Lenham Focus | December ’16

December 2016

Lenham Guides See what they do!

New Years Eve in Lenham Square

Local Property Market 6 months from Brexit

Page 17

Page 52

Page 53

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DECEMBER

Editorial Now we are well into the festive

Also this month we have the welcome

season we would like to wish all our

return of the Focus on Nature series

readers, contributors, advertisers and

by Derek Budge plus a new occasional

distributors a very merry Christmas

series on the local housing market by

and we would like to thank you for all

Philip Jarvis.

your help and support over the last year and look forward to a New Year

We also have a call to all villagers to

with you.

join in the New Years Eve celebration in the Square at midnight.

This month we have a feast of festive information including the

Finally if you have already had

latest article for GB Listers about

enough of Christmas then the

alternatives to turkey, a Lenham

Lenham Family Festival is looking to

tea towel being sold to support local

plan next year’s event. See the article

charity and a range of Christmas

inside on how you can help out.

concerts and carol services.

By James Collett

4

Editorial: James Collett 07927 308740 | editorialslf@gmail.com

Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy B

Advertising: Katy B, Jim Myers 07593 340744 | advertslf@gmail.com

Interviews: Jim Myers

Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@ gmail.com

Social Media: Georgia Hewish Printed by: Mike Kingsman, Gemini Print

Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200

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Photography: Andy Flood

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Dates for your Diary 3 December

14 December

Winter Concert

Christmas Carol Concert for Heart of

Enjoy a winter concert with Christmas

Kent Hospice

theme, Headcorn Village hall 7pm

With Peter Brice and his Christmas Choir at St Mary’s Church, West Malling from 6:30pm

11 December Christmas Fancy Dress Fun Run Come and take part or simply support this event in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice.

8

Council Corner

F

We are undertaking periodic visits in the evening checking street lights, please keep reporting these, potholes and other issues to us or visit the

urther to last month’s article,

http://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-

construction has now begun

travel/report-a-problem to pin point

on the scheme to improve

problems, report and track them.

the River Medway towpath between Barming Bridge and Aylesford Bridge

Can we thank all the volunteers from

to encourage cycling and walking. The

the village who, over the year have

Maidstone cycle forum meets regularly

given their time for others and to wish

and residents who are interested in

all residents a peaceful and relaxing

getting involved can contact Paul on

Christmas.

PaulHarper@maidstone.gov.uk or James on JamesWillis@maidstone.

After recently watching the film Pay it

gov.uk

Forward, can we ask that a great new year’s resolution idea is when a good

We are continuing to gain signatures

turn is done for you, instead of paying

for a petition to implement a 20

it back, pay it forward to three other

mph speed limit on the four roads

people. That way the good turn goes

leading to the square. This is being

on.

done in conjunction with another petition within the borough and

Please don’t hesitate to contact us

will be presented at the appropriate

with concerns on 01622 859412 or

committee in early 2017.

tomsamscllr7@gmail.com

We are also working with the

Janetta & Tom

Borough Council officers and parish Councillors on the parking issues around the village.

9

Forthcoming Events

11 Dec

Children’s Xmas Party (2 - 11 years) 11.30am – 2pm. Tickets only

Christmas and New Year’s Eve 7pm to late. Members & Guests Only All ticket events. No ticket, no entry

Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night 8pm Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month Whist Drive: every Friday 7.30pm Summer Beer Garden, Monthly Sea Angling Club Outside Bar, Marque, BBQ & Bouncy Castle for Hire

Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm.

Private Hire. very Tuesday Sunday Night Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night

10

BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person

Monday 5.45 - 6.45 : Children’s Ballroom & Latin (8-16yrs) 7.30 - 8.15 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Beginners)

GDC School of Dancing Lenham Dance Studios 8 Faversham Road Lenham Kent ME17 2PN Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628 Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk

8.15 - 9.00 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Intermediate) Wednesday 4.30 - 5.15 : Under 8’s Ballroom & Latin (4-8yrs)

PLUS Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person 8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information

11

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12

Clubs & Societies

Medway area, by Jim Preston.

Lenham Gardening Society

about Roman Villas in Kent.

There was a big welcome back for an

Dec. meeting is a shared supper and

old friend of the LGS, Sue Scrivens, as

social get together for members.

Our meeting on Nov 30th 7.30 pm in the Osborne room is a talk by Keith Parfitt

our October speaker who gave a very interesting and humorous talk on ‘Herbs

Jan. will start 2017 with short talks from

for every use’ , illustrated with many

members.

great pictures taken in her garden and amusing anecdotes. The talk was much

Then hopefully a talk the following

appreciated by the members.

month by Ross Lane from Canterbury

Reminder that there is no meeting in

Trust on the site and findings under the

December, our next meeting will be on

Co-Op.

19th January 2017. The competition will be ‘A Homemade Calendar’ and/or

Hopefully we can find some interesting

‘Bunch of Hedgerow Foliage’. We will

and reasonable speakers for the months

also be collecting the subs for 2017 which

to come in 2017.

will remain at £7 per person.

We look forward to seeing you all next

We had an extra short meeting on Oct

year and hopefully some new members.

26th to discuss how the Group would

So it just remains for me, on behalf of the

go ahead next year. We are growing

Committee, to wish you all a very Happy

dangerously low in funds and need more

Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

members to keep going.

Keith

We decided that membership would have

Chair LGS

to increase to £15 per year.

Lenham Heritage

How observant are you of features in Lenham? We have a local rock called

Our last meeting in October was a very

Bethersden marble that was formed

interesting talk on Aviation in the

in ancient inland freshwater lakes.

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Weald Clay is made up of soft shale and

check out the stones in our church too,

mudstone with bands of this freshwater

particularly the top of St Mary’s Church

limestone (the term ‘marble’ being

wall, if you go with a hand lens it easier to

used as the stone is capable of taking a

see the shells.

polish) which is also known as Paludina

Next month I will show you another

limestone, Sussex Marble, Winklestone,

feature you may not have noticed in

Charlwood Stone, Laughton Marble,

Lenham.

and Petworth Marble. In Lenham there

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

are various places where you can find

Lesley Feakes 8502745

examples. There used to be some near

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Yew tree cottage but it has been removed . Hopefully this piece will always stay in place ….do you know where it is?

The small circles are the shells of a

As we do not meet this month the

fossilised freshwater snail Paludina.

Committee wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

This year has been rather upsetting having been told we will come under the jurisdiction of the men’s branch.

However some information has come to light and more will be forthcoming during the year. However we will continue as usual during the coming year until September 2017.

We have had a successful year with three

The sheen or polish is quite noticeable

well supported talks. A talk about Bruges

and will get more so as the passage of

Sa’s plus another talk on make up for over

numerous feet tend to polish it even

forties, a lunch at Red Lion, Garden Party

more. The yellow leaves from particular

combined meeting with the men’s branch

trees give a clue ……as to where it is.

who organised a quiz. Finally the AGM.

If you look in Chilham church, there is

All in all a happy organisation with well

a memorial to the Digges family that

supported meetings.

is made from Bethersden marble. And

Enid LaPlain

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Lenham WI

Young At Heart 60+

Our October talk, ‘Made in Maidstone

We have been so lucky with the weather.

‘proved to be fascinating. We did not

I was in Folkestone on Wednesday

really know what to expect, and were

02/11/16 with my family and the sea

amazed to discover how much history

was as calm as a mill pond and beautiful

has been made in, or connected to

sunshine. Hope you are all making the

Maidstone. Did you know that the Treaty

most of it.

of Versailles was written on paper that was made in Maidstone?

We are meeting on Thursday 15/12/16 2.00-4.00 pm at the Community Centre.

In November we are anticipating a talk

This is your Christmas Party so make

on Silver Jewellery. Those members who

sure you have your dancing shoes on.

attended the District Meeting in October

Hope you can make it.

were able to hear another evocative talk, ‘A Wealden Woman’s War’.

If you require a lift please phone Jenny

This was an account of one lady’s war and

on 01622 859208.

the experience of running a pub when the war ended.

Sue, Anne, Martin, Jacky, Kath, Jackie, Olive, Fred, Jenny and Nina

We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening,

Len Valley Community Hub Club

and were encouraged to write down our own experiences so that future generations could see life as we knew it.

Our December speaker will be telling us

I am sorry I was away in October. My

‘It’s Good to Laugh’, so be prepared for a

family and I met up in Hythe and had

very amusing talk.

another day by the sea. Bright sunshine but a lot colder.

May I take this opportunity to wish you

We are meeting on Thursday 01/12/16

all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful

2.00-4.00 pm at the Social Club it will be

and Prosperous New Year from Lenham

our Christmas Party.

W.I. Gill Simes

15

Tuesday 13/12/16 is the Panto. Details will

The last session this year will be held on

be given out at the Christmas Party. Look

Wednesday 14th December, re-starting

forward to seeing you all.

on 11th January 2017. Same place -

A big thank you to all our helpers.

Lenham Community Centre, same time 9.30am, please come a few minutes early

If you need a lift please phone Jenny on

to enrol.

01622 859208.

Fred, Jenny, Martin and Nina

Unfortunately, the cost will be increased to £5 a session from next year. It’s still

Zumba Gold

cheaper than anywhere else in the area, and real value for money.

Zumba Gold has been running for almost

So please come along and have a go, why

a year now with a positive response to the

not bring a friend? You never know you

benefits this weekly exercise programme

may enjoy the experience and feel good

gives to people.

afterwards.

Run in conjunction with ‘Dance Vision of Ashford’ who provide the highly trained

On behalf of Dance Vision and Lenara we

and motivated instructors, the sessions

wish you a very happy Christmas and a

last just under an hour and leaves the

fantastic and healthy New Year.

participants feeling invigorated and fit.

Keith

Heart of Kent Hospice Christmas Fayre

located at the Heart of Kent Hospice site in Aylesford with an array of food and gift stalls as well as Santa’s Grotto and our café serving Christmas treats.

Entry is by suggested donation of £2.00 – children free!

Preston Hall, Aylesford Kent ME20 7PU Saturday 10th December 10 am – 3 pm

For further information contact Maddy Boyle on 01622 790195 /visit www.hokh.

Come along to our Christmas Fayre and

org or email fundraising@hokh.co.uk

support your local Hospice. Our Fayre is

16

Girls - A Big Welcome Awaits You

cakes. We play games and interact with our friends and other girls at Guides.

You can go on trips like camping and hikes. I recently went with two other Guides on a County challenge hike. We managed to navigate ourselves round

If you are aged between 10 – 15 years

L

the route without getting lost and we had challenges along the way too. One of these challenges was to prepare

enham Guides meets on

a jam sandwich and ice a cup cake

Friday evenings, 7pm -9pm

blindfolded!

at the Lenham Community

Centre. If you want to make new

We all work in Patrols at Guides and

friends, learn new skills, enjoy the

have loads of fun and gain confidence

outdoors and have fun then come

in doing all kinds of activities.

along.

If you are interested in your daughter joining Guides just register her

Here is what Sophie Keene, a Lenham

interest on www.girlguiding.org.uk

Guide, says

or to find out more about your local

Here at Guides you can do a lot of fun

Guide unit contact Julia Thomsett on

activities such as cooking. We have

01622 859009.

made apple crumbles in a mug and made and decorated Xmas and Easter

17

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Heather’s for men & women

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18

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01622 850376 The Brown Barn, Bull Hill, Lenham Heath, Kent, ME17 2JA off the A20.

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Village & Country Homes Specialists Residential Sales & Lettings

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19

PRACTICE NOW IN EGERTON

NEED HELP TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOR THE BETTER? COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT) CAN HELP.

Common problems CBT can help with:-

Anxiety Depression Anger Low self-confidence/self-esteem Panic Attacks Social Phobia Stress Management Exam or Test Stress Talking in Public Jealousy Insomnia

Step by step guidance to help you work through your concerns and bring about the change you desire.

Tel: 07711 945897 Or 01233 714059

lynn@counsellingashford.org.uk http://www.counsellingashford.org.uk

RELATIONSHIP AND GENERAL COUNSELLING ALSO AVAILABLE

GB LISTER Produce you can trust Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer

Locally sourced meat which hasn’t had to travel thousands of miles before it reaches you.

10% DISCOUNT and FREE DELIVERY for senior citizens on Tuesdays.

Tel: 01622 858220 Email: gblister@live.com 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2PQ

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Beaubray Caterers

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weddings as well as private and corporate

01622 763269

functions, dinners, carverys, bbq’s, hot and

or download a copy at

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cold buffets and afternoon tea.

No function too large or too small

FOOT CLINIC Mrs. Afstaneh Smith Foot Health Professional MCFHP MAFHP Flexible surgery hours Home visits undertaken Hubbards Farm, Lenham Heath, ME17 2BX

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Competitive Pricing Fully Insured Reliable Professional Trustworthy Available to do: Household Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans New Builds phynixcleaning.co.uk

Office: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent

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W REST A

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At Castle View Restaurant, our aim is to cook the best traditional ingredients as simply as possible and let the quality of the produce and the magnificent views across the Castle's moat speak for themselves.

The oak-beamed 17th Century setting, offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views from the terrace of the 900 year old Leeds Castle beautifully lit at night.

To book a table call 01622 767766 or visit leeds-castle.com/restaurant

22

Family Breakfast Service

Festive Winter Menu Monday 14th November until Saturday 24th December 2016 Served daily 12pm to 9.30pm Lunch 3 course £25pp (2 course available Monday toThursday £20pp) 3 course Dinner Mon-Thu £28pp, Fri & Sat £30pp Sundays booking available from 5pm, £25pp

SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham

Please see website for our delicious menu www.elitepubs.com Early Christmas midweek offer: Monday 14th November until Thursday 1st December £21pp, 3 courses, lunch or dinner

FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Early Christmas weekend offer: Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, Friday 25th & Saturday 26th November, Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd December £25 per person, 3 courses, lunch or dinner Late Christmas offer: Thursday 5th & Friday 6th January, Monday 9th until Friday 13th January £21 per person Saturday 7th & Saturday 14th January £25 per person, 3 courses, lunch or dinner

THE

D I R T Y H A B I T

Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1UW 01622 880 880 www.thedirtyhabit.net

23

Councillor Vacancy

T

and ability to work alongside fellow councillors and outside bodies.

The applicant should show an ability

he Parish Council has a

and willingness to attend meetings of

vacancy for the south ward

the council (or the meetings of other

which can be filled by co-

local authorities and local bodies) in

option. We are par-ticularly interested

the evenings and events occa-sionally

to hear from parishioners in the

at weekends. Applicants should be

hamlets of Lenham Heath, Sandway

flexible and enthusiastic with the

and Platts Heath.

ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

The eligibility criteria are pursuant to s.79 of the Local Government Act 1972

The role is interesting and varied

(“the 1972 Act�)

and full training is available. More

Candidates should not be disqualified

details are available on the web-

pursuant to s.80 of the 1972 Act. Full

site lenhamparish.org.uk or contact

details will be provided on application.

the Clerk Margo McFarlane 01622 859682

The person specification suggests

(9am -1pm Mon -Fri) if you prefer

an applicant should have sound

email hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

knowledge and under-standing of local affairs and provide experience, skills

Lenham Family Festival

A

the 2017 event.

If you are new to the village and haven’t heard of the Lenham Family Festival before, this is an annual

fter a break of several

event that takes place over a weekend

months, the Lenham Family

in June. The aim of the Festival is

Festival Committee has met

to provide a fun event that brings

for the first time to start planning for

the whole community together, is

24

affordable for families, and will raise

Katie Piper Foundation‘s aim is “to

funds for the chosen charities that are

have a world where scars do not limit

selected each year.

a person’s function, social inclusion or sense of well being ”. The charity

The main day of the 2017 Festival will

does a fantastic job in helping people

take place on Saturday 10th June 2017.

with burns and scars to reconnect with

As usual there will be a large variety

their lives and their communities.

of stalls in the Community Centre car

Look out for the announcement of

park, refreshments for sale, and music

our second charity for 2017 in next

from local bands. In addition, there

month’s issue of the Focus.

will be performances from various local groups, including dance and

Festival Committee meetings will now

theatricals, inside the Community

be taking place on the last Monday of

Centre.

each month at 7.15pm in the Appleton Room at the Community Centre. If you

The City of Rochester Symphony

are interested in becoming involved,

Orchestra will also be returning for

you will be most welcome.

another performance to be held in The

Look out for further details in each

Tithe Barn. Please note that this will

month’s edition of the Lenham Focus

take place the following weekend, on

but most importantly...

Friday 17 June 2017.

Make sure you put these dates in your We are pleased to announce the

diaries now!!! You don’t want to miss

first of our two charities chosen this

this exciting event.

year - The Katie Piper Foundation.

If you are a regular reader of The Lenham Focus then you may have already heard about how our very own Danielle Branch has received help and support from this lesser known, but very deserving, charity. We would like to raise its profile further and provide it with some much needed funds. The

25

Ragwort

a long article on growing a slug proof

A

attractive native species but I would

garden and one chapter includes

few months ago there was an

never recommend growing ragwort .

article published in “Lenham

Hang on a minute too…was the writer

Focus” extolling the beauty

suggesting that horses should be

of ragwort . Yes, it looks pretty but it is

allowed to graze in ragwort infested

a slow killer for grazing animals!

fields? They may not appear to eat

There is no getting away from that

ragwort, it has a bad taste, but some

fact.

horses do start accepting that taste and although outwardly they may

Senecio jacobea ( synonym Jacobea

not show signs of poisoning for many

vulgaris )

years, it is accumulative and slowly the liver is damaged.

Yes, the flowers of ragwort are quite striking and the plants are never eaten

How would you like to end your life

by slugs. I am in the process of writing

going blind, fighting for breath and

26

staggering around not being able to say

Yes, some birds, such as Great tits ,

how you suffer?

eat the cinnabar caterpillars that feed on ragwort . “Oh, but the chemical

My advice if you keep horses, or any

doesn’t hurt them” you might say ….but

grazing animal for that matter, is to

passerine birds have very short lives

cut or pull the ragwort when it is still

anyway so how can one tell without

green and burn the heads before they

extensive research? Horses can live

have a chance to seed.

to be over 25 years if they are healthy, cows rarely beyond 15-20 years,

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the toxic

although an Irish one holds the record

chemicals and they persist even in dry

at 49 years!

plants which is why ragwort in hay is dangerous.

But that would only be if their owners take care and I am pleased to say our

Horses can even develop a taste for

farmers in Lenham are good, very

ragwort whilst it is still green just as

watchful and caring for their animals.

some people might develop a taste for

If you read all the articles on the net

say, green chillies …whilst other people

also take care, they do not always have

can’t stand them!

valid facts and are sometimes just “opinions”.

I am not saying chillies are ever poisonous (they are good for you) but

Lesley Feakes

am just using the analogy .

27

The Red Lion - Lenham 01622 858531 www.redlionlenham.co.uk

A Traditional 14th Century Inn located in the Medieval Village of Lenham Home Cooked food served daily.

Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm & 6-9pm Sat & Sun 12-9pm including bank holidays Senior Citizens Specials Hot Stone Dining Experience Traditional Log Fires Cask Marque Awarded Real Ales Function Room Available Monthly Quiz & Theme Nights Mobile Bars & Catering service available for hire

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Visit Our Showroom 4 Ashmill Business Park, Ashford Road (A20), Lenham ME17 2GQ

Bi-folds Doors Roof Lanterns Composite Doors

Established 25 Years, Family Business.

01622 851400 | 07973 669590

KSEHomeImprovementsWT175.indd 1

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09/08/2016 14:34

Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Monday

Badminton (Feathers) Bell Ring Monday Music Mayhem Parent & Toddlers Group Len ARA Short Mat Bowls Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club H/sham & Lenham Cubs H/sham & Lenham Beavers Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes

Activate Sports Swadelands

Sunday

Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Bridge Club Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools

7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 9.30-11.30am Community Centre 1.45pm-4.30pm (8-11 years) 6.30-8pm Community Centre 8pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Lenham Primary School 6:30-8:00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5:45-7:15pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30-9.00pm Community Centre 1.30-4.30pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15-7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 7.00-9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30-9.30pm Community Centre 5.30-8.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am-5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00 see separate church services page

2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 4th Wednesday Last Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Thursday 3rd Thursday 2nd Sunday

Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Lenham Country Market

Lenham Social Club Business Association Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre Lenham Library Community Centre Community Centre The Village Square

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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8pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm 4.45-5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9-1.00pm

Advertiser Numbers Accounting & Business Services Alarm Systems Architectural Services Barbers Builders/decorators

Butchers/Meat Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries Chartered Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Coal Merchant Computer Services Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Estate Agents Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Garages

Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating KSE Home Improvements Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) G B Lister Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning Edmed Coal Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing Cuts for Mutts Pam Barrie Weston Contractor MGI Electrical Philip Jarvis Activate Body and Soul Mrs Afsaneh Smith Kristina Smith A W Court Gowers Garage

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851542 858612 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 01233 840004 858220 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 850376 07813030527 880028 260515 859442 745654 859969 850329 850800 07738 088169 858827 01233712663 850055 01622 858241 853750 01622 853640 07882 170231 850840 858210

Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Locksmiths Logs Nail Technician Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Schools Solar Panel Installation Solicitors Takeaway Taxi TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning

Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall A Short Seasoned Logs Beauty Nails Chris Tempest D.O. M.Ost GOsc Reg Lenham Parish Council Pest Purge Andy Flood Photography All Fix Plumbing Epic Plumbimg Pure Plumbing J W Engineering Services Dirty Habit Lenham Social Club Red Lion Leeds Castle Uplands Riding School Lorenden Greenman Solar Setfords Solicitors Thorneloe & Co. Chequers Fish Bar Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles

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858255 850001 851150 853800 01233 713317 07738658751 07733328715 07460 393777 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858531 767777 01233 712289 01795590030 01233 612082 01622 231784 859416 859878 07770725129 07784447200 631717 858666 01580 292320 07856 110682

General / Social Numbers Badminton Badminton Club Feathers Bowling Club Bridge Club Brownies (2nd Lenham) Drama Gardening Society Guides (1st Lenham) LenARA Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Heritage Lenham Nursery School Lenham Players Lenham Wanderers Lenham Social Club Harrietsham & Lenham Beavers Harrietsham and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs Mothers’ Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion Women’s Institute St Edmunds Platts Heath Country Ways Quilters Lenham Valley Business Association Borough Councillors: Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Rural Community Warden Vicar

Linda Bird Neil Rouse Lyn Fuller Keith Rylands Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Christine Godden Mrs Pat Abson Lesley Feakes Sarah Siddons Janet Moll Russell Young Club Events Duncan Keenan Nick Still Mrs A Seales Mrs J Thomsett Vivien Elcomb Mark Horlock Mr W Peter Mrs C Toner Karen Yardley Rosemary Waldron Alan Reading Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements) Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Kevin Fitzsimons Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Helen Whately MP Margo McFarlane John Boyd Martin Sherwood Rev Millie Hart Church Office

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01233 756762 01622 840207 01622 851538 01622 891964 01622 851646 01622 850671 01622 850228 01622 859009 01622 858658 01622 858561 01622 850275 07967 128056 01622 850747 07594 206818 01622 858890 07768 926654 01622 859789 01622 859829 01622 859009 01622 853887 07789 226516 01622 850520 01622 850048 01622 858208 01233 622271 01622 820841 01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 01622 679709 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) 01233 713317 01622 858341/859204 111 helenwhately.co.uk 01622 859682 07870 252421 07977 981993 297296 850604

Lenham Ballet School

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

R.A.D. Ballet I.S.T.D. Tap & Modern 3 years to senior level

Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except bank holiday)

Adult Tap & Street Dance

01622 850329

more than a ballet school

www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk

Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September) Finance & General Purposes Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by the Planning Committee.

LenhamBalletSchoolWT168.indd 1

20/01/2016 09:32

For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (between 9am and 1pm)

Advertise to 2000 people from £13pm.

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk

EDMED LTD WARMING HOMES THROUGHOUT KENT SINCE 1917 WOOD BURNING STOVES, SUPPLY ONLY OR INSTALLATION. BESPOKE SERVICE PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION. CHIMNEY SWEEPING

01622 260515 | 07976 688437 edmecltd@edmedcoal.co.uk www.edmedcoal.co.uk

35

Visit our showroom Newington Ind Est, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7NU

Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Prepaid Funeral Plans

Wills: Everyone needs a Will. Without one the Law determines what happens and that won’t be what you want. Trusts can protect your assets for your family and save many £’000s - ask us how.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs): Over 2 million people of all ages have lost capacity. If that happens spouse/partner CAN’T just take over. They must apply to the Court but it can take ages and cost thousands. An LPA can avoid all this. Once you’ve lost capacity it’s too late to get one. Act Now.

Advertise to 2000 people from £13pm.

Prepaid Funeral Plans: funeral costs have risen massively and will continue to do so. These plans “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the cost whenever it’s needed. Guaranteed acceptance regardless of age or health. Make things so much easier for your family with no funeral expenses or difficult decisions to make at the worst possible time.

Contact:

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advertslf@gmail.com

Freephone 0800 612 7459 We come to you. Low cost efficient service. Fully insured. All work underwritten by our legal dept. www.maidstonewills.com

email: services@maidstonewills.com

Lenham Community Centre Card Craft Class Every Friday fortnight from 14th October.

The class is £10 which includes all materials etc., plus tea/coffee and biscuits, sometimes cake!

For more information call Irene on 07341 343518 or Pauline on 07766 768180 or just pop in for a chat Everyone welcome.

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Success comes from working together.

Are you missing out?

Simon isn’t!

“I have been attending the monthly LVBA meetings for nearly 4 years now. In that time, I have found the guest speaker presentations extremely informative and useful for my business. In addition, we have also secured a number of new clients, either fellow members or their contacts, which we simply would not have secured without being a member of the association. All in all, I consider LVBA to be one of our key partners.”

Simon Hammond, Morpheus Insurance Solutions.

s a m t s i r h C y r A Mer r a e Y w e N y p p a &aH to Everyone! from LVBA. Some of the LVBA members at last years’ Christmas event at Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham.

! t i e k i l l l ’ u o y t i Try R.O.A.R. Right of admission reserved.

Keep up to date & to join www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841

37

PLATTS HEATH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 3rd December 2016 12pm – 2.30pm Come along and support Platts Heath School whilst enjoying an early Christmas celebration.

We have many different stalls to include: Santa’s Grotto

Tombolas Craft, skill and activity stalls

Face painting and tattoos Hook a Duck and Splat the Rat

Festive bar and BBQ Café with hot drinks and cakes

As well as a fantastic raffle with great prizes!

All welcome. Entry by donation.

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Lenham Surgery Tel: 858341 Mondays to Fridays 8:30am6:30pm. Closed 1-2pm Dispensary 8:30am-6:30pm Closed 12:30-2pm Urgent matters out of hours telephone. 0845 1450121 (66.30pm only) IC24. 111 (from 6.30pm)

39

Tai Chi with the

StuttleDyer

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Decorating

“Mentally and physically grounding. and physically groundin The “Mentally perfect antidote to the pace set by the digital world” The perfect antidote to

also

Bathrooms Kitchens Tiling

Lenham community centre

the pace set by the digital world”

Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Classes starting in Lenham Formore moreinformation information visit For

Find us on Facebook

www.telisataichi.co.uk Call Theresa : 07734108683

stuttledyer.wordpress.com

Call Dan to arrange a FREE Quotation

Or Contact Theresa Telisataichi@gmail.com

01233 650 726

07734108683

07837 04 66 41

Security and Electrical Services l Alarm systems l CCTV l PAT testing l Fire alarms l Automated gates l Video/audio entry systems l Existing systems maintained & repaired l All electrical work undertaken l Domestic & Commercial installations

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41

Christian Message

T

husband, 8 children and 17 other people in a single shipping container. In summer it is too hot and in winter too cold.

Lack of sanitation results in diarrhoea

he Bethlehem Carol Sheet

and viruses which rage through the

is familiar to all who attend

household frequently. There is no money

carol services in the Len Valley

for medicines. Al Ahli’s medical mission

churches. It is published by EMBRACE

provides a bus from the surrounding

The Middle East which was formerly

villages to Gaza city so that no one is

known as Bible Lands.

prevented from getting help through lack of transport.

EMBRACE focuses on needs in the Middle East using donated funds to

Several of the most popular Christmas

support Christian communities thus

carols refer to Jesus’ humble birth. Life

enabling them to bring about positive

is no easier for babies born in Gaza

change for many needy people.

now than it was for him. Helped by EMBRACE the Near East Council of

Here are a few examples of the projects

Churches is able to provide Well-Baby

which are benefiting from EMBRACE

clinics. These are a life line for the

funding.

youngest members of society offering vaccinations, medical treatment and

The plight of Gaza (which is mentioned

nutritional support to ensure their

22 times in the Bible) is well known. Gaza

healthy development.

is roughly the size of the Isle of Wight.

Two years ago over 2000 Palestinians

Limited space precludes details of

were killed in the 7 week war. Tens of

work with abused women in Egypt and

thousands of houses were wholly or

the distribution of blankets to Syrian

partially destroyed. There was also

refugees in Lebanon. Their publicity

severe damage to hospitals and schools.

describes the work of this profoundly Christian organisation.

Al Ahli hospital’s clinic uses EMBRACE funding to provide medical care. One

A popular carol reminds us of the ‘woes of

patient is Kalila who lives with her

sin and strife’ which surround us today. It

42

goes on to refer to the song of the angels:

Bertha Rose

‘and man at war with man hears not the love song which they bring.’

We are indebted to the family of Bertha

Let’s pray this Christmas that our

Rose who have donated to the Church 2

troubled world will hear the song of the

beautiful pottery flower bowls, inscribed

angels and let’s give thanks for the loving

with her name. These will be used on

work of so many of Christ’s followers.

the organ shelf and corner window sill close to where she liked to sit. Very

Let’s also come together at Christmas

many thanks for these, they are a much

services and encourage each other as we

appreciated memorial.

sing the familiar carols which remind us of the glorious good news of the birth of

Sue Greenwood

Jesus, God’s son, the Prince of Peace.

Happy Christmas to all our readers.

Joan Drury

St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning Flowers for December Join us at Harrietsham Church on December 7 and 14

17/12/16 4-6pm. Come and decorate the

Mrs Jones

Life-sized stable

December 17 Flowers for Christmas

Come dressed as a character from the Christmas story…but where’s

December 21 and 28

the baby and what will he sleep

Mrs Nahab

in??? Refreshments provided – tel 07752172066

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DO YOU NEED A FAMILY LAWYER? Fixed fee appointment available at times and venues convenient to you.

• Collaboratively trained practitioner • Divorce & separation • Pre nuptial agreements • Financial settlements • Children • Cohabitation Please contact our local specialist Rebecca Bell on 01622 231 784 or email rbell@setfords.co.uk

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Court Lodge Manor, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN23 3JE Tel: 01233 612082, email: info@greenmansolar.com, website: www.greenmansolar.com

Greenman Solar have designed and installed over 400 solar arrays in Kent , with nearly 200 on Romney Marsh.

Our reputation for quality of service, reliability and honesty are second to none. Don’t take our word for it, read what our customers have to say about us online.

We will design and install the best solar array for you, at an unbeatable price. We don’t take a deposit, there will be no pressure to make a decision or sign anything and we fill in all of the paperwork needed to claim the Feed In Tariff for you. A typical 4kW, 16 panel system costs less than £7,000 fully installed, including VAT and scaffolding, there will be no extras. We only install the best modules and inverters (usually German).

Friend or Foe?

F

habitat, it is a serious pest of conifer seed nurseries but as yet it is not considered a pest here. It can grow to

riend of foe? That’s what I

approximately 15-20mm and although

wondered when I saw this

harmless in that it doesn’t bite, sting

impressively sized bug on

or carry any known disease, it can emit

my window sill. Britishbugs.org.

a distasteful odour so is best handled

uk confirmed this rather beautiful,

with rubber gloves. The one I saw was

geometrically styled insect as

probably looking for somewhere to

Leptoglossus occidentalis or western

spend the winter and I was told that

conifer seed bug. It is a native

it won’t harm wardrobes or lofts. So,

of North America according to

at the moment, I am regarding it as a

FERA Science (formerly Food and

rather interesting friend.

Environment Research Agency) accidentally introduced into Europe

Jacky Offen

in 1999 to northern Italy from where it has since spread. In its native

46

Lenham Community Speedwatch

Any drivers doing more than 47mph in a 30mph limit are immediately sent a warning letter by Kent Police.

Although Speedwatch started with a large number of volunteers, over the

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH is a

years many have dropped out, due to

scheme where trained local volunteers

illness and family/work commitments.

monitor traffic speed in the village, at

We need more help.

specific sites approved by Kent Police.

The Lenham scheme was set up in July

Could you spare an hour or two, once a

2010 when Lenham Parish Council

month or so, during daylight hours?

bought a Speed Indicator Device

We don’t go out in rain, snow or fog.

(SID). Local volunteers were trained

Visibility & road conditions have to be

by Kent Police, about 15 from Lenham

good.

and a few from Harrietsham. Sites to carry out Speedwatch were inspected,

We usually have three volunteers at a

and approved by the police for

time, to spread the load.

visibility, and safety of both motorists and volunteers.

You will receive any training needed, and will be helping to keep Lenham

During a Speedwatch, details of

safe.

vehicles doing over 35mph are recorded and sent to Kent Police. If

Please contact: Brian Llong – Tel

drivers are recorded more than once

859733

at speeds of between 35 -46mph they are sent an advice letter by the police.

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L����� V������ S����

Lottery • Tobacco • Off-Licence • Groceries

For a warm welcome come and see us at the square!

Mon - Thurs 8am - 6 pm Fri & Sat 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm lenhamvillagestore.co.uk

OSTEOPATH

Helping relieve symptoms of: Back,Hip & Neck Pain Arthritis Sciatica Frozen shoulder Headaches Fibromyalgia & More…

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07749 980096 www.chris-tempest.com

49

Lenham Parish Council

felled after the Remembrance parade

CO-OPTION INVITATION

the installation of rabbit-proof fencing

At the November meeting we were

around the entire boundary.

pleased to welcome a new member to the

The hedges along the entrance drive to

Council; Cllr. Eleanor Gee. There is now

the cemetery were cut back and the drive

one vacancy for the south ward and we

cleared and made presentable for the well

would welcome parishioners who might

supported Royal British Legion parade

be interested in joining the Council, and

from St Mary’s church to the War Graves

who live in the hamlets of Sandway, Platts

and Memorial section on Remembrance

Heath or Lenham Heath, to consider

Sunday.

on the 13th November; the removal is part of the continuing improvement project which will allow completion of

co-option. The Council has thirteen

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN

members in total, nine representing the north ward and four from the south ward.

Thank you to all those who attended the

Full details are available from the Clerk.

examination of the MBC Local Plan at the

HAM LANE ALLOTMENTS

Town Hall on 8th November, to hear the

The site meeting to measure the

details of the Lenham Parish sites. The

allotment area with the Land Agent

Neighbourhood Plan Team have devoted

acting for St John Ambulance took

hundreds of hours on the preparation of

place on Friday 4th November. This

statements to present at the MBC Local

will allow heads of terms to be drawn

Plan Examination, and spoke on several

up for discussion. It is hoped that the

issues relating to the parish. Statements

Parish Council will be able to purchase

were prepared covering subjects such

the allotment section of the plot as a

as housing needs, environmental

community asset, which will safeguard

constraints, legal and procedural matters,

the land from future development.

and housing supply.

Please continue your support of the

CEMETERY

Neighbourhood Plan Team, who will

The large diseased beech tree in the

make the findings of the examination

south-east corner is scheduled to be

available in the new year, as soon as they

50

are received from MBC.

COMMUNITY SCHEMES GRANT The parish council is pleased to support

THANK YOU

the five groups who applied for a

The Parish Council would like to extend

community schemes grant. The Lenham

gratitude to the team members for

Wanderers Football Club (under 18s)

progressing the Lenham Neighbourhood

were awarded £500 for new kit. The

plan in conjunction with the council.

Len Valley Community Hub received

We intend to press ahead with the case

£300 towards club activities. Lenham

for small scale development in sites as

Baby and Toddler Group will be able to

specified in the Lenham Neighbourhood

purchase equipment with the £250 grant.

Plan. The outcome of the MBC Local Plan

The 60+ Young at Heart Club will be

examination will be vital to the future

receiving £300 towards ongoing costs and

decisions made by the group, as to how we

finally the Lenham Bowls Clubs will be

proceed within the restraints set by the

able to invest in new score boards using

MBC Local Plan.

the £500 grant awarded to the club.

HAM LANE PLAY PARK

CHURCH YARD LIGHTING

The recently installed play equipment

Following an inspection of the church

has been well received by local children

yard flood lights, which have proved

and has added a new dimension to play,

problematic, it was agreed to invest in a

providing more challenging climbing and

new fuse control panel and timer switch,

swinging facilities. It has been reported

the cost being approximately £250.

that on several occasions adults were seen taking dogs in to the play park.

LEN BUS

Please note that dogs are not permitted

The Len Bus facility has now been

in the play park; this is a safe and clean

formally withdrawn and the company

area and it is unacceptable to allow dogs

wound up. Proceeds from the insurance

inside. The large tree at the entrance to

claim of approximately £5,500 will be

the site has been cut back and the crown

transferred to the James Hatch Charity

lifted to enable easy access. Please be

who work with the Lenham Lift Group to

aware the ‘NO DOGS’ rule applies to all

provide transportation throughout the

the parish play areas including Cherry

parish.

Close and William Pitt Field.

51

HIGHWAYS

SEASONS GREETINGS

An initial assessment will be carried

Members of the Parish Council would

out by an approved KCC Highways

like to wish all parishioners a Merry

Consultant of the junction at Ham

Christmas and a Happy New Year. We

Lane and the High Street. The aim of

look forward to working in 2017 to

the survey is to identify possible safety

improve the parish for all residents.

improvements for both pedestrians and motorists in a bid to slow traffic and

Margo McFarlane 01622 859682 (Mon –

improve sight lines.

Friday 9am to 1pm) hello@lenhamparish. org.uk

Special Time of Year

H

Another great event for Lenham is New Years Eve. We are lucky to have our bell ringers back to ring the new year in and many people still come

ow lovely it is to see the

into the square at 11.30 ish to gather

Christmas lights being put

and to do the traditional singing and

up with a dedicated team

holding of hands to “AULD LANG SYNE”

of local people every Sunday morning since October.

Is there anyone who can organise this?

The turning on of the Christmas

Many people don’t know the words, or

lights is a big event for Lenham. The

are too shy to join hands.

countdown, the chosen celebrity, the

Please keep this tradition going. It is a

switching on, the Christmas tree,

“unique custom” for our lovely village

the stalls, candy floss, best dressed

of Lenham, let’s keep it going and

window, Father Christmas, not to

build it up to what it used to be.

forget the busy pubs, selling mulled Hannah Beames

wine, chestnuts, and hot dogs.

52

Six Months on from Brexit – How it is affecting the property market here:

T

whether Brexit has had any effect on the local property market.

Although I was initially concerned there may be a detrimental effect on the local property market, actually, this has not materialised.

Compared to previous years we are currently working in a property market where there are both fewer buyers and sellers but there are still enough people looking to move, keen to

he morning after the EU

compromise in order to secure a deal.

Referendum and regardless

None of our transactions, viewings or

of which way people voted,

market appraisals have been cancelled

Britain, Europe, the world and even

and new appointments and sales are

those in Lenham, Harrietsham and

being made all of the time. In fact,

indeed all of the surrounding area

October was one of the best months of

were left in shock at the news the

the year.

British people had made the huge

Clearly there are some buyers who

decision to leave the European Union.

feel it is just too uncertain for them

The outcome of this historic vote

to move at the moment. They will

saw a number of external events

wait for more certainty or are perhaps

unfold within hours of the votes

hoping for a price adjustment.

being counted. Global stock markets

However, with the continual shortage

plunged, David Cameron resigned as

of properties, record low interest

Prime Minister and sterling fell to a

rates, a growing population, a desire

30 year low against the dollar. There

for people to buy rather than rent and

is nothing the markets dislike more

the influx of people wanting to move

than uncertainty and the EU vote

to this popular area, this suggests the

unleashed considerable instability and

local property market will continue to

nervousness.

remain strong for some time to come.

Nearly six months on there is still

Philip Jarvis Estate Agent

much to be sorted out but people understandably, continue to ask me

53

Church Services Everyone is always welcome to any of our

(Prayer Book)

services or events.

9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30 am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December

11.00 am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am Lenham: Morning Worship

Christmas Tree Festival at Harrietsham

3.30 pm Boughton Malherbe: Evensong

Church concluding with a Christingle Service on Sunday at 3.30pm

Thursday 15th December 7.00 pm Ulcombe: Carol Service

Sunday 4th December 9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service

Saturday 17th December

9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy

4.00 pm Harrietsham Church: Messy

Communion (Prayer Book)

Church

11.00 am Ulcombe: Family Worship 11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion

Sunday 18th December

3.30 pm Harrietsham: Christingle

9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service

Service (GIFT family worship)

9.30 am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 11.00 am Ulcombe: Morning Worship

Wednesday 7th December

11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion

9.30 am Lenham: Holy Communion

3.30 pm Boughton Malherbe: Carol

6.30 pm Harrietsham: Christmas

Service

Celebration.

5.00 pm Lenham: Carol Service

Those with learning disabilities, their

6.30 pm Harrietsham: Carol Service

carers, friends and families are especially welcome.

Wednesday 21st December 10.30am Holy Communion:

Sunday 11th December

Chippendayle Lodge

8.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion

54

Christmas Eve: Saturday 24th December

Bishop Trevor Willmott

3.00 pm Boughton Malherbe: Crib

Communion with Bishop Trevor

Service

Willmott

3.00 pm Lenham: Crib Service

10.00 am Harrietsham: Christmas

4.00 pm Ulcombe: Crib Service

Celebration

5.00 pm Harrietsham: Crib Service

10.00 am Ulcombe: Family Communion

10.00 am Boughton Malherbe: Family

11.15 pm Harrietsham: Midnight Communion

Sunday 1st January

11.15 pm Lenham: Midnight Communion

10.00 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham:

Christmas Day: Sunday 25th December

Joint Len Valley Churches Service: Holy Communion

10.00 am Lenham: Christmas Celebration followed by Holy Communion with

Ellenor

Join us for an evening of traditional Christmas carols and feel the magic of the season.

Ellenor’s mission is to lead and

•

coordinate the best personalised care for

Country Park – Sunday 11 December

all ages, sharing our expertise to ensure

at 11am.

that all families facing terminal illness

A 5km run, walk or ramble around

get the right support in the best place

the woods with mince pies and your

possible, enabling them to make the most

very own Santa hat!

of the time they have.

•

Lights of Love, Ellenor, Gravesend – Sunday 11 December at 2pm

https://ellenor.org/

Dedicate a light on our Christmas tree in memory of a loved one and

Upcoming events: •

Winter Walk, Shorne Woods

join us at our special event when we will switch on the lights to celebrate

Family Carol Service, Christ Church

the lives of those we have lost.

Gravesend – Saturday 3 December at 4pm

55

Christmas Carol Concert

Doors open 6.30 – Concert starts at

In support of Heart of Kent Hospice

make a donation to Heart of Kent

with Peter Brice and his Christmas

Hospice.

Choir St. Mary’s Church West Malling

Drinks and canapes will be available.

7.00 pm Entrance is free. We just ask you to

ME19 6NE. Wednesday 14th December

Looking for an unusual and unique gift for Christmas?

Look no further LENHAM TEA TOWEL

by the Lenham Neighbourhood Plan

Limited edition linen union

Group.

The colourful design was chosen from

Cost £6 each or two for £10

many pictures produced

Available at Lenham Village Store and

by local children when they were

Len Valley News

asked to draw

Profits to charity

what they liked best about their village

56

57

A Family Affair

Y

his early experiences there. He attended the college in Tonbridge Road Maidstone together with his

es, this is a ‘father and son’

schoolmate Des Gee to learn the trade.

story about Robert Goodwin

Robert understood woodwork even

and his son, Peter, both of

though he says he was not so keen on

whom have been providing inimitable

his other studies. In 1967 he became

carpentry, joinery and related building

self employed and was soon able to

repair and restoration services in the

employ one or two tradespeople in

Lenham area for nearly 50 years.

carpentry and joinery, working from his workshop on a farm in Sandway.

Some background first about Robert and then how Peter entered the

Now for Peter. He too attended

scene and an interview about his

Swadelands School, and then in 1994

experiences. Robert left Swadelands

he went on to South Kent College

School at 14 eager to take up the offer

in Folkestone, on a day release

of a 5-year apprenticeship with R.M.

basis until 1998, gaining an NVQ3

Brooks of Lenham, and he enjoyed

58

qualification in Bench Joinery. There,

He very much appreciates continuing

as well as enjoying the opportunity

to use and run Robert’s workshop in

to learn the craft, he also earned

Lenham, investing in it for the future.

Highly Commended recognition for

Much of Peter’s work is devoted to

course work from The Worshipful

sourcing quality materials, especially

Company of Joiners & Ceilers, one

timber with which both he and his

of the Livery Companies in the City

father have a special affinity.

of London. In the meantime he had started to work for Robert, assisting

“The learning now,” he explains, “is

with a variety of jobs on typically older

attempting to maintain the balance - a

houses including extensions, loft and

happy customer, a feeling for what to

barn conversions, and bespoke solid

give time to.”

wood kitchens (not to mention the wonderful conservatory they built for

On the personal side: in 2010,

my wife and myself ).

whilst Peter became self-employed, he also became Treasurer of the

Now, some twenty years later Peter

Kent School of Philosophy (www.

reflects on the challenges and

practicalphilosophykent.org) and both

enjoyment of both his professional and

he and his partner, Jules, regularly

personal life.

attend their weekly evening meetings.

Peter’s primary focus now is best

Robert and Peter have contributed

described as ‘traditional, purpose-

a great deal to Lenham over those

made joinery,’ enjoying the constant

(almost) 50 years. So lift your glasses

challenges of work undertaken for

for their Golden Jubilee next year!

individual customers, making all items

Now go for the Diamond please!

to order. “Sometimes,” he says, “I’m attempting to restore period windows

Text by Jim Myers

and doors back to good order, another time making an improved copy of that rotten original, perhaps now with draft seals and conservation glazing.”

59

Game, time to try something different! By GB Lister

G

with another source such as bacon or butter.

•

The younger the animal, the more tender!

•

Venison is versatile, use it instead of beef in many recipes

•

Venison is delicious with fruits

ame is a great meat that

like blackberries, plums &

most of us have forgotten!

chocolate!

Farmed & frozen game is

available all year, yet between October

Rabbit

until end of January, you can enjoy

A very lean meat! The taste is a

fresh, tender wild reared meat. Low

stronger version of chicken, and close

in cholesterol, high in protein and

to the taste of free range chicken!

offering great taste combinations;

Slightly sweet, a slight gamey flavour,

game is something to consider for

and soft texture. Joints of rabbit

family meals. It is always a wonderful

include loins, legs, rib, belly, neck,

alternative to offer family on

shoulder and saddle, and the kidneys

Christmas Eve or Boxing Day! Here is

are delicious. Rabbit is usually

our brief guide:

roasted, baked in a pie, or braised in a stew or casserole to keep the meat nice and moist.

Venison A lean, red meat, which is low in fat, yet full of flavour. The most popular

Top tips:

cuts are saddle, loin, fillet and haunch

•

(leg), perfect for roasting. Shoulder,

Ensure the rabbit is at room temperature before cooking.

neck and shin are great to braise, stew

•

or mince

The rabbit will need to rest before carving because of the lean nature of the meat.

Top tips: •

•

Some chefs recommend that stews

Venison fat does not taste good,

& casseroles are cooled and left

and will do nothing for the texture

overnight before reheating for

of the meat. Replace the deer fat

serving. It helps to keep the meat

60

•

juicy.

The lean, gamey meat of a brace of

Flavours to try with rabbit are,

pheasants (a male and female bird)

garlic, rosemary, sage, prunes. Try

makes for a tasty autumnal treat. Legs

tangy mustard, sweet wine and

need to be braised as a lot are sinewy.

cider. Also, try dark chocolate.

Try serving with chestnut mash, sticky honey-roast parsnips, spiky apple

Grouse, Partridge & Pheasant

chutneys or celeriac purée.

Grouse is a rich, tasty, coarse meat

Top tips:

that owes its flavour to the heather

•

These birds need to be kept moist

the birds graze on. A dark deep red

as they have little fat. For a whole

meat which pairs with blackberries,

crown of a game bird, simmer for

beetroot and red wine.

a few minutes before searing and

A whole partridge will feed one

roasting. Wrap in bacon, smear

person! It has a subtle, earthy, flavour.

in butter or regularly baste whilst

Keep cooking simple and grill or

roasting. Always rest before

roast. Serve with a light gravy, autumn

carving!

vegetables, cranberries, apricots or

Haven’t ordered for Christmas? Pre-

prunes. Note: partridges are smaller

order your meat, veg & cheese by

than chicken so do not need to be

downloading our order form now by

cooked as long.

visiting www.lenham-butchers.co.uk/ gb-lister-christmas-pre-order

61

Prize Crossword

Across clues

Down clues

1. Instrument played by Liberace. (5) 4. Instrument played by James Galway. (5) 7. Instruments played by Tommy Dorsey. (9) 8. Instrument played by Ringo Starr. (4) 10. Word describing ‘wet and sticky’. (6) 12. Russian pancakes. (6) 13. A thought. (4) 16. A painful mouth condition. (9) 18. A type of Turkish kebab. (5) 19. A happening. (5)

1. Sat (for a photograph, maybe). (5) 2. To perform on stage. (3) 3. Instrument played by the composer Karl Jenkins.

(4) 4. A long bone in the lower leg. (6) 5. Not having an identity. (7) 6. A written work of some length. (5) 9. A mythical animal with a single horn. (7) 11. Instrument played by Australian, Shirley Abicair.

(6) 12. Expectant. ‘To wait with ….. breath’. (5) 14. Awake and ready. (5) 15. Adolescent spots. (4) 17. Adam’s partner. (3)

62

Last month’s winner!

Previous winner: Jean Waters of Lenham.

Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 15th of the month.

and be listed on the site.

Visit www.lenhamfocus.co.uk.

Online Advertising The Lenham Focus has launched a new website. Advertisers can place adverts

Contact us for more details.

Volume 18 Edition 12 (December 2016) Circulation 2000

and not the publishers. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine to ensure that they are correct and accurate at the time of printing and the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

Copy Deadline:

5pm 7th of the preceding month. Please leave copy at 24 Maidstone Road, or contact us.

The publication of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the publishers. Authors of articles and advertisements in Focus take full responsibility to ensure they obtain any prior permission for us.

Focus is Distributed by Volunteers to: Lenham Village, Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway, West Street, Woodside Green and Warren Street.

For ‘Out of Town’ Readers Distribution:

The Focus can forward any complaint directly to an author of any article which a reader finds displeasing in order for them to respond directly. Every reader has the opportunity to a ‘right of reply’ to publish their view in the Focus as long as a name, committee group or organisation is named.

Lenham Community Centre, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office.

Published by Lenham Focus

Lenham Focus is published by the Lenham Focus Team. Any opinions expressed are those of the contributors

63

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