DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES Our Fayre Ladies . . . Kennington WI prepare for a busy day at the 1940s Summer Fayre. Story and pictures Page 4
SEPTEMBER 2016
Published by Kennington Community Forum
It’s a disgrace! Bockhanger Square is a mess. That’s the verdict of residents and shopkeepers. It has gone downhill rapidly since Ashford Borough Council decided developing the area was not affordable. Sunny Dhanda, who has been trading in Bockhanger Square for 20 years, said: “It is in absolute disrepair. Two years ago the council gave us some ideas of how the square could be improved and the locals chose one of the options —then they kicked us in the teeth. “We were told the situation would be reviewed regularly but we’ve not heard a word. Everybody here wants to see the area developed.” The open space around the shops, community centre and library is an eyesore. Grass and weeds are growing between the uneven paving slabs. The ones outside the shops have been pushed up by tree roots and one child has already taken a nasty tumble. A nearby wall is covered in graffiti. Resident Steve Salter said: “Traders say they report the state to the council and the refuse and cleaning company, and nothing gets done. It’s a disgrace and I’m angered that Bockhanger seems to have been forgotten.” Jenny Blunt, who lives nearby, said: “It’s getting more run down by the day.” There are also complaints about abusive language and aggressive behaviour by youngsters congregating in the shelter. Another resident said: “They throw stones against the community hall.” The idea to redevelop Bockhanger Square
came after Kennington Community Forum expressed concern that ABC had withdrawn funding from Bockhanger Community Centre. A group of local people and councillors was formed and by April 2013, had come up with four proposals. ABC organised a consultation to give locals a say on which scheme they liked best and more than 100 people attended. The preferred option was to allow a developer to build housing on the site in return for funding a new community centre and a new home for the shops. Cllr Aline Hicks, Ashford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for housing, said at the time: “The proposals are intended to breathe new
life into the area. We have high aspirations for Bockhanger Square.” But the plan became Sunny Dhanda: “They a victim of rising kicked us in the teeth.” building costs as it required a developer to make a profit from the sale of new homes to pay for the shops to be moved and a new community centre built. When the plan was shelved Cllr Graham Galpin, ABC cabinet member for Finance, said: “We will look at some options but nothing will happen for at least three years.”
1,000 OBJECT TO PLAN FOR YELLOW LINES A plan to ban all parking in Ulley Road has resulted in more than 1,000 objections from customers of The Kennington carvery. Ashford Borough Council’s proposal follows complaints from residents about difficulties driving along the narrow road, which already has speed humps. The owners of The Kennington want to help find a solution but believe double yellow lines would turn the road into a race track, hinder
parents dropping off children to school and damage their business which employs 28 people. Director Steve Goundry said: “The council only spoke to two residents and didn’t consult any businesses or the primary and infant schools. Its report said yellow lines were needed to alleviate problems with bus routes and pedestrian safety. But no buses use Ulley Road and there have not been any recorded accidents. It’s unbelievable they did
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not speak to the head teachers as yellow lines would have a massive impact on both schools. I know the road is a nightmare, I use it every day. But we feel we are being punished.” He said ABC agreed to carry out a site visit, but chose a day when schools were on holiday. Mr Goundry said: “Since the consultation period ended a further 400 letters of objection have been signed. We all agree the problem CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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Goodbye Kennington This is my last issue as editor of the Kennington News. Jill and I are moving after 32 very happy years here. Our children have long flown the nest and it is now time for us to down-size. We are moving to a bungalow by the sea at Birchington. We have been very involved in the community: as members of the Forum; organising the Summer Fayre for the last five years, which raises thousands of pounds for charities and local voluntary groups, and producing books about life in the village during the two World Wars. Jill has also been a borough councillor. It has all been lovely. We have made many friends and we wish you all every success. Robin and Jill Britcher
We’ve said it: A big No to 700 new homes We’ve had our say on plans for an estate of 700 new homes in Kennington. The huge number of objections will now go to a government inspector to decide if the site, on grade 1 Agricultural land off Willesborough Road, is included in the
that needs to be provided in the borough to accommodate new homes and jobs up to 2030. It also includes policies that will be used to help decide planning applications. Adam Roake, a director of Orchard Farm, Kennington, says that as his land is one seventh of S2 (the Willesborough Road site) it could accommodate 100 homes. Local Plan to 2030. He held an exhibition in St A decision is expected in Mary’s Church hall and gave the New Year. a presentation to a meeting The eight-week consulof the Forum. He stressed tation period ended on these were only initial ideas 10 August. Kennington and wanted to know what Community Forum subthe community thought of mitted 17 detailed obthe plan. The homes would Adam Roake’s plan for100 homes at Orchard Farm jections to the draft plan, be self-build so could be cusranging from strong opposition to tomised to suit each homeowner. He said: “We also distributed 200 large-scale housing development, His plan was for the lay-out to be information and guidance packs to through inadequate information on A 38-year-old man has denied set in “farmsteads” rather than residents wishing to object. Each murdering Lee Walden, whose how primary healthcare will be linear street development. Mr pack contained more than 20 sugprovided, to missing policies on body was found in a block of Roake said access for vehicles gestions for reasons to object.” provision of community facilities flats in Kennington. Darren would be between two houses in Other major proposals affecting in our area. But we supported McKay, of Beecholme Drive, Canterbury Road and access for Kennington are: an additional 120 proposed improvements to the will stand trial at Maidstone pedestrians cycles and emergency homes at Conningbrook Lakes and green corridor and cycle routes. Crown Court on 28 November. services would be the lane along300 homes plus 20 hectares Mr Walden, 51, was found in a Ward councillor Phil Sims and his side The Croft Hotel. of commercial development at ground floor flat at Cherry Tree supporters delivered 5,000 leaflets There was much discussion regardEureka Business Park House in Bybrook Road. McKay to the wards that will be affected ing the unsuitability of this. Mr The Local Plan allocates land by the development. was remanded in custody. Roake claimed the access conformed to Kent Design Guide standards, but this was disputed. Other concerns were with the volume of traffic and the density The Boundary Commission is starts in 2019. For example, Road, Canterbury Road, and of housing. Mr Roake disputed the carrying out an electoral review change Bockhanger ward so The Ridge) with Bybrook. Little land was grade 1 agricultural. of Ashford. This will look at the that it is bounded by the M20 to Burton Estate and Conningbrook Kennington ward councillor Phil boundaries of each council the south and Bybrook Road to Lakes would be combined into a Sims said: “Displaying plans of esward, to make sure each has a the east; transfer part of new ward. tates on land which as yet has NOT similar number of electors Boughton Aluph ward that is Please let us know your views been earmarked for development The Forum's initial suggestion is outside the urban boundary on where our borough council simply smacks of bullying and coerto redraw the wards in our area into Kennington ward; and com- wards should be. Full inforcion. Including statements in that to give a better alignment with bine the original Great Burton mation on the review is availadisplay which are untrue is also to the Community Council, which Estate (between Faversham ble at www.lgbce.org.uk be condemned.”
Murder charge
Better boundaries make sense
YELLOW LINES FROM PAGE 1 needs addressing but a lot of people agree with us that yellow lines are not the answer.” Kennington ward councillor Phil Sims said: “This has to be balanced against the fact the premises are in a residential area. “There were few problems with parking until the other two businesses set-up and began trading from the old SuperCups Vending site. This was ‘the straw which broke the camel’s back’ and started residents complaining. “I have made every effort to ensure The Kennington’s views will be taken into account, as will residents’, when a decision is made. However, as The Kennington is such a successful business perhaps now is the time to relocate to larger premises where customer parking can be better managed.”
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ENNINGTON Community Forum works hard to make our area (Kennington, Little Burton, Bockhanger and Bybrook) a better place. We have a talented team of volunteers who make this happen — but we need your help to continue with all the activities we do, such as Publishing and distributing Kennington News Holding regular public meetings to find out and represent the
needs of the community Helping run the Kennington Summer Fayre Hosting the Neighbourhood Police Panel Taking part in consultations (such as Ashford Local Plan to 2030, local planning applications, street lighting) Managing projects including hedge planting and protecting our war memorials.
Having seats on other committees such as Ashford Health Network and Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve Setting up Kennington Community Council. Can you help? Come along to our meetings to find out more about what we do, or contact the Chair Chris Morley at chris.f.morley@gmail.com for more information.
Old Kennington uncovered
Shop gets off to a good start The Good Food Shop and tearoom in Faversham Road has been busy since it opened in July. “We took over the old Knott's off-licence four years ago having no idea how long it would take to completely re-furbish it,” said Rob Vinall. Rob and Karen established The Good Food Shop when they had their own farm. He said: “We started the on-line shop newhousefarmdirect.co.uk to enable people to buy locally sourced and produced foods. We moved to Kennington in 2012 and all the food is produced and delivered from here.” “We went for coffee and cake, lovely atmosphere and the team were very friendly,” posted Peter Wain on the Kennington Community Forum Facebook page. The shop and tearoom is open Tuesday to Friday from 8.30am-6pm and Saturday 9.30am-4pm.
glimpse of very old Kennington was revealed A after workmen stripped the wall of this property at the junction of The Street and Tritton Fields to tackle a serious damp problem.
4 Don’t panic: It’s only Dad’s Army, aka the Dreamdragons theatre group
Dedicated followers of 1940s fashions: Ursula Jones, Jill Harrison and Vikki Gower
Forties Fayre raises £10,000 Kennington’s 1940s Summer Fayre began with the sound of an air raid siren, but it was rain that forced visitors to take cover. However, the downpours failed to dampen spirits at the big community event which had a record number of stalls and raised more than £10,000 for the charities and local voluntary groups taking part. The Fayre marked the 70th anniversary of Kennington’s Victory Celebration in June 1946 held on the same recreation ground in Ulley Road. Forties music was played over the PA and prizes for the best 40s costumes were won by Ursula Jones, Jill Harrison and Vikki Gower.
A Dad's Army sketch was performed by the Singleton Dreamdragons theatre group who paraded with broomsticks. Among the attractions were 35 stalls, a children’s funfair, tombolas and a beer slide. Arena events included maypole dancing by children from Kennington CE Academy, the Downs View infants choir, a display by the Towers Cheerleaders and a fun dog show — with a special award for the soggiest dog. There was also a Grand Draw. Organiser Jill Britcher said: “We should like to thank everyone who helped to make it another great community effort. It was just a shame about the weather.” Hair-raising routine from the Towers Cheerleaders who thrilled the big crowd More pictures on Kennington Summer Fayre Facebook page
Council says sorry for ripping down banners Ashford Borough Council apologised for taking down banners advertising the Summer Fayre. One was at the top of the Trinity Road-Faversham Road junction and the other on the Little Burton side of the Faversham Road/Canterbury junction. They were removed by an over A planning application for a two storey detached property at the rear of Tree Shadows, The Grove, Kennington, has been refused by Ashford Borough Council.
-zealous enforcement officer and destroyed. Enforcement team leader Mike Cook said: “I feel really bad about as we don’t want to scupper local events. We will pay for new ones.” He has instructed the team that all banners are property and must in future be stored. Families in Little Burton had to keep bedroom windows closed as a stench from the nearby sewage works drifted across the estate just as it got dark in the last week of July.
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Man cleared after pub stabbing A man accused of attempted murder after a stabbing outside the Rose Inn, Kennington, has been cleared. Paul Bristow was also acquitted of an alternative charge of wounding with intent. Bristow, 25, of Chilmington Green, Great Chart, admitted being at the Rose Inn but denied attacking Darran Bean. The 47-year-old scaffolder suffered five stab wounds, one of which cut his heart. He spent a month in intensive care. Maidstone Crown Court was told the weapon was never found. Fifty plant species were identified on a site survey at Bybrook Nature Reserve. They included water figwort, soft rush and broad buckler fern. The site provides a fantastic nectar source for butterflies. The Reserve, in Nine Acres, is undergoing restoration which aims to create a rich network of wetland and floristic habitats. To become a Friend of BNR please contact Ashford Countryside officer Debbie Reynolds at kentishstour@kent.gov.uk
The stabbing happened in a CCTV “black spot” outside the Faversham Road pub on 2 October last year. Prosecutor Andrew Espley said it was busy with a group of travellers “wetting a baby’s head” but the atmosphere changed when Mr Bristow and a friend arrived. Mr Espley said there was a history of bad blood between the Bean and Bristow families. Mr Bristow invited Mr Bean outside for a fight. After exchanging punches in the car park Mr Bean realised he had been stabbed and staggered back into
the pub where the landlady Sarah Jones used towels to stem the blood. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital and then to King’s College Hospital, London, where he underwent open heart surgery. The prosecution said that after the incident Mr Bristow’s car was cleaned and his Facebook account deleted. The jury reached their verdicts after 90 minutes. Judge Jeremy Carey said the case was well investigated and well presented and he released Mr Bristow from custody.
Our Magnificent Mr X
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he example set by Mr X who keeps Spearpoint Recreation Ground clear of litter is paying off. More people are now binning their litter and dog waste. Our good community volunteer who wishes to remain anonymous said: “I have been told by many users that because it’s known that others are depositing waste in the appropriate bins, they are doing so too. I would like to thank them all. “When I took on the project there was more litter on the ground than deposited in the bins. But now the bins are full at the end of each day
and very little is left on the ground. Dog waste is in the main now in tied bags and put in the bins. Unbagged waste on the ground is almost non-existent, and from my observations it is generally from the same dogs!” It’s a pity some dog owners fail to clear up the mess left by their pets on paths near schools. One angry mother said: “Every day my children have to dodge loads of mess. There is absolutely no excuse as bags cost next to nothing. Take some pride fellow dog owners and show some respect too!”
A lick of paint has made all the difference to the sorry looking post box in Faversham Road. Simon Ludbrook, who badgered the Royal Mail until the work was carried out, said: “Definitely looks better from afar. They could have taken a wire brush to it first, but I guess to do that would take twice as long. A bitter sweet result.” Home-Start Ashford & District have just started a new volunteer training course. These volunteers, once they have completed their training, will offer friendship and support to families all over the borough by visiting them for three hours a week. To find out more please call 01233 647209 or email info@home-start-ashford.co.uk The Summer Fayre committee has given Home-Start £250 from its surplus funds to enable it to buy a gazebo for outside events.
Merry Christmas 2016
& NEW YEAR 2016
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER & FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER
Exciting new menu plus carvery
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Church crowded to welcome the Rev Eve St Mary’s Church was packed for the licencing of the Rev Eve Lanchantin-Piggott as new team vicar of Ashford Town Parish with special responsibilities to Kennington. The service was conducted by the Right Rev Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover. The Rev Eve was accompanied by her husband, Michael.
The 75th anniversary of the Friends of St Mary’s was celebrated with a dinner for 60 members and guests. The cake was cut by Mrs Cynthia Carey who joined in 1942.
Director of Music Phil Sibbard thanked Roger Marvin for playing the organ and paid tribute to “fantastic singing” by the choirs of St Mary’s Kennington, St Mary’s Ashford and Christchurch, South Ashford. A fence has been put up at the boundary of St Mary's Kennington churchyard and St Mary's Green. There is now no access between the churchyard and St Mary's Green.
New school is given an excellent report Goat Lees Primary School has received a glowing report after its first Ofsted inspection. The Hurst Road school which opened three years ago was rated “good” overall and the leadership and management “outstanding.” Inspector Richard Blackmore said: “Senior leaders and governors are very ambitious and are highly effective as a team that has brought about continuous improvement. Kennington WI has enjoyed the summer months with outings and cream teas. The Gardening group visited several private gardens thanks to Claire Town's organisation and Claire opened her own garden in Woodchurch for members to visit — and ride on her husband's garden railway and admire his model steam engine. The Craft and
“They have created a culture of high expectations in which good teaching and learning and outstanding behaviour flourish. He said attention to pupils’ development, behaviour and welfare was outstanding. “Pupils are articulate and confident. Leadership opportunities help them to become self-assured and to develop empathy for others who are younger or less fortunate than themselves through charity work.”
Home Economics group visited Stevenson Brothers’ Rocking Horse workshop at Bethersden —nobody could afford to buy one! — and admired the beautiful horses before enjoying tea at The Bull. Some us are crossing the Channel for a six day break exploring the Loire Valley. In
Barry’s garden services Lawn cutting, strimming, hedge maintenance. Free quotes. For a friendly and reliable service call Barry on
07915 665428 / 01233 661107
Head teacher Teresa Adams said: “It is hard to believe that in less than three years we have created a school we can be incredibly proud of. This has been due to the amazing support from everyone in our school community and we should all share together in this wonderful achievement. “The inspectors were keen to get a true picture of the school and I believe that they did as it was very much business as usual.”
July ten ladies spent an action packed three days in Manchester with our link institute. We meet on the second Monday of the month in the WI Hall, Faversham Road at 7pm and new members are always welcome. Further details from Pat OwenSmith on 630134 or on Facebook. GILL WHITLING
There is an opportunity to learn Phoenix Tai Chi Qigong moves with Master Joe Lok when he visits Towers School on Saturday 10 September during his UK tour. This Chinese exercise system involves gentle slow circular motions and is accessible for complete beginners to advanced practitioners. The health benefits including increasing immunity. Contact Emma 07587 167756 www.taichiforyou.co.uk Mention this article and save 10% off the £45 fee. Tai Chi will continue to be taught at Kennington WI Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Bybrook WI has enjoyed two summer events, a Garden Party on a lovely summer evening where quizzes and games were played and a walk in Hythe on a windy evening followed by a meal at the White Hart. The 13 September meeting in St Mary's Community Centre Rylands Road (7.30pm) will be a fun evening to celebrate a member’s forthcoming marriage. Visitors are welcome. DB
The rider of an extremely noisy motor scooter that has led to many complaints has been summonsed for having no licence or insurance. Video of the offender in Little Burton was posted on the Kennington Community Forum Facebook page. A planning application to erect a cattery building at Culvers, Ball Lane, Kennington, has been withdrawn by the applicant Dr Robin Wolfe-Murray.
Valid to November 2016 — 1 voucher per sale
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Kennington “old boys” Peter Rainer, Brian Bishopp, Richard Peters, John Mercer, John Willis and Mike Carey
Cakes and cheers for the Queen The Queen’s 90th birthday was celebrated by more than 90 guests at a tea party in the WI Hall. Among them were Kennington “old boys” who lived in the village during the Second World War and featured in Robin Britcher’s book Kennington at War 1939-1945. A magnificent cake made by Jacqui Beaney was cut by the WI’s oldest member, past president Kay Avery. Mike Thompsett proposed the toast to Her Majesty and everyone sang Happy Birthday and For She’s A Jolly Good Fellow. The event was
Above: Tea time at the WI. Right: Kay Avery cuts the cake made by Jacqui Beaney. Below: Three cheers for Her Majesty at the Kennington CE Academy celebration.
organised by the WI and St Mary’s Church. The royal birthday was also celebrated at Kennington CE Academy. Guest of honour at the special tea was the school’s oldest former pupil, 101-year-old Phyllis Stace who was presented with a card signed by everyone at the school. A competition to design a cake for the Queen was won by Sophie, Noah and Anna. Acting head Lynn Seal presented them with their cakes which were made by Val Heath who also created a very special 90th birthday cake.
GARDEN CENTRE TO GROW EVEN BIGGER The new owner of Bybrook Barn Garden Centre has ambitious plans. They include a new floristry service with a refrigerated cut flower shop, a rejuvenated family restaurant and a click and collect service for customers. Nigel Long, who runs the Longacres Garden Group in Surrey, has taken over the business Terry Burch, established in 1975. Mr Long said the centre will keep its 27 workers and expansion could see new jobs being created. Mr Burch set up the garden centre in the old barn that is now a Harvester restaurant. In 1989 he acquired land across the road in Cemetery Lane where the business expanded to include Pets Corner, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Hot Tub Barn. Mr Burch, who is in his 80s, said: “Bybrook Barn has been my life’s work and selling it has been a hard decision, but unfortunately Father Time catches up with all of us in the end.”
BAD BEHAVIOUR There have been several instances of anti-social behaviour in the Bybrook area, PCSO Dan Brown told a meeting of Kennington Community Forum. He said a joint family management team is visiting homes to try and resolve the problem. Youths who used to hang out in the Spearpoint car park — before building work started on the new pavilion — are now congregating in the cul-de-sac at the end of The Ridge and causing a nuisance.
Call Barry on 07915 665428 / 01233 661107
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Information
The new Spearpoint pavilion and community building will be ready when the local Sunday football season starts in September. It is being managed by
Surgery’s super treatment
Cricketers struggle Kennington cricket club has found it difficult to field two teams every week this season. Several games have been cancelled because of lack of players. Club secretary Terry Deary said: “The only highlight has been the amount of money we made from the Kennington Fayre even though this was seriously curtailed by the awful weather! However during the limited time we were able to operate we raised £440.”
Serco Leisure. Booking inquiries to Victoria CrosbieCowley, Sports and Community Development Manager, victoria.crosbie@serco.com mobile 07738 893913
Kennington FC kicked off the season with a trip to Fleetdown United followed by four successive home
games.
The £850,000 extension to New Hayesbank Surgery should be completed by October. There will be seven clinical rooms, a theatre for minor operations, along with recovery rooms and a larger reception area. The additional treatment areas will enable the practice to offer more appointments
and provide more vital local treatment. Each patient at the practice now has a named, accountable GP who will take responsibility for the co-ordination of all appropriate services provided by the practice. If you do not know who your accountable GP is please ask a receptionist.
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: 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. kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk
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Kennington Community Forum takes an active role in looking after the interests of the people and the environment of our area. We hold six public meetings a year and publish the Kennington News supplemented by web and social media sites. The Forum is run by volunteers. For more details contact Chris Morley 01233 611196. Find us on Facebook or at www.bit.ly/kennington
NEXT OPEN MEETING AGM Tuesday 27 September St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm