COMMUNITY NEWS

Aldington

Correspondent: Alison Baldwin, Church Hill Cottage, Church Lane, Aldington, TN25 7EG Mob: 07949561489 alison@coastcommunications.co.uk

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

Appledore

Correspondent: Ruth Smith, Griffin Park Cottage, Tenterden Road, Appledore, TN26 2AP Tel: 01233 758564 ruthasmith@sky.com

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

Ashford

Correspondent: Emily Neighbour Tel: 01233 664673 eaneighbour@gmail.com Ashford Sinfonia: Community based, enthusiastic and friendly orchestra of various abilities from Grade 3 upwards. We meet at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bentley Road, Willesborough TN24 0YR. We are looking for new players. Please enquire via email to doreentitmuss@ hotmail.co.uk , Secretary or look at the Making Music website where you will find a link to apply. We can also be found on amateurorchestras. org.uk . Our new term begins, Monday September 9, 7.15pm. Please bring a music stand as well as your instrument. No audition required, just come along and join in.”

Fund-raising Coffee Morning: Friday September 27, 10am-12pm, at Ashford Volunteer Centre, Berwick House, 8 Elwick Road, Ashford, to raise awareness and funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan Support Café : Friday October 4, 10am-12pm. For the start of autumn Becca will speak about what a great resource the Beehive in town is. Berwick House, 8 Elwick Road, Ashford

Hearing Aid Clinics: Ashford Gateway Plus in Church

Road every Monday and Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm and at Ashford Age UK,

Joe Fagg Centre, Stanhope Road, every Tuesday, 10.30 -11.30am. No appointment needed. Information from 01227 760046 or enquiries@ hikent.org.uk

Bethersden

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Biddenden

Correspondent: Sian Walker, 2 Standen Cottages, Smarden Road, Biddenden, TN27 8JT Tel: 01580 291389 Sian_walker@hotmail.co.uk Biddenden Neighbourhood Watch: The Tint Teapot to host the monthly surgery. Friday October 4, 10am. If you have any concerns about crime in the village or surrounding area please come along to say hello. You can also arrange to receive email notifications about crime trends in the area and precautions that can be taken.The more members we have the better we will be able to help each other in the community to prevent and discourage crime. NHW can contacted on 01580291931, speak to Adrian Lidgett, who is also one of your Parish Councillors Biddenden Bowls Club: Results for last week were: Friendlies September 15, Maidstone Police at home lost 43-48. September 18, Westborough away won 70-64. September 21, New Romney at home lost 65-81. Our season has now finished, and we look forward to our annual quiz at the new village hall. Saturday October 26, 7pm, tickets £5 per person pay on the night. Please bring your own snacks and drinks, there will be a raffle on the night, and to book a table please contact Martin 01580 291649. Visit our website, biddendenbowlsclub. org. for further information.

Bilsington

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Bodsham

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Bonnington

Correspondent: Alison Baldwin, Church Hill Cottage, Church Lane, Aldington, TN25 7EG Mob: 07949561489 alison@coastcommunications.co.uk

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Boughton Aluph

Correspondent: Ann Hardie Tel: 01233 636535 annshardie@gmail.com

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Brabourne and Smeeth

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Council met in Brabourne Baptist Church. Monday September 4. After approval of the meeting of the July Minutes, the Open Session was held and matters raised included on-road parking on Woolpack Hill: This will lead to congestion and difficulties for large vehicles when Woolpack Hill is the signed diversion during gas main works. A temporary order banning parking will be sought from KCC.

Matters Arising followed: The obstruction in Stock Lane has been removed; the request that S106 monies from the Church Road development be used for a community shelter is under consideration by the borough council officer; the inspector’s report on registration of Hospital Field as a village green is with KCC which will make the final decision on the application; an online newsletter for the two parishes is proposed to keep residents informed of events, Parish Council matters and other items of interest. Community Led Plan: The outdoor gym on the green at The Warren has been handed over to Brabourne Parish Council and is in regular use. Future projects include a footpath across the green, refreshing the village lamp posts, a community shelter. Finance: The Financial Report was approved and the Parish Council gave a grant to the Community Led Plan group of 50% of the cost of its insurance premium. Planning: Two applications had been received. One was supported and the other is still with the Planning Committee. The Parish Council, together with Brabourne Parish Council, will post links to planning applications on to the community Facebook page for a trial period to raise awareness; the links will be for information only so commenting will be turned off. For the benefit of new councillors the way the Planning Committee operates was explained. Neighbourhood Plans: It was suggested that a joint Neighbourhood Plan be produced with Brabourne Parish Council; this will be discussed at the September Brabourne Parish Council meeting, and if agreed an application will be made to the Borough Council to start the process.

Highways: Transport for the South East is holding a drop-in session at Canterbury Christ Church in October and it is hoped that a councillor can attend. The planned closure of Granary Court Road for the gas main works will likely begin at the end of October. Degradation of verges in Pound Lane by heavy vehicles has been reported to KCC.

Reports: The village caretaker scheme is working well. More volunteers are needed for Speedwatch, which carried out sessions over the summer. A presentation on Local Needs Housing will be given at the November meeting. The fireworks event will be held in November on the playing field, following the previous year’s success. A number of events are planned for the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but the Legion will concentrate its efforts on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day in August because this marked the actual end of the war.

The Chairman will attend the wreath-laying ceremony at St Mary’s Church, Brabourne on Remembrance Sunday.

Dates for the meetings in

2020 were agreed. The next meeting of the Parish Council is on Wednesday November 6 in Brabourne Baptist Church; all meetings are open to the public.

Bulbs wanted: The Community Led Plan group will continue its successful efforts and plant more bulbs this autumn, everyone appreciated their work when the flowers came up this Spring. Donations of bulbs for the next planting will be very welcome. They can be dropped off at Chapelside, Plain Road. Contact CLPEP@btinternet. com for further details. Gardeners Society: General meeting. Friday September 27, 7.15pm, in the village hall, when there will be a presentation by Christine Bartlett on “The Orchid Hunters”. For enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders, 01303 813 451 or brabournewendy@gmail.com or visit our website. Visitors always welcome. Monday Club: Meeting. September 30, 7.30pm, in the Oak Room features a talk about “Fire Safety in the Home”, from Officer Debbie Gore of the Fire & Rescue Service. Contact Kathy, 01233 503596 or Pam, 01303 813478 for information.

Newspaper collection: Saturday October 12, 9.30am. Please remember we take birthday wrapping paper, birthday cards and any other paper based products. We don’t have much room for large corrugated cardboard boxes. Please use small cardboard boxes to put your newspapers in as these are the most efficient way of collecting your papers, are just about the right weight for a Guide or Scout to lift and can go straight from collection vehicle to skip. Proceeds go towards improving our Scouts and Guides facilities.

First Friday: Drop into the Church, Friday October 4, 6-7pm for warming drinks or a glass of wine, nibbles and friendly chat.

Messy Church: Resumes, Saturday October 5, 3-5pm. The completion of building work means that we will be back on home ground in Brabourne Baptist Church. Our theme will be friendship, with a story, puppets, lots of crafts, games, Lego and, our ever popular hotdogs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information ring Kathleen MacPhee, 01303 812536.

Brook

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Jumble Sale: Brook Village Hall, 2pm, Saturday October 5. Drop off any donations, 5-7pm, Friday October 4, or contact Christine Finn, 01233 812579

Harvest Supper: in aid of St Mary’s Church. In the Village Hall. Friday October 11, 7pm. Tickets £10 adult £5 children from Carole McCarron, 813 916. Hot and cold buffet served at 8pm. Bar.

Challock

Correspondent: Dianne Sandy, C/o Challock Post Office, The Lees, Challock, Ashford, TN25 4BP Mob: 07895494851 parishclerkchallockpc@ gmail.com

Friends of Kingswood: Magical Moths. Claire Ward will lead this event. Friday September 27, in the main forest car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. 7-10pm. Text 07523203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org or visit www.friendsofkingswood. org. Pay on the day £4.

Tawny Owls at Twilight. Friday October 4, 7-9pm. Led by ornithologist Pete Findley. Meet at the main King’s Wood car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR, 7-9pm. Torches are essential. Text 07523203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org or visit www. friendsofkingswood.org Pay on the day £4.

Dashing Deer, Sunday October 13, 6.30-8.30am. Meet at the lower forest car park, White Hill Road TN25 4AP and enter the forest as the new day dawns. Led by Steve Hanna Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org or visit www.friendsofkingswood.org Pay on the Day £4.

Fungi Facts and Fables. Sunday October 27, 10am-1pm, Martin Newcombe will lead this event. Meet at the main forest car park White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. Text 07523203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org or visit www. friendsofkingswood.org Pay on the Day £4.

Mother & Toddler Group: Wednesdays during term time 9.30-11.30am. £1 per child, babies free, includes snacks for children and coffee and biscuits for mums. For details contact Pat Feddon, 07813625105 or pat.rattlehalt@ hotmail.co.uk.

Charing

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com Football: Football Results: Saturday September 21, Grasshoppers U12’s 0 v Charing U12’s 1 Ben. Pilgrims U13’s 6 v Charing U13’s 1

Jack Pearce. Charing U14’s

6 v Biddenden U14’s 2 Riley 2, Dougie 2, Olly M, Archie. Charing U15’s 1 v Wye U15’s 3 Billy Cooper. Lenham 9 v Charing 2 Sam West, Adrian Bagshaw.

Sunday September 22, Lydd Grasshoppers 3 v Charing Sunday 1 James Fraser. Charing Sunday Res 0 v Folkestone Utd Res 4 Ashford Ladies 4 v Eastbourne Ladies 1 Sharné Douglas, Sarah Snare 2, Jodie Harden. Fixtures: Saturday September 28, U7’s Home v South Ashford, U8’s White Tournament, U8’s Black Tournament , U10’s Black Away v Grasshoppers, U11’s White Home v Headcorn, U11’s Black Away v Headcorn, U12’s Home v Valley View, U13’s Home v Ashford, U14’s Away v Kennington, U15’s Away v West Farleigh, Charing v Lydd & Marsh 2.45pm ko

Sunday September 29, 1st Team No Game, Charing Sunday Res v Kingsnorth Pilgrims 10.30am ko, Ashford Ladies v Hassocks 2pm ko

Macmillan Coffee morning : Saturday September 28, 10am-12pm, Charing Church Barn. Entrance £1 to include first cuppa.Usual stalls. Donation of raffle prize’s plants gratefully accepted.More info please call 01233714663 or 712738

Tennis Club Quiz : Saturday September 28, 7pm, in Charing Pavilion. £5pp. Licensed bar bring your own snacks. Make up a team maximum

6 or come on your own and we will fit you in. More nfo email: trevorm.caseyc@ gmail.com

Farmers Market : Every Thursday Charing Barn 9-11.30am

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. Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

100 Plus Club Winners: Friday September 20, £50 Anthony Perrett, £15 Doug Parsons, £10 Keith Poulton.

Crundale

Correspondent: Carol Newton, Lamley Cottage, Canterbury Road, Godmersham, CT4 7DR Mob: 07768 074698 carolnewton84@gmail.com Messy Harvest: Friday October 4, the Benefice of King’s Wood fort Challock, Chilham, Crundale, Godmersham, and Molash are holding a ‘Messy Harvest’ exploring harvest through craft, games and storey-telling, finishing with tea and cakes. St Mary’s Church, Chilham 3.30pm but join us for a drink and a snack at 3.20pm.

Twilight Tawny Owls: Friday October 4, 7-9pm. this new event will be led by ornithologist Pete Findley. To see and hear tawny owls, meet at the main King’s Wood car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. Torches are essential . Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org Pay on the day £4.

Kingswood Benefice: St Mary’s Church, Crundale, is holding the Kingswood Benefice Joint Service, Sunday September 29, 11am. All welcome.

Egerton

Correspondent: Heather James

Tel: 01233 756501 clerk@egertonpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parish Council meeting: Tuesday October 1, 1pm, in the Committee room. All welcome

Coffee morning: During October, 11am-12pm, in the Rose & Crown. £2 pp for coffee and a raffle ticket. All welcome

WI: Wednesday October 2, 7.30pm in the Millennium hall. Speaker Jane Muddle ‘The story behind the bags and hats from Madagascar’. Competition - A creature made of fruit or vegetable.

Elmsted

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Godinton

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Godmersham

Correspondent: Carol Newton, Lamley Cottage, Canterbury Road, Godmersham, CT4 7DR

Mob: 07768 074698 carolnewton84@gmail.com Messy Harvest: The Benefice of King’s Wood for Challock, Chilham, Crundale, Godmersham and Molash will be holding a ‘Messy Harvest’ Friday October 4, 3.30pm, with a drink and a snack at 3.20pm. We will be exploring

harvest through craft, games and story-telling, finishing with tea and cakes. St Mary’s Church, Chilham, all welcome, no unaccompanied children.

Kingswood Benefice: St Mary’s Church, Crundale, is holding the Kingswood Benefice Joint Service this coming Sunday, September 29, 11am. All are welcome to attend.

Twilight Tawny Owls: Friday October 4, 7-9pm. this new event will be led by ornithologist Pete Findley. To see and hear tawny owls, meet at the main King’s Wood car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. Torches are essential .

Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood. org Pay on the day £4.

Magical Moths: Claire Ward will lead this event. Friday September 27, 7-10pm, taking place in the main forest car park off White Hill Road, Challock, TN25 4AR. Bring a camera/magnifier/torch to enjoy the delights of moths. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@kingswood.org. Pay on the Day £4.

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

Fundraising Quiz: The Ashford & District Heart Support Group quiz in Ruckinge Village Hall. Thursday October 3, 7pm. Teams of up to 6. £6 per head includes jacket potato with a choice of filling and a selection of desserts. Bring your own drinks.

Contact Liz, 01233 732560 or eawilltn26@aol.com

Messy Church: Sunday September 29, 10am, in the Church of the Good Shepherd the congregation and the Fun Club will unite in an informal, casual Messy Church. There will be music, activities, competitions for all ages and a time of worship. Scarecrow Trail : Hamstreet Scarecrow Trail has faced some problems this year and was nearly cancelled but it’s definitely going ahead. It will begin at The Cosy Kettle, in the hall behind the Church of the Good Shepherd, next to McColls.

We urgently need more scarecrows to make a really good display.

Entry forms are available from The Cosy Kettle or by emailing hanlon1@btinternet.com

Hastingleigh

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High Halden

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

Brews News: The Brews bowed out of the Kent Cup at the first hurdle, going down 2-0 to Simla, one of the hot favourites to win the competition. It was a brilliant effort by the home side, who were without 7 players, including 5 from last weeks starting line-up. After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken early in the second half when Simla took the lead when Ian Parsons converted a penalty. The visitors secured the victory on 74 minutes when Brad Draper struck from close range. The Simla side contained several players who play at a higher level than most of the Brews squad and also included, Folkestone Invicta star, Matt Newman. This Sunday the Brews return to League action with an away trip to Mersham.

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

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

Kenardington

Correspondent: Brenda Hedley Tel: 01233 733085 brenda.artlines@btinternet. com

Macmillan Coffee morning:

In the village hall. 10am-2pm, Friday September 27.

Harvest supper tickets:

Book your tickets now for the annual Harvest Supper at St Mary’s Kenardington. Saturday October 5, 6.30pm. Tickets £8 from Liz 01233 732274 or Shirley Gough on 01233 733211.

Kennington

Correspondent: Sandra

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

Mobile Library: Alternate Saturdays. It will be in

Dudley Road, 9.10-9.40am and then in Broadhurst Drive, 9.55-10.25am Saturday September 28.

Macmillan Coffee Morning: Friday September 27, 10am12pm, hosted by Rev Bonnie Appleton, Elm Tree Cottage, Church Road, phone 01233 646402. All welcome. Proceeds go to Macmillan nurses.

Harvest Thanksgiving: Sunday September 29. Tins and packets of food will be received at 8am and 10am services at St. Mary’s Church. Volunteers for packing food parcels are required, Monday September 30, 9.30am in Church.

Harvest Meal: Harvest

“Bring and Share Lunch” Sunday September 29, in St. Mary’s Church Hall. On that Sunday post service coffee will be served in the circulation area. For more information please contact the Church office on 01233 664820 or phil.sibbald@ashfordchurches.co.uk.

Quiz night: Friday October 4, 7.30pm, Downs View Infant School, Ball Lane. £4 per person, teams up to 8, over

18s only. Bring your own food and drinks. For further information or to book contact 01233 632339 or friendsofdownsview@gmail.com. All proceeds go towards Friends of Downs View fundraising for the school.

Flu clinic: 8.30am-12pm, Saturdays October 5 and 12, for over 65s only at New Hayesbank surgery. Two further clinics for adults and children at risk will be held during the following Saturdays.

Coffee, Cake and Prayer: 10am, Saturday October 5, St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LH.

Concert: Ashford Invicta Singers will be holding a concert in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind at St. Mary’s, Ashford. Saturday October 19, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 including refreshments are available from Roger Marshall, Treasurer of Guide Dogs, Ashford, 2 Larch Walk, TN24 9BW. Tel: 01233 633533 or 07850 600819.

Thank you: to all who supported St. Mary’s Moroccan Evening, and to the chefs, Michael, Jacob, Jo and Mark. Great fun was had by all. The profit of £500 will go towards the Parish Share. The next Round the World destination will be revealed in the New Year.

Kingsnorth

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Healing service: A service of healing and wholeness. Sunday September 29, 6.30pm, in the parish Church. A quiet, reflective service with an opportunity to come forward for prayer for yourself or others.

Folk dance: Ashford Folk Dance Club welcomes new and experienced dancers with or without a partner to its country folk dances. They dance a variety of styles and meet in the village hall, Church Hill every Wednesday, 8-10pm. The next callers will be Ann Woodcock and Edna Bone. Details from

Edna on 01233 627121 or email ejbone@tiscali.co.uk

Coffee morning: The annual McMillan coffee morning. Friday September 27. This all day event takes place in the pavilion’s community café, Church Hill. Volunteers are always welcome. If you can help please contact the parish council on 01233 502969 or email kingsnorth.manager@ btconnect.com

Harvest: A harvest celebration. Sunday October 6, 10.30am, in the parish church. A bring and share lunch will follow the service. All welcome. Contact Mandy Spencer on 01233 501774 if you are coming and give an indication of what you will bring to the lunch. Bring your own crockery and cutlery.

Parish council: Tuesday October 8, 7pm, in the pavilion, Church Hill. All welcome. If you wish to speak or ask questions during the open forum, please contact the parish manager on 01233 502969 at least four days in advance of the meeting giving details of the subject you wish to raise.

Church tidy-up: The harvest tidy-up of the Church and churchyard. Saturday October 5, 9am-3pm. Come even if you can only spare half an hour. Bring your own tools. Refreshments provided.

Crime: A purse containing bank cards was stolen from a motor vehicle in Vespasian Way on September 13, between 4.15-4.30am. If you have any information which may be useful phone 101.

Knit and natter: The Knit

‘n’ Natter group has moved back to community café in the pavilion, Church Hill. Mondays, 1pm. £1 per session. Refreshments available. Members have experience in many crafts and are happy to teach and share experiences. Details from Claire 07759633903.

Little Chart

Correspondent: Kaye Sowden Mob: 07753 802814 kayesowden@yahoo.co.uk

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

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

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

Monks Horton

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Newchurch

Correspondent: Michael Barclay, Frostland Farm, Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DZ

Mob: 07792 721312

Tel: 01303 872376 m-barclay2010@hotmail. co.uk

Coffee mornings: Saturday October 5, 10am-12.30pm, there will be a coffee morning in the Church with all proceeds for Church funds. Harvest: Saturday October

12, 6.30pm. Harvest Supper in the Church. 2 course meal and bring your own drinks. Tickets £8 adult, £15 for 2 adults & children 2 -13yrs £2. Please ring Diana on 01303 87311779 to book your place.

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. Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Pluckley

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Vacancy: Not without considerable regret I have decided to stand down as the Pluckley correspondent in the Kentish Express after some twelve years in the post and having now reached the young age of 91. Is there anyone, locally, who would like to take over? I have found it to be both interesting and rewarding to be able to record the day to day happenings in the village. I also believe that village news columns, stored in their newspapers’ archives can be important sources of information for future historians. If you would like to know more, without commitment, I should be delighted to explain all the details to you, if you contact me by phone or email.

Rolvenden

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Ruckinge

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Sellindge

Correspondent: Nigel Fursdon, 3 Trust Cottages, Moorstock Lane, Sellindge Ashford, TN25 6LB Mob: 07437948509 nnwfursdon@aol.com

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Sevington

Correspondent: John Donovan, 24 Church Road, Ashford Tel: 01233 502440

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Shadoxhurst

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Flower club: The flower club meet on the first Wednesday of the month in the village hall. Angela will hold a workshop at the next meeting, October 2, 7.30pm. The club welcomes donations for the sales, raffle and tombola stalls. New members welcome.

Smallhythe

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Afternoon of Music: Saturday September 28, 3pm, St John the Baptist Church, at the end of the month you are invited to an informal afternoon of music performed by Dr Michael Robertson and friends.Donations to Church funds appreciated. Correspondent: Eleanor Bliss Tel: 01233 770082 eleanorbliss1@gmail.com Smarden Christmas Fair : Plans are well under way for this year’s fair in The Charter Hall, Saturday October 26, 10am-2.30pm. There will be 20 charity and trade stalls, giving you the chance to buy cards, gifts, crafts, artwork and stocking filler’s galore.

Harvest on farm: All Saints Church Biddenden and St Michaels Smarden will be celebrating harvest. October 6, 3pm, at Karoben Farm, Bell Lane. See the animals and look around the farm. The Harvest Service will start at 3.30pm. This will be followed by tea, with games and activities. Please bring donations of food to give to our collection for ‘Catching Lives’, the charity which helps homeless people in Canterbury.

Smarden Gardeners’ Society: Show will be held in The Charter Hall, Thursday September 26, 7.40-8.15pm. Visitors are welcome to view the entries. Please make a note in your diary for the Autumn Talk. October 24, 7.30pm, when Jim Buttress will be talking about his ‘Life in Horticulture’. Tickets available at the door. £6 for members and £8 for visitors.

Hi Kent clinic: Monday October 7, 10.15am, will be the next opportunity that hearing aid users have to come along and get batteries changed. No appointments needed.

Harvest at Zion: Harvest Thanksgiving at Zion Chapel, a very traditional “old fashioned” harvest with a lovely display of fruit, flowers and vegetables. Sunday September 29. 6.30pm. There will be a free Harvest Supper afterwards. Further information:Paul and Sue Brooker 01233 770231 or email brookeratheber@btinternet.com

Afternoon Club meeting: A speaker from The Big Cat Sanctuary will be talking to the members of the Afternoon Club at the next meeting, Friday October 4, 2pm, in The Charter Hall. All are welcome to join us for what promises to be a fascinating afternoon. Membership of the Afternoon Club is £10 per year. A small charge is made for visitors.

St Michaels

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk

Pub Quiz: Sunday September 29, 7.30pm. The Fat Ox Pub, St Michaels, teams up to 6, entry £2 per person. Cash prize & raffle. Proceeds in aid of St Michaels Village Hall Funds

Stanhope, Ashford

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Stone-in-Oxney

Correspondent: Susan Lowrie, Rose Cottage, Stone-inOxney

Tel: 01233 758560 richardandsusan@btinternet.com

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

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Stubbs Cross

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Art exhibition: featuring the work of David East and friends, Saturday September 28-Monday September 30,10am-4pm, in the mission hall. Free admission, refreshments available.

Tenterden

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Tenterden Archive Exhibition: Friday September 27-Sunday September 29, Tenterden Town Hall and Tenterden Museum. A stunning three day exhibition peers into the Town’s past, detailing Tenterden’s unique history, archive photos and Town Council memorabilia. Town Hall, Friday 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm; Museum,11am-4.30pm.

Think Pink Tour: Thursday September 26, 7pm, Little Silver Hotel. The Rockits Ruby Choir and Fashion Show.

The first show in the Think Pink Weald Tour. The Ruby Choir and the Swinging Ruby Sisterz will be performing a variety of great hit songs from charts and musicals in five fun evening shows in very different local venues across the Weald to support the annual worldwide campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Homewood Open Mornings: Thursday September 26-Friday September 27, 9-11am, Homewood School. We would love to see you, for prospective parents and students.

High Street Market: Friday September 27, 9am-2pm, outside the Town Hall, stalls include flowers/plants, cakes, children’s clothes and toys, artwork and artists & more.

Country Market: Friday September 27, 10-11.30am, St Mildred’s Church Hall. Church Road, fresh fruit, veg, meat, preserves, cakes & bread, local produce. Market Square: Friday September 27, 7.30am-3pm, Tenterden Market with a wide range of goods.

Songs From Shows: Saturday September 28, 3pm, St Mildred’s Church. An afternoon of show songs in aid of the Tenterden Social Hub. Tickets £7 from: Tenterden Social Hub 01580 762882, Emma Isworth 07919 381827, or on the door. Tenterden Operatic & Dramatic Society

Tenterden Book Fair: Saturday September 28, 9am-3pm, Highbury Hall. 1,000s of second-hand books.

Free Car Parking: Bridewell Lane car park free, every Sunday and Bank Holiday.

History Society Lecture: Monday September 30, 7.15pm, Zion Baptist Church, Stories from Bygone Kent, lecture by Christine Rayner. Tenterden and District Local History Society. Visitors welcome £3, become a member on the door £6

Tenterden Folk Festival: Thursday-Sunday October

3-6. Folk Concert. Thursday October 3, 7.30pm, in the Town Hall, tickets £12 on the door. Four days of folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. Various venues all over Tenterden. The festival continues until late Sunday night. Craft Market Saturday and Sunday Recreation Ground, and High Street Stalls

Warehorne

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Westwell

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net Breakfast at St Mary’s Church: Sunday September 29, 9.30am, continental breakfast and a chat. If you so wish, stay for a short service lasting 15 minutes, 10.15am. Church service: There is no 11am service at St Mary’s on September 29, but there will be a Benefice service at Hothfield Church, 10.30am. All welcome.

PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Council met on Monday September 2. Borough Councillor Larry Krause reported on a new fund being set up by Ashford Borough Council for infrastructure projects such as broadband provision; this may help Westwell parish which has very poor provision in some areas.

The Minutes of the meetings held on July 1 and July 23 were approved. Matters Arising included the hedge delineating the Garden of Remembrance in the cemetery: box holly was suggested as a more suitable hedging plant; 30mph speed limit sign in Sandyhurst Lane is now visible since the hedge has been cut back; the damaged bus stop on the A20 near Watery Lane has been replaced. Planning: There were no new planning applications to discuss. The Parish Council’s submission on the appeal against planning refusal for The Old Forge, and comments to the borough council on planning application 19/00943/ AS, Bridgewood Farm were ratified. Above-ground building works on the houses next to the Wheel Inn are due to start in late September. Finance and Projects: Repairs to the hall access track will be carried out when the Players’ storage container is in situ; plans are being drawn up for a new pedestrian access to the playing field from Westwell Lane and a safety audit will to be carried out on those plans; the noticeboard in Westwell village will be repaired/replaced and a new Parish Council noticeboard will be placed in Hoads Wood Gardens (subject to the necessary permissions); a replacement bin will be provided for use on the playing field by the youth shelter; repairs will be carried out to the play equipment on the playing field following the annual safety inspection by RoSPA. Transport: A request has been received for a bus service to Westwell village, which currently has no public transport. This will be followed up.

Reports: KALC: A possible discrepancy between crime figures reported by the

PCSO and the national crime statistics for the area is being investigated. ACRK: Help will be sought for a bus service to Westwell. Highways :

The 50mph speed limit signs have not yet been put up on the A20. Repairs needed to potholes on Amberleaze. Tree Wardens : The need for works to trees in the churchyard was identified during the annual tree survey; a notification of the works has been sent to the borough council because the trees are in a Conservation Area. Parish Hall: The footpaths map will be rehung on an outside wall to be useful to walkers and passers-by.

Any other business: The Harvest Supper and Auction of Promises will be held on October 19, the Westwell

Fete raised approx £4000 net, which will be distributed to St Mary’s Church, the parish hall and playing field, and a charity, Hayley Empett was thanked for her efforts on the parish hall planters. The next Parish Council meeting, Monday November 4, 7pm, in the parish hall, all meetings are open to the public and all are welcome. Meetings in 2020 will be held on the first Monday of alternate months. Coffee morning: The Wheel Inn, Friday October 4, 10.30am, coffee and lively conversation.

WAGS: The Art Group in the parish hall, Monday September 30, 1.30pm. All levels of ability and choice of media are welcome.

Willesborough / Newtown

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, please contact us by email: kmgvillages@thekmgroup. co.uk

Wittersham

Correspondent: Jennifer Maynard, 4a Swan Street, Wittersham, TN30 7PH Tel: 01797 270804 jennifermaynard55@gmail. com

Harvest Celebrations: Saturday September 28, 7pm. Harvest Supper and the Marsh Warblers in the Village

Hall. Tickets £6 each from the Revd. Judy 01797270227. Please book your ticket now so that the catering can be planned.

Sunday September 29, 10.30am, Harvest Service. Guest speaker Neil Davy, from his local Olive Farm at Stone.

Scarecrow Challenge: Voting for your favourite scarecrow, Saturday September 28. Names and locations will be on the Wittersham Church website or a paper version available at the Rectory.

WI Quiz: Saturday October 5, 7pm. WI Quiz in the Village Hall. All teams welcome, contact Jean 270656 for details.

Ebony Harvest Flowers: The little Church at Ebony, opposite the Tenterden Garden Centre. Flower festival to celebrate the Harvest. Saturday-Sunday October 12-13. All welcome to come and visit.

Table Top Sale: To sell, reserve a table top for the sale. Saturday October 19, 10am-12pm, in the Village Hall. Ring Judy 270227 or Jean 270656 for details.

Wittersham Film Society: Thursday October 3, 7.15pm, in the village hall, the Film Society will be showing The Green Book, a film which won an Oscar in 2018, based on a true story. Members £4, non-members £7.

Woodchurch

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

01233 860603 spmarmara@btinternet.com Parish Council Meeting: Thursday September 26, 7pm, in the Memorial Hall annex. All welcome.

Darby and Joan: In the Memorial Hall, Friday September 27, 2pm. £1 includes a game of Bingo, a quiz and light refreshments. Details from Joyce, 01233 860427.

DogFest: Fundraiser for Woodchurch Scouts. Saturday September 28, 12pm, at the Scout and Guide Community Centre in Lower Road. £1 per entry. BBQ, Bar, Ice Cream, Raffle, Small Stalls and Local Businesses. Information from Woodchurch Scout and Guide Community Centre on Facebook.

Patients’ Participation Group: Monday September 30, 6pm, in the Bonny Cravat when the speaker will be Lucy Vertue from Little World Herbs which includes Craniosacral Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Herbal Workshops and online shop. Contact the Chair, Philippa Jones, philippa.nick@btinternet.com or 07774608281.

Gardening Society: Tuesday October 1, 7.30pm, in the Memorial Hall , the speaker will be Chris Stewart who will be talking about the Fascinating and Secret Life of the Mole.

Woodchurch Players:

Woodchurch Players present two great productions in the Memorial Hall . Enjoy the best of amateur theatre in your local venue. October

4-5, 7.30pm, sponsored by the Woodchurch Players the ‘Out of a Suitcase’ Theatre Group present their touring debut performances of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ Tickets £10 available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ outofasuitcase. ctober18-19, Woodchurch Players present ‘Emma’ a modern adaptation of Jane Austin’s classic novel. Tickets £10/£8 juniors or from www.ticketsource/woodchurchplayers.com

Both productions can be booked at Woodchurch Hub, The Green 01233 861381

Cornish Film Evening:

Saturday October 12, Woodchurch Film Society in the Memorial Hall for a Cornish Film Evening with a freshly cooked Fish and Chip supper. Admission is by pre-purchased ticket only, £14 for members and £15 for non-members, purchased before Monday October 7 from Woodchurch Hub on 01233 861381 or from Christine, 01580 761473. Doors open at 6.30pm.

Wye

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Wye Library: New opening hours from September 30, Monday 9am-1pm and 2-5pm, Tuesday 9am-1pm, Wednesday closed. Thursday 10am1pm,and 2-5pm, Friday 9am1pm and 2pm-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm Story Time Tuesday 10-10.30am in term time, Talk Time Friday 10.30-11.30am. IT buddy available Tuesday mornings, please check with the library first.

Historical Society Talk: The new programme of talks for this year begins with

“The Green Man in English Churches” by Imogen Corrigan. Wednesday October 2, 7.30pm, at Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School, Bridge Street. Members free, non-members £2 per talk. Annual membership £10 per person.