Issue 41 Autumn 2009

Community NewsShenley Brook End & Tattenhoe

The official source of Parish Council news & information for residents of Emerson Valley, Furzton, Kingsmead, Shenley Brook End, Shenley Lodge, Tattenhoe, Tattenhoe Park & Westcroft.

Win a Meal for two at The Old Beams: see page 5

2. Who’s Who? Councillor line-up.3. Chairman’s Column. Regular Update. Meeting dates.4. Ship Ahoy! Two Island’s RYC.

5. Parish Warden’s Report. Dog Fouling. Prize Draw.7. Committee Reports. Spending your money. Howe Park School Awards.

8. NAG. Pictures.

Centre Feature:

Neighbourhood Action Groups in Action10. Shenley Brook End Fête.11. Emerson Valley Pre-school. Better Recycling.12. Youth Team Report.13. Your Parish Council. What’s it for?

14. Community Centres. Latest Information.

15. What’s On? Local clubs & events.16. Howe Park Nursery Garden.

Community News

2

Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Councillors and Officers are:Emerson Valley Ward ( Emerson Valley, Kingsmead, Shenley Brook End, Tattenhoe, Westcroft)

Furzton Ward (Furzton, Shenley Lodge)

Chris GallacherClerk

Tel: 01908 521538

Andy Ridgway

Youth Leader

Alex GowenYouth Worker

Mark WebberParish Warden

David Edmonds Jean Nicholas

Kevin PerkinsGerald Small

Iain Stewart Laurie Wylie

Christine De Myers-Robinson

Keith Thomas

Web Master;Community Committee;

Chairman, Planning & Environment

Committee;Policy & Finance

Committee.

David Livingstone

Charlie Osler

Chris Williams Community Committee

Planning & Environment Committee.

Community Committee.

Community Committee.

Chairman, Parish Council;

Community Committee; Planning & Environment

Committee; Chairman,

Policy & Finance Committee.

Community Committee.

Vice-Chair, Parish Council;Community Committee;

Planning & Environment & Policy & Finance Committees.

Community Committee.

Planning & Environment Committee.

Autumn 2009

3

For advertising details, contact the clerk on 01908 521538 To contribute to the Community News, please write to:- The Clerk, Shenley Brook end & Tattenhoe Parish Council, 6 Wimborne Cres., Westcroft District Centre Milton Keynes MK4 4DE.

You can email us at:- clerk@shenleybrookend-pc.gov.uk and Visit our website at:- www.shenleybrookend-pc.gov.uk Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council does not endorse any goods or services advertised in the Community News or subscribe to, or endorse

any political party.FINAL COPY DATE: November 2nd. - Anything received after this date may not be accepted for the next issue

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMNThe summer months are frequently a quiet time in local government affairs, and this year has proved to be no exception.The major housing developments planned for Kingsmead and Tattenhoe Park have virtually ground to a halt. The current economic downturn has meant that developers are holding back, waiting for better times for the housing market. Consequently, the consultation process where your parish council gets an opportunity to comment on development plans has not yet taken place.However, we continue to make plans for the future! Our Youth Team will be expanded by an additional two part-time youth workers, starting with us in the autumn. This growth reflects the excellent progress made by the Team, headed by Andy Ridgway. Demand for youth activities continues to grow, and we intend to make sure that we provide the necessary resources.Our Parish Warden, Mark Webber, continues to contribute to keeping the parish clean and attractive, but it’s a big parish, and we have resolved that he could do with some help. We will recruit an assistant for Mark in the near future, to help with his growing workload.In May, Milton Keynes Council organised a conference entitled “Local Government Working Together”, attended by around 180 delegates from local authorities throughout England. I was asked to speak at a workshop on Neighbourhood Policing. Judging from feedback, this went quite well. In talking with delegates during the day, it was clear to me that Milton Keynes Council is significantly ahead of the game when it comes to co-operative working with other agencies, such as Thames Valley Police, the Primary Care Trust, Bucks Fire and Rescue, and Parish Councils. It was a pleasant surprise to find that representatives from other large Unitary Authorities admitted they could learn a few things from what goes on here.Milton Keynes Council may not be perfect, but elsewhere things are not so joined up.

David LivingstoneChairman

Ward CouncillorsEmerson Valley WardStuart Burke (Lib Dem)Rosemary Drewett (Lib Dem)Gerald Small (Conservative)

Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes South WestDr Pyllis Starkey MP

Community Information Centre:Central Library Tel: 01908 254050

Parish Council MeetingsMeetings of the full Parish Council and its committees are held each

month on Mondays at 7:15 pm. atParish Office ,6 Wimborne Crescent, Westcroft)(opposite Westfriers).

Full Parish Council

Sept 28th Oct 26th Nov 23th Dec 14th

Community CommitteeSept 14th Oct 12th Nov 9th No Meeting

Planning & Environment CommitteeSept 7th Oct 5th Nov 2nd Dec 1st

Members of the public are welcome to any of these meetings.If you wish to attend, just turn up but you may wish to contact the

Clerk on 01908 521528 before hand to check that there have not been any changes.

Furzton WardJenni Ferrans (Lib Dem)Chris Williams (Lib Dem)

Can We Help YouGrants are available from the Parish Council.Any g roup, soc iety, p lay-group, o r charitable organisation in the Parish, or

benefiting residents of the Parish, may apply for a grant from the Parish Council. If you can show us that the grant will be put to good use, we are only too pleased to help.We will also provide space in the Community News to publicise the work of organisations receiving grants. We can include articles from any organisation that benefits the community, irrespective of grant applications. Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council is willing to publicise anything that helps local residents, so please let us know about it.Contact the clerk by email, telephone or letter. Details at the foot of this page.

Parish Council lorA casual vacancy exists for a Parish Councillor in

the Parish of Shenley Brook End & TattenhoePersons interested in the voluntary position please contact

The Parish Clerk6 Wimborne Crescent

Westcroft District CentreMilton Keynes MK4 4DE

or email: clerk@shenleybrookend-pc.gov.uk

Community News

4

We are Sailing, We are Sailing…….. With apologies to Rod Stewart, I would like to draw your attention to what is perhaps one of the less well-known activities that go on within our

parish, although I suspect that many of you may well have seen them in action.Two Islands RYC are the group who sail the model yachts on Furzton Lake. Formed over fifteen years ago, they hold regular meetings, usually Sunday mornings, where they race for a number of different trophies throughout the year. Most of these involve racing one of two particular models, the ‘International One Metre (IOM)’ or the ‘Laser’ class, around a number of permanent buoys used to mark out the course. The course itself usually involves a triangular section, followed by a sausage leg, ensuring that the racers get to test their handling skills by having to sail all around the compass, as it were. All this is further compounded by a rather capricious wind that can eddy and gust round the two islands. Both of these models have no motive power other than the wind, and are remote controlled, with the operator having controls for both sails and rudder. As the boats are e i t h e r i d e n t i c a l , o r m a n u f a c t u r e d t o t i g h t l y

controlled specifications, the skill is to find the right line around the course, keep away from competitor’s craft, or alternatively, sneak up behind him to try and literally steal the wind from his sails!As well as competitions between members, the club also stages matches against other clubs, it also hosts regional heats and even national championships, so its appeal is not just confined to Furzton Lake.Lasers are the latest type of boat adopted by the club, whereas the IOM’s have been sailed regularly by the club for some years. Earlier boats that could be seen on the lake have included the 6 Metre (not 6 metres long but a model of a racing yacht of that length), and in years past, the club has hosted national events for multi hull championships, and other such variants. Unlike the laser craft, which are only available from one source, the IOM boats can be home-built as long as they meet the necessary specifications, though really competitive boats, to a proven design, are more often bought from licensed builders using official moulds for Glass Fibre Hull construction.The competition is fierce but friendly. The club currently has almost forty members, but are always on the lookout for new blood, and should anyone like to come down and have a go, they will nearly always have a spare boat available for budding captains to try their hand.Next time you are having a wander round Furzton Lake on a Sunday morning, why not stop by and have a look for yourselves.For further details you can visit the club website at www.mk2islandsryc.org.co.uk or contact Jim Marsh, the Club Secretary, at jim.marsh5@viginmedia.com

Autumn 2009

5

Parish Warden’s ReportDog Fouling

Although it is very well advertised that you must clear up after your dog, some people still choose to ignore this. Apart from being unpleasant, it is also a health issue.

When I patrol around the Parish I normally have some nappy sacks with me and if I see someone not clearing up after their dog I will offer them a bag so that they can pick it up. I explain that they should be doing this as part of being a responsible dog owner.

If you have a dog it is your responsibility to look after it. When you take your dog out please remember to clear up after it. It is an offence not to clear up after your dog! I inform Milton Keynes Council Enforcement Officers of problem areas within the parish and they can issue a fixed penalty notice of £75 to anyone who offends. It is also an offence not to dispose of the bag correctly once you have used it so please find a bin to put it The Parish Council provide 37 dog waste bins and 14 waste bins around the Parish so there is no excuse to say that there is nowhere to put the waste.If you have an issue with dog fouling please let me know and I will try and spend time in the area and alert the Enforcement Officers.

Hopefully we can educate people into clearing up after their dogs and disposing of the bags correctly.

You can contact me via email warden@sheleybrookend-pc.gov.uk or on 07970 902357. If you have any other issue or concerns about the Parish then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Mark Webber Parish Warden

Win a Meal for Two at The Old Beams (Shenley Lodge)HOW? Just complete this questionnaire and return it to the address below with your name & address for a chance to win. (Closing date 19th October).WHY? As we hope you will have seen from the last issue we have made some changes to what used to be called the Parish News and we would like to know what you think about the new format. Unfortunately it would seem that not everyone received the Summer issue and since we are keen to ensure the widest possible readership throughout the parish we would like you to let us know that you have received it.

......................... .....................1) When did you receive this issue of Community News? Date .............................................................2) Did you find it interesting? Yes No

...........3) Do you fell better informed about what the Parish Council does? Yes No4) Are there any issues/articles you would like to see included?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To enable us to check the distribution of the Community News please give us your post code.If you would like to enter the prize draw also include your name & address and return the questionnaire to us free of charge at:

FREEPOST RSCU-ALRH-LZLSShenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council6 Wimborne CrescentWestcroftMILTON KEYNESMK4 4DEPlease note that the information will NOT be used for any other purpose and will be destroyed immediately after the draw.

................................................................Name:

.............................................................Address:

...........................................................................

...........................................................................

.........................................................Post Code:

Community News

6

Community Committee ReportSince the last newsletter, we have seen the opening of the refurbished play area at Edison Square in Shenley Lodge, offering activities for a range of age groups, which is already proving popular with many residents. We are looking at further improvements to the wood and grass areas and hope this facility will continue to serve local people. We are also in early discussion with MK Council on possible improvements in other areas and will ensure that residents have an opportunity to comment when plans are being prepared.We have already made a number of grants this year, including support for MK ‘Foodbank’ and MK Community Mediation, which both give valuable support in the social life of the community. To encourage activity among our younger population, we have given grants to Brookfield Rangers, Tattenhoe FC and MK Basketball Association which all offer the chance for participation in sport and we are continuing our support for the Summer Basketball programme run by MK Lions and for the Summer Play Schemes, reported elsewhere in this issue.Neil Warden, Chairman of this committee resigned from the council in July and his successor had not been chosen at the time of going to print. Neil will be sorely missed for his drive and his active participation in council business.

Chris Gallacher

Planning & Environment Committee ReportBetween June and August a total of 17 planning applications came before the Committee. Only one of these raised concern.At the July meeting it was noted that the representations we had made to the proposal for the ‘Surestart’ Centre at Merebrook First School had not been accepted and the potential problems with parking and access had not been fully addressed. The application has been approved as it stands and it remains to be seen whether our concerns are realised.The security on the allotments, following reports of intrusion and vandalism on a number of sites, has been reviewed and steps have been taken to improve security at Mayer Gardens. It was agreed that the hedge at Garthwaite Crescent should be maintained at a height of approx 5’6” to reduce external visibility of the site but a proposal to increase the height of the gates with mesh was rejected. In reality, allotment sites cannot be made entirely secure and if anything, the newer sites will have a lower level of security.Allotment finances have been reviewed, and show a deficit of £9128 for the year. This is due, in part, to remedial work following the transfer of allotments from MKC, which will continue during the present year but also includes a one-off cost of £1200 for rubbish clearance on 4 abandoned plots at Windmill Hill. Although the council must be prepared to fund allotments as they do other activities, it was agreed that the burden to residents should be reduced as far as practicable. For historical reasons, because they were on site at the time of transfer from MKC, about 10% of tenants are non-residents many of whom receive discounts. It has been resolved that the rent for year 2009/10 should be set at £0.20 per sq metre and letters to this effect have been sent out to tenants

Keith ThomasChairman Planning & Environment Committee

Governor AdvertLong Meadow School is a primary school based on Shenley Brook End. The current Governing Body has a vacancy for a member of the local community to join the existing team of committed local individuals and staff.

If you have ever wondered about how a school can shape the future of not only the pupils that attend it but also the local community around it then this is your chance to be a part of an exciting new chapter in the schools development.

If you would like to know more then please contact Long Meadow School on 01908 508678 or visit www.longmeadowschool.co.uk

External AuditThe annual audit of council accounts has been called for 15 August 2009. The documents were available for inspection until 14 August. Full details of the audit and electors rights are displayed at the parish office.Anyone wishing to inspect the accounts should contact the clerk to make an appointment.

Spending your MoneyThis council levies a precept on all households in our area which is included in the Council Tax and we take seriously the need to spend this wisely and to account for that spending. To achieve this, we have a four step procedure of checks.All expenditure is checked and authorised by full council at its monthly meetings, when councillors receive a detailed report on finances and a full list of payments. Councillors also receive a quarterly report of performance against budget and forecast for the future.Each month, I carry out an Internal Scrutiny of the accounts, which is a detailed item-by-item check to confirm that no errors have occurred and we have correctly accounted for payments, receipts, bank balances, salaries, grants, petty cash and VAT etc. I am a qualified accountant with several years experience of audit and I take no part in the accounts activity of the council.We also have an internal audit, performed by an independent third party who checks that our processes and procedures are robust and will prevent unauthorised payments or exposure to financial or other risks. The internal auditor will check that the Scrutiny has been done properly and reports to council on the result of the audit.Lastly, we have an external audit every year at which the accounts are examined by a suitably qualified accountancy appointed by central government.We produce a brief statement of main heads of expenditure in April/May each year and the full accounts are published on our website as soon as approved by council. Similarly, the results of the external audit and the auditor’s report are published as soon as they are received. We consider such transparency and accountability are essential to maintain public confidence, especially in the light of recent events at national level.

Jean Nicholas

Best Kept Allotment AwardCongratulations to Mrs Christine Jenkins from Windmill Hill allotments, who has won first prize in the MK Best Kept Allotment competition. Well done Christine!

Autumn 2009

7

Best Foot Forward at Howe Park SchoolThis term, pupils at Howe Park School in Emerson Valley were each set the challenge to produce a poster to encourage children to walk to school rather than travelling by car. As well as the fitness aspect of walking on a regular basis there was a further incentive which was to help to alleviate the serious parking problems around the school morning and afternoon.

The posters for each year group were put on display and at the end of term Councillor David Livingstone, Chairman of the Parish Council,was invited to perform the unenviable task of choosing winners from each year group. The standard was so high that, in the case of Year 1, it was impossible to choose between the best two and joint winners were announced. The lucky winners were:

Shreeya Scrivastava (Nursery) who unfortunately was not there on the day, Ella Pipkin (Foundation), Joseph Jones and Holly Harbige (Year 1) and Jasmin Kara (Year 2).Next, it was the turn of the Governors to present cups and certificates for exceptional overall effort during the year. Finally, the children entertained the visitors most enthusiastically, with a selection of songs

01908 980003

www.bellecasamiltonkeynes.co.uk

We know how hard it can be to find a dependableand honest cleaner, which is where we can help.

We can offer you professional cleaning and ironing for a fully inclusive rate of only £9.25 per hour (minimum of 2 hours per week).

All of our cleaners are specially selected, and insured,and you will receive the same cleaner each

week.

So, if you’d like to take the pressure offkeeping up with your householdchores, then call us today on:

01908 980003

or visit our website:www.bellecasamiltonkeynes.co.uk

(answerphone available outside office hours)

THE CLEANING SERVICE

BELLE CASA¶ Beautiful Homes ¶

All the winners with David Livingstone, the Governors and the Head Teacher,

Community News

8

There are two Neighbourhood Action Groups in the parish – Emerson Valley NAG (covering Shenley Brook End, Kingsmead, Tattenhoe, Tattenhoe Park, Westcroft and Emerson Valley) and Shenley Lodge & Furzton

NAG.

NAGs are an important part of Neighbourhood Management, allowing residents to have direct influence in focussing Thames Valley Police, MK Council and other agencies, on issues that residents themselves consider important.

Both NAGs conduct regular visual audits of their areas. This is simply a photographic

record of matters that need attention. Things like; graffiti, litter, damaged pavements, overgrown vegetation etc. Here are graphic examples of some of these audits.

Neighbourhood Action Groups In Action

Autumn 2009

9

In our Green & Pleasant ParishThe pictures are taken by NAG members, who walk a defined route and record what they come across. The photographs are shown at the next NAG meeting, and decisions are taken as to which agency should be approached to deal with the problem.

This simple process contributes to improving the quality of life for residents, dealing with those irritating problems that we could all do without.

If you would like to get involved, and make a difference to your neighbourhood, and can spare an hour or so each month, you can contact both NAGs via the Parish Office – contact details on page three.

Community News

10

All the Fun of the Fête This year, to everyone’s delight, the sun shone for Shenley Brook End village fête and the crowds came out in force. The Fete was opened by local resident Chief Superintendent Alan Baldwin (TVP) and compered by Chairman of the Parish Council David Livingstone. Visitors were entertained by Shenley Brook End School band and amazing street dance groups.

Autumn 2009

11

Nature Comes Alive for Pre-SchoolersStaff and children alike are enjoying a new twist to their play at a Milton Keynes based pre-school. The Wendy House, in Emerson Valley unveiled a new nature inspired mural for children to work and interact with. The mural, designed and produced by local artist and parent, Carol Lawson, is a fantastic extra feature for the Wendy House, which already boasts a large outside space for children, some of which is given over to a ‘digging space’ where the children are encouraged to dig, grow vegetables and plant seeds. Wendy Cross, manager of The Wendy House for the past 18 years said: “I cannot thank Carol enough for all the e f fo r t and t ime she ha s pu t i nto producing this piece of art for us.   It takes pride of place in the garden and is a perfect backdrop to ‘the digging area’ and reinforces the theme of the Wendy House, which is ‘Learning through Play’”. As well as being a striking addition to the garden, the mural supports the key stage learning activities that the children are required to follow under the Early Years Foundation arrangements. The mural was unveiled w/c  12 June with a series of Teddy Bears picnic themed events, ensuring all children and parents had a chance to attend. For further details about spaces and if anyone wants to have a look at the Playgroup, contact Wendy Cross on (01908) 502100.

Better RecyclingWaste- love it or hate it, we all produce it - hundreds of thousands of tons every year across the borough and most of it is destined for dumping in landfill sites, principally the site near Bletchley. But, we can’t go on as we are. Disposal to landfill is noisy, smelly and costly. The existing sites will eventually be filled and there is opposition to new sites anywhere (planning permission for Bletchley runs out in 2022).We have been told for years about climate change and the damage caused by methane, which is produced in large quantities by landfill sites. If that doesn’t concern you too much think about the damage to your pocket. By 2025 we could be facing fines of £8 million a year for exceeding the quotas for landfill. That’s £8 million of our Council Tax, our cash, which could be spent on better things. The answer (of course) is to recycle more.Milton Keynes is already a leader in recycling, with nearly 40% of waste going this route. The pink sacks and blue boxes work well, despite the moans and occasional derision, and Milton Keynes Council is doing more. The recently announced anaerobic treatment project will sell methane to the national grid to reduce cost of disposal and this summer MKC has launched the Food & Garden Waste Collection Scheme, with massive publicity in local press and leaflet drops.Over the next few weeks every house that doesn’t already have one will receive a waste bin to take garden and food waste, while apartment blocks and other communal properties will follow later. Almost all food waste can be recycled, but not packaging or oil and details are given in the leaflets coming with the bins. Collections of the green waste will start early September.It is different, it is challenging, it requires a little more work from all of us, but it is going to save us all some money so give it a go.

Community News

12

Busy Summer for Youth TeamYoung Women’s group ends with RopesThe Parish Council’s Youth Team continued to run the young women’s multi sport session during the last school term offering a chance for

the female members, aged 11-16 years, to engage in some new sports while also socialising with others. Since we started this session last November we have played dodgeball, basketball, rounders, badminton, and many more games which offer a bit of exercise but also support social development. To mark the end of the session we asked the group to think of ideas for a special end of year treat with the only constraints

being that it must be affordable, semi-sporty, and fun. Between them they decided on the high ropes Aerial Extreme course at Willen Lake. With help from Milton Keynes Council’s Extended Schools scheme the trip was fully funded and the young women did not have to pay a penny. The trip went very well and all of the group who attended not only had an extremely enjoyable time but also had a chance to be pushed out of their comfort zone and support each other to complete a very scary experience. I would like to express my thanks to those who attended this session throughout its duration and congratulate those who took part in the ropes course for their wonderful hard work and great courage. I would also like to thank Karen Wheeler who has been volunteering with this group, offering a female r o l e m o d e l f o r i t s a t t e nde e s a nd a l s o providing great fun and enjoyment throughout the sessions.We plan to start this s e s s i o n a g a i n i n September so if you are a young women aged between 11 -16 years keep an eye out for the advertising and come along and sample the fun.Environmental Week at Long Meadow SchoolDuring June Workers from the Parish Youth Team worked together with Tracy Leicester from Extended Services and teachers from Long Meadow School to provide a fun filled week with an environmental theme. This is the third year running that we have delivered activities in the

school during a week when the majority of year six students are on their school trip to the Isle of Wight. This year we had 15 students who stayed behind and took part in our activities.

The week started with a treasure hunt around Shenly Wood where the three groups found clues to what the theme of the week was and also got involved in some team building games. Other activities involved recycled fashion, bead making, recycled bag making, researching energy usage, making bird boxes and feeders. The week finished with a trip for the group to Caldecotte where they engaged in archery and caving.The week long activities helped to provide a range of styles of learning mixed in with fun, delivered and underlined by UFA (University of the First Age) principles. We discussed issues such as waste recycling,

putting which rubbish in which bag, and looked at alternative energy sources as well as what they can do to improve their environment and build a greener tomorrow.All of the young people involved worked very well and produced some quality outcomes. Each of them was presented with a certificate to say ‘well done’.We have already started the planning for next year’s activities when we will return to deliver a similar project working on a different theme through partnership working.Games in the ParkAll summer long we have been running a very successful Games in the Park session on Westcroft playing fields. This is the 1st year we have taken this session to Westcroft and found it to be a fantastic success. With new activities such as tennis and badminton as well as kite flying

and the old favourite football goals this session provided a selection of fun for a range of different young people. The playing fields at Westcroft will become home to a new sports pavilion in February next year and we hope to continue this session and similar ones using this new building.Summer Play Association TourThis summer your Parish Council provided four fantastic fun and play sessions a week run across four estates in the Parish. The sessions, in Furzton, Emerson Valley, Shenley Brook End and Westcroft, were very well attended and provide entertainment and enjoyment for a large number of young people. Each of the 24 sessions had a bouncy castle, arts and craft activities, sports games, and a whole lot more. These sessions will return at Easter so keep an eye out for the publicity and join the fun.

Andy RidgwayYouth Leader

Autumn 2009

13

MAKING A WILLThere are strong moral and financial reasons for making a Will. To die without leaving a Will leaves loved ones in an uncertain and stressful position. If you don’t have a valid Will the Law will decide who inherits and this is unlikely to be what you want for your partner or children. The survivor of an unmarried couple will be entitled to nothing and may lose the home where they lived.

Everyone believes making a Will is difficult. However with expert advice, counselling and guidance making a Will is not expensive, difficult, stressful or emotional and takes about an hour. If you have a Will it should be reviewed every 5 years.

The inner warmth and contentment felt by many of our clients who have planned ahead and tied up all their loose ends is without comparison. If you are over 18 whatever your circumstances it is sensible to make a Will. You should plan to pass on to your partner and/or children and/or others as much of your hard earned assets as you can. Don’t forget if your parents don’t have a valid up to date Will it’s your inheritance that is at stake. We can help you all.

We can also help the elderly, vulnerable and disabled by providing powers of attorney enabling them to appoint someone else to deal with their affairs if and when they can’t. Call Ashley at Simply Wills your local Professional Will Writer for information, advice and to make an appointment for your no obligation consultation. Visit us at www.simplywills.org.

YOUR PARISH COUNCIL, WHAT’S IT FOR?Remember The Vicar of Dibley? Do you also recall the parish council meetings that featured in every programme? Well, your parish council is very different.So, what do we do? All parish councils are governed by a number of Acts of Parliament, which define their roles and obligations. Perhaps the most important fact about parish councils is that parish councillors are all elected by residents. This means we are here to serve the community, and to act in the best interests of all residents.We are the first tier of local government, with the power to raise income through the parish precept, which is collected on our behalf by Milton Keynes Council, through Council Tax. In this current year, this amounts to £392,000 – no small sum. In future editions of The Community News, I will go into greater details about what your parish council does.We currently have two parish councillor vacancies. If you feel that you would like to become more involved in your local community, then why not give some thought to joining us?WHAT’S THE COMMITMENT?The very minimum is attendance at a monthly parish council meeting. Beyond this, it’s really up to the individual. You might wish to sit on one of our two committees, which also meet each month. We are an active parish council, so if you appreciate “getting things done”, then becoming a parish councillor could be a worthwhile and interesting activity.WHAT NEXT?Interested? Why not come along to a meeting – future dates are shown on page three. Just sit in and see what we get up to. If you like what you see, have a word with me, or the parish Clerk, Chris Gallacher, and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have. Once you have been to one or two meetings, and think you’d like to join us, the procedure is very simple. No formal job application form; no heavy interview. So, we look forward to seeing you soon!!

David LivingstoneChairman

Community News

14

Shenley Brook End Community Centre

Egerton Gate, Shenley Brook End.Telephone for bookings:Call 01908 649434

Regular Users of the Centre• Children’s Dance Classes

• Christian Fellowship (Thursday mornings)• Fusion after school club • Karate for Children

• Puddles Pre-School • sugar guild • Shenley Stitchers (Cross-stitch)

• Weightwatchers

Shenley Brook End Village Hall

Church End Road, Shenley Brook End.Telephone for bookings:

Call Margaret on 01908 521530Regular Users of the Centre

• Little Acorns (10:00am - 11:15am Tuesdays)

• Yoga with Katie(7:30 pm Tuesday - MK317108)

• Musical Monkeys (10:00am - 11:00am Wednesday)• Pilates with April - MK 550270(8:00pm - 9:00pm Wednesday)

•Acorns Toddler Group(10:00am - 12:00 Thursday)

• Bingo (2:00pm - 3.30pm Thursdays)• Le Club Francais (10:00am - 12:30pm

Saturdays)• ‘Drop In’ Meetings • Mondays from 2:00pm - 4:00pm

RidgewayCommunity Centre

Dulverton Drive, North Furzton. Telephone for bookings:

Call Mrs Luxon on 01908 503974

Regular Users of the Centre• Beavers & Cubs • Geological Society

• Keyne Crafters • Maths & English Clubs • Naiken System

• Over 60s Keep Fit & Line Dancing• Rosemary Conley Fitness & Diet

• Square Dancing • Scottish Dance • Taekwondo • Tutti-Frutti Pre-school

Community CentreBlackmoor Gate, Furzton.

Telephone for bookings:Call Jo Fasolo on 07739 800840

Regular Users of the Centre• Brownies • Dance Group

• Fitness & Self-defence • Healing Group• Mums & Tots • Nifty 60s • Red Dragon Karate

River Valley CentreWhitehorse Drive, Emerson Valley.

Telephone for bookings:Call Lyn on 01908 367329Regular Users of the Centre

• Playgroup (Pre-School)• Rainbows • Brownies • Guides

• Parent and Toddler • WeighTwatchers• Mini-Strikers • Little Ninjas/Taekwondo

• Sliming World

SHENLEY BROOK END

NORTH FURZTON

SOUTH FURZTON

TATTENHOE

EMERSON VALLEY SOUTH

EMERSON VALLEY NORTH

KINGSMEADKingsmead

Community House37 Picton Street,

Kingsmead.Telephone for bookings:Call Naveed Ahmedon 01908 330251

Regular Users of the Centre• Musical Melodies

• Kingsmead Pre-school• Parent & Toddler Group

(Tuesdays)• New groups would be welcome

• Available for private hire

WESTCROFTWestcroft

Meeting PlaceWimborne Crescent,

Westcroft.Telephone for bookings:

Call 01908 253154or 01908 253334

Regular Users of the Centre• After School Club

(SWASP)• Ducklings Pre-school

• Ismalis Group• Jesus Fellowship Church

• MK Pipe Band• MK Embroiderers' Guild• MK Society of Artists

• Weightwatchers

Tattenhoe PavilionHolborn Crescent, Tattenhoe.

Telephone for bookings:Call 01908 749038

Regular Users of the Centre• Ahmadmus Muslim Association

• Cheeky Monkeys Kids Club • Ducklings Pre-school • EJP Football

League• MK Seishin Aikido Club • Wendy’s

Aerobics• Kathy’s Kiddies Musical Melodies• Tairyoku Shotokan Karate Club• Tattenhoe Parents & Toddlers

• Tumble Tots

Emerson ValleyCommunity Centre

Roeburn Crescent, Emerson Valley.Telephone for bookings:

Call Lyn on 01908 367329Regular Users of the Centre

• Howe Park Scout Group •Ducklings Pre-school

• Line Dancing• Spanish & French Lessons

• SWASP After Schools Holiday Club• Weightwatchers • Yoga

SHENLEY LODGEShenley LodgeMeeting Place

Faraday Drive,Shenley Lodge.

For bookings contact:Wendy

on 07505 900686Regular Users of the Centre

• Bosom Pals • NCT Baby Club

• Shenley Lodge Pre-School• Shenley Christian Fellowship

•Reflection/Meditation Group

Community Centre Information

Autumn 2009

15

What’s On?British Thyroid Foundation Local Support Grouphold meetings every three months with informative speakers.Saturday 8th March, 7th June, 6th September and 6th December10:30 am at The Pavilion, Open University, Milton Keynes.More information from: Brenda on: 01908 502214

EL Club Español – Fun Spanish Clubs for Children aged 4-10 Every Saturday morning. 10-11am & 11am-12 noonThursdays 5-6pmNo experience necessary Emerson Valley Community CentreCall Helen on 01908 521147 or 07759 287206 for further information

Furzton Scout GroupBeavers (age 6-8) Mondays 6-7pm Cubs (age 8-10) Wednesdays 6.30-8pmScouts (age 10-14) Wednesdays 7-9pmRidgeway Community Centre, Dulverton Drive, North FurztonContact Ray on 01908 526463

Howe Park Scout GroupBeavers (age 6-8) Mondays 6-7pm Cubs (age 8-10) Tuesdays 6.30-8pmScouts (age 10-14) Fridays 7.15-9.15pmWestcroft District Centre, Wimborne Crescent Contact Janette on 01908 503093

Loughton Scout GroupBeavers (age 6-8) Thursdays 5.45-7pm Cubs (age 8-10) Wednesdays 6.30-8pmScouts (age 10-14) Thursdays 7-9pmLoughton Memorial Hall, Bradwell Road, Loughton Contact Ray on 01908 526463

7-a-side Football For FunEvery Tuesday evening. 8-9pmAnyone welcome, male or female, and any skill level, though being able to kick a ball is helpful! You must be 16 or over, but no upper limit. - £3.00 per week. Shenley Brook End School (Astro-turf, all weather pitch) More info from Tim, 16 Leonards Lee. 01908 522739

Parkside Community Sports & Football ClubFootball for Fun: for all ages, male & female, from 6 years old and upwards. Sessions are on Tuesdays 5:30pm - 6:30pm & 7:30pm - 9:00pm for wheelchair footballers.Contact Chris on 01908 501658 or Julie on 07941 817841

Thursday ClubEvery Thursday afternoon. Shenley Brook End Village Hall 2-3.30pmIf you enjoy Bingo and meeting new people. Everybody is welcome, young, old, male or female.

Le Club Francais – For 3-9 year-oldsEvery Saturday morning. 10:00am-12.30pmNo experience necessary Shenley Brook End Village HallCall Julie on 01908 561349 for further information

Loughton and Shenley Over 60’s ClubEvery Wednesday afternoon. 2:15-5:00pmLoughton Memorial Hall, Bradwell Road, LoughtonNew members always welcome.Call Sylvia on 01908 569165 for information

Shenley Christian FellowshipEvery Sunday morning. 10.30am-12noonCreche available Shenley Brook End School, 6th Form CentreEvery Sunday evening - 6.30-7.30pm. - Shenley Lodge Meeting PlaceCall Chris on 504299 or Margaret on 231764 for information.Little Acorns Group: For babies under 1 year & their carers. Tuesday mornings 10 am - 11:15 am at SBE Village Hall. No charge.Acorns Toddler Group: For 0 - 5 year olds with their carers. £2 per family per session. Every Thursday, in term time, 10:00 -12:00.SBE Village Hall.‘Drop In’: Every Monday. See advert on page 4 for details.

Shenleys and Loughton Women’s Institute2nd. Tuesday afternoon of every month except August - -2.30pmLoughton Memorial Hall, Bradwell Road, LoughtonNew members always welcome. For more information:Call Rosemary on 01908 521725 or Barbara on 01908 503885

Shape Changers Square Dance ClubWe are a new club formed to take beginners through the basic steps of square dancing. We meet on Thursday evenings 8 - 10pm at Ridgeway Community Centre, Furzton.All are welcome £4 per sessionContact Susie on 01280 816940

Rotaract Club of Milton KeynesRural Social and Community Group for 18-30 year oldsNew members always welcome1st and 3rd Monday of every month Venues varyContact: Daren on 07717 154803 or Wendy on 07974 821370Website: www10.brinkster.com/mkrotaract

Shenley Brook End Village HallSat ~ 26 Sept Quiz Night £6 adult £3.50 childHot meal included – bring your own drinks. To book tickets please call Geraldine on 01908 867107

To publicise an event in our FREE ‘What’s On’ listing, send details to the address below,

or e-mail: clerk@shenleybrookend-pc.gov.uk.

Pink SacksA Reminder that pink sacks are available for collection at the Parish Office for anyone who wants them. It’s a good idea to call 521538 first to make sure staff are available.

Don’t forget that the Trades Directory is still available on the parish website along with much more news and information at: www.shenleybrookend-pc.gov.uk.

Community News

16

Community News is published by Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council.6 Wimborne Crescent, Westcroft District Centre, Milton Keynes, MK4 4DE. Tel: 01908 521538

Editor K Thomas

Circulation 10,000 to households within the Parish of Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe.

Howe Park School Nursery Garden OpensOn June 12th Howe Park School and Nursery celebrated the opening of its new nursery garden. The project, which was led by the school staff governor, Mrs Teresa Palethorpe, involved the whole school and was part of the school curriculum during the Spring and Summer terms. The development of the garden helped to focus each year group on different aspects of growth and where food comes from.

The first task was to prepare the soil. Many parents and friends of the school came to help one evening. Even the very young came to lend a hand, with the reward of an ice cream to say ‘thank you’

As part of the project, Year 1 visited Frosts Garden Centre. As well as hearing from Mr Maurice Rust how much of our food is produced, the children were also given plants to take back to school, which they proudly presented to Mrs Palethorpe in the nursery.

When the garden was completed, the school celebrated with a special opening event which was shared by children, friends, staff and Governors. This was followed by

families picnicking together on the school field and the school dance afternoon.

As well as visits, the children worked with the artist Jeremy Turner and created work which also celebrated growth through his murals on the life cycle of the butterfly.