Great River Great Ouse hosts its first annual River Rinse

Posted on 28th September 2022 by communications

Sunday morning was a beautiful early autumn morning perfect for the first of this year’s Buckingham River Rinses.

Members of the public, Buckingham Town Council staff, councillors and volunteers from the Stowe Sub Aqua Group met at the University car park ready to start cleaning the stretch of river from Tanlaw Mill up stream to Fishers Field.

Stowe Sub Aqua Group, who have been volunteering for many years on the project, went in the river and pulled out traffic cones, branches, wire baskets, pipes and general litter. Volunteers litter picked along the river bank and as well as general litter, found a tv that had been dumped.

Cllr Robin Stuchbury, Chairman of the Town Centre & Events Committee had the following to say: “another successful day with many different people turning out from within the community, in partnership with Stowe Sub Aqua, the green spaces team, officers and councillors. All working together to improve our river environment again this year. It’s a constant theme of the Council to look after our aquatic wildlife, and great River Great Ouse.”

If you would like to get involved and help keep our stretch of the River Great Ouse free of debris, we will be meeting on Sunday 9^th October in the Bourton Park car park, Bourton Road at 10:15am. We will be working from the bridge at the bypass up stream towards the cricket club. Litter pickers, gloves and rubbish bags will be provided.

Grants available for Buckingham community groups 2023

Posted on 28th September 2022 by communications

Buckingham Town Council funds thousands of pounds worth of community, voluntary and social group projects through one year grants every year.

Applications for 2023-2024 funding are invited to be received by Friday 4^th November at 12 noon by email to deputytownclerk@buckingham-tc.gov.uk.

Application forms are available on the town council website. and must be accompanied by a copy of your group’s latest accounts (or business plan for new groups).

Last years funded grants included: solar panels for the cricket club house, free family activity sessions, football training equipment, flood defences, accessible fishing platform and a beacon for the Platinum Jubilee.

Anyone with questions about the grant fund is encouraged to contact the Town Council office who are happy to give help and advice with applying for funding.

Councillor Lisa O’Donoghue, chair of the Resources committee said: “We would like to encourage eligible groups to apply, last year 8 groups were awarded one year funding (alongside 8 longer term funds). We know that the grants we give out really benefit the community as a whole, including visitors and residents.”

Buckingham Marks Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Posted on 21st September 2022 by Estates

Under lowered half-mast flags, Buckingham residents commemorated the life of Queen Elizabeth II throughout the National Mourning period.

A number of books of condolence were available in Buckingham, with copies circulated to care homes so that residents unable to access the books could take part from their homes. The resulting entries will be bound into books and archived at Buckinghamshire Council for future historians.

The Reading of the Proclamation of the Accession of the new King Charles III took place outside the Old Gaol at 3.30pm on Sunday 11^th September. A large crowd of more than four hundred people gathered to witness Deputy Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Anja Schaefer, read the Proclamation and sing ‘God Save the King’ for the first time.

On Sunday 18^th September, St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Buckingham held a Commemorative Service. The service started with a reflection on Her Majesty’s life by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham followed by readings and prayers given by other reverends and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Anja Schaefer. There were various hymns sung including the late Queen’s favourite hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. The service was attended by approx. 200 people and many of those signed the book of condolence afterwards.

Commemorative Serice

One Buckingham fact commented on by residents was the long link between Buckingham and the Royal Family. Buckingham has two Royal Charters, one from Mary Tudor in 1554, and one from Charles II in 1684. Charles II also gifted Buckingham its Mace in 1660, which is still used at ceremonial occasions today.

Buckingham Palace is also named after Buckingham. Originally known as Buckingham House, it was owned by the Duke of Buckingham and sold to George III in 1761. Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had visited Buckingham on several occasions, and stories were told of her visit to the University of Buckingham in 1996 as well as her arrival several years before via train in 1966. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip met with the then Mayor of Buckingham, Alderman T. Lambourne at Buckingham Station. Images of the couple smiling in the train carriage were printed in the local paper.

Councillor Margaret Gateley, Mayor of Buckingham said “These have been momentous and historic days since we learned of the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. I am sure that the people of Buckingham will remember participating in the various events which have taken place since for all their lives. These events have provided us all with the opportunity to reflect on the long life and reign of Her Majesty as well as to give thanks for her devoted service to our nation and to the Commonwealth.”

Notes:

For enquiries, please contact Claire Molyneux at Buckingham Town Council on 01280 816426, communications@buckingham-tc.gov.uk

Reading of the Proclamation of the Accession in Buckingham

Posted on 15th September 2022 by admin

Buckingham announced the accession of His Majesty King Charles III, at the Reading of the Proclamation of the Accession in Buckingham.

This centuries-old tradition follows the Reading of the Proclamation of the Accession in London, with the message passing through civic officers in a chain from cities to towns.

Deputy Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Anja Schaefer, travelled to Aylesbury to hear the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire read the Proclamation of the Accession at 1pm on Sunday 11^th September, and collect Buckingham’s copy of the Proclamation.

Having returned to Buckingham, Cllr. Anja Schaefer read the Proclamation to a large crowd that had gathered in Buckingham outside the Old Gaol at 3.30pm. The Deputy Mayor was joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Carolyn Cummings, the Town Clerk, Claire Molyneux, the Town Crier, Russell Cross, Mace Bearer, Barbara Farmer and Trumpeter, Nick Perry.

A full programme from the event is available on the Town Council website: www.buckingham-tc.gov.uk/31364-2/ or can be picked up from Buckingham Library for anyone who would like to keep a copy.

The Town Council have also organised a book of condolence at the Old Gaol Museum, accessible 10am – 4pm daily. Anyone wishing to leave a floral tribute can do so at the coronation tree, near the war memorial at St Peter & St Paul’s Church. Union Flags, with mourning cravats attached, have been put up around the town centre.

A Commemorative Service will take place at St Peter & St Paul’s Church beginning at 11am. Free tickets to attend must be booked in advance, either online: www.bpchurch.uk/queen or for anyone who does not use the internet, paper tickets can be collected from the Tourist Information Centre, in the Old Gaol, Buckingham during their normal opening hours.

As Town Council officers have been redeployed from other duties to deliver the Council’s programme of events to commemorate the life of HM The Queen, the Council was unable to host its annual dog show on the 11^th September.

Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Margaret Gateley said “We have all been saddened by the death of our beloved Queen. She was a faithful and loyal monarch, steering our nation through a time of unprecedented change. We have now welcomed our new monarch, King Charles III, in a historic ceremony, attended by many from our community. In the words of The Archbishop of Canterbury, “Everlasting God, we pray for our new king. Bless his reign and the life of our nation. Help us to work together so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness flourish among us; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Deputy Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Anja Schaefer said “It was a great honour to read out the Proclamation of Accession in Buckingham and a joy to see so many gathered to mark this historic moment in our history. Queen Elizabeth II served this country faithfully, dutifully and with great dignity and humour throughout her long reign. The commemorative service on Sunday 18^th Sept will give the people of Buckingham the chance to come together to express our gratitude to the Queen and our sadness at her loss.”

Reading of the Proclamation of the Accession

Posted on 12th September 2022 by admin

Events in Buckingham marking the death of Her Majesty The Queen

Posted on 9th September 2022 by communications

A period of National Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has now started, this will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral. A number of events are planned locally to celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen and the accession of the new King.

State Funeral – Monday 19th September

The Buckingham Town Council office and most services, including the Tourist Information Centre, will be closed on Monday 19th September to mark the State Funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Services will resume as normal on Tuesday 20th September.

Commemorative Service

There will be a Commemorative Service to celebrate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Peter & St Paul’s Church on Sunday 18^th September at 11am. Tickets must be booked in advance, which can be done online: Buckingham Parish Church : Queen Elizabeth II (bpchurch.uk)

Book of Condolence

Books of Condolence have been opened in Buckingham at:

The Old Gaol Museum exercise yard – open 10am to 4pm daily
St Peter’s and St Paul’s church – open 9am to 9pm daily
Buckingham library – open 9am to 5pm daily

Books of Condolence will be open until the day following the funeral. You can also sign the Royal Family online condolence book here: www.royal.uk

Flowers

Floral tributes can be laid at the coronation tree near the war memorial at St Peter and St Paul’s Church. We ask that any plastic wrappers or ties are removed from the flowers.

Flowers will be removed from the tree on the morning on Tuesday 20th September. The flowers will be preserved and used to plant a tree in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at a later date.

Flags

Union flags with mourning cravats were placed around Buckingham town centre the morning after the announcement of the passing of the monarch. These will be removed on the morning of Tuesday 20th September and half mast flags will be returned to full height.

Reading of the Proclamation

The Reading of the Proclamation of the New King will take place outside Buckingham Old Gaol at 3.30pm on Sunday 11^th September.

The reading of the proclamation is a very old tradition, traced back over centuries, that announces the accession of the new monarch.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022: Statement from the Mayor of Buckingham

Posted on 9th September 2022 by communications

Buckingham Town Council has learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen with great sorrow. On behalf of the people of Buckingham, the Town Council expresses our deep condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and to all members of the Royal Family at this time of sadness following the death of our beloved Queen.

Her Majesty the Queen served our nation faithfully and graciously during her 70-year reign. Her recent Platinum Jubilee gave our nation the opportunity for a magnificent celebration. She will be remembered for her wisdom and endurance, her dedication to her role as monarch and as a figurehead, not only for our own country, but also for the Commonwealth. She has ruled during a period of great social, economic and technological change. Her Majesty continued to carry out public engagements until quite recently, demonstrating her commitment to the organisations and charities of which she was patron, as well as to the wider community. Her long reign has meant that she was able to provide continuity within an ever-changing world.

As a young woman the then Princess Elizabeth was active during the Second World War, joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), in which she trained as a mechanic, as soon as she was able to do so. This reflected her loyalty, dedication and hard-working approach to her role in the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty visited Buckingham on two occasions: in 1966 and 1996. These were splendid occasions, remembered with pride by those who were present.

Flags in the town will be flown at half-mast to mark the death of The Queen. More information will be passed on to residents regarding books of condolence and charitable donations as these become available.

Basketball and Play Around The Parishes: Free Events in Buckingham

Posted on 7th September 2022 by admin

Organised by Buckingham Town Council, free basketball sessions were held in Buckingham during the summer holidays. This year’s sessions were every Monday from 1st August through to Monday 29th August. Two sessions took place; 8-12yr olds in the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Chandos Park from 5:30pm and 13+ years in Bourton Park from 6:45 pm to 7:45pm.

Coach Jenner, a qualified coach and his wife have been holding the free turn-up and play sessions in Buckingham for 9 years and have seen some of the players progress all the way through to playing for a team in Milton Keynes and even going on to play for the county.

Due to the popularity of the sessions, extra ones will be put on next year giving young people the opportunity to continue improving their skills and have something fun and competitive to do.

Three sessions of Play Around The Parishes were held in Chandos Park. Organised by Buckinghamshire Council and funded by Buckingham Town Council, the sessions were aimed at 0 – 12 years. The free activities included a bouncy castle, arts and crafts and giant games such as Jenga and Connect. Families were able to stay for the day and enjoy the activities.

Cllr Robin Stuchbury, Chairman of the Town Centre & Events Committee said “The Town Centre & Events Committee discussed the success of the funds put into these projects and sees them as being beneficial to a wide range of the community as both events are free. The committee would like to thank all those involved in making them a success."

Does your dog have the waggiest tail or look most like its owner?

Posted on 7th September 2022 by admin

Do you have the cutest puppy, Golden Oldie or Gorgeous Gal then why not enter the Buckingham Dog Show on Sunday. There will be a bouncy castle and food traders including The Cheeky Pitstop and J & l Snacks. Why not treat yourself to an ice cream from Marks Ices?

Held in the paddock in Bourton Park and organised by Buckingham Town Council this fun dog show is sponsored by long-term supporters Kimberly Cox Dog Training, who offers dog and puppy training classes and Buckingham-based Woofs and Washes, a dog grooming salon and pet portraiture studio. Other sponsors are Arden Grange Pet foods and Leaders Property Letting and Estate Agents.

Registration starts at 11am and judging at 12 noon. Classes are Cutest Puppy 5-12 months, Fabulous Fella, Gorgeous Gal, Best Rescue, Dog Most Like Its Owner, Golden Oldie 7 yrs and over, Waggiest tail, Junior handler 16yrs and under.

Rosettes supplied by Kimberley Cox Dog Training and certificates will be presented to the first, second and third in each class and the winner of each class will go through to Best In Show.

Stall holders are LCA Pet Supplies which offer natural dog treats, pet bedding and leads. In the Dog ‘Ouse, selling natural dog treats. Woofs and Washes offering bandannas and bow ties. Promoting photography, grooming and teeth cleaning services. Nalas Natural Nibbles, Bucks, Berks, Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust who will have information on the work of the wildlife trust and information on the Children’s Wildlife Watch Club. They will also have advice on wildlife gardening and volunteering.

Lead Cllr Lisa O’Donoghue said “We started this event in 2013 due to complaints we had received from park users, as a dog owner at the time I helped organise the event and I’m pleased to say with support from local businesses and volunteers it has gone from strength to strength. Our ‘for fun’ dog show has regular attendees, plus new dogs strutting their stuff and allowing their owners to socialise in a safe environment. You don’t even need to have a dog to come along, bring a picnic and spend the afternoon making lots of 4-legged friends”

Entry forms can be picked up on the day or downloaded from the Town Council website www.buckingham-tc.gov.uk