What’s happening where you live...

Forge Lane. This is a group open to all retired people in West and East Farleigh, who meet on the second Tuesday of each month. There is, usually, a speaker or entertainment followed by home made afternoon tea. Don’t worry if you can’t drive, just phone Terry on 01622 814561 who will arrange a lift for you. WI: The next meeting of The Farleighs WI is on Wednesday July 13 at the WI hall, Forge Lane, at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Ian Porter will give a talk about The Real Downton Abbey. New members are always being sought and if you would like details, contact Diane Scott on 01622 814476. Yalding Almshouses: There is a vacant almshouse in quiet surroundings yet close to the High Street and all amenities. If anyone knows of a lady living alone, with limited means, living in, or with close connections to the parish, who might like to be considered for this vacancy, contact Annie Lee-Davy, clerk to the trustees, on 01622 814555 for an application form. The trustees are also looking for a local handyman prepared to do small paid DIY jobs as needed. If interested, again contact Annie as above. Little Fishes: The Little Fishes group of pre-school age children, with a parent or carer, gets together next on Monday July 11 from 2-3pm at the church. This will be the last meeting before the new term starts in September. For details, call Rachel on 01622 817337 or email jnfloresster@ google.com George: On Saturday July 9 from 8.30-11pm, there will be live music at The George from Chris and Polly/ Blues Brothers Soul Sister. On Thursday, July 14 from 7.30pm, a charity quiz evening at The George will raise funds for the Hospice in The Weald. A £10 ticket includes a fish and chip supper, or pay £4 and skip the supper. Teams should have a maximum of six. WI Mud Larking: The WI meeting on Tuesday July 12 starts at the earlier time of 7pm, to enable members to have a chat and a cuppa before proceedings begin. Sara Jane Ladbrooke will be addressing the matter of Mud Larking at the meeting and the competition is for an item dug from the ground. New members and visitors are welcome. Arts/crafts afternoon: Join likeminded people for an afternoon get together to inspire and support each other, and to share knowledge in various craft projects. Tea and cake will be available for £2.50 per person. The next session is on Monday, July 11 from 2-4pm in The Chequers marquee at Laddingford. For information, contact Pauline on 01622 871480. Gardens’ open Day: Yalding Gardens, formerly known as Yalding Organic Gardens, will hold a public open day in association with Yalding and District Beekeepers Honey Bee Fair on Sunday July 10 from 11am-4pm. All areas of the gardens will be open to the public and available to enjoy. Refreshments will be on sale. Members of Yalding and District Beekeepers will be located around the gardens to share their expertise and knowledge. Entry is £3 per person or £8 per family. No dogs are allowed. Baptist service: On Sunday, July 10, at 10.30am, the Baptist morning service will be accompanied Lydia is a gorgeous girl looking for a home with her friend Arg. The pair will need to have a large hutch (6ft x 3ft x 2ft) and run to live in. Staff at the RSPCA recommend Lydia and Arg’s new owners continue with daily handling and Local support: The Vicars’ Picnic music festival on The Lees on July 15-16 continues to support local needs. This year support will go to Yalding Scouts and to the Demelza children’s Hospice. Find out more about the festival grooming so they become well adapted to this. Lydia, left, needs special attention as her coat becomes matted easily.

If you think you could offer the pair a home call RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre on 0300 123 0751.