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JANUARY 2015 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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Welcome... to the January edition of the Lenham Focus We hope everybody had a good Christmas and enjoyed the Lights Switch On. I am sure everyone would join me in thanking the team who put this event together. Anyone interested in getting involved with help to organise events in and around the village there is always something going on. The Family Festival is calling for help this year so if you are interested make contact with Jenny or Janetta or go along to the meeting on the 22nd in the community centre. 04
Anyone who has made a New Year’s Resolution to get fit you might be interested in joining Egerton Running Club, they meet throughout the week for various activities. Finally, the usual monthly plea for help on the Focus, why not get involved and become part of village life? Not only to you get to know the village and what’s happening but you also get to meet lots of interesting people, not least the Focus Team. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.
Welcome
James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608
editorialslf@gmail.com
Lenham Focus Volume 17 Issue 1 | January 2015 Circulation 2000
JAN 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
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Copy Deadline: 5pm 7th of the preceding month. Please leave copy at 24 Maidstone Road or contact us. Advertising rates (Sep 2012) Eighth page Quarter Page Half Page Inside Cover Full Page Inside Cover Half Page Full Page Outside Back Cover Front cover available once a year per advertiser Print + Deliver Single Sided A5 Insert Double Sided A5 Insert
£13 £21 £38 £79 £58 £69 £88 £120
£250 £275
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Your Focus Team We are the team behind the Lenham Focus, we curate 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: Flowbox Flowbox 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 01622 686990 or send us a message at hello@thinkflowbox.co.uk Alternatively visit our hip and happenin’ website at: thinkflowbox.co.uk
Your Focus Team
Photography: Andy Flood Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design. Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers. Check out his Flickr Photostream! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ 35132157@N04/
Please tell us 07
At the Focus team meetings we are always striving for ways to improve and enhance the magazine. However, this cannot be achieved without your input. Please tell us what you would like to see in the magazine, even better, send us articles, photographs, notices and letters so we have a selection of items covering numerous topics. It would be advantageous if you could let us know of events throughout the parish and keep us posted on recent activities. Highlight any concerns you have which would benefit from
discussion or awareness of topical subjects. We aim to be age inclusive and are interested to hear from all age groups covering all clubs, associations and societies, also articles from individuals are equally welcome. The Focus magazine is evolving and aims to be an interesting, informative and enjoyable read, reflecting life in the parish and as a handy reference for finding services and businesses local to your needs.
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Dates for your diary 7 Jan Lenham Parish Council meeting Wednesday 7.30pm Community Centre. All members of the public welcome. 8 Jan Lenham WI History of the WI. 7.30pm at the Community Centre.
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15 Jan Lenham Gardening Society Join us at the Community Centre at 7.30pm. 16 Jan Remix and Fish Scheme Friday Film Club Harrietsham Village Hall. 2pm for the Matinee – South Pacific. 5:30 for the Youngsters – Shrek. 7:50 for the adults – Little Voice.
Dates for your diary
22 Jan Family Festival 2015 Please join us and help organise the festival in June. Meet at 7.15pm in the Community Centre. 28 Jan Lenham Heritage Meet at the Community Centre 7.30pm. New members welcome. 5 Feb Len Valley Community Hub Club 2 -4pm Lenham Social Club. 19 Feb Young at Heart 60+ Club 2 – 4pm Community Centre.
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The Lenham Lights Turn On 2014
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Borough Council Corner Happy New Year to all, I hope that you were able to share some fun times with your loved ones. Many of you, I’m sure, would have made New Year’s resolutions, maybe to take up a new interest; perhaps this could become a new magazine item?
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During December there were many issues that were brought to my attention by residents, not least the state of the roads including potholes, streetlights and overgrown foliage. I have also received comments on environmental issues concerning noise, and have been working with a number of residents on housing matters. By the time this is read I hope that the issue of enforcement at
the Sandway Motorcross will have been resolved. Thank you to all those who are continuing to work on the Neighbourhood Plan, this will prove to be very important for future generations in our village, laying down good infrastructure, traffic management and protection of areas against development. Can I again thank all those who give their time freely for others in the community, and encourage volunteering as a very worthwhile New Year’s resolution. Janetta Borough Councillor Harrietsham & Lenham Ward 01622 859412 mobile 07891 901 831
“ABBA” COMES TO LENHAM! Yes! Lenham Social Club had a “wow” of an evening brought to them by Frieda and Agnethe of the “Abba Tribute Group”. Members and their guests were on their feet, young, not so young and young at heart all dancing to the sounds of
Borough Council Corner
yesterday. With two encores and a final number no wonder Lenham Social Club booked them for next year. We are certainly looking forward to the next event. (WATCH THIS SPACE).
One Hundred Years Ago… Lenham’s Thomas Gilbert, who lived in Church Square, reached France on 26th January to serve with the Royal West Kent Regiment. Ahead of him in April lay the 2nd Battle of Ypres. Tom survived the war and became well loved as a general carrier. His old cart and horse were a familiar sight in the High Street. January 1915 saw a new war front opening in Mesopotamia, now that Turkey had entered the war, and many men from Lenham served there. Back at home the coal shortage and rising prices made the New Year an even gloomier one, though the village did its best. The Kent Messenger recorded on the 19th that ‘recently’ a ‘smoking concert’ had been held for officers and
men from the Royal Lancashire Territorial Engineers at Lenham School – possibly the same concert as that given to the Royal Engineers in mid December. Whether it was or not, the event, held thanks to its sponsor James Troup Hatch of Grove House, was a rousing success. The audience rose spontaneously with shouts of pleasures and a chorus of ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’. He was indeed a good fellow – he had founded the Hatch Charity for the good of Lenham villagers and it was he who created the list of 260 men who served in the First World War. He also served in it, as a member of the 5th Kent Volunteer Battalion. Amy Myers
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Lenham Festival 2015 The 2015 Bigger and Better Lenham Family Festival will take place from Thursday 11th June through to Sunday 14th June with a main event day on Saturday 13th June to be held at the Community Centre. Anyone wishing to get involved in
any way or give any ideas please contact Jenny on 859208 or Janetta on 859412. The next meeting of the group will be on 22nd January 2015 at 7.15pm in the Community Centre. All welcome.
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Another great night switching on Lenham Lights!
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It takes months of weekends up a ladder for Brian Jones and his team to put up the Christmas lights for Lenham. The switch on, as always on the first Sunday in December, saw the crowds coming out on a cold day to enjoy the stalls and entertainment put on by businesses on the square and a small selection of childrens’ rides and stalls. Lenham’s own Phillip Jarvis Estate Agent becomes Father Christmas complete with a full set of elves. A special horse drawn carriage brought Father Christmas himself to the Square and the queue to see Father Christmas started! Hospital Radio provided a continual flow of music with a special guest, Kyla Wight, entertainer and presenter, singing an impressive selection and accompanying Lights ‘14
Nancy Sorrell and the twins just before switch on. The winner of the Find the Sheep competition (organised by Lenham’s Church) and the Christmas window competition winner - Smarty’s - were announced as the fun continued with candy floss, toffee apples and children’s fun and games. Everyone in Lenham would like to thank all who helped make the event a reality, especially Brian and the light erectors, businesses around the Square who made the effort to get involved and the man who appears like magic every year to bring it all together, Alan Reading. If you want to be involved next year the deadline is 1 August 2015. Make a note of the number 01622 820841.
REMIX & FISH SCHEME FRIDAY FILM CLUB, HARRIETSHAM VILLAGE HALL
A#ernoon Ma*nee organised by Harrietsham Fish Scheme. Doors open at 2pm for refreshments, prompt 2.15 start South Pacific cert U Running Time 157mins On a South Pacific island during World War II, love blooms between a young nurse and a secretive Frenchman who's being courted for a dangerous military mission.
Admission £3 for members; U18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Contact Marjorie on 850657 if you require transport.
Youngsters’ Film at 5.30pm
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Shrek. cert U Running Time 90mins An ogre, in order to regain his swamp, travels along with an annoying donkey in order to bring a princess to a scheming lord, wishing himself King.
Admission £2 for members; Parental consent forms need to be
7.50pm for refreshments, prompt 8pm start. LiVle Voice. Cert 15 Running Time 97mins The pathetically shy LV lives the life of a recluse listening to her late father's old records in her room. At night, when her father's ghost visits, LV sings the songs of the great divas such as Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Bassey.
Admission £3 for members; U18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Contact Janetta Sams on 859412 or email sams_uplands@yahoo.co.uk See www.harrietshamvillage.org.uk
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Clubs and Societies LENHAM GARDEN SOCIETY A happy new year to all our members and may it bring every happiness. The AGM was held on Friday 21st November. Over 60 members attended, and the Chairman’s report and Treasurer’s report were presented and agreed by the meeting. One member volunteered to join the committee Thank you and welcome Tom Lee. Otherwise it’s the same as usual, which means you will have to put up with me for one year. However, as I stated at the AGM I will be standing down next year come what may. After the AGM we had our usual Cheese & Wine social which was enjoyed by all. During the evening there was a chance for members to look at the suggested outing for 2015 and vote on their preference. The results will be announced at the January meeting. Remember that we will be collecting subs which remain at £7 (best value in the village). Reminder that our February meeting will be the Winter Social, tickets will be available at the January meeting.
Well that’s it for now, once again a happy new year to you all. Keith Chair LGS The Lenham Swimming Club Happy New Year! I know the last thing you are likely to be contemplating at this time of year is swimming in an outdoor pool but, at Lenham Swimming Club, we are already turning our thoughts to the pool in order to prepare for opening again this summer! Many of the volunteers who joined us in 2014 have committed to helping at the pool again this year. The pool cannot open without help and many of our volunteers did far more than they signed up for. There was so much enthusiasm and positive feedback about the re-opening of our village pool and we are hoping to encourage some more volunteers to help us. This may mean that we can spread the load and support each other when it is busy/ holiday cover etc.
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If you would be willing to undertake the Royal Life Saving Society Emergency Response (Pool) qualification and commit to a voluntary session at the Lenham pool one evening or a Saturday/
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Continued... Sunday per week during June, July and August, we would like to hear from you. The qualification is a two-day course which will be held at the pool once it is ready for use (likely to be mid to late May).
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There may be the opportunity to undertake the full pool lifeguard qualification (6 day course). NPLQ courses take place at a local Leisure Centre during January (weekends) and weekday courses during February, May and June/July 2015. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to undertake the qualification but there is no upper age limit. This could potentially create an ideal career opportunity and would be fully funded in return for your commitment. We also need helpers to be on the front desk to help take payments for swims and run the tuck shop. If you would be interested in finding out more about the Royal Life Saving Society qualifications and how you may help with in the club, please contact me on 01622 859174 / 07981125593 or email me on chris@cjhtraining.freeserve. co.uk for more information. Thank you. Chris Hills Chairman
Continued...
LENHAM W.I. Our November speaker was a last minute replacement for the expected speaker who was indisposed. A representative from The Blue Cross gave us a riveting talk on the history of this organisation and an amazing insight into the part played by animals during the First World War. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all our members. December marked the end of another busy and varied year. Some of our ladies attended a Carol Service in Bearsted and some a Christmas Tree festival in Rolvenden and we ended the year being entertained by Doreen Hulm at our Christmas meeting. 2015 is the centenary year for the National Federation of Women’s Institutes and to mark this, our January meeting will be about the history of the W.I. Our speakers next year will be: February - Eileen Brunger and Sheila Mill on ‘A trip to America’, March - Sheila Boyd on ‘American Heiresses’, April - Ian Porter on ‘Suffragettes’. May is our A.G.M, June- Paul Beard on ‘Barnardos’. July- Antonia Gallup ‘A Motor Bike Across India’, September- Jeff
Smith, a guitarist, October - Lesley Gould on ‘Japanese Festivals’, November - Ginny Knox,’ Foraging for Food’ and in December the ever popular Barbara Stevens on ‘Olive Oil’. As you can see, there is potentially something for everyone. On February 21st we will be holding our annual Quiz in the Community Centre so make a note in your diaries. Tickets will be available from Carole Toner 01622 850048, or W.I. members. Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2015 from the W.I. Gill Simes LEN VALLEY COMMUNITY HUB CLUB I think one and all had a good time at the party especially the carols. Lenham Primary never let us down. The Panto was fantastic!! Oh no it wasn’t, oh yes it was. A great time had by all. There is NO meeting in January 2015. Our first meeting will be Thursday 5th February 2.004.00pm at the Social Club. We look forward to seeing all our old friends and maybe a few new ones? We hope you had a peaceful and happy Christmas and look forward to a happy New Year. Jenny, John, Martin and Nina
YOUNG AT HEART 60+ Another year gone and we finished with a great party. A lot of fun and lots of laughter! There will be NO meeting January 2015. The first one is Thursday 19th February 2.00-4.00pm at the Community Centre. We hope everyone will be there. If new to the area you will be very welcome to join us. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. If you require a lift please contact Jenny Lloyd on 01622 859208 Jenny, Sue, Olive, Jackie, Martin, Fred and Nina. LENHAM HERITAGE Our last meeting in 2014 was a talk given by Keith Parfitt about the Eastry by-pass constructed in the 1990s. It was very informative as Keith showed how things were discovered using aerial photography and later by a strip excavation along the whole length of the roadway. It was amazing that a little hamlet of Church Whitfield (with no stream or obvious water supply) could have had so much Saxon settlement …the church is Saxon (rare in Kent).
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The Roman items we found in the ditch on the Groom Way site were also on display. Keith wondered how the house plans were passed without a Watching Brief in place? Presumably it was an error on the part of MBC as KCC had asked me
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the same question. The excavation on the Ironmongers’ site was excavated fully as it lies within the conservation area of Lenham. That site was very interesting as two shop footings (on no previous records) were uncovered. Contrary to what people have been saying the elusive Roman road through Lenham was not found. The cobbling was the yard of one of the shops and the oldest items (back from the modern road) were Saxon. The site was orchard at least as far back as 19th Century.
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Many years ago the KCC Records Officer asked me if the designation of Lenham’s Conservation area was correct? Perhaps, with hindsight, I should have suggested that it be extended to include all the Glebe land that as far as Tanyards. We now know that there was some kind of Roman building somewhere in that area. We also know that in the back gardens of the houses north of Old Ashford road there was a pond. It is marked on the archaeological plan drawn up in 2002 and it could be seen this time as a very deep section of top soil at least 2-3m in depth. This would suggest that the pond has moved south and this previous one filled with silt and top soil. Why? You may ask. Because every 300-600 years there seems to have been a torrential downpour on the Downs that strips off the soil and shunts it south. The reason all the Downs crossing roads are
Continued...
so deeply cut is not from carts travelling them but from gushing rain water. Sometime in the distant future torrents of water might move our present pond out into the eastern end of Court Meadow. If dry, hill top, Eastry had so many ancient dwellings why should there be so few in Lenham? With such an abundant water supply it should be the reverse and perhaps the hill washout theory is why they have not been found as Saxon post holes have long gone? But there should be much Roman also. Sitting here today as I get older and more decrepit and my digging days behind me, my mind invents lazy ways to find things. Perhaps a hill torrent will do the trick in a few years’ time and wash the foundations clean. Hollingbourne has a (possible) bath house standing in the mud of the stream in much the same way. I thought when we found it ….one way to excavate might be with a power hose! Tanyard’s Mill Barn is a standing building that is worthy of conservation. Its name is interesting; was it a mill before it was a Tanyard? It has a curious underground leat that is diverted from a spring east of Tanyard’s House. There are grants available for conservation, as I told the owner, but they usually require the
building to be listed in the process. It will be interesting to see what else appears in our history of Lenham as housing developments progress. Lesley Feakes 850275 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 2014 was an eventful year for The Lenham and Harrietsham Branch of the Royal British Legion. It is with sadness that we remember Arthur Reeves, Norbury Colbran, Peter Davis, Arthur Kemsley, Ted Barker and Oliver Jones who passed away during the year. On a happier note, Bill Head and Jim Myers joined the branch. New members are always welcome. The members and guests enjoyed two buffet suppers at The Dog and Bear and a successful trip to The Imperial War Museum. A visit to the National Arboretum is planned for the spring. The Remembrance service started at the earlier time of 10.15. Despite our best efforts, not everyone was aware of the new time and for that we are sorry. The attendance of pupils from the local schools at the War Memorial on Remembrance Day was greatly appreciated by branch members. Finally it is appropriate that we acknowledge and thank all those who have supported the Poppy Appeal and, as they say on television, in no particular order,
the manager of Lenham Storage for permitting Mal Carey to collect on their site, Marley, the local pubs, hotels, shops and businesses who displayed appeal collecting boxes. The schools actively participated in raising money and the President and Chairman were honoured to be invited to visit Platts Heath Primary School to receive a cheque for ÂŁ50, which was raised at their summer fete when the pupils planted poppies in a school plot as an act of remembrance. Last but not least, we thank the Reverend Dick Venn and the Parochial Church Council for donating the Remembrance collection to the Poppy Appeal and to the Trustees of the Hatch Charity for donating both the proceeds from the sale of refreshments at the book launch of Lenham at War but also for donating half the profits from the sale of the book.
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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Women’s Section Our first meeting of the New Year is Thursday 22nd January 2.30 in the Community Centre. We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Waterman who will talk and show slides on Ypres. There will be the usual raffle and refreshments. Enid La Plain
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GENERAL / SOCIAL NUMBERS Badgers (St Johns Ambulance) Badminton Bowling Club Brownies (2nd Lenham) Drama Gardening Society Guides (1st Lenham) Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Heritage Lenham Nursery School Lenham Players Lenham Wanderers Lenham Social Club Harrietsham & Lenham Beavers Harrietsham and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs 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: Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Enhancement Ass. Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre
John Barned (Roads, Pavements)
Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Police Constable Rural Community Warden Vicar
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Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily
Activate Fitness Facilites
Monday Tuesday
Wednesday
St Johns Ambulance Badminton (Feathers) Parent & Toddlers Group Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club H/sham&Lenham Beavers St Johns Ambulance Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes
Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Thursday Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Music Mayhem Friday Guides 1st Lenham 36 H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club LenARA Keep Fit Lenham Youth Club Saturday Sunday
Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools
Activate Sports Swadelands 7am--8.30am & 5pm--9pm St Johns Hall, Ham Lane 4.30- 6.00pm 7.00-9.15pm Community Centre 8.-10.00pm Community Centre 9.30-11.30am (8-11 years) 6.30- 8.pm Community Centre 8.pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5.45- 7.15.pm Cadets (10-18) 6.00-8.00pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30 -9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30- 9.00pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15- 7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8.pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 7.00- 9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30- 9.30pm Community Centre 5.30- 8.30pm Community Centre 2.00- 3.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am- 5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00noon see separate church services page
Monthly Events 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 4th Wednesday Last Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Thursday 3rd Thursday Last Saturday 2nd Sunday
Derby & Joan Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Len&Har. Disability Grp Lenham Country Market
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Lenham House Lenham Social Club Business Association Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre Lenham Library Community Centre Community Centre Lenham House The Village Square
2.00pm 8.pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2.pm 7.30pm 4.45--5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 9.- 1.00pm
Paul Grant Roofing Contractors All aspects of roofing work undertaken. Listed Building Specialist Strip / Re-tile / Kent Peg / Slating / Leadwork 35 years experience All work fully guaranteed For a free quotation and friendly advice on any roofing matter. OďŹƒce: 01622 850855 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted 37
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Down at the old Dog and Bear
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The Dog and Bear has a long history. Built over a century earlier, in the late eighteenth century it became a coaching inn on the turnpike road running through the village – no bypass then! – and boasted six two-stall stables. By 1914 it still had stables, a harness room, a manure yard, cart shed and coach house. The entrance to the yard was not between the pub and the present Stanfield House (then the home of Lenham’s doctor, John Temperley Grey) but from the Maidstone Road past the back of the Red Lion. There are legendary stories galore about its previous customers, including Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Anne. Jane Austen most certainly knew of the pub during her visits to her brother’s brotherin-law, Edward Bridges, who was then vicar of Lenham.
Down at the old Dog and Bear
Today the two Queens would have been proud to dine and sleep at the Dog and Bear, whether or not they did so in the past. A Shepherd Neame hotel, it is managed by Brian and Anne Hogg and their team of 27 friendly and efficient staff members. Recently refurbished rooms and an attractive restaurant and bar menu make for a most enjoyable stay or dining experience. And there’s usually a nice group of regulars around the bar! Now for a little more about managers Brian and Anne: they met 20 years ago working at the Philipburn House Hotel in the Scottish Borders, as head chef and duty manager respectively. The couple, who have been married for 17 years, joined Shepherd Neame in 1996 as trainee hotel managers, and managed the Crown Inn at Sarre until 1997. They managed
the Woolpack at Chilham until July 2004, when they moved to the Dog and Bear. I asked them what were the most rewarding parts of their job? Anne responded, ‘Seeing customers returning as they have enjoyed their experience with us, and building strong relationships with our regulars. We are on first name terms with lots of them. We also take real pride in the development of our staff, such as our assistant manager Natalie who started with us as a trainee.’ What do you consider your biggest success at the company so far I asked, and Anne replied, ‘We are particularly proud of the way we have become part of village life during our time here at the Dog and Bear. We support the football and cricket teams, hold a free
Christmas tea party for the village pensioners, and try to support the community whenever we can, taking care to use local suppliers.’ Brian added, ‘We are also very proud of our fantastic team of staff here at the Dog and Bear. We have many long-serving employees, including our head chef, Paul Daybank, who has been with us since we arrived here ten years ago. It keeps the business stable, and ensures consistency for customers, as they see the same faces when they visit us. Running a good pub and hotel is all about the people. You need a good team behind you to make it flow and work.’ Paul Daybank and Natalie were recently married, which proves Brian’s point. Text by Jim Myers
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Focus On Nature WINTER IN KENT ‘What is winter? A word, A figure, a clever guess. That time-word does not answer to This drowsy wakefulness. ........... The spirt has no last days And death is no more dead than this Flower-haunted haze’. Edmund Blunden
By the time you read this issue of Focus, the winter solstice, our shortest day will have passed, an event still celebrated as it was all those years ago, when the dramatic and enigmatic monument of Stonehenge was miraculously raised. A brief glance around us seems to indicate little change in the winter landscape, but this is deceptive because below the surface, cell division is taking place in all the trees and Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Continued...
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plants in response to the slowly increasing hours of sunlight, producing a very subtle feeling in the atmosphere, so beautifully described by Blunden as a ‘drowsy wakefulness’. Nearby here at Grovelands is a mature Horse Chestnut tree ... Aesculus hippocastanum, so called on account of the horseshoe shaped scars left after each leaf fall in the autumn. Rather surprisingly it is not a tree native to the UK, but seems to have been brought over from northern India in the mid 16th century. It is readily distinguished during winter by its large terminal buds set on the ends of thick branches, each bud coated with a protective sticky substance. When spring arrives, that substance will melt away, allowing a very rapid expansion of the magnificent flowers, all snowwhite flecked with pink and yellow. Along our local footpaths can be found just a few surviving wild plants, attempting to display some brave but tired-looking blooms, including Groundsel, Chickweed and Daisies. A very surprising sight however, as I walked along the Pilgrim’s Way in midDecember was an isolated, fresh, bright specimen of Cow Parsley, known locally as Hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium in
Continued...
full bloom as if enjoying spring conditions. Other intriguing local names include Cowbelly, Gypsy’s Lace, Lumperscrump and Scabby Hands. It was widely collected as a free pig feed in earlier years, eagerly consumed by those animals. One English herbal recommended the young shoots to be gently cooked, as they tasted of asparagus, no doubt the pigs agreed! Youngsters used to use the mature hollow stems as pea-shooters, but this was risky as adverse skin reactions can occur. A very large area alongside the Way is smothered with fresh green, newly emerging Cleavers, Galium aparine, known locally as Goosegrass as it was widely used to feed newly hatched goslings to be ready for the Christmas feasts. Other delightful local names include Clinging Sweethearts, Robin-Run-Up-The-Hedge and Lovers’ Kisses. Early herbalists recommended it be used to treat piles and various skin diseases. As I type this, 3 squirrels are indulging in an acrobatic high speed chase through the tree branches, no doubt energised by the bountiful autumn harvest of wing seed cases from a nearby sycamore tree. Derek Budge
Lenham Neighbourhood Plan Thank you to all those involved in preparing and presenting the two opportunities for parishioners of Lenham parish to inspect the draft Neighbourhood Plan to date. Over three hundred people attended the events held at the Community Centre on Sunday 16th & 23rd November. There were many good ideas and suggestions for improving the parking facilities and amenities throughout the village. Preferable sites for housing development were identified alongside protected areas of open space. Concerns were expressed about future adequate education and health care provision.
The four working groups covering housing, infrastructure, village life and economy presented their findings and the housing survey team collected responses from the questionnaires delivered to residents. All the plan documents to date can be viewed on http://lenhamparish. org.uk Designscape will collate all the information for inclusion in the plan to be presented to Maidstone Borough Council in December. Any enquiries to the Clerk 01622 859682 hello@parishcouncil.org. uk
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Life In A Busy Parish Reading the minutes taken at the monthly Lenham Parish Council meetings is a little like reading a diary. Whilst not containing personal items, it does, however, track issues and events in the life of a busy parish. We are very fortunate in Lenham in having a vibrant community with a comprehensive assortment of clubs, societies, and associations covering many interests for an
array of age groups. The events organised by the groups are well advertised in the regular articles in the Focus magazine, which is also a valuable village asset. The following is a brief synopsis of the minutes for 2014 outlining some of the important events in the parish. This year has seen a flurry of proposed developments throughout the parish; many
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Continued...
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contentious planning applications have galvanised the community to work with the parish council in promoting the implementation of a Neighbourhood Plan. The plan is ongoing and making steady progress. Following the engagement of Designscape Consultancy and the setting up of the HIVE groups, (housing, infrastructure, village and economy) the plan has been revitalised and the consultation process enabled the organisation of several well attended public exhibitions. The Save Lenham group have been most supportive, meeting with Maidstone Borough Council and highlighting the issues on the savelenham.org website. The group also provided willing foot soldiers to collect signatures for a petition and deliver the recently issued housing survey, so this is a good opportunity to extend the gratitude of the LPC to all those who have supported the Neighbourhood Plan process. Transport issues relating to the repairs of the roads, pavements, and street lighting problems are perennial. Lack of adequate parking facilities are a bone of contention especially at the railway station, community centre, and the square, all issues that will be discussed during the plan process.
Continued...
Obviously there will be considerably more work involved in the plan and we will endeavour to keep parishioners abreast of developments throughout this coming year. The new improved (work in progress) lenhamparish. org.uk website has all the plan documents and for those who prefer to read a paper copy, please contact the clerk. Visual changes in the parish included the loss of the recycling facility in Old Ashford Road, after MBC introduced kerb-side recycling. Sheep can now be seen grazing in the rear section of the churchyard and following storm damage several trees have been cut at the community centre, cemetery and churchyard. The allotments at Ham Lane are under threat, due to the landowners wishing to sell the land for housing development, along with the Ham Lane Allotment Association we are strenuously trying to protect such assets. Loss of assets affects us all, unfortunately the NatWest Bank is closing the Lenham branch in January 2015, a blow to both residents and local businesses. We also saw the closing of the United Reform Church in Maidstone Road and the loss of the Lime Tree
restaurant and hotel. On a positive note, the facility of an Ironmonger has been revitalised at the Lenham Newsagents and a new Off Licence opened in the High Street. The local businesses provide excellent service to our community and deserve our support. The popular Community Centre goes from strength to strength and celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2014, with a successful evening dinner dance, which will hopefully be repeated in March of this year. The installation of solar panels at the Community Centre, which were provided through a unilateral undertaking from the development of the Solar Park at Sandway, should be installed imminently. Money generated from the installation will be divided equally between the Community Centre, St Edmund’s Centre at Platts Heath and the Charing and Lenham Heath Memorial Hall. Installation costs are being funded by the Community Centre, LPC and a local farming company. The sale of the land at Groom Way for the housing development provided the means to fully repay the outstanding Public Works Loans Board, which means the Community Centre has no outstanding debts and really does
belong to the parishioners of Lenham. The one hundred year anniversary of the outbreak of World War One was commemorated with an excellent book written by Amy Myers. This was made possible by a Hatch Charity grant and was based on a list of serving personnel from the parish. The book was launched at a well-attended exhibition held at the Community Centre in August. This snapshot of life in a busy parish is by no means comprehensive, just a flavour of the everyday events and issues which are discussed at parish meetings. We wish you all a prosperous New Year and thank you for your ongoing support in our efforts to keep Lenham a thriving, vibrant community. If you would like any further details please contact: Lenham Parish Clerk: Margo McFarlane 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org.uk or http://lenhamparish.org.uk
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Len Valley Churches Service Times Sunday 4th January 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) Sunday 11th January 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 44
Saturday 17th January 4.00-6.00 pm at Harrietsham School: Messy Church Sunday 18th January 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 Saturday 24th January 5.00pm at St John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise Sunday 25th January 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
Len Valley Churches
ST MARY’S CHURCH FLOWERS & BRASS CLEANING 3rd/10th Jan Mrs Jones 17th/31st Jan Mrs Greenwood 7th/14th February Mrs Humphrey 18th February Ash Wednesday Brass cleaning Mr Swaffield Christian Message January 2015 On the same Friday in 2014 two families moved away from Grafty Green. Like many other residents I felt sad. They were our friends and had contributed much to village life. We would miss them. As I thought about this I recalled Bishop Trevor’s words at a Deanery lunch in Lenham during the early months of his ministry in Canterbury. I asked him how he felt about leaving his work and his friends in Basingstoke. His reply has stayed with me. “Here we have no continuing city,” he said. His words were a reminder of Hebrews chapter 13, verse 14, “Here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” The writer of these words was referring to Abraham’s obedience to God in moving to a country which he did not know. “He was looking for a city without foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” As a familiar song puts it, this world is not our home. We are just travelling through. Trusting too much in the things of this world almost always leads to
disappointment and, sometimes, to bitterness. It is natural and good to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful and good things we have, including our achievements, but one day, and we have no idea when, they must all be left behind. What the Christian faith encourages us to do is to be thankful for the here and now and enjoy all that we have been given. At the same time it is good to remember that there is more. God provides us with the wonderful opportunity of travelling through this life with his Son, Jesus, towards the city of which he is the architect and builder. My prayer is that we may, in 2015, hear and heed the words of God, “This is the way, walk in it.” (Isaiah chapter 30 verse 21) Joan Drury
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The Rectory Weigh-In If you would like the motivation to lose those extra pounds by being weighed each week but without paying the prices of slimming clubs, you are welcome to come to ‘The Rectory Weigh-In’ at Harrietsham Rectory on either Friday evenings between 6 - 7.30pm or Saturday mornings between 9 – 10.30am from 9th January. All are welcome to join us.
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A Tribute To Jeff Goodsell
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Jeff was well known and respected, with friends who remember his many years in the village. His death in April affected many people and it was felt that a memorial of some sort would preserve his memory. To raise money for the project 75 cyclists gathered in Lenham Square with ages ranging from 18 to an enthusiastic rider of 72! The ride took them through Egerton, Pluckley and Charing, finishing up at Lenham Social Club. The money raised together with a raffle prize of a mountain bike, kindly donated by Perry Wood Vending, came to a staggering £3650. It was felt that the money should go to the Charles Dickens Day Unit at Maidstone Hospital towards
essential equipment where Jeff had been treated during the course of his illness. At a special evening at Lenham Social Club for Jeff, his Mum and Dad, together with other members of his family, joined friends to celebrate his life. Entertainment was provided by Glen Powlingson playing traditional jazz on a trombone and Steve Dunbar – a magician – who fooled us with his humorous dexterity. Jeff was sadly missed by everyone and in his memory a donation of £3650 was handed to representatives of the Charles Dickens Day Unit. Jeff is sadly missed but certainly not forgotten. John Philpott
Do you live in Sandway, Old Ham Lane, Glebe Gardens, Royton avenue or Chilston Road? We need distributors for Focus for these areas – if you can help please call Gez on 859595, call or text 07784447200 or email gezclark@ tiscali.co.uk. Also if you live in the parish of Lenham and have to collect your magazine from one of the outlets in the village, please let me know and I’ll see if we can find a distributor for your area. A Tribute To Jeff Goodsell
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.
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SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham
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‘Strictly’ comes to Lenham!
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Karen, Emma and Antony Day, who run the GDC School of Dancing at the Lenham dance studio, were justifiably proud to host this evening event at the studio in Faversham Road on 4th December.
The star guest was Len Goodman, head judge on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Len, a long-time friend of Antony and Karen, was invited to give out the Achievement Awards to the dance students for passing the UKA Dance exams. The ever-affable Len posed for pictures with virtually all the attendees – maybe there’s an upcoming Ola Jordan amongst them! All in all, this gala evening was a most fitting conclusion to the GDC School of Dancing’s 13th successful year of operation. Well done, Karen, Emma and Antony! Text by Jim Myers Photos by Richard Gare
Strictly comes to Lenham!
Len Valley Practice
Exciting New Development! From Tuesday 4TH November we are commencing a free medication delivery service for our patients who are: •Housebound •MDS Patients •Under District Nursing Care •Requiring Dressings/B12s •Have serious difficulty in collecting medication
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Please direct any enquiries to our Dispensary Manager, Elaine Moles on (01622) 852 901
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KCC proposes to keep community warden service at its current level
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I would like to say a big thank you to all those who completed the consultation document and/ or signed the petitions. It made a tremendous difference. Things are still under discussion, however, I would like to draw your attention to the attached press release where it refers to a cabinet meeting in January. There may be some changes in how the warden service is delivered, but there are no details of possible changes at the moment. Many thanks, Martin Martin Sherwood | Kent Community Warden Service Mid Kent | Community Warden - Lenham and Harrietsham | Public Protection Service | Growth, Environment and
Community Warden Service
Transport | Mobile 07977 981993 Press release The number of community wardens in Kent is likely to remain at its present level, following an extensive public consultation on plans to reduce it. As part of its efforts to make huge financial savings over the next three years, the county council was intending to reduce the number of wardens to 46. It is now proposing to retain the service at its current level of about 70 uniformed staff. Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “We carried out a six-week consultation which produced nearly 1,200 responses. The council is now proposing to retain the service at its current level of about 70 uniformed staff.”
“More than 100 of those were from district and parish councils and the vast majority praised the wardens, either as individuals or as a service, and was keen to see it retained.” “We were already aware of the important role that our wardens play in the areas they serve, but this consultation has brought home to us how valued they are by those communities.” “We have listened and paid attention to public opinion and I am recommending the correct course of action is to maintain the status quo.” “I received an indication of support from my Cabinet colleagues at a meeting last month, since when we have been working on some operational issues which have now been resolved.” “Although we will be keeping all
the present uniformed wardens, we will achieve some savings by a reduction in back-office staff and by closing three area offices.” “We will also need to make some minor reorganisation to the warden service, because there is an imbalance in the provision across certain parts of the county.” “But the main impact of my decision is that we have heeded public opinion and, assuming my recommendation is ratified by the full Cabinet early in January, this important service should remain at its current level.” The number of community wardens in Kent is likely to remain at its present level, following an extensive public consultation on plans to reduce it.
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Story time Would you like to share more stories with your children? Storytime is on every Monday afternoon, 2.15-2.45, in the children’s corner at Lenham Library. Following a recent re-launch Storytime is now run by the parents for all children, birth to pre-school, in Lenham and the surrounding villages. It remains free of charge.
We would love to see you for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes very soon. Why not take advantage and borrow some more stories to take home from the library’s excellent collection? Bookstart bear and the team look forward to meeting you! Karen Gambrell
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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. 52
Wednesday and Friday Runs 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)
Running Club
One Moment In Rhyme
Happy New Year A New Year is amongst us and everyone’s sure That this year’s resolution will last a couple of weeks more Good luck I say as I write from One Moment Towers As my pledge to start dieting won’t have lasted more than 12 hours! Funny how the New Year seems to offer new hopes and dreams We all get inspired by the New Year it seems Shame that it starts with the most dismal month of the year Coinciding with the fact that we’ve drank all the Christmas beer I look at things strangely and the highlight I say Is that at least we get 2 minutes more daylight each day By the end of the month that’s a whole hour more light And it feels like we have daytime instead of interminable night
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So what does the New Year have in store for us all? I’m confident that this year I’ll get a call From that man on the advert for the Euro Lottery If I get it, I promise you, the drinks are on me! Last year was the hottest year we’ve ever had We didn’t even have Autumn of that I was glad If I could just put in one small request Any chance that this year August is best? I still think it’s odd a year called twenty fifteen It sounds like a film title if you know what I mean A Sci-fi film from the ‘80s with a plot that’s unclear Maybe that is appropriate, Happy New Year! Mark Godfrey One Moment In Rhyme Bespoke poetry from One Moment In Rhyme – www.onemomentinrhyme.homestead.com Tel: 07720 401749. Email: info@onemomentinrhyme.com
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ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Planning and Building Control Drawings
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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 11/01/15 & 08/02/15
T: 01622 851186 M: 0791 438 0521 info@allfixplumbing.co.uk www.allfixplumbing.co.uk Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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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
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Email: services@maidstonewills.com
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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
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Prize Crossword Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 20th of the month.
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Across clues
Down clues
1. Our campaign name for our wish to save our village. (4,6) 6. Wound with a blade. (4) 9. A generator of electricity. (10) 10. A herb eaten with pork. (4) 12. A person who flies commercial aircraft. (7,5) 15. Sufficient. (6) 16. French WWII leader. (2,6) 18. Rhythmical percussion sound. (4,4) 19. What lemonade does when opened. (6) 21. Sheds are this. (12) 24. Very interested. (4) 25. Where 21s may well be. (4,6) 26. Remove particles from. (4) 27. Days of yore. (5,5)
1. Fake. (4) 2. Go to the polls. (4) 3. Messing around. (7.5) 4. Almost. (6) 5. Ritually smeared with oil. (8) 7. Do early pioneering work. (5,5) 8. Migratory birds from Siberia, tending to live near estuaries. (5.5) 11. An actor who uses his voice has this. (8,4) 13. Talks that are not progressing are said to be this. (10) 14. People who work for nothing. (10) 17. A place on the Monopoly board which is pink. (4,4) 20. Amuse. (6) 22. The first man. (4) 23. Responsibility. (4)
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LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September)
Scarves • Silver Jewellery • Purses • Hair Accessories • Fashion Bags • Costume Jewellery • Occasion Bags • Fascinators
Immyblingy bringing glamour to Lenham
MON-SAT 9:30-5 Open Market Sundays
01622 298129
Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except Bank Holiday) Planning Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting. For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (during office hours)
hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk
MH WEALTH MANAGEMENT Dr. Mark Holland DipPFS Financial Planner We provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: • Investment & Retirement planning • Inheritance Tax planning For further details please call: 01622 850628 or 07475 085726 or email: m.holland@sjpp.co.uk
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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
The Red Lion, Lenham. A traditional 14th Century inn in the medieval village of Lenham - Home cooked food, served daily, Monday - Friday 12:00-2:30pm and 6:00pm-9:00pm Saturday & Sunday 12noon-09:00pm - Senior citizen specials - Hot Stone Dining - Log fire's - Cask Mark awarded Real Ales - Function room available - Monthly Quiz and theme nights - Mobile Bar & Catering service for hire 01622 858531
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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
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Last months crossword solution Last months winner was: Mary Holland of Platts Heath.
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
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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
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We’re Flowbox, 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. 01622 686990 | hello@thinkflowbox.co.uk
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Success comes from working together.
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Y ear. Networking is about . . . getting more business! So here’s the dates for 2015. We try and make the first Tuesday of each month our evening! Tuesday 6 January Tuesday 3 February Tuesday 3 March Tuesday 7 April Tuesday 5 May Wednesday 27 May combined with SMBA No meeting in June Tuesday 7 July Tuesday 4 August Tuesday 1 September Tuesday 6 October Tuesday 3 November Tuesday 1 December combined with SMBA Just to remind you 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. We network at different venues around the Harrietsham - Charing - Ulcome areas. As you can see from the group photos on our website we have a good time. You can come to two meetings without having to pay, just to see if you like it. A years membership starts at just £75 for a sole trader.
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 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