Every Saturday until 5th September 2009 Gloucester Citizen published a supplement about local communities called 'Where I Live'.
The column for Matson & Robinswood was also posted here as a historical record.
The next planning meeting for October's Scarecrow Festival will be held on Monday, 12.30pm at Matson Baptist Church. If you'd like to help organise the festival please join us on the 7th. Don't forget your lunch! The festival itself will take place on Saturday 3rd October. Look out for the local publicity.
Following its summer break Matson and Robinswood Residents Group will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday 8th September - a change to the planned date. In order to pick up all the business from July the meeting will be a special working lunch (a sponsor has agreed to provide the lunch). Details are still being arranged, but anyone wishing to attend the meeting will need to notify the group a few days before. More information will follow next week, but you can register your interest now by contacting Julian Hiles (Chair) using the contact details at the start or end of this column.
Gloucester City Homes is looking to develop a Junior Warden scheme for Matson & Robinswood. Local community groups will discuss making a start at a meeting on Monday 14th September, 3.00pm at the One Stop Plus. If you have any ideas and thoughts to share please come along.
The autumn Streetgames term for young people aged 8 to 16 years old start in the week of 14th September 2009. Sessions are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities is provided. Multi sports will take place each Tuesday between 4.30 and 6.30pm at the new MUGA in Redwell Road and every Wednesday between 4.30 and 6.30pm at Central Technology College. Sessions at the Redwell Road MUGA will be free and the Central Technology College sessions will be 50 pence per session (payable weekly). You will need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of the session. The autumn Streetgames will end on 11th December 2009 and there will be no sessions in half term week (26th October).
Matson & Robinswood Community Partnership will hold its next meeting on Tuesday 22nd September, 7pm at Matson Baptist Church.
Members of Gloucester City Homes' Neighbourhood Services Team will be on the grassed area of The Lampreys on 24th September from 10.00am until 1.00pm to answer questions regarding the area. This is an ideal opportunity for residents to have their say, raise any concerns and express their ideas for future community improvements. You can share ideas on how to improve the quality of life for residents and to also identify specific areas which can be followed up with a Community Pride Day.
Matson & Robinswood Residents Group is busy organising the second annual Big Matson & Robinswood Tidy Up. On 25th September local residents and community groups will come together to tidy up the local area, particularly Robinswood and North Matson. Litter pickers, bags and tabards will be supplied and a buffet lunch is available if you register with the Residents Group in advance. Look out for the local publicity in a couple of weeks' time. The Big Matson & Robinswood Tidy Up will be sponsored by Gloucester City Homes.
The Safer Community Team (SCT) will be holding their next Police Information Point (PIP) on Monday 12th October. The PIP will be held between 3.30 and 4.30pm at Matson Library. PIPs are a great way for people to get to know our coppers, further improving community relations and giving people confidence to approach local officers for a chat. All residents are welcome to attend. The SCT can be contacted by calling 0845 090 1234 or by emailing matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk. You can also visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk and follow the links for neighbourhood policing to see what's going on in Matson & Robinswood.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. From 10.30am til around 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday St Hilda's offers a lifeline to our elderly community to come together and have a good, square meal. Each meal costs £3.50 and lifts for residents of Matson & Robinswood are available for an additional £1.50 return. Although the lunch club is not religious, Holy Communion is available at 10.30am on Thursday and everyone is welcome to take part. The club would also love to hear from volunteers who have a few hours to spare. More details are available from Sarah on 01452 300388 between 9am and 12 noon Tuesday to Thursday.
Computers with internet access are available for use at Matson Library. Matson Library is open 5 days a week (closed Friday and Sunday) and can be contacted on 01452 524370.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598.
This is the last 'Where I Live' supplement to be published by The Citizen. The community pages will continue to focus on local people, stories and events. Details of local events will continue to be published on the Resident Group's website. The Residents Group would like to apologise for not updating the website for a while now - the group is made up of volunteers and most of its recent work has concentrated on securing stable, ongoing funding for its running costs and ensuring that the One Stop Shop will reopen in September. Updates to the website will resume in the next week. Thank you to everyone who has provided information for, or read, this column and to the Where I Live team and Dan Charles and Freddie Whittaker at The Citizen. It's been a privilege working with you and writing on behalf of the community I love.
Julian Hiles
1st September 2009
More details on these events will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk for more information.
Thanks again from Matson and Robinswood Residents Group to everyone who helped out with the hanging baskets for the shopping parade. You may have noticed that the baskets have been a little short of water - there was a problem with the system. This has now been fixed thanks to Terry at Gloucester City Homes. Hopefully all the plants will recover ok (they're autumn/winter ones), but any that don't make it through will be replaced.
There was a site meeting on Monday at the old One Stop Shop with builders, decorators and electricians to agree the works ready for reopening. The shop is now likely to open in the week of 14th September with a new name, a new look and a new community focus. More news will follow soon.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team will run their final free summer multi sports session this week. The sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities is provided. Multi sports take place on Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. If this is your fist session you will need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of the session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you.
The last of the local summer activities are:
Monday 24th - Matson Play Project for 8 to 13 year olds will be holding a walk and bbq on Robinswood Hill between 10am and 4pm. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Tuesday 25th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Wednesday 26th - Play Rangers in the Park, 10.30am to 3.30pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue). You will need to complete a booking form, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Thursday 27th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Thursday 27th - Free multi sports for young people aged 8 to 16 years old between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. See the progress on the new Multi Use Games Area for yourself. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
A final thank you to Marianna Gozman for providing all the details and thank you to everyone who helped organise and took part in the activities. The weather wasn't up to much but the activities have been brilliant.
Thank you to Together in Matson for all of their summer trips for the whole community. The trips have been a great success and are very welcome as another great set of events for our community. Thanks particularly to Vanessa Worrall, Leanne Hatherall and Bob Allen.
Following on from the article in last Saturday's community page I have been asked to report that there will be an official opening of the multi use games area (MUGA) in Matson Park in the next couple of weeks. It's always essential to thank the funders - the MUGA has only been possible because the City Council secured a Big Lottery grant of £48,000, so thank you Big Lottery and Gloucester City Council.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. From 10.30am til around 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday St Hilda's offers a lifeline to our elderly community to come together and have a good, square meal. Each meal costs £3.50 and lifts for residents of Matson & Robinswood are available for an additional £1.50 return. Although the lunch club is not religious, Holy Communion is available at 10.30am on Thursday and everyone is welcome to take part. The club would also love to hear from volunteers who have a few hours to spare. More details are available from Sarah on 01452 300388 between 9am and 12 noon Tuesday to Thursday.
The Safer Community Team (SCT) will be holding their next Police Information Point (PIP) on Thursday 3rd September. The PIP will be held between 7 and 8pm at the One Stop Plus on Matson Avenue. PIPs are a great way for people to get to know our coppers, further improving community relations and giving people confidence to approach local officers for a chat. All residents are welcome to attend. The SCT can be contacted by calling 0845 090 1234 or by emailing matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk. You can also visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk and follow the links for neighbourhood policing to see what's going on in Matson & Robinswood.
Following its summer break Matson and Robinswood Residents Group will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday 8th September - a change to the planned date. In order to pick up all the business from July the meeting will be a special working lunch (a sponsor has agreed to provide the lunch). Details are still being arranged, but anyone wishing to attend the meeting will need to notify the group a few days before. More information will follow next week, but you can register your interest now by contacting Julian Hiles (Chair) using the contact details at the start or end of this column.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk for more information.
Put Your Best Foot Forward's Health Walks on the glorious Robinswood Hill continue on Friday at 2.30pm from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's car park. Walks are free and last about an hour. This walk is a 'Level 3' one, so there are some unlevel, sloping rough paths. If it's your first time on one of the walks please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as you'll need to fill in a short form. Keep checking the website for new walks - www.bestfootforwardglos.co.uk. For more information please call Chloe Joslin on 01452 396861 or email healthwalks@gloucester.gov.uk.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team continue to run free multi sports sessions throughout the summer. Sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities is provided. Multi sports take place every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and each Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. You need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. The multi sports sessions finish week ending 28th August.
This week's local summer activities are:
Monday 17th - Matson Play Project for 8 to 13 year olds will be holding a walk and bbq on Robinswood Hill between 10am and 4pm. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Monday 17th - Family fun activities at The Link Centre for 0 to 12 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. This week's theme is 'Cooking Fun'. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 18th - Together in Matson's family trip for the whole community to Stratford Park in Stroud. See below for full details.
Tuesday 18th - The Link Centre Play Scheme for 3 to 5 year olds, 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm. Cost £2 per child per session. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 18th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Wednesday 19th - Play Rangers in the Park, 10.30am to 3.30pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue). You will need to complete a booking form, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Thursday 20th - Stay and Play at The Link Centre for 0 to 7 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Thursday 20th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Thursday 20th - Free multi sports for young people aged 8 to 16 years old between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. See the progress on the new Multi Use Games Area for yourself. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Friday 21st - Matson Play Project trip for 8 to 13 year olds. A consent form from parents and guardians is needed for this trip. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Together in Matson's final summer trip for the whole community takes place on Tuesday 18th August. Between 10am and 4pm you can go along for a picnic at Stratford Park in Stroud. You'll need to bring the picnic with you (or you can buy from the cafe) and the free coach picks up from Matson shops, the Trinity Centre on Norbury Avenue and the Three Oaks. There are lots of activities to choose from at Stratford Park, but there is a cost for these. A few examples are swimming (£2.80 adult, £1.60 child), skating (£2.40 adult, £2.20 child) and putting (£2.10 adult, £1.15 child). You can get more details from Vanessa Worrall or Leanne Hatherall on 01452 381070.
Work is nearly complete on Matson & Robinswood's first multi use games area (MUGA) in Matson Park, meaning work is on time and the MUGA should be open for the end of the summer holiday.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk for more information.
Work continues on Matson & Robinswood's first multi use games area (MUGA) in Matson Park. Work is due to take between 2 and 3 weeks depending on the weather, but the MUGA should be open for the end of the summer holiday. Matson & Robinswood Residents Group has asked me to say that it will continue to press the City Council until at least 2 more MUGAs are installed in our community, one of which must be in Robinswood Park.
Matson & Robinswood Residents Group held its second annual In Bloom event last week. Young people at Together in Matson at the Redwell Community Centre created twenty five beautiful hanging baskets for the shopping parade by Oak Tree Green. The baskets have been filled with autumn/winter plants, so hopefully we'll have a colourful display for the rest of this year. Thanks to everyone who took part, Together in Matson, Sarah for organising this year's event and to Gloucester City Homes' Terry Elcock and the Estate Services Team (especially James) for their support.
Matson Library is bursting with children at the moment and there's still time to become a Quest Seeker this summer! Join in with fantastical adventures, events and activities for children of all ages, for the Quest Seekers Reading Challenge. When you sign up as a Quest Seeker at the library you will receive a folder, special member's card and family fridge magnet. Complete the Reading Challenge by collecting stickers when you visit the library during the holidays and putting them into your folder. There is still time for one last event - between 3 and 4pm on Thursday 20th August will you dare to enter the 'Dragon's Lair'? Make shields and medieval hats, be entertained by stories and games. For more information call Matson library on 01452 524370 or - better still - pop in.
Put Your Best Foot Forward's Health Walks on the glorious Robinswood Hill continue on Friday at 2.30pm from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's car park. Walks are free and last about an hour. This walk is a 'Level 3' one, so there are some unlevel, sloping rough paths. If it's your first time on one of the walks please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as you'll need to fill in a short form. Keep checking the website for new walks - www.bestfootforwardglos.co.uk. For more information please call Chloe Joslin on 01452 396861 or email healthwalks@gloucester.gov.uk.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team continue to run free multi sports sessions throughout the summer. Sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities is provided. Multi sports take place every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and each Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. You need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. The multi sports sessions finish week ending 28th August.
This week's local summer activities are:
Monday 10th - Matson Play Project for 8 to 13 year olds will be holding a walk and bbq on Robinswood Hill between 10am and 4pm. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Monday 10th - Family fun activities at The Link Centre for 0 to 12 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. This week's theme is 'Art and Messy Play'. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 11th - Together in Matson's family trip for the whole community to Cheltenham Lido, 10.30am to 5pm. Cost £2.50 adults and children, under 3's free. The coach picks up and drops off at Matson shops, Trinity Centre and the Three Oaks. Contact Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
Tuesday 11th - The Link Centre Play Scheme for 3 to 5 year olds, 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm. Cost £2 per child per session. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 11th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Wednesday 12th - Play Rangers in the Park, 10.30am to 3.30pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue). You will need to complete a booking form, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Wednesday 12th - The Link Centre Play Scheme for 3 to 5 year olds, 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm. Cost £2 per child per session. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Thursday 13th - Stay and Play at The Link Centre for 0 to 7 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Thursday 13th - Matson Play Project trip for 8 to 13 year olds. A consent form from parents and guardians is needed for this trip. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Thursday 13th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Thursday 13th - Free multi sports for young people aged 8 to 16 years old between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. See the progress on the new Multi Use Games Area for yourself. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Together in Matson's final summer trip for the whole community takes place on Tuesday 18th August. Between 10am and 4pm you can go along for a picnic at Stratford Park in Stroud. You'll need to bring the picnic with you (or you can buy from the cafe) and the free coach picks up from Matson shops, the Trinity Centre on Norbury Avenue and the Three Oaks. There are lots of activities to choose from at Stratford Park, but there is a cost for these. A few examples are swimming (£2.80 adult, £1.60 child), skating (£2.40 adult, £2.20 child) and putting (£2.10 adult, £1.15 child). You can get more details from Vanessa Worrall or Leanne Hatherall on 01452 381070.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk for more information.
More great news. As I submitted this column work was due to begin on Matson & Robinswood's first multi use games area (MUGA) in Matson Park. Work is due to take between 2 and 3 weeks depending on the weather, but the MUGA should be open for the end of the summer holiday. Matson & Robinswood Residents Group has asked me to say that it will continue to press the City Council until at least 2 more MUGAs are installed in our community, one of which must be in Robinswood Park.
Gloucester City Homes' bimonthly Customer Forum met last Monday at Southgate House. Discussions included the proposed changes to the waste collection, with reps from Gloucester City Council and Enterprise (the streetcare contractor) on hand to answer questions. It was confirmed that the decision to change the collections was made when the 15-year streetcare contract was created, leaving residents with no input on the services they pay for. Watch this column for an update from the Residents Group about this.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team will be running free multi sports sessions throughout the summer. Sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities will be provided. Multi sports take place every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and each Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. You need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. The multi sports sessions finish week ending 28th August.
Thanks again to Mariana Gozman, Community Family Worker at The Link Centre, for putting together a list of summer activities taking place locally. This week's activities are:
Monday 3rd - Matson Play Project for 8 to 13 year olds will be holding a walk and bbq on Robinswood Hill between 10am and 4pm. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Monday 3rd - Family fun activities at The Link Centre for 0 to 12 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. This week's theme is 'Let's Get Active'. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 4th - Together in Matson's family trip to the Forest of Dean, 9.30am to 5pm. There will be the opportunity to visit the coal mine or the Perrygrove Railway and the Sculpture Park. Cost £5 adults, £4 children, under 3's free. Contact Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
Tuesday 4th - The Link Centre Play Scheme for 3 to 5 year olds, 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm. Cost £2 per child per session. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 4th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Wednesday 5th - Play Rangers in the Park, 10.30am to 3.30pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue). You will need to complete a booking form, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Wednesday 5th - The Link Centre Play Scheme for 3 to 5 year olds, 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm. Cost £2 per child per session. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Thursday 6th - Stay and Play at The Link Centre for 0 to 7 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Thursday 6th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Thursday 6th - Free multi sports for young people aged 8 to 16 years old between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Friday 7th - Matson Play Project trip for 8 to 13 year olds. A consent form from parents and guardians is needed for this trip. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at the Redwell Centre in Redwell Road. Please call Sarah on 300388 for more details.
The Safer Community Team (SCT) is an essential link between the police and the community, offering support on crime and antisocial behaviour. You can approach local officers for a chat any time you see them. The SCT can be contacted by calling 0845 090 1234 or by emailing matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk. You can also visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk and follow the links for neighbourhood policing to see what's going on in Matson & Robinswood.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets next Wednesday (and the first Wednesday of every month) at 7.30pm. For more information call 01452 522598.
Together in Matson has announced another family trip this summer. On Tuesday 18th August between 10am and 4pm you can go along for a picnic at Stratford Park in Stroud. You'll need to bring the picnic with you (or you can buy from the cafe) and the free coach picks up from Matson shopping parade, the Trinity Centre on Norbury Avenue and the Three Oaks. There are lots of activities to choose from at Stratford Park, but there is a cost for these. A few examples are swimming (£2.80 adult, £1.60 child), skating (£2.40 adult, £2.20 child) and putting (£2.10 adult, £1.15 child). You can get more details from Vanessa Worrall or Leanne Hatherall on 01452 381070.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk for more information.
The Big Brunch near the fishing pond in Matson Park hosted by St Katharine's Church last Sunday was great. The soggy weather couldn't dampen the spirits of neighbours joining together to break bread. The food leftover from the picnic went to the residents of Taylor House. Thanks to Jeni Parsons for organising the Big Brunch and to everyone who came. Let's do it again next year.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team will be running free multi sports sessions throughout the summer. Sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old start next week and finish week ending 28th August. All sessions are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities will be provided. Multi sports will take place every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and each Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. You will need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. The weather may well be as hot as it has been lately so please make sure you bring a drink with you. Flyers will be available locally shortly.
Thanks again to Mariana Gozman, Community Family Worker at The Link Centre, for putting together a list of summer activities taking place locally. These continue this week with:
Monday 27th - St Hilda's Lunch Club's trip to Weston-super-Mare, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Families are welcome. Contact Joy Peterson on 01452 300388.
Monday 27th - Matson Play Project for 8 to 13 year olds will be holding a walk and bbq on Robinswood Hill between 10am and 4pm. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Monday 27th - Family fun activities at The Link Centre for 0 to 12 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Tuesday 28th - Together in Matson's family trip to Cattle Country, 9.30am to 5pm. Cost £6 each, under 3's free. Contact Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
Tuesday 28th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Wednesday 29th - Play Rangers in the Park, 10.30am to 3.30pm at Evan’s Walk (off Norbury Avenue). You will need to complete a booking form, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Thursday 30th - Stay and Play at The Link Centre for 0 to 7 year olds with parents and carers, 1 to 3pm. Contact Mariana Gozman on 01452 560451.
Thursday 30th -Matson Play Project trip for 8 to 13 year olds. A consent form from parents and guardians is needed for this trip. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Thursday 30th - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Thursday 30th - Free multi sports for young people aged 8 to 16 years old between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
The next planning meeting for October's Scarecrow Festival will be held on Thursday 30th July, 12pm at Matson Baptist Church. The great news at the last meeting is that we have enough venues in Robinswood to be able to do 2 trails this year. If you'd like to help organise the festival please join us on the 30th. Don't forget your lunch!
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at the Redwell Centre in Redwell Road. Please call Sarah on 300388 for more details.
Gloucester City Homes' bimonthly Customer Forum meets on Monday, 5.30pm at Southgate House. The Forum looks at all Gloucester City Homes services, including customer access, customer care and listening to your views, equality and diversity and value for money. It also monitors services such as rent collection and service charges, repairing, maintaining and improving homes, managing tenancies and communities and providing support services. The Forum publishes the agendas and minutes of the meetings so that you can see what is being discussed and what decisions are being taken which may affect you. You can ask Customer Forum a question online or get further information from the resident involvement section of Gloucester City Homes' website at www.gloscityhomes.co.uk. You can also call 0800 408 2000 (01452 530626 from mobiles - chargeable).
The Safer Community Team (SCT) is an essential link between the police and the community, offering support on crime and antisocial behaviour. You can approach local officers for a chat any time you see them. The SCT can be contacted by calling 0845 090 1234 or by emailing matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk. You can also visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk and follow the links for neighbourhood policing to see what's going on in Matson and Robinswood.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets next Wednesday (and the first Wednesday of every month) at 7.30pm. For more information call 01452 522598.
Together in Matson has announced another family trip this summer. On Tuesday 18th August between 10am and 4pm you can go along for a picnic at Stratford Park in Stroud. You'll need to bring the picnic with you (or you can buy from the cafe) and the free coach picks up from Matson shopping parade, the Trinity Centre on Norbury Avenue and the Three Oaks. There are lots of activities to choose from at Stratford Park, but there is a cost for these. A few examples are swimming (£2.80 adult, £1.60 child), skating (£2.40 adult, £2.20 child) and putting (£2.10 adult, £1.15 child). You can get more details from Vanessa Worrall or Leanne Hatherall on 01452 381070.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk for more information.
The South West StreetGames Festival is being held at Oxstalls Tennis Centre and Plock Court today. Between 11.30am and 3.30pm you can enjoy free sports including tennis, cricket, free style football skills, streetcheer, mountain biking and tag rugby. There will be information stalls from the NHS, Police, youth service and others and refreshments, ice cream and bbq goodies will be available to buy. Anyone is welcome to go along and join the fun, but the organisers mostly want young people to attend. This is also an opportunity to find out what's happening in StreetGames Gloucester over the summer holidays, which will see projects from across the South West compete against local StreetGames projects. For further details contact the Sport in the Community Development Officer by calling 01452 396703 or emailing sports.development@gloucester.gov.uk.
St Katharine's Church will be hosting the Big Brunch tomorrow from 12noon. Canon Dr Jeni Parsons will be welcoming neighbours from Taylor House, the Katherine Wheel Club and others to a bring-and-share picnic near the fishing pond in Matson Park. Everyone is welcome and Jeni will provide eggs from the Rectory Hens, making fried egg sandwiches free till the eggs run out! Everything else will be provided by whoever comes to share. If you'd like to join the Big Brunch please ring Jeni on 01452 522598 or turn up tomorrow. Happy eating!
Matson & Robinswood Residents Group will hold its monthly meeting next week. For more details call Julian Hiles on 07952 604052, email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk or visit www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website).
There's a plethora of activities taking place locally for our younger residents during the summer. Mariana Gozman, Community Family Worker at The Link Centre, has worked hard to put together a list and I will publish as many details of these as possible in this column over the next six weeks. Thanks Mariana for your commitment and support. Here are this week's activities:
Monday 20th - Matson Play Project for 8 to 13 year olds will be holding a walk and bbq on Robinswood Hill between 10am and 4pm. Contact Penny Mail on 01452 505544.
Tuesday 21st - Together in Matson's family trip to West Midlands Safari Park, 9.30am to 6pm. Cost £15 including entry to the park, under 3's free. Contact Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
Tuesday 21st - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Wednesday 22nd - Play Rangers in the Park, 10.30am to 3.30pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue). You will need to complete a booking form, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. Please make sure you bring a drink with you. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Thursday 23rd - St Augustine's Playgroup 'Stay and Play' Holiday Club, 10am to 2pm. Cost £3 per family, bring a picnic if you're staying over lunchtime.
Thursday 23rd - Free multi sports for young people aged 8 to 16 years old between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. Call 01452 505548 or email info@playgloucestershire.org.uk, or visit their website at www.playgloucestershire.org.uk.
The next meeting of the Matson and Robinswood Community Partnership Coordination Group will be held on Tuesday, 7pm at Matson Baptist Church. There are also a number of sub groups that you can join. Please contact Chair of the Partnership Bob Allen on 01452 381070 for more information.
Are you brave enough to meet the challenge? Have fun at Matson Library and find the Golden Book as a Quest Seeker this summer! The library will hold three events for the Summer Reading Challenge during the holidays. On Thursday 23rd July be amazed by a 'Firebird Rising' - Make a paper bag phoenix, hunt for the Quest Seekers characters, and enjoy stories and activity sheets. On Thursday 6th August join the dangerous 'Mountain Mission' - Make a castle and dragons with pipe cleaner figures and listen to exciting stories. Finally, on Thursday 20th August enter the 'Dragon’s Lair' - Make shields and medieval hats and be entertained by stories and games. These events are the latest in the library's innovative and celebrated activities for our younger residents and will be held between 3 and 4pm. Lots of free goodies like wall charts and stickers can be collected along the way. Matson Library is open 5 days a week (closed Friday and Sunday) and can be contacted on 01452 524370.
Thank you from Penny Liddicot (chief exec of GL Communities) to all the people that spared some time at the Eco Fun Day to talk to her about courses. She was given some really good suggestions but as yet has not found a Belly Dancing tutor - she hasn't given up hope, so watch this space! People said that local venues are not known by the same name by everyone and so we have to make sure that local people know where our venues are and we have to find better ways of promoting activities including courses. Residents also said that we need to find new ways of providing courses, and so they have already piloted a week long IT course rather than a ten week course. This has proved to be very popular so Penny hopes that when GL Communities make these changes they will have thriving courses and local people will tell their friends and relatives how much they enjoyed them. GL Communities can then offer even more in the future for the benefit of local people. GL Communities are also working very closely with the Residents Group to re-open the shop. This is something else to look out for, coming to the parade soon.
Welcome to Keith Hebden, who will be serving out his apprenticeship at St Katharine's Church. Keith is already playing a strong role in our community and we look forward to working with him.
The next planning meeting for October's Scarecrow Festival will be held on Thursday 30th July, 12pm at Matson Baptist Church. The great news at the last meeting is that we have enough venues in Robinswood to be able to do 2 trails this year. If you'd like to help organise the festival please join us on the 30th. Don't forget your lunch!
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Group's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Have fun at Matson Library as a Quest Seeker this summer! The library will hold three events for the Summer Reading Challenge during the holidays. On Thursday 23rd July you can see a 'Firebird Rising' - Make a paper bag phoenix, hunt for the Quest Seekers characters, and enjoy stories and activity sheets. On Thursday 6th August join the thrilling 'Mountain Mission' - Make a castle and dragons with pipe cleaner figures and listen to exciting stories. Finally, on Thursday 20th August enter the 'Dragon's Lair' - Make shields and medieval hats and be entertained by stories and games. These events are the latest in the library's innovative and celebrated activities for our younger residents and will be held between 3 and 4pm. You can sign up for this year's Summer Reading Challenge from today onwards. Matson Library is open 5 days a week (closed Friday and Sunday) and can be contacted on 01452 524370.
Matson Forum is held every other month for local organisations to come together to discuss their work and share information with others. The next Matson Forum is being held on Tuesday, 12.30pm at Matson Baptist Church. Don't forget your lunch!
The South West StreetGames Festival is being held next Saturday. Between 11.30am and 3.30pm at Oxstalls Tennis Centre and Plock Court you can enjoy free sports including tennis, cricket, free style football skills, streetcheer, mountain biking and tag rugby. There will be information stalls from the NHS, Police, youth service and others and refreshments, ice cream and bbq goodies will be available to buy. Anyone is welcome to go along and join the fun, but the main focus is for young people to attend. This is also an opportunity to find out what's happening in StreetGames Gloucester over the summer holidays, which this year will see projects from across the South West compete against some of the local StreetGames projects. For further details contact the Sport in the Community Development Officer by calling 01452 396703 or emailing sports.development@gloucester.gov.uk.
St Katharine's Church will be hosting the Big Brunch on Sunday 19th July from 12noon. Canon Dr Jeni Parsons, the reverend of St Katharine's Church will welcome neighbours in Taylor House, the Katharine Wheel Club and others to a bring-and-share picnic near the fishing pond in Matson Park. Everyone is welcome and Jeni will provide eggs from the Rectory Hens, so fried egg sandwiches will be free till the eggs run out! Everything else will be provided by whoever comes to share. If you'd like to join the Big Brunch please ring Jeni on 01452 522598 or turn up on the day. Happy eating!
The next meeting of the Matson and Robinswood Community Partnership Coordination Group will be held on Tuesday 21st June, 7pm at Matson Baptist Church. There are also a number of sub groups that you can join. Please contact Chair of the Partnership Bob Allen on 01452 381070 for more information.
Matson and Robinswood Residents Group's new Eco Champions are already busy with their new energy saving challenges. You will soon be able to follow their progress on the group's website at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk. If you'd like to become a champion or take part in any of the group's other activities please call 07954 604042 or email mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk.
Robinswood Primary School has 3 allotments available to local gardeners who would like to join a gardening group. The group, run with the support of the Community Partnership, will work with some of the school children and staff, and will raise awareness of the benefits of healthy living, fresh home-grown food and environmental sustainability. If you want to be part of the gardening group please ring Bob Allen, Chair of the Community Partnership, on 01452 381070.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team will be running free multi sports sessions throughout the summer. Sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old start in week commencing 20th July and finish week ending 28th August. All sessions are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities will be provided. Multi sports will take place every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and each Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. You will need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. The weather may well be as hot as it has been lately so please make sure you bring a drink with you. Flyers will be available locally shortly.
Together in Matson (TIM) runs four youth clubs during school terms covering ages 8-18 at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. All young people are welcome to attend the group for their age for £1 per session. Mega is held each Tuesday between 7.30 and 9.30pm for young people in school years 8 to 10, The My'x is held every Wednesday between 7.30 and 9.30pm for school year 8 and above, MATZ is held each Thursday between 7.30 and 8.45pm for school years 6 and 7, and Mini Matz is held every Thursday between 6.30 and 7.15pm for school years 4 to 5. TIM largely relies on the help of local people, training paid and voluntary workers to offer support, advice and friendship to young people. If you would like to know how you might be able to help out or would like more information on TIM's range of services please contact Bob Allen, Project Manager, on 01452 381070 or email timatson@talktalkbusiness.net.
Places are available on Together in Matson's summer coach trips: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. The trips cost between £2.50 and £6 per person and you can get more details from Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Matson & Robinswood Residents Group got together with Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) and Gloucester City Homes (GCH) to train residents as energy champions on Monday. Eight champions now have the skills to monitor the energy used in their homes and give advice to other residents. The champions will pass this knowledge on and train others to create an energy efficient community - helping residents to make their own choices about saving money and the planet! This is a first for Gloucestershire, and the group is proud and excited to be part of something that will make a real difference, especially when we all face increasing power costs. Several residents have already signed up for the next round of training and the group hopes the scheme will continue into the long-term future. Each of the champions was presented with a certificate to commemorate their achievement and a bag of goodies including a TV powerdown device, a save-a flush bag, ecological washing up liquid, an electric monitor to keep an eye on their energy use, an Eco Kettle and lots more. The group hopes to provide more energy-saving devices to the champions later, giving residents the chance to compare traditional and new products. On behalf of the residents group I'd like to thank SWEA for providing the brilliant training and GCH for funding the costs of the training, including the equipment, meeting room and lunch. The residents group will encourage other community groups across the city to take up the challenge and hopes to hold the next training session in September. Look out in a couple of weeks' time for the training page on the group's website at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk. You can contact the group by calling 07954 604042 or emailing mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk.
Moat Primary School is holding a Summer Fayre today. Between 11.30am and 3.00pm you are invited to enjoy an inter-schools rugby tournament, face painting, a visit from the local police, teas and coffees, games and a barbecue. Everyone is welcome.
Moat Primary's new after school club will be run by All My Friends, starting with a holiday club at the beginning of August. After school clubs will run on every school day from 1st September. All My Friends will be picking children up from local schools and will be open every evening until 6pm. For more information please call 01452 502060 or 07788 581900 or visit www.allmyfriendschildcare.co.uk.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets this Wednesday at 7.30pm. For more information call 01452 522598.
St Katharine's Church will also be hosting the Big Brunch in July. The Big Brunch is a great opportunity to sit down to lunch together with our neighbours in the middle of our streets, around our tower blocks and on every patch of common ground. The food, entertainment and decorations will be grown, cooked, or created ourselves. Canon Dr Jeni Parsons, the reverend of St Katharine's Church is inviting neighbours in Taylor House, the Katharine Wheel Club and anyone else who wants to turn up. Jeni will provide eggs from the Rectory Hens, and everything else will be provided by whoever comes to share. If you want to be part of this please ring Jeni on 01452 522598. Happy eating!
Robinswood Primary School has 3 allotments available to local gardeners who would like to join a gardening group. The group, run with the support of the Community Partnership, will work with some of the school children and staff, and will raise awareness of the benefits of healthy living, fresh home-grown food and environmental sustainability. If you want to be part of the gardening group please ring Bob Allen, Chair of the Community Partnership, on 01452 381070.
Gloucestershire County Council's Sports Development Team, Gloucester Play Rangers and Matson and Robinswood Safer Community Team will be running free multi sports sessions throughout the summer. Sessions for young people aged 8 to 16 years old start in week commencing 20th July and finish week ending 28th August. All sessions are run by qualified, CRB checked sports coaches and equipment for the activities will be provided. Multi sports will take place every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at Evan's Walk (off Norbury Avenue) and each Thursday between 6 and 8pm at Redwell Community Centre. You will need to complete a booking form to take part, which can be handed to the coach at the start of your first session. The weather may well be as hot as it has been lately so please make sure you bring a drink with you. Flyers will be available locally shortly.
County Councillor Steve McHale has recently secured agreement for Matson Avenue, Cotteswold Road and Pine Way to be resurfaced in the current and next financial year. Steve also encourages you to report any potholes throughout Matson and Robinswood directly to the County Council for repair. If you spot a pothole please report it on 08000 514 514.
Together in Matson (TIM) runs four youth clubs during school terms covering ages 8-18 at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. All young people are welcome to attend the group for their age for £1 per session. Mega is held each Tuesday between 7.30 and 9.30pm for young people in school years 8 to 10, The My'x is held every Wednesday between 7.30 and 9.30pm for school year 8 and above, MATZ is held each Thursday between 7.30 and 8.45pm for school years 6 and 7, and Mini Matz is held every Thursday between 6.30 and 7.15pm for school years 4 to 5. TIM largely relies on the help of local people, training paid and voluntary workers to offer support, advice and friendship to young people. If you would like to know how you might be able to help out or would like more information on TIM's range of services please contact Bob Allen, Project Manager, on 01452 381070 or email timatson@talktalkbusiness.net.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Congratulations to Vanessa Worrall, local hero and inspiration to the community and young people. Vanessa won the Public Sector Hero category of the Pride of Gloucestershire Awards on Friday 19th June.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association held its Annual General Meeting last Monday at Matson Baptist Church. Julian Hiles, Chair of the association, presented the annual report which detailed work with individual residents and partnership working with organisations including GL Communities, the Community Partnership, Gloucester City Homes, the Police, Safer Community Team, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, local councillors, Gloucester City Council's Streetcare team, local churches, Moat and Robinswood primary schools, the Play Project and the Phoenix Club. Community events included the Big Tidy Up, Scarecrow Festival, Community Pride Day, Eco Fun Day, In Bloom and community planting, and improvements included new trees, fencing, benches, a watering system and hanging basket displays. Julian raised concerns at the current level of investment in community improvements, stating that at the current level it will take between 20 and 30 years just to bring local fencing up to standard, without making any other improvements. To carry regeneration through local investment by Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes will have to increase. Residents can now demonstrate a strong vision for our community and hope that this will be positively received and responded to. The report also detailed consultation with the community about improvements, the Multi-Use Games Area, upcoming changes to the bin collections and the environmental strategy, improvements to local policies and input into Gloucester City Council's Housing Forum and major planning applications. The association's plans for the coming year include a decision on whether to pursue community management, improvements to the One Stop Plus, reopening the One Stop Shop as a community venture in partnership with GL Communities and other local community organisations, developing a single resource of local history, walks and natural attractions, improving some of the parking hotspots and developing a database of residents' email addresses to ensure residents know what is happening and to regularly ask their opinions. The annual report finished by thanking local councillors, Gloucester City Homes, residents and the outgoing committee. A new constitution was agreed to make the group more relevant to the local community and focussed on the community's changing needs. This included new aims, changing the name to Matson & Robinswood Residents Group and creating a bigger committee. Julian Hiles was re-elected as Chair and Sharon Clark as Secretary, and a Treasurer and five committee members will also join them this year. Ashley Green, Chief Exec of Gloucester City Homes, spoke of the highlights of the last year and the challenges to come for social housing and communities. Ashley also thanked the residents group for its work and praised its community development. The new constitution and Annual Report will shortly be published on the group's website at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk and the group can be contacted by calling 07954 604042 or emailing mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk.
The Eco Fun Day at Redwell Community Centre last Saturday was a massive success. The weather was kind on the day so all activities were able to take place outside. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the day, particularly Rebecca Dobson of Vision 21.
The Safer Community Team (SCT) will be holding their next Police Information Point (PIP) on Thursday. The PIP will be held between 6 and 7pm at the One Stop Plus on Matson Avenue. PIPs are a great way for people to get to know our coppers, further improving community relations and giving people confidence to approach local officers for a chat. All residents are welcome to attend. The SCT can be contacted by calling 0845 090 1234 or by emailing matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk. You can also visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk and follow the links for neighbourhood policing to see what's going on in Matson & Robinswood.
Moat Primary School is holding a Summer Fayre next Saturday. Between 11.30am and 3.00pm you are invited to enjoy an inter-schools rugby tournament, face painting, a visit from the local police, teas and coffees, games and a barbecue. Everyone is welcome. Moat's new after school club will be run by All My Friends, starting with a holiday club at the beginning of August. After school clubs will run on every school day from 1st September. All My Friends will be picking children up from local schools and will be open every evening until 6pm. For more information please call 01452 502060 or 07788 581900 or visit www.allmyfriendschildcare.co.uk.
Robinswood Primary School will be taking a trip to the Black Country Museum on 30th June, the Infant Sports Day will be held on 9th July, on 10th and 11th July the school will perform 'Annie' and 13th and 14th July will see new challenges with activity days featuring sports not usually played in schools such as golf, karate and dance. Robinswood Primary also has 3 allotments available to local gardeners who would like to join a gardening group. The group, run with the support of the Community Partnership, will work with some of the school children and staff, and will raise awareness of the benefits of healthy living, fresh home-grown food and environmental sustainability. If you want to be part of the gardening group please ring Bob Allen, Chair of the Community Partnership, on 01452 381070.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598. St Katharine's will also be hosting the Big Brunch in July. Imagine a summer's day on which millions of us throughout the UK sit down to have lunch together with our neighbours in the middle of our streets, around our tower blocks and on every patch of common ground. The food, entertainment and decorations will have been grown, cooked, or created ourselves. Canon Dr Jeni Parsons, the reverend of St Katharine's Church is inviting neighbours in Taylor House, the Katharine Wheel Club and anyone else who wants to turn up. Jeni wants to provide eggs from the Rectory Hens, and everything else will be provided by whoever comes to share. If you want to be part of this please ring Jeni on 01452 522598. Happy eating!
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
The information I ran in last week's column about the OK Kids Klub at Moat Primary School was wrong. Sorry about that. The new after school club will be run by All My Friends, who will start a holiday club at the beginning of August and will run after school clubs on every school day from 1st September. All My Friends will be picking children up from local schools and will be open every evening until 6pm. For more information please call 01452 502060 or 07788 581900 or visit www.allmyfriendschildcare.co.uk.
Fantastic news! Tom Hewish and his colleagues at Gloucester City Council have finally managed to get the agreement required to install a multi-use games area (MUGA) in Matson Park by Redwell Road. Over £50,000 will be spent on the open-access teen facility, with funding coming from The Big Lottery Fund and Gloucester City Council. Pitches will be marked out and there will be goals/hoops to play a variety of sports including football, basketball and hockey. There will also be two small seating areas either side of the pitch. Work will begin on site after consultation with local residents has been completed and the responses analysed. Hopefully the MUGA will be fully complete and open this summer. The MUGA will be clearly seen from Redwell Road, but will be at least 40 metres away from homes so that residents won't be disturbed. This will increase safety and reduce the opportunity for vandalism. In late 2007, 86% of young people consulted in Matson asked for a multi-use games area and in December 2008 the 'Have Your Say' survey showed an overwhelming 78% support for additional play areas. This shows that residents of all ages want this, and the MUGA is also supported by Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association. Facilities for young people is probably the biggest need in Matson & Robinswood and it's great to see it finally moving. More details will be found at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the resident group's website) shortly and there will be an opportunity to discuss the idea with the residents group at today's Eco Fun Day between 12 and 4pm.
It's finally here - the Eco Fun Day at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. Between 12noon and 4pm today everyone residents are invited to 'have fun without costing the earth'. Most of the activities will be free and will include circus skills, climbing wall, Watery Fun, Play Rangers, Creatures of the Rainforest, recycling & sand fun competitions for our under 5s, FairTrade Cafe, face painting, bike powered sound system, Robinswood Samba Band, magician and clown, painting workshop and dance. Don't forget that photos may be taken. The Fun Day will go ahead whatever the weather, so make sure you come along and have a great time.
On Friday 26th June Robinswood Primary School will hold a year 6 barbecue and orienteering evening, on 30th June there will be a trip to the Black Country Museum, 9th July will see the Infant Sports Day and on 10th and 11th July the school will perform 'Annie'.
The Safer Community Team (SCT) will be holding their next Police Information Point (PIP) on Thursday 2nd July. The PIP will be held between 6 and 7pm at the One Stop Plus on Matson Avenue. PIPs are a great way for people to get to know our coppers, further improving community relations and giving people confidence to approach local officers for a chat. All residents are welcome to attend. The SCT can be contacted by calling 0845 090 1234 or by emailing matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk. You can also visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk and follow the links for neighbourhood policing to see what's going on in Matson & Robinswood.
Moat Primary School will be running a summer fayre on 4th July between 11.30am and 3pm. The fayre will include an inter-schools rugby tournament, face painting, a visit from the local police, teas and coffees, games and a barbecue. Everyone is welcome.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. From 10.30am til around 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday St Hilda's offers a lifeline to our elderly community to come together and have a good, square meal. Each meal costs £3.50 and lifts for residents of Matson & Robinswood are available for an additional £1.50 return. Although the lunch club is not religious, Holy Communion is available at 10.30am on Thursday and everyone is welcome to take part. The club would also love to hear from volunteers who have a few hours to spare. More details are available from Sarah on 01452 300388 between 9am and 12 noon Tuesday to Thursday.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will next meet on Monday 6th July, 6pm at Matson Baptist Church. This will be the last meeting before the summer break. Out-of-pocket expenses are available to help you attend meetings, but these must be agreed in advance. Light refreshments will be available from 5.45pm. For more details call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or visit www.matson-robinswood.org.uk.
The Link Children's Centre on Matson Avenue holds a Pre-Nursery group every weekday for pre-school children from the term after their third birthday. The group tries to meet the individual needs of children and build on what they already know, following the Early Years Foundation Stage which covers six areas of learning and experience. You can place your child's name on the waiting list for a space. Sessions run from 1 to 3pm on Monday and Wednesday and 9 to 11am on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. For more information call 01452 560451 or email thelinkcc@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Matson Baptist Church's Toddler group will be visiting Cotswold Farm Park on Tuesday 7th July.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Members of Gloucester City Homes' Neighbourhood Services Team will be at Matson Baptist Church on 16th June from 3 until 6pm for you to have your say, raise any concerns and express your ideas for future community improvements. You can share ideas on how to improve the local quality of life and to identify areas which can be followed up with a Community Pride Day. Refreshments will be provided - just drop in.
On Saturday 20th June between 12noon and 4pm at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road, everyone living in Matson & Robinswood is invited to the Eco Fun Day. Most of the activities will be free and will include circus skills, climbing wall, Watery Fun, Play Rangers, Creatures of the Rainforest, recycling & sand fun competitions for our under 5s, FairTrade Cafe, face painting, bike powered sound system, Robinswood Samba Band, magician and clown, painting workshop and dance. Don't forget that photos may be taken of anyone attending. Whatever the weather the Eco Fun will go ahead, so make sure you come along, support the day and most importantly have a great time. See you there!
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Matson Baptist Church this coming Monday, 22nd June. Refreshments will be available from 6pm with a 6.30pm start. Nominations for the committee are now closed. Details are available on the Association's website (www.matson-robinswood.org.uk).
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at Redwell Community Centre in Redwell Road. From 10.30am til around 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday St Hilda's offers a lifeline to our elderly community to come together and have a good, square meal. Each meal costs £3.50 and lifts for residents of Matson & Robinswood are available for an additional £1.50 return. Although the lunch club is not religious, Holy Communion is available at 10.30am on Thursday and everyone is welcome to take part. The club would also love to hear from volunteers who have a few hours to spare. More details are available from Sarah on 01452 300388 between 9am and 12 noon Tuesday to Thursday.
On 26th June Robinswood Primary School will hold a year 6 barbecue and orienteering evening, on 30th June there will be a trip to the Black Country Museum, 9th July will see the Infant Sports Day and on 10th and 11th July the school will perform 'Annie'.
The Link Children's Centre on Matson Avenue holds a weekly Stay and Play session. Stay and Play offers a safe, friendly environment for children, parents and carers to play together. There are all the usual favourite things to do such as sand, water, outdoor play and craft. The session is held every Thursday between 1pm and 3pm and offers themed activities, snack time, information and advice, off site activities and access to the toy library. For further details please contact Dani, the Community Family Worker on 01452 560451 or email thelinkcc@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Moat Pre-School offers a caring and stimulating environment for pre-school children. Situated within Moat Primary School, it is open Monday and Thursday from 12.15 to 3.15pm and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am to 12.00pm. Although Moat Pre-School generally caters for children from the term after their third birthday, they can accommodate children aged from 2 years 6 months, provided they have space available. For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Kath Fitzgerald, Pre-School Leader, on 01452 384234.
Also at Moat Primary School, the OFSTED registered OK Kids Klub collects children from schools within a three-mile radius, as well as from Moat. All children are welcome (subject to space) and the OK Kids Klub is able, with experienced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked staff, to cater for individual needs including fun, freeplay and supervised homework. Various activities are provided at different times: Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club, and there is a creche for various school activities. Pre-School pick-up is at 11.30am, refreshments are provided and finishing time is 2.30pm. For further information or to arrange a visit please contact Rose Anderson on 01452 302772.
Together in Matson (TIM) is available for young people aged eight to twenty five, including those excluded from school and community. TIM works with young people in five groups and provides a weekly inclusion group, one-to-one mentoring, advice and personal development. Sid's Place, a young people's health drop-in, is held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30pm. TIM can be contacted Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Matson Baptist Church, and also Monday to Thursday between 7:30 and 9:00pm at the Redwell Centre. For information and advice please contact Bob Allen, Project Manager, by calling 01452 381070 or email timatson@talktalkbusiness.net.
Places are available on Together in Matson's summer coach trips: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. The trips cost between £2.50 and £6 per person and you can get more details from Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
The Matson & Robinswood SCT in partnership with the Sports Development Team from the County Council will be running a free sports night from Matson Rugby Club throughout the summer. This is a great opportunity for children and teenagers to get involved in fun sessions and try out different sports. Gloucester City Council will help run the sessions and provide sports coaches for the events. Further details of the sessions will follow soon.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association's campaign to oppose the planned changes to the rubbish collections across the city is underway. The new collection service will see waste collected on a two-weekly cycle, with household waste collected every other week. The Association supports increased recycling, but believes that residents who receive the service should decide how best to increase recycling rates and what level of service they receive. If you would like to join the campaign for the public to decide the future of this essential service please get in touch with Julian Hiles using the details at the beginning of the column.
The Barton Street Police station community reception is open for visitors from 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and from 8am to 3pm on Friday. Outside of these times you can make an appointment with the Safer Community Team (SCT) on 0845 090 1234 to speak on the telephone, meet at the police station or at an agreed time elsewhere. The Safer Community Team also works many evenings and weekends and can be emailed at matsonsct@gloucestershire.police.uk.
The Matson & Robinswood SCT in partnership with the Sports Development Team from the County Council will be running a free sports night from Matson Rugby Club throughout the summer. This is a great opportunity for children and teenagers to get involved in fun sessions and try out different sports. Gloucester City Council will help run the sessions and provide sports coaches for the events. Further details of the sessions will follow soon.
The National Tenant Voice (NTV) will be a new organisation set up to ensure that local authority and housing association tenants (including shared owners and leaseholders) have a voice and expertise at national level. It will be an independent organisation with its own governing body and a government minister will be accountable to Parliament for ensuring that it is independent, effective and efficient. The NTV will be recruiting to the new National Tenant Council starting now. If you want to find out more or are interested in standing, the NTV will be at Gloucester Guildhall on Tuesday 9th June. Places must be booked in advance by emailing conferences@tpas.org.uk.
The next meeting to organise the Autumn Scarecrow Trail and Harvest Festival is being held on Tuesday 9th June, 12.30 pm at Matson Baptist Church. Local organisations and individuals are welcome to help out - the more the merrier. Tea and coffee will be provided and you are encouraged to bring your lunch along.
Members of Gloucester City Homes' Neighbourhood Services Team will be at Matson Baptist Church on 16th June from 3.00pm until 6.00pm to answer questions regarding Matson & Robinswood. This is an ideal opportunity for residents to have their say, raise any concerns and express their ideas for future community improvements. You can share ideas on how to improve the quality of life for residents and to also identify specific areas which can be followed up with a Community Pride Day. Refreshments will be provided - just drop in.
The Eco Fun Day is just two weeks away - Saturday 20th June at Redwell Community Centre between 12 noon and 4 pm. Most of the activities are free and include circus skills, climbing wall, Watery Fun, Play Rangers, Creatures of the Rainforest, recycling & sand fun competitions for our under 5s, FairTrade Cafe, face painting, bike powered sound system, Robinswood Samba Band, magician and clown, painting workshop and dance. Flyers are available locally and on the resident group's website. The Fun Day will go ahead whatever the weather, so make sure you come along, support the day and most importantly have a great time.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will hold its Annual General Meeting at Matson Baptist Church on Monday 22nd June. Refreshments will be available from 6pm with a 6.30pm start for the business of the meeting. Nomination forms for the committee are available on the Association's website (www.matson-robinswood.org.uk) or from the One Stop Plus on the shopping parade. Nominations must be received at the One Stop Plus by Friday 12th June.
Next week (commencing 8th June) will mark the beginning of Robinswood Primary School's Cycling week for the juniors. On 26th June the school will hold a year 6 barbecue and orienteering evening, on 30th June there will be a trip to the Black Country Museum and on 10th and 11th July the school will perform 'Annie'.
The Link Children's Centre on Matson Avenue holds a weekly Young and Pregnant Club for young women who are, or think they may be, pregnant and new young mothers. Drop in sessions cover topics including health and beauty, food fun, pregnancy issues and childcare advice. Advisors are regularly available to provide expert guidance on housing, benefits and many other topics, and there is input from Connexions and health visitors. Free pregnancy testing and the Morning After Pill are also available. The club is held each Wednesday between 1 and 3pm and there is a relaxed, informal environment where young parents can be supported and gain valuable skills and information, whilst having fun and meeting other parents in a similar position. Sessions are open to all young women and their partners, a light lunch is provided and various trips take place with the group throughout the year. For more details call Sharone Brown (Midwife) on 01452 560451 or email thelinkcc@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Places are still available on Together in Matson's summer coach trips: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. The trips cost between £2.50 and £6 per person and you can get more details from Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) will next meet on Monday 1st June, 6pm at Matson Baptist Church. Out-of-pocket expenses for things such as childcare and travel costs are available to help you attend meetings, but these must be agreed in advance. This will be followed by the Annual General Meeting at Matson Baptist Church on Monday 22nd June. Refreshments will be available at the AGM from 6pm with a 6.30pm start for the business of the meeting. Nomination forms for the committee are available on the Association's website (www.matson-robinswood.org.uk) or from the One Stop Plus on the shopping parade. Nominations must be received at the One Stop Plus by Friday 12th June. If you'd like a chat, have any suggestions or want to attend a meeting and are a bit shy please get in touch with Julian Hiles, Chair of the Association by calling 07904 604042 or emailing mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk.
Matson and Linden Safer Community Team (SCT) will be holding a Cycle Safe day on Wednesday 3rd June at Central Technology College in Cotteswold Road. The event will include checking brakes work properly on bikes and giving out free lights to increase visibility and safety at night.
The SCT will also be holding their next Police Information Point (PIP) on Thursday 4th June (Election Day). The PIP will be held between 6 and 7pm at Matson Library. PIPs are a great way for people to get to know our coppers, further improving community relations and giving people confidence to approach local officers for a chat. All residents are welcome to attend.
A reminder to all that Local and European elections will be held on Thursday 4th June. Make sure you use the opportunity to vote.
Gloucester City Homes (GCH) and Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) are holding a Community Pride Day at 56 and 58 Winnycroft Lane on Friday 5th June, starting at 10am. Flower barrels and hopefully a few other features will be created, as well as the area having a general tidy up. Residents are very welcome to join in and a buffet lunch will be provided, with the finish planned for around 2pm. GCH and the TRA would also welcome the support of other local organisations on the day. For more information call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or Terry Elcock on 0800 408 2000.
The next planning meeting to organise the Autumn Scarecrow Trail and Harvest Festival is being held on 9th June, 12.30 pm at Matson Baptist Church. Local organisations and individuals are welcome to help out - the more the merrier.
Matson Library is open 5 days a week (closed Friday and Sunday) and can be contacted on 01452 524370. The next big event for the library will be the summer challenge. This year's theme will be Quest Seekers. Further details will follow.
On Tuesday evenings in August the local Police Community Support Officers will be running sports nights on Matson Rugby pitch for children and teenagers.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at the Redwell Centre in Redwell Road. More details are available from Claire Gulwell on 01452 300388.
Robinswood Primary School is taking part in this year's Schools in Bloom, which involves the children designing and growing their own kitchen gardens. The school has been given a planter, soil and seeds and is following their progress through a diary. The netball team recently won the Gloucester Championship and the Samba band has been very busy performing at a range of events including the local Arts Weekend and the Music for Youth festival in Oxford. Monday 8th June will mark the beginning of Cycling week for the juniors.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) will soon be hailing the return of the hanging baskets to the shopping parade. This was a massive success last year, resulting in a special award for community involvement. Robinswood Primary School and Matson Play Project have already committed to the project and the TRA will be in touch with Moat Primary School and local groups shortly.
The Link Children's Centre on Matson Avenue offers a warm and welcoming environment to support parents and carers. This column will introduce some of these services over the coming weeks, including the dads' group, pre-nursery group, counselling service, coffee morning and toy library. The centre can be contacted by calling 01452 560451 or emailing thelinkcc@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Our younger residents recently decided that Together in Matson's (TIM) Redwell Centre was in need of a revamp. TIM are developing a fitness room and the Streetdance group STORM has grown so much that there is a need for 2 groups and a dance room.
Matson & Robinswood Community Partnership held its Annual General meeting on 19th May. The Partnership area includes Matson, Robinswood and White City. There are still places available for residents on the coordinating group (the Partnership's management committee) and it would be great to have representation from all sections of the Partnership area. You can get more information from Bob Allen, Chair of the Partnership on 01452 381070.
Vision 21 will be holding an Eco Fun Day on Saturday 20th June. The fun day will be held at the Redwell Centre between 12 noon and 4 pm. Most of the activities are free and include Watery Fun, Creatures of the Rainforest, circus skills, FairTrade Cafe, face painting, climbing wall, bike powered sound system, Robinswood Samba Band and STORM dance group.
Together in Matson will be holding a series of coach trips during the summer holidays: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. Book now to make sure you get a place. The trips should cost between £2.50 and £6 per person and you can get more details from Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
At the Gloucester City Homes Customer Forum meeting on Tuesday 19th May it was announced that Gloucester City Council is proposing changes in rubbish collections across the city which may take effect from early 2010. The new service will see waste collected on a two-weekly cycle. Household waste will be collected one week and recycling containers picked up on the other week of each fortnight. Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will be opposing this decision, particularly to take account of the needs of families and flatted blocks in the area. The Association will campaign for this decision to be taken by residents who receive the service, rather than the City Council who provides the service. This scheme has been introduced in other areas of the country despite objections from residents and has brought increased fly tipping, litter and vermin. If you would like to join the campaign for the public to decide the future of this essential service please get in touch with Julian Hiles, Chair of the Association by calling 07904 604042 or emailing mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk.
The celebrations for Elmer's 20th Birthday at Matson Library are finally here. On Tuesday 26th May children aged 3-10 years can enjoy stories and craft and activity sheets between 2.30 and 3.30pm. Matson Library is open 5 days a week (closed Friday and Sunday) and can be contacted on 01452 524370.
The Matson and Linden Safer Community Team (SCT) will be holding their next Police Information Point (PIP) on Thursday 4th June (Election Day). The PIP will be held between 6 and 7pm at Matson Library. PIPs are a great way for people to get to know our coppers, further improving community relations and giving people confidence to approach local officers for a chat. All residents are welcome to attend. The SCT will also be holding a Cycle Safe day on Wednesday 3rd June at Central Technology College in Cotteswold Road. The event will include checking brakes work properly on bikes and giving out free lights to increase visibility and safety at night.
Together in Matson's (TIM) youth worker Vanessa Worrall is through to the final of this year's Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards. Over the past 11 years Vanessa has provided support and activities for our younger residents. Since February this year Vanessa has also held a weekly session at Matson Library, giving young people with an extra opportunity for support. To vote for Vanessa in the Readers' Choice Award pick up a copy of Saturday 9th May's Citizen and send in the coupon or go online at www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/pride.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at the Redwell Centre in Redwell Road. More details are available from Claire Gulwell on 01452 300388.
Gloucester City Homes (GCH) and Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) will be holding a Community Pride Day in Winnycroft Lane on Friday 5th June to create raised planters. The first planning meeting took place on 11th May, with the next scheduled to take place on Thursday 21st May, 3.30pm at GCH's offices in Southgate House. Residents are very welcome to join in, and GCH and the TRA would also welcome the support of other local organisations on the day. For more information call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or Terry Elcock on 0800 408 2000.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting at Matson Baptist Church on Monday 22nd June. Refreshments will be available from 6pm with a 6.30pm start for the business of the meeting. Nomination forms for the committee are available on the Association's website (www.matson-robinswood.org.uk) or from the One Stop Plus on the shopping parade in Matson Avenue. Nominations must be received at the One Stop Plus by Friday 12th June. The TRA will hold its usual monthly meeting on Monday 1st June, 6pm at the Baptist Church.
Robinswood Primary School recently achieved Trust status - one of only 2 primary trusts in the country. Plans are being developed to use the new SUDs (flooding) project as part of a curriculum where pupils take responsibility for the site and what they do. The school hopes to involve the wider community next year.
The bimonthly Matson Forum meeting was held at Robinswood Primary School on 19th May. Reps from local agencies including the Play Project, the Safer Community Team, the Tenants and Residents Association, The Link Children's Centre, Matson Library, Matson Baptist Church and Together in Matson joined the school to discuss ongoing work, local events and activities, some of which will feature in this column over the coming weeks. The next Forum will be held on Tuesday 14th July, 12.30pm at Matson Baptist Church.
The Reverend Kevin Durrant wishes to thank everyone who helped out and attended Matson Baptist Church's successful Arts Weekend recently. Action teams from the church have been visiting schools with Kevin and a visit to Cotswold Farm Park has been arranged for the Toddler Group on 7th July.
The Link Children's Centre on Matson Avenue offers lots of services to local families. The Link has recently appointed Jonathan Malcolm as a Community Family Worker and will be holding a Summer Fun Day on 16th July with the theme of 'Safety'.
Together in Matson will be holding a series of coach trips during the summer holidays: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. Last year's trips were oversubscribed, so book now to make sure you get a place. The trips should cost between £2.50 and £6 per person. You can get more details and a booking form from Bob Allen by calling 01452 381070.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
The Lampreys Residents Association and Gloucester City Homes will be holding a Community Pride Day on Tuesday 19th May. Residents are very welcome to help out on the day. Call Gloucester City Homes on 0800 408 2000 for details.
Matson & Robinswood Community Partnership is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19th May at Matson Baptist Church. Refreshments will be available from 6.30pm and the meeting will last until 9pm. STORM, the local street dance group, will be performing at 7pm.
We have a fairly large number of disabled residents here in Matson & Robinswood. The National Star College is holding an interactive skills festival for disabled people and employers at its site in Ullenwood on Wednesday 20th May from 9.30am to 3pm. The festival is free and will cover training, careers and routes to employment. It will also feature a Dragon's Den-style competition with the chance to try out new technologies that can help disabled people. For more information please contact Chris Harber or Ali McEwan on 01242 527631.
Join in the celebrations for Elmer's 20th Birthday at Matson Library on Tuesday 26th May. Children aged 3-10 years can enjoy stories and craft and activity sheets between 2.30 and 3.30pm. Matson Library is open 5 days a week (closed Friday and Sunday) and can be contacted on 01452 524370.
As reported in The Citizen last Saturday (9th May) Together in Matson's (TIM) youth worker Vanessa Worrall is through to the final of this year's Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards. Vanessa was entered in the Caring Hero category and the judges will announce their decision in mid June. However, for the first time there is a Readers' Choice Award and Vanessa is one of the deserving nominees. Vanessa has worked with a team of volunteers over the past 11 years to run a young mums group, a teenage drop in, a health drop in and many other activities and trips. This year's award ceremony will take place at Gloucester Rugby Club's Kingsholm ground on 19th June. To vote for Vanessa in the Readers' Choice Award pick up a copy of last week's Citizen and send in the coupon or go online at www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/pride. Yet another person and more work for Matson & Robinswood to be proud of.
St Hilda's Lunch Club is held each week at the Redwell Centre in Redwell Road. More details are available from Claire Gulwell on 01452 300388.
The £60,000 of works to Winnycroft Lane and Quenneys Close, paid for directly from tenants' rents, are progressing well, with the improvements starting to take shape. Gloucester City Homes (GCH) and Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) will follow this work with a Community Pride Day in Winnycroft Lane on Friday 5th June to create raised planters. The first planning meeting took place on 11th May, with the next scheduled to take place on Thursday 21st May, 3.30pm at GCH's offices in Southgate House. Residents are very welcome to join in, and GCH and the TRA would also welcome the support of other local organisations on the day. For more information call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or Terry Elcock on 0800 408 2000.
Matson Forum is held every other month for local organisations to come together over lunch to discuss their work and share information with others. The next Matson Forum is being held on Tuesday 19th May, 12.30pm at Robinswood School. Anyone wishing to attend should report to reception. Minutes of the last meeting are available on the TRA's website.
Gloucestershire is blessed with a wonderful landscape which attracts a variety of wildlife - from the Forest of Dean in the south-west of the county to the Cotswolds in the east. Lying between we have the vale of the River Severn which meanders from the north to the south. Our nearest natural local gem is Robinswood Hill, part of a large Country Park and the base for Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. The Trust is the county's leading conservation charity dedicated to wildlife. There are lots of volunteering opportunities and plenty for visitors to do. You can call Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's visitor centre on 01452 38333.
Robinswood Hill Country Park is open all year round. Admission to 250 acres of countryside with pleasant walks and views and waymarked nature, geology and horse trails is free. Wildlife species include common spotted and pyramidal orchids, waxcap fungi, cowslips, bluebells and wild primrose. You may also be lucky enough to spot badgers, foxes, buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawks, green woodpeckers, common darters and southern hawker dragonflies. The Country Park is also host to a rare breeds farm. The exhibition and gift shop is open 9am to 5pm and guided walks are also available. Phone 01452 304779 or email derekb@gloucester.gov.uk for more information.
The Barnardo's Big Toddle is the UK's biggest charity event for children under the age of 5. Each year up to half a million children have great fun with their friends, taking part in a short sponsored walk. Nurseries, crèches and playgroups, parents, friends and family can all take part in the Toddle. You can join a Barnardo's Toddle near you or organise your own Toddle any time throughout the summer. The money you raise goes to Barnardo's projects that help children learn and play. These include family centres, play groups and counselling services across the UK. More information on the local Toddle will follow shortly.
The next planning meeting to organise the Autumn Scarecrow Trail and Harvest Festival is being held on 9th June, 12.30 pm at Matson Baptist Church. Local organisations and individuals are welcome to help out - the more the merrier.
Vision 21 will be holding an Eco Fun Day on Saturday 20th June. The fun day will be held at the Redwell Centre between 12 noon and 4 pm. Most of the activities are free and include Watery Fun, Creatures of the Rainforest, circus skills, FairTrade Cafe, face painting, climbing wall, bike powered sound system, Robinswood Samba Band and STORM dance group. Look out for the local publicity.
Together in Matson will be holding a series of coach trips during the summer holidays: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. Book now to make sure you get a place. The trips should cost between £2.50 and £6 per person and you can get more details from Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598.
I felt the need to respond to ongoing negative comments made about Matson & Robinswood - week in, week out this column proves that there are loads of people who care and plenty to celebrate in our local community.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday 12th May, 6pm at Matson Baptist Church. Refreshments will be available from 5.50pm. The agenda for the meeting includes an update on the Environmental Strategy, upcoming events organised by the TRA such as In Bloom and the Big Matson & Robinswood Tidy Up, Community Improvements identified and carried out by the TRA and services and facilities for younger residents. The TRA is also in the early stages of working on various community based and 'owned' policies, such as the Antisocial Behaviour and Community charters. These policies will bring local service standards which are accountable to and monitored by residents. The TRA will also be discussing and adding the findings of the Places Survey into its Action Plan.
£60,000 of improvement works have started following consultation with residents. The work began in Winnycroft Lane and will continue in Quenneys Close shortly. Gloucester City Homes (GCH) and Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will complement this work by holding a Community Pride day in Winnycroft Lane on Friday 5th June to create raised planters. Residents are very welcome to join in, and GCH and the TRA would also welcome the support of other local organisations on the day. For more information call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 or Terry Elcock on 0800 408 2000.
If you have visited south and central Matson recently you should have noticed lots of new bin stores appearing outside the flats. Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association is overseeing around £30,000 of investment by Gloucester City Homes needed to tidy these areas up. When the Council improves its recycling collections from the flats the TRA will be looking to extend the stores to include recycling containers in the same place.
Matson Forum is held every other month for local organisations to come together over lunch to discuss their work and share information with others. The next Matson Forum is being held on Tuesday 19th May, 12.30pm at Robinswood School. Anyone wishing to attend should report to reception.
The Barnardo's Big Toddle is the UK's biggest charity event for children under the age of 5. Each year, up to half a million children have great fun with their friends, taking part in a short sponsored walk. Your Big Toddlers will love the exercise and excitement of the Big Toddle. Anyone can join in - from nurseries, creches and playgroups, to parents, friends and family. You can toddle any time throughout the summer by organising your own Toddle or joining a Barnardo's Toddle near you. The money you raise goes to Barnardo's projects that help children learn and play. These include family centres, play groups and counselling services across the UK. More information on the local Toddle will follow shortly.
Vision 21 will be holding an Eco Fun Day on Saturday 20th June. The fun day will be held at the Redwell Centre between 12 noon and 4 pm. Most of the activities are free and include Watery Fun, Creatures of the Rainforest, circus skills, FairTrade Cafe, face painting, climbing wall, bike powered sound system, Robinswood Samba Band and STORM dance group. More details will follow and look out for the local publicity.
Together in Matson will be holding a series of coach trips during the summer holidays: Tuesday 21st July - West Midlands Safari Park, Tuesday 28th July - Cattle Country, Tuesday 4th August - Forest of Dean (including the Perrygrove Railway) and Tuesday 11th August - Cheltenham Lido. Book now to make sure you get a place. The trips should cost between £2.50 and £6 per person and more details are available from Bob Allen on 01452 381070.
Matson Play Project is open to all children and young people aged 8 to 13 years and runs from the Phoenix Centre in Juniper Avenue. Children and young people can come and go as they please, it's free and aims to give children and young people a place to play, meet new people, access support and volunteer within the club and the Matson & Robinswood community. The Play Project is open every Monday and Tuesday from 3.30pm - 5.45pm and each Thursday from 4pm - 6pm. You can phone Penny Mail on 01452 505544 or 07518 351741 for more details or drop in when the Play Project is open and have a look around.
Play Gloucestershire run Play Rangers in Trinity Park (off Norbury Avenue, next to the Trinity Centre) every Wednesday from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. The Play Rangers bring sport, arts and crafts and other equipment. The Rangers welcome children of all ages, although under fives must bring an adult. It is free and children can come and go as they please. As with the Matson Play Project you can phone Penny Mail for further details or you can call Play Gloucestershire on 01452 505548.
SevernWye Energy Agency (SWEA) works with tenants in Matson & Robinswood to give advice on how to use energy more efficiently and how to choose electric and gas suppliers. SWEA also offers advice on the tariffs best suited to each person's needs and how to reduce problems with dampness and condensation in their homes. Ultimately, SevernWye is looking to bring savings into tenants' pockets, and the energy saved as a result of this will play a part in reducing climate change. A limited number of freebies (thermometers, power down devices and so on) are available and you can meet SWEA at Vision 21's Fun Day this June You can also get more information from SWEA at www.swea.co.uk/tenants or by calling 01452 835060.
More information on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website). You can also call Julian Hiles on 07954 604042 for more information.
Matson Play Project is open to all children and young people aged 8 to 13 years and runs until March next year from the Phoenix Centre in Matson Lane. It is an open access project which means that it is free, children and young people can come and go as they please and aims to give children and young people a place to play, meet new people, access support and volunteer within the club and the Matson & Robinswood community. Staff are Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) cleared and qualified. The Play Project is open every Monday and Tuesday from 3.30pm - 5.45pm and each Thursday from 4pm - 6pm. The Play Project would welcome new volunteers and can provide training and expenses for people who can commit six months or more to the project, so as well as offering a positive and safe space to our younger residents and helping our community there is an opportunity for personal development. You can phone Penny Mail on 01452 505544 or 07518 351741 or call in when the Play Project is open and have a look around.
In addition to the Matson Play Project, Play Gloucestershire runs Play Rangers in Trinity Park (off Norbury Avenue, next to the Trinity Centre) every Wednesday from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. The Play Rangers bring sport and arts and crafts equipment, and welcome children of all ages, although under fives must bring an adult. It is free and open access so children can come and go as they please. As with the Matson Play Project you can phone Penny Mail for further details or you can call Play Gloucestershire on 01452 505548.
Don't forget that your local community launderette, Spinners, is now open on the shopping parade. Spinners is open Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday - 10am to 6pm. Call 01452 300262 for more details.
The Matson & Robinswood Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have gained the help of pupils from Robinswood Primary School to deal with parking problems during school run times. These 'Mini Coppers' join the PCSOs to offer advice on parking and road safety to parents and other pupils. Pupils tell the parents what affect their parking has on their safety and the concerns they have, and give information on better places to park and other ways of getting to school.
Police Information Points (PIPs) are a great way to raise any concerns or issues you have, as you know your local officers will be available on that day, at that place and at that time. PIPs are held in Matson & Robinswood every month and the next one will be held on Monday 6th April at Matson Library between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. For more information please contact the Safer Community Team on 0845 090 1234 or visit matson-sct@gloucestershire.police.uk.
Smartwater kits allow you to security mark your property in an attempt to reduce the possibility of being burgled. Once the property is coded, there is a sticker to place in your window to notify the burglar not to attempt to enter. If you live in Matson Avenue and haven't already received a free Smartwater kit, don't forget to contact your Safer Community Police Team on 0845 090 1234 and they will arrange to deliver a kit to you. Make the most of this opportunity and request a visit from the Fire Service for a free home safety survey and find out about forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
SevernWye Energy Agency (SWEA) works with tenants in Matson & Robinswood to give advice on how to use energy more efficiently and how to choose electric and gas suppliers. SWEA also offers advice on the tariffs best suited to each person's needs and how to reduce problems with dampness and condensation in their homes. Advice can be given to individuals by email, telephone or a home visit, or by presentations to groups at tenants meetings and stands at events and festivals. Ultimately, SevernWye is looking to bring savings into tenants' pockets, and the energy saved as a result of this will play a part in reducing climate change. A limited number of freebies (thermometers, power down devices and so on) are available, along with help to obtain some of the grants for energy saving measures. SWEA will be taking part in Vision 21's Fun Day this June and will be bringing along some of these products. You can get more information from SWEA at www.swea.co.uk/tenants or by calling 01452 835060.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association is busy updating its (ever growing) website. There is a lot more to follow when there is time to develop the site, but recent additions include a new online form to join the mailing list and a new community events page. Local groups and individuals are very welcome to send in information for this column and the website. This weekend's updates will include the results of the 'Places Survey', which asked residents about life in Matson & Robinswood and a new page for Matson Forum.
More information and events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website).
Spinners Launderette opened on Tuesday 14th April at 85 Matson Avenue, on the shopping parade. Service Washes are available and dry cleaning and ironing will be available soon. Spinners is open Monday to Friday – 8am to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday – 10am to 6pm. Call 01452 300262 for more details.
As previously reported Gloucestershire Crime and Disorder Partnership held
two 'Have Your Say' days in Matson Avenue during December. It was very clear
from the results that residents are strongly influenced by the media. For
example, if a resident had seen something on the telly they would believe it
was a fair reflection of what happens in Matson & Robinswood. Rather than try
to report on how differently people see things, here are some of the main
actions being carried out in response to the survey.
CCTV cameras may be deployed in Matson Avenue to monitor criminal damage
and fly tipping, Police will be working with schools to target speeding drivers
and to educate them about the dangers of driving too fast, and there will be
test purchases of alcohol along with a 'Don't buy for under 18' campaign this
spring.
Most people (78%) agreed that there are not enough safe play areas and
activities for our younger residents locally. The Council has £48,000 for a multi
use games area and hopes to provide this within 5 months. A play area for
children up to 12 years is also a priority to replace that burnt in Matson Park
several years ago.
50 residents requested a visit from the Fire Service for a free home safety
survey and 27 residents were interested in forming Neighbourhood Watch
schemes.
The Police ran a vehicle operation leading to 2 prosecutions for false
declaration to obtain insurance, 1 for producing insurance with intent to
deceive, 3 for no MOT, 8 for no insurance – all are pending prosecution. This
resulted in 2 vehicles being scrapped by their owners and 1 vehicle being
scrapped by the council.
The survey team was made up of officers and volunteers from the community.
Everyone visited was offered a free Smartwater kit to security mark their
property in an attempt to reduce the possibility of being burgled. Once the
property is coded, there is a sticker to place in your window to notify the
burglar not to attempt to enter.
Unfortunately, since the event, a house has been burgled and the property
stolen was not marked. If you received a Smartwater kit but haven't marked
your property, do so now. If you live in Matson Avenue, were not in at the time
of the visit and would like a free Smartwater kit, please contact your Safer
Community Police Team on 0845 090 1234 and they will arrange to deliver a
kit to you. If you have any information on crime please contact the Safer
Community Police Team on 0845 090 1234 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously
on 0800 555 111.
Play Gloucestershire provide a city wide mobile team of Play Rangers, who encourage children, young people and their families to 'Get Out and Play'. Free open access play activities for children between the ages of 5 and 15 include games, sports, arts and environmental activities and a healthy eating programme for school aged children. Open access play is where play is helped by staff in settings where children are free to come and go as they please, free to decide for themselves what they want to do, why they are doing it and how they go about it. There is no contract between the playworkers and parents or carers to provide any care. Play sessions are held at Evans Walk Park on Wednesday evenings between 4.30pm – 6.30pm and 10.00am – 4.00pm in the school holidays. Look out for the Play Ranger van. For more information please call the Play Rangers on 01452 505548 or email them at info@playgloucestershire.org.uk.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association has been busy
updating its website over the last couple of weeks. There is a lot more to follow
when there is time to develop the site, but recent additions include information on the Gloucestershire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership 'Have Your
Say' days, the results of the County council's Places survey (about Matson &
Robinswood generally and the services it receives from the local councils) and
a new online form to join the mailing list.
The Association has written to Gloucester City Council's Community Development and Community Strategy teams to invite them to the next meeting, which will be held on 11th May. This is to hopefully arrange proper support for local residents and the Matson & Robinswood community.
The Association has also written to the candidates standing in the County
council elections, following recent public statements, to remind them not to
use their positions in community groups such as the Community Partnership to
further their political ambitions.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website).
Matson Baptist Church's Arts Weekend is just a week away. Unfortunately the planned West Gallery Quire concert had to be cancelled but there is still plenty to do. The Arts Weekend is open to the whole community and will be held on 25th and 26th April. On Saturday 25th activities will include a Poetry Slam between 12 and 1pm at Matson Library, whilst at the Baptist Church events will kick off straight after with an arts display by local schools and individuals, background piano music and Ploughman's lunch and refreshments being served in the hall. At 2pm there will be craft activities, patchwork, card making and a performance by Robinswood Samba Band, followed at 3pm with a Streetdance performance by STORM. There will be an opportunity for visitors to perform during an Open Mike session at 3.30pm and Saturday's events will close at 4.30pm. At 10.30am on Sunday 26th there is a morning service to celebrate Matson & Robinswood's creative skills.
The summer timetable of GL Communities (formerly Matson, Podsmead and White City neighbourhood projects) starts on Monday 20th April. The training sessions are now run from different sites throughout the City and anyone from within the combined GL Communities areas can register and attend any of the courses. Each session will last 2 hours. Morning sessions will include Brush up your Maths and Beginners IT for adults with learning disabilities in Matson, IT Level 1 in Podsmead and Brush up your Maths, Beginners IT, Brush up your English and Introduction to NVQ in Teaching Assistant in White City. Afternoon sessions include Brush up your English and IT Level 2 in Matson, Beginners IT and Textiles Design in Podsmead, and English for Speakers of Other Languages and NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Teaching Assistant in White City. IT for Beginners is also available in White City from 6.30pm on Mondays. You can enrol at reception any time until 27th April. For more information call GL Communities Matson on 01452 505544.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) is nearing completion of around £35,000 of community improvements since December 2008. These improvements have included installing fencing to protect our open green spaces, a watering system for hanging baskets along Matson shopping parade and new benches around Matson & Robinswood. The last part of the improvements will be starting shortly, with fencing being renewed to individual front gardens on properties in the Garnalls Road area where needed. The TRA is working on a long term plan to improve the rest of the area year by year. Residents have already come up with lots of good ideas and the TRA welcomes any further ideas you may have. Details and pictures of the recent improvements will soon feature on the Association's website. You can call the Association on 01452 396094 or 07954 604042 or visit the website address at the bottom of the column.
Matson Baptist Church's first Harvest Fayre and Scarecrow Trail was a massive success in October last year. It was inevitable that there would be a second festival this year and it is hoped this will become an annual event for everyone to enjoy and be proud of. The first planning meeting for this October's festival is being held on Tuesday 21st April, 12.30pm at Matson Baptist Church. Any community group or individual that would like to help out is welcome to attend the planning meeting. Don't forget to bring your lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.
Gloucester City Homes will be holding a community event in Robinswood on Thursday 23rd April to identify issues of concern to residents. Full details are yet to be confirmed, but for further information call Gloucester City Homes on 0800 408 2000.
St. Katharine's ladies' group meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 01452 522598.
More details on these and other events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website).
Matson Library is a place to be proud of. Each school holiday the library holds events for our children and young people. In the last couple of years there has been an excellent turnout – this is partly down to the library's commitment and the quality of their fun days. This Easter they will be holding a story time and craft event on Thursday 16th April, 3 – 4pm. For more details call Matson Library on 524370.
Matson Baptist Church's Arts Weekend is just two weeks away. The Arts Weekend is open to the whole community and will be held on 25th and 26th April. Activities will include a Poetry Slam at Matson Library, an arts display by local schools and individuals, background piano music, craft activities, patchwork, card making, Robinswood Samba Band, a Streetdance display performed by STORM and an Open Mike session. Unfortunately the West Gallery Quire concert has had to be cancelled. Ploughman's lunch and refreshments will be served in the hall on Saturday. There is a morning service to celebrate Matson & Robinswood's creative skills on Sunday.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association held its monthly meeting on Monday 6th April. Gloucestershire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership reported on the actions from the Have Your Say days in December 2008, PCSO Hamid Charafi provided an update on Police activity over the last month, a rep from Morrison was on hand to answer questions and provide reassurance about the ending of the repairs contract with Gloucester City Homes, various community events were discussed, there was an update on the Association's work with GL communities and the Community Partnership and residents discussed a planning application which has been submitted for the disused garage site on Painswick Road. The next meeting will be held on Monday 11th May, 6pm at Matson Baptist Church. You can call the Association on 01452 396094 or 07954 604042 or visit the website address at the bottom of the column.
Have fun without costing the earth! Vision 21 will be holding a fun day on Saturday 20th June. The fun day will be held at the Redwell Centre and Together in Matson have been working really hard with Vision 21 to arrange everything. Between 12 noon and 4 pm there will be all sorts of free activities including watery fun, a bike powered sound system and activity area, a magician, Play Rangers, creatures of the rainforest, The Link Childrens Centre, circus skills, face painting, a climbing wall, Streetcheer and 5 a-side football. More details will follow and look out for the local publicity soon.
The first planning meeting to organise the Autumn Scarecrow Trail and Harvest Festival is being held on 21st April, 12.30 pm at Matson Baptist Church. Last year's festival was a massive success and hopefully we can repeat that this year. Local organisations are welcome to help out – the more the merrier.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website).
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association will be holding its next monthly meeting on Monday 6th April. The meeting will be held at Matson Baptist Church starting at 6pm. Refreshments will be available from 5.50pm. The Residents Association welcomes everyone living in Matson & Robinswood and can now offer expenses for travel, childcare and care of other dependents when attending meetings. All expenses will be considered on an individual basis and must be agreed in advance, but hopefully this means that residents previously unable to attend will now be able to do so. The Residents Association is also trying to build a list of the email addresses of local residents so that information and opportunities can be passed on to more people. If you'd like more information, to meet up for a chat about the Association or to go on the mailing list please call 01452 396094 or 07954 604042 or visit the website address at the bottom of the column.
Matson Baptist Church is holding an Arts Weekend on 25th and 26th April. The theme of the event is Hopes and Dreams – 'Celebrating our gifts and talents'. Details are still being arranged, but planned activities include a Poetry Slam at Matson Library, an arts display by local schools and individuals, background piano music, craft activities, patchwork, card making, Robinswood Samba Band, a Streetdance display performed by STORM, an Open Mike session and a concert of the West Gallery Quire. Ploughman's lunch and refreshments will be served in the hall on Saturday. The Arts weekend is open to the whole community and there is a morning service to celebrate Matson & Robinswood's creative skills on Sunday.
The Neighbourhood Projects throughout the city are in the process of merging into a new company. The new company is called GL Communities and the name reflects where it is based and what it wants to achieve. GL Communities will have its official launch sometime this year. GL Communities Matson offers a number of services from its offices at the Trinity Centre on Matson Avenue. The Trinity Centre is a PayPoint where can pay your gas, electric, rent and parking charges, council tax, some catalogue bills, water rates, telephone bills and TV licence. You can also buy credit for your mobile phone and pick up a new energy customer Smart Power Card. There is also a charity shop (recently moved from the Matson shopping parade) selling clothes and bric a brac and two advice workers on hand to help residents. The Trinity Centre is open Monday to Thursday 9.00am – 4.30pm and Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm. GL Communities Matson can be contacted on 01452 505544.
Gloucester City Homes will be holding a community event in Robinswood on Thursday 23rd April to identify issues of concern to local residents. In addition to this two community improvement days, known as Community Pride days, will be held shortly. On Tuesday 19th May a wild flower garden and hanging baskets created at The Lampreys. On Friday 5th June improvements will be made to the area surrounding the flats in Winnycroft Lane. Residents are very welcome to help out on the days and the local residents groups will also be there to help improve our community. Full details are yet to be confirmed, but more information will be available from Gloucester City Homes on 0800 408 2000.
More details on these events will follow in this column and will be available at www.matson-robinswood.org.uk (the Resident Association's website).
Matson Baptist Church will be holding a Community Arts Day on Saturday 25th April. Look out for further details in this column over the coming weeks.
The next meeting of Matson & Robinswood Community Partnership will take place on Tuesday 24th March, 7pm at Matson Baptist Church. This is the last meeting before the Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled for 19th May.
Together in Matson (TIM) are organising three coach trips during the Summer Holidays. The trips are subsidised by Matson & Robinswood Community Partnership to keep the costs as low as possible and places are available for up to one hundred people on each trip. One trip will cost £6 and the other two will cost £2.50 per person. An organiser and three staff will join the trips and there will be several pick up points throughout Matson & Robinswood. More details will follow shortly.
Up and down the country Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) play a vital role in addressing local concerns and providing a visible presence in our neighbourhoods. Our local PCSO's Chris, Hamid and Jeremy are no exception to this and offer help and support to residents. You can contact the PCSO's when they're on the beat, on their regular visits to places such as the After School Club and Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association or by calling 0845 090 1234.
The provisional results of Gloucestershire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership's 'Have Your Say' days are now available. Residents of Matson Avenue were surveyed over two days in December 2008. The news from this snapshot is very positive, proving that our community is a safe place to live. An action plan is being drawn up and will be presented to the Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association at its next meeting on Monday 6th April.
Matson & Robinswood Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) will hold its next meeting on Monday 9th March at 6pm. The meeting will be held at Matson Baptist Church and refreshments will be available from 5.50pm. On the agenda is the first draft of the Association's action and development plan, feedback and planned actions from the Gloucestershire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership's recent 'Have Your Say' event and Vision 21's planned local summer Fun Day.
The TRA will soon be launching a Living Memories project for Matson & Robinswood. We all have a story to tell and memories to share which will build a picture of local life as time goes by. With your help we hope to record and preserve for all time a spoken, written and photographic history. From the original online archive we hope the project will grow into displays, exhibitions and possibly local magazines. We would like to work in residential homes, community centres, lunch clubs, schools, colleges, church groups and anywhere else that people come together, talking to people about their lives and experiences including childhood, street scenes, work life, social life. We are keen to work with all sections of the community and encourage you to bring your photos and chat about your fond memories. The TRA can be contacted by phone on 01452 396094 or by email at mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk.
Streetgames sessions for people aged 8-16 continue to be held at Central Technology College every Wednesday afternoon between 4.30 and 6.30pm. Sessions are subsidised by Gloucester City Council and cost 50 pence each. All sessions are run by fully qualified, Criminal Records Bureau checked and first aid qualified sports coaches. You need to complete a booking form before the first session, but after this you can just turn up for the sessions you want to be involved in. For more information contact Morgana Lovell, Community Development Officer on 01452 396703.