Brackla Community Newsletter ISSUE 3 Winter 2009 Newyddion Cumuned Bracla RHIFYN 3 Gaeaf 2009
Community members clean up CONTENTS Page 2 footpath Brackla Winter Fun Day
Over the last six months local residents have highlighted their concerns Page 3 over the litter, fly-tipping, appearance and lighting of the footpath that runs Christmas lantern parade from Clos-y-Waun to Bridgend town centre. This route is used on a daily Newlight basis by local residents and the wider community. BRA Christmas Tea
Page 4 To address this concern, local residents of all ages have been working PCSO news together with the Communities First Team, Keep Wales Tidy, Safer Bridgend, South Wales Police and other Partnership agencies to tackle Page 5 Switching to digital some of their concerns which Green flag award resulted in a community clearance Page 6 day which took place on the 29th 5 top tips for keeping warm & well November. Winter fuel Payments
Page 7 With a lot of hard work the Funding information residents, PCSO’s and Councillor, John Spanswick were able to cut Page 8 Smoking Cessation Service back, tidy up and collect several black bags worth of rubbish. The Page 9 probation team gave a much Housing & Council Tax Benefits appreciated helping hand by information removing a lot of the overgrown brambles and foliage that made the Free money management course footpath look unpleasant and which blocked lighting. Page 10 & 11 Training opportunities Brian Jones from Keep Wales Tidy said “ I am very pleased to see that so many people have turn up today to help out . We have collected a great Page 12 & 13 Brackla Meadows consultation deal of rubbish and cleared back a lot of the overgrowth, everyone has findings worked very hard”. Page 14 Thanks to everybody's hard work the footpath is already looking better, we Youth Page hope that now it is clean and tidy this will discourage people from dropping Page 15 further litter and fly –tipping. We aim to continue with the development of Community information the footpath by planting of flowers and shrubs in early spring to enhance Arson RAP workshops it’s appearance to make it a nicer route through which to travel. Page 16 Linc Cymru Homeswapper If you would like to get involved in the footpath project, please contact the scheme Communities First Team on 01656 815120 Pet ownership
Page 17 Wales & West Area Improvement plan
Page 18 & 19 Bridgend county borough council Local Development Plan
Turn to page 2 Page 20 Useful contact numbers
Page 2
BRACKLA WINTER FUN DAY
Brackla Meadows residents celebrated Christmas with festive music and Christmas lanterns when they held their first Winter Fun Day on the 13th December.
Well over 100 community members braved the cold weather and muddy conditions to enjoy the Christmas festivities. The event was held in a large marquee on the green between Teilos Drive and Close y Waun, organised by Communities First and supported by South Wales Police, Wales & West Housing Association, Linc Cymru Housing Association and Brackla Residents Association.
Various stalls came along to aid with the festivities, these included cake stalls selling delicious home made cakes and pie’s, various craft stall selling jewellery and Christmas goods and a face painter where the children could get there faces painted for free! A magician was on hand to amaze the crowd with magic tricks. Festive music was also provided from a trio of saxophonists who really set the Christmas mood. The event also featured a Santa’s grotto where the children could visit Santa and his Elf and tell them what they wanted for Christmas. A free hog roast was also provided to all community members who took part in a community consultation and this went down brilliantly, particularly in the cold weather!
The focal point of the event was when Mayoress of Bridgend, Councillor Westwood, opened the event and led the lantern parade alongside Santa and his elf. Children and parents joined the parade with their hand made lanterns and sung carols as they walked around the estate. Local residents came out of their houses and cheered to support the parade. Councillor Westwood said “ It was a wonderful event for the whole community and I was delighted to see everyone enjoying themselves at this very special time of year. I know the community is very grateful to everyone who offered their support.”
The event was a huge success and really brought the community together over the festive period. The Communities First Team would like to thank everyone for their support leading up to and on the day of the event and for all the efforts made to combat the mud!!
Page 3
Christmas Lantern Workshops
Prior to the Brackla Winter Fun day, Christmas Lantern making workshops took place in the Communities First Portacabin in Brackla Primary school. The lantern workshop ran over 2 days and 23 children and parents came along to make their own individual Christmas Lanterns that were then used on the fun day. The lanterns were made from coloured paper, crepe paper and double sided sticky tape!! All the children and parents had great fun making their lanterns and they all looked fantastic— well done! We would like to thank Guy O’Donnal for delivering the workshops and Steve Brookman BCBC Youth Worker for his help. New Light
The evening of the 17th of December saw Bridgend Town Centre come alive as communities gathered from across the borough to celebrate the festive season. The celebrations took the form of a light spectacular as the Graham Paul building in Dunraven Place became the canvas for large scale digital projection of footage captured reflecting the people and character of the area. The festivities started on an interesting and vibrant note with a lantern procession consisting of young people and their families headed up by the Mari Lwyd (horse head). The parade culminated in an unusual modern interpretation of this Welsh tradition with young rappers, Dhol drummers, a Scottish Bag piper and an Irish dancer performing a piece inspired by the Mari Lwyd. The rest of the programme included a rich mixture of drama by Bridgend Youth Theatre, live performances by the likes of the Bridgend Male Choir and more innovative large scale architectural projections.
The project was coordinated by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Arts & Culture Service with funding from the Arts Council of Wales, Bridgend Town Council, Bridgend Festival Committee as well as being supported by Academi, Bridgend College, Bridgend Community Town Council, Bridgend Festivals Committee, Bridgend Youth Theatre (BCBC), Canllaw Online, Creation Development Trust, Every Link Counts, Valley & Vale Community Arts, Venture Out, BCBC Youth Service & Widelode (www.widelode.com).
Andre Van Wyk (Arts Development Officer) stated that: ‘We hope to make the event an annual occurrence and welcome input and ideas from the community on how to grow the event’. For more information on Newlight please visit: www.newlightbridgend.com
Brackla Residents Association Christmas Tea
On Saturday the 20th December, Brackla Residents Association held a Christmas Tea for the Residents of Arosfa. Brackla Residents Association have held a Christmas tea for the past four years and it is our privilege to do so, we always enjoy ourselves and so do the residents.
This year again, we had some of the local children singing Christmas carols and they were a credit to young people, we would also like to thank Jade for her first class solo performance ( look out X Factor!) Also thanks to John Spanswick our local Community Councillor who has always come along to have a chat with the residents, which I know they appreciate. (Gordon Taylor—Chairman Brackla Residents Association) Page 4
PCSO CHRISTMAS COFFEE Police Horses visit MORNING Primary School
Hello and Happy New Year from On the 2nd Feb Brackla Primary School your Brackla PCSO’s. We have was visited by 2 very different type of started the new year with a new visitors, two police horses! The team. PCSO Richard Matthews is still covering the area but is now nursery years of the school had been working with PCSO Kerry Davies reading about Cinderella and the who has previously covered Brackla horses in the fairy tail, from this they for 2 years during her almost 4 years then started learning how real life service along with PCSO Jason horses are used, such as police horses. Wride who has moved over from All the children really enjoyed looking Pencoed and has been a PCSO for and the horses and especially enjoyed a year. the small display the horses did for them. Brackla Primary School would We finished the New Year off on a high working with like to thank the PCSO’s and South Communities First at the Christmas Fun Day. All involved Wales Police for the visit. had a brilliant time and it was a great success!
As an alternative to the December PACT we held a Christmas coffee morning at Brackla School. Brackla Residents, Councillors, Neighbourhood Watch, and Residents association were all invited, we had a brilliant turnout and it was lovely to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in such a relaxed setting. We enjoyed some tea, nice cakes and lots of cheese! Thank you to everyone who attended.
For 2009 we will continue to run our weekly surgeries and provide reassurance and high visibility to all our community. We have a number of projects on the go at the moment that hopefully will come to fruition in the coming months. If you have any problems or would like to talk to us about anything do not hesitate to contact us.
YOUR LOCAL PACT MEETING
PACT meetings are an opportunity for the Community to have their say on what matters the most to them in their area. At the meeting, you and your Neighbourhood Officer will decide on up to three priorities on issues you want to have tackled.
By working in partnership, you and your Neighbourhood Police aim to resolve the three priorities within in a set time. However, PACT meetings can only work if you participate in them to make local issues heard.
Your local PACT meeting - Brackla From The Meadows to the new side of Brackla, through to Coity. This area covers four of the local primary schools, the shopping precinct and the community park.
Meet: Brackla Primary School Time: 6.30pm Date: Contact PCSO Matthews on 07805-301486 or visit www.ourbobby.com Page 5
SWITCHING TO DIGITAL
The digital switch over for Wales starts in August 2009 and finishes in 2010, this means that once the switch over happens your normanl annalog TV signal will be switched off and if you have not got digital TV you will no longer have your current TV service. There are several ways to switch to digital such as purchasing a digital box to be used with your ordinary TV. To find out more about this contact : 08456 50 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
SWITCHCOVER HELP SCHEME
The switchcover help scheme has been set up to help eligilbe older and disabled peoepl switch over to digital.
You are eligible if :
• Are aged 75 or over, or • Have lived in a care home for six months or more ,or • Receive ( or could received) certain disability benefits,or • Are registered blind or partially sighted
For a payment of £40 those eligible will be offered
• Easy to use Freeview equipement to convert one television set • Installation of the equipment • An areil check and upgrade if necessary, for peoepl who own their own aerials • A demonstration of how it works • Someone to call for help while you are getiing used to it.
This service is free if you get pension credit, income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance.
Those eligible will receive information on the switchcover help scheme betweeen Feb 09-April 09, if youy think you are eligible and do not receive a letter by July 2009 you can call Free on 0800 40 85 903 (English) or 0800 40 85 904 (Welsh).
GREEN FLAG AWARD
Brackla Primary School ( infant and junior) received the prestigious Green Flag Award, which symbolises excellence in the field of environmental activity in June/July 2008 After many weeks of waiting for planning permission, the green flag is now flying with pride in the front of the school. Mrs Howe ( Eco Coordinator) and year 5 children proudly raised the flag on Monday 9th Feb.
Well done to all staff and children involved with this remarkable achievement! Page 6
Top 5 Tips for Keeping Warm and Well
1. Heat your home well Keep your rooms heated to a temperature between 18°C and 21°C (64°F - 70°F). Switch your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you've gone to bed. If it's very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up. If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket - but never use both together.
2. Dress well for warmth Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fabric are best. If you can, stay indoors when it's very cold, but if you have to go out, wrap up warmly and remember to wear a hat as you can lose a lot of heat through your head
3. Get financial support There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It's worth claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to.
4. Eat well Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
5. Get a flu jab You can get a free flu jab from your GP if you are over 65 or if you have a long-term health condition.
Winter Fuel Payment
This is a tax-free benefit to help to pay for heating during winter. You are eligible if: • you are aged 60 or over • you normally live in the UK
How much could I get? This year you could get a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £250 for households with someone aged 60-79, or up to £400 for someone aged 80 or over. The exact amount you'll get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week of 15-27 September 2008 such as your age, whether you live alone and whether you're getting Pension Credit or income-based Jobseekers Allowance.
You will get the payment automatically if: • You get a State Pension or other social security benefit (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit); • You got a payment last winter and your circumstances haven't changed.
Payments are made over a number of weeks from November onwards. You should get your payment by Christmas - if you haven't, you should make a claim. All claims must be received on or before 30 March 2009.
To find out more about Winter Fuel Payments, call 08459 151515 (textphone 0845 6015613) 8:30am -
4:30pm Mon - Fri or visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel
Page 7
Funding
Brackla Community Council have funded various community group in Brackla to help with activities and the cost of equipment , the following groups received funding: ☺ Brackla Senior Citizens’ Club - £100 to help with transport costs ☺1st Brackla Rainbows - £200 to help provide “ Welcome Packs” for the girls ☺The Bridge Mentoring Plus Scheme - £200 to assist with overhead costs ☺Brackla Football Club - £100 to help with the purchase of equipment ☺Dance crazy - £100 to assist with the purchase of costumes and the cost associated with entering competitions
To apply for Community Council funding residents/organisations have to apply in writing. The funding cannot be for individuals and the application must state what the funding is to be used for and how many residents in Brackla it would benefit. Applications are considered in June & December
Communities First Trust Fund
The Communities First Trust Fund is a scheme funded by the Welsh Assembly Government aimed at small community led organisations in Communities First Areas. The purpose of the scheme is to support any type of activity that involves local people, through small community organisations, that benefit their community. The activities must provide some measure of economic, environmental, social or cultural benefit for people living in a Communities First area. As a new Communities First Area we have an allocation of £5000 per year.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Communities First Trust Fund please contact the Communities First Team on 01656 815122 or contact the Communities First Trust Fund Helpline on 0800 5878898
Thank You
The Communities First Team would like to thank all those people who have given up their time to deliver the Brackla Community newsletter
We still have some street's that require a community rep to help with delivery these are:
Heol y Rhos Heol y Coed Rise Dan y Coed Rise Caradog Close Meadow Walk Waunscil Avenue Georgian Way Chorley Wood Close
If you think you may be able to help with delivery with these streets please contact the Communities First Team on 01656 815120 or [email protected] Page 8
Kicking the habit! Do you want to quit smoking?
If you are a smoker who wants to quit, but think you might need help to kick the habit, the All Wales Smoking Cessation Service might be just what you are looking for. The aims of the All Wales Smoking Cessation Service is to provide an evidence based, local comprehensive smoking cessation service across Wales, which is widely assessable to people who are motivated to stop smoking. We have introduced a national free phone number – 0800 085 2219 in order for all those wishing to make a quit attempt to contact their local service. This support is provided on a group or one to one basis for 6 weeks and is based on the withdrawal orientated treatment model. Those clients who set a quit date are followed up at four weeks, validated by carbon monoxide readings with a national random sample at twelve months. The benefit of the sessions are that they provide mutual moral support from other people giving up smoking and advice and support from a Smoking Cessation Specialist. The course helps to keep people motivated and determined to succeed. Research has proven that group support in conjunction with smoking cessation treatments can double the chances of successfully stopping smoking.
Cost – What a 20 a day smoker spends on cigarettes: what they can save when they quit (based on £4.75 per pack):