The quest continues…

There has been little to update for a while but anyone interested will be pleased to know that the project continues.

The main aim remains to find a suitable site. There are and have been a number of sites we felt would work and with each there is a great deal of time an effort into investigating  the possibilities and availability.

A key site we were very keen to look to secure was the former Riseley Lower School building on Church Lane.  Following the closure of the school, the premises was empty and, given its size and location, was considered perfect for our project.  We spent well over a year in discussions with the diocese (the owners) to try to negotiate a way we could acquire or at least rent the site. Sadly there is a requirement to sell the site for was much as possible as the proceeds are needed to fund a second phase of the new primary school. The school was therefore offered for sale via secret auction, sadly something we were no able to take part in, and while a sale has now been agreed, the building remains frustratingly empty while the details of the sale are finalised.

Other options have arisen through proposed new housing developments in the village.  A number of sites have been put forward as possible new housing plots and we have been in contact with all the developers to make them aware of our plans.  As and organisation, we have made not secret of the fact that we will support any new housing development if the build of a community centre is included as part of the project.  To date a number of developers have made positive noises regarding this, but until such time as the housing projects are moved onto a further stage, there is likely to not be any update on this.  Plus we are keenly aware that offers may be made to gain our support only to be withdrawn when the time comes to deliver.

Beds Borough have also said that there could possibly be an option to build a centre as part of the second phase of the new primary school. The site has a large school playing field and it has been muted that some of this land may be given over to housing in order to contribute to the second phase of the school build. If this is the case, a community centre could be included as part of this development.  While still a long way off, this is perhaps more likely than any of the other proposed developments as it will have support from the local council.  The only slight negative is that this site is situated at the far end of the village and not as convenient as other sites.

By far the most promising site is the old Lower School Playing field.  This is an area of land adjacent to the Lower School that is not part of the sale. Owned by the Borough, its location and status means it would be very hard to use for development therefore it may be an option for the village to acquire this land.  This would be good for the village as it would provide a link from Church Lane to the existing village playing field and for us, would provide a location for the community centre. It is unlikely that we would be able to build a permanent structure, but it is considered a very plausible option for a temporary ‘porta-cabin’ units that could act as a starting point to get the centre off the ground.  We are currently discussing with the Borough regarding acquiring the field and also into the costs and installations of the units.  This would be a really good starting option and enable us to meet the immediate village needs and establish the centre asa village amenity.  Once set up, there would be less imperative to find a permanent  home and we could spend time sourcing the best location for a future site.

Keen to keep up momentum, the Trustees of the charity continue to meet regularly and are proactive in keeping the project on the local agenda, which is not always easy.  A number of Trustees and supporters are also part of the Riseley Neighbourhood Plan Group who are looking establish a future plan for the village and community. Work on the Neighbourhood Plan has already  shown there is both a need and a desire for a community centre and it is hope that once complete, it will provide a a great deal of evidential support for a permanent and custom built centre.

Martyn Wady

Chairman of the Trustees

Update and Progress

So here is a quick update on the progress we have made regarding the hub as it has been a while since the last post.

April 2017

The first AGM meeting was held at the village hall to establish an organisation that will oversee the establishment and running of Riseley Children’s Centre and Community Hub.  During the meeting a list of members and trustees was established and the name of the project was agreed as Riseley Children’s Centre & Community Hub.

The aims, purpose and objectives were also agreed during the meeting. We also decided that although the Trustees will oversee the running of the Hub, we would love to see more community members involved. There were lots of younger members of our community at the meeting many of who now make up the team of 12 trustees.

May 2017

During the first trustee’s meeting in May,  there was discussion about the potential site of the Hub and how soon we could get it up and running on the proposed site.

We have discussed having a stall at the village show in September so we can connect with the villagers and the wider community and spread the word and hopefully we will get more people coming forward to be involved in the project.

The roles of the trustees were also established during the meeting, together with a list of future roles that will be needed once the Hub is up and running.  The Hub will eventually have its own website but in the mean time all updates and information will be posted on the blog, the Riseley Village pages on Facebook and Riseley Newsletter.

June 2017

During the June trustees meeting the targeting of  the Riseley Lower school site as a potential location for the Hub was discussed. It will be empty once the Lower school moves to its new site at the other end of the village. Everyone agrees that the Lower School will be a fantastic venue for community groups to meet.  Martyn has been in discussions with the Diocese about acquiring the property as the Diocese are looking to sell the school site. Discussions are taking place about initially renting the property to get the Hub up and running with the long term plan of making it a permanent home.

We are also on target for getting the charity status established by July.  We are looking to make contact with Community Voluntary Service in Bedford to help look into funding,  in addition to investigating other options available to us.

If you run a local group in the community and would be interested in finding out more information about holding your group at the Hub please contact either Thurma on thurmacohen@btinternet.com or Tracey Thomas on ttmthomas@aol.com

One of our young trustees put forward some logo ideas that look great, we just have to decide which one we will use!

This is a worthwhile project that is looking to include everyone in the community so we would love you to be involved. If would like to become a helper or if you want more information about the project and its aims, please get in touch with either myself at karinabird@icloud.com or Martyn on Martyn.wady@btconnect.com

 

 

March

The project is really moving along, with more people getting involved and offering to help. A possible location has been identified and discussions are being held to see if it is “feasible” We’ll keep you posted. We have also discovered that Riseley is still eligible for Big Lottery funding for the project, which is great news so We are looking into what we need to get this.

 

Plans are also being made to establish a registered charity for the project and We hope to have this up and running within the next few months.

 

We still could do with more people to get involved with the project as “Many hands make light work” and We will need a whole range of different skills to see this project through, so please CONTACT US if you would like to help out.

27.01.2016

The Parish Council meeting are still very much behind the project and, with your help, are keen to drive it forward.

We have arranged for a strategy meeting on Thursday 4th February 8pm to go over where we are and decide some actions. The plan is to decide a number of small research, investigation or information targets taken on by individuals and reported back to the group in a months time. The idea is that small actions are individually achievable but together will achieve bigger results. If you want to attend and help out that would be great. Let us know and we’ll give you the details.

Setting Up A Youth Forum

We’ve recently been advised that it’s a good idea to establish a Youth Forum to help drive the project forward, so this is what we are doing.  The idea is to establish a group of young people from the village of different age groups and social backgrounds who will provide both a real voice to the campaign and some valuable, practical help.

Details of the role of the Youth Forum group are to be finalised, but it will definitely include attending meetings and carrying out some simple research.  Of course the children’s safety is paramount so parents and youth leaders will be included in communications and involved in events.

We will be asking children’s group leaders to put forward suggested youngsters, but if you are a young person that wants to get involved or if you know someone that would be good for the project, please let us know.

News and Updates

Meeting – February 2016

The Parish Council meeting are still very much behind the project and, with your help, are keen to drive it forward.

We have arranged for a strategy meeting on Thursday 4th February 8pm to go over where we are and decide some actions. The plan is to decide a number of small research, investigation or information targets taken on by individuals and reported back to the group in a months time. The idea is that small actions are individually achievable but together will achieve bigger results. If you want to attend and help out that would be great. Let us know and we’ll give you the details.

 

Youth Forum – November 2015

During October and November we have been in contact with a number of organisations for help and advice. These have included BRCC (Beds Rural Communities Charity, Bedford Youth Services and a great organisation call TACTIC which loads of experience in providing children’s and youth services.  One key suggestion has been to establish a Youth Forum to give the project a voice from the very people the project is looking to involve.  We’re hoping to have this set up by mid December.

Blog Site Launched – September 2015
A key issue raised at the August meeting was the lack of communication and information on the project. Therefore it was decided to set up a blog site where people could see what’s happening and (hopefully) get involved. September also saw the first of what will be regular feature on the project published in the newsletter.

Village Meeting – August 2015
A village meeting was held to formally present the project to the village. While there were only around 20 attendees, the view on the project was positive and lots of valid questions and points were made. It was mad clear that at present the project aims solely to cater for children and young people, but that a consultation was needed with residents before the primary brief could be changed.

Big Lottery Fund – July 2015
Further correspondence with the BLF revealed that the project would have a greater chance of success if in also catered to other needy elements of the community such as the elderly, disabled, unemployed etc. This was discussed at Parish Council and it was agreed that a village consultation was needed to ascertain what residents needed and what the community would need to provide in the future

CVS Bedford June 2015
Following a meeting with the CVS in Bedford they have kindly put together a really valuable list of possible funders. This will be really useful in sourcing monies for the project

Parish Council June 2015
Following the election of the new council members, the Parish Council has reiterated their support for the project

Big Lottery Fund – May 2015
A meeting was held with a representative from the Big Lottery Fund who was pleased to let us know that we would qualify to apply for a number of lottery funds. One of which is a fund for capital investment in buildings of up to £400k. We were advised on the information required in an application and advised on how best to collate it.

Local Meetings – March 2015
During February and March the project was formally presented to key stakeholders in the village (groups or associations that will use or need to consulted in the project). After presenting to the Village Hall Committee, All Saints PCC and the Lower School and Maggie B Governors, we were pleased to announce that there was no opposition to the project and all felt that it was a positive action for the long-term benefit of the project.

Presentation to the RPC –November 2014
The project was formally presented to the Riseley Parish Council who unanimously voted to take on the project for the benefit of the community. So while the project still has (and needs) the help of residents, the RPC will oversee taking the project forward.

Draft Proposal – September 2014
During August and September 2014 the detail of the project were fleshed out with the principle aims and goals established. These were formatted into a draft proposal and a presentation document.

The project begins! – July 2014
Following the conversations by like-minded residents who understood the current need for better provision for young people a meeting was held in which the current and future needs were discussed. Appreciating how the future growth in population of both children and older people will put a further strain on already stretched amenities, a decision was made to establish a formal project.