DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES
AUGUST 2011
Published by Kennington Community Forum
PETER GRANT acknowledges the cheers on reaching his first century for Kennington after 45 years and nearly 1,000 matches. He went on to make 117 not out against Sibton Park.
Why sports clubs are facing a long wait for funding BACK PAGE
Record breaker
Taking it on the chin! The Rev Richard King’s stint in the stocks helped St Mary’s Church raise £2,000.
A RECORD crowd of well over 2,000 made the Summer Fayre another huge success. At the end of the day local charities and organisation had raised £8,500. After a week of heavy showers the weather changed just in time and conditions at the Kennington Recreation Ground were perfect. There was a great atmosphere as the community gathered for its big event of the
Summer Fayre raises £8,500 year. Among the attractions were American classic cars, a funfair and a full programme of arena events. There was a chance to Soak the Vicar before he dashed off to conduct a wedding. Visitors snapped up bargains at more than
Picture: ANTHONY BAINES
30 stalls. St Mary’s Church had 50 helpers running their stalls and were rewarded with takings of more than £2,000. Phil Sims, chairman of the organising committee said: “At one point there was just one space left in the car park and all the stallholders reported they had done even better than last year.” First prize in the Grand Draw, a night of luxury for two at Eastwell Manor, was won by C. Lyons.
School is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted DOWNS VIEW Infants School has been rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors. The exceptional leadership of head teacher Fran Rusbridge is highlighted in the report. It said she enthuses everyone to have the highest possible aspirations. One parent told the inspection team: “The problem with the school is that my child never wants to go home.”
The report says pupils’ personal development is as outstanding as their academic progress. Their good and sometimes outstanding behaviour, as well as aboveaverage attendance, reflected the desire to be at school. Ms Rusbridge, said: “We’re chuffed to bits. Staff, governors and pupils thoroughly deserve this recognition. The staff are an extremely dedicated team who
are committed to always giving their very best.” Cllr Phil Sims, chair of the governors said: “Ofsted has finally recognised the excellence of education which Fran Rusbridge and all her team provides. The community of Kennington should be very proud that its infants school is only one of 20 in the whole of Kent to receive this recognition of excellence”.
You can read the full report at www.downs-view.kent.sch.uk. TOWERS has been graded “satisfactory” by Ofsted. The inspectors said making improvements has not been an easy task but the strong leadership team has an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and knows what needs to be done. Read the full report at www.towers.kent.sch.uk.
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2 DON KENNEDY, who has died aged 91, founded Kennedy's Garage in Faversham Road in 1955 and later established Kenhire on the Henwood industrial estate. Mr Kennedy was orphaned as a baby and sent
to live with his uncle in Kennington. He was struck down with tuberculosis when he was seven and doctors did not expect him to survive. He set up the Mobile Car Repair Shop in 1949 travelling to customers in an
Austin van and opened his first garage hiring cars the following year. Mr Kennedy, of Bockhanger, leaves a widow, Estelle, to whom he had been married for 51 years, a son and daughter and six grandchildren.
THE Ex-Servicemen’s Club in Ulley Road is back on the market. A bid by CBH Catering of Ashford, who wanted to make it a venue for weddings and functions, was withdrawn because costs were too high. Another offer has failed to progress. THE OLD MILL in Canterbury Road (formerly the Golden Ball) hopes to re-open in time for Christmas.
Great tree search puts Kennington on the map WE ARE looking for Kennington’s most ancient and historic trees. Do you know of any? They may be in fields or back gardens. Perhaps you know of a tree which has a special story attached to it, or is an old and gnarled specimen. A Kent wide project has been launched by BTCV, (the British Trust for Conversation Volunteers), to record all our heritage and ancient trees. The five year project aims to celebrate and promote the value of heritage trees. These are
Where is the Festival Tree? AN OAK tree was planted in 1951 on the Recreation Ground, Ulley Road, to celebrate the Festival of Britain. If you knows where it was planted, or if you have a picture of the tree, please contact Chris Morley 01233 611196.
defined by the Forestry Commission as old trees, wide trees, rare trees and trees
with historical and cultural significance. The funding will provide courses which will be open to volunteers and members of the public. The project will also survey and record over 10,000 heritage trees across the county. If you would like to take part in this project, or if you just know the whereabouts of a heritage tree, please call Jill Britcher 01233 634410. Kennington Community Forum is planning to plant a tree next year to commemorate the Queen’s 60th Jubilee.
RESPONSES to the second period of consultation over the Urban Sites and Development Plan (DPD) have been published. Of 89 comments, 38 concern the Hockey Club site in Ball Lane and adjoining land. Thirty seven support the council’s decision to drop the sites from the DPD. Bovis Homes want to build 600 homes and provide the club with new facilities. To see all the comment follow the link on the Forum’s website.
TOP OF THE POLLS PHIL SIMS and Winston Michael, organisers of the campaign to stop hundreds of homes being built in Kennington, triumphed in the council elections. Standing as Ashford Independent Party candidates in Kennington and Boughton Aluph they beat county councillor Elizabeth Tweed and Lib Dem group leader Rita Hawes. KENNINGTON: Phil Sims (Ash Ind) 440, Elizabeth Tweed (Con) 415, Robert Maxted (Lab) 107. Turnout 54% BOUGHTON ALUPH & EASTWELL: Winston Michael (Ash Ind) 401, Rita Hawes (Lib Dem) 367, Ian Cooling (Con) 262. Turnout 44% BOCKHANGER: Michael Claughton (Con) 407, Shirley Ambrose (Ash Ind) 208, Tom Reed (Lab) 123, Steven Campkin (Green) 65. Turnout 44% BYBROOK: Andrew Buchanan (Con) 300, John Ley (Ash Ind), 282, Chris Took (Lib Dem) 234. Turnout 42% LITTLE BURTON : Marion Martin, (Con) 505, Kelly-Marie Blundell (Lib Dem) 195, Charlotte Fraser (Ash Ind)171, Terry Pavlou (Lab) 138. Turnout 43% The new political make-up of the council is: Con 30; Ash Ind 5; Lab 5; Lib Dems 2; Ind 1.
New grant for Shelter ENGLISH HERITAGE has offered the Forum a further grant towards restoration of Kennington’s Memorial Shelter. The award of £2,144 has been funded by English Heritage and The Wolfson Foundation. Restoration work will be monitored by War Memorials Trust. Chris Morley, who has led the project on behalf of the Forum, said: “We are delighted to have secured this additional amount, and should now be able to complete reinstatement of the bench seat and baluster railings that were part of the original design. We are grateful to War Memorials Trust for guidance on our bid at a time when less money is available for projects such as this”. “Work has also started on the Garden of Remembrance. In spite of the spring drought, grass on the new earth bank at the Ulley Road boundary has taken root, and the Forum is now looking for volunteers to start weeding the shrub borders in preparation for new planting this autumn.” FORMER Ashford mayor George Koowaree accidentally started a fire which destroyed two neighbours' fences, a greenhouse and a shed after he discarded a barbecue near a pile of dry leaves at his home in Tadworth Road.
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SCOUTS ARE NEARLY THERE
Lee was all pumped up for success LEE ROBINSON was a mile from home on his attempt to cycle around Ashford's Sure Start children's centres when he got a puncture. There was no time to repair it so he pumped up the tyre every 200 yards and made it to the finish. Lee and fellow Sure Start worker Tasha Morgan were cheered by parents and toddlers as they set off from the Belmont Road centre and were warmly welcomed at Waterside (Willesborough), Squirrel Lodge (Park Farm), Ray Allen (Stanhope), Willow (Brookfield Road) before heading
to Bluebells at Hothfield and then back to Kennington. Lee said: "The aim was to raise awareness of the centres and the wide array of free services available to local families.” The 20-mile cycle challenge also raised funds for Demelza House children's charity. To donate on line go to www.justgiving.com/Lee-
Robinson3). Lee added: "The highlight of the ride was the young strapping builder on Stanhope who looked particularly chuffed when met with cheers and applause from the staff at Ray Allen only to be completely put in his place by a sweaty me riding by on my bike with a "Sorry mate but it's for me!"
Charity buys Homes will fund waterpark ASHFORD council is planning to dedevelopment’ by building 200 homes a waterpark at Conningbrook in the area occupied by the Brett a bungalow velop Lakes in Willesborough Road. The group north of the Julie Rose. A A BUNGALOW in Tritton Fields has been bought by Kennington Parochial Charity. The trustees are now seeking a tenant. The detached bungalow has two bedrooms, an attached garage and a corner plot garden. The Charity has been trying for a while to find an appropriate way to use some of the £450,000 it received for the sale of the Alms houses in The Street. For more information please contact Colin Healey, clerk to the KPC Trust, 15 Nelson Close, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0UU. ROUTINE doctor appointments at New Hayesbank Surgery can now be booked on-line. For more details call the surgery, 01233 624642.
scheme would create a country park and an area for a wide range of sports and leisure including sailing, windsurfing, fishing and adventure play areas. The land, which is jointly owned by the council and the Brett group, includes four lakes, riverside parkland and the Julie Rose Stadium. The plan will not cost the council a penny. It will be funded by ‘enabling
More ladies of letters FOLLOWING the successful launch of a creative writing group Kennington WI is starting a calligraphy group in September. Events diary: 16 Aug coach trip to Brighton; 16 Sept cheese and wine evening (French group); 1 Oct jumble sale; 15 Oct literary lunch (reading group). For more details call Ursula Jones 01233 620620 JENNIFER LOWE of Bracken Close, Kennington, raised £150 for Cancer Research UK by completing a 5km Race for Life. Mrs Lowe, 69, said: “They were so kind when I had breast cancer that I wanted to give something back to them.” LEFT OUT: Little Burton Farm has not been included in BT’s 40Mb broadband upgrade. ABC’s development officer is investigating. AHBS Community Radio is now broadcasting across Ashford on 107.1 FM.
presentation was being made at the Kennington Forum’s July meeting by ABC’s project engineer Stephen Parish. A final plan is expected in the autumn. Residents will need to decide whether this exciting project will be worth the additional traffic and congestion the development will bring. The Kennington Forum would welcome your views.
THE 1st Kennington Scouts are expecting to take possession of their new HQ on 1 August. Executive committee chairman Roger Martin said: “We are about £40,000 away from our target so the Appeal fund is still very much open.” The scouts competed in the KM Dragon Boat race at Mote Park, Maidstone, and came away with £2,000 in sponsorship. The official opening of the new hall will be in October. Donations to roger @1stkenningtonscouts.org.uk
ALLOTMENTS: The Forum is having discussions with ABC looking at various options after several residents expressed interest in having a plot. THERE are concerns about the narrowing of the road at Bockhanger by the bus stops. This prevents cars getting past and the problem is worse when two buses try to pass.
Sports clubs lose out because of Olympics
Kennington Community Forum meets every two months at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, Kennington
26 JULY, 7.30pm 27 SEPT, AGM, 7.30pm 29 NOVEMBER, 7.30pm THE Forum represents the views of people living and working in Kennington and communicates those views to Ashford Borough Council and other statutory organisations. It is an independent, voluntary group with its own constitution. THE Forum is led by a Core Group comprising the Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and up to nine other members. It is supported by an officer from Ashford Borough Council. Anyone who lives in Kennington will always be very welcome at the Forum’s meetings. If you wish to stand for election as an officer or member of the Core Group please complete a nomination form which can be downloaded from the Forum website kenningtoncf.kentparishes.gov.uk or contact Michelle Byrne, Ashford Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL. 01233 331111 kencf@ashford.gov.uk. Completed forms must be returned by Tuesday 20 September.
ALTHOUGH Kennington is a hub for sport with its excellent range of facilities many are very run-down. However there is a lack of funding at present because of the Olympics. The government’s budget is £10 million for the whole country and 20,000 organisations want a share, Simon Harris, sports project manager at Ashford council, told a meeting of the Forum. He supported the formation of Kennington Community Recreation Trust which aims to revitalise the community by providing sporting facilities that will leave a legacy for AT THE half way stage of the league season Kennington CC were in third place despite four defeats. Joe Jolley is enjoying a great allround season and Etienne Bradley scored his second century.
changing rooms would cost about £650,000. He said that enabling development was the only way to get money and he is talking to private developers. He praised the Towers School future generations. The which is working to deliver cricket, football, rugby, and facilities with the Youth Serhockey clubs all want better vice and now offers a wide facilities. One of the biggest range of sports. concerns is the state of the Replying to comments that much-vandalised pavilion on the Julie Rose Stadium was The Ridge which is almost under-utilised Mr Harris said beyond repair. A new building the council hopes it will be with changing rooms, a bar used as a training ground for and a kitchen would cost the Olympics and the stadium £2million, said Mr Harris, will be hosting games for the while a pavilion with just four four home nations next year.
A CHARITY golf match between Kennington FC and Bromley Green will be held at the London Beach Club, Tenterden, on Friday 19 August in aid of the Daisy Washington Memorial Trust. Daisy was 14 when she died in a road accident in 2007. To book a place call Joe Washington 07958767354 or Graham Oxley 07801227884. All welcome.
NEED HELP? HERE’S WHO TO CONTACT COUNTY COUNCILLORS: Elizabeth Tweed (Ashford Central) 01233 714689 elizabeth.tweed@kent.gov.uk Andrew Wickham (Ashford Rural East) 01233 840902 andrew.wickham@kent.gov.uk ASHFORD BC COUNCILLORS: Kennington: Philip Sims 01233 627603 philip.sims01@gmail.com Bockhanger: Michael Claughton 01233 635969 michael.claughton@ntlworld.com Bybrook: Andrew Buchanan 01233 627696 andrewjohnbuchanan@hotmail.com
Little Burton: Marion Martin 01233 628811 marionmartin168 @btinternet.com NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICERS: Kennington: Pc Mandy Surgenor 07772 226133 Bybrook and Little Burton: PCSO Nikki Relf 07772 226206 Eureka Park, Bockhanger, Trinity Rd area: PCSO Selina Lawrence 07772 226098 POLICE INCIDENT LINE: 01622 690690 KENT HIGHWAYS: 08458 247800 ASHFORD PARKING SERVICES: 01233 330641 NEW HAYESBANK SURGERY: 01233 624642 Mon 8.15am– 8pm; Tues 8.15am–6pm; Wed 7am–6pm; (Closed 1st Wed PM of each month for training) Thurs 7am–6pm; Fri 8.15am–6pm (PM emergencies only). FORUM: Chris Morley, chair, 01233 611196 c0fm@aol.com. Sandra Dunn, secretary, 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com. THERE have been several reports of vehicles parked on pavements forcing pedestrians to walk on the road. If a vehicle is completely blocking the footpath call one of the neighbourhood police officers. If none is available call the police incident line: 01622 690690. For all other parking offences call ABC Parking Services 01233 330641. Kennington News is published quarterly by Kennington Community Forum. Editor Robin Britcher, 169 Faversham Rd, Kennington. 01233 634410 kennington.news @hotmail.co.uk
KENNINGTON Juniors had their first taste of European football when they took part in a tournament in Calais. Although the Under-9s were up against boys who were two years older they never gave up and went down fighting.
Trim trail plan AREAS of grass at The Ridge may be left uncut to improve bio-diversity following a meeting between representatives of Kennington Forum, Kent Wildlife Trust and BTCV. Another suggestion is to put a trim trail around The Ridge, which would cost about £20,000. HELP is needed to maintain Ball Lane cemetery. If you could lend a hand please contact Derek Sorrell 01233 628066 or derek.sorrell@hotmail.co.uk