Richmondshire Community

Welcome to the tenth edition of the Community Newsletter - updating you on the work currently being carried out by each of the Area Partnerships as well as what is happening June 2015 across partner organisations and communities in Richmondshire.

SCHEME RE-OPENS FOR BUSINESS IN THIS ISSUE... A grant scheme which has allocated a massive £1.535 million to Richmondshire based projects in the last two years has reopened • Scheme re-opens for business for business. • Businesses urged to be creative • Funding round-up The district council's Communities Opportunity Fund (COF) still has £400,000 • New vehicle up for grabs. • Area Partnership update Applications for grants from the fund - which support community projects across • Crime fighting honours the district – opened on April 1. The authority diverts its New Homes Bonus into • Arts for Change the fund - the national incentive rewards councils that promote housing growth. • Radio programme launch It has already seen schemes totalling £3,551 million funded – including for the • Bike libraries provision of defibrillators in local communities, improvements to sports facilities • Lifestyle programme and village hall refurbishments. Money has also been awarded to one off • Consultation help schemes - including a youth development programme, flood prevention schemes • Cash for youth project and a village book. • Have your say COF can fund up to 90% of community based projects and 65% for arts or • Community Plans cultural festivals and events. Each grant bid must gain the support of the District • New defibrillator for Bellerby Councillor for the ward in which the project most applies – but where a project • New seat for Caldwell covers multiple wards, applicants must gain the support of the Leader or Deputy • Walking for Health Leader of the Council. • Volunteer Champions needed Richmondshire’s five development areas each have a ring-fenced £40,000 • Rural Housing to tap into – and a single application of £40,000 could be accepted. • Winter Weather Help This money relates to schemes in the Colburn, Hipswell, Scotton, and • Safeguarding guidance Richmond areas. District wide applications for between £500 and £20,000 can also be accepted. • Transport boost for Dales • Up to date with Facebook Applications for less than £5,000 have until January 31, 2016 to apply - • New roof at museum applications for over £5,000 should be returned by December 15, 2015. • Scorton community buddies For more information on the scheme call the scheme’s facilitator • National Park projects Samantha Coultish on: 01748 901037. To download an application form • Sheep Worrying visit: www.richmondshire.gov.uk and search under COF. • Garden waste collections • Leyburn Town Team • Creative Europe funding BUSINESSES URGED TO BE CREATIVE • Library services Creative and media business leaders are being urged to tap into • Carers restpite service a pot of cash set up to fund new jobs. • Health liaison service Through the national Creative Employment Programme, Richmondshire District • Swaledale shuttle bus expands Council has access to Arts Council funding to develop graduate internships and • Armed Forces Grant apprenticeships in the creative and media industries. • Contact the team The funding allows employers to apply for up to £2500 to part fund an internship – for 18 to 24 year olds - and up to £3500 for an apprenticeship, for 16 to 24 year olds. The District Council has joined forces with City of Council and Craven District Council as well as a number of partners to access the funding for the district. For more information contact Jo-Anne Simpson on: 01748 901045.

1 FUNDING ROUND-UP Communities Opportunity Fund Where the money went: In 2014-15, the Communities Opportunity Fund Central Area Partnership received 144 applications - with just under £517,600 Garrison Area Partnership awarded to 93 community projects across the district. Lower Wensleydale Area Partnership North Richmondshire Area Partnership They included 26 community venue improvement Upper Dales Area Partnership schemes, 23 projects delivered by Parish and Town District-Wide Projects Councils and 23 sports and recreation ground RDC Internal Projects improvements to facilities or equipment purchases for sports clubs. Grants also went towards the installation of defibrillators, arts and cultural well-being projects - including youth theatre development, and several specific projects, including a village book for Askrigg. Small Business Grant Scheme In tranche two of the small business grant scheme - which opened in October 2014 - 52 applications were received for funding support, with 38 of them awarded grants totalling £32,955. Purchases were, in most cases, for specific business equipment – such as a mechanic lift or unique training courses. However a good proportion of the funding was allocated to improving business websites, developing marketing and promotional opportunities or purchasing new IT equipment. Businesses have six months in which to make their purchases and claim the grant awarded. The scheme can support businesses with up to £1,000 for up to 75% of the costs – where they are aiming to increase turnover or additional employment opportunities. Information on the third traunche of the scheme will be available on richmondshire.gov.uk in September 2015 - when a further £30,000 will be allocated to businesses which meet the eligibility criteria after October 2015

Play Improvement Fund In the two years to 2014, 19 play parks across the district received funding through the District Council’s Play Improvement Fund. The scheme – which offered 50% of the costs up to £2,000 - awarded over £29,600 to the parks, which have now all completed their improvement projects. The scheme saw the introduction of new equipment including zip-wires, slides and swing sets as well as maintenance improvements to fencing, safe surfacing and existing equipment. The fund is now closed for applications For further information contact: Samantha Coultish on: 01748 901037 or [email protected]

NEW VEHICLE IS JUST THE JOB! Just the Job - a Richmond based charity providing employment opportunities for people with special work needs - received a major boost when it was awarded £5000 from Richmondshire District Council’s Communities Opportunities Fund. The donation went towards a £21,000 vehicle which is now earning its keep in the Richmond area, loaded with Just the Job members and their equipment. The charity raises income by providing gardening services and processing and selling logs. Just the Job manager Steve Biggs said: “We are most grateful to Richmondshire District Council for this wonderful donation. In a way we had become victims of our own success - our business had grown to the point where we desperately needed a new vehicle if we were to progress.” Just the Job works with adults of varying abilities with special work needs and who live in Richmond and the Dales.

2 RICHMONDSHIRE AREA PARTNERSHIPS UPDATE The latest Richmondshire Area Partnership meetings took place in March – with key topics covered including: • Town Centre Public Art • Economic Development for Richmondshire • Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Centre • Extra Care Housing Scheme in Leyburn • North County Council (NYCC) Stronger Communities agenda • Access and Transport to Education

Funding and Grants Scheme 2014-15 Key: Central Area Partnership Garrison Area Partnership The following applications were approved through the Area Partnership Lower Wensleydale Area Partnership Funding Scheme in 2014-15 - a total of 61 applications were approved Upper Dales Area Partnership for total project costs of £74,377.94 North Richmondshire Area Partnership

Organisation Project RDC Funding Total Project Cost RCVA Volunteer Training Community Support £468.75 £625.00 Community First Responders Recruitment - Community First Responders £500.00 £625.00 Richmond Town Football Club Football Club Equipment £459.11 £612.17 Scorton Parish Council Tree Guard £295.12 £393.50 Richmond Bowls Club Replacement Equipment £375.00 £500.00 Catterick Parish Council Play Park Improvement Project £500.00 £3,270.00 Swaledale Festival Community & Education Programme £500.00 £9,975.00 Scorton Parish Council Flower Planters £500.00 £620.61 Scorton War Memorial Institute Kitchen Crockery £500.00 £2,720.00 Scorton Youth Club Scorton Youth Club £500.00 £680.00 Richmond Town Christmas Event Christmas Event £500.00 TBC St Cuthberts Church Drop In Sessions £450.83 £750.00 Swaledale Festival Wandering Minstrels Programme £450.83 £3,600.00 Colburn Cubs New Cubs group in Colburn £450.83 £625.00 Friends of Lazer Cheer Cheerleading & Gymnastics Equipment £450.83 £630.00 Wavell Community Junior School Litter Picking £450.83 £691.00 St John's Centre Club at St John's £450.83 £920.00 Amateur Radio Society Amateur Radio Club £450.83 £1,200.00 Colburn Community Watch Colburn Community Watch £450.83 £1,300.00 Colburn Craft Club Colburn Craft Club £125.00 £670.00 Joint Burial Authority of Colburn, Hipswell and Scotton Planting, Shrubs and Flowers £125.00 £187.50 Scotton Parish Council Wooden Gate for Woodland Walk Field £366.75 £489.00 Richmondshire Leisure Trust Colburn Leisure Centre GP Referral £450.83 £595.00 Hunton Village Hall Installation of Carpet £383.00 £510.00 Hunton Village Hall PA System £337.00 £449.36 Hunton Village Hall Double Glazing Units £347.00 £463.94

3 Newton-Le-Willows Parish Council Defibrillator £500.00 £850.00 Constable Burton Reading Room Green Drainage £378.00 £648.55 Constable Burton Parish Council Lawn Mower £293.40 £391.20 Constable Burton Parish Council Notice Board £288.75 £385.12 Middleham Town Council Playground Equipment £500.00 £1,340.00 Swaledale Festival Community & Education Programme £500.00 £9,975.00 Preston-under-Scar Parish Council Village Gritter £221.25 £295.00 LMW Business Association Leyburn 1940s Weekend £500.00 £10,000.00 Constable Burton and Parish Council Barden Noticeboard £288.75 £385.12 West Witton Village Hall Internal Refurbishment £500.00 £1,500.00 Yorebridge Sports Centre Flooring and Toilet Facilities £500.00 £670.00 Aysgarth & District Parish Council Aysgarth Village Dog Waste Bin £140.25 £187.00 Upper Dales Health Watch Resusci Anne £80.00 £160.00 Thornton Rust Institute Village Institute Refurb Project £500.00 £1,000.00 Swaledale & Arkengarthdale Luncheon Clubs Sustaining Lunch Clubs £500.00 £1,765.00 Askrigg Village Hall Double Oven £500.00 £1,350.00 Hudswell & District Parish Council Village Playground £324.00 £432.00 Burton cum Walden Parish Council Parish Notice Board £500.00 £810.00 Reeth & District Memorial Hall Lighting Project £500.00 £1,000.00 Swaledale Festival Community & Education Programme £500.00 £9,975.00 Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council War Memorial £500.00 £1,250.00 Dalesplay Shine a Light £500.00 £1,000.00 Muker Parish Council Sign £250.00 TBC Gilling West Village Hall PA System & Microphones £344.99 £459.99 Caldwell Parish Meeting Caldwell Village Seat £499.00 £600.00 Dalton and Gayles Village Hall Radiators for Hall Toilets £500.00 £907.00 Melsonby Parish Council Moor Road Play Park Picnic Benches £500.00 £790.00 Middleton Tyas Parish Council New Village Website £468.00 £624.00 Cleasby & Stapleton Village Hall Replacement Classroom Window Set £500.00 £670.00 North Cowton Parish Council Notice Board £500.00 £570.00 Melsonby Methodist Primary School Wrap Around Care Services £170.00 £340.00 Dalton on Tyas Parish Council Christmas Tree Infrastructure £413.25 £551.00 Middleton Tyas Parish Council Middleton Tyas Play Park £500.00 £700.00 Quarry Hill Common Project Easy access for all £318.75 £425.00 Dalton and Gayles Village Hall Upgrading the Bar Area £330.00 £450.00 Total £25,473.41 £74,377.94

4 CRIME FIGHTING ARTS FOR CHANGE ’s newest community arts fund – HONOURS Arts for Change - is looking for donations! Two teams of youngsters from North Established by Tom Ramsden in his year as High Sheriff of Yorkshire have been commended for their North Yorkshire, the scheme provides a source of support public-spirited work. that is simple to apply for - and makes an impact on Fresh from their success at the small scale grassroot community and arts organisations. Lifestyle 2014 Awards, both the Bogus Babes and the Colburn Creators have been commended for their entries in the National Crimebeat Awards. National Crimebeat is the youth crime prevention charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association in and Wales. The awards recognise innovative and successful crime prevention projects carried out by young people, which have had a beneficial effect on the community, and have reduced or prevented crime. Supported by Safer Richmondshire, the Colburn Creators from Risedale Sports and Community College, created an arts exhibition on how crime affects the community. Complete with a graffiti wall, Donations will help support the use of arts or other alleyway and lurking figures the group conveyed the cultural activity to enrich and change the lives of those in fear that can accompany crime, and show others need. Support will make a difference for many reasons: what effects their actions can have. The group was given a certificate of commendation for their National • one central County fund will save endless Crimebeat entry. application time and save potential donors the business of deciding between arts applicants. • through our networks we have a good understanding of impact and know the projects that deliver great benefits for individuals and communities. • pooled resources work harder so by donating to this fund cash will be pooled to support projects that individually couldn’t or wouldn’t be helped – it can also pool with other funds at theCommunity Foundation to support bigger projects. • the distribution team will have a vital bank of local knowledge about the applicants and be able to make informed decisions about supporting them.

Tom Ramsden, the High Sheriff for North Yorkshire, • through networks and a straightforward approach said: “Both teams can quite rightly feel proud of what to grant-making we find invaluable projects which they have achieved. I am delighted that two teams might never have been found from North Yorkshire have been commended for their • donations will encourage communities to start work in the community and hope that it encourages new and innovative arts projects to change lives - others to take part in Crimebeat next year.” if the fund is there imaginative ideas will follow. To find out more about the North Yorkshire Police Donations to Arts for Change can be made online Lifestyle Awards check out: (via The Big Give) or by cheque payable to Arts for northyorkshire.police.uk/lifestyle. Change - online donations are subject to a 4% admin fee from The Big Give. For information on National Crimebeat log on to: For more information contact Two Ridings national-crimebeat.org.uk. Community Foundation on: 01759 377400 or [email protected]

5 NEW RADIO PROGRAMME Radio 2 is to appoint its first artist-in-residence, who will get a 'golden pass' to the network's music events for 12 months - including this year's Glastonbury. Up for grabs is a £15,000 bursary and up to £20,000 for expenses and materials from The Space, which is working with the BBC to find the artist. The winner - who cannot be a musician - will need to produce four 'artistic creations' that will be showcased on the Radio 2 website and on The Space. They will also have the opportunity to be mentored by a leading figure in the arts world. The initial round of applicants will be shortlisted by an in-house panel: Director of Arts, Jonty Claypole; Arts Show editor, Helen Thomas; Miriam O'Keefe, Director of BBC Performing Art Fund; and Sandeep Mahal, Director of The Space. Judges shortlisting candidates includes pop artist, Peter Blake and Radio 2's Arts Show presenter, Claudia Winkleman. For more information: bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/LqlGd103FyBpr6N6h9xZlF/telling-the-radio-2-story-in-art

BIKE LIBRARIES As part of the Tour de France legacy Richmondshire District Council remains a member of the regional Cycle Yorkshire group. Cycle Yorkshire aims to facilitate and enable the active collaboration of a diverse range of stakeholders and partners across the public, private and voluntary community sector, to contribute to the vision and priorities outlined in the Cycle Yorkshire strategy. Key stakeholders include local authority partners across the transport, health, sport and regeneration sectors along with Welcome to Yorkshire, British Cycling, Sustrans and County Sports Partnerships. One of the priorities for Cycle Yorkshire is ‘participation’ and to help this ‘Bike Libraries’ are being developed. One of the first of the network in North Yorkshire is in Richmondshire, established by Stage 1 Cycles in Askrigg. Backed by Yorkshire Bank it sees unwanted and unused bikes collected, refurbished and added to a ‘bank’ - allowing people who don’t have access to bikes to use them for free. Donated bikes don’t need to be in full working order - fully qualified mechanics will find working parts and if any bike cannot be repaired the parts will help fix another, nothing will be wasted. Each bike will be fully safety checked and tested before it finds a new home in the community. For more information – and to find local donation stations check out: cycle.yorkshire.com/bikelibraries of contact Jo-Anne Simpson Richmondshire’s Culture and Wellbeing Delivery Manager on 01748 901045 or [email protected]

6 LIFESTYLE CONSULTATION PROGRAMME HELP A new – free - lifestyle programme is being Richmondshire District Council’s Consultation Officer, developed to help Richmondshire residents Frances Bainbridge, can help communities with their make important changes to improve consultation and survey needs. She can offer advice, their health. support and assistance with survey design, question In partnership with North Yorkshire Public Health and the formation, survey layout, printing and analysis of Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical returning forms. Commissioning Group, Richmondshire District Council has created an innovative tier two adult lifestyle Frances Bainbridge programme which will support individuals to make Consultation Officer sustainable lifestyle changes - including stopping 01748 901043 smoking, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet. [email protected] The free service can be accessed through the GP, Nurse Practitioner or other Health Professional who submits a referral to the scheme via a GP Health Check. The programme includes an individual assessment, personalised programme and participation in a 12 week programme of health, physical activity and dietary advice and activity. Participants will then continue to receive support through the programme to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For more information contact Lesley Williams, Lifestyle Officer on: 01748 901044 or your GP. YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATE...

CASH FOR YOUTH PROJECTS Youth projects in Richmondshire are being urged to take up the offer of cash from a local grant scheme. Over the past seven years the Richmondshire District Youth Council grants scheme has backed a parks festival, helped fund a youth shelter, bought equipment for youth clubs, drama groups, scouts, and sports clubs and supported outings for disabled young people. And now Youth Council members are looking for new schemes and projects to help – although grants cannot be given to young people for personal use, for school projects, for projects that have already taken place, or to political groups or activities promoting religious beliefs. Applications are considered by youth council members at their monthly meetings.

HAVE YOUR SAY - JOIN THE COUNCIL Richmondshire District Youth Council is looking for new members to help young people have a say on important issues in the county. The group meets once a month at Mercury House in Richmond to discuss anything they want to raise with the District Council and other organisations. But it isn’t all talk - members are very active in making things happen! They have previously organised a range of events and gigs - including the Castle Calling music event which takes place in the grounds of Richmond Castle. The group’s membership spans the ages of 11 to 19 - and goes up to 25 year olds with learning difficulties.

For more information contact Kayleigh Thompson at: [email protected] or check out: facebook.com/RichmondshireDistrictYouthCouncil

7 COMMUNITY PLANS A community led plan sets out the vision of how a community wants to develop - and identifies the actions needed to achieve it. Sometimes called Parish Plans, they are produced by individual communities and designed to give everyone who lives and works there the chance to say what they think about the issues affecting them and how they would like them to develop. Any group thinking about starting a plan - or refreshing an existing plan – can call on the District Council’s Consultation Officer for help with the questionnaire process through the following stages: Designing the questionnaire Advising on question types and phrasing Laying out the questionnaire Arranging for printing of the questionnaires Inputting the paper and online responses Uploading the questionnaire to be used as an online survey - if required Producing an analysis report for the parish to inform the plan The council’s in-house reprographics service can be used for paper questionnaire production and final plan printing if needed. For more information contact Frances Bainbridge on: [email protected] or 01748 901043

VILLAGE DEFIBRILLATOR FOR BELLERBY

Bellerby Parish Council is now the proud owner of a village defibrillator. The device and its cabinet was bought through the Richmondshire District Council run Communities Opportunity Fund - and installation funded by Bellerby Parish Council. Cross Keys owner John Bell - and landlord, Tom Balls – have allowed its installation on an external wall of the pub, meaning there is 24 hour access to the life saving equipment. And Tom has also offered to run fundraising events in the pub to cover the over winter running costs of the electricity. The defibrillator has been registered with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and a ‘Call Sign’ allocated. The Parish Council would like to express their thanks for all the support for this project and to everyone involved in making it happen. And whilst they are delighted at the completion of this link in the chain of defibrillators in Wensleydale it is hoped that there is no need to utilise it any time soon!

NEW SEAT FOR CALDWELL A new village seat has been installed in Caldwell thanks to cash support from the Area Partnership’s grant scheme. It replaced a 20 year old bench which was going rotten – and will provide a welcome break for walkers and visitors to the village. And not only does the new seat make the area more aesthetically pleasing, it is hoped that it will help support Caldwell’s application to the Tidy Village competition.

8 Walking for Health... it’s FREE and FUN! Richmondshire residents have discovered a new way of achieving a healthier lifestyle - without the fuss or expense of gym membership. Thanks to a nationwide initiative, anyone who feels the need to get some gentle exercise and fresh air out in the open countryside can do so under the guidance of a dedicated band of trained local volunteers. ‘Walking for Health’ offers a programme of regular and safe walks most weekdays - plus some walks at weekends and on summer evenings. Leaders and walkers come from all backgrounds and find the experience of walking in a small group an enjoyable way of keeping fit. It also provides the opportunity to meet people with similar aims and make new friends. Since its inception in Richmondshire about five years ago the scheme has attracted a growing number of enthusiastic followers, many of whom have discovered previously unknown but delightful and interesting parts of the local countryside on their own doorsteps. The walks are relaxed, friendly and varied, and often end with refreshments. Each walk is carefully selected and planned by the programme’s coordinator William Gedye from his comprehensive knowledge of the many footpaths and bridleways in the Richmondshire area. Three categories of walk are on offer and all walks are free:

GRADE 1 (new walkers): suitable for people who have not walked much before, are looking to be more active, or are recovering from injury or illness. The walks are up to 30 minutes long, on flat ground or gentle slopes with mainly firm surfaces and no steps or stiles.

GRADE 2 (beginners): suitable for people who are looking to increase their activity levels. The walks take between 30 – 60 minutes and may include some moderate slopes, steps, uneven surfaces but no stiles. All are suitable for rugged pushchairs or buggies.

GRADE 3 (intermediate): suitable for people looking for more challenging walks and increasing their level of physical activity. The walks are generally 60 – 90 minutes and may include steeper slopes, steps uneven surfaces and the occasional stile. Not suitable for pushchairs.

And in order to attract more young people to the scheme organisers are looking for volunteer walk leaders aged 18 to 40. They will lead walks for people under the age of 40 and will supplement the existing team of experienced volunteer leaders. The walks take place in the evenings or at weekends from April to September – with around six walks per week currently planned. They last 30, 60 or 90 minutes, and each walk has three leaders – at the front, middle and back of the group – so no-one should ever have to lead on their own. Full training is given and all walks are risk-assessed. Map reading is not essential, but helps, and once trained, leaders receive full documentation for each walk. For more information on becoming a volunteer leader contact Walk for Health coordinator, William Gedye, on: 07710 739192 or [email protected] Check out walkingforhealth.org.uk for more information on the walks.

9 VOLUNTEER RURAL HOUSING CHAMPIONS ENABLER Amanda Madden, Richmondshire Rural Housing NEEDED Enabler, can help any Parish or Town Council or Parish Meeting if there is a lack of housing for local Are you passionate about improving the people. needs of carers and have some If you would like her to attend a Parish Council spare time? meeting, or if you are a landowner that may have If so, people to champion the needs of carers in their a piece of land you feel could be considered for community are needed. They could simply be free to pass housing, please contact Amanda. on information to carers - personally or by updating noticeboards or leaflet sites. Amanda Madden Rural Housing Enabler And for anyone looking to be more involved, there is the opportunity to take on the additional responsibility of 01748 901117 setting up temporary information points – for one or two [email protected] days once or twice a year - in GP practices, church halls, or libraries. Volunteers will be trained where necessary and will receive ongoing support from the Carers Centre. For more information contact Fiona Kaley on: 01609 780872 or [email protected] Or check out: hrcarers.org.uk • This role may require checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (previously CRB) and will require two references.

WINTER WEATHER HELP During the winter of 2014/15, Richmondshire was awarded funding from North Yorkshire County Council Public Health to tackle concerns around the effects of adverse weather on local communities. Emergency Winter Weather packs were produced and distributed to the most vulnerable people in the area. And hand held salt/grit spreaders were issued to help communities keep paths and pavements safer for people to use.

SAFEGUARDING GUIDANCE As part of the safeguarding procedures used by Richmondshire District Council, officers have been working with partners across North Yorkshire to develop a set of safeguarding procedures and guidelines for Parish and Town Councils. To find out more about them – or to obtain a copy of the procedures and guidelines contact Jo-Anne Simpson on: [email protected]

10 TRANSPORT BOOST FOR THE DALES Transport across the Dales is set to improve with news that an eighth Little White Bus will soon be up and running. A brand new minibus will be added to the Hawes based fleet – funded by the Department of Transport’s Community Transport Minibus Fund. The lack of good transport links was one of the issues raised at Richmondshire District Council’s Rural Summit last November. Local councillors and residents raised concerns about rural isolation – and the exodus of young people from the Dales unable to afford to live there due to a lack of affordable housing and good transport links. The new £60,000 16 seater minibus – which is on course to be delivered in June - will serve the North Richmondshire area, an area seriously devoid of bus services serving its main villages and scattered settlements. A list of volunteer drivers is currently being drawn up and the Little White Bus bookings office in Hawes is preparing to expand its call handling facilities with a new switchboard and extra lines - as the first point of contact for the new North Richmondshire service. The new bus will bring to eight the number of buses now operated by the Little White Bus Company. A team of 35 voluntary drivers are supported by a small number of paid part time drivers to transport people between the Upper Dales and the towns of Richmond, Reeth, Catterick, Leyburn and Bedale. The service was set up in 2011 and with the expansion of its services in 2015 is expected to carry around 30,000 passengers a year. It is funded by North Yorkshire County Council, passenger fares and the public spirited volunteers.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH FACEBOOK The Business and Community team at Richmondshire District Council has created several Facebook pages to engage with the district’s residents, communities and businesses. The Richmondshire Community News page has been up and running since October and is regularly used to engage with communities on issues which may affect them. It is one of a number of community Facebook pages including the TDF Legacy, Arts in Richmondshire and Richmondshire District Youth Council.

For more information contact Samantha Coultish on: [email protected] or Chloe Lewis on: [email protected] facebook.com/Richmondshire-Community-News facebook.com/DalesFestivalArt facebook.com/LeTourRichmondshire facebook.com/RichmondshireDistrictYouthCouncil

11 NEW ROOF AT MUSEUM Richmondshire Museum is sporting a new roof - and potential additional gallery space. Thanks to funding support from Richmondshire District Council’s Communities Opportunity Fund, Richmond Town Council, the family owners of UK based Fenwick department store, author Dr Gervase Phinn and several dedicated volunteers, the work was completed in time for the Easter 2015 opening. Whilst celebrations were in hand to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of Richmondshire Museum in November 2014, the leaking roof above the Fenwick Shop replica was a major concern for the management committee and other volunteers. And with its repair have come new and experienced local volunteers - all engaged to help operate the Museum, which is run by volunteers and funded by Above – Richmond donations. Mayor, District and Town Councillor Several local schools have booked education sessions – Mr Clive World and other groups have booked special guided tours officially opening and and talks for 2015. In addition to a wide range of unveiling the sign in summer holiday activities and fundraising events, the the re-roofed Museum ‘Wood’ Yard popular annual summer evening talks will run in July with speakers ranging from experts in fine art to local Left – Mr Mike & celebrities. Mrs Sue Wood beside the ‘Wood Yard’ sign To find out more about volunteering, becoming a that was so named Member, special access visits, benefiting from existing in recognition of their services or if taking part in museum events and activities, many years of voluntary call in or contact: service Richmondshire Museum, Ryders Wynd, Richmond; [email protected] or 01748 825611. Check out: richmondshiremuseum.org.uk The museum is open daily 10.30am to 4.30pm (last admission at 4pm) 30 March until 31 October 2015. SCORTON COMMUNITY BUDDIES A community befriending scheme helps prevent loneliness and social isolation for the elderly and vulnerable residents of Scorton. Scorton Community Buddies (SCB) provides company and friendly social contact - volunteers visit people in their own homes, escort them to village events and chat on the telephone. The scheme, which was started in December by Ian Robinson, brings in Age UK North Yorkshire, NYCC Social Care, Scorton Medical Centre and Scorton Parish Council to give advice and support. SCB now has ten registered volunteers, of which some also make weekly visits to the local care home. Scorton is a caring community and good neighbours have always kept an eye on elderly residents but by advertising and promoting SCB Co-ordinator Ian Robinson is pictured with SCB locally, it aims to reach out to any resident. volunteers. Back row left to right: Angela Heywood, Lynda The scheme has received a grant from Hambleton, Richmondshire Jones and Anita Jackson. Front row left to right: and Whitby CCG, which will be used for essential running costs Tricia Kirby, Ian Robinson and Barbara Robinson. throughout the year.

12 NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY PROJECTS More cash is up for grabs to provide a boost for business ideas and community projects in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A total of £140,000 is available this financial year either to help launch schemes or to provide an extra push as they get on their feet. The money is being supplied by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), which last year handed out just over £150,000 to 26 projects. Andrea Burden, the Authority’s Sustainable Development Officer, said: “The SDF is now in its 14th year of operation and has so far given out £2.3m to help more than 250 projects. That’s a fantastic track record but we know there are plenty more good causes that could do with a hand. “The project may only be in its early stages – just a string of ideas. That doesn’t matter because the Fund is there not only to provide financial help towards the cost of physical things like building work or equipment but also to pay towards help and advice to turn the ideas into a reality. “Projects should contribute in some way to looking after the National Park’s natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage, or they should promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy those things – while at the same time providing some local economic or community benefit. “We will consider all projects – whatever their size – submitted by individuals, businesses, community groups or voluntary-sector bodies.” To apply groups are asked to contact: [email protected] or call: 01969 652337. Prospective applicants can also download an electronic application form and guidance notes via yorkshiredales.org.uk/living-and-working/sdf The key dates for submission and determination of non-delegated applications are set at the beginning of each year and are available on the webpage. SDF grants given out to projects in the last financial year include: • £9,900 to the DalesBus Sunday Network: managed by the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company and providing the majority of public transport access in and around the National Park, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The SDF grant helped the company to reach all its financial targets and to notch up a record year, with more than 56,000 passenger journeys on the network • £4,193 towards the production by Saltaire-based publishers Skyware Ltd of 2,000 copies of the Mid Pennine Way walkers guide: the book is also on sale in National Park Centres and the company is donating the royalties towards the upkeep of the Pennine Way. Skyware has made similar donations to the National Park’s Three Peaks path network with another book it has produced with help from the SDF • £2,100 to help the Wensleydale Red Squirrel Group: to provide live video footage of red squirrels to visitors at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. A camera overlooking a pair of squirrel feeders provides live video images which are displayed on a monitor in Hawes National Park Centre for visitors to enjoy. A second monitor shows pre-recorded red squirrel feeder activity. An interpretation panel has been installed next to the monitors, with basic information about red squirrel conservation. It is hoped the live coverage will spur visitors on to walk the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail and experience the National Park for themselves. New leaflets and bus service information about the trail are available from the National Park Centre along with an MP3 audio trail file.

13 Safer Richmondshire has been graphically reminding dog walkers of their responsibilities when exercising their animals – and the consequences of sheep worrying. Posters have been displayed across the district after several incidents - including two sheep and one lamb being killed and farmers being threatened. Sheep worrying is a criminal offence and owners who allow their dog to carry it out could face a large fine or imprisonment. Sheep worrying includes attacking the animals physically, running after them or chasing the sheep around especially when they are carrying or are themselves young lambs. Dog faeces left on grazing land may also carry diseases that can kill sheep and affect unborn lambs. Ultimately a landowner is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying sheep - as a last resort for protecting livestock. Police must be notified within 48hr if this is done. Local North Yorkshire Police Beat Manager, PC Sue Dent commented: “We live in a beautiful rural area and have many dog walkers who enjoy country walks. However, the reality is that sheep being worried by loose dogs causes issues not just for the animals but for the farmer and other walkers who come across bodies of sheep who have been attacked and left suffering to die a slow and painful death. “Posters and leaflets have been distributed in areas of concern to remind walkers of their responsibilities. We make no apologies for the graphic nature of the campaign – we have used pictures of animals which were left in two areas for anyone to see. Clearly the owner of the animal who carried out the attacks would have known what had happened.” If you have you seen a dog worrying sheep in your local area contact North Yorkshire Police on: 101. If you are you a farmer and interested in the campaign contact: [email protected]

GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS Richmondshire residents continue to be encouraged to subscribe to the kerbside collection of garden waste. Just over 40% of the district’s households now take part in the scheme which costs £17 a year for the fortnightly collection of one green wheelie bin and £12 a year for each additional bin. Households can join the scheme at any time during the coming year for collections until 31st March 2016. The collections will continue to be suspended over the winter from December to February. For further information about the scheme visit: www.richmondshire.gov.uk. To subscribe: • Pay online at richmondshire.gov.uk using the 12 digit reference number found on the letter about the scheme sent to households earlier this year or email: [email protected] for your reference number • Pay by phone on 01748 828777 • Pay in person at Mercury House, Richmond or at one of the Community Offices in Colburn, Hawes, Leyburn or Reeth Posters and flyers to promote the scheme are available to parish and town councils and local community groups for display. For copies contact 01748 900957 or [email protected]

14

BUSY TIME FOR LEYBURN TOWN TEAM Leyburn Town Team is continuing to grow and strengthen its activity in the town. The team - made up of business representatives, community groups, the District and Town Council and residents – has undertaken a number of initiatives for the town including: • Cycle leaflets promoting five different routes in and around Leyburn and Lower Wensleydale appealing to a range of abilities - they can be collected from the TIC. • Installation of two cycle racks in the Market Place to encourage people to stay longer in the town. • Creation of a Shopping Directory to highlight the fabulous retailers the town has to offer and encourage people where possible to shop locally - 10,000 have been produced and distributed around the town and Lower Wensleydale area. • An Events leaflet to highlight the key annual events that take place in Leyburn and Lower Wensleydale - 10,000 leaflets have been produced and distributed around the area to encourage people to visit for specific events. • An advert in the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Bedroom Browser promoting what the town has on offer and its' events to encourage visitors in the Yorkshire Dales to visit the town. • Work with the Business Association to ensure that the website promoting the Lower Wensleydale area is up to date and has relevant information on it. • Funding from the Richmondshire District Council’s Communities Opportunity Fund 2014-15 to install visitor interpretation boards and renovate the existing fingerpost signs to ensure they contain up to date information New members are always needed for the Town Team - if you are interested contact Kate Loughlin on: [email protected] or 01748 901040

CREATIVE EUROPE FUNDING Creative Europe is the European Commission’s new programme to support the cultural, creative and audio-visual sectors. From 2014-2020, £1.46 billion is available to support European projects with the potential to travel, to reach new audiences and to encourage skill sharing and development. It brings together the previous Culture, MEDIA and MEDIA Mundus programmes, which ran from 2007 – 2013. Launched in January 2014, Creative Europe brings together a culture sub-programme, which provides funding for the cultural and creative sectors, and a MEDIA sub-programme, which invests in film, television, new media and games. Applications must be submitted to the European Commission’s Executive Agency (EACEA) based in Brussels. The Creative Europe Desks will provide advice and support on how to apply to the programme and its funding opportunities. The ‘Culture’ sub-programme has four funding opportunities: • Co-operation Projects: Co-operation between cultural and creative organisations from different countries • Literary Translation Projects: Initiatives to translate and promote literary works across the European Union • European Networks: Networks helping the cultural and creative sector to operate competitively and transnationally • European Platform Projects: Establishing platforms to promote emerging artists and stimulating European programming for cultural and artistic works. There are various funding opportunities available for the cultural and creative sectors under the Culture sub-programme: culturefund.eu/about-creative-europe/creative-europe-culture-funding/how-to-apply/

16 YOUR LIBRARY SERVICE – ITS NOT JUST ABOUT BOOKS! Join North Yorkshire County Council’s library service for free - it is a passport to: • A wide range of downloadable e-books and audio books for children and adults • On-line magazines • Friendly IT support and guidance from our staff • Delving into your past via Ancestry.com, Find My Past and online newspaper archives • Finding the answers via online reference sources • Volunteering opportunities – ask at any library • Home library service – for people who can’t get to the library and need books brought to them at home • Staying healthy – wide selection of books on health and diet, including Reading Well and Dementia collections funded by the Health Service. Recent events include: • Big Book Giveaway for World Book Night – over 100 free books were given away at Catterick Leisure Centre • Celebrating Harry Potter Day, National Libraries day and World Book Day with local schools and families. • “Spring On-Line” computer events. • Running events with Childrens Centres and Adult Learning services • Making stronger links with the community – Credit Union and Welcome to Richmond • Share a Story Month in May. • Local and Community History month in May Coming Soon: • The Summer Reading Challenge - starts 11th July for children aged 4-12. Read six books over the summer holidays and win stickers, medal and certificate. The theme this year is Record Breakers. Young volunteers aged 12-24 are needed to help us with this! • Programme of fun activity sessions for children linked with the Reading Challenge in all libraries For more information check out: northyorks.gov.uk/libraries

RICHMONDSHIRE CARERS RESPITE SITTING SERVICE Do you - or someone you know - care for a dependant relative or friend? Do you find it difficult to get time to go out to shop, meet friends or just have some time for yourself? Yes... the Carers Respite Sitting Service can help by sending a friendly volunteer to sit with the person you care for, so you can have some time for yourself. There is a small (subsidised) charge for the scheme of £2 per hour. Want more information? Contact: Michelle Cardwell, Outreach Services Manager at St Johns Community Centre, United Board Church, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison DL9 4AF; on 01748 832271; or [email protected]; or check out: stjohnscc.org.uk

17 EXPANDED HOSPITAL SERVICE An expanded mental health service at the Friarage Hospital, , is going from strength to strength in providing care and supporting hospital staff. The Acute Liaison Service, commissioned by Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (HRW CCG) and provided by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), aims to reduce the length of time patients with mental health needs in Northallerton spend in hospital. The service began in September 2014 and now operates from 8am-8pm, seven days a week, providing care for people over the age of 16. Patients with a mental health need either on a hospital ward or attending A&E, are assessed and given advice and recommended treatment plans. For those who need to be admitted to hospital, ongoing advice and support is provided for individuals and the staff caring for them. The team can also offer a service to the Lambert Memorial Hospital in Thirsk and the Friary Hospital in Richmond Monday to Friday, from 9am-5pm. Click here to read more about the service.

CPR for Richmondshire As part of the programme to install lifesaving defibrillators across Richmondshire, a high-tech mannequin for people to practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is now available for loan to communities involved. The interactive and lifelike Resusci Annie doll - which can be used to practice adult CPR - is jointly funded by HRW CCG and Richmondshire District Council’s Upper Dales Area Partnership.

Health Engagement Network A Health Engagement Network has been established for local residents who care about the NHS. It will be used to gather views through surveys, focus groups and conversations. It can also help to make services more responsive to needs, with information gathered used to help make decisions about planning new services. Network members can choose how much to get involved. Everyone will receive around four surveys a year and may be invited to small focus groups to discuss specific issues. Click here to join and for further information Contact Health Engagement Network representatives for more information: • Hambleton: Ken Elliott – [email protected] • Richmondshire: Jane Ritchie MBE – [email protected] • Whitby and surrounding area: Linda Lloyd – [email protected]

18 SWALEDALE SHUTTLE BUS EXPANDS Passengers are now using a new bus service for Reeth and Swaledale. The scheduled service is an extended route for the Swaledale Shuttle - taking in Keld and Reeth, and connecting to Richmond and Catterick Centre. And the service started its first day with a brand new minibus funded by North Yorkshire County Council! The Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership – which runs the Little White Bus Swaledale Shuttle - was awarded the Reeth route as the most cost-effective operator. It is operated using a team of volunteer drivers, supplemented by some part timers. Walter Head, Operations Manager at The Little White Bus said: “The Swaledale Shuttle offers an essential service by connecting some of the most remote communities in all England with the distant market towns and shopping centres. It also brings in many tourists to scenically stunning Swaledale, and the money they spend helps keep the fragile local economies going."

NORTH YORKSHIRE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT GRANT Eleven local proposals were successful in the final round of the Ministry of Defence Community Covenant Grant scheme. The total awarded to projects in North Yorkshire over the three years of the scheme is over £1.7m - out of a national pot of £30m. From the 11 successful in 2015 Richmondshire groups were allocated funding: • Brompton-on-Swale CR Primary School: Get Fit & Healthy - £18,000 • Hipswell Habitat: Development Project - £11,000 • Marrick Priory: Nurturing amongst Nature - £55,000 • Michael Syddall CE Aided Primary School: A Digital Future - £15,000 • Catterick Golf Club: All Weather Training Facility - £12,000. Full details are listed at nypartnerships.org.uk/ccgrant along with information on all previous awards in North Yorkshire. In June 2013 the Chancellor announced that funding in support of the Armed Forces Covenant would be made permanent through an annual £10m in perpetuity fund from the defence budget - starting in 2015/16. The new scheme, which will be a generic Armed Forces Covenant Grant Scheme, will replace all previous covenant grant schemes including the Community Covenant Grant Scheme, the LIBOR Fund and the Veterans Accommodation Fund. Funding priorities will be set nationally and annually, but it is not expected that the new scheme will be open to bids before summer 2015. When available, information on the priorities and application process will be published on: nypartnerships.org.uk/ccgrant and circulated via the NY Armed Forces Community Convent Network email list.

19 Contact the Business and Community Team

• Community Engagement • Community Safety Chloe Lewis - Business and Community Officer (Richmondshire and Hambleton) tel: 01748 901038 Pat Wilson - Community Safety/Business and email: [email protected] Community Manager tel: 01748 901041 Frances Bainbridge - Consultation Officer email: [email protected] tel: 01748 901043 email: [email protected] Tracey Horseman - Community Safety Support Officer • Tourism and Economic tel: 01748 901047 email: [email protected] Development Gina Allen - Community Safety Officer Kate Loughlin - Business and Community Officer tel: 01748 901042 tel: 01748 901040 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Rebecca Cobby - Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator Abi Player - Business and Community Officer email: [email protected] tel: 01748 901035 email: [email protected] • Culture, Health and Well Being Jo-Anne Simpson - Culture and Wellbeing • Richmondshire Funding and Delivery Manager Grant Schemes tel: 01748 901045 Sam Coultish - Business and Community email: [email protected] Support Officer Lesley Williams - Lifestyle Officer tel: 01748 901037 tel: 01748 901044 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

... or write to the team at: Richmondshire District Council, Mercury House, Station Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4JX

Please send copy for the next edition to [email protected] by August 1st, 2015

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© Communications Unit RDC 2015