Not just a load of rubbish

The good citizens of West Farleigh don’t like to see their pretty village despoiled by other people’s rubbish; that’s why on the first Sunday of every month, a group get together and litter-pick the worst areas. This Sunday, it was the turn of The Green in front of the Good Intent to be cleaned up, as well as the roads up to Heath Road and down to the Tickled Trout. Volunteers gathered 13 black plastic sacks of assorted beer cans, plastic bottles and fast-food boxes, but it is a thankless task. Terry Baines, who organises the litter-picks with Brian Cushing, said: “On Tuesday, two days after we were out, I walked the same area again and found 13 new deposits of litter which people had just thrown out their car windows as they drive through. It can be a bit dispiriting, but we cheer ourselves up with the thought that if we didn’t do it, the area would be even worse.” Maidstone council supplies hi-vis jackets and litter picks, and disposes of the collected garbage afterwards. Mr Baines said: “There is a bit of a social side too. It’s nice to meet some of the other villagers in a joint enterprise whom perhaps you otherwise wouldn’t get to know, and we always have a bacon sarnie to keep us going.” Anyone is welcome to join the next litter-pick which will be on Sunday, October 2, starting at 9am. The exact location will be selected nearer the time. Call Mr Baines on 01622 815267 for details. are no auditions, just go along to the hall at St Andrew’s Church at 7.30pm. For information, phone 01622 725606. Move along, please: Copy for the October issue of The Anvil, St Andrew’s Church magazine, is wanted no later than 7pm on Friday, September 16 by Tony Deane,the editor. Phone 01622 204569 or email anvil.mag@btinternet. com Copy for the Barming Link (St Margaret’s) is needed by noon on Tuesday, September 13. Send tokab.barming@btinternet/com or call 01622 729036.