June 2017
Family Festival Live Band at the Social Club 9th
Family Festival Family Fun Day at Community Centre 10th
1
Family Festival The City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra 17th
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JUNE
Editorial
I
t’s June so it must be time for the
This is always a great weekend and
Lenham Family Festival. This is a
everyone should be able to find
great weekend (plus) of events for
something across the two weekends they
all the family. On Friday 9th you have
can enjoy. The Family Fun Day is always
the live band at the Social Club. Saturday
enjoyable, even with the occasional down
10th there is the Family Fun Day at the
pour. We are grateful to all the people
community centre with lots to see and
that give up their time in the planning
do, this runs all day from 12 noon to
and on the day itself that make this the
9:30pm. Then on the Sunday you have
excellent event it is. If you can spare
the usual monthly market with the added
some time please get involved, if not then
bonus of live music. Then the following
please come along to an event.
weekend, Saturday 17th, there is the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra in the
Hope to see you all there.
Tithe barn.
By James Collett
4
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5
Dates for your Diary 8 June
17 June
Lenham Family Festival Len Valley
City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra
Community Hub Club
part of the Lenham Family Festival
With the Lenham School
The Tithe Barn from 7:00pm
9 June
24 June
Live band at the Lenham Social Club
Messy Church Sports day and BBQ Ulcombe Village hall 4 – 6pm
10 June Family fun day at the Community Centre Starting at 12 noon and running to 9:30pm with live music, stalls, games, craft.
11 June Live music in the Square The regular Market with live Music
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
SAVE THE DATE
10 June 2017
10 June 2017
Lenham Family Festival
Lenham Family Festival
donate an hour or more of your time
Lenham Community Centre and Car Park
to support a fun charity event
Fun for all the family
Phone Gail on 01622 850126
6
Bonfires
A
this out in weather forecasts, by viewing the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (DEFRA) air forecasts
t this time of year as Parish
website or by calling DEFRA’S Air
Clerk I receive several phone
Pollution Hotline on 0800 556677
calls reporting bonfires. The
Never leave the fire unattended or
question always asked is “Are you allowed
leave it to smoulder – put water on it, if
to have bonfires in residential areas?”
necessary.
The following information may prove useful.
If you are bothered by smoke you can approach your neighbour and explain the
Can I have a bonfire?
problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they
Anyone can have a bonfire at any time of
are causing and it will hopefully make
the day. All that matters is what you are
them more considerate in the future.
burning and that you are considerate to
If you find it difficult to approach your
your neighbours.
neighbour visit the Maidstone Mediation Services website for advice or call 01622
Here is a list of what you can or cannot
692843.
burn: If this fails email Only burn dry material: Never burn
enforcementoperations@maidstone.gov.
household rubbish, tyres or anything
uk or call 01622 602202 to tell us about
containing plastic, foam or paint. Never
the problems you‘re having. We will
use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light
investigate your complaint and we have
the fire or to encourage it.
the power to serve a notice to stop the
Avoid having a bonfire in unsuitable
issue.
weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening.
The above information is provided by
If it is windy, smoke may be blown into
Maidstone Borough Council.
neighbours’ gardens and across roads.
Margo McFarlane Parish Clerk
Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high. You will find
7
SPORTS day and BBQ at Ulcombe Village Hall on Saturday 24th June 4-6pm
8
Changes to Lenham Christmas Lights
F
or several years this event has
roundabout has been rebooked for
generally been perceived by
this year. All other stands have been
the local community as very
cancelled.
successful. I have had reports after each years event from a number of sources.
3. Entertainment from ‘outside’
Continual improvements to the day of
organisations such as the Rochester
the Lenham Christmas Lights switch on
Singers were no longer required.
has resulted in larger numbers in more recent years.
4. The event should run for longer.
Despite that, the following points were
5. There should be more involvement
made by a self appointed committee who
from Father Christmas going round the
are planning a very different type of event
streets and around the square on the day.
for this year. Following the new committee’s feedback I was asked to action the following points:
and new approach Alan Reading has decided to step down.
1. Celebrity attendance to countdown for the actual switch on was not thought to be very good. 2. The ‘fairground’ stands were no longer wanted as they were not Christmas themed. The same rides and games were far too expensive at £1 and £2 per participant. Only the small children’s
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Forthcoming Events 17 June Quiz Night 14 July In-house Games Night Darts, pool, snooker and more…..
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
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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)
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8.15 - 9.00 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Intermediate) Wednesday 4.30 - 5.15 : Under 8’s Ballroom & Latin (4-8yrs)
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12
Clubs & Societies
member or not.
Lenham Gardening Society
annual Pimms & Strawberry evening
Details of the July outing to Knole Park will be announced at our next meeting. A date for your diary, 20th July our great food, luscious strawberries and a
Over 60 members and visitors came
glass or three of Pimms, a simple quiz!
to our April meeting to listen to our
and lots more. As we run a Tombola
speaker Caroline Halfpenny sharing her
on the night we would appreciate any
experiences of working in Monet’s garden
presents, gifts, the odd bottle of wine etc.,
a few years back.
for the stall. Please see separate article on the Lenham
Caroline spent a summer in the gardens
Garden Show
which she described as ‘a once in a
Happy gardening
lifetime experience’ which she would not
Keith
have missed for the world. Her talk was
Chair LGS
illustrated with some great photos some
Lenham Heritage
of which were of areas not normally open to the public. All the members enjoyed
We had to get a speaker at short notice as
the talk, particularly those who have
Paul Bennett of CAT had an invite to do
visited the gardens.
archaeology in Iraq. Now the situation
Our June speaker will be Kevin Tooher
is getting more normal in the north of
who will be talking about ‘Clematis All
Iraq and I think the Iraqis feel that more
Year’ which will be of Interest to those,
archaeology should be rescued in case the
like me, who have problems growing
‘IS’ ever come back. One hopes that they
them. Our competition will be ‘a bunch of
do not.
sweet peas and/or lemon meringue pie’.
The speaker who filled in was excellent.
So come along and support the LGS. Why
Mary Smith was the Headmistress of
not bring a friend?
Maidstone Grammar until a few years
A reminder that our next outing will be
ago and she discovered that the Art
on Tuesday 20th June to Knole Park,
Teacher during the war did a series of
tickets are available from Pat on 859084
paintings of the school and pupils. Mary
price according to whether you are a NT
13
has assembled them into a book with
the hill who I knew had a barn made
anecdotes from girls who were there at
of chalk blocks and checked with him
the time also. If you get a chance to hear
whether they came from that Great Hill
Mary speak please go and listen, you will
quarry too? No, as far as he knows they
find no doubt find it interesting.
were from dismantled buildings of the
Not a lot else to tell you. Oh, I had noticed
monks at Otterden. Interesting, one’s
for many years that the field on the hill,
mind then travels further back in time
Great hill it is called, that lies to the right
…..did the monks utilise building blocks
(east) of the Highborne Houses always
(chalk) that the Romans had quarried .
has soil marks. Looking on Google Earth
Oh now you are being stupid …..someone
one can see them, but clicking on the
butts in…. but it is not stupid. Romans
clock on the tool bar one can see back a
were renowned for using building stone
number of years. In 1940 there are still
at hand. Apart from flint, that very hard
marks that look like a quarry. On the 1841
chalk (the similar band that forms the
tithe map the area is outlined in the field
Needles) is very durable. It was definitely
so it had been there a long time. Then on
mined near Marley in ‘Cats Brains field’,
an 1896 OS map the quarry was actually
which describes the hard shiny pebbles
marked.
it forms. I believe I have told you that
Next I looked again at the 1841 record and
fact before in one of the previous Focus
realised that “Kiln Field” was not a tile or
articles years ago …. But it is just as well
pottery kiln as I had thought, but was a
to mention it again as there is so little
Lime kiln so it should be Lime Kiln field.
explanation on the net for ‘Cats Brain’
Lime was not used so much for liming
fields and the name is quite common.
the fields but was a lucrative business for
Now, with modern word scanning, these
providing lime mortar. Charing still has
words get picked up and logged for
a lime kiln in place on the hill …or it did.
snippets of information.
The house on the corner of the Square,
Lenham Church Yard there is still
Wickham Place, has had its pointing
controversy over the fact some of the
replaced with glaring white lime mortar.
St Mary’s graves are logged on the net
But slowly it is mellowing and now does
…..but we are still hoping to do ALL the
not look so ‘out of place’.
churchyard in considerably more detail . Wed evenings in June starting on June
I was talking to one of the farmers over
14th we will get going from 7- 7.30 or
14
so. I cannot be there on June 28th but
month except August, at 7-30 in Lenham
hopefully some LH members will be.
Community Centre
July 26th is a meeting inside the church
Gill Simes
with David Carder describing some of the
Young At Heart 60+
architectural details. Everyone welcome of course. Lesley Feakes 8502745
Hi to you all hope you are keeping well.
Royal British Legion Women’s Section
2.00-4.00pm at the Community Centre.
Our next meeting is Thursday 15/06/17 We are having a quiz so sharpen up those ‘little grey cells’ and be ready for the
This month is our Strawberry Tea. It will
questions.
be held in the Community Centre on the
Remember please to phone Jenny or
22nd June at 3:00pm for a 3:30pm start.
myself if you are unable to come to the
Tickets are £6 and available from Eve on
meeting.
858 478.
To all our helpers a very big Thank You.
Enid LaPlain
Olive, Sue, Jacky, Kath, Jackie, Ann, Fred, Martin, Jenny and Nina
Lenham WI
Len Valley Community Hub Club
Our April speaker, Stuart Robinson, gave an interesting talk on Charles Dickens’ London. It is worrying to discover how
Hello everyone, hope you all enjoyed
much you have forgotten about Dickens’
the meal at Dobbies and a few hours
works even though you have read them
wandering round. I know I did.
many times!! In May we held our A.G.M
Please note our next meeting is Thursday
and were pleased to welcome a new
08/06/17 2.00-4.00pm at the Social Club.
member onto the Committee.
It is one week later than usual to join
June’s speaker is from ‘Porchlight’
in with The Lenham Festival. We have
the charity for the homeless, and in
students coming from the Lenham School
July John Mills will be addressing the
to perform for us. They are always very
serious subject of Capital Punishment.
entertaining. A great afternoon. Hope to
New members are always welcome. We
see you all there.
meet on the second Thursday of every
Please remember to phone Jenny or me
15
to let us know if you are unable to come to
Ohio star quilt blocks.
the meeting.
If anyone would like a copy of the
Our thanks to all our helpers.
programme please contact Pamela
Fred, Martin, Zoe, Jenny and Nina
Gillard at 01233-879507. Remember to ask for your supplies list for any projects
Country Ways Quilters
you plan to work on. If anyone would like
April’s programme went well. There was a
to stop by and see what we are doing we
new flying geese technique for the girls to
are in the Osbourne Room in the Lenham
try and we made place mats with strips to
Community Centre. We start at 1:00pm
practice our machine quilting.
on June 6th, and 1:30pm on June 21st.
In June we are going to try our hands at
Pamela Gillard
paper piecing with a number of designs to choose from. We are also working on our
Council Corner
all support the Annual Family Festival,
W
Saturday June 10th at the Community
the Community event takes place on Centre from 12noon. There will be much
e would like to
entertainment and music inside and out
congratulate Shellina
as well as refreshments and stalls for
Prendergast on her
all the family. Other events will be well
election as our representative on Kent
publicised elsewhere in the magazine and
County Council. From initial discussions
around the village.
with her we believe that she will be a
Please continue to let us know your
strong asset to our community and give
concerns regarding Borough issues on
our area good representation on KCC.
tomsamscllr7@gmail.com or 01622
We are pleased after much time to get
859412
white lines in Ham Lane to separate the road particularly on the corner near
Tom & Janetta
William Pitt Field, and also pot holes in
tomsamscllr7@gmail.com
Ham Lane near Cherry estate. Finally
01622 859412
can we ask on a personal level that we
16
Lenham Family Festival
entertainment acts perform live •
Have your face painted
•
Buy a raffle ticket – we have 2 raffles this year. One will be specifically
It’s nearly here!!!
T
for the younger members of our community
he 2017 Lenham Family
•
Festival takes place from 8th to
Eat and drink your fill from our variety of food stalls and bars
11th June 2017 with a further
•
event taking place on 17th June 2017.
Play giant versions of your favourite games
See full event details below. All events
•
held will be in support of The Katie Piper
Shop for local produce and handicrafts from our many stalls
Foundation and Lenham Primary School.
•
Spend a while at our Nail Bar having your nails painted or enjoying a
Come to the Square at lunchtime on
relaxing hand or foot massage
Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th June to
•
relax and listen to our buskers.
See beautiful live owls up close and learn more about them
•
Lots more for children to do this year
Thursday 8th June
including bouncy castle and assault
•
course
Event at the Len Valley Community Hub Club with The Lenham School.
•
Affordable fun for all the family!
Sunday 11th June 2017 Friday 9th June •
•
Live band at Lenham Social Club
Visit our monthly market in Lenham Square for local produce and crafts and more live music.
Saturday 10th June – Family Fun Day!!!
Saturday 17 June 2017
•
•
•
•
This takes place from 12 noon to
The City of Rochester Symphony
9.30pm in and around Lenham
Orchestra will be performing at
Community Centre.
7pm in The Tithe Barn. There will
Listen to our local bands playing
be music and dance based on Lewis
live on the main stage and inside the
Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in
Community Centre
Wonderland” with the children of
Watch our local dancers and other
Lenham Primary School. Also other
17
works by Bee-thoven, Mozart, Haydn
to be involved in this way, please contact
and Faure. This is a ticketed event
Gail on 01622 850126. She is compiling a
and tickets are on sale at Lenham
list of names and contact details of willing
Village Store and Len Valley News.
helpers.
There is still time to volunteer to help out on the main day of the Festival with
We look forward to seeing you all there!
a variety of tasks, none of which are particularly onerous. If you would like
Lenham Garden Show
J
expert, all keen gardeners and those who just like to potter are welcome. Fun is the key word with this show.
ust over two months to go
The timetable for the day is 10.00 am
before the fifth annual Lenham
set up time for exhibitors, judging will
Garden Show which will be
take place at 12 noon and the show
held on Saturday 12th August at the
will be open to the public at 2.00pm.
Lenham Community Centre, Groom
Presentation of cups will be at 4.00
Way.
pm approx.
The programme, with entry form, will
So why not support your show by
be available from the end of the month
either exhibiting or coming along in
at the Library, Village Store, Chequers
the afternoon to view? Why not enjoy
Fish Bar, Community Centre and other
a cup of tea and some homemade cakes
local locations.
which will be on sale while you are there.
The show is open to all residents of the Len Valley, you don’t have to be an
Lenham Garden Show Team
18
Let out your Inner Thespian
F
be involved with the group we would love to hear from you. Contact us by email on david.penny@fleetrisk24.com or by calling 01622 850 127.
ollowing on from our
We will be holding auditions very
outstanding success putting
soon at Lenham, but we haven’t quite
on Cinderella in January
finalised the dates. Keep checking our
at Harrietsham village hall, we have
facebook page www.facebook.com/
great news this month. We have read
hamspanto or just search for HAMS.
through a number of scripts and
Alternatively send us an email to the
decided on Beauty and the Beast as
above and we will contact you when we
our January 2018 panto at Lenham
have the dates and times. Come and
community centre. We will be looking
see us at the Lenham festival on the
for a number of new people to fill the
10th of June to register your interest
main parts and play chorus roles 16+,
or to find out more.
no experience required. So, if you can act, dance or sing or if you just want to
David Penny - Chairperson
Kent Messenger
needed to draw attention to village
R
contact the Villages editor Debbie
events. If you are interested please
eaders of the Kent
Edwards: dedwards@thekmgroup.
Messenger may have noticed
co.uk
that there is no news from
Lenham on the villages pages of the
Joan Drury Boughton Malherbe and
Kent Messenger. A correspondent is
Grafty Green correspondent
19
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Family Breakfast Service
Upcoming Events
SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am
Hollingbourne Fete
St Mary’s Church, Lenham
Saturday 10th June
Come and see us at the bar & Pimm’s tent. Also as it is World Gin Day, we will have a gin bar selling special craft gins & tonics.
FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
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Lenham Cricket Club
T
August 12th Staplehurst 2nd away 1.30pm August 19th Upchurch 3rd away 1pm August 26th Stonehouse home 1pm
he 2017 season has begun
Sept 2nd Lordswood 3rd away 1pm
and the ground is looking fantastic thanks in no
Sunday games are all friendlies and
small part to George Gray and Tony
Dan Russell has again put together a
Ambrose.
full season of matches.
Our Saturday team compete in The
May 7th East Sutton away 2pm
Kent Regional League 2C Central.
May 14th Great Chart away 2pm
This year’s fixtures are as follows:
May 21st Murston home 2pm May 28th - Tbc
April 29th Staplehurst 2nd home
June 4th Newington (Demelza Day)
1.30pm
away (time Tbc)
May 6th Rodmersham 2nd home
June 11th Northwood (TOUR) 2pm
1.30pm
June 18th Willesborough home 2pm
May 13th NO FIXTURE
June 25th Priory home 2pm
May 20th Faversham 2nd home
July 2nd Newington home 2pm
1.30pm
July 9th Pixies Fun day (time Tbc)
May 27th Bapchild 3rd away 1.30pm
July 16th Sissinghurst away 2pm
June 3rd Rumwood home 1.30pm
July 23rd East Sutton home 2pm
June 10th TOUR
July 30th PRESIDENTS DAY
June 17th Upchurch 3rd home 1.30pm
August 6th Murston away 2pm
June 24th Stonehouse away 1.30pm
August 13th Priory home 2pm
July 1st Lordswood 3rd home 1.30pm
August 20th Meopham home 2pm
July 9th Rodmersham 2nd away
August 27th Bredgar away 2pm
1.30pm
Sept 3rd Detling (Fixture Tbc)
July 15th NO FIXTURE
Sept 10th Wateringbury home 1pm
July 22nd Faversham 2nd away 1.30pm
Sept 17th Ide Hill home 1pm
July 29th Bapchild 3rd home 1.30pm
Sept 24th Smarden away 1pm
August 5th Rumwood away 1.30pm
Oct 1st Sissinghurst home 1pm
26
The first game of the season was
LCC has a thriving Colts section with
against Staplehurst 2nd. Despite
around 25 meeting each week. They
this the bowling and fielding were
age between 6-13 years old and a
exemplary. No dropped catches and
mix of boys and girls. The Under 9s
excellent ground fielding restricted
will play in the softball competitions
Staplehurst to 127 for 8. Tom Curtis
throughout the season with the
was the pick of the bowling taking 6
Under 11s playing hardball in the
for 27 off his 10 overs. Well supported
Weald of Kent league. Coaching is
by Dave Gardner, Jack Ambrose and
every Monday evening (apart from
Nick Collins with some economical
Bank Holidays) between 18.30-19.45
bowling. Unfortunately LCC were
hrs at a cost of ÂŁ25, this includes
dismissed for 71 chasing the modest
annual subscription and 12 weeks of
target. The only resistance coming
coaching. All are welcome to come and
in the shape of Tom Curtis (19) and
try, minimum school year 1. For any
Adrian Longley (18). Onwards and
further information please contact
upwards!!
Alex on 07760132803.
Sunflower Appeal
a moment of reflection with a short
O
service at 11.30 led by our Hospice Volunteer Chaplain. To make a dedication to your loved
n Saturday 10th June, Heart
one please visit www.hokh.org and
of Kent Hospice will be
select the ways to donate option where
displaying sunflowers in
a form can be downloaded and where
the Hospice garden each dedicated
you can see our video. Alternatively
to a special person who is no longer
pick up a leaflet from Hospice
with us. It will be a beautiful day of
reception or any of our shops or
remembrance and celebration that we
contact fundraising on 01622 790195.
would love you to be a part of. Join
Dedications must be received by 2nd
us at the Hospice from 11 am – 1pm to
June.
see the garden in full bloom, and take
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
Activate Body & Soul is a state of art fitness facility situated at The Lenham School which is open to the public in the mornings, evenings & at the weekend. •
Air conditioned gym with LifeFitness® strength and cardiovascular equipment.
•
No contracts, membership on a monthly rolling basis with prices starting from £23 per month.
•
Osteopath and Sports Massage available.
•
Floodlit 3G All Weather Pitch available for public hire.
•
Sports Hall available to hire: suitable for Football, Basketball, Badminton, Netball, Fitness Classes and many other activities.
•
Air conditioned dance/fitness class studio available for hire.
Pop in today and let us help you achieve your fitness goals The Lenham School, Ham Lane, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2LL activate@thelenham.viat.org.uk 01622 853750
28
Helen Whately MP for Faversham and Mid Kent I work for you. If you have a problem you think I can help you with, please
Yours from as little as ÂŁ13 per
contact me or visit me at one of my
month.
surgeries
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA Tel: 020 7219 6472 Email: helen.whately.mp@parliament.uk
29
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
30
09/08/2016 14:34
Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily
Activate Fitness Facilites
Monday
Badminton (Feathers) Music Mayhem Parent & Toddlers Group Len ARA Short Mat Bowls Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club Lenham Bell Ringers H/sham & Lenham Cubs H/sham & Lenham Beavers Pilates classes
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 4th Wednesday Last Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Thursday 3rd Thursday 2nd Sunday
The Lenham School
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 Activate Fitness Facilites
7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm 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 St Mary’s Church 7.30-9.00pm Lenham Primary School 6:30-8:00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5:45-7:15pm 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 The Lenham School 8am-3pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00 see separate church services page The Lenham School 10am-1pm
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
31
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 Builders/decorators
Carpentry Caterers Catteries Chartered Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Computer Services Counselling Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Estate Agents Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Garages Grocers Hairdressers
Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating KSE Home Improvements Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Dr. Kerri Bedford 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 Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s
32
851542 858612 01580 230413 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 01233 840004 850364 858719 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 850376 07813030527 880028 859442 745654 859969 07530284603 850329 850800 07738 088169 858827 01233712663 850055 01622 858241 853750 01622 853640 07882 170231 850840 858210 858255 850001 851150
Hall Hire Holiday Rentals Hotels Life Coach Locksmiths Logs Nail Technician Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Schools Solicitors Takeaway Taxi TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning
The Hair Hub Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall Love It Here Holidays Chilston Park Hotel Yvonne Fernando 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 Setfords Solicitors Thorneloe & Co. Chequers Fish Bar Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles
33
07880 547865 853800 01622 858296 01580 239239 01622 859803 01233 878474 07738658751 07733328715 07460 393777 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858531 767777 01233 712289 01795590030 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 Pamela Gillard Alan Reading Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements) Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Sandra Woodfall Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Helen Whately MP Margo McFarlane John Boyd Martin Sherwood Rev Millie Hart Church Office
34
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 879507 01622 820841 01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 07775 736116 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 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.
Adult Tap & Street Dance
01622 850329
Members of the public are welcome to attend. Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September) Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except Bank Holiday)
more than a ballet school
www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk
Finance and General Purposes Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by Planning Committee meeting. For more details contact the Parish Clerk:
LenhamBalletSchoolWT168.indd 1
20/01/2016 09:32
telephone: 01622 859682 (Mon-Fri 9am - 1pm) email: hello@lenhamparish.org.uk web: www.lenhamparish.org.uk
Yours from as little as £13 per month. L E NHAM PARI SH C O U N C I L
Psychological Therapy Stress | Anxiety | Trauma | Relationships | Work A powerful process for lasting change, through open dialogue. - Develop mindfulness skills. - Learn coping strategies. - Explore relationship difficulties. Call to discuss your requirements
07530284603 Dr.Kerri Bedford Counselling Psychologist Fully insured & member of HCPC
35
Brought to you by Harrietsham Village Hall Trust
Harrietsham Festival
in association with
music
invite you to a
Y
@ the Booth field, Saturday 22nd of July, 12pm until 10pm Fun for all the family LILAC SHEER
12pm
1pm
C
Hot food Licensed bar with local ales
ANDY TWYMAN
2pm
3pm MARTIN MORRIS
Saturday 10th of June 2017
& ciders
at Harrietsham Village Hall and the Booth Field, 1pm until 6pm
Rides, inflatables & CRAZY GOLF
Face painting 5pm
4pm ROSIE EBSWORTH
Please come and join us !
Live music from start to FINISH
STEADFAST
Children’s picnic Stalls
BLACKSHOT 21
7pm
6pm
Face painting Animals
NEW STREET
Hot food 9pm
8pm SMOKIN’ MOJOS
Tennis Rides/Inflatables
TAKING CARE OF VEGAS
Games
** BRING a chair or picnic rug ** For tickets call 07812 555585 or email HMF@harrietshamvillagehall.org.uk Sponsored by:
Activities
A bit about Teddies in Loving Care…
TLC (East Kent) is the local branch of a national charity which provides teddy bears to hospital A&E wards and minor injury units throughout East Kent. Teddies are supplied in bulk and medical staff give them to children admitted to the unit that may be in distress over their injuries or over the treatment they are about to receive. The charity relies entirely on volunteers to fund the purchase of the bears and then distribute them to the emergency units. The volunteers are East Kent Freemasons along with their friends and families. £18,000 each year is required to enable the charity to continue its work.
Make positive life changes • Life Changes • Confidence • Improved Relationships • Better Communication • Stress Management • Health & Wellbeing • Self-esteem • Overcome Fears, Phobias & Traumas Yvonne Fernando Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach T : 01233 878474 M: 07968 785714 www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk
36
Success comes from working together.
We’ve been very lucky with speakers . . . presenting Jo Dodds on Wednesday 28 June (together with South Maidstone Business Association) at one of everyone’s favourite meeting places The Dog & Bear Hotel in Lenham Square. Arrive at 5:45pm please. After many years in the ‘corporate world’ in Retail HR, Jo Dodds started her own home based business in August 2005 publishing a local community magazine in her town. She expanded the business over the following three years to include, at one stage, eight local magazines. She did this mainly through business networking: connecting with local business people, getting to know them and helping them to achieve their business goals (and not necessarily through advertising in her magazines!). In these days of portfolio careers Jo’s focus is now in two areas. One is back to her roots in HR with specialisms in social media, employee engagement and wellbeing. The other is in working with home based business owners and entrepreneurs helping them to improve their Productivity, Organisation, Wellbeing, Energy and Resilience (their POWER) to enable them to ‘Live More’, to do more of what they want to do. She is constantly working on her own productivity, organisation, wellbeing, energy and respect – she most definitely ‘walks the talk’. And she loves nothing more than passing on her knowledge and bringing understanding and results to her audience and clients.
Using your POWER to Live More: Productivity, Organisation, Wellbeing, Energy and Resilience In this action packed session you’ll learn: l My 5 Fundamentals for using your ‘POWER’ to ‘Live More’ l Tips & strategies you can implement today to give you more time and energy l 10 steps to follow to avoid procrastination and get stuff done Life feels so overwhelming nowadays with our busy lives, all the digital technology and that seemingly ‘always on’ culture. I’m on a mission to help business owners to be more productive, organised, healthy and happy doing what they want to do, rather than what they feel they should or need to do.
sier a e e l t t i l a e f i l Making Keep up to date & to join www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841
37
吀椀琀栀攀 䈀愀爀渀Ⰰ 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 䘀愀洀椀氀礀 䘀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀
匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀 㜀 䨀甀渀攀 ㈀ 㜀 愀琀 㜀瀀洀 䄀氀椀挀攀 匀甀椀琀攀 戀礀 䨀愀挀漀戀 䈀爀椀搀攀 䴀甀猀椀挀 愀渀搀 䐀愀渀挀攀 戀愀猀攀搀 漀渀 䰀攀眀椀猀 䌀愀爀爀漀氀氀ᤠ猀
Yours from as little as £13 per
䄀䰀䤀䌀䔀ᤠ匀 䄀䐀嘀䔀一吀唀刀䔀匀 䤀一 圀伀一䐀䔀刀䰀䄀一䐀
month.
眀椀琀栀 琀栀攀 挀栀椀氀搀爀攀渀 漀昀 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 倀爀椀洀愀爀礀 匀挀栀漀漀氀 愀渀搀 眀漀爀欀猀 戀礀 䈀攀攀琀栀漀瘀攀渀Ⰰ 䴀漀稀愀爀琀Ⰰ 䠀愀礀搀渀 愀渀搀 䘀愀甀爀
䈀攀渀 䬀渀漀眀氀攀猀 䌀漀渀搀甀挀琀漀爀 䤀渀 匀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 漀昀 䌀刀匀伀 愀渀搀 琀栀攀 䘀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀ᤠ猀 挀栀漀猀攀渀 挀栀愀爀椀琀椀攀猀㬀 叠攀 䬀愀琀椀攀 倀椀瀀攀爀 䘀漀甀渀搀愀琀椀漀渀 ☀ 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 倀爀椀洀愀爀礀 匀挀栀漀漀氀⸀ 吀椀挀欀攀琀猀 ꌀ㔀Ⰰ 䌀漀渀挀攀猀猀椀漀渀猀 ꌀ㌀Ⰰ 䌀栀椀氀搀爀攀渀 䘀爀攀攀 氀攀渀栀愀洀昀愀洀椀氀礀昀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 嘀椀氀氀愀最攀 匀琀漀爀攀 䰀攀渀 嘀愀氀氀攀礀 一攀眀猀 吀攀氀攀瀀栀漀渀攀 㜀㔀㘀㠀㐀㜀㘀㔀㜀㌀ 氀攀渀栀愀洀昀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀䀀最洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀洀 叠攀 䬀愀琀椀攀 叠攀 䬀愀琀椀攀 倀椀瀀攀爀 䘀漀甀渀搀愀琀椀漀渀 椀猀 刀攀最椀猀琀攀爀攀搀 䌀栀愀爀椀琀礀 渀漀⸀ ㌀㌀㌀㌀ 琀栀攀 䌀刀匀伀 椀猀 刀攀最椀猀琀攀爀攀搀 䌀栀愀爀椀琀礀 渀漀⸀ ㈀㘀㐀㠀㐀㐀
Garden Safari in
GrafTY Green
9 gardens open Sunday 4th June 11 am to 5 pm
Celebrating 20 years of Grafty Green Gardening Club.
Tickets, £5 per person, children under 12 free, available from the village shop or by phoning 01622 850381. Anyone who would like to include a meal in their day can book a light lunch, eg ploughmans or sandwiches, at the Kings Head, Grafty Green, ME17 2AN, by phoning 01622 850259, by the 30th May; (booking is essential).
38
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
StuttleDyer
Telisa Tai Chi Tai Chi
Optimal fitness lifestyle
Decorating
Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages, Adaptablefor for most most abilities. adaptable abilities. “Mentally and physically groundin
also
Lenham community centre
Bathrooms Kitchens Tiling
The perfect antidote to
the pace set by the digital world�
Wednesday 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 07734108683
01233 650 726 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
V AM A
LL
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LE N H
l Part P certified l Free quotes l Fully insured l 24 hr Call out
s
in
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MEMBER s Assoc
ia
Cybereye Security Marcus Shephard 01622 858 612 or 07821 776 334
40
41
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
42
Church Services Wednesday 21st June
Sunday 4th June
10.30am Chippendayle Lodge
9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy
Saturday 24th June
Communion (Prayer Book)
4.00pm Ulcombe Village Hall: Messy
11.00 am Ulcombe: Family Worship
Church
11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion 3.30 pm Harrietsham: GIFT family
Sunday 25th June
worship
8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book)
Wednesday 7th June
9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion
9.30am Lenham: Holy Communion
9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship
Sunday 11th June
10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion
8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion
11.00am Lenham: Family Worship
(Prayer Book) 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service
Please note there will be no Men’s
9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion
Breakfast this month
11.00am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship 6.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Choral Evensong
Sunday 18th June 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 11.00am Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion
43
Christian Message
T
to sell it. Many build flimsy shelters from the material found on the dumps. Inevitably their living conditions are insanitary and dangerous. The Salaam
he world seems very dark.
Centre is a place of safety for women.
Homeless men and women
Sisters from a nearby convent live
sleep on our streets; literally
alongside them and give counselling. A
millions have died in the Middle East in
Zabaleen woman said: “I get support from
the last few years; thousands risk their
the centre. My husband can get help to
lives in the Mediterranean Sea hoping to
overcome his addiction. I know there is a
find safety in Europe while still others
way for healing; I can now get food, find a
spend years in refugee camps.
job and know that I have rights”.
A dark world in which Christians cling on
Christians in Lebanon are funded by
to their belief that God sent his Son into
EMBRACE to help refugees from Syria.
the world to dispel the darkness.
13 year old Tariq has been helped. Back home in Syria his family sold
The Bible study group of which I am a
falafel, hummus and other delicacies
member has discovered much which is
to restaurants. The war came and he
heartening by studying a Lent course
was nearly killed making a delivery. His
prepared by EMBRACE the Middle
family fled to Lebanon and he is now able
East. EMBRACE was formerly known
to study at the EMBRACE supported
as Bible Lands Society and uses its funds
education centre.
to alleviate suffering in Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.
Nahla was diagnosed with a brain development disorder when she was 7.
Here are just some examples of the way
Now 20 her needs are complex. She is
money given to them is used to bring
being helped by speech and movement
light into the darkness of many lives. We
therapy at the Zvartontz Centre in
learned, for example about the Zabaleen
Beirut. She has discovered a talent
people in Cairo. Their name means
for embroidery. Government funding
‘Garbage people.’ They sort the rubbish
is limited so EMBRACE is funding 10
on the city’s refuge dumps and attempt
Syrian refugees.
44
We learned this and much more from this
of their Lord by their actions as well as
course and were reminded that, ‘the light
words.
shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5).
Joan Drury
The light of Christ will continue to shine
Embrace the Middle East, 24 London
in the dark places of the world as long as
Road West, Amersham HP7 0EZ 01494
Christians continue to obey the teaching
897950 info@embrace.org
Harrietsham Lawn Tennis Club
Ages 8 – 11
11:30 – 12:30
Adults & 12+
12:30 – 1:30
T
These sessions are being run and organised by professional tennis coach Julian Squiers (South East Tennis Academy) – details of costs and how to
he tennis season has now
book can be found on our website. Whilst
started (along with the rain!)
booking is a good idea to reserve a place
– our courts tend to dry out
– if you want to turn up and give tennis a
very quickly so normally play is possible
try Julian will be pleased to see you and
provided the grass is not wet. Please
can provide all equipment. Don’t forget
check our web site for updates on playing
that members of Harrietsham Lawn
conditions.
Tennis Club will receive a discounted rate for the coaching sessions and Junior
The Sunday morning Professional
Membership for the whole summer
Tennis Coaching on our grass courts
season only costs £5.
has now been extended to give ALL age groups the opportunity for coaching. Our
For further details please contact Andrew
programme is now as follows: Family Tennis
09:30 – 10:30
Ages 4 - 7
10:30 – 11:30
Rogers on 859352 or visit our website : www.harrietshamtennis.co.uk
45
Lenham Storage – interview with Keith Abrehart
W
started work picking fruit after school and at weekends as well as delivering papers. Aged 11 Reg started working as a delivery hand for the local butcher and shortly after as an errand boy for Brooks the Grocer, sweeping the
hat would Lenham
floors before school and filling bags
be without Lenham
of sugar in the evening. He left school
Storage? It’s Lenham’s
at the ripe old age of 14, followed by
main employer. We see its vans
a spell at engineering firm Drake and
everywhere on our roads and
Fletcher, combined with working
Tolhurst Way has just been so named
every hour possible digging gardens,
in honour of its founder, Reginald
painting and cycle and motorcycle
(Reg) Tolhurst. Keith Abrehart is his
repairs. In February 1929 a triumphant
grandson and the present managing
Reg acquired his first lorry. Over the
director.
ensuing years further lorries were purchased to cart sand and soil by day
Born in 1910 in Leeds village, Reg
46
and fruit to Covent Garden by night.
for the last 20 years. It operates over 800,000 sq. feet of warehousing space
In 1946 Reg bought Milnes Basket
across six operating sites, runs over
Factory at Pond Farm, Lenham
250 lorries and trailers which can be
Storage’s current site with 15,000
seen on the roads of Britain and is
sq. feet of warehouse space. The
proud to employ over 550 people, the
buildings were soon filled with ICI
primary employer in the Lenham area.
manures and empty fruit boxes which would be delivered to local farms. The
Keith comments: ‘I am immensely
business grew rapidly. Opportunities
proud of what my grandfather and
such as storing and delivering Sharps
uncle achieved and although times
toffee tins and paper products for
ahead will be challenging with the
Kimberly Clark allowed Reg to invest
likes of Brexit we remain excited for
in building further warehouses on the
the future. We have a brilliant team
site.
with many long serving individuals and now somewhere three generations
In the 1960s Rodney Tolhurst (Reg ’s
of their family have loyally worked
son and now the Chairman of the
for the company. Lenham village has
company) joined the business and
always been immensely dear to the
together he and Reg continued its
hearts of our family so the recognition
expansion, operating some 140
with the naming of Tolhurst Way is
vehicles and trailers. In the early
immensely appreciated and will always
1970s Rodney founded Freightflow
be very special for us.’
International which operated from the site as an Inland Clearance Depot,
And Lenham Storage will always be
revolutionary in its time.
special for the village, Keith. Thank you.
Today the company is still family run with Reg ’s grandson Keith at the helm
Text by Jim Myers
47
Lenham Parish Council
of the month, (except in September),
Councillor vacancy
on Bank holidays) and on the third
At the Annual General Council Meeting
Wednesday after the Finance and General
on May 3rd Mr. Colin Huggens was
Purposes Committee meeting.
and the Planning Committee meets on the Monday before the Council Meeting which is usually the first Monday, (except
welcomed as he joined the Council as a co-opted member. Colin has
All meetings are held at the Community
served on the Council before and was
Centre at 7.30pm and begin with
looking forward to working with fellow
public participation, which offers
councillors.
an opportunity for parishioners to ask questions and raise concerns.
There is one vacancy on the Council for
Parishioners are always welcome to
the South Ward. We would be interested
attend all the Council meetings. The
to hear from parishioners who live in
Council extends its gratitude to the
Platts Heath, Sandway or Lenham Heath,
Community Centre for unfailingly
and who might like to represent the
accommodating our requests for extra
hamlets.
meetings, and sometimes at short notice, a change of room.
Council Members Cllr. Richard Greenwood was nominated
Neighbourhood Plan Group
as Chairman and Cllr. Alastair Walmsley
The Neighbourhood Plan Group
as Vice-Chairman. Cllr. Nick Osborne is
continues to develop the Lenham NHP
Chairman of the Planning Committee.
2017, working with a planning consultant
Cllr. John Nye will represent the Parish
and Gill Hatcher, who is a group member
Council as a trustee of the Community
and minutes secretary. Once more the
Centre.
Parish Council extends its gratitude for the excellent work undertaken by
Meeting dates
the Group, in what at times can be an
There were no changes to the meeting
onerous task. The meetings are held
dates and times. The Parish Council
on Tuesday evenings (as and when
meeting is held on the first Wednesday
needed); at present, twice monthly. The
48
minutes, agenda and dates of all the above
encourage visitors to the parish to help
committees are advertised on the Council
the local businesses and to showcase
website (lenhamparish.org.uk), and on
the wonderful countryside we are all
the five parish notice boards.
fortunate enough to enjoy.
Ham Lane allotments
Cemetery
St John Ambulance is selling the Ham
Cllrs. Greenwood and Michaelas made
Lane allotment site, and the area where
a site visit to the cemetery to determine
the small hall is situated to the north of
outstanding works and to discuss future
the plot. Negotiations will be undertaken
improvement projects. Quotes will be
by the Parish Council to try and secure
sought for several ground maintenance
the site as an open space, together with
issues and tree works. There will be
the continuation of the allotments.
an overall tidy up of the site, removal of old and damaged floral tributes and
Traffic calming
inspection of headstones, for safety
It was agreed to instruct the highways
purposes.
consultant who has been advising the Council on the installation of a traffic
Highways
calming platform, to proceed to the next
Cllr. Scrivens reported on the Faversham
stage.
Road junction upgrade. Concerns were raised about the lack of light at the
The platform will be placed at the
junction. Cllr. Scrivens will correspond
junction of Ham Lane and the High
with KCC Highways on several issues
Street. This is a Parish Council initiative
throughout the Parish.
and will be funded by the parish, once
Ongoing maintenance
complete the ongoing maintenance will
The village handyman has finished
be undertaken by KCC highways. Cllr. Walmsley is heading the project.
treating the woodwork at the bus stop
Tourism web-site
pond. We await the painting of the two
Cllrs. Nye and Smith-Essex were pleased
village signs to the east and west of the
to announce that the new web-site
village and extend our gratitude to the
dedicated to tourism for the parish will
Lenham Art Group which has agreed to
be going ‘live’ this month. The aim is to
paint the signs at no cost to the parish,
and the benches in the Square, and at the
49
(apart from materials).
county councillor. Jenny supported the
The planters adopted by the Council will
parish in several projects, the last being
be planted this month, to complement
the installation of the finger posts in the
those maintained by former members of
Square. We wish Jenny all the best for
LEA who plant, water and care for their
the future.
chosen planters voluntarily. Thank you
Churchyard
to them all for continuing to enhance
A new large covered litter bin will be
the village; your commitment is much appreciated.
installed in the churchyard, to replace the
Annual Assembly Meeting
and often overflowing. The project is
Thank you to the groups who submitted
being funded and organised by the Parish
reports of their activities during the
Council, who will take responsibility for
previous year.
emptying the bin weekly.
The village continues to thrive, with
Volunteers
small open top bin, which is inadequate
Thank you to those who responded to the
many groups and clubs offering
request for volunteers to undertake litter
opportunities to all age groups. The
picking duties throughout the Parish.
perennial problem of lack of volunteers
The Clerk delivered materials to help
was evident and some groups reported
with the task.
concerns as to what might happen if numbers do not increase. Overall our community is alive and well.
If you have any queries, please contact
At the Annual Assembly, we said a fond
1pm Mon- Fri)
Margo McFarlane 01622 859682. (9am to
farewell to county councillor Jenny
hello@lenhamparish.org.ok
Whittle who has stepped down as a
50
TRUST and where to get advice! by Peter Bailey, March 2017 When I was young- who would I trust? “Integrity ‘gainst greed and lust.” Doctors, teachers, bankers too, Lawyers, clerics quite a few Whose reputation and position Gave comfort and ‘feel good’ condition. Today’s materialistic aim Puts respectfulness to shame And leaders of society No longer soothe anxiety. We need to frame another list To comfortably coexist. Bankers clearly lost the plot And lawyers too can just be bought. Politicians on a par With dodgy sellers of a car, House vendors too cannot be trusted, Information well adjusted!
Who speaks the truth in public life Or poses ‘calmness’ midst the strife? Political rightness is the mode To fit in with the modern code. Honesty and good advice Replaced by human avarice. So choose your partners and your friends With care and love to find who blends With your beliefs and qualities; Confide with them ‘priorities.’ This may define a trusting base, Providing confidential space.
51
52
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53
Bill Peter and the Royal British Legion
T
his month we are celebrating the ninetieth birthday of our branch president, Bill
Peter (5 June). He is the last active member of the branch who saw active service in World War 2. Bill comes from a distinguished military background. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Fred Peter D.S.O., M.C. joined the Lincolnshire Regiment, aged 16,
retired from the army in 1926. In 1940
then transferred to the 7th Dragoon
he was recalled to the army to serve a
Guards in 1900 and served in the Boer
further three years. His final role in
war. After peace was declared in 1903
public service was in 1945 providing
he was promoted to King ’s Sergeant.
aid to the survivors of the Belsen
In 1914 he was posted to France with
concentration camp.
his regiment where they became known as ‘The Old Contemptibles’. In
In 1944 Bill, aged 17, joined the Royal
March, 1916 he was commissioned in
Fusiliers. On completion of his basic
the field and joined the Royal Welch
training in Northern Ireland he was
Fusiliers. In September 1916 he
posted to Italy, joining the 56th
was awarded the Military Cross, in
London Division. With the end of
the same month he was awarded the
hostilities in Europe Bill undertook
Distinguished Order and on the 18th of
a crash course in military police
September he was awarded a Bar to his
procedures and was posted to Rome
D.S.O. In just 15 days he was awarded
as a sergeant driving instructor at the
three Gallantry Awards. In 1918 he
Royal Military School. In November
was awarded the Croix de Guerre and
1945 the school returned to the UK.
54
Bill, however, was posted to Venice
strangers forty years ago, Bill was the
for a further two years before being
solid rock of the post office, genial,
demobbed in Sennalager, in Germany,
welcoming and reliable. It seemed to
in April 1948. On moving back to
us that nothing could go wrong with
Lenham in 1971 Bill rejoined the Royal
Bill at the helm of the village. Some
British Legion and during the last 36
years later we discovered that the post
years has held, at some time, every
office had been a ‘family affair’ since
position on the branch committee.
before the First World War, first with
He is currently branch treasurer in
Jean’s father Jack Hughes in charge
addition to his presidential duties.
and later her sister, the inimitable
Looking ahead, we may plan a visit
Esme Brown. The post office was the
to the Royal Dockyard to take the
centre of Lenham and still is. Now at
‘Call the Midwife’ tour in September
90, Bill is actively involved in village
if there is sufficient interest. The
life, as is Jean – still the general,
normal buffet lunch, following the
knowledgeable and reliable couple we
Remembrance service, will be held
met forty years ago. Thank you both.
at the Dog and Bear. Finally, in early December, there will be a buffet
Jim and Amy Myers
supper, once again at the Dog and Bear. Text by Barry Wood, OBE Photo by Jim Myers
Bill Peter: A personal tribute
T
o us, Bill and his wife Jean seem to sum up all that is good about Lenham. When
we first arrived here as complete
55
Kent Downs Herbalist Herbs for Health Cleavers (Galium aperine)
C
due to the small hooked hairs on the stems and leaves. Other names include goosegrass, named so as geese love to graze them and clivers, robin-run-thehedge and grip grass. In the herbal world they are known as a cooling and cleansing herb and are used in particular for the kidneys and urinary
leavers are a bright green
system and to detoxify the body. They
annual that rejuvenates every
also have uses in treating skin conditions
spring, so you will see them in
such as eczema and psoriasis which may
hedgerows about now, where they often
be helped by topical application to the
get tangled with other plants. They stick
skin, in the form of a cream or ointment.
to other greenery (and clothes), hence their name ‘sticky-willy’, which makes
The dried herb can be infused to make
them a firm favourite with children –
a tea – 1 teaspoon of the herb allowed to
these are the ones you can find along
infuse for 10-15 minutes. The tea can
hedgerows and that stick to clothing
be drunk to help with enlarged lymph
56
nodes and conditions such as gout, as it is diuretic which means it helps to reduce
Traditionally, the plant has been used
fluid retention in the body and flush out
as a poultice or in first aid by placing a
toxins via the kidneys and liver.
handful of herbs directly over the wound to stop the bleeding.
Cleavers have tiny, star-shaped white to green flowers clustered in groups of twos
If you would like to use herbs to help an
and threes. They develop burrs which
existing health condition, please contact
will stick to animal fur later in the year –
Emma-Jane Isaac on 07976 619020.
the mechanism for seed dispersal.
Councillor Vacancy
T
provide experience, skills and ability to work alongside fellow councillors and outside bodies.
he Parish Council has a
The applicant should show an ability
vacancy, for the south ward
and willingness to attend meetings of
which can be filled by co-
the council (or the meetings of other
option. We are particularly interested
local authorities and local bodies) in
to hear from parishioners in the hamlets
the evenings and events occasionally at
of Lenham Heath, Sandway and Platts
weekends. Applicants should be flexible
Heath.
and enthusiastic with the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in
The eligibility criteria are pursuant to
writing.
s.79 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”)
The role is interesting and varied and
Candidates should not be disqualified
full training is available. More details are
pursuant to s.80 of the 1972 Act. Full
available on the web-site lenhamparish.
details will be provided on application.
org.uk or contact the Clerk Margo McFarlane 01622 859682
The person specification suggests an
(9am -1pm Mon -Fri) if you prefer email
applicant should have sound knowledge
hello@lenhamparish.org.uk
and understanding of local affairs and
57
Family business born from Landlord tax changes favouring holiday lets
H
usband and wife team Jules
based properties for holiday rentals.
Quested-Williams and Mark
Ahead of the final bank holiday weekend
Ledger-Beadell with their
in 2016, the results of a new Barclays
cousin Sue Smith decided to take a bold
Business survey showed that as many
step in setting up Love it Here Holidays
as 70 per cent of adults have planned, or
Limited. Their story is simple, they
are planning, a staycation – choosing to
owned picturesque properties that they
take annual leave in Britain as opposed to
had previously rented on a short hold
travelling abroad. People are tending to
tenancy basis. Confronted with changes
spend more on their staycation too, with
in the tax relief on interest payments
individuals spending six per cent more on
for buy-to-lets coming into force in
average on their UK holiday than twelve
April 2017 they set out to look for a
months ago. In fact Brits are spending
more tax efficient way to manage their
as much as £22.1bn on UK staycations,
investments. Mark said “We are fortunate
amounting to £613 on average per party,
to have rental properties in areas with
up from £575 a year ago.
demand for holidays lets, it just also panned out that this was more efficient
For businesses like Love It Here, this
for us from a tax perspective”.
has resulted in total income in the sector
Their research proved that there is a
reaching £50bn – up 30 per cent since
need for good quality Kent and Sussex
2012. Small firms in the sector have
58
experienced turnover growth ten per cent
importantly Love it Here don’t have
above the UK SME average.
hundreds of properties they only want to
What started as a research project in
manage a select few, meaning they can
alternative ways of renting ended up
always be there working in partnership
in a new business being born. Sue adds
with people similar in situation to
“After a number of meetings with various
themselves. Mark picks up from here “If
companies it became clear that what we
you’re thinking of renting it can be a very
wanted could not be met. We wanted a
profitable venture if done correctly. It
friendly service that meant we worked
might be a property you’ve inherited or
together in partnership with our chosen
a second home. Indeed it is also highly
agent, a trusted friend and advisor not a
efficient for inheritance tax purposes”.
corporate body. That we felt we could not
The Love it Here team assure everyone
find. As a family we are very fortunate to
the best bit about holiday letting your
have an array of business knowledge and
house means you can be totally flexible,
together we decided we could do better
you can maximise potential income
ourselves”.
against reserving those special home
Jules is the marketing knowledge in
owner weeks for your family enjoyment
the team and it was clear that Love it
in your own property with the same
Here needed to break the mould, “for
benefits as a paying guest.
us it is about happy holidays; warm and
To find out more Love it Here have an
caring people who will look after you.
owners guide which is available as a
Our warmth is measured in everything
download request off the website. Go
we do and we want to share with all our
to www.loveithere.co.uk or call Sue on
guests and owners the feeling of what
01580 239239
true family time can bring; being close to family and loved ones, spending quality time in beautiful places. For our holiday
loveithere.co.uk
home owners we are friendly advisors, we look after and most of all we care, for their property as if it was our own. We help with the day to day and the long term commercial challenges that letting sue@loveithere.co.uk
your holiday home can bring”. Most
59
LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL SOUTH WARD VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR 1. A vacancy has risen on the above Council due to the resignation of CLLR. KEVIN LAPWOOD 2. A bye-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 days (Not counting a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or a Bank Holiday) from the date below, ten electors for the ward/parish give notice in writing claiming such an election to the Returning Officer. 3. The Address of the Returning Officer is: The Secretary Maidstone Borough Council Maidstone House King Street Maidstone ME15 6JQ 4. If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option. Dated 12th May 2017 Signed M McFarlane Mrs M McFarlane. Clerk Address 13 Mercer Drive Harrietsham Kent ME17 1AY
60
Thorneloe & Co. Solicitors
Michael and Harriet Thorneloe An independent family practice providing a friendly, high quality personal service tailored to your specific needs. Specialists in:
St Mary’s House, The Square, Lenham, Kent ME17 2PH
01622 859 416 www.thorneloe.co.uk thorneloe@thorneloe.co.uk
Wills Estate Administration Trusts & Taxation Lasting Powers of Attorney Court of Protection Residential Conveyancing Commercial Conveyancing Re-mortgaging Equity Release Buy-to-Let
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Registered Number 70429
61
Prize Crossword
Across clues
Down clues
1. A drink made from apples. (5) 4. You may feel this after exercise. (5) 7. Name of a particular type of soldier. (9) 8. Name for a type of skin, or to make someone look for you. (4) 10. Leave (6) 12. A type of nut, often eaten when salted. (6) 13. Top in a group. (4) 16. Southernmost area in the world. (9) 18. What you write on. (5) 19. They should be shut to keep farm animals from wandering. (5)
1. A vehicle for transporting many people, or part of a train. (5) 2. A Collie is one. (3) 3. Grass like plant used for thatching. (4) 4. Circles, squares and rectangles are examples of these. (6) 5. To behave like someone else is to do this. (7) 6. A person who wins comes this. (5) 9. You do you schoolwork on this. (7) 11. Absolute fear. (6) 12. Painful muscle spasm. (5) 14. Creatures often found in garden ponds in the spring. (5) 15. A large animal with antlers. (4) 17. Animal that purrs. (3)
62
Last month’s winner! Previous winner: Roger Kelly of Harrietsham. 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 19 Edition 06 (June 2017) 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
Lenham Family Festival 8th—11th June
Family day on Saturday 10th June @ Lenham Community Centre 12 noon—9:30pm
For Details see: www.lenhamfamilyfestival.co.uk