'econet'          Network      News                  May 2000        

Xmas tree monies

Millennium volunteers

Meet the Friends of Blundell's Copse

Letter form the Mayor of Reading

Users of Caversham Court were invited to a meeting called by Ben Stanesby of RBC Parks Team. Users included representatives from Berkshire College of Agriculture, Berkshire Organic Gardeners, St Peter’s Church, Globe groups, Friends groups, BeC, BTCV, and Caversham Court volunteers.

Ben outlined what had happened so far and admitted that some things, such as communication, could have been better. Much is to do with reorganisation of Departments at the Civic Centre, particularly the Agenda 21 Team which is no more, but it’s members have been moved to Policy making, and Community Services. Tina’s role has yet to be defined, but her place may well be as part of the Arts & Leisure Division, Parks Section.

A decision had been made to close the Environment Centre. As to what happens next, a feasibility study of the whole site, gardens, gazebo and stables, is planned, similar to one carried out recently on Forbury Gardens.

It was pointed out that the voluntary groups were saving Reading Borough Council a great deal of money with the hours of work that they gave. Ben offered to use voluntary hours as an indicator for RBC monitoring. Concerns over an empty building were raised, and discussion as to whether there was a real need to change things that were working well.

It seems that a presence in the building until the feasibility study is complete, may be hard to organise as Tina will need to be at the heart of the Parks Team in the Civic Centre.

However, groups can be sure that nothing will change for at least 2 months and as to storage, use of facilities and meetings, 4 months notice will be given. Ben will be sending out a regular newsletter to keep everyone up-to-date.

Further meetings after the feasibility plan has been completed will be arranged. The list of ‘Users’ needs, compiled on Network Day, was supplemented.

A Useful Meeting - WATCH THIS SPACE !! Your rep will have full minutes of the meeting.

Over £1500 was taken at the sales at Caversham Court.

After taking costs of BTCV leaflet, and the costs of felling the money will be split 4 ways between the 3 groups who actually cut the trees CROW, BeC and BBONT and the Friends members who were at Caversham Court to sell them.

Details have been worked out and groups should have received their bonus.

The essence of this scheme is to change the perception of volunteering among young people and to encourage more of them to participate in activities that benefit them as well as the wider community. Unlike other schemes of this kind, the focus is on what the young people are actually interested in – hence the "subtitle"

BUILD ON WHAT YOU’RE INTO!

BTCV see this as a great opportunity to encourage a whole new group into the delights of practical conservation. To this end there will be part-time Project Officer dedicated to the programme starting in early March. As a starting point, we aim to provide some "taster" sessions for MV participants based around existing projects, either with local groups or directly organised.

What’s in it for them? Young people who complete any amount of voluntary work will receive a certificate acknowledging that work. There will also be certificates for 50, 100 and 200 hours of effort, which would be great addition to anyone’s CV. From start to finish there will be support from the MV staff, developing personal plans to make the programme as rewarding as possible for everyone involved. It may also be that volunteers work with more than one organisation amongst the many that have already offered potential placements.

What’s in it for you? Although it may sound a bit formal, there is an option for BTCV local groups to be "placement providers". To this end we will be looking at issues like Health & Safety and making sure young people will feel welcomed and supported. We are confident that groups will be well able to meet these requirements as part of their normal activities and this is a chance for you to get support from BTCV staff if you have any training or support needs.

The exciting prospect is the potential for NEW BLOOD in YOUR GROUP !

Contact Jon Woodcock at the BTCV Maidenhead office if you want to know more.

OR Contact Damian Brooks on 0118 980 7770

Or e-mail [email protected]

I am delighted that The Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields are embarking on this conservation project. As the pressure grows on our green spaces it is vitally important that they fulfill their potential in terms of a recreational resource. I believe it is also important that local people have a sense of ownership as they will bring a level on individual care that is difficult to do as a large council organisation.

Cllr. Steve Waite
Mayor of Reading

Friends of Waterloo Meadows are looking for more members and having a new leaflet produced.

Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields are using the recycled Christmas trees to surface a very muddy footpath.

Friends of Clayfield Copse have had some unhelpful publicity about dog fouling.  They are distributing literature from the dog warden to dog owners at their next work party.