May 2018 update

Dear all

Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine.  Here are a few bits of community news. First off Abbotts Barton Community Group are planning a picnic in the park event 1-3pm on 9th June.  If you’re used to coming to the Big Lunch this is basically the same except we’ll all bring our own picnics rather than having a bring-and-share buffet.  There will be children’s toys available and rounders/football for those who are interested.  A big thank you to Jane who has organised the Big Lunch for the last nine years.  If you find you’re missing the whole bring-and-share thing you could consider organising a street party for your road.  As an organisation we’re happy to provide small grants and advice, we’ve also got some gazebos we could lend.  Do get in touch if you’d like to know more.  There’s lots of information and resources on here:https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/thebiglunchhomepage or come and chat to me.  I’m organising our second Francis Gardens one at the moment.  

With the new data protection guidelines coming in we wanted to let you know that we hold folks' names and email addresses for the sole purpose of sending out community emails like this one.  If you would prefer not to receive these please email us at info@abbottsbarton.org.uk and let us know.  The data is not shared with any third parties.

Plans for the new Scout Headquarters at the bottom of Hillier Way are developing. This will be for the Beaver, Cub and Scout groups of 6th Winchester which serves the local area. They have a draft lease from the Council and have been onto the site with the Council and Hampshire Wildlife Trust to discuss how to best secure, clear and manage the site respecting the natural boundaries and wildlife. They will be announcing some opportunities to come and help with clearance and management of the site for those who would like to get involved.  If anyone has any special interests, contacts or experience in areas relevant to the HQ project (fundraising, land maintenance, shipping containers and building construction, installing services, building maintenance) or would like to offer general help they’d love to hear from you on 6thwinchesterscouts@gmail.com. Please find attached some images of the planned buildings.

Following the first successful year of community food growing at the Edington Road allotments between Hyde and Abbotts Barton, Incredible Edible Winchester have taken on a second allotment this year. Novices and experienced growers are welcome to come along to grow salads, vegetables and fruit on Saturdays from 10am to midday and Tuesdays from 9.30 to 11.30 am. Flyer attached.

Monday night football is on again at the main field, from around 7:10 to 8:30 - all ages/abilities welcome. This is being organised by a group of the local teenagers so is very informal; for any children attending, they remain the responsibility of their parents/guardians. It's on every week come rain or shine, until it gets too dark (at the end of October).

Finally, if you have any ideas for community events which you’d like to help organise this year do get in touch.   In the past we’ve organised free fitness classes, community orchard events, Easter egg hunts and get-togethers in the park. There are plenty of grants available so if you’d like to organise a project for the purposes of getting to know your neighbours, putting something on your CV or trying something new do email us at info@abbottsbarton.org.uk.


Best wishes

Lynne Frost

Chair of Abbotts Barton Community Group