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 Markets and meals: Our successful markets are back. Saturday March 7 and 21, 10am-4pm, there will be Multi-Stall Markets. There will be lots of stalls selling homemade items, breakfast rolls and roast chicken dinners on sale.

Sunday March 8, 11am4.30pm, there will be the first Active Café. There will be breakfast rolls, sandwiches, soup and roast dinners available. This is designed to be a meeting place for walkers, runners, cyclists, birdwatchers, visitors and of course villagers.

Sunday March 22,10am-4pm, there will be an Antiques and Collectables Fair. Once again there will be the café open with all the usual refreshments. All of these events are in the Village Hall, where there is free parking.

Auction of Promises: Auction of Promises, March 28, for Church Funds. Any promises need to be sent to Donna on 758256.

Train derailment: The story of the train derailment in March 1980 will be told, March 12, 7.30pm in the Methodist Chapel.

The speaker will be Stuart Searle, who was a signalman at Appledore. Entry and refreshments are free, but donations welcome. If you hope to attend, please contact Brian on 758319.

Ashford

Correspondent: Emily Neighbour Tel: 01233 664673 eaneighbour@gmail.com Macmillan Support Café :

The last Macmillan Support Café was a great success and clearly supported many in our community. The next Macmillan Support Café FridayMarch 6, 10am-12pm, at The Volunteer Centre, Berwick House, 8 Elwick Road, Ashford.Come along for a drink, a chat and access to Macmillan support information, no need to book.

Future dates, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3 (venue TBA as the Volunteer Centre is unavailable that day), August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4. Archaeology and History:

There will be an Industrial Archaeology Study Day at Willesborough. Saturday March 14, 10am-2.30pm, entitled The Commercial Thames from Tower Bridge to Yantlets Creek, The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway and the Dover Transport Museum which includes its Norman Motorcycles made in Ashford.

Further particulars and to book (pre-booking essential) with either Lindsay Pearson on lindsaypearson31@btopenworld.com or Marion Pont ontrayton. wspont@btopenworld.com 01233820679.

Hearing Aid Clinics: Hi Kent, the local charity that supports people with a hearing loss in Kent, will be holding more of its free aftercare clinics for NHS hearing aid users.The March free clinics will be held:

Ashford Gateway Plus in Church Road every Monday and Thursday, 10.30am12.30pm, not bank holidays. Also Ashford Age UK, Joe Fagg Centre, Stanhope

Road, every Tuesday, 10.3011.30 am.No appointment needed, free of charge. Information from 01227 760046 or enquiries@hikent.org.uk

Bethersden

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Biddenden

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

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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 Dog House Jug Band success: Smeeth’s own Bunberries played a storming evening of fast-paced country last Friday. An appreciative crowd cheered to Ben, Lenny and Jimmy’s wholehearted renditions of the cheerful side of ‘Mercan life, where nothing gets held back. The characteristic vocal harmonies had to keep pace with Ben’s energetic delivery of ‘more’na million words, folks’ and with Jimmy’s inspired fiddle-plucking and bowing. Lenny’s enormous black double-bass is not usually an instrument to grace the Grand Ol Opry stage, but as a rhythm machine it inspires both shock and awe. The live music bill at the Dog House over the coming few months holds several gems.

Parish Council meeting: Brabourne Parish Council meets in the village hall, Monday March 16, 7.30pm, and includes presentation of this year’s Citizenship Award. All meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

Annual Parish Meeting:

The joint Annual Parish Meeting of Brabourne and Smeeth Parish Councils in Brabourne Baptist Church, Wednesday March 25, 7pm. It is not a Parish Council meeting but an opportunity to hear what the local clubs and organisations have achieved over the last 12 months.

Newspaper collection: The next collection, Saturday March 14, 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. All proceeds go towards improving our Scouts and Guide facilities.

First Friday: Everybody is invited to drop into St Mary’s Church Brabourne. Friday March 6, 6-7pm, for warming drinks or a glass of wine, nibbles and a friendly chat. We look forward to seeing you there.

Messy Church: Messy Church. Saturday March 7, 3-5pm, come along and enjoy the fun. Our theme is Jesus the servant king. With feet painting, make cheesy biscuit feet, guess the paw prints, art table with Vi, and crafts. Play games, make Lego and much more. Put your own toppings on your pasta and decorate your ice cream. Fun for all the family. Donations welcome. For further information please ring Julie Muir on 01303 813502

Art group: Meeting. Tuesday March 10, 10am-12pm, in Brabourne Baptist Church. All those who come along are encouraged to do their own thing and enjoy art in a friendly social setting. Further details from Corinne on 01303 812603.

RAFA: The Royal Air Forces Association . Thursday March 12, 7.30pm, in Wye Small Village Hall for the AGM to elect officers and hand out the schedule of events for 2020/21. The Association is looking to recruit new members. A range of interesting presentation’s throughout the year. Contact Ron Cooper on 01303 813330.

Men’s breakfast: Organised by Brabourne Baptist Church. The Woolpack.

Saturday March 14, 8.30am. The speaker will be Raul Dunning from MAF . Contact Paul Muir to book your place; 01303 813502 or 07929269777 or email pjm436@hotmail.co.uk. Please include payment of £8 at time of booking

Stour Downs Anniversary: Find Food & Fun at your local Church in the Stour Downs Parish on our celebration day, Saturday March 14. To include Brass & Glass Tours, at all 6 Churches. Then Pimm’s & Hymns, 6.30pm in Smeeth Church to close the celebrations.

Brook

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

Village Coffee Morning: Village Hall, March 6, 10.30am-12pm

Challock

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

Friends of Kingswood: King’s Wood Country

Quiz. Saturday March 7, 7.30pm, at The Iron Room, Boughton Lees, TN25 4HP. Be entertained and amused by a quiz, based on the natural world, with multiple choice, picture, and missing letter rounds etc. Bring some snacks and your own drinks. Prizes, raffle, heads & tails, tea, coffee and soft drinks in the interval. Accompanied children free and adults £4 person. Just turn up on the night or to book a table for four text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org

Ides of March. Sunday March 15, 2pm, meet at Molash, A252, War Memorial Triangle. Come and enjoy a walk, occurring in the middle of March. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org www.friendsofkingswood. org Pay on the Day £4.

Quiz Night: Friends of Challock Church Quiz Night, Friday March 13, 7.30pm, Challock Village Hall, £5 per person, pay on the night. Tables may be pre-booked by phone or text on 07850 509280, or simply turn up on the night.

Challock Youth Club: Wednesday March 11, 6.308.0pm, at Challock Memorial Hall. £2.50 per person and the Club is open to all people aged 10-19 yrs. Membership forms are available from Challock Primary School office and Challock Post Office. Contact Emma Jones on 07779 165979or pop in and see us at the Youth Club

Parish Council Meeting: Parish Council meeting Thursday March 12, 7.30pm, in the Audrey Allen Room, Challock Memorial Hall. On the agenda is Clerk’s Report, Correspondence, Financial Statement for February, Planning Applications. High Tree Lodge, The Warren, Faversham Road Footpath, VE 75th Commemorative, contact the clerk Di Sandy

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com Football : Fixtures Sat March 7, U7’s Home v West Farleigh U8’s Black Home v Grasshoppers U8’s White Away v Headcorn. U10’s Home v South Ashford at Charing Primary School U11’s Black Home v Kennington at Charing Primary School. U11’s White Home v Wye at Charing Primary School. U12’s Home v Park Farm Rangers at Charing Primary School. U13’s Home v Grasshoppers U14’s Home v Biddenden. U15’s Home v Bromley Green.

Charing v Tenterden Res 2.45pm ko. Sun March 8, Appledore v Charing Sunday 10.30am ko. Charing Sunday Res v Aldington Res 10.30am ko. Crawley D.S v Ashford Ladies 2pm ko

Fun Quiz : Fun Quiz March 21, 7pm. Once again the

Revd Richard will be your quizmaster.Booking details will be in the March Parish magazine. Price £9 to include fish or sausage and chips, £5 if you just want to play. For more info please call 01233713212

Farmers Market : Every Thursday in the Church Barn, 9-11.30am.

Coffee Morning : In aid of SSAFA. Saturday March

28, 10am-12.30pm, Charing Church Barn.

Entrance £1 to include a cup of tea, coffee and biscuits. Ssafa provides lifelong support for people who serve, or have served, in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force and their families. For more information please call 01233712154or714069

Charing Heath

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

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Chilham

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100 Plus Club: Winners Friday February 28, £50 Peter Lusted, £15 Nicola Smith & £10 Sam Lincoln.

Crundale

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.kentpar

The Arts Society: Wednesday March 11, 2.30pm in the Millennium hall. ‘The Glasgow Boys: Painting in Scotland 1875-1914’

Mongol Rally: Thursday March 12, 7.30pm. Talk on the Mongol Rally, driving 10,000 miles from Egerton via Prague and across the Caspian sea heading for Mongolia and Russia in a twenty year old Volkswagen Polo and the adventures on the way with the two Gentlemen Adventurers. Free entry.

Spring Clean: Saturday March 14, 10am, meet in the Millennium hall car park. All equipment supplied. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Parish Assembly: Thursday March 19, 7pm in the Millennium hall. Come and meet representatives of the many clubs and societies active within the village. Enjoy a glass of wine or other light refreshment.

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 Country Quiz: King’s Wood Country Quiz, Saturday March 7, 7.30pm, at The iron Room, Boughton Lees TN25 4HP.

Be entertained and amused by a quiz based on the natural world. Bring some snacks and your own drinks. Accompanied children free and adults £4 per person. Just turn up on the night or book a table for four - 07523 203458 or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org

Mothering Sunday: For all children. Please come to our Mothering Sunday Workshop, 9.45am, Sunday March 22, at St Lawrence Church. You can make a bouquet of flowers, a card or something tasty to eat.. For more information contact Julie Knuckey 01233 812095 / 07922 101738 or email knuckeyjulie@gmail.com

Notice of AGM: The Godmersham and Crundale Village Hall Committee Annual General Meeting at the Village Hall. Thursday March 26, 7.30pm. This will be followed by the Committee Meeting.

WI Evening Talk: The next WI meeting will be an open meeting, in the village hall, Monday March

9, 7.30pm, and is for all fans of murder mysteries. David Tadd, former Head of Forensic Investigations for the Metropolitan Police will be regaling us with The Forensic Investigation of Homicide. Tickets £5 on the door or email sarah.lindsay169@gmail.com to book. Light refreshments will be available.

Ashford Choral Society: 7.30pm, Saturday March 21, at Wye Parish Church for Performances of Durufle’s ‘Requiem’, Faure’s ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’, and Leighton’s ‘Crucifixus pro nobis’. Tickets £12 from

Wye Newsagents or email tickets@ashfordchoral.org. uk or on the door.

Recycle to Upcycle: Ginette Sutton, Sewing Lady, is undertaking a project to upcycle unwanted denim jeans and men’s patterned shirts. This is a request to anyone who has any of these items they were going to throw away, please consider passing them on for making into new useful and beautiful things to sell at Godmersham Village Fair in June. Please contact ginette.sewinglady@gmail.com or call 07881 801739

Relief in Need: The Godmersham Relief in Need Charity has had donated a wheelchair, a walker, and a ramp. Each item can be loaned out free of charge to any member of the Godmersham Parish who might be in need. Please apply to Julie Knuckey 01233 812095 / 07922 101738

Great Chart and Singleton

Correspondent: Aniko Szocs, Parish Office, Singleton Village Hall, Ashford, TN23 5LB Tel: 01233 616923 theclerkgcwspc@gmail.com Pop-up Cafe: Pop-Up Café and Information Hub. Great Chart Village Hall. Wednesday, March 11. Come and get together with old friends and new. We’ll have all sorts of local information available. 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 TheClerk@ greatchartsingleton-pc.gov. uk

Parish Council Meeting: Full Parish Council Meeting for Great Chart with Singleton Parish. March 9, 7.30pm, at Great Chart Village Hall. All welcome.

Community Engagement Event: Wednesday April 22, 1.300-2:30pm. Parish Office, Singleton Village Hall

Meet your Parish Clerks, Councillor’s and PCSO. Have a chat with those responsible for the local area.

Hamstreet/Snave

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

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

Village blog page: The ‘Objective View’ web page contains general facts about the village as well as links to walking and cycling routes, local business sites and other pages of local interest. It is now a blog-based page which can be found by searching for ‘deepest Kent miscellany Hamstreet’ and it goes under the name ‘Hamstreet, Kent - portrait of a village.’ The site was recently updated with a link to Hamstreet’s newest business.

The page’s author, Adam Colton, has also recently uploaded the entire back catalogue of songs recorded with Teresa Colton to all major music sites including Spotify, YouTube, iTunes and Google. The mother and son duo from the village write their own songs and perform on acoustic guitars and harmonica, being guests of BBC Radio Kent’s Dave Cash show a couple of times. Some of their songs have local Kent references too. Physical CDs can be tracked down by emailing hamcopublishing@aol.com”

Saint Matthews: The services at St Matthew’s Church, Warehorne during the month of March are as follows: March 8, 10.30am Family service. March 15, 9am, Holy Communion service. March 22, 6:30pm Evensong, Mothering Sunday.

Church Service: There will be a family worship service at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Sunday March 8, 1030am. The Fun Club for young people aged 3 to 10 years will meet at the same time. All are welcome to join.

Royal British Legion: The local RBL meets monthly in Hamstreet pavilion on the third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm. New members are very welcome. Whilst the aim is to support ex-service people you do not need to be ex-military to belong. Further information from Dennis Seton (Chairman) on 01233 733055

Hastingleigh

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High Halden

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

Brews News: The weather continues to cause havoc with the Brews fixtures, as once again last Sundays game was off due to a waterlogged pitch at Hopes Grove. This Sunday the Brews are due to play Market Hotel in the Bodkin Cup Quarter-Final, kick-off 10.30am at Hopes Grove, subject to conditions allowing.

Hinxhill

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

Church: There will be a Service at St Mary, Sunday March 8, 3pm, which will be Evensong.

Hothfield

Correspondent: Paul Fothergill Tel: 01233 519457 paul.fothers@yahoo.co.uk

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Kenardington

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

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Kennington

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

Men’s Breakfast: Saturday March 7, 8-10am, at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LU. Speaker is Jim MoodySmith.

Guide Dogs: The Ashford group of Guide Dogs for the Blind meets in the restaurant at Dobbies Garden Centre, Monday March 9, 10am.

Drop-in: meets every Monday 2-4pm at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, TN24 9LU for tea and a chat. New Members welcome.

Bybrook WI: Monthly meeting, Tuesday March

10, 7.30-10pm. The meeting is at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, TN24 9LU. Speaker is David Dadd. Meetings are held on the

2nd Tuesday of the month (except August).

Lent Meditations: “Lenten Journey”. An opportunity for peaceful reflection during Lent, 7.30pm in the Lady Chapel, St. Mary’s Church. Church Road TN24 9DQ. Wednesdays March 11, 18, 25 and April 1.

Ashford Birdwatchers’ Club: Indoor meeting, Wednesday March 11, 7.30-9.30pm, when there will be a talk by committee member Robert Carr about local birdwatching and the work of the British Trust for Ornithology. The evening will be held at the WI Hall, 228 Faversham Road, TN24 9AS. Admission is £3 and everyone is welcome. For any further information, ring 01233 637067 or go to the website ashfordbirdwatchersclub.blogspot.com.

Kennington Community Council: Ordinary Meeting in public. Wednesday March 11, 7pm, at St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, TN24 9LH.

French classes: run by La Souris Verte. Tiny tots (6 months to pre-school). Wednesdays 2.30-3.15pm and babies (3 months to 2 years) on Thursdays 10.45-11.30am at the Rose Inn, Faversham Road TN24 9AJ. Adult beginners: Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm at St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LU. La Souris Verte Ltd. offers classes for the whole family to learn French in the fun and friendly way. For more information visit www.lasourisverte.co.uk, Facebook: la souris verte of kent, or contact Juliette Holmes on 0795 682 7109.

Friends of St. Mary’s: Easter Egg Bingo. 2pm, Saturday March 14, at St. Mary’s

Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LU. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter with callers Derek and Margaret and refreshments.

Kingsnorth

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Beetle drive: A beetle drive, Saturday March 14, 3-5pm. Kingsnorth Primary School, Church Hill in aid of the work of the church in Ashford parish. Free entry, raffle and refreshments available. All welcome.

Dementia Café: First Thursday of each month in Park View Care Centre, Field View, Park Farm from 10am12pm. Providing support, information and advice for you and/or your loved one living with dementia. The next is on March 5. To book a place phone 01233 364087.

Crime: A bedroom window was smashed on a property in Harrow Way on February 19 between 8am-5pm. If you have any information which may be useful to the investigation of these incidents phone 101.

Pamper night: Kingsnorth School PFA pamper event. Friday April 24 , 7-9.30pm, at the school in Church Hill. Free admission.

Parish council: Meeting Tuesday March 10, 7pm, in the pavilion, Church Hill.

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 8-10pm. All welcome. It will be a club callers night at the next meeting. Details from Edna on 01233 627121 or email ejbone@tiscali.co.uk

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

Quiz Night: Cheese and Wine Quiz night , Saturday March 14, 7pm. Teams of up to eight members at £10 per head, plenty of cheese and wine included. All proceeds to the Pilgrims Hospice. to book your table please contact Nobby Southern on 01233 503912

Save the Date: VE 75 celebrations on the Millennium Green. After the meeting on February 27 various activities are in the planning stage for an entertaining afternoon. Further details will be available in the weeks to come. For information and if you would like to get involved please contact Geoffrey Fletcher on email: info@stonegreenfarm.co.uk W.I.: Meeting, Monday March 9, 7.30pm, in the Forge at The Farriers Arms.

The speaker will be Geoff Turner telling us all about Lady Denman, Land Girls and Kent. Another interesting evening and if anyone would like to join members you would be very welcome. Deposits are needed for the July outing please.

Afternoon Club:Meeting, Tuesday March 10, 2.30pm, in the Mountbatten Hall . It will be a jolly afternoon with two ladies, Julia and Jillian, playing the keyboard and we shall be singing some familiar songs. Cost is £2 which includes raffle and refreshments. Please contact Kath on 01233 503596 for information.

Sports Club: The Club held a Murder Mystery evening on Saturday February 29 in the Mountbatten Hall, an excellent evenings entertainment with Cheese and Wine. This was very well attended and raised £1500.00 which was match funded by HSBC to the value of another £1000.00. This will go into the Development fund towards the new Club House and the future of the Club. Thank you to all who joined in for your support.

Molash

Correspondent: Geoff Jenkins, Kings View, Shottenden Lane, Molash, CT4 8EZ Tel: 01233 740598 geoffjenkins195@gmail.com Curry Feast: The Garden Society held it annual Big Curry Night recently in the Village hall . Members present enjoyed a variety of curries together with rice and other accompaniment’s beautifully cooked by the Spice of Bengal. A range of quizzes, some silly, tested diner’s who also enjoyed a raffle for fabulous prize’s Church Service: Next Service at St. Peter’s - Holy Communion (BCP) 9.30am, Sunday March 8. Officiant: Can Brian Chalmers

Water: Low water pressure experienced by residents in Shottenden Lane was reported to the appropriate authority on February 27 and rectified the day after. It was caused by a substantial underground leak near to Flemings

Monks Horton

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Newchurch

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

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Newenden

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

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

Pluckley

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Rolvenden

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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

Tel: 01233 502440 j.donovan230@btinternet. com

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Shadoxhurst

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Coffee Morning: Monday March 9, 10am, at Shadoxhurst Methodist Church, in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Smallhythe

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Smallhythe Place NT: Smallhythe Place is now open for the season until the autumn Wednesday-Sunday (not open Mon/Tues). Smallhythe Place National Trust House, Garden &

Tea Room, former home of Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry. 16th century cottage with its beautiful gardens and unique Barn Theatre radiates the spirit and history of Ellen’s life. Discover this hidden gem in the Kent countryside. Open 11am-5pm (tea room 11am-4.30pm). Many theatre performances, displays and exhibitions

Smarden

Correspondent: Eleanor Bliss Tel: 01233 770082 eleanorbliss1@gmail.com Lent Lunches: St Michaels Guild have organised a series of Lent Lunches in

houses around the village. No need to book. Just turn up on the day and bring your friends. A selection of soups are served, 12.30-2pm. Cost £4 per person. All the money raised goes to the Pilgrims Hospice. Friday March 6 at The Old School House. March 12 at Brenton House, Pluckley Road. March 20 at Haffenden Quarter Farmhouse. More details in the March Parish Magazine.

Monday Drop in : The Smarden Good Neighbours Scheme offers a Coffee and Chat session, Mondays in The Charter Hall, 9.3011.30am. Also available is a Gentle Guided Walk, involving a short stroll around the village or along local footpaths. The group leaves the hall at 10.15am, returning there for coffee afterwards. All welcome.

All about submarines: Smarden WI are having an Open Meeting, Thursday March 12. 7.30pm, in The Charter Hall. Commander Martin Moore will be giving an illustrated presentation entitled ‘Submarines in my life’.

Change your books: The Library van will make its next visit, Tuesday March 10, stopping at The Flying Horse Car Park 3.35-4.05pm. It will then move to The Charter Hall Car Park , 4.20-4.50pm.

PARISH COUNCIL River Beult talks: March 18, 7pm,, at the Charter Hall, there will be an evening of short, informative talks to explore the connections between the River Beult, how it benefits us and how climate change might impact this relationship. Members of the Beult Catchment Partnership will introduce some of the work happening in the catchment and how you can help support a healthy environment through small actions in gardens and landscapes, villages and towns. The event is free to attend and open to all. http://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-beultin-a-changing-climate-tickets-96074179457. Speakers include:Kathi Bauer, South East Rivers Trust; Mark Pritchard, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership; Andrea Griffiths, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership; Maureen Rainy/Rory Harding, Kent Wildlife Trust

Post Office Services : All the usual Post Office facilities are available in The Charter Hall Hop Pocket on Tuesdays 12.30-2.30pm; and again on Fridays 2-4pm.

Mama Mia Night : Everyone is invited to a Mama Mia Night at The Charter Hall, Saturday March 21,7.30-11pm to raise money for Breast Cancer Kent and the South East London Breast Cancer Trust.Cheap bar and bring your own nibbles. A Tribute act is booked to join in the fun. Please help support two charities that make a big difference to those living with a diagnosis of breast cancer https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/south-east-londonbreast-cancer-trust

Afternoon Club Meeting: Come along to the Charter Hall, Friday March 6, 2pm, to hear Nick Marden give a talk about Preparing for Royal Visits. The Afternoon Club is supported by the Good Neighbours Scheme, and is open to all over 50s. Membership is £10 per year.

PARISH COUNCIL Shared Ownership Housing : Moat Housing will be marketing the shared ownership properties that are being developed on the site at The Street in Smarden. They are keen to offer as many as possible to people with a connection to Smarden and the surrounding villages. They have therefore advised that they will advertise the properties stating that, where possible, those with a local connection will receive priority, dependent of course on the applicant fulfilling the usual shared ownership criteria as well. The properties are due for completion at the end of the year, and haven’t been marketed yet, however, they want to give people time to look into the shared ownership scheme to see if they are eligible. The properties will be marketed on the Help to Buy site https://helptobuyagent3. org.uk/ and also on Moat Housing’s own one https:// www.moathomes.co.uk/ . Anyone who is interested MUST register on the Help to Buy site but it is suggested you register on both.

St Michaels

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Wealden Business Group: Wednesday March 11 and every Wed morning, 7am, for business networking breakfast, Little Silver Hotel, St Michaels. Contact 01580 767117 Justin Nelson, Secretary

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 concerning Stone-in-Oxney, please contact the correspondent above.

Stowting

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Stubbs Cross

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Men’s breakfast: A men’s continental style breakfast Saturday March 14, 8am, in the mission hall. Russell will give a talk entitled: social work reflections on a helping profession. Phone Arthur Waters on 01580 761835 for details .

WI: Members meet, Wednesday March 11, 7.30pm, in the mission hall. There will be a practical demonstration of the real CSI and members will be asked to solve a murder following the forensic clues. New members welcome. Details from Mandy Spencer on 01233 501774.

Tenterden

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Churches Together: Friday March 6, 2pm, St Mildred’s Church. World Day of

Prayer. Entitled, Rise. Take Your Mat and Walk, the service has been devised by Christian women in Zimbabwe. Churches Together in Tenterden

Horticultural Society:

Friday March 6, 7pm, St Mildreds Church Hall, Talk. Beginner Orchids, Care and Cultivation by Christine Bartlett. Christine started her private collection of orchids about 12 years ago with just one or two as houseplants. Since then she has progressed to growing orchids in greenhouses and she has grown orchids of many different genres and species. She will have clear pots, potting bark and various Care Cards for sale.All are welcome.

Weald U3A lecture: Friday March 6, 2.30-4pm. St Mildred’s Church Hall. “Food Security a local business making a global impact”. Ross Newham from the Research Centre in East Malling will be highlighting the global food security agenda. Non-members very welcome.

TOWN COUNCIL: Town Council Meetings. Monday March 9, 7pm. Town Hall. Tenterden Town Council, Internal & External Committee Meetings, members of the public welcome

Save the date. Friday May 8, for the VE75 celebrations Tenterden Recreation Ground. The day will conclude with the lighting of the beacon in the evening.

Lent Lunches: Fridays, 12-2pm, organised by the different churches in the town. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy soup, bread and cheese, making a donation, which will go to Christian Aid. The suggested lunch donation is £3.50. Friday March 6, Zion Baptist Church, Fridays 13, 20 & 27 March, St Mildred’s Church Hall, Friday April 3, Zion Baptist Church

WOKAS Open Day: Saturday March 7, 10am-2.15pm, Highbury Hall. The Weald of Kent Art Society Open Day, meet some of the artists who will be demonstrating a broad spectrum of mediums and styles from more traditional figurative to contemporary art and sculpture. Potential artists of all ages will be encouraged to have a go. Entry is free.

Dementia Film Club: Saturday March 7, 2pm, St Michaels Church, showing Roger & Hammerstein’s “State Fair”. The Film Club is run by Tenterden Dementia on the 1st Saturday of the month. Also Memory Cafe every Friday afternoon at St Andrews Parish Centre, and Musical Memories every Tuesday morning in Highbury Hall.

Roller Disco: Saturday March 7, 6-7.30pm, Tenterden Leisure Centre. All abilities welcome, skates and safety gear included. £6.50 per person

Tuesday March 10 & every Tuesday morning, 10.15am, at the bench outside St Andrews Catholic Church, Ashford Road, Walk for approximately 90 minutes. A walk for the more experienced walker in the local countryside. Can include inclines, uneven ground and stiles. Free event, simply turn up and join in. Also every Friday morning, a 60 minute medium paced walk exploring the town and footpaths in the local area. Free, simply turn up and join in, meet Highbury Hall

Homewood Students Present: Wednesday March 11, 7pm. Homewood Students present Le Nuit De L’Espoir at The Sinden Theatre. Tickets: £8 & £5. Throw yourselves back to the 1920’s in America during prohibition. You find yourself in a secret underground club. Welcome to our Speakeasy. In aid of two different charities: Link to Hope and Cancer Research.

History Coffee Morning: Wednesday March 11, 10am12pm. St Mildred’s Church Hall. Tenterden and District Local History Society. Entrance £1.

National Trust Lecture: Thursday March 12, 2.30pm. St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church Road. Lecturer Heather Woodward, ‘Sir Winston Churchill of Chartwell’. The welcome return of Heather Woodward who will talk about the great man at home. Tenterden District National Trust Association Lecture. Visitors welcome

Sport Relief Quiz: Friday March 13, 7pm. Homewood School Sports Hall. £30 per table, £5 a head. A general knowledge quiz for teams of up to 6 people. Presented by Homewood School for the Sport Relief Charity. Tickets via The Sinden Theatre Box Office 01580 763 826 and online from www.ticketsource. co.uk

Coffee Morning Concert: Saturday March 14, 10.30am. Tenterden Unitarian Meeting House. Coffee Morning & Organ Recital. John Wilkins, organist. No charge. Collection for RNLI

Warehorne

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Westwell

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net Coffee morning: Join us in The Wheel Inn , Friday March 6, 10.30am, for coffee and lively conversation. Book club: This month’s book choice is ‘The Lost Man’ by Jane Harper. No invitation is necessary, join us in The Wheel Inn, Tuesday March 10, 11am.

Art group: The Westwell Art Group meets in the parish hall Monday March 16, 1.30pm. All levels of ability

Messy Church: In the parish hall, Sunday March 8, 3.305pm. For children with an accompanying adult: fun, games, crafts, a story, songs and tea. This month’s theme is ‘Spring into the light’. Annual Parish Meeting: We meet in the parish hall, Monday March 23, 7pm, come along to hear what the local clubs and societies have been up to over the last 12 months. The evening opens with refreshments and we hope to have a guest speaker to give a talk on local wines. Residents Association

AGM: The AGM of the Sandyhurst Lane Residents Association will be held, Wednesday March 25, 7.15pm in Sandyacres. New and existing members will be very welcome. The meeting is an opportunity to meet neighbours and local councillors, hear about current issues and have your say on local issues.

Willesborough / Newtown

Tel: 01233 502440 j.donovan230@btinternet. com

If you have an item concerning Willesborough / Newtown, please contact the correspondent above.

Wittersham

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

Horticultural Society: Coffee Morning and talk. Saturday March 7, 10am-12pm, in the Village Hall. New members always welcome.

Sports Club: Quiz Night, Friday March 6, 7pm, £2.00 per person, maximum of 6 per team, The pavilion. Tickets available from Dax in the Village Store. Funds raised go towards improvements in the pavilion and sports ground.

Queen of the May: Saturday May 11, 11am-3.30pm, on the Sports Field.The church are holding a traditional Village May Fair with stalls and displays. The Revd. Judy is looking for potential May Queens, and would like to hear from girls aged between 8-13

Quiz Night: Saturday March 14, 7pm, the village hall, in aid of Ebony Church. Tickets £7 to include a Ploughmans’ Lunch, from the

Revd. Judy or Jean Elliott on 01797 270656, teams of 8 people. Structural work was recently completed at Ebony Church, but now there are problems with the ceiling, which is putting pressure on church funds.

Canterbury Choristers: The choirboys of Canterbury Cathedral are visiting St. John’s Church in Wittersham to give a concert. Saturday March 7, 6.30pm. Tickets at the door.

Lent Lunch: Wednesday March 11, 12-2pm, there will be a Lent Lunch in the church, for donations to charity you are given soup and a roll for lunch.

Film Society: Thursday March 5, 7.15pm, a British

Spy drama, Red Joan, starring Judy Dench, based on a true story about nuclear secrets being given to the Russians by a British secretary, is to be shown in the village hall. Entry £4 members and £7 non-members.

Stitch & Chat: Meetings held on the first and third Thursday of the month in the Tower Room of the church, 2-4 pm.. Next meeting Thursday March 5. Everyone welcome.

Woodchurch

Correspondent: Peter and Sandra Marmara, 122 Front Road, Woodchurch Tel: 01233 860603 spmarmara@btinternet.com Darby and Joan: Meet 2pm in the Memorial Hall, Friday March 6. £1 includes a game of Bingo, a quiz and light refreshments. Details from Joyce on 01233 860427.

Patients’ Participation Group: The next meeting Monday March 9, 6pm, in the Bonny Cravat when the speaker will be David Perridge who will talk about Positive Psychology. 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: The speaker will be Emma Batten who will talk about her journey as a self-published author. March 10, 7.15pm, in the Memorial Hall.

Film Society: Showing in the Memorial Hall, Friday March 13, 7pm, is “Red Joan” (Cert. 12A). Joan Stanley is a widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs when, shockingly, the British Secret Service places her under arrest. The charge, providing classified, scientific information, including details on the building of the atomic bomb, to the Soviet Government for decades. Admission £4.50 for members, £5 for non-members. Hot and cold drinks plus home-made cakes for sale during the interval. Sorry, no unaccompanied children admitted.

All Day Breakfast: In the Memorial Hall, Saturday March 21, 8.30am-1.30pm. Tickets £6 available from Townland Stores or Woodchurch Hub. This is a fundraiser for the Hall kitchen refurbishment so please do come along.

Wye

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Woodchurch Wagon: outing to Whitstable, Friday March 13, leaving at 10am. All seats are free for Wye residents, but they must be pre-booked. Call 07934 129 123 for details and to book your seat Footpaths Preservation Society: AGM plus guest speaker Chris Wade on the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Monday March 9, 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall.

Lent Lunches: Join us for a simple lunch at the Methodist Church Hall supported by all the local churches. Everyone is welcome. Fridays March 6,13,20,27 and April

6 , 12.30pm. Donations will go to Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).