Transcript Historical Minute Book 1923 to 1931 - Ashdown Forest

Mr. Robert Kenward is voted into the Chair.A letter is read from Sir Stanley Colville stating that an important prior engagement prevents his attending. Also aletter from Mr. Follett explaining his absence owing to an attack of Sciatica.Election of ChairmanOn the motion of Mr. Robert Kenward seconded by Colonel Needham, Mr. George M. Maryon – Wilson isunanimously elected Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Maryon – Wilson having taken the Chairthanks the Board for re-electing him as their Chairman for the 24 th year and states in view of his other duties hecannot guarantee that he can continue to serve another year if the Board should wish to re-elect him.The following Committees are then appointed:-Forest Row Committee appointedThe Forest Row District Committee – Mr. Freshfield, Sir Stanley Colville, Mr. Edward Matin and ColonelNeedham.Maresfield Committee appointedThe Maresfield District Committee – Mr. Follett, Sir Francis, Mr. Champneys, Mr. Kenward, Captain Beamish andMr. Osborne.Fire Committee appointedThe Fire Committee – The Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of each District Committee. The Minutes ofthe last meeting are read and confirmed.S. Winkley Smith, lighting of fireMr. Martin reports that Mr. Winkley Smith has now applied for consent to burn rubbish but no action is taken.Telephone line to Water FarmMr. Martin reports that the underground line to Water Farm has been completed and the poles originally usedremoved.The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on theminutes:-The Forest Row Committee met on 20 th March 1924. Present Colonel Needham (in the Chair), Admiral Sir S.C.Colville and Mr. Edward Martin.Ranger Brown reported that a Bye-Law Board and post on North side of road leading to West Hoathly near CrossRoads, were badly burnt by a Forest Fire on 12 th March. It was resolved that Messrs. H & E. Waters be instructedto tender for supply of a new board and post and if approved by Mr. Martin to be placed in position.Ranger Brown also reported that at a fire on North side of Kidd’s Hill, opposite New Lodge, on 18 th March, Tullettthe extra Ranger asked 3 men in the neighbourhood to help him to put it out, which they did thus preventing amuch larger fire. It was resolved to recommend the Board to allow the 3 men to be paid 1/- each, also that 4/- bepaid to Ranger Brown’s 2 sons for helping to put out 2 fires on the 11 th and 17 th of March. It was resolved, inconsequence of the numerous fires of late on the Forest, that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Superintendentof Police at East Grinstead, asking him to direct his policemen to give every possible assistance in case of Forestfires and if possible to give notice of the fires to the Forest Rangers.The Committee suggest to the Board that they offer a reward, of say £ 5, to any one giving information, whichshould lead to a conviction of the offender.Mr. Martin reported that by the authority of the Chairman, he had engaged an extra Ranger for the Forest RowDistrict for one month, on the usual terms. The duty was taken up by Tullett on the 17 th of March.The Committee reported that Mr. Winkley Smith had again lighted fires on the Forest to burn rubbish etc., in frontof his house, after having been warned not to do so.