your sherwood july 2012

YOURSHERWOODNEWSLETTER SUMMER 2012

Olympics come to Sherwood

Page 3

Carnival and JubileeCelebration photos inside

Pages 5, 6 and 20

Crack-house closure champions rewarded

Page 7

Redevelopment gets green light

2

Sherwood celebrates!

YOURSHERWOOD NEWSLETTER2012SUMMER

The Sherwood Plan– a partnership to improve livesThe Sherwood Plan is a partnership of local agencies and residents, led by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) and Town & Country Housing Group (TCHG), that was set up to improve the lives of people on the estate.

The plan is built around five key themes: Homes, Health, Environment, Community and Business, Employment and Training. This newsletter gives you a general update on progress so far for each of these themes and some general information about initiatives on the estate, together with an overview of our consultation process for the redevelopment of Greggs Wood Road.

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.

PAGE 2

Tribute to Councillor Kevin LynesTown & Country Chief Executive, Bob Heapy, paid tribute to Kevin Lynes who passed away recently, aged 53. Bob said: ‘Kevin was a great champion for Sherwood and will be sorely missed.’

Kevin was elected to the County Council in 2001 as Conservative councillor for Tunbridge Wells East and became cabinet member for regeneration and economic development in 2008.

He was extremely popular with people on the Sherwood estate and campaigned for numerous improvements to local facilities and services.

Edna Edwards, TN2 Community Trust Board member, said: ‘Kevin was always ready to listen and help. He was our voice and community champion, he was passionate about our Centre and the things we did, and he was passionate about Sherwood and its people. He would never have forgotten us and we will never forget him.’

Have a tea-lightful time!Want to meet new people and have a great time? Look no further than Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s monthly tea dance!

The tea dance takes place on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August) from 2.30pm to 5pm at Camden Centre in Tunbridge Wells and there is always a friendly welcome for everyone!

Find out more... 0300 456 9990 [email protected] www.kentsavers.co.uk

A better way to manage your personal financesKent Savers is a local not-for-profit savings and loans co-operative that offers fair interest rates and a profit-sharing dividend on your savings.

When you open an account with Kent Savers Credit Union you are more than a mere customer - you become a member and part-owner of the organisation. All over the UK, people are choosing credit unions as the place to save and borrow.

Everyone benefits from regular saving. It allows us to work towards our financial goals and gives us peace of mind should an emergency arise. Committing yourself to a regular saving pattern can be difficult but at Kent Savers it is easy, with payroll deduction schemes and the facility to pay money into your account at many newsagents and post offices.

Credit union members can save at an affordable level, be it £1 or £100. Small regular amounts soon add up.

If you are looking to borrow money, a credit union is an alternative to payday loans, doorstep lenders and loan sharks.

Kent Savers assesses each application individually, taking into account specific borrowing needs. They seek to ensure that the loans provided are most suited to your requirements by offering:

• Weekly or monthly repayments to suit your budget• No early redemption penalties• Interest charged on a daily basis.

NEWSLETTER 2012 SUMMER YOURSHERWOODPAGE 3

Olympics come to Sherwood London may have the real Olympics, but we’ll be having our own version of the Games here in Sherwood later in August!

The Sherwood Events Team have recruited top fitness coach Robert Stewart to run a series of Olympic training events for young people that will culminate in an Olympic themed competition event being held on the playing fields adjacent to Oak Road on 25 August from 1pm to 5pm.

Edna Edwards, a Trustee of TN2 Community Trust and Chair of its Events Team explains:

‘Everybody is getting really excited about the Olympics and we want young people in Sherwood to participate. We’ll be holding coaching and practice sessions for Sherwood young people to learn some of the great Olympic events like the discus and javelin – though of course not with real equipment!’

There are two sessions running each Wednesday:• 1pm to 2pm – for young people aged 7 to 11• 2pm to 3pm – for 12 to 16 year olds

There will be a nominal charge to cover expenses.

Entry is just £2.50 and includes refreshments. Live music is provided by Chris Mannion on the organ and there’s a raffle by a local charity or group plus information on local organisations.

You can bring a friend or come and meet new people. There is no need to book.

Next tea dance dates: 27 Sept, 25 Oct and 22 Nov.

Further details will be released on the Sherwood Plan website www.sherwoodplan.com and the Sherwood Events Team Facebook page, nearer the time. X

Awards are ‘chest’ fantastic for local charities! The first ever Community Chest Awards, voted on by local residents, have been decided, and it was such a close call that the Trustees decided to grant both charities the prize money!

TN2 Community Trust received over 400 votes for the two nominated charities, with only a handful of votes separating them. The two good causes you chose to support were:

Kinship Carers (who received the most votes by a handful) – they received £1,000. This will contribute to a much needed day trip to the seaside for children and their carers.

Sherwood Park Nursery – they received £800. This will go towards a trip to Blackberry Farm – their first outing for more than two years.

‘We’d love to help different groups on the estate’ explained TN2 Community Trust chairman Zoe Jangaard, ‘and hopefully the project will grow in the future. It’s a great opportunity for TN2 to work with other groups and to provide much needed funding. We need people to support this by coming into TN2 to nominate worthy causes for the next round of funding and to cast their votes.’

Nominations are open– your vote counts

TN2 Community Trust is taking nominations for the next Community Chest Awards. If you know of a local community group or charity that you think needs and deserves financial help, tell them to get in touch with TN2 Community Trust to request a nomination form.

The deadline for nominations is August 10. Once the shortlist has been compiled we will make voting cards available. Make your vote count by picking up a voting card from TN2 Centre reception desk, placing your ‘X’ by your preferred good cause, and popping your completed card in the ballot box provided.

YOURSHERWOOD NEWSLETTER2012SUMMERPAGE 4

Residents rewarded for ‘crack-house’ closureThree Sherwood residents have been rewarded for their efforts in helping Police secure the closure of a house on the estate that was being used to sell Class A drugs.

Lisa English, Stewart Mullin and John Carey were named as the winners in the ‘Champion for a Safer Environment’ category of Town & Country’s Val Joy Awards in June. Their hard work led directly to only the second ever ‘crack-house closure’ in West Kent.

Read the full story on page 7.

Hundreds of visitors from across Sherwood were treated to food and entertainment, not to mention miles

Carnival draws a crowd!

World famous percussion Samba band Bloco Fogo led the Sherwood Carnival in a celebration of community attended by Tunbridge Wells MP Gregg Clark, Mayor John Smith and the Mayoress Rebecca Smith.

Hundreds of Sherwood residents turned out to enjoy the band, community stalls, plant sale, face-painting and barbecue at the event on 2 June.

Jo Birkby, long-time supporter of Sherwood Events Team and newly installed Trustee of TN2 Community Trust said: ‘What a fantastic day – this makes the months of hard work we all put in well worth it.’

Jubilee jubilation! of bunting, last month as the TN2 Community Trust Events Team put on a right royal party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee at the TN2 Centre.

Royal impersonator, Patricia Ford, created several new Knights of the Realm. Dominic and Amalia Edwards made a celebratory four by two foot cake with icing sugar pictures of the Queen and a gold crown, topped with edible jewels imported from America.

Happy with the event’s success, TN2 Community Trust Events Manager Edna Edwards said: ‘We’ve been working on this since last year. Everybody on the team deserves a huge pat on the back for all their hard work, and it was great to see so many people turn out.’

Gregg Clark MP plays the drums

Carnival and jubilee photosAll these photographs and more can be downloaded from www.sherwoodplan.com

PAGE 5NEWSLETTER 2012 SUMMER YOURSHERWOOD


Carnival and jubilee photos

NEWSLETTER 2012 SUMMER YOURSHERWOOD

Community

Three residents have been rewarded for their efforts that helped Police to secure the closure of a house in Sherwood that was being used to sell Class A drugs.

Community-minded Lisa English, Stewart Mullin and John Carey won the ‘Champion for a Safer Environment’ category of Town & Country’s Val Joy Awards in June. Their hard work led directly to only the second ever crack house closure in West Kent. Naturally they are delighted both with their awards and with the closure of the house!

The trio gave witness statements and evidence in court which led to the successful closure of the property at Temple Way. They were praised for their ‘dedication to the community that they live in and a sense of moral obligation that allowed them to stand up and act when others may not have done’.

For Lisa English and Stewart Mullin, it makes the area a safer place for young people. ‘We have young children’ said Lisa, ‘and we weren’t prepared just to sit back and let this go on. It was affecting the whole community and I am delighted that it has been resolved.’

John Carey added: ‘This shows how a problem can be solved by working together. Thanks to the Police,

Town & Country and other residents we put an end to a problem that was blighting the estate. Receiving this award was just the icing on the cake!’

In 2011 and 2012 there were a number of reports of drug use and supply, together with associated anti-social behaviour, linked directly to the house. Police served a closure notice on the property in March. This followed an earlier raid on 23 January at the address.

The closure notice was in place for three months and meant no one was allowed to enter the property. Steel shutters also went up on the property to prevent access, and anyone subsequently found there could be automatically arrested.

District Chief Inspector Jon Bumpus paid tribute to the residents who were prepared to come forward and help Police in their efforts to close the property.

‘They have had to put up with anti-social behaviour linked to the comings and goings at the house and their support was vital in preparing the case for magistrates,’ he said. ‘I would like to reassure them that we will continue to work closely with the community and housing groups to deal with anti-social behaviour and crime issues on their doorstep.’

Bob Heapy, Town & Country’s chief executive, said: ‘We have a responsibility to ensure that all our residents and their families can live in a safe environment and we take all reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously.

‘We received a number of complaints from other residents about the activities at this property and have worked closely with the police to resolve the problems caused by the drug dealing and by the anti-social behaviour from frequent visitors to the property. We are determined to make our neighbourhoods safe and friendly places to live.’

Community action reaps rewards

If you are suspicious about the use of a Sherwood property please report your concerns to David Comerford and tell the Police. Email: [email protected]


Community

PAGE 8

It will soon be the end of an era in Sherwood as one of the neighbourhood’s most prominent faces calls time on a quarter of a century career in the area.

Keith Marden, Head of Sherwood Park Community Primary School, officially retires on 31 August, 25 years after coming to the School as Deputy Head Master in 1987.

Whilst Keith will be sad to say goodbye to the school, he is looking forward to having some spare time!

‘I have loved every minute here’ said Keith. ‘I have seen many, many changes and it has been challenging, but so rewarding. I do have to say I am looking forward to a bit of time to relax and unwind now though!’

Keith’s life has come full circle in recent years as, with his wife Angela, he is now back living in Robertsbridge, where he was born and educated. From there, 55 year old Keith had gone on to the Dartford College of Education before teaching in three different schools in Kent.

Soon after he arrived at Sherwood, the Head was taken ill and Keith took over the role.

‘The changes over the past two decades have been phenomenal’ says Keith. ‘When I came to the school in 1987 there were 10 teachers, a caretaker, a secretary and myself and around 300 children. Now I have around 60 staff in total, including around 20 full time teachers, 30 teaching assistants, plus meal supervisors, finance and administration staff and caretakers.’

End of an era in Sherwood… ‘We also now have total control of our own budget, which wasn’t the case when I first came here’ adds Keith. ‘We can decide where we want to spend our money and what our priorities should be.’

Keith also has a more personal experience of Sherwood. He lived here with his family from 1988 to 1993 and in the 1990s, with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, he set up the Sherwood Community Safety Partnership which became the Sherwood Networking Group. The Sherwood Networking Group still meet several times a year to discuss issues directly affecting the lives of those who live and work in Sherwood.

‘Sherwood is a challenging community, but it does have a great community spirit’ says Keith. ‘Lots of support is needed in the area, but that is why we have groups like the Networking Group – to provide this support.’

Keith believes the regeneration of the estate will be hugely beneficial to the area, in particular getting people back into work.

‘Everyone knows it is a difficult time across the country at the moment in regard to getting jobs, and Sherwood is no different from anywhere else in that respect’ says Keith.

‘I strongly believe in local involvement in the regeneration, and am so pleased that the idea is to provide employment opportunities for local people who have suitable skills. I think it will provide a real boost to the area.’

Keith won’t be totally relaxing and unwinding in his retirement though. He admits to taking an active interest in running and sport in general, and one of the first things he will do after he retires is walk the 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall at the end of September!

‘I am used to challenges!’ he says. ‘After all, being a headteacher is very intense and hard work. But one thing I have always tried to do is encourage parents to give love and attention to their children, and to be a good role model for them. Nothing is more important than that.’


Community

PAGE 9

What is the best thing about Sherwood?Without question, it’s the children.

What’s the best advice you have ever received? It was given to me by the Head who appointed me to my post at Sherwood. Mal Barnes, who sadly passed away in April, told me to value each and every child. She was my inspiration.

What did you want to be when you were a child?Apart from a professional footballer ... a teacher of course!!!

What has been your greatest achievement?To have achieved 25 years in school headship.

What was your most embarrassing moment?When my trousers split just before school assembly (but I managed to carry on without anyone knowing).

What is the trait you most deplore in others?I cannot stand people who are big headed and always talk about themselves.

…and what do you most deplore in yourself?I cannot tolerate spoilt arrogant professional sportsmen ... and I have to speak out about them ... I wish I didn’t!

What would you do if you won the lottery?Ensure my daughters’ university loans are paid off.

What is your favourite piece of music?Queen’s ‘I Want to Break Free’.

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?My Queen CD collection, a supply of Harveys bitter and all the books I haven’t read.

Where would you most like to live?I love where I live now.

When are you happiest?When I am with my family.

Profile:Keith Marden

We wish Keith all the very best in a happy and well deserved retirement.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3UA Tel: 01892 532319

If you have a child who is 0-5 years of age and live in the Sherwood area, pop in and

register with us.

We run lots of fun activities for children and can offer support and guidance to parents and carers.

To find out more simply pop in to our centre or call us on 01892 532319

Register with us and claim

your free gift

Keith Marden celebrates 25 years with local artist Jane Churchill and Brendan McGowan


Community

Sherwood is one of only 14 areas in the country to pioneer a revolutionary national pilot known as ‘Community Budgets’.

The innovative new funding strategy will let councils, boroughs or neighbourhoods team up with all public services in their patch to combine resources into a single locally co-ordinated ‘pool and save’ pot with greater local control of improved services for local people.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been leading on this project, which involves residents co-designing new services. Initially the project is looking at support to families and in time it will look at wider environmental issues.

The local community will play a leading role, working with councils and professionals, to shape local services so they work from a customer’s perspective. Sherwood was selected for this pilot because of its track record for different agencies working together.

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles says the project will ‘slash financial red tape and duplication, so services respond to local need and save taxpayers’ millions’.

A project aimed at helping people over 50 who have lost their partner due to death, divorce or separation has launched in Tunbridge Wells after a successful six month pilot.

CAMEO which stands for ‘come and meet each other’ is run by Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK), who have been providing services to individuals and community organisations for many years.

The CAMEO project aims to reduce isolation by running a 12 week programme of workshops where participants learn new skills – possibly ones their partner would have done in their relationship.

The programmes are tailored to the needs and wishes of those taking part, and cover things such as gardening, simple DIY, healthy cooking and eating for one, personal finances and making a Will.

VAWK has access to a number of organisations within Tunbridge Wells that offer support and friendship. At the end of the 12 weeks, one workshop member said

Find out more... Contact Jackie Sumner 01892 501644 www.sherwoodplan.com [email protected]

‘I now feel ready to try a few new things and have made new friends.’

At the end of the pilot project, members asked for a social club to be set up which now meets on a monthly basis. Members arrange social outings as a group, and have made lots of new friends. As each 12 week programme finishes, its members are invited to join the social group.

Following its successful six month pilot project, CAMEO is looking for people to take part in future groups – one in Tunbridge Wells and one in Paddock Wood.

If you feel this service could benefit you, or someone you know, why not get in touch.

Find out more... Contact Sally Simms 01892 530330 [email protected] Sally Simms, CAMEO, 17-19 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LS

Help for those who have lost a partner...

Sherwood pioneers Community Budgets


@ @@

Community

In the last edition of Your Sherwood Housing Manager, Dave Comerford, asked if Town & Country’s efforts in the following areas had improved things for Sherwood residents over the last year:

• Tackling drugs

• Tackling dog fouling

• Improving fencing along Caley and Rankine Roads

For each of these issues, we asked you to tell us whether you felt things had got ‘better’, ‘worse’ or ‘hadn’t changed’. These are the results:

• A quarter of people who responded thought that the level of drug dealing has reduced over the last year, but three quarters thought it was the same as before or had increased.

• 85% of people who responded thought that dog fouling is still a significant issue on the estate and has not improved, but 15% thought it had got better.

• 85% of those who responded thought the fences look better or the same as before, while only 15% thought our work had made them look worse.

Although there were only 20 responses, and we would have liked to have had many more, we will use this information, along with other surveys and feedback we have received, to inform and adapt the management and regeneration plans for the future.

Have things improved…? You told us!

Over the last year, do you think the level of drug use and dealing has:

DecreasedIncreased Not Changed

10% 65% 10%

Has the work to improving fences along Caley and Rankine made thing look:

BetterWorse The Same

15% 50% 35%

We need your helpto build a Wonderfulyoursherwood WebsiteWe want to create a website for the Sherwood community that everyone will love to use. But we can’t do it without your help. Please tell us what kind of site you want, what you want it to do, what you would want

Get involved... Contact Brendan McGowan

01892 523464 www.sherwoodplan.com

[email protected]

to use it for, and what your favourite sites are. And if you can offer your web design skills or want to get involved with developing it, please get in touch

PAGE 11

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@

Over the last year, do you think the issue of dog fouling has:

ImprovedGot worse Not Changed

40% 45% 15%

‘I’m so pleased that planning permission has been given for the scheme. The residents of Sherwood have worked together with Town & Country and put so much thought into the detail of our ‘new Sherwood’, from the look of the houses and community areas, right down to training and employment opportunities for people living here. The opportunities available for residents to engage with are so exciting!’ What is most important is I think the scheme will retain the togetherness we have in Sherwood, while at the same time providing modern flats and houses that I and, I am sure, everyone else, will feel proud to call home!’

Jenny Molloy, Sherwood resident

Homes

Town & Country’s proposals for the £34million redevelopment of Greggs Wood Road have been granted planning permission!

At a Council planning meeting in May the overall scheme, which will provide 257 new homes, was

granted outline planning permission. Detailed permission was also granted for the first phase of 63 new homes. Thank you to all of those residents who came along to the meeting and spoke to the committee about the proposals for Greggs Wood Road.

The majority of residents living in Kemble Close are now settled in their new homes, with just two households waiting to move. Demolition is expected to begin in September this year and the first new homes will be ready in March 2014.

From September we will be offering you the opportunity to talk to us about the detailed design of the next phase at Greggs Wood Road. Please look out for more information over the coming weeks.

Town & Country is in the final stages of selecting the contractor who will carry out the redevelopment and

we look forward to introducing them later in the summer. The selected contractor will be very experienced in working in existing communities and we have taken care to make sure they are not only financially sound and able to provide a high quality product, but that they also understand how to work closely with residents and neighbours, provide work and training opportunities and share our commitment to residents being central to the project.

From the outset you have told us how important it is that training and employment are provided for Sherwood. We will work with the chosen contractor to offer a wide range of jobs and training opportunities for people who may already have skills, or who want to train, and young people interested in apprenticeships and permanent employment.

We will provide more details about the exciting opportunities available and how to apply as soon as possible after the contractor is selected in the summer.

Resident reaction:

‘I was one of the first residents to live in the flats, and even when I moved in they weren’t the easiest place to live, with thin walls, poor plumbing and no fire escapes. But there has always been a tremendous sense of community here.

The regeneration is much needed, and I have been very impressed just how involved the community has been right from the start. It is a really exciting time for the estate, and I can’t wait until the new flats are ready to move into!’

Jenny Bays, Sherwood resident


Sherwood redevelopment gets green light!

PAGE 12

Find out more... Contact Brendan McGowan


[email protected]


Investing in the estateSums earmarked as financial contributions to the estate include:

Homes

‘This project is more than just about building new houses. It is about revitalising the area and unlocking the estate’s potential, promoting local employment initiatives, improving the leisure and retail opportunities, developing a culture of social enterprise, addressing the health inequalities by increasing choice and upgrading public amenities.’Colin Lissenden, Town & Country Housing Group’s Development Director

Educational contributions finalisedTown & Country has also committed £50,000 to go to Kent County Council (KCC) for educational contributions as part of the Greggs Wood Road redevelopment.

KCC work out the educational contribution based on the increase in children being housed as a result of a new development. Initially they had asked for a £500,000 contribution saying an increased need for school places would be created by new homes.

However it was pointed out that in the existing Sherwood estate there are currently 33 children. Under the new scheme, once it is developed, there will be 32, a net decrease of one. Therefore no contribution was due to be made. However, we agreed to pay a sum of £50,000 to KCC to cover any potential educational impact in the future.

£600,000 A new Neighbourhood Park and

Community Square area. There

will be a consultation process with

local people on what they want to

see in these areas, and they will then

be equipped as necessary.

£100,000 The Woods, repairs to the dam and

maintenance and improvement

£150,000 Sky Bridge between the TN2

Centre and the Woods. This is not yet

confirmed, but was extremely popular

with local people in our consultation

events and would be a beautiful

addition to the development.

£10,000 Adult social services

£2,310 Community Learning

£10,000 Ecology Survey

£6,200 Works to verges of Greggs Wood

Road/ Liptraps Lane

£13,644 Library. In normal instances this

sum would go to libraries in the

Tunbridge Wells area as a whole.

However we have negotiated for it to

go directly to the library located

within TN2 Community Centre.

£1,143 Youth Services

£50,000 Oak Road cycle path and facilities

There will also be significant improvements to the pedestrian routes and bus stops along Greggs Wood Road.

PAGE 13


Employment

Find out more... Submit your details online - a member of your local team will get in touch.

0800 842842 [email protected] www.princestrust.org.uk/need_help/enterprise_programme.aspx

PAGE 14

Help for young entrepreneurs…Are you aged between 18 and 30, unemployed and have a business idea? The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme might be able to help you.

Who is it for?

The Enterprise programme is for people who:

• Have a business idea they want help to explore

• Are aged 18 to 30

• Are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week

• Live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland

What help could I get?

• Advice on employment options

• Business skills training

• Business planning support

• Start-up loan funding

• Ongoing support from a volunteer business mentor

• Access to specialist support, including a free legal helpline

• And, if you start a business, access to a wide range of free and discounted products and services.

The programme can also offer mentoring support and, for those who really need it, financial support to start a business or mentoring support to secure goals in employment, education or training.

…and help for mature entrepreneurs too!The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) is the only national organisation dedicated to helping unemployed people over the age of 50 to start and run their own business. Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales, PRIME is a registered charity.

PRIME offers free information, workshops and business networking events. It can refer people to accredited advisers for free business advice and, in some parts of the country, can also offer free mentoring, ‘Will it Work’ grants to test market business ideas, ‘how to guides’ and other services.

Who PRIME helpsPRIME works principally with people over 50 who have been unemployed for more than six months. They may:

• have worked in a job for many years and have suddenly been made redundant

• have had to leave work to care for a dependant – often a sick relative

• have taken early retirement and then found they cannot afford to live on their reduced pension

• in their current employment, see redundancy looming and have always dreamed of starting a business, or have a business idea, but do not know how to go about it

• want to be self-sufficient and financially independent, and have the satisfaction of running their own business.

PRIME helps by making these people aware of the support available to them: mentoring assistance, advice on personal development related to self-employment, guidance on any available funding, post-start-up support (sometimes through an older entrepreneur club) and help with developing a strategy for leaving their business with a retirement income.

Find out more...

0845 862 2023 or 020 3137 8525 [email protected] www.prime.org.uk

NEWSLETTER 2012 SUMMER YOURSHERWOODPAGE 15

We’ll invest in your business aspirations

if you’ll invest your skills in your community

Watch out for the TN2 Community Trust Young Start Up competition – your chance to receive thousands of pounds worth of investment to develop your business idea.

Our TN2 Aspire Programme will fund the training, skills or qualifications you need in return for you volunteering on community projects.

Employment



[email protected]

Our long established plans to employ local people as part of the regeneration of Sherwood can now start moving forward as we appoint our development partner for the project.

The development partner will not only construct the homes but will play a key role in ensuring local people benefit from the employment and training opportunities the project offers.

We began consulting with local people in 2009 as part of our plan to revitalise the area and unlock the estate’s potential. Right from the start we were told by residents that an important issue was around employment and training, and involving local people in the regeneration project.

‘Business, Employment, Training and Skills’ was identified as one of five key themes in the Sherwood Plan that was published in 2009. One of the objectives set out was to establish a local Employment & Training Social Enterprise organisation to create and management employment and training opportunities for people on the estate.

Colin Lissenden, Town & Country Housing Group’s Development Director said: ‘For the past three years we have been consulting with local people and what has become evident is that training and employing local people is really important to them.

It has always been a priority for us, and we will offer as many opportunities to local people as possible. This will include employing people who have existing skills and offering apprenticeships to young people.

There will also be the opportunity for site visits, workshops and work experience, so it really is an exciting time for local people. Now that planning

permission has been granted we can begin the detailed work of how this will happen.’

We are working closely with the Homes and Communities Agency to meet employment targets to involve local people, through apprenticeships and permanent employment, on the redevelopment.

We also aim to involve more than 600 students over the course of the project in a variety of ways such as workshops, work experience and NVQs.

We will be annoucing full details of the recruitment process in August. Keep an eye on the Sherwood Plan website and www.tchg.org.uk for details.



[email protected]

£ £ £ £ £ £ £

Local jobs for local people


Family in Focus Supporting the health and wellbeing of families in Sherwood

Town & Country’s Family in Focus officer, Laura Butler, tells Your Sherwood about her wide ranging role and how she can help families in Sherwood…

Family health and wellbeing covers all areas from medical issues to nutrition, exercise and fitness.

Part of my role as Family in Focus officer is to look at all areas of needs. This includes physical impairments and any issues of mental health such as depression and anxiety. It is important to try and spot these needs early and then help people get the support they need.

I ensure the needs of the family are being met, and also provide support to the family, talking them through processes, such as counselling – which could be something they have never gone through before.

I also look at diet and fitness as part of overall wellbeing. Life is busy and it is easy to just throw something in the oven or get a takeaway. This is okay if it’s once in a while, but when it’s everyday it takes its toll on your bank account and your waistline!

If the motivation is not there, it’s really hard to exercise. However, there are fun activities that will help burn those calories without you even noticing it.

Health

The TN2 Centre has various activities that you can take part in and your local leisure centre will also have a ‘go card’ for people on a low income, which gives them a reduced rate for leisure facilities.

As a Family in Focus officer, I try to encourage families to eat well and stay active, as this helps improve you physically and mentally. It can also be achieved as a family, and this can help you build stronger relationships and bonds.

Laura’s top websites to visit:Swim4LifeThis is a programme designed to get children swimming for free. You can ask at your leisure centre about this. www.culture.gov.uk/freeswimming

CTC - The UK’s national cyclists’ organisationThis shows you your local cycle routes and provides information about free rides with local groups. www.ctc.org.uk

Change4LifeFree and regular information on healthy eating, recipes and ideas on how to get children interested in sports and in cooking and eating balanced meals. www.nhs.uk/change4life

Eatwell and 5 a DayBoth these websites give good ideas for balanced meals and show you how to have a balanced, healthier diet. www.eatwell.gov.ukwww.nhs.uk/LiveWell/5ADAY

Find out more... Contact Laura Butler - Family in Focus Officer. Monday and Friday 9am-5pm, Wednesday 9am -1pm

07841 864114 [email protected] www.tchg.org.uk

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Health

Useful websites

This website is an information directory and shopping site to help parents and carers of children with special needs.

It contains information on products and services for special needs kids, events and campaigns, disability issues, support groups, respite care, clothing, equipment, toys, leisure activities and days out, holidays, where to go for help and advice and much more.

www.special-needs-kids.co.uk

This website shows you how accessible hundreds of local venues – such as shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres, hotels and train

stations – are for people with disabilities.

www.disabledgo.com

Making it easier to get aroundIf you, or someone you know, are unable to access public transport there are community schemes that could help:

Dial 2 Drive – is a community transport scheme for people in

the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas who are unable to access public transport due to older age, illness or mobility problems. Volunteer drivers will take them to their medical and social appointments, lunch clubs, day centres, shopping and to visit family, where they will wait for their passengers for up to an hour.

Membership of the scheme costs just £15 a year and mileage is payable by invoice at the end of the month. Drives can be booked for days, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. www.vawk.org.uk/transport

Call 01892 553123 weekday mornings to join or find out more.

Kent Karrier – is for those who are disabled or otherwise medically unable to access public

transport. The service will pick-up residents from their homes and take them to a nearby town for their shopping and other essentials. It is operated by Compaid, a charity for disabled adults and children.

Residents will need to complete a simple application form and pay a £5 annual membership fee, and then just £3.10 per return journey. www.kent.gov.uk

Call 01622 605349 for an application form.

Compaid also offers an accessible community transport service to disabled and elderly people throughout the District. www.compaid.org.uk

Call 01892 722297 for more information or to book.

Help and information for those with a disability

Are you a victim of domestic abuse?If so, you are not alone. One in four women and one in six men will experience some kind of domestic abuse, whether it’s physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or even financial.

The Domestic Abuse Volunteer Service (DAVSS) is a local charity which provides support for people in the Tunbridge Wells area who are suffering domestic abuse. Trained volunteers offer advice and support to both women and men, initially via the telephone helpline. This is manned from 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Don’t be afraid to call 01892 570538 www.davvs.org.uk

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Dam repairs progressing wellWe have recently had an engineer conduct a survey of Sherwood Lake’s dam. We are awaiting the formal report, but have been told they are not concerned there is any immediate danger.

The main works identified by the engineer are likely to be:

• An overflow/spillway into an existing channel

• Repairs and raising the level of the main path across the top of dam

• Some reinforcement of the dam wall in a limited area which will change levels. This will possibly be the most challenging part of the works

• Clay lined cut-off trenches in areas of leaks – despite the engineers recommending only one, we will install two so as to address concerns from the public.

Critically, and despite concerning reports to the contrary from the previous report over a year ago, the dam’s condition has not deteriorated.

The engineer has given us a detailed report and sketches of these proposed works. This information is being put together as a first stage tender package to send to contractors to get a detailed price. The design for the works and some detail matters are still being developed and we are in the process of appointing contract managers and getting supporting technical advice to take the project forward.

The project will require planning permission and input from technical advisors (such as ecologists, tree surgeons and engineers) and so it is unlikely that works will commence on site before the autumn but as originally planned will hopefully be completed by the end of the year. The programme may change according to the advice of the specialists.

Environment

Skybridge updateTown & Country’s architects for the Greggs Wood Road redevelopment scheme have produced some preliminary designs for the bridge link between TN2 Centre and Greggs Wood and the lake.

Development Director for Town and Country, Colin Lissenden, said ‘This is a beautiful and exciting planned aspect of the scheme and we really hope we can make it a reality.’

The redevelopment proposals for Greggs Wood Road were granted planning permission in May. The overall scheme, which will provide 257 new homes, was granted outline planning permission, and detailed permission was granted for the first phase of 63 new homes. For full details turn to page 12.

See more pictures and tell us what you think...

www.sherwoodplan.com (click on the image galleries tab or on the contact us tab)

01892 523464 [email protected]

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Environment

Sherwood Forest SchoolsAs part of a season of community activities at Sherwood Lake, children from Sherwood Park Primary have recently been taking their lessons outdoors!

Staff from the Kent High Weald Partnership led four

Forest Schools sessions with Sherwood Park, where children were given the chance to learn shelter building, cordage, whittling and outdoor cooking. Forest Schools promotes a respectful understanding of woodlands, teaching children not only how to do all of these things safely, but also how to protect and nurture the environment in which they are learning.

The Kent High Weald Partnership works to help link local communities with their surrounding countryside.

Find out more at www.khwp.org.uk

The last meeting of the Woods Steering Group set out their ideas for how the Woods would be made more accessible and enjoyable for the community.

The plan involves Town & Country working with the community, schools and a local artist to create exciting links and connections into and out of the woods. Picnic and seating areas would be introduced, together with natural looking signposting in the form of totems.

Four main elements would draw people to the Woods:

Fauna – wildlife and nature, and the opportunities for bird spotting and education

Fishing – the chance for pond dipping and fishing to reinforce traditional values and family enjoyment

Connecting the community with the Woods

Tell us what you think... Please give us your views on our vision for the Woods

01892 523464 www.sherwoodplan.com [email protected]

Fitness – the introduction of exercise equipment to the woods, with marked out routes for cycling and running

Flora – the opportunity to explore and learn about trees, to relax and learn in the woods and find out more about the flora.

Presenting the proposals, Colin Lissenden explained: ‘We want to retain the natural and un-spoilt nature of the Woods and make them more accessible for the local community to appreciate and enjoy.’

You can download the presentation to the Steering Group and read more about the proposals at www.sherwoodplan.com (Go to Top Downloads and select Options Presentation for the Woods and Lake.)

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Carnival and jubilee photos

your sherwood july 2012

Documents