The East Bucks Community Board met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss progress on local priorities across various wards and to hear updates on community projects. Key discussions included the success of BiertonFest, the launch of a youth club in Cheddington, and ongoing initiatives for responsible dog ownership and school road safety.

BiertonFest Success and Future Planning

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an overview of BiertonFest, a community festival that attracted 1,100 attendees and made a small profit. Parish Councillor M Grieves of Bierton Parish Council presented the event's organisation, funding, and outcomes, highlighting successes such as strong community spirit and engagement. Learnings from the event included the need for volunteer training, improved late-night operations, better cash management, clearer dog policies, and preparations for Martyn's Law¹, which will impact events from 2027 onwards by requiring ticketing and enhanced security measures. Councillor Chris Poll, Chairman of the East Bucks Community Board, thanked Councillor Grieves for his presentation and discussed the alcohol licence obtained for the event. Councillor Dean Field offered advice based on his experience, suggesting outsourcing where possible, seeking sponsorship, and charging for services like the bar. Councillor Julie Ward, Deputy Cabinet Member for Resources & Town Centre Regeneration, noted that the Community Board had provided budget allocation and expressed willingness to support the 2027 event, acknowledging the valuable guidance provided by M Parker in bringing the vision to life.

Youth Activities and Community Engagement

Updates were provided on several youth and community engagement projects. In Cheddington, the Cheddington Youth Activities project, run by Community Youth Ventures (CYV), is set to launch weekly sessions from 6 October at the Cheddington Centre. These sessions, aimed at ages 10-16, will offer a range of activities including sports, cooking, music production, arts and crafts, and essential life skills. Taster sessions in July were well-received, attracting 30-35 young people, and feedback has been incorporated into the activity planning. Councillor K Oastler of Cheddington Parish Council expressed that Parish Councillors were impressed with the taster sessions and highlighted the value of an external partner in reducing risks.

In the Bierton, Kingsbrook & Wing Ward, recent engagement with Kingsbrook residents revealed a desire for greater community connectedness and involvement, with a newsletter suggested as a method for improved communication. Plans for a regular coffee morning in Wing are also progressing, with the Community Board Manager, Lizzie Hook, set to explore ideas with Wing Parish Council, including the Chatty Cafe scheme.

Other Ward and Boardwide Initiatives

Updates were also given for the Ivinghoe Ward, including the Aging Well initiative in Stoke Mandeville, which continues to be successful through Brew's Company, and a Youth Leadership programme in Wendover. Halton is delivering its Community Together priority through three community events scheduled for late 2026 and early 2027. In the Aston Clinton and Weston Turville Ward, the Aston Clinton Showcase project is under discussion by Aston Clinton Parish Council, and Chat's Paws and Company is being investigated for Weston Turville.

Boardwide priorities include Responsible Dog Owner, with posters being distributed and a pilot dog day event planned for 20 September at Aston Clinton Park. The School Road Safety project, initially focusing on Bierton and Stoke Mandeville Schools, will continue with the development of a toolkit. An action was noted for Lizzie Hook and Bee (Benedicta Lasoye, Kingsbrook Parish Council) to speak with KVPA regarding speed awareness and traffic calming.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on impactful projects, with BiertonFest and the Cheddington Youth event highlighted as replicable models. Councillor Julie Ward noted that Aylesbury Youth Action is keen to engage with Kingsbrook Parish Council regarding youth needs. The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 17 March 2027, with Kingsbrook suggested as a potential venue.