Coombe Farm and Tovil Development Group
Several years ago a number of people who work within the Coombe Farm and Tovil area came together to try to improve the amenities that are available for the local residents. The initial trigger was the new community centre that is to be built to replace the Children’s Hut on Courtenay Road, and the new Archbishop Courtenay School that is to be built on Eccleston Road to replace the old buildings in the town and Tovil.
The partners include representatives from the school, Kent County Council, Kent Police, Maidstone Borough Council, Maidstone Housing Trust and Hyde Housing, Maidstone YMCA, Tovil Parish Council, NHS West Kent, and local borough and county councillors.
The first task was to assess what was already available, and a detailed audit was carried out. The partners then carried out a public consultation, when over 4,000 homes were leafleted and events held at the Hut, both sites of the school and at College Road Doctors Surgery. Everyone was encouraged to come and have their say.
The new builds are still some time away, so it was decided to try to get some of the activities that residents had requested up and running as soon as possible. Successes to date have included a Parent and Toddler Group, a Bonfire Night party, and an English class for adults from ethnic minorities. Healthy Walks have also been established, and the local Police Community Support Officer has run a number of football tournaments during the school holidays.
One of the problems facing the partners is the current lack of suitable buildings where community activities can be run. The long term aim of the Group is that the Tovil site of the school should be purchased and dedicated to community use.
Archbishop Courtenay School
This is a Church of England primary school currently operating on 2 sites – Infants in Tovil, and Juniors at the Town site. Work is now starting on Eccleston Road, and everyone is excited by the prospect of having everything on one site, and the possibilities that a new building will bring. Despite the problems of a split site and old buildings, the school provides a safe, supportive and happy environment for all its pupils, and a whole range of clubs and activities. A Parent and Toddler Group is run in the school Hall at Tovil on Wednesday mornings.
The school Community Group works with the other local organizations on events. They also organize their own, such as summer fairs, fashion shows and quizzes.
For more information or to arrange a visit please contact the school on 01622 754894/ 01622 754666, or visit the web site www.archbisopcourtenay.org.uk
A Pre-school also operates in the grounds of the school in Tovil. Morning sessions are from 9.00 a.m. until 11.30 a.m., and afternoon sessions are from 12.30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Children may stay all day, and are then provided with lunch. For more information please contact the Manager on 01622 754894
Maidstone Housing Trust
Maidstone Housing Trust is in the process of carrying out a major regeneration scheme on the Coombe Farm Estate comprising the most of Coombe Road. 60 new homes have now been completed and tenants have moved in. Work has now started on the second phase and these properties will be handed over towards the end of 2009. A third phase will then complete the scheme.
153 new homes in total will be provided, replacing 117 existing houses.
The Community Development Team from the Trust support resident involvement in the area and work with a number of partners to deliver events and activities that residents have told them they are interested in being involved in. Anyone wanting to become involved in community activities can contact the Community Development Team on freephone 0800 923 2700
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The Tovil Lighthouse Club
The Club is run fortnightly on Saturday mornings 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Children’s Hut on Courtenay Road. It is open to all primary school age children and is free. Activities include games, crafts, music, quizzes and bible stories. A snack is provided. It aims to provide fun for everyone. All you need do is turn up! Dates for this term are 6th and 20th June, and the 4th and 18th July.
Hannah, aged 6, says “ It’s fun and I really like the crafts, specially when we make things out of boxes.”
For more information please contact the Life Church on Brewer Street: 01622 757095.
Healthy Walks
Another recent initiative is the weekly Health Walk, which takes place every Thursday. This sets off from the Post Office in Church Street at 1.30 p.m. and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Depending on the weather it explores different circular routes, like South Park, Fant Nature Reserve and Maidstone Town Centre.
One of the walkers said “I didn’t know that Tovil has such lovely green spaces. I really like the walks because I get to meet new people and have a good chat”
For more information contact Paula Hubens on 07740 899959 or email p.hubens@btcv.org.uk
Hyde Housing
The new flats and houses in Eccleston Road are a development of Hyde Housing and are a mixture of general needs, shared owner and market rent. They have been completed for just over a year and have proved popular. Resident Clare Jordan comments “We moved in a year ago and are pleased with the flat. We have had washing lines put in as a resident initiative and there is a bike shed. We would like to see the bin store closed in more as we have suffered from fly-tipping”. The housing officer is looking into the problem, and is also hoping to consult with residents to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Tovil Parish Council
Tovil Parish Council is organizing the annual fete to be held on Saturday August 29th from noon, at Bridge Mill Way Open Space, also known as Stampers Park.
The partnership approach adopted by the Development group is helping to deliver Tovil Community Plan
Events
The partners have got together to fund and organize a coach trip to the Rare Breeds Centre during half term week. They have also run a Graffiti Art project for the young people.
Other forthcoming events include Up Rockin at the Skate Park on June 27th, including a Soap Box Obstacle Race, a Bar B Q on the 25th July, and another Bonfire Party in November.
For more information about the work of Coombe Farm and Tovil Development Group please contact Councillor Mike FitzGerald; 01622 743270, mikefitzgerald@maidstone.gov.uk