Lenham Focus | February '14 by Falcon

FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

Beautiful Homes In Your Area Call Us Now To Arrange Your Viewing Or Free Marketing Consultation 11a High Street, Lenham, ME17 2QD

 Three Bedroom Terraced House  Sitting Room And Kitchen/Diner  Cellar  Upstairs Bathroom  Many Character Features  Attractive 50ft Rear Garden  Energy Efficiency Rating E £265,000 3 Bethel Row, Throwley, Kent, ME13 0JR

 Character Cottage 16ft Living Room Fitted Kitchen/Diner Overlooking Garden Two Bedrooms +Upstairs Bathroom Superb Rural Views Parking Area To The Rear Energy Efficiency Rating F £189,995 Robin Cottage, 40 Station Road, Charing, TN27 0JA  Character Two Bedroom Cottage  Modern Fitted Kitchen/Dining Room  Sitting Room With Woodburning Stove  Double Glazing And Gas Central Heating  Close To Village Centre  100ft Rear Garden  Energy Efficiency Rating C £185,000 2 Wickham Place, Lenham, ME17 2PF

 Modern Two Bedroom Cottage  Sitting Room Overlooking Garden  Allocated Parking Space  Downstairs WC  Courtyard Garden  Located Just Off Village Square  Energy Efficiency Rating C £240,000

t: 01622 858241 a: 1 The Square, Lenham e: homes@philipjarvis.co.uk w: philipjarvis.co.uk

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Welcome... This month is a plea for help from our readers. We are looking for help with the distribution, if you think you can help then please read the article inside and contact Gez. We also need help on the editorial to ensure that we can get the magazine out on time. We are also always on the lookout for the next step for the Focus. I hope you agree that the magazine has moved on and Flowbox have added something extra. So if you have any good ideas please get in contact.

We also have some contribution from some of our readers and we always welcome these contributions, either as written articles or photographs. So if you have anything to add please send it through. I would just like to add a quick thank you to Graham Yates who provided an article on Osteopathy last month.

Welcome

James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608

lenham-focus@tiscali. co.uk

Lenham Focus Volume 16 Issue 2 | February 2014 Circulation 2000

FEB 14

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

Editor: James Collett 01622 850608 | lenham-focus@tiscali.co.uk

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Advertising: Annie Drylie 07956629772 | advertslf@gmail.com Treasurer: Sue Marchant 01622 858511 | 07788163828 lenhamfocusinvoices@gmail.com Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200 Proof Reader: Jane Hewish Social: Jemma Cockell Printed by: Gemini Print

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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.

Design: Flowbox Flowbox are an innovative young creative agency based in Maidstone. Established in 2012 they have been providing the Focus with their time and design services for free. Flowbox works with all sorts of clients from one-man bands to huge corporations. If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after, get in touch! thinkflowbox.co.uk

Contributors

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. Most recently the January and February edition! Check out his Flickr Photostream! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ 35132157@N04/

Photography: Richard Gare

Photography: Peter Bailey

Richard has provided some fantastic shots recently of in and around Lenham in the snow, and all of the Lenham Lights! Check out the inside back page of this issue.

Peter has in the past provided some stunning photographs to the Focus. None in this issue, but we hope to receive some more soon!

Photography: Elliott Round Elliott was commissioned to take some photos of Lenham when the new design came out. Now at Greenwich University he doesn’t do any photo’s for us anymore but hopefully will in the future!

This is just a small snapshot of the focus team, we’re awaiting some photos and introductions for the crucial members. Keep an eye out in future editions for the rest of the team.

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Join the Maidstone Big Switch With fuel costs increasing year on year, many residents are finding it harder to pay electricity and gas bills

Maidstone council is working with iChoosr to run the Big Maidstone Switch – a free collective switching service to help residents find out if they can save money by switching their electricity and gas supplier or by getting onto the right tariff.

switching suppliers can make a huge difference to fuel bills.”

The Big Maidstone Switch is a simple process, with iChoosr seeking out low prices for gas and electricity and informing residents who have signed up whether they would save - and how much they would save - if they switched to a new offer. Residents can then choose whether to switch, and iChoosr arranges the switch for the resident. There is no obligation for residents to accept the new offer.

To join the scheme, residents can register online or call Maidstone council on 01622 602750. Residents can also visit the Gateway on King Street, Maidstone. Information on recent electricity and gas bills is required to register. Registration is open until 17 February 2014 and offers will be received around the beginning of March.

Maidstone council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, Councillor John A. Wilson, said: “This is a really easy way for residents to find out whether they could save money on their gas and electricity bills. With energy bills rising every year, getting on to the right tariff or

Join the Maidstone Big Switch

The scheme is open to everyone, whether they own or rent their home, and pay bills by direct debit, cash or pre-payment meter.

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SAXON WARRIOR PHARMACY

Situated in the heart of LENHAM

SERVING ALL PATIENTS WITH NHS DISPENSING AND health advice Other nhs services and private medicines service Fast and efficient prescription reorder and delivery to all areas Call for more information 01622858287 www.saxonwarriorpharmacy.com

OPEN ALL DAY WEEKDAYS AND ON SATURDAY MORNINGS

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The White Horse Sandway ~ a traditional public house ~

Tuesday and Wednesday to Saturday lunch: 2 courses for £10.95 / 3 courses for £13.95

Valentines Menu Fri 14th to Sat 15th 2 courses for £20 or 3 for £25

Live music 1st Friday of the month 01622 859511 Lenham Heath Road, Sandway whitehorsesandway.co.uk

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Forthcoming Events February 8: Race Night

March 1: Armitage Shanks March 8: Magic Mayhem Magician

Quiz Night

1st Tuesday Every Month Members and Guests Only . All events start at 8pm.

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Dates for Your Diary

‘Barking up the wrong tree’ by Chris Lane

Kent Plant Heritage Group invite you to their annual meeting and talk. Sunday February 9th 2014 at 2.00 pm, Hollingbourne Village Hall ME17 1TR

Homemade Teas, Plant Stall, seeds from members gardens Admission free. Information: Jude Lawton 01732 522317 judelawton@btinternet.com

FEB

Dates for Your Diary

Lenham Community Centre 12 Groom Way, Lenham, Kent, ME17 2QT Tel: 01622 853800 Mobile 07900585733 10th Anniversary Celebration Starring the Classic music of Frank Sinatra Also including Matt Monroe & Nat King Cole Performed by Ian Gallager The UK’s top classic Sinatra Tribute Act Tickets £35.00 each Tickets available from: Lenham Community Centre & Lenham News Agents.

15 22

MAR

Invite you to a talk ‘A tour of wildlife friendly Gardens’ by Maureen Rainley from the Kent Wildlife Trust. Tuesday 25th February at 8.00 pm. Hollingbourne Village Hall, ME17 1TR. Members £2 Non-members £3

Saturday 8th March 2014 7.00pm to Midnight Dinner & Cabaret Evening

MAR

Hub Club Age UK Trip Leeds Castle and Hollingbourne Garden Society

MAR

FEB

The Pepusch Condort All Saints Church Ulcombe 7:30pm

Innominata All Saints Church Ulcombe 7:30pm

Lenham Village Store We hope that everyone is having a good new year so Far. We just want to start with a congratulations to the ladies at The Little Country Garden for winning the Lenham Christmas Display competition! Especially to Elaine for making a fire place complete with Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boots, Well done Ladies. The Little Country Garden still has a few sale items available so do pop in and take advantage of the extended January sale. So February brings Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day, In store we are selling Valentines cards, along with Chocolates & Champagne, We can also gift wrap these or make Hampers for

a really special gift. We have a very special birthday this month... our little Autumn Edith will be one at the end of February so a very happy and special birthday to our little girl! How fast has that year gone! Please do remember that in adverse weather conditions we are happy to deliver shopping to people that are struggling to get to the shops, this is free of charge, Just give us a ring on 01622 858255.

Take Care and See you all soon.

Focus Deliveries Due to the imminent retirement(!) of one of our distributors we are currently looking for a volunteer to deliver 23 copies of Focus in Faversham Road. This distributor also takes responsibility for bagging another 127 copies into varying amounts for collection by people from outlying areas, so if you feel you could take on either/ both of these tasks please contact

Gez Clark on 01622 858946 or 07784 447200 or email gezclark@ tiscali.co.uk. Also we could do with some volunteers for holiday cover, so if you would like to help out on the odd occasion please contact me as above. Thanks, Gez

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Climate Change is Happening Pat Crawford provides the Hadlow College comment and advice column.

Midway through last year the government produced a document entitled ‘Future of Farming Review report’. The foreward contained an interesting phrase; ‘Fortunately as a country we have now accepted that food security is an issue’. I guess it all depends how ‘country’ is interpreted in this context. If it means people in government, then it is probably true. If it means the general public has lucid understanding of the issues involved, then it’s probably a defective analysis. The public attitude to ‘food security’ is polarised. There are those who don’t even recognise the phrase. There are those who not interested - who might even consider it ‘rubbish’. There are those who are vaguely interested but cannot see what they can do about it - and therefore see no point in worrying! Then there are those who do understand the enormity of the issues concerned, bend the ears of relatives, friends and colleagues, attempt to put various measures into place, support local farmers and growers, promote local food enterprises, join a grower group or set up their own kitchen garden

Climate Change is Happening

- possibly make adjustments to their eating habits. The challenges aren’t going away. The extreme weather we have already experienced this year brings some of the problems into sharp focus. Flooding is an obvious issue and some crops are likely to be suffering badly. Less obvious, the weather has been particularly mild. Good in respect of the fact that it has reduced household heating needs - but it is not without potential negative aspects. Some trees are in bud at the time of writing (before mid-January). Top fruit will be badly affected if trees come into blossom early and we then get severe frosts. Similar problems will affect other food production sectors. Farmers and growers are faced by huge challenges. Collectively they manage the larger part of our land; they are tasked with producing more food using fewer resources whilst at the same time paying greater attention to the environment and the importance of biodiversity – all against the background of climate change. The farming industry in this country – and globally – needs to

attract new entrants at graduate, post-graduate, skilled, semiskilled and unskilled levels. The biggest obstacle to recruitment is the failure of schools, careers advisors, parents - and young people - to appreciate the farming industry offers progressive, fulfilling and stimulating career opportunities. Too often the industry is not understood at all – or it is perceived as unrewarding, badly paid and lacking opportunities for progression. Arguably, food security will not be achieved in this country – or globally – unless the problem of

recruitment can be overcome. The issues are vast. The farming industry - and ability to manage food security - depend on attracting the right entrants, continuous training, proactivity rather than reactivity - and planning for tomorrow’s needs rather than those of yesterday! Pat Crawford can be contacted: 07771 635684 pat.crawford@ hadlow.ac.uk Your local Kent County Council Library has a team of volunteers who deliver and collect library items to and from customers’ homes. This free service is called

Lenham Family Festival Thank you to all those who supported the Family Festival raffle held at the Christmas Lights Switching On event on Sunday 2nd December, a total of £220 was raised, which will be shared amongst the three chosen charities. The event was well attended and as always well organised. The Lenham Lights Committee work extremely hard to bring us the wonderful display and the local business and Parish Council support the group. Alan Reading willingly helps to promote and organise the day and the overall joint initiative leads to a splendid family day for all age groups. The recent upgrade and improvements to the lights certainly put on an excellent display, so well done and thank you to all those involved.

The next meeting for the Family Festival will take place at the Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday 30th January with the meeting in February taking place on the 27th, same place and time. We need more volunteers, stewards, local clubs, societies and groups to join us. If you can spare any amount of time and would like to take part in the Festival please come along on the evening or telephone Margo on 01622 859682 for an informal chat. If you have any old china for the smashing the crockery stall please call and we will collect at your convenience, raffle prizes would also be welcome. Regards Margo

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The Home Library Service Home Library Service customers are entitled to longer loan periods and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about books. Items that can be loaned include CDs, spoken word cassettes, CDs, DVDs and also large print books. Many people benefit from joining The Home Library Service. Some of our customers, for instance, find it hard to leave their home because they have to care for another family member whilst some customers are elderly or suffer with ill health.

This service would not be possible without our wonderful team of dedicated volunteers and we are always looking for more people to support The Home Library Service. If you think you could

spare a few hours a week and would enjoy making a difference to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives, why not think about becoming a Home Library Service volunteer or volunteering for one of the many other volunteer roles that we can offer? Visit http://www.kent.gov.uk/ leisure_and_culture/libraries/ services_for_everyone/ people_with_disabilities/ homebound_users.aspx, phone us on 03000 41 31 31, or next time you visit your local library ask for more information and an application form. Volunteers delivering the Home Library Service are screened for this role.

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The Home Library Service

which case lay the patient down, raise and support the leg as high as possible to reduce the bleeding, apply a dressing, keep the leg raised and call for a ambulance. NT Colbran SJAB

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Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham With 2014 now well under way the Friend’s Committee are very keen this year to progress a grant application with the English Heritage, who obtain funding from the Lottery.

Several meetings have already taken place between members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and our Chairman, Andrew Barr with regards to various grant applications. The English Heritage application will be a request for funding to complete all works to the building, which is over £100,000. No guarantees…………. The application process is very time consuming. We need to first register our interest with English Heritage, then our application will be looked at and hopefully a positive reply by this autumn. Whilst the grant application is in progress we will put the restoration to the east window on hold; but will continue with our fund raising events to boost our funds, which currently stand at £10,000. In the meantime, we are still obtaining accurate quotes for the window repairs which will include making ‘good’ the stone work that surrounds the windows as well. We were hoping to hold a youth musical concert in March as our next planned event, but unfortunately it proved too hard to coordinate the various schools

Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham

involved with the March date. We are however, trying to organise something different for May in the Community Centre, so we will keep you posted. Our very popular barn dance in the Tithe Barn has already been booked for 27 September, so please put this date in your diary, you won’t want to miss it! Lastly, due to ill health; unfortunately two committee members are resigning this year. This makes the Friends Committee very depleted and in jeopardy of not being able to continue! We are therefore looking for people to join us and would encourage you to please put your name forward. All we need are people willing to put their ideas forward and help with the implementation of two events per year. We are a lovely bunch of likeminded people, whose aim is to restore and maintain the beauty of St Mary’s Church. If you are the same; please contact Andrew Barr on 01622 858686 or email andrewbarr@eastlenhamfarm. co.uk. Thank You. Lyn Fuller Committee Member

Do you care about our heritage and the preservation of an ancient and beautiful building? Happy New Year – Why not make it your new year’s resolution to join the Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham. By joining, you will help us to continue to restore and maintain this beautiful building.

I would like to join the Friends of St Mary’s Lenham. Name……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………….. Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Post Code………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Email (best way to communicate with our members)…………………………….……………………………………………………………. I enclose £15.00 for annual membership q 23 I enclose £25.00 for family membership q Please make cheques payable to The Friends of St Mary’s Lenham If you want to make a one-‐off gift that would be wonderful too. Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made today q in the past 4 year’s q in the future q Please tick all boxes you wish to apply. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand that the Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 that I gave up to 5 April 2008 and will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008. Please notify the ‘Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham’ if you: • Want to cancel this declaration • Change your name of home address • No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-‐Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code. Signed………………………………………………………………………………………………..… Date………………………………………………………………………………………………….… Please send your cheque to the Chairman: Andrew Barr, The Oast House, East Lenham Farm, Lenham ME17 2DP Thank You Thank you for joining us and helping to make this ancient church even better.

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Barbara & Ollie Jones

Barbara Jones’ grandparents came to Lenham soon after their marriage in the mid 1880s, decided they liked it, opened a barber’s shop and created a family that has graced the village ever since. In the early 1940s Barbara met a dashing young serviceman and Barbara Woolley became Mrs Oliver Jones. The rest is Lenham history. Oliver (Ollie), originally from the Nottingham area, liked Lenham too and he worked in Lurcocks grocery and delicatessen in Lenham Square for over fifty years. Together they starred in the Lenham Bowls Club, of which Barbara’s father had been a founder member. They began playing in 1946 and by ten years later were winning county competitions and both playing for Kent. Oliver was also the winner of an All England title. Their impressive collection of cups can be seen in the photograph. Barbara’s father Harry Woolley was one of eight children;

Barbara & Ollie Jones

he served in the First World War and was an integral and popular part of Lenham life for nearly forty years afterwards. Barbara, one of his four children, went to the village school, and afterwards took a secretarial course, initially working for a Maidstone solicitor. Then came the Second World War, and in 1940 she began working in the Maidstone town offices of the Kent War Agricultural Committee which was responsible for deployment of labour for the farms, including the Women’s Land Army. After their marriage in 1942 Oliver continued his army career in the Royal Army Service Corps and was posted to Normandy after D-Day. In the meantime their first daughter had been born in 1943 (and is now an artist living in Cheshire). Their son, now living in Ireland, was born early in 1950, and a second daughter followed in late 1951 who now works in Rochester. As well as working in Lurcocks, Oliver was also a part

time retained fireman, and in 1957 Barbara went to work at the Lenham Primary School. At first it was a temporary position, but she remained at the rapidly expanding school for 27 years. More recently Barbara has contributed to the village through her work at the Heart of Kent Hospice shop, as a Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion Women’s section, and as a long serving member of the WI. She is also busy in other directions for she and Ollie can now proudly boast six grandchildren and eight

great-grandchildren! When Barbara and Oliver first began their rise to bowling stardom sartorial standards were high. The strict dress codes are now more relaxed. Times have changed, but the bowling club still thrives thanks to members like Barbara and Oliver. Lenham really hit the jack with players like them on its green. New members always welcome! Text by Jim Myers 01/12/13

‘Oh to be young at heart’ Clutching our invitation Aunt Glad and I joined the happy throng. Singing together many well-loved traditional Christmas songs. The Primary School Choir were simply a delight. With 60+ Young At Heart guests wearing party hats, it was quite a sight. The team were busy serving the delicious tea, a wonderful feast with plenty to eat. Comfy seats, flowing wine, live music and dancing too, it really was a welcome treat. Friends were greeted and new ones made, chatting and laughter were the order of the day. We really had an enjoyable afternoon, I simply wanted to say. And to top it all, I won a raffle prize along the way! So THANK YOU to one and all, you really did us proud. From all the happy ‘Young At Heart’ Christmas party crowd.

Margo McFarlane

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Thoughts & Reports Christian Message February 2014

As I write this, at the beginning of the New Year, the country is being battered by storms, and thousands of people are coping with floods, loss of electricity, the devastation of their homes, and loss of their livelihoods. Christmas was spoilt for many â&#x20AC;&#x201C; though some say that coping by candlelight, wrapped in blankets, and cooking sausages on barbecues instead of eating the Christmas turkey, led to a lot of laughter and camaraderie. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just here that there are problems. At the moment, parts of the USA are suffering from unprecedented weather conditions, and we cannot forget that the many peoples across the world who suffered from earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados and storms last year, are still living in tents and waiting to be housed properly. We tend to forget the ongoing consequences of such events once the immediate crisis is over. We cannot do a great deal about the weather, but if there were greater love and tolerance in the world, we would not see countries torn apart by internal strife such as in Syria, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, nor the many countries

Thoughts & Reports

where there is civil unrest and strife such as in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Somalia, Iraq and South Sudan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to name just a few. Sadly, there are thousands of displaced persons, refugees, living in horrific conditions with little chance of returning to their homeland. In the birthplace of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Bethlehem is partitioned off by a huge concrete wall, 8 metres high, which is planned to cover 442 miles round the city, separating the Palestinians from the Israelis. A replica of this has now been built at St James Church in Picadilly, as a witness to the injustice that is happening to the Palestinians. People who visit St. James are being invited to write prayers and messages of hope on the wall. Just looking at the state of the world makes one realise how very fortunate we are here in this country. We have a stable state, we can disagree with government through the ballot box rather than through bloodshed, we can walk the streets in safety, we receive medical care as and when we need it, and most of us have a roof over our heads. We have much to thank

God for - though we don’t always acknowledge it. But, and there is a big but, though we are a comparatively affluent society, there are many in our society who are still sleeping rough, and many more who are having to resort to food banks to survive. Over Christmas, 350,000 people were fed by food banks – largely the initiative of Christian churches. So what can we do about all this sadness and injustice in the world? The answer, surely, is that we can do nothing in our own strength. But we can pray both individually and corporately, and we can try and live as Jesus taught. Many of the parables of Jesus are about generosity, love and forgiveness. He said that if someone asked you to give him your cloak, you should give your coat also. He talked about the generosity of the Good Samaritan, and he warned people not to store their riches in barns because one knows not when one’s time on earth is over. When a young man asked Jesus what was the most important commandment, He replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind … and the second is to love your neighbour as yourself.’ When the disciples asked Jesus if they should forgive seven times, He replied, not seven but seven

times seventy. He said people should be reconciled with their enemies before going up to the altar. And in his parable about the prodigal son, the father forgave his son unreservedly even though he didn’t deserve it. On the Cross, Jesus asked God to forgive those who were crucifying Him ‘because they know not what they do.’ As Christians, we, too, will receive forgiveness if we believe that Jesus Christ died for us – even though we don’t deserve it. So, what can we do about the world’s problems? Individually, we can do very little. But we can start by putting into practice Our Lord’s commandments to love our neighbours, and be generous and forgiving – and maybe that ripple of love, accompanied by prayer, may gradually permeate the world. Molly Poulter

ST MARY’S CHURCH FLOWERS FOR FEBRUARY Flowers February 4th and 15th - Mrs Humphrey February 18th and March 1st - Mrs Nahab February Brass cleaning - Mrs Congdon

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Continued... The 5th March is Ash Wednesday, no flowers in Lent. Easter flowers Saturday 19th April We are always happy to welcome new flower arrangers or brass cleaners. If you would like to help please contact me. Sue Greenwood 01622 858475 Messy Church dates for 2014

March 15th Ulcombe Village Hall. 4pm Friday April 18th . Lenham Church. 10.30

Feb 15th, Lenham Church. 4 pm

All Saints Church Ulcombe Forthcoming events for your diary Fund raising concerts to be held in this beautiful church, which is noted for its brilliant acoustic qualities. Saturday 15th February at 7.30pm The Pepusch Consort, will be playing a selection of Baroque music from a variety of composers including Bach, Purcell, Handel and of course Pepusch. All pieces especially selected for soprano, recorder, keyboard, spinette & bass viol. Saturday 22nd March at 7.30pm Innominata is a small group

Continued...

of accomplished singers and instrumentalists who will delight your ears and uplift your spirits. They will be performing a wide variety of songs from madrigals to modern popular music, as well as a selection of sacred pieces. Guitar solos will be performed by Rodri Protheroe. Further information on these events, including price and availability of tickets, will be published in future editions. Rita Strutt 01622 844325 strutt465@btinternet.com

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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 and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs Mother’s Union Pilates Classes Royal British Legion St John Ambulance Women’s Institute Youth Centre St Edmunds Platts Heath Country Ways Quilters and stitchers Lenham ValleyBusiness Ass.

Lesley Feakes Mrs Manley Linda Bird Lyn Fuller Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Mrs Pat Abson Ami Rathmill David Abson Alf Smith Club Events Nick Still Mrs A Seales Mrs J Thomsett Vivien Elcomb Mr W Peter Mrs Bond Mrs C Toner Nicki Folland-Smith Karen Yardley Jan Haines Alan Reading

01622 850275 01622 842603 01233 756762 01622 851538 01622 851646 01622 850671 01622 850228 01622 859009 01622 858561 07967 128056 01622 858561 01622 859802 01622 858890 01622 859789 01622 859829 01622 859009 01622 853887 01622 850520 01622 205452 01622 850048 01622 859171 01622 858208 01233 714699 01622 820841

Borough Councillors:

Tom Sams John Barned (Roads, Pavements)

01622 859412 01622 851142 08458 247800 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 01622 859733 01622 679709 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) 01233 713317 01622 858341/859204 111 01622 851616 01622 859682 07772 226097 07870 252317 07977 981993 01622 858208 08458 274800

Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Enhancement Ass. Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Police Constable Rural Community Warden St Edmonds Platts Heath Reporting Potholes

Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Brian Llong Kevin Fitzsimons Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Hugh Robertson MP Margo McFarlane Dave Rowley Brian Waghorne Colin Davey Karen Yardley

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Accounting & Business Services Air Conditioners Alarm Systems Barbers Beauty Parlours an therapist Builders/decorators

Butchers/Meat Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries 34

Charted Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Clothing Computer Services

Cosmetic Clinic Dance Dressmaking/alterations Electricians/Gas fitters

Estate Agents

Contact Numbers

Stonebridge Associates RB Air Cybereye Security Sweeney Todd Mobile beauty therapist Alpha Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating KSE Home Improvements Lenham Decorating Services SR Interiors (painters/decorators) Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) 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 Afeneh Smith (mobile service) Heathers Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning House proud valet The Little Attic A.C. Computers Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services The LenValley Cosmetic Clinic Lenham Ballet School Pam Hills AD Pink Electrics Barrie Weston Contractor Electrical Solutions Invicta Power Services/ Gas Fitters MGI Electrical Rockland Electrical Philip Jarvis

851542 07751466536 858612 07734950329 07738505575 762164 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 858565 737225 859675 858220 01795890700 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 08003289877 853640 850376 07813030527 880028 07975513315 07530183895 850462 859442 745654 859969 852805 850329 858827 884774 01233712663 858794 850930 850055 07902017349 858241

Fitness Funeral Directors Gardeners Garages Greetings Vards Grocers Guitar Lessons Glass and Glazing Hairdressers Handbags and Jewellery HandyMan Holiday Let Home care Landscaping Locksmiths Logs Newsagents Osteopathy Pest Control Pharmacy Plumbers Pubs Roofing Schools Solicitors Taxi Tree Surgeons TV Ariels Veterinary Surgery Will Services

Activate Body and Soul 853750 A W Court 850840 Just a Mow 859940 The Big Mow 07871088119 Gowers Garage 858210 Tricia Oliver 859226 Lenham Village Store 858255 Chris 07957214822 Glass n glaze 01233840768 Bow Window 858787 Phase Hairdressing 850001 Smartyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 851150 Immyblingy 298129 Simon 01795890052 Dorset Cottage 851766 Audley Care 633101 Simplicare 01732526934 Ireland Landscapes 844605 Maidstone Landscapes and Paving 851222 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 The White Horse 859511 Carter Roofing 01795886084 R and D Roofing 858291 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 08453884495

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Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 36

Saturday Sunday

Activate Fitness Facilites

Line Dancing LenARA Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts

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 Great Chart Golf Ctre 10.30am Community Centre 8.pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Cadets (10-18) 6.00-8.00pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30 -9.30pm 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 Booth Hall Harrietsham 7.30.-9.30pm

H/sham&Lenham Beavers Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club LenARA Keep Fit Lenham Youth Club

Harrietsham Scout Hut Community Centre Harrietsham Scout Hut Community Centre Community Centre Swadelands Ham Lane

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

Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am- 5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church 10.00-12.00noon see separate church services page

St Johns Ambulance Badminton (Feathers) Parent & Toddlers Group Harr & Lenham Cubs LenARA Pitch & Putt Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club St Johns Ambulance Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes

2nd Tuesday Derby & Joan 2nd Tuesday Royal British Legion 2nd Tuesday Citizens Advice Bureau 1st Tuesday Lenham Valley 1st Wednesday Parish Council Meeting 4th Wednesday LenARA (active retired) Last Wednesday Archaeology Club 1st Thursday Reading Group 2nd Thursday Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institute 3rd Thursday Last Saturday Len&Har. Disability Grp 2nd Sunday Lenham Country Market

Regular Daily & Weekly Events

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

5.45- 7.15.pm 7.00- 9.00pm 7.30- 9.30pm 5.30- 8.30pm 2.00- 3.30pm 7.30-10.00pm

2.00pm 8.pm 10.-12noon 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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Lenham Parish Council Brief report on the LPC meeting held on 8th January 2013

Public Participation: Members of the public who wished to speak; Mr. B. Long reported that the Railway crossing sited between the public walk that runs from North of the bridge on the Headcorn Road in an Easterly direction two thirds of the way down there is the railway crossing that has been blocked off at the bottom, which causes a lot of problems with dog walkers; B/L suggested that there needs to be a dog gate installed; the chairman advised that Network Rail should be informed as it was their property. B. L also reported that advertising signs were being left on some road verges; the chairman pointed out the verges belonged to the Kent Highway Services and they should be informed of the problem. Mr I George reported the lights in Old Ashford Road were still not working after his reporting of them 2 months ago; the Clerk advised that KHS had reportedly undertaken the repair; the Clerk will investigate further the problem with KHS; there was also reported a light out in Royton Avenue, that will be reported to KHS, as the street lights on that estate were adopted by the KCC

Lenham Parish Council

10/15 years ago. Dave Rowley (PCSO) reported that there had been 14 reported crimes over the last 2 months; the majority were burglaries and theft that were carried out right throughout the Parish. D/R advised that because of the rise in burglaries a group have set up a Keep Lenham Safe face book page. D/R has spoken to the creators of the page and it was suggested that D/R should organise another Home Safety event at the Lenham Community Centre, at which the Neighbourhood Watch attend, and hopefully the scheme could be resurrected in Lenham Parish once again, as people have shown interest in becoming involved if the scheme takes off; date of the Home Safety event will be advertised as and when a date and time is confirmed. D/R also reported that serious incidents of sheep worrying by local dogs have occurred of late, resulting in 16 sheep being killed; strong action will be taken by the police against dog owners, and the dogs involved in perpetrating the heinous offence.

KCC Ward member Jenny Whittle gave her report; there was to be a meeting to discuss the problems with the A20 and the Faversham Road junction; attending will be Highways Officers, Lenham Parish Councillors, and local residents as well as herself. J/W also reported that the KCC were blitzing the highways Pot-Hole problem after the heavy rainfall with local road repair gangs being used to carry out the work. J/W also re-iterated that she would like to meet with potential developers to discuss section 106 payments along with MBC and the LPC on the list of priorities that these monies should go towards on improving the infrastructure in the parish of Lenham. J/W advised that “not suitable HGV’s” signs had now been installed on the Rayners Hill road. J/W last comment was not on Highways matters but child fostering in Kent, Jenny reported that there was a particular need for foster carers for children from between 12/16 year olds in Kent, either on a short term or long term basis, if you believe that you have the skills to become a foster carer, get in touch with her office or Jenny directly. The Chairman opened the main

meeting: The Clerk read out the apologies from those Councillors who could not make the meeting, and also the resignation of Cllr. J. Bone. The Chairman read out Cllr. Bones resignation letter, in which he put down that he personally felt like the LPC and he had been undermined in his role as the LPC Transport & Highways spokesperson. All Councillors attending the meeting agreed that Cllr. Bone would be sorely missed, as he had carried a varying amount of roles whilst on the LPC including CCTV expansion in the village and Transport & Highways. The chairman reported that in all his roles on the LPC John had always completed any task he was given to the end, he raised funds from other grant sources to fund projects and was continually chasing KHS to complete highway jobs he had reported and had reference numbers for. John was also the council’s representative for the Age Concern Hub and worked very hard in that role and succeeded in helping the group to become a success, Mrs Suzanne Knowles, who has previous experience of being a Parish Councillor, and was co-opted at the last meeting on to the LPC, signed her papers and joined the other Councillors around the table,

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LPC Continued...

Cllr. Knowles resides in Lenham Heath and has agreed to become a member of the LPC Finance & General Purposes committee.

to next year’s budget moneys towards engaging a professional company to produce the finished NHP article for the LPC.

Matters Arising: Reports & Spokespersons:

Groom-Way Development: Cllr. Osborn gave an update on the additional Affordable Housing for the Groom Way site; the proposal from Golding Homes; subject to further survey work, the project should move forward next year; Golding Homes are ready to submit plans and 2 further meetings will be held on the proposed development. The Chairman advised that the sale of LPC land in Groom Way was now nearing completion; still awaiting signatures on the Land Registry document. Highways and Transportation: The Chairman read out Cllr. Bones last written report for the LPC; J/B reported on the A20/Faversham Road junction, Cllr. Barr and other Parish Councillors, KCC Ward member Jenny Whittle, Highway Officers and local residents will meet on the 10th January at the junction to discuss what remedial steps need to be taken to make the junction safer. Rayners Hill Unsuitable for HGV’s have been erected, Road signs still waiting on their installation, MBC can take up to 12 weeks to install signs as MBC only order them in batches of 15, J/B points out Pot Holes can be reported directly to KHS by the

Committees/

Finance & General Purpose: Cllr. Greenwood advised that the broken gate post at the Twitten footpath in Maidstone Road was on Simon Burchett’s, the parish’s handyman’s, to do list. Planning: Cllr. Huggens had distributed his report and asked if any Councillors had any questions on his written report on the Planning meetings held on 8th December 2013and 6th January 2014, there were no questions muted. Neighbourhood Plan: The chairman requested that the LPC write to Brendon Lewis MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government to establish if it was alright to carry on putting a Neighbourhood Plan together when the District Council had still not completed its Local Plan, or identified its preferred SHLAA sites for development in Lenham Parish; if his response is positive the LPC could continue with its NHP. The LPC agreed to add

LPC Continued...

general public, this would speed things up rather than waiting for a Parish Council meeting to report them. J/B reported that lighting is being turned off on some roads for an experimental period by KCC to try to save ÂŁ1,000,000 per annum. Law & Order: The Chairman advised that there was nothing new to report on policing other than what the PCSO Dave Rowley had reported on. Environment: Cllr. Greenwood reported that he had gained a quote for 25 further Cob Nut trees adding to the Platt planted at Rayners Hill Park; the LPC decided not to progress with additional trees yet because of the austere times, it will be considered again in 2015. The trial of keeping sheep at the back of the Church will commence next year with no cost to the LPC; John Arthur Boyd has agreed to supply the required fencing, gate and water butts, Mr. Boyd has also offered to clear 3 Yew Tree debris after the local tree surgeon has felled them at a cost of no more than ÂŁ420:00p. R/G also reported that Dog Fouling notices have now been put up along the Church pathway. The Chairman requested that the LPC carry out a tree register audit to find out how many large trees the LPC are responsible for, as the

caring for trees takes up a large slice of the LPC yearly budget. The Ham Lane Allotment Association thanked Cllr. Gillett and the LPC for helping in getting the Jubilee allotments on MBC Asset to the Community register, Mr. Long advised that now we have to wait further developments to see what steps can be taken to secure the allotments for the future generations. Reports from Outside meetings: Cllr. Barr reported that he had attended 3 Planning meetings, one on the Junction 8 of the M20; he reported that KCC were against the development. Second meeting was on development to both East and West of Maidstone; workshops were set up and their opinions left for MBC to ponder. Thirdly the other proposed development on the opposite side to the proposed site at Junction 8 still in its early stages.

The Chairman reported that the LPC need to review its Risk Assessment policy and its Emergency Plan documents this year.

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Clubs, Societies, Organisations and Gatherings Our Nov meeting was an interesting talk by Keith Parfitt on discoveries by the Dover group at Nonnington.

A pity not more people attended as it was a very good talk. Our next meeting on Jan 29th will be a few short talks by LAS members on their local findings. Please come along and join us if only for one evening!

Many of you now have access to the internet and if anyone out there has knowledge of setting up simple web sites, nothing complex or snazzy , one that I can operate easily â&#x20AC;Ś.help would be gratefully appreciated.(+ fees ) Using the internet Google Earth is one of the most fascinating pastimes. On the new aerial (June 2011 it appears to be even though they say 2013) one can see the strange small crop circle on our Royton site and Court Meadow is bedecked with oxeye daisies. Wow! What an aerial crop mark they show! One can see the footpaths easily and the zig-zag path from the Barn Gate to the footbridge that John-Arthur so thoughtfully had cut so that people could appreciate

Clubs, Societies, Organisations and Gatherings

the flowers.(see Aug Focus p 36. ) But look in the bottom right hand corner, the eastern corner. One can see a tracery of white parallel lines. Those will have to be ditches as the moisture promotes the daisy growth and they flower in more profusion. The only other explanation would be that the seed drill blocked and only a few lines received seed. I think it is the former as there is a wider more granular line from the secondary pond out towards the footpath stile. That line represents the hidden older sluice of the Stour (where stones were removed a few years ago) A fainter straight line runs from the same stile NW towards the houses = a sewer pipe. That whole section of the field we had surveyed by magnetometry in 2006 and that geophys did not show much at all â&#x20AC;Ś.hurrah for marguerites! They seem to be a far superior archaeological detection agency! It is my guess that these are ditches of an old watercress bed and the water was sluiced in from the pond via a raised stone walk way.

If I print the aerial picture here the features will probably not show well, one needs to put it on your PC. A quick method of finding Lenham is to locate the western end of the Swale and drop down due south from there. Be sure to use the overhead bar and click on the clock. There are 2 -3 other previous years to see. On one of them one can see some of these ditches as dark green lines. If you look at the Isle of Wight the 1946 aerials have been put up (black & white) they were taken by the RAF just after the war. Maybe they will do the same for our area before long. Happy flying! And Happy Christmas and New Year! Lesley Feakes 606@feakes.com Lenham Gardening Society February already, soon be spring which is a busy time in the garden planting out sowing seeds etc. and I hope planning for the August Garden Show. We are aiming to publish the programme and exhibit class list within the next two months so keep your eyes peeled around the village. Don’t forget our winter party on 20th February tickets are available from Pat on 859084 cost £9 for members. Remember to bring your own wine and drinks.

2014 will be a busy year for us, in addition to the Garden Show on August 30th we are also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of our society so if anybody out there has any memobellia concerning the LGS please let me know. In June we will be taking part in the Lenham Family Festive Day, detail plans are still being formulated but it’s expected to follow similar lines as the Jubilee held in 2012. We asked members at the AGM their views as to outings for this year, a further chance was available at the February meetings so look out for the results in March (Focus/meeting) but a clear favourite is Hampton Court Flower Show in May, the estimated cost of this outing is £32 per person however, we will discount this and charge members £25.

Our March meeting will be on the 20th at which the speaker will be Peter Cox who will talk about Rose growing. The competition will be five daffodils or narcissus of the same variety and/or a spring photo max. 12” X 10”. Keith Varney Chair LGS Lenham W.I. Our December meeting was very enjoyable with musical entertainment provided by ‘The Coffee House Quartet’ namely Dick, Helen, Claire and Garron. Their efforts were much appreciated by our members. The evening

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Continued...

was finished off with mince pies, sausage rolls, mulled wine and a superb Christmas cake provided by Maureen Heathfield, thank you Maureen. We also collected a substantial amount of food, which went to the church to be given to Maidstone Christian Care and The Salvation Army.

We are happy to welcome any ladies who would like to come along to one of our meetings to find out more about us. We meet at 7-30 on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Community Centre. Gill Simes

In January we had a Games Evening, and in February our speaker is Dr.Cara Robinson, who will be talking to us about the problems of Drug Abuse among children, a topic of interest to all of us with children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of a vulnerable age.

We meet this month on 27th February in the Community Centre at 2.30pm. This will be a ‘Fun Day Purse Event’ so come and join us for a happy afternoon with games and chat. There will of course be the usual sales table, raffle and tea and biscuits.Enid LaPlain

Continued...

RBL Women’s Section

Lenham and the Great War 1914-1918 Anniversary Project Yes, we still urgently need information to fill the many gaps in our knowledge about those 260 men who left Lenham to serve in the First World War. We know their names, we know the regiments they served in, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know them yet. So if you can help with information and photographs of people you know of who served in the First War, please do contact us. There are several groups of people about whom we know little or nothing; a group might share the same surname but not be related, other groups might all comes from the same family. Disentangling them and bringing them to life can only be done with your help. We have been lucky enough to have had a great deal of support so far, but we need more, so please do get in touch.

Filmer (6) Hadlow (4) Or any others who were in Lenham in 1914 and served in World War I. There are no Kellys on the list weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working from but plenty of others. Please contact Amy Myers on 01622 859915 or email her at amy.myers@btinternet.com 47

In the spirit of the old music hall song Has anyone seen Kelly?, I plead for news on the following. For Kelly substitute: Coppins (5 in the list) Russell (5) Smith (15, one of whom won a bravery medal) Taylor (7) Terry (4) Barton (4)

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Lions on track to help keep Air Ambulance flying at night

Night-flying Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is appealing for runners, swimmers and cyclists to sign up for this year’s Tonbridge Lions Triathlon and help save lives 24 hours a day. Lions Clubs across the South East have pledged to raise £250,000 for the Marden-based charity over the next 10 years. The funds will be a significant contribution towards the additional £1million-a-year needed to provide a 24-hour service which was launched last month (December 18th). The triathlon is to be held on May 5th at Tonbridge School’s sports complex which was used by the Australian Olympic team as a training base for the London 2012

Lions on track to help keep Air Ambulance flying at night

games. Competitors can choose a sprint consisting of a 400-metre swim, 25km ride and 5km run or the standard route which is double the distance. Triathlon chairman Tom Simmons said: “This is the second year the Tonbridge Lions Club has arranged for the Tonbridge Triathlon to be linked up with Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. “We once again welcome the opportunity to be able to offer the means for the general public to take part in the triathlon and also raise funds for this much-loved and vital charity. “The Air Ambulance needs approximately £6m each year to maintain their service in the counties and provide 24- hour

cover. The pilots, doctors and paramedics are extremely dedicated to their task and deserve all our support.” Tonbridge was the first Lions club launched in the UK in 1949 and has raised more than £275,000 for charity in the last 10 years. The triathlon alone has raised more than £125,000 over 24 years and organisers are aiming to raise a total of £13,000 from this year’s event.

There are 500 places available with an entry fee of £46 for the standard distance, £42 for teams of three and £39 for the sprint. To book a place go to www.tonbridgelions. co.uk or call 07549 949615.

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Happy Anniversary In February the Lenham Community Centre celebrates 10 happy years of bringing parishioners together.

2004bcc (before the Community Centre) the trusty Village Hall in The Square served the community admirably. Several generations have wonderful memories of time spent at the hall, which accommodated all age groups, societies, clubs and associations. I spent many a happy afternoon rummaging at the Jumble Sales for a bargain to spend my pocket money on and no doubt many couples first met at the regular evening social events. Mother and baby clubs, ballet lessons, Brownies and Girl Guides, Cubs and Scouts, amongst others, all met regularly at the hall. Gardening Club shows, WI meetings, Darby and Joan, Lenham Players, Christmas and birthday parties, wedding receptions, dances and several other entertainments, too many to mention, were held at our wonderful Village Hall. As the parish population increased so did the need for a larger venue, hence the quest to provide the new Community Centre. Now it has to be said this was

Happy Anniversary

a gargantuan task, admirably undertaken by many local people of all age groups. Much thought went into the process and the culmination of all that effort is an absolute gem. All those involved in the building of the Community Centre should be rightly proud of their endeavours, it is a true testament to community spirit. Whilst we are quite rightly proud of our Community Centre the efforts of those who run the Charing and Lenham Heath Memorial Hall and St Edmundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre at Platts Heath, equally deserve a mention. Both halls serve an important role in community cohesion and are well used by the parishioners in the hamlets. The trustees who look after these assets do a sterling job, without their tireless efforts and commitment it would be difficult to keep both venues open. It should not be forgotten that alongside the three Community Halls the marvellous St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church and until recently the United Reform Church have opened their doors and embraced

the community, offering not only a place to worship but also to congregate and meet fellow parishioners on a regular basis. The three local schools are also vibrant meeting places where many lifelong friendships are formed and all of the above serve us well. We do not need government

quangos to tell us about ‘Big Society’ we are the embodiment of society and our continued success relies on the numerous volunteers past, present and future who will ensure that we celebrate many anniversaries to come. Margo McFarlane

Focus On Nature On those rare early mornings without dreadful weather conditions at the turn of the year a glance through our patio window revealed a resident robin, which by now has come to expect an offering of biscuit crumbs. Much less obvious, usually half hidden, skulking among some border plants could be spotted a lively local wren. For centuries, those two birds were considered to be closely related, country folk regarding them as male and female of the same species, as illustrated by a very early rhyming couplet: ’The robin redbreast and the wren are God Almighty’s cock and hen.’ During that early period we begin to read of ‘Robin Goodfellow’ while the wren became a less benevolent ‘puck’.

A legend arose that a robin covered the body of the crucified Christ with leaves and in consequence its breast feathers became dyed red with blood. Regardless of such sombre legends, each year we seem to have more robins appearing on our Christmas cards. Shakespeare enjoyed observing both birds, which are mentioned in his plays Cymbeline, Merchant of Venice and Two Gentleman of Verona. The small wren makes up for its modest size by having a remarkable piercing ‘song’, but it is vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. Hopefully we can help to maintain both birds in the weeks to come by a daily offering of biscuit crumbs. We would so miss their company if they migrate to warmer climates. Derek Budge

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Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 16th May 2014 Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 16th May 2014 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s vital services. You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.

SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 8 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £40.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. In 2014 SIA is celebrating its 40th anniversary and so we want to make the batter matter and raise £25,000 from everyone holding suppers. Last year we raised £12,500 from the suppers. The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from

Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 16th May 2014

the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to rebuild lives after spinal cord injury. Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone. Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group. For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350 or email fundraising@siafishandchips. co.uk or visit www.siafishandchips. co.uk

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Prize Crossword Please leave your completed crossword entry at LENHAM LIBRARY on or before the 20th of the month

Across clues 1. Janitor for a kind of government (9) 6. Rotten pears are left over (5) 9. Cold sounding verse (5) 10. Once it was this- now it is ME! (6,3) 11. A curly red Italian and leafy with it! (5,5) 12. Cheer with a thunderous sound (4) 14. Special dwelling place is a blot (7) 15. Let deep rumblings be empty (7) 17. A pig of a conflict, by the sound of it! (4,3) 19. Prisoner on and off â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with time, gives performance (7) 20. Name change? So be it (4) 22. Small and easy chance for this helper (10) 25. Tin trains in trouble en route (2,7) 26. Bug gives me colic inside (1,4) 27. Nobleman, unknown, is more than punctual (5) 28. Sounds like bird assaults you here in the Pacific! (9)

Down clues 1. A melodious girl! (5) 2. Colour of a Prince who is sad? (5,4) 3. Inside information on collapsed hill (3,3,4) 4. Surgery for the locksmith (7) 5. Laid down and sat again (7) 6. Told of Egyptian port (4) 7. Legal, executed and grim (5) 8. Joke I put inside hospital department apparatus (9) 13. Attack when your heating is going? (4,4,2) 14. Invisible usually, but it may see you (9) 16. A cross is needed for these events (9) 18. Studies out of bed? (5,2) 19. Glass fit for a Palace? (7) 21. Come in and take part! (5) 23. Indian dish to have with cream in tea, oddly (5) 24. Boy with half my title (4) Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

So much more than just networking.

Success comes from working together.

If you have not read the Lenham Valley Business page before then you can be forgiven for thinking it is just another networking group. This month we take the words of members, so you can see for yourself what they have got out of the LVBA experience:“I joined LVBA to advertise my local self-storage business and horse liveries, but as I am a farmer and own other properties it soon became clear that other LVBA members would be very useful to my business as well. Look at this list of tradesmen/businesses I have used, all from LVBA, since I joined:- plumbers (2 ), electricians (2), solicitor, hostelries (4 ), estate agent, boiler man, shops (3), archaeologist, chartered surveyor, ecology expert, taxi, ironmongers, restaurants (2), accountant, tree surgeon, chiropodist. Oh, and not forgetting ‘A Short Locksmith‘! Over the years I have met all these local people at our meetings and make a point of using them. It is very useful to know these people and have them ‘under your belt’. It is also very interesting to hear what everybody is doing, and you pick some useful tips from the speakers we have. Lastly, I love ‘going local’and helping local business.” Andrew Barr, A&A Barr Farms, Leham “As an independent retailer in Lenham. It gives us the opportunity to meet and network with other business that we might not have had the opportunity to meet.” Jemma Cockell, Little Country Graden, Lenham “Although I am a member of other networking groups in Kent, I was delighted to experience the fresh ideas and uniqueness of Lenham Valley Business Association. I have gained new clients and valuable business contacts through LVBA, and I would have no hesitation in recommending any business person to come along to one of our meetings.” Martin G. Pullen FMAAT, ATT Accounting and Taxation Technician, Charing “I have only limited and specific local business interests but joined LVBA about two years ago because I wanted to encourage local networking initiatives and found that I was making some very useful professional contacts at the Lenham meetings - let’s call it the ‘small world’ or ‘you never know’ factor. Alan Reading does an exceptionally good job of animating the meetings and deserves to be encouraged.” James Myers, Lenham-based publisher, author and project consultant.

Try it - you just might like it.

LVBA meetings are the first Tuesday of every month except June. Opportunity to rent retail and office space in a village high street position as part of a new indoor market/co-operative, short/long term and reasonable all inclusive rent. Please contact Jane 07867 556351

Happy Chinese New Year (Horse)! 31 January 2014 - 18 February 2015 Keep up to date (& to join) www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841 Advertisers

Do you advertise in the Focus? Here are our new advertising guidelines for advertisers. Full page: 122.7x184.6mm 1/2 page: 122.7x91.6mm

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

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Last months crossword solution Last months winner was Ellie Stevens of Harrietsham

We specialise in the following roofing services: •Period & New Tiling • Slating •Leadwork • Facias & Soffits • Chimney Re Pointing or Removal • Flat Roofing • Guttering • Velux Installation •Repairs to Re-Roofs

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Out of Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Readers Distribution Natwest Bank Lenham, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office. Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

Are you a current advertiser, or someone looking to advertise in the Lenham Focus? The Lenham Focus graphic designers are offering Focus advertisers a discounted rate for designing or redesigning an advert. Advantages of Focus advertising; + Circulation of 2,000 + Backing of local businesses + Distributed direct to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doors + Targeted local business ÂŁ30 discounted professional advert design. Normally ÂŁ50. Contact Annie: advertslf@gmail.com