Kennington News March 2017

DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES Old Mill sold to Shepherd Neame

MARCH 2017

Published by Kennington Community Forum

The Old Mill in Kennington is among five restaurants bought for £11.9m by Shepherd Neame from Village Green Restaurants, owned

by Alex and Helen Bensley. Mr Bensley, said: “We are delighted to pass the baton to a local, long standing family business.” Shepherd Neame chief executive Jona-

than Neame said: “We are hugely impressed by what Alex and Helen have achieved and look forward to continuing their great work.” Its other acquisitions are the Oak on the Green and the Fish on the Green in Bearsted, the Chequers on the Green in High Halden and the Swan and Dog in Great Chart.

Just what are they playing at?

An application by Ashford Hockey Club to build nine homes on part of its Ball Lane sports ground and a new access from the Canterbury Road has provoked many protests. But it has the support of Kennington councillor Phil Sims who fears a “worse plan” for the site.

The club says it needs £250,000 to resurface artificial pitches, carry out necessary maintenance and repay the outstanding mortgage.

Ashford Borough Council has received 142 responses in support of the proposal and 114 against. The plan is also opposed by Kennington Community Forum and Sport England.

Councillor Sims says: “At first sight this appears to be something which should not be supported. On the other hand Ashford Town Cricket Club, who own the remainder of the sports ground, have even worse ideas for the future of the Ball Lane sports ground.”

“I am led to believe they are planning an outline planning Councillor Sims application for an estate of possibly 50 homes on their part of the ground. I understand from sources that the cricket club has already engaged a developer to presumably design the homes and the layout of the estate, which will stretch from the Canterbury Road all the way up to the entrance of the sports ground.

“Perhaps all those who object to the Hockey Club application should start pressurising the cricket club to come clean and either scotch these rumours that I and others are hearing, or confirm them, so we all know what’s happening.”

Cllr Sims has asked for the application to go before ABC’s Planning Committee.

The sports ground is also used by Kennington Juniors and Pilgrims FC who train there in the winter.

Hockey club chairman Paul Dawson wrote to all members urging them to back the plan. He told the Kentish Express facilities at Ball Lane were diminishing rapidly and the club faced a dwindling membership as players opted to go elsewhere.

Happy family: Ismaeli and Jamila with their children Rida and Rital

KENTISH EXPRESS

‘Kennington is amazing’ A refugee family say they have received “amazing” support in Kennington as they try to build a new life from war-torn Syria.

Ismaeil and his wife Jamila were forced to flee their home in Damascus after protests against the Syrian regime descended into civil war.

After being given official refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees they arrived in Ashford as part of a government scheme to support Syrians fleeing the conflict.

Now they are rebuilding their lives in Kennington, where they have been supported by members of the United Reformed and Methodist Church in Faversham Road, Ashford borough council and other refugee families.

FOR THE LATEST KENNINGTON NEWS

Speaking through an interpreter Ismaeli told the Kentish Express: “The biggest challenge is the language barrier, but people are helping me by speaking slowly. My neighbours have been so supportive and understanding, for us they are amazing.”

Kennington United Reformed and Methodist Churchgoers Stewart and Gwen French hosted the family and have been welcomed to a meal at the couple’s home.

Mr French said: “They have shown tremendous courage. They have left everything they knew to come to a strange land with a strange language.”

ABC announced its plan to take up to 50 Syrian refugee families in September 2015.

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Now’s the time to tell us how you want the Forum to operate Our Chair, Chris Morley, has unfortunately had to stand down from the Community Forum.

We would like to thank him for the tremendous amount of work that he has put in to improving Kennington.

He became Chairman of the Forum in 2010 and worked tirelessly to restore the war memorial shelter and gardens.

He led the way to create a community council for Kennington and this will come into effect in 2019.

Under his leadership the Forum helped bring about the rebuilding of Spearpoint Pavilion.

It also established a trim trail on the recreation ground and helped get Bybrook Nature Reserve restored. This now has a ‘Friends’ group to take it forward.

Thanks to his dogged persistence the street lights were switched back on in Trinity Road.

Chris led the way to inform residents and gather views on large-scale planning proposals and invited many interesting speakers to the meetings, which have enabled us to better understand many issues of interest to the community.

We will miss his eye for detail, planning knowledge and tenacity in making sure that projects are carried through. He will be a hard act to follow.

Sandra Dunn, Secretary, Kennington Community Forum

Kennington Community Forum’s Core Group is taking a fresh look at the way the Forum operates and would very much like to receive your ideas at our next Open Meeting which will be held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 28 March 2017 at St. Mary's Community

Centre in Rylands Road We are also looking for a new Chair. Could you provide the motivation needed to lead a small team of like-minded individuals to promote the needs of our local community?

We look forward to hearing your views.

Youngsters cooked up lots of treats at the relaunch of Carters restaurant at Towers School which had been closed for nearly two years. It was named after KCC leader Paul Carter who greeted pupils and staff.

The restaurant, run by catering students, is open every Wednesday and Friday between 12-2pm To book a table call 01233 634171.

Ashford Borough Council will soon be carrying out a modest package of improvement works to freshen up Bockhanger Square. This will be funded by the KCC and ABC ward members — all of whom are making substantial contributions from their ward members’ grants.

Bybrook councillor Andrew Buchanan, said: “Around midMarch Council officers hope to have put together some ideas for various improvements to smarten the area up.

“Local residents and traders will then be invited to a drop-in morning to look at the proposals and comment on them. Depending on the outcome of the consultation, the work will then be carried out as soon as possible.”

Friendship and aid for families

by Helen Brown, Group Worker, Home-Start Ashford & District

vide emotional and practical support such as a listening ear, help with appointments, an extra pair For the last 28 years Home-Start of hands, trips to the park .

Ashford & District has been Families can refer themselves offering friendship and support to or be referred to us by Health families in the local community.

Visitors, schools and other We provide two main family organisations. support services: Chill with Dad – This group meets Home Visiting Service – Our team twice a month, the first Tuesday of trained volunteers visit families for Dads/male carers only and the in their own home weekly for fourth Saturday for Dads and their three hours for up to a year. children together. All activities Families have at have at least one are free and include trips to the child under five. Volunteers propark, bowling, craft, cooking and

library visits for example. This is open to Dads in the borough with children under eight. In addition we support families where parents and/or children have additional needs and disabilities.

If you have time to volunteer with us please get in touch for an application form; our next volunteer preparation course starts in April.

If you would like information please call us on 01233 647209 or email info@home -start-ashford.co.uk

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ollowing an appeal in the last issue of Kennington News a team of local volunteers has come forward to make sure the Kennington Fayre continues.

It will take place on Saturday 24 June from 12 noon to 4pm on the Recreation Ground, Ulley Road.

Last year’s event raised over £10,000 for local groups and attracted around 2,500 visitors despite the rain.

Erika Reynolds, who is leading the team, said: “The Fayre has been so successful, largely due to the hard work of Jill and Robin Britcher, and we are determined to make sure it continues. We have a fantastic team of volunteers and some fresh ideas — it will be another fabulous day!”

Over thirty stalls and activities will be on offer from local charities and community groups, along with the usual funfair.

From games and tombolas, to cake stalls and bric-a-brac, there will be something for everyone.

During the afternoon, there will be a pro-

gramme of events in the arena, including the Towers Cheerleaders, dancers, keep fit and drama, displays and activities for all tastes. Carol Ingram, leading the programme of events, said: “The arena events are always popular and this year we will have some old favourites, as well as a few new displays and activities”.

The ever popular fun dog show will take place with a range of categories including the ‘best in show’ award. Entries will be on the day and everyone is invited to enter their pooches into the fun!

Alongside the Fayre will be an opportunity

to win prizes in the Grand Draw. At the time of going to print the first prize was a closely guarded secret, but the organisers promise it will be well worth winning.

Tickets for the draw, at £1 each, will be available from any of the participating groups and on the day.

Erika said: “This is a great event that brings us all together and we hope we can attract even more people this year, giving everyone a fun afternoon and raising lots of money for our local charities.” email kenningtonfayre@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook

Bybrook, bogs and mini-beasts Conservation volunteers have been busy restoring an area of fen habitat in Bybrook Local Nature Reserve. Enveloped in fog they tackled thick bramble to open up areas of wetland to encourage existing wild flowers such as marsh marigold to extend further across the site.

Squelching as they worked, a number of small pools were dug into the thick, dark, rich soil.

Creating these areas will limit the creep of bramble and create valuable open areas attracting dragonflies, birds and bats to feed on The AGM will on Wednesday 26 April at Bockhanger Community Centre starting at 7pm. There will be an opportunity to tour the Reserve from 6-7pm. All welcome. the midges and other mini-beasts which thrive in fen conditions. Small steps are being taken to make a big difference in Bybrook LNR, which is off Nine Acres.

Over time and with the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve and KSCP conservation volunteers the site will become a prized green oasis for wildlife, protected and cared for by the local community. If you would like to be part of the team working in Bybrook LNR please get in touch with the FoBNR, or KSCP on 03000 410900.

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‘Bully’ who killed friend gets 10 years A 39-year-old man who admitted killing his friend at a block of flats in Kennington has been jailed for 10 years.

Darren McKay, of Beecholme Drive, was initially charged with the murder of 51-year-old Lee Walden at Cherry Tree House, Bybrook Road. He later admitted a manslaughter charge. McKay admitted punching Mr Walden twice in the jaw ‘in a jokey way’.

McKay (left) attacked Lee Walden When Mr Walden got a knife from the kitchen, McKay kicked him twice to the side of the head

because he was worried his friend was about to self-harm. Both men had an alcoholic dependency.

Judge Williams told McKay that his 10 year sentence for manslaughter would be extended to 14 years on licence.

After the hearing at Maidstone Crown Court Det Insp Richard Vickery described the relationship as abusive and said McKay was a “bully”.

Former Towers School teacher jailed for rape Towers School has defended its actions after a former teacher, who had previously been accused of sexual harassment, was jailed for rape.

Owen Madivani, married with three children, taught RE until 2015. He admitted raping the woman at a London hotel during an education conference.

Madivani, 46, of Cleves Way, South Ashford, was also accused of the attempted rape and sexual assault of another woman, but the jury at Blackfriars Crown Court was instructed by the judge to find Madivani not guilty of these charges. Neither of the women worked at Towers.

In a report by the Daily Mail, teaching union members accused the school of failing to handle complaints and assault allegations seriously — but the school strongly denies any failures.

A statement from the Faversham

Road school said: "Owen Madivani (right) has not been in the school since 2015.

The school and its leadership were shocked to learn that he had been accused of, and ultimately convicted of, rape.

“Under a previous leadership, a female member of staff raised an allegation that Mr Madivani had harassed her.

“The school and other professional organisations including her union immediately supported her to report the incident to the police. The matter did not go any further.”

The statement said the school and the principal, Richard Billings, “have received no complaints or concerns from teaching

Work starts on widening Kennington pinch point Work to improve the pinchpoint along Willesborough Road has started. Several trees have been cut down in preparation for widening the road later this year.

Bad news for motorists: Major road projects are expected to result in several years of traffic disruption around Ashford.

Works on the A28 out of the town towards Tenterden are due to start this month to create the access roads to the new Chilmington Green housing site.

The initial works will be to create three access routes into the site. One, comprising a new roundabout at the western end of the Great Chart bypass, the second an access road off the A28 just past Brookfield Road and the third off Coulter Road.

When completed around June these will be used by the site traffic which is being directed off the M20 at Junction 9, taken across Drovers roundabout, along Templar Way and the Matalan roundabout and thence to their access roads.

unions over dealings with this — or any situation.

“In fact, Towers pride themselves on having a good working relationship with the unions.

“In the Daily Mail, Mr Billings is reported as sending an email to staff asking them ‘not to discuss’ the matter with anyone.

“However, their conclusion that this was an attempt to ‘cover it up’ was an inaccurate assumption. Mr Billings was clear that his intention was to protect the staff by ensuring that he dealt with any difficult and upsetting questions or phone calls.

“It is unfortunate that the paper has chosen to attempt to vilify a well thought-of community school in the name of sensationalism by writing a story based on a series of unsupported assumptions.”

Madivani was jailed for 34 months and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Kennington Community Forum Register indefinitely.

Patients urged to order early Health chiefs in east Kent are asking patients who take medicine regularly to order their repeat prescriptions early.

The message comes as the NHS across the country faces unprecedented demand from patients. There are a number of things patients can do to keep well and reduce pressure on healthcare services.

Dr Navin Kumta, Clinical Chair of NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “If you take repeat medication make sure you know when you are likely to run out so that you can order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.

“If you do run out of your medication outside of GP surgery hours then talk to your pharmacist who may be able to help.

“Register with your GP surgery for ‘GP Online Services’ so that you can order your repeat prescriptions and book appointments online. It’s a quick, easy and free service and available 24/7. Find out more at www.nhs.uk ”. Visit www.healthhelpnow -nhs.net or download Health Help Now from Google Play or the App Store.

New Hayesbank surgery’s extension provides an additional 10 clinical rooms and two new patient waiting areas.

The extension also includes a theatre suite that will be used to accommodate additional minor operations for New Hayesbank patients.

The surgery now provides a weekend cataract service for local NHS patients. Further new services will be launched shortly.

New Hayesbank Surgery Cemetery Lane Kennington Ashford Kent, TN24 9JZ

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Boo, hiss, hurrah! It’s a triumph

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here was much hissing, booing and cheering as audiences from far and near (mostly near) joined in the general bonhomie which was all part of Kennington WI’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, performed over three days.

The script (not always adhered to), was written by Judy Skinner, (the Narrator) and the Producer was Kathy Osmotherly who also played the very fetching Nurse Tilly.

Other main parts were comically played by Shealagh Jackson as Mother Broome, Lesley Sanders as her husband Boris, The Lord Chamberlain, Barbara Edwards as The King and Marion Warner as The Queen.

There were pleasing performances from other Drama Group players, Mary Sharp as the Fairy Queen and Jacqui Beaney as Prince Charming.

The parts of Princess Marigold and Sleeping Beauty were delightfully played by the young Teagan Hurst and Isobel Jeffrey.

Mary Hone looked splendid dressed all in black and was a very convincing Bad Fairy Nettle.

Roger Marshall trod the boards as the lone man, taking the part of the Villager rolling out a load of topical one-liners as he introduced his horse Trump complete with blonde wig — a starring role for Laura Oliver, (pictured left).

For the smaller parts, members of the WI Darts group were roped in and played their roles with great gusto.

Prince Charming on Saturday’s performance was played by Darts member Cherry Wood.

The cast was joined by four members of Victoria’s Dance School appearing as fairies.

Ron Sharp did his usual sterling job as the Musical Accompanist — not an easy task bearing in mind all the ad-libbing that occurred!

The much admired scenery was designed and painted by Yoko Page which complimented the colourful costumes worn by the cast.

Elizabeth Allen was kept busy as Stage Prompt and two of the cast’s husbands Graham Sanders and Ian Osmotherly were whiz-kids managing backstage duties and visual effects.

The pantomime could not have been a success without all those WI members who helped with refreshments, raffle and ticket selling. It was great fun and a good time had by one and all.

URSULA JONES

Roger Marshall played the Villager rolling out topical one-liners with his horse Trump, complete with blonde wig

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Shabby Little Burton play area is given a fresh look The much criticised play area on Little Burton Farm estate has been tidied up. The work was carried out by ABC’s new in-house service, Aspire Landscape Management.

It is hoped more improvements will follow.

Amanda Scott, ABC’s new Play and Open Spaces Project Officer, has serious concerns about all the play areas in Kennington.

If you could help deliver copies of Kennington News please call Geoff Stanborough on 01233 629707.

She told a meeting of Kennington Forum that maintenance and refurbishment is expensive, but replacing swing seats and painting the equipment and fencing does make a difference.

She is producing a document to help groups raise funding for improvements.

Ms Scott, who has had 12 years experience in play areas, said there was no money available for large-scale improvements, but she is looking at how developers’ contributions can best be spent.

As an example new swings would

A QUIZ NIGHT organ-

cost about £5,000 and a new play area could cost in the region of £80,000 to £100,000 She is consulting with local schools and nurseries and consulting with children.

Questioned about the Rylands Road play area Ms Scott said developers’ money due from the “old Phoenix school” development will only be available when enough houses have been finished.

County councillor Jim Wedgbury suggested spending money on play areas would be a good use of councillors’ Members Grants.

ised by St Mary’s Church, Kennington, will be held on Saturday 1 April in the WI Hall, Faversham Road, at 7.30pm.

Bring your own nibbles and drinks. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available. Tables of six. To book call Maureen Drury on 01233 628202.

CHECKS on all headstones in cemeteries across Ashford are being carried out to ensure they are safe and stable for visitors tending to graves. Any memorial posing a risk will be made safe immediately.

Inspections will be carried out every five years

Kennington Community Forum

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ore than 80 members and nine guests celebrated Kennington WI’s 99th birthday.

The Handicraft Group made colourful heart-shaped bunting to adorn the Hall. Members wore shades of green in support of the "Sharing the love of the environment " campaign. President Gill Whitling announced forthcoming events including a Medieval Banquet, a "Buns and Bingo" afternoon on Friday 31 March, and theatre trips. On 21 April the WI will be entertained by Scottish Dancers.

Guest speaker Michael Thompsett explained the best ways to trace one’s ancestors, now made much easier by the internet, before recalling some of his own family history.

This included an ancestor known as “Benji the Plunger” a London fish porter who jumped off the newly built Tower Bridge only to die in the process.

Another relative was a smuggler and member of the notorious Aldington Gang who ended up on the gallows. A shoe which he carved while in prison is still in the family. Michael said he could trace his roots back to the 1500s.

Further details about the WI can be obtained from Gill Whitling 01233 633500, www.kenningtonwi.com or on Facebook.

BYBROOK WI

members began 2017 with a New Year meal followed by the January meeting. The speaker’s talk was a musical trip through the 1950s which reflected the changing social scene as the nation recovered from the hardships of the war.

Plans were made for two outings, one a theatre trip to see the Mikado, and the other a visit to the W I fair at Alexander Palace in April where there will be workshops, talks and demonstrations on all aspects of WI life.

February's meeting was a demonstration 'Stained glass and how to paint it'.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at St Mary's Community Centre Rylands Road at 7.30pm. If you would like to try the WI please come as a visitor. You will be made very welcome.

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All good family fun come rain or shine Conningbrook Lakes Country Park now has its own regular outdoor parent and toddler group.

“Brambles”, an outdoor initiative run by Canterbury Steiner School, offers supportive space for parents and children from birth to four years old.

Danika MacLellan, the group’s Parent and Child Outreach leader, said: “We make use of natural materials as much as possible with our craft activities.

We don’t provide toys, as the natural environment offers the opportunity for each child to connect with living creatures and objects from nature.

“Children and adults experi-

ence wind, rain, sunshine, and both warmth and cold.

“The gentle and unhurried approach also allows space for the child’s own developing imagination and enables social interaction with other children.

For parents it allows space to relax with their child, gives an opportunity to closely observe the child’s development, and provides an opportunity to support one another in the important job of parenting.”

“Brambles” is open on Fridays during term time from 10am to midday. For details please visit www.brambles-outdoor.co.uk or visit Facebook. You can contact Danika on 01277 738285.

Poised for success Little Burton’s Future Dance Studios has taken a leap forward with the launch of the Future Stars Academy.

This offers classes in theatre school, ballet, street dance, hoop dance, cheerleading and singing, together with pre-school classes in ballet, street dance and gym fit. Wendy Richardson, who set up the studio in 2012, said: “Our motivation has always been to offer classes to children no matter what age or ability, as we feel that dance should be accessible for all. We give parents the option of paying weekly if they are not in the position to pay termly fees.”

The academy is working on its summer show which will be performed in a local theatre and is looking for children aged between 8 and 12 to join the Show Troupe. Wendy said: “This is for selected children only with dance experience and a natural ability in dance.

We meet on Mondays at 5pm and perform regularly in competitions and shows.”

For more information or to book a class please contact Wendy on 07896198442 or www.futuredance.info

FREE COMMUNITY SINGING! Adults are invited to come along to a community singing group at Future Dance Studios on Mondays from 11-11.45am. Open to all abilities and ages from 18 to 90 years.

FIRST-RATE PHOENIX “It is clear that pupils enjoy coming to school. Their attitudes to learning are strong. They told me that learning is fun because their teachers are ‘great’.”

That’s the view of Her Majesty’s Inspector Clive Close following Ofsted’s recent inspection of Phoenix Community Primary School.

The short inspection focused on the safety and behaviour of pupils, as well as the progress they make in reading, the quality of provision in Reception, and the progress of most-able and disadvantaged pupils. Mr Close talked to parents, governors, and support staff, as well as children.

The report, which rated the school as good, found that the leadership team know the school very well and are determined to move things forward, and that the governors have greater impact on ensuring that the school is run efficiently.

Children are particularly positive about the extra-curricular opportunities they experi-

ence, including sport and arts-based clubs.

Music has a high profile in the school and children are enthusiastic about performing in public through the national Young Voices initiative.

Headteacher James Tibbles said: “I’m really pleased with the outcome of our latest Ofsted inspection.

“Phoenix School has gone from strength to strength over the past four years and is an amazing place to learn. This is due to the hard-working and dedicated staff who work every day to give the children the very best opportunities.”

THE Parish Room in Upper Vicarage Road is in need of restoration. The trustees are to hold a working party, planned for April. At present it is used by Step-by-Step nursery.

COUNTY councillor Jim Wedgbury has complained about the mess caused by contractors working in Nine Acres.

hildren from Kennington District Woodcraft Folk ‘span the world with friendship’ and have been active in Kennington since 1984.

The Woodcraft Folk is a children and young people’s organisation that supports children to learn about co-operation, friendship and peace through games and craft activities.

Group nights are held at the Phoenix School on Tuesday evenings (term times only) for 6-9yrs from 5.30-7pm and 10-13yrs from 7-8.30pm. The first group night is free and then subscription is £2 per week, with discounts available.

Activities include camping, hiking, swimming, fund raising, and attending community events. If you are interested in enrolling your children, or in volunteering to help, please contact Colette Chaffee at colette.chaffey@yahoo.co.uk or Elaine Davey at e63dvey63@gmail.com

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SANTA’S BIG HELPERS

by Tony Sheppard, Ashford Lions Call Barry on 07915 665428 / 01233 Ashford Lions accompanied Santa around 661107

Kennington, Bybrook and Little Burton during December as part of a 14-evening trip round Ashford.

We would like to thank everyone who donated and help us raise more than £1,100 for local charities.

We are already planning our 2017 tour with Santa, and if you want to help Ashford Lions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Call: 0844 963 2469. email: info@ashfordlions.org.uk or message us on Facebook. ♦ Keep up to date with our charity events on our website ashfordlions.org.uk, or Facebook

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Information

Mud, mud, glorious mud . . . there’s nothing quite like it, especially when it’s all in a good cause. Just ask 10-year-old Luke, above. He was among the Kennington CE Academy pupils who helped raise £2,338 for school funds from the Tough Mudder Fun Run. They were

cheered on by parents as they became caked in mud. It was just one of the school’s numerous sporting activities. Since winning the Handball Tournament it has competed in basketball, athletics and dodgeball events, and competes in the Ashford Schools Football League.

Plain sailing Conningbrook Lakes Sailing starts its second season this year with beginner and improver courses running in the school holidays. Children aged 8+, youth and adults can take a two-day beginner course. They are then eligible to attend the regular all-age club sailing on the lakes on Sunday afternoons to put their skills into practice on a “pay and sail” basis. A Royal Yachting Association instructor is always on hand to help and there is a safety boat at all times. Sunday sessions cost £10 (£8 discounted price) with hire of kit included. The annual dinghy sailing taster day for all ages will be on Sunday 14 May. Enrolled Conningbrook members are eligible to try out yacht sailing with the Cinque Ports Sailing School in Dover with free tasters available and training for those who would like to “learn the ropes” on a yacht.

For more information phone 07910 123259 or visit www.rcpycsailingschool.org.uk

Kennington Community Forum takes an active role in looking after the interests of the people and the environment of our area. We hold regular public meetings and publish the Kennington News supplemented by web and social media sites.

The Forum is run by volunteers.

For more details please contact Sandra Dunn 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com

NEXT OPEN MEETING Tuesday 28 March St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm

The dinghy sailing taster day on Sunday 14 May is open to all ages

COUNTY COUNCILLORS: Andrew Wickham (Ashford Rural East) 01233 840902 andrew.wickham@kent.gov.uk Jim Wedgbury (Ashford Central) 01233 503272 jim.wedgbury@kent.gov.uk BOROUGH COUNCILLORS: Kennington: Phil Sims 01233 627603 philip.sims@ashford.gov.uk Bockhanger: Luke Powell 01233 713384 lukejpowell1@gmail.com Bybrook: Andrew Buchanan 01233 627696 andrewjohnbuchanan@hotmail.com Little Burton: Marion Martin 01233 628811 marionmartin168 @btinternet.com Boughton Aluph: Winston Michael 01233 636644 winston.michael@ashford.gov.uk.

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE : Call 101 to be put through to the neighbourhood officer best placed to deal with your call PARKING PROBLEMS: 01233 330641 KENT HIGHWAYS: 03000 418181 NEW HAYESBANK SURGERY: 01233 624642 LATE NIGHT CHEMIST: Sainsbury’s, Simone Weil Avenue 01233 662819 MEDICAL HELP BUT NOT AN EMERGENCY: 111 (available 24/7) A&E OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY: William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331 ST MARY’S CHURCH: 01233 664820 STAGECOACH BUSES: 08456 002299 KENNINGTON FORUM: Sandra Dunn, secretary, 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com Kennington News is published in March, June, September and December. kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk

Printed by Geerings Print Ltd, Ashford 01233 633366

Carlum MacLeod scored four goals in Kennington’s 8-1 victory against Lolzors in the Division 1 League Cup semi-final. Their opponents in the final will be Shepway Spartans.

HELP GROUP NEEDS HELP Kennington based East Kent SANDS helps anyone affected by the death of a baby — but now they need help themselves.

This small group of volunteers, well known in the area for their ‘Smiley Face Tombolas’, have now amassed hundreds of prizes which need storing.

They also have various items for their Baby Memorial Garden in the centre of Ashford and stocks of Memory Boxes and other items to support local families and the main local hospitals. And on top of that, they have a trailer to carry it all round!

The group is looking for somewhere in the Kennington area where they could place a refurbished and repainted storage container, or

a dry garage or something similar. They are able to pay something for this but it would need to be accessible.

Treasurer, Chris Twydell said: “On average more than one family a week in the East Kent area will face the devastating death of their baby and we are always there to support them.

This takes resources and fundraising and we really need to find a better and cost-effective solution for our storage.

It may be that a local sports club, or a company with some land, would have space for a container, or might have other space we could use’.

Anyone that can help or has any ideas is asked to contact Chris on 01233 643 976 or at eastkentsands@gmail.com