Issue No 24
The RVA Annual General Meeting on 21 May had 39 attendees.
Annual report
Chair Jenny Blackburn reviewed the successes of the RVA over the five years since its launch, including fencing off an old shop front, a presence on planning forums, extension of some double yellow lines and a petition for a pedestrian crossing.
She then went on to appeal for assistance from members with regard to secretarial duties as the Association has been without such support for three years. Jenny Blackburn said that the present situation was not tenable, she is getting older and will need more help from members to continue to deliver results.
This appeal was echoed by Carole Lawrence who emphasised the importance of commitment from the village – especially if there is to be a Parish Council in future.
Accounts
Due to circumstances beyond control the accounts were not available for viewing, but will be provided at the next meeting in July. The accounts have been audited and show a total income of £425.97, outgoings of £346.93, and a bank balance of £643.13.
Elections
Jenny Blackburn was returned as Chair, with Carole Lawrence as Vice Chair and Hazel Wilby as Treasurer/Membership secretary. Minutes were taken on by David Appleton. The role of Secretary remains unfilled. Ordinary members appointed to the committee are: David Morris, Jane Geer, Malcolm Geer, Charles Walker, and John Clarke.
Speaker
The advertised speaker was unable to attend.
Rusthall Elms/Middlefield
Wimpey has submitted a demolition scheme to the Borough Council. This includes a detailed plan of how it will proceed with demolition including the intended route of vehicles. This will be put out to public comment and this topic may therefore be returned to committee and it could be some time before demolition work begins on the site.
Fish and Chip shop
Permission has been given for the business to move premises. Work to fit out the new site has no yet begun.
Simmonds Court
Planning permission has been given for the demolition and replacement of Simmonds Court. However, a decision remains to be made on funding for the project.
Planning application at The Haven
Another planning application (number 0901389) has been submitted for the site of The Haven at the bottom of Manor Road. Public comment is invited.
Toad Rock Retreat
The establishment has been taken over by Tom Snook (previously of the Rusthall Social Club) and Lou Cashley from the grocer’s shop. They plan to re-open in June and intend to offer a range of food.
The Oak
The Oak public house has applied for an extension to its licence. This would permit early and late opening, from seven in the morning (to serve breakfast) to 12.30am on Monday-Thursday and 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also covers a music licence for live and recorded music. Residents in Edward Street are opposing the move.
