Inaugural Meeting For The BIG Question.
The meeting took place Thurs: 291h July. This was a great success, one hundred and three people turned up, much to the surprise and delight of the organisers.

The session was chaired by Mrs. J. Blackburn, assisted by Councillor Bob Wratten on the stand and Mr: Dennis Penfoid in the hall.
Originally the smaller hall at the St: Paui's Parish Centre was hired then as more people arrived, it soon became apparent that it would be impossible to accommodate all who wished to attend. With that realisation, all present picked up their chairs and made their way down the stairs to the large hall, this too was soon rapidly packed. People arrived from all over the village.

Various topics were discussed with good public participation. Development Plans. Rusthall Elms. Middlefield. Parking in the High Street. CCTV and vandalism were some of the items deliberated upon.

Then the BIG question was posed. "Does Rusthall Need An Assobiation?" Mrs: J. Blackburn said. "it will then have an official voice through which the village concerns will be heard." "Yes It Does" was the consensus of opinion. Volunteers were sought, and their names are listed below.

THE RUSTHALL VILLAGE ASSOCIATION

Acting Chair Person
Mrs: Jennifer Blackbum. 01892 546520.

Acting Secretary
Mrs: Maggie Bedser.

Acting Treasurer
Mrs: Jenny Alexander.

R.V.A. Messenger.
Mrs: June Moore.

Membership feeS 3.00 per annum and the first financial year will be from April 05 to March 06.

*Read the Rusthall column in the Courier and notices in shops for any announcements, prior to the next publication of the R.V.A. Messenger.

INTRODUCTIONS

Mrs: Jennifer Blackburn -
Acting Chairperson has resided in the village since 1992. She loves the area, she said. "It is so close to the countryside and has a real village feel about it." She continued. "I was concerned that Rusthall did not have a voice, 1 thought that the time was right to have a village association again."

Mrs: Maggie Bedser -
Acting Secretary has been in Rusthall for one year, she said. "I attended the meeting to learn the concerns of the village. I came from a small village in Bedfordshire, my children were brought up in a village. I really like village life. Rusthall has got a nice feel about it, I like the row of shops along the High Street, they all provide such a friendly and good service". She added: "I am happy to help on the committee, but surprised to find myself the secretary!!"

Mrs: Jenny Alexander -
Acting Treasurer has lived in Rusthall for five years. She is concerned about the future plans for Middlefield and parking in the narrow streets. Jenny said. "I appreciate the local amenities, the bus service is excellent and I love the Common. We have a dentist, a vet, a library, an osteopath and a very nice High Street. Jenny attended the inaugural meeting out of general interest, so why did she volunteer? "I just felt that I had something to offer and 1 wanted to see the R.V.A. get established."

Mrs: June Moore -
RVA Messenger, has lived here most of her life. She hopes that Rusthall will be allowed to retain its village atmosphere and conserve its precious green surround, she said. "I attended the inaugural meeting because of my interest and fondness for the village, plus because I was convinced that Rusthall needs an Association. My husband and I were away for six years, however, we wanted to settle in Rusthall and returned. We have never regretted that decision." Why did she volunteer? She said. "I wanted to contribute some effort to R.V.A."

Future plans for the playing fields in Southwood Road, parks, traffic control etc. will be on the agenda, plus other urgent items of concern to the residents.

Rusthall has an Association
we can discuss and try to resolve topics that are important to all in the village. Rusthall will now have an official voice through which your voices will be heard.