June 2016

FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Following on from my article in last month’s Roundabout magazine about

devolution,

Cambridgeshire County

Council will be undergoing a review of governance arrangements for local authorities and looking at more efficient

and effective ways to serve the community. The County Council thinks that it is important to review all possible

ways of governance for local authorities and ways of working. This includes the possibility of moving away from

Shire Hall in Cambridge and using this building for development to increase the council revenue. At a time of de-

creasing government grants to local authorities the question has to be asked if there are more ways of raising rev-

enue to continue to provide services for our communities.

20 is Plenty for Buckden:

Following on from the success of Buckden Parish Council in securing funding from

Cambridgeshire County Council to fund the majority of a change of speed limit in the proximity to Buckden primary

school from 30 mph to 20 mph, please look out for dates for further public consultation as part of the preparation

for the Traffic Regulations Order to formally change the speed limit. Watch out for information in the Roundabout

magazine.

Please be advised that residents can come along to the Buckden village hall on the second Tuesday of the month

at 6.30pm for an hour to speak to me. I will be in the Aragon room and no appointment is necessary. My next sur-

gery will be held on

Tuesday 12

July 2016

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Julie Wisson, County Councillor Buckden and the Offords

07725 791459 01767 677837 Julie.Wisson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

Opportunities to serve our community

Last month I reminded readers of the importance of our residents in defining the character of our village. Some of

you now have the opportunity to really make a difference.

Village Hall Trust

One of the jewels in the Buckden crown is our village hall and associated sports facilities and lake. There are

many in the village who do not appreciate that it is not run by the Parish Council but by the Village Hall Trust, a

wholly independent charity with its own trustees. Some of these are nominated by village clubs and some are

‘village volunteers’. Recent years have seen a huge improvement in the facilities offered and the involvement with

the village. Much of this has been due to astute chairmanship, energetic administrators and to the work of the

treasurer. Unfortunately the latter has now resigned and the Trust is seeking a replacement. If you feel that you

have the skills and time to offer your services to fill this important role please contact the chairman, John Thelwall.

Parish Council

Parish Councils are the third layer of local government and as such are responsible for many of the activities that

ensure that we have such a pleasant environment in which to live. We are lucky to have some very dedicated

people who are prepared to ensure that the Council fulfils this role. Unfortunately two of them have recently re-

signed and the Council will soon be seeking replacements. The role involves a full Council meeting and a Working

Group or committee meeting once a month and possibly other activities depending upon the particular interests of

members. I can assure you that it can be very rewarding; and occasionally frustrating

If you feel that you would

like to help the village please contact the Clerk, John Chase. I would be very happy to have a chat if you would

like more information.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)

I am often asked to explain the roles and responsibilities of the PCC. The oft asked questions are ‘what does he

or she do?’ and ‘what difference does he or she actually make’. Well, we have a new PCC, Jason Ablewhite, and

as soon as he has settled into his new role I intend to invite him, with the agreement of the Parish Council, to at-

tend one of our meetings to answer those questions. When he accepts our invitation I urge you to attend and ask

him the hard questions.

The village has lost another character and a WW2 hero. Percy Canning was best known in the village for his skills

as a gardener and he was probably the most prolific winner of the cups, medals and other prizes awarded at the

Gardeners’ club annual shows. What was less well known, and something that he rarely spoke about, was his

experiences in WW2 as a tail gunner in the Lancaster bomber. This was the most dangerous position in the air-

craft and at the same time sometimes the most important as the defender of the vulnerable tail of the aircraft. For

his valour he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. He will be much missed.

I am now half way through my term of office and am very grateful for the support that I have received. If you have

any queries that you feel I can be useful in solving please don’t hesitate to contact me on 01480 810974

or terry.hayward@huntingdonshire.gov.uk

With all best wishes

Terry Hayward (Cllr), Buckden Ward, Huntingdonshire District Council