Oundle OracleMarch 2015

Oundle Town Council Newsletter

Mayor’s Report

Vote on May 7th

Find out what we do,how you can contribute by becoming a Councillor,

what you have to do and when.Current Oundle Town Councillors will attend

Recent history shows that not all Councillors will stand again -

you can!

To find out more join us for

Refreshments & Information

on

Tuesday March 17that the

Courthouse 2.00 - 3.00pm & 6.00 - 7.00pm

Community Champions needed

Fresh ideas

Close of Nominations 4pm April 9th

Last day to register to vote April 20th

Last day to apply for a postal vote April 21st

Polling open 7am to 10pm May 7th

Make your voice count

Your Annual Town Meeting takes place on Thursday, April 30th at 7.30pm in the Queen Victoria Hall

Tea and coffee served from 7pm

This is a meeting of the Town, organised by the Town Council, not a Council meeting. If you want to get formal support from residents present at the meeting, suggest an issue for discussion or simply table a question in advance then please contact Town Clerk, Debra Harper, at the Courthouse by April 11th. We can then organise the agenda and further publicity.

Inspector Julie Mead has been invited to talk about how to become a Parish Constable. County, District and Town Councillors will be there to listen and answer questions you may have about Oundle issues.

2014 Town Meeting minutes can be seen at Oundle Library, at the Courthouse and on www.oundle.gov.uk

The Councilshould...

Elections for the Town Council take place in May

Congratulations to the organisers of the Oundle Classic Car Sprint and all the volunteers who made Sunday December 28th, 2014 a day to remember. Spotting the Mayoral chain, visitors to Oundle from far and wide made a point of admiring Oundle and thanked the “wonderful, go ahead” Council for allowing the event to happen. Some would say brave too!

The Mayor’s Charity Concert held on Saturday 17th January 2015 raised £1000. The generous donations of money, time and talent by many are a fitting recognition of the work CHAT Youth Counselling and Volunteer Action do in our community. Particular thanks to Ellen Porter pictured here, 2014 Oundle Young Musician, Irena Radic, 2013 Oundle Young Musician, Daniel Dixon 2014 Oundle Young Singer, Alec Hone and the Oundle School Ensembles. As one of the invited Mayors wrote in appreciation “It’s such a pleasure to see young people demonstrating their talents so ably and so professionally. Names to watch for in the future!”

Oundle and the surrounding villages have been chosen by Northamptonshire Police to test ideas for policing in rural areas as part of its Futures Programme. We are delighted to welcome Robin Carter, Oundle’s new Parish Constable.

It was with much regret that, just before Christmas, I received the resignation of Chris Elliot, who needed to give his business his full attention. Chris made major contributions to the work of the Council on your behalf. His efforts to maintain links with Andrésy, our French Twin town, were much appreciated. We send him good wishes for the future.

In 2011 there was not a contested election for Oundle, only the second time since I first stood in 1979. As we approach the end of this four year term we finally have a full complement of fourteen Councillors again. Matthias Menck and Debbie Murphy have recently come forward and have been co-opted to the team.

Oundle has a wealth of activities and opportunities for residents to contribute to the well being of the community. Oundle Town Council plays a vital role in supporting this. I do hope more than fourteen of you come forward to stand for election in 2015 and look forward to reading your proposals with interest.

Best wishesCllr. Gwen Radcliffe X

Town Council Budget 2015/2016The coming year will be a challenging one for Council finances with the move to Fletton House having a number of uncertainties around it which have led Council to adopt a cautious approach to forecasting.

The project will cost close to £960,000, the majority of which has come from property sales e.g. Drill Hall and Cemetery Chapel and existing reserves including S106 Developer Contribution monies from Persimmon Homes, which to date has not been received. The build budget is something of a movable feast with extra, unforeseen expenditure vying with possible savings on an almost daily basis.

The uncertainty of a firm completion date for the project when budgets were being set meant that the Council had to be circumspect in assessing occupancy revenues whilst the lack of interest in the Hospitality area means that we have to budget to run this ourselves.

Taking this and the costs of the Neighbourhood Plan into account, the Council were able to unanimously agree the budget and a precept of £336, 543 for 2015-2016, at its meeting on January 20th. This is a rise of 1.86%. However you will be pleased to find that the Band D charge should fall as there are more households in Oundle.

Aware that we are using your money, our approach has been one of careful pragmatism.

Finally it is worth noting that the Localised Council Tax Support Grant, monies which central government says should be passed to Parish Councils and which would mitigate the amount of Precept, is once again unlikely to be paid to Oundle by East Northamptonshire Council.

SAVE THESE DATES!SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2015Oundle Launch of Friends Life Women’s TourOundle Market Place. Have a cycle and a slice of cake. The Countdown starts here!

SUNDAY JUNE 7TH 2015Bike & Hike Picnic & Party Oundle Recreation Ground.A great day out for all the family.

THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2015Tour Warm-Up Party Oundle Town Centre. Come and bepart of the celebrations and fun.

FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2015Start of Stage 3 Oundle Town Centre.How exciting, they are coming back!

SUNDAY 28TH JUNE 2015Girl-Rilla Ride Oundle Wharf. For the Ladies.

IT’S BACK!WORLD CLASS CYCLING RETURNS TO THE HISTORIC STREETS OF OUNDLE

LET’SMAKE2015

ANOTHERYEAR TO

REMEMBER!

Designed and printed atEast Northamptonshire Councilwww.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/theprintroom

If you have a good news story please send it to editor by June 8th for next issue. The next event happened just after the December issue went to press.

Mark Hunter visits Rowing Club On Friday, 28th November, the Olympic Medal winning rower, Mark Hunter paid a visit to Oundle Town Rowing Club. Mark, who won Gold in his lightweight double at Beijing in 2008 and Silver

in London in 2012, came to provide expert coaching and advice to a group of young rowers.

A great, but all too short, afternoon was spent on the water, with the pupils enjoying some top-class tips on rowing techniques. Thank you, Mark!

Cllr Terry Stagg

SportsClub News

Parish Constables – A new and exciting rolewithin the Northamptonshire Police!

Fletton House Progress The long standing goal to save Fletton House for the community and to turn it into a hub of community activity is getting closer still!

Construction work started in November. So far a new plant room has been built, the roof has been refurbished, and a new gas main has been installed. Major internal structural works have been completed to open up spaces and a completely new mechanical and electrical installation is nearing completion. This has been designed to maximise on both comfort and energy efficiency.

The new extension has proceeded less smoothly. Excavations to lay down the foundations reached over 4 metres before finding solid ground. The structural engineer

and building inspector were on site during the excavations because of the risk of destabilising the building. Fortunately a solution was found that avoided piling. Foundations have now been laid and the structure is rapidly taking shape. The construction work has been delayed slightly. At the moment completion is projected to be June 12th 2015, three weeks later than planned.

Over the summer, we will furnish the building. Oundle Town Council and other tenants will also move in so that it is fully operational and open for business on September 1st 2015.

Here's a reminder of what will be in the building:- Oundle Town Council offices- Volunteer Action offices- Oundle Community Preschool- Futures Room, Police and Fire at heart of community- open plan social space - venue for wedding and other ceremonies- dance studio for dance, fitness and other classes- meeting rooms from large to small available for hire- rent an office - a teaching kitchen available to hire for small classes- a large art/craft/activity room available for hire

Contact trish@oundle.gov.uk if you are interested in hiring space on a regular basis or if you are interested in volunteering by becoming a friend of Fletton House.

Cllr Ann Fitzgerald monitors progress

St Peter’s Churchyard projectOver 90 hours were worked by the St Peter’s Green Group churchyard team during 2014 to improve biodiversity and to manage those plants which try to take over. Also, an information board detailing the plan and the work carried out by the volunteers has been installed by the metal seat .

The main activities were managing the cow parsley and comfrey and developing an area against the north wall for elder and fox gloves. The group has introduced some buddleia and other plants against this wall and reduced the brambles at the west end of the churchyard.

The town council strim and mow the grass in early summer and autumn to suit the flowering time of the wildflowers. The Green Group team then clear the strimmed and mown grass to lower the nutritional value of the ground. This effectively discourages the grass and encourages wildflowers. There were more butterflies, insects and birds on the north side, the area being developed. We hope that in 2015 further species will be evident. Please use the small notebook on the Green Group board inside the church to note any sightings.

A Parish Constable is a Special Constable that is dedicated, through choice, to policing a specific area. Special Constables possess all the same powers as full time warranted police officers and are provided with full training and equipment.

Parish Constables will undertake a wide variety of policing duties whilst linking in with both the local Safer Community Team and Town Council to ensure effective policing of the area and becoming a pillar of the community.

“This is an ideal role for anybody who is interested in really making a difference where they live and I want you to be part of our journey to make Northamptonshire the Safest Place in England.” Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds

Jeremy Rusher

COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND SPORTING FACILITIESObjective: To ensure adequate provision of community, recreation and sporting facilities over the next 16 years, identifying options for enhanced facilities where required.Q1a Your use of available and current sport, recreation and community facilities

• Oundle School facilities 39%• Private sports clubs 26%• Outdoor recreational facilities 31%• Indoor community facilities 90% (including faith based venues)• Medical Centre 38%

Barnwell Country Park is a very highly valued asset and much used by the Town as is the surrounding countryside for walking and cycling where access is available in all directions.

Q1b What facilities do you think should be provided in the next 16 years?• Public access Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool 43%• Improved and extended Community facilities for meetings, clubs and

non sport related activities 25%• Better and more public access to sports facilities particularly indoor

courts and activity space, a new sports centre 25%• Improved recreational access to the countryside 21%• Provision for the Youth in the Town 8%

Cycle & walking routes; public access to private sports clubs facilities; a recycling centre; adult education and evening classes.

Q1c Suggested improvements to existing services and facilities as Oundle grows

• Improve access to and use of School facilities, State & private 28%• Community spaces e.g. the Library and Council owned facilities 23%• Improve recreational facilities such as the Pocket Park and outdoor

space for concerts and festivals 8%• Provide Youth focused facilities 2%• Provide indoor meeting spaces for larger groups 2%

Use of existing facilities is high but you find difficulty accessing them, or feel there could be minor improvements made like seating in the Pocket Park or smartening up the Joan Strong Centre. Parking at Community facilities was high on the improvement needed list.

Q1d Does healthcare provision in Oundle currently meet your needs? YES – 87% NO – 13%Can the provision be improved? Yes, but that is always the case in any service, public or otherwise.

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What happens next?The latest stage of the development of the Oundle Neighbourhood Plan took place over the weekend of February 20th to 22nd and allowed you to see the comments raised via the questionnaire circulated just before Christmas. The next steps will see the drafting of the Plan based, of course, on the inputs from the people of Oundle.

Then in early April further public consultation to facilitate any final adjustments before the development of the draft into the final Plan. Consultation with the Statutory Authorities will follow and then the Plan will go to East Northamptonshire Council for their consideration before independent examination and finally referendum, hopefully in January 2016.

Thanks to David Wilkinson for use of photo on questionnaire cover.

020406080

100120

0 miles 1-5 miles 6-10 miles 11-25 miles

26-50 miles

More than 50

miles

If you are currently employed,how far do you travel to work?

What did you say?The key points from your

responses to the questions on each objective can be found on

the next ten pages.

Full report can be found on www.oundle.gov.uk

47%

34%

13%5%1%

QUESTIONNAIRE FEEDBACK

277 45%

339 55%

Who replied?

Female Male

CONNECTIVITY AND PARKING

Objective: To reduce traffic in the town centre and address parking concerns at key locations. To improve connection with community facilities and the countryside by introducing new cycleways and footpaths in and around the town centre. Q2a Do you have any transport difficulties getting around any part of Oundle? 34% of all respondents identified transport difficulties getting around Oundle, the most common being:

• Difficulty finding a parking place, particularly in the town centre and especially on market days

• Congestion caused by school buses and increased traffic at school start and end times

• Congestion caused by HGVs, delivery vehicles and inconsiderate parking • On-street parking• New one way system and parking arrangements around the Market Place• The poor condition of many of our footpaths.

A number of more specific difficulties were also identified*.

Q2b What forms of transport do you typically use on public roads within Oundle?Respondents reported using the following modes of transport, mostly at least weekly: car (87%), walking (86%), cycling (34%); while 29% reported using public transport, mainly monthly.

Q2c Thinking about encouraging walking and cycling for all living in, working in and visiting Oundle, prioritise where you think footpaths and cycleways should be established? 30% of all respondents supported an improved network of safe footpaths in-cluding: the route around the outer edge of Oundle, to places beyond Oundle, to facilities within the town, to the river and along the river. Footpaths were seen mainly for recreation but also to help reduce traffic congestion. 27% of all respondents supported better cycle routes from all directions to the town centre, with Glapthorn Road mentioned most and links avoiding the town centre suggested. Benefits identified include enjoyment of the wider country-side, although cyclists reported some challenges including:Hazardous cycling at specific locations, particularly at school start and end times;

• Crossing the A605 safely • On-street parking• Lack of dedicated cycle-routes• Inadequate facilities for securing bikes

Q2d Please describe locations you think could be used for more off-road parking in Oundle, if you think there is a need.41% of all respondents identified locations that could be used for more off-road parking in Oundle, the most popular choices being:

• The site of the Primary School, after it has been vacated• Developing part of the playing field on the south side of South Road • Developing the site of the former recycling centre

Many people appear to have misinterpreted the question and identified locations where parking is most difficult, with consequent uncertainty in interpreting the responses. A number of people suggested multi storey car parks; a few people identified the field that is used for sports by the Primary School; some people identified land or property in Oundle School ownership; and others identified the site of sports facilities (but no-one suggested where the sports facilities might be relocated). Other suggestions were sites on land or property currently in private ownership*.A number of comments referred to roads where verges could be converted to create more spaces for on-street parking and/or improve traffic flow.Treatment of parking in other questionsWhile 66% of all respondents did not have difficulty getting around Oundle, concerns were expressed about the effects of more development:

• 96% mentioned increased parking• 96% mentioned increased traffic and congestion.

The ideas that may help make additional development easier to accommodate and less likely to damage the overall character of Oundle that received support were:

• 72% development should be within walking distance of the town centre • 62% development should be within 1 mile of the town centre

This suggests that a network of footpaths and cycle routes would help people move around and realise the benefits of maintaining a compact town.

SummarisingThe wider evidence indicates that transport difficulties (parking and congestion) are only significant at the school start and end times, and on market days. School buses, HGVs, delivery vehicles and inconsiderate parking cause the congestion. Verges could be converted to create more spaces for on-street parking and/or improve traffic flow. A network of safe footpaths and cycle-ways to improve connectivity is supported.

* For a more detailed analysis of the response to the Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire refer to the documents published on the Oundle Town website.

EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESSObjective: To identify sites for new business or industry in Oundle where required, safeguarding existing sites for employment opportunities.

GREEN SPACEObjective: To safeguard existing views and green spaces and, where possible, provide additional or enhanced green space as part of new developments

• Almost all respondents (93%) with a business located in Oundle operate from a single site.

• 70% of respondents operating businesses from more than one site (in and/or out of Oundle) would not merge them if a suitable site in Oundle became available.

• Very few respondents (just 5%) would like to start a business in Oundle in the next 5 years.

• Most of those who would like to start a business in Oundle over the next few years felt that the availability of more suitable premises to rent would be a help and some demand for access to communal office space was indicated.

• The demand from existing businesses looking for new premises was for (a) warehouses (b) offices and (c) workshops with an optimum size of 89 square metres to purchase.

• The demand for new/expanding businesses looking for premises was for (a) shop/retail (b) workshops (c) studios with an optimum size of 140 square metres to rent.

• There was no clear preference for sole use as opposed to shared use.• The principle areas of business to be actively encouraged were (a) retail

(b) tourism/leisure (c) service trades.• Whilst there was considerable support for the proposed site for new

business or industry there was concern about the site’s flood risk and some issues with access.

• A number of additional/alternative sites were suggested with a number of respondents indicating that the best site(s) for new business or industry would be outside the parish at the Marina and along the Barnwell Road or at the Riverside Public House.

• Other respondents favoured further development of the Nene Valley Business Park or land adjoining it and siting new industry/business on housing development sites 1 (land between St. Christopher’s Drive and the A605), 3 (land north of Herne Road bordering the A605) and 4 (land south of Herne Road) with access to the A605.

• The lack of shops in or near to the main residential areas was the subject of some comment.

• The need for additional land for business and industry was not universally accepted.

• There was some resistance to the loss of any existing green space to business/industrial use

Q4a Cemetery space will be required in the future. Where would you like to see this sited?The vast majority of respondents wished to see this adjacent to the existing site.

Q4b Where do you think land for new allotments should be allocated? Of those who expressed a preference for a definite site allocation, 17 were in favour of Site 23/land north of St. Peter’s Road, 8 selected Site 5, Sites 1 and 11 gained 3 votes each and land near Bassett Place and the Primary School playing fields each gained 2 votes. 1 person selected each of these sites: land adjacent to the Cemetery, the rear of the Riverside Maltings, Site 12, Site 3 and land south of Wakerley Close.

Q4c In new developments, what type of public, open green space should be considered if possible? Wildlife meadow 384 responses Childrens’ play area 326 responses Playing field 282 responses Picnic area 249 responses Other 89 responses

Ann Chapple, Green Space Working Group, and member of public at Feedback event

HOUSINGObjective: To propose the preferred site or sites for future residential development in Oundle in light of the requirements of the Core Strategy Review.616 persons returned the survey which was extremely encouraging, however the demographic was slightly less inspiring with 81% of respondents over 50 years old, and only 19% between 20 to 50. The Oundle census of 2011 highlights a very different demographic with 43.5% over 50, and 38% between 20 and 50 years old. In broad terms, therefore, the over 50s responding were very substantially over represented and the under 50s very substantially under represented.

Survey results in black, commentary in blue.In response to concerns over future housing developments a substantial majority of those responding expressed concerns over the impact on the environment, the entrances and exits to Oundle, visual amenity, parking needs and traffic congestion and questioned the existing infrastructure. It is extremely gratifying that those who responded to this questionnaire hold Oundle in such high esteem and do not wish it to be negatively impacted by future developments. The whole essence of the Neighbourhood Plan is to make informed decisions to ensure that the town can evolve without threat and negative impact.

• 65% surveyed were less inclined to see very large scale developments on the edge of Oundle against 28% who thought this was an appropriate location for future developments.

• 68% surveyed favoured very small developments throughout the town with 20% disagreeing. The town is currently centered around the Conservation area and very few opportunities exist for this scale of development.

• 62% surveyed agreed that future developments should be located within walking distance of the Town centre opposed to 24% who disagreed. The majority of the development sites are located toward the edge of Oundle due to potential site availability, but all fall within a one mile radius. The site selection criteria takes specific note of and give weighting to sites within `easy’ walking distance of the town centre.

• 50% surveyed agreed that new developments should be within a 1 mile radius of the Town Centre with 30% disagreeing. All the sites being assessed are located within a one mile radius of the town centre.

• From the list of possible future development sites the survey revealed the most popular first choice site was East of St Christophers drive (30%) followed by Cotterstock Road to St Peters Rd (16%), North of Benefield Road (15%) and South of Benefield Road (10%). The least favoured site was Cotterstock Road to St Peters Rd (18%), followed by Millers Field (15%) and Land Adjacent Cemetery (14%).

However, amongst the responses there was a general desire expressed to preserve the Recreation Ground/Pocket Park, the sports grounds, i.e. the Rugby Club grounds and land adjoining, the Football Club ground and land adjoining the Wharf and the views of and access to the river/water meadows. This can be seen in the number of responses mentioning the South Road meadows and the views along Stoke Doyle Road.Although the highest proportion of responses wished to protect Barnwell Country Park, it is not within the parish boundaries.

Oundle Proposed

Neighbourhood Area

± Scale:1:16,500

Planning Services

© Crown Copyright and database right 2012.

Ordnance Survey 100019072

This map is accurate tothe scale specified above

when reproduced at:A3

Proposed Boundary

Question 4d Rank, in order of importance, six green spaces you would like to see protected.

The bar chart reflects the first priority selection of respondents. However, amongst the responses there was a general desire expressed to preserve the Recreation Ground/Pocket Park, the sports grounds, i.e. the Rugby Club grounds and land adjoining, the Football Club ground and land adjoining the Wharf and the views of and access to the river/water meadows. This can be seen in the number of responses mentioning the South Road meadows and the views along Stoke Doyle Road.

Although the highest proportion of responses wished to protect Barnwell Country Park, it is not within the parish boundaries.

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The chart reflects the first priority selection of respondents.

Q4d Rank, in order of importance, six green spaces you would like protected.

• The survey revealed the most popular types of new housing were Small starter homes (35%) followed by Family Homes (24%) and Bungalows(18%). The least favoured were Executive Homes (31%) Homes with designated work/ office (29%) and Flats (29%). It is most likely that the survey results for this are somewhat distorted as 47% of the respondents were over 65. Younger residents and those working with young families have very different housing needs.

• The survey revealed a strong preference toward open market housing followed by affordable homes for sale and latterly private rented homes. As suggested previously the survey results show an overwhelming bias toward the over 50s which is likely to be reflected within this survey response. Oundle is known as an affluent town which has always had a tendency to attract open market ahead of private rented homes.

• Overwhelmingly the survey suggested that there was a preference for affordable housing for locals. The question is whether this is achievable and what do respondents mean by the term affordable housing? The likelihood is that they are suggesting homes that anyone can afford rather than social housing targeted at those who are less well off.

TOURISMObjective: To safeguard and promote those features of the town which encourage tourism and provide the opportunity for more tourism development.Q6a Thinking about Oundle as an attractive town to visit, how important are the festivals, events and cultural opportunities for visitors?66% of respondents felt they were very important, 28% quite important and 3% said they were not important; a further 3% had no opinion to offer.

Q6b Thinking about Oundle as a town to visit, how attractive is the current provision of festivals, events and cultural opportunities?46% thought it was very attractive, a further 46% thought it was adequate, while 4% thought it poor; 4% offered no opinion.

Q6c If any, what additional types of festivals, events and cultural opportunities would you like to see in Oundle to increase tourism?There were a wide range of suggestions among the answers to this question but the largest single topic was a call for more musical events.*

Q6d Is there anything else that you think would attract visitors to Oundle?Again, there was a wide disparity of responses to this question but the 2 main themes were the inadequacy of parking spaces in the centre of town and the need for more individual and high quality shops.*

Q6e Thinking about the choice of cafés, eateries, pubs and restaurants in Oundle, in your opinion are there:In response to this question 11% said too few, 69% said about the right amount, 18% said too many and 3% had no opinion to offer.

Q6f Thinking about the availability of bed and breakfast accommodation, hotels and holiday accommodation in Oundle, in your opinion, are there:In response to this question 50% said too few, 29% said about the right amount and no one thought there were too many; 21% offered no opinion.

All of the additional comments made can be accessed at www.oundle.gov.uk

Surprisingly, the Town’s financial services were used rarely or never by 34% of respondents.

Q7b How far do you usually travel to do your main household shopping or do you have home delivery?53% choose to shop in Oundle, 11% travel 1-5 miles, 10% travel 6-10 miles, 19% travel 11-25 miles but no one travelled between 26-50 miles; surprisingly only 7% opted for home delivery.

TOWN CENTRE AND RETAILObjective: To safeguard the mix of residential and thriving commercial uses in the town centre; encourage retail opportunities in Oundle and develop market activity as a means of stimulating retail and tourism.

Q7a How often do you use these shops and services in Oundle?

Once a week or more

Once a month or

moreOccasionally Rarely/Never

Charity shops 14% 24% 44% 18%

Financial services 24% 20% 22% 34%

Food - Restaurants 16% 37% 39% 8%

Food - Takeaways 7% 22% 29% 41%

Health, Hair & Beauty 3% 40% 35% 23%

Retail - Clothes & Shoes 2% 14% 62% 23%

Retail - Food 93% 5% 1% 0%

Retail - Other 43% 31% 22% 4%

Q7c Thinking about the range of shops in Oundle town centre, in order of importance what would you like to see?

Most respondents wanted to see more different independent retailers, with additional clothing outlets especially for men’s wear, but no more supermarkets.

Q7d What would encourage you to do more of your shopping in Oundle?

64% wanted a better range of shops, while 46% wanted easier parking and 26% suggested easier movement around town; 10% wanted a click and collect facility.Please read additional comments on data sheet.

Q7e How often do you shop at the Oundle markets?

Q7f Thinking about the quality of the markets do you think this is very good, adequate, poor or no opinion?

Oundle Art Group is a friendly coming together of art interested people. They meet regularly on a Thursday at Tansor Village Hall between 1.45 ~ 3.45pm.

The group is made up of accomplished, enthusiastic amateur and ‘just for fun’ artists, with their goal just to enjoy creating and encouraging each other to experiment and develop their interest. They ‘dabble’ in all mediums of work including watercolour, oil, pastel, and sketching.

All newcomers (and returning members) are most welcome. For further information, why not just visit the exhibition and have a chat with one of the stewards or simply drop into Tansor Village Hall during an art session.

Chairperson: Jane Sanders Tel: 01832 226495 * For a more detailed analysis of the response to the Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire refer to the documents published on the Oundle Town website.

St Osyth’s Lane Car park Thursday April 2nd - 10.00am to 1.00pm

Introducing the new Mobile Sight Centre

Apart from the obvious functions of the Museum, displaying and caring for all the artefacts, one of the lesser known duties is dealing with important documents which are brought to us.

Small museums do not have the facilities to deal with large paper archive material but at the same time it would be undiplomatic to turn important historic information away.

Fortunately we have found the answer. There is a splendid county archive establishment at Wooton Hall, Northampton and it is here that we send any bulky collections of historic or local importance. However, before doing so, we either transcribe or summarise the content and keep a record for future reference. Also, as depositors, we can “borrow” back the originals for display or research.

18th century documents relating to land in Cotterstock, records of Barnwell Friendly Society and Pig Club and the complete minutes of meetings of the Oundle Wives Fellowship from 1945 to 2013 have been taken to Wooton recently.

Oundle Festival of Music & Drama

Wednesday April 15th

to

Saturday April 18th 2015Affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals

An exciting Festival in prospectEntries up by 25% from more than 20 schools

Classes run from 9.15am to 9pm in Queen Victoria Hall,

Oundle School Chapel & Common Room,St. Peter’s Church

Support the performers for just £1 per session, children free

Programme from Oundle Bookshop & Oundle Box Office

Gala Concert, Saturday April 18thSt Peter’s Church 7.00pm - £6, child £2

features Oundle Young Musician of Year Finaltickets from Oundle Box Office, New Street

www.ofmd.org.uk

Award Winning Children’s Author Ali Sparkes will be speaking about her career and books2.00pm - 3.00pmThe Great Hall, Oundle SchoolTickets £5

A glimpse at some of the Social History, Oundle’s People, their Occupations & Trades of the period.

Find Us at;The CourthouseMill Road,Oundle,PE8 4BW

Our 2015 Exhibition

Oundle 1851How to Find Us,

By Road, Car or CarriageFrom the A1, exit at A605 towards Oundlethen, after approx., 8 miles, turn right atthe Oundle roundabout (A427). Thenfollow main road beyond the market placeuntil you reach a church in front of you.You will see The Courthouse on the left atthe junction.

From the A14, exit at the A605 towardsPeterborough. After 7 miles bear left ontothe A427 towards Oundle. The Courthouse is 2 miles at the junction with the church.

By BusStagecoach X4 from Peterborough orNorthampton, alight at the Catholicchurch. The Courthouse is 2 minutes walkinto Mill Road.

Parking or StablingFree on street parking outside theMuseum or at the Drill Hall car park a 2minute walk.

Contact DetailsGroup Bookings, School Visitsand Guided Tours of Oundleby arrangement.

Please contact:The Oundle Museum TrustThe CourthouseMill Road,Oundle PE8 4BWTelephone; 01832272741

email; oundlemuseum@gmail.comor visit our website @www.oundlemuseum.org.ukOundle Museum is a charitable Trustrun by volunteers and relies ondonations from the public which are most welcome.Charity No. 1045378Want to be involved?Why not become a steward/helper or become a “Friend of the Museum” and with a small donation help us record and illustrate Oundle’s wonderful history.

Information is available on our website or in the Museum or email: oundlemuseum@gmail.com

Open: From March 7th to November 29th 2015.Saturdays 11am to 5pm,Sundays Public Holidays 2pm to 5pm.Also from the 30th July till 28th August on Thursdays and Fridays from 11-4pm**FREE ADMISSION. - Donations welcome.

**Open 4 days per week during August

Behind the scenes at the Museum

Tickets for these events from Oundle Box Office, 4 New St. open 10.00am – 1.00pm Mon to Fri

Tel:274734 or buy online: www.oundlefestival.org.uk

Stephen Bates discusses his new book The Poisoner: the Life and Crimes of Victorian England’s Most Notorious Doctor. Friday 24th April, 7.45 - 8.45pmSt Peter’s Church Tickets £7 (£5)

Saturday March 14th

Professor Jules Pretty talks about his new bookThe Edge of Extinction:

Travels with Enduring People in Vanishing Lands

7.30 – 8.30pm, St Peter’s Church Tickets £7 (£5)

Wine and Crime: R.M. Cartmel talks about his new crime novel, The Richebourg Affair, and discusses the wines of Burgundy with Philip Amps from Amps Fine Wines.

Friday 27th March, 7.30pm - 8.30pmThe Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle; Tickets £10

Apr

ilSat. 11th

Wed. 15th to Sat. 18th

Sat. 18th

Fri. 24th

Sat. 25th

Thu. 30th

Farmers’ Market

Stamford Artisans Guild Arts and CraftsQueen Victoria Hall

Oundle Festival of Music & Drama Queen Victoria Hall and Oundle School

Italian Market

Lit Fest event

Oundle Great Garage Sale

Annual Town Meeting Queen Victoria Hall Time: 19.30

May

Sat. 2nd

Thu. 7th

Fri. 8th

Sat. 9th

Tue. 12th

Sat. 9th to Sun. 17th

Fri. 22nd

Oundle Town CC v Peterborough Town CCMilton Road Time: 1200

Election

The Flautadors - Music for the Queen of ScotsSt. Mary & All Saints Church, Fotheringhay Time: 19.30

Farmers’ Market

First meeting of new Town Council

Oundle Art Group Event St Peter’s Church

Around Britain in SongRita Cullis soprano, Alec Hone pianoChurch of St. Mary the Virgin, Titchmarsh Time: 19.30

Further information www.oundle.info

The Oundle Great Garage Sale

Saturday April 25th 11am - 4pmSpring Clean .... De-clutter.....Make some money ....

Join in the Great Oundle Garage Sale!It costs £5, payable to Oundle Town Council, for your address to be featured in the extensive publicity for the event.

To register e-mail paula@oundle.gov.uk or phone 272055.

June

Sat. 6th

Sun. 7th

Sat. 13th

Thurs. 18th

Fri. 19th

Sat. 27th

Sun. 28th

Mediterranean Market

Bike & Hike Picnic & PartyRecreation Ground

Farmers’ Market

Stamford Artisans Guild Arts and CraftsQueen Victoria Hall, Oundle

Women’s Tour Warm-up Party

Friends Life Women’s Tour -Stage 3 startTour of Britain

Gilbert & Sullivan Summer Show

The Great Girl-rilla Ride

July

Secret

Fri. 3rd

Sat. 11th

Sat. 11th toSun. 12th

Fri. 10th to Sat. 18th

Sat. 18th

Sat. 19th toFri. 24th

Yarn bombing comes to Oundle

Music Theatre Competition Stahl Theatre Time: 19.40

Farmers’ Market

Oundle Horticultural Show

International Festival

Oundle Food Festival

Oundle Fringe Festival

What’s on - so far! Watch out for updates

Women’s Tour Warm-Up Party

Thursday 18th June 4pm – 9pmAllsorts Market British Cycling Races Crazy Bikes

Climbing Wall Bike Stalls Music & Dancing

Plus “It’s a Knock Out” event celebrating the bicycleWanted - teams of 4 to take part

To find out more/register e-mail paula@oundle.gov.uk or phone 272055.

Oundle Town Council,The CourthouseMill Road, Oundle PE8 4BW

admin@oundle.gov.ukwww.oundle.gov.uk

Tel:- 01832 272 055

Edited by Cllr. Moira Clarke Produced by Cllr. Gwen Radcliffe

Printed by Inkwell Printing

Council Office Open: Monday to Friday, 9am - 2pm

David CHAPPLE 273877 Neville OAKES 275818Val CHESSER 272217 Sue OAKES 275818Moira CLARKE 270274 Brian PEARSON 272790 Ann FITZGERALD 270849 Gwen RADCLIFFE 273191Paul KING 07970 946555 Philip ROSE 272520Matthias MENCK 07990 770891 Roy SPARKES 07904 463707 Debbie MURPHY 07703 543359 Terry STAGG 273774

Your Town Councillors until May 7th

You are most welcome to attend all Council and Committee meetings.

Meetings are held at the Courthouse at 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Agendas are displayed on the Courthouse noticeboard and posted on www.oundle.gov.uk by 6pm on the Friday before the meeting.A public participation spot is provided for you towards the beginning of each meeting for contributions relating to the agenda.

You do not have to give advance notice to speak at the following meetings.

Council: Mar 17th April 21st May 12th May 19th

Estate Management: Apr 14th

Operations Management: Mar 10th

If you wish to speak at a Planning Committee meeting you are asked to contact the Town Clerk, Debra Harper, at least 48 hours in advance. This will allow the Clerk to make any necessary arrangements.

Representations on Planning matters are restricted to 2 minutes.

Planning Committee: Mar 3rd April 7th May 5th

Your Town Council Meetings