Focus Spring 2009

COUNCIL TAXHow your

money is spent

BIG ON PLAYDistrictStrategy

THE CREDIT CRUNCHHelp &Advice

+ CULTURE IN WARWICK DISTRICT 8 page pull-out

WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL

SPRING 2009

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CONTENTS

FOCUS SPRING ‘09

CONTENTS

WELCOMEBenefits 456837Building Control 456340Bus Passes 456827 Car Parks 456317 Council House Lettings 456430 Councillors & Committees 456005 Council Tax & Rates 456066Conservation 456508Electoral Registration 456111 Engineering 456343Housing Management 456437Housing Repairs 456456 Licensing 456107Parks & Trees 456226Payments 456845Pest Control 456137Planning appeals 456525 Planning Development Control 456538 Public Conveniences 456316Refuse & Recycling Sort-it 456339

*All numbers 01926 prefix. Call the switchboard on 01926 450000

Designed by The Printroom

Warwick District Council

A–Z OF SERVICES

Credit Crunch Support for Businesses

Recycling & Refuse – One Year On

How your Council Tax is spent

Gardening around Leamington

Artist in Residence

Play Strategy

Conservation – Caring for historic Warwick Digital Switch/ DigiTV

www.warwickdc.gov.uk

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Welcome to the Spring edition of Warwick District Council’s magazine for local residents.

This edition includes some detailed advice to help you beat the credit crunch. Everyone is feeling the pinch and we’re doing all we can to help.Following from this we’ve detailed what happens to your Council Tax, and where all the money goes. We also want to say a BIG “Thank You” to everyone for doubling our recycling rate. We are now one of the top performing councils in England! Read more on pages three and four.

This edition also features a special pull-out section on Culture in Warwick District. There’s fun for everyone with a visit from the Tweenies at the Spa Centre and details of what’s on in your area.

There is a special feedback section inside the back cover for you to let us know what you think and any ideas for what you would like to see. We’re offering £25 in shopping vouchers to three lucky winners. We are always keen to hear your views about Focus.

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

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The Council has recently launched a special leaflet detailing sources of help for both local

residents and businesses. Councillors and staff are united in helping to counter the impact of the recession.

In these difficult financial times the Council has worked with various local partner agencies to provide signposting to sources of help.

Information for householders covers items from help with paying council tax or water rates, to energy saving grants, training, and help from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Helpful information is available from:www.citizensadvice.org.ukwww.jobcentreplus.gov.ukwww.nationaldebtline.co.uk

The Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration service are focused on helping business through the economic downturn and are working in partnership to provide support. The Council is working with Business Link West Midlands

Help is at hand

CREDIT CRUNCH

which is the main provider of direct business support. Business Link is a free service which provides information, assistance and expertise directly to business. There is a dedicated ‘Credit Crunch Hotline’ that any Business can contact for help and advice on: 0845 002 0900 or email: [email protected]. Specialist help is also available from Women’s Business Development Agency, Co-operative Development Agency and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Councillor Michael Doody, Leader of the Council, said: “We hope this information will prove invaluable to businesses and residents alike in these difficult times. The main message is, if your business or home finances are in difficulty, help is at hand! We can’t change the economic situation but we are doing all we can to help out during these difficult times by giving the best advice possible.”

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Althorpe Enterprise Hub supports businessesThe Althorpe Enterprise Hub, a brand new centre providing fully-furnished offices for high-tech and creative companies is now open. As part of Warwick District Enterprise Network, it offers flexible office solutions as well as access to specialist advice, support and training. Much of the advice is about coping with the current economic downturn and free seminars are organised to help and support businesses, plus a leaflet has been sent out recently, focusing on what help is available locally.

Weathering the StormFREE Workshops for small businesses Free workshops, run by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber will benefit small businesses struggling with the economic downturn.Warwick: Wednesday June 3rd 8.00-9.30amVenue: Saxon Mill, WarwickFor further information contact: Cate Poolton Tel: 024 7665 4258 A comprehensive list of support organisations is available on our dedicated business enterprise website www.wdcbusinessenterprise.co.uk/businessinfo. Contact Enterprise Hub Manager Anne Douglas tel. 01926 333220 or email [email protected] for more information, or to arrange a visit.See the feature on our website for full details:

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/creditcrunch

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

SLIMyour bin

WASTE MANAGEMENT

This is thanks to you for making recycling a way of life. Over the past year you have helped to almost double the amount of waste recycled and composted in Warwick District from 29% to over 54%. CONGRATULATIONS!

Don’t stop now! 23,000 tonnes of rubbish has still been created over the past year. A lot of this has been sent to the ‘Energy From Waste’ facility in Coventry, with the rest going to landfill. However a lot of this could have been recycled, composted or maybe even avoided altogether! Please continue to recycle and compost as much as you can and consider ways to reduce your waste. Together we can make Warwick

District the top recycler in the Country.

If you would like more help with recycling contact the Sort It Team using the details below.

Recycling markets face difficult timesOver the past few months there

have been some reports in the national media about

the recycling market going through a difficult period, as a result of the worldwide economic downturn. This has

meant that demand, and therefore prices,

for some materials, have dropped. A good example of

this is a lot of recycled paper is made into the cardboard used to package new products. As sales fall, so does demand for this type of packaging.

Results show that Warwick District is recycling more than ever before!

We want to reassure residents that your service has not been affected and all materials put out for collection continue to be recycled. To find out what happens to your recycling contact us using the details below.

RECYCLING & R

Would your household be interested in taking part in a ‘slim your bin’ competition to be in with the chance of winning £250? Up to 5 households will be selected to take part in

the competition. If you are interested email: [email protected] or write to Slim Your Bin, Waste Management Team, Warwick District Council, P.O. Box 2176, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5QF.CLOSING DATE: 30th APRIL 2009

ONE YEAR ON...

Have

you received your new refuse and recycling

calendar? If not, please contact

the Sort It Team.

SLIM YOUR BIN COMPETITION

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

WASTE MANAGEMENT

MYTH: There’s no point recycling it won’t make a differenceFACT: Did you know the average person throws away seven times their body weight in rubbish each year? This amount is increasing every year costing us more and more money, wasting resources and damaging the environment. The current level of recycling within the UK saves 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent to taking 5 million cars off the road. REMEMBER – every small action you take will make a difference!

MYTH: All my recycling gets sent abroad!FACT: All recycling collected in Warwick District is processed in the UK. For example, your paper is sent to Aylesford Newsprint in Kent where it is turned into new newspaper.

Your cardboard goes to Smurfit Kappa in Birmingham where it is recycled into brown paper

which is then used to make new cardboard boxes. Visit our website to find out what happens to the rest of your recycling.

MYTH: It takes more energy to recycle than to make something from scratchFACT: This isn’t true. For example, for every aluminium can made from brand new resources, the same amount of energy would make 20 cans from recycled aluminium. Recycling doesn’t create the pollution that comes from burying or burning rubbish. It also reduces our use of natural resources like oil and water.

MYTH: There’s too much packagingFACT: Major supermarket retailers have signed up to a voluntary scheme called the Courtauld Commitment. This aims to reduce the amount of packaging and food waste ending up in household bins. Packaging is actually a big cost to the industry so there is a financial incentive for companies to keep it to a minimum. They are also regulated by European and UK laws which require them to use minimum amounts of packaging on their products with heavy fines if they don’t comply. Most products need packaging to protect and prolong their shelf life, for example, unwrapped

cucumbers are un-saleable after 3 days whilst using just under 2 grams of packaging keeps them fresh for 14 days. Food waste is more of an issue than packaging waste. A third of the food we buy in the UK ends up in the bin. Rather than harmlessly decomposing in a landfill site it rots and actually releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. If we stopped wasting food, it would have the same impact on carbon emissions as taking 1 in 5 cars off UK roads. For tips on reducing food waste, perfect portions and recipe ideas for your leftovers visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.

MYTH: The council makes a lot of money from recyclingFACT: Due to the current economic climate very little money is made from the sale of recycling materials. The taxpayer is having to pay increasingly heavy taxes to landfill or incinerate rubbish. Over the past year 23,000 tonnes of rubbish was created in Warwick District costing you (the taxpayer) over £1 million to dispose of it. The more you recycle, the more money you can save.

EFUSE SERVICE BINNING THE MYTHS

CONTACT THE SORT IT TEAM W: www.warwickdc.gov.uk E: [email protected] T: 01926 456339

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

COUNCIL TAX

COUNCIL how your money is spent

32%Environment Services:

Waste Management, CCTV, Public Toilets, Licensing, Food Safety

8% Planning & Development:

Planning, Town Centre Management, Economic Development, Emergency Planning

6% Transport & Highways

Bus Passes, Disabled Access

4% Housing

Management of Council Housing, Homelessness, Property Maintenance

18% Central Services

Legal, Members Services, Electoral Registration, Audit, Land Charges, Human Resources

32% Cultural Services

Spa Centre & Pump Rooms, Leisure Centres, Parks

Our Council Tax bill is almost 20% below the national average!

Nobody likes paying Council Tax, but you get a good deal for your money! From CCTV and Planning, to our Leisure Centres, award winning parks and gardens, Warwick District is a great place to live, work and play. Thousands of older people are benefiting from free bus passes and our recycling figures are amongst the best in England. Good services and good value at an average of £11.40 per month.

FOCUS SPRING ‘09

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COUNCIL TAX

TAX’09-’10

Each year Councillors agree how our annual budget of around £18m will be spent. The majority of this money, around 60%, comes directly from the government in the form of a grant, together with refunded Business Rates. The amount of grant we receive has been reducing each year, but we have maintained our Council tax increases at below 4%, or an average increase of around £5.25 per household a year!Our Band D (average) Council tax is just £143.28, the lowest in Warwickshire based on the 2009-10 council tax! We are also the 67th lowest charging district council in England, out of 238 Councils. If charges for Town and Parish Council’s are included we do even better, ranking 34th lowest.

On average, our services cost you just over 39p per day

Some of the services we provide: � Four Leisure

Centres� Planning Services� Committee

Management� Legal Services� Electoral

Registration� Waste

Management� Recycling� Licensing� Land Charges� Food Safety� Pollution Control� CCTV� Award Winning

Parks and Gardens� Royal Pump Rooms

and Spa Centre � Fraud

Investigation� Car Parking� Oakley Wood

Crematorium� Emergency

Planning� Economic

Development� Tourism� Customer Contact

Centre� Communications� Community Safety� Policy &

Performance� Top Rated Website� Housing � Benefits

COUNCIL TAX BILL COMPOSITIONWarwickshire County Council ....... 77%Warwickshire Police ..................... 12%Warwick District Council .............. 10%Town & Parish Councils .................. 1%

A copy of this leaflet is sent to every household with your Council Tax bill.

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

GARDENING IN LEAMINGTON SPA

Good on you

G.A.L.S.GALS (Gardening Around Leamington Spa) made up of six ladies; Gill, Annabel, Lyn, Honor, Penny and Margaret, were chosen for their hard work in transforming The Dell, Warwick Place in Leamington, into a tranquil retreat for the community to enjoy.

In October the GALS were invited to the Houses of Parliament to talk to MP’s, 02 Executives and The Conservation Foundation about The Dell and everyone’s role in it’s renovation. The panel were most impressed with the

community spirit and the way that the group had worked

together to achieve such an admirable

goal.

The Dell was one of ten schemes chosen to highlight the “It’s Your Community” grants to MP’s, Peers, and others. The GALS received an impressive £1,000 grant from the scheme. 02 intend to extend this scheme across the world. The Dell is a shining example of what can happen with their money and how they are helping local communities.

It is amazing to think that a small park in Leamington Spa is now being talked about in such far flung places as South America, and Australasia!

Warwick District Council has supported the project with infrastructure and provided a much needed water supply. Grants came from Barclays bank, The Friends of The Dell, Leamington Town Council

and private donations. The Dell also entered the RHS

Neighbourhood Awards in July 2008 and achieved an Outstanding Award,

the highest available.

A group of voluntary gardeners have put Leamington on the map after being chosen by The Conservation Foundation and 02 to represent their grant scheme, “It’s Your Community” to the rest of the world.

To find out more about The Dell visit: www.downinthedell.blogspot.com

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PARKLIFE

Free & Easy in Warwick St Nicholas and Myton Fields are collectively one of the most

attractive green spaces in the Midlands, and a jewel for Warwick and the surrounding area. They offer rides, games, boating, angling, sports, refreshments, toilets, playspaces, horticultural displays and wildlife. Visually, they emphasise Warwick’s character, with important views both to and from Warwick Castle and Castle Bridge. Access and car parking are good, and the

Riverside Walk is part of the County footpath network.

Play � – up-to-the-minute play areas.Paddling pool � – shallow, treated water. Please, no dogs.Family occasion � – stroll by the river, relax in the gardens, hire a boat.Rides � – roundabouts and a train for young children.Games � – adventure golf, giant chess, boules, basketball station.Bikes, blades and boards � – enlarged skate park and BMX track beyond sports hall.Refreshments � – popular café open all year round.Gardens � – colourful flowers, unusual trees, smooth lawns.Boating � – rowing boats and motor boats from Boathouse.Sport � – 2 hard tennis courts, floodlit all-weather pitch. Bookings 01926 495353.Exercise � – Swimming, keep-fit, climbing wall and sport in the Leisure Centre. Bookings 01926 495353.Space! � Acres of grass for ball games, jogging, kite-flying, picnics…Toilets � with baby-change and disabled facilities.Kingfisher Pool � specially designed for young and disabled anglers.

CAMPION HILLS CYCLING TRACKThere are some exciting new changes at Campion Hill cycling track in Royal Leamington Spa. Since the summer of 2008 with help from Warwick District Council, members of Royal Leamington Spa 4x have spent many hours bringing the track back to life and making a whole host of improvements.

Whilst these changes have been taking place more local riders have been using the track, helping get the kids off the street by providing a great venue and something they can enjoy. Work is now nearly complete and the club held its first event at Campion Hills on Sunday 29th March which was a race for all abilities and all ages allowing them to get involved in the sport and to have a fun day out. It is hoped to start club nights when there is more light in the evening, including gate nights, fund raisers, and trips away. The club will be helping the cyclists along the way, helping develop their cycling handling skills and safety awareness as well as hosting a regular fun race series for all people to get involved in.

For details of future events –Web: www.rls4x.comCall: 07852 498097

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As part of out programme of improvements we are seeking your views on the next phase of park improvements. Please go to our website and complete the online consultation form: www.warwickdc.gov.uk

PARKLIFE

TOWN CENTRES

Talk of the

TOWN

WARWICKSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKETSCelebrating 10 years of these popular markets, 2009 also sees the relaunch of the markets in Kenilworth and Warwick. If you enjoy cooking with the very best ingredients, then you can’t beat the fresh local produce on offer.

In Leamington, the markets take place at the Pump Room Gardens on the 4th Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm.

The market will run from 10am-1pm, at Abbey End in Kenilworth on Sunday 10th May and returns every 2nd Sunday of the month.

In Warwick, the markets are on the 3rd Friday of the month in Warwick Market Place, and also the 5th Saturday of the month in Swan Street from 9am-5pm.

WARWICKWarwick’s beautiful gardens have organised a summer-long programme of events starting with a Plant Sale in the Market Place, Sunday 10th May from 10am-4pm. Visit www.warwick-uk.co.uk for further information.

2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Austin Healey 3000. Over 150 classic cars will be on display in the

Market Place from 10am-4pm on Father’s Day, Sunday 21st June.

Warwick’s Charter Market takes place every Saturday from 9am-4pm in the Market Place.

For information on forthcoming events and festivals visit www.warwick-uk.co.uk

KENILWORTHThe recreation of the original Elizabethan gardens at Kenilworth Castle will be fully open to the public on 2nd May. These stunning gardens, complete with a white marble 18ft fountain and aviary will be worth a visit. Kenilworth Castle will also have a full programme of events throughout the Spring.

This year’s Kenilworth Festival takes place from 11th-17th May in venues all around town. The week

long festival of music, culminates with the Party in the Park and a Sedan Chair Race on the Sunday. In addition to music, there will be art shows, street entertainment, a craft market, and author talks. See www.kenilworthfestival.org for further information.

The Weekly Retail Market takes place at Abbey End every Thursday. Visit www.kenilworthweb.co.uk for more information.

LEAMINGTON SPA On Sunday 3rd May, Leamington will welcome a host of visiting narrow boats from around the Midlands for the Canal Festival. Mooring at the heart of Old Town, South of the River Leam on the Grand Union Canal, the event runs between 10am-4pm.

Clemens Street will come alive with a Street Market promoting a variety of traders and local Charities.

A full programme of entertainment will take place in the Somerfield car park and planning is underway for activities for all ages. For more information, visit: www.leamingtonspatowncouncil.gov.uk

Our district hosts a diverse range of events celebrating the unique culture of the area.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Price: FREE

10/05/09Warwickshire Farmers MarketABBEY END, KENILWORTHPrice: FREE. 10am-1pm

11/05/09Kenilworth Festival KENILWORTH11/05/09 until 17/05/09

14/05/09Coppelia - Vienna Festival Ballet ROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £19/£16/£14 U14: £12.50

Thursday FlickersLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREE

15/05/09Friday FocusLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREE

WHAT’S ON 21/04/09–21/06/09 23/04/09New English Contemporary BalletROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £17.50/£15.50 Students: £12

The Singh Twins – Art in MotionLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREE Runs until 24th May 09


24/04/09Essence of IrelandROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £15/£14

Friday FocusLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREE

25/04/09Kate RusbyROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £19

Art Cart Family FunLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREE

Warwickshire Farmers MarketPUMP ROOMS GARDENSPrice: FREE. 1pm-3pm

26/04/09The Big SwingROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £12/£10

28/04/09The TweeniesROYAL SPA CENTREShows: 11am & 2pmPrice: £16.50/£14.50 Family ticket: £58

29/04/09The TweeniesROYAL SPA CENTREShow: 11am Price: £16.50/£14.50 Family ticket: £58

30/04/09The Singh Twins - Artist TalkLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: £3


01/05/09The BohemiansROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £15


02/05/09Elizabeth Gardens – Official OpeningKENILWORTH CASTLEPrice: FREE

03/05/09Glenn Miller OrchestraROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £16/£14 Friends: £15/£14

Canal Festival WorkshopLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREE

05/05/09Songs of Sister Act ROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £18.50/£17

06/05/09Chris Packham ROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £13.50, Friends/Students/Children: £10

07/05/09Joe LongthorneROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £22.50/£19.50


08/05/09Friday FocusLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

Haddie’s Gallery opens May 2009Join Haddie the circus elephant and explore our new family gallery to discover what life was like for a child in Victorian Leamington Spa. Haddie’s Gallery will contain something for all the family to enjoy.

There will be fun interactives, dressing up, and exciting historical objects and artworks from across our collections. Leamington Spa Art Gallery & MuseumPrice: FREE

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WHAT’S ON 21/04/09–21/06/09Warwickshire Farmers MarketMARKET PLACE, WARWICKPrice: FREE.

16/05/09It Was A Dark & Stormy NightROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £5/Children £2.50 Family: £13

Animate! WorkshopLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: £3. Ages 12-16Booking Required

19/05/09That’ll Be The DayROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £19.50/£18

20/05/09Roy Chubby BrownROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £19

21/05/09Roy Chubby BrownROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £19


22/05/09Meat Loaf Trilogy ROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £18.50


Tuesday 28th – 11am & 2pmWednesday 29th April – 11am

BOX OFFICE: 01926 334418

23/05/09Warwickshire Farmers MarketPUMP ROOMS GARDENSPrice: FREE

28/05/09Half Term Art ClubLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUMPrice: FREEAges 6-12


29/05/09Hayley Westenra River Of Dreams Tour ROYAL SPA CENTRESOLD OUT


30/05/09The ManfredsROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £17.50

Warwickshire Farmers MarketMARKET PLACE, WARWICKPrice: FREE

04/06/09Sally Morgan ROYAL SPA CENTREPrice: £19.50

It’s a new way of organising your fitness programme and means

you can visit the Pyramids gym, take part in one of our many fitness classes as well as enjoying a swim and a sauna. There are various

packages available to suit your fitness goals, your lifestyle

and of course, your budget. All you need to do is call into your nearest

centre and have a chat with the staff. And once you have your Wellness package you can use it at any of our leisure centres, so there’s no excuse to delay – pay a visit today!

We chatted to one of our regular gym goers and our very own local celebrity footballer, Josh Blake! Playing for Leamington Football Club means fitness is very much at the top of his agenda.

What do you think about the Pyramids Gym?It’s a really nice and friendly place, but with decent equipment. I usually just turn up and get on with it. But if you need any help there’s always someone about to show you a new machine, or give you a few tips on how to do a certain exercise.

What exercises do you do?I tend to use the weights when I’m there, because this fits in with my football training, where I mostly do aerobic work. But I do enjoy a good run on the treadmill – it’s a bit warmer than running outside!

How often do you go to the gym?I try to go about three times a week and vary the exercises I do each time, that way I don’t get bored,

If your new year’s resolutions have long been forgotten but you’re still trying to get active and fit this year, then why not try the new Wellness programme launched in our leisure centres?

or over work one area. Sometimes I’ll have a swim and a sauna, just to try something different; it’s good to have the choice.

What would you say to people who haven’t been to the gym for a while?Hey not everyone is super fit like me!! But I think they’ll find it really friendly and easy to use, they’ll probably know half the people there as well! There’s help if you want it and you can’t beat feeling fit and healthy – that’s what it’s all about isn’t it!

Josh put it so well – he is super fit, so he is a great advert for Wellness! But we all have to start somewhere and you will find that if you take one step at a time, join the gym and try out our Wellness programme, your fitness levels and health will improve over time and you will have found yourself a really good pastime.

Just call 01926 456207 for more information

Find out when Josh is next in action at:www.leamingtonfc.co.uk

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EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES SPORTS PLAY 10am to 11.55am (Ages 4-7)MULTISPORTS 1pm to 3pm (Ages 8-12)£2 per session, no need to book, just turn up – places limited (Sports Play – indoors, Multi Sports – outdoors). At various locations across the District.

Basketball Camp at John Atkinson Sports Centre (Myton School, Myton Rd, Warwick). 6th-7th April. 9.30am to 4pm. 13-16 yrs. £18 for 2 days coaching.

FREE Transport to Swimming (Splosh session incl. use of leisure pool) to Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre from rural areas on 8th April for 8-16 yr olds. FREE Transport to Swimming (Splosh session) to St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre from rural areas on 17th April for 8-16 yr olds. Weekly Basketball SessionsSessions in term time:

Tuesday nights at Sydenham Sports �Centre, £2 per session.Friday nights at John Atkinson Sports �Centre, £2 per session.

Newbold Comyn Golf ClubUnlimited golf for only £1.44* a day �Seniors play unlimited weekday golf for only 80p* a day �Juniors play unlimited golf for only 44p* a day �Pitch and Putt – everyone £1* Easter holiday 6th-19th April �

And no joining fee if you join before 30th April 2009! For a full details visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/golf or talk to one of our tour professionals on 01926 421157*subject to terms & conditions

Rugby League hits Warwick District

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST to receive updates from Culture in Warwick District. Please fill out the form below and you could win one years free GOLF or WELLNESS membership.

I would like to receive updates on (tick as many boxes as required):

� Events � Wellness � Kids Activities � Teenagers

� Holiday Activities � Childrens University � Cookies Culture Club (5-12yr) � Golf

� Art Gallery & Museum � Spa Centre � Parklife Updates � All of above

Name .........................................................................................Age (for Cookies Culture Club) .............................

Address ...................................................................................................................................................................

Postcode ..................... Tel no ................................Mobile......................................Email .......................................

I would prefer to receive information by: � Post � EmailPlease return to: Cultural Services, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ. Email: [email protected]

Free swimming for the over 60sGreat news for the over 60’s who from April 2009 can swim for free at all of our swimming pools! Just apply for a Get Active Card, provide ID and then you can swim for free during any public session, as well as being entitled to free adult swimming lessons.

Get Active – whatever your age!

Throughout Easter there is a full programme of activities at all of our leisure centres. For further details on any of the Easter Activities call: 01926 456221/456222 or visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/leisure

Newly formed Leamington Spa Rugby League will play their inaugural season in the Midlands Merit League this summer. Based in Leamington Spa, training will commence in early

April. Volunteers, players and supporters are all welcome. Visit www.rfl.uk.com or contact Ash Howlett on 07983 570667, email: [email protected]

Cookies CornerWelcome to our new club for Children, Cookies Corner! Cookie is the new mascot for Culture in Warwick District, he was designed by Lucy age 15 who won our competition. You will soon see Cookie out and about on the Golf Course, in the Leisure Centres, you might even spot him in the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum! Follow his progress on this page and we’ll keep you up to date with events and activities for you and your family. This issue we have a page of activities for you to enjoy over the Easter holidays and you could fill in the form in this pull out to join our Club and get up to the minute news from Cookie. We hope you enjoy!!

spot the difference

Spring is in the air and the farmer has noticed a few in his field. Can you spot the 8 differences in the pictures?

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Word Search

Basketball Bike FootballGolf

KiteRunning SwimmingSkating

Team Tennis

Can you help Billy find his favourite activities and sporty words in the word search? The words are either horizontal or vertical.

Dot to DotWho is holding the Easter Egg? Find out by joining the dots then colour in the picture.

59 64

60

44

3133

37

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30

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28

363435

32

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5256

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Artista culturally diverse group who had such strong bonds; one of the men described them as “one big happy family”. I created a slideshow featuring portraits and interviews of the workers for the community to appreciate. I think our greatest community cohesion came from the African Slave project at Campion School. The children created multimedia presentations of African Slaves and their journey through the middle passage. The work was celebrated when people from the locality came to see the children’s presentations.

Q: What have you learnt in your time in residency?I have learnt that in order to get the best out of people you need to spend time with them and form relationships.

Q: Are there any projects that you are still involved in now the residency is over?Yes, the Elephant Wash project. Local residents will be familiar with Sam Lockhurt’s circus elephants from Sri Lanka that were kept in a building by the Loft Theatre and were often seen washing in the River Leam! I captured some great photographs of elephants at Blackpool Zoo to use as the focus of the online project. The website enables people to upload their own images of Leamington onto a mosaic of the elephant to produce a work of art created by the community. My hope is that once the mosaic is complete is will be displayed as a large floor graphic for everybody to appreciate.

Photographer Anand Chhabra has just finished his “artist in residence” at Spencer’s Yard, where he was working alongside artists and cultural organisations. The two year long residency aimed to increase the public profile of the new Spencer Yard development by putting on workshops, events and activities. The overall aim was to encourage community involvement in cultural and arts activities, creating a “cultural quarter” in Old Town. We caught up with Anand and chatted to him about how he thinks the residency has gone;

Q: So Anand, you must have been very busy over the past 2 years tell me a bit about what you’ve been up to?Yes, I have been working with a wide range of community groups such as Afro-Caribbean Centre and the Sikh Community Centre as well as Heartbreak Productions and Campion School. I collaborated with local Poet Laureate, Jane Holland to combine photography and poetry. This was covered by the Warwick Folk Festival and the Leamington Peace Festival.

Q: One of the challenges was to encourage community cohesion what have you done to help achieve this?I connected with ex-employees of the old Ford Foundry site, many of which had spent their entire working lives there. It was amazing to witness

in Residence

To find out more about the Elephant Wash project and to upload your image visit: www.elephantwash.co.uk

How

Ele

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ash

Pro

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will

look

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and

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BIG ON PLAY

FOCUS SPRING ‘09

Getting

The Play Strategy aims to address the many barriers that prevent children and young people from playing naturally. The strategy also supports the development of high quality play environments and is based on research with children, young people and their parents.

Play is an extremely important and valuable part of childhood. Playing allows children to explore the outside world and discover new experiences. It also helps them to understand the meaning of risk, make friends, stay fit and even become streetwise! Sadly, there are many barriers preventing today’s children from experiencing the very same play opportunities that we ourselves enjoyed.

After speaking to local children about their play experiences and what they would like to see happen, some of the answers were quite surprising. We asked the children if they could design their perfect place to play, what would be the most

Big on Warwick District is getting Big on Play! Thanks to the development of a new Play Strategy and over £218,000 of investment from the Big Lottery Fund.

Details of the Play Strategy

can be found on the website:

www.warwickdc.gov.uk

18

FOCUS SPRING ‘09

BIG ON PLAY

important feature. The majority wanted an interesting landscape where they could run around and make dens especially if it was away from cars and traffic.

Parents wanted more interesting, challenging and natural play environments and felt that fear of harm was a significant factor preventing children from playing outside.

As a result of this information, the council will be reviewing the provision and design of areas for play and also investigating the ways in which children and young people can be encouraged to make greater use of the District’s parks and open spaces.

The considerable sum of money from the Big Lottery, which was granted in recognition of the development of the Play Strategy, is already being put to extremely good use to support a range of play initiatives across the District.

Last year for example, with the help of partners from Warwickshire County Council and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, hundreds of children attended free play events in a range of parks and open spaces. During the Autumn months an area

PLAY!The right to play is a child’s first claim on the community. Play is nature’s training for life. No community can infringe that right without doing deep and enduring harm to the bodies and minds of its citizens.David Lloyd George 1926

of woodland was opened so that children could experience play in a more natural environment.

This year will be even more exciting as five new ‘inclusive’ play facilities are being built that can be used equally by children who are disabled as well as those who are able bodied.

Fun

and

exci

tem

ent a

t a r

ecen

t Pla

y ev

ent.

FOCUS SPRING ‘09

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CONSERVATION

Retention of buildings to such a high standard takes a lot of dedication and hard work. The Conservation team at the Council operate to protect, support and celebrate the history of our District. A wealth of knowledge and hands on experience means they can offer expert advice to the owners of historic buildings and those in conservation areas.

Protecting our historyThe team is actively involved in the protection and enhancement of the historic environment within the District. Repair and restoration of buildings is a key part of conservation work. Historic building grants are available to encourage sensitive repairs, such as the reinstatement and restoration of traditional features including: roofs, chimney stacks, walls, windows, timber framing, railings and balconies.Owners of listed buildings and

CON

We are fortunate to live in a District that has strongly retained its original look and feel. Leamington is famous for its regency style and the historic streetscape of Warwick and Kenilworth still has the magic of taking us back in time.

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

CONSERVATION

unlisted buildings in conservation areas which make a significant contribution to the area may qualify for funding. A Historic Buildings Grant enquiry form is available online or by post.

Advising and informingThe Conservation team gives advice on all aspects of the historic built environment,

conversions, as well as adaptations to existing buildings.

A series of publications are available to assist

owners and those working with historic buildings. These include technical

leaflets covering frequently asked

questions and advice on design and materials.

SERVATION

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Heritage Open Day weekend, held annually in September, provides an opportunity to enjoy our historic buildings. The weekend is co-ordinated

and managed locally by the Conservation team. In the District over thirty venues, covering a time span of eight centuries, are opened free to the public. This years event will be held on 10th-13th September.

including work to listed buildings and those in conservation areas.The team regularly works with property owners, architects, builders, amenity groups and members of the public to encourage high quality development and restoration work.Specialist advice is available on the design of new buildings,

Celebrating our heritage

Lord

Ley

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War

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The Conservation Team can be contacted at: [email protected]

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FOCUS SPRING ‘09

WIN £25 OF SHOPPING VOUCHERS FOR A STORE OF YOUR CHOICETell us what you think of FOCUS and three lucky winners could win £25 of shopping vouchers. Simply answer the questions below and include your name and address with the completed form. The first three forms out of the hat will win. Deadline: Monday 25th April.

Comments

How much of FOCUS do you normally read?

� All of it � Most of it � Some of it � None of it

Which of the following items would you like to appear regularly in FOCUS (Tick as many boxes as applicable):

� Features on different Council services

� Articles on voluntary organisations

� Local History

� A larger What’s On Guide

� Articles/features about residents

� Parish and village news

� Articles/features for young people

� Articles/features for older residents

� Competitions

� Other (please specify)

Name .................................................................................................

Address .............................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

Postcode ................................Tel no .................................................

Email ..................................................................................................

Please return to: The Editor, Focus, Warwick District Council, Riverside House, Leamington Spa. CV32 5HZ

We developed a ‘new look’ for the FOCUS and would valueyour opinion.

What do you think of this issue.

� Don’t mind

� Like

� Really like

Get switched on!Digital television switchover is converting the UK’s terrestrial television system to digital.

Between now and 2012, analogue channels will be switched off, region by region, and replaced with free-to-air digital TV and radio services (Freeview). Warwick District will be switched on as part of the Midlands region in 2011. All you need to do for now is be aware when purchasing any new television equipment to ensure that it is digital compatible. To continue watching TV via an aerial after switchover, you will need to convert your television using a digital box (prices start at around £25) or upgrade to a fully

digital model.

For more advice visit: www.digitaluk.co.uk or call their helpline on: 08456 50 50 50.

Let’s get digital!Did you know that you can access council services from your TV? The interactive channel is called Looking Local and you can easily find the Warwick pages within the Midlands section. You can:

search for jobs �get local travel information �book GP appointments �get advice from the CAB �access information about Council �services including Homechoice.

To reach the Looking Local service SKY - Interactive > Skyactive > �A-Z > Looking Local

Virgin TV - Interactive > News & �Info > Looking Local

The European Parliamentary and Warwickshire County Council elections are being held on Thursday 4 June 2009 and you will be able to vote at your polling station between the hours of 7am and 10pm on 4 June.

To be able to vote at these elections you must be on the electoral register by Tuesday 19 May 2009. Contact the Elections Office (01926 456111 or email [email protected]) to check that you are on the electoral register at your current address.

Should you be unable to go to the polling station in person i.e. due to your health, you are on holiday or working away you can apply to vote by post by contacting the Elections Office for an application form before Tuesday 19 May, 2009.

All completed application forms to vote by post must be submitted to the Deputy Returning Officer at Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5HZ by no later than 5pm on Tuesday 19 May, 2009.

Connect a LIFELINE to your telephone line and let us be a SAFEGUARD in your life� Whenever you need to summon help in an emergency� a little extra support� reassurance

For more information about the service please contact:Miss Joan HicksTel: (01926) 450000, Ext 6405Control ManagerTel: (01926) 435012

Or call our 24 hour Telephone Tel: (01926) 339577

reception service (office hours) �24/7 building access �all-inclusive desk licence �arrangements easy-in / easy-out office �licences

free broadband access �meeting / training rooms �pleasant working environment �access to Business Link �services and specialist business advisers

on-site and public car parking �central location with excellent �transport links close to M40 and 5 minutes �walk from Leamington Rail Station

ALTHORPE ENTERPRISE HUB – NOW OPEN!A brand-new centre providing fully-furnished office premises for high-technology companies and businesses in the creative sector is now open within easy walking distance of Leamington Town Centre.

ENQUIRIESFor all enquiries please contact the Althorpe Enterprise Hub Manager tel. 01926 333220; email [email protected]; or visit our website www.wdcbusinessenterprise.co.uk

TARIFFS Desk hire available on daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly all-inclusive basis from £15 per day; weekly licence from £60 per week Office rental prices from £220 per month (2-person office), includes parking

Focus Spring 2009

Documents

Transcript of Focus Spring 2009