lovecanterbury: London Road Estate was a week long initiative that was organised by The City Church Canterbury to get to know the London Road Estate community with a view to being increasingly involved in the future. There were three areas of activities planned for the week of the 25 - 30 May (half term week). Below is a synopsis of the activities, as well some frequently asked questions that may help. Feel free to contact us for more information on 01227 455440.

The Consultation

We went out on to the London Road Estate for 5 days, Monday to Friday (25th-29th May). On each day we went out 3 times throughout the day for an hour and a half; 11am, 3pm and 7pm. We had teams of two go out in each slot, 60 teams went out during the week in total. Over the space of these days we had contact with approximately 400 houses. Some households said they were not interested and some said they would return questionnaires at a later time. We had approximately 230 completed questionnaires from the residents. The aim of the consultation was to listen to the residents’ views on their local community; the consultation therefore highlighted their needs and areas of improvement.

Children's Workshops

The holiday club had many positive aspects that lead to the success of TGR: London Road. It was aimed at children aged 3 to 7 and provided a time from 10 am to 12 pm where parents were able to drop children off and where they had access to differing zones where activities were being run. We had 8 children attend over the course of the week and good relationships were built with them and their families. As the mornings progressed there was a zone where games were played with the children with the resources provided, an arts and crafts zone, a TGR cinema as well as a puppet sketch that was performed during the morning. The children thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities we provided. There was also a youth café run from 1pm – 4pm for children aged 8 to 15 with resources such as Wii, pool, table tennis and drinks where youth could drop in throughout the afternoon. This was good fun for the youth that came, we built good relationships with them and they have been to church a lot since!

Community Fun Day

On Saturday 30th May we held a community fun day on the ‘open green’ at the top of Knight Avenue, London Road Estate. The fun day ran from 10am - 4pm (Setting up from 8:30 and leaving the site by 5:30pm). This fun day included a BBQ hosted by the Gentil Knyght Pub who also provided the food. We also arranged for a ice-cream van. There was also an adult bouncy castle, inflatable sumo suits- one set for children and one set for adults, face painting and light refreshments. All of these activities were provided free of charge for the residents of London Road Estate by The City Church Canterbury. Arrangements were made for St. John Ambulance and the local PCSO to be on-site to ensure the well-being of the day visitors. The fun day was advertised throughout the week in partnership with our door to door consultation on the estate. The gloriously sunny weather resulted in about 200 people attending the day. Volunteers from the church served amazingly to make sure the day was as fun as possible for all involved. .

 

FAQ

Why London Road Estate?

The City Church Canterbury meet every Sunday at 10.30am at The Canterbury Campus (Canterbury High School). The church has been running for 20 years at different locations in the city. They moved to Canterbury High School in 2008. So, just like any good neighbour, they want to introduce themselves to you and hear how you feel about this particular community that they have become part of.

How will I know who you are?

All representatives from lovecanterbury will wear a lovecanterbury t-shirt as well as a name badge. Those coming to your house will always be in pairs.

Do you want anything from me when you come to my house?

The only thing that we need from you is five minutes of your time. We will be very happy to stand at your door and ask our handful of questions. You are very welcome to say that it is not a good time for you and we will arrange another time more suitable

When will you come to my house?

We will come to your house several times each day through that week. We only want to need to speak to you once, so once we have hear your views we will not call again that week.

What will you do with my answers?

There are many hopes and needs in every community. Part of the reason for this survey is to find out what are the specific hopes and needs of the London Road Estate Community. The City Church Canterbury, Canterbury City Council and The Canterbury Campus, will carefully look at the results of the survey to make a long term plan of how to bring about the very best in our community.

What children's activities are there and how much will they cost?

There are a range of children's activities:

  • Activ*8 are running a number of Sports Workshops costing £20 for the whole week. These workshops are for 8 - 15yr olds.
  • There will be activities offered for 3 - 7 yr olds from Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 May at 10am - 12pm daily and these activities will be free.
  • There will be activities offered for 8 - 15 yr olds from Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 May at 1pm - 4pm daily and these activities will be free.
How much will the community fun day cost?

The community fun day will be free for anyone of any age to come and enjoy. Many popular activities such as the sumo suits, bouncy castle, face painting and many of the refreshments will also be free. The Gentile Knight are running a Bar-b-q for which they will charge as will the ice cream van.

How can I find out more?

Please feel free to get in touch with us either by e-mail or phone.

  • e-mail: info@thecitychurch.org.uk
  • phone: 01227 455 440