Parish news - September 2021

Vacancy for Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

The Parish Council is seeking to recruit a Parish Clerk/responsible Financial Officer. This is an exciting opportunity for a community minded and motivated individual, with relevant experience, to undertake this interesting and varied post in supporting the Parish Council.

Click the link to download a PDF of the Job Description

Ruckinge is a village of two settled neighbourhoods with a population in the region of 784, situated 5.5 miles south of Ashford. It is broadly defined as a narrow fairly large rural parish of land of which about one quarter is woodland.

We are seeking a Parish Clerk who is enthusiastic and flexible, with excellent interpersonal, administrative, financial and IT skills and who can ensure that all key legal, financial, and other governance requirements are met.

The successful applicant will either hold, or be willing to give a commitment to obtain, the Certificate in Local Council Administration. Previous local government experience would be advantageous.

This is a part-time role working from home, working for 6 hours per week. The role will include attendance at a number of evening and daytime meetings in Ruckinge therefore flexibility on the number of hours worked each week is essential.

The salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience within the substantive range of the National Joint Council (NJC) LC2 pay scale.

How to apply: please send a covering letter plus a CV to Cllr J Reid, Chairman at Ruckinge Parish Council Jeremy.ruckingepc@gmail.com

The letter should include the contact details of two referees, one of whom should be a current or most recent employer. References will not be taken up without prior agreement.

Closing date for applications: 17th September 2021

May elections 2021 Results

Ashford Rural South: David ROBEY (Conservative)

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner: Matthew SCOTT (Conservative)

Ashford Holiday Kitchen

Community help- food and other essential supplies. Click the link to download the information.

Ashford Lifeline

Ashford Lifeline is a 24 hour personal security system providing an instant response at the touch of a button. Covering the whole of the South East our service provides the reassurance to enable you to live independently in the knowledge that someone is there should you need them. Lifeline is part of Ashford Borough Council and with over 25 years experience managing a community alarm service you can be sure you and your loved ones are in safe hands.

Coronovirus - support

Community comes together booklet produced by the Hamstreet support network contains useful information on how to access support:

• Don’t Get Scammed - It is important the Community stays safe
• Helping Hands - Support with the practical things when you can’t leave the house
• Telephone Chat Group - Are you living alone?
• Food Bank - coordinator telephone numbers
• Guidance from the NHS

Ruckinge Village - Gateways

New village gateways have now been installed

Bromley Green Hall - Car park barrier

A barrier has been installed to prevent heavy and high-sided vehicles entering. Works were funded by the PC and installed by local volunteers. The pot-holed surface was also made good with Road Planings sourced from a local supplier.

Carters Field – Picnic Tables

The two stolen picnic tables have been replaced and installed:

We are looking for a group of volunteers to become ‘Friends of Carters Field’ to manage and publicise the amenity for the enjoyment of all parishioners. If you are interested please email: clerk2012@ruckinge-pc.gov.uk.

Village Streetlight

A new streetlight has been installed outside the churchyard.