Kennington News December 2014

DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES

Should the pews be removed?

DECEMBER 2014 Published by Kennington Community Forum

Rubbish is being dumped on graves in St Mary’s churchyard, Kennington.

Garden waste, tree roots and a black plastic bag of rubbish have been heaped several feet high.

Many people expressed their disgust after seeing pictures of the graveyard on the Kennington Community Forum Facebook pages.

“I cannot believe people can sink this

low,” wrote Anthony Ball. “It’s utterly disrespectful,” said Kelsey Banks.

“What is wrong with people?”

“It’s come from St Mary’s Green,” said Mike Paddy, one of the volunteers who helps keep the churchyard tidy. After the first rubbish appeared a month ago he followed a trail of garden waste that led from the graveyard, through broken railings and along a track to St Mary's Green.

Since then a lot more rubbish has been added.

Someone who saw the offenders said: “There are three guys

A consultation is being held to decide how St Mary’s Church can become more disability friendly — with one option being to remove traditional wooden pews. The Rev Richard King said something needed to be done to improve access for people with mobility problems. “There have been occasions where we’ve had wed-

dings and the bride or groom’s mother or father has been in a wheelchair and have had a problem getting into the church,” he told the Kentish Express. He stressed: “We are nowhere near a decision being made.” Following consultations a public meeting will held in the church on 10 January at 10am to discuss feedback.

Anger as rubbish is dumped on graves involved. One was wearing a Father Christmas hat.”

The Rev Richard King said: “We are flabbergasted that anyone would think it is okay to dump their garden waste in a community graveyard. It’s local people who end up giving their time to clean it up.

We thank everyone who has offered words of support and help in finding those responsible.”

Matthew Ball of Ball Contractors has offered to clear the rubbish.

He said: “It’s disgusting. Let's hope this despicable disrespect of the departed isn't repeated.”

Community Police Support Officer Katie Scott has distributed leaflets to homes in St Mary’s Green warning against fly-tipping.

A shameful sight: Page 3

NEW PAVILION GETS GO-AHEAD The run-down pavilion at Spearpoint Recreation Ground could be demolished in May and replaced by a £780,000 community building.

Plans for the new pavilion were approved unanimously by Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee. Funding from a combination of council, Sport England and Football Foundation grants is expected to be approved in January. The community has raised £3,100 towards the project.

The new building will provide first class facilities for football, rugby and tennis clubs and will be available to community groups. The seven-days-a week alcohol licence granted to Ashford Barbarians Rugby Club, who are using the pavilion as a club house, only relates to the existing building.

Switch-off has made footpath ‘forbidding’ Many people have stopped using the footpath between the entrance to Eureka Leisure Park and Nicholas Road since street lighting was switched off.

Residents told the Kennington News they find it “forbidding” and “unsafe.”

Chris Morley, for KCF, said: “Eureka Park was designed to encourage walking and cycling. Removing lighting from this key connection defeats this.

“This part of Trinity Road is clearly a ‘Built Up’ area, and we want KCC to reinstate lighting in accordance with their published strategy”. This states roads and paths in built-up areas should be lit for all or part of the night.

KCC says switching off 3,100 street lights completely on selected roads will save £150,000 a year in energy costs.

A decision on whether to reinstate or remove these permanently is due at the end of the year.

CONCERNS about “partnight” street lighting in residential areas is being monitored by KCF through crime and accident figures. It will make representations to KCC if there is an increase in either of these resulting from lack of street lighting.

Rose revived

Introducing the stars of a new children’s TV show: See Page 3

The Rose Inn has undergone a £100,000 refurbishment. Improvements have been made to the bar areas, toilets and car park.

New licensees Sara Williams and Dave Jones were previously at The Beaver Inn in South Ashford.

We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Country Park is set to roll

Head appeals over report

It’s finally all systems go for Conningbrook Lakes Country Park. The first of 300 houses could be built in the next few months and the site will open to the public in the spring for water sports and walking. Early access and safety work is about to begin and is expected to take a couple of months. “We are keeping it low-profile at the moment as the one thing we can’t control is the weather,” said Terry Jones, Ashford BC conservation officer.

“We don’t want people getting too curious and walking around until it is safe to do so.” The first homes will be built on the lake edge fol-

Towers School principal Richard Billings has appealed against an Ofsted report that says the school requires improvements.

Inspectors rated it good for leadership and management and for the behaviour and safety of pupils. But they said the school requires improvements in its quality of teaching, pupils’ achievements and sixth-form provisions.

Mr Billings said: “Towers is one of the top performing high schools in Kent and we strongly believe the Kent selective system was not taken into account.

“The Ofsted team recognised improvements which include refurbished classrooms, a brand new welfare centre, state-of-the-art 3G sports pitches, upgraded ICT suites, Saturday school, improved communications between parents and the welfare team, innovative school day timings and a vast array of enrichment activities.”

lowing the sale of plots to a developer. The council has had a temporary lease on the site which it partly owns with the Brett Group. “Once Bretts sell the first homes to a developer a 500 year lease kicks in,” said Mr Jones.

Work has begun on a link road from the Julie Rose Stadium to the launch area where there will be a floating pontoon. The lake will be used for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. “At this stage there won’t be any paths,” said Mr Jones. “That comes when we get some receipts from the housing development.”

The site, formerly used for

quarrying sand and gravel, will also have nature trails and a water-front restaurant. A link to National Cycle Route 18 will run through the lakeside village when it is completed. The site will be managed by Kent Wildlife Trust and Ashford Leisure Trust who will appoint a stadium and water sports manager. Mid-Kent Fisheries are also partners in the project. Plans by Bretts for the 300 homes and water sports centre were approved by ABC in May last year following two years of consultation with the community and organisations keen to use the facilities.

KENNINGTON NEEDS YOU! More than 600 of you have signed Kennington Forum’s petition calling for a Community Council.

But we still need another 300 signatures before we can present it to Ashford Borough Council.

It must be signed by a total of 10% of residents living in Kennington, Little Burton, Bybrook and Bockhanger.

A Community Council will give all of us a more powerful voice in local affairs.

A new leaflet is being delivered to every home in our area giving those

New battle to stop six ‘huge’ homes

who have not yet supported our campaign the opportunity to sign.

A Freepost envelope will be Included with every leaflet.

When we reach our target the council will send letters to all residents asking if they support the creation of a Community Council.

It is vital you reply to the ABC letter as the decision will be made according to the replies received.

North Willesborough Community Forum has reached its target, let’s make sure we reach ours too.

THE footpath/cycleway to Eureka Leisure is complete except for signage. Solar lights have been installed where possible. “Understandably residents did not want lighting to the rear of their properties,” said Colin Finch, KCC Senior Public Rights of Way Project Officer, “so it will not have the full lighting as requested.”

NIKKI RELF, Kennington's Community Police Support Officer, has returned to work after an operation to remove a lung tumour. She hopes to be out and about very soon.

The fight is on again to stop 80 The Street (Little Acre) being demolished and six homes built on the site. Neighbours say the threestorey, four-bedroom houses proposed by Chailey Homes are far too big and have the potential to be turned into six-bedroom properties.

They would have a huge impact on homes bordering the site and are out of character for the area.

There are also serious concerns about adequate parking and the narrow access onto The Street.

The entrance would be a few yards from access to four new homes planned in the old builder’s yard behind Number 88. Residents say four accesses between Tritton Fields and Church Road are far too many for safety. Similar applications by Skillcrown Homes to build at Little Acre led to a vast number of objections and were rejected by the council, dismissed on appeal, or withdrawn by the applicant.

Send objections online, or by letter to ABC Planning Dept, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane (Ref 14/01324/AS).

ASHFORD BATTERY COMPANY After trading in Ashford for 35 years as Beaver Batteries we are now proud to re-introduce ourselves as Ashford Battery Company. It’s the same location and the same familiar faces, just a new name.

Great range of batteries for cars, vans, motorcycles, caravans, mobility scooters and lawnmowers.

We provide a call out for battery fitting, just give us a ring.

We stock many vehicle parts and accessories. We can arrange MOTs and can provide car servicing, repairs, maintenance and computer diagnostics for most vehicles.

156 Faversham Road, Kennington, Ashford 01233 640835 www.ashfordbatt.co.uk

A large crowd gathered at Kennington War Memorial for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by the Rev Richard King.

Wreaths were laid by representatives from the British Legion, St Mary's Church, the Scouts, Girlguiding, Kennington WI and Kennington Forum. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded

by Lee Clark.

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NIGEL ADAMS of Tritton Fields helped dismantle the giant installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, each representing a British or colonial military life lost in WW1.

He said: “It was a great honour to be selected as a volunteer. My shift was on 13 November, from noon to 3pm.” It was a particularly poignant task for Nigel who earlier this year discovered his great uncle, Charles Adams, died on the Somme aged 18. Thanks to his friend Alan Hover he is now is possession of Charles’ service medal.

Kennington at War 1914-1918 tells the story of the village during the First World War and of those who are remembered on the War Memorial. Robin Britcher’s book is on sale at Bella’s Newsagents in Faversham Road and at Bockhanger Post Office, price £3.

SHAMEFUL: Garden waste, tree roots, fencing and a bag of rubbish have been dumped on graves in St Mary’s churchyard

Fun TV show is a Brilliant idea A new fun and educational TV show for children has been created by Rhonda Merrick of Kennington. The Brilliant Book — filmed in the Goat Lees area — premiered on the Community Channel in November.

It was inspired by Rhonda’s nineyear-old son Benjamin.

She said: “One of his teachers suggested he make a book that would include all the brilliant things he has achieved at school. This is where the idea

came from. We want to make learning and reading fun, as well as increasing the literacy levels across the nation.”

Each 30-minute episode is based on a letter of the alphabet. It includes animations created by Rhonda from artwork drawn by her daughter Jessica, an art student at a sixth form college.

There is also a ‘Brilliant Friend of the Day’ section and film clips showing Benjamin and his friends going on adventures.

Rhonda and the Great Unknown band provide the music.

At first Rhonda was not certain if Benjamin, who is on the autistic spectrum, would be in the show. “I wasn’t sure if he could cope, but once I told him about the idea, he naturally assumed he would be the star, and so he was cast as the lead.

“The ‘Friend of the Day’ is a great way to show children what different jobs and careers there are out there.” Rhonda, Benja-

min and his friends, who include step-brothers Daniel and Phillip Swann, spend most weekends filming new adventures in their back garden.

Rhonda is looking for people from different professions to feature in the 'Friend of the Day’ section, email hello@TheBrilliantBook.com

The Brilliant Book is shown every weekday at 8am and on Fridays at 6.30pm. It is available on Freeview 63.

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1,150 crimes in 17 months More than 1,150 crimes were committed in the Kennington, Boughton Aluph and Eastwell area between May 2013 and September 2014.

Figures from Kent Police show there were 367 cases of antisocial behaviour; 212 violence and sexual offences; 159 criminal damage and arson; 120 burglaries and 98 vehicle crimes.

Thirteen offenders were sent to prison, 13 were given community sentences, 74 were dealt with by police and 47 were cautioned. 121 cases are still being investigated and no action is being taken in 523 cases.

The latest crime figures for the Kennington area show 41 offences were reported in September. They were: Bockhanger (20): five anti-social behaviour, five violence and sexual offences, two drugs, one vehicle crime, one criminal damage, one robbery, one bicycle theft, four other thefts.

Bybrook (11): three anti-social behaviour, two violence and sexual offences, one burglary, one drugs, one vehicle crime, one shoplifting, two other thefts.

Little Burton (8): six anti-social behaviour, one burglary, one other theft Kennington (2): one violence and sexual offence, one vehicle crime.

Kennington Ward topped the Ashford Crime League table for the fewest crimes reported in September.

Little Burton came 4th, Bybrook 7th and Bockhanger 20th.

The highest number of crimes were in Stanhope, 43, (24th) and Victoria, 160, (25th).

Types of crime committed between May 2013 and September 2014

9%

15%

9%

65% Outcome of crime committed between May 2013 and September ollowing a series of garage break-ins in Little Burton police advised residents: "If your car is not left in the garage park it very close to the door or fit a bolt to the inside of the garage.”

livia Denham joined the Kennington Community F O Facebook page “specifically to warn people about cycle thefts in the area.” She said: “I've had more than a few instances of noticing bicycles thrown into hedges. These are all nice looking cycles and I'm sure worth a fair bit. I have reported to the police all that I've seen and their response has been to ask me to secure the cycles which I haven't been able to do as I don't drive and am usually on my way to work when I see them. I did retrieve one and found the back wheel had been locked to prevent it being taken away. The police asked me to keep it until they could collect.”

If you have been a victim of burglary go to kent.police.uk to see if you can identify the items seized by police.

Children at Downs View Infants raised £287 for Abbie’s Army, which raises money for children’s brain cancer research. The idea came from former pupil Emily Penfold. She knew Abbie, who died when she was six from an inoperable brain tumour. Emily came to the school to collect the cheque from head teacher Tracy Kent and pupils James and Mercy.

Chilmington Green is a chilling reminder of what hell bent on adding 4,000 can happen when residents homes to the present Local do not participate and rely Plan when the Government solely on elected representabolished the John Prescott atives. So in 2008 everyone plan and its housing targets? sleep walked into a Local asks Boughton Aluph counPlan and Chilmington Green, cillor Winston Michael. He and a similar scenario looks said: “According to Camto be repeated with the bridge Econometrics the present revision to it.

10k+ homes not built in the “Unless we as residents current Local Plan represent shout louder another the 20 year supply Ashford Chilmington Green is around Local Plan revision seeks. the corner.”

Why is Ashford To Contact Us Simply Call: 0800 772 0782

lynnstapley@hiltonnursingpartners.org.uk

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H

ow often have you seen an appeal from police in the local Press for witnesses to serious incidents — weeks after the crimes happened?

By which time the chances of anyone remembering the incidents must be pretty slim.

There have been three glaring examples in Kennington during the past year: Details of an armed raid at the Faversham Road Co-op; an assault in Canterbury Road, and an attack on a teenager by two men in Larch Way, were released to the Press long after they happened.

I asked Kent Crime and Police Commissioner Ann Barnes for an explanation in a Kent on Sunday Q&A feature.

This was her reply: “Appeals to the local community for help in solving crimes are issued when information is available to prompt memories of possible witnesses.

This might be in the form of an e-fit image of a suspected offender or detailed description from speaking to victims or witnesses.

“The information may not immediately be available or an appeal may only become necessary during the later stage of an investigation when a number of other enquiries have already been carried out. A one-size fits all response is definitely not the right thing to do.”

Ann Barnes’ reply is not good enough.

Details of assaults and robberies should appear in the Press and online as soon as possible if offenders are to be quickly apprehended.

Robin Britcher, Editor The Co-op raid and Larch Road attack are still unsolved.

The Canterbury Road attacker was arrested, charged with assault and ordered to pay his victim £200 and court costs of £750. He was also sentenced to 250 hours of community service work.

This is a busy time for the criminal. But a high percentage of crime is opportunistic. Keep presents out of sight.

Goodies under the tree that are visible through a window are tempting to thieves. Empty packaging left outside advertises all your new goods. If you need any advice please come to my surgery on Friday 12 December at Bybrook Barn Garden Centre cafeteria area, starting at 12noon. CPSO Katie Scott

MYSTERY TEST SOIL sampling and pile testing has been carried out at the block of garages in Hurst Road. No response has been received from Ashford Council about whether the area is to be developed.

ASHFORD council is spending £20,000 on repairs to the roof and interior of Bockhanger Community Centre. Plans to redevelop the square have been put on hold because of the economic situation.

THE GREEN ASIAN takeaway in Faversham Road opened in October following the closure of the Aroma Garden. The menu includes dishes from China, Thailand, Korea and Japan.

I

t was a very special moment for eight-year -old George Goodenough when he was named as the 10,000th pupil to be registered at Kennington Junior School. More than 300 pupils, staff and parents gathered in the hall for a “special assembly” during an Open Afternoon.

But very few knew about the momentous number until Head teacher Steve

Ive made the announcement. George was the most surprised of all. He was given a special Tshirt and helped 99-yearold Phyllis Stace cut a magnificent cake made by teaching assistant Val Heath. Val also baked 100 special cup cakes — one for every Year 3 pupil.

The school was opened in 1872 and Mrs Stace began her school days there in 1920.

NEW Hayesbank Surgery’s planning application to build a two-storey rear extension to provide additional consulting rooms has been approved by Ashford Borough Council.

THE APPLE FAYRE at Perry Court Farm raised £5,872 for the Pilgrims Hospices.

Kennington Community Forum

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LETTERS We just wanted to write and say a big thank you for producing the Kennington News — it really is very much appreciated and is a great way of keeping in touch with all that is going on locally.

We live in Park Road and have done so since 2006 and do so love living in this area of Ashford.

It is also very positive to see all that is being done locally and it is a great way of getting to know our area so much better too.

The Kennington News has really developed as a publication over the years and we wish you and the team all the best as you keep us in touch and continue to keep us so well informed.

Libby and Stuart Matthews I'm very impressed with your website and, in general, with the Newsletters and information we receive in Kennington. I moved here four years ago and, although I have yet to get involved, I just wanted to say that it is really appreciated that all the behind the scenes people get all the work done and the information out.

Jill Barringer Thank you, your comments are very much appreciated by all those involved in producing the KN and Kennington Forum webpages — RB

oat Lees primary school was voted G Project of the Year at the 2014 Kent Design and Development awards ceremony. The school won both categories in which it was shortlisted — Public Buildings (Education), and Environmental Performance.

It was voted overall project of the year by the audience.

Designed by Pellings, the building makes the most of natural light and ventilation and has photovoltaic and

TIP-TOP TEAM A team of young people, including three from Kennington, have graduated from the CXK National Citizen Service Programme. As part of their social action project they raised £670 for Swan Farm Young Farmers Club, a local organisation that provides young people with the opportunity to experience farm life.

The team hosted a variety of events including baked bean baths, car washes, football tournaments, street collections and a Farmers’ Fair.

For more information go to thencsnetwork.org.uk or call 01233 224244.

solar thermal panels. Head teacher Teresa Adams said: “I was delighted our unique learning environment has been recognised in such a wonderful way as so many people have played a vital part in ensuring that a school was established in the heart of the Goat Lees community.”

Above: Children from the school council cut the ribbon at the combined first anniversary and opening ceremony watched by staff and guests.

The new school year has got off to a flying start with a whole school topic featuring Godinton House, said Ms Adams. “We were able to use the minibus we share with Phoenix primary to take every child for a visit at some point in the term. The children used the experience as a stimulus to write their own leaflets and guide books.”

Wanted: Friends to help shape the nature reserve The removal of trees from Bybrook Nature Reserve in Nine Acres has given the community a unique opportunity to get involved in the management of a valuable green space.

A Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve group was launched at the November meeting of the Kennington Community Forum.

Supported by Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership and Ashford Borough Council, members will be actively involved in the project.

“It is a beautiful little site with scope to create a real asset to wildlife,” said Debbie Reynolds, Countryside Officer for the KSCP. “This island of sanctuary for wildlife is under threat as laurel and bram-

bles threaten to smother the thriving wetland environment. But now we have an opportunity to protect the living landscape for the future.”

The site contains a diverse mix of wet woodland, known as alder carr and open water environments.

Phil Cook, Arboricultural Officer at ABC, said: “We are awaiting a period of hard frost in order to extract the remainder of the timber.

“I am sorry this has not happened before the ground conditions became unfavourable.”

If you would like to join the Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve group or have any questions please email Debbie.reynolds@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 410900.

To advertise in the March Kennington News please call 01233 634410 or email kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk Pre-school children have been enjoying Story Time and Crafts at Bockhanger Library every week during term time.

These lively sessions are run by library volunteers and involve making something fun to take home, and then a story linked to the activity. Supported and promoted by Sure Steps Children’s Centre, the sessions take place every Wednesday morning during term time, after the Children’s Centre’s 9am Parent and Toddler Group. The story sessions begin at 10.30am, and usually finish by 11.30am.

All are welcome to bring pre-school children along to join in the fun.

PARKING is free in Ashford council-owned car parks on the three Sundays before Christmas.

Dogs in cemetery must be on leads Following complaints about dogs running loose in Bybrook cemetery the council has introduced new rules. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times and owners are being urged to clean up after their pets.

The chain link boundary fence at the south west corner is to be repaired again because of vandalism. The gap created has been used as a footpath to Eureka Park.

The cemetery is almost full and the council is looking for a new site. In the meantime various options are being considered including removing trees and shrubs to provide additional grave spaces.

KENNINGTON WI’s Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 6 December from 2pm in the WI Hall, Faversham Road. Attractions include hot mince-pies, Father Christmas, home-made cakes, tombola, toys and jewellery.

The drama group will be performing Dick Whittington on Friday 23 January at 7.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday 24th and 25th at 2.30pm For tickets call 01233 628439, adults £4, children £2.

Judy Skinner and members of the writers' and reading groups remakes it easy to connect with local people, ask questions about the area, share news, events and recommendations. To join go to www.streetlife.com and click on the “Join” link at the top right, or the "Signup" box.

Thirty volunteers braved the rain to plant a fruiting hedge at Spearpoint Recreation Ground. Kennington Forum and the Conservation Volunteers organised the planting of 105 saplings to add interest to the area and give wildlife a source of food. The saplings, provided by The Woodland Trust, include sloes, crab apple, elder and hazel.

cently hosted a literary lunch for more than 60 members and guests.

The speaker was author Margaret Pemberton from Whitstable.

The French Group arranged an evening of French food and wine and were entertained by an amazing belly dancer. Some of our ladies (and even husbands!) were encouraged to have a go.

Thirty four members and friends

A PLANNING application to convert Faversham Road Post Office into an additional dental surgery and create ground floor and first floor flats is expected to go before the council’s planning committee in December.

If approved, Kennington would lose its post office after 150 years.

Kennington Community Forum

We take an active role in looking after the interests of the people and the environment of our area.

We hold six public meetings a year and publish the quarterly Kennington News supplemented by web and social media sites.

The Forum is run by volunteers.

For more details contact Chris Morley 01233 611196 or visit our website bit.ly/kennington

NEXT MEETINGS:

25 NOVEMBER, 27 JANUARY, St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm

Kennington News is printed by Geerings Print Ltd, Ashford 01233 633366

LIFE at St Mary’s Kennington continues to flourish and grow with the focus now well and truly on Christmas, writes the Rev Richard King. The carol service is on 14 December (6pm). Christmas Eve Crib services (4pm, repeated at 6pm) and midnight communion 11.30pm.

Christmas Day service at 10am. It promises to be a very special time, as always, and we do hope you can come along and be part of it.

We are also exploring something that can help the environment.

Churches are being encouraged to, where appropriate, fit solar panels. The design of the St Mary’s roof means there is a section where panels can be installed which catch the sun but are not visible from the ground.

So far, all is looking good and the relevant authorities are satisfied with the proposals.

enjoyed a five-day stay in Paris followed by a “reunion” in our hall for a presentation of pictures from the visit and more French wine! Plans are being made for a stay in Honfleur next year.

Christmas lunch is at the Lathe Barn, Burmarsh, Romney Marsh.

For details please contact Pat Owen-Smith on 630134, www.kenningtonwi.co.uk or see our Facebook Page. We meet on the second Monday of the month at 7pm and visitors and new members are always welcome. GW

BYBOOK WI’S Christmas Party is on Tuesday 9 December.

On Tuesday 13 January speaker Georgia Reed’s subject is “Taken With A Pinch of Salt.”

We are a small friendly WI who meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in St Mary's Community Centre, Rylands Road.

We have a variety of speakers and various social events during the year and new members are very welcome. If you are interested in joining please call Denise Browne on 01233 636875. DB

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Super start as club seeks league glory

by GRAHAM OXLEY The season began well for Kennington FC with three wins and a draw in the first four league games. But they are out of three cup competitions, narrowly defeated in all the matches.

They can now focus on the league which was always our priority.

We are very pleased that the team are being sponsored by Discover Fireplaces of Faversham Road.

Fundraising is vital in being able to play our home games at The Julie Rose Stadium. The Saturday Reserves had a difficult start to the season, but things have settled down and four wins and a draw

Information

has seen them rise to second place in Division Three of the County League. The Sunday team are mid table. You can get all the seasons fixtures and up to date club info by visiting the club’s website www.kenningtonfc.co.uk where you can follow the links to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Kennington Community Forum are working on a project to provide a Trim Trail at Spearpoint Recreation Ground.

This will be a 1000m course with 10 items of equipment such as step-ups, balance beams, parallel bars, and hurdles. Sized for adults and teenagers, some items can also be used by younger children The circuit will start near the new sports pavilion and skirt the football and rugby pitches, keeping at a safe distance.

The idea has met with an enthusiastic response from residents.

One said: “It sounds such a good idea. To be able to get my teenage son out of his room to do this would be great.” Another supporter said: “I think this is a brilliant idea as so many old play areas have been taken out and lost to

Playdale Playgrounds

The Kennington kilometre!

Hurdles could be one of the Spearpoint Trim Trail attractions housing, or been vandalised, and think this will be a great addition this would be good to get kids and to the facilities at Spearpoint — adults in the open air exercising.” but we would love to know what you think.”

KCF Chair Chris Morley said: “We have received an initial grant of Football, sports and fitness clubs: Would you use the trim trail? £2,000 through Kent County Would you like to sponsor an item Council’s Combined Members of equipment? Contact Grant scheme, and we are now applying for grants from other chris.f.morley@gmail.com for organisations for the balance. We more information.

Cricketers celebrate in new pavilion An eventful year on and off the pitch was celebrated by Kennington cricketers at their annual presentation dinner in the new pavilion. It was the first time the club had been able to hold the event at the Ulley Road ground.

President Peter Grant told the 50 members and guests it had been a difficult year in terms of players, especially in the early part of the season. “However we are fortunate in that we have a thriving

Junior section which is the lifeblood of our club. Many of those who joined us when we started the section in 2008 are now key players and more are coming through each year.”

James Iles won the Ray Page trophy for scoring most runs (820) and Jeremy Grove won the Grant trophy for taking most wickets (54). The Best Young Player award went to Peter Moss.

However, the biggest cheer was

THIS SIGN in Willesborough Road (A2070) off George Williams Way is still wrong, says cyclist Ted Prangnell. He said: “I have reported it many times, all I can do is place a sticker to redirect cyclists to the better and safer route.

The way it is directing cyclists to head to Canterbury, Wye, or the town centre sends them along the dangerous A28. As does the sign at Spearpoint, close to The Ridge.” THE NEW Willesborough Dykes cycle route stretches just over a mile and connects the cycle path in Park Farm with the path adjacent to the Asda store. For the people of Kennington it joins up a missing link, allowing cyclists to travel, more-or-less non-stop, the five miles from Spearpoint to Church Hill, Kingsnorth.

reserved for Natalie Grove, winner of the Gilham Trophy, for her outstanding all-round contribution off the pitch.

The club are still keen to expand the playing and social membership and any adult or junior interested in joining should contact John Cunningham on 01233 612162.

To hire the pavilion for private functions please email Terry Deary ecforcc@virginmedia.com JOHN CUNNINGHAM

COUNTY COUNCILLORS: Andrew Wickham (Ashford Rural East) 01233 840902 andrew.wickham@kent.gov.uk Jim Wedgbury (Ashford Central) 01233 503272 jim.wedgbury@kent.gov.uk BOROUGH COUNCILLORS: Kennington: Phil Sims 01233 627603 philip.sims01@gmail.com Bockhanger: Michael Claughton 01233 635969 michael.claughton@ntlworld.com Bybrook: Andrew Buchanan 01233 627696 andrewjohnbuchanan@hotmail.com Little Burton: Marion Martin 01233 628811 marionmartin168 @btinternet.com Boughton Aluph: Winston Michael 01233 636644 winston.michael@ashford.gov.uk.

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE : PCSO Katie Scott.

Call 101 to be put through to the neighbourhood officer best placed to deal with your call PARKING PROBLEMS: 01233 330641 KENT HIGHWAYS: 03000 418181 NEW HAYESBANK SURGERY: 01233 624642 LATE NIGHT CHEMIST: Sainsbury’s, Simone Weil Avenue 01233 662819 MEDICAL HELP BUT NOT AN EMERGENCY: 111 (available 24/7) A&E OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY: William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331 REV RICHARD KING: 01233 623334 STAGECOACH BUSES: 08456 002299 KENNINGTON FORUM: Chris Morley, chair, 01233 611196 chris.f.morley@gmail.com Sandra Dunn, secretary 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com Kennington News is published in March, June, September and December.

Editor Robin Britcher 01233 634410 kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk

@kenningtonnews