Craven Vale & Baker's Bottom

committee meeting tonight june 8th

2011-06-08T03:13:00.001-07:00

see see minutes page; note next tonight June 8th (Committee Meeting)

http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/june-10th-2009-7-00-pm/

Notes of Open Meeting May 11th 2011,

2011-05-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

see wordpress blog

http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/ Notes of Committee Meeting January 12th 2011 on http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/

2011-01-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

Notes of Committee Meeting January 12th 2011
http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/

Notes of General Meeting November 10th 2010

2010-11-11T05:12:00.001-08:00

Notes of General Meeting
November 10th 2010 --
Notes of General Meeting
November 10th 2010, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close

Present: Committee: Grant Scott (Chairman), Alan Cooke (Secretary/Treasurer), Clive Taplin, Nick Wood; Residents: Betty Field, Christine Harrop, Tina Janes, Pat Martin, Lynne McDonald, Joan Partrick, Simon Sullivan, Geoff Wilcock, Kate Wilsher; Others: Cllr Warren Morgan, Eve Hitchens (Housing Department), Ben Reeves (Housing Department), Amy Allison (Trust for Developing Communities), PCSO Laura Hall, PCSO Fran Parsons, Cheryl English (observer)

ambly

1. ambly

Apologies: Roy Pennington, Jane White (Community Development Officer), Sue Leggett (Community Warden), Cllr Gill Mitchell, Milly Bowie
2. Minutes of Meeting October 13th 2010: These were agreed unanimously
3. Matters Arising and Updates:
a.Bakers Bottom Notice Board. No obvious site located. To be taken off the agenda until a solution has been suggested.
b.No development in relation to the proposed fire-door for the Community Centre.
c.Parham Close. Eve has started discussions with residents on possible bike-sheds and a raised garden, and will re-visit the earlier discussion regarding a play-area.
4. Correspondence. All tenants and leaseholders are invited to attend the City Assembly at Hove Town Hall, 11 am, November 20th.
5. Finance. Finances remain healthy. So far this year, income greater than expenses.
6.Updates: The landscape mural on the Centre wall will be started at 11am on Tuesday November 23rd by Heidi Compton. All are welcome to come and help start the project – tea and cakes will be provided.
7. Local Action Team – Selection of Priorities. The current priorities are: drug-dealing; vehicle crime; and starting a neighbourhood watch. Following discussion, it was agreed that the outstanding priority for the coming period would be drug-dealing. Several addresses were being monitored and continuing information from residents will be helpful in achieving a positive result. The second priority would be tackling anti-social behaviour, in particular at the lower end of the estate. The third priority would be tackling illegal car parking in Baker’s Bottom.
8. Grant Application for Craven Vale Woodlands. Amy described the plan to improve the woodlands at the back of Craven Road, in terms of replacing much of the sycamore woodland with a more varied habitat including native shrubs, an orchard of Sussex apple tress, a hazel coppice and new hedges, in order to increase the variety of wildlife; and to make it more attractive to residents by improving the paths (widening, additional steps) and providing some wooden exercise and play equipment, plus notice boards describing the improved habitat. This was received favourably, and the bid to English Heritage will be submitted shortly.
9. Illuminated Signs for Craven Vale Blocks The Estate Development Budget is providing funds for illuminated signs for five blocks in Craven Vale to help visitors, emergency services etc to locate addresses at night. This news was well received. The blocks selected are 1-12 Hadlow Close, 13-30 Hadlow Close, 2-12 Queensway, 29-51 Queensway and 1-12 Southwater Close. Subject to future fund availability, the scheme will be spread to other poorly-signed blocks in following years.
10. Any Other Matters – Community Association
a. Grant advised that a tree planting session in the woodlands would be held at 3pm next Tuesday, November 16th – all are welcome to meet first at the Centre.
b. The unkempt nature of the grass below the bins outside 133-167 Craven Road was raised. The Committee will aim to find out whether this is a deliberate attempt to attract insects and birds or is due to the difficulty of mowing an extremely steep slope.
c. Betty asked for the steps leading to Tilgate Close to be sprayed to reduce weeds.
d. Clive commented on the poor pavement standards in Rochester Street. This should be reported via the council web-site, although council funds are now very low for such work.
e. All residents are invited to the free CVCA Christmas Party at the Centre on December 4th at noon.
11. Any Other Matters – Housing Management
a. A lengthy discussion was held on the problems of security doors in Parham Close, where years of complaint had still not solved the problem. Eve would take all this on board during her forthcoming discussions with residents in the street, and Warren offered help if difficulties arose. The discussions would also focus on storage problems, particularly for cycles, and the provision of a play area.
b. A complaint was raised about the lack of lighting for the steps to the pavement between blocks 53-63 and 65-99 Queensway, due to large plants. This is to be raised as a community safety issue with Richard Easteal at the Environment Improvement Team.
12. Any Other Matters –Local Action Team. None were raised.

The meeting closed at 8:35pm
The next meetings will be held at 7 pm on:
Wednesday December 8th (Committee Meeting)
Wednesday January 12th (General Meeting)

Other dates! Tues November 16th, 3pm Tree Planting; Tues November 23rd, 11 am wall painting; Sat December 4th noon, Christmas Party! Hope to see some of you there!

THIS BLOG IS NOW MOVED TO http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/

2010-02-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/

police liasion tues feb 16th

2010-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

police liasion tues feb 16th

a) Open Meeting, 7 pm February 10th. – main topic ‘Apple Day’

2010-02-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

a) Open Meeting, 7 pm February 10th. – main topic ‘Apple Day’

Committee Meeting January 13th 2010, 7.00 pm

2010-02-09T04:15:00.000-08:00

Notes of Committee Meeting
January 13th 2010, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close

Present: Committee: Grant Scott (Chairman), Alan Cooke (Secretary), Bill Duff, Nick Wood; Others: Amy Allison (Trust for Developing Communities)
1. Apologies: Keith Drysdale, Carol Byard, Sarah Johnson, Sue Leggett
2. Minutes of meeting December 9th 2009. These were agreed unanimously
3. Matters Arising: Amy offered to speak to Roy concerning possible funding for a website. Alan and the committee thanked Amy for a highly successful Christmas Fair.
4. Updates:
a) Estate Maintenance
Bill referred to a TV which had been left on the grass which needed removing; to the state of potholes in Queensway following severe frosts; and the need for grit to be spread earlier.
b) Gardening Group – Trees
Plans for Apple Day were discussed. Grant was in discussion with Paul Gorringe re Community Payback’s offer to dig holes for some nine fruit trees on Friday February 26th – involvement by others is also encouraged! Compost and mulch will also need to be arranged, as will the removal of spoil.
Amy has taken responsibility for organising the ‘Apple Day’ on the 27th. This will centre on planting the fruit trees with the help of Brighton Permaculture, with other groups also participating – the Tai Chi group will provide apple cookery lessons; the sewing group and the art group will also be helping; while Anne-Marie Bur of Rural Sussex will assist by providing a range of local apple varieties and mulled cider. The new community choir have offered to sing a couple of ‘apple’ songs. Claire Burchell’s young artists will start their mural on the east wall with an apple tree. Bill Duff offered to let Amy have the name of a neighbour who is a baker. Amy will be responsibility for publicity, while Alan will include summary details on the next leaflet (to be distributed around February 2nd).
Anne-Marie Bur will be invited to the next General meeting.
c) EDB Awards
Following discussion, it was agreed that Alan would draw up the necessary EDB forms for final agreement at the next meeting for the following projects, in order of importance:

i)provision of rubberised surface for the VCC hardstanding at a cost of some £2,000
ii)laying woodchip in the old playground area behind Parham Close and asking for some minimal initial play equipment
iii)Providing new highly visible numbers for estate blocks
iv)Provide surfaced path from Hadlow bus stop to path leading to 2-12 Queensway
d) Repairs to Mosaics.
Still no response from Samesky. Alan will try and prepare draft mural for Claire’s team of volunteers.
e) Vale Community Centre
Several problems were raised. Alan will arrange for replacement vacuum cleaner. Nick will arrange for notice-board padlock to be replaced. Nick will advise Sue Leggett of need for replacement neon bulb in toilet, and damaged child-proof gate.
5. Correspondence: None
6. Finance: no change
7. Any Other Business:
i) Amy asked if CVCA would be willing to grant £100 to the Parents and Toddlers Group to fund the purchase of items for the group. The committee agreed.
ii) The Community Choir at the Haven would hold its first rehearsal on January 19th – all welcome
iii) Amy asked whether the VCC could be used for a ‘showcase’ meeting of the Scarman Trust if the Haven is not available. The committee agreed.
8. Dates of Next Meetings
a) Open Meeting, 7 pm February 10th. – main topic ‘Apple Day’
b) Committee Meeting, 7 pm January 10th, 2010
The meeting closed at 8:20 pm.

Notes of General Meeting December 9th 2009,

2010-01-05T12:42:00.001-08:00

Notes of General Meeting
December 9th 2009, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close

Present: Committee: Grant Scott (Chairman), Alan Cooke (Secretary), Keith Drysdale, Bill Duff, Irene Fender, Clive Taplin, Nick Wood; Residents: Betty Field, Milly, Steven Hughes, Roy Pennington; Others: Amy Allison (Trust for Developing Communities), Carol Byard (TDC), Sarah Johnson (Housing Office), Sue Leggett (Community Warden), PCSO Laura Hall
ambly

1. ambly

Apologies: Trevor Jones, Claire Burchell, PCSO Carol Manton
Amy was introduced as the new TDC worker covering Queens Park and Craven Vale. She will be based at the Haven, but will still be at the Vale CC every Tuesday afternoon.
2. Minutes of meeting November 11th 2009. These were agreed unanimously.
3. Matters Arising: none.
4. Updates:
a) Car Parking Study
Alan, Nick and Clive reported back on the second meeting with the consultants on November 19th. Those present were asked to comment on the provisional area covered by the survey and make comments as to which roads should or should not be included. At the moment the whole of Craven Vale and Bakers Bottom will now be studied by the consultants in detail, and an initial detailed plan for the area will be sent out for consultation in the spring, on which every resident will be asked for their comments. It has been stated that the ‘light-touch’ parking system now in use in Evelyn Terrace is no longer an option.
b) Community Payback - Steps -Trees
Paul Gorringe (Park Ranger) had reported back to Grant that Community Payback were now not able to help with restoring the steps of Jacob’s Ladder because of health and safety issues. However, he is pursuing other options, including groups such as Green Gym, and could use help from residents as well. However, Community Payback will help in January or February with digging holes for the fruit trees donated. Grant and Amy were meeting on December 14th regarding an ‘action day’ to parallel the digging and planting.
c) Estate Development Budget Awards (2009)
The wall-covering and fencing for the hard-standing area were expected to be completed by early January, but there were insufficient funds this year to pay for the rubber surface. There were still no dates for installing the bench at the top of Craven Road, or for the various extra security lights around the estate.
d) Repairs – mosaics
There was no further news on this or on the design for the mural.
5. Correspondence: none
6. Finance: The finances remain healthy. There were no outstanding payments for use of the Vale CC.
7. EDB Bids 2010
The Committee put forward two projects which had been discussed at the previous meeting: a) the completion of the hard-standing project as it will not be paid for completely from the 2009 grant; and b) a long-term project to renovate the disused playground behind Parham Close, by providing it with a child-friendly surface and the provision of some equipment each year for about five years. These were both supported by the meeting as a whole.
Other possible applications discussed were: c) extra benches around the estate; d) a surfaced path from the junction of Hadlow and Queensway towards 2-12 Queensway; e) improved visibility for block numbers to help visitors; f) a large street map to help visitors.
The next Committee meeting in January would decide on which bids to make.
8. Any Other Business
a) It was suggested that fund-raising for equipment be considered if the concept of a playground by Parham Close were pursued.
b) Sue suggested that a small grant application be made to replace missing notice boards in some 12 blocks
c) Roy asked the Committee to consider funding a website as a virtual notice board for CVCA
.
9. Dates of Next Meetings
a) Committee Meeting, 7 pm January 13th, 2010
b) Open Meeting, 7 pm February 10th.

The meeting closed at 8:20 pm.

2009-12-13T03:08:00.000-08:00

As Project Manager of the Hanover, Elm Grove & Craven Vale Residents Parking Review, I thank you for your input into the review so far.

A community consultation on residents’ perceptions of parking issues was carried out in October/November this year, together with stakeholder workshops. A postcard to inform residents of the summary results will be sent out in the New Year, I attach the headlines below.

A full report is due to go to Environment Cabinet Member in March 2010 and a decision will be made then on whether to proceed to the next stage of consultation.

The next stage is for a detailed plan and questionnaire to be sent to areas which are continuing with the review process, that questionnaire would include details of potential costs and charges and to ask whether they approve the proposed parking scheme. If, as a result of that consultation, residents approved a parking scheme there would be a third stage of statutory consultation involving advertisement of traffic orders in the press and an opportunity for formal comments to be considered by the Environment Cabinet Member. If a scheme were to be approved it could be implemented in summer 2011.

Headline Findings

9124 addresses in the Hanover , Elm Grove and Craven Vale area were sent a covering letter plus a short questionnaire and a prepaid return envelope, asking about parking issues in each street, whether certain types of informal parking occurred and whether this causes inconvenience. 2,969 responses were received, a 33% response rate.

The results for the streets in the area are divided into 6 distinct geographical areas as follows:

Area A Streets north of Elm Grove (excluding Elm Grove) - i.e. the Hartington Road area triangle

Area B Streets south of Elm Grove and West of Queens Park (including Queens Park Road ) - i.e. Hanover area

Area C Streets in the existing Area U - i.e. Queens Park Rise and Freshfield Road

Area D Elm Grove

Area E Streets east of Queens Park Road and South of Elm Grove (excluding QPR and Elm Grove and excluding Bakers Bottom) – so this includes Craven Vale & roads around Brighton General Hospital

Area F Bakers Bottom – i.e. Rochester St , Bute Street , Hendon Street

Parking Problems:

* Regularly: 50% or more respondents in Areas B and F.
* Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more respondents in all areas

Informal Parking:

Pavement Parking

· Regularly: 50% or more respondents in Areas D and F.

· Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more respondents in Areas B, D E and F.

Chevron Parking

· Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more respondents in Area C.

Informal Parking causing inconvenience: Informal parking overall does not appear to cause inconvenience but 50% or more respondents in Area C regularly or sometimes report inconvenience caused by double parking and the same amount in Areas B and F regularly or sometimes report inconvenience caused by pavement parking.

Comments: Of those that made comments the top 3 comments made by respondents were:

Comments

No.

%

No problem/against parking scheme

524

16

Blocked pavements

272

8

Cannot park outside house

223

7

Parking by visitors:

* Regularly: 50% or more respondents in Areas B, C, E and F.
* Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more respondents in all areas.

Parking by shoppers:

· Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more respondents in Areas B, C, D and F.

Parking by commuters:

· Regularly: 50% or more respondents in Areas B and F.

· Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more in areas B, C, E and F.

Parking for school drop off/ pick up:

* Regularly: 50% or more respondents in Areas C and F.
* Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more in areas C, D and F.

Vehicles left for 2/3 weeks or more:

* Regularly or sometimes: 50% or more in all areas.

Regards, Owen

Owen McElroy LLB DMPR cert MIHE

Project Manager

Sustainable Transport

Hove Town Hall

x0417

Committee Meeting November 11th 2009

2009-11-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Notes of Committee Meeting
November 11th 2009, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close

Present: Committee: Grant Scott (Chairman), Alan Cooke (Secretary), Keith Drysdale, Bill Duff, Clive Taplin, Nick Wood; Others: Trevor Jones (Community Participation Officer)
ambly

1. Apologies: Irene Fender, Sarah Johnson, Sue Leggett
2. Minutes of meeting October 14th 2009. These were agreed unanimously.
3. Matters Arising.
a) Bill had received a letter from Michelle Johnson saying that the letter regarding TV aerials sent to all residents of blocks in Craven Vale had been sent in error, and does not apply to any of the blocks on the estate.
b) Alan reported that the two events organised locally for the ‘Not in my neighbourhood week’ were worth attending, but had been poorly supported.
4. Updates:
a) Car Parking Study
Nick Wood and Clive Taplin reported back on the first meeting with the consultants on October 22nd. 33% of all residents in the area had returned the questionnaire, although that rose to 62% for Bakers Bottom. The earliest that any scheme could take effect would be summer 2011. At the next meeting on November 19th, the consultants would come back with their initial views based on inputs received at the meeting, and from the questionnaires.
b) Community Payback - Steps -Trees
Grant Scott reported on conversations with Paul Gorringe. It is still hoped that the Payback team would be returning in November to re-construct the Jacob’s Ladder steps, subject only to a satisfactory risk analysis. The team were also prepared to dig holes for a number of additional trees on the estate, probably in January. Paul also advised that Green Gym had been helping him to clear part of the woodland adjacent to The Causeway.
c) Estate Development Budget Awards
Grant, Nick and Alan had met with the EDB team earlier that day, and confirmed the requirements for improving the hardstanding with wall-boards, rubberised flooring and a rustic fence and gate. The final costing may well exceed the original budget estimate of £2,000. If that is the case, CVCA will bid for the remaining cost in the next ED budget round. The work is due to be completed by January.

Alan advised that Claire Burchell was interested in using her youth group to paint a floral mural on the east side of the Vale CC. Trevor Jones agreed to check with Robert Keelan whether any permission was required.
No dates are yet available concerning the installation of additional lighting for dark corners, or for the bench at the top of Craven Road.
d) Repairs – mosaics
Ben Thomson (for SameSky) had yet to start repairing the mosaics but the project was still in hand.
5. Correspondence
a) Amy Allison had been appointed by TDC to replace Sue Hes, and would be starting on November 16th. There would be an early opportunity to meet her at the Forum meeting on November 18th (6 pm at The Haven).
b) Members were invited to attend the City Assembly at Hove Town Hall on November 17th (4-8pm). Trevor Jones spoke of the relevance of the Assembly to CVCA, and of the decisions to be taken at the next meeting.
6. Finance
The finances remain healthy.
7. EDB Bids 2010
There was general discussion concerning possible applications for Council estate aid for next year – the average association benefits by around £5,000 each year for its own preferred projects. The December Open meeting would consider views put forward by residents, and the January Committee meeting would prioritise them and complete the application forms. Trevor confirmed that any spending could only be applied to communal areas on housing department land.
In discussion, the two projects which received general approval from the committee were: a) the completion of the hard-standing project if not paid for completely from the 2009 grant; and b) a long-term project to renovate the disused playground behind Parham Close, by providing it with a child-friendly surface and the provision of some equipment each year for about five years. Thoughts were also given to the need for additional benches on the estate.
Further projects might be added at the meeting on December 9th.
8. Any Other Business
Alan asked that the committee give some thought to inviting residents of The Causeway and Monument Close to be covered by the Craven Vale Community Association, as ‘residents’, but not as ‘council tenants’.
9. Dates of Next Meetings
a) Open Meeting, 7 pm December 9th.
b) Committee Meeting, 7 pm January 13th, 2010

The meeting closed at 8:30 pm.

next meeting Wednesday, October 14th at 7 pm

2009-10-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

Two more dates for your diary!
Next Open Meeting for all Residents

Wednesday, October 14th at 7 pm

The Vale Community Centre, Hadlow Close

You are all very welcome to join us for the next open meeting of the Association.
We will be able to give you updates on all recent matters of interest, and there will be plenty of time for you to raise any other matters which concern you and other residents of this area. Perhaps the parking survey?
We hope to be joined by some of our local councillors and council officers so that as many questions as possible can be answered at the meeting. We expect to end around 8:15 pm or shortly afterwards.

For more information regarding the Vale Community Centre and the Craven Vale Community Association please leave a message on 01273 571573; e-mail us on usethevale@aol.com; write to us at 17A Hadlow Close; or contribute to our blog on http://bakersbottomcravenvale.blogspot.com/

and http://cravenvale.wordpress.com/

Notes of Committee Meeting September 9th 2009, 7.00 pm

2009-09-23T03:13:00.001-07:00

Notes of Committee Meeting
September 9th 2009, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close

Present: Committee: Grant Scott (Chairman), Alan Cooke (Secretary), Keith Drysdale, Bill Duff, Irene Fender, Clive Taplin; Others: Sarah Johnson (Housing Officer)
ambly

1. ambly

Apologies: Nick Wood, Trevor Jones, Sue Hes, Carol Byard, Sue Leggett
2. Minutes of meeting July 8th 2009. These were agreed unanimously.
3. Matters Arising. None.
4. Updates:
a) Estate Maintenance
The woodworm in 2-12 Queensway loft had now been treated; but there is still no repair to the wrongly-installed guttering on 1-12 Hadlow Close. Complaints were made that the single static cleaner is now only ‘dry’ cleaning the common areas with no use of water, and that long-standing wall stains in 2-12 Queensway were not being addressed.
Sarah reported that it was unlikely that an expensive ramp could be justified for the one council tenant and one freeholder in Tilgate Close, following a detailed survey of resident needs.
b) Gardening Group –Trees
Brighton Permaculture have agreed to provide eight fruit trees for the Estate, but would need ground preparation either by Payback or by residents in January. Four would be in the new pampas bed, two adjacent to 101 Queensway, one in the mosaic at the top of Queensway, and one by the disused playground in Parham Close.
Bill asked that the gardening group consider hawthorn or similar plants by 2-12 Queensway. The gardening group would benefit from a few more members.
c) Estate Development Budget Awards
There have been no new developments – the Council will schedule the awards during the course of the year. An updated plan for the hardstanding by the side of the community centre was agreed – a mural of sheep on the downs, a rubberised surface, and the use of ‘sheep-pen’ fencing around the new ‘Pen’ or ‘Sheepfold’
d) Big Tidy Up July 18th - Woodlands
This went well. Community Payback has offered to help with a further clean-up of the woodlands. The community would like to see a regular monthly advertised free pick-up of heavy items around the estate, to curb current high levels of fly-tipping. Paul Gorringe had agreed to discuss the path repairs with the Payback team.
e) Highways – Car Parking
Residents would shortly be receiving a simple questionnaire from the Council.
f) The Vale Community Centre
The static cleaners were now using their storage area in ‘the Little Shed’.
5. Correspondence
a) All are welcome to attend the Resource Centre AGM on October 21st – 7:30 at Leach Court.
b) An agenda for the Queens Park and Craven Vale Community Forum meeting on September 16th at the Vale CC.
c) An agenda for the Central Area Housing Management Panel on September 23rd
d) Details of the Community Cashback Pilot Scheme offering grants to local communities. It was suggested that this could become the basis for the conversion of the empty store behind Southwater Close into a sports centre at some future date. This could replace the community centre that used to serve Bakers’ Bottom and is now a carpet showroom.
6. Finance
The finances remain healthy.
7. Any Other Business
a) A presentation was made to Sue Hes on August 25th to thank her for the sterling work she had done for our community. Interviews for her replacement are due to be held in mid-October.
b) Ben Thomson of Same Sky had agreed to repair the mosaics on the estate, and also to prepare a plan for the mural for the Community Centre wall, to be painted by a group led by Claire Burchell.
c) Advance notice of a Community Safety Event to be held in Upper St James’s Street on November 3rd.
d) CVCA has been asked if it would wish to take over the functions of the ‘Local Action Team’ (LAT) liaising with the police on matters involving the estate.
e) It was suggested that repairs be made to the notice boards at either end of the estate.
8. Dates of Next Meetings
a) General Meeting, 7 pm October 14th (no set agenda yet)
b) Committee Meeting, 7 pm November 11th.

The meeting closed at 8:15 pm.

next meeting is Wednesday OCTOBER 14th,

2009-09-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

next open meeting for all residents will be on Wednesday OCTOBER
14th, also at 7 pm

parking survey sent out: returned by Friday 9th October

2009-09-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

Questionaires by the Council have be sent to all residents across the whole of Hanover, Elm Grove, Queen’s Park estate and Craven Vale & Baker’s Bottom about parking in these areas.
Residents are asked if there are any problems such as Pavement or Double parking and if there is regular parking by shoppers, commuters, school drop off/ pick up and if there are cars left for more than 2 weeks or more.
The survey should be returned by Friday 9th October to the council. This will then inform decisions about more detailed consultations on a residents parking scheme in all or some of the streets in the areas surveyed.

Cuthbert/Hemingway’s Pub closure

2009-08-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

I note that the Hemingway’s Pub has closed at the top of Cuthbert Road.
any other info on this would be gratefully recieved....

gully cleaning in Baker's Bottom 15th july

2009-07-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

gully cleaning in Baker's Bottom 15th july

yellow signs have been put up warning that car owners are asked to move the cars away from Bakers Bottom on that date 9am to 4pm

BAKER'S BOTTOM STREET PARTY SAT. 12th SEPT

2009-07-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

planning meeting Mon. 6th July at 8pm at the nearest pub aka The Sutherland i.e. Round Georges

Big Tidy Up -- planning meeting on Tuesday 7th July at 2.00pm

2009-07-04T01:02:00.000-07:00

further to the planning meeting on Tuesday 7th July at 2.00pm at The Vale Community Centre;

Depending on the number of residents who turn up on the day itself Saturday 18th July, provisional plan is to create three teams – one will do a litter pick (mainly blown and dropped litter) around Hadlow Close and the large green areas of the Estate bordering Queensway – the second and third will work on areas of Craven Woods which border the estate – one near the top of the estate (Tilgate Close and Monument View) and the other where the woods are accessed from Parham Close at the foot of Jacob's Ladder.

Next Open Meeting for all Residents Wednesday, July 8th at 7 pm

2009-06-26T04:41:00.000-07:00

Next Open Meeting for all Residents

Wednesday, July 8th at 7 pm

The Vale Community Centre, Hadlow Close

You are all very welcome to join us for the next open meeting of the Association.
We will be able to give you updates on all recent matters of interest, and there will be plenty of time for you to raise any other matters which concern you and other residents of this area.
We hope to be joined by some of our local councillors and council officers so that as many questions as possible can be answered at the meeting. We expect to end around 8:15 pm or shortly afterwards.

Argus Community Correspondent

2009-06-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

The Argus Community Correspondent is calling for stories about the area. See the link
http://www.theargus.co.uk/communitypages/hanoverandqueenspark/

June 10th 2009, 7.00 pm committee meeting

2009-06-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Notes of Committee Meeting
June 10th 2009, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close

Present: Committee: Grant Scott (Chairman), Alan Cooke (Secretary), Nick Wood (Centre Manager), Keith Drysdale, Bill Duff, Irene Fender; Others: Sue Hes (TDC - Trust for Developing Communities), Joyce Ross (resident)

1. Apologies: Sarah Johnson, Carol Byard
2. Minutes of meeting April 8th 2009. These were agreed unanimously.
3. Matters Arising. None.
4. Updates:
a) Gardening group –Trees
Bill and Joyce were unhappy with the way the garden adjoining 2-12 Queensway had been treated – forsythia had been cut to almost ground level, a rosemary had been removed, and a compost bin had been put close to the storeroom, allowing access to the roof. For the gardening team, Grant said that the bin had now been relocated to the centre of the estate, and that they would seek to place suitable plants in the barren areas. Irene suggested that the bin be lined with cardboard, painted green, and possibly padlocked.
Grant would follow up offers of free trees for the estate – possibly to replace the failed apricot tree, for the mosaic at the top of Queensway, and for the newly barren area adjacent to 101 Queensway. The area behind 65-99 Queensway had now been reseeded and was growing well.
b) Estate Development Budget Awards
Grants are to be given to improve lighting at four points on the estate, to replace a bench at the corner of Craven Road and Queensway, and to convert the ‘bin’ area by the side of the Community Centre into a fenced-in ‘safe’ area, with decorative slabs and planters. It was suggested that a rubberised surface would be more useful than decorative slabs. Alan is to write to Trevor asking how to proceed with the bin area improvements.
Alan will also seek from Housing a definitive map of land ownership in Parham Close; and reply to Gordon Stanford re the failed application for a ramp at Tilgate Place.
c) Big Tidy Up July 18th - Woodlands
A team is preparing for this event for 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday July 18th. Paul Gorringe (Park Ranger) is to ensure that insurance and health and safety items are covered. Sue Leggett is trying to involve CityClean. Councillors and PCSOs will be helping, and the youth workers are being approached. Next meeting of organising group June 30th at 3 pm.
Paul is also leading the team to improve the woodlands, and will be contacting the Payback team to help reconstruct Jacob’s Ladder.
d) Highways – Car Parking
Cllr Mitchell had raised our concerns with the Highways department, and various options are being examined. Extra paving may be placed next to the communal bins.
The whole area is now being studied as a potential car parking control area. An initial meeting is being arranged to meet the project manager on July 8th for reporting back to the Association later that day. There has been no progress as yet on adding an extra car parking space for the Centre in Hadlow Close.
e) General Repairs
Bill is in touch with the Council regarding rampant woodworm in the joists of a newly re-roofed block. More generally, it is suggested that residents should make complaints via the Home Office website www.fixmystreet.com, and advise of results.
Sue has been in touch with SameSky concerning the repair of the various mosaics. Alan will try and fix up a meeting with Bec Britain. Grants may be available from the Hedgecock Foundation.
f) The Vale Community Centre
Sue Hes will follow up correspondence from Varndean about the possibility of a new computer basics group. The youth drop-in on Fridays is expected to cease soon. Alan to ask Les Barnes what news there is of cleaners taking over part of the Little Shed.
Sue suggested that business cards are drawn up with details of CVCA on one side and The Vale Community Centre on the other. Alan would draw up a first draft.
g) Playgrounds – Playbus
There was no government money available this year to re-develop the small playground at the rear of Parham Place, but Cllr Mitchell will try to keep us on the list if further funds are made available. We could also examine the concept of a ‘natural’ play area in the woodlands, as at Peacehaven.
Sue had failed to get the Council playbus to visit the estate for yet another year – Cllr Turton is to follow up.
5. Correspondence
a) QPCV Forum minutes May 20th. CVCA could bid for part of the £3,500 grant from the Scarman Trust to QPCV for ‘community health projects’ – some had already been allocated to an arts group for sessions at the VCC. ((Amendment: The £3500 referred to under 5a, is held by QPCV Community Forum, (it is administered by Scarman but comes from the Primary Care Trust) The next meeting of the QPCV Community Forum is Wednesday July 15th and a proposal could be presented to the meeting or at the following one in September.))
A Health Bus would soon be visiting Craven Vale regularly. Mark Burgess has been appointed as a full-time Active for Life worker covering Queens Park, Craven Vale and the Bristol Estate.
b) Sarah Johnson is asking for people to accompany her on Estate inspections. Alan and Keith will meet at 143 Queensway on June 25th (2pm); and Nick will join Sarah at 152 Craven Road at 2pm on July 2nd.
6. Finance
The audited accounts had now been received from the Resource Centre with no changes from the draft accounts passed at the AGM: Grant signed the audited accounts.
A grant of £300 had been received from St George’s Church in Kemp Town to pay for materials to reconstruct Jacob’s Ladder.
Because of an overspend on the payback gardening project earlier in the year (due to the excessive expense of skip hire), the CVCA accounts were now very low, although the VCC account for the Centre was extremely healthy. It was agreed that the VCC make a grant of £1,000 to the CVCA account, predominantly to work with SameSky on the mosaic project.
7. Any Other Business
Sue Hes announced that she had been successful in applying for a new post in Peacehaven, and would regretfully be leaving at the end of July. On behalf of the Committee and all the residents, Alan and Grant thanked Sue for all the excellent work she has put in over the past three years – she will be a very hard act to follow!
8. Dates of Next Meetings
a) General Meeting, 7 pm July 8th (no set agenda)
b) Committee Meeting, 7 pm September 9th

The meeting closed at 9:15 pm.

2009-06-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

RE: H1N1 INFLUENZA - SWINE FLU

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that we are now in Pandemic
Phase 6 -- UK we have outbreaks which are neither widespread nor
sustained in the general population.

As I write, 79 people in the South East region have been confirmed as having
swine flu (H1N1v). They have experienced mild symptoms and made a rapid and
full recovery. The spread has been limited. Only a small minority of cases
have been more severe.

Unless you have flu-like symptoms and/or are being tested for swine flu,
there is no need to stop your normal everyday activities, such as going to
work or school.

The single most effective action the public can take to protect themselves
and others from infection is correct respiratory and hand hygiene practice.

These simple steps will have a major role to play in slowing the spread of
any strain of influenza. Children should be encouraged to follow this
advice.

Reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu:

" CATCH IT - Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or
sneeze. Always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

" BIN IT - Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your
tissue as soon as possible.

" KILL IT - Hands transfer germs to everything you touch. Dispose of dirty
tissues promptly and carefully. Wash you hands frequently with soap and
water to reduce the spread of germs. Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door
handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

For individuals who have flu-like symptoms and have recently returned from
swine-flu affected countries, or have been in contact with someone who has,
the advice remains exactly the same - stay at home to limit contact with
others and contact your GP by phone, or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Please do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread
germs to others.

To read the latest official advice and find out about the simple steps you
can take to help protect yourself and others visit www.nhs.uk or call the
Swine Flu information Line on 08001513513.

Further information about swine flu can also be found on the HPA website
www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu

Yours sincerely,

Darren Grayson,
Chief Executive
NHS Brighton and Hove

Big Tidy Up Saturday 18th July

2009-06-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

We are planning a Big Tidy Up in Craven Vale and the nearby woodland on Saturday 18th July between 10.00am and 2.00pm.

We hope you will be able to support this event and encourage residents to come along and help. Everyone is welcome and we will be offering free refreshments, together with badges, stickers and certificates for children.

(insert some pic soon)

2009-06-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

There are three notice boards in the area (verify, Ed) in various states of contemporariness; one has a missing dog notice (undated.)
The importance of notice boards is often over-looked, not least in the cutting-edge of the internet.
It reminds me of a story about a kidnapped cat. (to be continued)

DOG FOULING

2009-05-31T23:39:00.000-07:00

Animal Welfare Officers for the City of Brighton & Hove have a range of duties include attending to stray dogs, investigating allegations of cruelty, dangerous dogs, nuisance caused by pets and the age old problem of dog fouling. IS THERE A DOG FOULING PROBLEM IN THIS AREA?

They can arrange Action Days in the area of concern, put up relevant signage regarding dogs, talk to local groups and anything else pro-active to try to combat this anti-social behaviour.

Sue Watson
Senior Animal Welfare Officer.

01273 292929/01273 292446

June 9th at 8pm next meeting street party in Baker's Bottom,

2009-05-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in being involved in a street party in Baker's Bottom, meet at the
Round Georges on Tuesday June 9th at 8pm.
The proposal is for Saturday 12th Sept in Bute Street from 1 pm - 9 pm, with any parked cars to moved by 10 am.
Ideas so far: kids' games, display of the psycho-geography of the area, live music, food and drink and decorations.
The Council have asked for a petition to show extent of the support by residents of the Bakers' Bottom and for a Risk Assessment to control the numbers.
Contact rosilalor@gmail.com

car parking Area H extension consultation

2009-05-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

adjoining car parking Area H extension consultation
showing to Manor Hill (the other side of Whitehawk Hill) and the low risk possibility of increasing displacement car parking in Craven Vale.
Full leaflet available, if you contact 020 8774 2869
or e-mail areaHextension@mottmac.com
comments to be in by 15th June

Annual General Meeting May 13th 2009, 7.00pm

2009-05-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Notes of Annual General Meeting

May 13th 2009, 7.00pm at The Vale Community Centre, Hadlow Close

Present: Alan Cooke (Acting Chair), 29 residents, Cllr Gill Mitchell, Cllr Warren Morgan, Trevor Jones (Community Participation Officer), Sarah Johnson (Housing Officer), Sue Hes and Carol Byard (Trust for Developing Communities), Sue Leggett (Community Warden), PCSO Carol Manton, Paul Gorringe (Park Ranger Service)

1. Welcome and Apologies. Alan opened the meeting at 7 pm. There were no apologies received.

2. Acting Chairman’s Report. Alan reported on the year, and gave thanks to several members of the committee who had achieved so much over the past year, plus the efforts of Sue and Carol from TDC. He welcomed Trevor, Sarah and Sue Leggett to their first AGMs, and thanked them for their help to the team. He also paid tribute to committee member Carol Mahony, who had passed away several months earlier.

Much had been achieved, especially having taken over ‘The Shed’, renamed it as the Vale Community Centre, and significantly increased its level of bookings under the guidance of Nick Wood. We now have a new notice board at the top of Hadlow Close where we advertise all that is going on in the community, and a new weblog address where all can keep in touch.

Community Payback had helped smarten up the estate with their valuable work on the garden areas for our new gardening team led by Grant Scott and Carol, and we are hoping to see them again soon to help with this year’s objective of smartening up the adjoining woodlands for the benefit of all residents.

3. Minutes. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting of April 13th 2008 were circulated and were agreed to be a true record of the meeting. There were no matters arising.

4. Treasurer’s Report. The unaudited accounts were circulated. The Resource Centre expected to have them audited within a few weeks and these would be presented at the next Committee Meeting. Alan thanked Irene Fender for acting as tresurer for the past year, but a replacement was now needed. Separate accounts were shown for the Community Association and for the Vale Community Centre. At the end of the year, the CVCA held some £816.52, and the Vale CC some £5,038.42. The meeting adopted the accounts.

5. Election of Committee. Trevor thanked the committee for all their hard work over the past year and then asked for people willing to put themselves forward as committee members. The following were unanimously elected:

Chairman – Grant Scott; Secretary - Alan Cooke; other committee members – Bill Duff, Irene Fender, Keith Drysdale, Nick Wood, and Clive Taplin . No treasurer was appointed.

The next committee meeting was set for June 10th at 7 pm.

6. Presentation by Park Ranger Service on Whitehawk Woods. Paul Gorringe introduced himself as the new Park Ranger responsible for Sheepcote Valley, Whitehawk Valley and the woodlands adjoining Craven Vale and Bakers Bottom. His main priorities for the local woodlands were: to clear the current rubbish which had been fly-tipped throughout the area; to regenerate the woodland by clearing out some invasive species, protect valuable specimens such as elms, and introduce more woodland species through cutting down much of the sycamore to provide open areas where new plants could be encouraged; and to improve access to the woodlands by improving the paths.

He intends over the next few months to work with the community to achieve many of

these objectives and to organise guided walks and workshops to involve as many people as possible. The first big occasion would be a joint litter-pick day to be organised for July 18^th.

In open discussion many other topics were covered, including the activities of those illegally resident on the hill, the presence of Japanese Knotweed, the state of the public footpath backing on to Rochester Street, the need for dogbins, and the regeneration of Queens Park.

Paul is happy to be contacted at any time on 07825 387385.

7. Any Other Business

None

The meeting closed at 7:30 pm.

parking up and down Queensway

2009-05-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

remind me not to go up or down Queensway when going north: instead, use Freshfield Road -- too many cars and buses ect. and grid-lock looms....

the loneliest bus stop in Brighton

2009-05-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

the loneliest bus stop in Brighton -- named Hemmingways after the pub at the top of Cuthbert Road, 21a to the Marina stops there : one bus a week, on a Sunday, one an hour : it turns down Dawson Terrace and then up Queensway, Hadlow Close at 7.34 pm 8.34 pm 9.34 pm 10.34 pm and 11.34 pm --
21a to the Marina -- has it gone yet?

The return journey stop is on Freshfield Road via Elm Grove and ends up at Churchhill Square.

Of course, No 2 and 2a runs through Craven Vale....

When the new site is up and running, a link with the bus times will be established.
..

FIX MY STREET

2009-05-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.fixmystreet.com/ is a national web-site devoted to enabling residents to Report, view, or discuss local problems (like graffiti, fly tipping, broken paving slabs, or street lighting.)

This site then takes responsibility of finding the appropriate council department and forwarding the request. After a period of time, if the issue is not resolved (or a number of the same issues are filed) the Home Office takes a direct interest and contacts the relevant council.

It needs a computer. You can report anonymously. It cost nothing.
And there were no reports in the Craven Vale or Bakers Bottom.

Let's see if it works.....

How to report a problem

Enter a nearby postcode, or street name and area
Locate the problem on a map of the area
Enter details of the problem
We send it to the council on your behalf

refreshing the blog

2009-05-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

training course last night tells me we need a better blog -- one that has pages and better system to show comments and calendar and remind me to diarise...: i even forgot to get to the AGM!

2009-05-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Bluebells -- Spanish or otherwise? The copses above Craven Vale are full of Bluebells (and boarage and cow lips.....

2009-05-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Bute and Rochester St parking evidence Sat 9th May 2009 noon

continual problem with parking

2009-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is the text of the letter referred to in my previous post

30/04/2009

Dear Vehicle Owner/Resident,

Our attention is still focused on the continual problem with parking in Rochester, Bute and Hendon Street and thank residents and car owners for voicing their thoughts and concerns.
There are still parking issues in the area and are asking all residents/car owners to be responsible in the way vehicles are parked on both sides of the road.
We’re also aware that vehicle owners are parking in these streets for work or college purposes and ask that consideration is taken when parking.

To clarify, our intentions are for the residents who live in these streets, to park their vehicles leaving enough room on the pavement for a double buggy or wheelchair to pass easily and at the same time there must be enough space for an emergency vehicle to pass through on the roads.
If there is street furniture on the pavement i.e. bins then please take that into consideration and leave more space on the pavement.

The introduction of white lines on the junctions is also causing some confusion, Vehicles parking near these white lines need to park at least a cars length away, this is so any vehicle can manoeuvre around the corners.
It is not acceptable that car owners are forcing pedestrians into the road.

Obstructing the road or footpath is enforceable with a £30 fine. Emergency vehicle should be able to use the road freely at all times.
If necessary we will also tow any vehicle if they are causing an obstruction. We hope with co-operation and consideration this will not be necessary.

I’m sorry this is such a long winded letter but I hope this helps to clarify more that are intentions are to make the roads accessible for emergency vehicles to get to the residents in Rochester, Bute and Hendon Street, and to prevent us having to ticket every vehicle in the street.
Please feel free to contact us with your thoughts.
Many thanks.

PCSO Carol Manton ID Number 21896 - 07766997932
PCSO Laura Hall ID Number 26995 - 07766997961

Kemp Town Neighbourhood Policing Team
John Street Police Station
Brighton, BN2 2LA

0845 60 70 999 ext 26995 or 21896
laura.hall@sussex.pnn.police.uk
carol.manton@sussex.pnn.police.uk

AGM agenda Wednesday May 13th 7pm

2009-05-08T03:21:00.000-07:00

AGM Wednesday May 13th
agenda

6 pm onwards – free buffet
- and getting-to-know-you
time

7 pm - short AGM to receive accounts and elect committee

7.20 pm - discussion with our
Park Ranger Service on how
we can improve access to the
woods next to Craven Vale, and
listen to your views on what
else you would like to see done
to improve those woods

8 pm – free raffle prizes!
(everyone a winner)

Police Warning on Pavement Parking

2009-05-08T02:42:00.000-07:00

The leaflet was placed on all vehicles in Hendon st/Bute st/Rochester st recently telling of the intention to fine any car found on the pavement such that it causes an obstruction to pedestrians.
More details to follow.

STREET PARTY TIME -- baker's bottom:

2009-05-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in being involved in a street party in Baker's Bottom, meet at the
Round Georges on Monday 11th May at 8pm.
The last one , 4 years ago, was great!

BAKERS' BOTTOM ARTISTS

2009-05-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Talking about ART, the Artists Open Houses have exhibitions in

3 Hendon Street (http://www.bakersbottomartists.co.uk/)

and 10 Canning Street

2009-05-05T03:27:00.000-07:00

The Haven is exhibiting work as part of this year’s Brighton
Fringe Festival. The Haven group’s work will be
shown alongside 33 other youth arts projects from
across the City. The Trust For Developing
Communities are funding the group to develop their
work and mount them onto canvas to be shown during
May, including two exhibitions in the local area.
Please do come along and look at their photography
and support young people in the community taking
part in this fabulous festival of arts, drama and
Music.
Saturday 9th May – The Pankhurst Haven
12 Noon till 4pm
Saturday 16th May – The Vale Community Centre
12 Noon till 4pm

extract from QPCV

2009-05-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

News from Craven Vale
Have you noticed all the outdoor improvement
work that has been taking place on Fridays?
The Community Payback team have been on
community service in the area making a difference to
the estate. They have done some major groundwork
clearance of untidy flowerbeds which had become
traps for wind blown litter, painting whitelines to all
the steps and refurbishing an old store to create a
base for the new team of Council cleaning staff that
will serve the blocks.
-------------------
Local residents have formed the
Craven Vale Gardening Group and
have begun to replant some of the
newly cleared and created
flowerbeds. Look out for posters and
fliers through your door to tell you when the
Gardeners will meet. All are welcome to join in.
If you have any plants, cuttings or seeds you would like to
donate let them know. To contact the Gardening
Group tel 571 573 and leave a message for Grant.
---------------------------
Dates for your diaries:
Saturday 2nd May 11.00 – 1.00pm Gardening Group
meet at The Vale, Hadlow Close
=
Wednesday 13th May 7.00 – 9.00pm Craven Vale
Community Association Annual General Meeting
=
Saturday 18th July – Big Tidy Up – all welcome to take part.

committee meeting April 8th

2009-04-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

Notes of Committee Meeting
April 8th 2009, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close
Present: Committee: Alan Cooke (Secretary), Nick Wood (Centre Manager); Others: Sue Hes (TDC - Trust for Developing Communities), Carol Byard (TDC)
ambly
1. Apologies: Irene Fender; Sue Leggett (Community Warden).
2. Minutes of meeting March 11th 2009. These were agreed unanimously.
3. Matters Arising. None.
4. Correspondence.
a) Invitation for CVCA to send a representative to the next City Assembly meeting at Hove Town Hall, May 9th at 6:30 pm. None of those present was able to attend at that time.
5. Finance. Finances remained healthy, and annual accounts were being drawn up for the period to March 31st for presentation at the AGM on May 13th. Unfortunately, Irene has had to tender her resignation as Treasurer due to increased family pressures.
6. Estate Development Budget bids. The main purpose of the meeting was to complete the applications for grants from the Council for improvements to the Estate. Those present went on a short tour of the Estate to confirm the exact requirements before completing the forms. The Committee will be submitting application forms to the Council for:
a) Some improvements to lighting at specified ‘dark’ areas of the Estate, notably: additional bulkhead lighting for 1 to 15 Tilgate Close; the access path to 29/39 Queensway; the stairwell entrance for 97/107 Craven Road; and between 131 and 133 Craven Road.
b) A ramp for disabled access to Tilgate Close – it was acknowledged that the cost might be far too much for the available funds, but once the request has been made, alternative funding solutions might be put forward by the Council.
c) Replacing the bench at the top junction between Craven Road and Queensway.
d) Improving the footpath between Parham Close and ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, preferably with wooden steps to make it more accessible, especially in wet weather.
e) Improve the hardstanding at the side of the Community Centre, with planters, decorative paving and palisade-style fencing, to try and stop the area being used for fly-tipping.
It was agreed that Alan would contact Trevor Jones to see if cost estimates were needed to be added to the forms.
7. Annual General Meeting. This will be held on Wednesday May 13th at 7 pm, with refreshments and a free raffle available from 6 pm onwards. Carol and Sue would take responsibility for these aspects. The main feature will be a presentation by the Park Ranger Service on plans for the improvement of Whitehawk Woods and for access from the area. Several new committee members are needed this year to replace those no longer able to serve.
8. Any other Business.
The Community Centre would be used for the European Elections on June 4th. Nick is attending to the specific requirements of the Council.
9. Dates of Next Meetings. To be held in the Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close.
a) Annual General Meeting, Wednesday May 13th, 7.00 pm, with refreshments and free raffle from 6 pm.
b) Date of first Committee Meeting to be fixed at the AGM, but tentatively put for Wednesday June 10th at 7 pm.
The meeting closed at 8:45 pm.

2009-04-02T03:40:00.000-07:00

2009-04-02T03:32:00.001-07:00

This photograph shows the playing fields in 1876, looking east to farm buildings on the hill beyond. The houses at the left are those on the south side of Hendon Street; those in College Terrace and Canning Street which now obscure those that had not then been built.

2009-04-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

In 1963, it is empty and derelict and seems doomed to early demolition. The distant houses seen are those in Freshfield Road, while the houses of the Craven Vale Council estate now cover the valley.

2009-04-02T03:25:00.001-07:00

SWEET PATCH, BAKER’S BOTTOM

It stood high on the hill to the east of Craven vale allotments, screened from view by trees, and it was approached by a rough path leading from Walpole Road to the Race Hill.

2009-04-02T03:23:00.000-07:00

The same area after the allotments had been cleared and the roads constructed, but before any houses had been built. Photographed on 6 September 1953

2009-04-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

The same area after the allotments had been cleared and the roads constructed, but before any houses had been built. Photographed on 6 September 1953.

old photos

2009-04-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

CRAVEN VALE HOUSING ESTATE

The area known as Craven Vale, at the end of Sutherland Road, had been used for allotments for nearly sixty years when acquired by Brighton Corporation for houses. Possession of the land was obtained in September 1952, and the construction of roads was completed in 1953. These two photographs look north-west towards Freshfield Road, when the land was still occupied as allotments. Photographed on 25 February 1952.

APRIL WHAT'S ON

2009-04-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

WED 1
VICKYS AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE 12.30-4.30
THUR 2
TODDLERS GROUP 10-11.30
50+ TAI CHI 2-3.30
FRI 3
YOUTH DROP IN 3.30-5.30
SAT 4
SATURDAY CAFÉ 10.30-12
GARDENING GROUP 12-4
TUE 7
SUE’S DROP IN 2-4
WED 8
VICKYS AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE 12.30-4.30
CVCA COMMITTEE MEETING 7-9
THUR 9
TODDLERS GROUP 10-11.30
50+ TAI CHI 2-3.30
FRI 10
YOUTH DROP IN 3.30-5.30
TUE 14
SUE’ DROP IN 2-4
WED 15
VICKYS AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE 12.30-4.30
THUR 16
TODDLERS GROUP 10-11.30
50+ TAI CHI 2-3.30
FRI 17
YOUTH DROP IN 3.30-5.30
MON 20
50+ COMPUTERS (NEW TERM) 1.30-3.30
TUE 21
SUE’S DROP IN 2-4
WED 22
VICKYS AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE 12.30-4.30
THUR 23
TODDLERS GROUP 10-11.30
50+ TAI CHI 2-3.30
FRI 24
YOUTH DROP IN 3.30-5.30
MON 27
50+ COMPUTERS 1.30-3.30
TUE 28
SUE’S DROP IN 2-4
WED 29
VICKYS AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE 12.30-4.30
THUR 30
TODDLERS GROUP 10-11.30
50+ TAI CHI 2-3.30

General Meeting 11th March

2009-03-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

Notes of General Meeting
March 11th 2009, 7.00 pm at The Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close
Present: Committee: Alan Cooke (Secretary), Bill Duff, Irene Fender (Treasurer), Nick Wood (Centre Manager); Residents: Betty Field, Roy Pennington, Lyndsay Poore, Grant Scott, Clive Taplin, Connie Thomas; Others: Cllr Gill Mitchell, Cllr Warren Morgan, Sue Leggett (Community Warden), Carol Byard (TDC - Trust for Developing Communities), PCSO Carol Manton

1. Apologies:
Trevor Jones (Community Participation Officer), Sarah Johnson (Housing Manager), Sue Hes (TDC).
2. Minutes of meeting February 11th 2009.
These were agreed unanimously.
3. Matters Arising.
a) Community Payback assistance. Alan reported on the work so far undertaken by the team on Fridays, and work still outstanding. It is expected that they will be available for several weeks to come, and ideas for further works are welcome, although the budget for garden improvements had now been spent.
b) Redecoration of the ‘Little Shed’ was now nearing completion, and we expected to be able to store surplus goods there in the next week or two.
c) Residents of Hadlow Close had now received a joint letter from the Council and the Association asking them to be more understanding of the needs of certain visitors to the Centre to be able to park outside during the day, when car parking space was available.
4. Correspondence.
a) Notice of the next Forum meeting on March 18th - a Health Showcase from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Haven, 116 Pankhurst Avenue.
b) Alan drew attention to several articles of relevance to Craven Vale in the latest edition of ‘Homing In’
c) A letter from the ‘Working Together Project’ offering half-day training and learning opportunities for people who are active, or wish to be active in their local communities. People should contact Alan or Sue Hes if they felt that there was a specific need by any small group of residents.
d) For the first time, the Community Centre had been selected to be a polling station, and would be used on June 4th for the European elections.
5. Finance. Finances were healthy, and annual accounts would be drawn up for the period to March 31st for presentation at the next Annual General Meeting on May 13th.
6. Estate Development Budget bids. CVCA has been invited to bid for a share of the EDB funds made available to all Estates across the city – it was estimated that there might be around £2-3,000 available for CVCA, provided that worthwhile, costed bids were put forward by April 20th. The purpose of the meeting was to consider what possible bids CVCA should consider and prioritise them. The Committee would seek to prepare the necessary forms at the next Committee meeting on April 8th, in time for submission before the deadline of April 20th. Copies of the regulations regarding the types of bids that would be acceptable were handed round.
Following lengthy discussion, the following priorities were accepted for the Committee to work up into applications:
a) Some improvements to lighting at specified ‘dark’ areas of the Estate, notably Tilgate Close; by 107 Craven Road; by 131 Craven Road; and by 51 Queensway
b) A ramp for access to Tilgate Close (someone in the Council had sent a surveyor to assess the options and cost – Sarah to be asked who had been responsible for this, and what the outcome was). The costs might be far too high, even though the need was agreed to be great.
c) Replacing the bench at the top junction between Craven Road and Queensway
d) Improving the path between Parham Close and ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, preferably with wooden steps to make it more accessible. This could be tied in with improvements to the path at the side of Rochester Street and at the ends of Bute and Hendon Streets. A large number of skips will probably be required. Cllr Mitchell will raise the fly-tipping with Hugo Blondfield of City Parks.
e) Improve the hardstanding at the side of the Community Centre, with planters and palisade-style fencing
Other requirements for the area were also raised. One is for the possibility of a playground by the side of Parham Close – Cllr Gill Mitchell will ensure that this is put before the team considering how best to spend £1.1 mn of Government money on 22 play areas throughout Brighton and Hove.
Improvements to Whitehawk Woods are outside the remit of the EDB, as these apply only to land controlled by the Housing Department. Ideas for improving access to the woods, and for improving the area generally, will be followed up at later meetings.
General improvements to the roads on the Estate, particularly Queensway and Craven Road, are to be discussed between the Councillors and Highways – Alan to provide Gill before March 23rd with a list of possible improvements based on the general discussion.
Sue Leggett provided the Secretary with a list of successful bids made the previous year for guidance on possible applications, and approximate costs.
7. Annual General Meeting. This is to be held on Wednesday May 13th at 7 pm – but (as last year) refreshments and a free raffle will be available from 6 pm onwards. Those present were reminded of the need for at least 15 residents to be present, and it was to be hoped that some would offer to join the now-much-reduced-Committee.
8. Any other Business.
a) Roy Pennington offered to set up and administer a blog for the Association on which notices and minutes could be posted and ideas exchanged. This was accepted. Those who wish to communicate with Roy will find him on roy.pennington@yahoo.co.uk
(b) Lyndsay raised the problem of leaseholders having to pay excessive sums for unnecessary painting of the stairwells, following work done just two years ago. Lyndsay, Alan and Grant had all objected to the need for the work and had asked for a breakdown of what seem excessive costs for slapdash work. None had received any reply from Jim Lord despite objecting within the requested timescale. Cllr Mitchell asked that these three and any others should send her copies of correspondence sent. Irene raised the point about two-tone doors, where doors had been re-painted while still locked, without any prior advice.
(c) Nick and others raised the problem caused by the grass-cutters in mowing the Estate without picking up major items of litter in advance, resulting in shredded litter over a wide area.
(d) Clive asked whether the PCSOs were restricted to just one free meeting in the Community Centre per quarter, but this was denied, although no specific number of meetings had been requested.
(e) Grant reported on the work undertaken by the new Garden Team. They were working with Community Payback to develop each new bed as they were cleared, but could use more volunteers – the first Saturday of each month at noon. Cllr Theobald had planted the apricot tree in the middle of the old ‘goal’. Two apple trees are due to be planted near the disused play area by Parham Close.
(f) Clive commented that the paving in Bute Street had now been repaired, with the intention of achieving the same for Hendon and Rochester Streets next year.
9. Dates of Next Meetings. To be held in the Vale Community Centre, 17a Hadlow Close.
a) Committee meeting, Wednesday April 8th, 7.00 pm
b) Annual General Meeting, Wednesday May 13th, 7.00 pm, with refreshments and free raffle from 6 pm.
The meeting closed at 8:45 pm.

CRAVEN VALE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

2009-03-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

CRAVEN VALE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION meeting March 11th at 7pm and it is open to all residents of Baker's Bottom and Craven Vale.
Roy will post the minutes, photos and comment so that all parts of the area get touched, particuarly those who hace access to the internet.
Ideas for the blog gratefully received, eg a map of the relevant area, pictures of interest inc. past, present and future (work-in-progress).