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MARCH 2015 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 3 Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
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Welcome... to the March edition of the Lenham Focus With the worst of the weather behind us, hopefully, we can look forward to Easter and Spring. This month we have an Easter egg hunt and hedge planting up at Cherry Downs Picnic Site, just off Rayners Hill. This is a lovely spot to enjoy walks with great views across the Downs and I would encourage everyone to visit.
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In the magazine this month we have another book review by Sarah Godfrey. If anyone wants to submit their own review please do. This includes any children that have read a book they think needs to be reviewed. We also have another article by Derek Budge, a change to his usual Focus on Nature, but still just as interesting. We also have a new feature titled Organic Spirit looking at local, seasonal herbs and giving a recipe for Lamb fillet. Let us know what you think. I have also received a letter from a ‘Resident of Platts Heath’ asking a number of questions that I am keen to answer in the Focus, but unfortunately no name was supplied. If this resident of Platts Heath could provide their name to be published with the letter I would be very happy to respond to all your comments.
Welcome
James Collett Focus Editor 01622 850608
editorialslf@gmail.com
Lenham Focus Volume 17 Issue 3 | March 2015 Circulation 2000
MAR 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 create the magazine from start to finish every month. For you.
Writing: James Collett Although James is not, and never has been, involved in publishing he works on the Focus to ensure the village is always up to date with events and to provide local businesses with a low cost publication to advertise in. As with all the team he gives up his time in between work and family and is always grateful to the contributors who make the job so much easier. 06
Design: FALCON We design brands and digital experiences that strategically connect people and companies for clients across the world from our studio in the heart of Kent. If you’d like to get in touch, give us a bell on 01233 624664 or send us a message at hey@madebyfalcon.co.uk Alternatively visit our hip and happenin’ website at: madebyfalcon.co.uk
Your Focus Team
Photography: Andy Flood Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design. Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers. Check out his Flickr Photostream! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ 35132157@N04/
Please mention the focus!
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We want to thank our advertisers! Please help us to show appreciation by supporting local businesses & services and mention that you saw their advert in Lenham Focus. Their participation allows this magazine to come FREE of charge to you!
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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person
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The White Horse Sandway ~
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Mother’s Day Book for Mother's Day and Heros playing on the first Friday of March, shuttle taxi will be running every music night just phone to book it.
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Forthcoming Events Quiz Night
1st Tuesday Every Month New members always welcome, apply to club Members and Guests Only . All events start at 8pm.
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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.
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Dates for your diary 7 March
22 March
Mote Park Stargazing Spectacular 2015 Explore the wonder of the universe, booking essential.
Kent Plant Heritage Group Spring Talk Hollingbourne Village Hall 2pm, admission free.
8 March
28 March
Heart of Kent Hospice Maidstone 10K Take part in the first Heart of Kent 10K road race in Maidstone.
Leeds Castle and Hollingbourne Garden Society Spring Show Hollingbourne Village Hall 2:30pm.
14 March
28 March
Dinner and Cabaret Evening Lenham Community Centre 7.00pm to midnight. Ticket sales from 1st February from the Community Centre and Lenham market.
Cherry Downs Community Orchard Easter hedge planting and Egg hunting day. 10am Come and help this beautiful community area spring into life.
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20 March Friend of St Mary’s showing of Merrilyn Boorman’s film Mongolian Moose Chase Lenham Community Centre 2.00pm and 7:30pm
Dates for your diary
Please also see Clubs & Societies section for various events in March.
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Borough Council Corner
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It has been an interesting month. Many residents have been in contact with me on a wide and varied number of subjects I have attended many meetings regarding planning applications. Much work has been undertaken by the Neighbourhood Plan Group and members of the Parish Council. I attended the three scrutiny meetings as did many Lenham residents and parish councillors. I believe the Borough Officers now know how strongly residents and parish councillors feel. I have continued to work with the residents regarding the Sandway Motocross, An Article 4 has been put in place by MBC; The legislation requires that there is a period for review and is therefore set up on the basis that the Article 4 needs to be confirmed within the 6 month time frame – there is no alternative to this. The 28 day period allows for comments to be received on the direction, both from residents and from the landowner on which the direction is placed. Following a review of this correspondence, the Council will then consider whether to confirm the order. This all follows the procedures laid down in the Town and Country Planning
Borough Council Corner
(General Permitted Development - Amendment Order 2010) I have met with an officer from the Parks and Leisure department regarding the problems of trees and rubbish around Swadelands and hope to report positively on this next month. I have reported pot holes and street lights through the KCC website which seems to be successful and relatively easy to use. Any resident is able to access this, website is http://www.kent.gov.uk/roadsand-travel/report-a-problem I have received a number of complaints regarding Platts Heath traffic issues on School Lane, Headcorn Road and Lenham Road and will report on all this after meeting with Jenny Whittle returning back from maternity leave. Janetta Borough Councillor Harrietsham & Lenham Ward 01622 859412 mobile 07891 901 831
One Hundred Years Ago… Spring was on its way, but that brought little cheer to Lenham as it was clear a new offensive on the Western Front would soon be underway. It was, but although the Battle of Neuve Chapelle proved a narrow success by gaining ground it was disastrous as regards casualties. Nevertheless this was the month that George Edward Coppins who was a labourer at Great Pivington Farm volunteered at 19 years old and joined the 6th Battalion Royal West Kents. By June he was in France, though sadly not for long. He died not quite a year after he volunteered and is buried in Quarry Cemetery on the Loos battlefield. March 1915 also saw the first naval attack on the Dardanelles, but it failed to break through, which brought about an ominous change of policy for this arena of the war. On the home front air raids were increasing, while everyday life struggled onwards. The Chequers Inn, now the Chequers Fish Bar, was applying for a renewal of its licence. It was then owned by Shepherd Neame as it had been since 1778 and it operated as a hotel as well as an inn.
currently 10 licensed properties in the parish of Lenham and two of them were respectively only 30 and 42 yards away from the Chequers Inn. The impassioned plea for renewal claimed that in the preceding year the inn had sold 216 barrels of ale, the Chequers hotel was on the main road from London, and that three pubs in the square were needed because an average of 1,000 cars a day passed through Lenham. That’s an amazing figure even considering military traffic to Folkestone and Dover, but that’s what was claimed in court.
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Up the Faversham Road at the Woodman’s Arms, William Glover was also pleading for renewal. He too faced opposition on the grounds that he served a community of only 14 houses, with 43 inhabitants, which could hardly be said to be a living. He objected strongly to this. He had sold 60 barrels in the year, enjoyed his way of life, and besides he also worked as a gardener. Both cases were referred to the Compensation Authority. Amy Myers
The opposition to the renewal pointed out that there were
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‘March’ by Geraldine Brooks ‘March’ is set during the American Civil War and tells the story of Mr March, who leaves his wife and four daughters in Concord, Massachusetts, to work as an army chaplain supporting troops fighting against slavery in the southern states. Mr and Mrs March have been part of the underground movement providing safe houses for former slaves, enabling them to escape from the southern states into Canada where they can start to live their lives in freedom. Mr March works hard to provide spiritual support and guidance to the many soldiers in great pain or dying around him. One day he and some of the surviving troops arrive at a plantation house that Mr March realises he had visited twenty years earlier. We then hear the story of Mr March as a young man, a travelling salesman, plying his wares amongst the rich plantation owners. This is when he is first introduced to the harsh conditions imposed on slaves, and where he becomes interested in social justice and the abolition of slavery. We also learn how he meets his first love, and then meets his future wife, Margaret, known as ‘Marmee’. If I tell you that the four March
daughters are called Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, readers of ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott will realise there is a connection to that well known book. As a child I loved reading the ‘Little Women’ series by Louisa May Alcott. When I heard that a prequel – ‘March’ had been written, which told the story of Mr March (absent from most of the first book as he is away serving as army chaplain) I was intrigued, but also a bit worried that one of my favourite childhood books had been tampered with. I need not have worried. Geraldine Brooks has kept the story of ‘March’ very true to that of ‘Little Women’. There is the occasional reference to the four girls and Laurie, and you learn more about the younger Marmee, but I did not find any contradictions. I was surprised to find out that March was only written in 1996, as the style in which it is written makes it seem much older. March is written in a more ‘adult’ style than the Little Women series.
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I really enjoyed reading this book – partly due to the link to ‘Little Women’, however I enjoyed it as a historical novel in its own right. The book portrays Mr March as a very principled man, however at times he is forced to question
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Continued... his principles. The conditions that slaves, and former slaves lived in were horrific and tragic, and reading the book it is hard to
believe that at the time people felt slavery could be justified. Sarah Godfrey
Respecting the Lenham Cemetery
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The drive way to the Lenham Cemetery must be kept clear at all times. Parking is not permitted on the drive or within the cemetery itself, unless at a burial service or attending to a grave. Access for funeral processions cannot be impeded at any time. The damage to the grass verge on the entrance caused by a local resident illegally parking, will be repaired, and extra bollards placed to deter future misuse of the drive. It has also been noted that a vehicle is being driven across the large open grass area. This antisocial behaviour is not acceptable. We must all remember the cemetery is hallowed ground with the exclusive right of burial available to all parishioners. It
Continued...
should be a haven for grieving relatives, offering an opportunity to pay their respects and to find some peace and quiet with time for reflection. Lenham Parish Council maintain the grounds on behalf of the parishioners and would appreciate it if anything untoward occurring in the area is reported to the Clerk. We are at present working with the PCSO, Community Warden and MBC parking enforcement department, and will act upon advice given. If you have any queries relating to the cemetery please contact the Clerk 01622 859682
Bogus Callers This information was received from a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Coordinator. The NHW coordinator states: ‘’I have dealt with a £10,000 fraud against an elderly lady. The suspect had obtained the victim’s home telephone number (possibly by stealing rubbish from her bin). He then rang the victim stating he was from the Metropolitan Police. He told her that her Barclaycard had been used in the Apple Store in Regent Street. They believed it to be an inside job at several Barclays bank branches where a staff member had cloned cards. To gain the victim’s trust he told her to hang up and call Barclays to cancel her card and he would call her back in 30 minutes or so. The victim replaced the handset but the suspect did not and kept the line open. The victim then called Barclays not realising the line was still open. The suspect then pretended to be Barclays. Once the victim thought that she had cancelled the card the suspect rang her back. He then asked if she could help the police with their enquiries by going to Barclays and withdrawing large sums of cash so that they could be forensically tested and passed to the police. To gain added trust the suspect told her to call 101
and ask if a DC ---- was employed by the Metropolitan Police. Once again the suspect kept the line open and when the victim called 101 the suspect(s) pretended to be a police operator and confirmed the said DC’s credentials. The suspect then called back as the said officer and the victim was reassured by the cover story. The victim then went to the bank where on two occasions at separate Barclays Banks she makes two large withdrawals. Each time the suspect sent a mini cab to collect the money. If you receive a call of this nature and want to call your bank then please do it from another phone. In any encounters with the police the public should always ask to see a warrant card, ask the officer to take it out of the plastic wallet and take time to inspect it.
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Please be sure to pass this information on to your neighbours, especially the elderly and the vulnerable. Information supplied by Community Warden Martin Sherwood
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Take part in the first ever Maidstone 10k for Heart of Kent Hospice. Sunday 8th March Our chip-timed run offers a challenging course for both beginners and established runners alike. This new circular road race from Cornwallis Academy in Linton visits the pretty village of Boughton Monchelsea and is the perfect warm up for spring races. Each runner will receive a medal at the finish line with times published on
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our website shortly afterwards. Places at £17.50 each (£15.50 for UKA Members) must be booked in advance by visiting www.hokh. org or by e-mailing fundraising @ hokh.co.uk or telephoning 01622 790195. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. The race will start at 10.00 a.m. so please turn up from 9.00 a.m.
Benefits of Eating Seasonal Fruit and Veg Remember the days when you could only get satsumas at Christmas and strawberries in the summer? The supermarkets now have a wide variety of produce all year round but what are the benefits of eating what’s in season instead of imported fruit and veg? By picking seasonal produce you are ensuring that you’re getting fruit and vegetables packed full of nutrients that taste and smell amazing (think about the smell
of a fresh tomato or the taste of a local Cox apple just picked from a tree). In addition, by buying local produce you’re also doing your bit for the environment as the food hasn’t had to travel as far. To help you choose food in season, take a look at the “Eat in Seasons” calendar on GB Lister’s new website www.lenham-butchers. co.uk or pop into their shop in Lenham Square.
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Produce you can trust GB LISTER Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer Easter Special Offer - Leg of pork 1.3kg, leg of lamb 1kg, 8 x bacon rashers, 6 x sausages of your choice, 6 x large free-range eggs. All for £30 NEW IN – Fresh Organic Vegetables Find us on Twitter and Facebook for details of our latest weekly offer. GB Lister Butcher and Greengrocer, 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone ME17 2PQ Tel: 01622 858220 Email: gblister@live.com
www.lenham-butchers.co.uk
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Lenham Parish Council
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The meeting held on Wednesday 4th February was attended by ten members of the public. During public participation matters discussed covered a request for weight restriction signage to be considered throughout the parish and a plea for more volunteers to join the speed watch team. An engineer from KCC highways will visit the parish and offer advice on the placing of weight restriction signs, after which, the report will be discussed. Anyone interested in more details to join the speed watch team should contact Brian & Jo Llong on 01622 859733 The Community Warden presented his report with, as always, useful information and advice. The SaveLenham.org team are keen to progress the Neighbourhood Plan and a meeting will be organised on the 21st February to further the project. The planning process of the proposed Motocross site at Runham Lane has reached a critical stage. Local residents are taking legal advice and it was agreed LPC would support the group with a grant of £500 towards such expenditure. Harrietsham
Lenham Parish Council
Parish Council has been asked to consider a similar contribution, as the site is very close to the HPC parish boundary. Maidstone Road car park will have the gullies cleaned and extensive ground works undertaken to cut back the vegetation and generally clean up the site. This will mean the closure of the site for one day during works for safety reasons. Notices will be posted throughout the car park with the full details. Councillors will meet with representatives from St Mary’s church to discuss the garden of remembrance maintenance. LPC will assist the Lenham Bowls Club to register the ground as a community asset with Maidstone Borough Council, the same procedure as carried out to register the Ham Lane Allotment site. A useful meeting and parish tour with KCC highway department highlighted some outstanding repairs and maintenance issues. Street lighting issues can be reported direct on 03000 41 81 81 (Mon –Fri 8am to 6pm) or on the web-site www.kent.gov.uk/ highways
The web-site guidelines and policies are making progress and it is hoped the site will be fully operational by April. In consideration of cemetery charges a receipts and expenditure evidence-based report will be considered.
The agreement for the parish precept requirement for 2015/16 was signed. It was agreed to maintain the current band D charge with no change in the parish element to the council tax for each resident. Colin Gillett Chairman LPC
Dot Sams Can we thank everyone who has been contacting us about mum over the months of us looking after her? We have been fortunate to have been able to place her at Hillbeck residential home, Bearsted, which specialises in dementia care. Unfortunately dementia is extremely cruel and it robs the individual slowly and without mercy of the mind’s ability to function. We have been fortunate to have received the love of our family through this difficult time and also friends within our community. The messages from her friends from the community including the Hub group and the Young at Heart club have been precious to all of us. Particularly we want to thank Les and Nelly who have been phenomenal in their support through those months at the Remix club (in a previous Focus magazine) and
gave mum so much pleasure with their singing. Next month we would like to briefly write a few lines about the organisations who helped us with mum’s vascular dementia so it might assist others.
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Thank you, everyone. Tom and Janetta Sams
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Friends of St Mary’s Church, Lenham Spring Report – Many of you may be wondering why the clock face looks so dirty and covered in algae. The Friends have asked the company who fitted the renovated clock face to come back and give it a spring clean and to apply a copper band around it which will hopefully cure the problem.
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Unfortunately, our first grant application to the English Heritage was refused on the grounds that we had not included a section on digital representation. The Friends are working hard with local companies on how we can include digital representation in St Mary’s, what it would look like and how it could be used. If any of our readers have any expertise in this subject and could offer advice, we would really love to hear from you. The Friends are looking to resubmit the application by the end of March. In the meantime, the Friends are keen to start the renovation of the east window; which we have been delaying in the hope of hearing about the grant application. Upto-date quotes are being sought so that the work can commence. Our events for 2015 look very exciting……….. Our first, on 20th March, is our ‘Mongolian Moose
Friends of St Mary’s Church, Lenham
Chase’, a film which local resident Merrilyn Boorman made whilst on an expedition to find an elusive moose in Mongolia. Tickets are on sale in the newsagent, Lenham. This is one you won’t want to miss. On 11th July we have the pleasure of the Military Wives Choir at the Lenham Community Centre, an evening of song and personal stories. Timing and ticket details will be published shortly. September 26th is the date of our popular annual barn dance in the Tithe Barn. It’s a fantastic evening of fun for all; don’t forget this date for your diaries. Thanks to everyone for supporting our events and enabling us to preserve our ancient village church. The Friends of St Mary’s are applying to the Charities Commission to become a registered charity. We are keen to encourage new members to join us or you may just like to make a donation to The Friends; the funds are used to repair, renovate and maintain the fabric of St Mary’s. Thank You Lyn Fuller Lyn.fuller@hotmail.co.uk
Clubs & Societies Lenham Gardening Society
Len Valley Community Hub
Hi everyone. It’s snowing as I write this (early Feb) so let’s hope that it’s spring weather when you read it. Unfortunately our January speaker was unable to come, due to the dreaded flu. So we improvised with questions & answers on common garden problems and an impromptu talk on bees by Brian Hall which was much appreciated by the members and 20 or so minutes just slipped by. Thank you Brian, can we book you for next year? Our March speaker will be Mrs. Silk who will give a talk on ‘Bloomers & Butterflies’ which promises to be of great interest, so please come along and support the meeting. Reminder to those members who have yet to pay their subs that they can pay at the March meeting. The competition for March is five daffodils (same variety) and/or a hand-painted Easter Egg. Well that’s it for now, keep warm and start thinking/planning your garden for this year and the Lenham Garden Show. Keith. Chair LGS
Our meeting for March is on Thursday 5th at the Social Club 2.00-4.00pm. We have Guide Dogs for the Blind coming and they are bringing one of their dogs with them. We are looking forward to that. If you need a lift please call Jenny Lloyd on 01622 859208. Our thanks to the staff at the club. Martin, John, Jenny, and Nina Young At Heart 60+ Hi everyone this year is rushing past. March already! Our next meeting will be Thursday 19th March at the Community Centre 2.00-4.00pm. We have a lady coming to give a talk on her holiday. We look forward to seeing you all. Our thanks to the back room boys and girls. If you need a lift please ring Jenny Lloyd on 01622 859208. Olive, Sue, Jackie, Martin, Jenny and Nina.
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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:
Eddie Powell Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements)
Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Enhancement Ass. Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Police Constable Rural Community Warden Vicar
Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Brian Llong Kevin Fitzsimons Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Hugh Robertson MP Margo McFarlane Dave Rowley Brian Waghorne Martin Sherwood Rev Dr Dick Venn Rev Millie Hart Church Office
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Charted Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chip Shop Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Computer Services
Dance Electricians/Gas fitters
Estate Agents Fitness Funeral Directors Gardeners
Contact Numbers
Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating SR Interiors (painters/decorators) Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) Nick Posener G B Lister Snoad Farm Lilypie CafĂŠ Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Organic Spirit Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Beth Pierson-Smith Invicta Chimney Sweep Chequers Fish Bar Heathers Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning A.C. Computers Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing AD Pink Electrics Barrie Weston Contractor Electrical Solutions MGI Electrical Philip Jarvis Activate Body and Soul A W Court Just a Mow Mower Repairs Belmont Gardens
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Gowers Garage 858210 Lenham Village Store 858255 Phase Hairdressing 850001 Smarty’s 851150 Lenham Comm Centre 853800 Charing Heath Hall 01233 713317 Immyblingy 298129 Ireland Landscapes 844605 Maidstone Landscapes and Paving 851222 Mowtastic 07989 333145 A Short 07738658751 Seasoned Logs 07733328715 Tai Chi 07734108683 Len Valley news 858262 Graham Yates Bsc Ost (Hons) 01304379954 Lenham Parish Council 01622 859682 A D Pink 884774 Pest Purge 842481 Saxon Warrior 858287 All Fix Plumbing 851186 Epic Plumbimg 210298 Pure Plumbing 769722 J W Engineering Services 851713 The White Horse 859511 Lenham Social Club 858890 Leeds Castle 767777 Carter Roofing 01795886084 R and D Roofing 858291 Paul Grant Roofing 850855 Lorenden 01795590030 Thornloe and Co. 859416 Arshed Mahmood 07770725129 Gez Clark 07784447200 Ambilly Tree Surgeons 859113 R & P TV Aerial services 631717 Harrietsham Vets 858666 Maidstone Wills and trusts 01580 292320 Sparkles 07856 110682
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Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily
Activate Fitness Facilites
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
St Johns Ambulance Badminton (Feathers) Bell Ring Monday Parent & Toddlers Group Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club H/sham&Lenham Beavers St Johns Ambulance Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes
Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Thursday Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Music Mayhem Friday Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club Saturday Sunday
Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools
Activate Sports Swadelands 7am--8.30am & 5pm--9pm St Johns Hall, Ham Lane 4.30- 6.00pm 7.00-9.15pm Community Centre 8.-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 9.30-11.30am (8-11 years) 6.30- 8.pm Community Centre 8.pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5.45- 7.15.pm Cadets (10-18) 6.00-8.00pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30 -9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30- 9.00pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15- 7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8.pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 7.00- 9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30- 9.30pm Community Centre 5.30- 8.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am- 5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00noon see separate church services page
Monthly Events 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 4th Wednesday Last Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Thursday 3rd Thursday Last Saturday 2nd Sunday
Derby & Joan Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Len&Har. Disability Grp Lenham Country Market
Regular Daily & Weekly Events
Lenham House Lenham Social Club Business Association Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre Lenham Library Community Centre Community Centre Lenham House The Village Square
2.00pm 8.pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2.pm 7.30pm 4.45--5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 9.- 1.00pm
Paul Grant Roofing Contractors All aspects of roofing work undertaken. Listed Building Specialist Strip / Re-tile / Kent Peg / Slating / Leadwork 35 years experience All work fully guaranteed For a free quotation and friendly advice on any roofing matter. OďŹƒce: 01622 850855 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted 37
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Continued... Lenham Heritage
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Our Jan meeting was filled with two talks from members. Gail Greig who owns Newlands Chapel (Charing Heath) gave an extremely interesting talk on her research about it. She also mentioned that the Charing History Society does not seem to include archaeology (as well as history) so anyone from there who is interested in a wider range please come and join us. This wider aspect was borne out by the second talk which was by Simon Mallett from Woodside Green. He gave a talk and pictures showing a new dene hole that has suddenly appeared on a field there and showed us where others were situated. Like a sinkhole it had appeared overnight in the crop. Many people are fascinated by these strange somewhat mysterious holes, most are from extracting chalk in the medieval times and later ….but sooner or later someone might prove that older flint mines may exist too. This one was particularly narrow, only a metre or so across which does suggest a flint mine. This beautiful Neolithic mace head, now in Canterbury Museum was found in a wood near Woodside Green.
Continued...
Our Feb meeting will be further members’ talks as there was not time for them all and there is great interest in local findings. Remember, every last Wed in the month, 7.30pm in the Osborne room, Lenham Community Centre. See you there next month? Lesley Feakes 850 275 Rbl – Women’s Section Our meeting on the 26th March is the Spring Tea. Venue is the Community Centre 3pm for a 3:30pm start. Tickets are £6 and are available from Eve, phone 01622 858478. Enid La Plain
Women’s World Day of Prayer (International and Interdenominational) Friday March 6th 2015 St Mary’s, Lenham, 10.30 a.m. All Saints Church, Ulcombe 7 p.m. Jesus said to them: Do you know what I have done to you? Women’s World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the voices of women from a different part of the world each year, expressing their hopes and concerns and bringing them before the world in prayer. On Friday 6th March an estimated 3 million people in over 170 countries, will gather to observe the day of prayer, using an order of service written by Christian women from the Bahamas and translated into over 1000 different languages and dialects. In the British Isles alone over 5000 services will be held. The day will begin when the sun rises over the island of Samoa and continue until it sets off the coast of American Samoa some 35 hours later.
from St. John’s Gospel, chapter 13, verses 1-17, ‘Jesus said to them: “Do you know what I have done to you?”’ and it challenges us to demonstrate the same radical, unconditional love for others that Jesus showed when he washed the feet of his disciples. The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands, scattered over 100,000 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean, only a small proportion of which are inhabited. It refers to itself as a ‘family of islands’. Everyone is welcome to attend the service, men and women – people of all ages. We look forward to welcoming you on Friday 6th March 10.30 a.m. at St Mary’s Church, Lenham and 7 p.m. at All Saints Church, Ulcombe.
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The theme of the service is taken
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Crop meets the 21st century with grant award
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Kent-based charity, CROP (Citizens Rights for Older People), is thrilled to announce that it has just been awarded almost £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ programme, which has enabled our organisation to buy essential IT equipment and a web server, so desperately needed to help manage and communicate effectively with our clients, volunteers, and the organisations we work with. CROP is a charity founded in 1994 to provide advocacy support to older people. We operate with a team of experienced, trained independent volunteer advocates who visit an older person in their own home. Today our charity continues to help older people in so many ways, for example assisting with tribunals and appeals, making a complaint, assisting with debt and financial matters, housing problems, helping investigate and apply for grant funding to pay for essential home repairs, to helping a person who is considering moving into a care home/sheltered housing. By providing older people with the right information and advice they can make informed decisions and we can help them through the process. The same if a client does not feel they are being listened to when communicating with
Crop meets the 21st century with grant award
services, i.e utility companies, health and care professionals. We can be a voice to make sure they are listened to and they have control over making their own decisions. Our service covers most of Kent. Debbie Smith, Joint Manager said, “this award means a great deal to CROP transforming the way we work. We are able to access information, data, and documents needed when on the phone to clients and volunteers. The volume of calls we receive is increasing on a daily basis, each person needing the support of office staff and managing a team of 40 plus volunteers. Our outdated operating systems could not cope, repeatedly froze, were very slow and unable to access programmes when needed. The Awards for All has also funded a web server, which has brought so many advantages, including being able to access our data while working out of the office”. Debbie continued: “As proud winners of The Awards for All, this project will broaden our IT skill base and provide the tools to help us to build and grow. This project is phase 1 of modernising our systems; we plan to develop a data base system providing a framework for evidencing the
information required by funding organisations. Achieving the Big Lottery Fund is such fantastic news; put simply, it will give our charity a step up to have the latest technology at our
fingertips”. Debbie Smith CROP Joint Manager 851200
01622
Kent Plant Heritage Group Spring Talk ‘Hakonechloa’ a new National Collection of ornamental grasses for Kent by Philip Oostenbrink, Head Gardener, Canterbury Cathedral Sunday 22nd March, 2.00 pm Hollingbourne Village Hall, ME17 1TR All Welcome Admission free, homemade teas.
plant
stall,
Leeds Castle and Hollingbourne Garden Society Spring Show Saturday 28th March 2.30 pm Spring flowers, cookery, crafts & exciting classes for children
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Hollingbourne Village Hall ME17 1TR All welcome, light refreshments Schedules from Jean Talboys Email: jtalboys@btinternet.com phone: 01622 880349
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Dustcart Competition
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The perky design seen in the photograph is the work of Leah French, a ten-year-old pupil at Platts Heath Primary School. It was chosen by the Maidstone Borough Council out of a grand total of 1500 entries to decorate a recycling truck. Leah was the lucky recipient of a £50 Go Ape voucher, and a goody bag presented to her by Councillor Marion Ring, cabinet member for the environment and housing. That was at the end of 2014 and more recently they met again when the truck with the new design was unveiled. As you can see from the photograph, the design features a jolly looking tree and a lively young lady waving the flag for recycling. When I met Leah at the school for this Focus interview, I asked her what made her think of it, and she told me that it was about ‘people being happy’ as the young lady
Dustcart Competition
she depicted most certainly is. Leah did the original drawing, she explained, with coloured pencils on a sheet of A3 paper. This wasn’t her first artistic work as she has enjoyed painting since she was five and intends to continue doing so while also pursuing her other interests in sports, PE and drama. Leah and her fellow students had become more aware of the need to recycle when they participated in an afternoon recycling workshop held at the Lenham Community Centre. Here they learned to make bird feeders out of old milk cartons and that, Leah explained, made them think about the positive benefits of recycling – which led to ‘less rubbish on the streets’. The Maidstone Borough Council competition made her, she thinks, appreciate even more how lovely the Platts Heath area is and the need to keep it that way.
Just like the smiley young lady in her design, Leah is set to make people happy herself, as she has her eyes on a dance and drama
career which she will be pursuing in Maidstone next year. Jim Myers
Christian Message for March 2015 I was watching a father encouraging his young son to go off on his bicycle without the stabilisers. It took me back to when my youngest son, Paul, was at that same stage. I suppose I remember it because it was something that took Paul some time to master. But eventually, with much cajoling and encouragement, he cracked it. It was hard for him, but my husband and I were there, because the only way we could persuade him to have a go at first was to promise to be there alongside him, always there to support him should he lose his balance or start to wobble. And I like to think that Paul knows we are still there for him now, even as he now approaches his 30th birthday, and we will always be there for him. We all need a little support sometimes, don’t we? Someone to hold on to us when the going gets tough, when we’re unsure of our ground, when our confidence fades or fails and we feel ourselves
slipping. The message of scripture is that we all have that support in God. Right across all ages he has reiterated his promise to support us along the journey of life, to stay close by our side so that, in times of crisis, we can rely on him to be there alongside us. There were times, I remember, when Paul wanted to give up with his bicycle, and there will be times when we feel like that too. But just as my husband and I being there for him gave the reassurance needed for Paul to finally succeed, so the knowledge of God’s constant presence will give us the confidence we need when we need it. And so, are you facing a challenge which you are questioning your ability to get through? Have you the faith to trust that God will be there to hold you? My experience is that God has given me constant guidance throughout my life, he has assured me that he is always there to encourage,
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Continued... strengthen and support me. He has given me strength in times of weakness, he has given me encouragement in times of fear, he has given me support in times of difficulty and I rejoice that he has given me faith in times of doubt. And so I pray that when you are finding life is hard and maybe the days are dark, that you will have that same faith to trust in the future, confident that whatever may be asked of you, you will know God surrounds you with his loving care, holding you close. Reverend Millie Hart
March Flowers St Mary’s Church Flower Rota Easter flowers Easter Saturday 4th April 18th/25th April - Mrs Nahab If you would like to make a donation for the Easter lilies, this can be left at the Saturday coffee morning or handed to Mrs Sue Greenwood Brass cleaning: Mrs Hayward
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Positive Action Anyone Can Take To Help the SaveLenham Campaign The planning process is a labyrinth SaveLenham.org website together of rules, regulations and laws. with a status report on existing One thing is clear and that is every proposals. application should be commented The numbers on the map refer to on by as many people as possible the estimated number of houses (hundreds not handfuls). Parish on each red outlined site. Council objections are submitted Ok, it is pretty appalling in fact the as consultees as part of the 1847 shown exceeds our worst routine procedure; added to which original fears but you can find a a mass of letters could influence map for the whole of Maidstone councillors and planners. Borough with these sites marked To get a sense of the size of on it at http://www.maidstone.gov. the problem we have recently uk/residents/planning/local-plan/ published the map below on the local-plan-progress Continued...
The Plough Inn, Stalisfield; a family run, independent, award winning pub & restaurant offering an extensive menu of restaurant quality food and pub snacks as well as a large range of unique & locally produced drinks. Come in March & enjoy a glass of wine or beer on us, must be booked in advance by phone quoting LENH0315 – T’s & C’s apply Band night Friday 6th March The Chillbillies playing live from 8.30pm Mothering Sunday 15th March Sunday roast as usual but as we don’t bump our prices up so you’ll need to book up quick! Easter weekend Friday – A special fish blackboard menu of Richard’s creative & traditional dishes. Saturday – Kick start the day with breakfast, or lunch, or dinner dependant on how lazy you are feeling! Sunday – Traditional family roast Monday – Family fun day with activities for the youngsters & those young at heart St Georges Day Thursday 23rd April Celebrating all that is English ‘Drive it day’ Sunday 26th April Bring your classic car out for the day Band night Friday 22nd May Hullabaloo playing live from 8.30pm
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To keep up to date with all that is happening over the coming months follow us on twitter or Facebook or see our website www.theploughinnstalisfield.co.uk diary page. Stalisfield Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 0HY Tel: 01795 890 256 Email: info@theploughinnstalisfield.co.uk
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Continued...
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Up to this point there have been three separate calls for sites from MBC Planners and, maybe not all of these will get past the planners and Councillors to the next stage which is inclusion in Maidstone’s Local Plan. If this Plan is published with the expected 1,750 houses proposed today, be assured that SaveLenham will object using the signatures we have attracted to our campaign. Every person in Lenham will be able to make their own comment on the plan and we hope hundreds will.
Continued...
In the meantime, I would ask all of you who would be prepared to tackle the MBC online site or to write an objection to each site which reaches the planning application stage to contact SaveLenham who will keep you up to date with applications as they are published. Mike Cockett
A wild Mongolian Moose Chase
Merrilyn Boorman, a resident of Lenham, decided for her 70th birthday to leave the traditional party to one side and instead go on an expedition in search of the rare sub-species, known as the Manchurian moose. With only local support and accompanied by a one- man film crew, her story was captured on film to share with you. The filming was in Nomrog, a strictly protected area of Mongolia. The Friends of St Mary’s are very pleased that Merrilyn has asked us to organise the showing of her expedition. The date has been booked Friday 20th March in
Lenham Community Centre. There will be two showings that day; an afternoon matinee at 2.00pm and an evening showing at 7.30 pm. Tickets will go on sale from beginning of February and can be obtained from the Church’s coffee mornings, Len Valley Newsagents or by contacting myself on 01622 851538 to pre book your tickets. Please watch out for further information in March’s Focus together with posters advertising the event around the village.
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Lynn Fuller 01622 851538
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A dance between joy and sorrow
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As an occasional change from my usual ‘Focus on Nature’, I offer an ancient Sufi story. Once there lived a great king, a ruler of a fine kingdom, who wielded total power, supported by a loyal army and many advisors. Yet despite having much wealth and influence, he often found himself confused and troubled. So he summoned his most senior ministers together with wise sages, announcing “I have decided that I need a new ring which, if I can look at it when I’m sad, it will make me joyful, but if I look at it when I am happy, it will make me sad”. The wise men immediately discussed the command among themselves, mediating for many hours until they reached total agreement. They commissioned the finest goldsmiths to make a ring incorporating a hinge, underneath which was inscribed just four words ... ‘THIS TOO WILL PASS’. It was duly presented, along with a severe warning that the hinge should only be opened in extreme circumstances. Soon afterwards an invading army crossed the border, defeating the defending soldiers and causing the king to flee with minimal belongings. With the enemy
A dance between joy and sorrow
getting ever closer to him, the king came to the edge of a steep ravine. Scrambling over the edge he hastily clung to a thick bush, as two lions were prowling below. As he hung on, he opened his ring to read the words, ‘THIS TOO WILL PASS’ When the enemy soldiers arrived, they could only assume the king had been devoured by the lions. Eventually the invaders departed back to their own country and the king was restored, promptly ordering a huge celebration for all citizens, a party which went on all night, getting wilder and wilder. When it began to get out of hand, the king again opened his ring, to read once more, ‘THIS TOO WILL PASS’ These experiences encouraged the king to reign always with fairness, compassion and understanding. What can we learn from this story? By reciting those words before sleep and when we wake up, instead of joy or sorrow becoming a fundamental part of our being, we can simply observe those states as a witness. That is not to say we can stop enjoying being happy, simply that we can retain a certain distance from it, similarly preserving some distance when times of sorrow come. There can then come a time when a beautiful
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SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham
FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
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Continued... stillness can descend upon our being, a stillness emanating from a higher, Divine source. Once that is experienced we will wish to contain it and preserve it. That takes persistence and patience until a time when a transformation can occur. Searching for a helpful analogy, I recall an early schoolboy experiment, dissolving powdered copper sulphate powder into a
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beaker of warm water until the solution became saturated, then waiting ... until the most beautiful blue crystals began to appear. A truly wondrous transformation had taken place. Similarly, if we can only crystallise that precious state of stillness, then we can learn to dance with equanimity between the joys and sorrows of this life. DEREK BUDGE
Do you like... Coffee, Friendship, Chat, The Bible, Life, Shared Experiences, laughter, Games, Chocolate, Sport, Jesus, Fudge cake, Meeting new people, Meeting old people, Generally having fun, and living life with a purpose? Len Valley Zone (part of Jubilee Church Maidstone) invite you to join us for breakfast and our morning celebration. Sunday 1 March 2015 - 10am start
Continued...
Lenham Community Centre Groom Way, Lenham, Kent, ME17 2QT Len Valley Zone meet in Lenham and Harrietsham on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm For more information Contact Johnny on: 07900 284 662
Len Valley Churches Service Times March Sunday 1st March 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 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 8th March 8.00 am at St. Mary’s Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Holy Communion 10.45 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Morning Worship 3.30 pm at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Evensong Sunday 15th March – Mothering Sunday 9.30 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Breakfast service
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Special Mothering Sunday services with gifts for mums: 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham 9.30am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe 10.45 am at All Saints, Ulcombe 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham Sunday 22nd March 8.00am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book) 9.30 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Holy Communion 9.30 am at St. Nicholas, Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship 10.45 am at All Saints, Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am at St. Mary’s, Lenham: Family Worship Saturday 28th March 5.30pm at St John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise
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Continued... Saturday 28th March 8.00am at Dog & Bear, Lenham: Men’s breakfast Sunday 29th March Joint Len Valley Churches Service: St John the Baptist, Harrietsham: Palm Sunday 9.30am Meet at Harrietsham Community Centre to process via Glebe field to the Church. An alternative informal service will be held back at the Community Centre.
Interview with Barry Wood, OBE 52
More than a flying visit Group Captain Barry Wood OBE was born and raised in Canterbury, but after a full and varied career in the RAF, Lenham was lucky enough to catch his eye eight years ago when he and his wife stopped for a coffee in Pippa’s Tearooms. They were looking to buy a house in the local area and Lenham won the day, ‘a decision we’ve never regretted’ says Barry. He attended Simon Langton Grammar School and when he was in the Lower Sixth form he was also a member of the Air Training Corps, as he had always wanted to fly. The meetings were held in the cellar of the former Odeon Cinema,
Continued...
where the Marlowe Theatre now stands. He was seventeen and a half when he joined the RAF in 1954, bent on becoming a pilot. He qualified as a pilot in the summer of 1956, and his first posting was to a fighter squadron in Hong Kong. He stayed there for three years during which time he met his future wife, Gill, who was an RAF ‘daughter’. They were married in a Nissen hut church, and the following year returned to the UK. Barry’s next posting was to a bomber squadron in Wyton, Cambridgeshire for three years. Then it was on to Cyprus flying Canberras and he was detached to Malaysia during the confrontation
with Indonesia of 1963–66. His next step up was to become a flying instructor at the Central Flying School at Little Rissington as a staff instructor and squadron commander from 1968 to 1972. Here he was especially pleased to be involved in the Aerobatics Team, the Red Pelicans, flying Jet Provosts. After that, life became even busier, including a tour in Germany commanding a surface to air missile unit, following which in 1978 he became Station Commander of RAF Aberporth in west Wales for three years. Three more postings followed including one in Norway, one as Station Commander at RAF Bishop’s Court in Northern Ireland and then Barry went on to serve a tour at NATO in Mons, Belgium. His last foreign posting was for three years in Germany at the HQ
of 2nd Allied Tactical Air Force. He finally retired from the RAF in 1991. That wasn’t the end of his career though. He promptly took a post with the Ministry of Defence, working with schoolchildren interested in an RAF career. After six years however he and Gill were ready to move to Kent. And that’s when they spotted Lenham. Per ardua ad astra, and accordingly Barry is still working hard. He serves on the Parochial Church Council for St Mary’s Church and chairs the local branch of the Royal British Legion, keeping the flag flying.
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Text and photo by Jim Myers
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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 08/03/15 & 12/04/15
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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Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), Wills, prepaid funeral plans We come to you – ask for a free no obligation quote LPAs: These are essential – everyone should have one. If someone loses capacity the partner has to apply to the Court to manage things but it can take ages and cost £’000s. All this could be avoided with a LPA. Wills: Everyone needs one. It’ll take just 40 minutes of your time and we do the rest – why not include a Property Trust to help protect the value of your home? Prepaid funeral plans: “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the funeral cost whenever it’s needed. Guaranteed acceptance. The most competitively priced plan available and the only one endorsed by the National Federation of Funeral Directors
Maidstone Wills & Trusts Freephone 0800 612 7459 Low cost. Fully insured. Work underwritten by our legal team. www.maidstonewills.com
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Pest Control Services WASPS RATS MICE
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One Moment In Rhyme
Happy St David's Day
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I remember at school hearing very strange tales Of a town in Argentina full of descendants from Wales No idea how it happened, but it was like déjà vu When we first moved to Lenham between me and you The Argentinean 'Welsh' farmers have flaming red hair And sit around camp fires with ancient stories to share The Lenham lot are different, much more gentle for sure Always invite you in for coffee when you knock on their door In Patagonia the farmers work in conditions so harsh Freezing cold winds, ice on their moustache Sorry can't resist this, I won't do it again But that's just the women, it's even worse for the men The Welsh people in Lenham are a hardy bunch too Braving the elements to do what they need to do But when it gets really cold and they have just had enough They sit back and chill out and turn their heating up! So what draws so many Welsh people to this village of ours? There are so many possibilities that I could go on for hours One thing I do know (and for this they owe me a beer) That Lenham is a much better place for having them here There are many things I've left out and some of their secrets they'll keep Like their love of daffodils and leeks, not forgetting the sheep! So to the Welsh people of Lenham and down Patagonia way Enjoy March the first. Happy St David's Day! Mark Godfrey One Moment In Rhyme Bespoke poetry from One Moment In Rhyme – www.onemomentinrhyme.homestead.com Tel: 07720 401749. Email: info@onemomentinrhyme.com
Happy St David’s Day
Young Persons Prize Crossword Please leave your completed crossword entry, name and age at Lenham Library on or before the 15th of the month. Please note the change of date for return of completed crosswords. As of this month on or before 15th. Thank you
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Across clues
Down clues
1. You eat your food from here. (5) 4. To cut in two. (5) 7. African and Indian animals which have a trunk. (9) 8. 365 days makes one …. (4) 10. To make someone very pleased and excited. (6) 12. Orange vegetable sometimes used to make a snowman’s nose. (6) 13. They can be boiled, poached scrambled or fried. (4) 16. Hard working people, often on a farm. (9) 18. What scissors do to a piece of paper. (3,2) 19. Place for sporting or other contests. (5)
1. ….. bear. Loved by children. (5) 2. It produces honey. (3) 3. Another word for flat. (4) 4. What Father Christmas says. (2,2,2) 5. It is at the top of the stairs. (7) 6. What a blackboard may stand on. (5) 9. Gymnast or circus performer. (7) 11. Foodstuff made from milk and sold in pots. (6) 12. It gives you stomach ache. (5) 14. Another name for Father Christmas. (5) 15. Rave (anagram). A girl’s name. (4) 17. Opposite of ‘he’. (3)
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LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September)
Scarves • Silver Jewellery • Purses • Hair Accessories • Fashion Bags • Costume Jewellery • Occasion Bags • Fascinators
Immyblingy bringing glamour to Lenham
MON-SAT 9:30-5 Open Market Sundays
01622 298129
Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except Bank Holiday) Planning Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting.
Ofsted Registered Childminder based in Honywood Road, Lenham
For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (during office hours)
PACEY member. Very flexible hours. Free for 3 and 4 year old funding now available
hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk
Please contact Beth on 07809 249176 / 01622 297499 bethpierson-smith@hotmail.co.uk
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The Red Lion - Lenham DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Lenham Family Festival Thu 11th — Sun 14th June 2015 Main event day Sat 13th June 2015 Lenham Community Centre
lenhamfamilyfestival.co.uk
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01622 858531 www.redlionlenham.co.uk
A Traditional 14th Century Inn located in the Medieval Village of Lenham Home Cooked food served daily. Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm & 6-9pm Sat & Sun 12-9pm including bank holidays Senior Citizens Specials Hot Stone Dining Experience Traditional Log Fires Cask Marque Awarded Real Ales Function Room Available Monthly Quiz & Theme Nights Mobile Bars & Catering service available for hire
Do you advertise in the Focus? Here are our new advertising guidelines for advertisers. Dimensions are Width by Height. Full page: 122.7x184.6mm 1/2 page: 122.7x91.6mm
1/4 page: 60.7x91.6mm 1/8 page: 60.7x44.9mm
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Last months crossword solution Last months winner was: Mrs. J. Fairhall of Lenham.
Organic Event Catering, Mobile Bars & Cocktail Tuition
Lenham’s latest arrival, providing fantastic locally sourced food to your next event.
We also offer cocktail tuition for hen and stag parties as well as mobile bars for all occasions. www.OrganicSpirit.co.uk 01622 43 43 47 – info@organicspirit.co.uk
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Greenman Solar have designed and installed over 400 solar arrays in Kent , with nearly 200 on Romney Marsh. Our reputation for quality of service, reliability and honesty are second to none. Don’t take our word for it, read what our customers have to say about us online. We will design and install the best solar array for you, at an unbeatable price. We don’t take a deposit, there will be no pressure to make a decision or sign anything and we fill in all of the paperwork needed to claim the Feed In Tariff for you. A typical 4kW, 16 panel system costs less than £7,000 fully installed, including VAT and scaffolding, there will be no extras. We only install the best modules and inverters (usually German).
Court Lodge Manor, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN23 3JE Tel: 01233 612082, email: info@greenmansolar.com, website: www.greenmansolar.com 64
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) 65
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Success comes from working together.
Business Networking is about . . . getting it right!
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A lot of effort goes into getting a business networking group work properly. Where to hold the events, who is the best speaker and who should we be looking for when we look for new members. Well he’s a few answers right here in the next three events. Tuesday 7 April Claire Bridger (fourth right) from Mid Kent College. Whether you are a micro business, SME or large employer Business Services at Midkent has something to offer you. Get your questions answered about apprenticeship, traineeships, local grants, funding. If recruitment selection is a barrier to growing your business we offer free support. This is an exciting time for Midkent College with the development of our new Commercial Services available to you so please do come along and find out more. Tuesday 5 May. Matthew Wilkes from Wealth Management updates us on Pension legislation. Wednesday 27 May this is the one not to miss, our combined networking, LVBA with South Maidstone Business Association, Charing Business Association and Marden Business Forum at The Weald of Kent Golf Club, Headcorn. Award winning business coach and #1 ranking author Andrew Priestley will present ‘Eight strategies to increase revenues and profits’. Oh yes, the picture. Our new website’s Networking programme, check it out now!
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
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Published by Lenham Focus Lenham Focus is published by the Lenham Focus Team. Any opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not the publishers. 67 Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine to ensure that they are correct and accurate at the time of printing and the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. The publication of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the publishers. Authors of articles and advertisements in Focus take full responsibility to ensure they obtain any prior permission for use of copyright materials. Focus is Distributed by Volunteers to: Lenham Village, Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway, West Street, Woodside Green and Warren Street. For ‘Out of Town’ Readers Distribution Lenham Community Centre, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office. Visit lenhamfocus.co.uk Follow us @lenhamfocus
Welcome to
Mother’s Day
Vintage Tea £12.95
pp
Treat someone special to a delicious selection of homemade cakes, scones and finger sandwiches served on our gorgeous vintage crockery! Book now for Mother’s Day (March 15th) OR any time Mon-Sat with 24 hours booking essential.
CALL NOW TO BOOK
01622 844590 Lilypie Café, Georgian House, Warmlake Road, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RP lilypiecafe.com
LilypieCafe
@lilypiecafe