Lenham Focus | March '17

March 2017

Katy is running the Brighton Marathon

Read articles from our new contributors

Support the Nursery & Community Centre

Page 45

Page 52

Page 64

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Thorneloe & Co. Solicitors

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

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

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

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

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MARCH

Editorial

W

e have some excellent

is accompanied by some pictures

new articles this month

supplied by RSPB-images.

that I am sure you will

We also have all the usual articles

enjoy. We have an article about tapping

and I would like to thank all our

Birch trees for their ‘superdrink’ sap from

contributors, new and old, for all the

Treepro based in Lenham. We also have

work they put in to make the Focus

an interesting article about the health benefits of rosemary from Emma-Jane

as enjoyable as it is. Please keep them

Isaac, a local herbalist.

coming in.

We also have a couple of nature

Katy Bennett, who deals with the

pieces this month. One from Lesley

Focus advertisements (as well as

Feakes on the Blackcap birds she has

organising the meetings, taking

visiting her garden, accompanied by

minutes and making sure I turn up)

an amazing painting by Lesley. We

has somehow managed to find time

also have an article from Henny and

to train for and run the Brighton

Peter Shotter on the lapwing birds

Marathon in April. Please help her

feeding in the local fields and this

support Mind by sponsoring her.

By James Collett

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

Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy B

Advertising: Katy B, Jim Myers 07593 340744 | advertslf@gmail.com

Interviews: Jim Myers

Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@ gmail.com

Social Media: Georgia Hewish Printed by: Mike Kingsman, Gemini Print

Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200

Advertising Rates (September 2012)

Advert Sizes (HxW)

1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page Inside Cover 1/2 Page Inside Cover Full Page Outside Back Cover

£13 £21 £38 £69 £58 £79 £88

Front Cover (available once a year per advertiser)

£120

45x61mm 92x61mm 92x123mm 185x123mm

Advert Formats We require adverts to be submitted in high resolution (300dpi) PDF format in the appropriate size. If artwork is not supplied as a PDF we cannot guarantee the correct reproduction.

Print & Deliver Single Sided A5 Insert Double Sided A5 Insert

£250 £275

Photography: Andy Flood

Design: FALCON

Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design. Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers.

Falcon is an award winning design and digital agency based in Kent. They build websites and brands for companies big and small.

Check out his website! www.andyfloodphotography.co.uk

Check out their website! www.madebyfalcon.co.uk

5

Children’s film club at Harrietsham Village Hall

5.30pm, third Friday of every month 17th February - Trolls (U) Trolls is the story of Branch, a grumpy, paranoid loner, who is quite content living on his own, away from the ridiculously happy population of Troll Village. But when the village is invaded by troll-eating Bergens, the overly optimistic and annoyingly chirpy troll leader Poppy comes to Branch for help. As the unlikely pair go on a journey to rescue their kidnapped friends, they both find themselves realising what they have been missing.

17th March - Storks (U) Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for global internet retail giant Cornerstore.com. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when the Baby Factory is accidentally activated on his watch, producing an adorable – and wholly unauthorized – baby girl. Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip race to make their first-ever baby drop, in a wild journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.

Life long membership £1. Entrance for members is £3 and includes a drink and popcorn

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St Patrick’s Night Ceilidh Friday 17th March – 7.30 p.m.

At Lenham Community Centre

Dancing to “The Cats Pyjama’s” Hot Supper – Raffle

Bring your own drinks and glasses

Tickets – Adults £15, Under 18’s £12.50 For more Information or to buy your tickets please text or ring

Sue: 07740 822244 Andrea: 07901 667018 Kate: 01622 850563 or E mail northdownsdivision@girlguidingkentweald.org.uk

Raising funds for IGGnite Trip to Ireland in July 2017 The closing date for ticket sales is Wednesday 8th March

We look forward to seeing you then!!!!

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Dates for your Diary 11 March

25 March

Lenham WI Quiz

Murder Mystery

Community Centre 7:30pm – Ticket cost

Coming and enjoy a murder mystery

£8.50.

evening and support Lenham Nursery and the Community Centre. Tickets cost

17 March

£25 and include a three course meal.

St Patrick’s Night Ceilidh To help raise funds for the Guides

9 April

to attend the international camp –

Katy Bennett Runs the Brighton

Community Centre 7:30pm.

Marathon Help Katy to support Mind by sponsoring her to run the Brighton Marathon.

Len Valley Health Walks

Health Walk Leaders and have gone from offering one walk on a Thursday morning to now offering a variety of walks several days a week:

Since the formation nearly four years ago, the group has gone from

Lenham Stroll - Wednesday 2.30pm –

strength to strength with now over 70

30 minutes

registered walkers. We have 12 trained

A gentle stroll in and around the

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village aimed at those who are

Walks are especially good for people

recovering from operations or

who are recovering from illness, or

illnesses, and for the less physically

who just need a bit of extra motivation

able.

to take more exercise.

Len Valley – Thursday 10am

Why walk?

There are three walks to choose from:

Keep your heart, lungs, bones and

1. Short walk – gentle stroll for approx

muscles strong.

1 mile

Maintain a healthy weight

2. Medium Walk – brisker pace for

More energetic

approx 2.5 miles

Reduce stress and depression

3. Longer walk – faster pace for approx

Meet new people

3.5 miles

Feel better It’s free!

Lenham Saturday - 10am This walk was aimed at those who

If you are interested in joining one

work during the week but would like to

of our walks, or would like further

walk with a local group. It is however

information,

open to everyone. It is a faster pace

the contact details are as follows:

walk of approx 3.5 miles.

Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Progression Walk – 2nd Monday of the

walks :

Jan Enever 01622 851623

month – 09.45am

Monday monthly walks:

This walk of 5–6 miles is at a brisker

Sadie Curtis 01622 861645

pace and is aimed at those who have progressed through the other walks to

We look forward to you joining us.

a good fitness level.

All of these NHS sponsored Health

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Forthcoming Events 17 Mar 25 Mar

St Patrick’s Race Night 8pm start Night Fever ‘70s & ’80 Disco

28 Mar

Darts Night with Bobby George

8pm to late

Members Free, Guests £10 Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night 8pm Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month Whist Drive: every Friday 7.30pm Summer Beer Garden, Monthly Sea Angling Club Outside Bar, Marque, BBQ & Bouncy Castle for Hire

Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm.

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

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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person

Monday 5.45 - 6.45 : Children’s Ballroom & Latin (8-16yrs) 7.30 - 8.15 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Beginners)

GDC School of Dancing Lenham Dance Studios 8 Faversham Road Lenham Kent ME17 2PN Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628 Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk

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

PLUS Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person 8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information

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+ + + + + +

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

Socialise with the Focus + Code for Sustainable Homes + SAP Assessments

Follow us on Twitter:

+ CALL OR EMAIL FOR A QUOTE OR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

@LenhamFocus

+ TEL: 01580 230 413 + EMAIL: info@kentdesignstudio.co.uk

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/LenhamFocus

All this from one plumber!

Bathroom Installations Drains & toilets serviced General domestic plumbing Leaking pipes Replacement taps Kitchen installations Repairs and installation Power Flushing

Tiling Painting Decorating Odd jobs No job too small Fully insured FREE quotes No call out cost

and friendly professional advice 12/03/2017 & 09/04/2017 Sandra Woodfall 07775 736116

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

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Clubs & Societies

Nov 29th -

Lenham Heritage Programme for 2017

Social

Keith Parfitt ,Archaeological up date of Kent excavations Dec

Suggestion for June meeting.

Feb 22nd -

A detailed survey is needed of all

Talk by David Carder on “Roads and

the tomb stones in the Church yard.

Trackways “

Members could start drawing up a

March 29th -

measured plan, marking in the stones and

Ross Lane Excavations under the Co-op

recording each one and photographing.

& items discovered

It is a big assignment …. June meeting is

April 26th -

just a beginning ….more time and effort

Paul Bennett “40 years of Cant. Arch

later will be required

.Trust.”

May 31st -

Anyone interested in any of these talks

David Carder “Medieval Churches”

please come along.

June 28th - Outside meeting at the Church . Bring

Our outside activity this summer

sketch book /pencil / heel-ball rubbing

is to record the tombstones in the

equipment/torch /GPS recorder if you

Churchyard.

have one.

On the net it claims to have a complete

July 26th -

list …..but that is only the more recent

David Carder Conducted tour and

ones in the graveyard across the A20.

observations in Lenham Church .

Anyone who would like to join us on our

Aug

recording activity please email me at

No Meeting ….perhaps more tomb stone

606@feakes.com

work for keen workers.

Sept 27th -

This week I sent an article in to Kent

Brian Boorne “Windmills of Kent”

Archaeological Society about the Manors

Oct 25th -

of Lenham. KAS put on line translation

To be announced

of the Wooton Report, written in the

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mid-16th Century it records the fields

Heath that area was called.) The fields

that Thomas Wooton owned in Lenham

called Brookes at Biggon Heath were

Parish.

definitely part of Sturreye Manor and field names can be traced right across to

Surprise of all was a Manor called

Horde field at the northern end of Ham

Sturreye that had its Manor house

Lane. Many names are missing but as

somewhere near Lewsome Farm, which

few people have ever heard of Sturreye

is near Home Farm (still named) as

even some references to Sturry in old

if that was Lenham’s beginning. The

documents may have been misplaced as

‘Great Sturreye’ was a field name of the

being near Chislet. Chislet and Chilston

great mound of sand that once stood

mean the same thing: - a sandy mound,

near Oxley House (Oxley possibly is

but there is no sand at Chislet !

another name for the mound.) An “Eye”

Some of the southern fields of Sturreye

in Sussex means an eyelet, usually inland

lie in Boughton Malherbe, Hemmingdane

such as Northeye and Ardingley. Always

wood was the last one in Lenham. Here is

pronounced ‘eye’ and not ‘ee’. The name

a cross reference on those fields that were

got dropped when a new house was built

rented out to someone else: -

at Chilston circa 1300 and the whole

Rental of the Manor of Boughton Malherbe: -

manor then seemed to get incorporated into Chilston estate …. But Chilston was never a true ‘manor’ and the house is not

Because one part of the 12 peeces (sic)

part of Sturreye and Lenham, although

of land was holden of Warham St Leger

the park is. Perhaps people did not like

Knight as of his manor of Sturreye in

the ominous name …the ‘Great Sturreye’,

Lenham at 4s 9d. 6 hens & 30 eggs.

like the Eye of God keeping watch over

And because Thomas Wootton is lawfully

them! But of course it now explains

seised(sic) of the said manor of Sturreye,

why Lenham was not called ‘Stourham’

so now the rent is extinguished.

as someone once asked me ….the Great

MS. Book extract by Gordon Ward 1936

Stour once rose from the lake that was at the base of the mound where the White

So Warham St. Leger owned Sturreye

Horse pub is now. The River Len also had

until Thomas Wooton bought him out.

a source from that lake and flowed down the steep dip of Sandway road. (Biggon

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If anyone has a photograph of the Great

Thursday, 30th March, in the Community

Sturreye mound before the CTRL sliced

Centre. It is the Spring tea, 3pm for a

through it I would very much like a

3:30pm start. Tickets cost £6 and are

copy. Silly me forgot to take a photo

available from Sue on 858 478.

even though I remember telling the

Enid LaPlain

KCC Archaeologist that the feature was

Lenham WI

important. Legend had it that there was a tunnel through the mound from Lenham Heath Road to Oxley House (probably

Whoops! I’ve done it again!! Apologies

because there is a storage room door

for assuming that we were going to have a

in the side of it.) But Jean Cockett was

mild January again. As members realise,

keeping an ‘eye’ on that and no tunnel

the January meeting was cancelled due

emerged when they excavated that great

to the bad weather, and we did not hear

cutting. Iron Age pottery was found on

about Barbara Kyprianou’s trip to Nepal.

the slopes.

However, we hope that our speaker in February, Ann Colledge did not suffer a similar fate! In March we are anticipating a talk from Alison Elman-Brown on ‘What you didn’t know about Buttons’.

Does anyone remember Grandma’s button tin? Who knows what treasures might have been hidden in there!!

The W.I. are having their annual Quiz Night on March 11th.7-30 in the

Imaginary sketch looking east across

Community Centre. Tickets £8-50 to

Sturreye mound ….anyone got a photo?

include a Ploughman’s Supper. Tables

Lesley Feakes 850275

of four. Tickets will be available from members, or, phone Carol Toner on 01622850048

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

We enjoyed a lovely Post-Christmas meal at the Dog and Bear. Thanks to the

This month our meeting is on the fifth

Committee for organising it.

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New members are always welcome. We

Olive, Sue, Kath, Jackie, Ann, Jacky,

met at 7-30 pm in the Community Centre

Martin, Fred, Jenny and Nina

on the 2nd Thursday of each month

Len Valley Community Hub Club

(excluding August).

Gill Simes

It was great to see so many of you at our

Young At Heart 60+

first meeting after the Christmas break.

Hope you enjoyed the quiz that Martin

It was good to see you all after our

put together.

Christmas break.

Our next meeting is March 2nd at the

Our next meeting is March 16th at

Social Club 2.00-4.00pm at which we

the Community Centre 2.00-4.00pm.

hope to have a film show.

We hope to have Bon Marche with us

The meeting in April is on the 6th and we

showing the fashions for the coming

would like you to bring a hard boiled egg

spring and summer.

decorated with an Easter theme.

We will also be taking your orders for fish

They will be judged and a winner chosen.

and chips which we will be eating at our

To all those that help a big thank you.

meeting April 20/04/17.

Martin, Fred, Jenny and Nina

A big thank you to all our helpers.

Lenham Family Festival

T

Social Club on Friday 9 June and music from Sixpenny Piece during the market in Lenham Square on Sunday 11 June.

hings are hotting up in the

Many of our usual stalls have confirmed

preparations for the Lenham

they will be returning this year for the

Family Festival. As well as the

main event on the Saturday. Items for

main day on Saturday 10 June and the

sale will include cakes, aromatherapy

City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra

products, luxury ice cream, jams, cards

concert on Saturday 17 June, there will

and shabby chic items to name but a few.

now be a live music event at Lenham

The burger bar will be back and Lenham

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Social Club will again be providing a bar.

way, we always need volunteers to help

Tea and cakes will also be available inside

out on the main day of the Festival with

the Community Centre where more

a variety of tasks, none of which are

entertainment will be provided, including

particularly onerous. Even if you can only

dance displays by GDC School of Dancing.

volunteer an hour of your time, it will be much appreciated and it is always great

As reported previously, the monies

fun and very rewarding being part of a

raised from the 2017 Festival will be

community event such as this. You will

split equally between The Katie Piper

probably find you get much more out of

Foundation, which helps people with

it than you need to put in! If you would

burns and scars to reconnect with their

like to be involved in this way, please

lives and their communities, and Lenham

contact Gail on 01622 850126. She will

Primary School.

be compiling a list of names and contact details of willing helpers to be contacted

If you would like to help us raise funds

nearer the time.

for these two deserving causes, you are very welcome to come along to one of our

Look out for further news from the

Festival Committee meetings which take

Lenham Family Festival Committee

place on the last Monday of each month

in each month’s edition of the Lenham

at 7.15pm in the Appleton Room at the

Focus.

Community Centre.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED If you are not able to join the Committee but would like to be involved in a smaller

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THE TITHE BARN AT LENHAM

EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY 2017 FRIDAY, 19TH TO MONDAY, 29TH MAY ART EXHIBITION PILGRIMS WAY ARTISTS

SATURDAY, 17TH JUNE CITY OF ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PART OF LENHAM FAMILY FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, 24TH JUNE CHARITY MASKED BALL

IN AID OF THE KATIE PIPER FOUNDATION

SUNDAY, 9TH JULY (5PM) HAMLET THE CHANGELING THEATRE

(OPEN AIR)

SPARKLES Domestic & Commercial Window Cleaning

SATURDAY, 5TH & SUNDAY, 6TH AUGUST A KENTISH KITCHEN

NEW EVENT CELEBRATING THE PRODUCERS OF KENT

SATURDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER ANNUAL BARN DANCE

Pure Hot Water Fed Pole Technology

Conservatory Cleaning - Fascia/Cladding Cleaning Solar Panels • Gutter Cleaning System

FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S

SATURDAY, 18TH & SUNDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER MID WINTER MARKET

Tel: 07856 110682 Web: www.sparkles-kent.co.uk www.facebook.com/sparkleskent

LOCAL PRODUCERS AND HAND CRAFTED TREASURES

For information please contact Valerie Woollven 01622 850624

Heather’s for men & women

Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Complete Grooming Service

Kerry Dunbar

Professional Qualified Dog Groomer

Offered for all breeds of dogs Bathing Scissoring Clipping Handstripping Nail Clipping De-matting www.cutsformutts.co.uk kerry_dunbar@hotmail.co.uk Based at Sandway nr Lenham

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HPC Registered G.C.S.Ch., M.Inst.Ch.P., M.F.S.Ch.

01622 850376 The Brown Barn, Bull Hill, Lenham Heath, Kent, ME17 2JA off the A20.

www.heatherschiropody.co.uk retreat@heatherschiropody.co.uk

We are heading back to London!

Following on from our last successful London Property Exhibition we are holding another one this April.

There is still time for your property to feature at this exhibition so call us NOW on 01622 858241.

Residential Sales & Lettings Village & Country Homes Showcase your home at our London property exhibition on Wednesday 12th April 2017.

121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 7AG.

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

GB LISTER Produce you can trust Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer

Locally sourced meat which hasn’t had to travel thousands of miles before it reaches you.

10% DISCOUNT and FREE DELIVERY for senior citizens on Tuesdays.

Tel: 01622 858220 Email: gblister@live.com 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2PQ

www.lenham-butchers.co.uk

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Beaubray Caterers

Maidstone for quality catering anywhere Beaubray Caterers cater for all styles of Call for a FREE brochure or quote on

weddings as well as private and corporate

01622 763269

functions, dinners, carverys, bbq’s, hot and

or download a copy at

www.beaubraycaterers.co.uk

cold buffets and afternoon tea.

No function too large or too small

FOOT CLINIC Mrs. Afstaneh Smith Foot Health Professional MCFHP MAFHP Flexible surgery hours Home visits undertaken Hubbards Farm, Lenham Heath, ME17 2BX

Tel: 01622 853640 Mob: 07506376264

Domestic Cleaning We clean so you don’t have to!

Yours from as little as £13 per month.

Competitive Pricing Fully Insured Reliable Professional Trustworthy Available to do: Household Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans New Builds phynixcleaning.co.uk

Office: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent

01622 880028 21

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W REST A

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EDS CAST

At Castle View Restaurant, our aim is to cook the best traditional ingredients as simply as possible and let the quality of the produce and the magnificent views across the Castle's moat speak for themselves.

The oak-beamed 17th Century setting, offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views from the terrace of the 900 year old Leeds Castle beautifully lit at night.

To book a table call 01622 767766 or visit leeds-castle.com/restaurant

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Family Breakfast Service

Upcoming Events Mother’s Day

Sunday 26th March 2017

SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am

Served from noon till 9.00pm

3 course menu packed with seasonal delights, including a present for Mum. Sunday roast set lunch menu for £29pp; children up to 12 years pay £14.

St Mary’s Church, Lenham

Booking & pre order essential

Lazy Sunday Jazz Afternoon

FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Sunday 21st May

Moodswing, jazz duo playing from 4pm at the bar

Hollingbourne Fete Saturday 10th June

Come and see us at the bar & Pimms tent THE

D I R T Y H A B I T

Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1UW 01622 880 880 www.thedirtyhabit.net

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Nature’s Dinner Plate

C

oming home in late January we just had to stop on Rayners Hill and watch a

most amazing spectacle! There were hundreds of redwings, fieldfares and lapwings foraging in the two fields on either side of the lane. From time

Image courtesy of RSPB-Images

to time they were lifting off in small flocks to go to a new patch of ground.

When we first moved to Lenham in the

Above them ‘hovering ’ in the air was a

mid-eighties, lapwings were already

kestrel looking out for prey. What an

rare but still a more common sight

amazing sight. Certainly we have never

than in recent years. They are now

seen so many lapwings before: at least

on the red list of endangered species.

100.

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Now you might wonder why these

the field last year. The stubble, which

beautiful birds descended onto the two

many years ago was burned, causing

fields at Rayners Hill. The answer is

quite a ‘stink’ as well as itchy eyes, is

deceptively obvious: there was plenty

now ploughed back into the soil. The

of food for them.

result is a richer, lighter soil, which

Driving up and down this lane

holds water better than before and is

regularly we have been able to

home to nature’s groundforce: worms

observe how some Lenham farmers

and grubs. Just the sort of stuff which

have radically changed their farming

redwings, fieldfares and lapwings like

practices. We are gardeners and

to have on their dinner plate!

watched with envy when a large heap

Henny and Peter Shotter, Warren

of organic matter was ploughed into

Street.

The Honywood & Douglas Charity

Applicants must be 60 years of age or more, able to look after themselves and have lived in the Parishes of Lenham or Boughton Malherbe for the last two years.

LENHAM (Registered Charity No.

Applications should be made in

211272)

writing to the Secretary, as below to reach her not later than 10th March

The Trustees hereby give notice

2017.

that the following almshouse accommodation is available:

Mrs Pat Sutton c/o 3 Church Square

A one bedroom bungalow comprising

Lenham ME17 2PJ

sitting room, kitchen and bathroom at Douglas Court Almshouses, Faversham Road, Lenham.

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Blackcaps, painting by Lesley Feakes

Blackcaps Breakfast

T

berries that stay well into the spring.

Yet a few of them won’t this year!

Today 6th Feb, a pair of Blackcaps came, flew across the garden and

he ‘office’ where I write these

purposely sat in the apple tree to peck

articles looks out over my

at the berries. The cock wiped a berry

garden and a small apple tree.

from his beak on the upper branch of

About 7 years ago I tried and tried to

the tree but his wife flew off with hers.

seed a mistletoe by sticking the seed in small cuts under bark. I had given up

In the bird book it says that although

because nothing happened but about

they are usually summer visitors some

five years ago I noticed a pair of green

are resident and some are winter

rounded leaves poking out like bunny

visitors. I would like to think that the

ears …it was a sprog! The mistletoe had

cock Blackcap is the one who came

decided to grow! Now there are two

about this time last year and now

large balls which bear glistening cream

he has brought his wife to enjoy my

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garden! Although the book description

I have noted trees with mistletoe many

says she is ‘duller’ her smart chestnut

times, most in Sutton Vallance are

coloured cap stood out as much as

limes. Sometimes it is on poplar, ash

his black one. Unfortunately, I did

or maple and of course apple, but I

not have my camera handy so I had to

have never seen it on oak, but there is

paint them for you.

always the first time!

It’s A Knockout

Spaces are limited to 9 teams per show

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May

pm. Cost per team £250.00 Book now

Mote Park, Maidstone ME15 7RN

to avoid disappointment by visiting

– 3 shows per day at 10 am, 1 pm and 3

www.hokh.org /events or by calling 01622 790195 .

The original and best touring version of the BBC’s hit show returns to Mote

www.hokh.org

Park for another weekend of fun and laughter in support of Heart of Kent

Heart of Kent Hospice. We are

Hospice.

an independent charity providing Why not get behind the hospice by

specialist end of life care for people

entering a team of up to 10 people

facing the challenge of a terminal

(over 16s only) for an unforgettable

illness.

few hours of fun and laughter as you enjoy wet and wild games, giant inflatables, hilarious props and bucket loads of banter. Entertainment for the kids including a bouncy castle and games and hot and cold refreshments will be available all day.

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

Advertise to 2000 people from ÂŁ13pm.

Contact: advertslf@gmail.com

29

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

Bi-folds Doors Roof Lanterns Composite Doors

Established 25 Years, Family Business.

01622 851400 | 07973 669590

KSEHomeImprovementsWT175.indd 1

30

09/08/2016 14:34

Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily

Activate Fitness Facilites

Monday

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

Activate Sports Swadelands

Sunday

Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Bridge Club Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools

7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 9.30-11.30am Community Centre 1.45pm-4.30pm (8-11 years) 6.30-8pm Community Centre 8pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Lenham Primary School 6:30-8:00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5:45-7:15pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30-9.00pm Community Centre 1.30-4.30pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15-7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 7.00-9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30-9.30pm Community Centre 5.30-8.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am-5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00 see separate church services page

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

Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Lenham Country Market

Lenham Social Club Business Association Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre Lenham Library Community Centre Community Centre The Village Square

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

31

8pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm 4.45-5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9-1.00pm

Advertiser Numbers Accounting & Business Services Alarm Systems Architectural Services Builders/decorators

Butchers/Meat Carpentry Caterers Catteries Chartered Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Coal Merchant Computer Services Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Estate Agents Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Garages Grocers 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) G B Lister 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 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 Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing

32

851542 858612 01580 230413 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 01233 840004 858220 850364 858719 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 858255 850001

Hall Hire 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

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 Setfords Solicitors Thorneloe & Co. Chequers Fish Bar Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles

33

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 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 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 622271 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

Advertise to 2000 people from £13pm.

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

EDMED LTD WARMING HOMES THROUGHOUT KENT SINCE 1917 WOOD BURNING STOVES, SUPPLY ONLY OR INSTALLATION. BESPOKE SERVICE PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION. CHIMNEY SWEEPING

01622 260515 | 07976 688437 edmecltd@edmedcoal.co.uk www.edmedcoal.co.uk

35

Visit our showroom Newington Ind Est, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7NU

NEED HELP TO CHANGE LIFE FOR THE BETTER ?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Can Help

Advertise to 2000 people

Common problems CBT can help with:

from £13pm.

Anxiety Depression Anger Panic Attacks Stress Management Low Self-Confidence

Contact:

Step by step to help you work through your concerns and bring about the change you desire.

advertslf@gmail.com

T: 07711 945897 or 01233 714059 PRACTICES IN EGERTON, CHARING & ASHFORD

lynn@counsellingashford.org.uk www.counsellingashford.org.uk

Spanish-italian teacher/translator all ages and all levels My name is Gabriela, I am a native speaker from Argentina. I offer private lessons at £17 an hour and as well translations.

Tel: 07832647771

36

Success comes from working together.

Build your business 17 reasons why joining Lenham Valley Business Association is a good idea: l Proven business successes among the businesses that network regularly. l An online Business Directory right now! See www.lenhambusiness.co.uk l The opportunity for members to be listed up to 4 times on this website. l The opportunity for members to advertise vacancies (and items for sale) free of charge on this website and direct to others on the emailing list. l An open door to real expertise from professionals who are frequently happy to share their knowledge for free. l A professional image and a good reputation (started in 2009). l This website which is already high on search engines. l Monthly promotion provided to the member and non member mailing list to help promote the association networking meetings. l Up to 11 free network meetings per year and a chance to see local venues. l Offer schemes aimed at increasing business for all members by encouraging their staff to buy from other members. l Links for the association from online directories, FaceBook and Linkedin (and links from others, members or not). l Regular support and information from Kent Messenger, Lenham Focus, Harrietsham Networker and Malherbe Mag. Plus other publications. l You get the chance to hear about and see (frequently before others do) lots of information that could help or effect you. l Chance to help develop the area. l Chance to work with others to put on events locally. l Business directory to every home and business (subject to funding) (for this reason alone the membership fee is a good purchase).

Bear in mind a sole trader can currently join for just ÂŁ65 per year. l The association has been designed for successful local rural networking, it is not a franchise from another country, it is not designed to make money for an ‘owner’, it is not run by people too busy to give their time for detail, it is run by a professional with understanding and current hands on experience of marketing, presenting and successful organising.

Other similar networking groups can only follow.

sier a e le tt li a s s e in s u b 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

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 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

Find a warm welcome at Pathways Church serving Lenham and the surrounding area.

CURRENTLY WE MEET IN HOMES, AND ON THE 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH AT LENHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE. SUNDAY MORNING CELEBRATIONS START AT 10:30AM

All are welcome for our celebration morning service followed by tea, coffee and refreshments afterwards. Drop in and get to know us.

www.pathwayschurch.org.uk 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

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

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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

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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

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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 15th March 10.30am Holy Communion: Chippendayle Lodge

Sunday 19th March

Wednesday 1st March

9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service

9.30am Lenham: Ash Wednesday Service

9.30am Harrietsham: Morning Worship

7.30pm Harrietsham: Ash Wednesday

9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Holy

Service

Communion 11.00am Ulcombe: Morning Worship

Friday 3rd March

11.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

10.30am Lenham: Women’s World Day of Prayer Service

Saturday 25th March

7.00pm Ulcombe: Women’s World Day of

8.00am Dog & Bear, Lenham: Men’s

Prayer Service

breakfast

Sunday 5th March 9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy

Sunday 26th March – Mothering Sunday – Special Services with gifts for Mums

Communion (Prayer Book)

8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion

11.00 am Ulcombe: Family Worship

(Prayer Book)

11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion

9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

3.30 pm Harrietsham: GIFT family

9.30am Boughton Malherbe: Family

worship

Worship

9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service

10.45am Ulcombe: Holy Communion

Sunday 12th March

11.00am Lenham: Family Worship

8.00am Lenham: Holy Communion (Prayer Book)

Pathways Church

9.30am Lenham: Breakfast Service

Service Times February 2017

9.30am Harrietsham: Holy Communion

1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at

11.00am Ulcombe: Holy Communion

10h30 in Lenham Community Centre

11.00am Lenham: Morning Worship

Wednesdays and Thursdays in homes in

3.30pm Boughton Malherbe: Choral

Harrietsham and Lenham.

Evensong

http://www.pathwayschurch.org.uk/

43

Christian Message

J Drury

Women’s World Day of Prayer (International and Interdenominational)

What does the Bible say about MONEY?

FRIDAY 3RD MARCH 2017 Do not charge your brother interest,

St Mary’s, Lenham 10.30am

whether on money or food or

All Saints Church, Ulcombe 7pm

anything else that can earn interest.

Am I Being Unfair To You?

(Deuteronomy 23:19) Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?

On Friday 3rd March over 5,000 services

He who lends money without

will be held in the British Isles on the

usury(interest). (Psalm 15: 1 and 5)

theme of ‘Am I Being Unfair to You?’ The

Dishonest money dwindles away, but he

Christian women of the Philippines wrote

who gathers money little by little makes it

the service and it has been translated into

grow. (Proverbs 13:11)

1,000 different languages and dialects, to

Whoever loves money never has enough;

be used, throughout the whole world, on

whoever loves wealth is never satisfied.

Friday 3rd March, starting at sunrise over

(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

the Island of Samoa and continuing until

Why spend money on what is not bread,

sunset off the coast of American Samoa.

and your labour on what does not satisfy?

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan – named locally

(Isaiah 55:2)

as ‘Yolanda’ – struck the Philippine

You cannot serve both God and money.

islands in the western Pacific Ocean. This

(Matthew 6:24)

is mentioned in the service but you will

The love of money is a root of all kinds of

also hear the stories of a girl, a mother

evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)

and an older woman, recounting their

Keep your lives free from the love of

situations and their hopes and fears. The

money. (Hebrews 13:5)

service focuses on the Bible story of the

Be shepherds of God’s flock; not greedy

workers in the vineyard: Matthew 20 v

for money but eager to serve. (1 Peter 5:2)

1-16. There is a reflection on the artwork

Jesus said: ‘seek first his (God’s) kingdom

designed by Rowena ‘Apol’ Laxamana-

and his righteousness.’ (Matthew 7:33)

44

Sta.Rosa. It is very thought provoking

come along on Friday, 3rd March.

and illustrates contrasting scenes.

Why not find out more about the theme, the Philippines and the service? The Day of Prayer is not just for women. Everyone is welcome to attend the service, so please

Katy is running Brighton Marathon!

In between working full-time and helping on the Focus, I’m currently training to run Brighton Marathon on April 9th to support Mind. If you would like to help me reach my target, please email me at advertslf@gmail.com or donate via my

Mind is a registered charity in England

justgiving page; https://www.justgiving.

(no. 219830) and a registered company

com/fundraising/Katy-Bennett4

(no. 424348) in England and Wales.

45

Tapping for Birch water.

W

beautiful Birch trees up and down the land busily and silently filling with a mineral rich watery sap? A sap so good for us humans in fact that it has been

elcome to March! Phew,

heralded a ‘Superdrink’ no less. Of

the worst of the winter

course, you can now buy this ‘Drink du

is finally over (we hope),

jour’ in shops and online. But, thanks

and growing season is getting ready

to its tiny harvesting window, yep - you

to do its thing, bringing with it those

guessed it, it comes at a premium. And

exciting green shoots of recovery.

so it should. It’s very precious!

There is much to do in our gardens

But why buy it, when you can tap for it

now of course, including vegetable bed

yourself ? A fun, and super rewarding

preparation, and closing in on those

activity for all the family, that Ray

cheeky weeds; tidying up, cutting back

Mears himself would be proud of (and

and general preparation for a season

by the way, Chris at TreePro even

of action. But aside from the usual

makes wine with his Birch water!) So

March happenings, did you know

grab an empty plastic bottle, some

that starting at the beginning of this

string and a knife, and head out to find

month for only two weeks, there are

yourself a healthy looking donor tree.

46

I promise the tree won’t mind, nor

you must press the slit shut as firmly

will its health be compromised in any

as you can. The sticky sap will take

way. Just so long as you follow these

care of the rest of the trees healing

instructions carefully.

process for you. YOU MUST CLOSE

Firstly, select one of three birch trees

THE HOLE BACK UP, because whilst

native to Great Britain – The Silver

a Birch tree can happily afford to lose

Birch, Downy Birch or Paper Bark

some if its water (Much like a human

Birch. Ensure that your selected tree is

donating blood), if it is left to leak sap,

over 9 inches thick and begin carefully

then it could actually bleed to death.

rigging up your own DIY tap:

How awful would that be? So, please

To do this, locate a point

be responsible for the trees healing

approximately 3ft above soil level on

process, and ideally pop back to check

the birch’s trunk and jab your knife

on it a few days later. (If the tree is

about 3 inches into the trunk at an

still leaking, then you could try tying

upwards angle. Then, slightly lever

the slit closed with some string and

the slit open a fraction with your

some leaves.)

knife (taking care not to wound the

Good luck and do let us know how you

tree unnecessarily) At this point

get on our Facebook page. Enjoy your

you should start to see some watery

pure Superdrink!

sap beginning to ooze out from the

https://www.facebook.com/

bark (If you don’t see any sap, then

TreeProLtd/

it means that your chosen birch isn’t quite ready. So select another tree or

For all of your Growing concerns

come back another day.) Next, insert a

including Tree surgery, Hedge cutting,

small stick to act as a drain for the sap,

garden maintenance and much more,

tying your empty bottle around the

call Chris at Tree Pro ltd on 07732 527

tree. The sap collection part should

588

be surprisingly quick, though you may

Tree Pro is a local Lenham company

prefer to go away and come back later.

and is committed to caring for our

Now then, this next part of the tapping

local environment and providing a

process is perhaps the most important

first class service to all of our valued

part to consider, so please remember

clients and their gardens/land.

this bit – When you remove your drain,

By Anna at Tree Pro

47

How would you spend £2000 this April?

The draw will take place on Friday 24th March and tickets must be returned either to the Hospice by 14th March or to Heart of Kent Hospice, Spring Superdraw, Furness Gate, Peter Green Way, Furness Business Park, Barrow-

We are appealing to you to ‘Get Behind

in-Furness LA14 2PE by 17th March.

Heart of Kent Hospice’ by playing our

Tickets cannot be sold to anyone under 16

Superdraw to be in with a chance of

years of age.

winning one of 22 cash prizes in addition to the top prize of £2000!

www.hokh.org Heart of Kent Hospice. We are an

Tickets are only £1.00 each and are

independent charity providing specialist

available at Hospice reception, Preston

end of life care for people facing the

Hall, Aylesford ME20 7PU or in our

challenge of a terminal illness.

hospice shops or by calling Fundraising on 01622 790195 or email-ing fundraising@hokh.co.uk.

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

48

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 contact me or visit me at one of my surgeries House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA Tel: 020 7219 6472; Email: helen.whately.mp@parliament.uk Upcoming surgeries Friday 17th March, Bearsted

Advertise to 2000 people from ÂŁ13pm.

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49

50

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51

Herbs for health Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

M

Rosemary has been used for centuries, traditionally as a symbol of love by weaving it in bridal wreaths, but also at funerals, in churches and in magic…

Traditionally Rosemary has been used for curing headaches and aiding digestion (this is why it’s used with

any of you will be familiar

roast lamb - to help digest the fatty

with the woody shrub

meat). It’s also used for stimulating

Rosemary, either from

hair growth and as a muscle rub.

growing it in your garden or from using

Nowadays, it is recognized to be

or tasting it with roast lamb, perhaps.

antioxidant and antimicrobial - this

It is a wonderful, aromatic herb which

means it may prevent cell damage

grows all year round in the UK. It’s

and also kills micro-organisms - good

evergreen and has pretty lilac flowers,

reason to use it as a tea or medicine

(like the ones above) although the

as well as helping improve digestion.

flower colour may differ depending on

It is also thought to increase mental

the variety and pine tree like needles,

concentration and research is

although soft.

currently underway for its use with

52

Alzheimers patients.

garlic, so makes a great addition to

At home why not use essential oil of

roast potatoes, or use in olive oil as a

Rosemary in a room vapouriser or

dressing - leave it to marinade if you

diffuser to not only make the room

can to intensify the flavour.

smell wonderful but also to help with

Another interesting snack is to roast

memory - great for revision time!

a few mixed nuts with olive oil, some

You can make Rosemary tea by

salt and some chopped rosemary for

nipping the flowers and leaf tips off

10 mins - a great change from serving

your Rosemary bush and brewing them

straight from the packet.

in a teapot, cafetiere or mug with a

If you enjoyed reading this article or

saucer over it to stop all the volatile

would like to know more about how

oils, which contain much of the

herbs can improve your health, please

active ingredients, from evaporating

contact Emma-Jane Isaac BSc (Hons)

- a couple of small sprigs of fresh

MNIMH - member of the National

rosemary will probably be enough or

Institute of Medical Herbalists, with a

try a teaspoon of the dried herb in

Degree in Herbal Medicine.

an infuser ball. Brew for at least 5 minutes - if the taste is too strong try

Emma-Jane Isaac - Kent Downs

adding a small piece of zest or honey.

Herbalist - 07976 619020

Culinary ideas Rosemary pairs up very well with

53

A new Lenham Country Market manager

I

responsibility for the Lenham Country Market and brings over 17 years of experience. Sandra and her husband Brian have been actively involved in farmers markets in Kent for a long time, and are great supporters of local

n an issue of Focus we ran

producers and the food and drink they

an interview with Kevin

prepare. They would like to thank

Fitzsimmons, who has been the

Kevin for all the hard work over the

Lenham Country Market manager for

recent years and thank the local people

the past seven years. Recently Kevin

and businesses for making them so

kindly alerted us to the news that he

welcome at the January market. They

is standing down from the Lenham

look forward to meeting everyone in

Market responsibility ( but remaining

the coming months.

active in the country market sector)

We look forward to meeting you, too,

and that, in particular, he would like to

Sandra and Brian, at the next Lenham

thank the people of Lenham for their

Market, on the second Sunday in

support.

February!

Sandra Woodfall has taken over

Text by Jim Myers

54

Lenham Wanderers

L

was unveiled at the William Pitt Field with Councillor Paul Culver on Sunday 29th January prior to the teams fantastic 2-1 victory over Staplehurst

enham Wanderers Under 18s

putting them into the cup semi-final.

would like to thank Lenham Parish Council for the grant

of ÂŁ500 towards our new kit which

55

Celebrating the lives of …

Joan MacDonald, Alan Robinson and John Tappenden

J

and was present at its opening by Princess Diana in 1991. Joan was also at the forefront of opening the Lenham hospice shop, being a volunteer there for many years. She also helped organise Lenham’s former annual carnival for some years and was delighted to be asked to open Lenham’s Jubilee Day in 2012.

oan MacDonald (27 December 1917–26 December 2016)

Affectionately known as ‘Mrs Mac’,

came to Lenham with her

husband Frederick in 1968, where

Joan always appreciated how friendly

they bought and ran with their son

Lenham was as a village – perhaps

Michael what is now the Village Stores

because she gave so much to it.

in the Square, running it until their

Alan Robinson (24 October

retirement in 1985. In her early days

1929–13 January 2017) was born in

here Joan became involved with the

Broadstairs, doing his National Service

hospice movement, initially with the

with the RAF. He worked as a postman

Pilgrim’s Hospice in Ashford. Having

in Broadstairs, where he met his wife,

been at its opening by the Queen

Jean, then training to be a nursery

Mother, Joan was later invited to

nurse. They were married for 57 years.

help with the Heart of Kent Hospice

They moved to the Lenham area in

56

1968, first living in Sandway and then

National Service, applying to be a dog

Lenham itself. Alan first worked for

handler in the Royal Engineers – a

NuSwift, the fire extinguisher firm,

love of dogs and horses was always a

and then for Lenham Storage, retiring

big part of his life. This was the time

after 17 years. He was the eldest of

of the Korean war, and he discovered

three children; his brother still lives

his dog handling section was serving

in Kent and his sister in New Zealand.

minefields in the front line!

Besides Jean he is survived by their daughter Nicola, two grandchildren,

Demobbed in 1953, he began work

and a year old great grandchild whom

with the family firm again, enjoying

he was delighted to see at Christmas.

a social life at billiards, darts and village hall dances together with his

Alan was full of wisdom, laughter

friends Bill Scotland and Tony Crouch.

and enthusiasm and a man of many

His next job was with a local frozen

interests. He shared with Jean a love

food factory, and it was here that he

of oasthouses, and they spent much

met his future wife Edna, who had,

time bicycling round Kent to look at

she said, ‘seen this attractive man

them. Another interest was genealogy,

at dances’. They were married in

and another cross-stitch, on which he

1958 (honeymooning with fish and

was working up until the day he died.

chips and watching Bridge over the River Kwai at Folkestone). Living in

John Tappenden (20 June 1931–14

Church Square, where their daughter

January 2017) was born at Crabbe

Elizabeth was born. John continued

Farm in Lenham Heath, the eldest of

work as a carpenter; later they moved

five children and grew up accustomed

to Maidstone Road where their son

to combining his school life with

John was born. After retirement he

working on the farm. Here he would

and Edna spent many happy years

amongst other jobs collect food for the

of caravan holidays and many other

rabbits, go ferreting and shooting with

activities, continuing John’s love of

his father, fruit-picking, and collecting

horses and dogs.

hay. He left school at fourteen to work for his uncle Sam Clark in the family

Text by Jim and Amy Myers

carpentry business until called up for

57

Winter is Ending

can be easily lifted off before the meat dish is reheated for serving.

•

Stews & casseroling in one pot, will ensure that you keep all the

Spring into a great stew or casserole

nutrients held in the ingredients.

by GB Lister

•

Stewing & casseroling helps tenderise the less expensive, more

Stews & casseroles are not just for

coarse-grained cuts of meat.

cold, dark nights. A great stew or casserole is about taking quality

Here is our Spring Beef Stew,

ingredients and creating a tasty & healthy meal, usually in one-pot!!

Spring Beef Stew

Generally quick and simple to prepare,

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 2 hrs

they suit modern day life as they cook

Servings 4

whilst you are out & about.

Ingredients:

Our top tips for stews & casseroles

1 tsp olive oil

•

•

•

Don’t coat the pieces of meat with

2 shallots, sliced

flour before browning them at the

450g carrots, peeled and cut into

start of cooking because the flour

batons

will absorb any excess fat in the

2 medium leeks, well-washed & thinly

dish during cooking.

sliced

After cooking casseroles and

450g boneless beef skirt or chuck, cut

stews, be sure to remove any fat

into 2-inch cubes

from the surface. Skim it off using

250ml beef stock

a spoon, or blot it with kitchen

250ml chicken stock

paper. Another idea is to drop in

450g new potatoes

a few ice cubes: fat will solidify

450g green beans, cut

round them and they can then be

2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

lifted out.

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

If possible, make casseroles and

1 tsp lemon zest, grated

stews ahead of time and chill them

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (to taste)

overnight. Any fat will rise to the

Salt & Pepper to taste

surface and solidify in a layer that

58

Method:

Note: If you need to prepare ahead

1) Preheat the oven to 160C/Gas Mark

of time, follow the steps until number

3.

6. Then place in a timed oven, set

2) In a large flame proof casserole

the cooking time to finish 20 minutes

dish, heat the oil & add onions, carrots

before you need to serve. Also, allow

and leeks.

for a full 1hour and half cooking time!

3) Cook over a medium heat, stirring frequently, for 6-7 minutes, until

Ever wondered what the difference

onions are lightly browned.

is?? Braising traditionally uses slices

4) Remove vegetable mixture from

of meat, while stews & casseroles use

dish and set aside.

cubes of meat. Pot roasts make large

5) In same dish, cook the beef over

joints or pieces of meat tender &

medium heat, stirring frequently, for

succulent.

8-10 minutes, until beef is browned on all sides and cooked through.

Watch out for the new potatoes,

6) Add the beef and chicken stocks,

asparagus, and lamb arriving in store

then bring liquid to a boil.

this month!

7) Ensure the lid is tightly closed (if

Are you planning to have family & friends over for Easter?

the lid is not tight, cover the pot with foil before adding the lid). Then place in the oven for 1-1 1/2 hours, until beef

Pre-order your meat & vegetables for

is tender.

the weekend with us.

8) Remove from the oven and add the potatoes, green beans and reserved

Shop Online -

vegetable mixture to the beef mixture.

www.lenham-butchers.co.uk

Return to the oven for a further 15-20

Email – gblister@live.com

minutes, until vegetables and beef are

Telephone – 01622 858220

very tender.

9) Stir in parsley, dill, zest, juice and

Traditional, local, fresh meat at your

pepper.

convenience

10) Divide evenly among 4 bowls and

Check out other recipes in our online

serve.

cookbook

59

Lenham 2031: a vision!

by Peter Bailey Four thousand new inhabitants Fill our space like hungry ants.

Two thousand extra cars beside; Unless each has a bike to ride!

Streets are full, no spot to spare; Parking meters in the square.

New school is packed and overflowing.

Surgery bursting, patients queuing For medics who are overstressed And far too tired to give their best.

Sewage system overloaded; When it rains the streets are flooded.

New estates become a lake; How much can our rivers take?

Village life has disappeared, Culture now is very weird.

Mix of town and country, good!

But Lenham was in people’s blood!

Those who know our ‘country code’ Are few, and now in ‘modern mode’ To form a new community; Make change an opportunity!

Tourism is our industry, With ‘park and ride’ on ‘Marley’ site, The village square, now traffic free, ‘Medieval’ shops the blight, To satisfy, for souvenirs, Memories of yester years!

Traffic lights on Ham Lane corner Dual carriageway beyond there; Ten m.p.h. in village street, Electric cars and cycles only.

Environmentally sweet?

Is this our Lenham testimony????

AONB , abandoned now and building land a plenty; No longer farm to feed our folk, But house the London ‘gentry’.

Our Parish Council saw the joke And moved’ en masse’ to Spain.

Lenham’s gone and ‘Kentish life’ will never be the same!

60

World Challenge

could be collecting free donations for

G

Georgia Hewish? There are over 3,000

World Challenge India South 2017 -

eorgia Hewish has been

shops and sites on board ready to

updating the Focus social

make a donation, including Amazon,

media pages for Facebook

John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and

and Twitter for over a year, whilst

Sainsbury’s – it doesn’t cost you a

studying for her A-levels at Invicta

penny extra!

Grammar School. She is going with a group of students from the school on a

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3...

World Challenge expedition to Kerala

1. Head to https://www.

in India. On the two week trip they will

easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/

be helping out on a community project

georgiahewish/ and join for free.

at a local school.

2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site

Georgia has to raise £2,500 to fund

you want and start shopping.

this trip. She has already arranged

3. After you’ve checked out, that

a very successful Christmas quiz

retailer will make a donation to

and curry night at Lenham Primary

your good cause for no extra cost

School, and will be hosting another

whatsoever!

one on Friday 5 May. All details are in

Just Giving

Focus magazine this month on page

If you just want to make a donation

38, so please come along if you can. If

please go to her Just Giving page using

you can’t make the date but would still

the link below.

like to support Georgia there are other

https://www.justgiving.com/

ways and means!

crowdfunding/georgia-hewish/

Easy fundraising: Did you know that whenever you buy anything online - from your weekly shop to your annual holiday - you

61

Prize Crossword

Across clues

Down clues

1. Funny man in the circus. (5) 4. Meat that comes from a pig. (5) 7. Type of vehicle used by farmers. (9) 8. Egyptian river. (4) 10. Main …… . Something served in a restaurant. (6) 12. Small round cakes associated with jam and cream. (6) 13. Lazy or not working. (4) 16. Something put in the way to stop vehicles going further. (9) 18. A type of bird or boot. (5) 19. Manner or technique. (5)

1. Not dirty. (5) 2. Bird that went to sea in a pea-green boat. (3) 3. 3X3 4. Something used by builders and gardeners. (6) 5. Having a protective layer. (7) 6. Person who looks after patients in hospital. (5) 9. A spotted ‘big cat’. (7) 11. If you belong to a club or society you are a this. (6) 12. Something used to join bits of wood together. (5) 14. A large bird of prey. (5) 15. Noises made to show disapproval. (4) 17. Something used to open locks. (3)

62

Last month’s winner!

Previous winner: Mr. R. Brown 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 19 Edition 03 (March 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

A holiday cottage on the moor in June but no one expected a midsummer murder!

In The

Bleak

Midsummer! ?

Who dunnit what with and why

• Watch the action • collect the clues • interrogate the suspects • and win a prize

A Murder Mystery for you to solve!

Lenham community centre Saturday 25th March 2017 AT 7.45PM

TICKETS £20.00 INCLUDES Three course meal Licenced Bar proceeds TO lenham nursery school & Lenham community centre