Roadworks notified 8/3/17

Roadworks
Vicarage Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire
08 March — 10 March
Delays possibleTraffic control (multi-way signals)
Works location: Around Juction Rowland Close And Along Vicarage Road.
Works description: –
Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire County Council
Current status: Planned work about to start

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire
09 March — 13 March
Delays unlikelySome carriageway incursion
Works location: 6 The Green
Works description: –
Responsibility for works: Anglian Water
Current status: Planned work about to start

New Road, Tring, Hertfordshire
09 March — 10 March
Delays unlikelyNo carriageway incursion
Works location: Outside 13
Works description: Unblock Duct In Footway For Customer Connection
Responsibility for works: Virgin Media
Current status: Planned work about to start

Sutton Close, Tring, Hertfordshire
09 March — 09 March
Delays unlikelyNo carriageway incursion
Works location: 20
Works description: Reinstate Footway In Footway. Our Intention Is To Complete The Permanentreinstatement In The Same Phase
Responsibility for works: Thames Water
Current status: Planned work about to start

Yardley Avenue, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire
08 March — 13 March
Delays unlikelySome carriageway incursion
Works location: Outside 173
Works description: –
Responsibility for works: SGN
Current status: Planned work about to start

Register to vote in the Buckinghamshire County Council Elections

Aylesbury Vale District Council is urging all residents to register to vote, if they’ve not done so already, in time for the forthcoming Buckinghamshire County Council Local Elections which place on Thursday 4 May 2017.
Registering to vote is quick and easy by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and AVDC want their residents to know that being registered is about more than just voting. Peter Brown, AVDC Electoral Services Manager, said: “The register is used by credit reference agencies, so people not on the register may find it difficult to get a loan, mortgage or mobile phone contract. It is also a legal requirement, so not being registered could result in a fine of up to £1,000.”
Poll cards for the Buckinghamshire County Council Elections will be issued to all residents who are registered from the 28 March, and the deadline for registering to vote is Thursday 13 April

AVDC’s services for the price of a weekly cup of coffee!

Taking effect from 1 April, residents will receive all of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s services for an average of just £2.76 a week. These include bin collections, street cleaning and upkeep of public parks and spaces. Not bad for the price of a weekly cup of coffee on the high street! In addition, AVDC also oversees housing provision in the Vale, licensing, food safety, the collection of council tax, noise and air pollution and planning proposals.
Although, in line with central government proposals, council tax will increase this year, it works out at an average of just £5.00 for the year – or just under 10p per week – for everything that AVDC provides (based on a Council Tax Band D property).
Even with the reinvestment of the increased funds, council tax alone will not cover the cost of all the services, so it’s become imperative that AVDC generates additional income. It’s done this by adopting an innovative, commercial approach and transforming the way it operates.
Over the last seven years, faced with the challenge of losing its government grant, AVDC has reduced its budget by £16 million through a combination of savings, efficiencies and income generation. It has saved more than £5 million a year by becoming one of the first councils to adopt a Cloud IT strategy as part of its digital transformation programme, which also includes the online customer service system ‘My Account’. In addition, AVDC has generated income from renting out its conference facilities, selling its payroll services to other organisations and has raised more than £70,000 for local good causes through its Vale Lottery scheme.
Leader of AVDC, Cllr. Neil Blake, said: “Over the last few years AVDC has become more of a commercial and customer-centric organisation, putting residents at the heart of all it does, whilst developing new concepts and radically changing the way that local government is perceived. We want to ensure that, despite the cuts in government funding that we face, we can continue to support all our key services to the excellent standard that our residents expect.”

Advice from UK Power Networks

Advice from UK Power Networks in light of the severe weather:

Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can damage overhead power lines resulting in some customers losing their electricity supply.  Where this happens we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, and we have organised for additional staff in our contact centre and more engineers on the ground to be available to help customers whose electricity supply might be affected by the predicted weather.

 

You will be able to find regular updates on our website www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and social media @ukpowernetworks throughout this period.

 

Anyone experiencing a power cut should:

 

  • Call 105 to report power cuts and damage to the electricity network
  • Visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest update
  • Visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in their postcode to view our live power cut map
  • Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report a power cuts or to receive updates

 

UK Power Networks has a Priority Service Register for customers who may be more vulnerable and require extra assistance in a power cut. You can find out more information on our website: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority.

 

We advise people to stay clear of power lines and report damaged power lines immediately by calling 105 – free to call from a landline or a mobile phone. If they see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public they should call 999.

 

Preparing for a power cut

Below is some additional advice on how you can prepare for a power cut:

  • Keep our freephone number handy
  • See the website for some useful videos offering you advice during a power cut.
  • Keep spare batteries for radios and torches – local radio stations often broadcast helpful information
  • Keep an old-fashioned corded phone which you can plug in, as cordless phones won’t work in the event of a power cut
  • Take care if using candles, tea-lights and other naked flames
  • Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over as they will stay cold for many hours
  • Switch off all your electrical equipment, except one light which will let you know when the power comes back on
  • Remember the street lights may also be off so take care if you go out
  • Look out for elderly neighbours and other vulnerable people; please consider taking them round a flask of hot water or hot food

Appeal for witnesses after Pitstone burglary

Message sent by
Diane Brown (Police, NHW & Community Messaging Co-ordinator, Aylesbury Vale LPA)


Appeal for witnesses after a burglary – Pitstone

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after a recent burglary in Pitstone.

Between 2:30pm and 3pm on Friday 17th February witnesses saw two men and one woman leave a property on Castle Close. It was then discovered that the French doors has been forced and a pane of glass broken.

It is thought that the offenders were disturbed and left without stealing anything.

A silver Mercedes car was seen in the area acting suspiciously, although it is not known if it was connected to this crime or not.

PC Gary Scott from Aylesbury Local CID is investigating this crime. He is keen to speak to anyone that might have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area between these times.

If you have any information please call PC Scott on the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101.

If you don’t want to speak to the police or give your details you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or report it online. No personal details will be taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not have to go to court.

Ladies beginners swimming lessons

Active Vale introduces lunchtime swimming lessons for local ladies
Active Vale ladies’ beginner swimming lessons have proved so popular that ladies’ lunchtime lessons have been introduced at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. This is a great opportunity for ladies aged 18 and over to gain water confidence and skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
The lunchtime sessions take place on Tuesdays throughout the year, from 12.30pm or 1pm. The cost is £4 per lesson but you can dip your toe in the water with a free first session by booking at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/ladies-swimming-lesson.
Tuesday evening beginner swimming lessons are taking place at Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre. And if swimming doesn’t appeal, there are lots of other fun fitness sessions taking place around the district, with more due to start this spring and summer.
Active Vale offers all sorts of fitness sessions across the Vale to help local ladies get active, as research shows girls and women aged 14-40 particularly struggle to achieve their recommended 90 minutes of exercise each week. Aylesbury Vale District Council run Active Vale with funding from Sport England and support from local partners

Do you have a local housing need? Please tell us about it

Pitstone Parish Council would like to find out whether there is any need for “low cost housing” in our community to help local people who are struggling to stay in the parish due to the high cost of housing.  These may include people who need to be near close relatives to care for them, or need the care of someone living in the parish.

The council is also aware that young people may be finding it increasingly difficult to access homes of their own, and older people finding it hard to find suitable homes to ‘downsize’ into.

To gauge the extent of local need for “low cost housing”, and any particular types of need, we would like all interested Pitstone residents to complete a short survey and tell us their stories.  The results will then help the parish council to understand what needs exist and to investigate possible solutions.   The survey can be completed online at http://pitstone.co.uk/housing-survey-2017/, or you can complete the form which will shortly be delivered to each home inside your next edition of Pitstone Parish Post, and return to 9 Warwick Road, Pitstone, LU7 9FE or email to parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk by Sunday 5 March 2017.

Have you got your ICE (In Case of Emergency) card?

ICE numbers stored in phones are no longer a useful solution, as most modern smart phones are locked with a passcode. This prevents medical staff from gaining access to your emergency contact. There is, however, another item you have on you at practically all times – your wallet. While credit and ID cards have your name, more information is often needed in an emergency. Having all the essential information accessible on one card could help medical responders provide the best help and care, and to contact your next of kin promptly. Information about medications and allergies facilitates making fast decisions about treatments. And, especially in the case of heavy blood loss, it is important for emergency staff to know your blood type.

Cards are available to download via the link:

https://geticecard.com/

Would you like to play cricket?

Ivinghoe & Pitstone United Cricket Club are starting our practise nets at Aylesbury Grammar School on Monday nights from 8.15 to 9.15 for the next 12 weeks, first session is 16th January. We welcome new players for a busy programme of Saturday, Sunday and mid-week games in 2017.  The sessions are aimed at senior players and the older colts that play in senior cricket. There is a small charge of £ 3.00 for the session. Anyone interested should contact David Frankum on 0776 147 8045.

News from AVDC inc brown bin dates, Exchange St car park, electoral canvass and grants for lunch clubs

Brown bin collection dates

 

The service starts again next year on:

  • Monday 30 January
  • Monday 6 February

 

Check our website nearer the time to find out when your collection date will be.

 

If you put your real Christmas tree in the brown bin, please make sure that it is not wedged in, but chopped into pieces that will easily fall out when the bin is turned upside down for emptying.

 

Lynda Tomlins, Customer Contact Manager, Recycling and Waste – 01296 585510

 

 

Exchange Street Car Park, Aylesbury – Waterside North

 

The construction work for Aylesbury Vale District Council’s exciting new development in the Exchange Street car park will commence next Monday, 9 January 2017, with AVDC’s chosen development partner for the scheme, Durkan Ltd.

 

The new development will provide Aylesbury town centre with its first purpose-built mixed restaurant and residential development, reflecting how modern town centres are changing to meet a demand for more town centre homes and leisure dining.

 

The development will take place at the top end of the Exchange Street car park, opposite the cinema. It will create four new restaurants with 47 one and two bedroom apartments above them and a stunning new public square funded by a grant from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).  Additional flexible commercial space will be built facing Long Lional.

 

The development means that the Exchange Street car park will lose around 120 parking spaces as of Tuesday 10 January. However, most of these have already been offset by the new car park adjacent to the site which was opened last year by Bucks County Council. All the existing disabled bays from the Exchange Street car park will be relocated within the development and a number of 30 minute short stay and market trader van bays will be relocated too

 

During the construction period, approximately 30 additional parking spaces will be temporarily lost to allow the construction traffic access around bottom and cinema side of the site, ensuring safety for car park users. On Monday work will begin, as revisions to the white lining of bays commences.

 

For more information on where to park when visiting Aylesbury town centre, please visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/parkaylesbury and for more information on the development please go to http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/waterside-north-development

 

 

Annual Electoral Canvass

 

The annual electoral canvass completed with the re-issue of electoral registers on 1 December. The overall response rate for the district was 94.5%. The revised number of electors for the Aylesbury Vale registration area is as follows;

 

Parliamentary electors – 134,947

Local Government Electors -138,135

 

Parishes are reminded that there are local government elections (Bucks County Council) on the 4 May next year. The registration deadline for electors wishing to vote is Thursday 13 April.

Peter Brown, Electoral Services Manager 01296 585650

 

 

Grant support for lunch clubs for older people 2017/18

 

In the New Year Aylesbury Vale District Council will once again be inviting applications from lunch clubs for older people to apply for grant support.

Only a limited amount of money is available and to be eligible for funding groups must operate in Aylesbury Vale and must:

  • have agreed a constitution or set of rules – a copy of which should be included with the application
  • be not-for-profit
  • operate with no undue restriction on membership
  • have a management committee of at least 3 people
  • have a bank account that requires two signatories
  • have an accurate record of income and expenditure (or income/expenditure projections if you are a new group) – a copy of which should be included with your application.

 

For further information and an application form, please email the Grants Officer, Jan Roffe at: jroffe@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday 17 March 2017. Applications will be assessed by the end of March and all applicants will be advised of the outcome soon afterwards.

Tackline Crime: Protecting People 2017-20

 

The agencies who work together in Buckinghamshire to tackle crime and protect vulnerable people (e.g. councils, police, probation, voluntary services etc) are looking for your views on what we believe should have extra focus for the next three years (April 2017-March 2020).

Some of the work we already do includes:

  • Providing support to victims of domestic violence and abuse
  • Working with young people to educate them in how to stay safe and keep away from serious harm
  • Reducing the number of young people who become involved in criminal activity
  • Supporting those who feel isolated or targeted because of who they are or where they live

Please consider taking part in this short survey, and please forward to your networks.  It is ‘multiple choice’ with an optional space at the end for you to provide any comments or thoughts, in your own words.  It should take no more than 5 minutes.

 

Last year we were really pleased that over 1300 people responded from all over the county and represented those under 17 years old right up to those over 70 years old.  Please help us to hear from even more people than last year so we are even better informed.  To take part in the survey click on this link https://www.research.net/r/saferbucks

 

 

Catherine Marriott, on behalf of the Safer Bucks Partnership

Community Safety Manager  |  Communities, Health & Adult Social Care (CHASC)  |  Buckinghamshire County Council, HP20 1UA

Direct Dial: 01296 383979  |  E-mail: cmarriott@buckscc.gov.uk  |  Secure e-mail: secure-cmarriott@buckscc.gcsx.gov.uk

BCC budget plans to be put under microscope by committee

The details of Buckinghamshire County Council’s proposed £324m budget will be put under the microscope later this month – and for the first time members of the public will be able to quiz council bosses.

A cross-party committee of councillors will question cabinet members on their departmental spending plans during three days of hearings from January 10 to 12 and will then produce a report listing any recommendations.

At a recent cabinet meeting council leader Martin Tett admitted that the committee took a ‘very thorough and intense’ approach which could prove to be a ‘gruelling experience’ – but that their input was an invaluable part of the budget-setting process.

For the first time, residents will be able to submit their questions on the budget which will be asked during the meetings, either by emailing democracy@buckscc.gov.uk or tweeting using #BucksBudget

The meetings will be held in public and also webcast online.

Committee chairman Bill Chapple said: “I have always been a great champion for transparency and openness and so I welcome questions from the public, which will receive an answer from a cabinet member.

“Our job as a committee is to make sure the budget is robust and facilitates the needs of the county and the people we serve, within the budget we have available.

“We will be diligent and asking the relevant questions to each cabinet member to make sure we are spending our money in the most prudent manner.”

Buckinghamshire County Council’s proposed net operating budget for 2017/18 is £324m, down from £325.6m for 2016/17.

You can view the draft budget here: https://democracy.buckscc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=5597

Rothschild House Surgery Patient Participation Group Open Evening

Rothschild House Patient Group

 

Patient Participation Group

Welcomes You
To an open evening meeting
Wednesday 18 January 2017
7.30pm-9:30pm
The Baptist Church, High Street, Tring

(Free parking opposite in the library car park)

Find out how to get the most out of Rothschild House Surgery’s Online Services. Click and Easy – saves you time, order your repeat prescriptions and increase your choice of appointments.

Doctors presenting:

  • Dr Jon Hykin: How to be a smart patient
  • Dr Sarah Gallagher: How can teenagers get the best out of the surgery?
  • Dr Alexandra Wainwright: From the cradle to the grave

Question & Answer session

 

Join the conversation, all welcome!

 

For further information email: rhsppg@gmail.com
https://www.rothschildhousesurgery.co.uk/practice/join-our-patient-group/

Sometimes we all need a bit of help

There are times when we all need a little bit of help. Maybe you’re recovering from an illness, feeling lonely and isolated or unable to get out and about, Prevention Matters could give you that bit of help to make your life easier and more fulfilling.

Prevention Matters, delivered by Buckinghamshire County Council through a partnership of organisations, including the NHS, District Councils and a variety of voluntary and community sector organisations, is a free and friendly advice service linking eligible adults (over 18) in Buckinghamshire to social activities, volunteers and community services.

We can support you in regaining your confidence, independence and getting out and about by finding social activities, volunteers and community services for you in your local area.

Here’s how we helped Georgina with the worries of being on her own:

After the death of her last remaining family member Georgina was concerned about her declining health and money worries. A Prevention Matters community practice worker visited her at home to see how we could help.

The community practice worker was able to help arrange a home visit to asses her property for disability allowance, get taxi tokens so she could get to appointments, catalogues on home shopping and meal delivery so she didn’t have to rely on friends.

Georgina now feels better informed about the services that are available to her and through Prevention Matters is now £200 a month better off, safer at home and less worried about her finances.

How do I find out about this service?

 

  • Call our friendly staff on 0300 666 0159 (local number)
  • Email at admin@preventionmatters.org.uk
  • Or use the online form at buckscc.gov.uk/preventionmatters
  • Alternatively you can ask your GP or health professional for more information

 

What would happen next?

 

One of our Community Practice Workers will contact you to arrange a time to come and talk to you about what services may be available locally for you. The Community Practice Worker can contact the activities and services you might be interested in attending or receiving in your home and can support you until you feel confident and happy to be independent.

 

It’s ok to ask for help.

To find out more about Prevention Matters please visit

www.careadvicebuckinghamshire.org/preventionmatters

Reminder of Active Bucks sessions

Just a reminder that the following Active Bucks sessions are still running in Pitstone/Ivinghoe.  All welcome:

Parish Activity  Venue  Day  Time  Cost  Contact 
Pitstone Parish Council Walk, Jog, Run Pitstone Memorial Hall, Vicarage Road, Pitstone, LU7 9EY Tuesday 7.30-8.15pm Free Kirsty McCoubrey:07801594519
Ivinghoe Parish Council Ivinghoe and Pitstone Weekly Walk (Level 1) Ivinghoe Old School Community Hub, Ivinghoe, LU7 9EP Monday 10-10.45am Free Fiona on 01494 475367 or simplywalks@buckscc.gov.uk

 

Thank you from Rennie Grove

An enormous thank you to all of you who have helped out with the Santa Float this year, and to everyone who gave a donation.

This year the Rennie Grove nurses will travel more than 13,500 miles and carry out around 600 home visits over the 12 days of Christmas to give patients and their families the precious memory of one last Christmas together.  Those memories are priceless but there is a real cost we must cover to make this happen and you’ve helped us to cover that cost.

Each and every one of you has helped to raise a fantastic £4,907.83 this year (this covers all the towns and not just Pitstone) which is a record amount for the float. It is getting bigger and better each year thanks to all the wonderful support you give.

Thank you so much.

Stay safe this Christmas

As Christmas draws near, Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) are encouraging residents to think about their plans in order to stay safe whilst celebrating this year.
Working alongside Thames Vale Police and Aylesbury Pubwatch, AVDC have been promoting the Christmas Party Menu this year, which breaks down all the aspects of a night of Christmas festivities to ensure you have a happy and safe Christmas.
For starters, they suggest you plan your evening before you go out, think about transport by using licensed taxis, make sure you have the fare home and stay with friends. Ensure you mobile phone is fully charged and always eat before you drink.
For mains, they focus on your wellbeing – asking you not to leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers, look out for each other, never mix drink and drugs and to stay hydrated with water.
For desserts, always use a black cab or private hire cab with yellow plate and door signs to get home safely, ensuring you’re in the right vehicle for the right booking and that the driver is wearing his badge.
The campaign is to get everyone thinking ahead, to ensure they’re not caught out or put into any compromising situations over what should only be a fun and festive time. Pubs and clubs throughout the town are promoting the poster in and out of their premises and using their social media.
Peter Seal, AVDC Licencing Manager, said: “We’ve worked along side Thames Valley Police and Pubwatch to ensure that Aylesbury Vale residents have a happy and safe time this Christmas and wish all residents a very merry time indeed.”

Rural businesses offered grants up to £50,000

Rural businesses across the Chilterns can now apply for grants of up to £50,000 to help create growth and jobs. 

The grants are administered by Ngage Solutions, on behalf of the Chilterns LEADER Local Action Group.

The Chilterns LEADER programme is designed to promote business growth, particularly the growth of micro and small businesses. It is focused on rural areas supporting;  small rural companies, farm diversification projects, forestry projects, tourism projects, rural services and cultural and heritage projects. The programme is expected to help with the creation of approximately 75 jobs and to provide financial support for 130 rural businesses.

Mike Furness, LEADER Programme Manager, said:

‘The Chilterns has a significant rural economy and the Chilterns LEADER Programme will support activity that helps businesses grow, drawing on the unique characteristics of the area, while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources like woodlands. We are looking forward to working together with local businesses to support their growth and we want to encourage them get in touch to find out how we can help them.’

David Briggs, Chair of the Chilterns LEADER LAG, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded this new round of funding, especially as we know there is a real need within our local community. Due to the success of the last wave of LEADER funding we have already had expressions of interest from local businesses including farms looking to expand processing capabilities, diversify into farm shops and tea rooms, cycle hubs, tourism projects and forestry activity.’

In the 2008-2013 LEADER programme, projects delivered by Ngage were some of the most successful in the UK. 124 projects were awarded funding which in turn sustained 206 jobs, created 117 new jobs and helped launch 39 new businesses.

 

For more information about whether your business may be eligible for a LEADER grant and for more information on the North & West Northamptonshire, Chilterns and Clay Vale LEADER programmes, visit www.leader-programme.org.uk or call the team on 01494 568969.

leader-flyer

Ridgeway Winter 2016 newsletter

Ridgeway Winter newsletter

 

Enjoy a good read of The Ridgeway National Trail newsletter which features:

 

  • Ten year old boy becomes a Hero – walking the entire Ridgeway for charity
  • Ridgeway Wildlife corridor – the Trail plays a role in helping wildlife movement
  • Events listing – art fairs, guided winter walks, fundraising challenges and more
  • Help maintain The Ridgeway – see the task diary and read about an app to help with reporting problems
  • Explore The Ridgeway on horseback – take part in TREC events and volunteer to monitor circular rides
  • Literary walk – follow in the footsteps of great writers inspired by the Ridgeway  landscape
  • Whiteleaf Cross is scoured to a gleaming white and the Grosvenor memorial near East Ilsley is restored

rw-newsletter-winter-2016finalv1-1

Christmas Bin Collections Dec 2016

The collection on Thursday 22 December remains in place.

The collection scheduled for Thursday 29 December, blue lidded recycling bin plus food bin, has moved to Friday 30 December.

The following week services resume their usual Thursday slot ie 5 January 2017 for the green lidded bin plus food bin.

Bin dates can always be checked on the Aylesbury Vale District Council website: http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/find-your-bin-day

Community Safety Partnership consultation

The Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is a statutory group (including the police and local councils) working to reduce crime and disorder in the district.

 

The partnership does not replace the work of the police or the day-to-day business of the other partners, but is widely considered the most effective approach to finding joint solutions to local issues.

 

Every year we consult with residents and local community organisations as the partnership prepares its next annual action plan. The plan will include initiatives and projects to address local priorities.

 

In this consultation we want to know how safe you feel in the area you live or work, and how well informed you are about particular types of crime. All responses will be used as a basis to help shape the annual action plan for 2017-2018.

 

Please answer as many questions as possible. It should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

 

All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence and only be used in the review of the community safety partnership action plan. Aylesbury Vale District Council is registered under the Data Protection Act, 1998 and will at all times comply with the terms of the act when processing personal data.

 

Just clink on the following link: https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/cspsurvey2016

 

D Cotter

Miss D Cotter

Community Safety Officer

Community Fulfilment

Aylesbury Vale District Council

The Gateway

Gatehouse Road

Aylesbury

Bucks  HP19 8FF

Tel:   01296 585061

Email dcotter@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Website www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Christmas Services at St Marys Ivinghoe 2016

Sunday 18 December 6pm – Nine Lessons and Carols

Saturday 24 December 3pm – Nativity Service

Saturday 24 December 11.30pm – Midnight Communion

Sunday 25 December 10am – Family Communion

May the good news of Christmas bring you joy and peace.

facebook.com/stmary.holycross.allsaints

Warning to drivers using motorway service stations

Message sent by
Lucy Billen (Police, Media Officer, Thames Valley Police)


Drivers using motorway services stations, particularly those along the M4 in Berkshire, are being warned that thieves could be using technology to prevent people locking their vehicles and then steal from them.
Thames Valley Police officers are warning people to make a manual check that doors are locked before leaving their vehicles.
This advice follows a spate of 14 thefts from vehicles at motorway services in Berkshire. In many of the cases there was no obvious sign of a break in and no damage was caused to the vehicles as items were stolen from them.
Officers are also appealing for anyone who visited the services during the dates outlined below and have any dashcam footage to please get in touch as they may have vital information for the investigations.
At Chieveley Moto Services on M4 at junction 13 between 24 November and 1 December two vans, two lorries and a Mercedes car were entered and items including tools, a suitcase and laptop were taken.
At Reading Moto Services M4 junctions 11-12 between 26 November and 28 November two Range Rovers, a Jaguar, a Mercedes and a Fiat 500 were all accessed by unknown means, ie no obvious sign of a break-in, and various pieces of luggage were stolen from the vehicles.
At Membury Welcome Break M4 at junctions 14 -15 between 24 November and 26 November two Land Rovers, a Mercedes and a Renault were accessed by unknown means. Luggage, wallets and cash were stolen.
Investigating officer, Sgt Alan Hawkett of Newbury Police Station said: “I strongly recommend that any members of the public visiting motorway services stations anywhere in the country keep all valuable items in their possession when away from their vehicle. Offenders may be using technology to prevent your vehicle from locking therefore we would advise a manual check of the doors before leaving your vehicle.
“I am appealing to the public who use in car dash cameras who may have been at any of the above service stations on the above dates and times to contact me. You may have captured an offence or offender on camera. I am extremely keen to review the footage.”
Anyone with any information or dashcam footage relevant to these incidents is asked to call 101 using ref 409 27/11/2016 or email alan.hawkett@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

Why not join the Library’s 100 Club?

A VERY BIG THANK YOU to everybody who has renewed/taken out their subscription to the Library’s 100 Club!

There is just a week to go to the next round of monthly Prize Draws, and there is still time to join the 100 Club, which is a fun way of helping to raise funds for your Library. Draw tickets cost only £1 each (£12 for twelve months), and half of all subscriptions are returned as prize money – three guaranteed prizes every month!

Interested? Then why not pick up a welcome pack from the Library or print off
the attached Application Form? Alternatively, contact me for further details and
an online form. The more tickets sold, the greater the monthly prize pot! If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask (01296 668123 or 07947
582595).

I look forward to welcoming you to the 100 Club.

Encouraging ladies to have fun keeping fit this winter

Free sessions and great prizes with Active Vale this winter
Until the end of December, Aylesbury Vale District Council is offering a fantastic prize draw along with free Active Vale fitness sessions to encourage Vale ladies to have fun keeping fit this winter.
Prizes include a Fitbit Charge 2, Asics Nimbus 18 Trainers (worth £145) and £50 Shopping Vouchers. Residents who sign up for a free Active Vale session at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/active-vale will be entered into the prize draw after completing the class.
There are all kinds of Active Vale activities taking place across the Vale this winter, including Zumba, taster gym sessions, ladies swimming lessons, lunchtime HIIT classes (high intensity interval training) and beginner running with childcare. Residents can go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/active-vale to find out what’s taking place near them.
Rachel Robinson, AVDC’s Active Vale Co-ordinator says: “We’ve pulled out all the stops to inspire Vale ladies to have fun getting fit with our free sessions and fantastic prizes. December can be hectic, and taking some ‘me time’ to join an Active Vale session is a great way to de-stress and reenergise. Find the perfect session for you at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/active-vale.”
Active Vale is operated by AVDC with funding from Sport England, and support from local sports partners. Active Vale is specifically trying to help ladies aged 14-40 to exercise more, as this group often particularly struggle to achieve their recommended 90 minutes of exercise a week, but most Active Vale sessions are open to adults of all ages.

Sheep and cattle back on Ivinghoe Beacon, please drive carefully

National Trust advise that sheep and cattle are now back grazing on Ivinghoe Beacon. Please take extra care to drive carefully through this area as you may come across them on the road.

Grazing is a vital part of our management of the chalk grassland and directly helps to maintain this flower-rich landscape.

Ashridge NT's photo.
Ashridge NT's photo.
Ashridge NT's photo.
Ashridge NT's photo.

Local Vacancy: Village News Local Newspaper Correspondant

Dear Friends,

 

As many of you will know, I’ve been reporting the news for Ivinghoe and Pitstone in the Bucks Herald and Leighton Buzzard Observer for over 20 years and have added Slapton to the villages I cover in more recent years. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’d recommend being a local newspaper correspondent to any aspiring writer.

 

But all good things come to an end, and I must hang up my reporter’s hat at the end of December. Because the papers won’t be printing the usual village pages for much of December (due to the Christmas rush), my last columns will appear in 4 and 5 December issues of the papers.

 

If anyone is interested in taking over the role for one or more of the three villages you should approach Neil Pickford at Johnston Newspapers direct at neil.pickford@jpress.co.uk. If you’d like an idea of what’s involved, by all means contact me at davesivers@hotmail.co.uk.

 

In the meantime, after the end of November, local individuals or organisations who have news or are in need of some publicity should contact Neil direct.

 

Best regards,

Dave Sivers.

Aylesbury Craft and Gift Fair 4 Dec 2016

Aylesbury Town Centre`s next festive event, the Christmas Craft and Gift Fair, will be taking place on Sunday 4th December. The event runs from 11am to 3pm, where visitors can browse stalls full of unique and unusual festive treats, from Christmas decorations to traditional Italian delicacies – whilst getting in the festive mood with live jazz music and street entertainment. Street food will also be available and includes German bratwursts, roasted chestnuts and Mexican delights.
Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership are delighted to also welcome Young Enterprise and Buckingham University Technical College to the Christmas Craft and Gift Fair this year. Budding local entrepreneurs from Aylesbury School, who have already set up companies with the support of Young Enterprise, will be selling items they have created; whilst Buckingham University Technical College will be promoting and selling some of their work at the fair.
Diana Fawcett, Town Centre Manager said: “We are very proud to be supporting local schools as a part of this event. It’s a great opportunity for these young people to learn from the more experienced stall holders, whilst helping to develop the potential traders of tomorrow.”
Sunday parking in Aylesbury Town Centre is £1.50 for the day

Bucks County Council invite you to join the Collective Switching Scheme

This December, Buckinghamshire County Council will again invite residents to see if they can make savings on their energy bills through the Government’s Collective Switching Scheme

 

It is a national scheme, which will join our residents, families and friends with other people from around the country in a large pool and then invite energy suppliers to bid in an auction to provide energy to this pool of people at a preferential lower rate. Once the supplier has been confirmed they will write to everyone with a personalised quote. There is no obligation to switch.

 

In the last round of Auction:

 

  • 41% of people who registered in Buckinghamshire were able to make a saving
  • The average savings in the county have been around £280 per year.

We have a website www.buckscc.gov.uk/switchedon where people can find out more and also register their interest.

The deadline for registration is 13rd February 2017 and the auction for suppliers will take place on 14th February. Please note that residents will need their existing energy bill(s) to complete your registration.

 

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