Others were hopeful that this marvellous facility would be enjoyed and respected in equal measure.

While there is no doubt that many people have made good use of the court during the months since its official opening, a small minority has chosen to abuse this undoubted privilege and the court has recently had to be temporarily closed in order to effect repairs to the playing surface.

Having inspected the damage, experts from the company who supplied the court confirmed that the tarmac surface had been damaged to such an extent that repairs will cost the parish council in excess of £600 to make good.

The most likely cause of such damage was that the winding gear which tightens the net had been turned to its fullest extent and then the net itself had been 'bounced' on, causing the supporting upright pole to be forced sideways through the tarmac surface.

Normal use of the court would not have caused such damage.

The net has now been removed and will, in future, be stored in a specially purchased 'bunker' (at a further cost of nearly £300 to the parish council) and those wishing to play will have to obtain the keys beforehand.

Sincere commiserations to the Multi-Court Committee who spent many, many months in planning, preparation and good old-fashioned hard work clearing up weeds and repainting. Not only a huge disappointment for them but for the village as a whole.


Attic Amensty

The attic spaces above both the village hall and the Sports and Social Club are still providing a home for a very eclectic collection of 'treasures' from years gone by.

In order to finally clear these areas, a band of volunteers from the village hall committee and the parish council will be moving in with a gleam in their eye and bin bags in hand.

If you or your organisation have been storing items in either of the attics, please come along to claim them on Saturday October 25 at 9am, otherwise they will be (thoughtfully) disposed of.

If you are unable to claim your property in person, please contact either Tony Collison on 813599 or Janice Patient on 812424 before that date.

Freecyclers are welcome to drop by.


Diary Dates

September 23, 'Face the People,' a public consultation on community safety to be held in the village hall from 6 to 8pm; September 28, Back to Church Sunday; Social Club bingo twice weekly.