Astwood and Hardmead

Demand Responsive Transport

Parish Council - invitation for new members

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.

Parish Council - invitation for new members

The Parish Council is inviting members of the Parish to consider putting themselves forward for election to the Parish Council.

If you are interested, please contact a member of the Parish Council for an 'explanation pack'. Alternatively visit the Electoral Commission website (https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/) for further information, or send an email to Astwoodandhardmeadpc@gmail.com

For guidance, taking a role on the Parish Council requires attendance at 4 meetings per annum, and approximately an hour's work per week.

Please note - the next Parish Council meeting is at 8pm on Friday 19th November in Astwood Village Hall

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.

FOR YOUR URGENT ATTENTION

PANDEMIC INFORMATION

In recognition of the guidance provided by the Prime Minister on Monday 23rd March 2020 ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlEFrbLeDks) the Astwood Village Hall will not be open until further notice.

As a result of the announcement made on 22nd June 2020, however, both Astwood and Hardmead Playgrounds are open.

The Parish Council and other residents want to ensure that we provide community support for any of our residents who are unwell or isolating due to Coronavirus. The Parish Council can be contacted directly through the contact section on this website; contact us to let us know the support you need and a volunteer will be in touch.

Thank you - Your Parish Council.

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

COVID 19 Vaccination Hesitancy - comparative study

The attached slideset presents useful information regarding the vaccination programme for COVID-19. In addition to the slides there are a range of links which provide additional information:

COVID-19 vaccines: What you need to know - Public health matters (blog.gov.uk)

COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Vaccine hesitancy comparative study (pptx)Download