This page is relevant to all villages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nottingham Knockers

A great deal of people, especially the lone elderly, do not like opening their front door to be face to face with a young man selling what most households already have in their possession. If anything, the Nottingham Knocker call is more akin to menacing begging based on some of the Facebook posts regarding this activity. Often, a Facebook post raises the alarm for locals so that they can be more wary of opening the door. Stickers on doors stating 'No doorstep Selling Zone' do not deter these people. Most of the time the Facebook alarm is too late and so a simple Whatsapp group for an instant alert would work better. A simple statement of Road and Village will quickly highlight where these activities are taking place.
If you want to be notified by and/or notify your neighbours of activity in the areas covered by these pages follow the instructions below.
Click here to join if you're reading this on your mobile or scan the QR code with your phone if looking at this on your PC.

 

 

Do Something Special
Could You Do Something Special for Your Community?

Thames Valley Police is calling on people across the region to step forward and make a difference.

We’re recruiting Special Constables - volunteer police officers who serve alongside their regular colleagues. Specials wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment, and have the same powers of arrest, but they balance their policing duties with everyday commitments like work, study, or family life.

This is your chance to challenge yourself, bring your unique skills into policing, and experience a side of life that few ever see.

Whether you want to learn more, are interested in experiencing a ride along, or are ready to apply, visit our Special Constables webpage at TVPcareers.co.uk.

Employers Can Do Something Special Too

Through the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme, businesses can support their staff in volunteering as Special Constables or police service volunteers. ESP is a national partnership that benefits employers, employees, and the wider community by enabling staff to give back through policing.

To find out how your organisation can get involved, visit our Employer Supported Policing webpage.

 

 

 

 

New ‘Move Together Buckinghamshire’ service launches to support over-50s with long-term health conditions

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A new initiative aimed at helping older residents live healthier, more active lives has officially launched. Move Together Buckinghamshire is a free physical activity and movement support service available to residents in eligible areas of Aylesbury, Chesham and Wycombe, who are aged 50+ and living with an eligible long-term health condition.

 

The programme offers personalised, one-to-one support and guidance over a 12-week period, helping individuals to move more in a way that works for them. This in turn leads to improved mental wellbeing, social connection, and independence.

 

Commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council and delivered by Active in the Community (AITC), in partnership with Leap and Age UK Buckinghamshire, the service aims to support 3,000 residents over the next three years.

 

The service is underpinned by the JOY platform, a new digital tool that connects residents with local activities and services, bridging the gap between primary care and community support.

 

Residents can find out more and register for the scheme online.

 

Boost your job prospects with a Skills Bootcamp.

We have the courses – all we need is you!

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Whether you’re looking for your first job or keen to progress your existing career, having the right skills and knowledge is essential in today’s competitive marketplace. To help residents in Bucks to boost their employability prospects, Buckinghamshire Council has launched its latest programme of Skills Bootcamp courses and is encouraging people to sign up now.

 

Funded nationally by the Department for Education and coordinated locally by Buckinghamshire Council, in partnership with a variety of education providers, Skills Bootcamps are free courses offered to anyone aged 19 or over in a range of specialist fields of work. Courses in the latest programme in Bucks include catering & hospitality, early years & childcare, construction, technology, film & TV, management & leadership and digital.

 

All courses are free and are flexible in nature, allowing participants to fit their learning in around existing commitments. Experienced tutors lead the courses, offering expert knowledge of the subject area. At the conclusion of each course participants are given a guaranteed interview to help them prepare for applying for jobs in the real world.

 

Ade Osibogun, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education & Children’s Services said: “We know how hard it can be to get that first foot on the career ladder or to change your career path. Not everyone wants to go to university or spend years studying for a particular type of role. That’s where Skills Bootcamps come into their own. These short, tailored courses are accessible to anyone aged 19 or over, giving people a chance to learn new skills in an area of their choosing, giving them a boost in their job-seeking journey.

 

Ade continued: “Hundreds of people have taken part in previous courses and have told us how useful and interesting they found them. Many courses are very popular and get booked up quickly, so I’d advise taking a look now and get booking quickly.”

 

To find a full list of Skills Bootcamp courses and to book your place visit the website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/skills-opportunities-and-employment/enrol-in-a-skills-bootcamp/

 

 

Buckinghamshire Council rolls out summer support for families

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This summer, Buckinghamshire Council is once again offering a range of support for eligible families to help children stay active, engaged and well-fed during the school holidays.

 

The popular Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is returning with a wide variety of free, fun-filled holiday clubs and activities for children and young people from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. Funded by the Department for Education, the HAF programme also includes a healthy meal with every session, helping to ensure children are fuelled for a day of fun and learning.

 

From sports and outdoor adventures to creative arts and cookery, there’s something for everyone, with sessions running across dozens of venues throughout Buckinghamshire. Families can book up to 16 sessions over the summer period using a HAF voucher, which will be sent via email or text message from HolidayActivities.com.

 

In addition to the HAF programme, the council is also providing £50 digital food vouchers to eligible families to help with grocery costs over the summer holidays. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions through the Household Support Fund, these vouchers are sent via schools or early years settings and can be used at most major supermarkets.

 

For more information on the HAF programme and how to book, visit the Buckinghamshire HAF webpage. To learn more about the food voucher scheme, visit the Free Food Vouchers page.

 

Enjoy a budget friendly summer in Buckinghamshire

 

The school summer holidays are nearly here. If you’re looking for ideas for low and no-cost things to do, don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. You don’t need to venture far either, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages right here in Buckinghamshire.

ParkPlay is a new initiative, supported by Sport England, that has launched in three locations in Buckinghamshire, Booker Recreation Ground in High Wycombe, Alfred Rose Memorial Park in Aylesbury and Windsor Road Park in Chesham. The scheme offers two hours of free organised community-led play, every Saturday or Sunday morning with active and inclusive games where all generations can play together, offering a safe and welcoming environment for people to connect and have fun. Find out more: https://park-play.com/

Country parks, Black Park, Langley Park and Denham Park - are great places to explore. With miles of footpaths, play areas and café facilities you can make a day of it. A range of family friendly events are taking place throughout the summer including outdoor theatre productions, dinosaur trails and forest school sessions. Find details and book onto events online: Buckinghamshire Country Parks Events - 18 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

B

oth Black Park and Langley Park were recently awarded a Green Flag, along with six other parks and open spaces in Buckinghamshire. The international accreditation scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. Many of our local parks have upgraded play facilities and Bedgrove Park in Aylesbury recently benefitted from the opening of a new community-funded BMX Pump Track.

There are lots of exciting summer activities happening throughout the school holidays in your local libraries. From creative workshops to family-friendly performances, there’s something for everyone - check out your local library to see what’s on.

Events include Mrs Armitage on Wheels, a joyful theatrical adventure brought to life by Scoot Theatre and Farnham Maltings. Based on the much-loved story by Quentin Blake, this interactive show features live music, puppetry, and physical comedy - perfect for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. Performances will take place at libraries and parks across Buckinghamshire, including High Wycombe, Chesham, Aylesbury, and Chandos Park in Buckingham. Don’t miss out - book your free tickets now online.

The Summer Reading Challenge is all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence. This year’s theme of Story Garden is all about Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors and inspires children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. The Challenge is open to children aged 4-11 and runs through to 13 September. Visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to sign up online, or alternatively, pop into your local library.

Our local museums both have lots of family friendly activities on throughout the summer holidays. Enjoy some Cosmic Adventures at the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury with a range of space-themed craft making and activities for all ages. At the Wycombe Museum in High Wycombe you can get messy with clay, delve into science or take part in a bug trail. Get all the details on the websites. Discover Bucks Museum – www.discoverbucksmuseum.org and Wycombe Museum – www.wycombemuseum.org.uk

Buckinghamshire leisure centres are also a great place to spend a few hours enjoying a fun swim, soft play or other sports including climbing and badminton. Each centre has its own timetable so take a look and book ahead as some sessions fill up quickly: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/leisure-centres

Don’t forget, the Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend takes place from 28 to 31 August. Over four days, groups, organisations and creatives will hold events across the county, with immersive and interactive activities around the theme of Stories and Nature. From workshops to crafts and immersive music to cooking – there’s something for everyone. Find out all the detail on the website: https://buckinghamshireculture.org/events/category/open-weekend-2025/

There are also free Weekends of Wonder events taking place across the county throughout the summer as part of this year’s WhizzFizz festival. Visit the website to find out more: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/whizzfizz-2025/

Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said: “With so much to choose from right here on our doorstep in Buckinghamshire, families really will be spoilt for choice this summer.”

Peter added: “We know entertaining the kids over the long summer break can be an expense and so it’s great to know that there are so many low or no cost things to do so that whatever your budget, no-one misses out on having a fun and carefree summer holiday.”

 

 

 

 

 

Your local neighbourhood policing teams and Buckinghamshire Council have been continuing with their safer streets campaign, carrying out intensive policing and partnership working across town centres and high streets in Bucks.

Overall, last week's operational activities resulted in:

✋ 18 stop and searches, with four resulting in something found

🚨 29 arrests

🛴 2 more E-scooters seized

👮‍♂️ 3100 minutes of town centre patrols

🚶‍♂️Continued joint patrols with parking wardens, street wardens, waste enforcement officers and other partner agencies - the council and police are committed to ensuring these are planned consistently for the coming months

📜 7 breaches of public space protection orders (PSPOs) were reported leading to warnings being issued- you can find out more about the PSPOs in your local area here: Public space protection orders and how they help your community | Buckinghamshire Council

You can report anti-social behaviour taking place in your local town centre or anywhere else via 101 or at Home | Thames Valley Police (Always 999 in an emergency)

 

 

The annual canvass is about to begin in Buckinghamshire – are your electoral details up to date?​

 

The annual canvass ensures that we keep the Register of Electors updated. It also helps us to identify any residents who are not currently registered to vote, so they can be invited to register.

 

Please look out for messages from us during July and August, so we can make sure that we have all the current and correct details on the register.

 

You will receive either an email or a letter in the post from Buckinghamshire Council and all you need to do is to read the email or letter carefully and follow the instructions on how to respond, if necessary. It’s very quick and easy! We recommend responding online where possible, but you can also respond by phone or by post.

 

If you’re not currently registered, your name won’t appear on the messages we send. If you need to register to vote, the easiest way to apply is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, but you will still need to respond to our message.

 

It’s important you’re registered to ensure that you have your say in the next election, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

 

Further information on the annual canvass can be found on the Election pages of the council’s website 

 

Any residents who have any questions can contact the council’s Electoral Registration team at elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or by calling 01296 798 141.

 

 

 

New initiative puts motorists in the driving seat for parking payment choices

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Anyone parking in Buckinghamshire, in either a council run car park or on street chargeable parking bay will shortly be able to benefit from a new initiative which gives customers greater flexibility in paying for parking.

 

Following a successful trial last summer which took place in car parks in High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Bourne End and Marlow, Buckinghamshire Council has from 1 July begun rolling out the National Parking Platform (NPP) to all its car parks and on street chargeable locations across the county.

 

The NPP works by giving customers the flexibility to choose which supplier they purchase their parking time through. Up until now, only one digital supplier, RingGo, has been available, but with NPP, the choice of parking provider will extend to include other suppliers including JustPark, PaybyPhone, and Appyparking.

 

Each supplier has its own app and fees. Some also have a telephone number so parkers can choose the option that best suits them. With different suppliers offering different convenience fees across one area, the initiative forces them to be competitive in their pricing which benefits customers. 

 

The move to NPP supports the Council’s ambitions, set out in its Parking Strategy.

 

Payment machines already in place in car parks will remain for use as normal, providing a non-digital method of payment for those who prefer to pay for their parking in this way. 

 

Roll out of the NPP will take place throughout July with completion by the end of the month.

 

For more information about the National Parking Platform visit here.

 

More information on Buckinghamshire Council car parks can be found online

 

Opportunity Bucks - Championing positive change for disadvantaged communities

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Now in its third year and following a successful second year delivery, Buckinghamshire Council’s Opportunity Bucks programme is going from strength to strength, making a real difference to residents living in some of the county’s most deprived communities.

 

Opportunity Bucks is the council’s local partnership approach to levelling up. While outcomes are good across the majority of the county, there are some areas where residents are experiencing significant hardship and facing long-standing challenges that impact their everyday lives. To address these inequalities and improve outcomes for the residents in these areas, Opportunity Bucks is delivering a range of initiatives which are having a real impact.

 

Presenting an update report at the Cabinet meeting today (Tuesday 8 July), Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities, gave details of the some of the highlights of the past year, including:

 

• Improving outcomes for young people in college with the introduction of a mentor scheme supporting those at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
• Reducing rough sleeping through the work of the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) team.
• Enabling over 360 households to get support from the Energy Doctor team to help improve energy efficiency and reduce costs in their homes.
• Supporting 180 residents with severe mental illness to access physical health checks to support their wellbeing and address any health concerns.
• Setting up local hubs for people to access financial support and advice.
• Hosting 20 Community Actions Days at local venues, connecting residents with  services and support available and carrying out events including volunteer litter picking sessions.
• Setting up the Aylesbury Health on the High Street hub which provides easy access to over 15 services including vaccinations, breastfeeding advice and NHS health checks as well as general advice, guidance and signposting.
• Partnering with a range of organisations to improve public spaces including installing artwork on the footbridge connecting Priority Avenue to Castle Place in High Wycombe and the underpass in Vale Park, Aylesbury.

 

Underpinning the success of Opportunity Bucks has been the in-depth research into the affected communities to help inform what support is needed and the best way to deliver it. Using a combination of council investment and external funding and forging strong working relationships with partners has also helped the initiative to go from strength to strength.

 

Priorities for the year ahead include:

 

• Improving support for parents and young people by increasing the availability and quality of childcare, developing intergenerational and peer support for parents and reducing the social isolation often experienced by new parents.
• Raising aspirations of young people ensuring that there is visibility and access to a wide range of opportunities.
• Continuing to drive up living standards through targeted visits by the Environmental Health team to Houses of Multiple Occupancy, targeting support to vulnerable people to ensure they can heat their homes and ensuring that residents are able to access support needed.
• Continuing to expand opportunities for residents to develop new skills, gain qualifications and enter the workforce.
• Building on the success of the Aylesbury Health on the High Street initiative by establishing a further hub in Wycombe to ensure that residents have access to health services locally to them.
• Making further improvements to increase pride in local communities, including public artwork projects, improving road safety, targeted clean ups, enhancing parks and open spaces and building on the success of Community Action Days.