Agenda and draft minutes

Cllr Mark Dormer welcomed both new and familiar attendees, expressing gratitude for their participation and providing a warm welcome.

Apologies were received from:

Cllr D King (Committee Member), Cllr C Jones (Committee Member), Cllr T Butcher (Committee Member), M Bosman (Wild Amersham), C Sence (Restore Hope), P Matza (ADRA), T Reading (Metroland), E Newhouse (Resident), E Jeans (Woodrow High House), J Barnes (Amersham Town Council & AAG)

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

There were no declarations of interest.

·       Questionsfrom membersof thepublic canbe submittedin advance of the meeting to Amersham@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk 

·       Updates from Town & Parish Councils and local partners 

·       Buckinghamshire Council updates 

Updates from Town & Parish Councils and local partners:

Town and parish council representatives, and local partners were invited to provide updates on new projects and activities in the area, emphasizing community engagement.

Local Updates:

•           Jon Herbert from Coleshill PC shared updates on the Cricket Club's fundraising efforts for a new mower.

Action: Jon Herbert to contact amersham@buckinghamshire.gov.uk for further discussion.

Jon also highlighted HS2's demobilisation process, which offers free equipment to schools and community clubs, potentially enhancing community facilities and initiatives.

The response from Align following the meeting is provided below: 

We have a range of items available on site, for donations and for loan. For example, we have lent out traffic management items and tower lights, as well as donating fencing, fire extinguishers, sandbags and office equipment.

Currently, we have available for donation:

•           Office Desks

•           Wire Lockers

•           Fridges

These items are being allocated on a first come first served basis, providing that the beneficiary meets the requirements within our Sustainability Assessment and can pass the necessary Compliance and Ethics checks.

The list of available items changes on a very regular basis so we are not in the practice of publishing a list, and instead communicate with our existing community partners, when we think an item may be of use to them. We are happy for you to share the current offerings, but we’d like to ensure expectations are managed appropriately.

If someone in the community is interested in something, we currently have available or has a particular item in mind that isn’t yet available but would like us to keep an eye out for – then please ask them to contact our team via socialvalue@alignjv.com to enable us to begin the processes in motion.

•           Mark Roberts from Amersham Town Council promoted the upcoming Heritage Day on Sunday 8 September – everyone was welcome.

They were also due to be replacing playground equipment at Hervines Park

consultation was live for residents to submit feedback online.

•           Margaret Booroff Davies from Little Chalfont Community Association provided an update on their new membership website and invited everyone to have a look, publicise and feedback suggested improvements/additions. She thanked the Community Board for their funding.

•           The Chiltern U3A group were hosting an open day at the Lifestyle Centre on 14 September, to provide information about voluntary opportunities and activities and invited local residents to attend.

•           The St Georges Underpass painting project – a result of the Bright Ideas initiative - had been completed. 

•           Restore Hope were promoting a public consultation on their planning application and invited residents to respond. An open day had previously taken place to collect views on the community hub when it opens next year, and focus areas were agreed: young people, family support, mental health and wellbeing, and advice and guidance – see slide for info and website and consultation links.

Buckinghamshire Council updates Summary provided – see attached full updates.

Lizzie Wright shared updates on various consultations and initiatives, including:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

·       Roy Evans – Thames Valley Police – video update 

·       Shamsuz Zaman – Be Healthy Bucks 

·       Lloyd Little – Project Gigabit 

•           Be Healthy Bucks:

Shamsuz Zaman presented the "Be Healthy Bucks" initiative, offering free services to Buckinghamshire residents for health checks, weight management, smoking cessation, and alcohol reduction. The service aims to improve public health and reduce the strain on local hospitals by encouraging lifestyle changes and preventive health measures.

Action: Lizzie to introduce Shamsuz to Restore Hope, Big Community Takewaway and other relevant partners. All to promote the "Be Healthy Bucks" services to residents for improved health outcomes.

•           Project Gigabit - Broadband Rollout:

Discussion on the rollout of broadband to rural communities, with concerns

raised about potential duplication of efforts by different providers and the

impact on local infrastructure. Coleshill Parish Council had escalated Openreach

connectivity issues with MP Sarah Green for resolution. Lloyd Little to present at

future meeting with local update.

•           Roy Evans – Thames Valley Police – video update:

A video presentation provided an update on crime concerns in the area, focusing on burglary, drugs, and speeding as top community priorities.  View the video here.

·       Projects, engagement and funding 

·       Focus on partnership working and opportunity for organisations to share ideas and request support. 

Projects, engagement and funding:

•           Focus on partnership working and opportunity for organisations to share ideas and request support.

•           Engagement – Instagram had grown more quickly than Facebook, good engagement on all posts.

•           Proud of Bucks – prize giving would be at Old Amersham Christmas event in December 2024.

•           Organisations were encouraged to submit project ideas which meet the Board’s priorities which organisations want to deliver and are looking for support or funding.

•           Jonathan Waters mentioned the "Dementia Carers Respite" project, which provides in-home support to carers, giving them regular weekly respite. He discussed funding avenues and upcoming fundraising events. Aiming to apply for Community Board funding to three CBs imminently.

•           Amersham & Villages Community Board are applying for funding for a dementia awareness event later this year. Working closely with Café 22 & 23. Providing a Dementia virtual tour bus and immersive experience. Hosting in Amersham and Little Chalfont.

•           Volunteering fair – over 30 partners, good footfall. Working with Dominic Pinkney, Amersham Town Councillor, to deliver online volunteering fair to encourage people to volunteer. Online event planned for 3rd October provides another means to access the information and experience.

Action: Promote the online volunteering fair on social media and with communities (All)

•           Boxing Clever: Lizzie Wright provided an update on the "Boxing Clever" self-defence program for students, scoping project as follow on from Community Safety self-defence project last year. Aimed at those who might be on a difficult path. Conversations ongoing with Amersham school.

•           Youth Theatre: Discussions are ongoing with Cue34 to design a project that gives young people skills in production, aiming to involve those interested in arts rather than sports.

21 November Proud of Bucks Ceremony, 6:30pm  

21 November 2024, 6:30pm