North LEADER Programme

Project Directory “To nurture a better connected and better serviced rural ” • 2 20% 5% receive? 12% Introduction 63% North Warwickshire North £97,000 Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population - £531,466 13 projects Administration of the Programme Management and *It is hoped that this that hoped is *It the will demonstrate directory individual of achievements and value the and projects their on had have they impact community. local the North Warwickshire LEADER programme. LEADER Warwickshire North the funded by DEFRA and the European Union. This created This Union. European the and DEFRA by funded 10 Projects - £165,130.13 Projects 10 - £42,279.14 4 projects and Development Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage Village Renewal How much money did money much How *This is not the final amount final the not is *This printing of time the at claimed, open still was project the the Rural Development Programme for , which is jointly is which England, for Programme Development Rural the

North Warwickshire received a total of £835,875* of funding from funding of £835,875* of a total received Warwickshire North How was the money spent? money the was How “ and communications network community services. and sustainable transportation • access to improve ease of To • develop a more inclusive To What is LEADER? in 2009, aimed to help overcome the aimed to help overcome in 2009, in a rural with living issues associated isolation and the feelings of location people feel. that many consistently The following themes consultation, initial the during emerged and formedthe Local the basis of (LDS): Development Strategy ways of overcoming identified issues. identified overcoming of ways Warwickshire LEADER has evolved as a distinctive approach to rural to approach a distinctive as evolved has LEADER in, and contribute to decisions about the place in which place the about decisions to contribute in, and they live. Innovation is a key feature of this community led community this of feature a key is Innovation live. they approach, and projects were encouraged to seek innovative seek to encouraged were projects and approach, development, which encourages local people to get involved get to people local encourages which development,

the larger conurbations larger the espite its vicinity to vicinity its espite

Introduction

What were the issues? 1 •

North Warwickshire remains Warwickshire North borough. a rural much very of Birmingham, Coventry, Birmingham, of Tamworth, and

North working in the Borough. The LEADER funding, which was secured

number of issues and challenges which face people living and The rural nature of North also brings with it a Warwickshire unique rural character and charm.unique rural character surrounded by an array of villages surrounded by an all with their own and small hamlets

The three market towns of , The three market Polesworth are and Coleshill D Introduction 3 • Introduction Introduction • 4 NW Leader NW Projects Key and Figures � Map Project Funding Page Ref Name Amount Number Directory Map with Num 1 Accessing Community Transport £9,448.00* 5-6 2 Access to DACS Project £60,632.00* 7-8 Projects 3 Austrey Archery Group £5,720.00 9-10 4 Baxterley Play Area £36,345.00 11-12 5 Curdworth Adult Outdoor Exercise Equipment £10,357.00 13-14

6 Hartshill Pavilion £44,999.98 15-16 Map locations are 3 7 Mancetter Youth Futures £49,166.82* 17-18 indicative only 8 Multi-use Games Area and Skate Facilities £109,806.40* 19-20 9 Parish Pathways Baddesley Community Hub £29,901.67 21-22 10 Rural Youth Project – 3 Villages £87,000.00* 23-24 8 11 Shustoke Village Shop/Hub £24,940.00 25-26 15 12 Support for North Warwickshire Volunteers £16,460.00* 27-28 13 Water Orton Library and Community Hub £46,688.87 29-30 9 19 14 Ansley Village Church Hall £2,976.80 31-32 4 16 27 15 Dordon Church Hall Refurbishment £30,722.00 33-34 10 26 7 16 Community House Development £5,064.79 35-36 17 Fillongley Village Hall £7,805.00 37-38 22 18 18 Hartshill Community Centre £19,695.00 39-40 5 6 19 Parish Pathways Baddesley Village Hall Room Refurb £4,375.00 41-42 24 14 20 Maxstoke Village Hall £22,590.00 43-44 23 21 The Old Barn Centre £18,130.56 45-46 13 11 22 Village Hall Rescue £48,805.98 47-48 25 23 Water Orton Tennis Club £4,965.00 49-50 21

24 Access and Interpretation at Whitacre Heath SSSI £10,875.00 51-52 17 25 Astley Castle Heritage Trails £14,544.14 53-54 20 26 Boudica’s Last Battle £12,000.00* 55-56 27 Improving Access to Linear Park Meadow £4,860.00 57-58

1, 2 and 12 are borough wide projects *This is not the final amount claimed, at the time of printing the project was still open 5 • Accessing Community Transport Accessing Community Transport • 6 Accessing Community 1 Transport The difference that Getting out into the has been made: villages is the best way The Development Officer for Beeline Since the completion of the research, to find out about local has visited many villages and hamlets investigative work has begun to “ in North Warwickshire and completed look at ways of overcoming some £9,448.00 needs and also to inform 163 questionnaires. Following the of the issues identified in the report. " loss of several bus services in 2011, Members of the Transport Group about our service the five key areas of concern were have visited a social enterprise, based About the Project identified as follows: in Norfolk, to gather information During initial consultation, the and learn from their experience of Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Key Facts: 1. Economic impact on Atherstone setting up a moped scheme for young Age UK had reported that the Town Centre. Young people people. reduction in public transport had • Beeline Community Transport is a registered accessing work and the Job Centre. resulted in reduced employment 2. Young people making choices for opportunities and limited access charity based in Atherstone • Volunteers provide transport sixth form college to services and social groups 3. Elderly people living in isolated using their own cars for for the elderly. More details areas people to access essential were needed in order to start 4. Unreliability of buses health services overcoming some of these issues. 5. Cost of transport • The transport group meet The funding, which was regularly to discuss ways to awarded to Beeline Community overcome the issues Transport in November 2011, identified was used to research the wider community transport needs in North Warwickshire. The Local Development Strategy (LDS) had Name: Katy Harper identified that transport was a Contact Details: The Partnership significant issue, especially for vulnerable residents and those Centre, Coleshill Road, Atherstone, living in isolated communities. CV9 1BN Tel: 01827 717074 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.beelinect.org.uk/ 7 • Access to DACS Access to DACS • 8 Access to DACS 2 The difference that has been made:

The service aims to empower the vulnerable from the isolating experience of domestic abuse to make the changes they need for their own personal safety and improved family life. It is hoped the counselling will provide them with increased confidence and self esteem, increased independence, and the ability to be fully functioning within the community by exploring education The service aims to and employment possibilities. help the victim break Through this project, victims of abuse have benefited from easier access to the cycle of abuse counselling support in their area, and “ the barriers to access such as travel Key Facts: and reduce the risk of costs, time limitations and risk of ” exposure have been reduced. • � Over 200 people had repeat victimisation expressed £60,632.00 of Nuneaton, experience had shown difficulty in accessing the that the cost of travel and the time service involved was reducing the number of • � A minimum of 16 clients people using the service from North have been seen each week About the Project Warwickshire. • � Each victim of abuse is There was a distinct lack of service given an initial risk provision for victims of domestic The funding, which was awarded in assessment followed by 12 abuse in North Warwickshire, despite November 2011 and increased in sessions of counselling statistically having the highest June 2013, was used to promote recorded number of incidents. the DACS service across North Name: Kate Farmer Warwickshire and provide a fully Although the head office of the Contact Details: 72 High Street, Domestic Abuse Counselling Service qualified counsellor/project worker to work with clients in community Nuneaton, CV11 5DA (DACS) is based in, what was Tel: 0845 0044075 considered to be the central location buildings across the area. Email: [email protected] 9 • Austrey Archery group Austrey Archery group • 10 Austrey Archery Group �3 The difference that We will be encouraging has been made: physical activity and Although it is still early days, all for residents. Archery is a new and promoting the benefits of members of the group agree that the exciting addition, which the group £5,720.00 “ funding has been extremely beneficial feels will bring the village closer ” sport through archery and the community experience has together and help people feel part of About the Project been improved as a result. the community. Everyone is welcome Austrey Archery group is the to join the group and with the only archery club in North Key Facts: Austrey is a very proactive village and additional equipment, expansion is Warwickshire and was developed offers many different opportunities now possible. in response to a residents’ • � Austrey Archery Group is questionnaire identifying the located at Austrey playing need for more access to sporting fields in the summer and facilities. Austrey Village Hall in the winter Despite having a waiting list, the • � Members of the group have group was unable to expand due undertaken the Leader to the lack of secure storage and training course, allowing the need to purchase additional them to provide on-site equipment. Group members also training to new members needed to undertake training to • � Following the ‘have-a-go allow them to train new members day,’ there is a waiting list on site. for the training programme The funding, which was awarded in December 2012, enabled the group to purchase new archery equipment, including targets, bows, arrows and a container Name: Brian Grix � unit to store it all in. The funding Contact Details: 3 Elms Drive, also included the production of Austrey, CV9 3EL � publicity material to promote the � club and encourage people to Tel: 01827 830363 attend the ‘have-a-go’ day. Email: [email protected] � 11 • Baxterley Play Area Baxterley Play Area • 12 Baxterley Play Area 4 The difference that has been made:

Children and young people living in and around Baxterley now have access to high quality inclusive play opportunities that encourage healthy outdoor activity and social interaction. It has provided free access to good quality play opportunities for the local community, without the need to travel, and has enhanced a green space with minimal adverse environmental impact.

Key Facts: £36,345.00 • 81 local people (including 21 children and young The design of the the needs of a community of this size people) took part in would be expected to score 60+. play area is unique to consultation to determine the design of the play area Transport links from the village Baxterley and has been and choice of equipment “ are very limited so access to play • 7 new pieces of equipment created in response to facilities elsewhere is restricted, further Name: Alethea Wilson were installed, catering for emphasising the need to provide a (Landscape Manager) consultation” toddlers to teens About the Project good quality play area within walking Contact Details: North distance for local families. Warwickshire Borough Council, Play provision in Baxterley was very The Council House, South Street, limited and outdated. The play The funding, which was awarded in Atherstone, CV9 1DE value score of the facility had been March 2012, was used to replace the independently assessed, by the old play area in the recreation ground Tel: 01827 719212 Children’s Play Advisory Service, at at Baxterley with new facilities that offer Email: aletheawilson@northwarks. 26. A good quality facility, meeting increased play value. gov.uk 13• Curdworth Adult Outdoor Exercise Equipment DACS Curdworth Adult Outdoor Exercise Equipment DACS • 14 Curdworth Adult Outdoor Exercise The difference that Equipment 5 Promoting social has been made: inclusion and , Curdworth Parish Council has The biggest surprise for the Parish participation and received a very positive response from Council was the use of equipment “ residents about the outdoor exercise by men in the 64-69 age category. providing long term equipment. The facility is used by a Before the funding, there was nothing health benefits for the diverse range of community members in Curdworth for people to do that ” including young children, young adult encouraged exercise, other than community footballers and elderly dog walkers. walking. Now the site has become a £10,357.00 much used space. It has encouraged exercise for those About the Project Key Facts: people that would not usually attend Prior to the funding, the nearest • The equipment took just structured gym sessions or class sport or leisure facility to over 3 days to install activities. Local residents can use the Curdworth was in the market town • The equipment includes equipment at a time that suits them of Coleshill. Public transport to chin-up bars, seated chest and for as long as they want. Coleshill was limited and there press and a double air was no walkable route. walker Curdworth Parish Council, was • The launch included an awarded funding in September official opening by Olympic 2012, to install outdoor adult medalist Phil Brown exercise equipment on King George V Playing Fields. Their aim was to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being in Curdworth, in response to residents’ needs. With a predominately elderly population, Contact Details: Clerk to Curdworth it was felt that the project would Parish Council not only promote social inclusion Tel: 01675 463707 and participation but would also [email protected] provide long term health benefits Email: to residents. 15 • Hartshill Pavilion Area Hartshill Pavilion • 16 Hartshill Pavilion 6 The difference that has been made:

Locally, it has made a big difference as Hartshill adult football teams can continue to use the ground as their home pitch. The improved facilities are also attracting more local support.

The Recreation Ground Committee has already been approached by junior teams wanting to use the facilities. Talks are also well underway for the Hartshill Youth Project to reform now it has a potential new base at the Pavilion. The local school has also shown an interest in using it for off-site activity. Key Facts: • The Pavilion is located at £44,999.98 Snow Hill Recreation Putting the sporting Ground in Hartshill heart back into As well as the need to improve • It provides activities for Hartshill” facilities, the progress of Hartshill the younger members of the “ Sports Club (Saturday team) was in community About the Project jeopardy due to the requirement of the • It was officially opened on Consultation with Hartshill residents, Football Association to provide ‘pitch 26th April 2013 undertaken as part of the Parish Plan, side’ facilities. identified the need for improved sport facilities and activities for young The funding, which was awarded in people. Local children ‘hanging July 2012, contributed towards the Name: John Randle around on street corners’ and ‘not provision of a Sports Pavilion complete Contact Details: The Close, enough sports or play areas available’ with 2-team changing room with toilets Atherstone Rd, Hartshill, CV10 0SP were identified as being two major and showers, a kitchen area and small Tel: 024 76392856 issues affecting the community. meeting room. Email: [email protected] 17 • Mancetter Youth Futures Mancetter Youth Futures • 18 Mancetter Youth

7 Futures The difference that Transforming the lives has been made: of young people in Mancetter Youth Futures is the only The community as a whole has Mancetter” service for young people in the area gained from having activities and that is focused on their wants and opportunities for its young people. needs. Many of these young people The volunteering element has allowed Key Facts: have never had the opportunity to people to gain valuable youth work £49,166.82 engage in youth work and personal skills and experience, access training About the Project • � Weekly youth club sessions development activities before. They and get involved in their local from St Peter’s Church in have also been able to access youth community Local people identified an urgent Mancetter worker support, allowing them to need to provide young people in • � 77 young people aged 10-16 share their concerns, get support and Mancetter with social and leisure years have been engaged in make informed decisions, as well as activities to deflect them away the last 12 months developing their personal and social from anti-social behaviour. With • � 8 volunteers supported the skills. no existing provision, the young delivery of these services people were likely to engage in and accessed training negative behaviour triggered by disillusionment and boredom.

The project, which was awarded funding in November 2011, aimed to increase the well- being and self-confidence of the young people, improve their knowledge about key social issues and reduce their isolation. This has been achieved through weekly youth club sessions, Name: Lee Atkins access to youth worker support Contact Details: WAYC, Jubilee House, and engagement in a range Westlea Road, Leamington Spa, of personal development and CV31 3JE community projects. Tel: 01926 450156 19 • Multi-use Games Area and Skate Facilities Multi-use Games Area and Skate Facilities • 20 Multi-use Games Area The difference that has and Skate Facilities 8 been made:

At the time of printing, the installation of the play equipment had not yet been carried out. The multi-use games area in Long Street, Dordon will be completed over the summer months and the skate facility at Abbey Green Park in Polesworth will be completed by the end of 2013.

Once the project is complete, consultation will be undertaken to evaluate its success. An independent assessment will also measure the play value of the newly installed equipment. Key Facts: Children and young • The new play facilities will people in rural areas provide positive activities £109,806.40 for young people. need improved access • It will provide much needed leisure opportunities and , “ The funding, which was awarded in to outdoor social play develop healthier May 2013, will be used to provide communities opportunities” a multi-use games area (MUGA) Name: Alethea Wilson • There is an estimated 2500 in Dordon and skate facilities in (Landscape Manager) About the Project children and young people Polesworth. The MUGA will replace Contact Details: North Extensive consultation with the local living in the villages of an old shale court and provide the Warwickshire Borough Council, community, including children and Dordon and Polesworth that opportunity for informal games such young people, identified the need to The Council House, South Street, could benefit from the as basketball and football. The skate provide access to high quality, inclusive Atherstone, CV9 1DE project park will increase the opportunities for play opportunities that encourage Tel: 01827 719212 healthy outdoor activity and social older children and will complement the existing half-pipe. Email: aletheawilson@northwarks. interaction. gov.uk 21 • Parish Pathways Baddesley Community Hub Parish Pathways Baddesley Community Hub • 22 Parish Pathways Baddesley Community The difference that Hub 9 has been made: Improving access to local Nearly 300 new people were As well as the salary cost for the community services to engaged in activities at the Village Development Worker, the project also £29,901.67 reduce and eliminate Hall over the time of the project, funded equipment to make the Village exceeding the target of 200. Hall more appealing and accessible social exclusion and to families. This has enabled activities ” New volunteers were recruited and such as a cinema club and toddler About the Project isolation were provided with induction, training groups to take place. Public Health data indicated that and support. There are currently 34 the ex-mining villages have higher Key Facts: volunteers supporting 15 different rates of poor health, morbidity activities. This is a significant increase and low educational attainment. • Working relationships have from the small number involved prior developed with other to the funding. The funding awarded to parishes, Warwickshire Parish Council to County Council, North improve access to social, health Warwickshire Borough and leisure services in Baddesley Council, The Volunteer and the adjoining parishes of Centre and Woodside School Grendon, Bentley, and Baxterley. • There are many more activities now being run The Parish Council worked in such as, Work Club, Zumba, partnership with Age UK to family sessions, Family employ a Development Worker. History, Community Café Their role was to develop and crafts Baddesley Village Hall by enhancing and increasing existing activities. Proposed activities included wellbeing services, Name: Lorna Ferguson sports provision, I.T. advice, a Contact Details: Baddesley Ensor community library and access to Village Hall, Keys Hill, Warwickshire, job support and advice. CV9 2DF Tel: 01827 718 516 23 • Rural Youth Project – 3 Villages Rural Youth Project – 3 Villages • 24 Rural Youth Project – The difference that has 3 Villages 10 been made: As well as weekly youth sessions WCAVA has also delivered several activities that have increased young people’s knowledge, skills, motivation and aspirations. The provision of high quality youth work has made a huge difference to the young people. One person was being bullied at school and felt he could not approach his teachers. Youth workers visited the school to make sure the issue was being addressed and he is now a lot happier. They also had a substance misuse worker attending the sessions who addressed any areas of concern.

Although the project has been unable to sustain all three youth clubs, it Key Facts: has continued the session at Hurley, • Activities have included: which all the young people from the Mixed Martial Arts, music Building relationships £87,000.00 surrounding villages will be invited and sports with young people to to attend. The bringing together of • A community concert young people is a major achievement • Residential trips which The aim of the project was to change understand individual, for all the youth workers involved, included team building the lives of young people living in which would not have been possible activities, mountain biking, these rural villages. Although the three group and community without the funding. sailing, kayaking and villages are in close proximity and the ” rafting needs young people face similar issues, they • A trip to the Birmingham About the Project did not communicate with each other Name: David White Arts Festival The funding was awarded to in terms of service provision. There was WCAVA, Warwickshire Community and a long standing divide and perception Contact Details: Voluntary Action (WCAVA) in June of territory, which meant that young Community House, Coleshill Road, 2011 to provide a weekly youth session people were protective about their Atherstone, CV9 1BN in the identified villages of Hurley, village making it difficult for any joint Tel: 01827 718080 Wood End and Piccadilly. working. Email: [email protected] 25 Shustoke Village Shop/Hub Shustoke Village Shop/Hub • 26 Shustoke Village Shop/

11 Hub The difference that £24,940.00 has been made: About the Project The shop offers a People living in Shustoke and the , The shop has made a considerable Many of the people that use the shop neighbouring villages of Furnace unique service whereby difference to the lives of residents on a daily basis do so because of the End and Maxstoke, particularly customers are central living nearby. Young people are social aspect and the friendly service elderly residents, had limited able to walk to the shop and on offer. access to a shop. The nearest and their individual those previously reliant on friends shops were some distance away ” and family to transport them to The number of people using the shop in Atherstone and Coleshill and needs are catered for a shop have gained a sense of is growing and new customers are required transport to access them. � independence. They are now able coming in every week. People that Key Facts: to buy and order a sizeable amount visit the shop for the first time often The funding was awarded to of their weekly shopping at the return on a regular basis. • In the first six months after Shustoke Village Hall Committee Community Shop. opening the shop attracted in April 2012 to support structural 760 new people improvements to the village • The shop is supported by 5 hall to include the provision of core volunteers a kitchen, B.O.B. HUB and a • Recycling facilities are now community shop. located outside the shop The Village Hall is situated on a main thoroughfare between Coleshill and Atherstone, opposite a reservoir. The shop plans to sell locally sourced food produce including meat, fruit and vegetables, thus supporting the local economy. Name: Carol Fox The shop also plans to make a Shustoke Village Hall, significant difference socially, by Contact Details: providing the valuable opportunity Shustoke, B46 2AX for local people to volunteer and Tel: 01675 481519 gain new skills and experiences. Web: www.yourshopshustoke.co.uk 27 • Support for North Warwickshire Village Volunteers Support for North Warwickshire Village Volunteers • 28 Support for North The difference that has Warwickshire Village been made: The project has enabled the Volunteers 12 community hubs to recruit suitable volunteers in order to keep them open and offer relevant advice and support services. Through the hubs the community can access IT support, advice and guidance, as well as other services such as the video link faciltity.

It has provided leadership training to volunteers across the borough and has been a great support to hub organisers and development staff. Four forums have been held throughout the project and a number of training events have taken place

Media coverage of volunteering Key Facts: £16,460.00 opportunities has also increased, and • The co-ordinator has been Volunteering can help a new website for volunteering in in regular contact with the North Warwickshire has gone live. community hubs, having you give something recognising their volunteers in order to visited them nearly 50 back, make new friends, provide a sustainable service. Without times since the project good quality management, volunteers began learn new skills or gain will become demotivated and • The new website will ” eventually leave the organisation. enable more people to employment access the volunteering About the Project The funding, which was awarded in services and advice In the current economic climate August 2012, paid for the employment • Seventy certificates were many organisations in the area rely of a Volunteer Development Contact Details: White Hart House, presented to volunteers on volunteers to keep their services Coordinator. Their role was to work Long Street, Atherstone, CV9 1AX during Volunteers’ Week in local communities across North running, which is causing a higher Tel: 01827 717073 Warwickshire to assist voluntary demand for the sector. Groups need Email: [email protected] support with recruiting, retaining and organisations, including Community Hubs, to recruit and train volunteers. Web: www.vcnw.org.uk 29 • Water Orton Library and Community Hub Water Orton Library and Community Hub • 30 Water Orton Library The difference that has and Community Hub 13 been made:

The building is now used more, making it a focal point for the local community. It is also supported by a growing number of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers.

Young mothers who attend the playgroup can meet other mums with similar needs and share their issues and concerns. Older members of the community, who rarely engaged with others, have also commented that the centre provides a lifeline for them.

The centre is always looking to the future. They have identified the need for funding to extend the computer Key Facts: suite facility, which would enable all generations to learn much needed I.T. • The library facility is open Bringing a community skills. on a Friday and Saturday, , as well as other days and back together with a evenings during the week. space that is neutral ” £46,688.87 • Activities include keyboard “ classes, craft sessions, About the Project The funding, which was awarded in creative writing, and March 2012, provides a much needed Prior to receiving LEADER funding, computer courses community outreach facility. It offers some Water Orton residents could not • The centre serves as access to a range of services including access key services as there was no a B.O.B. HUB, with direct advice sessions, training courses community facility from which to do computer access to key and computer facilities. It has also so. This resulted in feelings of isolation services. It also hosts the provided a valuable space for groups, and a sense of not being part of the Contact Details: Mickle Meadow, Police surgery. such as parent and toddlers, to meet community. Coleshill Road, Water Orton, B46 1SN on a regular basis. Tel: 0121 747 7460 Email: [email protected] 31 • Ansley Village Church Hall Ansley Village Church Hall • 32 Ansley Village Church 14 Hall The difference that Before has been made: £2,976.80 The hall will provide a The project will ensure the continued The new boundary fence will ensure good safe and secure long term provision of a safe and the security of the site and will About the Project venue for the community secure community building in Ansley prevent access to the adjoining field Ansley Village Church Hall Village. This will be available for and pond. It is hoped that groups, was built in 1914 and had of Ansley Village for groups and private hire, for many such as the playgroup, who have experienced a high degree of many years to come” years to come. The income generated been reluctant to use the hall in the usage and alterations during from existing and additional future past due to safety concerns will now that time. It had reached users will ensure the long term consider the hall as a viable option. a point where a number of sustainability of the hall for future improvements were required to Key Facts: generations. ensure the longevity of the hall • The hall is used on a weekly and maximise its potential as the basis by the Senior citizens, only community building in the Ansley Morris Dancing village. This included the need to and Tae Kwon Do classes, improve the safety and security of and for special fundraising the venue, which had prevented events including a plant sale certain users due to safety and Christmas Fair. concerns. • The previous chain link fence was installed over 30 The funding, which was awarded years ago in January 2013, was used to improve the electrical installation and replace the existing broken wire fencing with wooden panels and concrete posts. Name: Moreen Freestone Contact Details: 25 Wiclif Way, Stockingford, Nuneaton CV10 8NH Tel: 024 76381833 After 33 • Dordon Church Hall Refurbishment Dordon Church Hall Refurbishment • 34 Dordon Church Hall 15 Refurbishment The difference that has been made: Greater usage of the The Church, the local community and continue to increase and new groups venue will prove the people from the surrounding villages and activities will be attracted to the ” continue to use the hall for meetings, venue. success of this project clubs and parties. Environmentally the hall now makes £30,722.00 The work has improved the hall more efficient use of water, conserves Key Facts: enormously, and people who heat and benefits from improved previously did not use the hall due to energy consumption. About the Project • � Feedback from users of the poor amenities, are now able to enjoy Prior to the funding, the Church hall has been very positive the events and activities on offer. It is Hall lacked facilities for parents • � 21 events and 10 clubs/ hoped that user numbers will with young children and people classes were held in the with mobility problems. The first six months following the toilets, which were accessed completion of the work directly from the main hall, were • � Disabled groups are now in a poor state and had no baby using the hall 3 times a changing or disabled facilities. week

The funding, which was awarded in December 2010, supported the upgrade of the toilet facilities. A large storeroom was converted into two single cubicles and a disabled toilet with baby changing facilities. The project also included the installation of modern UPVC windows in the main hall, making the hall more secure and environmentally friendly. Name: Michael Dorn Email: [email protected] 35 • Community House Development Community House Development • 36 Community House The difference that has Development 16 been made:

The project is still in its infancy. The real measure of success will be demonstrated in the coming months. It is hoped that there will be an increased number of groups using the facility, resulting in increased income and a sustainable community asset.

Initial thoughts are that the renovations have made the space a more useable, pleasant environment. One unexpected but positive outcome has been the reduction in energy costs, which has come about through the installation of the blinds. Key Facts: • Happy Faces Play Group runs on a weekday morning The work has enabled • North Warwickshire new activities and £5,064.79 Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA) use the greater communication and Voluntary Action (WCAVA), The building daily “ Salvation Army and the Civic Society. with the community” About the Project The funding, which was awarded in Community House is an historic, grade December 2012, was used to improve Name: Rosemary Clemo II listed building situated in Atherstone. the kitchen and purchase a laptop, Trinity Church and The building dates back to 1838, and projector, notice boards and black- Contact Details: offers office space and meeting rooms out blinds. The funding was intended Community House, Coleshill Road, at a relatively low rent. The building to make the space more attractive for Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 1BW meetings and functions, and to share was used by a play group, slimming Tel: 01827 704837 information with the local community. groups, Warwickshire Community Email: [email protected] 37 • Fillongley Village Hall Fillongley Village Hall • 38 Fillongley Village Hall 17

£7,805.00 The difference that We have a vibrant Before community with a strong has been made: About the Project identity and passion The funding has totally improved the Visually the hall has also been Fillongley Village Hall was built village hall from an environmental improved to the ultimate benefit in 1938. Although the hall for achieving targets perspective. The complete insulation of current and potential users. had been very well used by of the building has reduced the The committee hopes that the the community, the Committee such as we have set to running cost, which in turn has improvements to the stage area recognised the potential to establish a first rate allowed the hall to be hired out for will now attract drama groups and develop an even broader a variety of activities at a reasonable musical acts to use the venue, adding range of activities and events to Village Hall ” price. to the increasing list of activities and appeal to a greater number of events on offer. people. For that reason, the hall had undergone a programme Key Facts: of renovation over a five year • The hall hosts a range period to improve the facility and of activities and events from enhance its attractiveness as a barn dances, bowls club and community venue. language classes to craft fairs/exhibitions, quiz nights The funding, which was awarded and the highly successful in July 2012, paid for the Live and Local performances dry walling, insulation and • The committee held a highly redecoration of internal walls, successful Fete followed by including the under-utilised stage an equally successful area. concert by the touring band ‘Dr. Busker’

Name: Martin Peebles – Chairman Village Hall Management Committee Contact details: Fillongley Mill Farm, Tamworth Road, Fillongley CV7 8DZ Tel: 01676 542618 After 39 • Hartshill Community Centre Hartshill Community Centre • 40 Hartshill Community The difference that has Centre 18 been made: The project has made a huge difference to the number of services available in Hartshill. Local people now have access to a permanent library, and can use the internet at the B.O.B. Hub, which links to officers at North Warwickshire Borough Council, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Severn Trent Water and Warwickshire County Council. There are also a number of classes and groups which meet at the hall including adult and children’s dance classes, slimming classes, Hartshill a work club, ‘Bumps and Babies’ sessions, a walkers’ club, computer Community sessions and the GKR Karate Club. The redesign has allowed use of Key Facts: the main hall whilst meetings take Centre � place in the conservatory or meeting • The replacement floor was room. A new professional kitchen part of a much larger ” £19,695.00 has also enabled the start up of a project to refurbish the old The best floor in the area community cafe. Existing groups such church hall as the Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, • Improved design of the The funding, which was awarded in About the Project Mothers’ Union, Trinity Tots, Over centre has allowed greater September 2011, was used to provide Over the years, the village of Hartshill 50s and Ladies’ Group have all use of the space a replacement floor as part of the “had lost its heart and a changed and enjoyed much improved facilities and • Existing groups have bigger project to refurbish the old increased population meant that a increased membership. experienced an increase Church Hall. previously close-knit community had in membership due to the become fragmented. The existing improved facility Church Hall no longer met the needs Name: John Randle of local people and a new centre was Contact Details: The Close, Atherstone needed to provide a focal point for the Rd, Hartshill, CV10 0SP community. Tel: 024 76392856 Email: [email protected] 41 • Parish Pathways – Baddesley Village Hall Room Refurbishment Parish Pathways – Baddesley Village Hall Room Refurbishment • 42 Parish Pathways – Baddesley Village Hall The difference that Room Refurbishment 19 Before has been made: Local people now have access to Local companies are able to advertise computers and broadband, as well and promote jobs, both through The hall will now deliver as a range of key services delivered the village website and through the £4,375.00 on an outreach basis. People living B.O.B. HUB. equal access for all ” in and around Baddesley Ensor are able to use the internet, access emails Small businesses are also benefiting and make use of communication from the project and are able to use About the Project Key Facts: tools such as Skype. Children and the computers for communication and Baddesley Ensor and many of the young people are also benefiting on-line research. • The hall is used 7 days a surrounding villages face issues from the project and are able to use week with broadband connection. Many the computers to assist with their • The facility is widely residents are either unable to homework and access the job market. promoted through access the internet or do not have newsletters, local media, the a computer. Consultation also website and word-of-mouth identified that poor broadband restricted the development of small businesses locally.

The funding, which was awarded in October 2011, was used to make improvements to the village hall. The money was used to refurbish the office and transform a previously disused storeroom into a computer suite, accommodating four desktop computers. Training was also Name: Lorna Ferguson held for individuals who lacked Contact details: Baddesley Ensor the necessary confidence and Village Hall, Keys Hill, Warwickshire, skills to use the computers CV9 2DF Tel: 01827 718516 After 43 • Maxstoke Village Hall Maxstoke Village Hall • 44 Maxstoke Village Hall 20 The difference that has been made: The funding has made a significant difference to the communities in and around Maxstoke. The new roof means the building can be used by the community all year round. It has increased both the usage of the hall and the number of events being held. In the 12 months following the completion of the work, the hall welcomed 1563 new users from three local villages. These were mainly private party bookings, including wedding receptions, and community events and activities. There has also been a significant increase in the £22,590.00 number of younger people using the hall who may not previously have used it. Key Facts: during the spring and summer months, The Hall is now an inviting place for • The hall has experienced a the condition of the roof and the lack local people to come together and 30% increase in bookings . of insulation meant it was unusable Wonderful atmosphere network. It has helped overcome since the work during the remainder of the year. The feelings of isolation, especially during • It has capacity for 70 outer roof was made from asbestos A traditional village the winter when many people do seated and 200 standing panels, which was considered unsafe not have the same opportunities to hall in the heart of the due to health risks. The Committee “ leave home. The Hall has secured its ” believed that without replacing the roof, community viability for future generations. the number of users would continue to About the Project drop and the building would eventually Maxstoke Village Hall is an essential be unusable. Contact Details: Maxstoke Village meeting place in this rural North Hall, Church Lane, Maxstoke, The funding, which was awarded in Warwickshire community. The village Coleshill, B46 2QN does not have a pub or any other December 2010, was used to replace Tel: 01676 541410 community space. the original asbestos roof panels and Email: maxstoke_v_hall@ Although the Hall was used extensively provide a new insulation barrier. btinternet.com 45 • The Old Barn Centre The Old Barn Centre • 46 The Old Barn Centre �21 £18,130.56 The difference that We have achieved About the Project a building which is has been made: For many years, the Committee The room is now a pleasant and safe Following the success of this project, had been trying to use The Old aesthetically pleasing, environment that is already being the Committee plan to continue to Barn Centre in Old Arley with used far more. Some of the groups, improve the facility and have plans little or no maintenance. The accessible by everyone who had resorted to meeting in to provide hard-standing in the car room was dismal, there was no and warm to use members’ homes, have now returned, park. They also hope to eventually insulation and the heating system ” and new users have also started to refurbish the lower level of the Barn was poor. As a result, people and throughout the year use the building. for community use. groups could only comfortably use the centre during the summer More groups have expressed an months and some had stopped Key Facts: interest in using the room. These attending due to the cold. • � A survey of residents was include steering groups for new local projects and volunteers planning The funding, which was awarded conducted as part of the project planning monthly meals for older people and in September 2012, was used to activities to support younger people. make the existing meeting room • � The centre was officially structurally safe and warm so that launched in July 2013 it could be used throughout the year. This involved strengthening the floor, replacing woodwork, improving the lighting and installing an effective heating system.

Name: Manager, Arley and St. Michael’s Community Centre Contact details: 40 Gun Hill, Arley, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV7 8HA Tel: 01676 542753 Email: enquiries@ arleycommunitycentre.co.uk 47 • Village Hall Rescue Village Hall Rescue • 48 Village Hall Rescue 22 The difference that has been made: The Association believes that this project has increased the attractiveness of the Hall, and they now feel better able to encourage new groups and organisations to it.

The improvements were considered essential in maintaining the continuity of the many thriving activity groups. These groups, which run most days of the week, include indoor bowls, After bingo, an Over 50s club, toddler groups, a gardening club and a Before computer club. These activities are essential in bringing the community together. Evaluation of the project 12 months Key Facts: after completion showed that the • A large main hall which £48,805.98 Village Hall had attracted users from The fabric of Hurley four surrounding villages. It had can accommodate up to 110 exceeded the target of 730 new users people Village Hall had not the Hall being used on a daily basis, and attracted 918 men, women and • A great venue for shows been upgraded for at the problem would eventually cause the children. and music events “ Hall to close completely. • A Kitchen area for catering least fifty years, without The funding, which was awarded to LEADER this would not Hurley Community Association in ” November 2010, was provided to have been possible improve the existing toilet facilities. The Name: Sue Rodger - Booking Officer About the Project toilets were completely renewed, and Contact Details: 2 Brick Kiln Lane, The toilets at Hurley Village Hall were a new disabled toilet built. The ladies Hurley, Atherstone, CV9 2LU in a very poor condition with many and gents were interchanged and the Tel: 01827 874415 users complaining about the standard entrance lobby area was reduced to Email: [email protected] of provision. It was feared that, despite provide the necessary increased space. 49 • Water Orton and District Tennis Club Water Orton and District Tennis Club • 50 Water Orton and 23 District Tennis Club The difference that The aim of the Club is has been made: to promote interest in The new toilets and changing The extra toilet is especially beneficial room completes the clubhouse during junior coaching sessions and the sport of tennis for refurbishment work. The improved school tournaments, when large all ages through social clubhouse now satisfies the needs of numbers of children visit the club. , current members and their spectators £4,965.00 play coaching and and can be used to attract new Visiting league teams have competition” people, including those previously commented on the many About the Project excluded due to a lack of a disabled improvements during the three years The Tennis Club was reformed toilet. since the club was formed. in the village in 2010 and Key Facts: membership has grown rapidly • The club was established at since then. Over the past few this location in April 2010 years, members have worked • The five year renovation hard to improve the new club plan has been completed in house, tennis courts and car just three years parking area and bring it up to a • The membership has grown high standard. to 140 with 45 males, 35 females and 60 junior Despite all the hard work, the members toilet and changing room facilities were in desperate need of refurbishment and remained an embarrassment to the club. Contact details: Vicarage Lane, The funding, which was awarded Water Orton, B46 1RY in March 2013, was used to upgrade the toilet and changing Tel: 07538 601246 room facilities, including the Email: [email protected] addition of a disabled toilet. Web: www.Waterortontc.org.uk

After Before 51 • Access and Interpretation at Whitacre Heath SSSI Access and Interpretation at Whitacre Heath SSSI • 52 Access and The difference that has Interpretation at been made: The project has really made this 24 special site more interactive and Whitacre Heath SSSI accessible. The key aim of the Wildlife Trust is to interpret how reserves are important for wildlife and demonstrate the work they do to enhance and maintain them. The local community and members of the Trust all over the county now have the opportunity to learn more about this site. They can move around more easily, discovering new areas of the reserve.

The infrastructure was installed by volunteers who will continue to do the ongoing maintenance. This empowers them and provides a sense Key Facts: of ownership. The Trust has also used other local schemes, such as • The site is located in the The site provides a community payback, to help enhance Tame Valley and covers an paths around the trail and add further area of 109 acres patchwork of habitats £10,875.00 value to the project. • It has developed as a mixture of grassland, wet that will benefit both A new site information panel and woodland and wetland, “ Name: Karl Curtis – Reserves and ” a series of interactive way markers and is particularly noted for wildlife and people Community Engagement Manager were also installed. These engage its breeding birds. About the Project visitors through a brass rubbing trail Contact Details: Warwickshire • It is open to all visitors The funding, which was awarded in and the new QR code technology. Wildlife Trust, Brandon Marsh on foot but requires Trust October 2012, was used to improve This helps interpret the site and show Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, membership to gain the access and interpretation at what is special about it. The project Coventry, CV3 3GW vehicular access. Whitacre Heath Site of Special Scientific was completed in March 2013 and Tel: 02476 302912 Interest (SSSI). A boardwalk, made the installation was undertaken by Email: [email protected] from recycled plastic, was installed to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust volunteers, www.warwickshire allow visitors to walk over the usually many of whom visit the site on a Web: boggy area. regular basis. wildlifetrust.org.uk 53 • Astley Castle Heritage Trails Astley Castle Heritage Trails • 54 Astley Castle 25 Heritage Trails The difference that Local people will see this has been made: site come alive again for The heritage trails are accessible to all for teachers of Key Stage 1 and 2 the first time in thirty throughout the year, free of charge. children, including trail notes, are £14,544.14 People walking the trails can see the now available on the Landmark Trust years and have greater restored castle close up and learn website. Access to the whole site, About the Project access to it than in how the building has evolved through including the Castle, will be given on Astley Castle had been left unused different periods in history. The trails 8 open days per year, with events and for more than thirty years and, as living memory” will also add value for those walking activities for children and adults. a result, the castle was in danger the North Arden Heritage Trail. of being lost forever. With the money secured to restore the Key Facts: During the restoration, a number of castle and provide modern holiday • � The heritage trails are local groups participated in activities, accommodation, there was a accessible throughout the which have had lasting effects. desire to open up the site to the year at no cost to the public Downloadable resources general public and educate them • � Children from local schools about this historically significant produced some of the site of national importance. content for the interpretation boards The funding, which was awarded • � About 160 children from in December 2010, was provided to create three circular four local schools were interlinking heritage trails on the involved in activities at the � site surrounding the castle. Trees castle during its restoration were felled outside the moated area, and volunteers supervised by the British Trust for Conservation Name: Dawn Waterman Volunteers (BTCV – now TCV) Contact details: The Landmark Trust, created the paths, steps, stiles Shottesbrooke, Maidenhead, and kissing gates. Interpretation Berkshire, SL6 3SW panels informing visitors about the Email: [email protected] history and development of the site were installed at key points along the trails. 55 • Boudica’s Last Battle Boudica’s Last Battle • 56 Boudica’s Last Battle 26 The difference that has been made: The first positive impact of the project was felt within Atherstone Civic Society itself, with the stimulus of an exciting purpose and a sense of team-work.

As the boards, the brochure and the research report now stand as visible, long-lasting outcomes, the positive effect is spreading much more widely. There is a keen local interest in raising Mancetter’s profile as a place of history. The project hoped to generate a sense of the ongoing presence of the past, and the community does seem to be responding in that way. The boards are intended to foster a strong sense that landscape is more than scenery and people are now reading the boards and “reading” the Key Facts: landscape. • � 400-500 people attended …the work has £12,000.00 The economic benefit is in its infancy but ‘The Celebration of Roman Mancetter’ event explaining where to find them and the area’s leisure and tourism industries engendered some real • � The project concluded adding detail to the history they have indicated that this project is , with a conference at excitement and a sense narrate. beginning to increase awareness of North “ Warwickshire as an attractive place to visit. Warwick University: “On of belonging to a place Boudica’s Trail”, which The project also incorporated research attracted over 100 ” into the possibility that the area was the that matters delegates from a wide site of Queen Boudica’s final battle, About the Project Name: Margaret Hughes range of organisations. and included a detailed soil analysis of The funding, which was awarded in (Project Coordinator) • � Speakers of national repute areas around Mancetter. Unfortunately February 2012, was used to create Contact Details: 35 Trentham Rd, provided the background to no such link was found. a way-marked trail, with information Hartshill, CV10 0SN the Boudican campaign boards highlighting Mancetter’s Tel: 024 76 394216 at the conference Roman history: its fort, its burgus, Two key events were also staged: a margaret.hughes@ its pottery industry, etc. An attractive “Celebration of Roman Mancetter”, Email: brochure complements the six boards, and a conference “On Boudica’s Trail”. homecall.co.uk 57 • Improving Access to Linear Park Meadow Improving Access to Linear Park Meadow • 58 Improving Access to 27 Linear Park Meadow The difference that Communities engage and has been made: learn more about nature The infrastructure improvements mean The improvements to the site have that this local wetland habitat can be provided people in Kingsbury with the on their doorstep” accessed by local people. It provides opportunity to enjoy and learn more £4,860.00 a complete circular route around the about their local natural environment. meadow with stepping stones at one They have an increased opportunity About the Project end of the meadow and a bridge at for outdoor, recreational activities Key Facts: the other. The bridge is wide enough and this will benefit all aspects of their Extensive consultation with • The site has now been for use by wheelchair users and lives. those using and living near pushchairs. The meadow is now used to Linear Park Meadow in designated as a Local for local activities and events such Kingsbury identified the need for Nature Reserve as bat walks, pond dipping and fish improvement work. • More people are visiting the area, and the opportunity to identification. The celebration event to showcase the improvements will The funding, which was awarded enjoy outdoor space has take place in August 2013. in October 2012, was given to been increased make access improvements to • A willow sculpture will be the site. The funding was used to created as an entrance provide a wider accessible bridge feature and stepping stones for people to cross the brook, and allow better access to this valuable local green space.

This work complements a wider project funded by Access to Contact details: North Warwickshire Nature Programme, run by Borough Council, The Council Natural England and funded House, South Street, Atherstone, by the Big Lottery Fund. The project, Wild:LIFE, is delivered Warwickshire, CV9 1DE in partnership with Warwickshire Tel: 01827 719301 Wildlife Trust and Groundwork. Email: [email protected] Acknowledgment The delivery of the LEADER programme in North Warwickshire would not have been possible without the support and commitment of all the people and organisations that have been involved.

Special recognition should go to the Local Action Group (LAG), who have dedicated their time in the delivery and decision making process of this community-led approach.

For further information on North Warwickshire LEADER please contact: Emma McKay | Rachel Stephens � North Warwickshire Borough Council, The Council House, South Street � Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 1DE �

[email protected] � [email protected] 01827 719301 www.northwarks.gov.uk �

Disclaimer Whilst great care has been taken to ensure the information contained in this directory is correct, North Warwickshire Borough Council (on behalf of North Warwickshire LEADER) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions.