W E S T B E C K The independent website of West Beckenham Residents' Association Contact - wbracommittee@yahoo.com

THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS - CHRISTMAS 2009

USE YOUR RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION - THIS IS WHY IT EXISTS - FAR MORE EFFECTIVE THAN A LONE VOICE Listening to tools talk Thyme Out Scheme at Civic Centre The Civic Centre parkland has a new maintenance team seen here learning about gardening tools at the Thyme Out Scheme. Made possible by a Big Lottery Fund grant the Thyme Out Scheme aims to provide horticultural instruction to people with learning difficulties. The three year scheme will enhance independence and assist with improved employment or training opportunities for the participants and takes place daily in the Civic Centre grounds. The tools talk seen here forms part of the qualification the learners are working towards (City and Guilds National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC) Entry Level 2/3 in horticulture) and aims not only to demonstrate the right tool for the job but also safe handling, maintenance and storage. This is just one of a long list of topics the learners can expect to be introducded to over the one-year course. Learning is hands-on with one day a week in a classroom scheduled for later in the Scheme.

Learners storing tools away safely The Civic Centre grounds, home to a number of fine conifer and other specimens, will benefit from the personal attention the team of learners can give under the supervision of horticulturally qualified tutors. The Thyme Out project is being managed from the Bromley Field Studies Centre.