Lenham Focus | December ’15

DECEMBER 2015 IN THIS EDITION

Christmas Lights Sunday 6th

Christmas Quiz in the Red Lion

Messy Nativity Trail Find the sheep!

Lenham Primary Fair Come see whats on offer

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 33

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PAGE 2 DEC 2015

Troubleshooting & Repair Installation, Setup & Networking Upgrades & Maintenance

Adverts

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PAGE 4 DEC 2015

Welcome to the December edition of the Lenham Focus. We would like to start by wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers, distributors and contributors and anyone else who has supported the magazine over the last twelve months.

James Collett Editor

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

07927 308740 editorialslf@gmail. com

I would also like to thank the team that have helped put the magazine together for another year. This is generally a thankless task and the team involved commit a lot of time for very little return. I hope they can put up with it for another year and I hope we can find some support from the local community early in the next year.

The big event this month is the Lenham Lights Switch On on the 6th in the square. This is always a good day for all the family and I would recommend it to anyone. I hope to see you there.

This month we are featuring a number of our regular contributors including Amy Myers with her article on the war and GB Lister with an article about alternatives to turkey for Christmas dinner.

We are looking to launch our website early in the new year and would be keen to hear from people who would be interested in providing articles for the website that could also be used in the monthly magazine.

Editorial: James Collett 07927 308740 | editorialslf@gmail.com

Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200

Social: Jemma Cockell, Liz Webb

Advertising: Annie Drylie 07593 340744 | advertslf@gmail.com

Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy Bennett

Printed by: Gemini Print

Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@gmail.com

Interviews: Jim Myers

Welcome

Focus is Distributed by Volunteers to: Lenham Village, Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway, West Street, Woodside Green and Warren Street.

Volume 17 Edition 12 (December 2015) Circulation 2000 Copy Deadline: 5pm 7th of the preceding month.

Please leave copy at 24 Maidstone Road, or contact us.

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For ‘Out of Town’ Readers Distribution: Lenham Community Centre, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office.

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 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.

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Online Advertising The Lenham Focus will soon be be launching a new website.

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adverts and be listed on the site.

Contact us for more details.

Creative Team

20th Annual 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 website! www.andyfloodphotography.co.uk

Christmas Carol Concert with Peter Brice and his Christmas Choir St Mary’s Church, West Malling Wednesday 16th December

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 you’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 website at: madebyfalcon.co.uk Article Filler Photos: PicJumbo / Unsplash www.picjumbo.com / www.unsplash.com

Entrance is free. We just ask you to make a donation to

Heart of Kent Hospice Drinks and canapés will be served during the interval There are three ways to book your seats:

at 7.00pm – Doors open at 6.30pm

Call: 01622 790195 Email: fundraising@hokh.co.uk Visit our website: www.hokh.org

Borough Council Corner PAGE 6 DEC 2015

W

e wish everyone a happy Christmas and New Year. We were fortunate to attend an event organised by the The Neighbourhood Plan group of volunteers. It was one of those times where we were unsure as to how people would react to all the information that had been put together by the group. It was truly heartening to see everyone that turned up embracing the efforts that had been made on their behalf. Comments were positive and feedback from

Council Corner

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@lenhamfocus

Lenham Festival 2016

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The Festival Committee is forging ahead with plans for the 2016 Festival which will take place from the 9th to 12th June 2016.

The main aim of the Festival is to provide a fun event that brings the whole community together, is affordable for families, and will raise funds for the charities that are selected each year. Look out for the announcement of the charities we will be supporting in 2016 in the next issue of The Lenham Focus.

Details of events to be held on the Thursday and Friday evenings and on the Sunday during the market will be announced in future issues of The Lenham Focus. As usual, the main community event will be on Saturday June 11th, (please make a note in your organisation’s diary) when there will be a large variety of stalls in the Community Centre car park, refreshments for sale, and music from local bands on the main stage throughout the day and evening. In addition, there will be performances from various local groups, including dance

residents constructive and helpful.

There was a very good cross section of the village and we were particularly pleased to see families with young children attending.

We hope that this will add weight to the strength of feeling and emotion that this community has for its future, and the desire to preserve its character and heritage but recognising the need for additional housing for our community. It was also good to see Nigel Godfrey in attendance after retiring from Lenham Parish Council. We are sure he was proud to see that his years of service to this community were being continued and carried on by others who, like him, care.

We also ask that anyone who is wanting to contribute to their community, if they want to make a difference, to come forward and contact Margo, (01622 859682) Clerk to Lenham Parish Council and enquire about what being a Parish Councillor involves. Lenham Parish Council has vacancies and now is the opportunity to make a difference.

and theatricals, in the Community Centre.

A raffle in support of the Lenham Family Festival will be held at the switch-on of the Christmas Lights in the Square on 6th December. Our volunteers will be selling tickets on the day, so make sure you buy some for the chance to win hampers, tickets for P&O Ferries and other high quality prizes. Please support their efforts. We will also be announcing the chosen charities we shall support in 2016.

The next meeting of the Festival Committee will take place on January 28th at 7.15pm

in the Appleton Room at the Community Centre. We are particularly looking for helpers on the day to assist the event’s success. If you are interested in joining the committee or volunteering at any of the festival events, you will be given a very warm welcome. If you would like to book a pitch for a stall, or enquire about volunteering, email lenhamfestival@gmail.com or ring 01622 859412.

Look out for further details in each month’s edition of the Lenham Focus.

We do our best to be available for residents and can be contacted by email on janettasamscllr@ gmail.com or tomsamscllr7@ gmail.com or by phone on 01622 859412.

Lenham Festival Committee

Dates for your Diary Keep up-to-date with the latest goings on in and around Lenham.

30 November to 6 December Messy Nativity Sheep Trail Can you find the 12 sheep hidden in the shops and other places near the Square in Lenham? The last one will be in the church on the 6th December.

4 December Lenham Primary School Christmas Fair Lenham Primary School from 3:15pm

19 Dec

Shakin’ Stevens Tribute 9pm. Ticket Only

24 Dec

Xmas Eve Disco 8pm. Ticket only

31 Dec

Members £6. Guests £8. On sale from 4pm 16 November Members Free. Guests £2. Max two guests per member.

New Year’s Eve Disco 8pm. Ticket only

Members Free. Guests £2. Max two guests per member.

Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night 8pm Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month Whist Drive: every Friday 7.30pm Monthly Sea Angling Club Outside Bar,Hire.

Marque, BBQ & Bouncy CastleNight for Hire Private very Tuesday Sunday Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm.

Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night

6 December Lenham Lights Switch On The Square, Lenham 8 December Christmas Quiz The Red Lion, The Square at 8:30pm 13 December 2015 Santa Run Coxheath Primary School, registration from 8am, race starts at 10am.

15 December Lenham Primary School Christmas Service St Mary’s Church, Lenham 10:30am 16 December Heart of Kent Hospice Annual Christmas Carol Concert St Mary’s Church, West Malling.

6:30pm

BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES

31 December Caribbean New Year’s Eve Party The Red Lion, The Square – Ticket only

Monday

WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person

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

GDC School of Dancing Lenham Dance Studios 8 Faversham Road Lenham Kent ME17 2PN Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628 Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk

8.15 - 9.00 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Intermediate) Wednesday 4.30 - 5.15 : Under 8’s Ballroom & Latin (4-8yrs)

PLUS Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person 8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information

Lenham Heritage

by Lesley Feakes PAGE 8 DEC 2015

A

t our Oct meeting we had a helpful Workshop, labelling items found and discussions on the year ahead.

Members decided that yes, we

Lenham Gardening Society

by Keith Varney

I

Clubs & Soc.

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

t is a mild October day as I sit here and write this, knowing that by the time you read it we shall be into December and winter, never mind, it will soon be spring!

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Reflecting on the past year we have had some very good speakers, excellent outings (great weather each time) wonderful social evenings, increased mem-

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

by Enid La Plain

We do not meet this month so the Committee wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

We hope you all enjoyed the seasonal veg.

Young At Heart 60+ Hi everyone, hope you’re looking forward to Christmas! To get

should continue as a group and members would take turns in chairing the next year’s meetings.

That should work quite well and Merrilyn Boorman volunteered to contact speakers for the Jan – May meetings, with walks for June and July then further talks in the autumn.

include one on East Kent Railways, Chislehurst Caves, Industry in Lenham, Maritime Kent and windmills.

Dec 30th 2015 is our social with members bringing a plate of food each and having a shared supper with quizzes and games.

Lesley Feakes 8502745

Talks next year would hopefully

bership and a fantastic Garden Show, what more could you ask for? None of this happens without a great deal of hard work by the committee and members alike - thank you.

By the time you read this we would have had our AGM and maybe new committee/officers have been elected or not? Either way let’s hope that we can carry on growing and improving the society, new ideas etc.

There will be no meeting in December, our next will be on January 21st, details to follow; our Winter Social will be held on 18th February tickets will be available at the January meeting.

At the AGM we asked members their views on possible outings for 2016, the outcome of these views will be announced at the January meeting.

Depending on the outcome of the AGM this could be my last report for the LGS if so I would like to thank you all for your support during my term as your Chairman, and a special thanks to the members of the Committee for all their hard work.

I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.

The Branch has had a busy and successful year. In January Mr and Mrs Waterman gave a talk and slide show on Ypres Revisited. February saw Jan’s popular quiz and in April we had a musical afternoon with Spare Parts. July was the AGM and in October we were entertained

by Sue Scriviners who took us around Costa Rica with details of the travels and slides of beautiful flowers and scenery.

In addition we hosted three Afternoon Teas, enjoyed a Lunch and joined with the Men’s Branch in a Cheese and Wine Afternoon.

At the Annual Conference in Headcorn in October we won two trophies and two certificates.

We look forward to seeing you all in January 2016.

us in the mood, our Christmas party and Carols are on Thursday 17/12/15 2.00-4.00pm at the Community Centre. I’m hoping I will be there to celebrate with you; I sure will try. Look forward to seeing you all.

Thanks once more to all who help we are very grateful.

If anyone would like a lift please call Jenny on 01622859208.

Olive, Sue, Jacky, Kath, Jackie, Fred, Martin, Jenny and Nina

Len Valley Community Hub Club

placement. It all went very well and I just have to do plenty of exercises and hope to be back with you all soon.

There are 2 items to remind you about.

We will be having Christmas Carols and buffet on Thursday 03/12/15

2.00-4.00pm at the Social Club.

The Pantomime is Robin Hood at the Woodville Halls Gravesend on FRIDAY 11/12/15. We will advise time of pick up.

As always thanks to all who help.

Martin, Fred, John, Jenny and Nina

Here we are again, another year drawing to a close! It always seems to me that as we get older the time goes quicker, (all the more reason to cram in as much as possible!). Our October speaker was very interesting and brought along lots of interesting items to illustrate her talk on ‘Japanese Festivals’. She had lived for a while in Japan, so had a lot of personal experience of the Japanese

way of life, much more than the casual tourist. As I write this report we are eagerly anticipating our introduction to ‘Foraging for Food’ from Ginny Knox. This seems to be a currently popular activity, so we are hoping that a few new people come along to find out a bit about it! Our December speaker is Barbara Stevenson, and as usual we will round off the evening with mulled wine and mince pies. In January we usually have a do-it -yourself meeting possibly games and members’ crafts. This has become traditional

because in the past, due to weather conditions, we have had to cancel meetings, or had speakers unable to reach us.

Lenham Players

I hope to be able to update you in the New Year of our plans for 2016.

one is interested in them, please let me know.

I’m delighted that a couple of new Lenham residents have decided to join us next year as it’s always good to welcome new members.

Lenham Players wish you all a Merry Christmas and many good wishes for the New Year.

Hi everyone, I’m sorry I haven’t been around for a while but as many of you know I was having a hip re-

Lenham W.I.

by Gill Simes

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Problem-free New Year! May I also give you early warning that our annual Quiz Night is taking place on the 20th of February 2016. Tickets will be available in the New Year. £8-50 per person, tables of four (including a Ploughman’s Supper).

by Jan Moll

Our production on the 23rd October, The Ghost Train, was a very challenging play for the actors as well as the special effects, but glad to say we had a full house on both nights and the audience enjoyed it.

Thank you all for your support.

Facebook for the OAP

by Gillian Pridham

For those of my generation who do not and cannot comprehend why Facebook exists, I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook

For those of you that saw the play, the wooden table and two benches were made for the play, and if any-

while applying the same principles.

Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers-by what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment and what I have done the night before, what I will do later and with whom.

I give them pictures of my family, my dog and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of land-

Jan Moll 01622 850747

marks, driving around town, having lunch, telling them what anybody and everybody does every day. I also listen into their conversations, give them the thumbs up and tell them I like them.

And it works just like Facebook. I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist.

Lenham Surgery Tel: 858341 Mondays to Fridays 8:30am6:30pm. Closed 1-2pm Dispensary 8:30am-6:30pm Closed 12:30-2pm Urgent matters out of hours telephone. 0845 1450121 (6-6.30pm only) IC24. 111 (from 6.30pm)

One Hundred Years Ago...

by Amy Myers PAGE 10

100 Years

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

DEC 2015

C

hristmas 1915 is well-known for the informal truce during which despite the dismal foggy weather on the Western Front troops in the trenches on both sides came hesitantly over the top into No Man’s Land to greet each other, exchange cigarettes and look at photographs of happier times.

In some places even officers joined in, while others turned a blind eye. At one point there was even a spot of football played. In other parts of the line, however, it was business as usual, shooting at any enemy troops that were foolhardy enough to approach.

All the British troops received a surprise greetings card from King George and Queen Mary.

That sounds a small thing now, but it made a deep impression on troops far from home. Some were a long way from receiving such gestures, however. Lewis Hodgkin from Platts Heath, serving with the Royal West Kents, was holed up in Kut-alAmara where the Turks were besieging the British and Indian forces, reducing them to starvation over the next few months.

Back in Lenham, daily life lurched on during December. The school had at last solved its drainage problems and had reopened after the outbreak of scarlet fever –although not without a certain amount of bickering as to whose job it actually was to declare the school open again. One local resident complained bitterly at being disturbed at dinner by a health inspector who insisted on his turning out of his home for four hours while the whole house was disinfected from the disease by sulphur candle.

The sick child had only occupied one room and that

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was – in the resident’s view –all that needed to be cleansed. The inspector won.

And as for Christmas Day …. No rest for the Kent Messenger. It was duly published on Saturday

25th December, carrying a notice headed: ‘Lost from a Meadow near Lenham Station’. Farmer Goodwin from Home Farm in Sandway was missing three Kent ewes. Christmas lunch anyone?

Sarah Siddons, Manager of the Lenham Nursery School Text by Jim Myers

L

enham Nursery School, which is currently located within the Lenham Primary School, is a charity with a board of trustees, a non-profit organisation whose mission is the care and education of children in the Lenham community including the surrounding parishes. Its manager, Sarah Siddons (no relationship to the famous eighteenth century actress!), tells me there are currently 50 children, aged two to five, enrolled, and they are supported by nine staff members. Typically there are 20 children per session.

The objectives and responsibilities of the staff, as Sarah explained them to me, are much more comprehensive and sophisticated than many of us would ever have imagined for a nursery school. To me, they are mind-boggling.

‘Every child,’ as stated by the Department for Education 2014, ‘deserves… the support that enables them to fulfil their potential…..a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances.’ That’s the support that Lenham Nursery School sets out to provide.

Working closely with families, the staff promote each child’s development through both childinitiated and adult-led activities, to ensure that, as per the curriculum, the ‘children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe’, and that they have ‘the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.’

How is this achieved I asked Sarah, and through what kind of activities?

Is it all play? What about instruction?

‘The children are learning

fundamental skills through play,’ she explained. ‘We provide holistic activities: for example, an obstacle course set up outside to push wheelies around would provide prewriting skills. Pushing in a straight line, around in circles and weaving in and out of cones uses the whole body to gain control and balance in preparation to master letter formation.’

The Nursery School is certainly succeeding in its valuable task, as is reflected in its consistently high ratings from Ofsted. The last inspection resulted in praise for the strong relationship that Sarah and the staff had established with parents – incidentally the nursery is currently establishing a parents’ group – and also liked the way that they worked well as a team in developing new ideas and in co-operating with the Primary School to ease the children’s move there when the time comes.

As a charity, however, the nursery

needs to raise money to support and expand its current activities and also seeks help in other ways from the parish, such as sharing knowledge of a subject, supporting it for an event or donating no longer required toys. If you think you can help please contact the nursery on 07967 128056 or lenhamnursery@ btinternet.com

PAGE 12 DEC 2015

Multiple Sclerosis Society benefits from Bill’s Round golfers

by Roger Bevan

B

ill’s “Bonfire” Round charity golf took place in cloudy, mild, breezy and mainly dry conditions at Boughton Golf Club near Canterbury on Thursday, 5th November with 24 golfers taking part.

MS Society

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

Ross Everitt from Whitstable won the trophy for the first time with a remarkable 44 stableford points off a handicap of 22 and

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Santa Run

B

eginners 2 Runners and Heart of Kent Hospice are delighted to present the 2015 Santa Run!

Hundreds of runners are expected to take to the streets of Coxheath to spread festive cheer to the locals as they complete the 2.5km fun run (suitable for children) or a 5Km run dressed as Santa!

a personal best ever gross score of 86. He chose the Multiple Sclerosis Society to benefit from the £387 raised. This sum included £75 in fines imposed by Mike Kingsman for misdemeanours such as losing a team ball or ordering a burger for lunch rather than accepting the preagreed roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.

Dave Verga from Harrietsham and John Coupe from Ashford won the two nearest the pin prizes. The best team proved to be Colin Keepax and Gerry Waters, friends of Bill’s from the Lions, and John Millett from Faversham.

148 different men and 29 women have played in Bill’s Round since its establishment in 1998 including Paul Farbrace, the current England cricket assistant

Entry is £15.00 for adults and £10.00 for children. Every finisher will receive a Santa outfit – complete with suit, beard and hat together with a goodie bag and medal. A percentage of the entry fee will be donated to Heart of Kent Hospice and runners are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as they can for the Hospice.

Mince pies, mulled wine, food and attractions will be located at the start/finish of the race for

coach and Andy Ford who used to play football for Gillingham and became manager of Maidstone United.

If you have recently moved to Harrietsham or Lenham and might be interested in joining in, please contact me for full details. (roger.bevan@btinternet.com) If you’ve been living locally or in nearby towns and villages and haven’t taken part yet, you would be most welcome so please do get in touch. The lowest points score this time was 12 and the average 24 so don’t be put off by the winner’s 44 which was exceptional.

The next Bill’s Round charity golf event will take place in May or June 2016, with the date being announced later in the winter.

spectators and family to enjoy whilst supporting you!

The race takes place on Sunday 13th December at Coxheath Primary School, Stocketts Lane, Maidstone ME17 4PS. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m.

Book at http://www. beginners2runners.co.uk/ santarun/

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Our Satnav Through Weald and Downs and seaside towns On outward trips we drive From central Kent on pleasure bent; It’s good to feel alive

PAGE 14

Our Vera guides, and more, besides; She warns us if we’re speeding For O A P’s to drive with ease This kind of help we need

DEC 2015

To Camber, Wye, New Romney, Rye Or Margate, Matfield, Marden While Vera guides us in our rides We tour through England’s garden

@lenhamfocus

GB LISTER Produce you can trust Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer

Locally sourced meat which hasn’t had to travel thousands of miles before it reaches you.

So when we’re done then home we run Through Tonbridge, Ticehurst, Teynham And now at last, the day has passed, She’s brought us back to Lenham.

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Tel: 01622 858220 Email: gblister@live.com 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2PQ

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Do you have an article or story that you would like published?

Let us know by emailing editorialslf@gmail. com and we’ll try and include it in the next edition!

Messy Nativity Sheep Trail

D

ecember Messy Church will be in St Mary’s Lenham on Saturday Dec 12th from 4-6pm. Join us as we investigate the Christmas story in all its mess and mystery.

FOOT CLINIC Mrs. Afstaneh Smith Foot Health Professional MCFHP MAFHP Flexible surgery hours Home visits undertaken Hubbards Farm, Lenham Heath, ME17 2BX

Tel: 01622 853640 Mob: 07506376264

Can you find the 12 sheep hidden in the shops and other places near the square in Lenham?

The last sheep can only be found in the church on Sunday Dec 6th in the afternoon.

Prize draw takes place just before the Lenham lights are switched on.

Pick up your entry form from The Village Stores, the Library or the church.

Free entry.

A big thank you to everyone who supported our November Love in a Box party with gifts or contributions towards the transport. We sent off 54 boxes with our prayers for children who wouldn’t otherwise receive any Christmas presents.

Look out for our January party when Josh from Joshing Around comes to lead the mayhem!

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

Christian Message

by Rev Dick Venn PAGE 16

Church

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

DEC 2015

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R

efugees fleeing terror, war, barbarity and hunger. We’re so aware of the hazardous journeys people are making.

One of our Christmas carols tells the story of the long dangerous journey of those men who see a star and bring gifts to an infant who they understand is born to be King – “We three kings of Orient are.” The Bible calls them ‘Magi’, not kings. Magi were a number of things, but they were certainly not kings. Think ‘magicians’. Think horoscope fanatics. Think fortune-tellers: people who are into reading stars, tea leaves, and chicken gizzards.

The journey the Magi made – probably well over a thousand miles – brings to mind those making a similar journey today. The Syrian, Somali and Iraqi refugees are looking for something. They are looking for peace and safety. no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark …. you have to understand, that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land excerpt from “Home” by Warsan Shire Benedict Cumberbatch reads this poem after every performance of “Hamlet” and asks for donations for Save the Children, to help with the refugee crisis.

The magi left their peaceful, comfortable, safe homes and chose to seek the King of Peace, bringing their precious gifts.

Mary & Joseph treasured those gifts. The refugees choose to seek peace and safety. What gift do they bring? The refugees’ gift is hard to receive and treasure, perhaps. It’s the gift of otherness, of being challenged

to welcome the stranger, of being generous and openhearted to those we don’t know and therefore fear.

And that is just what the baby Jesus grown to a man asks us to do: “…I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me….

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Excerpt from the Bible, Matthew 25 This Christmas, we must remember those who have nothing. We must do what we can to help them. Helping at a crisis centre; sending donations of money, food and clothing;

welcoming those who make it here; offering hospitality.

May we all find ourselves serving God as we take care of those in the world who are in such need.

St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning Flowers for November November 7

British Legion Poppies for Remembrance Sunday November 14/21 Mrs Jones November 28

No flowers for Advent December 19

Flowers for Christmas Brasscleaning

Mrs Greenwood Sue Greenwood

Len Valley Churches Service Times Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December Christmas Tree Festival at Harrietsham Church concluding with a Christingle Service on Sunday at 3.30pm Sunday 6th December 9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 10.30 am Ulcombe: Family Worship 11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion 3.30 pm Harrietsham: Christingle Service (GIFT family worship) Wednesday 9th December 6.30pm Harrietsham: Christmas Celebration.

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

Saturday 12th December 4.00pm Lenham Church: Messy Church Sunday 13th December 9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast Service with Bishop Trevor Wilmott 11.00 am Lenham: Joint Len Valley Churches celebration service with Bishop Trevor Wilmott

Domestic Cleaning We clean so you don’t have to!

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Family Breakfast Service SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham

FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Wednesday 16th December 10.30am Holy Communion: Chippendayle Lodge Sunday 20th December 9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 10.30 am Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion 3.00 pm Boughton Malherbe: Carol Service 5.00 pm Lenham: Carol Service 6.30 pm Harrietsham: Carol Service Christmas Eve: Thursday 24th December 3.00 pm Boughton Malherbe: Crib Service 4.00 pm Lenham: Crib Service 4.00 pm Ulcombe: Crib Service 5.00 pm Harrietsham: Crib Service 11.15 pm Harrietsham: Midnight Communion 11.15 pm Lenham: Midnight Communion 11.15 pm Ulcombe: Midnight Communion Christmas Day: Friday 25th December 10.00 am Lenham: Christmas Celebration 10.00 am Boughton Malherbe: Family Communion 10.00 am Harrietsham: Family Communion 10.00 am Ulcombe: Family Communion Sunday 27th December 10.00 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Joint Len Valley Churches Service: Holy Communion

Lenham Parish Council Clerk: Margo McFarlane 13 Mercer Drive Harrietsham ME17 1AY Telephone 01622 859682

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

Vacancies on Parish Council (North Ward)

Following the uncontested Parish Council elections there are four vacancies on the North Ward.

Which must be filled by co-option.

Anyone wishing their name to be put forward for co-option should contact the Clerk details as above

Weekly & Regular Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Activate Sports Swadelands

Monday

St Johns Ambulance

St Johns Hall, Ham Lane

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

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

Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club

St Mary’s Church Community Centre Lenham Primary Sch Community Centre St Edmunds Platts Hth Kingswood Scout Hut Community Centre Harrietsham Scout Hut Community Centre Swadelands Ham Lane Activate Sports Hall Swadelands Harrietsham Primary School St Mary’s Church see separate church services page

8am-5pm 9.30-11.30am 10.00-12.00

Sunday

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

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

Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Lenham Country Market

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

8pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm 4.45-5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9-1.00pm

PAGE 18 Tuesday DEC 2015

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

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BuildersMerchants Butchers/Meat Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries

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7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm 4.30-6.00pm 7.00-9.15pm 8-10.00pm 7:30pm 10-11am 9.30-11.30am 6.30-8pm 8pm 7.00-9.30pm 5.45-7.15.pm 6.00-8.00pm 7.00-9.30pm 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30-9.30pm 10.30-12 Term 7.30-9.00pm 6.15-7.45pm 11.30-12.30pm 8pm 7.15-9.15pm 7.00-9.00pm 7.30-9.30pm 5.30-8.30pm 7.30-10.00pm

Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Curtains to Corsets Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) Travis Perkins G B Lister Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery

851542 858612 07541 000969 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 01233 840004 01622 688809 858220 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510

Charted Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Coal Merchant Computer Services Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Gardeners Garages Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Handbags and Jewellery Independent Living Ironing Services Landscaping Lawnmower Repairs Locksmiths Logs Martial Arts Nail Technician Newsagents Nurseries Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Pharmacy Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Roofing Schools Solar Panel Installation Solicitors Takeaway Taxi Tree Surgeons TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning

Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Heathers Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning Edmed Coal Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing Cuts for Mutts Pam AD Pink Electrics Barrie Weston Contractor MGI Electrical Activate Body and Soul Mrs Afsaneh Smith A W Court Mower Repairs Gowers Garage Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall Immyblingy Will & Rose Ironing Services 4 U Ireland Landscapes Maidstone Landscapes and Paving Mowtastic A Short Seasoned Logs Martial Arts Boot Camp Beauty Nails Len Valley news Pennies Nurseries Graham Yates Bsc Ost (Hons) Chris Tempest D.O. M.Ost GOsc Reg Lenham Parish Council Pest Purge Saxon Warrior Andy Flood Photography All Fix Plumbing Epic Plumbimg Pure Plumbing J W Engineering Services Dirty Habit Lenham Social Club Red Lion Leeds Castle Uplands Riding School R and D Roofing Paul Grant Roofing Lorenden Greenman Solar Setfords Soicitors Thornloe and Co. Chequers Fish Bar The Cardamom Pod Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark Ambilly Tree Surgeons R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles

859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 850376 07813030527 880028 260515 859442 745654 859969 850329 850800 07738 088169 858827 884774 01233712663 850055 853750 01622 853640 850840 07989333145 858210 858255 850001 851150 853800 01233 713317 298129 01732 845852 07956 629772 844605 851222 07989 333145 07738658751 07733328715 07502564478 07460 393777 858262 01622 737733 01304379954 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 858287 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858341 767777 01233 712289 858291 850855 01795590030 01233 612082 01622 231784 859416 859878 07770725129 07784447200 859113 631717 858666 01580 292320 07856 110682

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PAGE 20

Primrose

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DEC 2015

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Badgers (St Johns Ambulance) Badminton Badminton Club Feathers 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 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

Mrs Manley Linda Bird Neil Rouse Lyn Fuller Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Mrs Pat Abson Lesley Feakes Sarah Siddons 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

01622 842603 01233 756762 01622 840207 01622 851538 01622 851646 01622 850671 01622 850228 01622 859009 01622 858561 01622 850275 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

Borough Councillors:

Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements)

01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 01622 859733 01622 679709 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) 01233 713317 01622 858341/859204 111 helenwhately.co.uk 01622 859682 07870 252421 07977 981993 858195 297296 850604

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

Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Brian Llong Kevin Fitzsimons Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Helen Whately MP Margo McFarlane John Boyd Martin Sherwood Rev Dr Dick Venn Rev Millie Hart Church Office

Curtains to Corsets Curtains to corsets and almost anything else in between!

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All this from one plumber!

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Bathroom Installations Drains & toilets serviced General domestic plumbing Leaking pipes Replacement taps Kitchen installations Repairs and installation Power Flushing

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T: 01622 851186 M: 0791 438 0521 info@allfixplumbing.co.uk www.allfixplumbing.co.uk

The Beasts that Bite!

by Lesley Feakes PAGE 22

Beasts that bite

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

DEC 2015

M

y first degree was in Zoology and we did quite a lot of study on insects and arachnids that are vectors of diseases. There is one arachnid (spider family to most people) that is in the news recently and that is the tick. It can carry a bacterium called Borrelia that causes the dreaded Lyme disease.

Much in the news recently and on the “Victoria” programme on BBC 2 and so it should be! Many doctors are still not up to date on its dangers. They seem to think that Lyme disease is rare yet the Vets will tell you most deer and their ticks are now carrying it and we have plenty of deer in Lenham and Charing! About five years ago LAS were digging on East Lenham and I came home and felt this lump on the small of my back, looked in the mirror and by golly it was a fully engorged tick! I rushed to the phone and rang the LVP to ask for an emergency appointment for them to remove it …and was refused, they could not fit me in!

as I later reminded Dr Hagan of the importance in removing ticks carefully and as a country practice they should have already known that, but now they do for sure!

Yet I was told at that time that “Oh, you won’t get Lyme disease it’s very uncommon” But it is not! A farming friend nearly lost her dog from an infection. In humans it can cause flu-like symptoms, arthritis and inflammation of the joints, numb toes and feet, polymyalgia and perhaps worst of all is reputedly a cause of MS. Six weeks after the bite I felt my back again, looked in the mirror and a raised red bump was still there! An indication I did have an infection although I did not notice a target, outer red ring.

So if you have one of these:-

NOW I hasten to add that things have improved and moved on

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Visit our showroom Newington Ind Est, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7NU

And you develop one of these:-

a target rash .

You simply MUST go to the doctor IMMEDIATELY for a test and antibiotics.

Children are at risk from meningitis.

Talking to Andrew Barr who confirmed he has never found ticks on his sheep it is likely the beast was a deer tick (also from my knowledge of what they look like.)

Deer doubtless visit the lake at East Lenham quite frequently at night.

UK authorities will tell you there is no vaccination available against Lyme disease - that is NOT so either. My half-Austrian nephew has been vaccinated against it as he and his parents often go camping in Austria.

Continental doctors are far more alert to the dangers so why does the NHS drag its feet?

Keeping ticks at bay ….make sure out walking that your feet and legs are covered, that helps. People with smallholdings would do well to keep a few Guinea fowl.

Not only are they excellent ‘guard dogs’ with their chitty – chitty- chitty cries they gobble up ticks and tick larvae and can clear whole fields of the darned things!

So be alert, be observant, be safe, and keep healthy!

Heart of Kent Hospice Annual Christmas Carol Concert 20th Annual Christmas Carol Concert with Peter Brice and his Christmas Choir.

St. Mary’s Church , West Malling (ME19 6NE) Wednesday 16th December Doors open 6.30 p.m. – Concert commences 7.00 p.m.

Entrance is free – we just ask you to make a donation to Heart of Kent Hospice

Security and Electrical Services

Tickets must be booked in advance by: Calling fundraising on 01622 790195 Emailing – fundraising@hokh.co.uk Or on line at www.hokh.org

l Alarm systems l CCTV l PAT testing l Fire alarms l Automated gates l Video/audio entry systems l Existing systems maintained & repaired l All electrical work undertaken l Domestic & Commercial installations

Drinks and canapes will be served during the interval.

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For a warm welcome come and see us at the square!

Local Ironing Service Lenham & Surrounding Areas TEL: 07956 629772 Ironingservices4u@gmail.com 07956 629772

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Mon - Thurs 8am - 6 pm Fri & Sat 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm lenhamvillagestore.co.uk

COMPUTING FOR BEGINNERS One to One Computer and iPad Training in your own home.

Also Computer, iPad and Printer Setup

Contact Lynn for more details

01622 745654

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas PAGE 24 DEC 2015

by GB Lister

A

re you planning on sitting down to a turkey dinner this Christmas or do you fancy something different? Here is our guide to a few of the options.

Turkey

Xmas Dinner

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

Turkey is a good source of protein, with more protein per gram than beef, while remaining lower in fat and cholesterol than other meats. It also delivers vitamins and minerals, especially niacin, which helps convert food into available energy, and Vitamin B6, which is important for the health of the nervous system. Turkey also has selenium, which is essential for proper thyroid and immune function.

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Goose Goose meat is the ideal highprotein, low fat, low cholesterol, nutrition health food. It contains potassium, sodium and a dozen other trace elements.

Goose meat contains a variety of essential amino acids for growth and development of the human body, the amino acid composition close to the proportion of the human body needs.

Duck Duck is rich in dietary protein.

The amount of protein in duck is comparable to the protein content of dark-meat chicken and dark-meat turkey. Duck is abundant in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. These include iron, zinc, B vitamins, potassium and phosphorous. B vitamins help your body produce energy from the foods you eat.

Getting plenty of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 by eating foods such as duck helps prevent anaemia -- a condition that can cause fatigue, dizziness and headaches

Beef Research shows that beef is a vital source of protein, iron and many other important nutrients that sustain a healthy diet. In fact, calorie-for-calorie it is one of the most nutrient-rich foods to fuel an active and healthy lifestyle.

Beef has 8 times more vitamin B12, 6 times more zinc and 2.5 times more iron than a skinless chicken breast.

Venison Low in saturated fats, high amounts of protein and no carbohydrates. Venison is considered “complete protein� because it contains all 10 of the essential amino acids. Amino acids are compounds that

are responsible for chemical reactions in the body, and they also play a role in metabolic function.

Above is our guide to cooking the perfect Roast To find out more about different joints of meat, take a look at our website, www.lenham-butchers. co.uk.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a wonderful Christmas and a happy, & healthy, new year

Tai Chi with the TesliaTai TaiChi Chi Academy Suitable all ages Suitable for for all ages, adaptable for most abilities.

Adaptable for most abilities.

“Mentally and physically grounding. and physically groundin The “Mentally perfect antidote to the pace set by the digital world” The perfect antidote to

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the pace set by the digital world”

Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Classes starting in Lenham Formore moreinformation information visit For www.telisataichi.co.uk Call Theresa : 07734108683 Or Contact Theresa Telisataichi@gmail.com

07734108683

Success comes from working together.

LVBA Networking is about . . . finding things out!

Where in the Lenham area could you meet and network with all these nice business people? Where could have come face to face with an opportunity to get a free guide for a letter of appointment? Where could you find free information for your company’s policies and procedures? Where could you get updated information about your pension, free? Where could you ask a question about marketing and get a free of charge informed answer?

Where could you ask for professional information and get a quick answer?

Well, if you don’t know and you are already in business - you really have been missing out. The Lenham Valley Business Association of course!

Relaxed, friendly, beneficial and fun. If you haven’t yet tried it you are missing out on a good opportunity for your business.

Tuesday 5 January 2016. Town Planner Peter Court will tell us about some of the pitfalls of running a business from home. The Dog & Bear Hotel.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Y ear.

New members and one off visitors welcome, you can try it out for FREE - we are sure you’ll like networking with LVBA. Launched in 2009.

Events start at 17:45. Register on our website, on registration page.

Events are organised by Alan Reading, Custom Marketing Resources, design and marketing, online and printed. One Call does it All! Keep up to date (& to join) www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841

Focus on Nature

by Derek Budge PAGE 26

Nature

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

DEC 2015

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‘Along Came a Spider’

J

ust outside a ground floor window one early November morning could be seen a truly beautiful spider’s web, made visible by being smothered with dew, sparkling in the first rays of a rising sun. There is a remarkably large number of spider species in the UK, some of which are invariably found within human habitations. Apart from so-called ‘money spiders’, they invariably seem to trigger some sort of adverse reaction in most people, so it could be interesting to explore the origin of the species name ... Arachnida.

Arachne was a young girl in Greek mythology who had a wonderful skill in needlework, creating gorgeous tapestries. So special were these that nearby nymphs would leave their favourite vine-clad slopes just to watch her at work. Her graceful skills brought her art to such a high standard that it was thought she must have been taught by the goddess Minerva, who presided over all the ornamental arts. Arachne resented all such suggestions, claiming she was self-taught, saying ‘Let Minerva come and compete with me, if I’m defeated, she can do what she likes with me’.

That remark got back to Minerva, who promptly disguised herself as an old woman, before visiting Arachne, warning her to take heed of the powerful goddess, accepting the latter’s supremacy and craving pardon. Arachne responded in typical fashion, telling the woman she was old and feeble-minded and that she was prepared to challenge Minerva in direct competition.

Hearing this, the old woman promptly assumed her true identity and the contest began.

The resulting embroideries are sumptuously described by Ovid in his work Metamorphoses (available as a Penguin classic).

Minerva’s work depicted twelve gods seated on lofty thrones, with a magnificent portrayal of herself, striking down an olive tree, plus some miniatures which graphically indicated various punishments which Arachne could expect. Not surprisingly, the latter’s work deliberately illustrated various weaknesses of the gods, but all surrounded by a lovely border of flowers illuminated with the colours of a fresh rainbow, produced by sunrays shining through raindrops. The result was undoubtedly insulting to Minerva, even though she could not find a single fault in Arachne’s techniques. She became wild with indignation and struck Arachne on the forehead four times with her shuttle. This caused Arachne

to be really frightened and she began to make preparations to hang herself. Minerva felt a degree of pity, declaring ‘You may go on living, but you must remain suspended in the air. Do not hope for any future respite, as this condition is imposed on all your descendants’.

She then sprinkled on Arachne the juice of ‘Hecate’s herb’, probably from the wild flower Monkshood, which contains toxic alkaloids. Poor Arachne’s body then shrivelled and metamorphosed into a spider. So next time you come across a spider indoors, before spontaneously reaching for a heavy object, just pause a moment to think of Arachne, the talented, brave but foolhardy young girl, and perhaps choose a gentler way to convey the creature outside the house, despite a suspicion that it may soon find a way back in again!

Statement on behalf of LPC

F

ollowing on from Councillor Barr’s resignation as a longstanding member of this Council, Councillors Gillett and Porter have also recently resigned for personal reasons.

In order to quell rumour and increase clarity as to continuance of Lenham Parish Council, and on behalf of my fellow Councillors, I would like to state that any Parish Council is formed of members who voluntarily give graciously of their time and their skills to try and ensure

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

Maidstone Wills & Trusts Freephone 0800 612 7459 Low cost. Fully insured. Work underwritten by our legal team. www.maidstonewills.com

Email: services@maidstonewills.com

that the interests of their Parish are protected and that Parish services are continued in as efficient manner as possible. This is true for Lenham Parish Council.

The Council cannot function without a Chairperson and the main committees of Planning and Finance & General Purpose also need to be chaired. However, it needs to be noted that such position does not entail being the focus point for criticism and or praise.

Decisions made in Full Council or in Committee are derived from the democratic process, as they always have been, and, although there might be difference of opinion

on some matters, the majority is supported by all. The relevant Chair is part of that process and may, on occasion, take a lead role in communications via the Parish Clerk but always in line with decisions already made.

It is hoped that the Council will soon attract new Councillors to ease the burden on the current team and allow us to continue to serve Lenham to the best of our ability.

This statement was read aloud at the meeting on the 4th November by Councillor R Greenwood, Chairman of Lenham Parish Council

Three European Champions for Kent Karate!!

PAGE 28

A

@lenhamfocus

Sensei Katie from Kingswood near Maidstone, a former junior World Champion, retained the coveted European Ladies individual kata (forms) title which she won in 2013, topping a group of 29 ladies and she also won silver in both the ladies team kata and team kumite (fighting) event alongside teammate Maria Pereira (19) from Sutton Valence.

Karate

Katie Simpson, Maria Pereira, Michael Pereira, David Pereira, Finley Lodge, Joseph Scamp, Luke Carpenter and Stephen Pereira, travelled as part of the England team to the 2015 KSI European Open Championships in Lucerne, Switzerland from 1617th October along with Sensei (Instructor) Chris Simpson who was part of the international refereeing team.

lenhamfocus.co.uk

DEC 2015

fter months of intense training Kimura Shukokai Karate Kent students, who are based at the Activate Gym in Lenham, returned from the Kimura Shukokai International’s European Open competition with a haul of medals and three European Champions. Now that karate has been accepted into the 2020 Olympics there are great opportunities for students to start on the long road towards that competition and eight students from the Kent-based club have just done that.

Michael Pereira (15), following on from his great results at the World Championships in South Africa last year, won gold in his individual kumite and silver in the team kata and, not to be outdone, his younger brother David Pereira (12), in his first international competition, won Gold in his individual kumite event and silver in the team kata.

The youngest member of the

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England team, Finley Lodge (12) from Hollingbourne, near Maidstone also in his first International competition won silver in team kata and bronze in both his individual kumite and kata events and also had the privilege to lead out the England team at the start of the competition.

Joseph Scamp (13), also from Sutton Valence won silver alongside his teammates David and Finley.

There were great performances from both Steve Pereira in the veterans’ event and Luke Carpenter (17) from Charing who, although they did not finish in the top three, both showed great strength and determination in each of their categories. All junior students received support for this competition from the Kent Sports Small Grants Programme and Kent County Playing Fields Association. The club are also extremely grateful to the support they receive from Activate gym at Swadelands Scxhool.

Sensei Chris Simpson said, “This is an amazing set of results for students and is a true

reflection of all the hard work and dedication they have put in over the last months. England squad training takes place in Birmingham and this means that students have to leave very early in the morning at weekends and return late on a Sunday”.

He further indicated that the Kent-based club is affiliated to the English Karate Federation, which is the only organisation in England that is recognised by the World Karate Federation who have successfully bid to become part of the Olympics in 2020.

The club runs classes throughout the week at various venues in and around Maidstone including on Thursday evening and Saturday mornings at the Activate Gym in Lenham and full details can be found at www.kentkarate.co.uk or by contacting Chris on 07801 639052.

OSTEOPATH

Helping relieve symptoms of: Back,Hip & Neck Pain Arthritis Sciatica Frozen shoulder Headaches Fibromyalgia & More…

MR C. R. TEMPEST D.O. M.Ost. GOsC Registered Osteopath Late appointments available & Free parking

New Year’s Eve Menu Thursday 31st December 2015 Prosecco Brut & Canapés reception Celebration 5-course menu with choice 7pm for drinks, food served 8pm, dancing until 2am, £55pp

Please call us on 01622 880 880 for more details

No.8 The Square,Lenham, ME17 2PQ

07749 980096 www.chris-tempest.co.uk

T H E

D I R T Y H A B I T

Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1UW 01622 880 880 www.thedirtyhabit.net

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Cardamom Pod BANGLADESHI/INDIAN CUISINE

Home cooked evening meals served in a takeaway pot

£ 4.00

Choice of chicken curries & vegetarian dishes (Including rice and a naan bread)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year At Old Ashford Road, Nr. Lenham Square

Every Thursday 5.30pm to 7.30pm Closed from 24th December Open again on 7th January 2016

Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September) 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.

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

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

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.

Office: 01622 296843 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted

Are you planning your special day?

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f so, why not visit the Heart of Kent shop in Coxheath (ME17 4DF) and take a look at our beautiful range of new and pre-loved wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, ‘mother of the bride’ hats, groom and best man suits and ties, as well as accessories , children’s wear and much more besides.

There is so much to see in our dedicated bridal wear department.

Not planning a wedding but a great day out at Ascot, Henley , a School Prom or a formal family occasion ? We should also have something to suit you. Excellent value whilst sup-porting this

great local cause.

The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4.30

p.m. and we look forward to seeing you.

Licence Application

The sale of alcohol online at any given time. Premises not open to the public.

An application has been made by: The Spirit Of for the premises Sunnybank, Headcorn Rd, Sandway, Maidstone Kent, ME17 2ND. On the date of: 19/11/2015 Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening:

Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004.

Licensing Partnership P.O. BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ online-licensing

Down With the Kids – Around the World

Holiday Club but continues into the future, meaning the range and diversity of the Christmas Holiday Club exceeds anything previously offered by PKC.

local childcare provider is offering its biggest and best-ever Christmas package of fun for December 2015. Due to increased demand for Holiday Club places in the area Pennies Kids Clubs (PKC) based at Newnham Court has expanded the offer of places and arranged separate schemes of activity for children in two different age groups. This arrangement started with the October half-term

The club is split into programmes for under 8s and over 8s and is maintaining its established tradition of offering a combination of favourite activities and new attractions.

Claire Barber – who is in charge of the programme – said: “There are certain things we would never miss at Christmas, especially the chance to host our own party and also a trip to a local pantomime, but the

A

Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before 16/12/2015

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is £5000.

splitting into two groups and the addition of more places overall has really given us a chance to expand what we do and respond to things our customers have been suggesting for a while.

This arrangement worked well in October, so we’re really confident that this Christmas will be PKC’s best. In some cases – like the final day – we have activities covering the same area but even then the experience for the under 8s and over 8s will be different.

I’m really happy to take enquiries by phone or via email and discuss bookings for one day, or

more than one day.

The PKC programme this Christmas breaks down as follows: Under 8s • Monday 21st Dec – Trip to Wizard of Oz Pantomime, Sittingbourne • Tuesday 22nd December – Santa’s Wacky Workshop • Wednesday 23rd December – Rudolph’s Reindeer Rave • Thursday 24th December – Christmas Eve’s Elf Academy Over 8s • Monday 21st Dec – Santa’s Wacky Workshop • Tuesday 22nd December – Trip to Wizard of Oz Pantomime, Sittingbourne • Wednesday 23rd December – Rudolph’s Reindeer Rave • Thursday 24th December – Christmas Eve’s Elf Academy Anyone interested in booking a place for their child can contact Claire Barber directly on 01622 737733 (#3 for PKC) or email Claire.barber@ pennies.co.uk

THE BBC IS LOOKING FOR BRITAIN’S MOST ENTHUSIASTIC MAKERS, INVENTORS & ENGINEERS mechanical marvels, crazy contraptions, workshop wonders!

BRITAIN’S ÒMOST!SPECTACULARÓ BACKYARD BUILDS

Up and down the country, extraordinary things are being made, from back garden rollercoasters to homemade helicopters.

Have you engineered something extraordinary, or do you want to construct something spectacular soon?

Whether you’re making and creating in your garden shed, workshop or bedroom, if you’re a passionate builder, engineer or hobbyist inventor... we want to hear from you!

makers@rdftelevision.com No age limit

@britsbestbuilds

Young Persons Prize Crossword PAGE 32 DEC 2015

ACROSS 1. It is sometimes worn by women and girls. (5) 4. It is used to light a fire. (5) 7. The person living next door is your ……… (9) 8. You see with them. (4) 9. ‘H’ is this number in the alphabet. (6) 12. You grow things in it. (6) 13. He was the first man according to the Bible. (4) 16. Makes bigger. (9) 18. The colour of grass. (5) 19. Another word for ‘form’. (5)

Crossword

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

DOWN

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1. ‘The ….. Girls’ - pop group. (5) 2. A resting place for travellers. (3) 3. One of two babies born at the same time. (4) 4. The coat of an angora goat used for clothing. (6) 5. A comb is described as being this’ like you are! (7) 6. Another word for ‘severe’. (5) 9. A painful condition that often affects children. (7) 11. A river in the south-west that sounds like a number. (6) 12. Another word for ‘leaving’. (5) 14. A small rodent. (5) 15. Employs. (4) 17. People sail on it. (3)

Last months solution.

Last months winner: Roger Kelly of Harrietsham.

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

Beauty Nails

Contact Ping 07460 393777

by Appointment Parties welcome

Cash only

Lenham, Maidstone, Kent

Beauty Nails

Overlay

Acrylic Tips Full Set In-fill French Manicure Single Nail Tip Take off & Full Set Take off Acrylic

Pedicures will take off all hard skin on your heels and help to fix ingrowing toe nails.

£23 £15 £13 £3 £28 £10

Full Set Manicure Pedicure Manicure & Pedicure Polish Change Nail Repairs

£23 £10 £20 £30 £6 £2 each

Shellac File & Paints File & Paint White Tips Manicure & Shellac Pedicure & Shellac Acrylic Fullset Acrylic Infuse Take off Fullset Take off

£20 £20 £25 £32 £33 £25 £40 £5 each

Lenham Primary School ‘Hygge’ Christmas Fair Friday 4th December 3:00–5:30pm

Lenham is for Transport (LIFT)

Hot Food

Volunteers Needed

Tombola

LIFT is a service taking less able villagers to the GP surgery & Hospitals for their appointments.

Craft Market Refreshments

Currently we are very busy and need more volunteer drivers.

Raffle

Cake Stall

Disco Room Entertainment Surprise Room

Santa’s Grotto

Mulled Wine & Mince Pies

If you are able to spare an hour or two either weekly/monthly/ or on an occasional basis for either of the above, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Bob on 07542 625277 for more details

PAGE 34 DEC 2015

Len Valley Practice

Len. Practice

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

Christmas & New Year Arrangements for Lenham and Harrietsham Surgeries.

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Monday 21st December Tuesday 22nd December Wednesday 23rd December Thursday 24th December Friday 25th December Monday 28th December Tuesday 29th December Wednesday 30th December Thursday 31st December Friday 1st January

Normal opening hours Normal opening hours Normal opening hours Normal opening hours Closed Closed Normal opening hours Normal opening hours Normal opening hours Closed

During the period between Christmas and New Year all appointments will be book on the day only; not pre-bookable.

Ensure you order and collect your medication in advance.

When the practice is closed: For medical advice when the practice is closed telephone 111.

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

Lenham Parish Council Clerk: Margo McFarlane 13 Mercer Drive Harrietsham ME17 1AY Telephone 01622 859682

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

Vacancies on Parish Council (South Ward)

Following the uncontested Parish Council elections there are three vacancies on the South Ward.

Which must be filled by co-option.

Anyone wishing their name to be put forward for co-option should contact the Clerk details as above