Village Association Limited

December 2015 Issue No. 70

Items included in this issue: Wassail Away Your Christmas!

Chairman’s Report p.2 2014-2015 Wassail! Saturday 9th January 2016 Alan Pett—End of an Era p.3 What better way to start the Contribution Rise p.4 year than with a torch-lit proces- Virgin Media sion and a cup of good cheer. Growers Meet Up Meet at the Village Hall from NAG Mini Ballers 4pm onwards and join the SDC Energy Surgery Woodlands Group for this old Kentish Tradition. Bring torches Obituaries: p.5 Peter Masson or lanterns and something to Mike Rose make a noise with! Before and Village Centre Update after the procession to the orchard (approx. 4.30-5.30pm), Are you a responsible p.6 there will be music and dancing Dog Owner? in the hall featuring our regular guests, West Hill Morris and St NAG Firework Night p.7 Clement’s Clogs. For those who may be interested, there’s also a Xmas Tree Recycling p.8 short guided tour of the orchard Pavilion Xmas Fun and meadow starting at around 3pm from the Village Hall. For The wassail custom – what’s it merrily. Eventually horns were SORNs p.9 more info visit:- all about? sounded and a great deal of ‘A Village on the Hill’ Wassailing (old English ‘wæs noise would be made to scare www.nagwoodlands.btck.co.uk hæl’, literally 'be you healthy') is off bad spirits and diseases and Covenants and Byelaws p.10 or phone Jerry on 879897, awaken the tree from its winter Summer Newsletter & 11 the ancient tradition of bestow- Correction or email ing health on an orchard at the slumber. start of the farming year, while [email protected] Christmas Sticky Toffee p.12 the trees are still dormant. For The New Ash Green Wassail is a Pudding Recipe weary labourers, it would also simple celebration of the old Village Walks have been a great excuse for a traditional orchard that sits NAG Arts Community mid-winter party! between the Minnis and Nine Horse Wood, and is about toast- Dating back to around 1540, it ing the good health of the trees involved the local farm-workers to encourage a bumper apple THE VILLAGE visiting their orchards after dark, crop next year. Having spent ASSOCIATION around the time of Old Twelfth twelve years rescuing it from WOULD LIKE TO Night (which used to be between former neglect (the Woodlands TAKE THIS the 5th and 17th January). The Group was established in Febru- OPPORTUNITY TO best tree would be selected to ary 2004), this is a great way to represent the whole orchard. celebrate the revival of our com- WISH ALL Cider would be poured over its munity orchard in keeping with RESIDENTS AND roots and pieces of cider-soaked the old traditions. BUSINESSES IN THE toast or cakes would be placed VILLAGE—A VERY in the forks of branches and For more information and some HAPPY CHRISTMAS hung from twigs. The wassail photos of past Wassails, visit and other songs would be sung www.nagwoodlands.btck.co.uk AND BEST WISHES as a blessing to bring a good FOR THE NEW YEAR crop in the coming year and the tree would be toasted loudly and Page 2 Issue No. 70

Chairman’s Report 2014-2015

This is my last Chairman's has been achieved, and how in all private sewers (with small report, having stood down from easy it is to forget these exceptions) being adopted by the Council of Management after successes. In no particular or- water companies in October 30 odd years of involvement in der, I could mention Northfield, 2011. VA affairs. I have been proud to the village's electrical supply, foul The related topic of rainwater serve my village in this way, and drains adoption, rainwater dis- disposal was also pursued to a feel that the management of the posal rebate, successful opposi- satisfactory conclusion, again village grounds has been devel- tion to a proposed increase in with national impact, so that all oped and brought to a point drainage costs and high speed householders whose rainwater where the village is mature and broadband, amongst others. disposal is dealt with by them- well maintained at an affordable Having essentially completed selves via soakaways (as in New cost. Where possible, I have their development of the village, Ash Green) are entitled to a sought to pass responsibility for Bovis tried their luck for an addi- rebate for this. Thames Water things like the sewers to others, tional development on North- were obstructive in implement- so that villagers do not pay twice field, on land which I believed ing the direction by Ofwat, but effectively for such services. should have been passed to the continued pressure has resulted 2014 was another generally VA. The VA finished up taking in all New Ash Green residents satisfactory year, with another Bovis to court over the matter, benefitting from the rebate. excellent performance by our succeeding in a case finally Thames Water, in common with Greenland staff, drawing a decided at the Court of Appeal. the other water companies, has range of compliments. Not only Flowing from support given by to make application the regula- are we maintaining our land- District Council in the tor, Ofwat, for approval of the scaping to a high standard, case, having secured the free- charges that they seek to make improvements are also being hold ownership of the land, for water supply and for sewage undertaken. Hardlands mainte- Northfield was then leased to disposal for periods of five years. nance and village lighting contin- the Ash-cum-Ridley and Hartley There is a mechanism for the ues to be satisfactory, and good Parish Councils by the VA for companies to apply for an terms have been renegotiated use as a public open space. This interim increase if they can dem- for the lighting electrical supply. has the advantage that Hartley onstrate exceptional circum- residents contribute towards Improvements have been made stances. Such an application the cost of maintaining this to the Village Hall but, in was made by Thames Water, to asset, which would otherwise fall common with the Sports which the VA made a submis- wholly upon the residents of “...My special thanks are due Pavilion, villagers have not been sion in response to the consulta- New Ash Green, notwithstand- to current Council of supporting their asset as much tion. In rejecting the application, ing use by Hartley residents. Management members, many as one would wish. These enter- Ofwat quoted two specific con- of whom have served the prises are not profit making, but When built, the village was sup- sultation responses in support village for as long as me, for need to cover their operating plied by overhead electricity of the rejection, one of which their contribution in 2014.” and maintenance costs, as well cables, from Longfield and West was that of the VA. as providing for replacements Kingsdown. Long term residents The most recent success has Alan Pett and improvements in the future. will remember the endless been the provision of highspeed They need to be used to achieve power cuts in inclement broadband. The VA was instru- this. weather, and the sudden lighting mental in getting a cable service of thousands of candles around Mine has not been a solo per- to New Ash Green in advance of the village! Pressure on the elec- formance, but part of a team other parts of the “ tricity supply company, sup- effort. My special thanks are due area franchise”, when new ported by the Parish Council, to current Council of Manage- arrangements came into being eventually gave us an under- ment members, many of whom under legislation, at the time ground supply, immune from have served the village for as that the original Rediffusion interruptions due to the long as me, for their contribu- system was withdrawn. Unfortu- weather. (The cable passes tion in 2014. I would also like to nately, the new system was through Hartley, which is still thank all of the others who have rather limited and ultimately was supplied by overhead cables!) served previously who have withdrawn by Virgin Media as given of their time freely and When built, the foul sewer net- being uneconomic, despite pres- voluntarily to make and keep work of the village remained sure from the VA. With a New Ash Green the special 'private' and the maintenance change of the ownership of place that it is, for the benefit of responsibility lay with the VA, Virgin Media and ongoing con- all. I would also like to thank all of and hence the cost of mainte- tact by the VA, we were able to our employees, past and pre- nance with villagers, who were secure a new service to New sent, in the Office and our dedi- paying the normal sewage rate, Ash Green from Virgin Media, cated Greenland workforce, so subsidising all other Thames which coincided with an upgrade without whose loyal support we Water customers. After over by BT to provide their own high- would all be the poorer. 20 years of pressing the issue speed broadband to the village. with central government, legisla- This means that villagers can As I look back over my time tion was enacted which resulted enjoy either or both, and we are serving the village, I realise what Issue No. 70 Page 3

not at the mercy of a monopoly administration, my personal landlords is ongoing and there is service provider. frustration is the shopping cen- some hope that a positive pro- tre. Not for want of trying for posal will be made by Phase 1 Villagers' interests have also many, many years, the shopping landlord in the near future. been represented actively over centre remains in a wholly unac- the years in various other mat- It is not uncommon to hear ceptable state. It is owned by ters, such as the early proposals around the village that “the VA private organisations, who can- for the route of the Channel does nothing”, but I suggest that not be made to do as we would Tunnel High Speed rail link (with the above demonstrates that it wish. It is their property to man- one proposal for a route in prox- does, to the point where we age as they will, within limits. imity to the White Swan, Ash!!) have had an impact upon Directly on its own account, and and policing in New Ash Green. national issues. Not bad for a through enlisting the support of settlement of 7,000 souls! As with President Obama's frus- the Parish and District Councils, tration at not being able to make the VA has achieved small Alan W L Pett progress with gun control in the improvements, but this is clearly USA being the downside of his not enough. Pressure on the Alan Pett—End of an Era

At the meeting of Council of He was re- Management held on Monday elected to the 20 July 2015, Alan Pett Council of Man- resigned with immediate effect agement in as a Director and Chairman of May 1991 and the Village Association. He will became Chair- continue to be a Consultant man of the member of the Association and Greenland sub- his knowledge and expertise Committee, regarding all matters relating to until he re- this village is welcomed. signed from CoM in 1994. For the benefit of those who He was again perhaps have not been in New re-elected in Ash Green as long as some, May 1995 and Alan came to the village with his was elected family in September 1979. End of an Era Chairman, a He joined the Hardland sub- post he held A presentation was made to Alan in recognition of his committee of the VA in June until June many years of service to the 1982 and became actively 2003 when he Village. involved in the improvement and successfully Alan Pett upgrading of all the amenity campaigned to become a Dis- He will be greatly missed! lighting in the village which trict Councillor. He continued as bodies, attending meetings at resulted in a wholesale upgrade a member of CoM and was district and county council level of all the street lighting in 1986. re -elected as Chairman in all on behalf of our village. Alan became Chairman of December 2005 and continued He will continue as a Consultant Lambardes Residents Society in as such until he resigned in July. member for the time being and April 1985 and as a Represen- He was also re-elected as a his knowledge and expertise will tative member of the Village Director of the Sports Pavilion continue to be of benefit to our Association became eligible for until relinquishing that post in village. election to Council of Manage- 2012. ment and was duly elected in After thirty years of devoted Alan has worked tirelessly for May 1985. He then became service to New Ash Green, he the Village over the years and he Chairman of the Hardland will be greatly missed by all has achieved many improve- Committee in 1985 and 1986 members of the VA and particu- ments for the benefit of the and then Chairman of the larly CoM. He continues as a village too numerous to mention. amalgamated Hardland and District Councillor at Sevenoaks It should be noted that he was Greenland Committees, the so District Council and will still however largely responsible for called Lands Committee in represent the interests of this Virgin Media recently returning 1987. village. to the Village to provide a cable Alan was first elected Chairman service including broadband. A presentation was made to of the Village Association in Alan in recognition of his many He has dedicated a large part of December 1986 and remained years of service to the Village. Alan Pett, VA Chairman his life to serving New Ash as Chairman until he resigned in 1986-1990 Green for which we must all be March 1990. He was also a 1995-2015 thankful and selflessly spent Director of New Ash Green many hours of his personal time Sports Pavilion. lobbying, liaising with external Page 4 Issue No. 70

VA Contribution Rate to Increase from January 2016

At the Village Association’s rate per 100sq. ft. will increase increase from £170.00pa to Annual General Meeting, held on from £17.00 to £17.50. £175.00pa. The increase will- 4th November, an increase of take effect from 26 The average cost of a 3- 2.94% was approved in the December 2015. bedroom house will therefore contribution rate. Therefore, the Virgin Media

For those residents thinking covenant. The underground vised Virgin Media of the above about having the Virgin Media service cable should arrive at and its installations teams are system installed please note your house and terminate in a fully aware of the situation. The that extensive wiring on the out- plastic box a little above ground Area Manager, John Gilligan, side of walls is not acceptable level. This is the only acceptable has kindly offered to answer any and constitutes a breach of external wiring. The VA has ad- queries on 07989 166830. Growers Meet Up

Members of New Ash Green plots into production in just one size is not too daunting for first- Horticultural Association filled growing season. timers, but they are big enough the Village Association Meeting to provide plenty of healthy fruit Recognising their efforts, the Room on 29th October for their and vegetables for any family—at Best Newcomer Award went to Annual General Meeting. a surprisingly low cost! Kate Charlwood. The award for An influx of new members Best Plot went to long-time allot- Anyone interested in taking on a meant it was the first meeting menteers, Cyril and Maureen plot should contact the Lettings for some and the Chairman Snapes. Secretary, George Leman, tel: Energy Surgery congratulated them on the im- 01474 874100 or email The allotment site currently has pressive work they had done in three half-plots vacant. These [email protected] Wednesday 9th December bringing back some neglected 2015 have been created so that their

VA Meeting Room, Centre Road, 9.30am-1pm New Ash Green Save money on your energy!!! Mini Ballers Club The New Ash Green mini basketball club was set up in March 2015. The club is for primary school children aged 5-10 years of age.

New Ash Green Village Hall Tuesdays 5.30-6.30pm (term time)

Check out our Facebook page:

New Ash Green Mini Ballers Club

NAG Mini Ballers For further information please contact: Lyn Marsh at [email protected] Issue No. 70 Page 5

Obituaries

It is with sadness that we report being both a Trustee of the Mike Rose passed away earlier the passing of two village Youth Centre Trust and Village this year. He and his family lived stalwarts this year. Trust. His commitment to the at a number of properties in the Youth Centre was immense, Village. He finished in Capelands, Peter Masson passed away in effectively being the caretaker where was deeply involved with December. He was a first and bookings clerk, as well as its RS, and was its Chairman purchaser in Chapel Wood, dealing with other matters. He and Treasurer for many years where he lived until he died. He made a generous bequest to until his passing. He, too, sat on became a member of the the Youth Centre in his will, and Council of Management, being CWRS management committee his contribution has been ac- Treasurer from 2010 until and was its Chairman and knowledged by the placing of a 2013. He was also a Director Treasurer for many years. He plaque there. He had also been of New Ash Green Sports Pavil- was also a long standing mem- Peter Masson a Parish Councillor from 1987 ion until the end of 2014. He ber of the VA and Chairman until his passing. A lifetime made a substantial contribution from 1984-6. He also sat on the walker, Peter was active in the to all of these organisations. board of the Sports Pavilion Footpath group, dealt with foot- company during its construc- A great debt is owed to Peter path issues on the Parish Coun- tion. These skills he shared with and Mike, who both gave freely cil and led the local Healthy other Residents' Societies, of their time to make our village Walks for where he fulfilled Treasurer work, and for the benefit of us Council. An immensely knowl- duties for a number. He was all. edgeable person, he was a also active in the Youth Centre, major contributor to our village!

Village Centre Update Mike Rose

The problems affecting the relating to statutory services to encourage and work with the shopping centre in New Ash including environmental health, landowners to improve the Green were highlighted last July building control, licensing and appearance of the centre. in a petition presented by a resi- planning development; and will Meanwhile, Council officers have dent, Victoria Barnard, to a continue to support Community been trying to obtain further The Town Team and meeting of Sevenoaks District Safety activities such as Environ- details from the landowners Sevenoaks District Council Council. She asked for the mental Visual Audits and the about their future intentions. Council to take a more active Community Safety Focus Group. are committed to Despite initial hopeful signs, role in ensuring the current improving the Village Centre During the summer, a Section when an architect was landowners bring the centre up as far as they can and they 215 Improvement Notice was appointed by the landowner to to an acceptable standard. are supported in this by the served by the Council on the revisit the regeneration propos- After a debate, councillors Parish Council and Village principal landowner requiring als first seen in 2008, subse- supported her request and Association. specific repairs to be carried quently it has been impossible to referred it to the Cabinet for a out. Some have been completed arrange any further meetings co-ordinated approach to the but others are still outstanding, with the landowners or the issues and asked for a report in notably the repair of the shop architects so the officers will be six months. front canopies in The Row and redoubling their efforts to press This was discussed further at a The Link. Instead of repairing the for information. Cabinet meeting in September canopies, the landowner put in a The Town Team and Sevenoaks where a long report from planning application to remove Council are committed to officers explained what the them entirely – this sparked a improving the Village Centre as Council could do and also where divergence of opinion locally with far as they can and they are it had no legal powers to inter- some people seeing the supported in this by the Parish vene. The Council cannot canopies, if properly repaired, as Council and Village Association. become involved in private beneficial to the shops and their The fact that the area is in disputes between the several customers whilst others felt private hands means that the landowners, or between land- they were inconsistent with the opportunities for making owners and their tenants. How- original architectural concept NAG Shopping Centre improvements are dependent ever they will continue to focus and the benefits of their removal on securing the co-operation of on supporting and bringing for- would outweigh any minor loss the landowners and working ward plans for the regeneration of occasional shelter. The with them rather than against of the centre, ensuring that the Council’s decision on the appli- them. It is often a difficult bal- community is engaged in the cation was still awaited at the ancing act but also a challenge process; they will support and time of going to press but which- that will continue to be pursued facilitate the New Ash Green ever way it goes, the Council will as vigorously as possible. Town Team; carry out functions continue to look for more ways Page 6 Issue No. 70

Are you a Responsible Dog Owner?

THE CANINE CODE

 Always exercise your dog regularly  Know where you can walk your dog  Train your dog properly  Identify your dog properly Remember! Dogs  Clean up after your dog  Take care of your dog’s health and wellbeing cannot behave irresponsibly only Exercise - Dogs love their exer- What can I do? an effect. Examples of PSPOs cise, and every dog owner has a As a dog owner you should could include: owners can! duty of care to make sure that always be ready to clean up • requiring dog faeces to be their dog gets at least one walk after your dog by taking a supply picked up by owners; every day. of bags or a poop scoop with • requiring dogs to be kept on Training – Train your dog prop- you whenever you leave the leads; erly, good training classes are house. Make sure you pick up • restricting the number of invaluable and can help owners the mess straight away, seal the dogs that can be walked by get the most from their dog. bag and place the waste in a one person at any one time. Clean up after your dog - The dog bin. If there are no bins in Dangerous or vicious dogs - majority of dog owners are the area, then take the bag There is a requirement to keep brilliant and pick up after their home and dispose of it in your any dog under control, not to dogs. own bin. Do not throw the bag put a person in fear of being Although you may be a good over fences, hang it on a tree or bitten or of having another dog owner, you may know others leave the bag on the ground. It is or animal attacked as well as who don’t recognise the impor- worth making a note of where specific guidelines for keeping tance of clearing up after their the public bins are on your route and controlling some types of dogs. Unfortunately, those who so that you can dispose of the dogs contained in the Danger- do not clean up after their dog waste responsibly. ous Dogs Act 1991. are the root cause of As well as cleaning up after your The Police should be contacted complaints it may eventually dog, you can help reduce any if a dog is "dangerously" out of lead to an increasing number of health risks to the public by control. Attacks on Assistance places where dogs will not be regularly worming your dog, dogs are a criminal matter and allowed to go. We hope that this which should help to eradicate should also be reported to the PLEASE NOTE: information may be of use to you the worms responsible for police. For other dog related or anyone else you know so that Toxocariasis. issues, such as dogs being out Recent changes under the dog owners can help ensure of control (but not dangerous), Animal Welfare Act (2006) Poop Scoop Bags are available their dogs continue to enjoy contact the Animal Control Ser- means that from 6 April 2016, from the VA Office. walks in the great outdoors by vice: [email protected] all dogs in will be Unfortunately, it is now neces- always cleaning up after their or call 01732 227000. required to have a microchip sary to charge for the bags dog to avoid harming other peo- Identify your dog properly – If with their details recorded on (25p for 50 bags) effective 1st ple and animals. your dog runs away or gets lost, an authorised database. January, this is largely due to the best chance of getting him the increasing costs of produc- Why is it important to clean up back is if he is able to be identi- tion and dealing with the cost of after my dog? fied. Recent changes under the the waste. Since the introduc- Dog mess is unpleasant and can Animal Welfare Act (2006) tion of charging for carrier bags occasionally lead to a condition means that from 6 April 2016, on the high street there has called Toxocariasis in humans, all dogs in England will be been an increase in the demand which can cause serious illness required to have a microchip for poop scoop bags! and blindness. If you do not with their details recorded on an clean up after your dog, you Know where you are allowed to authorised database. As part of could also be fined up to walk your dog – As a good the regulations you will need to: £1,000. Alternatively, an author- owner, it is important to know • Have your dog microchipped ised officer may give you a fixed where you may or may not walk and registered on one of the penalty notice, which could be your dog. In October 2014, authorised databases avail- up to £100. Public Space Protection Orders able such as Petlog. Who is responsible for clearing (PSPOs) were introduced under • Keep your contact details up up after your dog? the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime to date on the microchip data- You (or whoever is responsible and Policing Act 2014, replac- bases. for your dog at the time) are in ing Dog Control Orders. This After April 2016, dog owners in charge of clearing up any dog gives the power to introduce England that come to the atten- mess. If your dog gets caught restrictions or requirements to tion of the police or local authori- fouling, saying that you did not tackle or prevent any other ties will be given a short period see it happening is not a reason- activity that is considered to to comply. If you fail to chip your able excuse for failing to clean have a detrimental effect on the dog after this, then you could up after your dog in the eyes of quality of life of those in the face a fine of up to £500. If you the law. locality, or is likely to have such sell or gift a dog to another Issue No. 70 Page 7

person/organisation, the details NAG BYELAWS on the microchip will need to be changed to reflect those of the All property owners sign an agreement when buying their homes new owner by either yourself or to abide by the byelaws and covenants and to pass on the obliga- the new owner. However, If you tion to anyone to whom they sell the property! Byelaw numbers 12 do not ensure that this is done, -14 are specific to dogs and are listed below:- you could be liable for the dog’s 12. No person shall cause or permit any dog owned or kept by actions if the owner/contact him or in his charge to enter or remain on any part of the details are outdated and your amenity land unless the dog be and remain under proper details are listed as the dog’s control and be effectively restrained from causing annoy- keeper. ance to any person. Take care of your dog’s health 13. No person shall cause or permit any dog owned or kept by and wellbeing - As a human, you him or in his charge to enter or remain on any sportsfield require a certain standard of or children's' playground on amenity land. living, and dogs are the same, so 14. Every person (other than a registered blind person) who it is hugely important to make owns or keeps or is in charge of a dog which is on any part sure your four-legged friend is of amenity land shall immediately remove from the amenity treated with care and respect. land any faeces deposited by the dog.

Above all, enjoy your four legged friend and companion – just remember it is YOU the owner that needs to be responsible and is ultimately liable. NAG Fireworks—What a Night!!!

It was fairly touch and go this scouts did a grand job selling film Frozen, as the fireworks year as rain of “biblical propor- flashy things and sweets and fired in time... Brilliant!! tions” threatened the event all special thanks go to the volun- As villagers, we are a resilient day! However once again the teers who helped marshal the bunch!! Despite the rain we NAG Social team pulled it all event in the evening. Our appre- had a great turnout, it is true to together for a fan-booming- ciation also goes out to our say there is no such thing as tastic display!!! sponsors Pets Pantry, DA3 bad weather for New Ash Magazine and Hartley Estates The whole NAG Social team Greenies… just the wrong who were a huge support. worked incredibly hard all day clothes! By the end of the setting up the event. Everyone So, what of the fireworks! If the evening the meadow looked NAG Social from the lighting and sound feedback on social media is more like the aftermath of Children’s Christmas Crafts team to the flashy things sellers anything to go by, it was proba- Glastonbury, but we are assured Saturday 5th December battled with the weather and the bly one of our best yet!! This was nature will sort all that out... All 2015 (Village Hall) followed mud to ensure this was another Dean Gorton’s first year in in all, a great NAG Social event!!! by Christmas Carols (Village safe and successful “NAG charge, and he came up with a Keep an eye out for our other Centre) Social” event. movies theme soundtrack, from events! Children’s Christmas which the Phoenix team did a Join us on Facebook to find There are too many people to Crafts is next, on Saturday 5th great job of setting the display out more!!! thank individually, but the teams December, followed immediately to music. A magical moment for included those from Phoenix after, by Christmas carols that me was when I stood behind the Fireworks, the lighting and evening in the Village Centre. speakers, I could not hear the sound engineers, the VA Want to find out more of what is music clearly, but there was a Greenland team (who were going on or even get involved??, point when the entire crowd stars! Quite literally “digging us why not join us on Facebook - were singing “Let it go” from the out” from time to time). The NAG Social Group, you will be very welcome, alternatively drop us an email address at;- [email protected] and we will keep you updated. New Ash Green is a great place to live and a great community to be a part of !!!

John Gorton, (NAG-Social Chair) Page 8 Issue No. 70

Christmas Tree Recycling

SDC will collect your tree  Put the tree at your property Contact Centre on 01732 for free! boundary by no later than 227000, or e -mail to 7AM on your scheduled [email protected] The household garden waste garden waste collection day, If your tree's trunk is more than collection crews will collect your and the Garden Waste Christmas tree for free during 90 mm (3.5" in diameter), it can Collection crew will take it be taken to KCC's Dunbrik their scheduled collections in away; it couldn’t be easier. Household Recycling site in January whereby your tree will  Trees will not be taken unless Sundridge, or to its Pedham be transformed into rich soil- they are at the property improving compost. Place site at the Teardrop boundary, placed out on the Centre, Hill, correct day, and clearly From Saturday 2 January until (8am to 4.30pm, seven visible to the crews. They Friday 29 January, they collect days a week, but not Christmas trees with trunks that are up to cannot be in a front garden, 90mm wide (3.5 inches) or up a drive, or at the side of a Day, Boxing Day, or New Years smaller. Here’s what you need to house – trees must be at the Day) and placed in a garden do: boundary. waste container. • Please remove all ornaments, If you want to know the exact day At the time of going to print the stands, or pots from your on which your road is scheduled Christmas household waste for the fortnightly garden waste tree. Trees will not be taken if collection dates had not been they are decorated, or in a pot collection, visit the SDC website published, therefore please con- or stand of any kind. and click on the Refuse collection option, or call the tact (as above) for more info.

XMAS OPENING TIMES

Christmas Eve—5pm-Midnight Celebrate your Christmas and Christmas Day—11am-2.30pm New Year at your Sports Boxing Day—3pm-11pm Pavilion! 27th December—Noon-11pm 28th December—5pm-11pm Good fun to be had by all!!! 29th December—5pm-11.30pm 30th December—5pm-11.30pm New Years Eve—Noon-4pm then 7pm-till late

To book a stall please contact: 01474 874660 or email [email protected] Issue No. 70 Page 9

Statutory Off-Road Notifications (SORNs)

All common land in New Ash exclusively) the requirements of Redhill Wood or The Green is known as amenity that (i) there is in force in Mead). land and is owned by the relation to the vehicle a policy Village Association (VA). of insurance satisfying the  Vehicles should comply Areas within neighbourhoods requirements of Section 143 with all current legisla- (such as car parking of the Road Traffic Act 1988; tion for use on the road, bays/driveways etc.) are also (ii) the vehicle so they should be taxed, amenity areas and are complies with all regulations insured and have an owned by the VA but are the made pursuant to section 41 MOT (as necessary). responsibility of the relevant of the Road Traffic Act 1988 The VA/Residents Society Residents Society with the relating to the has the right to have a exception of Redhill Wood construction and use of vehicle removed from and The Mead (most of vehicles and equipment; amenity land if it does not which have private drive- (iii) there is fixed to and exhib- comply with the above. ways/areas). ited on the vehicle a current The Government has now As stated in our byelaws:- vehicle excise licence as prescribed by section 1 of introduced a new website No person shall cause or the Vehicles (Excise) Act whereby you can check permit any motor vehicle 1971. whether vehicles are taxed owned or kept by him or in and have a current MOT this his charge to enter or  The VA cannot consent can be found at remain on any part of the to the keeping of a vehi- www.gov.uk/check-vehicle- amenity land unless it cle with a SORN on tax, there is also an online complies in all respects with amenity land. link to report vehicles that all legislation for the time are untaxed. Please note that  SORNs should not be st being in force relating to the since 1 October 2014 there applied to your vehicle use of motor vehicles on the is no longer a requirement to unless you are keeping it The VA cannot consent to the public highway, including in display a tax disc on a in a private garage at all keeping of a vehicle with a particular (but not vehicle. time (with the exception SORN on amenity land. ….The VA/RS has the right to have a vehicle removed from ‘A Village on the Hill’ Community Event – amenity land…. Saturday 5th September 2015

This year, the village centre part, with an array of stalls and Hill’ which was filmed in 1986 by played host to the first of a new activities displayed throughout Lambardes resident Ted Davis. annual event showcasing the centre. There was archery Ted was present in the audience community life in New Ash on the Minnis, live music and gave a superb introductory Green. More than thirty local throughout the afternoon, and talk about the clubs and organisations took dancing in the village hall. making of the film. In the eve- Feedback from the day shows ning the Film that not only was it a great Club had its awareness-raiser for what’s on best ever offer in the village but it also led attendance to an increase in membership for ‘The Sec- for many of the clubs involved, ond Best so more people are now benefit- Exotic Mari- ting from the wealth of activities gold Hotel’, that underpin community life. preceded by If you missed out on the day and a showing of would like to know more about Woodlands Group Craft Stall the New Ash New Ash Green’s clubs and Green pro- societies, pop into the VA Office m o t i o n a l and pick up the latest list. Who video ‘A Vil- knows, there might be the very lage on the From left to right: Chris Watson & Gill Bacon (Act One) thing you’ve been looking for! Page 10 Issue No. 70

Covenants and Byelaws

The following covenants and byelaws apply to the majority of properties in New Ash Green and to land owned by the Village Association but there are minor variations in some residen- tial neighbourhoods so you should check the deeds of your property for the definitive version.

When houses change hands, the solicitors and 7. To permit the Society to have reasonable the purchaser are careful to read, mark and access to the premises and to any such garage inwardly digest the contracts before they are as aforesaid to enable it to perform any works duly signed, sealed and delivered. By moving undertaken in the Covenants set out in Clause day, it is likely that more importance is 4. accorded to finding the teapot than finding out 8. To require that any tenant or other occupier the implications of the small print in the who proposes to take possession of the contract. premises enters into direct covenants with the For those of you who have recently moved to Association and with the Society to guarantee New Ash Green or who have moved to a new performance and observance of the Covenants house in the village, we wish you every happi- set out in Clause 5 during the period of ness in your new home and hope that you will possession by the occupier. be pleased with the services which are 9. To require that any transferee of the provided for your benefit. premises enters into direct Covenants with the For all villagers, the New Ash Green Village Association and with the Society to be bound by Association Limited has a duty to draw the Covenants set out in Clause 5 as if the attention from time to time the covenants and transferee were the purchaser named in this byelaws with which property owners have transfer. agreed to comply on behalf of themselves, their 10. To remain bound the Covenants set out in families, their guests, their tenants and their Clause 5 until the direct Covenants specified in trades-people. the preceding paragraph have been entered They make slightly heavy reading but their aim into by a transferee of the premises. is to ensure that the quality of life for all Just a gentle reminder! RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS villagers is not sacrificed due to thoughtless conduct on the part of the minority. 1. No part of the premises except the garage shall be let separately from the whole or use PERSONAL COVENANTS otherwise than for the purposes of a private 1. To pay the Association the annual dwelling. contribution due from the purchaser in respect 2. No sign or advertisement shall be displayed of the property within the village. on the premises so as to be visible from out- 2. To pay the Society the annual subscription side the premises except that a nameplate not due from a member. exceeding 4 square inches in size may be displayed at an entrance. 3. To keep the premises in good structural repair (including the garden walls and fences 3. No alteration shall be made to the external shown on the plan marked ‘A’ with a ‘T’ on the appearance of the house on the premises inside of the boundary). (including the colouring scheme) except with the prior written consent of the Association. 4. To keep all decorative finishes on the external elevation of the house on the premises 4. No alteration shall be made to the garden and any garage on the estate owned by the walls or fences on the premises except with the purchaser in good order and in particular to prior written consent of the Association. renew the paintwork not less than once every 5. No building or other structure shall be four years using colours and materials erected in the cartilage of the premises except approved by the Association. with the prior written consent of the 5. To keep all windows on the premises Association. regularly cleaned. 6. No exterior aerial shall be erected on the 6. To keep the doors of any garage on the premises and no person shall be permitted to estate used by the purchaser closed except interfere with any television Rediffusion when open for reasons of access. equipment on the premises. Issue No. 70 Page 11

7. No car, caravan or similar vehicle shall be 10. Nothing shall be done or omitted to be parked in the cartilage of the premises other- done that may interfere with the enjoyment of wise than inside a garage or (in the case of a amenity by other persons within the Village. private car not standing higher at any point 11. No horse shall be ridden or led otherwise than 5 feet 6 inches above the ground and not than on a vehicular carriageway or on land des- bearing any sign or advertisement) on a ignated as a permitted ride by the Village Asso- driveway leading to a garage. ciation. For the avoidance of doubt a permitted 8. Nothing shall be done or omitted to be done ride shall be defined in writing by the Associa- on the premises that may interfere with the tion and its use shall be subject to the obser- amenity of other property owners or occupiers vance of special conditions as shall from time on the estate. to time be laid down by the Association. BYELAWS 12. No person shall cause or permit any dog owned or kept by him or in his charge to enter The exercise of rights of way over Village or remain on any part of the amenity land grounds is subject to the observance of the unless the dog be and remain under proper following byelaws: control and be effectively restrained from 1. No tree or other plant shall be cut, pulled up causing annoyance to any person. or planted. 13. No person shall cause or permit any dog 2. No litter shall be deposited otherwise than in owned or kept by him or in his charge to enter a litter bin. or remain on any sports field or childrens play- 3. No radio or other electrical reproducer shall ground on amenity land. be played except as may be authorised by the 14. Every person (other than a registered blind Village Association on special occasions. person) who owns or keeps or is in charge of a 4. No vehicle shall be used in such a manner as dog which is on any part of amenity land shall to create an unreasonable degree of noise. immediately remove the amenity land any faeces deposited by the dog. 5. No bicycle or powered vehicle shall be ridden or driven otherwise than on a vehicular 15. No person shall cause or permit any motor carriageway PROVIDED THAT this byelaw shall vehicle owned or kept by him or in his charge to not apply to a bicycle ridden outside a enter or remain on any part of the amenity land residential estate and not on a footpath or foot- unless it complies in all respects with all legisla- way. tion for the time being in force relation to the All property owners sign an use of motor vehicles on the public highway, agreement when buying their 6. No vehicle shall be parked on a residential including in particular (but not exclusively) the homes to abide by the estate otherwise than in a car park. requirements that (i) there is in force in relation covenants and to pass on the 7. No car caravan or other vehicle standing to the vehicle a policy of insurance satisfying obligation to anyone to whom higher at any point than five feet six inches the requirements of Section 143 of the Road they sell the property! above ground or bearing any sign or advertise- Traffic Act 1988 (ii) the vehicle complies with ment shall be parked on a residential estate all regulations made pursuant to Section 41 of except for the purposes of loading or the Road Traffic Act relating to the construc- unloading. tion and use of vehicles and equipment (iii) there is fixed to and exhibited on the vehicle a 8. No obstruction shall be caused on roadways current vehicle excise licence as prescribed by or elsewhere. section 1 of the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971. 9. No person shall enter any area reserved by 16. No person shall cause or permit any motor the Village Association for a special use vehicle owned or kept by him or in his charge to without complying with all conditions that may remain on any part of the amenity land for any be imposed by the Association from time to purpose other than (i) access; (ii) the use of time regulating entry and conduct within that amenity land for the purpose of recreation. area.

VILLAGE DAY 2015—NEWSLETTER CORRECTION It had come to the attention of the VA Office (after publication of the Summer newsletter), that the names supplied to us for the Village Day article, relating to the May Queen and Village Day was opened by:- King and attendants were incorrect and were from the previous year. We would like to Ben Slack, Keira Johnson, Daisy Pinnock, Summer Henson, apologise for any upset this may have caused. Village Day 2015 was opened by the May Josh Stanford, Dalton Newman King - Ben Slack; May Queen - Keira Johnson, with the attendants being Daisy Pinnock, Summer Henson, Josh Stanford and Dalton Newman. Centre Road VA OFFICE OPENING HOURS New Ash Green The VA Office is open to residents Longfield 9.00am-4.00pm Monday to Thursdays — DA3 8HH Tel: 01474 872691 / Fax: 01474 872409 Closed to residents on Fridays E-mail: [email protected] / Website: www.nagval.com The office is closed for all statutory holidays

If you would like to write an article for our next Newsletter, either as a member of a Club or Society or to write an article of local interest, please provide it to VA Office no later than 30th June 2016.

Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding by Chef Katherine at The Badger

110ml of rapeseed oil flour and set aside. throughout the cooking process. 175g of light brown sugar Place the chopped dates and water Simmer, uncovered for 3 hours. 4 eggs into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Carefully remove the can from the Boil for 5 minutes, remove from the boiling water, open and pour over 225g of self-raising flour heat and stir in the bicarbonate of the cooked sticky toffee pudding. 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda soda. Mix well, allow to cool for 10 Serve with vanilla ice cream and a 275ml of water minutes and then pour onto the poached pear. 225g of chopped dates creamed pudding mixture. 100g of chopped walnuts Bring together to create a very runny batter. Mix in the walnuts, 1 carrot, peeled and grated carrot, apple, golden syrup and 1 apple, peeled and grated brandy, then pour into the prepared 4 tbsp brandy cake tin and bake for 1 hour 15 2 tbsp golden syrup minutes or until springy to touch. 2 x 395g tins sweetened Remove label from the unopened condensed milk tins of condensed milk. Fill a deep saucepan with water and bring to Preheat the oven to 160C. Line a the boil. Carefully place the 20cm loose bottom cake tin with condensed milk in the saucepan, greaseproof paper. Mix together the making sure there is enough water rapeseed oil and sugar, then slowly to completely cover the can at all add 4 beaten eggs. Fold in the sieved times, topping up water frequently

VILLAGE WALKS 2016 Following the success of our second annual arts exhibition in Your 'cut out and keep' guide November, we would now like to welcome new members and visitors to Each of our seasonal walks lasts around two hours. Dates join us. for 2016 are as follows: We meet on the first Sunday of every Sunday 7th Feb - 'Beating the Bounds of New Ash Green', month at the VA Meeting Room, meet 10.30am at the Royal Oak Pub on Chapel Wood Centre Road, 2-4pm. Road. Open to everyone with an interest in the visual arts. Sunday 1st May - ‘Spring Bluebell Walk’, meet 10.30am in varied programme of talks, discussions and practical work. the Orchard. Entry: Visitors £4 Sunday 7th August - ‘Summer Walk’, featuring meadows, Members £2 (£12 p.a. membership) hedgerows, Northfield and Chapel Wood, meet 10.30am in For further information:- the Orchard, finishes at the Royal Oak Pub. Email: [email protected] Sunday 6th November - ‘Autumn Walk’, featuring valley or call 01474 874273 vistas and Village views, meet 10.30am in the Orchard. In addition, for the New Year Winter afternoons, we will be running a series of Art talks, the first of which will be on For more information on these and other walks, visit Thursday January 14th (2.30 to 4pm) entitled 'The other www.nagwoodlands.btck.co.uk, or you can email on half selected women artists' for further details contact as [email protected] or telephone Carole or before. Martin on 01474 874976.