Greetings to all residents. Summer appears to have gone and autumn has arrived.

COMMITTEE NEWS

Following the request in the last newsletter, we have one new committee member, Dave Bonnage, who joined the committee at our most recent meeting. Another member of the committee would be very welcome, so if you would like to join us, please contact either Gordon (534279) or Tracey (534471) for more information.

The Committee members are now:

Gordon Plumb (534279)
Tracey McCartney (534471)
Chris Lucas (534143)
Len Cottle (534304)
Myra Marshall (534745)
Mary Bliss (534278)
Zena Belton (534566)
Eric Raven (535171)
Dave Bonnage (533502)

Please remember that the Association has its own website (see above for address). This includes a lot of useful information, calendar of events, house locator and links to other local organisations. There is also a direct link to the S D C planning website enabling you to view all local planning applications and their current status.
You are also able to email us with any comments, questions or suggestions you may have on any local issues and we will get back to you. If you would prefer, please contact any committee member listed above.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Macmillan Coffee Morning

The Coffee Morning on Thursday 1st October will be extended to run between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm for the Macmillan Cancer Support “World’s Largest Coffee Morning”. There will be stalls selling produce, books, bric-a-brac etc., and a raffle. All contributions of items for sale or for the raffle will be very welcome, either in advance to Gordon (534279) or on the day. Everyone is welcome to come and support this very worthy cause. We hope to see as many residents there as possible, even if it’s only for a short time.

Carols & Entertainment Evening

Our annual Christmas celebration with seasonal songs and festivities will take place on Saturday 5th December. We hope you will be able to join us from 7.30 pm. Wine, soft drinks and light refreshments will be served during the evening. Admission will be £3.00 for adults, £1.00 for children. Reservations (so that we know how many people to cater for) can be made at Coffee mornings, by telephoning Gordon (534279) or via the website.

New Years Eve Party

The Hall has also been booked for the usual New Year celebrations from 8.00 pm on 31st December 2009. Tickets cost £7 each (adults only) which includes a buffet supper but please bring own drinks and glasses. Reservations as detailed above.

POLICE SURGERIES

The next police surgeries will be on Thursdays 22rd October and 3rd December from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon in the Memorial Hall during the Coffee Mornings, and on Wednesday 11th November also from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon with the mobile Police Station at Polhill Garden Centre. PCSO Jane Wright will be pleased to discuss and give advice about any concerns you have about crimes, suspicious vehicles and callers etc.

SPEED WATCH

You may recall that a few years ago volunteers regularly monitored vehicle speeds along the Old London Road, but the equipment was subsequently withdrawn by the authorities.

At the recent PACT meeting there was a demonstration of the new type of speed indicator approved for use by Speed Watch volunteers. The Association, in conjunction with the Parish Council, seek volunteers to resurrect Speed Watch in Badgers Mount. Initially, the Police can give a trial one hour session to volunteers and if this proves to be successful the Parish Council may come to an agreement to share devices already owned by an adjacent Parish rather than buying the rather expensive equipment themselves.

As before, please contact Gordon, Tracey or the website if you are interested.

WATER PRESSURE

There have been several reports of low water pressure around Badgers Mount. If you experience this problem please contact Thames Water (08459200888) as the more complaints they receive the more likely it is that something will be done about this.

LITTER

There has been a noticeable increase in the amount of litter deposited on roadsides, much of which comprises of snack wrappers and drinks bottles. Most seems to appear overnight, which suggests that it may be by people returning late after a night out, possibly younger people. Please ensure that all such waste is taken home and put in the appropriate refuse sacks.

PLANNING

There have only been a few planning applications for extensions in Badgers Mount during the Summer, none of which have been opposed by the Residents Association.

Following on from our last Newsletter, the application for a replacement car showroom on the Orpington Bypass Fox’s Garage site is still to be determined.

After complaints about water (believed to be from the Car Wash) running down the footpath adjacent to the Garage, Shoreham Parish Council have been in discussion with Sevenoaks District Council and the Environment Agency to endeavour to get this stopped before the Winter months arrive.

R5/R10 BUS ROUTE

It’s still not too late to write to Transport for London to request that the R5/R10 buses are diverted via Old London Road to provide a direct link for residents to Orpington. Currently this service can only be accessed from Halstead, the alternative being to use the 402 route to Green Street Green and change buses. We are advised that at present there is no demand to change the current service, despite this Association receiving several requests. If you would be interested in using a direct service to Orpington please write to:
Alwin Fernandez,
London Buses Customer Services,
4th floor, Zone G7,
Palestra,
197 Blackfriars Road,
London SE1 8NJ
or send an email to him at:
customerservices@tfl-buses.co.uk
We understand that a number of residents have already written to TFL but remember, the more letters they receive regarding this, the greater the chances of getting it changed!

DATES TO REMEMBER!

01.10.09 – Macmillan Coffee Morning.
22.10.09 – Police Surgery.
17.10.09 – Bulky Refuse Collection
(10.15-11.00 am in Badgers Road)
11.11.09 – Police Surgery (Polhill G. C.)
03.12.09 – Police Surgery
05.12.09 – Christmas Evening.
31.12.09 – New Years Eve Party.

...and finally, as this is the last newsletter of the year we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all an early Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

BMRA CONTACT DETAILS

Gordon Plumb – 534279
Tracey McCartney – 534471

 

News Archive - started Summer 2000