July 2016
Volunteers Needed Can you help the Focus?
Lenham Housing Have your say
New Coffee Shop In Bow Window
Page 4
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Brought to you by Harrietsham Village Hall Trust
Harrietsham Festival
music
@ the Booth field, Saturday 23rd of July, 2pm until 10pm Fun for all the family
The Line-Up :
The Invicta ukulele club band
This band formed over 5 years ago and has been performing across the South East to appreciative audiences young and old ever since. Playing the increasingly popular ukulele, the band perform a wide range of music guaranteed to get your foot tapping as you journey with them down memory lane.
FRED CLARK
Fred Clark is an exciting acoustic singer/songwriter from Maidstone who performs with incredible energy and writes with an upbeat, vibrant style.
Hot food Licensed bar with local ales & ciders Rides & inflatables
Martin Morris
Martin is an acoustic singer/songwriter with a strong attitude to putting on a great show. Playing well-known covers and his own songs with an upbeat dance vibe you can really shake your tail to !
Ron Truman border & the strangers
Playing out songs of singer/songwriter Ron Trueman-Border, whose unique music covers Folk, Blues, Country, Rock and Jazz with lyrics that will amuse one minute and get you thinking deeply the next.
Face painting Live music from start to FINISH
Kelly Stanley & The Hunters
Kelly Stanley is an accomplished singer/songwriter from Medway. Since forming and joining forces with the Hunters in 2013, this act shows considerable talent and have performed all over the UK.
Steadfast
Founded in 1998, this Croydon-based band has a great reputation on the pub scene and play a wide variety of classic and modern rock that ranges from the 50’s to present day.
Blackshot 21
Established 6 years ago, Blackshot 21 is a rock covers band. All local lads, they pride themselves on a crystal clear sound with their own unique twist on songs.
The MOFOS
Established in 2002, The Mofos are a highly experienced Maidstone-based 4-piece rock covers band and come highly recommended. The band adopt a highly adaptive approach to recreating tracks close to the originals.
** BRING a chair or picnic rug **
For tickets call 07812 555585 or email HMF@harrietshamvillagehall.org.uk Sponsored by:
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J U LY
Editorial As I write this, the village is a hive
that you would like to publicise
of activity. I have seen lots of peo-
please let us know and we would be
ple heading to the Tithe Barn for
happy to put them in the dates for
the concert and lots of volunteers
your diary section.
working late into the night to get the
Finally, I would like to say good bye
village and the community centre
to Annie who is taking a step back
ready for the activities. If last year
from the Focus to concentrate on her
is anything to go by it will be a great
family. She has been a huge help over
weekend and I hope everybody got
the years and is really the person who
the chance to enjoy it. The Focus
has driven it forward and kept me on
would like to thank the people who
my toes. Not sure how I am going to
sacrifice their time to make this event
cope without her but I would like to
so good; I always have a good day on
wish her luck and let her know there
the Saturday.
will always be an empty chair at the
This month has plenty going on with
table for her.
The Lenham Primary School Gar-
As usual if anyone can help with the
den Party on the 2nd and the Wild
Focus, particularly now we have the
Flowers and Cherries Celebration at
huge gap left by Annie, it would be
Cherry Downs on the 10th.
greatly appreciated.
If you have any community events By James Collett
4
Editorial: James Collett 07927 308740 | editorialslf@gmail.com
Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy B
Advertising: Katy B, Jim Myers 07593 340744 | advertslf@gmail.com
Interviews: Jim Myers
Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@ gmail.com
Social Media: Georgia Hewish Printed by: Mike Kingsman, Gemini Print
Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200
Advertising Rates (September 2012)
Advert Sizes (HxW)
1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page Inside Cover 1/2 Page Inside Cover Full Page Outside Back Cover
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Front Cover (available once a year per advertiser)
£120
45x61mm 92x61mm 92x123mm 185x123mm
Advert Formats We require adverts to be submitted in high resolution (300dpi) PDF format in the appropriate size. If artwork is not supplied as a PDF we cannot guarantee the correct reproduction.
Print & Deliver Single Sided A5 Insert Double Sided A5 Insert
£250 £275
Photography: Andy Flood
Design: FALCON
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.
Falcon is an award winning design and digital agency based in Kent. They build websites and brands for companies big and small.
Check out his website! www.andyfloodphotography.co.uk
Check out their website! www.madebyfalcon.co.uk
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Dates for your Diary 2 July
10 July Wild Flower and Cherries Celebration
Lenham Primary School Summer Garden
Come and enjoy the fun at Cherry Downs
Party
Picnic Area on Rayners Hill, 1pm to 5pm.
Lenham Primary School from 12pm. All welcome.
27 August
3 July
Lenham Garden Show 4th annual Garden Show. Community Centre from 2pm.
Charity Concert - Songs from the Shows Hungarian soprano Andrea Turner and
Have we missed something? Get in touch and let us know!
Pianist Jon Summerfield return for their yearly concert in St Marys Church 7pm.
8
One Hundred Years Ago...
young daughter, was killed, as was
By Amy Myers
men from Lenham were fighting at
T
Bernard Lampard. Arthur Town was badly wounded in the last stages of the battle in November, and other the Somme, among them George
he noise of the guns from the
Bugden from Liverton Street, Reginald
Somme could be heard in
Obbard and Tom Gilbert who narrowly
Lenham. The big offensive
escaped death from drowning in mud.
in which both officers and men had so
Once news of the true nature of the
much confidence of success began on
battle began to trickle back, the sound
1st July, two days later than intended
of those guns must have brought terror
because of bad weather. This surely
to all families with sons serving on
was at last going to be the decisive
the Western Front, as they could have
battle to break through the enemy
had little idea of where their sons
lines. But the first day of July brought
were fighting. Martin Gilbert in his
over 20,000 British soldiers killed
history of the First World War quotes
and 25,000 badly wounded. That was
a historian writing of his battalion’s
only the beginning because the battle
destruction: ‘Imperishable courage
continued until mid-November.
inspired every fighting man, but
‘It’s like hell up there,’ George
where, where was victory?’ Lenham
Chambers wrote to his family in
as everywhere else would have a long
Lenham Heath. He survived that
time to wait until their surviving sons
battle, but others from Lenham were
returned.
not so lucky. Edwin Jesse Clark, who lived in the Limes with his wife and
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Forthcoming Events 28 August
Treasure walk
11am start Followed by BBQ Bouncy castle
Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night 8pm Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month Whist Drive: every Friday 7.30pm Summer Beer Garden, Monthly Sea Angling Club Outside Bar, Marque, BBQ & Bouncy Castle for Hire
Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm. Private Hire. very Tuesday Sunday Night Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night
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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person
Monday 5.45 - 6.45 : Children’s Ballroom & Latin (8-16yrs) 7.30 - 8.15 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Beginners)
GDC School of Dancing Lenham Dance Studios 8 Faversham Road Lenham Kent ME17 2PN Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628 Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk
8.15 - 9.00 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Intermediate) Wednesday 4.30 - 5.15 : Under 8’s Ballroom & Latin (4-8yrs)
PLUS Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person 8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information
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Whether it's general alterations,soft furnishings, a sturdy shopping bag, saucy apron or even a coat for your discerning pooch. Call Samantha on 07541 000969 for a chat or email sam.j.hayes@btinternet.com
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 10/07/16 & 14/08/16
T: 01622 851186 M: 0791 438 0521 info@allfixplumbing.co.uk www.allfixplumbing.co.uk
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Clubs & Societies
Garden Show will be on Saturday August
Lenham Gardening Society
Chair LGS
Our speaker for May was Roger March
Lenham Heritage
27th, see below for more details. Happy gardening. Keith
who gave a very interesting and humorous talk on ‘The Secrets of the
Our May meeting was well attended
Walled Garden’ in which he related the
and those who came heard a very
history of these gardens and the types of
interesting talk from Frank Andrews on
produce that were grown there. You don’t
the arguments that went on in the 19th
have to have a large enclosed garden to
Century as to where the railways would
have a walled garden. If you have a wall in
be built through Kent.
your garden you can use it to grow fruit, Our June 29th meeting is a talk about the
vegetables or flowers against it.
Lost Village of Denton by Christoph Bull Our next meeting will be on July 21st
and I hope there will be equal if not more
which will be our Pimm’s & Strawberry
people attending.
evening. Tickets are available from Pat on 859084 priced £7 for members and
July 27th is a local walk; meet in the
£10 for non-members so make sure
square at 7pm. Exact route still not
you get them in plenty of time. We will
confirmed.
be having a quiz, raffle plus our usual tombola so if you have any gifts for it
August, there is no meeting as we find
please let me have them before the
people are invariably on holiday.
evening.
The Autumn talks start with one about Bigbury Camp on Sept 28th and Oct 28th
Tickets are also available from Pat for our
is entitled “Aviation in the Medway Area”
outing to Batemans on Tuesday July 12th
by Jim Preston.
costing £10 for members of LGS and NT.
We have not had a local dig this year, hope
The price will include a cream tea.
people are not too disappointed.
Don’t forget that the Annual Lenham
Lesley Feakes 8502745
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S W E E N E Y TO D D BARBER SHOP OAPS BOYS TO 16 MEN
£6 £7 £8
MON-FRI WEDNESDAY SATURDAY
9-6 CLOSED 8-3
2 nd SUNDAY
10-1
OF THE MONTH
SPARKLES
Pure Hot Water Fed Pole Technology
TRADITIONAL & MODERN HAIRSTYLES
Domestic & Commercial Window Cleaning
THE CORNERHOUSE, LENHAM VILLAGE SQUARE
Conservatory Cleaning - Fascia/Cladding Cleaning Solar Panels • Gutter Cleaning System
Tel: 07856 110682 Web: www.sparkles-kent.co.uk www.facebook.com/sparkleskent
07734950329 NOW WITH 3 BARBERS
Heather’s for men & women
Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Complete Grooming Service
Kerry Dunbar
Professional Qualified Dog Groomer
Offered for all breeds of dogs Bathing Scissoring Clipping Handstripping Nail Clipping De-matting www.cutsformutts.co.uk kerry_dunbar@hotmail.co.uk Based at Sandway nr Lenham
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HPC Registered G.C.S.Ch., M.Inst.Ch.P., M.F.S.Ch.
01622 850376 The Brown Barn, Bull Hill, Lenham Heath, Kent, ME17 2JA off the A20.
www.heatherschiropody.co.uk retreat@heatherschiropody.co.uk
Village & Country Homes Specialists Residential Sales & Lettings
Make a move for the better.
T: 01622 858241 E: homes@philipjarvis.co.uk A: 1 The Square, Lenham, Kent ME17 2PH W: philipjarvis.co.uk
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Royal British Legion Women’s Section
be more circumspect and only report
Our meeting this month is 28th July in
We will be providing tea and cakes once
the Community Centre 2.30pm. This is
more at the Lenham Family Festival (not
our Annual General Meeting followed
only are we Jam and Jerusalem, but Tea
by a garden party. We hope for a sunny
and Cake as well).
things after the event!!
afternoon when we can go outside. We shall serve sandwiches and cakes and to
In July Christina Boulden will be telling
make a party atmosphere, hope some
us about the production and uses of
ladies will wear hats.
lanolin, and in August we have our
Enid La Plain
summer break.
Lenham WI
There is a District Meeting at Kingswood on June 6th., on July 26th Stalisfield W.I.
In May we had our A.G.M. Lenham W.I.
have organised an outing to Belmont
elects their President for a 3 year term
House and, on July 28th several of our
so this year I resigned as President
members will be going to see ‘The Sound
and Barbara Kyprianou was elected to
of Music’ at Canterbury.
succeed me. I have enjoyed my time in office and wish Barbara every success. We
If you feel that the W.I. might be of
also had an evening of competitions, and
interest to you, please come along, we are
Joan Knight scored the highest aggregate
a friendly lot and love to welcome new
of points, well done Joan!
members!! Meetings are at 7-30 on the 2nd Thursday of the month at Lenham
As I write this we are anticipating an
Community Centre.
interesting talk from Ian Porter on ‘Job
Gill Simes
opportunities for women at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.’ Since my faux pas in May when I happily reported an interesting talk that didn’t happen (I did not realise that the speaker would cancel at the last moment), I will
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Young At Heart 60+
Zumba Gold Zumba For The Over 50S
Hello to one and all. Our next meeting will be Thursday 21/07/16 2.00-4.00pm
WHAT IS IT?
at the Community Centre. We have a lady and gentleman coming to show us the
A low impact & low intensity aerobic
cards they make and how they do it.
fitness programme featuring movements
We look forward to seeing you all. A big
inspired by various styles of Latin
thank you to all who help.
American dance and music
Olive, Sue, Jacky, Kathy, Jackie, Fred, Martin, Jenny and Nina
PERFECT FOR: Active older adults who are looking for
Len Valley Community Hub Club
a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves and is designed to introduce easy-to-follow Zumba
Hi everyone hope you all enjoyed
choreography that focuses on balance,
Swadelands Musical Extravaganza last
range of motion and co-ordination.
month.
Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave
We have our day out planned for
empowered and feeling fit and strong.
Thursday July 07/07/16. Meeting times
Please remember to bring water and wear
will have been given out in June. Hope
exercise clothing and trainers.
the weather is kind to us. Thank you to all who help. If anyone
WHERE?
needs a lift please contact Jenny Lloyd 01622859208.
9.30AM every Wednesday at the Lenham
Martin, Fred, John, Jenny and Nina
Community Centre, Groom Way. Please come a few minutes early to sign in. The cost is only £3 per person and it’s open to anybody living in the Lenham area. LENARA / DANCE VISION of ASHFORD
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Thorneloe & Co. Solicitors
Michael and Harriet Thorneloe An independent family practice providing a friendly, high quality personal service tailored to your specific needs. Specialists in:
St Mary’s House, The Square, Lenham, Kent ME17 2PH
01622 859 416 www.thorneloe.co.uk thorneloe@thorneloe.co.uk
Wills Estate Administration Trusts & Taxation Lasting Powers of Attorney Court of Protection Residential Conveyancing Commercial Conveyancing Re-mortgaging Equity Release Buy-to-Let
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Registered Number 70429
GB LISTER Produce you can trust Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer
Locally sourced meat which hasn’t had to travel thousands of miles before it reaches you.
10% DISCOUNT and FREE DELIVERY for senior citizens on Tuesdays. Tel: 01622 858220 Email: gblister@live.com 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2PQ
www.lenham-butchers.co.uk
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Beaubray Caterers
Maidstone for quality catering anywhere Beaubray Caterers cater for all styles of Call for a FREE brochure or quote on
weddings as well as private and corporate
01622 763269
functions, dinners, carverys, bbq’s, hot and
or download a copy at
cold buffets and afternoon tea. No function too large or too small
www.beaubraycaterers.co.uk
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
Scarves • Silver Jewellery • Purses • Hair Accessories • Fashion Bags • Costume Jewellery • Occasion Bags • Fascinators
Domestic Cleaning
Immyblingy
We clean so you don’t have to!
bringing glamour to Lenham
Competitive Pricing Fully Insured Reliable Professional Trustworthy
MON-SAT 9:30-5 Open Market Sundays
Available to do: Household Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans New Builds phynixcleaning.co.uk
Office: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent
01622 880028 19
01622 298129
Bill’s Round golfers support Leukaemia and Lymphom a Research
from Beckenham tied only a point
By Roger Bevan
chose Leukaemia and Lymphoma
M
behind with Roy coming second on a count back over the last nine holes. Nearest the pin prizes went to Katrina Howard of Chart Hills and Alan Joynson of Ashford. £430 was raised and Mike Kingsman, as winner of the Bill’s Round Trophy, Research as the charity to benefit.
ost Bill’s Round golfers
Over a high spirited roast turkey and
are members of golf clubs
apple crumble lunch, the amount
within a radius of 20
raised was boosted by fines imposed
miles from Lenham and gather twice
by Mike for notable incidents around
each year for a round of golf to raise
the course and by Dave Verga’s heads
money for charity. If you might be
‘n tails game.
interested in taking part in the future, please e-mail roger.bevan@btinternet.
The next Bill’s Round charity golf
com
event, for the Bill’s Bonfire Round Trophy, will take place close to 5
The most recent event was held for
November with date and venue to
the first time at Tenterden Golf Club
be made known later in the summer.
on 26 May when players were blessed
Men and women of all standards are
with a rare warm and sunny day and
welcome to take part – new faces are
a very friendly welcome from staff at
always very welcome. You could e-mail
the Club. Mouth-watering bacon rolls
me as above or phone on 07860-
set the players up for a keenly fought
821306 if you would like to know
stableford tournament which was
more.
won by Mike Kingsman of Lenham with just 33 points, reflecting the deceptively tough nature of the course. Roy Coles of Ashford and Philip Bevan
20
Lenham St John Ambulance
Transport Officer, and now I as Unit
By Richard Powell
•
T
Manager am one of the last members. In the past we have: Been on call with a county ambulance at Lenham from
here is no longer a division
Monday to Friday from 10.30pm
of St John Ambulance in
until 6.30 the next morning and
Lenham; after 85 years of
from Saturday 3.00pm until 6.30
service to the community, Lenham
Monday morning, each crew doing
Division has been closed down.
a week at a time. •
We were only a small unit and nearly
Been on duty at many of the village events.
all of us are 70ish. We could not
•
recruit ‘new blood’ in the form of
Helped at Golden Sands Holiday Camp at St Mary’s Bay when they
younger members that would take over
had approx 300 disabled people
from us so our unit was closed down, and the land put up for sale.
come on holiday at the beginning
My father Tom Powell was one of
help to put them to bed as they
and end of the season; we used to only had the helpers that came
the original members. During the
with them. We used to go down by
Second World War, being a mechanical
car each evening.
engineer, during the day he used to
•
travel to Rootes in Maidstone to
Been on duty at hot rod and banger races.
work on Army vehicles then he would
•
help doing first aid and driving the
Been on duty at half marathons and various road running races, to
ambulance.
name a few.
He had to go to the air crew of a German plane that crashed, their parachutes either did not open or ‘burned through’, they are buried in our cemetery; he ended up being our
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L
W REST A
AT
LE
LE
ANT
CAST
V IE
UR
E
EDS CAST
At Castle View Restaurant, our aim is to cook the best traditional ingredients as simply as possible and let the quality of the produce and the magnificent views across the Castle's moat speak for themselves. The oak-beamed 17th Century setting, offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views from the terrace of the 900 year old Leeds Castle beautifully lit at night. To book a table call 01622 767766 or visit leeds-castle.com/restaurant
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Family Breakfast Service
THE DIRTY HABIT AFTERNOON TEA
SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am
£13.50 per person Selection of open sandwiches: San Daniele ham & artichokes, watercress & free range egg mayonnaise, Scottish smoked salmon & capers crème fraiche Freshly baked buttermilk scones, local jam, Blackmore d clotted cream, Lemon drizzle cake, Pavlova, chocolate éclair
St Mary’s Church, Lenham
FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
raspberry
Selection of Teapigs or Dammann teas, Illy coffees T H E
D I R T Y H A B I T
Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1UW 01622 880 880 www.thedirtyhabit.net
23
Lenham Cricket Club
C
Sundays (Friendly games) May 1st (Lose) East Sutton (A). Set 162 Lenham chased but fell short on 102-10
ricket is now one month in –
May 8th (Win) Great Chart (H) - set
unusual but we’ve had some
152-8 Lenham reached 155 with help
early sunshine!
from Adrian Longley 57.
Saturday (League results)
May 15th (Lose) Murston (H) -set
April 30th (Draw) Holborough
229-6 Lenham fell short reaching
Anchorians 2nd XI (H) set 148-10.
135-10
Lenham were on 56-3 when rain
May 22nd (Lose) Harrietsham (H)
stopped play
=Set 245-5 (A Hdarrachi 126) Lenham
May 7th (Lose) Bapchild 3rd XI (A)
chasing reached 240-4 (Adri-an
– 182-9 (Tom Curtis taking 4 for 27).
Longley 105, Nick Rutledge 79).
After a gallant chase Lenham ended just short on 178-8.
Upcoming fixtures:-
May 14th (Win) Rainham 3rd XI (H)
Saturday (League games) 1.30pm start
Lenham 196-4 Rainham 119-10
July 9th Bapchild 3rd XI Home
May 21st (Win) Minster 3rd XI (A)
July 16th Rainham 3rd XI Away
Len 125-7 Minster 85-10 (Dave
July 23rd Minster (Sheppey) 3rd XI
Seaman taking 6 for 26)
Home
May 28th(Lose) Rodmersham 2nd XI
July 30th Rodmersham 2nd XI Away
(H) Lenham 238-2 (Adrian Longley
August 6th Higham & Mockbeggar
101 T Curtis 66) Rodmersham 242-5
Home Sundays (Friendly games all 2pm start) July 3rd. PIXIES FUN DAY – come and have fun July 10th. Sissinghurst Away July 17th East Sutton Home July 24th President’s Day Home July 31st Murston Away
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August 7th Priory Home
from our very supportive local public houses – The Dog & Bear Hotel (post-
This new LCC notice board on the
match drinks on Saturdays) & the Red
edge of the pitch will be updated
Lion (post-match drinks on Sundays).
each week with the fixtures to come. Fixture cards can also be picked up
“It’s a Magical Life.”
E
quite a lot of steps so if you are less mobile, you might like to check in advance with Liz Meek on 01622 858956. Disabled parking or dropping
gerton artist Cathy Hill
off only in the farmyard. Parking
(www.cathyhill.co.uk) will
available across the road at The White
hold an exciting exhibition
Horse pub.
and sale of vibrant, colourful and unique artwork at “The Grand
Address: Chilston Home Farm,
Opening ” of Chilston Home Farm,
Lenham Heath Road, Sandway ME17
Sandway as holiday accommodation.
2HX
With a preview on July 8th at 6pm, the exhibition is free and will be open on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th from 10am to 6pm. Guest artists include sculptor Emma Broughton, who has recently moved to Sandway from London (emmabroughton. com). Chilston Home Farm has been beautifully refurbished and is ready for holiday and weekend lets from 15th July 2016. Please see the website at www.chilston.co.uk Please note that the farmhouse has
25
Lenham is for Transport (LIFT) Volunteers Needed
Socialise with the Focus
LIFT is a service taking less able villagers to the GP surgery & Hospitals for their appointments.
Follow us on Twitter: @LenhamFocus
Currently we are very busy and need more volunteer drivers.
Find us on Facebook
If you are able to spare an hour or two either weekly/monthly/ or on an occasional basis for either of the above, we would love to hear from you.
facebook.com/LenhamFocus
Please contact Bob on 07542 625277 for more details
26
The Lenham Swimming Club
The Village Pool Family-friendly Heated Outdoor Pool 20m x 8m Lifeguards on duty Run by volunteers Family Sessions
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Saturday & Sunday
6.00 – 7.30pm 2.30 – 4.00pm
Tuesday Friday
7.45 – 8.30pm 7.00 – 8.30pm
Adult Only Lane/Fitness Sessions
Open Saturday 28th May until end of August All sessions run subject to availability of volunteers Membership Fee Adult - £6.00 Child - £4.00
Charge per Swimming Session Members Non-Members £2.50 £3.50 £1.50 £2.50
Come and find us at Swadelands School, Ham Lane, Lenham For further information contact Chris Hills on 859174 / chills99@btinternet.com Like us (Lenham Swimming Club) on facebook
We look forward to welcoming you to the Club
27
Moonwalk
He seems to have been caught up in this adventure when one of his lady colleagues told him that she wanted
By John Philpott
I
to moon walk but didn’t want to go on her own. Step forward Daniel!! But
expect most people have heard
later he was joined by 6 other male
of and seen on television, the
colleagues who all work at Heathrow
London Marathon but perhaps
airport which I suppose you could
not so well known is the MOONWALK
call a team effort. Daniel tells me
MARATHON. Both are set at 26
they started off on Saturday 14th May
miles, but whereas the London
10.30pm finishing on Sunday 15th
Marathon is run during the day, the
May at 8.15am. I gather that this is
MOON MARATHON is completed
called a reasonable time to finish. I
by walking during the night and early
had wondered what there was to see
morning. Over 15,000 people took
at night, but Daniel assured me that
part in this year’s MOONWALK
with all the lighting en route it was
which was for the Charity BREAST
an interesting time. I had wondered
CANCER RESEARCH. The walk
what training was needed to walk 26
started at Clapham Common going
miles but Daniel’s training seems to
north and circling Battersea Park and
have been his walk from Groom Way
crossing the River Thames. It then
to Lenham Railway Station and back
follows a route to Tower Bridge and
in the evening although he did do a few
the Tower of London. Now comes a
training walks during the 4 months
pleasant walk, through St. James Park
leading up to the Marathon. His
and round Hyde Park and Kensington
job as a Flight Manager helped him
Gardens, and then the walk goes
keep fit. During the night there was
mainly through south London circling
so much lighting and of course early
Battersea Park to finish at Clapham
daylight the walk was quite enjoyable.
Common. Difficult as it may seem, we
Interestingly they stopped once for a
did have a Lenhamite, Daniel Jones
rest and found it very difficult to get
who fiercely attacked the 26 mile
started again and so they completed
course.
the marathon without stopping.
28
Their team walk made £3250 which
always treasure the medal he received
has gone to the Breast Cancer
on completion of the walk.
Research Charity. Well done Daniel and team, Daniel will undoubtedly
Lenham Garden Show
O
expert, all keen gardeners and those that just love to potter are welcome. Fun is the key word with this show. The timetable for the day is 10.00am
nly two months to go before
for exhibitors to set up, judging at
the 4th annual Garden
noon and open to visitors at 2.00pm.
Show which will be held on
Presentation of cups will be at 4.00pm
Saturday 27th August at the Lenham
approx.
Community Centre, Groom Way.
So why not support your show by
The programme, with entry form, is
either exhibiting or coming along in
now available at the Library, Village
the afternoon to view and why not
Store, Chequers Fish Bar, The Cellar,
enjoy a cup of tea and some homemade
Community Centre and other local
cakes which will be on sale?
locations.
Lenham Garden Show Team
The show is open to all residents of the Len Valley. You don’t have to be an
Friends of St Mary’s Barn Dance
The Friends’ Annual Barn Dance is on Saturday 17th September in the Tithe Barn, dancing to the popular Swirling Skirmish band. Tickets will go on sale in August. Please put this date in your diary.
29
THE TITHE BARN AT LENHAM
EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY 2016 PILGRIMS WAY ART EXHIBITION 19TH YEAR
FRIDAY, 20TH MAY UNTIL MONDAY, 30TH MAY With the Craft Fair on the final Friday until Sunday
CITY OF ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FRIDAY, 10TH JUNE
‘A Taste of the Classics’ With special guests Platts Heath Primary School Choir http://lenhamfamilyfestival.co.uk/
SHAKESPEARE AT THE BARN THE CHANGELING THEATRE
'SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER' (GOLDSMITH) THURSDAY, 4TH AUGUST (EVENING)
'ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL' (SHAKESPEARE) FRIDAY, 5TH AUGUST (EVENING)
PIANO RECITAL
MARTIN STURFÄLT
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED PIANIST SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST (EVENING)
FRIENDS OF ST MARY'S BARN DANCE IN THE TITHE BARN
SATURDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER
30
Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily
Activate Fitness Facilites
Monday
Badminton (Feathers) Bell Ring Monday Music Mayhem Parent & Toddlers Group Len ARA Short Mat Bowls Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club H/sham&Lenham Beavers Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes
Activate Sports Swadelands
Sunday
Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Bridge Club Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools
7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 9.30-11.30am Community Centre 1.45pm-4.30pm (8-11 years) 6.30-8pm Community Centre 8pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5.45-7.15.pm 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 Community Centre 1.30-4.30pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15-7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm 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 10.00-12.00 see separate church services page
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
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
31
8pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm 4.45-5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9-1.00pm
Advertiser Numbers Accounting & Business Services Alarm Systems Alterations Architectural Services Barbers Builders/decorators
Butchers/Meat Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries Chartered Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Coal Merchant Computer Services Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Estate Agents Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Garages Grocers
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 Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning Edmed Coal Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing Cuts for Mutts Pam Barrie Weston Contractor MGI Electrical Philip Jarvis Activate Body and Soul Mrs Afsaneh Smith A W Court Gowers Garage Lenham Village Store
32
851542 858612 07541 000969 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 01233 840004 858220 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 850376 07813030527 880028 260515 859442 745654 859969 850329 850800 07738 088169 858827 01233712663 850055 01622 858241 853750 01622 853640 850840 858210 858255
Hairdressers Hall Hire Handbags and Jewellery Locksmiths Logs Nail Technician Newsagents Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Roofing Schools Solar Panel Installation Solicitors Takeaway Taxi TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning
Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall Immyblingy A Short Seasoned Logs Beauty Nails Len Valley news Chris Tempest D.O. M.Ost GOsc Reg Lenham Parish Council Pest Purge Andy Flood Photography All Fix Plumbing Epic Plumbimg Pure Plumbing J W Engineering Services Dirty Habit Lenham Social Club Red Lion Leeds Castle Uplands Riding School Paul Grant Roofing Lorenden Greenman Solar Setfords Solicitors Thorneloe & Co. Chequers Fish Bar Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles
33
850001 851150 853800 01233 713317 298129 07738658751 07733328715 07460 393777 858262 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858531 767777 01233 712289 850855 01795590030 01233 612082 01622 231784 859416 859878 07770725129 07784447200 631717 858666 01580 292320 07856 110682
General / Social Numbers Badminton Badminton Club Feathers Bowling Club Bridge Club Brownies (2nd Lenham) Drama Gardening Society Guides (1st Lenham) LenARA 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 Mothers’ Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion Women’s Institute St Edmunds Platts Heath Country Ways Quilters Lenham Valley Business Association Borough Councillors: 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 Rural Community Warden Vicar
Linda Bird Neil Rouse Lyn Fuller Keith Rylands Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Christine Godden Mrs Pat Abson Lesley Feakes Sarah Siddons Janet Moll Steve Campbell Club Events Duncan Keenan Nick Still Mrs A Seales Mrs J Thomsett Vivien Elcomb Mark Horlock Mr W Peter Mrs C Toner Karen Yardley Rosemary Waldron Alan Reading Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements) 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 Millie Hart Church Office
34
01233 756762 01622 840207 01622 851538 01622 891964 01622 851646 01622 850671 01622 850228 01622 859009 01622 858658 01622 858561 01622 850275 07967 128056 01622 850747 01622 851022 01622 858890 07768 926654 01622 859789 01622 859829 01622 859009 01622 853887 07789 226516 01622 850520 01622 850048 01622 858208 01233 622271 01622 820841 01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 01622 859733 01622 679709 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) 01233 713317 01622 858341/859204 111 helenwhately.co.uk 01622 859682 07870 252421 07977 981993 297296 850604
Lenham Ballet School
LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
R.A.D. Ballet I.S.T.D. Tap & Modern 3 years to senior level
Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except bank holiday)
Adult Tap & Street Dance
01622 850329
more than a ballet school
www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk
Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September) Finance & General Purposes Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by the Planning Committee.
LenhamBalletSchoolWT168.indd 1
20/01/2016 09:32
For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (between 9am and 1pm)
hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk
EDMED LTD WARMING HOMES THROUGHOUT KENT SINCE 1917 WOOD BURNING STOVES, SUPPLY ONLY OR INSTALLATION. BESPOKE SERVICE PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION. CHIMNEY SWEEPING
01622 260515 | 07976 688437 edmecltd@edmedcoal.co.uk www.edmedcoal.co.uk
35
Visit our showroom Newington Ind Est, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7NU
Can't get enough bridge?
Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Prepaid Funeral Plans
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Check out the Kent School of Bridge! For one combined annual membership fee of £10, we offer weekly sessions on -
what happens and that won’t be what you want. Trusts can protect your assets for your family and save many £’000s - ask us how.
Tuesday afternoons at Downswood Community Hall (1 pm start)
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs): Over 2 million people of all ages have lost capacity. If that happens spouse/partner CAN’T just take over. They must apply to the Court but it can take ages and cost thousands. An LPA can avoid all this. Once you’ve lost capacity it’s too late to get one. Act Now.
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Freephone 0800 612 7459
Duplicate, ladder pairs and handicap competitions.
The standard of play is varied, but some experience is desirable, even though we only play for fun. Unfortunately we can't generally provide partners, so newcomers would need to come as a pair. Also, we don't offer tuition, despite our name. The explanation for this, and other useful information, can be found on our website http://www.bridgewebs.com/kentschool/.
We come to you. Low cost efficient service. Fully insured. All work underwritten by our legal dept.
Friday evenings at Bearsted W.I. Hall (7.30 pm).
Maidstone Wills & Trusts Ltd
www.maidstonewills.com
Thursday afternoons at Lenham Community Hall (1.30
For more information, telephone the club secretary Keith Rylands on 01622 891964 or e-mail him at k.rylands@btinternet.com, or just turn up at a session (and ask to speak to the director) to see what goes on.
email: services@maidstonewills.com
1 on 1 dog walks / care of pets in your own home Contact 07518146919 | popinspcs.len@gmail.com
36
Success comes from working together.
Entertaining presentation on Dynamic Speaking . . . You will recognise actress Constance Lamb . . . Constance played the British Prime Minister in ‘West Wing’ and Del Boy’s sister in ‘Only Fools and Horses’. LVBA has managed to arrange a presentation from Constance right here in Lenham. It’s not just in business, we are often required to present in various ways. It may be to a new Corporate Client about our service or to a group of potential clients who want learn about who we are and what we can offer. It could be anything. Whatever the situation, you will not get that second chance to make a first impression. So it’s vital to be ready to give your best. Constance is going to tell us about ‘Dynamic Speaking’. Make it a date on Tuesday 2 August at 5:45pm at The Dog & Bear Hotel on Lenham Square. This meeting is free, it will interesting and informative and fun. So, if you want to come to it and to meet Constance then please register. Register online or by phoning 01622 820841 R.O.A.R.
Try it - you’ll like it! Events start at 17:45. Register on our website, on registration page. Events are organised by Alan Reading, Custom Marketing Resources.
Keep up to date & to join www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841
37
Rogue Traders & Cold Callers
I
the process of fly tipping note down as much information as it is safe to do so and report it to the police immediately. Do not approach them yourself.
would like to take this opportunity
If you think someone is behaving
to remind everyone about their
suspiciously then report it
rights concerning Rogue Traders
STRAIGHTAWAY to the police on 101.
and Cold Callers. If you are not expecting anyone you do
Useful Numbers:
NOT have to answer the door. If you do
•
Non-emergency Police 101 (24/7)
wish to answer the door put the door •
chain on first. If you do not have a door
KCC Contact Centre
chain then you could open a fan light
03000 414141 (Monday to Friday
window to speak to the caller. Remember
8am to 6pm) •
that the best protection is a closed door.
KCC Highways 03000 418181 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
If you are on your own arrange for the •
caller to return when you have someone
Consumer Advice 03454 040506 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
with you. •
Callers at the door should have photo ID
Age UK, Maidstone
and those selling on the doorstep should
01622 753618 (Monday to Thursday
have a Pedlar’s Certificate.
10am to 4pm) (Fridays 10am to
In most cases if the value of the goods or
2pm) •
services is more than £42 you must be
KCC Community
given written notice that you have 14 days
Warden
to cancel.
leave a message if unavailable)
If you need work done then get
Martin Sherwood
recommendations from family, friends or
email: martin.sherwood@kent.gov.
neighbours or make enquiries with well-
uk
known organisations like Checkatrade.
07977 981993 (Please
Useful Websites:
Recently there has also been an increase
•
in cases of fly tipping. This can be
www.thinkjessica.com provides advice about postal scamming
reported by phone or online to Maidstone
•
Borough Council. If you see someone in
38
www.kent.gov.uk
to
report issues including potholes •
www.maidstone.gov.uk to report issues of fly tipping and abandoned vehicles etc.
•
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
to
obtain advice on consumer rights
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) 39
Tai Chi with the
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Or Contact Theresa Telisataichi@gmail.com
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40
LENHAM HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY Towards the end of June, all households in Lenham will receive a housing needs survey in the post. The aim of the survey is to find out if local people need affordable housing, if older people who live locally need more suitable housing and if there is a general need for open market housing.
The survey has been commissioned by Lenham Neighbourhood Plan Group and is being undertaken by the Rural Housing Enabler from Action with Communities in Rural Kent; please look out for it in your post. For more information, contact Action with Communities in Rural Kent on 01303 813790
41
Christian Message
by those sympathetic to Islamic State
By Joan Drury
homes. Despite this, in the north of
I
(so called). God’s people in Laos suffer discrimination including imprisonment and forced displacement from their the country tribesmen from 3 villages
t’s Sunday morning. What shall
walk for 2 hours to worship with other
we do today? Take in a service?
Christians.
There’s plenty of choice. In the area
covered by the Len Valley Benefice there
Many more stories of persecution could
are 5 places of worship. No problem!
be given. Prison, torture, death are the
Different venues, different times. The
fate of believers in China, India, Nigeria,
would-be worshipper is spoilt for choice.
North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Eritrea, Afghanistan and many other countries.
The decision is made. The service attended. So simple. Why? Because
The first followers of Jesus were
there is still in England freedom to
persecuted, arrested, put to death. In
worship.
his sermon on the mount Jesus had said, “Blessed are you when people insult
Now imagine that you are a Christian
you, persecute you falsely and say all
in Kenya. Hassan was walking to his
kinds of evil against you because of me.”
church on the outskirts of Nairobi. He
(Matthew chapter 5 verse 11).
was ambushed, beaten unconscious, apparently for his faith. Move across the
The prevalence of persecution does
seas to Sri Lanka. There some believers
not make it acceptable. What should
are denied a Christian burial. Local
our response be? Let me suggest that
people insist that all burials are carried
we value our freedom and speak out
out in accordance with the traditions of
whenever we become aware that it is
the majority religion in the village.
being infringed. I would also encourage those who pray to remember their fellow
Turkey is a popular holiday destination.
believers who are suffering (Hebrews
There Christians have been sent
13:3).
threatening messages by email and text
42
Information about the persecuted
July 16 and 23
church can be obtained by going to
Mrs La Plain / Mrs Perks
www.releaseinternational.org or
July 30 and August 6
barnabasfund.org.
Mrs Barr / Mrs Porter
St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning
Brass cleaning
Mrs Greenwood
Sue Greenwood Flowers for July July 2 and 9
Mrs Humphrey
Lenham Festival 2016
A
next issue. All funds raised from the Lenham Family Festival will be donated to Lenham Nursery School and The Heart of Kent Hospice; two very deserving local
t the time of writing, there are
charities.
just a few short days left before the Festival begins.
There is one final Festival event on Sunday 3rd July when Andrea, our
We would like to say a big thank you to all
Hungarian Soprano, will be singing
the people who have been involved this
“Songs from the Shows” at St Mary’s
year and given their time freely to make
Church accompanied by her pianist,
this such an amazing event and also to
John. One last thing, remember to keep
those who attended the various events in
the second week in June 2017 free so you
Festival week.
don’t miss the Festival next year! Lenham Festival Committee
We hope to be able to report on the money raised for our charities in the
43
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
44
45
Court Lodge Manor, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN23 3JE Tel: 01233 612082, email: info@greenmansolar.com, website: www.greenmansolar.com
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).
The Hooligans
A
of forming a ‘Hooligans’ Choir’ – plenty of those in Lenham! We managed to co-opt the services of a wonderful pianist
few years ago I worked in a
(Garon) and choir mistress (Pauline) and
hotel in a ski resort in Italy.
we have been rehearsing since February.
This was lots of fun but lots of
Occasionally we did wonder if anyone
hard work too. Every weekday evening I
would buy tickets and turn up on the
went to Mass in the Catholic Church in
night but hey, we were having such fun –
the village and every evening there was
did it matter!
just a handful of people there – quite a few more on a Sunday of course. One
….. if you did attend The Hooligans
day the church was packed and lots
evening in St Mary’s Church on Friday
of the people were in uniform – ski
22nd April you were treated to a very
instructors, lift attendants, firemen
enjoyable and memorable experience
etc. The choir sounded so beautiful;
– almost 200 people in the church and
the head of the ski school read the
we raised nearly £7000 – half of that
lesson and everyone was so cheerful
going to charity and half to Lenham
and ‘celebrating’ something. It wasn’t
Wanderers Football Club. We sang all
Christmas or Easter or another special
the football and rugby songs plus one or
day in the church calendar – what was
two others and enjoyed refreshments
going on? It turned out that this service
together. This family event exceeded
was a ‘thanksgiving’ for their lives and
all of our expectations but left us feeling
their livelihoods in this mountain village
very flat on Friday nights thereafter as
as they were mostly employed by the
7-9 had been our practice session. There
tourist industry. It was such an uplifting
certainly are many social and health
occasion that afterwards I thought ‘I
benefits to belonging to a choir.
wonder if we could do something like this in St Mary’s in Lenham’? Get everyone
As a result of our little concert, several
in the church singing songs they know
more local people have expressed an
and love. I shared my idea with Dave
interest in joining The Hooligans. You
Flisher (we stand on the touchline most
are very welcome. We hope to start
weeks watching Lenham Wanderers)
rehearsals again towards the end of the
and he came up with the fantastic idea
year. Thank you so much to everyone and
46
thank you to all of you who bought tickets
Jim Everest, Kristina Holdsworth, Gill
and braved the elements to visit St Mary’s
Simes, Brian Pawsey, Joyce Pawsey,
on a cold and wet Friday night.
Linda Bradshaw, Jo Beer, Jenny Mace, Benjy Mace, Mat Revitt, Dave Flisher, Jan
The Hooligans; Pauline Fisher –
Flisher, Sue Compson, Mike Compson,
conductor, Garon Heslop – accompanist,
Gemma Hodkinson, James Hodkinson,
Micky Moore - drums, Andrew Robison
Angela Sutton, Nigel Flisher, Carole
and Keturah Paice – soloists.
Toner, Geoff Toner, Annie Godfrey, Maria and Helen Davis.
Members of the choir: Brian Fuller, Lyn Fuller, Tom Sams, Marilyn Graveson,
Do You Enjoy Knitting, Crochet Etc?
We meet twice a month in the Osborne Room at the Community Centre. Rugmaking is in the morning 0900 – 1300 and the knitting, crochet and spinning group is in the afternoon 1330 – 1615.
If you enjoy knitting, crochet, spinning
Please phone 01622 858581 for more
or rug-making or want to learn you will
details.
be very welcome to come along to the Country Ways knitting or rug-making
Margaret Mitchell
groups.
47
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 296843 Mobile: 07850740637 paulgrant747@gmail.com www.paulgrantroofingcontractors.co.uk Card payments accepted
48
L����� V������ S����
Lottery • Tobacco • Off-Licence • Groceries
For a warm welcome come and see us at the square! Mon - Thurs 8am - 6 pm Fri & Sat 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm lenhamvillagestore.co.uk
OSTEOPATH
Helping relieve symptoms of: Back,Hip & Neck Pain Arthritis Sciatica Frozen shoulder Headaches Fibromyalgia & More…
MR C. R. TEMPEST D.O. M.Ost. GOsC Registered Osteopath Late appointments available & Free parking
No.8 The Square,Lenham, ME17 2PQ
07749 980096 www.chris-tempest.com
49
Lenham Home Bake
I
retirement. Today, Home Bake provides much needed and appreciated bakery, cake and pastry
t’s hard to imagine Lenham Square
products to residents in the Lenham area
without Home Bake now. For many
including takeaway appetising goodies
years a draper’s shop, by the 1980s
for working residents and visitors. Like
it had become Woods Cycles, and in
many apparently small businesses there
about 1983 it changed dramatically into
is much more to Home Bake than meets
a bakery. It’s currently owned by Lynn
the eye, however.
Skippon and her partner Alan and it was Lynn’s father who originally bought it.
On entering the shop you’ll see only some of the staff behind the counter at any
He had been a baker since the age of 14,
one time. You might meet Emma, Kim,
learning the trade at his own father’s
Melissa, Ann, Annie or Anna depending
bakery in Pluckley. Later Lynn’s father
on the day of the week. Turning to your
opened bakeries in Cranbrook, Egerton
left, you might glimpse the creators of
and Headcorn. Lynn and Alan still
the tasty morsels you’re about to buy:
own the Headcorn bakery as well as
the head manager-baker Graham, Matt
Lenham, both of which they purchased
and the night baker Robert. That’s not
from Lynn’s parents to help fund their
all. Another team member, Roger, will
50
probably not be there, but out delivering
without it? It’s one more reason we value
wholesale bakery produce to various
Lenham’s businesses. Forget the Great
shops in the Lenham area.
British Bake-Off on TV. We’ve got our own in Lenham.
There’s usually a queue at Home Bake – which isn’t surprising. Apart from their
Text and photos by Jim Myers
splendid array of food, it’s a wonderfully friendly shop. What would we do
Online Advertising
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The Lenham Focus has launched a new website. Advertisers can place adverts and be listed on the site.
Contact us for more details.
51
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
52
B&C SCAFFOLDING Craig: 07739124749 Ben: 07730450602
53
Church Services Sunday 3rd July
Sunday 17th July
9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service
9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service
9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy
9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship
Communion (Prayer Book)
9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy
10.30 am Ulcombe: Family Worship
Communion
11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion
10.45am Ulcombe: Morning Worship
3.30 pm Harrietsham: GIFT family
11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion
worship
Sunday 24th July Wednesday 6th July
8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion
9.30 am Lenham: Holy Communion
(Prayer Book) 9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion
Sunday 10th July
9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family
8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion
Worship
(Prayer Book)
10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion
9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service
11.00am Lenham: Family Worship
9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion 10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion
Sunday 31st July
11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship
10.00am Boughton Malherbe: Joint Len
6.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Evensong
Valley Churches Celebration Service
Wednesday 20th July 10.30am Holy Communion: Chippendayle Lodge
54
BAD POSTURE?! Chris Tempest of Tempest Healthcare ltd- No.8 the square,LENHAM, explains the benefits of correct posture & explains how bad posture can predispose a patient to a cascade of conditions.
Most patients I see will go to work daily and therefore a huge area I look at is there work environment. This could be an office worker, driver, builder, carer, shop worker, teacher etc regardless of the style of work they put themselves through they all suffer from a type of chronic repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Most of us will suffer from aches within the spine & body, without taking note of why, or how it has occurred…
At Tempest Healthcare we try to firstly address the issue by finding its probable cause, then treat accordingly. Many patients find it incredulous that the source of the pain is actually from another area within the spine.
If we take the example of a student/office worker slumping over a desk for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Starting the day at 9am the posture is great, as the day progresses, the slumping increases, shoulders roll forward, neck protrudes and the spine recoils. This causes compression in the cervical & lumbar spine by lack of movement. If we then focus on the thoracic spine primarily between the shoulder blades, we see a tremendous decrease in movement within these vertebra, mainly due to the scapula sliding around the rib cage wall and stretching and tightening the associated muscles. The change in functioning of biomechanics of the Thoracic Spine causes a build up of pressure within the lower back, and thus creating pain. This inability of movement within the thorax, can also effect inspiartion/experation within the rib cage. Add to this a patients adapted posture whilst regularly checking their smart phone or playing on Facebook. You can see from the image below- how much of an effect this can add alone, without the predisposing factors of bad posture! There is no wonder we are all in pain…
55
Wildflowers and Cherries Saturday 10th July 1pm-5pm Cherry Downs, Lenham ME17 2QT Bring a picnic to enjoy amongst the Orchards, Meadows and views Celebrate orchards and meadows with guided walks, bug hunts, music and dance, cakes and cherries and many wild life activities activities..
For more information Grant’s Morella Cherry Brandy
contact Pippa and Mary Tel: 01303 815170 or 03000 414833
Watch the Steam Punk Morris Dancers
Email: pippa.palmar@
Event is Free
kentdowns.org.uk mary.tate@kent.gov.uk
56
57
Do your mealtimes feel like a juggling act?
M
of the time, the worst that may happen is that you burn the dinner, causing a bit of an inconvenience. But sadly, as Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) knows only too well, unattended cooking can lead to a serious fire that could result in severe damage to your home and may put you,
ealtimes can be a busy
and your family, at risk.
time for families and often residents find themselves
Unfortunately, over half of all the fires
trying to juggle many other tasks while
KFRS attends start in the kitchen and
trying to cook for everyone.
the majority are caused by unattended
Whether it’s trying to get the kids
cooking, a build-up of grease and fat on
organised or catching up with household
the cooker, or by kitchen mishaps, where
chores, it is tempting to try to fit in other
items such as tea towels, chopping boards
pressing jobs while waiting for food to
or washing baskets have been placed on a
cook.
hot hob.
There are many other distractions that
By taking a few moments to work out
can cause you to take your eye off your
what is coming between you and a fire-
cooking: maybe the phone ringing or a
safe mealtime, you can avoid a fire of this
text message or even a knock at the door.
type happening in your home.
Or maybe taking a few moments to catch
Make fire safety your main ingredient and
the end of a favourite TV programme
help prevent a kitchen fire in your home
or to check your social media newsfeed
by following these tips:
or helping with homework… whatever the activity, you can be sure that it is
•Keep an eye on your cooking and
preventing you from concentrating fully
remember to switch off your cooker if you
on your cooking.
have to leave the room
In a hectic home it’s easy to get diverted
•Use a timer for items placed in your
for longer than you intended, and even
oven or grill to remind when your food is
forget all about your cooking. For most
done and to save it from burning
58
•Plan and prepare - if you know you
•Ensure electric cookers, toasters and
have a busy week ahead, try and plan in
microwaves are turned off at the mains
advance and prepare meals that do not
when you have finished using them
require lots of cooking •Fit a working smoke alarm on each floor •Avoid storing or placing household
of your home and test it weekly to ensure
items on your cooker or stove
it provides early warning in the event of a fire.
•Keep your cooker, grill and oven clean to avoid a build-up of grease and fat that
For further fire safety advice visit www.
could start a fire
kent.fire-uk.org/cooking or call 0800 923 7000.
•Keep children and pets well away from your cooking area
59
E��ry �u� l��in��y h�n�ma�e
OPENING MONDAY 4TH JULY 2016 The Bow Window Coffee Shop and Cafe The Square, Lenham
www.thebowwindowlenham.co.uk
IT’S ON US!
Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 0800 to 1630 | Saturdays 0900 to 1600 | Closed Sundays
TRY A FREE REGULAR AMERICANO, CAPPUCCINO OR ESPRESSO WHEN YOU HAND IN THIS VOUCHER BETWEEN MONDAY 4TH AND FRIDAY 8TH JULY Offer limited to one per customer when producing an original of this advert (no photocopies allowed)
60
Bow Window Coffee Shop
O
on weekdays to enable customers to pick up a coffee or tea on their way into work along with a range of breakfast treats including pastries,
n 4th July The Bow Window
yoghurts with granola and avocado on
Coffee Shop opens in
toast.
Lenham. The shop on the
Lunches include sandwiches and
square has been lovingly renovated
wraps with a variety of classic fillings
and refurbished by new owner Sarah,
such as BLT, coronation chicken, and
offering customers a relaxing place to
prawn salad; and paninis and toasties
enjoy hand roasted and barista brewed
with tuna melt, brie and cranberry,
espressos, cappuccinos and lattes
cheese and ham and halloumi with
and finest teas, along with a range of
sundried tomatoes and rocket. In
locally sourced foods and beverages.
addition, jacket potatoes and a
Choose from a comfy sofa for a relaxed
ploughman’s with locally sourced
morning coffee to a table to chat over
speciality breads, cheese and ham or
business. When the sun shines our
pate will also be on the menu.
cottage garden will also be available
Special afternoon teas, picnic hampers
and we have a small private room for
and business lunch platters will be
clubs, societies and businesses to hire
available to pre-order.
for meetings.
Opening hours are 8.00am until
In addition to the range of coffees,
4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am
customers can enjoy a selection of
to 4.00pm on Saturdays and Bank
fine teas from “Teapigs”; indulgent
Holidays.
hot chocolate melts made with real
For more information, go to www.
chocolate flakes – milk, white or
thebowwindowlenham.co.uk or find
dark; fruit juices from local suppliers
us on Facebook at The Bow Window
Chegworth Valley and a range of
Lenham.
homemade cakes, cupcakes and
We look forward to seeing you very
traybakes supplied by co-worker
soon.
Emma. The Bow Window will open at 8.00am
61
Prize Crossword
Across clues
Asia. (7)
1. ‘Town and ……..’. The oldest continually produced magazine in America. (7) 5. A branch of mathematics. (7) 9. Acts of spreading wealth more evenly. (15) 10. Mistake. (5) 11. A type of vehicle for four or more people, having a fixed roof and a boot separate from the back seat. (6,3) 12. An opera written by Richard Wagner in 1850, with three acts. (9) 14. A well known Spanish wine. (5) 15. Famous singer who was born ‘David Robert Jones’. (5) 16. Meetings where all participants are expected to attend. (9) 18. Testing. (9) 21. The 44th President of the United States. (5) 22. Edible substances which have been dried are known as this. (10,5) 23. The vegetation of pastureland. (7) 24. The combined continental mass of Europe and
Down clues 1. Relating to the window of the eye. (7) 2. Feeling a bit off colour. (5,3,7) 3. Area use to assess military hardware. (4,5) 4. Abbreviation for the county associated with the white rose. (5) 5. Emergency vehicle with a blue flashing light. (9) 6. Arrived at. (3,2) 7. Medical term for drugs that relieve asthma. (15. 8. The country of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. (7) 13.To make an exact copy of. (9) 14. To explain on behalf of someone, or the cause of an event. (6,3) 15. The distance between two sides. (7) 17. Sir Harry Secombe’s birth place. (7) 19. NATO phonetic word for ‘I’. (5) 20. Water bird which is an expert swimmer and diver. (5)
62
Last month’s winner! Previous winner: Rosemary Bradley, of Lenham Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 15th of the month.
and be listed on the site. Visit www.lenhamfocus.co.uk.
Online Advertising The Lenham Focus has launched a new website. Advertisers can place adverts
Contact us for more details.
Volume 18 Edition 7 (July 2016) Circulation 2000
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.
Copy Deadline:
5pm 7th of the preceding month. Please leave copy at 24 Maidstone Road, or contact us.
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 us.
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:
The Focus can forward any complaint directly to an author of any article which a reader finds displeasing in order for them to respond directly. Every reader has the opportunity to a ‘right of reply’ to publish their view in the Focus as long as a name, committee group or organisation is named.
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
63
Come and join in the fun at Harrietsham Village Hall this coming August ÂŁ10 per day
Monday 1st - Roller Disco: 5.30-6.30pm (under 8’s), 7-8pm (8+) Tuesday 2nd - Puppet Day 9am-4pm
Come and join in with a puppet workshop and then take part in a puppet show with your very own designs ! Or Make musical instruments to play sound effects in the show. Parents welcomes to come and watch at 3pm.
Thursday 4th - Medieval Day 9am-4pm
Come dressed as a Viking, Robin Hood or a medieval princess. Play archery, help build a pirate ship, or join in other medieval games and craft activities on offer.
Fri/Sat 5th/6th - Bushcraft and camping
Come along from 4pm and put up your tent. Join our BBQ feast followed by songs and marshmallows around the fire. Camp overnight and wake up to breakfast on the Booth Field (weather permitting) followed by more fun and games. Parents required to stay and are responsible for their children at all times.
Tuesday 9th - Mosaic and Roman Day 9am-4pm
Come and be part of our project to produce a village mosaic Which will be displayed in Harrietsham Village Hall. Or do a mini one of your own to take home. Have fun making togas and learn about the Romans.
Thursday 11th - Scrapheap challenge Day 9am-4pm
Teams will be competing against each other to build models from junk and recyclable materials
Tuesday 16th - Disney Day 9am-4pm
Dress as your favourite Disney character and take part in our parade. Disney Quiz and sing-a-long too !
Thursday 18th - Sports Day 9am-4pm
Join us for Sports Day and try out at tennis, cricket, athletics, football, rounders, table tennis and more!
Friday 19th - Film Club 5.30pm Tuesday 23rd - Fashion Day 9am-4pm
Bring your teddies, dolls or action figures and make outfits for them to wear. Later on, teams will be competing against each other to design and make outfits, then put on a fashion show at the end of the day. Parents welcome to come and watch at 3pm.
Thursday 25th - Sewing, cookery and Craft workshops 9am-4pm
An assortment of craft workshops - try your hand at sewing, or take part in a craft activity and take your creation home. Make a fairy garden or a secret lair for a super hero, and help decorate delicious cookies
Tuesday 30th - Crazy Day and summer party 9am-4pm
Come and join us for a day of crazy fun - wear your clothes inside out or upside down, have your face painted and celebrate the end of the summer in style. Party in the afternoon with entertainment - parents welcome to come along from 1pm
All places must be booked in advance Please call 07812 555585 or 07770 407127 for a registration form