www.stonystratford.gov.uk

STONY STRATFORD TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Update from the Town Clerk know if you received a hamper and what you thought of it: www. .gov.uk/about-us/contact-us. Thank you. Stony Stra ord Town Council Toilets We are delighted that these 5-7 Church Street Refurbishment Project toilets are now OPEN! The This has been delayed due to the complexity of reducing the transforma from fully specifica However, it is still envisaged that the project will automated units (as the units start mid-end January 2021. were at the end of their Stony Stra ord Town Council (SSTC) commitment to mechanical life) to semi- Community Engagement units has been In the Stony St 2017-2020 document, SSTC completed. The cost of using the outlines its commitment to the key principles of engagement Before toilets has been kept at 20p. and communica on. To detail this more formally and explain We are planning for a formal how we will implement this, we have adopted a new opening a the current restrictions (due to Covid-19) are Community Engagement Strategy. Please see our website: We welcome your feedback, please send it to: www.stonystra rd.gov.uk/about-us/policies. www.ston ord.gov.uk/about-us/contact-us. Covid-19: High Street Pavement Widening SSTC is working with MKC and the High Street businesses to agree a way forward once the restric are li d.

External Audit – no issues arising The Annual Governance and Accountability (AGAR) return has

been received from the external auditor, PKF hn with ‘no

issues arising’. Further details can be found on the Stony

rd website: www.stonystra ord.gov.uk/about-us/finances.

SSTC Response to Government Consulta on (White Paper) on Changes to the Planning Laws SSTC responded that whilst the principles underpinning the Planning Changes White Paper are good, we have serious concerns about the following: 1. How the proposed changes will be funded, especially as expensive new technology will be necessary and Principal

Authority planning departments are already under immense

pressure due to lack of resources.

2. The future role of Neighbourhood Plans and the necessity for

them to retain their status.

3. The intended outcomes i.e. is it going to result in be , faster

decision making?

4. Will there be a Na onal Standard for Design Codes?

5. The impact on local areas e.g. Stony Stra has three

areas; Stony Stra rd where the main bulk of the houses

were built before 1947 and encased within a Conserva on Area Budget Se ng 2021/22 The process for agreeing the budget for the following year and whereas, Fullers Slade and Galley Hill are only 50 years old and the precept starts in late September. Given the unusual will therefore be subject to a greater impact from the proposed circumstances this year, Council has agreed that any rises to the precept should be kept to an absolute minimum and if possible, 6. The proposed rescinding of the ‘Duty to Co-operate’, this there should be no increase. needs to remain to ensure cross-boundary issues can be resolved. SSTC Grant to Stony Radio 7. The current issue of large builders having hegemony over the Council were happy to grant Stony Radio seed funding of £2,000 process and how the planned changes to help establish it as a fully func local community radio will help smaller, more local builders. sta on. To listen, go to: www.stonyradio.com. In addi , will the proposed changes take into account the need to build Civic es: Christmas Hampers for Older Residents housing differently in the future? e.g. As you may already be aware, Christmas Day for people working from home who will Party for the Elderly (MKCDPE) usually hold a Christmas Party need larger, b designed housing. for older residents. Unfortunately, due to the current restric s a party isn’t possible. However, instead, Christmas Lynne Compton, PSLCC, Cert HE, Clerk Hampers are being organised and SSTC are pleased to to the Council contribute £200 towards this excellent cause. Do please let us 2 2 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 2. 2. P lanning Applications in Stony Stratford: Update Application Ref Address and Description SSTC MKC Date 20/01829/FUL 44 Calverton Road: Demolition of existing single-storey side extension & rear No comment Permitted 18/09/2020 conservatory and erection of replacement single-storey side/rear extension (re-submission following expiry of 13/00698/FUL) 20/01884/TPO Mews Cottage, 75a High Street: Tree Preservation Order consent to: T1 Yew - No objection if Permitted 13/11/2020 reduce height by 2.5 metres and sides by maximum 1 metre. Thin out crown by 20%. tree officer is Crown raise to 2.5 metres. happy 20/02268/FUL 17 Egmont Avenue: Proposed 2no dwellings (resubmission of 20/01490/FUL) No comment Permitted 09/11/2020 20/02395/FUL 16 Mill Lane: Retrospective - conversion of barn useable building currently dog Objection: Application 19/11/2020 grooming business Concerns due withdrawn to being in flood risk area

Update from the Deputy Town Clerk Allotments The Town Council’s two allotment sites; Road and February half term outdoor play sessions Boundary Crescent, are both currently full, but if you wish to The socially distanced play sessions run by MK Play Association become an allotment holder, then please fill in the form on the were such a success during the summer that we are hoping to Town Council website or contact the Deputy Town Clerk for a arrange some more during the February half term. There will be form ([email protected]) and you will be put on the lots of winter outdoor activities to keep the children warm, waiting list. entertained and safe. Keep an eye on social media, the noticeboards and the Town Council website for details. Winter Landscape Works Our contractors will spend the winter cutting back bushes and shrubs and tidying our natural landscape ready for spring. They have been working in Fullers Slade in the first four weeks of November and Galley Hill in the weeks starting 30th November, 7th December and 14th December. They will be in Stony Stratford: weeks commencing 4th and 11th January (South East); weeks commencing 18th and 25th January (North); and week commencing 1st February (South West). If you have a landscape issue that you believe requires attention outside of this winter schedule then please email: [email protected].

Issues with trees: who to contact for help The Town Council are responsible for tree maintenance such as Farmers Market lifting crowns and trimming epicormic growth (young branch The market has been getting bigger and bigger lately! Along with growth around the base of trees). If the issue requires more the regular stalls there has been a variety of locally produced specialist attention then should be items such as fudges, sweets, painted pots, Swedish sandwiches, contacted. Please see this handy guide: gourmet burgers, sausages and cheese. This is truly your once a month chance to find something locally sourced/produced from Tree issue: pruning, dangerous branches, epicormic growth: these small business stall holders. Support your local farmers’ Location Height of issue: who to contact market! Branches over road Up to 5 metres: Town Council Over 5 metres: Milton Keynes Council Branches over footpath Up to 2 metres: Town Council Over 2 metres: Milton Keynes Council Branches over redway Up to 3 metres: Town Council Over 3 metres: Milton Keynes Council Epicormic growth Up to 4 metres: Town Council Over 4 metres: Milton Keynes Council Contact the Town Council by emailing [email protected] or calling 01908 566726 (option 2). Report issues to Milton Keynes Council by using the ‘Report it’ button on the MKC website homepage, or by ringing 01908 691691. Christmas Farmers Market: will be held on Christmas Eve: Thursday 24th Litter picking kits December approx. 8.30/9am to 2pm. A reminder that litter picking kits are available to borrow from There will be festive food and lots of the Town Council offices. The kits are sanitised before and after cheer, and the St Mary and St Giles band use and the lending of the kits will be in line with the current will be playing Christmas carols to get Government safety guidelines. If you wish to borrow the kits you into that festive mood. MK Play please contact the Deputy Town Clerk: [email protected]. Association will also be giving away free festive craft bags full of Christmas creative projects for the Karen Hiser, Deputy Town Clerk children. First come first served. 3 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 3. 3.

Spotlight on Sport: Stony Stratford Football Club

Stony Stratford Town FC - Established implementing new safety procedures. 1898. Charter Standard. BBFA •Purchased new equipment including goal nets, goals (via a affiliated. Men’s 1st 11 play in North Stony Stratford Town Council grant – thank you!) and new Bucks Div 2. Youth from u7 to u18 in corner flags. MKDDL. Girls U11s in Beds FA Girls League. We have a very long ambitious list of other things that we want to achieve and are looking for more volunteers to help with this. Stony Stratford Town FC have been If you would like to help in any way or have a child that would pretty busy in the last few months like to try a training session, please contact us by email trying to improve all aspects of the club. So far this year, in [email protected] or via the addition to the general running of the club, we have achieved website. the following; Stony Stratford Town FC - Committee •Started a new men’s first team for 2020-21 who are currently Damon Brown (Chairman) unbeaten in the league with maximum points after 8 games - Gary Kitchen (Secretary) please come down and watch us! Louise Amodio (Welfare Officer) •Launched a new website (https://www.stonystratfordtownfc .com/) and twitter account (@Stony_Football) to keep everyone updated with fixtures and match reports. •Installation of new fence around the clubhouse and replacement of the rotten side elevation. •Internal alterations in the clubhouse to give changing rooms access to the toilets and repaired the heating and hot water systems. •Installation of new water supply to the main pitch. •Obtained a pitch grant from the football foundation and implemented a maintenance strategy for all pitches. •Taken on new U13s team and started a new U7s team. •COVID strategy including risk assessments with all coaches 4 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 4. 4.

5 5 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 5. 5. Halloween Half Term Adventures!

Spooky Story Quest Stony Stratford Pumpkin Trail

The Spooky Story Quest attracted over 350 local children during The exceptionally wet weather during the October half-term the October half-term break: the perfect antidote to the break did not deter the children of Stony Stratford and beyond weather and Covid-19 restrictions! The event took place at the from taking part in the first Stony Stratford Pumpkin Trail. The site of the old Hayes Boatyard, alongside York House: already event was organised by the Parents' Association of Russell the location for the Stony Story Quest’s story-telling area and Street School, recognising that there was a need for an activity treasure chest, which, like the Quest itself, were funded by for families to enjoy locally and outdoors when many plans had Stony Stratford Town Council. been curtailed.

The event gave local families a fun, informative alternative to The Pumpkin Trail became a true community event. Local Trick or Treating, and an opportunity to explore the site and its residents came together, although not physically, to make the history, including the seven commemorative sculptures and event a huge success. Local businesses and groups displayed the plaque (commissioned by the Stony Stratford Futures Group and pumpkins in their windows, the pumpkins were donated by created by Chris Johns). Families were asked to use cryptic clues gardeners at London Road Allotments and were beautifully on the Stony Story Quest Facebook page to uncover a four digit carved, painted and decorated by local volunteers. The trail code. Once discovered, Story-Questers could use the code to weaved its way through the streets of Stony, starting at Odells unlock a padlock on the treasure chest and discover Hair-Raising and leading the followers to Hayes Boat Yard, where they met Reads and Tasty Treats! an imposing wooden sculpture of Quercous, lent by Ian Freemantle. It was wonderful to see so many families taking It is hoped that the postponed Stony Story Quest event will take part. The pumpkin trailers could easily be spotted with maps place in the Spring. This free event will invite families to follow a and pencils in hand to find and draw the pumpkins. map (created by local graphic designer Mason Edwards) around Stony Stratford, Fullers Slade and Galley Hill creating stories Although the event was not intended to be a fundraiser for using decorative Story Stones made by local group Crafting for Russell Street School, thanks to generous donations the Change. In the meantime, please follow Stony Story Quest on Pumpkin Trail raised £283. Following the success of the Pumpkin Facebook, or to find out more about the Hayes Boatyard, you Trail the Parents’ Association hope to make it an annual event. can purchase Alison Leighton’s book Hayes' Boatyard, Stony Stratford: boats built far from the water's edge.

*Please see the front cover for more photos of the event.

Stony Stratford Christmas Day Carols The following carols will be broadcast at these times: Join your friends and neighbours this Christmas Day (25th Dec) 11.35am – Hark the Herald Angels Sing for some Christmas carols. Stony Radio is broadcasting carols so 11.40am – Away in a Manger that you can tune in and stand on your doorstep and sing (or 11.45am – We Wish You a Merry Christmas inside if you prefer). If you would like to join in, come out onto Unite and sing with your neighbours and the street in front of your house (or at a safe distance from spread the festive cheer this Christmas others) at 11.30am to greet your neighbours and get ready to Day! sing. 6 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 6. 6. Bringing Christmas Cheer: Stony Stratford Lantern Project 2020!

As the Covid-19 Pandemic took hold during 2020, SS Business our faces!

Association and the CLASS Committee took the sensible decision Instead of a Lantern Parade, we are making a special video to to cancel Switch-On Day. So, here at Lanterns HQ, we were left showcase this year’s amazing creations - Christmassy memories with some difficult decisions to make – what should we do for to treasure! The link to view the finished video will be posted on this year’s Lantern Project? the York House Centre Website at:- The Lantern Volunteers were unanimous that we would like to http://york-house.org.uk/about-us/lantern-project/. do SOMETHING, so we dusted off our thinking caps and came up The Lantern Volunteers usually make a giant lantern for the back with ‘Christmas at Home’ – the first (and hopefully the last) of the Lantern Parade, but there was no need for that this year. Lockdown Lantern Project! We joined forces with the Stony Undaunted, we set to work decorating the upper floor windows Community Advent Calendar Project to offer an artistic at York House Centre to create a stunning centre-piece for the opportunity for families to light up their homes in Stony project. The windows show ‘At Home’ scenes for how we Stratford, Galley Hill and Fullers Slade for the whole of the imagine Christmas at York House would have been when it was Christmas period. We sold Lantern Kits to make a lantern or originally a family home, with the rainbow and heart floating window scene at home and allocated an ‘Advent Number’ to above as symbols of thanks and hope. every street. Over 400 kits were sold and prepared in a matter of weeks and we even managed to rearrange the collection days We hope you enjoy spotting all the ‘At Home’ creations as you to distribute them before Lockdown 2.0 commenced. The theme walk around the town for your ‘daily exercise’ throughout of “Christmas at Home” inspired local families to create an December, thanks to all the families who joined in to make our AMAZING array of colourful lanterns and window displays all special little town shine during these difficult times. around the town, adding in a rainbow motif to thank all the Finally, grateful thanks to our funders - SS Town Council, SS wonderful Key Workers and NHS Staff who have worked Business Association, Milton Keynes Community Foundation and tirelessly throughout the pandemic. the York House Local Giving Fund - for their continued financial

Huge thanks to all the Lantern Volunteers who organised and support, helping us to keep the project affordable for all. ran the project this year for being innovative, hardworking and Shall we do it all again in 2021? Of course we will, but we’ve got flexible - but mostly for being good humoured in the face of our fingers crossed that ‘normal service’ will resume… adversity. We did it, and we did it with smiles (and masks) on Join our Facebook Group – Stony Stratford Lantern Project

Introducing Stony Radio - your local community radio station Exciting Times for Stony Radio Our ultimate goal is Stony Radio is an online Community Radio Station to grow our listener that was started in May from the Stony Stratford base and to continue home of Alison and James Tully, to entertain local to support local residents during lockdown. Initially, a Friday night groups, businesses ‘request show’ was broadcast by James, followed and charities while by additional ad-hoc shows throughout the week. providing

The popularity of the station has since grown and we now information and broadcast from a studio in Stony High Street, that was very entertainment to generously provided by The Haven. We stream music 24 x 7 and residents of Stony in addition to the whole Tully family doing regular weekly Stratford and the shows, we have 13 volunteer DJs and broadcast a total of 19 local areas. We are also aiming to broadcast live from events such as Stony Live, Folk on the Green, The Big Lunch, etc. regular weekly shows, including a variety of music genres, local sports news, interviews, storytelling, poetry and much more! For more information and to listen live visit We have more DJs waiting to join, with ideas for a gardening www.stonyradio.com or listen via the MyTuner app (Apple or show, live chat shows, a regular morning news and weather Android). We have plenty more slots to fill on our show update and even a live broadcast of the Stony Christmas Panto! schedule so please email the station on [email protected] if you want to get involved! We have recently secured a very generous £2000 grant from Stony Stratford Town Council which will enable us to purchase Social Media: Facebook - Stony Radio some essential equipment and sound proofing for the studio as Twitter - @stonyradiouk, Instagram - stonyradiouk well as some pro7m otional material. 7 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 7. 7.

Keeping the Town Cheerful Through the Second Lockdown! Go to stonyinbloom.wixsite.com/stonyinbloom for the latest news

With a second lockdown upon us, Stony shrub to be planted in this bed. potted up in the polytunnel, which will Stratford in Bloom volunteers are keen to grow through the winter. A few weeks bring cheer with flowers in the way they The red, pink and white geraniums we before lockdown Duke of Edinburgh did when went into lockdown in planted in June continued to bloom so volunteers Edward and Cameron and their March – and it’s even more necessary beautifully in the planters around the fathers joined Kate Shaw in weeding, now with winter winds blowing and town right into October that we were pruning and planting here, and they have afternoons darkening so soon! We were reluctant to take them out. However, helped tremendously. really proud to receive four RHS when we did, we left them in pots near Certificates of Recognition recently for our the planters so that passers-by could give And on the topic of young people and earlier activities for the community. Apart them a good home. In consultation with gardening – Kate Shaw and Misia Kibble from the general one, we also received the Town Council (which pays for the have been in touch with the head one for Feeding the Community; one for contents of the planters) Pat Kyd put teachers at St Mary and St Giles and Inspiring People to Grow; and one for together an order to the nursery for the Russell St Schools to discuss starting up Sharing our Know-how. Mary and Robin’s winter plants to be delivered to her school gardening sessions again in the house. This was fortunate because it spring. North End Pond project gained three Certificates of Recognition, and the meant that with the sudden imposition of lockdown at the beginning of November, Despite the second national lockdown Horsefair Green Residents’ group gained we’re still managing to maintain the beds one too. we were able to bring forward the date of the winter changeover by a week, so it around the town by arranging a number didn’t fall foul of the new regulations; and of two-person work parties to weed and the bright yellow pansies and polyanthus prune and plant bulbs and winter annuals. and marmalade heuchera could bring A number of the perennial beds have colour to brighten up the High Street as remained looking lovely well into November. we move into winter.

The York House Community Gardens Front gardens and hanging baskets in the Vegetable Project for the Food Bank town have been impressive this year, and flourished well into October, with large SSIB has distributed over forty ‘Cheering boxes of a variety of vegetables and fruits the Town with Flowers’ certificates to handed over to the Wolverton Food Bank those who’ve helped the neighbourhood Before I move on to more positive news, to bloom. each week. In fact it’s been so successful we were very saddened by Christine that we intend to continue into next year, Mary Robinson has continued to maintain Hardwick’s death recently. She’d been when we feel sure that people’s need for the North End Pond and Wildlife area as a tending the Ostler’s Lane bed, and we’ll fresh vegetables will be equally pressing. peaceful haven. Paul Ross has installed a be remembering her with a plaque and a We have spinach and lettuce seedlings

8 8 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 88.. bench in the picnic area in memory of his The Horsefair Green It’s Your Neighbour- residents have been doing in response to w ife as well as extending the boardwalk hood Group worked hard to ensure that the pandemic. The calendar sales are near the pond. Sadly, there’s been the Memorial Gardens looked beautiful going well! SSIB volunteers have been vandalism at the pond, but what has been for the Remembrance Day service in this ingeniously producing attractive items really heartening has been the chorus of centenary year. The pansies they’ve which we hope to sell virtually: knitted support from numerous members of the planted are delightful, and the edging is cushion-covers; SSIB greetings cards public, with many offers of help and superb. cotton embroidered table mats; lavender donations. And also on a more positive bags; dried herb packets and house note – the Parks Trust have installed a SSIB and Fullers Slade residents have plants. delightful information board here. There planted bulbs in the beds there, and have been developments too at the Bianca Bendig-Cessay and Anne Cryer- With news of a possible vaccine we’re orchard of heritage trees behind the Whitehead have been distributing food hoping that next year may be an easier parcels to residents impacted by Covid. one, but whatever happens, we’ll do our Queen Eleanor Garden. Ray Cobley has planted six more heritage trees of best to make sure the town blooms. We Unable to hold our usual Calcutta were very heartened by the fact that the different varieties and two more are Brasserie fundraiser, and with no Switch- planned, two having been sponsored by pandemic brought more volunteers to join on table, we’ve had to turn our hand to the group and also residents who helped Paul Ross. Many thanks, too, to Dominic virtual fund-raising and ‘email and Harris of Manor Drives for helping us with with the watering; and we’re hoping to collect!’. The Business Association kindly continue with this next year. The his equipment on this. We’re liaising with allowed us to sell some of their Stony the Town Council and SERCO to plant a pandemic has highlighted the wonderful Stratford calendars, which Kate Davies community spirit in the town. wild flower area here too next year. had produced. This celebrates what local Judy Deveson, Chair, SSIB Wildlife Corner An Update from Riverside Parks Group In the Mill Field, RPG worked with Stony in Bloom and The Parks Trust to ensure that the Nectar Garden does its job of providing It’s been so good to see everyone making the most of the habitats for a variety of insects. This year we saw lots of bees Riverside Walk from Mortimer Park along through the Mill Field and butterflies and plenty other less showy creatures, including and over to the Nature Reserve. On any day you can find people woodlice, centipedes, spiders, beetles and even some efts strolling, exercising dogs, jogging, playing with children, cycling, (young newts). In 2021 we will again sow annual wildflowers playing football or rugby, sitting still to watch the river, bird and maintain the shrubs. We were very pleased to be told that watching, taking photos – we are so lucky with our lovely stretch this area was used to complete a school project on ‘The of river. Being out there surely helps us to stay healthy. Environment’ during August. The Parks Trust have now installed

The Riverside Parks Group gained a Pocket Parks Grant to an information board and we hope that everyone will watch refurbish Mortimer Park. With Stony Stratford Town Council and developments - and watch for insects - over the next six months. MKC we added an information board, managed the car parking, Bats fly in this area at dusk, a sure sign of a healthy environment. provided two picnic tables and protected the river bank. We also cleared overgrown trees and shrubs and MK Council A date for your diary: the ever popular RIVERSIDE FAIR with its mowed paths around the park and in a ‘maze’ through the free attractions for children will be held next year on SATURDAY centre. In 2021 we hope to continue this work. We have been JUNE 12TH. Hope to see you there! allocated some Woodland Trust trees and hedging. Mortimer Park is a gem of a community area which has certainly seen lots Lyn Dawes of visitors this year, wildlife as well as we humans! Contact us on Facebook: Stony Stratford Riverside Parks Group

9 9 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 9. 9. Focus on Fullers Slade & Galley Hill Galley Hill Residents Association

Christmas Party on Galley Hill moves to plan B Normally in December, the Galley Hill Residents Association It’s been a busy time for the Fullers Slade organises an Xmas party, with craft stalls, games, mince pies, hot and cold drinks and an appearance from Santa himself, Residents Association (FSRA). Focus was on together with an elf handing out selection packs! delivering food, collecting prescriptions and distributing free face masks. However, this year for obvious reasons, that type of event couldn't take place. The Residents Association, had to put their FSRA also kept a close eye on thinking caps on to see what they might be able to do instead to Regeneration, with Fullers Slade now bring a bit of festive cheer. Earlier in the year, at short notice, referred to as a Renewal Area. MK Council the planned Easter event, an Easter egg hunt had also had to be are progressing an Estate Renewal Forum and the FSRA are cancelled leaving the association on that occasion with a large determined that all stakeholders, especially residents, must pile of eggs. They got over that problem by distributing an egg to have their say. Going wider than bricks and mortar has always every child aged 12 or under on Galley Hill. With the Christmas been a goal for successful regeneration. This is particularly event also cancelled, the GHRA didn't want the children on the important as anti-social behaviour and economic deprivation are estate to miss out too much so, it was decided to do something on the up, whilst health and wellbeing are generally going down. similar to Easter and distribute to every child on the estate 12 or It wasn’t possible to hold the usual party in December so FSRA under, one of the selection packs that Santa's elf would normally joined up with Galley Hill Residents Association to distribute hand out. prizes to St Mary and St Giles School South for a fabulous winter GHRA colouring competition. Well done to all the kids that took part. spokesman Paul Every household in Fullers Slade had a raffle ticket for a Randall said "I gorgeous hamper and there were three lucky winners. There know it is not as were also 100 large bags of festive food handed out to residents good as having a making good use of generous donations from private sponsors party, but at least as well as SSTC, MKC and BGL Group. Grateful thanks also to our it's a little volunteers who organised the competition, bags and hampers. something for the children and we As Spring comes to life, Fullers Slade Gardening Club and SSIB hope to be back are keeping flower beds in Spider Park looking beautiful. organising the Volunteers are always welcome, with biscuits on offer when rain usual events on allows. the estate in 2021".

Fullers Slade is becoming an even better place to live – for Colourful time at school hedgehogs. FSRA encourages small gaps in garden fences to We all know that this year has been a difficult one for most create hedgehog super highways. people and disrupting for school children, who might be looking at a bleaker festive season than usual. The two Residents Associations near to St Mary and St Giles School South Site (GHRA and FSRA), knowing that most of the children who attend the school come from either the Galley Hill or Fullers Slade estates, decided to join forces to bring a little cheer to the pupils there by sponsoring a colouring competition.

The colouring competition was divided into three age groups: Reception class plus Year 1 and 2 (4-7 yrs); Year 3 and 4 (7-9 yrs) and Year 5 and 6 (9-11yrs). With all the children colouring in a festive scene. There was a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize of Waterstones gift vouchers for the best entries in each age range. They also decided that they didn't want to leave any child taking part out, and that every child who submitted an entry should receive a nice glossy certificate There’s plenty of life in Fullers Slade to cherish. with the child's name Any comments on this article should be sent to on it for their [email protected]. FSRA meetings are held on the 2nd efforts. Monday of each month (except August and December) at the Rowans Centre or Zoom online at 6.15pm. Roy Adams, GHRA Jill Dyer, Vice Chair, FSRA

10 www.stonystratford.gov.uk 10.. Junior Life News from Russell Street School this and made these meetings happen – safely – for which we are very grateful. Dinosaur spotted in school! We are now in the second In September we were lucky enough to have a visit from a lockdown which means T-Rex! The children really enjoyed the fully interactive that we are unable to meet demonstration and learnt many facts about dinosaurs. The face to face. So our leaders children were able to dig for fossils and found out about what have put ‘Plan B’ into dinosaurs ate and where they lived. operation and are having fun with Zoom meetings – with enjoyable and imaginative ideas to keep girls interested. Activity packs have been distributed to some girls and with Christmas only weeks away, we are looking how to run Christmas parties via Zoom. A challenge for our leaders!

Our Guides, Brownies and Rainbows are regularly contacted by leaders and have been completing a number of badges and challenges. Never Remembrance Day let it be said ‘we have nothing This year to celebrate to do’!! Our leaders and girls Remembrance Day the are certainly keeping the spirit children have each created of Girlguiding alive at this time. a poppy to add to our display on the inside and We have lots of suggestions of things to do on our website – so outside of school. do take a look - https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/ adventures-at-home. You don't need to be a member of Indian Dancing Girlguiding to give them a try – they're here so all young people As part of our learning can have a bit of adventure at this tough time. about Diwali we took part in an Indian dance work- Our online membership services are still open, so if you would shop. The children really like to register your daughter for either Guides (age 10 to 14); enjoyed being part of the Brownies (age 7 to 10) or Rainbows (age 5 to 7), or if you would performance and learnt like further information on each section, please go to https:// many interesting www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your- facts about the daughter. Alternatively please email your local District festival of light. Commissioners at [email protected]. If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer with Girlguiding, We offer places at please follow this link: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get- school for children involved/become-a-volunteer. aged 3-7 years. If you are interested in Hobbyhorse Preschool your child attending Hobbyhorse Preschool is a local preschool in Russell Street Stony Stratford. We are situated on the edge School, please see of town in a quiet location with a very our website for spacious indoor further information, and outdoor www.russell-street- area with access school.co.uk. to a large field. 2, 3, and 4 year olds are welcome Girlguiding: Our Adventures Don’t Stop! including funded children. We are Wolverton and Stony Stratford open from 8.30am until 1.30pm Girlguiding units have been very active Monday to Friday. this autumn! Some of our units held outdoor and indoor meetings in Contact us on: 01908 307585 September and October after abiding [email protected] by local, national and Girlguiding Address: 142 London Road, Stony regulations and risk assessments, our leaders are qualified to do Stratford, Milton Keynes, 11 M K 1 1 1 J H . www.stonystratford.gov.uk 11. 11. Celebrating Literature and The Arts

The Bard of Stony Stratford: The Bardic Council We regret that due to Covid-19 we have had to postpone the Annual Bardic Trials due to be held on 15th January 2021. Andy Powell will therefore continue as Bard until January 2022, when he will hand over his Bardic cloak and pencil to the next Bard of Stony Stratford. Instead Andy will host a Virtual Bardic Bash of the past Bards of Stony Stratford, and the current Bards of , Cambridge, and Northampton. Join us for an evening of spoken word entertainment raising money for the Bardic Council and MK Food Bank. All hail the Bards! The Bardic Council of Stony Stratford Terrie Howey (Chair)

A word from your Bard On the 17th January 2020, I was elected the 10th Bard of Stony Stratford. At the same time the coronavirus was heading our way. Some say it may have been earlier. Either way our joint arrivals were ever to be entwined, as one removed any chance of performance poetry for the other for an entire year (and ongoing). Watching the gigs leave my diary was like watching the tide going out, and feeling that it might not come back. A dystopian nightmare. A kind of reverse Canute.

As Bard I am driven by my compassion for the human race. The beauty and diversity of it, its vulnerability, its strength, and its weakness. It is a continuous source of inspiration and I feel honour bound to protect it; but as your Bard I will also poke a finger at those full of hatred, prejudice and injustice. I will scratch and sniff at that human condition, so we can under- stand how to live with it and survive it. Andy Powell, Bard of Stony Stratford Friends of Stony Stratford Library Update Apart from this, we have continued to offer our programme of During the current pandemic and the new lock- talks via Zoom. On September 29th, Robert Gifford presented a down, Friends of Stony Stratford Library (FOSSL) very well attended and interesting talk on the English Civil War and Stony Stratford Town Council have continued entitled ‘Which Side were you on at Marston Moor?’. On 18th to campaign for the Library to reopen. Firstly the November, Monica Else delivered a fascinating and enlightening Saturday ‘Click and Collect’ service was introduced and our talk on ‘What is Cancer?’.

Librarians Linda and Harch were delighted to welcome back On Thursday 26th November at 7pm we held our Annual many of their regular customers. General Meeting, again via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting This week we received the wonderful news that subject to was to review the past years activities and elect the committee Milton Keynes Council Health and Safety approval, our Library for next year. There were two main changes to the committee: will reopen. This will be to the delight of so many people in the Phil Sarre our Chair for the last six plus years, and Tony Kaye, town - of all ages. FOSSL conducted a survey of our members at stepped down. Liz Gifford and Paul Martin volunteered to join the end of September and there was an overwhelming majority the committee and they were elected on. The committee will of the people who responded who wanted to get back to using meet early in January 2021 to plan next year’s activities. the Library. This was then followed up by further enthusiastic If anyone reading this would like to know more about what we responses to the short article in the ‘Essentially Local’ magazine do, or would like to join our email list for updates, please and posts on local social media. This has emphasised to us the contact me on: [email protected]. high value that people put on their local Library from the youngest to the1 o2ld est and all ages in between. 12 K a twhy wLufwf, F.rsietnodns oyf Ssttornay Sttfroatrfodrd. Lgiboravry. uSekcr etary 12. 12. Tuesday 26 January Stonywords 2021 What Made the Elizabethans Laugh? Emma Smith Stonywords is Milton Keynes’ annual festival Music from Mr Simpson’s Little Consort celebrating the Word in all its formats. It brings Wednesday 27 January together poetry, drama, music, literature and Island Stories - an Unconventional History of Britain, more and even in these Covid-constrained David Reynolds times offers something for everyone. Most of Thursday 28 January the 2021 festival will be online but still The Mouse who wasn’t scared and other adventures: Storytime promises to inform, enlighten and entertain. Providence lost - the Rise and Fall of the English Republic, Paul Lay Read on to find out more and in due course consult Friday 29 January www.stonywords.org.uk and posters around the town for Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, details on how to sign up and enjoy Stonywords 2021. Sudhir Hazareesingh The fortnight starts with The Virtual Bardic Bash and then Friday 29 - Sunday 31 January introduces us to a vivid variety of figures from history including Twisted Oliver in Stonyland: pantomime by Stony Stratford the multi-talented nineteenth century figure Sir Richard Francis Theatre Society Burton, the revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture, eight Sunday 31 January unsung heroines from across the centuries and the protagonists Tales Tattled and Told of the English Republic. The historical angle continues with an ‘Unconventional History of Britain’ and a look at ‘Black Britain in wartime 1939-45’.

While we can’t travel far at the moment, with Stonywords we can take a trip down the Nile, visit different civilisations through ‘The Map of Knowledge’ and find out what made the Elizabethans laugh. The Bronte children come alive in ‘Glass Town’ and you may or may not want to know who Annie is. For drama fans there is a reprise of ‘The Butcher and Mrs Bennett’ from the Stony Play Readers and for children there is ‘The Mouse who wasn’t scared’ and ‘Goodnight Harry’ along with other stories.

Portions of music, poetry and storytelling come in the shape of a virtual Burns night, music from Mr Simpson’s Little Consort and an episode of Tales Tattled & Told.

The festival will close with the annual pantomime – in 2021 it is Stony Stratford Art Society ‘Twisted Oliver in Stonyland’ – assuming small scale performances to limited audiences are permitted at the time. Winter is upon us, unfortunately due to the Covid-19 virus we have not been able to resume our club meetings at York House. Sounds inviting? Once the website has been updated you will be Hopefully we will be able to liaise with York House to schedule able to book through www.stonywords.org.uk. Any questions our usual art days and time, from our first meeting of the year please contact [email protected] or 01908562025. 12th February 2021.

Stonywords Programme Overview None of us expected to have to cope with the problems this Friday 15 January year has brought, but I have noticed that people have come up The Virtual Bardic Bash with many imaginative ideas. One of which was that the SSAS Saturday 16 January were able to exhibit at Odells Market each month from June to The Nile – Africa’s Longest River: talk by Ray Rowlson September. A big thank you to Odells for their support; I am Tuesday 19 January happy to say that we also have the dates for 2021. As usual we The Extraordinary Life and Literary Legacy of Sir Richard Burton: plan to support and participate in as many local events as talk by Jo Laredo possible. Being at home has given many of our members the Wednesday 20 January space and time to experiment with new art techniques and craft The Map of Knowledge: Violet Moller ideas, it will be good to exchange ideas and also laugh at the Thursday 21 January amount of effort it took to get a project done. We are a friendly Goodnight Harry and other bedtime stories: Storytime and supportive group so whether you are a beginner or The Butcher and Mrs Bennett: Stony Play Readers experienced artist or crafter you will be made very welcome. Friday 22 January The Roaring Girls: Holly Kite I am pleased to say that we have had enquiries from prospective Saturday 23 January members so the future looks brighter for 2021. Our 2021 annual Living with Annie: Simon Christmas membership fee is £28 plus £1 attendance fee for each session Under Fire: Black Britain in Wartime 1939-45, Stephen Bourne where tea, coffee and biscuits are also available. We feel this is Glass Town - The Bronte Children Graphic Novel, still good value for money in comparison to other activities and Isabel Greenberg art groups locally. For 2021 our pattern of meetings at York Monday 25 January House is the 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoon of each month Virtual Burns Night from 1400hrs to 1600hrs. Further information is available from 13 13 t h e w Sewcrewtar.ys, ttoelenphyosnter 0a12tf9o6 7r3d01.9g6o. v.uk 13. 13. Spotlight on your Local Community Groups Stony Stratford Lions Club Stony Stratford WI Although we have been in lockdown Stony Not a lot to report this month I'm afraid. The Stratford Lions Club is continuing to be Committee have stayed in touch with as many active in the local community and further members as possible, by email and by afield raising funds and quietly helping telephone, and I am sure that members have people. The club has held business and seen neighbouring members or met others when out walking. I social meetings via Zoom since the see friends when walking or visiting the shops, although, like lockdown in March. We hope, eventually, many of us, I do not venture into most of the shops which have to continue to meet at the Golf Centre on the 1st and 3rd been open. How lucky we are that quite a few of us can have Wednesdays of each month. If you know of people who need home deliveries, although we do look forward to seeing and help, members of youth groups who wish to travel or assistance talking to shop assistants and deciding what to buy when we with any other project, please contact our welfare Chairman are in the shop rather Brian on 01908 564881. than making up our

Cancer Unit – Family Room: Milton Keynes University Hospital minds before we go in. already provide cancer services which are spread out through- O ur Committee out the site – and that means some patients could have as much members decided that as a 15 minute walk to receive different parts of their treatment. because we were not The new cancer centre will bring all services under one roof. spending money on Since the beginning of 2018 local Lions Clubs have worked to speakers or hall create a Family Room close to the centre where patients can bookings, our WI funds meet friends and family in a relaxed environment and where would run to buying a little present for each member. The result they can enjoy a bite to eat and a chat. There will also be being a beautiful little pot of miniature roses. Some of us opportunity for the medical staff to brief family members on the replanted them in bigger pots or in our gardens and they have diagnosis of the patient. continued to bloom over the summer. What a lovely thought, I

Lions have a target of £11,000 over 4 years (starting in 2019) to am sure it was much appreciated by everyone. establish, furnish and manage the Family Room on the new T wo members in particular, Hazel and Brenda, have been very ward. We have so far raised over around £4000. Our plan is to active in our garden at York House. They have grown courgettes put in furnishing and electrical equipment e.g. fridge, freezer and chard amongst other vegetables, which have been given to microwave, toaster, blender for making smoothies etc.; and to members and friends and some to the hard working Stony replenish dried foods on an ongoing basis. This will also mean Stratford in Bloom gardeners who have produced such a lot of we can support other fundraising initiatives like Sensory Garden. vegetables for the Food Bank. Hazel grew pumpkins which were put Service of Remembrance: Due to Covid-19 rules it wasn’t put into the Harvest Festival display in the Church. possible to arrange the usual Service of Remembrance at the O ur County Newsletter arrives by email each month, with news War Memorial. After much heart-searching we arranged for and photographs from other WIs in the county. The Board of wreaths to be laid in St Mary and St Giles Church on Trustees have organised Zoom meetings, tutorials, quizzes and Remembrance Sunday. Father Ross and one of our members even a Summer Show for those who can access the internet. then laid the wreaths at the Memorial on the following day. This Sadly, not for those who cannot do that, although perhaps some was designed to prevent large groups of people gathering. have managed to look at friends' or relatives' computers or Virtual Dog Show: During the restrictions brought about by iPads without breaking the safety rules. Covid-19 fundraising is very difficult. However, we arranged a W I Life, our national magazine, has kept us in touch with the Virtual Dog Show which ran until 20th December. Photographs rest of the country and with plans for resolutions to be put to of pets in a variety of categories including: Cutest puppy, Old the national AGM, which it is hoped will be held in May 2021. A ‘un, Best smile etc. were welcomed. Judges awarded a virtual really sad result of the pandemic is that it has been decided that rosette in each category with an overall: ‘Dog the judges would our beautiful college, Denman, near Abingdon, should close. The most like to take home’ rosette. We asked for donations of college was opened in 1948 and named after Lady Denman, the £3.00 for each photo to be posted with the proceeds to be first Chairman of the National Federation. We have been lucky shared between Willen Hospice and Supershoes. because the college is only about 50 miles from Stony Stratford Social weekend: Despite the obvious restrictions some of our so quite a number of our members have attended courses members enjoyed a weekend in October at Thoresby Hall, a there. Money raised from the sale of the property will be used Warners . This was a very different experience due to to provide educational activities for members, which will social distancing but enjoyable, nevertheless. probably benefit those WIs which are much further away from

Peace Poster: We are supporting youth with the annual Peace the college than we are, so, in the end, perhaps it will be better Poster competition. There are a series of heats at local, national for the majority of members. However I'm sure many of us, and international level. We have very worthy entries of a poster including me, will be very sad not to be able to spend a few days and also an essay from students at a local school. enjoying the lovely house and gardens.

If you are interested in learning more about Lions or wish to join N ow that we are in lockdown it has become even harder to us please contact (a different) Lion David on 01908 507509. meet other members so we look forward to December when we hope we shall be able to get out just a little more. In the meantime Brian Kite, Milton Keynes (Stony Stratford) Lions Club 14 w e hope that things will improve after Christmas. 14. 14. Just so you don’t forget, meetings are in York House, London Stony Road at 2.15pm on the first Tuesday of every month. WI Contact Janet Baxter (01908 313677) or Gill Williams (01908 563684) or e-mail [email protected] for further details. Stony Nigh ngales WI remains strong, resilient and s as 2020 will be remembered as the Gill Williams, Stony WI beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. We started this Rotary offers architectural advice service extraordinary year with the naivety of plans for a full year of Like most other chari es and speakers,trips and meals out.

voluntary org the We actually did manage to have a lively start to the year at our Coronavirus pandemic has eff January mee ng with Kathy Hulkes encouraging us to join in put a stop to tradi onal fundraising, with Line Dancing. Lots of hilarity and fun was had by all. but the Rotary Club of Wolverton & Stony St has come up February was a more sedate with Louise Ouse from MK with something a different. Waste Recovery Park providing an and thought- Having been at home for some now, you may have been provoking talk. She encouraged us all to put the right things in wondering what you could do to improve your home by making the right boxes and bags! March saw Neil Harris talking about some or perhaps adding an extension, but feel that Mercy Hospital Ships and the amazing work that takes place on you need some professional advice as to how this could best be them; and which brings hope and healing to those countries done. So, what if you could achieve this AND at the same me that don't have access to medical help. give something to a worthy cause? Then our lives changed and we went into lockdown - our hall Something to think about for the New Year, Rachael Wilson, of was closed, all our days trips and meals out were cancelled and Rachael Wilson Architecture, based in Stony Stra rd and a we had to find alterna ve ways of communica ng with each member of Wolverton & Stony rd Rotary Club is offering other. Welcome to the world of Zoom - a new learning to visit your home, within the Milton Keynes area, following experience for us all. Many of our members have embraced it socially distancing principles, to talk through possible ideas, and we held our first virtual mee ng in July with a Bingo session. designs, budgets and planning issues for up to one hour. The Another followed with a quiz and then in September we had our cost of this ‘Blueprint Level 1’ service is normally £100, but for first virtual speaker - Debbie Gibbs, who enlightened us on the the month of January 2021 you can commission this for a £75 trials and tribula of being a magistrate; and in October - one-off dona to the Rotary Club of Wolverton & Stony Chris Duffin, who gave us an insight into her work as the first rd in support of its work with local, na al and woman Prison Governor in the UK. interna al chari es and good causes. Those members who have not been able to access Zoom, for For further details or to arrange an appointment visit h ps:// one reason or other, are s keeping in contact with socially rmwarchitecture.co.uk/blueprint-package or telephone 01908 distanced meet ups, walking together as our photo highlights; 566990. Rachael’s slots are limited and so appointments and generally staying in touch and suppor g one another. We will be on a first come first served basis and, of course, subject send monthly emails to let all our members know what is to any Covid-19 restric s prevailing at the me. coming up and ensure that they s feel connected to Stony Mike Thomas, PR & Commu Officer, Nigh ngales. Wolverton & Stony Stra ord Rotary Club

Vintage Stony - New Years Day - Cancelled It is with regret we have come to the conclusion that it will be impossible to hold 'Vintage Stony' on New Years Day 2021 in the way that we are used to, and all enjoy. As you are all aware our event is held in public spaces where it is not possible to control the number of visitors, be they exhibitors with their vintage, classic cars and motorcycles, or members of the public who With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and demands required by 'Government Protocols', we could not guarantee that we would be able to control the social distancing, or the maximum numbers that might be required at that me.

We sincerely hope that m ers will change sooner than later, so that we can invite you to 'Classic Stony' on Sunday 6th June We now look forward to our Christmas mee g with music 2021, this will again form part of 'Stony Live' which will provided by 'Cantlos', a Cel c band specialising in tradi al folk hopefully take place from 5th to the 13th June. songs including medieval carols. We also look to the new year and to many varied and inter virtual speakers that we The sad result of this is the lack of funds that will have signed up to inform, entertain and give us some normality now be raised for our local Hospice at Willen, they really to our lives. require our help. So if you have not yet viewed and donated to W e can only hope that this challenging me will pass and we 'Virtual Stony Open Gardens' at can again enjoy together for our me to enjoy a www.stonyopengardens.info, then cup of tea, have a chat and listen to our speaker's talks. So please do, it would be greatly Merry Christmas from Stony Nigh ngales WI e, take appreciated. Keep safe, ca r e a n d s t a y s a f e ewvewryowne..stonystratford.gov.uk Vintage & Classic Events Team 15 15. 15. Made in Stony The ‘Made in Stony’ (MIS) association Town Council Meetings was set up in October 2017 to support Full Council artisans of Stony Stratford and is still When: 19 January, 16 March & 18 May 2021 growing strong. Who goes: All councillors, Lynne Compton (Town Clerk),

MIS is a not-for-profit organisation, run & Karen Hiser (DTC) by volunteers, for the community. We Planning When: 26 January, 23 February, 23 March, 27 April & are not associated with any shop; we 25 May 2021 organise events, at local venues, where Who goes: Cllr Roy Adams, Cllr Paul Bartlett, Cllr Simon our members sell their goods at a minimal cost. Goods must be Cherrill, Cllr June Payne, Cllr Pete Thornburgh, & handcrafted by the artisan and of a good quality. We have all Town Clerk Lynne Compton kinds of art, crafts and foods – glass art, upcycled birdboxes, Projects cakes, jewellery and natural pamper products, to name a few. When: 12 January, 2 February, 2 March, 6 April & At our last AGM, we agreed to enable selected non Stony based 4 May 2021 artisans to sell at our Who goes: Cllr Paul Bartlett, Cllr Bianca Bendig-Ceesay, Cllr events. Not only does Cliff Brett, Cllr June Payne, Cllr Pete Thornburgh, this support non Stony Cllr Keith Tilley, Cllr Tom Welch & DTC Karen Hiser based a