BERT Log Part 5 - 2020

23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

938at938@gmail.com

Registered Charity Number 1171175 Community Support in the Countryside

Brockham Emergency Response Team and Brockham Emergency Volunteers Seventh Successful Year of Service

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A Significant and Successful Community Initiative Part Five 2020

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12 January 2020: Working Party: Work was undertaken by BERT volunteers from the age of ten to 75 years of age on a dry and sometimes bright Sunday morning. There was an excellent turn out including a number of the next generation BERT. The original Young BERT are no more! There remain a number who are active, but others have moved on to higher education and no longer live full time in the village.

The task undertaken include: 1. Grumpy Mole to Court Lodge Farm surface water drain - the end of the outlet pipe into the ditch was located after much searching and found to be totally blocked and will need more remedial work particularly where mud has built up. However, mud was removed from the soakaway in the road which should help to drain the surface water from the road. BERT will now liaise with the parish council and tie in with remedial work to the footpath to reinstate this ditch.

2. Cricket pavilion car park where a tree had shattered. This was chain sawed and removed to the shredding site established in Wellhouse Lane for disposal of Christmas trees. A part of the trunk was left close to the banks where work recently undertaken to act as a safety barrier.

3. The main drainage ditch from the pavilion towards Old School lane was checked and debris obstructing flow was removed. During the recent flood this part of the drainage system worked well.

4. The drainage ditch at the rear of Glenfield Road was cleared by about ten volunteers with a variety of ages. The drainage ditch was not working well and recently flooded.

5. Leaves were removed from the Wheelers Lane drainage ditch by Star Builders (old surgery).

6. At the end of the working party members congregated at Wellhouse Lane junction Wheelers Lane where Councillor Budd along with the three Bs parish councils had arranged for the chipping of Christmas Trees. This was a very successful initiative with about 80-100 trees brought to the site and chipped. BEV volunteers Ally Truran and Hilary Budd provided hot drinks, biscuits and sausage rolls for BERT and the tree men.

An excellent few hours work on a Sunday morning. Well done everyone

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Main drainage ditch close to the pavilion

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Pete Heppinstal playing hunt the drain!

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Betchworth, Brockham and Buckland parish council chairs with District Councillor

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Sunday 9 February 2020 – Storm Ciara 12

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23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

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There was plenty of warning of horrendous rain and heavy winds named storm Ciara due on Sunday. BERT put a number of members on standby and the village hunkered down for what was a boisterous few hours. We were lucky that tree damage was minimal, and the drainage ditches coped with the water. Surface water was becoming an issue on some of the roads and the fields were waterlogged however, fortunately the rain stopped and Monday was reasonably dry.

BERT were called to the Coffin Path close to the bowls club where a large tree was down blocking the path which would have caused some difficulties when the school opened. The chain saws came out and soon the path was reopened.

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Robert Bartlett

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The grills on The Green and in Wheelers Lane by the church were cleared by BERT to ensure maximum water flow to enable capacity for a further storm.

Old School Lane Tanners Brook was filling but coping on Monday morning!

The Sultan’s Field was under water in parts and the river was rising at about 1100

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Robert Bartlett

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The Old Orchard Monday lunch time 13 February 2020 Chairman Bob Thomas and Bob Bartlett met with representative of SCC to discuss and visit a number of key points on the flood network that would benefit from investment by SCC. The weather was appalling with heavy rain, but this was essential in showing the SCC representatives the volumes of water that flow from the south of the village, through the main drainage ditches to Tanner’s Brook and River Mole. Obviously before some of these proposals are actioned discussions will take place with the parish council and other key stakeholders.

Flood mitigation Brockham Surrey – Potential Works / Schemes 13/2/2020 A. Camera pipe from Mole between Grumpy Mole to grille on Green (B).

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Location: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir//51.2333274,0.2855527/@51.2327568,-0.2864414,314m/data=!3m1!1e3 B. Grille on Brockham Green – replace flat mesh with a angled trash grille.

Location: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir//51.2319882,-0.2857717/@51.2318784,0.2858171,56m/data=!3m1!1e3 Photo:

C. Inspect existing pipework under road & alongside Church Hall (also consider a new straight pipe run between same) Location: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2316285,0.2854864//@51.2317847,-0.2857694,93m/data=!3m1!1e3 To ditch on Wheelers Lane at https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2312546,-0.2851111//@51.2312475,0.2852448,66m/data=!3m1!1e3 D. Jet / inspect pipes between diches along Wheelers Lane going South Location from C. to proposed road works at Spring Cottage https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2280421,-0.2799008//@51.2280659,0.2800592,66m/data=!3m1!1e3 E. New storage at junction Wheelers Lane & Wellhouse Lane (on both West & East of Junction Possible monk control & shutter boards

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2234764,-0.2780875//@51.2235287,0.2780629,132m/data=!3m1!1e3 16

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https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2234622,-0.2776399//@51.2235287,0.2780629,132m/data=!3m1!1e3 F. Widen ditch for storage along Middle St from Wellhouse Lane Junction North to Cottages. Create a parking hard standing https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2230464,-0.2819187//@51.2227708,0.2829011,264m/data=!3m1!1e3 G. New pipe from ditch to culvert that runs north along cottages Location: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2243815,-0.2823739//@51.224144,0.2830984,264m/data=!3m1!1e3

H. Jet pipe from Ditch under road to ditch https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2241345,-0.282298//@51.224144,0.2830984,264m/data=!3m1!1e3 to https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2239302,0.2832387//@51.224144,-0.2830984,264m/data=!3m1!1e3 I. Dig ditch to correct depth from H. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2239302,-0.2832387//@51.2238019,0.2847295,264m/data=!3m1!1e3 to Glenfield Road entry pipe in ditch at https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2236213,-0.2842022//@51.2238019,0.2847295,264m/data=!3m1!1e3

J. Investigate “dry� pipe run from Middle Green to Pavilion

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https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.229058,-0.2842729//@51.2291512,0.2844049,79m/data=!3m1!1e3 to https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2290622,0.2847398//@51.2289972,-0.2845876,79m/data=!3m1!1e3

K. Unblock gulley issue at corner of Green, South West https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2309237,-0.2858337//@51.230822,0.286198,79m/data=!3m1!1e3 and at bus stop near Church https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2316143,-0.2861563//@51.2315381,0.2865611,79m/data=!3m1!1e3 L. New secondary pipe from gully to Tanners Brook at higher level https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2318393,-0.2891391//@51.2317708,0.2892941,39m/data=!3m1!1e3

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Robert Bartlett

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M. Tanners Brook / Old School Lane – New pipe under road to alleviate west Ditch https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2287223,-0.289434//@51.2286534,0.2901642,132m/data=!3m1!1e3

N. Possible storage on west side alongside hedge https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.2284679,-0.2896775//@51.2283241,0.2900109,111m/data=!3m1!1e3 14 February 2020 Storm Denis is promised with the land already waterlogged and the Mole bursting its banks. The drainage system was monitored late on Thursday and very early Friday and residents told of the water and road situation by community email.

Extra road signs are being obtained and members on standby which will include gathering information from the ground and websites to make people aware.

Saturday 15 February 2020: Storm Dennis on route so a series of preventative measures taken

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The home of an elderly lady. Tree came down in the wind. Removed by two BERT volunteers

Storm Dennis Sunday 16 February 2020

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Tweed Lane

The Borough at about 1000

Weir Mead Retention Pond Wheelers Lane

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23 November 2020

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Wheelers Lane, water off the hill or Chimney Pots Walk 0930

Wheelers Lane at 0930

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Wheelers Lane opposite the school

Wheelers Lane opposite the church 0930

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23 November 2020

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The grill on the Green which needed clearing of leaves and inevitable sweet wrappers 0900

Wheelers Lane

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Spring Cottage, Wheelers Lane where the SCC are soon to replace the culvert

Wheelers Lane p the day before BERT removed a volume of very large twigs and leaves causing blockages

Wheelers Lane

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Robert Bartlett

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Wheelers Lane

Oakdene Road main drainage ditch

BERT Volunteers meet in the church hall for tea and biscuits Thanks to the Taylor family

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Trustees developing a strategy for the day

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23 November 2020

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Wellhouse junction Wheelers ane the start of an attenuation pond? Such an idea on both sides of the road will be discussed in detail with SCC Highways and flood team

MVDC ran out of available sandbags (they filled more as the day went on) so with the help of farmer Martin Clipperton and his sand, bags from BERT stores were filled by what was once Young BERT. They are still there and very active when needed.

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23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

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BERT marine section under the command of Simon Budd using HMS Grant Ashley in Old School Lane putting out ropes to enhance safety.

Do not try this at home!

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Bowls cancelled and the footpath to Betchworth submerged

Sunset over the flood waters Monday 17 February 2020

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Robert Bartlett

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The grill on the Green is a key part of the drainage system and during heavy rains has to be cleared often more than once a day. Today as is usually the case, at the heart of the blockage was a crisp packet! Litter should not be thrown into the ditch

BERT are reliant on SCC to close and open the bridge. BERT have no authority to do this and have approached our MP with a proposal for the power to be delegated to local level with pre-agreed plans and signage.

The Bridge could have been opened on Monday morning had it not been for this vehicle

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Old School Lane

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23 November 2020

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Tanners Brook is a part of the main drainage ditch and is a risk to a number of houses.

Some form of retention and gradual release is essential to the south of Oakdene Road BERT were active in the village from early morning on Sunday to very late at night and again out checking conditions at about 0400.Regular reports of what was happening were circulated on Community email during which time all routine messaging is stopped. BERT have dedicated What’s App messaging system for routine traffic and another for the particular event i.e. Storm Dennis.

Some of the tasks from Sunday morning 16 February 2020: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Tweed Lane, floodwater from field coming towards house Oakdene Road culvert alarm Property in Wheelers Lane seeking sandbags Wheelers Lane culvert blocked close to Oakdene – nothing to be done- awaiting SCC to replace culvert 5. Wellhouse Lane property threatened- pumps used 6. Large tree down, road blocked Wonham Mill – reported SCC 7. Water crossing from Big Field into a house – sandbags 8. Old School Lane flooding 0918 9. Outbuildings threatened Old School Lane – request a pump and support 10. Oakdene Close sandbags and pump to house 11. BERT volunteers gather at Red Barn for deployment 12. Grill on the Green and in Wheelers Lane cleared to enhance flow 13. Owner of a vehicle at risk in the Borough sought 14. Brockham Row drains blocked (again) and lots of surface water 15. Tanners Brook at 10am, water rising very quickly – Old School Lane closed 1040 16. Sandbags collected from MVDC yard – only thirty available – more being filled 17. BERT volunteers gather at church hall for briefing 18. MVDC emergency planners told at 1227 Brockham Bridge will need to be closed soon 19. Bridge closed signs from store as well as road closed (BERT cannot physically close a road only police and SCC. BERT have written to MP to seek delegation of the powers to district or parish level to be actioned within an agreed signage plan. (SCC so busy 34

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Robert Bartlett

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the road was not closed for many hours meanwhile vehicles get stuck in the flood and the following day cannot be opened until the vehicles are removed) 20. Flanchford and Betchworth bridges closed (Not BERT area but critical for Brockham people 21. Tyndale Road, house has water underneath. Electricity cut. Petrol pump deployed 22. Flood developing on the road near the pavilion – overloaded drainage system 23. Request for sandbags house in Old School Lane 24. BERT with help from farmer who provided the sand, fill own supply of sandbags 25. Establish a store of sandbags in Wheelers Lane for public to help themselves 26. Bowls club water sensor (BERT equipment) shows water levels at the club are high.

Footpath to Betchworth closed 27. Report of build-up of water junction Wellhouse and Wheelers Lane. (This is close to an existing retention pond and the area and drainage system would benefit from a further one or two retention ponds on the junction where there are wide verges) 28. Pump delivered to a property in Old School Lane 29. Tweed Lane storm drains are blocked but ditch holding (In the past has overflown and flooded houses) 30. BERT visited MVDC depot and obtained a further supply of sandbags 31. Members assisted at a house in Old School Lane long into the evening and two Young BERT worked on Monday morning to help the householder.

Monday 0500 BERT recce reports bridges remain closed Close to Kenward Court storm drains blocked Later on Monday, Brockham Bridge was opened after a delay to remove a broken down car.

The water receded quickly and for most normalcy was resumed. However there is a considerable amount of water on fields and still moving through the ditches. Careful consideration will be given to the potential and possible location of retention ponds to the south of the village.

18 February 2020. The following comment was received by email from Karen Brimacombe the Chief Executive of Mole Valley District Council: "BERT is a really impressive organisation – community resilience at its best."

20 February 2020 (or 20022020) I wonder whether you could help us by loaning us one of the pumps. We live in edit and our gardens back on to those at the end of Edit. A number of the gardens of both roads slope down to form a bowl and when the ground becomes saturated, as now, the bowl fills up with rainwater and the gardens flood. In 2014, when the situation was worse, Bob Thomas very kindly helped set up two pumps, which John, my husband, and a neighbour ran for 15 days. We know this 35

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water isn’t going anywhere soon, even if there is no rain for the next few weeks (the gardens were under water for 52 days in 2014 before the pumping started). We would therefore be so grateful if we could borrow a pump to remove at least some of the water. With eight gardens affected, it takes a long time to drain them completely. I should stress that out houses are safe, as they’re at the top of the gardens, but some sheds are flooded, and others will flood, too, if the water level gets much higher. I think the water in our garden is about 18� deep at its highest.

24 March tree by the footpath splitting. BERT worked with SCC to have the path closed and the tree eventually cut down.

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15 March BERT visited Coldharbour with SCC to investigate natural flood barriers suitable for Brockham where slowing water flows towards Old School Lane housing is seen as critical

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March 19 Before social distancing became the norm Young BERT volunteered to clear the ditch at the rear of the old surgey which was inaccessible to the SCC teams maintaining the ditches along the length of Wheelers Lane.

Road closed to replace culvert from Wear Mead Farm to drainage ditch. Also undertaken at the Mardle and Spring Cottage.

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Work by SCC following consultation with BERT to replace collapsed culvert at Weir Mead Farm

29 March The Smithers – Sunday teatime tree down on cars. Response time less than five minutes followed by volunteers with chain saws and matter resolved.

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29 March The Smithers

The crisis struck in March and on day one BERT members were helping Strood Green Stores to initiate social distancing and shopping, a very new concept!

BERT rose to the challenge of the pandemic and very early into the crisis offered a range of support activities for local residents. These activities ranged from shopping to pharmacy, lending library to food bank, help with pets to mindfulness support. More of this once the crisis is past. A full log of BERT activities is being maintained.

On Wednesday 27 May 2019 a formal visit was paid to Food Aid in Brockham by Chairman MVDC Cllr Mary Huggins – her first official visit since lockdown she chose to visit Brockham.

Wearing suitable PPE, observing social distancing and Covid-19 recommendations met 40

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volunteer after volunteer, including Shirley Fisher (Made in Brockham) who now has a BERT team of volunteers making washable Facemasks for donations to support BERT in various local outlets; Simon Clarke (Bonfire) who has turned his dining room over to 3D printers manufacturing PPE Visors which BERT are pleased to support and use; and Trustees and volunteers operating the FoodAid project suppling food to those who's circumstances have been severely affected by the pandemic. The Chairman was presented with a bouquet of flowers

by Olivia Heppenstall.

Chairman Bob Thomas

Trustee Craig Scott

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Shirley Fisher – maker of masks and Simon Clark maker of PPE Visors coverings Monday 10 August a report was received of a blocked storm drain opposite Kenward Court, near Brew House Road. Simon Budd attended and cleared on of the drains, the other having a parked vehicle over it. Arrangements made for the driver to clear the drain.

1 October 2020 – BERT circulation via community email: BERT Working Parties During the Covid-19 Pandemic During the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown BERT has not been able to run any ditch clearing work parties. However, the dry weather, lack of cutting and rain has now meant the ditches have become overgrown and will pose a risk to flooding over the winter months. It has therefore been decided that multiple, separate, rolling work parties should be carried out throughout October in order to prevent harm to the community from blocked ditches.

The following protocol revisions have been adopted by BERT following a considered risk assessment: • • • •

• • •

Small groups of no more than 6 should clear a section. If possible, this should be made up of a household, social or support network.

Each person should wear their own gloves.

To the extent possible, volunteers should use only their own tools. If this is not possible tools should not be shared unless sanitised before and after use.

A two-meter distance between volunteers should be maintained at all times. If this is not possible volunteers should use a protective face covering or else work in proximity to their own household members only.

No shared refreshments will be provided.

Any shared reflective tabards should be washed and then isolated for 72 hours At the beginning and end of each work session, all equipment should be sanitised

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In addition, the BERT volunteer guidelines should be followed as usual - https://bertbrockham.org.uk/download/volunteer-guide/

Volunteers must not attend working parties if they or a household member of theirs: • • •

have been told to isolate; have symptoms of Covid-19 - a persistent high temperature, continuous cough, and/or loss of taste and smell; or, have been contacted by the NHS track and trace system and advised that they have been in contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus.

~BERT Trustees Sunday 4 October 2020: Restricted working party due to COVID regulations, took place on a very wet day with limited numbers of volunteers, concentrating on the main drainage ditch from Oakdene Road to the Pavilion in Middle Street. More work is to be undertaken very soon.

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The working party was assisted by members of the Bonfire whose event had been cancelled for 2020. Cut vegetation was collected by Bonfire tractors and removed to a site where it will be burnt in due course.

8 October 2020: Covid Outbreak in Brockham Pharmacy: A report was received of appositive test by a staff member and BERT were requested to attend with their device that sprays disinfectant and ensures a safe working environment. Closure time was less than an hour for the services provided at the Pharmacy. The machine is used on a daily basis by the play group and has been deployed to other businesses as a precaution.

Chairman Bob Thomas in action

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Sunday 11 October a BERT team deployed to clear the vegetation from the ditch by the path in Glenfield Road. Some had been cut the previous day. A number of other BERT related tasks were completed such as ditch clearing to the south of Middle Street Allotments, the grassy areas close to Brockham Bridge and includied helping an elderly lady move furniture!

Main drainage ditch to the south of Middle Street allotments. A member of Young, Young BERT, Bert Edwards

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The Bonfire team were resonsibe for disposal of the vegetation

A Job well done!

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BERT Working Parties, Weekend of 24th-25th October Until recently, BERT has been unable to run any ditch clearing work parties this year.

But the dry weather, lack of cutting and rain have meant the ditches have become overgrown and will pose a risk of flooding over the winter months if left unattended.

To address this issue in the context of social distancing requirements, BERT has been carrying out multiple, separate, rolling work parties throughout October in order to prevent harm to the community from blocked ditches.

But we still need volunteers for Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October. If you can help, please send a text to Issy Heppenstall directly on 07813 332230.

Note that the following protocol revisions have been adopted by BERT following a considered risk assessment: • • • •

• • • •

Small groups of no more than 6 should clear a section. If possible this should be made up of a household, social or support network.

Each person should wear their own gloves.

To the extent possible, volunteers should use only their own tools. If this is not possible tools should not be shared unless sanitised before and after use.

A two meter distance between volunteers should be maintained at all times. If this is not possible volunteers should use a protective face covering or else work in proximity to their own household members only.

No shared refreshments will be provided.

Any shared reflective tabards should be washed and then isolated for 72 hours At the beginning and end of each work session, all equipment should be sanitised In addition, the BERT volunteer guidelines should be followed as usual - https://bertbrockham.org.uk/download/volunteer-guide/

Volunteers must not attend working parties if they or a household member of theirs: •

have been told to isolate;

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have symptoms of Covid-19 - a persistent high temperature, continuous cough, and/or loss of taste and smell; or, have been contacted by the NHS track and trace system and advised that they have been in contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus.

~BERT Trustees Sunday 18 October Working Party clearing ditches on the Coffin path from the Green to the first bridge. Secondly on the start of the Chimney Pots walk, Blind Lane from Wheelers Lane alongside the allotments. BERT using Bonfire tractors removed the vegetation and disposed of it.

Williams family working on Blind Lane

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Three generations of Heppenstall family at work on the Coffin Path

Litter from Coffin Path by Court Lodge Farm

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21 October, field at the rear of The Mardle a part of the main drainage ditch with water flowing off the hill to the east of Wheelers Lane.

This ditch was cut and cleared by Chris Muggeridge from Bushberry Farm.

23 October Wheelers Lane Recovered from the drainage ditch by BERT volunteer and police informed. Nitrous oxide capsules breathed in via the balloons. Can be and is at times fatal.

Saturday 24 October Tweed Lane, Strood Green Local residents together with a BERT volunteer and equipment, assisted by a Tweed Lane resident with access to a tractor driven hedge and ditch cutter undertook the annual maintenance of the drainage ditch. In the past this ditch burst its banks flooded houses.

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An overgrown ditch with mechanical help to hand!

Culvert due for attention

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Contender for ditch of the year!

Further work promised in Tweed Lane ditch at far end by Martin Clipperton, the farmer.

Sunday 25 October Brockham Green

As usual the cause of the congestion beyond hedge trimmings were cans and crisp packets.

Cans were removed from this grill, the one in Wheelers Lane by Church Cottage and from the ditch by the Old Smithy.

Collection of large quantity of leaves from around the Old Smithy or former doctor’s surgery.

JCB with permission of local farmer John Muggeridge.

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25 October Middle Street Strood Green

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15 November 2020 following a night of heavy rain several potential flood hazards developed to which members responded and resolved. The benefit of routine maintenance and speedy response was emphasised by the lack of water related problems. The use of What’s App again proved its worth with notifications and requests for help resolved within minutes. One response time was in fact three minutes.

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The problem of the grills continue though the BERT fitted sloping grill in Wheelers Lane allowed water to flow but it was then impeded by the grill on the Green being almost fully blocked by leaves.

This is how it should look. Note the leaves removed from the grill

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Volunteers removing blockages

Tanner’s Brook which normally meanders is soon a significant torrent as it runs parallel with Old School Lane

Monday 16 November 2020. A view from the Bowls Club at 0826 showing the fast-flowing Mole. This is not unusual but modern camera technology allows for safety notices to be sent to the village informing them that paths were closed.

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On Monday morning the grill was about 50% blocked and was soon cleared allowing a full flow to the Mole 22 November 2020. Closure of Brockham Food Bank – incorporated into larger Mid Surrey Community Fridges specialising in Food distribution to those in need. Equipment secured through grants / donations are being “long term loaned” to various key organisations - Bonfire / Recreaton Ground Pavilion / Chitty / Mid Surrey Community Fridges ....... Warehouse Racking / Fridges / Freezers / Marquee etc and loaned equipment returned (tables).

BERT can do a lot working alone but working together, combining resources and experience with other like-minded organisations all is achievable.

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14 December 2020: Bob Thomas: Bert pump deployed at Brockham Angling Society pond, Coach Road, over last few days. Several fish were found dead as the water oxygen level dropped to 1%. Working with the Environment Agency (who also supplied aeration kit) oxygen levels now much higher. BERT will continue monitoring and redeploy pumps if required again until algae “bloom� dies off.

14 December 2020: Tree down by Dolphin in The Street, Betchworth reported at 0658 to Simon Budd who organised Miles Cresswell to attend with his chain saw which he did and in less than an hour from reporting the road was reopened.

20 December 2020 BERT again assisted at the surgery with marshalling patients for flu jab.

20 December 2020: The following letter was received from a resident of Brockham: To Everyone in the Brockham Emergency Response Team We could not let the year end without a huge 'Thank You' to all of you for the wonderful help you have given the Brockham residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the work you do generally year in and year out to help our community.

In March, when we first went into lockdown, it was particularly scary, especially for the vulnerable (like my husband) and those who care for them. BERT stepped up and were there to help in so many ways. For us personally, having our medication collected was an absolute godsend.

We really do appreciate everything you do for us all in Brockham such as clearing ditches to keep our properties safe from flooding and caring for us as individuals in times of great need. You do so much more too and we feel lucky to be living in such a lovely village with a truly wonderful Brockham Emergency Response Team.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas and hope that you stay safe and well.

Best wishes 27 December 2020 Storm Bella: High winds and heavy rain overnight caused a small amount of damage including trees, including the parish Christmas tree that was blown over. Work was undertaken on the path by the allotments off Wheelers Lane where a tree was blocking this very busy path. The grills in Wheelers Lane and on the Green 58

23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

938at938@gmail.com

were congested and as usual at the root of it all was plastic and cans combined with hedge clippings. The culvert at the rear of the old surgery in Wheelers Lane needs rodding as it is blocked. The water levels need to reduce first.

The first task was to yet again remove a wheely bin from the main drainage ditch into which it was blown. The message to secure vulnerable items is not getting through!

This particular location has been blocked by a bin on at least two other occasions.

Middle Street first thing Sunday recovering the bin

Water backing up means one thing the grill on the Green is congested

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23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

938at938@gmail.com

A second visit two hours later cleared the grill and allowed much of the water to flow into the Mole

The grill in Wheelers Lane was cleared but the design allows for water to flow even when congested with vegetable matter. It can be scuppered by plastic. One culvert this morning was congested by a dog poo plastic bag, full, and thrown into ditch.

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23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

938at938@gmail.com

The water is not flowing well as the culvert is congested probably a beer can!

Chimney Pots path by the allotments

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23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

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938at938@gmail.com

23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

938at938@gmail.com

The parish Christmas tree was blown over but later in the morning BERT volunteers stood it back upright!

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23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

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938at938@gmail.com

23 November 2020

Robert Bartlett

938at938@gmail.com

Horse chestnut down across path – BERT volunteers cleared the path and made safe for the walkers on this very busy path

Little BERT! (That is his name!)

Request for help to secure shed roof in Glenfield Road. Owner an elderly lady was assisted by volunteers and a neighbour and the roof replaced and secured

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