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NOVEMBER 2014 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 11 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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Welcome... to the November edition of the Lenham Focus I know I might be running the risk of upsetting a few people by mentioning the ‘C’ word but the Christmas Lights Switch On is on the 7th December. This is always a good day and I hope to see lots of you there. We also have the next instalment of Focus on Nature and I would like to thank Derek Budge for these. I hope you have all enjoyed these as much as my children and I have. 04
Welcome
The latest on the development of the village is also included with some more information
James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608
editorialslf@gmail.com on the potential future. Again I would encourage everyone to get involved, either for or against. Finally, a reminder of some volunteer positions to help support the Focus and the village. We are still looking for help with the main distribution to ensure we can get the magazine out. And the Parish Council have a vacancy for a councillor and given all that is going on in the village this would be a very exciting time to get involved.
Lenham Focus Volume 16 Issue 11 | November 2014 Circulation 2000
NOV 14 Editorial: James Collett, Annie Drylie 07956629772 | editorialslf@gmail.com Advertising: Mark Dunbar, Chris Wood 07808863227 | advertslf@gmail.com Finance: Sue Marchant, Jenny Wood 01622 858511 | 07788163828 | 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
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Lenham Cricket Club
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So to the last round up of the 2014 season. The Saturday side travelled to Boughton & Eastwell on 6th September for the last league game of the season. Lenham lost the toss and were put into bat. Adrian Longley got Lenham off to a good start and top scored with 64. To say luck was on his side is possibly understated! The score book of course reads 64 runs, and makes no mention of the 6 dropped catches off his batting! With the Lenham innings containing 4 ducks it was always going to be hard to post a meaningful score. Some elegant shots from young James Nurden, 19 runs and some lusty blows from Jack Ambrose (24 not out) down the order gave the score some respectability. LCC batted out their 45 overs reaching 158 in the process. Defending a small total Tom Curtis and Dave Gardner did an excellent job in making the run chase no easy task for the home side. Tom Curtis finished with 2 wickets for 30 runs off 10 overs and Dave Gardner was unlucky not to pick up any wickets, but conceded just 12 runs off his 10 overs. Boughton & Eastwell reached the target off 35 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Whilst the final plans have not yet been announced it looks likely
Lenham Cricket Club
that the Invicta League that LCC have been competing in in recent years will disband over the winter and LCC will be playing in a new league in 2015. Once I have further information I will update you accordingly. The following day the Sunday side travelled to Hartley Country Club in what is always a tough but enjoyable fixture. Hartley batted first having won the toss. They reached 223 off their 40 overs. The opening batsman retiring undefeated on 103. However, but for some poor fielding and catching the score could have been significantly less than that posted. Dan Russell picked up one wicket and Jack Ambrose taking the other wicket to fall. In the run chase a few Lenham batsman made it into double figures. The notable knocks being from Matt Revitt (32), Jack Gracie (32) and Dan Russell (18), but unfortunately no one was able to push on. Lenham were dismissed for 116 inside 33 overs. The following weekend the Sunday side commenced the first of three home games to end the season. Harrietsham were first up in a local derby. Harrietsham batted first and got off to a good
start. However once the first Harrietsham wicket fell they then fell at regular intervals. They posted 154 runs off 40 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Dan Russell the pick of bowlers, taking 4 wickets. Simon Humphrey picked up 2 wickets and Tom Curtis 2. An undefeated 58 from Pete Humphries and 52 not out from John Barrett saw Lenham home. Lenham lost 4 wickets in the process of chasing down their target; they had 12 overs to spare. The following Sunday Smarden travelled to Lenham. Having won the toss Smarden opted to bat first. They scored 221 runs off 45 overs. Tom Curtis and Jack Gracie each picked up 2 of the 7 Smarden wickets to fall. In reply Pete Humphries continued his good form from the previous week scoring 44 runs; he was well supported by Tom Curtis (43), Adrian Longley (23), Howard Nurden (32), Jack Gracie (30) and Dave Gardener (20). Good contributions from everyone saw Lenham home in the last over of the game, an excellent run chase and a good victory against a veritable Smarden team. The last game of the season saw Lenham entertain Sissinghurst.
Sissinghurst batted first and were bowled out for 169 off 37 overs. Dave Seaman took 4 wickets, Tom Curtis picked up 3 wickets and Dave Seales 2. For the third week on the trot the Lenham batsman chased down the runs, taking the game into the last over. Good contributions were made from various men, John Humphrey (37), Adrian Longley (35) and Dan Russell 34. Hopefully LCC can start the 2015 in the same form as they ended 2014! Thank you to the village for all their support this year, whether it was coming along to watch a game or by supporting one of the fundraising events. 2014 has been a great year on and off the pitch and we’re all looking forward to seeing what 2015 will bring. Look forward to seeing you all next season!
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Nick Rutledge
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One Moment In Rhyme
The following poem was written the day before the Thames Pathway walk. The team raised over £4,000 for their chosen charities which is a remarkable feat. Although the poem was written before the event, I’d like to use it as this month’s contribution to Focus so that those who did not know about the walk can see what a fantastic effort the ladies made…
Elaine’s Angels A few months ago we had some terrible news One of Lenham's finest we sadly did lose Elaine Collett passed away, it doesn't seem fair To lose someone so good who really did care Last year Elaine completed the Thames Pathway walk And of this year's event she'd happily talk So a group got together to do the walk in her name 'Elaine's Angels' were formed and started to train The training started slowly and continued that way Rests and inhalers along the famed Pilgrims Way But now they are primed and all ready it seems So let's take a look at who makes up the team In no particular order they're equally fine I've fitted them in where their name fits the rhyme For example Jenny Brenchley is easy to go With Jo Greenwell, Sarah Godfrey and of course Mee Roscoe Katy Andrew and Helen Middleton now all I need Is to fit in Tracy McIntyre which brings in Zara Read Louisa Jones, Karen Newman and then Debbie Brett That's it, Elaine's Angels, the whole team you've met Four good causes benefit from the fundraising They've raised loads of money, it's really amazing You can still help, show the girls that you care Visit their JustGiving page it's easy from there The Angels are walking in total 16 miles They'll have fun, it'll hurt, but there'll be plenty of smiles I'll end this sentimentally if that is allowed You've done Lenham, yourselves and of course Elaine proud
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Bespoke poetry from One Moment In Rhyme – www.onemomentinrhyme.homestead.com Tel: 07720 401749. Email: info@onemomentinrhyme.com
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Dates for Your Diary Messy Church Harrietsham School, 4pm - 6pm.
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Remix and Fish Scheme present Film Friday at Harrietsham Village Hall 2.15pm; 12 Years a Slave cert15 refreshments included contact Marjorie for information or lifts 850657 5.30pm Delgo cert PG 8pm; Saving Mr Banks, cert PG refreshments included Contact Janetta on 859412 for further details
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Dates for Your Diary
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The Lenham Players present their latest production “Quartet” by Ronald Harwood in Lenham Community Centre. “In a home for retired musicians live opera singers Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred. Each year there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday. When Jean, the onetime bride of Reggie, moves in she disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing. But the show must go on”. Ronald Harwood is a very accomplished playwright and author with a long career of writing for theatre, television and films. In fact this play was adapted for film and directed by Dustin Hoffman with Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins in the cast. We promise an entertaining evening of theatre where you have no travel or parking problems, take your own drinks and nibbles, and enjoy a comfortable time in the company of local friends. Tickets £9.00 each, available from Len Valley News in the High Street, or from the Community Centre.
Please also see Clubs & Societies section for various events in November.
Lenham Players’ “Quartet” The Lenham Players present their latest production “Quartet” by Ronald Harwood in Lenham Community Centre on Friday and Saturday, 7th and 8th November. “In a home for retired musicians live opera singers Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred. Each year there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday. When Jean, the onetime bride of Reggie, moves in she disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing. But the show must go on”. Ronald Harwood is a very accomplished playwright and author with a long career of writing
for theatre, television and films. In fact this play was adapted for film and directed by Dustin Hoffman with Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins in the cast. We promise an entertaining evening of theatre where you have no travel or parking problems, take your own drinks and nibbles, and enjoy a comfortable time in the company of local friends. Tickets £9.00 each, available from Len Valley News in the High Street, or from the Community Centre (weekday mornings) Tele. 01622 853800.
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One Hundred Years Ago… Lenham’s George Howe made an important decision. On 17th November he volunteered and joined the Army Service Corps. In Lenham he worked as a groom and since horses were so vital a part of the war it’s probable he continued that work in France until his safe return. November saw the First Battle of Ypres and the Race to the Sea, which with the onset of winter conditions led to a line of trenches stretching from the sea to the Swiss border as each side tried to outflank the other. At home, despite the sadness, the shock and the fear of what might
happen, everyday life had to go on. The Popular Picture Pavilion in Maidstone was showing a ‘dashing war picture dealing with the bravery of British troops’ and ‘a story of human kindness and its reward’ entitled One Minute Too Late. On a more mundane level the Lenham Drainage Committee was ordered to meet by the Hollingbourne Rural Council to account for the shocking fact that occupiers were delaying their connections to the new main sewer. Amy Myers
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Clubs & Societies Lenham Heritage We had our first autumn meeting on 24th Sept which was an interesting talk by Paula Jardine –Rose on recent historical finds in the Doddington Valley. They have successfully located a missing manor in that valley = Shurland. Now no visual evidence is left of it except a few bumps in a grassy field. As people will have noticed the house on the corner of Groom Way, Northlands, has been demolished and wood and wire fencing has been placed around the construction area for 11 new houses. For some reason no Watching Brief (as looking for archaeology is called) was required for that area. Yet MBC should have made sure one was in place! It was known from the construction of Groom Way in 2002 that a Roman ditch crossed the road approximately to the south of the red leafed tree by the conical mound of soil in my photo. It runs directly across the site towards the tall poplar tree on the western boundary. KCC were a little worried and were pleased that the site manager of Rogate/Coombs Construction very willingly let me and Lenham Heritage members survey this feature. By chance an
excellent vertical section showed in the eastern edge of a soak-away pit:-
The section was a gift; we could not have hoped to have made such a convincing and clean profile ourselves! When this soakaway was filled in with its lego - like water retentive boxes and capped by soil, we were allowed to dig down and investigate further. The ditch as you can see from the ranging pole is 2m wide and 1m deep. It was known that the ditch contained Roman pottery and Roman house tiles but the quantity of finds in our trench was quite surprising; about 45 different rims and bases of mostly 2nd and 3rd Century AD sandy ware pots. There was also a nice piece of Samian ware that is earlier, about 100AD, and right at the bottom a black sandy ware rim also of 1st C. date. A bone sewing needle, two Roman coins (rather indistinct ones) and a piece of window glass was
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Continued...
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found. Yes Romans did make it for classy kind of houses ….but where is the house? That is still elusive although plenty of shattered roofing tiles had been thrown in the ditch, many showed signs of burning. The pottery (apart from the Samian beaker) was normal kitchen ware and cooking pots, plain with very little decoration (mostly 2nd -3rd C date) except from one red earthenware pot with finger mark design along its shoulder: There were a few animal bones including a sheep’s front leg and the lower jaw of a pig. No humans thankfully! Three steelyard weights were found in a small area south of the ditch. We are watching carefully as further house foundations are dug.But nothing else has shown up as yet. Many villagers have commented to me on the excavation taking place on the previous Ironmongers’ site on Faversham Road. That is being tackled by Canterbury Archaeological Trust as a full excavation was needed by a professional group for so much archaeology was predicted as it is within the village conservation area. One can get a good view from the side through the wire cages.
Continued...
Three small shop footings have appeared that no one knew were there. One has a cobbled yard at the front. There is also a well and further back a possible oven. With many more new houses expected no doubt more archaeology and history of our village will emerge. Now we can say Lenham is not just Saxon! We have found enough Roman rubbish to say that they were here too and quite a lot of them judging by the number of pots in just one metre of ditch! It is quite possible that a Roman building was missed when the Drs. Office was built, from old aerials it should be under the Drs. car park! Remember our evening talks are on the last WED of the month 7.30pm in the Osborn room in the Community centre. I will have our Roman items on display at the meetings. Lesley Feakes 850275 Lenvalley Community Hub Club Hi everyone, we have been very lucky with the weather. A real Indian summer. Next month we are playing some games one of which will be OY! The rest is up to Martin. The date is 6th November 2014 2.00-4.00pm at the
Social Club, High Street Lenham. If you are new to the area or just don’t get out and about much, please come along and join us. We meet on the first Thursday of the month and tea or coffee and cakes are provided. A raffle is held each month which helps us provide some of the entertainment. This can be anything from playing bingo to a talk on the Air Ambulance to carols at Christmas from children from Lenham Primary School, and there’s always time to chat. We look forward to seeing you there. Martin, John, Jenny, Nina and all the staff behind the bar. Young At Heart 60+ Hello everyone, what a beautiful autumn we have had. Next month we are having a game of Bingo! The date is Thursday 20th November 2014 2.00-4.00pm at the Community Centre, Groom Way, Lenham (near the doctors surgery). We meet on the third Thursday of the month. If you haven’t come to one of our meetings before please join us for an afternoon of entertainment which can be a talk , a sing along and many different games. There is always time for a chat with old or new friends. Tea is provided (as much as you can drink), sandwiches, cakes and biscuits. A raffle is held each month with many delightful prizes. Anyone over 60 is welcome, the more the
merrier. Please come and join us. If you need a lift please call Jenny Lloyd on 01622859208 Olive, Sue, Jackie, Martin, Jenny, Nina and all the backroom boys and girls. Lenham W.I. Our autumn meetings started in September with a very enjoyable evening learning all about Middle Eastern dance, with demonstrations of different styles and costumes given by Ann Hall. Some of us even had the opportunity to dress up and waft around a bit!! Other members expressed a desire to learn how to ‘belly dance’ so, perhaps at a future date some Lenham husbands may get a surprise. Our November speaker is Dennis Chambers , who will be talking about ghosts, and our Christmas meeting will feature entertainment from Doreen Hulme, who will be singing for us. (Also mulled wine and mince pies). The programme for 2015 has almost been finalised and a varied and interesting selection of speakers has been booked. I hope that if you have ever considered joining us you will come along if you see something that interests you.
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Gill Simes RBL Women’s Section We shall be holding our Annual Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued... Seasonal Tea on 27th November in the Community Centre. Time 3pm for 3.30pm. Tickets £6.00 available from Eve. Phone 858478.
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The Royal British Legion The street Poppy Appeal collections will be held in the village square on 25th October and 1st November. The Remembrance Day service will be held in Lenham Parish Church. PLEASE NOTE THE SERVICE WILL START PROMPTLY AT 10.15am. It will be followed by a service of remembrance for REME personnel buried in the cemetery, starting at approximately 11.30am. Our September speaker was Danny Denness who gave a very informative talk on Growing Hardy Orchids. These are Orchids that can be grown in our gardens as well as indoors in pots and proved that Orchids are not that difficult to grow. Please remember that the AGM is being held on Friday 21st November not 20th as stated in our programme. The AGM will be followed by a Cheese and Wine Party, £6 a head members only, tickets are available from Pat on
Continued...
859084. The AGM is your chance to raise questions about your Society and put forward any ideas you may have regarding speakers, outings, social events etc. so please take the opportunity. We are looking for new/additional committee members plus a new Chairman, so if anybody is interested please let us know. Reminder that there is no meeting in December, the next meeting will be on Thursday 15th January 2015. The Winter Social will be held on 19th February 2015, details to follow. The Society can boast nearly 90 members now so I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM and the Cheese & Wine. Keith Chair LGS
Competition Winner David Costain recently won the Philip Jarvis Estate Agents’ summer holiday competition. In doing so he received £100 for Lenham Primary School.
He is pictured with Mr Philip Jarvis and Mrs Jenny Young (headteacher of Lenham Primary School). Katherine Costain 25
Parish Council Vacancy COUNCILLOR VACANCY if you are interested in this voluntary position please contact
the clerk MARGO McFARLANE 01622 859682
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Lenham Wanderers Lenham Wanderers Under 15s played an entertaining friendly against their local rivals Soccer Elite at Swadelands 3G pitch on Friday 3rd October. Both teams train on the 3G so it was great to see both teams lock horns in this annual derby match on a warm autumn night. With Ollie Beer hitting the cross bar and Jake Clarke missing two chances in front of goal it was disappointing for Lenham Wanderers to then go behind from an excellent passing move from the Soccer Elite squad. Lenham Wanderers’ heads didn’t drop as Kieran Jenkins and Adam Phillips battled in midfield to prevent Soccer Elite from playing the ball out of their own half. A mistake at the back from Soccer Elite let Ollie Beer run on to a ball which he comfortably put in the back of the net to make the scores level at 1-1. As confidence flowed through the Lenham team Ben Hughes started to stretch the Soccer Elite defence with some super runs down the right. Although they were stretched down the right it was two deliveries from Jake Clarke down the left that created two more goals for Lenham and put them
3-1 up after 40 minutes. At the break Soccer Elite made a few changes and started to give the two Lenham centrebacks (Robert Langford and Rhys Topp) a challenging 10 minutes. Lenham then conceded several corners as Soccer Elite camped in the Lenham 18 yard box to make it an interesting last ten minutes. Anthony Kerry-Wright in goal for Lenham came up with two good saves in his six yard box to keep the score still at 3-1. With five minutes to go and legs becoming very tired, Daniel Fairman came up with a stunning 25 yard shot and put smiles on all the Lenham Wanderers’ boys’ faces to make the final score 4-1. It was sweet revenge for last season’s game and shows how much Lenham Wanderers have improved over the last 12 months. Lenham Wanderers play in the First Division of the Maidstone Express Cabs League and need to increase their squad size before they join the Minor League next season. If you are interested in joining please contact Mike Kingsman U15s Manager on 07831 847177.
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Mike Kingsman
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Focus on Nature
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‘Smoke gets in your eyes’ During much of this year’s autumn, we have enjoyed temperatures warmer even than in June, and many wild plants have continued to bloom later than I can remember. Amongst these, along the footpaths to the Pilgrims Way, was the delicately beautiful Common Fumitory ... Fumaria officinalis, which is recorded in the early English herbals with some very intriguing local names, eg. ‘Jam Tarts’, Lady’s Lockets’ and ‘Wax Dolls’, the latter referring to the waxy texture of its petals, similar to the feel of many Victorian wax dolls. The earliest record I have come across appears in the writings of the Greek author Dioscorides, who named this flower ‘Kapnos’, meaning ‘smoke’, on account of the fact that if allowed to come near or touch the eyes, it would generate copious tears. An English herbal dated 1526 uses the name ‘Fumus terrae’, ie, ‘smoke of the earth’, this time referring to the smoky grey colour of the lower leaves at ground level, very apparent on my walks. Another wild flower hugging the ground even along the middle of the footpath is Pineapple Weed, ... Chamomilla suaveolus, the name also deriving from the Greek,
Focus on Nature
translated as ‘apples on the ground’, because when the flower heads are crushed underfoot, a pleasant fruity fragrance emerges. It was actually introduced to Britain from Oregon in North America just 170 years ago, and it found conditions so ideal that it spread widely with remarkable rapidity. A very prolific plant with lovely yellow flowers, now developed into white seedheads, features both the Prickly Sowthistle ... Sanchus asper, and the smooth species, Sanchus oleraceus, typically found growing together on cultivated land. Its stems contain a milky latex, once thought to increase the milk yield of sows, in fact some early herbalists even recommended it for human mothers. Hence some early Kentish local names such as ‘Swine Thistle’ and ‘Sow Bread’. One of my favourite finds was Sunspurge ... Euphorbia helioscopia, another late blooming plant this year in which the stems contain an oily liquid, this time unpleasantly acrid and poisonous, some records describing it as being used by poachers to kill fish. However some species of ant find that parts of the ripening seed capsules are very good to eat, so having consumed some on the spot, they carry more back to their nest, thus effectively widening its
distribution. There was one very early arrival I literally bumped into a week before the solstice, and that was the delightfully named Daddylong-legs, or Crane Fly. So good to see it blundering around during
its very brief lifespan on the wing, maybe just a couple of weeks at most. I wonder what winter will have in store for us? DEREK BUDGE
Lenham Family Festival 2015 The 2015 Bigger and Better Lenham Family Festival will take place from Thursday 11 June through to Sunday June 14. Anyone wishing to get involved in any way or give any ideas please
contact Jenny on 859208 or Janetta on 859412. The next meeting of the group will be on Thursday November 27 at 7.15pm in the Community Centre. All welcome.
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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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Service Times
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Sunday 2nd November 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: NEW Growing in Faith Together (GIFT family worship)
NEW Breakfast service 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Morning Worship 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion
Sunday 9th November Remembrance Sunday 8.00 am at St. Mary’s Lenham: Holy Communion 10.15 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Remembrance Service 10.15 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Remembrance Service 10.15 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Remembrance Service 10.15 am at St. Nicholas Boughton Malherbe: Remembrance Service
Sunday 23rd November 8.00 am at St. Mary’s Lenham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Family Worship
Saturday 15th November 4.00-6.00 pm at Harrietsham School: Messy Church Sunday 16th November 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham:
Service Times
Saturday 22nd November 5.00 pm at St John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise
Sunday 30th November 10.00 am at Lenham Community Centre: Joint Len Valley Churches Service
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Lottery • Tobacco • Off-Licence • Groceries
For a warm welcome come and see us at the square! Mon - Thurs 8am - 6 pm Fri & Sat 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm lenhamvillagestore.co.uk
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
www.computingforbeginners.co.uk
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Do you miss the bells at Lenham? Would you like to learn to ring bells? You may have noticed that the Lenham Church bells no longer ring on Monday evenings or before a Sunday service. That’s because many of the ringers have moved away or had to stop ringing for health or age reasons. BUT – if you’d like to have a go and learn how to ring church bells we can provide free teaching. It’s not too physically demanding or hard work, but it’s good gentle
exercise and will need practice and determination. (And you’ll need to climb the spiral staircase in the tower!) We’d love to hear the bells ringing regularly again – wouldn’t you? Come and try it out! Please get in touch and we’ll arrange some times. Any age welcome from about 10 years up. Contact Mrs Sarah Hills at the church office on 01622 850604 or email churchoffice@lvb.org.uk.
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Len Valley Churches Ladies breakfast Join us for the second of our Ladies Breakfasts at The Dog and Bear, Lenham on Saturday Nov 22nd at 8.30am.
This month our speaker is Henrietta Mayhew, a full time mother of young children, talking about life’s ups and downs.
A chance to enjoy a cooked breakfast, meet new friends and listen to an inspiring speaker.
To book your place please ring or email the church office on 850604 or churchoffice@lvb.org.uk
Do you miss the bells at Lenham?
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 Counselling Service 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 Prism 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
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 07554336626 850329 850800 884774 01233712663 858794 850055 858241 853750 850840 859940 07989333145
Garages Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Handbags and Jewellery Holiday Let Landscaping Lawnmower Repairs Locksmiths Logs Newsagents Osteopathy Pest Control Pharmacy Plumbers Pool Services Printers Pubs Restaurant Roofing Schools Solicitors Taxi Tree Surgeons TV Ariels Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning
Belmont Gardens 01795 590243 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 Print & Roll 859483 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
Paul Grant Roofing Contractors All aspects of roofing work undertaken. Listed Building Specialist Strip / Re-tile / Kent Peg / Slating / Leadwork 35 years experience All work fully guaranteed For a free quotation and friendly advice on any roofing matter. OďŹƒce: 01622 850855 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted 37
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Christian Message
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This year Remembrance Sunday will be especially poignant as we are marking the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. The horrors of that war remain fresh in our memory through all the documentaries, novels and films that we have been seeing during the year. Many have made pilgrimages to France and Belgium to visit the cemeteries where the dead were buried – vast areas of graves stretching into the misty distance – so many, it is difficult to encompass the reality of the numbers who died in that conflict – 20 million dead and 40 million casualties. We read of the complicated manoeuvrings that led up to the war – the politicians, each with their own agendas and desire for power, the jockeying that made the outbreak of war inevitable, and the final incident – the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo on the 28th of June 1914. A ‘war to end all wars’! Such was the hope, and the Cenotaph, bearing the words ‘the glorious dead’ designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, was erected in 1920. The word Cenotaph meaning an empty tomb, was to commemorate the dead who are buried elsewhere. And yet, twenty years later, the world was at war again. Since then
Christian Message
we have had wars in Vietnam, the Balkans, Korea, Israel, the Gulf, Afghanistan, Serbia, Iraq, Spain, Indo China – the list goes on. It is estimated that in the 20th century no less than 120 million people died in conflicts As we look at the dire situation in the Middle East, we cannot help but reflect that there are similarities with the situation in 1914 when the different countries were jostling for power. Today, there is a more sinister aspect in that much of the conflict relates to the religious ideologies of the Sunnis and the Shias –many of whom have misinterpreted the tenets of Islam to their own ends. Their ideological differences are so tangled up with the nationalist aspirations of the different groups that it is almost impossible to work out the best way forward without causing further mayhem. The politicians need our prayers that intervention by the west will not lead to further problems. Some ask should we intervene? Is there such a thing as a ‘just war’? When we think of the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis, and the equally appalling horrors being inflicted by ISIS, there are few of us who would deny that war is sometimes justified. So where does our Christian faith
come in? Jesus knew all about the conflict in Israel, and said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ Then he said, you have heard it said, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. On another occasion he said, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it. You should love your neighbour as yourself. On our own we can do little to help solve the major world problems that are confronting us. But we can each work to live peaceably and in harmony with our neighbours, and entrust the future to God.
Looking out of my kitchen window I see each morning a huge and beautiful chestnut tree. It has grown from some conkers that my son, aged nine, threw into the corner of the garden some forty years ago. Without help from any of us, one of the conkers has grown into this majestic tree – a miracle of God’s Creation. So, let us thank God, in the midst of the horrors around us, for all the glories of His creation and for His love. St Paul said, ‘neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Molly Poulter 39
St Mary’s Church Flower arrangers and brass cleaning for November 9th November Remembrance Day Poppies by the British Legion
15/22 November Mrs La Plein and Mrs Perks 29th November Advent begins - no flowers
Christmas Lights Switch On The Christmas Switch On date is Sunday December 7th.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Hoisting the Standard The Royal British Legion
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The Royal British Legion - Lenham and Harrietsham Branch I recently met three members of The Royal British Legion Lenham and Harrietsham Branch (RBL) at the Dog & Bear; its president Bill Peter, its chairman, Barry Wood OBE, and a past chairman, Frank Bradshaw. We enjoyably discussed the Legion’s role in the village past and present. The RBL Lenham Branch was formed in 1936 and the Women’s Section after the Second World War. During the war years it was all but closed as nearly all its members were on active duty but after their return at the war’s end it was restarted in 1946 with the addition of Harrietsham members. The RBL’s chief activities in the community have included maintenance of the Lenham Cross (now the responsibility of the Lenham Parish Council). An interesting historical footnote is
Hoisting the Standard
that the Cross was covered during the war to deny German bombers a handy landmark. After the war the RBL supported the REME Association with remembrance ceremonies and maintenance of the 52 graves in Lenham cemetery after a flying bomb hit a REME unit’s quarters on the border of Lenham Heath and Charing Heath in 1944. Every year the RBL participates in various wreath-laying ceremonies at war cemeteries and sites including the Menin Gate. In fact past chairman Frank Bradshaw will be laying a wreath at the Menin Gate this coming Armistice Day. The photos accompanying this article show Janet Humphrey and Mike Gurr in uniform with standards at the Tyne Cot Cemetery and a line-up of standard bearers at the Thiepval Memorial. One tradition that everyone can identify with is the annual Poppy Collection which raises over
£5,000 in the Lenham area, a very successful annual fundraiser for charitable causes. Many Lenham residents will remember Norbury Colbran, an RBL stalwart who died earlier this year, selling poppies in front of the Post Office. The sadly missed Peter Davies was also a valued participant in remembrance ceremonies. On the sports side, the RBL has had many successes in cricket. Its team won the County Cricket Club title five times in past years and it has also fielded winning snooker, bowls and darts teams. One year it won so many cups that the Cup Winners Float in the Lenham Carnival parade (now no more) was dangerously overloaded!
Over the years the Branch has organised many social events and trips to Belgium and at one point was so successful that it was awarded the Jellicoe Shield for the biggest increase in membership over a five-year period. Today the RBL membership gets together through monthly meetings and the Women’s Section also meets frequently. They support each other’s events and an annual dinner is held in mid-October. Membership is no longer restricted to ex-service personnel so why not join them and help hoist the standard? Text by Jim Myers Photos by David Humphrey
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Lenham Parish Council Lenham Parish Council brief report of the meeting held at the Community Centre on Wednesday 1st October 2014
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During the public participation there was an interesting discussion concerning the Neighbourhood Plan, with several members of the focus teams who are working towards the plan, raising questions and updating the meeting on the progress of the groups. The concern about the possible reduction in the numbers of Community Wardens owing to financial restraints was highlighted by Martin Sherwood, who reported the public consultation contact details. Cllrs. Jackson and Younger have resigned, there are now three vacancies on the LPC, full details available from the Clerk (01622 859682). The Chairman welcomed Paul Culver as a newly appointed Cllr. The BMX ramp repairs are being undertaken during October, this will include phase two of the maintenance schedule. A site meeting has been organised to define the timetable for the installation of solar panels at the Community Centre. It was agreed to engage the consultancy services of Kingsley
Lenham Parish Council
Hughes from Designscape to forward the NHP. The position of vice chairman to the LPC remains vacant. Cllr. Gillett requested Cllrs. to consider if they are interested in the vacancy, further discussions will be held. It was agreed to replace the swings at the Ham Lane play area and to seek further quotes for introducing new play equipment. The grant applications received by the LPC will be considered in due course. LPC will write to Boughton Malherbe PC to decline the request to erect vehicle weight restriction signs on entry/exit roads to the parish. Cllrs. will meet with MBC planning officers to discuss the housing allocation for Lenham on 2nd October at Maidstone House. Colin Gillett Chairman LPC GROOM WAY Parishioners may be aware that the land on the left hand side of Groom Way has been sold for residential development and the monies raised from the sale used to completely repay the outstanding amount due to the Public Works Loan Board. This means there are no outstanding debts on the
construction costs of providing the Community Centre building or purchasing the land. Consequently, the trees which had been planted on the land and dedicated by parishioners are now within the curtilage of the proposed development. Lenham Parish Council intends to plant replacement trees and place the plaques on the new trees. It should be noted some of the original trees were diseased and one tree had to be felled to make way for the access road; however all trees will be replaced regardless of their condition. There is no expense to those who kindly sponsored the original trees and the replanting will take place at the optimum time for planting new trees. If you wish more details please contact the Clerk: Margo McFarlane on 01622 859682 (during office hours) or hello@ lenhamparish.org.uk THANK YOU Many thanks to those who kindly joined the Autumn Clean Up held at the church on Saturday 11th October. As always there was much to do and the willing team worked hard to clear up and tidy the churchyard. The kind team members who organise the regular Saturday coffee morning get together ensured we had ample refreshments, which was much appreciated. Make a note in your diary the
ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN will take place Saturday April 11th 2015, more details to follow. If you have identified areas within the parish you feel could do with a tidy up, please let us know and we will include in the next clean up. Margo McFarlane Parish Clerk 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish. org.uk Notice of conclusion of the audit and right to inspect the Annual Return Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2014. This is to inform parishioners that the external auditor PKF Littlejohn have concluded the audit of the Lenham Parish Council and have stated; “That on the basis of our review, in our opinion the information in the annual return is in accordance with proper practices and no matters have come to our attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met�. Copies of the External auditor certificate and opinion 2013/14 Certificate have been placed on the parish notice boards. If you require more detail please contact the Clerk during office hours. 01622 859682 or hello@ lenhamparish.org.uk
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Kent School Games Commitment Award for Lenham Primary School
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In recognition for outstanding commitment to the Kent School Games, Lenham Primary School was invited to the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 7th September to receive the Primary Schools’ Winner Award, for the Maidstone area. School PE co-ordinator, Mrs Prescott, school governor Liz Porter and pupil, Olivia Wilkinson attended the Kent School Games Cultural Celebrations where they were presented with the award. The Kent School Games is a biennial event and since being launched in 2008 has grown from strength to strength. The aim of the Kent School Games is to: give young people aged 4 to 16 the chance to compete in their own
Lenham Primary School
countywide competition to encourage an enthusiasm for sport, achievement and exercise to create memories for the young athletes from taking part Lenham Primary School offers an extensive and wide list of school sports and competes in a large number of local tournaments and competitions. The school finds that this encourages the pupils and increases their enthusiasm for PE and exercise. Competition gives the more talented children a chance to shine, the less academic children a chance to enjoy success and the more sport-reluctant children a supportive way to be involved. For more information on the sport and PE that takes place in school, please have a look at the Lenham Primary School website www. lenham.kent.sch.uk
Mid-Winter Market The Tithe Barn Lenham Lenham’s medieval tithe barn is to be the host venue for its 3rd preChristmas craft, art and produce market. The market is to be held over the weekend of 22nd & 23rd November 2014, 10am until 4pm each day. It is believed to be one of the largest of its kind seen in the county this year. It will showcase the work of 60 (mainly Kent based) artisans working with a wide range of materials as diverse as Graham Clarke artist, clay, glass, iron, wood, wool and silver. Also including producers selling meat, cheese, honey, conserves, wine, chocolate, fudge, nuts and many more…… Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the craftsmen and purchase some original and unique gifts. Sharon Prior, representing organiser Cloth and Clay, said “We have tried to include something for everyone in respect of the diversity of product on display and the price range. We will be offering a light lunch and refreshments all day, it is our hope that visitors of all ages will find plenty to keep them interested and entertained” There is no charge for entry or parking, with disabled access too. The charity we are supporting
this year is ART FOR LIFE (charity no.1070560). Art for life was founded in 1985 and gained its charitable status five years later. The purpose of Art for Life is to enable artists with learning difficulties and disabilities to develop their practice through the provision of studio space with guidance from professional artists. It is important to stress that the members of Art for Life are considered to be artists in their own right and that the purpose of the group is not therapy or a ‘hobby’- but giving these artists an opportunity to express themselves. THIS EVENT IS NOT TO BE MISSED!
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For further information please contact Jean Crosbie on 07709 611740 or Sharon Prior 07776 401405 (clothandclay.wordpress.com)
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Lenham Village Store Newsletter We hope everyone had fun this Halloween, and is looking forward to bonfire and fireworks. We now have all our Christmas stock in store and are taking orders for hampers and Christmas trees. We are also making preparations for the big lights switch on event where we will be selling hot local mulled cider (Monks Delight from Biddenden) as well as mulled wine and snacks.
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We would like to formally announce the launch of our new fine wine store “The Cellar” based just across the road at our 9 High Street premises. We opened it a few weeks ago, but now we’re stocked up we are holding a big launch weekend which is taking place Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, and Sunday 16th of November. There will be lots of tastings and sampling from lots of big, small, international and local companies (look out for posters of who will be there and when). We will be having launch weekend special deals and will be taking Christmas orders. Opening a wine store across the road has given us the space to stock a much wider range...we now have over 150 different wines, 20 different champagnes, almost
Lenham Village Store Newsletter
30 local beers, local ciders, a wide range of spirits with lots of rare and exciting items, Havana cigars as well as lots of snacks. It has subsequently freed up lots of space in our village store where we have and will be expanding on all our different grocery sections, so if there is anything you would like to see us start stocking please let us know. As it’s now getting cold and cosy we are selling lots of local logs, kindling and coal all at great prices. With the cold weather we’re also doing lots more deliveries around the village to the elderly so if you can’t get out and need any shopping delivered (free) give us a call 01622 858255. Thank you for your continued support, see you all soon. Matt, Nigel and the team
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Family Breakfast Service
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SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham
FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
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Borough Council Corner
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Can I first of all thank Brian Long for stepping in and presenting the petition at the Maidstone Borough Council meeting in September. It was greatly appreciated and the short notice I unfortunately gave him due to a family crisis made the task he performed even more remarkable. Thank you Brian. He made a fantastic job putting forward in an articulate way why our community is so against the borough’s proposal. I started the petition last spring to draw to residents’ attention the dramatic proposal for housing in the area. It was clear that at the time little was known about this and worse still the information coming forward from the borough was inadequate and unclear. It is an ill thought out proposal. We learnt soon that the borough’s figures were unrealistically high and began to understand what the full impact on our community would be if this development were to happen. Over 1700 homes is unsustainable and would crucify our village. You just have to look around at Lenham to appreciate all we have which, perhaps, we take for granted because we live, work ,and play here. The social fabric which binds us together through the clubs, societies, the
Borough Council Corner
businesses, the schools, pubs and shops would all be dramatically affected. We only have to look at the difficulties already around parking at the schools, the railway station, and the doctors surgery and community centre at certain key times to appreciate what a dramatic effect a substantial increase in housing would have on the village. Travelling on our roads, walking, and the enjoyment of open countryside would also all be affected. These cumulative impacts are very concerning to many residents. My family has had a long association with Lenham village and I believe that through being involved in the community’s organisations and listening to what many of you have said, I know how concerned and angry many of you are with what is being proposed. I am committed to working with the Save Lenham campaign and believe that this will best be done with a united front for the benefit of the community. So whether you are young or old, live here, work here or just love what Lenham has to offer, I urge you to become involved in the campaign. It is important that as many as possible know what is proposed and appreciate the issues. Doing nothing is not an option and
working together and co-operating is the only way to defeat this. This is not a time for party politics, but an opportunity to bring people together. It is clear that people are not against housing growth for the area but it must be a fair, reasonable and equal distribution of housing, particularly affordable housing allowing local people to live in the area where they have strong family links and this is important to people.
Following a meeting this week with borough councillors, planning officers and the parish councillors, I am now more optimistic that working together and pushing through on the neighbourhood plan, we can reduce the numbers. Kind Regards Janetta Sams Borough Councillor Harrietsham & Lenham Ward 01622 859412 mobile 07891 901 831
Walk Through the New Testament. 49
You can read the Bible on your phone, listen to it on an MP3 player or read it from a book. But what’s so important about the Bible? How does it apply to me? Where do I begin? It can be quite intimidating. All of these questions can be answered! It’s the greatest story ever told and knowing how it fits together can help you understand God better. You can learn the entire New Testament story line in a few hours at a Walk Through the Bible event; an innovative and creative approach that you will enjoy.
After last year’s excellent Walk Through the Old Testament event, this November the Len Valley Churches are hosting the follow up – Walk Through the New Testament. It will be at St John the Baptist Church in Harrietsham on Sat 8th and Sunday 9th November from 2 to 5 pm on both days. It only costs £14 and you can book by ringing the church office on 850604. Helen Venn
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Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham. Barn Dance
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Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham What an absolutely fantastic night was had by all at the Annual Barn Dance on Saturday 27 September in the Tithe Barn. Firstly, a very big thank you to Val and John Arthur who provided the barn free of charge for the dance, the venue was superb and ideal for all the dancers. Over 170 people attended, which included many children. It was lovely to have them join in the fun and show the adults how it was done………. Bringing your own picnic proved to be popular with an array of eatable and drinkable goodies on each table to keep the dancers fuelled up. The proceeds from the night all go towards the refurbishment and maintenance of St Mary’s Church which we are very pleased to inform you was £1,300 in total. Thank you to everyone who attended, we would
Friends of St Mary’s
love to hear your feedback on the night. If you have any ideas to include for the next Annual Barn Dance we would also love to hear from you! The night’s proceeds were boosted by the generosity of individuals and retail outlets in the village that provided the excellent raffle prizes; which alone raised over £300. The Friends would like to say a big thank you to all who donated. An auction for a round of golf for 3, which again was generously donated, was run by our very own auctioneer John Arthur, it went for £160. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a success. Please pencil in your 2015 diaries the Friends’ annual barn dance end of September, date to follow. Thank you Lyn Fuller Lyn.fuller@hotmail.co.uk
Letter to James Collett in response to Peter Bailey’s Articles (Sept/Oct Edition) Dear James, I have read the response to Mr. Bailey’s article last month in the October Edition and I want to assure Nick Gunn and his wife that they are welcomed here. I find the reference to ‘probably non-Kentish’ is at best parochially xenophobic and at worst irrelevant to what is being discussed, and rather unpleasant. The focus should be on the number of proposed houses and the needs of the people who will occupy them. We must plan for those who need affordable, well planned homes, and this is what SaveLenham.com is all about.
I feel that it matters not from which part of our country the new residents come from. What is important is that they will feel that they are part of our village community and want to preserve it as such, and of course, make their own contribution. People coming from other parts of the country might well bring with them new ideas and help to keep our wonderful village vibrant. I moved here 45 years ago and am very grateful that the local community welcomed my family and me with open arms, and that has been the case ever since. Best wishes
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Martin Porter
Len Valley Practice Exciting New Development! 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
Elaine’s Angels Walk 25k Thames Pathway Challenge for Charity
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As many of you will already have read in the Focus and local press, our dear friend Elaine Collett died suddenly this March from a massive bleed to the brain, leaving her 8 year old daughter, 5 year old son, husband James (Editor of this fantastic publication), mum, dad, family and friends devastated.
Saturday 13th September to arrive at Putney Bridge for our start time of 10:40am. Following weeks of training, several injuries and a combined will to succeed, all 11 of us strode across Putney Bridge to the starting line, excited yet emotional with Elaine in our hearts and minds.
Elaine had completed the Thames Pathway Challenge last year raising money for her disabled nephew’s charity, Corpal. Elaine, motivated after her huge achievement, persuaded myself and Jen Brenchley to do the walk with her this year. Therefore in her memory Jen and I decided we would still do the walk. Subsequently more of her friends signed up and our team was formed, calling ourselves ‘Elaine’s Angels’.
The weather was kind, the sun was shining down on us and there was a lovely cooling breeze. We strode out along the Thames pathways, with gorgeous riverside homes to admire, rowing clubs to watch and catching glimpses of London in full weekend swing. Whilst 25k was a long way to walk, I’m not sure if it was the wonderful scenery, virtually naked men running past or the constant female banter, but roughly 5hrs20mins later we painfully walked over the finish line at Hampton Court, jubilant at our achievement. No we weren’t
We set off by mini bus early
Len Valley Practice
able to walk properly for days after, some of us suffered chafing where I am not permitted to disclose and we increased the shares in blister plasters substantially. But it was an awesome day and the outcome was we raised lots of money for charity. Several of the girls (Jen Brenchley, Sarah Godfrey, Katy Andrew, Helen Middleton, Zara Read, Louisa Jones, Karen Newman and Debbie Brett) raised money for Emilia’s Little Heart, combined raising £3,668. Mee Roscoe raised £150 for The National Autistic Society, Tracey McIntyre raised £554 for Harrietsham Primary School PTFA and I raised £735 for Cancer UK having just lost my dad to Cancer this June.
Thank you so much to those who have sponsored us. Well done girls, we did our girl proud. Love,
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Jo Joanna Greenwell
Elaine was a wonderful friend and always ready to help someone in need, we learnt this from her and look what we accomplished.
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Prize Crossword Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 20th of the month.
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Across clues 1. A mobile home (7) 5. Journeys (7) 9. They help you see when driving backwards (9,6) 10. It means ‘all’ in Latin (5) 11. Tied football matches go into this (5,4) 12. One who is skilled at planning (9) 14. Cubes of meat have been (5) 15. To show deep sorrow for one departed (5) 16. Deliberately avoids an object when walking (9) 18. Archaic expression for ‘It seemed to me’ (9) 21. Relating to the kidneys (5) 22. Put next to each other (5,4,2,4) 23. Transport aircraft successfully used in WW2 (7) 24. OK (7)
Down clues 1. Where your vehicle may be parked at home (7) 2. London tube station on the District Line (11, 4) 3. A solo dance in ballet (9) 4. An often unpleasant sound (5) 5. Made less loose (9) 6. ….. Harris, singer who sang ‘Just loving you’ (5) 7. The deliberate removal of a group from a territory. (6,9) 8. Hang (7) 13. Badges or distinguishing marks (9) 14. Type of naval warship (9) 15. Something on which to keep reminders. (4,3) 17. Having enough money to meet one’s liabilities (7) 19. Done openly (5) 20. The eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (5) Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
What Lenham Means To Me By Jim Myers The recent barn dance, the Saturday coffee mornings at St Mary’s Church, meeting people around the square and participating in local events… this is how I touch, taste and feel that special brand of village spirit which is Lenham.
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Whether it’s elderly citizens making their way down the High Street on mobility scooters, children frolicking in the playground at the primary school or young mothers congregating at the gates there is a strong and cohesive sense of village identity that Lenham can rightly be proud of, as I am to be part of it. It’s a long way from my native Buffalo, New York but I’m glad I’m here. For me that spirit is first felt in the Square with its shops, pubs,
What Lenham Means To Me
library, post office and chemist. Then it radiates out through the High Street and the Faversham, Maidstone and Ashford roads. It continues to be felt as you make your way across the A20 to the cemetery, the Cross and the Pilgrim’s Way. You’ll feel it too at the various events and performances held at the Community Centre and just across the street at the excellent Lenham surgery. The spirit even takes in the nearby village duck pond. Don’t let all this be lost by being merely a part of a development twice the existing size of Lenham. Come along to the Community Centre on 23rd November (10:00am to 2:00pm), see photographs of the last 50 years of Lenham life and discuss what the next 20 years might bring. There’ll be coffee and biscuits too!
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Last months crossword solution Last months winner was: Jo Llong of Lenham.
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Success comes from working together.
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Networking is about . . . finding out how to make business life easier. As always we have informative speakers for our networking presentations, see below for who, when and where (you can attend up to two presentations without commitment to LVBA): • Tuesday 4 November at The Holiday Inn. Our speaker is Paul Williams (right) from BBX on Spare Capacity – The Elephant in the Room Spare capacity is an issue which affects 46% of businesses in the UK and left unchecked can seriously damage the profitability of any business regardless of size or turnover. Spare capacity is defined as the ability to increase sales without impacting on current staff or infrastructure costs. During this presentation we will explore what spare capacity may look like in a business and more importantly what needs to be done to ensure any business is as profitable as it can be. • Tuesday 2 December THE BIG ONE joint networking with South Maidstone Business Association at Chilston Park Hotel, Sandway, Lenham. Speaker Michaela Stewart-West (right) presents “The Big Picture”. LVBA member or not you can come along for free, you just have to register online or phone 01622 820841 Events are organised and presented by Alan Reading who has been networking from before it was called networking!
. it e k li t h ig m st ju u o y it y Tr New members and one off visitors welcome or you can try it out for free we are sure you’ll like networking with LVBA. Please register on our website, on the online registration page or phone 01622 820841. Keep up to date (& to join) www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841
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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 ‘Out of Town’ 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
There truly is no place like home‌ 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