What’s happening where you live...
she had received some positive feedback about the effectiveness of a police presence in the parish recently. Councillors agreed and thanked PCSO Maybank for all the work he was putting into the parish. The clerk reported that KALC had arranged another opportunity to purchase defibrillators in January. There are four different defibrillator systems available for purchase; the clerk recommended that as Cllr Clark was attending the KALC AGM on 21/11 where there would be information on individual systems available, that councillors seek her recommendation thereafter. Cllr Friend informed councillors of the concerns of parents with young children attending the preschool at the village hall and the difficulties and potential dangers in crossing Gravelly Bottom Road safely, due to the cars parked by parents from the primary school. She had made inquiries at KCC regarding the possibility of a pedestrian crossing but had been informed that as there had been no serious accidents or fatalities, KCC would not even consider the implementation of a crossing. The parish council would seek a meeting with county Cllr Jenny Whittle to see if there are any alternative options. Kingswood Pre-school: It was brought to the council’s attention that the pre-school was struggling financially, in part due to only being able to operate four mornings a week. It was agreed it could use the hall from January for five mornings a week, term time, but would need to demonstrate that it is viable by providing a business plan. The clerk would arrange a meeting for all concerned. Next meeting: The December meeting has been cancelled. The next full meeting of the parish council will be on Monday, January 18. 27 from 6.30-10.30pm at Yalding Village Hall. Money raised will be donated to the Heart of Kent Hospice. There will be a wide variety of pamper and beauty treatments available, along with cake, a bar, gift stalls, a raffle and much more. Entry is £2 only. Details from Rachel Curley on 01622 814159. Kids support crossing: The village school children walked or ran around the school field in order to raise money towards funding crossing improvements outside the school. Some of the older children completed more than five miles. Behaviour was impressive throughout the event and sponsorship money collected has already reached £650, well on the way to the £1,000 target. Well done children! WI news: The WI craft fair, held last month, realised a profit of £557; a successful day! Winners of the competition for something from the East at the November meeting was won by Jill Smith, with Marion Brightman second and Kathleen Neate third. Members and visitors are all welcome to the monthly craft afternoon held at Little Venice on Tuesday November 24 from 2-4pm. Market days: Yalding Farmers’ Market takes place in the High Street on Saturday November 21 from 10am-1pm. The refreshment and cake stall this month will benefit the Friends of Yalding Surgery. Following that, on Saturday December 5 from 4.45-8pm, the magical Yuletide Market will take place in Yalding High Street. In addition, musical events, refreshments and stalls will be inside the church throughout the evening. Correspondent: Jenny Cosgrove Tel: 01622 630462 jenny.cosgrove@ hotmail. co.uk Welly walk 2015: This will be held on Sunday, November 29 from 9am-3pm at the showground. The Welly Walk, in association with Maidstone Riverside Rotary, promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family. Explore the footpaths of the North Downs Way on the five or six mile circular route before returning to Kent Showground for delicious refreshments and family-friendly entertainment, in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. Every child who completes the treasure trail during the walk will receive a treat from our treasure chest and prizes will be awarded for the best dressed wellies! The child and adult who receive the most sponsorship in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice will also receive a prize! Prices: Adult £7, child (under 18): £3 family of four (two adults, two children) £18; family of five (2+3) £21. Visit www.hokh. org/events/detail/the-winterwelly-walk or phone 01622 790195 Correspondent: Mike Brine Tel: 01732 845825 mbriney.yoda@ hotmail.com Cleaning up: The last churchyard clean-up for this year will take place on Saturday, November 28 from 9am-noon. All invited to help by bringing tools, especially leaf rakes. Refreshments will be provided but it would help to let Dave Stevens know, either by phone on 01622 717492 or by email to david.stevens30@talktalk.net that you are coming to help with catering. He is also seeking a volunteer to take over the arrangement of such events from next year and would be happy to explain the procedures involved. Quiz night: The next Kilnbarn quiz will be held on Sunday, November 29 at 8pm. Teams of up to eight, £2 per head. There will also be a meat raffle. Party night: The Heart of Kent Hospice will be holding a Christmas Party Night on Friday, November 27 at the community centre, Kilnbarn Road, with Chicory Tip. Tickets cost £12.50 and must be purchased in advance, over 18s only. There will be a fully licensed bar but take your own snacks. To book call 01622 790195. Council date: The planning committee meets at the community centre on Monday, November 23 at 7.30pm. A meeting of the open spaces and amenities committee will follow afterwards. Residents are welcome to attend. Staff wanted: The parish council is looking for cleaning and caretaking staff for evening and weekend shifts and possible weekday cover. Experienced bar staff are also required. Contact the parish office on 01732 844749. Correspondent: Martin Hider Tel: 01622 736327 mhider5@ gmail.com Craft Fair: A Christmas Craft Fair will take place at the community centre on Sunday November 22 from 10am-4pm. There will be an exciting range of craft and gift stalls with gift ideas for Christmas or for you to treat yourself. There will also be a pottery painting workshop with an opportunity to have children’s foot or hand prints on ceramic items as well as painting your own designs. Refreshments and light lunches. Free parking. Bazaar: A Church Bazaar will take place at the community centre on Saturday November 28 from 2pm-4pm. Christmas gifts, cakes, preserves, tombola, stocking fillers, refreshments and a grand raffle. Proceeds donated to the charities supported by the church parish. RSPB outing: The local group of the RSPB will go on an outdoor field trip to Clowes Wood and Swalecliffe Beach on Saturday November 21. For details phone Simon on 07783 354337. Bazaar: Maidstone Mencap will hold a Christmas Bazaar at Cobtree Hall (School Lane entrance off Willington Street) on Saturday November 28 at 2pm. Gifts, games, crafts, tombola, raffles, face painting, refreshments and lots more not forgetting Father Christmas and his elves of course and even reindeer food. For information phone Rita on 07790 643218.