During the summer term, we have seen numbers attending the club drop. This is disappointing, but we hope only temporary probably due to exams and the attraction of the extensive TV coverage world cup! However, our leader Dan continued to pedal to Oving from Tangmere organising activities and interest for those members attending.
The summer holidays are now upon us and the regular Wednesday sessions will end. There is prospect of club members attending activities during the holidays organized at other youth centers, including a residential session. We have been extremely fortunate in securing substantial grants to offset the cost of the residential programme for individual members. Dan has all the details and can be contacted by members of the club’s mobile phone.
Over the summer break, Dan will be working with Aniz to develop ideas for next term. As ever, any help and ideas are most welcome.
Oving Youth Club is at risk. West Sussex County Council has to make £2m (20% of current budget) savings from its Youth Services and is currently undertaking a major review of the way in which it delivers those services. Our youth club currently relies on the support of the County Council to fund its youth leaders. Without that support the club will close unless other funding is found.
The Youth Services Review aims to work with communities and voluntary organisations to create an Integrated Youth Support and Development Service whilst reducing costs. The County Council has already carried out consultation on how this may be achieved and wants to implement its ideas by April 2011.
The outcome of the work done so far seems to be leading towards universal youth provision largely being provided from within communities with the support of the County Council. By putting more responsibility on local communities, like Oving, and targeting scarce resources at groups and those communities in most need, the County Council plans to make its savings.
The detail of how these plans will work is still being developed, but there is every chance that the County will withdraw its primary funding of small village youth clubs like Oving. Although professional support may be provided, if these clubs are to keep going, it is the local community that will have to find the money.
Oving youth club members have already indicated their willingness to fund raise to keep their club open, but even with their best effort this will not be enough. The Parish Council is aware of these issues and will no doubt consider its priorities for funding in due course.
Oving Youth Club is open every Wednesday evening during term time from 6.30 to 8.30pm. The Club is open to young people between the ages of 9 and 16. Roger England 788016, rogerengland@lycos.com
Roger England
 

Any new members would be welcome to come along. It is open for 9 to 16 year olds and meets at Oving Village Hall at 6.30 to 8pm on Wednesday evenings during term-time.

 Have you got your free, 3 in 1 card? (’free 3 in 1’...try saying that 10 times!). If not, it is worth getting one. It will do 3 main things for you: act as an ID (Identity) card, let you have cheaper bus and train fares and give you discounts on all sots of things. Check it out on the website or telephone 01243 777330.
This is a good website for young people and worth looking at for other things too. It is full of all sorts of information and advice, from things to do to jobs and learning, as well as details of the 3 in 1 card.