The JPK Project

October 2011 Newsletter

Sponsored by Ann and Robert Lindsey

A Television series which showed the efforts of neighbours who banded together to restore their local churches was a “must see” for many viewers, including the Lady of the House and myself. It was our friend Peter who summed up the aspirations behind the various restoration efforts in a quote from Vista M Kelly: “Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together”. I doubt if any of these cheerful volunteers would have thought of themselves as snowflakes, but everyone who willingly lends a hand, whatever the project, makes the world a better place”.
The Friendship Book.

Many of you will have read The Eastbourne Herald, Friday, 30th September, where Juliet Perry wrote an article announcing, that after years of fundraising and searching for a suitable site for the JPK, many hurdles to overcome and failing, that our recent offer to purchase the Edgmond Evangelical Church in Church Street, Old Town for £600,000.00 had been accepted, subject to Contract and Planning Consent. We became aware of this site through Derek Kemp, CPL Architects, our architect partners, as the Vendors had not made their plans for co-locating with Frenchgate Christian Fellowship in Hampden Park, to become the Gateway Christian Centre, public knowledge.

Once the Vendors had undertaken their necessary valuations for the site, word spread ‘like wildfire’ and they did receive other offers to purchase, including a supermarket chain who wished to bid for the site! Edgmond Church, the Trustees and Members were leaving their site to undertake much needed work in the community but wished to leave a legacy behind them, which would serve the community, and they were unanimous in their decision for the JPK to purchase their site, as they believed the ethos, aims and objectives, would certainly meet these requirements. I understand that they did not even enquire from the supermarket chain as to what their bid might be! Edgmond Church have certainly given be back the ‘faith in human nature, that good can overcome greed and personal gain, to benefit the disadvantaged in our community’.

So folks, back to the snowflakes! Over the last 11 years we have gained the support of so many people and you ‘as snowflakes’ have all stood by us through thick and thin and together we have ‘stuck together’ to make the JPK happen. Thank you.

Jill Parker.

Progress Report: Edgmond Church Site

Having commenced preliminary negotiations with Edgmond Trustees it was necessary for us to undertake a site survey to establish as to whether our plans for the Supported Living Centre would fit on the site. We were reluctant to spend our hard sought finances on a whim, but it was considered essential for our architect and JPK to learn these facts before we could proceed. We were indeed fortunate to receive an offer from an anonymous donor who was willing to pay for the survey, whatever the outcome. It was good news and then Derek Kemp was able to draw up very draft plans.

Planning Department.

We made an appointment to visit the Senior Planning Officer of Eastbourne Borough Council to discuss our proposals and these were received very favourably with ‘no objections in principle to the Change of Use’. A few minor suggestions were made with regard to the design and additional parking spaces to be allowed for, but these were considered by Derek Kemp as being obtainable. Since then Derek and I have made a presentation on the JPK to the Trustees and Members of Edgmond and following their consultation, a unanimous decision was made for JPK to purchase their site.

Planning Consent.

Following a meeting of the JPK Finance and Business Sub Committee, we shall be authorising CPL Architects to commence a Planning Application, which will also activate a Quantity Surveyor who will be able to estimate the cost of the building works and the refurbishment. The latter is essential, as we are unable to major fundraise until the full costs are known.

Within the car park space it is our intention to build 16 ensuite Studio Apartments which will also allow for outside areas and parking spaces.

A further 8 flats are planned at the rear of the property, leading off Brightland Road, for people who can be more independent. However, they will be able to access the staff when required and the communal rooms.

The Church building and it’s ancillary rooms are hoped to remain and will become the Community Centre, with a Tea Room, Bakery and Kitchen and a Daisy Chain ‘up market’ charity shop. This will allow for the training and work experience part of the project and will be fully open to the public. The Offices for the Centre will be located here. The tenants will be able to access the communal rooms through inter-communicating corridors.

We believe this site will be ideal, as it is situated within the community, on a bus route, near Eastbourne Town Centre and Station and other close by amenities.

The plan:

Accomodation
- 16 En-suite Studio Apartments to allow for privacy and independence.
- 8 flatlets for more independent living
- Communal rooms – to allow for the building of friendships and comradeship
- Training in Independent living skills
- Fully staffed

Community Centre
The existing Church Building will be renovated to provide:
- Tea Rooms
- Bakery/Commercial Kitchen
- Daisy Chain Charity Shop

This area will allow for training and work experience in:
- Hospitality
- Catering
- Customer Relations
- Continued Learning
- Training towards employment
- Community Interaction

Trustees needed

We continue to seek for two further Trustees for the JPK, following the resignation earlier in the year of 2 of our most long standing Trustees, due to pressure of work. As the JPK now has the ability to move forward, we would welcome anyone with finance or business acumen and obviously with a commitment to help those people with a learning disability take their rightful places within the community and for them to be able to live independently.

JPK Project to be incorporated

The JPK has commenced proceedings for the charity to become Incorporated. This has been advised by our Solicitor and the necessary work is being undertaken.

Interactive DVD

The DVD has been completed and has already been distributed to potential Service Users of the JPK and their Parents/Carers. We have asked that recipients of the DVD fill in a Monitoring Form so that we can gauge as to whether it has been helpful and to ask for constructive criticism. The replies we have received to date have all been very positive.

Funding

The Sobell Foundation continues to pledge £50,000.00 which will be donated at the time of purchase of the land.

The Baily Thomas Charitable Trust continue to show an interest but require to know when we have a site before we are visited by their South East Representative. The time is approaching.

The WH&A Hawkins Trust continue to pledge £50,000.on con confirmation that we have received 50% of the capital required. This pledge is valid for two years.

Mrs M Bevan pledge of £5,000.00 on confirmation that we have achieved 50% of the capital costs.

Mr and Mrs R Bevan pledge of £5,000.00 following 50% capital raised.

The JPK once having established the capital costs for the project will be contacting their data base of interested Grant Making Trusts and will be commencing a major fundraising launch.

Financial status

The Bank Balances and Investments of the JPK stand as follows:

National Westminster Bank £23,053.51

Cafcash No 1 Account: £2,451.46

CAF Gold No 2 Account: £86,088.73

Nat West Bonus Saver Account: £251,100.22

CAF Scottish Widows £125,530.26

Total: ____________________________________£488,224.18

Fundraising

Rude Mechanicals Theatre Co

JPK, by kind permission of Guy Woodford held a Raffle at the Filching Manor performance and raised £147.

Italian Evening

Maureen and John Males hosted another excellent evening with the food being provided by Val and Ciro. £208 was raised.

Alfresco Dining and Auction with Live Music

Hosted by Maureen and John in the presence of The Mayor, Cllr Carolyn Heaps and her Escort for the evening Josh which proved to be a very successful evening. £1,606.69 was raised on the evening. This total was increased by Barclays Bank, through Hazel Males with £625 match funding and a further £750 from Legal and General, through Nicki Powell. A very big thank you to all our helpers and those that attended, QED for their music and especially to Maureen and John and their family.

The JPK Charity Golf Day

This event proved to be extremely successful at Willingdon Golf Club, thanks to Chris Rose and his Committee of Dave Hunt, Tony Field, John Bigsby, and Tony Hamilton for their organisational skills and to all the Helpers on the day. Our grateful thanks to The Mayor, Cllr Carolyn Heaps who opened the day by driving off the 1st Tee. Her ball went straight down the fareway and many a player would have been grateful for such a drive! An amazing £14,203.50 was raised on the day and following expenses £9,968.50 was presented to the JPK. Our grateful thanks must also go to everyone who participated during the day and gave so generously to the Raffles and Auction.

The Eastbourne Parachute Regiment

Once again they held their Annual BBQ at the home of Leonie and John Turner with the assistance of Margaret and Mavis and John-Paul. Everyone enjoyed the event and the proceeds of this event of £455.50 was donated to the JPK.

The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Hailsham Concert.

This proved to be a very enjoyable evening in the presence of the Mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Jeff Bentley-Astor. Our thanks to Julie and Hugh Bell who organised the event and to Michael Stumbles and the Musicians of Willingdon who performed for our entertainment. It is anticipated that £250 will have been raised from this event

Further donations received from

Di Chaffin J White
Avril and Nick Sargant Linda Collison
Maggie and Nick Clive-Matthews Patrick Parker
Cecily Scott Sylvia Westley
Margaret and Mavis Alan Clarke
Veronica Hall Edith Rixon
Joan Sneddon Millis Miller
Rene Wicking Julie Dunford
Mr and Mrs Hewlett Tim Dunford
Terry Message MI Fusiarska
Geof Brain Sue Smith
Jenny Frampton Mrs R Isles
Jackie Bevan Mrs D Bailey
LM Bailey Leonie and John Turner
Lynley Jewellers Betty Part
Dr and Mrs D Watson Mr and Mrs Ranger
Wendy Devonshire RC Geall
Brenda Kitchen

Future fundraising events for your diaries

Quiz Night at the Windsor Club, Windsor Way, Polegate. Saturday, 8th October at 7.30pm. Entrance £5 per person. Tickets on the night.

Dinner and Musical Evening with Maureen and John Males. The Bourne Singers will be making an appearance. Saturday, 22nd October at 7pm at the Cottage, Dittons Road, Polegate. Tickets £6. Please contact Jill on 01323 486179 if you would like to attend.

Posh Frocks and Canapes with Maureen and John Males. Saturday, 19th November at 7pm.

Concentus Chorale, A Celebration of Christmas. Saturday, 10th December at 7.30pm St Leonards Church, Seaford.

Concentus Chorale. A Celebration of Christmas. Saturday, 17th December St Saviours Church, Eastbourne at 7.30pm.

Tickets for both the above from Evelyn Smith on 01323 643358.

Used postage stamps

Thank you all for continuing to collect used postage stamps and to Isobel and John Davies for preparing them and sending them off. Another batch is due to be sent off shortly. These can be sent or delivered to 5 Mortimer Gardens, Polegate or to Jill at 7 Wannock Avenue.

Recycle4Charity

Thank you for continuing to collect your used ink cartridges and mobile phones. We are grateful to Jenny Frampton who organises this for us. We can collect them or you can deliver to Jill.

Wheel Chair Watch

The East Sussex Wheelchair User Group was formed in February. Wheel Chair Watch is its web forum. It can be viewed by anyone and is currently postings the recommendations made by the recent LINK review of the Wheelchair Service.

The Group invite E. Sussex Wheelchair Users to comment on www.thecountylink.net.

The Group plans to work in partnership with the NHS to improve the service for everyone and Wheelchair Watch now provides an easy way for wheelchair users to participate in discussion. Contact: Shirley McCall 01323 507034

Would you, as a disabled person, like to have a say in how services are developed and delivered in East Sussex?

The Disabled People’s Participation group is a collective database of individuals who are disabled people or have an interest in disability issues. The group takes part in consultations and have participated in activities on a range of issues.

If you are interested in becoming a member or would like further information, contact Disabled Peoples Participation Group, ESDA, 1 Farday Close, Eastbourne, BN22 9BH.

Consultation on the Car Blue Badge Scheme

There is a consultation taking place on changes to the Blue Car Badge Scheme from 1012. The consultation will close on the 26th October 2011. The Government is looking to make changes to this scheme to make it fairer and more consistent. ESCC would like to hear your views as a user of the scheme and carers for people who use the scheme regarding the local proposals.

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/consultation/2011/bluebadge’default.htm

Epsom Stylus Photo Edition C8 printer cartridges up for grabs

We have been donated 4 Black, 1 yellow and 1 Magenta Ink Cartridges for an Epsom Stylus Photo Edition C86 Printer which are surplus to requirements. If these would be useful to you, please let me know and you can have them for a small donation. Contact Jill 01323 486179