Swanley Village News                               Issue No 78– June   2010

 The Quarterly News Sheet for the Swanley Village local groups                               

 

Swanley Village Resident’s Association

A society which aims to encourage high standards in the architecture and planning of the village, to eliminate neglect and to stimulate interest in and care for the character and historic value of the village and surrounding countryside. President: Joan Lamb.  Committee:Chris Banks, Lynn Lucas, Graham Morgan, Carol Parker, Lawrence Parker, Jean Peirce, Barbara Ramsey and Steve Wells                   .
 

Many of the items that the Residents’ Association committee deal with are medium to long-term issues.  We are still waiting for the road line painting to be completed and we are trying to organise CCTV for the village.  We are still seeking traffic calming measures and improvements to Highlands Hill.  Please continue to note every accident in the village so that we can achieve a 20mph limit.  If you see any accident please let Dennis Molyneux (' 669523) have the details.  The committee continue to monitor planning applications, objecting when necessary.  We are always looking for more volunteers to lock and unlock the Glebe gate.  If you wish to join this group or if you would like more information before committing yourself please contact Barbara Ramsey (' 666668).  Subscriptions of £3 per household are still being collected by the treasurer Chris Banks (' 668531) along with any donations towards the purchase of CCTV for the village.    Elaine Freundlich (' 662757) Secretary

 

SWANLEY VILLAGE RESIDENTS` AGM

Minutes of Meeting held on Wed 9th June 2010 at The Lamb  
Chairman`s Report:
Over the previous year the Committee has brought to the attention of the Local Council, County Council and Planning departments matters relevant to the village. This included road repairs, lighting and unauthorised building. Some of these matters have been acted on.
Installation of CCTV in the village. Money has been received from residents and local business but more is needed. We have raised just over half. A further amount, in the form of a grant from Kent County Council is being pursued by Tony Hilder and Tony Searles. Concerns were raised over intrusion of privacy.
The recordings from camera would only be examined by the police after the reporting of an incident.
Planning applications. It was pointed out that any resident can look at the Sevenoaks District Council website for new applications and that members of the
Committee do this.    A link is in www.swanleyvillage.com to make this easier.
A future application will be made by the owner of 1-3 Wood St to return the building to its original state of three cottages.
Notice was given that there is to be a visit made to The House of Commons on October 22nd by villagers, thanks to the efforts of Tony Searles. If you would like to take part please contact Lynn Lucas.

The Chairman of the Committee, Tony Hilder, the Secretary, Elaine Freundlich and members, Dennis Molyneux, Geoff and Daphne Davis are standing down.
A request for new members to come forward was not responded to.
Dennis Molyneux kindly said he would continue with the Village Newsletter.
Thanks were given to Elaine: Tony: Dennis: Daphne and Geoff for their work on behalf of the village. The meeting then closed.

 

Swanley Village Trust      fundraising events
EVENT IN THE MARQUEE : 10th JULY

Only a few weeks to go, and we still need to sell a few more tickets to break even.
If you have already ordered and paid for tickets perhaps you could see if you could increase your party or if you haven't purchased tickets yet please give this a thought as you will be missing a fantastic evening with professional entertainment and great food, so please let us know.
If you are already coming we really do need help on the Saturday morning from around 10a.m. to set things up - if you kindly help us you can chose your own table and where you would like to sit - otherwise we shall do that for you, just look for your name displayed on the night.
If anyone has anything suitable for a raffle prize, again please let us know. 
We are looking forward another successful event on Saturday 10th July. Tel: Chris: 668531 or Elaine:  662757

Please contact Chris or Elaine for more details.

Womens Group
Invitation to all residents of Swanley Village
Our local Councillor, Tony Searles, has organised a visit  to the House of Commons for 22nd October  -  we need to get 35 people minimum and can have a choice of refreshment after the tour.
The suggested itinerary is as follows:  On arrival at Westminster  (around 1pm) tour of The Jewel Tower opposite Houses of Parliament (cost £2 ), this building dates back to the 13th  Century and is one of only two buildings remaining from the Palace of Westminster, then The Houses of Parliament which lasts about 2hours.
After the tour you then have tea (cost £14.65+ as a standard tea) with your MP and tea can take various forms see attached Banqueting menus. 
As tickets are limited anyone interested in coming along should contact LYNN LUCAS : tel 663374 as soon as possible - a £5 deposit per person will be required, at the same time, to secure our booking.


 Swanley Village 100 Club
If anyone would like to subscribe to the 100 Club could they please contact. Daphne/Geoff on 664710.

Swanley Village in Bloom
The judging for our Village Green will take place this year on Monday, 5th July.  Last year we won a Gold award for the third year running but this year was pipped at the post for first place.  Fingers crossed that we achieve a Gold for 2010 and if the judges are on our side that we win the category.  We shall let you know the outcome when the results are published in September.  Many thanks to Ian, Mark and Matthew Beale for all the work they do to keep our Village Green looking so good. 

 

Swanley Village Green 

The Petanque is now finished and matches are being organized.  If you are interested in joining in please call Steve Wells on 666806.

DOGS
We have been aware for some time the problem we have with some members of the village who do not keep their dogs on a lead, and some who do not pick up their dogs’ waste, even though there are signs to this effect on both entrances.  This problem once again was brought to our attention by many parents who attended the Easter Egg Hunt last month with their children.  There have also been instances where people have been frightened because some dogs are not kept on a lead and are unruly.
At long last we now have the official support of Sevenoaks District Council who will be patrolling the area and have informed us that they will be issuing a fixed penalty notice to anyone caught offending.  If anyone would like to report any offenders please telephone Sevenoaks D.C. (01732 227000/227275) – quoting reference 180878.
The Village Green is for everyone’s enjoyment – including responsible dog walkers – and we hope that we can continue to work together to stop those who selfishly spoil our surroundings.

Neighbourhood Watch
If you have requested to be on the NW list and have not received emails then it is because your email address is out of date.  Please email dmolyneux@talktalk.net with the subject as NW request and you will be added to the mailing list.
Some useful numbers:

Peter Jones  PCSO (Police Community Service Officer)    mobile 07772226043
Suzanne Daniell NW Liaison Officer  Community Safety Unit, S D C Offices    Tel:   01732 379 373

Email: Suzanne.daniell@kent.pnn.police.uk

Andy Blackmore PC Crime Reduction & Architectural Liaison Officer  01322 283171         Mobile 07870 999856

Email  Andrew.blackmore@kent.pnn.police.uk
Email for all officers & PCSOs at Swanley   swanley.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.police.uk
Please do not ring our office number, if you need to report a crime, or if a crime is occurring, and you need a police response,  please dial 9 9 9
To report a crime please call, the West Kent crime reporting number, 01732 771055.

Strawberry Tea & Live Entertainment
The Mayor of Swanley (Cllr Janet Sargeant) would like to invite you to join her for a 'Strawberry Tea with Live Entertainment' on Wednesday 23rd June between 2 pm and 4 pm at the Alexandra Suite, St Mary's Road, Swanley.

There will be a small selection of charity stalls, including the Ellenor Lions Hospice and the local WI who will be selling a variety of goodies for you to purchase.
Admission by ticket only:  Ticket price £6.50 per person.  Cheques made payable to the Mayor's Charity Fund.
Please contact Lize/Lisa at Swanley Town Council to reserve your tickets : 01322 665855.


Gardening Society

We started our gardening year with the AGM held at St Paul’s School, which was very well attended.  All Officers and Committee members agreed to continue and were duly re-elected.  After the formal business, members enjoyed a buffet supper.  We held a Spring Show in April, again at the school, which was well attended attracting plenty of entries.  In May we met at Elizabethan Cottage at the invitation of Donna Hoy for our open garden meeting.   There was an opportunity to buy plants and this made a small but worthwhile amount for Society funds.  We would like to thank Donna for letting us into her lovely garden.  The Little Rose Show on Monday 14th June will be held at 4 Hotham Close at 7pm.  Details of classes and timings are in the members’ booklet.  Our trip this year will be on Saturday 17th July when we will be visiting

Wisley.  This has proved to be very popular but there are a few seats still available.   Please contact me if you are interested in joining us.  As usual there will no meeting in August.  On 13th September we will be holding our Little Autumn Show at 1 Hotham Close at 8pm.  Again details of classes are in the members’ booklet.  We are always looking for new members.  There is no call on your time unless you wish to become actively involved.  It costs only £5 per person per year to join.  We have signed up for a trade card at Wyevale East Nurseries in Leydenhatch Lane.  This entitles you to a discount off Wyevale East’s plants.  We have been issued two trade cards which must be presented each time you purchase plants in order to receive your discount.  Mike Banks (' 668531) and Elaine Freundlich (' 662757) are the holders of the cards.   Please contact them if you wish to purchase goods at Wyevale East’s.  Elaine Freundlich (' 662757)  Secretary

            

St Paul’s Church  & St Peters in Hextable  For more news go to www.stpetershextable.com
or ring church office on 01322662320
                                 

 

Swanley Village Green  - Petanque     Fundraising Chris 668531 or Elaine 662757 

 

Lifeboat Quiz Night  is held once a month for the Lifeboat Charity and at the Red Lion. 
7 for 7.30.   Dee or Ben  662676 or 0779 500 1857


Swanley Village School

Dear Friends, School life in the Summer Term is always a busy one and this year is no exception. Last half term the children were doing their important tests, so it was very much heads down for a while. Now, we look forward to all the summer events to come.

This coming Saturday, 12 June, we shall be holding our FOSP Summer Fair, although I suspect when you read this newsletter, it will have happened. This is always a highlight in the calendar and it is always a great pleasure to see old friends of the school and folk from the local community coming along to lend their support.

Next week, our Year 5 and 6 pupils will be going to the Rochester Church Schools’ Festival, which is held in the cathedral. For us, as a Christian school, this is great opportunity for the children to see the wonderful building, meet with many other schools and share in the Act of Worship on the day.

Summer is also a time when the children of St Paul’s always seem to be taking part in a sports event or going on an outing somewhere – it’s a wonderful time for the children.

And so, as we draw to the end of another school year, I should like to say well done to the children and, of course, a big thank you also to all my staff.

From everyone at St Paul’s CE Primary School, may we wish you all a wonderful summer.

With best wishes   Desmond Watson      Head Teacher

                                


 

A thankyou to Paul Morris for printing this newsletter and all those villagers who
post it to your door.

 

 

SWANLEY VILLAGE NEWS

Published by the local groups of Swanley Village

Edited by Dennis Molyneux
  Email: dmolyneux@talktalk.net

Copy date for the next issue will be Sept 1st 2010