Village Green Spring 2014 by Community Council of Devon

Issue 135 Spring 2014

Feature: Be prepared for flooding

Quarterly news from the Community Council of Devon helping communities help themselves

Community Council of Devon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Village Green

Contents

“Community Council of Devon’s vision is of active communities shaping their own futures with improved opportunity and quality of life for all”. 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

Cover Image: John Hales

President: Eric Dancer, CBE, JP Chairman: David Baker Chief Executive: Elaine Cook

1-5 Community Council of Devon News From the Chief Exec’s Desk The rural futures conference Do you need flexible room hire? Stronger together: Healthwatch Devon Happy birthday Devon Oil Collective Community buildings champions

6 Training and Events

Events Calendar Featured Event: Devon County Show

7-12 Features

Could you help your community be better prepared for flooding? Community grants scheme Holsworthy pavilion project Community Camera photography competition

13-14 Updates and Information Crediton winning christmas windows Hallmark: Recent Successes Rural growth network Empty homes: a partnership approach

15 Noticeboard

Invitiation for communities in West Devon and South Hams Devon Remembers

Contact Details: Telephone: 01392 248919 Email: info@devonrcc.org.uk

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

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 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: info@zaramedia.co.uk

Registered Charity No: 1074047 VAT Registration No: 942 0496 27 Company Limited by Guarantee No: 3694095 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.

We want you to contribute to Village Green We 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.

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Community Council of Devon News

From the Chief Exec’s desk By the time you are reading this edition of Village Green it may finally have stopped raining! Flooding has dominated the news headlines and no one could fail to be touched by the plight of hundreds of businesses and homes affected by floods and we spoke with the Environment agency to obtain advice on how your community can be prepared for flooding which can be read in this issue of Village Green

We are now in the final round of our Community Grants Scheme. The impact of grants paid over the last six years has been staggering with nearly £9m levered into supporting our community buildings, money that has been spent in Devon to pay builders and other contractors. My grateful thanks to Cllr John Hart who facilitated this 50th birthday present to CCD and to the grants panel- a team of CCD volunteers who has the difficult task in selecting the

projects to fund, needless to say the programme was massively oversubscribed and the quality of applications was high. Finally we are launching a new initiative – Our photography competition. Celebrating Devon’s beauty. I know there are many enthusiastic photographers amongst our readers and I look forward to being part of the judging panel.

Do you need flexible venue hire? The Community Council of Devon offers flexible spaces for meeting and training. Want a board room style layout? No problem. Or maybe you’d prefer a classroom or theatre style We can help with that too. And the best part is that the room is set up to your requirements before you arrive, so your time is spent where you need it most- focussing on your event. We can also arrange catering on your behalf. Simply tell us the numbers and pick from our menus of high quality, Devon produce. Teas and coffees can also be made available throughout the day.

A unique offer 3 different sizes of room, great for a variety of purposes Plenty of free parking in the vicinity Easy access to major road routes

The rural futures conference showing their products and we hope to see some generous ‘special offers’ for delegates.

We will be running our popular ‘Market Place’ where providers of goods and services to local communities will be

Prices per half day session (up to 4 hours), exclusive of VAT. Complimentary concierge service* Modern set up with plenty of natural daylight Free wireless internet access Free use of our Foyer, a great additional breakout space for workshops or lunches

This year we are going to expand the ‘CCD Village’, where we have our service advisors ready to help you, by inviting along many of the organisations we collaborate or share an interest with. This should provide a comprehensive source of advice and information across a wide range of community issues.

By the time we get to our annual conference in September things will be warming up for the 2015 General Election and so it will be a good time to get our Soap-box out again, to tell politicians what Devon’s communities want a future government to deliver and to see what they have to offer.

Free use of laptop, screen, projector, flipchart, paper and pens and hearing loop*

Blackdown Room £50 - £12.50ph thereafter Haldon Room £40 - £10.00ph thereafter Lundy Room £30 - £7.50ph thereafter

* Subject to availability

How can I book For more information, terms and conditions or to make a booking please contact Pauline or Claire on 01392 248919 or visit our website http://devonrcc.org.uk/c/65/venue-hire

Our new feature this year will be a ‘Question Time’ style panel , with your chance to hear and question a number of key players in shaping rural affairs.

Connecting Communities An ideal location The rooms are ideally located in Exeter, offering easy road

Put this date in your diary and watch out for the next edition of Village Green and our web site for information about our conference speakers, panel and the organisations that will be exhibiting in the Market Place and CCD Village.

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Please come and join us at Exeter Racecourse, Thursday 25th September.

access and public transport links. The Matford Business Park

For further information please please contact Martin Rich on 01392 248919

convenient access from both the A30 and M5. The Green Matford

location (which is part of the Marsh Barton Trading Estate) affords Park and Ride car park is just 5 minutes walk away (buses stop outside the building), with buses linking to and from the city

or visit our website www.devonrcc.org.uk

centre every 10 minutes.

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Community Council of Devon News

Happy 2nd birthday Devon Oil Collective!

Stronger Together Do you want to see better health and care services on Devon?

The £37,000 saving for Oil Collective members has been achieved over 1,124 individual orders totalling over 850,000 litres of oil in the last 2 years. The scheme has saved members on average 4.53 pence per litre of heating oil. For a typical order of 1,000 litres this means a saving of around £45.

Do you believe services can be improved by involving patients and the wider public? Join the consumer rights organisation that wants to put you at the heart of service design and delivery.

Greg Davies, Project Manager said: “We are aware that some individuals within Devon have paid very high prices for their oil. This is for various reasons such as the location of their property, the size of their order or simply not shopping around. By joining our scheme, members can rest assured that they will get a great price every time without the hassle of phoning several companies”.

Healthwatch Devon is the new independent consumer champion for health and social care. It is calling for people who use the NHS and local care services to speak up about the services they receive. We have heard many stories over the last year where health and care services have been failing. From patients being left in soiled sheets in Stafford to bullied care home patients in Bristol. Closer to home, the South West Ambulance Service was in the firing line shortly before Christmas over emergency response times.

The scheme is open to anyone in Devon including business and community organisations. There is a membership fee of £24 (for individuals – business and community organisations have higher rates) to join up but they are so sure that you will make this saving up over the course of the year that they pledge to refund the difference if you don’t.

Behind the headlines however, there are often many things being done well. What was missing from the South West Ambulance story were the views of patients that had used the service. Did they feel that the service was failing? Surely it is their views that matters most. Executive Director Miles Sibley said, “Most hospitals, surgeries and care homes have dedicated staff who do a fantastic job. Keeping it like that relies on patients saying what has been done well, and on the odd occasions, speaking out when they get things wrong.” “On your own, you may feel there is little you can do to get a hospital or care home to listen to you. The answer is to band together with other Healthwatch members – together we can be stronger and get the voice of service users heard.”

Membership of Healthwatch Devon Having just registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Healthwatch Devon is now able to invite you into membership. Membership is open to any individual or organisation who would like to see better health and social care services influenced by public involvement.

For more information or to apply to become a member of Healthwatch Devon, visit the website www.healthwatchdevon. co.uk/membership or call 0800 520 0640 for a membership form.

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

0800 520 0640

www.healthwatchdevon.co.uk

Devon Oil Collective celebrated its second birthday in February and was featured on BBC Television News programme ‘Spotlight’ which was broadcast across the South West on 30th January 2014 this has capped off a brilliant first 2 years for the county wide community oil buying collective. The BBC crew visited the Parish of Loxhore in North Devon and interviewed some of the members including their local coordinator Julie Moir who collates an oil order for the local group of around 20 residents. Julie explained “I hope that it will grow because its power in numbers – the more pressure we can apply to the suppliers”. BBC Consumer Affairs Expert Peter Shears gave his opinion: “I think it’s brilliant, people getting together, people saving money”. Community Council of Devon launched the Devon Oil Collective on 1st February 2012 to help tackle the rising price of oil. It forms part of the charity’s aims to tackle Fuel Poverty, which increasingly leaves residents having to choose between ‘eating and heating’. This is particularly important in a large rural county like Devon, where currently 49,000 households (10% of the population) are classified as in fuel poverty. The scheme works on the principle of buying heating oil in bulk through consolidating its members’ orders. The Collective places an order via their broker who will negotiate the best possible price on their behalf.

For more information and membership forms visit the website: http://www.devonrcc.org.uk/c/63/devon-oil-collective or call the office on 01392 248919

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Community Council of Devon News

Training & Events

Community buildings champions Link up with your nearest hall network

As you may have read in our last edition, Community Building Champions have now been selected, trained and are available to offer support near you. See the map of Devon to identify the Champion nearest to you. They will be able to offer face to face support around some of the keys issues affecting your hall and offer support and information to assist. They can currently be contacted via davidk@devonrcc.org.uk and 01392 248919 Ext *240 Over the next few months the Champions will be arranging inaugural network meetings of halls in their area, a great opportunity for trustees to meet and share ideas with others. The next meeting of the North Devon Network ‘Hallshare’ is on Thursday 10th April, at 7.00pm at Bishop’s Nympton hall. If you are interested contact the local champion Tanya Hussell t.hussell.filleigh@btinternet.com The first meeting of the Mid Devon network is on 14th May at 7.15pm is at Newton St Cyres village hall. If you’re interested contact the local champion Roger Wilkins rogerwilkins1@btinternet.com The first meeting of the East Devon network is on 10th April at 7.00pm is at Tipton St John village hall. If you are interested contact the local champions Don Mildenhall don.mildenhall@btinternet.com and Paul Kinson paul.kinson@yahoo.co.uk Dates for further events will be publicised shortly, however if you are interested in getting involved at this stage do get in contact and follow in the footsteps of halls in North Devon.

Events Calendar March 5th- Fund it, Build it South Brent Old School Centre If you are planning a capital project in your community building, avoid the common pitfalls and benefit from the experience of our community buildings team. meet support agencies, funders and other halls going through the same process.

19th- Healthwatch annual general meeting Cullompton community centre

March May

5th- Hallshare: Fund It, Build 14thMid It Devon network South Brent Old School Centre Newton St Cyres village hall

If you are planning a capital project in your community

22nd - 24thCounty Show building, avoidDevon the common pitfalls and benefit from Westpoint, Exeter the experience of our community buildings team, meet support agencies, funders and other halls going through the same process.

June

20th- Community Camera Exhibiton Phoenix Centre, Exeter

Healthwatch members only

April 10th- Hallshare: North Devon network Bishop’s Nympton hall 10th- Hallshare: East Devon network Tipton St John village hall

September 25th- The annual Rural Futures conference Exeter Racecourse In 2014, our annual Rural Futures conference will be looking at how communities can respond to reduced services from the public sector

For further information or to book on any of our training or events please visit our website: www.devonrcc.org.uk/events. Alternatively please call 01392 248919 or email info@devonrcc.org.uk. Bookings for all DALC events are through their website: www.devonalc.org.uk. Bookings for Healthwatch Devon events can be made through: www.healthwatchdevon.co.uk.

Devon County Show After our successful first appearance at the Devon County Show we are back again. This year

Hallshare - A working hall network in North Devon

we will be featuring our advisory services and will have a number of our mentors in attendance to assist you with the vast range of topics that the Community Council addresses. So, come and see us to find out the latest in community planning, get advice for your parish or town council, help in running your village hall or community building, setting up a community

Halls in North Devon have already been benefiting from a network which has been operating for over a year. The network was started by Tanya Hussell (and local Champion) from Filleigh village hall with support from the NDCVS. They have held quarterly meetings across North Devon including the following halls: Filleigh, West Buckland, Swimbridge, Burrington, and West Down Village Hall. The evening often includes one or two speakers, including the police, local authority, Community Council of Devon and CVS, and then provide time and refreshments to enable trustees to network, exchange of ideas and information and ‘Hallshare’ together.

Trustees are also given a tour of the local premises by the hosts, always an interesting learning process into how other halls operate and make the best of their facility.

enterprise, sport and play facilities, Devon Oil Collective, affordable housing, health

There is no charge for attending the meetings, all who are involved with maintaining and running local halls of any size, are very welcome, possibly bringing a plate of food.

Drop in for a brew, take the weight off your feet and pick our brains!

The next meeting of Network ‘Hallshare’ is on Thursday 10th April, 7pm at Bishop’s Nympton hall. If you are interested contact the local champion Tanya Hussell t.hussell.filleigh@btinternet.com

a community enterprise works. The shop will be providing a service to exhibitors

featured event

and social care – and if it’s not in this list – come and ask!

We are renewing our partnership with Plymtree Community Shop to showcase how and the public, supplying those essentials that you forgot to bring to the show or if you just didn’t have time to buy. It is also an opportunity to find out about how a community enterprise works. So, if you’ve lost your local store, post office or pub, this is an opportunity to find out how you could work together to provide those essential services. Come and find us in Avenue ‘A’, in front of the Bees & Honey Marquee.

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Features

Could you help your community be better prepared for flooding? Working together will help you respond quickly and efficiently in a flood. Over the last two years communities across Devon have been badly affected by the worst flooding experienced in the region since the 1960s. Communities with flood plans were better prepared to deal with the flooding than other flooded locations which did not have a plan in place. The Environment Agency want to help more communities be better prepared for flooding. Are you: active in your local community a leader of a community group working in a school, hospital or residential care home a local responder working in the voluntary sector Or: Are you simply an interested member of your community? You could help your community be better prepared for flooding with a community flood plan using guidance available from the Environment Agency. You can find the guide ‘Flooding - minimising the risks. Flood plan pack for communities and groups’ by visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk and searching for community flood plan.

What sort of things will you find in the guide The guide provides practical step by step advice to help your group: complete a bespoke flood plan understand the triggers that you would use to activate it raise awareness of the plan with your community and encourage people to follow the advice find further information on emergency preparedness and flooding understand the roles of different organisations involved in reducing flood risk Where can you get more help If you are interested in finding out more call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or contact your local Environment Agency flood resilience team at dc.flood@environment-agency.gov.uk

Three good reasons to have a community flood plan

Being prepared in an emergency can help you stay calm and avoid loss of life. Working together as a community will help you respond quickly when flooding happens. By planning in advance, you will be better equipped to recover in the long-term.

How did they put it in to action?

On 3 January 2014, the Town Council activated their flood plan due to possibility of flooding from the sea. The Town Council recognised that strong winds were about to combine with high tides and these conditions were likely to cause flooding. They contacted their network of partners and community volunteers, including Kingsbridge Fire Station and their Local Policing team, to share this advance warning during daytime hours. Local volunteers, who had been identified in the plan, monitored the high tide from a safe vantage point.

What else?

The Town Council also set their CCTV to monitor and capture the flooding. Records like this can help everyone understand flood risk better and take positive action to address the risk.

Kingsbridge: A case study Kingsbridge is a community that understands its flood risk and is prepared for flooding.

What are they at risk from?

They are at risk of flooding from the sea, as well as flash flooding from watercourses and surface water running off the town’s steep slopes.

What did they do?

Kingsbridge Town Council recognised the risk that flooding posed to their community and developed a flood plan. The aim of the plan is to clarify the quick steps community representatives and volunteers can take to keep the community safe, minimise damage and return to normality as quickly as possible if flooding happens.

How do they know when to use their plan?

A number of manhole covers lifted during the flood, creating hidden hazards under the floodwater. The team warned pedestrians not to walk through floodwater, so they could stay safe. In previous years, vehicles have made property flooding worse in Kingsbridge because they have created ‘bow waves’ when they drive through flood water. During the flooding in January, when it was clear that local roads were about to flood, the Town Council worked with their local Police Community Support Officer on the ground, to close the affected roads and plea for drivers to consider alternative routes. This reduced the chance of vehicles creating bow waves. It also meant drivers could stay safe and minimise damage to their vehicles too. Many of the businesses along Kingsbridge’s seafront had also taken action, by installing flood boards and building sandbag walls.

And the result was… Kingsbridge was better prepared for flooding; damage to the town and risk to life was minimised. Although, one business unfortunately flooded, this total could have been a lot higher if it wasn’t for individuals protecting their own properties and road closures as a result of the Town Council activating their flood plan.

The Town Council are signed up to receive our flood warnings. They also monitor weather forecasts and tide tables to help decide when it’s necessary to activate their flood plan.

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Features

Community Council of Devon News

Community Grants Scheme “Community Buildings are a lot more than just bricks and mortar. They are the backbone of many communities - enabling local people to come together, and offering new opportunities for communities to thrive and flourish.” – Biffa

And we couldn’t agree more; the community grant scheme has helped your communities achieve great things over the last 6 years with over 150 community building projects benefiting from the scheme.

These are just a few of the projects we are immensely proud to have contributed to the massive achievements these communities have brought to life.

Kenn Centre in Teignbridge was previously a small Parish hall which due to its age, condition and inaccessibility was not being used effectively and it was vital for the future wellbeing of all members of the community that a new bespoke facility should be provided that would cater for all current and future needs. After an extensive 10 year project it is now a flexible space for the pre-school, mother and tots, youth club, drama group, indoor tennis, badminton, dancing, model flying club, model racing cars, pilates, yoga and tug of war training to name but a few. South Brent Old School Community Centre is a real testament to community spirit, with residents raising over £100,000 to fund this project. In April 2012 they started a new service from the community centre ‘South Brent and District Caring’ to provide trained volunteers to help elderly, isolated and vulnerable local residents by offering befriending, practical support and affordable transport. Along with the help of the Community Grant Scheme this old school building is now the hub of South Brent forming an educational and social centre for the community. Situated between Crediton and Barnstaple, Burrington Parish hall has been the centre of the community since it was opened by The Earl of Portsmouth in 1930, as you can imagine The Hall has had many developments and changes over its history, including a disastrous

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Features

Holsworthy Pavilion project Holsworthy Stanhope Park Pavilion is an impressive building with a rich history, the Pavilion and grounds were kindly donated to the people of Holsworthy by Arthur Philip, Earl Stanhope in 1901 and since that time it has sadly fallen into disrepair. The building was of great interest to Holsworthy resident Lyndon Piper who volunteered his time to draw up plans for the Pavilion as part of the Stanhope Park Regeneration Group which had already begun work on the grounds with the addition of new play equipment for children with plans in place for further facilities including a bandstand, sports pitch, skate park and picnic tables.

fire in 1943. In its latest incarnation it provides a large hall, skittle ally, snooker room, space for the local pre-school and meeting room. With the help of the Community Grant Scheme it was able to revamp their kitchen and install a ‘Green’ self-sustaining heating system, enabling them to hold club dinners and catered events. It is truly a building Burrington can be proud of. Community buildings and services are an integral part of life in rural Devon, they help small towns and villages flourish and sustain a way of life that Devonians are proud to be a part of. At Community Council of Devon we understand the importance and strive to provide information, support and funding to allow this to continue.

Keen to do as much as he could for the project Mr Piper decided to stand for Town Council and was successful, following this he was given permission to take the Pavilion project forward separately from the regeneration project as a whole. Due to the size of the task Mr Piper held an open meeting with a view to form a work group to move the project on the next phase, this was successful and he now has a team of 20 local volunteers who share his passion for the project. During this process he realised that there was huge potential for using the building as a community hub with a focus on the many sporting activities within the town as well as an onsite

café, and decided to attend The Fund it Build It workshop which he described as ‘Superb’ The aim of Fund it, Build it, is to help people planning community building projects to avoid the common pitfalls that occur when undertaking tasks like this. It will enable you to meet support agencies, funders and other people who are going through the same process as well as giving you the benefit of the experience of our community buildings team who Mr Piper said “do great work for projects like ours on a limited County Council funded budget” The next Fund it Build it workshop will be held on 5th March 2014 at South Brent Old School Centre For further information or to book please visit our website www.devonrcc.org.uk/events or call 01392 248919

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Features

Community Camera photography competition

Are you passionate about photography and Devon life? Are your hedgerows teaming with wildlife? Is your community garden full of fabulous flowers? Does your village boast stunning vistas? Are your neighbours overflowing with community spirit?

We are looking for stunning images that fit in the following categories Wildlife Scenic Community spirit Village landmark Flora/fauna

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

A selection of images will be printed in Village Green and there are excellent prizes up for grabs which have been kindly donated by Devon businesses, including tickets to top attractions, and a fantastic photography course provided by Devon Photography Workshops Judged by Adrian Oaks author of ‘Perfect Dartmoor’ and ‘A portrait of the English Riviera’ and top local photographer Marion Eastland as well as our very own Elaine Cook. Winners will recieve their prize at an exhibition of the photographs which will be held at The Phoenix Centre in Exeter on June 20th 2014 To enter please email your images with the catagory you are entering in the subject line to competitions@devonrcc.org.uk

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Updates and information

Crediton’s winning Christmas windows The Best Dressed Shop Window in Crediton this Christmas in the competition run by “Crediton Courier” was Susan’s Florist, of 131 High Street. The judges, former Mayor of Crediton, Gillian Ponsford, former “Courier” editor Sue Read and Nemo Shaw, from the Community Council of Devon, walked the length and breadth of Crediton’s High Street, Market Street and Union Road to find the winner. Gillian Ponsford described the giantsized Christmas wreath made by Susan Tucker’s employee, Donna Lamb, who holds a Masters in Floristry, as “striking”, adding it must have taken hours of work. The wreath features willow and natural materials including sticks of Cinnamon, oranges and other decoration. Mr Shaw praised the “creativity” of the display. Second place went to the display at Town and Countrywear. Mr Shaw said

it “blended normal shop items and Christmas” to produce a “great overall effect”. Third was the window at Nessie’s Bistro, which was praised for the “simple but effective” and “tasteful” lighting display and Highly Commended was Groomed to Pawfection, which was described as “fun” with a great snow effect and models of animals wearing Christmas hats.

“I am impressed that Crediton has so many independent traders and shopkeepers, it makes for a vibrant town, something to be proud of.” The judges asked that their thanks be recorded to Alan Quick, editorial manager of the “Crediton Courier” for co-ordinating the competition.

Mrs Ponsford said: “I was overwhelmed with the shop options. Everybody deserves credit for what they have done.” Mr Shaw, whose work for the Community Council of Devon includes promotion of High Street shops, said: “The splendid array of windows and the trees on shop fronts make the town look stylish, classy and tasteful. L –R Gillian Ponsford , Susan Tucker, Nemo Shaw, Donna Lamb

Hallmark: Recent Successes Hallmark is a free and nationally recognised quality assurance scheme designed for community buildings. It aims to recognise the work undertaken by volunteer management committees and good practice in the management of their building.

The aims of the Hallmark awards are to:

Encourage improvement in established customs and procedures Encourage, establish and reward good practice To obtain recognition from other bodies for the standard of management of community facilities

There are 3 Hallmark Levels: Hallmark 1 - Charity Administration and Management Hallmark 2 - Health, Safety, Security and Licensing Hallmark 3 - Community and Social Awareness, and Forward Planning

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Recent successes Manaton Parish Hall – Hallmark 1 & 2 Mathews Hall Topsham - Hallmark 1 & 2 Clearbrook – Hallmark 1, 2 & 3 For more details on the Hallmark scheme contact Martin Rich on martin@devonrcc.org.uk or 01392 248919

Rural Growth Network Starting your own business or looking to grow your existing business? There is good news for you from the Heart of the South West Business Support programme, which offers a range of business support services across Devon and Somerset. If you are looking to start a business or to develop and grow your existing business; the programme would like to: Provide you with access to a local business adviser so you can talk through your plans and get the help you need Deliver a range of events and workshops to improve your skills and knowledge and keep you ahead of emerging trends. Keep you up to date with other business support schemes in the region that you may be able to take advantage of

Empty Homes a partnership approach An innovative approach to the problem of empty homes has been launched which will use the local knowledge and presence on the ground of local Town and Parish Councils in Torridge. Community Council of Devon and Torridge District Council have been working jointly on empty homes in the Torridge District and have designed a new community based approach to the issue. A Toolkit for Parish and Town Councils has been produced with a checklist that guides councils through a six step process which will enable them to advise local owners on how to return their empty properties to use and to provide Torridge Council information about the risks, costs and benefits of further action. Feedback on the Toolkit has been encouraging and it is hoped that this new approach will be of benefit both to the local authority, the local councils and landowners with a property currently standing empty. For more information please contact Torridge District Council, on 01237 428848 or email housingrenewal@torridge.gov.uk

Develop a business support network where providers and business customers can collaborate and share knowledge, advice and support.

Women Led Enterprises As well as having access to all the other programme activities Women Led Enterprises are offered additional dedicated support including: Taster events (ideal for pre-start up and newly started businesses) Women’s Enterprise networks – for women to share experiences and development opportunities. Women’ Business Action Groups – based on an Action Learning Model to work together tackling problems and challenges. This support is part of the Rural Growth programme and is aimed primarily at rural parts of Devon and Somerset. To register your interest or find out more about the programme visit: http://www.business-supportsw.com/ Or contact our Women Led Enterprise programme manager Dawn Eckhart at dawn@devonrcc.org.uk or by phone 01392 248919 ext 170

Community Council of Devon – Village Green

Noticeboard

Invitation to communities in West Devon & South Hams In response to the growing need for communities to help themselves by sharing skills and information, communities in West Devon and South Hams are invited to an OPEN ACCESS Forum that will bring together local communities and voluntary and community groups with Community Mentors and organisations that can help them. 1st April 7-9pm @ Rattery Village Hall TQ10 9LQ To book please contact Jill Davies cvs@southhamscvs.org.uk Tel: 01803 862266 3rd April 7-9pm at Bridestowe Village Hall EX20 4EG To book your place please contact Jacqui Wolstenholme Jacqui@westdevoncvs.org.uk Tel: 01837 53392 Booking forms should be returned by FRIDAY 21st March 2014 www.connectingcommunities.org.uk

Devon Remembers There were an estimated 2,000 war memorials created in Devon at the end of the Great War, in local communities, as well as by schools, clubs, churches and even businesses. While many memorials survive and are maintained, many have fallen into disrepair and lie largely unnoticed. Organisations, including Town and Parish Councils responsible for the maintenance of public war memorials can apply for grants of between £750 and £3,000, on condition that they contribute at least 25% of the total cost of the restoration project. The memorial grant scheme forms part of a wider Devon County Council initiative called Devon Remembers, commemorating the contributions, commitment and sacrifice that families a century ago gave during World War One, 1914-18. More than 11,000 Devon men and women died in the Great War, and over the next four years people young and old will be marking the centenary in their own personal way. Communities will also be coming together to discover stories about their shared past and forging new relationships for the future. For more information on the grant scheme or to make an application to restore a memorial, please visit the Community Council of Devon website, www.devonrcc.org.uk

Community Council of Devon – Village Green