A Happy New Year to all and an extremely warm welcome to new residents.

COMMITTEE NEWS
Since our last Newsletter the Association has organised three very successful events - a Barn Dance, New Year's Eve Party and Children's Party. Attendance at all of these events was high and enjoyed by all. We hope that you will continue to support our planned activities throughout 2003.

By now you will all have received information on the Parish Plan and hopefully returned your comments on this to the Post Office. If not, please do so as soon as possible. Volunteers are still needed to give Badgers Mount a fair representation in the overall Shoreham Parish Plan. If you have a couple of hours to spare please contact Trevor Simmons (534454) for further information.

After considerable correspondence from the Association DERA finally cutback the trees and bushes on the East side of Highland Road (opposite to the Hall) and replaced the fencing.

As stated in our last Newsletter we opposed the Application for the Telecomms Mast near Woodlands View and this was accordingly refused by Sevenoaks District Council. However, the Council failed to notify Orange of this refusal within the statutory timescale and thus the Mast was erected. The Association have written to the Council to complain about this matter and have been informed that they are reviewing their procedures for notifying planning applicants in the future.

SHOREHAM PARISH COUNCIL

We believe that both Len Cottle and Trevor Simmons will stand down from their positions within Shoreham Parish Council at the next elections in May 2003. To this end, Badgers Mount URGENTLY needs at least three volunteers to come forward and fill these spaces. If you would be interested in doing this or finding out more of what is involved in becoming a Parish Councillor please speak with either Trevor (as above) or Len on 534304. It is imperative that the Badgers Mount ward is represented so please help if you can.

You will be pleased to hear that a new Shelter for the Bus Stop near to the roundabout has now been erected, replacing the one blown down in the Gales at the end of last year.

MOBILE LIBRARY
               

The Library continues to stop on Orpington By-Pass opposite to the Hall by the Public Footpath sign. The Library arrives promptly at 10.00 a.m. and departs at 10.15 a.m. Please lend your support to this much needed facility. The next stop is scheduled for Thursday, 23rd January and thereafter at fortnightly intervals.

MEMORIAL HALL BOOKINGS

We would remind you that all bookings are now undertaken by Brian and Pauline Butler in the Post Office.

ROAD MATTERS

Could we remind residents that the salt bins are provided for use on the roads only and not private driveways during icy conditions. We were pleased to see that the bins were refilled after the recent cold spell.

We also need to remind residents that a speed limit of 20 mph exists on the unadopted roads on the Mount. When driving around please be vigilant for pedestrians and animals.

SOCIAL EVENTS
(All in the Memorial Hall)

Valentine Barn Dance
Saturday, 15th February 2003

This will be held between 7.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m.. Tickets will shortly be available from the Post Office at a cost of £6.00 each. A fish & chip supper will be included. Bring your own drinks and glasses.

WHIST DRIVE
Thursday, 6th March 2003

This will start at 8.00 p.m. and tea & biscuits will be available to those who attend. An entrance fee of £1.50 per person will be taken at the door. A raffle will be held during the course of the evening.
No experience needed - novices extremely welcome!!

QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday, 29th March 2003

Tickets shortly available from the Post Office for this event at £5 per head including a buffet supper.
Doors open from 7.45 p.m. to start at 8.00 p.m. Teams of up to 6 people will compete on the night. You can either create your own 'team' or book your tickets and form a team on the night with others.

Please remember to keep a look out for posters to remind you of all of the above events as they draw nearer.
The Entertainment Sub-Committee are considering further functions for 2003 including a possible summer event to commemorate the Queen's Coronation, following the success of our Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. Any suggestions for this or any other events are always welcome. Please contact any member of the Committee with your ideas.

Anyone for Tennis?

The Association recently received a letter from Doctor Bliss, Oaklea, Highland Road, inviting Badgers Mount residents to play Tennis on her Tennis Court. If you would like to take up this very generous offer please contact Doctor Bliss direct at the above address.

Website -www.bmra.info
 

Remember to visit the Residents' Association website - www.bmra.info, for more local information. Just added is a reference to Sevenoaks District Council's recently launched Online Planning Enquiry System which allows all Planning Applications to be viewed. Just follow the Links and Information page.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Finally, may we remind you that Road Stewards will shortly be calling to collect your Association subscriptions which are currently £1 per adult/maximum of £2 per house.