COMMUNITY NEWS

Aldington

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

Quiz night: The Walnut Tree, Sunday October 27, 7.30pm to raise funds for Friends of William Harvey Hospital. To book a table call 01233 720298. £2pp, prizes, raffle and full bar.

WI meeting: The Aldington Women’s Institute meet on the third Monday of each month, 7.30pm, at the Walnut Tree.

Gardening top prize: The Gardening Club has been awarded first prize and £50 in a centennial anniversary inter club challenge. The club was represented by Laurence Tobitt, Judy Older, Paula Tobitt and Colin Evans.

Appledore

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

Village Show: Saturday’s Village Show was a colourful collection of vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants, models, photos, bakes, pots of delicious substances and handicraft of all different kinds. There was a well stocked tombola with some prices worth over £100 and refreshments that were so tasty and varied that it was very difficult to choose what to eat. There were 51 exhibitors and 176 exhibits. Rev Lindsey Hammond, a previous vicar in Appledore, presented the prizes to the winners.

Graham Selmes won the Society Cup for the most points in the vegetable classes, the Cornelius Plate for the best runner beans and the Patricia Roe Cup for the best exhibit in the whole show for his trug of vegetables. Huw Jenkins won the Barcol Cup for the best handicraft with his two sides games board and the Hammond Cup for the best new exhibitor. Tessa Knight won the Trevor Gough Cup for the best dahlias and Vicky Sargent won the Owen Cup for the best miniature flower arrangement. Ruth Smith won the Fruit Cup for the most points in the fruit classes and Donna Clifton won the Cookery Spoon for the most points in the cookery classes. Julie Wooding won the Appledore Cup for the best flower arrangement and Wendy Selmes won the S.P. Cup for the most points in the flower classes. P.J. Caro won the certificate for the best cookery item with his Cornish Pasty. Daniel Smith won the Best Boy Cup and Skye Boorman won the Best Girl Cup. Jacob Smith won the Calladine Cup for best child exhibit with his flapjacks.

The show requires a lot of work before, during and afterwards so thanks to the show committee, Jo Perkins, Jean Boorman and Ruth Smith and all the other folk who baked cakes before, helped out in the setting up, helped during the show and helped with the clearing up afterwards. Markets and Fairs: Saturday September 21, multimarket featuring arts, crafts, bakes, jewellery and other handmade crafts. Cafe open for breakfast in a roll, lunch and other refreshments. Market open 12-4pm. Admission free. Sunday September 22, 10am4pm, antiques and collectors fair. The cafe will be open serving all day breakfast in a roll and Sunday Roast. To book for the Roast phone, 01580 764395.

Antiques Valuations: Clive Attrell will be in the Village Hall, Friday September 27, 1-4pm, offering free valuations. Free admission.

Curry and Film: Don’t forget to book for our curry and Film night, Friday 27 September. Food served from 7.15pm and the film will follow. The film is The ‘Hundred Foot Journey ‘ starring Helen Curren. Tickets £10 and must be booked in advance from Linda, 758097.

Ashford

Correspondent: Emily Neighbour

Tel: 01233 664673 eaneighbour@gmail.com Ashford Sinfonia: A community based, enthusiastic and friendly orchestra of various abilities from Grade 3 upwards. We meet at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bentley Road, Willesborough TN24 0YR. We are looking for new players, particularly string players, french horn, bassoon, brass, woodwind and percussion. We play classical and popular orchestral music under the baton of our very knowledgeable and helpful conductor. Enquires via email, doreentitmuss@hotmail.co.uk, Secretary or look at the Making Music website where you will find a link to apply. We can also be found on amateurorchestras.org.uk . New members are welcome to join us at 7.15pm. Please bring a music stand as well as your instrument. No audition required, just come along and join in.

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 The Biddenden Horticultural: Wednesday September 25, new village hall when Linda Cooper from Scotney Castle is to give us a talk on the ‘Walled Garden’.

If you would like our events calendar for 2019 contact Lesley Lidgett, 01580 291931 or visit, www.biddendenhorticulturalsociety.co.uk.

Our usual fees for village hall meetings are members

£2, non members £3. Annual membership £5. New members welcome.

Biddenden Bowls Club: Our results for last week were: Friendlies. September 11, Ham Street at home won 6861. September 14, Staplecross away won 69-61.

We have our final friendly match next week, on Saturday September 21, at home to New Romney at 2.30pm. Visit our website, biddendenbowlsclub.org. for further information.

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: The PC met in Brabourne Baptist Church, Monday September 4. After approval of the July minutes, the Open Session was held and matters raised included on-road parking on Woolpack Hill: this will lead to congestion and difficulties for large vehicles when Woolpack Hill is the signed diversion during gas main works. A temporary order banning parking will be sought from KCC.

Matters Arising: The obstruction in Stock Lane has been removed; the request that S106 monies from the Church Road development be used for a community shelter is under consideration by the BC officer; the inspector’s report on registration of Hospital Field as a village green is with KCC to make the final decision on the application; an online newsletter for the two parishes is proposed to keep residents informed of events, PC matters and other items of interest.

Community Led Plan: The outdoor gym on the green at The Warren has been handed over to Brabourne PC and is in regular use. Future projects include a footpath across the green, refreshing the village lamp posts, a community shelter.

Finance: The Financial Report was approved and the PC gave a grant to the Community Led Plan group of 50% of the cost of its insurance premium.

Planning: Two applications had been received. One was supported and the other is still with the Planning Committee. The PC, together with Brabourne PC, will post links to planning applications on to the community Facebook page for a trial period to raise awareness; the links will be for information only so commenting will be off. For the new councillors the way the Planning Committee operates was explained. Neighbourhood Plans: It was suggested that a joint Neighbourhood Plan be produced with Brabourne PC; this will be discussed at the September Brabourne PC meeting, and if agreed an application will be made to the BC to start the process.

Highways: Transport for the South East is holding a drop-in session at Canterbury Christ Church in October and it is hoped that a councillor can attend. The planned closure of Granary Court Road for the gas main works will likely begin at the end of October. Degradation of verges in Pound Lane by heavy vehicles has been reported to KCC.

Reports: The village caretaker scheme is working well. More volunteers are needed for Speedwatch, which carried out sessions over the summer. A presentation on Local Needs Housing will be given at the November meeting. The fireworks event will be held in November on the playing field, following the previous year’s success. A number of events are planned for the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but the Legion will concentrate its efforts on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day in August because this marked the actual end of the war.

The Chairman will attend the wreath-laying ceremony at St Mary’s Church, Brabourne on Remembrance Sunday.

Dates for the meetings in 2020 were agreed. The next meeting of the PC is on Wednesday November 6 in Brabourne Baptist Church; all meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

Meeting point: Brabourne Baptist Church, Thursday September 26, 12pm for lunch. Further details from Cathy 01303 814132.

Gardeners Society: Friday September 27, 7.15pm, village hall, there will be a presentation by Christine Bartlett on ‘The Orchid Hunters’.

There are still a few seats remaining for our visit to Pashley Manor, September

21, you do not have to be a member to come along. For enquiries contact Wendy Sanders, 01303 813 451 or brabournewendy@gmail.com or visit our website.

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

Monday Club: September 30, 7.30pm, the Oak Room. Features a talk about ‘Fire Safety in the Home’, from Officer Debbie Gore of the Fire & Rescue Service.

Contact Kathy, 01233 503596 or Pam, 01303 813478 for details.

Brook

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD

Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Jumble sale: Brook Village Hall, Saturday October 5, 2pm. Please bring any donations to the hall on Friday October 4, 5-7pm.

If you are unable to deliver or need help with larger items contact Christine Finn, 01233 812579. Harvest supper: In aid of St Mary’s Church, village hall, Friday October 11, 7pm. Tickets £10 adults and £5 children. Hot and cold buffet served at 8pm. Bar 7-10.30pm. Tickets available from Carole McCarron, 813916.

Challock

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

Macmillan Coffee Morning: Friday September 27, 9am12pm, Molash Village Hall, Pound Lane, Molash. Join us for coffee, tea and cakes of all flavours. If you would like to bake a cake for this very worthy cause then we will be very happy to accept it. Please call Paul, 01233 740380 for details.

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

Friends of Kingswood: Magical Moths. Led by Claire Ward, Friday September 27, 7-10pm, in the main forest car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. Bring a camera/magnifier/torch to enjoy the delights of moths. Please dress warmly as the forest cools at night. Text 07523 203458 or enquiries@ friendsofkingswood.org. Visit www.friendsofkingswood.org. Pay on the day £4, members and accompanied children free of charge.

Tawny Owls at Twilight - Friday October 4, 7-9pm.

This new event will be led by ornithologist Pete Findley. To see and hear Tawny Owls, meet at the main King’s

Wood car park off White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. Please dress warmly as the forest cools at night and expect to drive/offer lifts along the forest roads. Torches are essential and you may like to bring binoculars. Text 07523 203458 or enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org. Visit www. friendsofkingswood.org. Pay on the day £4, members and accompanied children free of charge.

Dashing Deer - Sunday October 13, 6.30-8.30am. We meet at the lower forest car park, White Hill Road TN25 4AP and enter the forest as the new day dawns to find the deer. The experience can be stunning especially if we keep as quiet as humanly possible. Led by Steve Hanna and will walk several miles. Bring binoculars, a torch, non flashing camera and dress warmly. Text 07523 203458 or enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org. Visit www. friendsofkingswood.org. Pay on the day £4, members and accompanied children free of charge.

Fungi - Facts and Fables - Sunday October 27, 10am1pm. Led by Martin Newcombe, meet at the main forest car park White Hill Road, Challock TN25 4AR. He will impress us with his knowledge, stories and impressive skills of identifying the fungi that we discover in the forest. Please dress for the weather. Text 07523 203458 or enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org. Visit www.friendsofkingswood.org. Pay on the day £4, members and accompanied children free of charge.

Charing

Correspondent: Anita & Dennis Gudge, Sherbourne House, 27 High Street, Charing, TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 714068 drgudge@gmail.com Football: Results: Saturday September 14:

Charing U12’s 1 v New Romney U12’s 6 (Logan). Charing U13’s 4 v Wye U13’s 2 (Tom 2, Josh, Zac). Hawkinge U14’s 3 v Charing U14’s 4 ( Dougie 3, Archie). Hythe Town U 15’s 5 v Charing U 15’s 0. Charing 1 v Folkestone Town 11 (Luke Littlewood-Tribe)

Sunday September 15: Cheriton 6 v Charing Sunday 4 ( Robbie Burn, Rob Marsden, Brett Hamer, James Fraser), Mersham Res 4 v Charing Sunday Res 0, Ashford Ladies 4 v Cray Valley Ladies 0 (OG, Dani Alcani, Yaz Howard, Plus one Other) Fixtures: Saturday September 21:

Charing U7 TBC, Park Farm Rangers v Charing U8 White, Charing U8 Black v Bromley Green, Charing U10 Black v Kennington, Charing U11 White v Biddenden, Charing U11 Black v Kennington, Grasshoppers v Charing U12, Pilgrims v Charing U13, Charing U14 v Biddenden, Charing U15 v Wye, Lenham Wanderers v Charing ko TBC

Sunday September 22:

Lydd Grasshoppers v Charing Sunday 10.30am ko, Charing Sunday Res v Folkestone Utd Res 10.30 am ko, Ashford Ladies v Eastbourne Ladies (FA Cup Qualifying 1st Rnd) To be played at The North School Ashford 2pm ko

Charing Gardeners: Autumn Show Saturday September 21, Parish Hall, 2pm. For details visit www.charinggardeners. org.uk or call 01233713608.

Scarecrow Competition: Saturday September 21, 12.30pm, Charing Church Barn. Scarecrows to be delivered by 12pm, Friday September 20 to the Church Barn. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Entry £2, all profits to Charing Christmas Lights fund. Refreshments available Saturday and cream teas Sunday.

Please Collect scarecrows by 4pm on Sunday.

Southeast in bloom: Charing won three awards in the recent South East in Bloom Competition held in Brighton. Surgery Garden, Cemetery and Village overall. Well done to all involved

PARISH COUNCIL: Charing PC has received planning applications for The Oak to change the use from a vacant A3/A4 use building to 4 two-bedroom residential apartments with associated listed building. Making the Oak a fully residential building. Parishioners may or may not be aware that a community asset was placed on the Oak to afford every opportunity to retain the building as a public house, this still has two years to run. Public meeting, September 19, 7.30pm, Charing parish hall, to seek the views of parishioners and interested parties to help inform the PC in judging.

Tennis Club Quiz: Saturday September 28, 7pm, Charing Pavilion. £5pp, licensed bar, bring your own snacks. Make up a team or come on your own and we will fit you in. For details email trevorm. caseyc@gmail.com

Charing Heath

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

Harvest Tea Party: Wednesday September 25, 3-5pm, Memorial Hall. For more details or help with transport please call 01233 713495 or 756647 or 01622 851773.

Chilham

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100 Plus Club: Winners Friday September 6, £50 Pam Delo, £15 Maureen Smith and £10 Janet Bradley.

Friday September 13, £50 Sandra Lusted, £15 Malc Smith and £10 George Kennedy.

Crundale

Correspondent: Carol Newton, Lamley Cottage, Canterbury Road, Godmersham, CT4 7DR

Mob: 07768 074698 carolnewton84@gmail.com

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Egerton

Correspondent: Heather James

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

Folk Club: Tuesday September 24, 8pm, Barrow House.

Summer gardens: Wednesday September 25, 11am12pm, Rose and Crown. £2pp for coffee and a raffle ticket, all money raised in aid of preschool move.

Film Society: Thursday September 26, 7.30pm, Millennium hall. Fisherman’s Friends will be showing. Contact 01233 756592 for details.

Players Quiz: Saturday September 28, 7.30pm, Millennium hall. Teams of up to six people £5pp. Bring your own refreshments. To book tickets call Elaine 01233 756042.

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

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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

Church Service: Sunday September 22, 10.30am, family worship service at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

The Fun Club for children

3-10 years will meet at the same time.

Sewing Room Sale: Victory Hall, Hamstreet, Saturday October 26, 10am-12pm. Fabric, wools, tapestries, threads, trimmings and craft materials galore, all at bargain prices. This sale raises funds for Canterbury Oast Trust at the Rare Breeds Centre. Contact Margaret 01233 732684.

Christmas Gift Market: Stalls available at the Christmas Gift Market taking place at the Rare Breeds Centre, November 23 and 24. This also raises funds for Canterbury Oast Trust and is organised by Margaret 01233 732684.

Hastingleigh

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High Halden

Correspondent: David Holman

Tel: 01233 850934 david.holman9@btinternet. com

PARISH COUNCIL: The PC met in the Memorial Hall on Monday September 9. Apologies were sent by the borough councillor. The meeting began with a presentation on the Woodchurch Wagon. This is a community well-being initiative supported by Woodchurch PC to provide residents, through their clubs and societies, with better access to transport. It is operated on a not-for-profit basis and run by volunteers, and is available to residents in High Halden. Costs are met by the PC and offset by the hire charges, which vary depending on the journey length, mileage and whether a pool driver is used. The well-received presentation was ended with a tour of the Wagon, which has a lift and can accommodate two wheelchairs.

The Minutes of the August meeting were approved and Matters Arising taken. The Open Session followed and items raised included: an update on the August Life is not an Xbox trip to Morocco; Speedwatch in the village; Precinct 13; the Planning Inspectorate upheld the refusal to build on Church field – this was welcomed and the red ‘No’ signs throughout the village will be taken down. Security: The Community Warden was present and gave an update on recent activity. A security padlock will be provided for the gate by the sports pavilion to allow facilitate deliveries to the rear of nearby properties.

Planning: Cllr Mrs Pickering was elected as Planning Portfolio holder. One planning application was discussed and no objection raised. Finance: Quotes were presented for signs in Jubilee Park, but not accepted on cost grounds; others will be sought. The PC HHVEC account will be closed, now that the Committee has its own account; all funds have been transferred to the latter account. The Financial report was approved; finances are in accordance with the budget. The PC is looking into costs of moving the website to another host, to refresh the website and ensure compliance with GDPR and the new website accessibility requirements; the likely host is Hugo Fox, which offers a template free of charge for use by PC’s. Costs will be obtained for a Speed Indicator Device, to roll-out Speedwatch in the village; it was noted that volunteers will be needed who will have to undergo training and sites must be risk-assessed by the Police. Highways: Remedial drainage works have been carried out on Church Hill but it is not known if they have been effective. The village sign missing from outside Foxhills has been recovered by KCC Highways; it is not know when it will be put back.

The next PC meeting will be held on Monday October 14, 7pm, Memorial Hall. All meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

School Open Days: High Halden CE Primary School will be holding a series of open days for prospective parents of children due to start school in September 2020.

Our planned dates for these open days this year are as follows: September 23, October 8, October 14, October 31, November 5, November 22 and December 9.

Tours of the school on these days are by appointment only; appointments can be booked by telephoning the school office on 01233 850285 or by emailing, office@highhalden.kent.sch.uk.

Brews News: The Brews continued their good start to the season with an impressive

4-2 victory over previously unbeaten Bromley Green. After a fairly even half an hour, it was the Green that struck first, but two goals in five minutes, one from

Ben Squires-Quinn and one from Gary Clarke, gave the Brews a 2-1 lead at half time. Straight after the restart, Squires-Quinn grabbed his second of the game, but the visitors responded immediately to make it 3-2. The Brews then had to soak up a lot of pressure as the Green went in search of the equaliser, but with five minutes to go, Frank Godfrey secured the points for the Brews, netting the fourth.

This Sunday the Brews welcome Tonbridge side, Simla, to Hopes Grove in the first round of the Kent Premier Cup. 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

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Kenardington

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

Macmillan coffee morning: Kenardington village hall for coffee and cake, Friday September 27, 10am-2pm.

Kennington

Correspondent: Sandra

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

Coffee Morning: Friends of

St. Mary’s, Saturday September 21, 10.30am, WI Hall, 228 Faversham Road, TN24 9LU. Hot bacon rolls will be served. Stalls and raffle, coffee and biscuits.

Macmillan Coffee Morning: Friday, September 2, 10am-12pm, hosted by Rev Bonnie Appleton at Elm Tree Cottage, Church Road, phone 01233 646402. Proceeds go to Macmillan nurses.

Slimming World: Thursdays, 5.30-7.30pm, Downs View Infant School, Ball Lane. Contact Angie 07887 763193.

Harvest Thanksgiving: Sunday September 29. Tins and packets of food will be received at 8am and 10am services at St Mary’s Church. These will be distributed to local charities. Volunteers for packing food parcels are required on Monday September 30, 9.30am in Church.

Harvest Meal: ‘Bring and Share Lunch’, Sunday September 29, St Mary’s Church Hall.

On that Sunday post service coffee will be served in the circulation area.

For more information about the lunch, please contact the Church office, 01233 664820 or phil.sibbald@ashfordchurches.co.uk.

Quiz night: Friday October 4, 7.30pm, Downs View Infant School, Ball Lane. £4pp, teams up to 8 (over 18s only). Bring your own food and drinks.

For information or to book, contact 01233 632339 or friendsofdownsview@gmail.com. All proceeds go towards Friends of Downs View fundraising for the school.

Walk-in Flu Clinics: 8.30am12pm, Saturdays October 5 and October 12 for over

65s only at New Hayesbank surgery. Two further clinics for adults and children at risk will be held on the following Saturdays.

Coffee, Cake and Prayer: 10am, Saturday October 5, St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road TN24 9LH.

Harvest Celebration: Sunday October 6, 10.30am, parish Church. A bring and share lunch will follow the service. Contact Mandy Spencer,

01233 501774 if you are coming and give an indication of what you will bring to the lunch. Bring your own crockery and cutlery.

Defibrillator: A restored

1930s phone box has been fitted with a lifesaving defibrillator and bookshelves in the Steeds Lane, Stumble Lane and Bond Lane area. The phone box was purchased from BT by the parish Council and has been restored and fitted with a defibrillator and bookshelves so that residents can swap books.

The parish council purchased the defibrillator from the British Heart Foundation and it is available 24/7 should it ever be needed. As part of the project the PC will organise free CPR training for residents. 41 residents have already attended the first training session.

Little Chart

Correspondent: Kaye Sowden Mob: 07753 802814 kayesowden@yahoo.co.uk

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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 geoff.jenkins195@btinternet. com

Church: Morning Worship, 9.30am, Sunday September 22. This Service will be Lay-Led with Gerry and John Willis. Readers Janet Bullock and Bob Evans Correspondent: Michael Barclay, Frostland Farm, Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DZ Mob: 07792 721312 Tel: 01303 872376 m-barclay2010@hotmail. co.uk

Art in Romney Marsh: begin a 4 week programme of displaying Romey Marsh art in Newchurch, Ivychurch, Old Romney & St Mary in the Marsh churches from Saturday September 21.

There will also be a parade through Newchurch, Sunday September 22, 2.30pm. Displays open 1-5pm, Saturdays and Sundays.

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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Macmillan Coffee Morning: Pivington Pots Macmillan Coffee Morning, Friday September 27, 10am-2pm. There will be lots of cakes and cookies, as well as a plant sale and a popular tombola.

Rolvenden

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Ruckinge

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Correspondent: Nigel Fursdon, 3 Trust Cottages, Moorstock Lane, Sellindge Ashford, TN25 6LB

Mob: 07437948509 nnwfursdon@aol.com

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Sevington

Correspondent: John Donovan, 24 Church Road, Ashford

Tel: 01233 502440

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Shadoxhurst

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Flower club: Meet on the first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm in the village hall. Angela will hold a workshop at the next meeting on October 2.

The club welcomes donations for the sales, raffle and tombola stalls.

Smallhythe

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Afternoon of Music: Saturday September 28, 3pm, St John the Baptist Church, at the end of the month you are invited to an informal afternoon of music performed by Dr Michael Robertson and friends. Entry free, donations to Church funds appreciated. Orchard Day: Saturday September 21, 11am-4pm, Smallhythe Place National Trust, join us as we celebrate Kent’s offering.

Shakespeare: Sunday September 22, 7.30pm. Smallhythe Place National Trust. Much Ado About Nothing. A story full of love, misunderstandings and deception, one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies.

Smarden

Correspondent: Eleanor Bliss Tel: 01233 770082 eleanorbliss1@gmail.com Local History Society: Thursday September 19, The Charter Hall. Smarden resident and recently retired Resident Judge for Maidstone Crown Court and Deputy High Court Judge, Jeremy Carey, will give a talk entitled ‘Law in Action’.

The hall will be open from 6.40pm, the talk will start at 7.30pm. Membership is £10 per year. Visitors are very welcome, £4.

Zion History memories: Paul Brooker is hoping that anyone who has had links with Bethel Chapel or Zion Chapel will contact him with information and photos of the two chapels. He is hoping to put on an exhibition of their history. Perhaps you or your family or friends went to the Sunday School, or other events. Does anyone remember Rev. Bassett and his wife at Bethel? Please email information to brookeratheber@btinternet. com, or post letters in the front door of Zion. Harvest on farm: All Saints Church Biddenden and St Michaels Smarden will be celebrating harvest on October 6, 3pm, Karoben Farm, Bell Lane.

You are invited to arrive from 3pm to see the animals and look around the farm.

The Harvest Service will start at 3.30pm. This will be followed by tea, with games and activities. Please bring donations of food to give to our collection for ‘Catching Lives’, the charity which helps homeless people in Canterbury.

Change your books: The next day for the library van to visit will be on Tuesday September 24.

Gardeners’ Autumn Show: Thursday September 26 in the evening. The closing date for entries is Monday September 23. Entry forms are on the back of the schedule, and completed forms should be placed in the Garden Society Box in St Michaels Church, or handed to Stephanie Atkins.

Zion Harvest Thanksgiving : Harvest Thanksgiving is always a wonderful event at Zion Chapel - a very traditional “old fashioned” harvest with a lovely display of fruit, flowers and vegetables. This year it will be held on Sunday September 29, 6.30pm.

Paul says that over the years they have accumulated a museum of old farming tools, country kitchen equipment, ploughs, hop pockets, stilts and all these items will be on display around the chapel. The lovely Harvest Quilt made by ladies from the village showing local fruits, flowers and vegetables will also be on display. It is a work of art.

Harvest is a time of Thanksgiving - not just for the harvest safely gathered, but for All good gifts around us so Come ye thankful people come.

All are very welcome, bring your family and friends to our Old Fashioned Harvest. There will be a free Harvest Supper afterwards.

For further information contact Paul and Sue Brooker 01233 770231 or brookeratheber@btinternet.com

Post Office Outreach: A reminder that the interim Post Office comes to Smarden Charter Hall, Tuesdays, 12.302.30pm, and Fridays, 2-4pm.

Hi Kent visit: Monday October 7, 10.15am will be the next opportunity that hearing aid users have to come along and get batteries changed. No appointments needed.

Smarden Christmas Fair:

The Charter Hall, Saturday October 26, 10am-2.30pm. There will be 20 charity and trade stalls, giving you the chance to buy cards, gifts, crafts, artwork and stocking fillers galore.

St Michaels

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk

The Rockits Tour: Thursday 26 September, 7pm, Little Silver Hotel, St Michaels. The Ruby Choir will perform a variety of hit songs from charts and musicals, also a fabulous ‘Think Pink’ fashion parade by Cashara Ladies Fashions, Tickets £5. The Think Pink Weald Tour is raising money for Breast Cancer.

Stanhope, Ashford

Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent, 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, please contact the correspondent above.

Stowting

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

Stubbs Cross

Correspondent: Daisy Cumming

Tel: 01233 635491 daisycumming@gmail.com Coffee time: Wednesday,September 25, mission hall, 10-11.30am, in aid of Kent Air Ambulance. It will include a raffle, book stall, bric-a-brac table and used clothes rail. Free admission.

Art exhibition: Featuring the work of David East and friends, Saturday September 28 - Monday September 30, 10am-4pm in the mission hall. Free admission.

Tenterden

Correspondent: Sue Ferguson sue@mytenterden.co.uk Tenterden U3A Meeting: Thursday September 19, 2pm, St Mildreds Church Hall, Church Road, monthly meeting and talk Captain Francis Crozier by Michael Smith

Men’s Breakfast: Saturday September 21, 8.30am Zion Baptist Church, breakfast and talk by Gehad Homsey from the Mercy Ships Charity.

Contact Chris Cheesman, 764976 or chris@the cheesmans.plus.com.

Free Lipreading Classes: Friday September 20, 2.303.30pm, Tenterden Social

Hub, Church Road, lipreading classes run by deaf charity Hi Kent for people living with hearing loss and wanting to improve their communication skills. Spaces available.

Tenterden Footpaths Group: September 22, 2pm Station Road Coach Park for a walk to St Michaels.

Public Consultation: Wednesday September 25, 5-7pm, St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church Road. Churchill Retirement Living invite you to a public consultation event to view the proposed plans for a high quality, purpose-built retirement development on land at Smallhythe Road, Tenterden TN30 7LN.

TOWN COUNCIL: Cinema: A full building feasibility study, estimated to cost £26,000, is being commissioned into The Pebbles in the High Street, which has been identified as the site for a new two-screen digital cinema and café Skatepark: a budget of £5,400 was agreed for specialist designers Canvas to produce detailed concept, design development recommendations and pre-construction

Thursday September 19, 7pm in The Wheel Inn. Entry £2 per head, teams of up to 6.

For more information contact 01233 712223 or info@thewheelinnwestwell.uk.

Church service: There will not be a service at St Mary’s Church on Sunday September 29.

There will be a Benefice Harvest Service at St Margaret’s Church, Hothfield at 10.30am. Harvest will be celebrated at St Mary’s, Sunday October 20 at 11am.

Willesborough / Newtown

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

Wittersham

Correspondent: Jennifer Maynard, 4a Swan Street, Wittersham, TN30 7PH

Tel: 01797 270804 jennifermaynard55@gmail. com

Oxney Local History: Tuesday September 24, 7.30pm in the Club Room the AGM will be held, followed by a talk from Charles Boxer about Woodchurch Village Museum.

Harvest Scarecrows: Some scarecrows have been registered with the Rectory. Please let the Revd. Judy know if you are making a scarecrow to show outside your garden so that it can go on the map. A small donation to the servery fund will secure you a number, which you display with the title of your scarecrow.

Get him/her up before Monday September 23. Voting, September 28.

Cancer Research: Jean

Elliott is walking the London Marathon route for Cancer Research, Saturday September 21.

To sponsor her, call 270656.

Harvest Festival: Saturday September 28, 7pm, Harvest Supper and the Marsh Warblers, in the Village Hall. Tickets £6 available from the Revd. Judy 01797 270227. Book your ticket now so catering can be planned.

Sunday September 29,

10.30am Harvest Service in Church will have guest speaker Neil Davy, from his local Olive Farm, to tell us about his work as a producer. Correspondent: Peter and Sandra Marmara, 122 Front Road, Woodchurch

Tel: 01233 860603 spmarmara@btinternet.com Macmillan Coffee Morning: Pop In Centre in Lower Road (next to the Scout and Guide Community Centre), Saturday September 2, 10.30am-1pm. Refreshments, home made cakes and a grand raffle.

Woodchurch Yard Together: The next volunteer gardening weekend to tidy up the churchyard is on Saturday September 21-Sunday September 22, 10am-3pm in the churchyard.

Pop along for a few minutes or longer to be curious and hopefully help with gardening tasks.

To find out more and/or to register your interest in volunteering, contact Philippa, 07774608281 or philippa.nick@ btinternet.com

Julian West: Saturday September 21, 6pm in the memorial hall, join us to celebrate Julian West being awarded the British Empire Medal. An evening for friends and family to say a special Thank you for all Julian has done for our village. A fun filled night with a few surprises thrown in. Small food buffet and licensed bar.

Tickets £5 for adults to cover costs, any excess proceeds go to the Woodchurch Scout Group.

Tickets from Woodchurch

Hub or julianwestcelebration@yahoo.com or Annabell, 07956972711.

Morris Men: Sunday September 22, Woodchurch Morris Men will be performing at the Woodchurch Autumn Equinox on the green all day.

Visit, www.woodchurchmorrismen.co.uk

5/10 Mile Run: Sunday September 22, 10am starting at the green. Open to runners of all abilities from novices to experienced athletes. Runners can choose either the ten mile or five mile run. There will also be a one mile junior race for the family to get involved. Bespoke medals and goodies for all finishers. The event is a fund raiser for Woodchurch primary school.

If you would rather not run, but would like to help marshal the course or help at registration, bag handling or refreshments, contact Ben Hebblethwaite, 07967817327 or Jo Furneaux, 07961978068.

Parish Council Meeting: Thursday September 26, 7pm, the Memorial Hall annex.

Cornish Film Evening: Saturday October 12, Woodchurch Film Society invites you to join them in the Memorial Hall for a Cornish Film Evening with a freshly cooked Fish and Chip supper. Tea/Coffee included. Bar with Wine, Beer and soft drinks available.

The film will be ‘Fisherman’s Friends’ (Cert 12A). A chance encounter with a record company executive results in a life changing offer for a group of Cornish fishermen in this hilarious and heart-warming British comedy based on a true story. Starring Daniel Mays, David Hayman, James Purefoy, Dave Johns, Sam Swainsbury, Noel Clarke, and Tuppence Middleton. Admission by pre-purchased ticket only - £14 for members and £15 for non-members - purchased before Monday October 7 from Woodchurch Hub on 01233 861381 or from Christine on 01580 761473. Doors open at 6.30pm. Sorry, no unaccompanied children admitted.

Women’s Institute: The inspirational, zany, pink-haired speaker for the September meeting was Dianne Gallon, who told us movingly about her life with Alzheimer’s and the adaptations she has made to meet the challenges imposed on her and her family’s life.

Proudly she told us that she is now an Alzheimer’s & Dementia Ambassador and, as a sufferer of this insidious disease, she was able to give a very accurate portrayal of how life has changed for her. She apologised for having written her tale down so that she could read it out fluently to us.

Dianne has participated in a medical research trial at Guildford and she said she would be keen to take part in any future trials in an effort to conquer this tragic disease once and for all, if not for herself, then for others.

She has developed various strategies to cope with Alzheimer’s. She follows a simple, daily routine to deal with the housework and tries to accept that even small tasks might take a bit longer. A safe, familiar environment is important and she likes to do jigsaws with an appealing picture to hold her attention and to keep her brain active. Singing and listening to music and the radio are also helpful and other people wearing brightly coloured name badges at any group situation helps her enormously. It is also essential to have an active sense of humour for those times when things don’t go so well.

She added that three mottos/ sayings have sustained her through difficult times: “Help someone else before you help yourself”, “Live for and in the Moment” and “Be safe, be well, be happy”.

It was clear that her positive attitude has really helped her to cope with the vagaries of the disease and it must be uplifting for fellow sufferers to hear her story.

Wye

Correspondent: Jane Burnham, 13 The Close, Wye, TN25 5BD Tel: 01233 812042 ja.burnham@btinternet.com Autumn Coffee Morning: In the Church Saturday October 19, 9.30am-12pm.

Should you have donations for any of the stalls, please contact Nick Russell, 01233 812661.