BICESTER GARTH GAZETTE - Bicester Town Council
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A Bicester Town Council
BICESTER
GARTH GAZETTE
Newsletter for
the Community
March 2021
MEET YOUR LOCAL
POLICE TEAM
100 YEARS OLD.
THE STORY OF THE
WAR MEMORIAL
BICESTER RESIDENTS
RISE TO THE CHALLENGES
OF ANOTHER LOCKDOWN
BICESTER NEWS | EVENTS | COMMUNITY | WHAT’S ON
2 | Welcome Garth Gazette
Welcome | 2 Garth Gazette Information Staff
Bicester Town Council publishes the Chief Officer / Samantha Shippen
Service Manager / Phil Evans
Bicester Garth Gazette. The views
Administration Officer (Finance) / Callum
expressed are not necessarily those of
News | 3 Bicester Town Council or its members, and
McMahon
Administration Officer (Civic and Democratic) /
the inclusion of advertisements does not Julie Trinder
constitute an endorsement of any products Administration Officer (Facilities) / Kim Simpson
or services. Administration Officer (Events and Marketing) /
Events | 7 Zara Sankey
Outdoor Team Supervisor / Dan Cooper
Further copies of the Bicester Garth
Outdoor Technician / Ray Crutchfield
Gazette are available from the Town Council Outdoor Technician / Mark Jones
and local libraries. A pdf version can be Outdoor Technician / Phillip Robbins
Community | 8 downloaded from the Council website. Outdoor Technician / Jerry McGrath
Outdoor Technician / Lee Hermon
For editorial contributions and diary entries, Outdoor Technician / Ian Crook
please call or write to Samantha Shippen Outdoor Technician / Daniel Kanteluk
Healthy Bicester | 10 on 01869 252915 or at samantha.shippen@
bicester.gov.uk. To advertise, please call
Contacting your Town Council.
Log in to Bicester Town Council at:
Lucy Lavers on 07813 846569.
www.bicester.gov.uk, or email us at:
Produced and designed by Push Start enquiries@bicester.gov.uk.
Bicester Green | 12 Marketing Ltd. Printed by Micropress.
Distributed by Royal Mail and Leaflet
Phone in on: 01869 252915.
Our office: The Garth, Launton Road, Bicester,
Delivery Team. OX26 6PS. Please note the office is currently
closed.
Community | 13
Add Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BicesterTownCouncil
Where is it spent? | 22
Bicester Town Council’s YouTube Channel
There have been many activities and events that have been
History | 23 cancelled this year but we have been able to hold some
online or video events, such as the flag raising on Armed
Forces Day that we have shared on our YouTube Channel.
Please go and have a look. Search Bicester Town Council on
What’s on | 24 YouTube to find us.
Welcome to Bicester
This edition of the Garth Gazette For those of you on Facebook
comes hot on the heels of the last we have a very busy page
one to ensure we are able to deliver @BicesterTownCouncil with all our
all the positive and uplifting stories news and events. I would encourage
the Bicester community has to offer you all to go and like and follow it,
before we turn our attention to the to stay up to date with what’s going
local elections. You can read more on this summer as dates and events
about them on page 4. may change. It’s also a place for
our growing number of community
Once again the people of Bicester
groups to spread their news and
have come together to support
seek support from the community.
those who need help during this
third lockdown. Be it with shopping A final thank you to everyone who
and errands, a friendly phone call, has contributed to this very exciting
or meals and food parcels, we can edition of the Garth Gazette and
all be incredibly proud of the way all of you, whether your efforts are
the town has responded in this included in here or not, for doing
unprecedented time of need. Our all you can to support your fellow If you don’t see your
community pages are full of your Bicester residents. organisation, group or activity
inspiring stories. Thank you to Eddy listed or covered in the Garth
Xi Gong whose photo is our front Gazette, please email at
cover and who has also allowed his Sa mantha Shippen lucy@psmkt.co.uk or call on
images of various volunteers to be Samantha Shippen 07813 846569 to find out how
included in this issue. Chief Officer, Bicester Town Council to get free editorial space or
book advertising.
Garth Gazette News | 3
Coronavirus Helpers and Supporters
Coronavirus Helpers and Supporters, Bicester, are like many of the volunteer groups popping
up all over the country today to help individuals, shielding or self-isolating during the Covid-19
pandemic, with no-one to turn to or ask for help with food shopping and prescriptions.
One volunteer, Adam Coggins, from
Kingsend even organised a paper-
round for some locals.
Later, when individuals started to
return to work, many volunteers
were unable to help so it was
decided in June to do another leaflet
drop, this time with an e-receptionist
landline phone number. This meant
a call could be picked up by either
Cat, Kat, Adam or Stephanie, the
request forwarded to an online chat
group and a volunteer delivery team weeks. This leaflet was kindly
It all began in mid-March last year,
could be mobilised within minutes. sponsored by Sundeep Singh, saving
when Cat Carter had the foresight
The wonderful team includes Jenny precious time fundraising. Since
and determination to gather a
Gay, Arpita Desai, Christine Carey, then ‘Go Fund Me’ has been set up
team on Facebook before our first Melissa Bull, Chantelle Hazlewood,
national lockdown. The response to fund the on-going costs of the
Cerne Mallalue, Renu Gundala and phone line and leaflets.
was incredible; shortly afterwards, Catherine Fairfield.
Kat Harmen, Stephanie Wright and The volunteer group have been
Adam Robinson joined to organise A third leaflet went out this January, helped by so many individuals,
and support the group. when yet again a national lockdown including Town Church Bicester,
was announced. This time the leaflet organised by Simon Poole and
The idea was to deliver a support would have just Cat Carter and Kat
leaflet to every Bicester household, Jane Winters; Gong Xi who kindly
Harman’s contact details. Over a photographed the efforts with
with contact details of the hundred volunteers came forward
volunteers. Yet again, hundreds pictures of Anna Black and Carol
who Cat organised. The result was Nunn, now on our Facebook page;
of people came forward to help incredible, fifteen thousand homes and Sue Mellor, with many other
deliver the leaflets and dipped into received a leaflet in just over two volunteers who created a hub for
their own pockets to print leaflets.
leaflets prior to delivery.
Roz Edwards generously printed
over a thousand copies. Many who Almost a year on, the volunteer
delivered the leaflets became the group successfully reach out to
determined task force delivering support many Bicester residents in a
food and prescriptions. They were time of need.
touched when residents called the You can make a donation at
volunteers just to thank them for uk.gofundme.com/f/corona-
their actions, some with an offer of virus-helpers-amp-supporters-for-
help if it was needed. bicester
The work is a lifeline for many, All photos were kindly taken by Eddy
especially those with no internet or Xi Gong
friends and family nearby to help.
Eddy Xi Gong capturing the beauty of Bicester
Our front cover image of Pingle Field comes courtesy of Eddy Xi Gong.
Eddy has been capturing the beauty of Bicester through his lens since the beginning of the second lockdown
and sharing them daily on the Bicester Facebook page. He has since received thousands of likes and people
have expressed how much they loved his photos which lifted everyone’s spirit during these hard times.
Eddy comments ‘I really love making things that can create memories and I truly appreciate the support I’ve
been given from everyone since day one. I wish my photos and videos can be seen by more people who love
Bicester’.
You can support Eddy by following him on Instragram
@beautyandbicester BeautyandBicester@gmail.com
4 | News Garth Gazette
Our Councillors
Your local Councillor is North ward South ward
democratically elected to
represent the people of the
town on the Town Council.
They are representative of the major
political parties or are independent.
They are not full-time paid officials
Jason Slaymaker Nick Mawer Nick Cotter Zoe McLernon
and are only given a very small
annual allowance. The Councillor’s (Mayor)
position is one of influence rather
than power at Town Council
level. However, they have a very
important role in representing the
interests, well-being and quality of
life for the community of Bicester.
Lynn Pratt Alex Thrupp Dan Sames James Metcalf
If you would like to contact your
local representative, this is quick and
simple to do so using the form on our
webpage www.bicester.gov.uk/the- West ward East ward
council/wards-and-councillors/
Voting safety
guidance Les Sibley Fraser Webster Richard Mould Robert Nixon
In summary, the government
is making the following
commitments:
Voters will have a choice
between in-person and absent
voting. Postal and proxy voting
will be supported, and proxy Dan Halett Harry Knight Vacant
voting rules changed so that
those affected by COVID-19
in the days before the poll
can still vote. Elections 2021!
We will work with our partners Local elections are to be held on
to make sure that voters,
electoral staff, candidates, 6th May 2021
campaigners and the wider
public are protected to the Bicester East ward
maximum extent possible from One seat (East ward)
the spread of disease. We will Police and Crime Commissioner (PCCs)
be clear about how existing The elected representatives who oversee how crime
public health regulations and is tackled in a police force area. Their aim is to cut
guidance apply to essential crime and to ensure the police force is effective.
voting activities. They are elected for a four-year term.
More information specific to
Cherwell District Council
Bicester will be released closer
One seat per ward
to the voting date; please check
cherwell.gov.uk/elections for Oxfordshire County Council
updated information. All seats
Garth Gazette News | 5
Bicester Town Council’s Grant Aid
Scheme 2020
Each year charities and community organisations can apply for a financial boost from Bicester
Town Council Grant Aid Scheme, closing date 12 March 2021.
In 2020 Bicester Town Council Bubbles Preschool can access their children’s profiles
allocated £20,000 to help local and diaries at times which suit them,
Bubbles Preschool was very lucky to
organisations support the local and use the communication tool
receive a grant of £500 from Bicester
community in the battle against the to keep in touch with their child’s
Town Council to help fund our IT
Coronavirus and help the residents keyperson. Our new laptops have
Update project. With the help of this
of Bicester (up to a maximum of £500 proved vitally important during the
grant, and the generous support
per application). Here’s how one Covid-19 pandemic, as we have
we received from our families at
of the organisations used their grant. been able to maintain links between
recent fundraising events, we have
our families and Bubbles, providing
been able to replace our broken
home learning opportunities,
staff laptop and purchase laptops
planning and resources for those who
for our supervisor and administrator.
are unable to attend. Updating our IT
Whilst we have always had an open-
equipment is really helping Bubbles
door policy, and invite parents to
to keep up with the changing ways
attend many events at Bubbles, we
in which we live our lives. Thank you
are finding more and more that the
Bicester Town Council!
most effective way to communicate
with our families is to provide regular For more information contact
information through social media, Bubbles Pre-school
emails and electronic newsletters. 07587 170426
We also have online learning journals info@bubblespreschool.org.uk
for our children which mean families www.bubblespreschool.org.uk
Selected play parks will remain open
during the national lockdown
Bicester Town Council can confirm 12 of its play areas will remain open during the third
national lockdown.
Under current rules, the play parks, outdoor gyms and the skate ‘We would urge users to adhere to
areas can remain open, but park will remain closed. Football pitch government guidance, including
people are urged to follow bookings have also been suspended. keeping at least two metres apart
government advice to maintain
Bicester Cemetery will remain and washing hands; to follow
social distancing and be prepared
open, except on Fridays when rules on signs at the open parks
to go elsewhere if parks are busy.
it is closed between 7 am and and not to enter closed parks’.
A sign at the entrance to each 2.30pm to enable Council staff
park states the maximum to undertake maintenance safely. During the first national lockdown,
number of people allowed in at all parks were closed. Some of the
Town Council leader Richard
any one time. Visitors are urged larger parks re-opened in July after
Mould said: ‘We are pleased that
to adhere to rules and not to
some parks are able to stay open a range of Covid-secure measures
mix with other people to enable
in this national lockdown to allow were put in place by the Council.
everyone to enjoy the park safely.
children to let off some steam.
Open parks are regularly inspected The latest government guidance is
‘Each open play area has had
by the Council’s maintenance team available at
a risk management review
and cleaned by a specialist company. www.gov.uk/coronavirus
completed to allow them to
The 12 open parks are listed on the open and remain open, and our or for local information about open
Town Council’s website, all other team make regular inspections. spaces view bicester.gov.uk
6 | News Garth Gazette
Life saving equipment to be installed at
key sports grounds
Councillors have approved £3,398 is easy to use and doesn’t require
funding to pay for defibrillators to any training. If you see someone
be installed in three Town Council- suffering from a cardiac arrest, ring
run sport pavilions at Pingle Field, 999 and ask for an ambulance. The
Bicester Fields and Sunderland ambulance call handler will guide
Drive. Automated external you through how to perform CPR,
defibrillators (AEDs) can be used to and they will also tell you where your
provide assistance to anyone who is nearest defibrillator is. Visit British
Heart Foundation www.bhf.org.uk
suffering from a cardiac arrest.
to read more about how to use this
This simple piece of equipment equipment.
First electric vehicle for
Bicester Town Council
The Council has also agreed to buy Bicester Garden Town Project. The slim and compact, but with big
its first electric vehicle in a bid to new van will replace the Council’s boot space. If you would like
reduce its carbon footprint. The Vauxhall Combo 2000 CDTI, which to find out more how electric
van, which costs around £25,000, at 16 years old, now requires vehicles can fit into your life, visit
will be used daily for repairs and replacement on recommendation parkandchargeoxfordshire.co.uk.
maintenance of the Town Council’s from the vehicle’s last MOT. We expect to see 25,000 more
facilities. Not only will it reduce the on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2025 as
Council’s fuel costs but is part of a The same model used by Cherwell driving electric becomes the new
wider Council strategy to improve District Council is economical normal.
its green credentials as part of the and favoured for town use, being
Park improvements plans
A series of improvements is set to Six play areas have also been of an on-going Council initiative to
be made to parks across Bicester. approved for makeovers and repair improve play areas across the town.
Plans include giving the footpaths work totalling £191,000. These are
Watch this space, as we would like to
within Garth Park a major overhaul. the large play parks in Keble Road
consult residents of Bicester about
Currently, in some areas the paths and Meredith Close, and smaller
what they would like to see in these
are in poor condition, with partial play areas in Germander Way, Dunlin
areas.
edging, dips and cracks. Work will Court, Woodpecker Close and Market
take place across six sections of the End Way. Equipment will be spruced
park and will cost £55,500. up, repaired or replaced. This is part
Litter and Dog Waste Bins to be replaced
Following a town-wide review of the The environmental team at
contracted bins, Council have agreed Cherwell District Council work hard
to buy new litter and dog bins for to keep the local areas tidy, but
2021/22. Over the coming months
if you spot any overflowing bins,
90 new litter bins will be bought
and installed along with 60 new dog please report these using:
bins. This represents replacement of www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/195/
damaged or missing bins, costing street-cleansing
£43,000. or call 01295 227003
The designs preferred were the Plaza Litter Bin and the Retriever 35 Dog Waste Bin
Garth Gazette Events | 7
Family fun planned for 2021
Following a year when almost every single face-to-face event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus
pandemic, the Council is proceeding with cautious optimism for 2021.
The dates and details below are 7 to Sunday, December 12, people planned.
all subject to change, but Bicester will be able to follow a trail of lights
Garth Park will also play host to
Town Council is planning a host of around the grounds, which will be
two live music events, the first on
summer and festive events for the lit up with festive messages and
Saturday, August 14, and the second
whole family. dancing snowflakes. Seasonal food
will be an 80s band on Saturday,
and drink will be on sale from Savoir
Some favourites are due to make August 28.
Fare.
a return, and two new events have
2021’s penultimate event, the
been added to the 2021 line-up. This summer, the Carnival will be
traditional Christmas Lights Switch-
These include a food festival in replaced by a Family Fun Day in
on has been scheduled for Saturday,
Sheep Street on Saturday, October association with Armed Forces
November 27, when plans are in
2, and a Christmas illuminated trail, Day on Saturday June 26 at Pingle
motion for host of festive fun.
which will take place in Garth Park on Field. This new event will be free
Launton Road. to enter and will include military The Town Council would love to
demonstrations, plus a host of hear from any people aged 16-plus
Plans for the food festival include
activities, music, entertainment, a who want to get involved in any
a host of food-based stalls and
funfair and a dog show. There won’t, of the events, as a performer or
cookery demonstrations, and local
however, be a parade through the helping behind the scenes.
food vendors are being urged to
town. Any individual, business or group
contact the Council to take part.
Also returning is the Superhero interested in taking part in any of
Tickets for the illuminated trail will go
Activity Day on Wednesday, August the events should contact the Town
on sale to residents of Bicester later
4 in Garth Park, where an array of Council via
this year. From Tuesday, December
free children’s activities are being enquiries@bicester.gov.uk.
Credit Skelton Photography
8 | Community Garth Gazette
Cherwell Larder needs your support
Cherwell Larder and its hundreds of volunteers are providing food for more than 980 people hit
hardest by Covid across the local district. But due to a recent increase in demand, the project,
which then opened at Exeter Hall in Kidlington in March to feed the community and eliminate
food waste, needs your help now more than ever.
Cherwell Larder is not means tested and others to call and check on those Cherwell Collective includes
and therefore available to everyone, who’ve been isolating for months. Cherwell Larder, Harvest@Home,
with priority given to people in Donations are also welcome. and Climatarian Kitchen, and
the Cherwell District, primarily provides infrastructure and support
As well as feeding the community,
for residents of South Cherwell: such as grant writing, course
Cherwell Larder is tackling food
Kidlington, Yarnton, Begbroke, facilitation, and, most importantly,
waste: ‘We are not only helping
Bicester, Bletchingdon, Weston on securing and facilitating community
people in need by providing access
the Green and surrounding areas. partnerships and strategy for
to surplus food and produce, and
sustainability. Our innovation comes
The larder also provides pet food feeding people, but we are also
from three major places:
and non-food essentials such as going greener, and long term that’s
toiletries, loo roll, cleaning supplies, really what this is about’. Since Emily 1. Inclusion of users as core
clothing and toys, thanks to its Connally launched the charity in volunteers;
amazing donors. March 2020, she has also saved 50
2. Education via recipes and meal
tonnes of food.
More volunteers are needed kits, online tutorials and in-
on Fridays when the charity Cherwell Collective has been person courses; and
packs produce boxes, stocks its awarded the 2020 EESC Civil
3. Prevention of future hardship
marketplace and loads the cars for Solidarity Prize. We were one of four
through our efforts to help
deliveries. winners for our area of food provision
people grow their own food and
and assisting the vulnerable (this
The Cherwell Larder project also reduce waste/share resources
prize covered 250 applications from
needs accountants to help with as a community.
29 countries throughout the EU) You
bookkeeping and budgeting, can read more about the prize here: For more information search
volunteers to grow food, chefs to www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/ Cherwell Community Larder or visit
design meal kits, builders to help our-events/events/civil-solidarity- cagoxfordshire.org.uk/gv_listing/
with a long-term storage unit refurb prize. cherwell-community-larder
Theft of catalytic converters!
The police are actively investigating these crimes. However, here are some
things you could do to reduce the chance of your vehicle being targeted:
Advice for vehicle owners: Advice for businesses
• Where possible, park in your garage • Fencing around vehicles may act as a deterrent to
opportunist catalytic converter thieves
• Alternatively, park in a location that restricts
access underneath your vehicle • If you have a fleet of vehicles, block those with
high clearance using vehicles with low clearance
• Consider installing security lighting
• Obstruct access underneath vehicles
• If your catalytic converter is ‘bolt on’, you can have
the bolts welded shut • Consider installing security lighting
• Consider installing CCTV to protect your vehicle • Consider installing appropriate CCTV to protect
your vehicle fleet
• Identify/etch your converter with a unique serial
number and advertise that the vehicle has been • If your catalytic converter is ‘bolt on’, you can have
protected (window stickers) the bolts welded shut
If you see suspicious behaviour in progress call the • Identify/etch your converter with a unique serial
police on 999. If you have any further information number and advertise that the vehicle has been
protected (window stickers)
please call the police non-emergency number on 101, www.retainagroup.com
or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For further advice or information please call your local • Identify your catalytic converter with forensic
etching and visit:
neighbourhood team on 101 or visit www.smartwater.com/catconverter
www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev
Garth Gazette Community | 9
Hello from the League of Friends
We hope that you are all safe and well during these worrying and difficult times.
The year 2020 will be one we will Christmas, which was the first time donations, cheques should be made
remember for a long time but for the in 19 years that Ray has not been payable to League of Friends Bicester
wrong reasons. into the hospital on Christmas Day. Community Hospital and sent to me
Although our wonderful volunteers at the address below.
The League of Friends has given the
have not been allowed into the We hope you all stay safe and well.
hospital during this pandemic, the hospital money to buy Christmas
extras and gifts for the patients, as Hope you had a good and happy
League of Friends has still been
well as some money for something Christmas, that 2021 will be a better
there supporting our wonderful NHS
staff where we could. towards the staff’s Christmas. year, we beat this virus, we all meet
up with family and friends, and that
Unfortunately, we were not able We would like to thank Mrs Mills, SH we all have a very big hug.
to have our usual Christmas coffee Cox. J Mundy and Fritwell Wesleyan
morning this year, which was very Reform Church, who have kindly
disappointing, as it is a time when Rose Stratford - Treasurer
made donations to us. Bicester Community Hospital
we can all get together, have a chat
with friends and often make new It is through the support of all of you League of Friends
friends. that were able to give a little help in 8 Queens Court
Ray, our wonderful Santa, was not these ways. Bicester OX26 6JX
allowed to go into the hospital this We are always pleased to receive rosetjstratford@outlook.com
Bicester Friday Market.
Making the market Matter
Like many organisations and businesses, the traders of Bicester
Friday market have had to adapt and evolve since March 2020.
A complete closure during had to start operating a waiting
lockdown one could have seen the list for new traders as businesses
market slowly fade away, but the started to see trading on a market
traders were adamant this wasn’t as a more viable option.
going to happen and took on the
task of making the market matter. By lockdown 2 the market was
thriving and a partial closure where
Bicester market is trader managed only essential traders were allowed
meaning the passion was there to didn’t affect this. On everyone’s
keep it going.
return in December the traders had
Traders changed how they a good run up to Christmas.
operated with many setting
Unfortunately, lockdown 3 has seen
up social media platforms and
another partial closure for a longer
websites as well as offering delivery
whilst they were unable to trade on period so they had to step up
Sheep Street. again. Essential traders are keeping
the market going and non-essential
The return of the market in June ones are keeping up with orders
2020 was slow, regaining the public and deliveries.
confidence to come out and shop
took a while. The community stall Fingers crossed with public support
was used as a hand sanitising the market will bounce back this
station for the public. They even summer.
Correspondence can be sent to emgould1971@outlook.com
Bicester Friday Market
@bicester_friday_market
10 | Healthy Bicester Garth Gazette
Healthy Bicester goes from strength
to strength
Starting out life as an NHS Healthy New Town, Healthy Bicester has now developed into a
flourishing community partnership, working for the benefit of everyone who lives or works here.
Our key areas of concern include we aim to make Bicester a happy, adapting our approach to reflect
improving mental and physical sociable place to live where it’s easy new challenges and grasping new
wellbeing and reducing social to make healthy choices. opportunities which bring benefits
isolation through a range of different to the whole town.
It’s only by working with our partners
provisions. From volunteers’ forums
in Bicester that we continue to grow,
to our 5k blue line walking routes,
New project launches to
make Bicester wilder
Maintaining a connection with the natural world is more
important than ever, not only for the joy and wonder it brings
into our lives but to ensure we’re taking good care of our health
and wellbeing.
We know that people who spend get involved themselves and turn
time in nature are happier and their homes and communities into
healthier. Just a bit of time every day wildlife-rich spaces.
spent in nature can help relieve stress
Urban green spaces can provide
and improve mental wellbeing!
essential homes for wildlife,
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and connecting wild places and bringing
Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) wildlife, and the benefits of a healthy
is joining with Healthy Bicester, natural world, into our lives. Our
Cherwell District Council, Bicester gardens, parks, allotments, school
Town Council and Bicester Garden grounds and community spaces can
exciting opportunity for people to
Town to launch Wild Bicester. The all offer something for nature and, in
get closer to nature in their everyday
new project aims to bring people and doing so, can bring people together,
lives and be inspired and moved by
nature together, creating a greener, creating healthier and more socially
its beauty and wonder.
healthier and wilder Bicester. It connected communities. Nature
will inspire and enable residents needs to be part of our everyday To be a part of Wild Bicester, head to
of all ages and backgrounds to lives and Wild Bicester is a hugely www.bbowt.org.uk/wild-bicester
Ringing the bell for
improved cycling in Bicester
Travelling around under your own steam is a great way to build
activity into your everyday lives.
It can also be great fun. Creating And there’s even better news for been followed up with a broader
safe routes to cycle and walk is those wanting to get about by bike survey, with OCC now in the process
a partnership approach, led by and on foot. Thanks to a £3 million of finalising their plans.
Oxfordshire County Council and fund, secured by Oxfordshire
supported by Healthy Bicester, County Council to boost walking and
Cherwell District Council and cycling after Covid-19, Bicester is set
Bicester Town Council. But it’s also to gain a high-quality active travel To report areas that need
reliant on people who use these route, connecting the Kingsmere attention you can go to
pathways to report areas that need area of Bicester to the town centre. fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/
attention. Stakeholder consultations haveGarth Gazette Healthy Bicester | 11
Park and Charge electric vehicle charging
hubs coming to Bicester in 2021!
Encouraging more sustainable
ways of travel in Bicester will
improve the air quality around
us and help combat respiratory
conditions including asthma.
Walking and cycling are excellent
options for short journeys, but it’s
clear that car journeys will always
play a part in getting us from A to B.
That’s where electric vehicles (EVs)
come in. Oxfordshire is ahead of the
curve when it comes to driving EVs,
but it’s often concerns around how
to charge them that puts people off
ditching their old petrol or diesel car.
If this is you, you will be pleased
to hear that Park and Charge
Oxfordshire is creating 24 new EV local firm Zeta Specialist Lighting - Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) and
charging hubs across the county this will provide a convenient overnight private investment, so the scheme
year, so that people can charge their charging opportunity for local comes at no cost to the local councils
EVs easily, quickly and affordably in residents who can’t install a home involved. To find out when and where
public car parks. The very first Park charger, as well as offering EV EV chargers will be available near
and Charge hub will be right here in charging during the daytime for you, and for more information on the
Bicester Cattle Market and is due to visitors and commuters to Bicester. scheme and local awareness events,
open to the public in the spring! Park and Charge Oxfordshire is visit parkandchargeoxfordshire.
These hi-tech, reliable and easy- supported by Innovate UK with co.uk, or search for ‘Park and Charge
to-use EV chargers – designed by funding from the Office for Zero Oxfordshire’ on social media.
1. Visit one of Bicester’s beautiful green spaces. Download our leaflet to find some
hidden gems at www.cherwell.gov.uk/bicestergreenspaces
Top 5 ways 2. Take a walk around one of our three Blue Lines. The maps can be found at
www.cherwell.gov.uk/health-routes
to boost your
3. Use our historic guide to find out more about the older areas of Bicester.
wellbeing in Download it at www.cherwell.gov.uk/bicester-historic-town-guide
spring around
4. Try our Street Tag app and join the virtual treasure hunt. It’s free and there are
Bicester prizes to be won. Check it out at www.cherwell.gov.uk/street-tag
5. Get in touch with nature and join Wild Bicester. Head to BBOWT’s home page at
www.bbowt.org.uk/wild-bicester12 | Bicester Green Garth Gazette
Bicester Green
As a team, the trustees, staff and survey, the response was excellent. people and stuff a second chance.
volunteers at Bicester Green are We exist for and because of our
Like all community organisations
looking toward and planning for the volunteers, some 40+ local residents
in the town, Bicester Green is
future. Nearly a thousand Bicester who share the same desire to make
once again adapting to the latest
residents completed our recent
lockdown measure in the only way a difference. Our main workshops
survey looking at the prospect of
we know how…with determination are bicycles, electricals and wood,
developing an eco-hub that would
to find a way and resilience. But but we also look at general upcycling
incorporate multiple like-minded
what is it exactly that Bicester Green and repair, and have a well-stocked
organisations under the same roof,
does? shop of repaired, repurposed and
and aid the redevelopment of the
high street. Thank you to everyone Bicester Green is a centre for handmade items, as well as an
that took the time to complete the sustainability and re-use, giving extensive range of refillable goods.
In summary you can: Bring your own containers and refill with:
• Buy a bicycle from us, or have your bike repaired • Laundry products (bio and non-bio, hand washing
and serviced. and fabric conditioner).
• Buy repaired and tested household electrical • Household cleaning (all-purpose cleaner, vinegar,
items from us, or have your electrical items bicarbonate soda, toilet cleaner etc…).
repaired.
• Dishwashing (washing up liquid, dishwasher
• Buy a handmade, repaired or repurposed wooden powder and rinse aid).
item or piece of furniture, or have your own
• Hand wash and Castile liquid soap.
wooden item repaired or made.
• Shampoo, conditioner and bath and body wash.
• Purchase plastic and packaging-free items for
cleaning and around the house. • Cooking oils (olive, rapeseed and sunflower).
• Volunteer with us to learn new skills, share your
skills or just help out with admin, in the shop or We’ve even set up an online shop at
around the yard. www.bicestergreen.org.uk/shop
• Utilise our TerraCycle programmes to recycle So if you need a reusable face covering, then
plastic packaging that cannot currently be our volunteers are on the case there too.
recycled at kerbside, such as crisp packets,
confectionery wrappers and biscuit packets (there
are many more, please see the website for a full list)
We also take donations of small
Photos by Gong Xi
electricals, bicycles and small
furniture and wooden items.
As a not-for-profit, all proceeds from
sales ensure that we can continue
to exist at the Yard and pay our bills,
which means that without continued
support from the community we
will struggle to carry on doing
what we love. So if you haven’t
visited us before, now is the time!
None of this is possible without
our team of volunteers; they are
To find out more about Bicester Green, how to join us and get our heartbeat, literally the life and
involved, follow us on Facebook.com/BicesterGreen, or visit soul of Bicester Green and when
www.bicestergreen.org.uk. And pop in to see us at The Yard,
adversity hits you can be assured
next to the Garth, Launton Road, Bicester (opening hours
change due to restrictions – check online before coming in!). these amazing human beings are
there to help in any way they can.Garth Gazette Community | 13
Your neighbourhood team
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the
community.
I am the recently appointed and have spent a large portion
Neighbourhood Sergeant of my 19 years’ service on the
for Bicester and Kidlington frontline in both Oxford City and
Police area having taken over Cherwell & West Oxfordshire LPA.
from Sergeant Kerry O’Leary.
I also bring six years of criminal justice
I’m sure that you will all know experience having worked in custody
Sergeant O’Leary and I can reassure suites around the Thames Valley.
you that she will continue to police your
I look forward to working with the
community. However she will now
community over the coming years
be the Problem-solving Sergeant
and assisting in providing a joined up
for the neighbourhood team.
approach to community resilience.
I have come from a very proactive
and enthusiastic response Sergeant Gavin Staniland
team at Bicester police station
Inspector Iain ROBERTS
Action Fraud is raising
Police team awareness of a Coronavirus
Sergeant Gavin STANILAND vaccine scam, after it received
a high volume of reports
PC Vicky LEES relating to a phishing email in
Neighbourhood supervisor January 2021.
PCSO Val GUEST The email, which attempts to trick people into handing over their bank details,
Town centre/Garth Park/ was reported more than 1,000 times in 24 hours. It appears to come from the
Kings End NHS and asks the recipient to click on a link to accept or decline an invitation
to receive the Coronavirus vaccine. If they click accept, they are asked to input
PCSO Ray KENNARD personal information and their bank card details.
Greenwood/Bure Park/ The national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime has previously warned
Southwold about Coronavirus vaccine scams, with many people reporting receiving fake
PCSO Ashley SIMS text messages purporting to be from the NHS.
Glory Farm/Langford Village How to protect yourself
PCSO Matt TREGAY In the UK, Coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health
Kingsmere/Lakeview/ Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Whitelands
You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy
PCSO Sarah RITCHIE local to you, to receive your vaccine.
Shopping centre and Blue Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.
Diamond
The NHS will never:
PCSO Tom BAILEY
• ask you for your bank account or card details.
Bicester Rural Team
• ask you for your PIN or banking password.
PCSO Louise BEAUMONT
• arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
Problem-solving team
• ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents
Sergeant Kerry O’LEARY such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
PC Matthew LONGMAN If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.
PC Kate FORD If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to
report@phishing.gov.uk
PC Alison ROBINSON
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which
PC Carrie COOK is free of charge.
PC Matthew WHITNEY If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to
Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040
PC Sean DARKES
or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk14 | Community Garth Gazette
ARCh – continuing to inspire children
through lockdown
ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children) is a local registered charity which operates in Oxfordshire
primary schools to help children who are struggling with reading.
We work in around 10 Bicester and Could you spare some time each can be run safely at the present time.
surrounding area primary schools. week to share books, games and The picture shows one an example
lively conversation with children in a of how sessions are now running
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in
local primary school? successfully.
most children being unable to attend
school for several months. We have adopted Covid-safe ‘Now more than children need extra
procedures and full training (via support. I have found volunteering
Many disadvantaged children had
Zoom sessions), resources and through ARCh a very enjoyable and
no access to books or anyone to
support are provided. All ARCh rewarding experience’, former ARCh
help them enjoy reading during
volunteers are supplied with a book volunteer Alison.
lockdown.
box containing duplicate books so
We are appealing for volunteers To find out more about volunteering or
that volunteer and child can have
to join ARCh to help close the supporting us please visit our website
separate resources but still share
attainment gap widened by Covid-19 www.archoxfordshire.org.uk
books at a social distance. We are
and give these children some extra also supplying all with face visors, The charity obtains enhanced DBS
support. hand sanitisers and antibac wipes, checks on all volunteers before
and clear guidance on how sessions placement.
The Home Guard remembers
The Bicester Home Guard (1940–1944) is remembered by the Oxfordshire Home Guard and Home
Front Living History Group. The 2nd Battalion had its headquarters in Bicester and was made up
of companies and platoons from all around the area.
In a normal year, our group would was not of course a normal year. Like in Europe and the Far East. We did
hold regular meetings at Launton most other groups, we were unable though manage to place a number
Village and at Bicester airfield (with to do very much and all the events of poppy wreaths on Remembrance
the kind permission of Bicester we were planning to take part in weekend for Home Guardsmen who
Heritage), for talks, discussions were cancelled. This was especially died on duty during the war. Our
and training, and would take part in sad, as many of them were for the group leader, Brian Tegg, did put on a
many events around the area. 2020 anniversary of the end of the war VE day display in his garden last year,
which was pictured in the December
issue of the Garth.
We hope that 2021 will see us back
in action, with a number of events
already on our website. All being
well, we plan to be at the Armed
Forces Day at Garth Park on June 26
with a display of military and Home
Front equipment.
If you would like to know more
about the Oxfordshire Home Guard
Living History Group, visit our
website
www.oxfordshirehomeguard.uk
or contact us at
oxf2hguard@gmail.com or come
and talk to us at one of our events.Garth Gazette Community | 15
The launch of Bicester Pride
2020 and 2021 have been a challenge me having a Pride in my home town
for all of us; keeping connections as was amazing, for the first time in my
well as developing and maintaining life I felt I belonged to the place I was
healthy networks. This year has seen born in. I felt included. Now, having
the launch of a Bicester LGBTQ+ lived in Bicester for 25 years, I felt
group called ‘Bicester Pride’. It’s it was time we launched a Bicester
founder, Christina Riley, has lived Pride group, to support LGBTQ+
in Bicester for the last 25 years people in the town, connect others
and for much of that time LGBTQ+ and eventually host a Pride Season
representation in the town has been Event when it is safe to do so’. including Banbury and Witney Pride.
very limited. The event was a great success
Pride Season events are held across
and a huge thanks goes out to the
Pride is both a protest against the world, mainly June to August.
committee members Christina,
injustices against LGBTQ+ people 2019 was the 50th anniversary of
Simon, Ben, Debbie, Mazz, Red and
around the world, and a celebration the Stonewall Uprising in New York
Lisa.
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, City, and last year was the 50th
queer and questioning lives. Bicester anniversary of the first Pride.
If you would like to get involved
Pride will provide that safe space for
This week, for LGBT History Month, with Bicester Pride whether on a
LGBTQ+ people and allies in your
on 13 February 2021, we had the social level or at committee level
local community.
first-ever Bicester Pride Social Event, please get in touch by emailing
Christina recalls going to her first co-hosting a quiz night on Zoom BicesterPride@gmail.com
Pride in Oxford five years ago. ‘For with the other Oxfordshire Prides,
Have you got your census letter?
Census day is on March 21, but households across Bicester will now be receiving letters with a
unique online code explaining how they can complete their surveys.
If you haven’t received one, please pounds of public funding is spent in the armed forces, as well as
get in touch with the national census on services like transport, education voluntary questions for those aged
contact centre. You can also request and health – on cycle routes, schools 16 and over on sexual orientation
a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer and dental surgeries. Information and gender identity.
to complete your census that way. from the census is also important
All personal records will be locked
The contact centre can also provide in helping lots of other people and
away for 100 years, kept safe for
guidance and help for those who organisations do their work.
future generations. Statistics are
need it. Charities and voluntary organisations only compiled based on anonymised
Additionally, local census support often use it as evidence to get data. Personal information is not
centres will be open in Banbury funding. It helps businesses to shared with any organisation and is
and Oxford while the census is understand their customers and, for never sold.
happening. Staff will offer help for example, decide where to open new
Operating in line with the
people who are not confident online, shops. Plus, those doing research,
Government’s latest Covid-19
or who do not have a computer or like university students and people
guidance, field officers will be
need help completing on paper. looking into their family history, use
deployed across the country
census data. It provides important
The census, run by the Office for to contact those who have not
information on population diversity,
National Statistics, is a once-in-a- responded. They will offer help and
allowing organisations to know
decade survey that gives us the advice to those who need it. They will
whether they are meeting their
also remind people that their census
most accurate estimate of all the responsibilities and triggering action
response is a legal requirement.
people and households in England where necessary.
and Wales. It has been carried out
The questionnaire includes
every ten years since 1801, with the For more information and to find
questions about your sex, age,
exception of 1941. out how you can get help, please
work, health, education, household
It takes just 10 minutes per person to size and ethnicity. And, for the first visit census.gov.uk or call the
take part and your census response time, there will be a question asking national contact centre on
will help inform where millions of people whether they have served 0800 141 202116 | Community Garth Gazette
Disability football continues
throughout the lockdown
Lockdown has been exponentially more difficult for children who
have a learning disability.
The much-needed structure and The latest lockdown, however, allows
routine that clubs and facilities offer under-18 outdoor disability sports to
such children and families were continue and this has been a lifeline
closed during the previous lockdown for the children and their families.
restrictions, Bure Park Football Following the Government’s and FA
Club’s disability session being no safety guidelines, Bure Park Football
exception. During the pandemic Club has been able to continue the only “piece of normality” and we are
parents and guardians have seen disability football sessions thanks extremely grateful it can continue’.
huge regression in areas they work to the support of the Council Bure Park FC Disability Youth
so hard to develop such as social and Whitelands Farm Sports Football – Saturdays 9-10 am
skills and behaviour management. Ground. One of the parents said, Whitelands Farm Sports Ground.
During the summer lockdown one of ‘Being able to continue football We offer inclusive football for
the parents whose child is a member this time around has allowed us to all 5-15-year-olds regardless of
of Bure Park FC, told us, ‘My child’s stick to a routine for the first time learning or physical disability or
anxieties got so bad we couldn’t during the pandemic. The isolation any other traditional barrier to
leave the house for weeks at a time. and behavioural challenges we playing fun and educational football.
On the occasion we did persuade experienced last year have not
them to go out was very challenging happened as we look forward to Find us on Facebook
and upsetting for the whole family’. the weekly session. It is my son’s @bicesterdisabilityfootball
Girl Guide Leaders recognised for
their dedication
Two guide leaders from Bicester were awarded with an Oxfordshire
Girlguiding Lozenge Award for all their hard work and dedication to Guiding
in Bicester.
They have been Guiding at the same holding Zoom meetings for the guides and
Guide unit for over 30 years, at 3rd this is where we surprised them with their
Bicester Guides. They organise weekly awards. We hope you will all congratulate
activities, annual camps, day trips and Michelle Johnson and Linda Wells for all
so much more. They fundraise with they do for Guiding in Bicester. Thank you.
their unit to ensure no-one misses out.
For more information visit Facebook
The last year they have missed Guiding due @3rdBicesterGirlguides or
to the pandemic but have recently started oxfordshiregirlguiding.org.ukGarth Gazette Community | 17
A book a month for the last 12 years!
We have been meeting since April 2009 to discuss and review a book every month.
We meet at 7.30pm, usually on the We read all sorts of books from reading different books to those
first Tuesday of the month, virtually fiction to non-fiction, from fantasy above.
throughout the pandemic, but we to crime thrillers, nothing is off Everyone is really welcome and
hope at some point to be back in limits. All members are encouraged
person at The Littlebury Hotel. If we are always open to new people
to suggest books for the group to being part of this. There are no
you love to read and would like to read and we select books a couple joining or subscription fees.
share your thoughts on a book with
of months in advance. Recent
a variety of like-minded people then So, if you want to see what it’s all
books include: The Salt Path by
the Bicester Book Group is for you! about please look up ‘Bicester Book
Raynor Winn and The Offing by
You will be introduced to books you Benjamin Myers. Group’ on Facebook.
may never have thought of reading.
There is also a sub-group that https://www.facebook.com/
We can’t promise you’ll always enjoy
groups/Bicesterbookgroup/
them but they should hopefully meets in the afternoon on the
provide plenty of lively discussion. second Monday in the month
Bicester BUG’s book deals on wheels
Under the Covid lockdown rules it has become the default to have goods delivered to your home,
but do they have to come by van from out of town?
Together with independent local delivery and BicesterBUG members sense. We were able to deliver faster,
business, Coles Books, BicesterBUG provided the means to get the more flexibly and with a significantly
wanted to provide a local and book deliveries out to customers, lower carbon footprint (we run on tea
sustainable alternative. We planned not just within Bicester but also the
and biscuits) than the alternatives.
to use local bike riders to offer neighbouring villages (Chesterton,
local deliveries, with a sustainable Ambrosden, Arncott, Fringford). As of the end of 2020 we have
twist. When the lockdown hit and delivered over 250 packages for
Little did we know how much fun
the idea became not just a nice
it would be. The overwhelming Coles, most of the packages
experiment but a crucial way to
feedback from customers was containing multiple books and many
enable the business, out of the
positive both in terms of the thousands of hours of reading.
crisis could come some good.
sustainability but also the cold hard
Coles launched the offer of free local fact that it made good business Find us on Facebook @bicesterbug18 | Community Garth Gazette Slimmer life change after doctor’s stern words When Naomi Montague’s GP told her in no uncertain terms her weight was putting her life at risk it made her sit up and take notice. Spurred on by the conversation really quickly despite being in the she signed up to the 1:1 Diet by middle of a global pandemic and Before Cambridge Weight Plan and just that’s what spurred me on. But it seven months later she had lost has been the impact on my whole eight stone – putting her firmly in life that has been just as amazing. the healthy zone. I feel better, look better, I’m more Her husband Jason, 50, of Bicester, confident and family life is even was so impressed with her weight better. The 1:1 Diet has literally saved loss that he also joined the plan and my life. My message to anyone who lost three stone. Now the pair want is in the position I was last January, is to use their weight-loss experience that you really can do it’. to help others and have become In December, the couple also consultants themselves. celebrated winning the ‘In It Foster carer-to-three Naomi, 43, Together’ award at the National After said: ‘The weight loss happened Slimmer Awards.
Garth Gazette Community | 19
Laptops for Schools – Bicester Business
rally to provide laptops for families in need
Managing Director of The Computer Clinic Bicester (TCCB),
Daniel Reeves realised after a conversation with a Bicester
resident attempting to home-school four children with one
iPad, whilst working from home on her own laptop, that many
families would be in the same situation and that he could help.
Initially teaming up with Colin Martin, they were safe to be passed on to
the owner of local ski-boot specialist new owners.
shop, Solutions4Feet, they put a
But how to deliver the laptops safely
call out on local Facebook group,
under restrictions and with schools
Bicester Chat for, ‘any business or
individual who has an old laptop being closed for the most part?
they would like to donate’. Lyndsey Jones and her company, touched by the response of Bicester
Safeguard Secure Solutions, residents to our call for help. We
The offers came flooding in and
literally had the solution. Lyndsey are truly thankful to everyone who
Colin kindly donated his time and
volunteered her team to make the took part in this cause. The schools
petrol to make free local collections
deliveries as they were well versed we have heard from are all eternally
and deliver the laptops to TCCB for
in safe entry to school buildings grateful to the community for
secure cleaning and wiping of any
coming together’.
data. Because the machines were without risk.
to be distributed to schools they Although the Laptops for Schools
TCCB have received 19 donated
also had to be PAT tested. This was appeal has officially come to an end,
laptops from Bicester residents, all
where Neal Chedzey, Company Daniel has said that TCCB will still
of which have been wiped, tested
Director of Bicester’s Benchmark happily receive any donated laptops
and re-distributed so children can
Electrical Solutions came forward for re-distribution to schools. You can
continue to study from home. find them on Facebook by searching
to help and all the machines went
through stringent testing to ensure Daniel comments ‘I have been really ‘The Computer Clinic Bicester’.
Bicester embraces the
challenge
Salute the NHS project aim was to pack one million nutritious,
balanced, tasty boost meal boxes and bags for the amazing NHS
staff across the UK working tirelessly in the Covid Pandemic.
Sara Askew tells us about her experience.
In April 2020, the incredible Bicester got on with the job needed whatever
community embraced the challenge it took and helped each other, and we
and over 800 people volunteered to had loads of fun! We were supported
be a part of this project. This family by the fabulous team at Absolute
of volunteers worked together in Taste who provided meals for the
Hangar 113 towards a shared goal. volunteers, and baked and wrapped
It was amazing, humbling and all the flapjack and brownies for the
probably the best experience of meal boxes. I feel incredibly proud
my working life. It was exhausting to have worked with this incredible
with early mornings, long shifts and group of people and to achieve the
heavy physical work but exhilarating goal of providing one million meals
and so enjoyable. There were people to the NHS. Bicester should be very
from all walks of life but once you proud of this incredible community.
walked through that door you were To find out more about the sponsors
the ice queen (ice packer), the juice and volunteers please watch the
girl (packing juices), the Yogurt King, film on the Salute The NHS website.
the cardboard crusher or the box and www.salutethenhs.org
bag maker. Everyone stepped up and20 | Community Garth Gazette
Walk and Talk
New Mums’ Bicester Walk and Talk is a local support group,
welcoming pregnant and new mums with children under the age
of five.
We are four local mums, experienced our local area. However, thwarted by
(sadly) in lockdown maternity leave. the December lockdown, we have
It’s run for free in our own time, moved our activities online.
alongside raising our kids, working
This has actually provided fantastic
and generally juggling.
opportunities to deliver online
The pandemic maternity experience webinars and Q&As with various
can be really lonely. Maternity and experts; local GPs, sling libraries,
postnatal services are still running, mindfulness/CBT, with more to
however, we felt that the mum-to- come.
mum networking and support was
We’re really looking forward to March
also essential to the mothering
with two ‘taster’ weeks, showcasing
experience. Sometimes you just
local baby and wellness groups. We’re
need someone else as tired, lost and
proud to support local businesses,
covered in baby sick as you are, to
giving lockdown mums the invaluable
understand what you’re facing.
word-of-mouth recommendations
We originally aimed to give that they might have missed. Search
opportunities for new mums to meet, Bicester New Mums’ Walk and Talk
network, chat, walk and get to know on Facebook.
Nai’s House
Since the start of the pandemic there has been a rise in poor mental health especially in children
and young adults.
The last year has been extremely and increase long-term emotional If you are needing help as a parent
difficult, day-to-day life hasn’t been wellbeing. For some of our guests or young person or know someone
normal. Our day-to-day routines that may be through talking who is struggling please contact us
have been changed; the loneliness on:
therapies, but for others it can just
of isolation combined with the 07437 497697 or email us at
be about providing a safe space for
feelings of uncertainty about the hello@naishouse.co.uk
future can be overwhelming. creative and physical activities such
as meditation, yoga, art and rage Or visit our Facebook page
Nai’s House is a registered charity release. @naishousebicester
in Bicester that provides suicide
prevention and mental health
support for people in the community
up to 30 years of age. We call our
service users ‘our guests’ because
they are part of our community - they
are at the heart of everything we do.
Our 1-2-1 approach offers tailored
support to each of our guests. Our
supporters work collaboratively with
our guests to identify their needs
and develop appropriate support
plans in a safe and confidential
space. This is achieved through a
range of support work led by trained
volunteers, including qualified and
student counsellors.
We offer our guests a holistic
approach helping them discover
individualised skills and methods to
better manage their mental healthYou can also read
