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
4
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.
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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
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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
Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night 8pm Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month Whist Drive: every Friday 7.30pm Summer Beer Garden, Monthly Sea Angling Club Outside Bar, Marque, BBQ & Bouncy Castle for Hire
Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm. Private Hire. very Tuesday Sunday Night Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night
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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person
Monday 5.45 - 6.45 : Children’s Ballroom & Latin (8-16yrs) 7.30 - 8.15 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Beginners)
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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)
PLUS Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person 8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information
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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
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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!
way of life. - I don’t know of many
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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
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(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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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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01622 260515 | 07976 688437 edmecltd@edmedcoal.co.uk www.edmedcoal.co.uk
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Nov 24th
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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)
39
Tai Chi with the
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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
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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!