Brill Parish Council Newsletter

April 2024 (vol 4, issue 4)

Brill Community Market

Way back in Medieval times, when Brill enjoyed the patronage of royalty, there was a bustling weekly market - and we want to continue that tradition, albeit monthly and only for five months of the year. Our aim (as it probably was back then) is to give residents and visitors a chance to browse and shop locally in a friendly environment - and small businesses, charities and community groups an opportunity to sell their wares and promote their services.

We’ve got a wonderful range of stalls setting up for the first market of the year; exciting newcomers as well as old favourites. Head to our Facebook to read all about them; we’re featuring nearly everyone in the run up to Saturday - and, if you run a small business, work for a charity, or just want to have a clear-out or fund your crafting hobby, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to have you along this month or next. Email Hannah or message us via our Facebook page.

Anyone for tennis?

Well, maybe not just yet - but the sun is trying to come out even if the wind is a chill northerly at the time of writing. Even so, we thought this would be a good moment to remind Brillites of the existence of our wonderful Multi-Use Games Area, tucked away in the far corner of the playing fields, next to the Scout hut.

The MUGA was opened last year following a lot of hard work on the part of the previous Parish Council. The all-weather surface is marked out for basketball, netball and tennis and there’s a tennis net and netball posts available. There’s no charge to use the MUGA; just turn up in the evenings or at weekends (the school uses it at playtimes during term) or, to be on the safe side, book your slot of the BPC&C website.

Brill Windmill Update

A message from Andy Fisher, Chair of The Brill Society:

“After last year’s extensive sail and brake restoration, we were excited to finally turn the sails on Easter Sunday. We will now be turning the sails regularly, at noon on the last Sunday of the month before we open the windmill to the public. This isn’t just a wonderful thing to watch; it’s a crucial part of keeping the sails in good condition, as each one takes its turn in a different position.

“We have an impressive new range of merchandise for sale in the roundhouse, including colourful new mugs and coasters all themed on the windmill. Another initiative is making better use of the space at the back of the roundhouse. Right now, it’s playing host to a photo exhibition but, in the future, we’d like to make it available to local artists and craftspeople to showcase their wares. Interested? Please get in touch.

“Finally, we’ve had some welcome publicity. The turning of the sails prompted a flurry of interviews and articles on websites, tv and radio. We’re not sure when the interviews will be aired but we’ll try and keep you posted on Facebook.”

Hartwell's Barn Update

Many of you may be wondering how the fundraising is going. We (The Brill Society, Brill Parish Council, FAT Daddies, and Brill Environment Group) are making steady progress - with some exciting money-making events in the pipeline. The Brill Gravity Run will be returning - as will a bigger and (if this is even possible!) better Midsummer Music. Look out, too, for The Miller’s Run; something completely different which promises fun for all ages.

Easter Holidays Community Litter Pick

Big thanks to James Tuffley and helpers for organising this important annual event. Thanks to Tony Bostrom for the poster - and to all the pickers who worked hard over the school holidays to clear up our grass verges and green spaces. An impressive 40 bags of rubbish were collected, stored near the Sports & Social Club (another thank-you!) and taken away by Bucks Council.

We would really like to make litter picking an on-going, year-round happening. Many communities have Litter Womble schemes; here’s an example on Facebook. Would you be interested in getting involved in something like that in Brill? Please email James Tuffley.

Finally!

Please tell others about this e-newsletter. Lots of people aren’t on Facebook or comfortable with social media, and we want to reach all parishioners equally.

Tell friends, family or neighbours to email hannahbrillcommunity@gmail.com or fill in the newsletter form on the welcome page of the Brill Parish Council & Community website. Alternatively, if they’d like to read a paper copy, please tell them there are always copies of the newsletter on the Parish Council noticeboard (on the front wall of the Memorial Hall), in the pouch on the door of the Parish Office inside the Hall, on the table at the back of All Saints Church, and in the shops and (usually) the surgery.

Remember you can read past issues of the newsletter on the Brill Parish Council & Community website.

All good wishes
Brill Parish Council