Burton Joyce Online

NHW BJ Community Communication Centre - An Aspirational  view

Well ! Well ! Well !  We are now actually on the way  ..  ..  Yes really  here is the update on the previous comments

Hi everyone
 
Although the 2011 BJ library/BJ NHW negotiations did not even get off the ground, our subsequent lobbying and association with NottsWatch - the County's NHW umbrella organisation has proved successful and decisive in persuading the Notts CC Library Admin and Notts Police that our "ABC Basic Computer Tutorial" initiative really does have merit in the creation and development of a well informed/communicating society.
 
As a result we shall be introducing the "ABC initiative" once again for the BJ Community in the BJ Library from mid March - running it for approx 8 weeks - breaking for the summer period - and continuing once again for a further 8 week period from Mid September.
 
Incidentally the NHW ABC initiative is to be promoted simultaneously within other communities (via the NHW & Notts CC libraries & Police ) thro-out the county during the same periods
 
So if you have a friend or relative let them know that with our help all it will take is just ONE Hour to get Online at the Library  -  We have already help some 30+ in ourf community , several already in their 80's - Use our message

 
“If you use a Mobile phone or TV remote YOU CAN LEARN to use a computer, e mailing/internet in just ONE hour"
 with the “NHW ABC Basic Computer Learning Initiative”
( its FREE to ALL in our community)
“Owning a computer  is NOT necessary
 
Tutoring in BJ Library
 Tel  BJ NHW - 0115 84 77 6565 ( between 11:00am - 4:00 pm )
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We also intend re-introducing an improved "NHW Drop-In" (on training days in the BJ library), developing it further to include individual help with emailing, re-inforced learning, "buddy" chat, socialising and much more.  These "Drop-ins" will be open to everyone in the community  - not simply the NHW members
 
 
Our aim is to develop further the expansion and develop of Online socialising contact and chat within BJ community and hopefully attract those in the communities of  Bulcote, Stoke Bardolph, Gedling Village, Lambley, Oxton, lowdham, Gunthorpe, Caythorpe, Hoveringham and Gonalston to join us
 
For it is accepted that
 
3.1 million over 65-year-olds in the UK DON'T see a family, friend or neighbour even once a week
 
51% of over 75 year olds live alone and just over 11% aged 65 and over say they are alwys or often lonely
 
Internet access enbles closer and more regular contact with friend and family, decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation
 
Mobility barriers are eased by Online shopping and communication
 
Shopping and paying bills Online saves the average household £560 per year
 
Children in homes with internet access achieve 2 grades higher
 
Digitally excluded employed people would increase their earnings by an average in excess of £8300 in their lifetime by getting Online
 
96% of Internet users say the Internet has improved their life
 
39% of people aged 65 and over are estimated to have a disability
 
Which is why it is important, for ALL ages within our community, to become digitally aware and computer savvy  by "Getting Online"
 
 
We presume that everyone receiving and reading his email with have some degree of experience with computers, so we are also asking you to also consider joining us, by giving just the odd hour or two - on the occasional day - during the 8 week period in Spring and Autumn - to contribute by providing a little of your time for socialising and helping the "Over 50's" within BJ ( in our Library) to overcome their hesitance in getting Online and enjoying the contact it can bring with families and friends locally, nationally and overseas
 
Just a final point -  the additional use of BJ library with this NHW initiative will also contribute immensely towards safeguarding the library's future ( and is enthusiastically endorsed by the Notts CC Library Admin ) PLUS - it is also worth noting that the BJPC has also stated it will add WiFi facilities when it re-locates there - for the FREE use of our residents - This "cost free" will open-up a great potential for those in our community to have "face to face" conversations with friend and relatives anywhere in the world providing they too are on the Internet
 
Finally, we do genuinely need, look to you, for your support and goodwill - for even though AGE catches up with us all , it DOES NOT mean that ANYONE within our community, should not have access to and enjoy the benefits of the digital revolution - Your help will be greatly appreciated
 
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NHW BJ  Communication/Media Hub

The Vision is for Public Libraries to associate with the local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to serve our new  digital community, by encompassing DIGITAL learning, media, news, social, communication, education, with all encompassing  leisure/social activities for ALL age groups  incl interactive large TV screens , rolling news, Wi Fi , travel and news documentaries discussions group and interests .

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It is acknowledged  that  42% of the UK “Over 50’s”  have never  used a computer

 

IN June 2010 together with my wife Sandra, we re-established the defunct village BJ NHW scheme . This was achieved with the agreement and assistance of the then Notts Police NHW liaison officer Bob Vaughan .

 During a period of 6 days when we recruited 13 volunteer Street co-ordinators .  Within a further 7 days we organised  and staged a village NHW open day ( attended by the Police , Crime Stoppers, local businesses ) which was a resounding success –  overwhelming attended , and at which we successfully recruited a further 25 co-ordinators .

Following these initial achievements we found we were then “on our own” and left to our own devices – Yes ! There was unlimited publicity material available thro the National NHW, but little else.  However  we must add, we did seek and received welcome advise from both Bingham and Radcliffe NHW  scheme co-ordinators with invites and visits to their monthly meetings.

The isolation of the Notts County’s rural NHW schemes still exists although the newly created NottsWatch organisation now may well be able to rectify this.  However in our mind, effective widespread communication remains the single individual topic and action which can assist and improve the effectiveness of the actions and work of the NHW Volunteers

Those of us who choose to live in Rural and Urban communities within the our county and as a direct result of the national  economic environment  are now facing ever further increasing difficulties with public service cutbacks.  As  communities and individuals we need to and should adopt (the NHW ethos ) and introduce proactive style initiatives and work to develop answers to ease the local area situation for ourselves  and NHW members and those who rely on us

As  Joint Co-ordinator ( together with my wife Sandra ) of BJ Community Neighbourhood Watch

We envisage establishing a permanent, open to all, NHW Online interest group for socialising , personal/ group digital improvement, learning and trouble-shooting PLUS the introducing the development of  computer training and social communication within and thro-out all adjacent local communities ( BJ &B, Shelford , Gedling Village, Lambley, Oxton, Lowdham, Gonalston, Hoveringham, Caythorpe and Gunthorpe etc )

A  development of this nature can have significant benefits for the collective NHW/Police activities (crime reduction/detection) with an expansion and integration of an “Ears, Eyes and Grapevine” initiative. AsBurton Joyce still has a functioning  Notts CC Library is centrally and conveniently geographically located for all the 10 villages we suggest the village acts as the Communication Hub

 

Such NHW inspired development can also have a significant positive impact on all local activities by bringing communities closer together and circulating all types of information such as planned activities and social interests , general announcements, specific announcements, best local offers, specialised  services  and products, help lines, social agencies,  specific and personal individual  assistance, interests  etc., etc.

A coming together of communities via online, digital links, forums etc. has  many personal and community benefits

The cost of creating such a network around the existing  BJ Library is mainly in time and community endeavour, however endorsement from Notts CC, Borough/District councils, local Parish Councils, Police,  etc  with possible/ occasional donations and sponsorship from local  sources ie Virgin, BT, Talk Talk and local businesses etc can  enhance  “the Hub” facilities at BJ   with equipment, consumables  etc., ( printing,  laptops, dongles  etc) over a period of time

For example  BJ Parish Council  has promised  Wi Fi facilities ( promised in BJPC notes/minutes) for BJ Library

A renewed BJ NHW “Drop-in” can readily develop into a BJ Communication Hub with volunteers completing training, manning computers and assisting ongoing direct communication  with other  remote NHW  in the local villages ( learners who may have or are involved with the ABC Initiative) and of course others  county, nationally and worldwide  ( time on the  internet and Skype is free )

Establishing  a community ONLINE help line at BJ Library with access to ALL local emergency services, Help lines and Social services, NHW POLICE and Charities  ( Age Concern etc )will help everyone

Creating a group which enables  self expression,  contributes articles and opinions on local services and activities for regular postings within the community website burtonjoyceonline.co.uk contributions can  stored and transferred to an editor  (via individual re-usable “memory sticks”) can instil fresh confidence and interest

Once Wi Fi is available it can deliver additional sessions which enable residents to connect  with remote friends and relatives AND use their own laptops onsite

A significant aim of the project is to create day-time involvement for those within our community who may be looking for day time social contact and interest, in order to combat an increasing solitary existence due to age and circumstances

 

It is worth adding a comment at this point on websites and social media

Website are expensive in their  design, ongoing running cost, webmasters time,  maintaining and updated with relevant news, comments  and interests with sufficient stimulus to create and maintain good levels of regular return visitors ( 70%) bi-weekly/monthly

The most effective and popular websites are consumer based comparison and those offering excellent choice of retail offerings and online purchasing.

Websites dedicate to local affairs, societies and groups are no longer providing the high level online interest expected by the present day Onliners.

The News Sites of  BBC, Sky CNN dominate the news market with SOCIAL MEDIA sites eg TWITTER, FACEBOOK etc and the like greedily gathering the masses particularly the regular ONLINERS.  The 140 characters and instant online posting of TWITTER and FACEBOOK their facility to add images and links has transformed online news distribution

The recent and current Tunisia/Egypt/Libya/Syria,“Arab Spring News” illustrates completely the instant capability of social media for collecting/ illustrating and circulating news and information.

 Even regional/local/news posting coming out of small newsrooms and  specialist outlets, influence and effect change in urban/ rural community attitudes and actions. Social media is ideal for Alerts and instant local messaging, information and communicating general or specifically orientated information for individuals and small local organisations .

Yes! Social media is definitely the way forward for local Online simple one-off local messaging, maintaining contact, seeking help etc. The NHW should make greater use of it

Finally a meaningful/genuine relationship between the NHW and  members/the community/ the Police/local Councils & Councillors/MP/NottsCC Library service/Social Services and Aid Agencies requires does greater endeavour all round

Collectively we owe it to our communities to do something positive, with haste to change the Status Quo. It requires only a POSITIVE change in attitude 

        

 

SQUAWK BOX - BJVP REVIEW

 

We are justly proud and priviledged  to be residents and members of the village community  (since 1971) and instrumental in re-establishing the “BJ community NHW “ in mid 2010.

In late 2008 we created and developed  “Burton  Joyce Online” our Community website - (www.burtonjoyceonline.co.uk) .

Over the period we have attracted a great number of BJ friends .. ..  plus  several  “not so friendly” acquaintances  who have not appreciated several of our comments and opinions  ( sometimes the truth hurts and/or may be misunderstood )

We are seeking to provide the community information 

a)“Online”  via our web site,

b) by our e mail circulation list (descrete and private)

c) by offering our “burtonjoycenews” letter,  freely available via e mail (discrete/private) and at several locations within the village centre -

The content of our “burtonjoycenews” is and will always be wide and variable including topics associated with the NHW, Local Authorities ,  Parish Council activities and subjects of interest ( serious, amusing and contentious ) to all in our community – young, mature & seniors

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NOW We did intend tol begin the first of our reviews and comments on the progress or otherwise on the concerns and suggestions schemes listed within the recent BJ VILLAGE PLAN published  2011, particularly the following topics

THE VILLAGE CENTRE

TRAFFIC  & TRANSPORT

LEISURE & FACILITIES

COMMUNITY SAFETY & HEALTH

COMMUNICATION ****

ENVIRONMENT

YOUNG PEOPLE

HOWEVER..................................  

After deciding to review the “Burton Joyce Village Plan- 2011” publication  We drafted out copy for the eventual posting online. After a couple of days allowing it to develop, We have now decided NOT to post the notes. Instead we have decided to archive them, within our ongoing study and research paper into the “BJ Community 2009 < ? “ - So here is our alternative and brief conclusion to the current publication

We are of the opinion that the BJVP conclusions reached after 2 years of investigation, culminating in the BJ Village Plan - 2011 publication, is that the initiative lacks the overall, authoritative, technical, content which is necessary for implementing such  lifestyle changes needed for our community undertaking.  We suggest that the majority of our community - 74%- who did not complete/respond to the BJ Village Plan Questionnairre anticipated the same conclusion !

A final comment -was the creation of the BJ Village Plan and its working committee the direct result of the complete lack of empathy, understanding  and communication of the community’s needs/opinions by our Parish Council over the last 5+ years?

Understanding of the need of the BJ community could have, and still can be, obtained with a greater degree of accuracy,  less financial expenditure and certainly over a much shorter time period. This can be achieved by all Parish Councillors having REGULAR personal “face to face” contact with each and every interest group, society, organisation’s membership and residents in our community –

BJPC ‘s newly created “Community Engagement Committee” please note !! 

 

 

Obviously the individually schemes listed, will all progress at different rates/speed. However  we do suggest, even at this early stage, that full provision is quickly established and put in place to keep all the community,  promptly and FULLY INFORMED with  PRO-ACTIVE “Open and Transparent” COMMUNICATION

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We should state here that  we have great concern and difficulty in accepting the following statement within the BJVP  re- “COMMUNICATION”

 “Residents had few issue about  communication”.  -  Over 80% of respondents felt that they were sufficiently informed about village affairs and there were various way of accessing information..... 

We find this particular comment and the conclusion most nebulous, and completely at odds with the fact that only 420 households  responded to the questionnaire with a miserable 38 residents attending the action planning meeting – We do not believe that the community was/could be that complacent and dis- interested.

 We suggest that existing “ineffectual”  ”communication” techniques failed to get the message across to the residents and the lack of understanding of the project actually  influence the level of low interest in the community?

 

Here are some of the “questionable”  communication techniques which have been in existence in BJ over many years and are still in operation today!

Unmanaged Notice Boards       Fly posting on centre trees  Fly posting telegraph poles     Un-refreshed NoticeBoards   Dangerously sited  visual graffiti !!   More Fly Posting on centre trees  Even the BJVP committee  resorts to “Fly posting” for communicating/ publicising their own  BJ Village Plan !**?  THIS REALLY NECCESARY particularly as the publication was promised to be delivered to every BJ Household  The BJVP poster was "added to" by another poster late the following day  ( Fly posting breeds even more Fly posters) -  Even the critics of wind Turbines - “Too Big/Too Close” permanent A612 Fly posting

The public, societies, interest groups  and organisations should note this Gedling Borough Councils statement

Fly-Posting

Fly-posting is the display of advertising material on buildings and street furniture without the consent of the owner. Fly-posting is a crime but you can help put a stop to it and perpetrators can be fined up to £1,000 per poster.

If you notice someone fly-posting please do not approach them but please contact us so we can remove the posters, and provide us with as much of the following information as possible:

• Specific location of where the posters have been placed
• Date and time of when you noticed someone fly-posting
• Any additional evidence that may help in catching the perpetrators i.e. vehicle registration number, description of the perpetrator

We can take reports anonymously but we may ask you if you are prepared to be a witness should the matter be referred to the courts.  To report fly-posting please contact us or report online.  

Uum! Very interesting  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  .. 

 

 

Back to the BJVP    

We ask the BJVP Committee

1) How many BJ residents had access and use of a mobile telephone?

2) How many homes in BJ have Broadband installed ?

3) How many BJ residents actively use email to communicate ?

4)How many BJ residents use the Internet ?

5)How many BJ residents regularly visited either or both of the local community websites ?

6) Which local community website is preferred and used regularly for accessing  local news interests and information ?

We trust that the progress information coming out of the BJ Village Plan AND Parish Council in future, will be communicated and available to all with prompt responses and  answers to questions and  possible community concern

We realise that this attitude may well be strange and new, and will very probably involve  considerable change within individuals of both community and Administrations

Without a shadow of doubt there are several  concerns within the BJVP which need to be confronted. One significant subject the BJVP states is the community’s concern with BJ POLICING -  we cannot support this. We will cover this in future Newsletter/Alerts. 

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Finally in this Part 1 of this review we once again praise and thank the BJVP committee for their collective and individual efforts and application in producing the 20  

We accept that it is all too easy for anyone to criticise their efforts after the event. However we do expect everyone at all times to be open and accept genuine constructive criticism 

Why?

1) All BJ residents  should all be provided at all times with truth and clarity within all communications

2)All  our residents in our community deserve constant improvement by utilising the  developing communication techniques

3) All our resident   need to understand the reasons behind decisions and the reason for implementing  the changes  communicated to them

4)All our residents need to be heard and understood even if their ideas and opinions do not stand up to any of our Administration’s scrutiny

5) With UK’s ever aging population, the changes in individual personal/family economics, life styles and health.  Daily budgets and circumstances require constant attention and  a clarity in understanding with advice and possible assistance. This should  be communicated by the experts within a BJ Community “OUTREACH” programme .  We suggest our community should make and include provision for such a service    

   

Finally everyone and all our readers  hopefully realise that we are here to inform and communicate to BJ residents subjects, which are relevant and affect our BJ community. We do understand that not everyone will agree with our comments/views and may want to add their own points of view  towards a healthy debate – these will always be welcome

e mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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BCTV -  OLD BJ SCHOOL MAIN STREET - gets  a  "High Sheek" SQUAWK

WHAT A DISGRACE for the village and such an eye sore - located within the premier and the most significant heritage location in our village - is one of the few remaining Heritage buildings within BJ. It is the Old BJ School - now “not so grandly leased” and certainly not grandly kept and serviced by of all people – the BCTV ( British Conservation Trust Volunteers ) .

Some two years ago BJO independently approached the Trust to seek their co-operation in tidying up the site and allowing the community access to the grounds for the passing of some of their leisure time, during the frequents visits to the village centre. This was amicably discussed and improvements were made including tidying up the site - opening the access gate for our resident to gain access etc..

Now once again it has all been allowed to deteriorate way beyond imagination.

WHY is it that the BJPC,  BJ Village Plan, St Helens Church  ( owners of the site) and possibly the BJ Preservation Society cannot /do not, get together and resolve the matter  with the BCTV once and for all . After all we understand the present BCTV lease does not expire until 2021- do we have to tolerate another 10 years of this eyesore – tumble down Asbestos building – and the constant deterioration of the grand Old School’s building fabric  ?

IF SO WHY IS THIS?

IF AN AMICABLE AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN AN IMPROVED APPEARANCE, CAN BE ACHIEVED  - PLEASE  can it be reached quickly ?

This unnecessary eyesore has been in existence far too long

 

The BJ Library has a desolate appearance these days - Still it does provides additional "off-road" parking within Meadow Lane

The stated aim of the NOTTS CC Library service is to be a library, archives and information service at the heart of Nottinghamshire communities and community life.

To achieve this we aim to:

•Inspire the enjoyment of books and reading
•Create knowledge through access to learning, information and the provision of a continuing record of local heritage and community life
•Stimulate and encourage cultural activities
•Offer excellent and inclusive customer service for all every time

In the short and medium term we will achieve our vision by acting as one service to:

•Invest in buildings and modernise the service ‘offer’
•Provide opportunities for community and cultural activities
•Engage and consult with customers and communities
•Focus on the quality and consistency of customer service
•Provide value for money
•Recruit, develop and train staff to meet the needs of customers and communities
•Respond to change in the community and develop and embrace best practice
•Develop partnerships to integrate customer services relevant to local needs and opportunities

We in BJ ask - What and where did it all go wrong ?.
Is it something to do with a hidden agenda?

or simply the need for positive thinking such as "where there is a will, there is a way" .
 

What is happening within the BJ Library ? How many of us in the village really know ?  1in 10, 1in 100, 1 in 500.

BJ has a population in the order of 4000, therefore  if 1 in 500 do know  there are probably only 8 in total within the community who are aware of what is happening within our library. If this assumption is only partially true, then the situation is a real community disaster and requires some  immediate remedial action, with a questioning of the competence and communication of the present administrations  at local and county levels .

At the last community meeting,  we attended ( early April) - called by the Library Administrators -  concern was expressed, by several of the residents attending  as to the choice of opening days and times for the library, which had been decided upon by the Administration.  After questioning the logic behind  the making of these decision,  further discussion and a proposal by resident was agreed that changes could be amended to include Friday mornings opening.

Has this agreement been honoured  - NO

Incidentally attending the meeting were 9 residents ( incl 3 “possible” library volunteers )  1 Parish Councillor ( who came late and left early) and the 4 Library Administration staff, instrumental in making the changes .

Guess what - This  meeting  was not widely publicised  - Huum ?

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