Iden

Iden Parish Council met on the 4 June at which all Councillors were present together with 8 members of the public

Before the meeting there was an update from PCSO Dan Bevan on the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. The email system is now in operation and there will be another recruitment drive to ask residents to join and become coordinators, particularly in areas of the village which presently are uncovered. The responsibilities for undertaking this role are not onerous but important if Iden is to have a proper and reliable scheme and the more signed up the better. We can expect to hear more from Dan about this during the coming weeks as he regards having an effective Neighbourhood Watch as a key part of his role

Following this a representative from South East Water gave a short presentation on what went wrong in March when the village and surrounding areas had their supply cut for 22 hours. What was of concern was the lack of information and that emergency supplies were not being distributed, particularly to vulnerable residents. It also appeared that Iden did not exist as far as the company’s web site and telephone help line was concerned.

It was explained that the problem was caused by one burst and although this had been repaired quickly, the difficulties were compounded by two further bursts down the pipes. The representative admitted that the Company’s response had been somewhat chaotic and water delivered to key parts had not been adequately supervised. .Lessons had been leant for the future and residents are asked to contact the company if they think they have been overcharged by having to waste foul water once the supply had resumed.

Under planning applications have been received for Moat Farm House and for the plot of land next to the Bell Public House

It was agreed that the Parish Council would continue to meet every first Tuesday in the month with the exception of August

A Preservation Order will be sought for the ancient mulberry tree on land adjoining Lodge Farm

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 2 July at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Despite the cold and windy weather, the recent Open Gardens event raised between £1,400 and £1,500 towards the restoration of Iden Church. The Chairman of the Friends would like to thank all those who helped and supported the day

There will be an Open Meeting for helpers and supporters of the annual Fete on Thursday 4 July in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. All are very welcome to attend

The Annual General Meeting of the Iden Stores Association Ltd will be held on Thursday 27 June at 6pm in the Village Hall. This will be followed by a short reception at the shop at 7pm for members only in order to celebrate the recent renovations and to thank the WARR partnership and landlords for their support. Everyone agrees how good the shop is looking, both inside and out.

The “Pop In” Coffee Morning will be this coming Monday 24 June between 11.00am and 1.30pm in the Village Hall to coincide with the visit of the Mobile Library. All are very welcome to attend - what will Ray be flogging this time around?

Finally, don’t forget that the Playden and Iden Garden Society are holding their Summer Show in the village Hall tomorrow at 2,30pm There will be refreshments and visitors can expect the usual stunning display.

Playden Open Gardens

Come and visit some lovely gardens in this hidden village. Most people drive straight past ! But stop by the church, (opposite the Memorial Hospital) park, buy a ticket for £5 - which is a map of the Open Gardens, and enjoy a ramble through the lanes, taking in the spectacular views from many places.

Pimms are available in Rectory Lane and teas in Point Hill.

There will be plants, produce and preserves by the church gate, handy to pop straight into the car.

There is some limited disabled parking at Cherries, and road parking in Fairmeadow. But don’t even TRY in New England Lane.

We look forward to welcoming you.