What’s, happening, where, you, live .

and West Street. The Highways officer felt that the only way to prevent the road surface alongside the playing fields from continually crumbling at the edge would be to install a kerb, but the parish council would be responsible for funding this. KCC was to give an estimate of the cost. Cllr Tony Stanbridge raised the issue of flooding in the dip on East Street. The flooding is largely caused by blocked drains and the council will press KCC for more regular cleaning. Parking outside the school remains a problem. Cllr Steve Wyles had met again with representatives from the school and with PCSO Hunter to consider possible solutions. Cllr Paulina Stockell felt that the issue should be elevated to county level and would speak to the cabinet member for education and arrange a site meeting with Highways. It was agreed that the positioning of the bus stop right on the junction of Hunton Hill and East Street is dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists and that the area of hard standing recently installed does little to improve this. Cllr Stockell to speak to the relevant person at KCC to see if it can be moved to the green opposite Lughorse Lane, which was felt to be a more suitable location. Cllr Wyles was pleased to report that Speedwatch seemed to be having some effect, with a reduction in the percentage of vehicles speeding through the village, but additional volunteers were needed to assist with speed checks. The council was to press for a blanket 30mph speed limit throughout the village. A complaint from a resident about blocked public footpaths led to the suggestion that the position of footpaths officer be created to check regularly that public rights of way around the village are passable. This role could possibly be combined with that of pond and tree warden. Planning permission for the new cricket pavilion had been received and preliminary groundworks commenced. The cricket club had obtained three quotations for the new building and the concrete base. Contractors were selected and approved by councillors. Members of the cricket club will be carrying out some of the work on the base themselves in order to reduce costs. The pavilion was expected to be completed on schedule. The village hall car park had been resurfaced and a new picnic table and bench are in place next to the children’s play area. Nominations sought: The KALC (Kent Association of Local Councils) Community Award is to acknowledge and give recognition to a resident of Hunton who has made a significant contribution to this parish over a period of years. If you know of someone who has given this sort of service and merits an award then do nominate them. The person must live or work within the Hunton parish boundary. The winner will receive a certificate signed by the KALC chairman and the High Sheriff of Kent, which will be presented at the Hunton annual parish meeting on May 18 2015. Only one nomination per resident, but all adult members of a family may submit a nomination. Submit your nomination and the reason for the nomination to Sharon Goodwin, Clerk to Hunton Parish Council, 11 Barton Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7BU or email it to Sharon at huntonpc@ googlemail.com by December 31. Bottle donations: Volunteers will be out in the first week of December collecting donations for the ever popular bottle stall at the Christmas Market on Saturday, December 13. All proceeds will be shared between St Mary’s Church, the Friends of St Mary’s and the village hall. What the Dickens: Borton Class from the primary school have visited Dickens World. They were most surprised to learn that Charles Dickens had twice been on the verge of death; the first when he was burnt while climbing up a volcano and the second when he was involved in a serious train crash at Staplehurst. Sell-out success: The village hall was filled with the sounds of the Sixties and Seventies at the sell-out Friends of St Mary’s music and supper evening on November 14. Ninety people enjoyed a hot two course supper and dancing to the music of local band 2bc lead by Brian Mortimer, who generously donated their excellent services free of charge. The evening raised more than £2,000, taking the Friends almost half way to their target of £24,000 needed to complete the interior redecoration of the church. Lunches at the Club: The popular autumn lunches continue at the village club this week from 12.30pm-2pm on Thursday, November 27. There will be a choice of soup with bread and cheese, followed by cakes and tea or coffee. Gluten free and vegetarian options available. Gardeners’ question time: The gardening club will meet at the village club on Friday, November 28 at 8.15pm, for drinks followed by a question time led by a panel of knowledgeable local gardeners and with the opportunity for open discussion. All welcome. Keep in touch: There have been a couple of incidents recently where residents have felt ‘uncomfortable’ but which were not reported to Huntonwatch. Perhaps they felt it would be a waste of time to report it? Perhaps they felt they were being silly? Quite the contrary. If you see or hear anything that is out of the ordinary, doesn’t seem right or just makes you feel uncomfortable report it on 01622 820403 or huntonwatch@gmail.com Information can be passed to the police without mentioning your name and they will add the report to their database – it might just be the missing link they are looking for and will enable them to take some sort of action. Correspondent: Martin Hider Tel: 01622 736327 mhider5@ gmail.com Charity bazaar: There will be a Christmas Bazaar for the charities supported by local churches at Downswood Hall on Saturday November 29 from 2pm-4pm. The attractions will include the sale of cakes, sweets, chocolates, presents for Christmas, paperbacks, DVDs, stationery and quality packaging for presents. Tombola. Raffle. For details phone Joan Palmer on 01622 202239. Sale: A Christmas sale in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice will take place at the village hall on Sunday November 30 from 2pm-4pm. Attractions will include Christmas gifts for children, books, jigsaws, bric-a-brac, soft toys, knitted goods, linen and blankets. Tombola. For information phone 01622 861223. Service of Light: A Service of Light for Advent will be held at St Mary’s Church on Sunday November 30 at 6pm. Correspondent: Mike Brine Tel: 01732845825 mbriney.yoda@ hotmail.com