Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Bringing our community together.
Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Bringing our community together.
Site update w/c 2nd May 2022
Parish Council Quarterly Meeting
The Parish Council will be meeting in the Astwood Village hall on Thursday 12th May - 8pm to 9pm.
Thi is the annual meeting at which the Chair & Vice-Chair will be elected.
The agenda is available on the Parish Council page of this site.
Site update w/c 21st March 2022
Security & Wellbeing
Our local PCSO team have shared a reminder regarding dog owner responsibilities - please open the Security & Wellbeing page for more information.
Demand Responsive Transport
Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) begins in Milton Keynes on 1st April 2021.
This new ‘MK Connect’ service is replacing many of the routes that the Council currently pays for and will be provided by Via.
More information on which routes are impacted can be found at https://www.getsmartertravelmk.org/on-board/demand-responsive-transport
MK Connect works like a minibus that comes when you want, where you want — book a ride
straight from your phone, get picked up in minutes, and be dropped within a short walk of your destination.
Passengers with a wheelchair or disability will always be matched with a fully accessible vehicle,
and the service is accessible to passengers with vision, hearing and other requirements.
Service hours: Monday-Saturday 6am-11pm.
Sunday 9am-6pm.
Price: £3.50 during peak hours (7am-9am,
4.30pm-6.30pm), £2.50 at all other times.
Concessionary cards and AllinOne cards will be accepted on DRT at the same times as on buses.
Handy mini guides
Useful minguide information from Milton Keynes Council
Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Who are we?
Welcome to the Astwood & Hardmead Parish Council website. Astwood & Hardmead are two villages situated within two miles of each other within a shared Civil Parish in the borough of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Our website will give you a guide to the local services, community events, security guidance and other aspects which have an influence on our rural life.
With a population of around 320 individuals , the villages work as a "community" bringing together the people with various local events being held throughout the year. These events range from fund raising, to Easter egg hunts, Harvest Supper meals, Christmas Carols in the local public house and many more!
Within Astwood we have some small businesses units with people providing a wide range of services.
The local public house (The Old Swan) is a charming thatched roof Coaching Inn dating back to the 17th century. The pub is well-worth a visit, offering a great choice of menu and having a wonderful atmosphere.
Astwood and Hardmead have 2 local churches, St Peter's grade 1 listed which dates back to the late 12th Century and St Mary' grade 1 listed and dates back to the 13th Century.
Parish Information
Astwood
St Peter's Church dates back to at least the reign of Henry the First. Held within its walls are monuments to members of the Lowndes and Cranmer familiies, both of whom were of notable stature in both local and national life. The church has undergone a number of additions and changes during its life, including a replacement of the roof following damage in WWII, and is now destined to become a private home. Further information about the church can be found at:
https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/BKM/Astwood;
Astwood is proud of its sons and the ultimate sacrifice that they made in the great conflicts of the Twentieth Century; in each World War members of this parish gave their lives for the defence of freedom. Their sacrifices are recorded on dedications held in St Peter's Church as well as on the Roll of Honour - http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Buckinghamshire/Astwood.html
Astwood's sole Pub beautifully complements the Church of St Peter's, being a Grade II listed thatched building dating back to the 15th Century. The pub is loved by locals and visitors alike, and is well worth a visit - https://www.oldswanastwood.co.uk/
Hardmead
The name Hardmead was derived from old English for 'Heoruwulf's meadow' and the village appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Herulfmede. The village consists of just over 30 houses, not that much larger than back in medieval times! St Mary's Church dates back to the 13th Century with later parts from the 15th century and holds memorials to the Catesby and Shedden families. When the medieval plagues decimated the local population the village was abandoned, the moated manor house falling into ruin before being pulled down in the early 19thcentury - all that remains are parts of the moat which can be seen behind the church. The church can be visited (please collect and return the key from Home Farm, Hardmead) and services are held 3-4 times a year, see notices on the gate and around the village – all are welcome!
Local Businesses
- Tailor & Drapes - Made to Measure Curtain Makers
- The Old Swan - Grade II listed village pub
- Owl Lodge B&B - Luxury short-break accommodation
- Star Bridal Wear - Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaid outfits
- Taylor & Co Property Consultants - Specialist land agents
- H.I.S. Bedrooms - Bespoke handmade bedrooms
- Astrum Construction - High-class builders
- Seeds of Change - Extraordinary Training & Development for young people
- AMD Learning & Development - Corporate Training & Development
- A-Z Domestics – Domestic machinery repairs
Important Local News
SID (Speed Indicator Device) information
The SID Data will be used by the Parish Council to highlight the concern of the Parish to Thames Valley Police with regards to the continued excessive vehicle speeds experienced in both Astwood & Hardmead.
The Parish Council is now looking for a volunteer to head up the Community Speed awareness efforts, together with other interested volunteers; this is a rewarding commitment, knowing you're raising awareness, helping others, being with like-minded neighbours, and plenty of fresh air to boot…
Please use the contact form (at the foot of the page) to express your interest in leading this initiative or simply wishing to take part – Thank you.
Important quick tips
FOR YOUR URGENT ATTENTION
PANDEMIC INFORMATION
NHS Guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Public Health England (PHE):
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
Waste Recycling Centres opening - clarification
The waste recycling centres operated by Milton Keynes Council are open for ESSENTIAL waste disposal only, not general use, and are subject to a booking system. For details please follow this link:
https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/waste-recycling/community-recycling-centres-tips
Contact Us
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