Beckley

To be a Councillor you need to either live, work or own property in Beckley; and you need to care enough about the village to be prepared to attend monthly meetings and do some homework on topics arising on the agenda such as planning applications, maintenance of council property, and solutions to village issues. The Council works as a team and needs a cross-section of the community; indeed it is best if all walks of life are represented, so do not be put off by stereotypes of what a Councillor should be like. The Council has legal and financial advisors available, and Councillors are eligible for free training sessions, so most people learn a lot as they go along. The Parish Clerk keeps the accounts, writes the Minutes and letters on behalf of the council and gives advice to new Councillors whenever asked; she is, as you will soon see, a Treasure!

Beckley, by virtue of its population size, has 7 Councillors. The best situation is when these people have been elected, as have all 7 of the present council; being elected gives a sense of confidence and security in the mandate from the village. If 7or less people stand they automatically become Councillors and the cost of an election is saved. If only 4 stand, those 4 can co-opt 3 other villagers to join them (request them to join); if less than 4 stand the village is likely to be administered by a neighbouring council such as Peasmarsh.

Councillors are at the heart of decision making in the village and are kept informed by ESCC and RDC. They can bring new ideas to meetings and can allocate funds for projects that benefit a majority of the village. They represent the village in planning enquiries and keep in contact with local police, local organisations and Beckley School. Working with other Councillors to resolve a villager’s problem can be very rewarding and learning how to work within the limits of protocol can be quite stretching. Do please come and visit the Parish Council at the monthly meeting (11th March) or contact the Parish Clerk www.beckleyparishcouncil.co.uk or Rother 01424 787825 [email protected]

Sainburys active kids vouchers: If you shop at Sainburys please collect the vouchers which are given to you at the till or online shopping. Beckley school and Pre school are collecting these vouchers. The schools will receive new sports equipment. Please just pop the vouchers in or pass them onto a parent.

Race Night: Beckley Village Centre on Saturday 7th March 7 p.m. for 7.30 start to raise funds for the Hall. Entry free. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Bets will be £1 (not 50 pence as previously advertised.) There will be a raffle come along for a fun night.

Table Sale: Beckley Village Centre Sunday 22nd March 10 am to 12

Beckley Preschool and Northiam Nursery are holding a charity table sale. There will be a wide variety of items for sale including a selection of bric-a-brac, second hand children’s items and all things you’d find at a boot sale, so come on down to bag a bargain. Refreshments will be available all day, there is plenty of FREE parking and entry (although donations welcomed) Contact: [email protected] if your interested in having a table.

Contact your Councillor: So that residents are aware they can contact our District Councillor Ian Jenkins via e mail. This will help the parish by giving you more immediate responses to questions or concerns. [email protected].

Hall hire: Beckley Village Centre is available to hire. By people hiring and supporting fund raising events put on by the hall committee it will keep the hiring costs down. Why not book a Children’s party, wedding reception or conference. For further information on charges and hall bookings call Margaret Lenton 01797260420

Beckley’s clubs, society’s, classes and groups held in the village hall. Why not join one today. Regular monthly Council Meetings held in the Village Centre’s SMALL HALL DOWN STAIRS. Every 2nd Wednesday at 730pm 11th MARCH. Visit the website for updates.www.beckleyparishcouncil.co.uk. Beckley computer club 07904 837 751. Beckley Park Cricket Club 01580 830245. Beckley Baby Club every Wednesday £2 (term time only). 9.15-11.15 free tea, coffee for parents. Free snacks for the children. Pilates every Wednesdays 1.30pm Sarah Lush 07769651899. Taekwondo every Wednesdays 4.30pm contact Petra Darvill 01233 330128. Beckley Trefoil Guild meets Third Monday of the month in the Small Hall at 7.30 . Brownies Thursday 6.30pm. Table Tennis every Thursday mornings old & new members welcome Carol Cobby 01797 252382. Yoga every Friday mornings contact Evelyn Lamb 260569. Friends of Beckley Church Coffee Morning 1st Tuesday 10.30am. WI 2nd Monday 7.30pm contact Ann Jones 260527. Village Lunch 2nd Thursday 12.30pm bookings Tony Bryant 260518. Beckley History Society contact Danny Rushbrooke on 253521 Dennis Ward 260313. Beckley horticultural society 01797 260232. Beckley players 01797 230572. Beckley bowls club 01797 252129. Beckley Rangers club chairman Phil Brain on 01797 260513 or secretary Peter Sands on 01424 882579.

Beckley Parish Church: Holy communion 8:00, Mattins or Eucharist 10:00 ( 2nd and 4th)

Beckley Gospel Church: Every Wednesday Bible study 7:00

Every week there is a list of the societies and groups in the village.

If you want me to put something is this column, please email it’s here from you, Whether it’s an upcoming event, information on a society this is your column. Please email me [email protected]

Policing: PCSO Becky Unicombe is part of the local policing team for Rother Levels which includes Beckley. Should you see anything that you feel needs to be reported contact details are: Mobile 07810055744

Email [email protected]. Please keep your eyes open for anything.

Mrs Deborah Ongley

Beckley Main Street