On May 7th Heart of Bucks had the privilege of visiting some amazing projects in and around Princes Risborough as part of its anniversary tour to celebrate 25 years of local giving.
The day started on Kop Hill to meet trustees and volunteers from, Kop Hill Charity – the organisation behind Kop Hill Climb Festival. This community event has raised more than £1 million for good causes since its revival in 2009. These funds have been distributed by Heart of Bucks to support community projects around Princes Risborough. On the day Chair of Trustees Linda Cannon Clegg announced a new bursary scheme will launch later this year with up to £25,000 available to help young people in Buckinghamshire with education, training and career development, with a particular focus on STEM opportunities.
From here the group which included current High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Pippa Kirkbride, headed off to the Princes Centre on Clifford Road to see this award-winning day care centre which provides an inspirational and supportive environment for elderly clients and people with disabilities to help them learn and live a fulfilling life. On this day activities included a music quiz based on VE day for clients with dementia, a physical activity class for disabled adults and a creative session with colouring and baking for individuals with learning disabilities.
A short walk away outside the Literary Institute is one of the emergency defibrillators installed by the Rural Community Defibrillator Group thanks to a grant from Heart of Bucks. First responder Geoff explained that using a defibrillator to quickly stabilise a patient’s heart during a cardia arrest gives the patient a much-improved chance of making a full recovery. A true lifeline in a rural community.
Next stop was the Lunch Club at St Mary’s Church which hosts a monthly gathering for isolated, vulnerable, infirm and housebound local people to help them have a regular ‘trip’ away from home. Those attending the group are not only given the opportunity to socialise and take part in both physically and mentally stimulating activities, but they are also given, a hot meal and tea and cake.
The final stop was the Lacey Green Windmill – where we met the Chiltern Society who have been lovingly restoring this iconic building to its current glory. Most recently the four sails and rudder have been replaced to ensure this Grade II listed mill steeped in history and culture is safeguarded for generations to come.
Princes Risborough may be small but there is no doubt that this mighty community cares about the people and landmarks within it.
Photo: Princes Centre Minibus, part funded by Heart of Bucks.
