Trent Road

Georgina Morgan-Denn
7 September 2023

News

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Youth Summer Programme with BEST – Be A Better You

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Youth Summer Programme with BEST – Be A Better You https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-3.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 7 September 2023 7 September 2023

“Such a fantastic time was had by all children of this year’s youth Summer Programme, and what a better way to end it than with a delicious Domino’s pizza!”.

During the summer holidays, the Parish Council funded weekly enrichment sessions with its regular partner and charity, BEST – Be A Better You. This is the Council’s third year of working with BEST who provide engaging and exciting youth activities during the school holidays. The Council is delighted to report that this year has seen a consistently high number of attendees to each session and each one reportedly had a thoroughly good time.

During the sessions the group was split into two and involved activities such as improving football skills, ball control, coordination and confidence, boxing, Jab, Jab, Run (Duck, Duck, Goose) to full on football matches. Each child got involved and greatly improved during the programme.

The final session was held at the Parish Council’s open space at Trent Road Playing field where local Domino’s Pizza at Taw Hill generously provided discounted pizzas as a special treat for all the hard work the young people put in over the summer.

Neil Tustin, FA Football Coach and BEST Youth Mentor had this to say about the programme:

“All children need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them. That’s exactly what we do here at BEST- Be A Better You. Especially through football – this summer programme at Haydon Wick has been so rewarding, watching everyone smile and laugh.”

Craig Hiscock, Operations Manager at BEST – Be A Better You said:

“I just wanted to say thank you for another successful summer program of activities. The records show that we had 179 children attend the sessions and all enjoyed the activities that you fund. Haydon Wick Parish are always our most attended sessions, and every single child enjoys them so much. We sincerely value the work we do with you and are very much looking forward to October half term.”

Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of Community Development Committee had this to say about our Summer Programme:

“It is fantastic to hear even more children have taken part in this year’s BEST summer programme and it is great to have received such positive feedback from both parents and the young people who have attended. We are very fortunate to have been able to partner with BEST again and we look forward to welcoming them back in October when they will be running a similar half term programme.”

The Parish Council has already confirmed the next enrichment programme with BEST due to take place during the October half-term. To find out more and to book on to the sessions follow our socials or visit our website. Never miss an update by keeping up to date with all the latest Haydon Wick Parish Council news and events by subscribing to our monthly email bulletin. To do this visit: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

Georgina Morgan-Denn
15 August 2023

News

Haydon Wick – Trent Road Play Area Refurbishment

Haydon Wick – Trent Road Play Area Refurbishment https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/12_90051-Iss1-Haydon-Wick-PC-Trent-RD-PA-2-scaled.jpg 2560 1600 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 15 August 2023 15 August 2023

“The Parish Council works closely with accessible play area charities and school pupils to ensure accessible play has been incorporated into the fifth play area in the parish since 2020”.

An important strategic purpose in the Council’s Community Led Plan is to make play areas accessible for all. In this financial year the Council allocated £70,000.00 for the refurbishment and enhancement of Trent Road Play Area, in Greenmeadow, Haydon Wick.

The Council sets aside budget each year to maintain the 23 play areas in the parish to a high standard for all the community to enjoy. Last year saw enhancements to Luna Close Play Area in Oakhurst, Gaynor Close Play Area in Abbey Meads, and the wet pour safety resurfacing of Voyager Drive Play Area. The Council is passionate about eventually making all its 23 play areas accessible for all. It works closely with accessible play area charities and school pupils to ensure accessible play has been incorporated into the fifth play area in the parish since 2020.

The specification for Trent Road Play Areas was to tailor the needs of children with various disabilities including the provision of a basket swing, an accessible roundabout and numerous play panels. As much of the existing equipment at Trent Road Play Area was in a repairable and reasonable condition, the play area received an enhancement instead of a full refurbishment. Therefore, the specification was for a few new pieces of equipment and a cosmetic enhancement. Benjamin’s Smile, Mums on a Mission, and Greenmeadow Primary School were all tasked with reviewing the tender bids received from various play area design companies. They did this during a school lesson on raising awareness of disabilities and how small adjustments to everyday life can make a huge difference to those living with disabilities and their families. Greenmeadow Primary School also confirmed they are considering a fundraising activity to sponsor more equipment in the autumn.

During the review process pupils of Greenmeadow Primary school gave some heartwarming comments which really highlight the importance of accessible play for all. “I could go on the roundabout with my sister who is in a wheelchair”. “That seesaw design is brilliant if you aren’t able to move like me”. “Some people can’t hear like us, so having sign language for us to learn is really cool”. “I love how colourful the play area is”.

Four tender bids were received from leading play design companies and scrutinised by the Council’s Play Area Working Party before a recommendation was presented to Full Council in July.

Wicksteed Leisure Limited won the tender for its innovative designs, utilising the budget giving maximum play value within the space due for enhancement and the provision of several accessible friendly panels. All members of the Council agreed that the design was very eye catching, captured over and above the original wish list and for a very competitive price. Benjamin’s Smile, Mums on a Mission and Greenmeadow Primary School were all very impressed with the winning design for Trent Road Play Area.

The Parish Council will be protecting its new asset with the installation of CCTV to ensure that the equipment is looked after well for years to come and to ensure that individuals and families using the play areas feel safe.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee said:

“I am really pleased to report that we have been able to refresh Trent Road Play Area this year. I will look forward to seeing the Play Area open with its new look very soon. I’d like to thank the local charities for their help with feeding back on the designs and for the pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School for giving the thumbs up on the current designs and giving us plenty of ideas for future play area developments. Wicksteed Leisure was the supplier of the current play area equipment, which has served its purpose for the last 30 years with minimal repairs and maintenance. The current equipment will continue to be used and be repainted to match the freshness of the upcoming refurbishment. The Council’s focus has been making sure there is something for everyone with refreshed equipment that can meet most accessibility requirements, so that these can be enjoyed for generations to come. It is anticipated that the refurbishment will be completed by the late summer/early autumn and will be opened by pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School”. This refurbishment together with having grass roots football club, AFC Haydon Vale, also at the site will really put Trent Road on the map for innovative play, sport and leisure activities”.

To find out the exact date of the play area opening please keep an eye on the Parish Council’s social media pages for more updates.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
2 August 2023

News

Football at Trent Road

Football at Trent Road https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/football.webp 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 2 August 2023 2 August 2023

Statement from the Parish Council Chairman & Chief Officer

The Parish Council is currently in contractual negotiations with AFC Haydon Vale as the lease renewal terms were not agreeable to both parties. Throughout these negotiations the Parish Council and the Football Club have maintained good communications and have tried to arrive at a workable solution which balances the needs of the community alongside the continuation of grass roots football at Trent Road. At no stage has there been a suggestion to stop playing football at Trent Road.

The Council is committed to developing football in the parish with an initial £3,000 grant to the Football Club in June 2022 and subsequent favourable rental terms, both of which enabled the club to establish itself at Trent Road. The initial rental rate was introductory to assist the Club in their first year with a commitment to review annually. Comparative rates at local pitches are much higher.

The ongoing use at Trent Road will be discussed and finalised at Tuesday night’s Parks & Open spaces Committee. Surrounding households will be informed of the Council’s decision on Wednesday providing all residents with a point of contact for any feedback.

The Parish Council actively supports grass roots football and activities for younger people and it is a priority in the Council’s strategy and community-led plan. The Council is keen to provide more investment but must balance the needs of all the community across the parish.