Brill Parish Council Newsletter

August 2022 (issue 11)

Brill with Ukraine: moving forwards

A message from Cllrs Emi Slater and Jennifer Tuffley:

Time is passing and, tragically, the war in Ukraine doesn't look like it will end anytime soon. Our guests in Brill will soon have to make some very difficult decisions. Most dream of returning to Ukraine to rebuild their country but the chances of this happening safely in the coming months are small. In the meantime, they want their own space and to live more independent lives - so we're asking anyone with a property or an annex they could rent out long-term to please contact us. Thank you so much.

In the meantime, the Brill with Ukraine support group will continue to meet every fortnight on Mondays, in the Sports & Social Club at 7.30pm (including bank holidays). Please email us to find out more.

Summer in Brill

Cream teas in the church, comedy and classic cars on the playing fields, and a traditional village fête; it’s all happening between now and the end of August. See the posters around the village or check the parish council website.

Then, into September - meteorologically part of summer nowadays, hopefully - and an unmissable event on Tuesday September 6th in the gorgeous grounds of Brill House; an open air performance by the Three Inch Fools of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night. Little ol’ Brill is so lucky to host the Fools, who have performed at dozens of impressive venues up and down the UK this summer, from Cawdor Castle to Brighton Open Air Theatre via Hardwick Hall and Knebworth House. Tickets £18 for over-18s (£10 for under-18s) with family specials; book on the website.

Then, on Sunday September 11th, a welcome return of Brill Show with over a hundred classes covering gardening, flower arranging, baking, photography, art and handicraft. The entry fee is only 50p (20p for children) and, although standards are high, it’s all very friendly and good fun. Pick up a schedule from Brill shops or email the secretary - and go for it!

Adults with social care needs

Bucks Council have commissioned the Housing Learning & Improvement Network to research the accommodation and care needs of adults with a social care need. A social care need is a need which requires practical support with activities of daily living. Adults with a social care need may include older people, adults with mental health needs, adults with a physical disability and adults with a learning disability and/or autism.

If you have lived experience of any of these conditions or are a carer of an adult with a social care need please do take part in the research. The questionnaire is very straightforward and will help Bucks Council plan existing and future accommodation and care needs.

The Future of Brill Common

Brill Common is a special place [and] an important place for many thousands of people each year; both locals stretching their legs and exercising their dogs, and visitors coming from further afield to see the windmill and enjoy the extensive views across the landscape.

Thus runs the Introduction to BBOWT’s* advisory report on the management of Brill Common, made available to Brill residents on August 1st and a must-read for anyone interested in the longterm future of our most important asset.

According to the report, these should be our priorities:

• Management and decision making Brill Common is owned by Brill Parish Council on behalf of the residents of Brill Parish. The Parish Council is responsible for making decisions that impact the condition of The Common, its visitors and its wildlife.

• A grazing regime that will benefit the wildlife of the Common. An appropriate grazing regime is the best way to manage the Common to benefit wildlife.

• A secure Common One of the most important elements of land management is to ensure that a site is protected from external pressures.

• High quality wildlife habitats across the Common The Common is designated as a Local Wildlife Site because of its open, grassland habitat. This habitat should be the priority for maintenance and enhancement.

• Appropriate Access and Recreation on the Common Brill Common is a very important area for informal recreation. Many visitors enjoy walking across The Common, picnicking and exercising their dogs.

• Contribution to fighting climate change The Climate Crisis will have a negative impact on everybody and all wildlife. We should make every reasonable effort to reduce this impact.

Please read the report and tell us what you think, either in writing or using the contact form on the website. If you’d like a paper copy of the report, please call Bobs, the Parish Clerk, on 01844 238662.

*Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

Stop - Hang up - Call 159

We hope you’ve seen the posters on the new community bulletin boards and read about this on the PC website but we thought we’d mention it one more time because it’s so important.

If you receive a phone call and you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details: STOP, HANG UP & CALL 159 to speak directly to your bank.

Call 159 if:

• If someone contacts you saying they’re from your bank, even if they are not suspicious

• If you receive a call asking you to transfer money or make a payment, even if it seems genuine

• If you receive a call about a financial matter and it seems suspicious

And, 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. We also value the opportunity to give something extra to subscribers - longer explanations or different perspectives - than is possible on the website.

Tell friends, family or neighbours to email hello@brillparishcouncil.co.uk or fill in the form on the Brill Parish Council website. Alternatively, if they’d like a paper copy, suggest they drop us a note or call in to the office. We’ll even deliver.

If you’re reading a paper version of this newsletter and want to read more about anything mentioned, please call in and chat to Bobs Damerell, our Clerk, who will be in the Old Library most Mondays and Tuesdays, 9.15 - 11.15 am. He’ll be happy to help you access the Parish Council website or other information.

All good wishes
Brill Parish Council