Latest News:

Congratulations to Growth Rings on their launch last Friday. Lovely day, great products and delicious food provided by The Community Chef (posted 29/05/15)

More photos available at https://www.facebook.com/RuralKent

Growth Rings CiC is a social enterprise combining sound business practice with social benefit. They are committed to providing opportunities for Kent's long-term unemployed and ex-offenders, training them in the science of wood and the production, design and creation of high quality oak products worthy of statement homes and heritage buildings.

Village Hall Adviser Conference

Village Hall Advisers from all over the country met early May to discuss topical events and updates in the village hall world.

RURAL KENT WORK RESULTS 2014/2015

Our work helped create or sustain 257 jobs directly, we provided training for 357 people in skills from development to knowing property rights, 34 local needs houses opened across 5 villages with planning permission for 27 more granted, 173 village halls worked with on governance & operational matters and research projects on energy use & care skills completed with partners from Belgium, France, Spain & Sweden.

AWARDS

Congratulations to Etchinghill Village Hall on achieving hallmark 1, 2 and 3 status

RURAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS

This proposed event is to provide information on how rural affordable housing can be developed as a Community Land Trust so that the local community retain ownership of the land.

I would like to invite Wessex Community Land Trust Project to come and talk about this; they have helped create successful schemes in rural communities in the West Country.  The homes are mainly rented with some shared ownership and are built and managed by a housing association.  This makes the scheme fairly low risk for the community but gives them more involvement and control and they will earn a small income from the ground rent.

Once the Community Land Trust has been established it can be used for other projects, for instance, saving a pub or shop.

There is a cost involved in holding this half day event and a small charge will be made to delegates.  I would therefore firstly like to gauge the level of interest for attending.  If you feel this would be of interest and/or have any comments please let me know by the end of June 2015; if there is enough interest I will organise the event. 

Contact: tessa.osullivan@ruralkent.org.uk  Tel: 01303 813790

For more information about Wessex CLT Project and this work click below

www.wessexca.co.uk/projects/community-land-trusts

PRESS RELEASE

March 2015 - Leader Funding (to follow)

September 2014 - Village Hall Survey

August 2014 - Tips on buying heating oil

MEETING ROOM FOR HIRE

We have a small meeting room in our offices in East Brabourne available for rent during office hours.

Seating up to 10 people comfortably.  Rates are £10 per hour which will include tea/coffee and biscuits.

Please contact Rebecca for details on info@ruralkent.org.uk

HOT DESKING AVAILABLE

We have 2 desks available for renting - situated in East Brabourne during office hours.
Please let me know if you would like to arrange a time to come and have a look!

We offer you: FREE internet / an amazing community / great location / parking facilities/ office amenities / lively atmosphere with friendly and professional people

The package we offer: 
£30 per week plus VAT for individual desks (can be negotiated)
Allocated costs for telephone/fax/photocopier
Available now on a long or short term agreement

Please contact Rebecca for details on info@ruralkent.org.uk