For the latest information about the Association take a look at our Facebook page: @Alderbrook community association
The Association was officially launched in February 2008 following on from a survey carried out the previous Autumn by Wealden District Council (WDC). The survey showed that residents wanted more say in their community and with the help of David Gibson - WDC Tenant Involvement Officer a committee was formed. In addition to the support of WDC, the committee have been aided by local and county councillors, Sussex Police, Crowborough Town Council and St Richard's Church. The committee feel they have made a noticeable difference. We are the voice of the community - let us know your views and we will do our utmost to make them heard.
Our achievements so far include:
Arranged Clear Up Days around the estate.
Arranged for rubbish and bulky items to be collected from residents homes. Members of the Association worked with WDC and together we filled 4 skips, a grabber lorry and 2 large trucks! Wealden District Council provided manpower and payment for the skips which enabled residents who may not be able to get to local refuse sites with a valuable service.
Taken children to Woodland Adventures using the Sussex Police Property Fund Grant as part of a team building exercise.
Had 2 Summer Fun Days getting bouncy castles, face painting etc on Adam Field, kindly sponsored by a local resident and a local company.
Set up Youth Football Training, winning a match against Hailsham Community Association.
Organised day trips for older residents to Batemans, Paradise Park, Christmas Shopping Trips.
Arranged day trips to Druisillas, Bowling and Our Space for younger members and their carers from the community.
Been awarded an “Awards for All” Lottery grant application of £9,701. This helped to pay for more outings for ALL age groups, family theme park day trip to Thorpe Park as well as Christmas Parties 2008 & 2009, Summer 2009 Play Schemes and helped with the cost of running Youth Clubs.
Residents enjoyed a trip to see the Pantomime Aladdin at The Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells at Christmas 2008. 2009 Pantomime was Jack & The Beanstalk at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, again paid for out of the Lottery Grant.
Met with Town Council Representatives to put forward a case for improving the Adam Field Play Park in 2009. At the meeting in November 2008 it was agreed that £53,000 would be set aside for a Multi-Court, footpaths etc. This work has started with a Multi Use Games Area being dug first.
Made a successful application for a grant of £250 from Crowborough Town Council which will go towards our insurance and printing costs.
Successfully obtained a Government Play Initiative Grant for £30,000 – to provide zip wire, swings, tyre swing amd rope climbing tower for the Play Park in addition to @ £32,000 from Orbit Housing Group towards the Toddler Play Park.
Set up a weekly Youth Club at the Football Club on Wednesdays run by a member of Clued Up – this salary was paid for from the Lottery Grant.
Held 2 Christmas Parties, one for ages 7 and under at St Richard’s Hall and one for age 8 and over at the Football Club. Again, these were funded by the Lottery Grant.
Got waste bins re-instated around the estate.
Created improved parking in Stone Cross cul-de-sac and are currently consulting with residents at Aldervale to improve their parking.
Requested fencing be replaced around the estate – this is ongoing.
Suggested improved lighting for car parks.
Fought to have the pathways improved – reclaiming up to 2.5 foot of width in some areas!
Set up Estate Walkabouts. Members from WDC Housing, local Councillors, PCSO’s and members of the Association tour the Estate looking for any problems that may need rectifying. They can then contact the relevant authority for improvement. Residents are welcome to attend the walkabout or submit requests for any problems they feel need to be dealt with.
Produced newsletters for every home delivered by ourselves.
Pushed for the Play Bus to visit the park area. Worked with Forest Fold to provide activities for local children.
Receive grants from Wealden District Council for running costs and assistance from Orbit Housing Association.
Members also attended meetings of WRAG – Wealden Residents Action Group – this is an umbrella group which works on behalf of all the Community Associations that have been set up.
We have worked in conjunction with WDC, Sussex Police, Crowborough Town Council and ESCC to develop and produce a Neighbourhood Agreement.
Improved relations between relevant authorities who have all been very supportive of the group.
Members have attended training courses covering subjects as Child Protection, Fund Raising, Working with Young People, Food Hygiene.
We have our own Child Protection Policy and we carry out Risk assessments for trips we undertake.
We are working with the support of St Richard’s Church supported by the Diocese of Chichester who kindly pay for the CRB checks we need in order to work with children.
Involved the local Courier Newspaper in order to inform residents of events and activities we are arranging – their help has been greatly received.
Developed H.E.L.P – Help Elderly & Lonely People – with members of the Youth club carrying out small jobs for residents during the half term break. Members also assist with grass cutting using our “Community Lawn Mower!” as required.
Submitted a successful Heart of The Community Application to the Courier – we have gardening equipment which can be borrowed or we can help with jobs you may not be able to do.
Set up a Kickboxing Club in conjunction with a local teacher – weekly sessions are now being held which are at present being subsidised from our Lottery Grant.
Arranged a Family Fun Day which was very well attended, making a profit of over £300.
The Association covers all residents living in: Adam Close, Alderbrook Close, Alderbrook Path, Alderbrook Way, Aldervale Cottages, 1-58 Stonecross Road and Walshes’ Cottages. |