What’s happening where you live...

not take the family to Yalding Yuletide Market in the High Street on Saturday, December 6 from 4.45-8pm. A real old fashioned Christmassy atmosphere with hot food of all types, mulled wine etc plus opportunities to buy for Christmas from the large number of craft stalls plus the usual farmers’ market stalls. In addition, Morris dancers, Punch and Judy, carol singing in the church, along with a Christmas tree exhibition and, of course, Father Christmas plus, I am told, a fairy on stilts! Village tidy-up: Huge thanks go to Margaret Ashworth and her team of litter pickers who helped with the village tidy up over the last two weekends. All your efforts are most appreciated. There is a thank you lunch for litter pickers at the town hall in Jubilee Square, Maidstone on Friday, December 12. Let Margaret know if you would like to go, on 01622 730323. Christmas themed party:

The Helping Hands tea party takes place on Wednesday, December 3 from 2pm at the home of Barbara Grandi. There will be a seasonal theme to the tea. Call Margaret on 01892 730323 if you would like to join in the fun. Road closure: Between Monday and Wednesday, December 1-3, the section of Jarmons Lane nearest its junction with Claygate Road, will be closed for pothole repairs. Diversions signs will be in place. Correspondent: Maureen Jopson, 68 Stockett Lane, Coxheath, ME17 4PY Tel: 01622 746086 joplot8@ hotmail.co.uk Correspondent: Jenny Cosgrove Tel: 01622 630462 jenny.cosgrove@ hotmail. co.uk Parish council: The next council meeting will be in the village hall committee room on Tuesday, December 2 starting at 7pm with planning matters. Everyone is welcome to attend and will be able to have their say in the time allocated for open debate. Christmas Bazaar: If you would like transport to Boxley on Saturday, November 29 for annual bazaar in the church, ring Margaret on 01622 737987. The event runs from 10am-1.30pm and there will be a wide variety of stalls and attractions. Enjoy the seasonal delights over a cup of mulled punch and a mince-pie while helping to support the Friends of Boxley church. Admission is free to the bazaar. Advent Sunday: November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent. There will be Sung Communion Service in church at 10.30am. Hot drinks and biscuits served at the end. Village hall: In this month’s copy of Detling News you will find a book of raffle tickets for you to purchase. All money raised by the raffle and the village Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 6, will go directly to running the hall. Each book of raffle tickets cost £1 and there are many prizes for the lucky winners. If, however, you are unable to attend give the stubs and money to a neighbour who is going to be there or contact John Faller on 01622 730628. Wanted: Once again, quality gifts, books, CDs and DVDs are requested for the Friends of Detling Church stall at the village Christmas Fair. Those with appropriate items are requested to phone Edward Rubie on 01622 880404. Church: Please note the next coffee morning has been deferred as the church will be in use on Wednesday, December 3, for the Thanksgiving Service in memory of the late Nigella Kent, which starts at 11.30am. Flower arranging: Volunteers are required to assist with the flowers arranging in church. Phone Barbara Rubie if you are interested on 01622 880404. Christmas quiz: Each year there is a popular quiz sheet for you and your family to puzzle over during the Christmas break. Copies cost £1 each and are on sale at the Christmas Fair and in church. All the questions are on film and song titles. Kent Wildlife Trust: On Monday, December 1, there is a work day in The Larches. Work will be carried out in the bottom paddock, slowly working up the hill now all the reptiles and small mammals are fast asleep. Everyone is welcome to help the conservation team with the work. For information contact the warden (Alison) on 07740 182876 or the office on 01622 662012. Correspondent: Chris Acott, 32 Acorn Grove, Ditton, Aylesford, ME20 6EW Tel: 01622 719592 chris.acott@ blueyonder.co.uk Churchyard clean-up : The last event for this year will take place on Saturday, November 29 from 9am-noon. All are welcome to join in for part or all of the morning. Refreshments will be provided but it may help to take garden tools if you can, although some will be available on the day. In order to help with catering, could you let David Stevens know on 01622 717492 or email david.stevens30@ talktalk.net if you are helping. Christmas fair: Ditton Twinning is holding a Christmas Fair in the community centre on Sunday, November 30 from 1pm-4pm. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Admission children free, adults £1. To book a stall for £10, contact Tony on 01732 844195. Council: The parish council will Correspondent: Martin Hider Tel: 01622 736327 mhider5@ gmail.com Bazaar: A Christmas Bazaar for charities supported by local churches will take place at the community hall on Saturday, November 29 from 2pm-4pm. The attractions will include the sale of presents for Christmas, paperbacks, DVD’s, stationery, quality packaging for presents, cakes, sweets and chocolates. Tombola. Raffle. For details phone Joan Palmer on 01622 202239. Rejoice and be merry: The Early Music Group Cancionero are returning to St Nicholas Church on Sunday, December 7 at 3pm, with a concert entitled Rejoice and be Merry, a joyous blend of medieval and folk carols accompanied by hurdy gurdy, bagpipes, lute, fiddle and recorder. Christmas used to sound like this! It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas mood and prepare for the shopping frenzy of the modern festivities. Tickets, including refreshments, cost £10 for adults and are free for children still at school. Tickets can be reserved by phoning 01622 861245 or can be purchased at the door. Any answers: A quiz will take place at St Nicholas Church on Wednesday, December 10 at 7.30pm. Take your own nibbles and drinks. For details phone 01622 737684 or 739129. Service of Light: The Service of Light for Advent will be held on Sunday, November 30 at 6pm in St Mary’s Church, Langley and Parish meeting: The parish council will meet at the community centre on Tuesday, December 2 at 8pm. The public are invited to attend. Church bell ringing: There will be novice bell ringing at St Nicholas Church on Monday, December 1 at 7.30pm and a bell ringing practice will be held on Wednesday December 3 at 3pm. For information phone 01622 861143. Messy Church: Join in craftwork, a story and songs followed by a sitdown tea at St Nicholas Church on Monday, December 8 at 3.30pm. Activities will start at 4pm. Messy Church will be held on the second Monday of each month at St Nicholas. All ages welcome with parents or carers. Lights and carols: The Christmas Carols and Lights ceremony will start at 7.15pm on Friday, November 28 at the community centre, Chiltern Close. The lights will be switched on by The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Richard Thick. Father Christmas will also be paying a visit and will no doubt enjoy the free mulled wine and mince pies. All are welcome to attend. Correspondent: Jake Harfleet Tel: 01732 847858 joharfleet@ blueyonder. co.uk Carol Concert: A Carol Concert with Peter Brice and his Christmas choir takes place at St Mary’s Church in West Malling on Wednesday, December 17. Doors open at 6.30pm for a concert start of 7pm, entrance is free with all donations going to the Heart of Kent Hospice but space is limited and tickets must be booked by phoning the hospice on 01622 790195 or by visiting www.hokh. org