|
Report on the
Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch AGM & Conference, 27th October 2007,
Rheged, Penrith
Over
100 delegates attended the 7th annual conference of the
Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Association, held at Rheged,
Penrith, on Saturday 27 October 2007.
As
well as the organisation’s formal AGM, the agenda featured a
number of stimulating presentations by CNWA members and
partners, the launch of the organisation’s lottery (the
50:50 club) and its inaugural raffle draw.
The
vital role of ‘active citizens’ in maintaining community
safety was a key theme of the day. Andrea Bell (the South
Lakeland Development Officer) delivered the main
presentation around the work of the High Sheriff’s Shield
winner, Patrick Lowe of Cartmel. One delegate described this
presentation as ‘inspirational’, and was featured in many
event feedback forms, as what delegates wanted more of at
future AGMs.
The
High Sheriff, Claire Hensman, also presented exceptional
service awards to;
-
Bill Kirkpatrick (Wetheral)
-
Joan Raine (Crosby Ravensworth)
-
Patricia Farish (Carlisle)
-
Sandy Macrea-Stewart (Brampton)
-
Erica Arneil (Penrith)
-
Andy Shaddock (Carlisle)
Amongst other highlights, the conference was delighted to
welcome Cumbria’s new Chief Constable, Craig Mackey. Mr
Mackey thanked all CNWA members for their invaluable work,
which had been a real factor in Cumbria’s ‘crime recession’.
He stressed the importance of good communication between the
police and Neighbourhood Watch, and of partnerships with
local authorities and other public sector bodies.
Stuart Pate, Head of the Community Unit at Cumbria County
Council, developed this theme further. Stronger communities
meant safer communities and vice versa; and close
co-operation between the various agencies involved was
essential if they were to build on the strong sense of
community already evident in Cumbria.
Robin Burgess and Anne Pickles, of the CN News group,
provided a media perspective. Mr Burgess described the media
as essential to local democracy. Its role was to hold up a
mirror to society, and to act as watchdog, investigating and
sharing information for the common good. Ms Pickles gave a
powerful account of how her personal experience of crime had
awakened her sense of community and led her to set up a
local neighbourhood watch scheme.
The
day ended with a lively ‘Any questions?’ session, which gave
delegates the chance to raise and compare notes on issues
affecting lives at grassroots level, such as repeat
burglaries and excessive teenage drinking.
The
High Sheriff formally closed proceedings by thanking Alan
Smith and his team for organising such a successful and
informative day.
CNWA
would like to thank the following for generous support
towards financing the event:
See pictures of the 2007 AGM |