COMMUNITY NEWS

Aldington

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

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Appledore

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

Update on the Auction.

Due to a printing error, the posters for this event omitted information about the recipients of the funds raised. The money will be divided between Pilgrims’ Hospice and the Church.

The Church funds will be used to pay off the bill for the new toilet and boiler. This omission has led to some people threatening to boycott the event as they have no wish to fund the religious life of Appledore community. However, we now know that the money is being spent on the fabric of the Church building, to ensure it remains open as a historic building. So if you support historical buildings and end of life care, please send promises to Donna and also attend on Saturday March 28 in the Village Hall. Tickets are available from Donna on 758256 and cost £5 each, which includes a bowl of chilli or chicken chausseur.

Appledore Power Cut: Last Tuesday, much of Appledore found itself without power. As Appledore has no gas, many homes are fully electric. The problem was an overhead cable in the village. Power started to be restored from 6pm onwards, but some homes had to wait till gone 11pm. To ease some of the difficulties, UK Power sent a support vehicle.

These provide hot water and meals, a microwave to heat your own meal, WiFi and charging stations. It is gratifying to know that some help was available to the people in the village, who must have been quite cold and miserable by then.

New printer needed: The Parish Magazine needs a new printer. The old printer broke down in December and the Christmas edition of the magazine had to be printed by outside printers at considerable cost. It is essential a new printer is now bought. Appledore Parish Magazine is free to all the homes in Appledore. Without help to buy a printer, there is a possibility that we may have to start paying. Donations, small or large, should be sent to the Maureen at Oak House (the house next to the Village Hall). Cheques should be made out to Appledore Parish Magazine.

Ashford

Correspondent: Emily Neighbour Tel: 01233 664673 eaneighbour@gmail.com Ashford Philatelic Society: 7.30pm, first Monday and the third Wednesday of the month, Friend’s Meeting House, Albert Road. The next meeting is on Wednesday March 18, 7.30pm and John Corderoy will display his philatelic knowledge of Israel. John will have stamps, postal history, first day covers and many personal reflections. Archaeology and History: Ashford Archaeological and Historical Society, Monday March 16, 7.30pm in the Quaker Meeting House, Albert Road, TN24 8NY. The speaker is Dave Parker from the Canterbury Auction Gallery who is describing ‘The Periginations of William Hogarth in North Kent.’ Do come along and find out what periginations are. Visitors £3. Further details from Marion Pont on 01233 820679, trayton.wspont@ btopenworld.com or access our websitewww.ashfordarchhist.org, facebook. com/ashfordarchhist.

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

Biddenden Flower Festival 2020: May 23-25, 10am-5pm daily. ‘Saints and Seasons’, once again the Church will be an explosion of colour, reflecting the Patron Saints and Liturgical seasons of the Church. The Morris men will be performing at the Lych gate on Saturday. The plant marquee will be in the Church yard and the tower will be open daily. Refreshments will be on sale throughout the day and musical interludes. Admission is free.

The Weald of: Kent Computer Club, Wednesday March 18, 7.30pm, New Village Hall Biddenden. We will be looking at the latest version of WPS Office, a creditable and free substitute for Microsoft Office. Membership is £10 per year for 10 meetings, visitors welcome (£2 per meeting). Enquiries to secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk or visit the website or contact Adrian Lidgett 01580 291931.

Bilsington

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Bodsham

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Bonnington

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

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Boughton Aluph

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

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Brabourne and Smeeth

Correspondent: Sue Wood, 14 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell, Ashford Tel: 01233 623902 susanwood@uwclub.net Parish Council meeting: Brabourne PC meets on Monday March 16 at 7.30pm in the village hall. The meeting includes the presentation of the annual 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 PC’s will be held in Brabourne Baptist Church on Wednesday March 25 at 7pm. It is not a PC meeting but an opportunity to hear what the local clubs and organisations have achieved over the last 12 months.

The meeting begins with refreshments, do join us for an interesting and informative evening.

Newspaper collection: Saturday March 14, 9.30am. Please remember we take birthday wrapping paper, birthday cards and any other paper based products and card (hard card preferably like the card used for cereal boxes) as well as any TV guides, newspapers, magazines, books, directories etc. We don’t have much room for large corrugated cardboard boxes, whether they have been flattened or not. Please use small cardboard boxes (like the ones that take reams of photocopier/ printer paper) to put your newspapers in as these are the most efficient way of collecting your papers, are just about the right weight for a Guide or Scout to lift and can go straight from collection vehicle to skip.

All proceeds go towards improving our Scouts and Guide facilities.

Men’s breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast in The Woolpack, Saturday March 14, 8.30am. The speaker will be Raul Dunning from MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). Please 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 and Fun at your local Church in the Stour Downs Parish on our celebration day, Saturday March 14. To include Brass and Glass Tours, explore the glass and brass at all 6 Churches. Then Pimm’s and Hymns at 6.30pm in Smeeth Church to close the celebrations.

Meeting point: Brabourne Baptist Church, Thursday March 19, 12pm for lunch. To book your place, please ring Cathy 01303 814132.

Spring floristry workshop: Come and design a beautiful Spring Arrangement and learn how to make the most of garden foliage. We will also be looking at floral ideas to create at home. A selection of spring flowers will be provided. £25 per person including a donation to St Mary’s Brabourne. To book (and any questions) please email Vicki@jesselfarms.co. 07518 117644.

Gardeners Society: Friday March 27, Spring Show. Staging from 6.30-7.20pm. Entries to Cathy Pearman by Wednesday March 25; please refer to your Year Book for classes, terms and conditions. A lighthearted quiz will take place during judging. We are an active society and always welcome new members or visitors so why not come along and join us? For any enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451, email brabournewendy@gmail. com or visit our website at www.basgs.com.

Pop-up tea room: In aid of the Pilgrim’s Hospice, Saturday March 28, Brabourne Baptist Church, 11am-4pm. If there are any cake bakers out there who would like to donate please let me know: email tannerandsons@ tiscali.co.uk.

Coffee morning: Wednesday March 25, 10.30am-12pm, 48 Mountbatten Way in aid of St Mary’s Church, Smeeth. There will be bring and buy tables for cakes, produce and paperbacks.

PARISH COUNCIL: Smeeth PC met in Brabourne

Baptist Church, Wednesday March 4, Brabourne Baptist Church. The meeting began with approval of the January minutes, followed by the report from Borough Councillor William Howard: The BC still sets the lowest council tax in the county; the aim is to be carbon-neutral by 2030; an extensive programme of tree-planting is planned and free saplings given to parishes; Ashford College is unaffected by West Kent College’s financial problems (part of the same group); Macknade’s Restaurant is now open in Elwick Place and Dansaki will open soon.

Open Session: The War Memorial project is now complete following installation of the hand rail; the primroses and daffodils are in flower.

Matters Arising: Smeeth PC’s saplings will be donated to Brabourne as Smeeth does not own any land. Flytipping has been reported; the BC now has a dedicated enforcement team and will prosecute offenders. The owner of land behind Fortescue Place will be approached by the Rural Housing Enabler (Penstock Hall) re potential use for Local Needs Housing.

The e-newsletter has been well-received and is being published monthly. There is a need to move the PC website to another host because of the new website accessibility negotiations – work is underway to identify the most suitable site. Works to improve disabled access at the Baptist Church have been completed and a letter of thanks sent to the PC for its donation. Potential projects for the PC will be pursued, including village gates.

Finance: Payments were authorised. A request for a contribution for repairs to Scout HQ has been received – a meeting will be arranged between the PC Chairmen and the Scouts and Guides to discuss this request and future funding requirements. The PC offered a contribution towards the costs of the 75th anniversary celebrations of VE Day and VJ Day. The draft Financial Regulations 2019 were adopted. The bank signing mandate will be updated by removal of two former parish councillors.

Planning: Three planning applications were reported; two had been supported by the PC and have now been approved by the BC. There were no objections to the third application. A map outlining the area for inclusion in the parishes’ joint Neighbourhood Plan will be drawn up by the Chairmen and Clerk and submitted to the BC.

Highways: Overgrown hedges in The Ridgeway have been dealt with by the village caretaker. Complaints re overnight parking by HGVs in the layby near the junction with The Ridgeway and the A20 are to be raised with the Joint Transportation Board, with a request that the overnight parking ban in force between Hothfield and Westwell is extended to Smeeth. Details are awaited re major repairs and resurfacing on the A20. Other Business: The caretaker scheme continues to work well and the caretaker’s annual appraisal will be held on March 18. No Speedwatch sessions have been carried out because of illness, bad weather and a lack of volunteers. New committee members are being sought for the Playing Fields Association Committee. The Parish Clerk retires at the end of April; interviews for the post will be held on March 10 and it is hoped the new Clerk will be in place in April for a phased hand-over and will be provided with a laptop. The next meeting is the joint Annual Parish Meeting, in Brabourne Baptist Church, Wednesday March 25, 7pm. The next PC meeting will be held on Wednesday May 13 at 7pm in Brabourne Baptist Church; all meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

Brook

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

Brook Drama Group: presents ‘Never Mind the Butler’ writen by Lou Treleaven on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March, 7pm. Tickets £6 from janetjesson@btinternet.com or Orchard Gate, Brook. tel 01233 812650. Not suitable for young children.

Challock

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

Friends of Kingswood:

Sunday March 15, 2pm, meet at Molash, A252, War Memorial Triangle. Please 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. Spring Forward - Sunday March 29, 2pm. Meet Chilham, A252, public car park.A circular walk via Dane Street into the forest; overlooking the Stour Valley; and returning alongside the castle grounds. Please dress for the weather and car share. Text 07523 203458 or email enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org/ww. friendsofkingswood.org. ay on the dy £4 members and accompanied children free. Quiz Night: Friends of Challock Church, Friday March 13, 7.30pm, Challock Village Hall, £5pp, pay on the night, BYO drinks and nibbles Tables may be pre-booked by phone or text on 07850 509280, or simply turn up on the night.

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

Charing

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com Football : Saturday March 7: RESULTS: Charing U12’s 5 v Park Farm Rangers 0 (Logan Bouchard, Jamie Spicer, Sam Hensing, Benjamin Barr). Charing U15’s 2 v Wye 1 (Ben Wilkinson, Jack Wilkinson). Charing

3 v Tenterden Res 6 (Simon Alland, Matt Gilbert, Adrian Bagshaw). Sunday March 8: RESULTCrawley Wasps DS 3 v Ashford Ladies 0. FIXTURES Saturday March 14: U7’s Away v Mersham, U8’s Black Away v New Romney, U8’s White Home v Tenterden, U10 TBC, U11’s Black TBC, U11’s White Away v Appledore, U12’s Home v Pilgrims, U13’s Away v Hythe, U14’s Away v TSS, U15’s Home v West Farleigh (Double Header), Lenham Wanderers v Charing 2.45pm ko. Sunday March 15, Charing Sunday TBC, Charing Sunday Res TBC, Ashford Ladies v Herne Bay Ladies 2pm ko.

Coffee Morning: Saturday March 28, Charing Church Barn, 10.30am-12.30pm. Raffle, tombola, cake stall. Entrance £1 to include a cup of tea, coffee and biscuits. All profits to ssafa. 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 details please call 01233712154 or 714068.

Board Games: Methodist Church Monday 16th March 2-4pm all welcome

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

Charing Heath

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

Coffee Morning: Thursday March 19, Memorial Hall 11am-12pm

Chilham

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Planning Application: Ashford BC has received a planning application for the erection of a proposed 20 meter telecommunications mast on grass verge opposite Bagham Farmhouse, Canterbury Road. For change of use of land to residential garden space to site static caravan at Glebe Farmhouse, Bowerland Lane.

100 Plus Club: Winners Friday March 6, £50 Roger Parton, £15 Nicky Johnson & £10 Alison Farley-Marsh.

Crundale

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

Egerton

Correspondent: Heather James

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

Parish Assembly: Thursday March 19, 7pm, Millennium hall. Come and meet representatives of the many clubs and societies active within the village.

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 Gardeners’ Association: 7.30pm, Thursday March

19, talk by Richard Goodenough entitled ‘The Garden of England’ the evolution of gardens in Kent.

National Gardens Scheme: Sunday March 29, 1-5pm, Godmersham Park will be open to the public as part of the Open Gardens scheme.

WI Meeting: Godmersham and Crundale WI, Thursday March 26, 7.30pm in the Village Hall, followed by a meeting of the new committee.

Great Chart and Singleton

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

Hamstreet/Snave

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

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

Race Night: To raise funds for Canterbury Oast Trust and supporting Hamstreet resident Edd Debrett, who is running the London Marathon for the charity, 7.30pm, March 28, Victory Hall. This is sure to be great fun, with lots of excitement and laughter. Tickets £6.50 including a Ploughman’s supper and pudding are available now. Due to the Gambling laws they cannot be sold on the door, so buy or reserve your tickets as soon as possible. Many local businesses have sponsored a race or provided prizes for this event, thanks are due to McColls, the Cosy Kettle, Lily’s Tattoos, Angela Hirst, Plurenden Manor Dairy, Saw Joinery, Annings Garage and others too shy to be named. Tickets and information 01233 732684 hanlon1@btinternet.com

Saint Matthews: The services at St Matthew’s Church are as follows: March 15, 9am Holy Communion service. March 22, 6.30pm Evensong, Mothering Sunday.

Syria Appeal: The Coffee Morning for the Syria Appeal raised a stupendous £600, which has been sent to UNICEF. There was a wonderful response, dozens of cakes, a packed Church and a jar full of donations.

Race Night: March 28, raise funds for Edd Debrett, who will be running the London Marathon in support of local charity Canterbury Oast Trust. A Ploughman’s and Puds supper will be served during the evening just to add to the fun of the evening. Tickets cost just £6.50 and are on sale now; gambling laws mean tickets will not be available to buy on the door. Contact 01233 732684.

Church Service: Sunday March 15, 10.30am, celebration of Holy Communion at the Church of the Good Shepherd. The Fun Club for young people aged 3 to 10 yeas will meet at the same time. All children will be welcome.

Hastingleigh

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High Halden

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

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Hinxhill

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

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Hothfield

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

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 Mobile Library: Alternate Saturdays. It will be in Dudley Road from 9.10-9.40am and then in Broadhurst Drive from 9.55-10.25am on Saturday March 14.

Nearly New Sale: 10.30am, Saturday March 14, The Towers School, Faversham Road, TN24 9AL in aid of NCT (National Childbirth Trust).

Easter Egg Bingo: Organised by Friends of St Mary’s, 2pm, Saturday March 14, St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LU. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter with our callers Derek and Margaret.

Drop-in: Mondays 2-4pm, St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, TN24 9LU for tea and a chat.

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 on Wednesdays 18, 25 March and April 1.

Pamper and Shopping: Evening in aid of, and being held at, Downs View Infant School, Friday March 20, 7-10pm. Entry tickets are £3 and include an arrival drink. Tickets are available on the night or in advance from friendsofdownsview@ gmail.com. Treatments available include Massage, Manicure, facials, Reiki and more. Stalls include hand crafted gifts, beauty products, cakes and more.

Early Spring Clean: at Bybrook Nature Reserve, Nine Acres, TN24 9AW, Saturday March 21, 10am-1pm. Come and see around how the reserve is coming along for the spring and hopefully the first signs of the bluebells will be there. All tools provided. Refreshments mid-morning. Bring your own mug.

Ladies’ Coffee Morning: will be at St. Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, TN24 9LU, Saturday March 21, 10am-12pm. All homemade cakes.

Kingsnorth Residents Association believes that the new building developments currently being proposed will have a serious and significant impact on the village of Kingsnorth and surrounding countryside. If you have concerns about how the new builds will impact on you and your way of living and want to get involved, please email kingsnorthresidentsassociation@gmail.com. This is an independent association and membership is free.

Parish magazine: The deadline for the April/May edition is Sunday March 15. Email KandSparishmagazine@hotmail.com.

Crime: The wing mirror of a vehicle was smashed in Colemans Close on February 26 between 6-8.47pm. An orange motor cycle was stolen from a garage in Augustus Walk on March 1 between 10.15-10.40pm. Two male suspects wearing dark clothing were seen driving off in a white Transit van. If you have any information which may be useful to the investigation phone 101.

Café Church: Sunday March 15, parish Church, 10am.

Little Chart

Correspondent: Kaye Sowden Mob: 07753 802814 kayesowden@yahoo.co.uk Spring Flower Show: Saturday April 4, Village Hall. Open to all. Bring your entries 10-11.30am. At 3pm the hall opens for viewing, teas and raffle. Prize giving at around 4pm. For details or a schedule please ring Julie Lilwall on 01233 840174. Schedules will be delivered around the village 2 weeks before show. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at the hall at 3.15pm.

Mersham

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

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Molash

Correspondent: Geoff Jenkins, Kings View, Shottenden Lane, Molash, CT4 8EZ Tel: 01233 740598 geoffjenkins195@gmail.com Kings Wood Friends: Midmarch walk starting from Molash War Memorial, just off the A252, 2pm, Sunday March 15. Dress for the weather and please car share if possible. As always,

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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

Gardening: Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society talk on ‘Sweet peas and how to grow them’, Thursday March 12, 8pm, Aldington village hall.

Newenden

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

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Old Wives Lees

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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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