There is a dead Sycamore Tree on the Village Green that has succumbed to Sooty Bark Disease.

Many Sycamores live with this fungal infection without problems but it is believed that the hot weather of the previous summer weakened this tree’s natural resistance allowing it to be taken over.

Before it weakens further and becomes a hazard the tree will be taken down on Wednesday 10th April.

We have appointed a professional arborist (Tommy Plumber) to safely remove it and he has advised that members of the public should keep clear whilst the work is being completed and the tree has been taken away as close contact with the spores, when disturbed, can cause breathing issues.

Thank you for your understanding.

The Parish Council

Following the last update in July 2023, we would like to remind you that a defibrillator is a life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest. This is called defibrillation and can save lives. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 14%.

So you can see why it is so important to maintain the defibrillator in a village such as ours and why donations from residents are vital, in addition to the annual contribution from the Parish Council.

Since July 2023, a new set of electrode pads has been purchased and installed in the old telephone box on Main Street , Ridlington – they need to be renewed every two years. Further donations are still required to keep our reserve fund at a level sufficient to cover both anticipated and unexpected costs.

Without an adequate reserve fund, there is always the risk that the whole scheme will have to be abandoned, leaving the village without essential cover for local residents needing emergency assistance.

The dedicated bank account with Lloyds for donations is in an account name of
Ridlington Defibrillator
Sort Code – 30-95-47
Account number: 15679168

We are proposing to have another free session at the Village Hall from Martin Fagan, who is the National Secretary of Community Heartbeat. He will explain the system and demonstrate the correct method of using the defibrillator and applying CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation).

This session has always proved to be very helpful as a refresher for those who have already attended a session and as an introduction for those who have never attended a session.

Before arranging a date with Martin, we need to have an idea of the numbers who would like to attend. If you are interested, please contact one of us as soon as possible.

Peter Richards at peter@phrichards.co.uk
Mike Horwood at mike.horwood2@btinternet.com

Thank you.