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Bridge's Historic Environment Record (HER)
History ~ History Society ~ HER Database

17 May
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Free loft and cavity wall insulation

Action with Communities in Rural Kent has teamed up with British Gas to offer free cavity wall and/or loft insulation to anyone in receipt of eligible benefits including child tax credit and state pension credit; other benefits are included. It is also free to anyone living in certain geographical areas as defined by the Government.

There is no catch and you do not need to be a British Gas customer.

Insulating your home can save you hundreds of pounds on your energy bills and makes your home warmer; it's good for the environment too by lowering your carbon emissions.

For more information on this free offer and to check your eligibility contact British Gas free on 0800 980 9037 or speak to Tessa O'Sullivan at Action with Communities in Rural Kent on 01303 813790

9 May
-
Vacancy for Parish Councillor

Following the resignation of Cllr Bill Oakey, a vacancy has arisen for a Parish Councillor for Bridge. This will be filled by co-option to the Parish Council

Anyone interested in applying for this vacant position should contact Christobel Seath, the Parish Clerk, as soon as possible.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 31st May

3 May
-
County County Election
Ballot Box

Congratulations to Michael Northey who has been re-elected as our Kent County Councillor.

The results for our ward (Canterbury South East) were :

NORTHEY, Michael John The Conservative Party Candidate138533%33%
SOLE, Michael JohnLiberal Democrat118128%28%
KENT, Oliver John UKIP79519%19%
BUTCHER, Jean Elizabeth The Labour Party Candidate54913%13%
SHIRLEY, Emily Edith Green Party2947%7%

Total votes cast: 4204 (31% turnout)

24 Apr
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Appeal for witnesses

Keith Hall, aged 44, from Whitfield died following a collision on the A2 between Dover and Canterbury on Wednesday, 17 April 2013. It is believed that Mr Hall's MGB sports car had broken down at the side of the London-bound carriageway between Dover and Canterbury when a Scania tipper lorry was in collision with it. Mr Hall was declared dead at the scene. The driver of the lorry was shocked but not injured.

Police are continuing to appeal for information about the collision which happened at 3.20pm near Patrixbourne. The road had to be closed until 7.50pm to allow emergency services to deal with the collision and for the vehicles to be removed.

Can you help?

Anyone who witnessed the collision and has not spoken to police is urged to contact the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.

17 Apr
-
Playground Resurfacing

Work has finished replacing the surface of the children's play area on the recreation ground.

This work was possible thanks to a grant from Canterbury City Council, which contributed 49% of the cost.

13 Apr
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Nailbourne Horticultural Society - Spring Show

The Society held its Annual Spring Show on the morning of Saturday 13 April in Bridge Village Hall.

Judges Clive and Dian Godden commented that the quality of entries was good, despite the difficult growing conditions we had experienced in recent months. Again, despite this, the number of exhibitors and exhibits showed an increase on the previous year.

The "Open Class" to bake a lemon drizzle cake attracted an encouraging number of entries and was won by youngsters Marley and Clay Stevens-Greenwood from Bekesbourne. The Chairman's Challenge (Whitten Spencer Cup) to grow Jetfire bulbs in a pot attracted the highest number of entries and was won by Julia Cooper. The cup for the Best Bloom in Show was presented to David and Penny Spencer for their miniature bloom described by the judges as "exquisite", while the cup for the Best Flowering Pot Plant went to Jane Lovelock for her magnificent Clivia.

Thank you from the Committee to all who helped, entered or came along to support the event and make it a success.

13 Apr
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Jubilee Oak Plaque
A plaque has recently been erected to mark the oak tree which was planted in the recreation ground last year to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

10 Apr
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Scam alert!
Quiet a few households in Bridge have today received phone calls from "their broadband provider". The calls show as "international" on phone displays. These calls are scams, attempting to access your computer. Some residents have been subjected to abuse and foul langauge when refusing to co-operate. If you get one of these calls, simply say "we don't have broadband" and hang up.

10 Apr
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Wild Flower Project

Grateful thanks are due to the volunteers who came to help on Saturday.

A natural hedge was planted against the new wire fence. The wild flower area was cleared of leaves to display the bluebells and more primroses and aconites were planted. Turf was removed from some areas ready for planting snowdrop plants and wild flower seeds at the end of the month. Thank you also to the local residents who generously donated plants. It was a very successful morning enjoyed by everyone.

Sue Hodges

10 Apr
-
Dayspring FC results

Our results so far this season - and our upcoming fixtures for April/May. Show

01/09/12AwayCharing F.CW0-8DayspringC.C.F.C. Canterbury and District League Div 1
08/09/12HomeDayspringW2-0SentinelsCanterbury and District League Div 1
15/09/12HomeDayspringL3-4Blean F.C.Canterbury and District League Div 1
22/09/12HomeDayspring W5-1Herne Bay AthleticCanterbury and District League Div 1
29/09/12AwayThe PloughL0-4DayspringTHE CHALLENGE TROPHY 1st RND
06/10/12AwayBurgess HodgsonL4-2 aetDayspring Kent Cup 1st Round group C
13/10/12HomeDayspringL3-10Faversham HarlequinCanterbury Challenge Cup 1st Rnd
20/10/12HomeDayspringW6-1Canterbury City A.Canterbury and District League Div 1
27/10/12AwayRed ArrowvDayspring Whitstable Challenge Cup
03/11/12AwayBleanL3-1Dayspring
10/11/12HomeDayspringL0-1Chartham(match played at Chartham due to pitch closure)
17/11/12AwayFavershamL2-0Dayspring
24/11/12HomeDayspringPostponedThe SwanDue to pitch closure
15/12/12AwayThe SwanPostponedDayspring
22/12/12AwayRed ArrowPostponedDayspring Whitstable Charity Cup
5/1/13AwayHerne Bay AthleticW0-4Dayspring
12/1/13AwaySentinelsL3-1Dayspring
19/1/13AwayUniversity ReservesPostponed - snowDayspring
26/1/13AwayCanterbury City APostponed - snowDayspring
2/2/13HomeDayspringW4-2The Swan
9/2/13AwayCharthamW0-1Dayspring
23/2/13AwayThe SwanCancelledDayspringSewage on pitch
2/3/13HomeDayspringW7-0Charing
9/3/13AwayRed ArrowPostponed: waterlogged pitchDayspringWhistable Charity Cup, 2nd round
16/3/13AwayCanterbury City 'A'W1-4Dayspring
23/3/13HomeDayspringPostponed: snow on pitchChilhamFaversham Charity Cup, 2nd round
29/3/13HomeDayspringW3-1ChilhamFaversham Charity Cup, 2nd round.
30/3/13AwayRed ArrowL4-2DayspringWhitstable Charity Cup, 2nd round.
1/4/13AwayHerne Bay Ath.W0-5DayspringFaversham Charity Cup, 3rd round.
6/4/13HomeDayspringPostponedFavershamDistrict League Div 1. 15:00 kickoff
6/4/13AwaySt StephensL3-1DayspringFaversham Charity Cup, Semi final.
27/4/13HomeDayspringvFaversham Utd
6/5/13AwayThe SwanvDayspringOld Palace Road, KO 6.45pm
8/5/13HomeDayspringvUniversity ReservesKO 6.45pm
25/5/13AwayUniversity ReservesvDayspringKO 3pm
Full results and match reports can all be found here

12 Mar
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Sewage in the Nailbourne
Tanker pumping sewage in Riverside Close
Photo: A Atkinson

Is this acceptable?

Read our MP Julian Brazier's response here.

What is going on?

The current situation is that the water company is 'over-pumping' and 'tankering' at various points because they have to respond to the emergency that exists, or is about to happen. They believe that if they did not take this emergency action, then there is a danger to public health because at various places along the sewer-line, there would be residents who would lose sewerage services, or worse, who would experience flooding into their homes from the sewer system.

Given that this is seen as an emergency, the Environment Agency has accepted that the water company has taken reasonable steps to preserve public health with their current operation, and so the current operation is deemed legal.

The operation is in two parts:

The tankering takes sewage from the system at various points, Riverside Close is one of those, to a treatment plant, so relieving the pressure within the sewer. This scheme means that we have tankers on the roads, noise at all hours in Riverside Close, and from time to time there are open manhole covers left off and pipework left in Riverside Close.

The 'over-pumping' involves pumping sewage from the system through a screen, into a settling tank, before passing it again through a screen and out into the Nailbourne River. As the river is currently in full flow, the volume of water sufficiently dilutes any sewage for the resultant fluid to pass test levels for public health. However, concerns remain wherever the water sits in pools, rather than flows, and, when the water flow rate diminishes, for then the sewage concentration will increase in proportion.

These operations are expected to be required for as long as the groundwater levels remain high. On latest predictions, this is likely to be for months rather than weeks, and will be required in any year when ground water levels are high.

With thanks to our Parish Council rep: Cllr Alan Atkinson

12 Feb
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River Warnings
Road Closed

Ford Closed

The ford in Brewery Lane is now so deep that is has been closed to traffic. Also, with the river being contaminated, driving through the ford spreads the contamination around.

It is now an offence to drive through the ford


Contamination

Southern Water has started pumping operations in Bishopsbourne and Bekesbourne. This means the Nailbourne is now contaminated with raw sewage through Bridge.

Keep pets and children out of the river along its entire course



24 Jan
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Groundwater Flood Alert
Environment Agency logo The Environment Agency have now issued a groundwater flood alert for the Nailbourne. You can read it in full here

Current situation

After one of the wettest years ever recorded, groundwater levels around the Nailbourne, Little Stour and Petham Bourne are high. Groundwater levels in these areas are continuing to rise in response to the recent rainfall. The rate that the groundwater is increasing for the Nailbourne has reduced since the river has started to flow. However, the levels are still increasing but at a slower rate.

Current groundwater levels are comparable to those experienced in 2010 where impacts to sewerage systems and some roads were experienced. This lasted for several months. Improvements have been made to flood resilience and drainage infrastructure as well as the sewerage systems since 2010. We have also managed the river throughout the year in case a situation like this occurred.

The Nailbourne is currently flowing as far as the ford in Brewery Lane.

Actions

  • If you live by the river, remove all fences or other obstructions
  • Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or go online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk to find out if you can register to receive free Flood Alerts/Warnings for flooding from groundwater
  • Move valuables from basements and cellars.
  • Check pumps and any other flood protection equipment you have
  • Keep drains and gullies around your property free of debris

Further information

For information on groundwater levels and the latest water situation report visit the Environment Agency website

You can also get practical advice on what to do before, during and after groundwater flooding from this Flooding from Groundwater publication

21 May
-
Weather
 

~~~ Events ~~~
TONIGHT
Women's Institute
Village Hall
Tuesday, 21st May
7.30pm

Birthday and Resolutions Meeting and will include a light

supper. Watch out for further details.

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Village Hall AGM
Village Hall
Thursday, 23rd May
7.30pm

The AGM of the Bridge Village Hall Management Committee.

- Election of two committee members and appointment of officers.

- Chairman's and Treasurer's reports

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LogoFarmers' Market
Red Lion
Saturday, 25th May
9.00am - 12 noon
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Fish Scheme Coffee Morning
Village Hall
Saturday, 25th May
10.00am - 12 noon

LogoFarmers' Market
Red Lion
Saturday, 8th June
9.00am - 12 noon
More...

Logo Caring and Sharing
Monday, 10th June
7.30pm
The Bridge Benefice Caring & Sharing Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays in the month at 7.30 pm except for bank holidays and the school summer holidays.
~~~
For details of meetings and venues, contact the co-ordinator Peggy Pryer on 01227 832058 or by e-mail.Hide <<<
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Fish Scheme Coffee Pop-in
Village Hall
Wednesday, 12th June
10.00am

National Vegetable Society
Village Hall
Wednesday, 12th June
7.30pm

The local Association are delighted to welcome back Sherie Plumb, one of the top exhibitors in the show world, to speak this time on "Runner Beans".

The evening starts at 7.30 with refreshments followed by the talk itself at 8.00pm. The Association are delighted to welcome non-members to their meetings.

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Parish Council Meeting
Village Hall
Thursday, 13th June
7.30pm

Village Fete
School Grounds
Saturday, 15th June
12 noon - 4.00pm

Hot and cold refreshments, Beer Tent, cream teas, Victoria Sponge competition, Bouncy Castle, fairground stalls, book, toys, puzzles, bric-a-brac, grand raffle, children's performances


Free parking on the recreation ground (weather permitting)


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Women's Institute
Village Hall
Tuesday, 18th June
7.30pm

"Pearls and Princesses"

Speaker: Helen Kendall-Tobias

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LogoFarmers' Market
Red Lion
Saturday, 22nd June
9.00am - 12 noon
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Local Plan surgery
Village Hall
Saturday, 22nd June
10.00am - 12 noon

Our City Councillor, Simon Cook, will be holding surgeries about the draft of the Local Plan when the consultation period starts in order to listen to views from local residents to take back to the council.

He is also very happy to be contacted via email simon.cook@canterbury.gov.uk or by phone 07912 537006.

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Logo Caring and Sharing
Monday, 24th June
7.30pm
The Bridge Benefice Caring & Sharing Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays in the month at 7.30 pm except for bank holidays and the school summer holidays.
~~~
For details of meetings and venues, contact the co-ordinator Peggy Pryer on 01227 832058 or by e-mail.Hide <<<
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~~ Nearby Events ~~
Horticultural Society
Old Bladbean Stud
Thursday, 20th June
6.00pm

In the expectation of some warm sunny weather by then, the Horticultural Society have organised an evening visit to the *Gardens of Old Bladbean Stud. We shall meet at our usual place (Green Court/Western Avenue area of Bridge) at 6.00 pm to arrange car sharing in order to arrive at the gardens for our visit at 6.30. Admission for evening visits is £7.50 each, which includes a short tour and tea/coffee and cakes, and a bag of home grown dried strawberries to take home.

Sounds good!?

I am informed by the owners that you are welcome to bring cameras and that they have a range of plants for sale grown from seed or cuttings taken from the garden. Sadly the paths are too narrow for wheelchairs, but fine for walking frames.

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Only those events in the next 5 weeks are being displayed, that's up to 25/06/2013 . To display all up-coming events click here
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