It’s hard to credit that we are already half way through 2019. We’ve seen a new MRA committee in place in April where it was good to welcome Andy Maltas & Alison Whitehead to the team.
We have spent a lot of time trying to get a resolution from the Coast & Countryside Trust regarding the maintenance of the village green, community orchard and of course the beach approach and steps. Unfortunately, it seems that “due to lack of funds” they will not be able to do very much to keep these important assets in good order. Our grateful thanks must go to Brian Crisp & Rob Austin for all their hard work in maintaining the village green which so many residents and visitors enjoy. We have put up some posters to try to encourage folk to pick up & bin their dog’s “poo” as the Poo Fairy does not live in Maidencombe! We will continue to work to keep the beach steps clear and will have another working party to include a beach clean in a few weeks.
Huge thanks to Abi Harvey who has worked on an excellent new MRA website to be launched shortly. I hope that you will enjoy the new site which will keep you up to date with plans and events.
On that subject, it would be great to hear what events folks would like to get involved with. A group of us are catching the ferry from Torquay to enjoy a trip across the bay to Brixham on Wednesday 31 July to have a fish & chips supper at Simply Fish. Please let me know if you would like to come along.
We understand that the Thatched Tavern has been sold but there is no information at present regarding new owners etc. The summer fete which was due to be on 26 August may still go ahead but if not, the MRA were looking at a Games Day on the village green with the popular events including welly wanging, dressing up races, and a host of other silliness. Please keep an eye out for posters around the village to confirm details.
Other potential events are a Last Night of the Proms, a Gin Evening and looking to the autumn, a quiz to test those grey cells. On Saturday 19 October, Lorraine Ford is organising a Walking Treasure Trail around Torre followed by a lunch together. It is not an arduous walk but will be great fun and a chance to discover some of our local history. Again, please let me know if you would like to join in. It would be great to have your thoughts please of events you would like to see happen in the village.
The introduction of the 5G network has caused some concern and we are getting information together on a number of issues. If you have any connection with this new technology, and can provide any information, please get in touch.
Sadly, as many of you will know, there was a fatality on the Teignmouth Road where a motorcyclist lost his life. We have lobbied the council and police for years to make this road safer, but to no avail. I would encourage you to write to the relevant authorities to register your concerns before another tragedy occurs. Details are:-
Highways: andrew.england@torbay.gov.uk
Police & Crime Commissioner: opcc@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Ward Councillors: anne.brooks@torbay.gov.uk, hazel.foster@torbay.gov.uk, ray.hill@torbay.gov.uk
With the successful adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan, many of our Green Spaces should be protected, but there is still much work to be done. Rodney, Nigel G & I are all members of the Steering Group for the local Community Partnership which works to be a voice for the local community, and liaising with councillors and officers of Torbay Council, looks to ensure that community voices are heard. If you have any issues that you would like us to raise, or would like to come along to one of the monthly meetings, again, please let me know.
Sladnor Park is of course still very much on the village agenda and we await a date for the planning proposals to come before the council planning committee for a decision. Looking at the planning portal, you will see that we have been able to refute and challenge the claims made by the developer, especially in terms of flood risk, building height and recently whether the 2006/08 planning permission had lapsed, which they claimed was still live!
As you know we have a new council and many of the councillors on the planning team have little or no previous experience of planning and have only had a brief training period. This is a great concern as inexperienced councillors may be swayed by those with more experience of the system and who may have their own agenda. When we have a date for the meeting to decide on the Sladnor Park planning application, I would ask as many of the community as possible come along and get behind our fight to Save Sladnor Park. Please keep an eye on the Saving Sladnor Park Facebook page for up to date information.
Last, but by no means least, you may know that our wonderful postman, Joe Croker, will retire at the end of the month. Joe has not only been our postie, but a really important and valued member of the Maidencombe family. So many of us have received help and kindness from Joe over the years, well above and beyond his normal duties. He will be sorely missed by every one of us. I am sure you will want to say goodbye to Joe over the next few days. If you would like to contribute to his leaving gift, please let Rodney or I have your donation, with any cheques made payable to A Croker by 31 July. Thank you.
The above are just some of the areas where the Maidencombe Resident’s Association have been active over recent months. We rely on your input and feedback – this is YOUR association. If you are not already a member, and would like to join the MRA, please let me know. There are many benefits to membership, not least a Discount Card giving 10% off a wide range of local businesses ranging from florists, restaurants, fishmongers and photography services through to having your septic tank emptied – something for everyone!
Finally, may I wish you all a safe and happy summer, making happy memories whatever you have planned.
Best wishes
Chris Davies
Chair Maidencombe Resident’s Association
01803 316655
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