Click Best dressed premises for full details and application form.

SUPPORT OUR TOWN.

This is a really positive move for us as it means that our Foodstore and Distribution Centre are very close to each other so that we do not have to drive food deliveries between two locations and can utilise volunteers from the Distribution Centre in the Foodstore if needed. It also means that any volunteers who do not have transport will now be able to access the premises. There is a possibility that our distribution may be carried out from there too but it may be too busy to accommodate both sides of the Foodbank operations, we will have to wait and see.

We are very grateful to Clive Jackson who has allowed us use of his warehouse free of charge whilst we found a permanent solution. It has certainly gone on longer than we expected!

We also would like to let you know that dump bins are now available in the two Co-op’s in Gillingham, and the Shaftesbury, Tisbury and larger Blandford Co-op’s. Please make use of these by purchasing items from their stores to donate to the Foodbank and telling your friends and neighbours of their existence.

If you are not already, and would like to regularly support the Foodbank by giving a few pounds each month, please find a standing order form attached to this email. This helps us to plan our finances to enable the long term sustainability of the project.

Thanks again to you all for your on-going support. We have now fed 424 people and there seems to be an on-going need to help those people in our community who find themselves in difficulty.

It is so good to see the churches and local community working together to meet this need. Thank you so much for all that you are doing. Jesus says in Matthew 25 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”. What we are doing is very close to God’s heart so thank you for your response.

Hannah Gibbons
Project Manager
Gillingham foodbank, The Old Library, Station Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4PY
Mobile: 07895 1480948 email
See attached standing order form:
Foodbank Form

Gillingham Town Centre Regeneration Action Group (RAG) ia a voluntary community group, formed as a result of opinion voiced during public consultations on future plans for the town.

’ The Meadow’ being in the town centre, was identified as a good starting place to smarten up and inject some life into Gillingham. The first task was to approach Hall & Woodhouse, who own the land and discuss the possibilities of using the land to the benefit the community. Initial contact was encouraging and following subsequent meetings Hall & Woodhouse have been most generous in giving a 25 year lease with a rent of £1 per annum as well as awarding £1500 from their community chest to start off our fund raising.

‘We are delighted to have given the Town the meadow behind our public house, the Red Lion, which will enhance the open space available in the town centre. I’m sure this will be greatly appreciated by the local residents’ comments Hall & Woodhouse Chaiman, Mark Woodhouse.

RAG has also managed to secure further funds from, Dorset Community chest (£2000), Radio Solent (£600), GANG quiz (£623), Gillingham Rotary & The Olive Bowl Christmas raffle (£500),putting our fund to date to over £5000. The committee is continuing to fund raise for phase 1, and phase 2.

The overall vision for the town meadow is to make the meadow:

1. The focal point of the town
2. Open up the view of the river from the meadow.
3. Create a park like aspect with benches and grass areas as a versatile place to hold community events like fairs, markets, fetes and musical performances. Community events will be managed by the RAG committee.
5. To introduce signage for the town, high street and interlinked countryside walks and cycle ways. This will include an interpretation board to highlight attributes of the site, such as local flora & fauna, river corridors, etc, as a possible starting point for an historical town trail.

This overall vision will be delivered planned stages or phases.

Phase 1:- To put in a hard surface path and ramp from Waitrose bridge across the meadow which links to the high street.
Plant appropriate trees, plants, heather, hedges and shrubs.
Open up the view to the river.

Phase 2:- To strengthen the ground to ensure that the meadow can withstand heavy usage such as the fair or festivals without damaging the land.

Gillingham Town Council have agreed to assist in grass cutting and watering.

We aim to develop the borders, trees, shrubs and plants.

The meadow will then be rented out with the income used to cover the costs of improvements and maintenance.

The Red Lion will assist in larger events and help with security and power.

RAG will be looking for bonds/guarantees from site users to ensure that any damage is repaired and the meadow is kept in good order.

The end of June 2012 is our target date to start the change – turf cutting for phase 1. All support, be it good wishes or financial backing or physical help will be greatly appreciated.

We are hoping for a huge positive response from our town and make this a stepping stone to a more progressive Gillingham, supporting our high street and its beautiful surrounding countryside.

If you have any thoughts, comments or offers of help you can contact by email

or visit the chamber of commerce website GCCI

Gillingham Town Centre RAG

Check out the link Survey

or print and complete the following questionnaire Questionnaire

The end date for the joint consultation is 20th April, but Gillingham will continue to publish the survey on a standalone basis beyond 20th April as a part of consultation for a new Gillingham Neighbourhood Plan.