in Whiteway
In Whiteway
In Whiteway
1946:
It was new house in Haycombe Drive when we moved in with a bathroom and hot water.
Whiteway was a nice place to live as everyone was friendly. Any problems we did have were settled by the local policeman who lived in the area!
All children treated older people with respect and all gardens were kept tidy
1940s I was 3 years old when I moved to Whiteway. real nice and safe. In the 50s it was It was mainly fields and there was a small hut which was the Whiteway Club. Blagdon Park was all prefabs. There were no bungalows. The community was very friendly and we had street parties where everyone used to join in. You never needed to lock your doors and it was safe to go out and leave them open. The flats on Haycombe Drive used to be allotments. There was a little friendly post office and a Salvation Army. On Mount Road I remember there being a little wool shop. We always had a bonfire night at Kelston View and the community supervised it. Whiteway was the best place to live!
Before Rosewarn: Rosewarn Close hasn’t always been there. It was built after they built Haycombe Drive. It used to be a school playing field and I can remember watching school children run from the school to the playing field. I am sure by the time they got there they were too shattered to take part! There was a caretaker called Mr Peacock who used to look after the field. We wasn’t allowed to play on it though! It was locked up on both sides. I used to climb the gate to play on it but if we got caught he would chase us off! There were hardly any cars when we were growing up. We used to have a long rope along the road and we would skip. The road was much safer. We would also play hop scotch on the path. We had so much fun back then!
In Whiteway ‘We have listened to the needs of our community, we have developed new projects and we are making the changes that we want to see’ Will Robinson, Chair of Changes in November 2008, Action to RE:generate Starting Community Trust were invited by the Local Strategic Partnership in Bath and North East Somerset to undertake an intense piece of community engagement work. This work would build trust, respect and relationships between individuals, groups and professionals and start to local leaders who could develop identify enterprising solutions to tackle some of the issues faced in their community and develop a network of volunteers, customers, clients and supporters that could sustain the work. Over the last 18 months: • over 600 people have been listened to about the things that matter most to them • over 150 people have explored the development of projects that respond directly to community need • 40+ volunteers are supporting local projects • 5 projects aspiring to be social enterprises have been established benefiting over 900 people from the local area. • 2 established social enterprises The key outcome of this work has been the formation of Changes. Changes formed in May 2010 to respond to the needs of local people that had been identified through the intensive listening. Made up of 12 local leaders who have set up key projects to address local issues Changes is working hard to improve the local area, engage with agencies to support them to better deliver services in Whiteway and develop its forward plan for the next 5 years. Will Robinson, the Chair of Changes, stated that, ‘the reason we have formed Changes was there was a lot of things that were going on in our community that RE:generate were supporting.
The Projects include Proud of Your Doorstep, Play by Mums, the Goal posts project, the 20mph petition to name but a few. We needed to work together for the benefit of our area’. Vice Chair of Changes, Elaine Thomas who is also the founder of Proud of Your Doorstep said that, ‘before RE:generate started working in Whiteway there were a lot of things that were starting to go wrong. Community spirit was starting to disappear and people were not involved with the community anymore. Through RE:generate and now through Changes we are starting to see real impact. Crime is down, litter is reducing, there are less problems and more people are taking part. This was clear from the event that we organised in the park recently. Over 600 people attended and we raised over £800 for our newly formed group. It wouldn’t have happened were it not for RE:generate. We are carrying this on through Changes’. Councillor Paul Crossley has reinforced this view, ‘As local Councillors we have been really impressed with the work that the RE:generate project has achieved over the last 18 months. It has been great to work with residents on finding shared solutions to some of the problems and the issues facing the community. We are delighted that one of the outcomes has been the creation of the Changes group that are leading on so many good projects. The next step is now facing us and that will be to ensure that the community together can take forward this work. As a group Changes is keen to engage, support and sustain activity in the area. To find out more contact: Will Robinson e. will.robinson@realchanges.org.uk t: 07768 445 919
In Whiteway
In Whiteway
- Summary of the Proud of Your Doorstep project.
“We started by identifying the problem, we’ve now come up with the solution!” Elaine Thomas, Founder of PoYD Proud of Your Doorstep (PoYD) is a social enterprise that aims to stop flytipping and tackle litter issues and restore the sense of pride in residents in the community where they live... PoYD has been stimulating action in the local community through regular litter picks and in ‘Deep Clean Keep Clean’ the last year they events. In have supported residents to dispose of their unwanted
- Proud of Your Doorstep
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: Makes the area a cleaner, safer place for everyone. Aspiring to end the problem of fly-tipping A more affordable service for residents Creates volunteer opportunities for ALL. Restores pride in the community Members will be rewarded with discounts for local stores..! (What’s not to like eh?)
bulky items. In fact, they removed 17.5 tonnes of it from households all over Whiteway at the last collection..! They also encouraged over 40 households to start recycling. The team have also organised litter picks every three weeks and over 50 people both young and old have taken part! These schemes were such a success that there are now plans to repeat the waste collections in Whiteway, and expand PoYD with financial backing from a FTSE 100 business as well as from local Sponsors including SOMER housing and local Councillors Paul Crossley and Dine Romero to Oldfield Park and Odd Down in the near future. There are also plans of introducing a membership option for residents. For a small fee each year members will receive the added benefit of a discount card accepted in a variety of shops and businesses in the area. Working with the Environmental Services team from BaNES Council, PoYD will be encouraging local people to take up the new food waste recycling programme.
To find out more, or join in with the project… Contact: Elaine Thomas Tel: 07889797890 E: elaine.thomas@realchanges.org.uk
In Whiteway
- Summary of the Goal Posts & Community Football project.
- Community Football
‘We want new goal posts – we’ve been asking for them for years but nobody is listening’ After coming together to explore how the erection of new goal posts in Rosewarn Field was going to be achieved it was agreed by the boys leading the project that they would organise football tournaments so they could start to raise some of the money for themselves. The boys arranged football matches between themselves, other local teams and the Police and the total of £150 was raised. The team also applied to HSBC bank who kindly donated the sum of £500 towards the project. Additional funds were also provided from the Councillors Initiative Fund by Councillor Paul Crossley. Following the erection of the posts the boys organised a football match with support from Jenny Williams of the Youth Service to mark their achievements. *** Special Thanks must go to SOMER Community Housing Trust for arranging the erection of the goal posts, St Michaels School for lending the goal nets for the tournaments and Cllr Paul Crossley for ongoing support.
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: More young people to take part in sport and fitness with over 60 young people taking part in a football tournament SOMER Community Housing Trust have been able to use Rosewarn Field as a location for their new football league A local resident has set up a girls football team to encourage girls into football
In Whiteway
- Summary of the ‘Perception’ Theatre Company Project.
Perception is a group of young people who are committed to tackling the negative stereotypes of young people through drama, dance and music. Through a series of workshops young people will explore with others the things that they really care about in their area. Then using drama, dance and music as a way for people to express this to other residents in the area the group will put on a piece of outdoor street theatre that will attract residents from across the community.
The ambition of the group is to successfully run this in one area and then take this project to other areas of the city and work with other young people on the issues that affect them. “We are trying to solve the problem of there being nothing to do in our free time. We know that there are issues of anti social behaviour where we live, but we also understand that some people’s perception of groups of young people is that they are up to no good when really they are just meeting. The project will help bring people together as it will be creating a positive reason to meet and of course to have some fun! By showing others that we can do something positive we want to break down the belief that young people are involved with negative behaviour.” Toni Brown, Founder.
Builds confidence in young people Challenges the perception that young people are all involved in negative behaviour Over 40 young people are being involved with identifying and solving local issues Brings people together to restore a sense of pride in the local community Creates activity that is about learning and expression.
has raised £1000 from Unltd Sport Relief to Perception develop their pilot programme in Whiteway.
- ‘Perception’ Theatre Company
contact: Toni Brown (Founder) e-mail: perceptiontheatre@live.co.uk
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY:
In Whiteway
- Summary of the RE:create project.
RE:create are a talented team of young people supported by Changes who want to revitalise the park, and make it a better place for everyone. A safe, clean environment where all of the community can meet, play and socialise…
RE:create aim to do this by making gradual improvements to the existing space, and through supporting the development of new facilities that everyone can use. They also aim to utilise the park and surrounding area for hosting a range of social events and functions for the whole community. On the 30 August 2010 the Changes team held a community event in the park sponsored by the Get Involved Fund and SOMER Housing Trust. Attended by over 600 Community people and raising over £800 the event marked the start of engaging with local people in the ‘visioning’ of their open space. is to rebuild the park for the young “Our project children, families and adults of Whiteway. We want to maximize its use by adding new facilities such as play equipment for the toddlers and young kids. We would also like to increase the number of play areas and create more space for us to use our bikes, skates and scooters. To help keep the park clean, we would like to increase the number of bins. In the future, we would like to adapt the current space to include a community café, and use the spare field for allotments...” “We are determined to see change happen. We will create a place not just for young people, but for all ages and families to come to and have fun. We want the park to be a place for everyone.” The Changes Team are currently exploring options with SOMER Housing and National Lottery Funding bodies that will allow them to develop a feasibility study to redevelop the park enterprise for the benefit of the as a social community.
To find out more, or (even better! ) get involved, contact: Will Robinson E: will.robinson@realchanges.org.uk
- RE:create
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: Making a safe, clean, fun space for residents... Something positive for young people to get involved in... Residents can have their say ... over the improvements to their park, over the new facilities being planned, and over the community social events/functions to be held there...
In Whiteway
APA Gardening is a growing social enterprise, that has been designed to support residents in maintaining and managing their gardens- particularly those less able to do so on their own, such as the elderly and disabled...
PICTURE
It is an affordable service. Improves quality of life and pride in the area. Those less able to clean and maintain their garden will be especially provided for. Creates voluntary opportunities for young people to get involved with their neighbours Increases skills and training
Want to find out more, or give them a go? Contact: Aidan Archer Tel: 07503698907
APA Gardening started last year by Aidan Archer after volunteering on a scrap metal collection led by the Proud of Your Doorstep scheme. Whilst volunteering Aidan listened deeply to residents, some reported that they were unable to manage and maintain their gardens. Whilst volunteering he noted that a number of unwanted garden tools were being thrown out. Aidan collected these
tools, with permission from their owners, and began offering his services to those who had reported problems with maintaining their gardens. By identifying customers from the network of local people that has developed, APA Gardening has successfully maintained, cleared and renovated over 35 gardens in the Whiteway area.
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY:
- Summary of the APA Gardening project.
In the last year APA gardening has recruited 4 young people as volunteers who are driving this initiative forward. Aidan, the founder, is currently enhancing his own skills with Norton Radstock College to provide additional services to his fledgling but successful social enterprise.
- APA Gardening
In Whiteway
- Summary of the BA2. Rhymz Project.
BA2.rhymz is an organisation that aims to engage young people and equip them with the skills in the art of music production and performance.
“We want to give the young people of Whiteway the opportunity to acknowledge their culture, value their experiences and identify their strengths by expressing themselves through music.” Sarah Bennett, Co Founder of BA2.rhymz Following a £1000 investment from the Councillors Initiative Fund by local Councillor Dine Romero BA2.rhymz are working in association with G.Lab and have provided 15 young people from Whiteway with an 8 week long course in music production and performance skills. These sessions have been a positive diversionary activity taking young people away from negative behaviour they may otherwise become involved with on the street. course individuals have explored During the music that interests and inspires them, and built their skills in music production and ICT along the way. The next stage is to produce their own CDs and music events to showcase their skills and talents. BA2.rhymz have noticed that these activities, the young people involved in the project. They have also improved their attitudes towards the community. They are showing more confidence and an ability to express not only through music, but in themselves other areas of their lives too. “This is a really great opportunity for young people to appear in a positive light. The music will be rooted in their own experiences, so they can use their message to challenge the negative behaviour of others around them” Sarah Bennett
- BA2. Rhymz
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: Has engaged 15 young people in the course who will mentor the next cohort Provides mentoring and support for young people. Provides volunteer opportunities for local residents Develops confidence and skills in young people who may otherwise not have the opportunity.
Want more info, or to join in? contact: Sharon Linton and Sarah Bennett e-mail: sarah.bennett@realchanges.org.uk Tel: 07964152877
In Whiteway
- Summary of the We want 20mph project.
“This is a great idea I’ll support it. Many times I’ve been round the drive and kids on their bikes come out of Blagdon and straight across the road without looking. Quite a few people I know have said cars were millimeters away from hitting them and they were going too quick” Local resident. Started in August 2009, Sara Linton created a Facebook group that built on the views of a number of residents who were deeply concerned by the speed of traffic in the area. Within weeks using the network of people that was growing, the page had over 150 people interacting with it. The Facebook page prompted the development of a local petition and an action plan was put together with support from Councillor’s Paul Crossley and Dine Romero. Over the period of four weeks Diane Linton collected over 500 signatures for a petition that would be put to Council to press forward this important change. ‘Listening to people and identifying their concerns about the speed of traffic around
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: A safer environment for children to play in Reduced risk of accidents making it safer for drivers and other road users Safer for pedestrians when crossing the road
- We want 20mph
Haycombe Drive, Blagdon Park and Rosewarn Close has shown that there needs to be real action now from the Council. They need to listen to us and support us to be listened to by the right people who can make this change’ Diane Linton Following its completion the petition was presented to Council with local Councillors supporting it. The petition is currently held by the Council and to further support the team to take action on this training and techniques will be provided in Community Organising by RE:generate to the team. The team are going to arrange a meeting with the Councillors to discuss how they can take this forward and press for the change that is so desired.
Want to find out more, or get involved? Contact: Di Linton or Michelle Angell E: Michelle.Angell@realchanges.org.uk
In Whiteway
(The wild beasts of Bath)
- Summary of the Les Fauves de Bath project.
‘If it wasn’t for RE:generate supporting me, and for the opportunities that now exist in my community that local people on, I would not have are working transformed my outlook on life’ Leroy Harding. A young man who was challenged and encouraged to develop his artistic talent has achieved a real personal and community success. After volunteering to support local community enterprises such as Proud of Your Doorstep, Leroy began working with RE:generate and the residents team and meeting with local Councillors Dine Romero and Paul Crossley. Leroy was challenged to paint one of the to showcase his talents, raise Lions of Bath funds for the local community projects and most importantly show his charities, and peers that you can do things that are both positive and creative with your life. Leroy is currently developing his own arts based social enterprise that will support local enterprises. A gallery of Leroy’s work and auction will be held of his work before the end of the year.
If you want to find out more, then contact: Megan Witty - megan@lionsofbath.co.uk You can always visit Leroy’s Lion at the preview weekend of all the lions on the 9th and 10th of October. See www.lionsofbath.co.uk for more information.
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: A significant reduction in crime and anti social behaviour Income streams are being developed to sustain local social enterprises
- Leroy Harding
In Whiteway
- Tina Head, Changes Play Leader
sure that there are plenty ‘We want to make of play opportunities and parties for children and families’ Tina Head, Founder of Changes Mum Play
Following the success of the Party in the Park and the number of young people that enjoyed taking part in the games that were held on the day a group of Mums got together to plan the first Changes Play event.
After coming together to plan this and submitting a successful application to Dine Romero’s Councillor Initiative grant to support local projects the team raised £300 to hold their first event.
On the 30th October 2010 a Halloween Party was held at the Centurion Pub in Twerton. Over 30 children attended the event with their families.
The Halloween Party included games, food
and a fancy dress competition that was judged by Nick Gardham of RE:generate.
“Judging the competition was so difficult as everyone had
‘The Halloween party went really well. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was great to see families enjoying themselves together” Local Mum
- Changes Play
dressed amazingly” …Whats next? Given the success of the Halloween Party the group is discussing its next play event for Christmas!
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY: A safe environment for children to play in An opportunity for families and children to get together A place for children to have a good time!
Want to find out more, or get involved? Contact: Tina Head or Michelle Thomas E: Michelle.Thomas@realchanges.org.uk
In Whiteway
‘We have proved in a short space of time that we are and will be successful. We have raised over £6000 from various sources to sustain our projects, had a huge social and environmental impact in our local area and I am sure that with our plans that are developing we will lay the foundations for strong and sustainable Whiteway’. Michelle Thomas, Treasurer of Changes In a short space of time Changes and RE:generate have contributed to significant improvements in the Whiteway area. The process used by RE:generate and Changes to build trust, respect and relationships in the community has significantly reduced crime, decreased the amount of flytipping and increased the number of people who are volunteering to support local activity. As Changes looks to the future, new and innovative ways for local people to get involved will be explored, new ways showing how local people can be in control of the Whiteway area will emerge and new ways to sustain the changes that the team are being developed. In August 2010, Changes held an event in Rosewarn field that aimed to put Changes on the map and start to get people thinking about the future of their area. Working with RE:generate, Changes facilitated a visioning session for the park. This visioning was the start of Changes’ plans for the coming months. Over the next 3 months Changes will: •
Be setting up a community lottery that will generate in the region of £8000 to £12000 surplus each year local projects as well as creating local winners each week from the prize fund available
•
Be applying to the lottery with support from SOMER housing to explore the feasibility of ownership of Rosewarn Field to develop it as a social enterprise for the local community
•
Be developing a Community Charter with local agencies to improve the way services are delivered in the area
•
Continue listening to local people to identify new project leaders and find new ways for people to get involved
• •
Set up a local Facebook group allowing local people to find support for themselves, interact with each other and connect with Local Agencies, Officers and Councillors. Working with Perception Theatre Company to develop a piece of Theatre that will explore the concerns and aspirations of local residents and be presented to Elected Members and officials.
Listening In Communities
Building TRUST
SUPPORTiNG ACTION
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