COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE AUGUST 2007

Vandalism

Previous mention has been made about the vandalism of the phone box opposite the railway station.  BT seems in no hurry about putting repairs in hand, in spite of several reminders.  In the meantime the phone box at the end of Stumblemead has also been vandalised – two glass panes broken & the receiver torn from its fitting.  This now means that two of the three boxes are inoperative.  Of course some will say that with mobiles there is no need for them, but remember that many of the older generations do not have them.  So there is now no facility for use in an emergency.  It could be that BT will decide the cost of repairs is excessive & use it as an excuse for removal of the boxes.  As a result Balcombe loses part of its heritage.  Is this what we want?

PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE ALERT & REPORT ANYTHING SUSPICOUS. 

 

Street Lighting

Any problems to be reported, either to the Clerk, or direct to EDF on 01273 432504.  All columns are clearly marked with a (yellow) alphabetical identification letter, which must be quoted when making a report.  It is insufficient to merely report that a light in “location   ” is not working. 

EDF normally has a forward work schedule that will mean that it may take some days for them to come out to effect repairs.  If you have reported a problem & wish for a progress report then please contact EDF direct. 

Freighter

The next freighter will be on Sunday 30th September - 10 a m to 12 noon, Victory Hall car park.  Additional collections have been confirmed for Sunday 2nd December & Sunday 23rd March 2008. 

 

MSDC Changes for Refuse Collections

Following circulation of the recent leaflet Balcombe will incorporate the alternate weekly collection of landfill during September & October (Phase 3). 

We understand that effective 30 July collections of recycling bins will commence from all households.  As we are zoned in the southern area it appears that our collection of landfill & recycling waste will commence effective 29 October.

Every household will receive two wheelie bins – a grey one with a blue lid for recycling & a grey one with grey lid for landfill waste.  Collections will be on alternative weeks, recycling bin one week & landfill bin the next week.  Exact collection days will be detailed in a calendar to be delivered with the recycling bin. 

 

Road Closure

WSCC advises that High Beeches Lane will be closed temporarily from 6 August & that the work is expected to take 5 days to complete.

 

 

Parking

Please continue to respect the no parking cones that are in position at the junction of Bramble Hill & Stockcroft Road & do not remove them.  Also remember it is most dangerous - & illegal - to park directly on corners.  Please THINK before you PARK.  IT IS FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. 

 

Parish Councillor Profiles

As some of the newer Councillors may not be known to readers the following synopsis may be found useful:

Robin WILLIAMSON (Chairman)

Robin Williamson and his wife Priscilla have lived in Balcombe for 35 years.  Robin worked in the computer industry from 1963, and retired from law database publisher Context in 2003.  He has been Chairman of Balcombe School PTA and treasurer of Balcombe Scouts, and is now Chairman of the Victory Players.  He joined the Parish Council in 2003 and served four years as Responsible Financial Officer.  He was elected Chairman of the Council in May 2007.

Alison STEVENSON (Vice Chairman)

I first moved to Balcombe in 1971, aged 4. I grew up here, and was able to move back with my own family 7 years ago. Married with 2 children aged 11 and 4, who go to Balcombe Primary and Buttercup Barn I work part-time as a Civil Engineer, currently on highways schemes. Having been involved with many organisations over the last 36 years I am presently on the committee of the Gardeners Association helping to run the two annual shows. I have been a Parish Councillor for 4 years and really enjoy it. I am keen to protect the rural nature of Balcombe and in retaining our vibrant community, our services, shops and small businesses. 

Neville ASHCROFT (Co-opted Member)

I am 38 years old, married to Margaret and have a three year old son Thomas who attends Tiggers.  We moved to Balcombe in 2001 after living in various parts of the world and are very happy here.  I trained as a scientist in cancer biology and up until recently ran a research group at the University of Sussex.  Currently I am on a career break and look after Thomas full time. 

Susan BARKER-DANBY

I moved to Bramble Mead, Balcombe in 1985 where I live with my husband
Martin and our three children Julian, Sarah and Anna.
Before becoming a full-time Mother I worked for the British Bank of the
Middle East in Abu Dhabi.

Simon GREENWOOD (Co-opted Member)

I have lived in Balcombe over 50 years (less time spent serving in the Army). I wish to see the village retain its rural character and facilities. I take a particular interest in the rural parts of the Parish.

Carol JARVEST

As a relative newcomer to Balcombe, married to Sandy Chen, with 3 children between us, we use many of the village facilities.  I am an Account Director for a direct marketing agency, although I am currently on maternity leave and have a lot of experience within marketing communications, data analysis and charity fundraising 


 

 

I was drawn to the village originally because of its community spirit and friendliness that permeated every time we visited.  My decision to become a Parish Councillor was mainly to give something back to the village and to make it an even more wonderful place to live!

Robin LINDSAY-STEWART

Assistant Manager agricultural estates in Sussex & Wiltshire.  Served in HM Overseas Civil Service, Northern Rhodesia – Agricultural Officer, District Officer/Magistrate, Senior Principal (Ministry of Local Government), Assistant Secretary (Ministry of Health).  Appointed MBE.  Resident of Balcombe since 1970.  UK appointments:  Merchandise Manager – Deputy Director Keep Britain Tidy – City Stockbroker & Fund Manager.  Chairman of School Governors.  Church Treasurer.  Interests:  International affairs & Finance, preservation of countryside & village life, sport & travel. 

Gary MARSH

Married to Chris & with two daughters, Gary is now in his second term as the elected District Councillor for Ardingly & Balcombe.  He is also a Parish Councillor & a qualified driving instructor with his own business. 

Sarah MOORE-WILLIAMS

Aged 36, married to Philip, one child, Rebecca aged 4.  Has lived in the village for 4 years.  I am a qualified accountant & Lecturer in Accountancy at the South Bank University in London.  Hobbies: travel, reading & spending time with the family. 

Rodney SAUNDERS

I have lived in Balcombe since 1968, initially in Victoria Road, but in London Road since 1979.  I am married to Barbara & we have two sons, Tony & Rob.  I am a Chartered Engineer, now working as a Consultant Project Manager.  In addition I am a Magistrate, a Toastmaster, & one of the founders of Balcombe’s Victory Players.

Richard TURNER

My wife, 2 children, & I moved from HH to Balcombe in February 2004.  I have a tie with the village through my wife, Julie, whose parents, the Lesters, have lived in Bramble Mead for 29 years.  I work for an international company, Havells, & travel world-wide.  By joining the Parish Council I will be able to bring some of my own professional experience to assist in Parish issues.  I have a great interest in the traffic calming project that is ongoing in the village, having 2 young girls & living very close to the HH Road.  

Richard GREIG, who has lived in the village since 1979, is the appointed Clerk to the Council & is the first point of contact for Council affairs. 

Ron STEVENSON is our part-time Ranger, who attends to routine maintenance & grass cutting, who attends normally once a week.  He lives in Staplefield & is a keen cricketer. 

 

Annual Audit

Please refer to the notice board that advises procedures should inspection of documents be requested. 


 

New Mobile Library Bus

Do come along & admire the luxury of the new mobile library!  This attends each Monday morning at the advised times.  However it can only survive if you support it.  The staff on duty are always most welcoming & you can apply for membership immediately with the minimum of formality.  The calling times are on the notice board.

 

West Sussex County Council 3 in 1 Discount Card

We understand that this has recently been launched & is free.  It will give young people from 5 to 19 some great benefits including:

·        Cheap bus fares 24/7

·        Discounts in shops & attractions

Proof of age is obviously required.  For more information contact www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk or telephone 01243 777431.  Your Council has no additional information & is not involved in administrating this scheme. 

 

Correspondence

The Council is always pleased to receive letters on any relevant matter, but we do request that these bear an address & readable signature.  Anonymous letters, particularly those relating to planning matters, cannot be considered. 

 

Bonfires

It would be greatly appreciated if you could be considerate when lighting bonfires to ensure that the minimum of inconvenience is caused to your neighbours.  Thank you. 

 

Police

We have reminded the Police that the new date for the postponed Balcombe Fete will be 25th August & asked them to consider providing an information stand. 

The responsible Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Balcombe is Jayne Milne.  She can be contacted for advice on 0845 60 70 999 extn. 21901, or by email jayne.milne@sussex.pnn.police.uk.  If you would like particularly like to meet up with her please do make direct contact. 

 

Smoking

England became smoke-free on 1 July.  The Parish Council owned pavilion, as well as the three bus shelters - at the corner of Stony Lane, Bramble Hill & outside the railway station – all fall within this category.  Penalties of varying amounts can be imposed on offenders. 

 

Availability of the Clerk

Issue of Rail & Bus passes, green sacks, inspection of current plans etc. each Tuesday, between 9.30 am & 12 noon at 11 Foxwells.  No prior appointment is required for assistance at that time. 

Reminder of eligibility- Rail Passes – aged 60 or over, residents listed on the Balcombe Electoral Roll only.  Evidence of eligibility required from all first-time applicants.  Cost currently £12 per annum, or £9 to those evidencing receipt of benefit.

 

Bus Passes – issued by MSDC, but evidence of eligibility, together with passport size photograph, checked by the Clerk prior to submission.  Aged 60 or over.  Confirmation of Balcombe residence likewise required. 

 

 

 

 

Richard Greig

Clerk to the Council