Missendens Community Board helps to spread some Christmas cheer

At the meeting funding was agreed to the following projects:

-Restore Hope Foodlife Christmas hamper project – providing hampers to 200 local families in need so they can enjoy a hearty and healthy Christmas dinner

-Little Missenden Parish Council was granted funding for a Christmas tree and decorations in Holmer Green

-Great Missenden Parish Council was granted funding for a Christmas tree and lights for Great Missenden town centre

-Community group Prestwood Events was granted funding for Christmas lights

Speaking after the meeting Chairman Peter Martin said: "We've all been affected by the pandemic this year. It has impacted on every aspect of our lives. We've had many requests from local groups to help bring some festive cheer to our local communities. We know we can't hold our usual events but we want to make sure people can still enjoy the lights and Christmas spirit when they are out and about.

"We especially wanted to support our local traders and volunteers in these difficult times, making these local areas more attractive to help them in the run up to Christmas."

"It's also important that we support our families and communities who have really struggled this year."

Graham Wakeman, Director at Restore Hope said: "We are really pleased to get this funding towards our Christmas hamper project. We know that so many people have found the last year very tough so we wanted to make sure that they get the chance to enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner. We've had great support from the local community throughout the year and we are really grateful for everyone who has helped us."

The projects being funding support the six priorities for 2020/21 that the board agreed earlier this year:

Covid and economic recovery

Transport, highways and environment

Community safety

Health and wellbeing

Youth support and provision

Communications and engagement plan

Like all community boards, The Missendens board has created working groups to focus on each of the priorities.

They will focus on working with local communities to make improvements and tackle issues that matter most to local people.

Other funding initiatives were discussed at the meeting and decisions will be made on them in the coming days and weeks.

Community boards are the local link between Buckinghamshire Council and the community, enabling communities to have a stronger voice, influencing how services are delivered, identifying local priorities and working together to improve local areas. If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved with your local community board, visit our website or email: [email protected]