Lenham Focus | September ’15 by Falcon

SEPTEMBER 2015 IN THIS EDITION

Lenham Family Festival Planning for 2016

Charity Bike Ride See how they got on

Focus on Nature The latest installment

Village Barn Dance Saturday 26th for FOSM

SEE PAGE 12

SEE PAGE 22

SEE PAGE 26

SEE PAGE 31

PAGE 2

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Welcome to the September edition of the Lenham Focus. We hope that everyone has had a great summer and made the most of the great weather. Let’s hope we get a nice Indian summer with some September sunshine. One of our regular contributors, Derek Budge, has made the most of the good weather with yet another walk around our village looking at the amazing plant life on offer. James Collett Editor

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We have another interesting article for GB Lister on jams, pickles and chutney. We thank GB Lister for these articles and hope you enjoy reading them as much as we do. It seems that planning has started early for the ever popular Lenham Family Festival. If you are interested in getting involved in this wonderful event please get in contact with the organisers.

We also have an interesting article looking at the collaborative approach to break up and divorce. This has been provided by Setfords solicitors and it looks at the process from a constructive angle. Finally, as ever, we are on the lookout for more support in putting the magazine together. With the recent holiday period it has highlighted yet again what a skeleton crew we are. With a few of the team on holiday we have struggled to get everything completed on time. If you think you can help in any way please get in contact.

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

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

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Volume 17 Edition 9 (September 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. Authors of articles and advertisements in Focus take full responsibility to ensure they obtain any prior permission for use of copyright materials.

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Photography: Andy Flood Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design. Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers. Check out his website! www.andyfloodphotography.co.uk

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 Article Filler Photos: PicJumbo / Unsplash www.picjumbo.com / www.unsplash.com

Rainbow 5k Fun Run

Borough Council Corner PAGE 6

Council Corner

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his month has been centred around Operation Stack. We have communicated on a frequent basis to Helen Whately and Jenny Whittle and updated them. Helen through her PA Scott has been open to receiving photographs of the situation almost as it happens and we are confident that she has a very full understanding of the matter. We have raised a question at the Maidstone Borough full Council meeting to the leader Fran Wilson and we have used each opportunity as it comes to highlight the problems that residents and businesses face. We have spoken at the Council’s committee meeting resulting in the Ham Lane application removed from the MBC Local Plan, this seemed to be primarily to do with the setting of the AONB. We have being involved in a meeting with the Parish Council Helen Whately, Fran Wilson and Jenny Whittle. We will be working with the Parish Council and discussing how we will respond to the local plan consultation. We are keen to work with Lenham Parish Council, MBC and Action for Rural Communities (ACRK) regarding a housing needs survey. This would allow a proportion of housing within new developments to go to those with a local connection to Lenham to live within the community. On a separate issue can we thank Martin Sherwood the community warden for his assistance with a number of issues affecting our residents particularly the elderly and more vulnerable. His professionalism and personal touch is seen by all. Tom & Janetta Sams 01622 859412 janettasamscllr@ gmail.com tomsamscllr7@ gmail.com

Dates for your Diary Keep up-to-date with the latest goings on in and around Lenham. 13 September A Unique-a-Fayre This year it will be held in the historic Allington Castle in support of Heart of Kent Hospice. 19 September

Forthcoming Events 21 Sept Mixed Darts Competition 17 Oct Freddie Mercury Tribute 31 Oct Halloween Disco (Fancy dress optional) Outside Bar & Marque for Events and Private Hire Private very Tuesday Sunday Night Bingo:Hire. every Tuesday andand 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.

Moonlit Walk A walk to remember, starting at 9pm from Preston Hall, Aylesford 26 September Village Barn Dance In the Tithe Barn at 7.30pm in support of Friends of St Mary’s Church 27 September Rainbow 5K Fun Run Mote Park, Maidstone at 9.00am in support of Heart of Kent Hospice 23 and 24 October The Ghost Train Lenham Players next production.

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One Hundred Years Ago... by Amy Myers PAGE 8 SEP 2015

n September 1915 the big offensive launched by the British and French armies on the Western Front was intended to break the German lines and gain the initiative, the British at Loos and the French at Vimy Ridge. Only very small gains were made at enormous cost. The British losses were 60,000, the worst for one battle

so far in the war. The French lost over 200,000 and the Germans 140,000. Amongst the horrendous British casualties were John Barton, a 24-yearold carpenter from Boughton Malherbe, serving in the Buffs, Lester Edwin Smith, the seventeen-year-old son of the Platts Heath butcher and grocer and, from Sussex, Rudyard Kipling’s only son John. Serving far away in Gallipoli was Frank Wickens, also from Boughton Malherbe who died in September not long after his arrival. Side by side with the grief that

these losses brought, everyday life had to battle on in Lenham. Drainage problems dragged on, with Mr Andrew Barr pointing out that the school did not have sufficient cash to pay for joining the main drainage system and that attendance had therefore dropped at the school through illness. One attendee however was young Fred Burningham, the son of the head gardener to Major Mitchell at Swadelands Manor, who won a three year scholarship to Maidstone Grammar School.

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Clubs & Soc.

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by Mat Revitt

s I’m writing this I’ve just recovered from watching the highlights of day 1 of the 3rd Ashes test. All I need to say is Australia all out for 60! This leads nicely onto being able to elaborate on the highlights of the Lenham cricket team for this month. Saturdays 11th July (a) New Ash Green 2nds 1.30pm (Won by 70 runs) Batting first seems to have suited the Lenham batsmen well this year. Adrian Longley at last managed to set the scene with a crafted and well deserved 108 runs which included a second wicket partnership with Nick Rutledge of 106; a total of 185 which is a fair score but very achievable. New Ash Green started slowly but conscientiously and after 10 overs were 38 for 1. Bowling changes in the 17 & 22 overs saw Dave Gardner and Dave Bunch come on and cause chaos. In the next 8 overs New Ash Green lost their remaining

8 wickets for 18 runs with Dave Gardner taking 4 wickets for 7 runs off 7 overs – watch out Stuart Broad. Dave bunch also bowled superbly taking 4 wickets for 9 runs off 4.3 overs. 18th July (h) Boughton & Eastwell 2nds 1.30pm (won by 2 wickets) Boughton & Eastwell won the toss and decided to bat first. The second over saw opener S Richardson caught and bowled by Jack Gracie for 1, getting Lenham off to a great start. N Griffiths and J Sloan however had different ideas and settled in and put on 107 runs between them. Unwittingly they hadn’t heard of the Lenham secret weapon Dave Bunch who managed to tempt an edge to keeper Nick Rutledge. Dave went on to take 4 for 35 off ten, another superb performance. Chasing 195 Lenham had an unusual shaky start being 54 for 3 off 9 overs. The middle order saw Nick Rutledge bring stability and teamed up with Steve Horton the runs required steadily declined. Steve ending up on 76 and Nick on 38. The final runs were scored by Jack Gracie with 6 overs remaining. 25th July (a) Lordswood 4ths

1.30pm – Game called off due to waterlogged pitch! 1st August (h) President’s Day President’s Day saw a lot of organizing and all came together to produce a day of good cricket, club spirit and all-round fun. The format for the day was flexible due to the amount of players on holiday and clashes with football!! I thought that this couldn’t be right but apparently August is when those footie people start again. We managed to make up two 8/9 man teams and competed over a 20/20 game and then an 8 x 8 ball game. Both were played in good spirits with enough competitive edge to make all outcomes possible – the president’s team did win this year. Highest score of the day was Nick Rutledge with 60+. The BBQ was roaring all afternoon and we managed to use up some of the stock from the fun day. Sundays 5th July & 26th July (h) Pixies Fun Day – all day fundraising event I’m guessing that it just wasn’t to be this year! Lots of hard work was put into organising this year’s event with bouncy castles,

sumo suits, inflatable bungee run, a massive BBQ extravaganza, cakes that Mary Berry would be proud of and 3 Rounders pitches all ready for teams to have a great fun day on. Unfortunately the weather has not kind to us and the 5th July would only have been good for hook a duck (and that would have been a real duck!). Not beaten the day was re-arranged for the 26th July. The day started wonderfully with sunshine and no clouds, bouncy castles were inflated, gazebos raised and the BBQ was lit in preparation for the expected breakfast rush. Unfortunately as the last inflatable was up the rain came down. After an hour the weather forecast confirmed that the sun was gone for the day and that wet and windy weather was all we could look forward to. In the spirit of the team we did have fun deflating the bouncy castles. It’s such a pity as this day is really a village social and aimed at bringing families and friends together to have fun and enjoy the village spirit of the cricket team. It is also the major fundraising event for the club where monies raised go back into youth coaching and improving facilities. 12th July (a) Sissinghurst 2pm (lost by 5 wickets) Quite a dull day however a lovely venue for an afternoon’s cricket. Lenham won the toss and after our successes in batting first we donned the pads and went onto the field positive and headstrong. We got off to a good start although the wicket did have some lively qualities to it. Openers Adrian Longley and Mat Revitt put on 63 for the first wicket and then Mat was joined by Nick Rutledge in another partnership putting on 69 runs. Tom Curtis replaced Mat (67 runs) in the 27th over with 132 on the board. Tom made a quick 12 runs however this was to be the

start of an Aussie-style collapse with the remaining team offering 3 runs (oops). Sissinghurst came out after our team and batted steadily and despite losing 6 wickets they had 5 batsmen making scores of 24+ and bringing victory to them in the 31st over. Jack Gracie and Chris Smith both took 2 wickets.

es. Lenham did manage to take 8 wickets although there were 30 runs short of making this a nail biting finale. The Lenham top bowling performances were C Smith with 4 for 32 and S Russell with 2 for 27.

19th July (h) East Sutton 2pm A beautiful sunny day and a team itching to make up for the previous week’s collapse. Opener Adrian Longley was on good form and despite losing fellow opener Mat Revitt early on went on to score 68 runs. Not to be outshone the middle order batsmen of Tom Curtis and Captain Dan Russell settled in to a superb partnership of 139 runs with Tom ending on 58 and Dan on 69 runs taking Lenham to a more than decent 251 runs. East Sutton came out fighting and scored steadily, opening bowler Chris Smith however bowled superbly taking 4 for 26 off 8 overs, this was added to by Dave Seales with 2 for 21. It was also a day for catches as Lenham took 6 catches. B Cox for East Sutton was top scorer for them with 67 runs before being run out.

Lenham opened the batting and put on 182 with the runs being spread around the team relatively evenly with 3 30+ scores coming from T Curtis, D Russell and N Collins. S Livesey also chipped in with a 20 from his first appearance this season. Newington also spread the batting around with their star being Alex James with an unbeaten 58 which stabilised the team greatly in the mid order to see them to victory in the 39th over. A very close game in all. The bowling performance of the day was Tom Curtis taking 3 for 30 off 8, two of these being batsmen that had settled in.

2nd Aug (h) Murston 2pm (lost by 2 wickets) Lenham went onto the field in the familiar position of batting first. A good steady start was made by Mike Rickner (17) and Pete Humphries (33) putting on 53 before loss of the first wicket. The runs flowed steadily with Tom Curtis adding 50 and Dan Russell 22. Lenham made 186 from the 40 overs. In reply the Murston came out and had an initial wobble losing 3 quick wickets in the first 4 overs. Opener T Miller however steadied the team and went on to make an unbeaten 95 backed up by some stabilising middle order performanc-

3rd August (A) Newington (Won by 22 runs)

Still to look forward to we have the September fixtures – this takes us to the end of the cricket season. Sat Fixtures 5th Sept (h) Bobbing Court 2nds 1pm – Last league fixture Sunday Fixtures 6th Sept (a) Hartley 1.30pm 13th Sept (a) Harrietsham 1.30pm 20th Sept (a) Smarden 1pm 27th Sept (h) Sissinghurst 1pm There are only a couple of home games left so come on up and enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and relaxation.

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)

Lenham Gardening Society PAGE 10 SEP 2015

by Keith Varney

0+ members attended the Pimm’s & Strawberry evening on 16th July, as usual it was an enjoyable evening at the same time as raising funds for the Society with which we can help subsidise our outings. There was a well supported Tombola, Raffle and ‘Heads & Tails’; thanks to all who donated gifts. Pat and her team

Lenham Heritage

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by Lesley Feakes

irst time ever the walk last week was curtailed because of rain!. August is a holiday month, attendance falls off so our next

The Royal British Legion

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by Barry Wood

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prepared lots of lovely food including great strawberries - thanks to the team. The following week saw 50 members board the coach for the Secret Garden at Sandwich. For those who have not been before it was a great surprise. Wandering around the many elegant gardens with wonderful plants, dahlias, roses, shrubs and trees we got the feeling of peaceful tranquillity. After a welcome cream tea, members had the chance to take a walk along the river and explore the small but interesting town of Sandwich. All in all a great day out.

Our next meeting is on 17th September at which Mr P Johnson will give a talk on Sweet Peas, the competition will be Three Dahlias and/or Jar of Home Made Chutney.

meeting is Sept 30th. Hopefully it is a talk by Andrew Mayfield our County Community history officer on findings in the County in the past year. 7.30 in the Osborne Room , Community Centre . Only find that came up recently in Lenham was a bronze axe, but not from the Bronze Age but Iron

Age which is unusual. Plans for housing are still being discussed for the pond area and Tanyards. Both developments require archaeological assessments and in both cases I had people asking me what was likely to be there! Lesley Feakes 850275 or email 606@feakes.com

t was with great shock and sadness that members of the branch heard of the sudden death of Tony Robinson. Tony was a long standing member of the Legion who participated in all its activities. On

Please come along and support your society, why not bring a friend? Reminder that our AGM and Cheese & Wine evening will be held on November 19th. So start thinking about the committee and electing a new chairperson. Happy Gardening

behalf of the branch members may I express our condolences to all members of his family and many close friends. He will be remembered with great affection.

Royal British Legion Women’s Section by Enid La Plain

Young At Heart 60+

i everyone our meeting for September is Thursday 17/09/15 2.00-4.00pm at the Community Centre.

Len Valley Community Hub Club

Preserve the fruits and vegetables of summer by GB Lister Butchers

njoying food in season is undoubtedly a healthy way to eat but it can also be restricting on the variety of produce available. Why not try preserving some of the fresh flavours of summer and enjoy them in different ways? Preserving is one of the best methods to use up any surplus fruit and vegetables and also a great way to experiment with different combinations of flavours. It also enables you to enjoy a variety of produce all year around. Three of the most common ways to preserve excess fruit and vegetables are to make them into jam, chutney or by pickling:

e meet on the 24th of this month at 2:30pm in the Community Centre. The Men’s branch will be joining us for a social afternoon with cheese and wine.

At the AGM in July we had one volunteer to the committee, Mrs Barbara Peacock, but no other nominations so at present the existing officers and committee are standing

We have Fred to entertain us playing songs old and new.

real gentleman and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family.

Our thanks to all who help. We have just heard our good friend Les Chapman has passed away. He died on Friday 30/07/15. He was a

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

hope you are looking forward to our trip to Dobbies on Thursday 03/09/15. We are leaving the Dog and Bear at 11.30am. Our tea has been booked for 2.00pm and leave at 3.00pm. This should be plenty of time to walk round

the shop. There are lovely plants, a fantastic food hall and lots more. Thanks to all who helped organised this trip.

Jam

Pickle

Apart from the obvious fruits to make into jam, such as strawberries and raspberries, perhaps try something a bit different like cherry, gooseberry, apple or pear jam. Pectin, which helps make jam set, is a substance that is naturally found in fruit, although the amount each fruit contains varies. If using a fruit low in pectin, for example strawberries, blackberries or apples, don’t forget to add jam sugar to your recipe.

The process of making a pickle is very similar to chutney although the aim with pickle is to maintain some of the fruit and vegetable in its original form, either whole or cut up into chunks depending on the size. Ideal pickling recipes include piccalilli, pickled onions or red cabbage they make a perfect accompaniment to a Christmas or Boxing Day beef sandwich.

Chutney Chutneys are relatively easy to make and rely on vinegar as the key preservative ingredient. Vegetables and fruit are cooked on a high heat with spices, vinegar and sugar and then blended. Both chutney and pickle should be left to mature for at least 8 to 12 weeks otherwise you’ll be left with a sharp acidic flavour. Some of our favourite fruit and vegetables for chutney include tomatoes, apples and red onions.

Martin, Fred, John, Jenny and Nina

Remember, when preserving, ensure you use good quality produce at the peak of ripeness so as to maintain the delicious flavour as well as nutritional value. If homemade preserving isn’t for you, then you can visit our shop where we have a variety already prepared by local suppliers, or take a look are our deli page on our website at www.lenham-butchers.co.uk for a full list of items available.

Music Comes To The Club by John Philpott PAGE 12 SEP 2015

Tom and Janetta Sams, of course you say, they’re our Borough Councillors. True, but there is another side to them. They are both musicians. Tom and Jan play the guitar, and if called on to play a variation Jan will give you

Lenham Family Festival 2016 by Lenham Family Festival Committee

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We have tentatively booked next year’s festival from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th June 2016 with the family fun day on Saturday 11th June 2016.

Lenham Players by Jan Moll

The Lenham Players Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday the 16th September at 8.00pm in the Osborne Room of the Community Centre. We welcome anybody that is interested in drama generally, and

Come Dine At Mu Mu Maidstone by Jan Moll

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST – 1 P.M. THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER – 7 P.M. Don’t miss this great opportunity

a saxophone performance. Together with their two friends Jim and James Mills, also guitarists and all vocalists they will tell you that it is for their own amusement, but there is another side to their playing. Charity events, fetes and public events will always find them eager to entertain. At the monthly Hub Club meeting in August they gave a nostalgic performance to the

members spanning the 1940s to the 1980s and ranging from The Seekers, The Beatles and The Everly Brothers. They certainly chose the right music for their mature audience. Foot tapping, hand clapping, even some singing all showed the Club’s enjoyment. In thanking the group for such a pleasing afternoon it was hinted that perhaps we would hear them playing again.

We noticed throughout the spring and summer, many local associations, clubs, church and school events clashed on the same day or weekend.

2016. We are open to suggestions on all fronts and would love for you to get involved, celebrate your team, class, club, society or school successes.

The intention of Lenham Festival is for all associations, clubs, church and educational establishments to celebrate together so we would urge those involved in any of the above to join us in a larger community event for

If you wish to get involved in our 2016 event please email sams_ uplands@yahoo.co.uk or lenhamfestival@gmail.com . We will begin planning from September onwards.

perhaps may want to be involved with the Players, in an active role, or maybe backstage. The meeting generally doesn’t go on for too long, so we have time to get to know new people over a glass of wine and cheese/biscuits. If you would like to join us, please let me know. Our next production, 23/24th October, is The Ghost Train, a

drama first staged in 1925! It has a cast of 12, so lots of new faces as well as some of the old! And with many special effects is going to be a challenging production which we hope you will support and enjoy.

to enjoy a three-course meal and a glass of Prosecco for just £25.00 per person at Mu Mu Restaurant, Maidstone, ME14 1RH and support your local Hospice at the same time. 30 lucky diners will enjoy a completely unique dining experience; employing theatrical techniques and imaginative serves, this restaurant is enjoyably different to any

other in the area.

Secretary of Lenham Players Tele: 01622 850747 Jemoll859@gmail.com

To reserve your table please call Heart of Kent Hospice on 01622 790195. A £5.00 deposit per person is required.

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!

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Ofsted Registered Childminder based in Honywood Road, Lenham PACEY member. Very flexible hours. Free for 3 and 4 year old funding now available

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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.

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Les Chapman by Tom and Janetta Sams

PAGE 14 SEP 2015

@lenhamfocus

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

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Les Chapman

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NOW WITH 3 BARBERS

e were saddened to learn about Les’s passing. To everyone he was a perfect gentleman and his gentle sensitive demeanour was appreciated by all that knew him. He supported so many people and we particularly loved him for his help and assistance to groups and individuals. He attended the Community Hub club and Young at Heart group, treating everyone to fish and chips on many occasions and was a truly generous soul. On a personal note he took an interest in our family, in our children, and understanding of Mum’s health, walking to see her at clubs, making her laugh and we learnt also his remarkable singing voice and knowledge which he shared with us all. He was a remarkable man and will be truly missed.

Alan Obbard Memorial by John Philpott

hen donations were made to the Alan Obbard Memorial Fund there was sufficient money to buy a Defibrillator which is now based at The Dog and Bear Hotel. The remainder of the money was donated to The Cancer Research Charity. There is NOT another at The Lenham Social Club.

Notice

ockell’s ltd is applying for the variation of Premises Licence for 9 High Street, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 2QD

The application is: to include on sales of alcohol as a licensable activity Full details of which can be inspected on the application. The Licensing Register can be inspected at the address noted below during normal business hours. Any representations by a responsible authority or any other person regarding this application can be made to Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ: or website: http://pa.sevenoaks. gov.uk/online-licensing/ This must be received in writing by 28th September 2015 clearly stating the grounds upon which representation is made relevant to the Licensing act. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine (£5,000) for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence.

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

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Christian Message June

Joan Drury Weirton Villa ME17 2AP Special Day for the Len Valley Churches

Of course, when one enters new life one does so with feelings of doubt and uncertainty. Other than my daughter I didn’t know anyone; I didn’t know where places were. One of my first buys was a Satnav. That at least solved one difficulty although I still found the roads incredibly busy and the roundabouts terrifying! But one certainty in my life, one point of sure refuge, was the church. I had always been a churchgoer, seeking and finding to a greater or lesser extent, some sort of peaceful contentment within its godly walls. And here in Lenham was an ancient, stone edifice which within it held the story of the people of Lenham’s lives and worship.

On Sunday September 20th at 6.30pm Pamela Cuerden will be licensed as an Anglican Reader in Canterbury Cathedral. Everyone in the Len Valley is warmly invited to this service. The last occasion when something like this happened was in 2004 when Millie Hart was licensed. Pamela has worked hard and her studies will continue. Recently she has been preaching and leading services in the four congregations of the Group. We pray that God will bless her and use her in this ministry.

The first Sunday I attended the Communion service I was welcomed by Helen, the Vicar’s wife. At the end of the service she persuaded me to stay for a quick cup of coffee and she introduced me to other members of the congregation. I even met a lady who lives near me; a new neighbour. I had enjoyed the Vicar’s sermon and I told him so. He asked why. I said that I liked the meaning of the readings being explained with a light touch and the odd little joke thrown in.

Trained leaders are essential to the continuation of God’s work in our country. If you would like to find out what is involved in Reader training, do please, contact me.

The following Saturday I went to the regular coffee morning. Everyone was friendly. By the time I had lived in Lenham a month I knew quite a few people. In fact, shopping or walking around my new village was a bit like my old home town with cheery ‘helloes’ being said as I walked along. Of course, I did not go to church for a social life. I went to worship my God and to receive some sort of arrow for the week ahead. The social life was a fringe benefit! I have now

Loneliness PAGE 16

lenhamfocus.co.uk

@lenhamfocus

SEP 2015

Molly Poulter’s Christian Message in the August magazines focussed on the problem of loneliness. I would be interested to hear comments from readers. Do you identify with what Molly wrote? If so, how do you cope? Maybe you have some advice to share with others. I would be interested to hear about your experiences.

Joan Drury Deanery Reader Adviser 01622 853766 jdrury23@btinternet.com

Church

First Impressions

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It was November when I moved into my new house in Lenham. I had left Devon after 35 happy years there. I lost my husband 8 years ago and I was getting older so common sense dictated that I left that old life of friends and familiar places and came to live in the village where my daughter lives.

visited the other three churches in this Benefice. They are all different having a different ambience, different buildings and come to that, different organs. The unifying features are the similarity of services and the friendliness of each congregation. One hears phrases like ‘brothers in Christ’ and ‘the family of God.’ I can truly say that such words are really meaningful. I belonged to the Christian family of God in Devon and wonderfully, I have found an extension of that same family here in Lenham. Come to that, it’s a pretty big family. A family which crosses our globe. Sheilah Elvins

St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning Church Flower and Brass cleaning rota for September Flowers September 5/12 Mrs Humphrey September 19/26 Mrs Nahab Brass Cleaning Mrs Hayward Sue Greenwood

Len Valley Churches Service Times Sunday 6th September 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) Sunday 13th September 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 Saturday 19th September 4.00 – 6.00pm Messy Church – Lenham Church Sunday 20th September 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 Saturday 26th September 8.00am Dog & Bear, Lenham: Men’s breakfast 5.00pm Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise

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Sunday 27th September 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 3.00pm Boughton Malherbe: A Celebration of Marriage

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

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

Vacancies on Parish Council (North Ward)

Following the uncontested Parish Council elections there are four vacancies on the North Ward. Which must be filled by co-option. Anyone wishing their name to be put forward for co-option should contact the Clerk details as above

Weekly & Regular Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Activate Sports Swadelands

Monday

St Johns Ambulance

St Johns Hall, Ham Lane

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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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 Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett

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Chimney Sweep Chip Shop Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Coal Merchant Commuter Service Computer Services Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Gardeners Garages Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Handbags and Jewellery Landscaping Language Tuition Lawnmower Repairs Locksmiths Logs Martial Arts Nail Technician Newsagents Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Pharmacy Photographer 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

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 Cuts for Mutts 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 Smartyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall Immyblingy Ireland Landscapes Maidstone Landscapes and Paving Isabelle 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 Andy Flood Photography 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 Setfords Soicitors Thornloe and Co. Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark Ambilly Tree Surgeons R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles

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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 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion St John Ambulance Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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Borough Councillors:

Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements)

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

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On your bike! Have fun! And they did! PAGE 22

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by John Philpott

t may not have started with a bang. But it no doubt startled Lenham’s Farmers Market when cycle bells were rung, together with the Town Crier’s bell to start Dave Flisher’s Charity Bike Ride from Lenham Square. In aid of special medical equipment for the Lenham Doctors Surgery it could be called a success, raising £1,800.00. When Dave chose the 20 mile route he arranged it to pass through some of the prettiest villages around here with beautiful views, particularly Boughton Hill which overlooks the spectacular Weald of Kent. Two of the older cyclists, one of 76 and another of 78 years old completed the course – the latter completing it in one and three quarter hours without stopping! Well done to all those who had not ridden a bike since last year but nevertheless finished the ride. There may have been a few sore bottoms and achy legs but undoubted they all enjoyed themselves. Some of the younger riders as an added exhibition and a bit of fun

couldn’t resist giving a “wheelies” display and undoubtedly the onlookers were suitably impressed. Dave would like to thank his wife Jan, and his team who helped him to enrol bikers and sponsors for this Event. Debbie Sharp and Sue Newman not only signed bikers on at the Tithe Barn but also signed them in at the finish, and in between times they and Jan, followed by her grandchildren, were ensuring that everything was running smoothly at the Lenham Social Club. Of course there were the route marshals who kept the riders on the right track at all times. The children were not forgotten and to make their afternoon more enjoyable a bouncy bastle and a bouncy slide were provided by Dave’s son-in-law Chris. An afternoon event such as this couldn’t take place without a barbeque. Bill Taylor, his helper Roger Newman and the chef, Cliff (Pickles) who provided the gorgeous salads and the many delicious garnishes, had a really busy afternoon. It was thanks to Chequers Fish Bar who very generously gave the sausages, hamburgers and rolls which not only made the afternoon more enjoyable but had the satisfaction of raising a considerable amount of money

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towards the fund. Dave would like to thank all those who gave prizes for the raffle including Russell’s Roofing Company of Headcorn, who gave a television set and Chilston Park a “Tea for Two”. Lenham Cricket Club also supported the event, donating their match fees. He would like to thank all who, in their own way, make a success of the event. And where was Dave Flisher who thought of the idea of a charity ride with his team and organised it from start to finish? After spending the morning starting the riders off at the appropriate times, you’ve guessed it – he wasn’t going to miss the fun and joined the cycle ride for his own enjoyment. For him it was the culmination of a great day, a day when Lenham Parish pulled together. Thanks also go to the pubs in the area – The Dog and Bear Hotel and Red Lion (Lenham), Kings Head (Graft Green), Red Lion (Charing Heath), White Horse (Sandway) and The Queen’s Arms (Egerton) who supplied a “money jar” from their customers who all supported the riders during the day. Make a note for your diary The presentation to the doctors will be made at Lenham Social Club on Saturday 10th October 7.30 pm including entertainment during the evening and everyone will be welcomed.

Grants

enham Parish Council recognises the valuable contribution that community organisations and projects provide to the parish. The council has for many years supported local organisations through donations and this council will continue to do so. However, during these times of public sector budget austerity, the council needs to ensure it distributes its limited funds to the best benefit to the community. We would welcome all community groups in Lenham Parish to submit applications. An application does not necessarily mean a donation will be made but without an application no donations will be forthcoming.

Security and Electrical Services

Please contact Margo McFarlane (Parish Clerk) if you represent an organisation in Lenham and you wish to be considered for a donation for the 2015 -2016 financial year.

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

Contact 01622 859682 hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

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Cybereye Security Marcus Shephard 01622 858 612 or 07821 776 334

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Where does our water come from? by Neighbourhood Plan Team PAGE 24

Water

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enham is shown on a map by the Environment Agency as being situated in an area with high levels of nitrates in, not only groundbut also surface water. Nitrates are known to pose a health risk when the concentration in drinking water is too high and phosphates cause problems for water courses. Both chemicals originate in industry, households and gardens and leach out of farmed soils on the North Downs and the Lenham Vale. Maybe it was this which prompted visitors to the Community Centre some years ago to raise concerns about the water quality which comes out of Lenham’s taps. When we discussed water quality at one Neighbourhood Plan Meeting, the question came up to which none of the NHP team members knew the answer: “Where does our tap water come

Lenham Neighbourhood Plan

t has been some time now since the last communication so we thought it appropriate to write an update on the Lenham Neighbourhood Plan as at July 2015. The draft plan which is available throughout the parish at various establishments and on the LPC web-site was formally submitted to Maidstone Borough Council on Thursday 2nd April. A response from the MBC was finally received late June, from which a proposal to meet was organised. Representatives from the Neighbourhood team, along with Kingsley Hughes from Designscape Consultancy, will meet with Rachel Elliot and other MBC officers on the 7th August; this meeting will be the first

from?” Margo, our Parish Clerk, put her Sherlock Holmes deerstalker on and investigated. Here is the answer from Southeast Water: ‘The supply is fed from a water treatment works near the village of Newnham. The site operates from two boreholes. In the current sampling year we will take in excess of 120 different types of samples from the site. The site, like all of our sites is also monitored 24 hours a day from our manned control room at our main office in Snodland, Kent. These sampling frequencies we use are set out in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000. Further information on the regulations can be obtained from our regulators web site. http://dwi.defra.gov.uk/ With regards to levels of Nitrate & Phosphate I can inform you that the current yearly data shows levels of Nitrate mg/l - Max; 32.20 Mean 22.9 Min 26.15 The current drinking water standard is 50 mg/l

Phosphate ug/l - Max; 32 Mean 31 Min 28 Phosphate was removed from the water regulations in 2000 as the parameter was not deemed a health risk, however the previous drinking water standard is was 2200 ug/l I have also included additional water quality data for your information. I would like to reassure you that the quality of your drinking water is monitored at every stage of the treatment process, from the raw water through to the water which comes out of your taps. We take samples every day, and carry out thousands of tests a year at our laboratory in Frimley, Surrey, to ensure the water is safe to drink and of high quality. The quality of the drinking water we supply is monitored by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which also audits the company to ensure we are complying with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000. “ Let’s toast this reassuring information with a refreshing glass of authentic Lenham water. Cheers!

opportunity to receive feedback on the draft plan submission. We hope the four months since submission has allowed thorough scrutiny of the plan and will allow appropriate feedback. Once we have thoroughly appraised the Borough Council comments we will advise you all. It is anticipated we will also hold a formal feedback session in early September following the holiday period. When the leadership of Maidstone Borough Council changed in May we took the opportunity to meet with the new leader Fran Wilson and were advised that the challenges facing Lenham need to be evidenced. The NHP group has since worked on the task of collecting more evidence. A further meeting was held on 31st July where it was discussed the challenges facing Lenham

and ideas were shared for moving the plan forward. We are optimistic that the meeting, which will be attended by our MP Helen Whately, County Councillor Jenny Whittle, MBC Leader Cllr. Fran Wilson, along with our Borough Councillors Janetta and Tom Sams, as well as LPC and NHP representatives, will help to focus the way forward with a proactive approach. We appreciate the input from Parliamentary, County, and Borough members and will take the opportunity to listen intently to any suggestions, recommendations and general advice given. The NHP team has continued meeting regularly in addition to Parish Council meetings, the work has continued whilst awaiting meetings with outside bodies to be arranged. The NHP team.

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Success comes from working together.

Business Networking is about . . . getting to the meetings! Tuesday 6 October. Holiday Inn, Hothfield. Robert Phipps, author, speaker and trainer. Robert is one of the UK’s best known body language experts and has given his commentary and analysis of all the major news stories and party political leaders since 2002. Resident expert on the “Trisha Goddard Show” for more than eight years with well over 100 appearances whilst also working for several years as guest analyst on Big Brother’s Little Brother. His latest book “Body Language - It’s What You Don’t Say That Matters” currently #3 on Amazon UK. Don’t miss this! Tuesday 3 November. Dog and Bear Hotel, Lenham. Presentation by Steve Elliott, Senior Adviser/Trainer at ACAS. How the advisory conciliation arbitration service assists businesses large and small to resolve and more importantly, prevent disputes at work with timely intervention, information and advice. Tuesday 1 December. Another big annual get together with South Maidstone Business Associationcoming up soon at Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham. Our speaker will be Hiliary Steel, Editor of Kent Women in Business Magazine. “The power of predicting personality”. An interactive look in to understanding what makes people respond and behave in the way they do in the world of business.

! it e ik l t h ig m t s u j Try it - you New members and one off visitors welcome, you can try it out for free - we are sure you’ll like networking with LVBA. Events start at 17:45. Register on our website, on 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

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Fairy Wands and Snake Bites

fter a long, dry midsummer period, some welcome showers generated the growth of a rich treasure-house of colourful wild flowers along the network of minor roads and tracks around our village. In places, honeysuckle tumbled over the hedgerows, filling the evening air with a sweet fragrance and the bright pinkish purple blooms of Rosebay Willowherb dominated some stretches. Elsewhere Tufted Vetch seemed to have petals an even brighter blue than the usual and softer shades of pink were offered by Musk Mallow. Usually there was sufficient air movement to set the Harebells dancing and above them all, Ragwort offered up its deep golden flower heads to the sun. For me, one of the most interesting wild flowers, still to be seen, growing some two feet high with small, scented flowers, borne on erect racemes, is Agrimony… Agrimonia eupatoria, a member of the Rosaceae family. The whole plant is covered with small hairs and the fruits, now forming, feature numerous stiff hooks which readily cling to the bodies of passing creatures (including keen botanist!), thus ensuring widespread distribution. The generic name comes from the Greek ‘Agros’, meaning field and ‘Mone’… habitat, but some theories identify a link with the Greek ‘Argema’, a term descriptive of a particular eye infection which could be treated with the plant juices. The most intriguing local names are recorded in the West Country, including ‘Aaron’s Rod’, ‘Church Steeples’, ‘Money-inboth-pockets’, ‘Lemonade’ and

‘Sweethearts’. From ancient times, it was used as an antidote to snake bites: ‘Next these here Agrimony is, That helps the serpent’s biting’ Michael Drayton, writing some 400 years ago. ‘Lemonade’ refers to ta local recipe for Agrimony juice along with ginger, sugar and wine, used to treat head colds and from the roots was extracted a yellow dye to treat liver disorders. There are strong, early associations with magical practices, hence the name ‘Fairy’s Wand’ and it was the main ingredient of a salve to ward off evil goblins. Understandably, the

early Christian Bishops did not approve and are thought to have introduced the name of ‘Aaron’s Wand’, perhaps referring to an unusual passage from the Holy Bible, Book of Numbers, chapter 17. ‘Moses….. laying rods before the Lord, in the tabernacle of witness… and on the marrow the rod of Aaron, for the house of Levi, was budded and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds’. All these stories…. from just a single wild flower, spreading its delicate apricot fragrance on a summer evening.

Thorneloe & Co Solicitors It has come to our notice that rumours are circulation that we are closing due to Michael Thorneloe’s advancing years! The advancing

years are true but the closure of the firm is not. We are hoping to move to the old National Westminster Bank building in the Square having been successful at tender some weeks ago. This will give us much needed extra space and accom-

modation not to mention disabled access which we simply cannot arrange at our present office. So please do not write us off! In fact in new surroundings we hope to be able to provide an enhanced service.

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!

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), Wills, prepaid funeral plans We come to you – ask for a free no obligation quote LPAs: These are essential – everyone should have one. If someone loses capacity the partner has to apply to the Court to manage things but it can take ages and cost £’000s. All this could be avoided with a LPA. Wills: Everyone needs one. It’ll take just 40 minutes of your time and we do the rest – why not include a Property Trust to help protect the value of your home? Prepaid funeral plans: “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the funeral cost whenever it’s needed. Guaranteed acceptance. The most competitively priced plan available and the only one endorsed by the National Federation of Funeral Directors

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

Email: services@maidstonewills.com

Michael Thorneloe Text & Photos by Jim Myers PAGE 28

Thorneloe

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horneloe & Co. Solicitors are well known in the Lenham area, not least for their generous support of village activities. How much do we know about Michael Thorneloe, himself however? Let’s go back to the beginning. He was born in east London and brought up in Croydon during his childhood, being educated in state schools. In those days you could go straight from school (without a degree, as is required today) to being an articled clerk in a firm of solicitors, although it would have taken you five years instead of two to three, as it would today. This Michael did and he initially joined a City firm and then moved on to his father’s firm in south London. Michael’s next move was to join Harris & Harris, a Sittingbourne firm, during which time he was

admitted as a solicitor. After some years there he opened his own office. Initially this was in Charing but he moved it to Lenham twenty-six years ago. Music plays an important role in the Thorneloe family. Michael’s wife, Caroline, is a professional oboe player, his daughter, Alex, is a professional bassoon player and Michael himself plays the French horn. A son, Guy, is a company director in London and another daughter, Harriet, is a solicitor in the Lenham office.

Pavements & Road Clearance

Transportation writing to you requesting that you cut back your vegetation.

Dear Resident Every year throughout the spring and summer Lenham Parish Council receive numerous complaints regarding trees, hedges and other vegetation, which overhang the highway from private property. This matter can pose a number of problems for people trying to use the footways, especially if they are trying to pass with buggies, wheel chairs and scooters.

So that you are aware of our requirements, please refer to the text below.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could ensure that any trees and hedges that are bordering the Highway are maintained and cut back to your boundary which would greatly benefit all Highway users. This will help us all keep the highway safe and prevent the need for KCC Highways &

If the boundary of your property borders the footway, then please be aware that: •

Apart from music, Michael has enjoyed a lifelong interest in classic sports cars including owning a Reliant Scimitar for some years and he currently owns a Morgan Plus 4. Lenham is fortunate to have such a caring and efficient solicitor. What does the future hold for Michael and Thorneloe & Co.? A great deal. Exciting times lie ahead. By the time this article is published in September all may be revealed.

•

overhangs into the road, there must be a minimum height clearance of 5 metres / 16 feet, to accommodate buses and HGV’s that may use the road. If your property is rural, then vegetation should be 0.45 metres / 1’6” feet behind the edge of the road and all signs need to be kept clear of foliage for at least 20 metres.

The full width of the footway/pavement must be available for use by pedestrians. As well, there must be a minimum height clearance over the footway/pavement of 2.1 metres / 7 feet for any vegetation.

Also, I would ask that you pay special attention to your trees, hedges and vegetation if your property is on or near a junction, and/or inside bend of the road, to maintain maximum visibility for road users.

If the boundary of your property borders the carriageway, then please be aware that:

If you have any queries relating to the above, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 or hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

•

If you have vegetation that

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! Same Day Service Contact A. Pink 01622 884774 07761559744

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No.8 The Square,Lenham, ME17 2PQ

07749 980096 www.chris-tempest.co.uk

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

NEW & IMPROVED 8 MILE ROUTE!

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)

HEA RT OF KENT HOSPICE

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

A Walk to Remember S AT U R D AY 1 9 T H S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5

GB LISTER Produce you can trust

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

BIRD E A R LY E EFOR B Y ENTR LY U J T 31S

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

www.hokh.org | 01622 790195 | fundraising@hokh.co.uk Registered charity no. 298164

Finding Solutions Together

PAGE 30

@lenhamfocus

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reaking up is hard to do, there are so many questions to think about. How to tell the children? Where the children will live and with whom? Will the house be sold? .... and so it goes on. These practical matters are only a part of it, as the emotional turmoil can cause stress and anxiety making it difficult to make decisions and to know what is the ‘best’ outcome for everybody. Everyone has heard horror stories which have been told with relish by people in the pub who know someone whose wife got ‘everything’ or whose husband ‘never’ pays child support. This can lead to a period of feeling immobilised and unable to deal with your situation. The court process seems scary and expensive. The idea of the court determining what should happen to the family home and the children is distressing and causes uncertainty.

Setfords

lenhamfocus.co.uk

Imagine an alternative route.....

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Moonlit Walk 2015: A Walk To Remember

aturday 19th September – starting at 9.00 p.m. Get together with friends , family and colleagues to sign up for this fun 8 mile sponsored walk under the moonlight to remember someone close to you , and help the Heart of Kent Hospice raise money to provide

The collaborative process is designed to ease the pain of family breakdown. It can be empowering, as you and your former partner select collaboratively trained lawyers who are focussed on assisting you to reach an outcome which you both choose. We all work with one another rather than against one another. The prospect of sitting round a table with your ex-partner can seem daunting but you can dictate the pace of the meetings, raise the issues which are important to you and most of all, feel heard and listened to. You can say the things you want to say. This is more difficult in the court process where couples are kept apart and have to put forward their cases via lawyers to the judge. The collaborative process is more informal and open. I have been in meetings where after months of bitterness, the couple have sat round the table and have been able to say why they felt hurt or betrayed or any other number of emotions. This can then cause a moment of clarity in the other person who begins to understand. The gap then narrows and talking is easier and an understanding of each other’s point of view begins to take shape.

care for local families in need of our services. This event is not just for the ladies – men are welcome to join us in the walk or help on the night by marshalling to guide our walkers. The new circular route starts and finishes in front of Preston Hall (ME20 7PU), the approach to Heart of Kent Hospice, going via West Malling. Enter as an individual or as part of a group and wear fancy dress if you want! Help us create a wall of memories on the night by bringing

DO YOU NEED A FAMILY LAWYER? Fixed fee appointment available at times and venues convenient to you. • Collaboratively trained practitioner • Divorce & separation • Pre nuptial agreements • Financial settlements • Children • Cohabitation Please contact our local specialist Rebecca Bell on 01622 231 784 or email rbell@setfords.co.uk

I am a collaboratively trained practitioner and am committed to this process. I understand that not all cases can be dealt with collaboratively. It is not appropriate for everyone but it is an option to consider. I specialise in family law and have had many years of experience in this area. I can assist you with divorce financial settlements, children matters, pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation disputes. Fixed fee appointments are offered at various times and venues to suit you. If I can help you please call on 01622 231783.

a photo of your loved one and write your personal message in celebration of their life. There is no minimum sponsorship requirement but any sponsorship that you raise will be much appreciated. For further information or to register please visit our website www.hokh.org or call fundraising on 01622 790195.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

Friends of St Mary’s Lenham presents

The Annual

Village Barn Dance Dancing to

‘Whistling

In the

Skirmish’

Tithe Barn, Lenham

Koula Mary Slevin

Courtesy of Val and John Arthur

Saturday 26 September Dancing starts @ 7.30pm

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist MSc. UKCP Reg. No.8 The Square, Lenham, ME17 2PQ ☎ 07443509772 enquiries@kmspsychotherapy.org.uk

Tickets: £8.00 per person

(children under 16yrs £4.00)

Bring your own drinks and nibbles or order food from Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Square Tickets can be purchased from either:  Len Valley Newsagent, High St, Lenham  St Mary’s Church’s coffee morning 10.00am every Saturday  Or, Contact Lyn Fuller on 01622 851538

Prize Crossword for Younger People PAGE 32 SEP 2015

ACROSS 1. Fruit which is sometimes covered with toffee. (5) 4. The main constituent of the Great Barrier Reef. (5) 7. Term for a mid-morning snack. (9) 8. A citrus fruit with green skin. (4) 10. They are inside your head. (6) 12. Citrus fruit used to make marmalade. (6) 13. To be certain. (4) 16. Someone who cares about the environment. (9) 18. Infections of the eyelids. (5) 19. Another name for the Jack in a pack of cards. (5)

Crossword

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1. Horrible. (5) 2. Something cooked with meat in and pastry on top. (3) 3. Flat, level. (4) 4. Fruit sometimes crystallised on a bun. (6) 5. Vladimir Putin is. (7) 6. People make these to remind them what to do. (5) 9. Like a field full of wild flowers. (7) 11. Eskimos live in them. (6) 12. In cricket there are six balls in these. (5) 14. Mixed with black it makes grey. (5) 15. You add this to your cornflakes. (4) 17. It is found in a bag and drunk from a cup. (3)

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

Last months Crossword solution. Last months winner: James Turner of Lenham.

Cemetery Rules and Fees Lenham Parish Council are undertaking a long term project to improve the environment of the cemetery, the project includes pest control, tree planting and fencing maintenance. The details below are the most recent fees and rules of the cemetery.

headstone. There can be two photographs/pictures if the grave is a double plot. Photographs should be no larger than 10cm square The Parish Council needs to agree with the design of the memorial, any inscription and photograph.

As a sign of respect towards other cemetery users we would like to ask you not to place any other memorabilia, statues, wind chimes, pictures, photographs or any other adornment than flowers on the Lenham Cemetery Fees grave itself. In high winds these items tend to be blown away and Purchased Grave may end up on adjacent graves, £330 Interment which can be distressing to visitors. £330 Please arrange for floral tributes to Headstone (up to a height of 3ft) be removed within 21 days after the £132 Kerbing funeral. £154 We reserve the right to remove Cremated Ashes in existing grave faded or dirty plastic flowers and £55 items other than floral tributes. Cremated Ashes Purchased Plot As the roots of trees and shrubs £110 extend to nearby graves we cannot Interment of ashes allow the planting of trees or shrubs, £55 but you are welcome to place Memorial tablet floral tributes on the graves and £60 ashes section, but in the interest of public safety you must not use glass Double fees apply if the deceased containers. was not a resident of Lenham Parish. Lenham Cemetery Rules The Clerk needs to designate the place of interment. The headstone may not exceed 3ft and the grave number has to be clearly marked on the back of the headstone base. A photograph or picture can be placed on a

The cemetery is a place to mourn and contemplate. It has to serve many people with different backgrounds. Therefore it is important you follow these rules in order to respect other people’s needs for visual serenity and tranquility. We have to remove any articles which do not comply with these rules as they may cause distress or offence to other visitors to the cemetery. Lenham Parish Council Clerk contact details 01622 859682 or e-mail hello@lenhamparish.org. uk

Beauty

Nails

Nails Acrylic Tips

Contact Ping 07460 393777 Cash only

Unfortunately we cannot reserve a specific plot. As we maintain the area you must not place chippings around the tablets.

Please do not leave plastic water containers in the cemetery, there is a water supply in the south east corner near the war grave section. If you wish to donate a seat, or plant a tree, in memory of a beloved one, please contact the Clerk.

Beauty by Appointment Parties welcome

Cremated Ashes Section of the Cemetery

Lenham, Maidstone, Kent

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

£23 £15 £13 £3 £28 £10

Pedicures will take off all hard skin on your heels and help to fix ingrowing toe nails. Overlay Full Set Manicure Pedicure Manicure & Pedicure Polish Change Nail Repairs

£23 £10 £20 £30 £6 £2 each

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

£20 £20 £25 £32 £33 £25 £40 £5 each

Country Eye Helping Keep the Rural Community in Kent Safe PAGE 34

Lucy & Connie

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ountry Eye Ltd have built a free app for people living and working in the rural community. The app allows users to record and share information on crime, suspicious behaviour and damage in their home community or whilst out and about. The Crime, Rural Advisory Group (CRAG) has commissioned the design and build of the Country Eye app. Mike Bax, Chairman, explained, “data suggests that the cost of rural crime in Kent stands at 1.8 million, if you include the additional hidden costs to repair property, replace locks and the time taken out of a working day to address these issues, the cost is considerably higher. CRAG was formed to help combat rural crime and to work with farmers, businesses and residents to find solutions.” The app has been built to help residents and farmers in Kent report information quickly and efficiently. This information is securely stored in a central database and accessed by the voluntary Country Eye team who are fully trained by Kent Police. The team analyse and disseminate the information and then broadcast it out to other local app users. Peter Rolington, Chairman of Kent Crimestoppers and member of CRAG will head the team of volunteers, Peter said “Country Eye will be an invaluable tool to inform people living and working in the countryside about incidents that are occurring in their area. Technology has advanced greatly in recent years and has enabled us to develop a digital version of the highly successful Neighbourhood Watch scheme. We will be able to broadcast information directly to users about potential incidents as they happen. The Country Eye app will allow a greater audience to

receive information, particularly those living in the most remote parts of the county.” Country Eye has the full backing of Kent Police with information being sent securely to the relevant authorities. Kent Police is committed to responding to concerns in rural communities and to carrying out high visibility patrols. The information collated through the app will give officers a greater understanding of potential problem areas. The app has been supported by Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Safer Kent, National Farmers Union and BTF Partnership. The Country Eye app identifies four different Rural Categories which make up the majority of incidents that occur in the countryside. Theft: Vehicle, Metal & Cable, Machinery & Plant, Livestock, Outbuilding, Fuel & Oil and Equine. Farm Crime: Arson, Fly-Tipping, Trespass with and without Firearms, Criminal Damage and Suspicious behaviour with and without vehicles. Animal, Wildlife Crime: Poaching, Animal Welfare, Endangered Species & Conservation, Hare Coursing and Horse Crime. Heritage Crime: Off-roading and Metal Detecting/Night Hawking The app has a knowledge section which highlights the key factors for each type of incident above to assist users. Sign up is simple; the system requires a contact number, email address and postcode. The app records and disseminates information using the phones camera and GPS location settings. Recording information is intuitive; users will click the camera icon, take an image, choose from a drop-down the type of crime, whether a crime reference number has been issued, and any other useful information. The location, time and date will be automatically recorded. The app can also use an existing image

from the camera’s photo library. The App will be officially launched at the Kent County Show on Friday 10th July at the Country Landowners Association reception. Mike Bax will speak to members and invited guests about the new initiative, how it can be downloaded free on app stores and how it will benefit farmers and those living in the wider rural community. The President of the CLA, Henry Robinson, Vice-President of the NFU, Guy Smith, Kent County Agricultural Society President, Lord Colgrain, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Lords Spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Baroness Byford will be amongst the guests attending the reception at 11am. Mike Bax said, “We are very grateful to the CLA for giving us this platform to introduce the County Eye App. They are a valuable stakeholder in CRAG and regularly raise the issue of rural crime. We are delighted that we are able to launch with so many important guests in the audience.” The application is not intended for emergency purposes; users should report to; 999 – (crime in progress) 101 – (crime committed) or report to Crimestoppers if they wish to remain anonymous – 0800 555 111 The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching Country Eye from Friday 10th July.

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

CALLING ALL COMMUTERS

This year, Buzzlines has introduced a new commuter coach service to connect the A20 corridor between Hothfield and Hollingbourne with the Jubilee Line at North Greenwich.

By using North Greenwich, we avoid the Blackwall Tunnel and connect to the Jubilee Line for onward travel to Canary Wharf and the City and Westminster. Commuters headed for Canary Wharf and the City should find their journey times substantially reduced. Even allowing to 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 parkings costs will find their savings climbing even higher. Bikes are accommodated at no charge and there is atseat power and wifi. Free trial seats are available for new passangers, capacity permitting. ANNUAL SEASON TICKET MONTHLY SEASON TICKET

£2,550 £255

PICK UP

MORNING EVENING

HOTHFIELD A20

06.35

19.29

CHARING A20

06.39

19.25

LENHAM SQUARE

06.46

19.18

CARNET OF 10 SINGLES (ONE WAY)

£90

HARRIETSHAM

06.50

19.14

DAY TICKET (SINGLE OR RETURN)

£20

HOLLINGBOURNE A20

06.53

19.10

BUZZLINES’ NEW LONDON COMMUTER SERVICE FOR THE A20 CORRIDOR BETWEEN J9 AND J8 OF THE M20 COULD SAVE YOU £1,000-£2,000 vs RAIL COSTS Prices will be reviewed annually and any inflationary increases will not exceed those applied to the equivalent rail journeys. The single-journey carnets are designed to help those working part-time 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 travels to pre-10am Travelcards.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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT BUZZLINES ON 01303 261870 OR EMAIL COMMUTER@BUZZLINES.CO.UK.VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT BUZZLINES.CO.UK/COMMUTER