News & Events


Roundabout Magazine Article – March 2024

Wednesday 7th February saw over 20 of the core Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers meet in the Village Hall for a volunteer update meeting, discussing various aspects and developments in scheme over coffee and a pastry.

 

Important information about safeguarding was shared; making sure that all users of the Good Neighbour Scheme, as well as our volunteers, are kept safe and that we all know what to do in the event of risk, or suspicion of such. Conversation then moved on to the Community Café, as mentioned in last months’ Roundabout, with huge thanks being given to the volunteers who give their time (and baking skills) each week. 20 volunteers have been involved in the café in the last year which is wonderful. Plans are being discussed amongst the committee about café opening times, what activities can be offered during the time, as well as maximising attendance, with feedback open to all. If you have any thoughts, or offers of help for the Community Café, please do get in touch with the Good Neighbour Scheme by emailing us on [email protected]

 

One of the main roles of volunteers in the scheme is driving users to appointments. This is usually for medical appointments but can also be to help isolated people attend social events. If you are meeting friends or have a social appointment and are struggling to get there (within the hours of 8-6pm), please do give the scheme a call on 07561 890 100 and we’ll see if anyone is available to help. Also please do remember that our drivers are available for lifts to the Community Café, so if you’re in the village but would struggle to get to the village hall, please give us a call.

 

In addition to the information shared above, there were many thanks shared at the meeting. Our drivers, for example, who give so much of their time to support their community, not only driving someone to an appointment but also talking, waiting with, supporting, reassuring, finding parking, etc. etc. Thank you! Similarly our befriending volunteers who give their time regularly every week to visit isolated people in our villages and brighten their day – Thank you!

 

If you need to use the Good Neighbour Scheme, or would like to give your time to volunteer then have a look at our website: www.woodhousegns.org.uk email us on [email protected] or call the scheme number: 07561 890 100

 

Jo Atkinson

 


 

Roundabout Magazine Article – February 2024

This month’s article from the Good Neighbour Scheme focuses on the wonderful Community Café. This runs every Tuesday from 2-4pm in the Village Hall, staffed by volunteers from both the Good Neighbour Scheme and the WI, with space provided by the Parish Council. Starting as a Warm Spaces initiative during the winter energy crisis, it was so well received that it’s continued ever since, providing a place for people to meet old and new friends, talk with neighbours and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee and piece of cake together.

 

In an attempt to convey a ‘feel’ of the café sessions we asked some attendees and volunteers for their views of the Community Café, comments that came back included “Lovely atmosphere”, “Friendly”, “Good community spirit”, “Different generations talking to each other” and “Non-judgemental”.

As another attendee says: “The Community Café is a good concept because it has enables anybody in the village to access it. Neighbours in wheelchairs have been well catered for as the Village Hall has the facilities for wheelchairs, its warm and the room can be made larger or smaller depending on how many attend. The volunteers are very welcoming and no one is left out.

I think the community cafe and what you are already doing is amazing. To have the cafe every week provides a great need for the village. Giving people no matter who they are or what age, something to look forward to especially if they live on their own.  If they are not able to come for a while for whatever reason they know it will still be there every week.”

What a great summary! It really shows what a lovely weekly group it is that all are welcome to with attendees’ ages ranging from babes in arms to the elderly.

 

None of this would be possible without our dedicated team of volunteers who offer their time on a rota basis to work in the café; both the Good Neighbour Scheme and the WI would like to offer our thanks to all who generously give their time. It’s also lovely to hear from one of our volunteers who added their feedback about the café:

“As a volunteer in the kitchen it is heartening to hear chatting and laughter outside in the hall. Magazines and games are provided but they all seem happy just chatting. It is wonderful to see school children and parents dropping in after school and the interaction between both age groups is beneficial to both.

Occasionally accompanied dogs have been present and they certainly add to the enjoyment and could almost be therapy dogs.

Once all visitors are supplied with tea and cakes, the kitchen workers can circulate and chat to villagers who they may never have met before. They are all interesting and many have lived a long time in the village and have fascinating stories to tell.

The kitchen workers may not have met each other before so also benefit from this much valued social interaction. We also have fun in the kitchen particularly when the teapot lid gets stuck and other little dramas occur.”

 

 

We can’t mention our volunteers without a note about Ken Salmon, one of our most dedicated volunteers, who sadly, has recently passed away. He will be remembered for his generous nature, wonderful cakes and prolific marmalade making. Our thoughts are with all who knew him.

 

So, whether you are new to the village or have lived here for generations, why not come along to the Community Café on a Tuesday afternoon and join with the tea, chat and activities. If you’d like to find out more about it, or if you would like to offer your support as a volunteer (over 18s only), then please contact the Good Neighbour Scheme on 07561 890 100 or email [email protected]

 

Jo Atkinson

 


 

Roundabout Magazine Article – December 2023 / January 2024

This is my first article since taking over responsibility for publicity for the Good Neighbour Scheme (GNS), Miranda Brookes having done an excellent job over the last few years, and it’s caused me to look back over the scheme and reflect on all the work that is done on a weekly basis in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves.

 

So, for those that don’t know, what does the GNS do? Here’s a few examples:

We have a dedicated team of wonderful befrienders, visiting people in their homes, or scheduling a regular phone call with them, just to provide that much needed ‘people contact’. Having a cup of tea and a chat with someone who is feeling isolated can make a huge difference to someone’s day, and it’s not just the ‘client’ who benefits, our befrienders talk about how much they enjoy it and some wonderful friendships have sprung up from the befriending scheme.  If you’re reading this and would like to be paired with a befriender, then please call or text our number on 07561 890 100 and someone will be happy to talk to arrange a visit from someone in the befriending team to talk to you about it.  

 

The other main area of work that we do is lifts to appointments. This can be medical appointment, or something social but important to you that you need help to get to. For a small mileage charge, one of our volunteers will give you a lift to and from your appointment. If you need some help navigating the hospital corridors, or getting from the car park into the dentist, then just mention this on the phone and we’ll do our best to pair you with someone who can help with that too. This is all through the same phone number; call or text to 07561 890 100.

 

Our volunteers are also happy to help with small household jobs where you wouldn’t want to call a professional; have you got a picture that needs putting up on the wall? Smoke alarm batteries that need changing? Or a wobbly toilet seat? Guess what; it’s the same number: 07561 890 100.

 

Along with the WI, the GNS is also involved with running the Community Café in the village hall on Tuesdays from 2-4pm. This is a great time to come and enjoy a drink and cake, talk to friends and meet new people. They’ll also be some children’s activities available, so all ages are welcome.

 

On a personal level, being part of the GNS is something that I’m immensely proud of. It has also helped me feel part of my community, making friends with people that I wouldn’t normally come into contact with, and I can’t walk down the street now without seeing someone familiar to say hello to. If you’re interested in being involved, we’re always on the look out for more volunteers so please do contact us either by phone (guess what the number is!) or email us on [email protected].

Whether it’s through a formal arrangement of being a volunteer with the GNS or just checking in each other as the darker evenings are now upon us, we all have a role to play in building a strong community here in our villages and I’d like to encourage us all to be a ‘Good Neighbour’.

 


Annual General Meeting 2023

Our next AGM will be held on Monday 2nd October 2023 at 2pm in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall.  

  • Do you already use the Good Neighbour Scheme?
  • Are you one of our team of volunteers?
  • Are you unsure what the Good Neighbour Scheme is, but would like to know more?

Then please come along to our 7th AGM.  Everybody welcome!

 


 

Community Picnic 2023

Following our second very successful community picnic last year we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting another Community Picnic at the King George’s Playing Field in Woodhouse Eaves on Sunday 10th September 2023.

It will run from 12-4pm and we’d love to invite you and your family and friends to come and join us – free of charge. 

As usual there will be live music, games, a cake stall, raffle and more to enjoy.  New this year there will be some art activities too.

Feel free to bring your own picnic and some garden games to share. It’s sure to be a great afternoon. 

All funds raised will go to support the work of the Good Neighbour Scheme.

 


Community Picnic 2022 – Thank You!

The weather was with us again this year! The sky was grey as the marquees were put up, the bunting tied in place, the many cakes arranged, the raffle prizes displayed and Olly’s crepe making was organised with the cooking plate heating up. Eddy sat with his guitar in his hands and a tambourine on his feet. Then, gradually the clouds became lighter and blue sky glimpsed as the children ran down to the field, families and friends gathered and the picnic blankets unfolded. All the planning and organisation had been worthwhile. The 2nd Good Neighbour Scheme Community Picnic had begun.

The groups of people around the field mingled and chatted, new friends were made, and children played – making up their own activities, taking part in various team games or just running about in the space with their friends. Having fun was the key to it all.

Eddy played a fabulous range of music with many very familiar songs which had people tapping their feet, singing along and dancing. The children joined in too, some even picked up the percussion instruments and followed Eddy’s lead as he conducted them, responding to his music and the warmth of his smile! Another delightful village moment.

Olly, supported by his children, cooked and served crepes throughout the afternoon. His marathon crepe making brought the distinctive flavours of France to Woodhouse Eaves! His expertise was like watching a dance as he poured the mixture and then manoeuvred it with such skill and experience. They were delicious and enjoyed by everyone.

The cake stall was continuously busy as people added tea to their picnic during the afternoon! Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves is certainly a great place for cakes! There are some exceptional bakers living here! The range of cakes meant there was something for everyone, and they were being enjoyed by everyone!

The amazingly generous raffle prizes were donated by local businesses including, DeVol, Johnsons the Butchers, Agora, Apple and Pear, Granby House Dental Practice, The Pear Tree and Home of Handmade. 

There was a pause in the afternoon as Jo reflected on the passing of Elizabeth II and the feelings of us all at this time.

Thank you to everyone who came along, supported and helped. Thank you too to the Parish Council and to those who generously donated prizes, equipment and ingredients, and also to those who gave their time, energy, expertise, everything else and much more.

The Good Neighbour Scheme Community Picnic was described as, “a typical old-fashioned village afternoon event where residents who know each other well and those who are new to the villages are pleased and happy to meet and celebrate together.”

 


Tea Party, 5th September 2022

Twenty people from the Good Neighbour Scheme enjoyed afternoon tea on Monday 5th September in Susan and Stuart Tyler’s beautiful garden. Friends, volunteers and users of the befriending service met for delicious home-made cakes and conversation. It was a delightful occasion and such a pleasure to meet up face-to-face at last.  

Apart from the smiles, and the sounds of people catching up, there were many comments including, “It was a lovely village afternoon” … “the setting was lovely, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming…and what an array of scone and cakes!” … “4 o’clock came around too quickly! It should definitely be a regular event!”

This tea party was delayed by COVID and then the heatwave and therefore much anticipated.

 


Community Picnic 2022

Following on from the success of last year’s event, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting another Community Picnic on 11th September 2022. It will run from 12-4pm and we’d love to invite you to come and join us. There will be live music, games, a cake stall, raffle and more to enjoy.  Just bring your own picnic and some garden games to share. It’s sure to be a great afternoon. 
 
All funds raised will go to support the work of the Good Neighbour Scheme

 


AGM, Tuesday 5th October 2021

Thank you to everyone who attended our Year 5 AGM on Tuesday 5th October 2021.  The reports can be read by clicking on the links below.

 


Return of all services

The Good Neighbour Scheme is returning to full service from September 1st 2021.

Initially, jobs which involve close contact (driving and some activities in the home) will only be carried out by volunteers who have been fully vaccinated for coronavirus. This is to protect our clients.

To protect our volunteers, anyone who phones in for help requiring close contact will be asked if they have been vaccinated. If they have not been vaccinated, or choose not to say, we will still try to help.

The vaccination status of volunteers and clients is confidential.

We will continue to ask volunteers and clients to wear masks for all close contact and indoor jobs.

 


Community Picnic, Sunday 12th September 2021, 12-4pm

The Good Neighbour Scheme cordially invites residents of Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves to come and join in the community fun on Sunday 12th September 2021 from 12pm at the playing fields in the centre of Woodhouse Eaves for an afternoon of relaxing, picnicking and music.

Bring your own picnic and outdoor games and settle in for a well-deserved socially distanced get together. We’ll have entertainment, delicious cakes for sale to add to your outing and to top it off, some incredibly generous local businesses have donated some extraordinary raffle prizes. All proceeds go to the GNS.

When you arrive on the day do come via the annex in the bottom right-hand corner of the car park at Woodhouse Eaves village hall. Here you will be greeted with information of the afternoon’s event and 1 free raffle ticket per family.

There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase further tickets throughout the afternoon, with the draw being held at 3.30pm. To give you an idea, deVOL, Johnson’s, The Pear Tree, Home of Handmade, Agora, The Beauty Rooms Boutique, Granby House Dental Practice, Mountain Mavericks and Corney & Barrow have all donated something very special. (If you are a local business that would love to get involved too by donating something special, please get in touch – the more the merrier!)

For more information go to our Facebook page and click on ‘attend’ the event. You’ll be able to keep up to date with the event run up and the weather!

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 12th September!

 

 


 

Entertaining the Neighbourhood, March 2021

On March 6th and 7th, Oliver Stanley entertained regular users of the Good Neighbour Scheme and quite a few passers-by!

Oliver grew up in Woodhouse Eaves and has returned during the Covid pandemic. He is a professional musician and has performed in this country and beyond, on stage, TV, and film. He also teaches acting, singing and musical theatre.

Leicestershire Communities Fund provided a grant to the Good Neighbour Scheme so that we could engage Oliver to sing outside people’s homes. The delight at hearing Oliver, a professional singer from the West End, performing on their doorstep was also shared by neighbours and passers-by, all very well behaved and socially distanced!

The comments have been overwhelmingly positive including:

‘…fabulous, great idea, uplifting, great atmosphere, just what we needed. What a talent; a tonic, it’s making me quite emotional and, he’s got a wonderful voice. When can we have him again? We could have filled the drive with people dancing. He is so talented.’

 

Oliver Stanley singing for the Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Good Neighbour Scheme March 2021

 


Charnwood Community Heroes award nomination, December 2020

Congratulations to our wonderful team of befrienders who have been nominated for a Top Team Award in the Charnwood Community Heroes 2020!

The Befriending team of 13 volunteers has given over 300 hours telephone befriending since March this year to listen to people’s concerns, swap stories and make sure local residents are not forgotten. It’s a wonderful achievement.

Click here to see the nomination (with our team featuring at 2:45).

 


Latest charts & stats, October 2020

We have now added a new section to the website, Charts & Stats, where you will always be able to find the latest data relating to the Good Neighbour Scheme, including year-on-year comparatives so you can see how the scheme is growing and changing over time.

 


Latest Updates, 9th September 2020

We have two items to report today –

Firstly, after consulting with volunteers, the Steering Group has decided to extend the support that the Good Neighbour Scheme offers. From October 1st 2020 we will be offering lifts to social appointments (hair dresser etc) as well as all medical appointments. We’ll keep the existing safety measures (i.e. drivers and all passengers to wear masks, passengers to sit in the back of the car). We will also be offering help with small DIY jobs, gardening, pet assistance and dog walking and we will continue to offer mini errands and phone befriending. We will continue to review the support we offer in line with government guidelines.

Secondly, the Good Neighbour Scheme is unable to have an AGM this year due to the COVID19 restrictions. However, we have produced the necessary report on Finances, the Annual summary and a report on Befriending. You can read a summary of the reports in the October Roundabout. The full reports can be read by clicking the links below:

 


Coronavirus Update, July 22nd 2020

With the easing of lockdown, the Steering Group periodically reviews the types of jobs we offer to the community.  Safety to our clients and our volunteers is always a priority.  At our latest review we have decided to provide lifts to ALL medical appointments including dentistry.

We’ll continue to ask both volunteer drivers and clients to wear masks during journeys. The GNS provides masks free of charge.

Stay safe everyone!

 
 

Coronavirus Update

During the Coronavirus crisis, the Good Neighbour Scheme will continue to support the residents of Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves, alongside businesses, other organisations, groups and individuals.

During this time we are working hard to ensure the health and safety of all of our volunteers and clients. As part of this we have produced some new guidance on wearing face coverings for appointments and when giving lifts. All of our volunteers will be wearing face coverings and we are providing free disposable masks to all of the people we give lifts to. Please follow this link to read it in full

We are fortunate to have so much available locally within our villages. The information below will help you to access local support.

The Oakwood Pharmacy, Johnsons Butchers, Agora (the paper shop) and Spa corner shop are all able to deliver. You need to phone them directly on the following numbers with your order:

  • Oakwood Pharmacy   01509 890520
  • Spar, corner shop       01509 890274
  • Johnsons Butchers     01509 890234
  • Agora, paper shop      01509 890321

The Good Neighbour Scheme is needing to modify our support to protect both you and our volunteers.

We are therefore offering during this time,

  • Telephone befriending
  • Mini errands such as posting a letter etc. which does not involve money or contact
  • Shopping collection and delivery where you phone the shop with your order and if they need to, they will ask the Good Neighbour Scheme to deliver your shopping
  • Lifts to essential medical appointments only.

If you are requesting a lift, you will be asked if you have any symptoms of the virus,

  • Do you have a new continuous cough?
  • Do you have a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back?
  • Have you been in contact with anyone you know to have the Coronavirus?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ to any question we cannot offer a lift, but we will recommend that you contact Patient Transport on 0345 241 3012.

 

If you would like this support from the Good Neighbour Scheme, please phone the usual number, 07561890100.

 

The most important thing for you to do is look after yourself and the people around you – knowing that the Good Neighbour Scheme is here if you need us.

 

Age UK now has an emergency helpline during this crisis. Please call 0116 2992239 from 9.00 – 5.00 Monday to Friday if you need their help.

 

During this time, if you need food from the Loughborough Food Banks, please contact John Storer House on 01509 631750.

 


 

Connect with us on Facebook – June 2020

The Good Neighbour Scheme now have our own Facebook page

Please take a look, and connect with us to keep in touch and stay up-to-date with the latest news.

 


Latest Update – April 2020

Our great team of volunteers have continued to remain busy supporting people in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves, and we’ve seen in a big increase in requests for our befriending service, enabling us to provide a much-needed service to those in our community who are isolated due to the coronavirus crisis.
 
This pie chart shows you the number of times that we have supported people and the type of help provided. 
 
This bar graph shows how the number and type of requests that we are fulfilling has changed compared to the same period last year. 
 

 


 

Community Wheelchair Scheme

January 2020:  The community wheelchair scheme is now launched!

We have a few wheelchairs that can be used for short term loan by people in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves as part of the Good Neighbour Scheme. It could be for example, for hospital appointments, following an accident or injury, when a friend comes to visit, or for a social occasion.

As with everything to do with the Good Neighbour Scheme, just phone the usual number, 07561 890100 and we will try and help.

 


 

2019 Roundup

Award Winning!  Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Good Neighbour Scheme

What a year it’s been for the Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Good Neighbour Scheme (GNS for short)!

The GNS was set up in 2016 and over the last three years has gone from strength to strength.  We held our third Annual General Meeting in October and were proud to report that in those three years, we had carried out 1,009 jobs!  Another achievement in the year was the Community Fair held in March, when over forty groups and organisations came together to show everyone what they have to offer from within the two villages.  The stalls filled all three halls and there were demonstrations, children’s crafts, a café run by the Scouts and singing by pupils of St Paul’s C of E School, amongst many other activities.

At the beginning of October, we won the Rural Service category award for 2019. A trophy and a certificate were presented to us by the Rural Community Council.

At the beginning of November, we won the Volunteer-led Organisation of the Year – in the Voluntary Action for Leicester and Leicestershire (VALL) 2019 awards.

We were then awarded the Overall Charity of the Year! Over 400 nominations had been received, so what an accolade!

These awards reflect the hard work and outstanding commitment from the team of volunteers who give up their time cheerfully to help their neighbours.  Thank you, everyone!  Thank you, too, all who have made donations and funded the GNS in its first three years.

By the way, for those of you who saw the Leicester Mercury’s article on Friday 8th November, headlined “Charity that helps elderly”, we’d like to point out that we will help anyone over the age of eighteen.  There are times when everyone needs a bit of support and that’s what we do.

If you would like to be involved in our AWARD-WINNING scheme – as a driver or befriender, as a member of the steering group or you would like some help or support – then just ring the GNS mobile 07561 890 100.  We would be delighted to hear from you.

 


 

RCC Rural Achievement Awards

We were delighted that the hard work of our colleagues and volunteers was recently recognised through us being awarded the Rural Service Award in the recent Rural Community Council Leicestershire & Rutland Rural Achievement Awards 2019. 

Thank you to everyone involved for all you’ve done to help make this possible through providing this excellent service for our community.

 

 


Our 3rd Annual General Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 3rd October.  Please find the minutes attached here, a summary of the year here, our income and expenditure report here, a report of the befriending service here, and a selection of photos from the event below.

 

Jobs by type, 10/1016 – 30/09/19

 

 


BBC Radio Leicester Interview

We were very pleased to be invited to be interviewed live as part of BBC Radio Leicester’s breakfast show on 31st July.  We were given the opportunity to discuss the benefits of the scheme and the difference it has made to the local community.

 


Latest Update – July 2019

Our great team of volunteers have continued to remain busy supporting people in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves.
 
This pie chart shows you the number of times that we have supported people and the type of help provided.  As you can see driving to medical appointments and our befriending scheme remain the most requested services.
 
This bar graph shows how the number and type of requests that we are fulfilling has changed compared to the same period last year. As you can see we have had a significant increase in usage of the befriending service in the last year.
 
 

Rural Achievement Awards 2019

For the second year, the Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Good Neighbour Scheme has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Rural Service Award in the 2019 Rural Achievement Awards! The winner will be announced on the 10th October.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for your help in gaining this recognition of the Scheme.

 

 

 


 

Community Fair – Roundabout (village magazine) article, March 2019

We do live in very busy villages! On Sunday 24th March 2019, several months of hard work were revealed with our first Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Community Fair. 

From the setting up of the three buildings, the village hall, King George Vth room and annexe, it ran like clockwork, and even the sun shone! The 49 stalls were allocated, and each group filled their space with posters, leaflets, banners, photographs, images, objects and so much more! The enthusiasm, discussion, sharing of ideas and experiences, as well as the sense of fun were evident throughout the afternoon as every room became crowded with people. The chatter was only broken by the demonstrations and events, which were all engaging and informative, as well as very different in each building.

The range of groups, services and organisations showed what a remarkable place it is where we live! There were representatives from all age groups behind the stalls, visiting and demonstrating. No one could have anticipated the number of people who came, let alone the interest and delight that was shown. Some people came for a chat with friends and neighbours or to find out about particular things, and others to volunteer or join a group. Whatever the reason, the atmosphere was buzzing, energetic and full of life, but also gentle, friendly, supportive and compassionate.

The refreshments were organised by the Scouts, who served drinks and delicious cakes with efficiency, smiles and delightful conversations throughout the afternoon.

In the village hall there were, like elsewhere, an extraordinary range of stalls representing the villages.  For example, the May Day Challenge demonstrated their enormous contributions not just through charitable donations, but also to running and our locality. The WI and History groups showed their programme of fascinating and diverse events and the Good Neighbour Scheme the support both provided and needed locally. The groups also revealed how people work hard to keep our villages safe and clean, for example the Litter Pickers’ stunning images of the amount of rubbish that they have collected and the Traffic Watch’s scary photographs of both the speed and quality of driving locally. The film group demonstrated the breadth of genre for their film nights and the children from St Paul’s School’s choir the enjoyment of singing as a group. The sketches by the Beacon Players were both fun and thoughtful. Dust if you must, a poem by Rose Milligan was performed by Hilary Ayling. It summed up so much as it described what you could do with your time in a gentle, humorous way, but with a sting in the last verse. Richard Mollart’s description of the new projector and sound equipment was comprehensive and useful for all those wishing to enjoy the facilities.

In the King George Vth room there was much excited chatter as visitors approached the wonderful and diverse stands and displays, but all fell quiet when peaceful Chinese music started to issue from the demonstrations area. The music was accompanying Pamela Martin as she calmly demonstrated the beautiful Yang form of Tai Chi that she teaches. Following this the accomplished Irish dancing children’s group attracted a very encouraging audience and was much appreciated as they showed their individual and collective skills. The yoga that followed was again a lovely peaceful affair as four volunteers enjoyed a taster session of yoga and mindfulness; they came away relaxed and refreshed. The three young people’s age groups demonstrating the skills they have learnt at the Yasmin Amber School of Dance were most impressive; they were again superbly supported by an enthusiastic audience. When a technical error affected the soundtrack, the dancers still continued to execute their moves in a coordinated and graceful fashion.  The stalls around the room had so many carefully prepared displays to tell villagers what they were offering. There were live demonstrations at the stalls of both lace making and painting.

As with the village hall and King George Vth room, the annexe was buzzing with enthusiastic stall holders and interested visitors.  The many families who came to the annexe left with their children sporting beautifully painted faces and clutching fantastic art creations they had made themselves.  Younger children took part in a Dinosaur Dig, using brushes to carefully remove sand and reveal buried dinosaur bones.  A lovely demonstration of a form of Tai Chi known as Harmony in Motion was given to a relaxing soundtrack of classical music, and later in the afternoon six children found themselves donning lab coats to take part in a proper science experiment led by the Mini Professors team, combining chemicals to make carbon dioxide!

As with all new events, the organising committee worked extremely hard, doing their best to ensure that all groups in the village were contacted well in advance to see if they wished to participate.  Unfortunately, one or two groups did not receive an official invitation, and to those groups we would like to apologise.  The feedback we have received following the Community Fair has been overwhelmingly positive and we would like to thank all those who have said how much they enjoyed the event.  Thank you to all those businesses and individuals who donated raffle prizes, the helpers who set up and also took down all the equipment and to you for coming along. This amazing event was made so by all the fantastic contributors to the day who put so much into preparing for it. The Community Fair was a truly community event celebrating the many benefits and joys of living here.

 


 

Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves Community Fair

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Community Fair, whether you helped organise the event, represented a group or organisation, or came as a visitor.  We hope you will agree it was a very successful event.

If you have any feedback or suggestions please email them to [email protected]

Thanks to our fantastic photographer, Bob Young, we’re pleased to bring you a selection of photographs from the event.  Please click here to view the Community Fair photo gallery

 


 

Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves Community Fair, Sunday 24th March 2-4.30pm

We live in busy villages. However, would you like to know more about what is happening locally and maybe even how to join in? The Good Neighbour Scheme is co-ordinating a Community Fair, to be held on Sunday 24th March from 2 to 4.30pm.

There will be over 30 stalls from different groups, services and organisations showing what they do, and there will even be some demonstrations (see programme of events below). You can come along and just wander around, meet the organisers of the groups, collect information and ask questions.

Refreshments will be on sale in the Village Hall and there will also be some children’s activities.

It will be an afternoon which will celebrate what it means to live in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves. Everyone is welcome and entry is free.

If you would like a lift, please contact the Good Neighbour Scheme on 07561 890100.

 

Programme of events

 

Village Hall

Tea and cakes will be served cafe style in the Village Hall.

2:20pmWoodhouse Eaves Village Cinema
3:00pmSt Paul’s School Choir
3:40pmBeacon Players
4:25pmRaffle Draw – you need to be in the hall to claim your prize (free ticket issued to everyone attending)!

King George V Room

Watercolour demonstrations by the Woodhouse Eaves Art Group and lace making demonstrations by the Carillon Lace and Handicraft Group will be ongoing during the afternoon.

2:20pmTai Chi
2:40pmIrish Dancing
3:00pmYoga and Mindfulness
3:40pmYasmin Amber School of Dance

The Annexe

Children’s art activities and face painting will be ongoing during the afternoon.

2:40pmHarmony in Motion Training (Tai Chi)
3:20pmMini Professors (exciting science for 2-5 year olds)

 

January 2019 Update

Attached here are some charts which show the total number of jobs that we have carried out in our community and a breakdown of their type.

There is also an interesting bar chart of a yearly comparison, showing a comparison of the same 3 months over the years that the Good Neighbour Scheme has been operating. You can see from this how the service has really grown in popularity and how we are making a real difference to support people in our community


 

Update from our 2nd Annual General Meeting

October marked the end of the second year of our Good Neighbour Scheme and we celebrated with our AGM on the 3rd. The evening was really well attended with interesting presentations from various members of the committee, as well as a Q&A session after a drink and nibbles.

Click here to see relevant documents for your interest and our thanks to everyone who has been involved in making the last two years such a success.


 

Dementia Friends Information Session – 30th October 2018

There are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. Dementia doesn’t care who you are and could affect any one of us. People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated. And that means that they’re less likely to be able to live independently in their own communities.

Many of us have personal experience of someone living with dementia, maybe a relative, friend or neighbour, but it can be difficult to know how best to help. The Good Neighbour Scheme has organised a Dementia Friends Information Session for Tuesday 30th October 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Methodist Church. The session will be run by a Dementia Friends Champion – this is a volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. The session will provide information, a better understanding of what it is like to have dementia and look at ways to support someone to live well with the condition.

Dementia Friends is an initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society which believes in the need to create a climate of kindness and understanding, so that everyone affected by dementia feels part of, not apart from, society. The more we understand, the more we can do to help people stay independent and live the life they want for as long as possible.

The session will last about an hour and there’ll be time for tea and chats at the end. It is quite structured but informal and involves a small amount of easy and enjoyable interaction. It is not in any way a “lecture”. It concludes with an invitation to everyone to consider what simple actions they might be able to take and to become a “Dementia Friend”. Most people do that because it’s very simple and satisfying to do but of course there is no obligation. Providing the information is the main purpose. Questions and discussion are part and parcel of the session.

The evening is free and open to anyone over the age of 18. We have a limit of about 40 places and it would be helpful to know how many people will be attending.

To reserve a place, call or leave a message on the GNS phone – 07561 890 100 or email [email protected]


 

Annual General Meeting – 3rd October 2018

This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 3rd October at 7.30pm in Woodhouse Eaves village hall.  All are welcome, so please keep the date free and come and join us if you’re able.  Refreshments will be provided.  Please click here to see the agenda.


Latest Update – August 2018

Our wonderful volunteers have been busy as ever supporting people in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves.
 
 
This pie chart shows you the number of time that we have supported people and the type of help that has been done.  As you can see driving to medical appointments and our companionship scheme remains the most requested service.
 
 
This bar graph shows how the number and type of requests that we are fulfilling has changed compared to the same period last year. We are busier in almost all areas and, on the steering group, we are really pleased with how the Good Neighbour Scheme is helping to meet the needs of people in our villages.

Good Neighbour Scheme giving lifts locally  – June 2018 Roundabout (village newsletter) article

Over the next few months, there will be articles in Roundabout on the Good Neighbour Scheme in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves. These will include how it works, who it is for and feedback from the people who have had help from the scheme.

One of our most popular requests is about lifts locally from or within the two villages. If you would like a lift, for example, to the hospital, doctor’s, hairdresser’s, railway or bus station then please do ring us. We can take you from door to door. By asking the Good Neighbour Scheme, you have someone local giving you a lift. All of our drivers are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked and insured.

You may like a friend or relative to come with you, and that is fine, so do mention it when you phone. If you have a Blue Badge, then please bring it with you as this can make parking easier. If you would like to get a Blue Badge, then we can help you to apply for one.

We usually have access to a wheelchair, if you need it. This can be especially useful for a hospital visit when the distance between the car park and the appointment can be significant.

Lifts are free within Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves. After that there is a charge of 50 pence per mile for any trips outside the villages, which you pay to the driver at the end of the journey. This fee is used to maintain the Good Neighbour Scheme phone line and to reimburse the volunteer driver for petrol. We will give you an estimated cost when you phone. You will also need to pay for any car parking charges.

If you are going to an appointment that you know may take a while and would like a lift home afterwards please mention this when you phone. We may then arrange for two drivers – one to take you and another to bring you home.

So, if you would like a lift, please do contact the Good Neighbour Scheme on 07561 890100 and we will do the rest.

 


Looking out for one another – May 2018 Roundabout Article

The Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Good Neighbour Scheme is now very well established.  It is a group of volunteers who can support with many different things locally.  It can include driving you to  appointments or an event, or having some companionship and a chat.  Is it all free, except for trips out of the village, which are charged at 50 pence per mile.  There is one number you can call, 07561 890100 and we will do the rest.

So, if you would like to go to an event held by the Film Club, the WI, the Beacon Players, or the Woodhouse Local History Group, or any activity locally and want a lift, or someone to go with, just ring 07561 890100.  There is so much going on and we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy living in these villages.

If you have a medical appointment and would like a lift, or someone to be with you during the appointment, please ring the number.  It can be reassuring to have a lift from door to door so that you can concentrate on your own needs.  Or alternatively, you might want a lift to the hairdresser or the chiropodist, or to do some shopping, then ring the number.

Many people have enjoyed having companionship, which can be weekly or less often depending on your choice.  This can be for a cuppa or while you do something together.  All you need to do is ring the number.

If you know a friend, relative or neighbour who you think would enjoy the scheme, do ask them about it and encourage them to ring.  Or, you could agree that you ring on their behalf.  The Good Neighbour Scheme is all local, so it is for you to use and enjoy.


April 2018 Update

Another 3 months on and the Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers have been working hard to help their friends and neighbours in Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves.

Here are our latest stats showing what we’ve been up to. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the scheme or how you might benefit from what we do, please go to the “contact us” page.

 


January 2018:  Our latest stats

We are really pleased that the Good Neighbour Scheme continues to be popular, with the number of jobs that we’re doing for people in our community increasing all the time. The two graphs below show the number and type of jobs that we’ve carried out since the scheme started in October 2016, and also the comparison of October-December 2016 to October-December 2017.

If you live in Woodhouse or Woodhouse Eaves and would like to receive some help from the Good Neighbour Scheme please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 07561 890 100.


Updates from our Annual General Meeting

Thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM, and to all who continue to contribute to and support the work of the Good Neighbour Scheme.

Please follow the links below to a variety of documents relating to the AGM:

Minutes of the 4th October 2017 AGM

Our updated constitution

A summary of the first year

An update from our befriending co-ordinators

Our income & expenditure report  (Note, the donation from the Woodhouse Scout Group was from the 2016 Scarecrow Festival).

 


Annual General Meeting: 4th October 2017, 7.30-9pm

Come along and hear about our great first year at the Good Neighbour Scheme.

The meeting will be held at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall.  There will be some short presentations about the scheme, a chance to ask questions, and of course a glass of wine and some nibbles!

The meeting is open to everyone and free to attend – so please spread the word and come along.


September 2017: Roundabout Magazine Article

The Good Neighbours Scheme continues to offer a useful service to the residents of Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves, and for that we are all proud to be involved. Driving people to appointments, both medical and other requests, is our most popular service to date, along with requests for companionship. We have now reached over 100 occasions where we have been able to be of help to members of the community which is great. Could you use some help from a volunteer from the Good Neighbours Scheme? Maybe you’re recuperating from an illness and would like a bit of extra help for a short time? Could we help you around the house or garden, or maybe you need someone to walk your dog until you are feeling better? If so, please do get in touch. You can call or text us on 07561 890 100 or have a look at our website for more information.

This year we are joining up with the Horticultural and Craft show in September to offer lifts and support to people in our community. Maybe you’ve got some potentially prize-winning produce or craft item that you need some help transporting to the village hall? Or would you like someone to offer some support to walk around the show and enjoy a tea, cake and natter with afterwards? Please do get in touch with us if this is you.


July 2017:  Nine months in

We are pleased that the scheme continues to be popular and is making a real difference to the people who have used it so far.

This graph shows the jobs we have completed in the nine months since our launch:


April 2017:  Half a year of being Good Neighbours

The Good Neighbours Scheme is now 6 months old! We are all really pleased with how things are going and feel we are making a real difference to people in our community. Our number of volunteers is steadily increasing as well as the number of people who have been helped by the Scheme, up until the end of March we have completed a total of 70 jobs. The most popular requests that we have had so far has been for lifts to medical and other appointments, followed by companionship. This has been a growing area for the Good Neighbours Scheme and we have been really grateful for the help of Cherrie and Denise in joining the steering group as companionship co-ordinators who have volunteered to take on the task of organising rotas for our companions and matching requests with the appropriate volunteer.

Could a volunteer help you with anything? Do you need some short-term help with dog walking or caring for other pets? Do you have some forms or paperwork to fill in but keep putting it off because you don’t feel able to tackle it alone? Are you looking out at your garden feeling overwhelmed by the task of taming it? Don’t feel that you’re on your own; the Good Neighbour Scheme can help! Just call us on 07561 890100 and have a chat to us about how we can help.


 

Open Meeting – 3rd February 2017

The Good Neighbours Scheme has now been running since October and we are all really pleased with the start that we’ve made. This was celebrated in an informal meeting on Friday 3rd February in the village hall. The meeting was well attended and, over a glass of wine and a buffet supper, Judith Harrison (treasurer) shared some statistics on our achievements so far.  So far 24 different volunteers have been involved and the evening was also a way of thanking all our wonderful volunteers for their time and energies generously donated to the scheme.

For further details please find the minutes of the meeting here.


 

30th January 2017:  Our first three months

The Good Neighbour Scheme has got off to a great start, with the number of jobs we have carried out increasing steadily each month.

Please see below a summary of our key statistics from our first three months of operation.

Graph: Total jobs by type

Graph: Total jobs by type


 

January 2017

The Good Neighbour Scheme has now been running for 3 months and we’re delighted with the way that the service is being used to help local people in our community.

Feedback has been really positive from both service users and volunteers with both finding it a beneficial and enjoyable experience.

The steering group has been meeting regularly over the last couple of months to resolve any challenges that have arisen while we’re in our infancy and volunteers have also been helpful in suggesting possible changes that will improve the running of the service ‘on the ground’.

To this end, a meeting for all volunteers has been arranged for Friday 3rd February, 7:30pm in the village hall. If you are registered as a volunteer with the Good Neighbour Scheme but haven’t yet received an invitation to this meeting, please email [email protected] for more information. 


 

October 2016

The Good Neighbour Scheme is now up and running, and we have a large number of enthusiastic volunteers enrolled and ready to play their part.

Please get in touch if we can help you.

 


 

29th September 2016:  Ready to launch

Work has been progressing well, finalising details for the launch of the Good Neighbour Scheme.  Volunteers have been getting their DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks organised and verified and we now have a good number of volunteers all ready to go.

A meeting on 27th September was well attended and volunteers had a chance to meet each other over a cuppa as they received final information before the launch of the scheme.

The official launch will be on Sunday 2nd October where we will have a stall at the local Scarecrow Festival to help us publicise the scheme as widely as possible and get off to a flying start.

wwegns-team2

 


 

September/October 2016 Roundabout Article

Everyone involved in setting up The Good Neighbour Scheme have been working at full throttle to get the scheme up and running as soon as possible; meetings held in both the village hall and the pub have been fruitful and we are all looking forward to when we are able to launch the scheme and get on with the business of being ‘good neighbours’.

A meeting was held in August and lone working policy, safeguarding and DBS checks were discussed; to this end volunteers were asked to attend one of three sessions to bring their ID documents for DBS checks and have photos taken for ID cards; the safety and protection of both volunteers and those requesting help is of paramount importance to us all.

Next jobs on the list are organising a bank account, insurance for the scheme and a mobile phone contract. Once we’re up and running this mobile phone will be the way that you can contact the scheme to request help with transport, dog walking, small household or gardening tasks or just someone to pop round for a cup of tea and a chat.

We’re meeting again in September to finalise things then the aim is to launch the scheme in early October so look out for us at the Scarecrow Festival. In the meantime if you want any more information, would like to volunteer or would require help with something please email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.


 

20th August 2016

We are busy getting everything set up ready for the launch later this year.  We are putting in place all of the necessary processes and procedures, recruiting volunteers, and designing our website so that we can get things off to a flying start.