Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Bringing our community together.
Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Bringing our community together.
Bringing our community together.
Bringing our community together.
Milton Keynes Council have published revised collection informatoin for the Christmas & New Year weeks. Please see here.
Thames Valley Police are circulating information relating to a resurgence in catalytic converter thefts - please click here for full detail
The minutes from the October Parish Council meeting are available on the Parish Council Page.
An update has been made to the Neighbourhood Plan, detailing the current status and remaining activities to bring the Plan to final referendum.
Milton Keynes Council have recently launched their Ecowarriors programme, which is aimed at 7-11 year-olds. Full information can be found on the Milton Keynes Council website at this address: http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ecowarriors
In first place are joint winners Aurelia Shedden and Will Evans-Parker with Anna Jones runner up.
There was a late entrant, Summer, whose colourful painting was so good it is also being included in the planned signpost.
Congratulations to everyone who took part.
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) all public facilities in the Parish will be closed until further notice. This means that Astwood Village Hall will not be open until further notice.
As a result of the announcement made on 22nd June, however, both Astwood and Hardmead Playgrounds will reopen on 4th July 2020.
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 starting operations from Monday 18th May 2020. They are, however, 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
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.
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/
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
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.