Lenham Focus | November ’16

November 2016

Lenham Lights Switch on this month!

Can you design the Parish Council Logo?

Farewell to Dick and Helen

Page 38

Page 50

Page 58

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NOVEMBER

Editorial Putting together this month’s Focus I

This is always a good event and this

realise how close Christmas is. There

year will be no exception with Kyla

are lots of events planned in and

Wright, the Rochester Singers and

around the village in the lead up and I

the Holigans performing on stage.

hope you can support some of them.

Then you will have Constance Lamb turning on the lights.

There are a few shows with Lenham Players performing on two nights on

In the magazine this month we have

the 18th and 19th in the Community

a couple of poems and we always

Centre. These are always good shows

encourage our readers to submit

and tickets sell out fast so make sure

their own articles. This includes

you get in early.

poems, short stories or interesting tales.

We also have the big Light Switch on in the Square on the 27th from 1pm.

By James Collett

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

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Dates for your Diary 13 November

27 November

Service of Remembrance

Christmas Light Switch On

The Annual service of Remembrance at

Come to the Square to enjoy the

St Marys Church at 10:15am

festivities from 1pm.

16 November

3 December

Lifeboat Coffee Morning

Winter Concert

Support the RNLI and pick up your

Enjoy a winter concert with Christmas

Christmas Cards from 10am.

theme, Headcorn Village hall 7pm

18 & 19 November

11 December

Lenham Players Autumn Production

Christmas Fancy Dress Fun Run

Come and enjoy a full evenings

Come and take part or simply support

entertainment in the Community Centre.

this event in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice.

8

Council Corner

W

Perhaps people may be interested in taking their views forward about local provision and how it may be improved.

Please may we also remind cyclists

e were pleased to attend

about the importance of helmets,

the recent cycle fest

lights, and hi vis clothing, particularly

outside the town hall. It

as the nights draw in.

was heartening how many people are

We are running a petition to

cyclists, or have an interest. The event

implement a 20 mph speed limit on

was also promoting the use of public

the four roads leading to the square,

transport and walking.

this is being done in conjunction with

Attendees were able to make

another petition within the borough.

smoothies by pedal power, challenge

The local plan hearing is underway

themselves at speed on a static bike

and Lenham will be discussed

and take a look at fat and muscle.

on November 8th at 10 am in the

Details of the approved grant for 2

town hall. It is important that we

million pounds for the scheme to

have a show of strength from the

improve the River Medway towpath

residents of Lenham to support the

between Barming Bridge and

Neighbourhood Plan in opposition

Aylesford Bridge was also on display.

to the Broad Location area. We want

The overall purpose of the investment

to acknowledge the consistent and

is to encourage cycling and walking

sustained work being done by the

by providing attractive, direct routes

Neighbourhood plan group on behalf

for cyclists and pedestrians to access

of this community.

employment, education and other

We are working with Lenham Parish

facilities in Maidstone Town Centre

council on some of the highway and

and along the River Medway corridor.

parking issues, raised by residents.

The cycle forum is up and running

Please don’t hesitate to contact us

(riding!!) residents who are interested

with concerns on 01622 859412 or

in getting involved can contact Paul

tomsamscllr7@gmail.com

on PaulHarper@maidstone.gov.uk or James on JamesWillis@maidstone. gov.uk

9

Forthcoming Events

05 Nov 26 Nov

Bonfire Party 6pm start Neil Diamond Tribute

11 Dec

Children’s Xmas Party 11.30am – 2pm

Ticket only. Members £6 Guests £8

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Private Hire. very Tuesday Sunday Night Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night

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

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Clubs & Societies

859084 price £7 We look forward to seeing you all on November 17th.

Lenham Gardening Society Keith Chair LGS

Our September speaker, Don Wilks, gave a very interesting talk on Garden Wildlife

Lenham Heritage

with some amazing pictures of insects, birds and animals all taken in his garden over many years. The talk and pictures

So the housing west of Ham lane has now

were enjoyed by all our members.

been approved.

Reminder that the November 17th meeting is given over to our AGM,

People ask me “Is there is any

followed by a Cheese & Wine party. This

archaeology under those fields?” …. the

is a members only event so please come

answer is a tentative “yes” but precisely

along and find out about what your club

what, is hard to say. There is a bank

has been up to over the year and its plans

running parallel to the A20 …. but what

for 2017. As its the AGM we need to elect

is it? Who knows until it is dug through.

officers and committee members as well.

We did do a metal survey and a piece of

There will be some suggested outings for

Bronze Age bronze was retrieved, what it

next year for you to vote on; you can add

is no one is sure. Gerald Neaves retrieved

other ideas if you wish.

a piece of moulded lead …. what that is no one seems sure either:lead ‘dish’

The competition will be either 2 Leeks and/or a Xmas Cracker.

The AGM will be followed by our annual Cheese and Wine evening which, going on past years, is always well supported and enjoyed by all.

Further over nearer Dickley Wood there is a mound showing (now ploughed out)

Tickets are still available from Pat on

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but I think that is not in a field that is going to have houses.

In this month’s British Archaeology magazine it tells of a group of people going around Britain taking core samples from mounds to establish exactly what they are. Many castles “mottes” are proving to be other than medieval.

Members walking Egerton Tumulus 2012

Some are Neolithic and some are Iron

Our talk on Sept. 28th was about Bigbury

Age. The two in Kent that would benefit

Hill fort near Chartham, and we had

from dating are Thurnham motte

a much better turn out, many people

and Binbury (Detling) both listed as

were interested. Unless we increase

“medieval” castles. Yes, their flint castles

membership we may have to fold …so

are medieval but doubts could be raised

please come along to meetings. Always

about their ‘mottes’.

the last Wed in the month.

October 26th is a talk about “Aviation in

We have one strange mound closer to

the Medway area” by Jim Preston

home at Egerton. It is listed as a tumulus

Nov 30th a talk on Kent (most likely finds

but there is no absolute proof that it is.

at Dover) by Keith Parfitt.

LAS walked over it one evening, with the

Lesley Feakes 8502745

owner’s permission (he lives in Lenham).

Being a listed monument no one can

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

dig it without Gov. permission. ….but it is an interesting mound approx 24 m in diameter.

This month is our Seasonal Tea. We meet on the 24th November in the Community

It is always difficult to show a mound on a

Centre. Time is 3pm for a 3:30 start. The

photograph, when people are walking up

cost will be £6. Tickets for Eve, phone

it the perspective shows better.

01622 858478.

Enid LaPlain

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at the Community Centre 2.00-4.00pm.

Lenham WI

Hope to see you all then.

As I write this, we are anticipating a talk entitled ‘Made in Maidstone’ from Peter

If you require a lift please phone Jenny

at our next meeting. In November we will

Lloyd on 01622859208

be learning about ‘Silver Jewellery’,and in December Marian Martin will be proving

Our thanks to all our helpers.

that ‘It’s Good to Laugh’. Some members

Jenny, Fred, Olive, Sue, Jacky, Kath,

will be visiting East Malling Research

Jackie, Ann, Martin and Nina

Station, It should be an interesting day

Len Valley Community Hub Club

and includes lunch!!

When you read this, it will be November, where has 2016 gone!

Hello one and all. We have been so lucky It never ceases to amaze me, that

with all this lovely weather hope you are

whenever cakes are required for an

making the most of it.

event, the W.I. is always the first port of call. Since our current W.I. membership

We are meeting on Thursday 3rd

is mainly composed of the ‘older

November 2.00-4.00pm in the Social

generation’, it would be wonderful if we

Club and we will be playing Oy.

could gain some younger members. Think of all the cake-making tips and expertise

Look forward to seeing you all. Our

we could pass on!!

thanks to all who help.

Gill Simes John, Martin, Fred, Jenny, Zoe and Nina

Young At Heart 60+ Hi everyone what a surprise having Bon Marche come in September but very welcome.

Our next meeting will be November 17th

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Missing Birds Response

I

launch itself directly into the air. It favours gaps under roof tiles and eaves in old houses, and returns to the same nest year after year. With the modern

n response to your item ‘Missing

tendency to seal up buildings during

Birds’ in the October Focus,

renovation, Swifts frequently return

it is indeed a sad fact that all

in the summer to find their nests

the bird species mentioned are in

destroyed or access blocked.

decline in the UK. It is thought that a variety of factors is contributing to

When investigating the decline in

these declines, and in many cases, the

migratory birds, such as Swifts and

reasons are not yet fully understood.

House Martins, it is also necessary to look at the effects of climate change,

The most likely causes of dwindling

habitat loss and human activity along

populations are lack of habitat and

their migration route. These birds

shortage of food. In a survey carried

face numerous hazards, not least of

out by the RSPB in suburban habitats,

which, is the crossing of the Sahara

it was found that House Sparrow

which is constantly expanding.

chicks were dying of starvation in

This is obviously a very complex issue,

the nest. The precise reason for

with many factors at play. Fortunately,

the disappearance of Starlings is

the British Trust for Ornithology is

not known, but, as they are heavily

carrying out extensive research by

dependent on earth worms and other

tracking and monitoring birds in an

soil invertebrates, it is very likely that

attempt to discover the reasons for

a shortage of this food source has

their disappearance. Let us hope

contributed to their decline.

that it will be possible to act on their findings to halt and reverse the trend,

In some cases, it is the loss and

and that we’ll be able to enjoy seeing

destruction of suitable nest sites which

these familiar birds in Lenham for

has caused the population of a species

many generations to come.

to plummet. As the Common Swift has very short legs and can barely walk, it

Jenny Fairhall

requires a nest site from which it can

16

An SOS to the People of Lenham

W

shops who keep a phone list of their older customers just so that they can watch out for them in case they need help.

Take a walk around the square, there are seasonal Seville oranges from the

ith big changes looming

greengrocers, a personalised choice of

for our village it is

flowers when trying to impress – or say

worrying what this will

sorry. How about that treat of a freshly

mean.

baked cake from the bakers, it’s so

One major concern is the survival of

nice to choose something deliciously

our little shops. This is not about the

different instead of the mass produced

rights and wrongs of big businesses

type you can buy anywhere. Each of

coming into the village, but the reality

our shops offer that little perk, well

that changes are happening. If we

worth any possible small extra cost

want to keep the village we love we

which is essential for their survival.

all need to help now and we can with

If every villager made one extra

the minimum of effort and cost to

purchase from one small shop each

ourselves.

week, with a population of over 2000

Perhaps we can’t make big changes

this would bring thousands of extra

individually, but small gestures can

sales.

create such a difference when we work

I’m not suggesting 5 year olds raid

together.

their piggy banks or pensioners spend

It occurred to me whilst browsing in

the last of their well-deserved savings,

a supermarket for a magazine that if

but a regular quiet gesture by those

I waited until I got home and stopped

of us who can, could make all the

the car at our newsagent it would cost

difference to those businesses who

me no more than a couple of minutes

over the years have made our Lenham.

of my time. Or I could buy the odd pint of milk in the village store. Perhaps

Janice Watson

a few pence more, but think of it as a donation to preserve a community’s

YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOU!

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17

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23

News from Lenham Primary School

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them!

Pre-London 2012, the school linked with Swadelands School and named our newly-formed school houses after the Olympians they had chosen for

e have been awarded

their house names: (Daley) Thompson,

a Gold School Games

(Sir Steve) Redgrave, (Sally) Gunnell

Mark, for the year

and (Dame Kelly) Holmes. Following

2015-2016! The School Games Mark

the successes and enthusiasm of the

is a Government led awards scheme

London 2012 games, the pupils’ voted

launched in 2012 to reward schools for

for Olympians they enjoyed watching

their commitment to the development

during the games, and so we became

of competition across their school

the four houses of: (Jessica) Ennis

and into the community. Schools in

(-Hill), (Victoria) Pendleton, (Mo)

England are able to assess themselves

Farah and (Andy) Murray. Four

across bronze, silver and gold levels.

years on and the pupils have voted

The assessments are then verified by

again! The pupils had their first house

our local School Games’ Organiser.

meeting in late September, where they had a team photo taken and voted on

Over half of the pupils in Key Stage

their choice for a new house name.

2 were involved in competitive sport

The ballot paper had twelve choices on

in the last academic year. There was

it and each contender’s winning ways

a wide range of sports available to

were shared with the pupils, so they

the pupils too, including: basketball,

knew who was who.

golf and hockey. Mrs Prescott was the

We are pleased to announce that the

key member of staff in making sure

chosen ones are... Ennis - will now

these opportunities were available

become ‘Whitlock’, after the gymnast

to our pupils and Mrs Cavanagh

Max Whitlock (first ever Team GB

at Swadelands School helped to

gymnast to win a gold medal...and then

support the school in accessing the

he won 2 on the same day!) Murray -

competitions by offering coaching for

will now become ‘Brownlees’, after the

some of the events - a big thank you to

triathlete brothers, Alistair and Jonny

24

(2 for the price of one - including 2

2016 and close on 16 January 2017.

golds, a silver & a bronze!) Farah -

You can apply for up to 3 schools,

will now become ‘Peacock’, after the

putting them in order of preference.

Paralympics 100m specialist and world

It’s in your best interests to list three

record holder, Jonnie Peacock (we

schools. Naming only one school does

are so pleased we’ve chosen our first

not guarantee your child a place at

Paralympian!), & Pendleton - will now

that school or give your child priority

be ‘Trott’, after Laura Trott (the first

for a place over another child, neither

Team GB woman to have won 4 gold

does naming a school more than once.

medals!) Of course ‘Trott’ may end up

For advice call 03000 41 21 21 or

being called ‘Kenny’ in a few weeks,

email primaryadmissions@kent.gov.

following Laura’s marriage to fellow

uk.

cyclist Jason Kenny ...but we will let

Please note that we have three open

you know! Let’s hope the children

sessions available to new parents

can be as determined as they are, in

considering sending their children

pursuit of their best! To celebrate

to Lenham Primary next September.

our new houses the children enjoyed

They are Thursday 3rd November

a special House lunch where they ate

2:00p.m-3:00p.m, Wednesday 30th

with their housemates in their team

November 11:00am-12noon and

colours.

Thursday 5th January 10:30-11:30

Applications for children due to

a.m. Please call the school office on

start primary and junior school in

01622 858260 to book your place.

September 2017 open on 7 November

If you enjoy reading books…

D

We choose a wide range of books – short, long, light, heavy, fiction, non-fiction – and everyone has their say. (Sometimes we even get round to

o come along and join the

chatting about the books!)

Lenham Reading Group

Amy Myers

at 4.45 pm to 5.45 pm on

the first Thursday of every month.

25

Yet again Lenham Villagers have done us proud by supporting us with our Charities

A

Presentation Evening for

from the raffle and the game “Open

the Fun Bike Ride held on

the Box” which went down a storm.

Saturday 1st October was

This money was divided between both

very successful.

Hospices. Well done everyone as the final total raised was £3,340.50.

A cheque for £1,420.25 was presented to Lady Monkton on behalf of

Thank you to everyone who supported

the Heart of Kent Hospice. A

the bike ride, including the riders,

further cheque for £1,420.25 was

stewards, sponsors, raffle donations

also presented to Karen Kenward

from local shops and pubs, also Maz

Fundraising Manager from the

from the Chequers Fish Bar who

Pilgrims Hospice.

supplied the food for the BBQ. Not forgetting all those who helped on the

Another £500 was raised on the night

day.

26

A special thank you to Mick Foreman,

Snowdon last year, it took them three

Bob Davies and Jackie Andrews

hours to climb with a pit stop and two

who raised a considerable amount of

and a half to come down. If anyone

money through sponsorship.

is thinking of climbing Snowdon the views going up are spectacular, well

Note for your Diary – Fun Bike Ride

worth it!

next year will be 25th June 2017 Thank you all for your continued At the Presentation Evening a cheque

support from the Fun Bike Ride

for ÂŁ870 was presented to Anne

Committee.

Gray a volunteer on behalf of Cancer Research UK from when Norman Ellams, Dave & Jan Flisher climbed

27

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

28

B&C SCAFFOLDING Craig: 07739124749 Ben: 07730450602

29

Visit Our Showroom 4 Ashmill Business Park, Ashford Road (A20), Lenham ME17 2GQ

Bi-folds Doors Roof Lanterns Composite Doors

Established 25 Years, Family Business.

01622 851400 | 07973 669590

KSEHomeImprovementsWT175.indd 1

30

09/08/2016 14:34

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 Cubs 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 Lenham Primary School 6:30-8:00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5:45-7:15pm 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 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

Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating KSE Home Improvements 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 Kristina Smith A W Court Gowers Garage

32

851542 858612 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 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 07882 170231 850840 858210

Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Locksmiths Logs Nail Technician Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Schools Solar Panel Installation Solicitors Takeaway Taxi TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning

Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall A Short Seasoned Logs Beauty Nails 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 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

858255 850001 851150 853800 01233 713317 07738658751 07733328715 07460 393777 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858531 767777 01233 712289 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 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 Russell Young 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 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 07594 206818 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 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)

Advertise to 2000 people from £13pm.

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk

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We come to you. Low cost efficient service. Fully insured. All work underwritten by our legal dept. www.maidstonewills.com

email: services@maidstonewills.com

Tel: 01622 859814

Lenham Community Centre Card Craft Class Every Friday fortnight from 14th October.

The class is £10 which includes all materials etc., plus tea/coffee and biscuits, sometimes cake!

For more information call Irene on 07341 343518 or Pauline on 07766 768180 or just pop in for a chat Everyone welcome.

36

Informative presentations Success comes from working together.

Tuesday 6 December a combined event with South Maidstone Business Association at Chilston Park, Lenham.

‘Why I defend the ‘Guilty’’ Sunil Rupasinha is a barrister who has practised at the London Criminal Bar for 25 years. He has prosecuted and defended in the full range of criminal courts, from the humble Magistrates’ Courts through to the august Court of Criminal Appeal itself, and, in the full range of criminal cases, from shoplifting to murder. He has now set up a niche, road traffic defence practice in which he specialises in saving driving licences. In, ‘Why I defend the ‘Guilty’’, Sunil will explain the ethical and moral dimensions of practice at the criminal bar by reference to a series of ‘loophole’ cases in which he has appeared.

A few of our speakers from this year, all specialists in their field.

Are you keeping up to date in your business?

Try it - you’ll like it!

R.O.A.R. Right of admission reserved.

Keep up to date & to join www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841

37

s t h g i L a m t s Chri m a h n e L s

Sunday 27 November from 1pm with Father Christmas and his Elves at Philip Jarvis Estate Agent. Have a photo taken by iWill Photo.

On stage: The fantastic Kyla Wight, Rochester Singers and The Holigans. Switch on by Constance Lamb (from Only Fools and Horses).

All the usual fun including the ‘Best Dressed Shop Window’ competition (entry forms from Philip Jarvis Estate Agents) and a new competition to find the ‘Best Lit House in Lenham’ for the prize of £25 voucher from Bow Window Café - interested parties please collect entry forms from Philip Jarvis Estate Agents. Announcement of winners around 4pm.

All events subject to change without notice.

Design: Custom Marketing Resources www.cmr-group.co.uk

For further information: Alan Reading 01622 820841

38

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)

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© Andy Flood 41

Christian Message

A

The hymn was ‘Abide with Me.’ In older hymn books it can be found under the section for Evening services although it was not intended for the end of the day.

few months ago a group of

Rev Lyte’s inspiration was the account

football enthusiasts formed

in St Luke’s Gospel of something which

a choir named ‘Holigans.’

happened on the first Easter day.

Instead of singing on the terraces they performed in St Mary’s Church,

Two dejected disciples were walking

Lenham. There was a large audience for

to the village of Emmaus, 7 miles NW

a programme of football songs including

of Jerusalem. A stranger joined them

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (Liverpool FC)

and they told him about the events in

and ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ (West

Jerusalem and their disappointments

Ham United).

and dashed hopes. The stranger explained that the prophets had foretold

Some in the audience expressed

the suffering of the Messiah. The

disappointment at the omission of ‘Abide

conversation continued. When they

With Me’ which has for many years been

reached Emmaus one of them said to the

sung at the FA Cup Final.

stranger, Abide with us: for it is towards evening and the day is far spent. Luke

This well-known hymn was written by

24:29 (KJV).

Henry Francis Lyte in 1847 when he

The stranger accepted their invitation

was dying. Henry had been Vicar of the

and when he broke the bread they

Devon village of Brixham for 24 years.

realised that he was Jesus.

September 4 1847 was his final Sunday in the village. Though far from well he was

This is a powerful hymn which, thanks

determined to preach and celebrate Holy

to the annual Cup Final, has seeped into

Communion at the morning service. In

the consciousness of the nation. It is

the afternoon he rested and later handed

particularly suitable for funerals and the

his sister-in-law the final draft of a hymn

words give courage to those whose loved

he had been working on for some weeks.

one has died.

Less than 3 months later he died.

Joan Drury

42

November 27

St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning

Advent Sunday – No flowers for December

Flowers for November December 17 November 12

Flowers for Christmas

Remembrance Sunday – British Legion Sue Greenwood November 19 Mrs Greenwood

43

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Step back in time…

Y

made cakes or a cream tea served with the most delicious Dorset clotted cream.’ Pippa’s also offers cream tea vouchers, so why not, she suggests,

ou step back in time as you

‘treat that special friend or family

enter Pippa’s Tearooms in

member’? As the festive season draws

the Corner House, which is a

near, Pippa’s will be offering its usual

fifteenth-century listed building.

traditional mince pies, served with a

Every day brings a varied array

choice of custard, brandy butter or

of people to Pippa’s, from loyal

irresistible fresh cream. Can’t wait,

customers to tourists, walkers and

June!

cyclists from far and wide. Pippa’s wide menu ranges from delicious

Established in 2004 Pippa’s is more

soups of the day to freshly cooked

than just a tearoom. It’s a community

hot meals and traditional desserts.

hub and an ideal place to meet up with

‘There’s also plenty to choose from,’

friends. Whether you’re a newcomer to

Pippa’s June Ross tells me, ‘if you

the area, visiting someone or a long-

prefer light bites’; these include jacket

standing resident of Lenham, June

potatoes, baguettes and sandwiches,

assures you that ‘you’ll receive a very

not to mention ‘scrumptious home-

warm welcome when you pop in and

46

meet our caring friendly staff.’

the upper floor of the old building.

The Corner House, she tells me, is a

Then relax in Pippa’s, browse at its

community in itself, so take a stroll

collection of paintings and pictures by

through it when you step back in

local artists, place your order, gaze out

time. Have a look at Immy Blingy’s

into the Square and peacefully watch

wonderful selection of gifts, a quick

the world go by.

stop at barber Sweeney Todd, call in at the excellent charity shop for the

Text by Jim Myers

Heart of Kent Hospice and take a tour upstairs to see the antiques on

Lenham Players Autumn Production

O

each showing tremendous insight into the human condition and each highly recommended.

“There’s a Bit of Sky Missing ” is a very funny sideways look at modern

n 18th and 19th November,

relationships and is the work of a very

in Lenham Community

talented local writer, Glenn Bryan,

Centre, the Lenham Players

who has delighted audiences in this

will be presenting a full evening ’s

part of Kent many, many times in

entertainment consisting of two

recent years.

of Alan Bennet’s highly acclaimed “Talking Heads” and a hilarious one-

Tickets are available at Len Valley

act comedy.

News and Lenham Community Centre

The “Talking Heads” episodes to be

(midweek mornings) at £9 and is a

presented are:“Lady of Letters”

bargain night out as you can bring along your own interval refreshments

and

and parking is free!

“Waiting for the Telegram”

David Abson

47

48

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49

Lenham Parish Council

it was agreed to fell the large diseased

CO-OPTION INVITATION

the installation of rabbit-proof fencing at

At the October meeting we were pleased

the boundary.

beech tree in the south-east corner.

The removal is part of the continuing improvement project, which will include

to welcome two new members to the Council; Cllr. Marino Michaelas and

MAIDSTONE ROAD CAR PARK

Cllr. Justin Essex-Smith. There are now

Improvements to the car park are

two vacancies for the south ward and we

continuing. The fencing has been

would welcome parishioners who might

replaced and new signage has been

be interested in joining the Council, and

ordered.

who live in the hamlets of Sandway, Platts

A large litter bin has been installed on

Heath or Lenham Heath, to consider

the site. It has, however, been noted

co-option.

that it has been used for household

Full details are available from the Clerk.

rubbish. The bin is meant only for public use and not as an overflow facility for

HAM LANE ALLOTMENTS

householders.

There will be a site meeting to measure

Following instances of youths gathering

the allotment area with the Land Agent

and playing football in the car park late at

acting for St John Ambulance. The

night, the flood lights have now been put

allotment area will be made available for

on a timer and will be switched off from

purchase, and subject to heads of terms

11pm.

it is hoped that the Parish Council will be

Please note that the car park is an

in a position to purchase this part of the

overflow site meant solely to relieve the

site as a community asset. This does not

burden on the Square parking facilities,

include the whole site, as it is proposed

and not as a long term car park for local

that the area which housed the St John

residents. To help relieve the congestion

Ambulance hall will be developed by the

the Council is looking at additional sites.

charity which is the landowner.

COMMUNITY CENTRE CEMETERY

The completion of the transfer of the

After a site visit with the MBC tree officer

building and land to the Community

50

Centre, which now has the status of a

covering subjects such as housing needs,

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

environmental constraints, legal and

No. 1166995 (CIO) includes the car park

procedural matters, and housing supply.

area.

Please show your support for the Lenham

The car park facilities can still be used for

Neighbourhood Plan by attending the

patients visiting the Len Valley Medical

examination.

Practice.

The sole responsibility for the site is

CCTV PROJECT

undertaken by the Community Centre

The Lenham Wanderers Football Club

Trustees who are the governing body.

has been kind enough to allow the Parish

Members of the Lenham Parish Council

Council to install new CCTV equipment

look forward to working in co-operation

in the club house. The installation will

with the Trustees for the benefit of

enable the entire site to be covered by

the parishioners. As a village we are

cameras, and footage will be used as

extremely fortunate to have such a well-

evidence in prosecutions of vandalism or

run and well used asset, which will serve

anti-social behaviour. We would like to

the people of Lenham and surrounding

thank the LWFC managers for working

hamlets for many years to come.

with us to install the first of four sites which will be placed in the village to deter criminal activities. All sites will have fully

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

comprehensive maintenance and service

LOCAL PLAN

contracts to ensure the equipment is

If you are interested in the proposed

working at optimal level. Our thanks go

broad location sites for the Local

to Cllr. Paul Culver who has worked on

Plan, please attend the Town Hall at

the project thus far, and is now starting

10am on 8th November to hear the

phase two.

details of the Lenham Parish sites. The Neighbourhood Plan Team have devoted

HAM LANE PLAY PARK

hundreds of hours on the preparation

The new play equipment has been

of statements to present at the MBC

installed and has been well received by

Local Plan Examination, and intend to

local children.

speak on several issues relating to the

The money used to purchase the steel

parish. Statements are being prepared

cableway, swingalong, teacup twister,

51

and pendulum swing with basket seat,

FINANCE

was raised by S106 payments from earlier

PKF Littlejohn LLP are the External

housing developments at Westwood

auditors for Lenham Parish Council. The

Close and Wealden Square. Both the

2015/2016 Certificate and Report has

Ham Lane and Cherry Estate parks were

been issued and states that, ‘On the basis

refurbished to required safety standards

of our review of the annual return, in our

using parish funds. Our thanks go to

opinion the information in the annual

Cllr. Alastair Walmsley who oversaw the

return is in accordance with proper

entire project.

practices and no matters have come to our attention giving cause for concern

TOURISM

that relevant legislation and regulatory

Cllr. John Nye has been visiting local

requirements have not been met.’

businesses to discuss the proposal of

The details of the audit are on the

a web-site, organised by the Parish

Lenham Parish Council web-site and

Council to promote Lenham as a tourist

paper copies are available from the Clerk.

destination. The information from interested parties will be collated and

PLANTERS

launched as a stand-alone site, separate

The Parish Council wish to thank all the

from the Lenham Parish Council site.

members of the Lenham Enhancement

More details will follow.

Association (now disbanded) for all their hard work and commitment over the

PARKING

past eighteen years. This has enabled

Cllr. Scrivens, in his role as highways

the village to have wonderful displays of

representative, is working with Borough

beautiful flowers and bulbs, in planters

Cllrs. J & T Sams and with Golding

placed throughout the parish.

Homes representatives, to discuss

The Parish Council is now taking

parking issues at Foord Road and Douglas

responsibility for the insurance cover

Road.

required to allow volunteers to carry on

The car park at Foord Road is in need of

attending to their nominated planters.

renovation and maintenance. This is the

There are five boxes vacant, two near the

responsibility of Golding Homes and a

pond area, two along Faversham Road

site meeting will determine future works.

and one at the railway bridge. If you are interested in adopting a planter, please

52

let the Clerk know.

We would like suggestions from any age group and all ideas will be considered.

LOGO Can you help design a logo for Lenham

Margo McFarlane 01622 859682 (Mon –

Parish Council? The chosen design

Friday 9am to 1pm) hello@lenhamparish.

would be used on the web-site, as a letter

org.uk

heading, and on newsletters and posters.

Let it Snow! The Christmas Fancy Dress Fun Run

I

Buddy the Elf ? But a simple bit of tinsel in your hair or a pair of reindeer antlers on your head is ok too!

Enjoy: Snow storms around the course Christmas Karaoke at the start

n support of Heart of Kent

Candy Cane and medal at finish line

Hospice. Date: Sunday 11th

Prizes for best fancy dress – adult, boy,

December 2016 Registration

girl

from 8.30 am – Event starts at 10.00

Photos with Christmas characters

am

Hot food and drinks on sale

Venue: Mote Park, Maidstone ME15

throughout

7SU Get set for Christmas and register Ho Ho Ho! Have some festive fun with

now!

your family and friends and get into

Standard Entry (after 30th October)

the Christmas spirit at Let It Snow -

Adults £20 / Children (under 16) £10

the Christmas Fancy Dress Fun Run.

/ Family (2 adults, 2 children) £50 / Team of 8 adults £140

Prizes on the day for the best Christmas fancy dress so why not go

For further information please visit

all out and run as Santa, Elsa, Olaf or

www.hokh.org

53

Church Services Everyone is always welcome to any of our

Sunday 20th November

services or events.

9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship

Wednesday 2nd November

9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy

9.30 am Lenham: Holy Communion

Communion 11.00am Ulcombe: Morning Worship

Sunday 6th November

11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service 9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy

Saturday 26th November

Communion (Prayer Book)

8.00am Heart of Flavour, Maidstone:

11.00 am Ulcombe: Family Worship

Men’s breakfast

11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion

Speaker: Brian Walpole (ex-Concorde

3.30 pm Harrietsham: GIFT family

pilot)

worship

(Please note change of venue for this month)

Sunday 13th November 8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

Sunday 27th November

(Prayer Book)

8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

10.15am Harrietsham: Remembrance

(Prayer Book)

Service

9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

10.15am Ulcombe: Remembrance Service

9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family

10.15am Lenham: Remembrance Service

Worship

10.15am Boughton Malherbe:

11.00am Ulcombe: Holy Communion

Remembrance Service

11.00am Lenham: Family Worship

Wednesday 16th November 10.30am Holy Communion: Chippendayle Lodge

54

55

A Winter Concert with a Christmas Theme

O

event, organised by the Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent is intended to get everyone properly into the Christmas spirit, but has a very practical purpose also; the Rotary club is hoping to raise funds to provide Headcorn and potentially another local village with a

n 3 December following

defibrillator.

the Victorian shopping

Tickets are £10 to include a glass

event in Headcorn, the

of wine and are available from

renowned Ashford Invicta Singers

Devine Wine, Sweet William and the

will perform “A Winter Concert with

Headcorn Deli – No 17.

a Christmas Theme” at Headcorn

For further information call 01622

Village Hall starting at 7.00pm. The

890234

Farewell Service

based on Joshua chapter 1 verses 1-9,

t Mary’s Church Lenham was

congregation to be strong in faith and

filled to capacity on Sunday

to read the Bible regularly.

S

ended with an encouragement to the

25th September for the final

service of the Benefice Vicar, Rev

Afterwards there was a wonderful

Dr Dick Venn and his wife, Helen.

lunch in the community centre

People from all 4 villages attended

followed by speeches, songs, poems

a wonderful celebration with

and the presentation of gifts to Dick

enthusiastic singing accompanied

and Helen.

by trumpets, bass, guitar, keyboard, and organ. Children gathered at the

Thanks. Dick and Helen send their

front to join in some of their favourite

love and thanks to everyone for the

songs. Singers from all church choirs

wonderful send off and the many gifts.

combined to make a ‘joyful noise’

They will remember their time in the

and closed the worship by singing a

Len Valley with affection.

hymn composed by Dick. His sermon,

56

Royal National Lifeboat Institution

between 10 and 12 noon.

There will be Lifeboat Christmas cards, calendars, diaries and gifts as well as a raffle.

(Maidstone Villages Branch)

You are all welcome.

There will be a Lifeboat Coffee

Sue Greenwood

Morning at Barnside Cottage, 3 Church Square, Lenham on Wednesday, 16th November

Poem

By Thomas Hood

No sun - no moon!

No morn - no noon No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, No comfortable feel in any member No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! November!

57

Westward Ho!

Lenham Community Centre.

Dick and Helen Venn will be taking up well earned retirement in Malmesbury,

Farewell to the Reverend Dick and

Gloucestershire, and can reflect on the

Helen Venn

impressive contributions they have

S

made to Lenham since Dick became unday morning, 25 September,

vicar in October 2008.

saw the Reverend Dick Venn

During the service, the Reverend

taking his last service at St

Millie Hart pointed out some of the

Mary’s Church, Lenham, with his wife

innovations Dick and Helen have

and family at his side. The memorable

made during Dick’s watch including

service held in a packed church was

Messy Church and Messy Mums,

jointly supported by the four parishes

WiFi, bringing into play large screens

of the Len Valley benefice (including

and fixed projectors. Also there was

musical contributions): Boughton

the removal of the last row of pews

Malherbe, Harrietsham, Ulcombe and

to provide more room for social

Lenham. The service was followed by

gatherings and lastly, but far from

a beautifully organised lunch for Dick

least, the provision of loos.

and Helen and what seemed like half

They might be leaving for Malmesbury

the population of Len Valley, at the

but their contribution to the village

58

remains a lasting legacy. Thank you,

Text and photos by Jim Myers

Dick and Helen.

Socialise with the Focus Follow us on Twitter: @LenhamFocus Find us on Facebook facebook.com/LenhamFocus

59

A story of sauces!

By GB Lister

W

good fresh white breadcrumbs Salt & black pepper Freshly grated nutmeg 50g butter 45ml single cream

ith Christmas creeping up quickly, it’s a time to start thinking about

Method:

“that” lunch! Which meat will you be

Stud the onion with the cloves & put

serving, & what will you be serving it

them into a pan filled with the milk,

with? Have you ever thought about

bay leaves, peppercorns & parsley

why we serve some sauces and could

sprigs.

you make your own? Here is our brief

Slowly bring to the boil, then take

guide:

off the heat, cover and leave for 30 minutes.

Bread Sauce!

Strain and pour into a clean pan,

The idea of Bread sauce comes from

add the breadcrumbs & seasonings.

medieval England. In the Middle

Stir and simmer on a low heat for 5

Ages, bread sauce was a way to use up

minutes.

leftover bread & a great way to thicken

Remove from the heat and add the

stews & soups. Here is our bread

butter & cream. Stir & enjoy!

sauce recipe:

Lister’s Bread Sauce

Our top tips:

Prep: 10mins Cook: 40mins Serves

use stale bread for great results

8-10

use more bread crumbs if you prefer a

Ingredients:

thicker sauce.

6 cloves

add a twist by toasting the bread,

1 large onion, peeled & halved

adding a handful of toasted hazelnuts,

1.2 litres whole milk

add buttery shallot, or create a chunky

2 bay leaves

sauce using ciabatta & clotted cream

6 peppercorns 2 sprigs of parsley

If you have left overs, make a very

200-250g

fluffy cheese pie. Simply take your

60

leftover sauce and mix in a large

boil

handful of grated cheese, separate

2)

two eggs and beat the yolks into your

simmer until the cranberries are soft

sauce-and-cheese mix. Season to taste

3)

with salt, pepper and maybe a touch

put in a bowl to cool. The sauce will

of mustard. Beat the whites until stiff

thicken as it cools

and fold in. Turn the mixture into a

4)

baking dish and sprinkle a little more

fridge for a week & can be frozen.

grated cheese over the top. Cook in the

5)

Add the cranberries and Remove from the heat and

This sauce will keep in the Serve at room temperature

middle of the oven at a medium heat until golden, risen and a little wobbly

Give your sauce a twist, try pear &

in the middle.

honey. Go luxurious, add orange, apple, pear, mixed fruit, pecan,

Cranberry Sauce!

cinnamon & nutmeg. Or try spicy with

Cranberry sauce came over to the

cayenne pepper & lime juice!

UK from America with Roast Turkey.

Before you reach for the jar, consider

** Cranberry Sauce is not just to be

making your own this year. It’s as easy

served with Turkey, try serving warm

as 1 – fresh cranberries, 2 – caster

over goat’s cheese **

sugar, 3 – orange juice. It takes as little as 15 minutes to cook.

Visit our website, www.lenhambutchers.co.uk to find out about more

Lister’s Cranberry Sauce

delicious Christmas ideas & download our Christmas Pre-order forms. Visit

Prep: 2mins Cook: 10mins

Serves:

our Cookbook for more great recipes!

6-8 Ingredients: 100g Light brown sugar 100ml Orange juice 250g Cranberries Method: 1)

Place the sugar & the orange

juice in a large pan and bring to the

61

Prize Crossword

Across clues

Down clues

1. A Kentish BLT? (8) 5. Religious buildings on either side of an ancient city.

Then another appears! (6) 8. A short transmitter. (3) 9. Broadcast horror when hiding drug, and its carried overhead. (10) 10. This bird is nice when left inside and not hard. (8) 11. Is it a sort of hat on the foot? Of course not! (6) 12. Hop into this oven. (4) 14. Spot on, a p-priest, lazy on the outside. (10) 17. Leafy plants and trees are always on areas of the golf course. (10) 20. A big service. (4) 23. Egg shapes are large on the outside and empty inside. (6) 24. Cattle with silver and a type of mail on part of the ship. (8) 25. Licit goals might be strategic. (10) 26. Edward’s short! (3) 27. Soldier workers are huge. (6) 28. Spot what I dent if you are in. (8)

1. Silent flag waving is hardly a celebration. (9) 2. Uncle’s u-turns to get to the centre. (7) 3. We recognise a salmon so easily for starters but this is not one. (6) 4. Continuing the French factual account. (9) 5. Funny old Charlie’s city. (7) 6. Roman ointment. (9) 7. Feline sound that is socially unacceptable nowadays. (7) 13. Being unpleasant when starting the oven. (7,2) 15. Global body saw yet were not spotted. (9) 16. One of the times when jam was always there. (9) 18. A seasonal composer. (7) 19. Refuses siestas- is inside. (7) 21. Hat I can turn into plants! (7) 22. American composer was divided here. (6)

62

Last month’s winner!

Previous winner: Lesley Feakes, 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 11 (November 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

Lady Autumn

By Maria Hayman

She arrived exactly- on time although with such a long journey.

She is mature, majestic, beauty... and she is holding an autumnal rose.

At the premiere she dresses elegantly!

In her dress... there is scarlet interspersed with gold with colorful leaves! leaves that form the soft carpet under her feet.

The veil dress trailing, ethereal woven of gossamer and morning mists.

She put twigs of heather and red coral rowan on her hair.

She also put on the jewels impressive strings of beads strung with chestnuts, of acorns and nuts...

She is a wizard and her name is Autumn!

There are carriages full of abundance following behind her.

Piles of yellow pumpkins... varieties of apples, pears and plums, pods of beans and baskets of nuts!

Also the turnips, potatoes, carrots and proud discs of sunflowers!