Update from CVCA – Clifton Village Community Association

We hope you are keeping safe and well in these strange times! It’s when things are difficult that our community spirit, keeping the village together, shines through.

The physical distancing restrictions imposed by COVID-19 have curtailed our usual activities, and so we have found new ways of keeping the community connected. We thought you would like a roundup of the news and work we have undertaken over the last six months.

WW2 Memorial Stone

We are sure you are aware that the beautiful stone is installed.

We are grateful to CVCA member Chris Houlihan, Rand & Asquith, CMBC (£500 grant), CMBC Bereavement Services (Dave Clay and his team) for management, installation and a further donation towards the project and the VAT. The whole project completed at the small cost of £850 to the CVCA funds.

Thank you letters from the CVCA were sent to the engraver and Rand & Asquith.

We had plans for the dedication service earlier this year, but COVID restrictions meant ths wasn’t possible. Further plans to rearrange the dedication service to VJ Day on Sunday 15^th August also, unfortunately, had to be cancelled. Hopefully, it’s third time lucky, with Sunday 8^th November, (Remembrance Sunday) planned for the dedication service.

Methodist pastor Pamela moves on

Pamela Hales’ time as pastor at the Methodist Church recently came to an end and she has moved on. Pamela was also a great asset to the CVCA and a valued member of the Committee, coordinating our neighbourhood network (more below), promoting the incredible edible planters in front of the Methodist Church, and liaising between the Methodist Church and the CVCA. A number of us sent her thank you notes and sent best wishes for the future.

We are very pleased to tell you that Richard Burkinshaw has kindly volunteered to be the primary representative of Clifton Methodist Church (and vice versa). If Richard is not available, Rev David Briggs will represent. Many thanks to Richard for volunteering.

Play Park - update

Janet Stanley, CVCA Secretary, on behalf of the CVCA Play Park team reports, “The slide was officially opened by Mollie in Class F who won the ‘First down the slide,’ prize draw. The new green safe surface around the existing climbing frame has been heavily delayed due to lockdown. It was due to be installed on 7^th September. The council arrived and removed the bark ready for installation. A further glitch with the installers has delayed this for a further two weeks.

We are seeking funding for inclusive benches and seating on the park, but there are currently no national opportunities for fundraising or grant applications, as all requests are geared to the support of people in the current Coronvirus crisis”.

You can find out more about the play project at the dedicated webpage

Looking out for our neighbours

The wonderful scheme, looking out for our neighbours, was set up by Joff Ward, Devon Marsh, Gill Poole, Pamela Hales and Jason Carlton. The CVCA made funds available to support the network which included the purchase of a dedicated mobile phone.

We have a network of neighourhood coordinators available to help. The scheme has a dedicated webpage, fingers crossed the network will not be needed in the coming months.

CVCA AGM

We had planned to hold our AGM in September, however the recent announcement restricting gatherings has meant we’re rethinking how we can hold the meeting. We’ll publish more information here and on social media as soon as we can.

News from Clifton Village Neighbourhood Forum

The Clifton Village Neighbourhood Forum (CVNF) continues to develop a neighbourhood plan and represent Clifton Village in the Local Plan consultation. COVID-19 has put physical meetings and the planned local consulation on hold, but work continues.

The CVNF receives no funding from Calderdale Council and is totally reliant upon fundraising and donations.