DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES
CALLING ALL SCALLYWAGS!
DECEMBER 2013 Published by Kennington Community Forum
A Facebook group set up to share childhood memories has more than 500 members. Nine Acres Scallywags and Bybrook Urchins invites former and present residents to reminisce and post photographs and videos. It was set up by Steve Smith, formerly of Nine Acres. Steve and anoth-
er former Nine Acres resident, Joe Ellis, organised a special re-union at Bockhanger Community Centre. Some of those who attended moved out of the area more than 40 years ago. Joe said: “Reuniting people from the 1960s to the present day is exciting and, at times, tearful.”
Seven sites put up for housing LANDOWNERS and developers have submitted seven sites in Kennington for housing. The largest is land bordered by Canterbury Road and Willesborough Road on which a developer wants to build 2,000 homes. The Hockey Club in Ball Lane, subject of a controversial building proposal three years ago, is not included. Other sites offered to Ashford borough council as available for development are: Land at Ulley Farm (100 homes ) Orchard Farm (100 homes) Ashford Golf Club (100 homes) Land at Eureka Park (100 homes) Land at Ashford Rugby Club (50 homes) Land at The Croft Hotel, Canterbury Road The Bamboos and Longwood, Bockhanger The council is working on a new Local Plan and needs to identify sufficient sites that will provide homes and jobs to 2030 as well as other
SITE MAPS: PAGE 2 uses including gipsy and traveller sites, retail, leisure, visitor and tourism facilities. It wrote to landowners and developers in June and received 168 sites, 30 in Ashford town centre and urban area, and 138 in and around Tenterden. It will now assess all of them for suitability. ABC Planning Policy Manager Simon Cole said: “In order to facilitate a transparent and open process all information received is being put in the public domain. “We want communities to be fully engaged in the process and we will be contacting councillors at an appropriate stage to discuss how they wish to consult with their communities.” Kennington ward councillor Phil Sims said: “I welcome any and all comments residents may have on the land offered up.” New threat to Little Acre: Page 4 SING UP: There will be carol singing at The Rose, Faversham Road, on Thursday 19 December at 7pm
SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS
C
HRISTMAS for many can be a difficult and less happy time of year. Sure Start Children’s Centre provides support to families most in need in the community. It is a registered supplier of Ashford Foodbank vouchers, supporting those in need of emergency food boxes. Sure Steps has its own benefits advisor, Julie Waissen, who attends the Belmont Road parent and toddler group on Wednesday mornings from 9.30am-10.30am. She is able to support with housing and can connect parents with a careers or volunteering advisor. Do not hesitate to contact your Children’s Centre 01233 624857 if you or your family have any concerns. Sure Steps Children’s Centre’s last working day will be Christmas Eve. It will reopen on 2 January.
TOWERS HEAD SAYS FAREWELL Hayden Cox had a special role to play as he approached the end of his days in Canterbury Cathedral choir. See Page 3
Towers school will have a new head teacher from January. Richard Billings, deputy head at St George’s school, Broadstairs, succeeds Graham Ralph who is retiring at Christmas.
Beware of the festive burglars There has been a spate of robberies in Kennington. Homes in Broadhurst Drive, Upper Vicarage Road, The Pasture and Towers View have been burgled. In Park
Road a thief removed a window at the back of a property during the daytime and stole jewellery. Cars have been targeted with items stolen from at least 12
BLOOMING CHEEK! Hydrangea blooms have been stolen from three front gardens in Nettlefields. "Someone came along in the night and cut off all the heads and stems," said Community Police Officer Nikki Relf. Hydrangea blooms are often dyed or sprayed for use as Christmas decorations.
vehicles that were unlocked. “Don’t leave any items in a car,” said Community Police Support Officer Nikki Relf. “Opportunist thieves will take anything they can see. Make sure all doors and windows are secured in the home. With Christmas approaching there are lots of rich pickings for these thieves.”
We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
2
Sites submitted by landowners as available for development
zThe next stage is for Ashford council to make assessments of all the sites it has received
HAYDEN BOWS OUT ON A HIGH NOTE Hayden Cox had a very special role to play as he approached the end of his days as a Canterbury Cathedral chorister. He was the face in the advertisement for new choristers. Hayden, 13, of Grasmere Road, Kennington, will leave the choir at the end of the year. During his five years at Canterbury he has toured the Netherlands and west coast of America, ap-
peared on BBC TV’s Songs of Praise, sung live on Radio 3, and in front of a worldwide TV audience for the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Hayden, who sings at services in the Cathedral six days a week, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the choir and I’m sorry it is nearly at an end. However I am looking forward to coming back to
sing at St Mary’s Church in Ashford. But by then my voice will have broken so I will be in the back row instead of the front.” Hayden sang at St Mary’s when he was seven before becoming a chorister at the Cathedral and studying at St Edmund’s School, Canterbury. He said: “I first saw the Cathedral choristers when I was five and I decided I wanted to be one when I got older.”
3
‘Harry should plant our tree’ In our last issue we asked if Kennington should plant a tree to commemorate the birth of Prince George, and if so, where should it be. Phyllis Stace, of Canterbury Road, writes: “Queen Victoria’s oak was planted in the Recreation Ground so I think it fitting the tree should be there. Prince Harry to plant it!” The Forum is planning to buy a suitable tree.
Village Green wish comes true
Proud achievement: The green is a valuable and safe place for children, parents and the elderly, says Linda Dash Mrs Dash, who has lived in Grasmere he green in Grasmere Road Road for 37 years, said in her applihas been granted Village cation: “The green is a valuable Green status — thanks to place where parents teach their Linda Dash
T
“I did it on my own,” said a delighted Mrs Dash who knocked on every door in the neighbourhood asking residents to support her application to have the 2.3 acres registered as a Village Green. Her application, supported by 90 residents, was accepted by KCC on the grounds that it has been used for a range of recreational activities for more than 20 years. The decision means the land cannot be built on. “That’s not why I wanted it registered,” said Mrs Dash. “It’s because the green plays such an important part in the lives of everyone who lives here. “Its setting in the community is perfect and I’m so proud it is now officially our Village Green.” After approving the application at a hearing in Kingsnorth Mrs Dash was applauded by the panel of county councillors.
young children to ride bikes and scooters, all in a safe environment. Games are played all year round and in the summer children gather with their friends for a game or a picnic. “Many of the residents bought their houses because of the green, and some grew up here and have bought houses here because of the green. Even the elderly feel safe and love talking to children and dog walkers.” Now Mrs Dash would like two benches near the bungalows in Bracken Close which overlooks the green and a “Village Green” sign. Ward councillor Michael Claughton is planning to fund a bench from his member’s grant and is looking into the possibility of putting up a sign. The land was given to Ashford borough council by property group Rush & Thompkins after it completed house building in 1974. The council did not oppose the application.
Holiday fun for children
SOCCER SCHOOL
Fun camps for children will be held at the Julie Rose Stadium on 23, 27 and 30 December and 2 and 3 January between 8.15am-5pm. Activities will have a Christmas theme. All courses are Ofsted registered and meet the latest guidelines. Prices are £8.20 for a half day and £16.40 for a full day. To book call 01233 613131.
Charlton FC will open an Under-18 academy based at Towers school next September. Sixth form footballers have enjoyed a link with the club for the past few years.
4
YOUR VERDICT ABOUT LIFE IN KENNINGTON
AN EXCITING TIME AHEAD FOR PHOENIX Children at Phoenix primary school are taking part in an international project. The Comenius programme offers them a chance to experience other cultures at first hand and meet children from schools across Europe. Head teacher Frances Nation said: “We are looking forward to taking children to Italy and Portugal next year and welcoming visitors to Phoenix Gloria Hunniford visited the Cruse Bereavement Care South Kent group from Slovenia, Hungary, which is based at St Mary’s Church Portugal, Slovakia and Italy in July.” Children are sending Hall, Kennington. The TV and radio presenter is an and receiving postcards and ambassador for The People’s Health completing a monthly diary Trust (part of the Health Lottery) of school life to share with which provided nearly £10,000 partner schools. funding last year for South Kent Mrs Nation visited Slovenia Cruse. Ms Hunniford who lost her with Phoenix teachers Michelle Verhoeven and Rachel Leavey to meet coordinators of the 10 countries involved. The British Council Neighbours are gearing up for a new battle to stop homes being built in the is funding the project. garden of Little Acre, 80 The Street. Chailey Homes has written to tell them it wants to develop the site. Although the firm said it wished to consult neighKennington Community Forum bours it has rejected calls for a formal
Kennington has taken its share of major development. That was the opinion of residents who attended a workshop to discuss the future needs of the area for the next 15 years.
MAIN CONCERNS:
Gloria pops in for a cuppa and a chat daughter Caron Keating to breast cancer in 2004 met the management committee, volunteers, supervisors and a former client who had lost a daughter. Ms Hunniford said: “Many people are very lonely and don’t have anybody to open up to, so the marvellous thing about Cruse is that they are a shoulder to lean on.” To contact Cruse call 0844 800 9104
NEW THREAT TO LITTLE ACRE meeting but is prepared to meet “one or two” representatives. Previous attempts by another developer, Skillcrown Homes, to demolish No 80 and build homes were dismissed on appeal after Ashford council rejected proposals. More than 100 residents, borough and county councillors, and Kennington Forum objected to the plans, initially for 11 homes and later for six. Chris Baron, of Chailey Homes, said: “We have analysed the reasons for the refusal of the previous application and made appropriate adjustments. In due course we will make a pre-application inquiry to the council planning department for its considered view.”
A lot of green space may be lost due to large gardens being developed. Bus services do not serve the area well, especially on the Little Burton estate. Many new developments lack a feeling of community. On-street parking is a big issue. With extended families living at the same house some families have five cars. Work vans parked outside homes spoil the street scene. Access to William Harvey hospital from some parts of Kennington is poor. There is no continuous cycle path between Kennington and Ashford. Residents supported use of the Hockey Club in Ball Lane for sport and objected to development. The club said it was difficult to raise sufficient finance to maintain or improve facilities on the present site. The Plan-It event, organised jointly by Kennington Community Forum and Ashford council, was held at St Mary’s Community Centre.
An extra 150 spaces have been provided for workers by Quadrant Estates to stop staff parking on residential roads near Eureka Business Park. Ward councillor Winston Michael said: “This is wonderful news for residents and workers.” Parking restrictions are expected to be in force on roads closest to Eureka Park from March. No parking will be allowed between 9.30am-10.30am and 2pm-3pm, Monday to Friday.
5 Wall ball, basketball, an outdoor gym and a buddy swing will soon be available to young people in Goat Lees. Ward councillor Winston Michael said: “It’s fantastic to see the
vision I brought to Ashford council turned into reality.” He said Phase 2, planned for next year, will see improved equipment for the children’s play area and hopefully a high tech
shelter for youths. Councillor Michael is keen to set up a Youth Forum to take responsibility for equipment and provide feedback on matters that affect them and the play area.
The shame of Little Burton playground by Ollie Jones I would really like to be able to walk with my three children to use our local playground. However the state of the Little Burton Playground means that this is not possible. What few remaining pieces of equipment that are there are old, dirty, covered in graffiti, poorly maintained and most definitely not suitable for young children. The last time we were there I watched a litter patrol worker attempting to remove broken
to another playground. Clearly the children of Park Farm, Stanhope, Hothfield and Willesborough are considered more deserving than those who live on Little Burton estate. glass with a dustpan and brush as It is interesting that two new play he had no broom! areas are being provided in Goat He also emptied the bin by reLees and Hythe Road. moving large pieces of rubbish by I would be happy to take part in hand, leaving the smaller items a community day to improve the and a disgusting congealed mess playground. I also think involving sitting in the bottom of the bin. the children who would use it is a great incentive for them to look I have reached the point now where we get in the car and drive after it. Following talks between Kennington Forum and council officers it is hoped to arrange a community action day to smarten up the playground.
‘VANDALS ARE TO BLAME’ IT’S NOT ON A ‘CRITICAL’ LIST Little Burton ward councillor Marion Martin blames the state of the playground on vandalism and says it is in the wrong place. She would like it moved to a safer position. Cllr Martin is prepared to give some of her member’s grant towards improvements, but fears it could be a waste of money. She also wants the small play area by the shops improved.
“As a play area Little Burton is certainly not one of our worst”, said Emma Powell, ABC Open Space and Landscape officer, “and therefore it is not on a ‘critical’ list for refurbishment. There is no funding available from any nearby developments and I am not aware of any in the near future.” The play areas at Goat Lees (a new youth play space) and Hythe Road Recreation Ground (a refurbishment of the existing space) are funded through developers’ contributions.
CHECK IT OUT DURING the festive period waste and recycling collections may take place on different days. Check at www.ashford.gov.uk/ Christmas-collections-dates Ashford has tripled its recycling rate to more than 50% since the new collection service started. WORK at Bybrook Nature Reserve is taking place to encourage woodland and wildlife. The Forestry Commission has issued a felling licence for the work which will start the process of returning the reserve to a managed wood. MORE than £3,500 was raised for the Pilgrims Hospice at Perry Court Farm’s Apple Fayre despite a rain-drenched weekend. FLU JABS: If you are over 65 or in an “at risk” group remember to make an appointment. This year the Health Protection Agency has not sent out reminders.
CONSTRUCTION work on eight three-bedroom homes in Randolph Gardens is scheduled to start in the spring. COFFEE mornings are being held at Kennington junior school on Tuesdays from 8-45am-9-30am as part of the parent engagement initiative. DOWNS VIEW infant school is collecting Nestle Box Top tokens which can be exchanged for free books.
6
More power for Forums K ennington Forum KCF is ready to take advantage of opportunities that arise as power from central government is shifted AGM back to communities, chairman Chris Morley told the annual meeting. He said: “We are working with Ashford borough council to ensure we are well versed in the implications of the Localism Act.” During the year the Forum arranged joint meetings of the four Ashford urban forums to discuss issues of common interest in the light of the Act and pioneered The lack of an evening bus service has left many residents on Little Burton estate feeling isolated. The last 517 bus is at 17.50. KCC Transport Planner Dan Bruce said: “Unfortunately the local bus budget is fully allocated and under significant pressure. We are not in a posi-
Officers elected: chair Chris Morley; secretary Sandra Dunn, treasurer Chris Woolgar. Core group: officers plus Jill and Robin Britcher, Ian Milberry, Philip Hull, Shafi Khan and Lee Robinson. Three more members can be co-opted.
discussions with ABC on aspects of new local rights, especially the right to list Assets of Community Value. Mr Morley said the Forum had been involved in planning matters and liaised with council officers to ensure residents’ views were taken into account tion to provide additional journey or route extensions at present. The only option would be to ask your county councillor if they could use their Member Highway Fund to support a trial operation of a later service.” Cllr Andrew Wickham is looking into the matter.
in the new Local Plan to 2030. He said: “We hosted two public events and a community planning workshop and we have continued to oppose ‘back garden’ developments in inappropriate sites. “We have been active in road safety issues, especially regarding crash reduction measures in Faversham Road, and Kent Highways has produced revised proposals for discussion. “We have played a major part in proposals to regenerate the Bockhanger Community Centre, library, shops and public open space and we continue to liaise with ABC and KCC to achieve a balanced result. “We are participating in an ABCled steering group to oversee the replacement of the pavilion at Spearpoint recreation ground.”
M
r Morley said the Forum had managed projects to improve our environment. Replanting of the Garden of Remembrance has continued with an emphasis on hardy wildlife-friendly plants with fragrant flowers or foliage. ABC has contributed with additional trees. The fruiting hedge at Spearpoint recreation ground has taken root, but some infill planting will be required during the winter. Robin Britcher proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Morley for the huge amount of work he has done for the community. WHETHER you've got an allotment, are on the waiting list, or grow your own at home www.ashfordallotments.org.uk provides a helping hand, with links, information and useful advice for trouble-free growing.
CHRIS MORLEY
Now we know where the rainbow ends
Christmas events at St Mary’s Church 1st December, Christingle Service 4pm; 4th, St Nicholas Service 10.15am; 15th, Carols by Candlelight, 6pm; Christmas Eve, Crib Services 4pm and 6pm; Midnight Communion, 11.30pm; Christmas Day, Holy Communion 9am, Family Service (toys welcome) 10am. Events at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road: 8th December, Carol Service 4pm; 15th, Messy Church 4pm. Carol singing: 7th Dec, Bybrook Barn 2pm; Dobbies 3.30pm. 19th, The Rose, Faversham Road, 7pm. The Rev Richard King said: “Everyone is most warmly invited to join us at any of our services.” IF YOU have difficulty using or accessing public transport a car service is available. Call Volunteering Ashford on 01233 633219.
New school seeks extra governors
Story of those who are remembered The history of the Kennington Garden of Remembrance is told on the Forum’s new notice board in Upper Vicarage Road. It also contains information about the 22 servicemen and civilians from Kennington who died in the Second World War. The front of the board has news about local events. If you wish to publicise an event please send details to 169 Faversham Road, Kennington, email kennington.news.co.uk We cannot accept business advertisements.
Arctic convoy heroes finally honoured Two brothers have been awarded medals for their roles in the Second World War — 68 years after it ended. Albert Jackman, of Meadowbrook Road, Kennington, and his brother George, served on Arctic convoys taking vital supplies to Murmansk, in northern Russia between 1941 and 1945. They were among veterans to receive the Arctic Star following
a 16-year campaign to recognise the bravery of those who ran the gauntlet of U-boats and air attacks and survived appalling weather. Albert, 89, served as a stoker first class on HMS Westcott and completed seven trips. He said: “It seemed like an eternity, but it had to be done to save the Russian people.” George, 92, of Kingsnorth Road, Ashford, was a seaman
KENNINGTON WI Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 7 December. All the usual stalls, plus Father Christmas and mince pies. Entrance 20p. The drama group will perform Cinderella in the Hall on Friday 17 January (7.30pm), Saturday 18 January (2.30pm), and
Sunday 19 January (2.30pm). To book tickets, £4, children £2, call 01233 628439. A talk about Kennington during the First World War will be given by Robin Britcher at the 13 January meeting. BYBROOK WI celebrated its 42nd birthday in November. smartmum.10@hotmail.com
on HMS Sheffield and HMS Musketeer. He said: “The sea in the Arctic Circle used to freeze the superstructure. We had to chip away the ice as the weight could have turned the ship over.” The four-year struggle to provide material to support the Soviet war effort cost the lives of around 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen. More than 100 ships were lost.
Chloe White and Adil Demirdelen planted a tree on the Recreation Ground to celebrate their marriage which took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Chloe was born in Kennington and lived in Upper Vicarage Road before going to university. The couple have just completed their Masters degrees and are living in Istanbul. Permission to plant the cedar of Lebanon was given by Ashford council and Forum chair Chris Morley suggested a suitable spot. Gillian Lawrence and Roger White are guardians of the tree and will be providing it with 100 litres of water a month.
Follow the Forum on the web at bit.ly/kennington
The new Goat Lees primary school is looking for additional governors to join the Governing Body. No formal qualifications are required, you just need to be over 18 and have an interest in this community school. If you have any ICT, finance (or accounting) skills or the ability to interpret data this would be useful, but mainly the enthusiasm and the time to commit to the role is what is needed. Governors work with the head teacher to ensure that children receive the best education possible. There is a full training package available and existing governors will mentor anyone who may be new to the role. For more information please contact the Clerk to Governors via the school office on 01233 630201, who will send you an information pack, or go to www.kent.gov.uk/ education and follow the menu for Education and Learning/School Governors. Any successful applicant may need to complete the relevant checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB).
In the nick of time! It was a race against the clock to get the new Goat Lees primary school ready on time. Head teacher Teresa Adams said: “With a final monumental effort the deadline was achieved and we moved in with a day to spare! “We opened on 4 September and it was a very special moment for everyone who has worked so hard to turn the dream into a reality.” The school has combined funds with Phoenix primary to lease a 16-seater minibus.
7
8
Busy Barbarians get stuck in by Trevor Adams Ashford Barbarians Rugby Club was founded in January as an alternative for players, both new and experienced, to enjoy friendly fixtures in a social, family orientated environment. We have found a new home at the Spearpoint Pavilion at The Ridge, Kennington, where we will be playing some 12 to 15 home fixtures each year. In return for a peppercorn rent to Ashford Borough Council we will be caretaking and improving the amenity for all the sports enjoyed at The Ridge. New showers, new electrics, new ladies toilets and outside safety lights have already been installed and by Christmas we hope to have knocked through to create a large social space complete with kitch-
en facilities. Once this is complete we can offer the facility to residents’ groups for meetings so that our ‘rustic’ home becomes of even more use to the community. The improvements to the existing building will keep it in good stead until the conclusion of the on-going project to completely rebuild the pavilion. Ashford
Barbarians are a member of the project steering group. Our next home games are on 7 December against New Ash Green and on 25 January against Old Gravesendians when we hope local people will pop along and enjoy our famous hospitality! Full fixtures list at www.ashfordbarbarians.co.uk
New era for cricketers
THE BEST OF REFS Two of Kennington’s top football referees have received long-service awards. Geoff Stanborough (left) and Ian Milberry have both officiated at matches for 38 years. They were among seven members of the Ashford branch of the Referees Association to be honoured.
Kennington cricket club’s new £100,000 pavilion is scheduled to be completed by the middle of March. Builder Jon G Robertson began demolishing the old building in November. Latest information on the project can be found at www.kenningtoncc.com The club has contacted several community groups who are keen to hire the facility during the day. It is interested in talking to any organisation about using the building as the club has taken a loan to cover some of the cost. The club wants to become more community focussed and intends to expand its activities in local schools. Thanks to a donation from Better Sounds Consultancy Limited the club will provide free cricket coaching in selected
A new driveway leads to the pavilion
schools next year. Treasurer John Cunningham said “We expect to have arrangements in place before the end of the year. “This generous donation from Better Sounds Consultancy will allow us to place coaches in schools and provide young children with the opportunity to play cricket and encourage them to join our thriving junior section.”
Kennington Community Forum takes an active role in looking after the interests of the people and the environment of our area and enables the community to voice opinions on local matters which affect their lives and wellbeing. We hold six public meetings each year and publish the quarterly Kennington News supplemented by web and social media sites. The Forum is run by volunteers who live in the area. By becoming a member of the Core Group you can take an active role in directing and organising its work. The group is friendly and informal. For more details contact Chris Morley 01233 611196 or visit our website bit.ly/kennington.
NEXT MEETINGS: 26 NOVEMBER, 28 JANUARY, at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm Kennington Community Forum To advertise in the March Kennington News please call 01233 634410 or email kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk Printed by Geerings Print Ltd, Ashford 01233 633366
Information 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.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 Boughton Aluph: Winston Michael 01233 636644 winston.michael@ashford.gov.uk. NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE : PCSOs Nikki Relf and Tom Knight. Call 101 to be put through to the neighbourhood officer best placed to deal with your call PARKING PROBLEMS: 01233 330641 KENT HIGHWAYS: 08458 247800 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 REV RICHARD KING: 01233 623334 STAGECOACH BUSES: 08456 002299 KENNINGTON FORUM: Chris Morley, chair, 01233 611196 chris.f.morley@gmail.com Sandra Dunn, secretary 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com Kennington News is published in March, June, September and December. Editor Robin Britcher 01233 634410 kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk
@kenningtonnews