Stella Creasy: July 2008 Archives
Now we have a big screen in the town square for the Olympics I think it's really important that we residents speak up for what we want to watch. The Council have started doing some consultation about this and already people are talking about this new addition to our square. However, I know I find it hard to picture what it will be like to watch without it being switched on but I am sure once we have seen it in action during the 2008 Olympics people will have even more to say. That's why I've put together a short survey about the screen which you can complete on-line here. I hope too local filmmakers and groups who could provide content will use the survey to register their interest. Please note the planning application which agrees the hours of use for the screen will be heard on the 5 August. I will send the details of responses so far to the committee on that issue for them to consider but I will also keep the survey open for responses until the end of September so that you can comment after you've seen the screen live during the Olympics!
Can't wait for the screen to be on to watch films in Walthamstow? The Walthamstow Film Cafe will be showing a series of short films this Friday 1 August at the Rose and Crown Theatre Pub on Hoe Street starting at 8pm. Details of the programme can be found here.
I know funding is always an issue for local voluntary groups. As a new trustee of Voluntary Action Waltham Forest I hope to help ensure they get the support they need to access the resources available to them. With that in mind I wanted to pass on details of some non-local funds that have come to my attention recently to which groups in Walthamstow would be eligible.
- Comic Relief's Disadvantaged Communities Fund is for grassroots organisations in areas affected by poverty. It tends to fund projects that are small in scale i.e. estate wide rather than borough wide, and those working with groups who are user or volunteer led that have a constitution.
- B&Q Better Neighbourhoods Scheme is available to help get a community project up and running. The scheme provides £50 to £500 (at retail cost) of B&Q materials, for example, pond liners, plants or peat-free compost for projects such as a pond/wildlife garden. Schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project.
- The Co-operative Community Fund is eligible for groups within Walthamstow because we have co-operative retail shops here. Groups can apply for small grants of £100 to £5000 for charitable purposes that are in line with co-operative values.
If you're a group working in a local park or green space you might also find the following website a useful resource of information on funding sources for your activities.
Neil Gerrard, a long-time member of the APPGG said: "Walthamstow has been synonymous with greyhound racing for as long as anyone can remember. It really puts us on the map and is one of the iconic images associated with East London. Of course the land is valuable for development but in this economic climate and with the recent slow down in housing I am concerned that we may end up with the area left abandoned for years. I hope there is a chance for a reprieve for the sport in Walthamstow, even a temporary one, and I am willing to help in brokering any deal to save racing there. If that is not possible then I want to ensure that the future of the greyhounds is secured- either to be racing at other stadia or retired into homes as pets."
A letter co-signed by APPG joint chairman Andrew Rosindell (MP for Romford) and Lord Bilston (formerly MP Dennis Turner and a supporter of his local Monmore Stadium), calls for a meeting with Walthamstow Chairman of Directors Charles Chandler and Managing Director, Jack Chandler. It includes: "Considering the high welfare standards that the track has been proud of, including supporting both the local rehoming organisations for many years, members were extremely disappointed by the level of compensation reported to us that has been offered to secure the future of the greyhounds from the Walthamstow racing strength or in the local retired kennels.
"Members would also like to discuss the short-term lease of the land for the continuance of racing. Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard has been approached by a party considering that possibility and we would hope that this is an area that would not be blocked unnecessarily by the Chandler family."
If you want to be kept upto date with any developments following on from Neil's intervention and the APPG get in touch.
