Lenham Focus | June '17

June 2017

Family Festival Live Band at the Social Club 9th

Family Festival Family Fun Day at Community Centre 10th

1

Family Festival The City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra 17th

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(min 1 hour)

JUNE

Editorial

I

t’s June so it must be time for the

This is always a great weekend and

Lenham Family Festival. This is a

everyone should be able to find

great weekend (plus) of events for

something across the two weekends they

all the family. On Friday 9th you have

can enjoy. The Family Fun Day is always

the live band at the Social Club. Saturday

enjoyable, even with the occasional down

10th there is the Family Fun Day at the

pour. We are grateful to all the people

community centre with lots to see and

that give up their time in the planning

do, this runs all day from 12 noon to

and on the day itself that make this the

9:30pm. Then on the Sunday you have

excellent event it is. If you can spare

the usual monthly market with the added

some time please get involved, if not then

bonus of live music. Then the following

please come along to an event.

weekend, Saturday 17th, there is the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra in the

Hope to see you all there.

Tithe barn.

By James Collett

4

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

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Dates for your Diary 8 June

17 June

Lenham Family Festival Len Valley

City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra

Community Hub Club

part of the Lenham Family Festival

With the Lenham School

The Tithe Barn from 7:00pm

9 June

24 June

Live band at the Lenham Social Club

Messy Church Sports day and BBQ Ulcombe Village hall 4 – 6pm

10 June Family fun day at the Community Centre Starting at 12 noon and running to 9:30pm with live music, stalls, games, craft.

11 June Live music in the Square The regular Market with live Music

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

SAVE THE DATE

10 June 2017

10 June 2017

Lenham Family Festival

Lenham Family Festival

donate an hour or more of your time

Lenham Community Centre and Car Park

to support a fun charity event

Fun for all the family

Phone Gail on 01622 850126

6

Bonfires

A

this out in weather forecasts, by viewing the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (DEFRA) air forecasts

t this time of year as Parish

website or by calling DEFRA’S Air

Clerk I receive several phone

Pollution Hotline on 0800 556677

calls reporting bonfires. The

Never leave the fire unattended or

question always asked is “Are you allowed

leave it to smoulder – put water on it, if

to have bonfires in residential areas?”

necessary.

The following information may prove useful.

If you are bothered by smoke you can approach your neighbour and explain the

Can I have a bonfire?

problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they

Anyone can have a bonfire at any time of

are causing and it will hopefully make

the day. All that matters is what you are

them more considerate in the future.

burning and that you are considerate to

If you find it difficult to approach your

your neighbours.

neighbour visit the Maidstone Mediation Services website for advice or call 01622

Here is a list of what you can or cannot

692843.

burn: If this fails email Only burn dry material: Never burn

enforcementoperations@maidstone.gov.

household rubbish, tyres or anything

uk or call 01622 602202 to tell us about

containing plastic, foam or paint. Never

the problems you‘re having. We will

use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light

investigate your complaint and we have

the fire or to encourage it.

the power to serve a notice to stop the

Avoid having a bonfire in unsuitable

issue.

weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening.

The above information is provided by

If it is windy, smoke may be blown into

Maidstone Borough Council.

neighbours’ gardens and across roads.

Margo McFarlane Parish Clerk

Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high. You will find

7

SPORTS day and BBQ at Ulcombe Village Hall on Saturday 24th June 4-6pm

8

Changes to Lenham Christmas Lights

F

or several years this event has

roundabout has been rebooked for

generally been perceived by

this year. All other stands have been

the local community as very

cancelled.

successful. I have had reports after each years event from a number of sources.

3. Entertainment from ‘outside’

Continual improvements to the day of

organisations such as the Rochester

the Lenham Christmas Lights switch on

Singers were no longer required.

has resulted in larger numbers in more recent years.

4. The event should run for longer.

Despite that, the following points were

5. There should be more involvement

made by a self appointed committee who

from Father Christmas going round the

are planning a very different type of event

streets and around the square on the day.

for this year.

Following the new committee’s feedback I was asked to action the following points:

and new approach Alan Reading has decided to step down.

1. Celebrity attendance to countdown for the actual switch on was not thought to be very good.

2. The ‘fairground’ stands were no longer wanted as they were not Christmas themed. The same rides and games were far too expensive at £1 and £2 per participant. Only the small children’s

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Clubs & Societies

member or not.

Lenham Gardening Society

annual Pimms & Strawberry evening

Details of the July outing to Knole Park will be announced at our next meeting.

A date for your diary, 20th July our great food, luscious strawberries and a

Over 60 members and visitors came

glass or three of Pimms, a simple quiz!

to our April meeting to listen to our

and lots more. As we run a Tombola

speaker Caroline Halfpenny sharing her

on the night we would appreciate any

experiences of working in Monet’s garden

presents, gifts, the odd bottle of wine etc.,

a few years back.

for the stall.

Please see separate article on the Lenham

Caroline spent a summer in the gardens

Garden Show

which she described as ‘a once in a

Happy gardening

lifetime experience’ which she would not

Keith

have missed for the world. Her talk was

Chair LGS

illustrated with some great photos some

Lenham Heritage

of which were of areas not normally open to the public. All the members enjoyed

We had to get a speaker at short notice as

the talk, particularly those who have

Paul Bennett of CAT had an invite to do

visited the gardens.

archaeology in Iraq. Now the situation

Our June speaker will be Kevin Tooher

is getting more normal in the north of

who will be talking about ‘Clematis All

Iraq and I think the Iraqis feel that more

Year’ which will be of Interest to those,

archaeology should be rescued in case the

like me, who have problems growing

‘IS’ ever come back. One hopes that they

them. Our competition will be ‘a bunch of

do not.

sweet peas and/or lemon meringue pie’.

The speaker who filled in was excellent.

So come along and support the LGS. Why

Mary Smith was the Headmistress of

not bring a friend?

Maidstone Grammar until a few years

A reminder that our next outing will be

ago and she discovered that the Art

on Tuesday 20th June to Knole Park,

Teacher during the war did a series of

tickets are available from Pat on 859084

paintings of the school and pupils. Mary

price according to whether you are a NT

13

has assembled them into a book with

the hill who I knew had a barn made

anecdotes from girls who were there at

of chalk blocks and checked with him

the time also. If you get a chance to hear

whether they came from that Great Hill

Mary speak please go and listen, you will

quarry too? No, as far as he knows they

find no doubt find it interesting.

were from dismantled buildings of the

Not a lot else to tell you. Oh, I had noticed

monks at Otterden. Interesting, one’s

for many years that the field on the hill,

mind then travels further back in time

Great hill it is called, that lies to the right

…..did the monks utilise building blocks

(east) of the Highborne Houses always

(chalk) that the Romans had quarried .

has soil marks. Looking on Google Earth

Oh now you are being stupid …..someone

one can see them, but clicking on the

butts in…. but it is not stupid. Romans

clock on the tool bar one can see back a

were renowned for using building stone

number of years. In 1940 there are still

at hand. Apart from flint, that very hard

marks that look like a quarry. On the 1841

chalk (the similar band that forms the

tithe map the area is outlined in the field

Needles) is very durable. It was definitely

so it had been there a long time. Then on

mined near Marley in ‘Cats Brains field’,

an 1896 OS map the quarry was actually

which describes the hard shiny pebbles

marked.

it forms. I believe I have told you that

Next I looked again at the 1841 record and

fact before in one of the previous Focus

realised that “Kiln Field” was not a tile or

articles years ago …. But it is just as well

pottery kiln as I had thought, but was a

to mention it again as there is so little

Lime kiln so it should be Lime Kiln field.

explanation on the net for ‘Cats Brain’

Lime was not used so much for liming

fields and the name is quite common.

the fields but was a lucrative business for

Now, with modern word scanning, these

providing lime mortar. Charing still has

words get picked up and logged for

a lime kiln in place on the hill …or it did.

snippets of information.

The house on the corner of the Square,

Lenham Church Yard there is still

Wickham Place, has had its pointing

controversy over the fact some of the

replaced with glaring white lime mortar.

St Mary’s graves are logged on the net

But slowly it is mellowing and now does

…..but we are still hoping to do ALL the

not look so ‘out of place’.

churchyard in considerably more detail . Wed evenings in June starting on June

I was talking to one of the farmers over

14th we will get going from 7- 7.30 or

14

so. I cannot be there on June 28th but

month except August, at 7-30 in Lenham

hopefully some LH members will be.

Community Centre

July 26th is a meeting inside the church

Gill Simes

with David Carder describing some of the

Young At Heart 60+

architectural details. Everyone welcome of course.

Lesley Feakes 8502745

Hi to you all hope you are keeping well.

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

2.00-4.00pm at the Community Centre.

Our next meeting is Thursday 15/06/17 We are having a quiz so sharpen up those ‘little grey cells’ and be ready for the

This month is our Strawberry Tea. It will

questions.

be held in the Community Centre on the

Remember please to phone Jenny or

22nd June at 3:00pm for a 3:30pm start.

myself if you are unable to come to the

Tickets are £6 and available from Eve on

meeting.

858 478.

To all our helpers a very big Thank You.

Enid LaPlain

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

Lenham WI

Len Valley Community Hub Club

Our April speaker, Stuart Robinson, gave an interesting talk on Charles Dickens’ London. It is worrying to discover how

Hello everyone, hope you all enjoyed

much you have forgotten about Dickens’

the meal at Dobbies and a few hours

works even though you have read them

wandering round. I know I did.

many times!! In May we held our A.G.M

Please note our next meeting is Thursday

and were pleased to welcome a new

08/06/17 2.00-4.00pm at the Social Club.

member onto the Committee.

It is one week later than usual to join

June’s speaker is from ‘Porchlight’

in with The Lenham Festival. We have

the charity for the homeless, and in

students coming from the Lenham School

July John Mills will be addressing the

to perform for us. They are always very

serious subject of Capital Punishment.

entertaining. A great afternoon. Hope to

New members are always welcome. We

see you all there.

meet on the second Thursday of every

Please remember to phone Jenny or me

15

to let us know if you are unable to come to

Ohio star quilt blocks.

the meeting.

If anyone would like a copy of the

Our thanks to all our helpers.

programme please contact Pamela

Fred, Martin, Zoe, Jenny and Nina

Gillard at 01233-879507. Remember to ask for your supplies list for any projects

Country Ways Quilters

you plan to work on. If anyone would like

April’s programme went well. There was a

to stop by and see what we are doing we

new flying geese technique for the girls to

are in the Osbourne Room in the Lenham

try and we made place mats with strips to

Community Centre. We start at 1:00pm

practice our machine quilting.

on June 6th, and 1:30pm on June 21st.

In June we are going to try our hands at

Pamela Gillard

paper piecing with a number of designs to choose from. We are also working on our

Council Corner

all support the Annual Family Festival,

W

Saturday June 10th at the Community

the Community event takes place on Centre from 12noon. There will be much

e would like to

entertainment and music inside and out

congratulate Shellina

as well as refreshments and stalls for

Prendergast on her

all the family. Other events will be well

election as our representative on Kent

publicised elsewhere in the magazine and

County Council. From initial discussions

around the village.

with her we believe that she will be a

Please continue to let us know your

strong asset to our community and give

concerns regarding Borough issues on

our area good representation on KCC.

tomsamscllr7@gmail.com or 01622

We are pleased after much time to get

859412

white lines in Ham Lane to separate the road particularly on the corner near

Tom & Janetta

William Pitt Field, and also pot holes in

tomsamscllr7@gmail.com

Ham Lane near Cherry estate. Finally

01622 859412

can we ask on a personal level that we

16

Lenham Family Festival

entertainment acts perform live •

Have your face painted

•

Buy a raffle ticket – we have 2 raffles this year. One will be specifically

It’s nearly here!!!

T

for the younger members of our community

he 2017 Lenham Family

•

Festival takes place from 8th to

Eat and drink your fill from our variety of food stalls and bars

11th June 2017 with a further

•

event taking place on 17th June 2017.

Play giant versions of your favourite games

See full event details below. All events

•

held will be in support of The Katie Piper

Shop for local produce and handicrafts from our many stalls

Foundation and Lenham Primary School.

•

Spend a while at our Nail Bar having your nails painted or enjoying a

Come to the Square at lunchtime on

relaxing hand or foot massage

Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th June to

•

relax and listen to our buskers.

See beautiful live owls up close and learn more about them

•

Lots more for children to do this year

Thursday 8th June

including bouncy castle and assault

•

course

Event at the Len Valley Community Hub Club with The Lenham School.

•

Affordable fun for all the family!

Sunday 11th June 2017 Friday 9th June •

•

Live band at Lenham Social Club

Visit our monthly market in Lenham Square for local produce and crafts and more live music.

Saturday 10th June – Family Fun Day!!!

Saturday 17 June 2017

•

•

•

•

This takes place from 12 noon to

The City of Rochester Symphony

9.30pm in and around Lenham

Orchestra will be performing at

Community Centre.

7pm in The Tithe Barn. There will

Listen to our local bands playing

be music and dance based on Lewis

live on the main stage and inside the

Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in

Community Centre

Wonderland” with the children of

Watch our local dancers and other

Lenham Primary School. Also other

17

works by Bee-thoven, Mozart, Haydn

to be involved in this way, please contact

and Faure. This is a ticketed event

Gail on 01622 850126. She is compiling a

and tickets are on sale at Lenham

list of names and contact details of willing

Village Store and Len Valley News.

helpers.

There is still time to volunteer to help out on the main day of the Festival with

We look forward to seeing you all there!

a variety of tasks, none of which are particularly onerous. If you would like

Lenham Garden Show

J

expert, all keen gardeners and those who just like to potter are welcome.

Fun is the key word with this show.

ust over two months to go

The timetable for the day is 10.00 am

before the fifth annual Lenham

set up time for exhibitors, judging will

Garden Show which will be

take place at 12 noon and the show

held on Saturday 12th August at the

will be open to the public at 2.00pm.

Lenham Community Centre, Groom

Presentation of cups will be at 4.00

Way.

pm approx.

The programme, with entry form, will

So why not support your show by

be available from the end of the month

either exhibiting or coming along in

at the Library, Village Store, Chequers

the afternoon to view? Why not enjoy

Fish Bar, Community Centre and other

a cup of tea and some homemade cakes

local locations.

which will be on sale while you are there.

The show is open to all residents of the Len Valley, you don’t have to be an

Lenham Garden Show Team

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Let out your Inner Thespian

F

be involved with the group we would love to hear from you. Contact us by email on david.penny@fleetrisk24.com or by calling 01622 850 127.

ollowing on from our

We will be holding auditions very

outstanding success putting

soon at Lenham, but we haven’t quite

on Cinderella in January

finalised the dates. Keep checking our

at Harrietsham village hall, we have

facebook page www.facebook.com/

great news this month. We have read

hamspanto or just search for HAMS.

through a number of scripts and

Alternatively send us an email to the

decided on Beauty and the Beast as

above and we will contact you when we

our January 2018 panto at Lenham

have the dates and times. Come and

community centre. We will be looking

see us at the Lenham festival on the

for a number of new people to fill the

10th of June to register your interest

main parts and play chorus roles 16+,

or to find out more.

no experience required. So, if you can act, dance or sing or if you just want to

David Penny - Chairperson

Kent Messenger

needed to draw attention to village

R

contact the Villages editor Debbie

events. If you are interested please

eaders of the Kent

Edwards: dedwards@thekmgroup.

Messenger may have noticed

co.uk

that there is no news from

Lenham on the villages pages of the

Joan Drury Boughton Malherbe and

Kent Messenger. A correspondent is

Grafty Green correspondent

19

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Family Breakfast Service

Upcoming Events

SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am

Hollingbourne Fete

St Mary’s Church, Lenham

Saturday 10th June

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Lenham Cricket Club

T

August 12th Staplehurst 2nd away 1.30pm August 19th Upchurch 3rd away 1pm August 26th Stonehouse home 1pm

he 2017 season has begun

Sept 2nd Lordswood 3rd away 1pm

and the ground is looking fantastic thanks in no

Sunday games are all friendlies and

small part to George Gray and Tony

Dan Russell has again put together a

Ambrose.

full season of matches.

Our Saturday team compete in The

May 7th East Sutton away 2pm

Kent Regional League 2C Central.

May 14th Great Chart away 2pm

This year’s fixtures are as follows:

May 21st Murston home 2pm May 28th - Tbc

April 29th Staplehurst 2nd home

June 4th Newington (Demelza Day)

1.30pm

away (time Tbc)

May 6th Rodmersham 2nd home

June 11th Northwood (TOUR) 2pm

1.30pm

June 18th Willesborough home 2pm

May 13th NO FIXTURE

June 25th Priory home 2pm

May 20th Faversham 2nd home

July 2nd Newington home 2pm

1.30pm

July 9th Pixies Fun day (time Tbc)

May 27th Bapchild 3rd away 1.30pm

July 16th Sissinghurst away 2pm

June 3rd Rumwood home 1.30pm

July 23rd East Sutton home 2pm

June 10th TOUR

July 30th PRESIDENTS DAY

June 17th Upchurch 3rd home 1.30pm

August 6th Murston away 2pm

June 24th Stonehouse away 1.30pm

August 13th Priory home 2pm

July 1st Lordswood 3rd home 1.30pm

August 20th Meopham home 2pm

July 9th Rodmersham 2nd away

August 27th Bredgar away 2pm

1.30pm

Sept 3rd Detling (Fixture Tbc)

July 15th NO FIXTURE

Sept 10th Wateringbury home 1pm

July 22nd Faversham 2nd away 1.30pm

Sept 17th Ide Hill home 1pm

July 29th Bapchild 3rd home 1.30pm

Sept 24th Smarden away 1pm

August 5th Rumwood away 1.30pm

Oct 1st Sissinghurst home 1pm

26

The first game of the season was

LCC has a thriving Colts section with

against Staplehurst 2nd. Despite

around 25 meeting each week. They

this the bowling and fielding were

age between 6-13 years old and a

exemplary. No dropped catches and

mix of boys and girls. The Under 9s

excellent ground fielding restricted

will play in the softball competitions

Staplehurst to 127 for 8. Tom Curtis

throughout the season with the

was the pick of the bowling taking 6

Under 11s playing hardball in the

for 27 off his 10 overs. Well supported

Weald of Kent league. Coaching is

by Dave Gardner, Jack Ambrose and

every Monday evening (apart from

Nick Collins with some economical

Bank Holidays) between 18.30-19.45

bowling. Unfortunately LCC were

hrs at a cost of ÂŁ25, this includes

dismissed for 71 chasing the modest

annual subscription and 12 weeks of

target. The only resistance coming

coaching. All are welcome to come and

in the shape of Tom Curtis (19) and

try, minimum school year 1. For any

Adrian Longley (18). Onwards and

further information please contact

upwards!!

Alex on 07760132803.

Sunflower Appeal

a moment of reflection with a short

O

service at 11.30 led by our Hospice Volunteer Chaplain.

To make a dedication to your loved

n Saturday 10th June, Heart

one please visit www.hokh.org and

of Kent Hospice will be

select the ways to donate option where

displaying sunflowers in

a form can be downloaded and where

the Hospice garden each dedicated

you can see our video. Alternatively

to a special person who is no longer

pick up a leaflet from Hospice

with us. It will be a beautiful day of

reception or any of our shops or

remembrance and celebration that we

contact fundraising on 01622 790195.

would love you to be a part of. Join

Dedications must be received by 2nd

us at the Hospice from 11 am – 1pm to

June.

see the garden in full bloom, and take

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

Activate Body & Soul is a state of art fitness facility situated at The Lenham School which is open to the public in the mornings, evenings & at the weekend.

•

Air conditioned gym with LifeFitness® strength and cardiovascular equipment.

•

No contracts, membership on a monthly rolling basis with prices starting from £23 per month.

•

Osteopath and Sports Massage available.

•

Floodlit 3G All Weather Pitch available for public hire.

•

Sports Hall available to hire: suitable for Football, Basketball, Badminton, Netball, Fitness Classes and many other activities.

•

Air conditioned dance/fitness class studio available for hire.

Pop in today and let us help you achieve your fitness goals The Lenham School, Ham Lane, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2LL activate@thelenham.viat.org.uk 01622 853750

28

Helen Whately MP for Faversham and Mid Kent I work for you. If you have a problem you think I can help you with, please

Yours from as little as ÂŁ13 per

contact me or visit me at one of my

month.

surgeries

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA Tel: 020 7219 6472 Email: helen.whately.mp@parliament.uk

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) Music Mayhem Parent & Toddlers Group Len ARA Short Mat Bowls Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club Lenham Bell Ringers H/sham & Lenham Cubs H/sham & Lenham Beavers Pilates classes

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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

The Lenham School

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 Activate Fitness Facilites

7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm 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 St Mary’s Church 7.30-9.00pm Lenham Primary School 6:30-8:00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5:45-7:15pm 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 The Lenham School 8am-3pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00 see separate church services page The Lenham School 10am-1pm

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

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 Builders/decorators

Carpentry Caterers Catteries Chartered Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Computer Services Counselling Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Estate Agents Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Garages Grocers Hairdressers

Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating KSE Home Improvements Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Dr. Kerri Bedford 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 Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s

32

851542 858612 01580 230413 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 01233 840004 850364 858719 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 850376 07813030527 880028 859442 745654 859969 07530284603 850329 850800 07738 088169 858827 01233712663 850055 01622 858241 853750 01622 853640 07882 170231 850840 858210 858255 850001 851150

Hall Hire Holiday Rentals Hotels Life Coach Locksmiths Logs Nail Technician Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Schools Solicitors Takeaway Taxi TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning

The Hair Hub Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall Love It Here Holidays Chilston Park Hotel Yvonne Fernando 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 Setfords Solicitors Thorneloe & Co. Chequers Fish Bar Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles

33

07880 547865 853800 01622 858296 01580 239239 01622 859803 01233 878474 07738658751 07733328715 07460 393777 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858531 767777 01233 712289 01795590030 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 Pamela Gillard Alan Reading Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements) Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Sandra Woodfall 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 879507 01622 820841 01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 07775 736116 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 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.

Adult Tap & Street Dance

01622 850329

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September) Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except Bank Holiday)

more than a ballet school

www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk

Finance and General Purposes Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by Planning Committee meeting.

For more details contact the Parish Clerk:

LenhamBalletSchoolWT168.indd 1

20/01/2016 09:32

telephone: 01622 859682 (Mon-Fri 9am - 1pm) email: hello@lenhamparish.org.uk web: www.lenhamparish.org.uk

Yours from as little as £13 per month.

L E NHAM PARI SH C O U N C I L

Psychological Therapy Stress | Anxiety | Trauma | Relationships | Work A powerful process for lasting change, through open dialogue.

- Develop mindfulness skills.

- Learn coping strategies.

- Explore relationship difficulties.

Call to discuss your requirements

07530284603 Dr.Kerri Bedford Counselling Psychologist Fully insured & member of HCPC

35

Brought to you by Harrietsham Village Hall Trust

Harrietsham Festival

in association with

music

invite you to a

Y

@ the Booth field, Saturday 22nd of July, 12pm until 10pm Fun for all the family LILAC SHEER

12pm

1pm

C

Hot food Licensed bar with local ales

ANDY TWYMAN

2pm

3pm MARTIN MORRIS

Saturday 10th of June 2017

& ciders

at Harrietsham Village Hall and the Booth Field, 1pm until 6pm

Rides, inflatables & CRAZY GOLF

Face painting 5pm

4pm ROSIE EBSWORTH

Please come and join us !

Live music from start to FINISH

STEADFAST

Children’s picnic Stalls

BLACKSHOT 21

7pm

6pm

Face painting Animals

NEW STREET

Hot food 9pm

8pm SMOKIN’ MOJOS

Tennis Rides/Inflatables

TAKING CARE OF VEGAS

Games

** BRING a chair or picnic rug ** For tickets call 07812 555585 or email HMF@harrietshamvillagehall.org.uk Sponsored by:

Activities

A bit about Teddies in Loving Care…

TLC (East Kent) is the local branch of a national charity which provides teddy bears to hospital A&E wards and minor injury units throughout East Kent. Teddies are supplied in bulk and medical staff give them to children admitted to the unit that may be in distress over their injuries or over the treatment they are about to receive. The charity relies entirely on volunteers to fund the purchase of the bears and then distribute them to the emergency units. The volunteers are East Kent Freemasons along with their friends and families. £18,000 each year is required to enable the charity to continue its work.

Make positive life changes • Life Changes • Confidence • Improved Relationships • Better Communication • Stress Management • Health & Wellbeing • Self-esteem • Overcome Fears, Phobias & Traumas Yvonne Fernando Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach T : 01233 878474 M: 07968 785714 www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk

36

Success comes from working together.

We’ve been very lucky with speakers . . . presenting Jo Dodds on Wednesday 28 June (together with South Maidstone Business Association) at one of everyone’s favourite meeting places The Dog & Bear Hotel in Lenham Square. Arrive at 5:45pm please.

After many years in the ‘corporate world’ in Retail HR, Jo Dodds started her own home based business in August 2005 publishing a local community magazine in her town. She expanded the business over the following three years to include, at one stage, eight local magazines. She did this mainly through business networking: connecting with local business people, getting to know them and helping them to achieve their business goals (and not necessarily through advertising in her magazines!).

In these days of portfolio careers Jo’s focus is now in two areas. One is back to her roots in HR with specialisms in social media, employee engagement and wellbeing.

The other is in working with home based business owners and entrepreneurs helping them to improve their Productivity, Organisation, Wellbeing, Energy and Resilience (their POWER) to enable them to ‘Live More’, to do more of what they want to do.

She is constantly working on her own productivity, organisation, wellbeing, energy and respect – she most definitely ‘walks the talk’. And she loves nothing more than passing on her knowledge and bringing understanding and results to her audience and clients.

Using your POWER to Live More: Productivity, Organisation, Wellbeing, Energy and Resilience In this action packed session you’ll learn: l My 5 Fundamentals for using your ‘POWER’ to ‘Live More’ l Tips & strategies you can implement today to give you more time and energy l 10 steps to follow to avoid procrastination and get stuff done Life feels so overwhelming nowadays with our busy lives, all the digital technology and that seemingly ‘always on’ culture. I’m on a mission to help business owners to be more productive, organised, healthy and happy doing what they want to do, rather than what they feel they should or need to do.

sier a e e l t t i l a e f i l Making Keep up to date & to join www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841

37

吀椀琀栀攀 䈀愀爀渀Ⰰ 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 䘀愀洀椀氀礀 䘀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀

匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀 ㄀㜀 䨀甀渀攀 ㈀ ㄀㜀 愀琀 㜀瀀洀 䄀氀椀挀攀 匀甀椀琀攀 戀礀 䨀愀挀漀戀 䈀爀椀搀攀 䴀甀猀椀挀 愀渀搀 䐀愀渀挀攀 戀愀猀攀搀 漀渀 䰀攀眀椀猀 䌀愀爀爀漀氀氀ᤠ猀

Yours from as little as £13 per

䄀䰀䤀䌀䔀ᤠ匀 䄀䐀嘀䔀一吀唀刀䔀匀 䤀一 圀伀一䐀䔀刀䰀䄀一䐀

month.

眀椀琀栀 琀栀攀 挀栀椀氀搀爀攀渀 漀昀 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 倀爀椀洀愀爀礀 匀挀栀漀漀氀 愀渀搀 眀漀爀欀猀 戀礀 䈀攀攀琀栀漀瘀攀渀Ⰰ 䴀漀稀愀爀琀Ⰰ 䠀愀礀搀渀 愀渀搀 䘀愀甀爀

䈀攀渀 䬀渀漀眀氀攀猀 䌀漀渀搀甀挀琀漀爀 䤀渀 匀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 漀昀 䌀刀匀伀 愀渀搀 琀栀攀 䘀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀ᤠ猀 挀栀漀猀攀渀 挀栀愀爀椀琀椀攀猀㬀 叠攀 䬀愀琀椀攀 倀椀瀀攀爀 䘀漀甀渀搀愀琀椀漀渀 ☀ 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 倀爀椀洀愀爀礀 匀挀栀漀漀氀⸀ 吀椀挀欀攀琀猀 ꌀ㄀㔀Ⰰ 䌀漀渀挀攀猀猀椀漀渀猀 ꌀ㄀㌀Ⰰ 䌀栀椀氀搀爀攀渀 䘀爀攀攀 氀攀渀栀愀洀昀愀洀椀氀礀昀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 䰀攀渀栀愀洀 嘀椀氀氀愀最攀 匀琀漀爀攀 䰀攀渀 嘀愀氀氀攀礀 一攀眀猀 吀攀氀攀瀀栀漀渀攀 㜀㔀㘀㠀㐀㜀㘀㔀㜀㌀ 氀攀渀栀愀洀昀攀猀琀椀瘀愀氀䀀最洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀洀 叠攀 䬀愀琀椀攀 叠攀 䬀愀琀椀攀 倀椀瀀攀爀 䘀漀甀渀搀愀琀椀漀渀 椀猀 刀攀最椀猀琀攀爀攀搀 䌀栀愀爀椀琀礀 渀漀⸀ ㄀㄀㌀㌀㌀㄀㌀ 琀栀攀 䌀刀匀伀 椀猀 刀攀最椀猀琀攀爀攀搀 䌀栀愀爀椀琀礀 渀漀⸀ ㈀㘀㐀㠀㐀㐀

Garden Safari in

GrafTY Green

9 gardens open Sunday 4th June 11 am to 5 pm

Celebrating 20 years of Grafty Green Gardening Club.

Tickets, £5 per person, children under 12 free, available from the village shop or by phoning 01622 850381.

Anyone who would like to include a meal in their day can book a light lunch, eg ploughmans or sandwiches, at the Kings Head, Grafty Green, ME17 2AN, by phoning 01622 850259, by the 30th May; (booking is essential).

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 (66.30pm only) IC24. 111 (from 6.30pm)

39

StuttleDyer

Telisa Tai Chi Tai Chi

Optimal fitness lifestyle

Decorating

Suitable for all ages

Suitable for all ages, Adaptablefor for most most abilities. adaptable abilities. “Mentally and physically groundin

also

Lenham community centre

Bathrooms Kitchens Tiling

The perfect antidote to

the pace set by the digital world�

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

Find us on Facebook

www.telisataichi.co.uk Call Theresa : 07734108683

stuttledyer.wordpress.com

Call Dan to arrange a FREE Quotation

Or Contact Theresa Telisataichi@gmail.com 07734108683

01233 650 726 07837 04 66 41

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

V AM A

LL

EY

LE N H

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

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in

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41

DO YOU NEED A FAMILY LAWYER? Fixed fee appointment available at times and venues convenient to you.

• Collaboratively trained practitioner • Divorce & separation • Pre nuptial agreements • Financial settlements • Children • Cohabitation Please contact our local specialist Rebecca Bell on 01622 231 784 or email rbell@setfords.co.uk

42

Church Services Wednesday 21st June

Sunday 4th June

10.30am Chippendayle Lodge

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

Saturday 24th June

Communion (Prayer Book)

4.00pm Ulcombe Village Hall: Messy

11.00 am Ulcombe: Family Worship

Church

11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion 3.30 pm Harrietsham: GIFT family

Sunday 25th June

worship

8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book)

Wednesday 7th June

9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

9.30am Lenham: Holy Communion

9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family Worship

Sunday 11th June

10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion

8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

11.00am Lenham: Family Worship

(Prayer Book) 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service

Please note there will be no Men’s

9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

Breakfast this month

11.00am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship 6.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Choral Evensong

Sunday 18th June 9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy Communion 11.00am Ulcombe: Morning Worship 11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

43

Christian Message

T

to sell it. Many build flimsy shelters from the material found on the dumps.

Inevitably their living conditions are insanitary and dangerous. The Salaam

he world seems very dark.

Centre is a place of safety for women.

Homeless men and women

Sisters from a nearby convent live

sleep on our streets; literally

alongside them and give counselling. A

millions have died in the Middle East in

Zabaleen woman said: “I get support from

the last few years; thousands risk their

the centre. My husband can get help to

lives in the Mediterranean Sea hoping to

overcome his addiction. I know there is a

find safety in Europe while still others

way for healing; I can now get food, find a

spend years in refugee camps.

job and know that I have rights”.

A dark world in which Christians cling on

Christians in Lebanon are funded by

to their belief that God sent his Son into

EMBRACE to help refugees from Syria.

the world to dispel the darkness.

13 year old Tariq has been helped.

Back home in Syria his family sold

The Bible study group of which I am a

falafel, hummus and other delicacies

member has discovered much which is

to restaurants. The war came and he

heartening by studying a Lent course

was nearly killed making a delivery. His

prepared by EMBRACE the Middle

family fled to Lebanon and he is now able

East. EMBRACE was formerly known

to study at the EMBRACE supported

as Bible Lands Society and uses its funds

education centre.

to alleviate suffering in Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.

Nahla was diagnosed with a brain development disorder when she was 7.

Here are just some examples of the way

Now 20 her needs are complex. She is

money given to them is used to bring

being helped by speech and movement

light into the darkness of many lives. We

therapy at the Zvartontz Centre in

learned, for example about the Zabaleen

Beirut. She has discovered a talent

people in Cairo. Their name means

for embroidery. Government funding

‘Garbage people.’ They sort the rubbish

is limited so EMBRACE is funding 10

on the city’s refuge dumps and attempt

Syrian refugees.

44

We learned this and much more from this

of their Lord by their actions as well as

course and were reminded that, ‘the light

words.

shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5).

Joan Drury

The light of Christ will continue to shine

Embrace the Middle East, 24 London

in the dark places of the world as long as

Road West, Amersham HP7 0EZ 01494

Christians continue to obey the teaching

897950 info@embrace.org

Harrietsham Lawn Tennis Club

Ages 8 – 11

11:30 – 12:30

Adults & 12+

12:30 – 1:30

T

These sessions are being run and organised by professional tennis coach Julian Squiers (South East Tennis Academy) – details of costs and how to

he tennis season has now

book can be found on our website. Whilst

started (along with the rain!)

booking is a good idea to reserve a place

– our courts tend to dry out

– if you want to turn up and give tennis a

very quickly so normally play is possible

try Julian will be pleased to see you and

provided the grass is not wet. Please

can provide all equipment. Don’t forget

check our web site for updates on playing

that members of Harrietsham Lawn

conditions.

Tennis Club will receive a discounted rate for the coaching sessions and Junior

The Sunday morning Professional

Membership for the whole summer

Tennis Coaching on our grass courts

season only costs £5.

has now been extended to give ALL age groups the opportunity for coaching. Our

For further details please contact Andrew

programme is now as follows: Family Tennis

09:30 – 10:30

Ages 4 - 7

10:30 – 11:30

Rogers on 859352 or visit our website : www.harrietshamtennis.co.uk

45

Lenham Storage – interview with Keith Abrehart

W

started work picking fruit after school and at weekends as well as delivering papers. Aged 11 Reg started working as a delivery hand for the local butcher and shortly after as an errand boy for Brooks the Grocer, sweeping the

hat would Lenham

floors before school and filling bags

be without Lenham

of sugar in the evening. He left school

Storage? It’s Lenham’s

at the ripe old age of 14, followed by

main employer. We see its vans

a spell at engineering firm Drake and

everywhere on our roads and

Fletcher, combined with working

Tolhurst Way has just been so named

every hour possible digging gardens,

in honour of its founder, Reginald

painting and cycle and motorcycle

(Reg) Tolhurst. Keith Abrehart is his

repairs. In February 1929 a triumphant

grandson and the present managing

Reg acquired his first lorry. Over the

director.

ensuing years further lorries were purchased to cart sand and soil by day

Born in 1910 in Leeds village, Reg

46

and fruit to Covent Garden by night.

for the last 20 years. It operates over 800,000 sq. feet of warehousing space

In 1946 Reg bought Milnes Basket

across six operating sites, runs over

Factory at Pond Farm, Lenham

250 lorries and trailers which can be

Storage’s current site with 15,000

seen on the roads of Britain and is

sq. feet of warehouse space. The

proud to employ over 550 people, the

buildings were soon filled with ICI

primary employer in the Lenham area.

manures and empty fruit boxes which would be delivered to local farms. The

Keith comments: ‘I am immensely

business grew rapidly. Opportunities

proud of what my grandfather and

such as storing and delivering Sharps

uncle achieved and although times

toffee tins and paper products for

ahead will be challenging with the

Kimberly Clark allowed Reg to invest

likes of Brexit we remain excited for

in building further warehouses on the

the future. We have a brilliant team

site.

with many long serving individuals and now somewhere three generations

In the 1960s Rodney Tolhurst (Reg ’s

of their family have loyally worked

son and now the Chairman of the

for the company. Lenham village has

company) joined the business and

always been immensely dear to the

together he and Reg continued its

hearts of our family so the recognition

expansion, operating some 140

with the naming of Tolhurst Way is

vehicles and trailers. In the early

immensely appreciated and will always

1970s Rodney founded Freightflow

be very special for us.’

International which operated from the site as an Inland Clearance Depot,

And Lenham Storage will always be

revolutionary in its time.

special for the village, Keith. Thank you.

Today the company is still family run with Reg ’s grandson Keith at the helm

Text by Jim Myers

47

Lenham Parish Council

of the month, (except in September),

Councillor vacancy

on Bank holidays) and on the third

At the Annual General Council Meeting

Wednesday after the Finance and General

on May 3rd Mr. Colin Huggens was

Purposes Committee meeting.

and the Planning Committee meets on the Monday before the Council Meeting which is usually the first Monday, (except

welcomed as he joined the Council as a co-opted member. Colin has

All meetings are held at the Community

served on the Council before and was

Centre at 7.30pm and begin with

looking forward to working with fellow

public participation, which offers

councillors.

an opportunity for parishioners to ask questions and raise concerns.

There is one vacancy on the Council for

Parishioners are always welcome to

the South Ward. We would be interested

attend all the Council meetings. The

to hear from parishioners who live in

Council extends its gratitude to the

Platts Heath, Sandway or Lenham Heath,

Community Centre for unfailingly

and who might like to represent the

accommodating our requests for extra

hamlets.

meetings, and sometimes at short notice, a change of room.

Council Members Cllr. Richard Greenwood was nominated

Neighbourhood Plan Group

as Chairman and Cllr. Alastair Walmsley

The Neighbourhood Plan Group

as Vice-Chairman. Cllr. Nick Osborne is

continues to develop the Lenham NHP

Chairman of the Planning Committee.

2017, working with a planning consultant

Cllr. John Nye will represent the Parish

and Gill Hatcher, who is a group member

Council as a trustee of the Community

and minutes secretary. Once more the

Centre.

Parish Council extends its gratitude for the excellent work undertaken by

Meeting dates

the Group, in what at times can be an

There were no changes to the meeting

onerous task. The meetings are held

dates and times. The Parish Council

on Tuesday evenings (as and when

meeting is held on the first Wednesday

needed); at present, twice monthly. The

48

minutes, agenda and dates of all the above

encourage visitors to the parish to help

committees are advertised on the Council

the local businesses and to showcase

website (lenhamparish.org.uk), and on

the wonderful countryside we are all

the five parish notice boards.

fortunate enough to enjoy.

Ham Lane allotments

Cemetery

St John Ambulance is selling the Ham

Cllrs. Greenwood and Michaelas made

Lane allotment site, and the area where

a site visit to the cemetery to determine

the small hall is situated to the north of

outstanding works and to discuss future

the plot. Negotiations will be undertaken

improvement projects. Quotes will be

by the Parish Council to try and secure

sought for several ground maintenance

the site as an open space, together with

issues and tree works. There will be

the continuation of the allotments.

an overall tidy up of the site, removal of old and damaged floral tributes and

Traffic calming

inspection of headstones, for safety

It was agreed to instruct the highways

purposes.

consultant who has been advising the Council on the installation of a traffic

Highways

calming platform, to proceed to the next

Cllr. Scrivens reported on the Faversham

stage.

Road junction upgrade. Concerns were raised about the lack of light at the

The platform will be placed at the

junction. Cllr. Scrivens will correspond

junction of Ham Lane and the High

with KCC Highways on several issues

Street. This is a Parish Council initiative

throughout the Parish.

and will be funded by the parish, once

Ongoing maintenance

complete the ongoing maintenance will

The village handyman has finished

be undertaken by KCC highways. Cllr.

Walmsley is heading the project.

treating the woodwork at the bus stop

Tourism web-site

pond. We await the painting of the two

Cllrs. Nye and Smith-Essex were pleased

village signs to the east and west of the

to announce that the new web-site

village and extend our gratitude to the

dedicated to tourism for the parish will

Lenham Art Group which has agreed to

be going ‘live’ this month. The aim is to

paint the signs at no cost to the parish,

and the benches in the Square, and at the

49

(apart from materials).

county councillor. Jenny supported the

The planters adopted by the Council will

parish in several projects, the last being

be planted this month, to complement

the installation of the finger posts in the

those maintained by former members of

Square. We wish Jenny all the best for

LEA who plant, water and care for their

the future.

chosen planters voluntarily. Thank you

Churchyard

to them all for continuing to enhance

A new large covered litter bin will be

the village; your commitment is much appreciated.

installed in the churchyard, to replace the

Annual Assembly Meeting

and often overflowing. The project is

Thank you to the groups who submitted

being funded and organised by the Parish

reports of their activities during the

Council, who will take responsibility for

previous year.

emptying the bin weekly.

The village continues to thrive, with

Volunteers

small open top bin, which is inadequate

Thank you to those who responded to the

many groups and clubs offering

request for volunteers to undertake litter

opportunities to all age groups. The

picking duties throughout the Parish.

perennial problem of lack of volunteers

The Clerk delivered materials to help

was evident and some groups reported

with the task.

concerns as to what might happen if numbers do not increase. Overall our community is alive and well.

If you have any queries, please contact

At the Annual Assembly, we said a fond

1pm Mon- Fri)

Margo McFarlane 01622 859682. (9am to

farewell to county councillor Jenny

hello@lenhamparish.org.ok

Whittle who has stepped down as a

50

TRUST and where to get advice!

by Peter Bailey, March 2017 When I was young- who would I trust?

“Integrity ‘gainst greed and lust.”

Doctors, teachers, bankers too, Lawyers, clerics quite a few Whose reputation and position Gave comfort and ‘feel good’ condition.

Today’s materialistic aim Puts respectfulness to shame And leaders of society No longer soothe anxiety.

We need to frame another list To comfortably coexist.

Bankers clearly lost the plot And lawyers too can just be bought.

Politicians on a par With dodgy sellers of a car, House vendors too cannot be trusted, Information well adjusted!

Who speaks the truth in public life Or poses ‘calmness’ midst the strife?

Political rightness is the mode To fit in with the modern code.

Honesty and good advice Replaced by human avarice.

So choose your partners and your friends With care and love to find who blends With your beliefs and qualities; Confide with them ‘priorities.’

This may define a trusting base, Providing confidential space.

51

52

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07749 980096 www.chris-tempest.com

53

Bill Peter and the Royal British Legion

T

his month we are celebrating the ninetieth birthday of our branch president, Bill

Peter (5 June). He is the last active member of the branch who saw active service in World War 2. Bill comes from a distinguished military background. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Fred Peter D.S.O., M.C. joined the Lincolnshire Regiment, aged 16,

retired from the army in 1926. In 1940

then transferred to the 7th Dragoon

he was recalled to the army to serve a

Guards in 1900 and served in the Boer

further three years. His final role in

war. After peace was declared in 1903

public service was in 1945 providing

he was promoted to King ’s Sergeant.

aid to the survivors of the Belsen

In 1914 he was posted to France with

concentration camp.

his regiment where they became known as ‘The Old Contemptibles’. In

In 1944 Bill, aged 17, joined the Royal

March, 1916 he was commissioned in

Fusiliers. On completion of his basic

the field and joined the Royal Welch

training in Northern Ireland he was

Fusiliers. In September 1916 he

posted to Italy, joining the 56th

was awarded the Military Cross, in

London Division. With the end of

the same month he was awarded the

hostilities in Europe Bill undertook

Distinguished Order and on the 18th of

a crash course in military police

September he was awarded a Bar to his

procedures and was posted to Rome

D.S.O. In just 15 days he was awarded

as a sergeant driving instructor at the

three Gallantry Awards. In 1918 he

Royal Military School. In November

was awarded the Croix de Guerre and

1945 the school returned to the UK.

54

Bill, however, was posted to Venice

strangers forty years ago, Bill was the

for a further two years before being

solid rock of the post office, genial,

demobbed in Sennalager, in Germany,

welcoming and reliable. It seemed to

in April 1948. On moving back to

us that nothing could go wrong with

Lenham in 1971 Bill rejoined the Royal

Bill at the helm of the village. Some

British Legion and during the last 36

years later we discovered that the post

years has held, at some time, every

office had been a ‘family affair’ since

position on the branch committee.

before the First World War, first with

He is currently branch treasurer in

Jean’s father Jack Hughes in charge

addition to his presidential duties.

and later her sister, the inimitable

Looking ahead, we may plan a visit

Esme Brown. The post office was the

to the Royal Dockyard to take the

centre of Lenham and still is. Now at

‘Call the Midwife’ tour in September

90, Bill is actively involved in village

if there is sufficient interest. The

life, as is Jean – still the general,

normal buffet lunch, following the

knowledgeable and reliable couple we

Remembrance service, will be held

met forty years ago. Thank you both.

at the Dog and Bear. Finally, in early December, there will be a buffet

Jim and Amy Myers

supper, once again at the Dog and Bear.

Text by Barry Wood, OBE Photo by Jim Myers

Bill Peter: A personal tribute

T

o us, Bill and his wife Jean seem to sum up all that is good about Lenham. When

we first arrived here as complete

55

Kent Downs Herbalist Herbs for Health Cleavers (Galium aperine)

C

due to the small hooked hairs on the stems and leaves. Other names include goosegrass, named so as geese love to graze them and clivers, robin-run-thehedge and grip grass.

In the herbal world they are known as a cooling and cleansing herb and are used in particular for the kidneys and urinary

leavers are a bright green

system and to detoxify the body. They

annual that rejuvenates every

also have uses in treating skin conditions

spring, so you will see them in

such as eczema and psoriasis which may

hedgerows about now, where they often

be helped by topical application to the

get tangled with other plants. They stick

skin, in the form of a cream or ointment.

to other greenery (and clothes), hence their name ‘sticky-willy’, which makes

The dried herb can be infused to make

them a firm favourite with children –

a tea – 1 teaspoon of the herb allowed to

these are the ones you can find along

infuse for 10-15 minutes. The tea can

hedgerows and that stick to clothing

be drunk to help with enlarged lymph

56

nodes and conditions such as gout, as it is diuretic which means it helps to reduce

Traditionally, the plant has been used

fluid retention in the body and flush out

as a poultice or in first aid by placing a

toxins via the kidneys and liver.

handful of herbs directly over the wound to stop the bleeding.

Cleavers have tiny, star-shaped white to green flowers clustered in groups of twos

If you would like to use herbs to help an

and threes. They develop burrs which

existing health condition, please contact

will stick to animal fur later in the year –

Emma-Jane Isaac on 07976 619020.

the mechanism for seed dispersal.

Councillor Vacancy

T

provide experience, skills and ability to work alongside fellow councillors and outside bodies.

he Parish Council has a

The applicant should show an ability

vacancy, for the south ward

and willingness to attend meetings of

which can be filled by co-

the council (or the meetings of other

option. We are particularly interested

local authorities and local bodies) in

to hear from parishioners in the hamlets

the evenings and events occasionally at

of Lenham Heath, Sandway and Platts

weekends. Applicants should be flexible

Heath.

and enthusiastic with the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in

The eligibility criteria are pursuant to

writing.

s.79 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”)

The role is interesting and varied and

Candidates should not be disqualified

full training is available. More details are

pursuant to s.80 of the 1972 Act. Full

available on the web-site lenhamparish.

details will be provided on application.

org.uk or contact the Clerk Margo McFarlane 01622 859682

The person specification suggests an

(9am -1pm Mon -Fri) if you prefer email

applicant should have sound knowledge

hello@lenhamparish.org.uk

and understanding of local affairs and

57

Family business born from Landlord tax changes favouring holiday lets

H

usband and wife team Jules

based properties for holiday rentals.

Quested-Williams and Mark

Ahead of the final bank holiday weekend

Ledger-Beadell with their

in 2016, the results of a new Barclays

cousin Sue Smith decided to take a bold

Business survey showed that as many

step in setting up Love it Here Holidays

as 70 per cent of adults have planned, or

Limited. Their story is simple, they

are planning, a staycation – choosing to

owned picturesque properties that they

take annual leave in Britain as opposed to

had previously rented on a short hold

travelling abroad. People are tending to

tenancy basis. Confronted with changes

spend more on their staycation too, with

in the tax relief on interest payments

individuals spending six per cent more on

for buy-to-lets coming into force in

average on their UK holiday than twelve

April 2017 they set out to look for a

months ago. In fact Brits are spending

more tax efficient way to manage their

as much as £22.1bn on UK staycations,

investments. Mark said “We are fortunate

amounting to £613 on average per party,

to have rental properties in areas with

up from £575 a year ago.

demand for holidays lets, it just also panned out that this was more efficient

For businesses like Love It Here, this

for us from a tax perspective”.

has resulted in total income in the sector

Their research proved that there is a

reaching £50bn – up 30 per cent since

need for good quality Kent and Sussex

2012. Small firms in the sector have

58

experienced turnover growth ten per cent

importantly Love it Here don’t have

above the UK SME average.

hundreds of properties they only want to

What started as a research project in

manage a select few, meaning they can

alternative ways of renting ended up

always be there working in partnership

in a new business being born. Sue adds

with people similar in situation to

“After a number of meetings with various

themselves. Mark picks up from here “If

companies it became clear that what we

you’re thinking of renting it can be a very

wanted could not be met. We wanted a

profitable venture if done correctly. It

friendly service that meant we worked

might be a property you’ve inherited or

together in partnership with our chosen

a second home. Indeed it is also highly

agent, a trusted friend and advisor not a

efficient for inheritance tax purposes”.

corporate body. That we felt we could not

The Love it Here team assure everyone

find. As a family we are very fortunate to

the best bit about holiday letting your

have an array of business knowledge and

house means you can be totally flexible,

together we decided we could do better

you can maximise potential income

ourselves”.

against reserving those special home

Jules is the marketing knowledge in

owner weeks for your family enjoyment

the team and it was clear that Love it

in your own property with the same

Here needed to break the mould, “for

benefits as a paying guest.

us it is about happy holidays; warm and

To find out more Love it Here have an

caring people who will look after you.

owners guide which is available as a

Our warmth is measured in everything

download request off the website. Go

we do and we want to share with all our

to www.loveithere.co.uk or call Sue on

guests and owners the feeling of what

01580 239239

true family time can bring; being close to family and loved ones, spending quality time in beautiful places. For our holiday

loveithere.co.uk

home owners we are friendly advisors, we look after and most of all we care, for their property as if it was our own. We help with the day to day and the long term commercial challenges that letting sue@loveithere.co.uk

your holiday home can bring”. Most

59

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL SOUTH WARD VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR

1. A vacancy has risen on the above Council due to the resignation of CLLR. KEVIN LAPWOOD 2. A bye-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 days

(Not counting a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or a Bank Holiday) from the date below, ten electors for the ward/parish give notice in writing claiming such an election to the Returning Officer.

3. The Address of the Returning Officer is: The Secretary Maidstone Borough Council Maidstone House

King Street Maidstone ME15 6JQ

4. If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy

by co-option.

Dated 12th May 2017 Signed M McFarlane

Mrs M McFarlane. Clerk Address 13 Mercer Drive Harrietsham Kent ME17 1AY

60

Thorneloe & Co. Solicitors

Michael and Harriet Thorneloe An independent family practice providing a friendly, high quality personal service tailored to your specific needs. Specialists in:

St Mary’s House, The Square, Lenham, Kent ME17 2PH

01622 859 416 www.thorneloe.co.uk thorneloe@thorneloe.co.uk

         

Wills Estate Administration Trusts & Taxation Lasting Powers of Attorney Court of Protection Residential Conveyancing Commercial Conveyancing Re-mortgaging Equity Release Buy-to-Let

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Registered Number 70429

61

Prize Crossword

Across clues

Down clues

1. A drink made from apples. (5) 4. You may feel this after exercise. (5) 7. Name of a particular type of soldier. (9) 8. Name for a type of skin, or to make someone look for you. (4) 10. Leave (6) 12. A type of nut, often eaten when salted. (6) 13. Top in a group. (4) 16. Southernmost area in the world. (9) 18. What you write on. (5) 19. They should be shut to keep farm animals from wandering. (5)

1. A vehicle for transporting many people, or part of a train. (5) 2. A Collie is one. (3) 3. Grass like plant used for thatching. (4) 4. Circles, squares and rectangles are examples of these.

(6) 5. To behave like someone else is to do this. (7) 6. A person who wins comes this. (5) 9. You do you schoolwork on this. (7) 11. Absolute fear. (6) 12. Painful muscle spasm. (5) 14. Creatures often found in garden ponds in the spring.

(5) 15. A large animal with antlers. (4) 17. Animal that purrs. (3)

62

Last month’s winner!

Previous winner: Roger Kelly of Harrietsham.

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 19 Edition 06 (June 2017) 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

Lenham Family Festival 8th—11th June

Family day on Saturday 10th June @ Lenham Community Centre 12 noon—9:30pm

For Details see: www.lenhamfamilyfestival.co.uk