"The purpose of getting power is to be able to give it away. "
Aneurin Bevan
Working together for a safer, cleaner and stronger neighbourhood.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Come and get a glimpse of the world of digital - PART #2
Don’t miss the chance to see a new exhibition of digital art and media work on display at The Forum over the next few weeks. Work created by local emerging talent during Signal Films workshops in 2009-10 will be open to the public in The Forum’s exhibition area until the end of June.
Media Adventures youth campaign (Friday 4th-Tuesday 15th June)
A youth media campaign created by local 13-19 year olds will be making a splash at the Forum in June. The eye-catching work is part of a year-long ‘Routes & Shoots’ project which addresses youth issues in new and engaging ways. The campaign consists of posters, animations and photography created to inspire and encourage local young people to get out and about, enjoy the areas assets such as beautiful landscapes and to try new things.
As well as displays at The Forum, you can expect to see their colourful campaign around Barrow from the end of May, featuring in local bus stops, shop fronts and Barrow’s train station amongst other venues!
The group decided on their campaign logo which features the two 'Bs' from ‘beyond boundaries’ in the shape of a butterfly after Peter (14 yrs) said the group research trip to Gummers Howe had made him “Feel free and like he could do anything”.
The young people have been developing the ideas and brand for the campaign with Kendal based graphic designer and Creative Director of Lavahouse, Steve Scott. He said of the project “Working with these young people has been an inspiring experience for me and I have been extremely impressed by the talent and vision that these young people from Barrow have.”
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Men's Health Week
The eighth annual Men’s Health Week commences on Monday 14th June. The theme this year is physical activity. Physical activity can improve all aspects of health, from relieving stress and anxiety to losing weight, reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and improving sexual performance. If it came in the form of a pill, we'd all be asking for it. Yet too many men are now physically inactive.
Nationally the Week has 3 main aims;
• To encourage more men to be physically active
• To improve male participation in sport
• To develop the potential of sports settings for delivering health services and campaigns to men
Locally, Barrow Borough Council, through the Park Leisure Centre, in partnership with Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are co-ordinating a series of events and activities aimed at increasing participation and entry into exercise.
Different activities will be running all week, kicking off with an open day at the Park Leisure Centre on Monday 14 June. During this time men will be able to swim for free (between 12-1.30) and play badminton. Also, men will be able have a tour of the facilities – gym, studio, sports hall etc. – and sample some of the opportunities available. There will also be a health fair running in the Leisure Centre Café during the afternoon, providing information on a variety of health issues such as stopping smoking, alcohol awareness and there will also be the opportunity to have your blood pressure checked.
In addition, a series of led walks will be running over the course of the week taking in different parts of the town, each lasting between 30-60 minutes.
If golf is your bag, you can take advantage of some free group coaching at Furness Golf Centre provided by PGA qualified professional, Paul Rawlinson, you will need to buy a bucket of balls however. Furness Golf Centre are also, very generously, offering a round on the par 3 course (9 holes) free, on production of a voucher.
The free golf is one of several offers which are redeemable on production of a magic voucher. Furness Golf Centre, The Park Leisure Centre, Barrow Park and Dalton Leisure Centre are all offering very generous promotions. For the duration of the Week any man signing up to the gym at the Park Leisure Centre will not have to pay the £17.50 joining fee on production of the voucher.
Dalton Leisure Centre are extending their offers for 2 weeks and they include 1 free gym induction (booking required) 1 free aerobics taster, 3 free gym sessions and 3 free swims.
Also, Barrow Park is offering free crown green bowling, again on production of the voucher.
So where do you get hold of one of these magic vouchers? Firstly you have to register with the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation - http://www.cumbriapartnership.nhs.uk/become-a-member.htm - for free and you will be emailed your voucher (only available to residents of Barrow Borough.)
Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist health services including mental health, learning disability and drug and alcohol across the whole of Cumbria.
They work together with a range of other agencies, including Adult and Cultural Services and Children's Services, which are run by Cumbria County Council, to provide community and hospital based services.
They have been a Foundation Trust since October 2007 which allows them more freedom to decide how they deliver services locally, and make them accountable to the local community through their members and governors. For more information contact Linda Coutts on 01539 816169.
There has never been a better time to start, you are never too young or too old, so get your voucher and get involved.
For more information contact Mike Otto, Barrow Borough Council Health Improvement Officer, on 01229 876496 or mwotto@barrowbc.gov.uk
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Friday, 21 May 2010
Cumbria Constabulary announces overall drop in county’s crime
Cumbria Constabulary’s year end performance figures have revealed that there were over 2,500 less victims of crime in Cumbria during 2009-10 compared to the previous year.
Overall crime in Cumbria fell by 8.8 per cent from April 2009 – March 2010 compared to the same period in 2008/09. This equates to 2,722 less victims of crime.
The figures also show that officers have successfully reduced Cumbrian communities’ top priority, anti-social behaviour, by 8.4 per cent after officers received 3,416 less calls for service from concerned residents.
In the same period, violent crime reduced by 5.6 per cent, all vehicle crime fell by 14.2 per cent and criminal damage reduced by 17.4 per cent. The Constabulary’s overall crime detection rates remain consistent at 39.5 per cent.
Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “Our year end figures demonstrate that Cumbria Constabulary has continued to perform well which is a reflection of the quality of officers and staff who are dedicated to serving the people of Cumbria.
“I feel privileged to work in a police force that has such a high calibre of committed officers and staff who have worked incredibly hard over the last twelve months to improve the quality of life for each and every one of our communities- despite some very real challenges.
“Alongside the reduction in crime in Cumbria, I’m encouraged to see that over the last year, we have witnessed an increase of nineteen reports of serious sexual offences which demonstrates the growing level of trust and confidence our communities have in our ability to tackle serious violent crime.
“We are committed to building on our success year upon year and will always strive to deliver an even better service so that our communities can remain confident in our high standards of policing. Engaging with the people of Cumbria to hear their thoughts and ideas on what needs to be addressed in their local area will remain our focus over the coming year. We want local residents to get to know and understand how their neighbourhoods are being policed and attend our regular Safer Stronger Community meetings to have a say on how we use our resources to make their area safer and more pleasant to live.”
Ray Cole, the Chairman of Cumbria Police Authority, the policing ‘watchdog’ for Cumbria said: “The Police Authority welcomes and acknowledges the high level of performance achieved by all members of the Constabulary over the last twelve months. The dedication and professionalism of the officers has built on the excellent results of previous years. It is especially pleasing to see that there has been another significant reduction in the number of victims of crime. Incidents of anti-social behaviour, identified by our local communities as being of their greatest concern, have been considerably reduced. This is undoubtedly one of the main reasons that public confidence in Cumbria Constabulary is so high and that our County is one of the safest in which to reside.
“In recent years the Police Authority has made a substantial investment in the Constabulary and this, together with the Authority's careful scrutiny of the Constabulary's performance, has contributed to these positive results. The challenge now is to maintain this level of performance in the difficult economic times that lie ahead."
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Publication - 'The Art of Influence'
Volunteer opportunities - Green Heart Den
Marsh Street Arches & Garden CIC - Garden Caretaker
Description - Marsh Street Arches & Garden require a caretaker for the local garden. Duties will include securing the garden, general caretaking duties including the opening and closing of the community garden.
Skills/Qualifications
No specific skills or qualifications required.
For further information about the above post or if you have any requirements could you please contact Lisa Millard on 01229 823144 or Email: lisam@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Marsh Street Arches & Garden CIC - Gardener
Description - A volunteer gardener required 2 hours a week, tasks include weeding, grass cutting, mulching, general tidying, litter picking and basic garden maintenance.
Skills/Qualifications
No formal skills or qualifications required.
For further information about the above post or if you have any requirements could you please contact Lisa Millard on 01229 823144 or Email: lisam@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Marsh Street Arches & Gardens CIC/HR/Admin Support
Description - A varied and challenging role which includes assisting with volunteer recruitment, implementation of Marsh Street Arches & Gardens CIC's Policies and procedures and assisting the existing admin persons where necessary.
Skills/Qualifications
A previous background in Human Resources, would suit an individual who has retired or is unable to work and wants to make use of their time and knowledge.
A previous background in Human Resources, would suit an individual who has retired or is unable to work and wants to make use of their time and knowledge.
For further information about the above post or if you have any requirements could you please contact Lisa Millard on 01229 823144 or Email: lisam@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Barrow Funding Fair Wednesday 16th June 2010
The next in the annual round of 'Funding Fairs' is due to take place on Wednesday 16th June 2010 at Forum 28, Duke Street, Barrow from 9.45am – 2.30 pm.
Bookings will be taken through Cumbria CVS, Barrow office: 01229 823144 or email: barrow@cumbriacvs.org.uk.
Monday, 17 May 2010
Come and get a glimpse of the world of digital
Don’t miss the chance to see a new exhibition of digital art and media work on display at The Forum over the next few weeks. Work created by local emerging talent during Signal Films workshops in 2009-10 will be open to the public in The Forum’s exhibition area from 21st May through until the end of June.
Classics vs. Futurists (Friday 21st-Saturday 29th May)
Works on show include a digital art exhibition which showcases 3D imagery, animations and moving image created with visiting practitioner, Alt-w award-winning artist Emma Tolmie (www.emmatolmie.co.uk). Working with Emma the artists mixed low-tech gadgetry and high-tech imagery to create striking pieces which explore the relationship between traditional art and culture and the modern digital era.
The art workshops were run as part of Signal Films “Digital ReGeneration” project, which offers opportunities in using digital technologies creatively.
Local artists who took part commented: “A new world has opened for me.” (Gillian Nicholson, Barrow)
“I’ve learnt not to be afraid to try, test and experiment – community activities like this are vital.” (Claire Fryer, Kendal)
“I’ve enjoyed seeing my ideas and visions come to life through digital media.” (Nadine Baxter-Smallwood, Lancaster).
The Zircus comes to town ...
The circus is back in town - FREE shows planned for Barrow Town Centre and Barrow Park.
Visit http://www.lakesalive.org/ for more info.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Thought for the week
"You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing."
'Sweet Memories' at Barrow Library
'Sweet Memories' at Barrow Library.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Exciting job opportunity for a young person - Signal Films
Paid Position: Signal Films is seeking to recruit a Production Assistant
This vacancy is open to any Cumbrian young person (18-24ys) who is registered unemployed under the Future Jobs Fund Scheme.
You will be based in our Barrow office, supporting the team in producing films and delivering a range of exciting film and media projects.
Six month post with potential for continuation.
For more information contact us at info@signalfilms.co.uk or call 01229 839983.
The fund especially seeks to assist long-term unemployed young people.
Interviews for the post will take place on Wednesday 26th May.
FREE Bank Holiday Fun!
FREE Bank Holiday fun at the Dock Museum on Monday 31 May 2010.
All welcome - go along and join in the fun!
Click on the image to enlarge.
Adult Learners Week - starts 17th May 2010
Adult Learners Week at Barrow Libraries starts 17 May 2010.
Get involved!
Click on the image to enlarge.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Thought for the week
"... indifference is a powerful force in history. It operates passively but effectively."
Guiseppe Fiori.