Armed Forces Covenant for Central Bedfordshire
Armed forces families should feel a greater sense of belonging to their community following the signing of
a special covenant by Central Bedfordshire Together.
The Armed Forces Covenant sets out how members of the Armed Forces and the settled community will work together to promote the inclusion and integration of the Armed Forces into the wider community.
The Covenant pledges support for the Armed Forces community working and living in Central Bedfordshire, and encourages remembrance and recognition for the sacrifices made by the armed forces, including both in-service and ex-service personnel and their families.
The covenant also encourages members of the Armed Forces to help their local community.
‘We’re committed to working together…’
Cllr Tricia Turner, chairman of Central Bedfordshire Together (CBT), said: “Central Bedfordshire Together is a partnership of leading representatives from public, private, voluntary and community sectors who are all committed to working together to support our Military Personnel and their families.
“As Chairman of CBT it gave me considerable satisfaction and pleasure on behalf of the Partnership to sign the Central Bedfordshire Community Covenant with our Armed Forces.
“This document recognises the need to address the Military’s special circumstances and the additional support that is required, and is a pledge of CBT’s commitment to work with the Armed Forces community. Their contribution is valued by us all.”
‘More visible military’
Councillor Mark Versallion, military covenant champion for Central Bedfordshire Council and an officer in the Royal Navy Reserves, said: “I am honoured to serve as the military covenant champion for Central Bedfordshire Council. I am impressed with the commitment shown to the covenant and the armed forces it aims to help, not just from the council but from all partners who signed this covenant.
“Initiatives, such as this covenant, are now rightly making the military more visible and I am proud to be a part of ensuring this council helps the military and also engaging with the military so that they can help us and our communities.”
Dignity and support
Brigadier Mark Hallas (Commandant DISC), said: “The Central Bedfordshire Armed Forces Covenant seeks to further reinforce the ties already existing between the Armed Forces and the council.
“We are naturally very proud to be involved. Bedfordshire has always supported their local military personnel, past and present, and their families. The Covenant will help cement that support at a local level, and ensure that our Armed Forces, veterans and their families have the support they need and are treated with the dignity they deserve in the future.”
Download a copy of the Central Bedfordshire Armed Forces Covenant here.
Did you know?
Bedfordshire is home to two military camps: RAF Henlow and DISC Chicksands, which together have some 290 military families split between the two sites.
It is also home to 9 other military units which includes all three cadet forces and Territorial Army units, one of the largest being 158 Transport Regiment, based in Bedford Road, Kempston.
Find out more about some of the good work already in place under the Community Covenant scheme in other areas on the MOD website
CBT Workshop and Third Sector Assembly
Central Bedfordshire Together is holding a joint workshop with the Third Sector Assembly on 26 January 2012.
It will be held in the Council Chamber, Priory House, Chicksands from 9.30am – 12.30pm.
The workshop will consider issues around localism, Open Public Services, and ‘encouraging communities to do more for themselves’.
As part of these discussions, it is important that we look at new ways of delivering services with local residents, and focus on how the capacity of the voluntary and community sector can be built and supported.
‘Working together…’
The objectives of the workshop are to explore how we can work together to meet the needs of local residents and communities. By the end of the workshop participants will have:
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explored the opportunities for the voluntary and community sector to contribute to new ways of taking on the delivery of more services for local people;
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identified the skills and capacity required to be put into place in order for this to happen; and
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related and aligned these opportunities and requirements to the priorities and challenges facing Central Bedfordshire.
Facilitating the session will be Tim Whitworth, Senior Fellow, Capacity Building, at the Office for Public Management (OPM), an employee owned not-for-profit organisation working to improve social results.
He is the director of Empowering Leadership, the national flagship programme for local public sector leadership at Ashridge and of the Collaborative Leadership Programme in Cheshire and Warrington sub region.
Want to find out more?
For more information contact Peter Fraser, Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement, Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 300 6740.
Budget 2012 – making your money count
In the autumn of 2011 Central Bedfordshire Council asked residents what the council’s spending priorities and the level of council tax should be for 2012/13.
Having listened to residents’ feedback, the council has drawn up a draft budget for 2012/13 and is inviting residents and partners to comment on the proposals.
The draft budget and details about how to have your say is available online here or at your local library.
Whatever your views, we want to hear from you, so please take the opportunity to continue to shape the plans and make your money count!
In Memoriam 2014 update
2014 will be the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
War memorials were, and still are, erected by communities to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In our Autumn 2011 edition of together, we asked you to tell us about the war memorials where you live.
We had a brilliant response, and the list of War Memorials in Central Bedfordshire is now on the Central Bedfordshire Council website and will also be added to the War Memorials Trust website.
Want to find out more?
The War Memorials Trust is able to offer advice and grants to help with looking after War Memorials.
There is currently funding available specifically for use on War Memorials in Central Bedfordshire so if you have any concerns about the condition of your War Memorials, then the Trust may be able to assist.
For further information, contact Peter Fraser, Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement, Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 300 6740.
Communities learn how to influence development
Do you find the planning system confusing? Well you’re not alone!
Almost 100 delegates recently attended a ‘Planning Skills Workshop- How can I make it work for me? at the Rufus Centre, Flitwick.
It was run as part of the ‘Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning’ funded by the Dept of Communities and Local Government, and was arranged by Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Bedfordshire branch and the Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils (BATPC).
Delegates were given expert free training on how to understand the planning system so as to protect and enhance their villages and townscapes.
Let’s get actively involved!
In addition to learning about the planning system, delegates also worked in groups on case studies to help them become more actively involved in local planning, either as individuals or on behalf of their local council or community group.
‘It was most helpful at this time of change and uncertainty in local planning to be looking forward with the guidance of an expert who has a grasp on the emerging national policy in the Bedfordshire mosaic.’ said one of the delegates.
Want to find out more?
Watch this space for details on further dates for workshops – or contact Ann Collett-White, CPRE Bedfordshire, on 01234 353331.
Living Countryside Awards celebrate Central Bedfordshire projects
The Campaign to Protect Rural England’s (CPRE) 2011 Awards have recently highlighted projects in Central Bedfordshire with their top CPRE Mark given jointly to Stockwell Farm Woodland and Pecks Farm Shop, Eggington.
Judges for CPRE Bedfordshire’s awards scheme have visited some 80 projects across the county, remarking on the high standard of so many examples of Landscape Improvement, Historic Buildings Restoration and Sustainable Living.
Many of these projects have been developed by teams of volunteers or dedicated owners, and have provided new opportunities for the public to view the landscapes and restored buildings for themselves, remarking on the range of new places to enjoy across Bedfordshire.
Look how Central Bedfordshire did in 2011!!
- Landscape Improvement
Silver Awards were given to Henlow Bridge Lakes, John O’Gaunt Golf Club Ecology, and Townlands Recreation Ground, Aspley Guise.
- Historic Buildings Restoration
Award for the roof and tower restoration of Shuttleworth Mansion.
- Sustainable Living
Silver Award for Stondon Lower School.
County wide work by Master Thatcher Roger Evans was also given the CPRE Mark.
Want to find out more?
Visit the Campaign to Protect Rural England Bedfordshire branch website here.
Have a look at the Living Countryside Awards for details of further award categories given in 2011, and of all awards presented in previous years where fully illustrated handouts of all 80 projects can also be downloaded.
Want to get involved?
Entries for 2012 Living Countryside Awards should be sent to CPRE by 31 May 2012.
For more information contact Ann Collett-White, CPRE Bedfordshire on 01234 353331.
2011 – the year that was…
Central Bedfordshire Council look back over the past twelve months here…
Electrical Fire Safety Advice
If Father Christmas has delivered new electrical items to your home over the holiday period, a few simple measures can ensure they stay safe during 2012.
Shocking statistics show that nationally half of all accidental house fires in 2010/11 were caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment.
From faulty fridges and abandoned irons, to dodgy plugs and wiring, electrical equipment can be an unnoticed fire hazard in the home. And with the recent cold weather, many sockets could still be overloaded with space heaters and electric blankets.
Last year, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) attended 266 fires that were recorded as accidental electrical dwelling fires. Although none of the 266 Bedfordshire fires resulted in a fatality; nationally during 2010 accidental electrical fires in the home resulted in nearly 40 deaths.
Check your electrical goods
Fire and Rescue Services are working hard to bring these figures down. But every individual can take steps to help themselves by checking that the electrical equipment they use everyday is in good shape and is operated properly.
“Electrical equipment is an inescapable part of all our lives, from essentials like heating and lights to luxuries like entertainment systems or beauty products.
Half of all accidental fires nationally begin with an electrical appliance, so it’s really important to be sure that your electrics are in good working order and are used properly.’ said Thomas Warner Area Community Safety Manager for Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service.
“Most electrical fires start in the kitchen, so be extra careful with cooking equipment. Fire in the home can be devastating, but many of these fires are preventable. By following some simple steps, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire.”
Five top tips for electrical fire safety in the home:
- Don’t overload plug sockets
- Regularly check for worn or frayed wires
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Keep appliances clean and in good working order
- Consider using an RCD – Residual Current Device – which works like a circuit breaker to protect against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
The Electrical Safety Council, who works in partnership with fire and rescue services nationally, also advises that heaters should be kept clear from curtains and furniture and should never be used for drying clothes, while your electric blanket should be unplugged before you go to bed, unless it has a thermostat for safe all-night use.
To help keep you and your family safe from fire visit www.bedsfire.com for further advice.
Free Home Safety checks!
To help protect those most at risk such as the elderly and those with mobility disabilities BLFRS also provides free Home Fire Safety Checks and, where necessary, free smoke alarms.
If you would like us to help people that you know who maybe at risk of fire please call 0800 043 5042.
Neighbourhood Planning – the story so far…
The Localism Bill (to be enacted in April 2012) sets out how communities will be able to get more involved in planning for their local areas.
Communities will be able to get involved in creating plans and policies to guide new development and in some cases, granting planning permission for certain types of development.
So what is Neighbourhood Planning?
A Neighbourhood Plan provides an excellent opportunity for communities to identify local issues that matter to them, and provide solutions at a local level.
Town or Parish Councils are the ‘qualifying bodies’ who can make a neighbourhood plan. It can cover a whole town or parish, or just part of it. Two or more parishes can work together to produce a joint plan if they wish to do so.
The three neighbourhood planning tools are:
- Neighbourhood Development Plans
These plans set out the vision for an area, and planning policies for the use and development of land. They could cover where new homes, offices or shops could go, and identify green spaces to be protected.
The plan needs to comply with both Central Bedfordshire’s planning policies and national planning policies. If adopted, the plan will become part of the development plan and be used in making decisions on planning applications.
- Neighbourhood Development Orders
These orders can grant planning permission for specific developments such as shop fronts and ‘green energy’ proposals.
- Community Right to Build Orders
These orders can identify land for specific small scale developments, such as new homes or community facilities.
Where are we so far?
Caddington and Slip End Parish Councils have been accepted by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) as a ‘front runner’ in the Neighbourhood Plan process.
Toddington Parish Council are also likely to be going ahead with a plan, and officers are talking to a number of other communities about whether they want to do a Neighbourhood Plan.
Want to get involved?
If you’d like to get involved in Neighbourhood Planning where you live, Central Bedfordshire Council can help you start the process. The Council will provide you with technical advice and support, but not direct funding.
Once the plan is written, the Council will check it against planning policy and procedures and then submit it for an independent check. If it passes, the Council will then arrange a referendum in the local area. If it is agreed by the majority, then the Council will adopt it.
For more information and advice, please contact Sally Chapman, Development Plans Process Team Leader, Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 3004336 or Mark Saccoccio, Local Planning and Housing Team Leader, Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 3005510.
Come and contribute to our next Carers Forum!
If you provide unpaid support for a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or who has a mental health or substance misuse problem then please join us at the Central Bedfordshire Carers Forum marking the end of second successful year.
The Forum will be held on 30 January 2012 in the Council Chamber, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ, from 9.30am to 3pm.
It’s an opportunity to hear about how things have improved for carers and some of the initiatives that have been implemented with the help of carers themselves, such as:
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The GP Carers Pack, cards and training
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Development of a single carers support service
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Simplifying carers Direct Payment process
Cllr Carole Hegley, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, Health and Housing at Central Bedfordshire Council said, ‘We are committed to working with local people as experts in considering what the priorities are for carers. The forums are a great opportunity for local people to have their voice heard and to influence policies, strategies and carers services.’
‘Positive contribution…’
Richard Carr (Chief Executive), and Julie Ogley (Direct of Social Care, Health and Housing) will join Councillor Carole Hegley (Executive Member for Social Care, Health & Housing) to hear from carers about their experiences and how the work Central Bedfordshire Council has done with its partners has made a positive contribution to their caring role.
We will also take stock and look ahead to the future challenges & opportunities.
To book your place visit the Central Bedfordshire Council website. From the Home page, select ‘Life Events’, then ‘Looking After Someone’. Select ‘Careres Forum’ on the right hand side of the page; your will find the booking form under ‘Latest News.’ Alternatively, call 0300 300 8036 or email here.
Future Forum dates:
- 26 April 2012 – 10am to 3pm - Flitwick Village Hall, Flitwick
- 25 July 2012 – 10am to 3pm – Priory House, Chicksands
- 24 October 2012 – 6pm to 9pm – Watling House, Dunstable
In other news…
Patricia Coker, Head of Partnerships, Social Care, Health and Housing at Central Bedfordshire Council reveals how residents are being encouraged to give their views on the ‘Caring for our future’ consultation through local events…click here to find out more.
Mayor celebrates re-opening of Houghton Regis woodland
Mayor of Houghton Regis, Councillor Andrew Roberts marked the opening of the newly improved Blue Waters Woodland green space on Saturday 26 November 2011, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Groundwork and Central Bedfordshire Council partnership event.
The Mayor invited residents of Houghton Regis to come and explore the site during the celebration event, which saw local families enjoy a series of woodland activities including den-building, nature trails and outdoor cooking.
The completion of works at Blue Waters Woodland marks the second and final phase of works to the green space, thanks to the efforts of local environmental regeneration charity Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire.
Working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, Groundwork managed the implementation of the works, which were part of agreed plans drawn up following extensive research and public consultation.
Lots of new improvements…
Improvements to Blue Waters Woodland include the creation of new pathways to improve access to and around the site, and woodland management to encourage biodiversity and wildlife to the area.
The installation of seating, way markers and interpretation boards will make the area more engaging for visitors.
The majority of works were completed by contractors, but this was supplemented with community volunteering events including litter picks and tree and shrub clearance.
‘This project has had a strong community theme from the first consultation to today’s celebration event. Groundwork believes that getting people involved in their local green spaces is a fantastic way to ensure the sustainability of projects such as this.’ said Natalie Offord, Operations Manager at Groundwork.
‘Wonderful achievement…’
Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: ‘We have been really pleased to be able to work with and support Groundwork to enhance this woodland for Houghton Regis’.
‘As a local authority we are committed to protect the local environment but also improve access to green spaces for local people. It is a wonderful achievement for all involved.’
The woodland will continue to be managed by Central Bedfordshire Council for both its woodland habitat and natural play area.
The works at Blue Waters Woodland were made possible thanks to funding from Chalk Arc Initiative and Central Bedfordshire Council.
Want to find out more?
For more information contact Natalie Offord, Operations Manager at Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire.
HRH in Central Bedfordshire
A brand new care scheme known as the Houghton Regis Helpers (HRH), was launched in December 2011 at the Houghton Regis Town Council offices.
Following the mayoral launch, Andrew Selous, MP for South West Bedfordshire visited the scheme’s steering group of volunteers to wish them well for the future.
Congratulations go to the group who have worked so hard and with such speed to begin offering the services of HRH to the people of Houghton Regis.
The aim of the scheme is to provide occasional help to residents who do not have close family or friends nearby. The help may be in the form of transporting people to doctor or hospital appointments or helping with shopping.
‘On the ground work…’
HRH will also help by collecting prescriptions, carrying out light household jobs or simply popping around for a chat or a cup of tea. All the ‘on the ground’ work is undertaken by volunteers who are covered by insurance and are CRB checked.
The group was helped to set up by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), and will now join their network of care schemes in both urban and rural areas across Central Bedfordshire.
Like to get involved?
In Houghton Regis…
If you would like to become a ‘Good Neighbour’ volunteer with HRH, or if you would like occasional help from the scheme, please call 07587 004514 or email HRH here.
…in Dunstable…
The Houghton Regis scheme follows the creation of a similar scheme earlier this year in Dunstable, called Dunstable Action Network, operated by Dunstable Town Council.
For more information on this scheme, call 01582 513000 or visit their website.
…in Biggleswade…
Local residents in Biggleswade are now also poised to launch their own scheme, called Biggleswade Good Neighbours.
For more information on this scheme contact Terri Anne on 01767 313610.
…and all across Central Bedfordshire.
For more information about BRCC’s care schemes network, please contact Justine Hunt on 01234 832648
New Year, New You with Get Back Into!
If your 2012 includes a resolution to get fitter and healthier, Team Beds & Luton have just the programme for you!
Starting in January 2012, the Get Back Into programme provides a whole host of different sports and activities to help you get involved.
Get Back Into is all about giving adults of any age the opportunity to try out a sport or physical activity in a relaxed and friendly way through a series of affordable coached or tutored ‘taster’ sessions.
These activities are not all about getting fit; they also increase confidence and are a great way to meet new people!
‘Participants should draw great comfort from the fact that the programmes are well established and delivered by suitably qualified and experienced coaches and tutors’ said Lloyd Conaway, Director of Team Beds & Luton.
‘As such they represent great value for money and I would urge anyone looking to lead a more active lifestyle to get involved.’
Want to get involved?
Have a look at the January programme on the Get Back Into website.
You can book and pay online, and with over 60 different sessions to choose from across the country there is definitely something for everyone!
For more information, and to book your place visit the Get Back Into website or call 01582 813760.
Volunteering is for life, not just for Christmas
It’s not just at Christmas that vulnerable people need a friendly face, a forgiving smile, a phone call, a visit, a leg up on the ladder to normality, employment, friends and all those other things we take for granted.
‘Hi – I hope you are all feeling full and content after a Christmas full of food and family and fun.
My name is Rebecca and I work at the Volunteer Centres in Bedford and Biggleswade. Over the Christmas period my phone went crazy with calls from people who wanted to volunteer over the festive period.
Everyone it seems suddenly felt how lucky they were to have family and friends around over Christmas and wanted to volunteer for the less fortunate ones amongst us.
Like the people who spend Christmas and New Year on their own, or those that live in institutions and didn’t get to see their families, the young mums who live in hostels and couldn’t go home for fear of domestic violence or parental abuse, or the ex-offenders that live in strange towns miles from home.
What if one of those people was your child, your brother, your mum, your dad, yourself?
So why not cut out the dates below, stick them on your fridge and when you have time, go down to the Volunteer Centre in Bedford or Biggleswade and change your life and the lives of others.
We have hundreds of opportunities from befriending to driving, mentoring to office work, volunteering with adults with mental health problems, supporting ex offenders and children with learning difficulties.
Whatever your skills we can find something to suit you and most organisations will pay your travel expenses. It doesn’t affect your benefits either. You will fill a gap in your CV, have something to talk about in an interview, and you will feel great.
Volunteering literally changed their lives…
‘Recently two volunteers who were unemployed for nearly 30 years between them have just gone into paid work. They volunteered in an office environment for less than a year, learnt new skills, gained in confidence and recognised that it was time to move on in life.’
So please think about spending a couple of hours a week volunteering. Help yourself and help others. Volunteering is for life not just for Christmas. To discuss volunteering please call Rebecca or Paul at the Volunteer Centre on 01234 213100.
Recruitment dates at the Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Rd, Bedford
- Thursday 5 January 2012
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Tuesday 10 January 2012
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Monday 16 January 2012
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Tuesday 24 January 2012
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Thursday 2 February 2012
…and every Friday morning in Biggleswade Citizen’s Advice Bureau office in the bus station on the Market Square.
Domestic Abuse – Raising the Profile
The last three months have been a busy time for the Bedfordshire Domestic & Sexual Abuse Team who have been raising awareness of domestic abuse to members of the public and professionals.
The Domestic Abuse Roadshow took to the streets during the
week 21 – 25 November 2011, visiting a number of locations across Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough.
The Roadshow was run in support of the National Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls campaign, which took place the same week.
Where would you go if you needed help?
During the week, the team and helpers from partner agencies had contact with over 380 people, all of whom took part in a consultation survey to assess whether the public would know where to find information if someone they knew needed help.
Rather encouragingly, 71% responded that they would.
Charity collections were also held in each location and a total of £183.83 was raised, which will be split evenly between the four refuges in Central Beds & Bedford Borough. 41 professionals took away bags containing a variety of leaflets and information to assist them in their daily work.
Claire Churchley, Domestic Abuse Coordinator said ‘Roadshow week is something the team do every year, and at each one we are always reminded of why we do what we do. There are many people out there suffering in silence who don’t know where to go for help.’
‘The fact that over 380 people went away with a leaflet which could help someone is a great achievement, and we hope that this will help people in need.’
In other news…
We’re thrilled to announce that earlier this year, the Team won a Training Award at the Bedfordshire Race & Equality Council’s Annual Equality Awards, for the development and launch of the Healthy Relationships education packs used in Bedfordshire schools.
Claire Churchley, Domestic Abuse Coordinator and Sarah Wilson, Sexual Abuse Coordinator attended the Charity Gala Ball at the Barns Hotel in Bedford on 14 October 2011, where the award was presented to them by Paul Fuller, Chief Fire Officer.
Want to find out more?
For more information about domestic abuse, please visit the Beds Domestic Violence website
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence please call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0800 2000 247.
Calling all Town and Parish Councils – have your say!
Bedfordshire Highways wrote to all Central Bedfordshire Town and Parish Councils in September 2011, asking for feedback on schemes being considered as part of the new four year Prioritised Works Programme 2012-16.
Over 140 responses were received, many of which have now been incorporated into the draft four year programme.
The draft programme includes structural maintenance for roads and footways, highways bridges and culverts, drainage schemes and street lighting improvements and replacements.
What do we need to do now?
If you’re a Town or Parish Council and you’ve not responded yet – it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to get involved and have your say.
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Firstly – have a look at the proposed list of highways schemes below for your Town or Parish over the next four years, along with the Area Team map;
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Next – consider the relative position of each scheme over the four years and indicate anywhere you believe the priority order is incorrect;
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And finally – let us know of any other schemes you would like to see considered in addition to those listed, and where you believe they should be positioned on the list.
You can feed back in one of two ways, either by emailing your thoughts on the maintenance schemes programme to thewatchman.beds@amey.co.uk or by writing to Lee Baldry, Acting Head of Highways Contract, Service Delivery Team, Bedfordshire Highways, Woodlands Annex, Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7NU.
Each case will then be assessed and, if merited, the programme will be adjusted accordingly.
The closing date for your feedback is 14 February 2012, and the final programme will be published in April 2012 once the budget and programme have been agreed by Central Bedfordshire Council.
Roads on the Road!
We are also holding a number of Area Road Shows for Town and Parishes across Central Bedfordshire in the New Year.
We’d like you to come along and discuss the various aspects of our contract, and raise any concerns you have or requirements for the future.
Details of dates and venues will be published soon – watch this space!
Did you know….?
Central Bedfordshire Council’s draft budget proposes more than doubling the funding for road and footway maintenance from just under £4m this year to £9m per annum next year.
The Council have already started work in delivering this scheme, with £3.34m anticipated being spent by the end of March 2012.
BBC Sports hero launches Beds & Luton Sport Makers
Fancy becoming a sporting hero in your own community?
A new sports initiative is giving everyone the opportunity to become a key part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Launched at the University of Bedfordshire by Bedfordshire sportsman Lance Haggith, who was named the UK winner of the BBC Sports Unsung Hero award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award 2010, Sport Makers is part of a national programme from Sport England.
“Lance is a great example of exactly the sort of people that we are looking for to help us to really get Sport Makers to take off locally”, said Lloyd Conaway, Director of team Beds and Luton.
“Lance has been working with local communities for 30 years to offer sport to people of all abilities, including disabled, vulnerable and disaffected people through basketball coaching. He has inspired hundreds to find support and enjoyment through sport.’
What is Sport Makers?
Sport Makers are looking for people like Lance who can organise and lead sporting activities locally. The programme is open to everyone aged over 16 who would like to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours and colleagues and have fun themselves into the bargain.
Sport Makers need to spend at least 10 hours organising or leading sporting activities. They can then be introduced to organisations that need their help or can join forces to make sport happen in our communities.
From setting up sporting events with your mates like fun runs or five-a-side football, to helping out with local sports clubs, Sport Makers is a great opportunity to get involved in local sport in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
What are other Sport Makers doing?
So far there are 116 Sport Makers in Beds and Luton who are now starting their own journeys.
10 Sport Makers recently logged their first ‘Sport Maker Hours’ by helping Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice at their Santa Fun Run events on the 4th December 2011 in Bedford and on the 11th December 2011 in Luton.
Like the chance to win Olympic 2012 tickets? Read on…
By taking part in Sport Makers and completing your 10 hours, you could secure tickets to the greatest show on earth: Sport Makers and London 2012 are working together to give people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The London 2012 Ticketshare scheme is funded by the London 2012 Prestige Ticketing programme, for more information please visit the Sport Makers website.
How do I find out more?
If you’re interested in getting involved in Sport Makers, you can sign up to the project at the Sport Maker website. Participants will then be invited to book onto one of the free local workshops running at venues across Bedfordshire and Luton, where they will be helped to gain the skills and opportunities needed to lead sporting activities in their community.
For more information go to the Sport Makers website, email them here or call 01582 813764.