Thank You for visiting Rostrum Wateringbury Village Free Magazine
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Rostrum October 2025
Welcome to the October edition of Rostrum
VILLAGE DIARY
October
5 Footpaths Walk – Hall – 2.30pm
7 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm – Upper room
8 Autumn Wildlife Friendly Garden – WI talk – 7.30pm - Hall
10 Footpaths Walk– 10am – Hall
15 The Hop Bine & Hop Pickers in Kent Talk – 8pm - Hall
16 Coffee and Chat Morning – 11am - Hall
19 Village Market – 10.30am – 1pm - Hall
New Entrant Open days at the school 7/9 at 10am 13/15 at 2pm
November
2 Footpaths Walk – Hall – 2pm (earlier winter start time)
4 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm - Hall
9 Annual Parish Act of Remembrance – 10am - Church
23 Village Market - 1-5pm - Hall
Village Christmas Lights switch on - 4pm (approx.)
19 The Disgraceful Sons of George III Talk- 8pm - Hall
22 Christmas Craft Bazaar – 11am-3pm - Church
Wateringbury Parish Council
Thursday 16th October at 11am
Village Hall - Coffee and Chat
As part of a new initiative, Wateringbury Parish Council are working alongside our Village Groups to thank all our amazing volunteers for their contribution throughout the year. A deserving resident will be presented with an Award and Gift at the next Summer Village Fete.
To all our amazing volunteers, do come along to the Village Hall and meet your Parish Councillors. We would also like to encourage other like-minded residents to join us and learn how you can make a real difference in our community too. Of course, there is no obligation to take up volunteering, merely save the date and join us all for a coffee and a chat.
The event is being organised by Parish Clerk, Suzanne Parr
WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
VOLUNTEER SCHEME –
Nominations for this month for a “thank you” go to:
Lisa Dean who organises the Village Walks
Sue Collins for organising the Village Market
Karl Smith for his tireless work behind the scenes at Wateringbury Football Club
COFFEE BREAK
Wednesdays 22nd October and 5th November
This friendly group meets in the church on alternate Wednesdays from 10.30am-12.30pm in the church social area to enjoy, tea, coffee and home-made cake and of course a chat. Suggested donation £1.
On Wednesday 8th October there will be no meeting as it is the church’s Harvest celebration lunch. Numbers are limited because of logistics so this is a ticket only event. If you would like to come, please phone Gillian who has the tickets (01622 813076).
Our Coffee Break on Wednesday 19th November will also be different. We are planning a MacMillian Coffee Morning with a bring and buy stall. So do save the date and come along to the church between 10.30am and 12.30pm and support this valued charity.
Gillian Sessions
25th October 2025 - 7pm
True Crime Night at Wateringbury Church
A Very Kentish Murder II:
The Man in the Woods
“I am terribly sorry - it is a diabolical thing.”
Back by popular demand after his hit 2024 night at Wateringbury Church, join local historian Dr Graham Birrell for another interactive evening examining a long-forgotten Kent murder-investigation. Once again, the audience becomes the jury for the night to examine the same evidence presented at the original trial…will you find the prime suspect guilty or not guilty?
It was a perfect summer’s day for a drive through the Kent countryside. Three women leave a country pub to return one of them to their now famous home on the North Kent coast - but a picnic stop ends in complete disaster. The prime suspect had left a trail of mayhem and destruction around the world, all centring on an obsession with one thing….guns. But was he bad, or simply very, very, mad?
The story was so shocking it made headlines across the globe - so join Graham for an incredible night of true crime and tragedy at Wateringbury on 25th October. Scan the QR code in the flyer, visit 
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EZWC, or buy physical tickets in the Wateringbury Post Office or Village Shop. £8 or £30 for family of 4 or on the door.
Church Christmas Craft Bazaar
Saturday 22nd November 11am-3pm
in Wateringbury church
Lots of local craft stalls
to browse for gifts
VILLAGE PEOPLE Please let us have your news and tributes by 17th October for our November for magazine. Entries are free. Email rostrum2@hotmail.com
RIP
Georgina Hearne (1928-2025)
Georgina moved to the village in the early 1960s, and was resident at The Limes, where she created a beautiful garden and made a happy home for her husband Peter and their three sons Patrick, Mark, and Charles. A service of thanksgiving for her life took place in Wateringbury church on 25th September.
Joan and Andy Andrews
To all the neighbours and friends of Joan and Andy Andrews --Thank you for making mum and dad so happy through over fifty years of living in the village. Mum passed away in 2016 but the support and friendship shown to dad following her passing after 67years of marriage was astounding and so very appreciated by dad and his daughters. Dad passed away 29th July at home which he had always requested, quietly and happy. Thank you to all who make this village what it is. Caring and looking after each other on our journey through life.
Karen and Lynn Andrews
THANK YOU
On Wednesday 20th August I hosted a Tea Party in my front garden at the old Police House on Bow Road. With the help and support of the Wateringbury W.I. We had Tea, Coffee, Pasties, Sausage rolls, Sandwiches and the most marvellous cakes! Mostly made and donated by all the talented bakers of Wateringbury. The wind dropped and the sun came out eventually, allowing everyone to enjoy the gathering, with re-fillable pots of tea and coffee, lunch and endless cakes! Plus Games, Raffle and WI Bring and Buy stall.
The event was to raise funds for the charity, Breast Cancer Now, and we raised a brilliant £517.00 on the day.
A big thank you to all who helped organise, get the word out, set up, blow up balloons. put up gazebos and bunting, washed up, and all who donated Raffle prizes including the Bijou Nursery and Handy Store, and those who donated and made food and especially the Fabulous Cakes!! Most of all thank you to all who came, enjoyed the day, supported and donated so generously. Rosemary
Delivery thanks to Steve and Val Pattinson who for 20 plus years have been delivering Rostrum to their neighbours in Phoenix Drive. We are now looking for a volunteer neighbour willing to deliver the 26 copies to 30-39 and 89-105 Phoenix Drive. If you can help please email rostrum2@hotmail.com
HISTORY SOCIETY
The Hop Bine & Hop Pickers in Kent is the topic of Chris Stewart’s talk to Wateringbury History Society in Wateringbury Village Hall on Wednesday 15th October at 8pm (free tea or coffee from 7.40pm). Members free of charge. Visitors, who are always welcome, £7. It is time to renew membership for the year to June 2026 which is excellent value at £20 (under 21s £10). Talks to look forward to in the coming months are:
The Disgraceful Sons of George III, The Rise and Fall of the Darnley Family of Cobham Hall, The History of Cricket in Kent, The Roaring 20s, What the Victorians did for us, and The English Country House.
Christine Byron
NETTLESTEAD AND WATERINGBURY PRE-SCHOOL
A busy term 1 with our new and old families starting back. It’s been great catching up with everyone and hearing about the children’s summer adventures! The children have enjoyed coming back, building new friendships, and seamlessly falling into preschool life.
We have also had some amazing feedback from our leaving families saying how wonderfully well their children have transitioned into primary school life. Showing great independence through the whole experience, something we promote strongly within the setting. It is important to us to help the children develop skills they can take away with them to use as they progress further into their journeys.
The children have been getting to know each other using our family board pointing out family, friends and pets, building great communications and social skills.
We are looking forward to exploring autumn with the children and to see what natural treasures we can find around us as the season turns. ‘The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky’, by Margaret Macmillan. We are looking forward to exploring this quote further with our children through our Curiosity Approach Accreditation J Come and join us on journey!
Some spaces still available in our wrap around and preschool sessions (Government funding accepted).
Please email enquiries@nwps.org.uk for more information
Wateringbury FC are looking for 6-8 year olds - Boys and Girls - to join our Saturday morning academy. If your son or daughter is looking to get into football, there is no better place to start their journey than the famous Wateringbury FC academy. FA level coaches, excellent friendly atmosphere and great fun. Session runs from 9:00am-10:30am every Saturday. Enquiries to Geoff King 07801 756506 or just turn up at the park and give it a try.
The Wateringbury FC cafe is open again on Saturday mornings. If you fancy coming down to the park to admire our local talented children’s football skills, why not pop in and grab a bacon or sausage roll and a cuppa. Tony Garrett
SARAH HUDSON – KCC, TMBC AND PARISH COUNCILLOR
Huge thanks to everyone who attended the public meeting on Sunday 14th September, to hear about the Croudace proposals for 66 homes in the top field by Fields Lane.
In order to ensure both Matt Boughton and myself can vote on this planning application when it is finally heard, we have to keep an open mind, so cannot express our thoughts beforehand.
We will keep you updated on matters if we hear anything further. And if you want to be added to the mailing list, please email me at sarah.hudson@tmbc.gov.uk and Matt at Matt.boughton@tmbc.gov.uk
Sarah Hudson
TMBC Borough Councillor for East & West Peckham, Mereworth & Wateringbury
PROTECT OUR MEDWAY VALLEY (POMV )
Sunday 14th September saw a public meeting held in the Village Hall to discuss these proposals by the developer, Croudace. Cllr Matt Boughton gave a clear and detailed presentation on the implications for the village and the surrounding area if the plans are successful. He also explained how the consultations are being conducted. Planning committee members Matt and Cllr Sarah Hudson are unable to declare an interest until they vote at the committee meeting. However this constraint does not apply to the parish council and they, along with local people within Protect Our Medway Valley (POMV) and others in the village and neighbouring villages are discussing what to focus on to prevent this planning application being successful.
There was plenty of time at the meeting for questions and contributions. What clearly emerged was a determination to oppose this proposal. The official deadline for submissions to planning at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council was Sept 26th. However Matt pointed out it is possible to make comments after that date. These details are on the Parish Council web site. POMV have been meeting weekly to discuss the proposals and if you would like to join our ad hoc grouping please email d.t.mitchelmore@gmail.com or drop me a text/WhatsApp. 07799 433874
Dave Mitchelmore Convenor POMV
VILLAGE MARKET Sundays 19th October and 23rdNovember
Please continue to support your Village Market in the Village Hall 3rd Sunday of the month 1030am-1pm. We regularly have 20+ stalls ranging from fresh meat to personalised jewellery; locally produced chutneys and honey to aromatic candles and diffusers, handmade cards; bespoke carved wooden items; cakes and coffee and more!
However note change in November to 23rd 1-5pm. Come along and then stay for the switch on of the village Christmas lights at about 4pm. Look forward to seeing you there. Sue Collins
WI
As Autumn arrives and we start to rethink our wardrobes, we invited along Jill Egleton to "Colour our Soul and Dress us Happy" We learned how different colours can have an impact on how we feel about ourselves, Sophisticated, Powerful, Happy, Sad, Inconspicuous. There is a rainbow of colours from happy yellow, calming green, cool blue and sophisticated black they all carry a deep feeling. A short meditation session bought out the positive in us and now we can go forward with a mindset that hopefully fills us with happiness.
As I said Autumn is upon us and after spending many hours in our gardens during this long dry, hot Summer we need to start to think about what's happening out there. We sat in the sun and watched the birds, bees and butterflies hovering around and pollinating our flowers and vegetables. Now we need to think about what we are going to attract into our garden in the Winter and what we can plant to encourage and protect wildlife through the colder months.
Please come along and meet Victoria Golding on Wednesday 8th October. For the Wildlife friendly Garden in Autumn talk. And also find out what we have planned for the months ahead.
We meet on 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30 to 9.30pm.
New Members welcome. Visitors £3 refreshments £1 raffle £1.
For more information email us on Wateringbury@wkfwi.org.uk
Sharon Goshawk President WI.
TESTON & WATERINNGBURY PRE-SCHOOL
This term, we are continuing to read our termly book, Harry and the bucketful of Dinosaurs, which has provided a valuable opportunity for our children to learn about these fascinating prehistoric creatures.
Our pre-school lending library is now up and running, offering a variety of books to choose from and take home to share with their siblings and parents. We are also encouraging our families to join their local libraries as this is a great place to take your children on a wet and windy day. Books can support children's creative development and imaginative thinking, as well as spending that quality bonding time with your child.
This term, the pre-school is organising a "bags to school" collection for unwanted clothes to be reused and recycled. The collection will take place at 9:00am on Wednesday, 5th November. Anyone wishing to recycle unwanted clothes, bags, shoes, or towels is asked to place items in a bag and bring them in on Monday 3rd or Tuesday 4th
November between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Please ring the doorbell at the back of the Teston village hall upon arrival.
And finally, please join us in celebrating World Smile day on
3rd October, a day started by Harvey Ball, creator of the Smiley, as a day dedicated to smiles and kind acts throughout the World. MAKE ONE PERSON SMILE TODAY!
Tina Driver: 07805 796353 testonpreschooladmissions@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
WATERINGBURY GUIDES
Wateringbury Guides went to camp in July to Comp Wood scout site near Mereworth. Thanks to a grant we got a train to Margate and spent a day in Dreamland, some time on the beach, got ice creams and rounded off the day with fish and chips for tea. Our presence in uniform generated a lot of questions about Girlguiding and we were very happy to fly the flag and tell everyone how much we were enjoying ourselves and that we were camping.
Back on site we did some archery, rope bridges, made stretchers, played wide games and learnt both verses of the National Anthem. Mel led a brilliant campfire and we actually got the tents down dry on the last day…. just! We start our members early now – Emily’s twins are not four until Sept but they took to camp with gusto determined to roll the full water barrel back to camp on their own! Look out rainbows, here they come!
We knew we had a few pairs of sisters in the unit but realised that all four sets had come to camp, along with two leaders who are sisters, and twin daughters of one of our leaders meaning we had six sets of sisters or twins among 22 campers! Can anyone beat that?
We ended last term at Mote Park Hi Ropes and Dinogolf where a number of the girls (and a leader!) challenged themselves to get to the top tier of the climbing frame. As I said to the girls, its fine ….as long as you don’t look down!
Are you an adult who would like to be part of this? To find out more, register on this link and we’ll be in touch.
Register your interest/Girlguiding Sheena Stewart and team
WATERINGBURY FOOTPATHS GROUP
Our recent walks took us over Bow Bridge and along the riverside footpath through Waregrave’s Wood. After the muddy patch at the gate we walked up the footpath to Tutsham Hall and continued up the lane towards Hunt Street. Just before the road junction we took the footpath to the left, following it to West Farleigh. At the Tickled Trout, we turned downhill on a footpath which took us through fields to a quiet lane which leads to the busy and narrow road approaching Teston Bridge. Using a permissive path we were able to keep off the road all the way to the bridge itself. Once over the bridge, we took the footpath into Teston Country Park and followed footpaths back to Bow Bridge. It’s a beautiful local walk of about 4½ miles.
Our next walks will be leaving the village hall at:
2.30pm on Sunday 5th October
10.00am on Friday 10th October
2.00pm on Sunday 2nd November (note the later time as the hour will have changed and we’ll have darker evenings)
You are very welcome to join us, we are a friendly group. For more information please contact me. I can also add you to the Wateringbury Village Walks WhatsApp group, which keeps us all up to date with our plans.
Lisa Dean 07759 539032
WATERINGBURY SCOUT GROUP
When you think of Scouts you probably think of camping and you’d be correct. In the summer holidays many Scout groups enjoy camping and Wateringbury Scouts is no different as all our sections will have spent nights away “under canvas”.
The Beavers had their first proper camp outside in July. They worked well together to put up their tents and played team games. They stayed dry in their tents overnight, despite the rain and enjoyed a nature hunt, pebble painting and of course, s’mores around the campfire. Well done Beavers!
The Cubs camped in Dymchurch for a seaside themed camp and went on the RH&DR to Dungeness, climbed a lighthouse, marvelled at the model railway, enjoyed a sandcastle competition, made kites, cooked on a fire, paddled in the sea, ate a fish and chip supper, watched an outdoor movie and played on the beach.
Our Scouts went to Downe campsite and hiked to Biggin Hill Airfield Museum, did laser tag, glass sledging, slack lining and go-karting. They cooked over fires and completed their photography badge and an adventure obstacle course.
So many memories made, skills learnt, independence and confidence gained! With more nights away adventures planned for each section this term there are so many opportunities to grow and have fun.
Check out our website www.wateringbury-scouts.org.uk for more details about our group
Nicola Plane - Cub Team Leader
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
With the weather having changed so dramatically, there are a few jobs that need our attention. One is to net the pond, if you have one, which should stop some of the leaves ending up in the water and rotting down, which can have a negative effect on its quality. Once the last leaves have fallen, they can be removed and added to the compost pile.
Another task is to clean out any bird boxes you might have with boiled water as this kills off parasites. Although, they won’t be needed for nesting again until the Spring, they may be used for shelter during the Winter.
Many of our garden birds are taking advantage of the wide range of fruits, berries and nuts that are available in abundance this year. Mistle thrushes are particularly keen on holly berries and will defend their chosen tree or shrub against other birds. Another bird that is rarely seen most of the year is our native jay. However, in the Autumn a flash of turquoise may be seen in woodland areas as they hunt for acorns. Each bird will collect 3 or 4 at a time and it is estimated that a single bird may collect approximately 5,000 acorns in a season! Their aim is to store them away for the winter but, not surprisingly, many are not found but some of these will germinate and produce the next generation of Oak trees. This iconic tree can support up to 2,300 different species and live for over 1,000 years. Pauline Knutton
FRIENDS OF WATERINGBURY CHURCH
STRAWBERRY TEA PARTY
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the Strawberry Tea Party at Westbury Manor, Manor Farm, on 7TH September. We were blessed with glorious sunshine, which made for a wonderful afternoon of Pimm’s, strawberries and cream, rounders, and of course the much-anticipated World Famous Egg Catching Competition ©.
Together we raised an impressive £877 for the Friends of Wateringbury Church – thank you for your continued support.
The trustees would especially like to thank William and Frances English for welcoming us into their beautiful garden and grounds again, Hugh Lowe Farms for generously donating the strawberries, Carys Hughes for delighting us with her harp music, and all those who kindly baked and donated cakes and biscuits.
We look forward to seeing you again next year for another day of village fun.
Jeremy Burgess Chair, FoWC
LEST WE FORGET – VE/VJ COMMEMORATIONS
Rostrum remembers those on the village and school memorials
Cyril Joseph King – Sapper 2005656
66 Field Company Royal Engineers
Cyril was born on 5th July 1917 in Tenterden. He died on “8th July 1943 age 26 He is buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily which contains 2,135 Commonwealth soldiers who died in Operation Husky the battle to gain control of the island in 1943. He is commemorated on the village war memorial.
Geoffrey Robbins – Sergeant 924860 82 Squadron Volunteer Reserve
Geoffrey was born in Yalding in 1917, the son of Alfred and Nellie Robbins. Later the family moved to Fernleigh, 51 Bow Road. His last flight was on Sunday 12th October 1941 when he was sent to attack enemy shipping off the Dutch coast. He was reported missing, probably having been shot down by anti-aircraft fire. The Dutch Red Cross later advised his body was washed ashore at Scheveningen on 27th January 1942. He was aged 24 and is buried in The Hague (Westduin) General Cemetery. His grave was adopted by a Dutch family who corresponded with the Robbins family. Each year on his birthday they placed flowers on his grave. The Robbins family visited Geoffrey’s grave with support from the Dutch equivalent of our Poppy Appeal which paid for families to visit the graves of fallen service personnel. His name is commemorated on the village and school memorials.
REV GARY WRITES
The Rectory, 72 The Street, Mereworth ME18 5NA
gary.rev@outlook.com 01622 813178
LOST AND FOUND
Stuck for something to write for this edition I thought I’d share one of my little sermons I preached recently.
The parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15: 1 – 7 has always been popular. A Christian will relate to it in a number of ways but most commonly we see ourselves in it as the lost sheep that have been found by Jesus. What does it mean to be ‘found by Jesus’?
Jesus told the parable to those who disapproved of him ‘receiving sinners and eating with them’ and, thinking such people were beyond the pale, they begrudged the welcome, forgiveness and healing such people were experiencing at the hands of Jesus. So, I think to be ‘found by Jesus’ certainly means to have a true sense that your sins are forgiven. But forgiven by whom? Well, by Jesus of course but the extent of the forgiveness, and thus the reconciling and re-building of the relationship harmed through our sins, is with God himself; our Father in heaven, the one from whom we come and in whom we live and move and have our being. He is our Father and as his children we have gone far from him and wandered off. Jesus, the Son of God, has come from the very heart of the Father to bring us back home. All who respond to his call to repent and believe in him find for themselves that loving heart of the Father that Jesus came to show us.
So, to be ‘found by Jesus’ also means to know deep down that you are loved by God. Furthermore, having that deep sense of forgiveness and being loved by God we must go on to be those who are forgiving and loving to all people – even the worst of them! So, to know oneself forgiven and loved by God and then in turn to seek to be forgiving and loving to others, I think, is what it means to be found by Jesus.
Stuck for anything else to write, I send out this little sermon with the prayer it be of comfort and help to some lost soul.
Rev Gary Townsend Rector of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham
WATERINGBURY CHURCH SERVICES IN OCTOBER
Benefice website www.mwwpchurches.org
A friendly welcome awaits you at all Sunday Services which start at 10am and last for about an hour. Each service has an easy-to-follow booklet.
Refreshments are served after these services please stay for a chat if you can.
Saturday 4th 3-5pm –
Messy Church celebrates Harvest
For children and their carers - Bible Story, Action Songs, Prayer time, lots of crafts and ending with afternoon tea. All welcome
Sunday 5th - 10am – Harvest Morning Praise
led by Barry Fisher
Come and give thanks for all God’s gifts
Sunday 12th - Holy Communion with Rev Gary Townsend
Sunday 19th - 10am - All Age Worship
Less formal worship with well-known hymns
Sunday 26th - 10am – Benefice Communion with Rev Gary
Sunday 26th - 5-6pm in Mereworth Refresh Service
Topic: : 'Ghosts and Ghouls - is Halloween a bad thing?'
Sunday 2nd November - 10am – Matins with
Barry Fisher
Sunday 9th - ANNUAL PARISH ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
IN OUR JOYS AND SORROWS – From the Parish Registers
Baptisms:
Lily Rose Margaret Tate (10th August)
George Alexander Richardson (17th August)
Funeral
Mary Stanley (18th August)
SEPTEMBER PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
Mike Davy introduced himself to the Council and was co-opted on to the Council to fill the vacancy.
A public meeting had been arranged for Sunday 14th September in the village hall to discuss the planning application by Croudace to build 66 houses on green belt land at the junction of Tonbridge Road and Fields Lane
Bow Road would be opened on 8th September. Upon final completion of the works the contractor SGN will restore all village grass banks which suffered damage whilst being utilised in Bow Road during the renewal of gas main works. The clear up will include the removal of paint markings. Sunken drain covers will also be addressed. Councillor Hudson is supporting local businesses who are seeking compensation for loss of income during the works by SGN.
A new process has been adopted to record enquiries to the Clerk on a month by month basis; copies were handed out to members of the public present at the meeting (12).
A Website Refresh is being investigated to provide for more accessible platforms for residents to source information.
Allotments –the renovation of the Allotments by Gary’s Landscapes have been completed. The Clerk will show vacant plots to interested parties.
Day Tree Fellers have agreed to provide chippings to the entrance area at no charge.
Cemetery Councillors unanimously agreed several changes in the rules relating to burials and the care of individual graves. The Parish council are committed to removing items from plots that are not permitted within the Rules of the Cemetery. Shortly all items will be tagged and stored by WPC for a period of 12 months to allow for collection.
Approval was also given for the introduction of Rules for Funeral Directors/Masons/Grave Diggers. Prices have also been revised and new forms drawn up. Full details are available on the parish website.
Crime Concern was raised about fraud crimes. Residents are directed to https://www.kent.police/uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/ as a place to visit to seek information on fraud support. A local resident had been the victim of a crime where goods were sold to a purchaser who paid in fraudulent bank notes. CCTV has been forwarded to the police.
There have been a few reports of catapult related incidents in Wateringbury. PC Mayers has been speaking/dealing with those believed to be the relevant parties.
Residents were reminded that any crimes should be reported through the proper channels – 999, 101 or Kent Police online rather than on Facebook
Lorry Watch Scheme - Cllr Chitty and Cllr Edmunds have agreed to assist Clerk in the Management of the scheme. It is anticipated that Nettlestead and Yalding Parish Councils will support Wateringbury’s request to lobby Highways for an additional permanent weight restriction sign at the outskirts of our Parish borders.
Planning – Councillors considered two applications which related to tree work in Conservation areas:
Bow Road - Reduce trees beside 100m stretch of road by 1-2m back from kerb as this is a risk to pedestrians. Crown lift to a height of 3m
Little Orchard 50 Old Road - 1 x Crab Apple, 2 x Flowering Cherry, 3 x Cypress Leylandii, 1 x Sycamore, 3 x Laurel and 1 x Prunus - Remove.
(1 x Dawn Redwood - Remove dead branches only.)
Playing Fields
The RoSPA Play Safety Annual Inspection of Senior Play Area Report had been received.
Capel Ground Care Ltd had undertaken a full Service of the Zip Wire
Equipment. Councillors unanimously agreed to carry out the work found to be needed.
A new dog bin will be provided at a cost of £379.97
It was unanimously agreed to fund tree work at the playing fields: lifting and crowning trees on the top field which are encroaching onto football pitches and into neighbouring properties. And the removal of two dead Pine Trees.
Speedwatch - during the past month 139 Observations of speeding vehicles were noted. 17 Letters sent to repeat (twice or more) offenders, of which 1 was hand delivered by a policeman and 2 letters sent to high end offenders (45+ mph in 30 mph zone).
Tree debris and excess water on Tonbridge Road – Blocked drains in Canon Lane may be the cause of problems on the Tonbridge Road. TMBC Waste Management are dealing with the problem.
Next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday, 7th October at 7.30pm in the upper room in the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Approved minutes of council meetings are published on the Parish Council website www.wateringburypc.org.
TONBRIDGE & MALLING RAMBLERS
Among the group’s October walks is a local 6 mile walk on Sunday 12th October Ditton, Barming and East Malling: a leisurely countryside loop, including the ancient woodland of Oaken Wood which is rich in wildlife. For full details of all their walks, see www.tonbridgeandmallingramblers.org.uk or their Facebook page