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YOUNG PEOPLE This year Walton

Community Council are sponsoring

expanded activities for the young

people in the parish. For the first time

during the Easter holidays the council

will provide FREE events (see voucher

on page 6) as well as an expanded

Summer programme on Mondays -

Thursdays of the entire summer holiday

(page 17).

SENIOR VOICE We have not forgotten

our older members of the parish and

have sponsored 2 coach trips. The

August one is a day trip to Bournemouth

and the November one is to visit the

very popular Birmingham Christmas

market. This is the first time we have

organised such events and we have

gone to a recommended coach

company. There are only 46 seats per

coach so book now via the council

offices at MKSNAP (details of all contact

on page 3).

CALENDAR Walton Community Council

have introduced a calendar of events.

(See Page 12). With coach trips, more

Youth Cafe, rubbish round up's,

quarterly magazines and an autumn

fayre and farmers market, 2015

promises to be a busy year. Keep an eye

on the noticeboards for updates/details.

WHAT'S NEW …

Spring edition of Walton Matters

March 2015

Welcome to another edition of “Walton Matters” packed with information about your local community

Editor David Newland

INTRODUCING ... Special feature articles

CONTENTS INTRODUCING ... SPECIAL FEATURE ON ELECTIONS PAGE 3

YOUNG PEOPLE Featuring ...... Free Easter activities Puzzles Competitions Youth Cafe SUFC

ENVIRONMENT Featuring .... Warden report Environmental Army Committee report Allotmenteering

... and LEISURE featuring Events calendar MKSnap New City Church Paws 4 Thought

SENIOR VOICE featuring Coach Trips

FINANCE featuring Grants 2015/2016 Budget Committee report

PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT featuring Neighbourhood Plan Committee report Community Asset Transfer

Please read the new introduction of a Special feature article on page 2. This one's on the 7th May elections. Your parish council needs 10 councillors -

consider standing for election. Would you consider standing to make a difference?

JOB VACANCIES

Walton Community Council has 2 part time job vacancies. One for project work and one to help out in the office.

SEE ADVERTISEMENTS ON PAGE 16

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Read articles on Neighbourhood plan progress (Page 18) as well as what Walton Community Council are doing to monitor expansion and development in the parish and on our boundaries (Page 20)

COMPETITIONS, PUZZLES AND

YOUNG PEOPLES SECTION

Dedicated pages for the young people in the parish with news on expanded Youth Cafe days, competitions, Easter & summer activity programmes and the multi wheeled facility.

Do you have ideas on what to include in the next magazine? Contact Karen of Zoe (details page 3)

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GENERAL

ELECTIONS (MP

FOR SOUTH

MILTON KEYNES)

PARISH

COUNCIL

ELECTIONS

WARD

ELECTIONS

CENTRAL MILTON

KEYNES BUSINESS

NEIGHBOURHOOD

REFERENDUM

WALTON

COMMUNITY

COUNCIL HAS

10 SEATS UP

FOR ELECTION

Elections ..... Not that its escaped your notice I'm sure! In WALTON

on Thursday 7th May you will be given ballot papers for

IF YES - THEN STAND FOR ELECTION FOR THE

PARISH COUNCIL. Make a difference

CONTACT KAREN HILL (PARISH MANAGER) 01908 465445 FOR INFORMATION.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A COUNCILLOR ?... Simon says .... I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know the staff and other councillors and becoming involved in community work which it why I joined in the first place. Critically I feel I have added benefit to council and the Walton community in the decisions I have made and discussions I have been part of. It has to be said that on occasions getting things progressed can take longer than I have experienced in the commercial world and certainly expected when I joined and as a result in some areas we progress slowly. However over the past year I have enjoyed my role and will definitely look forward to standing for another 4 year term of office.

Simon Lorrimer-Roberts

DO YOU CARE

ABOUT THE RIGHT

DECISIONS

AFFECTING YOUR

NEIGHBOURHOOD

BEING MADE?

IN TOUGH

ECONOMIC TIMES

DO YOU WANT

YOUR VOICE HEARD

AT GRASS ROOTS

LEVEL?

ARE YOU

PREPARED TO

STAND UP TO

BE COUNTED ?

SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE by Parish Manager

ASK

YOURSELF

THIS

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Terry Reynolds - Chair Mario Toto - Vice Chair

Joanna Bolton Ian Boulden David Newland Jaime Tamagnini Lesley Sung Gill Stackpoole Simon Lorrimer-Roberts Mandy Taylor E: name.surname@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk (hyphenated names typed as one) Karen Hill - Parish Manager T: 01908 465445 or M: 07726 533705 E: clerk@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Zoe Stevenson - Assistant Clerk M: 07726 591029 E: administration@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Ian Reed - Community Liaison Co-Ordinator M: 07434 607559 E: warden@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Wavendon Gate, Caldecotte: Old Farm Park, Browns wood: David.hopkins@milton-keynes.gov.uk; victoria.hopkins@milton-keynes.gov.uk; alice.bramall@milton-keynes.gov.uk Walnut Tree, Walton’s: jenni.ferrans@milton-keynes.gov.uk) vanessa.mcpake@milton-keynes.gov.uk

FULL COUNCIL: 1st Wednesday of the month (except August) ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION COMMITTEE: Tuesday of week 2 of the month (except August & December)

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Tuesday of week 3 of the month (except August & December)

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: Tuesday of week 4 of the month (except August)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN WORKING GROUP: 2nd Wednesday of the month FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/WCCMK TWITTER: www.Twitter.com/WCCMK WEBSITE: www.waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Your Council

10 Councillors

3 staff

members

5 ward

councillors

Meetings

Media

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Since our last newsletter the council has been through a thorough and

vigorous budget review process with the aim of not only maintaining what

we currently provide, but increasing supportive services such as activities,

events and projects whilst not increasing the cost to our residents.

Residents can access our budget for 2015/2016 from our website. Our new

financial year begins on 1 April 2015.

One of our aims this year is to be more community focused and I am

pleased to say that the council has approved a full programme of

community events published in this magazine, on our website and on our

noticeboards. The Council has also committed to improved services for

youth with an extra day for the Youth Cafe, subsidised coach trips for our

third age residents, improved free Easter and summer activities for the

youth of our area together with improved environmental services.

We have a number of projects that are currently in progress or planned for

this financial year. The council is committed to making sure that every

effort is made to access all available external funding for these projects and

we have been successful in obtaining or getting approval for grants for a

number of these projects going forward.

Finance and Administration committee report

by

David Newland

(Chair)

2015/2016 BUDGET

EXPENDITURE operational costs £33,833

Staff costs (salaries, training, pensions) £81,980 Professional & legal costs £31,000

--------------- £146,813

Fixed Assets

£4,000 Facilities management

£23,500

Allotments

£6,000 Services

£60,000

Grants and reserve funding

£11,000 Project delivery (capital cost)

£276,500

---------------

£527,813

INCOME precept £195,000

Tax subsidy £6,760 Other income £1,570

--------------- £203,330

Facilities management - hire

£4,800 Allotments

£2,300

Services

£1,150 Projects - external funding, grants

£344,000

---------------

£555,580

---------------

Balance to go to reserves

£27,767

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THANKS ..... SUFC

would like to thank Walton Community Council for the grant

awarded. It has allowed 9 managers & coaches to

undertake a co-ordinated FA Level 2 course .Without the support of Walton

Community Council this could not have been

possible. This training will insure that the club

has depth in its coaching capabilities

Walton Community Council allocates a sum of money each financial year to be awarded as grants. If you are a registered charity, voluntary or community organisation that works with or provides a service to residents within Walton parish area then you could be eligible for a grant.

There is a short application process with just a single page form to complete and grant applications are considered at the Finance and Administration committee meetings in March, June, September and December of any year. Please see our website for full details.

If you would like to apply for grant funding, contact the Parish Manager or access our website for details.

Grants

by

Karen

Hill

(Parish

Manager)

THANKS .......The Staff and Cadets of 2532 (Milton Keynes) Squadron (Air Training Corps)

would like to thank the Council and residents of Walton Community for the award of a grant towards their project to purchase a minibus. We are now the proud owners of a minibus which will enable us to undertake activities outside of the Milton Keynes area without relying on parents and staff to provide transportation. A minibus facilitates the Squadron taking part in additional activities and makes for greater inclusion by allowing more cadets to partake in activities irrespective of parents ability to assist... Again a big thank you

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FREE EASTER ACTIVITIES

MONDAY 30 MARCH PLAY ASSOCIATION SESSION - 10-12.30PM HERONSGATE SCHOOL FIELD

TUESDAY 31 MARCH - voucher needed SPECIAL OPS - 10AM - 3PM AT CALDECOTTE XPERIENCE BUSH CRAFT

WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL PLAY RANGERS - 11.30 - 1PM WAVENDON GATE PAVILION FIELD

THURSDAY 2 APRIL EASTER EGG HUNT & COMPETITIONS (free eggs) SNAIL PARK (PARSLEY CLOSE) 10AM- 1PM

TUESDAY 7 APRIL- voucher needed SPECIAL OPS - 10AM - 3PM

AT CALDECOTTE XPERIENCE LASER TAG

WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL PLAY RANGERS - 11.30 - 1PM

VOUCHER FOR FREE SESSION

BRING THIS VOUCHER ALONG TO SPECIAL OPS AT CALDECOTTE EXPERIENCE ON

EITHER TUESDAY 31ST MARCH OF 7TH APRIL TO ENJOY A FREE SESSION.

PRE BOOKING ESSENTIAL: SPECIAL OPS 07904 987773 WALTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL 07726 533705

Sponsored by WALTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL.

I x voucher per young person

NEED MORE THAN 1 VOUCHER? Contact Walton Community Council

See you there

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COLOUR IN THE EASTER THEMED PICTURES

ACTIVITIES FOR THE UNDER 11'S

sponsored by

Walton

Community

Council

PUZZLES Can you find 9 differences in these pictures??? Look for the Answers on our website

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Barabbas, Calvary, Conejo de Pascua, Cross, Crucifixion, Domingo de Páscoa, Easter, Glad Påsk, Hot Cross Bun, Húsvét Vasárnap, Jesus Christ, Karfreitag, Lapin de Pâques, Pasen, Påskeæg, Pontius Pilate, Resurrection, The Last Supper, Uovo di Pasqua and Wielkanoc.

G Z G J R E P P U S T S A L E H T N

A E L A P I N D E P A Q U E S O U B

T N A U F C O N A K L E I W L B O I

I P D E O T Q G S E W V Z H S E V N

E O P O K L S T T R N C I S P A O O

R N A H M S T I E L K V O E Y U D I

F T S D Q I A G R X I R E L L C I T

R I K J U G N P S H C U N P M S P C

A U Y S T Y H G I T C Z A N T A A E

K S V R M P K Y O S H S T M U P S R

A P Y G L P L H I D E B U E O E Q R

E I N T C A G O P N E R X S D D U U

F L O G D R V T P U K P I W E O A S

I A J W Q C S A B A R R A B A J Y E

S T S M R U K L C F R E L S V E A R

H E G O N T E W J D A W L A C N D S

H U S V E T V A S A R N A P I O L A

T S N O I X I F I C U R C N H C A D

Apart from English, there is one word or phrase in each of the following languages: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. Can you work out which word/phrase is in which language and what they mean?

Word/Phrase Language Meaning

Conejo de Pascua

Domingo de Páscoa,

Glad Påsk

Húsvét Vasárnap

Karfreitag

Lapin de Pâques

Pasen

Påskeæg

Uovo di Pasqua

Wielkanoc

EASTER FOREIGN LANGUAGE WORDSEARCH (Accents have been omitted): find the words associated with Easter. Words can be in a straight line in any direction. A letter can be used in more than one word.

LOOK FOR THE SOLUTION ON OUR WEBSITE ..... www.waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

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COMPETITION Look for the green spotted Easter eggs hidden in this magazine.

COUNT HOW MANY YOU CAN FIND.

Answers via email to clerk@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk. Competition closes on 15 April 2015.

Winners will be informed via email within 10 days of the competition closing.

First 3 names out of the hat wins a £10 Argos voucher.

Your information will not be stored after the competition closes. Please make sure you ask permission to send an email to the council. You must live in the parish and

you must be between 5 and 18 years of age.

Southside United are

proudly working towards

achieving FA Development

Club status. Not only will

this increase the status of

the club as one of the only

FA Development Clubs in

the county, it will also

ensure that they work

closely with the FA and local

professional clubs to give young Southside players the best possible environment

to develop as footballers.

In addition the club will enjoy 50 hours of FA mentoring per year from a UEFA

‘A’ level qualified coach which will help keep the army of volunteer Southside

coaches on their toes! Southside have launched a new guide for their players,

parents and guardian group which outlines the standards that the club have set

for their coaches, players, officials and supporters as well as the club’s

approach to developing young footballers as well as the behaviours expected of

all stakeholders in the club.

The club have made two new appointments to their committee - Paul Murray,

Head of Coaching and Kieron Wicks, Director of Football. The addition of Paul and

Kieron, two hugely talented ex-professional footballers, will help Southside step

up the quality of their coaching and training regimes over the coming months and

years. It is clearly a very exciting time to be associated with Southside United.

Southside United Football Club

Article by

Gary

Singleton

(Chair)

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We are excited to be back up and running each week after the Christmas break. This term has been fantastic with loads of activities for our young people to get involved in, and with the introduction of some baking we’ve seen many of our members enjoy getting to grips with some new yummy recipes.

The Youth Café is also now supporting a number of young people who are volunteering within their local community through the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. We are very privileged to have a growing team of young volunteers who work alongside our staff and adults at the Youth Café to make it such a great project.

Each week many of these young people take on roles in assisting or managing certain areas of the Youth Café, which contributes massively to the excellent culture and atmosphere of the project. We always love to see young people & adults from the local community getting involved, so if you feel that this is something you might be interested in please get in touch. Due to the great success of this project we are currently working towards opening a second Youth Café session to be held on Thursday evenings also at Wavendon Gate School in the very near future. We hope that this second session will enjoyed by a number of young people who cant make Tuesday evenings due to other commitments, but also for those who just enjoy being at Youth Café to have another night of the week where they can hang out together. Stay tuned for more info on our Facebook page.

There is always loads of stuff going on each week and for many of our young people the Youth Café presents a great opportunity to hang out with friends and chill out after a long day at school. There are games consoles, crafts, table tennis and other activities to get involved in, all for just 50p per week. We even have free snacks and drinks so no one goes hungry, these are especially good when we bake. If you are aged between 11 & 17 (Secondary School Age), then why not come and check out this great project on Tuesday evenings 6-8pm at Wavendon Gate School.

For more information contact Pulse at www.pulseyouth.co.uk or pick up one of our flyers. Find us on Facebook, search Wavendon Gate Youth Café.

Youth Cafe

Article by

Marco

Loxley

(CEO)

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news from

MKSNAP

Article by

Maureen

McColl

(CEO)

What has happened since the last

newsletter?

Well firstly I would like to thank the Parish council for advertising one of our vacancies for us. As a result of this we have now employed a part time facilities person here at MK Snap. We welcome Geoff to our Snap team and already Geoff is making a difference to the smooth running of our wonderful facility.

We are delighted that our Thursday coffee morning is attracting more local attention and as our new kitchen is installed we hope to run coffee mornings more regularly. We will be sending out more information about this in the next newsletter.

If you would like to know more about MK Snap and what we do please have a look at our website www.mksnap.org or pop in and say hello, our learners enjoy meeting new people and we believe it helps to bring our community together. If you would like to volunteer, please let us know by contacting the main office on 01908 690330.

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS 28 November

FREE ENTRY carols round the tree

music concert at The Venue mulled wine + mince pies

SUMMER HOLIDAYS YOUTH ACTIVITIES

£5 EACH (residents only)

BUSH CRAFT & LASER TAG TUESDAYS (proof of residence required)

SUMMER HOLIDAYS FREE YOUTH ACTIVITIES

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS

MK PLAY ASSOCIATION PLAY RANGERS MARTIN WHITE FOOTBALL FACTORY NEW STARS ARTS ACADEMY

FREE EASTER EGG HUNT & GAMES 2 April (Parsley Close play area)

WALTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL'S 2015 EVENTS CALENDAR

COACH TRIP £5 PER PERSON (proof of state pension Required)

BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

TUESDAY 24/11/2015 Depart and return Walnut Tree Pavilion

LEAVE 9AM BACK IN MK BY 7PM

COACH TRIP £5 PER PERSON

(proof of state pension required)

BOURNEMOUTH DAY TRIP

TUESDAY 28/7/2015 Depart and return Walnut Tree Pavilion

LEAVE 8AM BACK IN MK BY 8.30PM

BOOKINGS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. OPEN NOW. ONLY 46 PLACES PER TRIP AVAILABLE. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT ! Short information form to complete. Contact Zoe (details page 3)

AUTUMN FAYRE & FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 1.30PM - 5PM

FREE ENTRY plus... ENTERTAINMENT . CRAFT STALLS . POLICE HORSES . FOOD STANDS . TEA & CAKE .

DEMONSTRATIONS . FACE PAINTING . COMPETITIONS . PIG ROAST. BOUNCY

CASTLE . MUSIC .

FREE EASTER YOUTH

ACTIVITIES (SEE PAGE 6)

WARDEN'S RUBBISH ROUND UP

FUN & LUNCH provided PRIZES to be won

25 APRIL 10am Tesco in Old Farm Park

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Dear Community Council. I was thrilled to be asked to write an

article for Walton Matters about what "matters" to me as a

human being facilitator. Being a veteran of over 28 dog years of

walking in Walton Parish I know the best haunts for rabbits, birds

and for chasing squirrel but I also make sure she who must be

exercised, keeps healthy and active. We both love walking in the parish and her who

must be obeyed never minds when I am caught short as she pops my poop presents

into these special bags that the Community warden can give you which she then puts

into the bright red bins you lovely people supply all over the parish. My walks are a

great opportunity for meeting people. Our favourite at the moment as its cold, is

walking around Caldecotte Lake. We both love the exercise machines... she who must

be listened too because she gets to work out (well puff and blow a lot it seems!) and I

get to have a good scout around and flush out a few birds or a squirrel if I'm lucky.

Unfortunately we often find our walks spoilt by thoughtless owners who allow their dogs

to run around without being on a lead. I love the feel of the wind in my ears but I

understand that not everyone is as pleased to see me as I am to see them and sometimes

other dogs are quite aggressive and unfriendly towards me and I have been frightened.

COME ON dog owners - make sure you put your precious dog on a lead when out and

about. That way we dogs stay safe and you owners don't end up in

arguments. Well until next time

PAWS 4 THOUGHT

Article by

Delilah

would you like to contribute to paws 4 thought ?

contact k hill 01908 465445

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Litter: In February half term, volunteers comprising residents, Oakgrove Waitrose partners and their families and Pay back probation team, undertook a litter pick in parts of Wavendon Gate and Walnut Tree. 45 bags of rubbish was collected. Afterwards everyone enjoyed pancakes (thank you Waitrose) and refreshments. Our next litter pick will be for Old Farm Park on Saturday 25 April 10 am to 12 noon. Meet at Tescos at Britten Grove. Refreshments available at 12 noon. Litter pickers and sacks will be provided.

Dog Fouling: This is a issue in the parish. I am noticing dog fouling on red ways and footways. Dog owners please pick up after your dogs. If you are concerned about the level of dog fouling where you live you can get together with neighbours and order Dog Poo Fairy resources from the Keep Britain tidy website www.keepbritaintidy.org Report fouling to Mk Council at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/waste-recycling/report-or-request-it. Talk to dog owners politely and respectfully.

Rubbish Collection: In cycling round our parish on bin collection day I see many instances where the contents of sacks have spilled and have not been picked up. Instances like this can be reported to MKC at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/waste-recycling/report-or-request-it

Streetlife.com: If you are interested in your local area you may be interested in streetlife.com. By registering online you will be able see what is happening locally and there is an opportunity to organise/promote events and interests. www.streetlife.com.

Big Lunch Sunday 7 June 2015: Big Lunch is an opportunity for neighbours, residents and friends to get together to share food and time together. Enjoying a Big Lunch is just the start – it’s what can happen after that really makes the difference! The Big Lunch is a simple recipe to have fun with your neighbours and encourage friendlier, safer neighbourhoods. As well as sharing a meal you’ll be meeting new people, making new friends and strengthening ties in your community so we all end up richer in every sense, which can also help you to discover common ground across age, class, faith, race and the garden fence. The Big Lunch Pack Request: Details can be found here: www.thebiglunch.com. Don’t forget to let me know if you are organising a Big Lunch this

Warden's Ramble

Article by

Ian Reed

Community

Liaison

Co-

Ordinator

I am out in the parish several times a week.

You will recognise me - I am the one on the

bike in a hi-viz jacket and blue cycling helmet

or picking up litter!! If you have any concerns

or want to have a chat please contact me to

see if I can help and advise

15 | P a g e

year. The worst of the winter should be behind us and we can look forward to the warmer weather. With this we should be able to see how the new MK Council landscaping contract with Serco is going.

We have been busy over the winter period. We received very positive feedback on the Community Christmas tree. We have installed additional litterbins and Dog Bins to help keep the parish tidy. Our focus this year has been to look at ways of brining the community together and we have arranged subsidised coach trips and events during the Easter and summer school holidays (pages 9 and 11)

We have also received positive feedback from the work that our warden is doing, so much so that we have increased his hours to cope with the additional demands on his time. Say hello to Ian Reed if you see him on his rounds. We have also completed a review of the play areas and are now deciding on a plan of action. This will be a long term plan. We have 24 play areas in the parish and can only look at upgrading 2 – 3 a year. We are still working with MK Council on the multi Wheeled Activity Area that has the support of the ward Councillors and will hopefully be in a position to provide a more detailed update shortly.

Lastly time and weather has started to catch up with the fencing on the allotment sites so we are undertaking a review to see what needs to be replaced now to carry us forward for the next 15 years. If you are interested in taking on an allotment then please contact Ian Reed for more details

Finance and Administration committee report

WISH THAT PATCH OF GROUND THAT NEVER SEEMS TO BE MAINTAINED

WAS CLEARED AND LOOKED AFTER ?

SICK OF SEEING LITTER LEFT LYING AROUND BLOWING INTO BUSHES ?

WANT TO PLANT SOME BULBS THAT WILL GIVE COLOUR AND CHEER ?

WANT TO SEE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD TIDIED UP OCCASSIONALLY? Budget cuts that will have to be made by Milton Keynes Council will mean that the extra landscaping and maintenance we grew accustomed to will be cut in a bid to try and cut costs. Its time to get out there in an organised group with your trusty secateures and knowledge and enthusiasm and form a working party to tackle small jobs. refuse sacks and littler pickers will be provided. INTERESTED? Contact Ian Reed or Karen Hill. Details on page 3

WE ARE LOOKING TO FORM AN

ENVIRONMENTAL ARMY

Environment and Recreation Committee report

Article by

Ian Boulden

(Chair)

We need YOUR help

16 | P a g e

FOR EITHER OF THESE VACANCIES ..... Please download an application form from the website and submit

with a covering letter giving examples of previous projects and work you have been involved with and

why you feel this is the job for you! Interviews will follow shortlisting. If you do not hear from the parish

manager by 24 April please understand you did not make the shortlist and no further correspondence

will be entered into.

Parish Manager Karen Hill: T: 01908 465445 or M: 07726533705

ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPPORT

18 HOURS PER WEEK SALARY up to £23000 PA (pro rata) depending on experience

ASSISTANT OFFICE SUPPORT

15 HOURS PER WEEK SALARY up to £17000 PA (pro rata) depending on experience

Walton Community Council has the funds and aspiration to deliver several capital projects over the next 18-36 months. We have a project delivery programme managed by a project officer but have recognised that she needs support. We are looking to recruit an assistant that can offer support and knowledge and preferably bring some previous experience to the role. This is a hands-on role and the successful candidate will have proven communication skills, be flexible in their working availability, be used to working to tight schedules and enjoy getting involved in a project from conception to delivery. A full job description available from the parish manager on request.

JOB REFERENCE: APS2015. CLOSING DATE 10 APRIL 2015

Walton Community Council has an ambitious strategy to continue to deliver services and capital

projects within the parish. We are looking to recruit someone who would be willing to support our

office staff and handle all the important administrative functions every busy office has. The person

must be willing to handle routine tasks as well as have some community interaction. They will be

required to manage the office diary, handle post, photocopying, booking appointments and arranging

meetings so a good telephone manner is important. A full job description available from the parish

manager on request.

JOB REFERENCE: OFFSUP2015. CLOSING DATE 10 APRIL 2015

17 | P a g e

MONDAYS PLAY ASSOCIATION

10-12.30PM FREE

E: clerk@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk W:

www.waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Your ideas count! A big thank you to everyone who has contacted us in response to consultations or through the website/email address. As a result many more projects are being developed in response to your ideas! Look out for further news in the coming months on the next Trim Trail Challenge and the first official Walton Autumn Fayre.

Work is ongoing to progress the plans to install a multi-wheeled facility at Walnut Tree sports field. Students from Walton High School, alongside their Vice Principal Mr. Baxter, have set some design principles for the park. They have some excellent ideas, even coming up with some computer graphics of their own. They have a good understanding of the wider needs of the local community - not least wanting to ensure it is a fun, safe place for all and accommodates all ages. Their ideas have also included plans for community events, lessons on safety, art projects and mentoring. The next step is to commission the formal design from companies, involving the young people in the design group. Further news will be circulated to residents once all the survey results are in place.

We are progressing proposals to improve play facilities in the parish and plans are in place to improve the play area at Wingate Circle in conjunction with Milton Keynes Council. This will be followed over the next year by at least two more projects - the first planned to be at the Snail Park, off Parsley Close. Why don’t you help us with the design ideas? If you live in the area and currently use or would like to use the play area - why not join us for an Easter Egg Hunt! See

page 6 for details. All the family can join in the fun whilst also helping us understand how you think the play area can be improved to maximise the play value of the area. If you would like to know more about any of our

ongoing projects - or have new ideas you would like to share, please contact me on: projects@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

UP COMING SUMMER ACTIVITIES SESSIONS RUN FROM THURSDAY 23RD JULY TO THURSDAY 28TH AUGUST

Projects

by Lisa

Emmanuel

(Project

Support)

TUESDAYS SPECIAL OPS 10AM - 3PM

AT CALDECOTTE XPERIENCE BUSH CRAFT & LASER TAG

£5 CHARGE

WEDNESDAYS PLAY RANGERS

11.30 - 1PM FREE

THURSDAYS MARTIN WHITE

FOOTBALL FACTORY 1PM - 3PM

FREE

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This is my fourth article for Walton Matters so a brief introduction - my name is Stuart Copeland and I chair the Walton Neighbourhood Plan Working group. I am a resident of Wavendon Gate and have been for over 20 years with my family.

By the time you receive this newsletter, we will be deep into the analysis of our second and more detailed survey. At the time of writing, we have had a great response again and so another big thank you. The results of this survey will guide us as we write the content of the Neighbourhood Plan. We are also speaking to people who represent education, health, community and business groups. We are keen to understand their needs because they provide many of the services and jobs on which many of us rely.

On a personal level, the last few weeks has emphasised to me why we need

a Neighbourhood Plan. You may be aware of the Church Farm development

planned for land adjacent to Wavendon Gate and Old Farm Park. The

planning application for the houses, together with a generally unsuitable

road access was heard by Milton Keynes Council Development Control

Committee on 5th February. A group of us, representing local residents,

along with our Ward Councillor and Community Council, objected in person

at the planning committee meeting. Our complaints, which have been

voiced for three years now, concern the lack of clear plans for education,

health and community facilities, or the funding to cover them. Also, the

planned access road is too close to Ravel Close and has been deigned to

allow hundreds of cars to meet hundreds of children at Byrd Crescent.

Unfortunately, our complaints have led to no changes whatsoever to the

plan.

Thankfully, the committee saw the common sense of our argument against

the road access and deferred the scheme. This might prove to be a short-

lived victory as we are facing an unsupportive planning team and a

developer with expensive advisers. My point is that our Neighbourhood Plan

will insist that adjacent developments provide their own infrastructure and

that they are properly future proofed. The planners and the developers are

obligated to take notice of these plans and so will improve the quality of

developments here.

Thanks again for the great response to the survey and I look forward to seeing the results. If you want to find out more, or want to help, you can find more details here:

Website: http://www.waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk/Walton-CC/neighbourhood_plan-15450.aspx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCCMK?fref=ts

Can you help us? We hold meetings once per month and all do a small amount of homework between meetings.

Neighbourhood Plan Report

by Stuart

Copeland

(Chair of

working group)

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In previous issues of our Newsletter I have kept you informed of the progress that Walton Community Council had made to secure the community assets in Walton parish, being offered through Milton Keynes Council Community Asset Transfer programme.

The current status is that of the four assets in Walton (Browns Wood Sports Ground, Britten Grove Community Centre, Wavendon Gate Pavilion & Sport Ground and Heronsbrook Meeting Place) previously offered through the CAT programme only Browns Wood Sports Ground has to-date been re-opened for applications from eligible groups.

Walton Community Council's application to acquire this asset has progressed well and we are currently finalising heads of terms for the freehold transfer. Once the transfer is completed Walton Community Council intends to build a Pavilion on the land. The Pavilion will provide changing rooms, toilets, kitchen and meeting facilities, and will enable greater use of the facilities by local sports users such as our local team Southside United FC.

Overall Walton Community Council remains committed to the acquisition of all community assets in Walton where it will be possible to take direct control and manage through a Walton Community Council committee. We believe that this approach will ensure best value for tax payers and achieve higher usage by residents in the Walton community. However to reassure residents the council will, as ever, take great care to consult with existing user groups and create and maintain an open forum for ongoing Community involvement.

If you would like to know more please contact our Parish Manager or myself.

Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Report by Terry

Reynolds

(Walton

Community

Council

Chair)

Allotment News

by Karen Hill

(Parish

Manager)

ALLOTMENT GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE We have several garden plots available on 2 different sites within the parish. If

you fancy growing your own produce and spending warm summer evenings in

lazy contemplation of your plants, then allotmenteering is for you. Allotment

growing is a sociable pastime where you meet other residents of your parish and

share knowledge and tips. Don't be put off if you are a novice. Everyone has to

start somewhere and there are lots of experienced allotment gardeners on each

site just dying to pass on their wisdom.

INTERESTED? Contact Ian Reed on M: 07434 607559

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Church Farm: It is very disappointing to see that despite consultations about Church Farm, Connolly Homes and Milton Keynes planning officers appear to have disregarded residents’ and Walton Community Council's concerns about the lack of proper infrastructure to support the new development.

After three years of frustrating negotiation, the planning application put before the Development Control Committee (DCC) did not provide a straight H10 grid road extension into Church Farm, nor did it provide a safe grade separated crossing at Byrd Crescent. Speaking in objection at the planning committee meeting, residents, Ward Councillor and Parish Councillor were instrumental in securing a majority vote to defer the application with the expectation that the issues of objection would be addressed by the next submission.

Disappointingly, the same plans have been re-submitted to the planning committee meeting due to take place on 5 March (after the printing of this Newsletter). It is feared that the DCC members will be forced to approve this inadequate plan under the implied threat of legal action by Connolly Homes. We can only hope that our elected representatives will uphold the guiding principles and standards of our road infrastructure and reject the application.

Expansion in and around our parish is ongoing. The next activity in this process is to identify potential sites for the next phase of development and this takes the form of the Site Allocations Consultation closing 18 April 2015. Please consider that the development of land parcels outside of our parish boundary may have a material impact on our facilities and resources e.g. healthcare, education, traffic congestion etc. Please engage in this very important process. The Site Allocations Plan document may be found on our website. On the theme of inadequate infrastructure, we have the example of the dangerous crossing on the V10 between Walton Grange and Walnut tree, where ideally an underpass should have been provided to serve the development. Many residents based in Walton Grange need to cross the road to access the doctors, schools, shops and play parks. With traffic travelling at up to 60 mph on this grid road, the small pedestrian island offers minimal spatial separation from vehicles and exposes pedestrians to the risk of displacement by air turbulence. In addition the poor signage does not give motorists any warning of this crossing. Residents have expressed concern that unless measures are taken a fatality could occur. They have launched a campaign to raise awareness of this matter with Milton Keynes Council. Walton Community Council will support this initiative and make enquiries regarding the availability of funding to upgrade the crossing.

Planning and Development Committee Report

by Mario Toto

(Chair)

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New City Church Milton Keynes is a local church that meets every Sunday at 10.30am in the excellent MK SNAP facility in Walnut Tree. We are committed to working hard in serving the local community and, above all, we are committed to helping people discover the good news about Jesus Christ and seeing their lives transformed by his grace.

We were disappointed that our Carols Round The Tree event had to be cancelled due to bad weather. However, we are now very much looking forward to Easter! For Christians, Easter is the high point of the year as we celebrate Jesus’ death (on Good Friday) and resurrection (on Easter Sunday), and it’s a great time to consider the impact of these things for our own lives. With all that is happening in our world you might wonder if there is anything to celebrate at all. And yet I was struck recently by the bravery and hope found in Kayla Mueller’s final letter to her family. Kayla was being held hostage in Syria and yet wrote these moving words:

“I remember mom always telling me that […] in the end the only one you really have is God. I have come to a place in experience where […] I have surrendered myself to our creator because literally there was no else. I have been shown, in darkness, light and have learned that even in prison, one can be free. I am grateful.”

This demonstrates something of the peace that comes from knowing that Jesus died and rose again. Why not take the opportunity this Easter to discover that peace for yourself? Join us this Easter at MK SNAP: All details can be found on our website – www.newcitychurch.co.uk

29th March – Easter Funday at 1.30pm 3rd April – Good Friday Service at 10.30am 5th April – Easter Sunday Celebration 10.30am

New City Church

by Pastor

Richard

Wardman

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WAVENDON GATE YOUTH CAFÉ Hosted by PULSE!

Every Tuesday and Thursday

(term time from April)

6pm-8pm Wavendon Gate School

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN WORKING

GROUP Meeting to create a development plan for YOUR

parish. Meets 2nd Wednesday of every month in

Room 2 of MKSNAP, Bourton Low, Walnut Tree.

Join the group and have your say on the

development of YOUR neighbourhood!

ALLOTMENTSWe have allotment gardens

available on 2 different sites in the parish.

Would you like to take on a garden and

grow your own produce? If so

contact the council

Meets every Sunday

at 10.30am at

MKSNAP building,

20 Bourton Low,

Walnut Tree

ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPPORT

18 hours pw

salary £23k PA pro rata

and depending on experience

PART TIME OFFICE

SUPPORT NEEDED

15 hours pw £17k PA pro rata

No office

experience necessary but an

advantage

FREE EASTER AND

SUMMER EVENTS PROGRAMME.

See noticeboards & website for

details

WARDEN RUBBISH

ROUND UP'S See

noticeboards & website for

details

CALLING LOCAL BUSINESSES!! Newsletters are delivered to every

household 4 x a year. To advertise in the newsletter + on the website, please

contact the office

VENUE HIRE

WAVENDON GATE PAVILION Isaacson Drive, Wavendon Gate,

MK7 7RZ (T) 01908 584860

BRITTEN GROVE COMMUNITY CENTRE 76 Holst Crescent, Old Farm Park,

MK7 8QU, (T): 01908 375442

HERONSBROOK MEETING PLACE 5 Wadesmill Lane, Walnut Tree,

MK7 7ED, (T): 07752 684081

MK SNAP 20 Bourton Low, Walnut Tree,

MK7 7DE, (T): 01908 690330

COMMUNITY NOTICES

WALTON COMMUNITY

COUNCIL OFFICE 10am – 2pm

MONDAY - FRIDAY

MKSNAP, 20 Bourton Low, Walnut Tree

(T): 01908 465445 (M): 07726 533705

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EDITOR: DAVID NEWLAND

SUB EDITORS: KAREN HILL & ZOE STEVENSON

PRINTED BY: City Print (Milton Keynes) Ltd, 17 Denbigh Hall, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 7QT, Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 377085 www.cityprint.net

If so please get in touch with the office : EMAIL: clerk@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk administration@waltoncommunitycouncil.gov.uk MOBILE: 07726 533705 or 01908 465445

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DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure that information & news is accurate at the time of going to press. No liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the general information & guidance contained herein, or loss, consequential or inconsequential is accepted. Information contained within this newsletter does not constitute legal or professional advice & is not necessarily endorsed by Walton Community Council.

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