If anyone had told us in January what the last few months would be like, I doubt any of us would have believed it. Of course the situation has been awful, especially for those who have lost friends & loved ones, but thankfully in Maidencombe, we have not experienced some of the horrors of other parts of the country.
There have been so many positives amidst the crisis. Folk have connected in ways we never have before. We’ve learned to Zoom to keep in touch with each other & those who live far away. We’ve shopped for each other (HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE), we’ve telephoned each other to check that our neighbours are OK, we’ve enjoyed the amazing peace and quiet and the wonderful weather in May. We have spoken with people on our daily exercise that we had not previously met. Some of us have been involved in home schooling as parents & grandparents, whilst others have sewed, knitted, gardened, baked, picked up litter from the lanes & the beach or read that novel we always promised ourselves we would.
Our wonderful community has really pulled together, and as we come (hopefully) out of the lockdown, I want to say a personal thank you to everyone.
The next phase where we are open to visitors may bring its challenges, but I’m sure that everyone will be mindful of the situation.
So, what’s been happening?
The Thatched Tavern has been renovated and the results are stunning. Whilst I know we are all eager to visit, Steve & team are currently adding the finishing touches and hope to be ready to welcome us in the coming weeks.
Suite Dreams, now to be Oystercatcher Court, has also been undergoing a big building operation which has caused considerable issues in terms of parking on Steep Hill, especially for those living in the lane. We have made representations to the council, police and the building company asking for help to ease this situation. Please be aware that some cars have been ignoring the fact that Steep Hill is one way!
The planning application for a care village on Sladnor Park continues to rumble on. We have worked hard to rebut the inaccuracies put forward by the developer, especially concerning potential flooding and will be having further meetings to try to resolve this once and for all. The village is in an area designated Flood Zone 3 (the highest level) so this is of great concern to us all, not least as our private sewerage systems could cease to function should a serious flood occur or the water table rise above a critical level. One of the most upsetting things has been the boarding up of the building containing the bat roosts and the removal of the front of the other building where the bats lived. I took the Wildlife Police up and they are investigating. I have made several attempts to involve Chris Packham of Springwatch, but to no avail. If anyone has a contact to bring this crime to a wider audience, please let me know.
Special thank you to Brian & Rob who have kept the village green cut and tidy. As you may know, we planted 60+ trees in the boundary which Andy Malpas has kindly been caring for. Unfortunately, someone has removed 30% of these trees, presumably for their own garden! Astounding, and very sad.
We continue to make representation to the Coast & Countryside Trust regarding the toilets & beach cafe. The rails on the approach to be beach have finally been repaired, but at present there is no good news regarding the other facilities. The toilets are a real concern as the only alternative for visitors is the use of the surrounding bushes, and as I am informed that Covid19 can survive in human waste, this is a more serious issue. If you feel that you would like to make representation to the Trust, please write to the Countryside manager Chris Lingard email: info@countryside-trust.org.uk
Like many residents, we have benefitted from deliveries from local butchers, fishmongers & other suppliers. Now that supermarket deliveries are easier to organise, I would personally urge everyone to support those smaller businesses who have supported us in recent months – don’t forget to use your discount card if you are an MRA member.
So as we come into the summer months, let’s enjoy our staycation in Maidencombe. When things allow, I am hoping we can have a huge party on the village green to celebrate!
As always, please let the MRA committee know if there is any way that we can help, or if you have ideas or suggestions for things that we can be involved with.
Stay safe and well, and I look forward to us all being together soon.
Best wishes
Chris Davies
01803 31 66 55
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