A smaller version of the Society, The Village Green Association, was formed informally in December 2021, when a group of residents around the Village Green wanted to do something for the community. We dressed the trees in baubles and festive decorations and hung fairy lights in all the trees to spread some village cheer to all - it was a huge success and we wanted to do more. We learnt that a Stoke Mandeville Society was set up nearly 50 years ago in 1973, with the mission to “preserve a village way of life and community spirit” and so in March last year, we resurrected The Society and set about doing some good stuff in the village, with the same goals.

Our Mission is to ‘ensure ‘village life’ remains at the heart of our growing community’. When we say ‘village life’ we mean the connecting and socialising between individuals, tightly knit communities and those with common interests. Therefore, as a Society we seek out opportunities to bring people together in order to help tackle social isolation and loneliness, promote well-being and respect for all parts of our diverse community and create a sense of pride in our surroundings. Having opportunities for the community to come together often requires amenities to be available for ‘communing’ to take place, and whilst the village is well-served with amenities expected of an English semi-rural village, there are always opportunities to improve. Our key priorities are: 1. Help protect and promote the village heritage in collaboration with other bodies 2. Encourage and develop community activities and initiatives throughout the year 3. Regularly communicate what’s going on to generate interest and awareness in our community 4. Support the improvement and development of amenities which can enhance quality of life

Because we believe in the power of ‘village life’ and that post-covid, people need it more than ever. We are NOT about political or electoral wards where demarcation of streets for voting purposes divides communities, we support anyone and everyone who loves ‘village life’. The Society is open to anyone who visits Stoke Mandeville village to use the amenities, all those who work in the village and of course all residents. We are run solely by volunteers who are passionate about ‘village life’ and we rely on our members, sponsors, and friends to support us when we need them, to ensure our activities are a success.

Everyone who shares our passion for ‘village life’ – Bucks & SM Parish Councils, Wendover & Villages Community Board, St Mary’s Church, SM Combined School, community groups eg: SM Football Club, Bucks Community Impact, other village and town societies, local businesses in the village, charities eg: Florence Nightingale Hospice, care homes, residents, visitors, and friends.

We feel Stoke Mandeville has been overlooked, despite in the past winning Buckinghamshire’s ‘Best Kept Village’ awards numerous times, but since 2000 we have fallen short, so The Society seeks to ensure that the village’s character, charm, and scale are protected and enhanced and to improve our sense of community. This will therefore mean that certain areas of our focus will intersect with the work which the Parish Council should be undertaking, and we seek to find areas where we can support the work of the PC as well as complement.

Because ‘village life’ happens in the area that is central to the Parish of Stoke Mandeville – the historic village. We encourage as many as possible to come to the centre of the Parish and enjoy the pubs, businesses, amenities, playing field, church, school, post office, shop and playschool et al, which are all located in the centre of the village. These are places where people can come together to enjoy the sense of community which these amenities provide for everyone in the Parish.

Everyone who shares our passion for ‘village life’.

It is our mascot – because when a ladybird lands on you then that's very lucky. It is believed that whatever the ladybird touches will be improved. If you see a ladybird that means good weather is near or that a person will soon have luck with love or money.

• Coronation Event (in partnership with the PC and The Bull pub) • Blue Plaques for the historic buildings • Outdoor Public War Memorial • Online Village directory • Phone Box Library Book Swap

We have members who reside in the village (old and newer parts incl. Stoke Grange and Stoke Leys neighbourhoods), those who work in the village, many who visit it to see family and friends, visitors who like the amenities in the village and members who reside in other villages, parishes and counties but love the concept of ‘village life’ and want to support our work. Thanks to our generous sponsors who also believe in what we are doing, we do not have to charge our members to access our news, content, online directory, join events or participate in any of the work we do.