ALDINGTON AND BONNINGTON NEWS

UPDATE ON TEENAGE EQUIPMENT AND GREEN GYM

 

 

1.           BACKGROUND

The Wish list and a survey carried out last summer highlighted a need for teenage equipment and a Green Gym in Aldington.

 

2.           FUNDING

Grants totalling £35,330 have been obtained from Collyer-Ferguson Charitable Trust, Aldington Soap Box Derby, Bellway Community Fund, Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council. Thanks to their generosity and the advice of Funding Buddies, this project can now go ahead.

 

3.           TEENAGE EQUIPMENT

A teenage shelter, basketball post, web springer and bird’s nest swing have already been purchase and fitted.  They are to the north of the existing smaller children’s playground on Reynolds Playing Field.  It is hoped to add 4-6 pieces of green equipment to this area on the spring.

 

4.           GREEN GYM

 The most suitable site has been identified as the strip of land to the north of the MUGA.  This would not be in the way of the Cricket or Football teams and has some natural shading and screening by the trees.  It is hoped to fit this equipment by May.

 

The Green Gym equipment is designed to be used by all people form the age of 11 to 100 years.  There is a range of equipment to suit all abilities.

 

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO LOOK AT THE EQUIPMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK BY E/MAILING  CHRISTINE KNIGHT AT: aldingtonclerk@saxonshore-kent.gov.uk

 

 

Air Skier
 
By swinging both legs together from side to side the Air Skier strengthens and develops the lower abdomen hips and thighs, improves balance and co-ordination through "core" activation. Excellent warm-up and work-out for skiers, but also can provide gentle exercise for fitness beginners.

 

                         


Elliptical Cross Trainer
 
The elliptical cross trainer provides an excellent full-body cardiovascular work-out. It helps to improve co-ordination and balance while providing low impact exercise for legs and arms. Excellent work-out for those recovering from injury.

 

 

 

Seated Leg Press
 
Excellent work-out for thighs and hips without any of the risks to the knee joints associated with traditional squats. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Increase speed and/or the number of repetitions for more strenuous exercise. Can be used individually or by two people together for paired exercise.

 

 

Double Air Walker
 
It can be used by one or two people at once. Exercising with a friend is more fun! This universally popular apparatus provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while developing the leg muscles. Allows a full range of movement in the hip joint improving flexibility and strength, without any impact or stress to joints and back. Suitable for all ages and especially for those for whom jogging and power walking are not suitable.

 

The Pull-Down Challenger
 
Also known as a lat pull station, this provides a strenuous work-out for arms shoulders and back, building strength and stamina. Not suitable for children or the elderly.

 

 

Hip Twister

 

This gentle exerciser is designed to improve flexibility and range of movement of hips and waist. Good for warm-up and cool down routines and for toning obliques. Three people can exercise together, and the unstrenuous nature of this exercise allows for social interaction. Suitable for all ages.

 

The Rider
 
Similar to a rowing machine but in a more upright position the Rider gives a full-body cardiovascular and toning

work-out, pushing with the legs while pulling with the arms against resistance. Works arms shoulders, back legs,

abdomen and legs with low impact exercise.

 

Triple Pull-up Station
 
A strenuous exerciser for arms and shoulders but one of the best for muscle development A variation on the classic chin-up bar, it allows 3 people to exercise simultaneously or to compete!

 

Leg Lift Station
 
Used to perform knee raises and leg lifts to strengthen abdomen and upper thighs. Suitable for teenagers and adults.

 


Push-up and Dip Station
 
Two sets of parallel bars set at different heights allow for push-up and dip exercises, a strenuous exercise to develop strength in arms and shoulders. Can also be used for knee raises to develop the abdomen. A simple piece of equipment providing effective upper body training. Suitable for teenagers and adults.

 

Double Sit-up Boards
 
The design and construction of these sit-up boards helps to encourage correct action and to prevent lower back strain,

while at the same time putting the abdominal muscles through a fuller range of movement from extension to contraction.

Suitable for all ages and abilities.

AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK BY E/MAILING  CHRISTINE KNIGHT AT: aldingtonclerk@saxonshore-kent.gov.uk

 

 

 

UPDATE ON OLDER PERSONS ACCOMMODATION PROJECT

 

 

1.           BACKGROUND

For the past few months, Jennifer Shaw, Ashford BC Housing Strategy, has been working with representatives from the Parishes.  We have been looking to establish if there is a need for new accommodation for older people in the rural areas. 

2.           ACTION SO FAR

 

3.           NEXT STEPS

  • We need to prove that there is a need for these facilities in the Parishes.  A Housing Questionnaire has been commissioned.  If you would like to complete a questionnaire, please telephone Christine Knight on 01233 720107 or email aldingtonclerk@saxonshore-kent.gov.uk
  • Once a need has been established, Housing 21 will be able to use this as evidence of a need to obtain government funding towards the cost of the scheme.  The rest of the cost will be raised in the form of a mortgage by Housing 21 and the proceeds from the sale of leasehold and shared-ownership properties.

 

 

 

Aldington Short Mat Bowls

 

Aldington Short Mat Bowls Club

is looking for new members.

Meetings are held on Monday and Thursday Evenings

from 7.30pm to 10.00pm in the Village Hall

throughout the year.   

                          

It may be just the recreation you are looking for.

Why not give it a try?

Bowls Supplied

Flat-soled shoes required

  

Contact Jim on  01233 632102

 

 

 

 

Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society Monthly Meetings for 2009

 

We meet at Aldington Village Hall 7.45pm for 8.00pm.  Visitors most welcome. 

 

For further information contact Colin Evans 01233720618

 

January           8th              Cheese & Wine                                                                        (Small Hall)

 

January           19th            Neame Cup Quiz at Aldington                                                   (Small Hall)

 

February         12th             “Mosses and Lichen"              A talk by  Don  Palmer              (Large Hall)

 

February         16th            Neame Cup Quiz at Aldington                                                   (Small Hall)

 

March             12th             “Herbs – Growing, Usage in Cooking, Health and Cosmetics."

                                          An illustrated talk by              Mrs Monica Beale.                       (Large Hall)

 

April               4th              Spring Show.                                                                              (Large Hall)

 

                                          Garden Visit.  (Date & Venue TBA)

 

May                14th            “Butterflies & Orchids of Kent”

                                          An illustrated talk by              Don Wilkins.                                 (Large Hall)

                                         

May                16th             Plant Sale & Coffee Morning.                                                    (Large Hall)

 

June                11th             A visit to “Hall’s Court Geraniums and Alpines” at Bethersden.

                                          7.00pm meeting.  A charge of £1.00 to non members.  Members free

 

July                 11th             Summer Show.                                                                          (Large Hall)

 

August            9th              Members Social Event.

                                          Venue & Function TBA

                                         

September      5th              Autumn Show.                                                                           (Large Hall)

 

October          8th              “Care of House Plants”

                                          An illustrated talk by Janet Bryant                                              (Large Hall)

 

November       12th            A.G.M.                                                                                     (Large Hall)

 

December       5th              Christmas Dinner

 

 

 

Summary of Local Needs Survey

Response

A total of 420 forms were sent out and 176 completed or partially completed forms were returned, giving a response rate of 42%.  This is an excellent result – the average response is 25%.

Length of Residence

 

0-1 yrs

2-5yrs

5-10 yrs

10+ yrs

No response

Number of Households

 12 (7%)

18 (10%)

17 (10%)

127 (72%)

2 (1%)

Perceived Housing Need

Housing for

Young People

Older people

Rent

Sale

Shared Ownership

Single People

Large Homes

Small Homes

No. Of Respondents

104 (26%)

41 (10%)

59 (15%)

51 (13%)

37 (9%)

39 (10%)

14 (4%)

52 (13%)

Key Findings

  • 20 households indicated an immediate need for housing and a further 21 anticipated a need within the next 5 years.
  • The survey idenftified a demand/need from 8 single people, 16 couples, 3 pairs of siblings, 13 families (including single parents and one household of unspecified description).
  • 1 single person and 8 couples currently living with parents were planning to get married.  A further 3 single people, 3 couples, a pair of siblings and 1 family, also living with parents, were seeking independence.
  • 1 single person, 1 couple, 2 pairs of siblings, 1 single parent and 3 families wished to be closer to family support.
  • 2 households indicated that their present home was too large and 4 households stated that their present home was too small.
  • The majority of respondents who indicated a housing need require subsidised houising although not all of these would require rented accommodation.
  • Of the 41 households indicating a need, 17 (42% were living in the village at the time of the survey.  A further 14 (34%) had been born in the village and a further 3 (7%) had previously lived in the village.  5 households (12%) had close family currently living in the village and 2 households (5%) were employed in the village.
  • In answer to the question ‘Would you support an affordable housing scheme for local people?’  131 (>77%) said that they would support such a scheme, compared with 38 who said they would not.

The Parish Council would like to thank all parishioners for taking the time to complete the survey and the young people in the parish who helped to distribute it.  The Parish Council will now be actively pursuing additional Local Needs Housing.