Mountfield

One area of concern for next term was the effect of the road closures on the school bus. The situation during the final week of last term was unacceptable with children being dropped on the wrong side of the A2100. Just as we all began to run out of ideas, Southern Water’s contractors came up with a solution. It is currently with ESCC for final approval. We’ll give details nearer the time. The question of rubbish and recycling collections should have been solved this week with the lorries going round to enter Solomon’s Lane at the far end and turning round in the works bellmouth. The closure of Solomon’s Lane to pedestrians outside Springfield has caused some frustration but there is no way round it for the moment. However the contractors have agreed to leave access after working hours and at weekends. They have also agreed to review the situation once the really big machinery is no longer being used there.

Finally, the contractors report that there is still a certain amount of clutter in the field behind some of the houses in Hoath Hill which is likely to be in the way of the trenching. The contractors can’t just throw this into the field so anything that has not been cleared will be unceremoniously ‘returned’ to the nearest garden.

VILLAGE SIGN: As part of the construction work, the village sign on New Cut will have to be demounted. This will be put into storage until the works and landscaping there are finished and then re-erected. While it is in storage, the Parish Council will arrange for any necessary refurbishment.

MOUNTFIELD RIDE/WALK: As already announced, this year’s Mountfield Church Ride/Walk will take place on Sunday September 18. Note that it is on the Sunday, not Saturday. The full route will be approximately 10 miles but there will be opportunities to shorten it as necessary for horses or walkers not at peak fitness. The full ride will be almost entirely off road round fields and woodland that are not on any public rights of way and therefore not normally accessible to the public. Entry fees are riders £15 in advance (£20 on the day), under 16s £10 (£15), walkers £5 in advance or on the day. Dogs (on leads, they can be extending leads) welcome. Entry forms available from [email protected].

There is free parking and refreshments at start and finish. Setting off times are between 9.30 and 12.30 though, as marshals, we would point out that the later you set off, the more of the refreshments you (and the long-suffering marshals) could miss out on. The Ride/Walk is by kind permission of the landowners, is in association with ESRM, and is sponsored by British Gypsum.

FLOWER SHOW: Sadly, we were not able to get to the Flower Show this year as our guests didn’t arrive from Germany until four o’clock-ish. Apparently there was a good display and a good turnout which is rewarding as an awful lot of hard work goes into it whether it’s successful or not.

VILLAGE HALL: A reminder that the village hall will be closed for floor refurbishment from August 13 to September 1. Instead of any social evenings during that time, there will be a daytime Autumn Gathering on Sunday September 25 along the lines of the very successful and much enjoyed Christmas Gathering last December. More details of that event in Village Voice nearer the time but put it in your diaries now.

MOUNTFIELD CLUB: The Club’s Charity Darts and Shove night in memory of Wayne Hardy is on Friday September 9. The evening will start at about 7.30pm and should see a good turnout. There will be a £3 entry fee charged and all proceeds raised on the night will be going towards The British Heart Foundation. Also the club will be running its snooker singles and pairs competition from mid-August, open to all members. Contact Steve Smith on 07720 298971 for further information.

A2100: Your parish council, in the indomitable form of Clerk, Irene Marchant, have done just about all that is humanly possible about the road surface immediately south of the crossing on the London Road. We will continue to press but bureaucracy reigns while lives are at risk. In the meantime, do not attempt to use that part of the road on two wheels and if on four wheels, just be as careful as the traffic conditions permit.

CONTACT: If you have anything for the Village Voice, we can be contacted on 880614 or via [email protected]. We always welcome contributions and feedback.

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