The brains behind scheme

No one could have a better background to spearhead the team than Charles. His career as a Metropolitan police officer spanned 30 years from which he retired in 1993. Charles was awarded an MBE for services to society in 1987.

On his retirement he became actively involved in neighbourhood watch, or ‘Home Watch’ as it was known in the Chester village where he lived at the time. This was the first village in the country to have a sign ‘A Homewatch Village’ on its road signage.

On moving to Little Common in 2005, Charles participated with Bexhill Neighbourhood Watch Association (NHW), and became the Vice Chairman and representative on the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation for Rother.

He took over as Chairman for Bexhill in 2009 and says a number of important changes have been made: “We have totally revamped the system, including the forms and taken a lot of the responsibilities for Neighbourhood Watch away from the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“Neighbourhood Watch is run by us, not the police, although we do have a very good working relationship with the Policing Team which supports us in all we are trying to do.”

Charles said there has never been a better, or more important time to pull together as a community. “Neighbourhood Watch is not all about crime or Big Brother watching you. It’s about looking after each other’s wellbeing

“This is the most important time for Neighbourhood Watch, when elderly people are stuck indoors for days. Neighbours can go out and get food for them, clean their paths or call in to check up on them.

“It builds a sense of community.

Charles also became aware that neither Battle or Rye had a NHW, and with the help of his Vice Chairmen on May 18 last year, Bexhill Neighbourhood Watch became the Rother Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Charles said he is pleased that RNHW has “two excellent Vice Chairmen in John Fielder and Peter Wylie”. Peter is also the association’s treasurer.

John has a background in sales and marketing and believes it is important to revive awareness of neighbourhood watch because interest is dwindling in certain parts of the UK. He is convinced the introduction of the privilege card will not only inspire local people to join but that it will kick start the revival of NHW schemes throughout the country.

John said: “In many areas, neighbourhood watch is disappearing. There is lethargy and apathy about it, and people don’t want to get involved. Giving people an incentive card offering benefits and discounts from local businesses will appeal to a wider margin.”

The newly revamped RNHW project has a powerful slogan, ‘We Need You – You Need Each Other’ which John said he hopes will help to impart on residents the importance of being an active neighbour: “People think that Neighbourhood Watch is just a load of curtain twitchers. We want to get rid of that image. It’s about being a good neighbour within your neighbourhood. For example in snowy weather make sure the elderly or infirm are OK – don’t be afraid to knock on their door to check on them.”

Retired sales and marketing and business development manager, Peter Wylie, also has extensive neighbourhood watch experience.

Peter moved from Eastbourne to Bexhill in 2001 where, along with a neighbour, he began a local neighbourhood watch scheme. Peter went on to become the coordinator for Kewhurst Ward. This subsequently led to his involvement in the restructuring and establishment of the RNHW.

Peter said: “I believe that being a member of your local neighbourhood watch opens up the chance to get to know your neighbours and through taking part in the regular Panel meetings with the neighbourhood policing team, to appreciate the needs of and help those living in the wider community – lets call it a part of belonging to the ‘Big Society’.”