the Villageof the campaign Heart of Launch

The newsletter of Action in rural Issue Nº 14 Action April 2009 The champion of rural communities in Sussex Smaller and smaller pockets Page 6 Page 11 Page 14 When government is deciding where to target its spending it increasingly does so by focusing on those areas where large numbers of people are in need of help. The 10%, or sometimes 20%, of small neighbourhoods that have a large proportion of people who are disadvantaged are picked out for special help. Of course this is right and fair, as far as it goes. However, a much larger number of people who need help live in the remaining 80% of villages, hamlets and urban neighbourhoods. These people, and the communities in which they live, are often rural and isolated but get no additional help. This is not right and not fair. We call this the ‘rural share of disadvantage’ and we know it to be large, hidden and only just coming onto the political radar. Which political party will make this a priority over the next 18 months?

In this edition we launch our The Richmond Award – Page 10 major campaign project that will be a focus for our attention In this edition... over the next 18 months. It is Heart of the Village Campaign 2–7 called the ‘Heart of the Village Climate Change 8 Campaign’ and seeks to get recognition and support for rural Rural Forums 9 community buildings and those people who have taken on the The Richmond Award 10 voluntary role of managing and running these facilities for the benefit of their communities. This has been a mainstay of the Rural Towns Programme 11 work undertaken by AirS for many years and we feel that the The Power of Well-being 12 time has come to provide a clear message about how Rural Affordable Housing 13 important these facilities are within villages and how much Village Halls and Childcare 14 more support is needed, both within those villages, and more Community Grants 15 importantly from decision-makers and policy-formers. AirS news and events 16 Jeremy Leggett The Action newsletter is sponsored by Chief Executive, Action in rural Sussex (AirS) DEFRA/Rural Community Action Network Turn to p 4 to read the Chief Executive’s Open Letter

For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk Heart of the Village Campaign

Key Messages

Rural community buildings come in all shapes, ages and sizes. However one thing is common to them all – they are essential for the vitality and vibrancy of community life. In most cases we are talking about a village hall but we could also be talking about a community-owned shop, the church hall, a community-owned ‘pub’, a converted school building or classroom, or community office or room. 1 2 In many Sussex villages there is only one meeting place. If this closes, or deteriorates to the point that it can no longer be used, the community itself begins to die. People are forced to go elsewhere for clubs, organisations and services and the loss of a local meeting place means that vulnerable people become increasingly isolated and socially invisible. Even in these days of instant communications community buildings A meeting place at the heart The people running remain essential for social and community networking as well of the community is essential community buildings are the as for the delivery of local services and facilities. to maintain the vitality and heart of the community – vibrancy of rural communities. undertaking work to keep the The work to keep these buildings functioning and in a state of The public sector must support community building functioning good repair often falls to a few individuals. These facilities are this unique function and role. and fit for purpose against a usually established as a local charitable trust or maybe an The number and range of background of increasing Industrial and Provident Society, where the trustees and small voluntary and community legislative requirements. More management committee have responsibility for the running organisations that are supported people are needed to assist with and management of the hall. These volunteers take on their through the existence of the this task. The burden of roles in an increasingly complex legislative and regulatory building in each village is bureaucracy needs to be framework. For many it is a passion and a way of contributing significant. The building is minimised. something to society, but all have found the ‘red tape’ and essential if these activities and Many people within rural increasingly complex legislation burdensome and a cause of services are to continue. The communities do not fully stress and anxiety. Yet we should be celebrating and supporting development and support for understand or appreciate the these individuals in equal measure as they are the backbone to new services and activities by work undertaken on their behalf the volunteering effort in many villages. They are often unsung public bodies, which also provide by the committees and trustees. vital income towards the Local recognition for this work heroes within their own communities, taking on responsibilities maintenance and future will result in increased that most would shy away from. Add to these individuals the development costs, should be understanding and support and many, many volunteers who run clubs, organisations and encouraged. lead to increased recruitment to services from a typical village hall, or who volunteer in a help with the running of the community shop and you will begin to get an idea of the community building. number of people who get involved and give up their time because there is a community building in the village.

2 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk Facts & Figures There are over 208 community buildings known to AirS. 169 are members of the Village Halls Subscription service within Sussex. There are 8 community shops. There are at least 4 3 4 5 privately-owned village shops that have a community meeting room, noticeboard and café facility within them. There are 9 Hallmark Village Halls within Action in rural Sussex (AirS) Rural community buildings Parish or town councils should Sussex – an accredited runs a Community Building will not survive without a raise funds through the quality standard. Support Service which provides dedicated national funding precept to fully support the professional, legal and technical programme to ensure that building and the work of the At the end of 2008, support to local management improved standards are community building AirS is aware of over 60 committees. These committees maintained. committees. village halls currently say that this service is essential Multi-purpose rural Many of the services, seeking capital grant to them. To meet these needs community buildings are existing organisations and activities are and to provide a comprehensive examples of community-owned for the direct benefit of the local funding. service across Sussex requires assets. They are usually owned in community and add to the self- There have been 7 increased funding from charitable trust by the sufficiency of the community. successful Big Lottery government and local community. There is usually only The parish council has a role to applications awarded in authorities. one such building in a rural play, as the democratically The service provided by AirS community that provides a elected body, in being at the rural East Sussex and West has been eroded over recent multitude of different services forefront of support for the Sussex over the last two years and some funding is short and has potential to do so much community building. years. term. Current funding is not more. While these buildings can The new Power of Well-being adequate to provide a often cover their running costs recently granted to parish AirS will be able to provide an responsive and comprehensive and minor improvements, major councils will make it easier for up-to-date study of the state service across Sussex. AirS needs capital projects are beyond their them to provide financial of village halls in East and support in its quest to ensure resources. A national dedicated support for community buildings West Sussex in the next that the service is retained and building fund is required to assist where they are providing newsletter, following analysis reinstated to the level required with refurbishment, essential services and facilities. of the National Village Halls by the local management modernisation and major rebuild (See the article on the Power Survey that has just been committees. projects. of Well-being on p 12.) completed.

3 Heart of the Village Campaign Open letter from AirS Chief Executive There are very hard times ahead and for public organisations to draw out hidden resources and for the people who rely on a focus exclusively on achieving talent from within and, critically, wide range of essential public their own specific goals, and to it means investing in community services. For those of us who are do so on their own. In our facilities, especially local village This month Action in rural not part of local government it experience this can mean that halls. Sussex (AirS) is launching its would be all too easy to forget isolated and disadvantaged Investing jointly in rural ‘Heart of the Village’ that these will also be very people in rural areas quickly lose communities, often working Campaign. There are two main difficult times both for the out; as services are withdrawn to alongside parish or town reasons for this: people who are politically urban centres with the intention councils, will bring better value accountable for those services of saving money. for money, more joined up 1 To celebrate the investment and the people who are The alternative is to find services and the creation of a from an enormous number of employed to manage and deliver increasingly innovative ways in beating heart in every village. people within rural them. It is easy to criticise; much which, by working with others, A strong Village Heart will help communities across Sussex harder to take the difficult services can be maintained more to sustain rural communities, and who provide local buildings decisions. efficiently in rural areas. This especially their more and facilities. However, it is even more means joining together with disadvantaged members, through 2 To call for action from key important that when hard other public sector organisations these difficult times. decision-makers and funders to decisions are made, they are the to provide services in local Jeremy Leggett, help ensure that this work right ones. It would be very easy communities; it means engaging Chief Executive Officer, continues into the future. for a ‘bunker mentality’ to prevail with communities in order to Action in rural Sussex

What a useful resource! Fundraising Community-owned For local and national charities, shop additional Here are some common uses for the typical events, campaigns services village hall and other community buildings. Post Office services Voluntary activities Café and meeting place, Social and Service provision Volunteer opportunities and networking recreational Toddler groups, childcare, recruitment Volunteering opportunity Theatre, films and art out of school clubs and play Local produce and local exhibitions schemes, youth clubs Local democracy advertising opportunities Keep-fit, pilates, shortmat Adult education, classes, Polling station Community noticeboard bowls, badminton coaching Parish council meetings Library book/DVD pick up Cookery clubs Computer clubs, internet Councillors’ surgeries Heritage, photography, access Planning enquiries Disused school conservation meetings Health services, doctors’ classroom and events surgeries, clinics, check-ups, Family and village Parish council meetings Quizzes, bingo, bridge screening celebrations Adult education Dances, concerts Mobile post office, Post Office- Weddings, christenings, Clubs and organisations Village fetes, jumble sales, type services, village shop, birthdays, funerals Internet access, computer club celebration events fair trade supplies Local and national Events, exhibitions, library Clubs for all ages Job club, CAB surgery, anniversaries/celebrations services Small business advice Noticeboards, information Volunteer recruitment, training centre and advice Library book/DVD pick up Lunch clubs, respite care clubs, facilities and service advice for Where would these local activities take older people place if the village hall was not there?

4 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk A typical Village Hall meeting…

Based on an original article “Village halls and community produced by colleagues in the south west centres are essential for sporting and recreational activities and can also act as venues for childcare and other essential services… the management of village halls by the local community can help to build community capacity.” The State of the Countryside, 2001

The compulsory testing of the electrical circuits and appliances is due next month Illustration and someone will need to be © Chris Watson 2009 around one day next month The campsite owner picks up committee members reports that “I enjoy being a member when the Fire Officer’s his jacket and strolls down to the he has now spent an afternoon of the committee – Inspection is taking place. at the local pub learning how to The campsite owner is village hall. On his way he is however the increased joined by the local builder, who clean beer lines in the bar and responsible for grant has just pulled up after a long has also organised an ordering bureaucracy and applications and has spent day’s work, and then by a system for bar supplies with regulations is becoming some time getting quotes for a neighbour as she alights from the pub. He remarks that he now a real worry.” stair lift to the upstairs meeting the bus on her way back from has the option for a second Member of village rooms. A surveyor will be work. At the hall there are four career as a pub landlord! hall committee inspecting the premises on others, who have left a hurried Tuesday and someone is needed “It is a real community effort, meal, to attend the monthly members who have collected to show him around. Each grant but we always need new meeting of the Hall’s prizes from local businesses and application takes a lot of time volunteers as some of us are Management Committee. The shops. There has been a good but all agreed that disabled past our sell-by date.” chairman opens the meeting by response and the raffle will be access is very important and an welcoming a new volunteer to Talk turns next to the Fun Day one of the main attractions of application is being submitted to the committee who is going to planned for next month. It is the day. Everyone is pleased that the District Council. They know help with the booking system always a good fundraiser and the village has responded so well. that there is strong competition and accounts. He has just has developed into an annual The main part of the meeting and limited funds available. moved to the village and did a event for the whole village. It is is devoted to reviewing the The Chairman reminds them similar job in his previous village. hard work though, and some Health and Safety Audit and of the continued need for ideas The bookings secretary last-minute issues need to be ensuring that work is in hand to on fundraising as currently the reports a booking for Tuesday sorted. Several members agree to meet the requirements on the income from lettings barely evenings for a yoga class – an run the tombola stall, others committee to reduce risks. All covers the bills, especially with income of £12.75 a week, filling offer to bake cakes for the are increasingly aware that this increased heating and lighting an empty slot. The bookings are refreshments stall, one offers her aspect of the committee’s work charges over the winter months. looking good for the next couple services doing face painting. A seems to be taking more and Before bringing the meeting to a of months and hopefully, as a bouncy castle has been hired at more time and expense. A close, she asks if everyone can result of a few weekend a special rate and it is hoped that scaffolding tower is having to join her on a painting weekend bookings, which earn the most this will be an added attraction be purchased because it is no to repaint the meeting room money, there will be enough to young families. Prizes for longer permissible to use a ladder walls. It won’t take long if they surplus to buy a new carpet for the raffle have been donated to access the ceiling or the lights, all help out and she’ll supply the entrance hall. One of the and the Chairman thanks which need changing regularly. lunch. She will produce a rota…

5 Heart of the Village Campaign

Landlords Andy and Lynn McFarlane with Amber Rudd and Rother MP Greg Barker Westfield Community Hub The Westfield Community Hub is an example of what a included face painting and a live Bureau, pensions and benefits community can do even if it has no village hall or meeting statue in order to attract advice, health practitioners and place. AirS has been involved with Westfield in assisting with younger people so that the Hub the Community Police would be the implementation of its Action Plan and this ‘Hub in the Pub’ can start to provide for their welcomed. Training will also be project is a good example of local people working to provide a needs as well. offered to those who have Some external agencies have requested help with using the community facility. Below is the report received from the already been approached to find computers. Offers of help were project team. out whether they would be made at the Launch to provide The Westfield Community Hub for an exchange scheme. Also, interested in providing outreach a form filling service and a tax Launch took place on Saturday time can be booked on the services at the Community Hub. advice session. There was a 4 April at The Old Courthouse, computer equipment, printer, East Sussex Library Service staff strong lobby for a business Main Road, Westfield, and over scanning and photocopying visited in April to raise directory. 140 local residents came along facilities. There is Broadband awareness of the wide variety 21 people have put their to find out what The Hub in the access too. of services that can be accessed names forward to help provide Pub will be offering the local The first regular weekly through the Library and the the Hub’s services each week community. The Hub is a session took place on Friday 10 internet. and those attending the Launch development from the Westfield April, and are scheduled for Questionnaires returned at were very excited by the Hub’s Local Action Plan, produced in every Friday morning, starting the Launch suggested that development. 2006 in which over 400 people at 10am. The Good Friday event sessions by the Citizens Advice Mr Greg Barker, MP for said there should be a central Rother, who attended the meeting place for the Launch, said “This is one of the community. happiest events I have attended As well as tea, coffee and for a while”. light refreshments, there was a raffle in aid of local charities For more details, contact which raised £147. There are Patricia Marston information racks and notice 07531 766830 or email boards for advertising local [email protected] events and a variety of books www.westfield-hub.co.uk

6 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk SWOT Analysis How YOU can The Sussex Village Halls Advisory Group was asked to provide a SWOT analysis of village halls S: Strengths W: Weaknesses get involved G Owned by the community G Organisational complacency There are a number of things that you can do to get G Run by volunteers about the future involved with the AirS Heart of the Village Campaign. G Availability – local G Inward looking, just covering convenient facility for many needs of current users 1 Go to our website www.ruralsussex.org.uk to find out activities and services G Lack of volunteers more details of the Heart of the Village Campaign. There without recourse to travel G Age of many buildings and will be regular updates on issues and campaign activities by car or public transport facilities that you can get involved with. G G Inexpensive Lack of marketing of village Register your email address with us so that you can G 2 Instrument of social halls locally and with public receive email alerts when new material is added to the cohesion and well-being sector website. O: Opportunities T: Threats 3 Sign our online petition to persuade the government to provide a dedicated fund from the Big Lottery Fund for G Major contributor to local G Fees not covering running capital build projects aimed at improving and developing self-sufficiency agenda costs and improvement community building facilities in rural areas. G Delivery of more local costs, so there is long-term services difficulty in staying solvent 4 Send us your stories and case studies, good and bad, G Well-equipped meeting G Absence of long-term public about the issues faced by your community in developing place for local activities sector support for facilities and maintaining locally owned community facilities. G Power of Well-being – G Local apathy – problems Please email [email protected]. financing from the parish finding volunteers to help Put the date of our Annual Conference in your diary – precept run and manage facility 5 Fri 6 Nov – and come along to amplify the messages to G Ever increasing levels of decision-makers and to develop the campaign further. bureaucracy imposed by government 6 AirS wants to establish a Village Halls Open Day as a G Increased government Sussex event in summer 2010. Register with us to receive expectations of the role that more information, by emailing village halls should play in [email protected]. delivering services 7 If you are not involved with your community building take the trouble to find out more and see if you can assist. 8 Let us know what you think – how the campaign could AirS Village Halls Service be improved and what you feel is the most important The Village Halls team provides a free email and telephone advice aspect of the campaign. service on all aspects of hall management, such as:problems with buildings; constitution of management committees; licensing; hire 9 Donate to the campaign so that we can develop our charges; widening the use of buildings; insurance; fundraising; ideas further and provide practical help to encourage loans; legal advice; Grant Aid applications. people to get involved with community buildings. We also administer the Hallmark Quality Award Scheme; which is 10 Look out for training and workshop events that will be a quality standard scheme for village halls with three levels. developed to encourage more volunteers to come Village hall members also receive a quarterly newsletter with forward to help run community buildings by providing funding news, and new information affecting village halls. We run them with appropriate skills and knowledge. workshops, information events and conferences during the year. For further information on any of the Village Hall services we For more details on any aspect of the Campaign please provide please contact Nicola Dudley on 01273 407301 or contact Teresa Gittins on 01273 405442 or email email [email protected] [email protected]

7 Climate change

21st century commun

Spotlight on Plumpton Catherine Jackson from Plumpton’s Village Action Plan reports on the recent Green Fair Several hundred (we quickly was to raise awareness of stopped counting when the ‘green’ issues, and also to give crush got too great) villagers local food growers and flocked to the Plumpton producers a chance to market ‘Green’ Fair held on 7 March to their wares. celebrate the East Sussex The fair was opened by local village’s Village Action Plan. MP Norman Baker, who said This was our first big event “I was very impressed by the to give village residents a efforts and organisation that Over the last twelve months AirS has been developing chance to learn about the had gone into the Fair. The a 21st Century community toolkit with the partners work of the Action Plan Teams, future for this special within Lewes Rural Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) which have taken on the task community looks bright” group called Rural Voices, Rural Choices. This was of making the Plan a reality. It was a true family event, published in January in a pilot format for testing within The Action Plan, launched with children making monsters Lewes District and for consultation with partners. last September, is based on a out of empty tetrapaks, and survey of the village’s 575 prizes for the best entries from The impressive illustration, illustration and the reasons households, seeking their views the village school. Feedback produced by Chris Watson, why the initiative has been on a wide range of issues, from from people visiting the Fair a local illustrator based in developed. Many will be housing and public transport gave a clear thumbs-up for Hastings, shows a model familiar, as these are all based to community safety and the more such events. Sussex village that has projects on real projects, many environment. The survey drew and initiatives seeking to happening within Sussex. an incredible 82% response “Real community engagement – address the climate change, Government policy is to and generated 80+ volunteers that’s what’s going on in sustainability and community reduce CO2 emissions and this who are already ticking off Plumpton! It was great to see resilience issues that we are all toolkit is providing just the several of its 40 goals. such a positive outcome from facing. It concentrates on what right information in an The Plumpton ‘Green’ Fair the day. Thanks to the hours of communities can do together. attractive format for was the idea of the effort put in by so many of The toolkit identifies each of communities to take their own environmental Teams, which Plumpton's Action Plan these initiatives within the actions. cover recycling, footpaths, volunteers, dozens of people The impacts of climate change and the 4 Red Lion Inn 7 Rainwater recycling scheme As well as being at the village’s Martin Perkins, a keen member of diminishing resources of fossil fuels for energy social heart, the owners of the the Horticultural Society has a are two of the greatest challenges we will face Red Lion have set up the Home small vegetable patch at the end Working Club in its function of his garden, but increasing wildlife and the ‘Plumpton have become actively involved in in the 21st Century. room. The Community Led Plan water bills made him reluctant to identified a significant number of water his garden as often as he The 21st century This illustration, of a community which has people working from home and should. A presentation by the their wish to have a forum to local Rural Community Council joined together to reduce its environmental meet and socialise. The Inn on Cutting Our Carbon footprint, offers some ideas for achievable and provides Wi-Fi connection for Together, prompted Martin and rural commmunity Goes Green’ environmental local issues for the first time and home based businesses three the allotment users to purchase replicable community action which will help mornings a week and there is a water butts for rainwater. The us to meet these 21st Century challenges. small room available to hire for community hall also uses rain business meetings. This provides water from a butt to water their a useful extra income. The hanging baskets and gardens. 1 Community Car Club 3 Village Hall function room can be used by 16 Due to high fuel prices, climate The Village Hall is one of the the wider community when the 8 Solar Panels campaign. The village hall and they want to see positive change and environmental main meeting hubs and has been village hall is fully booked. The Inn The Environmental Group, set concerns, the Smith family have adapted to reduce its energy use has signed up to cut its carbon up as part of the Community 10 reassessed their need to have a whilst offering an inviting venue. and recycles all it can. It has Led Plan, leafleted all households 19 car and have joined the A wind turbine, ground source undertaken an Energy Audit with in the community inviting them 21 Community Car Scheme. This heat pump and solar panels the Community Buildings Adviser to join an Energy Conservation provides a pool of cars across have been installed. These from the local Rural Community Club to ‘Cut their Carbon 3 changes in the village. It’s a the district, for use by local generate enough energy for the car park were packed with Council. Once a week the Red Together’ and ‘Green Up’ their people. The Smith family pay an building’s needs and excess Lion offers a ‘special offer’ lunch community. The Energy Club has 18 annual fee which covers the cost energy is sold to the national for local residents which has obtained substantial discounts of the insurance, tax and grid, providing an income stream become very popular. for energy saving products by 1 8 servicing and an hourly rate for to support the building. The buying in bulk and it has been 4 the hire of the vehicle. management committee has also 5 Affordable housing scheme able to access free energy saving stands representing the various great place to live and they think The village has two of these decided to use Fairtrade foods, An affordable housing scheme of light bulbs. A membership fee is cars available. Joining the environmentally friendly 10 units has been built for local charged and the funds plus 15 scheme means the family have cleaning products and has people in the parish. The homes fundraising and donations from 17 reduced their carbon footprint installed recycling bins. are built to high ‘eco homes’ members, financed the solar and have increased use of local The community nurse holds a standards and are owned and panels for the Village Hall. services. They also use their weekly clinic in the committee managed by a Housing 9 Action Plan Teams, local food it can be even better.” bikes and the community room. A fortnightly ‘well clinic’ Association. The properties are 9 Community woodland minibus, to access trains and includes a baby clinic and available for rent or part buy, for and Green Gym buses in the nearby town. chiropody service. The Tiny Tots local people with a strong local The woodland is owned and The cars are parked centrally Nursery provides full day connection and will remain in managed by the community. It is in the Village Hall car park. childcare. A very successful perpetuity. This scheme has used as the location for a Green monthly Cinema Club has been enabled Nathan, a man with a Gym initiative. Sarah attends the 2 Community minibus 2 producers, and groups and Tom Hawthorne established, which shows two young family, to remain living in Green Gym every Saturday 6 The Community Minibus is new films, one suitable for under the parish that he has grown up morning meeting friends at the owned by the Parish Action 18s on a Friday night and one on in and has also helped him to same time as exercising. The Group, driven by volunteers and a Saturday night for the rest of support his frail elderly parents to woodland also provides the runs on rape seed oil, which is the community. This provides a continue to live in their own opportunity to learn more about produced by local farmers. welcome community social home. He is also the coach for the local environment. 7 organisations offering advice Chair of the Village Action Its daily trips to neighbouring event. Another resounding the local boy’s football team, so Activities range from planting towns take commuters to wider success is the Computer Club his being able to stay in the new trees and shrubs in the public transport links, take which offers one to one village, has really benefited the woodland, to clearing the 20 children to schools and colleges computer tuition and access to community. undergrowth. Coppicing and enable residents to attend computers four days a week. activities produce local fencing medical appointments and access The Management Committee 6 Outreach Mobile products, wood fuel and and information on Plan Steering Committee, other services. and Parish Council provided Youth Centre charcoal for the community to In the evenings the minibus is funding for Wi-Fi access. A local The Community Led Plan purchase. It provides an informal 14 available to young people, so benefactor provided the identified a lack of activities for play area for young families and they can attend after school and computers and software. Many of young people in the evenings and the local primary school children. 13 social activities. Once a week it is these new initiatives were a school holidays. A Mobile Youth Dried grasses and foliage are used by older people to get to direct result of the Community Centre, provided by Big Lottery used by the Church flower environmental and energy Plumpton resident and Lewes the lunch club. Every month it Led Plan the village undertook. funding, travels to the village to arranging group. also takes them to the Cinema The Village Hall has the office encourage young people to get Club or for an outing. of the Parish Council giving the involved in a range of activities. 11 The bus is part of a wider Council a high profile within the This programme is closely linked network of community buses village. The Parish Council also with the local schools and throughout the county. has a Village Information Point colleges. Lorna, Joe and Adele in one room in the Village Hall have all recently completed their conservation issues. The aim District Councillor which has been established with Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards support from the County and and have undertaken a cookery District Councils. course run from the mobile unit. Illustration: www.chris-watson.co.uk

8 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk Rural Forum reportbacks

West Sussex Rural Forum examines the rural landbased nity toolkit economy (and the effects of the recession) The West Sussex Rural Forum, West Sussex is one of the support local businesses, traders organised by the Rural most wooded counties in and producers is an important Partnership and chaired by 3 the country. It is element to help make local Roger Paterson of Horsham important that the public sector businesses viable throughout District Council, held its first takes the lead in developing a the supply chain. meeting of 2009 in early market for the wood produced, Market town traders March. Parish and town perhaps by developing and businesses should councils, rural interest groups, demonstration community be encouraged to work rural organisations and heating schemes or similar. 8 representatives from the together to undertake landbased sector were invited There is a key role to be promotions and improvements to the meeting that was held played by public sector in the high street. We need to at Ashington Village Hall. 4 procurement in buying promote the ‘department store’ local products and produce in mentality amongst local traders The Forum took a look across all order to help the landbased and support the role of the landbased sectors – arable, sector (and others). How this networking through the The next stage, for which livestock, horticulture and can be encouraged needs to be chambers of commerce. AirS is seeking further funding forestry – and looked particularly investigated and acted on. from local authorities and Farmers and growers are at current recession issues. It also others, is to provide factsheets It is important that currently excluded from examined how rural which a community can use to publicity, advice and the Government Loan communities could get more 9 help them develop these 5 assistance about current Guarantee Schemes and other involved with supporting local initiatives. funding programmes, such as schemes through a particular agricultural and woodland The toolkit was launched Leader, reaches those who would interpretation of the EU State businesses. and piloted at the highly most benefit and who can Aid Rules. West Sussex Rural There were ten conclusions successful Plumpton Goes further develop the local Partnership needs to add its and recommendations from the Green event featured here. economy. voice to those who are lobbying meeting, which will be developed This event is itself a for these rules to be overturned further by the Rural Partnership The landscape is a blueprint for how communities or relaxed. at its summer meeting. product of the farming, could come together to horticulture and forestry 6 Local economies discuss just the issues that are Agricultural Research and industries. Therefore we need to and local featured in the toolkit. Development functions, keep farming and also develop employment must The illustration and toolkit 1funded at a national level, wood management initiatives 10 continue to be promoted. There are soon to be on the AirS are in danger of being disbanded that are sustainable and have is a danger that once the website – watch out for completely. It is important that long-term benefits. their arrival. the country retains this capacity National Park is established there and function as it has always The market towns of the will be a move away from local

10 Community orchard run by volunteers to help reduce 16 Primary School 19 Cycleway A community run orchard and the isolation of people living on The school has a number of A cycleway has been built from rural areas are the local employment within its soft fruit plot has been their own or for those who live schemes to encourage children to the village to the nearest town; developed. The Women’s away from the village centre. use a greener method of it is a path that avoids the fast been important to the future of Institute use the produce to Volunteers also pick up people travelling to school and get roads. Derek uses the path to make apple juice and apple who come to the club regularly. exercise at the same time. cycle to work in the sauce, soft fruit pies, crumbles Mrs Green has two children at neighbouring town and has saved The 21st century 14 Weekly market / and cakes. These are sold in the the school; Lucy uses the a lot of money that would be hubs of industry and farmers’ market boundaries. This needs to be community shop. A percentage walking bus to get there on time spent on petrol by doing so. The of the revenue from the sale of The church hall also provides a and her older brother Matthew path is also used by school the sector. rural community the products is given to the venue for a weekly market of cycles and stores his bike at the children who cycle to and from community shop and the local goods, crafts and produce, bike racks inside the school gate. secondary school. which was originally set up and 7 remainder is reinvested in The school has recently run a developing the plot for the run by the Women’s Institute cycling proficiency programme to 20 Tourism commerce. A message to following season. but is now open to all. The ensure that all the children can The cycleway has encouraged resisted. market, which is held every ride their bike safely. more visitors into the local area. 11 Composting scheme / Saturday morning, includes Mr Terry runs the school farm The Parish Council have funded local recycling everything from bric-a-brac to which is home to 2 sheep, the production of walking and Jennifer, a keen member of paintings and arts and crafts. 2 goats, 1 cow, a calf and cycling maps to include local Diversification is currently Friends of the Earth, persuaded A farmers’ market is held on 8 chickens. It also provides an places of interest and sign members of the Environmental the last Sunday of every month, allotment which produces a boards in the village centre. Group and allotment owners, selling a selection of local foods, significant percentage of the The Business Community have to form a community like eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables for school dinners. welcomed this initiative as it enterprise to produce vegetables, pies and preserves. Fruit is bought from the advertises their services. compost. They have secured a There is also the opportunity for Community Orchard. Parent On summer weekends, the subsidising agricultural contract for delivery from the those who are not yet involved and older students at the school Community Minibus takes District Council. The to sign up for Barnaby’s weekly help feed the animals and tend tourists without bikes, from the introduction of this service has vegetable box delivery. the vegetable garden on a daily railway stations to local encouraged members of the basis during term time and the attractions in the surrounding community to reduce their 15 Village shop and school holidays and have also villages and supports pubs and waste even further and recycling Post Office used the Thermal Imaging tea shops – supporting local jobs. production in many areas. facilities for other items have After the opening of a large Camera to look at heat loss in The maps also show ‘Green’ supermarket in the East Sussex Rural Forum been set up on the same site. the building. B&Bs and converted Farm The scheme offers free neighbouring town, Mr Goddard, accommodation. fertiliser for the local who owns and runs the village 17 Insulation and retro fit allotments and has provided shop was fearful of a reduction 85% of the households in the 21 Walking bus 2 5 Jennifer with a part time job as in trade. With the support of the village have participated in the The PTA at the school wanted to As some of the diversification well as involving her in more Rural Community Council Energy Club in some way. Most reduce the traffic at the school East Sussex Rural Forum met on 21 April and discussed: general community activities. Retail Adviser and the of the older houses have had gate and, at the same time, 12 Environmental Group, local their lofts insulated and as improve the health of the 12 Vegetable box scheme people have been encouraged to many as can, have insulated their children. They have organised a Having felt badly treated by the shop here for everyday items cavity walls. Other households ‘walking bus’ with parent supermarket that he supplied, and local produce. The shop has have participated in other ways volunteers and a trolley for the arranged, with the supermarket, activities suffer because of the Barnaby Moore was glad when such as installing solar panels or bags. Over half of the children 1 – The economic recession, its impact in rural areas and the his local Vegetable Box a weekly delivery of items it water recycling tanks to re-use now come to school this way. scheme took off. He sources his cannot stock, which people ‘grey water’ from baths and from vegetables from local producers. order on line and then collect washing machines. 22 Small businesses People from the village agree to from the shop. This has reduced Apart from the shop and Post buy a box of seasonal their need to travel and also 18 Swap Shop Office, there are a number of vegetables each week which increased the footfall and spend A monthly Swap Shop is held in small businesses, some working recession this may impact on role of the Recession Taskforce Barnaby delivers to their door. in the shop. the function room at the Red from home, some from The Post Office was originally Lion Inn. This has turned into one converted properties and a 13 Church Hall earmarked for closure but, of the most popular events that number in a small nursery unit At the church hall, Jo has set up supported by local residents, it are held. People attend bringing development on the edge of the a crèche that runs three now opens in the shop three things that they would like to village. A business directory has mornings a week, bringing new mornings a week. Local exchange including clothes, been produced to help advertise mainstream farming activities. 2 – The Public and Community Transport Strategies parents together to allow them businesses were delighted with games and books. Tokens are local businesses to local residents to socialise whilst their children this initiative that saves given to the vendor for their and to nurture networking and play together. additional time and cost of a trade-in items and they can then joint working. The businesses Computers have been trip to the Post Office in town. use this token to purchase other have co-ordinated their own installed in the meeting room to items. Everyone thinks it is a cardboard recycling and also give an additional opportunity great way of reusing items that collect household cardboard from currently under review by East Sussex County Council. for the community to access they may not want, but someone the village recycling site. the internet. Two teenage else might. Items not ‘swapped’ mums have begun home study are sorted and recycled by the courses to help them improve Environment Group who also their qualifications. use the swap shops to collect and The Church Hall is also the recycle items not usually © Action in rural Sussex There will be a full report in the next newsletter. place where the Village Lunch collected separately, such as foil, & SERCC 2008 22 Club is held. This was set up and lightbulbs and batteries. Illustration © Chris Watson 2009

9 The Richmond Award Village Champions for Youth win top Community Award rural Sussex, staff come across run activities. She said: many examples of good work “It started partly because I have designed to make sure that a teenage daughter and I was rural villages can be places that concerned that there wasn’t young people want to stay and enough locally for young people build their lives in. to do. We organised a “They also meet people questionnaire to all pupils 16 determined to seize the and under. They told us that initiative and make a positive they wanted somewhere to contribution in their local meet informally and that one of community – people like Denise their top interests was live and her colleagues who are not music. prepared to simply sit on the “We also felt it was sidelines and complain about important to create what needs to be done.” opportunities to get youngsters The Partnership also sources involved and keep them busy Above: The Duke of Richmond (left) with Denise Campbell and Patrick Perks of the funding for the programme, helping out, building their Billingshurst Community Partnership attracting grants from AirS, confidence and self esteem and Village volunteers who set up Richmond at a celebration , local housing creating confidence amongst a host of activities for local event at the village hall on associations and both Horsham adults around young people – teenagers have scooped this Thursday 2 April 2009. He also District and West Sussex County which is how the YES project year’s prestigious Richmond presented community service Councils, The Lions and Rotary was created. I’m so pleased that Award. awards to local youngsters, who Clubs and Big Lottery Fund. local businesses have been The Billingshurst Community last year contributed more than Denise is now seeking more prepared to take them under Partnership Ltd (BCP) set up a 650 hours to BCP youth volunteers to help initiate and their wing.” youth projects team, led by projects. Denise Campbell. They run a The Richmond Award, weekly youth club at the village launched in 2006, is designed to hall and have organised a recognise the work of a programme of activities from community or individual graffiti workshops to dance considered by AirS staff to have nights and popular youth band done the most to encourage events, known as BilliRox. and ensure that young people Denise also encourages remain in their local Meeting Room Hire youngsters to volunteer their community. Jeremy Leggett, The new AirS website has generated a lot of interest in our ground time for local businesses and Chief Executive of AirS, said floor meeting rooms. Both are equipped with hearing loops, flip community groups with the “Our staff meet people every charts and screens for use with projectors or OHPs and can be set innovative YES project (Youth day who are doing so much to up to suit your meeting or event. Sussex House is fully accessible Enterprise Scheme). Now up to make a difference in their own and car parking space can be reserved for disabled visitors. Our 24 teenagers spend four hours a communities and this is their charges range from £30 for short meetings to £100 per day. week helping out, in exchange chance to make due recognition Special rates for charities and community groups are negotiable. for credits for vouchers or day for some of these people.” For further details or a quotation, please telephone Claire Reynolds trips of their choice. The Duke, who was President or Dawn Brock on 01273 473422 or email: The Partnership received their of AirS from 1973 to 2005 said: [email protected] / [email protected] award from the Duke of “Through the work of Action in

10 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk Rural Towns Programme Sussex rural town improvements

PULBOROUGH

signs across the town to help HENFIELD visitors locate amenities and Rural Towns in West Sussex continue to benefit from the places of interest. Next year the SEEDA Small Rural Towns Programme. In addition, funding from project will concentrate on work West Sussex County Council to AirS to employ the Rural Towns in the car park to increase the Co-ordinator, Les Ampstead, has provided much-needed number of spaces. Projects for Arundel, support to community partnerships in the eligible towns to STEYNING make good quality applications for the funding. The SEEDA and are being appraised fund in West Sussex is a total of £465,000 over six years. So with a grant of £50,000, six for delivery in 2009–11. The far four towns have had successful applications and £250,000 shops have been refurbished and project in Arundel will focus on has been allocated. These same projects have attracted five shopkeepers benefited from setting up two new public matching funds of £1,134,000 in total, from a range of public indepth training with a retail pontoons for visiting boats, in and private sector sources. specialist. The footpath to order to attract more visitors, connect Lower Street with the and 15 new local signs across the Two of these towns received Billingshurst made a Glebe Field residential area is due town. Those at Midhurst and the funding in 2006/07 and successful application in 2007 to be completed soon. It is Selsey will deliver improvements their projects have now been for £120,000. This has provided expected that these to High Street shops, training for completed. funding towards the ‘Centre for improvements will contribute to shop owners and street scene Henfield was awarded Children’. As well as revitalising Lower Street as the improvements. In addition £40,000 in 2006 to purchase a safeguarding jobs. It has also alternative shopping hub to the Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint community bus and run a local created six full-time and six large supermarket that has been are working on schemes for service that now brings people part-time jobs and created 24 built about a mile away from the funding in 2010/11. into the town centre for day-care places. It now provides main shopping area. West Sussex continues to be a shopping and other purposes. learning and work experience At Steyning, the bus shelter major partner in the South East This service has been highly opportunities locally. and toilets have been refurbished Rural Towns Partnership, which is successful for residents, Two towns have benefited in the town centre, providing a starting work to secure ongoing businesses and town centre in 2008/09 and their work is much-needed improvement in funding for the programme services. now underway. In Pulborough, facilities. There are also 16 new supporting rural towns across the South East.

County Co-ordinator Les Ampstead, 01798 875402, [email protected]

South East Rural Towns Partnership Representative Ana Fajardo, 01243 777606, BILLINGSHURST [email protected]

11 Sussex Association of Local Councils

G Councils must have published a Statement of The Power of Well-being Intent for Community Engagement, explaining how By Trevor Leggo, Chief Officer of Sussex Association of Local Councils they will involve persons or This enabling power gives a town or parish council the statutory election at the last ordinary organisations interested in right to do anything which it considers is likely to achieve the elections. the well-being of their areas, promotion or improvement of the economic, social or G The Clerk must be qualified e.g. police, health authority, environmental well-being of its area. Basically, the Power of through the Certificate in voluntary organisations, Well-being, often referread to as the ‘Power of General Local Council Administration businesses, schools and faith Competence’ held by principal authorities since 2000 has now (CiLCA) or the Local Policy groups. The Department of been given to parish and town councils. In these testing times qualifications from the Communities and Local this could provide enormous flexibility for towns and parishes to University of Gloucester. For Government guidelines provide support for their communities; for example financial Clerks currently holding provide an example support for local shops, pubs and post offices, perhaps working these qualifications it will be statement to assist local with others to provide affordable housing or funding a necessary for them to pass councils. G commercial bus operator to run a late Friday evening service the Well-being module now In deciding to use the power from a cluster of communities. Support for improved health added to CiLCA. the council must be satisfied provision locally would also be of interest to some of our G At least 80% of the that the activity is likely to councils. At a different level, the parish council can now give members of the council must promote or improve the grants to individuals or a ‘golden handshake’ to a valued have attended a training economic, social or employee, neither of which has been lawful up to now. event on the Power of Well- environmental well-being of In order to exercise the being designed as part of the the town or parish. Our Sector has been G conferred power, local councils National Training Strategy. As a matter of good practice have to be ‘eligible’. The details granted the ‘Power of Co-opted and appointed the council should also record of eligibility were published by Well-being’ and in councillors can be part of the fact that it has taken into account the sustainable government in February and these testing times, this 80%. In Sussex SALC will be offering this training community strategies of the can be summarised as follows: this can provide G At least two thirds of the either within the normal relevant principal authorities total number of seats on the support for our training events or for clusters for its area. council must have been filled communities. of councils in various For those who like to know the by candidates who stood for locations. finer points, eligibility is set out in Statutory Instrument 2008 Food Projects Nº 3095, the ‘Parish Councils (Power to Promote Well-being) AirS staff worked with children (Prescribed Conditions) Order from Rodmell Primary School 2008’. It is supported by a to plant several Sussex variety guidance document produced apple trees in the orchard at by the Department of Monk’s House, a National Trust Communities and Local property, which adjoins their Government and available on school grounds. NALC and SALC websites – www.nalc.gov.uk and A new guide to local www.sussexalc.org.uk. Councils producers in the Ardingly must have regard to this area of the High Weald guidance in exercising the has just been produced power. in partnership with the For more information High Weald Joint please contact Trevor Leggo Advisory Committee. 01273 476342 or email [email protected]

12 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk Rural Affordable Housing Government recognition of the need for sustainable rural communities The government has given strong support for the Matthew limitations and increased “For many rural Taylor Review – Living Working Countryside (summarised in the deposit requirements. communities in Sussex last issue) setting out its proposals for helping rural For further information on there is a very clear communities to thrive in the 21st century by providing more these reports visit understanding that affordable housing and greater freedom to develop strong www.ruralsussex.org houses are needed to local economies. or contact Rural Housing help them remain Enabler Tom Warder on The measures announced on Action in rural Sussex living places.” the 25 March will: welcomes the government’s 01273 479008 or email Jeremy Leggett, AirS G encourage local authorities response and the focus on [email protected] and developers to identify finding ways in which the Homes ‘exception’ sites, and Communities Agency can G provide a refreshed approach increase the creation of homes in Feedback from last newsletter to planning policy that villages. Jeremy Leggett, Chief G recognises the distinct needs Executive of AirS said: “For many We received many complimentary comments about the of rural businesses. rural communities in Sussex last edition particularly about the rural economy articles. there is a very clear under- Correspondents liked the contributions from individuals In order to facilitate this, the standing that houses are needed that featured in the last edition as they offered a more government will publish a new to help them remain living personal view. Kathy Fordham’s article on farming single planning policy statement places. The independent support provoked many responses. One reader, having read the (PPS) which combines existing that Rural Housing Enablers give article, went to talk to her local farmer and has told us she policy and guidance on helps people take action to now understands why he is doing certain things that have sustainable economic achieve this. Contrary to some caused comments in the village. She says all of these are development. Housing Minister perceptions, the economic perfectly understandable and she is letting others know so Margaret Beckett said: "We downturn may well create that they are more supportive and less critical of change in simply must take action to opportunities that could have the future. overcome the unsustainable been hard to exploit before.” G The home-based business issue has now been discussed pressures facing the future of The government’s response with the Rural Minister and is featuring on the next agenda rural communities”. coincides with last month’s of the National Rural Forum. The government will also briefing to government by the If you are a home-based business in the rural Sussex we publish proposals for taking Commission for Rural would be interested to hear from you. Please contact forward Community Land Communities into the effect of Simon Kiley our research and policy officer – Trusts, reinforce the importance the recession on rural housing, [email protected]. We would like to know the of masterplanning by local which calls for a substantial advantages and disadvantages of home-based working and authorities and create a extension of government what support you might need to continue in business and practitioners’ working group to commitment to provide to grow. explore ways to incentivise affordable housing in rural G landowners to provide land for communities. The report See the update from Tom Warder on rural housing issues exception sites. Matthew Taylor highlights the lack of affordable and in particular the Taylor Review. MP said: “This is an important housing options for the G Both county councils have launched initiatives with their day for the countryside… increasing number of rural local authority and public sector partners to address the without the action promised by residents made homeless (rural recession issues. In West Sussex this is called ‘Keep West the government today in repossessions rose at nearly Sussex Working’ and each local authority is taking response to my report, all too double the rate for as a combined and individual actions under this campaign often our countryside would whole during 2007 and 2008) banner. In East Sussex the Recession Taskforce is also face local people priced out, and the fact that rural addressing the same issues and seeking a common local services closing, and ever affordability is being approach within the public sector. fewer and worse paid jobs." exacerbated by credit

13 Children and Young People Village Halls and childcare – making it work By Caroline Rix, Rural Childcare Development Officer

Children and young people are the Childcare Management future of their villages. If villages are to Village Halls remain alive, active and vibrant they will Committee support pack and childcare – benefit enormously from the continuity making it work and energy children, young people and and briefing sessions By Louise Beaton new families can offer. and Caroline Rix In West Sussex, from the middle of June, First experiences at the local pre-school Caroline Rix will be running briefing sessions Managing or playgroup and fundraising events at the the Committee about the Childcare Committee Support Pack Getting it Legally Childcare Right

local village hall offer great opportunities to the Running

Business Management Committee she has produced. This vital pack, aimed at Support Pack Regulatory

meet other children and families. These Bodies Quality Assuring giving the childcare committee member an Supporting Children in events offer the start of friendships and the our Community Employing Staff instant answer and a further signpost to help, development of community identities has six sections. between people. At pre-schools/playgroups Section One – The Childcare Management Committee includes: children can enjoy happy hours playing, getting started, childcare committee roles and responsibilities, creating, learning to share and running effective working, understanding the constitution, AGMs, EGMs around in safe and secure environments. Pre-schools provide jobs and etc. and becoming and operating as a charity. professional development for local people whilst contributing to the Section Two – Getting it right legally includes: legal status and local economy. They also deliver a much-needed service for children structure, legal forms that may be suitable for childcare and their families. organisations, legal responsibilities of the childcare committee. It is common for pre-schools and nurseries operating in rural Section Three – Regulation and regulatory bodies includes: the villages to be run by voluntary management committees. As Childcare Act 2006 and the Early Years Foundation Stage, Ofsted legislation, regulation and inspection specifically aimed at childcare registration and inspection, Disclosure and the Criminal Records has developed, and bearing in mind other forms of legislation that Bureau (CRB), the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, the affect childcare (e.g. employment law), voluntary management can be Charity Commission and the Charities Act 2006, trustee/ a ‘tough call’. Village halls are also run by volunteers and they too committee liability. have their share of burdensome legislation to navigate. Section Four – Running the business covers: business planning, For many childcare committee members this will be their first budgets, cash flow, annual accounts and reporting; the Free volunteering experience and it can come as a shock to many parents Entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, premises, insurance, to be faced with essentially running a childcare business with the marketing, fundraising and funding applications. responsibilities of employing staff and managing the finances. Section Five – Employing staff includes everything to do with However it can also be a great life experience and brilliant for your being an employer, recruiting, induction, training, appraisal etc. CV. It can contribute to a greater understanding of the cohesion Section Six – Assuring quality concludes the pack with: Ofsted necessary for the ‘heart’ of village life and lead to all sorts of other and The Early Years Foundation Stage, policies and procedures, volunteer roles, not least the parish council. child protection, health and safety and risk assessment, There can be understandable tensions between volunteer childcare communicating with parents / carers and committee recruitment. committee members and those village hall committee members. Invitations to the briefing sessions will be sent out by West Sussex Working together, Louise Beaton (AirS Village Halls Advisor) and County Council Early Childhood Service at the beginning of May Caroline Rix have published a guide to help support childcare and along with a questionnaire about childcare committee support village halls entitled Village Halls and childcare – making it work. This services. Please respond to the questionnaire; as responses will publication will contribute to a greater understanding of how these contribute to the future development of support for childcare community services can be mutually beneficial, whilst dealing with committees. Caroline looks forward to welcoming you to the sensible but often onerous regulations. briefing sessions where a copy of the pack will be available for all voluntary-run childcare groups based in West Sussex. For a copy contact Nicola Dudley Contact Caroline Rix on 07775 851888 on 01273 407301 or email or email [email protected] [email protected]

14 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk Community Grants

COMMA: The Community Aggregates Fund 2009–10

Action in rural Sussex is once again delivering the COMMA Communities Aggregates Fund, to benefit communities affected by quarrying. Communities across East and West Sussex can apply for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000 to support community projects and amenities. AirS is delivering this grant on behalf of DEFRA, funded by the aggregates levy on quarries. How to apply Applications must be submitted using a COMMA application form, which can be downloaded from www.acre.org.uk/sustainabledevelopment_comma.html and submitted to Action in rural Sussex. Fortnightly activity Who can apply? Five conditions must be satisfied for a project to be eligible: evenings at Wivelsfield G The community where the project is based is/has been affected Green from Tue 28 April by aggregates extraction. G The proposed project is within 10 kilometres of an aggregates AirS will be holding fortnightly activity evenings on the Green extraction site, either in current use or disused. at Wivelsfield Green for young people aged 8–16, taking place G The proposed project will produce a community benefit. from 7–9pm. The first one is on Tuesday 28 April and then G The applicant must be a community organisation, charity or a every fortnight on a Tuesday. Activities will include sports parish/town council. coaching on a whole host of sports; cricket, football, basketball G The project must be capable of completion by the end of and a multi-sports evening. There'll also be a climbing wall and 31 March 2010. hopefully a graffiti workshop on other evenings! Volunteers wanted Time scales Open to application Monday 30 March 2009 We also need volunteers for these evenings. You just need to Deadline for completed applications 5 June 2009 enjoy spending time with young people and to be able to spare Approved applications informed W/c 3 August 2009 an evening once a month or so. You need have no sports Projects must be completed by 31 March 2010 experience at all as the evenings are run by qualified leaders. They really are a great bunch of young people, so if you could Previous awards spare a bit of time, they’d love to see you. In 2008/2009 the COMMA grants programme awarded grants For further details please contact Alan Janes on totalling £434,300, to 47 organisations across England of which 01444 471201 or Ali Cardosi at AirS on 07825 506661 three were in Sussex and totalled £17,900. Village Hall Trust, Northchapel, , West Sussex received £3,500 for improvements to their flooring. Research, community Hampers Green Community Centre, , West Sussex received £7,500 to enable them to replace their heating system. surveys, rural policy? Westfield Community Drop-In, Rother, East Sussex received £6,900 to develop their community drop-in centre. AirS has a long history of undertaking research and survey work across rural Sussex. For further information please contact: If you are interested in discussing further please Liz Allsobrook, Development Officer contact Teresa Gittins on 01273 405442 or on 01273 405454 email [email protected] or email [email protected]

15 News and events

New members of staff Forthcoming events Mon 11 May – Healthier Chichester Partnership Reducing Isolation Action Group day out on the solar boat. For people living in the area around Graffham, , , Sutton, and Bury. For more information contact Susie Brown 07792 903236 Wed 20 May, 10am–12.30pm – Licensing Workshop West Chiltington Village Hall – a free workshop with refreshments available. For further information please contact Nicola Dudley 01273 407301 or email [email protected] Wed 27 May – Healthier Chichester Partnership Scott Lipa Shahnaz Zarif Reducing Isolation Action Group day at Dell Quay for people living Heralding from Brisbane Shahnaz is our new research in Southbourne, Westbourne and Stoughton Australia, Scott gained officer. She graduated from For more information, contact: Susie Brown 07792 903 236 Action in rural Sussex is a registered charity, number 1035401 number charity, is a registered Sussex in rural Action qualifications in Government and Sussex University last June with Tue 2 June – West Sussex Rural Forum, 9.30am–1pm Social Policy Studies and has a BA in History. Before coming to Ashington Village Hall twelve years’ third sector AirS she managed a small Addressing community responses to climate change issues. experience both in Australia and cinema in Brighton, The Duke of For more information contact Claire Reynolds 01273 407305 in East Sussex. In this time Scott Yorks, where she specialized in Wed 3 June–13 July – Incredible Years Parenting Training has gained specialist experience social media, marketing and The Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven BN9 9EA in employment and training events management. Shahnaz – A free 12 week parenting training course for Mums and Dads with services for people with pronounced ‘shar–naz’ – enjoys creche facilities. For more information or to book a place, please disabilities, youth offending, science fiction and reading and call or text: Sashka Dunlop on 07969614774 or Judy Gerhold on substance misuse and young lives in Brighton with her cat. 07968 715105 or email: [email protected] peoples services. “I have been well aware of the work AirS Proofreader wanted Healthier Chichester Partnership Activities undertakes before joining them Does the grammar and Tue 9 June – Reducing Isolation Action Group Day Out at and the scope and breadth of Heraldingpunctuation from in Brisbane Action set your Dell Quay for people living in the Midhurst area. AirS’ work is most impressive. In teeth on edge? Could you spare Mon 22 June – Reducing Isolation Action Group Day Out at difficult economic times its work a few hours once every three Dell Quay for people living in or around Chichester. is even more important today months to proofread a PDF Wed 24 June – Reducing Isolation Action Group Day Out at than ever before and I look before it goes to press? If so, Dell Quay for people living in Lavington. forward to further assisting rural contact Teresa Gittins at the people and communities as part email address below. For more information contact Susie Brown on 07792 903236 of the dedicated AirS team.” Fri 11 September, 1.30pm – East Sussex Rural Forum The Reid Hall, Boreham Street, Wartling Next edition… For information, email [email protected] The next edition is due out in July 2009. Fri 6 November If you know of anyone or any organisation who might wish to Action in rural Sussex AGM receive this newsletter please contact the editor: and Annual Conference Teresa Gittins and SALC AGM Action in rural Sussex, At the South of England showground, Ardingly Sussex House, 212 High Street, Lewes BN7 2NH The AirS and SALC AGMs will be in the morning. [email protected] The AirS Annual Conference will be in the afternoon, after lunch. More details will be available in June. Check the website then, Main line: 01273 473422 or contact Natalie Simpson on 01273 407330 or Fax: 01273 483109 email [email protected]

16 For more information, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk