Whatlingon village voice

Last week’s parish council meeting was held on a muggy and warm evening but councillors soon settled down to business.

Concern was raised by a councillor at the number of accidents, near accidents and a death on a section of the A.21 from the end of the 40mph limit going south and the brow of the hill. Vehicles going south change from 40 to 60 mph passing vehicles travelling north also going at 60mph. The council are writing to the Highways Agency asking for the 40mph speed limit to be extended southwards beyond the brow of hill and further if possible.

Other matters- The council are still pursuing BT to have the condemned telephone pole outside Woodmans Oak Cottages removed.

The village spring has been rodded through and was found to be blocked with tree roots and in one part the drain had collapsed. As the problem also appears to be that the spring is blocked further up the hill it was agreed to take no action at the moment.

Rother District Council is to charge fees for giving advice to applicants considering putting in planning permission.

Breaches of the flying Protocol for Spilstead Farm are still being reported.

Councillors agreed to send an updated parish plan questionnaire to all parishioners later in the autumn.

The council are purchasing a glass plaque to hang in the church to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

Arrangements for the 22nd September village Barn Dance and Hog Roast were agreed.

The next parish council meeting is on Thursday 18th October. At 7.30pm.

News from Alex at The Royal Oak:

Well done to The Squabblers for winning last week’s pub quiz - another busy night, and thanks to Pete for doing the quiz for me last week. We hold a quiz every Thursday evening from 8pm for teams of up to six people.

A quick reminder for film fans, that Steven Spielberg’s War Horse is the next movie for Film Club, being shown today Friday 24th at 8pm in The Barn at The Royal Oak. It’s the moving, at times harrowing but ultimately uplifting story of a 16-year-old boy who is devastated when his hard-up farmer father has to sell the lad’s beloved horse Joey for service on the battlefields of WW1. Oscar nominated and with a strong (human) cast including Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch (TV’s Sherlock) and David Thewlis (Harry Potter’s Remus Lupin), not to mention the four-legged stars, it promises to be an absorbing way to spend a Friday evening. If you would like more information on the Whatlington Film Club, please contact [email protected] or call Alex on 01424 870492.

This Bank Holiday Monday afternoon from 3pm, we will be holding our annual Summer Party and Boules Tournament at The Royal Oak. This year we will have a BBQ to accompany some lovely cold beer, wine - or perhaps a Pimms? Entry to the Boules Tournament is free - just come along and have a go everyone is welcome! For further details or bookings, please call 01424 870492.

After a break last month, our wonderful Irish Music enthusiasts will be back performing on Friday 31st August at 8.30pm at The Royal Oak. Always a fantastic evening, this talented group meet and get immersed in a “jamming style” session of traditional Irish tunes. Admission to this uplifting evening is free, please call 01424 870492 if you would like to book a table to eat.

If you’re a Traditional Jazz fan, don’t forget to put the next appearance at The Royal Oak of the New Orleans Rhythmakers on Wednesday 5th September from 8pm in your diary. This is an excellent local six-piece band, and admission is free, so come along and support live music at your local pub!

Calling all Whatlington residents!! The Village Barn Dance and Hog Roast is on Saturday 22nd September this year, and helpers will be required in the morning to help set-up from 9am in the field behind the Village Hall Car Park. An invite for this event was included in the last edition of the Whatlington News, but if you need further information, please email [email protected]. To support this community event a Quiz Night is being held at The Royal Oak on Friday 7th September. Tickets are £10 per person which includes entry to the quiz and a two-course meal that evening, if you are interested please contact Alex on 01424 870492 or email [email protected]. More details to follow in next week’s column.

Due to popular demand, Robin Lown and Grant Colyer will be back for another amazing Psychic Night at The Royal Oak on Saturday 20th October from 7.30pm. This entertaining “Audience with” style evening of palm reading and mediumship was excellent last time and is always a sell-out. So, if you would like to reserve a ticket for just £10 per person, please call 01424 870492.

Andrew Ratcliffe, Whatlington