Added 16th April
Jim Gillan’s 100th birthday
Jim Gillan has for many years been a resident of Shakman House. Friday 11th April was Jim’s 100th birthday. Some of the trustees of the Trust that runs the flats presented Jim with a card and bottle of champagne. On the right in one of the photos is Jim’s daughter who has lived in the flat next door for the past couple of years.
Jim was chuffed to receive a card from the King and Queen. Among many notable achievements in his life, Jim was one of the Paras dropped into France shortly after the D-Day landings.
Jim was chuffed to receive a card from the King and Queen. Among many notable achievements in his life, Jim was one of the Paras dropped into France shortly after the D-Day landings.
Sunflower seeds v Orchard
Are the Sunflower seeds which are being given out to all the villagers, instead of planting an Orchard?
In my opinion an Orchard would be more beneficial. Fruit trees are a real asset and would also provide joy to people for many years to come.
As Villagers will have to pay with another over the top Parish Council rate increase, people should at least be consulted.
Karoline Lamb
Are the Sunflower seeds which are being given out to all the villagers, instead of planting an Orchard?
In my opinion an Orchard would be more beneficial. Fruit trees are a real asset and would also provide joy to people for many years to come.
As Villagers will have to pay with another over the top Parish Council rate increase, people should at least be consulted.
Karoline Lamb
Head of Development
Job Description
Salary: £35,000 per annum pro-rata
Hours: Part-time (14 hours / week based on a 35-hour week pro rata; flexible working schedule at postholder’s discretion)
Location: Chalfont St Giles (remote position with occasional on-site working required)
Contract: 12 months, initially
Application deadline: 4th May 2025
Overview
Milton’s Cottage is the only surviving residence of John Milton, and the place where he completed his epic masterpiece Paradise Lost. We are seeking a dynamic fundraiser to build relationships and raise income to support our future ambitions, and ensure a sustainable legacy for this irreplaceable literary landmark.
This is a new role within Milton’s Cottage and the post-holder will work with the Director and Board of Trustees on strategic development and sustainable growth. They will oversee the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy, maximising opportunities for income generation through new and existing relationships with a range of philanthropic partners.
This is an exciting time to join Milton’s Cottage as we build on our recent growth and expand our programme of public impact projects. Working across a variety of income streams, you’ll help us achieve a step-change in our fundraising journey.
If you have demonstrable experience of income generation within a charitable setting, and are looking for a part-time opportunity to shape the fundraising future of a small but internationally significant museum, then we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
•Work with the Director to develop and implement a fundraising strategy for Milton’s Cottage
•Work with the Board of Trustees - in particular the Development Trustee, Paradise Maintain’d Trustee, Fundraising & Capital Development Committee - to develop an integrated, inclusive and ethical fundraising culture at all levels
•Build on the stewardship and management of existing donor relationships to ensure they are fully engaged and informed
•Undertake research to identify new prospects and funding opportunities for Milton’s Cottage across trusts and foundations, individuals, and corporate partnerships
•Securing philanthropic gifts from new and existing donors
•Work with the Director and Treasurer to monitor annual income targets against performance
•Liaise with the Treasurer to ensure that income is properly administered, including acknowledgement, financial receipts, maximising donation values and Gift Aid
•Work with the Director to ensure evaluation requirements are integrated into funded projects
•Manage fundraising data, track prospect and donor journeys, and ensure the data that is stored is fit for purpose and GDPR compliant
•Develop and maintain fundraising policies and procedures
•Act as an advocate for Milton’s Cottage
•Other fundraising and events duties as reasonably required by the Director and Trustees
•Targets and workload will be set at a level that is proportionate to a two-day per week role, with other people available within the organisation to help execute the fundraising strategy
Essential Experience, Skills & Knowledge
•Strong fundraising skills, including demonstrable experience of securing significant philanthropic gifts
•Excellent communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, including the ability to communicate a vision and build trust
•Strong writing skills with the ability to craft a compelling and persuasive narrative
•Detailed knowledge of the current fundraising landscape and the challenges facing those raising funds within the arts, culture and heritage sectors in the UK
•Experience of raising funds from major trusts and foundations and / or statutory sources
•Experience of raising funds from individuals, including legacies, patron schemes, fundraising events and / or annual / regular giving appeals
•Ability to plan and prioritise a demanding workload and meet deadlines
•Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
•Understanding of CRM databases
•Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times
Desirable Experience, Skills & Knowledge
•Experience of fundraising for capital projects
•Experience of securing at least 5-figure gifts from philanthropic partners
•Knowledge of / interest in culture, literature and museums
Application Process
Please send a copy of your CV with an accompanying letter - outlining your interest in and suitability for this role - to director@miltonscottage.org by 4th May 2025. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 6th May 2025 (please let us know in your application if you cannot make that date so that we can make alternative arrangements with you).
We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and our recruitment process is open to all. We welcome applicants from global majority backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector more widely.
If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role, or discuss alternative methods of applying in order to meet your access requirements, please contact Kelly O’Reilly on director@miltonscottage.org / 01494 872313.
Job Description
Salary: £35,000 per annum pro-rata
Hours: Part-time (14 hours / week based on a 35-hour week pro rata; flexible working schedule at postholder’s discretion)
Location: Chalfont St Giles (remote position with occasional on-site working required)
Contract: 12 months, initially
Application deadline: 4th May 2025
Overview
Milton’s Cottage is the only surviving residence of John Milton, and the place where he completed his epic masterpiece Paradise Lost. We are seeking a dynamic fundraiser to build relationships and raise income to support our future ambitions, and ensure a sustainable legacy for this irreplaceable literary landmark.
This is a new role within Milton’s Cottage and the post-holder will work with the Director and Board of Trustees on strategic development and sustainable growth. They will oversee the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy, maximising opportunities for income generation through new and existing relationships with a range of philanthropic partners.
This is an exciting time to join Milton’s Cottage as we build on our recent growth and expand our programme of public impact projects. Working across a variety of income streams, you’ll help us achieve a step-change in our fundraising journey.
If you have demonstrable experience of income generation within a charitable setting, and are looking for a part-time opportunity to shape the fundraising future of a small but internationally significant museum, then we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
•Work with the Director to develop and implement a fundraising strategy for Milton’s Cottage
•Work with the Board of Trustees - in particular the Development Trustee, Paradise Maintain’d Trustee, Fundraising & Capital Development Committee - to develop an integrated, inclusive and ethical fundraising culture at all levels
•Build on the stewardship and management of existing donor relationships to ensure they are fully engaged and informed
•Undertake research to identify new prospects and funding opportunities for Milton’s Cottage across trusts and foundations, individuals, and corporate partnerships
•Securing philanthropic gifts from new and existing donors
•Work with the Director and Treasurer to monitor annual income targets against performance
•Liaise with the Treasurer to ensure that income is properly administered, including acknowledgement, financial receipts, maximising donation values and Gift Aid
•Work with the Director to ensure evaluation requirements are integrated into funded projects
•Manage fundraising data, track prospect and donor journeys, and ensure the data that is stored is fit for purpose and GDPR compliant
•Develop and maintain fundraising policies and procedures
•Act as an advocate for Milton’s Cottage
•Other fundraising and events duties as reasonably required by the Director and Trustees
•Targets and workload will be set at a level that is proportionate to a two-day per week role, with other people available within the organisation to help execute the fundraising strategy
Essential Experience, Skills & Knowledge
•Strong fundraising skills, including demonstrable experience of securing significant philanthropic gifts
•Excellent communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, including the ability to communicate a vision and build trust
•Strong writing skills with the ability to craft a compelling and persuasive narrative
•Detailed knowledge of the current fundraising landscape and the challenges facing those raising funds within the arts, culture and heritage sectors in the UK
•Experience of raising funds from major trusts and foundations and / or statutory sources
•Experience of raising funds from individuals, including legacies, patron schemes, fundraising events and / or annual / regular giving appeals
•Ability to plan and prioritise a demanding workload and meet deadlines
•Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
•Understanding of CRM databases
•Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times
Desirable Experience, Skills & Knowledge
•Experience of fundraising for capital projects
•Experience of securing at least 5-figure gifts from philanthropic partners
•Knowledge of / interest in culture, literature and museums
Application Process
Please send a copy of your CV with an accompanying letter - outlining your interest in and suitability for this role - to director@miltonscottage.org by 4th May 2025. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 6th May 2025 (please let us know in your application if you cannot make that date so that we can make alternative arrangements with you).
We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and our recruitment process is open to all. We welcome applicants from global majority backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector more widely.
If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role, or discuss alternative methods of applying in order to meet your access requirements, please contact Kelly O’Reilly on director@miltonscottage.org / 01494 872313.
Added 9th April
Best Kept Village Competition
The Parish Council is pleased to announce their intention to enter the Best Kept Village Competition. You may recall that the Council withdrew from the competition last year because of the flooding and ongoing pollution. This year the groundwater appears to be receding and this has helped the Council to make this decision. The competition runs from 1 st June to 14 July and the judges may visit the village at any time during this period.
The competition is judged on several criteria:
1. Cemetery, graveyard
2. Green, playing field, children’s play area, outdoor recreation facilities, designated nature conservation area
3. Floral Displays (hanging baskets, tubs, planters, flower beds etc.)
4. Community facilities (Village Hall, Community Centre, Church Hall)
5. General environmental features (hedges, verges, ditches, pond, stream, pump etc.)
6. Shops and pubs
7. Bus stops, bus shelters, public seating, dog bins, notice boards, information signs
8. War memorial
9. Quality of Competition entry - up to date and detailed map with features highlighted
10. Evidence of community engagement
If you would like to help Chalfont St Giles Village win the Pushman Cup in 2025, you can join in the village clean up which will be held on Saturday 24 May, starting on the village green at 10am.
If you have ideas or suggestions about how to improve the village then please email clerk@chalfontstgiles-pc.gov.uk
The competition is judged on several criteria:
1. Cemetery, graveyard
2. Green, playing field, children’s play area, outdoor recreation facilities, designated nature conservation area
3. Floral Displays (hanging baskets, tubs, planters, flower beds etc.)
4. Community facilities (Village Hall, Community Centre, Church Hall)
5. General environmental features (hedges, verges, ditches, pond, stream, pump etc.)
6. Shops and pubs
7. Bus stops, bus shelters, public seating, dog bins, notice boards, information signs
8. War memorial
9. Quality of Competition entry - up to date and detailed map with features highlighted
10. Evidence of community engagement
If you would like to help Chalfont St Giles Village win the Pushman Cup in 2025, you can join in the village clean up which will be held on Saturday 24 May, starting on the village green at 10am.
If you have ideas or suggestions about how to improve the village then please email clerk@chalfontstgiles-pc.gov.uk
The Misbourne Practice
The latest edition of The Misbourne Patient Bulletin is here.
The latest edition of The Misbourne Patient Bulletin is here.
Added 2nd April
Lost your IPhone?
An iPhone was found on the bench outside the Community Library in Chalfont St Giles on Saturday 29 March. The phone can be reclaimed from the Library.
An iPhone was found on the bench outside the Community Library in Chalfont St Giles on Saturday 29 March. The phone can be reclaimed from the Library.
Establishing an Orchard in Chalfont St Giles - Continued
There has been no reply to my question about this Orchard going ahead.
I think it should be a Community project. I am just reading an article from the Langford Community Orchard.. Apparently they are being supported by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. There are plenty of places around the village where an Orchard could be established. I was told that Chalfont St Peter has a Community Orchard so who is stopping one from going ahead in Chalfont St Giles
Karoline Lamb
If anyone can comment on this I'll pass on the info.
Ed.
There has been no reply to my question about this Orchard going ahead.
I think it should be a Community project. I am just reading an article from the Langford Community Orchard.. Apparently they are being supported by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. There are plenty of places around the village where an Orchard could be established. I was told that Chalfont St Peter has a Community Orchard so who is stopping one from going ahead in Chalfont St Giles
Karoline Lamb
If anyone can comment on this I'll pass on the info.
Ed.
Added 26th March
We’re excited to share that Cobra Explorers (part of Scouting for teenagers aged 14–18) is reopening in Chalfont St Giles this April 2025. It’s a brilliant opportunity for local young people to take part in outdoor expeditions, gain leadership skills, work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and make lifelong friends.
Key details:
- Tuesdays (during term time)
- 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- 1st Chalfont St Giles Scout Hut
We're welcoming:
- Scouts turning 14 by April 2025
- Young people new to Scouting
- Current Explorers looking to transfer
Seeking Entertainment
Simple amateur entertainment sought for 12 July 2025 garden lunch party… many of the 120 guests are our age, in their 60s and 70s so nothing too MODERN, please!!! The entertainer would work table to table or wandering around among the guests when not seated, not performing from a stage.
Juggler, stilt walker, comedian, clown, conjurer, card-sharp, mind-reader, mentalist… it does not matter if the tricks don’t work every time if that is part of the charm.
Accordionist, chanteur, oyster-man or -woman, pop-up coffee shop or van.
What we have already: barber-shop singing (unaccompanied) and possibly a race simulator. We do not want to work through an agency and pay £600 when we can give a break to a beginner who appreciates £150 or so for an hour or less and who is local so for whom there are negligible travel expenses. A competitor in TV’s putative “South Bucks’ Got Talent!
Open to ideas. Thanks!
Marcus Bicknell
marcus@bicknell.com
Simple amateur entertainment sought for 12 July 2025 garden lunch party… many of the 120 guests are our age, in their 60s and 70s so nothing too MODERN, please!!! The entertainer would work table to table or wandering around among the guests when not seated, not performing from a stage.
Juggler, stilt walker, comedian, clown, conjurer, card-sharp, mind-reader, mentalist… it does not matter if the tricks don’t work every time if that is part of the charm.
Accordionist, chanteur, oyster-man or -woman, pop-up coffee shop or van.
What we have already: barber-shop singing (unaccompanied) and possibly a race simulator. We do not want to work through an agency and pay £600 when we can give a break to a beginner who appreciates £150 or so for an hour or less and who is local so for whom there are negligible travel expenses. A competitor in TV’s putative “South Bucks’ Got Talent!
Open to ideas. Thanks!
Marcus Bicknell
marcus@bicknell.com