Goudhurst and Kilndown Parish Council

GOUDHURST PARISH COUNCIL
Local Government for Goudhurst and Kilndown

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
Minutes of a Meeting held in The Jessel Room on Wednesday, 19th March 2008

Present: Cllrs Mrs. Stafford (Chairman), Mrs. Edmonston and Kirkby.
Apologies: Cllrs Boniface and Ward.

Update - This report also contains information subsequent to the above meeting.
Heating of the Jessel Room - Once again, in spite of a firm booking by the Clerk, the heating had not been programmed. It was a freezing night and most uncomfortable. The Clerk is asked to approach the Village Hall authorities to resolve this matter.
Grounds Maintenance of The Plain and War Memorial - Complete Landscapes – formerly known as Total Landscapes and GPC’s present contractor - has been undergoing a reorganization but the result for us has been lack of communication and visits. It is acknowledged that the weather has been very bad at times but agreed dates of visits have not been respected and the area is showing signs of neglect. It is hoped to resolve these problems but if this proves impossible, a new contractor will be sought with urgency.
Land Surrounding The Pond on The Plain - There is a question over ownership of parcels of land adjacent to La Zia Maria Restaurant. GPC has possessory title, by means of deed of adverse possession, of the triangle of land from the north side of the gate from The Village Hall land to the north side of the gate into Hughenden House. The restaurant had mistakenly thought this was their property and dumped arisings there – but these are now being cleared Consideration could be given to establishing some form of delineation with either two wooden posts or a section of post and rail to match the white posts around the rest of the pond. GPC’s views welcome. The Clerk is researching ownership of the rest of the parcel of land up to the gate to Rootes Cottage garden and will liaise with Mr. Chiappini. GPC is asked to approve payment of £12 for Land Registry fees to Cllr Mrs. Stafford.
Balcombes Hill - The banks above the car park, toilets and below the Village Hall are unattractive with brambles which catch litter. Cllr Mrs. Stafford will research ownership.
War Memorial, Goudhurst - The Chairman of the Royal British Legion Goudhurst Branch Mr Robin Mitchell, has asked, informally, if the faded lettering could be repainted. The Clerk will be contacting Mr. Howard concerning the planned maintenance work, plus the screws to hold a wire for the wreaths, and will add this to the list. This will be put to GPC when we know the cost involved.
Goudhurst Sign on The Plain - The paint is fading and before rust sets in a repaint would be timely. Mr. David Whitewood, who previously painted the sign, has agreed to do this when the weather improves. Mr. Whitehead has insisted that he will not seek payment for the paint nor his time as he would like to offer this as his contribution to the community. The supporting post is very loose in the ground – Complete Landscapes has agreed to stabilize it with wooden chocks but this would be a temporary measure. Nick Seymour suggested contacting Richard White of Cranbrook who recommended the post be taken out and re-set deeper into the ground requiring specialist lifting equipment. A quote is awaited.
Plant Area in The Pond - We await a design from Merriments. Planting should happen in April/May.
Conservation Appraisal - Current proposals are:
Refurbishment of driveway to Goudhurst Village Hall. TWBC’s Brian Hayward says the cost will be approximately £6,000 + VAT. 50% to be paid by TWBC Conservation Appraisal Budget, 25% by Goudhurst Parish Hall Committee and 25% by GPC. GPC is asked to approve £1,500 towards this cost.
Chestnut Tree on The Plain – aeration of roots to be carried out shortly; No cost to GPC.
Treatment of grassed area of The Plain – TWBC awaiting quotes;
Remedial work to or replacement of damaged tree on The Plain (cost to GPC);
Replacement of three waste bins on The Plain;
Replacement of Highways sign on The Plain. Cllr Tutt met with KCC Highways post- Amenities meeting concerning the sign and we await his report.
Notice Boards on The Plain - Robin Chiles is to provide a quote for replacement oak posts and treatment of backs of boards. Cllr Mrs. Stafford will pursue.
Licensing Hearing - The application by Goudhurst Newsagents for a liquor licence from 0800 to 2300 hours was granted by TWBC on 25th March. Notices asking customers to respect neighbours to be posted. GPC is asked to consider if the Licensing Committee, made up of elected Borough Councillors, should deliberate their decisions in public - as do the Eastern and Western Areas Planning Committees. At the moment, the Licensing Committee retires for private discussion.
Tidy Up - A very successful event again parish-wide. Almost all councillors took part plus the Clerk, KCC Community Warden Janet Greenroyd, 45 parishioners plus children from the Goudhurst & Kilndown Primary School. It is also understood that, independently, pupils from Bethany School had litter-picked some areas of Curtisden Green. Cllr Mrs Stafford expressed special thanks to Marie Beaman in Kilndown and Malcolm Davies in Curtisden Green who organized local volunteers. We received plastic bags, litter sticks, high-viz vests, tabards and gloves from TWBC who also supplied the Cleaner Borough lorry to take away the rubbish. The Clerk has written to Mr John Saunders to thank him for his support and to mention Ray and Philip who manned the Cleaner Borough lorry.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
06.04.08

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
Addendum to the Amenities Committee Report of 19th March 2008

Pond Maintenance - We are sorry to learn that Mrs Marian Sargeant will no longer be able to help with the maintenance of The Plain and Pond area due to the illness of her husband, Mr Tim Sargeant. Marian and Tim have been the mainstay of keeping this area maintained as a pleasant place for residents and visitors. Clerk is asked to write a letter of thanks and good wishes.
Pond Guardian - GPC is now in need of the services of a local resident to keep an eye on the centre of the village, with special attention to removing the litter from The Plain and Pond. A decision would need to be made as to whether this would be an honorary or paid position. Amenities will consider this at its next meeting but views of all councillors are welcome.
Pond Pump - We understand from Mrs Sargeant that the current pump has electrical faults and needs replacing. It has exceeded its life expectancy. The Clerk has asked the previous supplier,
N P Seymour, to quote for the provision, installation and maintenance of a new pump. The quote is: A new Sub 2001 pump, as before, will cost £117.92 + VAT. Life expectancy 2 years in the conditions that it is operated. To set up and install with instructions provided £60.00 + VAT. This is an urgent item as algae have already appeared in the water this year. GPC is asked to approve payment for the purchase and installation of a new pump.
Barley Straw - For the past few years, Mr Alan Rumens has generously provided the Barley Straw which helps keep the pond water clear. He will contact us when a bale is available and GPC will need to install it in the centre of the water.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
12.04.08

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE AMENITIES COMMITTEE
held on Tuesday, 29th January 2008

Present: Cllrs Mrs. Stafford (Chairman), Mrs. Edmonston, Boniface, Kirkby and Ward.

Christmas Lights
Goudhurst 2007 - Opinions of councillors and parishioners were that the High Street lights were patchy and uncoordinated. The Plain lights in the chestnut tree were universally praised. Thanks are due to the traders and householders for their facilities, to Cllrs Edmonston, Ward, Tutt, Nichol and Stafford for work on the ground, but especial thanks go to Cllrs Crookall and Boniface for their ‘high wire’ acts.
Goudhurst 2008 - If the same system were to be used in the High Street this year, all lights should be uniform and winking. An alternative suggestion was to have no parish council lights in the High Street and to concentrate on The Plain lights and similar lights at the north gate of St. Mary’s Churchyard. Further ideas and thoughts needed.
Kilndown - Lights were provided by GPC to the Village Hall and Quarry Centre and they were well used.
Storage - We are grateful that Goudhurst Village Hall has agreed that lights, cables, etc. may be stored in the BT Building.
Portable PA System
A demonstration of the Challenger 1000 UHF System was held with Cllr Mrs. Stafford and the Clerk present. It appeared very satisfactory and an order was placed in accordance with Minute 136/07. It should be recorded that GPC will not accept any repair costs.
War Memorial, Goudhurst
2008 is the 90th Anniversary of the end of World War I. A recurrent problem following Remembrance Sunday is the securing of poppy wreaths. At Cranbrook a very simple method of a straight wire attached to screws, under which the poppies are placed, has been seen to be a successful operation even on very windy days. It is proposed to ask our maintenance contractor, Mr Howard, to position screws at each end of the front steps and GPC is asked to approve. The British Legion will then be consulted.
Wardens - It is proposed that Lord Cornwallis be the sole Hon Tree Warden for the parish and Mr. Romilly Wallis-Hosken be the sole Hon Pond Warden. GPC is asked to confirm this.
Balcombes Hill Recycling Area
The Cleaner Borough team continue their excellent support and cleared a host of plastic bags and brambles from the bank above the car park and toilets. The tarmac surface, after infilling by TWBC, still gives grounds for concern and will be monitored. The question of the closure of the toilets was discussed and it was felt that whatever happens, there is an opportunity for advertising revenue here.
Conservation Area Appraisal
Post and Rail Fence of The Plain and Village Hall - This has been generally well received and it is not planned to ask for the rails to be painted black unless there is a significant demand. The Committee voted that the closure of the gap at the Water Trough should be accepted on safety grounds and protection of the grassed area. At the Village Hall end, posts had been placed much closer to the pond leaving a vulnerable grassed area which was immediately churned up by vehicles; depressions in the tarmac had appeared. Subsequent to the Committee Meeting, it has been proposed by the parish council and accepted by the Chairman of the Parish Hall Committee and the TWBC Heritage Officer that the whole driveway to the Village Hall be included in the Conservation Appraisal and resurfaced, thus solving the said problems. Meanwhile Mr Dennis Knight will fill in the holes on a temporary basis. GPC is asked to approve. Graffiti appeared on the new posts but was removed by Mrs Marian Sargeant with products supplied by GPC.
Replacement light at Back Lane steps to St Mary’s.
Installation is imminent.
Returfing of The Plain
TWBC's Landscape Officer, David Scully, has suggested injection of air deep into soil to relieve compaction and regenerate existing grass roots. He is in favour of retaining existing grass and treating patches. To be followed up.
Notice Board, The Plain
There is serious corrosion of one of the iron supports. It is proposed to ask Robin Chiles for a quote to replace the iron with untreated oak supports, similar to the History Board but at the rear of the board rather than at the sides. He should also quote to treat the hardwood backs of both boards. GPC ask to approve.
Football Field
Date for a High Court Appeal is still awaited. The retirement of the school headteacher, Mr. Paul Dorrington, will happen in the near future and highlights the need to have a written record of putative agreements on the school’s use of the field and GPC access through the car park. To be followed up.
Licensing
The Chequers Inn, Goudhurst – Licence has been transferred to Mr Alan and Mrs Sandra Wentworth.
Goudhurst Newsagents - The Licence Application Hearing for the granting of a licence to sell alcohol has been postponed to 25th March 2008.
Quarry Pond, Kilndown, Overflow
GPC is indebted to Kent Highway Services for the quick action in clearing the blocked outflow pipes. There is still, however, a risk of overflow water on the road in icy conditions. Site meeting to be held.
Kent Village of the Year 2008
The emphasis of this competition has shifted from just appearance to community effort and strength. The Committee did not feel there would be enough commitment to enter but would welcome any volunteers who wished to do so.
Rural Community Retailer of 2008
A new competition by the same organizers as above, Action with Communities in Rural Kent. The parish council is invited to choose and promote one retailer in this competition. The Committee felt it was invidious to select one retailer even though we have many good candidates. GPC to decide.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
03.02.08

AMENITIES COMMITTEE Tuesday, 27th November 2007

PRESENT: Cllrs Mrs Stafford (Chairman), Mrs Edmonston, Boniface, Kirkby and Ward. Mr Graham Clark for first part of meeting.

Christmas Lights. Mr. Graham Clark briefed members on previous years’ experiences.
Cllr Mrs. Stafford reported that in Kilndown the Village Hall and the Quarry Centre would be glad to be included. Cllr Kirkby had kindly carried out a PAT test and all appliances conformed. Cllr Mrs. Stafford had purchased extra lights, circuit breakers, hooks and cables. GPC is asked to approve payment of £111.11 (pre-VAT).
Portable PA System. Mr. Dennis Knight had suggested, following a failure at last summer’s Goudhurst Fête, that a system be purchased for the use of voluntary organizations in the parish. It would be stored at Goudhurst Village Hall and Mr. Knight would service and lend out the apparatus. It is suggested that no loan charge be made but a suitable deposit be held against damage. As it would be GPC’s purchase, it is assumed the equipment would be added to our insurance. There are three quotes: D & I Pearce Ltd. £1000-1200; Sound Ranger Ltd. £1084; Midland Comm. £1211; all ex-VAT. Mr. Knight is willing to arrange demonstrations at Glebe Field. GPC is asked to approve the purchase of a Portable P A System up to £1300 ex-VAT, with the decision on which model resting with Mr. Knight and any Councillor who wishes to participate.
Pond Warden. Mr Romilly Wallis-Hosken had volunteered for the post of Pond Warden, thus relinquishing the duties of Tree Warden. The Committee were in agreement and favoured a survey of ponds in the parish. It was hoped Lord Cornwallis would agree to act as Tree Warden for the whole parish. GPC is asked to approve.
BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) has sent information of grants available for wildlife and pond projects. Details have been sent on to David Denton in Kilndown and Lynda Shepherd at Finchcocks. It was suggested a mention be included in the Chairman’s report in the Parish Magazine. BTCV, who offer training courses, has asked if GPC would give an annual grant for each Warden to help with their work. It is envisaged that Mr Wallis-Hosken would attend some courses. GPC is asked to consider a grant of £100 for one Warden for 2007/8.
Goudhurst Pond on The Plain. Cllrs Mrs Stafford and Crookall have had discussions re softening the outline of the Pond and introducing more natural shade to counteract algae in hot weather. We await a quote from David Weeks of Merriments for an experimental bed of plants plus water lilies, to be planted in April. Mr Weeks also suggested interspersing the berberis in front of the Village Hall with green, flowering shrubs and GPC’s views are sought on this.
The Plain - Returfing. It was agreed at GPC 12 November 07 that £1200 be spent to returf The Plain but there was a question of funding. TWBC’s Mr Brian Hayward is 80% sure that he can fund it provided other items in the Conservation Appraisal do not overrun. He has suggested that GPC goes ahead with this urgent work and hope that he will be able to grant us the funds later. GPC is asked to approve.
Conservation Appraisal. Since the Committee meeting, the PCC has approved the design for a replacement light in St. Mary’s Churchyard. GPC is asked to agree. Work on the post and railings on The Plain will not begin until the New Year. We have written to the owners of The Vine to seek their cooperation in renewing their posts and rails. A list of projects is attached to these Minutes.
High Weald Forest Design Plan. Cllrs Mrs Chudley and Stafford attended a meeting at Bedgebury Visitor Centre and Cllr Mrs Chudley’s report is attached.
BMX Track at Lurkins Rise Play Area. The area has now been levelled and cleared of shrubs by Mr Chris Watts. The cost of £120 + VAT has already been approved by GPC.
Kilndown Village Hall. The completed Transfer Deed is still awaited from the Solicitor.
CCTV - We are still awaiting quotes.
2008/09 Contracts. We have received a quote from Total Landscapes for work on The Plain and War Memorial (+14.3%) and a quote from KCC Landscape Services for grass cutting at Lurkins Rise Play Area for £183.36 (3.5% increase). These are very modest increases for continuously good work. GPC is asked to approve for 2008/9.
Alcohol Licence. Goudhurst Newsagents have applied to TWBC for an alcohol licence, Monday to Sunday, 0800-2300 hours. GPC’s views sought.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
03.12.07

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
Conservation Area Appraisal for Goudhurst and Kilndown – Progress Report

Work Completed
Goudhurst
The Plain - Chestnut reduced.
Limes pollarded
Oak and a.n.other replaced
Cement bin removed
Manor House - Pleached Limes replace beech trees

Kilndown
Quarry Centre - New Notice Board
Forecourt replenished
Oak bollards to protect notice boards
Quarry Pond - Extensive Tree work

Work in Progress
Goudhurst
St. Mary’s - Replacement Light
The Plain - Replacement Post and Rail Fence
{The Plain - Returfing}
The Plain - 3 Waste Bins
Glebe Field Area 2 Waste Bins
Back Lane Timber Bollards to grass verge on Church side – URGENT.

Work still on Wish List (Some items may be obsolete now)
Goudhurst
The Plain - Replace existing pole with tourist signs with traditional finger post, black lettering on white background. Possibly charge KCC Highways and other users.
Everywhere Replace tubular steel road sign posts with oak. Number will be subject to rationalizing all signs and will need consultation with Highways. Not urgent.
The Plain Uplighting of trees. Not urgent.
The Vine Hotel Replacement of posts and chains, similar to The Plain, and replacement of brick support wall with stone.

Bray’s Alley Replace steel guard rail at Clayhill end with timber version. Highways not helpful on this.
Balcombes Hill Car Park Possible cobble stone edging. Rule out tree planting.
Hunts Lane Replace steel tubing with oak posts at North Road end.
Bedgebury Road Pedestrian access to village. Possible footway through trees on land to the west of Whites and below the car park.

Kilndown
Quarry Pond Reduce hedge between Church Road and pond to allow views through.
Christ Church Upgrade path across Churchyard.
Christ Church Improve slippery steps from Churchyard into Rogers Rough Road.
Christ Church York Stone step to Lych Gate threshold.
Bus stop Replace fingerpost.

Cllr Mrs Barbara Stafford
03.12.07

REPORT OF AMENITIES COMMITTEE
10 September 2007

Area between Bus Shelter and Wheelwright’s in North Road. The new owner of the Wheelwrights, Mr Peter Wain has offered to tend the gravelled area. He would like to plant lavender to continue the display at Rose Villa and Culpepper Mews. The committee recommends acceptance of this kind offer, and suggests the Clerk write to Mr Wain accordingly.

Vine Hotel. The annual live music event took place on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August. The steel band music was softer than usual and ended at 9 pm promptly. Neighbours are in touch with TWBC Environmental Services concerning late night/early morning noise on other occasions.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
31.08.07

ADDENDUM TO AMENITIES COMMITTEE REPORT
10 September 2007

Town & Country Housing Response. James Briggs, District Housing Manager, has promised action on all the points raised in Amenities Report of 04.07.07 at John Stacey Heights, High Ridge and Mary Day’s except the question of lowering the lights at John Stacey Heights. T & C consider that dimming them has solved the problem. GPC does not agree and the views of residents who had previously complained are being sought.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau. GPC contributes annually to the CAB which is well used by parishioners. A paper listing previous payments has already been circulated with the Agenda. GPC is asked to approve payment of £300 for 2007/08.

Kilndown Village Hall. The transfer of the hall in trust to Kilndown Village Hall Committee has still not been completed. The Clerk’s eagle eye spotted two very important omissions in what had been hoped was the final form.

Goudhurst in Bloom. Presentation of prizes will take place at The Vine Hotel on Wednesday, 12th September, at 6.30 p.m. This competition has gone from strength to strength in the last 10 years since Mrs Marian Sargeant conceived the idea and organized the annual event which now judges summer floral displays in three categories:
Dench Cup Private gardens
Hugo Cup Business premises
Jonica Fox Plate Public houses
Sadly, Marian has said she is handing in her trowel so GPC will need to think of who will continue this work.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
06.09.07

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
12th November 2007

Conservation Area Appraisal - After discussion with Mr Brian Hayward, TWBC’s Senior Design and Heritage Officer, the following has been agreed:
Waste Bins will be installed outside Glebe Field and the Church Rooms and will be serviced by TWBC.
Turfing of The Plain. It is 80% possible that this can be funded by the Appraisal so long as other committed works do not overrun budget.
Quarry Centre, Kilndown. The oak posts have been installed to protect access to the notice boards. Richard Crumpling is to be thanked on an excellent job. Clerk to write.
Post and Railings at The Plain and Village Hall. Work is planned to begin end November/early
December 07.
Post and Railings at The Vine Hotel. Replacement to match The Plain (except with traditional spike chain instead of tubing) and new stone wall to replace unsightly low brick wall surrounding car park is priced at £2,355 ex-VAT. GPC to consider if owner or manager of The Vine should be approached for permission to carry out works and if a contribution can be made to the cost. GPC to consider if the cost can be carried in this year’s budget.

Lurkins Rise Recreation Area. Arrangements have been made for the disposal of arisings on the removal of bushes when the BMX area is levelled.

Goudhurst Pond – a meeting has been arranged with the Curator of the Pinetum, Mr. Chris Reynolds, on 12th November. This is to discuss possible renovation work.

CCTV - A separate report by Peter Rolington follows this report.

Public Announcement System - It has been suggested by Mr. Dennis Knight that an indoor/outdoor PA System should be purchased and be available for hire by all parish organizations. He has submitted a quote for £1,226 and the Clerk is obtaining further quotes. This will be discussed at the next Amenities Committee meeting on 27 November.

Payments - Cllr Mrs. Stafford has expended £45.91 on plants, bulbs and compost for the Trough and £6.45 for copies of keys to the Village for PCSO Newman. For a total of £52.36. GPC is asked to approve payment.

Kilndown Village Hall - The Clerk has signalled an end to this lengthy legal saga of purchase by Goudhurst Parish Council from the Diocese and handover to the Kilndown Recreation Hall Trust and that papers should be ready for signature by mid-November.

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
05.11.07

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
Addendum 12.11.07

Conservation Area Appraisal - TWBC has proposed the attached design of the light for the path leading to the steps in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Back Lane entrance. There is an urgent need for GPC to comment as the PCC’s approval must be sought and the contractor has already been engaged by TWBC to install the light. Cllr Mrs. Stafford has also asked Mr Brian Hayward to consider a black rim for the light on the steps – if all else fails perhaps the present rim could be painted black.

Specifications are: 4 metres in height
Anti-vandal glass cover (of bulb)
Movement sensor
Colour – Black (suggested by GPC)

Cllr Mrs. Barbara Stafford
09.11.07

Clerk to the Parish Council
Anthony Farnfield MBE
clerk@goudhurst.co.uk