Netherfield

The Darvel Darvel Down Area Residents Association began 5 years ago out of the social housing sector in Netherfield. The volunteers in the association give their time and expertise organising activities for all ages and encourage involvement from the whole of Netherfield.

Ron White, who effectively started the DDARA has been chair of the Assc. for the past few years and was recently acknowledged for his contribution as a volunteer when he received a ‘volunteer of the year award ‘ from the Volunteer Development Agency.

The Community Training and Enabling Project began in 2003, with the DDARA in partnership with Rother Homes, and seeks to develop effective tenant and resident involvement in the local regeneration of Netherfield creating a sustainable future for this rural market town.

The CTE project was developed by residents and forms part of the countryside agency/housing corporation ‘rural residents compacts’ national pilot. The social housing sector in Netherfield, and the community in general is seen as a rural deprivation area, with 75% (in 2003) made up of social housing tenants.

By giving residents, including social housing tenants, the ability to take charge of the regeneration of their village the project addresses all aspects of rural isolation including young people, elderly people, individuals and families on low incomes and ensures that all activities and services are accessible to all members of the community.

‘The project will make Netherfield a thriving sustainable community for residents to be proud of’ – Ron White, Chair DDARA

Two successes of the project so far include:

The development of the Netherfield News which began life as an A4 photocopied sheet of paper with information for the residents of the Darvel Down Estate, letting them know of workshops and events on in the village which were organised by the DDARA. The newsletter has developed alongside the CTE Project and is now an integral communication tool within the community. To see the latest edition go to www.ddara.eclipse.co.uk

The Netherfield Community Garden is the latest project that the DDARA are involved in and forms an integral part of the Health and Well Being of the village by providing an opportunity for a fantastic creative space for the community. The garden will provide a growing space for organic fruit, vegetables and herbs, locally grown for local residents, it will also include the development of workshops with a ‘green theme’. The garden had its opening on 30th October with a pumpkin carving workshop and celebration evening with music and storytelling by the fire.