Lenham Focus | May '16

May 2016

Family Festival Just one month away

Volunteers Needed For Spring Clean Up

Applause Rural Tour Of Stones in His Pocket

Page 21

Page 55

Page 61

1

2

PC or Laptop running slowly?

Slow startups?

Think you have a virus?

Give me a call rs

30xper

a Ye

E

e

nc

ie

Troubleshooting, Repair & Virus Removal

Installation, Setup & Networking Upgrades & Maintenance Need some advice? Get in touch!

Fast & Friendly Service No Call-Out Fee Lenham Based

£20 per ½ hour Call Mark 01622 859969 07867 905522 mark@mscompserv.com

3

(min 1 hour)

M AY

Editorial As you will see we have moved back

to develop so comments on that are

to the A5 format. As mentioned last

appreciated.

month this was a decision discussed at great length among the team and

There are a number of events this

based on feedback from both readers

month to encourage you to get out

and advertisers. Hopefully this for-

in the Spring air and appreciate the

mat will remain for the foreseeable

countryside around you. There is the

future.

Bluebell Walk on the 1st to support the Heart of Kent Hospice. And for

We would still appreciate your com-

the really keen, the Dawn Chorus

ments on the format, or any other

Walk on the 5th with a 4:30am start.

aspect of the magazine. If you think

I am sure it will be an amazing walk

there are further improvements to

and any photos or articles people

be made or if you think we are doing

want to send in on this or any other

something particularly well let us

local event would always be welcome.

know. Don’t forget we have the website now as well which we are looking

By James Collett

4

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

Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy B

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

Interviews: Jim Myers

Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@ gmail.com

Social: 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

£13 £21 £38 £69 £58 £79 £88

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

5

BEST SELLING SELECTA TWIST 40 oz WOOL TWIST 80% PURE NEW BRITISH WOOL £19.95 sqm INCLUDING FITTING Proudly rated 9.9 out of 10 by our customers

showrooms: SELECTA HOUSE | CHARING HILL | TN27 0NL OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 6PM | SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM

charingcarpets.co.uk 6

01233 714999

DECORATING

ELECTRICAL

FIXINGS

GARDEN

IRONMONGERY

METALWORK

NUTS & BOLTS

SCREWS

SEALANTS

TOOLS

WOODCARE

WORK CLOTHING

CHARING

SELECTA HOUSE CHARING HILL TN27 0NL

COME INSTORE OR GO ONLINE TO SEE THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFERS!

STORE OPEN MON-FRI 7AM-6PM SATURDAY 8AM-5PM

IN STORE fixingswarehouse.co.uk 0870 760 6378 7

Dates for your Diary 1 May

16 May

Bluebell Walk

Lenham Players Workshop

6 mile sponsored walk for Heart of Kent

Lenham Community Centre 8pm

Hospice

21 May

5 May

Applause Rural Tour

Dawn Chorus Walk

See Page 60 for details

Enjoy a free walk amongst the orchards

9 to 12 June

and fields of Lenham and listen to the bird song. 4:30 am at the Cherry Downs

Lenham Family Festival

Picnic area.

Come and enjoy some of the events being organised over the weekend.

7 May

11 June

Military Wives Choir Lenham Community Centre 7pm

Lenham Wanderers Football Club Presentation Day

15 May

24 June

Gallants Manor Visits Kent Life’s garden of the month

New Craft Class Taster Session

and help support Heart of Kent Hospice.

Come and see what we do, Lenham

Gallants Lane, East Farleigh

Community Centre 9:30 to 12.

8

One Hundred Years Ago...

winner of the draw received a chair

By Amy Myers

Kent was suffering greatly this month,

T

carved by Mr Reeves at Grafty Green, and the VAD hospital raised £16 14s for its funds. however. This was the month of the

he Military Service Act was

gunpowder factory explosion in

biting hard in Lenham, as

Faversham, which killed 106 people

elsewhere. Farm waggoner

and injured 66 more. The South

Edward Stedman, who was thirty-five

Eastern Gazette also recorded that in

and had seven children all under the

her grief the sweetheart of one of the

age of 12, was lucky to be given by the

victims hung herself. There were also

Hollingbourne Rural Tribunal a six

were several severe Zeppelin raids.

month respite from conscription, but

On a lighter note, one of the Zeppelins

even so his forthcoming departure for

dropped its bomb in a village vicarage

the forces must have hung like a black

garden with the results that a nearby

cloud over the whole family. Lenham’s

sycamore tree was blown over a

vicar, the Revd Francis Etherington

duckling coop. The press reported that

would shortly be leaving for Egypt

the ducklings escaped injury.

with the forces, but on 3rd May in St

On the Western Front both sides were

Andrews Westminster, he was able to

preparing for the summer offensive,

marry Captain John Longuet-Higgins

though fighting had not stopped and

to the Hon Cara Akers-Douglas, the

every day saw raids on the front line

younger daughter of the Lord and

trenches. The good news was that the

Lady Chilston. The Revd Longuet-

French were holding out at Verdun,

Higgins – probably the captain’s

but the Austrians were launching a

father – had been one of Etherington’s

heavy attack on the Italians on the

predecessors at the Lenham Vicarage.

Trentino front. Winston Churchill

The Lenham VAD hospital, which

had now returned from serving six

currently had 30 wounded soldier

months in the trenches on the Western

patients under the care of Dr

Front and reported to Parliament

Temperley Grey and his staff, was busy

that every twenty four hours nearly

fundraising with a whist drive. The

l,000 British men ‘are knocked into

9

Forthcoming Events 28 May Skatacus

Ticket Only. Members £6. Guests £8. T&Cs apply

2 Jul

Dean Martin tribute

Ticket Only. Members £6. Guests £8. T&Cs apply

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,Hire.

Marque, BBQ & Bouncy CastleNight for Hire Private very Tuesday Sunday Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm.

Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night 10

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

11

bundles of bloody rags’ while they, in

have dinner and go to bed. It’s a long

the homeland, were able to go home to

way from ducklings.

Dick the Vic to retire

begin and take shape. It has been a

By Rev Dick Venn & Helen

forgetting Sandway, Platts Heath and

I

privilege to work among everyone in the villages of Harrietsham, Ulcombe, Boughton Malherbe and Lenham – not others, too!

have been Priest in Charge of the Len Valley Benefice since October

We shall be moving to Malmesbury in

2008 and Helen and I have decided

Wiltshire where we hope to be able to

that now is the time to retire. Our last

enter into community life and make new

day here will be September 30th.

friends.

We have had a challenging, stimulating

We will miss you sorely!

and exciting time in the Len Valley and have been pleased to see lots of initiatives

12

Clubs & Societies

of classes that will be open at the Lenham Garden Show in August. These list wull be available at the May meeting so get your copy and start planning.

Lenham Gardening Society Thats it for now.

Nearly 70 members and visitors came

Happy gardening.

to our March meeting the speaker, Mrs

Keith

Buckingham, gave a very informative talk

Chair LGS

on UK wild flowers which proved to be of great interest to all. It was pleasing to see

New Craft Club

so many people attending and hope that our visitors enjoyed the evening, so much

Starting in Lenham soon at the

so that they may consider joining you will

Community Centre.

be most welcome.

•

Come and see what we do at our ‘taster’ morning 9.30 - 12.00 in the

The next meeting will be on 19th May;

Appleton Room on the 24th June.

our speaker will be Mr. March who’s talk

•

is called ‘The Secrets of a Walled Garden’

Make a card and impress yourself and friends!

sounds interesting? The competitions are

•

No experience needed

‘Three Sprays of Spring Blossom and/or

•

Everything provided including tea/

One Tealoaf’

coffee and biscuits.

•

A reminder, tickets for the outing to

Classes will be fortnightly on Friday mornings.

Batemans on Tuesday 12th July will be on

For more information ring Irene: 07341-

sale at the May and June meetings The

343518 or Pauline: 07766-768180.

price will be £10 for members who are also NT members and £19 for members

Lenham Heritage

who are not NT members, a Cream Tea will be included. The coach will leave the

Not a lot to tell you this month our

Dog and Bear at 9.30 sharp.

interesting talks on the last Wed of the month continue, except there is a walk in

The committee have agreed the final list

July and no meetings in August.

13

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

14

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

H

ap

p in

de

Village & Country Homes Residential Sales & Lettings

ess is Ho me m

a

T: 01622 858241 | E: homes@philipjarvis.co.uk | A: 1 The Square, Lenham ME17 2PH | W: philipjarvis.co.uk

15

April 27th is set for member’s short talks

have done this back in the 30s and 40s.

on a variety of subjects.

They are called the Lindy Hoppers. I

May 25th is “Railway wars in Kent “a talk

believe this came from Harlem when Jazz

by Frank Andrews

was the music to listen to . Sounds like a

June 29th “The Forgotten village of

great afternoon.

Denton” by Christophe Bull July a walk and /or visit

We look forward to seeing you all.

Sept 28th “Progress at Bigbury Camp” by

A big thank you to all who give their time

Chris Sparey-Green

to help.

Oct 26th “Aviation in the Medway area“

by Jim Preston

Martin, Olive, Sue, Jackie, Kath, Jacky, Fred, Jenny and Nina.

Lesley Feakes 8502745

Len Valley Community Hub Club

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Hi everyone hope you are all fit and This month we shall meet for lunch at

well. We are going to Dobbies for lunch

12:30 for 1pm. Venue to be advised as the

this month. There will be plenty of time

April meeting but it will be local, date

to walk round and find a few bits and

26th May.

pieces once lunch is finished. This is on Thursday 05/05/16. We will meet at the

Do hope as many as possible of the

Dog and Bear in the morning times have

members will join us for this social

been arranged.

occasion. Enid La Plain If anyone is in need of a lift please contact

Young At Heart 60+

Jenny Lloyd 01622859208 John, Martin, Fred, Jenny and Nina.

Hello I hope you are keeping fit. Our

Lenham WI

next meeting is Thursday 19/05/16 2.004.00pm at the Community Centre. We have some dancers coming to entertain

Our talk on ‘Medical Detection Dogs’

us and some of our older members may

in March proved to be very interesting

16

and informative and we enjoyed Antonia

visit it will only cost you £1-00 and the

Gallup’s talk about her trip acros India

only qualification necessary is that you

on a motorbike in April.This was very

are a woman. Meetings 7-30 on the 2nd

different from the previous visit we had

Thursday of each month.

from her when she told us about her experiences whilst ‘Carriage Driving’.

Gill Simes

Another of our members and I

The Constitutional Monarchy Association

had a lovely time at Denman,the W.I.college,learning how to create beautiful jewellery using ‘silver clay’.

This was a wonderful opportunity to

Our aim is to support our monarchy;

discover design talents we didn’t know

we will be holding a meeting at the Dog

we posessed,and we returned home with

& Bear Hotel, Lenham, on Saturday

some completely unique and individual

23rd April (St. George’s Day) at 1.30

pieces of jewellery. This could however

p.m., at which Dr. Barry Twigg MBE will

prove to be a very expensive hobby and I

talk about ‘The Seven Georges’, and we

have had to refrain from heading to the

will celebrate the 90th Birthday of Her

internet to stock up on equipment!!

Majesty The Queen.

In May ,we will be having our A.G.M. and an evening of competitions for our

The cost is £7.50, which includes tea or

members.I hope we have managed to

coffee and biscuits.

include at least one category for every member although some people will

For further information contact Mrs.

enter several .The categories are: a

Wendy Henderson on 01732 451769 or

knitted ,crochet or fabric item,a flower

look on our website http://www.cmakent.

arrangement in a teacup,4 cheese

org.uk/

scones,a card for a special occasion and 4 decorated cup cakes.

Lenham Bowls Club

Our June speaker is Ian Porter telling us

With spring well under way and the

about ‘Job Opportunities for Women in

outdoor bowling season having only just

Victorian and Edwardian Times.

started, if you have been toying with the

If you would like to come along for a

idea of having a go at bowls now would be

17

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

18

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

a good time to do something about it.

Trevor Green, Club Secretary

We are a lively and successful local

Saturday Health Walks

club (up Maidstone Road, just before Swadelands School) and we are on the lookout for new members.

We have now started walking on a Saturday morning to encourage those

You don’t have to know anything about

who are unable to join us during

the game – Tom, our club coach, likes

the week. The walks start from the

nothing better than showing new bowlers

Community Centre car park and will

the ropes and he’s just about to start a

be about three miles in length and of a

short course for ‘complete beginners’.

moderate pace. We will vary the walks for

We even have bowls you may borrow until

interest and according to conditions.

you are ready to get your own.

If you are interested please contact me before starting on 850657 or e-mail:

In addition to our excellent green we have

mldd@talktalk.net

a great clubhouse with good facilities,

Marjie Darby

including a well-stocked bar! Take a peek at the pictures on our Web site: www. lenhambowlingclub.org.uk.

If you decide it’s just what you’re looking for – friendly people, pleasant surroundings, useful exercise (although not too strenuous) and a bit of social life – please get in touch. You will be made to feel most welcome.

Give me a call on 01622 859642 if you would like a chat about what we can offer.

I will be glad to answer any questions and more than happy to arrange a no obligation visit.

20

Lenham Family Festival

works by Pachelbel, Vivaldi, Finzi and

By Lenham Festival Committee

for our posters and flyers around the

T

Rutter. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from Lenham Village Store and Len Valley News. Look out village which contain full details.

he 2016 Lenham Family Festival takes place from the

We also have still more news about

9th to 12th June 2016.

Saturday June 11th, the main day of

This fabulous annual event brings

the Festival, when we will have a great

the whole community together in

line up of talented bands performing

a weekend of music, drama, dance

on the main stage in the Community

and entertainment. The ethos of the

Centre car park. These will include

Festival is to provide an inclusive

Blackshot 21, Samz and Son, Jamie

event that can be enjoyed by people of

Middleton, Kentish Sax and Renegade.

all ages and is affordable for families,

We have also had confirmation that

as well as raising money for good

John Nye’s band will be performing

causes. This year, the Festival aims

on the indoor stage. This band has

to raise funds for Lenham Nursery

reformed after 50 years!

School and The Heart of Kent Hospice, two very deserving local

Lenham Social Club will be providing

charities.

the bar, serving both alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the day and evening.

Not long to go now, and the Committee

We also have news that Andrea,

are busy planning to make this year’s

our Hungarian Soprano, will be

event the biggest and best yet.

singing “Songs from the Shows” at St

As reported last month, the City of

Mary’s Church on Sunday July 3rd

Rochester Symphony Orchestra will

accompanied by her pianist, John.

perform ‘A Taste of the Classics’ with

Although this does not fall within the

special guests Platts Heath Primary

Festival weekend, all proceeds from

School Choir on the evening of Friday

this event will go to the Festival’s

June 10th at the historic and beautiful

chosen charities. The concert will

Tithe Barn. The evening will include

start at 7pm and during the interval

21

22

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

FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

23

there will be light refreshments for

joining the committee or volunteering

sale. Andrea says she will be singing a

at any of the festival events, you will be

varied selection of songs from English

given a very warm welcome.

and American musicals. This year, for the first time, her performance

If you would like to enquire about

will also include some songs from

volunteering, email lenhamfestival@

Hungarian musicals.

gmail.com or ring 01622 859412.

Look out for further details in next

The final meeting of the Festival

month’s edition of the Lenham

Committee prior to the Festival

Focus and see our website at

itself will take place on May 26th at

lenhamfamilyfestival.co.uk.

7.15pm in the Appleton Room at the Community Centre. As mentioned in previous months, we are particularly looking for helpers on the main day to assist with the event’s success. Even if you can only give an hour of your time it will be very helpful and much appreciated. If you are interested in

Paradise Lost at Atwater

were there goldfish in the pond but

By Jacqui Cannings

would stand a decoy heron on the edge

also numerous coi carp. At times when the heron was about, particularly in the spring when feeding young, Beryl of the pond, this did for some reason

Some years ago a very dear friend of

keep theft of the fish down. Hope this

mine and her husband were managers

helps.

of Atwater Court. At that time not only

24

Garden tip for Clematis/rose fanatics

2� panel pins and some long, fairly narrow, canes.

Hammer panel pins into the posts in positions every foot (or 30cm) but only hammer them in half way.

By Lesley Feakes

T

Bend each one ( by tapping with the

his week I was struck by the

hammer) round the end of the cane so

price of wooden trellis and

it makes an upward facing hook to hold

then when one has purchased

the cane in place but so that the cane

it, how does one put it up on the fence

can also be slid out. Then dig 2 small

or wall? If it is your neighbours fence

holes to place the posts in position

of course one is not allowed to knock

(adding a small amount of ready mix

nails in! A wall is also a problem‌.so‌

concrete) make sure the posts are

I devised a way of making a reasonable

upright and just slightly less than the

clematis or climbing rose support

canes length apart. Leave the concrete

system that stands independently from

to set for a few days. Then slide the

the fence. Buy two 6ft (1.8m) pressure

canes into the slots and there you

stained garden posts (1.8m tall and

have a free standing clematis support.

3cm square), a small pack of steel

Train the growths along the bottom cane first and additional side shoots

25

will find their own way up the frame.

Tidying up for next year is also easy

To screw nails or hooks into the posts

as most large flowered clematis need

after you have put them up is far more

pruning hard ‌slide out the upper

difficult!

canes and clip off the growths then they are clear for the next season. (It

By high summer the fence with the

would probably work for sweet peas as

frame standing just in front should

well.)

look something like this sketch. The clematis will no doubt find its own way

Lesley Feakes 850275 (phone for help

to the top of the fence (hopefully your

if instructions are not clear)

neighbours appreciate the flowers also!)

Stall Holders Required

J

oin Aiden’s Labradors on Sunday 19th June at Market Hall Place, Lockmeadow,

Maidstone ME16 8LW for the annual charity dog show in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. This all day event is family friendly and free for spectators to attend.

If you would like to have a stall at this event please contact rebecca.beard@ hokh.co.uk for more information .

Your stall fee will be donated to Heart of Kent Hospice.

26

Spring has Sprung

•

Lettuce/ Spinach/ Rocket

•

Peas

•

New Potatoes

•

Purple Sprouting Broccoli

By GB Lister

•

Spring Greens

S

pring is renewed life & the

Seasonal Fruit

promise of summer. The days are

•

Blackcurrants

getting lighter, the temperature

•

Gooseberry

•

Nectarine

•

Strawberry

•

Elderflower

is getting warmer & blossom on the trees. It’s also a turning point, where in the winter we had limited choice, to a parade of refreshing options. It is the best time of the year to start to enjoy

Asparagus

local, seasonal produce. Produce that

A key ingredient to make the most of

is higher in vitamins, fibre and iron.

this month is Asparagus. The Asparagus

Food becomes colourful. Inspirational, lighter. Look out for:

season only lasts 6 weeks, May into July.

Seasonal Veg

are the young shoots of a cultivated lily

•

Asparagus

plant. Planted as a crown, the Asparagus

•

Carrots

Labour-intensive to grow, asparagus

27

take two years to establish, but once in

with a knife halfway down the spear.

production, the asparagus crowns can

Serve immediately with a knob of butter.

be productive for ten years or more.

Blanch your asparagus spears in salted,

Asparagus has been used from very

boiling water for one minute. Remove

early times as a vegetable and medicine,

and shake off the water. Fry on a hot

due to its delicate flavour and diuretic

griddle pan or frying pan in some olive

properties. Asparagus was cultivated

oil until the spears are golden-brown in

by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and

places. Season with freshly ground black

Romans. Fresh asparagus was eaten fresh

pepper and sea salt flakes.

when in season and the asparagus was then dried for use during the rest of the

Raw. Use a vegetable peeler to cut thin

year. They’re considered to be one of the

shavings into a salad and dressing it with

delicacies of the vegetable world, with a

a lemon vinaigrette, or serve it whole

price tag to match.

with aioli for dipping. White asparagus is particularly good raw.

The delicious green spears are known for their intense and nutty taste. Asparagus

Bake. Cover a shallow baking tray with

is often referred to as a “Super Food”

foil, lay out the asparagus, drizzle with

because it’s low in calories, contains no

olive oil, season. Place in a preheated

fat or cholesterol, very low in sodium,

oven, at 200C, for 8 – 10 minutes. Spears

high in vitamin A and C, as well as folic

should be lightly brown. Drizzle with

acid, fibre, and are also a good source of

some lemon juice.

iron.

Grill. Preheat the grill to medium hot.

Cooking Asparagus

Roll the spears in a little olive oil, place at an angle on the metal bars, sprinkle

No need to buy an asparagus steamer, or

on a little salt and pepper, check after

binding into bundles & cooking upright

2-3 minutes, roll them over & leave for

in a pan. Cooking asparagus is quick &

another 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.

simple.

Visit our website for more information on seasonal foods www.lenham-butchers.

Simmer in a frying pan of boiling salted

co.uk

water. Check the asparagus by testing

28

Lenham & Kent Orchards for Everyone Project

Join a Dawn Chorus Walk amongst the orchards and fields of Lenham Thursday, 5th May, 2016 at 4.30am led by Simon Ginnaw Meet at Cherry Downs Picnic site, Rayner’s Hill, Lenham ME17 2PE We would love to see children and families discover which birds are singing their hearts out before we wake in the morning.

Event is free Please wear sensible clothing and footwear Contact Pippa Palmar 01303 815170

29

+ + + + + +

Curtains to Corsets

Residential Extensions Loft & Garage Conversions Self Build Projects Residential Housing Developments Building Refurbishment CAD Drafting

+ Code for Sustainable Homes + SAP Assessments

Curtains to corsets and almost anything else in between!

+ CALL OR EMAIL FOR A QUOTE OR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION + TEL: 01580 230 413 + EMAIL: info@kentdesignstudio.co.uk

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 8/05/16 & 12/06/16

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

30

Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Monday

St Johns Ambulance

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 St Johns Hall, Ham Lane 4.30-6.00pm 7.00-9.15pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 9.30-11.30am (8-11 years) 6.30-8pm Community Centre 8pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5.45-7.15.pm Cadets (10-18) 6.00-8.00pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30-9.00pm 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

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

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 Charted 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 Heathers 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 Soicitors Thornloe and 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) Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Heritage Lenham Nursery School Lenham Players Lenham Wanderers Lenham Social Club Harrietsham & Lenham Beavers Harrietsham and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs Mother’s Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion 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 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 Jan Haines 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 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 714699 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

Try three for the price of one!

Wills: Everyone needs a Will. Without one the Law determines

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.

pm)

Prepaid Funeral Plans: funeral costs have risen massively and will continue to do so. These plans “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the cost whenever it’s needed. Guaranteed acceptance regardless of age or health. Make things so much easier for your family with no funeral expenses or difficult decisions to make at the worst possible time.

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

36

37

Lenham Cricket Club

Rodmersham CC - 2nd XI Sat 4th June

Away

Vs

Higham & Mockbeggar CC - Saturday XI

By Mat Revitt

H

The Sunday Team, led by Dan Russell,

ello and welcome to the

had another enjoyable season of friendly

preview for the 2016 season –

fixtures with a great atmosphere and

it seems like an age since our

some excellent cricket too. The season

last game and we are hoping for a season

looks forwards to the normal array of

full of enjoyable cricket with plenty of

local fixtures and good spirit, both pre

runs and wickets, and of course good

and post match.

weather for all.

The Sunday (Friendly) Fixtures are :-

The Saturday team, led again by skipper

Sun 1st May

Adrian Longley, had a superb season last year and following promotion are looking forwards to this year in the Kent Regional Cricket League 1B Central Division.

Upcoming Saturday league fixtures are (All games start at 13:30) :Sat 30th April

Home Vs

Holborough Anchorians CC – Saturday 2nd XI Sat 07th May

Away

Vs

Home Away Home

Sun 8th May

Vs

Home

Great Chart

2pm Start

Sun 15th May

Home

Vs

Murston

2pm Start

Sun 22nd May

Home

Vs

Harrietsham

2pm Start

Sun 29th May

Vs

Away

Newington

11am Start

Sun 5th June

Vs

Away

2pm Start

July 3rd Pixies Annual Fun Day – open to all ages - get your teams ready for a great

Vs

day of fun

Minster (Sheppy) CC - 3rd XI Sat 28th May

2pm Start

Events for your calendar –

Vs

Rainham (Kent) CC - 3rd XI Sat 21st May

Vs

East Sutton

Boughton & Eastwell

Bapchild CC - 3rd XI Sat 14th May

Away

July 24th Presidents Day

Vs

38

Pre-season work has been under way for a few months now, however there is always more to do to make the ground, pavilion and facilities a nicer place for players and our guests. A big thank you needs to go out to both George and Tony for many hours of works. If you have some spare time please come along and help out. As always the club welcomes anyone wishing to play cricket, volunteer to help with maintenance or teas, sponsor our club improvements or to just watch and enjoy.

This years fixtures cards are currently at the printers but will be strategically placed in the Dog & Bear and Red Lion, as well as the club house, for anyone wanting one.

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

StuttleDyer

TesliaTai TaiChi Chi Academy Suitable all ages Suitable for for all ages, adaptable for most abilities.

Adaptable for most abilities.

Decorating

“Mentally and physically grounding. and physically groundin The “Mentally perfect antidote to the pace set by the digital world” The perfect antidote to

also

Bathrooms Kitchens Tiling

Lenham community centre

the pace set by the digital world”

Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Classes starting in Lenham Formore moreinformation information visit For

Find us on Facebook

www.telisataichi.co.uk Call Theresa : 07734108683

stuttledyer.wordpress.com

Call Dan to arrange a FREE Quotation

Or Contact Theresa Telisataichi@gmail.com

01233 650 726

07734108683

07837 04 66 41

Security and Electrical Services l Alarm systems l CCTV l PAT testing l Fire alarms l Automated gates l Video/audio entry systems l Existing systems maintained & repaired l All electrical work undertaken l Domestic & Commercial installations

V AM A

LL

EY

LE N H

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

s

in

es

ti

Bu

on

MEMBER s Assoc

ia

Cybereye Security Marcus Shephard 01622 858 612 or 07821 776 334

40

Visit www.lenhamfocus.co.uk for all the news and updates.

41

Christian Message

he himself was becoming isolated as he

By Reverend Millie Hart

closeness, their fondness for each other.

W

cared for her, but how he loved to spend time with his daughter when she visited them. It was such a joy to see their This daughter and her father didn’t

hat did, or does your

always agree. They argued about all

father mean to you? The

sorts of things, mostly about football and

shops are already full of

politics, and who made the best coffee.

cards for father’s day which, this year

Do you wonder if Jesus meant us to think

will be on Sunday June 19th. Maybe

of God as that sort of father? Someone

you are beginning to think if you might

we can argue with? We might not always

be marking the occasion this year, and

understand what he is thinking, but it

how you might be doing this. My own

is okay to talk to him about that and

Father died several years ago now, but I

still love him, just as the daughter I

still like to give thanks for him. And now

mentioned did with her father.

I watch my children as they show their

But Jesus said our Father, not my father.

appreciation for their father, all year

He said Our Father in heaven. That’s

round. Of course, this is how it should be

what I’m suggesting is important. Not my

in a loving family with good father role

father but ours, mine, yours, everybody’s!

models. I wonder what sort of father you

Maybe you would like to explore what

had.

sort of Father he really is? Maybe you

Our Father … the first two words of the

think that Jesus, our Lord meant that our

Lord’s Prayer. They are words that Jesus

heavenly Father is like all the best bits

of Nazareth taught his followers to say.

of everybody’s dad, all rolled into one.

Do you ever wonder what sort of Father

Good, like the father I remember caring

he is, our Father God?

for his wife as he carefully held the cup to

As I have visited some of you in your

her lips to make sure that she had enough

homes I have seen how wonderfully

to drink.

close some of you are to your fathers

Or maybe you think he should be like

who might now be elderly. I remember

another father of a younger family that

one father who was carer for his wife,

I’m thinking of. It seems to me that this

she was suffering with Alzheimer’s, and

father lets his children do what they like,

42

he would say, because he loves them, but

one of His family. God, our Father, thank

Our Father can help us see that ‘doing our

you for being Father to all of us. Help us

own thing’ can bring pain to others, and

today to live as one family. Help us make

actually it isn’t good for us or our world

you laugh with pleasure, and help us to

either! Our Father in heaven does give us

love others the way you love us. Amen.

guidance to follow. He is our role model

Len Valley Churches Rose Service

and Jesus has taught us about him.

Maybe Our Father hopes that we will find out more about him maybe even go to church or say some prayers and give him

Our Annual Rose Service will be at 3pm

thanks for being the sort of Father he is.

on Sunday May 8th and this year it will

Do you wonder if Our Father laughs when

be at St John the Baptist Church in

we’re all happy together, as my father

Harrietsham. It’s a service organised by

used to. And do you wonder if Our Father

the Len Valley Churches when we can

is there with us in our disappointments

remember those who have died. During

and our sadness as well. As Christians we

this time we have the opportunity to light

know him to be our loving Father who is

a candle during the service and to either

always there for us.

bring a rose or collect one as you arrive at the church. There is also time for

I suppose the best bit is that Our Father is

reflection, a time for our memories and

ours, whatever our own dad is or has been

for giving thanks for all our loved ones

like. Even if we have never known our

have meant to us and for all they will go

earthly father. Yes, our Father in heaven

on meaning to us. Everyone is welcome

is ours! All we have to do is recognize

to join us and we will be pleased to see

him as just that. Whatever you might be

you but if you would like to talk to one

experiencing at this moment, whether

of us please ring Rev Dick Venn 01622

it’s grief, sadness, of sheer joy I encourage

858195 or Rev Millie Hart 01622 297296

you to share your feelings with Our

Funeral Services

Father.

So, Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing your Father with us and for telling us that he is

A lot of effort goes into planning wedding

our Father too. Thank you for letting us

services and the date (of course) is

know that he thinks of each one of us as

known. It’s true that not everyone gets

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).

married but everyone dies. The date is

Len Valley Churches Ladies Breakfast

not known.

The bridal couple choose the hymns and songs which are important to them.

Join us at The Dog and Bear, Lenham on

Sadly, some funeral services do not

Saturday May 7th at 8.30 am

include the preferences of the loved one who has died. This is not necessarily

A chance to enjoy a cooked or continental

due to lack of care by families but an

breakfast, meet new friends and listen

inevitable part of modern life where

to an inspiring speaker. This month it

mourners of the deceased live some

will be Faith Woodcock who works with

distance away and may be unaware of

Family Trust in Maidstone.

preferences. A recent funeral service

Family Trust visit local Primary Schools

in one of the Len Valley churches was

delivering a wide range of activities

arranged, prior to her own death, by a

including assemblies and Kingsquads.

church member. As a result, the service

To book your place, please ring or

was particularly appropriate.

email the church office on 850604 or

The Church of England has made

churchoffice@lvb.org.uk

available a booklet, ‘Ideas for my funeral service.’ If you would like a copy please

St Mary’s Church Flowers and brass cleaning

ask Millie Hart, Joan Drury, Pamela Cuerden or me and we will give one to you. This booklet can be used by

April 9th and 16th - Mrs Jones

members of all denominations and can be

April 23rd and 30th - Mrs Humphrey

lodged with a Funeral Director or with a

Brass Cleaning - Mrs Congdon

family member.

You may also like to know that Church

Thank you for the Easter flowers

of England clergy and Readers are

Sue Greenwood

allowed to conduct services for burials in woodland sites.

Messy Church

Rev Dick Venn

May Messy Church is on Saturday May 14th at 4pm followed by tea, at Lenham Church.

46

Nigel Godfrey

that we have received on the passing of Nigel. And a special thanks you to all who managed to attend his funeral. This gave

By The Godfrey Family

T

us much needed strength that truly made the day a special one.

he Godfrey family would like to say a heartfelt thank you for all the cards, flowers and messages

Free Tennis Coaching

F

harrietshamtennis.co.uk.

We also hope to offer some family fun tennis events this summer – please look out for details.

or 5-8 year olds commences on Sunday June 12th and runs for 6

Normal playing times are 6:30pm on

weeks from 9-10am. The Head

Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 2pm

Coach of the SE Tennis Academy, Julian

on Sundays with a special session for

Squiers will be running the coaching

Juniors from 4pm on Thursdays.

in the Village Hall. Please register in

For further details please contact Andrew

advance as places are limited – phone

Rogers on 859352 or visit our website :

details below or register on-line at

harrietshamtennis.co.uk

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 Wanderers FC

amazing village club to the next level. The

By Mike Kingsman

you the experience and skill to work with

A

Club can send you on courses with regard to First Aid, Safe Guarding Children, Coaching, Refereeing etc which will give kids.

s the season draws to end

There is an AGM being held on the 13th

the junior teams at Lenham

June at the Lenham Social Club stating at

Wanderers find its been

8pm where you can hear more about how

another successful year for the club. With

the club is run and a great opportunity to

the Youth teams growing in numbers

get involved.

and performing well we have certainly made an impact in all the Maidstone

U16’s

Leagues. With several teams winning their leagues, all the managers have been

It was always going to be a difficult start

pleased with the effort and performance

to the season with a new manager and

of their teams. To celebrate all the players

coach (Mark Homes and Paul Hewish)

achievement there is a Presentation Day

taking on the responsibility of running

for the Junior Teams on the 11th June

the team. As they prepared to start their

where they will be presented with their

first season in the Maidstone Minor

medals for all their hard work throughout

League they had three key players leave

the season. Everyone is welcome and

and six new players join so it wasn’t

on the day there will be food, games and

going to be an easy season for their team.

football matches for everyone who wants

Although mid table in the First Division

to get involved - so bring your trainers !.

in the Maidstone Minor League they did make it to the semi-finals of the cup.

For the club to continue its success and

U14’s

grow we need more people to help with the administration, coaching and the

They have won their league this season

managing of teams so we can achieve

and will now be promoted to Division

our long term plan of obtaining Charter

One in the Maidstone Express Cabs. With

Standard. The infrastructure is in place

a good strong physical side they have

but we need more help to take this

dominated this division and it will be a

50

good test for them next season.

at the beginning of the year and has a great first season with the team winning

U13’s

22 games and losing only 4 games out of 36 games. The boys really enjoyed their

They had a successful season and with

first season in the football league and

6 games still to play and they have a

showed how well they can now pass the

chance of finishing 3rd in the league .

ball. The team will move up to nine a side

The team reached the League Cup Semi

next season as they move to a bigger pitch

Final where they were beat in extra time

and bigger goals.

by Barming Blues who are 2nd in the League. These boys have really come on

Youth Development

this year and looking forward to finishing the season strong and being more

With regards to the Youth Development

successful next season .

the club has seen this grown and we now have a good solid squad of over

U11’s

30 kids who train on Sunday morning.

They practise skills and do drills and

After being relegated last year in the

always finish with a match and then the

Maidstone Invicta Primary League it’s

important penalty shootout. (they are

been a tricky season as a few players left

never going to lose a game on a penalty

halfway through this season leaving the

shootout !)

team with only ten players. As the new players started to perform this very

This September the club wants to enter

small squad managed to go on and win

an U9’s and U10’s team so the kids can

their league without losing a game plus

play competitive league football. Philip

they are in the semi-finals of the cup.

Jarvis has run the Youth Development

We are now looking for new players for

Squad for the last 12 months and is

next season as they join the Maidstone

looking for help to take these teams

Express Cabs League playing on Sunday

forward. If you are interested in helping

mornings.

please contact him on 07714 088502 or refer to www.lenhamwanderersfc.co.uk

U10’s Manager Richard Percy took on this team

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

Lenham is for Transport (LIFT)

Craig: 07739124749 Ben: 07730450602

Volunteers Needed LIFT is a service taking less able villagers to the GP surgery & Hospitals for their appointments.

Currently we are very busy and need more volunteer drivers.

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.

Please contact Bob on 07542 625277 for more details

53

Church Services Sunday 1st May

Sunday 15th May

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

Wednesday 18th May

Wednesday 4th May

10.30am Holy Communion:

9.30 am Lenham: Holy Communion

Chippendayle Lodge

Saturday 7th May

Sunday 22nd May

8.30am Dog & Bear, Lenham: Ladies

8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

Breakfast

(Prayer Book) 9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

Sunday 8th May

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

Saturday 28th May

11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship

8.00am Dog & Bear, Lenham: Men’s

3.00pm Harrietsham: Rose Service

breakfast

6.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Evensong

5.00pm Harrietsham: Prayer and Praise

Saturday 14th May

Sunday 29th May

4.00pm Lenham Church: Messy Church

10.00am Ulcombe: Joint Len Valley Churches Celebration Service

54

Volunteers for Lenham

picks around the Square, Maidstone Road

By Lenham Parish Council

volunteer group.

T

car park and the William Pitt field and the four roads into the Square. Other areas could perhaps be litter picked by the

he Parish Council has been

This is simply a suggestion of useful

approached by several

tasks; you may have ideas as to how we

residents who are keen to

can improve the parish amenities and

undertake a general tidy up and spring

areas which you feel would benefit from

clean of the village.

some attention. Working together we can identify the best way to improve the

Because of the financial cut backs, the

general environment of the area.

parish receives fewer regular services from both Kent County Council (KCC)

We are always pleased to hear from the

and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC).

parishioners, and welcome your input.

For instance, road side signs used to

If you are interested in joining the

be cleaned regularly by the KCC. This

volunteer group and could spare an hour

service is no longer provided, so it would

or so at your convenience to join with

be useful if a team of volunteers could

like-minded people to help improve your

undertake cleaning the street name

surroundings, please con-tact the Clerk.

signs and low height road signs. Cutting

We look forward to hearing from you.

back vegetation which obscures the signs would also be useful. Removal of

Margo McFarlane Parish Clerk

unofficial signs which are often posted

01622 859682 (9am – 1pm Monday to

on lamp posts and railings could be

Friday)

undertaken at the same time.

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

Litter is the perennial problem, whilst MBC do a limited litter pick in and around the village centre, the outlying areas and hamlets are often neglected.

The Parish Council fund regular litter

55

56

57

New Church to open it’s door!

By Lenham Parish Council

P

athways Church will launch its inaugural service on Sunday 1 May at 10am meeting at Lenham

Community Centre. Some say the Church has lost its relevance and no longer has a place in today’s world. Apparently not according to Aaqil Ahmed head of Religion & Ethics at the BBC. In a post originally written for the Independent he explains the thinking behind a recent

institutional baggage that may prevent

programme on BBC One, The Battle for

them from adapting to the needs of a

Christianity. The programme examined

changing world. The Len Valley and the

the reasons behind a rise in popularity in

surrounding area will no doubt continue

Christianity which shows how confident,

to welcome newcomers in the fu-ture and

assertive faith is experiencing an upsurge.

Pathways Church, together with existing churches in the community, would love to

Why a new church?

serve them.

New churches often best reach the new

Why the name Pathways Church?

generation, new residents and new people groups. Across all denominations

We are all on a pathway of some kind, and

there is a growth in Christians from

sometimes not sure where it will lead us.

diverse backgrounds partly due to

Path-ways Church will endeavour to help

migration from other countries and also

you find a pathway to a new or renewed

exciting growth of home grown churches,

faith, helping you live a purpose filled life

according to Mr Ahmed. New churches

and reach your full potential and destiny.

also often don’t carry traditional and

Psalms 16:11 You make known to me the

58

path of life: you fill me with joy in your

Where will Pathways Church be meeting on Sunday mornings?

presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Pathways Church will be meeting at the “You can choose a direction that will take

Lenham Community Centre on the 1st

you into something that isn’t going to

and 3rd Sunday morning of each month.

take you where you want to go, or you can

What are Pathways Church’s beliefs and guiding principles?

choose another direction which is down the right path-way.” - Kerry Stokes

The Bible is the highest authority for

What part of the Valley will Pathways Church serve?

Pathways Church. We are a family church which has a passion to keep Jesus at the centre as we serve the community in

Pathways Church will be a regional

practical ways. We love children, fun is

church serving the greater Len Valley

fundamental, we love to build people up,

and the surround-ing area. We welcome

and do things with excellence.

people from the entire valley to our church services and through the week we

Interested? Drop in and say hello! We’d

will be holding small group meetings in multiple locations across the area.

59

Applause Rural Touring

Stones in his Pockets.

In this hilarious play a quiet Irish village community is turned upside

By David Abson (01622 858561)

A

down with the arrival of a Hollywood

pplause is an organisation,

film crew looking for the “real” Ireland

sponsored by the Arts

for their latest schmaltzy blockbuster.

Council of England that

A pair of extras, Charlie and Jake,

brings high quality professional shows

watch with amazement, envy and

to rural venues at very advantageous

delight as cultures clash, divas strop,

prices.

and everyone fights over the last portion of lemon meringue pie.

This means that you can go and have

This play has made a deep connection

a great evening at a local spot, your

with audiences in over 30 countries.

Community Centre, with no big travel

Don’t miss it. Tickets are on sales now

expenses and bring your own drinks

at the Community Centre and at Len

and nibbles to complete your pleasure

Valley News, priced at only £10 each.

without bumping up the cost.

Your next opportunity to avail yourselves of such a bargain is on Saturday 21st May at 7:45pm when Applause are bringing us

A Thank You from the family of Bertha Rose

Kent Air Ambulance after the death of our Mum Bertha Rose on 21st February.

It was lovely to see famil-iar faces from both Harrietsham and Lenham at her funeral and at the gathering after-wards.

With kindest regards from Paula, Jenny,

We would like to thank everyone who

Lita and Derek.

sent sympathy cards and donations to

60

61

Prize Crossword

Across clues

Down clues

1. Military sounding conductor. (8) 5. Reactor, lacking oxygen, exploded in a hole. (6) 8. A month can. (3) 9. Work out the next chess tactic. Hurry up! (3,1,4,2) 10. Phone lady, or maybe she isn’t! (4,4) 11. Shoot passed and drop empty boy. (4,2) 12. Puts down half a bank. (4) 14. This bird would not be held by a cobweb. (10) 17. Flower seller. (10) 20. This sort of smash could be grand. (4) 23. Dislike gift that lacks quiet. (6) 24. Something in the decorator’s armoury?. (5,3) 25. Continuing to finish old city in parts of Galloway.

(10) 26. They French?! (3) 27. Frenchman finished and put together. (6) 28. Surrogate feeder to care for after effect of rain.

(3,5)

1. Having half a large intestine is a sign to take a breath. (9) 2. The Queen’s payment for work done. (7) 3. Have a conversation and get into gear. (6) 4. Almost complete character of friend, of course. (9) 5. Air coat while changing in this country? (7) 6. Postponements cease by an explosion. (9) 7. Give greater dignity to three French words with the middle one put back. (7) 13. Delayed as held up. (9) 15. Drink for false agony to the ear. (9) 16. Remember car in crumbly scree. (9) 18. Window cleaners instrument. (7) 19. In bed is what happened to injured cricketer. (7) 21. More spindly horse in French article. That is right.

(7) 22. Is it possible over there you find something ‘Grand’? (6)

62

Last month’s winner!

Previous winner: Audrey Holmes of Bearsted.

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 5 (May 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

64