Etchingham

How Speedwatch Works: We have been asked how Speedwatch works here is the brief version - volunteers have a short instruction session at Battle Police Station, they are then able to go out as operators on Speedwatch sessions which are held at Police approved locations. They use a Police approved speed device to monitor the speeds of passing traffic, they record the details of those exceeding the limit, the group co-ordinator then feeds the details into a secure online platform. the details are checked against the DVLA records. The registered keepers of the speeding vehicles will then receive a Police letter informing them where their vehicle was seen speeding and the recorded speed, the letter will give advice on safe driving in speed restricted areas, if recorded a second time a much stronger letter is received, after the third occasion the driver will be visited by a Police Officer, further action may then be taken for repeat offenders.

Speedwatch volunteers required: We currently have six trained operators and could a lot more if we had more volunteers. Volunteers have to attend a short training session at battle Police Station, for instruction on safety while operating at the roadside, training in the use of the equipment is then undertaken by the group co-ordinator. If you would like more information about becoming a Speedwatch volunteer phone 01580 819532 or [email protected] . We are currently looking into the possibility of the Etchingham Speedwatch Group purchasing a speed device just for the use of the Etchingham group, this would make the group session much more flexible. Sessions could be run at times that best suit our volunteers rather than being dictated by the equipment availability calendar, it would also enable us to target the times that have been highlighted by the survey equipment as the times with the highest number of speeding vehicles. The equipment we require would cost around £900, the Parish Council has agreed to provide some of the funding and is investigating other sources for the remainder.

Display: During the Fete we had a display of old photographs, postcards, documents and memorabilia in the Church, depicting much of the village history, and a lot of interesting items from neighbouring villages. A lot of the items have remained on display and will be there for another few days and will then be removed and will return for a display during the Flower & Dog Show. The Church is open daily 11am to 4pm, so you can go in and take a look at any time.

Next Display: We will be putting the display of photos and memorabilia on again during the Flower and Dog Show, as this year is the centenary of the start of World War One we want to try and add some items from the 1914-18 period, if you have items we can borrow. We are looking for any interesting photos, documents and any interesting items from the period, not just military items, but items that show what life was like during the war years. If you have items to loan please contact me as soon as possible so that I know what is available to help with planning, contact details at the bottom of this column.

World War One website: Last week saw the launch of a new website for East Sussex, commemorating WW1, the website is provided by East Sussex County Council and The Keep in conjunction with the National World War One Centenary projects. The site has stories and photographs from WW1 and details of commemoration events taking place throughout the county over the next four years. East Sussex residents are being encouraged to contribute their information to the site, you can take part by uploading your information, perhaps you have interesting family stories and photos that you can upload to the site, also you may be involved with WW1 events over the next four years, you can upload details of your events. Another section of the site will be detailed descriptions and photos and locations of all the War Memorials in East Sussex, I have all the information on the Etchingham memorial ready to upload when that part of the site goes ‘live’. You may have friends with good information to add but they do not have a computer, you might like to help them upload the details or help them find out how to get the information to the project. The website address is http://www.eastsussexww1.org.uk/

PCSO: The new PCSO for the village is gradually finding his way around the area and getting to know people, if you see him about in the village stop and have a chat to introduce yourself. If you need to contact him his name is Iain Tomsett [email protected] Mobile; 07810813409, or call 101 and ask to be put in touch with PCSO Tomsett. Iain will be holding regular “Meet me in person” sessions at the Bistro. Iain will be at the Bistro at 9.30am on Monday September 1 and on Tuesday September 16. Your chance to pop in and meet Iain, make him aware of any problems, ask him questions or just introduce yourself. Iain’s mobile number is the same one that was used by Tom, so if you have it in your phone just change the name.

Mobile Library: The next visit of the Mobile Library will be Thursday August 28, 3.40pm to 4.20pm, the next two occasions are September 11 & 25. Since the closure of the village hall the library van parks on the forecourt of Bracon Place on the east side of the level crossing.

Performers wanted: it is now nearer next Christmas than last, so apologies for mentioning the ‘C’ word this early in the year, but it is time to start thinking about the Christmas concert and play in the church. The event will fall on Saint Lucy’s Day, December 13, so the script will feature the Scandanavian celebration of Sankta Lucia, Saint Nicholas, along with a traditional Sussex Mummers Play. Previous participants will be invited to a planning meeting in September, some new people to join in will be most welcome. If you or your friends fancy getting involved contact Philip Hinde 01580 819434 [email protected]

Flower & dog show: The Flower and Dog Show this year will be on Saturday September 13, so start nurturing your plants to get the best exhibits for the show. Get busy making your handicraft items, and photographers get snapping the photography classes this year are ‘Frozen in time’, ‘Yellow’, ‘Portrait of Etchingham’ and ‘Victory’. More details nearer the date.

Diary dates: Saturday September 13, Flower & Dog Show in Queen’s Garden and Church; Saturday October 26, Halloween Party; Saturday November 8, Fireworks; Saturday December 13, Christmas Concert in the Church. Venues for the Halloween Party and Fireworks are still to be confirmed and will be announced when known.

Information: If you have given me details of your event to put in this column, please remember to send me some details after the event so I can let your supporters know how successful the event was, how much you raised, interesting facts etc. Your supporters will be interested to know how you did. Get information for this column to me as soon as possible, if you have a diary of events planned for the year let me have the dates and I will put in a list of village events for the year so that people can put the dates in their diaries. There are several ways to get your info to me, but email is preferred because there is less chance of errors during copying. I need information by 10pm on Monday to be sure it will be in time for inclusion, I can sometimes add extra items on Tuesday morning, but this cannot be guaranteed. Just a little reminder, I get plenty of information about events that are taking place, but I get very little follow up information, after your event try and remember to send me brief account of how successful your event was, it can be as simple as a thank you to those that attended and how much money was raised etc. You can deliver to 2 Park Farm Close, telephone 01580 819532 or 07941 786244 or email [email protected] .

Colin Boylett

2 Park Farm Close