Lenham Focus | December '14

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DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 12 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

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MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF THE TEAM. Call us now for your Free Marketing Consultation on 01622 858241.

T: 01622 858241 E: homes@philipjarvis.co.uk A: 1 The Square, Lenham ME17 2PH W: philipjarvis.co.uk

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Welcome... to the December edition of the Lenham Focus We still need your help.

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Sue Merchant, who has been dealing with the Focus accounts for many years, has decided that due to work and other commitments she can no longer spare the time needed to help out the Focus. We would all like to thank Sue for her help and commitment over the years and wish her luck. Mark Dunbar, who currently deals with the advertising, has kindly stepped into the demanding role so this leaves a vacancy to help out with the advertising. We are looking for someone who can push the advertising including servicing the existing advertisers as well as finding new advertisers. If this is something you think you can do please get in contact.

Also we are still on the lookout for help with the main distribution, again if you think you can help get in touch.

That just leaves me to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope to see you all at the Light Switch On on the 7th.

Welcome

James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608

editorialslf@gmail.com

Lenham Focus Volume 16 Issue 12 | December 2014 Circulation 2000

DEC 14 Editorial: James Collett 01622 850608 | editorialslf@gmail.com Advertising: Annie Drylie Chris Wood 07956 629772 | advertslf@gmail.com Finance: Mark Dunbar, Jenny Wood 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@ gmail.com Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200 Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy Bennett Interviews: Jim Myers Social: Jemma Cockell, Liz Webb Printed by: Gemini Print

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

Advertising rates (Sep 2012) Eighth page Quarter Page Half Page Inside Cover Full Page Inside Cover Half Page Full Page Outside Back Cover Front cover available once a year per advertiser Print + Deliver Single Sided A5 Insert Double Sided A5 Insert

£13 £21 £38 £79 £58 £69 £88 £120

£250 £275

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Your Focus Team We are the team behind the Lenham Focus, we build the magazine from start to finish every month. For you.

Writing: James Collett Although James is not, and never has been, involved in publishing he works on the Focus to ensure the village is always up to date with events and to provide local businesses with a low cost publication to advertise in. As with all the team he gives up his time in between work and family and is always grateful to the contributors who make the job so much easier.

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Design: Flowbox Flowbox are an innovative young creative agency based in Maidstone.

Established in 2012, Flowbox works with all sorts of clients from one-man bands to huge corporations. If there’s something you’re after, get in touch! thinkflowbox.co.uk

Your Focus Team

Photography: Andy Flood Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design.

Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers.

Check out his Flickr Photostream! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ 35132157@N04/

Focus Update With 2015 approaching I am pleased to advise that the Focus, along with support from the committed team and the Hatch Charity, is looking to strengthen its position and become even better in the coming year. A big thank you to Mark who has taken on the accounts role, not something I envy, and I wish him luck.

I am also disturbed to read that there are some questioning our motivation for working on the

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Focus. As Gez points out we are all volunteers who make nothing from the time we gladly give up. To all those who doubt this I invite you to join the team, as the editorial states we need help with advertising and distribution, and experience firsthand the struggles of putting this magazine together on a monthly basis. We have nothing to hide and would happily share the workload with others.

James Collett

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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person

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The Bow Window

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Lenham Primary School

Christmas Fair Friday 5th December 3.15pm until 5.30pm Come and join us for some Festive Fun! Crafts * Cakes * Hampers * Raffle * Tombola Entertainment * Activities * Father Christmas

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Members to collect entry tickets from bar Guests £2 Members and Guests Only . All events start at 8pm.

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The Great British Kitchen is open for bookings from 7pm. Free parking is available, please use the Broomfield Road entrance from the A20.

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Christmas & New Year’s Dates for your diary Dec 1st onwards • Lilypie Cafe Christmas Vintage Teas served from 1st December. A delightful Vintage Tea with a very special twist! £12.95 or £15 with fizz! 01622 844590 http://www. lilypiecafe.com/index.html Dec 1st -24th • Red Lion Festive menu £19.95 per head 01622 858531.

Dec 2nd • Dog & Bear - Seniors Afternoon Tea and Bingo – 3.30pm - Ticket Only - £1. 01622 858219.

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Dec 5th • Lenham Primary School Christmas Fair, 3.15pm until 5.30pm. The whole village is invited to join us for Festive Fun. • White Horse at Sandway - live band group therapy playing from 9pm, no charge 01622 859511. We have a taxi shuttle service running on all the nights to take people home or pick up.

Dec 6th • Craft Fair at Lenham Community Centre. Free entry from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Many stalls selling a wide variety of handmade crafts and face painting for the children.

Refreshments are being served all day.

• Lilypie Cafe We are holding Christmas markets at Lilypie Café on every Saturday in the lead up to Xmas. We are putting together some delightful stalls including

Christmas & New Year’s Dates for your diary

jewellery, handbags, and scarves, in addition to our usual shopping delights! Mulled wine and mince pies will flow! 01622 844590.

Dec 6th to 23rd • The Gingerbread Christmas at Leeds Castle • Leeds Castle - The Christmas Market Dec 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 18th & 23rd • Leeds Castle - Father Christmas Visits www.leeds-castle.com/ What%92s+On or 01622 765400 for full details Dec 7th • Dog & Bear - Village Light Switch On - Food Served 12noon - 9pm Space Available 01622 858219.

• Len Valley Messy Church Nativity Sheep Trail while you wait for the light switch on in the square.

Prize draw is a Christmas Hamper kindly donated by the Village Stores. One of the Lenham shepherds wants to go and see baby Jesus, but he can’t find all his sheep. He knows he went into some of the village shops – will you help him find his missing sheep? Pick up a trail sheet in the village or from Lenham Primary School from Dec 1st or do it all on the afternoon of.

• The Christmas Switch On is at 4.30pm in the square. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dec 12th • White Horse at Sandway - live

band Hero’s Ska band playing from 9pm, no charge 01622 859511. We have a taxi shuttle service running on all the nights to take people home or pick up.

Dec 13th • Len Valley Messy Church - Join us at Lenham church from 4pm to 6pm for our Christmas special!

• Lilypie Café - Christmas market at Lilypie Cafe (see Dec 6th for details).

• Red Lion – Night at the races – Horse racing 8pm onwards 01622 859511.

Dec 18th • White Horse at Sandway Carol Singing 01622 859511. We have a taxi shuttle service running on all the nights to take people home or pick up.

Dec 20th • Lilypie Café - Christmas market at Lilypie Cafe (see Dec 6th for details).

Dec 21st • Len Valley Church Carols

by Candlelight 5pm.

• Lilypie Café Father Christmas visits is on the 21st! £7 per child - booking essential. Bring the whole family for a special lunch treat. 01622 844590.

Dec 24th • Len Valley Church Crib Service for all the family 4pm.

Christmas Eve • Dog & Bear - Food Served 12noon to 9pm - Space Available.

Bar Open 11am to 11pm 01622 858219.

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Len Valley Church Midnight Communion 11.15pm.

Christmas Day • Dog & Bear - Bar Open 11.30 to 3.30pm - Food Fully Booked 01622 858219.

Boxing Day • Dog & Bear - Food served 12 noon to 8pm - Space Available.

Bar Open 11.30am to 9pm 01622 858219. Boxing Day to 4th January 2015 Leeds Castle - The Winter Trail www.leeds-castle.com/ What%92s+On 01622 765400 New Year’s Eve • Dog & Bear - Food Served 12 to 2.30pm - Spaces Available. Evening Food - Fully Booked - Bar Open 11am to 1am 01622 858219.

• New Year’s Eve at Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com/ What%92s+On 01622 765400 • Red Lion - New year’s party tickets only £5 per ticket from 7pm onwards (includes buffet) 01622 858531 • White Horse at Sandway - Live band and hog roast £10 a ticket with band and hog roast. Doors open at 6pm so it is advisable to buy tickets early as only selling a limited number. http:// whitehorsesandway.co.uk/ events/ 01622 859511 we have a taxi shuttle service running on all the nights to take people home or pick up.

Please also see Clubs & Societies section for various events in December.

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Life as a borough councillor

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Is extremely busy especially if you’re involved with the current Local Plan.

There are many big decisions to be made very soon which could dramatically change Lenham and its infrastructure.

As the leader of UKIP on Maidstone Borough Council I get the opportunity of making and supporting/rejecting motions which can be deemed as political.

This has now become even more relevant with a general election only a few months away. I must say that national decisions do make a difference locally and the building of new homes for an ever rising population is no different.

My position on Lenham has never changed. I will strongly oppose any p ro p o s a l that recommends building on our precious greenfields.

Future development would destroy the very heart of the village and community.

Please continue to support LPC and Save Lenham who are also determined to defend our protests.

In the meantime I would like to wish you all A Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful, Healthy New Year Eddie Powell Borough Councillor Harrietsham and Lenham Ward 01622 851983/07885 813523 EddiePowell@Maidstone.gov.uk

Lenham Valley Practice, Christmas & New Year Opening Times Monday 22nd December Normal opening hours Tuesday 23rd December Normal opening hours Wednesday 24th December Normal opening hours Thursday 25th December Closed Friday 26th December Closed Monday 29th December Normal opening hours Tuesday 30th December Normal opening hours Wednesday 31st December Normal opening hours Thursday 1st January Closed Friday 2nd January Normal opening hours When the practice is closed: For medical advice telephone 111.

Life as a borough councillor

Lenham Primary School School News

Local History On 1st October our school assembly was led by a visitor from the War Memorials Trust.

The Trust has recently received National Lottery funding in order to develop links with schools and educate people about the memorials we see in communities across the world. In the assembly different styles of memorials were shown and explained.

Following the assembly Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 walked to the church where the memorial for World War 1 was looked at in greater detail. The pupils were shown photos of the memorial in its original position by the cross on the Downs. We also looked at the family names on the memorial (some of which we recognised from pupils at school!) and found out more about what had happened to these people.

Archaeological dig at Lenham Ironmongers

Class 3 had the opportunity to see history when they received an invitation from Canterbury Archaeological Trust to visit the site of the old Ironmongers in the village which was destroyed by fire

four years ago. Work began during the summer to excavate the site and some very exciting discoveries were made, which date back to the 19th century.

It is believed that the shop was originally a butchers, with a fireplace and well. Historical artefacts such as a bottle, marble and a billhook gave the class an insight into what life would have been like for villagers over 150 years ago, when there was a thriving market and agricultural community. It was a great experience for the class to discover a part of the village’s long history, unfolding right before their eyes, and we would like to thank Mrs Graveson for all her hard work in organising the visit.

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£367 raised for Maidstone Mencap Bill’s Bonfire Round charity golf took place in initially rainy conditions at Chestfield Golf Club near Whitstable on Friday, 24 October with 23 taking part, though sadly no ladies this time.

Dominic Scotton won the trophy for the first time with 40 stableford points off a handicap of 8 and with an amazing gross score of 75, just 5 above the 70 par score for the course, and a new record for Bill’s Round. He chose Maidstone Mencap to receive the £367 raised.

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Two nearest the pin prizes and a coloured ball team competition added interest to the morning’s golf and was followed by a fish and

chips lunch (also a ‘first’ for Bill’s Round, which would certainly have been approved of by Bill!).

The next Bill’s Round charity golf event will take place in May or June 2015 and the date will be announced later in the winter. If you have recently moved to Lenham and might be interested in taking part, please contact me for full details (roger.bevan@btinternet. com). If you’ve lived here for ages and haven’t taken part yet, you would be most welcome so please do get in touch. Unlike this time’s winner, we are mostly very average golfers!

Roger Bevan

Focus on Nature Late Treasures The nearby arable fields have now been ploughed up, removing one of the footpaths I have regularly used on my early walks up to the Pilgrims Way, but soon I found an alternative, enabling me to sample some delightful late-flowering treasures. £367 raised for Maidstone Mencap

One such was Scarlet Pimpernel...

Anagallis Arvensis.

Every county has a good selection of early local names, e.g. ‘Johngo-to-bed-at-noon’, ‘Pheasants eye’, ‘Wink and peep’ and the most frequent and still used one, ‘Poor man’s Weatherglass’. The latter name derives from the flowers

opening around 8am and closing near to 3pm or earlier if the sun goes in.

Early herbalists used it to ease toothache and snake bites, also to cure problems caused by liver and kidney disease.

An intriguing local legend states that if you hold some of the flowers in your hand, then close your eyes and listen carefully, you will begin to understand the language of birds....maybe worth a try?

Another attractive wild flower is Ivy-leaved Toadflax...Cymballaria Muralis.

Once know as ‘Creeping sailor’, ‘Lavender Snips’, ‘Mother of millions’ or ‘Roving Jenny’, it was introduced to a very well manicured English garden quite early in the 17th century from which it soon escaped. Becoming very popular, it was widely transplanted as far afield as Lands End and rapidly spread, colonising walls throughout the country. A lovely local example is a colony along our local church wall, bordering the pavement, where the old stones have retained the warm autumn temperatures to ensure late flowering. Those flowers feature some guidelines, visible to bees in

ultraviolet light (not to humans), converging to the nectar glands.

Whilst taking their fill, the bees ensure pollination.

Also I came across just a few specimens of Lady’s Mantle...

Alchemilla Vulgaris, which is not very common in the South East. The name is now used in all the current floras, referring to the Virgin Mary to whom it was dedicated, being traditionally used for treating many women’s ailments.

It was considered to be a magical plant, probably on account of the 9-lobed leaves which can transpire water droplets under certain atmospheric conditions.

When these drops are enlarged by vapour condensation, they form really large iridescent water

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Clubs & Societies Lenham Gardening Society Malcolm Withnall was our speaker for October on the subject of ‘Gardening for the over 70s’. What an interesting talk it was; lots of good ideas and tips for the less active; points we shall remember when we hit the magic number!!!!

(I wish). Anyway we all enjoyed the evening.

By the time you read this we would have had the AGM and I hope, some new committee members even, maybe, a new chair!!

A reminder that there is no meeting in December. Our next meeting will be January 15th 2015, speaker to be confirmed, the competition will be ‘Five Rock cakes and/or Winter Foliage Arrangement’

February 19th will be our Winter Social, usual format for food & wine plus a quiz, raffle etc. Tickets will be available at the January meeting or from Pat (in the new year please) 859084

Well that’s it for 2014 it only remains for me to wish you all a very happy Christmas and may the New Year be good for you and your garden.

Keith Chair LGS

Len Valley Community Hub Club We hope you are all looking forward to the Christmas Party which is on Thursday 04/12/14 2.00-4.00pm at the Social club. Don’t forget to wear your party hats! We will have Lenham Primary School coming to sing a few carols so make sure your singing voice has been tuned up. The Pantomime is on Thursday 18/12/14. More details at the party.

Our thanks to all the bar staff who do a great job.

Martin, John, Jenny and Nina Young At Heart 60+ Hi everyone we hope you all enjoyed the fish and chips in October. I know I did with many thanks to Les Chapman for a lovely treat!

Our next meeting will be the Christmas Party. It is on WEDNESDAY 17/12/14 2.004.00pm at the Community Centre.

We are hoping that Lenham Primary will be singing Christmas carols so be prepared to join in!

A big thank you to all the people who make these events possible and a Merry Christmas to everyone.

If you need a lift please ring Jenny Lloyd on 01622859208 If there are any people who drive and have a few hours free would you consider helping to transport our ladies and gentlemen to and from the venues?

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Continued...

Olive, Sue, Jackie, Martin, Jenny, Nina and of course the back room boys and girls.

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LENHAM W.I. Our October speaker was Sir Jeremy Elwes, who gave us a very interesting talk on ‘The Honours System’ and explained the many layers of the English peerage, I have always wondered about the difference between Barons, Lords and Earls.

Unfortunately our planned talk on ‘Ghosts’ for November had to be postponed, due to the speaker’s health problems, so, instead, we had a talk from the animal charity, Blue Cross.

At our December meeting we are being entertained by Doreen Hume and her daughter and will be getting into the Christmas spirit with mulled wine and mince pies. As we did last year, instead of Secret Santa, we are asking members to bring items of nonperishable food for charities at Christmas.

In January we are having a meeting about ‘The History of the W.I’ since 2015 marks the centenary of the organisation. Next month I will give you a list of speakers planned for 2015.If you see anything that interests you come along and see

Continued...

what we get up to!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Gill Simes Lenham Heritage Now our new named group seems to have hit home with new heritage items. The ditch I mentioned last month had even more things in it.

I took some of the pottery along to Canterbury Archaeological Trust and they dated most of the pots as 2nd -3rd Roman. One of the larger slabs (that I had presumed to be roof tile) was not, but was a piece of amphora of the type imported from Southern Spain and once containing olive oil.

When I got back to Lenham there was a message left from David Tomlinson (the very helpful and interested Site Manager). He said they had found a few more pieces of pot nearer Groom Way. I went to see and was able to say very eruditely “Oh that’s a large piece of amphora from Southern Spain.”

David was most impressed “How do you know all that, Lesley?” I giggled as I explained I had only just found out!

Here is a diagram I drew of the Dressel 20 type and a picture of the complete vessel as it would have

been:-

Many of these amphora, particularly those containing wine, were with very pointy bottoms and more torpedo in shape. This was so that they stacked well in the hold of the ship and could rock with the waves and not break.

The piece of window glass I had mentioned last month I had scanned and sent a picture to a glass expert in the British Museum. He had sent it on to another and I had an email back to say that from its shape it could be a piece from an oculus, a round window found in a bath house. No sense having a hot room if a cold blast of air froze ones posterior!

A bath house would make a lot of sense as the area is close to the Stour Spring and the ditch could well be a drainage ditch out of it.

We found it ended blind and did not extend across the site. The section we found was jam packed with

items and they could have been washed together by the drainage water.

So if our ditch was coming out of the bath house its position could have been across the hedge in Forty Acres as it was once known.

But still, there could have been another building under the GP’s car park.

So we can now safely say Lenham was once Roman! Pushing its foundation back a further few years and far older than just Saxon! Hopefully when the houses are completed I shall be able to put a small display of our finds for you to see in the Show House.

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Our talk this month will be from Keith Parfitt and I will try and have a few mins at the end with a power point show of our finds at Groom Way ….see you there I hope!

No meeting in Dec. The next is Jan 28th when there are short talks from members. Again I shall be showing the Groom Way finds so please come along.

Lesley Feakes 850275 Friends of St Mary’s Lenham Fine Arts Brass ensemble wowed the audience for a second year running, by playing in St Mary’s Church on the 1 November to over 80 people. A wonderful evening of

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Continued...

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music was enjoyed by all. Pieces from Bach, Vivaldi, Albinoni and Handel delighted us in the first half of the programme. The second half gave us a musical journey through the decades, with an A –Z of American Classical Music from 1909 to 1993, including Dixieland, Swing and Jazz Fusion. A very big thank you goes to Ian BurnsThomson who sponsored the evening.

The Friends of St Mary’s would like to thank everyone who has supported our events during this year; without you we could not help to raise funds to maintain our beautiful church. As I write, we are still awaiting response

re: our English Heritage grants application, fingers crossed that we hear positive news by the end of 2014.

Lastly, we would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy 2015. See you at our next event in the spring.

Lyn Fuller Royal British Legions Women’s Section We hope you all enjoyed the seasonal tea and it started your Christmas festivities.

As we do not meet this month the committee wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Enid LaPlain

Do you live in Sandway, Old Ham Lane, Glebe Gardens, Royton Avenue or Chilston Road?

We need distributors for Focus for these areas – if you can help please call Gez on 859595, call or text 07784447200 or email gezclark@ tiscali.co.uk.

Also if you live in the parish of Lenham and have to collect your magazine from one of the outlets in the village, please let me know and I’ll see if we can find a distributor for your area.

Continued...

Would you like to volunteer to deliver by car to a few points in the village or surrounding areas? I am trying to split the bulk deliveries down so that 4 people can spend approximately 45 minutes each as opposed to 1 person spending half a day on it! Contact details as above.

Thanks in anticipation, Gez.

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COMPUTING FOR BEGINNERS

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One to One Computer and iPad Training in your own home.

Also Computer, iPad and Printer Setup

Contact Lynn for more details

01622 745654

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One Hundred Years Ago….

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There was no hope of Lenham villagers seeing their sons and husbands back for Christmas from the Western front or any of the other far flung places in which they were serving. On the contrary, on Christmas Day Thomas Boyd, son of farmer Robert Boyd at New Shelve Farm, was aboard a ship heading for France. He was serving with the Ranger Battalion, the 12th County of London Regiment.

In France the troops of both sides were dug into trenches where they waited for the next offensive.

In India, Lewis Hodgkin of the Royal West Kent Regiment was mourning the loss of his brother in submarine AE1 and thinking of his father and sister grieving in Platts Heath.

Back on the home front Lenham had been surprised in late November when in the middle of a snowstorm 500 troops from the Royal Engineers arrived without notice, posted here from Crowborough. There was nowhere to house them save for the ‘old jam factory’ which had no heating or lighting. Even so the soldiers

One Hundred Years Ago….

reckoned it was better than being under canvas in Crowborough.

After a few days about half of them left Lenham but the remaining 250 or so went on digging trenches and redoubts in the neighbourhood.

The vicar, The Reverend Francis Etherington, his wife and the schoolmaster Mr Underwood went into action and found them slightly better accommodation in the schoolhouse and this time they managed to get stoves and lighting. The village turned to with a will to entertain them over the next few weeks. Before they left, the Royal Engineers had a whipround and presented ‘a small token of our appreciation of the hospitality and kindness of the inhabitants of Lenham’. It was the sum of £8 16s (£8.80p) to provide a Christmas treat for the children of Lenham.

Amy Myers.

GENERAL / SOCIAL NUMBERS Archaeological Society Badgers (St Johns Ambulance) Badminton Bowling Club Brownies (2nd Lenham) Drama Gardening Society Guides (1st Lenham) Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Nursery School Lenham Players Lenham Wanderers Lenham Social Club Harrietsham & Lenham Beavers Harrietsham and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs Mother’s Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion St John Ambulance Women’s Institute St Edmunds Platts Heath Country Ways Quilters and stitchers Lenham Valley Business Association

Lesley Feakes Mrs Manley Linda Bird Lyn Fuller Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Mrs Pat Abson Ami Rathmill Janet Moll Steve Campbell Club Events Duncan Keenan Nick Still Mrs A Seales Mrs J Thomsett Vivien Elcomb Mark Horlock Mr W Peter Mrs Bond Mrs C Toner Karen Yardley Jan Haines Alan Reading

Borough Councillors: Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Enhancement Ass. Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre

John Barned (Roads, Pavements)

Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Police Constable Rural Community Warden Vicar

01622 850275 01622 842603 01233 756762 01622 851538 01622 851646 01622 850671 01622 850228 01622 859009 01622 858561 07967 128056 01622 850747 01622 851022 01622 858890 07768 926654 01622 859789 01622 859829 01622 859009 01622 853887 07789 226516 01622 850520 01622 205452 01622 850048 01622 858208 01233 714699 01622 820841

01622 851142 03000 418181 01622 602117 Lost and Found 01732 847572 FREE CALL 0800 776600 Ruth Lovering 01622 842257 Brian Llong 01622 859733 Kevin Fitzsimons 01622 679709 Margaret Mitchell 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) Sharon Reed 01233 713317 Doctors Surgery 01622 858341/859204 NHS 111 Hugh Robertson MP 01622 851616 Margo McFarlane 01622 859682 Dave Rowley 07772 226097 Brian Waghorne 07870 252317 Martin Sherwood 07977 981993 Rev Dr Dick Venn 858195 Rev Millie Hart 297296 850604 Church Office (Mrs Sarah

Hills)

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

Businss Consultant Butchers/Meat Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries

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Charted Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chip Shop Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Computer Services

Cosmetic Clinic Dance Electricians/Gas fitters

Estate Agents Fitness Funeral Directors Gardeners

Contact Numbers

Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Butler Driveways Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating SR Interiors (painters/decorators) Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) Nick Posener G B Lister Snoad Farm Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Chequers Fish Bar Afeneh Smith (mobile service) Heathers Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning A.C. Computers Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services The LenValley Cosmetic Clinic Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing AD Pink Electrics Barrie Weston Contractor Electrical Solutions MGI Electrical Philip Jarvis Activate Body and Soul A W Court Just a Mow Mower Repairs Belmont Gardens

851542 858612 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 850491 01634308933 851126 737225 01233 840004 851931 858220 01795890700 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 859878 853640 850376 07813030527 880028 850462 859442 745654 859969 852905 850329 850800 884774 01233712663 858794 850055 858241 853750 850840 859940 07989333145 01795 590243

Garages Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Handbags and Jewellery Holiday Let Landscaping Lawnmower Repairs Locksmiths Logs Newsagents Osteopathy Pest Control Pharmacy Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Roofing Schools Solicitors Taxi Tree Surgeons TV Ariels Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning

Keith’s Gardening Service 07803 577086 Gowers Garage 858210 Lenham Village Store 858255 Phase Hairdressing 850001 Smarty’s 851150 Bow Window 858787 Lenham Comm Centre 853800 Charing Heath Hall 01233 713317 Immyblingy 298129 Dorset Cottage 851766 Ireland Landscapes 844605 Maidstone Landscapes and Paving 851222 Mowtastic 07989 333145 A Short 07738658751 Seasoned Logs 07733328715 Len Valley news 858262 Graham Yates Bsc Ost (Hons) 01304379954 A D Pink 884774 Pest Purge 842481 Saxon Warrior 858287 All Fix Plumbing 851186 Epic Plumbimg 210298 Pure Plumbing 769722 J W Engineering Services 851713 The White Horse 859511 Lenham Social Club 858890 Leeds Castle 767777 Carter Roofing 01795886084 R and D Roofing 858291 Paul Grant Roofing 850855 Lorenden 01795590030 Thornloe and Co. 859416 Arshed Mahmood 07770725129 Gez Clark 07784447200 Ambilly Tree Surgeons 859113 R & P TV ariel services 631717 Harrietsham Vets 858666 Maidstone Wills and trusts 01580 292320 Sparkles 07856 110682

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Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

St Johns Ambulance Badminton (Feathers) Parent & Toddlers Group Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club H/sham&Lenham Beavers St Johns Ambulance Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes

Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Thursday Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Music Mayhem Friday Guides 1st Lenham 36 H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club LenARA Keep Fit Lenham Youth Club Saturday Sunday

Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools

Activate Sports Swadelands 7am--8.30am & 5pm--9pm St Johns Hall, Ham Lane 4.30- 6.00pm 7.00-9.15pm Community Centre 8.-10.00pm Community Centre 9.30-11.30am (8-11 years) 6.30- 8.pm Community Centre 8.pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5.45- 7.15.pm Cadets (10-18) 6.00-8.00pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30 -9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30- 9.00pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15- 7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8.pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 7.00- 9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30- 9.30pm Community Centre 5.30- 8.30pm Community Centre 2.00- 3.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am- 5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00noon see separate church services page

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

Derby & Joan Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Len&Har. Disability Grp Lenham Country Market

Regular Daily & Weekly Events

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

2.00pm 8.pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2.pm 7.30pm 4.45--5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 9.- 1.00pm

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Farming News

38

Some of you may have noticed when walking through East Lenham Farm near the railway some fields planted with a mix of rye, oats, buckwheat, linseed, vetch and phacelia. The buckwheat, with pink flowers in September, has been followed with the blue flowers of the linseed in October and November, and the blue/mauve flowers of phacelia in November. These crops have been planted to improve the soil; their roots help break it up and keep the biology working and they improve the nutrient status both by fixing some nitrogen and by taking up other minerals and nutrients over the winter which would otherwise have been washed out with the rain. In addition they fix carbon from the atmosphere and then boost the soil organic matter in the spring. Another bonus is the provision of excellent cover for birds, insects and small mammals over the winter. Sheep can also graze on them, which in turn adds

manure to the soil. In the spring these crops will be cultivated in and crops such as barley or beans will be planted.

The female sheep on the farm will be in the early stages of pregnancy so please keep your dogs on a lead when on footpaths crossing fields with sheep present as any stress can cause them to abort their lambs.

An interesting fact which might help to explain why farmers are keen on diversification:Price of wheat in Nov 2014 £117.00 per tonne Price of wheat in Nov 2013 £155.00 per tonne Price of wheat in Nov 2012 £212.00 per tonne Price of wheat in Nov 1984 £134.00 per tonne Catherine Barr East Lenham Farm

Lenham Parish Council LPC met on Wednesday 5th November 2014

Farming News

Members of the public raised a number of issues regarding the physical environment; fencing on

the footpath near Parapet House, street lighting, road signage & the public conveniences.

These public WCs will be surveyed shortly to assess the upgrade requirements but in the meantime an extensive clean up will take place following the recent contamination.

PCSO Dave Rowley said he was moving on from the role in Lenham but still with Kent Police involving Country Eye; we thanked Dave for his commitment to Lenham. PSCO John Boyd from Headcorn will cover Lenham in the short term. 9 crimes in the Parish were reported involving 8 thefts (2 fuel thefts) & 1 of criminal damage.

The recent communication advertising the Councillor vacancies have paid off with 3 residents wishing to join the council. Paul Hewish, Mark Homes & Paul Scrivens will be co-opted at the 3rd December meeting.

Planning & Neighbourhood plan issues continue to dominate the activities currently & will do for sometime.

There were applications reviewed recently for a total of 135 houses & for alterations to the Texaco service station & the Chequers Fish bar.

Residents in Platts Heath & Runham Lane continue to be very concerned about the status

of land at Runham Lane where a motocross circuit was developed without permission. Maidstone Borough Council has been asked to update the residents & Parish council of the enforcement action.

Noise would also be a problem for Lenham village.

The Neighbourhood plan project work took at step forward with Kingsley Hughes & David Parfitt providing us with professional consulting services.

The 30 members of Lenham who have worked with the Parish council have done a superb job & I wish to thank everyone involved.

There are a number of communication events planned to ensure everyone has a chance to see & comment on the work.

Sunday 16th November & 23rd November events will have been held before this publication but a report will be prepared for the next issue of Focus.

Maidstone Borough Council was presented with an initial NHP report in mid November but we aim to submit a draft Plan by the Xmas period. The NHP is the only way we can preserve Lenham Village in planning law.

Colin Gillett

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Honor Barrett

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Honor Barrett passed away peacefully in her sleep after a short illness.

She was known to many people in the village as “Miss Honor.“ and will be fondly remembered.

Honor came from a farming family.

She loved nature, the Kentish countryside and old-fashioned country ways very much. When her father gave up farming, the family of five moved to Lenham.

As a teenager in the 1960s Honor trained at the Maidstone College of Art and studied photography, a skill which she very much enjoyed.

She then spread her wings and left Lenham and trained in a Maria Montessori school. The principles of Maria Montessori, which put respect for the child and the child’s natural wish to learn at the centre of education, were in those days relatively unknown in Britain but have become very popular in the past twenty years.

Honor Barrett

Honor’s training then secured her a post as a nanny to a film director’s family in central London.

When Honor’s father became fragile Honor returned to Lenham.

She then decided to use her skills and experience to open a nursery school here in Lenham, in the mid 1970s. Her beloved nephew Jason soon became a pupil. . Miss Honor in her playgroup. In the background ‚’Dobbie’ the muchloved rocking horse.

Honor rented the assembly room of the United Reformed Church, where she educated and looked after children from Lenham and the surrounding areas for over thirty years. She was absolutely dedicated to her nursery school and worked very hard in preparing games and activities for the children, all in line with Montessori principles. It was a labour of love which didn’t bring her material wealth, as she was so reluctant to

raise the fees.

Honor lived with her mother, a retired teacher and skillful pianist and organist, in Old Ashford Road.

When her mother became ill and wanted to move closer to her son in Suffolk, Honor went with her to live in Clare. After her mother’s death she returned to Lenham, the place where she had so many friends and familiar surroundings.

Even after retirment Honor was always interested in her children

and she was very happy and proud whenever she heard that they were doing well. Those children bear testimony to Honor’s idea that everyone of all backgrounds deserves a good start in life with much love and time given to them in their early years. This remarkable lady certain left this legacy with so many, here in Lenham and beyond.

Julia Thomsett

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The outing cost includes tickets and coach travel.

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Members are sent a regular newsletter giving details of the outings and an invitation to apply for tickets.

Application forms available from: The Secretary: Jean Talboys Tel: 01622 880349, email jtalboys@ btinternet.com

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Thank You

42

I would like to thank the team of willing helpers who inserted the flyers into 2000 Focus magazines for delivery in the November edition and to the Focus team who delivered and collected the magazines to the Community Centre, where a room was provided for the team to work in. The task to advertise the opportunity for public consultation concerning the proposed Lenham Neighbourhood Plan is vital. It is much appreciated when parishioners help to organise such tasks and form part of a growing number of people actively involved in producing the plan. The HIVE (Housing, Infrastructure, Village, Economy) groups have been extremely busy in helping bring together the Neighbourhood Plan and with the

guidance of a professional company (Designscape) have progressed the work considerably. Thank you also to all those who helped at the market stall on the 9th November which was organised to advertise the consultation opportunities which were held on the 16th and 23rd November at the Community Centre. The Save Lenham campaign has also been most supportive in bringing to the fore the proposals to enlarge the village through housing development, their teams have been collecting signatures for a petition to present to the Maidstone Borough Council and deserve to be mentioned, thank you to you all. If you would like more details please contact the Clerk. Margo McFarlane 01622 859682 (during office hours) hello@ lenhamparish.org.uk

Focus Update I would like to try to dispel some of the rumours which I have heard throughout the village about Focus.

You should all be aware, reassured even, that nobody within the Focus team makes any money from their efforts – we are ALL volunteers, and have the village of Lenham at heart. There have been some challenges recently which we have overcome with the support within Thank You

the team and the support of the Hatch Charity.

Focus started over fifteen years ago as a small local information publication which provides a very local advertising facility for businesses, charities, and local community events and editorial items of local, historical and humorous interest, and has always

been a free publication, funded by the advertisers. Any profits made (after typesetting and printing costs are paid) have always been – and will continue to be ploughed back into the local community or charities.

Gez Clark.

Len Valley Practice

Exciting New Development!

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From Tuesday 4TH November we are commencing a free medication delivery service for our patients who are: •Housebound •MDS Patients •Under District Nursing Care •Requiring Dressings/B12s •Have serious difficulty in collecting medication Please direct any enquiries to our Dispensary Manager, Elaine Moles on (01622) 852 901 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

If the plan for 1740 new houses in Lenham Parish progresses, the damage to ‘Village Life’ is the worst prospect!

The majority of people in Lenham recognise their good fortune in having the historic environment of a medieval village, relatively unspoilt, and the proximity of the wonderful North Downs as a setting and for recreation.

Change, over the past 150 years has been quite gradual apart from a Council House build in the 1930s and imposed private developments in the 1960s.

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The average age in Lenham is relatively high, encouraged by the availability of sheltered housing and by those choosing to retire in this peaceful place!

Young Lenham people have found the local house prices a significant barrier to settling in their home village, hence the significant need for affordable accommodation!

Like all modern populations there are those struggling to find work and on benefits as well as the more affluent. Local employment opportunities are limited and many commute, mainly by road, to other parts of the South East on a daily basis. Rail services are

Peter Bailey

poor and not substantially used.

Hence the pressure on the A20 at peak periods, aggravated by heavy vehicle traffic to service the distribution-based businesses at Lenham Storage and Marley site.

The A20 is likely to be a major limiting factor in further housing or commercial development in Lenham!

Lenham does have a community spirit, manifested in the numerous active clubs and societies, and we have an excellent facility in the Community Centre. Development and growth of organised activities is, however, limited by the availability of volunteers to organise, lead and help. This phenomenon is by no means unique to Lenham.

Lenham Parish has 4 pubs, all quite active, plus a well-supported traditional social club.

We are lucky in having a fairly complete set of social , educational and medical support functions within the village although any significant growth would demonstrate capacity limitations.

Lenham village traders have suffered from the national trend for supermarket and internet shopping but many are finding their niche, as ‘top up’ grocers or more specialised for both locals and tourists. Lenham Sunday market is a success story and significantly enhances the life and vibrancy of the community.

significant desire to protect the ‘status quo’. This is not surprising when considering the location, size and accessibility of our village but there remains some strange acceptance that change will be ‘imposed’ by others!

By and large Lenham folk are resistant to change; there is a

Peter Bailey

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Surely the Lenham environment is worth protecting!!

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Len Valley Churches Service Times Sunday 7th December 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: NEW Breakfast service 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Family Worship 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion 3.30 pm at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Christingle Service (GIFT family worship) Wednesday 10th December 7.00 pm at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Christmas Celebration.

Those with learning disabilities, their carers, friends and families are especially welcome.

Saturday 13th December 4.00-6.00 pm at Lenham Church: Messy Church 46

Sunday 14th December 8.00 am at St. Mary’s Lenham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: NEW Breakfast Service 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Holy Communion 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Morning Worship 3.30 pm at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Evensong Sunday 21st December 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: NEW Breakfast service 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Morning Worship 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion 3.00 pm at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Carol Service 5.00 pm at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Carol Service 6.30 pm at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Carol Service Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24th December 3.00 pm at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Crib Service 4.00 pm at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Crib Service 4.00 pm at All Saints, Ulcombe: Crib Service

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Continued...

5.30 pm at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Crib Service 11.15 pm at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Midnight Communion 11.15 pm at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Midnight Communion 11.15 pm at All Saints, Ulcombe: Midnight Communion Christmas Day: Thursday 25th December 10.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Family Communion 10.00 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Family Communion 10.00 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Family Communion 10.00 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Family Communion Sunday 28th December 10.00 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Joint Len Valley Churches Service: Holy Communion

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We have some wonderful Christmas Services taking place within the beautiful Len Valley Churches, including Carol Services by Candlelight, Christmas Eve Crib Services and Midnight Communion. We also have a Christmas Day service in each of our churches beginning at 10.00 am.

Please see our full list of service times or contact the church office on 850604 for further details. Please do come and join us – we look forward to celebrating with you.

The following services will also be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Harrietsham.

Sunday 7th December at 3.30pm - Christingle Service This month’s GIFT service will be an opportunity to learn about the meaning of this traditional Moravian celebration, with its decorated oranges and candles; a sparkling start to the season of Advent for everyone.

Wednesday 10th December at 7pm - Christmas Celebration Especially welcome are those with learning disabilities, their carers, friends and families and everyone who enjoys a good party!

If you need more information about either of these events please contact Rev Millie Hart on 01622 297296

Continued...

Fast Broadband access for the Len Valley Villages By the time you read this, all four churches in the Len Valley area (Boughton Malherbe, Harrietsham, Lenham and Ulcombe) should have fast broadband wireless repeater equipment installed on their towers. This will enable residents to access fast broadband via a company called VFast. You will need to contact VFast and have a small receiver aerial installed and sign up for their contracts.

This has taken a long time to get through all the bureaucracy involved, but we are finally there.

We do hope that many people and businesses will be able to benefit from this system.

Rev Dr Dick Venn Priest in Charge, Len Valley Churches 01622 858195 www.lvb.org.uk December Christian message He became man Brian Cox has recently said on his “Human Universe” TV programme that it seems unlikely that there are any other life forms in the whole of the universe: the Earth is unique.

That’s quite a disappointment

for some people who have liked to think that there are aliens out there, that we’re not alone in the cosmos, that eventually there might be contact made…. Without that hope, it feels …. lonely.

Each year we celebrate the Christmas story – a story of contact between the creator of the universe and his creation.

We remember the events and are reminded that in fact we are not alone, that there is purpose and meaning to our lives. The strange thing, though, is that while we celebrate Christmas, we tend not to want much interaction with this creator, this God-become-man.

We’d rather hold on to the distant hope of aliens. Perhaps we think that he’ll want to intrude on our freedoms, spoil our fun.

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Actually, it’s quite the opposite.

This man who is God wants to help us live the lives we all know we want; lives unspoilt by our human propensity to muck things up, lives with meaning and purpose, infused with love and care for those around us, lives of freedom from guilt. That’s what a life with God is all about.

There might not be aliens out there, but there is a God who cares

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Continued... passionately for each of us. I know several people who have made that discovery for themselves this year, and they say that he has changed everything. Their friends and colleagues have noticed. They are different people. They don’t want to go back to their previous lives.

They know the presence and love and power of God in their lives.

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We aren’t alone in the universe.

God has come to us and all we have to do is say “yes, please, God, I want some of that.” It’s the easiest thing to do and yet the hardest, because it’s challenging and demanding.

Christmas flowers from 20th December January 3/10 Mrs Jones 17/24 Mrs La Plein/Mrs Perks Brass cleaning December Mrs Hayward January Mr Swaffield Very many thanks and seasonal greetings to all our volunteer helpers.

Sue Greenwood

ST MARY’S CHURCH

Messy Church News In October at Ulcombe Village Hall we had fun investigating our amazing bodies with outdoor challenges and indoor games. In November we packed shoeboxes full of gifts, some made that afternoon, for needy children overseas who wouldn’t otherwise have had any presents to open at Christmas. Thanks to all those who contributed gifts! Join us at Lenham church on Saturday 13th Dec at 4.00pm for our Christmas special!

Lenham Christmas Lights Messy Nativity Sheep Trail

Flowers and Brass cleaning

Can you find all the sheep?

No flowers during Advent

One of the Lenham shepherds

I dare you to do something about it in the new year. Come and experience his love. Find out more. Do the START course with us. Get in touch and we’ll try to help you get in contact with the God who became man.

Rev Dr Dick Venn Priest in Charge, Len Valley Churches 01622 858195 www.lvb.org.uk

Continued...

wants to go and see baby Jesus, but he can’t find all his sheep. He knows he went into some of the village shops – will you help him find his missing sheep? Pick up a trail sheet in the village or from Lenham Primary School from Dec 1st or do it all on the afternoon of Dec 7th when the lights are turned on. Prize draw is a Christmas Hamper kindly donated by the Village Stores.

A New Beginning Jubilee Church in Maidstone is a thriving Christian Church, about 400 strong, is extremely active in the community, is involved in multiple international projects and runs various teaching programs (including 5 full time schools) Currently there are 7 zones within Jubilee covering different geographic areas and age groups – each with their own identity and leader.

In March this year, Len Valley Zone became into being as one of the zones of Jubilee. Currently Len Valley zone is the smallest zone – made up of a number of us from Lenham and surrounding villages and a few who have joined us from Maidstone. We look to grow in the next months!

We are currently meeting midweek in different people’s houses in Lenham and Harrietsham and on Sundays go to the main Jubilee

celebration.

LenValley zone leaders are Johnny and Estelle McCabe who some of you will have met at some of the events that have been held in the community in recent months.

Johnny is a building surveyor and Estelle is a teacher. Together they have served in Christian Ministry for many years. They have a passion for seeing people fulfilling their destiny.

Our aim as LenValley zone is to be welcoming to all, looking out for each other like in a family, to be a place to support and encourage Christian worship and witness, and to be actively involved in the community – supporting much of what is already running, and to bring new ideas, activities and events.

51

We are exploring the potential to start a new local Church in the LenValley at a point in the future.

We don’t own our own premises but that’s not a priority for us right now, as we believe the people are the Church!

We look forward to meeting and getting to know many of you, and if you are presently looking for a place to worship join us on Thursday evenings at 77 High Street in Lenham at 7.30pm. We would love to meet you!

Contact details: 07900284662 or 07770605691 Email jandemc@yahoo.com Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

Lenham Enhancement Association Interview with Brian and Jo Llong.

52

The Lenham Enhancement Association was formed in 2001/2002 by a group of residents who love the village and want to keep it litter free and an attractive environment for both residents and visitors. Brian Llong is currently the chair, and his wife, Jo is the secretary. They have been members since they came to the village to live about ten years ago.

The Association’s main objectives are to fill the village with flower boxes, planters, bulb planting in green spaces, and other complementary activities.

Much work has been done on the Lenham Cross, including rechalking in 2012, with a donation from the Hatch Charity. In previous years volunteers, along with students from Swadelands School,

Lenham Enhancement Association

have helped weed the Cross site.

This is officially the responsibility of the Lenham Parish Council but the Association helps maintain it with support from donors.

The Association relies entirely on donations for support. Its regular income comes from the raffle at the monthly Lenham Market.

Its annual Planting Day events in spring and autumn require at least 25 volunteers for planting and maintaining the 18+ planters and boxes around the village. Each year, no fewer than 1800 plants and 1500 tulips are planted for the enjoyment of the village.

However, volunteers are urgently needed for the Association to continue but strangely they always seem to be shy about coming forward. So if you’re reading this and have some time to spare to help the Association’s activities please don’t hold back. Contact

Brian on 859733.

You will find a warm welcome awaiting you. You will feel the

community spirit. You will ensure that the village is always full of flowers.

Text by Jim Myers 53

Story time Would you like to share more stories with your children? Storytime is on every Monday afternoon, 2.15-2.45, in the children’s corner at Lenham Library.

Following a recent re-launch Storytime is now run by the parents for all children, birth to pre-school, in Lenham and the surrounding villages. It remains free of charge.

We would love to see you for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes very soon. Why not take advantage and borrow some more stories to take home from the library’s excellent collection?

Bookstart bear and the team look forward to meeting you!

Karen Gambrell

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54

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Prize Crossword Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 20th of the month.

61

Across clues 1. Is it a potentially lethal thing for a smoker? (4,4) 5. Ten years this month with a case of disease. (6) 8. Nineteenth letter from our house. It’s Greek to me! (3) 9. A most unwelcome present from your pet maybe! (10) 10. Why do you need hair decolourant? It’s obvious!

(2,6) 11. Stared in confusion at businesses. (6) 12. Infrequent presentation of meat? (4) 14. Confused Mick’s hit lab as one of the 11. (10) 17. One of the 11’s who surfs the net. In both senses. (10) 20. One-one? That shows the light. (4) 23. Red wine could be clear and tasty at first. (6) 24. One of the things to tread on when being careful. (3,5) 25. There was no run when the girl was finished.

(6,4) 26. Consumption engulfed you, by the sound of it, in the bath. (3) 27. Scrounger found in the 26. (6) 28. Mistake following half-sprint, might leave you like this. (2,6)

Down clues 1. This could stop you eating chips! (6,3) 2. A 1 1 who could supply a glass of water when you need it. (7) 3. A musician who is usually on the road. (6) 4. Burrower to kill rat to begin with- it is very small. (9) 5. So Kent did, initially, become a place in Ukraine? (7) 6. One of the 11 whose work may be dark could make him merry. (9) 7. Local language use when help returns to the French court. (7) 13. A weird and variable period?! (9) 15. Place in Northern Ireland where cigar exploded on river. (9) 16. Moustache essential to the cyclist! (9) 18. Do this to Pom for a fishy delight. (7) 19. Meet Rex, possibly? That’s a bit much. (7) 21. Horse rider happening to be in front of the Queen. (7) 22. ‘Ich dien is what the waiter and Andy Murray would say! (3,4)

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One Moment In Rhyme

A Lenham Christmas Christmas in Lenham is a wonderful time And such an appropriate topic for this month’s rhyme So much going on for the whole family The square looks amazing with a beautiful big tree The festivities start early with much laughter and song On a Sunday afternoon with the big light switch on The whole village turns out and amid much bonhomie It’s a wonderful day, one that’s special to me

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December is great and another special day Is going round to the school to see this year’s Christmas play The school is also home to a great Christmas fair All sorts of fun and excitement can be had when round there The church is of course at the heart of it all With wonderful services full of traditional carols A family service so good that it’s hard to believe Is an undoubted highlight of our Christmas Eve The market will of course highlight local produce With loads of great things we can put to good use And to keep all things local and show that we care We can have a pint in the Red Lion and then Dog and Bear So whatever you’re doing to celebrate this year We can all agree we’re lucky to be living round here Have a wonderful Christmas and all that that means And I’ll be back with more poems come 2015 Mark Godfrey One Moment In Rhyme

Bespoke poetry from One Moment In Rhyme – www.onemomentinrhyme.homestead.com Tel: 07720 401749. Email: info@onemomentinrhyme.com

A lenham christmas

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Here are our new advertising guidelines for advertisers. Dimensions are Width by Height.

Full page: 122.7x184.6mm 1/2 page: 122.7x91.6mm

1/4 page: 60.7x91.6mm 1/8 page: 60.7x44.9mm

lenhamfocus.co.uk 63

Last months crossword solution Last months winner was: Fred Jarman of Lenham.

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Success comes from working together.

Networking is about . . . getting together.

66

Twice a year Lenham Valley Business Association gets together with South Maidstone Business Association - this time it will be at Chilston Park Hotel on Tuesday 2 December, arrive at 5:45 for a 6pm start. Speaker Michaela Stewart-West (right) presents “The Big Picture”.

A fabulous place to be especially at Christmas.

And there will be an hour of networking too.

LVBA member or not you can come along for free, you just have to register online or phone 01622 820841.

In 2015 the networking will continue to be on the first Tuesday each month (apart from June) and our schedule is already packed with interesting presenters with interesting information. We network at different venues around the Harrietsham - Charing - Ulcome areas. As you can see from our group photo above we have a good time. You can come to two meetings without having to pay, just to see if you like it. A years membership starts at just £75 for a sole trader.

Try it - you just might like it.

New members and one off visitors welcome, you can try it out for free - we are sure you’ll like networking with LVBA. Register on our website, on the registration page.

Events are organised and presented by Alan Reading who has been networking from before it was called networking!

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

Published by Lenham Focus Lenham Focus is published by the Lenham Focus Team. Any opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not the publishers.

67 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. 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 use of copyright materials.

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 Natwest Bank Lenham, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office.

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