Lenham Focus | April '15 by Falcon

APRIL 2015 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

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Welcome... to the April edition of the Lenham Focus I think we can now say that Spring has finally sprung and the village is starting to come into bloom. This is the only 6 weeks in the year that my front garden looks anywhere near planned and interesting so I always like to make the most of it. With the better weather the amount of events, particularly outdoor ones, are increasing. We have the annual spring clean of the village on the 18th and I would ask everyone to get involved to help keep our village looking good.

We have also had some great articles. There is the return of Focus on Nature from Derek Budge, always interesting to read. We also have another book review from Sarah Godfrey and I would remind everyone that we would like to make this a regular feature so anyone, any age, can submit a review. Finally a quick reminder that we are always looking for help and support in putting together the magazine. Regardless of experience there is always a role for everyone and this can be tailored to suit other commitments. Please get in contact or attend our monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of every month in the function room of The Red Lion at 8pm.

Welcome

James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608

editorialslf@gmail.com

Lenham Focus Volume 17 Issue 4 | April 2015 Circulation 2000

APR 15 Editorial: James Collett 01622 850608 | editorialslf@gmail.com Advertising: Annie Drylie 07956 629772 | advertslf@gmail.com Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@gmail. com Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200 Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy Bennett Interviews: Jim Myers Social: Jemma Cockell, Liz Webb Printed by: Gemini Print Overviewer: Margo McFarlane

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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Your Focus Team We are the team behind the Lenham Focus, we create 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: FALCON We design brands and digital experiences that strategically connect people and companies for clients across the world from our studio in the heart of Kent. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to get in touch, give us a bell on 01233 624664 or send us a message at hey@madebyfalcon.co.uk Alternatively visit our hip and happeninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; website at: madebyfalcon.co.uk

Your Focus Team

Photography: Andy Flood Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design. Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers. Check out his Flickr Photostream! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ 35132157@N04/

Please mention the focus!

We would like to thank our advertisers. Please help us show appreciation by supporting local businesses and services, their participation allows this magazine to come to you FREE of charge. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to mention that you saw their advert in Lenham Focus. Many of our advertisers report an increase in business through advertising in the Focus. Theresa, who currently advertises her Tai Chi business with us, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so pleased with the response I have had for my Tai chi class, almost all my enquiries have come from seeing the ad in the Focus. Currently I have my biggest class to date from this. So it is definitely the best way to advertiseâ&#x20AC;? Want to take out an advert? Please refer to page 5 for contact details, rates and page 63 for advert dimensions.

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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person

Monday 5.45 - 6.45 : Children’s Ballroom & Latin (8-16yrs) 7.30 - 8.15 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Beginners)

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ART PILGRIMS WAY ARTISTS Invite you to their

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Forthcoming Events 20 April Mixed Darts Competition 25 April Tina Turner Tribute 9 May

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16 May Ska Band (Skadekat) Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month

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Dates for your diary 3 April Messy Church Join in a hunt through the churchyard to find some of the characters from the Easter story. 10am Harrietsham Church. 18 April Spring Clean A chance to help clean up the village, meet outside the Red Lion at 9am. All equipment supplied, please join us and make a difference to the village.

23 April Annual Assembly Meeting The Lenham Parish Council Annual Assembly Meeting 7pm in the community centre. All parishioners are invited to join us for an informal gathering. 25 April Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breakfast A chance to enjoy a full English breakfast, ask questions and meet interesting people. Dog and Bear 8am.

Dates for your diary

25 April Harrietsham In Bloom Quiz Night Quiz night to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Harrietsham in Bloom. Harrietsham Village Hall 7:30pm. 26 April Cyclo Sportive 100km timed cycle through the Heart of Kent. 2 May Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Breakfast A chance to enjoy a cooked or continental breakfast, meet new friends and listen to an inspirational speaker. The Dog and Bear 8:30am 2 May War Time Revue Songs sketches and jokes, old and new. Lenham Community Centre 7:45pm Please also see Clubs & Societies section for various events in April.

One Hundred Years Ago… On the home front there was a new initiative, which the Kent Messenger proudly trumpeted: ‘Lenham Homespun: Spinning and Weaving in a Kentish Village: ancient handcrafts revived’. ‘The stranger,’ it reported, ‘will not be guided to the scenes of industry by towering chimneys or grimy crowds…but will be conducted to an unpretentious workshop somewhat off the main street where spinning wheels and hand looms will cause him to wonder …whether he has stepped back a century.’ The new vicar, the Reverend Francis Etherington, was passionately convinced that Lenham was just the place to repeat the success he had had at his previous parish in Somerset in reviving old skills under the auspices of the Peasants Arts Fellowship. A girl from the village, Miss Kate Sperling, undertook the instruction of pupils. Using fleeces from local Lenham sheep, her class enthusiastically washed, dyed, combed, spun and fashioned clothes for sale, both heavy clothing and light summer fashions. The scheme, it was pointed out, gave work to villagers, fostered a realisation of what made country life so varied, and made ‘children dream of a homespun grandeur’ created from local sheep and the lichen and heathertop from the common. Lofty words, and as the reporter pointed out, this was only one of the

new activities that had arisen because of the war; he described Lenham as a place of ‘rolling downs, sheep and peasantry’. This seems a world away from the Western Front where the spring offensive was underway. The Second Battle of Ypres began on 22nd April – bringing with it a new weapon when the enemy launched its first poison gas attack. On that same day the Royal East Kent Regiment sent a troop on a recruiting march through Lenham and Charing. Three days later the first Allied landings took place on the Gallipoli peninsula, opening up a new and ominous war front.

Perhaps the two worlds weren’t as separate as they seem, however. Away from Lenham, men dreamed of the time when they could return home; at home families and friends tried to stretch out towards them with whatever means they could and new ventures to meet new challenges were one way to do so. Amy Myers

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April 23rd St. George for England

Go to any sporting event where England is a competitor and you will see England fans waving the Red Cross on a white background, the flag of St. George, patron saint of England. But who was St. George? History, myth, legend and speculation have followed him throughout the ages. We now know he was a real person; the son of an army official who died when George was a boy. All his family were devout Christians and when George became a soldier in the Roman Army he still retained his religious beliefs. In 303 AD Christianity was seen as a threat and purged the Army of its Christians who were forced to abandon their faith but such was George’s belief that he refused to renounce Christianity. Though he was severely tortured on what was then the “wheel of swords” nothing could break him. It is reputed that he died three times and was brought back to life by his God but it could have been that he lost consciousness three times and on each occasion revived to endure more torture. Still refusing to renounce his Christian religion he was finally decapitated and his body taken and buried in his supposed birthplace, the modern day Lod in Israel (the ancient town of Lyddal). It was probably in the 12th century that Crusaders returning from the Holy Lands that the story of “George” was

April 23rd St. George for England

brought back to England, however, it wasn’t until the 14th century that “George” became St. George, the patron saint of England. The legend of St. George and the Dragon may well have been a story to recognise his fight against Paganism or the persecution of Christians. Today he is recognised for his courage, honour and fortitude in his defence of the Christian faith. The distinctive cross of St. George, a red cross on a white background was first adopted by English soldiers during the reign of Richard I and widely adopted as the Patron Saint of England. Scotland, Ireland and Wales have their Saints days and recognise it as a national day but it is only of recent years that the flag of St. George has been flown in England, mainly at sporting events, but it had now become more evident in houses on April 23rd when Lenham Social Club always fly our national St. George’s flag. Perhaps we could follow their example and show our pride in England. John Philpott

Lenham Family Festival 11th – 14th June Plans for the much-awaited third Family Festival are well underway. We have taken the best of last year’s successful events and added more attractions for family fun. As usual there will be a wonderful mix of entertainments throughout the festival which will appeal to all age groups.

performers who entertained us last year and to encourage new musical acts to join us.

On Saturday 13th June from midday to 9pm, we are organising a fun day at the Community Centre. The day promises lots of music and all the fun of the fair, including games, rides, raffle, tombola, refreshments and stalls galore; so plenty to do for everyone.

Thank you to Focus magazine, Hatch Charity, and the ‘Festival Friends’ who contribute in various ways to ensure the festival is staged annually. Please bring the family along and join us at this community event. Lenham Festival Organising Group

Full details will be in the next edition of the Focus and there will be leaflets delivered throughout the parish with the dates, times and venues to enter into your diary.

We aim to raise much needed funds to support our chosen charities, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and Demelza Hospice Care; all worthwhile causes. If you would like to be involved you are welcome to attend the organising meetings held at the Community Centre. The next meeting is on Thursday April 30th at 7.15pm. Please phone Jenny on 01622 859208 if you can offer some help to stage the events. For those interested in being involved in the musical events please email David at dandj@needhamd.plus.com. We look forward to welcoming the

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‘Cold White Marble’ by Keturah Paice In a parallel world, perhaps not so different from our own, a marble ‘City of Enlightenment’ has been built, claiming to have eliminated negative emotions from day-to-day life. But what the oblivious ‘Whitehead’ race – citizens of the City – do not realise is that such emotions have not been abolished; only obscured behind the City Wall. When ten-year-old Zulu accidentally steps into the other – secreted – half of her seemingly perfect world, she discovers a new existence, where the Blackhead race endure every negative emotion possible in order to ensure that the Whiteheads never learn of them. The slave force behind the Wall, working to keep the City functioning, is frightening and undeserving. But, as Zulu comes to learn, the truth almost always is... Cold White Marble tells the story of eight people from every status and corner of the City, thrown together by fate and by circumstance, but not by choice. Along with Zulu, these include Goldhead (and leader) Jufu Delani, Blackhead Savanyah and the fiery - but ultimately loathed – Brownhead, widely believed to be the lowest being in existence: Tai. Their individual views and opinions

‘Cold White Marble’ by Keturah Paice

of each other, distorted by hatred and prejudice, are challenged in a way they have never been before, in an epic quest to find a better world for all of them... Cold White Marble is a gripping work of adult fiction that will be enjoyed by fans of science fiction. Many elements of the story reflect the western world we live in, challenging readers’ perceptions of their own ‘perfect city’ and what secrets are hidden behind their walls. KETURAH PAICE, who lives in Lenham is a music student, writer and singer/songwriter. Now aged 17, she began writing the ‘Cold White Marble’ trilogy nearly five years ago – a significant amount whilst hospitalised for a total of 16 months. Now a recovering schizophrenic, she wishes to share her experience of a parallel world in the form of a series of novels.

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How things change When I came to Lenham forty years ago, Lenham Working Men’s Club as it was then known, was a small room with a small bar and a few facilities. It wasn’t until recently when I was invited as a guest to see the ABBA tribute show and later the presentation to Maidstone Hospital of a cheque for £3,650 on behalf of Jeff Goodsell that I began to see the Lenham Social Club in a new light. I was so impressed that 3 weeks ago I became a full time member! (My wife, Carole joined too). I found the existing members, both men and women, were a really friendly bunch of people. I can now say that I have made quite a few friends and, believe it or not, many old friends who I had lost touch with over the years. Lenham Social

Club has a large lounge with most comfortable armchairs, an ideal place to meet up with your friends and just to make it all a little more friendly, a well-stocked bar to drink your health. Of course if you just want a cup of coffee the obliging bar staff are only too ready to help you. There is also a snug snooker room where in quiet surroundings you can concentrate on your game without being distracted. The rest of the building has a large hall with a sizeable stage for special events – the bingo session treats it as their main venue. Club members can hire the hall for birthday parties, wedding receptions, wakes etc. free of charge. Phone Lenham Social Club on 01622 858890.

John Philpott

Lenham Cemetery Lenham Parish Council is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the cemetery, and the legal documentation to permit burial at the site. The rules and regulations which are given by the funeral directors to parishioners purchasing a plot, or organising a funeral on behalf of a

relative, will be available on both the Parish Council website and in printed form. If you would like further details or have any questions relating to the rules, please contact the Clerk on 01622 859682 or email hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

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Cyclo Sportive Sunday b26th April 2015 y

S p o n s o r e d

A 100km timed cycle through the Heart of Kent countryside The Heart of Kent Hospice challenges you to join our cycle of care. Riders are challenged to achieve a certain time based on age and gender.

What will you achieve?

• Two shorter routes are available at 65km or 38km • Registration opens at 7.30am • Each route is circular, has its own feed station and is comprehensively signed. • £35pp for the 100km ride • £30pp for the 65km and 38km ride

Visit: www.hokh.org Tel: 01622 790195

Email: fundraising@hokh.co.uk Heart of Kent Hospice

Cyclo Sportive

@Heartofkenthosp

Cyclo Sportive SUNDAY 26TH APRIL A 100km timed cycle through the Heart of Kent Countryside starting from East Malling Research , Kiln Barn Road, Ditton ,Maidstone ME19 6BB. The Heart of Kent Hospice challenges you to join its cycle of care. Riders are challenged to achieve a certain time based on age and gender. Two shorter routes are available at 65km or 38km. Each route has its own feed station and

is comprehensively signed. Details of each route can be found on the Heart of Kent Hospice website www.hokh. org under the Cyclo Sportive heading in the Events section and you can also register to take part on this site at £35.00 pp for the 100Km ride and £30.00 per person for the shorter routes. Bookings can also be made by contacting Fundraising on 01622 790195. Registration opens at 7.30 a.m. for the 100KM which starts at 8.30 a.m. and at 8.30 a.m. for the shorter routes with the ride beginning at 9.00 a.m. 25

Annual Assembly Meeting Please join us at the Lenham Parish Council Annual Assembly Meeting which will be held on Thursday 23rd April at 7pm in the Community Centre main hall. This is an opportunity for local clubs, associations and societies to present a brief report on the activities undertaken during the year. The Neighbourhood Plan progress to date, with the HIVE group reports,

will be displayed throughout the evening. There will be an informal buffet and drinks following the business of the meeting and we would like to invite you to join us. Details available from the Clerk, Margo McFarlane on 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

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Maidstone Road Car Park Lenham Parish Council is in the process of upgrading the Maidstone Road car park. The drainage system has been cleared and investigations undertaken to ensure the soak away is working as it should. A maintenance contract will then be established to ensure the drains are cleared on a regular basis. To undertake a complete cut back of the vegetation and removal of damaged posts, along with a sweep through of the entire site, we will

Maidstone Road Car Park

need to close the site for a day. This will be on Tuesday April 14th. Please make alternative arrangements if you intend to use the car park on April 14th as we cannot accept responsibility for any damage to vehicles during the work. Thank you for your consideration and support. If you have any questions please telephone the LPC Clerk, Margo McFarlane, on 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org.uk or http://lenhamparish.org.uk

Dementia We thought others may benefit from our experience with mum (Dot). When Janetta and I looked after mum we found that the problem wasn’t about there not being enough information; it was about finding out what specific help we needed to care for mum. We were extremely lucky to find Tracy, our Admiral nurse who was without doubt our best contact. The Admiral nurses do a wonderful job in helping the carers care. She helped access services and also helped facilitate the assessments needed, and that emotional support which is vital. They can be found either by visiting the dementia uk website or ring direct tel:0845 257 9406. Contact details were obtained from the doctor’s surgery who were outstanding in the way they helped us. It was not obvious to us because we knew how mum was, but in order to be helped, we needed a number of assessments along the way. All took time, and were necessary but a frustration for mum It did not occur to us to apply for a power of attorney until it was too late and it could not be obtained. The information regarding the power of attorney can be found on various websites e.g. Age UK. The POA can be temporary or long lasting but is best

obtained whilst the person has the capacity to make that decision. So we would recommend people to at least investigate it. Care homes. Finally when we did look around at what was potentially offered can we suggest a visit, not just looking at websites. Try and get a recommendation from a friend as to the care residents receive. I visited one in the town and was less than satisfied that mum would receive the care I wanted for her. In the care home mum is in, the staff are careful to keep calm, and I am amazed at the patience and love they show for their residents. Through often difficult times they offer residents the respect and dignity that they rightfully deserve. Additionally good care homes support the relatives and whilst the guilt families feel at the beginning isn’t prevented, we have found it helpful knowing mum is being cared for 24/7, we can visit her and have the good times we can with her. Tom and Janetta Sams

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‘Winter Garden’ by Kristin Hannah I recently finished reading ‘Winter Garden’ by Kristin Hannah. I had not heard of the author before (I picked up the book in the library and thought it looked interesting) but having read one book by her I am definitely going to try more.

The book tells the story of two sisters – Meredith and Nina – their beloved father and their emotionally-cold mother. The family home is an apple orchard in Washington State. Nina is a world-famous photographer who travels the world capturing images of war zones; Meredith is married with two daughters and dutifully runs the family orchard. Their parents are Evan, a loving father who becomes ill early on in the story, and Anya. The story focuses on Meredith and Nina’s strained relationship with their mother, and each other. Anya is Russian and prepares lovely Russian meals for the family, and insists on a Russian-style house and garden, yet her daughters know very little about their Russian heritage and Anya’s childhood. Anya is not a caring mother, she shows no emotional warmth to her children. During their childhood the main way she

‘Winter Garden’ by Kristin Hannah

communicated with her daughters was by telling them traditional fairy tales including the story of the peasant girl and the prince, however as they grow up they become less interested in her stories. On Evan’s deathbed he tells Nina to make sure Anya tells Nina and Meredith the full story of the peasant girl and the prince. After his death the three women are broken-hearted and find it hard to cope without Evan. Despite Anya’s cold and uncaring nature, Nina gradually encourages/ forces Anya to tell the full fairy tale, and as the story unfolds the coldness from Anya breaks down and Meredith and Nina start to know their mother in a new way. I liked reading about the family relationships, but I think when the story of the peasant girl and the prince unfolds, the book comes into its own. The author describes heartbreaking events and such harsh conditions that I cried at times while reading this book. I would definitely recommend reading it. Sarah Godfrey

Farming News Spring 2015 By the time you read this lambing will be well under way. We lamb about 900 Romney ewes outside and so hope for a dry spell of weather as the newborn lambs cannot cope with wet weather until their fleece grows. The ewes were scanned in January to see whether they were having singles, twins or triplets and then fed according to their needs. If a ewe has triplets she is not usually able to feed three lambs and one has to be fostered onto another sheep with a single or one who has lost her lamb. Please make sure that dogs are kept on leads when walking through fields with sheep present as pregnant ewes can abort their lambs if stressed.

monitor pollen beetle (a pest that affects oil seed rape) in conjunction with an online tool that predicts its migration according to the weather forecast and the previous yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; measurements. The fields that were planted with cover crops and grazed by sheep over the winter will now have been drilled with spring crops. This return to integrated farming has the advantage of keeping biology active in the field, in the form of the sheepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gut, even through the cold winter months when the actual soil biology has slowed right down. Catherine Barr East Lenham Farm

We have been planting new hedgerows with a special mix of native species which include blackthorn, hawthorn, dogrose and field maple. Potash, phosphate and nitrogen fertilisers have been applied variably across the fields guided by GPS following grid sampling adjusted to soil types. Similarly nitrogen has been applied, some at variable rates across the field according to the biomass of the crop measured from satellite pictures. Also with our aim of only spraying when we absolutely have to we are putting out traps to

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Lenham Community Speedwatch

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH is a scheme where trained local volunteers monitor traffic speed in the village, at specific sites approved by Kent Police. The Lenham scheme was set up in July 2010 when Lenham Parish Council bought a Speed Indicator Device (SID). Local volunteers were trained by Kent Police, about 15 from Lenham and a few from Harrietsham. Sites to carry out Speedwatch were inspected, and approved by the police for visibility, and safety of both motorists and volunteers. During a Speedwatch, details of vehicles doing over 35mph are recorded and sent to Kent Police. If drivers are recorded more than once at speeds of between 35 -46mph they are sent an advice letter by the police. Any drivers doing more than 47mph

in a 30mph limit are immediately sent a warning letter by Kent Police. Although Speedwatch started with a large number of volunteers, over the years many have dropped out, due to illness and family/work commitments. During 2014 only 3 volunteers have taken part. We need more help. Could you spare an hour or two, once a month or so, during daylight hours? We don’t go out in rain, snow or fog. Visibility & road conditions have to be good. We usually have three volunteers at a time, to spread the load. You will receive any training needed, and will be helping to keep Lenham safe. Please contact: Brian Llong – Tel 859733

Harrietsham In Bloom Quiz Night Harrietsham in Bloom and MacMillan cancer support are holding a quiz night on Saturday 25th April at Harrietsham village hall to raise funds for both organisations. Starting at 7.30 the cost is £8 per person and includes Ploughman’s Lenham Community Speedwatch

supper and soft drinks. To book a table please contact Peter Bowler 01622 851295 or 07831 147656 Peter Bowler

Clubs & Societies The Constitutional Monarchy Association Whose aim is to support our monarchy, will be holding a meeting at the Dog & Bear Hotel, Lenham, on Saturday 18th April at 1.30 p.m., at which Colette Craddock will talk about the work of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust. The cost is £7.50, which includes tea or coffee and biscuits. For further information contact Mrs. Wendy Henderson on 01732 451769 or look on our website http://www. cmakent.org.uk Lenham Gardening Society Our February meeting was given over to the ever popular Winter Social, over 60 members came and had a great time, fantastic food, wine, a simple quiz, and a really good raffle. A big vote of thanks to Pat and her team for putting on a great show; where would we be without them? These socials raise funds for the Society to enable us to help subsidise our outings. The March meeting (March 19th) will be a talk by Mrs Silk entitled ‘Bloomers & Butterflies’ which I’m told will be very interesting, so please come along and support your Society. The competition will be Five Daffodils of the same variety and/or a

hand painted Easter egg. Reminder that subs are now due for 2015 which remain at £7 per head, best value in Lenham, so please come along and see what we are up to and maybe join. As you will remember we asked for members’ views on outings for this year. Well, we have reviewed the suggestions and will be announcing the outcome at the March meeting. The first will be an all-day outing to Nymans followed by a stop over at Hastings so that members can enjoy fish & chips if they wish. Date and cost will be available at the March Meeting, so bring your cheque/cash. As the weather is starting to improve I hope you are starting to plan for the Lenham Garden Show on 29th August. That’s it for now. Keith Chair LGS

Young At Heart 60+ Easter is almost upon us and the days are lighter with spring flowers popping up all over the place. It makes you feel good and certainly puts a smile on my face. Hope it makes you feel that way as well. We have Jerry playing and singing for us this month which is a real treat to look forward to. The time and place is Thursday 16/04/15 2.00-4.00pm

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GENERAL / SOCIAL NUMBERS Badgers (St Johns Ambulance) Badminton Bowling Club Brownies (2nd Lenham) Drama Gardening Society Guides (1st Lenham) Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Heritage Lenham Nursery School Lenham Players Lenham Wanderers Lenham Social Club Harrietsham & Lenham Beavers Harrietsham and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion St John Ambulance Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institute St Edmunds Platts Heath Country Ways Quilters and stitchers Lenham Valley Business Association

Mrs Manley Linda Bird Lyn Fuller Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Mrs Pat Abson Lesley Feakes 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:

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Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Monday

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Community Centre St Mary’s Church Community Centre (8-11 years) Community Centre Swadelands Ham Lane Harrietsham Scout Hut Cadets (10-18) Swadelands Ham Lane Community Centre

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Wednesday

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St Johns Hall, Ham Lane

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

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Thursday

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Saturday Sunday

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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

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Continued... at the Community Centre. We look forward to seeing you all. Many thanks to our helpers. If you require a lift please phone Jenny Lloyd on 01622 859208 Martin, Sue, Olive, Jackie, Jenny and Nina Len Valley Community Hub Club

As it is Easter this month we thought it would be nice if some of you came in your Easter bonnets. You don’t have to but I’m sure the rest of us would appreciate them. We have a Mr Roy Carey coming to talk on Images of Maidstone. We meet on Thursday 02/04/15 at the Social Club 2.004.00pm. Hope you can make it and we look forward to seeing you all. Thank you for all your support and thanks to the staff behind the bar. Martin, John, Jenny and Nina Lenham W.I. Report For April 2015 At our meeting in January, two of our much-travelled members, Eileen Brunger and Sheilah Mill, gave us a very interesting talk on their various visits to America. This was very much appreciated particularly by us armchair travellers!! Long may these two ladies continue to travel the world, and continue to tell us of their

Continued...

impressions and experiences!! Our March speaker was on the subject of ‘American Heiresses’, this promised to be a fascinating subject and I will be able to tell you about it in the May report. In April we will be learning all about ‘The Suffragettes’ and will learn how much those ladies endured to gain votes for women. At the end of March 14 members attended the Annual Council Meeting of West Kent Federation where the main speaker is yet another ‘Inspiring Woman’, the first female R.A.F. pilot. Gill Simes Lenham Heritage Lenham Heritage group have three talks coming up that should grab the interest of several people in the village. The first will possibly be over with by the time you read this; it is about the archaeological findings on Faversham Road and is given by Ross Lane of Canterbury Archaeological Trust on Wed 25th March. If you keep your eyes open you should see posters in the village advertising it. The talk on April 29th, 7.30pm also in the Osborne Room, Community Centre, is by Bronwen Sadler on William Wilberforce and abolition of slavery. Bronwen is the past chairman of Kent History Federation and she gives excellent talks. Again there will be a poster in the village about it.

On May 27th Andrew Clark will bring slides & pictures and facts about old Maidstone and I am sure everyone will find it interesting. Entrance for non-members is £3 … but we would love you to join for the whole year. Lesley Feakes 850 275

RBL Women’s Section We hope you all enjoyed the Spring Tea. Our meeting this month is 23rd April in the Community Centre at 2.30 p.m. After the business part of the meeting, we are having a music session with Spare Parts. Do come along for a fun afternoon. Enid La Plain

See it... Report it If you notice street lights are not working you can report directly to KCC on 03000 41 81 81 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. You can also report any highway concerns, potholes, drainage problems etc. on the same number or alternatively go online at www.kent.gov.uk/highways Street signs, missing or damaged, are the responsibility of Maidstone

Borough Council and can be reported on 01622 602750 or customerservices@maidstone.gov. uk You may also contact the Lenham Parish Clerk for any parish concerns on 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org.uk or http://lenhamparish.org.uk

Spring Clean Time Yes, believe it or not, it is time for the annual parish spring clean. We do hope you will be able to join the group of willing helpers who litter pick the village. Please meet at 9am outside the Red Lion on Saturday 18th April. We would like to include all age groups and youngsters (accompanied by an adult) are welcome to join us.

Litter pickers, gloves and black bags will be provided as well as high-vis jackets. If you can spare an hour of your time to help keep our wonderful village clean and tidy then please come along. Details available from Margo 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

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Lenham Swimming Club

Back in the swim of things!

Charge per swimming session:

Good news - only two months until the pool opens for another season!

Adult Member - £2.50 Child Member - £1.50

The pool will be open on a Tuesday/ Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday/ Sunday for the whole family as always. We are still hoping to have lane swimming for adults on a Tuesday after the family session and then again on a Friday evening and hope to encourage some new swimmers (of all abilities) along to these. The Club has come up with some new ideas too so just ‘like’ our Lenham Swimming Club Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest developments.

Adult Non Member - £3.50 Child Non Member - £2.50

We plan to offer the following swimming sessions: 6.00 - 7.30pm: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7.45 – 8.30pm: Tuesday – Adult Lane Swimming 7.00 – 8.30pm: Friday – Adult Lane Swimming 2.30 – 4.00pm: Saturday and Sunday More good news! Our membership charges and admission fees remain unchanged as follows: Membership Fee: Adult - £5 Child - £3

Lenham Swimming Club

Dates for your dairy: Sunday 10th May - Pool Clean Up day - from 8.30am, so put on some old clothes and come and give us a hand. We would be very grateful for your help. Saturday 30th May – Pool Opening Day. As always we are looking for volunteers to help out at the Club; both life guarding/watching the pool or taking the money/tuck shop. All training provided. We had lots of new help last year. Some are unable to continue this year so if you know anyone who might be interested, please ask them to get in touch. If you are one of the parents who like coming up with your children, why not help at the same time? Contact 01622 859174, email chills99@btinternet.com or visit our Facebook page. Chris Hills Chairman

THE ST GEORGE'S DAY PLAYERS PROUDLY PRESENT a

WAR TIME

REVUE

Songs, SKetches, jokes old and new! at Lenham Community Centre Saturday 2nd May 2015 at 7.45 Tickets ÂŁ8.00 each From Len Valley News Or by Phoning 01622 853800 ( (Mornings only) Bring your own drinks and nibbles Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

Gowers Garage Who’s Sid?

The mystery of Sid remains. Since 1989 the indispensable Gower’s Garage has been owned by Colin Stephens (informally called Sid for unknown reasons). Today it is a truly family business, with Colin’s wife Alison working on the accounts, their daughter Rachel as receptionist and their son Martin working there every Saturday. Russ Ovenden completes this wonderful team, devoted to keeping Lenham’s cars on the road, as the garage has done for so many years. Originally called Station Garage – as it remained even in the 1950s – its first owner in the 1920s was Billy Gower who had formerly been Lord Chilston’s chauffeur at Chilston Park. The connection with Chilston continued, however, because Cyril Ifield, who worked at the garage with Billy Gower, also had the job of looking after and driving his lordship’s Wolseley. Station Approach was then barred to traffic

Gowers Garage - Who’s Sid?

at night, and the gate at the side of the garage closed the road off. There were two other garages in Lenham in those early days, and all were needed. The traffic through Lenham was heavy until the new A20 bypass took the strain off the village roads and there were many ‘derelict’ cars, as they were then called, awaiting the garages’ repair services. The other two early garages were the Chequers and Couchman’s. The latter continued into the 1950s and that’s where Colin’s father Alan worked. When Billy Gower retired Rex Clarke took over his garage, and some 35 years ago took on an apprentice – Colin Stephens, and long may he and his staff reign over it. Thank you, Colin (or Sid?). Text and Photo by Jim Myers Caption for Photo: L to R – Russ, Martin, Colin and Alison

Len Valley Churches Service Times Wednesday 1st April 9.30am Lenham: Holy Communion Thursday 2nd April 7.30pm Harrietsham: Thursday service

Maundy

Friday 3rd April – Good Friday 10.00am Messy Church at Harrietsham Church 2.00pm Services in all four churches “An hour at The Cross” Sunday 5th April – Easter Sunday 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Easter Celebration with Communion 9.30am Harrietsham: Easter Celebration with Communion 10.45am Ulcombe: Easter Celebration with Communion 11.00am Lenham: Easter Celebration with Communion Sunday 12th April 8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion 10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship 3.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Evensong

Sunday 19th April 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 10.45am Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion Saturday 25th April 5.00pm Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise Saturday 25th April 8.00am Dog & Bear, Lenham: Men’s breakfast Sunday 26th April 8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship 10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00am Lenham: Family Worship

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Christian message April 2015 In a month’s time we will be going to the polls to elect a new government. No, I am not going to tell you which way to vote. But I am going to say that it’s time for us all to engage with politics and community. The Church of England bishops got themselves into hot water with the government (again) last month by publishing a letter pleading for a fresh way of thinking.

Of course, there were howls of rage from the politicians: “keep out of politics – stick to saving souls.” Sadly, our politicians just show their own ignorance and naivety when they speak like that. The church should be about so much more than “saving souls.” Jesus – showing us what God is like – had a lot to say about the political and religious leaders of his day. It was by no means complimentary! He had a passion for downtrodden, ordinary people. He – like God – longed for justice and right-living, for peace and love to be the marks of society, not greed, self-importance, power, lust and selfishness. Jesus’ message was one of being right with God; but equally about the importance of living right and loving our neighbour (whoever they are, whatever they look like) as much as we love ourselves.

Christian message April 2015

Whatever our politics, it’s important that our voice is heard. Many will say “what’s the point? Politicians are all the same.” Let’s not tarnish everyone with the same brush and let’s bring some hope and vision back into our national life. The bishops’ letter suggests that we are in danger of being a “society of strangers”, rather than a “community of communities.” We can strengthen our community by voting, by getting involved, by helping those around us, by looking out for each other. We can develop our gifts of hospitality by befriending our neighbours; we can learn to be generous with time, money and talents. Our four churches, for example, are raising money year on year to provide fresh water boreholes for four villages in Zambia. Girls can now get an education instead of trudging miles each day to fetch water from dirty wells. They, too, are our neighbours. There is always hope. Even in the most desperate of times, we can hope, and we can be part of the path to a better society, a community of communities. The message of Easter is one of hope. Out of Jesus’ death comes new life and that new life brings hope and the power to do right. I will be voting. I hope everyone

will. And I will be praying for our community, our country and our world as we face the continued pressures that affect us.

March. Thank you to all who help decorate the Church for Easter. Coffee and Cake at St Mary’s

Rev Dick Venn Men’s Breakfast On the last Saturday of each month we meet at 8am to enjoy a full english breakfast in the function room of the Dog and Bear Hotel, Lenham and listen to a speaker. There are opportunities to ask questions, meet interesting people and talk informally. The cost is £8.50 for breakfast. Our forthcoming meetings will take place as follows: 25th April – Dr Peter LeFeuvre: ‘Revealing the Gospel through medicine’ 30th May – Alex Clark from The Family Trust, Maidstone. Title to be confirmed 27th June – to be confirmed If you would be interested in joining our group you would be most welcome. Please contact The Reverend Dick Venn for further information or to book on 01622 858195 or vicar@lvb.org.uk. St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning April 4 Easter flowers April 19/26 Mrs Greenwood Brass cleaning Mrs Hayward Easter Lilies: If you would like to make a donation to the lily fund for Easter, perhaps in special memory of a loved one, there will be a collection made at Saturday coffee mornings in

Is this the best kept secret in Lenham? Coffee and homemade cake is served with a smile every Saturday morning from 10.00 to 12.00. Drop in for a chat; meet up with old friends or make new ones. Len Valley Churches Ladies Breakfast Join us at The Dog and Bear, Lenham on Saturday May 2nd at 8.30 am A chance to enjoy a cooked or continental breakfast, meet new friends and listen to an inspiring speaker. This month it will be Sarah Montgomery, a doctor who has worked abroad in many different countries, teaching family medicine and working in refugee camps. She has just returned from Burkino Faso and India. To book your place please ring or email the church office on 850604 or churchoffice@lvb.org.uk

Easter Messy Church special at Harrietsham church on Good Friday, April 3rd from 10.00 to 12.00. Join us in a hunt through the churchyard to find some of the characters from the Easter story. What will the Roman soldier give you and what will he tell you?

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The Pilgrims Way Artists Invite you to their 18TH ANNUAL SUMMER EXHIBITION In Lenham Village 14C Tithe Barn Kent ME17 2QD FRIDAY 15TH MAY TO BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 25TH MAY 2015 10am to 6pm daily – entrance & car park free (Exhibition closes 4pm on 25th May) 30 local artists, potters and sculptors exhibiting over 350 works Featured Artist Peter Robson Illustrated Exhibition Guide £1 With free draw ticket for an original

painting by Kaidy Lewis ARTISTS DEMONSTRATING SATURDAY 16TH MAY & WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY 6PM TO 9PM Please come and meet the artists at their easels and discuss their work MEMBERS CRAFT IN THE ADJOINING COBBLED BARN FRIDAY 22ND TO SUNDAY 24TH MAY JEWELLERY – CERAMICS – GLASS – WOODWORK – FABRIC

Focus on Nature Throughout the month of February we experienced sub-zero temperatures for the first time since we moved from Church Stretton just over a year ago. So it came as quite a surprise to come across such a remarkably early concentration of freshly-dug mole hills along the otherwise clear grass verges alongside quite busy nearby main roads and they had evidently been formed overnight. Male moles can be very aggressive so it is not surprising that they tend to be active when alone, working by apparently mutual agreement in 4-hour ‘shifts’, one resting and the

The Pilgrims Way Artists

other digging. When seeking a mate however, it seems to be a case of ‘every male mole for himself’! Around Grovelands we have enjoyed truly gorgeous displays of Snowdrops and golden Aconites throughout February and March, which have brightened up the dullest and coldest of winter days. My regular and favourite short winter walk takes me across the cultivated fields and up to the Pilgrims’ Way, where, within sight of the War Memorial, can now be seen an extensive growth of the very appropriately named Cleavers or

Goosegrass. Galium aparine. There are so many delightful local names for this widespread wild plant. To name just a few – Beggar Lice, Bobby Buttons, Clinging Sweethearts, Jack-Run-The Dyke, Kiss-Me-Quick, Scratch Grass, Devil’s Garter ... I could go on! Early books often mention that the leaves and stems were used by shepherds ‘to strain the milk’ and some recommend decoctions to be used for the treatment of skin disease and ulcers. A wild flower certain to be in bloom for readers of Focus in late March is the Daisy, Bellis perennis, so common that few friends even notice it! And yet ... our poets over centuries have extolled its beauty and virtues, with such obvious affection and on so many numerous occasions that there are literally scores of quotes from which to choose. Chaucer offers his feelings with absolute clarity, writing in his Legend of Good Women:‘Now have I thereto this condicioun That, love I most these flowers white and red, Swiche as men call daysies in our town’. Later in his Prologue he describes how the sight of daisy flowers in the meadow, opening up in response to the early morning sun, ‘softens all his sorrows’. The common name derives from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Daes eage’, meaning ‘day’s eye’. Bellis of course means ‘pretty’. Despite a widespread European incidence of praise, the wild daisy

seems to be regarded as essentially English. In France it is called ‘Marguarite’ meaning ‘pearl’, whilst in Germany it has the splendid name of ‘Tausedschonchen’ or ‘a thousand beauties’. These flowers are closely associated with children and even in these modern times I often see daisy chains in course of careful preparation. In early days, it was used as a treatment for various illnesses, e.g. boiled in milk as a decoction of the case of lung diseases, and as a wound dressing. The poet Shelley offered what is perhaps the most beautifully descriptive phrase for these humble flowers ... ‘Daisies, those pearl’d Arcturi of the Earth. The constellated flower that never sets’. It was just before the end of February that a new and very attractive sound prompted a quick look at our bird feeders. There, sure enough could be seen the lovely colour combination of red, black, white and yellow feathers of some Goldfinches, a group large enough to justify the appropriate collective name of a ‘charm’. As they moved between feeders, their flight could be described as a truly delightful dance to brighten up a cold day. Here’s hoping for a return visit soon!

Derek Budge

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I’ll Take The Sloe Road

If you’re like me then you’ll have a big jar of almost forgotten sloe gin that you started infusing in the early winter, well it’s time to dig it out and start drinking! Sloe gin is such a joy to make, simple, tasty and if you spend an hour or so picking sloes from the wild then it also only costs the price of a nice bottle of gin. Many people will drink it simply over ice or with a splash of tonic but it’s a fantastic ingredient to use in cocktails. This is a lovely drink I have created using my Sloe Gin and is the perfect way to finish a meal. Hedgerow Sling • 2 parts Sloe Gin • 2 parts Kentish apple juice • 1/2 part freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 spoon of honey to taste

Add all ingredients into an ice-filled

I’ll Take The Sloe Road

tall glass or jug if you’re sharing with friends and top with a little sparkling wine or soda water if you prefer. We like to garnish the drink with fresh mint tips but you can also use some lemon wedges or whatever takes your fancy. If you haven’t ever made your own sloe gin here are a few pointers for next year. Always pick a good quality gin base, you don’t need to spend masses but you’ll never make a nice end product by scrimping on your ingredients, any bottle for around £13-£20 will be fine. Make sure you’re picking the right berries! If in doubt leave them behind, or go picking with a seasoned forager. You can also pick up many great books that will help you identify the correct fruit. Make sure you pick your sloes away from any busy roads as you don’t want to add all those nasty car fumes to your gin, always ask permission if picking on private land, and make sure you rinse the sloes thoroughly in water. Why not add extra flavours to your gin? Try infusing the gin with a chamomile tea bag for 12 hours before adding the sloes. Make sure it is removed before you add the sloes as you don’t want to leave it in there for too long. You can also add some vanilla, cloves or even cinnamon to

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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL ON…

Margo McFarlane (Clerk) 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org. uk

For more information

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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Continued...

the mix if you fancy. To make a well balanced end product we recommend using • 450g/1lb sloes • 225g/8oz caster sugar • 1 litre/1¾ pint gin Some recipes will call for you to prick each sloe but if you’re leaving it for long enough (3 months) and the sloes are ripe this is unnecessary and laborious. Place the rinsed sloes into a 2ltr kilner jar or similar with the sugar and leave for 24 hours, this will extract some of the oils and juice from the sloes, then

add the gin. Give it a little shake every day or so for the first week and store in a cool dark place away from children then forget about it for 3 months. What you will end up with is a ruby red liqueur busting with juicy berry flavours and nutty notes. We hope you have as much fun as we do making fantastic drinks and for more recipes please have a quick look at our web site www.organicspirit. co.uk David Hamilton Boyd

Do you live in Sandway, Old Ham Lane, Glebe Gardens, Royton Avenue or Chilston Road? We need distributors for Focus for these areas – if you can help please call Gez on 859595, call or text 07784447200 or email gezclark@ tiscali.co.uk. Also if you live in the parish of Lenham and have to collect your magazine from one of the outlets in the village, please let me know and I’ll see if we can find a distributor for

Continued...

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

One Moment In Rhyme

Five a Day The health experts are at us to eat 5 a day Here is a great recipe to do it my way It works for chilli and pasta and pizza of course It’s my personal take for a great tomato sauce It’s easy and tasty and so very healthy too And the kids will all love it between me and you It’s packed full of veg and a doddle to make And 20 minutes of your time is all it will take Three carrots and three onions are roughly chopped to begin Then added to the pan with two peppers thrown in Season it well and add three garlic cloves Now add two sticks of celery to the pan on your stove A chilli can be added to spice up the mix And keep stirring it gently to make sure it never sticks Then chuck in three tins of tomatoes any type will do A dash of Worcester sauce and tomato puree are very nice too

Then mushrooms go in and this is where it gets clever Will your kids eat that lot? Mine wouldn’t ever So you blend it to make a sauce so smooth and fine The kids are now fooled and it just tastes divine The amount you have made will make two batches with ease Use one immediately and the other will freeze It’s healthy and tasty and incredibly versatile And costs less than three quid, that should make all of us smile

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

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Neightbourhood Plan

Success comes from working together.

Business Networking is about . . . getting the right speakers! Tuesday 5 May. Matthew Wilkes from Matthew Wilkes Wealth Management. Pension updates. “How the Pension Freedom Reforms affects you and those around you”. ‘Pension freedom’ changes will give people greater power over how they spend, save or invest their retirement pots from this April. The irrevocable decisions made could have far reaching consequences. Wednesday 27 May This is a big one don’t miss our combined networking, LVBA with South Maidstone Business Association, Charing Business Association and Marden Business Forum at The Weald of Kent Golf Club, Headcorn. Award winning business coach and #1 ranking author Andrew Priestley will present ‘Eight strategies to increase revenues and profits’.

There’s no meeting in June. There’s a new LVBA website - check it out now! See networking webpage for the whole years’ programme. There’s a Facebook too, page and group.

Try it - you just might like it. New members and one off visitors welcome, you can try it out for free - we are sure you’ll like networking with LVBA. Register on our website, on the registration page. Events are organised and presented by Alan Reading who has been networking from before it was even called networking! Keep up to date (& to join) www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

Tai Chi

Suitable for all ages, adaptable for most Suitable forabilities. all ages Adaptable for most abilities. “Mentally and physically grounding. The perfect antidote tophysically the pace set by the “Mentally and groundin digital world” The perfect antidote to Lenham community centre the pace set by the digital world” Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Classes starting in Lenham Starting 17th February 2015 For more information For more information Call Theresa : 07734108683 Contact Theresa Theresa_draper@yahoo.com

07734108683

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Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), Wills, prepaid funeral plans We come to you – ask for a free no obligation quote LPAs: These are essential – everyone should have one. If someone loses capacity the partner has to apply to the Court to manage things but it can take ages and cost £’000s. All this could be avoided with a LPA. Wills: Everyone needs one. It’ll take just 40 minutes of your time and we do the rest – why not include a Property Trust to help protect the value of your home? Prepaid funeral plans: “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the funeral cost whenever it’s needed. Guaranteed acceptance. The most competitively priced plan available and the only one endorsed by the National Federation of Funeral Directors

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ATWATER COURT, LENHAM RELIEF MANAGER/RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT Local person required to provide 24-hour cover on an occasional basis in the absence of the resident Estate Managers. To act as a point of contact for Residents and to promptly answer any emergency calls on site. Must be flexible in both weekend and week day availability and in particular be available during the months of September and October. Other Relief Managers are employed and cover is arranged on a rota basis. Please ring for further details prior to submitting a C.V. Contact: Sue or Peter Cripps Tel: 01622 850559

Pest Control Services WASPS RATS MICE

! Same Day Service Contact A. Pink 01622 884774 07761559744

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Prize Crossword

Please leave your completed crossword entry, at Lenham Library on or before the 15th of the month. Thank you

Across clues

Down clues

1. French word for fountain. (8) 5. Police weapons that deliver an electric shock. (6) 8. Not in. (3) 9. Edible plants grown in the ground. (10) 10. Small onions. (8) 11. Someone who normally speaks slang and who says something posh is said to be this. (2,2,2) 12. Not new. (4) 14. A wild plant whose fruit is used to make wine. (10) 17. Cylindrical, green 9ac. (6,4) 20. Number of sides a square has. (4) 23. Leaf stalk often eaten with cheese. (6) 24. North American river and a type of beetle. (8) 25. Having three sides. (10) 26. Small round green thing that grows in a pod. (3) 27. A.J……. .A Doctor who wrote ‘The Citadel’ (6) 28. A person much loved is often referred to as this. (1,4,3)

1. Name given to anything edible. (9) 2. A type of salt associated with explosives. (7) 3. What blacksmiths hammer on. (6) 4. A venue for partying and dancing. (9) 5. Boat used for deep sea fishing. (7) 6. Something put in a bowl with radishes and tomatoes etc. (5,4) 7. One who lives in a particular area or house. (7) 13. Wild flower whose roots can be used to make a substitute for coffee. (9) 15. To be in love with or smitten by is to be…(9) 16. A three feet glass containing beer is known as this. (4,2,3) 18. To go in again. (2,5) 19. Type of cart painted by Constable. (3,4) 21. Something you can buy if you like it, is leant thus. (2,5) 22. Disease caused by the African eye worm. (3,3)

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LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September)

Scarves • Silver Jewellery • Purses • Hair Accessories • Fashion Bags • Costume Jewellery • Occasion Bags • Fascinators

Immyblingy bringing glamour to Lenham

MON-SAT 9:30-5 Open Market Sundays

01622 298129

Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except Bank Holiday) Planning Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting.

Ofsted Registered Childminder based in Honywood Road, Lenham

For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (during office hours)

PACEY member. Very flexible hours. Free for 3 and 4 year old funding now available

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk

Please contact Beth on 07809 249176 / 01622 297499 bethpierson-smith@hotmail.co.uk

The Red Lion - Lenham 01622 858531 www.redlionlenham.co.uk

A Traditional 14th Century Inn located in the Medieval Village of Lenham Home Cooked food served daily. Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm & 6-9pm Sat & Sun 12-9pm including bank holidays Senior Citizens Specials Hot Stone Dining Experience Traditional Log Fires Cask Marque Awarded Real Ales Function Room Available Monthly Quiz & Theme Nights Mobile Bars & Catering service available for hire

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

lenhamfocus.co.uk 63

Last months crossword solution Last months winner was: Peter Jenkins of Lenham.

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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. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the 65 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 Lenham Community Centre, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office. Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus

Buzzlines Commuter Service from Lenham to London

Local Coach Operator Buzzlines has introduced a new commuter service for the villages along the A20 between Ashford and Hollingbourne. The coach picks up on the A20 at Hothfield and Charing before calling at Lenham Square. It then continues to Harrietsham and makes a final stop on the A20 at Hollingbourne before proceeding straight to North Greenwich where it connects with the Jubilee Line. Morning services leave between 06:35 from Hothfield and 06:53 from Hollingbourne, and arrive into North Greenwich at 08:00. The evening service then leaves North Greenwich at 18:00 and is timed to commence its drop-offs at Hollingbourne at 19:10. Buzzlines has operated a service between Ashford and Central London for more than 20 years and this new service for the A20 corridor is one of three new routes operating out of Folkestone and Ashford. The Company’s Operations Director Nigel Busbridge emphasises the comfort factor. “We put executive coaches on our commuter routes so our customers are assured of a comfortable journey with plenty of legroom and at-seat Wi-Fi connection – and of course our commuters get to know each other so we can certainly

Buzzlines

claim to have “arranged” some strong friendships and even one or two marriages!” Annual season tickets for the new service cost £2,950, and Buzzlines anticipate that this will typically save commuters between £1,000 and £2,000 against the cost of an equivalent rail commute. Further savings may be possible if commuters live close enough to the coach route to be able to leave their cars at home; or if they choose to take a bicycle in the luggage hold of the coach so that they can avoid an underground connection once they arrive in London. Buzzlines stress that travellers don’t have to take season tickets. Quite a few users of their current services out of Ashford work part-time in London and part-time at home, and are well suited by day return prices of just £20-23. Buzzlines Chief Executive Lynn Woods thinks the appeal of the commuter coach option is a question of horses for courses. “We don’t claim to be able to compete with the versatility of the trains, but if people are travelling to set working hours and are heading to a part of London that is well-suited to the Jubilee Line connection at the O2, we may well

be able to save them time as well as money” Early signs for the new service are promising with a good sprinkling of passengers taking advantage of Buzzlines’ offer to use the service free of charge for a trial week. Mr Busbridge confirms that offer is openended and that the company doesn’t intend to limit itself to just the one

service along the A20. “We have had enquiries from passengers interested in hopping across from Pluckley and Headcorn to connect with this service - many of them wanting to get to Canary Wharf - so we are aiming to expand the service over the next year or so and that would allow us to spread schedules so that commuters have more options on-the-day”.

TIMETABLE FROM 2 MARCH 2015 Hothfield A20 Charing A20 Lenham Square Harrietsham A20 Hollingbourne A20 N Greenwich Jubilee Line

MORNING 06:35 06:39 06:46 06:50 06:53 08:00

EVENING 19:29 19:25 19:18 19:14 19:10 18:00

PRICES FOR TRAVEL Annual Season Ticket Monthly Season Ticket Carnet of 10 singles (one-way) Day ticket (single or return)

£2,550.00 £255.00 £90.00 £203.00

Prices will be reviewed annually and any inflationary increases will not exceed those applied to the equivalent rail journeys. The single-journey carnets are designed to help those working part-time or who split their weeks between working in London or at home. The validity of single-journey carnets is open-ended so this provides an especially economical alternative for occasional travellers to pre 10am day Travelcards. There are heavily-discounted season ticket opportunities for one or two regular travellers who are happy to act as our on-board ticket managers and to help with marketing the service locally.

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CALLING ALL COMMUTERS BUZZLINES ADDS NEW LONDON COMMUTER SERVICE FOR A20 CORRIDOR BETWEEN J9 AND J8 OF THE M20 SAVINGS TYPICALLY £1,000-£2000 vs RAIL COSTS From the beginning of March Buzzlines will introduce a new commuter coach service to connect the A20 corridor between Hothfield and Hollingbourne with the Jubilee Line at North Greenwich. The timetable is shown overleaf. Free trial seats will be available to new passengers from the inception of the service on 2nd March , capacity permitting. By using North Greenwich we avoid the Blackwall Tunnel and connect to the Jubilee Line for onward services into Canary Wharf (one stop) and the City and Westminster. Commuters heading for Canary Wharf and the City should also find their journey times substantially reduced. Even allowing for London Travelcard costs, commuters using these services can expect to save well over £1,000 annually against the costs of a rail commute. Commuters able to save car and parking expenses well find their savings climbing even higher. Bikes are accommodated at no charge and there is at-seat power and wifi.

FREE

TRIAL

CALL FOR DETAILS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT BUZZLINES ON 01303 261870 OR EMAIL COMMUTER@BUZZLINES.CO.UK

ANNUAL SEASON TICKET £2,550 – CHECK THE DIFFERENCE!