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Blyth Valley Computing Society
Peter Byrne gave our November talk; he lives in Walberswick and is the IT Director for a national firm of estate agents. Peter showed how new technology has changed the whole process of buying and selling houses. 67% of buyers now start with a search on the Internet. Estate agents can match properties to buyer's requirements using their computer databases. Buyers are advised of appropriate properties for sale, immediately they come on the market, by text messaging and email.
Big estate agent companies are now in partnership with legal firms to offer speedier conveyancing, with guaranteed standards of service, through text messaging transaction progress updates as well as secure online access to their own sale or purchase case file on the web.
Peter spoke of the Government's plans to introduce Home Information Packs (HIP's), which is in the final stages before Parliament. The object of the HIP is to make property transactions speedier and therefore reduce the uncertainty of our current system. The HIP, prepared before a property goes on the market, will provide full information to a buyer prior to making an offer rather than after an offer has been accepted; often many weeks later, as it is now. Opinion is divided about the proposed changes.
Peter demonstrated software based on ordnance survey mapping that allows accurate measurement of land and house plot areas throughout the UK. There was some rivalry among members as the exact size of some gardens was calculated.
Piers Ford-Crush, Chairman
Walberswick Common Lands Charity
Work will be carried out this winter to clear sand encroachment from the beach hut sites on Trust land. Winter work on the Common is in progress. Quotes are being sought for dyke clearance on the grazing marshes. The Trust is again sponsoring a Children's Christmas party; contact Jacqui Morcombe for details. There is a new format for applicants requesting grants from the car park covenant. Applications will be considered in early 2005, although final decisions will not be made until March/April. Please contact me for details of the new procedures if you have a project to put forward.
Jayne Tibbles, Clerk to the Trustees
W.A.T.S. Next?
Many village thespians have confided that they are missing the camaraderie and fun of the pantomime during the winter months. So, we are inviting anyone (sorry, not children this time) interested in taking part in a comedy in early spring - anything from acting to ticket sales - to come to Lilliput, Lodge Road on Sunday 9th January between 3 and 5 p.m.
This is just for a chat, maybe a read, to take your details and see if there is sufficient interest. Nothing scary! If you are unable to come but would like to be included, please ring Julia on 723179 or Val on 724609.
We will be delighted to see anyone, no experience necessary, but we're particularly keen to see some more men! (Most plays include a fine smattering of males!)
Val Anderson and Julia Sowerbutts
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WI: THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our Christmas party will be on Wednesday December 8th at 2.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. Come and join us for some fun and a happy time and get into the Christmas mood!
At the AGM held at the November meeting we were pleased to welcome three new committee members: Jenny Cardew, Celia MacCarthy and Irene Prince.
With the resignation of Barbara Taylor we had to elect a new chairman and were delighted when Jenny Cardew, after a unanimous vote from the members, agreed to serve the branch. Business over, we were treated to a prison officer and his two dogs (Labrador and Spaniel) explaining and demonstrating how they deal with drugs at Hollesley Bay prison.
Julia Josephs
Are You Interested in becoming a School Governor?
The Governing Body of Sir John Leman High School needs to appoint a Community Governor. If you are interested, or would like to know something of what is involved, please contact me, on 01502 724609.
Val Anderson, Chair of Governors
Setting Up Home
MIN & KEITH would like to say a huge thank you to all those in the village and there's too many to name, for the overwhelming support we have had in setting up home. Your help has been most appreciated. Thank you.
November Parish Council Meeting Report
Planning
Permission had been granted for the erection of a single-storey, first floor extension and a replacement garage at Old School Cottage, Leveretts Lane, subject to the development being carried out in accordance with the plans and information contained in the application. Retrospective planning permission had also been granted for the retention of veranda decking at The Old Yacht Yard. Although Waveney District Council had reported the PC's objections to the Rural Development Committee, and agreed it was a sensitive site, they did not consider the development changed the character of the area.
Local Issues
Condition of shingle bank between Walberswick and Dunwich - In response to the Council's concern about the deterioration of part of the shingle bank breached earlier this year, the Environment Agency had written to reassure the Council that inspections of the bank were made on a regular basis and they would continue to monitor the situation. Beach Clean - Councillor Buncombe thanked all those who had turned out for the beach clean on 26th October. Wheelie Bins - Councillor Dabbs had been approached by residents, who understood that wheelie bins were being introduced into the village. Suffolk Coastal would be approached on this issue.
Recycling Facilities - It was agreed to place this on
December's agenda.
Christmas Arrangements - The Carol Service 'round the tree will take place on the Village Green, followed by refreshments in the Village Hall, on Monday 20th December at 7 p.m.
Viv Hunt, Clerk to Council
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