JOTTINGS FROM AN AREA WARDEN

John Sayers

When my wife and I moved to Broadstone from the Thames Valley 16 years ago I decided to go along to the AGM of what was then the Ratepayers Association to find out more about what went on in the village. In the Chief Wardens report he put in a plea for some new wardens to replace those who had fallen by the wayside. I did not realise at the time this is an annual request but thinking this could be a good way of getting more integrated into Broadstone I volunteered. I was right.

My allocated patch was Upper and Lower Golf Links Road (which I still look after). I may not have more houses than some of the really large rounds but I would claim! have the longest front drives to negotiate. One in particular is not only guarded by security gates but this is backed up by two huge alsatians - so far l have escaped unscathed! Although time-consuming the really enjoyable time is when you meet everyone face to face when you are collecting the annual subscription. On occasions I have even been invited in for a pre-dinner sherry! The most frequent comments are flattering ones about the quality of the magazine coupled with 'what still only a pound, it must be the best value out'. You never know what you might be asked but the two topics of most general concern seem to be planning developments and increased aircraft movements As the first is a regular agenda topic at the committee and having had a special presentation on the latter,! think I have been able to provide satisfactory replies.

Three years ago Joyce Warren somehow persuaded me to take over her duties as an area warden. Knowing that she had a well trained set of wardens, I agreed. As this gives you a seat on the Residents Association Committee I am now even more involved. I have had one somewhat amusing incident. One of my wardens moved away from the district without letting me know. As was my normal practice with this lady if she was unable to collect them I left her package of magazines on her doorstep. A well-meaning neighbour at great expense decided these were important enough to send on to her somewhere in the Midlands! I then got a very anguished call from the lady in question as to what she should do with the package? Having sorted that out the next question was how to find a new warden. I decided that not really knowing this particular road! would deliver the magazines myself to see if inspiration would dawn. Very fortunately at one of the houses there was a gentleman busy working in his garden so I stopped for a chat. I then said the first thing that came into my head and asked him if he was feeling public-spirited? To cut a long story short he readily agreed to be a warden so that particular problem was solved. I hope I am as lucky next time!

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