Burham & wouldham parish magazine june 16

THE CHURCH MAGAZINE

June 2016

View the Church Magazine online:

Church Website: www.wouldhamchurch.org.uk 1

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND PARISH OF BURHAM & WOULDHAM

All Saints Church, Wouldham RECTOR—Rev’d Mike Hayes Usual working days are on Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays.

Tel: 07964 697556 E-mail: mikejhayes@hotmail.co.uk

CHURCH WEBSITE: www.wouldhamchurch.org.uk Unfortunately at present the Church must be kept locked but arrangements for access can be made by contacting one of the Church Wardens: Church Wardens

Mrs Gwen Worcester.

Mrs Marie Rayner.

Tel. 01634 672060 Tel. 01634 681873

Baptisms

Mrs Gwen Worcester.

Tel. 01634 672060

Weddings

Mrs Catherine Gore.

Tel. 01634 404742

Monuments & Churchyard Enquiries

Rev’d Mike Hayes

Prayer requests

Mr Rod Murr.

Tel: 01634 868075

Church Flowers

Mrs Catherine Gore.

Tel. 01634 404742

Church Treasurer

Mrs Nicky Grimes.

Tel. 01634 864319

Church Secretary

Mrs Rachael Harris

Tel: 07964 697556

rachael@invosolve.com Church Magazine Editor

Mrs Mary Davis.

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Tel. 01634 869650

Dear Friends,

www.wouldhamchurch.org.uk

Someone asked me recently, and it’s a question I’ve had before, ‘What do vicars do all day?’

In the Church of England, vicars are supposed to work 6 days a week.

(Sunday being one of those days) and have one day off. As I’m half-time I work for 3 days a week, Sunday being one of the days. My other days are usually Thursdays and Fridays but I can be flexible where necessary (Weddings on Saturdays for example!). I check the work phone each day in case anything comes up that needs a quick response (a funeral request for example).

On the days when I am not working for the parish, I have some other responsibilities and spend time with family, and reading, gardening and listening to music. My working days are extremely varied.

I spend some time preparing for church services and leading worship, and I facilitate church members who assist with this. I visit people who are sick or distressed and who have requested this at home or in hospitals or nursing homes. I listen and pray when asked to. I teach people about the Christian faith, in schools and in nurture groups, and in the preparation for baptisms (9 last year) and weddings (7 last year). I visit bereaved families and help them plan funerals for their loved ones (15 last year). I try to be around for social events in church and community where possible. I have a certain amount of admin which is necessary but from which I am easily sidetracked.

Finally (though I’ve probably missed out a lot of stuff) I make time for prayer and meditation, and make sure I have some availability when people need to speak with me.

I try not to be too busy as it’s against my religion (Jesus encourages us to seek quiet space) but I recognise that, for myself and for many of us, this is not easy.

In peace, Mike Hayes (Rector, Burham and Wouldham) 1

CHURCHYARD VOLUNTEER GROUP REPORT What a difference a few people can make in just 3 hours!! th On Saturday 7 May which thankfully was a fine ,warm morning, five of us met to carry out some small jobs that make an enormous difference to the look of the churchyard in Wouldham.

Ivy was removed from two very old graves to display the names of those buried there. Weeding and removal of dead flowers around the edges of the churchyard and paths and from the gulley around the church building were completed as well as the weeds and ivy being removed from the church wall on the roadside. The verge outside the churchyard was strimmed and finally all areas swept.

The final result gave us all pride in our church (as well as a good workout!). We hope you enjoy the tranquillity of the churchyard and find the small things we have done bring you joy.

If you would like to join the volunteer group, there will be volunteer mornings every month. Look out for posters displayed around the villages or, if you want to find out more, phone one of the members of church whose phone numbers are in the front of this Magazine. Alternatively you can do a bit of weeding any time you visit the churchyard.

12th June 2.30pm—4.30pm

CREAM TEAS

All Saints Church, Wouldham

To celebrate The Queen’s 90th Birthday with

Tower and Churchyard History Tours 22

JUNE Church of England Services Burham & Wouldham

Sunday, 5th June. Trinity 2 9-00 am 10.30am

Holy Communion Holy Communion

Burham Community Centre All Saints, Wouldham

Thursday, 9th June 11.00am

Winchester House Holy Communion. All are welcome.

Sunday, 12th June. Trinity 3 10.30am,

Holy Communion

All Saints, Wouldham

Sunday, 19th June. Trinity 4 9.00am 10.30am

Holy Communion Messy Church

All Saints, Wouldham Burham Community Centre

Sunday, 26th June. Trinity 5 10-30am

Holy Communion.

All Saint’s Church Cleaning Rota Please can you clean the Church by the following Sundays: 5th June—Sandra Holman 12th June- Nicky Grimes 19th June—Sarah Miller 26th June—Rachel Harris

All Saints, Wouldham

COFFEE MORNING 10.30-11.30am, Friday, 24th June (last Friday of the month)

All Saints Church, Wouldham We’re raising money to support the provision of improved sanitation, clean water and hygiene education in places where people are without access to a toilet.

40% of the world’s population do not have a toilet to use and have to use fields, streams, rivers, railway lines, canal banks, roadsides, plastic bags or squalid disease ridden buckets.

Just £60-00 can provide a toilet in Burundi, Cambodia or Liberia.

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PHOENIX MEDICAL PRACTICE STATEMENT A recent newsletter from Trenport has caused some concern and anxiety with regard to the future of the Burham and Eccles GP surgeries.

We wish to emphasise that there is no possibility of ‘closing the Phoenix Medical Practice’ as the leaflet states. However, we can confirm that we are in discussion with NHS England and West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group about the possibility of the practice moving into a proposed purpose-built medical centre at Peter’s Village.

We believe that relocating our services to a new medical centre would offer an improved patient experience from far larger premises than we currently have. The extra space would enable us to provide additional services, clinics and increased accessibility to GPs, which would benefit all patients, new and existing.

Any further information and updates will be shared with our Patient Participation Group, patients and the local community as it becomes available. In the meantime, it is business as usual for the Phoenix Medical Practice.

Robert Niechoj – Practice Manager – Phoenix Medical

WINCHESTER HOUSE NURSING HOME, WOULDHAM Yet another fun-packed month was had at Winchester House last month with residents enjoying Right Step – Active Armchairs and Motivation & Co both specialising in physical and mental stimulation and are very popular activities at the home.

A big thank you to The Evergreen Choir, who recently visited the home to entertain us. The Evergreens are an amazing choral ensemble from the Medway towns and came to do a special performance as one of our residents was a former member of their choir; a wonderful afternoon was had by all.

We were also lucky enough to have children from both Wouldham and Burham primary schools to help with our Community Garden Project. They helped with weeding and planting bulbs and plants. The flower beds are gradually being transformed with the help of the children, who not only brightened up the courtyard but also brought energy and fun to the home. We are very grateful to both schools for supporting this special project.

June brings us nice weather, blue skies, and all kinds of outdoor activities and we are looking forward to our next big event on 10th June which will be our Right Royal Street Party to celebrate the Queen's official 90th Birthday. Some of the children from Wouldham School will be joining us to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Website: www.barchester.com Tel: 01634 685001 4

JUNE MEETINGS Tuesday June 7th

7.30pm

Wouldham Parish Council

Wouldham Village Hall

Thursdays: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

10.30 - Thursday Community Club 12 noon & Hi Kent Hearing Aid Clinic 9th June

Old School Community Centre, Burham

Tuesdays: June 7, 14, 21, 28.

2-4pm

Waterman’s Arms, 151 High St., Wouldham

Tuesday June 21st

7.30pm

Monday: June 27th

7.30pm

60+CLUB Social afternoon for the over-60s WI Meeting Hands on craft evening— Catherine Philpott Competition– letter Q Burham Parish Council

Burham Village Hall

Burham Parish office

Phoenix Medical Practice 33, Bell Lane, Burham, Rochester. ME1 3SX Telephone 01634 867982. Fax 01634 864513 Opening times Monday & Thursday: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday:

8:30 am - 5:00 pm 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Dispensary Opening Times Monday & Thursday:

8:45 am - 12:00 pm 2.00 pm – 4:45 pm 8:45 am - 12:00 pm 3:30 pm – 6:15 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

Once a week we hold either an early morning (7.00-8.00am) or evening surgery (6.30pm-7.30 or 8.30pm) These are to make it easier for people to attend the surgery who work full time. The days of these surgeries vary. www.phoenixsurgery-burham.nhs.uk 5

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN BURHAM (Church Street)

SERVICE OF MEMORIES SUNDAY JUNE 26th, 10.30AM led by Mandy Harris You are warmly invited to join us at this special service when we will remember those family members, friends and others who are no longer with us but remain dear in our hearts. There will be an opportunity to light a candle in their memory.

Also at this service, a Communion tray will be dedicated in memory of Madge Culver who died last year. All the monies given at the time of her death have been put towards this lasting memory of Madge who was a regular worshipper in The Church in Burham.

2016 EVENTS AT ST MARY'S CHURCH, BURHAM (down by the river) June 11/12th Flower Festival July 10th Summer Fayre (stalls available) August 20th Music Festival September 24/25th Vintage toy exhibition Octoer 22/23rd Art and History Exhibition December 17th Carols by Candlelight We hope you will be able to join us at some these events.

If you would like to get involved please call Rosie 01634672346 or email rosiejam@btinternet.com www.facebook.com/ stmarysburham 6

are

THE CHURCH IN BURHAM (Methodist), Church St. Minister:- Rev Tony Graff. Tel: 01732 871436 Stewards:- Eileen Smith, 01634 867022 & Joyce Brown 01634 864413 Trevor Smith 01634 867022. & Rod Murr 01634 868075 Requests for Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals to: Rev Tony Graff or Stewards.

SERVICES FOR JUNE Sunday June 5th 10.30am Morning Worship led by Worship Team Sunday June 12th 10.30am Morning Worship led by Monica Wilding Sunday June 17th 6.0pm Holy Communion led by Rev Noreen Daly-Lee Sunday June 26th 10.30am Service of Memories led by Mandy Harris (Please see separate notice about this service) AFTERNOON TEA This will continue as usual each Tuesday afternoon from 3.0.pm till 4.30pm. Everyone is most welcome to join us for a cup of tea, piece of homemade cake and a ‘Fun Quiz’ COUNTRY LUNCH This month’s Country Lunch will take place on Thursday June 9th at 1.0.pm. All are very welcome to join us for a meal of homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by fruit crumble and ice cream and tea or coffee for which we ask a donation of £2.50. .BOOK EXCHANGE Our Book Exchange will return to the first Saturday in the month – Saturday June 4th. This is held from 10.30am till 12.00pm and is an opportunity to bring books you have read and exchange them for new ones while enjoying tea, coffee and a piece of cake. We ask for a donation of £1 for each book taken.

FILM CLUB June’s Film Club will be held on Wednesday June 1st at 7.30pm when we will be showing ‘Bend it like Beckham’ an Indian themed comedy drama.

Do join us to watch the film and share tea and coffee afterwards for which we ask a donation of £1.

CHARITIES Any profit from Afternoon Tea, Book Exchange, Film Club and Country Lunch is donated to a different charity each month. In April £120 was sent to Heart of Kent Hospice. The chosen charity for June will be to Cystic Fibrosis Support.

THE COMMITTEE OF BURHAM OLD SCHOOL COMMUNITY CENTRE are running an....

AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY, 10th SEPTEMBER, 2-5 pm.

Tables will be £10 each Please contact Janet Richardson on 01634 686673 or janet@richardsonclive7.orangehome.co.uk to reserve a table or for more information.

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FRIENDS OF WOULDHAM SCHOOL

present.........

A Summer Party

2pm-4pm, Friday 17th June Wouldham School Field Lots & lots of stalls and activities, all are welcome.

Come and join us and have fun

Raising money for the school

SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Requiring New Members Beginners and/or experienced players are all welcome.

Club NightsMondays and Wednesdays, 7.30pm—10pm.

Burham Village Hall.

For all details, ring: 01634 867581

JELLYBEANS QUIZ AND CHIPS at the Watermans Arms, Wouldham Saturday 4th June 7.30pm Sausage and chips served when we have a break in the middle of the quiz. £5 per head.

To book a table contact Kirsty on 07834736508.

All money raised will go towards the Jellybeans children having an end of term day out.

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Wouldham All Saints Church of England Primary School Summer’s here! We all love this time of year and take every opportunity to get out and about. Our Forest School trips have taken place every Thursday throughout the year and currently are being enjoyed by Reception and until this month by Year 5 as well. Years 3 and 4 will get some time in June to experience the wonderful environment as well as learning about using tools and campfires. We had an example of absolutetly fabulous writing from a Year R child who had been inspired by her Forest adventures – proof that these sorts of acvtivities have a significant impact.

Having mini-buses is a real bonus and enables us to enhance learning in so many ways. The biggest snag is finding a space when they’re not being used! Doves, Kingfishers and Starlings have all managed to squeeze a trip to Reculver beach for a spot of rock pooling to start our seaside topic off.

This is an Olympic year and the KS2 classes are finishing the school year with a theme based on physical activity and the Rio Olympics. Hopefully this will inspire some future Olympians!

June will be hectic and we love it! Apart from kicking off with new themes we’re also celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday with festivities organised by our School Parliament on Friday 10th.

The following Friday is our Summer Party on the 17th and this is open to all. There will be plenty of stalls and fun things to do – such as the favourite wet sponges as well as food and drink so why not come along and join us. We especially invite those with children about to join us and those looking for places in September 2017. We start at 2pm and finish around 4 or 4:30 depending on when all the ice cream has run out!

We also have trips to Hindu and Sikh temples, cricket, the Year 6 Church School’s festival at Rochester Cathedral and final assessments to be submitted to the Department for Education.

We’re celebrating our School Christian Value with a ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ afternoon at the end of the month and then building up to Sports Day programmed for Tuesday the 28th. We’re hoping for beautiful weather throughout but will try to cope in all circumstances although we do hold a reserve date for Sports Day which will be Tuesday 12th July.

There has been much publicity regarding schools, education and testing during the past few months and as a school we are thrilled that there has been a major reversal on the forced academies conversion. This was something that looked likely to divert our efforts away from delivering high quality education. Great news and we hope for more like it!

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BURHAM C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR SATURDAY, 2nd JULY, 11.30am-3.30pm THE SCHOOL FIELD STALLS

GAMES ENTERTAINMENT CRAFT TENT INFLATABLES BBQ BAR RAFFLE

ENTRY: ADULTS 50p & CHILDREN FREE Indulge yourself with ..........

BURHAM PRE-SCHOOL SHOPPING & PAMPER NIGHT FRIDAY 17th JUNE,7.30pm BURHAM OLD SCHOOL COMMUNITY CENTRE INCLUDING: Nails, Waxing, Hopi Ear Candles, Tinting, Accupressure Head Massage, Body Shop, Jewellery, Younique, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Raffle and much more.

Tickets are £3 which includes entry, raffle ticket and a glass of wine or soft drink Contact Joy on 07817 921141 to reserve a ticket 11

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WOULDHAM PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council met on May 3rd in the Village Hall.

It was our Annual General Meeting. Jenny Head was voted in as Chair, Daphne Parris as Vice Chair. All the contact details for our Councillors are on our website: wouldhampc.kentparishes.gov.uk and also on the noticeboards.

PETERS VILLAGE Planning permission for the new medical centre has been passed, we have also had a statement from Phoenix Surgery in Burham regarding the comment made in Trenport’s latest news sheet. It is on the noticeboard in the surgery and on our Facebook page.

TRAFFIC SURVEY We have had the results of the traffic survey. They are on our website and on the noticeboards. Will be interesting to compare once the bridge and the school have opened.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH The PC is getting all the names together of previous volunteers. If anyone would like to join in with this very worthwhile enterprise please contact the clerk.

DEVELOPERS AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES There was an interesting debate on the use of management companies by developers, especially now the plans for Peters Village are better formed.

A company has been managing Oldfield Drive for some time and the question was could the PC do it better and cheaper. Watch this space.

NEW VILLAGE HALL The Fundraising Committee who have worked long and hard on behalf of the Village to get a new village hall have had a meeting to discuss the progression of the lottery bid. With just a couple of “tweeks” it is ready to go, the PC wish them luck with the bid and offer any help where they can.

CONTACT DETAILS: wouldhampc@kentparishes.gov.uk Parish Clerk: Nicky Grimes 01634 864319 clerk@wouldhampc.co.uk (also for village hall bookings) Chairman of PC: Mrs Jenny Head jennyhead1@gmail.com 13

PARISH NEWS Halls for Hire

Weddings

Booking times up to 8.0pm in the evening.

16 April.

Ashley Cockerton & Polly McConnell

Burham Methodist Church Hall – 01634 867022 Burham Old School Community Centre – 01634 863322 Burham Village Hall – 07842883028 Wouldham Village Hall –

Choir Practice Church choir practice is on Thursdays, 7.30p.m. at All Saints Church, Wouldham.

New junior and senior members are most welcome. For enquiries, please contact Sandra Holman Tel. 01634-867586

clerk@wouldhampc.co.uk 01634 864319

SATURDAY WASTE COLLECTION

Prescriptions If you are unable to collect your prescriptions and live in the Parish of Burham & Wouldham, the Church offers a collection service.

Contact: Heather Lloyd: Tel. 863345 Volunteers collecting these prescriptions need a minimum of 24 hours notice.

Wouldham - 4th June Village Car Park, Knowle Rd, 8.0am – 9.0am.

Burham – 11th June Village Hall Car Park, 8.0am – 9.0am Eccles – 4th & 18th June Bull Lane lay-by, 8.0am – 9.0am TMBC Helpline 01732 876147 www.tmbc.gov.uk All sites on the Saturday Service have WEEE collection ie-

WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE?

Waste,Electical,Electronic,Equipment

We deliver to every house in Burham & Wouldham each month.

1/6th of A5 page starts at £12 per issue Contact the Editor— back page 14

& scrap metal items at the same time that Veolia's vehicles are on site.

Do not leave waste unattended at the collection sites or in advance of the waste vehicles arriving.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS Wouldham Parish Council

Burham Parish Council

www.wouldhampc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Pam Saunders – Clerk The Parish Office, Rochester Road. Burham. ME1 3RJ Opening times: Mon-Frid 10am—2pm Tel: 01634 685936 Email: pam@burhampc.co.uk www.burhamvillage.org

Parish Clerk—Nicky Grimes clerk@wouldhampc.co.uk 01634 864319 We have some Wouldham allotment plots available.

[Contact Ashley on 686859]

Community Warden, Deb Foreman—07813694140 Police non emergency – 101 MOBILE LIBRARY VAN The Mobile Library visits Burham & Wouldham every week on a Tuesday: Wouldham, School Lane— 1.15- 2.15pm Wouldham, Post Office2.20- 2.40pm Wouldham, Ravensknowle- 2.45– 3.00pm Burham, Village Hall 3.05– 4.05pm

A selection of books – fiction & non-fiction.

Large print books.

Children’s books. DVDs. Orders can be taken.

Use it or loose it!!

Guitar Lessons BOOK CLUB 7.30pm, Wednesday, 15th June All Saints Church, Wouldham

with

Christian Everett

Guitar | Bass | Music Theory | Ukulele

* * * * * * * *

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Private or group tutoring provided Free taster lesson!

Friendly, relaxed learning style Christian will travel to you Learn at your own pace!

Achieve your goals with guitar exams Excellent prices to suit your needs Christian is CRB/DBS checked. christianjeverett@gmail.com 07762 141221

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BURHAM CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPASSION, ACCEPTANCE, RESPONSIBILITY, FORGIVENESS, TRUST

The school ended Term 4 with an Easter Service that took place at Burham Church. This was followed on Maundy Thursday by a Eucharist led by Reverend Mike Hayes where the children took part in the ritual washing of the feet.

The beginning of Term 5, after the Easter break, was a busy time for the school.

We once again welcomed Zoo Lab who brought their wide range of mini-beasts into school and all the children were able to participate in this experience. This activity was paid for from money raised by our PTFA. The PTFA were raising more money on 22nd April when the school hall was transformed into a catwalk for the 'Kids on the Catwalk' fundraiser and children from the school modelled the clothes on the 'Burham runway'.

Our Year 6 pupils took part in a sponsored walk as part of their Year 6 Enterprise.

The money they raised will be put towards their end of year treat to see 'The Lion King' at the Lyceum Theatre in London. A group of children from the school also took part in a gardening afternoon with some of the residents of Winchester House, while the netball team enjoyed taking part in the Netball Festival at Aylesford School. Pupils at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) also took their SATs. The school welcomed visitors from the Diocese and Local Authority during April. They had not visited the school for several years and were delighted with the improvements especially within our classroom environments commenting that the children were working within a purposeful atmosphere. Following their visit they emailed: “thank the staff and pupils for welcoming us on the walk around the school which we very much enjoyed.�

During Term 5 we have been looking ahead to the Rio Olympics. All our pupils completed projects on an 'Olympic' theme at the beginning of term which parents came into school to look at. We also welcomed members of the Health and Wellbeing Team who came to talk to the children about healthy lifestyles. On 5th May we held a 'Road to Rio' Olympic Day where the children took part in various Olympic themed sporting activities. Many thanks to all the parents who came into school at 8am to take part in a 'before-school' fitness session. The term ended with an Arts week on a Brazilian theme which included the opportunity for the children to take part in a samba drumming workshop. Parents then joined us for a Family Time Carnival on the last day of term.

As always, all updates relating to our school can be found on our website www.burham.kent.sch.uk If you would like to get involved with our PTFA please do get in touch office@burham.kent.sch.uk Michelle Grima, Headteacher 17

Darren Emptage Stonemasons Your local Family run Stonemasons for New Memorials, Additional Inscriptions, Cleaning & Repairs For a very competitive quote, a brochure & price list or just friendly advice, please call us on

07806633422 days, 01634 868574 evenings E Mail: darrenemptage77@aol.com Website: www.darrenemptage.com

Garden Services

Wouldham Court Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

Wouldham based

Ideal B&B for wedding guests Church just opposite & River view Honeymooners welcome Grade 11 listed home. Beamed rooms ‘Lots of Memorabilia of Admiral Nelson’ Proprietor—Anthea Parnell 246 High St, Wouldham, Rochester, Kent. ME1 3TY. Tel: 01634 683271 Email: wouldham.b-b@virgin.net 18

Garden Maintenance, Lawn Mowing, Strimming, Hedge Trimming, Pressure– washing Patios & Decking, Allotment dig-overs.

Call Rob Ward: Text or phone: 07812345951

June in Your Garden ‘Nowhere in nature can you find purer colour than sunlight passing through the petal of a flower’

As the season turns from Spring into Summer, the cold nights should now be over for the next few months, the days are longer and hopefully the temperatures will stay warm enough that we can all enjoy being outside in our gardens. By now the main structure of the garden should be back to full strength, and colour, whether singular or multi, is leading the display.

Now is also the time to think about the overall form of your garden, do the shapes within the space flow naturally, are there colours that work particularly well together or some that clash. A handy trick is to take some pictures and make some notes ready for next year – this way you will know which things works well, and are worth repeating, and also those that aren’t as pleasing that might need changing or moving for next season.

It’s not too late to sow summer annuals such as Cosmos, Zinnia or Gazania, or Sunflowers are particularly good for children to grow. Once big enough to handle pot up into garden pots, but protect from slugs etc. whilst they are still young and tender. It’s also time to lift & divide bulky spring blooms such as bluebells and daffodils – spread the clumps between other areas in your garden or pot up & pass to friends & family. Summer bedding will also be available now, use these to fill any gaps left in the garden for instant colour, and also for your hanging baskets. Use any leftovers in small pots which can be popped into any gaps in the garden as the season progresses.

If you are keen to make your garden productive as well as attractive, its now the perfect time to sow some lettuce, herbs – such as parsley & basil, or salads – such as radish or carrots, all of which can be cropped in as little as six weeks. You can also grow potatoes in sacks for a crop in September, and tomatoes or chillies will be happy in grow bags – choose a bush variety that won’t require staking. Also strawberries and courgettes are happy in pots for fresh home grown produce.

Other things to be doing in the garden now: Keep cutting the lawn, & weed & feed as necessary Water pots and hanging baskets thoroughly and daily to prevent them drying out. Also feed once a month to encourage flowers.

Be vigilant with pests - slugs, snails, lily beetle and aphids will all weaken or destroy plants if left unchecked.

Don’t forget to ENJOY YOUR GARDEN whilst the summer lasts We have some Wouldham allotment plots available. [Contact Ashley on 686859] Sue Durrani, Secretary, Allotment Association, Wouldham 19

Burham Children's Centre Bell Lane, Burham.

ME1 3SY Tel: 03000 418008

BURHAM CHILDREN’S CENTRE have some exciting new changes to the services on offer!

ALL SESSIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE Monday– am. 9.15-10.45am. Stay & Play. Burham Children's Centre.

A play group for families with children aged 0-5years with many different toys and activities available throughout the session.

Tuesday—am. 9:30am–10:15am. Active Tots– Royal British Legion Hall, Aylesford – A fun interactive physical development group for walkers to 5 years.

Tuesday—pm. 1:00pm–3:00pm. Well Baby Clinic.— Burham Children’s Centre. Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month– come and have your baby weighed and speak with a member of the Health Visiting team. A soft play area is available while you wait.

Wednesday- am 10:00am-10:45am. Music Mayhem - (Term Time Only)– St Marks Primary School, Eccles – For families with children aged 0-5 years who love to sing and dance.

Thursday-am – 1.30pm-2.30pm. Baby Sensory. For non-mobile babies.

Come and let your baby explore and learn about their senses in a soft and relaxing environment.

Thursday- 3.00-4.00 Baby Massage Courses - For non-mobile babies.

Come on a 4-5 week course to meet other new parents, learn baby massage for the five areas of the body. Among other things this can help with bonding and colic. Please call to book.

You can now register for the children’s centre online: www.kent.gov.uk/ccregistration Did you know you could also be eligible for Free Funding for 2 Year olds for more information go to www.kent.gov.uk/freefor2 Website www.kent.gov.uk or email tmcc@kent.gov.uk 20

CHILDREN’S GROUPS BURHAM PRE-SCHOOL, BURHAM VILLAGE HALL. 'Outstanding' Ofsted inspection - March 2011.

We welcome children aged 2 -5yrs.

Sessions: Mon - Fri am 9.15 - 11.45.

Mon - Fri Lunch Club 11.45 - 12.20 Mon - Fri* pm 12.20 - 2.50. *Fri pm is for rising 5's only.

Optional ‘early bird’ drop off at 9am.

Come along and visit to see if we are right for you!

Visit our website: burhampreschool@weebly.com Supervisor - Tracey Beechey Tel: 07920599287 Email: Burham.pre-school@hotmail.com

JELLYBEANS PRE-SCHOOL, WOULDHAM VILLAGE HALL Our Ofsted Inspection found Jellybeans to be 'good'.

Sessions : Mon - Fri am 9.15-11.45 Mon - Thurs pm 12.25 - 2.55 Mon - Thurs Lunch Club 11.45 - 12.25 Early drop off option available.

Feel free to visit at any time, no appointment necessary.

For further information please contactMrs Donna Cook (Supervisor) on 07932551771

HANDYMAN & ODD JOB SERVICES Anything from......

SMALL DIY JOBS TO FULL REDECORATION, PAINTING, PAPERING, COVING ETC, GARDEN TIDYING, PATIO CLEANING, CAR VALETING.

YOU NAME IT, WE CAN DO IT FOR FRIENDLY ADVICE AND ESTIMATES, PLEASE CALL: 01634 685760 or 07766 524863

EMAIL: ericpope@btinternet.com 21

Plumbing Services

Paul J. Rowland Independent Funeral Directors

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Central Heating Power Flush Over 35 Years experience

Maidstone: 15 Mid Kent Shopping Centre, ME16 0PU - 01622 757177.

Penenden Heath, ME14 2JP 01622 662661

24 Hours a Day ~ 365 Days a Year

We offer a full range of services and facilities, home arrangements at your convenience.

Free car parking Company Director: Paul J. Rowland

Dennis Woodward Mobile: 07710273915

LOCAL GASFITTER

Specialist in Gas Cooker Repairs & Fitting    

All types of appliances fitted including fires, cookers, water heaters, wall heaters. Rangemaster trained.

Gas meters removed and resited for house extensions etc.

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www.boxleytimber.co.uk 22

BURHAM PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Dog Walkers: As a gentle reminder, please ensure that all dogs are kept under control and are only in areas where they are allowed and of course any dog poo is disposed of accordingly.

We are pleased to advise the Carole Barritt was co-opted onto the Council at the April meeting. Carole was previously part of the team, but decided at the 2015 elections not to re-stand due to other commitments. As her circumstances have now changed, she is back with us. Welcome Back Carole.

We have received some verbal reports that New Court Road is being used by “boy racers”, both cars and bikes. If you see any anti-social behavior taking place anywhere, please report it to 101. The Police cannot take action if no formal complaints have been received by them.

There are still a few kitchen caddies and liners available free of charge. Please contact the Clerk.

Please ensure that all vehicles using the car park facilities provided by the Parish Council ie Bell Lane, Village Hall including overflow and Church Street are in a road worthy condition, and are taxed, MOT and insured.

There have been several reports of fly tipping in the Village. If you see any fly tipping either taking place or already fly tipped, please either report it to TMBC or let me know and I will report it to them.

Don’t forget to recycle all cardboard and paper in the large recycling bank at the Village Hall site. The particular bank generates funding for the community.

There is no further news regarding the disposal of Bluebell Hill Picnic site by KCC. They are inviting local communities and stakeholders to come forward with proposals as to how they can best ensure that the site remains open to the public and is financially viable.

If you have any items that you would like the Parish Council to discuss, just give me a call on my new number 01634 685936, e-mail me on pam@burhampc.co.uk or come along to the monthly meetings, normally held the last Monday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 27 June 2016, 7.30 pm The Parish Building, ROCHESTER ROAD, BURHAM .

Pam Saunders - Clerk 23

YOUNG ARTISTS INSPIRE MP'S ECO THOUGHTS Tracey Crouch – Chatham and Aylesford MP and new mum – has told 65 young local artists how they made her think anew about the environment, after capturing the diversity of life in, on and beside the River Medway.

But their creations also gave headaches to judges awarding more than £800 worth of prizes in the second Peters Village community’s TriHistory Arts Competition, for primary schoolchildren in the neighbouring villages of Wouldham, Burham and Eccles.

“Choosing the winners was hard enough last year, but even harder this time,” said judges’ chairman, Tonbridge and Malling Cllr and Deputy Mayor elect Roger Dalton, before asking Tracey Crouch to present awards for the competition, sponsored by Peters Village developer Trenport Investments Ltd and its site contractor Bam Nuttall.

Ms Crouch, recently returned to duties after the birth of her son Freddie three months ago, congratulated the children at the prize giving in The Old School Community Centre, Burham. She added: “Your entries look amazing and show just what nature and wildlife means to you. With little Freddie just coming into the world, it makes me even more aware of how much we all need to value the environment.”

Trenport Director Chris Hall also praised the youngsters and made reference to the new Medway bridge being completed as part of the £50 million Peters Village infrastructure.

“Trenport and Bam Nuttall are delighted to continue our association with your schools and I’m also pleased to see so many bridges featured. It suggests that I’m not only in the presence of many budding artists, but engineers too – this country needs engineers as well as artists.”

THE WINNERS: Gold Prize (£250 and certificate, plus a £10 voucher for every classmate) - Harry Elsdon of Wouldham for an abstract sculpture using wood, metal and rope found along the banks of the Medway.

Silver Prize (£100 and certificate) - Neah Haque of Wouldham for abstract impressions using various materials to show the river and its surroundings.

Bronze Prize (£50 and certificate) - Maisie Hunter of Burham for a 3D model of the river, fish, banks, and flora.

There were also 16 ‘Highly Commended’ awards: seven won by Burham, six by Eccles and three by Wouldham. Each received a £10 voucher.

24

Competition organiser and Trenport Community Liaison Manager Shirley Boards said after the prize giving (Wednesday 27 April): “This annual competition was inspired by Trenport’s archaeological surveys ahead of developing the new Peters Village community. “These showed how much the River Medway meant to past cultures living there and this year’s theme for the children was ‘The River and what it means to me’, but the competition’s overall title is the Tri-History Arts Competition, as entrants may draw inspiration from the area’s rich natural, social or industrial history. “There is also the intention that competition entries may inspire public arts used on the Peters Village site – the children’s artistic creations could become something permanent.” “The main target is Year 5 pupils (aged 9-10) at Peters Village’s three neighbouring village schools: Wouldham All Saints CE Primary; Burham CE Primary; and St Mark's CE Primary, Eccles. “The 2015 inaugural competition also invited entries from the schools as a whole and offered £2,500 in prize money, but this approach is reserved for every third year to avoid overloading the curricular commitments of the schools and their staff.

“Trenport and Bam Nuttall’s sponsorship included visiting art mentors Colleen Dunn and Lou Hodgson from ‘Art And...’ who managed the creative side and workshops for the competition.”

Winners: Harry Elsdon Neah Haque Maisie Hunter

Tracey Crouch MP with Deputy Mayor, Roger Dalton presenting awards to the winners 25

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26

SO WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? It was a moment to bring a tingle to the spine. Proof that there is much more to your family history than you ever realised – a moment like those from TV’s popular ‘ancestor hunt’ Who Do You Think You Are? Hugh Peters grew up believing his family were Midlands stock, until sons Mark and Tim stumbled across connections with the Medway-based Peters family, the dynasty behind the huge Peters Lime & Cement Works on the river’s east bank – site of the new Peters Village community - and once owners of the long since demolished Wouldham Hall.

So Hugh and wife Felicity, and Mark and Tim, visited the area seeking graves that might prove this connection. “We arrived at Halling Church, not really expecting to find much,” said Hugh. “Only to be faced with this massive headstone – it belonged to Thomas Peters, my great-great grandfather.

“I felt this huge rush of emotion; Mark and Tim had worked it all out beforehand, of course, but I suddenly realised there really was this connection with our wider family, once quite well-known in this part of Kent and including Thomas' older brother, William, who began the cement dynasty.”

The disconnection had occurred two generations earlier in London: Hugh’s grandmother Nina Thatcher travelled from her Shropshire home to work in the then well-known Kensington dairy Welford & Sons, later marrying one of the company managers, Ernest Peters – a member of the Kent family. Within two years though, tragedy struck: whether through stress or depression, Ernest took his own life, leaving his young wife pregnant with a son, Ernest junior – Hugh’s father. “But what had thrown us previously was that my dad had been born in Shropshire,” said Hugh, 76. “Until we realised my poor widowed grandmother must have returned to the bosom of her family to help bring up her baby.

“She later moved near Warwick where she bought a village shop, ran it singlehandedly and raised my dad. I was then born in the brewing town of Burton-onTrent, with no idea of the Kent connection.”

Now living in south London, Hugh – a semi-retired director of a motor trade group – wants to know more about his lost family, with help from Mark and Tim, both equally fascinated.

“We have become hooked by the whole Peters Works story,” admitted Mark, who recently visited the Peters Village site as a guest of Trenport, along with his three-year-old daughter Emily, and dad “So we would love to hear more about this operation, in its heyday the largest of its kind in the world with a workforce of 1,000 men and a fleet of 80 barges, which rose so quickly in the late 1800s, before declining almost as fast.”

■ If you can help Mark and Hugh’s ancestral search or simply pass on information about your own family’s connection with Peters Works, please tell us via Trenport’s Peters Village community liaison manager Shirley Boards: shirley.boards@trenport.co.uk or 01233 224981.

Source: Steve Loader 27

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The Magazine of the Burham & Wouldham Parish Church Editor: Mary Davis, 132 Rochester Rd, Burham. ME1 3SH. Tel. 01634 869650. e-mail: zero.mexdavis247@btinternet.com Please send items for inclusion by the 10th of the preceding month.

Please note; there are combined July/August & December/January editions.

A Note From The Editor We hope you enjoy reading this Magazine.

We welcome your news items and articles.

However, we reserve the right to edit or not to publish.

The publication of any advertisement does not carry the 30 Church’s endorsement.