village green autumn 2014

Quarterly news from the Community Council of Devon

Issue 137 Autumn 2014

Feature: Neighbourhood

Planning Empowering Communities

In this issue:• War Memorial Grants Proving their Worth• Rural Housing Award Nominees• Calling All Enterprising Women

Our Services Community Buildings Community Engagement Community Enterprise Community Planning Consultancy Fuel Poverty Health in association with Healthwatch Devon Local Food Parish Council Support in association

with Devon Association of Local Councils

Playing Fields

Poverty and Disadvantage

Rural Housing in association with the

Devon Rural Housing Partnership Rural Services Rural Training Venue Hire

Membership: We welcome new members, whether you are an individual or organisation working within Devon or simply wish to support the work of the Community Council. For details of our membership scheme please visit the website: http://www.devonrcc.org.uk/c/27/membership.

Advertise to our readers: Village Green circulates 3000 copies every quarter and has over 11,000 readers in organisations and communities throughout Devon. If you would like to advertise in Village Green please contact Grant Harrison at: Zara Media & Design, 14 Kingfisher Court, Venny Bridge, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8JN. Tel: 01392 201227. Email: [email protected]

“Community Council of Devon’s vision is of dynamic communities shaping their own futures”.

Contact Details:Telephone: 01392 248919 Email: [email protected]

www.devonrcc.org.ukPostal Address: Community Council of Devon, First Floor, 3 & 4 Cranmere Court, Lustleigh Close, Matford Business Park, Exeter EX2 8PW

President: Eric Dancer, CBE, JPChairman: David BakerChief Executive: Elaine Cook

Registered Charity No: 1074047

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Village Green is printed by Kingfisher Print and Design Ltd, Totnes. Telephone: 01803 867087. The contents of Village Green do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or the Community Council of Devon.

Cover Image: New affordable housing at Little Bewdon, Holne. Homes developed for & managed by Hastoe Group.

We want you to contribute to Village GreenWe welcome all contributions to Village Green but regret that we cannot guarantee publication and we reserve the right to edit for reasons of space or style.

1-5 Community Council of Devon NewsFrom the Chief Exec’s Desk

Chillington Village Hall is reborn

12 new affordable dwellings for Colyton

War memorial restoration grants proving their worth

Interest free loans up to £2k

Community-led homes for rural Broadhempston

Parish council takes a strong lead at St Giles on the Heath

What next for the Rural Housing Team?

6-11 FeaturesNeighbourhood planning empowering communities

Creating change in Devon - Catalyst

2014 Rural Futures Conference - Rural Renaissance

Rural Housing Award Nominees

Enterprising communties taking positive action

12-15 Updates & Information Calling All Enterprising Women

Healthwatch Devon - Coming soon...

Community Council of Devon Memberships

Events Calendar

16 NoticeboardDevon County Show 2014

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Contents

From the Chief Exec’s deskDevelopment is always a controversial issue within rural communities. In this Autumn issue we are able to report on how Neighbourhood Planning is empowering communities (page 6). We are witnessing how, for the first time, Neighbourhood Plans are giving local communities a voice. You are deciding what you would like to develop your community, from village owned shops and even pubs. (turn to page 10 to read Littlehempston’s story)

We have had a great year actively engaging with a large number of community groups working on their development plans. Our staff has really built on their expertise in this area and have benefited from their work within the community. Greg, our Operations Director, has spent a year exploring key issues being faced and delivering Neighbourhood Planning training across the region. If you are thinking about a Neighbourhood Plan or require information about any aspect of Neighbourhood Planning our Catalyst team would like to talk to you.

It has been a great summer with the Community Council of Devon attending a number of shows in the region. In particular, the day I spent manning the Devon County Show provided quite a story (see page 16). I welcomed the opportunity to listen to members and the community as we discussed the issues you are facing with buildings, shops and broadband. It was great to hear the ways in which the Community Council of Devon has been helping you. I was delighted to respond to requests for help and guidance and it was important to be seen as the ‘grass roots’ organisation that we are.

It is a busy time for the Community Council of Devon as we plan and look forward to our 2014 Rural Futures Conference. If you haven’t booked please do so today (more details on page 8). We have also been out and about with the Women’s Led Enterprise. We have been working with women entrepreneurs for years and now this programme provides a great opportunity to run a series of workshops and ‘The Main Event’ for women, planned on the 11th November. (see page 12 for more information)

We look forward to seeing you and one of our many events in the region this Autumn.

Elaine CookChief Executive

Community Council of Devon – Village Green1

Community Council of Devon News

Chillington Village Hall is reborn

Sovereign Housing Association are building 12 affordable houses and fl ats on a rural exception site at the edge of Colyton, East Devon.

The site is located adjacent to Sovereign’s existing housing and has been designed to meet a need identifi ed in a Housing Needs Survey carried out in 2012.

The units will all be let at ‘affordable rents’. The scheme also comprises open space, which includes outdoor gym equipment, which will be available for use by existing and new residents.

The scheme is currently on site, and units are due to be completed by Spring 2015. The scheme has been partly funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, and has proceeded with the support of East Devon District Council.

12 new affordable dwellings for Colyton

In 1990 the Chillington Community Association was getting excited about the arrival of a Devon Lady – a redundant “prefab” offi ce from South Hams District Council. This was intended to be a temporary arrangement but it managed to make itself useful until the end of Summer 2013.

After years of planning and funding for the new hall, including attending a Community Council of Devon “Fund It Build It” event, we were fi nally ready to proceed and the old Devon Lady was demolished in November 2013.

Section 106 funds from recent developments in the village contributed the greater part of the hall rebuild costs. While the CCA has also raised

a considerable amount by continuous and varied fundraising events and more recently a letter drop around the whole village, inviting householders to support this last phase of the project. We also run our own Bonus Ball club.

Once it was clear that the project was fi nally under way after years of talk of a new hall, the whole village including regular visitors here, really got behind us to help achieve our goal. We now have a venue for all to enjoy and we are hugely grateful to all those who have supported us throughout this project.

We will be ready to open our doors by the beginning of September and will look forward to welcoming back our regular groups who have been accommodated at

Frogmore Hall for the past year. We are confi dent that new groups will be keen to come to Chillington from the surrounding villages.

In addition to our sparkling new hall we also now have a marvellous new play area. The equipment was funded in part by Section 106 money from the 2 local housing developments plus a grant from the South Devon Local Action Group.

Although there were those around who laughed when we said we were going to build this for £150,000, this is exactly what we HAVE done. Goes to show that with a brilliant project management team one can achieve great things!

All enquiries for hiring the hall should be directed to Chris Hyson on 01548 580902 or [email protected] Anne Boxwell is our fundraising co-ordinator so if you have any ideas for future events, please give her a call on 01548 580085



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War memorial restoration grants proving their worth

Interest free loans up to £2k Small loans are available from the Community Council of Devon Interest free loans of up to £2,000 are available under the Rural Initiatives Loan Fund. Who is eligible to apply? Community groups, village hall committees, sports clubs, playgroups, parish councils and local voluntary organisations throughout Devon can apply. Applications should show the support of the parish council and must be non-commercial. Applications by individuals will not be considered.

The ‘Dartmoor Communities Fund’ of £38,000 is available to community groups and parish/town councils within the West Devon and South Hams areas of the Dartmoor. This fund will support community based projects.

What type of projects can be funded? Both schemes have a simple and fl exible application process. Loans will be considered if projects benefi t people living in rural Devon, enhance the quality of rural life, show evidence of need and local co-operation. Projects should aim to show how local people can co-operate to enhance the quality of life for those living in the rural areas of Devon. Loans are available for both capital and revenue costs. To fi nd out more and apply for a loan contact David Kinross on [email protected] or 01392 248919

The Devon Remembers War Memorial restoration grant scheme has had two rounds now. In total over 30 grants have been given out, and we are now seeing the striking effects of the work that has been carried out as a result.

Many applications were to restore the stone cross type memorial, and the picture of the memorial at Instow below shows just how smart this kind of memorial can look following restoration work.

The community at Instow will be gathering around their memorial to commemorate the outbreak of World War 1 and remember those who left from their parish and never returned.Other memorials are more unusual.

The clock tower at Shaldon was built by public subscription to commemorate those from the community who fell in WW1. It is wonderful to see such a valued community feature looking so smart as a result of the help the grant fund could give.

Some memorials now feature work designed locally and put in place through voluntary labour, such as the memorial at South Milton.

There is still time to apply for a grant – the next round closes on 30th September.

If you have a war memorial of any kind which remembers those who fell in WW1 (it can also commemorate later wars) then you can download the application forms and notes from the Community Council of Devon’s website. www.devonrcc.org.uk/news/article/345/grants-available-to-restore-world-war-one-memorials

Shaldon War Memorial

The grant will be up to £3000, and can represent 75% of the cost of the refurbishment (so applicants need to contribute 25% of the cost of the project).If you have any queries do get in touch with Lesley Smith at the Community Council – [email protected]

Community Council of Devon – Village Green 3


Community-led homes for rural Broadhempston

Mike Hanrahan, Teign Housing’s chief executive said:

“We really enjoy being part of development projects like this. Working closely with communities to provide homes that meet the specific needs of a town or village is what we are all about.

By setting up and working with Community Land Trusts, we can ensure that the investment will remain in the village. Developments like this not only provide affordable housing, but also help maintain the local economy and sustainability of an area.”

Simon Sutcliffe, Chair of Broadhempston Parish Council said:

“We are very pleased to have got this project going with the help of Teign Housing, the Rural Housing Enablers at the Community Council of Devon,

Teignbridge District Council and the Somerset, Devon & Dorset Community Land Trust Project. It will be of huge benefit to the Parish for years to come.”

Teign Housing’s investment in the scheme also includes levelling an area of land and improving access to the neighbouring play area. Part of the land has also been earmarked as a potential area for a new Village Hall.

A Community Land Trust is an ‘all village’ organisation. They are set up to benefit the local community and anyone living in the village can join – some charge a small membership fee of £1.

They are managed by a local committee on a voluntary basis and any income the trust makes pay for their running costs and any surpluses are re-invested to benefit the village.

Six new homes for affordable rent are starting to take shape in Broadhempston. Newton Abbot based affordable housing provider, Teign Housing, have been working with Oakley Builders and Broadhempston’s Community Land Trust and Parish Council to design and build the homes that will provide a valuable asset for the village – due for completion in November 2014.

Photograph L-R: Steve Wise site manager for Oakley Builders, Stephen Purser Teign Housing’s chair of the board, Mike Hanrahan Teign Housing’s chief executive and Simon Sutcliffe chair of Broadhempston Parish Council.



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The 2011 – 2015 Homes and Communities Agency funding programme is coming to an end with a fl urry of new affordable homes on site for completion by March 2015.

A new round of funding has now been awarded for 2015 – 2018, and we are working to support more communities to begin the process of building new affordable homes in their towns and villages.

There are new challenges to overcome in the next year with the dropping of Band E from Teignbridge’s Devon Home Choice register and similar discussions among other local authorities.

Rural Housing is also facing the threat of Section 106 agreements being removed from developments of less than 10 units. Meaning that developers would not have to provide any affordable housing on these developments. Both of these factors could have an impact on the number of affordable houses built and the ability of communities to house local people in their affordable housing developments.

Removal of Band E could also impact on the level of need fi gures, in our housing need surveys, as more households who wish to remain living locally and are on a low income will not be eligible for affordable housing.

On a more positive note, several Community Land Trusts have now been formed and the fi rst completed CLT homes in Hemyock are now occupied with CLT’s in Chagford, Christow, Upton Pyne, Membury, Beer, South Brent, Dalwood and Cheriton Bishop all at varying stages of progress in delivering affordable housing to their communities.

The concept of Self Build housing is currently part of the government’s housing strategy and is increasingly being considered by district councils as a valid affordable housing solution.

The Rural Housing Team are becoming increasingly involved in offering advice and assistance to community groups interested in exploring self-build in Devon. We will be holding further events to promote understanding and raise interest in self-build housing.

Finally, the Rural Housing Team will continue our programme to provide quality affordable homes for local people, with a large number of projects at varying stages of progress throughout the county.

We have completed bespoke consultancy projects for local authorities outside of Devon and for parish councils and housing consultants.

We hope to expand our consultancy work to provide more support and assistance wherever needed to deliver affordable housing in Devon.

What next for the rural housing team?

Parish Council take a strong lead at St Giles on the HeathThe Rural Housing Enablers carried out the fi rst housing need survey in St Giles on the Heath in 2008 when a need for 8 affordable homes was identifi ed. Since that time the village has undertaken an extensive site fi nding exercise involving a community vote, carried out another housing survey and held a number of community consultation and awareness events.

Numerous barriers have been overcome along the way all with the strong support and hard work of the Parish Council and especially of the chair Ken Hamlyn (who has been nominated for a Devon Rural Housing award by Southwestern Housing Society).

8 affordable homes are currently on site and the Parish Council is now working closely with Torridge District Council and the housing association to ensure that local people are aware of the opportunity to apply for these homes once they are completed.

Photograph: Site under construction, supplied by Norman Rourke Pryme

An annual review detailing projects between 2013 and 2014 has been produced and is available now.

This document celebrates exceptional achievement and lists those homes which have been completed with support from the Rural Housing Enablers Team. For your copy please call 01392 248919 or email [email protected].

Delivering Rural Housing Together



6

Government call for less bureaucracyIn August, the Government issued a consultation paper on the technical regulations around Neighbourhood Planning (and other Planning issues).

This consultation puts forward a range of proposals to build upon improvements to the planning system the Government feels it has already made.

The production of a Neighbourhood Plan can be a very lengthy process, partly due to the requirements placed on Local Planning Authorities and also to in-build minimum consultation requirements in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.

The Community Council currently advise communities to anticipate that the development of a Neighbourhood Plan could take 18 months to 2 years.

In this consultation paper, the Government recommends that Local Authorities remove unnecessary delays in designating Neighbourhood Areas by setting a maximum response time of 70 days for Local Planning Authorities to advice of their decision.

They also suggest removing the statutory 6 weeks formal pre-submission consultation period. It is hoped that these measures and other changes the Government are considering, will speed up the whole process.

To see the full consultation document please visit -www.gov.uk/government/consultations/technical-consultation-on-planning

Exminster Parish Celebrate

Congratulations to Exminster Parish Council who have announced the publication of the consultation draft of their Neighbourhood Development Plan.

This was a journey that started in 2011 when the Parish Council approached the Community Council of Devon for advice and support with a Community Plan. Following the publication of the Exminster Community Plan in 2012 the Parish Council then turned their attention to developing a Neighbourhood Plan. The Community Council was able to provide some support during the early stages of the process thanks to funding through the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE)/ National Association of Local Councils (NALC) national programme. Exminster then applied for, and were successful, in obtaining support from Locality to take the project forward. One particular local concern was about parking in the village centre. In 2013 Exminster Parish Council engaged the Community Council’s Catalyst consultancy service to undertake a parking survey.

Now this month, August 2014, we are delighted to hear of the progress Exminster have made with the publication of a draft Neighbourhood Development Plan. It is a process that requires the Parish Council, community organisations and the local people to be fully engaged with the consultation and determined to address the important local issues. It is apparent that the committee have continued to work hard over the past year to develop the shared vision of their neighbourhood. We wish Exminster every success in negotiating the next two stages of the process, Independent Examination and a local Referendum before the Neighbourhood Development Plan can be ‘adopted’ and we eagerly await news of the results.

Congratulations to Exminster Parish Council who have announced the

Neighbourhood planning empowering communties

Features


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How we can help with Neighbourhood Planning? . Communication Consultation

. Unbiased Support

. Current knowledge and understanding of the Localism Act, Neighbourhood Planning Regulations and National Planning Policy Framework

. Where necessary we will engage the support of specialist planners in order to address specifi c issues

. Close links with authorities and specialists

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Who is Catalyst?Catalyst is the in-house consultancy service provided by the

Community Council of Devon. Our customers can be confi dent that

they are drawing upon the experience and good standing that our 50

year track record as a professional charity and leading specialist in

rural and community development has given us.

T: 01392 248919 *170 E: [email protected]

Find out more

Book today for the 2014 Rural Futures Conference and meet the Team at ‘The Village’.

For an initial, no-commitment discussion about your requirements please contact the Catalyst team on :

Blackdown Hills engaging parishes

Catalyst has been involved with several parishes within the Blackdown Hills, supporting their Neighbourhood Plans.

This project has enabled residents across seven parishes to date to express their opinions on the local issues which can be addressed within a Neighbourhood Plan.

Questionnaires have been circulated throughout the participating parishes, with Catalyst and the Neighbourhood Plan steering group for each parish working together to gauge local perception of the need for future development of footpaths, cycleways, tourism, infrastructure, housing, broadband/mobile services.

The results of the survey will produce a substantial body of evidence in support of each parish’s Neighbourhood Plan.

Features


7

On the Soap BoxWe have a range of vibrant speakers on the issues that are important to rural communities. These are the speakers that are confirmed at the time of writing, but check our website for the

latest up to date information.

Speaker: Peter Couchman, CEx, Plunkett Foundation

Keynote address: The Right To Try – returning power to

communities. Speaker: Janice Banks, CEx, Action with Communities in Rural

England

Theme: The Hub of Opportunity - A new era for community

buildings.

Speaker: Carolyn Sims, Head of Banking, Charity Bank

Theme: When The Grants Funds Are Empty – Alternative funding for

community initiatives.

Speaker: John Smith, Head of Services for Communities, DCC

Theme: One Year on……the changes

Speaker: Matt Evans CEx, Active Devon

Theme: Fit For The Challenge –Healthy communities are active

communities.

The Village Come along and visit the Community Council of Devon team at ‘The Village’ and find out about the services, advice and support we can offer you, including:Community Development, Community Buildings, Rural Housing, Community Engagement, Sport & Play, Devon Oil Collective, Healthwatch Devon, Community Enterprise, Local Councils, our

Catalyst consultancy and venue hire.

The Market PlaceNeed equipment, furniture, building services, green heating, general supplies, safety equipment, sport & play resources, insurance, finance? You’ll find it in the Market Place.

We will have a range of businesses & organisations demonstrating & trading their goods and services, so it’s a good place to find out what’s available, get the information you need to make those important decisions & some keen prices!

‘The Chamber’ NEW for 2014!This year we are having an open forum ‘The Chamber’ where you can ask questions of our panel of rural and community specialists and you will have a chance to express your opinions.

So, whether its devolving powers, funding, health in rural communities, development or whatever else you want to test current thinking on, then this is your chance.

Book your place now by calling 01392 248919 or book online at http://devonrcc.org.uk/c/116/rural-renaissance


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The 2014 Rural Housing Awards will be presented at the CCD Rural Futures Conference on 25th September to celebrate the best in rural affordable housing. There are two awards this year, Outstanding Community Contribution and Best Rural Development.

The first category recognises the contribution of any individual or group of people within a community who have been an inspiration in working towards affordable housing for local people.

The second category is awarded to the developer of the best rural scheme completed in Devon by April 2014 and is judged on the standard of design, sympathy with the local vernacular and level of engagement with the local community.

Rural Housing Award Nominees

Photo: Whimple - Spectrum Housing Group and Whimple Parish Council.

This year’s nominations are:-

Outstanding Community ContributionBradworthy Community Land Trust Corry Valley Community Land Trust, Dalwood Whimple Parish Council Ken Hamlyn, Chairman of St Giles on the Heath Parish Council Geoff Pook, Beer Community Land Trust – Geoff is a District Councillor and has been instrumental in the seting up for Beer Community Land Trust.

Best Rural DevelopmentColdstream Gardens, Merton Parkfield, Thurlestone – South Devon Rural Housing Association Lapford – South Western Housing Society Sages Lea, Woodbury, Cornerstone Housing Society. Heberton Close, Whimple, Spectrum Housing Association

The Rural Housing Team would like to congratulate all of the nominees in both categories, who have all been instrumental in working in partnership to bring good quality affordable housing to their communities. The very fact that they have achieved so much makes them all winners in our eyes.

Book your place now by calling 01392 248919 or book online at http://devonrcc.org.uk/c/116/rural-renaissance

Features


Enterprising communities taking positive action

It is proving to be a very positive year for many of the community groups across rural Devon who are working to keep vital local services alive.

These are exciting times for the emerging community ownership movement across rural Devon.

Some highlights of the year so far include the community of Littlehempston saving their local pub – the Tally Ho Inn which re-opened for business on 26th of April, and the community of Holne finally securing ownership of their local shop and tea room.

In these times where local retail continues to face the pressure of supermarket dominance, shopping deliveries, as well as the disappearance of local pubs at an alarming rate, Devon’s communities continue to buck this trend of market failure by responding in this way. In fact Devon’s communities are leaders in this field and represent around 10% of the total number of community owned shops across England.

The FutureMany new projects are underway and we watch this space eagerly for developments on:

ShebbearIn the early stages of formation, the Devil Stone Action Group’s aim is to save their local pub, “The Devil Stone Inn”. The business has been on the market for quite some time but the local community do not want to see it close and are working on a plan to preserve this well loved pub which is an integral part of the local community. The progress has been rapid and their first public meeting filled the village hall and local people informally pledged a significant sum of money towards this venture.

KennerleighKennerleigh and District Stores Ltd formed a few months ago in a bid to secure ownership of the village shop as the current owner is retiring and intending to sell the business.

The group plan to raise the money they need by selling shares to the local community through a ‘communty share offer’ which launched at the beginning of August and is scheduled to close on the 30th September. Group members have been encouraged by pledges from the community for around £30,000. This has boosted confidence, spurring them on towards the formal stage of the Community Share offer process.

The group are running various fundraising events and applying for grants to ensure that they have the funds in place to give the shop the best possible start under the anticipated new community ownership.

SupportIf your community is facing a challenge like this, a community shop or pub that is failing and your community wants to save it, Community Council of Devon have advisers who can help you.

Please call our Social Enterprise Advisers on 01392 248919 *171 or email: [email protected]


Features

Manton Hallmark awards Calling All Enterprising WomenA new support package is underway for ‘Women Led Enterprises’ across rural Devon and Somerset* who are keen to get together in groups to make useful business connections, share skills and experience, and gain mutual support.

The fi rst part of this programme is called the ‘Appetizer Roadshow’ and the Devon leg of this has begun with a series of events led by the Community Council of Devon. So far there have been 2 events: 1 in Moretonhampstead and 1 in Totnes, and there are others planned for Honiton, Okehampton, Great Torrington and Ivybridge in the coming weeks.

Initial feedback has been extremely positive one attendee said “I really enjoyed meeting so many amazing women in a similar stage to myself”.

Plans are being developed for similar activities in Somerset which will led by ‘The Fruit Tree for Business’. On the back of these events the various groups are being supported to access a wide range of business support designed to meet their needs.

Later in the year on November 11th a much bigger event is planned which aims to bring together women from both counties to learn, network and celebrate together. This event will include a range of workshops focusing on specifi c business skills, open space sessions, inspiring speakers and much more.

For more information, to register interest or to book places, visit the Community Council of Devon’s Website (specifi cally for the Devon events and The Main Event): www.devonrcc.org.uk/c/117/women-led-enterprise-programme-2014-15

For more information on the Somerset part of the project contact Debbie - [email protected]

All of this support forms part of a wider programme known as ‘Heart of The South West Business Support’ visit -www.business-supportsw.com

*Women Led Enterprises are businesses owned or run (in the majority) by women. Some businesses in large urban areas may not be eligible.

Date for your Diary

The Main Event

11th November 2014

Cullompton

Register your interest now...

Appetizer Roadshow

• Honiton - 26th August 2014• Okehampton - 2nd September 2014• Ivybridge - 11th September 2014• Great Torrington - 18th September 2014

For more information call 01392 248919

‘Thank you for an interesting and informative evening and the food was good as well!’Fiona, Moretonhampstead

‘I did like both your open clear energy and the generosity and caring that came across.’ Carmella, Totnes Business Women Group


Features

Healthwatch DevonComing soon... There are big changes sweeping through Devon’s health and care services right now.

Just in the last few months, we have heard of:

• Plans for closure of Devon County Council care homes and day centres• Troubles with patient transport services • Ambitious plans to transform community services, including community hospitals

Your views...All of these changes will affect large numbers of local people, and we know that many are anxious about the future of the services they depend on. But some are reluctant to speak out, in case they get labelled as troublemakers. Others lack confi dence that their views can make any real difference.

Healthwatch Devon has been taking soundings from hundreds of Devon residents on all these issues and more. You can talk to us (anonymously if you want) and take comfort in the fact that there is strength - and safety - in numbers. We will pass on your views to managers of local health and care services - again, making sure that no-one is personally identifi ed unless they want to be.

The good news...

The really good news is that those managers do listen.

One example is that the NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (the body responsible for rethinking the delivery of community health services) has welcomed our recommendations on how to involve more people in planning the future of things like community hospitals.

They have accepted the need to change some of their own thinking, and asked Healthwatch Devon to help bring more people - and opinions - into the debate.

Speak out...You can join in and speak out on any health or care service that matters to you. If it matters to you, it matters to us!

Contact Healthwatch Devon

T: 0800 520 0640 E: [email protected] www.healthwatchdevon.co.uk Twitter: @HwDevon Facebook: facebook.com/healthwatchdevon

• Honiton - 26th August 2014• Okehampton - 2nd September 2014• Ivybridge - 11th September 2014• Great Torrington - 18th September 2014

Do you want

to makea difference

interested in

Volunteering?For more information about volunteering with us:Call : Caroline Lee on 01392 248919 ext *115Email : [email protected] : www.healthwatchdevon.co.uk/volunteer

help us to encourage othersto speak out on health and

social care servicesin Devon


Updates and Information

Community Council of Devon Memberships

This year we have restructured our membership offer.

The Membership rate for organisations remains the same at £50. We have terminated the Associate Member rate and introduced a full membership fee for individuals and small organisations of £24.

(Small organisations are those with an income below £5,000, based on your last annual accounts.)

Members will have also received the new updated quarterly e-Bulletin with detailed information and opportunities for community buildings and playing fields.

To ensure you continue to receive the e-Bulletin and the wide range of benefits please renew your membership.

Application forms can be found on the Community Council of Devon website: www.devonrcc.org.uk/c/27/membership

September 25th - Rural Futures Conference

Exeter Racecourse

For more information contact Martin Rich

[email protected]

October 13th - Mid Devon Community Building Network

Sandford Village Hall

Contact local Community Buildings Champion,

Roger Wilkins - [email protected]

15th - West Devon Community Buildings Network

7.30pm, Winkleigh Community Centre

Contact local Community Buildings Champions, Robin

and Dee Gant - [email protected]

30th - North Devon Hallshare Network

Kennford Village Hall

For more information contact local Community

Buildings Champion: Christopher Gibbs

[email protected]


Updates and information

Events Calendar

Out and about at the Devon County Show 2014This summer Community Council of Devon visited many events throughout the region, welcoming the opportunity to meet with people at the heart of our rural community. What stands out for me in particular was the day I manned our stand at the Devon County Show - it was a day to remember.

On Thursday, the day after another night of heavy rainfall, myself and Helen arrived in the car park to fi nd the only way to park was to be pushed into a parking space. Oblivious to what we might experience later that day, we paddled through the muddy fi eld in order to reach our tent.

Despite the river running through our display, we had a fantastic day meeting members and the community who we have worked with throughout the year. As I mentioned in my introduction, it was encouraging to hear about all the positive work being carried out around the rural areas of Devon and how the Community Council have been able to facilitate these community groups. For the second year coming the shop was a popular destination and we are grateful for the opportunity to share this experience.

Heading home, after a much drier day, I did not anticipate what was to come. Having reached my car, I waited patiently, along with hundreds of other visitors and exhibitors, for a tractor to pull me out of the mud. I was eventually hitched up from behind and dragged at great speed, manoeuvring past many pedestrians, parked and moving cars, before reaching solid ground. I’m sure it was more judgement than luck that we didn’t collide with anything.

I proceeded to head straight to a car wash in Marsh Barton, who insisted I went through the machine wash before even considering a hand wash.

I write this while waiting for the AA to pick me up. I wonder, 3 months later, whether my car is still suffering from the legacy of this adventure?

Seriously, the Devon Agricultural Association performed miracles under the circumstances and we had a fantastic time. Look forward to joining in again next year.

by Elaine Cook


Noticeboard

village green autumn 2014

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