Your Parish Magazine, Issue 62, Spring 24

CONNIBURROW

GREATLINFORD NEATHHILL

REDHOUSEPARK

TONGWELL

Contacts

GLPC Parish Councillors, the wards they represent and their contact details.

All Councillor email addresses:

firstname.surname@great-linford.gov.uk

Councillors can be contacted on 01908 606613

Conniburrow

Jimmy El-Zamek

Joan Pickhaver

Vacancy

Downhead Park & Willen Park North

Mubina Chakera

Ed Nixon (Chair)

Downs Barn

Janet Brindley

Trevor Heale (Vice Chair)

Giffard Park & Blakelands

Sandra Trew

Vacancy

Vacancy

Great Linford

Christine Onan

Donna Nicholls

Rick Dunn

Leigha Britnell

Neath Hill

Martin Burgess

Sean Porter

Pennyland & Bolbeck Park

Derek Harvey

Tony Blake

Redhouse Park

Franco Iannotta

Willen Park South

Vacancy

Spring2024

Comment

Welcome

I have been working for Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) for nearly 11 years, since joining in July 2013 in the role of Administration Assistant. In that time have worked my way up to RFO (Responsible Financial Officer) and Deputy Parish Manager; completing my CiLCA qualification in December 2022.

In 2023 gained a Financial Assistant to support me in the work.

Making our Parish a POSITIVE place

As the first tier of local government, Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) works directly to support residents of all 12 of our estates.

We are active in nurturing our environment, providing venues, and being fully engaged with our residents in local matterswhich includes representing our community, and acting as a champion for it, too!

Quite simply, GLPC is here to make a positive difference and improve the area for everyone. Our Councillors are not paid and we are not a political organisation.

GLPC also organises school holiday events, and in 2023 that offering included a mobile farm, sport opportunities, circus skills and arts sessions. All of these events were provided for free, ensuring outof-term time was both fun and educational.

During my time with the Parish Council I have witnessed a number of positive changes, including GLPC moving to new office premises, the development of a new community hall, the taking on of an existing community centre from MK City Council and the growth in the number of staff to deal with an ever expanding delivery of services.

This has meant an increase in our expenditure requirements and therefore more for me to manage in my role.

My main responsibility as RFO is the monitoring and balancing of the Council’s accounts, based on the budget set by Council. This means managing and controlling the income and expenditure, making sure the Council adheres to the financial regulations. An important part of my role is preparing the detailed budget report to set the precept for the coming financial year.

There are lots of exciting things in the pipeline for 2024-25, especially at Conniburrow due to grant funding from the Local Trust to provide an annex at Conniburrow for use as a community hub, and a new location for the Community Fridge.

I am a huge fan of our community and feel privileged to hold such an integral role here.

Tessa Phypers

Responsible Finance Officer

www.great-linford.gov.uk

“While we go by the name of Great Linford Parish Council, our Parish is one of the largest in the new city, covering 12 estates which is home to more than 22,000 residents,” said Cllr Donna Nicholls, Chair of the Community Services and Environment Committee. “We look after six venues, two community gardens, two community orchards, six allotments and two ponds, and all are areas of equal importance.”

GLPC also partners with charities and community groups to deliver activities including our Warm Spaces, Community Cafes, Community Fridges and much more to the Parish, which gives residents access to support and help when they need it.

“But we aren’t just here to help with difficult times – many of our activities bring people together and break down barriers. Celebrating our differences is important. It promotes community cohesion and understanding,” Donna said, “A warm welcome is always guaranteed. “From fun days and community markets to big lunches and afternoon teas, these opportunities are a great way to meet your neighbours and contribute to a positive place to live.”.

Remember to keep your eyes peeled for this year’s assortment. We’ve listened to resident feedback and we will be increasing the youth provision. Currently, we have one Youth Café that meets every Friday during term-time, giving access to activities including table tennis, table football, baking, arts and crafts, Xbox and PlayStation, board games, and outdoor sports.

We will now be launching an additional youth club and are working with Community Welfare Action to support a homework club. Updates will be communicated on our website, through our social media channels, and of course in future editions of Your Parish Magazine.

Our Ranger team work tirelessly to improve our environment, and their work makes a huge difference; in 2023 they picked almost 50 tons of rubbish from our streets. To put that into some context, it’s the equivalent of 32 cars or four double deckers buses!

You also have the opportunity to play your part if you wish – on the first Saturday of every month between March and October we host a community litter pick. Each session focuses on a different estate and all volunteers are invited to enjoy lunch when the bin bags have been put down.“These events are always well attended and if you join us, you’ll be surprised just how much fun these family friendly sessions can be,” Donna promised.

We actively stand up against anti-social behaviour by working with Thames Valley Police, MK City Council, Neighbourhood Watch and use the powers of the Parish Council to enforce laws to maintain public order and safety, organising quarterly Community Forums with these partners to ensure residents voices are heard and questions can be directed to the representatives of the responsible department.

Quite simply, your Parish Council is hard at work to improve the lives of all our residents. “We encourage feedback, so please come and find us at the Parish office, at one of our events, or send us a message,” Donna added.

The question is, ‘How can we best serve you?’ and you have the answers.

Front Cover: Photo by Sammy Jones

LEFT: Rubbish collected by our Ranger team.

Juggling the pennies and pounds

The Parish Council Budget has been set for the following 12 months.

But what is it? How much does it cost you? And just what is it used for?

Councillors Martin Burgess and Derek Harvey have the answers to your questions.

What is it?

“It is a financial document compiled by the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO), showing how money received from the precept, which you, our residents pay as part of your Council Tax is to be used,” Cllr Burgess explained.

Who is involved in the decision making?

“Each committee sets and agrees its proposed budget for the year. The RFO collates these and presents the completed draft budget to the Finance, Governance & Asset Committee which is made up of several Councillors whose responsibility it is to check payments, oversee financial transactions and look closely at how they are managed,” explained Cllr Harvey, “The committee scrutinises the budget and any advice received from the RFO, proposing any recommendations or changes to ensure it follows the vision and aims of the council.”

He added: “The budget is then presented to the full council for discussion and ratification, possibly with further amendments as the full council is ultimately accountable.

“All our accounts are audited internally and externally as we must satisfy the auditors that money has been used for the stated purpose and that funds are not being held excessively.”

Why do it?

“We all work to a budget in our lives. Every month, any money coming in must be able

to cover all the outgoings and at worst you break even. Great Linford Parish Council does exactly the same, but the budget covers the financial year 12-month period (April 1 – March 31). GLPC gets its monies from income from hiring out our facilities, but most comes from the aforementioned precept - gathered by MKCC as part of the council tax bill.”

What makes up the budget?

“Normal running costs include staff salaries, insurance and utility bills. There is a Rolling Fund (RF) which can only be used for agreed specific projects, a General Reserves (GR) which is to smooth the cash flow and pay for any non-itemised or unexpected costs, and Ear-Marked Reserves (EMR); money set aside for known expenditure in future months or years usually linked to asset maintenance schedules,” Cllr Burgess explained, “All these things come together to make the budget.

What do you do with it?

“Firstly, it enables us to manage our five main assets: Conniburrow Community Centre, Giffard Park Community Centre and in Great Linford - the Parish Office, the Cricket Pavilion and thatched barn in the High Street and the Community and Sports centres at Marsh Drive,” said Cllr Harvey, talking through the community places, “GLPC has an asset register and maintenance schedules which details what has to be done to keep those facilities maintained and in good working order for the benefit of everyone. We also have ponds, allotments and orchards to maintain.

“Secondly, it pays for our office team of staff, cleaners, caretakers and rangers and any equipment they need to fulfil their roles including vehicles.

“Thirdly, GLPC must also allocate money to different pots for future projects in the Parish such as vehicle replacement, and storage for the rangers and hirers and to pay for any unforeseen events that may come along. A good example of this being the energy crisis where fuel costs went frighteningly high. Budget forecasts a few years before didn’t see that coming,” Cllr Burgess said.

“Lastly, though by no means least, it also pays for the support we provide for the community – things like dog bins and allotments, through our partners such as the Citizens Advice and Age UK drop-in services, Community Fridges, Community Larder, our ‘social spaces’ initiatives, Breakfast and Banter, Youth Club, Fun Days, school holiday activities, and community Litter Picks, to name but a few as well. It also provides grants for local charities and volunteer organisations to do even more for our residents.

“You can find more information on our website and Facebook page about this.” Why is it going up?

“We have had to increase the precept this year to cover inflation related increases - not least for utilities including gas and electric, but for all aspects of running GLPC’s business,” Cllr Harvey said, explaining the issues faced by GLPC, “Our facilities and equipment are ageing and require more attention; indeed, our 18th century Grade II listed Thatched Barn requires a lot of work and cost.

“We have also made sure we are paying our people the correct rate of pay for the job and that we cover cost of living increases. We also want to keep doing, and do more, within the community and have further initiatives planned.

“Again though, this year we have kept any increases to the minimum by covering some projects and expenditure from the

reserves and have plans to increase the income from our facilities by publicising them more whilst keeping any increase in hire in line with inflation, affordable and attractive,” he admitted, “Any increase is not taken lightly and we have tried to keep it as low as possible however we are confident that this budget will allow us to continue supporting our community, provide the services that are needed and to continue to build on that achieved thus far.”

Precepted Budget 2024/2025

ABOVE: Martin Burgess (left) and Derek Harvey (right). RIGHT: Community activities and services.

Why volunteering gives Wendy a real BUZZ

A great many people in our community will know Wendy Robinson; you might have made her acquaintance during a spell working in the Parish Council office, or you might have passed her, litter-picker in hand as she collects the rubbish left by others.

If you have children engaged in the Great Linford (St Andrews) Scout Group, you will more than likely have entrusted your youngsters in her care at some point or another.

Simply, Wendy is the sort of person that every community benefits from. She gets up in the morning to do good for others.

“I’ve always tried to be helpful and get involved with different things,” she says, sounding slightly embarrassed when we pay her a compliment.

Wendy had given her time to work as a Girls Brigade leader, but the birth of her own son, Stephen, saw an end to that. When her son turned six, in 2008, she took him to Beavers and it reignited a spark. “Stephen was in Beavers and it was only an hour long session, but it seemed like such a faff to go home, so stayed and joined the Executive committee - was the Beaver rep,” she said with a laugh, “I sat outside collecting money and when he moved to Cubs followed him and did the same sort of role.”

How does the social movement benefit the children who take part? “The big thing is life skills,” she says with no hesitation,

“Things like fire lighting and going out camping are what people tend to associate with Scouts, and that certainly is part of the story, but it is also the community aspect; getting involved and mixing with different people and it not being all football. It’s not one thing, we do lots of different bits and pieces – starting with the smaller things; first aid is a badge we do, making a cup of tea, peeling a potato... As a Scout you might do something that you don’t actually like, but you get to do lots of different things and you might discover something that you do like that you would never have otherwise got to do. Scouts was great for my son because when he was young he was quite shy and it helped him mix with lots of different people. It has given him friends that he still keeps in touch with.”

And it obviously left its mark on him – much like his mother, Stephen can’t walk away either, and when he’s home from University he returns as a leader!

The Great Linford (St Andrews) Scout Group is one of the largest in Milton Keynes. Established back in 1978, many of the leaders have been in situ for more than a decade, The group meets at Marsh Drive community building in Great Linford, and sometimes at Loriner Place in Downs Barn.

While Covid brought many challenges, this was one of the few groups locally that kept on operating with an online programme. New volunteers are always being sought to assist with running events and behind the scenes, and while it is a big responsibility, you are supported throughout, including with safeguarding and First Aid training.

“As leaders we learn new skills too,” Wendy says, “You don’t have to run evenings or overnight stays, you can just come in and help out. We like the kids to do as much as possible, but sometimes they are very busy and it’s always nice to have people pop along for an hour and help out.”

Wendy has a day job too, and given her love of working with children, it’s perhaps not surprising to learn that she is a primary school supply teacher.

There is a little more freedom in the Scouts, she admits. “It is different being with the kids in that situation because you don’t have to be quite so strict and you can be a little bit more wild...”

Unsurprisingly, Wendy won’t be hanging up her

Scouts uniform anytime soon. “I don’t intend to give up,” she answers, quick as a flash, “It makes me feel good, I am giving something back and get a lot of fun seeing the kids doing different things. When you’ve seen a child be nervous about doing something and then watch as they achieve their goal, it gives you a real buzz. Last weekend was an excuse to go to Gulliver’s Land - it means have a reason to go on silly rides again and keeps me young!”

If you want to find out more about volunteering with the Great Linford (St Andrews) Scouts, email greatlinfordgroup@mkscouts.org

BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Wendy with colleague Ian; Lights!; Supporting MK Hospital during the pandemic; Fun at Gullivers Land. ABOVE RIGHT: Attending Orchard Day in the Parish.

Everything is coming up roses (and fruit and veg!)

After the dark days of winter, spring is coming to chase the grey away.

In our outside spaces, the first florals are showing themselves, leaves are taking form and the chitter chatter of our feathered friends is increasing.

One lady who spends almost as long outside as those birds is Jean Cocker, a passionate advocate for the benefits of ‘growing your own.’

She is a member of the allotment group at Conniburrow’s Larkspur Avenue where she has spent the past couple of years transforming a badly overgrown plot into a blooming great space for fruit, vegetables and flowers to thrive.

To call her an enthusiast is to undersell her passion for her plot which is so close to home that it’s like her back garden. “I grow lots of tomatoes, potatoes, lots of cucumbers, sweetcorn, chard, loads of gooseberries and raspberries, rhubarb, and apple trees. I’ve also planted some smaller cherry and pear trees which have not fruited yet. There are radishes, broad beans, spring cabbage, onions, celeriac...”

It is like the greengrocers at the bottom of the lane!

March is a busy time for Jean, lots of seeds to set, and a greenhouse and polytunnels to fill: “The fruit is usually in, but the flowers and the veg all need to be sorted,” she told Your Parish Magazine.

Jean moved here from Lancashire to be

closer to family, and her grandson has been hands on too, helping his gran to build a shed and greenhouse.

“It becomes addictive, honestly, it is so stress relieving. I can be so worked up, and this year has been dreadful,” she admits, “...but the minute I walk down onto that allotment my mood changes completely.”

It’s good for the soul, right?

“It is absolutely good for the soul,” she says, “I don’t think I’ve ever been as fit as I am now either, and I’m 69!” she laughed.

“It gives me a purpose every day. In spring and summer I wake up and can’t wait to get out of bed so can get down there. I go first thing in the morning and then I’m there until tea-time. In spring there is a pair of green woodpeckers. You get to know where the birds are nesting and what other creatures are about - I’ve got frogs and newts in my ponds. It really is amazing.”

Jean’s freezer is packed with goodies from last year’s crop – including tomatoes.

“I use loads – make bolognese, lasagnes and chilis and use onions and things like that. I always have vegetables with whatever I am eating. My favourites are broad beans. During the summer, every day I eat something from the allotments.”

Jean is an integral part of the 24 plot community now too: “I have a communal area at the back of my allotment and am like a magpie – if anyone gives me anything I’ll accept it, and then if anyone

needs anything - tools or slabs, guttering for a new shed, anything at all, they come to me. We all help one another and I am chief waterer when anyone goes on holiday!”

What about those people reading this who don’t understand the enthusiasm?

“Unless you’ve tried growing your own, you won’t believe the difference in taste,” Jean says, “I never ever buy a cucumber. I always said I don’t like cucumbers, but I can’t get enough of the homegrown ones. It’s just not the same vegetable at all.”

And forget munching on that box of choccies in front of the television –tomatoes are just as moreish! “I grow the little tiny ones and I can sit and eat them like a bag of sweets.”

Jean’s passion for her planting is evident. Some might say it’s an obsession. “I suppose a lot of people will, but it’s not a bad obsession,” she says in defence, “It feeds me, it keeps me healthy and it feeds the family as well, so it’s not bad, is it? love it, I really do.”

The Conniburrow Community Programme

Delivering for the Community

In 2012 Conniburrow was awarded a grant of £1.25 million from the Big Local Programme funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Independently managed by Local Trust, the Big Local Programme awarded funding to 150 communities in England that could be spent over 10-15 years at the communities’ own chosen pace, in line with their plans and priorities.

The vision behind the Conniburrow Big Local Programme was ‘To transform Conniburrow into a place where people choose to live and stay for a long time, to support residents to build a proud, empowered and cohesive community where strong and positive relationships are developed, regardless of background or circumstances – simply to be Conniburrow and proud.’

Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) has recently been awarded funding from the Big Local Programme for the benefit of Conniburrow residents.

In brief, the Conniburrow Community Programme aims to create a legacy around the following three themes:

Physical and mental wellbeing

Community togetherness

Environmental

“One of the biggest legacy opportunities is developing the annex into a Community Hub which will enable residents to have a place to meet and socialise,” explained Tommy Hayes, Community Liaison Officer with GLPC. “It will be a place where the Community Fridge can operate, with a wellbeing and community café, youth activities and outreach opportunities. The Food Bank and Girl Pack will also be able to use the space for the benefit of residents, and advice drop-in sessions can be held in the meeting room, which will be great for community groups.”

The hub will be a constant support and focus for all; open throughout the entire week and weekends.

With 91% of residents in a GLPC survey stating the importance of a community centre where free and low cost activities could be hosted and accessed, the proposals will meet the approval of local people.

“The Conniburrow Community Programme will also offer residents sustainable events that provide an opportunity to come together to meet, socialise, learn, and grow, like community lunches and a youth homework hub,” Tommy explained. “Conniburrow residents are also keen to see a reduction in litter and fly-tipping, reduced vermin, and improved green spaces. The CCP will work with Milton Keynes City Council on all these issues to improve our green spaces. There are huge opportunities for this funding to create long-lasting benefits for the Conniburrow Community,” added Tommy, “The priority is to create a strong long-lasting legacy, focusing on ensuring sustainable activities so that residents can reap the benefits for years to come.”

news&views

why not send us your news & views?

We welcome your views.

Please send your letters to:

Post

Parish Council Offices

Great Linford House

1 St Leger Court

Great Linford MK14 5HA

Email

glpc@great-linford.gov.uk

HELPING YOU GET BACK TO WORK

The Skills Hub is now open with free drop-in sessions to support anyone looking for guidance and support as they prepare to re-enter the workforce.

Advisors from Key Business Skills, Work for Us, The Bus Shelter MK, and Citizens Advice will offer practical assistance and guidance.

It’s an opportunity to increase digital literacy, with access to training materials and hands-on support to replace uncertainty with confidence; whether you are a complete novice, looking to refresh your skills or need support with putting together a winning CV, The Skills Hub is there to help everyone, regardless of age, background or experience level.

The sessions will run from the Great Linford Parish Council Office at 1 St Leger Court on the first Thursday of every month, between midday and 3pm.

Your first steps towards a brighter future start with a trip to The Skills Hub.

AND THE WINNER IS....

The winner of the Linford Poets poetry competition –launched in the last issue of Your Parish Magazine – has been chosen.

Dip Pankhana won with this delightful little delivery.

A First Birthday by Dip Pankhana

Nori is her name, Yodelling is her game, It’s her birthday today, She is one okay?!

Porridge she likes to eat, The sofa she likes to beat, She has crazy hair, She roars like a bear! She touches her nose, Raspberries she blows, She is really great, She’s our best mate!

Happy birthday little one, You’ve made it round the sun, We really love you, Even with how much you poo!

‘We chose Dip’s poem as the winner because it is simple, sweet and well written,” said Linford Poets group leader, Janet Warren, who was joined in judging entries by Paul Moss.

“Poems don’t always have to be complex to catch one’s eye.”

Linford Poets also produced a calendar for 2024, comprising 12 poems by group members.

The calendars sold-out in just a fortnight, raising close to £900 for Willen Hospice.

GRANTING SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY

A timely reminder that Great Linford Parish Council reserves a sum of money every year to help support not-forprofit and community groups in our Parish.

The grants are awarded twice yearly, and the closing date for applicants for the upcoming distribution of funds is approaching.

You will need to meet specific criteria for your application to be considered, and will need to demonstrate that the services or activities you provide benefit residents of the Parish positively. All applications will be reviewed at the next Full Council Meeting in April.

If your organisation would like to apply, please visit the full eligibility criteria on our website at great-linford. gov.uk and navigate to the ‘Services we provide’ tab. Please note that all applications and supporting evidence must reach GLPC at least 10 days before the last Wednesday in April to be considered.

The most common award is £500 with grants capped at a maximum of £1500.

WATER-WAY TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME!

Electra, the all-electric community boat, is looking for new volunteers to join its dedicated team. Could this be your next challenge?

The Grand Union Canal based boat has seen demand for cruises increase substantially since its launch, hence the call out for new blood to join its team of 40.

Volunteer Chair, Denise Taylor, said “Electra volunteers work as one big team, to create and deliver a range of enjoyable

cruises. Some people crew the boat, others work behind the scenes to get everything ready, and some people do a bit of both!”

There are currently shorebased volunteering vacancies in stock controller, welcome centre coordinator, customer liaison, social media, marketing, outreach, fundraising and project management. The shorebased roles can be delivered from home, or the new Welcome Centre at Campbell Wharf.”

If you are interested in finding out more, or signing up, email denise.taylor@ bmkwaterway.org or visit bmkwaterway.org/electra/ volunteering

CLLR TREW IS AN AWARD WINNER

Cllr Sandra Trew has received a Global Recognition award for her work delivering workshops, webinars and one-to-one coaching sessions for parents who are in need of additional support.

“I give parents the tools and strategy in a down to earth way, enabling them to absorb and implement all they have learnt,” she said, “Most importantly of all is how to build stronger relationships with their children.

“I am also a Trained Youth Mentor, mentoring students online on stress management, resilience and how to manage their mental health.”

COME IN FROM THE COLD WITH AN ENERGY UPGRADE

Saving energy and staying warm has become more of a challenge in recent times with rising bills and the cost-ofliving crisis making for double the misery for residents.

But help could be at hand. Milton Keynes City Council has secured more than £1 million through the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, which will fund energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating systems for people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

With a home efficiency upgrade, you could lower your energy use and your carbon footprint, and see a reduction in bills.

If you are struggling with an old heating system, or if your home uses oil, LPG, solid fuel heating or an electric heating system and you are finding it difficult to manage your energy bills, you might be able to upgrade at no cost to you.

You could apply for support if you meet the above criteria and your household has a

combined annual income of no more than £31,000 (gross) or under £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs.

For more information visit hugapply.co.uk or call 0800 107 8883.

WANT TO BE A PARISH COUNCILLOR?

Great Linford Parish Council is currently looking to fill Councillor vacancies in Willen Park South, Conniburrow, Giffard Park and Blakelands.

A Councillor’s role can include developing strategies and plans for the area, helping with problems and ideas, representing the community, and decision making.

By becoming a Parish Councillor, you will be someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support - a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. Does this sound like a role for you? Find out more by visiting great-linford.gov.uk

ABOVE: Paul Moss, poetry competition judge with winner Dip Pankhana and her little one Nori

Puzzle Corner

Give your brain a workout with our puzzles - complete the word ladder, solve the anagram and then get busy with the colouring pens on this Easter image.

Puzzle answers below.

Try your luck at our word ladder

BLACK

WHITE

Can you solve our anagram?

Dates for your diary...

Every Tuesday

Food Bank Top Up Shop

Conniburrow Community Centre, 10am – 11.30am

Conniburrow Social Space

Conniburrow Community Centre, 9.15am – 12.30pm

Downs Barn Community Larder Cross & Stable Community Hall, 11am – 12.30pm

Every Friday

Youth Cafe

Conniburrow Community Centre, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

More

April

Saturday 6th Willen Park & Downhead Park Litter Pick

May

Saturday 4th

Downs Barn Litter Pick

June

Saturday 1st

Redhouse Park Litter Pick

Saturday 15th Community Celebration

July

Saturday 6th Pennyland & Bolbeck Park Litter Pick

August

Saturday 3rd

Neath Hill Litter Pick

Sunday 4th Community Market

September

Saturday 7th Conniburrow Litter Pick

October

Saturday 5th Giffard Park Litter Pick

Dates may be subject to change.