Little Marsden Community Action Group

[Mitch]

Hey Michele, I'm so excited about this group this morning that I can't concentrate on work!!!!

What a fab meeting last night that was - I'm gonna do those minutes tonight so we can see where we're at.

All those ideas - fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've ordered some more ink for the riso too this morning!!!! I'll get those minutes up here and to you later today defo. Tomoz I'm off to get yellow paper too!

Plus also I'll start a little spreadsheet with costs so we can keep track right from the start.

Whoooopeeeeeeee more later byeeeeeee Mitch xx
PS. You're ace - no harm I reckon in making contact with Pendle Comunity Network plus Brunshaw Action Group to arrange meet.

[michele cryer]

Hi Mitch...thanks for posting this...I got a phone message from Julie last night saying how excited Louise was about the group too!!! All sounds like good stuff.

Thanks for taking the Minutes last night and for offering to print them off for me...apart from you, me, Fearn and Elaine, and Reg, was anybody else on email?

[Mitch]

Pauline & Ruffs?, plus I shall make sure Mel gets a copy too!

Reckon ol' tight trousers should get one too? ;D & I'd suggest Tess?

I'll do those minutes as soon as I've finished work today!

I can't stop thinking about all the ideas - ha ha I'm not getting much work done.

Later dude! lurv Mitch

[Mitch]

Here they are, just about to email them to you michele too, with a contact sheet also. Make any amendments/add in anything I've missed - there was a lot so I've probably missed the odd idea!!

LITTLE MARSDEN COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP MEETING
ST JOHNS SOUTHWORTH, NELSON
THURSDAY, 4TH MAY 2006
8.00pm

Present:
Lou, Reg, Julie, Elaine, Karen, Michele, Mitch & Sky

1. Name of Group

After lots of ideas and discussion, Lou came up with the idea of using Little Marsden, the old name of the area around St Johns, as the group name. Everyone thought it has a nice, friendly feel to it, and that it would incorporate the wider Nelson area.

Community Action Group was thought best as a description, as that’s what we intended to be – modelled on a similar approach to Brunshaw Action Group. We also thought that this would best describe us when possibly applying for bits of funding in the future.

All agreed – LITTLE MARSDEN COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP

2. Group Aims & Initial Ideas

All were in agreement with Michele’s aims, that we were and informal group open to all, young and old. Elaine talked about breaking isolation that many people feel locally, and ensuring that we appealed to all groups, not just families. Especially mentioned were pensioners and many ideas came out here including Card Nights, Tea Dances, Dominos & Bridge and offering dog walking and cleaning assistance, and Karen mentioned that many people would appreciate a befriender and just someone to talk to say once a week.

Also discussed was getting ideas from other groups and in getting advice.
All agreed it would be a good idea to seek advice/arrange meeting with and further ideas from:
a. Brunshaw Action Group
b. Pendle Community Network
c. Basement Manchester – particularly from Nes and the Dosummat Group

Meetings and/or visits to all these groups to be undertaken in the near future.

Initial ideas coming out of discussions included the following, with the idea that they would all be based at St Johns Southworth, Vaughn St, Nelson:

Evening socials – adult focused with live music

Family Saturday afternoon sessions, with activities to involve both parents and children (discussion here raised the importance of involving both parents and kids in this – rather than just acting as a crèche service)

Fundraising events – and to start with a Jumble Sale at St Johns and initial plans for this were discussed, and the date will go on the first leaflet (most popular was Sat, 24th June – Julie to chat with St Johns to book. This date was thought best, as it falls outside of holiday dates! (thanks to Lou for reminding of that)
Insurance issues and CRB checks were mentioned – and at some point soon it was thought all would complete relevant form to ensure we were all CRB checked. Insurance issues were discussed, and for each event agreed this would be looked into – but we’d be covered for one offs initially, however if we were holding regular weekly events we’d need to look into it.

Michele raised her idea about the 3 prongs – in terms of encouraging interested residents into telling us what they want – and having sign up sheets for gardening services, cleaning services/house sitting and babysitting.

Using Walverden Park for outdoor activities such as Rounders evenings, Netball and Easter Egg hunts etc.

Building up a supply of toys and jigsaw and other entertainment for kids for youth group Saturday mornings – the age range of this was briefly discussed too. All agreed that it would not be a crèche – but that all children would need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Youth Club activities
Bingo
Reg mentioned making full use of the facilities at St Johns, and in Summer months looking at using the car park area (good idea for summer fair & games)

Various people mentioned particular talented contacts they have – Michele knows Peter from Evolving Minds who is great at telling stories to kids. Elaine knows a good piano player, who plays a range of old songs and Mitch said Cotty can come and play his music. Also Julie has lots of contact with musicians – for planned adult music nights and open mics etc.

Elaine also mentioned the idea of walking and rambling groups, and Lou talked about having a few hours to spare during the day and going on group walks would be of real interest to her.

Julie can do face painting too!!

Also mentioned was a social do in Michele’s garden again, with badminton (and Lou mentioned swingball) this time not football – cheap badminton net to be looked into, plus planning on clearing garden.



3. How To Get People Involved – Publicity

The first idea was a friendly first leaflet – Lou came up with doing this on yellow paper – all agreed on this. Also, much discussed was making sure we asked people what they wanted – Elaine has the idea of a cut off feedback slip on the bottom of the leaflet where people could submit their ideas. All agreed that was an excellent idea. (also discussed was having a feedback box at the first Jumble sale at the end of June where people could pop their feedback slips!)

Agreed also, not too much on the leaflet – must be informal and friendly, to the point – with general theme of OPEN TO ALL/ALL WELCOME – COME ALONG AND MEET NEW FRIENDS. And also, with DON’T THROW ME AWAY at the top idea from Lou.
On the first leaflet discussions agreed on including jumble sale date (to confirm with Julie/hopefully Saturday, 24th June, time wasn’t confirmed but usually from say 11am to 5pm).

Also, to include on the leaflet our new name – don’t throw me away at the top, and a brief description that we are an informal, friendly group open to ALL – Young & Old, Families and Singles etc.
(Loosely agreed Michele & Mitch would work on this – and bring a draft for agreement to meeting next Thursday at Julie’s House – to confirm that we hadn’t missed anyone’s ideas).

Other publicity ideas discussed included using local radio (from Elaine), local press (from Michele), posters and leaflets out (from Lou – in the chippy where she works – and in other shops and noticeboards around Nelson, eg. Library/other churches and other community groups noticeboards).

Also, getting ideas from those other groups mentioned above about how they publicised, and also perhaps asking Pendle Community Network for a list of local contacts/and asking their assistance to distribute the leaflet once done.

On distribution of first leaflet, Michele talked about printing out a map of our local area, and allocating streets for everyone to do door-to-door delivery.

For contacts on the leaflet – Julie agreed to put her telephone number as contact, and Michele agreed to her email going on.


4. Things to Do

Before meeting next Thursday at Julies, Michele/Mitch to work on leaflet, mitch to get yellow paper (new ink has been order for the risograph for copying the leaflet).

Julie contacting St Johns Southworth – to book date for Jumble sale – most preferred date here was Saturday, 24th June.

Arrange meets with Brunshaw Action Group and Pendle Community Network for advice – and to look into trip again to the Basement Manchester for more ideas.

5. Next Meeting

Julie’s house – Thursday, 11th May – at 7pm.


Cheers everyone, Mitch x

[michele cryer]

Hiya Mitch, thanks for posting the Minutes on the board. I will email them to Rufus as I've had a word with him this week about being involved, and he may (if his father isn't too ill to be left alone) attend the meeting at Julie's house on Thursday.

I've spoken to Pauline about it, and she feels it's a fantastic idea which should be nurtured and allowed to spread to Burnley and the rest of Pendle should enough people be inspired to join in. However Pauline has a lot on her plate at the moment, both at work, in college and in her personal life, so she isn't able to get involved yet...she wishes all the best tho!!

I will contact Tess, as you suggested, I just wasn't too sure who to involve at first, and I did send my original draft document and agenda for Thursday's meeting to Tight Trousers, but got no reply, and he didn't show up of course...but I will send him the Minutes anyway...keep on perservering!! ;D

[Mitch]

;D

Yowza, wait till you see this yellow paper I got - it's bright sun yellow - think Lou will like it.

Are you ok to mock up the leaflet design over next couple of days - you're the best at it!! And then maybe bob it by email to Elaine and me for any ideas before Thursday?

Let me know if there's anything else I need to do chuck.

You know on Thursday too I said I don't mind being a sort of treasurer keeping track on funds - but worth opening out to the group as if anyone got a burning desire to do it they are very welcome. Should have a quick vote on that I reckon!!

I'm just working on a little spreadsheet now, but I'm planning to keep it real simple - I've never understood why accounts are always made so difficult!! ;D If we do little monthly summaries - it's just a matter of what's coming in and what's going out.

Friendly, simple and easy to understand by all - that's my motto.

Hey it's gonna be great distributing that leaflet - what with all of Lou's friends in the chippy and yours, Elaine's and Julies local contacts - fab.

Do you want me to try and make contact with Pendle Community Network and someone in Brunshaw Action Group. I think Headless might have contacts in the latter.

tararara for now. Off for a walk. byeeeeeee Mitch x
PS. liked your comments on watching out for the 'Voices of Doom' in your email ;D

[michele cryer]

Hiya Mitch,

Thanks for sending thru the spreadsheet. Like you say, accounts don't have to be that difficult if they're kept up to date and accurate, and if money is spent where it should be spent etc. I think it is a good idea to open up that particular responsibility to the group on Thursday as you seem to have done a great deal on your own this weekend, and you need some breathing space.

I will see what I can do on the design of the leaflet front. I think I'll consult Graeme about how to word whatever info we're including, cos I tend to use too many words!! Also he's great at making the layout much tidier and professional looking, so will get together with him or send him the template in the next day or two.

It would be a good idea to make contact with Pendle Comm Network and the Brunshaw Action Group asap, and I would be grateful to you if you don't mind making the first move there. Julie and Fearn/Sky have been asking if any of us want to go to the 'Medium' night in Burnley that the Brunshaw A.G. are holding on 20th May, in order to meet some of the organisers and chat with them as well...would you be up for that? It costs a fiver each. I'll ask Karen about it, and Reg, and I believe Lou and Elaine are up for it too...and up for car sharing if that's all right. Let me know what you think.

[Mitch]

Fantastic, that's a great idea for the 20th at the Brunshaw do - I'm defo up for that. Can pick up peops etc - I don't mind driving!

Who knows - if the jumble sale takes off and wot not we might do well on self sufficiency

But then we'll get loads of ideas off Brunshaw Action Group about how they went about it all with funding apps and self sufficiency etc. - so putting off a visit to Pendle Comm Net until much later seems well good idea. Anywise - it's all up to the group etc.

Yeah - we need Graeme's great skills - you tell him!! You want me to drop round some lurveeeeely yellow paper tonight so you can see what it looks like on yellow anon.

PS. I'll bring a bottle Thursday!!

[Mitchelline]

Ok dude, got your email - can bring yellow paper round on Tues (tomoz) night

tara m

[michele cryer]

OOooh, Mitchelline, watch those kisses! lol people might talk ;D

I've just approached Graeme with the problem of producing an A5 document with all the info we need on it...or producing an A4 one and seeing if it still looks okay at A5 size too...he's asked me to just send him all the info that we want placing onto the flyer and he's gonna design it for us!!

[michele cryer]

PS: Thanks for offering your car for lifts on 20th May...I'll let Julie know that you're interested in the evening too, so that we can see about purchasing tickets or what not. Also I'll ask if she knows what date St.John S/Worth's is available for the Jumble Sale yet.

[Mitch]

admin said:

OOooh, Mitchelline, watch those kisses! lol people might talk ;D

I've just approached Graeme with the problem of producing an A5 document with all the info we need on it...or producing an A4 one and seeing if it still looks okay at A5 size too...he's asked me to just send him all the info that we want placing onto the flyer and he's gonna design it for us!!

Ha ha, you wish dude.

With Graeme I'd recommend gettin' ya whip out!

Fab that he's gonna design it et-cet-ra - whooooooopeeeeeee

bye Mxxxxx
(PS. I'm trying to start a fresh bit of gossip for headless, as he's run himself ragged with me nearly getting arrested at Burnley MayDay ;D so he needs some fresh goss - unfortunately though he doesn't have a computer! - pass on the goss Fred! ;D)

[michele cryer]

LOL Mitch...how's about this to fuel the fires: ;D

[michele cryer]

[Mitch]

Hey dude, I found this below when I was looking for someit else ;D

It's from Haringey - tell you wot, this is really useful. I especially like the advice about not getting bogged down in bureaucracy and wot not. The ideas at the bottom on socials etc. is brill. I've cut it down for on here, but emailed you the whole lot.

tara Mitch

SETTING UP A LOCAL RESIDENTS GROUP:


The fundamental challenge for any residents’ group is to be active and
well-supported, but to not get sucked into the way the authorities would
like it to be. They want you to have low expectations, limit your agenda,
leave it to ‘professionals and experts’, and think that politics is about
voting in elections and talking to Councillors. What I like about people
involved in residents groups is, if you say to them: ‘we should be
independent, build up community spirit, support each other and co-operate,
we are all equals, we should make all the decisions about our area
together, with the decisions based on our community’s real needs’, nearly
everybody would agree its all common sense! In fact, such common sense
ideas are actually a radical basis for alternative politics, for a real
counter-power and a new society if acknowledged and built on. Yet if you
were to ask the same people what their ideological or political beliefs
were, they would cover the whole range of parties, beliefs and religions
etc. Somewhere along the line we’ve allowed our common sense to be
suppressed, or hijacked.

Throughout this whole process, the most important thing is local people
coming together as equals with a common interest in the local
neighbourhood, meeting in each others houses, getting to know each other,
spreading a positive atmosphere because a lot of people are very
demoralised and think they can’t change anything. But when they come
together, they start bringing out their own experiences, their own skills,
time and resources, their own views, and they start feeling that there are
ways of changing the world and supporting each other based on different
principles from profits and power. Working together, face to face, and
respecting each other generally works because as neighbours you have common
interest with people of all ages, all backgrounds, all colours in a crazy,
unjust and alienating world.



A movement of millions?

In Haringey alone there are 120 residents associations, 20 ‘friends’ groups
of local park users, as well as local action groups campaigning for traffic
calming measures or against various urban and commercial developments,
mobile phone masts etc. This involves a membership of thousands, and annual
distribution of tens of thousands of leaflets and newsletters. Across the
whole country this amounts to a self-organised and independent movement of
millions of people speaking and acting for themselves and their
communities. In this way people are able to directly challenge, influence
and potentially eventually make all the decisions which affect them and
their communities. Anarchists should be fully involved. At the same time as
building up people’s self-confidence, solidarity and mutual aid, we should
be encouraging people to demand not just a few crumbs off the table, or
even the whole cake, but the entire bakery.

DIY COMMUNITY ACTION…

In almost any community a whole range of positive, practical things can be
organised and encouraged which bring people together, build up community
spirit and improve our local neighbourhoods.

Some examples of things you could do that are already going on in local
areas around the country:

• encourage lots of informal discussion and communication on the street and
in each others’ homes
• do local door-to-door leaflets and newsletters
• hold public meetings on topical issues
• organise street parties and other events
• set up skills and resources sharing schemes
• campaign for youth facilities and activities
• demand traffic calming
• set up housing solidarity and action groups
• resist obnoxious development schemes
• defend useful facilities threatened with closure
• promote recycling projects
• develop informal gathering places (in or around local shops, parks etc)
• organise picnics and other activities in local parks
• set up parents’ groups in schools and playcentres
• do residents’ opinion surveys
• organise local art and creativity exhibitions
• plan community murals
• set up local clubs/interest groups (gardening, music, sports etc)

The possibilities are endless…

Kicking off

The trick is to get organised and active! By encouraging neighbours to get
involved, being as friendly as possible with everyone, and avoiding getting
bogged down with bureaucracy or politicians of any stripe, it is amazing
what people can achieve.

Why not get together with a couple of neighbours you know and start meeting
regularly in each other’s homes or in a friendly local neighbourhood
centre? Give yourselves a name. Discuss what people feel are the important
issues, and things you can start to do together - post reports of these
discussions to all interested neighbours. Encourage initiative. Gradually
build up a list of more and more contacts. Organise public meetings and
events, local campaigns and so on. Leaflet door-to-door. Most importantly,
stick at it…

In this way we can patiently build up a strong and vibrant grass-roots
movement in every neighbourhood

[michele cryer]

Eeeekkkk...seems we have a rival group to contend with. More specific details tomorrow, from Julie, but apparently a Nelson Action Group has already been set up and is holding its first public meeting next Wednesday at Marsden Community School!!

Councillors and other folk are involved in this one tho...'our aim is to let the people in the community have more of a say in the services being provided for their communities'. It's covering all the areas that we intended to cover, Southfield, Cloverhill, Walverden, Marsden...

[Mitch]

admin said:

Eeeekkkk...seems we have a rival group to contend with. More specific details tomorrow, from Julie, but apparently a Nelson Action Group has already been set up and is holding its first public meeting next Wednesday at Marsden Community School!!

Councillors and other folk are involved in this one tho...'our aim is to let the people in the community have more of a say in the services being provided for their communities'. It's covering all the areas that we intended to cover, Southfield, Cloverhill, Walverden, Marsden...

Chin up, I know of this group - it began a while ago - a little 'lightbulb' from Lordie lord Greaves methinks, pulling those strings on his minion councillors.

They started up last year - since then I know of little they have done to help us local residents - no socials, no support of local campaign issues - no help for teenagers turning to drugs round here, no breaking the isolation of many who've lost their jobs or help for elderly residents who are also isolated in their own homes (as are many women).

If we want to help each other with these things, we're gonna have to do it ourselves.

I reckon a short trip to their meeting next Wednesday will give us a good insight into their plans - and if they are genuinely an action group prepared to help with these things above, or whether it is yet another token political tactic.

See what the group decides

(PS. honestly, an action group with David Foster at the helm - I've just fallen off me chair laughing!!!!) What the women in our group need to see is that their ideas are a million times better and workable than dork head detached councillors round here- because they know exactly what's going on around them - they are in the thick of it - I'll be telling them that tonight!! ;D

[michele cryer]

Thanks for this reassuring post Mitch. I did suspect it to be a politically led group when Julie read one or two of their statements to me.

I'm looking forward to your comments on it tonight, after seeing their leaflet, and to the visit to Marsden School next week to see what it's really all about.

[Mitch]

Hey up,

Are we still on for bobbin to this: (Nag ;D)

NELSON NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGMENT TEAM

Next NAG - Wednesday 17th May 2006 7:00pm Marsden School, Percy Street.

Launch of the Nelson Neighbourhood Action Plan
Wednesday 17th May 2006 5:30pm Marsden School, Percy Street.

I'm up for getting their earlier too to see wot's up with this launch plan too!?

Tell you what - I had to dig around a bit for this - they haven't advertised it very well? and like J said only posted through certain doors - wierd!

Still, combined with finding out more, we should also be able to get news on what support we can give to the Karim Families campaign, and what plans are afoot there.

Also, I'll try and have some leaflets on yellow paper for our forthcoming jumble sale to take with us.

Do you and anyone else want picking up - say 5pmish??

Catch you later dude. tara Mitch x

[Mitch]

Hey up,

Just got your email - ta. yep 5.30pm/meet you there fine, and back to J's after.

tara Mx

[Joe Brown]

Al'right me cockney sparrow.

If you get a mo tonight (tues) can you email Jules tel number to Mitch, to her home email cause the silly woman left her notes at Julie's last week, so hasn't got it for bottom of the leaflet.

Ta Joe x

[michele cryer]

Hi Mitch and Joe...nice of you to pop onto the site, btw Joe!

All's in order for us to meet at J's tomoz at 5.15pm, for a pleasant stroll down to the meeting...

Great idea to bring along flyers for the jumble sale, and to make enquiries regarding the Karim family and what help we can offer...

See ya there,
Michele xx

[Mitch]

Cheers dude, see you then. Just need Julie's phone number for bottom of leaflet to make copies lunchtime today!

Later dude, Mitch x

[Mitch]

Will do minutes from last night later today dude, and email them to you before I put um up, as may have missed a few bits and bobs.

Very interesting, with plenty of helpful bits last night.

Later dude, cheery cheeers Mitch x
(PS. glad you got back ok, I owe you for taxi - he's a nice bloke that taxi driver).

byeeeeee x

[Mitch]

mitch said:

NELSON NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGMENT TEAM

Next NAG - Wednesday 17th May 2006 7:00pm Marsden School, Percy Street.

Launch of the Nelson Neighbourhood Action Plan
Wednesday 17th May 2006 5:30pm Marsden School, Percy Street.

Smile - for the camera ;D

Hey dude, the bits of paper I've got in the folder I have here haven't got those numbers on (must be at Jules?) but looky here for info, plus previous minutes of NAG

www.pendle.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=537&pageNumber=1

Contact number for Bushra & Lynne on: 01282 661961 or 01282 615728

All name emails are like so it seems - [e-mail]

so Lynne's u'll be [e-mail] and Bushra's ditto.

tara for now, must do some work - eek. I'm ruff today.

Whooooopppppeeeeeeee Ruffs is coming to the meeting next week, brilliant.

byeeeee mx ;D

[michele cryer]

Hiya Mitch...thanks for your posts. Julie did find the folder with the info I needed. I'm not sure if Bushra included the . in her email addy...but I'll find out when I email her and Lynne. I will invite them to our next meeting, and will send them a copy of the Agenda if they are able to come.

Great news about Ruffs being able to attend. He's hoping that, as Elaine found there was a similar A.G. going in Brierfield, he may find one for Colne, so that he can start a C.A.G. such as ours where he lives too!!!

[michele cryer]

Hi, I forgot to add some info that I found on the pendle.gov website, about grants being made available to community and sports groups, here's the gen:

Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations
General information
» View the pages in this section

The Council recognises the value to the Borough of the voluntary, charitable sporting and cultural organisations that work in the area. It supports the work of these groups wherever possible and one of the ways is through providing financial assistance through grants.

If you think your Organisation might qualify for a grant please email [e-mail], or write to :

Group Accountant
Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations,
Accountancy & Audit Services,
Elliott House,
9 Market Square,
Nelson, BB9 0LX

Alternatively you can telephone on: 01282 661871

For Sporting Organisations, contact:

Pendle Leisure,
Bank House,
Albert Road,
Colne, BB8 0BP,
Telephone: [phone]

Pages in Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations
1. General information « You are here
2. Criteria Applied in Considering Applications

Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations
Criteria Applied in Considering Applications
» View the pages in this section

The following rules are currently applied when the Council considers requests for a grant or donation :


Applications should relate to schemes or organisations that provide a wide community benefit.
The work of the Organisation should directly benefit the Borough or its residents.
In general grants will only assist with a specific need or project rather than to assist the general expenses of an Organisation.
Generally, no grant or donation over £5,000 will be made and requests will not be approved where it appears that the Organisation has sufficient money for its own purposes.
Any Organisation receiving free use of a building will be treated as receiving a donation to that value.
Financial accounts, records or details must be provided. The financial situation of the Organisation should show that there is a need for granting assistance to enable it to operate on a viable basis.
Organisations must show that they aim to become self-supporting without further future support.
Given the limited amount of money available for assistance applications will not be considered from national charities and organisations and local branches of national youth organisations such as Boys and Girls Brigades, Scouts, Guides and Brownies.


Pages in Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations
1. General information
2. Criteria Applied in Considering Applications « You are here

www.pendle.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=157&pageNumber=2

[Mitch]

Yep, remember Julie's idea of rounders nights, and Lou's idea of using Walverden Park.

Reckon we should have a good thrash out of ideas so you, Jules & Kaz can go along to Railway St with plenty of specific events we want to do.

Could add on the proposed agenda (see mins on other section), Funding that's out there.

cheery cheers Mitchelline x

[michele cryer]

Okay Mitch, will do so...

[michele cryer]

Hi All,

I've just created a Message Board for Little Marsden c.a.g. you can find it at:

littlemarsden.proboards76.com/index.cgi?

I haven't created any boards for it yet..but will do so with your help and advice...will include categories that you want included!!

Please post your ideas here or email me at [e-mail]