What’s happening where you live...

KWES for inclusion in a Lottery funding application, called Woodland Web. The Woodland Web project would link a number of local woods with KWES working to support the various volunteer groups with essential training as well as providing opportunities for the group to connect with each other to explore options such as a ‘log for labour scheme’ and making vital improvements for wildlife. This Woodland Web project also looks to provide opportunities to explore the heritage of the woodlands and to encourage use for forest school and other types of outdoor learning for local families. Cllr Harwood reported that there is hardly any wildlife in Boxley Warren, the same in other areas. There is an 80% of insects’ decline, which means that there is something not right in urban areas. There has been 50% less rainfall and if this is a dry winter the area will have problems. Boxley Parish Council is currently supporting a resident who is doing a dissertation on Walderslade Woods. Information has been supplied and as part of the dissertation the resident will be carrying out a survey of local residents. The parish office treats request for information as part of its day to day duties and councillor are informed when such approaches are made. Medway Education Business Partnership: Boxley Parish Council, as part of the parish council’s support to the community, is signed up to the MEBP to host work experience students. The parish office will be hosting to one week placements for students at the parish office in 2018. Kingswood, Maidstone, ME17 3QA Tel: 01622 843672 Village hall: There is some confusion from local residents of who owns the Village Hall. Therefore, the Village Hall Management Committee would like it known that the Village Hall and the grounds are not owned by Broomfield & Kingswood Parish Council, nor have the hall or grounds ever been owned, or run by the Parish Council. It is run and administered by Trustees. Kingswood Church: Anglican Communion Service with the Rev. David Bond at 11am Sunday 21st January at Kingswood village hall. Whist Club: On Tuesdays from 2.15pm to 4.15pm at Kingswood village hall. Short Mat Bowls: On Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm at Kingswood village hall. Pie Lunch: At Kingswood village hall on Saturday, February 17. This is a ticket only event which must be obtained prior to the day. For details and tickets contact Mrs Val Clarke tel: 01622 843110. Correspondent: Jenny Scott Mob: 07785 974951 Singing at O2: On Thursday, February 1, the school choir will be singing at the Young Voices event at the O2 arena. Marden Walkers: On Saturday, January 27, Marden walkers will meet at the Medical Centre at 2pm. Group A will walk to Lower Marden, whilst group B walk to the Turkey Farm. Woodpeckers are back: The Woodpeckers church yard tidying volunteer group will meet for the first time this year at the church on Saturday, February 3 at 10am. There will be a lot of general tidying to do after recent winds and rain, before decisions are made about specific projects they aim to accomplish during the coming year. All are welcome to join in, whether church goers or not. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month from 10am-midday, and there is always a tea break with lovely home made cake. It is a good idea to bring gardening tools, but there are usually some spare ones if you don’t have any. Mob: 07711 611550 Tel: 01622 735230 Please join us: The first Knit and Natter Group for Detling takes place at Detling Village Hall on Thursday, February 1 between 10am and noon. The Village community bus runs at times which support the group enabling people with mobility issues to access transport from the village up to the village hall. Come along for a free cup of tea/coffee and cake and make new friends and hopefully support local registered charity Making Miracles by making items which they can sell to raise funds for local families who suffer baby loss. Detling Village Survey: By now all residents living in Detling will have received their Detling news with the survey inside to complete about their interest in supporting the return of a village shop. It is really important that the Steering Group receive the views of all residents to enable them to plan what the shop should provide if it goes ahead. They have asked for all forms to be returned by the end of January and details of where the surveys should be sent are detailed on the survey sheets. Tickets Selling Fast: Friends of Detling Parish Church Quiz Night on Saturday, February 24 are selling out fast. If you would like to join them for a ploughmans supper along with the quiz please ring Tikki asap and book your tickets on 01622 737471. Correspondent: Nicola Greenaway Tel: 01732 844749 MSDC Event: Maidstone Spiritual Development Centre is pleased to announce that Tony Stockwell is coming to Ditton Community Centre on Tuesday, February 27. Tickets on sale now at £16, go to: http://msdcevents.ticketsource. co.uk Doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm start. Charity Fundraiser: Rotary Club of Malling proudly present the Boogie Woogie Gals on Saturday, February 3 at Borough Green Village Hall. Doors open 7pm, performance commences 7.30pm. Licenced bar, Tickets £20. All profits to local charities. Apply Malling Website www.rcmalling. org.uk or 01732 882187. Correspondent: Tim Mumford Mob: 07736592918 Parish council: Downswood parish council met on Tuesday, December 5: Following the resignation of Samantha Brooks due to a lack of time, there are now 2 vacancies. The chairman asked that all make an effort to find suitable candidates. The following report was obtained from e-watch.co: Longham Copse: Burglary of dwelling. Between 12.01 on Mon 6 Nov and 1pm on Mon 13 Nov a shed was broken into. Various