Oundle Oracle March 2015 Town Council Newsletter Mayor’s Report Community Champions needed 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 The Council To find out more join us should... Mayoral chain, visitors to Oundle from far and wide made for a point of admiring Oundle and thanked the “wonderful, Refreshments & go ahead” Council for allowing the event to happen. Fresh Information Some would say brave too! ideas on The Mayor’s Charity Concert held on Saturday 17th Tuesday March 17th at the January 2015 raised £1000. The generous donations of Elections for the Town Courthouse money, time and talent by many are a fitting recognition Council take place in May of the work CHAT Youth Counselling and Volunteer 2.00 - 3.00pm & 6.00 - 7.00pm Action do in our community. Particular thanks to Ellen Find out what we do, Porter pictured here, 2014 Oundle Young Musician, Irena Radic, 2013 Oundle Young Musician, Daniel Dixon how you can contribute by becoming a Councillor, 2014 Oundle Young Singer, Alec Hone and the Oundle what you have to do and when. School Ensembles. As one of the invited Mayors wrote Current Oundle Town Councillors will attend in appreciation “It’s such a pleasure to see young people Recent history shows that not all Councillors will stand again - demonstrating their talents so ably and so professionally. Names to watch for in the future!” you can! Oundle and the surrounding villages have been Close of Nominations 4pm April 9th chosen by Police to test ideas Last day to register to vote April 20th for policing in rural areas as part of its Futures st Programme. We are delighted to welcome Robin Last day to apply for a postal vote April 21 Carter, Oundle’s new Parish Constable. Polling open 7am to 10pm May 7th It was with much regret that, just before Christmas, I received the resignation of Chris Make your voice count Elliot, who needed to give his business his full Your Annual Town Meeting takes place on attention. Chris made major contributions to the th work of the Council on your behalf. His efforts to maintain links with Andrésy, our Thursday, April 30 at 7.30pm in the Queen Victoria Hall French Twin town, were much appreciated. We send him good wishes for the future. Tea and coffee served from 7pm In 2011 there was not a contested election for Oundle, only the second time since I This is a meeting of the Town, organised by the Town Council, not a Council first stood in 1979. As we approach the end of this four year term we finally have a meeting. If you want to get formal support from residents present at the full complement of fourteen Councillors again. Matthias Menck and Debbie Murphy meeting, suggest an issue for discussion or simply table a question in have recently come forward and have been co-opted to the team. advance then please contact Town Clerk, Debra Harper, at the Courthouse Oundle has a wealth of activities and opportunities for residents to contribute to the by April 11th. We can then organise the agenda and further publicity. well being of the community. Oundle Town Council plays a vital role in supporting Inspector Julie Mead has been invited to talk about how to become a this. I do hope more than fourteen of you come forward to stand for election in 2015 Parish Constable. County, District and Town Councillors will be there to and look forward to reading your proposals with interest. listen and answer questions you may have about Oundle issues. Best wishes Vote on 2014 Town Meeting minutes can be seen at Oundle Library, at the Cllr. Gwen Radcliffe X May 7th Courthouse and on www.oundle.gov.uk Town Council Budget 2015/2016 The 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. IT’S BACK! The project will cost close to £960,000, the majority of which has come from WORLD CLASS CYCLING RETURNS TO property sales e.g. Drill Hall and Cemetery Chapel and existing reserves including THE HISTORIC STREETS OF OUNDLE 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. SAVE THESE DATES! 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 SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2015 would mitigate the amount of Precept, is once again unlikely to be paid to Oundle Oundle Launch of Friends Life Women’s Tour Oundle Market Place. Have a cycle and a slice of cake. The Countdown starts here! by Council. Cllr Terry Stagg SUNDAY JUNE 7TH 2015 Sports If you have a good news story please send it to editor by June 8th Bike & Hike Picnic & Party LET’S Club for next issue. The next event happened just after the December Oundle Recreation Ground. issue went to press. A great day out for all the family. MAKE News 2015 THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2015 ANOTHER Mark Hunter visits Rowing Club Tour Warm-Up Party Oundle Town Centre. Come and be YEAR TO On Friday, 28th November, the Olympic Medal winning rower, part of the celebrations and fun. REMEMBER! Mark Hunter paid a visit to Oundle Town Rowing Club. Mark, who won Gold in his lightweight double at Beijing in 2008 and Silver FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2015 in London in 2012, came to Start of Stage 3 provide expert coaching and Oundle Town Centre. How exciting, they are coming back! advice to a group of young rowers. SUNDAY 28TH JUNE 2015 Girl-Rilla Ride A great, but all too short, Oundle Wharf. For the Ladies. afternoon was spent on the Designed and printed at water, with the pupils enjoying some top-class East Northamptonshire Council tips on rowing techniques. Thank you, Mark! www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/theprintroom Fletton House Progress St Peter’s Churchyard project The long standing goal to save Fletton Over 90 hours were worked by the St Peter’s Green House for the community and to turn it into Group churchyard team during 2014 to improve a hub of community activity is getting closer biodiversity and to manage those plants which try still! to take over. Also, an information board detailing the plan and the work carried out by the volunteers has Construction work started in November. been installed by the metal seat . So far a new plant room has been built, the roof has been refurbished, and a new The main activities were managing the cow parsley gas main has been installed. Major internal and comfrey and developing an area against the structural works have been completed north wall for elder and fox gloves. The group has to open up spaces and a completely new introduced some buddleia and other plants against mechanical and electrical installation is this wall and reduced the brambles at the west end nearing completion. This has been designed of the churchyard. to maximise on both comfort and energy The town council strim and mow the grass in early summer and autumn to suit the efficiency. flowering time of the wildflowers. The Green Group team then clear the strimmed The new extension has proceeded less and mown grass to lower the nutritional value of the ground. This effectively smoothly. Excavations to lay down the discourages the grass and encourages wildflowers. There were more butterflies, foundations reached over 4 metres before insects and birds on the north side, the area being developed. We hope that in finding solid ground. The structural engineer 2015 further species will be evident. Please use the small notebook on the Green and building inspector were on site during the excavations because of the risk Group board inside the church to note any sightings. Jeremy Rusher 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 Parish Constables – - Volunteer Action offices A new and exciting role - Oundle Community Preschool within the ! - Futures Room, Police and Fire at heart of community - open plan social space A Parish Constable is a Special Constable that is dedicated, through choice, to - venue for wedding and other ceremonies policing a specific area. Special Constables possess all the same powers as full - dance studio for dance, fitness and other classes time warranted police officers and are provided with full training and equipment. - meeting rooms from large to small available for hire - rent an office Parish Constables will undertake a wide variety of policing duties whilst linking in - a teaching kitchen available to hire for small classes with both the local Safer Community Team and Town Council to ensure effective - a large art/craft/activity room available for hire policing of the area and becoming a pillar of the community. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in “This is an ideal role for anybody who is interested in really making a difference where they Cllr Ann Fitzgerald hiring space on a regular basis or if you are interested live and I want you to be part of our journey to make Northamptonshire the Safest Place in monitors progress .” Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds in volunteering by becoming a friend of Fletton House. QUESTIONNAIRE FEEDBACK COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND SPORTING FACILITIES Who replied? Objective: To ensure adequate provision of community, recreation and sporting facilities over the next 16 years, identifying options for enhanced facilities where required. 339 277 55% 45% Q1a Your use of available and current sport, recreation and community facilities • Oundle School facilities 39% Female Male • Private sports clubs 26% • Outdoor recreational facilities 31% • Indoor community facilities 90% Age (including faith based venues) 350 • Medical Centre 38% 300 Barnwell Country Park is a very highly valued asset and much used by the 250 47% Town as is the surrounding countryside for walking and cycling where access is 200 available in all directions. 34% 150 Q1b What facilities do you think should be provided in the next 16 years? 100 • Public access Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool 43% 50 5% 13% • Improved and extended Community facilities for meetings, clubs and Thanks to David Wilkinson for use of 1% photo on questionnaire cover. 0 non sport related activities 25% Under 20 21-35 36-50 50-65 Over 65 • Better and more public access to sports facilities particularly indoor courts and activity space, a new sports centre 25% What did you say? If you are currently employed, • Improved recreational access to the countryside 21% The key points from your how far do you travel to work? • Provision for the Youth in the Town 8% 120 responses to the questions on 100 Cycle & walking routes; public access to private sports clubs facilities; a recycling each objective can be found on 80 centre; adult education and evening classes. 60 the next ten pages. 40 20 Q1c Suggested improvements to existing services and facilities as Oundle Full report can be found on 0 grows 0 miles 1-5 miles 6-10 miles 11-25 26-50 More • Improve access to and use of School facilities, State & private 28% www.oundle.gov.uk miles miles than 50 miles • Community spaces e.g. the Library and Council owned facilities 23% • Improve recreational facilities such as the Pocket Park and outdoor What happens next? space for concerts and festivals 8% • Provide Youth focused facilities 2% The latest stage of the development of the Oundle Neighbourhood Plan took • Provide indoor meeting spaces for larger groups 2% 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 Use of existing facilities is high but you find difficulty accessing them, or feel next steps will see the drafting of the Plan based, of course, on the inputs from there could be minor improvements made like seating in the Pocket Park or the people of Oundle. smartening up the Joan Strong Centre. Parking at Community facilities was high on the improvement needed list. 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 Q1d Does healthcare provision in Oundle currently meet your needs? Statutory Authorities will follow and then the Plan will go to East Northamptonshire YES – 87% NO – 13% Council for their consideration before independent examination and finally Can the provision be improved? Yes, but that is always the case in any service, referendum, hopefully in January 2016. public or otherwise. CONNECTIVITY AND PARKING Q2d Please describe locations you think could be used for more off-road parking Objective: To reduce traffic in the town centre and address parking in Oundle, if you think there is a need. concerns at key locations. To improve connection with community 41% of all respondents identified locations that could be used for more off- facilities and the countryside by introducing new cycleways and road parking in Oundle, the most popular choices being: footpaths in and around the town centre. • The site of the Primary School, after it has been vacated Q2a Do you have any transport difficulties getting around any part of Oundle? • Developing part of the playing field on the south side of South Road 34% of all respondents identified transport difficulties getting around Oundle, • Developing the site of the former recycling centre the most common being: Many people appear to have misinterpreted the question and identified locations • Difficulty finding a parking place, particularly in the town centre and where parking is most difficult, with consequent uncertainty in interpreting the especially on market days responses. • Congestion caused by school buses and increased traffic at school start A number of people suggested multi storey car parks; a few people identified and end times 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 • Congestion caused by HGVs, delivery vehicles and inconsiderate parking of sports facilities (but no-one suggested where the sports facilities might be • On-street parking relocated). Other suggestions were sites on land or property currently in private • New one way system and parking arrangements around the Market Place ownership*. • The poor condition of many of our footpaths. A number of comments referred to roads where verges could be converted to A number of more specific difficulties were also identified*. create more spaces for on-street parking and/or improve traffic flow. Treatment of parking in other questions Q2b What forms of transport do you typically use on public roads within Oundle? While 66% of all respondents did not have difficulty getting around Oundle, Respondents reported using the following modes of transport, mostly at least concerns were expressed about the effects of more development: weekly: car (87%), walking (86%), cycling (34%); while 29% reported using public transport, mainly monthly. • 96% mentioned increased parking • 96% mentioned increased traffic and congestion. Q2c Thinking about encouraging walking and cycling for all living in, working in and visiting Oundle, prioritise where you think footpaths and cycleways The ideas that may help make additional development easier to accommodate should be established? and less likely to damage the overall character of Oundle that received support were: 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, • 72% development should be within walking distance of the town centre to facilities within the town, to the river and along the river. Footpaths were • 62% development should be within 1 mile of the town centre seen mainly for recreation but also to help reduce traffic congestion. This suggests that a network of footpaths and cycle routes would help people 27% of all respondents supported better cycle routes from all directions to the move around and realise the benefits of maintaining a compact town. town centre, with Glapthorn Road mentioned most and links avoiding the town Summarising centre suggested. Benefits identified include enjoyment of the wider country- side, although cyclists reported some challenges including: The wider evidence indicates that transport difficulties (parking and congestion) are only significant at the school start and end times, and on market days. Hazardous cycling at specific locations, particularly at school start and end School buses, HGVs, delivery vehicles and inconsiderate parking cause the times; congestion. Verges could be converted to create more spaces for on-street • Crossing the A605 safely parking and/or improve traffic flow. A network of safe footpaths and cycle-ways • On-street parking to improve connectivity is supported. • Lack of dedicated cycle-routes * For a more detailed analysis of the response to the Neighbourhood Plan • Inadequate facilities for securing bikes Questionnaire refer to the documents published on the Oundle Town website. EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS GREEN SPACE Objective: To identify sites for new business or industry in Oundle Objective: To safeguard existing views and green spaces and, where required, safeguarding existing sites for employment where possible, provide additional or enhanced green space as opportunities. part of new developments • Almost all respondents (93%) with a business located in Oundle operate Q4a Cemetery space will be required in the future. Where would you like to from a single site. see this sited? • 70% of respondents operating businesses from more than one site (in and/ The vast majority of respondents wished to see this adjacent to the existing site. or out of Oundle) would not merge them if a suitable site in Oundle became available. Q4b Where do you think land for new allotments should be allocated? • Very few respondents (just 5%) would like to start a business in Oundle in Of those who expressed a preference for a definite site allocation, 17 were in the next 5 years. favour of Site 23/land north of St. Peter’s Road, 8 selected Site 5, Sites 1 and • Most of those who would like to start a business in Oundle over the next 11 gained 3 votes each and land near Bassett Place and the Primary School few years felt that the availability of more suitable premises to rent would playing fields each gained 2 votes. 1 person selected each of these sites: land be a help and some demand for access to communal office space was adjacent to the Cemetery, the rear of the Riverside Maltings, Site 12, Site 3 indicated. and land south of Wakerley Close. • The demand from existing businesses looking for new premises was for Q4c In new developments, what type of public, open green space should be (a) warehouses (b) offices and (c) workshops with an optimum size of 89 considered if possible? square metres to purchase. Wildlife meadow 384 responses • The demand for new/expanding businesses looking for premises was Childrens’ play area 326 responses for (a) shop/retail (b) workshops (c) studios with an optimum size of 140 Playing field 282 responses square metres to rent. Picnic area 249 responses • There was no clear preference for sole use as opposed to shared use. Other 89 responses • 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. Ann Chapple, Green Space Working Group, • There was some resistance to the loss of any existing green space to and member of public at Feedback event business/industrial use Question Q4d4d Rank, Rank, in order in orderof importance, of importance, six green spaces six green you would spaces like to seeyou protected would. like protected. HOUSING 70 Objective: To propose the preferred site or sites for future 60 residential development in Oundle in light of the requirements of 50 the Core Strategy Review. 40 30 616 persons returned the survey which was extremely encouraging, however 20 the demographic was slightly less inspiring with 81% of respondents over 50 10 years old, and only 19% between 20 to 50. 0 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 The chart reflects the first priority selection of respondents. congestion and questioned the existing infrastructure. It is extremely gratifying However, amongst the responses there was a general desire expressed to that those who responded to this questionnaire hold Oundle in such high esteem preserve the Recreation Ground/Pocket Park, the sports grounds, i.e. the Rugby and do not wish it to be negatively impacted by future developments. The whole The bar chartClub reflects grounds the first and priority land selection adjoining, of respondents the Football. However, Club amongst ground the responses and land there adjoining was a general desire essence of the Neighbourhood Plan is to make informed decisions to ensure expressed to preserve the Recreation Ground/Pocket Park, the sports grounds, i.e. the Rugby Club grounds and land adjoining, the that the town can evolve without threat and negative impact. Football Clubthe ground Wharf and and land the adjoining views the of Wharf and andaccess the views to the of and river/water access to the meadows. river/water meadows. This can This be can be seen in the numberseen of responses in the numbermentioning of the responses South Road meadowsmentioning and thethe views South along Road Stoke meadows Doyle Road. and the • 65% surveyed were less inclined to see very large scale developments views along Stoke Doyle Road. on the edge of Oundle against 28% who thought this was an appropriate Although the highest proportion of responses wished to protect Barnwell Country Park, it is not within the parish boundaries. Although the highest proportion of responses wished to protect Barnwell location for future developments. Country Park, it is not within the parish boundaries. • 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. Scale: ± 1:16,500 • 62% surveyed agreed that future developments should be located within Planning Services walking distance of the Town centre opposed to 24% who disagreed. The majority of the development sites are located toward the edge of Oundle Oundle Proposed Neighbourhood due to potential site availability, but all fall within a one mile radius. The Area site selection criteria takes specific note of and give weighting to sites within `easy’ walking distance of the town centre. Proposed Boundary • 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%).

This map is accurate to the scale specified above when reproduced at: A3

© Crown Copyright and database right 2012. Ordnance Survey 100019072 • The survey revealed the most popular types of new housing were Q6e Thinking about the choice of cafés, eateries, pubs and restaurants in Small starter homes (35%) followed by Family Homes (24%) and Oundle, in your opinion are there: Bungalows(18%). The least favoured were Executive Homes (31%) In response to this question 11% said too few, 69% said about the right amount, Homes with designated work/ office (29%) and Flats (29%). It is most 18% said too many and 3% had no opinion to offer. likely that the survey results for this are somewhat distorted as 47% of the respondents were over 65. Younger residents and those working with Q6f Thinking about the availability of bed and breakfast accommodation, young families have very different housing needs. hotels and holiday accommodation in Oundle, in your opinion, are there: • The survey revealed a strong preference toward open market housing In response to this question 50% said too few, 29% said about the right amount followed by affordable homes for sale and latterly private rented homes. and no one thought there were too many; 21% offered no opinion. As suggested previously the survey results show an overwhelming bias All of the additional comments made can be accessed at www.oundle.gov.uk 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. TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL • Overwhelmingly the survey suggested that there was a preference for Objective: To safeguard the mix of residential and thriving affordable housing for locals. The question is whether this is achievable commercial uses in the town centre; encourage retail opportunities and what do respondents mean by the term affordable housing? The in Oundle and develop market activity as a means of stimulating likelihood is that they are suggesting homes that anyone can afford rather retail and tourism. than social housing targeted at those who are less well off. Q7a How often do you use these shops and services in Oundle? TOURISM Once a Once a week month or Occasionally Rarely/Never Objective: To safeguard and promote those features of the town or more which encourage tourism and provide the opportunity for more more tourism development. Charity shops 14% 24% 44% 18% Financial services 24% 20% 22% 34% Q6a Thinking about Oundle as an attractive town to visit, how important are Food - Restaurants 16% 37% 39% 8% the festivals, events and cultural opportunities for visitors? Food - Takeaways 7% 22% 29% 41% 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. Health, Hair & Beauty 3% 40% 35% 23% Retail - Clothes & Shoes 2% 14% 62% 23% Q6b Thinking about Oundle as a town to visit, how attractive is the current Retail - Food 93% 5% 1% 0% provision of festivals, events and cultural opportunities? Retail - Other 43% 31% 22% 4% 46% thought it was very attractive, a further 46% thought it was adequate, while 4% thought it poor; 4% offered no opinion. Surprisingly, the Town’s financial services were used rarely or never by 34% Q6c If any, what additional types of festivals, events and cultural opportunities of respondents. would you like to see in Oundle to increase tourism? There were a wide range of suggestions among the answers to this question Q7b How far do you usually travel to do your main household shopping or do you have home delivery? but the largest single topic was a call for more musical events.* 53% choose to shop in Oundle, 11% travel 1-5 miles, 10% travel 6-10 miles, Q6d Is there anything else that you think would attract visitors to Oundle? 19% travel 11-25 miles but no one travelled between 26-50 miles; surprisingly Again, there was a wide disparity of responses to this question but the 2 main only 7% opted for home delivery. themes were the inadequacy of parking spaces in the centre of town and the need for more individual and high quality shops.* Q7c Thinking about the range of shops in Oundle town centre, in order of importance what would you like to see? Introducing the new Mobile Sight Centre 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?

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

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. Q7f Thinking about the quality of the markets do you think this is very good, The group is made up of accomplished, adequate, poor or no opinion? 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. * For a more detailed analysis of the response to the Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire refer to the documents published on the Oundle Town website. Chairperson: Jane Sanders Tel: 01832 226495 Wine and Crime: R.M. Cartmel talks about his new crime Behind the scenes at the Museum novel, The Richebourg Affair, and discusses the wines of Burgundy with Philip Amps from Amps Fine Wines. Apart from the obvious functions of the Contact Details How to Find Us, Find Us at; Museum, displaying and caring for all the The Courthouse Friday 27th March, 7.30pm - 8.30pm Group Bookings, School Visits By Road, Car or Carriage Mill Road, The Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle; Tickets £10 and Guided Tours ofartefacts, Oundle one of Fromthe the lesser A1, exit at A605known towards duties Oundle is Oundle, by arrangement. dealing with importantthen, after documentsapprox., 8 miles, turn which right at are PE8 4BW the Oundle roundabout (A427). Then Please contact: brought to us. follow main road beyond the market place Stephen Bates discusses his new The Oundle Museum Trust until you reach a church in front of you. You will see The Courthouse on the left at Oundle 1851 book The Poisoner: the Life and The Courthouse Small museums do not have the facilities to the junction. A glimpse at some of th e Social History, Crimes of Victorian England’s Most Mill Road, deal with large paper archive material but at Oundle’s People, their Occupations Oundle PE8 4BW From the A14, exit at the A605 towards Notorious Doctor. Telephone; 01832272741the same time it wouldPeterborough. be undiplomaticAfter 7 miles bear left toonto turn & the A427 towards Oundle. The Courthouse Trades of the period. Friday 24th April, 7.45 - 8.45pm email; [email protected] historic isinformation 2 miles at the junction away. with the church. or visit our website @ St Peter’s Church Tickets £7 (£5) www.oundlemuseum.org.ukFortunately we have found theBy answer.Bus There Oundle Museum is a charitable Trust Tickets for these events from Oundle Box Office, 4 New St. run by volunteers andis reliesa splendid on countyStagecoach archive X4 from establishment Peterborough or at Northampton, alight at the Catholic open 10.00am – 1.00pm Mon to Fri donations from theWooton public which Hall, Northamptonchurch. The Courthouse and isit 2is minutes here walk that are most welcome. into Mill Road. Tel:274734 or buy online: www.oundlefestival.org.uk Charity No. 1045378we send any bulky collections of historic or local importance. However, before doing so, Want to be involved? Parking or Stabling Why not become a sweteward/helper either ortranscribe Free oron streetsummarise parking outside the the content Museum or at the Drill Hall car park a 2 become a “Friend of the Museum” and and keep a recordminute for walk. future reference. Also, with a small donation help us record Oundle Festival of Music & Drama and illustrate Oundle’sas wonderful depositors, we can “borrow” back the history. originals for display or research. Our Exhibition Wednesday April 15th Information is available on our website or 2015 Open: From March 7th to November 29th 2015. th in the Museum or email:18 century documents relating to land in Saturdays 11am to 5pm, to [email protected] Sundays Public Holidays 2pm to 5pm. Cotterstock, records of Barnwell Friendly Also from the 30th July till 28th August on th Thursdays and Fridays from 11-4pm** Saturday April 18 2015 Society and Pig Club and the complete minutes FREE ADMISSION. - Donations welcome. of meetings of the Oundle Wives Fellowship Affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals **Open 4 days per week from 1945 to 2013 have been taken to Wooton An exciting Festival in prospect during August recently. Entries up by 25% from more than 20 schools Classes run from 9.15am to 9pm in Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle School Chapel & Common Room, Saturday March 14th St. Peter’s Church

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

Programme from Oundle Bookshop & Oundle Box Office

Award Winning Children’s Author Professor Jules Pretty talks about Gala Concert, Saturday April 18th Ali Sparkes will be speaking about her his new bookThe Edge of Extinction: St Peter’s Church 7.00pm - £6, child £2 career and books Travels with Enduring People in features Oundle Young Musician of Year Final 2.00pm - 3.00pm Vanishing Lands tickets from Oundle Box Office, New Street The Great Hall, Oundle School 7.30 – 8.30pm, St Peter’s Church Tickets £5 Tickets £7 (£5) www.ofmd.org.uk Farmers’ Market Sat. 6th Mediterranean Market Sat. 11th Bike & Hike Picnic & Party Sun. 7th Stamford Artisans Guild Arts and Crafts Recreation Ground Queen Victoria Hall Sat. 13th Farmers’ Market Stamford Artisans Guild Arts and Crafts Wed. 15th Oundle Festival of Music & Drama Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle to Sat. 18th Queen Victoria Hall and Oundle School Thurs. 18th Women’s Tour Warm-up Party Sat. 18th Italian Market April June Fri. 19th Friends Life Women’s Tour - Fri. 24th Lit Fest event Stage 3 startTour of Britain Sat. 27th Gilbert & Sullivan Summer Show Sat. 25th Oundle Great Garage Sale

Thu. 30th Annual Town Meeting Queen Victoria Hall Time: 19.30 Sun. 28th The Great Girl-rilla Ride Sat. 2nd Oundle Town CC v Peterborough Town CC Secret Yarn bombing comes to Oundle Milton Road Time: 1200 Fri. 3rd Music Theatre Competition Thu. 7th Election Stahl Theatre Time: 19.40 th The Flautadors - Music for the Queen of Scots Fri. 8 Sat. 11th Farmers’ Market St. Mary & All Saints Church, Fotheringhay Time: 19.30 Sat. 11th to th Farmers’ Market Oundle Horticultural Show Sat. 9 Sun. 12th th First meeting of new Town Council Tue. 12 Fri. 10th to May July International Festival Sat. 18th Sat. 9th to Oundle Art Group Event St Peter’s Church Sun. 17th th Sat. 18 Oundle Food Festival Around Britain in Song nd Fri. 22 Sat. 19th to Rita Cullis soprano, Alec Hone piano Oundle Fringe Festival Fri. 24th Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Titchmarsh Time: 19.30

The Oundle Great Garage Sale Women’s Tour Warm-Up Party Saturday April 25th 11am - 4pm Thursday 18th June 4pm – 9pm Spring Clean .... De-clutter.....Make some money .... Allsorts Market British Cycling Races Crazy Bikes Join in the Great Oundle Garage Sale! Climbing Wall Bike Stalls Music & Dancing It costs £5, payable to Oundle Town Council, for your address to be featured in “It’s a Knock Out” event celebrating the bicycle the extensive publicity for the event. Plus Wanted - teams of 4 to take part To register e-mail [email protected] or phone 272055. To find out more/register e-mail [email protected] or phone 272055. Further information www.oundle.info What’s on - so far! Watch out for updates Your Town Councillors until May 7th

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

Your Town Council Meetings 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

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

Oundle Town Council, [email protected] The Courthouse www.oundle.gov.uk Mill Road, Tel:- 01832 272 055 Oundle PE8 4BW

Edited by Cllr. Moira Clarke Produced by Cllr. Gwen Radcliffe Printed by Inkwell Printing