Thank you to all who attended PCA’s first AGM.
This was an opportunity to review our first full year of operation, and to share future plans. The images and commentary below set out what we hope is a clear and compelling narrative.
Reviewing PCA’s first year
Reviewing PCA’s finances, Treasurer Robert Gibson explained that PCA has no automatic inflow of funds such as an annual grant. Therefore PCA is especially thankful to all who did give grants during the year, mainly to help with its launch and the organisation of ‘Prestwood Big Week’.
In this context, thanks go to Great Missenden Parish Council, Stoke Mandeville and Other Parishes Trust, an anonymous corporate donor, and Great Missenden and Prestwood Revitalisation Group. Also to groups and companies which gave donations and ‘in-kind’ contributions to specific projects.
Having started the year with a balance of zero, PCA ended the year with around £2,300.
PCA has emphasised from inception that it cannot begin to realise its vision without working and collaborating with Prestwood’s residents, groups, businesses and other stakeholders. We displayed nearly 50 logos of such partners, from financial donors and project partners, to Big Week participants, to raffle prize donors. Thanks are due to all who have helped us so far. PCA has already expanded its network further.
Emma Barrows presented PCA’s work on the Environmental/Bloom front. We know from past surveys that this is important to Prestwood residents. PCA believes that cohesion and ‘feel good’ of the village will gain from successful, visible and well publicised projects. Partnerships are critical in this area, and work done so far has been very fruitful in building links with, for example, Prestwood Nature and Great Missenden Village Association.
Projects have included the new planters at the junction of High Street and Nairdwood Lane, new information boards in Angling Spring Woods, replacement of a broken down bench ouside DC Kaye’s office. PCA also took a lead in seeking restitution of a footpath adjacent to Broombarn Lane.
The main event of 2025 was ‘Prestwood Big Week‘. In very short time, 13 events and activities came together in a celebration of Prestwood. PCA was also very glad to host our MP, Greg Smith, for a very informative meeting with residents.
In its first year, PCA has also been building a sound base in terms of infrastructure and communication platforms. Oscar Zealley explained that PCA has set up a robust platform based on Microsoft 365 for collaboration, sharing files and information, email and organisational tools. PCA has also been building its Facebook and Instagram profiles.
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Looking forward: current year and beyond
Robert explained that it has always been the intention of PCA to initiate a ‘Community Engagement’ programme. This will be rolled out in the current year. The goal is to encourage greater resilience within the community. The slide below explains a number of the key partners and linkages. Understanding and making the most of these linkages will strengthen our community. But we should understand also that these have limitations. Hence we shall look to promote community and personal engagement, and encourage involvement by individuals, businesses and other stakeholders within the area.
PCA’s work to improve our local environment takes various forms. Overhanging vegetation, dangerous surfaces and generally scruffy appearance are a feature of many of the village’s pavements and footpaths. York Woodford-Smith sketched out plans for programme of works. This will require coordination with and cooperation from Buckinghamshire Council, and assistance from volunteers.
Community feedback suggests a desire for the Sheepwash Pond on Honor End Lane once again to become a well-loved and safe nature site and amenity. PCA is ready to play its part, but this will NOT extend to assuming legal responsibility for the site. A problem solving approach is required, involving the wider community, starting by trying to establish who actually owns the site. In the meant time, PCA is happy to organise a limited autumn tidy up of the site, and will be calling for volunteers.
PCA will soon launch a survey of residents. This will help guide PCA’s efforts by seeking to establish a clear vision of what Prestwood residents value and want to see. Very importantly, it will become a key part of an evidence base which can be used when bidding for funding.
PCA has a strong Committee with a broad range of skills, experience and contacts. As the foregoing commentary shows, we are ambitious for Prestwood. It must be equally obvious that such a programme will require assistance from volunteers.
Volunteering can take many forms, catering to personal interests and with differing time commitments. From joining the Committee to lead one of our activities, to joining a working group, to giving time to a specific project, your time and energy will make a difference to our community. York sketched out a number of possibilities:
- We remain anxious to work with someone with a background or strong interest in Planning (see below).
- Would you like to help PCA in a more administrative capacity, or in communications?
- PCA will be very glad to hear from trades people who could contribute some time and expertise to our projects.
- Maybe you and your friends would like to suggest a project?
- Or perhaps you have some experience in funding applications?
Residents interested in volunteering in any way, or just discussing possibilities, can contact us in the first instance on info@prestwoodcommunity.uk. Or you could speak to one of our Committee members.
PCA doesn’t ask for a subscription fee from members or residents, so the Buckinghamshire Lottery is one vital way in which residents can support the PCA’s work. The proportion of funds raised going to good causes is 60%, compared to 25% for the National Lottery, and there’s always the chance of a useful prize!
Details can be found at https://www.buckinghamshirelottery.co.uk/support/prestwood-community-association
