WAVERLEY: LEISURE AND CULTURE

PRIORITIES: · An attractive and sustainable environment · Enhance the quality of life

The Council’s leisure and cultural services play an important part in making Waverley a safe, healthy and enjoyable place to live; whether it is by maintaining facilities such as sports centres and parks, by providing grants and advice to organisations that can achieve things that we can’t achieve alone and by developing the policy framework for the Borough.

The priority given to this area recognises the importance of the Borough’s beautiful countryside and its network of leisure, sports and community facilities, museums, art centres and play areas. The Council’s policy is to help to increase opportunities for people to participate in leisure and cultural activities. Our work covers the following aspects of leisure and cultural activities, which are broadly defined as ‘cultural services’: · Sport and Recreation · Arts · Countryside · Parks and Open Spaces · Heritage& Museums

The Council’s Leisure team works very closely with the charitable, voluntary and commercial leisure sectors, providing financial support where possible. The Council’s policy is to provide services directly only if this is the best and most cost-effective way in which to meet the identified needs of the community. As a result, some services have been contracted-out, such as the management of the Council’s four leisure centres, which has enabled us to improve services for customers.

Cultural Services Fundamental Service Review (reported to Council 23.04.02)

This review focused on arts provision and museums. An important outcome was to resolve the immediate short-term funding issues for Arts Centre and The Maltings, . This was achieved through prioritising and increasing funding via the Sponsored Organisations Scheme. Further action depended upon putting in place plans for the future of the Museum of Farnham and the integration of tourism and economic development, with support from a Tourism and Marketing officer on a full-time basis. Both were affected by a subsequent change in policy.

Waverley Borough Cultural Strategy

The Council’s vision for leisure and cultural services is to ensure that all of Waverley’s residents have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of cultural activities through which they can make enjoyable use of their leisure time and increase their well being.

The Council is only one of many providers of leisure and cultural services in the Borough and it must work in partnership with other sectors to ensure that the vision is delivered. It is, however, the one, which is best, placed to deal with regional and national agencies and plan for the needs of the whole community.

In 2002, the Council launched the Waverley Borough Cultural Strategy. This document replaced the previous Leisure Strategy and sets out an action plan for the development of cultural facilities within the Borough over the next 5 years. The Cultural Strategy was developed in consultation with all major stakeholders involved in the delivery of cultural services and takes into account the needs and priorities identified by the public.

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The strategy focuses on six key themes, which underpin the delivery of cultural services, these are: § Improve opportunities for young people § Improve access to cultural and leisure facilities for all § Maximise availability of internal and external resources § Reduce the fear of crime and engender citizenship § Improve health and well-being § An attractive, sustainable environment

Sport and Recreation

The Council wants more people to be able to benefit from involvement in sports and recreational activities. Sport can improve health, provide opportunities for social contact and bring communities together. To achieve this, we advise and support clubs and organisations in the non-commercial sector (Waverley received five Sport England Lottery Awards in 2001/02 and a further two in 2002/03 before Sport England stopped their capital programme) and support events and activities that promote community involvement in sport and recreation.

The Council promotes a range of activities and events that stimulate interest in sport; acting as a focal point for development work and working in partnership with sports clubs and organisations. These include participation in the annual Youth games (held in June 2003, there were 2,500 participants and Waverley came second overall and won the fair play award), Waverley Inter-Town sports competition and the Mayors Challenge as well as supporting the Surrey Active Sports Programme.

The Council provides capital and revenue support to facilities that provide a benefit to the Community, such as Leisure Centre, which is operated by a local Trust. In 2003 the Council provided £110,000 of capital for the refurbishment of the Health and Fitness facilities at Godalming Leisure Centre. In 2003 the Council took over responsibility for the development of a new all-weather pitch at Woolmer Hill Sports Ground, a project which was part funded by the Football Foundation.

Arts

Waverley Borough Council does not operate any arts or performance venues of its own, although the Council commits a significant proportion of its Arts Development budget through the Sponsored Organisation Scheme to financially support the operation of the and Cranleigh Arts Centre.

An important outcome from the review of cultural services during 2001/02 was to resolve the short- term funding issues for Cranleigh Arts Centre and The Maltings. This was achieved through prioritising and increasing funding via the Sponsored Organisations Scheme.

The Council’s key role is to provide advice and information to external arts organisations to assist them in developing arts activities for the community. The Arts Development Service also provides opportunities for young people across the borough to participate in arts activities; particularly those of a practical and creative nature and in 2002/3 the Council funded 15 community art projects targeting young people.

The Council advises and supports other organisations at work within the borough on how to obtain resources from regional and national funding bodies, as well as providing publicity for arts organisations and their activities through our website and Create publication.

In 2002/3 the arts service was successful in securing £18,000 of funding from the regional arts lottery programme for Creative Communities, a project to deliver a programme of creative consultation working with artists in communities in four key areas across the borough.

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Countryside

Over 60 per cent of Waverley is Metropolitan Green Belt and over three quarters of the whole Borough, 26,700 hectares (over 100 square miles), is designated as Areas of Great Landscape Value. Waverley manages approximately 1,600 hectares of countryside areas, some of which it owns, other parts of which it manages under long-term arrangements with the landowner.

The Council’s ranger service carries out site management, employing contractors for specialist tasks as and when required. The sites managed range from small areas of woodland and open ground, through to areas such as Farnham Park and Common. These areas represent one of Waverley’s most precious assets. Taking proper care of them for future generations is one of the Council’s most important responsibilities. Education plays its part in this. During 2002/3, the rangers organised 138 events and educational activities.

Roughly two-thirds of countryside sites have management plans, which are seen as being the key to long-term effective action. For example, a growing interest in countryside recreation makes issues such as car parking, maintenance and the provision of accessible routes more important. Increasing the quality and quantity of notice boards, way-marking and interpretive materials is also becoming more important for providing information and spreading awareness in order to keep pace with growing public awareness of environmental issues such as sustainability and biodiversity. The countryside service also has to deal with the effects of illegal activity such as encroachment and fly tipping.

There is a strong tradition in Waverley of countryside volunteers working on practical tasks under professional supervision. The Council is indebted to the enthusiasm and commitment of its countryside volunteers who put in an estimated 1050 days of work in 2002/3, which is slightly more than in 2001/02 and well above target. The recruitment and retention of more volunteers is a major objective, which the Council hopes can be achieved by continuing to improve information, publicity and recognition to develop a self-sustaining network of volunteers.

In 2002/3 the countryside service secured £80,000 of funding through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund for a 12 month Biodiversity programme. This will enable the service to employ to dedicated biodiversity rangers for the coming year that will be instrumental in developing local nature reserves and contributing to improving the countryside we manage and greater public access and involvement.

Parks and Open Spaces

The Council owns and manages approximately 180 hectares of parks, recreation grounds and open spaces in Farnham, , Godalming, Cranleigh and our smaller communities, including 20 football pitches, 10 cricket pitches and 57 children’s play areas (the number of children’s play areas per 1000 children under 12 increased from 2.9 in 2001/02 to 3.6 in 2002/03). Our parks and open spaces provide for organised activities, such as sport, fetes, fairs and open-air theatre, as well as informal recreation and play.

There are Action Plans for many of the Borough’s parks and open spaces. These set out programmes of improvements and are used as a basis for consultation with site users and local residents’ groups. This is particularly important for sites such as Broadwater Park in Godalming, where there is a conflict of interest between uses that can only be resolved through careful planning and public involvement.

During 2002/3 the Parks Service commenced a borough wide risk assessment of the councils tree stock, improvements were made to play areas with the installation of new accessible play equipment in some of the key playgrounds and £66,000 of external funding was successfully bid for to support the development of the service.

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Museums

There are four museums in Waverley; the Museum of Farnham is owned and operated by Waverley; Godalming Museum is operated by a trust (the curator’s salary is paid by the Council); Haslemere Educational Museum and The Museum of Rural Life at are both wholly independent.

In 2002/3 Farnham Museum hosted six exhibitions one of which was an exhibition of work produced by young people, reflecting Waverley as seen through the eyes of the under 16s. The Waverley museums have also undertaken joint promotion of literature to help raise their individual profiles. The education programmes of Farnham Museum and Godalming Museum continue to grow and additional resources have been directed to meet the needs and increasing demand from schools including special needs.

The best value review of cultural services in 2001/02 resulted in member agreement to put in place plans for the future of the Museum of Farnham and the integration of tourism and economic development. Both decisions were affected by a subsequent change in policy during 2002/03. The review’s conclusions are being revisited following the change in administration at the local elections in May 2003.

Borough Hall, Godalming and Memorial Hall, Farnham

The Council is responsible for the provision of two public halls, the Borough Hall in Godalming and the Memorial Hall in Farnham. The use of both halls is very mixed, predominantly community based, and includes a nursery school; keep fit classes, cinema, dances and theatre. The halls also cater for special events such weddings and civic functions.

The Council employs staff to ensure the effective operation and management of the halls. Information and advice is provided on the availability of the halls and their suitability for events, activities and functions.

FURTHER READING: Cultural Strategy The Surrey Youth Strategy Tourism Action Plan - ‘Visitors Mean Business’ ‘Opportunities for All’

KEY RESULTS IN 2002/3:

Sport & Recreation Key Achievements · Extended health and fitness facilities at Farnham Sports Centre as well as new hot water system and safer spectating provision · Extended health and fitness facilities at Godalming Leisure Centre, as part of the Waverley Capital Programme · Began the development of a new pavilion and community centre as part of Kilnfields development, due to open later in 2003 · Began phased implementation of rolling programme for pavilions maintenance · Made a successful bid to the New Opportunities Fund with Broadwater School for a major refurbishment of the sports hall · Major events in 2002/03 included the Waverley Inter Town Sports Competition, the Mayors Youth Challenge and participation in the Surrey Youth Games. · New initiatives underway include ‘Walking for Health’ and Summertime holiday activities in Godalming and Village/Community Hall Forum · User Group forums established in all of Waverley’s sports centres · Quality accreditation [QUEST] obtained at each of the leisure centres in Cranleigh, Farnham and the Herons · Access audits carried out at all Waverley leisure centres and pavilions

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· Memorial Hall, Farnham disabled and health and safety work developed and identified in Capital Programme [to be carried out summer 2003] · ‘Holiday Hotpages’ established on the website for community information · The Edge sports complex in Haslemere changed administration with contract documents prepared and new management installed · Closer liaison and communication with voluntary sports sector including termly newsletter publication

Arts Key Achievements · Established a sustainable year round support for young rock/pop musicians in Haslemere · Provide opportunities for young people to try out world music and samba at All Hallows School · Developed a strong link with local Music Festival for young musicians to perform annually · Provide a forum “The Music Partnership Group” for local community providers of music for young people and young musicians · Worked with local artists and local artists groups, i.e. Borderlands, surrey Artists Open Studios to develop local artists networks · Resolved short term funding issues for Cranleigh Arts Centre · Worked closely with the Farnham Maltings new Director to identify long term artistic and organizational plans including plans for the refurbishment of the facility · Finalised planning for the Creative Communities project which will deliver a programme of creative consultation across the borough · Worked in partnership with Surrey County Council to provide a financial and practical support for Surrey Artists Open Studios and the SORTED Dance programmes · Supported the Surrey Area of Natural Beauty Officer in developing the Seeds of Inspiration project in

Countryside Management Key Achievements · Increased the number of conservation volunteers known as “Waverley for Wildlife”, produced newsletters and arranged social events for them. · Restored a pond on Waverley owned common land in Barhatch Road, Cranleigh. · Initiated the designation of five Local Nature Reserves within the borough · Established Bourne Conservation Group carrying out conservation tasks on Waverley Open Spaces and rights of way in Bourne. · Refurbishment of Information Room at Frensham with new interpretive displays

Parks and Open Space Management Key Achievements · Commenced a Borough wide risk assessment survey of the councils tree stock · Converted two disused tennis courts at Hale Recreation Ground, Farnham into a two-pitch multi-sport facility · Provided a new footpath through Broadwater Park, Godalming under Surrey County Council’s Safe Routes To School banner · Worked with local sports clubs to improve standard of provision. · Worked to secure funding for playground replacement & environmental improvements at Beacon Hill Recreation Ground, · Transferred the management & maintenance of four open cemeteries to Farnham Town Council · Installed additional and complimentary items of play equipment at Hale Recreation Ground, Crown Pits Open Space, Godalming, and Haslemere Recreation Ground. · Constructed a boardwalk and carried out additional wildflower planting to the area of wet grassland at The Bury Fields, Godalming. · Installed new footpaths in Gostrey Meadow, Farnham, Hale Recreation Ground and Park View estate, Farnham · Carried out environmental improvements in a significant number of areas of public access. · Re-laid the cricket square at Haslemere Recreation Ground

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Farnham Museum Key Achievements · Organised, researched and designed five exhibitions throughout the year, which included artifacts on loan as well as from the reserve collection · Worked with disadvantaged young people to curate an exhibition of young peoples photography reflecting Waverley as seen through their eyes · Introduced a quarterly news letter · Produced joint promotional literature with other Waverley Museums to publicise Christmas activities · Developed a range of activi ties associated with each exhibition for families, special needs groups and day centers for the elderly · Managed a 1950s fete event attended by 500 visitors · Ran a series of lunchtime history lectures during local history week · Publicised the work of the Museum at various events organized around the area · Hosted a training day by Surrey Museums Consultative Committee and Surrey Museums Group to address barriers to access in Museums · Implemented recommendations from the teachers feedback sessions, including improvements to and development of new loan boxes · Developed new education sessions for primary school children Years 1 & 2 · Extended the education programme to accommodate more special needs sessions · Carried out new risk assessments for the Museum and reviewed Emergency procedures

IN 2003/04, WE WILL:

Sport and Recreation · Develop procurement options for a new Godalming Leisure Centre · Submit Stage Two application to New Opportunities Fund for refurbished Sports Hall at Broadwater School · Develop proposals for Farnham Sports Centre refurbishment · Implement the Playing Pitch Strategy · Improve access in leisure centres/pavilions · Identify additional and enhanced skating provision, especially in Godalming · Seek to develop Youth leisure provision, especially indoor social or drop in facilities · Address Play/Holiday issues in the borough [inclusive opportunities]

Arts · Build on the success of ‘Live and Direct’ to selectively extend the programme · Work with Surrey Hills Area Of Natural Beauty team in respect of Renewed and Revisited, an arts based project · Further develop the Creative Communities Project. · Evaluate arts-related publications and seek sponsorship/advertising wherever possible.

Countryside · Introduce a training programme for conservation volunteers · Publish management plans for More Hill and Green · Renew and update Waverley’s Natural Resource Survey · Deliver the Biodiversity project in Farnham · Complete the Restoration Plan and associated Management Plan for Farnham Park · Plan for dredging of Frensham Great Pond in partnership with the Sailing Club · Restoration of Carron/Cannon Pond, Farnham Park

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Parks and Open Spaces · Pilot a Youth Shelter project in partnership with Haslemere Town Council · Review all existing playground provision in terms of Health & Safety, replacement, need and accessibility (DDA act implications), · Submit new byelaws for Parks & Countryside areas · Town Meadow, Haslemere – Undertake access improvements and drainage works · Holloway Hill Recreation Ground – Access improvements · Bourne Recreation Ground – Footpath widening and access improvements · Survey Council tree stock · Undertake risk assessment of cemetery headstones

Museums · Prepare access policy to address requirements of DDA · Further promote Waverley Museums and the Waverley Museums Service · Review the role and location of the Museum of Farnham · Work with, and support other agencies in helping to improve the knowledge of historic landscapes, and protect historic features

CONTACT Director of Environment and Leisure Peter Maudsley 01483 523398 Head of Leisure Services Julie Maskery 01483 523432 Sport and Recreation Manager David Gill 01483 523391 Arts Manager Linda Salway 01483 523405 Countryside Manager 01483 523443 Parks and Landscape Manager Rachel Hall 01483 523446 Heritage, Museums and Galleries Anne Jones 01483 528004 Borough Hall, Godalming Brian Sewrey 01483 523071 Memorial Hall, Farnham David Gill 01483 523391

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION COMMUNITY: LEISURE AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

SPORTS SPORTS & ARTS TOURISM COUNTRY- PARKS HERITAGE, BOROUGH TOTAL 2003/04 BUDGET BOOK DEVELOPMENT LEISURE SIDE AND OPEN MUSEUMS HALL AND & COMMUNITY SPACES & MEMORIAL RECREATION GALLERIES HALL Budgeted: Gross Revenue spend £88,000 £975,720 £184,770 £80,830 £519,250 £1,128,130 £270,370 £229,940 £3,477,010 Gross Income 0 £91,270 0 £5,000 £42,000 £125,620 £17,680 £102,690 £384,260 Net Revenue spend £88,000 £884,450 £184,770 £75,830 £477,250 £1,002,510 £252,690 £127,250 £3,092,750 Gross Capital spend 0 £185,000 0 0 £45,000 £188,000 £9,000 £52,000 £479,000