Author: Irene - Parish Clerk

I have had some sad news from Ann-Marie Crosse – Jane Sherwin has died from coronavirus.
Many of you in Mountfield, Brightling and Dallington will remember Jane as a teacher and also vicar of All Saints, Mountfield.
I have no more details, but you can get in touch with Ann-Marie on 01424 838504.
Irene – Parish Clerk

 

How are you all doing – stay safely in contact with each other.
Contact me or one of the other Mountfield Councillors for a list of people who have very kindly offered to help out with a bit of shopping, collecting medication and even dog-walking.
Just a word to all our volunteers and the many others who are helping friends and neighbours – you must stay safe, leave shopping etc., at the door and keep at least 2 metres (about 6 feet) away from each other.
Many of you are signed up for email alerts to this website – can you make sure that anyone who is not, signs up or if they do not have an internet connect, is it possible to print out this post or let them have the information by phone.
We are distributing another information flyer, which you should be receiving shortly.
LATEST INFORMATION
These sites are safe for current information
Click here for the NHS coronavirus site\
Click here for information on coronavirus from GOV.UK
Click here for information and advice from Rother District Council

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES
Mountfield Parish Council cannot be responsible for any information held on the link below, but it it generally thought that there is good and safe information on this site.
Click on this link to go to the Money Expert site

BEWARE OF SCAMS
It’s sickening, but scammers will be trying to make the most of this emergency.  The latest one I’ve heard of is an email saying that Central Government/BBC are extending the time for the over 75s to pay for their television licence and asking that you update your direct debit information.
DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING – JUST DELETE ANY EMAIL/TEXT YOU GET THAT EITHER YOU DON’T EXPECT OR LOOKS SUSPICIOUS.

SHOPPING
I’ve had to make some changes to this section as our small local shops – that are doing a great job – have made some changes.  Some are unable to cope with all the demand and deliveries, so ring first before getting in the car.
The supermarkets are unchanged
1.  Sainsburys – Heathfield (applies to all Sainsburys shops)
Monday to Saturday 0730-8000 priority for NHS workers, will need ID.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 0800-0900 priority for the elderly, keyworkers and disabled.
2.  Co-op – Heathfield and Battle
Monday to Friday 0800-0900 priority for keyworks, the elderly and disabled.
3.  Waitrose – Heathfield
Monday to Saturday 0700-1000, first opening hour is priority for keyworkers, the elderly and disabled.  They are also giving NHS workers priority at the checkouts.
LOCAL SHOPS (ring first)
Netherfield Stores and Post Office – 01424 838589
Rushlake Green Village Store – 01435 830381
The Old Orchard Village Shop – 07969 778985
Zero, Heathfield – 07391 490098
Eggs to Apples – 01580 860566
Venison and Lamb meat packs – 07780 707006
If anyone in your household is self-isolating due to experiencing coronavirus systems – please advise the delivery driver, get them to leave the bags outside your door, don’t use an electronic signature device and wash your hands immediately after putting shopping away – many people are also washing/disinfecting the shopping itself.

THE ADVENTURES OF ALFIE
He’s been having his exercise, sometimes in our field behind our house, but he’s scared of sheep (don’t ask!) so is always a little worried out there.  He’s been to Darwell, which he loves (thinks it’s his private property) and also the Cuckoo Trail in Heathfield.  Everyone being very sensible, smiling and saying “Good Morning,” but keeping a very safe distance away from each other – except the dogs of course.

I went to Sainsburys in Heathfield last Wednesday for the elderly shop.  Got there about 0750 and all us elderly were queuing up outside – I saw quite a few friends there and we were all very sensible and stood 2m from each other.  There were a few people in the shop, the NHS workers, they deserve far more than a clap.  There was serious security outside, a very nice chap, but I wouldn’t have argued with him.  At 0800 they let us in, about 10 at a time.  The shelves weren’t too bad, lots of veg, bread and enough milk, but my expert eye saw that the booze shelves were very empty (this is worrying!).  As one shopper left, another was let in.  It was all very quiet and polite.  I’ll go again next week, unless I can get a slot on-line.

Keep yourselves safe and keep in safe contact with neighbours and friends – that’s the most important things we can do.
Once again, if your neighbour/friend is not signed up to this website, or does not use the internet – please contact them and let them have this information.

 

 

 

 

Now more than ever we must look after each other and at the same time make sure we are keeping ourselves and our families safe.

HELP AND CONTACT IS AVAILABLE
I have a list of Mountfield people who are willing and able to do a bit of shopping, collect medication, walk your dog.  Please do not hesitate to contact me – Irene (Parish Clerk) 01424 838414/email – [email protected], if you need anything.
Phone your neighbours and friends, chat over the garden fence (keeping a safe distance away from each other, (2m is the recommended safe distance).
If you’ve never tried it before, use the link below to see how you can “video talk” to your family and friends – it’s a BBC website and safe.
Click on this link to see how to video call your family
There will be a fair number of Mountfield people who do not look at this website and do not have an internet connection.  If you know of any, can you please make sure they get this information.
Mountfield Parish Council are arranging a leaflet drop for every household.

LATEST INFORMATION
The sites below are safe for current information.
Click on this link for NHS information on coronavirus
Click on this link to see the latest information from Central Government
Click on this link for latest information from BBC News

BEWARE OF SCAMS
1.  Do not open your door to anyone saying they are from the “health services” and have come to test you for coronavirus.
2.  Immediately delete any email you have concerns about.  Your bank, HMRC etc., will not be contacting you about coronavirus.
3.  Keep all your devices software updated and use decent virus software.
Sometimes i despair how evil some people can be during such a crisis, but then I look at all the offers of help and how communities are looking after each other and feel a lot better.

SHOPPING
We can go out to get essential supplies and medication.  I’ve been doing (with some help from Jim Gray – Dallington Councillor) some investigation into local shops/opening hours/priorities for keyworkers, the elderly and disabled.
1.  Sainsburys – Heathfield (applies to all Sainsburys shops)
Monday to Saturday 0730-800 priority for NHS workers (will need ID).
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays – 0800-0900 priority for the elderly, keyworkers and disabled.
2.  Co-op – Heathfield and Battle
Monday to Friday 0800-0900 priority for keyworkers, the elderly and disabled.
3.  Waitrose – Heathfield
Monday to Saturday 0700-1000 first opening hour priority for keyworkers, the elderly and disabled.  They are also giving NHS workers priority at check-outs.
4.  Netherfield Stores and Post Office – will deliver and are always very helpful.
5.  Rushlake Green Village Store – 01435 830381, email – [email protected]
They will deliver, minimum spend £25.00, no delivery charge, payment by cash on delivery.  They will also bring items outside the shop for you to collect.
6.  The Old Orchard Village Shop – 07969 778985, will deliver, no minimum spend, no delivery charge.  Will also bring items out to the car park for you to collect.
7.  Zero – Heathfield (unpackaged/bulk/refillable food products and household products).  See their Facebook page for more details.  Phone – 07391 490098.  You can collect at the shop.
Click on this link for the Zero Shop home page
8.  Eggs to Apples – phone 01580 860566, email – [email protected]
They look to deliver to a number of people at one time (will need coordinating) and everyone will pay individually.  Minimum £10.00 spend, no delivery charge, will phone to arrange payment and will shortly be setting up an on-line order form and payment facility.  They will bring items out to the car park for you to collect.
Click on this link to go to the Eggs and Apples home page
I’ve been trying to find sensible information from Jempsons in Battle – I know they are doing priority orders as the other supermarkets, but cannot find any definite information at the moment.
If anyone in your household is self-isolating due to experiencing coronavirus systems – please advise the delivery driver as they will need to take extra precautions.  You are also advised to limit contact with delivery drivers, get them to leave bags outside your door, don’t use an electronic signature device and wash your hands immediately after putting shopping away.
Mountfield Parish Council advise that you contact any of the organisations above before actually going there and find out from them what their current policy is – it is possible that this could change rapidly.

THE ADVENTURES OF ALFIE
He’s got a big grin on his face at the moment – he was due for grooming today, but very sensibly his groomer has shut up shop for the duration.  He’s going to look like a miniature Yeti in a few weeks!  Freddie and I will have to wrangle him into the shower or get in with him.

HOW ARE YOU ALL FEELING?
It’s a very strange and anxious time for us all.  Things are so quiet, I look out of my windows and there are no lights on in the Swan, we’ve lived opposite the Swan for over thirty years and it’s so strange to see it darkened.  Things are so quiet at night – very nice in a way – but different.  Wonderful night sky and no planes to be seen.  A great website for aircraft nerds is –
Click here for the flightradar23 website
It seems much quieter than normal.
I’ve been an insomniac all my life, just think Miss Haversham in a red, fluffy dressing gown!  I’ve been wandering around the house at 3am (this is quite usual for me), making myself cups of tea, playing with my iPad (thinking seriously about playing Skyrim again).  So what am I doing – knitting socks (I’m an expert), reading (a compulsive one), so thankful for my Kindle and I’ve just re-read all the Polity series by Neal Asher – any other Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans out there?  Maybe I’ll get my embroidery out again (stealth boast again, I’m an expert).
Let me know what you are all doing, hobbies, reading – this could be a great conversation during this emergency.  I can publish them and redact all your contact details.

Look after yourselves and stay safe.
Irene (Parish Clerk)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you are all keeping well.  I’ve had lots of offers from volunteers (including a dog expert!) to do shopping/collect medication etc.  I’ve also noticed that friends and neighbours are really looking out for each other.  I’ve compiled a list of volunteers (still coming in) – so if you need any help, please, please contact me – 01424 838414 – [email protected]
The NHS are sending out information to those most at risk, telling them to totally self-isolate – so our kind volunteers may well be needed soon.
Just a reminder – only take advice from trusted websites/information.  You can trust the links below
Click on this link to see the latest information on coronavirus from the NHS

Click on this link to see the latest information on corona virus from Central Government

Click on this link to see the latest update on coronavirus from BBC News

PARISH COUNCIL BUSINESS
All parish councils are in “limbo” at the moment, but most business will go on.  As you are probably aware the village hall is officially closed during this emergency.  It is a legal requirement that all parish council meetings are held in public and virtual meetings are illegal.  We are waiting for instructions from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and hopefully virtual meetings will be allowed during this emergency.
Planning applications – we have delegation system for these to be responded to outside of meetings.  I will continue to post all applications on this website, with full links to the particular application on the RDC planning website and ask that if you wish to comment, go straight to the RDC planning website.
General Mountfield issues – please continue to contact me via email if you have concerns about enforcement, road conditions, flooding, footpaths etc.

We took Alfie for a walk in Darwell yesterday, we walk him 2 or 3 times a week there, and for the first time in 30 years I had trouble parking the car – it was absolutely packed.  A lovely walk and met a few people dog walking.  Everyone was very sensible, except the dogs who have no idea of personal space!

Look after yourselves and stay in touch.
Irene (Parish Clerk)
01424 838414 email – [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone, I hope you are staying well and listening to Government advice.  Please keep in touch with your neighbours and friends – phone, email, WhatsApp, Facebook etc.
I have had an offer from a very kind couple in Mountfield to help those in the Mountfield community who may need it.  Please contact me, by email or phone, and I’ll put you in contact with them.
If you would like to help, doing a little shopping, collecting medication etc., please contact me – 01424 838414 – [email protected]
Your details will not be published on line and deleted when the crisis is over.

I went to Tesco at Ravenside (Bexhill) today – a complete waste of time.  Empty shelves everywhere, no potatoes, fresh veg, eggs, milk, butter, frozen chips etc.
However, the Netherfield Stores and Post Office is its usual bright and friendly self, they have good stocks and very sensibly are limiting the amounts people can buy. Several kind locals have  offered to help them out with deliveries.  Click on the link below for details (they also make great coffee!)
Netherfield Stores and Post Office

Irene (Parish Clerk) – 01424 838414, email – [email protected]