YOURSHERWOOD NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2013
Young entrepreneurs
Who’s who in Sherwood
Your views Don’t miss out
Win £50k of
Your guide to
See the final proposals
Get involved!
business support!
who does what
later this month
page 4
page 5
pages 8-9
pages 14-15
Winter Lantern Parade
welcome... ...to the January 2013 edition of Your Sherwood, I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and are now recharged and ready to go for what promises to be a big year for Sherwood! As we prepare to exhibit the final plans for the next phases of Sherwood’s regeneration (see pages 14-15), this edition includes the feedback you gave us at December’s consultation event as well as an update on the woods and lake from Kent High Weald Partnership. I hope you’ll find the ‘Who’s Who’ guide to the Sherwood regeneration on pages 8-9 useful. We appreciate that with a number of different organisations involved it can sometimes be hard to work out who does what, but hopefully this will clear things up! There is much more in this issue, which I hope you will enjoy, but don’t forget we are always looking for your ideas for articles. So if you do have any suggestions please get in touch by emailing yoursherwood@tchg.org.uk or calling me on 01892 501446.
Steve Mandaluff Your Sherwood Editor
diary! o 2pm at TN2 r u o y r Date fo 26 January, 11amexthibition of ay
Saturd
public of the g to the wo and three rmation n o l a e t info es com Please plans for phas . This includes nity square u a l the fina tion of the are ark, the comm to see as a p e r v e d o o n l e o g h ’d r e re eighbou lder people. W n e h t n o o sing for ssible. and hou ou there as po fy many o
News bites Share your Sherwood memories We want your memories of Sherwood for a historical article we are publishing in the next issue of Your Sherwood. It can be anything from living, working, growing up or socialising in the area! It could even be your memories of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. If you would like to share your memories contact Steve Mandaluff on 01892 501446 or email yoursherwood@tchg.org.uk. Alternatively you can write to: Steve Mandaluff, Town & Country Housing Group, Monson House, Monson Way, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1LQ.
The future of the Robin Hood – community campaign The new owners of the Robin Hood pub are set to begin work to transform the building this month. The pub was closed last August by its previous owners, Enterprise Inns. Just over a month later Greene King bought the building and announced it will be turned into a Hungry Horse restaurant. The sudden closure of the pub was followed immediately by a community campaign to ‘Save the Robin Hood’, with more than 500 people joining the associated Facebook page. A spokeswoman for Greene King said: ‘We are very excited about this addition to our Hungry Horse network, which will offer good food, outstanding value and an inviting atmosphere for the whole family. We look forward to welcoming old and new customers into The Robin Hood in 2013.’ It is expected the works to renovate the pub will take six weeks.
2
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Sherwood! Don’t forget Your Sherwood isn’t the only way you can keep up to date with what is happening locally. You can also visit the Team Sherwood Facebook page – just search ‘Team Sherwood’ on Facebook. Or visit the Sherwood Plan website – www.sherwoodplan.com. Both have plenty of Sherwood news and information.
What to expect in 2013 2013 is the first year to be denoted by four different digits in since 1987. But what else is set to be significant about 2013? In politics: On July 1 Croatia is set to join the European Union. Croatia will be the first country to enter the EU alone (other countries entered together in 2004 and 2007). 2013 is also the year that will see Australia withdraw its troops from Afghanistan.
In space science:
Improve your computer skills!
November sees the planned launch of the Indian Mars probe – India’s first mission to Mars. China will be landing an unmanned probe on the moon – if successful it will be the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on the moon since 1976. And NASA will send probes to Venus and Mars.
If you want to brush up your IT ability then St Philip’s Church on Birken Road is the place to go! They run a Cyber Café every Wednesday from 9am to 11.30am for those wishing to improve their computer skills. A crèche is available and anyone is welcome to drop in.
Sherwood gets a spruce up! While the regeneration on Greggs Wood Road is now in full swing, Town & Country have also been looking at what can be done to their properties in the rest of the estate. In April they will be continuing their external and communal repairs and decoration programme for other areas of Sherwood, starting with Bracken Close, Burwood House and the surrounding streets. This will include such work as fabric repairs, works to windows and repairing fences and paving. Richard Brothers, Programme Manager for Town & Country, explains more: ‘While the regeneration deals with new build units in the area we understand how important it is that other properties are kept as smart and well maintained as possible. We will be starting at the top end of Sherwood and working our way down the remainder of the estate in the next four years with our rolling programme of repairs and decoration.’ Town & Country also carried out a series of works in Caley Road, Wiltshire Way and Bramble Close in 2011.
In nature: The sun will be reaching the peak of its 11-year solar flare cycle, with 2013 expected to be the tumultuous year. Large radiation bursts are predicted to be released in July 2013 which will cause significant auroras, disrupt wireless communication (including radio, television, wireless internet, and mobile phones), and possibly cause minor disruptions to power grids.
In entertainment: Plenty of films are set to be released including: A Good Day to Die Hard – the next in the seemingly endless series of Die Hard films, Star Trek Into Darkness – the 12th in the franchise of Star Trek Films, The Lone Ranger and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – the second in the trilogy of Hobbit films.
And here in Sherwood... Building is expected to start on phases two and three of the regeneration of Sherwood, which will see more local jobs for local people.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2013 for everyone in Sherwood
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
3
Sherwood social scene Rock Up in Red Day
Get crafty with House to Home
Next month is National Heart Month for the British Heart Foundation and they are asking people to get involved and raise money for the nation’s heart charity with their ‘Rock up in Red’ campaign on Friday 1 February.
The ‘House to Home’ team, a creative craft group based at TN2, have been working their magic on all kinds of things. Here group member Beth Worth gives us an update on what they have been up to recently:
Wear red or bake red on the day at your work, school or club.
‘We’ve turned humble hardboard into useful blackboards and quilted noticeboards. We’ve even picked up a couple of £1 bargain kitchen units from B & Q and we’re turning them into a toy box for one participant and bathroom shelving for another. And with a bit of elbow grease and a tin of paint, we’ve transformed a few pieces of cast-off furniture.’
For more information and a fundraising pack of ideas contact Kim Brophy by emailing brophyk@bhf.org.uk or calling 01580 754027.
If you do ‘Rock Up in Red’ we’d love to feature your photos in Your Sherwood as well, so email them to yoursherwood@tchg.org.uk
‘I’m learning new skills all the time. I am so pleased with the chair we did.’ Julie Cooper - House to Home participant. Watch this space in 2013 as House to Home will be launching basic DIY workshops for residents to hone their home improvement skills.
It’s time for the Winter Lantern Parade!
get involved... Anyone is welcome to come along and join in with the group who meet every Tuesday, from 11am to 3pm in TN2 community centre. The only cost is a small contribution towards the materials.
It is not long until this year’s Winter Lantern Parade which will take place on Saturday 16 February. This year’s parade is being organised by CREATE (Camden Road Education Arts & Theatre Enterprise). As usual there will be a series of open lantern making workshops in a variety of locations around Tunbridge Wells including Sherwood. The theme this year is food, families and future, and it will also be the community launch of the Tunbridge Wells’ foodbank ‘Nourish’. To find out when these workshops are taking place visit www.winterlanterns.org or www.camdenroad.org get involved... CREATE are looking for people who wish to be more involved in the parade as volunteers, both leading up to the parade and on the day. If you are interested contact Dave Prodrick 07966 190428 daveprodrick@hotmail.com
4
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
Socialize Discos Socialize discos are for adults with disabilities and take place on the first and third Thursday of each month, starting at 7.15pm and running until 8.45pm. They cost £3.50. The next Socialize disco’s will take place on: 17th January, 7th February, 21st February, 7th March, 21st March, 4th April, 18th April and 16th May.
Dragons’ Den meets The Apprentice £50k of business help to be won! 16- to 25-year olds in Sherwood with an entrepreneurial flair could grab a prize fund worth £50,000 to make their business dreams a reality. Young Start-up Talent, a cross between Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice, is a competition that has been running successfully for the past three years, and has helped a number of young entrepreneurs launch their own businesses. This year the competition has been expanded to include West Kent. All you need to enter is a great idea for a business and to be between 16 and 25 years old! The winner of the competition t-up Talent competition Above: The launch of the Young Star will have access to £50,000 worth of business support The judging panel consists of donated by over 50 companies. For a whole year the winner seven of the local leading will receive support in the form of mentoring, accounting, business professionals and will legalities, training, branding, website, printing, signage, include Bob Heapy, Chief publicity, regular media coverage – plus £2,000 cash to invest Executive of Town & Country, into their new business. Richard Karn, Managing Director of the Courier Media How to get involved Group and Stephen Mason, Managing Director of Mason Consulting and an entrepreneur who will independently be Just visit www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk for full details of looking to invest in one of the entries. the competition and the entry form. The closing date for entries is 29 March 2013.
How entries will be judged All the initial entries will be looked at by a judging panel and whittled down to 12 semi-finalists. The semi-final will take place on Thursday 18 April at 6pm at K College in Tonbridge. Each semi-finalist will take place in a ‘speed networking’ session with the judges and sponsors. The applicants will be judged on their idea, the ability to implement, good presentational skills and overall entrepreneurial flair. Five finalists will then be selected who will go through to a Dragons’ Den style final, which will be filmed, with the judges on Thursday 9 May – again at K College.
What if you don’t win? Even if you don’t win, the project can still have benefits. Past finalists and semi-finalists have gone on to get work experience and full-time employment with some of the judges who make up the judging panel. So if you have a great business idea, get your entry in!
find out more... www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
5
e f a s p e e k , m r a w p e e K this winter 10 top tips for winter! 1.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is warning of potential fire hazards as households feel the pinch of domestic fuel increases and switch to alternative ways of keeping warm this winter. Research shows that those most at risk are people who live alone and on a low income, with older people or single-parent families particularly vulnerable. Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: ‘With the rise in gas and electricity prices, some residents may struggle to make ends meet and there is a real concern they may resort to more risky methods of heating and lighting their homes, resulting in more accidental fires. ‘I appeal to all residents to ensure you have working smoke alarms fitted in your property and to also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to help protect you and your loved ones from the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.’ Common-cost cutting risks that could take your life are: • Burning wood or other fossil fuels in open fires or stoves with chimneys or flues that have not been used, swept or inspected – make sure they are checked and swept before use. • Using old and potentially faulty portable heaters and oil or paraffin stoves. Ensure any electric or gas heater is fully inspected and fit for use and never use them to dry washing.
Check your heating is working properly before the weather gets too cold. If there are any problems, call Swale Heating on 0800 011 3139 2. Keep your heating at a constant temperature of 18° to 21° during cold spells to help prevent condensation. 3. Leave your heating and hot water on low if you go away to avoid frozen pipes if the weather turns very cold 4. Keep a broom, shovel and wellies handy to clear snow from your driveway or path so they do not become icy 5. Sprinkle table salt on icy paths – one tablespoon per square metre is all you need 6. Check the outside of your home for leaking gutters, dripping overflows, missing roof tiles, loose or damaged brickwork. Report any problems on 0845 873 1 321 7. Keep out cold winds by fitting draught excluders to doors and your letterbox 8. Regularly test your smoke alarm making sure it is in full working order - always keep spare batteries. 9. In bad weather check on any elderly relatives or neighbours who live alone 10. Keep an emergency pack containing items such as a torch with spare batteries, cartons of drink and longlife food in case of a power cut or if snow stops you from leaving your home
• Using old or poorly stored electric blankets. Never use an electric blanket that is over 10 years old. • Using Calor gas stoves or barbecues indoors to cook with. These items should never be used indoors as they are a serious fire hazard and create deadly toxic fumes. • If you have concerns about keeping yourself or a friend or relative safe from fire or would like further advice, contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
6
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
find out more... contact KFRS 0800 923 7000 www.3breaths.info
Skinners’ Kent Academy gets ready to move into new £21.4 million building!
New Academy for Sherwood Sherwood Park Community Primary School is set to become an Academy this month!
In just a few months 500 students and staff will be leaving their old buildings to move into their fantastic new £21.4 million facilities at the Skinners’ Kent Academy. The 10,000m2 building is one of a kind and has been specifically designed as a 21st century learning environment with £1.4 million of the latest technology. The specialism part of the building, with its unique curved shape, encourages links between science and creative design subjects. There are four main learning spaces: Junior House for Years 7 and 8; and three faculty spaces which also function as Senior House areas for pastoral work. The art rooms on the top floor have terrific views across Tunbridge Wells and a rotunda at the heart of the building is home to a drama studio and a lecture theatre. The building is set in 29 acres of stunning grounds; many classrooms will have their own outdoor learning spaces and the newly laid all-weather pitch and multi-use games courts are already in use. Principal, Mrs Carr, says: ‘We are very lucky to have such a wonderful new facility and this is a great opportunity for us to learn and teach in new and exciting ways. If you visit us next year you will see students and teachers working in flexible spaces, breakout groups, filmed lessons, a comprehensive online learning programme and even more extra-curricular activities, and that’s just for starters.’ Staff and students will move into the new facilities in spring 2013. The old buildings will then be demolished and landscaped with an outdoor theatre and a 168 space car park. The work is due for completion by the summer. Some facts about the new building! • 2 ,800m³ of concrete was used in the frame of the building – more than would fill 26 double decker buses! • 2 3,669m² of paint on the walls and ceilings – as much as three 11-a-side football pitches or 93 netball courts! • 4 ,266m of scaffold used for access – longer than 11 Eiffel Towers stacked one on top of the other! • 6 0,000 bricks used which, if stacked one on top of the other, would be 2.5 miles high!
The School Governors consulted widely with the community on the proposal for the school to become an Academy and, after a rigorous selection process, they chose Temple Grove Schools Trust as their preferred sponsor. In fact over 85% of people voted for the school to become an academy sponsored by Temple Grove Schools Trust. Temple Grove Schools Trust held a series of meetings with children, staff, parents and members of the Sherwood community in November in which they set out a vision for supporting the new academy to raise educational standards and become an outstanding school. The Trust has a history of over 200 years in primary schools and is dedicated to inspiring excellence in primary education. It will work in partnership with Loughborough Federation of schools who have extensive experience and acknowledged success in primary school improvement.
What is an academy? - Academies are schools that are run free from the control of the local authority (ie Kent County Council). - Academies are able to set features such as teachers’ pay, term times and how they deliver the curriculum. - Many academies have a sponsor which is responsible for the performance of the school - They receive the same level of funding but it comes straight from the Government rather than the local authority and they have greater flexibility on how to use it - Academies have to follow the law and guidance on admissions.
I am overwhelmed at the fantastic warm welcome we received at Sherwood Park School from children, parents and staff. Chris McGovern, Chair of Governors of the new Academy.
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
7
Who’s who?
in Sherwood
A number of different organisations are involved in the redevelopment at Greggs Wood Road, all working with you to ensure that the project is a success for everyone. It can be confusing understanding who does what, so here is a brief summary of each one’s role in the redevelopment. Town & Country is responsible for the overall co-ordination and planning of the pro ject.
This includes:
• Consulting with the community on th e proposals • Moving those affected by the works to their new homes • Ensuring that residents help shape th e planning applications submitted for all the relevant phases • Appointing the contractor • Monitoring the works onsite to ensur e that they are built to the necessary quality standards • Developing and leading on the socia l regeneration programme • Town & Country is also financing the £ 35millon scheme. www.tchg.org.uk
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
cil is needed. planning permission from the local coun Before a development can be carried out, planning in the regeneration was to consider the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s role policies for legal requirements and fitted the relevant application, making sure it met all the ning plan the r that the application was put before managing development in the area. Afte d had the next say in whether it coul committee, made up of councillors who go ahead. They said ‘yes’! hip on the social regeneration The council is also working in partners ity Budgets project (see page 11). programme and leading on the Commun www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
8
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
Johnson Pancu
You will probably hav consultation events h Johnson Pancucci an were consulted and l
Lesley makes sure th face and what is imp Town & Country on h ensures that all resp considered as design
Hill Partnerships
Hill are the main contractors currently building 63 new homes at Sherwood. They have demolished the six blocks on Kemble Close and have now started on the groundworks which will support the new road and piling to the foundations of the homes. They are due to start building the homes in February with the superstructures beginning to be visible above ground level before Easter. If you have any queries or questions for Hill Partnerships, the Resident and Community Liaison team can be contacted on free phone 0800 032 6760 or email residents@hillpartnerships.co.uk www.hillpartnerships.co.uk
Sherwood residents are at the heart of all we do
ucci
ve noticed Lesley Johnson at many of the various held in Sherwood over the past 18 months. Lesley works for nd was appointed by Town & Country to ensure that residents listened to from the outset of the redevelopment process. hat Town & Country understands the problems local people portant to them. She also advises how best to reach people and ponses are recorded and ns and proposals develop.
REDS10 REDS10 is an independent social enterprise and an Apprenticeship Training Agency recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Their key difference is that they directly employ apprentices and support them during their training. They are working collaboratively and in partnership with Town & Country and Hill Partnerships. Their role, together with Town & Country and Hill, is to get local people working on the construction sites. www.reds10.com
PRP Architects PRP were appointed in early 2010 to undertake the design of the masterplan for what is now known as Lakewood. Their role has been to listen to the community and design a masterplan in keeping with the surroundings, focusing on the public area – at the heart of which is a new neighbourhood park and community square. They are the urban designers, the architects, the landscape architects and the planning advisers working with Town & Country to deliver the project. www.prparchitects.co.uk
Kent High Weald Partnership KHWP has worked in Sherwood for a number of years, helping Sherwood Park Primary School to develop vegetable growing projects, and involving local volunteers with community gardening projects. Sherwood Lake and Woods are currently managed by KHWP who, with the help of the local community are planning for its future management. www.khwp.org.uk
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
9
Children’s art project marks ‘st-art’ of demolition work! Sherwood Park Community School has some budding artists amongst its pupils if the results of a recent initiative are anything to go by! As part of the demolition work at Kemble Close the children were visited by representatives of Hill Partnerships who reminded them of the importance of respecting the building site at Kemble Close. They were asked to design posters warning others of the dangers of illegally entering a building site. The six best posters were enlarged and have been fixed onto the timber fencing surrounding Kemble Close. Lynne Bell from Hill visited the school in October to thank the children for their efforts and present the winners with some certificates. The six winning posters, shown on this page, were designed by: Alexia I, aged 9, Katlynne L 8, Umaimah B 11, Bethany L 10, Chloe S 8 and Billy H 8.
The children really loved this project and came up with many fantastic, and innovative, posters warning of the dangers that building sites can pose. It was a great way to remind them of this, whilst at the same time getting their creative juices flowing! Elizabeth Maxted, Head Teacher
10
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
Sherwood Community Budget Pilot -
Services that work better for you As part of a national pilot known as Community Budgets, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is leading a neighbourhood level project focusing on the improvement of local services for families in Sherwood.
What’s happened so far? Sherwood residents and local services have already been involved in some background research and consultation work during the summer which looked at the aspirations and wellbeing of families living in Sherwood, their interaction with public services and their views on how public services could provide more effective support. Overall expenditure on local services was also calculated, recognising that resources needed to be used more effectively to give families a better experience, with timely, focused and sustainable advice and support to deliver results which provide a better life for families.
What happens next?
From February, local public services have agreed to work in an integrated way and there will be a much more streamlined approach to receiving a service. What does that mean? Well, service users should feel more informed, appropriately supported and will jointly set their goals for better long term results for the whole family.
Can you help?
We are also keen to form a stronger relationship with community-led initiatives, working with residents who offer support voluntarily within their own community. So if you have a start-up idea or you’re helping residents within Sherwood, we’d love to hear from you. Sherwood residents will be at the heart of the service development so we want the opportunity to hear your views, take constructive feedback, co-design and make joint decisions on how the community and local services can work supportively for the benefit of all as we move through the test phase of the pilot.
An ‘enterprising’ idea... Town & Country has recently been working in Sherwood to develop a small scale social enterprise – Green Team Enterprises – which will hopefully have longer term benefits for the area. What is a social enterprise? A social enterprise is defined as a business that trades primarily for social and environmental purposes. Social enterprises work in almost every industry in the UK, from health to transport to IT to recycling to education and employment. What benefits could a social enterprise bring to Sherwood? A social enterprise will hopefully secure sustained employment or skills development for Sherwood residents, while at the same time involving local people in shaping services in the area. Who are Green Team Enterprises? The Green Team Enterprise initiative is resident led, with support in terms of training and mentoring being provided by Town & Country. They are based in Sherwood and offer a range of services from cleaning to grounds maintenance. They are dedicated to upskilling and employing local people. Green Team Enterprises have three people working for them and are hoping to secure new contracts in Tunbridge Wells to create more job opportunities.
I was excited to have the opportunity to start a social enterprise. It is an excellent idea that has the potential to create training and employment opportunities for local people who are having trouble finding them in the current job market. It is extremely important to employ local people, as I feel local employees will go that extra mile for the people they live amongst. Dominic Edwards of Green Team Enterprises.
Watch this space for more news in the next issue of Your Sherwood.
find out more... www.sherwoodplan.com julie.stones@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Contact details... 07854 016080 greenteamenterprisesltd@gmail.com www.greenteamenterprises.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
11
Sherwood Lake & W It’s been a busy few months at Sherwood Lake for Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP). Consultation on the future management of the lake and woods has seen staff from the Partnership running discussion workshops, leading arts and crafts drop-in sessions and taking a whole year group of children from Sherwood Park Primary School out to the woods. Here are some of the highlights: Workshop sessions Three workshop sessions were held in October and November to discuss the issues facing Sherwood Lake, and how best to tackle them. A well attended workshop that focused on the lake saw some new ideas put forward by Joe Kitanosono of the Environment Agency on ways to improve water quality. A presentation on the history of Sherwood Park initiated a wider project to interview local people about their own recollections of Sherwood Lake. Finally, a woodland workshop focused on the best way to take care of the ancient woodland that surrounds the lake. A detailed report of the consultation’s findings, and its recommendations, is available to download from www.khwp.org.uk
Angling for a fish! Sherwood Lake Angling Club The Friends of Sherwood Lake, with the help of the Environment Agency and a local tackle shop, are working towards setting up an angling club. There are many benefits to joining an angling club, including access to tackle shop discounts, free coaching for junior anglers, and membership of the Angling Trust. If you are interested in joining an angling club for Sherwood Lake, contact the Friends by emailing fosl@btinternet.com
12
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
Woods Events and activities An exciting day of animal tracking, making plaster casts of animal prints and identifying wildlife from what it leaves behind took place in October half-term. This was swiftly followed by Sherwood Park Primary’s own exploration of the lake and woods. Pupils were encouraged to share their vision of the lake and woods they wish to grow up alongside. A litter-free, tree covered, safe place to play featured highly on their list. Their thoughts will be added to the plan for the future management of the site. Further events and activities to help take care of the lake and woods will be running soon. Visit the Sherwood Lake pages at www.khwp.org.uk and check local noticeboards for more. Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation on the future management of Sherwood Lake & Woods. The draft plan will be available to read in March 2013.
A healthy lake for future generations Joe Kitanosono works for the Environment Agency as a Fisheries Technical Officer. Following a recent workshop on managing Sherwood Lake, Joe has written some simple advice on some of the ways that anglers can help to keep the lake healthy for years to come.
Fishing and biosecurity In a fishery, diseases that affect fish can be spread by animals, people, vehicles and equipment. In fact anything that comes into contact with infected fish or the water they are held in can spread disease. By using biosecurity, you can take a few simple steps to dramatically reduce the risk of this happening.
(generally 10-15 minutes), rinse off the disinfectant with clean water. Disinfectant washings should never be disposed of in water containing fish or other aquatic life, as this can be harmful to them. • Some disinfectants contain hazardous chemicals. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. If no instructions are available then contact your supplier before you use it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember that for the sake of around 15 minutes you can do your bit to stop the spread of devastating fish diseases.
Keep your kit clean! You can do your bit for biosecurity by: • Thoroughly drying equipment for a minimum of 48 hours, preferably in direct sunlight. This is the best method, but equipment can also be cleaned by using chemical disinfectants (generally iodine-based solutions (iodophors) or Virkon® S). • Before disinfecting or drying, all equipment should be cleaned of mud and dirt. If using a chemical disinfectant, then equipment should be dipped or sprayed. After the required time
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
13
Your views The
The start of December saw many of you at TN2 to see how the plans for the next phases of development at Lakewood are coming along. We listened to many comments and questions at our first event in October, and at the special events we held with children, young people and older residents. On 1 December we presented the revised designs to show how we have responded to what you told us. These are some of the key points people have made: New homes People told us they want to see homes that will work for people as their needs change. The new homes for rent will all be Lifetime Homes, which are larger than usual and mean that adaptations can be made in future, enabling people to remain in their home.
feels open and safe – with views across it. This was an important point for many of you.
Community Square
Neighbourhood Park
The three zones for different age groups and activities is a popular idea. We propose a seating area at the top of the new park, to replace the Jubilee Garden. There will also be an enclosed area for younger children and another space with an outdoor gym, as well as planting and room for running around. We have kept the Neighbourhood Park uncluttered so that it
14
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
People pictured this as somewhere to sit and chat, a calm, shady spot with pleasant planting and a water feature. Smaller children also need to feel welcome in this space, and be visible from TN2 where their parents may be busy. There will be space for community events, and stepped seating opposite TN2.
New streets You told us that the new streets should link the community and be safe and pleasant for pedestrians. Lighting is also important so that people feel safe at night.
e consultation continues...
Parking should be well organised – and ideally take some pressure off Greggs Wood Road.
Housing for older people Some residents visited Simmonds Court – a new Town & Country development for older people in Rusthall – and really liked it. We are designing similar homes for Lakewood. We have included a hairdressing space that can be used by residents and other local people. We are considering including homes for sale here as well as for rent, as many have asked for it.
Letting the new homes for rent A number of residents asked us how the new homes will be allocated. As we have said before, the new homes will be available through Kent Homechoice as they become available and residents who are on the Borough Council’s housing register or transfer list will be able to bid for the new homes in the usual way. Town and Country will work with the Borough Council to allocate some of the homes in the new block for older people moving out of larger properties on Sherwood. If you would like to be considered for one of the new flats, we will send out more information nearer the time. The homes for older people will not be available until 2014/15.
The shops Many people commented on how important the shops are to the community at Sherwood and we should make sure there is space for people to queue safely at peak times. If the shops do move to Greggs Wood Road – and the comments we have received show this as the preferred option – it is very important to ensure there is enough space for cars to pull in safely, without blocking Greggs Wood Road. It is also important that children cannot run straight into the road. We are developing the design further following the December event and will show you the finished plans on Saturday 26th January 2013 at TN2 from 11am to 2pm. The planning application will be made in March.
Jobs for local people Hill Partnerships are working with REDS10 to offer jobs for local people on the Sherwood regeneration programme. At the time of going to print the first two apprentices – a bricklayer and a carpenter – were in the process of being appointed and were due to complete their training and start onsite in early 2013. We hope to bring you profiles of the new apprentices in the Spring edition of Your Sherwood. In the meantime if you want to find out more about the opportunities the regeneration could bring email jobs@reds10.com, call 020 8545 8087 or visit www.reds10.com.
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
15
New Community Planting Scheme for Sandhurst Road Town & Country, Moat Housing and Kent High Weald Partnership have worked with local residents to turn an overgrown garden, where Sandhurst Road meets Oak Road, into a small community woodland area that can be enjoyed by all. Residents at 2 Oak Road were happy for the land to become communal as they struggled to manage the large space that was covered by brambles and a steep slope. Residents and volunteers from all three organisations cleared the land in early December and a planting day will take place in the Spring.
We hope that this little corner of woodland and flowers will not only provide a welcome habitat for birds, insects and small mammals but also contribute a continuous splash of colour and delight for local residents as it changes through the seasons and establishes itself over time. Garden designer Mary Nightingale who is working on this project
Team looking for more volunteers for herb garden More volunteers are needed to help look after the community herb garden at the bottom of Trebilco Close. A small but dedicated band of green fingered residents currently tend to the garden every Sunday from 11am to 1pm, but are always looking for more helpers. Over the past few months they have worked hard to clear overgrown plants and bushes and now have three herb beds and a three-tiered planting area at the back of the garden for fruit, vegetables, trees and shrubs. The group has benefited from the support of the Kent High Weald Partnership, Tunbridge Wells in Bloom and Town & Country since the garden opened in 2011 and has been able to purchase a shed and tools.
16
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
If you are interested in helping the group every Sunday morning please call 01892 670816 or email jojostanley@hotmail.co.uk. It is a great way for young and old to enjoy a community space together! You can also find out more and view some photos by joining the ‘Sherwood Community Herb Garden’ Facebook page.
Beat those January big bill blues There’s no way round it – for most of us, January is the month of the big bills. Gas and electricity bills are high because the heating has been on for at least three months (and there’s a price increase on the way). And then there are the credit cards and the store cards, the overdraft and the catalogue payments. And the payday loan… And of course Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the sales… Somehow we become money-blind at the turn of the year. The facts bear this out – calls to debt advice charities are the lowest of the year in December, and the highest in January. And it isn’t usually the big Christmas presents that cause the real problem. It is the constant low-level spending that we didn’t really notice. Ask yourself honestly, how many of these things did you do in December? • Picked up a ‘little extra something’ for someone, even though you’d already bought their presents • Bought a more expensive brand ‘as a Christmas treat • Borrowed for something new for the house in the sales because it was ‘too good a bargain to miss’ Now is the time to take a good hard look at our spending patterns – to find out exactly where the money goes each month. Just for one week, see if you can account for just about every penny you spend. That bar of chocolate with the fuel. The magazine to read on the bus. The coffee at the station when you missed the train.
Keep all your receipts and jot down the cost of all those little things. Then add it all up at the end of the week. It’ll come to a lot more than you ever imagined. This is not about cutting all these things out of your life – it’s about understanding what you spend, and where and how you spend it. Once you know all that, you can work out where you really want your money to go. If you are struggling with your debts, contact a free, independent debt advice charity such as Debt Advice Foundation. If you are a Town & Country tenant, you can also contact their Housing Options Support Team for financial advice and assistance. Call 0845 873 1321 or 01892 501480 for more information.
Get help... 0800 043 40 50 www.debtadvicefoundation.org Keep an eye out for information on ‘collective switching’ in the next edition. Collective switching allows groups of customers, often organised by local councils or community groups, to choose the best rate by switching tariff at the same time.
Stressed out by debt? If you are stressed out by debt the Citizens Advice Bureau runs regular surgeries in Sherwood offering free, independent and confidential advice from a trained adviser. Where: TN2 Community Centre on Greg gs Woo
d Road. When: Alternate Tuesdays. Check exac t dates with the CAB – call 01892 533 880 or email advice@twcab.cabnet.org.uk. Time: Midday to 2pm. No appointment is necessary, you can just turn up!
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
17
Don’t be victim of hate crime Are you, or is someone you know, suffering from hate crime? Hate crime - the facts and figures • In 2011, a total of 44,519 hate crimes were recorded – compared with 48,127 in 2010 • Hate crimes linked to race, religion, sexual orientation and disability fell by 3,600 to 44,500 • However there has been a rise in hate crimes against disabled people, police figures for England, Wales and Northern Ireland show more than 2,000 such offences were recorded in 2011, up a third on 2010 • Hate crime monitoring began in 2008 to raise awareness of the problem
Hate crime is any offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by the offender’s hatred of people who are seen as being different. You can be a victim of hate crime because of your disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity. Hate crime incidents include name calling, verbal abuse, bullying, harassment, spitting, physical attacks, damage to property, graffiti, and written notes, emails and text messages. There is now a specialist hate incident reporting line you can ring. Call 0800 138 1624. The new line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by specially trained non-police staff who can deal with each call or refer it to the most appropriate agency. The number is free to call from landlines. Don’t let hate crime go unpunished – report it now!
Support against domestic abuse Your local domestic abuse charity – Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS) - is encouraging victims to seek support. Domestic abuse can range from the most severe physical harm to controlling behaviour, all are equally unacceptable and the charity are encouraging anyone affected to seek out the expert help of DAVSS. DAVSS offers a free local service providing one-to-one confidential support from highly trained volunteer domestic abuse support workers for anyone in the area, male or female, suffering abuse. DAVSS have been able to improve the lives of many individuals with a wide range of issues over the past year, so if you feel you or someone you know needs their help please call them. DAVSS are looking for volunteers for their next ten day training course in March. Call 01892 570538 for more details.
Get help...
You can contact DAVSS on their helpline 01892 570538 www.davss.org.uk
18
YOUR SHERWOOD FEBRUARY 2013
DAVSS have supported 200 people since April 2012 – 190 women and 10 men. ‘The volunteer spent all day in court with me. She met me, arranged to have my locks changed, and made me feel much safer. Without this support, I would have been in trouble’ ‘Without DAVSS victims would be left to fend for themselves and deal with agencies, courts, solicitors etc by themselves at what is already a traumatic time for them. This would also leave them vulnerable and at risk of abuse’. Feedback from DAVSS users.
Profile on… Jojo Stanley star residents, both Jojo Stanley is one of Sherwood’s many in a range of activities leading and supporting the community lives of Sherwood that have helped make a difference to the families. ough she has moved Jojo moved to Sherwood in 1991 and alth e moving in. She has home, she’s not moved off the estate sinc a grandson. Both her plus – three children – two girls and a boy School where Jojo ary Prim Park daughters attended Sherwood Currently she is s. year 20 over for ed has volunteered and work Jojo was a Midday the School’s Play leader, but prior to this t as well as volunteering Meals Supervisor and Teaching Assistan year groups. in the Nursery and within several different she has been involved Volunteering is a big part of Jojo’s life and She was part of a group in many different community activities. a run down dumping that transformed the ‘doorstep green’ from She was also area to a wonderful community space. st Children’s Centre, fundamental in the start up of Little Fore where she still gets involved. will find Jojo alongside Every Sunday between 11am and 1pm you munity Garden, which is other volunteers at the Sherwood Com ng. rishi growing steadily and will soon be flou Sherwood’, a new group Jojo also co-founded ‘Hand in Hand for wood residents set up to provide food and clothing for Sher struggling to cope.
rself? What is the trait you most deplore in you
rything! Being over-sensitive to everyone and eve rs? What is the trait you most deplore in othe
Any form of prejudice.
What was the first record you bought?
Rapture by Blondie.
What is your favourite TV programme?
Casualty.
What is your favourite type of cake?
Chocolate!
Where would you most like to live?
Right here where we are now. When are you happiest?
and When surrounded by my closest friends all family. We laugh so much when we are together! Wonderful.
What is the best thing about Sherwood?
The fabulous community spirit! ived? And who gave it? What’s the best advice you have ever rece
my dad. Treat others as you would be treated, from a child? What did you want to be when you were
A children’s nanny.
ent? What has been your greatest achievem
course! Having my three beautiful children, of ry? What would you do if you won the lotte
for over Buy my Mum the house she has lived in y of my 40 years and ensure the financial securit children - boring but true! you to a desert island? What three things would you take with
h and Definitely a pencil and pad to sketch wit write plus a wind-up radio. ent? What was your most embarrassing mom
wearing Getting soaked on a log flume, aged 15, white shorts.....
FEBRUARY 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD
19
y r a i d r u o y Dates for Regular events Tuesdays 11am to 3pm TN2 Centre
House to Home creative workshops Creative crafts for the home
A small contribution for materials
Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm TN2 Library
Work Club If you are looking for work why not take advantage of free access to computers and the internet for job searching. The library has books to borrow that can help you in your search for work
Free
Wednesdays 9am to 11.30am St Philip’s Church
Cyber Café Improve your IT ability at a free cyber café. A crèche is also available
Free
Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.30pm TN2 Centre
Housing Surgery Turn up to discuss any tenancy related issues you may have with your Housing Manager. No appointment necessary
Free
Thursdays 11.45am to 2pm TN2 Centre
Centre Point Community Café (The Drop In) Especially for people with a disability, enjoy lunch in the café at 12noon before joining in the after-lunch activity from 1pm to 2pm
£1 admission plus cost of lunch
Sundays 11am to 1pm Trebilco Close herb garden
Help at the herb garden! Help look after the community herb garden at the bottom of Trebilco Close – new volunteers always welcome!
Free
Alternate Tuesdays 12noon to 2pm TN2 Centre
CAB surgeries Get free, independent and confidential advice from a trained advisor. Call 01892 533 880 for exact dates
Free
Designed by WriteMessage.co.uk and sandstonecreative.com
Special dates Saturday 26 January
Final Consultation Exhibition Come and see the final proposals for phases two and three of Sherwood
Friday 1 February
Rock Up In Red Day Wear red or bake red at work, school or at a club to raise money for the British Heart Foundation
Charity donation
Saturday 2 February TN2 Centre 10.30am to 3pm
Lantern Parade Workshop Get involved in some lantern making ahead of this year’s Lantern Parade (see page 4)
Free
Thursday 7 February TN2 Centre
Socialize Disco Especially for people with a disability, but everyone welcome
£3.50
Saturday 16 February Various locations
Winter Lantern Parade
Free
Thursday 21 February 7 and 21 March TN2 Centre
Socialize Disco Especially for people with a disability, but everyone welcome
£3.50
WWW.SHERWOODPLAN.COM YOUR SHERWOOD is brought to you by the Sherwood Plan partners: Town & Country Housing Group, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council; the agencies leading on key themes – K College, Kent High Weald Partnership, and the Primary Care Trust and the Team Sherwood resident representatives who we thank for their time and enthusiasm.