Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Bringing our community together.
Welcome to Astwood & Hardmead
Bringing our community together.
Website updates w/c 14th September 2020
Parish Council Co-Opt meeting - update
Following the meeting held on 17th September 2020 Andrea Jones has been appointed to the role of Parish Councillor.
The role of Parish Clerk has been taken on by Tracey Young.
Turvey Road - continued closure 21st - 25th September 2020
08:00 - 16:00, 21st - 25th September
Turvey Road will be closed during the above intervals to support the installation of new BT poles and overhead cables.
Full detail can be found on the Parish Council page of this site, or at http://one.network/.
Astwood and Hardmead Parish Competitions
Not one, but two competitions for our local community to enter!
1. Take it Slow - Children of Astwood and Hardmead can you help?
Can you design and colour in a sign asking drivers and bikers to slow down as they drive in and out of our beautiful villages? The deadline is 7th September if you would like to enter. Please submit your entry via email astwoodandhardmeadpc@gmail.com or via the parish council website www.astwoodandhardmead.co.uk/parish-council with your name and address. All entries will appear on the website. Please can you make sure your name and contact details are provided.
2. Competition - What has Lockdown Meant to You?
Lockdown has meant different things to different age groups. We have two separate competitions which will be judged by the Parish Council:
Grown ups (over 18), and Children.
There is a prize for the winner of each category.
The subject is "My Lockdown" - between 500 & 800 words (and pictures if you would like to add drawings). What has lockdown meant to you?
The deadline is 7th September 2020; please provide your contact details and send to AstwoodandHardmeadPC@gmail.com.
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
Important quick tips
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/
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
Astwood & Hardmead Parish Council
A vacancy has arisen for the role of Parish Clerk
For further information please submit an enquiry through this website
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.