EXTRACTS FROM THE VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2001

Webb Ivory Catalogue

The orders made a profit of £52.80 for church funds.  many thanks to all those who placed orders.  I have now received a copy of the spring catalogue with very good value cards, wrapping paper, etc.  If you would like to see a copy please phone Diana Kesterton on 01908 372434.

Campaign to Protect Woburn & District from Open Cast Mining

The good news is that at the Bedfordshire County Council meeting on 1 February Steetley's mining application was unanimously rejected on the grounds that Steetley had failed to demonstrate an overriding need or economic benefit arising from the proposals when set against the effect on the environment (landscape value and wildlife sites, and the uncertain effect on groundwater quality).  The varied ways in which so many of you helped to fight this proposal were enormously influential - so a big THANK YOU for all those letters you wrote, petitions you signed, leaflets you distributed, meetings and demonstrations you attended.  But the bad news is that Steetley has six months in which to appeal, so although we may have won the battle we have not yet won the war.

Family Tree

Bernice Kirk in Canada, who contacted the village through the website, has now completed her first draft of the Barden family tree to which she herself belongs.  It runs to 63 pages and starts about 1696 with a Richard Barden from Simpson, whose great-grandson Henry moved to Bow Brickhill and died here in 1835.  Bernice has done an incredible job to piece together the whole history of the family.  Sue Malleson has a copy of the document and if anyone would like to take a look, obtain a copy, or contact Bernice, please contact Sue on 01908 372376.

Bow Brickhill Show

Plans are now well under way for the Bow Brickhill Show to be held at the Pavilion in July.  The committee is endeavouring to stage a number of varied events and sideshows to interest all the different age groups in the village.  These will include: children's fancy dress competition, talent show, flower and  vegetable  show, art and craft show, country dancing, traditional sports day, football competition, children's rides and carousel, photograph pet show, barbecue, teas and cakes, fish and chips, licensed bar, ice cream van, side shows including bran tub, face painting, cake staff, old Bow Brickhill exhibition, welly throwing, bowling for a toy pig, objects in a jar, tombola and raffle.

The fundamental aim of the show, which will be held on a Sunday, is to enhance community spirit, while at the same time raising some money towards the cost of the upkeep and future development of the Pavilion.  We have been delighted at the number of people who have offered help, either in the advance organisation or helping out on the day.  If you are able to offer assistance please don't be shy.  Either contact any member of the Parish Council, the show committee chairman, Alan Preen, tel 01908 647003 or the show secretary, Annie Enever, Greenways.

Bow Brickhill Club

The February meeting of the Club was held in the Pavilion on Tuesday 6th.  This was a very happy occasion, the celebration of the Golden Wedding of Don & Betty Barden.  Don & Betty provided an excellent buffet, beautifully arranged and served by their daughter and niece.  Before cutting the celebratory cake the happy couple were presented with a basket of fruit and Golden Anniversary card, signed by all the members present. 

The March meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 March at 2 pm in the Pavilion, when our speaker will be a representative from John Lewis Department Store, who will give a talk on the services provided and a brief history of the store.  This should prove to be a very interesting afternoon.

Bow Brickhill WI

The next meeting will be held at the Pavilion at 7.30 pm on Thursday 15 March, when Mrs Wesley will talk on "Travels with My Doll".  The competition is for "A Toy".  New members are welcome.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will be in the village by the War Memorial on Friday, 9 March and Friday 23 March from 11 am to 11.15 am.

Recycling Calendar for March

Blue weeks:  Wednesdays 1st, 15th and 29th
Red weeks: Wednesdays 8th and 22nd

Proposed Village Development

The Parish Council's attention has been brought to a development proposal which has been submitted to Milton Keynes Council under the Local Planning Review.  The proposal will be considered for the final Local Plan to go on deposit in October 2001.  The development consists of approximately 2,000 houses and amenities to the perimeter of the village.  (More information ...)  

The Parish Council has organised a public meeting with the land agent and representatives of the proposal on Wednesday 7 March 2001 at 7.30 pm at The Pavilion, Rushmere Close, Bow Brickhill.   All are invited to attend.

Street Light

Following a request by a village resident, an extra street lights has been erected on Church Road near the sharp bend opposite Drakewell Close.  It is hoped that this will make it safer for pedestrians at this point.

Speed Checks

The police have been in the village three times in the past month, checking the speed of the traffic.

Dog Bins

The Parish Council has issued a written complaint to Milton Keynes Council regarding the emptying of the bins.  Apparently the keys to the bins have got lost in the system.  The Parish Council has given them a new set of keys.  Hopefully the bins will now be emptied on a regular basis.

Parish Council - Vacancies

The Council has received two applications for the position of Parish Councillor and three for Parish Clerk.  The Council will be interviewing the prospective candidates and will publish the results in the next newsletter.

Parked Cars

The Parish Council has received several complaints regarding residents parking on the grass verges and also cars being parked completely on the pavement.  Pedestrians, especially with pushchairs, are finding it very dangerous when trying to talk through the village at these points, as in some cases they have to get off the pavement and walk on the road.  The Council realises it is difficult throughout the village at the moment with the Electricity Board contractors being present. The Council has informed the police of complaints.

Next Parish Council Meeting

Thursday 8 March at 7.30 pm at The Pavilion, Rushmere Close.

Bletchley Archaeological & Historical Society

Markham Memorial Lecture "South Midlands Archaeology: Recent finds in Bucks, Beds, Northants and Oxon and The View from the 21st Century"  - an illustrated talk by Shelagh Lewis.  Thursday 1 March at 8 pm.  Refreshments from 7.30 pm.  Rectory Cottages, Church Green Road, Bletchley.  All welcome.  Admission for non-members £1.

Items for the next edition of the newsletter should reach Norman Causer - 14 Downs View, Bow Brickhill - by Friday 16 March  Tel 01908 372884.

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