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BRCC

RCC is Bedfordshire’s leading agency working with local communities, with a track record of over 60 years. In this publication you can find out about our main areas of Bwork as well as reading about some of our projects in greater depth. Supporting Communities Rural Development Community Transport Good Neighbour Schemes – our Network of Green Infrastructure – we work with local The Barn Cardington – this new community Dial-a-ride services – our Door to Door and nearly 50 Good Neighbour and Village Care communities to develop and maintain networks deli and café on the site of the old Summerhill Wheels in Motion services typically carry out schemes across Bedfordshire enables towns of green spaces, routes and countryside sites, Farm Shop (launched November 2017) has nearly 20,000 journeys a year across Bedford and villages to provide low level support to for the benefit of both people and nature. Our enabled BRCC to fulfil a longstanding ambition Borough, enabling people who are not able residents who need it, such as one neighbour Health Walking and conservation volunteering to promote local Bedfordshire produce. to use conventional public transport to get around the area. might provide for another. This helps people enable people to learn new skills and meet Warden Abbey Vineyard – an innovative to continue living independently at home and new people at the same time as improving community project on the site of a medieval relieves some pressure on health and care their physical and mental health. Bedford Mobility Hub – we launched this new vineyard, producing award winning wines initiative in September 2017 at Bedford bus services. thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. The Social Prescribing – BRCC is taking a lead station, enabling shoppers with a disability to Vineyard was runner-up in the Community New communities role in the development of Social Prescribing hire mobility scooters and thereby increasing Project of the Year category of the national – See p.4 for extended feature across Bedfordshire. This seeks to address the accessibility of the town centre. Rural Business Awards 2017. In April 2017 our some of the non-medical issues underlying Bacchus 2015 was served to the Queen. Community assets and planning – BRCC various health conditions by connecting Community Rail Partnerships – see p.3 for extended feature supports local communities to develop, people to local services and activities. Greensand Country Landscape Partnership enhance and manage their own assets, in – see p.3 for feature order to support community life. This includes Community Agents and Local Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Neighbourhood Planning, rural housing, and Community Coordinators The Bridge project – see p.6 for extended feature Community and Village Halls. – See p.5 for extended feature – see p.3 for feature LEADER funding programmes – see p.7 for extended feature

ince BRCC took over the hosting of the Abbey Line n April 2017, a geophysical survey at the site of tephen came to the Bridge project in Luton with a history Community Rail Partnership in September 2016, Warden Abbey commissioned by Old Warden History of almost 20 years of drug and alcohol use. Having started SCRP Officer Edna Woname has organised a number I& Heritage Society revealed a plan of the claustral Svolunteering at the project’s café enterprise for just a of community engagement activities such as a Fun complex, previously unrecorded structures which are few hours a week, he progressed from assisting with washing Day and a ‘Love Your Community Rail Competition’ for being analysed, as well as evidence of kilns. This enabled up to making breakfasts and lunches, and was trained as a local schools, which have enabled ALCRP to build an a reconstruction painting to be produced, providing a bird’s barista. The skills and experience he has gained should help e-bulletin distribution list and also gather details of eye view of what the Abbey would have looked like. him to find paid employment within the catering industry. people interested in volunteering and station adoption. This was the first project to be funded by the Greensand Stephen is just one example of how The Bridge has helped ALCRP was runner-up at the National Community Rail Awards Country Landscape Partnership (GCLP), led by BRCC people to recover from drug and alcohol use, by providing in the ‘Involving children and Young People’ category, for with the Greensand Trust, which has secured £1.66m them with meaningful volunteering, training and employment a project that asked students from Oaklands College to from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is supporting an opportunities within a number of linked social enterprises. create a presentation on how best to rejuvenate passenger array of exciting projects over 4 years, helping us to growth on the line – future plans include an Abbey Days raise awareness of the hidden heritage of the Greensand He says, “I can’t believe what I am now capable of in such a short Out promotion in conjunction with the college’s design Country and to reverse the gradual decline in the distinct time. The café has given me confidence and the chance to make students. character of this beautiful and loved landscape. The new friends. But more than that it gives structure to my day, programme was formally launched in June 2017 by the a reason to get up and keeps me on track with my recovery.” ALCRP has also been lobbying hard on behalf of passengers, Duke of Bedford at the Woburn Safari Lodge. and a number of its requests were incorporated into the new franchise, including increased CRP funding and a service quality regime to improve the quality of stations, trains and customer service. In January 2017 it supported the launch of the Abbey Shuttle, a new bus service connecting St. Albans Abbey station with the city centre and St Albans City Station.

Meanwhile, the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership was shortlisted in the Innovation category of the National Community Rail Awards for its Special Sunday Services for the 2016 Bedford River Festival, including the inaugural through services to Milton Keynes Central. Edna accepts Pledges made at The Bridge's national CRP Award GCLP launch greenhouse Some of the Cafe team 03 Main image: Artist Wendy Briggs invited members of the community to plant seeds to inspire her artwork. Copyright © 2018 Wendy Briggs

How BRCC is helping to establish new settlements... hundred of the first new residents of identity, community participation, and the Green Spaces Examination and is on course to be the first the major King’s Reach development public realm. approved Plan in Bedfordshire. Amay have been puzzled a few years Another vital component of sustainable ago to receive a cardboard treasure box BRCC was contracted by the King’s Reach communities, particularly in areas facing with a lump of wax, with a request to developers to manage three ambitious public considerable housing pressures such as the The Wixams return the box with hand-modelled ‘wax art commissions to help make the development Ivel Valley, is the provision of green networks A bit further to the west, BRCC has had a treasures’. The response, the level of which a place in which residents could take pride. and spaces for people and wildlife. BRCC long history of involvement in the Wixams surpassed expectations, formed the basis of a Three artists (recruited through a national helped to provide Green Infrastructure for development, which is already partly public art trail by artist Martin Heron – part of call) worked with the local community to gain King’s Reach in the form of the Biggleswade established but will continue to grow and the Art in King’s Reach programme managed ideas and inspirations for their work, as well Green Wheel and a community woodland at evolve over the next 20 years. To date we by BRCC. as drawing from local heritage. They have Jubilee Wood. We have also been working in have had a role in community liaison; advising also collaborated with the architects for the Fairfield to produce a Green Infrastructure on Village Hall provision; and researching Bedfordshire continues to experience development to integrate their work into the Plan as well as the Etonbury Green Wheel Community Transport needs. More recently significant levels of housing growth, much street scene. Masterplan, which will provide enhanced we have been helping the local community to of which has been delivered to date by the countryside access for the community and its set up a Good Neighbour Scheme and to draw creation of entirely new communities such The resulting art works included street neighbours in Arlesey and Stotfold. up its first ever parish plan; and we were as King’s Reach (an estate to the east of furniture designed by David Appleyard, and commissioned by the developer to carry out Biggleswade that will house 2,100 people sculptures and artistic additions to community Fairfield, a new community built around a a study into community infrastructure needs when complete). The Local Plans currently buildings created by Wendy Briggs on the historic hospital that was formerly within the for the rest of the settlement. being produced envisage several more such theme of ‘Growing Communities’ – as well parish of Stotfold, became a separate parish settlements being built over the next 20 as Martin Heron’s Treasure Chests. Central in 2013, and BRCC has further supported the years. BRCC has been working over a number Bedfordshire Council recently applauded the new Parish Council in determining its future of years to help these new communities to programme as “real place making” that “will direction. We assisted in the production develop the essential elements that existing make a massive difference to the quality of of a Parish Plan, and then a Neighbourhood Cliff Andrews on (01234) 832617 ones already possess, such as sense of place, the King’s Reach development”. Plan – which has now passed independent or at [email protected]

04 Helping people to live independently within their communities...

n elderly couple with mobility issues in Eversholt met Mayor helps to with a BRCC Community Agent, who helped them to promote LCCs A Community Aapply successfully for a Blue Badge and Attendance Agent client Allowance (worth £55.65 per week) – they are also now able Dandelions by Wendy to access a range of carers’ services and qualify for certain Briggs, Kings Reach grants. As a result, they have greater economic well-being and e have now developed a similar model in urban areas, independence, and can bring in more help around the house. having won a Bedford Borough Council contract to

develop Local Community Coordination. The aim of BRCC’s Community Agents, which have operated across rural W this approach is to prevent or delay entry to the care system Bedford Borough for over 6 years, are increasingly starting to by enabling people to be supported in the local community and pop up in Central Bedfordshire – including Eversholt, where maintain their independence for as long as possible. As well as a 6-month pilot has been extended for further 12 months. providing advice and support on a range of issues, our four Local Community Coordinators (two full time and two part-time) can As well as providing 24 clients with one-to-one support, identify and meet gaps in local services and activities. the Agent has established a monthly lunch group, enabling isolated residents to meet, engage with the wider community, Soon after joining as part-time Local Community Coordinator for hear talks and participate in activities. According to Eversholt Queen’s Park, Fsella Afzal-Pagliari identified there was a lack of Parochial Charity, which is funding the initiative, “Our gentle exercise classes available for women (existing provision Community Agent is doing a great job here and making a generally consisted of high impact classes that were inappropriate significant impact, particularly helping people access support for senior ladies and beginners). As a result of Fsella’s intervention, the Council’s Sports Development Team rolled out new gentle and services which are improving their quality of life.” exercise classes, ideal for the large numbers of women in the area In Biggleswade a 12 month pilot funded by the Town Council who had not undertaken formal exercise before. An official ladies’ Signpost on the walking group has also started in Queen’s Park. These physical Biggleswade Green Wheel was considered a great success with over 50 clients having activities will complement other initiatives such as healthy eating more than 400 issues resolved, and the service has been to help people to maintain good health. extended. An older couple said that “Gill’s help was very much appreciated and took a lot of our worries away – we Fsella says “I have always enjoyed partnership work and wanting will be forever grateful”. to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m looking forward to developing this role and supporting people in the community, The Potton Community Agent (funded by the Potton especially addressing the cultural needs of the diverse community Consolidated Charity) has established a programme of older of Queen’s Park.” people’s outings and activities, including training in using tablet computers: people who initially shunned ‘modern Meanwhile, Simon Gooch (full-time Coordinator for Kingsbrook technology’ are now banking and shopping online as well as and Cauldwell) has been working with the local health centre Skyping and researching hobbies and leisure activities. to identify and support patients who would like to get involved in their local community through volunteering or joining a local group. Those who have been supported have seen the benefit of Justine Hunt on (01234) 832648 being able to see the Local Community Coordinator at a familiar Green Infrastructure or at [email protected] and trusted venue such as a health centre. planning in Fairfield 05 Image (left): School group arrives at Ridgmont Station. Having a ‘personal tour’ is as good as it gets...

really charming and intriguing Marston Vale landscape. or ladies meeting for afternoon tea in the opened: 27,748 were recorded in 2016/17, the

historic survival, well interpreted splendid Tea Rooms. We’ve even had people second highest total during London Midland’s The Heritage Centre is run by a team of 29 by enthusiastic, welcoming & pulling off the clogged up M1 looking for a tenure of the franchise. The Centre has also A volunteers from the Friends of Ridgmont knowledgeable volunteers” – a typical ‘comfort stop’, staying for an hour or so to received tremendous feedback from the visitor comment about Ridgmont Station Station, who are essential to its success and the traffic clears.” general public, being awarded a Trip Advisor Heritage Centre (managed by BRCC). contributed 1,892 volunteer hours last year. Certificate of Excellence for the fourth The former Station House reopened in According to one of the Mystery Shoppers The Heritage Centre is the flagship project of consecutive year in 2017. The vast majority September 2013 as a Heritage Centre from other museums in the East of England the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership of respondents to a recent visitor survey were incorporating a Gift Shop, Meeting Room, Tea who made visits over the summer, “having (MVCRP), and has brought it a higher profile in ‘very satisfied’ with their visit. Room and three enterprise offices following a a ‘personal tour’ led by a knowledgeable the national Community Rail sector. Ridgmont six-year restoration. volunteer is about as good as it gets.” Many station was recently featured as a case The long-term future looks positive, with

of the volunteers did not know each other study in an Association of Community Rail exciting opportunities to increase the number In addition to its regular displays, the Heritage before they started, but new friendships have Partnerships report on ‘Innovative community of visitors once East West Rail services from Centre has previously hosted the Marston since been formed. uses for railway stations’, as well as providing Bedford to Oxford start operating in 2022. Vale Line 170th anniversary exhibition, the base for a Department for Transport The whole area will be further developed entitled ‘Steam & Diesel Through Time’, According to volunteer and local resident film on Community Rail. What is more, the as a transport interchange and logistics hub, containing a selection of models of steam & David Brown, “it gives me great pleasure to Heritage Centre gives MVCRP a ‘shop window’ providing opportunities to further increase diesel locomotive/multiple units that have see what was a sadly neglected semi-derelict and a focal point for interaction with the passenger journeys to Ridgmont and improve worked on the Line from the 20th century to building not only tastefully restored, but also public, including opportunities to engage with facilities at the Heritage Centre. the present; and two Brickworks Exhibitions evolved into a venue that attracts a variety schools on educational visits by train. based on an extensive collection of archives, of visitors to our village. I particularly enjoy photographs and ephemera connected with meeting people from all walks of life, whether Passenger journeys to Ridgmont have Stephen Sleight on (01234) 832645 the brickworks that used to dominate the they be railway enthusiasts, local historians increased sharply since the Heritage Centre or at [email protected]

06 Using European investment to enhance rural Gamlingay Business enterprise... Hub meeting Re:treat Glamping lophill Eco Lodges, built by the Clophill Heritage Trust Department for on the site of the Grade II* listed St Mary’s Old Church, Transport films Cprovide unique accommodation for up to 16 people at Ridgmont together with a community space used for classes, meetings A new LEADER funding round started in 2015, and the Greensand and corporate events. Ridge LAG has a total of up to £1.2m to invest in projects in the The Trust offers regular ‘Tower Tours’ offering fantastic views area until end 2020 – we also have a new LAG, Beds & Hunts from the church over the Greensand Ridge countryside, and a Claylands, with £1.3m. The priorities are supporting micro and programme of events throughout the year including open air small businesses; increasing farm and forestry productivity; performances, open days, guided tours and walks, bushcraft farm diversification; rural tourism and services; and cultural and sessions and monthly Sunday teas. heritage activity. Applicants can typically apply for up to 40% of projects costing between £25,000 and £200,000. The Eco Lodges were made possible by a LEADER grant of £165,226 in 2012 from the Greensand Ridge Local Action A range of projects have already had funding approved, for Group (LAG), managed by BRCC. LEADER is a bottom-up example state-of-the-art ‘minimum till drill’ which will enable a approach to awarding European rural development funding, farm holding to develop a highly conservation-focused approach to that aims to build sustainable local rural economies based farming. The drill will utilise a zero tillage system incorporating different cover crops and low disturbance drilling to increase the Network Rail work party on the cooperation of economic, social and environmental interests. Five years on, it is clear that the Eco Lodges have productivity and health of the soils, whilst also providing ecological at Ridgmont made a significant contribution to the local community and benefits for farmland and ground nesting birds. Other projects visitor economy, as well as helping to safeguard the heritage include ‘glamping’ accommodation; a café kitchen extension; and of the Old Church. firewood processing equipment. Other LEADER-funded projects in the area are also thriving. Previous applicants have returned for more funding: Gamlingay is The Old Piggery Bed & Breakfast in Haynes is enjoying high creating a virtual Business Hub that will provide a fully featured app occupancy rates for its 8 rooms, with visitors from as far afield for use on mobile devices, which will deliver a service directory, as Hong Kong and America – in order to meet demand, two discussion forum, news feed and job search pages, together luxury yurts were opened in 2015. Love My Chillies Limited with information about premises to let and potential business is now able to supply millions of chillies per year to major development sites within the area. supermarkets, making Blunham the chilli capital of the UK. With the future of rural development funding uncertain post- The RIBA-award-winning Gamlingay EcoHub, “the greenest Brexit, now is the time for rural businesses and communities to community building in the country”, now employs 5 people take advantage. and houses the Parish Council office, library, and a commercial nursery. Phase 2 has recently been completed, including a

Youth Wing, recreation area (includes performance space and Lisa King on (01234) 832643 Volunteers on duty skate street), garages, landscaping and car park. in the Gift Shop or at [email protected] 07 BRCC www.bedsrcc.org.uk

Twitter: @bedsrcc Facebook: www.facebook.com/bedsrcc

The Old School, Cardington, Bedford MK44 3SX (registered office) Tel: 01234 838771 Email: [email protected]

Copy: Jon Boswell Design: John Hambley Images: Lisa King | Andy Buckley Printing: Olive Press Ltd

Date of publication March 2018