DISCUSSION GROUP MEETINGS
Would you like to have your say on what is on offer in our neighbourhood? We need volunteers to provide their thoughts and ideas on what we should be providing for families and the wider community in the area. To register an interest for a future meeting, please contact Sue Hale now.
The last discussion group meeting took place on 13 July 2009 at Downsway School. A summary of the findings is given below:
Ideas for new activities
The attendees put forward the following ideas (*some of which already take place at Denefield):
· Power kiting* · Cookery*
· Canoeing* · Tennis*
· Badminton* · Bike repairs*
· Cycle rides · Coppicing and conservation work
· Allotments · Archery
· Horse riding · Fishing
· Community litter pick · Lunch club for the elderly
· Walks for the elderly · Support for single mums
Other discussions took place regarding the possibility of a breakfast club for children in the area at either Downsway or Denefield and this is currently being considered.
A large variety of activities take place at the Cornwell Centre and St Catherine’s Church for the local youth and families. These all year round activities are very popular.
ACTION: Sue Hale is to investigate the feasibility of introducing some of these activities so that they are sustainable in the longer term. Sue will also mention the shortage of allotments to the Tilehurst & Purley Parish Councils.
Communication/Newsletters
The existing communication channels were discussed and it was felt that the termly newsletters should continue along with the
publicity flyers, which may be better produced in a larger format. These are distributed via pupil post but may not always be noticed
in bags by parents. It was also agreed that the email distribution list appeared to be an effective way of disseminating information
and pdf formats of publicity documents should be issued.
Previous consultations
Since September 2006 a number of discussion group meetings have been held to encourage parents and carers to have their say on out of school hours activities for their families. These meetings are also open to the wider community and are the ideal way for us to find out local needs and tailor activities to the community's requirements.
Feedback from the meeting held in November 2007 included:
- Inter-generational activities - Adult courses
- Family chess - Family badminton
- Hairdressing - Bike repairs
Some of these activities were included in our Family Fun Weeks, while others have since been introduced. Please refer to our 'Forthcoming Events' page for details.
If you would like to attend a future discussion group or have ideas to put forward please contact Sue Hale on 0118 9728978 or email shale@denefield.org.uk.