As we move into the festive season, with the lights switch-on, carol services, Christmas fairs and pantomimes (oh yes, we do!) it is the perfect time to reflect on the value of community, writes Sue Reece.
The Chilton Neighbourhood Plan asks the community for feedback on our sense of identity, belonging and social interaction.
Do we have pride in Chilton, our neighbourliness, traditions and uniqueness? How do we celebrate our history, heritage, culture, sports? Is it through public events, in the local press or on social media? How involved are we in local activities and how welcoming are we as a community?
Having experienced the fantastic fireworks display, Christmas light switch on and the respectful homage to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday, it is clear that these events are important to Chilton and demonstrate how much as residents we want to come together to celebrate our traditions.
The survey provides an opportunity to say if we should do more large events and consider if they are inclusive? Can everyone join in? Are they accessible friendly and affordable? Also, what do we do as a community to bring people together at other times?
Are there enough opportunities and venues for people to come together to socialise through clubs and societies, food and drink, places of worship, allotments, youth clubs, library activities and online groups?
Speaking to a resident last week, Tony, who moved into Chilton four years ago, he described Chilton as friendly: “People are nice, they acknowledge you, but I don’t know my neighbours and sometimes it feels like the loneliest place on earth,” he said.
It became clear during our conversation that part of the issue is knowing what is available and then having to take that first step to join in and meet new people.
How do we help people like Tony who perhaps don’t have the confidence to just go along to a big event to engage and be part of our community? Can we as residents suggest what would make a difference in terms of improving the infrastructure, services and communication so that everyone can benefit from that Chilton friendliness?
To feed into the Neighbourhood Plan consultation you can access the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPlan1 or call in to Hutton House.
If you have an issue you want us to be aware of, email us at NeighbourhoodPlan[@]chiltondurham-tc[.]gov[.]uk, or call 01388 721788.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
