As if by magic…

The Byker Community Garden in Newcastle upon Tyne is almost complete and we have commissioned a  time-lapse film to show how the project has evolved.

The 6,600 sq m site is one of Community Spaces’ Flagship projects, funded through a £450,000 CS grant and £30,000 each from Community Builders and Newcastle City Council.

What started out as a rundown churchyard is now an amazing public space, with stunning views across the Tyne Valley, the city and its famous bridges. 

The garden includes mature trees and shrubs, a gardening area with log cabin potting shed, an  amphitheatre featuring a mosaic at the centre, a marble plinth identifying local features of interest, a sandstone timeline which records significant dates and events affecting Byker and a metal play feature winding through the trees.

Seating has been installed throughout the garden to give rest points and allow visitors to admire the spectacular views.

Gates at the pedestrian entrances have been designed by a local artist in conjunction with local children, forming an important artistic element of the scheme.

The official launch takes place on Friday September 16, but for those of you who can’t be there, we hope the film will give you a feel of what’s been happening.

 

From Thomas Skidmore, Programme Development
Co-ordinator at Community Spaces.

My job often involves researching issues affecting community groups and open space projects. Discounting the marvellous Community Spaces website, these are my top sites:

Neighbourhood statistics
By typing in your postcode, this website will give you facts and figures about your local neighbourhood. It includes overall deprivation figures and health indicators.

Groundwork
The link is for a cute video introducing the work of Groundwork. The website includes loads more on what we do and the various ways Groundwork makes a difference – your local trust website can provide more information on how community groups can benefit.

Greenspace blog
They haven’t been posting as much recently, but this is one of my favourite blogs for keeping up-to-date on green space issues. They’re also good at providing links to other organisations working in the sector.

Third sector
I sign up to their excellent email updates, but the website covers all current stories affecting third sector organisations.

Big Lottery Fund
The largest of the lottery distributors, which has granted more than £3.6 billion to good causes. The website gives updates on active programmes and provides valuable research documents on the impact of Lottery funding.

Nature on the Map – Natural England
This is Natural England’s interactive mapping website. By typing in your postcode, you can find out sites of interest nearby – such as nature reserves, sites of special scientific interest and priority habitats.
And talking of maps, there’s the Groundwork UK Urban Oasis map, which you can add to using your mobile phone. And of course the Community Spaces project map will keep you updated on where our money is making a difference.

Metacritic
Not entirely work related, but this is a great website to settle office debates about films and music. It compiles all reviews to give an overall rating to the latest releases.

Have I missed any other useful websites? Let us know what you think. I’ll also be blogging on my favourite Twitter accounts in a couple of weeks.

Another month, another batch of Community Spaces project launches…

Why not try to get along to an event in your area? It’s a great way to make friends, share experienes and maybe pick up a few tips for your own project.

And don’t forget to send us reports, pictures and videos from your project. We will feature a selection on the blog, our website, Flickr site and YouTube channel.

Good luck with your launch!

September 3

Shillingstone Recreation Ground Playground

Hine Town Lane

Shillingstone

Blandford Forum

Dorset

DT11 0SN

Playground and outdoor fitness equipment

 

September 3

Kings Cross Brunswick Neighbourhood Association

Marchmont Community Garden

56 Marchmont Street

London

WC1N 1AB

A new public garden in a former derelict site.

 

September 3

Bulkington Playing Field Committee

The William Breech Playing Field,

Bulkington

Nr Devizes

Wilsthire

SN10 1SN

Landscaping, play equipment and sensory garden to create a “playscape” for the village.

 

September 3

Millhead Village Hall & Playing Fields Association

Millhead Playing Field

Carnforth

Lancs

LA5 9HG

Improvements to a former quarry site with all-weather paths, replacement fencing, better access and bio-diversity works.

 

September 4

Halewood Park Volunteers

Safe routes – Knowsley

Halewood Park

Okell Drive

Knowsley

L26 7XB

Woodland improvements, seating, signs, creating a more welcoming environment in the country park

 

September 4

Friends of Chapeltown and High Green Parks

Chapeltown Park

Cowley Lane

Chapeltown

Sheffield

S35 1SX

New and improved play area in a popular local park, sensory garden and seating.

 

September 8

The Lyn Art & Craft Society

The Hundred Year Garden

The Old Methodist Church

Lee Road

Lynton

Devon

EX35 6HT

A community garden in the centre of town.

 

September 10

Garstang Millennium Green Trust

Garstang Millennium Green

End of Wyre Lane

Garstang

Lancs

PR3 1HZ

Footpath repairs and upgrade, replacement fencing along river bank

 

September 10

The Stoney Wood Group

Star Disc

Greenhill

Wirksworth

Derbyshire

DE4 4EN

Multi-use summit centrepiece in Stoney Wood, featuring a 40ft diameter map of the night sky.

 

September 10

Meersbrook Park Users Trust

Meersbrook Park

Brook Road

Sheffield

S8 9FL

Multi-Use Games Area replacing old, dangerous tennis courts

 

September 10

Longnor Action Group

Longnor Playground

Buxton Road

Longnor

Derbyshire

SK17 0NZ

Renovation of playground and new play equipment, wildflower meadow and seating.

 

September 10

Cragg Vale Community Association

Cragg Road

Cragg Vale

West Yorkshire

HX7 5RY

New play equipment, improved access and drainage for community park.

 

September 10

Salford Crescent Neighbourhood Association

Fire Station Square

Salford

Greater Manchester

M5 4NZ

Community meeting space, walled garden and new layout to prioritise the area as a space for people and nature rather than vehicles

 

September 11

Friends of West Smethwick Park

West Smethwick Park

West Park Road

Smethwick

West Midlands

B67 7JJ

Launch of free to use outdoor gym equipment. Event is part of a Celebration Fun Day featuring brass band, bhangra dancing, cricket matches and other attractions

 

September 11

Kingsbridge Playspaces Group

Duncombe Park Teen Zone

Duncombe Park

Kingsbridge

Devon

TQ7 1LR

New play equipment, mainly for over-11s.

 

September 11

Little Dewchurch Adventure Trail Group

The Recreation Area

St. David’s Rise

Little Dewchurch

Hereford

HR2 6PL

Adventure trail with a wide range of equipment, climbing traverse wall, youth shelter, landscaping and tree-planting.

The wheels are definitely in motion at the Ware Skate Park Scheme (WaSPS) in Hertfordshire.

Six years of campaigning, consulting and fund-raising have paid off for the group, who this week saw the contractors move on site to start work on the foundations.

WaSPS secured a £38,500 grant from Community Spaces and a further £40,500 from other local sources for the project, which will transform a disused tennis court into the sort of facility local youngsters have been asking for.

Because of the location next to a scheduled ancient monument the ground had to be checked for archaeology, but happily only a few local bricks and broken tiles were found.

WaSPS chair Jan Wing adds: “Our users, who have some temporary ramps, are now getting excited as we can see the shape of the new park and talk now is turning to the opening weekend and which competitions they will enter. So far all is on track to meet our build finish date and launch of October 16.”

For more, go to the rather funky WaSPS website

What a difference a few months can make…

Some great before, during and after pictures from the Grapes Hill Community Garden project in Norfolk.

The community gathered as Norwich garden expert Will Giles cut the ribbon on opening day.

The garden, on a site which was previously derelict, is now a vibrant community resource. Residents are sigining up to take on a raised bed and grow their own fruit and veg.

For more pictures see our Flickr page.

You know you’ve made a difference… we know you’ve made a difference… so why not tell the whole country and gain some recognition for the benefits you have delivered to your community?

Time is running out to submit nominations for the 2011 DSC Social Change Awards.

The DSC (Directory of Social Change) is a charity that champions the independent voluntary sector. Its awards recognise individuals or organisations who are helping to deliver social change.

You can nominate yourself/your own organisation or recommend others Nominations for yourself/your organisation close on 26 August 26 and the nominations for others close on August 19. The winners will be announced on December 1

There are awards for new and long-term enterprises, influencers and grant-givers as well as an individual lifetime achievement award.

For more information and details of how to enter, visit Social Change Awards Online

There are plenty of Community Spaces project launches happening at the moment so here’s a note of what’s happening over the next couple of weeks.

Obviously, you will know about your own project launch, but why not take a look and see what else may be happening in your area?

Attending a launch is a good way to lend support to other groups, make new friends and even pick up a few tips…

And don’t forget to keep in touch with us here at Community Spaces. We can share your stories, pictures and videos via the blog, Flickr feed and YouTube site.

Good luck with your launches.

August 12

North East Windhill Community Association

Windhill Wild Park

Shipley

W Yorkshire

BD18 2NR 

Improved paths, new seating areas, wildflower and bulb planting

August 13

West Rainton & Leemside Community Partnership

Adventure Lane Play Area

West Rainton

Durham

DH4 6SB

A new and much needed play area for youngsters in a substantial village with no other similar provision

August 13

Wetherden Community Action Group

Wetherden Playing Field Project

Stowmarket

Suffolk

IP14 3LN

Seating area, playground, bird’s nest swing, basketball area

August 14

Snakemoor Nature Reserve Management Team

Snakemoor Way

Thame Road

Haddenham

Buckinghamshire

HP17 8DD

Improved access to around local nature reserve

August 20

Todmorden Pride

Rochdale Canal

Todmorden

Lancashire

OL14 5QE

Major improvements to the canal towpath through Todmorden town centre along with improved access and seating areas

August 23

Sandford Road and Gilberts Residents Association

Sandford Road Play Area

Kirkstall,

Leeds

LS5 3BA

Traditional and informal play equipment, kickabout area and outdoor gym equipment

August 23

Springwell Tenants & Residents Association

Springwell Estate Community Allotment

Blackhill Crescent

Gateshead

Tyne and Wear

NE9 7DN

A community garden based around the idea of an allotment.  A space for growing fruit and vegetables, learning, training and personal and social development.

August 24

Bolton Woods Community Centre Association

Spring Beck Community Park

Bolton Woods

Bradford

BD2 1BD

A community park for residents in the Bolton Woods area, creating a pathway through the space, include seating, planting and natural play features

August 27

Friends of St Michael’s

St Michael’s Park Improvement Scheme

Derrell Road

Paignton

Devon

TQ4 5NA

New play areas for 2-6 year olds and 6-15-year-olds including slides and multi climbing frames.

August 28    

St Mary’s Church Parochial Church Council

St Mary’s Memorial Garden

Cumwhitton

Brampton

Cumbria

CA8 9EX

A community garden within the grounds of the Parish Church in Cumwhitton.

August 28    

Friends of Teesdale Park

Teesdale Park Refurbishment

Thornaby

Cleveland

TS17 7JU

Improvements to recreation ground, including a picnic area, fitness, trail, orienteering course and a series of wood sculptures.

 

We’ve added a new page to our website giving some sound advice to community groups on a key part of the grant application process – describing the project.

Programme development co-ordinator Thomas Skidmore, who has written the guidance, says: “There have been a number of applications recently where the project description has had to be re-submitted because of a lack of relevant detail.

“The ideal answer should give an accurate picture of the completed project, which should not rely on the project design plans or budget to explain what Community Spaces will be funding and what will be included on site.

“This new guidance should make the application process a lot easier and speedier for all concerned.”

 To read the new guidance, click here.