GOUDHURST PARISH & PARISH COUNCIL NEWS - August 2022
Issue 20
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When the Po dries out, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Colorado drop to unheard of levels, something is afoot. When the rains don’t come, the fields go brown and the ponds dry out, with near 40 degrees in London, 45 in France and Spain and over 50 elsewhere, and we are hardly into July, something has changed. Our climate has changed, not in 50 or 100 years but right now, so then what next…for our children and grandchildren. And our wildlife too, the birds, the animals on farms and above and below the surface its survival time, and for many non-survival times. Then come the fires. What can or should we do as a country, county and parish? We had better have answers if we are to pass on a green and pleasant land.
Indeed, the drought goes on and no end in sight, which makes the risk from Fires ever more serious. There is a fire engine in Marden and Cranbrook, then Tunbridge Wells which means little local and with a wind the tinder dry grass and hedge fires will spread rapidly. What is our Emergency Plan and what can each of us in our communities do to help each other? For now that means being very careful and reconsider starting a bonfire, BBQ, a fire to clear scrub or waste, picnics fires or kettles, and no cigarettes thrown. This is serious, global warming is here now and August has only just begun. Let’s help each other, stay safe and help when needed.
Council is defining its priorities for the next year and the future. We are trying to marry up our realistic resources with what is possible and what our community wants. At a brainstorming at the beginning of July we perceived the community priorities as traffic, lorries, parking (the first two of which are outside our jurisdiction, so we can only lobby), the appearance of our village, the Glebe Fields, the Plain and especially our lovely Parish/Village Hall in need of much TLC and money if it too is to serve its purpose and promise. “So much to do, so little time” to which we must add money, and in the current “economic” climate unlikely to improve in the short term. Against this background Council will be limiting its projects, so that what goes forward is completed. In that way we hope that less may be more (achieved).
Saturday July 16th was the Goudhurst Open Day when we held our second Summer Open-day with stalls, food, teas and events, on and around the Plain, the Village Hall, The Club, St Mary’s Church and shops and pubs between. We hoped for a warm and sunny day, as in 2021, another lovely day to remember and with good fortune the threatened extreme weather held off just long enough enabling some of us from the parish and beyond to enjoy another great day. But not enough this time to make it worthwhile for the stall holders: was it too close to the Jubilee or forecast to be too hot? What implication for 2023? (Our Goudhurst Annual Fete will be held this year on Saturday September 24th and the Christmas Fair on Saturday November 26th).
Issues going forward will be refined after feedback from the community at the Open Day and will include how we conclude discussions with Highways on safety on the A21, Planning and enforcement and parish warding, all of which will feature in coming months.
By way of a P.S. Do we wish to lose our No 21 Bus Service > Marden, Maidstone? If people continue to park outside the parking bays at Balcombes Hill Car Park, the bus cannot turn and the service withdrawn. To help keep the bus service, please park properly and make sure others do as well.
Your Parish Councillors: Jill Andrew, David Boniface, Craig Broom, Chris Ditton, Alan Foster, Antony Harris (Chairman), Phil Kirkby, David Knight, Barry Noakes, Caroline Richards, Guy Sutton and Alison Webster.
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Parish Council Meetings in August
Monday 8th, 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Parish Council Meeting View the Agenda published 29.07.22
Tuesday 9th, 6.30pm in the Village Hall
Planning Committee View the Agenda published 29.07.22
7.30pm in the Village Hall
Youth & Housing Committee View the Agenda published 29.07.22
Tuesday 23rd, 6.30pm in the Village Hall
Planning Committee View the Agenda published 18.08.22
7.30pm in the Village Hall
Highways Committee View the Agenda published 18.08.22
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Follow us on Facebook
Did you know the Parish Council has a Facebook page? It is used to quickly share information which might be of interest to residents such as emergency road closures, changes to bin collections, event information, and alerts from Kent Police. Click on the Facebook logo to follow our page and stay in the know!
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Jubilee Mugs for Children
To celebrate HM the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Parish Council has had commemorative mugs produced for the children of the parish. Many of the mugs have already been distributed via schools and local groups but there are still a number left. If you have a child (aged 16 or under) who has not yet received a mug, please email the Clerk who will be happy to put one aside for you.
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Jubilee Shields
 
Would you like to own your own piece of Goudhurst Jubilee history? There are a number of decorative shields left over from the Jubilee celebrations that can be purchased for a donation to the Weald Family Hub. If you are interested in purchasing a shield please email the clerk.
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Old Parsonage Surgery
Update from Patient Participation Group
Goudhurst Open Day: our stand at this event on July 16th had a very successful day and raised useful funds for the Patient Participation Group (PPG). These will be used to enhance patient and staff facilities at the Surgery. A sincere vote of thanks is due to PPG members who donated their produce and time on the day and to the many residents and visitors who generously supported our efforts.
Design a Logo Competition: our congratulations go to Amelia Cresswell on her winning entry. Her design will be digitised into a suitable format for use as the Surgery logo and a formal presentation to Amelia will be organised at a future date.
Governance of Healthcare in Kent and Medway: to report that Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s) were dissolved on July 1st and are replaced nationally by Integrated Care Systems as part of the changes from the Health and Social Care Act 2022. Within Kent and Medway the leadership organisation will now be the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board who indicate they will be placing a heavy emphasis on supporting joined-up care and developing prevention policies. On a more local basis Old Parsonage Surgery remains part of the Wealden Primary Care Network along with other local Surgeries.
Colin Samuell
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Mindfulness in Nature Course
A unique opportunity to experience the value of being in nature to support mental and physical wellbeing, whilst gradually developing your own meditation practice.
Join Lisa Whitehouse, highly qualified and accredited yoga and mindfulness coach for an eight week Mindfulness in Nature (MBSR) course at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest.
The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme (MBSR) is evidence based, recognised all over the world and forms the foundation for further mindfulness training and retreat attendance.
The course consists of eight weekly 2-hour outdoor sessions at Bedgebury, a day retreat, access to guided audio recordings, learning resources, group discussion and home assignments (including 15 – 40mins meditation) , 1:1 review and tutor support.
It is suitable for anyone interested in becoming closer to nature and learning meditation techniques to reduce stress, anxiety, improve low mood or cope with pain in everyday life.
Taster sessions: Thursday 25th August 9.30am -10.30am
Please note that booking is essential.
More infromation: https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-bedgebury-national-pinetum-and-forest/mindfulness-nature-mbsr-course
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Footpath Walk Saturday 13 August 2022
Footpaths to the South and West of Goudhurst Village
Meet at Goudhurst Pond to start walk at 2pm on Saturday 13 August. The route takes the path southward from St Mary’s Church, passes Smugley Farm House, goes west to Pattenden Manor and Trillinghurst Farm, before turning to the north-west, to the former Green Cross Inn, then returning north easterly to the Pond by 4pm. Total distance is 3.5 miles. The walk includes fine views of Goudhurst village and Horsmonden church.
The footpath WC codes which identify the route on the Goudhurst Walkers Map are: 32; 43; 42; 46; 45; 41; 39; 37. The Goudhurst Walker’s Map has the key to all footpaths in the area and is available from the walk leader and Goudhurst Newsagent.
There will be a few stiles and, depending on the weather, there could be some muddy stretches. The route may be varied to avoid muddy paths. Everyone is welcome to join this walk.
If you have questions about this walk or suggestions for a walk route or are interested in leading a walk in the future please contact us at: d.boniface@hotmail.co.uk or by telephone at 01580 211430 or mobile on the day: 07518 894 915.
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HIGH WEALD WALKING FESTIVAL 2022
Join the Festival team for a fun-filled launch event on 10 September
Exciting news! This year, the start of the High Weald Walking Festival with be marked with a special launch event at the Ashdown Forest Centre in Wych Cross on Saturday 10 September.
Free guided walks will be leaving from the centre throughout the day from 10am – why not treat yourself to a coffee and cake from the Pop-up Café, peruse the Festival programme and then set off to explore the historic Ashdown Forest with a knowledgeable guide?
Visitors can learn about other Festival walks taking place throughout the week, and a selection of self-guided walking routes on the Ashdown Forest will be available to purchase for a small donation.
There will be family-friendly craft activities and free I-spy nature spotter booklets packed with information about the fascinating landscape and wildlife of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can also enjoy demonstrations of traditional countryside crafts from the Ashdown Wood Turners and East Grinstead Spinners.
The launch event will kickstart a week (and a bit!) of fantastic free guided walks taking in every corner of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running until Sunday 18 September. The Walks Programme will be launched on Saturday 20 August, so be sure to join the Festival mailing list for the latest news and updates.
About the High Weald Walking Festival
High Weald Walking Festival offers FREE guided and self-guided walks for all, every September. Now in its 5th year, the event is a collaboration between the High Weald AONB Partnership and a number of local branches of The Ramblers. The Festival aims to help walkers of all abilities explore and learn about the historic and beautiful High Weald landscape. Participants are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides from a range of organisations with a passion for the countryside.
Learn more at www.highwealdwalks.org.
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Are you interested in becoming a police officer?
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley will be holding an exclusive virtual event for those that are interested in becoming a Kent police officer on 3 August 2022, 6pm - 7.30pm.
You will hear from inspirational serving officers of different rank, talking about their career progression and what it is really like to be a police officer in modern policing. You will be able to ask questions about the role and opportunities available at Kent Police.
As a Kent Police officer, you will:
• be in a role where every day is different
• be part of a team
• make a real difference
• be the change you want to see
We are currently recruiting police constables and detectives, so if you’re interested in becoming a police officer and wish to find out more this event is for you. Register for the event here.
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Welcome Booklet – Have you got a new neighbour?
The Parish Council is delighted to support an initiative by some local residents who thought that it would be a good idea to put together a Welcome Booklet to give to people who move into Goudhurst, so that they feel part of the local community. It has details of health services, education, local shops, local societies etc. Also in the bag will be a leaflet with details of refuse collections, the church booklet and a gift of chocolate. This has kindly been provided by Goupie. (Goupie hand-make uniquely textured vegan friendly chocolate confectionery to an old family recipe in Goudhurst, Kent.)
If you have a new neighbour please contact one of the team below who will provide you with a bag to take round or they can deliver direct to your new neighbour if you prefer.
Chris 07952 545472; Linda 07485 727656; Sue 07905 791627
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Problems on the road or pavement
Problems on the road or pavement such as;
- street light faults
- potholes
- drainage
- traffic signal faults
- overgrown vegetation (including hedges and grass).
can be reported quickly and easily to Kent Highways via their online reporting tool.
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CANCELLED FLIGHT?
Under UK law, you have important legal rights on many flights to, from or within the UK. To be covered, your flight must be either:
- departing from an airport in the UK on any airline, or
- arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline; or
- arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline
If your cancelled flight is covered by UK law, your airline must let you choose between two options:
1. Receive a refund - You can get your money back for all parts of the ticket you haven’t used. For instance, if you have booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket back from your airline. If you are a transfer passenger and you have already completed part of your journey, you are also entitled to a flight back to your original departure point when your connecting flight is cancelled and you decide not to continue your journey.
2. Choose an alternative flight - If you still want to travel, your airline must find you an alternative flight. It’s up to you whether to fly as soon as possible after the cancelled flight, or at a later date that suits you. Although most airlines will book you onto another of their flights to the same destination, if an alternative airline is flying there significantly sooner or other suitable modes of transport are available then you may have the right to be booked onto that alternative transport instead. You can discuss this with your airline.
You can claim from the airline to get compensation. You might also be able to claim from your travel insurance – check if your insurance policy covers cancellations. Keep all receipts from any additional expenses. Airlines only pay for ‘reasonable’ expenses - you are unlikely to get money back for alcohol, expensive meals or luxury hotels.
PWCAC, supported by Goudhurst Parish Council, is OPEN for face-to-face advice (appointments and drop-ins) Monday to Friday, 9:30 – 1:30. If you need advice about the above or about housing and homelessness, debt, relationship breakdown, welfare benefits, employment or anything else, get in touch with us:
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Temporary Road Closure - Husheath Hill, Goudhurst - 1st August 2022 for 5 days between 09.30hrs and 15.30hrs
The road will be closed between Husheath Manor and Horden Road.
The alternative route is via Husheath Hill, Wilden Park Road, Curtisden Green Lane, Horden Road and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while works are undertaken by Openreach.
For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=128580237
For information regarding this closure please contact Openreach, who will able to assist with the scope of these works.
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Temporary Road Closure - Curtisden Green Lane, Goudhurst - 9th August 2022 for 1 day between 09.30hrs and 16.00hrs
The road will be closed between "Anderida" and "Mamre".
The alternative route is via Curtisden Green Lane, B2079 Winchet Hill/Summerhill/North Road, Chequers Road, Jarvis Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while works are undertaken by UK Power Networks.
For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=128631574
For information regarding this closure please contact UK Power Networks, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.
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Temporary Road Closure - Ranters Lane, Goudhurst - 24th August 2022 for 1 day between 08.00hrs and 20.00hrs
The road will be closed outside The Glen.
The alternative route is via Ranters Lane, Church Road, Kilndown Road, A21 Hastings Road/Lamberhurst By-pass, A262 Horsmonden Road/Goudhurst Road/Spelmonden Road, Station Road and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while works are undertaken by UK Power Networks.
For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=129546787
For information regarding this closure please contact UK Power Networks, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.
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Vacancies
Goudhurst Parish Council is looking for a reliable part time cleaner to take responsibility for the public conveniences on Balcombes Hill. Council is also looking for a reliable contractor to make repairs to the two bus shelters in the parish which includes minor roof repairs, rubbing down and varnishing the shelters. Please contact the Clerk on 01580 212552 or email for more information/ a specification of works.
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Help spread the word!
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