A warm welcome to all new residents of Badgers Mount.

Since our appeal in the last Newsletter two residents have volunteered to join the Committee - at last Johnsons Avenue, Old London Road and Badgers Rise are represented. The Committee would, of course, welcome even more members if anyone is interested!

In recent years we have been rather late in collecting subscriptions (£1 per adult, maximum of £2 per household) but this year we hope to collect for 2004/5 before the winter months set in.

SHOREHAM PARISH COUNCIL

(click for website)

There is still a vacancy for a third councillor to represent Badgers Mount ward on Shoreham Parish Council. Notices have just been put up for a volunteer to be co-opted to fill this position. If you are interested, please contact Gordon Clarke (532987) or the Parish Council Clerk (01732 740193). If no one from Badgers Mount volunteers, we could be represented by a Shoreham resident who has no interest in our concerns!

By now, all residents will have received an update on the Shoreham Parish Plan. We feel sure that you would like to join us in thanking those residents who put in so much work in preparing the original questionnaire, and those who are now analysing the data.

The speed gun is now in use on Old London Road and many cars have already been reported for exceeding the 40 mph speed limit. Monitoring sessions will continue at regular intervals.

Shoreham Parish Council has agreed to take over ownership and insurance of the Millennium Sign. Plans are well underway for relocation of the Sign to the verge near the roundabout. The Parish Council have repaired and re-installed the bench seat on the verge of the Orpington Bypass near Fox’s Garage. However, vandals have already caused considerable damage to it. The Parish Council have been made aware of the damage.

POST OFFICE UPDATE

We had approximately 70 replies to our questionnaire attached to the last Newsletter, the majority of which said that they would use a Post Office facility in the Hall. This information was passed to Post Office Ltd and following negotiations with the Hall Committee it was agreed in principle that this was a viable proposition. The delay in starting this service is due to staffing difficulties. We can only hope that this will be rectified in the near future.

REFUSE COLLECTION

The smaller refuse collection vehicle now used in roads east of the Orpington Bypass is the result of representations from both the Road Maintenance Fund and this Association following damage to the road surface caused by one of the large dustcarts. The only problem resulting from this is that it is often full before the end of its round. All residents can help by ensuring that boxes, cans, plastic bottles etc. are flattened and bags are not tied too tightly so that air can be expelled by the compactor. It would also assist if all glass bottles were recycled in the bottle banks provided locally.

SOCIAL EVENTS

WHIST DRIVE
Thursday, 28th October 2004
Tickets for this event are £1.50 per person, payable on the door, starting at 8.00 p.m. Tea/Coffee and biscuits are provided during the evening. A raffle will be held during the interval. All are welcome to attend.

RACE NIGHT WITH A DIFFERENCE!
Saturday, 13th November 2004
Families (and anyone else interested) are invited to attend our “Human” Race Night, starting at 6.30 p.m. and ending at approximately 9.30 p.m. Tickets will cost £3 per adult and £1.50 per child to include ‘nibbles’ on tables and soft drinks for children. Adults are asked to bring their own drinks and glasses. Please remember your small change to place your bets during the evening!

CAROL EVENING
Saturday, 11th December 2004
This will start at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are £2 per adult and 50p per child. Mince pies, sausage rolls, mulled wine and soft drinks will be available during the evening. All are welcome to this seasonal event.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Friday, 31st December 2004
As in previous years, this is an adult only event. It will start at 8.00 p.m. and end shortly after midnight. Tickets will cost £7 each which includes a Buffet. Again, bring your own drinks and glasses.

COFFEE MORNINGS
Many residents have requested that we resurrect the weekly Coffee mornings. For a trial period these will take place on Thursday mornings between 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided for a small charge. The first of these will be on THURSDAY, 7TH OCTOBER. It is hoped that the mobile Library Van will be able to enter the car park for its fortnightly visit between 10.45 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. (instead of parking on the Orpington Bypass) during the coffee morning. This will make access easier for current users and hopefully, encourage new visitors.

Tickets for all of the above events which will, of course, be held in the Memorial Hall will be available at Coffee Mornings, from Committee Members or alternatively by telephoning Gordon (534279), Tracey (534471) or
emailing our website.

Finally, our seasonal reminder to think of your neighbours when lighting bonfires, letting off fireworks etc.