Bike boost

Girls’ cricket in the county may get a boost after the strenuous efforts of a father and son. Ian Shelly and his nine-yearold son Alistair completed an ambitious cycle along the length of South Downs Way and raised £220 in sponsorship to help Kent Girls Under 11s cricket coach David Sear to extend interest in the game. Mr Shelley said: “We did the Gavin, in his ‘Top of the Plots’ column, recently ran a competition to find the best school garden in the country. While our school did not win, they were given the following fantastic review: ‘I’d also like to compliment another school that stood out from the crowd. Staplehurst Primary School in Kent have had a school gardening club for the last eight years, led by volunteer Christine Ralph. The children take home most of the produce that they grow; but raspberries, peas, mangetout, and sugar snap peas are consumed on the spot, either during or at the end of the Club.’ So, hearty congratulations to Chris and her band of volunteers (note that at the winning school, the garden was organised by the school’s paid staff, no mention of volunteers) and, of course, to the children themselves - who wants to blow raspberries when you can eat them! PARISH COUNCIL: Toilet Door Vandalised: The toilets (male) in Bell Lane have had to be closed temporarily while the door is replaced. The door had been forced open during last weekend, making itimpossible to open and close. The toilet will be reopened as soon as the repairs are made. Unfortunately, for insurance purposes, the matter has been reported to the Police. Correspondent: Eileen Riden Tel: 01622 844953 riden887@ btinternet.com Parish council: The pedestrian entrance to the Memorial Field Car Park has been installed and the parents and children are now much safer. The number of parents using the car park at 3.30pm has reduced due to the head teacher’s decision to allow class R children and their siblings to be collected from the school. Our thanks to Richard Emmett, KCC Highways Manager for his support. The next meeting is on Monday, September 14, in the Village Hall at 7pm. Gardeners’ show: The sun shone on the Sutton Valence Gardeners’ Autumn show last Sunday. The Committee had as usual prepared the Hall and the Gardeners produced the exhibits. Some outstanding vegetables (particularly the carrots)! A beautiful display of autumn flowers and display and the cookery and craft section were well supported. Everyone Correspondent: Ron Stubbs Tel: 01622 726962 Autumn clean: The equivalent of a spring clean many be taking place about now in the village as items for the St Peter and St Paul Jumble Sale are being earmarked by their owners in readiness for the big day on Saturday, September 19. The Village Hall is the venue and selling outside will start at 1pm with the hall doors