Transcript Historical Minute Book 1952 to 1965 - Ashdown Forest

Nutley
Mr. S.J. Marsh.
Chelwood Gate . Mr. Trevor Mountain.
Colemans Hatch
Mr. J.R. Owen, J.P.
Fairwarp
Mr. A.K.L. Harvey.
Forest Row
Mr. A.C. Wolfson.
6. General Business. Miss Walker asked if anything could be done to curtail litter on the Forest and stated that at
present there was a lot of broken glass near the tennis courts at Forest Row Recreation Ground.
The Chairman replied that the Rangers would clear this glass away and went on to inform the Meeting that after the
Forest fires this year ten lorry loads of old iron and other rubbish had been removed from the Forest at a cost of
£9. 0. 0. This litter of course was of a kind that had no doubt been dumped over the past few years and only came
in view when the fires had cleared the thick undergrowth. As regards ordinary litter such as ice cream and cigarette
cartons etc., three litter baskets were being installed on the Forest at places where most of the litter was left, and
should these baskets help to eliminate this trouble further baskets would be used.
Lt. Comdr. Hardy informed the meeting that at one time Voluntary Wardens patrolled the Forest and that they had
official cards with the Byelaws printed on them.
Mr. Wolfson proposed that this system should again be adopted. The Chairman seconded the proposal and asked
the Clerk to obtain estimates for the printing of these cards.
The Chairman informed the Meeting that the Tank Guide posts and also the large gun pit between Nutley and
Kingstanding Wireless Station were now being removed from the Forest.
The Chairman gave a description of the work the Rangers had done in restoring a right of way between Forest land
at the side of Londonderry Farm which was now completed and open for the Commoners to drive their cattle
through. He had also had a bridge rebuilt that was destroyed by the Military at the end of this right of way across
the stream.
Mr. Wolfson proposed that the Commoners might help to cut fire breaks on the Forest.
The Chairman reported to the Meeting that the Special Purposes Committee had met the Chief of the Fire Brigade
and discussed all possible ways and means of fighting the Forest fires which had been very considerable during this
year. He strongly advised all property owners whose houses adjoined the Forest to cut breaks around their holdings.
Mr. Smith stated that while he appreciated very much the useful work that had been done in rebuilding the bridge
near Londonderry Farm he proposed that the sleeper bridge near the Ninth Tee at Colemans Hatch should be
repaired. Mr. J. Card seconded the proposal.
Mr. J. Card also complained that Mr. Partridge of Brickyard Cottage was riding horses on the Forest to the
detriment of the Forest tracks.
The Chairman instructed the Rangers to see Mr. Partridge on this matter.
Mr. Owen proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman.
[signed] S.J. Marsh
A meeting of Conservators duly convened and held at The Village Hall, Forest Row, on Wednesday
December 9th 1953 at 2.30 p.m.
Colonel R.S. Clarke M.P., Messrs. J. Card, W.D. Gillham, J.H. Griffin, A.K.L. Harvey, Lt. Cmdr. H.R. Hardy, Mrs.
S.M. Looker O.B.E., Messrs. S.J. Marsh (Chairman), W. Mitchell, J.R. Owen J.P., John Rowe and A.C. Wolfson.
1. Apologies for Absence. Messrs. R.T. Innes, T.R. Mountain, E.W. Pye, Mrs. Ridley and Mr. Warburton.