Kempley Community-Led Plan 2017

Community-Led Plan 2017

The Parish Council would like to thank all those who have contributed their time and Contents effort to this Community-led Plan. The large number of villagers involved shows a strong How we started 1 spirit of community within Kempley. Next steps 1 The purpose of this plan was to ask for ideas Our views 2 and seek out best thinking for how our small Our Kempley 3 parish community could organise itself Boundaries 4 in future – probably in the face of both Where we live 5 reducing government spending on local What makes Our Kempley special 7 services and increasing energy costs. Our young people 10 This Community-led Plan is based on views Our environment 11 collected through consultation with the villagers. The Plan sets out a vision for our future How we work 13 and an Action Plan for us all to consider. How we travel 14 How we communicate 15 Simon Roberts Our future 16 Kempley Parish Council September 2017 How we started The PC was keen, however, to produce a high quality, comprehensive collation of views from In December 2015, the Parish Council (PC) the villagers. It was decided that a CLP would decided that it would like to engage with its enable a fair and balanced representation of parishioners to produce a Community-Led village opinion. It was acknowledged that this Plan (CLP) setting out the views, opinions, CLP would not carry legal weight but would hopes and aspirations of the village as hopefully be influential in strategic a whole. Although the PC has conducted decision-making. a number of surveys over the years and held annual village meetings that have spawned Next steps many positive initiatives, this was to be the first time that the results would be collated During the process of gathering views and into a printed document for all to share. opinions from villagers, key themes have emerged which have been presented at the An initial Steering Group (SG) was established end of this document as an Action Plan. to research and identify the most suitable path This Action Plan will, of course, require the to take to produce the CLP. Advice was taken participation of the village as a whole to from Gloucestershire Rural Communities implement some of the tasks and projects Council and it was agreed that, given the identified as being important. relative small size of the village and the simplicity of its infrastructure, a full-blown Using our established pattern of Annual Neighbourhood Development Plan or Parish Village Meetings, the Action Plan can be Plan would be inappropriate and reviewed regularly enabling it to be amended unnecessarily costly at this stage. and refreshed to suit current village priorities.

1 Our views Sixty-seven villagers attended the meeting and were invited to rank their priorities for Age Range of respondents to questionnaire discussion and a lively debate ensued. No response 1 <1% In early 2016 it was decided that we should The hottest topics for comment and 18 - 24 3 3% aim to produce a straightforward discussion were the village hall, connectivity 25 - 45 7 8% Community-Led Plan setting out: and planning & development. Some written 46 - 65 48 53% comments were submitted during and after 66 - 79 26 29% • what villagers value and appreciate the meeting. 80+ 5 6% about Kempley, Total 90 100% • views on planning and development, Following the meeting, an update was • thoughts about what we do well and what circulated by email and via a community could be better, and newsletter. At each contact point, villagers The SG analysed all the questionnaire • consideration of the future of Kempley were invited to join the SG and/or submit responses including over 120 individual bearing in mind the nature of its population. further comments in writing. comments. The results will be highlighted in each section of this plan. Kempley PC has held a number of annual In early September, a follow-up questionnaire meetings in the past which have been reasonably was distributed to each adult and child in the In late January, a drop-in session at the well attended. The SG decided, therefore, to use village. We had 90 responses with a further monthly Kempley Café was organised to this successful engagement format to launch the nine from children under the age of 16. collect villagers’ views on the first draft of CLP and a date was fixed for 2 June 2016. this document. Early notices were sent out via village email in The questionnaire sections sought responses March and again in April and May advertising the and comment on our environment and village The final round of consultation took place on event and explaining the purpose. Individual hall together with communications, planning 13 June 2017 at the annual village meeting leaflets were distributed to each home in the & development and community & well-being. when the Action Plan was presented to village in May. Large, eye-catching banners the village. were erected one week before the meeting at all the main entry points to the village.

2 Our Kempley Decline in services … Population by Age Over the past 30 years, the services provided 100

Kempley lies in the Forest of Dean district of in the village have declined sharply. We have 18.7 16.3 23.6 Gloucestershire, close to the Herefordshire lost the garage, the milk depot, the bakery border. It is 17 miles north west of Gloucester & shop, the Post Office & shop, the forge, 80 and 17 miles south east of Hereford. the mobile library and the weekly fish & chip The nearest services lie in Newent van. Whilst their primary function was not a 60 approximately five miles away. social one, they nonetheless provided an opportunity to meet and chat with neighbours. 63.4 64.7 The map [opposite] shows the extent of the As these services disappeared, the scope for 40 64.6 parish – an area of 680 hectares. socialising diminished.

The individual hamlets of Fishpool, Kempley of population % of total and Kempley Green all lie to the south of the 20 parish and are the areas most developed with 17.9 18.9 a concentration of homes and population. 11.8 0 Kempley Glos England Our community has expanded from just 17 Aged 0-15 Working Age Aged 65+ households on Kempley manor in 10861 to around 125 homes today. As recorded by the 2011 Census, there are approximately 280 people living in Kempley parish2. Of those 280, 180 are working age adults, 65 are over 65 years of age and 35 are children under 16. 48.6% of the village population is male and (1) Source: A History of Gloucestershire XII Newent and May Hill - Kempley Settlement 51.4% is female. (2) Source: Office for National Statistics 2015

3 Parish Boundary Defined Settlement Boundary

4 Where we live the DSB with only one or two tiny areas still The questionnaire asked whether residents provision of village activities. Only seven appropriate for infill development. The key would be in favour of development within the people disagreed that it should be a priority for funding. The housing stock features a mix of house issue stated in the Allocations Plan (2015) is DSB and 50% confirmed that they would albeit values with the vast majority being to “protect the surrounding countryside from with some qualifications on design on a case It is essential to maintain an accessible bricks owner-occupied. inappropriate development” and it is proposed by case basis. 88% of respondents were in that “the plan will continue a tight control on favour of renewal / redevelopment of existing and mortar building for people to come together for social, educational and cultural Housing Tenure 10 further development”. dwellings, again on a case by case basis. events and for the kind of Good Neighbour 10 A Housing Needs Assessment conducted by Owner-occupied services mentioned to ensure a good quality With that background, combined with the PC in 2006 indicated that there was little of life for all. Of the activities and initiatives a number of comments from villagers, it is demand for further social housing within Social Housing 105 within our gift, most rely on a functioning Association rented clear that any development within the DSB the village. village hall. Privately rented and, indeed, outside of this but within the village as a whole will be contentious. At the meeting there was hot debate on the Village activities This was fairly represented at the June 2016 potential of development outside of the DSB Fitness classes came top of the list of The Forest of Dean District Council (FoDDC) village meeting with attendees pointing out and comments received then and since typify activities villagers wanted, with others suggesting craft classes such as jewellery Allocations Plan (2015) features Kempley that the service and utility provision is the fierce sense of protection villagers feel making, willow weaving and stained glass, Green as a distinct area of consolidation antiquated and unlikely to sustain further about the locality. painting and dance classes, a cycle club, table within the dispersed rural area of Kempley demand in current form. However, as long as tennis, bridge, sewing sessions, plus more as a whole. FoDDC has defined a Designated the DSB policy persists, “The village is an oasis in a fast it is likely that development will continue moving world, full of rash jazz and other live music and the screening of Settlement Boundary (DSB) as shown on the popular sports are also on our wish lists. map on page 4. Kempley Green, as a defined within it. development. settlement, has a population of approximately Please let it stop here.” Predictably, when specifically asked, residents 108 in around 40 houses. The village is “The services would have to wanted more of the facilities you would considered to be almost fully developed within be modernised to cope with normally find in larger villages such as pubs further development.”

5 “Kempley Green is already Council Tax Banding provision of village activities. Only seven people disagreed that it should be a priority fully-developed. Why not A B C D E F G consider other areas – Fishpool for funding. for example?” 10 It is essential to maintain an accessible bricks 20 10 and mortar building for people to come “Development in the right together for social, educational and cultural places would be acceptable.” 10 events and for the kind of Good Neighbour services mentioned to ensure a good quality On a practical note, the majority of 30 of life for all. Of the activities and initiatives respondents would be interested in receiving 25 within our gift, most rely on a functioning alerts to new planning notices either via a village hall. village website or by email. This could enable 20 Village activities villagers to submit their own comments to Fitness classes came top of the list of FoDDC within the usual tight deadlines. Data Sources: Census 2011 (KS402EW, KD401EW,) activities villagers wanted, with others suggesting craft classes such as jewellery making, willow weaving and stained glass, painting and dance classes, a cycle club, table tennis, bridge, sewing sessions, plus more jazz and other live music and the screening of popular sports are also on our wish lists.

Predictably, when specifically asked, residents wanted more of the facilities you would normally find in larger villages such as pubs

6 What makes well-used book swap facility. Following this Kempley is lucky to have a large number of provision of village activities. Only seven Our Kempley special success and after a round of consultations on enthusiastic and committed volunteers. people disagreed that it should be a priority village needs, the Kempley Café was set up to for funding. It is the special combination of a strong provide the local community, including the “A lovely village which is clearly cared It is essential to maintain an accessible bricks community spirit and a rich heritage that most vulnerable, with low cost hot lunches for by hard working residents…”. and mortar building for people to come makes Kempley an enviable place to live. and drinks, newspapers, book/DVD/CD swap. More recently, a fast and free internet service Indeed, several people (17) commented that together for social, educational and cultural events and for the kind of Good Neighbour Community Spirit enables access unavailable to some villagers they would be happy to volunteer: services mentioned to ensure a good quality With no public services apart from Refuse and in their own homes. The number of local of life for all. Of the activities and initiatives Highways, Kempley has learnt to become groups, run exclusively by volunteers, shows “Happy to collect prescriptions or do within our gift, most rely on a functioning the dynamic community spirit of the village. any shopping.” self-sufficient. Without a local shop or even village hall. any mobile provision, Kempley can boast The market and the cafe attract not only older single people but also families with children. “I would volunteer to be a driver arguably one of the most successful small Village activities These two community-led enterprises have for collection of prescriptions and village markets in the country. The Kempley Fitness classes came top of the list of allowed people to play a vital part in village shopping also doctor or hospital Produce Market offers people access to local activities villagers wanted, with others life by volunteering their services. appointments.” fresh produce such as meat, vegetables, eggs, suggesting craft classes such as jewellery fruit, bread, cheese, cakes and pastries, ice making, willow weaving and stained glass, With more than 10 different groups organising However, a note of caution was raised: cream, fruit juices and honey. People value the painting and dance classes, a cycle club, table market not just for its fresh local produce but a range of activities, social cohesion has been tennis, bridge, sewing sessions, plus more equally for the opportunity it provides to meet greatly improved and over fifty volunteers “I am involved in numerous groups jazz and other live music and the screening of up with friends and neighbours over coffee and from within the village are contributing to the and I would be happy to help as a popular sports are also on our wish lists. cake. Average attendance at the market is success of these ventures. Our latest social volunteer but other villagers could around 130 for a two-hour event. The market’s development is the Thirst-day Thursday step up to the mark and not leave it Predictably, when specifically asked, residents Facebook page has around 200 followers. pop-up pub. The first few of these have been to the ones who are already wanted more of the facilities you would With no library, there is an extensive and a resounding success with around thirty heavily involved.” normally find in larger villages such as pubs villagers attending.

7 Our Village Hall provision of village activities. Only seven and shops: these would be difficult to sustain The village hall is the social hub of Kempley. people disagreed that it should be a priority with the current population. The organisation It is the only public building with the facilities for funding. of many of the additional services people needed for a number of people to meet mentioned would only be feasible via together. Even tours of the churches, and It is essential to maintain an accessible bricks a managed online system. outdoor village activities rely on the village and mortar building for people to come hall for refreshments and toilets. In all public together for social, educational and cultural Village groups and initiatives include: consultations in the past 10 years, the value of events and for the kind of Good Neighbour • Kempley Produce Market with café & book the village hall has been highlighted. services mentioned to ensure a good quality swap, held monthly The most recent survey shows that 91% of of life for all. Of the activities and initiatives • Kempley Café with hot meals held monthly within our gift, most rely on a functioning respondents agree with the statement that the • Kempley Walking Group village hall is the focal point of the village. village hall.

The hall was originally constructed in 1870 Village activities Other groups in the village include: as a temporary church. Most of our social Fitness classes came top of the list of • Second Wednesday Club (took over from WI in 1992) activities rely on the Village Hall, with 91% of activities villagers wanted, with others respondents agreeing that it is the focal point suggesting craft classes such as jewellery • Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the village, 93% that it should be a place to making, willow weaving and stained glass, • Friends of Kempley Churches (FoKC) meet up and 81% agreeing that it is in need of painting and dance classes, a cycle club, table • Kempley Village Hall Trust refurbishment. The hall is leased to the tennis, bridge, sewing sessions, plus more • Daffodil Weekend Committee Village Hall Trust by the Church for jazz and other live music and the screening of “meetings, lectures, classes and other forms popular sports are also on our wish lists. of recreation with the object of improving the conditions of life for… Kempley and Predictably, when specifically asked, residents neighbourhood”. However, it is no longer fully wanted more of the facilities you would fit for purpose and it is a limiting factor in the normally find in larger villages such as pubs

8 Our Churches significant funds for the churches’ upkeep medieval wall frescoes and the oldest timber As part of the installation of Airband Historically, the Church has been a provider of through tours, concerts and other village roof structure of any building in England. Microwave broadband to business users in the support but, whilst Kempley has two churches activities. Both landmark churches that lie within the village, a high speed broadband supply was of unique historical importance, one church is parish and the social history that surrounds installed in the village hall. This is currently deconsecrated and the other has a dwindling A safe place to live them are accessible for all to see and hear at available free to attendees of village hall congregation. The parish has not had its own A well-run Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and www.kempleytardis.org.uk. events. Can this be developed into an vicar for many years and local parishes have a Community Emergency Plan team opportunity to provide a homework hub for been incorporated into a combined benefice contribute to 94% of people feeling safe in Tourism young people of the village? that is supported by a rector who leads a team Kempley. Only 3% of people responding to the Visitors from all over the world come to see of ministers. Pastoral care is dependent on questionnaire report feeling lonely or isolated the churches but the village is also famous for the PCC identifying pastoral needs within the either most or all of the time; four people do its wild daffodils. A daffodil trail incorporates parish and then referring on to team not have their own transport and three people a number of nature reserves supporting the members. Both churches bring tourists into have difficulty getting out. conservation of the species. Started in 1975, the village, providing a valuable source of Elderly parishioners are able to call on the the Kempley Daffodil Weekend attracts funds for maintenance and upkeep of St services of our Village Agent who, at the time thousands of visitors and involves the majority Edward’s in particular. In our community, we of writing, has a dozen clients in Kempley of Kempley residents raising funds for the have to take responsibility ourselves to raise helping them achieve a better quality of life. upkeep of the fabric of the village hall and funds rather than rely on external agencies. the churches – a record £6,000 was raised Heritage in 2017. The Friends of Kempley Churches (FoKC) is Kempley has unique heritage. St Edward’s Kempley has recently been included in the the local group responsible to English Church is a Grade II* listed building, newly formed 28 mile Newent Cycle Loop, Heritage for St Mary’s and also raises funds described by John Betjeman as ‘a mini bringing yet more visitors to the area. for St Edward’s Church. FoKC has a special cathedral of the Arts & Crafts movement’. interest in the history, heritage and Grade I listed St Mary’s Church, dating from environment of the churches and raises the early 12th century, has world-renowned

walks with descriptions and information on difficulty and accessibility, dog-friendliness, number of stiles and points of interest.

Daffodils The iconic Daffodil Way, which is part of the Golden Triangle, cuts a path through the parish and attracts large numbers of walkers and rambling groups especially during the springtime. Kempley’s Daffodil Weekend is the highlight of the daffodil season attracting thousands of additional visitors to the village each year. A project was established in 1986 to create the 10-mile route named The Daffodil Way. With help from the Manpower Services Commission work was carried out to erect stiles, build footbridges, cut back undergrowth and waymark the entire route.

How important are the wildlife & daffodils? Moderately Important 1 1% important 17 19% very important 72 80%

verges, we have seen an increase in the The footpaths that cross the parish also need aged 16+ have been educated to degree level number of cowslips, anemones and bluebells maintenance. The appointment of a footpath or higher (England: 27.4%). springing up over the last few years. officer or environment officer to monitor the St Edward’s Church yard is being actively management of the paths, hedges and verges Responses to the questionnaire reflected the managed to encourage wildlife and and raising funds would be beneficial. data collected from the 2011 Census. 64% of wild flowers. respondents were 65 or younger. As the dark skies are important to so many Five respondents (6%) were over the age of 80. One villager said villagers, care needs to be taken with the siting of security lighting to minimise Including agricultural businesses and “During the last 10 years I have heard light pollution. self-employed workers, there are probably the best morning and approximately 40 small to medium sized evening bird song that we have ever How we work enterprises in Kempley parish. The ability for experienced. As we have entered the people to work from home is acknowledged as village we have rejoiced that we live According to the 2011 census, 68.8% of people being compromised by, until recently, the lack here and hope that we see out our in the village aged 16 to 74 were economically of a reliable and fast broadband service. How we travel weekly bus service affording access to in Kempley’ signs were put up throughout the final years feeling much the same” active (150 people) which is just fractionally Of the 90 respondents to our questionnaire, Newent and Gloucester. The bus is, however, village. Interestingly, at the 2016 village below the average for England of 69.9%. just 31% were economically active with just In common with other rural areas, Kempley very poorly used. meeting, a number of residents voiced their Claimants of Jobseekers Allowance or over half being still in full-time education or residents rely heavily on private transport with view that the 20 mph advisory limit, although Our environment and the future Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity already retired. over 95% of us having one or more cars At a number of village meetings, concern has fine for the densely-populated areas, was too To maintain and enhance the quality of the Benefit number well below the national compared to a national average of around been raised about the speed with which cars slow elsewhere. environment enjoyed by Kempley residents, average. As at August 2012, just seven people 75%. Statistically, the residents of rural travel through the village and the increasing the community needs to be proactive in a were receiving out of work benefits hamlets and villages travel nearly twice as far use of our village lanes and roads by We have no existing system for car/lift sharing number of ways. Hedges and verges will representing 3.9% of working age adults by car each year compared to urban residents articulated and other lorries seeking a short and eight questionnaire respondents continue to need maintenance with mowing compared to 9.8% in England (Department of (2011 Census). In Kempley, we have a twice cut. As a result, an informal speed restriction expressed an interest in exploring this further. and cutting done at the right time of year. Work & Pensions 2012). Over 40% of people campaign was launched and the ‘20 is Plenty Our young people As part of the installation of Airband Microwave broadband to business users in the We had only nine respondents to the young village, a high speed broadband supply was people’s questionnaire. The general feeling installed in the village hall. This is currently from the responses was that there is little for available free to attendees of village hall children and young people to do in Kempley events. Can this be developed into an leading to a sense of isolation. There was opportunity to provide a homework hub for some limited enthusiasm for certain village young people of the village? events including the one-off Queen’s Birthday Celebration and the regular Kempley Produce Market. With no real critical mass of any one particular age group within the village, initiating and sustaining activities for young people is unrealistic. Children are dependent on parents and carers to transport them to school and after school activities outside of the area.

For young people with no access to their own transport, and limited access to their peer group within village due to small numbers, broadband is vital as this offers the only option for easy networking.

walks with descriptions and information on difficulty and accessibility, dog-friendliness, number of stiles and points of interest.

How important are the wildlife & daffodils? Moderately Important 1 1% important 17 19% very important 72 80%

verges, we have seen an increase in the The footpaths that cross the parish also need aged 16+ have been educated to degree level number of cowslips, anemones and bluebells maintenance. The appointment of a footpath or higher (England: 27.4%). springing up over the last few years. officer or environment officer to monitor the St Edward’s Church yard is being actively management of the paths, hedges and verges Responses to the questionnaire reflected the managed to encourage wildlife and and raising funds would be beneficial. data collected from the 2011 Census. 64% of wild flowers. respondents were 65 or younger. As the dark skies are important to so many Five respondents (6%) were over the age of 80. One villager said villagers, care needs to be taken with the siting of security lighting to minimise Including agricultural businesses and “During the last 10 years I have heard light pollution. self-employed workers, there are probably the best morning and approximately 40 small to medium sized evening bird song that we have ever How we work enterprises in Kempley parish. The ability for experienced. As we have entered the people to work from home is acknowledged as village we have rejoiced that we live According to the 2011 census, 68.8% of people being compromised by, until recently, the lack here and hope that we see out our in the village aged 16 to 74 were economically of a reliable and fast broadband service. How we travel weekly bus service affording access to in Kempley’ signs were put up throughout the final years feeling much the same” active (150 people) which is just fractionally Of the 90 respondents to our questionnaire, Newent and Gloucester. The bus is, however, village. Interestingly, at the 2016 village below the average for England of 69.9%. just 31% were economically active with just In common with other rural areas, Kempley very poorly used. meeting, a number of residents voiced their Claimants of Jobseekers Allowance or over half being still in full-time education or residents rely heavily on private transport with view that the 20 mph advisory limit, although Our environment and the future Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity already retired. over 95% of us having one or more cars At a number of village meetings, concern has fine for the densely-populated areas, was too To maintain and enhance the quality of the Benefit number well below the national compared to a national average of around been raised about the speed with which cars slow elsewhere. environment enjoyed by Kempley residents, average. As at August 2012, just seven people 75%. Statistically, the residents of rural travel through the village and the increasing the community needs to be proactive in a were receiving out of work benefits hamlets and villages travel nearly twice as far use of our village lanes and roads by We have no existing system for car/lift sharing number of ways. Hedges and verges will representing 3.9% of working age adults by car each year compared to urban residents articulated and other lorries seeking a short and eight questionnaire respondents continue to need maintenance with mowing compared to 9.8% in England (Department of (2011 Census). In Kempley, we have a twice cut. As a result, an informal speed restriction expressed an interest in exploring this further. and cutting done at the right time of year. Work & Pensions 2012). Over 40% of people campaign was launched and the ‘20 is Plenty As part of the installation of Airband Microwave broadband to business users in the village, a high speed broadband supply was installed in the village hall. This is currently available free to attendees of village hall events. Can this be developed into an opportunity to provide a homework hub for young people of the village?

Our environment The unlit road is important to people. As one How important are the dark skies? walks with descriptions and information on villager mentioned at our annual meeting in No response 3 3% difficulty and accessibility, dog-friendliness, Kempley is a rural parish of mainly farmland 2016 “we love living here and proudly tell other Unimportant 1 1% number of stiles and points of interest. with some wooded areas. The beauty of the people that there are no street lights and we Of little importance 2 2% landscape surrounding the village, deemed can see the stars”. This sentiment is Moderately Important 2 2% Daffodils very important to over 80% of villagers supported by 91% of the respondents to the important 33 37% The iconic Daffodil Way, which is part of the responding to the questionnaire, is largely due village questionnaire stating that the dark skies very important 49 54% Golden Triangle, cuts a path through the to the good husbandry and maintenance of the were important or very important to them. parish and attracts large numbers of walkers land by eight family farms and a few Cyclists now often ride the newly-designated and rambling groups especially during the smallholdings all caring for and maintaining Blots on the landscape are litter on the 28-mile Newent Cycle Loop connecting local springtime. Kempley’s Daffodil Weekend is the land whilst producing the food that we eat. roadside together with the problems caused villages in North-West Gloucestershire. the highlight of the daffodil season attracting The presence of the Forestry Commission and by dog-owners allowing their pets to foul thousands of additional visitors to the village their sympathetic management of the local roads, paths and walkways. Pride in our Footpaths each year. A project was established in 1986 to woods is of great benefit to us in the village village will reduce the impact these There is a network of footpaths in and around create the 10-mile route named The Daffodil and to our visitors. unpleasant activities have on our the village with some old paths and rights of Way. With help from the Manpower Services environment. Over fifty people responding to way crossing farmland and a web of paths and Commission work was carried out to erect The housing is mostly strung along two miles the questionnaire said they would be happy to bridleways running through the woods. Work stiles, build footbridges, cut back of unlit road running through the village with a take part in a community litter pick supporting over the last 30 years by volunteers of the undergrowth and waymark the entire route. smaller concentration of houses at Fishpool. the efforts made by some good-spirited Windcross Paths Group has given us four local A particular attribute of Kempley Green is the villagers who already don rubber gloves and National Trails including, the Daffodil Way, How important are the wildlife & daffodils? way that the characteristics of a hedged organise litter picks from time to time. two Poets Walks and walks in Dymock Woods. Moderately Important 1 1% country lane are carried through the Kempley These four Trails are now widely recognised important 17 19% Green settlement with green hedging forming for their recreational interest and their very important 72 80% boundaries to village gardens. natural and literary heritage. The woods are seen to be very important (83%) or important

verges, we have seen an increase in the The footpaths that cross the parish also need aged 16+ have been educated to degree level number of cowslips, anemones and bluebells maintenance. The appointment of a footpath or higher (England: 27.4%). springing up over the last few years. officer or environment officer to monitor the St Edward’s Church yard is being actively management of the paths, hedges and verges Responses to the questionnaire reflected the managed to encourage wildlife and and raising funds would be beneficial. data collected from the 2011 Census. 64% of wild flowers. respondents were 65 or younger. As the dark skies are important to so many Five respondents (6%) were over the age of 80. One villager said villagers, care needs to be taken with the siting of security lighting to minimise Including agricultural businesses and “During the last 10 years I have heard light pollution. self-employed workers, there are probably the best morning and approximately 40 small to medium sized evening bird song that we have ever How we work enterprises in Kempley parish. The ability for experienced. As we have entered the people to work from home is acknowledged as village we have rejoiced that we live According to the 2011 census, 68.8% of people being compromised by, until recently, the lack here and hope that we see out our in the village aged 16 to 74 were economically of a reliable and fast broadband service. How we travel weekly bus service affording access to in Kempley’ signs were put up throughout the final years feeling much the same” active (150 people) which is just fractionally Of the 90 respondents to our questionnaire, Newent and Gloucester. The bus is, however, village. Interestingly, at the 2016 village below the average for England of 69.9%. just 31% were economically active with just In common with other rural areas, Kempley very poorly used. meeting, a number of residents voiced their Claimants of Jobseekers Allowance or over half being still in full-time education or residents rely heavily on private transport with view that the 20 mph advisory limit, although Our environment and the future Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity already retired. over 95% of us having one or more cars At a number of village meetings, concern has fine for the densely-populated areas, was too To maintain and enhance the quality of the Benefit number well below the national compared to a national average of around been raised about the speed with which cars slow elsewhere. environment enjoyed by Kempley residents, average. As at August 2012, just seven people 75%. Statistically, the residents of rural travel through the village and the increasing the community needs to be proactive in a were receiving out of work benefits hamlets and villages travel nearly twice as far use of our village lanes and roads by We have no existing system for car/lift sharing number of ways. Hedges and verges will representing 3.9% of working age adults by car each year compared to urban residents articulated and other lorries seeking a short and eight questionnaire respondents continue to need maintenance with mowing compared to 9.8% in England (Department of (2011 Census). In Kempley, we have a twice cut. As a result, an informal speed restriction expressed an interest in exploring this further. and cutting done at the right time of year. Work & Pensions 2012). Over 40% of people campaign was launched and the ‘20 is Plenty As part of the installation of Airband Microwave broadband to business users in the village, a high speed broadband supply was installed in the village hall. This is currently available free to attendees of village hall events. Can this be developed into an opportunity to provide a homework hub for young people of the village?

(17%) to everybody in the village with 39% walks with descriptions and information on The additional visitors during Daffodil walking frequently and 34% very frequently difficulty and accessibility, dog-friendliness, Weekend are welcomed with refreshments in in them. number of stiles and points of interest. the village hall and by guided walks around the village, Churches and stretches of the It is, however, true to say that the footpaths Daffodils Daffodil Way. The weekend promotes and trails will only remain open with help The iconic Daffodil Way, which is part of the Kempley and acts as a valuable source of from volunteers. Government funding alone Golden Triangle, cuts a path through the additional funds for the village. will be insufficient to keep paths in working parish and attracts large numbers of walkers order. Volunteers from the village work with and rambling groups especially during the 80% of villagers who responded to the survey the Forestry Commission to monitor footpaths springtime. Kempley’s Daffodil Weekend is stated that the wildlife and daffodils were very in Dymock Woods. the highlight of the daffodil season attracting important to them. A project to propagate the thousands of additional visitors to the village wild daffodil was set up and over 5 years How often do you walk in the woods? each year. A project was established in 1986 to 75,000 seeds were collected, propagated and No response 0 0% create the 10-mile route named The Daffodil planted in and around the village verges, Never 3 3% Way. With help from the Manpower Services Rarely 6 7% Commission work was carried out to erect Whilst the wild daffodils are clearly an iconic Occasionally 15 17% stiles, build footbridges, cut back part of Kempley’s environment, they are but Frequently 35 39% undergrowth and waymark the entire route. one example of local success in the Very frequently 31 34% management of our plant biodiversity and How important are the wildlife & daffodils? wildlife. The grass verges and hedges are 67% of respondents to the survey stated that Moderately Important 1 1% very important wildlife corridors and nesting they would use a walks leaflet. This would, important 17 19% places. By the late 1990s they had lost the therefore, be beneficial to villagers and also to very important 72 80% wildflower population due to lack of correct visitors to our woods and byways. The leaflet management. With improved management of could include suggestions for shorter circular these and villagers clearing and reseeding

verges, we have seen an increase in the The footpaths that cross the parish also need aged 16+ have been educated to degree level number of cowslips, anemones and bluebells maintenance. The appointment of a footpath or higher (England: 27.4%). springing up over the last few years. officer or environment officer to monitor the St Edward’s Church yard is being actively management of the paths, hedges and verges Responses to the questionnaire reflected the managed to encourage wildlife and and raising funds would be beneficial. data collected from the 2011 Census. 64% of wild flowers. respondents were 65 or younger. As the dark skies are important to so many Five respondents (6%) were over the age of 80. One villager said villagers, care needs to be taken with the siting of security lighting to minimise Including agricultural businesses and “During the last 10 years I have heard light pollution. self-employed workers, there are probably the best morning and approximately 40 small to medium sized evening bird song that we have ever How we work enterprises in Kempley parish. The ability for experienced. As we have entered the people to work from home is acknowledged as village we have rejoiced that we live According to the 2011 census, 68.8% of people being compromised by, until recently, the lack here and hope that we see out our in the village aged 16 to 74 were economically of a reliable and fast broadband service. How we travel weekly bus service affording access to in Kempley’ signs were put up throughout the final years feeling much the same” active (150 people) which is just fractionally Of the 90 respondents to our questionnaire, Newent and Gloucester. The bus is, however, village. Interestingly, at the 2016 village below the average for England of 69.9%. just 31% were economically active with just In common with other rural areas, Kempley very poorly used. meeting, a number of residents voiced their Claimants of Jobseekers Allowance or over half being still in full-time education or residents rely heavily on private transport with view that the 20 mph advisory limit, although Our environment and the future Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity already retired. over 95% of us having one or more cars At a number of village meetings, concern has fine for the densely-populated areas, was too To maintain and enhance the quality of the Benefit number well below the national compared to a national average of around been raised about the speed with which cars slow elsewhere. environment enjoyed by Kempley residents, average. As at August 2012, just seven people 75%. Statistically, the residents of rural travel through the village and the increasing the community needs to be proactive in a were receiving out of work benefits hamlets and villages travel nearly twice as far use of our village lanes and roads by We have no existing system for car/lift sharing number of ways. Hedges and verges will representing 3.9% of working age adults by car each year compared to urban residents articulated and other lorries seeking a short and eight questionnaire respondents continue to need maintenance with mowing compared to 9.8% in England (Department of (2011 Census). In Kempley, we have a twice cut. As a result, an informal speed restriction expressed an interest in exploring this further. and cutting done at the right time of year. Work & Pensions 2012). Over 40% of people campaign was launched and the ‘20 is Plenty As part of the installation of Airband Microwave broadband to business users in the village, a high speed broadband supply was installed in the village hall. This is currently available free to attendees of village hall events. Can this be developed into an opportunity to provide a homework hub for young people of the village?

walks with descriptions and information on difficulty and accessibility, dog-friendliness, number of stiles and points of interest.

How important are the wildlife & daffodils? Moderately Important 1 1% important 17 19% very important 72 80%

13 As part of the installation of Airband Microwave broadband to business users in the village, a high speed broadband supply was installed in the village hall. This is currently available free to attendees of village hall events. Can this be developed into an opportunity to provide a homework hub for young people of the village?

walks with descriptions and information on difficulty and accessibility, dog-friendliness, number of stiles and points of interest.

How important are the wildlife & daffodils? Moderately Important 1 1% important 17 19% very important 72 80%

Economically Economically Full Time Part Time active residents inactive residents employees employees verges, we have seen an increase in the The footpaths that cross the parish also need aged 16+ have been educated to degree level 150 68 71 31 number of cowslips, anemones and bluebells maintenance. The appointment of a footpath or higher (England: 27.4%). 68.8% of 31.2% of 32.6% of 14.2% of people people aged people aged people aged springing up over the last few years. officer or environment officer to monitor the aged 16-74 16-74 16-74 16-74 (England (England (England (England St Edward’s Church yard is being actively management of the paths, hedges and verges Responses to the questionnaire reflected the average: average: average: average: managed to encourage wildlife and and raising funds would be beneficial. data collected from the 2011 Census. 64% of 69.9%) 69.9%) 69.9%) 69.9%) wild flowers. respondents were 65 or younger. Self Employed Working 49+ Working from Employed in the As the dark skies are important to so many Five respondents (6%) were over the age of 80. hours per week home Public Sector One villager said villagers, care needs to be taken with the siting of security lighting to minimise Including agricultural businesses and 38 27 15 45 17.4% of 18.8% of 7.3% of 31.3% of “During the last 10 years I have heard light pollution. self-employed workers, there are people people aged people aged people aged aged 16-74 16-74 16-74 16-74 probably the best morning and approximately 40 small to medium sized (England (England (England (England average: average: average: average: evening bird song that we have ever How we work enterprises in Kempley parish. The ability for 9.8%) 13.3%) 3.5%) 28.2%) experienced. As we have entered the people to work from home is acknowledged as village we have rejoiced that we live According to the 2011 census, 68.8% of people being compromised by, until recently, the lack here and hope that we see out our in the village aged 16 to 74 were economically of a reliable and fast broadband service. How we travel weekly bus service affording access to in Kempley’ signs were put up throughout the final years feeling much the same” active (150 people) which is just fractionally Of the 90 respondents to our questionnaire, Newent and Gloucester. The bus is, however, village. Interestingly, at the 2016 village below the average for England of 69.9%. just 31% were economically active with just In common with other rural areas, Kempley very poorly used. meeting, a number of residents voiced their Claimants of Jobseekers Allowance or over half being still in full-time education or residents rely heavily on private transport with view that the 20 mph advisory limit, although Our environment and the future Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity already retired. over 95% of us having one or more cars At a number of village meetings, concern has fine for the densely-populated areas, was too To maintain and enhance the quality of the Benefit number well below the national compared to a national average of around been raised about the speed with which cars slow elsewhere. environment enjoyed by Kempley residents, average. As at August 2012, just seven people 75%. Statistically, the residents of rural travel through the village and the increasing the community needs to be proactive in a were receiving out of work benefits hamlets and villages travel nearly twice as far use of our village lanes and roads by We have no existing system for car/lift sharing number of ways. Hedges and verges will representing 3.9% of working age adults by car each year compared to urban residents articulated and other lorries seeking a short and eight questionnaire respondents continue to need maintenance with mowing compared to 9.8% in England (Department of (2011 Census). In Kempley, we have a twice cut. As a result, an informal speed restriction expressed an interest in exploring this further. and cutting done at the right time of year. Work & Pensions 2012). Over 40% of people campaign was launched and the ‘20 is Plenty

14 How we communicate extending a fibre-enabled service to the 100 How we use the internet Perhaps unsurprisingly, nearly 80% of include a wanted/for sale/borrow/share village. It is village under a scheme with BT. Although the respondents use the internet for shopping section and 77% of all respondents were in by no means – a fact borne out by the increase of delivery favour of this. prescriptive; Until recently, the only broadband offer was scheme provided for the village to help with 80 company traffic through the village. by setting using the existing phone lines running, the physical labour to lay the cable, the cost Nearly 70% use the internet for banking and The Windcross Parish Magazine is delivered to out our predominately, from the Dymock exchange. was still prohibitive at around £75,000 with 80% are reliant on it for email communication. around 80 households each month and offers aspirations, it Although Dymock is now fibre-enabled additional individual installation costs to each 60 Reflecting the changing nature of an effective means of communication on is hoped that allowing for superfast broadband, the network customer. entertainment, 40% said they watch films over Church and parish matters together with local discussion, does not extend to us in Kempley. In early the internet with 56% using it for catch-up TV. news and notices. decision and then 2016, Airband (a company based in Worcester) As technology advances, other solutions to the 40 action will take our installed their latest wireless, lack of connectivity may emerge. Around 85% of households have elected to STOP PRESS village forward. microwave-enabled technology to 15 small Already there are villagers who are achieving receive communication about village events Most of the properties in Kempley are now Maintaining our vibrant download speeds of >25 Mbps using their businesses in the village (excluding farmers). via email. There are just eight households included in Phase 2 of the Fastershire rollout community life, our spirit of mobile phone network. With the long-awaited 20 Each business was supported by a grant from who are not connected via email and those to bring fibre direct to our properties. innovation and adopting communications mast replacement, this may the Forest of Dean allowing the infrastructure homes generally rely on the physical This will give access to speeds of up to 1000 a willingness to take action will keep our improve even further. In the meantime, it is to be put in place. Download speeds of noticeboards dotted around the village and mbps. No fixed date yet but could be by 2019. village alive. hoped that Airband may be in a position to roll 0 around 20 Mbps are now achievable compared having hand-delivered hard copies of general out the currently business only service to to the standard < 2 Mbps through the notices. The questionnaire invited responses Our future Our ambitious Action Plan sets out to make residential customers. hard-wired network. about a one stop village website and an online the very most of Kempley’s many attributes noticeboard. The intention behind a one-stop What can we do to sustain our village and our and not let the village waste away through 60% of questionnaire respondents said that village website would be to bring together community for the future? A first draft of the lack of vision or aspiration of what might be Business Internet Gaming Films News Banking Buyng/selling Social Media Public Services Email up Catch they were unhappy with the broadband service Kempley life including, for example, Action Plan set out below was presented to possible to achieve. No Yes they receive with 53% willing to spend more to organisations, events, Parish Council and the the village at the Annual Village Meeting held secure a better service. In October 2016, the churches all under one umbrella website. on 13 June 2017. The Action Plan forms Parish Council explored the possibility of Responses to our questionnaire underline the Of those who responded to this question, 93% a framework for future debate about what our importance of the internet to our community. were in favour. An online noticeboard might community would like to see happen in our

15 How we communicate extending a fibre-enabled service to the Perhaps unsurprisingly, nearly 80% of include a wanted/for sale/borrow/share village. It is village under a scheme with BT. Although the respondents use the internet for shopping section and 77% of all respondents were in by no means – a fact borne out by the increase of delivery favour of this. prescriptive; Until recently, the only broadband offer was scheme provided for the village to help with company traffic through the village. by setting using the existing phone lines running, the physical labour to lay the cable, the cost Nearly 70% use the internet for banking and The Windcross Parish Magazine is delivered to out our predominately, from the Dymock exchange. was still prohibitive at around £75,000 with 80% are reliant on it for email communication. around 80 households each month and offers aspirations, it Although Dymock is now fibre-enabled additional individual installation costs to each Reflecting the changing nature of an effective means of communication on is hoped that allowing for superfast broadband, the network customer. entertainment, 40% said they watch films over Church and parish matters together with local discussion, does not extend to us in Kempley. In early the internet with 56% using it for catch-up TV. news and notices. decision and then 2016, Airband (a company based in Worcester) As technology advances, other solutions to the action will take our installed their latest wireless, lack of connectivity may emerge. Around 85% of households have elected to STOP PRESS village forward. microwave-enabled technology to 15 small Already there are villagers who are achieving receive communication about village events Most of the properties in Kempley are now Maintaining our vibrant download speeds of >25 Mbps using their businesses in the village (excluding farmers). via email. There are just eight households included in Phase 2 of the Fastershire rollout community life, our spirit of mobile phone network. With the long-awaited Each business was supported by a grant from who are not connected via email and those to bring fibre direct to our properties. innovation and adopting communications mast replacement, this may the Forest of Dean allowing the infrastructure homes generally rely on the physical This will give access to speeds of up to 1000 a willingness to take action will keep our improve even further. In the meantime, it is to be put in place. Download speeds of noticeboards dotted around the village and mbps. No fixed date yet but could be by 2019. village alive. hoped that Airband may be in a position to roll around 20 Mbps are now achievable compared having hand-delivered hard copies of general out the currently business only service to to the standard < 2 Mbps through the notices. The questionnaire invited responses Our future Our ambitious Action Plan sets out to make residential customers. hard-wired network. about a one stop village website and an online the very most of Kempley’s many attributes noticeboard. The intention behind a one-stop What can we do to sustain our village and our and not let the village waste away through 60% of questionnaire respondents said that village website would be to bring together community for the future? A first draft of the lack of vision or aspiration of what might be they were unhappy with the broadband service Kempley life including, for example, Action Plan set out below was presented to possible to achieve. they receive with 53% willing to spend more to organisations, events, Parish Council and the the village at the Annual Village Meeting held secure a better service. In October 2016, the churches all under one umbrella website. on 13 June 2017. The Action Plan forms Parish Council explored the possibility of Responses to our questionnaire underline the Of those who responded to this question, 93% a framework for future debate about what our importance of the internet to our community. were in favour. An online noticeboard might community would like to see happen in our

16 Happening Monthly Events in Kempley Other Events 1st Thursday: Pilates classes Roving Folk Club, 8pm Craft classes 2nd Wednesday: First Aid classes Second Wednesday Club Entertainment evenings 2nd Saturday: Kempley Produce Wassail Market, 9.30-11.30am Burns Night 3rd Thursday: Musical events Thurstday Pop up Pub, 7.30pm Annual Events Quiz evenings 4th Saturday: The Kempley Daffodil Weekend: Suds and puds evening Cafe, 11am- 2pm mid March Murder Mystery Summer services at St Mary’s Treasure Hunt Harvest Festival and Lunch: early October Memorial Service: Remembrance Day Christmas Concert: early December Christmas Carol Singing: mid December