Lenham Focus | July '15

JULY 2015 IN THIS EDITION

St Mary’s Chuch Open Day

Lenham Parish Council Update

Dates for your Diary Find out what’s on

Cancer Research UK Race for Life

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 33

PAGE 2 JULY 2015

Welcome to the July edition of the Lenham Focus. We continue to get positive feedback on the new format but we are always interested to hear what our readers

James Collett Editor

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

07927 308740 editorialslf@gmail. com

think. If you have any views on the new format, or any other aspect of the magazine for that matter, please let us know.

We have our usual article from Jim Myers, this month he has written about Norbury (Nobby) Colbran and the bench at the Community Centre that has been recently dedicated to his memory.

Nobby was a dedicated member of the St John Ambulance and a regular contributor to this magazine before he passed away. I am sure most of you will remember his helpful and informative first aid tips.

The Parish Council are advertising for a new Councillor and if you are interested in getting involved in what is likely to be one of the most crucial times for the village in living memory please contact the Clerk

This month and over the coming months there are a number of events to raise money for the Heart of Kent hospice, some of which will also provide a once in a life time opportunity. We also have the Charity Bike Ride on the 12th that has raised money for some essential equipment in the past and I am sure this year will be no different so please get involved.

I would like to finish with my usual plea for help and support on the magazine. It is put together by a small but dedicated team and distributed by a small army of residents but, as always, more help would be appreciated. Anything you think you can help with please let one of the team know or if you have some free time and just want to help out there are always things to do.

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

Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200

Social: Jemma Cockell, Liz Webb

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

Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy Bennett

Overviewer: Margo McFarlane

Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@gmail.com

Interviews: Jim Myers

Printed by: Gemini Print

Welcome

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

V17 E7

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

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

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

Published by Lenham Focus Lenham Focus is published by the Lenham Focus Team. Any

opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not the publishers.

Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine to ensure that they are correct and accurate at the time of printing and the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. The publication of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the publishers.

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A Unique-AFayre

PAGE 4

HOKH

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

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S

UNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2015. With the kind permission of Sir Robert and Lady Worcester this year’s Unique-A-Fayre in support of Heart of Kent Hospice will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the privately owned and historically important Allington Castle which is rarely open to the public.

Combining a love of bespoke interiors, homewares and lifestyle products with the dedication and craftsmanship of many local businesses, the event will showcase the products of 33 handpicked exhibitors whilst raising money for the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Tickets are £15.00 each and include tea and cake in the Great Hall. Numbers are limited and tickets must be purchased in advance by contacting fundraising@hokh. co.uk or by phoning us on 01622 790195. Tickets can also be purchased on our

Neighbourhood Plan put to Straw Poll Test

T

he first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was published at the beginning of April.

Copies were available on websites and in shops and public buildings throughout the village.

We thought since May 7th was the day of all the national and local elections we would also hold a poll to get the village views of the plan.

There were three polling stations in the parish but we were only able to set up and man one location. The Tithe Barn was kindly made available for this purpose; to make up for our

website www.hokh.org. You may choose between morning tickets (starting at 10.00am) or afternoon tickets (starting at 1.00 pm).

Please note that this event is not recommended for children under the age of 12 but any child

attending must have a valid full price ticket and that wheelchair access is limited.

Thanks and kind regards, Dorothy Heart of Kent Hospice

absence at the other polling stations we organised a postal vote for those who could not get to the Barn (180 responses).

Spoilt papers (no clear view, etc)

We asked for a simple YES/NO vote on the question “Do you support the Plan?” and offered everyone the option of writing comments on the reverse of the form to support their views.

The results were as follows:Total Voting Papers returned

530 100%

9

2%

We had comments from 12 of the YES voters and 7 of the NO voters. These have been analysed and will be used to influence future versions and as evidence of the public participation in the development of the Neighbourhood Plan which will be required at Examination.

506 95%

We are most encouraged by the 95% level of support received from those taking part in this straw poll. Thanks to all who took part and especially to those who gave written comments.

NOT supporting the Plan

Mike Cockett & Henny Shotter

Supporting the Plan

15

3%

St Mary’s Church, Lenham OPEN DAY Saturday July 18th 10am to 4.30pm

A day to be enjoyed by the whole family family!

Come and enjoy a visit and see your teddy bears parachuting from the church tower as well as displays and refreshments all day with cakes, a ploughman’s lunch and afternoon tea.

Displays will include art work from the local primary school, the friends of St Mary’s, books and gifts and a history of the church. An opportunity to informally find out more about your local church!

Hands on activities: • • • • • •

Bell ringing Flower arranging Art for all Organ playing Beat the goalie Treasure hunt

There will also be a quieter space for you sit and reflect and an opportunity to listen to the choir.

We look forward to welcoming you for a fun day.

A running order leaflet will be available in the church and library from July.

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL COUNCILLOR VACANCY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS VOLUNTARY POSITION PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK MARGO MCFARLANE

01622 859682

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Lenham Parish Council PAGE 6

LPC

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

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B

rief report of the LPC meeting held at the Community Centre on Wednesday 3rd June at

7.30pm.

The council welcomed three new parish councillors Henny Shotter, Michael Cockett and Paul Culver. There still remains four vacancies on the council and we would be particularly interested to hear from parishioners from the hamlets who may wish to represent the south of the parish.

Advice will be taken concerning the pruning of the cherry trees at the Cherry Downs picnic site.

The trees sustained damage during a storm and are in need of attention.

Designscape consultancy reported on the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan and presented spatial mapping. The maps will be sent to MBC in preparation for future meetings to discuss, amongst other issues, the landscape strategy.

Progress is being made with the upgrading of the CCTV system for the village. Quotes and work schedules will be discussed and options agreed.

The maintenance work at the Maidstone Road car park has been completed. The next stage will be improved lighting and white lining the parking spaces.

A meeting on the 11th June with the developers of the United Reform Church, Maidstone Borough Cllrs. and Lenham Parish Cllrs. from the planning committee, along with members of Lenham Cricket Club, will discuss the options of netting between the site and the cricket field.

The meeting takes place at the Lenham Community Centre.

Discussions are taking place to look at the option of a new trust deed for the Community Centre. More information

will be available following further research.

The solar panels installation on the Community Centre will be completed this month.

The monies from the power generated will be divided between the Community Centre, St Edmunds Hall at Platts Heath and the Charing and Lenham Heath Memorial Hall.

The Parish Council welcomed the

new Chairman of Harrietsham Parish Council, Cllr. Trevor Allwood, who gave a brief outline of the future plans of the council and looked forward to working with Lenham Parish Council, particularly with reference to Neighbourhood Plan issues.

If you are interested in more details about the Parish Councillor vacancies please contact the Clerk on 01622 859682 or hello@lenhamparish. org.uk

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

4 July Lenham Primary School Summer Fayre Lenham Primary School – starting at 12pm Swadelands School Summer Fayre Swadelands School – starting at 12pm

Forthcoming Events 07 July

Quiz night

12 July

Charity Bike Ride & BBQ (10.30am start)

20 July

Mixed Darts Competition

Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month New members always welcome, apply to club Members and Guests Only. All events start at 8pm.

11 July Open Garden for Heart of Kent Hospice The Hospice is opening its garden to the public from 10am.

12 July Dave’s Fun Bike Ride Riders and supports meet at The Tithe Barn at 10am.

18 July St Mary’s Church Open Day St Mary’s Church, Lenham 10am 29 August Lenham Garden Show Lenham Community Centre, 10am for exhibitors and 2pm for visitors.

29 - 31 August Heart of Kent Challenge Tandem sky dive to raise money for Heart of Kent Hospice at Headcorn Parachute Club.

BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person

Have we missed an event, or do you know about something coming up?

Let us know by emailing editorialslf@gmail.com and we’ll include it in the next edition, or on our social media.

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 Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628 Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk

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

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

Bonfires

by Margo McFarlane Parish Clerk

PAGE 8

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

A

t this time of year as Parish Clerk I receive several phone calls reporting bonfires, the question always asked is, are you allowed to have bonfires in residential areas? The following information may prove useful.

Can I have a bonfire?

Anyone can have a bonfire at any time of the day. All that matters is what you are burning and that you are considerate to your neighbours.

Here is a list of what you can or cannot burn: Only burn dry material. Never burn household rubbish, tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint. Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it.

Avoid having a bonfire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours’ gardens and across roads. Avoid burning when air

pollution in your area is high or very high. You will find this out in weather forecasts, by viewing the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (DEFRA) air forecasts website or by calling DEFRA’S Air Pollution Hotline on 0800 556677 Never leave the fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – put water on it, if necessary.

If you are bothered by smoke you can approach your neighbour and explain the problem.

You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hope-

fully make them more considerate in the future.

If you find it difficult to approach your neighbour visit the Maidstone Mediation Services website for advice or call 01622 692843.

If this fails email enforcementoperations@maidstone.gov. uk or call 01622 602202 to tell us about the problems you‘re having. We will investigate your complaint and we have the power to serve a notice to stop the issue. The above information is provided by Maidstone Borough Council.

Bonfires

lenhamfocus.co.uk

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V17 E7

One Hundred Years Ago…

by Amy Myers

T

he war outlook was bleak and in Lenham as elsewhere all ablebodied people between 15 and 65 were invited to join the National Register, declaring their occupations, in order not only to encourage badly needed volunteers for the military but also to provide a record of what each person might be able to contribute to the war effort at home. It was the first tentative step towards the hotly debated idea of conscription.

July was the month that Frank Wickens of Boughton Malherbe left for Gallipoli with the Buffs where sadly he was killed only two months later, one amongst so many casualties. Harry Woolley was luckier, however. This month in the space of seven days he both married and volunteered, becoming a sergeant signaller. He survived the war to become one of Lenham’s most popular residents. Fred Cox was on the Western Front near Ypres when he was seriously injured on 6th July. Paralysed, he was brought back to Lenham where he was tended to at the VAD hospital. For five years he was a familiar figure in the village, driving around in a donkey carriage donated by friends. He died in

1921, and the plaque in St Mary’s church, unveiled that year by his little sister Bessie, includes his name. Bessie’s son Norbury has only just left us and a memorial bench donated by the St John Ambulance was unveiled recently in a ceremony recorded elsewhere in this edition of Focus. It stands in the garden of the Community Centre.

On the home front everyday life had to struggle on. Lewis John Clark living in the High Street was fined 15s for showing gas lights at night, which was illegal.

He vigorously defended himself in vain, but apologised for ‘losing my temper and speaking harshly to the constable’. What did he say? His very words were

quoted: ‘Look here, I am going to read tonight. I don’t care a scrap; you had better report me.’ And ignoring extenuating circumstances, this over-officious constable did just that.

More fortunate was The Chequers Inn, who won its appeal for the renewal of its licence. I wonder if the following exchange had anything to do with that: ‘When the Superintendent of Police visits that neighbour-

hood,’ enquired the Chequers’ lawyer, ‘doesn’t he always stop there?’

Answer: ‘Generally. Yes.’

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

We would like to thank our advertisers. Please help us show appreciation by supporting local businesses and services, their participation allows this magazine to come to you FREE of charge. Don’t forget to mention that you saw their advert in Lenham Focus.

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Lenham Cricket Club – Preview to 2015 Season PAGE 10

Clubs & Soc.

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

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by Mat Revitt

I

t’s official - the cricket season has started and there is now plenty of cricket to look forward to until September. This year we are going to be adding a few extra elements into the reports with some annotation on the outstanding individual performance of the month and best cake of the month (input provided by our impartial adjudicator – Dave the Score).

Our Saturday League fixtures have delivered an exceptional record to date with 3 wins from 3 games. Within a new league and slightly new format it’s very impressive and Captain Adrian Longley has been leading from the front, ably supported by the rest of the team. Well done lads.

More on specific games in the reviews. On Sundays we have only managed two games so far with 1 win and 1 loss.

League Reviews: So far on a Saturday it’s been a clean sweep of victories. Our first game in the new 40 over format was home against New Ash Green on the 09/05/2015.

We batted first and set a very reasonable total of 222. Adrian led the scores with 89 and Dave Bunch closely followed with 68. The other runs being chipped in by Tom Curtis, Mike Ricker, Howard Nurden and James Nurden (father and son). In response New Ash Green managed 105 runs before losing their last wicket.

The bowling was also spread around with 3 wickets a piece for Jack Ambrose and James Nurden and two wickets each for Tom Curtis and Jack Gracie.

We played Lordswood on the 23/05/2015 again at home and again batting first. We set a score of 173 which gave the bowlers something to play with but it is definitely a score that needs defending. Pete Humphries was top scorer

with 66 followed by a steady 31 by our skipper Adrian Longley, with all-rounders Tom Curtis and James Nurden chipped in with 16 and 19 respectively.

The score was well defended with Tom Curtis leading the way with 5 wickets for 14. Dave Bunch 2 for 22, Jack Gracie 2 for 14 and James Nurden 1 for 0.

Lordswood ended their innings all out for 80. It was also good to see that 2 catches were taken by Lenham in each of the opening league games.

Our Final League fixture to report on this month was 06/06/15 against Milstead at home. On this occasion we did not follow our previous games and opened the game in the field. Milstead batted steadily making 159 for 8 off their 40 overs. Dave Bunch led the wicket taking with 3 for 23, Jack Gracie added 2 for 23, Jack Ambrose 2 for 24 and James Nurden 1 for 32. Although a couple of catches were dropped it was good to see that 5 catches were taken by Lenham in the field. Lenham’s batting was textbook with our two openers Pete Humphries and Adrian Longley making the most of a very good wicket and quick outfield to race to 162 for no loss of wicket scoring 79 and 54 respectively.

Friendly reviews 16/5/2015 was away to Westbourne – due to a cancellation of the planned game a friendly was organised

and the team travelled to Folkestone. It wasn’t a wasted journey and saw Lenham gain a victory. Lenham batted first and set 170 with James and Howard Nurden scoring 40 and 39 respectively and Tom Curtis 36. When we came out to field Tom led the way in the bowling with 5 for 15 with Dave Bunch 2 for 13, Dave Gardner 1 for 15 and Jack Gracie 1 for 20 all adding pressure to bowl the opposition out for 99.

Following another cancellation, Dan Russell managed to get a home fixture against Bexley Park on the 24/05/2015. We followed prior successes by opening with the bat. Led by Adrian Longley with a superb 99 (oh so close) with contributions from Mat Revitt 21, Tom Curtis 24 and Nick Rutledge 17. This set the visitors a none too shabby 181 on a moist but drying wicket.

Unfortunately Tom’s 4 for 32 and Stuart Russell’s 1 for 30 were not enough to stop the opposition scoring 182 for 5. They batted well with no real reprieves from the fielding side.

Our final report of this month was 30/5/2105 against Willesborough which was a 40 over friendly game. We seem to have done well batting first this season so followed the trend and set a very reasonable 176. Tom Curtis led with a top score of 42 followed by Dave Bunch 26 and Howard Nurden 27 with various

other players’ contribution too.

Our bowling was to be a day for the younger members of the team with Jack Gracie taking 5 for 33 and James Nurden 3 for 29 – always good to see. Tom Curtis added 1 for 28 and then Adrian Longley took 1 for 1 possibly looking to join Tom and James as the team’s allrounders!!

2nds 1.30pm 25th July (a) Lordswood 4ths 1.30pm 1st Aug PRESIDENT’S DAY, TIME TBC

Fixtures to come: Saturdays 4th July (a) Bobbing Court 2nds 1.30pm 11th July (a) New Ash Green 2nds 1.30pm 18th July (h) Boughton & Eastwell

July is not only a full fixture of cricket but there is also the Lenham Cricket Club Annual Family Fun Day. The date for your diary is Sunday 5th July 2015 at the cricket ground.

The fun includes a family rounders tournament with unlimited children in your team, bar-b-q, refreshments,

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

W

by Enid La Plain

Lenham Gardening Society

by Keith Varney

H

alf the year gone already.

Where does the time go?

Anyway we had a very interesting talk/ presentation at our May meeting, Glyn Bareham presented some of his photos and the stories related to them, many being humorous. His pictures are really first class and puts us amateurs to shame.

Also in May 40 members went to Nymans which has a superb garden: we marvelled at the many

Sunday 5th July PIXIES FUN DAY TIME TBA 12th July (a) Sissinghurst 2pm 19th July (h) East Sutton 2pm 26th July TBA 2nd Aug (h) Murston 2pm

luxurious cake stall, picnic areas, raffle and three inflatables. Tournament starts at 11.30 minimum 10 players £25 per team.

Everybody is welcome, whether you have a full team, part of a team, single player or just wish to enjoy the sporting entertainment come and join the fun. If you require any information or wish to enter a team please contact Pixie on 07760 132803.

Last year’s fundraising efforts helped us improve the facilities of the pavilion while this year’s focus is on putting members through cricket coaching courses thus to benefit and improve our Colts section

e shall meet on the 23rd July at 2.30 p.m. at the Community Centre.

This is our Annual General Meeting so please do come along and make your views on future meetings known. This is your Club and your views are needed by the Committee

which incidentally would welcome new members. So do consider what you can put into the Club.

At this meeting the tickets for the Members Only Cheese and Wine will be on sale.

The committee hope you all enjoyed the Strawberry Tea and many thanks go to all who helped in any way.

rhododendrons still in bloom and the last of the fantastic magnolias.

We left Nymans and after a pleasant drive through the East Sussex countryside arrived at Hastings with plenty of time for members to enjoy a look round and a fish & chip supper. The weather was great. We are so lucky with our outings, all in all a wonderful day out.

July is the Pimm’s & Strawberry night so please come along and support us. July 16th 7.30pm tickets £7 from Pat on 859084 if you have any goods/gifts suitable for the Tombola please let me have them ASAP. There will be a quiz, heads & tails, produce and raffle.

July 17th is our next outing to the Secret Garden, I have no idea where it is either? The coach will leave at 2pm sharp and the cost is £12 a head, tickets will be available at the July meeting or from Pat on 859084.

The cost will include a Cream Tea. Our final outing will be on August 18th to Penshurst leaving the square at 10am. Tickets will be £18 a head, which will include a Cream Tea, and will be available at the July meeting.

That’s it for this month, I hope you are all busy preparing for the show!!

Happy gardening.

Keith Chair LGS

Lenham Heritage

by Lesley Feakes PAGE 12

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

M

idsummer and I need to write an article for Focus!

By the time you read this LH will have had their first summer walk, a short one to look at the existing sources of the Stour.

Our next walk July 29th will meet again 7pm in the square ….venue still to be decided but possibly to look at the River Len source in Affers Wood. We walked that section of the Parish several years ago but now have many new members who are unfamiliar with it.

When searching the net for interesting things re Lenham I came across a Brief History of Lenham parish council and an entry for 1919 was this:Apparently blockage of drains was a common problem and there appears to have been a

Lenham W.I Report

Clubs & Soc.

lenhamfocus.co.uk

by Gill Simes

V17 E7

F

irstly may I apologise for referring to the Queen as H.R.H. in my last report.

It should have been H.M. Consider my wrist slapped!!!

Our May meeting was our A.G.M. where we reviewed the previous year’s activities and appointed Committee members for the next year. Fortunately all the present Committee were willing to continue for another year. We also discussed the Resolution to be put forward for presentation to the National Annual Meeting which was; ‘Failing to care-assessment of need in long-term care’. We agreed to vote for the Resolution in spite of doubts as to how much it could actually achieve.

Three of our members were lucky enough to attend the W.I.

standard charge of £1. 14s. & 11d. for clearing such blockages.

(Quite expensive I believe).

In 1919 it was announced that the Council would pay one penny per tail for every rat killed under the “Rat Orders” of 1918 – 19, in January of the following year the Parish Council were instructed by Hollingbourne UDC to post a notice in the village to the effect that HRDC were prepared to support Rats Clubs to the amount of twopence a tail of rats destroyed. In December 1920 the Council resolved not to employ a Mr Albert Still as a Rat Exterminator as he “did not appear to be a desirable man for the position”.

I keep receiving requests for information from people researching their ancestors.

One was from a Darren Collins whose relative Peter was shot in a shooting accident in Dickley Wood 2nd Sept 1858. Does anyone claim him in their family?

For people keen on researching their ancestors I note that CD Roms are available

on line from people who have already recorded the Parish Record. Lenham is pretty well unique in that the records are still available in St Mary’s Church (and not transported to the KCC archives) but it is still easier to look at a transcribed list!

A friend of mine who I was at primary school with once told me she had calculated how many people would be our ancestors 1000 years ago and it is around 9 million ….more than the population at that time!

See, I told her, I always said we must be related! One of her great grandmothers and mine both came from the Doddington area! I also remember my mother being rather anti the French ….and I told her “Mum, if you care to look back some 800 years part of our tree was French!” What would we be if Britain had not had immigrants over the ages?

Buckingham Palace Garden Party. 8, 000 members from all over the country attended this in the presence of H.R.H. Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Alexandra, The Countess of Wessex and Duchess of Gloucester. It proved to be a memorable day in spite of the dangers posed to hats, since although the rain did not appear, it was very windy.

I was lucky enough to be at the Royal Albert Hall for the Centenary Annual Meeting in the presence of H.M. Queen Elizabeth, The Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex.

The overwhelming memory of the day will be of the Queen smiling as 5000 women sang ‘Jerusalem’. Apparently when she attended the 80th anniversary meeting, she was disappointed that ‘Jerusalem’ had already been sung, and it had to be repeated, so this time it was postponed until Her Majesty arrived! The Resolution was not passed, since it was thought, that as it stood,

the W.I.’s intervention would achieve no useful purpose!

Many of the Lenham members attended the live streaming of the meeting at the Mercure in Hollingbourne and had a buffet lunch. Judging by reports from people who were there, it was a very enjoyable day.

Our June speaker was Paul Beard talking about ‘Barnardo’s’ and in July Antonia Gallup will be telling us about her trip on a ‘Motorbike across India’. In August there is no meeting, and in September we have Guitarist Jeff Smith.

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone, but, judging by all the shapes, sizes and ages of delegates to the London meeting, there is something for everyone in the W.I. and there is still enough left of this year for any lady to come along and visit us, second Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm in the Community Centre!!

850275 or email 606@feakes. com

Young At Heart 60+

J

uly is upon us and holiday time for some. I hope the fine weather returns. As I sit writing this the wind is

Len Valley Community Hub Club

howling and raining cats and dogs!

We have organised a game of OY or a Quiz. We meet on Thursday 16/07/15 at the Community Centre 2.00-4.00pm. Looking forward to seeing you all.

A big thank you to all who help it

H

ello everyone hope you are looking forward to our day out. I know I am and we must hope for good

weather.

It is on Thursday 02/07/15. We meet at 10.00am at the Dog and Bear, 10.10am at Ham Lane then

is much appreciated.

If you require a lift please contact Jenny on 01622 859208 Sue, Olive, Jacky, Fred, Martin, Jenny and Nina

10.15am at Harrietsham. We should be leaving our destination at 3.30pm.

A big thank you to all our helpers for setting this up and also for their help throughout the year.

Martin, Fred, John, Jenny and Nina

Heather’s for men & women

Heather’s Chiropody Surgery

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

HPC Registered G.C.S.Ch., M.Inst.Ch.P., M.F.S.Ch.

01622 850376 The Brown Barn, Bull Hill, Lenham Heath, Kent, ME17 2JA off the A20.

www.heatherschiropody.co.uk retreat@heatherschiropody.co.uk

Borough Council Corner

T

PAGE 14 JULY 2015

@lenhamfocus

S WE ENE Y TOD D B ARB ER S HOP OAPS BOYS TO 16 MEN

£6 £7 £8

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

Council Corner

lenhamfocus.co.uk

07734950329

V17 E7

NOW WITH 3 BARBERS

om and Janetta Sams, Borough Councillors for Harrietsham and Lenham Ward.

We both would like to thank those residents who gave support to Tom’s election on May 7th. As a couple we feel truly humbled by the support we received. It made us so proud to see young people who we have been involved with since they were young children, coming out and voting for the first time.

Hopefully having voted once they will continue to exercise that right for the rest of their lives. Since the election (it took us a couple of weeks to recover from the tiredness) we have got back to being involved with residents’ issues and concerns. We were really pleased to be able to work on some of the highway issues in the area which continually appear and we will work closely with Lenham Parish Council on this.

We believe that only by being around and involved with people can you represent them. We hope to continue being involved in our community, in a proactive way. We are keen to work in partnership with community organisations and believe that this is the only way forward for Lenham and its residents.

Tom & Janetta Sams 01622 859412 janettasamscllr@gmail.com tomsamscllr7@gmail.com

On your bike! Have Fun! Sunday 12th July !

DAVE'S FUN BIKE RIDE

by John Philpott

M

any of you will remember Dave Flisher’s Charity Event which raised enough money to buy two defibrillators which are now based at the Lenham Social Club and Dog and Bear Hotel. Last year he raised just over £4,000 to buy equipment for the Day Centre in Maidstone Hospital. This year Dave is raising funds to purchase specialised medical equipment for the Lenham Doctors Practice.

As in previous years he has organised a cycle ride to cover a circular route of about 20 miles which will take in an interesting and scenic route through Sandway, Platts Heath, Grafty Green, Egerton, Pluckley, skirting Smarden, Charing Heath, Lenham Heath and finishing at Lenham Social Club. Even more interestingly, there are several nice “watering holes” on the way to quench your thirst or take care of your hunger. Dave is asking for £20 from each entrant. The oldest cyclist last year was 75 so you can see that age is not important. However there are many of us who unfortunately are unable to physically take part in this event but who would be pleased to support Dave and his helpers with a donation to make this event a success.

Bikers will meet at the TITHE BARN at 10.00am and leave LENHAM SQUARE starting from 10.30am. Ice-cold drinks and a burger stand will be found at the Finishing Point (Lenham Social Club).

Just to keep the children happy there will be a Bouncy Castle and Face Painting for their amusement at the Club.

DON’T FORGET! SUNDAY 12TH JULY For more information or to make a donation please telephone Dave Flisher on 01622 850659

!

!

!

" ENTRY FEE IS JUST £20 "

APPROX 20 MILES START AT LENHAM VILLAGE SQUARE

Advertise here from £13 per month.

Email advertslf@ gmail.com

SUNDAY 12th JULY Sign in at the Tithe Barn at 10:00am - Ride Start time 11:00am

! ! !

Face Painting Bouncy Castle Burgers & Hot Dogs All available at the Lenham Social Club when you finish your ride.

IN AID OF THE EQUIPMENT BELOW FOR LEN VALLEY PRACTICE

DERMATOSCOPE

OPERATING HEADLIGHT To book your place contact Dave Flisher on 01622 850659 - 07941324286

FOOT CLINIC Mrs. Afstaneh Smith Foot Health Professional MCFHP MAFHP Flexible surgery hours Home visits undertaken Hubbards Farm, Lenham Heath, ME17 2BX Tel: 01622 853640 Mob: 07506376264

Book Early don't be disappointed, restricted to a maximum of 80 riders

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

Christian Message June

journeys to Maidstone are coordinated. The other 2 churches in the Len Valley group make occasional collections.

by Joan Drury PAGE 16

Church

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

V17 E7

F

ood for the Journey.

Materials prepared by Canterbury Diocese for use by churches during Lent and the season between the Ascension and Pentecost were given the title ‘Food for the Journey.’ Ample spiritual sustenance is available for those who choose to travel through life with God as their companion.

But what of those who need material help in their journey?

Those whose lives are turned upside down by unemployment, homelessness or delayed benefit payments. How do they cope? Many are hungry. This is particularly painful for those with children to feed or for children themselves who are aware that friends at school enjoy a higher standard of living than they do.

An example of this is that the need for emergency food parcels in Maidstone has doubled over the past year.

Prayer is a two-way process.

Most people are good at asking God for their needs but not so many listen for his answers.

About 4 years ago God spoke to our Bible study group through one of our members. As usual we had studied and this was followed by a time of prayer.

When we finished Sally Alexander said, “We must collect food for the hungry.” We believed that God had spoken and so we decided to go ahead.

Rob Eastwood at Grafty Green stores willingly allowed us to keep a box for gifts of food in the shop. Boxes have been filled again and again and many journeys made to Maidstone Christian Care in Knightrider Street.

A few months ago a new member of St John the Baptist Harrietsham took on responsibility for collecting food from church members so now

Christians are called to do more than sing hymns and pray on Sundays. Obedience to God is Christ’s call to his followers.

Hundreds of years ago the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 58:7) taught that the kind of worship God requires is to include ‘sharing your food with the hungry.’

Later Jesus told a story (Matthew 25:31-46) about a king who praised those who, when he was in need, gave him something to eat. Jesus concluded, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.”

Please do continue to help men, women and children who are hungry. Particular needs are for tea, sugar, long life milk, cereals, tinned food, custard and biscuits.

Another need is for toilet paper.

Thank you on behalf of them.

Finally, on behalf of Maidstone Christians, THANK YOU to all who have given food since we embarked on this adventure.

St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning Church Flower and Brass cleaning Rota for July July 4 Mrs Nahab July 11/18 Mrs Greenwood July 25 Mrs Porter and Mrs Barr Brass cleaning Mrs Swaffield Sue Greenwood

Lenham Family Festival – June 2015

F

our days of stunning performances and collaborations, the community centre and surrounding area alive with music and entertainment….we loved every minute.

Thank you to every one of our performers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, societies, businesses, committees and Friends of the Festival, without their support this event would not have been possible!

We will announce how much we raised for the three charities The Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK & Demelza Hospice Care for Children in due course.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2016.

Lenham Family Festival Committee.

Thank You

T

hank you to everyone who sent cards and gifts to me after my recent accident – all much appreciated and cheered me up a lot.

I hope to be back in the office at the Community Centre at the beginning of July all being well.

Margaret Mitchell

Len Valley Churches Service Times

Domestic Cleaning

Sunday 5th July 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 10.45am Ulcombe: Family Worship 11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion 3.30pm Harrietsham: Growing in Faith Together (GIFT Family Worship)

Competitive Pricing Fully Insured Reliable Professional Trustworthy

Sunday 12th July 8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion 10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship 6.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Evensong

phynixcleaning.co.uk

Sunday 19th July 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 10.45am Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

We clean so you don’t have to!

Available to do: Household Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans New Builds

Office: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent

01622 880028

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

Saturday 25th July 5.00pm Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise Sunday 26th July 8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship 10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00am Lenham: Family Worship

Paul Grant Roofing Contractors All aspects of roofing work undertaken.

Listed Building Specialist Strip / Re-tile / Kent Peg / Slating / Leadwork 35 years experience All work fully guaranteed For a free quotation and friendly advice on any roofing matter.

Office: 01622 850855 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted

FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

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

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

Vacancies on Parish Council (North Ward)

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

Which must be filled by co-option.

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

Weekly & Regular Events

PAGE 18 JULY 2015

Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Activate Sports Swadelands

Monday

St Johns Ambulance

St Johns Hall, Ham Lane

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Primose

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

Saturday

Primrose Pages Accounting & Business Services Alarm Systems Alterations Architectural Services Barbers Builders/decorators

Butchers/Meat Cafés Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers

V17 E7

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

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

851542 858612 07541 000969 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 01233 840004 858220 01622 844590 850364 858719 01233714999 763269

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

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 Edmed Coal Buzzlines Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing Pam AD Pink Electrics Barrie Weston Contractor MGI Electrical Activate Body and Soul Mrs Afsaneh Smith Kristina Smith A W Court Mower Repairs Gowers Garage Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall Immyblingy Ireland Landscapes Maidstone Landscapes and Paving Mowtastic A Short Seasoned Logs Tai Chi Martial Arts Boot Camp Beauty Nails Len Valley news Graham Yates Bsc Ost (Hons) Chris Tempest D.O. M.Ost GOsc Reg Lenham Parish Council A D Pink Pest Purge Saxon Warrior All Fix Plumbing Epic Plumbimg Pure Plumbing J W Engineering Services Koula Slevin Dirty Habit Lenham Social Club Red Lion Leeds Castle Uplands Riding School R and D Roofing Paul Grant Roofing Lorenden Greenman Solar Thornloe and Co. Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark Ambilly Tree Surgeons R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles

858510 859469 850608 01233714247 07809 249176 01622 632641 859878 850376 07813030527 880028 260515 01303 261870 859442 745654 859969 850329 850800 858827 884774 01233712663 850055 853750 01622 853640 07882170231 850840 07989333145 858210 858255 850001 851150 853800 01233 713317 298129 844605 851222 07989 333145 07738658751 07733328715 07734108683 07502564478 07460 393777 858262 01304379954 07749 980096 01622 859682 884774 842481 858287 851186 210298 769722 851713 07443509722 880880 858890 858341 767777 01233 712289 858291 850855 01795590030 01233 612082 859416 07770725129 07784447200 859113 631717 858666 01580 292320 07856 110682

General/Social Numbers

PAGE 20

Primrose

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

V17 E7

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

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

Borough Councillors:

Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements)

01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 01622 859733 01622 679709 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) 01233 713317 01622 858341/859204 111 helenwhately.co.uk 01622 859682 07772 226097 07870 252317 07977 981993 858195 297296 850604

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

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

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

Whether it's general alterations,soft furnishings, a sturdy shopping bag, saucy apron or even a coat for your discerning pooch.

+ + + + + +

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

Call Samantha on 07541 000969 for a chat or email sam.j.hayes@btinternet.com

ic us ,m t ry oas t en gr ee ho Fr &

HOGROAST M USI

&

C EVENT

Sunday 26th JULY 2015 LIVE BAND 6pm: Screaming Blue Scoundrels Dirty blues on the edge

FOOD Food served in the pub all day 12pm - 9.45pm

12/07/15 & 09/08/15

Free Hogroast served from 5pm in the garden

The Dirty Habit

Pilgrims Way, Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1UW - 01622 880 880

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

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

Summer Fruit and Vegetables

by GB Lister Butchers PAGE 22

Summer Fruit

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

W

ith the end of the school year looming and barbeque season now getting into full swing, it must mean that summer’s here and with it delicious new soft fruits and salad vegetables.

During the summer there is an abundance of tasty locally produced fruit and vegetables.

Here are just a few of some of the best for this season: Strawberries With Wimbledon under way what could be more British than fresh strawberries and cream!

Strawberries also make fantastic jam and are great to add to a Victoria sponge cake. Unlike some other fruits, strawberries don’t ripen after you’ve picked them so make sure you choose ones that are bright red and not white or green.

Raspberries Packed full of vitamins and minerals, raspberries are great for boosting the immune system.

They’ve also got a relatively long season (from June to October) so they’re readily available throughout the summer. They

are also an excellent addition to a lemon tart or chocolate mousse.

Beetroot Beetroots aren’t just for pickling; they can also be cut into chunks and roasted, or grated and added to seasonal salad leaves.

They also are believed to have detoxification properties as well as help to lower blood pressure.

Tomatoes From beefsteak to plum, yellow

EDMED LTD WARMING HOMES THROUGHOUT KENT SINCE 1917 WOOD BURNING STOVES, SUPPLY ONLY OR INSTALLATION. BESPOKE SERVICE PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION. CHIMNEY SWEEPING

01622 260515 | 07976 688437 edmecltd@edmedcoal.co.uk www.edmedcoal.co.uk

V17 E7

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

to cherry, there are so many different types of tomatoes it’s difficult not to find one you like.

For a seasonal tomato salad, combine a selection of different tomatoes, add a few basil leaves and a vinaigrette dressing – the perfect accompaniment to any barbeque.

Why not try combining different fruit and vegetables and making a healthy juice? Juicing is a great way to get a hit of different vitamins and minerals, not to mention quick, easy and tasty!

There are so many combinations so experiment to find one you like.

It’s a bit of a misconception that all locally produced fruit and vegetables are expensive, in fact by buying locally produced seasonal food it can actually work out to be cheaper. Take a look in our shop and compare our prices with the supermarket or take a look on our website, www. lenham-butchers.co.uk, to find out more about what produce is in season. In addition, if you’re a senior citizen you can also take advantage of our 10% discount on all produce on Tuesdays.

Lenham Garden Show

by Keith Varney

O

nly eight weeks to go!

Saturday August 29th is the date for the third annual LENHAM GARDEN SHOW. Preparations are well in hand, the programmes are available from the library, village store and many other venues around the village.

The programme includes the class list for exhibits, timetable, and other information.

As a reminder the Community Centre will be open at 10.00hrs. for exhibitors, judging will be at 12.00 noon, viewing and visitors 14.00hrs. and presentation of cups at 16.00hrs. approx. During the afternoon, tea and cakes will be on sale and you will have the opportunity to purchase some raffle tickets with the chance to win some great prizes donated by our supporters around the village. A big thanks to them.

Please come along and support the show or why not take part? It’s open to everybody in the Len Valley area; all you need to be is keen on gardening. It’s a fun afternoon and a chance to look at what people in Lenham can do.

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

s

es

ti

Bu

Heart Of Kent Challenge

H

on

MEMBER

in

eart of Kent Hospice is delighted to offer cyclists the unforgettable experience of riding between two of the world’s most iconic cities - London and Paris - from 9th to 13th September this year. This is the charity bike ride challenge of a lifetime taking you through beautiful English villages and into the stunning countryside of rural France. You will pass historical landmarks and famous battlefields of the First World War until you reach Paris; undoubtedly one of the most magical cities on earth.

If you want to join our team of new and existing riders as you cycle your way to your greatest achievement yet then please contact Becky in the Fundraising Team on 01622 790195.

EY

Chair LGS

V AM A

LL

LE N H

l Part P certified l Free quotes l Fully insured l 24 hr Call out

s Assoc

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Cybereye Security Marcus Shephard 01622 858 612 or 07821 776 334

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Lottery • Tobacco • Off-Licence • Groceries

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

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

COMPUTING FOR BEGINNERS 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

Lenham Ballet School

by Vivienne Lawrence PAGE 24

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

A

s a result of 2 successful performances of “The Snow Queen” in midFebruary, the school raised £835 for the pupils’ chosen charity The Demelza House Children’s Hospice. On Saturday 14th March a cheque was presented

by Grade 2 pupils to charity representative, Hannah Shotton, who thanked all involved for their generosity and support.

Over 60 pupils took part in the show, dancing in ballet, tap and modern dance styles to tell the story of Gerda & Kai and the Snow Queen - loosely based on the Hans Andersen fairytale.

The school holds classes in the Lenham Community Centre in R.A.D. ballet and I.S.T.D. tap and modern, Street Dance and Adult Tap. To find out more or to book a free taster session ring 01622 850329 or find us on Facebook/ www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk.

Principal Lenham Ballet School

Village Hall funds boosted by Bill’s Safari Supper

by Roger Bevan

T

he most recent Bill’s Safari Supper was held on 13 June with 32 taking part, including three people joining for the first time who were warmly welcomed.

Three good causes were nominated from the sum raised and the Village Hall Trust attracted 70 per cent of the votes, ahead of Friends of St. John the Baptist and the Samaritans with 15 per cent each.

The wide range of activities held

V17 E7

in the Village Hall means many local people use it at one time or another and its sudden need for a new oven was the main reason for it attracting so many votes.

As a result, it will benefit from the £310 raised enabling the new oven to be in place sooner rather than later.

At the end of an evening of enjoyable wining and dining, the finale was kindly hosted by Jan and Mike Kingsman. During this, the sum raised was boosted by Dave Verga’s heads and tales game, won by Jackie Hewitson who received a bottle of wine, and Mike’s men versus women form of Pictionary, won by the women which meant the men had to pay into the evening’s takings. A particularly lively atmosphere brought the evening to a fitting end.

Everyone signed a card for Rosi

and Tony Taylor who are moving away and who will be sorely missed. They were thanked for their significant contributions to local activities and wished well for the future.

The next Bill’s Safari Supper will be held around the end of November 2015 with the date to be announced later in the summer.

If you enjoy informal and friendly get togethers, meeting new people in the village or cementing friendships, and would be interested in taking part, whether you are a couple or an individual, please contact me.

01622-859310 roger.bevan@btinternet.com

Tai Chi Tai Chi

Suitable for all ages, adaptable for most abilities.

Suitable for all ages “Mentally and physically grounding.

Adaptable for most abilities.

The perfect antidote to the pace set by theand digital world” groundin “Mentally physically The perfect antidote centre to Lenham community theTuesdays pace set by the digital world” 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

Success comes from working together.

Business Networking is about . . . getting the best speakers!

Tuesday 7 August at The Harrow Inn ME17 2ED. People are the source of your business’s success. When your people are not performing at their highest level, your business isn’t either. Improve the health and wellbeing of your people and you’ll improve the health and sustainability of your business The Kent Healthy Business Awards will help you improve the health of your workforce The Kent Healthy Business Awards is a self-assessment toolkit from Kent County Council. It gives you the ability to focus on maximising the potential of your workforce by focusing on their health and wellbeing. Please come along and find out how the awards can help your most important assets.

Paul Kirrage Workplace Health Officer – Midkent Shared Services Maidstone Borough Council.

See our new networking webpage for the 2015 schedule. There’s Facebook too, page and group.

Like and register both please.

Did you miss our big get together last time?

Andrew Priestley and Alan Reading (right) at The Weald of Kent Golf Club, Headcorn, with everyone else too - of course!.

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

Focus on Nature

by Derek Budge PAGE 26

Nature

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

V17 E7

LORDS and LADIES ‘The Lords-and-Ladies dressed for masquerade in green silk domino discreetly hooded, hurry towards the nut-tree’s colonnade, philandering where privacy’s well wooded’.

V.Sackville-West.

Any ideal thoughts of a lovely spring day rarely materialised this year, most mornings beginning with cool wind and rain, but at least we could count on seeing a very special and distinctive wild flower emerging along some of the hedgerows and within local woods, immediately recognisable as ‘Lords and Ladies’ or ‘Cuckoo Pint’, ... Arum maculatum with its pale green spathes contrasting body with the spear-shaped leaves, the latter often being marked with reddish blotches.

It belongs to a curious botanical family, the Araceae, of which there are over 1,000 species, mainly found in tropical countries. I haven’t come across any other family members native to the UK. The generic name ‘Arum’ derives from an Arabic work ‘Ar’ which means ‘fire’, a reference to a sharp, burning sensation if any attempt is made to taste any part of it. The species name comes from the Latin word ‘macula’ meaning ‘spotted’. The floral shoot must surely be unique among British flora? Both male and female flowers are borne on the same shoot, which comprises a tall, juicy stem, terminating in a highly complex structure called a spadix. The flowers are arranged in very precise zones above each of which is a ring of downwardly pointing, stiff hairs. Inserted on the flower stalk below the spadix is a very specialised leaf bract, twice as long as the spadix and completely enfolding it in a protective sheath.

The obvious male/female imagery of this structure has given rise to many local names, ranging from the inoffensive ‘Lords-and-Ladies’ to the somewhat suggestive ‘Moll of the Woods’ and other names which even today would be considered rather vulgar. My personal favourite local name is recorded from here in Kent, the incredibly long ‘KittyCome-Down-The-Lane AndKiss-Me’. There is a huge list of other names e.g. ‘Priest in the Pulpit’ and ‘Passion Flower’, the red spots on the leaves being considered symbolic of Christ’s crucifixion.

pointing stiff hairs. They buzz around strenuously and in so doing, they deposit pollen on the female parts of the plant, thus ensuring fertilisation. After a few minutes, those stiff hairs relax and the midges try to fly off, but once more they cannot do so because another ring of stiff hairs bars their escape. Again they buzz around and now collect more pollen on their bodies from the male part of the flower, situated at this level.

What makes this wild plant so special for me however, is not its appearance, not all the evocative names, but the extraordinary way in which it ensures the fertilisation of its flowers. Insects (mainly midges) are attracted by a fetid smell released into the air from the very base of the spadix. Those midges would have already visited other similar flowers so their bodies will be covered with fresh pollen and they now eagerly crawl down to reach the smelly nectar. There is not very much available, so soon they try to emerge, but their exit is barred by a ring of downwardly

This method of reproduction is described in detail in the pages of botanical text books, but it is all rather unemotional writing.

Yet how can one not be moved, amazed, inspired, not only by the brilliant efficiency of the process, but by its miraculous ingenuity and its sublime beauty.

After another few minutes, those stiff hairs relax and the midges escape on their way to a nearby fresh flower.

Perhaps we can simply bow our heads in prayer, to declare our sense of wonder, praise and gratitude to the Almighty Creator for all the miraculous forms of life which can be experienced on our planet Earth.

Swinging in the Rain

by Roger Bevan

S

winging a golf club became increasingly slippery in the latest Bill’s Round charity golf event on 29 May at Darenth Valley Golf Course due to frequent periods of heavy rain after a dry start.

However, the 26 golfers warmed up over a roast beef lunch with plenty of cheerful banter and raised £419

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), Wills, prepaid funeral plans We come to you – ask for a free no obligation quote LPAs: These are essential – everyone should have one. If someone loses capacity the partner has to apply to the Court to manage things but it can take ages and cost £’000s. All this could be avoided with a LPA. Wills: Everyone needs one. It’ll take just 40 minutes of your time and we do the rest – why not include a Property Trust to help protect the value of your home?

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for charity. The winner of the Bill’s Round Trophy was Alan Fineman of Ashford Golf Club and he chose the Pilgrims Hospice at Ashford to benefit from the amount raised.

Mike Kingsman was second and Ian Rowan third. Nearest the pin winners were Terry Acton (Tudor Park Golf Club) and John Hickmott (Swanley and North Downs Lions Club). The coloured ball competition for the best team was won by Peter Whiley, Richard McKinnon and Roger Bevan.

This was the 37th Bill’s Round charity event, started 17 years ago, and its continued popularity is down to the wide variety of golf courses played and the informal and friendly atmosphere that prevails.

Men and women of any golf handicap are welcome to take part. If you would like to know more please e-mail roger.bevan@btinternet.com The next charity day will be close to bonfire night and the date will be advised later in the Summer.

PAGE 28

Nobby’s Bench

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@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

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Nobby’s Bench dedicated at the Community Centre

by Jim Myers

O

n Saturday afternoon, 16th May, at the Lenham Community Centre, St John Ambulance members and local residents gathered for the dedication of a bench in memory of Norbury (‘Nobby’) Colbran, the well-known and much revered resident of Lenham, who died just over a year ago, aged 85.

Nobby had been a dedicated and tireless member of the Lenham St John Ambulance since 1958.

He lived in Lenham all his life and was still actively involved in village service up to his last days.

Richard Powell led the St John Ambulance delegation for the ceremony, Nobby’s son Trevor talked about his father and the Reverend Dick Venn gave his benediction.

The bench is located in the lovely rear garden of the Community Centre, accessed through the Osborne Room. Take a walk out there, sit on Nobby’s bench and enjoy the tranquility and peace of Lenham as Nobby had done for so many years.

Open Garden for Heart of Kent Hospice On Saturday 11th July between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. the Hospice is opening its own garden to visitors for a suggested

Heart of Kent Challenge Imagine jumping from a plane flying at 12,000 feet harnessed to a professional instructor, before free falling together at over 120 mph. The tandem skydive

donation of £4.00.

The Hospice Garden is a treasured space providing a tranquil, calm and peaceful environment for both patients and their visitors surrounded by beautiful herbaceous planting. The garden, which is lovingly and regularly tended by dedicated volunteers , allows patients wonderful views

of plants and trees, not to mention the inquisitive squirrels, from their own individual rooms.

Children are welcome but must be supervised and we regret that only assistance dogs can come in. Refreshments will be available.

at Headcorn Parachute Club is the ultimate once in a lifetime experience for thrill seekers. Are you brave enough to take this on whilst supporting your local hospice? Jump for free if you can raise £400.00 sponsorship.

For further information please

contact Becky in the fundraising department on 01622 790195 or visit www.hokh.org Various dates are available but we would particularly like participants for the August Bank Holiday weekend from 29th – 31st August.

OSTEOPATH

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Same Day Service Contact A. Pink 01622 884774 07761559744

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

No.8 The Square,Lenham, ME17 2PQ

07749 980096 www.chris-tempest.co.uk

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Lenham Swimming Club

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) 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

The Village Pool is Back!

Family-friendly Heated Outdoor Pool 20m x 8m Lifeguards on duty Run by volunteers Family Sessions

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

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Saturday and Sunday

6.00 – 7.30pm 2.30 – 4.00pm

Tuesday Friday

7.45 – 8.30pm 7.00 – 8.30pm

Adult Only Lane/Fitness Sessions

Open now until end of August Membership Fee

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

10% DISCOUNT and FREE DELIVERY for senior citizens on Tuesdays.

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

www.lenham-butchers.co.uk

Adult - £5.00 Child - £3.00

Charge per Swimming Session Members Non-Members £2.50 £3.50 £1.50 £2.50

Come and find us at Swadelands School, Ham Lane, Lenham For further information contact Chris Hills on 859174 / chills99@btinternet.com Like us (Lenham Swimming Club) on facebook

We look forward to welcoming you to the Club

Psychotherapist opens practice in Lenham PAGE 30

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

Koula Mary Slevin, is delighted to join Chris Tempest in his successful medical practice in the heart of Lenham Square offering psychotherapy treatment to individuals and couples.

Koula Mary Slevin is a qualified registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist and brings to the Lenham Psychotherapy practice over six years’ experience working within the NHS and has helped many people across Kent and beyond free themselves from distressing and emotional lives, since 2005. Holding postgraduate degrees and a Masters degree in clinical science and psychotherapy, Koula trained over a decade under some of the

country’s lead clinicians in the mental health field.

Patients describe the psychotherapy experience with Koula as awakening, life changing and pivotal to moving forward to a better quality of life. Through an exploration of past and present using clinically proven techniques, her work with you is to find relief, freedom and healthy change.

Psychotherapy is at its best with questions about life & love relationships, and feelings of emptiness or lack of purpose. Challenges such as life transitions, sexuality, relationship struggles and emotional imbalance can be difficult to resolve without professional guidance. If you are struggling with reaching your fullest potential, psychotherapy works by finding the best way to resolve what is getting in the way of leading a productive and satisfying life.

If you feel stuck in your life, blocked in making important decisions or that you repeat patterns in work and/or intimate relationships which cause you difficulty or unhappiness, if you struggle with low self esteem, or have

Psychotherapist

lenhamfocus.co.uk

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Confidential treatment for depression, stress, anger, low self-esteem, anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual trauma, loss & psychosomatic conditions.

Koula Mary Slevin Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist MSc. UKCP Reg. No.8 The Square, Lenham, ME17 2PQ ☎

07443509772

enquiries@kmspsychotherapy.org.uk V17 E7

longstanding and painful experiences of depression and anxiety, difficulties in your sexual life or in controlling and understanding your fears or your anger then psychotherapy may be able to help you overcome these distressing and debilitating experiences.

These are typical of problems in life that can’t be solved alone. It is scary to get to that point. Therapy helps. People seek psychotherapy because they feel stuck; they are consistently making destructive choices; they don’t have the full, productive lives they wish for; relationships don’t work out.

Koula’s disposition is warm and sympathetic and combined with extensive clinical skill and knowledge promotes significant transformation and change It can often feel unnerving taking those first steps to ask for help.

Rest assured that your initial contact will be responded to with empathy, sensitivity and professional excellence and managed in strict accordance with the profession’s lead regulatory body, the UKCP’s codes of professional conduct (UKCP) and all contact is held in the strictest confidence.

If you would like to know more about psychotherapy with Koula or are interested in arranging an initial assessment please contact Koula on 07443509772 or via email enquiries@ kmspsychotherapy.org.uk

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

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

Summer Martial Arts Boot Camp for Kids

A

new British Military Martial Arts (BMMA) Academy is about to begin operations in the Len Valley and Maidstone.

BMMA’s local instructor is Ben O’Toole who moved to Harrietsham a year ago. Ben retired as an Army Officer after 10 years’ service and is now concentrating on establishing the BMMA Academy.

Ben will be running a “Summer Bootcamp” for children which will run separate 1 hr classes for Little Soldiers (4-7year olds) and Cadets (7-11 year olds). There are 4 weekly sets of classes in July and August, running Monday to Friday. At the end of the course each child gets a Certificate and a yellow belt, the first of the qualifying belts within the BMMA

martial arts programme.

All our classes help with confidence building by challenging the children and getting them out of their comfort zone one tiny step at a time. Our military values of discipline, self-control and respect are introduced to the children so they understand what it means to be a Little Soldier or Cadet.

BMMA also runs a weekly Ladies only class. Through safe and energetic fat burning classes BMMA can cater for your every need, ranging from weight loss and physical fitness to self-defence.

For full details of the Summer Boot Camp, and Ladies’ classes please contact Ben. Places are limited, so please get in touch soon to avoid disappointment.

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

Ofsted Registered Childminder based in Honywood Road, Lenham PACEY member.

Very flexible hours.

Free for 3 and 4 year old funding now available Please contact Beth on 07809 249176 / 01622 297499 bethpierson-smith@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: +44 7502 564 478 E-mail: Ben@lm-bmma.com

Summer Martial Arts Bootcamps for 4—11 year old girls and boys.

Little Soldiers: 4-7 Cadets: 8-11 Come and have fun with us learning Martial Arts. Earn your yellow belt on our 1 hour a day, 5 day course.

Build confidence, improve balance, coordination, focus, discipline, memory and control.

Courses running in July & August

Just £25!!

Prize Crossword for Younger People ACROSS PAGE 32

Crossword

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

JULY 2015

V17 E7

1. A bird that flies in a murmuration. (8) 5. There are six of this on a classical guitar. (6) 8. French for ‘No’. (3) 9. 15ml makes this measure. (10) 10. Can be done. (8) 11. The action of going out. (6) 12. Business taxation system (acronym).

(1,1,1,1) 14. Vehicles with a large space behind the seats, accessed by a rear door. (6,4) 17. A fruiting bush, with fruit used in summer puddings. (3,7) 20. …. water. A type of carbonated water. (4) 23. One of the suits in a pack of cards.

(6) 24. Intentionally. (2,6) 25. Your femurs are. (5,5) 26. Burnt remains. (3) 27. A short sleep. (3,3) 28. More determined. (8) DOWN 1. Abrasive material used in carpentry.

(9) 2. An official pardon. (7) 3. Its capital is Riga. (6) 4. It is used to deliver drugs to asthmatics. (9) 5. One who is thought to have committed a crime. (7) 6. They are often seen on 14’s. (4,5) 7. One who does not take drug is called this. (3,4) 13. A trip. (9) 15. Irritation. (9) 16. It holds ships steady when afloat. (3,6) 18. The daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. (7) 19. Fruit used to make a syrup.

(7) 21. Japanese paper craft. (7)

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

Last months Crossword solution.

Last months winner: Chloe Swallow of Lenham.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life

S

unday 12th July 2015 at Mote Park, Maidstone.

Over the past 20 years, more than seven million women have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, raising over £513 million to fund the charity’s life-saving work. But it does not stop there.

In 2015 Cancer Research UK hopes that Race for Life will raise £50 million so that it can keep on fighting until cures for all 200 types of cancer, affecting men, women and children, are found.

You can walk, jog or charge a 5k or 10k, take part in one of our muddy obstacle course events or even try out a Half or full Marathon - there

Focus Update

by Annie Drylie

I

would like to thank all those that have fed back so far on our new A4 format, in particular to the UK Hub club who kindly completed our feedback form in May. We have taken your views on board and increased and darkened the text/ headings throughout the magazine as well as enhanced the adverts as much as possible.

Overall, most readers preferred the larger edition to read and hold although a few of the hub members quoted the opposite.

are lots of ways to support Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Find out more about each event type and sign up to show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink at

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ support-us/find-an-event/charity-runs/race-for-life

Over the last six months you will have experienced receiving your monthly magazine earlier than previously known, however, we did fall short of delivering on time for our first May edition due to organising the new format so we apologise for the delay. We always aim to deliver on or before the 1st of the month and all our volunteers work hard to try and achieve this.

willing individuals to step forward would be very appreciated! No matter what your talents, we can find a space for you.

As James quoted in this month’s front article, we are always interested in your views and as many of you know there is a handful of dedicated volunteers that gladly give up their time for free to produce this magazine for the parish, simply because they want to. However, we really do need more help so any

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Please feel free to tell us your opinion by completing our feedback form overleaf.

Lenham Focus

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I would like to extend a big thank you to all volunteer Focus distributors for tirelessly going out each month and delivering the magazine to Lenham and the surrounding area (as well as delivering the Festival programmes in June!).

Lenham, Maidstone, Kent

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Lenham Focus Feedback Form June & July 2015 Issue

PAGE 34

Front Cover & New Headlines JULY 2015

A5 to A4 (size doubled)

Feedback

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Readability (Font/Size/Colour)

Content

Any other comments

Please circle the age group in which you belong: 5 to 17 45 to 59 18 to 20 60 to 64 21 to 30 65 to 84 31 to 44 85 and above Please return/post to 24 Maidstone Road, Lenham ME17 2QJ Thank you for filling in this feedback form – Lenham Focus Team

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

A Traditional 14th Century Inn located in the Medieval Village of Lenham Home Cooked food served daily.

Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm & 6-9pm Sat & Sun 12-9pm including bank holidays Senior Citizens Specials Hot Stone Dining Experience Traditional Log Fires Cask Marque Awarded Real Ales Function Room Available Monthly Quiz & Theme Nights Mobile Bars & Catering service available for hire

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

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

Vacancies on Parish Council (South Ward)

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

Which must be filled by co-option.

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

TRIAL

CALL FOR DETAILS

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

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

From the beginning of March Buzzlines will introduce a new commuter coach service to connect the A20 corridor between Hothfield and Hollingbourne with the Jubilee Line at North Greenwich.

The timetable is shown overleaf. Free trial seats will be available to new passengers from the inception of the service on 2nd March, capacity permitting.

By using North Greenwich we avoid the Blackwall Tunnel and connect to the Jubilee Line for onward services into Canary Wharf (one stop) and the City and Westminster. Commuters heading for Canary Wharf and the City should also find their journey times substantially reduced.

Even allowing for London Travelcard costs, commuters using these services will expect to save well over £1,000 annually against the costs of a rail commute. Commuters able to save car and parking expenses will find their savings climbing even higher. Bikes are accommodated at no charge and there is at-seat power and wifi.

BUZZLINES ADDS NEW LONDON COMMUTER SERVICE FOR A20 CORRIDOR BETWEEN J9 AND J8 OF THE M20 SAVINGS TYPICALLY £1,000-£2000 vs RAIL COSTS

CALLING ALL COMMUTERS 06.39 06.46 06.50 06.53 08.00

CHARING A20 LENHAM SQUARE HARRIETSHAM A20 HOLLINGBOURNE A20 N GREENWICH JUBILEE LINE

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MONTHLY SEASON TICKET CARNET OF 10 SINGLES (ONE WAY) DAY TICKET (SINGLE OR RETURN)

PHONE: 01303 261870 EMAIL: INFO@BUZZLINES.CO.UK WEBSITE: BUZZLINESTRAVEL.CO.UK

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There are heavily-discounted season ticket opportunities for one or two regular travellers who are happy to act as our on-board ticket managers and to help with marketing the service locally.

The single-journey carnets are designed to help those working parttime or who split their weeks between working in London or at home. The validity of single journey carnets is open-ended so this provides an especially economical alternative for occasional travellers to pre-10am day Travelcards.

Prices will be reviewed annually and any inflationary increases will not exceed those applied to the equivalent rail journeys.

£2,550

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TIMETABLE FROM 13 APRIL 2015