A website for all those who live in Mountfield
Apologies – in the last paragraph I thanked Dallington local volunteers instead of Mountfield ones. I have called on our Mountfield volunteers for help quite a few times and each time they have stepped up to the plate.
So grateful thanks and appreciation to all those in Mountfield who have helped out.
Irene – Parish Clerk
We started the UK lockdown on 23.03.20 and it was extended by 3 weeks on 16.04.20 and nobody seems to have any idea of where we are all going after that. Let’s hope there is some positive news soon, but I don’t think we will be able to live our normal lives for some months yet.
I’d like to thank Jane Clark – Parish Clerk/RFO at Westfield – for her great work in pulling lots of information together and sending it out to the Rother Clerks Group – she has been magnificent!
Click on this link for coronavirus information from the NHS
Click on this link for coronavirus information from GOV.UK
Click on this link for advice on dental matters from the NHS
Advice from Citizens Advice Bureau Rother District
Advice from East Sussex County Council
Advice from Rother District CouncilAdvice from Rother District Council
ESCC are also calling the individuals on the shielded group to check if they need additional support. However, if there is support in delivering medication in place through local systems, i.e. volunteers through a local scheme or via the parish councils, it is likely that this will stay in place. Therefore, ESCC will only be taking over the management of a shielded person when either –
Click on this link for supermarket information
Food shops operating in Rother during this emergency
Click on the link below to see the latest information from Rother District Council Planning Department.
RDC Planning information during this emergency
As with all parish councils in Rother, we are dealing with essential business only. We have 2 planning applications – both posted on this site – and will respond via our delegated authority. I am currently preparing the year-end accounts (AGAR) at 31.03.20 and will soon be “delivering” them to our internal auditor. It will be very different this year as we cannot meet up – it is always a positive thing to meet up with your internal auditor who is completely neutral and not involved with the parish council at all. It is a great opportunity to discuss systems and how the RFO deals with “the money.” I’ve had some great advice from internal auditors over the year. This year I’ll have to drop off the finance documents with our auditor and we will deal with any queries by email.
Well, we have had the great nail cutting drama – he was actually very good (no screaming)! I only took a tiny bit off his claws and will probably have to look at them again in a couple of weeks. His coat is getting longer and longer and he is starting to look like Denis Healey! I am gearing myself up for his “home-made” grooming session, I’ve had a look at all the videos on the web, but the groomers are professionals and all the dogs are incredibly well behaved, I can’t guarantee Alfie’s behaviour, although his groomer says he is always very good – I’ll let you know all about it shortly.
We’ve been walking the beautiful Dallington Forest nearly everyday, it is very quiet and we only meet a few people – we all stand back and carefully observe social distancing.
We did the Millennium Walk at Heathfield today, as we had to pick up Freddie’s prescription from the Heathfield Surgery. Very beautiful and only met a few walkers (with their dogs) – all very civilised.
I seem to have lots of plates spinning in the air at the moment and must settle down and get on with things. The parish council work is a very good thing for me, as I have to get it right and there are deadlines. My broadband is all over the place at the moment – people working from home, school children working at home and everyone streaming, it has taken me about two hours to get this post together, but then, everyone is in the same boat. My knitting has been put on hold, I don’t really feel like it at the moment. I have three pairs of socks on the go and really must take a deep breath and get on with them. It is usually a relaxing hobby for me, as you have to count the stitches on each needle (rather Zen) -breath!
Sincere thanks to everyone who is helping us at the moment, not forgetting our Dallington volunteers. Look after yourselves.
Irene – Parish Clerk
We still have no end in sight and just have to carry on with our new “normal,” but we have glorious weather and there is a soft greening on our trees and hedgerows.
Click on this link for coronavirus information from the NHS
Click on this link for coronavirus information from GOV.UK
Click on this link for coronavirus information from Rother District Council
Click on this link for coronavirus information from East Sussex County Council
Both the Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council websites have Community Support sections.
If you need to see or contact your GP during this emergency, please check their website or phone first. I’ve added links to the surgeries I know about in Battle and Heathfield.
Click on this link for information for the Martins Oak Surgery (Battle)
Click on this link for the Oldwood Surgery (Battle)
Click on this link for the Heathfield Surgery (Heathfield)
Its seems that most dental surgeries are completely closed during this emergency. There is some information on the NHS website (link below). –
Click here for information about dental issues from the NHS
Like our GPS, vets are only dealing with emergencies, although I understand they are still doing the final jabs for puppies and kittens. Check their website and phone first.
It goes without saying that our heartfelt thanks go to all NHS workers and every one of those essential workers who are keeping our lives as normal as possible. I would also like to say a massive Thank You to those Mountfield residents who have volunteered to pick up essential supplies/prescriptions for those who must not leave their homes. A resident contacted me about helping our super Postmen by leaving our gates unlatched, this is a great idea – but obviously not if you have small children or pets!
Be extra vigilant at this time – just put the phone down or delete the email. There’s some good advice on the Age UK website, the link is below.
Click on this link for scam advice from Age UK
1. Sainsburys (all Sainsbury shops)
Monday to Saturday 0730-0800 priority for NHS workers (will need ID)
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 0800-0900 priority for the elderly, keyworkers and the 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 is priority for keyworkers, the elderly and disabled. They are also giving NHS workers priority at the checkouts.
4. Local shops (ring first)
Netherfield Stores and Post Office – 01424 838589
Rushlake Green Village Stores – 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
I’m afraid Alfie is in disgrace. We went to our field yesterday and as usual he was just trundling around. He managed to put up a pheasant and I don’t know who was more frightened – the pheasant or Alfie as his natural prey is a small beetle. I took my eyes off him for a moment, looked around and the Little Grotbag was on his back rolling in fox poo! I’m not normally precious, but I cannot live with with the smell of fox poo in the house. So it was straight home and into a bath for him. He’s nice and clean now, but is beginning to look like a failed attempt at Build a Bear. We haven’t had the great nail clipping project yet, but it will be very soon.
Last Christmas my son bought Alfie the biggest dog chew he could find. Alfie couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw it. He walked around it for a few minutes and you could almost hear his little doggie brain thinking – “is it really all for me?” He managed to pick it up, tried to get it through the door to the kitchen and had to work out for about 10 minutes just how to do it. That hurdle overcome, he then tried to get it up the stairs, all we could hear for most of Christmas morning was the crashing and banging of all the failed attempts. It is now in three pieces and he still guards it vigorously against the BAD KITTENS!
It’s going to be a very different Easter for all of us, with Christmas, one of the turning points of the year. I’m not religious, but understand the importance of this time of year to those of all faiths – it is the most important celebration of the Christian year, Passover for those of the Jewish faith and Ramadan starts in late April. It is so sad that our churches, synagogues, mosques and temples are closed.
I can only wish you all a Happy Easter, staying safe and looking after one another.
Irene (Parish Clerk)
I’ve had a few queries about how you can contact your GP during this emergency and how you can arrange a necessary visit and/or renew prescriptions.
Links to the Martins Oak Surgery and the Oldwood Surgery are below and these will give you full details.
Click on this link for the Martins Oak Surgery website
Click on this link for the Oldwood Surgery website
If you know anyone that does not subscribe to this website and probably uses one of the above surgeries – can you please let them know of the changes.
Irene (Parish Clerk)
No real end in sight yet – all we can do is to stay safe and look after each other safely.
SAFE WEBSITES FOR INFORMATION
Be careful, lots of very dubious information out there, the following sites are safe
Click on this link for coronavirus information from the NHS
Click on this link for coronavirus information from GOV.UK
Click on this link for information from Rother District Council during this emergency
FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES/INFORMATION
Dallington Parish Council cannot be responsible for any information held on this site, but it is generally thought to be a reliable source of financial information, particularly during this emergency.
Click on this link to go to Money Saving Expert
THE BEST OF US
Grateful and sincere thanks to everyone out there who are working endlessly to keep us safe and our lives as normal as they can possibly be – all who work in the NHS, the carers, all the keyworkers, all in the emergency services, the military, all the shop assistants, the food bank volunteers and all those in essential jobs. You have our heartfelt thanks.
AND THE WORST
They are always out there and scammers will take the opportunity of this emergency to to try to defraud, upset and generally increase the levels of anxiety. If you get any emails (I’ve had a couple) asking for money, threats, the old “click on this link” request or any email that you feel is not genuine – DELETE! DELETE! DELETE! – a safe website for advice is the Police’s Action Fraud site, the link is below
Click on this link to go to the Police Action Fraud website
SHOPPING
1. Sainsburys (all Sainsbury shops)
Monday to Saturday 0730-0800 priority for NHS workers (will need ID)
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 0800-0900 priority for the elderly, keyworkers and the 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 is priority for keyworkers, the elderly and disabled. They are also giving NHS workers priority at the checkouts.
4. Local shops (ring first)
Netherfield Stores and Post Office – 01424 838589
Rushlake Green Village Stores – 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
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HEATHFIELD
They have gathered together a big group of volunteers from all the Heathfield churches and are happy to help you if you are self-isolating and can also put you in touch with other local volunteers. Their numbers are – 01435 863786 and 01435 864646.
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!
A young astrophysicist, Dr. Daniel Readon, was trying to invent a device to stop people touching their faces. He ended up in hospital with magnets stuck up his nose! Every mother reading this probably rolled her eyes and thought I’ve got one like that – good brain, but no common sense – I know I have. However, full marks Dr. Daniel for trying. There’s a link below to the Guardian article.
Click on this link to see the Guardian article about Dr. Daniel Reardon
THE ADVENTURES OF ALFIE
He’s very bored and missing his woodland walks as we’ve decided to just exercise him in the field behind our house. I’ve just looked out of our window and there are no fire-breathing sheep in the adjacent fields – so he should be safe. We are going to have to bite the bullet soon and clip his nails, not looking forward to it, but will have to be done.
Stay safe all of you, look after yourselves and each other.
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 – clerk@mountfield.org.uk, 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 – rgvs@btinternet.com
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 – hello@eggstoapples.co.uk
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 – clerk@mountfield.org.uk
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 – clerk@mountfield.org.uk
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 – clerk@mountfield.org.uk
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 – clerk@mountfield.org.uk