Report
to BROOMWOOD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
23 June 2003
by
Vincent
Walsh, community development worker
Thank
you again for allowing me to attend your meeting. I note that my apologies were
recorded in the May minutes but the names of the 11 residents who did attend
were not recorded – their presence is more important than my absence!
I
have continued to work in partnership
with a number of groups and agencies…..
1)
First Steps Parent and Toddler Group
The
group has expanded from one morning to three with the encouragement of Ann Wood
as Broomwood is baby booming. I have facilitated the group to become constituted
and open a bank account. This will enable them to access more funds. I am
working with Sue Pullan in applying to the Local Network Fund for a grant to buy
a Toddler Gym.
2.
Health Walkers
Trafford South Primary Care Trust Health Visitors Ruth Speight, Sue Long and I were trained as Health Walk Leaders in preparation for Broomwood being pioneering Trail Blazers. Trafford Council officers Ian Trickett and Lindsey Howard have been supportive. Mary Eastwood and the Friends of Brooks Drive have been ever keen. The Over 50s help with refreshments.
On 16 May over forty people aged from 2 to 82 braved pouring rain to take part in the first Health Walk in Trafford. Ann Wood was our saviour, offering to host the launch at the last moment when the Youth Centre roof sprung a leak.
MP Graham Brady rushed back from Westminster to join us, his ample frame protected by a giant umbrella. The Walks will continue monthly – the next one is on Wednesday 25 June at 11 am from the Youth Centre. All are welcome.
We would like to include Fairywell Wood but there are obstacles. I am liasing with Jean Greer, Council Rights of Way Officer to improve access to this beautiful area. In the autumn Broomwood intends to host Walk Leader training for volunteers from throughout the Borough.
3.
Broomwood Bikers
National Bike Week has come and gone – did anyone notice? In Trafford it had a low profile – Town Hall staff were enticed to cycle to work with a free breakfast.
It is rumoured that Ann Wood will abandon her new car for the day and lead her staff on a ride to work??!! Earlier in the term the School invited Bike Right to deliver Cycle Skills training to the Y5s and an After School Bike Club. It is important to build on this enthusiasm.
In Britain the decline in cycling is mirrored by the rise in childhood obesity. The health benefits of cycling far outweigh any perceived dangers.
Our
evaluation meeting with Ann Wood, Denise Latham, Tina Huxley, and trainer Chris
supported a Cycle Fest in September, based around the Youth Centre – perhaps
to coincide with official opening of the Pitches. I will contact all the parents
of pupils who participated in the School cycling to set up a steering group to
organise the event. Other volunteers - cyclists or not - are welcome.
4.
Community Café
The
Over 50s
are loyal users of the Youth Centre and are keen for the building to be used by
other community groups. Towards this end the kitchen has been equipped with a
new cooker, microwave, fridge freezer and dishwasher. The council has hinted it
will match this commitment with a major refurbishment. Subject to Council
approval, A Healthy Eating Cook and Taste Course will be offered in September
led by Monica Bannister who is well known for her work at the School.
I
led a fact-finding visit to Sale West which has launched Sunshine
Café
open weekdays 11 00 – 15 00 hours
(hot
food 12 00 – 14 00 hours)
Pop
across to Sale West and grab a healthy lunch.
5.
Five
a Day
The
Maritime Housing
Association
has a small but significant presence on Broomwood.
Ruth
Speight and I are meeting their development officer Peta Stephens tomorrow (24
June) to explore expanding the local opportunities to buy fresh fruit and veg.
I will survey the health walkers and Over 50s to assess the interest. If
we generate greater demand for fresh produce the existing Briarfield Road shops
may respond by increasing their stocks and range.
The
gym remains open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10 to 12 noon.
Instructor Gina Jones is available. Users are asked to pay a fee of £2 per
session. At Green Lane High School you pay £4.50 If the community shows
sustained interest opening times could expand. I am negotiating with senior
council officers but need the support of community users.
I am working in the middle of a building site. Has Broomwood bid for the 2008 Olympic Games?! Trafford Council is spending much money on the Youth Centre: new electrics, alarms, ventilation, roof, windows, (toilets and showers?).
Outside, the pitches and play area will be ready by early-mid August. A small group including Irwell Alley Housing Association, Trafford Youth Service and Sports Development are planning the official launch. It may have to wait until September – perhaps to coincide with the Cycle Fest.
The
community can have a vital role in managing and sustaining this important
resource - particularly at weekends.
I understand the Council would welcome this opportunity for partnership.
Also
it fits neatly with clause 2 of the Community Association’s
Constitutional Objects:
2
b) establish or secure the establishment of a Community Resource Centre and to
maintain and manage the same in furtherance of these objects (the benefit of the
inhabitants of Broomwood Estate).”
8.
Altrincham Festival 2003 (Saturday 5 July)
I am supporting Broomwood’s float in
the Altrincham Festival.
Vincent
Walsh
Telephone:
0161 980 0696 (Youth Centre), Mobile 07729 875687
e-mail: vincent@vcatrafford.org