The JPK Project

Gift aid

We are grateful to David Watson who undertakes our reclaims on Gift Aid. We are shortly to receive our last two years reclaims from those that have indicated and signed our Gift Aid Forms. It is really worth doing for us, so anyone who makes a donation and pays tax, please request a Gift Aid Form from Jill 01323 486179.

Public liability and trustee insurance

The JPK continues to be insured by Ecclesiastical Insurance Co.

Our grateful thanks to you all for your faith and support in our endeavours to provide the JPK Supported Living Centre for people with a learning disability in Eastbourne and for the surrounding areas. It has been a ‘long haul’ but we are now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

‘It is good to set our sights on achieving, no matter how difficult the project may at first appear. The words of President John F Kennedy fit that goal perfectly. “Only those who dare to fail greatly, can achieve greatly”. It’s a thought that is well worth remembering.”
The Friendship Book

We have done all the failing and we are now moving towards the achieving. Together we shall succeed.

January 2011 Newsletter

I once heard this story about John Wesley, incidentally one of my ancestors! It seems he was walking along a country lane with a friend who had many problems. The man said he couldn’t see the way ahead, or even think which way to turn.

Wesley paused and drew his friend’s attention to the thick hedge beside them. It was impossible to see through it and yet they were able to look over it. This was the only solution in a difficult situation, he explained.

If we can see a distant horizon or a glimpse of blue sky, it’s easier to deal with our troubles. So, when you can’t see through the hedge surrounding you, look over it!
The Friendship Book January 10th.

As we move forward into another year, I am looking back on 2010, which could be seen as a disappointing year, with no progress in obtaining vacant possession on our identified site at Ocklynge Chalk Pit and it might appear that we are no further forward in developing our much needed Supported Living Centre for people with a learning disability who are in dire need of finding a home of their own or assisting in giving peace of mind to their parents and carers.

However, I can honestly say, that it is not due to the lack of effort on behalf of the Trustees of the JPK but due to external forces beyond our control, namely the lack of ‘in principal’ support from Adult Social Care, East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and the reluctance of ESCC to vacate the site.

However, we are delighted with the continued support of the local community and those further afield which gives us the encouragement to battle on with our endeavours. As Maria Von Trapp or it may have been the Mother Superior in the Sound of Music said, “when one door closes another opens” as over the Christmas period we learnt of another site which could be ideal for our requirements being cheaper and quicker to build and which would have none of the conditions attached.

So after the last few years of, ‘not being able to see through the hedge’, we are now looking over it and hopefully seeing a ‘new horizon with blue skies’.

A happy New Year to us all.

Jill Parker.

January 2011 Newsletter contents:
Progress report: Ocklynge Chalk Pit
Finance and management compliance
JPK Project brochure/DVD
Funding update
Financial status
Fundraising update
Membership/Newsletter
Meetings
Talks
Joint Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy for 2010-13. “Stronger Voices Bigger Ideas”
Gift Aid

Progress report: Ocklynge Chalk Pit

Since our October Newsletter there has been no further progress with regard to gaining Vacant Possession on Ocklynge Chalk Pit.

It is our understanding that ESCC Estates Dept had informed Sussex Downs College (SDC) in October 2010 that they ‘had commenced looking at all their properties and within this they want to challenge the configuration of their depots. In this context they will again explore the potential to vacate the chalk pit’.

This proposal was put to ESCC at a meeting convened by Nigel Waterson at the beginning of 2010 and at that time, they did not consider this as an option! The Trustees responded to SDC that they were encouraged with this news, but would require some concrete progress by the 31st December.

The Trustees having not received any communication by the 5th January requested an update from SDC. ESSC say: “The review of our accommodation and premises related to costs has not yet concluded. We continue to look for opportunities to vacate the chalk pit site and have also explored potential with Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) but so far no viable alternative has been found.”

We also learnt that Gilda Crescent, Polegate which Adult Social Care, ESCC had earmarked for Supported Living Accommodation for people with a learning disability had become surplus to their requirements and therefore the JPK investigated as to whether they could purchase this site. Apparently, plans had already been formulated for Saxon Weald Homes Ltd to purchase the site in conjunction with Eastbourne Housing and the Care element to be provided by ESCC. We were informed by Cllr Bentley that the JPK did not fit with the current models for supported living and therefore the JPK could not be considered with this venture!

It is our understanding that the model we are proposing for the JPK certainly fits the criteria for what parents and carers and those with a learning disability would aspire to and therefore, we are not considering lowering our standards merely to gain the ‘in principal’ support of Adult Social Care. If the new site becomes available we believe we can develop the JPK without the support of any statutory partners.

Some 15 or so years ago Government made a declaration that Special Education should be integrated within mainstream schools. For people with a severe learning disability we, as parents and carers, believed that this would be inappropriate and would be detrimental to the education of mainstream pupils and those with a learning disability. We believed that Co Location should be adopted. Baroness Warnock who initiated the Integration policy, some 10 years later, admitted that Government had made a mistake and that Co Location was the way forward. Unfortunately, many pupils fell by the wayside during this period. It is more than likely that in several years time the ‘current model’ for supported living as driven currently by local government will have thought to have been a mistake and how many people will have suffered with inadequate support and provision? Can we risk that for our dependent loved ones?

As stated in my editorial, we have recently heard of another site within the conurbation of Eastbourne, through our Architect Partners and although it is very early days in the investigating and negotiating process, but we are hopeful that this could be an exciting and optimistic start to the New Year.

Finance and management compliance

The Finance and Business Sub Committee to the Board of Trustees met in October 2010.

Much discussion took place on the lack of progress with regard to the vacant possession issue and it looked at any ways the JPK could incorporated the depot on the site. It was thought that a further Planning Application would have to be submitted and a new Lease would have to be drawn up. In all, this was not considered an ideal way forward but might have to be considered if no progress had been made by the end of the year.

It was agreed that Incorporation of the Charity should be considered and that we would convene a meeting with our Solicitor.
It was agreed, that due to the lack of progress in purchasing the land that more funds should be placed in longer term investments. This has been activated.

JPK Project brochure / DVD

The Information Brochure continues to be circulated to all interested parties and at fundraising events and is considered by all to be very informative and useful.

The Interactive DVD has taken a ‘back seat’ due to recent events but we shall be moving forward with this shortly and will inform all those that wished to be involved very shortly.

Funding update

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

The Baily Thomas Charitable Trust. We are awaiting a visit from their South East Representative when Vacant Possession has been established or when any further progress has been made.

The WH & A Hawkins Trust continue to pledge £50,000.00 on confirmation that we have achieved 50% of the capital required. This pledge will last for 3 years.

Mrs M Bevan. Pledge of £5,000.00 following 50% of capital obtained.

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

Financial status

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

National Westminster Bank: £6,455.27

Caf Gold Account: £78,930.89

CafCash Account: £1,509.53

Birmingham Midshires: £125,000.00

Nat West Fixed Bond: £250,000.00

Total: £461,895.69

Pledges: £110,000.00

You will note that the balances are less this quarter due to the payment of outstanding Fees to CPL Architects.

Fundraising update

The Wedding of Julie and Tim Dunford.

On the 21st November at a family gathering Julie and Tim presented the JPK with their amazing cheque for £5,150.00 which was raised from their generosity of spirit in requesting donations for the JPK rather than receiving Wedding Presents. We are extremely grateful to Julie and Tim and to their families and friends for their generosity, and wish them every happiness in their future lives together.

Trafalgar Night.

Hosted by Maureen and John Males and supported by Patrick Parker was a great success and raised £221.

Cheese and Wine Evening.

This was organised by Veronica Archer and Julie Paul and proved to be a very enjoyable event. The event raised £815.00. Our grateful thanks to Veronica and Julie for undertaking this event on our behalf and our thanks to all those that donated raffle prizes and attended which made it so successful.

Concentus Chorale Christmas Concert, St Leonards Church, Seaford.

An excellent Concert by the Choir was performed in the presence of his Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Seaford, with a retiring collection to the JPK of £223.78.

Concentus Chorale also performed in the Arndale Centre on Sunday, 12th December and raised a further £183.26.

Concentus Chorale also undertook Carol Singing around the streets and hostelries in Old Town and raised an amazing £253.60.

Regretfully, their further Concert on 18th December had to be cancelled due to the inclement weather at that time, but do not be dismayed, as they have postponed the event until Saturday, 15th January, for those of you that already have tickets and for those that couldn’t make it before Christmas, you still have the opportunity to attend a memorable and very enjoyable concert. Tickets and availability from Evelyn on 643358.

Recycle4charity.

A further £20.25 has been received from Jenny Frampton. Our grateful thanks to Jenny who co-ordinates the collection of used cartridges and mobile phones and to Ratton School for their support.

Do you know of any Companies or Firms who would collect their used cartridges for us, rather than placing them in landfill? It all makes a difference.

Willingdon Triangle Christmas Evening Raffle.

The JPK were once again invited to hold a Raffle at this event by Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council. £58 was raised in a mere two hour period. Our grateful thanks to everyone who supported this event.

Eastbourne Arndale Centre, Win a Car Charity Draw.

We were extremely privileged to be chosen once again to participate at this event. £443 was raised on our day and we are extremely grateful to all those that helped to man the table and to everyone who purchased tickets. We are especially grateful to members of Concentus Chorale for swelling the number of helpers.

Further donations have been received from:

Mrs and Mrs J Ledger Mr AE Bebbington
Lady Harris of Highcross Ray Verrall
Harrietsham Parochial Church Council Sue Harvey
Sue Smith M Fusiarska
Julie and Tim Dunford Avril Sargant
Val Terry Message
Coral Packham Mrs D Bailey
Victoria Baptist Church Eleni Soares
Jill Parker Millis Miller
Sue Wyatt Shirley Gorman
Peg and Cliff Hewlett Sylvia Westley
Evelyn Houghton Mr and Mrs R Fuller
Katie and John Parker Mrs R Iles
Jackie Bevan Mr Ron Penn
Margaret and Mavis Langford-Noakes Pam and Jen
Sidlesham Parochial Church Council Lorraine Lake
Maggie and Nick Clive-Matthews John Riddick

We are also grateful to our ‘friends’ who continue to donate their Membership through Standing Orders and to those that donate on a regular basis. Also to Jan Guthrie who supports our efforts through her weekly article in Down Your Way, Eastbourne Gazette and in many other ways. You give us so much encouragement.

I should like to make a special mention to Eleni Soares. She is a school girl, living locally and has a very special brother. During 2010 she has been fundraising on a regular basis for the JPK by baking biscuits and cakes and making home made jams. All these, plus plants, she sells at various venues and her school Summer Fete. She encourages her friends to help on her stalls. She has told me that her best money earning idea was selling water balloons to the school children who love throwing them at each other for 10p a go!!!! Her latest donation was for £36. Thank you Eleni, carry on the good work.

Fundraising: Concentus Chorale postponed Christmas Concert

Saturday, 15th January at St Saviour’s and St Peter’s Church, Eastbourne, South Street, at 7.30pm. Tickets and availability from Evelyn on 643358.

Fundraising: Used postage stamps

Isobel and John Davies are continuing to collect and sort used stamps. No doubt you have collected many over the festive period, so get them over to 15 Mortimer Gardens, Wannock, Polegate, BN26 5PS or to Jill at 7 Wannock Avenue, Willingdon, BN20 9RP.

If you haven’t started collecting, now is a good time to start!!! Every little helps and the more we collect the better the return.

Fundraising: JPK polo shirts

These are still available to purchase at cost for £8.20p. We believe it looks good to be in corporate colours at fundraising events. It was very firmly pointed out to me that I had forgotten to wear mine at the Win a Car Charity Draw! Oooops!

Membership / Newsletter

Thank you to our Friends and Volunteers for their continued support and for your Annual Subscriptions of £10 which helps towards the postage and stationary costs. Thank you to all those who are paying by Standing Order. Thank you to those of you who have said they are happy to receive the Newsletter by email. We are still happy to send or hand deliver to those that would prefer this format.

I hope you find the Newsletter interesting and informative. If anyone has any suggestions on improvements, we should be happy to have your suggestions, as long as your ideas do not tax my computer abilities!

As we move into 2011 I should like thank Ann and Robert Lindsay for their continuing assistance in putting together the News letter, addressing the envelopes and posting or delivering those that live close by. They also donate the envelopes, as they didn’t like the ones that I used to supply!!! My grateful thanks.

Meetings

I continue to attend various statutory meetings which include:

• Learning Disability Parents Carers Forum
• Learning Disability Carer’s Focus Group
• Linden Court Forum
• The Learning Disability Network
• Disability Involvement Group (DIG)
• ESCC Providers Forum
• AV3 Chairs Forum
• NHS Hospital Parents Forum (been invited to attend but haven’t been called to a meeting as yet!)

Many of the above groups are local government led which sometimes questions the validity of attending such meetings and as to whether the voluntary sector makes any difference. However, we believe it important to attend these meetings to learn of forthcoming strategies and to have the opportunity to have ‘our say’. Whether this makes any difference is somewhat debatable!

Talks by Jill Parker

I continue to be available to talk on the JPK to any Group or Organisation when requested. I recently spoke to Victoria Baptist Church and was given a very warm welcome.

Last year I also spoke to a local group of people with a learning disability called Bridge Builders on the subject of the JPK. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, where all the participants showed great interest in our proposals and asked many relevant questions. I am to visit them again this month to receive a cheque from their fundraising activities on our behalf.

Joint Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy for 2010-13. “Stronger Voices Bigger Ideas”

ESCC welcome your views and comments on this strategy by 21st January. As usual we are being given plenty of time to respond!

Copies of the Strategy can be found on the ESCC website at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/have your say. Hard copies can be requested from Philip Pragnell on 01273 482052.

Adult Social Care “Managing the Community Care Budget”.

ESCC are considering making changes to the eligibility criteria that they currently use to decide who receives Adult Social Care support. They wish for your views.

To take part with an online survey email East_Sussex_LINK@mail.vresp.com or email community care budget@eastsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01273 481565 for further information, as to how to participate.

At present there are 4 Bandings, namely Low, Moderate, Substantial and Critical. This is really important as they are looking to focus their support on the ‘critical’ banding level only. This obviously is a cost cutting exercise and should the new guidelines to be implemented it will have an effect on all of us.