NEW 2015 - St Neots Town Council

Your Town
News & Events In & Around St Neots
February 2015 Edition
St Neots Town Council
Welcome to this issue of Your Town,
the community newsletter from St Neots Town Council
NEW
2015
If you know of a worthy individual, community group or business that deserves to be
recognised for their activity and achievements, nominate them for a 2015 St Neots
Community & Business Award! Visit www.stneotsawards.co.uk for more information.
Recognising and celebrating the impact and success of
St Neots Town Council
Scan to link to our website
Priory Lane, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 2BH Tel: 01480 388911
Fax: 01480 388915 Email: [email protected] Web: www.stneots-tc.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @stneotscouncil
Like us on Facebook: St Neots Town Council
Contact us for ….
• Churchyards at St Mary’s Church, Eynesbury,
St Mary’s Church, St Neots and St Mary’s Church,
Eaton Socon
• Play areas at Brickhills, Saxongate, Swift Close,
Chamberlain Way, Beatty Road, Ackerman, St Dukes
Road, Nelson Road, Riversmead and Balmoral Way
• Cemeteries at Eynesbury (Cromwell Road),
St Neots (Cemetery Road) and Eaton Socon
(Little End Road)
• Village Greens at Eynesbury, Eaton Socon
and Eaton Ford
• The Priory Centre and the Eatons Community Centre
• Allotment Sites at Hardwick Road and
Cemetery Road
How to contact us
Town Council Office
[email protected] / www.stneots-tc.gov.uk /
01480 388911
Ed Reilly: Town Clerk
[email protected] / 01480 388913
Donna Cooke: Deputy Town Clerk
[email protected] / 01480 388916
Kevin Matthews: Operations Manager
[email protected] / 01480 407774
Kate Conroy: Finance Manager
[email protected] / 01480 388914
Council Meetings
Planning
February: 5th, 19th. March: 5th, 19th.
April: 2nd, 16th and 30th. May: 14th,
28th.
Finance
February: 5th. March: 5th. April: 9th.
May: 21st.
Forthcoming Meetings
Debbie King: Events Coordinator
[email protected] / 01480 388912
Karen Pollecutt: Mayor’s Office/Admin Assistant
[email protected] / 01480 388911
Sue Ritchie: Finance Assistant
[email protected] / 01480 388914
The Priory Centre & Eatons Community Centre
01480 388922 / [email protected]
Steve Barrett: Community Centres Manager
[email protected] / 01480 388944
Lisa Prestidge: Assistant Community Centres Manager
[email protected] / 01480 388922
Operations
February: 3rd. March: 3rd. April: 7th.
May: 5th.
Town Council
March: 24th. April: 23rd.
May: 14th.
Development and Growth
February: 17th. March: 17th.
April: 21st. May: 19th.
Contact Huntingdonshire District Council for …. (01480 388388)
• Council tax and housing benefits
• Weekly refuse collection
• Priory and Riverside Parks
• Grass cutting
Contact Cambridgeshire County Council for …. (0345 045 5200)
• Street lighting (0800 7838 247)
• Social Services (0345 045 5202)
• Highways including road and pavement repairs
(0345 045 5212)
• St Neots Library (0345 045 5225)
• St Neots Recycling Centre (01480 354355)
Tel: 01767 677559 Email: [email protected]
Web: blueprawndesign.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @blueprawndesign
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events in and around St Neots via our website and social media
02
Message from the Mayor
2014 saw many good things taking place in and around St Neots.
From the very
successful community
events such as the
Flower Festival at St
Mary’s St Neots to
the wonderful Dragon
Boat Racing in August,
there are so many wonderful things being done by
all the community groups, the Council and residents
are grateful to all of them for their efforts. Their
unstinting hard work, year upon year was the
driving force behind the introduction of the
St Neots Awards in the coming year. Please look at
the awards website stneotsawards.co.uk and help
celebrate the work being done by so many people.
The cinema is now a feature of the town and it and
the restaurants surrounding it seem to be thriving.
Shady Walk will shortly see the reappearance of
some play equipment after a long absence and
further equipment will be added to Riversmead
before it is designated a Town Green. In addition all
the other play areas owned by the Town Council will
have the surfaces improved.
The future for St Neots is very exciting, with the
proposed Neighbourhood Plan now in the last
stages; this is likely to be one of the most exciting and beneficial - changes for the town.
Cllr Andrew Hansard
The Town Council has worked with many groups
to put on events throughout the year; the Dragon
Boating, Armed Forces Day, Christmas Market
and light switch on were all very successful. Of
particular note was the Freedom of the Town
which was granted to the USAF Alconbury and the
Royal Anglican Regiment at the Armed Forces Day
celebrations in July. So many people turned out to
enjoy the day which was wonderful.
An update on your St Neots Neighbourhood Plan
The St Neots Neighbourhood Plan underwent independent examination
at the beginning of the year (from 12th January 2015), to assess the
objectives and policies outlined in the community led plan.
The St Neots
Neighbourhood Plan
was formed last year,
enabling the town to
have a unique say in
the development of
the community for the
first time. If the plan
is approved by the independent examiner, it will
be subject to a referendum in the town – in which
residents will be asked to vote on it. If the plan is
accepted by the local voters, it will immediately
form part of the local planning policy for St Neots.
Watch this space – we’ll be working hard to make
sure all residents know about the referendum if it
does proceed.
In the meantime, the most up to date information on the St Neots Neighbourhood Plan
can be found online at www.stneots-tc.gov.uk/stneotsplan
Visit us at www.stneots-tc.gov.uk Like us on
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03
Saturday 28 February 2015
Mayor’s Community Coffee Group
The Priory Centre
Friday 20 March 2015
Civic Charity Ball
The Priory Centre
Thursday 23 April 2015
Annual Town Meeting
The Priory Centre
Sunday 14 June 2015
Civic Sunday Service
St Neots Parish Church
Thursday 20 August 2015
Mayor’s Charity Golf Day
Wyboston Lakes Golf Club
Saturday 10 October 2015
Mayor’s Community Coffee Group
The Priory Centre
Sunday 8 November 2015
Polish Remembrance Service
St Neots Cemetery
Saturday 5 December 2015
Mayor’s Carol Concert
St Neots Parish Church
For f u rth e r d eta ils p le a s e conta ct
Karen Pollecutt on 01480 388911/karen@stneots -tc. gov. uk
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Visit the Mayor’s Blog www.stneotstownmayor.blogspot.com
Contact Karen Pollecutt at the Mayor’s Office on 01480 388911 or [email protected]
Community News
Rotary Club of St Neots St Marys Children of Courage Awards 2015
The Rotary Club invite you to their awards dinner to recognise the personal achievements
of local young people in overcoming disabilities and/or adversities. St Mary’s Church,
Eaton Socon, 26th March 2015 - 12.00 for 12.30 pm Tickets @ £15 each and available
from Ian Taylor Tel: 01480 861504 e-mail: [email protected]
Sustrans are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Cycle Network (NCN)
this year and will be out on their bikes every third Sunday exploring the local NCN
and other tracks and quieter roads. Everyone is welcome for these FREE gentle
trips out into the countryside. For further information visit www.bit.ly/snnext
or email Richard Cooper on [email protected]
Passion returns to the streets of St Neots!
Easter Sunday 5th April sees the 2nd performance of the ‘St Neots Passion Play’ at 2.30pm on the streets of
our town. This free to attend performance follows the events of the first Easter at different sites in the town
centre. Starting with the Palm Sunday entrance over the town bridge into Market Square, viewers can follow
the actors past the Priory Centre into St Anselm’s place to watch Jesus being arrested, before they return to
the Market Square to witness his trial and crucifixion. The play finishes in Riverside Park by recreating the
events of the first Easter Sunday when Jesus is resurrected.
The play is performed by St Neots Christian Performing Arts group and supported by Vamps and St Neots
Players. There will be a cast of about 60 actors, singers and dancers all of whom will be involved in
dramatically portraying the Easter story.
If you would like further information please visit www.passion2015.org.uk or call 01480 471123.
St Neots TimeBank now has almost
100 members and are looking for more!
Do you need extra support during
a power cut?
They hold a coffee morning on the first Saturday
each month at the Church Walk Day Centre 11am
- 1pm. With a range of different themes with of
course a cuppa, biscuits and plenty to chat about,
Check out our website for full details
www.stneotstimebank.org.uk
or phone 07590 909 057.
If you or someone else you know needs extra
support during a power cut, you may be entitled
to free extra support from UK Power Networks.
Call 0800 31 63 105 or 0333 32 32 105 from a
mobile to find out more.
Visit us at www.stneots-tc.gov.uk Like us on
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05
Finance Committee
Chairman of the Finance Committee is a responsible role, and one which I take very seriously.
Our main function as a committee is to review all payments, receive and approve grant aid
applications from local community groups and charities, and to oversee the Town Council’s
financial policies and governance.
We are pleased that for the upcoming financial
year 15/16 we can actually give St Neots residents
a reduction in their Council Tax of 2.4%.
We hope to be able to repeat this year on year
for the next 5 years, again without reducing any
of the services we deliver. We believe this is great
news for all the residents of St Neots.
Cllr Roger Harrison with Town Clerk Ed Reilly
Over 2 thirds of next year’s total budget is to
be spent on direct services such as Operations,
Community Support and Promotion of the Town.
Our other big task of the year is of course to set
and recommend to the Full Council the annual
budget. This is of interest to all residents as it is
the process by which we set the Town Council’s
portion of you Council Tax bill.
Over the past 4 years the current Council
have managed the finances excellently,
resulting in the Council Tax being frozen
year on year. We haven’t had to cut any
services to do this either which is great
news to all of us who live in St Neots.
We have made savings and efficiencies along the
way ensuring we get value for money for every
penny of yours that we spend, making sure we
only tax people the amount needed.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events in and around St Neots via our website and social media
06
Operations Committee
Your Operations Committee looks after the maintenance and
up keep of our Cemeteries and Play Areas such as Riversmead,
Nelson Road, Balmoral Way, Duck Lane and Ackerman Street.
The Village Greens and Sydney Bank Field along
with Floral Arrangements in the town are also
our responsibility, along with the organisation of
the Christmas Lights and associated Market and
Banner Competition.
This year the committee organised the Christmas
Lights, which included altering the Switch On
date from a Friday night to a Sunday afternoon
to make the event even more family friendly. We
also purchased the new lights for the High Street,
Market Square and River Bridge and the baubles
in the Market Square trees. The change of dates
and the new lights proved extremely popular as
shown by the eight
thousand plus people
who attended.
The committee also
oversaw the repair
and restoration of the
Day Column on the
Market Square, so
that it is once again
providing the focal
point of our historical
Market Square.
Cllr Ian Gardener
Development & Growth Committee
The D&G Committee is one of the 2 delivery committees of St Neots Town
Council. We are responsible for delivering many of the strategic projects across
the town, including the much publicised Neighbourhood Plan and running the
many major town events such as the hugely successful Dragon Boat Festival.
In the coming year, the
committee will also be
taking on responsibility for
managing the Council run
Community Centres. Our
changes hope to include
new line ups and facilities.
We will also be taking the Neighbourhood Plan
to referendum to secure a bright future fit
for St Neots.
The committee comprises of 8 members who
meet monthly to drive these projects forward,
continually striving to develop and create new
opportunities within the Town.
Cllr Louie Ruck
Visit us at www.stneots-tc.gov.uk Like us on
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07
Community News
Looking to start your own business?
Outset Huntingdonshire offer FREE workshops
designed to help you develop the right skills
and build your confidence.
Ramsey Library, 25 The Great Whyte PE26 1HA
from 10am-3pm
Tues 3rd March: Next steps and business planning
Tues 10th March: Managing your business finance
Tues 17th March: Marketing, promoting and selling
The Maple Centre, 6 Oak Drive, Huntingdon,
Cambridge PE29 7HN from 10am-3pm
Thurs 16th April: Next steps and business planning
Thurs 23rd April: Managing your business finance
Thurs 30th April: Marketing, promoting and selling
For further information and to book visit www.outsethuntingdonshire.co.uk or call 0800 032 7851
‘Drop-in’ sessions for carers and adults needing long-term support
People living with long-term illness or disability , an age-related condition or providing unpaid support to
adult family members or friends are invited to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat to find out information,
advice and support which may be available. The early Spring dates and locations are:
• Huntingdon Library on 4th February and
4th March (10.00am to 1.00pm)
• Ramsey Library on 24th February and
24th March (10.00am to 12.00 noon)
For more information tel: Gemma Whitehouse on 01480 377616 or Leigh Hornsby
on 01480 373220 Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.cambridgeshire.net and search “Adult Support Drop-in”
St. Neots & District Gardening Club
Meetings are on a Thursday at St.Mary’s Church
Hall, Brook St St.Neots at 8pm.
Members £2.00,Non-Members £2.50 which
includes refreshments and a raffle ticket.
February 26th Isles of Scilly Peter Walker
Competition... Snowdrops
March 26th Clematis, Queen Of Climbers
Carole Adams
Competition... A vase of Spring Flowers
April 23rd Roses! Who Dares Prune? Simon White of Beales Roses
Competition... A decorated egg
Eatons History Exhibition
Focusing this year on past and present public
houses in Eaton Socon Parish.
St Marys Church, Eaton Socon
Saturday May 2nd and Monday May 4th
10am – 4pm.
May Day Celebrations
Monday May 4th Midday – 4pm
An annual traditional event on Eaton Socon
Village Green – a great event with stalls, BBQ,
local entertainment, May Pole Dancing, the
crowning of the May Queen and lots more.
For details on both events contact ESCA
01480 216065, or [email protected]
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events in and around St Neots via our website and social media
08
St. Neots Museum Needs Your Support!
YOUR local museum is attracting more visitors than ever,
with new exhibitions including the Iron Age Kimbolton
Hoard and interactive displays such as the 1st WW trench
seeing visitors filling up the comments book with praise
for its work.
Curator Liz Davies and Education Officer Lesley
Sainsbury plan to maintain these high standards
in 2015 including a Regency Festival in July and
a themed series of walks and talks, for both
local people and visitors to historic St Neots,
Cambridgeshire’s largest town.
St Neots museum not only provides historical
information but puts on a range of temporary
exhibitions featuring local work as well as a full
programme of holiday activities for youngsters, and
it is FREE for local residents although donations are
always welcome.
in keeping the museum running smoothly and
we need YOUR support to ensure we continue to
provide an excellent service.
If you are interested in supporting St Neots Museum
the Trustees are always looking for additional
members, particularly with 21st century skills
who can contribute to developing the museum’s
‘footprint’. For more information call 01480 214163
or visit www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk
Our first temporary exhibition will be More Stuff by
local artist Jerry Rowlands, opening on Wednesday
4th February 2015.
Volunteers, Friends of the Museum as well as
Trustees and the Town Council provide vital support
Get Involved!
Contact Liz Davies at the Museum on 01480 214163
or [email protected]
The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots 01480 214163 [email protected]
www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am - 4.00pm
Admission Free to Local Residents. Other visitors: Adults £2.00, Children and Seniors £1.00
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events in and around St Neots via our website and social media
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St Neots Ward Councillors
Eaton Ford
Bob Farrer
151a Crosshall Road, Eaton Ford, St Neots, Cambs PE19 7GB
Tel: 01480 404014 / 07710 335848
Email: [email protected]
David Harty
10 Sambar Close, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8QG
Tel: 01480 477202
Email: [email protected]
Bill Hodges
50 Honeydon Avenue, Eaton Socon, St Neots PE19 8PJ
Tel: 01480 394109
Email: [email protected]
Colin Thompson
28 Cornwall Court, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8PR
Tel: 01480 477406
Email: [email protected]
Graham Welton
17 Lottings Way, Eaton Ford, St Neots, Cambs PE19 7QX
Tel: 07732 131563
Email: [email protected]
Eaton Socon
Nick Berry
17B South Street, St Neots, PE19 2BW
Tel: 01480 471194 / 07903 845415
Email: [email protected]
Stephen Davison
31 Viceroy Close, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8DG
Tel: 07752 264983
Email: [email protected]
Roger Harrison
55 Bushmead Road, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8GQ
Tel: 07717 666238
Email: [email protected]
Keith Prentice
2 Ushers Court, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8EL
Tel: 01480 214838 / 07834 391995
Email: [email protected]
Priory Park
Brian Allen
21 Childs Pond Road, St Neots, PE19 1TU
Tel: 07902 929754
Email: [email protected]
Barry Chapman
6 Kipling Place, Eaton Ford, St Neots, Cambs PE19 7RG
Tel: 01480 212540 / 07803 134565
Email: [email protected]
Ian Gardener
5 Haycraft Close, Grafham, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 0GA
Tel: 07970 613498
Email: [email protected]
Rob Moores
52 Hampden Way, Eynesbury, St Neots PE19 2JH
Tel: 01480 471535 / 07527 165313
Email: [email protected]
St Neots East
David Wells
14 Dixy Close, St Neots, Cambs PE19 6BA
Tel: 01480 211629
Email: [email protected]
Eynesbury
Andrew Hansard
78 Potton Road, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2NN
Tel: 01480 716615
Email: [email protected]
Catherine Hutton
22 St Mary’s Street, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2TA
Tel: 01480 219653
Email: [email protected]
Andrea Louie Ruck
1 Barnard Close, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2UP
Tel: 01480 472239
Email: [email protected]
David John Ruck
1 Barnard Close, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2UP
Tel: 01480 472239
Email: [email protected]
Paul Keith Ursell
12 Luke Street, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2TP
Tel: 07770 645046
Email: [email protected]
Karl Wainwright
8 Berkley Street, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2ND
Tel: 01480 406373
Email: [email protected]
Visit us at www.stneots-tc.gov.uk Like us on
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11
What’s on at the Priory Centre...
Follow us on Twitter @stneotscouncil for the latest event information
St Neots VAMPS
30th January - 1st February
St Neots Vamps Eurobeat
15th - 18th April
Comedy & Curry Night
14th February
St Neots Players A Murder Is Announced
21st - 23rd May
Southside Wrestling
1st March
St Neots Beer & Cider
Festival
12th - 14th March
Riverside Theatre
Company - Annie Jnr
29th – 30th May
The Vienna Festival Ballet
35th Anniversary Gala
25th March
Crafty Cat Market
Southside Wrestling
31st May
St Neots Folk Weekend
12th – 13th June
11th April
Saturday Fever Disco’s
11th April
The Elvis Years
26th July
Visit us at www.thepriorycentre.com Email: [email protected] Call: 01480 388 922
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