WfCAP Latest News

WfCAP Community Fayre

Saturday 08 June 2013

Wiltshire Forum of Community Area Partnerships invites you to our Community Fayre

The theme of this event is "Value where you live - Participate, Promote, Preserve".

Our aim is to provide a rural setting to celebrate the work happening in our communities as well as an opportunity to look at sustainability, tourism, economy and the heritage of Wiltshire.

The keynote speaker is ffinlo Costain on Renewable Energy Options for Wiltshire plus there will be sessions run by Hidden Britain, The RSA, Lackham College, Wiltshire Heritage Museum and SEACs

As well as the main programme there will be stalls, demonstrations and activities from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Transcoco, Wiltshire Farmers' Markets, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust & Made in Bradford. More still to confirm! We are also going to have some stalls for sharing and swapping. So please bring plants, seeds, books, recipes and ideas/tips with you on the day.

Wfcap will also be holding a short AGM during the moring session.

You will also have the opportunity to judge the images entered in our free Photomarathon. This is open during May to anyone living and working in Wiltshire. To participate please go to our website.

The day will be informal and we'll be making the most of the outdoor space so dress comfortably. There is free parking on site and we will be providing lunch and drinks. Bring blankets/chairs to enjoy a picnic lunch in the garden and in keeping with the community spirit we'd like you to please bring a cake to share for afternoon tea. We will also have croquet on the lawn.

For those so inclined there is also a bar on site but you will have to pay for your drinks from this facility.

If you know someone who would like to attend who does not receive an invite please contact us with their email address.

We really hope you will be able to make it and look forward to seeing you there.

Click on the read more link to register

Wiltshire People First Training

Thursday 30 May 2013

Co-tutored by an experienced trainer with learning difficulties, this course will raise awareness of the needs of people with learning difficulties, help you understand your responsibilities under the Equality Act and give practical advice on how to communicate better with people.

30th May 2013

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Lunch from 12:30pm.

The Independent Living Centre, Semington.

To book a place or for more information contact Abi Steady on 01380 871900 or at: abi.steady@wiltshirepeople1st.org.uk or use the booking form on the link below

A 'MINI-SWISH' and 'SOCKTOPUS' MAKING

Wednesday 29 May 2013

The event is run in conjunction with Make It Better and takes place from 10.00am - 12.00pm on Wednesday 29th May.

Bring along any clean children's clothes or shoes, in good repair, to swap for lots of lovely 'new' things!

To entertain the kids while you are browsing, they will also be making 'Socktopusses'.

The 'swish' is at Gallery at the Athenaeum, 18-20 High Street, Warminster, BA12 9AE

Entry is at least one item plus donation to Naomi House Children's Hospice.

For more information or to drop off items prior to the event, please contact Emma Croft, Community Waste Minimisation Officer on 01380 736074 or emmac@wiltshirewildlife.org

Could You Help a Low Energy Project?

Thursday 23 May 2013

This will reveal areas for energy improvements as well building our own local experience to share.

This is an important project that is being directly supported by a number of professional members on a voluntary basis. However, due to an unexpected family commitment the project's coordinator needs to urgently hand this task over to someone else. We are looking for someone who is not an expert but shares our concerns and enthusiasm about energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, and would be prepared to help us with coordinating this short term project.

If you are interested in helping this project please contact Peter Baxter Partnership Manager

DEVIZES COMMUNITY AREA PARTNERSHIP

01380 816183

07734 483883

What do you think about Health and Social Care in the Pewsey Area?

Tuesday 21 May 2013

There are four evening events taking place across the community area in May!
The Pewsey Community Area Partnership's Health and Social Care Forum aims to gather information about all aspects of health provision and wellbeing in our community and this information is used to construct a plan for our area. Given the extensive changes that have and are occurring in Health Care nationally and locally, we wish to reach out to our community again for their views, concerns, complaints, queries and aspects where they are content with the service they receive; this is vital since the last public consultation happened back in 2002. Once we have gathered the information given to us from these evenings we will review and revise the Community Plan accordingly. This in turn will tell the Area Board where to support funding applications or to lobby for service improvement. We also intend to feed this information to as many agencies as possible, giving them a source of public input, which they may not otherwise have access to.
The events are as follows:-
Upavon Village Hall - 21st May at 7pm
Burbage Village Hall - 23rd May at 7pm
Pewsey - Bouverie Hall - 28th May at 7pm
Bedwyn Village Hall - 29th May at 7pm
For more details please contact Dee Nix Chair - Pewsey Community Area Partnership
Health and Social Care Forum 07765255706 Email dee.marrable@tiscali.co.uk
Background
Community Area Partnerships have developed in Wiltshire over a number of years and aim to be a co-ordinated voice of the community and a key local group for Parish Councils, representatives of businesses, the voluntary sector, local people and community leaders to carry out consultations, to debate local issues and to prioritise community needs. The Community Area Plan, and its updates, are central to the Partnership's activity and remain its mandate for local action. The Pewsey Area Board looks to the Community Plan when allocating grants to ensure that money is going towards projects that work to addressing some of the issues highlighted.
The Area Board, as necessary as it is, is not independent; it is run by the Council and it does not write a Community Plan. PCAP ensures that the Plan is reflective of the issues within its area and if the Area speaks collectively, for matters that affect a number of areas, it is far louder voice - and more likely to receive funding for those important issues - as opposed to one parish whose voice may not be heard.
We work closely with the Pewsey Area Board to ensure that their work and investment is focused where local people need it most.v

Salisbury Green Doors Open Day - May 18th and 19th

Saturday 18 May 2013

Green Doors 18th/19th May.

The first Green Open Homes event in Wiltshire will take place in Salisbury, Wilton and the surrounding villages on the weekend of May 18th and 19th. Up to 10 low energy homes from new-build eco-homes to retrofitted older houses will open their doors to visitors and share their experience of energy saving. Similar events have been held elsewhere in the UK, and have proved very effective in stimulating action among visitors. The event is organised by Wilton Community Land Trust, working closely with South Wiltshire Agenda 21 and other local organisations, and supported by Wiltshire Council. There are all sorts of ways to get involved, whether by putting your own home forward for inclusion, by volunteering to help beforehand or on the weekend itself, or even organising a related event. In return, you'll get a behind the scenes glimpse of energy saving action, be invited to the launch and maybe meet some new friends... If you'd like to find out more, please phone07506283689 or contactsouthwiltshiregreendoors@gmail.com .

Amesbury Community Area are looking for a coordinator

Friday 10 May 2013

Do you have good communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people?

A highly motivated, dynamic and enthusiastic person is required to help coordinate community planning and related initiatives in the Amesbury Community Area.

The job will include consultation with the community, working with local residents, voluntary groups and councillors and instigating projects to address local issues.

The position will be on a self-employed basis

Hours: 16 per week (varied week-to-week and requiring evening and weekend working).

Temporary Position for a 10 week project

Location: Across the community area.

Fee: £13 per hour

For more information contact :

Karen Linaker, Amesbury Community Area Manager on 01722 434697

Deadline for applications is: 10th May 2013

Interviews are scheduled for : 20th May 2013

English Heritage Angel Awards 2013 Now Open

Sunday 05 May 2013

The English Heritage Angel Awards are for people or groups who have rescued a historic building, place or landmark at risk

The Telegraph newspaper will be featuring interesting entries on their website and everyone who sends in an application or nomination will be entered into a prize draw. Chosen at random, one applicant will receive a break in an English Heritage Holiday Cottage of their choice see: www.english-heritage.org.uk/holiday-cottages. A second applicant will have a short film made about their rescue project by a professional production company and the first 50 applicants will receive a signed copy of my new book - "Men from the Ministry - How Britain Saved Its Heritage".

You'll be giving those you nominate the chance of national recognition for their hard work which will help attract funding and volunteers. Previous shortlisted applicants have hugely enjoyed attending the gala awards ceremony at the Palace Theatre in London and have felt that entering the Angels was far more rewarding - and enjoyable - than they could possibly have foreseen. You will also be helping to bring greater attention to the nation's heritage at risk.

The deadline for applications to this year's Angel Awards is Sunday 5th May 2013 with the Angels award ceremony to be held at the Palace Theatre on Monday 21st October. Put the date in your diaries now!

Award Categories

The English Heritage Angel Awards are for:

- the best rescue or repair of a historic place of worship

- the best rescue of a historic industrial building or site

- the best craftsmanship employed on a heritage rescue, and

- the best rescue of a listed building, scheduled monument, registered garden, landscape or battlefield, protected wreck or conservation area.

Previous entrants said:

"We found the experience of being entered into the Angel Awards a very uplifting time. We had not realised how important the work we did was to the wider community."

St Andrew's Church Committee, Ulrome, East Yorkshire

"Attending the awards ceremony was inspiring. Great to see so many others who were facing similar issues and yet managing to overcome them."

Ian Douglas, Dewar's Lane Granary

To be eligible for the Awards, the heritage site must be designated as nationally significant, and be, or have been at risk. The rescue project must have been completed since 2008, or currently be well underway.

Lots more information, including the all-important application form and details on the eligibility criteria, can be found here: www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/angel-awards/English-Heritage-Angel-Awards

If you're not sure if your site's eligible, or if you have any questions email: angels@english-heritage.org.uk

Your Community Could Take On Local Assets

Saturday 04 May 2013

Wiltshire Council is keen to support community ownership of assets and is bringing together local voluntary and community groups, local businesses and other private landowners to build a constructive partnership to support an increase in the number of community assets. In addition to this:

Wiltshire Council's Community Area Strategies (part of the Core Strategy) capture some of the current and future infrastructure requirements in each community area and Neighbourhood Plans provide an opportunity to consider this in more detail. The council will work with communities to build a shared understanding of the community's needs, ambitions and capacities to see how these can be met in future.

Wiltshire Council's Area Boards are overseeing the work of the shadow Community Operation Boards, which bring together public sector partners and will set out the intentions for publicly owned buildings in each community area. This allows community ownership to be considered as part of the process. The community is the real owner of public buildings with Wiltshire Council (or other public sector owners) acting as a steward for the property to ensure it continues to benefit the community.

Wiltshire's Area Boards will consider applications for grants to explore the feasibility of the development of Community Assets where this meets identified community needs.

In addition to direct support from the council, Wiltshire Community Land Trust (Wiltshire CLT) has been set up to help community groups take on the ownership and management of assets, such as affordable housing, workspace, land for growing food and for recreation, wildlife reserves, pubs, shops and a range of community facilities and local services. Wiltshire CLT works with Community First and national organisations such as the national CLT network and Locality to ensure that community groups get the right support and advice.

Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire CLT have produced a community ownership of assets toolkit setting out the various tools available for increasing community ownership of assets.

WfCAP Photomarathon2!

Wednesday 01 May 2013

Photomarathon2 has been launched to promote our forthcoming community event entitled 'Value Where You Live'

The competition is open to anyone - click below for full details and how to register ...

Improving the Nature of the Marlborough Downs

Tuesday 30 April 2013

We would be very grateful if you could take a moment to take part in our survey by competing this easy to fill questionnaire.

It takes less than 3 minutes and you will have the chance to enter our free prize draw and win £100 worth of vouchers to spend in a local Marlborough Downs country store of your choice.

The closing date for entry to the competition is 30 April.

Thanks very much for helping us make the Marlborough Downs at better place for people and wildlife

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MarlboroughDowns

Abridged Version of Plastic Shores for Schools

Monday 29 April 2013

Plastic Shores
A film about the impact of plastic waste on the marine environment
Abridged version to be sent to every secondary school in Wiltshire

Salisbury City Community Area Partnership have supported an initiative which will see an educational environmental film from a young Wiltshire film producer sent to every secondary school in the county.

Ed Scott-Clarke, from Tisbury in the Southern Wiltshire Community Area, has achieved remarkable success with his first environmental documentary film, Plastic Shores. This explains the problems of plastics, particularly small 'microplastics', which are now present throughout the world's oceans and entering the food chain through ingestion by marine animals. The film has been premiered at the United Nations with screenings at the OECD, the European Commission and the US House of Congress. It was screened in Salisbury in January this year, at an event funded by Salisbury City Community Area Partnership and was well received by everyone.

It was felt that the film had the potential to reach a wider audience if there was a shorter version suitable for use as an educational tool in secondary schools. An abridged version which runs for 30 minutes has now been produced with generous sponsorship from Barchester Green Investment, South Wiltshire Agenda 21, Campaign to Protect Rural England South Wiltshire Group, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and private donations.

Ed Scott-Clarke said "As a resident of Wiltshire, I am trying to put Plastic Shores in local schools to raise awareness of this prolific problem. I think it would span several subjects including chemistry, biology, geography and citizenship and would be a useful tool for teachers to use in the classroom."

Pam Rouquette Chair of South Wiltshire Agenda 21 and theme lead for Environment and Sustainability on Salisbury City Community Area Partnership said "The 'Environment and Sustainability' section in our Community Plan has a key target to minimise waste and reduce single use plastic bags. We hope the production of this shortened version of Plastic Shores will help to get the message about the environmental damage caused by plastic waste through to Wiltshire's school children."

The full version of the film can be bought on line on www.plasticshoresmovie.com . The abridged version will also be available on the same website shortly.

South Wiltshire Agenda 21 would welcome any feedback on the film and can be contacted through their website at www.action21.org.uk.

Health and Social Care at Devizes Town Hall

Wednesday 24 April 2013

DCAP Chair Tony Sedgwick and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Group Paula Winchcombe introduced the evenings speakers.

DCAP were pleased to report a very successful event, examining the arrangements in place, and planned for the future, for the provision of social care and for the promotion of an independent quality of life as we grow older in the Devizes Area, and as the numbers of older people within the population rise.

If you missed the event, or would like to see some of the amazing facts and figures assembled by the presenters, then the whole presentation is accessible from the link to our Health & Wellbeing page, as is the video clip about the Wiltshire Link Scheme.

Paula Winchcombe also expressed and interest in arranging a meeting of all the Chairs of Health and Wellbeing Groups across all the CAPs and CANs.

Melksham's Future Waterways - A Legacy from the past.

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Wednesday 24th April,7.30pm at MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Film and presentation of the progress in restoring the 58 miles of the Wilts & Berks canal. - Film of Canal History and Restoration - Plans and discussion of the opportunities for Melksham with the proposed link from Semington to the river Avon. Plan.App.No W/12/01080

Melksham Trust together with Melksham Community Area Partnership and the local W&B Canal Branch are pleased to host a second promotion of this exciting proposal by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. Presentations by: Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership; Melksham, Calne, and Chippenham W&B Canal Branch; Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club; Kennet & Avon Canal Trust; Canal & River Trust; and others. Tel. 01225 708306 for any further information.

Lloyds TSB Foundation has funding for Wiltshire Charities

Tuesday 23 April 2013

The Foundation welcomes interest from charities whose work enables disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in their community. This year the Foundation hopes to award two grants across the Wiltshire area. The majority of funding from the Foundation goes towards covering charities' core costs such as salaries, overheads, rents and project costs. Charities wishing to find out if they are eligible for funding should visit the Foundation's website: http://www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk and take the short eligibility questionnaire or call 0870 411 1223.

Green Homes Project

Thursday 18 April 2013

There are some green homes projects locally that have been very successful but those are mainly in an urban setting. Try using this guide to set up Green Open Homes in a rural setting. The idea is that people can visit a new energy efficient or refurbished home to see local homes that are warm, green and cheap to run and can find out about those features.
Bath Green Homes has a website that can provide support.

Decide how many homes you are going to aim for and in which geographic area.
Decide on a date for the Open Homes.
Promote the idea and recruit homeowners of energy efficient homes on the given date. Homes can be old or new, heritage to low coast.
Recruit responsible volunteers to act as stewards, helping with promotion, publicity and supporting the homeowners.
Each home will need an information sheet with details of its key features. These need to be printed and available for visitors on the day. These can be further used as case studies. It should include a heading describing the property; an overview of the property build materials and age etc; Key features installed/upgraded; an Introduction; a paragraph on each of the key features installed and any issues; details of savings made; contact details for the features installed and businesses involved. Along with some images. For more ideas look at case studies from Bath Homes or the Scottish Open Green Homes Network.
Try to encourage those businesses that have been involved in installations in new buildings or renovations to support or sponsor the project. This might be by being on site answering questions or supplying information.
Prepare a press release and arrange for promotional materials to be circulated widely.
Make sure the information on access is clear. Is this a drop in session open to all or by appointment in which case a booking system will be needed.
Record the day's events in video, images and written feedback from attendees.
Evaluate the project and get the feedback of those who participated. Do you stop now, keep it small, or build on your success. You could join an existing network or build your own supported with a website and case studies online holding several events a year.

Other versions on this theme:
Green Farms Open Day, Green Business Open Day, Community Green Energy Open Day. Green Fayres or Green Business Expos.

Salisbury Green Fayre April 27th 2013

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Would you like to learn how to live a greener lifestyle?
Do you want energy saving advice?
Are you interested in environmental activities happening locally?
The Salisbury Green Fair will be a chance to learn about greener lifestyles, local ecological groups and volunteering opportunities for conservation projects in the area. South Wiltshire Agenda 21 and Salisbury Quakers have teamed up to provide a day of activities and information about how to help the environment and your purse with energy saving ideas.
Family activities will include willow weaving, spoon carving, beeswax candle rolling and crafts from recycled materials. A beekeeper will bring a demonstration hive and there will be honey tasting from around the world. There will be a Children's Quiz Trail and packets of wildflower seeds for those who complete it.
Cooking demonstrations, films, local walking routes, energy saving advice and bicycle maintenance will be offered. Bring a book to swap or buy Traidcraft goods, plants or RSPB gifts. There will be a programme of short films to view throughout the day.
Refreshments will be available. One lucky person will receive a "Bee Lovely" gift box provided by Neal's Yard.
Participating organisations include: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Walking for Health, Plantlife, RSPB, River Bourne Community Farm, Greenspace Partnership, Wiltshire Council, Green Doors, hOURCARS, COGS, Bike sURGERY, Agenda 21, Wilton Community Land Trust, Salisbury Quakers and Greenpeace.
The Green Fair is happening in Salisbury on Saturday, 27th April, 10:30am-4:00pm at the Quaker Meeting House, 51 Wilton Road SP2 7EP. Entrance is free. Disabled parking only at the back of the Meeting House.

Asset mapping workshop for youth activites

Thursday 04 April 2013

Groups and organisations working with young people across Tidworth Community Area, came together recently for an asset mapping workshop to explore how they could draw on community resources, skills and experience to help deliver activities for young people in the summer holidays.

The event at Wellington Academy on 7th February, organised by TCAP and Wiltshire Council also provided organisations with the opportunity to evaluate how well they work together and how links between them could be improved.

The outcomes of the workshop are now being pulled together and it is hoped that a full programme of activites will emerge. Any organisation that missed the event and can offer something for young people over the summer should contact mary,cullen@wiltshire.gov.uk or mailto:wendy.higginson@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Comments posted online were:

This was a fantastic evenings work and it was exceptionally pleasing to see so many different members of our community coming together with one aim - to support our young people.

PIGs

Wednesday 03 April 2013

The scheme is a partnership between Wiltshire Council's Rights of Way and Countryside section and the Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum. Parishes can bid for up to 50% match funding, if their proposal is approved they then undertake the schemes themselves.

The scheme is open for bids until Friday 24 May 2013.

If you would like any further information about the scheme please contact Mike Crook, Countryside Access and Development Officer, on 01225 713349 or email Michael.crook@wiltshire.gov.uk

Information can also be found at www.swindonlaf.org.uk

Summary of 2012 PIGS schemes

. Around 45 parishes and individuals contacted Wiltshire Council to discuss possible ideas, 38 of these had potential as PIGS schemes

. Applications were made for schemes in 15 parishes, there was also a "group submission" for gates for 7 parishes from Wiltshire's Southern Area Board

. 13 schemes were agreed in principle, most have now been delivered by the parish councils:

Alderbury (Alderbury to Whaddon new link)
Bishops Cannings (Replace 3 stiles with gates)
Burbage (Hard surfacing a route within the village)
Cricklade (Hard surfacing a route within the town)
Hindon (Replace 2 stiles with gates)
Hullavington (Reopen a link severed by the MoD site)
Idmiston (Hard surfacing a route within the village)
Market Lavington (Info board at new row MoD are proposing)
Poulshot (Replace 3 stiles with gates)
Steeple Ashton (Ditch works and surfacing route within village)
Sutton Mandeville (Repair a characterful small bridge)
West Ashton (Replace 6 stiles with gates)
Southern Area Board (Combined submission from numerous parishes to replaces stiles with gates)

Research into Rural Living

Wednesday 03 April 2013

A locally-based undergraduate reading "Human Geography" at Portsmouth University is researching into what has been called the 'rural idyll', and whether perceptions are masking isolated pockets of deprivation from public policy and services decision makers.

DCAP will be presented with the finished research, which will be a valuable base when we come to look again at the Area-wide Community Plan later this year.

There is a short SURVEY - it will only take about 5 minutes, and would be a great help for the research:

http://dcap.researchcontact.com/surveys/index.php?survey_code=7517e1bf&login=1

Do please take a look, and feel free to share - the more opinions sought the better.

You can read more on DCAP's website ...

WFCAP Version Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday 03 April 2013

There are many ideas for Treasure Hunts for younger children in a safe environment. The Net Mums website has several ideas for the younger ones. Teenagers however are looking for something a bit more challenging. So how about a scavenger hunt?

Participants can first be asked to make something to wear on their heads, from a hair-comb, to a fancy, a bonnet to a flat cap or trilby. Alternatively make something special for the occasion like a mask or a waistcoat. To promote the "mend and make do" ethos it could be only from recycled materials.
The organiser needs to make a list of items to make/collect or photograph. These should then be written on scavenger hunt cards and given to the scavengers at the start.
Items to collect/make could be: A daffodil; an Easter card; an Easter chick; a piece of ribbon; a chocolate bunny; a painted egg, novelty Easter earrings or bracelet; a poster or advert for a local community event; a DVD that refers to a rabbit and so on..
A list of things to be photographed with could be: An Easter bunny; daffodils; in a local coffee shop; at a local play area; by an iconic local site or heritage site; by the fire station/police station; in a local museum or library; on a local bus; by a church or village shop; by the oldest local building or tree and so on..
You could also choose to make the hunt a mix of collecting and photographing if that better meets your needs.
On the day on the scavenger hunt, properly attired (the best dressed might gain points, a prize or some small advantage), each person, pair or group is given the scavenger card with the list of things they are to collect or photograph. Mobile phone cameras can make photographing an easy option.
All the scavengers start together at a specified time and place.
If the scavenger hunt is collecting items, it may be necessary to give each group a fixed amount to spend.
They should also be given a meeting point to return to by a specific time so the winners can be determined and for safety reasons.
Other ideas might be a treasure hunt where clues are given to find hidden objects or to follow a set route where photos are taken as proof that the route was followed.

The National Trust has Geocaching events, which is the modern version of a treasure hunt using GPS coordinates and there are other websites that run geocaching around the County as well.

The point is that each hunt can be tailored to meet your needs and is a great way to engage young people and get them outside. So now that Spring is around the corner why not give it a try.