01
FEBRUARY 2015 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 2 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Village & Country Homes Specialists in Sales & Lettings
No time like the present!
The first few months of 2015 will be a great opportunity for those wishing to sell or let their property as home movers prepare for the year ahead. Here is how the dedicated team at Philip Jarvis Estate Agent can help you move. 02
• It’s important to you – Philip Jarvis Estate Agent is a licensed member of the National Association of Estate Agents and a member of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents.
• It’s vital for you – The team are professionally qualified in the sale and letting of residential property.
• It’s peace of mind for you – The team has combined experience
of over 50 years in the property industry and maintaining their reputation as excellent estate agents is of utmost importance to them.
• It’s reassuring for you – The owners of the company manage the business on a day to day basis, helping to ensure you have the smoothest home moving experience possible.
Call the team now on 01622 858241 to book your FREE Marketing Consultation.
See where you could move to in no time at all! T: 01622 858241 | E: homes@philipjarvis.co.uk A: 1 The Square, Lenham ME17 2PH | W: philipjarvis.co.uk
Advertisers
03 rs
30xper
a Ye
E
e
nc
ie
Troubleshooting & Repair Installation, Setup & Networking Upgrades & Maintenance Need some advice? Get in touch! Fast & Friendly Service • No Call-Out Fee • Lenham Based
£15 per ½ hour
(min 1 hour)
Call Mark 01622 859969 07867905522 mark@mscompserv.com Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Welcome... to the February edition of the Lenham Focus
04
Welcome
I hope you all had a great January and your new year’s resolutions are still going strong, or at least still going. If not there is always 2016!! We have a few appeals this month if you are still looking for a good deed or new challenge. There is a call for new bell ringers at St Mary’s Church, every Monday at 7:30pm. Local clubs are also looking for drivers to help pick up and drop the ladies and gentleman for the Hub Club and the Young at Heart, the first and third Thursday of each month. We also have our first book review, which I hope will be the first of many, from Sarah Godfrey. If you want to comment on her review or provide your own please send them in. Finally we have our latest poem from One Moment In Rhyme. Yet another great one, this time on Valentine’s Day. Hope you all have a great month and once again if you think you can help out in any capacity please do not hesitate to get in contact or come along to our monthly committee meeting to see how we work.
James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608
editorialslf@gmail.com
Lenham Focus Volume 17 Issue 2 | February 2015 Circulation 2000
FEB 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
05
Copy Deadline: 5pm 7th of the preceding month. Please leave copy at 24 Maidstone Road or contact us. Advertising rates (Sep 2012) Eighth page Quarter Page Half Page Inside Cover Full Page Inside Cover Half Page Full Page Outside Back Cover Front cover available once a year per advertiser Print + Deliver Single Sided A5 Insert Double Sided A5 Insert
£13 £21 £38 £79 £58 £69 £88 £120
£250 £275
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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. 06
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 hip and happenin’ 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/
Lights, Camera, Action! The Focus team are keen to build up a ‘bank’ of photographs for use throughout the magazine. We would like any young budding or indeed more experienced photographers to send us some pictures. Views of the parish taken during the seasons would be appreciated, we are particularly keen to receive photographs of the hamlets which
07
are an integral part of the parish and have some wonderful examples of open spaces, woodlands, and buildings of architectural interests as well as an abundance of local flora and fauna. We look forward to receiving a selection of photographs with your permission to use in the magazine. Contact details at front of magazine.
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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)
GDC School of Dancing Lenham Dance Studios 8 Faversham Road Lenham Kent ME17 2PN
8.15 - 9.00 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Intermediate) Wednesday 4.30 - 5.15 : Under 8’s Ballroom & Latin (4-8yrs)
PLUS
Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628
Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person
Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk
8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information
08
NICK POSENER (DIRECTOR) – CONSULTANCY - SERVICES QUALITY, HEALTH & SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
30 years+ experience in ISO business management, health & safety and environmental management systems and training services Our consultancy services include: ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS18001 management system development & maintenance Development and maintenance of health & safety and environmental management systems Business management, health & safety and environmental training services Specialist in BREEAM, LEED & SKA sustainability management schemes UKATA accredited asbestos awareness trainer CRB checked VAT registered Free quotations given on all enquiries received All in daily consultancy fee Tel: 01622 851931 (Lenham Heath) Mobile: 07985 644429 (Office Enquires) E-mail: val@posenerhsandegroup.co.uk Website:www.posenerhsandegroup.co.uk
Advertisers
Paint it, Cover it, Love it!
FROM £ pp
65
Learn how to turn a tired old chair into an exquisite work of art! Join one of our workshops and learn...
Distressing z Two Toned Aged Look z Guilding Craquelure z Stencilling z Basic upholstery Courses are run by Annie Sloan trained experts and include ALL materials. Full and half day workshops. See website for full details. Gifts vouchers available for the perfect Christmas present.
CALL 01622 844 590 TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
£10 OFF OFFER* *quote the Lenham Focus when booking. LF0115
Lilypie Café, Georgian House, Warmlake Road, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RP
lilypiecafe.com
LilypieCafe
@lilypiecafe
09
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
10
Advertisers
SAXON WARRIOR PHARMACY
Situated in the heart of LENHAM
SERVING ALL PATIENTS WITH NHS DISPENSING AND health advice Other nhs services and private medicines service Fast and efficient prescription reorder and delivery to all areas Call for more information 01622858287 www.saxonwarriorpharmacy.com
OPEN ALL DAY WEEKDAYS AND ON SATURDAY MORNINGS
11
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
The White Horse Sandway ~
a traditional public house
~
Tuesday Lunch & Evening. Wednesday to Saturday until 3 1 course for £7.50 / 2 courses for £10.50 3 courses for £13.50
Valentines Day Valentines bookings being taken and the first Friday of February live music with bull shed and white horse shuttle taxi will be running on both nights
01622 859511 Lenham Heath Road, Sandway whitehorsesandway.co.uk
12
This could be your advert for £13pm
Advertisers
Forthcoming Events Quiz Night
1st Tuesday Every Month New members always welcome, apply to club Members and Guests Only . All events start at 8pm.
13
At The Great British Kitchen, our aim is to cook the best traditional ingredients as simply as possible, letting the quality of the produce and the magnificent view across the Castle’s moat speak for themselves. The Great British Kitchen is open for bookings from 7pm. Free parking is available, please use the Broomfield Road entrance from the A20.
01622 767777 www.leeds-castle.com/restaurant Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
14
Advertisers
S W E E N EY TOD D B A R B E R S HOP OAPS BOYS TO 16 MEN
£5 £6 £7
MON-FRI WEDNESDAY SATURDAY
9-6 CLOSED 8-3
2 nd SUNDAY
10-1
OF THE MONTH
TRADITIONAL & MODERN HAIRSTYLES THE CORNERHOUSE, LENHAM VILLAGE SQUARE 07734950329 NOW WITH 3 BARBERS 15
Computer Solutions - No Callout Charge Pick up the phone before you pick up the hammer.
Data Recovery 1-1 Tuition Internet / Email Setup PC / Laptop Repair Laptop Screen Replacement Wireless Printer + Network Setup Virus Removal Refurbished PC + Laptop Sales 7 Days a week 8am-9pm. No Callout Charge
01622 850462 | ac-computers.co.uk
AC COMPUTERS Pick up the phone before you pick up the hammer
EST 2003
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Dates for your diary 4 February
28 February
Lenham Parish Council Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting at the Community Centre Osborne Room 7.30pm
Messy Church St Mary’s Church, Lenham – 4pm
Pancake Day
Heart of Kent Hospice Concert Invicta Grammer School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone 7:30pm. An evening of classical music including songs from Les Miserables and James Bond as well as the Moonlight Sonata, Clair de Lune and many other favourites.
24 February
14 March
Focus Magazine If you are interested in becoming involved with the running of the magazine and could offer the team some assistance, please join us at the Red Lion (upstairs in the function room) 8.00pm. Contact details as per magazine.
Dinner and Cabaret Evening Lenham Community Centre 7.00pm to midnight. Ticket sales from 1st February from the Community Centre and Lenham market.
14 February Valentine’s Day Don’t forget 17 February 16
28 February
Dates for your diary
Please also see Clubs & Societies section for various events in February.
One Moment In Rhyme
Valentine’s Day Men and women are different in just about every way As so clearly illustrated on Valentine's Day He thinks it is pointless, but goes with the flow She thinks that it's lovely that their love they can show Getting the right gift, he finds it so hard And can't understand ten quid for a card She takes it more seriously, and reads all the words That she thinks are lovely and he thinks are absurd He gets organised early, but it won't take him hours To phone Interflora and buy her some flowers He picks up some chocolates and a bottle of bubbly Not the cheap stuff but the best, she'll think that he's lovely She works out the best restaurant, it has to be right To ensure that they both have a lovely Valentine's night A romantic dinner with the right ambience He says that sounds great, whatever she wants So the roses and card, chocolate and bubbles Getting dressed up for a meal, it's such a kerfuffle The meal it is superb, just what she planned He is still hungry, that was no meal for a man Dressed up to the nines a night of romance ahead But he wants to watch the football before he goes to bed He knows better of course so he will simply say ‘You look lovely my darling, Happy Valentine’s Day’
17
Mark Godfrey One Moment In Rhyme Bespoke poetry from One Moment In Rhyme – www.onemomentinrhyme.homestead.com Tel: 07720 401749. Email: info@onemomentinrhyme.com
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Borough Council Corner
18
A belated New Year to you all. It seems ages since Christmas and our plans are now on Easter. What a merry go round! As the majority of you are aware the time is coming when your Local Parish Council will have to submit its neighbourhood plan to Maidstone Council An enormous amount of time, effort and work has been given by many people within the parish to support our neighbourhood. The community spirit has been something that I am proud to be associated with. My position has always been clear in that I do not want our rural villages and communities destroyed. In addition our heritage needs to be protected. I could go on and on……… So the fight is on and I will do everything in my power to help achieve a satisfactory outcome for the residents of Lenham All the very best Eddie Powell 07885 813523
Borough Council Corner
Planning enforcement has been an issue for many people this month, in relation to noise and planning applications. I have met with the Maidstone Borough Council chief executive regarding this. She seems keen to try and improve the communication on those cases that are under enforcement. This has been particularly poor regarding the Sandway Motocross site. Hopefully by the time this is printed we will have a reestablished disabled parking bay in Foord Road, this will hopefully aid residents living nearby. Traffic flow and visibility in Platts Heath continues to be a problem for many. I am working alongside the residents to try and improve this. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Big Switch On of the Christmas lights, an event that I have been present at for many, many years; this was due to family illness. The efforts of the organising group are much appreciated by us all. Janetta Borough Councillor Harrietsham & Lenham Ward 01622 859412 mobile 07891 901 831
Concert of Favourite Music The Heart of Kent Hospice is delighted to present a Concert of Favourite Music with pianist Simon Proctor and the Heart of Kent Youth Orchestra on Saturday 28th February at Invicta Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone ME14 5DS. Join us from 7.30 p.m. for an evening of classical music including songs from Les Miserables and James Bond as well as the Moonlight Sonata, Clair de Lune and many
other favourites. The concert will be conducted by Thomas Shelbourn and will feature Henry Clay on oboe. Tickets cost £10.00 for adults and £7 for children and must be booked in advance by visiting www. hokh.org, or by calling fundraising on 01622 790195 or by e-mailing fundraising@hokh.co.uk
19
Story Time Would you like to share more stories with your children? Storytime is on every Monday afternoon, 2.15pm-2.45pm, in the children’s corner at Lenham Library.
We would love to see you for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes very soon. Why not take advantage and borrow some more stories to take home from the library’s excellent collection?
Following a recent re-launch Storytime is now run by the parents for all children, birth to pre-school, in Lenham and the surrounding villages. It remains free of charge.
Bookstart bear and the team look forward to meeting you! Karen Gambrell
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
SHAPE UP FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!
Wax & Polish
£15
pp
20
BOOK NOW!
Book a standard bikini wax and a nail shape & polish for just £15pp!*
CALL NOW TO BOOK:
01622 842846
Offer valid until 28 Feb 2015. Offer includes a standard bikini wax and a standard nail shape and polish. Upgrades available.
The Annexe, Georgian House, Warmlake Road, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RP LF0115
Advertisers
21
SPARKLES Domestic & Commercial Window Cleaning
Pure Hot Water Fed Pole Technology
Conservatory Cleaning - Fascia/Cladding Cleaning Solar Panels • Gutter Cleaning System
Tel: 07856 110682 Web: www.sparkles-kent.co.uk www.facebook.com/sparkleskent
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
22
Save time: Streamline IT systems & processes Save money: no expensive software licences Reduce costs: cheaper utility contracts Call James today on 07411 391 483 Visit our website: www.jigsawkloud.co.uk
Advertisers
Candlemas Bells Looking out from the ground floor windows of our Grovelands apartment this winter, there was no sign of frost until late December, indicating a significantly longer flowering season for our local wild plants. However, most such blooms have now died off in response to more normal temperatures, making way for the most welcome sight of emerging Snowdrops ... Galathus nivalis. ‘Close to the soil there can be seen A thought of God in white and green, It is so holy and yet so lowly.’ (Anna de Bary) It is debatable whether this plant is truly wild in the UK. Certainly it was widely recorded growing in Elizabethan gardens in the 17th century, and there are just a few isolated reports of it apparently growing wild in Gloucestershire soon after that time. Local names feature ‘Candlemas Bells’, celebrating the Christian Feast of Purification in early February. More names include ‘Drooping Lily’, ‘Fair Maids of February’, ‘Snow Piercer’ and ‘Eve’s Tears’. Regarding the latter name, there is a delightful legend describing Eve’s fall from grace in the
Garden of Eden. She must have been shivering cold when an angel appeared before her just as snow began to fall. When the vision faded, some beautiful white flowers emerged from the snow in the spot where the angel had stood, blossoms which we now recognise as Snowdrops. The most conspicuous part of the plant is the upright spathe, forming a protective sheath as it pushes up through the cold ground and sometimes through snow. On the inner surface of the ring of petals are some green spots where nectar is liberated to attract any bees or other early insects, not that there are likely to be many about, so the plant relies on its strong bulbs for its spread. By the end of February, we can enjoy the sight of Hazel catkins ... Corylus arvensis. These male flowers, having been grey and erect for early winter, now become the lovely, pendulant ‘Lambs Tails’, soon releasing clouds of pollen to fertilise the female flowers growing close by. On a practical level, Hazel has been widely used, in early times for making coracles, and for building construction right up to the present day. It has also been regarded as a very magical plant, once known as the Tree of Knowledge, stakes
23
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued... being made to ward off snakes or placed around the cottage to prevent abduction by fairies. Even in these modern times, hazel divining rods are used during industrial exploration, to locate the underground presence of water, oil or minerals (also an essential tool for treasure hunters!). All very pagan, so the early church bishops, starting in France, found a way of Christianising Hazel by linking it with Saint Filibert, whose
festival is celebrated each August, when Hazel nuts are fully ripe, hence the updated description ... Filbert nuts, much prized by our local squirrels and jays. Sometimes double nuts are formed, once recommended to ease the pains of toothache, lumbago and rheumatism. Just imagine the potential savings for the NHS! Derek Budge
Bell Ringing 24
Did you enjoy hearing the bells over Christmas? Did you know we are offering free bell ringing lessons at the church on a Monday evening at 7.30pm. It’s good fun, good exercise and very sociable. Why not give it a try and we will
soon have a trained bunch of bell ringers again in Lenham who can ring for Sunday services and weddings. Open to anyone aged 10 and over. No need to book just turn up on the night.
Focus on Lenham Toddlers Lenham toddlers meets every Tuesday during term time at the Community Centre. Each week we have two hours of freeplay in the big hall, a craft activity and a yummy snack for the little ones. Ride around on the trikes,whizz down the slide, look after the
Continued...
dollies, build a tower or explore the many other toys available. If it all gets too much then you can retire to the reading corner for a quiet story. There is a dedicated baby zone for our younger visitors and a much needed tea or coffee for the grown ups.
Parents, grandparents, carers and childminders all welcome. Just £2 a session and £1 for each
additional child. Why not come and see what we’re about?
The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society Reading can provide so much pleasure and entertainment to people. A good book can be a distraction from current problems, it can feed our imagination and teach us. We are fortunate in Lenham to have a supply of books at low prices from the Heart of Kent Hospice Charity Shop, or for free from the library. I love reading and I wanted to write about one of my favourite books, ‘The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The book is set just after the end of the Second World War and consists of letters. At first these are between an author, Juliet Ashton, her best friend Sophie and her publisher (and Sophie’s brother), Sidney. One day Juliet receives a letter from Dawsey Adams from Guernsey; he has a second hand copy of a book by Charles Lamb, originally owned by Juliet, and Dawsey has written to Juliet to ask if she can recommend a bookshop
in London, so that Dawsey can buy similar books. Juliet writes back and a new friendship gradually begins. She learns that Dawsey is a member of the unusually-named Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society. Other members of the Society start to write to Juliet, and she learns about the origins of the Society and then visits them in Guernsey. Through the letters we learn a lot about life in post-war London and life during the war in Guernsey.
25
I enjoyed reading this book as it demonstrates the strength of friendship and loyalty over adversity, I learnt about life in a different place and time, I liked the characters and I thought the book was very well written. However, from reading reviews on the internet, I found that some people found it too simplistic or found the characters annoying. I would be interested in hearing what other people thought about it – please write in to Focus with your views – or with details of books that you would recommend. Sarah Godfrey
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Soon you’ll be able to get all the latest Lenham Focus articles and news online at lenhamfocus.co.uk. Advertisers will also be able to place ads on the site to increase their business visibility. If you would like to register an interest in this service please email advertslf@gmail.com Stay tuned.
26
Advertisers
Appeal for drivers I asked in last month’s Focus for anyone who had a few hours to spare and are drivers if they could possibly help. I AM ASKING AGAIN. It is the first and third Thursday of the month. The first Thursday is for the Len Valley Hub Club. We meet at the Social Club in the High Street. The third Thursday is the Young At Heart and we meet at the Community Centre. Both clubs run from 2.00-4.00pm. It can be just picking up from home and dropping off our ladies and
gentleman and the reverse at the end of the afternoon or you can be more involved if you would like. PLEASE, there must be a few people who could help. If you can please phone Jenny Lloyd on 01622 859208. We would be very grateful. Thank you in anticipation. Nina
27
Lenham Village Store We hope everyone is enjoying the start of the new year and that it’s treating everyone well. It’s February already and Valentine’s Day (14th) and Pancake Day (17th) are looming. We have lots of great gift ideas for Valentine’s in the village store and The Cellar including bespoke hampers, a large range of champagne, chocolates, cards and local homemade fudge. Plus
we will have lots in stock for the perfect pancake!! We’re hoping that by the time the Focus is printed Nigel is well and truly back as a key member of staff after the long tedious sale of our Coxheath shop and now he’s back we can really concentrate on getting the store back on top form. As ever if the weather is bad and you can’t get out, or know
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued... someone unable to get out, we do offer a free delivery service to those in need of it. The Cellar We would like to thank everyone for their support on our new venture “The Cellar”, it has been a great start and we are trying to stock as much as we can for all sort of different tastes and budgets.
28
Please do let us know if there is anything you would like to see us stock and look out for posters for our upcoming events and wine tasting days. As always feel free to come and see us in either shop or call us at Lenham Village Store on 01622 858255 or The Cellar on 01622 858318.
2015 A Year of Choices As we wake up on New Year’s Day and the new year starts, many will be nursing a very sore head from the effects of the long night before and the celebrations they would have shared with many others. When the booming chimes of Big Ben start to ring out around the world, echoing through the radio air waves and television sets, everyone who is present, wherever they are, are as one together. United in the moment of the occasion as the deep booming chimes engulf their whole world, their whole being. Each strike of the bells hammer,
Continued...
signifying the end of something past and balancing on the edge of an unknown and uncertain future of what lies ahead. With the final strike of the hammer and the bells finally fall silent, thoughts are turned to new hopes and dreams, and for many there is a period of reflection on the past. I didn’t celebrate the New Year, despite wanting to see the occasion in, the lure of my bed was all too overwhelming, I hadn’t been sleeping very well of late and needed to catch up.
I was awake early New Year’s Day, 3 o’clock in the morning, got dressed to go and post a letter in the village square. It was a surreal feeling walking down the centre of the road, torch in hand; well, I don’t trust the pavements when the street lights are switched off, for obvious reasons. On arrival in the square the street lights were on and I posted my letter. Then I laid my gloves out on the seat and sat on them and this was my time of reflection. Out came a hip flask which I had filled with Stones ginger wine, and I started nipping at it. It is very quiet, no one about that time in the morning, perfect for thinking about the past and the choices made. Some choices are easy to make, some are made in the spur of the moment, and some take a little longer. Some choices are made on the basis of facts and some are made in blind faith. Some choices are made in haste, while others take a lot longer to make. Many choices are made in anger and hatred, and some in empathy and love. So it is only fair to comment that emotions, particularly strong emotions, will always lead to hard choices. Often these kind of choices are some of the hardest choices we ever have to make in our lives. Choices are often painful ones, for many will often carry that pain for the rest of their lives and do their very best to
hide that pain. I have always tried to make the right choices, whether I had wanted to or not, doing the right thing is never easy but then whoever said life was easy? Who’s to say which choice is the right or wrong one to make? What’s to stop us from making the wrong choices all over again? There will always be easy and hard choices to be made. As I finished nipping on my flask of ginger wine, tipping the flask upside down to reassure myself it was empty, I pondered over 2015. For a brief few moments, I considered that whatever choices that were made in the past and whoever they were made by, the past is the past. It cannot be undone, mistakes likewise, lessons can be learnt but are very rarely done, more so where strong emotions are concerned.
29
2015, a new year, should be about better choices, choices without pain and choices about happiness and dare I say it, love and kindness as well. Here’s to 2015, I would have raised my flask but it was empty, so with that I stood up, pressed my hat firmly on my head, putting a slight forward slant on it and set off up the road to home. Author: Geoff Parr
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Len Valley Churches Service Times Sunday 1st February 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Family Worship 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion 3.30 pm at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Growing in Faith Together (GIFT Family Worship)
30
Sunday 8th February 8.00 am at St. Mary’s Lenham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Holy Communion 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Morning Worship 3.30 pm at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Evensong Sunday 15th February 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Morning Worship 9.30am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion Sunday 22nd February 8.00am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship 10.30 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Family Worship Saturday 28th February 5.00pm at St John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise Saturday 28th February 4.00-6.00 pm at St Mary’s Church, Lenham: Messy Church
Len Valley Churches
Christian Message February 2015 I was reading the New Daylight daily Bible notes recently and was fascinated, and rather alarmed, by the phrase ‘divided-soul’ found in James 1:8 and 4:8. The idea of being double-minded is one I can identify with; How often do I fret that I have too much work to do either for my paid employment or college, or too much housework and gardening to conquer and yet, there always seems to be time for another cup of tea, another episode of a favourite television programme, another soak in the bath or another evening out with friends. Asking around about other people’s interpretation of the divided-soul, one friend admitted to losing hours on Facebook but merely ‘keeping to time’ when reading the Bible. Oh dear, I can identify with that one too! Another friend, when asked about the passage, had a quite different sense of it meaning doing several things at once and cited praying for other road users whilst riding her bike and listening to music. Such a lovely, positive, interpretation; and such a lovely, positive, thing for her to be doing. So what did James mean by this phrase? James 4 Verse 8: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts, you doubleminded”. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you”… That seems straight forward enough. If we invest time in other people our relationship with them will blossom, so it makes sense that if we invest time in God our relationship with him will bloom and grow. ..“Cleanse your hands, you sinners,”… It is important to seek forgiveness for the wrong things we do and try to do right. ..”and purify your hearts, you double-minded”. I am sure we can all remember times when someone has let us down and said sorry, only to let us down again. I am sure we are all double-minded at times but it is important to really want to change from within and be single-minded in our faith. James 1 verse 8 is stern: “for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” Here, James is implying that unless we believe and practice what we preach, then we will not receive God’s blessings. A sobering thought, but turned on its head, if we do ask Jesus into
31
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Security and Electrical Services 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
V AM A
LL
EY
LE N H
l Part P certified l Free quotes l Fully insured l 24 hr Call out
s
es
ti
Bu
on
MEMBER
in
s Assoc
ia
Cybereye Security Marcus Shephard 01622 858 612 or 07821 776 334
32
L����� V������ S����
Lottery • Tobacco • Off-Licence • Groceries
For a warm welcome come and see us at the square! Mon - Thurs 8am - 6 pm Fri & Sat 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm lenhamvillagestore.co.uk
Advertisers
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
www.computingforbeginners.co.uk
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 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 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:
Eddie Powell Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements)
Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Enhancement Ass. Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Police Constable Rural Community Warden Vicar
Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Brian Llong Kevin Fitzsimons Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Hugh Robertson MP Margo McFarlane Dave Rowley Brian Waghorne Martin Sherwood Rev Dr Dick Venn Rev Millie Hart Church Office
01622 842603 01233 756762 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 07885 813523 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 01622 851616 01622 859682 07772 226097 07870 252317 07977 981993 858195 297296 850604
Accounting & Business Services Alarm Systems Architectural Services Barbers Builders/decorators
Businss Consultant Butchers/Meat CafĂŠs Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries
34
Charted Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chip Shop Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Computer Services
Cosmetic Clinic Dance Electricians/Gas fitters
Estate Agents Event Catering Fitness Funeral Directors Gardeners
Contact Numbers
Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Butler Driveways Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating SR Interiors (painters/decorators) Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) Nick Posener G B Lister Snoad Farm Lilypie CafĂŠ Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Beth Pierson-Smith Invicta Chimney Sweep Chequers Fish Bar Heathers Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning A.C. Computers Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services The LenValley Cosmetic Clinic Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing AD Pink Electrics Barrie Weston Contractor Electrical Solutions MGI Electrical Philip Jarvis Organic Spirit Activate Body and Soul A W Court Just a Mow
851542 858612 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 850491 01634308933 851126 737225 01233 840004 851931 858220 01795890700 01622 844590 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 07809 249176 01622 632641 859878 850376 07813030527 880028 850462 859442 745654 859969 852905 850329 850800 884774 01233712663 858794 850055 858241 01622 434347 853750 850840 859940
Garages Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Handbags and Jewellery Landscaping Lawnmower Repairs Locksmiths Logs Martial Arts Newsagents Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Pharmacy Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Roofing Schools Solicitors Taxi Tree Surgeons TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning
Mower Repairs 07989333145 Belmont Gardens 01795 590243 Keith’s Gardening Service 07803 577086 Gowers Garage 858210 Lenham Village Store 858255 Phase Hairdressing 850001 Smarty’s 851150 Lenham Comm Centre 853800 Charing Heath Hall 01233 713317 Immyblingy 298129 Ireland Landscapes 844605 Maidstone Landscapes and Paving 851222 Mowtastic 07989 333145 A Short 07738658751 Seasoned Logs 07733328715 Tai Chi 07734108683 Len Valley news 858262 Graham Yates Bsc Ost (Hons) 01304379954 Lenham Parish Council 01622 859682 A D Pink 884774 Pest Purge 842481 Saxon Warrior 858287 All Fix Plumbing 851186 Epic Plumbimg 210298 Pure Plumbing 769722 J W Engineering Services 851713 The White Horse 859511 Lenham Social Club 858890 Leeds Castle 767777 Carter Roofing 01795886084 R and D Roofing 858291 Paul Grant Roofing 850855 Lorenden 01795590030 Thornloe and Co. 859416 Arshed Mahmood 07770725129 Gez Clark 07784447200 Ambilly Tree Surgeons 859113 R & P TV Aerial services 631717 Harrietsham Vets 858666 Maidstone Wills and trusts 01580 292320 Sparkles 07856 110682
35
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily
Activate Fitness Facilites
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
St Johns Ambulance 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
Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Thursday Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Music Mayhem Friday Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club Saturday Sunday
Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools
Activate Sports Swadelands 7am--8.30am & 5pm--9pm St Johns Hall, Ham Lane 4.30- 6.00pm 7.00-9.15pm Community Centre 8.-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 9.30-11.30am (8-11 years) 6.30- 8.pm Community Centre 8.pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5.45- 7.15.pm Cadets (10-18) 6.00-8.00pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30 -9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30- 9.00pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15- 7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8.pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 7.00- 9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30- 9.30pm Community Centre 5.30- 8.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am- 5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00noon see separate church services page
Monthly Events 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 4th Wednesday Last Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Thursday 3rd Thursday Last Saturday 2nd Sunday
Derby & Joan Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Len&Har. Disability Grp Lenham Country Market
Regular Daily & Weekly Events
Lenham House Lenham Social Club Business Association Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre Lenham Library Community Centre Community Centre Lenham House The Village Square
2.00pm 8.pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2.pm 7.30pm 4.45--5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 9.- 1.00pm
Paul Grant Roofing Contractors All aspects of roofing work undertaken. Listed Building Specialist Strip / Re-tile / Kent Peg / Slating / Leadwork 35 years experience All work fully guaranteed For a free quotation and friendly advice on any roofing matter. OďŹƒce: 01622 850855 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted 37
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued... our lives, repent of our sins and try to live our lives according to His will, the blessings we will receive will be infinite and ever-lasting. A really exciting and attractive challenge… Pamela Cuerden Bible quotations from New Revised Standard Version St Mary’s Church Flowers & Brasscleaning 7 and 14 February - Mrs Humphrey
18 February - Ash Wednesday Brass cleaning - Mr Swaffield Messy Church After a fantastic start to the New Year with a Superhero party at Harrietsham School, Messy Church in February is at Lenham church on Saturday 28th Feb at 4pm.
38
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
Continued...
for 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.
Clubs & Societies Lenham Gardening Society It’s February already and the spring flowers are starting to show, it always makes me feel good when spring arrives. Anyway this month it’s our Winter Social which will be held on Thursday 19th at the Community Centre starting at 7.30pm. Tickets which are on sale now are £9 a head, available from Pat on 859084. Price includes food and wine so you don’t have to bring your own, just cash for the Raffle and ‘Heads & Tails’. Remember if you have not already paid your membership Subs you can still do so. Your membership card will also have the final list of classes we intend to run at the 29th August Garden Show. We will also report back on the results of members’ views for outings this year. I hope to see you all there on the 19th – let’s make it a good one!! Keith Chair LGS Len Valley Community Hub The start of another year and so far the weather has not been too bad.
Very cold but bright and sunny. The next meeting is on Thursday 05/02/15 at the Social Club 2.004.00pm, we are having a games afternoon so let’s hope Martin comes up with the goods!! A big thank you to all the staff at the club and look forward to seeing you all on 05/02/15. Martin, John, Jenny, and Nina Young At Heart 60+ Although the weather has been cold it has been bright and sunny. So far not too much rain and dare I say no snow. (Don’t say it too loud.) Our next meeting is on Thursday 19/02/15 at the Community Centre 2.00-4.00pm. We are having a Beetle Drive so a bit of artistic practice may be in order. Thank you to all the back room boys and girls. If you need a lift please ring Jenny Lloyd on 01622859208.
39
Olive, Sue, Jackie, Martin, Jenny and Nina. Lenham W.I. Report We finished 2014 with a very enjoyable evening being entertained by Doreen Hulm and her daughter, a tuneful and
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued...
40
talented pair!! We enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies, sausage rolls and Christmas cake and managed to collect three large boxes of foodstuffs for those in need. Our January meeting was spent finding out about the history of the W.I., both nationally and locally. Did you know that there was a W.I. formed in Lenham in 1919, which carried on till 1933 before being suspended, and then reformed in 1936 by many ladies who were on the original committee? We also found out a lot about the wartime activities of the Institute, such as volunteering to do darning and mending for the searchlight crews. (I’m very glad that I wasn’t around then!!) Since this is the centenary year of the W.I. there are all sorts of celebrations going on at national, and more local levels and I am sure that we will be participating in some of them. In February two of our members will be telling us about their ‘Trip to America’ and in March, our speaker is Sheila Boyd on ‘American Heiresses’. Don’t forget our quiz on February 21st. Details and tickets from Carole Toner 01622 850048.
Continued...
Lenham Heritage Happy New Year to everyone. Our first meeting 2015 was on Jan 28th at 7.30pm in the Osborne Room as per usual. The meeting was a hotchpotch of short talks from members about their historical research. The meeting on Feb 25th is the AGM and I hope everyone interested in Lenham Heritage will attend, for discussion will also include the forthcoming talks throughout the year and any suggestions from the floor as to what subjects people would like will be most welcome …your choice! The talk on March 25th will hopefully be one from Canterbury Archaeological Trust on the recent finds on Faversham Road. I am trying to get this arranged as my guess is that it will interest so many people in the village. Occasionally people find items of interest and bring them to me. The latest was a small stone tablet found on the Pilgrims Way by Jim and Brenda Kemsley. It is oval 34mm in length x 23mm wide and 6m thick. Carved in the ‘top’ surface is an arrow. I believe this is a rune stone and that the arrow represents the letter ‘T’. These stones are very
difficult to date. Some people say they were used by fortune tellers so which century would be difficult to say. Here is a picture of it:
If anyone has any more information on this item (or any others like it) please let us know. Lesley Feakes 850 275 RBL – Women’s Section Our meeting this month is on the 26th in the Community Centre 2.30 p.m. After the business of the meeting we shall be involved in our popular quiz. There will be the usual raffle and tea and biscuits. Enid La Plain
Lenham Parish Council LPC met on Wednesday 7th January 2015. Lenham Parish council started 2015 with a busy agenda and every indication that 2015 will be a challenging time. The major challenges will be the Neighbourhood plan, development applications & Parish Council elections in May. Full Council meeting on 7th January 2015:
41
Minutes from 3rd December were approved with 5 items dealt with under matters arising. 1. Highway weight restriction signage. As stated we will review the request for HGV restrictions & discuss further with KCC Highways at a meeting on 12th January. 2. Lime tree roots. An investigation will be trialled on 1 lime tree to determine the extent of the root problem. A team has been established to report back to LPC for further
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued... considerations. 3. Motocross circuit at Runham Lane. Progress update from MBC anticipated. 4. Focus advert. Council meeting dates will be regularly advertised in this magazine. 5. Neighbourhood plan consultations. Designscape to be engaged for phase 2 subject to scope. Â Finance
42
The annual budget review was held 3rd January & presented for approval. Even though the Maidstone Council grant to Lenham has been cut for 2015/16 Financial year, it was agreed that Lenham Parish Council would not increase our local precept this year. This is due to strong budget control & the reduced overheads from the Community Centre now the Public Works Loan Board have been paid in full. No increase proposed represents a significant achievement for Lenham Parish.
Continued...
General Purpose Cllr. Laurence Porter offered to stand for LPC Vice Chairman until May 2015. This will help our Councillors considerably. Laurence brings a wealth of business & professional expertise to LPC. Cllr. Mike Jerrett was co-opted to the Planning committee. Web-site improvement, Cllrs. Osborn, Hewish and Homes will meet to discuss policy and procedures relating to the LPC web-site and report back with suggestions for taking the project forward. Tree works have been undertaken in the churchyard and a site visit will be organised by Cllr. Greenwood to decide on further works. Â Colin Gillett Chairman Lenham Parish Council
Housing Survey Thank you to all those residents who returned the questionnaires, recently distributed by the Housing team of the Neighbourhood Plan groups. The details have been shown in the following graphs. If you have any questions you can contact the Clerk 01622 859682 The Parish Council would like to extend their gratitude to the teams who enabled the survey to be
completed promptly. The delivery and collection of the surveys was headed by Sandra Rickner. The task of collating all the information and producing the graphs in this article, was undertaken by Maggie Linehan, with support from her husband John and a lady who has recently moved to the village and was keen to help, Danny Coorsh.
43
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
44
Housing Survey
45
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
End of an Era
46
Tuesday, 6 January 2015: It was a cold, rainy day and there it was: the NatWest Lenham branch warm and inviting as usual with two ever-so-nice young ladies in attendance. All fine except it was the last day of operation. The photo shows one of the very last customers to enter the branch just before closing time. It will be sorely missed! There has been a NatWest branch here since at least 1938 when it was under the name of National Provincial Bank, in the Limes, before it moved to Church Square. The present building housed a number of earlier businesses including a butcher’s shop, tearooms run by Mr and Mrs Tart and a barber’s shop where the late Norbury Colbran’s father worked, before he moved to the High Street. The Church Square
End of an Era
building is said to be haunted by a lady in white. Maybe that’s why NatWest has left… NatWest is not the only farewell. From Lenham Primary School the news is that Linda Russell, who has been the school secretary for the past 25 years retired at Christmas and that Jenny Young, the head teacher, has left to be the new head at Allington Primary School. All of the people involved above have done Lenham proud. We’re so sorry to lose you. Text and photo by Jim Myers
One Hundred Years Ago… Arthur Joy, the motor driver for Major Mitchell at Swadelands Manor, decided to volunteer for the forces, joining the Army Service Corps. He was one of the 31 Lenham men to volunteer in the last four months. He survived the war, returning to live to Church Square in a now demolished cottage. Stalemate continued on the western front in February but at the end of the month the British Navy began a bombardment of the Dardanelles in an attempt to force a passage through. At home it was not just the troops who were urged on in their war effort. 12 million eggs were required daily to feed Britain, and with pre -war supplies from the continent now blocked, there was concern that the dastardly Americans would try to seize the British egg market from home suppliers. ‘All egg-laying birds are encouraged to do their best…’ the contributor to the Kent Messenger wrote. In
Lenham the school hosted a party for the children sponsored by a territorial company of the Royal Engineers, a great success with tea followed by an hour long Punch and Judy show. Crime raged on in the village, however. The Bearsted Police Court convicted one James Emmett for allowing two donkeys to stray on the Lenham highway. He was fined 20p per donkey, and had to fork out costs of another 33p. More importantly for Lenham and the war effort Dr John Temperley Grey, whose home and surgery were in Stanfield House in Lenham Square, was making plans to turn Stanfield House into a VAD hospital, which involved he and his family moving out into a nearby cottage. It was a momentous decision which was to change life and lives in Lenham for the duration of the war.
47
Amy Myers
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Women’s World Day of Prayer (International and Interdenominational) Friday March 6th 2015 St. Mary’s, Lenham, 10.30 a.m. All Saints Church, Ulcombe 7 p.m. Jesus said to them: Do you know what I have done to you?
48
Women’s World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the voices of women from a different part of the world each year, expressing their hopes and concerns and bringing them before the world in prayer. On Friday 6th March an estimated 3 million people in over 170 countries, will gather to observe the day of prayer, using an order of service written by Christian women from The Bahamas and translated into over 1000 different languages and dialects. In the British Isles alone over 5000 services will be held. The day will begin when the sun rises over the island of Samoa and continue until it sets off the coast of American Samoa some 35 hours later. The theme of the service is taken from St. John’s Gospel, chapter 13,
Women’s World Day of Prayer
verses 1-17, ‘Jesus said to them: “Do you know what I have done to you?”’ and it challenges us to demonstrate the same radical, unconditional love for others that Jesus showed when he washed the feet of his disciples. The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands, scattered over 100,000 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean, only a small proportion of which are inhabited. It refers to itself as a ‘family of islands’. Everyone is welcome to attend the service, men, women – people of all ages. We look forward to welcoming you on Friday 6th March 10.30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Lenham and 7 p.m. at All Saints Church, Ulcombe.
This could be your advert for £21pm
Domestic Cleaning We clean so you don’t have to! Competitive Pricing Fully Insured Reliable Professional Trustworthy Available to do: Household Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans New Builds phynixcleaning.co.uk
Office: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent
01622 880028
Family Breakfast Service
49
SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham
FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Spinal Injuries Association “Hold a Fish and Chip Supper to help spinal cord injured people rebuild lives after injury” Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 15th May 2015 Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 15th May 2015 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s vital services.
50
You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre. SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 8 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £40.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. In 2015 we want to make the batter matter and raise £40,000 from everyone holding suppers. Last year we raised £20,000 from the suppers. The money raised from the
Spinal Injuries Association
suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to rebuild lives after spinal cord injury. Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone. Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group. For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350 or email fundraising@siafishandchips. co.uk or visit www.siafishandchips. co.uk
Friends of St Mary’s, Lenham
Merrilyn Boorman, a resident of Lenham, decided for her 70th birthday to leave the traditional party to one side and instead go on an expedition in search of the rare sub-species, known as the Manchurian moose. With only local support and accompanied by a one- man film crew her story was captured on film to share with you. The filming was in Nomrog, a strictly protected area of Mongolia. The Friends of St Mary’s are very pleased that Merrilyn has asked us to organise the showing of her expedition. The date has been booked Friday 20th March in Lenham Community Centre. There
will be two showings that day; an afternoon matinee at 2.00pm and an evening showing at 7.30 pm. Tickets will go on sale from beginning of February and can be obtained from the Church’s coffee mornings, Len Valley Newsagents or by contacting myself on 01622 851538 to pre book your tickets. Please watch out for further information in March’s Focus together with posters advertising the event around the village.
51
Lyn Fuller 01622 851538
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Are you concerned about your local area?
52
MAY 2015 YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU! Reduction in Local Government funding may see services you take for granted reduced in the future. Your Town or Parish Council could step in and fill the void in your community – to do this it will need your skills & enthusiasm
Do you want to represent the views of local people? Do you want to contribute your business or personal skills and expertise? Are you passionate about services provided to your community?
Become a Local Councillor: Make a difference Elections for Town & Parish Councils will be held in May 2015 If you would like to make a difference and be involved in shaping the future of the local community, why not stand for election? Produced by Kent, Sussex & Surrey Associations of Local Councils
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL ON‌
Margo McFarlane (Clerk) 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org. uk
For more information
Your community needs you!
To achieve your New Year resolu3ons for a healthy ac3ve lifestyle Sunday 5K
A relaxed run to get back into running fitness or for progressing from the beginners’ course. Starts 9.00am from Egerton Sports Pavilion
Sunday 10K plus
A relaxed run suitable for regular runners who enjoy running as a group and aiming for more challenging events. Starts 9.00am. Location on website calendar.
Wednesday and Friday Runs
53
A social run, for fun and fitness, suitable for beginners and intermediates. 9.00am from Egerton Sports Pavilion
Thursday Beginners A walk/run course to get you running 5K in ten weeks. Please contact us to register interest.
Circuit Training
(Games Barn opposite Egerton Village Hall Elm Close TN27 DSL)
A mixture of cardio and conditioning exercises, working the core muscle groups to complement and support general fitness. A fun and informal music work out to your ability level.
info@egertonrunningclub.co.uk www.egertonrunningclub.co.uk Facebook: Egerton Running Club Mark Winter Sarah Elworthy or Sarah Doughty (qualified Leadership in Running Fitness Coaches and supported by RunEngland)
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Tai Chi
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
54
Advertisers
+ + + + + +
Residential Extensions Loft & Garage Conversions Self Build Projects Residential Housing Developments Building Refurbishment CAD Drafting
+ Code for Sustainable Homes + SAP Assessments + CALL OR EMAIL FOR A QUOTE OR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION + TEL: 01580 230 413 + EMAIL: info@kentdesignstudio.co.uk
55
All this from one plumber! Bathroom Installations Drains & toilets serviced General domestic plumbing Leaking pipes Replacement taps Kitchen installations Repairs and installation Power Flushing
Tiling Painting Decorating Odd jobs No job too small Fully insured FREE quotes No call out cost
and friendly professional advice 08/02/15 & 08/03/15
T: 01622 851186 M: 0791 438 0521 info@allfixplumbing.co.uk www.allfixplumbing.co.uk Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
56
Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), prepaid funeral plans 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. LPAs: 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 an LPA. They are ESSENTIAL. Prepaid funeral plans: “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the cost whenever it’s needed. Guaranteed acceptance. So they’re left with happy memories not financial worries.
Maidstone Wills & Trusts Freephone 0800 612 7459 We come to you. Low cost. Fully insured. All work underwritten by our legal team. Contact us for a free no obligation quote
www.maidstonewills.com
Advertisers
Email: services@maidstonewills.com
57
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
58
Advertisers
59
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
This could be your advert for ÂŁ13pm
60
This could be your advert for ÂŁ13pm
Ofsted Registered Childminder based in Honywood Road, Lenham PACEY member. Very flexible hours. Friendly, homely environment where your special little people can enjoy being cared for. Please contact Beth on 07809 249176 / 01622 297499 bethpierson-smith@hotmail.co.uk
Advertisers
Prize Crossword Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 15th of the month. Please note the change of date for return of completed crosswords. As of this month on or before 15th. Thank you
61
Across clues
Down clues
1. I bet and depend, becoming this usually (4,2,4) 6. Exists twice on this flower (4) 9. Help from helpers, as perceived (10) 10. Though funny, it preserves the view (2,2) 12. Heard unofficially, as an unused stylus is. (3,3,6) 15.Half your 18ac. of what you are looking at, is often associated with ‘house’ (6) 16. Where the tiles are, but above, not on, your head. (8) 18. He who tries to fill your squares is 15 and 19 (6,6) 19. Hotel worker more to the left is second half of 15 (6) 21. Hoping to hold German wine is amazing (3,9) 24. Cowards lacking direction become naughty ones (4) 25.Nut started changing into this learner (3,7) 26. Batty woman! (4) 29. Athlete in charge at start of season takes part in these (10)
1. Pull equal (4) 2. Possibly see a relaxation (4) 3. At home is enough to suggest not enough (12) 4. Windy sounding first presentations (6) 5. A qualified single man (8) 7. Whilst moving a throne sat an actress (6,4) 8. Whilst tolerating your role, keep separate (5,5) 11. Two of these for dessert! (12) 12. With a thin look I come in at a reform (10) 14. The ultimate harvester! (4,6) 17. Boston’s one time get-together (3,5) 20. Holding can (6) 22. Is it half a house? (4) 23. Vehicles for Colorado tribes (4) 20. Amuse. (6) 22. The first man. (4) 23. Responsibility. (4)
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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.
This could be your advert for £13pm
For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (during office hours)
hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk
62
The Red Lion - Lenham DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Lenham Family Festival Thu 11th — Sun 14th June 2015 Main event day Sat 13th June 2015 Lenham Community Centre
lenhamfamilyfestival.co.uk
Advertisers
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
Do you advertise in the Focus? Here are our new advertising guidelines for advertisers. Dimensions are Width by Height. Full page: 122.7x184.6mm 1/2 page: 122.7x91.6mm
1/4 page: 60.7x91.6mm 1/8 page: 60.7x44.9mm
lenhamfocus.co.uk 63
Last months crossword solution Last months winner was: Mrs Sharma of Lenham.
Organic Event Catering, Mobile Bars & Cocktail Tuition
Lenham’s latest arrival, providing fantastic locally sourced food to your next event.
We also offer cocktail tuition for hen and stag parties as well as mobile bars for all occasions. www.OrganicSpirit.co.uk 01622 43 43 47 – info@organicspirit.co.uk
Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Lenham Surgery Tel: 858341 Mondays to Fridays 8:30am-6:30pm 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) 64
Advertisers
65
We’re Falcon, a digital agency. 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. Web Design e-Commerce Mobile Web / App SEO/PPC Video Production
Branding Photography Email Marketing Corporate Literature Print + Editorial Design
Got a project in mind? Let’s talk. 01233 624664 | hey@madebyfalcon.co.uk
madebyfalcon.co.uk Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Success comes from working together.
Networking is about . . . having fun too!
66
Business networking isn’t boring! Well, not with Lenham Valley Business association it’s not. We work hard to network and we do quite a lot of business together, we help each other, we recommend other members to lots of different people. And we come back for more. It helps make business easier. It certainly makes working a pleasure. We arrive at 5:45 for a 6pm start. After a brief call to order, we have a speaker for about 20 minutes. We network and finish about 8pm. Simples! LVBA member or not you can come along for free, you just have to register online or phone 01622 820841. Linda is our speaker on Tuesday 3 March at The Dog & Bear Hotel in Lenham, telling us ways to save money. All are welcome. And as you can see from the photo above we have a good time. You can come to two meetings without having to pay, just to see if you like it.
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
Advertisers
Published by Lenham Focus Lenham Focus is published by the Lenham Focus Team. Any opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not the publishers. 67 Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine to ensure that they are correct and accurate at the time of printing and the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. The publication of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the publishers. Authors of articles and advertisements in Focus take full responsibility to ensure they obtain any prior permission for use of copyright materials. Focus is Distributed by Volunteers to: Lenham Village, Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway, West Street, Woodside Green and Warren Street. For ‘Out of Town’ Readers Distribution Lenham Community Centre, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office. Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Welcome to Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day
Save prese 10% on nt of th ation adve is rt!
Vintage Tea £12.95
pp
Treat someone special to a delicious selection of homemade cakes, scones and finger sandwiches served on our gorgeous vintage crockery!
Book now for Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day OR any time Mon-Sat with 24 hours booking essential.
CALL NOW TO BOOK
01622 844590 Lilypie Café, Georgian House, Warmlake Road, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RP lilypiecafe.com
LilypieCafe
@lilypiecafe LF0115