Goudhurst and Kilndown Parish Council

GOUDHURST PARISH COUNCIL
Local Government for Goudhurst and Kilndown

NOTES OF A MEETING OF THE GOUDHURST YOUTH FORUM
held at The Quarry Centre Kilndown on Thursday 10th April 2008

Present:
David Denton Church/School Group, Christ Church & St Mary’s.
Roger Blackwell Kilndown K Krew
Graham Newman Police Community Support Officer, Kent Police.
Jacqui Clark 1st Goudhurst Scouts Group
Sandra Adams Ocean Blue Twirlers
Janet Greenroyd KCC Community Warden
Julie Shapter KCC Youth and Community
Val Griffiths KCC Youth and Community
Catherine Saggers TWBC Community Youth Worker
Tracy Edmonston GPC/Goudhurst Youth Club/Playgroup/Ocean Blue Twirlers
Tracy Chudley GPC
Phil Kirkby GPC
Tom Crookall GPC (Chairman)

1. Apologies:
Joanna Vos KCC Community Warden
PC Tim Moody Kent Police
Tina Moore Goudhurst Youth Club

The Chairman opened by welcoming all present and repeated that the intention of these meetings was to provide a forum for all those working with young people within the Parish to get together. He hopes that it will provide opportunities to share problems and solutions, to co-operate, to seek guidance and support, and spread information about funding from the three tiers of local government.

2. The Notes of the last meeting held on 10th January 2008 were approved.

3. Reports from Organisations.
Jacqui Clark reported that the Goudhurst Scout Group has been further strengthened by the recruitment of an additional Beaver Leader. They now have 24 Beavers, 32 cubs and 30 scouts. While they have good parental support and sufficient Scout Leaders, Their numbers are limited by the size of the Scout Hut. They are seeking grant support from identified donors for £22,000 works to provide disabled access and allow the hut to open out onto the field area to facilitate outdoor activities.

Sandra Adams reported on behalf of Ocean Blue Twirlers. They have had a most successful session at the National Championships at Pontin’s, Camber. They won 17 awards including one major award and one of their members has been appointed as the first Mascot for the UK Federation of Majorettes. They are still using the Village Hall due to problems with the caretaker at the school hall. They will need new leotards etc due to changes in the rules, and may seek some financial help. They now have ten new members making a total of 21.

Julie Shapter reported for Goudhurst Youth Club. This group for seniors is now meeting on Tuesdays in the Church Room. Julie advises that getting them out into a neutral environment has had a beneficial effect on behaviour and relationships. Several activities are planned including a 15 week snow boarding course at Gillingham, a weekend at Swattenden and a Bewl Water day. KCC is covering room hire costs.

Tracy Edmonston reported on the Junior Youth Club for the younger children and which continues to meet on Monday nights at the Ex Servicemen’s Club. Apparently the older children tend now to attend both clubs. We remain most grateful to the Club for continuing to make it’s facilities available. While the Youth Club’s finances are satisfactory, it is reported that the Ex-Servicemen’s Club is under some financial pressure at present.

Tom Crookall reported that the Playground Committee had secured grant funding from KCC of £5,000 which is to be used for fencing the play area and the provision of further equipment.

Roger Blackwell, Chairman of Kilndown K Krew reported on behalf of Robert Baughurst. Their attendance is currently 15 per night. They have had a very successful series of workshops which they intend to repeat. They intend to arrange film and bingo nights for the community both to fundraise and involve the young.

David Denton reported on continuing Church/School liaison activities including school activities in the two churches and the PCC sponsored school Canterbury trip.

PCSO Graham Newman and Community Warden Janet Greenroyd advised that a seven a side football competition has been arranged at Marden on Thursday 31st July for teams of both girls and boys. This will lead to a final at Charlton on 31st August. This has been arranged by PCSOs and Wardens.

4. Future Events.
It’s a Riot at Kilndown: date now changed from 12th July 2008 to 5th July 2008. Clerk is requested to confirm that the reservation for the Millennium Green has been changed accordingly.
Goudhurst Fete will be held on 21st June 2008.

5. Progress with getting Youth Members on the Committee. Phil and the two Tracys tabled a paper about seeking greater involvement of the members of the various youth groups to both give them greater influence on our deliberations and to demonstrate that they have real influence. This was discussed and they will be making contacts to take this forward with our youth.

6. Actions from GPC. It was noted that in the 07/08 financial year a total of nearly £4,000 had been spent on youth related items – nearly 10% of GPC budget.

7. Kent Funding Fair.

8. Dates of next meeting. Thursday, 11th Sept 2008 – Goudhurst Scout Hut. 8.00 pm

TC 25.04.08

NOTES OF A MEETING OF THE GOUDHURST YOUTH FORUM
held at The Scout Hut, Goudhurst on Notes of a Meeting held at The Scout Hut, Goudhurst on Thursday 10th January 2008

Present:
David Denton Church/School Group, Christ Church & St Mary’s.
Rob Baughurst Kilndown K Krew.
Roger Blackwell Kilndown K Krew
Graham Newman PCSO Kent Police.
Jacqui Clark Goudhurst Scouts
Jo Loveridge Play Ground Committee
Tracy Edmonston GPC/Goudhurst Youth Club/Playgroup/Ocean Blue Twirlers
Phil Kirkby GPC
Tom Crookall GPC (Chairman)

1. Apologies:
Joanna Vos KCC Rural Wardens
PC Tim Moody Neighbourhood Police Officer. Kent Police
Julie Shapter KCC Youth and Community
Sandra Adams Ocean Blue Twirlers
Tina Moore Goudhurst Youth Club

The Chairman opened by welcoming all present and repeated that the intention of these meetings was to provide a forum for all those working with young people within the Parish to get together. It is hoped that it will provide opportunities to share problems and solutions, to co-operate and to seek guidance, support and information about funding from the three tiers of local government.

2. The Notes of the last meeting held on 11th October 2007 were approved.

3. Reports from Organisations.

Jacqui Clark reported that the Goudhurst Scout Group continued to be a great success. They have waiting lists in all sections and age groups. While they have good parental support and sufficient Scout Leaders, their numbers are limited by the size of the Scout Hut. They are seeking grant support for disabled access to the toilets, and for a trip. They have donors targeted.

Tracy Edmonston reported on behalf of Ocean Blue Twirlers. They have yet to meet in 2008 but continue to have a keen group of 15 to 20 girls. The girls had enjoyed their Christmas trip to Cinderella. They will shortly be participating in another competition season, including a weekend session at Pontin’s, Camber. Village Hall hire continues to be a major cost item for them. It was considered that the Goudhurst Primary School hall might be a better venue for them. (Post Meeting: TC has contacted the Head Teacher who has spoken to Sandra Adams and it is likely that OBT will use the school facility at a cost saving.)

Tracy Edmonston reported for Goudhurst Youth Club. They too had been to Cinderella and much enjoyed it and were grateful for GPC subsidy. The seniors are presently being taken by minibus to meet at Mascalls on Monday evenings but in the next few weeks they will meet on Tuesdays at the Church Room. The younger children will continue to use the Ex Servicemen’s Club.

Jo Loveridge reported for the Playground Committee. Everybody present congratulated them on the new equipment which is proving very popular. Jo advised that the group is seeking support to renew the fencing around the play area. It was indicated that some support is likely to be available from GPC. Subsequently there has been perceived to be an opportunity for some KCC grant funding within the current financial year and Jo has submitted an application

Robert Baughurst of K Krew introduced Roger Blackwell who has recently joined their Committee as Treasurer. Roger was welcomed by all present. Robert continued that there was still a shortage of helpers in Kilndown with two people needed. K Krew remains financially secure thanks to their recent grant They too enjoyed a Pantomime, but went to the one in Southborough. Their membership has dropped a bit recently. Several of their members are Goudhurst residents. Their AGM took place on 17th January 08.

David Denton reported on continuing Church/School liaison activities.

PCSO Graham Newman for the Police offered apologies from PC Graham Moody and Community Warden Joanna Vos. He reported on various football competitions which had been arranged by PCSOs and Wardens. A discussion about transport to Cranbrook for football training took place but was inconclusive.

4. Future Events.

It’s a Riot at Kilndown 12th July 2008. Robert has booked the Millenium Green
Goudhurst Fete 21st June 2008.

5. Progress with getting Youth Members on the Committee. Report at next meeting.

6. Actions from GPC. Some in notes above but it was noted that the 2007/08 year Youth Budget remains underspent

7. There was no Other Business.

8. Dates of next meetings. All to be held at 8pm
Thursday 10th April – Quarry Centre
Thursday 11th Sept – Scout Hut

All present were thanked for their work with our young, and the Scouts for their hospitality.

TC
03 February 08

Thursday 11 October 2007 at 8.00 pm

Present:
David Denton Church/School Group, Christ Church & St Mary’s.
Rob Baughurst Kilndown K Krew.
Julie Shapter KCC Youth & Community.
Graham Newman PCSO Kent Police.
Jacqui Clark Goudhurst Scouts
Sandra Adams Ocean Blue Twirlers.
Tina Moore Goudhurst Youth Club
Tracy Edmonston GPC/Scouts/Playgroup/Ocean Blue Twirlers
Phil Kirkby GPC
Tom Crookall GPC (Chairman)

1. Apologies:
Catherine Saggers TWBC Youth & Community.
Theresa Relf Ocean Blue Twirlers.
Janet Greenroyd & Joanna Vos KCC Rural Wardens
PC Tim Moody Neighbourhood Police Officer. Kent Police
Jo Loveridge Play Ground Committee

The Chairman opened by welcoming all present and repeated that the intention of these stwice yearly meetings was to provide a forum for all those working with young people within the Parish to get together. It is hoped that it will provide opportunities to share problems and solutions, to co-operate and to seek guidance, support and information about funding from the three tiers of local government.

2. The Notes of the last meeting held on 21st March 2007 were approved.

3. Reports from Organisations
David Denton reported that one of the criteria being sought in the new vicar was an orientation towards youth work. It was not expected that a new appointee would be in post until Easter 2008 at the earliest. Meanwhile the established pattern of church/school activities will continue.

Robert Baughurst reported that K Krew had recently received a grant of £4,500 from the Local Network Fund. They now have 19 registered members but are desperately short of helpers. Several of their members are Goudhurst residents.

PCSO Graham Newman is new to this parish but is very keen to become involved with our youngsters in a proactive manner. He advised that Joanna Vos is likely to resume duties soon. The increased local police presence was noted with appreciation.

Jacqui Clark reported a very high level of Scout activity. The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are all full and encouragingly they have four new parent helpers. Their finances are sound.

Tina Moore reported that Goudhurst Youth Club had now again got a youth worker for the older ones (11-16) but that the previous 16+ group seem unlikely to return. They had 22 at their last meeting. They are seeking £1,000 from GPC for activities around Christmas and some equipment. A written request will follow.

Sandra Adams reported that Ocean Blue Twirlers are now commencing the competition season which will lead up to the National Championships. They have had problems with unruly youths misbehaving around the hall while the girls are there. This is frightening. However numbers are up to 19 and the group is keen. They are practicing twice weekly in Goudhurst Village Hall at some cost. While they recently received a grant of £2,500 their costs for rent, transport and uniforms are high. GPC is recommended to agree a grant of £500 to Ocean Blue Twirlers to assist with hall hire.

Julie Shapter of KCC advised of the difficulties in engaging paid youth workers but she had been able to secure one to attend the Goudhurst YC to work with the older youngsters. Funds but not people seem to be available. She discussed the difficulties of confidentiality with youngsters. Julie advised that there had been quite a good take up from Goudhurst of the summer activities including trips to Weald Sports Centre and to Bewl Water. Goudhurst fielded a team for the Warden organized football tournament and were runners up. Their excellent behaviour at this and all other events has been the subject of comment. The Ex Servicemens Club was thanked for the use of their facilities by GYC. Julie advised that she was taking advice on Health & Safety matters.

4. KCC Assistance to GYC – covered above.

5. Feedback from past events.
It was generally agreed that the Tour de France had been a very happy occasion although the usage of the Glebe Field had been less than anticipated. The fete had also gone well.
The “It’s a Riot” day had been a great success and well worthy of repeating. It had resulted in a small profit and each group received £20 !

6. Future Events.
It’s a Riot 2008 will be held in Kilndown on Saturday 12th July 2008 subject to confirmations.
A summer BBQ is suggested. Other events are to be considered including midnight ice skating at Gillingham.

7. Kent Youth Opportunities Fund.
Grant application information and forms were made available and still are on request. While the availability of this fund has a cut off date it is expected to be replaced by a similar scheme. There are other funding sources available.

8. Actions Required from Goudhurst Parish Council.
See the items on Ocean Blue Twirlers above and Goudhurst Youth Club. In addition, the proposal from Dennis Knight that GPC funds the purchase of a PA system is strongly supported by the Youth Forum as it would be very helpful at their events.

9. Frequency of Meetings.
All present agreed that in future meetings should be held quarterly and that each youth group should be encouraged to bring along two of their young people. Phil and Tracy will consult and report back on how this should be arranged.

10. There was no Other Business.

11. Dates of next meetings. All to be held at 8pm
Thursday 10th April – Quarry Centre (subject to availability)
Thursday 11th Sept – Scout Hut

All present were thanked for their work with our young and the Scouts for their hospitality.

TC 15th October 2007.

Clerk to the Parish Council
Anthony Farnfield MBE
clerk@goudhurst.co.uk