Notes for August 2010 Meeting

Almost in atonement for the bad weather of last year, the sun shone either brightly or from behind the clouds, to welcome our annual Village Weekend. No rain in sight although the dry conditions meant that we were unable to enjoy the spectacle of fireworks. We did, however, have the return of Brian Cannon`s disco.  ( I apologise to one of the local farming families for my recent thoughtless comments regarding the weather. They, in particular, are desperate for  rain to help provide feed for the animals during the winter and for their crops ). As I write it is raining but not nearly hard or prolonged enough.
The Parish Council would like to thank and congratulate everybody who was involved in the event`s organisation. A lot of very hard work was put in to make the weekend successful. Having been on the judging panel in the past for the Village of the Year competition I can confirm that Brockham is very lucky to have so many people who are prepared to make the time and effort to enhance our lives with the many activities that take place.
On the subject of village involvement, I can now confirm that the judges for the Fuller`s Village of the Year competition will be visiting us on the morning of Monday 6th September. I expect that, by the time that you have read this, a number of you will have been asked to come along to the pavilion to enthuse about an aspect of Brockham life.
Most of you will have noticed that the mound from Balchin`s pond has now been removed by the Parish council with some additional help from Daphne Dixon for which we thank her. The lamp posts at the Borough Bridge have also been cleaned. A job that , at one time ,would have been done by either MVDC or SCC at a cost....
PC Dom Loraine reported that the rugby club premises had been broken into on the saturday night of the village weekend and three people had been arrested in connection with the incident. He pointed out that various sites around the village are more susceptible to burglary on nights like the village weekend  and the Brockham Bonfire . We should take more care when leaving our homes on these occasions and be more watchful.
We have been looking at the possibility of a pathway between Brockham Park and Strood Green to make it safer for those who wish to walk there. As part of that comes within the Betchworth boundary we are talking about a possible joint venture to achieve this. We will keep you informed.
The inaugural meeting of the youth council was held in July and although few people attended it was a productive one and the next one will take place in the old Baptist chapel on the green on 20th September.
Among the other items covered were -
Repairs to the vehicle activated signs in the area ( and the village ) cannot be carried out at the moment as there is no maintenance contract !!!
Several actions probably requiring district and county council help are currently in a state of flux as contacts have either left of are being moved to different departments.
We understand that the village pump is due for refurbishment during the current financial year........
Sadly, I have to report that Ken Luff, our longest serving parish councillor has decided that now is the time for him to stand down. He has served on it since its formation and has been an invaluable member. His fund of knowledge will be missed. I will say more next month.
Anybody who would be interested in being co-opted please contact Celia Plumb.
 
Roger Hammond
843407