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, contact the correspondent.

Appledore

Correspondent: Ruth Smith, Griffin Park Cottage, Tenterden Road, Appledore, TN26 2AP Tel: 01233 758564 ruthasmith@sky.com Christmas Lunch: Over 60s Christmas Lunch, Saturday December 7, 12pm, Village Hall. The meal and entertainment free, but there will be an opportunity to donate towards the cost. To book, phone Marilyn, 758586 by Saturday November 30.

Play: To Pimlico: Friday November 29, 7pm in the Village Hall. Tickets £5, bought in advance from Marilyn, 758586 or on the door. Bar, ice cream and snacks.

Battalion of Pals: Rev.

Keith Fazzani’s talk about the Cory’s Battalion of Pals was held on a very wet and windy evening. Those who braved the weather were treated to an interesting and moving talk.

Appledore Good Neighbours: This service has been running in the village for many years. It provides non urgent transport for the housebound for trips to the GP, dentist or optician; owner and pet to the vet; to the village store for shopping and to visit relatives or close friends in local hospitals. Limited to a 12 mile radius of Appledore with the exception of transport to Canterbury Hospitals. At least 2 days notice is required and the service is only available weekdays except in exceptional circumstances. To use the service, phone 758478 and leave a message.

A very valuable service as there is very limited public transport through Appledore and not everyone has a car. Most volunteers are only needed once or twice a month and the majority of the trips are to Hamstreet or Tenterden. More volunteers are always needed. To volunteer, phone Trish, 758250.

Ashford

Correspondent: Emily Neighbour Tel: 01233 664673 eaneighbour@gmail.com Refurbished Bicycle sales: Affordable Refurbished Bicycle sales at Goldwyn School, Ashford TN23

3BT. Next one, Saturday November 30, 10am-1pm. Great prices for clean, fully serviced bikes in most sizes. Hearing Aid Clinics: The December free clinics will be held at:

Ashford Gateway Plus in Church Road every Monday and Thursday, 10.30am12.30pm (not bank holidays) Ashford Age UK, Joe Fagg Centre, Stanhope Road, every Tuesday 10.30-11.30am (not bank holidays). No appointment needed, information from 01227 760046 or enquiries@hikent.org.uk Hi Kent, local charity supporting people with hearing loss, free aftercare clinics for NHS hearing aid users. Come to a free clinic where we can provide you with free batteries and clean and re-tube your aid to ensure that it works well. Advice available about Hi Kent’s range of specialist equipment, free assessment service for the over 65’s, Ashford lipreading classes, sign language and deaf awareness classes and Ashford tinnitus support group.

Biddenden

Correspondent: Sian Walker, 2 Standen Cottages, Smarden Road, Biddenden, TN27 8JT Tel: 01580 291389 Sian_walker@hotmail. co.uk

Biddenden Neighbourhood Watch: The Bakehouse has kindly agreed to host the monthly surgery. Tomorrow, Friday November 29, 10am for approx. 1 hour. If you have any concerns about crime in the village or surrounding area or any issues you wish to discuss (in confidence if preferred) come to say hello, even if you don’t have a problem it would be nice to see you. 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 be contacted on 01580291931, speak to Adrian Lidgett, who is also one of your Parish Councillors

Bonnington

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

If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Boughton Aluph

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

If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Brabourne and Smeeth

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net Fridays at Three: In the Oak Room, Friday November 29, 3pm. Bev Ingleton will talk about working with children who are deaf and blind. All welcome. For a lift to and from the Oak Room contact Di Dawson, 01303 813398. Gardeners Society: Next meeting, Friday November 29, 7pm in the village hall and will be our Christmas Social evening. Members only. Please ensure, for catering purposes, that Heather 01303 812740 or hsmithson@yahoo.com knows if you are attending. No meeting in December. Enquiries contact Wendy Sanders, 01303 813451 or brabournewendy@gmail.com or visit, www.basgs.com. Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday November 30, 10am12pm. An array of locally home crafted products. A collection of greetings cards and paper wrapping for all occasions. Enjoy your free drink in our café. Children’s lucky dip. Entrance £1 includes a drink. In support of The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Brabourne.

Royal British Legion: December meeting, Monday December 2, 2pm at Brabourne Baptist Church, with a Christmas themed American lunch and entertainment. Members and visitors welcome. If any non-members would like to know more, contact either George Taylor, 01303 812165 or Ron Cooper, 01303 813330.

Newspaper collection: Next collection, Saturday December 14, 9.30am. We take birthday wrapping paper, birthday cards and any other paper based products and card as well as any TV guides, newspapers, magazines, books, directories etc. We don’t have much room for large corrugated cardboard boxes. 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. All proceeds towards improving our Scouts and Guide facilities.

First Friday: All are invited to drop into the church, Friday December 6, 6-7pm for warming drinks or a glass of wine, nibbles and friendly chat.

Messy Church: Brabourne Baptist Church, Saturday December 7, 3-5pm. Theme: Crazy Characters in the Christmas Story.

Hear about how God used different characters in the Christmas story. Have a go at the treasure hunt, make a shepherd or sheep for the shepherd’s picture. Come and dress up for the photo booth. Make decorations, plus more. Then celebrate with us at the Christmas party. Also a present to take home. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Details from Kathleen MacPhee, 01303 812536. Donations welcome.

Create a Christmas wreath: At Penstock Barn, Saturday December 7, 9.30am-12.30 (parking in the farm yard). Vicki Jessel will provide the necessary ring, sphagnum moss, mossing wire, and a selection of greenery and dried fruit for decoration. Refreshments available.

£25, of which Vicki is kindly donating £15 to St Mary’s Church Brabourne. Limited spaces, contact Kathy Embleton-Smith for tickets, 0775 2780474 or kmbakersmith@gmail.com

Christmas Coffee Morning: In the Oak Room, Church Road, Saturday December 14, 10.30am-12pm. Bring and Buy stall for Christmas food and gifts, a competition for a homemade Christmas Cake and raffle. All welcome. Supporting the local charity Porchlight.

Parish Council: Met on Monday November 18. The minutes of the September and October meetings were approved and Matters Arising discussed, these included: a request for a reduction in the speed limit in The Street, East Brabourne; dumping of garden waste in the storm drain in Knatchbull Way, this has led to flooding in the past; sculpting of the beech log and stump on the village green, a Lenham-based chainsaw sculptor has been asked to carry out the works.

The borough councillor was at the meeting and reported on the Borough Council’s aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030. A borough-wide tree survey is being carried out and more trees will be planted to offset carbon emissions.

Finance: Payments were authorised and it was agreed to donate £100 to the Scouts and Guides in recognition of their help distributing flyers to all households in the parish advertising the Parish Council’s new electronic newsletter. Draft Budget for 2020-2021 was discussed and it was agreed that there would be no increase in the Precept.

Planning: Six planning applications were discussed, including the new application for The Plough. The proposals for the pub were presented at a specially-convened Parish Council meeting in October and were well received, addressing the objections to the previous application for demolition and building of semi-detached houses; the new application retains the facade and converts the building to a single residential dwelling. The Parish Council supported the application. Neighbourhood Plan: A map defining the area in the Plan is to be drawn up and submitted to the Borough Council.

Registration of land at the village hall as a village green: No progress to report. Local Needs Housing: Councillors attended the Smeeth Parish Council meeting at which a presentation on LNH was given. It was suggested that the Sandpit Quarry be considered as a possible site.

Allotments: New sheds have been purchased for use by plot holders. Extension of the water run will be discussed with the Allotment Society chairman. Brabourne and Smeeth Parish Councils’ newsletter: Will be circulated electronically, residents are encouraged to sign up which can be done by email, facebook or from the Home Page of the community websites. It will be published regularly with news on planning applications, Parish Council meetings and local news items of interest. The first newsletter will go out early December.

Other: The Parish Council adopted a Risk Register to manage financial risk. It was agreed not to pursue the suggestion of a permanent table tennis table for the village green. Distribution of Fordred’s Charity payments were discussed in closed session. Next meeting, Monday January 20, 7.30pm (note the later start time). All meetings are open to the public, all welcome.

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet. com

Festive Open Morning: in the village hall, Sunday December 15, 11am. Christmas Concert: with the Haywardians. St Mary’s Church, Saturday December 7, 3pm. Refreshments served to your seats. No tickets sold in advance but donations gratefully received on the day. Contact Carole McCaron, 813916.

Challock

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

Mother & Toddler Group:

Meet Wednesdays during term time, 9.30-11.30 am. £1 per child, babies free, includes free snacks for children and coffee and biscuits for mums. Contact Pat Feddon, 07813 625105 or pat. rattlehalt@hotmail.co.uk

Friends of Kingswood:

Winter Footsteps - Sunday December 8, 2-4pm. Meet at the lower King’s Wood car park White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AP. Dress for the weather and bring a torch. Text 07523 203458 or email, enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org Pay on the day

£4, members and accompanied children free.

Dark Days Walk - Sunday December 22, 2-4pm. Meet at the main King’s Wood car park White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR, to celebrate the shortest day and longest night. Dress for the weather and bring a torch. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org Pay on the day £4, members and accompanied children free.

Parish Council Meeting:

Thursday December 5, 7.30pm in the Audrey Allen Room, Challock Memorial Hall. Agenda; Clerk’s Report, Correspondence, Financial Statement for October and November, Planning Applications,Village Confines Map, S106 Contributions, Faversham Road Footpath, VE 75th Commemorative and Verge Markers. Contact the clerk, Di Sandy, 07895494851 or parishclerkchallockpc@ gmail.com

Charing

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com

Royal British Legion Coffee morning: A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported the coffee morning on Saturday November 9, in aid of the RBL. Special thanks to all who helped, served refreshments, baked, donated various items and raffle prizes. Thank you to the Revd Philip Cox who conducted a short Remembrance Service when the poppy wreaths were laid. Thank you all very much for spending your money, £730.78 was raised.

Pews News: Ecumenical news for December. All are welcome to any or all of these events:

Advent Carol Service, Sunday December 1, 6pm in Charing Methodist Church. Advent Courses - Tuesdays December 3, 10 and 17, 2.304pm in Charing Methodist Church, 7-8pm in Charing Heath Church.

Christmas Song of Praise, Sunday December 8, 3.304.30pm, in Charing Church Barn, featuring our best loved Carols. Free tea, mince pies and cakes. Monthly boardgames afternoon, Monday December 16, 2-4pm in Charing Methodist Hall. Come and play boardgames or just chat with friends, with tea and biscuits £1.

Coffee is served Wednesdays (not December 25), 10.30am12pm in Charing Methodist hall, come and meet friends and make new ones. Christmas jumper day, December 18, join in the festivities with mince pies and carols.

Charing’s Famous Christingle, Tuesday December

24, Christmas Eve, 3pm in St Peter and Paul’s Church, all welcome. Children come dressed as one on of the people in the Nativity Story. We give everyone a Christingle (an orange and sweets).

Charing Christmas Lights: Evening Christmas Fayre and Light Parade, Friday November 29, 6-8pm. Parade led by Father Christmas. Festive stalls in the Church Barn. Huge tombola, grand draw, childrens marquee, childrens roundabout and hot food and drinks available. High Street shops open late.

Saturday December 30, Coffee Morning, 10.30am12.30pm in the Church Barn, all prize draws will take place, including prizes for the winners of the Light Parade. Entry forms for the Parade from Charing Post Office

Football: Results: Saturday November 23: Pilgrims U12’s 1 v Charing U12’s 1, Charing U13’s 2 v Hythe Town

U13’s 1, Charing U14’s 7 v Kennington U14’s 1, Charing U15’s 2 v Hythe Town 2. Sunday November 24: Charing Sunday 2 v Sellindge

SSC 9, Folkestone Utd Res

9 v Charing Sunday Res 0, Worthing Ladies 5 v Ashford Ladies 0.

Fixtures: Saturday November 30: U7 Away v South Ashford, U8 White Home v Wittersham, U8 Black Home v Hawkinge, U10 Black Away v Pilgrims,

U11 White Away v Ashford Utd, U11 Black Away v Park Farm Rangers, U12 Home v Park Farm Rangers, U13 No Game, U14 Away v Hythe, U15 Home v West Farleigh, Charing v Tenterden Res 2.15pm ko.

Sunday December 1: Hythe RBL v Charing Sunday 10.30am ko, Charing Sunday Res v Ashford Utd Thirds 10.30am ko, Ashford Ladies v Parkwood 2pm ko.

Table sale: Sunday December 1, 10am, Charing High Street, weather permitting.

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, contact the correspondent.

Chilham

100 Plus Club: Winners Friday November 22, £50 Graham Swan, £15 Sam Lincoln and £10 Jody Folds. Planning: Ashford BC has granted retrospective planning consent for the erection of a freestanding non-illuminated advertising board at Havenlea Place Canterbury Road. A planning application has been received on behalf of Barn 1 North court Farm, Lower Lees Road for prior approval for change of use from an agricultural barn to one dwelling house and associated operational development. A similar planning application has been received for Barn 2.

Crundale

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

Egerton

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

Parish Council meeting: Tuesday December 3, 8pm in the Committee room. All welcome

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

WI: Wednesday December 4, 7.30pm in the Millennium hall, Christmas party. Competition: A floating table decoration.

Christmas Fair: Saturday December 7, 3-5.30pm in the Millennium hall. Many stalls selling gifts, mulled wine, tombola, raffle. Come and join in the fun.

Godmersham

Correspondent: Carol Newton, Lamley Cottage, Canterbury Road, Godmersham, CT4 7DR Mob: 07768 074698 carolnewton84@gmail.com Family Theatre: In Godmersham’s Village Hall, Saturday November 30, 7.30pm, with a double bill from Last Chance Saloon:

Sherlock Holmes & the Blue Carbuncle: Join Sherlock and his trusty sidekick as they travel from 221B Baker Street to a mysterious farm in chase of an evil mastermind. A high-octane spoof of Sherlock Homes and the Blue Carbuncle, with twisted pop songs, an assortment of ridiculous characters and slapstick British comedy. Curse of the Mummy: Our unwitting hero, is on a quest for archaeological eminence. However, a love cursed mummy and a Nazi spy threaten to destroy everything. Mischievous musical mash-ups, outrageous humour and slapstick comedy.

Licensed bar and free parking, tickets from, gcvhenquiries@gmail.com or 07964 735878.

Great Chart and Singleton

Correspondent: Aniko Szocs, Parish Office, Singleton Village Hall, Ashford, TN23 5LB Tel: 01233 616923 theclerkgcwspc@gmail.com Pop-up Cafe and Information Hub: Great Chart Village Hall, Wednesdays, December 11, January 8, February 12 and March

11. Get together with old friends and new. Have a cuppa and cake. All sorts of local information available or just come for a chat. Help spread the word. All welcome. Can’t get there under your own steam, call us and we’ll see if we can help. Ani, Parish Clerk 01233 616923 or TheClerk@greatchartsingleton-pc.gov.uk

Repair Cafe Ashford: Have you got old furniture that needs a new lease of life or an old radio that doesn’t work? Bring it to Singleton Environment Centre where the Repair Café can fix it for you. 1-4pm, on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Hamstreet/Snave

Correspondent: Rob Toal, The Haven, Warehorne Road, Hamstreet, TN26

2JT Mob: 07958 748087 Tel: 01233 733487 robtoal@me.com

Bilsington Quiz Night: Friday November 29, 7pm in Bilsington Village Hall. £6pp, join a team or make a team (max 8). Licensed bar. Advance tickets available, contact, villagehallsec@ hotmail.com or Liz, 07736 062499.

Annual Toy Service: Sunday December 1, 10.30am at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Celebrate the start of the Christmas season and bring gifts for children who otherwise may have little given to them. Our toys/gifts/board games will be taken to the Willow Centre in South Ashford and through ‘Sure Start’ they will be given to children of needy families. New gifts are needed for children aged from birth to 18 and should be unwrapped with no label. No make up. The Fun Club will be fully involved and welcome other youngsters to join them.

Saint Matthews Warehorne December Services: Sunday December 1, 9am Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer. Sunday December 8, 10.30am All age service with story, activity, hymns and prayer. Sunday December 15, 9am Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer. Sunday December 22, 6pm Carol Service with the Christmas story, favourite carols, the Jump Singers and a children’s tableau. Christmas Day, Wednesday December 25, 10am, All age service with Communion.

High Halden

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

Brews News: The Brews increased their lead at the top of the Premier Division as they returned from Cheriton with an emphatic 7-0 drubbing of Folkestone based, Nailbox. Brad Burton opened the scoring in the first couple of minutes, Piers Fuchter bagged himself a hat trick. Further goals from Ben Squires-Quinn and two from substitute Matt Goldsmith.

Sunday December 1, the Brews are at home against Stanhope & Beaver Rangers. PARISH COUNCIL: Met, Monday November 11. After approval of the Minutes of the October meeting the Open Session was taken, this allows residents the opportunity to raise matters of concern with the Council. Among issues raised were: Strimmer damage to trees on Hookstead Green, which is more extensive than at first thought; an update on S106 monies from new housing developments in the village; remedial works to the football pitches. Community Warden reported problems re traffic outside the Primary School at drop-off and pick-up times, including incidents of cars mounting the pavement when trying to avoid oncoming vehicles – thought to be exacerbated by cars parked near the school. The Head Teacher will seek permission from the Chequers on the Green for parents to use the pub car park at these times. The light in the phone box on the village green is not working, this has been reported to BT. Quotes for signs for Jubilee Park are awaited; the Parish Council website will be migrated to a new host, with help from a volunteer; the Parish Council has offered a contribution to the Parochial Church Council towards maintenance of St Mary’s churchyard; quotes for bollards around the village green will be sought to prevent cars mounting the green leading to damage; the quote for works to Carters Oak for a crown lift and removal of dead branches was accepted, including notification of the works to the Planning Department. Planning: Four planning applications were discussed. The Parish Council supported two but agreed not to submit comments on the remainder which are in St Michaels – the Parish Council was consulted as a courtesy but Tenterden Town Council,the Neighbourhood Consultee, would not be commenting.

Finance: The report of the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor has been received. Payments authorised. The budget for 2020-2021 will be discussed at the December meeting.

Reports: The ward member reported that Ashford has been described in a number of publications as a ‘turnaround town’, with population, employment and house prices having risen since 2017. The Borough Council has built more affordable rental homes than the other Kent boroughs combined. The new high speed trains will be stopping at Ashford International from the New Yea, following completion of the works to the spur. Highways: the damaged sign at the junction with the A28 and Biddenden Road has not yet been repaired.

Events Committee: Cinema evening, well-attended; to be repeated on December 8. Other events planned: Christmas events on the village green including carol singing on December 19; Christmas Fair on December 1; Coffee morning on December 20.

Meeting closed at 7.55pm, next meeting, Monday December 9, 7pm in the Memorial Hall. All meetings are open to the public all welcome.

Christmas Fayre: Sunday December 1, 12-3pm, join us for lots of festive fun in High Halden School Hall.

Hinxhill

Correspondent: Pat Smithers, 31 Cherry Glebe, Mersham, Ashford, TN25 6NL Tel: 01233 503375 chequertree.smithers720@ btinternet.com

Church: Carol Service at St Mary, Sunday December 8, 3pm. The group Singing for Pleasure will be supporting us.

Hothfield

Correspondent: Paul Fothergill Tel: 01233 519457 paul.fothers@yahoo.co.uk If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Kenardington

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

If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Kennington

Correspondent: Sandra Dunn, Heather Bell Orchard Lane, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 4DX Tel: 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com Christmas Shopping Night: Friday November 29, 5.30pm at Kennington Hall, Canterbury Road, TN25 4EN. Meet local small businesses, indulge in mince pies and purchase a few Christmas gifts. Contact them for a stand, 07795 361431 or website, kennington-hall.co.uk/ venue/contact-us/

Christmas market: Saturday November 30, 2-4pm at St Mary’s Church and church hall. Various stalls, BBQ, hot chocolate with Father Christmas, mulled wine, mince pies, and stalls for children to win prizes. Christmas raffle 1st prize £50 voucher for the harvester plus many great prizes.

Christmas Fair: Sunday December 1, 11am-1pm at Busy Bees, 11 Eureka Place, Trinity Road, TN25 4BY. All proceeds donated to Child Bereavement UK.

Advent Carol Service: Sunday December 1, 10am at St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, TN24 9LH.

Health Walks: In conjunction with the Health Promotion Unit, Wednesdays, 9.30am for 9.45am start from New Hayesbank surgery. Local walks led by volunteer leaders and last for about one hour. No need to book, turn up on the day.

Christmas Fayre: Friday December 6, 3.15-5pm in the main hall or Kennington CE Academy, Upper Vicarage Road TN24 9AG. Name the reindeer, toy tombola, elf gift workshop, refreshments and more.

St. Nicholas Service: Wednesday December 4, 10.15am in St. Mary’s Hall, next to St. Mary’s Church. Gifts for residents at The Grange Care Home gratefully received at this Service.

Kennington WI: Christmas Fayre, Saturday December 7, 2pm in the WI Hall, 228 Faversham Road, TN24 9AS. Stalls including home-made cakes, toys, jewellery, books, chocolate stall, tombola, grand raffle and refreshments plus a special visit from Father Christmas.

Peace at Advent: A time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: Wednesdays December 4, 11 and 18,7.30pm in St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LU.

Kingsnorth

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Charity Christmas fair:

The Friends of the Parish Churches Christmas fair, Saturday November 30 in Kingsnorth School hall, Church Hill, 11am-1.30pm. Stalls, games, music, gifts, refreshments, bottle tombola, raffle and Father Christmas will be in his grotto. Entry by donation.

Selah’s Christmas concert: Saturday December 7, 7.30pm in the parish church. Free entry. Refreshments available. Listen and sing your favourite Christmas songs.

WI: Members meet, Wednesday December 4, 10am in Cade Road church hall, Kingsnorth Road for festive fun followed by the Christmas lunch. New members and visitors welcome. Details from Liz Taylor, 01233 502721.

Christmas event: The Friends of Kingsnorth Medical Practice Christmas event, Monday December 2, 10am-4pm at the surgery, Ashford Road. Stalls include, raffles, handmade Christmas crafts, cards and more. Funds raised put towards the purchase of an electronic couch for the practice. The Friends look forward to seeing you and appreciate your support.

Festive lite bite: meet, Tuesday December 10, 12.30pm in the parish church extension. A festive buffet, school choir and short panto. All welcome. No charge, donations welcome. No need to book it is helpful to know if you are coming. Details from Mandy Spencer, 01233 501774.

Parish council: Next meeting, Tuesday December 10, 7pm in the pavilion, Church Hill. All welcome. To speak or ask questions during the open forum, contact the parish manager, 01233 502969 at least four days in advance of the meeting giving details of the subject you wish to raise.

Folk dance: Ashford Folk Dance Club welcome new and experienced dancers with or without a partner to its country/folk dances. Dancing a variety of styles. Meet in the village hall, Church Hill, Wednesdays, 8-10pm. All welcome. Club callers night at the next meeting. Details from Edna, 01233 627121 or ejbone@ tiscali.co.uk

Little Chart

Correspondent: Kaye Sowden Mob: 07753 802814 kayesowden@yahoo.co.uk If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Mersham

Correspondent: Pat Smithers, 31 Cherry Glebe, Mersham, Ashford, TN25 6NL Tel: 01233 503375 chequertree.smithers720@ btinternet.com

Christmas Tree Festival: in the Church of St John the Baptist. Admire and vote for your favourite Christmas Tree or enter your own. Saturday November 30, 10am4pm and Sunday December 1, 2-4pm. Refreshments available, lunch served Saturday only. Handicraft stall, book stall and tombola, plenty to see and do. To take part contact Judy Hawkins, 01233 502746 or wombatdancing@btinternet.com.

Sports Club Christmas

Quiz: Saturday December 7, 7pm in the Mountbatten Hall. Teams of up to 8. £10pp includes Cheese and Wine. Book your team contact Leigh, 07745 128532 or mershamsportsclub@ hotmail.com. Funds for the new Sports and Recreation Facility.

Molash

Correspondent: Geoff Jenkins, Kings View, Shottenden Lane, Molash, CT4 8EZ Tel: 01233 740598 geoff.jenkins195@btinternet.com

Kings Wood Friends: Winter Footsteps walk Sunday December 8, 2pm from the lower car park White Hill Road. Bring a torch and dress for the weather. Members and accompanied children free, non-members pay £4. Enquiries text 07523 203458 or email: enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org Church: The congregation totalled more than average for last weekends Morning Worship Service Lay-Led by Benefice Reader Gerry Willis. Epistle readings were recited by Janet Bullock and Geoff Jenkins with the latter leading the prayers.

Newchurch

Correspondent: Michael Barclay, Frostland Farm, Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DZ Mob: 07792 721312 Tel: 01303 872376 m-barclay2010@hotmail. co.uk

Newchurch Award: Nominations for the 2019 Newchurch Award are open. To make a nomination contact

Helen Langrish, 01797 367535 or Peter Baxter, 01303 872207 asap. Information on the village website.

Christmas Country Market: Saturday December 7, 10.30am-12.30pm in the church. Refreshments as well as local crafts and seasonal produce on display and for sale. For information contact Diana, 01303 311779. Christmas concert: Greatstone Senior Singers are performing a Christmas Concert, Saturday December 7, 2-4pm in the village hall. Tickets £6, available from Diana, 01303 311779.

Newenden

Correspondent: Geoffrey Goodsell, 13 Levetts Lane, Bodiam, TN32 5UL Tel: 01580 830211

If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Sellindge

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

If you have an item, contact the correspondent.

Sevington

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

Shadoxhurst

Flower club: Meet the first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm in the village hall. A Christmas demonstration by Kathy Stangaard entitled Joyous Noel on December 4. Competition is Christmas sparkle. The club welcomes donations for the sales, raffle and tombola stalls. New members welcome.

Smallhythe

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Wealden Consort Choir: Saturday November 30, 7pm, St Johns Church, Smallhythe, an evening of nostalgic and seasonal music with The Wealden Consort. Admission free, retiring collection, refreshments in the interval.

Smarden

Correspondent: Eleanor Bliss Tel: 01233 770082 eleanorbliss1@gmail.com Hi Kent visit: Monday December 2, 10-11.30am, Hi Kent, local charity supporting people with a hearing loss, holds free aftercare clinics for NHS hearing aid users. For help looking after your NHS hearing aid, come to the clinic at The Charter Hall. Providing free batteries and clean and re-tube your aid to ensure that it works well. Advice available about Hi Kent’s range of specialist equipment, free assessment service for the over 65s and lipreading, sign language and deaf awareness classes and tinnitus support groups. PARISH COUNCIL: Meeting, December 16, 7pm in The Charter Hall. Please note the change of date.

Smarden Christmas Lights:

Smarden Christmas Festival and Lights Switch on, Friday November 29, at Smarden Primary School. Christmas Fair, 5-7pm. The Advent Window Trail will be available. Father Christmas arrives at 7pm and the lights will be switched on.

Foodbank Donations: There is a marked box at the rear of the Parish Church for donations to be made to support the Ashford Family Foodbank. You may consider doing a ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ project, whereby you put aside one tin or packet each day in December, then bring your donations to church. The Manager of the Foodbank said January and February are always difficult times for those in food poverty. All contributions gratefully received.

Christmas Festival Concert: The Rhythm of Life Choir will perform a selection of Christmassy music at their concert on Saturday December 14, in the Parish Church, which will be sparkling and glittering with 33 trees decorated for the Christmas Tree Festival. Tickets available in The West End House Gallery, or from Committee members. £8 or £4 for students, also at the door during the Festival, or on the evening of the concert. Concert begins at 7pm. Drinks available in the interval.

Fresh Christmas Wreaths: Order your door wreath now from Pat, 770557 or pat. palmer33@btinternet.com. Wreaths to be collected from the Parish Church during the Christmas Tree Festival.

Cranbrook Town Band: Join in with Carol Singing accompanied by the Band outside the Zion Chapel (inside if wet), Thursday December 19 at 7.30pm. Refreshments offered afterwards. Information from brookeratheber@ btinternet.com

Post Office Outreach: The Charter Hall opens Tuesdays, 12.30-2.30pm and Fridays 2-4pm for Post Office transactions.

Change your books: Library van visit, Tuesday December 3. At The Flying Horse Car Park, 3.35-4.05pm, then The Charter Hall Car Park, 4.204.50pm.

Zion breakfast: The Brooker family and church friends welcome all to come to the Zion Chapel, Monday December 2, from 9am to share in one of their breakfasts. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

St Michaels

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk St Michaels Switch-on: Sunday December 1. 4pm welcome drinks and nibbles in St Michaels Church, 4.30pm Church service followed by a candle-lit procession to the Village Point. 5pm the St Michaels Christmas Tree Lights will be switched on. The event then moves to St Michaels Village Hall to meet Santa in his grotto, fun from Jonathan the Magician, disco, refreshments. Organised by St Michaels Village Community Group.

St Michaels Floodlighting: Sunday December 1-Sunday January 5, please help light up St Michael’s Church this

Christmas - Floodlighting Appeal. To light the church one evening in memory of a loved one, please send your choice of date, together with a donation, to: Jenny Coppins, 33 Grange Crescent, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6DY. Cheques payable to ‘PCC St Michaels’. The floodlights will be on 4-11pm every day throughout the Christmas period.

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.

Stubbs Cross

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com If you have an item, please contact the correspondent.

Tenterden

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Tenterden Lions Float: Monday December 2, 5-8.30pm Tenterden Central and Turners Ave, Tuesday December 3, 5-8.30pm Wittersham, Thursday December 5, 5-8.30pm High Halden. For over 40 years, the Tenterden Lions Club have taken Santa, accompanied by Christmas songs and tunes, to villages as well as to Tenterden. With the help of Lions members and friends, Santa and the Christmas Float will be out and about, entertaining with the true spirit of Christmas. More venues and dates next week

Tenterden Rotary Club: Saturday November 30, 10am4pm, Waitrose Christmas street collection; Sunday December 7, 10am-4pm, Tesco, Christmas street collection, Saturday December 14, 10am4pm, Sayers Lane, Christmas street collection and Mulled Wine stall, plus other dates, see next week. Raising money for Kent Surrey Sussex

Air Ambulance, Tenterden Social Hub, Shelter Box, Pilgrims Hospices and other Rotary charities.

TOWN COUNCIL: The Tenterden Christmas Lights are now on. Every afternoon from 3.30pm the Christmas lights adorning the high street trees are switched on, and along with 100 small Christmas trees above the High Street shops makes an amazing display until 11pm. Christmas Lights organised by Tenterden Town Council and other groups in the town.

The Town Council install and light the majority of the large High Street trees, selected trees on the Recreation Ground, East Cross Gardens, and Coombe Lane. The Tenterden Chamber of Commerce install and light the small Christmas trees above the High Street shop windows. The Tenterden Town Christmas Tree outside the Town Hall is donated by Hole Park Estates in Rolvenden every year to the Tenterden Rotary Club for the town of Tenterden and is decorated by the Rotary Club. Ashford Borough Council contribute to the cost of the Christmas Trees and Lights above the shops.

Excerpts from Shakespeare: Thursday and Friday November 28 and 29, 6.30pm, the Sinden Theatre. A variety of excerpts from Shakespeare’s Works. Students in Sinden Youth and Sinden Stars Theatre Companies will perform creative and original adaptations from a variety of Shakespeare’s Works. Tickets £5 and £3.

Tenterden Artists Exhibition: Friday November 29 - Sunday December 1, Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, Tenterden Town Hall. For the fifth year in the Town Hall, 20 artists showing their work. Free entry

Tenterden Book Fair: Saturday November 30, 9am-3pm, Highbury Hall. Tenterden Bookfair, admission free, 15 book dealers attending with 1000s of second-hand books for both the reader and the collector. Refreshments available. Details from Carolyn Hickmott, 07956 295076.

Santa Steam Trains: Saturday November 30 and Saturday and Sundays throughout December, all day, Tenterden Town Station. A magical steam train journey to meet Santa. At Tenterden Station the Victorian carousel provides unlimited free rides.

SEN Grotto Opening:

Friday November 29 and every Friday to December

20, 3.30-5pm, Tenterden Garden Centre. Fun, safe and magical sessions with Santa for those with Special Educational Needs. £6 per child, includes age appropriate wrapped gift and activity trail. No booking required. Santa’s Grotto also open to all children every Saturday and Sunday from November 30, from 10.30am

Town Council Meeting: Monday December 2, 7pm, Town Hall, Planning Committee meeting. All welcome.

Tenterden Footpaths Group: Sunday December 1, meet at 10am in Bells Lane for a walk to Old House.

Tenterden Men’s Shed: Tuesday December 3, 10am-2pm, Glebe Hall, Church Road. The first operating session of this brand new group. Initiated by Tenterden Volunteer Centre working for the community.

Festive Bake-Off Competition: Thursday December 5, 6pm, Tenterden Town

Hall. Join The Rockits for a festive bake off competition to decorate a Christmas cake, free to enter. Bar and Raffle. Followed by singing with the Rockits around the Christmas Tree. Free entry, donation on the door to Pilgrims Hospices.

Christmas Fayre: Friday December 6, 10am-12.30pm, West View Care Centre.

Craft stall, tea and coffee, cake stall, tombola, raffle and more.

Westwell

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net Coffee morning: The Wheel Inn, Friday December 6, 10.30am.

Messy Church: In the parish hall, Sunday December 8, 3.30-5pm. For children with an accompanying adult: fun, games, crafts, a story, songs and tea. Theme is Advent. Christmas Bazaar: In the parish hall 9-11.30am, Saturday December 7. Bacon butties, tea and coffee then browse the stalls: cakes, homemade produce, gifts, tombola and more. Proceeds in aid of St Mary’s Church.

Willesborough / Newtown

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

Wittersham

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

Christmas Tree Festival: Saturday and Sunday December 7 and 8, 10am-5pm at the church. Refreshments, produce and stalls.

Saturday at 3pm the Handbells played, 6.30pm the Tongswood Chamber Choir sing Christmas and Advent music. Tickets £10 for the concert.

Sunday, 1pm Carla and Damien are appearing with friends, 5pm the Salvation Army playing carols.

Community Market: A festive air to the Community Market in the Village Hall on Tuesday, with bread, cakes, cards, meat and refreshments. Open 9-11am, all welcome.

Advent Sunday: Sunday December 1, 6pm, said Evensong in church, followed by a short musical interlude with soloist Tony Rawlins and visiting instrumentalists.

Pop up Pub: Friday December 13, Quiz Night in the Village Hall, tables of 8, and fish and chip supper for those who have pre-ordered. Dax, at the Village Store, will take bookings. With a bar, funds raised go towards the Save the Swan campaign. Saturday December 14, children’s disco in the afternoon, adults disco in the evening, with a bar. Funds raised go to Children’s playground in the village, and the evening disco funds will go to the Save the Swan campaign. Sunday December 15, 124pm, cooked lunch, profits go towards the new Servery in the church, bar profits to Save the Swan. All welcome.

Fisherman’s Friend: The Film Club are showing this film, Thursday December 5, 8pm. Doors open 7.15pm, drinks available. Members

£4, non-members welcome, £7 entry.

Woodchurch

Correspondent: Peter and Sandra Marmara, 122 Front Road, Woodchurch Tel: 01233 860603 spmarmara@btinternet.com Parish Council Meeting: Thursday November 28, 7pm in the Memorial Hall annex. All welcome.

Boot Fair: Sunday December 1, in the grounds of the Pop In Centre in Lower Road in aid of the building fund. Stall holders from 8am and customers from 9am. First table £5, second table £2.50. Details contact Clive, 01233 860139.

Afternoon WI Christmas Market: Saturday December 7, 2-4pm in the Memorial Hall. On sale; home made cakes, preserves, hand-made cards, bric-a-brac and books. Also a tombola and much more. Tea/coffee and homemade cake at £1.50.

Organ Concerts: Thursday December 12 in the Jean Mealham Pop-in Centre, Lower Road, Woodchurch, two organ concerts by Chris Powell. 2.30pm Christmas themed carols. 7pm all time popular favourite tunes. Entry by donation. Tickets from The WoodChurch Hub or Joy, 01233 861483.

Christmas Fair: Friday December 13, 2.30-5.30pm, on the village green – proceeds to Woodchurch School. All welcome. Seasonal food and drink, Christmas music, kids games, craft and local food produce and a Santa’s Grotto. For information or to book Santa’s Grotto, contact, fowsa@woodchurch.kent. sch.uk

Christmas Tree Festival:

All Saints Church, Friday December 13, 5.30-6.30pm and Saturday and Sunday December 14 and 15, 10am-5pm. Carols around the church door, Saturday December 14, 7-9pm with the Cranbrook Town Band. Mince pies and mulled wine in the church. Christingle and crib service, Christmas Eve, 5.30pm.

Bring your Christingles. If you can’t let us know and we will make you one. Christmas Eve midnight worship service at 11.30pm. This will not be a Communion Service.

Wye

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Christmas Tree Festival: in Wye Parish Church December 6-8. Friday 10am7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. Festival programme £2 on the day. Coffee, tea, mulled wine, mince pies and raffle. Trees kindly supplied by Perry Court Farm. Vote for your favourite.

Christmas Street Party: Friday December 6, 6-8pm, Church Street Wye. Fun and games for everyone. Fair ground attractions, tombola, stalls, lucky dip, mince pies, mulled wine, BBQ, Father Christmas and carol singing by children of local schools. Featuring the Wye singers and the Wye Music Project. Profits to Wye’s community groups and initiatives that benefit the village.

Historical Society Talk: Catherine the Great and her Lovers, by Patsy Erskine-Hill. Wednesday December 4, 7.30pm in the Lady Joanna Thornhill School, Bridge Street. Members free, non-members £2. Annual membership £10pp.

Christmas Swap Shop: Wye Parish Church, Saturday December 14, 10am-12pm. Toys, clothes, decorations, gifts. Bring something pre-loved, take something home. No money needed. Craft activity for children. Nothing to bring? Come anyway.