In November 2007, a Junior Warden scheme was started by the Neighbourhood Wardens, in Upper Beeding. We have 14 children that take part and they are from the local area.
The aim of the Junior Warden scheme is to give local children the opportunity to improve their community and to contribute to making it a cleaner and safer place to live and visit. The local community benefits through the hard work of the children to improve their neighbourhood and the children benefit by learning to respect and take pride in the area they live.
Projects take place fortnightly although we do have some long term activities that the children are working on, such as the restoration and care of their garden in Manor Road, Upper Beeding. Projects to date have included:
Future activities will include running a SID (Speed Indication Device) on the High Street (with the help of the Neighbourhood Wardens) to warn people of their speed, and learning first aid. We try to let them play a major role in deciding what activities we can do, based on their perception of their neighbourhood.
While the children do work very hard, it isn't all work and no play for them. They also take part in trips and treats to reward them for their efforts. So far their rewards have included a night in Horsham to see the Christmas pantomime 'Dick Whittington', an afternoon of bowling and a family and friends barbecue.