Nailbourne Sewage The Parish Council has been extremely concerned regarding the pumping of sewage into the Nailbourne. We have written to Southern Water strongly supporting a request from Canterbury City Cllr Tony Austin for investment to be made in improving pumping arrangements. It is such a pity that at a time when the river is flowing residents have to be warned not to allow children and animals to play in the river. Affordable Housing Southern Housing Group has identified a building company to undertake the project. However work cannot commence until KCC has dealt with the village green application, at the end of May, and the newt survey has been undertaken. Interested parishioners are reminded that they must ensure that they have registered with Affordable Housing section, Canterbury City Housing Department and expressed a preference for a property in Bridge. Bridge Annual Parish Meeting 7.30 pm Thursday 20th May Bridge Village Hall Come and hear about new projects and ideas for Bridge: - Community Orchard Energy Saving, Speedwatch Village Hall Renovations Outdoor Exercise Equipment, Skateboard Ramp This is your opportunity to talk to your councillors over drinks after the meeting. All Bridge residents are welcome to attend. Wild Flower Project The plants on the Recreation Ground have looked splendid this Spring – thanks to everyone who has helped in the past. I’m now looking for volunteers to tidy the area around the Pavilion. The commitment would only be once or twice a year, to keep this area looking great. If you have any time to spare, please give me a ring on 830514. I’d be most grateful. Barbara Beinder Bridge In Bloom Now that Spring has at last arrived it is time to think, once again, about your baskets and tubs. As usual judging will take place in July. This year extra marks will be gained by those residents who use plants that are drought resistant i.e. geraniums, sedums etc. I look forward to seeing a colourful array throughout the village again this summer. Ann Edmonds Bridge Energy Saving Team BEST was formed following the Annual Parish Meeting last year, when the issue of Climate Change was discussed and what we can do to respond to the challenges. We are a team of volunteers with the aim of: "ensuring that everyone in Bridge who wants to know about reducing carbon emissions can find the information easily and receive recommendations on how to proceed based upon published information and local knowledge and recommendations". So far, we have run two events in the village - a drop-in event in December and a Coffee Morning in March. We intend to run a stall at the village fete on 26 June 2010. For further information contact Philip Wicker, 47 High St, Bridge or to access our first video and information pages on energy saving in Bridge go to: www.bridgevillage.co.uk/BEST Speedwatch Volunteers We have agreed that the 3rd week of each month will be Speedwatch week. Although we have a small team of volunteers, we need more people to give us an hour or so to note down details. Full training is given and we work in teams. There are several locations around the village and we'll be doing the watch at different times. In our trial of the system, we found that it made a remarkable difference to people's speed going through the village - particularly up Bridge Hill. Further details are on the village web site. Skateboard Ramps in Bridge We are hiring skateboard ramps and a base for the long weekend at the end of May. The kit will be set up near the teen shelter on the Recreation Ground and will be available on - Saturday, Sunday and Monday 29th –31st May We are doing this to gauge the level of interest, before we possibly spend a large amount of your money on it and also to assess the impact on neighbouring properties and to give them an idea of what it might be like. Help would be appreciated on the Friday to unload the equipment from the truck. Details will be on the village web site. Get your boards out and give it a try! To contact the Council Please write, telephone or email the Parish Clerk: Christobel Seath, Bridgeford House, Brewery Lane, Bridge, CT4 5LF, tel: 01227 831085 email: clerk@bridgevillage.org.uk Bridge Parish Councillors Ann Edmonds Chairman, Affordable Housing, Footpaths, Parish Forum 01227 830795 ann@bridgevillage.org.uk John Hill Vice-Chairman, Planning, Rural Area Member Panel, Affordable Housing 01227 830215 johnh@bridgevillage.org.uk Colin Beesty Recreation Ground, Mill Centre, BVST 07989 495202 colin@bridgevillage.org.uk Barbara Beinder Village Hall, Recreation Ground, Bridge School 01227 830514 barbara@bridgevillage.org.uk John Corfield Recreation Ground, Newsletter 01227 830976 johnc@bridgevillage.org.uk Mark Esdale Affordable Housing, Village Hall, Mill Centre, Police Forum 01227 832740 mark@bridgevillage.org.uk Mervyn Gulvin Recreation Ground, Mill Centre, BVST, Allotment Association, Nailbourne Group 01227 830881 mervyn@bridgevillage.org.uk Selwyn Lewis Planning Committee, Trees, Police Forum 01227 830186 selwyn@bridgevillage.org.uk Terry Wilmshurst Planning Committee, KAPC 01227 830310 terry@bridgevillage.org.uk Bridge village web site Visit the web site for village news, information, agendas & minutes of Council and Planning meetings www.bridgevillage.org.uk BRIDGE Parish Council Caring for the village Spring 2010 Newsletter Included in this issue: Annual Parish Meeting Bridge Energy Saving Team Bridge in Bloom Skateboarders Speedwatch volunteers Affordable Housing Next Parish Council meeting 7.15 pm Planning Committee 7.30 pm Full Council Thursday 13th May 2010 Bridge Village Hall - all welcome