The Chron campaigning
CAMPAIGN: ExtraCare
A five-year 1.3million appeal to build one of the UK's largest retirement villages, which was completed in August 2006.
WHY?
The centre at the former St Crispin hospital site near Duston in Northampton provides homes for 350 people aged 55 and over and has a range of facilities and social activities plus on-site 24-hour care for those who need it.
It allows older people to live in a safe environment in their own homes rather than be placed in retirement units.
WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?
The entire project costs 30.5million but was helped by 1.3million raised by Chronicle & Echo readers. Building work was completed last summer and people started moving on to the site. It has been built with 258 apartments and 12 bungalows surrounding a social centre featuring village hall, restaurant, hairdressers, gymnasium, spa bath, greenhouse and woodwork room.
Just over half the houses have been sold and the rest are being offered for rent.
The scheme was set up by a partnership of Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council, Midland Heart housing association and the ExtraCare Charitable Trust.
WHAT NEXT?
Northamptonshire County Councillor Rosemary Bromwich (Con, Towcester), the cabinet member for community care, said: "This new centre will make a real difference to the lives of older people, improving both the quality of life of residents living in the St Crispin Village while also providing an important community facility for the local people in the area."
Bill Hart, 77, who moved into one of the homes with his wife Marion, said: "Having lived on an estate for so long where people just go to work the community spirit here is incredible. The facilities are amazing as well but it is the friendships I am looking forward to the most."
CAMPAIGN: Circulation for Life Appeal
A two-year campaign to raise 300,000 for the vascular unit at Northampton General Hospital.
WHY?
The underfunded and overstretched unit helps thousands of people each year who suffer from circulation and vascular problems such as deep vein thrombosis. The unit is vital in the early diagnosis of a wide range of medical complaints that come into wards and GP surgeries. It has been set up for 10 years but its workload has increased fourfold and six medical staff saw 3,000 patients in 2004, the year before the appeal was launched. The appeal was set up to raise money to extend the vascular studies unit's cramped offices and buy a second state-of-the-art Duplex scanner and a smaller hand held scanner.
WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?
The appeal has so far raised more than 250,000. Donations include a 25,000 lump sum from a grant making foundation in Northamptonshire and 3,000 from Beatties in Northampton's charitable fund.
WHAT NEXT?
During the New Year the hospital will be having a final push to raise the final 50,000. The tender process for the new building is currently being finalised and prepared for bidding.
CAMPAIGN: Reclaim The Racecourse
Launched in June last year to tackle problems with anti-social behaviour and poor facilities on the Racecourse in Kettering Road, Northampton.
WHY?
High levels of crime such as muggings and underage drinking concerned residents in the area and made the park unsafe, particularly at night.
The poor facilities and vandalism meant sports teams were struggling on the pitches and had limited parking spaces. A lack of community areas such as a cafe was also criticised by people using the green space.
WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?
An online survey was carried out by the Chronicle & Echo website to find out from people who visit the park what they felt was the best way of improving it and making it safer. More than 400 people replied with 80 per cent backing the idea of a community cafe. Once the campaign was launched crime fell dramatically after the police increased patrols and broken lights in the car park were fixed.
A board of representatives from the borough and county council, police and community groups was set up to oversee improvement on the Racecourse.
Then in September the campaign changed to The Racecourse Reborn to continue the pressure. Later in the month plans for the Healthy Living Hub project were unveiled aiming to make the park a regional centre for recreation and exercise.
Bowls players from the Racecourse Bowls League also returned to the park after Northampton Borough Council announced it would pay to erect a protective fence around their greens which were previously vandalised.
And at the end of November work started on construction of 1million changing rooms.
WHAT NEXT?
This year will see the creation of a Racecourse master plan under the auspices of The Racecourse Partnership Board, with meetings hosted at the Chronicle & Echo. This group aims to move closer to building the Healthy Living Hub, seeing the lower ground floor of the pavilion occupied by a community group and the opening of the new Racecourse changing rooms.
CAMPAIGN: Age Concern New Home Appeal
An 18-month project to raise 1.5million to secure a new building for the charity's Northamptonshire headquarters.
WHY?
The charity will be evicted from its current premises in Cliftonville, Northampton, by Northamptonshire County Council in March 2008. The council plans to sell the land, which it has rented to the charity for a peppercorn rate since 1982. Age Concern now needs a new base from which to operate so it can continue to help thousands of people across the county. The organisation also needs a more modern building to house its 50 staff and hold advice and drop-in sessions. Without the funding it will be forced to reduce services.
Fundraiser Jodie Jelley said: "Age Concern Northamptonshire currently co-ordinates vital services to over 12,000 older people across the county, if we fail to reach our target it will be a devastating blow to the county's older people."
WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?
Since being launched in August 2006 the appeal has raised 86,800 through fun runs, abseiling, collections, pamper nights, concerts and fashion shows. It was also left a large sum of money from Weston millionairess Mildred Law of Hillside Way. She requested that 1million of her estate be divided between a dozen Northamptonshire and national charities and Age Concern is to receive a portion of the cash.
WHAT NEXT?
During 2007 there will be a host of fundraising events and a buy a brick initiative. Age Concern bosses are currently searching for an appropriate building which they will purchase once the money is raised. With an increasing ageing population its services will be ever more in demand, as each year passes. The organisation hopes to continue running transport services, shopping runs, cleaning help, carers respite, home security schemes and financial advice.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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