Bexhill MP, Huw Merriman, joined Heather Winchester, CEO of Dragonflies Community Nursery in Sidley and the Bexhill Family Collective CIC for a visit to the nursery school and the new Community Garden they are creating in Sidley.
The Bexhill Family Collective originally formed in August 2020 as a direct response to nursery and children’s centre closures within Bexhill. In March 2021 they opened Dragonflies Community Nursery which was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted last year.
Huw worked with the Bexhill CIC from the outset to support them in their goal to provide quality full-time childcare to support families at Dragonflies Community Nursery. The Bexhill CIC provision continues to grow to meet the needs of the local community with a goal of providing access to work, education, and leisure that will enable them to lead fulfilling lives in the future. Their provision now also includes a Community Pantry, Women’s Workshop, Community Warm Space and Allotment Afternoon.
Huw joined Heather on a visit to The Collective Garden which is a new project in the heart of Sidley. She explained their ambition to provide outside space for all generations within the community to enjoy growing produce, learning new skills as well as providing an area for pre-schoolers to simply enjoy digging in the mud, having fun outside and learning where fruit and vegetables come from.
Huw also visited Dragonflies Community Nursery School where he was impressed with the wide range of indoor and outdoor provision for children from babies to pre-schoolers.
Heather also took time to share her concerns about road safety and showed Huw the point where families have to cross Ninfield Road to get to and from Dragonflies Community Nursery and the Sidley Family Hub which is located on the same site. Two children have been hurt in recent incidents on their way to or from the nursery school as there is no safe place for pedestrians to cross. Huw agreed to take this up with East Sussex County Council who are the authority responsible for road safety to see if a solution can be found.
Huw commented;
“Bexhill Family Collective CIC and Dragonflies Community Nursery are truly outstanding community-focused organisations. What they have achieved and continue to achieve for Bexhill families is down to the commitment and sheer hard work of a small team of people who care passionately about local families and their community.
I am keen to support them as they continue to grow and will be more than happy to bring my wellies and garden tools to help them develop the Community Garden. Gardening and cooking are two great passions of mine and are so good for well-being and keeping active. The Community Garden is seeking new volunteers and equipment so please do get in touch if you can offer materials, sheds, fencing, tools or just your time and skills.”
Heather Winchester said:
“It was a pleasure to show Huw around some of our projects and discuss the work we do to support the local community. The Collective Garden is an ambitious project which is being primarily led by volunteers. Whether you have lots of experience with gardening or horticulture, or whether you are a complete novice, your ideas, help and energy would be warmly welcomed. Please contact Leanne, our volunteer coordinator, if you would like to find out more [email protected]”.
Bexhill Family Collective can be contacted on 07784 922400 [email protected]
