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from Bradwell Parish Council

Autumn 2008

Serving Bradwell Common, Bradwell Village, Heelands and Rooksley

New Contracts for Landscape Welcome to Gemma Maintenance and Cleansing Gibbs, our third PCSO

Following a summer of constant complaints about We’ve waited a long landscape maintenance, Bradwell Parish Council is time for Gemma! – pleased to learn that Council will be We hoped she’d join appointing a new contractor for 2009. Their us in 2007, but she performance will be kept under closer review than it finally did this July. has been with the last unsatisfactory contractor. Gemma is an experienced PCSO who, with her colleagues Matt Robinson and Bianca James, is making a positive difference to our community. Welcome Gemma, we’re delighted to have you!

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In the meantime, Milton Keynes Council has been Heelands Shops catching up (above). There have been several complaints about the tops of many hedges not being cut back. The answer is that until recently, only encroaching hedges that obstruct roads and paths have been cut, but the tops are being cut afterwards.

Cleansing

The Parish Council was also pleased to learn that the awarding of the new cleansing contract to Serco, Now that work is well underway, having next year, should bring real benefits. Parts of removed the balconies over the shops, and Bradwell Common have trialled a system whereby started redecorating the building, we will households are provided with a green wheeliebin for now be turning our attention to the long a free weekly collection of food waste and garden awaited Heelands Local Centre refuse along with the normal collection. This will be Regeneration, which has been held up for extended to the whole area next summer. In a year by the current work. The addition, simple litter picking will be replaced by full regeneration must be completed in the sweeping, in many instances more frequently, which financial year which ends in March 2009, so its start cannot be delayed much longer. should greatly improve the look of our area.

Threats to Bus Service More dog Waste Bins

Z&S, the operator of Bradwell Parish Council is bus service 2E, has installing seven more threatened to dog waste bins this withdraw buses from autumn. They are Heelands again due coloured dark green. The to attacks on emptying of dog and vehicles resulting in litter bins costs the broken windows. The police have Parish Council thousands of pounds a responded by having PCSOs, in plain year. clothes, regularly riding on the buses. We get many requests for dog waste bins, Following complaints about bus drivers on but we have to be very careful where we route 6 missing out Bradwell Common site them, and it is just not feasible to and/or Heelands, Arriva – which owns MK have them every few metres. It is worth Metro – have taken action to prevent this. adjusting your dog walk to pass one as dog fouling can lead to a fixed penalty notice.

Bradwell Bradwell Parish seeks to

Bradwell Parish Council has made take over MK community representations to Milton Keynes properties Council’s Parish Boundary Review to extend the Bradwell Parish boundary Bradwell Parish Council is bringing the former from the railway to the A5 trunk glebe land in Bradwell Village back into re-united road to take in Bradwell Abbey. This ownership under the Parish Council. The land, is a logical extension, especially as between Bradwell Church, the Memorial Hall and the proliferation of scheduled Atterbrook will be called “Glebe Field.” It is ancient monuments in the area and illustrated below: the land in the foreground is the conservation work we are doing currently owned by the Church (Oxford Diocese), in Bradwell Village links so well with and that behind it by Milton Keynes Council. Bradwell Abbey.

The Parish Council is also negotiating to take over long-term leases on Heelands Meeting th Above: The 14 century Chapel of St Mary Place, Bradwell Common Community Centre and in Bradwell Abbey fits in well with the historic Church and motte and bailey fort in Heelands Sports Grounds South Field. Heelands Bradwell Village, just the other side of the Sports Grounds North Field, with the pavilion, railway. We say they must all be in the will continue to be run by Heelands Rangers FC. same parish.

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Everything you need to help you and your family is now on your doorstep!

A new Children’s Centre for pre-school children and their families is opening soon at Heelands School. It will be open to all families with children aged 0 – 5 years and will offer a range of activities and services such as:

• Drop-in sessions for children & parents • Information & Advice for parents • Music and Play • Fun learning sessions • Links to Jobcentre Plus • Support for Childminders

T his is your children’s centre… help us choose a name!

There are two options in the running so far: The Oak Tree SureStart Children’s Centre or The Dales SureStart Children’s Centre. Let us know which one you prefer and you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a hamper full of goodies. If you don’t like either of our suggestions, let us know if you can think of a better one!

You can enter by filling in the slip below and posting it in a box in the school reception, or by emailing [email protected]

The winner will be drawn when the centre opens.

We would also like to know what types of activities you would like to see happen in the children’s centre and what would encourage you to come along.

For more information please contact: Jaime Hill on 01908 225073 Or e-mail: [email protected]

Competition entry form

I prefer (delete as applicable): The Oak Tree SureStart Children’s Centre The Dales SureStart Children’s Centre Or… My suggestion is: Name: Address: Phone number: Number of children under 5 years old:

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NEWS FROM THE “NAG”

The Bradwell Neighbourhood Action Group (“NAG”) is continuing to meet monthly at the central police station.

The NAG is busy dealing with the three issues that residents voted for as causing the most problems to them: • Landscaping and infrastructure • Parking and speeding • Anti-social behaviour.

PC Gary Kellett, our neighbourhood specialist police officer, and PCSO Matt Robinson pictured at the Summerfield School Fair. Achievement – up to a point

The NAG has had the broken seats outside the One Stop Shop in Bradwell Common repaired, but has not managed to educate their users to put their litter in the bin which is virtually an arm’s length away – not yet, but there are fixed penalties for litter!

How it was – vandalised Now – repaired but littered

If you would like the NAG to take up any matters under the headings listed above please call them at the Bradwell Parish Council Office, 21 Glovers Lane, Heelands, Milton Keynes, MK13 7LW. E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone 01908 321285.

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION GROUP

PARKING AND ROAD SAFETY OUTSIDE SCHOOLS

DO YOU DRIVE A CHILD TO SCHOOL?

STOPPING OR PARKING ON “SCHOOL-KEEP-CLEAR” MARKINGS OR OBSTRUCTING THE ROAD IS DANGEROUS, SELFISH, AND MAY RESULT IN A FIXED PENALTY NOTICE.

PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS. DO NOT OBSTRUCT PRIVATE ENTRANCES OR DRIVEWAYS WITH YOUR VEHICLE

SPECIAL CARE IS REQUIRED AT BELLFOUNDER HOUSE, BRADWELL, NOT TO OBSTRUCT ACCESS, AND ESPECIALLY THE EMERGENCY AMBULANCE AND RESIDENTS’ PARKING BAYS THERE.

BE GREEN! IF POSSIBLE ALLOW A LITTLE MORE TIME AND WALK YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL INSTEAD.

THE SAFETY OF ALL ROAD USERS IS OUR CONCERN. MORE RANDOM VISITS ARE PLANNED OUTSIDE SCHOOLS BY ROAD SAFETY AND POLICE OFFICERS

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ABBEY FIELD WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREA

An Update

by Councillor Brian King, chairman of Bradwell Parish Council

Regular visitors to the area will have noticed the progress that has been made to the project. It is as follows:

Notice/Information Board

The notice and information board is now in position at the head of the footpath, named “Bellchambers Walk.” The board was specially made from oak to blend in with the wooded area either side of the footpath.

The Footpath

The main footpath is in the process of being fully chipped, along with the small parking area in front of the notice board. An area adjoining the footpath has also been chipped. This will be the first of our seating and observation areas; a second should follow very soon, and we can then add seating. I would like to add that most of the wood chipping material has been recycled locally and has been donated by contractors, free of charge. So even the chipped areas are still “part of Bradwell.”

Hedging

The new hedge, parallel to the allotment fence has started to mature. There are five different plants making up the hedge and soon we can expect a real multi-coloured boundary.

Pictures: Top: The notice board and part of the chipped area Bottom: Bellchambers Walk and the area chipped for seating taken in October 2008.

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Picture right: Bradwell Village Pre-school held their summer sports day on Abbey Field

A Splash of Colour

This year saw a vast array of colour by way of plants and wild flowers, from the daffodils and crocus in early spring right up to many other varieties in August and September. A heavy planting programme will continue next year. I would like to say a big thank you to all the members of the public who have donated plants and given up their free time to help.

What Next?

The two ponds are the next major part of the project. They were due to be introduced this summer, but due to circumstances beyond our control this was not to be. You will shortly notice signs being erected. These will be placed strategically around the area informing the public that they are entering a conservation area.

Wild Life

Rabbits and squirrels are very frequent visitors to the area, along with quite a few foxes. The bird life is also quite varied with several sightings of Green Woodpeckers and one of a Kestrel (illustrated left).

There is evidence of a large population of moles within the conservation area, and if you are lucky enough to see one, as I was last month, you may catch sight of it on the surface before it burrows underground. Check the edges of the chipped pathways for evidence but be very quiet and don’t make any sudden moves.

In conclusion, may I remind everyone that any organised activities on the grassed area MUST have the prior permission of the Parish Council. You can telephone on 01908 321285 or e-mail [email protected].

Because of Health and Safety issues under NO circumstances is any form of golf practice allowed on Abbey Field or on any Parish Council managed land.

If you would like to help with our conservation area project in any way please make enquiries to Bradwell Parish Council Office, 21 Glovers Lane, Heelands, MK13 7LW. Telephone 01908 321285. e-mail: [email protected]

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St Lawrence Allotments – Bradwell Village

The allotments, 48 in all, are situated between St Lawrence Church and the railway line and became part of Bradwell Parish Council land in the 1970s, having previously been farmland. The view of the church and its beautiful fir trees is a delight whilst leaning on your shovel and reflecting on life and the frequent trains are an absolute boon because all are different, maybe passenger or freight and another welcome opportunity to down shovel and take a break to watch them.

The allotments are bordered to the right by the new conservation area and to the left by an established Horse Chestnut wood, so fabulous surroundings on all sides.

Over the last few years the allotments have become very sought after with a waiting list of about twelve at any one time. The allotment holders can be aged 18 to xxx, but must live in the Parish. Rents are decided annually by the Parish Council and every effort is made to maintain low rents, in fact we compare very favourably with other sites across the city.

The atmosphere on the allotments is really friendly. Lots of discussions about crops, how to grow things, what did best, sharing of plants, seeds and the harvest and of course lots of gossip over cups of tea.

I cannot deny that it is really hard work. My allotment is definitely not one of the best nor the most productive but I grow 24 types – note not varieties as that would add at least 10 – of vegetables and 10 types of fruit. If I could just grow bananas I’d be self sufficient!

We share our allotments with many creatures. One gentleman with foresight made a pond from an old washing up bowl and shared his finding ie frogs and newts and now we have five other ponds. The theory is that the frogs, now numerous, will help with the slugs – but the slugs outnumber everything as have the caterpillars this year.

We grow flowers to feed the bees and creatures, who will then pollinate our crops. Giant sunflowers designed to feed the birds fall prey to squirrels and mice but everyone has to eat – which reminds me that the grass snake spends many hours around my pond and unfortunately he enjoys baby frogs. Still, as one of our stoics points out – we all have to eat – which brings me nicely back to the purpose of the allotments. Sandy McAlear

Any adult resident of the parish is welcome to apply for an allotment in Bradwell, but you are warned that there is currently a waiting list of 11 for the St Lawrence site and seven for Fosters Lane. This year, only four plots have been surrendered. Some other parishes have plots available, but Milton Keynes Council no longer owns any allotment gardens at all; they are all managed by parish or town councils or independent allotment associations.

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Summerfield School Annual Summer Fair

Just as in the past, The Friends of Summerfield School, Bradwell Common, excelled themselves with a particularly successful Summer Fair. There were stalls to play games, where children lined up in expectation to see if they could win prizes. On hand to man the stalls was a large contingent of teachers and committee members all eager to help the children understand the rules of each game. There were also many stalls where adults could either purchase items, or take part in a Tombola to win different prizes. This year we incorporated a Children’s Tombola which proved to be so successful that we had to add to the prizes which were quickly won. The barbeque was run this year by Brian King, our very own chairman of the Parish Council. He was kept very busy, as the weather was warm and windy, cooking and chasing plates. We must thank Eurobuns for their kind donation of bread buns for the barbeque, A very large table held the many raffle prizes which has been donated to the Friends, including footballs from Le Pasquier Shenley, who also donated Brioche for the cake stall.

We were visited by the Fire Service, who let the children climb on the fire engine and have their photo’s taken. Our very own PC Gary Kellett came along with PCSOs Matt and Bianca, who brought a police van along, which the children loved as they were allowed to climb on the back and try on handcuffs. Many thanks to the .

Many pupils, who are no longer at Summerfield, also came back to help with the running of the fair. The coconut shy was a great success as they ran out of coconuts 20 minutes after opening; we must remember to get a lot more next year! A Bouncy Castle was erected and within minutes the children were clambering to get on, and at one point the line was almost four metres long. A group of children who were taking part in the school play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, gave us a selection of songs from the show. Two pupils from school won the fancy dress competition, and were presented with watches as prizes. We hope to bring more of this fun next summer so watch out for posters from the school. Pictures from Summerfield School Fair 2008 Lynn King 9

Bradwell Sports & Social Club

Bradwell Sports & Social Club has refurbished the interior of the club pavilion. The work, illustrated above, was all paid for out of club funds. All residents of Bradwell Parish are eligible to join the club, provided they pay their subscriptions and abide by its rules. For further information please call the club one evening on 01908 312355.

BAB needs volunteers to help in the eye clinic at Milton Keynes Hospital

BAB is the county organisation that provides help and an extensive range of services to anyone with serious sight loss within Bucks and Milton Keynes.

The volunteers talk to the patients, offer useful information about the help that BAB can provide and generally be a helping hand to people who may be struggling to learn how to live their everyday lives whilst suffering from some loss of sight.

Could this be you? ‰ good listening skills ‰ comfortable talking to new people ‰ sensitive to patients’ needs ‰ 2 hours per week to spare

If so, we would love to hear from you.

Full training and support is given. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

For more information, please contact – Jane Diggory Hospital Information Service Coordinator 01296 487556

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Bradwell W.I.

Bradwell Women’s Institute meets in the Bradwell Sports & Social Club Pavilion, Abbey Road, Bradwell, at 2.30 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We have an interesting speaker, competitions, discussion, tea and a chat. Visitors and new members are assured of a warm welcome! For more information please call Olive Stewart on 01908 310267.

THE 1st BRADWELL SCOUT GROUP

Over the last year scout groups all over the world have been celebrating 100 years of scouting and we at 1st Bradwell have been celebrating too. There are too many events to mention in this short space but the highlights of the year were a world jamboree held in Chelmsford where over 40,000 scouts from all over the world came to celebrate and also on 1st August all scouts all over the world renewed their promise at a Sunrise Promise event. We at 1st Bradwell joined all the other scout groups in Milton Keynes extremely early on the 1st August at the MK Dons Stadium to renew ours. It was a wonderful experience. We have also taken part in a Remembrance parade (photo above) and also the 150th celebrations of .

Our Beaver colony is really strong at the moment but we need new members for the Cub Pack and Scout Troop. 1st Bradwell Scouts cover Bradwell Common, Bradwell Village and Heelands, as well as other local estates, so if you are interested in joining the scouting movement please call Geoff on 672892 for more information. We would also appreciate more adult leaders too!

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You’re Welcome to Contact Your Parish Council

Bradwell Parish Council Office 21 Glovers Lane, Heelands Milton Keynes MK13 7LW

Parish clerk/manager: Harold Atkins

Telephone (01908) 321285

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bradwell-pc.gov.uk

The Parish Office is usually manned on weekdays between 0830 and 1330, and at other times by appointment. If there is no reply, please call and leave a message and we will get back to you. As well as Bradwell Parish Council, the Parish Office also services the Bradwell Neighbourhood Action Group (“the NAG”), Bradwell Charity and the King George’s Field, Bradwell, Charity.

We keep a supply of pink recycling refuse sacks at the office. If you call us we’ll get a roll round to you free in two or three days. We are not able to supply black refuse sacks.

Your Parish Councillors

This is a list of Bradwell Parish councillors.

Councillors Parish ward represented Brian King Chairman of the Parish Council Bradwell Common & Rooksley Ivor Bradbury Vice chair of the Parish Council Bradwell Common & Rooksley Rex Exon Also a Milton Keynes councillor Bradwell Village Satinder Gill Bradwell Village Cheryl Glennon Bradwell Common & Rooksley Sandy McAlear Bradwell Village Venetia Sams Heelands Thomas Sayers Heelands Ziya Suzen Heelands Julian Vischer Heelands

Published by Bradwell Parish Council, 21 Glovers Lane, Heelands, Milton Keynes, MK13 7LW. Telephone 01908 321285 Printed by CSF Print www.csfprint.com telephone 01908 614300.