Playden

Abingworth, New England Lane

Damp, drizzly morning; practising for the Bank Holiday next weekend? Today used to be called Whit Monday, but all that has changed now in favour of the Spring Bank Holiday.

It was probably lack of space or something last week, but half of what I wrote, particularly concerning the Parish Council, was not published. So here it is again. Continuing......

Questions from the floor included one about the Precept. The very small increase to £5,000 was deliberately kept modest in this economic climate. In the future, Parish Councils might find their Precepts capped. The majority of the expenses are the Clerk’s salary and expenses, the Loan repayment, Hall rental, and insurance. There is nothing in the budget for a potential election.

*Cllr. Glazier said that Rother has offered services to Parish Councils. Playden does not have a need.

The Parish Council web-site is not supplying relevant information regarding dates, forth-coming events etc.. Please contact the Clerk if you have this kind of information which you would like publicised. This will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

The Coronation Oak opposite the Memorial Hospital is being choked by brambles which the ESCC contractors ignore. There is a small sum of money available for bids for specific projects which could deal with this.

There were two meetings at Playden School to liaise with residents about the proposed new hall. One meeting was totally in favour of the project and this was reported. However, the other meeting raised serious concerns over parking, noise, community use and the proximity to a neighbouring property. This was NOT reported until now. There is no way forward until a Planning Application is made.

The Postcodes are not giving correct addresses. This will be looked into. Is it the responsibility of the Royal Mail or Rother?

The Tree Warden asks that if you notice any ash tree die-back, you report to him, Alan Dickinson or the Clerk. It will become more noticeable in August and September.

In conclusion of this report I will quote the Council’s Manifesto:

“Our Parish Council operates at a local level within Rother District Council, itself part of East Sussex County Council. Our aim is to work within the Local Government framework, to consult and inform residents of Playden, that any actions taken are generally in accordance with their wishes, and to protect and improve the rural environment and to maintain its identity and independence.”

The next meeting is on June 6 at 7.30pm in the Playden WI Hall.

Me being of a suspicious nature, I wonder if the rumoured closure of the ambulance station next to the Memorial Hospital, and the application for a base for Rother Responders at those premises, have anything to do with each other?

It being a Bank Holiday weekend again, there will be the East Surrey Morris Men around the area. Our nearest displays will be on Sunday May 26: Peasmarsh Church at 11.15; The Mermaid, Rye at 12.15pm; St. Mary’s Rye at 2.45pm; the Town Hall at 3.15pm; Ypres Tower at 3.45pm; Castle Street, Winchelsea at 5pm; and then on out to Rye Foreign at 6.30pm and the Cock Inn at 9pm. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em !!

*On Tuesday 28th, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve will be holding a Children’s Birdwatching event. Meet at Rye Harbour Car park at 2 pm until 4 pm. Booking is on 01797 22 77 84.

On Friday May 31 there is Shrimping at Rye Harbour. Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage 10am until 11.30am Booking as above.

*On Monday June 3, the Playden Floral Group has a meeting in the Playden WI Hall at 2.15pm.

*The Friends of Playden Church weekend realised a very worthwhile sum of £745 for the maintenance of the historic building. Again, very many thanks to everyone who worked, supported, and visited the church. You are well appreciated.

*The AGM of the Friends is tomorrow morning at 10.30am in the church. We look forward to having you with us for the reports, and then coffee and chat afterwards. The treasurer and membership secretary will be there, so you would have an opportunity to pay your subs if you have not already done so. They remain at minimum charges of £5 per person or £10 per household.

*Playden Scholl will be again taking part in the national Giant Walking Bus on Wednesday June 12. This raises awareness of the dangers of traffic and how good it is to walk.

Planning is well underweigh for the school Summer Fair to be held on Saturday 6th July, from 2pm - 5 pm. This year it will have a Wild West theme. Keep this date free and be ready for all the traditional stalls, dancing displays etc. etc. etc..

The mid-week services continue on Tuesday at 9.30 am for Morning Prayer and 3.30 pm for Evening Prayer in the church.

The 11am service on Sunday for Trinity Sunday will be Parish Communion led by the Vicar.