Please note that Transport for Bucks are carrying out works on the Horton Road/Horton, Leighton Buzzard Road, Slapton. A complete road closure will be in place from Horton Hill Farm to Horton Village. Therefore, if you are travelling from Pitstone or Ivinghoe and want to get to Leighton Buzzard, you’ll need to go via Mentmore or via Edlesborough and not through Great Gap.
More information can be found on the Bucks County Council Transport for Bucks website.
The church will soon be compiling a list of people to act as stewards when Pitstone Church is open on Sunday afternoons during the summer months. They are looking for two or three new volunteers for this year, so if you feel you would like to spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying the tranquillity of the church and church yard please let Gill Arney know, telephone 01296 668123.
There is vigorous debate going on with the Conservation Trust as to whether the church should be opened more often. At present anyone who would like to visit the church when it is closed can obtain the key from the Old School at the corner of Church Road, Pitstone. Please call 01296 661968 before you go.
The church yard is full of lovely wild flowers in the Spring, so even if the church is shut, it is well worth a visit.
Honey Bee Swarms:
Swarms are merely Colonies that are in transition. Normally these Swarms are
found hanging from tree branch, fence post or any place where the swarm can gather close to the Queen while scouts are sent out to look for a more permanent home. A swarm left alone will only be in place from just a few minutes to a few hours and occasionally a few days. Generally these swarms are very docile and the swarming bees usually will not sting. When Honey Bees swarm they gorge
themselves with honey before leaving the hive which makes it very hard for them to double over and sting.
What Causes Honey Bees to Swarm:
Honey Bees have a natural instinct to survive by sending out new colonies. They may also swarm through overcrowding or because an old queen is thought to be failing and they wish to raise a new one. Honey Bees usually swarm in early spring just as the colony is building up numbers in anticipation of the upcoming honey flow but swarming can happen through to late summer It is difficult to predict if weather conditions will lead to a large number of swarms in a particular year. In 2013 there were relatively few swarms after the bad winter. This year colonies have survived much better and there may be many more swarms.
If You See a Swarm:
Declining Honey Bee numbers make the collection of swarms an important part of the work of bee keepers. You should never interfere with a swarm and pest control companies will not kill a swarm unless absolutely necessary.
Please contact:
MBBKA Swarm Hotline 07770370132 or
Brian Bush – Mid Bucks Beekeepers and BBKA Swarm Officer 01844292195 or 07767304067
BBKA British Bee Keepers Association website http:www.bbka.org.uk
This year’s Summer Festival is set to be the best yet and the Black Tie Ball on Saturday the 21st of June is without doubt the not to be missed event of the summer. We have been able to book a fantastic Group “The Collection” fronted by Keavy Lynch from “Bewitched” and ITV’s “ the Big Reunion”. We got new caterers who specialise in events of our size and style and for good measure we’ve moved the black tie ball to Saturday evening to make it easier to bring along your friends from further afield. If you haven’t been before then this is THE year to come along and join in the fun.
…and if that isn’t enough we’ve also got an “Early Bird” offer of two free bottles of wine (RRP at least £ 30) for anyone who books a table of at least eight people by the 8th of April.
For more information please visit our web site www.ivinghoeentertainments.org.uk , twitter @ivinghoeents or Facebook www.facebook.com/invinghoents or call Penny on 01296 668017 for more details.
We all look forward to seeing you at what we’re sure will be a cracking night.
Graham Hollands, Chair, Ivinghoe Entertainments Committee
Entertainment by the Community, for the Community
Community Impact Bucks has been chosen to take part in the national Community Organisers scheme, and is starting the hunt for community organisers in Buckinghamshire.
Community Organisers is a government funded scheme which aims to train 5,000 ‘community organisers’, individuals who will work in local communities around the country to bring people together, listen to ideas, build networks and support people to tackle the local issues which are important to them.
Community Impact Bucks will choose 4 trainee community organisers from the area and will host them while they undergo their 51 week training in the foundations of community organising. Whilst they train the community organisers will work in neighbourhoods chosen by Community Impact Bucks in consultation with local partners, where they will develop their skills whilst listening to the community and supporting social action.
Anyone interested in applying or finding out more should contact Community Impact Bucks on: 0845 3890389 or info@communityimpactbucks.org.uk or visit http://www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk/news.php/588/are-you-a-good-listener-do-you-want-to-make-a-difference-in-your-community-become-a-trainee-communit
This is an excellent opportunity for someone to gain paid employment in the voluntary and community sector.
Please do not hesitate to contact Vicki Parker if you require further information – 0845 389 0389
No Smoking Day is an annual campaign led by the British Heart Foundation to help smokers quit. This years campaign is ‘V for Victory – in the battle against cigarettes we can help you win!’
Everybody has their own personal reason for wanting to give up smoking. Some people give up as part of a larger lifestyle change – to be healthier, to get fit, or to save money.
For some, it’s more about how their smoking affects the people around them – their family, friends, and little ones.
Whatever your reason, thinking carefully about your motivation and keeping a reminder in key places can be really helpful for keeping you going through the tough times
For more information or for help to quit please visit http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/
The help included is a free quit kit, face to face support, free mobile app, free email support and free text support.
Why quit?
Health improvements after…
|
20 minutes |
Your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal |
|
8 hours |
Nicotine and carbon monoxide start to leave your body and oxygen levels return to normal. |
|
24 hours |
Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. |
|
48 hours |
Nicotine has been eliminated from your body and your sense of smell and taste both improve. |
|
2 – 12 weeks |
Exercise becomes easier and your breathing improves. |
|
3 – 9 months |
Any coughs, wheezing and breathing problems are reduced as your lungs repair. |
|
1 year |
Your risk of coronary heart disease is now half that of a smoker. |
Financial Benefits
Currently a packet of 20 cigarettes costs around £8, so quitting will give a 20-a-day smoker an extra £56 a week. The benefits of stopping smoking soon start to add up. For a 20-a-day smoker, in
Every recycling bin containing items that AVDC don’t recycle contaminates the whole truck load. If the contractor rejects the truck load, the whole lot has to be taken to landfill. The lost income from selling the recycling, transportation costs and landfill fees costs tax payers £2,000 a load! So, please be careful.
Please also remove lids first and put these in separately.
Some of the contaminators that have been found in residents recycling bins include: a car bumper cut up into pieces, needles & syringes, plastic toys, full pots of paint, light bulbs, batteries, pillows, a desk fan and an ironing board. All such items should be taken to the local tip.
If you have any questions or queries regarding your recycling, or would like a bigger recycling bin, please contact the team at Aylesbury Vale District Council.
The Thames Valley Police monthly update for our area is now available on their web site:
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/pub-pg-nh-upds-N416?id=275150
Gravity has been one of this years most talked about films, and won an amazing 7 awards at the recent Oscars including Best Director, Special Effects and Cinematography.
It will be showing at the Pitstone Cinema on 28/3/14 at Pitstone Memorial Hall. Everyone welcome. Doors open at 7.30pm, Film starts at 8pm. 90 minutes running time. Adults £5, <14s £3.
Come along and see the infinity of space portrayed on the amazing huge screen which fills one end of the hall. The film is projected via the latest projection equipment. Excellent sound and visual quality. The bar will be open for refreshments & snacks throughout and you are welcome to take your drink to your seat with you. No long drive into town and no car parking fees!
Please do support the Pitstone cinema. Come along and tell us what films you’d like to see shown in the future.
Please follow the link below to the ‘Events’ section of the web site where you will find full details.
http://pitstone.co.uk/event/public-exhibition-re-solar-pv-farm-at-great-seabrook-farm-cheddington/
Please note that Balfour Beatty are undertaking emergency road works on behalf of Anglian Water due to a burst water main at Church Road, Ivinghoe. Road closure in place from 4th to 6th March with a diversion around the B488 and B489.
Check out the events section of the web site for details of all the special events on offer during March including:
The Beacon Villages Community Library in Ivinghoe needs a few more volunteers to help Michelle. Volunteers are taking on more responsibilities as the library opening hours expand into Wednesday mornings.
Come and visit the library to find out how you can help bring the books to the readers.
The smallest commitment is an hour and a half a month, though many people do more.
The library opening hours are:
Tuesday 2 – 5,
Wednesday 10 – 12,
Thursday 2 – 5,
Friday 2 – 7 and
Saturday 10 – 1.00.
Thames Valley Police is asking the residents of Aylesbury Vale to be vigilant and report any door to door sellers in their area.
Callers can be selling household items or offering home improvements,
such as new driveways or replacement windows. Home improvement work is
often offered without necessary cancellation rights and sales people can
use high pressure selling tactics and target vulnerable or elderly
members of the community.
If you have anyone calling at your address please let the police know
via the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101 (or 999 if a crime is
in progress). Make a note of their description and vehicle details (if
they are using one) and their name if they offer you ID.
Please call in at the time they are in the area – don’t wait and don’t leave it to someone else to make the call!
By calling the Police you will give officers a chance to check out the
sellers and make sure they have appropriate permits to be operating in
the area.
Officers would rather have the information and be able to make further
enquiries (even if the person turned out to be legitimate) than not get
the information and find out later that a crime has occurred.
The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales) has
just published a comprehensive collection of crime prevention and safety
advice. You can download a copy at:
www.ourwatch.org.uk/resource_centre/document_library/our_guide_to_crime_prevention_safety_advice
Just a reminder that the brown garden refuse collection service is up and running again after the winter break. Please put your brown bins at the edge of your property tomorrow. The bins are collected each fortnight.
If you have trouble remembering which bins to put out on what day/date, follow the link below to the AVDC refuse/recycling site and pop in your postcode. You’ll get a detailed reminder for your address.
In Pitstone, we have been very lucky compared to many parts of the country, but the following update has been provided by AVDC if there is a risk of flooding to your home or other property:
Provision of sandbags
Following the floods last weekend, we have reviewed the AVDC arrangement for providing sandbags and have agreed a more co-ordinated approach with Buckinghamshire County Council and Transport for Bucks, as the lead authority responsible for flooding response.
With immediate effect, BCC/TfB will procure, fill, store and distribute bags in one single, simple, smooth operation for the Aylesbury Vale area on the district council’s behalf.
Local Authority sandbags will only be provided in exceptional circumstances where there is a significant and immediate danger of flooding. There is a number for people to contact if they have an urgent need for these sandbags: 0845 2302882.
However, AVDC encourage everyone to prepare for flooding and purchase your own sandbags. A list of local suppliers has been published on both the AVDC and Bucks County Council web sites.
Bucks County Council has opened a new consultation into the proposed measures to reduce funding for home-to-school transport.
The link below will take you to the BCC web site where you will find details of the consultation, and dates of the special public events that have been organised. If you have a child at senior school, or about to go to senior school, these proposals are likely to affect you.
To make our event feel more local we thought that this year for the first time we would like to have a local person to open it.
It was decided that we would like to find an outstanding young individual who has done something very special within our local community or has overcome adversity. For example they might have raised a large sum of money for charity , help elderly neighbours on a regular basis .
This young individual must be under 18yrs old and if under 16 have parental consent if they are chosen.
Nominations should be forwarded to Linda Howarth by April 30th 2014 and the successful candidate will be chosen by a panel of individuals separate from the event organising committee.
If you require any further information of wish to send in a nomination please contact.
Linda on 01296 663776/07807096681 or Howarthlinda4@gmail.com
A conundrum exists in Pitstone.
Recently, the council has received feedback that residents would like more facilities in the village, for example more shops and pubs. However, the majority of the local pubs have closed over the last few years due to dwindling revenue and there remain vacant business units in Ivinghoe. When the council has approached developers and pub/restaurant chains whilst looking at the plans for the Pitstone Development Area, it has continually been told that such ventures would ‘not be viable’ and will ‘not be sustainable’, so no firm offers have come forward.
How do we stop this negative downward spiral and prove to potential retailers and service providers that we do have a strong, vibrant community that will support local initiatives?
An interesting article by Mike Rutland may be a good start. Entitled “Support your local town – the £5 challenge”, he urges every household to divert £5 of their existing weekly expenditure out of the big supermarkets and chain stores and into local business. Not an extra £5, just swapping where you spend your existing budget.
There are over 1,318 properties (not people) in Pitstone alone. If every home spent £5 locally during the 52 weeks of the year, that would generate a massive £342,680 boost to our local economy!
Pitstone may not have a whole high street full of shops, but you can source many goods locally. So why not take up the challenge?
Get your fresh meat & eggs at Grooms Farm Shop, collect your fresh fruit and veg from Grove Farm and pick up some of your everyday essentials from Masons.
Go for a drink at the Social Club or Rose & Crown, or grab a cup of tea at the Grebe Canal or CuriosiTEA tea shops.
Support the host of home-based small businesses that would love you to buy their cosmetics, toiletries, cards, jewellery, crafts, bags etc.
Support the outlets in the business park, that can supply you with new tiles, catering or cleaning supplies, conservatories or furniture to name just a few.
And if you have a home based business or a unit on our retail park and would like the Pitstone residents to buy from you, please leave us your contact details and we can add them to the web site so that people can always find you.
Our vicar, Rev Tracey Doyle will be leaving this month, to move to North Devon after ten years of serving our community.
Rev Tracey’s last church service will be on 23 February. There will be an interregnum, with visiting priests while a new vicar is found.
Pitstone parish council would like to thank Rev Doyle for everything she has done for our community during the last decade. She will be greatly missed.
Between 11am and 4pm on 11 May 2014 will be the annual Ashridge plant sale, selling donated plants from the public to raise money exclusively for the upkeep of the Ashridge Estate and maintenance of the mobility vehicles, access paths etc.
Ashridge is ours and for everyone and needs to be continually nurtured with the right resources to ensure that enjoyment of such a beautiful, ancient site of natural woodland is preserved for future generations.
The volunteer organisers would be happy to receive any number or variety of plants, most commonly they receive perennials, grasses, shrubs and vegetables. Please supply plants labelled, noting the colour of the bloom if ornamental.
To donate any plants, or if you require any assistance in potting up any surplus material, please contact John Cartwright on 01442864984. Last date for plant donation is 4/5/14. Pots and compost can be provided.
Beacon Villages Community Library in Ivinghoe is delighted to announce that the library will be open every Wednesday morning from 10am until 12 noon from 5 March.
‘It is with great pleasure that we can boast longer opening hours to that which were originally on offer from Buckinghamshire County Council and hope to increase this further with demand and help from volunteers.’ Shelle West, Library Manager
Find all the library opening times in the ‘Local Info’ section of this web site.
If you would like to volunteer to help at the library, please call in to see Shelle or call Gillian Arney on 01296668123 or email gill.arney@Tiscali.co.uk.
The trustees of the Pitstone Town Lands Charity are reviewing the accommodation they currently own. The charity owns a large building on Cheddington Road which was converted from two houses into four flats in the mid 1960s. However, the properties are considerably older than this, having originally been built in the 19th century. The trustees are exploring ways of improving the quality of this accommodation and whether they can attract additional grants or use the land around the flats or other assets to provide more modern facilities and possibly additional flats.
They would like to hear from local people about whether and how this would benefit them. The charity can only support people with a strong Pitstone connection. At the Party in the Park in July, the trustees began a consultation and are inviting people to make comments or suggestions and to answer these questions:
Please respond to one of the trustees:
Gill Lowe (Chair) 01296668809
Kate Smethers (Treasurer) 01296661499
Mark Robinson 01296660724
Peter Loose 01296668051
Sue Gregory 01296661609
Dave Nicholls 01296661910
Rachel Edwards 01296661953
In the last edition of PPP, it was reported that fly tipping had blighted parts of the Ashridge Estate, an area of outstanding natural beauty on our doorstep. Many residents and users complained about these vandalous acts. To make it worse, the Parish Council was saddened to learn that one of the offenders was a Pitstone resident who recently pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Magistrates Court to dumping waste illegally and was fined over £2,000.
The case, one of more than 400 convictions since it launched Illegal Dumping Costs campaign in October 2003 to combat fly tipping in Buckinghamshire, was brought by Buckinghamshire County Council on behalf of the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire. On average, there is at least one conviction per week for illegal dumping offences in Buckinghamshire so at least action is being taken to protect our environment and recover costs that ultimately would be passed onto the Council Tax payer.
Residents can report fly-tipping in Buckinghamshire by calling 0845 330 1856 or report it online at http://buckscc.gov.uk/fly It is also advised that if you are employing individuals to remove waste from your property that you check the contractor or individual has the required waste permit to dispose of it on your behalf, to avoid being held liable if it is then dumped illegally.
| Message sent by |
| Diane Brown (Police, NHW & Community Messaging Co-ordinator, Aylesbury Vale LPA) |
Theft of vehicle number plates
Recently there have been a number of thefts of vehicle number plates reported in your area.
Criminals steal number plates in order to disguise their vehicle and make it look like yours. This can be done in order to commit crimes such as burglaries, theft of petrol or to avoid congestion charging and speed cameras etc.
PCSO Paula Boston from the Great Brickhill, Wing and Ivinghoe Neighbourhood Policing Team has obtained a supply of anti-tamper screws for securing number plates, which she is offering to local residents in the area.
These screws make it nearly impossible for them to be undone.
If you would like to fit some to your vehicle please contact PCSO Boston by emailing greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or by telephoning her mobile number 07800 702998 or by asking for her via the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101.
This is a free service and will be whilst stocks last.
Further crime reduction information and advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website
Introducing Rob Andrew
I am sure the Parish Clerks have all had contact with Rob, our new Local Area Technician by now and had a discussion about areas of work needed to be done on roads and drainage.
I had a very useful morning with Rob at the end of January and was pleased to find out that he was already familiar with the ways and byways of the Division, and keen to get going with his shovel! He will be ably backed up in the office with Clifford Marshall who must know every gully and culvert in the area, having been based at Winslow in the past and responded to many a local call.
We looked at a comprehensive list of jobs needing doing. There were three serious flooding problems, several more potential ones, and a water leak, all of which are which are in hand. Many repairs cannot be undertaken unfortunately until drier weather.
The most interesting thing about the whole visit was the number and extent of soft verges where the diagonal grips that drain water into the parallel ditches have been silted up or blocked by vehicles running over them leaving deep tyre treads. This leads to standing water on the highway – and guess what – resulting potholes! There are some stretches of road where this is really bad.
Rob has been busy catching up with his shovel on years of lack of verge maintenance, but there are many miles still to do, and vigilance for fresh damage. But the old adage ‘For the want of a nail the horse shoe was lost’ etc etc. couldn’t be more apt when considering the state of the roads.
If through the Local Area Forum we can find a way to keep the drainage working, for example through a scheme like the one at Stewkley that was presented to the LAF last year, where young people formed a social enterprise to carry out verge maintenance, perhaps we can reduce the attrition of water, combined with traffic, on our country lanes.
Goodbye Jackie Wesley
We will miss Jackie Wesley very much indeed when she starts supporting the LAFs in the south of the County. Paul Hodson, with whom she is changing place will find Jackie a hard act to follow. I hope that Paul will enjoy working with us. He will certainly find the Great Brickhill Wing and Ivinghoe LAF very different in style and substance, much of which was achieved by Jackie’s hard work in supporting our priorities and finding lots of extra funding opportunities.
LAF priorities workshop 12th February
Both Jackie and Paul will be at the workshop in Edlesborough village hall next week. This is an annual event where we look at what the LAF has achieved, and what the priorities are for next year. I hope as many people will come along as possible. The usual representatives will be joined by a cross section of community groups including young people.
County Council Budget
The County Council continues to take large sums of money out of its operating budget. In the first week of January the proposals were minutely examined in public by councillors in a very similar fashion to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee. But questioning was a bit less intimidating.
Many changes and staff reductions are proposed, but the headlines for cuts are the home to school transport budget, which is very bad news for parents in this area, so I will be doing my utmost to stave off the worst effects; the educational psychology services – again; and maintenance of footpaths and rights of way.
The state of the roads is never out of sight, but a 20 year structural maintenance programme seems as far away as ever, and only short term but increased spending approved.
At the time of writing the council tax proposal is for the minimum increase possible without a local referendum, 1.9%. But it’s impossible to predict as the threshold for a referendum may be reduced to 1%.
High speed broadband (non)delivery
The BT notice (promise?) of high speed broadband to the area by 31st December 2013 remains unfulfilled. Contention is still appalling at peak times, like 4.30pm and 6.55pm for some reason. The new published date is 31st March.
At last the Public Accounts Committee chair, Margaret Hodge MP, has been airing the issue on TV of public money being given to BT to deliver high speed broadband to rural areas, but being completely cavalier about timescales and transparency over spending the money.
For that reason I have no way of establishing whether the broadband roll out that covers the Cheddington exchange is part of BTs own investment, or the joint Herts and Bucks project supported by government grant.
Aylesbury Vale District Local Plan
Obviously a district matter, I am never the less involved and concerned both as County Councillor, and AVDC councillor on the major developments planning committee, that so far AVDC has spent going on for £3M bringing forward two new district wide plans. Both have had to be withdrawn as unsound following public enquiry, leaving everywhere vulnerable to speculative development. For example it was no coincidence that 40 homes are currently applied for on a controversial site in Pitstone, but this is small compared to many now awaiting appeals.
The planning inspector’s verdict can be read here http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/GetAsset.aspx?id=fAAxADQAMwAyADYAfAB8AFQAcgB1AGUAfAB8ADAAfAA1
Fortunately the District has ‘saved’ its most important policies from the 2008-11 plan and is able to apply them to planning applications so long as they are in line with the new 56 pages of national planning policy guidance (NPPG)
These policies were used recently to refuse a major application in Winslow. An appeal against the decision is being held in mid March when AVDC will find out exactly how robust those saved policies are and how much in line with current national guidance.
My best regards
Avril Davies, County Councillor, Ivinghoe Division
With the recent heavy rainfall in the area and more predicted over the
coming days Thames Valley Police is warning drivers to take extra care
on the roads.
Many local roads are already flooded and this is likely to get worse if the weather forecasts are correct for the coming days. A41 into Aylesbury has been partially closed this morning, Chesham and Amersham both also hard hit, some flooding on the route into Leighton Buzzard & Cheddington Road railway bridge flooded.
Several motorists have already been caught out trying to drive through floods – only to find that they are much deeper than they initially appear, leaving them (and their
vehicles) stranded.
Anyone attending Stoke
Mandeville Hospital should also be aware that the Lower Road, Stoke
Mandeville is currently impassable, so access to the hospital can only
be gained from the Aylesbury direction.
Please do not ignore ‘Road Closed’ signs – they are there to keep motorists safe.
Local radio stations put out regular traffic updates, so please listen in to find out up to date information on flooding and traffic conditions.
The Local Government Boundary Commission is carrying out an Electoral Review of Aylesbury Vale to ensure that each area has a similar % of the population, so that everybody’s vote carries the same weight, and is now inviting comments on its draft recommendations.
At the moment Cheddington, Pitstone and Edlesborough each have their own representative (in Pitstone’s case this is currently Cllr Avril Davies). The proposal is to combine Cheddington, Marsworth, Pitstone and Ivinghoe village into one two-member ward. Ivinghoe Aston will be joined with Edlesborough into a separate one-member ward.
The report and an interactive map of the draft recommendations are available in the LGBCE consultation area consultation.lgbce.org.uk
Representations should be made by 8/4/14 through consultation.lgbce.org.uk or by email to reviews@lgbce.org.uk or by writing to:
Review Office (Aylesbury Vale)
Local Government Boundary Commission for England
Layden House
76-78 Turnmill Street
London
EC1M 5LG
Your monthly Neighbourhood Update is now available for your area. Click on
the below link to find out about your Neighbourhood Policing team and
view the February Neighbourhood Update:-
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/pub-pg-nh-upds-N416?id=273031
Connecting the Unconnected – Bridging the Generation App
Simple technology connects the unconnected ageing parents to their internet enabled families
With many of us depending on our smart phones to check everything from our travel arrangements, and finances to exercise performance and latest fashion choices, it seems natural that we should check in on loved ones with the latest app.
But the inspiration behind 3rings.co.uk comes from the days before mobile phones, where the well-known ‘code’ to let someone know all is well was giving them three rings on the telephone. The new service brings this code back for the internet generation.
The initial design for 3rings used an array of sensors within the home to build patterns of ‘normality’ so that anything unusual would be flagged and families alerted. But for the older audience, introducing new technology within the home was deemed a barrier to entry so it was decided to go back to the basic concept of the three rings code, which worked purely with a traditional telephone.
Elderly parents or grandparents only require a landline to receive or make a daily call to the 3rings automated service which then automatically contacts an entire network of family and friends using an app, SMS, email or calls.
Founder Steve Purdham was inspired by his mum, Iris, 82. He explains: “We wanted to create a simple solution which answered the question, ‘are my parents okay today?’. Despite there now being more forms of communication available than ever before, the older generation are often excluded from the latest technologies. This led us to remember a time when giving someone three rings via the telephone was used to provide peace of mind.
“The objective is to help loved ones maintain their independence and not feel like a burden. 3rings isn’t meant to be a replacement for personal calls and visits but helps ease the worry caused by distance and hectic lives. We strongly believe that this offering can be a catalyst for the changing family care of ageing parents in the UK.”
The service is available online at 3rings.co.uk with free apps for IOS and android. There are two paid-for services (£5.99/month and £9.99/month) and a free trial available.
For more information please contact steve@3rings.co.uk or call Steve on 07899-803555 or 0161 731 0081
Trading Times matches the skills & availability of people over 50 with the part-time ad hoc resource requirements of local businesses. They went live across the UK on 6th Jan.
The aims are:
For more information or to register yourself or your employment need, please visit:
Tell Bucks Community Foundation in which community your heart is in Bucks and win the chance of a romantic meal for two at a top local restaurant
Valentine’s Day, February 14th, is all about the heart. It’s when our hearts are stirred by what and who is really important to us.
At Buckinghamshire Community Foundation we know that what’s important to us is the strength of our local communities. It is these communities which are at the heart of Bucks and which make this such a great county for people to live and work in.
So, throughout the whole of February, the Community Foundation is inviting you to say in which Buckinghamshire community your heart is. The community could be a whole town or village, a street, a business, a shop, a school, a club or a place of worship. The community just needs to be the place where, thanks to the people in that community, your heart feels most at home, most supported, most cared for and most inspired.
In return for telling the Community Foundation which is your favourite community, your name will be entered into a free prize draw to win one of three prizes of a romantic meal worth £140 for two people at one of Buckinghamshire’s top restaurants (The Old Plow in Speen, The Five Arrows in Waddesdon or The Three Oaks in Gerrards Cross).
Nominations of a maximum of 140 characters explaining ‘my heart is in the community of….’ can be sent to the Community Foundation by email to HeartofBucks@buckscf.org.uk, by Twitter @buckscf or posted to the Foundation at 119A Bicester Road, Aylesbury HP19 9BA. 01296 330134.
Details of the communities nominated and the initials of the person making the nomination will be published on the Foundation’s website at www.buckscf.org.uk and the names of the winning entries will be announced at 5:00pm on February 28th 2014 on the Foundation’s website.
Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) works together with Thames Valley Police, the South Central Ambulance Service and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service in reminding motorists to drive with caution when road temperatures drop. TfB has gritted its primary routes a total of 20 times since October, however drivers are urged to take care as roads may still be slippery. TfB reminds motorists that many minor roads will not be treated with salt and in severe cold weather, below -8 °C, even salt will not prevent ice from forming.
Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, Ruth Vigor-Hedderly, said: “It doesn’t take a severe snowstorm to require more care and attention when driving. We need to all take note when the weather is colder and remember that even though roads may look fine, isolated spots and areas that don’t see the sun may still be slippery.”
Inspector Colin Clark, from Thames Valley Police said: “Both ourselves and South Central Ambulance Service services have attended numerous collisions, where drivers have not taken adequate care and consideration for driving in these conditions. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is frequently called to collisions where people’s vehicles need to be cut open to release them. Road Safety Manager Keith Wheeler said: “Never rush, even if the road conditions mean your journey is taking longer than expected. It’s better to take your time and make sure you arrive safely.”
The organisations are advising drivers to check their vehicles are prepared to drive on winter roads. Tyre pressure and tread, windscreen wipers and washer fluid, windscreens are fully defrosted, anti freeze and lights should all be checked to ensure they are as effective as possible.
A TfB winter leaflet has advice and information and can be viewed online along with maps of the gritting routes – go to : http://www.transportforbucks.net/Winter-maintenance.aspx
Come along to Adult Education’s Taster Week
Monday 10 March – Friday 14 March
Try out an existing class for FREE!
Bookings open today
To book on a session please phone 01296 383 582
The list of possible courses includes
Accounting, Acrylic Painting, Aerobic Workout, African Drumming, Alexander Technique, Ancient Greek, Anger Management, Antiques and Collectables, Arabic, Art and Crafts, Astronomy, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga, Badminton, Ballet, Batik Papercraft, Beadwork, Beauty Therapy, Biblical Hebrew, Bricklaying, Bridge, British Sign Language, Business Courses, Cake Decorating, Ceramics, Childcare, Chinese Brush Painting, Clay Reiki, Coloured Pencil Techniques, Contemporary Dance, Contemporary Drawing, Complementary Therapies, Computing, Cookery, Creative Mandala Drawing, Creative Stitching, Creative Writing, Dance, Deaf Awareness, Decorative Fused Glass, Digital Photography, Drawing and Painting, Dressmaking, Ear Candeling, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL ), Family History, Family Violence, Fashion, First Aid, Flamenco Dancing, Floristry & Flower Arranging, Fossils, Foreign Languages, Freelance Writing, Furniture Restoration, Gardening, Math, Psychology, Golf, Guitar, Hand Embroidery, Hairdressing, Handcrafted Greeting Cards, History of English Criminal Legal System, History of Palestine, Home Improvements, Human Rights, Ipad Courses, Internet and Email, Interior Design, Introduction to Ancient Egypt, Jewellery Making, Knitting, law, Life Coaching, Life Drawing, Lip-reading, Make-up and Beauty, Meditation, Mental Health, Music, Patchwork and Quilting, Pendulum Dowsing, Personal Development, Philosophy, Photography, Pilates, plumbing, Pottery , Psychology, Public Speaking, Reflexology, Saxophone, Sculpture, Sign Language, Social Media ,sociology, Soft Furnishing ,Stained Glass , stress Management, Street Jazz Dance, Tai Chi, Upholstery, Woodwork, Writing – Creative, Yoga
The parish council has been asked by UK Power Networks to circulate the information below with regard to the possible impact of the potential severe weather forecast for Wednesday 5th February.
Dear Stakeholder,
Today is a normal day across the networks with no widespread power cuts due to the weather. However, UK Power Networks is working closely with the Met Office to track the high winds and heavy rain that ARE forecast to hit the UK on 5 February.
If the storm materialises and affects power lines, our paramount focus will be on restoring electricity to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
We are currently putting in place a range of measures to be better prepared to respond to any potential impact on our networks and customers.
Measures
We are currently preparing to deal with the storm’s potential impact on our network and customers. Below are some of the measures we are taking:
• We are arranging additional staff to cover call centre roles. Additional people have been allocated to take and make phone calls and provisions are in place for even more engineers and resources to be available on short notice in case of need.
• Our emergency teams are reviewing plans and a message has gone out to our trained customer champions to be prepared to be deployed to sites if the storm materialises.
• We invest in a partnership arrangement with the British Red Cross and can activate their volunteers to support vulnerable customers if power is affected.
• The emergency teams in the local authorities have access to the web link that enables them to see fault levels. In the aftermath of Storm St Jude, we have improved our systems to make the tracker more robust.
Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can affect overhead power lines when tree branches and windborne debris damage them. In the event of a power cuts as result of the winds and rain, UK Power Network’s priority will be to restore supplies as quickly as is safely possible and keep people informed as best we can during a constantly changing situation. We will work from job to job targeting big jobs first where many customers are affected.
In communication with customers, we urge the public to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it to UK Power Networks.
To report any power cuts and damaged lines on free helplines, please refer customers to the following numbers: In the South East call 0800 783 8866 and in the East of England call 0800 783 8838. You can also see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and follow the company on twitter for updates.
Preparing for a power cut
Below is some advice on how our customers 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
Dress warmly in several layers of clothing, stay in one room or even get into bed
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; please consider taking them a flask of hot water round or hot food
Kind regards
UK Power Networks Stakeholder Engagement Team
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(2)
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
CHEDDINGTON ROAD, PITSTON
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL hereby gives you notice that from 28 January 2014 until 30 January 2014, both dates inclusive, no person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed, except for access, in that length of Cheddington Road, Pitstone, comprising the railway bridge.
The closure is required in the interests of public safety whilst emergency repair works, due to adverse weather eroding structure, take place. The works will take place between 2200 hours and 0600 hours each night for 2 nights.
The alternative route for vehicles affected by the closure will be via Cheddington Road, Marsworth Road, Lower Icknield Way and Cheddington Road and vice versa.
The Notice will only be operative at such times as shall be indicated by signs erected pursuant to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Direction 2002. Penalties for not observing these restrictions will be as prescribed by the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984.
Dated 27 January 2014.
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A celebratory event for Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement and Heritage Flame, ahead of the Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
Sunday 2 March, 7.30pm at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The extraordinary story of the birth of the Paralympic movement at Stoke Mandeville will come to life in this unique event, which brings together leading Paralympic athletes, film, visual arts, live music and performance.
This is a “not to be missed” opportunity to see aerial circus performers from the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony as well as inspiring past and future athletes, together with a very special performance by Andrea Begley, winner of BBC One’s “The Voice”.
Hosted by disabled actor Ben Owen Jones, whose appearances include the BBC’s dramatization of the story of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, the event will also feature visual artist Rachel Gadsden and, soprano Denise Leigh.
The Sochi Paralympic Torch will also make a special appearance at the event. This will be lit the day before at the flame lighting ceremony at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, a pilot event for how the Paralympic Heritage Flame will link Stoke Mandeville to all future summer and winter Paralympic Games. The Ceremony will be broadcast to a global TV audience as part of the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in Russia and will be witnessed live by a small audience of international, national and local community guests.
How to apply for tickets
Tickets to the event are free via a ballot which can be entered by anyone who lives or works in Aylesbury Vale. The ballot will close at midnight on Sunday 16 February and you will be notified if you have been successful by Tuesday 18 February. A ballot of tickets for disabled people is also taking place.
For more information about the event or to enter the ballots visit www.buckslegacy.org.
Remember to pre-book your tickets for the fabulous Lone Ranger showing on the big screen at Pitstone Memorial Hall on 7 February 2014.
See link for full details:
http://pitstone.co.uk/event/community-cinema-the-lone-ranger/
The bar will also be open for refreshments.
Where else can you walk to the movies, get a cut price ticket, enjoy a drink whilst you watch and not have to worry about driving or getting public transport home afterwards?
A child’s scooter has been found in the village this morning. No-one has reported one as missing to Brookmead school. It is not postcode protected and does not have a name on it. If there are any parents out there who realise that it could belong to their child, please get in touch with the parish clerk and provide a full description of the item.
Thank you.
Please find below the link to the Thames Valley Police monthly update:
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/pub-pg-nh-upds-N416?id=270734
The 2014 Summer Festival is being completely re-vamped and re-formatted. In this year of big changes, we’ve flipped the nights so that Friday night is the Comedy night and Saturday the formal, Black Tie Ball:
Laughter-on-the-Lawn: Friday 20 June
Summer Ball: Saturday 21 June
For the ball, we have booked a big headlining band: The Collection http://www.thecollectionlive.co.uk/ featuring Keavy Lynch from B*witched.
B*witched has enjoyed huge success in both Europe and North America, releasing two albums and eight singles, all of which made the UK Top 20. Fronted by Keavy, The Collection play a great mix of music for all tastes and so we’re set for a great evening.
We have engaged a new caterer too. Details to follow.
So it’s a new night, new band, new caterers and hopefully some new friends to share what’s set to be a great evening.
We have been able to maintain the ticket cost at £60.
Booking opens on March 8th. Details to follow.
See also http://ivinghoeentertainments.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter – @Ivinghoeents
For your information the revised dates for refuse and recycling collections over Christmas and New Year are as follows:-
Friday 27 December moves to Monday 30 December
Friday 3 January moves to Saturday 4 January
Further information can be found from these links Aylesbury Vale District Council • Recycling and Waste collections or Aylesbury Vale District Council • Recycling & waste collection dates
Ever forgotten which bin you are due to put out? Can’t remember if the garden collection is scheduled or not?
Check out the new AVDC on-line calendar. Simply type in your postcode an a comprehensive calendar will be displayed. There is a ‘print’ facility if you want to keep the information to hand.
Sports Coaches
Do you want to get into coaching or take your skills to the next level?
If you coach in Aylesbury Vale, you may be eligible to apply for up to £500.
Talented Athletes
Are you competing at a high level in your sport and need help with training costs?If you live in Aylesbury Vale, you may be eligible to apply for up to £300.
For full details visit www.buckssport.org/avbursaries Call 01296 585301 or email sportbursaries@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk. This scheme is supported by AVDC and managed by the Aylesbury Vale Sport and Physical Activity Network.
Do you have a talent in the arts?
If you are between 13 and 19 and live in Aylesbury Vale, you may be eligible to apply for up to £300 funding.
You can apply for funding for:
– One-off short courses, workshops and residences
– Specialist equipment in exceptional circumstances
Aylesbury Vale Arts Council do not fund:
– General equipment
– Course fees relating to full time educational courses or weekly classes
For more information visit www.aylesburyvaleartscouncil.org.uk
Snowdrop Walk at West Wycombe Park
Sunday 9 February 12 – 4pm
The Saunderton based charity Child Bereavement UK is delighted to invite families to take part in their fourteenth annual Snowdrop Walk at West Wycombe Park, on Sunday 17th March from noon until 4pm.
The Snowdrop Walk is a special day to remember the babies and children who have died and the children who are bereaved each year. Snowdrops will be available for purchase on the day and charity staff and volunteers will be on hand to help with the planting at The Temple of Venus within the park.
Special activities for children will include a Rhyming Creature Hunt so children can join in and find the missing rhyming creatures throughout the walk and receive a fun-filled goody bag at the end.
Hot food and refreshments will be available from West Wycombe Village Hall at the end of the walk, where some extra children’s activities will also be taking place including colouring and puzzle building.
Chief Executive of Child Bereavement UK, Ann Chalmers, said “The Snowdrop Walk has been well supported over the years by local families. As ever, we are very grateful to Sir Edward and Lady Dashwood, for their ongoing support on this special day in Child Bereavement UK’s calendar. It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday in a beautiful setting and to admire the grounds of the park. Every penny raised will go towards our vital work supporting bereaved families, so please come along and join us.”
Pay on the day:
Adult: £2.50
Concessions and children over 3: £1.50
Children under 3: Free
Children’s Rhyming Creature hunt – £1.00
Please note that Cheddington Road railway bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 25-27 November (inclusive) from 2200hours to 0600 hours to ensure public safety whilst they carry out emergency repair works to the railway bridge.
If you need further information, please visit the Bucks County Council Transport for Bucks website.
The Great Brickhill, Wing and Ivinghoe Neighbourhood Policing Team are
asking local residents to be vigilant following a recent theft in the
Cheddington area.
Sometime between Tuesday 12th and Saturday 16th November scrap metal was stolen from a driveway on Mentmore Road, Cheddington. The items stolen included an old washing machine and radiators.
A suspicious van was also seen in the area – a white transit van,
containing 2 men with Eastern European accents. They were seen knocking
at doors, asking for scrap.
Please remain vigilant and make sure that you report any suspicious activity
immediately to the Police. Where possible try to get a description of
them, along with the make, model, colour and registration number of any
vehicle.
If you need to contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team you can ring
them via the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101.