Mountfield

CYRIL WOODGATE: Cyril’s funeral will be at All Saints Church, Mountfield, onMonday March 20th, at 11.00 am. Family flowers only but donations, if wished, to St Michael’s Hospice. Afterwards, everyone is invited to join Jean and the family in Mountfield Village Hall. (To donate to St Michael’s, either ring 01424 728728, visit www. stmichaelshospice.com or post to Unit 1, Queensway Avenue South, Queensway, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 9AG.)

SW MEETING: The Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting on March 7th was very well attended. As well as Councillors, Clerk and local people, we had Peter Simmons, Steve Jones and Nick John from Southern Water. Rather sweetly, as it’s a SW issue, Kaye Hargan and Project Engineer, Glen Oaten from MGjv, the contractors, were on hand in case of questions on progress or day to day operations.

I asked Peter Simmons, Project Manager from SW, to explain what they were proposing to do — i.e. defer the construction of the wastewater treatment works (WTW) for up to five years as they were uncertain that there would be the minimum 60% household connections required for the WTW to operate. Until it is built, they propose to tanker the raw sewage away several times a week. I then invited questions or comments from the floor. I am pleased to say that proceedings were good-natured throughout but that did not mask the unmistakable anger and outrage.

There were certain key points that kept coming up in different ways. Why had SW not mentioned this issue in the original planning application and why are they only raising it for the first time nine months into the construction process? The question of cost and benefit was central to everyone’s contributions. Why was no survey to establish the potential connections done at the outset? Without this information, the proposed planning application is without justification. How could SW justify replacing individual cesspits with one giant cesspit? Some made it clear, to general agreement, that they would consider signing up to a WTW but not a giant cesspit and tankering. Why replace one environmental hazard with four including traffic, noise and smell?

At the end of the public adjournment, I summarised that I, with the support of Cllr. Eleanor Kirby-Green, would follow up on the questions of a survey of residents’ intentions and a campaign of hard information to residents, including costs (see below). I urged SW to at the very least, hold off until they had the results of these actions. I was also able to assure everyone of the vehement opposition to SW’s plans by the Environmental Health Authority, Rother District Council. Realistically, in my view, this means that the proposed planning application would fail if submitted.

Mountfield Parish Council therefore passed a resolution urging Southern water to build the wastewater treatment works as per their agreed responsibilities and abandon the proposed new planning application. Southern Water took that message away with them

SW FOLLOW UP: A couple of days later, I had a good, positive meeting with the Head of Environmental Health at Rother District Council, Mr Richard Parker Harding. It was agreed that MPC and RDC would co-operate on producing and distributing a survey questionnaire to eligible households on their intentions re connection and an information pack giving the pros and cons of connection and some clear indications of cost. At the time of going to press, both the survey and the info pack are in hand.

SW PROGRESS REPORT: The contractors have hit a significant problem at Riverhall Crossing. I’ll let Glen, the engineer, tell the story: “Eatenden Lane has been reopened today without the UTX (Under Track Crossing) or sections of the opencut being completed due to us encountering the existing water main which has been directionally drilled under the level crossing at an oblique angle to the road giving us no space to avoid it with our augerbore. According to SEW’s own records the water main was installed up the road and then veers off at a 45 degree angle to avoid the level crossing before re-joining in the road on the other side. It is likely to be at a similar depth throughout to what we planned to install our UTX meaning we either have to go a lot deeper to allow a factor of safety or find another route all subject to SW design guidance and then Railtrack approval.

“We have been given permission from ESCC to close Solomans Lane again from just after Easter 18/04/17 until 28/07/17, this will be by the same method as previously i.e. access only from each end to residents properties and we will liaise with individual residents as and when we cross their driveways. Assuming the UTX redesign is complete and Railtrack have approved we would look to complete the Eatenden Lane works after Soloman’s Lane is complete. We can discuss the details as it gets closer re school bus etc.”

MOUNTFIELD HISTORY YOU CAN VISIT: I gave a talk “Mountfield’s Tudor Ironworks” to the Robertbridge Arch. Soc. in January. Unfortunately, a lot of people were unable to make it either because they were tucked up with one nasty virus or another, or because they were put off by the forecast of 0°C before the doors even opened — not a nice thought for people driving any distance. So I am repeating the talk on Friday March 31st at 7.30 in Mountfield Village Hall. Entry is a suggested donation of £3.00 per person or free if you are either very mean or a member of DACS. This really is history right on our doorstep. This site is extraordinary for a number of reasons: not least that its existence is almost entirely unknown locally, despite it being freely visible from a well-known public right of way. Even after 450 years, there is still much to be seen — if you know what you are looking for.

Again, all those attending the talk will be invited to join simple guided tours of the site over a couple of subsequent weekends: Sundays 2nd and 9th April in the morning. A pleasant stroll through lovely countryside that should have some flowers such as the kingcups doing spectacular things as well.

MOUNTFIELD COMMUNITY ARTS: Juliette Dodd writes: “I’m holding a series of special Art Workshops over the next few months, starting with a “ Cabaret” themed costumed portrait/figure painting day on Saturday 25th March. As its Mother’s Day weekend it may be the perfect treat for any creative mothers to join for a wonderful day’s painting: 10.00 – 3.00 pm, a whole day working from the model in costume, one pose, with tutor on hand for expert advice and demonstrations, suitable for oils, acrylics and pastels, £45.00.

“Future dates are Saturday 22nd April, 10.00 – 3.00 pm: ‘Edwardian Lady in her Boudoir’ - portrait/figure painting workshop, beautiful young model in vintage underwear, with a tableaux scene, tutored £45.00. Saturday May 27th, 10.00 – 3.00 pm: Art Deco-themed portrait/figure workshop, model re-creating the mood of the 30s with Nancy Cunard inspired pose and costume, tutored, £45.00. Saturday 22nd July Futuristic ‘Fifth Element’ Costumed figure drawing session - acrobatic model in a series of poses throughout the day . 10.00 – 3.00 pm, tutored, £45.00.

“All workshops are strictly limited to 10 participants so early booking advised. More information can be found at www.juliettedodd.wordpress.com. A deposit of £20.00 is required on booking. Contact Juliette Dodd on 01424 424010 or mobile 07900 466709.”

Juliette is always looking to hire portrait models for her Tuesday morning classes, no experience necessary, just the ability to sit still essential, cash paid, 10.00 – 12.30, above contact details or message me through my Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/juliettedodd.artist/.

MOUNTFIELD BIG SCREEN SOCIAL NIGHTS: A final reminder that tonight (Friday March 17th) is the Mountfield Première of SPECTRE, the biggest budget Bond movie ever. Doors open 7.30 with a suggested donation of £5.00 to Village Hall funds. Last week I asked how many actors you could name who played James Bond on the big screen before Daniel Craig? Answer: Sean Connery, Pierce Bronan, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby and David Niven (honest, “Casino Royale”, 1967). You weren’t allowed Bob Holness as his “Moonraker” was for radio and Barry Nelson’s “Casino Royale” was for US television in 1954.

MOUNTFIELD CLUB: A date for your diary. There will be another Quiz night, this time on Easter Saturday 15th April starting for about 8.00 pm. There will also be a Buffet and Easter Egg Raffle. There will be a £2.00 entrance fee per player with no more than six per team.

CLUB SNOOKER: Steve Smith writes: “Congratulations to both Mountfield and Hawkhurst A who both clinched promotion to Division 1 last week. Current leaders Mountfield who had won their previous 12 league matches went to Burwash Common A knowing they only needed to win two frames to secure promotion but Kevin Gray, Ashley Sutton, John Shaw and Steve Smith did it in style with a 3–1 win.

“Mountfield and Hawkhurst A meet in the Plate Cup Final in a couple of weeks, but next week in the last league matches of the season, they both have the small matter of the who is going to win the Division 2 title. Mountfield are top by a single point and entertain Cramp C in their last match while Hawkhurst travel to Tenterden knowing they have to do better than Mountfield on the night to have any chance of winning the league.”

FINALLY: It has made me cross several times recently when I was asked questions in all innocence when the answer had already appeared in this Village Voice column. We don’t write it for fun but to keep everyone in the Parish of Mountfield in the loop on matters of importance or interest to them. So next time someone asks you about something like this, please educate them. For just 90p they can find out about everything local to Mountfield and the wider area. Thank you.

CONTACT: We can always be contacted on 880614 (if no reply, just leave us your details on the answerphone) or via [email protected]. We always welcome contributions and feedback.

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