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Teenagers have their say
The TeeNage LinK event on 11th October was a great success and a
healthily mixed bunch of 37 teenagers (with a few more lingering
outside) made the effort to attend the meeting at the Parish Centre and
joined in a lively debate on the pros and cons of teenage life in
Knebworth and Old Knebworth. Of course a major attraction was the offer
of a free hotdog after the session! Our thanks go to Trussells Butchers
who generously donated the sausages and to Sue Clark and young Chris
from Trussells who kindly cooked them all! Thanks also to Parish
Councillor Stewart Biddle and the other representatives from North Herts
District Council, Herts Community Development Agency and Herts
Association 4 Young People who supported the meeting.
We talked about some of the places and
things the youngsters like and dislike about the Parish and they came up
with various ideas for future projects and possible improvements to
existing resources such as the Youth Club – some things being more
feasible than others! The Wish List included better lighting in the Rec,
a big screen for film/DVD nights, a music venue, places to sit/hang out,
cricket nets in the Rec and football goals in Old Knebworth Rec. Some
are keen to organise activities for themselves and suggestions included
running their own café nights and putting on a fundraising event,
perhaps involving music. Interestingly, like many of the adults who
responded to the KPP Community Survey, the teenagers would like more
community events such as the fete, the Millennium picnic and street
parties. A common factor to most was that they had happy memories of
their time at the village JMI and felt that they would like to have more
involvement with the school in some way. There was praise for the local
Police and PCSOs and recognition that something needs to be done to
improve the reputation of the youth in the village.
A brave few offered to be involved in
an Action Group to look at ways of putting some of the ideas into
practice and consider which could be included in the Parish Plan Action
List. They asked if they could meet with the Parish Council as a first
step in getting things off the ground. Of course, it was explained that
time, money and considerable effort on their part would all be needed to
make things happen. Adult support will also be crucial and if anyone is
interested in getting involved (adults or teenagers), please call
Stewart Biddle 237871 or Linda Brookes 812168.
Interested in Local History?
The KPP Countryside & Character Focus Group has identified the need for
some sort of local history group or society to help increase awareness
of the fascinating history of our parish and promote a greater sense of
place and belonging, particularly for the benefit of children growing up
in Knebworth. We already have some excellent publications charting the
growth of the settlements, the story of Knebworth Park and the changing
face of the local countryside and even some recorded interviews with
residents giving an insight into more recent social history, but there
is still plenty of scope for more research. Part of the challenge will
be to find a way of pulling all the information together and presenting
it in such a way that it is easily accessible and interesting for all
age groups – perhaps on-line or perhaps on display in the library…. or
do you have other ideas? If you would like to be involved or have some
information to contribute, please call Alan Montgomery on 811076.
Improving Communication
Following feedback from the Community Survey about difficulties with
village-wide communication, the KPP Unity Focus Group has arranged for
the December issue of Parish News to be delivered to all households in
the parish with the help of the Scouts and Guides and in the hope that
more residents will be encouraged to subscribe.
Linda Brookes, Knebworth Parish Plan
Team - 01438 812168 |
