LOCAL NEWS

UK Astronomy's Space Crafter is Ready for Lift Off!

Photo above by Derek Pelling

Milton Keynes based charity UK Astronomy is hoping to inspire more groups, kids clubs communities to explore the skies and astronomy with the help of a fully kitted out van.

The van, a Volkswagen Crafter - affectionately named the Space Crafter, has been purchased by the charity as a result of a generous donation from Persimmons Homes and other supporters, and will allow the charity to travel far and wide with specialist stargazing equipment.

The astronomy charity is run by dedicated volunteers, with the aim of sharing their passion about space with communities at stargazing and educational events.

They already hold regular events in Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire but the new van will help them reach even more schools, community groups, kids clubs and astronomy enthusiasts.

The first events they will be hosting with the help of their new van, include stargazing evenings in the local area and once lockdown guidance relaxes further, educational events with the National Trust, Parks Trust, local councils, and schools.

UK Astronomy Founder, Ross Hockham said:

“We can’t thank Persimmons Homes enough for their generosity, enabling us to purchase a brand-new van in which we can fit all our telescopes and equipment in one place, making transportation and set up of our events much easier – enabling us to bring the skies to you.

“Now we are looking forward to inspiring even more children and adults to look up.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has supported us. We have been blown away by all the support we have had and cannot thank you enough for believing in us. It is down to you that we have grown from one man in a field to a registered charity with over 12,000 members.”

Brushing Scam

Have you received unsolicited seeds, possibly from China, in the post? Some local people have. If you have, please let Thames Valley Police and DEFRA know, and do not plant the seeds. It is likely that you received them as part of a scam where live accounts are used to improve seller ratings on ebay or Amazon.

Boost Parenting Support and Advice Service

Help families thrive as a Parenting Mentor with Buckinghamshire Council and Connection Support. Provide guidance, encouragement and share skills so children experience a stable and happy family life. Apply today! volunteers@connectionsupport.org.uk http://connectionsupport.org.uk/volunteer or ring 01296 484322.

Cherry Tree Idol!

Cherry Tree House on Dobbins Lane is having a virtual talent competition. All talents and all ages welcome. To enter, please upload your entry to YouTube and email the link to cthactivities@salveocare.co.uk by 31 August and Cherry Tree House residents will decide the winner. The winner will be announced 7 September. Join the fun!

What's in a Name?

Wendover News is asked from time to time about place names in Wendover, and has recently been provided a book about just that! So if you'd like to know about a place name, please ask and we'll answer in a later edition. We'll start with Oliver's Bridge, as that is asked frequently.

Oliver's Bridge is the footbridge on the Purssell Path which crosses the Wendover Arm Canal. Oliver was Oliver Statham, a stalwart member of The Wendover Society. Learn more about Oliver at https:// wendovernews.co.uk/news/tribute-tooliver-statham/.

Dog Fouling

I am a Wendover resident who would like to draw attention to the amount of dog excrement that is fouling Wendover. I live along the row of York cottages with two small children and several times in recent months I have had to clear up dog excrement from the pavement and neighbouring front gardens. This problem is not limited to this area, it is along many footpaths we like to walk with our children. We would love to support a campaign to stop this happening. name and address supplied

Editor's note: Wendover News recommended that this writer also contact Wendover Parish Council with his complaint. If anyone would like to start a group to deal with this perpetual problem, please let Wendover News know. We will be happy to provide support for this endeavour.

Virgin Media User Group

Virgin Media is my phone and internet provider. It would be useful to be able to contact other users of VM when there are technical problems. If other VM users in Wendover would like to be on a list that would be circulated to other VM users, please contact me. Chris Peeler chrispeeler@ntlworld.com tel 01296 624089 mobile 07812 891867