COMMUNITY NEWS

Appledore

Correspondent: Ruth Smith, Griffin Park Cottage, Tenterden Road, Appledore, TN26 2AP Tel: 01233 758564 ruthasmith@sky.com PARISH COUNCIL - Annual Meeting: The Appledore Annual Parish Meeting was held, Monday March 18, in the Village Hall. Unfortunately not many parishioners attended. The evening included a talk by a volunteer on the Air Ambulance. There were reports from many of the village organisations about their current and planned events. CARM concert: Ashford Invicta Choir was well attended in St Mildred’s Church in Tenterden. The audience was treated to a Motown medley, songs from West Side Story, Amazing Grace and other spiritual and secular songs. There was also a piano recital, funny poems, a raffle, an auction and refreshments afterwards. Appledore Church Concert: There will be a concert by the Tenterden Singers in Appledore Church, Saturday March 30, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50 and include refreshments. Proceeds are in aid of Appledore Church. Art Club moves: Appledore Art Club is moving to Stone Village Hall from Tuesday April 9. The Club meets from 1-4pm on Tuesdays.

Ashford

Correspondent: Emily Neighbour Tel: 01233 664673 eaneighbour@gmail.com Ashford Philatelic Society: Meet first Monday and the third Wednesday of the month in the Friends Meeting House, Albert Road, Ashford TN24 8NY, 7.30-9.30pm, Monday April 1, when John Mortimer will dive into the history of the British Red Coats with the help of postal history and stamps. Wednesday April 17, Graham Winters will reveal his collection of George VI British stamps and postal history. Contact Ray Barton, 01233 634034 or Bob Carr, 01233 503596.

Bethersden

Bethersden Neighbourhood Plan: Tuesday March 5, the Parish Council resolved to submit this plan to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for public consultation. Subsequent to that Council Meeting it was agreed with the ABC Head of Planning Policy to start this process on May 17.

Biddenden

Correspondent: Sian Walker, 2 Standen Cottages, Smarden Road, Biddenden, TN27 8JT Tel: 01580 291389 Sian_walker@hotmail.co.uk Biddenden Neighbourhood Watch: Surgery in The Post Office Biddenden 10am, Monday April 1, for 1hr. The purpose is to make contact with residents who may have concerns about crime in the village or surrounding area. If you have any issues to discuss please come and speak to Adrian Lidgett, who is one of our Parish Councillors, you can also sign up to receive email notifications about crime trends in the area and precautions that can be taken. Please come and support this initiative. NHW, 01580 291931.

Boughton Aluph

Correspondent: Ann Hardie Tel: 01233 636535 annshardie@gmail.com If you have an item concerning Boughton Aluph, please contact the correspondent above.

Brabourne and Smeeth

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net PARISH COUNCIL: Brabourne Parish Council met, Monday March 18 in the village hall. Councillor Howard (borough councillor) was unable to attend due to other commitments. The Minutes of the meetings held in January and February were approved, and the meeting continued with Matters Arising, as follows. Local Needs Housing: the Local Plan to 2030 has been adopted and the need for Local Needs Housing remains - Action with Communities in Rural Kent will be asked for help in the search for suitable sites. Village caretaker: the caretaker will remove the dead beech tree on the green at The Warren and plant a copper beech as a replacement. Phone box at the Five Bells: this will be repainted and re-glazed when the weather permits, it was suggested that shelves be put in to enable its use as a library. Community Led Plan group: the outdoor gym will likely be installed on the gym in April. Diseased trees on the green at The Warren: these will be felled on safety grounds and logged – logs will be left on site for collection free of charge. The Financial report was presented and approved. The Planning Committee report was given. The Parish Council’s application for costs for the Hospital Field planning appeal was dismissed. Four planning applications have been approved by ABC and a Lawful Development Certificate granted. One application has been withdrawn. Decisions on six planning applications are awaited, of which the Parish Council objected to two, one was supported and there were no objections to the remainder. The inquiry into the Parish Council’s application to register Hospital Field as a village green ran over four days in February; the Parish Council submitted witness statements and a number of witnesses gave oral evidence. The Inspector who chaired the inquiry is a barrister specialising in open spaces and village greens, her recommendation will be sent to KCC (the village green registration authority) which will make the final decision – it is unknown when the inspector’s report will be submitted and a decision made. Registration of land at the village hall as a village green: Comments from the Hall Association Committee are awaited on the proposal. Allotments: Dip tanks have been installed; costs for additional water runs are awaited. The annual inspection of the site will be carried out by the Parish Council in May. Youth shelter: Requests have been received for a shelter on the green at The Warren. It was noted that this would be used by all ages and should more properly be called a village shelter. Any such shelter would have to be of sympathetic design but funding would have to be sought – this may be from S106 agreements for the housing development in Church Road, Smeeth, or grants. Most grant funders will not give money to Parish Councils, it was suggested that the CLP may be able to help. War Memorial: The Parish Council congratulated George Taylor on the success of the restoration project; the Memorial is now an attractive feature at the entrance to Smeeth and a focal point for the two communities. Citizenship Award: This is presented annually in memory of Chris Goodall, a former Brabourne parish councillor who was involved in many organisations and events. The recipient is chosen by the Parish Council from nominations sent by residents. The winner of this year’s award is Peter Scotton, who was clerk to the Parish Council for many years and is still active in the community. Peter Scotton was presented with a glass plaque, given by the Goodall family, a framed certificate and a cheque. The meeting closed after Any Other Business. Next meeting, Monday May 20, 7pm in the village hall, all welcome.

Gardeners Society: Friday March 29, in the village hall when the Annual Spring Show takes place. Staging 6.30-7.20pm with a light hearted quiz during judging. Please let the Show Secretary know your entries by Wednesday March 27. Classes are listed in your Year Book. Enquiries contact Wendy Sanders 01303 813 451 or brabournewendy@gmail.com.

MP’s surgery: Damian Collins MP will not be holding his constituents’ surgery in April, but it will held in May.

Lent lunch: Lent Lunches in the Oak Room. Friday March 29 and April 5, 12-2pm, with an exploration of Van Gogh and his ministry featuring the film ‘Loving Vincent’.

First Friday: No First Friday at Brabourne Church on April 5, 7.30pm. Instead there will be a talk at Penstock Barn by Ptolemy Dean entitled ‘From Brabourne to Westminster’. Ptolemy is an architect, television presenter and currently the 19th Surveyor of the Fabric of Westminster Abbey. In his work at Westminster Abbey Ptolemy has designed the magnificent star-shaped Weston Tower, said to be the most significant addition to the Abbey since 1745. Tickets £10. Proceeds to Brabourne Church. Tickets from Kathy Embleton-Smith 0775 278 0474 or kmbakersmith@gmail. com, and Maggie Radcliffe 01303 812749 Newspaper collection: Saturday April 13, 9.30am. We take birthday wrapping paper, cards and any other paper based products and card . We don’t room for large corrugated cardboard boxes, whether they have been flattened or not. Please use small cardboard boxes to put your newspapers in. Proceeds go toward Scouts and Guide facilities. Messy Church: Brabourne Baptist Church. Saturday April 6, 3-5pm. Listen to the Easter story, help to make a collage and an Easter garden, join the Easter Egg Hunt, make Easter crafts. Enjoy hot dogs and cake. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Donations welcome. Contact Kathleen MacPhee 01303 812536 for information. Coffee morning: Oakleigh, Church Road, Smeeth. April 16, 10.30am-12pm. In aid of St Mary Smeeth Church funds. There will be bring and buy tables for cakes, produce, plants and recent paperbacks.

Brook

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Jumble Sale: In aid of Brook Village Hall Trust. Saturday March 30, 2pm. Donations to the hall on Friday March 29, 5-7pm. For details and other events see www.brookvillagehall.org or telephone Secretary Christine Finn, 01233 812579

Challock

Correspondent: Dianne Sandy, C/o Challock Post Office, The Lees, Challock, Ashford, TN25 4BP Tel: 01233 740351 parishclerkchallockpc@ gmail.com

Mother and Toddler Group: Wednesdays during term time, 9.30-11.30am. £1 per child. For details call Pat Feddon 07813 625105 or email pat. rattlehalt@hotmail.co.uk

Friend of Kingswood: Meet the Ancestors will start at the lower forest car park White Hill Road TN25 4AP . Sunday April 7, 10am and lasts about 2hrs. Pete Burton of Kent Underground Research Group will take us to sites in the landscape and tell us about them. Please car share. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org £4, members.

Friends of Kingswood:

Spring Foot Steps. The last of our Winter Warmer Walks will start at the main forest car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. 2pm Sunday March 31, Pay on the day £4. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org

Charing

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com Football: Last weekend the U12, U13, U14 all lost unfortunately. The Saturday adults also went down in their Cup Semi-Final 3-2, with Elliott King and Sam Waldman scoring the consolation goals. Sunday the 1st went down 7-0, while the Reserves won 3-2, Dan Moore, Tony Spicer and Kevin Friend getting the goals. Ashford Ladies won 3-2 away at Worthing with Becky Wyatt claiming a hat-trick. This weekends fixtures are as follows: Saturday: U7 - away v Hythe. U8 - Tournament at Bromley Green. U9 - home v Wye. U10 black - home v Hawkinge 9am ko. U10 white - away v Pilgrims, U11 - away v High Halden (Cup Semi-Final) U12 - home v New Romney 9.30am ko. U13 - away v Ashford 11.30am ko. U14 - away v Wye Adult Charity Match - Midday ko. Sunday: 1st team - home v Red Heathens 10.30am ko. Reserves - No Game Ashford Ladies - away v Crawley Res 2pm ko. Farmers Market: Thursdays 9-11.30am in the Church Barn. Refreshments available.

Charing Heath

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com If you have an item concerning Charing Heath, please contact the correspondent above.

Chilham

Correspondent: Elisabeth Arter, April Cottage Pilgrims Lane, Chilham, Canterbury, CT4 8AB Tel: 01227 730752 garden@arter2.plus.com Shakespeare’s Globe: Chilham Castle. Friday May 17-Sunday May 19. Evening Performances: Friday 7pm “Pericles” Saturday 7pm “Twelfth Night” Sunday 7pm “A Comedy of Errors”. Matinee performances: Saturday 2pm “A Comedy of Errors” Sunday 12.30pm “Twelfth Night”. Tickets VIP £50, Standard £30, Students £10 and Standing £10, available from Globe Box Office 020 7401 9919 and www. shakespearesglobe.com This information corrects that in the April issue of Chilham Parish News. Chilham Football Club: Saturday March 23, Chilham played away to Betteshanger with Chilham coming away with a 5-1 win. Chilham took an early lead after 5 minutes when Joe Mort scored. Betteshanger equalised from the spot soon after. Ben Walsh then scored 2 goals in 2 minutes to put Chilham in charge of the game and Dave Nugent scored the 5th goal just before half-time. Ben Walsh completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute and although creating several more chances Chilham failed to score again. Chilham will play league game away to Minster, March 30, ko 2pm Catha’s *Seat: Save the date for the Catha’s Seat picnic. Saturday May 4, 1-3pm 100 club: Winners of the 100 plus club Friday March 23 were; £50 Katherine Dillow, £15 Glenn Burden and £10 Tom Rose

Spring Foot Steps: The last of the Friends of Kings’ Wood Winter Warmer Walks will start at the main forest car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. 2pm, Sunday March 31. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org £4, members

Mothering Sunday: Chilham Parish Church. 11 am for an informal Mothering Sunday service with posies for all Mothers. Followed by refreshments. Budget Report 2018/19: A paper including projected performance against budget for 2018/19 has been publicised with the agenda. The projection was based upon actual income and expenditure from the accounts as at February 7 and indicated a surplus of £1448 after making allowances for planned future expenditure. Following consideration, Council accepted this report and agreed to adhere to council policy with regard to future grant payments, i.e. a) current levels of support for wholly voluntary services should continue as previously; b) funding for trading entities, even where they are provided through voluntary labour should be limited to affordable levels consistent with grant income received. It was noted that in addition to the projected surplus of £1448, the current balance of the Parish Community Grant Fund is £730 and that there are no unclaimed grants to be paid. PARISH COUNCIL: From ring fenced funds the March meeting approved £1,014.49 to Playdate for OWL play area repairs. PARISH COUNCIL: The March Parish Council Meeting agreed payment of £413.74 to Victory Cleaning for cleaning the Taylors Hill Toilets.

Crundale

St Mary’s Church: March 31, we shall be celebrating Mothering Sunday at 9.30am. As it is also called Refreshment Sunday, historically when people were allowed to break their Lenten fast, coffee and cakes will be served after the service. Remember the clocks go forward.

Egerton

Correspondent: Heather James Tel: 01233 756501 clerk@egertonpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parish Council meeting: Tuesday April 2, 8pm in the Committee room. All welcome Coffee morning: Wednesdays during April 11am-12pm in the Barrow House. £2 pp for coffee and a raffle ticket. All welcome. WI: Wednesday April 3, 7.30pm in the Millennium hall. Demonstration of clog dancing- St Clements clog dancers. Competition A Limerick on a dance theme. 100 Club: Results of the March draw: £100 John Smith. £50 Mel Rawlinson. £25 Vanessa Styles. £25 Dick Noble. Next draw Wednesday April 17, 8pm in The Barrow House.

Godmersham

Correspondent: Carol Newton, Lamley Cottage, Canterbury Road, Godmersham, CT4 7DR Mob: 07768 074698 carolnewton84@gmail.com

If you have an item concerning Godmersham, please contact the correspondent above.

Great Chart and Singleton

Correspondent: Aniko Szocs, Parish Office, Singleton Village Hall, Ashford, TN23 5LB Tel: 01233 616923 theclerkgcwspc@gmail.com If you have an item concerning Great Chart and Singleton, please contact the correspondent above.

Hamstreet/Snave

Correspondent: Rob Toal, The Haven, Warehorne

Road, Hamstreet, TN26 2JT Mob: 07958 748087 Tel: 01233 733487 robtoal@me.com Coffee Morning: The Church of the Good Shepherd to raise funds for the MS Society. Saturday March 30, 10-11.30am. Homemade cakes and a raffle. All welcome. Saint Matthews Church: Sunday March 31, Mothering Sunday all age service, 10.30am. St Mary’s Church: Communion at St Mary’s Church, Orlestone, Mothering Sunday March 31, 9am. Church Service: Sunday March 31, 10.30am the service in the Church of the Good Shepherd will be in the form of a Cafe Church. A very informal kind of worship involving activities for adults and children.

High Halden

Correspondent: David Holman Tel: 01233 850934 david.holman9@btinternet. com

Growers Makers Bakers: The High Halden Horticultural Society Spring Show. Saturday April 6, Memorial Hall. Staging 9:30-11:30am. Show open to public 2.30pm with prize giving at 3.15pm. Refreshments and Raffle.

Hinxhill

Correspondent: Pat Smithers, 31 Cherry Glebe, Mersham, Ashford, TN25 6NL Tel: 01233 503375 chequertree.smithers720@ btinternet.com If you have an item concerning Hinxhill, please contact the correspondent above.

Hothfield

Correspondent: Paul Fothergill Tel: 01233 519457 paul.fothers@yahoo.co.uk PARISH COUNCIL: A vacancy has arisen in the parish of Hothfield for a Clerk to work for 5hrs a week. The position is home based and duties include: Producing and publishing minutes and agendas for meetings of the Parish Council. Providing Councillors with advice and information regarding legislation and procedures which affect the Council. Overseeing the work of one other PC employee. Updating the PC noticeboard. Completing the payroll, updating the accounts and completing a bank reconciliation on a monthly basis. Helping with the preparation of the annual budget and completing the annual accounts and return. General administrative tasks including handling correspondence, emails and telephone calls. The ideal candidate should hold a qualification in local government administration or be prepared to undertake training, have experience in working in an office and have a working knowledge of Microsoft office programmes including Outlook, Word and Excel, some knowledge of payroll and accounting and experience in arranging meetings and taking minutes and be comfortable dealing with members of the public. For details contact The Chairman, Ian Lloyd – email ian.lloyd@hothfield.org.uk Salary in accordance with the national scale and commensurate with experience.

Parish councillor vacancy: Hothfield parish council has a vacancy for parish councillor, please contact the parish clerk Mrs Judith Batt, parish. clerk@hothfield.org.uk for information.

Quiz night: Tickets for the quiz night on April 6, on sale in the Hothfield PO, teams of 6 people. £6 per adult £3 per child. Meal included in the ticket price, raffle prizes to be won, raffle tickets sold on the day.

Village hall lottery: Support Hothfield Village Hall monthly lottery. £1 per month. Half of the proceeds go to the hall and the remainder is paid in prizes. Joining forms from the post office, contact Peter Howard, 01233 62356 or visit www.hothfieldhall.online and download a form. Village hall activities: Mondays: Toddler Sense 9am12pm. Tuesdays: West coast swing dancing 8-11pm. Wednesdays: play-days 10.30am-12.30pm, dog training 5.30-9pm. Thursdays: 10.30am-12.30 play-days. Fridays: Toddler Sense 9am12pm. Saturdays: Rugby tots 9-11.45am. For information or to book the hall please visit www. hothfieldhall.online

Kenardington

Correspondent: Brenda Hedley Tel: 01233 733085 brenda.artlines@btinternet. com St Mary’s Church: Mothering Sunday special service, March 31, 10.30am. All mums will receive a posie. Parish Council: Next meeting, April 2, 7pm. Are you interested in joining the parish council? Come to the meeting for details.

Kennington

Correspondent: Sandra Dunn, Heather Bell Orchard Lane, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 4DX Tel: 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com

Play football: in a safe and friendly environment. 16 fun-packed sessions for ‘beginners girl’s’ . Aimed at 5-11s. Saturdays 10-11.30am. The Ridge TN24 9ET. April 6, £3 per session. Course run on behalf of Kent FA. Contact James, jrburnett@hotmail. co.uk or 07917 362715. Friends of Hopewell: Quiz Night. Saturday April 6, 7pm. WI Hall, 228 Faversham Road, TN24 9AN. Teams of up to 6, £5pp. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Call Mark Whitling, 07900 263620. Mothering Sunday: After the 10am service on Sunday March 31 a pasta bake will be served in St. Mary’s Hall TN24 9DQ. Easter Sports Course: Monday-Thursday April

8-11, 10am-1pm. Spearpoint recreation ground, The Ridge TN24 9QW for school years reception to year 7. £10 a day. Monday: multisports, Tuesday and Wednesday: football fun, Thursday: football match day.

Lots of prizes to be won. To reserve a place text the day, child’s name and school year to 07960 140888 or email techniquesoccerschool@hotmail. com

Try rugby: The last few weeks of the U6 Ashford Rugby Club season is free. Contact Ollie, ashfordwarriorsrugby@gmail.com or 01233 624693. For girls and boys in reception /year 1. They train on Sundays, 10.15am at the Ashford Rugby Club, Kenney’s Lane TN24 9QB.

Peace at Lent: Evenings of quiet contemplation, 7.30pm, Wednesdays April 3 and 10 in the Lady Chapel, St. Mary’s Church TN24 9DQ. A brief time of peace to contemplate the true meaning of Easter.

Mobile Library: Dudley Road, 9.10-9.40am and then in Broadhurst Drive, 9.5510.25am, Saturday March 30.

Kingsnorth

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Mother’s day service: March 31, in the parish church. 9.45am.

Folk dance: Ashford Folk Dance Club. Village hall, Church Hill. Wednesday 8-10pm. The next meeting which will also be the AGM. Details from Edna, 01233 627121 or ejbone@tiscali. co.uk

Holiday club: April 15-18, Kingsnorth Primary School, Church Hill . Details from 07749280043 or kingsnorth@ kentplayclubs.org.uk

Post Office: A sub Post Office. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the village hall, Church Hill, 10am-1pm.

WI: Wednesday April 3, Cade Road church hall, Kingsnorth Road, 10am for a craft morning. Competition to decorate an egg. Details from Liz Taylor 01233 502721.

Family film afternoon: Peter Rabbit. Saturday April 6, Kingsnorth Primary School, Church Hill. 4pm, donations welcome. Bring your own picnic and blanket. Prize for the best bunny costume. Lite bite: The lunchtime gathering, Tuesday April 2, 12.30pm, the parish church extension,. Sophie Howland will be reporting back after her climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. Donations welcome, details from Mandy Spencer, 01233 501774. Parish council: Next meeting, Tuesday April 9, in the pavilion, Church Hill, 7pm. If you wish to speak or ask questions during the open forum, please contact the parish manager, 01233 502969 at least four days in advance of the meeting giving details of the subject you wish to raise. Vacancy: The parish council is looking for a manager to manage a small team of dedicated staff to deliver the council’s five-year plan. Visit the parish council website, www.kingsnorthparishcouncil.co.uk or phone the parish office, 01233 502969 for an application pack. Closing date for applications, April 9.

Little Chart

Correspondent: Kaye Sowden Mob: 07753 802814 kayesowden@yahoo.co.uk Spring Flower Show: Saturday April 6. Open to all. Bring your entries 10-11.30am. At 3pm the hall opens for viewing, teas and raffle. Prize giving 4pm. For information or a schedule contact Julie Lilwall, 01233 840 174. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at the hall, 3.15pm. Parish Clerk Vacancy: Avacancy has arisen in the parish of Little Chart for a Clerk to work for 2hrs a week. The position is home based and duties include: Producing and publishing minutes and agendas for meetings of the Parish Council. Attending meetings in May, July, September, November, January and March. Providing Councillors with advice and information regarding legislation and procedures which affect the Council.

Completing the payroll, updating the accounts and completing a bank reconciliation on a monthly basis. Helping with the preparation of the annual budget and completing the annual accounts and return. General administrative tasks including handling correspondence, emails and telephone calls. The ideal candidate should hold a qualification in local government administration or be prepared to undertake training, have experience in working in an office and have a working knowledge of Microsoft office programmes including Outlook, Word and Excel, some knowledge of payroll and accounting and experience in arranging meetings and taking minutes and be comfortable dealing with members of the public. For details contact The Chairman, Richard Brasier, richard.brasier@btinternet.com Salary in accordance with the national scale and commensurate with experience.

Mersham

Correspondent: Pat Smithers, 31 Cherry Glebe, Mersham, Ashford, TN25 6NL Tel: 01233 503375 chequertree. smithers720@btinternet.com If you have an item concerning Mersham, please contact the correspondent above.

Molash

Correspondent: Geoff Jenkins, Kings View, Shottenden Lane, Molash, CT4 8EZ Tel: 01233 740598 geoff. jenkins195@btinternet.com Church: Despite no heating at St. Peter’s the third Sunday of Lent saw a good number in congregation for the third Lay-Led Service since Interregnum. Geoff Jenkins led the Service with Epistle readings by Janet Bullock and David Potter. The Gospel reading was recited by Andrew Grimshaw with Geoff also leading the prayers Sign: The broken footpath sign post at the bottom of Church Lane, near the Church path has been reported to the village footpath rep. Meeting: All members and non-members are welcome to attend the Challock and Molash PCC AGM. Molash Village Hall 7.30pm, Wednesday April 3. Churchwardens and other Church Officers will be elected for the coming year. King’s Wood Walk: Sunday April 7, Pete Burton of the Kent Underground Research Group will lead a walk entitled “meet the ancestors”. The walk starts from the Lower Car Park in Whitehill Road. 10am and should last about two hours. £4 on the day.

Newchurch

Correspondent: Michael Barclay, Frostland Farm, Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DZ Mob: 07792 721312 Tel: 01303 872376 m-barclay2010@hotmail. co.uk Funeral: The funeral service for Jan Day. St Peter & St Pauls church. Friday April 5, 11.30am with a burial in the churchyard and a wake afterwards in the village hall. Country market: Saturday March 30, Spring Country Market & Coffee Morning. 10.30am-12.30pm. Local produce and crafts on sale. Proceeds in aid of church funds. Meeting: Next parish council meeting. Monday April 1, 7.30pm in the Old Wool Store at Brooker Farm. All welcome.

Newenden

Correspondent: Geoffrey Goodsell, 13 Levetts Lane, Bodiam, TN32 5UL Tel: 01580 830211 If you have an item concerning Newenden, please contact the correspondent above.

Old Wives Lees

Correspondent: Elisabeth Arter, April Cottage Pilgrims Lane, Chilham, Canterbury, CT4 8AB Tel: 01227 730752 garden@arter2.plus.com Spring Clean: Old Wives Lees Village Litter Pick. March 23. There was a lower turn out of volunteers than previous years but no less industrious. A big thank you to our volunteers and that includes those who regularly make litter patrols around their area, the village looks so much better for your efforts. Quiz Night: Friday April 26, 7.30pm Old Wives Lees village hall. £5 per person. Maximum of 8 people per table. Tea and coffee provided, but please bring your own wine/drink and nibbles. Payment in advance by April 19. Confirm your place via Rose on 07870 826362 or 01227 730467.

Pluckley

Correspondent: Kevin Hart, Pinnock Farm Cottage, Pluckley, TN27 0SS Tel: 01233 841893 kahart198@ gmail.com Village Clean-up: March 30, all the equipment will be ready to use in the annual village clean-up. Please come along to the meeting point at the Pavilion on the Recreation Ground. 10am. Friends of St Nicholas’ Church: The Parish Church of St Nicholas is 900 years old and Grade 1 listed. It continues to play an important part in community life. The Friends of St Nicholas’ Church is a non- denominational group of volunteers established to help maintain the church fabric, structure and grounds. Saturday April 6, annual meeting in the church.10.30am. You are invited to come along to the meeting to hear about the current activities. Spring Show: The Pluckley with Egerton Gardening Society Spring Show. Saturday April 13. There are 39 classes to enter in three categories, Decorative, Flowers and Vegetables. Also, a special feature of the Spring Show is is the Daffodil section with nine classes. For the children there is the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in decorating a pebble or in creating a flower picture made up of printed shapes. Setting up in the morning. Viewing of exhibits and awards in the afternoon. Full details in the printed Show Schedule or the Show pages on the PEGS website https://pegsoc.org Volunteer Drivers Needed: Wealden Wheels, based in Pluckley, has been meeting the community transport needs of local people who do not have easy access to cars, taxis, trains or buses, since 2004. They are experiencing a growth in those people needing to use the service and they must recruit more volunteer drivers. Please call 01233 840000 Road Closure: To allow works to be carried out to provide a new electricity supply, a closure of part of Chambers Green Road is planned from Monday April 1 for an estimated period of up to 5 days. Due to the nature of the works, it will not be possible to re-open the road outside the working hours. The alternative route for any through traffic is via Station Road, The Street, Forge Hill and Smarden Road.

Sellindge

Correspondent: Nigel Fursdon, 3 Trust Cottages, Moorstock Lane, Sellindge Ashford, TN25 6LB Mob: 07437948509 nnwfursdon@aol.com If you have an item concerning Sellindge, please contact the correspondent above.

Sevington

Correspondent: John Donovan, 24 Church Road, Ashford Tel: 01233 502440 If you have an item concerning Sevington, please contact the correspondent above.

Shadoxhurst

Flower workshop: First Wednesday of the month in the village hall. 7.30pm. Ellouise will lead a workshop at the next meeting. April 3. The club welcomes donations for the sales, raffle and tombola stalls.

Smallhythe

Correspondent: Emma Isworth, 11 Elmfield, Tenterden, TN30 6RE Tel: 01580 765518 e.isworth57@gmail. com If you have an item concerning Smallhythe, contact the correspondent above.

Smarden

Correspondent: Eleanor Bliss Tel: 01233 770082 eleanorbliss1@gmail.com Hi Kent visit : Monday April 1, The Charter Hall, 10.1011.30am. Free NHS Hearing Aid aftercare, advice and battery supply will be available. Just turn up. Please be aware that there may be a short wait but tea, coffee and biscuits are available. Lent Lunch: Details of this year’s 6 Lent lunches, held in aid of Demelza House Children’s Hospice, are in the Parish Magazine. The next one will be held on Friday March 29 12.30-2pm, Bakers Bridge Cottage TN27 8NJ. Organised by St Michaels Guild, these informal lunches of soup and rolls cost just £4 per person. Smarden Afternoon Club: Martin Brooks will be giving an illustrated talk about Smarden, featuring notable people and events which have occurred here over the years. He will be including information about King Edward III, Queen Elizabeth I, an American slave, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Miss Marple, mountain climbers, explorers and at least one M15 agent. Friday April 5, 2pm, Charter Hall. £10 per year to join this friendly village club. Gardeners’ Society talk : The Spring talk will be by Mike Austen, President of Faversham Horticultural Society, who used to work at Brogdale. He will give a talk in The Charter Hall. Thursday March 28, 7.30pm entitled ‘Strange Stories of the apple’. Members £2, Visitors £4, Easter Duck Race: The Sports Association are holding their 19th annual duck race.Sunday April 21. Meet at Town Bridge, 1pm. Before the event, please purchase your duck from The Post Office, Dave the Butcher’s or the local pubs. There are three types; Ordinary Duck at £1; Super Duck at £5 and Endurance Duck at £5. Cash prizes. Barbecue food available from The Flying Horse, plus the usual Sunday menu.

Keep Smarden Tidy: Recent activity on the Smarden Community Facebook page suggests that there is a sizeable number of people who are concerned about the litter thrown into the hedges and ditches around the village. Jo Morton is the organiser of the Smarden Village Tidy Week, which takes place from Saturday March 30-Friday April 5. Jo asks everyone to be aware of the litter problem, and to join in with the litter pick. Bags can be collected from Jo. 770446 or jomorton551@btinternet.com.

Mothering Sunday Service: All-age Eucharist. Sunday March 31, St Michaels Church, 10am. Remember the clocks go forward.

St Michaels

Correspondent: Emma Isworth, 11 Elmfield, Tenterden, TN30 6RE

Tel: 01580 765518 e.isworth57@gmail.com Mothering Sunday: Sunday March 31, 11am, Mothering Sunday, there will be an allage service at St Michael and All Angels Church.

Stone-in-Oxney

Correspondent: Susan Lowrie, Rose Cottage, Stone-inOxney

Tel: 01233 758560 richardandsusan@btinternet.com If you have an item concerning Stone-in-Oxney, please contact the correspondent above.

Stubbs Cross

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming

Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com If you have an item concerning Stubbs Cross, please contact the correspondent above.

Tenterden

Correspondent: Emma Isworth, 11 Elmfield, Tenterden, TN30 6RE

Tel: 01580 765518 e.isworth57@gmail.com Mothering Sunday: Sunday March 31,9.30am, there will be an all-age service at St Mildred’s Church

Lenten lunching: Friday March 29, 12-2pm, St Mildred’s Church Hall. Come and meet friends and share a bowl of homemade soup, bread and cheese, £3.50. All proceeds will go to Christian Aid. Lunches will be held every Friday in Lent.

Beatlemania: The Rockits, rock and pop choir invite you to Make Your Voice Count with their fundraising extravaganza, St Mildred’s Church. Saturday April 6, 7pm. Live music, singalong to a Beatles medley. Tickets £10 to join in (music available on CD or download) available from This Ancient Boro or online https://rockitchoir.co.uk/beatlemania.php. Aiming to raise £5000 for Pilgrims Hospice.

Book Fair: Highbury Hall. Saturday March 30, 9am-3pm. Multiple book dealers with a large selection of books on all subjects which are of interest to collectors and browsers. Details from cjhickmott@ msn.com or call 01580 764395

Hospice Wine Tasting: An Evening Wine Tasting from grape varieties from around the world at St Mildred’s Church Hall. Saturday,

March 30, 7pm. Tickets £25 to include all wines tasted and a 2 course meal. All funds go to Hospice in the Weald. Call 01580 388831 to book.

Knit and Natter: Knit and Natter group at the library on first and third Monday of the month, 10-11am. Bring your needles, patterns and yarns and meet friends to swap ideas and chat over a coffee.

Next one Monday April 1.

CARM Meeting Point: CARM, Caring All Together on Romney Marsh has a Tenterden and St Michaels Meeting

Point at Trinity Baptist Church, Ashford Road on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. 10am-12pm.

Next one Tuesday April 2.

Call 01233 758122 for details.

Talk Time: Talk Time for adults every Wednesday from 10-11am, Tenterden Gateway. Coffee and informal, social time for adults to meet and make new friends. All welcome. No booking required. Glebe WI: The Glebe WI meet at St Mildred’s Church hall. Thursday April 4, 9.30am. Horticultural Society: The Horticultural Society meet at St Mildred’s Church hall. Friday April 5, 7pm. Mr Colin Moet, RHS Chelsea award winner will give a talk entitled “50 Shades of Grey”. Lego Civilisations: Tenterden Station, major Easter attraction. Come and see life-size Aztec’s, Samurai warriors and Egyptian Pharaohs. Entry exclusive to passengers purchasing a daily Kent and East Sussex Railways travelcard. 10.30am, Saturday-Monday, April 6-22. Family ticket discounts. Call 01580 765155 or go to www.kesr.org.uk Rotary Concert: Tenterden Rotary Club presents “Come Alive” a toe-tapping variety show featuring local dance schools, cheer leaders and choirs. Performances at 2pm and 5pm, Sinden Theatre, Saturday April 6. Contact 01580 763826 or visit www.sindentheatre.com. National Trust: The National Trust Association meet at the junior school. Thursday April 11, 7.30pm Andy Putland will talk about his work as a silversmith making items from cufflinks to chandeliers. Call 01580 764443 for details or visit www.tenterdenanddistrictnationaltrustassociation. Tenterden Guided Tour: Guided Tour of Tenterden, taking in Smallhythe Place, St Mildred’s Church tower, the town museum and brewery with tastings. Friday April 12, 10am-5pm. Tickets £40 to include a light lunch. To book, call in to the Town Hall or visit townhall@tenterdentowncouncil.gov.uk Premier Holiday Camp: Multi-activities for children age 5-12yrs, Homewood School, April 15-18, 9am-4pm. Call 01580 212401 for details and to book. Junior Golf Fun: Tenterden Golf Club Junior Fun Day. Tuesday April 16, 11am-3pm. A fun day of activities and competition. Please bring a packed lunch. £25 per person. To book, call 01580-763987 and select option 2.

Westwell

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford

Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Council met in St Mary’s Church on Monday March 4. The meeting began with the Open Session which gives residents present the opportunity to raise matters of concern with councillors, but nothing was raised. Larry Krause (borough councillor) was at the meeting and reported that his grant to the Westwell Players had been approved; works to the A20 and M20 are part of Operation Brock (the traffic management scheme that has superseded Operation Stack); the Local Plan has been ratified by ABC; Westwell Parish Council was formally thanked by Gerry Clarkson (ABC Leader) for its input into the recent village confines exercise. The Minutes of the January meeting were approved. Matters Arising included: the container for storage of the Players’ effects has been emptied and arrangements are being made for its relocation to the playing field; at the next meeting of the Joint Transportation Board there will be discussion on making the lorry parking trial permanent. Planning: Applications for works at Crouchers Manor were discussed and supported. Work on the next Local Plan will begin in June/July. After the May local elections, consideration will be given to producing a Neighbourhood Plan by the new Parish Council. Apta Pots move to the Oakover site: work has begun on the site to clear the vegetation. The Parish Council’s submission on the village confines exercise was ratified. Finance: The Financial report was approved. Lloyds Bank has paid compensation to the Parish Council following its complaint under GDPR re loss of data. Village traffic speeds survey: The results of the survey indicated that traffic was, in the main, driving according to the road conditions and did not support the case for a reduction in the speed limit. Concerns were expressed for users of ‘shared space’, i.e for pedestrians and horse riders, where there is no footway; it was acknowledged that perception of speed is different for pedestrians. Parish Council elections: take place, May 2. Tom Lawrence stated that he will not be standing again and was thanked for his efforts on behalf of the parish during his 25yr tenure, including several years as Chairman. Anyone wishing to stand can obtain a nomination form from the Clerk (Sue Wood) and it must be returned to Civic Centre between March 22 and 4pm April 3. Undergrounding of power lines near the playing field: The previous proposals have been updated; the pole transformer on the playing field will be removed and the new installation will be near the field gate on the new access road. The updated wayleave agreement was signed. Reports were given by councillors, and included damage to a bridge in Watery Lane. Highways was thanked for its repair works along the A20. The Green Team will visit the parish on April 15 and will carry out works in the cemetery and churchyard. The meeting concluded after Any Other Business and discussion of the Good Citizen Award. Next meeting May 14 in the parish hall. Mothering Sunday: There will be a G7 Benefice service at St Mary’s Church on Sunday March 31 at 10.30am. This will be a family-friendly communion service, with activities for children, and we will be thinking about and giving thanks for all carers. Coffee morning: In The Wheel Inn on Friday April 5 at 10.30am, join us for coffee and lively conversation. Messy Church: In the parish hall on Sunday April 7 from 3.30-5pm. Crafts, Activities, a story, a song and some thinking and of course Tea. All on a bible theme. Fun for all under 10’s accompanied by an adult.

Wittersham

Correspondent: Jennifer Maynard, 4a Swan Street, Wittersham, TN30 7PH

Tel: 01797 270804 jennifermaynard55@gmail. com

Keep Turning: You are invited to join The Friends of Stocks Mill to help keep the windmill open for the public. The AGM Friday April 12, 7.30pm in the Club Room and the guest speaker is Christine Drury who will talk about her work with the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Contact Sue Duff 270295 for more information. Wittersham Film Society: Thursday April 4, “Tea with Mussolini” starring Maggie Smith and Judy Dench. 7.15pm, drinks £2.50. Entry £7 non-members and £4 to members. All welcome. Horticultural Society: The Spring show. Saturday April 6, 2.30pm although there may be a shortage of daffodils. There are some spare show Handbooks in the back of the church. New entrants are welcome, and there is a Children’s Section as well as Domestic, Photography, Art and Handicraft Sections. Mothering Sunday: Posy making in the Tower Room. 2-3pm, Saturday March 30, in preparation for the Service on Mothering Sunday March 31, 10.30am. Help would be welcome. In May, a plant sale is being organised to raise funds for the servery project, so if you can pot on some spare plants or sew seeds in readiness to donate, these would be appreciated. Church Electoral Roll: Every six years the Church Electoral Roll has to be completed rewritten, and this process is currently underway. If you want to have a say on the election of PCC members, or be involved, please make sure you complete an Electoral Roll form which can be found at the back of the church pews, and left for collection. Coffee and Toddlers : Every Friday morning, 9-10.30am there is coffee and Toddler Club, with the toys out ready. All are welcome to the Tower Room for a chat and company.

Woodchurch

Correspondent: Peter and Sandra Marmara, 122 Front Road, Woodchurch

Tel: 01233 860603 spmarmara@btinternet.com Parish Council Meeting: In the Memorial Hall annex, Thursday March 28, 7pm. Darby and Joan: Join this friendly group who will be meeting in the Memorial Hall. Friday March 29, 2pm. Just £1 each . Further details Joyce on 01233 860427. Local History Society: The Society will meet in the Memorial Hall. Monday April 1, 7.30pm, £3pp The speaker will be Alex Ferris whose talk is entitled ‘The Slave Preacher of Kent’ . Memorial Hall AGM: The AGM in the Memorial Hall. Monday April 8, 7.30pm . This year we are hoping to appoint several new Trustee members to the Committee and so if you have some time available to help us run the Hall complex for the community. The Hall Management Committee meets on the second Monday of each month. If you would like to know more about these vacancies, please contact the Chairman, Les Fenton, on 07796884439. April Quiz: There are still a few tables left for the quiz in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 13 at 7pm. Tickets £7 each for tables of up to six players. Buy your tickets at the post office. Sandwiches and home made cakes will be served in the interval but please bring your own drinks and glasses. Spring Market: All Saints Church. Monday April 22, 1-4pm. If you would like to book a table for your organisation or as an individual, the charge is £10. Ploughman’s lunches, will be available and all proceeds will go towards the interior refurbishment of the church. For further information and to book a table, phone Ann Tiplady on 01233 861363.

Wye

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Folk Session Postponed: The event advertised for the Two Sawyers. March 31, has been postponed. Historical Society: Final meeting of the 2018/19 season. David Parker will speak on William Hogarth’s Perambulations of Kent. Wednesday April 3, 7.30pm. Venue Lady Joanna Thornhill School, Bridge St. Non-members £2. Football Results: Wye Juniors FC U14’s beat Woodnesborough Colts 2-1 on Sunday to lift the East Kent Youth Football League John Smiths (U14s) Memorial cup. It was a very close match with Wye taking the league after winning a penalty early in the second half, coolly put away by Harvey Lee-Eaton, with Woodnesborough equalising late into the match to force extra time. First period of extra time was as close as the rest of the game and finished with no additional goals being scored. For the second period of extra time it stayed tight and with penalties looming and after some inspired substitutions by coach Mick Scott-Smith, a break from defence by Wye saw Ellis Reid finish in superb style after a solo run down the wing to give Wye a 2-1 lead which they held onto until the final whistle. Great efforts by both keepers prevented the score being higher in a game played in the true spirit of Youth Football where both teams acquitted themselves in a sporting manner that they all can be proud of. The pitch at Ramsgate FC was in lovely condition but the additional extra time started to take a toll on some very tired legs. Visit www.wyejuniorsfc. co.uk Kevin Barlow.