The Heart of Bucks ‘Inspiring Buckinghamshire’ series gives local people from a range of sectors a chance to share their knowledge and insights to help inspire others.
Here we are speaking with Jill Townsend, founder of Buckingham Summer Club and Trustee of Project Street Life.
Tell us about yourself and your connection to Buckinghamshire.
A recent profile reads “a dedicated community volunteer known for her leadership with the Buckingham Summer Club, a free initiative offering creative and educational activities for children aged 3 to 8. Operating under The Swan Community Hub, the club provides themed sessions that include crafts, storytelling, and play, helping local families enjoy enriching experiences during the summer holidays. Jill plays a central role in organising these sessions, coordinating volunteers, and securing grants and donations to keep the program free and accessible. She has also represented the club through local groups like Bucks Fizz Business Networking, where she engages local businesses in community support. Passionate about inclusion and early learning, Jill’s work strengthens Buckingham’s community spirit and promotes opportunities for children to learn and play in safe, supportive environments. Her energy and compassion have made her a respected figure in the town’s civic life.”
What personal achievements are you most proud of?
Proud of having seen a need to make a difference to parents who were “dreading the summer holidays” because they had no means of taking their children on holiday, were working to an incredibly tight budget and were panicking about how to entertain them during the six weeks’ holiday, and being able to put something into place to meet their need, Buckingham Summer Club, which is free, local to Buckingham and open to all.
Also, as a trustee of Project Street Life, an organisation aimed at 11 to 16 year olds, having worked with fellow trustees and the project co-ordinator to adjust to the different requirements following Covid and lockdown and to make effective changes to accommodate the needs of the young people it serves, eg meeting after school rather than in the evening, which has proved extremely popular; providing interesting, character-building and skill-developing activities.
What are some of the challenges you have faced, and how have you overcome them?
One of the constant challenges is finding enough funding to be able to run the program each summer. Understandably, grant awarders are endeavouring to give out their awards fairly and across a very wide spectrum of requirements, so there is always much competition to achieve the necessary resources.
We have been supported by local businesses over the years who donate practical resources to help us meet this challenge such as offering free printing, coffee cups and lids, refreshments, craft materials etc.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Always stand firm for what you know is right.
What is your greatest hope for the future for Buckinghamshire?
My greatest hope is that every organisation and project serving its local community throughout Buckinghamshire will feel supported (both financially and emotionally), valued and encouraged to continue to grow and develop as it makes a very real difference to its local community.
Read more of our Inspiring Buckinghamshire interviews here.
