Women’s group celebrates 75 years

The Loose Valley Wives Group (formerly the Loose Young Wives) held their 75th birthday celebrations in February at All Saints’ Church in the village. The anniversary cake was cut by Pat Hill, who has been an active member for 56 years. Membership stands at about 30 at the moment but the group would be pleased to welcome some younger ladies. Meetings are usually held twice a month in the church with guest speakers. Members also enjoy creative sessions and going for meals out together. Further details from leader Ann Emery on 01622 741559. year. Family and junior memberships available. See the website www.villagegolf.org.uk or phone Jane 07746623303 for information. AgeUK drop in: Age UK provides vital direct services to people in later life. So drop in the McCabe Centre any time between 10am and 1pm. There is information, advice and advocacy services; day centres and lunch clubs; home help and ‘handyperson’ schemes; computer and iPad training. If you have any other needs just turn up and ask for help and/or advice. Footpath group: It’s a sure sign that spring is on its way when our walkers meet on consecutive weekends, when everyone is welcome to join them. This Saturday, March 4, they are meeting at 10am in Chapel Lane at the gate into the fields as a footpath clearance working party so take along thick gloves, secateurs or hedge pruners. Their regular walk for the month is on Sunday, March 12, meeting outside the Kings Head pub in Sutton Valence at 2pm, for an invigorating spring walk of 3½ miles. The route passes the castle ruins and the College Farm, and returns via East Sutton Church. No dogs, please. Village centre: Attendance at last week’s annual meeting was poor – only 20 turned out showing little interest in a year which is critical for the future of the centre. Research during the development of the Neighbourhood Plan made it clear that a modern centre built on the site is a top requirement of residents. While the final decision still has to be made about the kind of development the village wants to be built, it is clear that a serious fundraising exercise will have to be undertaken. So it is essential that the village centre’s governance is seen to be sound. For this reason it was proposed at the AGM that the outof-date constitution be replaced. According to Rural Kent.org, which is the leading authority in Kent advising village halls in their operation, trustees’ terms of reference etc, the existing document is not a constitution. As three residents expressed concern about the lack of notice given for so serious a change, it was agreed to hold an extraordinary general meeting. A copy of the draft for the new constitution can be viewed via the village centre website – go to www.staplehurstvc.org/ The EGM will be held in the south hall at 8pm, at which all residents will be welcome. The document will be submitted to the Charity Commission for its approval after the meeting. Winter cricket: Training continues on Wednesdays from 7.30-9pm at The Maplesden Noakes School, Maidstone, though to March 22 inclusive. Thereafter it will be at Sutton Valence School on Fridays from 6-7.45pm. All current, returning and ex-cricketers aged 14 and over welcomed to a mix of facilitated fitness, skills and coaching sessions, and nets led by Peter Cavender, a Kent performance coach. This is free for new potential members especially those looking for competitive Saturday league cricket or more occasional social Sunday afternoon 40 over and T20 opportunities. Calendar update: Sales of the 2017 calendar have been completed. Illustrated by Ken Collins with pen and ink drawings of local village scenes, this was the 13th edition. This year Ken was assisted by his 17 year-old granddaughter Natasha Collins who contributed with a pencil drawing for the December page. A total of £1,500 was raised this year, which was divided between two local charities – Leonard Cheshire Disability received a cheque for £1,000 and the Weald Club for Disabled People £500. The Leonard Cheshire money will go towards the purchase of sensory equipment for Sobell Lodge. The total money raised over the 13 years now stands at £19,280, a remarkable total by any standards, and Ken would like to thank all who have helped in raising this total over this time, the sponsor advertisers in particular, and the local shops who have sold them and he hasn’t forgotten the residents