HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: All Members of the Grounds & Environment Committee (Kate Bailey, Jane Baker, David Bunting, Kristian Berggreen, Leslie Campbell, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Angus Neil and Alex Simmons) with copies to all other Councillors for information.
cc. Richard Higgs
A meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE will be held on Wednesday 1 February 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.
25 January 2023 – Parish Clerk
1. TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. TO ACCEPT DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
3. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the Grounds and Environment Meeting held on 7 December 2022. (Previously Circulated)
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
5. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1).
6. ADASTRA FACILITIES HIRE FEES AND CHARGES. Members are invited to consider approving an increase in fees for the Adastra Park facilities from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. (Appendix 2).
7. BURIAL GROUND FEES Members are invited to review and approve fees for Hassocks Burial Ground from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. (Appendix 3).
8. ADASTRA SKATEPARK. Members are invited to consider a request from a commercial organisation to offer skateboard lessons on the Adastra Park Skatepark. (Appendix 4).
9. ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN. Verbal Update. Parish Clerk
10. FLOOD ACTION GROUP. Verbal Update. Cllr Frances Gaudencio
11. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). Verbal update. Cllrs Ian Weir and Leslie Campbell.
12. URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.
13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Wednesday 22 March 2023 at 7.30pm
Please Note:
All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees. Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.
FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA. During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only, providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting.
Appendix 1
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 1 February 2023
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 5 – Officer Report
1. The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on (G&E) Matters.
2. Hanging baskets. Penny Wadsworth has kindly agreed to deliver letters again this year to all shops in Hassocks and Keymer inviting them to register for a hanging basket. The letters will be delivered before the beginning of February.
3. Street trees. Any residents who would like to register for a street tree in the verge outside of their house are being invited to do so before the end of June. Information is being shared via the website, social media, Hassocks Life and the Talkabout.
Appendix 2
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 1 February 2023
Contact for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Adastra Park Facilities Fees
1. The purpose of this report is to ask the Committee to consider and agree charges for the hire of Adastra Park Facilities from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
2. At the G&E meeting held on 28.01.21, Members approved the application of a formula based on inflation in the annual calculation of Adastra Park Facilities hire fees and charges (Minute ref: GE20/58.1), in place of the previous calculation which was based on the fees charged by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC).
3. Members are therefore invited to consider the proposed increases to Adastra Park Sports Facilities Fees and Charges as set out below for 2023/24 based on a 10% increase in CPI between September 2021 and September 2022.
4. Members are invited to note that the running costs for the pavilion have always been high, however these are predicted to increase significantly due to the ongoing rise in energy charges.
5. Members are invited to consider the revised charges as provided, with particular attention drawn to the following:
Tennis Charges
i) HPC has agreed on an annual basis not to apply any increase to public hire charges for Adastra Tennis Courts since 2011. The current charge is £7.00 (full Rate).
ii) Furthermore, given the planned improvements due to be carried out on the Adastra Tennis courts, it is suggested that any review of fees and charges of these facilities, including club rates, be postponed until the completion of the work and the courts are re-opened with the new booking system.
5. OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS.
i. It is recommended that the Committee agrees to maintain all current charges for the Adastra Tennis courts, including both Public Tennis hire and Club rates, until the completion of the improvements to the courts. A review of fees and charges for these facilities can then be undertaken to be applied when the facilities are re-opened and the new booking system is in place.
ii. It is recommended that the Committee approve all other proposed increases in charges and fees as set out in the following table for the use of Adastra Park facilities in 2023/24.
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Adastra Park Sports Facilities Fees and Charges 2023/24.
General Conditions
1. The charges included in this leaflet are effective from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 in relation to the sports facilities operated by Hassocks Parish Council. Summer and Winter season dates are specific to each facility and activity.
2. All hirers must complete an official HPC application form and adhere to the Council’s published Terms and Conditions of Hire prior to the booking period.
3. Payment for the hire of facilities must be made in advance unless otherwise are agreed.
4. Discounted Rates – where a discounted rate (50% of the full rate) is provided, the following conditions apply:
Juniors-to qualify for the discounted rate, facility users must be under the age of 17 at the time of hire. Senior Citizens – to qualify for the discounted rate, facility users must be 60 or over at the time of hire.
| Full Rate | 10% inflation | Discounted Rate | 10% inflation | |
| 22/23 | Proposed 2023/24 | 22/23 | Proposed 2023/24 | |
| SPORTS HIRE – SUMMER | ||||
| Cricket Turf Wicket – per use | 46.90 | 51.60 | 23.45 | 25.80 |
| Cricket Turf Wicket – evening rate | 24.60 | 27.10 | ||
| Juniors on Artificial Pitch | 12.30 | 13.55 | ||
| Cricket Net Practice – Per session | 24.60 | 27.10 | 12.30 | 13.55 |
| Water for cricket square will be recharged at cost | ||||
| Stoolball – South Field per use | 23.00 | 25.30 | 11.50 | 12.65 |
| North Field | 5.75 | 6.30 | ||
| Bowls – Club Members | 135.85 | 149.50 | 67.90 | 74.75 |
| Water use will be recharged to the Bowling Club | ||||
| **Tennis – Casual Hire per Court | 7.00 | N/A | 3.50 | N/A |
| Key Deposit – returnable | 5.00 | N/A | 5.00 | N/A |
| Tennis – Club Members | 97.30 | N/A | 48.65 | N/A |
| Couples | 145.90 | N/A | ||
| Children of Adult Members | 17.00 | N/A | ||
| SUMMER PAVILION HIRE | ||||
| Changing Rooms/Toilets/Kitchen/Bar/Storage | 40.00 | 44.00 | ||
| Changing Rooms/Toilets/Kitchen/Storage | 27.00 | 29.70 | 13.50 | 14.85 |
| Toilets/Kitchen/Storage | 13.50 | 14.85 | 6.75 | 7.40 |
| SPORTS HIRE – WINTER | ||||
| Football – per use | 60.60 | 66.70 | ||
| Junior Football on Senior Pitch | 30.30 | 33.35 | ||
| Mini-Pitch | 15.15 | 16.70 | ||
| Training Session (per session) | 15.55 | 17.10 | 7.75 | 8.55 |
| WINTER PAVILION HIRE – SPORTS | 33.00 | 36.30 | 16.50 | 18.15 |
| COMMUNITY CHARGES | ||||
| Community Pavilion Hire | 10.00 | 11.00 | ||
| Fitness Training Charges (4 hour session) | 11.20 | 12.30 |
Appendix 3
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 1 February 2023
Contact for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 7 – Burial Fees
1. The purpose of this report is to invite the Committee to review the current charges for Hassocks Burial Ground and to agree if an increase is to be applied.
2. In line with the agreed approach of increasing Burial Ground and Allotment fees based on an annual inflationary increase, rounded to the nearest whole pound using the Consumer Price Index, Members are invited to consider the proposed increases to the Burial Ground fees as set out below for 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 based on a 10% increase in CPI between September 2021 and September 2022.
3. With the exception of Search Fees and fees relating to Deed of Grant amendments which are above average in comparison with other parishes and it is therefore recommended that these fees remain at the same level.
4. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION. Members are recommended to approve the proposed Burial Ground Fees as shown below to be applicable from 1 April 2023.
| Hassocks Burial Ground | Current Fees April 2022 |
Proposed changes Increase by CPI Increase Sept 21 to Sept 22 – 10% |
| BURIAL AREA | EROB (50yrs) and 1st Interment Non parishioner – 5 x fee |
EROB (50yrs) and 1st Interment Non parishioner – 5 x fee |
| A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years (Residents and Non-residents). | No Charge | No Charge |
| A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years. | ||
| Single plot depth | £392.00 | £431.00 |
| Double plot depth | £510.00 | £561.00 |
| Second interment – ashes or coffin | £127.00 | £140.00 |
| Memorials | ||
| For the right to erect a headstone within the burial ground on a grave in Respect of which the exclusive Right of Burial has been granted. | £127.00 | £140.00 |
| For the right to have additional inscription on an existing memorial. | £63.00 | £69.00 |
| CREMATED REMAINS AREA | ||
| A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years months (Residents and Non-residents). | No Charge | No Charge |
| A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years | ||
| NORTH SECTION Memorial Wall area EROB, first interment and numbered ground marker. |
£215.00 | £237.00 |
| To purchase a plaque on the Memorial Wall | ||
| SOUTH SECTION Memorial Tablet Area EROB, first interment and permission for a Memorial Tablet. |
£279.00 | £307.00 |
| Second Ashes Interment | £107.00 | £118.00 |
| Additional Inscription on a memorial tablet. | £20.00 | £22.00 |
| ADDITIONAL FEES OR CHARGES | ||
| Search Fee | £34.00 per hour | Suggested no change |
| Replacement, transfer or amendment of Deed of Grant | £57.00 | Suggested no change |
Appendix 4
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 1 February 2023
Contact for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Skateboarding lessons
1. The purpose of this report is to invite the Committee to consider a request from a commercial skateboarding school to use the Adastra Skatepark for lessons on a Saturday morning in good weather.
2. The enquiry has come from a commercial organisation which uses various skateparks and venues across the South East to offer group skateboarding lessons. The lessons would initially be for a maximum of 5 attendees and would be held alongside public users, but organised to minimise any impact.
3. Subject to the organisation meeting the usual Terms and Conditions for use of the park, including holding adequate Public Liability Insurance, Members are invited to:
i. Consider whether the Council would be in agreement in principle with the lessons being held as described above.
ii. If Members are in agreement with this proposal, Members are then invited to agree a charge for these lessons. It is suggested that the same charge is applied as for the Junior Football Training sessions which is currently set at £7.75.
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT Committee held on Wednesday 1 February 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks
Attendees: Councillors Jane Baker (Chair), David Bunting, Kristian Berggreen, Leslie Campbell, Ian Weir, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Angus Neil and Alex Simmons.
In attendance: Ian Cumberworth – Parish Clerk. Tracy Forte – Deputy Clerk.
GE22/75 APOLOGIES. Absent without apology Cllr Kate Bailey.
GE22/76 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.
GE22/77 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Grounds & Environment Committee meeting held on 7 December 2022 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
GE22/78 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. There were no members of the public present.
GE22/79 OFFICER REPORT. The Officer’s report was noted and thanks were extended to Penny Wadsworth for her ongoing support with the Hanging Baskets project.
GE22/80 ADASTRA FACILITIES HIRE FEES AND CHARGES. At the G&E meeting held on 28.01.21, Members approved the application of a formula based on inflation in the annual calculation of Adastra Park Facilities hire fees and charges (Minute ref: GE20/58.1), in place of the previous calculation which was based on the fees charged by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC).
Members were therefore invited to consider the proposed increases to Adastra Park Sports Facilities Fees and Charges for 2023/24 based on a 10% increase in CPI between September 2021 and September 2022 with particular attention drawn to the following:
Tennis Charges
i) HPC has agreed on an annual basis not to apply any increase to public hire charges for Adastra Tennis Courts since 2011. The current charge is £7.00 (full Rate).
ii) Given the planned improvements due to be carried out on the Adastra Tennis courts, it was suggested that any review of fees and charges of these facilities, including club rates, be postponed until the completion of the work and the courts are re-opened with the new booking system.
GE22/80.1 It was RESOLVED to maintain all current charges for the Adastra Tennis courts, including both Public Tennis hire and Club rates, until the completion of the improvements to the courts. A review of fees and charges for these facilities will be undertaken to be applied when the facilities are re-opened and the new booking system is in place.
GE22/80.2 It was RESOLVED to approve all other proposed increases in charges and fees as set out in Appendix A for the use of Adastra Park facilities in 2023/24.
GE22/81 BURIAL GROUND FEES Members were invited to review and approve fees for Hassocks Burial Ground from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 based on a 10% increase in CPI between September 2021 and September 2022. Increases were proposed for all fees with the exception of Search Fees and fees relating to Deed of Grant amendments, and it was recommended that these fees remain at the same level
GE22/81.1 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the Burial Ground Fees as shown in Appendix B to be applicable from 1 April 2023.
GE22/82 ADASTRA SKATEPARK. Members were invited to consider a request from a commercial organisation to offer skateboard lessons on the Adastra Park Skatepark. Members discussed this in detail and several concerns were raised as to the potential impact on other Skatepark users, how many lessons would be held in a session and how long this would be, safety implications and what a reasonable charge would be.
The Clerk and Deputy Clerk confirmed that the enquiry had come from a commercial organisation which uses various skateparks and venues across the South East to offer group skateboarding lessons. The organiser had offered assurances that the lessons would initially be for a maximum of 5 attendees and would be held alongside public users, but organised to minimise any impact.
A vote was taken as to whether Members were in favour of lessons being held in principle on a trial basis. This was supported by the majority. Cllrs Bill Hatton and Sue Hatton objected to the proposal and requested that their objections were recorded.
GE22/82.1 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE in principle the Adastra Skatepark being used as a venue for skateboarding lessons for a maximum of 5 attendees per lesson. However this would be subject to the Clerk/Deputy Clerk holding further discussions with the organisation wishing to hold the lessons. These would be to establish a clear understanding and agreement of the timeframe within which the lessons would take place and how the lessons would be organised to minimise impact on other users.
If the terms of usage are agreeable to both parties, the lessons would be approved for a trial period and subject to review at the end of this time.
GE22/82.2 It was RESOLVED to AGREE that a charge would be applied for the use of the Skatepark, however this would be set by the Clerk once a clear understanding has been established as to the organisation and structure of the lessons.
GE22/83 ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN. Adastra Tennis Courts. The Clerk provided an update on the Adastra Tennis Courts improvements project.
He informed the Committee that he was continuing to have regular discussions with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) regarding the project. Hassocks PC’s application is to be considered on Friday 3 February and therefore the outcome of the panel meeting should be known early the following week.
Informal discussions indicated that the projected costs of the scheme are coming within the overall total of the Council’s contribution, Section 106 funding pot & the LTA contributions.
Although costs have risen, the LTA have indicated they are within acceptable tolerance levels: this implies that the elements originally proposed to be covered by the LTA will continue to be unchanged.
Providing the application passes successfully on Friday the Council will then be in a position to enter into discussion with the ‘approved contractor’ Spadeoak to programme the works in.
It is understood the works could take up to 4 – 6 weeks although this is yet to be confirmed. Naturally therefore the Tennis Courts will be closed for a period of time.
Once installation timeframe has been agreed, the Clerk will need to liaise with the Adastra Tennis Club in the first instance to remove their structure and to inform them of the closure.
Further work streams associated with this project will include:
The LTA accredited coach currently using the site is level 4 (senior coach & senior performance coach). Discuss with Tennis Club future usage options and access to the courts by their members. (supported by LTA)
Cllr Gaudencio raised a concern about the Council’s original intention to provide a Multi-Use Games Area and specifically, including a Netball Court. Cllr Gaudencio sought reassurance that this had been retained as part of the plan. The Clerk confirmed that the inclusion of netball court markings had been part of all discussions and negotiations throughout, however, as previously noted, this was complicated due to a large element of the funding coming from the LTA and therefore the requirement for the primary focus to be tennis. Nevertheless the objective to include netball provision remains an objective and all avenues are being explored to progress this within the parameters of the LTA requirements.
GE22/84 FLOOD ACTION GROUP. Cllr Frances Gaudencio updated the committee on the work of the Flood Action Group. As background papers, Members were also provided with a copy of a proposed Action Plan for the Flood Action Group and a list of the streams in Hassocks for reference.
GE22/84.1 Riparian Responsibilities. Cllr Gaudencio informed the Committee that there are over 350 properties in Hassocks that back onto a stream and are very likely therefore to have riparian responsibilities, however many of these residents are not aware of such rights or of the associated responsibilities. Having reviewed various options for informing residents about their riparian responsibilities, the decision has been taken to adapt a booklet produced by West Sussex County Council titled, Riparian Ownership: Frequently Asked Questions, and to make it relevant to properties in Hassocks. Once completed, with the support of the committee the intention is that this booklet will be hand delivered to all relevant properties including a covering letter from the Parish Council.
Cllr Gaudencio therefore sought the Committee’s view on progressing with this course of action. The Clerk informed the Committee that there were sufficient funds in the Flooding Ear Marked Reserves which could be drawn on to cover the cost of printing these booklets.
The Committee offered its full support to the production and distribution of an information booklet to properties in Hassocks where residents may have riparian responsibilities.
GE22/84.2 Balancing Ponds. Cllr Gaudencio spoke about the value of balancing ponds as natural flood mitigation and how these might be appropriate for specific sites across the village. The Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust (OART) have indicated that they may be able to support with the assessment of sites and installation of balancing ponds; and have suggested that the Flood Action Group provides a proposal of sites where natural flood mitigation action might be appropriate. It is understood that OART are able to install balancing ponds at a lower cost than WSCC. OART are also very keen to look at other lower cost flood mitigation options for the village.
The priority site for a balancing pond has been identified at the Parklands Copse Open Space. This site is owned by Mid Sussex District Council and discussions have been initiated with MSDC to explore this option. The Clerk pointed out that the Parish Council could not use funds to install ponds on private land, however there maybe the option to access funds from the Environment Agency or West Sussex County Council if a suitable site is agreed.
It was noted that Hassocks is now fifth on the priority list in the County for flood risk.
The Chair extended the Committee’s thanks to everyone on the Flood Action Group for all of their hard work towards helping to reduce flooding in Hassocks.
GE22/85 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). There was nothing to report.
GE22/86 URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda. Cllr Jane Baker informed the Committee that the Parklands Road Allotments would be taking part in the NGS Open Gardens scheme for the fifth year in a row, and that the Allotment Holders Association would be receiving a certificate to recognise this. The Open Gardens will take place on 25 June 2023 between 1pm and 5pm, and teas will be served at St Edwards Church in Lodge Lane. All funds raised from the teas will be donated to Woodlands Meed College.
GE22/87 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Wednesday 22 March 2023 at 7.30pm.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.40pm.
Appendix A
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Approved Adastra Park Sports Facilities Fees and Charges 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
| Full Rate | Discounted Rate | |
| Approved 2023/24 | Approved 2023/24 | |
| SPORTS HIRE – SUMMER | ||
| Cricket Turf Wicket – per use | 51.60 | 25.80 |
| Cricket Turf Wicket – evening rate | 27.10 | |
| Juniors on Artificial Pitch | 13.55 | |
| Cricket Net Practice – Per session | 27.10 | 13.55 |
| Water for cricket square will be recharged at cost | ||
| Stoolball – South Field per use | 25.30 | 12.65 |
| North Field | 6.30 | |
| Bowls – Club Members | 149.50 | 74.75 |
| Water use will be recharged to the Bowling Club | ||
| **All tennis fees and charges to remain unchanged until the completion of improvement works. | N/A | N/A |
| SUMMER PAVILION HIRE | ||
| Changing Rooms/Toilets/Kitchen/Bar/Storage | 44.00 | |
| Changing Rooms/Toilets/Kitchen/Storage | 29.70 | 14.85 |
| Toilets/Kitchen/Storage | 14.85 | 7.40 |
| SPORTS HIRE – WINTER | ||
| Football – per use | 66.70 | |
| Junior Football on Senior Pitch | 33.35 | |
| Mini-Pitch | 16.70 | |
| Training Session (per session) | 17.10 | 8.55 |
| WINTER PAVILION HIRE – SPORTS | 36.30 | 18.15 |
| COMMUNITY CHARGES | ||
| Community Pavilion Hire (per hour) | 11.00 | N/A |
| Fitness Training Charges (4 hour session) | 12.30 | N/A |
Appendix B
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Approved Hassocks Burial Ground Fees and Charges 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024
| Hassocks Burial Ground | Approved Charges 1.4.23-31.3.24 |
| BURIAL AREA | EROB (50yrs) and 1st Interment Non parishioner – 5 x fee |
| A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years (Residents and Non-residents). | No Charge |
| A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years. | |
| Single plot depth | £431.00 |
| Double plot depth | £561.00 |
| Second interment – ashes or coffin | £140.00 |
| Memorials | |
| For the right to erect a headstone within the burial ground on a grave in Respect of which the exclusive Right of Burial has been granted. | £140.00 |
| For the right to have additional inscription on an existing memorial. | £69.00 |
| CREMATED REMAINS AREA | |
| A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years months (Residents and Non-residents). | No Charge |
| A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years | |
| NORTH SECTION Memorial Wall area
EROB, first interment and numbered ground marker. |
£237.00 |
| To purchase a plaque on the Memorial Wall | |
| SOUTH SECTION Memorial Tablet Area EROB, first interment and permission for a Memorial Tablet. |
£307.00 |
| Second Ashes Interment | £118.00 |
| Additional Inscription on a memorial tablet. | £22.00 |
| ADDITIONAL FEES OR CHARGES | |
| Search Fee | Suggested no change |
| Replacement, transfer or amendment of Deed of Grant | Suggested no change |
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26/11/2024
Policy, Resources & Communications
05/12/2024
Grounds & Environment Committee
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The Council Office is located at:
Parish Centre, Adastra Park,
Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8QH.
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Wednesday CLOSED
Friday
10.00 a.m. to 12 noon.
