The community for users of Preston Park in Brighton, UK
Many thanks to Andy Jeavons and his team for planting the replacement cherry trees that were vandalised last year. The new trees are the same variety and size as the others and will not be noticeable as new trees. The 5 vandalised trees will be replanted shortly in front of the Chalet Café as they will continue to grow, albeit in a stunted form.
Thank you to everyone who donated to buy the new trees. This was much appreciated.
Volunteers planted 100 roses yesterday. Thank you to all, it was jolly hard work, pushing wheelbarrows and digging clay. On Friday 14 February, our Ranger will bring his team, please come and join them (10-1pm). 65 more roses to plant! 🌱
Through the power of the sun and with the support of BHESCo (Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative), homes in Preston Park could soon be generating their own clean energy with no upfront cost to residents.
Find out more about Preston Park Community Energy Project at https://www.prestonparkcommunityenergy.org
The arb team are planning to prune the Preston Twin on 6th Feb. They will be reducing the canopy and thinning to reduce the weight and stress on the fragile stem of the tree. This elm continues to grow very vigorously, which is a good sign, however they do need to make sure the canopy is kept compact to prevent the tree splitting apart in the wind. Therefore, do not be alarmed if you see the tree being trimmed.
The ‘twin’ will look smaller and less natural in the short term but will come back with new growth quickly.
Divide into two teams.
If 3 players: play against 3 players and each player uses 2 boules.
If 2 players: play against 2 players or 1 player plays against 1 and each player uses 3 boules.
If you have an uneven number of players in each team, each team should have the same number of boules.
Mark out a circle no more than 50cm in diameter.
Toss a coin to decide which team is first to throw the jack and which team is to throw the first boule.
Throw the jack 6-10 metres away from the circle.
Players stand within the circle to throw their boules and remain within the circle until the boule lands. The aim is to get your boule as close to the jack as possible. This can include hitting an opponent’s boule out of the way.
The team with the boule closest to the jack wins the round (called an end) and scores 1 point. They also score 1 point for each boule that’s closer to the jack than their opponents’ closest boule.
The first boule is thrown by a player belonging to the team that has won the draw or has been the last to score. After that, it is the team that does not hold the point that plays. The winner of the end (round) plays first in the next game/end starting from the jack’s finishing position in the previous end.
Games are usually played to 13 points.
The official rules are available here.
If you are interested in joining the Preston Park pétanque group, please contact prestonparkpetanque@gmail.com
Brighton’s biggest community gardening event
Date: Sunday, February 2nd, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Location: The Open Market, Brighton
Seedy Sunday is back for its 22nd year, bringing together seasoned gardeners, beginners, and everyone in between for the UK’s largest community seed swap event. Join the perfect start to the gardening season, where you can swap, donate & buy everything you need for your allotment, garden or balcony space.
At the heart of the event is our Seed Swap Table, where you can exchange seeds, discover unique heirloom varieties, and learn from local growing experts.
There will also be inspiring talks and workshops, stalls with plants, gardening equipment, and delicious food, plus the chance to connect with like-minded green fingered folk, and activities for kids and the whole family.
For our older residents in Preston Park Ward, if you are in need of any assistance, please do contact Age UK as they do a fantastic job of finding contacts for people. Happy New Year, FoPP Committee.
Some of Age UK’s local services in Brighton & Hove.
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Older People’s Walk-In Hub
If you haven’t come to see us yet at 95 Queens Road – please do! You can walk in to get information and advice from our team including booking an appointment with our Senior Benefits Advisor.
Did you know £23 Billion in benefits go unclaimed every year? This is usually due to people not knowing they’re entitled to claim. Last year, we supported people, to claim £4.5 million, straight back into the pockets of older people.
We also have Digital volunteers who can support with learning digital devices and problem solving.
We’re working on putting some workshops and events on in the new year and sending out more info soon. Do let me know if you are a service interested in delivering something too!
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Care at Home
In addition to our Help at Home team providing support with shopping and housework, we’ve just launched our new Care at Home team in Brighton & Hove. Whether the need is personal care, assistance with daily tasks, or simply companionship, our team is here to help.
Our Care at Home services can support in everyday life and helping older residents live comfortably at home.
Find out more in the photos below
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** Coming Soon** New Dementia Assessment ServiceWatch this space! In the meantime, a reminder of our service at Tower House, Brighton on Tuesdays.
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Reading / useful
This article caught our eye a few weeks ago: https://www.heyheyjoe.info/post/the-ageing-population-what-impact-will-it-have-on-charities
And we released this research in the Autumn which was a mini piece of qualitative research focusing on Ageing in Brighton & Hove: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove/about-us/news/articles/age-uk-wsbh-launches-new-research-report-on-ageing-in-brighton–hove/
You also might be interested to read more about Silverline, a national offer already helping over 100 people in the city: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Thank you for all that you do in our local communities for Older People – wishing you a happy and healthy 2025!
Brighton & Hove City Council have begun their next round of residents’ meetings. The next meeting will be held at The Park View pub on Monday 2nd December, in the downstairs area from 4pm until 6pm. The Park View pub address is 71 Preston Drove, BN1 6LD.
The new outdoor gym in Preston Park will be officially opening this Saturday, 16 November from 12 until 13.30. A Proludic personal trainer will be on-site, sharing fitness tips and demonstrating how to use the equipment safely, as well as boxfit taster sessions from www.fightklub.co.uk Anyone interested is welcome to turn up for a free session or to ask any questions about the equipment.
The new Changing Places toilet in Preston Park will open on Thursday, 31st October. The toilet has a hoist, adjustable changing bench, and height adjustable sink. It is designed for people who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet who require the assistance of a carer or multiple carers. The site will be accessible by the use of a RADAR key. (A RADAR key is used to access accessible toilets across the country. BHCC do provide RADAR keys for free to Brighton & Hove residents if they are eligible. All they need to do is follow the link https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/public-toilets/apply-radar-key where they can complete a form and return it to us. Alternatively, people can buy a RADAR key from https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/) It will operate during standard public toilet opening hours (10am-4pm during the winter, 10am-6pm during the summer). The site will be locked outside of these hours. The introduction of this Changing Places toilet will increase the accessibility of Preston Park and allow more people to enjoy the city’s green spaces.