About Prestwood Community Association (PCA)
Prestwood Community Association (PCA) was created in 2024 in response to a sense that Prestwood was in need of a dedicated, proactive group that could take a holistic view on behalf of all residents and stakeholders.
Already many residents, groups, and organisations contribute to our vibrant community. That’s why our mission statement emphasises working with others.
A not-for-profit, non-political organisation, PCA believes in Prestwood. Its simple mission is to help maintain and improve the village as a brilliant place to live and work.
PCA’s Mission Statement
“The Prestwood Community Association (PCA)’s goal is to make Prestwood a better place to live and work.
We do this through our own work, and by encouraging actions and supporting organisations which:
- Help to improve the quality of life for residents in and around Prestwood;
- Help to maintain and improve the local environment, especially with respect to the Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
- Energise the community, through engagement, connection and volunteering.
We work inclusively and collaboratively with residents, with organisations within Prestwood, and with relevant official bodies for the social, economic and environmental benefit of all within the community of Prestwood.”
Our Activities
We aim to be part of a village which shares visions and ideas for a stronger, happier, more resilient community. In some matters we may take the lead, in others we may assume a supporting role. It all depends on what is the best approach to achieve our common goals.
PCA’s work encompasses the following areas:
- Projects: researching, proposing, seeking funding for and implementing projects around the community.
- Community Events: organising events, as well as encouraging support for those of other groups.
- Environmental: working with others, we aspire to protect and enhance Prestwood’s environment and the enjoyment of the public.
- Planning: we shall seek to develop an influential voice on local planning matters, on matters of village infrastructure and design, and other similar policy consultations and documents.
- Community Safety: PCA has strong links with local policing, will encourage initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Speedwatch and will organise events with a community safety purpose.
- Connected Community: facilitating stronger connections across Prestwood, to enhance awareness of all that Prestwood, its residents and traders can offer. Many of our other activities, such as Projects and Events, will also contribute to this goal.
- Encouraging Volunteering: PCA will encourage a volunteering ethos in Prestwood, offering the means for residents to put their names down for volunteering opportunities.
- Young People and the Elderly: PCA believes in encouraging an inclusive environment where families, the young and old can all benefit and relate to the place where they live or work. This is a theme that crosses many of the others.
- Consultation: opinions of residents are critical to PCA’s work.
PCA – our Team
Chair: Karen Pither
Treasurer: Robert Gibson
Secretary: Kay Allan
Management Committee members: Matthew Appleby, Emma Barrows, Martin Everitt, Kayleigh Lucas, Rachael Matthews, Helen Smith, Steve Smith, Jane Vass, York Woodford-Smith, Oscar Zealley
All PCA Officers and Committee members have worked to bring PCA to its current position. We are keen to hear from residents and businesses who feel they can join us and contribute meaningfully to the activities listed above.
FAQs
How can I contribute to PCA and Prestwood?
PCA’s committed team has brought the new association to this point. The team includes residents with a wide range of experience and connections.
But if the village is to derive significant benefit, keys to this are sharing ideas, partnering with local groups and organisations, and adding to our volunteer numbers. Read more about volunteering.
Will you be asking residents to subscribe in cash to the PCA?
No, unlike for example Great Missenden Village Association and others, PCA doesn’t intend to follow a subscription model.
Residents wishing to help with PCA’s admin costs can consider taking part in the Buckinghamshire Lottery. Its weekly draw offers a top prize of £25,000, for a £1 ticket cost. 60p in every pound raised in the Buckinghamshire Lottery is paid out to ‘good causes’, of which 50p goes to your own nominated cause.
PCA intends that proceeds from the Lottery will cover our admin costs, which we plan to keep as low as possible. So additional proceeds from the Lottery will then be available within the village.
A single £1 ticket, included in every draw in a year, will make £25 available for the benefit of Prestwood.
Read more about participating in the Buckinghamshire Lottery.
Do you want to find out more?
We are very keen to hear from residents interested in participating in PCA, either as a Committee member, leading one of our activities, or as a supporter.
In the first instance, please e-mail info@prestwoodcommunity.uk