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Bid to improve travel options for visitors to national parks
Bid to improve travel options for visitors to national parks
16/05/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire County Council, the New Forest National Park and South Downs National Park, together with the neighbouring highways authorities of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Wiltshire are awaiting keenly the Government announcement on a bid submitted for funding to reduce the impact of traffic on the national parks.
The announcement from Government is expected soon. The bid is for £3.9 million and, if successful, with allow the authorities to focus on:
- Improving key public transport gateways into the two National Parks;
- Making it easy to reach key attractions within the two National Parks;
- Promoting sustainable travel packages to visitors before they arrive and while they are in the National Parks;
- Managing traffic effectively with the Parks, so that is does not detract from the visitors’ experience.
This would be achieved with a combination of minor infrastructure improvements together with the promotion of public transport, walking and cycling.
Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work closely with the National Park Authorities to put together this bid for Government funding. If we are successful, we will have a good opportunity to establish a number of initiatives with the potential to reduce the impact of traffic and transport on these unique areas of the countryside, famous for their outstanding natural beauty.”
Keith Mans, joint Lead Member for Transport at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: "This is a once-in-a-generation funding opportunity to benefit sustainable transport in the New Forest National Park. We are very much hoping for a positive outcome when the Department for Transport makes its announcement in due course.”
Allison Thorpe, who leads on Sustainable Transport Policy for the South Downs National Park said: "We know that transport can be a challenge in parts of the South Downs National Park where congestion, traffic noise and poor air quality can affect people's enjoyment and threaten vulnerable sites. This funding would help us to encourage and enable visitors and residents to make more sustainable travel choices."
The outcome is expected to be announced this month(May 2012).
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Diana Leahy, Press Officer Tel: 01962 847666 Email: diana.leahy@hants.gov.uk
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Consultation to start on Hook Transport Improvements
Consultation to start on Hook transport improvements
15/05/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire County Council is giving residents the opportunity to comment on cycling and walking improvements proposed for Hook.
The proposals aim to improve the community’s ability to walk and cycle to key facilities in Hook, particularly those travelling along the A30 and to Hook village centre.
Executive Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Mel Kendal said “We would like to hear the views of as many people as possible, on the cycling and walking improvement proposals for Hook. The public consultation will give Hook’s residents the opportunity to comment on the improvement proposals and help us to develop the proposed schemes further to ensure they really benefit the local community.”
Among the proposed improvements ...
The proposed improvements include a shared use cycle and pedestrian path along the southern side of the A30 from Holt Lane to Hartlett’s Park, crossing improvements in the village centre and at Griffin Way/A30 roundabout and an improved cycle and pedestrian route between Hook rail station, Holt Lane and Hook Business Park. In addition, the consultation will also seek views on the option to develop a cycle route between Hook and Hartley Wintney.
Where can you view the proposals?
Plans of the improvement proposals will be available to view online at www.consultations.hants.gov.uk and at Hook Parish Council offices from 21 May 2012 until 3 June 2012. A comments form will also be available for residents to provide feedback on the proposals.
The walking and cycling improvement proposals, which are funded entirely by developer contributions, have been developed in liaison with Hook Parish Council and local district and county councillors.
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Diana Leahy, Press Officer Tel: 01962 847666 Email: diana.leahy@hants.gov.uk
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Adult Learning award winners: Small steps to big change
Adult Learning award winners: Small steps to big change
15/05/2012 12:00:00
Two adult learners in Hampshire are celebrating Adult Learners’ Week in the best way possible by picking up awards in recognition of their learning achievements.
Michelle Bratt, 32, attended a number of adult learning opportunities run by Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Learning tutors at Pilands Wood Community Centre and supported by the Council’s Windmill Children’s Centre.
She will pick up her award for the South-East regional Adult Learner at the National Institute of Adult Continuing in Education (NIACE) annual awards in London on Thursday, May 17 - but she is not the only winner. Adela Woodford from Eastleigh will also be collecting a Learn/Progress/Succeed award at the ceremony.
The pair, along with other adult learners are hoping their experiences will encourage others to return to learning and are helping the County Council to raise the profile of Adult Learning to mark Adult Learners Week (12 – 18 May).
Wide range of courses
All are examples of Hampshire Learning’s ethos which is that small steps can lead to big change. Hampshire Learning supports a variety of courses at a wide range of venues including schools, children’s centres, community centres and through voluntary organisations. Among the courses supported by Hampshire Learning are family learning projects in schools and children’s centres which get parents learning with their children so they can support their children’s education as well as improve their own skills and develop their own knowledge. The team also works in partnership with other organisations to run courses for the unemployed aimed at getting them back into work.
Hampshire County Council supported over 18,000 adults from across the county to access adult and community learning programmes last year, investing over £1.75m in provision, and working in partnership with over 50 community providers.
Michelle: Pathway to learning
For Michelle it was art sessions at Windmill Children’s Centre which set her on her learning curve and she hasn’t looked back. Michelle was lacking in confidence, the result of depression and some troubled times as a single mum bringing up two children on her own.
The art sessions led to more learning and Michelle, mum to Lucy, 7 and Charlie, 5, achieved the equivalent of grade C GCSE in Maths and English. She also started to become more involved in the children’s centre. As a volunteer she helped it deliver stay and play art activity sessions, able to put parents and children quickly at ease as a result of her own learning experiences. She also became secretary of the Children’s Centre Parents’ Forum and helped run a Sunday school group as well as a monthly messy play evening. Michelle also supported other mums struggling with the demands of parenthood.
In the citation for the NIACE award Lin Howard, a children’s centre support teacher at Windmill Children’s Centre, said; “Michelle wants to become a Teaching and Learning Support Assistant in a school however, she could become a teacher as she is able to teach in an intuitive way. She is also one of the most caring and unselfish people I have ever known.”
Michelle said: “I couldn’t have achieved all this without the support of staff at the Children’s Centre and my Hampshire Learning tutors. It has been the best two years of my life. I thought I was no good at anything and through the encouragement of the staff I realised I could achieve things. It has been fantastic. In a year I have gone from shy and quiet to out there and involved. It has given me a real opening to want to go on and learn to improve my future.”
Michelle hopes to start a college course in September so that she can work with children as a teaching assistant. She also said the adult learning helped her support her children’s learning. “I think it has helped my eldest daughter’s confidence too, “ said Michelle."She has seen her mummy learn and she knows she can do it too.”
Adela: Learning together
Learning together with her daughters was also key for Adela from Eastleigh. She left school with few qualifications. She joined the family literacy group at Cherbourg School where her eldest daughter Megan is a pupil and attended initially so she could help her children with their own learning but soon gained confidence and got the desire to learn for herself.
Adela attended Family Numeracy course and other shorter family learning courses at the school and now has a clutch of certificates for her hard work. Courses Adela has completed include: learning together about Children’s rights; Keeping up with children – KS1 and KS ICT and Learning in the family- using craft in family learning. “Every time I finish a course, collect a certificate or pass an exam I think now let’s do some more,” she said. “Although helping the children is still important to me it’s become more and more about improving my own skills,” said Adela.
Adela recently overcame her nerves of speaking in public to champion the family learning courses at a meeting for new parents at the school giving an inspiring talk about the skills and confidence she had gained as a result of attending the courses. “I’d recommend the courses to anyone,” said Adela. “The support I have had from people like Mary Boardman, the Family Learning tutor at Cherbourg, has been fantastic and it’s really opened up my mind to learning.”
Like Michelle, Adela also decided she wanted to give something back having benefited from the courses at the school. She decided to put herself forward as a parent governor and was appointed. She is also treasurer of the local pre-school parent committee. She is now taking another step into learning having enrolled on a computer course at the local college.
Julie Greer, Headteacher of Cherbourg School explains why the school is committed to a programme of Family Learning: “Adela’s enthusiasm for learning is now passed on to her children who in turn are making great progress and getting the most out of school.”
Freda: Inspiring others
Another adult learner who has benefited from Hampshire Learning’s Adult Learning and is supporting others in the community is Freda Keeping from Bransgore. Freda is a settled traveller who has done a variety of courses including Strengthening Families & Strengthening Communities, ICT, Numeracy and Literacy courses and Healthy Eating and is now playing a significant role motivating other people in her community – settled travellers living in the New Forest – to join adult learning programmes. Through a positive can-do attitude she has inspired others to learn, helping with practical issues which may be barriers to participation such as helping them find transport to classes and helping with homework.
“I left school with no qualifications at all,” said Freda who now volunteers for Forest Bus a charity which delivers services and support to rural communities in the New Forest. “I wanted to be able to help my daughter now she is at secondary school as learning has changed so much and the classes really helped, I would encourage anyone who wants to brush up on the skills to come forward and find out more. It’s important to improve your basic skills. This can help with daily life such as shopping and managing household budgets. Plus there’s a social aspect – you can get together with other adults and because the bus has a crèche the children can play while you learn. It’s not just for mums – dads are welcome too!”
The 'Big Society' in Action
Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead member for Children’s Services said: “Learning is not just for children – it’s something all of us can continue to do throughout our lives. I congratulate Michelle and Adela on their awards. They and Freda are all fine examples of how continuing learning has double benefits. Benefits for the adults themselves as it opens up new opportunities for them and benefits for their children who are learning from their parents’ learning and develop an enthusiasm for learning themselves. In these three examples it is also bringing benefits to the wider community as all three adult learners are giving something back to their communities as a result of their learning. This really is the best of the Big Society in action.”
For more information about adult learning courses in your area visit the Hampshire Learning website at: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-learning.htm
or call 0845 603 5638
ENDS
For more information and case studies please see: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-learning/hl-providers/success.htm and http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-learning/hl-video.htm
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Claire Sheret, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847368 Email: claire.sheret@hants.gov.uk
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Appeal to drivers to show respect to school crossing patrols
Appeal to drivers to show respect to school crossing patrols
15/05/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire Constabulary is supporting Hampshire County Council in its bid to reduce incidents of verbal abuse directed at the Council’s School Crossing Patrol men and women by road users.
In recent months, there has been a number of incidents involving drivers speaking aggressively to, and swearing at, lollipop men and women while they are carrying out their duty to ensure children and adults get across the road safely.
Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at the County Council said: “It’s appalling to hear reports of verbal abuse in any situation but particularly so when those targeted are members of staff doing their job in helping to keep people safe as they walk to and from school.
“Thankfully the majority of drivers are courteous and stop when requested but there are those who seem to think it is acceptable to take out their frustrations on the County Council’s staff and worse still, through their inconsiderate actions, these drivers are potentially putting young lives at risk.
“This behaviour is unacceptable and we are appealing to all road users who find themselves in a hurry and frustrated by busy rush hour traffic to be patient and remain calm. Failing to stop when requested, or losing your patience and abusing a County Council employee, could lead to prosecution. ”
Drivers are legally obliged to obey signals and signs used by School Crossing Patrols (Road Traffic Act 1988, section 35). Drivers who are prosecuted could face a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.
Inspector Jon Snook, from Hampshire Constabulary, commented: "School crossing patrols provide an invaluable service escorting children across busy roads to school safely. For these men and women to be abused, intimidated or assaulted in this manner, and in front of young children, is simply unacceptable.
"We will not tolerate any incidents of aggression and intimidation, especially when the victim is simply trying to do their job.
"The police will deal with all such offences involving school crossing patrols and anyone assaulting patrols could be arrested and placed before the court ."
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Diana Leahy, Press Officer Tel: 01962 847666 Email: diana.leahy@hants.gov.uk
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Adult Learning in north Hampshire: Small steps to big changes
Adult Learning in north Hampshire: Small steps to big changes
15/05/2012 12:00:00
Adult and family learning courses have been a life-changer for Dotty Beardsall from Farnborough.
She is one of several enthusiastic adult learners who are sharing their experiences to help Hampshire County Council raise the profile of Adult Learning this week to mark Adult Learners Week (12 – 18 May) and encourage other adults to take part in courses.
Dotty attended courses run or funded by Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Learning team and they have had a big impact on her life.
“I moved to Farnborough after some difficult personal times and I didn’t know anyone,” said Dotty. “When I first moved here I was frightened to leave the house. Then I went to Owls Children’s Centre and they said they had courses I could do and that has made such a difference.
“Doing the different courses has helped my confidence, just knowing that I am capable of doing things has made me want to do more with my life and through the centre and the courses I have made lots of new friends.”
Supporting children's learning
Dotty who is mum to three children, Charles, 15, Heather, 13 and three-year old Sophia-Sara said it has also helped her children’s learning. “They can see me learning while they are which I think helps them too, said Dotty. “One of the courses I did was on creating Story Sacks – where you take a book and create other things like puppets you can use with it to get your children interested in reading the book. It makes learning fun and encourages children to read the book.”
Dotty has taken part in a range of courses through Owls Children’s Centre including Play and Language, First Steps work preparation, Family IT, Learning about Working with Children, Positive Parenting and a variety of craft courses. They have helped boost her self esteem and confidence and she now volunteers as a Buddy mentoring new parents at the centre.
Dotty wants to progress through other levels of the Working With Children course so she can get a job working with children or train to be a children’s nurse. “In the past I thought about returning to learning but didn’t seem to get round to it. This time I did and I’m hoping it will open up other opportunities for me. I would definitely encourage others to find out more about adult and family learning courses in their area.”
Hampshire Learning supports a variety of courses at a wide range of venues including schools, children’s centres, community centres and through voluntary organisations. Among the courses supported by Hampshire Learning are family learning projects in schools and Children’s centres which get parents learning with their children so they can support their children’s education as well as improve their own skills and develop their knowledge. They also work in partnership with other organisations to run courses for the unemployed aimed at getting them back into work.
Hampshire County Council supported over 18,000 adults from across the county to access adult and community learning programmes last year, investing over £1.75m in provision, and working in partnership with over 50 community providers.
Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services said: “Learning is not just for children – it’s something all of us can continue to do throughout our lives. Dotty is a fine example of how continuing learning has double benefits, benefits for the adults themselves as it opens up new opportunities for them and benefits for their children who are learning from their parents’ learning and develop an enthusiasm for learning. In this instance there are also benefits to the wider community. Dotty is now giving something back to her community as a result of her learning which is the best of the Big Society in action.”
For more information about adult learning courses in your area visit the Hampshire Learning website at: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-learning.htm
or call 0845 603 5638
ENDS
For more information and case studies please see: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-learning/hl-providers/success.htm and http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-learning/hl-video.htm
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Claire Sheret, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847368 Email: claire.sheret@hants.gov.uk
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Helping Hampshire’s Village Halls Thrive
Helping Hampshire’s Village Halls Thrive
14/05/2012 12:00:00
Community associations in Hampshire are set to benefit from £16,100 thanks to grants from Hampshire County Council.
At his Decision Day (14 May 2012) Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman awarded grants to two community organisations in the current financial year.
The funding will be used to help these groups maintain their facilities, so that they can continue to support their local community and provide residents with a variety of services.
The full breakdown of grant funding is as follows –
| Bursledon Village Hall Charitable Trust, Eastleigh | £12,500 | | Monxton and Amport Village Hall Trust, Test Valley | £3,600 |
Councillor Keith Chapman, said: “Village halls are a valuable asset in every community and vital in providing an activity hub that brings together local people of all ages.
“Hampshire County Council’s contributions ensure that these organisations can continue their valuable work within the community and maintain their equipment and facilities.”
More information can be found here - http://hants.gov.uk/councilmeetings.htm
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email: Anya.Fisher@hants.gov.uk
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Awarding The Arts In Hampshire
Awarding The Arts In Hampshire
14/05/2012 12:00:00
Arts and community organisations throughout Hampshire will benefit from £26,775 thanks to grants from Hampshire County Council.
At his latest Decision Day (14 May 2012), Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman awarded grants to 25 arts activities.
The funding will contribute to a variety of organisations, from arts festivals, community events and theatre shows, to education and engagement activities.
The full breakdown of grant funding is as follows –
| New Forest | | | Lymington Arts Festival | £1,000 | | Avon Valley Concerts | £300 | | Coda Music Trust | £4,000 | | | | Petersfield | | | Petersfield Musical Festival | £850 | | Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre | £3,000 | | | | Southampton | | | Romsey Beggars Fair | £500 | | Romsey Community Lantern Project | £850 | | Romsey Choral Society | £375 | | Asian Welfare and Cultural Association | £500 | | National Trust – Mottisfont | £4,000 | | | | North Hampshire | | | British Filipino Association of Basingstoke | £500 | | Creative Arts Ltd | £500 | | Yateley School | £1,000 | | Test Valley Arts Foundation | £1,500 | | | | Portsmouth | | | Gosport Voluntary Action | £1,000 | | St Francis Special School | £1,500 | | | | Winchester | | | Hampshire Dance | £500 | | Theatre Royal Winchester | £250 | | Winchester & District Mencap – Blue Apple Theatre | £2,000 | | Theatre Royal Winchester | £400 | | The Story Lounge | £250 | | | | Hampshire wide | | | Hat Fair Ltd | £2,000 | | | | TOTAL | £26,775 |
Councillor Keith Chapman, said: “Hampshire County Council is pleased to be supporting creativity and artistic activity throughout the county. These grants contribute to running events and activities that contribute cultural benefits to local communities as well as increasing tourism within Hampshire.”
More information on the grants can be found here – http://hants.gov.uk/councilmeetings.htm
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email:
Anya.Fisher@hants.gov.uk
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Public meetings: have your say on primary school provision in Winchester
Public meetings: have your say on primary school provision in Winchester 10/05/2012 12:00:00 As part of the consultation into the provision of additional primary school provision in Winchester Hampshire County Council is holding a series of public meetings and drop-in sessions over the next couple of weeks.
The open meetings start at 7:30 pm and will be held on:
• Tuesday 15 May in the Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UG.
The drop-in sessions, at which officers will be present to explain the proposals and answer any questions people may have will be as follows:
Hampshire County Council Offices, Sussex Street, Winchester:
• Wednesday 16 May - 9.00 am to 12.30 pm
• Tuesday 22 May - 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
People are welcome to attend any of the above meetings.
In addition to these separate consultation meetings are being offered for staff and governors of Winchester schools.
The County Council is currently consulting on two options for creating additional primary school places to meet increasing demand up to 2016. Housing development beyond 2016 may require provision of a separate new primary school. Should a Barton Farm planning application come forward and be approved it would include a new primary school to meet demand from the development.
The two options currently being consulted on to meet increasing demand up to 2016 are:
•A potential site at The Westgate School which would accommodate a two-form entry primary phase turning the school into a school for pupils aged 4-16. This would involve the redevelopment of the Rotherly House site on the school campus.
•The provision of additional primary places in Winchester by expanding existing schools – All Saints, Harestock, Western, Winnall and St Peter’s schools have already agreed to increase their Year R admissions in September 2012 and 2013 through the provision of temporary classrooms in most cases. This option would continue the expansion of these schools over the five years 2014 -2019 until they had a full Year R to Year 6 provision and permanent accommodation would be provided where appropriate.
The County Council is also open to any other options which may emerge as a result of the consultations. This September a total of 74 additional year R places will be provided across the city. The consultation is to identify a more long-term solution as in keeping with many areas around the country Winchester is experiencing an increase in demand for primary school places.
Commenting Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “Increased migration into the area, housing development, the impact of parental preference and rising birth rates have all led to an increase in demand for school places.
“Further planned housing development in the city means the number of primary school pupils is predicted to continue to increase. We have identified two options which could provide a long-term solution to meet the increased demand and are very keen to hear people’s views. I hope people will take the opportunity to attend these meetings and drop-in sessions and I want them to know that as well as the two options under consultation we will consider any other viable options which are supported by all parties whose co-operation would be required."
The consultation documents are available online at www.hants.gov.uk/winchesterprimaryplaces and the closing date to return your comments is Friday 15 June. Hard copies of the document are available on request by calling 01962 846350.
A report on the consultation and the next steps will be considered by Cllr Perry in July.
ENDS
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre
For media enquiries please contact:
Claire Sheret, Senior Press Officer
Tel: 01962 847368
Email: claire.sheret@hants.gov.uk
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Stanmore Library – Residents Asked To Give Their Views
Stanmore Library – Residents Asked To Give Their Views
08/05/2012 12:00:00
Residents in Stanmore are being offered the opportunity to have their say on plans around the future of Stanmore library at an Open Day event being held on Thursday 17 May 2012.
Last autumn Hampshire County Council’s Library Service announced its proposals to reduce opening hours at many of Hampshire’s libraries in order to make savings of £450,000 in 2012/13 in response to budget cuts as a result of lower levels of Government funding.
At the same time, a review was carried out of Hampshire’s smallest libraries, one of which is Stanmore library. Assessed against a range of criteria, Stanmore was found to be the least well-used library in Hampshire with an average of 106 borrowers per month. It costs around £36,000 a year to run – a cost to the Library Service of around £15 per visit.
Book issues from Stanmore library have also dropped by almost 50% over the last five years - more than any other library in Hampshire. Only 3% of people who live in Stanmore actually borrow from the library and it is within two miles of the Winchester Discovery Centre.
Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman said: "While we recognise that Stanmore library is much-loved by the customers who do use it, it is not viable for the Library Service to continue to run the current library, and if we cannot agree arrangements to transfer the running of Stanmore library to a local group by June 2012, then it is likely to close in September 2012.
“As part of our efforts to try and find local groups and organisations who might be interested in taking over full responsibility for running Stanmore library with support from the Library Service, we have held talks with Winchester City Council and The Carroll Centre in Stanmore about the possibility of moving the library into The Carroll Centre. The City Council has recently commissioned architects to explore ways of making better use of the Carroll building, including creating space for a new library service.”
Councillor Chapman added: “The Carroll Centre already offers many activities including free public IT access, a children's centre,an after school club and evening youth club, it may therefore have the capacity to do more, including creating space for a community library. We would therefore be very keen to hear the views of local residents on these new design ideas and overall proposals, which could see us working more closely with the Centre in future.”
Residents attending the Open Day event at The Carroll Centre in Somers Close on Thursday 17 May will be able to view the proposed designs and discuss them with the architects from 11.00am to 2.00pm and 5.00pm to 7.00 pm.
The plans will also be on display at Stanmore library from 17 May 2012 and there will be the opportunity for members of the public to leave comments there.
For more information about The Carroll Centre visit http://www.thecarrollcentre.org/Home1.htm
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Suzie Southgate, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847367 Email: Suzie.Southgate@hants.gov.uk
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Transforming Greatham Village Stores
Transforming Greatham Village Stores
04/05/2012 12:00:00
The Greatham Village stores has been transformed thanks to a grant of £9,565 from a Hampshire County Council run initiative.
The shop owner applied for funding from the Village Community Grants scheme, which is administered by Hampshire County Council, to secure funds to make improvements to the shop that would help increase footfall and its long term viability.
Pictured left to right are: Jock Trodden, Owner of Greatham Village Stores, Doris Voice, Manager, and Councillor, Ray Ellis, Executive Member for Economic Development and Rural Affairs.
Grant has help fund improvements to shop frontage
The grant was awarded to help fund improvements to the frontage of the shop to attract passing trade and display fresh produce. In order to encourage use of the new cafe in the shop the money was also for an outside seating area and a new extractor fan.
Councillor Ray Ellis, Executive Member for Economic Development and Rural Affairs at Hampshire County Council, said: “Village shops are important for the preservation of village communities. The aim of the Community Village Grant Scheme is to revitalise village shops and make them more sustainable and viable in the long term".
“The changes at Greatham Village Stores alongside the opening of the Post Office counter will increase the services and products available at the store and create a customer friendly environment. Hopefully these improvements will see the customer base increase.”
Village Community Grant Scheme offers funding of up to £20,000
The Village Community Grant Scheme offers funding of up to £20,000 to help increase the use of village shops or to create new community-led village stores, particularly in communities that are losing their post offices. A total of 24 grants have now been awarded to villages across Hampshire since the scheme was launched in 2008.
For more information about the Village Community Grant Scheme, contact Anne Harrison at Hampshire County Council on 01962 846558, Joanna Dixon at Community Action Hampshire on 01962 854971 or Steven Lugg from the Hampshire Association of Local Councils on 02380 263438.
Scheme aimed at villages with fewer than 5000 residents
The Village Community Grant Scheme is targeted primarily at villages with fewer than 5,000 residents, with applications welcome from community associations, village shop associations, parish or district councils and formal voluntary associations. Private businesses can also apply if they have the written support of their parish council.
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Kirsty Gunner, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847110 Email: kirsty.gunner@hants.gov.uk
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Hampshire hits the right note to become a music hub
Hampshire hits the right note to become a music hub
04/05/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire County Council’s acclaimed Hampshire Music Service is to be lead partner in a new Hampshire Music Hub following an announcement by the Arts Council England today, Friday, 4 May.
The move is part of the Government’s re-organisation of music education across the country. As lead partner Hampshire Music Service will head a partnership comprising of Hampshire schools and colleges, local arts venues including the Anvil in Basingstoke, the Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton and other regional arts centres as well as a range of music charities and organisations. The University of Winchester, Winchester College and Winchester Cathedral will also contribute to the work of the hub.
Influential champion backs Hampshire
The Hampshire Music Hub has the backing of famed composer and leading impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber who has agreed to be its champion, a role similar to that of a Patron in a charitable organisation. Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I have been impressed for many years by the talented youngsters that Hampshire produces. As a Hampshire resident, I am delighted to have been asked to be the Hub Champion!"
The Hampshire Hub will come into effect from 1 September 2012 and will be one of a network of innovative music education hubs around the country delivering music education to children and young people. Linking with professional musicians Hampshire Music Hub, in partnership with arts venues and concert halls, will not only provide children with access to high quality musical education but also to a range of opportunities to participate in large scale, high profile performing arts events. The hub will also provide development opportunities and training for school staff in a bid to widen participation in the arts.
Hampshire Music Service will continue to provide its nationally acclaimed Listen2Me whole class teaching programme offering primary aged children the opportunity to learn a range of musical instruments and take part in vocal training. The programme helped the Music Service attract accolades from the National Music Council and the federation of Music Services.
The Music Service will also continue its work providing free tuition to vulnerable children including children in care. As part of its role as lead partner Hampshire Music Service will also enable schools to develop musical education through workshops, play days and cluster work to offer enhanced musical opportunities to children and young people.
Recognition of high quality music provision
Commenting on the news Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services said: "I am delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the high quality of music making produced by Hampshire County Council's Music Service and am very proud that this outstanding department has the exciting opportunity to be the Lead Partner in Hampshire's Music Education Hub. Equally exciting is news the hub has the backing of Lord Lloyd Webber – there can surely be no better champion to have for music in Hampshire.
“The ongoing success of partnerships within the Hub will ensure that many thousands of our pupils will have the chance to participate in a wide range of excellent musical performances. I look forward to hearing them."
ENDS
Hampshire Music Service provides a comprehensive music education service for all young people in Hampshire. Its work includes:
•A wide range of out-of-school and after-school activities and services including Double Reed Centres, Holiday Clubs, Community Drum Clubs, Mini-V strings introduction, Specialist Tuition, School-based and Holiday Drum Clubs, and Instrument Hire
•Instrumental and vocal teaching in over 400 Hampshire schools and colleges
•55,000 students learning to sing and play
•Primary, secondary and special school curriculum provision and advice
•Whole-class instrumental and vocal teaching in 250 primary schools
•Professional development for music teachers
•70 bands, orchestras and choirs
•Hampshire Award Scheme for gifted and talented pupils
•Work in education centres, children’s centres and residential centres
•World music workshops
Last November Hampshire Music Service was awarded the National Music Council’s merit award in recognition of its excellent music provision. It was the seventh time the service has won the award in recent years.
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Claire Sheret, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847368 Email: claire.sheret@hants.gov.uk
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