News & Events

Congleton Partnership Executive meeting minutes 01.03.2016

Congleton Partnership Executive Meeting took place recently, download minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Congleton Sports Trust – D.McGifford..

David took us through a presentation on developing a sports trust for Congleton. The need to Create a Vision, Draw up a Constitution and develop a Working Partnership with sports clubs. The initial work will involve Football and Rugby clubs, who currently they have around 1200 playing members, and look at improving facilities / surfaces taking in the main areas of Back Lane, Schools, Hankinson’s Field and St Johns Rd Playing Field.

The benefits would include the ability to attract funding, support from the community with potential management of the areas by the community and a long term aim of potential ownership of the facilities.

Start with pitches and facilities for Football and Rugby as a starting point to get the trust embedded and then open up to other sports as time and opportunities arise.

Everybody Sports and Leisure, Ansa, Cheshire East have agreed in principal to support this idea.

The Partnership voted to fully support this project.

 

Congleton Museum – Vision for the Future – D.Topping..

David took us through a detailed presentation of both the current situation and the Museum’s vision for the future. The museum currently operates under a number of constraints mainly lack of space, lack of facilities and no real main street presence. Since it opened in 2002 it has built up a wide and varied collection but has been limited to what items it can display at any one time.

Hard facts, the Museum made 169,681 public contacts, had 2253 visitors,Educational activity involved 1813 delegates and the website had 165,615 hits.

Their vision for the future is to help make Congleton a visitor destination and grow our visitor economy.

The plan is to relocate to Bradshaw House which would improve its main street profile, give space to develop more displays, themes and attractions. There are many exciting exhibitions planned in the current building but so much more could be done by relocation. David then shared some of the floor plans and extra services that could be offered. He issued a full brief of his presentation to everyone present.

MS commented that The Partnership were also playing their part in building the visitor economy buy working on a project to develop both Maps and Apps for a town wide Heritage Trail. The Partnership is fully supportive of the Museums Vision and plans for the future.

 

  1. Tour of Britain – START TOWN FOR DAY 3! – Congleton has been confirmed as the start town for day three of the Tour of Britain. This is immense – and is a grand prix of cycle races! The whole day of racing – 182km in total will be in the Cheshire East area – apart from about 400m. We can expect TV crews and thousands of spectators. Our role will be to capitalize on this opportunity and to make the most of it for Congleton residents, businesses and the Town. The first project board meeting is this Thursday so I’ll find out more and keep everyone posted via Mike. See http://cheshiretourofbritain.co.uk/

 

Next Meeting is :- Tuesday 7th June, Bridestone Suite, 5.30pm.

‘Under The Bed Sale’ on Friday 15th January Congleton

The Electric Picture House would like to invite you to the preview of the Under The Bed Sale on Friday 15th January from 7pm.

Please take this opportunity to come and look at our artwork which will be at reduced prices.

Artwork which we have been keeping under the bed, in the wardrobe etc.

The exhibition runs until Saturday 6th February.

Many Thanks

Petra

The Electric PictureHouse, Cross Street, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1HQ.

Tel. 01260 270908

Website: www.electricpicturehouse.com

 

Congleton Partnership Executive Meeting Minutes 8.12.15

The latest meeting of Congleton Partnerships Executive took place recently, please download the full  minutes HERE.

Highlights included:

Town Centre Report – J. MacArthur.

 

  1. Occupancy Update

Occupancy has increased slightly – we are now at 86% occupied (or 91% without Capitol Walk). Changes since the last meeting include:

NEW SHOPS  (6)

Gather – High Street

Town Hall Bathrooms  –  High Street

Eduardo’s Leather Shop in the Pedestrian Area

Shared Treasures  – Antrobus Street

Olivia’s Nails – Market Street (outside of Capitol Walk)

Habitat 8 Soul Food Café – above Simply Retro – Bridge Street

MOVED SHOPS (2)

Simply Retro – from Lawton Street to Bridge Street (Pedestrian Area)

Butters John Bee – from High Street to the Pedestrian area

RE-BRANDED SHOPS (1)

Chatwins in the Pedestrian area (due to re-open on the 9th December)

CLOSED SHOPS (2)

Cost-Cutter – Pedestrian Area

Life After Services – Capitol Walk

I understand that Capitol Walk Shopping Centre will be closing its doors to the walkway as soon as CT Mobiles (the only functioning shop inside the unit) moves into an outside unit. This will mean all the Capitol Walk shops can be accessed from the outside and the walk through will be closed. Clowes has confirmed that they are looking to minimize their losses after a year of marketing has not resulted in new tenants.
There has been no further information from Scarborough Development or Cheshire East re any movement on the plans to develop Mill Street/Princess Street area.

  1. Christmas Lights Switch on

Massive thank you to everyone from the Partnership for your help and support during the Christmas Lights Switch on. It was our wettest one ever – but still good to see so many people turn up to support the event. The lantern parade was stunning and a huge thank you to Community Projects for the hours of work they invested into the public workshops.

  1. Congleton Artisan Market

In November this was moved to the Fairground Car Park to accommodate the Remembrance Sunday Parade. The trader’s preferred the site and so the December Market will also be held in the Fairground Carpark. There will not be a market in January, February and March and during which time the markets will reassessed as they are not breaking even or having the initial desired effect of increasing footfall for the shops.

  1. Public Realm

Early design ideas have been approved in principle by the Town Council which include some work at either end of the pedestrian area as well as new pavements, deep clean, new street furniture and lighting along the length of the pedestrian area.  A small group which includes Steve Foster from the Partnership, a number of town councillors and Jackie MacArthur will be considering a number of options for street furniture and lighting to include in the proposals that will be presented to the public for consideration in the early part of the New Year. Public Realm work will take place next year – but after the completion of the National Grid gas works. There is not date for the start of this work.

 

  1. Town Centre Map

We are working with Silver Maze to develop some display maps identifying key areas, roads, attractions and services for Congleton. There are a number of sites being discussed including Fairground Carpark or the bus station, West Street Car Park, Antrobus Street Car Park, Back Park Street Car Park, Railway Station, incorporated into pedestrian area (new Public Realm). One the map is produced other uses and areas will no doubt follow.

  1. Dog Fouling

Three new dog bag dispensers have been put out in the town centre to help out with the amount of fouling in the pedestrian area and Lawton Street. Bins can be found in front of the community garden, B&M side wall, and the walk way at the side of Weatherspoon’s through to Antrobus St car park.

OTHER NEWS

  1. Neighbourhood Plan

The second questionnaire will go out to the public in December. The questionnaire is more detailed than the first one – hence the desire to get people to answer it on-line. Due to the delay in getting this out a new deadline will be set of mid-January or at least 4-5 weeks after the questionnaire is made public and advertised. It would be a great help if people associated with the partnership could fill in the forms – Mike will send a link via email.

Once the results are known this will be assimilated into the various groups work and assist in production of the draft plan which we are aiming to produce before the end of the first quarter of 2016.

 

Please see the full minutes for the rest of the news from the Partnership!

The next meeting is Tuesday 1st March, Congleton Town Hall, Main Hall, 5.30pm

Congleton Cider and the Olde Kings Arms come together

congleton cider an Congleton Kings ArmsMost people know about the Congleton Apple Juice project that since 2009 has collected resident’s surplus and windfall apples, sent them to be pressed and juiced at Dunham Massey Apple Juice to make bottles of juice and for the first time last year bottles of cider.

 

Well this year we have joined forces with the Olde Kings Arms so that the town can enjoy the cider on draught, cheers!

 

The cider is a still cider and is available as either medium dry, medium sweet or mixed with blackcurrant, so there’s one to suit all tastes.

 

Dominic Irving, new landlord of the Kings Arms welcomed the opportunity create a centre for CSG projects in the town for the first time: potentially hosting events and workshops for people in the town to explore more sustainable living with a good pint to ease the thinking!

 

The unique logo for the cider on draught in the picture above.

 

The Olde Kings Arms is one of the oldest pubs in the town, dating back to at least the 17th Century; legend has it that condemned prisoners would be brought through tunnels and the cellar to have one last drink. No wonder stories of the pub being haunted abound! The pub one of 9 locally owned by Titanic Breweries based in Burslem, founded in 1985, now run by brothers Dave and Keith Bott, whose ethos is still the same; to brew great beer locally for local people.

 

Titanic Breweries are holding an open day at their Burslem premises, Callender Place, Lingard Street, Burslem, ST6 1JL on Saturday 14th November where Congleton Cider will feature alongside their great beers. People will be spoilt for choice!

 

The Congleton Apple Juice is one of Congleton Sustainability Group (CSG) projects, formed in June 2009 entirely of volunteers to nudge the Town towards a greener, more climate change friendly way of living.

 

At one of their first events – a Seed Swap in October 2009 – amongst all the bartering of plants and seeds people bought apples to swap, but many apples were left – they weren’t very pretty apples!

 

In conversation it was said that surely they could be used to make apple juice?

 

CSG contacted Eddisbury Fruit Farm, they then made Cheshire fruit juices commercially, who agreed that if CSG took more than 100 kilos of apples they could be kept separate through their production process and be bottled and labelled just for Congleton.

 

Congleton Apple Juice was born!

 

The apples varieties given are many and varied, cooking and desert apples, all shapes and sizes, good and unremarkable but all donated by Congleton residents. Everyone who donates apples receives a free bottle of juice.

 

Profits from the juice and ciders together with funding from Congleton Inclosure Trust and The William Dean Trust have enabled CSG to plant over 240 apple trees to create mini-orchards in all 16 Congleton Schools. In 2012 a Community Orchard was planted at Astbury Mere Country Park.

Congleton Sustainability Group

In 2013 Eddisbury Fruit Farm closed down so now Durham Massey Apple Juice have stepped into the breach with the added bonus that they produce modern craft ciders too!

 

Hence, the appearance of Congleton Ciders at the Olde Kings Arms, go and try a pint secure in the knowledge that you’ll be enjoying cider made from apples that would otherwise go to waste and that will provide funds for future food schemes in the town.

 

Projects & Finance Committee meeting minutes 28.09.15

The Projects and Finance Committee meeting took place recently, please download the full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlight’s included:

New Project Ideas.

Community Orchard Accessibility.

Pathway, Signage, Improve accessibility. Partnership working with In Bloom / Astbury Mere Trust /CEBC rangers. P.Pinto and M.Axford working on design and costs.

Cycle Shelters.

This is being picked up by Phil Mason CEBC Environmental. 1 shelter to be sited at or near the Library, other sites to be considered. No action required currently by The Partnership.

Heritage / Bear / Town Walk Trails.

P.Aston to chair this through, also to involve Congleton Museum. The Every Step Counts trail map is a good place to start. P.Pinto looking to incorporate a gardens trail. Trail map to be sited on one side of the town destination boards.

Car Park Destination Maps / Signage. Get Involved Booklet.

Jackie showed the meeting a selection of maps currently being used. Price ranges from £2k to £3k for the artwork. Possible approach EPH artist as an alternative designer. Looking at 5 sites, boards cost around £1.5k each (double sided) Jackie to find out about the requirement for planning permission. A project cost / proposal to be put together, Glen Williams will then take to Cheshire East.

Moody Street Green Area.

Once Antrobus St Gardens is completed there should be some S106 money left to refurbish the Moody St ‘green area’ up to Antrobus St Gardens standard. Partnership to work with CEBC (Julie Byrne) on this.

Mountbatten Way – Green Boulevard.

BE suggested this project to remove the railings and create a green boulevard. BH to discuss the idea with David Brown. This will now be raised at the Public Realm meeting 28.9.15
Youth Hub / Transport.

 

Youth Hub.

This subject is currently on the backburner.

 

Transport/ Mini Bus.

Issues regarding long term admin and parking/storage being dealt with (may have a second bus soon) currently.

New bank account being opened at Natwest as a standalone minibus account. We can then start invoicing organisations for usage and also promote the scheme.

Monday 23rd November, Spencer Suite , 9.30am

Bromley Farm Wellbeing Hub Job Club Congleton

Bromley Farm wellbeing hub Congleton

Job club at Bromley Farm Wellbeing Hub every Tuesday morning, 9:30am until 12 noon. Receive help with:

  • CV writing
  • Interview Practise
  • Advice and information
  • Informal and friendly drop in service
  • Browse the net at your leisure
  • Socialise and enjoy the experience
  • Complementarity refreshments available

 

For more information contact Usman Ashiq of Plus Dane on 01260 288 422.

Congleton Partnership Executive Meeting 15.09.15

The latest Congleton Partnership Executive meeting took place recently, view the full minutes HERE.

Highlights included:

A special mention for our new Executive Members:-Peter Houldsworth ( Buglawton Community Group), Stuart Halliday & Vince Cutcliffe (Congleton Creative)

  1. Town Centre – Continue to have a change in shops but overall occupancy figures are remaining fairly static at town centre occupancy of 85% (91% without Capitol Walk) and over all Town occupancy of 87% which is 220 occupied shops and 34 empty units (some of which are in discussions). I think everyone continues to be frustrated at the lack of movement on the Princess Street/Market site and lack of any action from Clowes on Capitol Walk.

 

  1. £1 million public realm

The Town Council officers, partnership members and councillors working on the Public Realm have been chasing and waiting for an update meeting with Cheshire East. This has now been arranged for the 29 September. The previous meeting was on the 12th May and so hopefully there will be some positive progress to report

  1. Christmas

Planning is well underway for the Christmas Lights Switch on – Friday 27th November. We are advising in this week’s Chronicle for the charity stalls and craft stalls – so if you want one for your charity get the forms in quickly! We have purchased 5 new bigger lamppost lights to create more of a statement in the High Street. The partnership has agreed to sponsor some 12 ft penguins which will perform 3 x 20 minute slots at the Lights Switch on. As usual we would love help on the night (or in advance). Road Closures from 2-8.30 and event 4-7pm. If anyone is able to help for an hour or more please let me know.

4. Maps for the Town Centre

The Town Council and Congleton Partnership are working together on a project to get location and feature maps into the Town Centre car parks – and into the pedestrian area as part of the Public Realm works. We have had quotes from one company and are waiting for two others to come back. We also need some confirmation from Cheshire East that they can put into the pot and erect on their land.

5. Gas Works

I have had confirmation from Cheshire East that Balfour Beattie will not now be allowed into the Town Centre in 2015. Not sure what the programme looks like for next year. There appears to be communications issues with the company.

6.Bear Necessities

The Autumn edition will be distributed from the 12th October – with all the copy being sent off next Friday (25 November)

7. Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood Plan is getting back into gear with a Steering Group meeting on Wednesday. The second questionnaire will come out in October. We received 1400 responses from the first questionnaire – the results of which are on mycongleton.org and will feature in a double page spread in the next Bear Necessities .

8.In Bloom

Thank you to everyone who helped with the In Bloom efforts. As a town we have had lots of compliments this year. The results of the NW in Bloom competition will be known on the 30th October and the Community Pride Awards on the 15 October.

9. 150 Years Celebrations

The Town Hall first opened to the Public on the 10th July 1866 – and so next year we are looking to host a number of celebrationary events – including a High Tea for descendants of those who attended the original opening, a grand exhibition – providing that the schools are interested. Investigating whether there is a way of replicating the original intention for the shields on the outside of the Town Hall to represent significant local families, and a number of other ideas are still being explored. Anyone that wishes to help with the project or has ideas please get in contact with Jackie MacArthur .

Congleton Partnership AGM 2015

The Chair Steve Foster opened the 9th Partnership Annual General Meeting by welcoming everyone to the event and invited them all to stay to the Executive Meeting that followed on from this meeting if they so wished. Download the full minutes HERE.

Overview 2014/15.

Steve gave a brief overview of projects that had taken place / were still active across all of the subgroups. This was not an exhaustive list but a sample/range of the activities The Partnership is involved in.

Neighbourhood Plan

Get Involved Directory

New Website

Food & Drink Bike Park

Back to Back Gardens

Art Workshops

Festivals Open Space / Hidden Places etc

Apple Juice / Cider (990 / 500)

Established Senior Forum

Eco Schools (14 green flags)

Hydro Scheme (Havannah)

SLIC courses

Cenotaph Restoration

Uth Festival

Cycleway Signage

Xmas lights ( Lawton St Lights / Penguins)

Congleton Learning Centre

Commenting Team / Planning / Developers

MMW Memorial Project

 

Steve closed the AGM by reminding everyone that bringing in new volunteers remains a key challenge.

He talked about the new Partnership dedicated website and the need for all subgroups to play their part in updating information on a regular basis to help improve public awareness of The Partnership.

Succession planning was highlighted, in particularly in Steve’s case as he felt that whilst he would still be involved with The Partnership in some form another, he had served his time as Chair (4 years) and would be working on recruiting a new Chair for 2016/17.

Steve remarked on the importance of continuing to deliver projects and support of community activities that benefit Congleton. He then outlined some of the new projects planned for 2015/16. These included:-

 

Heritage/Bear/Cycle Trails

Town Centre Destination Maps / Carparks

Community Orchard –Pathway / Accessibility

Moody Street Greenspace

Mountbatten Way – Green Boulevard

Hydro Scheme – CSG

Senior Health and well-being Fayre 1st October Congleton

Senior health and well-being fayre for all the vibrant over 50’s living in and around Congleton! Join us on the 1st October 1pm-4pm at New Life Church. A range of activities and afternoon tea will be served! See the poster for more information.

senior health and well-being fayre Congleotn

Congleton Senior Forum meeting minutes 25.08.2015

The latest meeting of Congleton Senior Forum took place recently on 28.08.2015, download the full meeting mintues HERE.

Highlights include:

The meeting began with a talk by Peter Broome (New Life Community Partnership) about the formation of this joint project with New Life Church, Mattroe Ltd and Plus Dane. He outlined the operating procedures for supplying families who are in financial, social ,physical and mental need. He explained the ethics and link up with The LOL Foundation and how training and involvement helped in the rehabilitation of the ex-servicemen. A tour of the facility followed.

Forget me not service – Karen Mellor & Chris Birch Plus Dane

 

Karen and Chris took us through a presentation on the Forget-Me- Not- Scheme that Plus Dane run for both their residents and the wider public alike. The scheme offers a wide range of applications / alarm systems from Pendants, Wrist Straps, Movement Detectors, Panic Buttons, Bed/Chair Sensors etc. A price and product brochure is available on request (MS has sent a copy out although the file is quite large and some mailboxes will not be able to take it) If you wish more information please contact Karen or Chris at:- support@neighbourhoodinvestor.com

 

Louise will blog this out in The Chronicle once the Format and agreement with The Chronicle is agreed.

Senior Health Fayre 1.10.15

 

The event which will celebrate Older People’s Day on 1st October will be held at New Life Church from 1 to 4pm. The event is being organised by Cheshire East with support from AgeUK CE / Plus Dane.  There will be a main hall exhibition with breakout rooms to facilitate various activities (Tai Chi, Massages, Music etc).

 

If any of our organisation would like to be there please contact Victoria on 01625 612958 as soon as possible.

 

Usman is putting together an advert to support the event, MS to circulate once received. Please get this out to all your clients/ members, also display wherever you can.