Wrecclesham Youth Club

Great news about the Wrecclesham Youth Club hit my inbox. It starts up again on Monday 16th March.

Freeloading freeloaders

If I offered an annual prize (and perhaps I should) for the quote of the year, the 2008 prize might well go to John Benton, leader, with his wife, of the parenting classes that Rach and I have been attending for the past 3 weeks.

The final class of three was last night, and John said that our country was

freeloading on our Christian heritage.

Now, he was talking, naturally, in the context of child-rearing. But, I would argue that this same idea could be applied to much of our culture. As a nation we’ve swallowed – hook, line and sinker – the notion that we should do things if they feel right, enjoy them when we do them, and if we happen not to enjoy them, seek therapy to find out how we misinterpreted our own desires, and get it right next time.

Of course, I’m exaggerating and generalising wildly, but the point is that some decades ago before postmodern thinking, our crime rates were much lower; our children more obedient and schools safer; our concept of duty towards our neighbour more strong.

And so now, when these things can no longer be taken for granted, and the standards of common decency and manners we once cherished are no longer shared, it seems to me that when we complain about the behaviour of civil society, we’re freeloading on our Christian heritage by assuming we can abandon previously pervasive biblical standards and norms, without experiencing the consequences.

Rowledge School Fair

Just back from the Rowledge School Fair. I was there manning the Smith & Causey stall rather than as a councillor, but it was lovely to walk round and see all these wonderful children engaged in simple and enjoyable activity.

And especially great to see so many parents there. I've often heard that the involvement the parents was second to none, and so it seemed, with the vast majority of stalls being run by parents and children.

A wonderful sense of community and joy.

Putting Parenting to Bed

Rach and I went to a parenting class tonight. It was the second of three that are being held at Farnham Baptist Church. It's not that we already know we're awful parents (although I'm sure I should ask that question of people who know us well rather than proclaim it myself!) - more that we wish to gain from the knowledge and wisdom of others, before we make the obvious mistakes.

The course is written by a couple based in Guildford, and mixes practical advice with biblical wisdom. And the first thing for us to do was - describe our child(ren)! An interesting task, and one that we'd never specifically done before.

And tonight we were focussing on discipline, and the difference between authoritarian, and lovingly authoritative. There were so many great pieces of advice, and strategies for dealing with misbehaviour and disobedience, that my head is now reeling with the content, and I hope I can take some time out to get some of it embedded in order to make good use of it.

Aspiration. Inspiration.

I'm going to join the Farnham Theatre Association.

I've been pondering this on and off over the weekend, as on Friday, I was inspired by Anne Cooper and Abigail McKern. Listening to their passion for theatre, the positive impact on a town and its culture, and the potential for youth involvement, I couldn't deny what a good aspiration it was to have a professional, commercial, and successful theatre in Farnham.

Whilst I wouldn't call myself a regular theatre-goer, I have seen quite a lot of shows in London over the years, been to the Maltings a few times, and I used to perform in a light operatic society some time ago (as well as attending tap, modern and jazz classes, but don't tell anyone).

But, it's not that I'm a buff: much more that I was captured by Anne and Abigail's passion and aspiration. And, my support is independent of whether the Redgrave is retained.

I simply like the idea of an active theatre in the town, and all that it could bring.

Vinvolved

Received a nice email today from Philip Evans, Youth Volunteer Advisor to a new volunteering project in Guildord and Waverley: Surrey vinvolved. I don't know Philip, but reading his email made me go the website and the opportunities look great.

Philip is specifically wanting to find out about needs in our community that can be fulfilled by young volunteers. Please get in touch with him if you think you can identify such a need, or possibly be part of a volunteering tearm.

I don't get it

I can read all the reports in the world about how the youth of today are bored, and need things to keep them off the streets, but really, I still don't understand how someone can do this kind of mindless vandalism to private property (River Lane railway bridge). Not having 'something to do' is no excuse.

The Jackson F... Two, so far

Just over a week ago I popped down to the Wrecclesham Community Centre on Greenfields Road to meet Fiona Jackson for the first time. A long-term resident of Wrecclesham, Fiona has started up a youth club on a Monday night at the centre, and what success! 27 the first week, 33 the next, and already the need is confirmed, and new need for more leaders is created. It's wonderful for the centre to be used in this way, and the more leaders that offer help, the less that each one has to do on a rota basis. The two leaders at present could do with lots more help!

Fiona has many years experience and can offer the support and guidance needed. She does point out that a 'sense of humour and a laid back approach' are required! And, you'll need to undergo a CRB check as any volunteers would be working with children.

If you're interested in helping, please let me know, and I'll put you in touch with Fiona.

The youth club has been started as part of the Weydon and Wrecclesham Community Consultation (aka W2). Click here for more information.

Front Page Splash!

I can't believe it. On the front page of a newspaper! It may only be the Herald, but wonderfully it's about the new play equipment at Beldham Road in Wrecclesham.

At the Neighbourhood Panel for that area on Tuesday night, there was much gratitude for it, and feedback that it was being used by 'hundreds of kids', which is just as hoped and intended. A few concerns were raised about older youth abusing it, and the local police are seeing if they can arrange for a camera on the area to deter such activity.

Anyway, a nice story all round I think.

Beldham Road - open for play

A playground, some children ... And a great big swing (not political!) for the mayor.

It was the official opening of the new playground on Beldham Road, and it was great fun. The children seemed to pretty much pour out of St. Peter's and Weydon, and seemed to be particularly delighted with this massive basket swing.

Wrecclesham Playground Opening

Earlier today I attended the opening of the Wrecclesham Playground. Now, I don't yet make the habit of using playgrounds regularly, (although it won't be long before Caleb is old enough to enjoy it), but wow - great playground. There's even a swing a bit like a childseat, so you can strap your son or daughter in, and be happy that they're nice and safe. I think that will be the one that Caleb uses very shortly.

The one disappointment was that very few people turned up specifically for the opening. Our Waverley Mayor, Maurice Byam was there, as well as myself and Pat Frost, local councillors for Wrecclesham. Also, Jeff Thorpe of the Wrecclesham Recreation Ground Committee attended. However, any disappointment in offical turnout for the opening, pales into insignificance compared to the families who were there simply to enjoy them the playground, and were very obviously having a great time!

Second languages

This business trip is proving to be more educational that I thought. Tonight I was with friends and their children in the west of Singapore, and I learned that all children are taught a second language from junior school age.

Then, talking to colleagues from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Phillipines, I realised how envious I was that they were able to speak into a culture not only by being there, but by conversing in that language, itself a wonderful repository of history and environment through its structure and use.

I hope to encourage our own son to learn other languages when he starts school in a few years, but acknowledge that language classes in our primary schools is unusual. May be the borough council isn't the right place for curriculum policy, but right now, I wish it was!

Wrecclesham Play Areas

Many of you will have noticed the work going out at both play areas in Wrecclesham - down by the recreation ground, and at Beldham Road. Having an 8 month old son, I sense I'll be spending quite a bit of time at both in the near future!

Hence, I'm both personally and publically delighted to write that there will be official openings at both areas in March -

Wrecclesham Recreation Ground : March 17th, 3.30 pm
Beldham Road : March 31st, 3.30 pm

Waverley have enabled the refurbishment through the investment of more than £800,000 in upgrading and refurbishing 32 playgrounds, and parents and children were asked for ideas in order to identify local preferences.

Unfortunately the slide isn't big enough for me!

Consult, confer, clarify...

Tonight sees the second meeting of a group of likeminded and local individuals, seeking to find out the needs, hopes and aspirations of the people living in South Farnham. Unfortunately I won't make it as I'm away on business, but I hope this post can contribute by spreading the word.

Kenton Sparks of the Farnham Christian Community Trust has convened the group, including youth workers, town and borough councillors, local churches, voluntary groups and residents. The FCCT have already carried out such a 'consultation' elsewhere in the town and "in some ways, the model of the work done by the Farnham Youth Consultative Group and then subsequently in the development of 40 Degreez is an example of how this might develop to a successful and productive conclusion."

If you have any suggestions about what's required, or would like to offer your time to this endeavour, I know it would be much appreciated. Contact Kenton via the FCCT.