Brill Parish Council Newsletter

September 2024 (vol 5, issue 8)

Brill Community Market

Brill has had a market off-and-on for centuries, way back to Medieval times when the village enjoyed the patronage of royalty. The goods on sale might have changed but the ethos surely hasn’t; a chance to shop locally and enjoy a gossip with friends and neighbours. Sadly, this year the weather has been against us; two markets cancelled and others reduced to shivering endurance tests from stallholders and shoppers alike - but no more!

Last Saturday, at very short notice, All Saints Church welcomed NINE stalls. We pushed back the pews and piled up surplus chairs. Bacon sizzled in the porch, coffee was served in the aisles, shoppers agonised over over Liberty Lawn lavender bags, felted pumpkins and knitted mittens.

• “A lovely atmosphere”

• “Everyone was so friendly”

• “People lingered in the warmth”

And so our market is saved! We’re going to operate throughout the year, confident that consistency will help build footfall, reward our stallholders for their loyalty and attract new sellers.

Our next market will be Saturday October 19th, followed by a Brill Community CHRISTMAS Market on the afternoon of Saturday November 23rd (of which more later). Stalls are FREE for local people, charities, community groups, and hobbyists.

Please see the Brill Community Market Facebook Page to find out more, email Hannah if you’re interested in having a stall - and big thanks to Rev Gemma and the PCC for making this happen.

Village

This really worked! The sun shone and over a hundred Brill residents turned up at the windmill to pose for a huge celebratory photo inspired by one of the works of 16th-century Flemish artist, Pieter Bruegel the Elder. After registration and warm-up exercises to get us in the mood, the Buckinghamshire Culture team of choreographers and photographers guided people to their allocated locations on the slopes below the windmill. Scenic shots were taken with everyone in position, followed by pictures of individuals and small groups - then off to the Memorial Hall for tea, coffee, Jane Varney’s delicious homemade scones and a display of historic photos, kindly arranged by Andy Fisher of The Brill Society. A delightful social event rounding off a unique community experience. We can’t wait to see the outcome!

Thanks to Buckinghamshire Culture for choosing Brill as one of its Village sites and Rev Gemma Beesley, Parish Councillor Liz Springs and Brill Society Chair Andy Fisher for enabling this event. Victoria Timms took these two photos.

Brill Parish Council & Community Website

Have you visited the BPC&C website recently? Please do!

The BPC&C website is now the go-to source about Brill. If a visitor or newcomer Googles “Brill Bucks” it’s generally the first resource that appears - meaning that this is not only the gateway to information about our village but the public face of our community.

Here’s a small taste of what the website offers:

• A noticeboard of forthcoming events

• A quick guide to reporting problems (potholes, fly-tipping and the like)

• Brill Parish Council news, minutes, financial reports and policies plus LOTS of information about Brill Common and our environment

• A comprehensive directory of resources to help residents in need, including mental health support

• Information about local services and Brill businesses

• Contact details of community groups, clubs and charities

• Pertinent information from statutory bodies including security advice from Thames Valley Police and Bucks Council

But we need your help keeping all this up-to-date! Is your business listed? Are the contact details for your club or exercise class correct? Does your public event appear on our Welcome page?

There’s a message link at the foot of each page on the website - or email Hannah who maintains the site for the Parish Council.

Volunteering in Bucks

Community Impact Bucks have just launched Volunteer Bucks, an online volunteer platform to help organisations connect with volunteers in Buckinghamshire - and volunteers to find opportunities to make a difference. The aim is to publicise volunteer roles more widely and streamline the recruitment process, at no cost to not-for-profit organisations.

The new platform allows people to browse for local volunteering opportunities by personal interests, location, and availability. It has an interactive map and, for anyone who isn’t sure what sort of role would suit them, there is a helpful online quiz to help identify which types of roles best match their skills and interests. 

The site includes nice, clear guidance for organisations to ensure they make best use of the platform.

Pension Credit & Winter Fuel Payment

According to Age UK, 39% of pensioners entitled to Pension Credit (which is linked to the Winter Fuel Allowance and other benefits) do not receive what is rightfully theirs. Maybe you could help a family member or neighbour make a claim?

1. Check eligibility (you will need National Insurance number and information about income and any savings and investments)

2. Apply online or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234

3. Wait to hear from the Department of Work & Pensions; the claimant will be notified by letter

Some people are put off by the complexity of the process but help is available. Age UK offer comprehensive advice complemented by a free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year.

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