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Over 100 Wivenhoe Society members listened to a talk by Annemarie Naylor of Locality at The Nottage on Thursday evening about the possibilities of the Community Right to Bid. This is a key component in the government’s Localism Act allowing local groups to manage community assets. The relevance for Wivenhoe is the possibility of Essex County Council wanting to pass on the responsibility for running the Phillip Road Centre.

In her role as Head of Assets at Locality, Annemarie is well placed to understand and explain what can at first appear to be a complex piece of legislation. She started off by explaining how Locality is a social enterprise that seeks to support communities that are ambitious to take ownership:

“There is a keen appetite for this in Wivenhoe.”

The Wiv Soc members then heard how My Community Rights is the main platform for help that Locality is able to offer communities wishing to explore the Localism Act. The Right to Build was briefly explained, as well as the Right to Challenge.

Of key interest in Wivenhoe however is the Asset Transfer and Community Right to Bid. This then became the main focus for the hour-long session.

Annemarie explained:

“Asset Transfer has been around since 2001. It allows local authorities to pass on assets at less than market value. These can be handed over to any local group for social, economic or environmental purposes.”

Hastings Pier was offered as one of the most ambitious projects that Annemarie has worked on to date. An £11m investment is behind the community project to help regenerate the area.

The Nottage audience then heard a little more about the reasons behind the Asset Transfer idea. As local authorities continue to manage the central government cuts, keeping hold of their assets can be a drain on the public purse. It may be better for castles, swimming pools or museums to be taken on by the community, rather than lost to the private sector.

The very nature of localism however dictates that different areas will have different experiences. Annemarie helped to maintain the enthusiasm at the Nottage, although added in a little hyperlocal perspective:

“Essex County Council has a policy of one off deals. The most valuable asset that has been released so far is only to the value of £50,000. Colchester Borough Council is even more resistant right now. The Council hasn’t got its head around how to let go. Asset Transfer is the best route, but it is hard.”

The best route reference is that you are getting something for nothing. The local authority owned facility becomes a cash drain in the Town Hall. Offloading it to the community often at a token £1 asking price, saves the council cash as well as keeping it within the community.

But what if the asset is currently owned by the private sector?

This is where the Community Right to Bid comes in. Annemarie outlined how this part of the Localism Act allows communities to have a clear run to put together a market value bid for any asset in the community, before it goes on the private market.

But how do you define an asset of community value?

“These are buildings or outdoor spaces that promote social wellbeing or social interest.”

Quite a broad definition, and one that is open to interpretation by any innovative community…

“You need to nominate these to your local authority. Twenty residents need to sign the nomination form. If the asset meets the requirements of the Act, CBC is compelled to place it on the Right to Bid list where it will remain for a further five year period.

If at any time the owner then wants to sell, the nominees have to be notified. This triggers a six-month window of opportunity to raise the finances and compete in the open market. You need a business plan and sustainability. £19m of funding is in place. Plus you can look at options such at the Heritage Lottery Fund or the Big Lottery Fund.”

Finance is key here for any ambitious hyperlocal community. The window of opportunity only buys you time. Your asset is still prone to the usual free market overheads and liabilities.

The Nottage meeting then heard from Cllr Bob Needham:

“On behalf of Wivenhoe Town Council I have attempted to register assets with Colchester Borough Council. They require additional information. Wivenhoe Town Council is attempting to co-ordinate efforts on behalf of the town. We have called an open meeting at the Town Council office at 11am on 30th January.”

By this date it is hoped that CBC will be better organised. Right to Bid is on the Cabinet agenda for the 23rd January. The first nominated asset held by the Borough could be listed the following day.

Annemarie concluded her localism talk by looking at Communities Vs Growth:

“The motivation of communities requires a great deal of time and effort. You need to look at the capacity and skills around you before considering a bid. The value of land is holding in Essex - this also means that assets are less likely to be sold below the market value.

Think how things can be done differently. This is a massive step by a Conservative led government that many weren’t expecting. My best bit of advice would be to never start with a building. Start with a need, and then see what you want to achieve.”

Which in Wivenhoe creates a few issues. The Phillip Road Centre looks like it is surplus to requirements for ECC. With Moving Image, the Youth Hub and the Dance School currently operating as tenants, a community need is there, but could these groups operate elsewhere?

Wivenhoe is full, etc…

There is massive crossover here with the Wivenhoe Town Plan, something that WTC is re-visiting over the coming weeks.

A debate then followed about the best way forward - Asset Transfer or Right to Bid. Annemarie’s advice was to go for the Right to Bid listing first:

“Be pro-active and be positive.”

In a personal capacity I’m currently working with Locality on The Place Station. This is an online mapping tool helping to connect skills with community need.

The concept is for Asset Transfer and Right to Bid ideas to be offered up via the mapping system, and then we work on connecting local users and groups. You can follow us on Twitter.

Remember:

“There is a keen appetite for this in Wivenhoe…”

More? You want more?

To the Congregational Hall! …in-between FA Cup matches on Sunday afternoon, for the first rehearsal of the Wivenhoe Pantomime Group since the Winterval break.

Oh the magic of the FA Cup; oh the magic of the Wivenhoe Pantomime: Unpredictability, jocular chanting and skid marks right up yer backside.

Ahh - but which is which, etc?

There was even a brass band (of sorts) on show at the Congregational Hall on Sunday Afternoon. Not so much Abide With Me, but Wake Up Boo.

Blimey.

Yep - Wivenhoe Pantomime military planning had deemed the first day back as Music Rehearsal Day. The full on band of bass, guitar, sax and keyboards is worth your six pounds entry alone for the William Loveless Hall [where else?] extravaganza.

“Would you please take your places for the opening scene!”

…came the call from Sara Rout, the Producer / Director / Sequin Sewer supreme. I didn’t know whether to take up my place at the front of the chorus line or exit stage left to the Congregational Hall Gents.

A bit of a singing detox with Musical Director Nick White, and the lovely Panto folk felt their way around the musical scales in the same way that some of us feel their way around the weighing scale during this time of the year.

Also some adding some superb professional guidance on Sunday was Angie Diggens, offering her skills to help co-ordinate the dance moves. It was as though the entire Wivenhoe theatrical world had assembled to help out with the Panto.

Which in a curious way, it had.

I’ll stick with the hit and miss photography, thanks.

Calls to “Give it some energy!” and “let’s add a shoulder shimmy!” were infectious. I was half-tempted to give it a little twist and shout, right up until the “what about a boy band stretch?” suggestion was offered.

The hit and miss photographer pulled a muscle just thinking about it.

The reward for all of this energetic activity was a king size box of Maltesers sitting on the desk of the Producer / Director / Sequin Sewer. A hangover from the Winterval period, but one that helps to bond together any semi-pro Panto.

Never underestimate the theatrical powers of a post-Christmas reduced price box of roughly spherical malt honeycomb centres surrounded by milk chocolate.

“Let’s go from the beginning!”

…came the curtain call.

How does that boy band stretch go again?

Time to make a sharp exit and cross the floor; time to head over to inside the Congregational Church itself. With the Morning Service having long since finished, the scene was one now of a raw run through of Bad to the Bone.

Not yer average Sunday session.

Boris Blackheart (BOO!) was on fine / foul form, depending on your point of view. Beware anyone sitting in the front row of the Loveless Hall come Pantomime opening night. Bring yer own boos.

Meanwhile something of a Sunday afternoon fashion show was being set up towards the back of the glamour of the Congregational Hall. The costumes are almost complete. I’m still sticking to the contractual strict instructions to keep them under wraps until opening night (ish.)

I’m also going start a rumour that there is something of a run on fur in Wivenhoe right now…

And so that was the first post-Winterval return of the Wivenhoe Pantomime. Much like the 3rd round of the FA Cup, there was plenty of potential for slip-ups and giant killing (um, wrong story.)

The Maltesers helped Monsters Rock make up for the lost time.

Two weeks and counting - they’re *almost* there…

The Wivenhoe Pantomime Group will perform Monsters Rock at the William Loveless Hall from 23rd - 26th January, with a 7:30pm show time. The afternoon matinee on 26th is close to selling out.

Tickets are available from both Post Offices and the Crossways store for the incredibly generous price of £6.

And so what is on the collective minds of the good folk of the Wivenhoe Society as we wave goodbye to 2012 and welcome in the New Year?

Local Lists, Planning and the Phillip Road Centre.

Same as it ever was.

Oh - and the Wiv Soc Late Late Post-Christmas Party, taking place at the William Loveless Hall [where else?] closer to Valentine’s Day than the 25th December.

A dozen red roses are already on order.

Ahh - but who for?

Perhaps for the secretive Wiv Sic Newsletter deliverer, who never fails to… deliver.

Yep, the December Wiv Soc Newsletter is out. It’s not exactly yer hyperlocal Heat magazine - and thank the chuffers for that. But it is another detailed read of the ever changing local landscape that Wiv Soc takes a principled interest in.

Let’s start with the Wivenhoe Local List.

This isn’t a collection of local takeaway menus, but a formal submission to Colchester Borough Council outlining buildings of historical importance. Little legal clout is carried by the List. It is however a polite prod in the ribs of the esteemed members of the CBC Planning Committee, should any of the buildings ever come up for planning consideration.

Jane Black pens another thoughtful piece looking at planning issues over recent months. In particular Jane is keen to highlight how developers can seemingly:

“cherry-pick which bits of permitted building they actually carry out.”

Ouch.

This is in reference of course to the bodged attempt by Realise Health Ltd to build a bonkers Health Centre down by the Colne Barrier.

“The new owners, Lexden Restorations, are no longer negotiating with RHL given the opposition to putting the Health Centre on the site. The intention is to ask for a change of use to allow a 50 cover restaurant on the ground floor with offices above.”

Elsewhere and Jane looks at the digester tanks down at the Hythe (approved after revised landscaping proposals - TREES) St John Ambulance Hall (demolition refused) and Pearl Walk (proposal to convert three commercial units to residential use.)

Oh - and the Tendring Local Plan has finally been submitted.

Here lies the paradox of Planning. Any self-respecting local authority (even Tendring) needs a Local Plan to outline agreeable developments. No Local Plan leads to the developers parking their diggers on your green and pleasant land.

But what if y’know - you don’t want to develop…?

This is a question that Essex County Council will soon need to be asking back at the Phillip Road Centre. Jane Black writes another brilliant piece in the Wiv Soc Newsletter, explaining how the ECC owned building is ripe for a Right to Bid project as permitted in the Localism Act.

At a national level and that nice Eric Pickles is keen to empower communities.

Or something.

That nice Eric Pickles is also keen to empower any cash-strapped local authorities that he is slashing the budget from, to offload any assets that they can now no longer afford to keep.

See where the solution lies, Comrades?

You call it Big Society, I / we (and most definitely NOT wearing a day job hat here - phew) call it an opportunity to do it yourself, once the local authority walks away from their responsibility.

Right to Bid is an open book for any community to take control of community assets and put in place a legacy [URGH] for generations to come. Here in Wivenhoe we have some expert help on the ground, combined with the will to make this happen.

The Wiv Soc meeting with Annemarie Naylor, the Head of Assets at Locality (and Greyhound drinker) at The Nottage could be crucial in moving the Phillip Road project forward.

Jane Black concludes:

“Do we collectively have the will to take on the challenge and contribute cash, or, if not cash, help with fundraising and grant scrounging? Self-interest might also be invoked.

Is it better for children to have a youth club than to be hanging around the Co-op? Do we want the site to be given over to yet more houses served by a narrow road off the High Street?”

…or do we want a mixed use community hub, providing desk space during the day and leisure and learning opportunities in the evening?

One to ponder as you scoff the last of the mince pies.

Elsewhere in the Wiv Soc Newsletter and the continued success of the Colne Cleanup is celebrated. Forty folk volunteered for the spring session. Some might even say *shhh* Big Society.

Any mucky pups wanting to wade around the muddy banks of the Colne should have the morning of 17th March free in their 2013 diaries.

The ACE effort in Wivenhoe Scouts and Guides managing to mobilise folk online and offline to obtain a £5,000 Lloyds Banking Group Community Fund is also mentioned.

Wine tasting at The Legion gets a glass half full outlook, as does a call for any tree experts to step forward to help map what can be found on the hyperlocal landscape.

A new Chair is also required come the Wiv Soc AGM on 27th March.

Wiv Soc: Planning and parties.

Perfect.

A multi-media [Ooooh] reminder that tickets for Monsters Rock are now on sale ahead of the World Premier opening run in Wivenhoe: January 23rd - 26th, William Loveless Hall [where else?] with a Saturday matinee for those not wanting to miss Match of the Day.

Expect bad Dad dancing.

Plus SMILES.

A rather wet Christmas morning walk through Wivenhoe Wood. The brolly brigade was looking slightly less than joyous as it filed out of St Mary’s and back up the High Street. Wellies probably weren’t the right etiquette for the morning service.

Hey hoe.

Have wellies, will travel though. All the way across the sodden KGV, tree hopping for shelter along the way.

The plan was to seek sanctuary of a non-religious persuasion underneath the leaves of Wivenhoe Wood.

Wait a minute - leaves, mid-winter?

That Christmas morning hangover hadn’t really thought this one through.

With the Christmas Day Eucharist on BBC1 yet to finish, we found something of a Blair Witch experience in Wivenhoe Wood, and all before before 11am as well.

Blimey.

A tree branch came crashing down just past the lower KGV entrance, and not a single sole in site.

Thoughts turned momentarily to buggering off back to base, defeated by the great outdoors and the everyday experience of Mother Nature falling to her knees as the elements give her yet another kicking.

But with a stomach set to be lined with turkey burgers [TRUE] later in the afternoon, a strong resolve was called for.

Cloud busting became the defining feature for the morning. The hyperlocal cycle suggested something of five minutes on, ten minutes reprieve for the rain.

The Christmas clock must have been stuck. It pissed it down from the great heavens above with every footprint approaching deeper into the wood.

Betcha the roof back at St Mary’s stood steady.

Out towards the fringes of the wood and the VERY muddy banks of the Colne came into view. It was unclear if the tide was moving out back to Brightlingsea or if the upstream source was simply having a manic Christmas Day morning.

And so wet weather with some humidity hanging in the air. Dodging the midges as you try and neck a cheeky mince pie is a new Chirstmas Day morning experience.

We’re all DOOMED. Especially those wearing wellies.

Chin chin.

To the Town Council Office! …on Monday evening, via the bright lights of the West End comes to Wivenhoe. The Christmas lights at the William Loveless Hall [where else?] looked lovely anyway.

And first up on the agenda at the December meeting of Wivenhoe Town Council was another similar West End Comes to Wivenhoe experience, albeit a slightly scaled down and far more sustainable all round experience.

Those decent folk of Transition Town Wivenhoe have asked WTC about the possibility of putting on an outdoor pedal powered cinema at the King George V Playing Field on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

I’m wagering that An American Werewolf in London won’t be on the seasonal schedule as the pedals power the projector.

With WTC now holding the licence for the KGV, permission was required ahead of the plan being put into action. What followed was an incredibly reasonable, open and understanding conversation about the cost involved.

A charge needs to be made as a precedent is being set. WTC isn’t use to *ahem* hiring out its facilities by the hour, if you know what I mean…

The solution?

£10 towards the coffers of WTC and the West End glitz can come to the KGV over the Christmas period.

Hurrah!

Plus a nice touch was the £10 coming out of the pocket of Cllr Neil Lodge before the decent folk of Transition Town Wivenhoe had the chance to go about saving the planet, or whatever decent act they undertake on a Monday evening.

Moving on with the agenda and it was time for the West End Girls and East End Boys of Colchester Borough Council to deliver their monthly reports.

Too many shadows, whispering voices. Faces on posters, too many choices etc.

Cllr Julie Young updated WTC over events regarding the recent Cedric’s bus accident:

“I have received resident’s feedback following the Cedric’s incident. A full investigation has been carried out and no blame is attributable. This has led though to a review of the quality of the Cedric’s busses. There are possible safety concerns over the age.

Moving onto the Philip Road Centre and Essex County Council has allowed the existing user groups to use the facility until at least the end of the summer term of 2013. The Library has looked into moving into the building but has concluded that it does not meet the needs.

Finally the Health Centre. Richard Warner emailed me today. He has not yet been able to fix a date with the owner of the old Cedric’s site.”

Cllr Mark Cory of CBC spoke next:

“The Borough Council has a £2.3m budget to keep the weekly black bin bag collection going. This will compliment the new food collections that are being introduced in the New Year.

The Trees for Years [snappy] scheme is also continuing. WTC can request twenty trees to be planted. Finally I have requested that the salt bins be stocked up towards The Cross.”

Which I’m sure Santa will appreciate as he makes his way around the Broadfields estate seven days from now.

Cllr Cyril Liddy of CBC said:

“The pool of water by Valley Road is now being seen to. Sadly a motorcyclist had an accident here.”

Which led very nicely into a Q from Cllr Kevin Read of WTC:

“Do you now why the Flood Barrier wasn’t closed yesterday?”

*not* linked with Valley Road.

Conversation then turned towards the exact direction of the flow of the water that led to canoes being moored up outside the Rose and Crown. The source seems to have been upstream, rather than downstream. The barrier is there to protect Colchester. Cllr Liddy agreed to make enquiries.

Concluding the If, when, why, what? How much have you got? …theme was Cllr Jon Manning of CBC:

“Planning appears to be not about what the people think - it is all about policy. I urge you to keep the Town Plan up to date. It carries weight.”

The ever-inquisitive Cllr Read continued with his fine line of questions:

“When is the deadline to spend the £2k ward purse for each Councilor. If it is not spent by then, will we lose it?”

Cllr Manning confirmed that April is the cut off, and yep - use it or lose it.

And before County and Borough Councillors left the chamber [You've got a heart of glass or a heart of stone. Just you wait 'til I get you home...] Cllr Bob Needham wanted to place on the record:

“Wivenhoe Town Council facilitated - but did not take part - in the recent meeting held in the Council Chamber regarding the Health Centre. We want to avoid the misconception that we hold any bargaining power.”

Noted.

The remainder of the meeting was a head’s down, minimal debate and make sure that WTC is well positioned for the challenges of 2013.

Cllr Read updated with the Cook’s shipyard situation:

“The car park and the dingy park aren’t quite ready to be handed over. The Wivenhoe Gig Racing Club has made an enquiry about the possible use of the store.”

Cllr Andrea Vaughan asked if any of the Councillors wanted to take the lead on the Wivenhoe Town Plan that is being updated in 2013. Cllr Needham replied that it is the intention that this will be a resident led initiative.

Finance - something wicked this way comes to Wivenhoe…

Cllr Lodge said:

“We have no idea what the budget will be for next year. We should hear by the 19th January. This doesn’t help us when we are expected to set a budget. All the various groups have put their requests in.”

Working on the Blind Man’s Buff theory of Economic planning [imposed] and WTC has drawn up five possible budget scenarios. These have been rated on a scale of 1 - 5. The trick will be to select the most appropriate spending scenario, once the funding levels from higher up the political food chain are known.

An example was given of the amount of money we’re talking about on Scale 1, the highest budget level. The will involve a precept increase of 40.9% per household, which roughly equates to a rise of around £25 per year.

Cllr Lodge cast a cautious figure:

“Think about what you might NOT get. We have got some hard decisions to make.”

Estates covered the repair work to the skateboard park and the completion of the cargo net climbing frame. William Loveless Hall has a leaky roof. Not so much fixing the roof whilst the sun shines, but four quotes have been sourced.

The Community Opportunity Group is considering the possibility of an all-weather surface up at Broad Lane.

It is also better news on the Jubilee / Wildlife Garden [depending on who you talk to...] following the funding withdrawal from Cory Environmental last month. A new plan is about to be re-submitted. This is more environmentally friendly and doesn’t rely upon utilities for the water feature.

The NAP report covered the possibility of changing the parking arrangements up at Vine Parade. ECC has come back saying that the scheme isn’t in the top ten of projects being considered, and therefore is off the agenda for now.

The volunteer led Speed Watch is continuing around the town. Colchester Road and Elmstead Road are both showing positive results. Rectory Road continues to be a concern.

A speedy meeting with much caution, and a little glittery glamour.

Nice Christmas Tree in the corner.

To the Congregational Hall! …on Sunday afternoon for a catch up with the men and monsters that make up the Wivenhoe Pantomime Group - oh, and ladies as well. They’re rather fond of all this gender trading, these Panto folk.

With Christmas almost upon us, the countdown is well underway for the grand opening of Monsters Rock at the William Loveless Hall [where else?] on 23rd January.

Excitement in the grand splendour of the Congregational Hall is building each week, as is the set, costumes and effects. A few hints of the costume basics came out to play on Sunday afternoon.

Which must mean that the Wivenhoe Panto blog teases [Ooooh] must soon have to start to become a little discrete. We have a non-costume clause built into the contract…

This was a full cast rehearsal with a prompt 3pm start. All actors were well in place ahead of the Panto practice curtain call. Last minute scripts were being read. The esteemed Panto Prompter is now pretty much redundant.

And then it was straight into Scene 10, the showstopper.

Start as you mean to carry on…

The cast is now at a stage where entrances and exists can be considered. It all got a little tricky in the tight constraints of the Congregational Hall. Just wait until the production transfers to the prestigious William Loveless Hall opening run.

Producer / Director / Tea Maker supreme Sara Rout was in her absolute element. Every detail has been considered. Wivenhoe has a slightly weird sense of humour. The script doesn’t disappoint.

“What have you done with my wife?”

Now there’s a question for a Sunday afternoon, and one that I wasn’t quite expecting to hear just ahead of Countryfile.

*for the record there’s a brilliant piece of character doubling up put in place. Gotta LOVE those Wivenhoe Panto folk*

The end scene saw a bit of a song and a dance. Whisper it *shhh* Dad dancing made a brief appearance.

And hurrah for that.

It will make the audience participation all the more complete.

Rehearsals will be briefly interrupted with the Pre-Panto Christmas Party coming up. Don’t expect Dad dancing, but those old parlour favourites of Line Learning, Guess the Name of the Panto Song and Pin the Tail on the Panto Villain.

Plus hopefully a brief celebration of all that has been achieved so far.

But that can wait until Wednesday. With Countryfile counting down, it was back to Scene 1 on Sunday and the Britpop inspired opening song.

Not your traditional village pantomime…

Tickets for Monsters Rock are now on sale. They are available from both Post Offices, priced at £6. The show runs from 23rd January until 26th January.

listen to ‘Rehearsals for @WivenhoePanto 2013 - Introducing the Dame #Wivenhoe’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Rehearsals for @WivenhoePanto 2013 - Catching up with the Co-Director #Wivenhoe’ on Audioboo