Latest News and Newsletters

The Potton Town Council Newsletter is published quarterly and the Town Council will keep you informed on this page of any latest news between Newsletters.

Please avoid lighting bonfires June 2, 2025

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Fire safety urged during warm, dry weather in Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire is experiencing an unseasonably warm and sunny spell, leading to dry conditions across fields, grasslands, and undergrowth. With large areas of vegetation now dry and highly susceptible to ignition, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is urging residents to exercise extra caution when using fire pits and bonfires during this period.

Group Commander and Head of Prevention and Protection, Rob Hulatt, highlighted the increasing risk of fires during these dry conditions, and said: “Over the past two weeks we’ve seen a noticeable rise in outdoor fires. These are often as a result of bonfires and other outdoor fire use. This often leads to our crews spending significant time dealing with situations that could easily be prevented. With the warm weather, we know people will want to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s vital that we do so safely to help prevent avoidable fires.”

The combination of higher-than-normal temperatures and dry ground creates the perfect conditions for fires to spread quickly. Even something as seemingly harmless as improperly discarded cigarette butts, a disposable barbecue on grass, or glass bottles left in the sun can trigger a fire that spreads rapidly.

BFRS is strongly advising residents to refrain from lighting bonfires and garden fires during this dry period. These fires can easily get out of control, spreading to nearby buildings, fences, and vegetation, causing significant damage and posing serious risks to public safety.

Simple steps to prevent outdoor fires:
• Properly dispose of cigarettes: Ensure they are completely extinguished before disposing of them and never throw them on grass verges or vegetation.
• Keep BBQs safe: Place disposable BBQs on bricks rather than directly on grass and keep them away from buildings and fences. Make sure BBQs are completely cool before disposing of the ash.
• Avoid bonfires: During dry conditions, please consider using local recycling centres for unwanted rubbish and waste instead of lighting a bonfire.

For quicker emergency response, BFRS recommends downloading the free what3words app, which helps pinpoint your location in hard-to-find areas.

By taking these simple precautions, we can all enjoy the warm weather safely and help prevent unnecessary fires.
VE Day 80 May 14, 2025

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Potton Town Council hosted a day of moving and memorable events on Thursday 8th May 2025, to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe.

The day started at 9am with the Town Crier reading the VE Day 80 Proclamation in the Market Square.

The evening started with bell ringing at St Mary’s Church – Ringing Out in Celebration.

Later in the evening in the Market Square, 1940’s music was played, with the main event starting with an introduction from the Master of Ceremonies – Denis Ellison, Vice-Chairman of Events Committee. The Town Crier repeated the VE Day 80 Proclamation; the Beacon was lit by Major Simon Sadler TD VR DL; and the VE Day 80 Tribute was read by Retired Navy Captain David Tall RN OBE, Potton Youth Councillor Sam and Potton Town Council Chairman Councillor Vicki Gwilliam. Potton’s town choirs joined the Nation to sing the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country, lead by Dr Douglas Coombes MBE and accompanied by pianist Mrs Ronnie White. Prayers were read by the Revd. Alex Wheatley, St Mary’s Church. At the end of the evening, everyone joined together to sing the National Anthem, and Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

Potton Town Council wishes to thank all who attended the VE Day 80 Celebrations, and all who helped to organise the event.
War Memorial May 2, 2025

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The War Memorial at Potton Cemetery was recently steam cleaned and the letters have been repainted black.
Local Community Team visit 18th May – Market Square, Potton May 1, 2025
Your local community team will be at Potton market Square on Sunday 18th May at 10am. I will be at this location for 30 minutes before patrolling the town. Please take this opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what we are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

Everyone is welcome and it would be great to see you there, Dogs are more than welcome to come along; in fact, I insist on it. If you would like to contact me beforehand, we can arrange to meet during this time.

Please bear in mind that as a front-line police officer I may be called away on a job before or during the event, if this happens, I will try and let you know at the earliest possible time.

Message Sent By
Lauren Jerrom
(Bedfordshire Police, PCSO, Biggleswade)
Council mourns the loss of Peter Langridge April 10, 2025

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The flag on the Library is flying at half mast as a sign of respect and mourning.

Potton Town Council is saddened to hear of the death of former councillor, chairman and freeman Peter Langridge. Peter passed away in hospital on Thursday 20th March.

Peter served as a member of the Town Council for over 20 years and amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience. Even after his retirement as a councillor he was still on hand to advise and support and always took an interest in the Town Council activities and Civic events. He was Chairman of Potton Town Council for several years. In recognition of his years of service and dedication to the town Peter was made a Freeman of Potton at a Special meeting of Potton Town Council earlier this month.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Peter’s funeral details are above.
Community Payback March 31, 2025

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The Probation Service was back in Potton on Saturday 29th March with the Community Payback team carrying out cleaning and tidying in Potton. Fifty bags filled. Our thanks go out to all involved in making Potton’s pathways much safer for pedestrians.
Thank you to Jane and Peter Singleton March 5, 2025
On Tuesday 4th March 2025, Jane and Peter Singleton had several things to celebrate.

The Chairman of Potton Town Council, Cllr Jonathan Price Williams invited Jane and Peter to a drinks reception to recognise their service to the Community of Potton. Following the drinks reception Jane and Peter joined several members of the town council and members of the community in the unveiling of plaque on a bench in the Henry Smith Playing Fields.

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Please keep Potton’s play areas safe March 3, 2025

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This is a polite reminder that dogs are prohibited from entering the children’s play areas at Henry Smith Playing Fields and Mill Lane Recreation Ground.

If you are accompanied by your dog when your children are visiting the town council play areas, please act responsibly and remain outside.

Thank you.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester opens Potton Hall for All February 28, 2025

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A new larger hall for Potton residents to enjoy

Potton Hall for All were pleased to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, to Potton to officially open its newest community venue, Potton Hall for All. His Royal Highness was warmly received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, to the newly built facility designed to meet the needs of the many community groups and activities in this growing town.

Also in attendance were distinguished local guests, including Bav Shah, The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, and Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson.

During the visit, His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the new community venue and planted a heritage apple tree Hunt’s Duke of Gloucester together with Denis Ellison, Potton Community Orchard volunteer. Potton Primary School Choir sang during the planting of the tree.

Potton Community Orchard Volunteer Andy Gibb presented His Royal Highness with gifts of apple juice, honey and preserves from the Orchard, which is located beside the Hall.

Co-host Cllr Jonathan Price Williams, Chairman of Potton Town Council and Potton Hall for All Trustee said: “We were immensely proud to showcase Potton Hall for All to His Royal Highness and express our gratitude for his visit earlier today.”

Elizabeth Smith, Chair of Potton Hall for All charity and co-host remarked: “We were delighted to host a special visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, to mark the official opening of Potton Hall for All. It was a great opportunity to showcase the building which has been designed in consultation with residents and user groups to ensure it was fit for purpose.”

During his visit, His Royal Highness heard about the fascinating history of Potton from George Howe, Chair of Potton History Society.

The Duke of Gloucester was later introduced to Potton Hall for All Trustees Phill Banks (Vice Chair), Kim Gutteridge (Principal Fundraiser), and Craig Gant (Treasurer) who explained that Potton has many arts, community and sporting groups who are in need of larger premises that can better meet their needs. They described how Potton has many smaller venues but that groups are outgrowing these spaces. They explained that this is not a new problem and Potton is a growing town. The issue was first raised over 30 years ago and the volunteer committee that emerged to champion this idea eventually became the charity Potton Hall for All. Kim Gutteridge described how during this time the trustees, working with Potton Town Council, held many community consultations helping to navigate Section 106 opportunities and applied for the public and charitable funds that were needed to fund this £1.7m facility.

His Royal Highness also spoke with to Darren Wallace (Managing Director, Watson & Cox) and Chris Wayman (Director Wayman Architects) to find out more about the design and construction of the building. Watson & Cox’s brief was to design and construct a multi-functional community centre to serve the Potton local area, working to a strict budget to provide the best value for the local community.

The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada commented: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness to Potton for the opening of this wonderful new hall. It is a lovely facility and will provide the growing community of the town with greater opportunity to organise events and activities and come together.
Vacancy for Newsletter delivery February 5, 2025
Potton Town Council produces four newsletters each year, which are delivered to every household in Potton.

We currently have a vacancy for a newsletter delivery round and we are interested in hearing from 13-18 year olds who would like to deliver our newsletter for us. The rate of pay is £20 for 300 delivered newsletters, pro-rata.

For details on how to apply, please visit our Vacancies page (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Please contact the town council office on 01767 260086 or email pottoncounciladmin@btconnect.com if you have any questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Newsletters

Each publication has been compiled and published by Potton Town Council who are the owners of the copyright. No reproduction is permitted without the express permission of the Council. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the various entries within this publication. In no circumstances can Potton Town Council accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind which may arise as a result from any error in, or omission of, any entry, artwork or telephone number. The editorial content is not necessarily the views of the Council.

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