UPDATES

Rusthall Children's Centre was opened on Friday 16 October by Kent County Councillor John Davies. There were lots of parents and children there as well as invited guests from Rusthall, the Education Department etc. A delicious buffet lunch was served and the children enjoyed playing with the wonderful selection of toys and the Activities lady.

The Childrens Centre provides services to all children in the village aged newborn to five years and their parents. Things like health services, links with the Job Centre, information on childcare, "Stay and Ply" drop-ins, seasonal activities and lots more!

Taylor-Wimpey launched their marketing plans for the new estate at Rusthall Elms/Middlefield on Friday 16 October at the Spa Hotel. At the moment it is being called Holmewood Gardens! The demolition is nearly complete and they hope to start construction of the show homes at the entrance on The Boundary in November/December. The village car park is still in the plans as well as the MUGA - that's a multi use games area which the residents of the village will have access to out of school hours, for supervised play during daylight hours only.

The pedestrian crossing in the High Street finally opened in July.

The Haven received planning approval on 24 June.

Would all members of the RVA please renew their memberships if they have not already done so and encourage others to join - it's only £3.00 per person per year!

Issue No 24 : June 2009

The RVA Annual General Meeting on 21 May had 39 attendees.

Annual report
Chair Jenny Blackburn reviewed the successes of the RVA over the five years since its launch, including fencing off an old shop front, a presence on planning forums, extension of some double yellow lines and a petition for a pedestrian crossing.

She then went on to appeal for assistance from members with regard to secretarial duties as the Association has been without such support for three years. Jenny Blackburn said that the present situation was not tenable, she is getting older and will need more help from members to continue to deliver results.

This appeal was echoed by Carole Lawrence who emphasised the importance of commitment from the village – especially if there is to be a Parish Council in future.

Accounts
Due to circumstances beyond control the accounts were not available for viewing, but will be provided at the next meeting in July. The accounts have been audited and show a total income of £425.97, outgoings of £346.93, and a bank balance of £643.13.

Elections
Jenny Blackburn was returned as Chair, with Carole Lawrence as Vice Chair and Hazel Wilby as Treasurer/Membership secretary. Minutes were taken on by David Appleton. The role of Secretary remains unfilled. Ordinary members appointed to the committee are: David Morris, Jane Geer, Malcolm Geer, Charles Walker, and John Clarke.

Speaker
The advertised speaker was unable to attend.

Rusthall Elms/Middlefield
Wimpey has submitted a demolition scheme to the Borough Council. This includes a detailed plan of how it will proceed with demolition including the intended route of vehicles. This will be put out to public comment and this topic may therefore be returned to committee and it could be some time before demolition work begins on the site.

Fish and Chip shop
Permission has been given for the business to move premises. Work to fit out the new site has no yet begun.

Simmonds Court
Planning permission has been given for the demolition and replacement of Simmonds Court. However, a decision remains to be made on funding for the project.

Planning application at The Haven
Another planning application (number 0901389) has been submitted for the site of The Haven at the bottom of Manor Road. Public comment is invited.

Toad Rock Retreat
The establishment has been taken over by Tom Snook (previously of the Rusthall Social Club) and Lou Cashley from the grocer’s shop. They plan to re-open in June and intend to offer a range of food.

The Oak
The Oak public house has applied for an extension to its licence. This would permit early and late opening, from seven in the morning (to serve breakfast) to 12.30am on Monday-Thursday and 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also covers a music licence for live and recorded music. Residents in Edward Street are opposing the move.

One Stop
The One Stop containing the Post Office is planning refurbishment. No date is available for the start of work, but it will involve closing the shop for a week.

High Street bench
Two possible locations have been identified for a site to house a bench replacing the one removed from outside Victory Place.

Stable fire
During May, a stable located behind Lower Green Road burned to the ground. Investigators have visited the site.

Big Lunch
On Sunday 19 July the local churches are uniting to hold a ‘big lunch’. Bring your own lunch for a get together and service on the common.

Older Person's Forum
Older people’s forums (or Seniors Forums - they have different names in different places) are a means of enabling older people and their organisations to meet together at a local level, share their views, develop their own agenda and influence their own lives. They identify issues and work to improve local services across the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. They also are a friendly, trusted meeting place for older people, keeping them informed about local services, benefits and amenities. There are currently around 600 such Forums in the UK, six in East Kent but, as yet, none in West Kent.

A meeting to recruit members for a steering group and membership of the Forum will be held on June 9. The event is being held at TN2 Community Centre, Lakeside, Greggswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3LZ from 10.30am-2pm.

The event will consist of speakers talking about what a forum is, why one is needed, how it can be used and some examples of existing forums from the South East by members from the Canterbury and Eastbourne Forums. There will be a ‘market stall’ style part to the event, with organisations bringing displays being present to answer any questions and concerns. Organisations confirmed so far include: Age Concern TW, TW Volunteer Centre, TW Library, Good Neighbour Project, West Kent Care Call, TW Drop-in, KCC Adult Social Services, Energy Saving Trust and Help the Aged.

RVA MEETING DATES FOR 2009
at the United Reformed Church hall from 7.30 - 9.30pm

16 July
17 September
19 November

Refreshments 50p at half time.

Membership of the Rusthall Village Association is £3:00 per person per year and is payable in May at our AGM.

Membership form HERE

Newsletter editor Katherine Probert
email: katherine.probert@googlemail.com

Useful Numbers

Jenny Blackburn, Chair 01892 546520   Email jennyblackb@googlemail.com
Town Hall (switchboard) 01892 526121       Tunbridge Wells Police (non urgent) 01732 771055
Ariana Sutton, Community Warden 07813 695872       Carly Telford, PCSO 07772 226054
Fly tipping/abandoned vehicles 01892 548154       Graffiti hotline 01892 554159
KCC Highways for broken lights, blocked gullies etc. 08458 247800