Playden village voice

We are really hoping for an improvement over the weekend so that the visitors coming to the Playden Weekend Exhibition of Art, Craft and Music in the church will not get soaked. On display will be many beautiful things, some for sale, paintings, jewellery, embroidery, cards, crafted items, all created by local people or those with local connections. Refreshments will be available all day. Admission is FREE but we hope for generous donations.

The Exhibition will be open from 10.30 to 5pm on Saturday, and 12.30 to 5 pm on Sunday.

On Saturday evening at 7.30 pm there will be a semi-staged performance of Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel, with “simply opera”.

The tickets are £10 to include the first glass of wine and some nibbles.

Any enquiries to 01797 22 26 15.

Every house in Playden received a copy of the Annual Report of the Parish Council prior to its meeting last week. Included was the invitation to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Picnic to be held in the Butt field on Saturday 2nd June from 12 to 3 pm. There will be a performance by “applause” during the afternoon and live music.

At the beginning of the meeting, Councillor Mrs. Sam Stone was returned as Chairman of the council and the remaining members agreed to stand again. They are Mrs. Rose Dearden, Mr. David Stone (no relation), Mr. James Stevenson, and Clerk Mr. Ray Harrington-Lowe. There is still one vacancy on the council. How about you?

Five members of the public attended, also PCSO Dan Bevan, PC Nigel Collins, RVA representative Mrs. Val Smith, RDC Councillor Paul Osborne and ESCC Councillor Mr. Keith Glazier.

The chairman began with a brief resume of the Report explaining that she was passionate about building communities and looks forward to serving Playden for years to come.

It was reported that work on the Butt Field was progressing; grass was planted, fencing improved, gates repaired, trees planted and the benches would soon be in place. The grazing sheep were usually there, except when they made a bid for freedom!

The Financial summary stated that the closing balance for the year was £2,073 and the Precept was set at £4,950, being kept low in these difficult times.

PC Collins reported 10 crimes in Playden through the year, mostly break-ins to sheds and garages, but also theft of scrap metal, broken church windows and a theft of oil.

The advice was to secure all outbuildings.

The profile remains the same - 1. Fear of burglary; 2. Speeding and inappropriate speed for the prevailing conditions.

PCSO Bevan said that he was gradually visiting all homes to set up the Neighbourhood Watch. And sites were identified for possible notices about Cold Calling.

From the floor, Mr. Hobbs reminded everyone to report any suspicious occurrences a.s.a.p. Use phone 101 for non-emergencies.

Mrs. Kent asked if she could adjust the position of a yellow speed sign because it was blocking her sight-line as she came out of her drive.

Cllr. Glazier reported that the Highways Authority was monitoring the state of the road near the junction of the Iden road with the A268, but it is unlikely to be repaired in the next 6 months. The County Council has set a budget of £60m for the next 3 years for road maintenance. This is for resurfacing and underlying work. The Military Road should be done in the next 6-8 months. He will see about the broken School sign. The Government has approved a County council Broadband plan of £10.6m for Rural areas. And another £50m will be spent for superfast Broadband. The contractor should be appointed by July and action taken during the calendar year.

There is no increase in the council Rate.

The contract for the Relief Road from Hastings to Bexhill is not yet let.

Congratulations were offered to Cllr. Glazier for his efforts to get Deadmans Lane made one-way.

RDC Cllr. Osborne said that there was no increase in the Council tax, and that the Council took the government grant.

Staff numbers are reduced with no compulsory redundancies. There is a quality work force and staff are moving between departments as necessary. Co-operation is continuing between councils at Hastings, Eastbourne and Wealden on Building Control, legal services and audits.

Mrs. Val Smith then explained the Community Friends Scheme. It was there to give a helping hand around the home for vulnerable people and those home from hospital. The volunteers are all CRB checked and could help with such things as dog walking, shopping, changing light bulbs etc..The contact person is Paddy Coulman on 01797 280 377. There are planned developments at the Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital to increase residential accommodation. It may be that the kitchen becomes open to everyone in the community.

Jubilee Mugs should be available from 26th May and will be distributed at school on Friday 1st June. Anyone wishing to purchase a mug should contact the clerk with a £5 note or cheque made payable to Playden Parish Council.

The next meeting will be on 14th June, not the first Thursday as usual.

Playden W. I. will meet in the Hall on Monday 14th May at 2 pm for a Resolutions meeting.

Rye Country Market opens every Friday in the Community Centre, Conduit Hill, Rye, and as from Friday 18th May the opening time will be extended to 11.30 am. The Market sells fresh, local produce and locally produced items and opens at 10 am so come early and enjoy the pick of the goods!

Stalls have free range eggs, a wide selection of savouries and preserves, bottles of apple juice, a variety of vegetables and fruit - yes, some beautiful rhubarb - plants, cut flowers, home-made cakes in plenty and a wide range of crafts. Come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, enjoy a chat with friends and shop - all under one roof!

The service at 11 am for the 6th Sunday of Easter will be Parish Communion led by the Rural Dean, Canon David Frost.

Marion Lovell, Abingworth, New England Lane