Events

Carol Singing Postponed

The GHRA Carol Singing planned for Tuesday 12th December has unfortunately had to be postponed due to the treacherous conditions of the icy pathways.

The Carol Service will be going ahead on Tuesday 19th December with the same route as originally planned.

Apologies for any inconvenience but the safety of all is our first concern.

The Committee of the Galley Hill Residents Association.

Events

GHRA Coffee Morning Christmas Opening

The usual crew will be opening the Small Meeting Place for the Coffee Mornings as usual (10:00 till 12:00 noon)on Tuesday December 12th, and December 19th but they will be taking a rest over the Xmas week. The 2nd of January will see the first Coffee Morning of 2018.

The GHRA Coffee Mornings are still growing, as you can see from the pictures below.

It would be great to see more of those who are usually working attend if you can on any of these Tuesdays.

Thanks for your support

The Galley Hill Residents Association Committee

Miscellaneous

GHRA November Updates

Well here we are at the end of November, and one year since the Galley Hill Residents Association was formed. From an idea Councillor Mick Allsopp had to improve the community we have come a long way in a year, and we will continue to campaign to make Galley Hill the best place it can be.

One of the GHRA projects which is coming to fruition is the bench carving, turning a fallen tree near the park into a bench for the community. An idea which started with Councillor Mick Allsopp (yes him again) who wanted to see the historic old tree remain a part of Galley Hill after it fell. With our treasurer Roy helping to get the funding from the local council, the project is well on the way to completion as you can see below.

Mick Allsopp, Nyomie Flecknell, the carver and Roy Adams with the bench
Mick Allsopp, Nyomie Flecknell, the carver and Roy Adams with the bench

The bench is awaiting some designs from the local school children to finish it off. In addition to the bench there will be a slice of the tree marking historic moments in history coinciding with the rings of the trees growth.

The GHRA are also keen to get the residents involved in creating a community, and are planning events for the future. One of those events is a Christmas carol singing evening being arranged by our secretary Joy Sumner along with two of our Court Reps, Sue Fitch and Kate Nicholls. They are also being supported by the St. Mary St. Giles school choir on the night. There will be posters and fliers around but here is a preview with the details.

It would be great to see some more people out there singing along with them.

Thanks for all the support from everyone over the last 12 months, and we look forward to helping improve our local area and build our community into the future.

The GHRA Committee.

GHRA Meetings

Minutes Of GHRA Meeting Thursday, 16th November, 2017

Minutes:  General Open Meeting #7

Thursday, 16th November, 2017 (6:45pm)

Small Meeting Place Galley Hill

 

  1. Welcome and H&S – Done

 

  1. Apologies – From Nyomie F, Paul Bartlett

 

  1. Formal approval of previous minutes (available online at GHRA.uk) – Done

 

  1. Items for discussion

 

    1. Report from SSTC meeting – N/A

 

    1. Local activities
      • Tree carving – bench is taking shape but still waiting for the children’s drawings for incorporation into it for completion.  Plus making a timeline plank for the school from the tree (over 200 years old)
      • Coffee mornings – still running on Tuesday mornings
      • Discos & picnics – We have funding to arrange 2 events
      • Open Garden & Counts Competition
      • Interest in setting up a club for helping out (if you need help getting to hospital, gardening, etc)
      • Christmas Events (singing/Santa)
        • We’re proposing to hold the carols on Tue, 12th December, starting ~6pm.
        • We would also like to hold a general rehearsal on Thurs, 23rd November, 7pm, SMP.

 

    1. Funding
      • £400 from MKC (to run 2 events
      • Coffee morning donations (upto £280 ish in total)
      • Money for tree carving has been received (and not paid out)
      • 2x £48 paid for Noose (due to lack of sponsorship currently)

 

    1. Communication
      • “Noose” newsletter
        • Running regularly
        • In the new year we are looking for more sponsorship
      • Website – GHRA.uk
        • Contact details are available on this
      • Raising GHRA awareness
        • E.g. of bookmarks for children to go with Noose to raise awareness of GHRA

 

    1. Problems
      • Trees/leaves/landscaping/pathway/road problems/potholes
        • Letter to Peter Marland:
          • Has been sent in reply to his (about maintenance of the estate).  However we have not had a reply to this.
          • Mick has invited Peter Marland to the next GHRA meeting.
          • Councillor Charlie Wilson is interested in this.
        • There is interest in running a tree-survey (using GHRA funds) to backup requests to the council.
          • Mick says that MKC is about to start a tree survey.
      • Litter picking
        • If you would like to be involved in Litter Picking, please contact David
      • Missing street signs (e.g. Redbourne, Clailey)
        • Sign has been taken away and will not be replaced.
        • Issues raised re lost taxis not being able to collect vulnerable people and so this needs fixing.
        • Cost of doing our own signs for ~£30 each, but there may be problems with putting our own signs up.
        • Mick will raise on the 22nd Nov at the MKC meeting.
      • Other – N/A

 

    1. Cost of refurbishment
      • Draft of letter on concerns regarding the cost.

 

    1. Fullers Slade Regeneration
  • Up to 6 stores high and higher housing density
  • This will have an impact on local resources (e.g. doctors…)
  • At MKC meeting a motion will put forward to have a referendum on the final plan
  • Such a referendum would have the same set up as a local election (but only in Fullers Slade).
  • Turnout figure may need consideration.

 

    1. Visitors
  • Terrie Howey/Red Phoenix
    • Runs a drama club for under 16 year old children at York House, Act Out (Thursday; 6-10 years 4:30-5:30) and Act Up (Thursdays, 11-16 years 5:40-6:40)
    • This includes making a panto.  The children write this.
    • Terrie is keen to encourage additional people from Galey Hill and Fullers Slade.
    • The cost is the same as an afterschool club (£100/year?).  Terrie is also looking to set up a scholarship place.
    • If there are concerns with transport to and from for children Terrie is looking to set something up.  Maybe a walking train.
    • In Feb half-term there will be 2 free half-day workshops to try things out (one in Galley Hill and one in Fullers Slade).
  • Colin Harmsworth (JCAC)
    • Apologises but cannot make the meeting.

 

    1. GHRA is one year old!!!
  • Thank you for your involvement!

 

  1. Any other business

 

Local events:  17th Dec School concert, free to all

Local event:  Quiz on the 18th November

 

  1. Dates of next meetings:

 

General Meeting Committee Meeting
16th November 14th December
18th January 15th February
15th March 19th April
17th May 21st June
19th July 16th August
20th September 18th October
Events

SMSG Christmas Concert

The head teacher of St Mary and St Giles School has asked the GHRA to help spread the word about an event that’s open to all to attend.  A Christmas concert will be held at the school on Sunday 17th December at 3pm.  Free to attend. 

It would be great to see the residents of Galley Hill support the school, and even better if we could all spread the word verbally too.

GHRA Meetings

Minutes of GHRA Meeting 19th October 2017

Galley Hill Residents Association

Minutes: Committee meeting #7Thursday, 19th October (18:45) Small Meeting Place

We built this city….!

  1. Welcome and H&S – Done
  2. Apologies – Paul Bartlett, Debbie X, Paul F and Peter Barry
  3. Formal approval of previous minutes
    1. Done
    2. Minor Changes (New Vice Chair elected not selected)
  4. Items for Discussion
    1. Financial update
      1. Tree carving (£1,500 grant received)
      2. Events (£400 grant received)
        1. £80 will go to insurance for events from this (100 people in SMP)
        2. What will be the first event we run?
          1. GHRA 1 year anniversary (November)
          2. Christmas Carols
          3. Summer event (but next year)
          4. Disco
      3. Coffee morning (£30)
      4. Possible donation via Liz Gifford (£300)
        1. Suggestions for use include: (1) newsletter sponsorship; (2) mural for Galley Hill’s History around the Large Meeting Place; (3) official stamp for GHRA; (4) other suggestions welcome
      5. In the pipeline:  £400 (outcome unknown currently)
    2. Tree carving
      1. Carving has not yet happened; Sally will talk to School about finalising a plan; tree-carver has shown images of similar work
      2. Likely to be started in half-term
      3. An offcut will be donated as a timeline plaque for the school
      4. Publicity around this (newspaper, newsletter, Town Crier, Look East, photos)
    3. Communication
      1. Response to emails: Complaint
        1. We are not replying to email apparently
        2. Please response quickly.
        3. Copying everyone on the committee in helps avoid problems if one person misses it.
      2. Noose
        1. Hasn’t been printed this month due to lack of sponsor
        2. Committee agrees that if no comments on a draft are received in 7 days, the newsletter will go to print.
        3. Court reps will now also be added to the editorial circulation list for checking the newsletter.
      3. This month the noose will be paid for by GHRA as there is no sponsor.  (Approval was also granted to pay for a second unsponsored newsletter)
    4. Anti-Social Behaviour
      1. Incidents have been reported.
      2. Paul Bartlett has been looking into this. Suggestion made that all parties involved work together to promptly resolve rather than passing problem from one to the other.
    1. Neighbourhood Watch

Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Watch invited scheme co-ordinators to their AGM in the Civic Offices on Saturday the 14th of October.

DPT attended and saw presentations from Chief Inspector Neil Kentish TVP and MKCouncil Safer MK http://www.safermk.com/ Colin Wilderspin

MKNHW want to expand within communities and SaferMK want to incorporate Community resilience.

Colin Harmsworth of JCAC (who also attending the meeting) has asked GHRA if he can attend our next public meeting to introduce this charity and its aims as they intend to provide community training that will help community resilience.

DPT also attended meeting in Wolverton on Tuesday evening to see a new Community Forum being introduced by TVP. The purpose of the Community Forum is to bring together, at a local level, the right organisations and members of the public to tackle the top community safety priorities identified through consultation.

      1. MK NW AGM attended by David – There was a discussion of crime in MK
      2. There is interest in having a community disaster planning
      3. Training may be available for First Responders – there will be a presentation about this at GHRA’s next (November) GHRA.
    1. GHRA Official Response
      1. To Peter Marland – MK Council says that the parish council must do the work instead.  It was agreed that a reply needs to be drafted.  GHRA and Mick and Paul should be obviously copied in on our reply.  GHRA would like to express their displeasure with this disengagement.
      2. To SSTC Town Hall (Council Offices) Refurbishments – it is understood that the £290k cost is to be covered by the parish council; there is concern that this cost will be passed onto local residents via an increase in local tax rates.  A vote was carried for GHRA to send a letter to the parish council stating that there is ‘concern about possible impact on increasing local tax rates’.
    2. Inspiring involvement of more GH residents
      1. Give gifts to children at Christmas with GHRA info on to raise awareness.  200 children at South Site School.  Ideas include pens, pencils, book marks,
      2. Christmas carol event may raise profile of GH and our residents association.
      3. Possible future NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group) may be set up.
      4. Do we want to run a survey?
  2. AOB
    1. Estate maintenance
      1. GHRA and Pastor K to look into talking to the council on having maintenance.
    2. Event: 1st Anniversary Party at Conservative Club – Mick to organise.  Some level of ticketing (can be free) to confirm numbers will be needed.
    3. Event:  Carol Singing (check doesn’t clash with SS Church).  Look into police permission.
    4. Notice board (Thursday 8:30 a.m.) will actually be moved.
  3. Next Meeting
    1. 16th November
Miscellaneous

GHRA Updates for November 2017

Although updates have been slow here, behind the scenes it’s a different story as the Galley Hill Residents Association is continuing apace and things are happening in Galley Hill.

The Galley Hill noticeboard in its new home

Firstly, the noticeboard by the school has finally been moved to its new position. Cllr Mick Allsopp and our Chairperson Nyomie were there to see the result of months of badgering the council to get the first of the GHRA projects completed.

We have also seen the bench carving project funded and the carving begun. The bench carving from the fallen tree has begunThe local St. Mary St. Giles school in Galley Hill has been asked to involve the children in designing a theme for the carver to decorate the bench with.

There has also been a very welcome closer relationship between GHRA and both of our Councillors for the area, with all 3 working together to put pressure on the various Councils to get the necessary repairs done in Galley Hill. We are now getting a better response when issues are raised, such as when the park trampoline needed to be repaired. MK Council were contacted by several residents, the case was highlighted to both Councillors by the GHRA, and Mick Allsopp and Paul Bartlett both put additional pressure on the council to get a speedy response.  The same thing happened when the park surfacing material was vandalised, again we had the backing of the councillors and again a prompt response.

Some things however still get short shrift from MK Council such as missing street name signage at Clailey Court and Redbourne Court, potholes, and tree damage to redway paths, despite the concerted efforts by residents, GHRA and our councillors. We continue trying to motivate the Council to stop passing the buck and to carry out much needed repairs around the estate anyway.

Finally we are looking for thesingers among you to volunteer to sing in the carol services being organised by our secretary Joy, and court reps Sue and Kate. They are proposing to hold the carols on Tue, 12th December, starting ~6pm and would also like to hold a general rehearsal on Thurs, 23rd November. Please volunteer if you have the time, contact them by email secretary@ghra.uk or buckley@ghra.uk 

Thanks for your support from all at GHRA

GHRA Meetings

Minutes of the GHRA meeting 21/9/17

Galley Hill Residents Association

Minutes: Committee Meeting

Thursday, 21st September, 2017 (18:30) Small Meeting Place

 

Welcome and H&S

Nyomie welcomed everyone.

 

Attendees

Nyomie Flecknell, Paul Flecknell, Roy Adams, Sue Tichmarsh, Douglas Tichmarsh, David Tavener, Paul Randall, Gill Millar, Janet Randall, Debbie Styles, Mick Allsopp, May Gray, Helen Bowlt (MK Library) Rob Gifford (SSTC), Paul Catherine and Peter Bolton, Sue Fitch, Pauline & Colin Wiginton, Shirley & Ian Leigh, Richard Eaton, Karen & S Huszla, J & B Collison, Mary O’Keeffe.

 

Apologies: Joy Sumner

 

Formal approval of previous minutes (available online at GHRA.uk)

There were no issues raised and the minutes were approved.

 

Items for discussion

 

New Vice Chairman

Roy conducted the ballot and asked the audience if they wanted to ask the candidates any questions before voting, there were none. The outcome of the vote was in David Tavener being selected.

 

Future meeting dates

We set dates for future meetings every third Thursday of the month with a starting time of 18:45 and to retain alternate public & committee meetings? Sec to advise Pastor of actual dates.

 

Tree-carving/bench

Roy advised funds now in our bank account and he is meeting with Sally , Nyomie, & carver in Stony on Tuesday. Mick subsequently confirmed his attendance.

 

Local activities

Our coffee morning is now well established and is modestly contributing to our funds. Other activities are in planning and will move forward when insurance cover has been established.

 

Financial

Roy confirmed our application to MKC for a grant of £400 is approved and payment is eagerly anticipated. We have an additional £400 application pending approval. Roy handed out a financial breakdown showing “trading” to date and confirmed our balance to be £1681.68, £1500 of that being out aside for the tree carving.

 

Communication

Doug confirmed that all our outlets (Noose, Friends of Galley Hill Facebook, www.GHRA.uk) were up to date and running smoothly, when asked the audience confirmed they approved of the Noose and its content.

 

We had contemplated leaving the SSTC Notice board where it is due to licensing cost. Mick indicated that the license would not apply after all.

 

Problems

Trees/leaves/landscaping

Antisocial parking

Pathway/road problems

These were basically covered by letter to the Council Leader Peter Marland who did not accept our invitation to attend. The letter and his reply were available in the meeting for those interested to take and read. GHRA will draft and agree a response to Mr Marland’s reply in due course and keep you informed of progress. Anyone wanting to read these documents please get in touch.

 

SSTC Refurbish Project

At 19:15 Nyomie handed over the floor to Rob Gifford and Helen Bowlt (SSTC & MK library) to present their Town Hall refurbishment plans.

 

There were an interesting exchange between the audience and Rob. Rob pointed out that the building was 40 years old and required some attention, a member of the audience replied that Galley Hill was 45 years old and also needed attention.

 

Rob indicated that to fund the redevelopment they would need to increase local taxes by around 5% (at the coffee morning on Tuesday he quoted between 5% & 10%).

 

Q1 How will the decision be made

R1 Rob. subject to public approval the item will be discussed at the 16th of November Council Meeting and again on the 3rd Tuesday in January at another Council Meeting.

 

Q2 If plans go ahead what provision will be made for library services during the refurbishment?

R2 Helen. The mobile library is available

 

Q3 is Bletchley funding their library refurbishment

R3 Helen. Developers section 106 is funding it and this will also apply to some of the Stony funding.

 

Q4 is it correct that the Library funding could be terminated by MKC at any time leaving the Stony taxpayer without a tenant who is currently contributing c£6000 per annum?

R4 Rob. Yes.

 

There was a lot of interest in this topic but Nyomie had to thank Rob and terminate the question and answer session to enable us to conclude our meeting.

 

Any other business

Doug announced that the school was undertaking repairs/painting this weekend and anyone wanting to volunteer would be welcome.

Friday the 22nd September 16:00 to 20:00

Saturday the 23rd September 09:00 to 18:00

 

At 20:00 the meeting was closed & Nyomie thanked everyone for attending.

GHRA Meetings

Update On Meeting Held on 21/9/17

The first thing we would like to say is THANK YOU. We really want to thank everyone who attended the meeting on Thursday 21/9, the turnout was one of the biggest so far. We also want to say a huge thank you to Mick Allsopp as he steps down from his role as Vice Chairperson to concentrate more on helping to improve Galley Hill through his role as our local Councillor, thanks for helping us to get set up, thanks for his work with the Stony Stratford Town Council to get our residents association recognised, and thanks for his continued support.

The meeting itself was packed, the committee all arrived early (with apologies from Joy Sumner who had work commitments) to get through the stuff which needs to be agreed or discussed among ourselves, and thanks to a rather muted Nyomie (Chairperson), who was suffering with a bad throat, we managed to get all of the other stuff out of the way in time to announce our vote for a new Vice Chairperson, with choices of Dave Tavener or Paul Flecknell, both of whom are invaluable assets to the GHRA.

While people were cogitating over who to vote for we heard from our Treasurer, Roy, who has been beavering away on the finances and arranging the tree carving in place of Mick. Roy informed us that we have the £1500 tree carving funds securely in our account ready to pay the carver. We have also been granted £400 from local council funds which is in the process of being transferred to our account to be used for some of the events being planned. The Tuesday coffee mornings have also added to our total fund, and we have raised over £100 (full figures will be made available on our financial statement soon) from all activities.

We then counted the votes and it was a bit of a surprise landslide win for Dave Tavener to be our new Vice Chairperson, with 20 votes for Dave and 3 for Paul. So congratulations to Dave, but Paul will be continuing in his role as events coordinator so all is not lost.

We then heard from our visitors from Stony Stratford Council and Milton Keynes Library Service on the ongoing plans for the library building in Stony Stratford. They explained how the building was going to be refurbished and the library may be moved to the first floor, while the ground floor would be used for offices and an open area which may be rented out. These proposals are still in negotiation and this meeting was used as part of the ongoing consultation process. For those who weren’t at the meeting and want more details of the plans you can find them at the Stony Stratford Town Council website. 

There was a Q and A session regarding the plans for the library building, and several points were raised by attendees. Concerns which were raised included

  • Access to the first floor by less able bodied people
  • How money was being raised for the refurbishment
  • If the library service closes the Stony library then how is it to be funded in the future as it also serves as offices for the Stony Stratford Town Council.

These points were discussed and are to be taken into account as the plans progress. We will keep you informed as the consultations continue.

The meeting was brought to a close by Nyomie, minutes will be available to view here as soon as they are agreed to be acceptable.

Thanks to all who support the GHRA from all of The Galley Hill Residents Association Committee.