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.

PottonFest Essential June 20, 2025
As it is going to be very hot tomorrow (21st June) these are a few essentials

Suncream
Bottles of Water
Hat
Seat or Blanket
Gazebo or sit in a shady spot
Food and drink will be available to purchase from various vendors.

Parking is limited so we encourage you to walk to the event or use alternative transport arrangements.

Cllr Vicki Gwilliam is looking forward to you joining her.
Potton Cemetery Footpath Refurbishment June 18, 2025
As reported on page 4 of the October 2024 edition of the newsletter, a second phase of path tarmacking is planned.

The contractor will commence work on Monday 23rd June 2025, which will take approximately two weeks to complete.

To allow the work to go ahead, burials and ashes interments at the Cemetery will not take place during the two weeks.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst works are carried out.
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.

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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