1 January 2025 (New Year Bank Holiday)	Friday 3 January 2025
Thursday 2 January 2025	Saturday 4 January 2025
Friday 3 January 2025	Monday 6 January 2025
Monday 6 January 2025	Tuesday 7 January 2025
Tuesday 7 January 2025	Wednesday 8 January 2025
Wednesday 8 January 2025	Thursday 9 January 2025
Thursday 9 January 2025	Friday 10 January 2025
Friday 10 January 2025	Saturday 11 January 2025

Residents who subscribe to the council’s garden waste collection service should note that the service is currently suspended for winter and will resume from Monday 27 January 2025.

Garden waste subscribers can dispose of their real Christmas tree, wreaths, holly and mistletoe in their garden waste bin after Christmas. Simply place them in your garden waste bin after removing any decorations and cutting the tree into smaller pieces. Anyone not subscribed to the garden waste collection service, can either take their tree to their nearest Household Recycling Centre or see if there is a local charity collection nearby.

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:

“As we approach the festive season, I want to remind everyone about the changes to our recycling and waste services. We’ve adjusted collection dates to accommodate the holidays, so please check the revised schedule.

“Christmas is a time that generates more waste than usual, but you can recycle many festive items, from Christmas cards to wrapping paper – just remember not to include anything glittery or metallic. I wish everyone a happy Christmas and New Year.”

For tips and advice on how to minimise waste and have a more environmentally friendly Christmas, go to: www.recycleforbuckinghamshire.co.uk/christmas

Buckinghamshire’s Household Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. On all other days over the Christmas period the sites will operate the usual opening days and hours. Check online before you visit to confirm opening hours and avoid the queues.