Parish Council Newsletter

Summer 2016

An update from the Chairman Jim Wright

Summer is at last on its way to us. With the village looking exceptional at this time thanks to the hard work by a number of groups and individuals in the village. Deanshanger in Bloom – The heritage society - Our village technician – The Deanshanger sports club, to name just a few.

It has been a very busy time with our village AGM just been held in the community centre. The start of the new year for the parish council with some more changes and challenges for the coming year.

As you can see from the header of this newsletter, the chair of the parish has changed as Claire Kennedy has stepped down from the council, this was a very difficult decision for her and while she has stepped down she will still be involved in some of the projects in the parish. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for the hard work and way that she conducted herself while a member of the council and as chair.

I was nominated at the May Full council meeting and was very proud and honoured to accepted the role of chairman, while I have not served very long on DPC I have been very active in various issues and with a number of groups in the village, and will work hard to make a positive change in our village and what affects our village.

We now have a village technician who works for the parish council repairing and maintaining our street furniture etc in the village area. The work carried out so far, repair and maintain equipment and signage in Springfield. Litter picking, painting the signage outside the council offices, spotting and reporting any issues that cannot be resolved by the technician, and the list is ongoing. The feedback we have had back so far is that he is doing an outstanding job and that our residents are noticing the difference he is making.

Some of my aims and goals for the coming year. To fully support the new Neighbourhood watch scheme recently set up in the village, so far this has been an amazing success with a large number of residents signing up to this scheme.

Supporting the Day Care Centre held in the community centre, this is an extremely valuable service run by volunteers, who work tirelessly to make sure the residents who attend the club on Thursday have an opportunity to meet and chat with others from the village, and to also have a hot meal at least once a week. They are desperate for support and volunteers to make sure this service continues. If you have a few hours to spare on a Thursday, they will make you very welcome and will be more than happy with any support you can give.

To continue our focus on the dog fouling and litter issues around our village. My request to you all scoop it bag it bin it!! Please place litter in the bins provided, if no bin available take it home.

To constantly review the available club’s equipment and support for our local children, to give them something to do while they are out and about, to listen to their issues and concerns, while making it clear it is our village as well as their village so should be treated with respect and to reduce anti-social behaviour together. An update from the Chairman – Jim Wright Continued…

I aim to be available to you all, to help or answer any questions about village issues, please note while the DPC Although the parish council has limited powers, we do have certain responsibility’s which we all take for granted like when a street light is not working, planning applications, assisting were possible in giving grants for local organisations, and generally trying to make the village a better place for all of our residents. And visitors to our friendly welcoming village if I cannot answer a question or resolve an issue I am sure we can find someone who can.

However, it is extremely hard to please everyone, so some of my replies may be disappointing however I promise to give an honest and open response at all times. However, I promise to listen and more importantly respond to your questions concerns etc.

My last and final point is my concern of speeding on the approach roads to the village and around our village roads streets etc, we are getting into the summer with more villagers walking and enjoying our amenities, with summer school holidays approaching there will be more children about, can I ask please reduce your speed drive safely for the sake of our fellow villagers.

Have a great summer and thank you for your continued support in making our village a much better safer pleasant place to live and enjoy,

Cllr Jim Wright

Farewell from Chairman Claire Kennedy

As Jim said in his update I have stepped down from the role of Chairman of Deanshanger Parish council. I have been in this role for a year and it’s time to let someone else continue to lead the council forward.

The council has come on a long way in the last couple of years and this has been a challenging journey. It is good practice to have change in this role, share the responsibility and ensure that the council keeps up to date with the process for running the council. Thank you to the councillors for the support over the last year in my role as Chairman.

We live in a village with strong community spirit and values with many groups and resources enjoyed. With the funds in place, the infrastructure and our community spirit we can continue to make improvements for many to enjoy. The council have seen a challenging year with a very new council learning the rules, responsibilities and understanding the roles to then make effective decisions as required. Seeing a new Clerk and RFO, working with the community, police, service 6 and employing a handyman are just a few of the many items we have worked on.

A day in the life of a Parish Councillor

Gina Wooding

I have lived in the village all my life and have always been a very community spirited person. I help out at Deanshanger Primary school every week with the cooking lessons and I have been a member of the PTA for the last 8 years. I am very proud of the fundraising the PTA has raised over the years and I hope you all enjoyed the Primary School fete that was organised by the PTA None of my children are in Primary school anymore but I still very much enjoy being involved with the children and the Primary School. I am also on the Deanshanger Colts Committee and take the subs every Saturday so it was a natural progression to join the Parish Council making my life just one long meeting (or so it seems sometimes!)

I have 3 teenage boys and a 12 year old daughter so I am aware of the lack of facilities in the village for their age, however I am on the Open Spaces working Party which is a group set up to look at our open spaces. We hope to utilise the spaces for the good of all and are currently looking to place some 8+ equipment in the open spaces for the use of children ages 8 upwards. We are always looking to improve these spaces so any ideas please do not hesitate to contact me or the clerk and if you want to join in please do the more the merrier!.

I am also a member of the planning committee which is very interesting. We look at plans submitted to South Northants Council and we formulate responses to these plans. We can either, support, object or comment on these plans as we have the local knowledge. Our responses go off to South Northants however they have the final say on any planning application.

Even though the village has trebled in size since I was child I truly believe we still have a very close knit community and all of us on the Parish Council are committed to keeping it a happy and great place to live. Ways to contact your local Parish Council All councillors have an email address so you are welcome to email us anytime & we will look to support you or point you in the direction of someone who can. There is the website that should hold up to date meeting dates, minutes & useful information

Parish councils have powers to provide some facilities themselves, or they can contribute towards their provision by others. There are large variations in the services provided by parishes depending on the size & location.

Parish councils have the power to precept (tax) their residents to support their operations & to carry out local projects. The exercise of powers is at the discretion of the council, but they are legally obliged to exercise duties.

Attending formal meetings The meetings are to conduct council business, these are formal & a code of conduct is to be followed.

The public are welcome to attend the meetings, there is a section of the meetings which is closed & a 15 minute public forum is opened.

We welcome you to come & listen, take part in the public forum & hear first-hand the decisions that are made based on the work performed outside the meetings.

Deanshanger Parish Council Formal meetings  Full Council meeting  Finance Committee Meeting  Highways & Planning meeting You will see the meetings advertised on the 11 notice boards in the village as well as on the Parish website http://www.deanshangerpc.net/

Holy Trinity Holiday Club

Holy Trinity Holiday Club for those going into Yrs 1-7 in September 2016. Monday 15th – Friday 19th August 2016 and special Sunday services on 14th and 21st. More details and booking forms on line at www.htdchurch.org.

Deanshanger Athletic Football Club was founded in 1946, and is affiliated to the Northamptonshire Football Association. In 2014, the club achieved FA Charter Standard status, awarded to clubs and leagues rigorously adjudged to be well-run and sustainable – and which prioritise child protection, quality coaching and implementation of the Respect programme.

As well as having 4 teams from Under 18's upwards, our youth section, run by the Deanshanger Colts, is also FA Charter Standard. This incorporates boys and girls between the ages of 6-16. The club boasts some of the better facilities in the league, with a state of the art North Bucks & District Football League astro turf training pitch and a large club house Division One / Premier Division Champions that provides Sky TV & BT Sport, pool tables and 1950-51, 1951–52, 1952–53, 1954–55, dart boards, as well as being able to hold large 1956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 2001–02, functions. 2002–03 Between Athletic's section and North Bucks & District Football League Intermediate Division Champions the Colt's section, we are always 2013-14 on the lookout for both local and

United Counties League surrounding talent, and to Division Three Champions develop our youth set-up to help 1970-71, 1971–72 create some stars of the future. North Bucks & District Football League Premier Division League & Cup Double Interested in playing, then visit 2001–02, 2002–03 our website for more information www.deanshangerathletic.com

Deanshanger in Bloom

Hi everyone, well the “big bed” at the entrance to the village is at last dug and containing some plants. We will be adding more as and when planting permits. I would like to thank Barry Martin for kindly donating manure to this bed. I do hope you all like it and feel it welcomes you “home”.

We have also been placing planters along Glebe road which will hopefully add some colour to those of you who live there. We have replanted nearly all the boxes with summer bedding and should complete this in the next couple of weeks. Thank you to everyone who is and has offered help in watering our boxes, wheelbarrows and containers, it is vital this is done otherwise it’s “money, time and effort down the drain”.

I hope some of you have taken the time out to entered the Garden Competition and wish you all good luck. The winners will be announced in the next Parish news.

Our next two projects are, building and planting two new, bigger planters to go on the green near the Deanshanger village sign and planting in North Way Park.

If you have any comments you can use our Deanshanger in Bloom face book page or contact the Parish Clerk by email, letter or phone.

Wendy

Who let the dogs out?? Author- annoyed resident

Neighbourhood barking is not a pleasant sound, especially when the choir get bigger. How quick it is to make the neighbours tense and irritated.

Are the owners out and can’t hear it, don't care, selfish, are the dogs lonely, should the RSPCA be warned, should noise abatement at the council be informed All questions that come to mind as you want the barking to stop.

Regardless, the chorus has started and it spoils a sunny afternoon for many.

Do think of others and the consequences before leaving your dog out (or alternatively playing your music very loud).

When the record finally ends he is still barking, From the U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins: sitting there in the oboe section barking, his eyes fixed on the conductor who is The neighbours' dog will not stop barking. entreating him with his baton He is barking the same high, rhythmic bark that he barks every time they leave the house. while the other musicians listen in respectful They must switch him on, on their way out. silence to the famous barking dog solo, that endless coda that first established The neighbours' dog will not stop barking. Beethoven as an innovative genius. I close all the windows in the house and put on a Beethoven symphony full blast but I can still hear him muffled under the music, barking, barking, barking,

and now I can see him sitting in the orchestra, his head raised confidently as if Beethoven had included a part for barking dog.

Beavers, cubs & scouts

2nd Deanshanger Scout Group

Beaver, aged (6-8) meet on Wednesdays from 5.15pm to 6.45pm.

The beaver colony is once again at the maximum number of young people (28) we can safely deal with. A waiting list to join is again in operation meaning some young people in the village are missing out on a scouting experience. The group could offer more to this age group if we had more leaders or regular volunteers to assist with the colony so feel like volunteering – please talk to any of the leaders.

In terms of activities the beavers have taken advantage of the lighter evenings with visits to the pocket park, taken part in a rounder’s evening and contributed to the group’s fund raising efforts by delivering leaflets about our jumble sales on the 2nd and 16th July. (Doors open at 10.00am).

Planned for the near future are visits to Salcey Forest to climb to the top of the trees and Cosgrove campsite for a joint night with the cubs.

Cubs, aged (8-10¾) meet on Wednesdays from 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

The cub membership number continue to exceed 40 young people and have had a great few months including activities based on traditional scouting skills including fire lighting, cooking without using saucepans on open fires, cycling safety and a cycling events in Salcey Forest. We have also made wooden targets to take to our summer camp which will be used in conjunction with home-made bows and arrows.

34 cubs attended the 100th year anniversary of cub scouting In May with a special trip to France. The trip by Eurostar including excursions to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumphe, boat trip on the river Seine as well as a wet walk around Paris, the cubs travelled on the metro as well as eating at a restaurant in Paris.

Day 2 and 3 were spent within the Disney Complex with a day in the magic kingdom and a day within the WD studios. The cubs went upside down in the dark on the space mountain roller-coaster, shot aliens on the buzz light year ride, visited pirates, haunted houses and “it’s a small world” as well as meeting Mickey Mouse, watched the parade and met Baloo, saw some fancy horse riding at the wild west show and ending the evening with the fireworks and light show. Some children also went on more roller-coasters!

On Sunday they dropped in an out of control lift, went backstage to catastrophe canyon (some even got wet) and watched a thrilling stunt show with cars and motor bikes. After shopping for souvenirs we left Disney with some very tired leaders and cubs for the return back to Milton Keynes.

Planning and organising continues for our next trips in 2016 - two more traditional camps in the New Forest and Bournemouth are scheduled giving the opportunity for cubs for a further 7 nights away in 2016.

The summer camp near Bournemouth (with 24 cubs) will include days spent at the historic dockyard in Portsmouth, a visit to the courts and county museum in Dorchester, Corfe Castle, the RNLI at Poole, boat trips, hovercraft rides, hikes, crate stacking, pioneering, archery, rifle ranges, a day on the beach at Studland Bay and a visit to a swimming pool with slides and shoots – Oh and fish and chips on the sea front!

Other events planned include a 10 mile cycle ride from Milton Keynes to Deanshanger, a visit to the Cosgrove campsite and a hike around the woods at Salcey Forest. We’ll also find the time to distribute the Parish Newsletter and participate in two jumble sales. Upcoming Events

Friday 8th July - 2nd Deanshanger Scout Group are holding a Dog Racing Evening at Towcester Race Course, Pomfret Suite. £20 pp includes pie & mash or curry, programme & £2 Tote bet. To reserve a place please contact Lisa Gordon ([email protected]) or Emma Ward ([email protected]). Numbers need to be confirmed ASAP!

Saturday 16th July - 2nd Deanshanger Scout Group are holding a Jumble Sale at the Scout Hall between 10am and Midday. 50p admission charge. If you have any items to donate (Clothes, Bedding, Towels, Books, CDs, DVDs, bric-a-brac or toys please bring them along to the scout hall on any Wednesday up to 13th July between 5.15~8.30pm. If you have a large number of items or if the load is difficult to get to us please call 07739 410744 and we will arrange to collect

Deanshanger Day Centre

The day centre has been going for over 30 years now. We continue to welcome the elderly & disabled each Thursday throughout the year. We use a mini bus with a tail lift to pick up those from local villages, those from further afield are very welcome but need to make their own way.

On arrival tea, coffee & biscuits are served & a hot lunch is provided at midday. During the day there are various activities & sometimes visits from various agents who provide services for the elderly. An outing with lunch is provided each year also a Christmas party. Fund raising becomes harder each year but we continue to run our monthly coffee mornings, Easter & Christmas sales. We are grateful to all sources who give us support. For more information please contact Mrs Ridgway on 01908564420. “Colts Play The Game The Right Way”

It’s been a busy and successful start to the summer break for the Deanshanger Colts, with trophies won, sponsors gained, and manager efforts recognised.

Both the Colts under 9’s and Divas under 10’s were awarded the Fair Play Trophy at the Moretonville tournament, which is a credit to the clubs approach to playing the game in a fair and sporting manner. Not only that the Under 9’s won the Shield on the Saturday while the Divas were beaten finalists. It was the Divas first outing since they were formed in March this year, and the squad is still on the lookout for one or two more players, so if you have a daughter in Year 6 from September interested in football then get in touch.

The Deanshanger Colts are also delighted to announce that they will be wearing THE DIRECT PIZZA COMPANY logo on their shirts next season, with club chairman Richard Johnson saying “It’s great to link up with a Deanshanger based company, and we are hoping to have further new sponsors come on board for the coming season, when every player at the club will be getting sweatshirts”

The Colts Under 16’s manager Adrian Walsh, who has been with the club on and off since 1994 scooped the MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD for the MK Border Counties League after his squad went through the league season unbeaten with only a last day 4-4 draw denying his an 100% record. The Under 15’s also collected their Division 2 title with a last day 3 – 2 victory over Roman Rangers.

The Deanshanger Colts will be looking to start a new Under 6’s squad (School Year 1) from September with the first training session being on Saturday 10th September at 9.30am.

The Under 12’s squad is also looking for a few additional players to play in the MKDDL, so if interested in anything featured please contact Richard, via email. [email protected] Deanshanger Branch Surgery

Deanshanger Branch Surgery has a doctor EVERY Tuesday - 4pm -5pm. You can also see a nurse also EVERY Tuesday - 11.30am - 12.30am. Phone Stonedean Practice for appointments.

Deanshanger WI

Are you new to the village or just looking for something new to do in the evening?

Why not come along to the WI meetings on a Thursday night? For a small visitors fee of £3.50 you can come along to one of our meetings and listen to an interesting speaker, enjoy the company of a fun group of women and while you have a cup of tea you can decide if the WI is 'your cup of tea'!

The WI has a long tradition in the village but we truly aren't just about 'Jam and Jerusalem' , although it has to be said that we do sing Jerusalem and know quite a bit about jam! You can come along and hear an interesting speaker (we have had demonstrations and talks on such varied subjects as Tai Chi, Reflexology, Pilates, Antique Furniture Restoration, Singing, and much much more.)

We also have raffles and monthly competitions and enjoy many of our own social events together - suppers, walks and trips to events at nearby villages and other local WI's.

If you decide to become a member you can also get involved in many WI workshops and outings.

We meet at 'Deanshanger Memorial Community Centre' at 7.30pm on the 2nd Thursday of every month (with the exception of August) - you will receive a warm welcome.

Come along or ring our President Carol Pattinson on 564459 for more information.

Kay’s Keep Fit

Keep fit with Kay & join her at Deanshanger Community Centre from 7 till 8pm term time Wednesday evenings for body tone. Working hard to tone the major muscles using weights and resistance bands.

Bring a towel or mat & drink. Its £5 on the door or you can pay for the half term in advance & it works out at £4 per session. Also, if you have any children at secondary school they are welcome along for free. This is a friendly hard working group, anyone welcome Call Kay on 01908 262818 or 07518799724

Northamptonshire County Council

20 Million Steps Challenge Friday 23rd September –Sunday 25th September

We are pleased to announce that once again the 20 Million Steps challenge is back and this year it will be bigger and better than previous years, with us aiming to walk double the amount. That’s 40 million steps in one weekend! Together, we can achieve this.

20 million steps is part of our 2020 strategy which is a campaign to make Northamptonshire an active, well and happy county by 2020.

Your organisation can get involved with the event by holding your own walking event, supporting an organised event or by helping to promote the campaign. Details of which will be going onto the website www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/2020 in the coming weeks and months.

In the meantime, we would like you to register your interest in this event by emailing Debbie Foster: [email protected]

Royal British Legion

The Deanshanger & Wicken Branch of the RBL was revived two years ago after being in limbo for many years. A recruitment drive followed, from which 12 members were signed up & at our first meeting and the officers were elected. The membership now stands at 28.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Deanshanger Conservative club 7.15 pm for a 7.30 pm start & usually lasts about 2 hours.

Come along & join in the discussions & should you wish to join, our secretary will forward an application form. You don’t have to be ex service, but have a desire to assist fund raising for dependants of the needy as defined by the Royal British Legion Charter.

Barbara Langton Secretary Tel 01908 261107 e-mail [email protected]

BATTLE OF THE SOMME CENTENARY 1916-2016

The Battle of the Somme was fought at such terrible cost that it has come to symbolise the tragic futility of the First World War. Its first day of conflict remains the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army and it was felt deeply at home. Many of the soldiers who had signed up were everyday young men from close-knit communities across the UK who subsequently suffered horrible losses. They were good friends, neighbours and colleagues who signed up together on the promise they would serve alongside each other. It sounded easy. These patriotic volunteers were sold on the romance of war, “Your Country Needs You”, and became known as the ‘Pals’ battalions. The 100th anniversary provides an opportunity to commemorate the Service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the battle, to reflect upon the human cost of conflict and to have hope for a more peaceful world.

The Beehive The Queens 90th Birthday was celebrated at the beehive on Saturday 11th June with a sports day feel. We kicked off with a rounder’s match followed by an egg and spoon race. We had lots of other games and stalls as well.

There was lots of support from so many people including those who helped us on the day and to all those who joined in the fun.

The Beehive was raising money for Headley Court and the Little Lives appeal at Milton Keynes Hospital and the total raised on the day was £1600.

Thank you so much for all your support without which all this would not be possible.

Look out for future events.

For further information contact Lorraine on 01908 262368

Village Notice boards There are 11 notice boards in the village with a new one planned for the Redrow estate. These are maintained by the Parish Council and are for use by the community for community projects. These boards are not to be used for commercial or political use and permission should be sought from the clerk to put any information on these boards.

Reporting Anti Social Behaviour If you feel that there is anti-social behaviour in your area please contacts the police on 101 to record the incident.

Do not assume someone else will do it. Depending on other priorities the police may not be able to come out straight away, but it will be recorded so they can get a view of areas that may need extra regular monitoring.

Dog Fouling

We encourage all dog owners to clean up after their dog has fouled in a public place, as dog fouling is unpleasant & poses a public health risk. If your dog fouls in a public place & you do not clean it up & you will be breaking a Dog Control Order under the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005.

If an SNC council officer or any other authorised officer witnesses you not cleaning up after your dog, you may be given a fixed penalty of £75. If you refuse to pay the fixed penalty you may be taken to court & be fined up to £1000 plus court costs.

Further information on Dog Control Orders can be found on the Dog Control Orders page. http://www.southnorthants.gov.uk/dog-fouling.htm

What is the best way to clear up after your dog? Use a doggy bag or a carrier bag to pick up the faeces. Ideally, this should then be placed in a designated dog bin. If this is not possible, take the bag home & put it in your black wheeled bin or, as a last resort, double wrap the faeces & put it in a normal litter bin. Animal & Pest Control – SNC - 01327 322326 [email protected]

Parking in the Village There continues to be complaints from residents regarding parking in the village and in particular in and around Hayes Road, Maltings Row, The Smithy and outside the Co-op.

Please do not park on the pavement outside of the Co-op this is a main route into both the primary and secondary schools and on several occasions people with pushchairs and young children have had to go into the road to get passed, this is not safe. Please also leave enough space to allow emergency vehicles to get through, it could be you who need them!!

Pot Holes Please report potholes to Northants County Council through the Street Doctor website. www.northamtonshire.gov.uk/streetdoctor If you don’t report it, they may not know it is there.

Road Repairs You can check on any road repairs at roadworks.org just pop in your postcode and you can see what’s happening near you. Street Lights

If you notice a street light that is out (or flickering or on all the time) please advise the parish council & we can get the contractors to look at it.

Please state the street name & the number on the post. Either call 01908 566373, email [email protected]

Thanks to the cubs for delivering this newsletter.

Useful Telephone Numbers Clerk to the Parish Council 01908 566373 South Northamptonshire Council 01327 322322 Northamptonshire County Council 0300 126 1000 Police – non emergency 101 or 03000 111222 The Beehive 01908 262368 Holy Trinity Church (Revd Chris Murray) 01908 262371 0 Methodist Chapel (Revd Drs S & B 01908 312043 Mosedale) Library (Weds – Sun) 0300 126 1000 Elizabeth Woodville School 01908 563468 Deanshanger Primary School 01908 268920 Deanshanger Village Pre-school 01908 263295 Willow Tree Pre-school 079 7973 6791 Deanshanger Day Centre 01908 564420 County Councillor – Allen Walker 01908 260302 District Councillor – Dennis Loveland & 01908 262867 Allen Walker 01908 260302 Doctors Surgeries – Stonedean Practice 01908 261155 Stony Medical Centre 01908 260382 Deanshanger Sports Club & Play Field 01908 567137 Assoc Deanshanger Community Centre (June 01908 562949 Lake) Deanshanger Village Heritage Society 01908 564725 Deanshanger Allotment Association 01908 265413 Street Doctor (Road / Footpath / Drain 0300 126 1000 Repair) 01908 567109 Deanshanger Conservative Club Like us on Facebook Deanshanger Parish Council Follow us on Twitter @deanshangerpc Visit the Parish Council website www.deanshangerpc.net Email the Parish Council on [email protected]