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FHRA Index Click here |
Archived press releases for year 2006 |
Press Release November 2006
General Membership: P/E Group The group agreed that more VDS questionnaires needed to be completed and returned in order to offer majority opinions on issues as a village and the next issue of this document will be at the Christmas Lights switching on. Police and Traffic Group The final version of the Village Traffic Plan is almost complete, and will be sent to local organisations for their comments, prior to publication to gain resident’s views. . Regular meetings continue with our Beat Bobby and PCSO into illegally parked cars. Events Christmas Tree and Lighting up Ceremony Saturday 9th December An Evening with the Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir Saturday 27th January 2007 FHRA Contacts
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Oct 2006 PRESS RELEASEGeneral David Onslow, current Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Chairman of the Police and Traffic Group, has completed his tenure as FHRA Chairman, and reverts to his role as Chairman of the Police and Traffic Group We therefore have the following vacancies: Anybody interested in any of these important vacant positions, please reply in confidence to the current Chairman David Onslow by telephone 01628 819108 or by E-Mail steeringcommittee@flackwellheath.net Membership: Youth Group Police and Traffic Group P/E Group Kebab Van Application Green Man Car Park. A temporary licence for 6 months has been granted on appeal. This ridiculous decision overrides letters of objection, sent in on behalf of our Association, our local Councillors, and other local businesses. Events Christmas Craft Fair Christmas Tree and Lighting up Ceremony Saturday 9th December An Evening with the Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir Saturday 27th of January 2007
FHRA Contacts
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September 2006 PRESS RELEASE General Can I please appeal once more to all our residents and members, to come forward and help the members of the Executive Committee? Too many of the committee are undertaking two roles, which is an unfair burden. For the Executive Committee to be run efficiently, we need extra help urgently, for the Chairman, the Treasurer, and the Membership Secretary, and additional people for all groups. We can only do so much, with such a small band of dedicated volunteers, but with more help we could achieve so much more for the village FUNDS ALLOCATION 2006: Decorations Group. £2300 towards additional Christmas Lights around Acorn House for 2006, thereby completing this project, which was begun last year. Youth Group: £3,000 towards the Leisure Facilities: so that Stage 1 (tarmacing) can be completed. Community Association: £1,000, plus all the proceeds of the Village Quiz Night to the Flackwell Heath Community Association for their Hall Rebuilding Fund Police and Traffic Group The Group has met regularly with our local ABO, Rob Page and Alex Beever, our PCSO. Youth Group Events Village Quiz night Christmas Craft Fair Christmas Tree and Lighting up Ceremony
FHRA Contacts
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July 2006 PRESS RELEASE New Name We look forward to the highlight of the year, our second Cherry Fayre on Sunday July 16th which promises to be bigger and better than last year details cab be found below. MembershipFollowing the success of our Membership stalls at the VDS and outside Budgens, we have attracted 41new members. Others have taken forms and we’d ask them to please complete and leave at Unit 4 Newsagents. Look out for our membership stalls at the Carrington Fete and Cherry Fare. Please encourage your friends and families to become members, so that we can truly represent the views of the villagers. Will all residents who have not renewed their membership please do so now. If you need a new form please telephone Barbara Grierson 522514 or pick up a form from Unit 4 or the library. Police and Traffic Group The beat surgery with PC Rob Page and PCSO Alex Beever held at Christ Church on Saturday June 3rd was well attended by residents wishing to take up their complaints with the Police. Further surgeries are planned, so watch out for future dates. The Traffic Plan is progressing well, with many of the targeted roads and suggested speed restrictions now plotted on a map of the village Decorations Group Youth Group Events Open Gardens Event Sunday 11th June 2 - 5pm Cherry Fayre: Sunday 16th JULY Quiz Night: Saturday 16th September - The quiz night is being held in conjunction with the Community Association and will take place in the Community Centre. The Flackwell Heath Residents Association would also be interested to hear your views via the Executive Committee e-mail address below. FHRA Contacts
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June 2006 Press Release Organisation After the momentous changes of the previous month, the new Committee have quietly, but with resolve, been continuing the business of running the Association, and our thoughts now turn to an exciting array of summer events. Starting with the open garden afternoon, on 11th of June, then on Sunday July 16th we’re taking a step back in history for a Victorian theme Cherry Fayre, which hopefully will be bigger and better than last year’s event. Then on September 16th we join once again with the Community Association for the fun packed, annual village quiz. Fuller details of all these events are shown below.We are pleased to announce that all vacant positions on the executive committee have now been filled. Carolyn Leonard has agreed to become our new secretary, and Terry Darby has agreed to become our Events Co-ordinator. Work is continuing on the Village Design Statement (VDS) and our thanks go to Graham Carter and his team of helpers who ran an informative update meeting for residents on Saturday 13th May Following the AGM, we have attracted some new members to our groups, David Johncock and Martin Lawrence have joined the Planning & Environment group, Carol Lawrence the Decorations group, and Dave Rollison the Police & Traffic Group. A warm welcome to you all. We still need more volunteers and we appeal to any resident who has spare time, and would like to contribute to the life of the village, to come forward and join one of our focus groups; or perhaps to assist one of our hard working executive members, many of whom are helping to run other village organisations. All we need is a few hours of your time each month. Working with the association is a great way to get to know more people in the village, to have a say in what goes on, and make new friends. If you are interested please contact any member of the executive committee. We are continuing discussions with The Charity Commissioners to register our proposed new name. This was requested by them to distinguish the FHRA from the Community Association. David Onslow- Chairman MembershipOne of our main objectives is to increase our membership. Look out over the coming weeks for our membership stalls outside Budgens, and at the Carrington School fete as well as at our own events. The reprinted cards are now to hand and members will receive their cards in the next few weeks. Thank you for your continued support. Planning and Environment group: We’re keeping an eye on the following developments / planning applications: Police and Traffic Group Police Issues - At a recent meeting we met our new area beat officer (ABO) Rob Page, and Sgt Brian Keir from Hazlemere Police station. They confirmed that Beat surgeries will continue to allow residents to discuss their concerns directly with their local police officers. A/Sgt Lucy Price and PCSO Alex Beever had recently conducted a speed enforcement campaign in the village. They also advised that despite the increase in burglaries in January 2006, there had been a slight decrease in overall criminal activity in the first quarter of this year. Traffic Issues: last month we advised that we had been asked by Bucks County Council to comment on parking issues throughout the village. They have now responded, and we are pleased to advise that some of our suggestions are being considered and they have offered to visit the village to look at some of the areas of concern. Rob Page was briefed on the problems associated with people parking outside Budgens. Rob and our PCSO, Alex Beever have promised to take action against motorists that persist in parking on the double yellow lines, as they agree it is causing a danger to vehicles entering and leaving the road. Following pressure from our group, you may have noticed that BCC have installed a new sign pointing to the free car parking available in Old Kiln Road. Cherry Fayre - A drawing competition sheet for distribution to village schools is being produced. The prize for the lucky winners is to travel in the Grand parade on a Victorian horse drawn bus. Events Cherry Fayre: Sunday 16TH JULY Quiz Night: Saturday 16th September - Following the success of the quiz night held jointly between the Community Association and the Residents Association last year, the next one will take place in the Community Centre in September. The format will be the same as last year, plenty of questions, good food and excellent company should ensure a fun packed evening for all. The Flackwell Heath Residents Association would also be interested to hear your views via the Executive Committee e-mail address below.
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May 2006 Press Release Updated 8th May Organisation Annual General Meeting 28th March Review of Subscriptions Membership report by Barbara Grierson Group Reports Decorations Group by Elaine Parsons Youth Group by Pam Mannering Planning and Environment Group by Graham Carter BANJOVI REVIVAL CONCERT Friday 19th May 2pm - 4pm at Christ Church Hall: Please see separate article in the Grapevine. Cherry Fayre by Mike Scullion |
APRIL 2006 PRESS RELEASE GRAPEVINE We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Community Association and Tim Kendall as editor for enabling the Residents Association to have our regular spot in the Grapevine. Without it, we would have serious problems relaying information and ideas to villagers. However, all residents need to buy the magazine if they are to keep abreast of developments affecting them. Please, please, please can you make sure that all your friends and neighbours know about Grapevine and the important role it plays !! Get them to subscribe to the magazine otherwise Tim won’t be able to afford a holiday this year !!. MEMBERSHIP If you have not done so already, can we take this opportunity to remind you to renew your membership of the Association, and to confirm that there may be some delay in receipt of your new card due to the proposed name change as advised in the last issue. These will be sent out shortly. For those of you who are not yet members please “sign up” now! By doing so you will help us fund village projects and also be able to take advantage of a discounted price for all the exciting fund-raising events planned for this year – see this magazine to keep up-dated. DONATION FOR PROPOSED YOUTH FACILITIES A big thank you to Rita Liddiard who recently celebrated her 60th birthday – yes we do have her permission to reveal her age!!. Whilst insisting that she did not want any presents, Rita gave those who wanted to mark the occasion the opportunity of making a small monetary donation towards two of her favourite charities. Her guests came up trumps and Rita was able to donate £200 to the Air Ambulance Services and £200 to Flackwell Heath Residents Association which she wished put towards the Youth Leisure Facilities at the Recreation Ground. What a tremendous gesture Rita and can we thank you and all your very generous friends, for taking us a step nearer our £10,000 requirement for the Youth Facilities. (You don’t look a day over 50!!!). PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT GROUP Report by Graham Carter Temperance Hall. Following the editor’s comment in the last edition of the Grapevine, on the Temperance Hall, enquiries with WDC have confirmed that the new owners have not yet submitted a planning application for the site and that one will not be entertained by WDC without the submission of a formally approved Community Needs Analysis (CNA). Indeed, the original planning application that was submitted last year was rejected because there was no CNA. The application was therefore withdrawn whilst the analysis was undertaken. In June 2005, a consultant presented a draft CNA to WDC planners but was advised that it was incomplete. It was clear that the community had not been properly consulted and we believe that the Residents Association had been seriously misquoted. We therefore lodged a complaint and reiterated our view that the Hall could be usefully utilised for numerous social activities not least of all a “walk-in centre” for our young people. We were however unable to obtain a copy of the draft submission, as there is no legal requirement for the consultants to publicly provide any information until a planning application is actually submitted. We must therefore wait until WDC receive a planning application at which point we will have the right to view the CNA and be able to question the overall submission formally. You can be assured that the FHRA P&E Group will be closely monitoring the situation and will keep everyone informed !! VDS Public Meeting - 13th May 2006. A second draft of the Village Design Statement (VDS) is currently being prepared and the next public meeting to discuss the document will be held on 13th May in the Community Centre between 10 am and 2 pm. We hope that you will drop by to see what we have done so far and to give us your views. This is crucial to the VDS process and the more of you who contribute in this way the better our chances of getting the document adopted by WDC. Tea and coffee will be provided along with things to keep the kids amused !! Please support this event and help make a difference !! POLICE AND TRAFFIC GROUP Report by David Onslow I am sure you all aware of the increase in heavy lorries coming through the village. We have made representations to BCC, about the impact this is having on residents and on the roads and have been told they will try to get the lorries to take a different route. We are monitoring the situation, to see if things improve. Greenhouses & Stones? Most residents are only too aware of the heavy commuter traffic that passes through Flackwell Heath on weekdays, to avoid either the drag along the A40, or the logjam at Handy Cross. We all wish that people would drive more considerately through our village, without displaying the aggressive and impatient attitudes that are becoming all too evident The Police and Traffic Group of the Flackwell Heath Residents' Association (FHRA) is doing all it can to channel these concerns to Thames Valley Police and to Bucks County Council, both of which have a responsibility for the safe management and regulation of traffic. Sadly, through-traffic is not the only problem on our roads. There are a significant number of residents who make life unpleasant or hazardous for others in the village by their thoughtless behaviour. There is the inconvenience and danger created by lazy parking, such as on the yellow lines in Old Kiln Road. This is mainly by able-bodied drivers who are just too idle to park in the ample car park behind Budgen's and walk the short distance to the shops (we have no quarrel at all with the concession for the genuinely disabled). The parking issue in this particular road has eased somewhat since the Police put some official 'No-Parking' cones there, but the problem still persists around the village, notably near the schools. Also, there are those who drive excessively fast along residential side-roads, to the danger of children or family pets who (mistakenly) feel safe playing in what should be a quiet, little used road. The performance of cars has increased dramatically in recent years, but the reactions of drivers and other road users are probably not much faster than a century ago, so the risk of an accident goes up. How would you feel if you injured a neighbour's child or ran over their pet by driving too fast in the wrong place? The Police are being urged by the FHRA to take firm action against speeding and inconsiderate drivers, and we would not want residents to be caught in the net. Therefore, in the interest of neighbourliness and harmony within our community, let us all try to drive more considerately in the village we love and where we have so much at stake in the shape of friends, family and quality of life. Phil Lawrence YOUTH GROUP Report by Pam Mannering Proposed Youth Leisure Facilities on Recreation Ground The Chairman and Chair of the Youth Group recently met with the few residents who had concerns about the proposed leisure facilities in order that their objections could be noted and their views taken into account in any future plans. We will keep all residents informed of progress in connection with this project. Youth evening at the Royal British Legion On February 23rd the younger members of the Youth Group arranged an evening for young people 11 – 16 to get together to play various board games, listen to music and generally have the opportunity to chat in comfortable surroundings. The British Legion once again very kindly allowed the use of their hall this trial event and the Residents Association would like to thank them for helping with their efforts to find something for the young people to do. Thank you too to Emma, Martin, Ollie and Mark for all the work they put in, not only by giving up their time, but providing posters and leaflets and the equipment to relay the music out of their own pockets. It was nice to see some new faces, and it is the intention to hold a similar get-together on 30th March for this age group (11 – 16). Please tell your kids about it and encourage them to come along. It is only £1 entrance fee. EVENTS The above event was tremendously successful due to the sterling efforts of Pam Mannering who not only organised everything, but planned and cooked a fabulous three course meal (and still managed to look extremely elegant throughout the evening)!. Everyone remarked what a great night it was and certainly no-one went home hungry! Pam had arranged for Billy Jones, a very talented singer and comedian, to entertain those attending and the Church Hall came alive with everyone singing the songs from the Rat Pack era. The event raised £250 for the Residents Association and we would like to thank Pam for her never-ending fund raising efforts on our behalf – watch this space for future events of this kind.
BANJOVI REVIVAL CONCERT Last reminder to put this date in your diary! In order to raise funds for the Residents Association, Banjovi Revival are going to hold a repeat performance of their September concert, on 19th May. This will be from 2pm to 4pm, in two sessions, with a cream tea as before. For those of you who like a sing-along and banjos, it will be a great afternoon! Tickets will be £5 for members and £6 for non-members. If you are interested please get in touch with Pauline Gibson on 01628 523946 to reserve your seat. OPEN GARDENS EVENT It is early days yet but Elaine Parsons has had little response from our last request for people to be kind enough to open their gardens on the afternoon of Sunday 11th June to fellow villagers. Could those of you who are interested kindly ring Elaine on 01628 810886. As we reported this was an extremely successful day last year which was enjoyed by a lot of people, many of whom expressed interest in doing it again.. Full details will be published in the next issue but we do need to hear from those interested now. If you want fuller information now please don’t hesitate to ring Elaine who would be very happy to fill you in on the finer points. CHERRY FAYRE 16TH JULY The plans for this year’s Cherry Fayre are going ahead at a rapid rate and there is already great excitement around the village. Many of last year’s attractions will feature again as well as a host of new ones. There will be entertainment for every member of the family: from the fun of the fairground, the risk of a raffle, the fever of the five-aside football or simply a quiet cup of tea. “Queen Victoria” and “Prince Albert” have promised to make an appearance and will be arriving in style in their Victorian horse drawn carriage; they will be looking out for you on the great day – Sunday 16th July – so make sure it’s booked in your diary. If you would like to be involved in any way please contact Terry Darby on 01628 523375
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March 2006 (updated) SECOND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 8 PM, 28th MARCH 2006 AT FLACKWELL HEATH COMMUNITY CENTRE A message from the Chairman We would be delighted if you could all join us for the second Annual General Meeting of the Resident’s Association. Your support is essential to the success and future of the Residents Association and this will give us an opportunity to completely up-date you on our achievements and future objectives and for you to let us have your own views and expectations. Our Constitution requires the entire Executive Committee to stand down at the AGM. Any member wishing to stand for one of the positions and to make a positive contribution to our worthwhile work should send their nomination now, duly proposed and seconded, to the Secretary c/o Unit 4 Newsagents Flackwell Heath. As reported in the last issue, the posts of Vice Chairman, Secretary and Events Coordinator are currently not filled; crucially, we would particularly welcome nominations for the post of Secretary. If the Residents Association is not to fold, we need new people with new ideas and especially younger members to join either the Executive Committee or one of the various groups. MEMBERSHIP Applications for renewal of membership are coming in steadily and we would ask for your patience if you have not received your new membership cards. There may be some delay in issuing these cards due to the future change in the Association’s name as suggested by the Charity Commissioners in view of the confusion between ourselves and the Community Association. Can we take this opportunity of thanking all those who have rejoined and for the very generous donations made towards our projects? However, although our membership is steadily rising this still represents only a small fraction of the village population. We are looking to increasing our membership to1000 by the end of 2006, so can we urge those of you who have not done so to join us now so we can be truly seen as representing your views... Forms are available from Unit 4, the Library, or the Membership Secretary, Barbara Grierson on 01628 522514. POLICE AND TRAFFIC GROUP Report by David Onslow We are aware that many residents still feel unsafe in the village, especially at night. Recent crime statistics provided to us for Flackwell Heath do show an increase in crime. For October 2005 there were 33 reported crimes compared to 16 crimes in October 2004, and for November 2005 33 crimes compared to 22 in November. The official view from Thames Valley Police is that Flackwell Heath is still a low crime area, based on the amount of reported crime. In November 2005 the Police and Traffic Group introduced their own Hotline for residents to inform the Police and Traffic Group of criminal activity they had suffered or witnessed, after first reporting it to Thames Valley Police. While initially there was an encouraging response, latterly the use of the Hotline has tailed off. We can only assume therefore, and agree with the official Thames Valley Police view, that we are a low crime area, and do not need our own visible Beat Policeman. Only by reporting everything will a true record of crime in the village be obtained, and therefore change the mind of Thames Valley Police. So PLEASE REPORT EVERYTHING using the following telephone numbers: Thames Valley Police: 999 for Serious Crime Anti-Social Behaviour A meeting was held with Dominic Grieve, our MP, members of CWPC, a delegation from the FHRA PAT Group and other organizations on 20th of January. The three parishes raised the question of the lack of a visible police presence in all the villages. Questions were also raised concerning the performance of PC Peter Hearmon. We hope shortly to have a full report of the meeting on our FHRA website - www.Flackwellheath.net Beat Surgeries The first surgery for this year was held on January 21st at Christ Church. In attendance was our local beat policeman, PC Hearmon, and our PCSO, Alex Beever. Further surgeries will be held in February and March. Traffic Issues VillageTraffic Plan The PAT Group are continuing with formulation of the Village Traffic Plan. YOUTH GROUP Report by Pam Mannering We are pleased to report that CWPC approved our proposals for the leisure facilities on the Recreation Ground and, as the landowners, will submit the planning application to WDC The Council have noted that there were a couple of letters of complaint and have agreed that the issue of anti-social behaviour is an existing one and a reflection on the inadequate policing in the village. It is hoped that the provision of new facilities for the youngsters will stop the problems of skateboarding outside Budgens and in their car park. EVENTS RAT PACK SUPPER Come and enjoy a two course meal and listen to music from the Rat Pack Era. Please bring your own drinks, glasses (and friends (!) Tickets are £10 for FHRA members and £11 for others and are selling very quickly, so please ensure you reserve yours by contacting Pam Mannering on 01628 525317 or you can obtain them from Unit 4. We look forward to seeing you there!! BANJOVI REVIVAL CONCERT Put this date in your diary! In order to raise funds for the Residents Association, Banjovi Revival are going to hold a repeat performance of their September concert, on 19th May. This will be from 2pm to 4pm, in two sessions, with a cream tea as before. For those of you who like a sing-along and banjos, it will be a great afternoon! Tickets will be £5 for members and £6 for non-members. If you are interested please get in touch with Pauline Gibson on 01628 523946 to reserve your seat. OPEN GARDENS EVENT Following the success of this event last year, we are proposing to repeat it and once again are asking people to be kind enough to open their gardens on the afternoon of Sunday 11th June to fellow villagers. Could those of you who are interested kindly phone Elaine Parsons on 01628 810886. Last year many of you volunteered and helped us to make this a very successful day. Fuller details will be published later but if you do need any more information please contact Elaine who will be happy to help. CHERRY FAYRE 16TH JULY Following the great success of last year, planning for the 2006 Cherry Fayre on Sunday 16th July is well under way and promises to be an even more attractive event. This year we have a Victorian theme with a genuine horse drawn Victorian bus, a cycling club complete with penny-farthings and other attractions, joining a much bigger parade than last year. Stall sites are in great demand and have almost sold out; if you require one please ring Liz Johncock on 01628 521495 Advertising space for the programme is going fast and additional pages will have to be added; to advertise please ring Meg Scullion on 01628 524187. We are looking for more sponsors for the main attractions, and sponsor detail packages are available from Craig Lewis (01628 528550). We are planning an exciting programme in two smaller arenas, allowing everyone to get closer to the action. Other improvements from last year include an upgraded PA system and a wider variety of food and refreshment stalls. To be involved in manning stalls, gates, or helping put the site together please contact Terry Darby (01628 523375). The event promises to be a great day out for all the family so make sure you put it in your diary now! PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT 56 Straight Bit. Chairman advised that Dominic Grieve had taken up with the office of the Deputy Prime Minister the fact that the proposed plan for 56 Straight Bit was completely out of keeping with the rest of the village following the Planning Inspector upholding the appeal by Shanley Homes for the redevelopment of this site. Following advice from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office we have learnt that we can appeal directly to the Inspectorate in Bristol to try and get this overturned and this is in hand. SALE OF TEMPERANCE HALL You will, like us, have been very disappointed and surprised to see that the Temperance Hall has been sold, despite strong representations from individual residents and ourselves against this. We had understood that there would be an investigation into community needs when this building achieved local listing status following pressure from the Chiltern Society The Temperance Hall was originally the social centre of the village and since the 1970s has provided a valuable and well utilised meeting place for local catholic parishioners and, as you know, we would liked to have had the opportunity to use it as a meeting place for our local youth, As far as we are aware no-one has been advised as to whom the buyer is and the intended future plans, but we can assure you that we are presently making enquiries as to exactly what is proposed for this historic building. We will be closely monitoring the planning application and do our best to ensure that the proposed development will be a sympathetic conversion of this 100 year old historic building. We will keep you advised of progress..
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