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

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

Bethersden

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent for Bethersden, 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

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

Bilsington

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

Bodsham

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

Bonnington

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

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

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 meeting: Smeeth Parish Council met in Brabourne Baptist Church, Wednesday January 8. After approval of the November Minutes, the borough councillor (William Howard) gave his report, which included: The Coachworks (near the station) is to become a shared working space; the borough aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, this initiative includes plans to plant thousands of trees to offset carbon emissions; a transportation strategy will be drawn up to include integrating bus services, with the emphasis on rural areas; a consultation on the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan options report; there will be a call for sites as the first stage in renewing the Local Plan. The Open Session covered complaints of flytipping and potholes in Plain Road.

Matters Arising from the November meeting included: Local Needs Housing – a site in Manor Pound Lane and the sandpit site have been ruled out; details of projects to be paid for by S106 money from the Church Road development have been sent to the borough council; KCC rejected the application to register Hospital Field as a village green; the second e-newsletter has been circulated; the PC website will be moving to a new host to comply with the accessibility regulations; the advertisement for the Tapas bar has been removed from Hythe Road. Finance: Payments were approved. It was agreed to make an annual donation to the Scouts and Guides. It was agreed to give a donation to Brabourne Baptist Church towards disabled access and to Brabourne PC towards e-newsletter flyer printing costs. The budget for 2020-2021 was discussed and the Precept will remain unchanged at £23738. Councillors were asked to put forward projects for funding by the PC.

Planning: Five planning applications have been approved by the borough council. There has been no progress on preparation of the joint Neighbourhood Plan with Brabourne PC. Following a trial period in late 2019 uploading information on planning applications to the village facebook page, it was agreed that this would continue on a permanent basis.

Various: A number of highways issues were discussed, including the closure of Hythe Road for 10 days while services are put in for the new housing development at Hinxhill. Bulb planting continues by the Community Led Plan group. The caretaker scheme continues to work well. There were no Speedwatch sessions in December due to illness; more volunteers would be welcome. The joint Annual Parish Meeting will be held in Brabourne Baptist Church in late March, the date to be confirmed. It was agreed to submit a nomination for the KALC Community Award, to be presented at the Annual Parish Meeting.

The next meeting of the PC is on Wednesday March 4 at 7pm in Brabourne Baptist Church. All meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

Gardeners Society: Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society has had a very successful year culminating with 58 members attending the Christmas social where they were wined and dined; after-dinner entertainment was provided by “Mr Rudyard Kipling”. Our next meeting will be on Friday January 31 in the village hall commencing at 7.15 when there will be a presentation entitled “The Story of Cheese” by George Ward, retail manager for Cheesemakers of Canterbury. The evening will include tasting of local cheeses. For any enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451, email brabournewendy@gmail.com or visit our website at www.basgs. com. Visitors are always welcome.

Fridays at Three: The Oak Room, Friday January 31, 3pm for a talk on Vicars

Past Census Surprises a Century Ago. If anyone would like a lift to and from the Oak Room please contact Di Dawson (01303 813398).

Messy Church: Messy Church in January was a lively, happy occasion with 18 children and many adults coming along to join in the fun and mess. We played games and made foam pigs, binoculars, lego kits and our own pizzas which of course we ate at the end finished off by ice cream and a variety of toppings, as well as other activities. A very messy time was had by all. The focus was on the Father’s love based on the story of the Prodigal Son. Our next Messy Church will be on Saturday February, 3-5pm and the theme will be David and Goliath and how a young boy overcame ‘giant’ odds with only a slingshot and God to help him. How will we manage a 9ft Goliath? With games, crafts, food and fun. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Entrance free; donations welcome. Please contact Julie Muir 01303 813502.

Re-fuel youth event: Brabourne Baptist Church, Sunday February 2, 6-8pm. The event is being run by the young people of Ashford Baptist Church. Please come along on the evening to meet the young people.

Well-being cafe: Welcome to RENEW 18 at Brabourne Baptist Church, a quiet shared space where it’s OK not to be OK. Mondays, 3-5pm the Church becomes a community space for a variety of hobbies and activities. These are run by the community for the community. Anyone is welcome to share a hobby or skill and anyone is welcome to join a workshop or activity. They are all free. Or you can come and relax and chat, or enjoy the peace in our quiet area. The activities are based around the ‘5 ways to well-being’ which promote good mental and emotional health. To connect, give, be active, keep learning and take notice will hopefully contribute towards a preventative approach to mental ill health. A place where you are known by your name, not a label. For more information contact: Julie Muir on 01303 813502. Renew 18 is part of the nationwide Renew Well-being www. renewwellbeing.org.uk

Brook

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

Village Coffee Morning:

Due to the imminent departure of the pub landlords the next monthly Brook coffee morning for residents will be held in the Village Hall , if we get new tenants then the venue can be hopefully resumed at the Honest Miller. Because of availability the next date will be Friday February 7, 10.30am-12pm.,

Challock

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

Mother & Toddler: Wednesdays during term time, 9.3011.30am, £1 per child, babies free, to include snacks for children and coffee and biscuits for mums. For details contact Pat Feddon, 07813 625105 or pat.rattlehalt@ hotmail.co.uk

Friends of Kingswood:

Snap Winter walk - Sunday February 2, 2pm lower KW car park TN25 4AP. Will the winter be warm or will there be snow? Come and enjoy a snappy walk to brighten your day. Dress for the weather and car share. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood. org/www.friendsofkingswood.org. Pay on the Day £4, members and accompanied children free.

Talk & Walk - Sunday February 16, 2pm main KW car park TN25 4AR. February “fill dyke” and the blues getting to you? Enjoy some good company and conversation as we walk and talk our way around the forest. Dress for the weather. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood. org/www.friendsofkingswood.org. Pay on the Day £4, members and accompanied children free.

Charing

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com Football : Saturday January 18; Kennington U12’s 2 v Charing U12’s 1. Folkestone Town 6 v Charing 1 (Ben Hunt).

RESULTS: Sunday January 19; Hythe RBL 3 v Charing Sunday 5 (James Fraser 2, Lewis Bagshaw 2, Ben Harte). Lewes Foundation Squad 4 v Ashford Ladies 2 (Sharne Douglas, Becky Wyatt).

FIXTURES: Saturday January 25; U7 Home v New Romney. U8 Black Home v New Romney Yellow. U8 White Away v Tenterden. U10 Home v West Farleigh. U11 Black Home v Valley View. U11 White Home v

Appledore. U12 Home v Bromley Green. U13 Home v Park Farm Rangers. U14 Away v TSS. U15 Away v West Farleigh. South Willesborough Res v Charing 2pm at The Ridge Kennington. Sunday January 26: Charing Sunday v Cheriton 10.30am ko. Charing Sunday Res No Game. Ashford Ladies v Phoenix Sports 2pm ko PARISH COUNCIL: After more than three years of research and taking residents views, we have developed a Draft Neighbourhood

Plan designed to protect the interests of those who live in the parish and to ensure they do not suffer a welfare deficit as a result of considerable housing and population growth. We are consulting on this plan over the period January

1 to February 12. You can provide your comments by reading the plan on the website www.charingkent. org/neighbourhood-plan and completing the feedback form. You will have received an update flyer through your letter box which gives email addresses to provide feedback. You can also visit one of a number of exhibitions where you can look at the plan and evidence supporting it and talk to plan committee members. These exhibitions are at Charing Parish Hall January 23, 10am-12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm, January

25, 9.30am-12.30pm. Hugh Billot, Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee said he expected a good turn out as usual from Charing residents. Once the consultation is complete the plan will go to Ashford BC and subsequently to an independent inspector. Finally a referendum will be held in the parish to determine its acceptability.

Quiz Night: Friday January 31, 7.30-10pm, Charing School Hall. Tickets £5pp. To reserve a table contact ptfa@charing.kent.sch.uk or 01233712277

Charing Heath

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

Chilham

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

100 Club: 100 Plus Club winners Friday January 10, £50 Lindsay Heasman, £15 Terry Langenhoff and £10 Tim Brett.

Applications: Ashford BC have received the following planning applications: To erect two dwellings on land opposite Highdown, west of Mulberry Hill. A retrospective application for a change of use to form aquatic stock pond for use with fishery activities at Thruxted Marsh Quarry, Mystole Lane. Decision - Permission has been granted for the demolition and rebuild of an existing Annexe to include new link to main dwelling at Dane Cottage, Dane Street.

Correspondent: Carol Newton, Lamley Cottage, Canterbury Road, Godmersham, CT4 7DR Mob: 07768 074698 carolnewton84@gmail.com If you have an item concerning Crundale, please contact the correspondent above.

Egerton

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

Folk and Blues Club: Tuesday January 28, 8pm in the Barrow House.

Film Society: Thursday January 30, 7.30pm, Millennium hall ‘Yesterday’ will be showing. £4 members, £5 non-members. Licensed bar and light refreshments. For more information 01233 756592.

Elmsted

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

Godinton

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

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 Pop-up Cafe: and Information Hub, Great Chart Village Hall, Wednesday February 12 and Wednesday March 11. Come and get together with old friends and new. Have a cuppa and a delicious slice of cake. We’ll have all sorts of local information available or you can just come for a chat. Can’t get there under your own steam, call us and we’ll see if we can help. Ani- Parish Clerk 01233 616923 or email to TheClerk@greatchartsingleton-pc.gov.uk

Repair Cafe Ashford: Singleton Environment Centre where the Repair Café can fix it for you. The Café operates in the afternoon between one and four, on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Community Engagement Event: Wednesday January 29, 11am-1pm. Meet your Parish Clerks, PCSO and Community Warden. Have a chat and coffee with those responsible for the local area and raise any issues you may have.

Hamstreet/Snave

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

2JT Mob: 07958 748087 Tel: 01233 733487 robtoal@me.com Churchyard assistance: St Mary the Virgin, Orlestone would welcome people to help with mowing. Any help would be greatly received. Contact Brian Lawrence 01233 732657 or The Rector 01233 732274.

Church Service: There will be a Family Worship Service at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday January 26, at 10.30am. The Fun Club for young people of 3 to 10 years will meet at the same time. All are welcome.

Scrap Metal Wanted: A cheque for £69.57 was given to the Ruckinge and Hamstreet Scouts and Guides group last week, bringing the amount raised in 2019 to £205.69. This is a very small sum compared to previous years and yet the amount of scrap metal in the local area is probably still the same. Throwing it away wastes non-renewable world resources and also wastes the opportunity to help youngsters grow and develop into good citizens. When you look at a pile of scrap brass, copper, electric cable, aluminium or other non-ferrous metals please think of Margaret 01233 732684.

Orlestone WI: Members of Orlestone WI opened the new year with a party to mark their 54th anniversary. Members from other local WIs were welcomed and everyone enjoyed the games, competitions and cake. The challenge set to create a hat from recycled materials was well and truly met with some amazing headgear, ranging from a Phoenix rising to an upturned confectionery tub. Orlestone WI meets in Victory Hall at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month and welcomes all local ladies. In February our guest speaker will tell us about medical detection dogs.

Children’s Society Boxes: There are 19 Children’s Society collection boxes in houses around the local area and in 2019 together they raised £278.09 - all from small change, mostly coppers and five pence pieces. We’re all aware that a lot less real money is being used as we move to a cashless society, so fewer coins to go into the boxes, which makes it all the more urgent to find more box holders. There might be fewer coins but there are increasing numbers of vulnerable children to be helped by the Children’s Society. Are you willing to help? Please will you take a box and put your small change into it? Contact Margaret 01233 732684.

Scarecrow Trail 2020: A date for your diary - the Scarecrow Trail is definitely going ahead this year and will take place on Sunday October 11, 10am-4pm.

We’ve booked the Marsh Vintage Amusements, we’ve signed up our first helpers to run the BBQ, we’ve booked the Victory Hall and we’ve girded our loins. It’s not too early to offer to take on a small job - serving lunches, giving a raffle prize, putting up a few posters, baking a cake - don’t be shy and don’t worry, we won’t overwhelm you. Contact 07748 006249 or respond through the Scouts, Guides etc.

Hamstreet Marathon Runners: Two men from Hamstreet, Ed and Alex, are running in the London Marathon this year. One is running for the National Autistic Society and the other for local charity Canterbury Oast Trust. They’ll be working together on a number of local fundraising events so please give them all your support as well as enjoying the activities and entertainment.

Hastingleigh

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

High Halden

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

Brews News: The Brews were out of action last weekend, as their game at Kennington was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They also have a further week off this Sunday as they have no fixture.

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

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

Kennington

Correspondent: Sandra Dunn, Heather Bell Orchard Lane, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 4DX Tel: 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com Slimming World: Thursdays at Downs View Infant School, Ball Lane TN25 4PJ. Two sessions: 5.30 and 7.30pm.

Contact Angie 07887 763193. Puss in Boots: Kennington W.I. Drama Group will be presenting their pantomime at the WI Hall, 228 Faversham Road TN24 9AS on Friday, January 24 at 7pm and on Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 January at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children.

To book please phone 01233 628439, tickets also available on the door.

Big Garden Birdwatch: Meet at Bybrook Nature Reserve, Nine AcresTN24 9AW for the RSPB bird count on Sunday, January 26, 10-11am.

Drop-in: Mondays, 2-4pm,

St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LU for tea and a chat.

New Members welcome. Contact St. Mary’s church office on 01233 664820.

Kingsnorth

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Folk dance club: 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 from 8-10pm. All welcome. The next caller will be David Brown.

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

Charlie’s fun day: This fun day takes place on Saturday January 25 in the village hall from 1-6pm raising money for Sands, 4 Louis and Tommy’s charities. There will be a magician, face painting, games, stalls, bouncy castle, raffle and refreshments.

WI: Members meet on Wednesday February 5 in Cade Road Church hall, Kingsnorth Road, at 10am. Mary Smith will give a talk entitled A Schoolgirl’s War. New members and visitors welcome.

Details from Liz Taylor 01233 502721.

Crime: A black Vauxhall Zafira was stolen from Penn Hill, Washford Farm on January 8 between 7-8.15am. If you have any information which may be useful please phone 101.

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

Service: Next Service is a lay-led Morning Worship at 9.30am, Sunday January 26. Please note that, due to electrical work being carried out at St. Peter’s, this Service will be held in Molash Village Hall Blossom Ride: This years ride is being staged at Wytherling Court on Sunday April 26, with starting times between 9.30am and 1pm. Please contact the above correspondent for an entry form (same if by post) or visit the Parish Council website.

Winter Walk: The Friends of Kings Wood are staging a snappy walk to brighten up these winter days on Sunday February 2. The walk starts from the lower car off Whitehill Road at 2pm. Dress for the weather and car share where possible. As usual members and accompanied children go free with non. members paying £4 on the day.

For enquiries text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org

Monks Horton

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent for Monks Horton, 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

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

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

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

Pluckley

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

Rolvenden

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

Ruckinge

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

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.

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

Shadoxhurst

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

Smallhythe

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk

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

Smarden

Correspondent: Eleanor Bliss Tel: 01233 770082 eleanorbliss1@gmail.com Afternoon Club meeting: Paul Brooker will be coming along on Friday February 7 to show more ‘Photos and videos from my microlight’. The meeting starts at 2pm, followed by tea and cakes. Visitors and new members are welcome.

Meet your Councillor: Ken Mulholland, our local Councillor holds monthly surgeries on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Charter Hall, between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

Hi Kent visits: The dates for the year 2020 are as follows: February 3, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2 and December 7. The clinics are held in The Charter Hall on Mondays, between 10am and 11.30am. No appointment necessary.

Charter Hall Lottery: For just £10, you could join in the anticipation of winning cash prizes every month for 10 months. The profits from this community event go towards supporting

The Charter Hall. It raises money for maintenance and to keep the hire charges at an affordable rate. Entry forms are available on page 13 of the January Parish magazine. Closing date: end of February 2020.

Pancake Party: The annual Smarden Pancake Party, hosted by Friends of Smarden Church, will be held on Tuesday February 25 in The Charter Hall, between 4-7pm. Delicious savoury and sweet pancakes will be served. There will also be children’s craft activities, a bar and raffle. Tickets payable at the door: Adults £6. Children £4. Enquiries 770695. http://fosc. yolasite.com

Post Office Outreach : Post Office Services are available in The Hop Pocket of The Charter Hall on Tuesdays between 12.30-2.30pm, and Fridays between 2-4pm.

Gardeners’ Society News: Members are reminded that Annual Subscriptions will need to be paid by March 1. Please note that the Spring talk will be held on Thursday February 27 in The Charter Hall.

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

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.

Stowting

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

Stubbs Cross

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

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Community Science Show: Royal Institution Community Science Show, Thursday January 23, 7.15pm, The Sinden Theatre. The famous Royal Institution is coming to Tenterden to create a buzz about science with an exciting and explosive community show! Tickets £4.50 and £5.50.

Tenterden Book Fair: Saturday January 25, 9am-3pm, Highbury Hall, admission free. Book dealers, 1000s of second-hand for sale on all subjects, both for the reader and the collector. Café open all day.

Hall Open Day: Sunday January 26, 11am-3pm, Highbury Hall. Helping to celebrate National Village Halls Week (January 20-26) by holding an Open Day on Sunday January 26. Come and see the hall, meet some of our User Groups and enjoy drinks and snacks in the Café.

History Society Meeting: Monday January 27, 7.15pm for 7.30pm, St Mildred’s Church, The Battle of Lewis and Henry III, 1264, lecture by James Dickinson. Tenterden and District Local History Society Meeting.

Road Closure: Monday January 27, 11pm continuously until Wednesday January 29 at approximately 5.30am, Appledore Level

Crossing closed. There will be no direct access between Tenterden and the Romney Marsh. B2080 Station Road, Appledore

Warehorne

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

Westwell

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub. net

WAGS: Art Group, parish hall, Monday January 20, 1.30pm. All levels of ability and choice of media are welcome.

Candlelit cheer: St Mary’s Church, Saturday February 1, 4pm, for an hour of cheer by candlelight with accompanying music and singing. Breakfast at St Mary’s: St Mary’s Church, Sunday February 2, 9am for a breakfast of bacon butties, croissants, tea and coffee. The breakfast follows the 8am service of Holy Communion.

Willesborough / Newtown

Correspondent: j.donovan230@btinternet.com Tel: 01233 502440

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

Wittersham

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

Big Breakfast: Saturday February 1, 9am-12pm, Village Hall. Money raised goes to Mais House and Maurice House, which are both Care Homes of the British Legion. Suggested donations for breakfasts are: Adults £6 and Children £3.

Film Society: Thursday February 6 “The Upside” starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman will be showing at the village hall. Based on a true story, it is about a disabled billionaire and his on parole carer. 7.15pm, ilm starts at 8pm. Wine and beer available by the glass, entry £7 non-members and £4 members.

Christingle and Candlemas: Friday January 31, 2.15pm in the Church, the school will hold their Christingle Service. Sunday February 2, 6pm there will be an Evensong for Candlemas, supported by the choir.

Woodchurch

Correspondent: Peter and Sandra Marmara, 122 Front Road, Woodchurch Tel: 01233 860603 spmarmara@btinternet.com Parish Council Meeting: The PC meet on Thursday January 23, 7pm in the Memorial

Hall annex. All welcome.

Darby and Joan: Meet at 2pm in the Memorial

Hall, Friday January 24. £1 includes a game of Bingo, a quiz and light refreshments. Details from Joyce on 01233 860427.

Pantomime: Woodchurch Players will be presenting “Sherlock Holmes The Panto”, by Jenny Gilbert and directed by Daisy Fermor. For the pantomime “purist” please be assured that Sherlock Holmes is a traditional panto with a dame, a principal boy and girl and a dastardly villain. Comedy, dance, songs and music with a cast of regular and new players. We are sure you will enjoy this production. The performance dates are: Friday, January 24 at 7.30pm and Saturday, January 25 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.. Tickets available online at www. woodchurchplayers.com or at the Woodchurch Hub.

Patients’ Participation Group: Monday January 27 at 6pm in the Bonny Cravat when the speaker will be

Eve Davies, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. Patients of the Woodchurch Surgery are welcome to the meeting – you don’t have to be an existing member of the Group. If you would like to learn more about the Group and its purpose contact the Chair, Philippa Jones, on philippa.nick@btinternet. com or 07774608281.

Women’s Institute: At the January meeting of the WI, author Pamela Holmes told us the amazing story of the “Huntingfield Paintress” and St Mary’s Church, (which could be described as the “Sistine Chapel” of Suffolk). In the 1850s The Reverend William Holland became rector of St Mary’s Church in the small village of Huntingfield in Suffolk. His wife, Mildred, found it difficult to settle into the role of pastor’s wife but the Church of England was looking towards a more catholic design in Church decoration so when William employed architect Edward Lushington Blackburne for guidance in updating St Mary’s, Mildred at last found a purpose to her life. She dedicated herself, over six years, to single-handedly designing, planning and executing the elaborate painting of the church’s hammer-beam roof and chancel. Risking both her health and eyesight as by candle light, either on her back or stooped under the sloping roof, she painstakingly carried out the enormous task. William spent his own monies on repairing, redecorating and building a vestry. A total cost of £2,000 plus was spent which included the purchase of 225 books of gold leaf. Pamela has spent many years meticulously researching Mildred’s life and work, (a story that history has somewhat overlooked). Her sheer enthusiasm for the topic was evident and for that one evening at least Mildred became alive once more. Mildred and William are buried together in St Mary’s churchyard and the font is engraved with thanks for the incredible work of art that Mildred had achieved.

Wye

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Community Ceilidh: Wye Parish Church, Saturday January 25, 6.30-9.30pm. Music by the Abbey Capers Band. Enjoy a selection of Scottish Nobbles, bring your own drinks. Adult ticket £10, family ticket £25. Advanced tickets only by email wyeceilidh@gmail.com or by phone 07980 300729

Footpaths Preservation Society: Guided walk on the North Downs Way, Sunday 2 February, led by Tony Gowers (812195). Meet at the Parish Church at 2pm. Tuesday group meets at the Church at 9.45am for a walk of around one hour followed by refreshments. Contact Jean Bowes on 01233 811875. Visitors welcome an all walks.

RAFA: The Wye branch of the Royal Air Forces Association meets at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month at the Small Village Hall. The next meeting will be a social evening on February 13. Visitors and new members welcome, connection with the RAF is not required. For more information Contact Ron Cooper on 01303 813330.