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Bestwood and Basford Issue Five / December 2009
Heathfield Youth perform their own music, live at the Area 1 Fashion Show! Get to the point with your Community Arrow!
Inside:
Heathfield Youth Music Event Bulb Planting Cherry Trees Residential Home Southglade Library Grab A Grand Winners Community Volunteers Programme Councillor News Dates For Your Diary Useful Contacts
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You tell us – it’s your area, it’s your news...
Heathfield Youth Music Event Among many of the events and activities that have been run over the summer months in Basford for our children and young people, was the six week singing and music production class, run at the Heathfield Community Centre during August and September. An average of 15 young people attended each week who all said how “brilliant” it was, and how they would definitely love to do it again. In addition to this feedback, the group wrote and performed their own music at the Area 1 Fashion Show event in September!
Well done to all who took part and specifically our five performers; Caitlan James, Sasha-Marie Murray, Saffron Quigley, Arianne Lauron and Benji Ray. Many thanks also go out to the facilitators from Robinhoodz.
Group photo of others that took part
For more information please contact Dene Widdowson, Lead Youth Worker, 0115 915 9742.
Brighten up our Springtime! Bulb Planting throughout Bestwood & Basford
Group photo of children and teacher - Lisa Hutchings
Throughout October and November over 6,000 bulbs were planted across Bestwood and Basford, to brighten up many of the communal areas and parks for Spring 2010. A number of schools and residents' groups took part with the planting schedule, with Southwark Primary School being one of the first groups of volunteers. The children planted bulbs on the Southwark Triangle in Basford opposite the graffiti wall (completed last year
Children actively painting
with extended schools and pupils from Ellis Guilford School). Big thank you to Ellie, Luke, Harry and Jake, for getting us started, you all did a great job! For more information please contact the Bestwood & Basford Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 915 9126.
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Blooming Marvellous at Cherry Trees! The Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards are a unique initiative for small, resident led communities aiming to achieve long term improvements to their local area through horticultural, environmental and cleanliness initiatives. Cherry Trees Residential Home in Bestwood was one of 80 groups across Nottingham to enter the 2009 Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, and were successful in gaining the Merit Award by the judges in July this year. The judges look for a variety of things including; teamwork and community
Residents of Cherry Trees accept their certificate
effort, floral displays, good maintenance, environmental quality, and overall impression. Following this, communities can receive certificates in either an Award of Improvement, a Merit or Outstanding Achievement. The residents at Cherry Trees are also looking forward to moving into their new building in March 2010. In preparation for the move, an open day and job fayre were organised in November to encourage and promote younger people entering into a career in Social Care with the elderly. The day was meant to give them a better understanding of what these jobs
would entail. It is hoped that more local young people will get involved with care for elderly residents in the area. Cherry Trees has long been a big resource within the community, supporting carers and elderly people. With Christmas approaching, staff are aware that for some elderly people this can be a very lonely time, and for this reason, people in the community are invited in to celebrate together. A big well done to the staff and residents at Cherry Trees in all their achievements this year, especially the Britain in Bloom award!! If you are elderly or know of anyone who may benefit from spending Christmas Day at Cherry Trees, please give Geraldine Sharp a call on 0115 915 9193.
Patience Beeson and Margaret Smith planting
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News
Area News
Southglade Park Library - Now open! On Saturday 24th October there was an open day for residents to come along and experience the facilities at the new library. Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Mick Wildgust did the opening ceremony and people were invited to enjoy the activities that were being held throughout the day, including; 'Time for a Rhyme' for the under fives, a local history display, storytelling session with Pete Davis, and crafts and activities for the children. It was an
opportunity for people to meet representatives from local organisations and enjoy refreshments! The new library has a range of improved services including a family area, teen area, community room, coffee area, public toilet, improved computer provision, and longer opening hours. The libraries in Bestwood and Top Valley are now closed, making way for Southglade Park Library!
For further information log on to www.mynottingham.gov.uk/libraries
Grand designs for Bestwood and Basford Angela Williams from Heathfield was chosen as one of nine winning ideas for Nottingham City Council's Grab a Grand campaign. £1,000 will be spent on improving parks and leisure areas, brightening the streets with flower baskets, and replacing old street signs. This year's Grab a Grand gave Nottingham city residents a chance to decide how £1,000 should be spent in each of the nine Area Committees across Nottingham, along with an additional £1,000 to be spent on a scheme that will offer wider benefits to the whole city. Over 200 suggestions were received from across the city, with Neighbourhood Management Teams and local councillors shortlisting the suggestions down to three per area and local residents voting for their favourite idea.
Cllr David Trimble accepts a cheque from Cllr Mick Newton, on behalf of Parks and Open Spaces
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www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Area News
Community Volunteers Programme The Community Volunteer Programme will create 700 vacancies in the voluntary sector and is part of the wider Nottingham Jobs Plan which aims to get more than 2000 people in to employment. The Community Volunteer Programme will give participants real skills and experience that will enable them to be able to compete more successfully in the jobs market.They will also work towards a recognised qualification, and will be supported during their search for employment during the placement, which will last about six months. The programme is suitable for people who: • have recently been made redundant and are eager to maintain their skills and engage in the workplace • are not ready for employment but who want to develop their skills and re-enter the workplace through
supported placements which offer them meaningful and empowering volunteering opportunities • are in low paid, low skilled, part time employment who would benefit from the opportunity to get practical experience so they feel more confident in applying for higher skilled and better paid jobs. Places are available in a variety of disciplines including, community sports, gardening, media, social care, finance, and many more across all areas. For more details please visit the jobs section at www.mynottingham.gov.uk
3rd December 9.30 — 12.30pm at Clifton Library
Another area of Nottingham's Job Plan is the Future Jobs Fund which is recruiting 100 people into paid employment. To find out more about these jobs please attend one of the listed road shows or visit your nearest Job Centre Plus.
7th December 9.30am — 12.30pm at Bilborough Library 11th December 10am — 3pm at Red Lion Community Centre 16th December 10am — 3pm Job Centre Plus, Hyson Green
Building Schools for Local Communities and for the Future Construction work is progressing on the building of the £13 million 'exemplar' primary school in Old Basford. A short film has been produced which shows what the new Southwark Primary School will look like when it's completed in March 2010. To view the film, visit www.nottinghambsf.co.uk. Construction work has started this month on Robin Hood and Henry Whipple Primary Schools which are being remodelled with funding from Nottingham's City Council's £18 million Primary Capital Programme. The inspirational designs have been developed through a creative 'visioning' and design process, pulling together ideas from children, parents and school staff. To find out more, visit www.nottinghambsf.co.uk.
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Councillor News
Local News From Your Area Councillors Councillors Your local City Councillors want to improve the quality of life for all residents, and support local people to get involved in making decisions about the things that matter to you. If you have anything you wish to discuss or would like their view on a story you wish to contribute to the Community Arrow, do feel free to get in touch.
Basford
Councillor Cat Arnold Tel: 07943 827 559
Basford to Bloom in the Spring and Whitemoor gets park revamp Basford’s local Councillors, Cat Arnold, Mick Newton and Rob Lee would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers and school children who took time out to dig in over 3,000 daffodil bulbs to brighten up key areas in Basford ready for next Spring. The Basford areas to benefit will be Stockhill Estate, Southwark Triangle, Old Basford Primary School, Vernon Park, Heathfield Park, Whitemoor Park, Mill Street, and a few more smaller areas of land. If you would like to put forward a site near you for next year’s planting, where you feel some extra colour would benefit residents, please call Councillor Mick Newton on 0794 382 4572. Basford Councillors are also pleased to report that Whitemoor Park will get a long overdue transformation this winter with work being completed in April.
Councillor Mick Newton Tel: 07943 824 572
The £105k investment will include a new children's play area, a designated five a side football pitch and outdoor gym/fitness equipment. Councillor Mick Newton said, “Over the past two years we listened to what local people have been saying to us and now is the time to put those ideas into action.”
Councillor Rob Lee Tel: 07985 757 508
thereby cutting down on traffic pollution and parking issues. The route is currently being planned and volunteers recruited (all will be fully CRB checked). A poster design campaign on road safety has also been organised to make children aware of road dangers, with an Xbox game console for the winner!
Whitemoor School to get walking bus in January 2010
Councillor Surgeries:
Basford Councillors are supporting a walking bus for pupils at Whitemoor School which will go into operation in January 2010. Designed to help children walk safely to school this scheme was the brainchild of Councillor Cat Arnold, Head Teacher Mr Thomas, School Travel Plan Advisor Diane Topple, and Police Officer Paul Pugsley.
Basford
The scheme encourages groups of children, escorted by trustworthy adults, to walk to school, reducing car use and
Basford Library 1st Saturday of the month Heathfield Community Centre 2nd Saturday of the month Whitemoor Children’s Centre 3rd Saturday of the month Highbury Vale Community Centre 4th Saturday of the month Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
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www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Bestwood
Councillor Brian Grocock Tel: 0115 915 0599
Bestwood Councillors Brian Grocock, David Smith and Mick Wildgust were pleased to be involved in the turf cutting event that took place on the 21st October 2009 on the Southglade School playing field, off Ridgeway, Top Valley. This was attended by children and parents from local primary schools to start phase 1 of a play centre, thanks to £800,000 investment from Central Government. The project, costing over £1 million, will provide cutting edge play equipment with an eco-friendly play centre and community garden. Landscaping features will include; a striking pyramid tower, tunnel slide,
Bestwood councillors
Councillor David Smith Tel: 0115 915 3233
a two seated cable slide, and an innovative timber triangle climbing frame. Two mini football pitches have also been included in the design. Children from local schools are having a major input into the project/design and will be naming the new playcentre. The playground is due to open in late Spring/early Summer 2010. Your Bestwood Councillors are pleased to announce that on Wednesday 2nd December 2009 at 4.00pm, Bestwood’s Christmas Cracker event will be held in the grounds and buildings of Bestwood Park Church on Beckhampton Road (opposite the Co-op). It will be a FREE fun event for all ages: carols with the choir, a nativity play by children from Gladehill School, pandora magic and puppet show, free mince pies, biscuits and hot drinks, along with Santa hats and presents for the children. The Christmas Fair in the Church will be opened by Santa and his elves.
Councillor Mick Wildgust Tel: 0115 915 3263
Councillor surgeries are an opportunity for you to speak to any of your local councillors should you have any issues about your area you wish to discuss. Times, dates and venues of surgeries in your ward are listed here.
Councillor Surgeries: Bestwood Masson Court Community Centre, Old Farm Road 1st Saturday of every month 10.00am-10.40am Bestwood Park Community Centre 1st Saturday of every month 10.45am-11.25am Bestwood Estate Community Centre, Gainsford Crescent 1st Saturday of every month 11.30am-12.10pm Bestwood Library, Arnold Road, 1st Saturday of every month 12.15pm-1.00pm Leen Valley Community Centre Saturdays from 12.15pm1.00pm from 5th Sept
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Dates for your diary... BESTWOOD CHRISTMAS CRACKER!
You can help out just for an hour or all day depending on what suits you.
Wednesday 2nd December Bestwood Park Church & Elmbridge off Beckhampton Road – from 4pm
Please call the Parks and Open Spaces team on (0115) 915 2733 to volunteer yourself and for details of the site to be worked on, or to suggest a site that needs work.
Free mince pies and drinks, fair at the Church opened by Santa and his elves, and Christmas carols with the choir!
Useful Contacts Basford & Bestwood Neighbourhood Management team Southglade Access Centre, Southglade Road, Bestwood, Nottingham NG5 5GU Telephone 0115 915 9129 Email bbnm.team@nottinghamcity.gov.uk There are many places you can go to get free advice on debt, financial and legal matters. You can also find out if you’re entitled to receive additional support through grants and benefits. Bestwood Advice Centre Open between 9.30am and 1.30pm Monday to Friday
Telephone Bestwood & Basford Neighbourhood Management Team on 0115 915 9125.
NATURE WALK
WEEK OF ACTION FINALE DAY
Call: 0115 962 6519
Sunday 31st January 2010 at Ellis Guilford School
Discover the hidden world on your doorstep. Join the Park Ranger for an informative walk around this site and explore the natural world within our city landscapes.
Time and further details will follow.
Meet at Bulwell Bogs tram stop.
For more information please contact the Bestwood & Basford Neighbourhood Management Team on 0115 915 9126.
NEST BOX MAKING
For families with children under 5, why not try one of the advice centre’s drop-in sessions every Thursday between 1pm and 5pm at Southglade Access/Children's Centre (first building on left as you enter park gates). Childcare is available.
AREA 2 NATURE CONSERVATION DAY Saturday 13th February 10.00am – 2.00pm Volunteer with the Park Rangers to help improve and enhance your area’s Parks and Nature reserves for wildlife. Tasks may involve coppicing, path improvements, and habitat creation.
Sunday 14th February River Leen to Bulwell Bogs to Basford Mill – 10.30am
Thursday 18th February Vernon Park 1.00pm – 3.00pm It’s National Nest Box Week so why not come along and have a go at making your own nest box to take home or to donate to this park. Meet at the pavilion on the park. For more information please contact the Bestwood & Basford Neighbourhood Management Team on 0115 915 9126.
Your Community Arrow Written by you, printed and distributed by Nottingham City Council.
21 Gainsford Crescent, Bestwood Estate, Nottingham, NG5 5FH E-mail: advice@bestwoodadvice.org.uk There are Drop-In Advice Sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday, between 9.30 and 1.00pm.