DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES
Robbers attack elderly man
DECEMBER 2015 Published by Kennington Community Forum
YES!
Two hooded robbers barged their way into the home of an elderly man in The Pasture and ransacked drawers looking for cash and valuables. The man suffered severe bruising to his chest and arms as he was bundled into a bedroom
after answering the door at 6.15pm on Sunday 15 November. The attackers left empty handed. Both are described as white, around 6ft, one was stocky. Anyone with information should call DC Natasha Russell on 01843 222289.
Kennington votes for a community council
Kennington residents have voted in favour of having a community council.
JOIN IN THE FUN WITH SANTA
The result of the ballot was:
YES 1,522 (53.3%) NO 1,336 (46.7%) Turn-out 34.9% Chris Morley, chair of Kennington Community Forum said: “I’m delighted at the positive support and votes in favour. This shows a substantial increase in support since our petition last year, which secured 1,090 signatures. “It makes a very good case for Ashford Borough Council to look favourably on our request as we think there are many decisions that can be better made locally.� Residents in five urban areas of Ashford were asked if they wanted new local councils. More than 11,000 votes were cast.
FINAL DECISION South Willesborough & Newtown also voted Yes, but residents in Central Ashford, South Ashford and North Willesborough were against the idea. The results are non-binding on the council but will be taken into consideration when councillors decide the next step. ABC deputy leader Neil Bell said: “The purpose was to review the way communities are represented. We will now look in detail at the results and consider the information in each contest before conclusions are drawn. I would like to stress again that the ballot results, either way, do not necessarily reflect what the council’s final decision will be.�
Come and meet Santa at the Kennington Christmas Fair
The following events are all on Saturday 5 December: WI Christmas Fayre, WI Hall Faversham Road, from 2pm PTFA Bazaar, Kennington CE Academy, 12-2pm Gift and Craft Market, Goat Lees School, 12-4pm
Extra funding for pavilion Ashford Borough Council is contributing a further ÂŁ130,000 towards the new community building on Spearpoint Recreation Ground. The price of replacing the dilapidated pavilion has gone up to ÂŁ918,000 due to rising construction costs. The lowest acceptable tender exceeded the original
estimated costs of £789,000. ABC’s Cabinet voted to grant the extra money on top of the £160,000 already earmarked. The Football Foundation and Sport England will provide £620,000. Kennington Forum has contributed more than £3,000. It is hoped work will start in a few months.
We wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas
Santa will be bringing his sack of goodies to the Kennington Christmas Fair, organised by the newlyformed Kennington Co-op Local Forum. It will be held in the WI Hall, Faversham Road, on Friday 18 December from 3.30pm5.30pm. All proceeds will go the Bybrook Nature Reserve regeneration project. Attractions include stalls, tombola, Fair Trade sampling, face painting and a silent auction, where bids are written down and the highest offer wins. Renowned Kent artist Karl Terry will be donating one of his landscape paintings.
Auction Kelly Read, Kennington Co-op Forum pioneer, said: “We will be working with the WI and local organisations. If anyone has items we could auction please drop them in at Kennington Co-op Food Store.â€? Or email communitykelly@mail.com The Co-op Forum is supporting local causes. It has given Kennington CE Academy ÂŁ100 for plants and supplied food for the Friends of St Mary's Soup lunch. It can also help raise funds by holding in-store events.
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FIREMEN rescued a woman who was trapped in her Beecholme Drive flat after fire broke out in the shared staircase below. She was led to safety and treated for smoke inhalation. It happened around 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 November. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.
THE extension being built at New Hayesbank Surgery will include clinical rooms, a theatre for minor operations, recovery rooms and an expanded reception area. When it is completed in July 2016 the practice will be able to offer more appointments and services. The NHS Primary Transformation Fund is funding the £850,000 project.
Neighbours in fight to save garages Under threat: The two garage sites in Hurst Road and the block of garages in Beecholme Drive the council wants to redevelop Angry residents say they will fight Ashford they want to build houses in an already direct result of feedback received include council’s plan to knock down their garages overcrowded area.” the removal of one proposed plot and an and build new homes Neighbours say the development would increase in the provision of parking.” The council wants to demolish two garage mean those who rent the garages would The council also wants to demolish 23 blocks in Hurst Road and build seven homes. have to park in the road causing further garages and build three terraced homes The proposal includes 16 community parking congestion in a restricted area. on land at the rear of 116 and 118 spaces. Parking for the new properties Giles Holloway, ABC Development and Beecholme Drive. In its planning application would be included in the building plots. Regeneration Manager, said in a letter to ABC says that only 13 of the garages are in Sara May has set up a campaign against the residents: “This is the continuation of use. It says all of the garages are too small proposals and says most of the garages are consultation work in Hurst Road that has to house vehicles “and it is likely that those in use. She told the Kentish Express: “Our been on-going since autumn last year.” in use are used for the purpose of storage.” main concerns are access for emergency He said it was very much a work in progress The proposal is to build three affordable services coming into the area and the great- and the relevant agencies and local people houses, each with three bedrooms. er amount of cars. We have opposed similar are influencing the design. More details of the application, 15/01412/ plans to this before. I can’t understand why Mr Holloway said: “Changes made as a AS, can be found on the ABC website.
Two accused after man stabbed near Rose Inn Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing near the Rose Inn, Faversham Road. The victim, 47-year-old Kingsnorth Scaffolding boss Darran Bean, was taken to a London hospital in a critical condition. Two men, aged 24 and 20, were released on bail and are due to appear in court on 8 February. Licensee Dave Jones praised his wife Sara for saving Mr Bean’s life. He said: “It was late, one of my customers left the pub with a group of about 10 lads, and the
Licensees Sara and Dave Jones
next thing he walks back in with five stab wounds. There was blood everywhere. My wife was a star — a little Florence Nightingale. She was directing everyone and helped to stabilise him before paramedics arrived.”
Street lights back on after blunder
The Oast, Evegate Business Park, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX
Street lights in George Williams Way, Little Burton, were converted to part-night lighting in error — and switched back on after Kennington resident Simon Ludbrook contacted KCC’s Street Lighting team. He pointed out that the lights met one of the criteria for exclusion “where road safety measures are in place on the highway, such as roundabouts, central carriageway islands, chicanes, speed humps etc.” Simon contacted Sara Fletcher at KCC after a resident queried the switch-off on the Kennington Forum Facebook page. Ms Fletcher replied: “Having visited George Williams Way I agree with your assessment, and am grateful to you for bringing this discrepancy to our attention. I have arranged for the lights adjacent to the roundabouts and islands, and also those at junction with the A28 Canterbury Road, to be reverted to all-night operation.”
MR X KEEPS THE REC NEAT AND TIDY by VICTORIA BAINES
“She was scared”, said Dan
Dan rescues 12-year-old ‘trafficked’ girl A 12-year-old girl, believed to be a victim of human trafficking, was found wandering in Burton Road. After spotting her on his way home, Dan Hegarty, 18, approached the girl who was crying and without a jacket despite the rain. He led her to his home and with help from his parents cared for her until police arrived. Dan said: “I was walking past Marino's Fish Bar at about 8.15pm when I saw this little girl. I put my coat around her. She didn’t speak English and was crying. She was really quiet and scared.” The girl, believed to be from Vietnam, was wearing flip-flops, cut-off leggings, a T-shirt and a hoodie top. Dan’s mother, Jo, said: “Police seemed to think she might have got away from a van. They said Dan had done a good job. I am really proud of him.” DC Christopher Brett, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who saw this girl in the Ashford area on 6 October.” Anyone with information is asked to call 01843 222289.
Following Aniko Szocs’s litter pick at Spearpoint Recreation Ground, which resulted in only one bag of rubbish, the Kennington News has met the person responsible for keeping the area clean. The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, voluntarily fills bags of rubbish everyday, before disposing of them in the bins available.
One motivation is “respecting the history” of the recreation ground, which was bequeathed to the residents of Kennington for their enjoyment. Mr X was keen to stress it was not purely an individual effort, and his actions have encouraged others to take responsibility for their litter, meaning it is now “only a minority that leave litter, normally overnight”. By encouraging
a community effort, we believe we can all help reduce the financial stress on Ashford Borough Council which spends £1.1 million a year keeping the streets and open spaces clean. It is hoped the Kennington community effort will influence people in other areas. The Kennington Co-op will provide Mr X with free black sacks as plastic bags now cost 5p.
Spearpoint Trim Trail is set to go
PAVILION
Final adjustments have been made to the layout of the Spearpoint Trim Trail to make sure it is clear of football pitches and the wildflower meadow. The equipment has been manufactured, and it is planned to be installed before Christmas. The trail has 10 pieces of exercise equipment located around a 1,000metre circuit, starting near the car park. It has been funded by Ashford Borough Council, KCC and Kennington Community Forum.
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THE TOP five priorities for Ashford council to consider should be an ice rink, a young drivers’ school, a bouncy house, an arcade and a maze, say pupils at Goat Lees Primary. They put their suggestions to ward councillor Winston Michael after a project to discover what the town has to offer. Cllr Michael was so impressed that he brought the project to the attention of the full council and suggested it should seek the views of young citizens when planning developments.
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It’s looking good
by HEATHER SILK, chair, Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve We have now received reports from the ecologist about the surveys of bats, amphibians and reptiles on Bybrook Nature Reserve. A few common pipistrelle bats have been hunting for insects over the millponds. There is a small grass snake population breeding on or nearby the Reserve confirmed by the presence of a juvenile. Palmate newts, common frogs and one toad tadpole were also recorded. The contractor has now
removed much of the timber and some work has been done close to the boardwalk, below, so this is partly visible for the first time in many years. In January we hope to clear more of the scrub and to do a litter pick. If you would like to help, even if just for an hour, or would like more information, please contact Matthew Mordaunt at www.kentishstour.org.uk or call 03000 410900.
The millpond at Bybrook Nature Reserve is a hunting ground for bats Perry Court Farm Apple Fair raised a record £6,427 for Ashford Pilgrims Hospice.
‘Exciting’ new science building for students Towers School is planning a new two-storey science building. It will be on the site that housed mobile classrooms which were so outdated they had to be removed. The new building will have two special science rooms, and three general science rooms, a chemical store, a preparation room, plant, staff and disabled toilets on the ground floor. A lift and a generous open staircase will allow access to the first floor where there will be five
classrooms, a preparation room, a small groups room, and student toilets. The planning application to Ashford Borough Council states: “The school wants to create a building that reflects commitment to making education exciting, inspiring and energetic. The aim is to make this building innovative by incorporating a fresh robust palette of materials with smart thought provoking technological design and ecological features.”
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Sunday lunches Bar menu 12 till 3pm Meal and a drink £7.50 Mon-Fri 5-9pm Function room for christenings, parties, etc Pool table and darts Sky and BT Sport Dave, Sara and their staff look forward to welcoming you to the Rose Inn Faversham Road, Kennington 01233 623871
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We are sad to be leaving says vicar The vicar of Kennington, the Rev Richard King, and his wife Shelly are moving to Canada. "Shelly's mum has dementia and her care has reached the point where Shelly needs to be present,” said Richard. “We are very sad to be leaving.” He will conduct his last Sunday service on 20 December and preside at the11.30pm communion on Christmas Eve. Richard said plans were being made so that everything will run smoothly until a new priest in charge is appointed. “But this won't be like the previous interregnums as it comes as we and the other churches in Ashford begin the transition into a single town parish." Churchwarden Nigel Adams said: “We will miss them greatly. Richard’s ministry within the parish, including our schools and our church, has been invaluable, along with his encouragement and support.” Richard has been vicar of St Mary's since February 2011. His new post in Canada will be as Rector of St Luke's, Edmonton.
FIREWORKS FURY FIREWORK ‘night’ began in Kennington on 31 October and ended weeks later, much to the annoyance of many people with pets and young children. There were complaints about back garden displays lasting two hours and “enormous explosions” very late at night. Firemen were called to Ashford Rugby Club in Kinney’s Lane two days after the organised firework display when the remains of the giant bonfire flared up.
Richard and Shelly are moving to Canada
Steve Ive, head teacher of Kennington CE Academy, is retiring at Christmas. He said: “While this was not an easy choice to make, I feel that the timing is right as it will enable my successor to settle into the role before the start of the next academic year. My ties with the school will not be cut completely as I still hope to help run our football club
Head to retire and teach maths to some groups of pupils.” Mr Ive joined the school in January 2004 as deputy head and was appointed to the headship in March 2008. Mrs Lynn Seal will be acting head teacher until a new head is appointed.
KENNINGTON Forum is still fighting for street lights in Trinity Road, between Upper Pemberton and Eureka Leisure Park, to be switched back on. KCC maintains it is rural and does not require to be lit. THE ROUNDABOUT at Spearpoint Corner is one of five Ashford roundabouts being given a “floral makeover” to create an attractive first impression for visitors to the town. The work should be completed by Christmas. OPEN DAY at Conningbrook Lakes attracted about 1,700 visitors. Traders who took part would like to see it repeated next year. PARKING will be free in all councilrun car parks in Ashford on the three Sundays before Christmas. BOCKHANGER Ward councillor Luke Powell’s email address is now lukejpowell1@gmail.com
We wish you a Merry Christmas and thank you for your custom and support throughout the year
6 Kennington WI’s Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 5 December from 2pm in the WI Hall, Faversham Road. There will be many stalls, homemade cakes and mince pies. The Drama Group are performing Red Riding Hood in the Hall on 15, 16 and 17 January Tickets from Marian Warner on 628439. Guaranteed fun and lots of audience participation. Nigel Farage’s mother Barbara Stevens, who has posed nude for WI calendars, was guest speaker in October. She admitted her son was not entirely delighted about her readiness to get her kit off. Our monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of the month in the Hall, at 7pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. Details from Pat Owen-Smith on 630134 or www.kenningtonwi.co.uk GW
BYBROOK WI members enjoyed a talk on egg carving. We learnt how they are blown, painted and made into various designs. These included jewellery, music boxes and a Cinderella coach with doors that opened. The Christmas meeting is on 8 December, St Mary's Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. DB
Campaigners lose six-year battle
Cllr Phil Sims
But future ‘garden grabs’ could be blocked The six year fight to stop 80 The Street, Kennington, (Little Acre), being demolished and six houses built on the site has been lost. Developers Chailey Homes won its appeal against Ashford Borough Council’s decision to refuse planning permission, despite a highly-organised campaign by more than 100 residents supported by borough and county council councillors. But future “garden grabbing” schemes could be thrown out. Kennington ward councillor Phil Sims said: “I have been pushing
for the borough to have an additional planning requirement to block similar applications. “I am pleased to say my efforts have led to the council being on the point of ratifying a Supplementary Planning Document that will enable officers to reject future garden grabs.” Ministry Inspector Christa Masters, who conducted the latest hearing said: “The previous Inspector's decision was clear that the loss of the existing dwelling and the insertion of an access road would be entirely consistent with the existing
character of The Street. I have not been presented with any evidence which would lead me to reach a different conclusion. As a result, I conclude the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Kennington and Ball Lane Conservation Area.” She said the development would not cause harm to the living conditions of neighbouring properties and she dismissed concerns about additional parking along The Street. The first application in 2009 by Skillcrown Homes for 11 homes was withdrawn at appeal after it was deemed invalid due to The long-term flooding problem in Bockhanger Lane was inadequate ecology surveys. An finally resolved following pressure from residents and councilapplication in 2010 for six homes lors. The leak was traced to near the kitchens at Kingswood was dismissed on appeal. The Activity Centre, a few hundred yards away. 2012 application was withdrawn. Water was going into an old drainage pipe across the fields Campaigners opposing the and into the lane. South East Water eventually accepted “garden grab” packed the responsibility and made the necessary repair. council chamber in March and applauded when councillors CARS parked very close to road junctions, should be reported to police on threw out the latest application 101. The Forum wants to compile a list by Chailey Homes of East Grinstead. More than 100 of the worst “hotspots” and ask ABC what action can be taken. Please email objections were send to ABC concerns to chris.f.morley@gmail.com following each proposal.
FLOODED LANE PROBLEM SOLVED
CINNAMON SPICE off Trinity Road, Kennington, has achieved a five-star hygiene rating for the sixth year running. Restaurant owner Ash Miah was presented with a framed certificate by the mayor of Ashford, Councillor Geraldine Dyer. Ash said: “It’s a great achievement for us. While restaurants are often very clean and tidy in front of house, customers might not know what goes on behind closed doors. This grading gives them confidence in our practices.” He said the visit by ABC’s environment health team had been very thorough.
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he first community consultations over a Neighbourhood Plan for Boughton Aluph, Eastwell, Goat Lees and parts of Sandyhurst Lane were successful. The four drop-in events were attended by a total of 236 local residents. The Plan gives residents the opportunity to shape the future development of their community up to 2030. Based on feedback from 932 post-it notes a questionnaire will go to every household in the parish early next year. The results of the survey will form a key part of the evidence base for a Neighbourhood Plan. Pupils at Goat Lees primary school will be working with the committee on a presentation aimed at young citizens. www.parishplan.uk
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Good news for Kennington foodies The Good Food Shop in Faversham Road will be opening in the New Year. “We took over the old Knott’s Off Licence three years ago having no idea just how long it would take to completely refurbish it!” said Rob Vinall. “We have been running an on-line business
and at last we have an opening date for the shop and tearoom: 11 February.” Rob and Karen established The Good Food Shop in 2004 when they had their own farm. “We started our online shop www.newhousefarmdirect.co.uk to enable people to buy locally
sourced and produced food at really good prices,” said Rob. “We moved to Kennington in 2012 and all food is produced and delivered from here. If you would like to order from us for Christmas (delivery is free) please visit our website.”
Afternoon tea for 175: One of the many events the Good Food Shop has catered for
Carol steps down after 28 years Ashford branch of Arthritis Care is closing down because no volunteers have come forward to continue the service. Chair Carol Ward of Thirlmere, Kennington, has stepped down after 28 years. “I’ve either been chair, vice-chair, secretary or treasurer during that time,” she said. “Four other members of the committee
have also stepped down. It’s sad but we can’t find any helpers.” The branch has around 60 members and has met in the WI Hall and held many fund-raising events. Former Ashford major Bob Davidson, a long-time supporter of the charity, said: “The whole club has been built around Carol, but she is now getting older.”
Children put through their paces REMEMBER WHEN . . . After the old vicarage (above) in Lower Vicarage Road was demolished a care home was built on the site. This was later demolished and in 1999 Kennington Place, a cul-de-sac, was constructed. Writing in 1965 the vicar, the Rev E Lewis, said: “Our new vicarage on the corner of Vicarage Road makes me more accessible. I have always admired the courage of those who for years made their way in the dark down the mysterious drive to find the vicarage front door.”
It was Healthy Fun Time at Sure Steps Children’s Centre in Kennington during half-term. In partnership with Phoenix Community School the Sure Start team put on an array of healthy fun activities for children up to 11. Sixty three attended with parents and carers. Kent Adult Education organised ‘French skipping’ while Ashford Leisure Trust put the children through their paces with a range of exercises. CycleCircle ran
a successful session (look out for their re-cycled bike offer leading up to Christmas) where a number of children learnt to cycle for the first time. Kent Police explained how you need to be healthy in the Force and allowed children to wear some heavy police equipment and visit the patrol vehicle outside. The Healthy Weight and Stop Smoking teams gave advice and provided a mix of fruit and vegetables to try. LR
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Kennington’s super start by GRAHAM OXLEY, Kennington FC chairman After gaining promotion last year to the Kent County Premier Division we knew life would be tough. But the lads have more than held their own so far and with plenty of games still left we may even be in one of the top positions come May. The club has also enjoyed success in the cup competitions. We have reached the third round of the Inter Regional Challenge Cup and also have the exciting prospect of a quarter final against Invicta League side Lydd Town in the Weald Of Kent Trophy.
The Saturday Reserves have found things difficult in stepping up to Division Two East. Reserve sides always struggle with getting a settled side and we have a tough time competing against clubs with only one team and the stability that brings. However, we are succeeding in bringing through players from the club’s junior section and with the promise of more signings in the pipeline we are hopeful of a better second half of the season. The latest club news can be seen by visiting www.kenningtonfc.co.uk or our Facebook and Twitter pages
NEW CHALLENGE FOR CRICKETERS Kennington CC have been elected into the Kent Village Cricket League for 2016. “This is a great opportunity to field a side comprising experienced players with a number of our promising colts, giving them an introduction into a higher grade of cricket,” said secretary Terry Deary. “And it means our weekends will be virtual-
ly taken up with competitive league matches. We are always interested in signing new players and any parent who has a girl, or boy, who wants to play cricket, can contact me on 01233 624905 or at secforkcc@virginmedia.com “Last season three of our colts represented the Ashford & District team who reached the
final of the Kent district competition.” The season ended on a high note when the 2nd XI won the Kent Regional Division 1C East title. Indoor net practices will be held at Norton Knatchbull School in the New Year . Anyone interested in hiring the pavilion should contact Terry.
Information 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: Luke Powell 01233 713384 lukejpowell1@gmail.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 : PCSOs Nikki Relf and 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 ST MARY’S CHURCH: 01233 664820 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 Printed by Geerings Print Ltd, Ashford 01233 633366
Kennington Community Forum takes 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 Kennington News supplemented by web and social media sites. The Forum is run by volunteers. For more details contact Chris Morley 01233 611196. Find us on Facebook or our website bit.ly/kennington NEXT MEETING: 26 January, St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm KUMON ASHFORD NORTH CLASSROOM RECEPTIONIST We are looking for a hard-working, enthusiastic, responsible, organised and reliable receptionist to work 5 hours pw from 3.15pm to 5.45pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Must be DBS checked. Call 01233 664190.