AUTUMN UPDATE 2019

Dear residents, CROCKENHILL It has certainly been another busy year for the Parish Council. We have worked hard to ensure that residents have been kept informed of the PARISH COUNCIL latest developments on Sevenoaks District Council’s Local Plan, whilst also working with Dr Susan Pittman in preparing the Parish Council’s Village Hall responses and arguments for the public examination.

Speeding in the village continues to be a concern and following a Stones Cross Road consultation with residents, the Parish Council purchased a Portable Speed Indicator Device (SID). With the proposed developments in Crockenhill Swanley on the horizon, it is more important than ever that we do all we can to continue to make our roads safer. We have also purchased a Village Gateway sign for the end of Goldsel Road – and are hopeful that Kent. BR8 8LT the sign will have the visual impact of warning drivers that they are entering a village and should adjust their speed accordingly.

01322 614674 As a Parish Council, we continue to work in the best interests of villagers and we always welcome your feedback and suggestions. We hope many www.crockenhillpc.org.uk of you will take part in our online survey – details on p6 - and we also [email protected] hope to see more of you at our Parish Council meetings and quarterly surgeries.

Find us on Facebook Rachel Kite, Chair of the Parish Council

CONTENTS

2. Councillors/Planning 3. Our Green Spaces 4. Speeding, Crossings & Road Safety 5. Lorry Watch, Parking Issues & Flytipping 6. Litter! PCSOs 7. Transport Services, Allotments, Orchid news 8. Foot Clinic, Community engagement 9. Youth Club, Community Lunch 10. Village Events 11. Memorial Ball, Crockenhill in Bloom 12. Heritage Room, School, Crockenara 13. So Let’s Go Running, WI, Neighbourhood Watch 14. All Souls Church & Baptist Church 15. Village Hall, RoW Group 16.Cllr Roger Gough’s Report (KCC) 17-18. Cllr Rachel Waterton’s Report (SDC) 19. Village History 20. Useful telephone numbers

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PARISH COUNCILLORS

Parish and District Council elections were held this May and the Parish Council election was uncontested. We welcomed Michael Holmes and Yaci Cook on board and sadly said goodbye to Trevor White in August. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Trevor for his hardwork. Despite not being a resident of the village, Trevor was a very close neighbour and took a keen and active interest in issues affecting Crockenhill and the surrounding areas. We are grateful to have had his input and wish him well in his retirement.

The Casual Vacancy was not filled so we are still looking to co-opt a member to the Parish Council. If you’re interested to hear more about the role, please contact Kirsty, our Parish Clerk. We have lots of ideas and plans in the pipeline so it is an exciting time to get involved! We have launched acommunity consultation on some of the things we are considering, so please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8X7YWW7 to take part. Your views really do matter and we would like to gather your feedback. If you do not have internet access, please contact the Parish Clerk who will be able to send you a paper copy.

Warmest congratulations to Rachel Waterton who was elected as District Councillor for Crockenhill and Well Hill. We are delighted that she is continuing as a Parish Councillor too. This regular contact with Sevenoaks District Council will be a huge asset.

As I mentioned in my introduction, the Parish Council has been busy with many other projects this year. This Newsletter will give you an insight into the varied and exciting life of a Parish Councillor!

I would also like to add that the Parish Council is supported my many wonderful people in this village who are always quick to help – whether it be with maintenance tasks, organising events or helping out with overgrown vegetation! It is impossible to list them all but special thanks to Neil and Sherill Baxter, Dr Susan Pittman, John Mullen, Ruth Fluin-Hardy, Sylvia and Keith Halls, Shirley Abbott and Alan Hayward for your help and support during the year.

I, as I hope you all do, feel very lucky to be part of this community.

Rachel Kite, Chair

PLANNING SEVENOAKS LOCAL PLAN Crockenhill and also the associated policies The Parish Council has continued to monitor and proposals in Swanley which we felt posed and respond to latest developments with an even greater threat to Crockenhill. We regards to Sevenoaks District Council’s Local would like to thank all those villagers who Plan. The plan was produced in response to made representations. We were really central government national housing targets. pleased to see such thorough and considered The Local Plan says what can be built and comments. where up to 2035 and includes proposals for new housing and employment, and In more recent months, Parish Councillors and improvements to retail and infrastructure. Dr Susan Pittman worked together to draft a Once finalised, the new Local Plan will be response to the examination of SDC’s local used to assess planning applications in the plan. A Government planning inspector began Sevenoaks District. the process of conducting a number of public hearing meetings to ascertain whether the Back in January, the Parish Council organised Plan SDC prepared is sound and legally another public meeting to discuss latest compliant. Following the first set of hearing developments in SDC’s proposed submission sessions, the Inspector wrote to SDC version of the Local Plan. Despite it being a informing them that the hearing sessions cold evening we were pleased to welcome scheduled for Weeks 3 and 4 were cancelled. more than 100 local residents. Following the The letter stated ‘In the light of the evidence meeting, we urged residents to make a formal that I have read and heard in the Examination, representation to Sevenoaks District Council including the suggested Main Modifications to to give their views on the proposed sites in the Plan put forward by the Council and others 2 during the Hearings, I have significant concerns about a number of aspects of the We will continue to post updates on our Plan, both in terms of legal compliance and website and on the Parish Council facebook soundness.’ The full letter can be downloaded page so please check regularly. from SDC’s website. It is also available from our website.

Full details of the Local Plan examination can be found online at: https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/localplanexami nation

To view a copy of the Parish Council’s final position statements for the public examination, please see the Planning section of our website. Our special thanks to Dr Pittman who has once again afforded a considerable amount of her time and expertise in helping us More than 100 residents attended the meeting that to prepare our position statements for the the Parish Council convened to discuss the examination process. Submission Version of the Local Plan.

ENFORCEMENTS

As is often the case with Planning infringements, we (and SDC) often rely on local residents to alert us to any infringements. If you have any concerns about local planning issues, please feel free to contact the Clerk who is happy to raise issues with SDC on your behalf.

OUR GREEN SPACES

HARVESTFIELD PARK Sadly, we have had a few incidents at Harvestfield this year, including some deliberate damage to one of the bike ramps which has now been fixed. We have also had a few reports of Quad bikes and anti-social behaviour which resulted in glass bottles being smashed in the play area. There was also some theft and damage at the allotments which was both upsetting and unsettling for allotment holders. If you do witness any anti-social behaviour, please immediately report it to the police on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency. Please also alert the Clerk so she can check that the area is safe.

We have also received reports of people camping at the park. Camping is not allowed and again, we request that you report any activity to 101 and the Parish Clerk. We have no public conveniences at Harvestfield so the health and safety aspect is a concern.

The play area swings were treated last month to prolong their life, and new safety matting will be installed shortly. We are also considering another piece of equipment in the play area so we would welcome your feedback via the online community survey. Other than the relatively few incidents mentioned above, Harvestfield continues to be used by more and more families and we have held a few of our events there this year to encourage families to use it more. It really is a beautiful space and we are very lucky to have it! During one of our regular walkabouts, Parish Councillors identified a number of issues – one being a large amount of rubbish dumped in Harvestfield, at the back of Woodmount. Parish Councillors cleared as much of this as they could on the community clean-up day but there is still work to do here and we will aim to tackle this again at the next community clean-up event. 3

CRICKET MEADOW

Since the demolition of the Cricket Pavilion, the Parish Council is continuing to explore options for the future usage of the Cricket Meadow. It is a wonderful space and we want to make sure that residents continue to use it and get the most from it. Some of the suggestions put forward include a cycling track and regular fun runs. Again, we would welcome your feedback in our online survey.

We are considering making one corner of the Meadow, where the pavilion once stood, in to a nature/wildlife haven. Local resident, Alan Waterton, made some bat boxes which he kindly donated and another resident, Mark Pike, has kindly agreed to help put these up for us.

VILLAGE GREEN

We have had some routine repairs to the village green playground, with some further maintenance work planned for the coming months. We also have some ideas for further improvements, and again we would appreciate your feedback so please do take a few moments to complete our consultation. The fencing around the playground continues to cause issues – it is wooden, aging and needs frequent repairs so we are looking at a more effective long-term solution. The outer perimeter fence has been treated this summer, so hopefully this will prolong its life for a few more years!

In the Spring/early Summer we also hope to make some improvements to the raised bed area on the corner of the village green by Broadway. This is a real focal point for the village so we would like to see it looking its best!

GRASS CUTTING & TREES

Once again our grass cutters did a very good job in ensuring that our open spaces were kept tidy throughout the Summer. The Parish Council commissioned a professional tree report for all trees on Parish Council owned land. This is an insurance requirement but it also helps us with budget setting and planning as the report outlines where we need to focus our efforts and tree maintenance works over the coming months and years. There are a number of trees that need attention and we will initially be seeking quotes for those that are a high priority.

SPEEDING, CROSSINGS & ROAD SAFETY

Council purchased a Speed Indicator Device (SID) which We have also committed to was recently installed. The purchasing a Village SID warns drivers of their Gateway sign which will be speed and also, importantly, installed hopefully towards collects the much-needed the end of this year/early data that we need to next year. You will probably ascertain where the problem have seen the gateways in It is disappointing to report areas are and will help us neighbouring parishes. As that despite all our efforts, focus our efforts in the right well as looking pretty and and despite the fact that the places. adding to the ‘village feel’, centre of our village is now a they are another useful 20mph zone, people We would like to take this device which help with continue to speed. However, opportunity to thank our showing drivers that they are this is not a situation unique County Councillor Roger now entering a village and to us and our neighbouring Gough for the financial should therefore adjust their parishes share similar assistance from his speed accordingly. concerns. Members’ Grant and we continue to work together to You can read more about Following a consultation look at ideas for reducing some of the other Road with residents, the Parish speed through the village. Safety measures in Cllr 4

Waterton’s report. We are the issue of lack of safe we will keep you updated also working with KCC and crossing points. We are with developments. Crockenhill Primary school continuing to work together in trying to find a solution to to explore ALL options and

LORRY WATCH

Lorries along Green Court Road continue to be a problem so Crockenhill established a Lorry Watch scheme last year. It is run by local residents. Community volunteers record details of lorries that are suspected of using unsuitable roads or not sticking to the limits and restrictions. Once the information is collected, it is passed to Kent Police who can find the vehicle’s registered keeper. If the vehicle is ignoring the legal limits and restrictions, the police contact the company and warn them that if they continue it may result in formal action. If there is no limit or restriction but the road is thought unsuitable, Kent County Council will contact the company and advise them to use the Kent Freight Gateway journey planner. Richard Myers, our community Neighbourhood Watch co- ordinator kindly agreed to help establish a team of Lorry Watch Volunteers. Unfortunately, the signs warning lorries that the roads are unsuitable have been repeatedly removed, presumably by frustrated lorry drivers. We continue to monitor the lorries and are considering what other steps we can take.

PARKING ISSUES

In Spring we walked through the village with KCC Highways Officers and Cllr Roger Gough to look at various issues. Problem areas were identified and as a result of that meeting, white lines were reinstated, the white lines by the junction next to the Chequers were moved to improve visibility at that junction and works ordered for various road signs. We also discussed parking issues along Harvest Way (which resulted in redundant lines being removed) and Tylers Green Road (where there are plans for yellow lines to prevent dangerous parking on the bend).

Please note that any issues that you spot on the Highways – potholes, faded lines, overhanging trees etc – can all be reported via the KCC fault tracker online (https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and- travel/report-a-problem). You will receive a reference number which makes it much easier to follow- up on issues.

FLYTIPPING

Flytipping continues to be an issue all across the County. We are also hearing anecdotal reports of an increase in incidents of fly tipping since Kent County Council (KCC) introduced charges at household waste disposal sites. The Parish Council wrote to Michael Fallon MP about the issue, and he responded to say that he has raised our concerns with the KCC Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste. We await further feedback.

Crockenhill Parish Council is also part of a local consortium of Parish Councils who meet periodically to discuss matters of mutual concern and to pool resources where appropriate. Eynsford Parish Council has sent a letter, on behalf of local Parish Councils, calling for the decision to charge to be reversed.

The main reason given for implementing this charge was that it was thought that people from outside the area come to our local household waste sites to dispose of their waste for free. It was suggested in the letter from the consortium that a simple solution for this would have been for the site operators to ask for proof of residency by way of showing the person’s driving licence. This would have identified the driver by the photo and the address on the licence. It was also suggested that if the charge is to remain in place, then the proceeds should be used in the fight to rid the area of the fly tipping problem by way of a multi-pronged campaign including:

1. Education for householders on their responsibility to only use registered waste carriers.

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2. A change of opening hours so that the sites are open when residents and contractors need to use them at the beginning and end of the day. 3. Lifting the restriction on vehicles such as pickup trucks which many people use as a main household vehicle. 4. An increase in the use of CCTV in fly tipping hotspots. 5. Quicker clear up of flytipping incidents, reducing the maximum 10 day target.

If you see fly tipping the following details are invaluable, but you should never put yourself at risk in gathering information. Report to Sevenoaks District Council on 01322 227000, to the Parish office or on KCC’s Country Eye app. • Name and address of person tipping waste if known • Full description of the incident including [precise location and registration number, identifying marks/names/phone numbers • A full description of the waste and whether you actually witnessed it being deposited • Time and date of fly tipping

Please also note that in an effort to make it easier for our residents to dispose of bulky items, we have now organised to have 2-4 bulk waste collections throughout the year. The next one is on Saturday 18th January 7.45-8.45am by the entrance to Harvest Way. Please see our website for details of what can and cannot be disposed of.

LITTER!

The Parish Council employs two part-time particularly those using wheelchairs and Amenities Assistants to keep Harvestfield, the pushchairs who are sometimes having to step Village Green and the Cricket Meadow free of in to the road to avoid the mess. Whilst on this litter. We also have a number of voluntary litter subject, we would also like to remind people to pickers out and about collecting rubbish around consider wheelchair users and pushchairs if the village. parking on the pavements.

The Parish Council would once again like to record its thanks to all those who help, it is very much appreciated. The Parish Council also organised a community litter pick back in the Spring. Thank you to those who came along to join us in the clean-up operation. It was shocking how much we collected in a relatively short space of time and in a relatively small area!

If you would like to volunteer to litter pick part of the village, the Parish Council is happy to provide the necessary equipment.

We have received reports of horse manure on the footways and footpaths. An additional notice has been put up along the footpath that runs alongside Dibsdall Meadow. If you are riding through the village, please have consideration for those using the footpaths,

POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERS

We are currently supported by PCSO Ann Etter. Contact details are at the back of this newsletter, or you can contact them via the Parish Council office. Crockenhill suffers spates of crime and it is

6 important that you report any suspicious or antisocial activity to the Police either 999 (emergencies) or 101 for non-urgent crime.

UK POWER NETWORKS – PRIORITY SERVICE REGISTER

UK Power Networks has a priority service register for anyone of pensionable age, disabled, or with children under 5 years old. If there is a power cut, you receive a priority service which may mean a backup power source or a night in a hotel if it was serious. This is a free service. Simply call 0800 029 4285 or register online at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/GroundWorkSouth After registration call 105 to get a priority service in the event of a power cut.

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SERVICES Sevenoaks District Council has produced a leaflet with some useful contact numbers for older people and people with mobility needs. If you or anyone you know would benefit from this information, please contact the Clerk who can send you a copy.

HARVESTFIELD ALLOTMENT GARDENS

Nature has been kinder this year. Regular rainfall boosted crops, although a changeable Spring had made seed sowing fickle. Early potatoes cropped well, so too onions and beetroot. Runner beans picked endlessly, so too damson and blackberry, and pumpkins and marrows swelled nicely. As ever, rabbits abound but preying buzzards hover promisingly.

Sadly missed will be Lenny Perfect who passed away in July. He grew on a grand scale, giving generously of his crops to neighbours and of his time to help new growers.

Interested in growing your own? If so, then ask Kirsty, the Parish Clerk (01322 614674), if any plots are available. Rents are cheap, our advice freely available, so too seed of valued heritage varieties and, if interested, we also enjoy growing prize-winning irises. John Mullen – Crockenhill Allotment Association, [email protected] Tel (01322) 666176

FIVE ORCHID SPECIES IN CROCKENHILL RECREATION GROUND

A local resident, Mrs Pitt, has submitted this fascinating article:

Bee orchid Oprys apifera and pyramid orchid Anacamptis pyramidata have been seen fairly regularly over recent years in the grassy areas beyond the allotments. However, they are usually mown down before fruiting. These two species are opportunists and often occur on verges etc. and are not uncommon on the chalk in Kent. More recently common spotted orchid Dactylrrhiza fuchsii has appeared in the most easterly field and also within the broadleaved plantation between the second and third fields This is a common orchid nationally.

The broadleaved plantation, planted on derelict agricultural land in 1989, has been home during the last three years to common white helleborine Cephalanthera damasonium This year there were at least ten flowering plants under the hornbeams/oak trees and several young plants. All the flowering ones set seed. This woodland orchid is not uncommon in light woodland on the chalk in Kent and occasionally occurs in young woodland. It is listed nationally as a red data plant and is regarded as vulnerable (Stace et al 2014 )

Whilst checking these this year, I found one fly orchid Ophrys insectifera plant in the same area. It is a tall plant with seven flowers on the stem. This is scarce British plant, thought to be in decline nationally, and is listed as vulnerable to the risk of extinction (Stace et al 2014 ). It is mostly found in lightly shaded unimproved woodland on the chalk in Kent, so its appearance in the plantation area was a great surprise. Judging by its size of the flowering stem the plant itself has been here for 7 several years but may not have produced a flowering stem until recently. Its flowers mimic an insect and are pollinated by a male digger wasp who is attracted to the flowers by a scent similar to that produced by the female wasp. The nearest site, known to me, for this orchid is on the wooded slopes of Darent valley.

FOOT CLINIC We are sure many of you are aware that there is a foot clinic held in the Village Hall every fortnight for pensioners in the village. Historically this is subsidised by the Parish Council. For appointments you need to telephone Mrs Murrin between 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday on 07982835251. A few years ago the clinic and the subsidy was extended to registered disabled residents within the parish boundary.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

PARISH COUNCIL – KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH RESIDENTS

The Parish Council is working hard to engage with as many residents as possible and we continue to look at new ways to keep you updated with news and developments. The Parish Noticeboards by the bus stop continue to be updated frequently. We also have an active Facebook page which you are encouraged to ‘like’ and ‘share’ and we also share news on the Community facebook page, whilst also keeping an eye on latest issues so we can respond and react where appropriate. We have launched our new website and we encourage you to visit at www.crockenhillpc.org.uk.

We are also encouraging residents to take part in our online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8X7YWW7. If you would like a paper version, please contact the Parish Clerk.

The best way to get involved is to come along to one of our meetings. The Parish Council meets on the second Thursday monthly except August at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Everyone welcome. Public questions at 9 pm approx.

YOUTH COUNCIL

In early January, Crockenhill Parish Council will be sending letters to local schools, youth groups and organisations, inviting those Crockenhill residents aged between 10 and 18 to submit applications to form a Youth Council. 8

Interested applicants will be invited to submit personal statements of no more than 250 words explaining why they think they would make a good Youth Councillor for Crockenhill. All applicants must be aged between 10 and 18, a resident of Crockenhill/attend a Crockenhill school or be a member of a Crockenhill group or organisation. In February, Parish Councillors will form a selection panel with representatives of local groups to select those candidates who will form the inaugural Youth Council.

We are involving local groups as we hope to encourage a broad demographic so that those children who eventually make up the Youth Council will be able to bring ideas from their schools/groups/organisations and also report back on Youth Council decisions.

Once fully established, meetings will be held bi-monthly in the village hall and will run in a similar way to Parish Council meetings. We envisage that the Council will require support from Parish Councillors in the setting up stage, but once established, we hope that the Youth Council will run itself, reporting back to the relevant organisations and presenting their ideas at the main Parish Council meetings.

What are Youth Councils?

The Parish Council is keen to involve our young people in local democracy and decision-making through the establishment of a Youth Council. Run by young people for young people, they enable them to make their views heard in the decision-making process. The Youth Council will discuss relevant issues, engage with decision makers and contribute to improving the lives of young people within their communities.

YOUTH CLUB

Last year the Parish Council worked with West Kent Housing’s Youth Team (commissioned by Kent County Council) on a youth engagement initiative.

The Youth Team met with some of our younger Crockenhill residents every Wednesday evening for the duration of the engagement work and one of the things they said they would appreciate was a Youth Club. We started looking into this and had some initial meetings with West Kent. We also budgeted some money towards the project. However, West Kent later told us that they could no longer provide the level of support they had initially offered so the project would have been far too costly, and greater than our budget would have allowed. This is something we would still like to do, but we need to explore further funding options. There are also lots of other things to consider such as venue and existing clubs (there are clubs most evenings in the village) and who we would have to run the Youth Club etc. Your suggestions via our community survey, would once again be welcomed.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

In May we hosted another lovely community lunch in the village hall. We were entertained by a wonderfully talented vintage singer and there was even some midday dancing! Special thanks to Sherrill Baxter for the delicious food and to Neil Baxter and Sylvia Halls for all their help. It was a lovely opportunity for our Parish Councillors to chat to residents too.

We will confirm the date for next year as soon as possible. The lunch is open to all those over 50 years of age.

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VILLAGE EVENTS SUMMER ACTIVITIES The Parish Council organised a programme of summer activities including some Sports Camps that were held at the village Primary school, as well as our usual Summer Fun Day, working with SDC and Imago. We also hosted an additional Circus skills workshop that the children loved! The Scouts ran refreshments at the Family Fun Day today, and the Brownies ran refreshments at the Circus workshop.

We aim to include as many groups and organisations as possible when we put on events like these. Working together really helps bring the community together.

Earlier in the year the Parish Council also hosted an Easter Hunt for village children. It was well attended and a lovely morning out. Once again we used Harvestfield as it is such a vast area and provided the perfect spot for hiding clues!

The Parish Council were pleased to help with the organising of a Craft Day at All Souls too:

Slime, rock painting and lollies

Over 30 children enjoyed two craft sessions at All Soul’s parish room in the first week of the holiday. Volunteers from Churches Together in Swanley & District (which includes All Soul’s) helped primary aged children with lots of different craft activities followed by a game and story. There were lots of smiles and laughter, with tea for the parents. Karen Jefferys who helped to organise the event said: ’There was a real buzz about the sessions. It’s great to have something in the village - right on everyone’s door steps for children to enjoy over the long summer break. Having the parish room was great and on one of the hottest days of the year we were all pleased that it is air conditioned!'

HARVEST FAYRE & PRODUCE SHOW 2019

Like a summer’s day, everybody said. New this year was the challenge of the climbing wall and lively rhythm & blues from the band OC3. The customary fun and games entertained all. The tug of war seemed to include half the village and the more leisurely Dog Show was no less competitive. As usual Second Chance brought along all creatures great and small and there were a good variety of stalls around the Green, beer and burgers doing a roaring trade.

The Produce & Crafts Show proved widely successful. Not so many fruit and veg entries as usual but floral exhibits were impressive. Handicraft exhibits excelled: woodwork, knitting, needlework and handmade cards of the highest order. Preserves fared reasonably well and bakers enjoyed the lemon drizzle cake recipe. Children made delightfully imaginative miniature gardens and animals from vegetables. There were also fine artwork and photography entries.

A big thanks to those who organised this event and the public who entered and attended in such good numbers this year.

VE COMMEMORATIONS

As residents will know, last year a number of village groups and organisations came together to organise various activities to commemorate the Centenary of the end of WWI. The day began with our traditional memorial service on the morning of Sunday 11th November, with events throughout the afternoon and evening, culminating in the lighting of the Beacon.

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Next year marks the 75th anniversary of VE day, and the first May bank holiday has been moved to Friday 8th May to coincide with the commemorations. The Parish Council is once again co- ordinating activities and held an initial planning meeting in September. If your village group or organsation would like to be involved, please email the clerk: [email protected].

If you or any family members lived in Crockenhill and have memories of VE Day, we would love to hear from you. Details of the day’s events will be announced in the new year.

MEMORIAL BALL

On Friday 13th April 2019 villager Jessica Knapp’s (nee Watkins) life was turned upside down when her husband Adam (34) unexpectedly died of undiagnosed heart failure. Jessica had many unanswered questions. She turned to the internet to answer them and found a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). CRY’s vision is: ‘Preventing young sudden cardiac death’s through awareness, screening and research and supporting affected families’. Statistics show that 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions each week.

Due to the incredible support they have given Jessica she has decided to give something back. With the help of her friends and family, Jessica has organised a series of fundraising events to support CRY. A golf day raising a staggering £4,000. A charity ball in November (see poster). Jessica’s next challenge is running the London Marathon in April 2020. Please show your support by sponsoring Jessica via: www.virginmoneygiving.com/jessicaknapp

CROCKENHILL IN BLOOM

As previously mentioned, there are plans to improve the raised bed area on the corner of the village green. The old phone box was finally removed which has left a rather neglected looking space! We are also hoping to sow some wild flowers in the village and are very open to suggestions. We are sure that everyone will agree that the hanging baskets on the village green and outside the village hall really do look spectacular each year. Huge thanks to Alan Hayward who creates these masterpieces and tends to them throughout the summer.

Last year the Parish Council spent a morning with some of the pre-schoolers, planting daffodils around the flag pole. We waited eagerly for them to make their appearance!

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HERITAGE ROOM – UPDATE FROM DR SUSAN PITTMAN

Progress has been slower than anticipated, but the room is now converted, with filing cabinets, cupboards, and map cabinet in place. The Heritage Room will eventually accommodate my collection related to the history of Crockenhill and Lullingstone, so it will be available to future generations. I must point out, however, that as I am trying to prioritise writing-up research I need to have things close to hand for reference. I also aim to catalogue the collection, so it can be easily accessed when transferred to the Heritage Room. With these caveats in mind, the transfer will be gradual. In the meantime, as always, I can be contacted at home over research queries.

VILLAGE GROUPS/ORGANISATIONS

CROCKENHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL – Headteacher Report

Crockenhill School have had an excellent start to the new academic year with the children ready to learn after the summer break.

The term started with a day introducing circus skills to the whole school as part of an in depth look at the book 'Leon and the place between'.

Our reception children were enthusiastic starters and have settled in well. We have held meet the parents’ evenings and the children have voted for their school council and house captains.

We have another prospective parents meeting on Tuesday 19th November at 9.15am for parents considering sending their children to our school, where our Year 6 children will gladly show them around. If you are interested in this then please contact the office. We are supporting the Swanley food bank with our harvest assembly in October, and we look forward to our harvest tea - an afternoon to share with grandparents. There are visits booked to Kent Life for a stone age day, Roman day and Viking day, as well as visiting Canterbury cathedral, and a pantomime in school as we near Christmas. Our Christmas fayre is on Saturday 7th December 12 - 3pm and everyone is very welcome! As you can see we are very busy!!

CROCKENARA

CrockenARA is now in its 4th year and continues to grow. We have 119 paid up members and regularly have 70- 80 members at meetings. We have been one of the fastest growing ARA’s in our Area. Our meetings are open to everyone over 50 years of age, who are either retired or semi-retired, plus their partners and carers. Our objective is to arrange regular monthly meetings, outings and activities to improve the quality of life of our members. Guests are always welcome. We produce a regular newsletter and display posters around the village as a reminder of forthcoming meetings.

2019 has proved a very busy year so far which has included trips to the Post Office Museum, Arundel for the Tulip festival, Duxford Museum, Audley End and Chapel Down Vineyard. Still to come are visits to Sheffield Park for the Autumn colours, the Magic Circle and the Christmas lights at Bedgebury Pinetum.

At our meetings on the second Monday of each month we have a variety of speakers. This year’s topics have included Winston Churchill, the Mercy Ships, Saucy postcards and Conspiracy theories to name just a few.

We also have a Meet and Eat group which meets on a monthly basis for pub lunches. This has proved very popular and many of our local hostelries have been visited. We also raise money for charity through our trading stall and raffles. We have raised over £75 so far for our charity this

12 year which is CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young. We are now looking forward to Christmas celebrations and have another full year planned for 2020.

SO LET’S GO RUNNING

So Let's Go Running (Crockenhill) is one of our seven community running groups in North West Kent & West Sussex; our ethos being 'Running Without Barriers'.

So Let's Go Running was formed by Brian Page and Dawn Annett in January 2012, to promote running to improve physical and mental well-being. The group offer monthly magazines, seven group running sessions and various events.

Over the last two years, the So Let's Go Running group have twice been 'RunTogether Running Group of the Year of the South East', and finally winning the accolade of National Running Group of the Year in October 2019.

Each inclusive group is led by qualified leaders in running fitness and is accessible to beginners, improvers and returners to running - nobody ever gets left behind! The sessions offer schemes including a beginner's programme and for the more advanced runner - marathon training sessions and a combination of cross country, track and road runs.

Crockenhill's group meet for a run every Wednesday evening at 7.20pm starting from the Village Hall. The group is led by Run Leader Mentor Brian Page and Run Leader Rachel Waterton - both villagers. These weekly runs are FREE but their runners support the group by subscribing to their £2.50 monthly magazine.

Please join them and register on www.groups.runtogether.co.uk/SoLetsGoRunning

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE (WI)

Crockenhill Women's Institute is still going strong after sixty two years. If you want to make friends and be part of the community, please come and meet us. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.45pm at the village hall. We have external speakers, outings and lots more. We are a friendly bunch of mixed ages and we look forward to seeing any female guests.

REPORT FROM RICHARD MYERS – NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Winter unfortunately is not far away, therefore it’s time to prepare for it. Elderly people may have trouble in getting out to do shopping etc, so be prepared to give a helping hand and offer to do it, and if we get snow, to clear the house’s snow away from the footpath.

Check your vehicle’s lights, make sure they are working properly especially the rear high intensity fog lamp, which will be needed if visibility gets lower than one hundred yards. Side and headlights missing could look like a motorcycle, which would be especially dangerous if it’s the offside ones.

It has been noticed that the 20MPH ZONE in the village is being ignored by many motorists, remember that if a child is hit at 20 mph it will be slightly injured, at 30 mph it will be seriously injured, however at 40mph it will most likely be killed, are you one of these speedsters? How could you live with yourself if you killed a child.

Does your child do wheelies on its cycle, if so does it do it on a public road, for under those circumstances the cycle is no longer under control and could be involved in a collision, which the police would then classify as the rider’s fault and not the motorist’s.

One child was seen practising on a main road and fell off in front of a moving vehicle. Tell your children if they want to do this to do it on Harvestfield or the cricket meadow.

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Crime in the village is still relatively low compared with that in other villages, however still keep your eyes out for any suspicious circumstances and report it on 101, for any crime actually occurring ring straight away on 999.

ALL SOULS CHURCH

Regular events at All Souls

All Souls Choir practice Mondays 4 – 5pm Stepping Stones - A weekly Toddler group on Thursdays 1.45 – 3.00pm Community Café - At present fortnightly 10.00 --12.00 All invited Sunday Services 10.30 am with Active Church (New style Sunday School) NASA Sunday afternoon – 1st Sunday of the month 2.-4pm. For those fed up on a Sunday afternoon

Special Events

Christingle Bazaar Saturday 30th November

Christingle Service Sunday 1st December at 10.30am

All Souls Carol Service Sunday 19th December at 4pm

Crib Service 24th December at 4pm

Midnight Communion 11.15pm

Christmas Day Communion 10.30

See website www.allsouls.org.uk

CROCKENHILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Carols at the Chequers Wednesday 18th Dec 7:30 p.m.

Carols by Candlelight Sunday 22nd Dec 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Morning Service 10:30 a.m.

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VILLAGE HALL

Crockenhill Village Hall is a registered charity and first opened its doors for hire in 1958. Since then it has gone through a number of refurbishments and extensions and is managed and maintained day to day by a voluntary team of dedicated generous trustees and residents with full support from the Parish Council.

The Village Hall has been at the centre of our community since it was built and these last couple of years we have been developing a fundraising team to make sure that this focus is upheld. During 2019 the Trustees organised a variety of fundraising events in addition to the popular Christmas Dance, Quizzes and Wigwam Activity Day. This year, the Village Hall Committee worked in conjunction with the Produce show and put on a musical event in the evening.

A similar program for 2020 has been put together so please check website for save- the- dates Fundraising is necessary to cover the expenditure over and above that raised by hiring the hall for maintenance and administration. This year we have already replaced the old curtains and wall lamps with blinds and wall mounted lanterns, are in the process of introducing wainscoting panelling to protect the lower part of the walls and looking to refurbish the bar area and hang new internal wooden doors.

It costs on average £18,000.00 a year to pay for the overheads and general ad-hoc maintenance costs which are met from hiring out the hall. If you would like to get involved with management, maintenance or fundraising, then please come along to one of the monthly meetings, held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm, excluding August. The hire rates for the hall in 2019 remained unchanged and are as follows:

Morning Hourly Afternoon Hourly Evening Hourly Rates Rates Rates Contract Hirers Mon-Thurs* £8.50 £9.75 £9.75 Friday* £8.50 £9.75 £10.00

Non Resident Hire Mon-Fri* not available £15.00 £15.00 Saturday £250.00 all day

Resident Hire (30% reduction) Mon-Fri* not available £10.50 £10.50 Saturday £175.00 all day

*Please note that a half hour mandatory set up charge is applied in all cases unless otherwise agreed.

The Charity is grateful to and supported by a number of groups that regularly hire the hall, providing a variety of activities for the village. For full details please log onto our website www.crockenhillvillagehall.co.uk

WALKING ‘PARADISE’ ON OUR DOORSTEP Samuel Palmer’s “earthly paradise” of the Darent Valley. Just as interesting are the Local walkers have a huge and varied choice paths crossing over the Greater London of paths on their doorstep, taking in a mix of border on walks to the Five Bells and the Bo farms, woods and chalk grasslands, and the Peep. rolling hills of Lullingstone Park and artist Eynsford and Crockenhill Rights of Way Group was formed in the early 1970’s by a 15 small band of enthusiasts keen on for an extended walk of about 10 miles, with preserving and enhancing the rights of way, lunch stop. There are also summer evening the “definitive paths” as they are called, in walks, Sunday monthly walks throughout the Eynsford and Crockenhill. From those small year, a short Boxing Day walk to a pub, an beginnings we have grown to around 300 annual general meeting with guest speaker members, and while the founding principles at Crockenhill Village Hall, and a Christmas remain unchanged we try to ensure that Lunch. walking is both healthy and fun. If anyone is interested in joining, then turn up Winter is coming, but the groups which walk any Monday around 9.20 a.m. separately from Crockenhill and from and seek out that day’s walk Eynsford continue throughout the year, come leader. Membership costs just £2 rain or come shine. Mondays is our main a year or £20 for life. Wear sensible clothing, and remember walking day, leaving Crockenhill Village Hall that some paths can have slippery car-park and Eynsford Riverside at 9.30 or uneven surfaces, so you will be a.m., arriving back after about three hours. walking at your own risk. Walkers from both parishes can if they wish Do join us, you will be most welcome. also join up on the last Monday in the month Mike Riches, Chairman. 01322 667654

REPORT FROM KENT COUNTY COUNCILLOR, ROGER GOUGH,

I continue to work with the Parish Council and Kent Highways to ease traffic and speeding problems through the village.

A mobile SID (Speed Indicator Device), to be moved between several locations in the village, has been agreed and the equipment was recently handed over to the Parish Council.

We have also been looking to install gateway signs to enhance motorists’ awareness that they are coming into the village. Our original plans were to install three gates at different entry points, but in two locations this proved prohibitively expensive, in particular because of costs associated with traffic management and the removal of vegetation. We have however continued with the installation of a gateway sign in Green Court Road. I am supporting this and other schemes through my Combined Member Fund, which I can use for both community and highways schemes across my County Division.

We had a very useful walkabout in the early spring, identifying a number of signage, lining and other issues across the village, although delays and difficulties with contractors have meant that some of the works identified are only now being completed. I am also very are of the concerns over crossings in the village, and am taking that further with Kent Highways, though many of the possible solutions are difficult and expensive.

At last, we have made decisive progress on the long-running saga of SD341, the footpath which crosses the railway line north-west of Stones Cross Road, where the bridge had been closed by Network Rail for safety reasons since October 2017. There have been several false starts when it appeared that the bridge was due to be replaced, only for the works to be postponed because of bad weather. This was finally carried out over a recent weekend, and once some brickwork is completed, the path should reopen by around 7 October.

The County Council is putting additional resources into working with the District Council, police and others to tackle fly-tipping, including both enforcement and publicity measures. Most action to resolve fly-tipping is not the legal responsibility of the County Council (the main exception being when fly tipping is blocking the highway) but we have done more than our minimum statutory duty in the past and I am delighted that we are starting to do so again.

If there is any issue on which I can help, please don't hesitate to contact me on 01959 525109 (home phone) 07768 218048 (mobile) or by email at [email protected] You can follow what I am doing in the Darent Valley Division on my website, www.roger-gough.blogspot.co.uk

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AND FINALLY, SOME VILLAGE HISTORY… Dr Susan Pittman

THE DAY ZEPPELIN L32 ATTACKED CROCKENHILL, 23/24 SEPTEMBER 1916 In the First World War German airships, known as Zeppelins, became the terror weapon in British skies. By August 1916 technological advances had led the Germans to build three super stream- lined Zeppelins (L30, L31, L32). L30-32 Zeppelins were 198m (650 feet) long and 23.7m (78 feet) in diameter, and capable of travelling 60 m.p.h. They carried bombs weighing 27,721 kg (9,259 lbs), and had ten machine guns - all being operated by a crew of 22.

Many Zeppelins had been spotted or heard overhead in Crockenhill on their way to London since January 1915, when the first bombing raid was launched. However, from February 1916, the village became more vulnerable to direct attack after the installation of anti-aircraft defences, namely a gun emplacement on the football ground at Wested, with its associated searchlight on the allotments at Harvestfield. On the night of 23/24 September Zeppelin L32 attacked the searchlight on Harvestfield. According to official sources it dropped seven bombs, luckily none hitting any houses, and even missing the searchlight. Overhead British planes intercepted the L32, and one flown by Second Lieutenant Sowrey brought it down at Great Burstead, Essex. In Crockenhill, clapping and cheering broke out at the news, several people following events in the sky overhead.

At daylight the destruction was obvious. One bomb fell in Lee's orchard at Deepshades, where about 200 fruit trees were destroyed. It made an immense hole, large enough to bury a horse and cart in. Thousands flocked to see this during the day and a collection was made for the Cray Valley Hospital and the Red Cross. One bomb dropped in Aleck Clements' field just above Gosenhill, and he collected the fuse and pieces of bomb from the hole, which still remain with the family.

Sources: Elsie Clements diary (original with the Clements family, to whom thanks are extended); The War in the Air by H.A. jones & Sir Walter Raleigh. More in The Lee Family - farmers at Crockenhill.

NEW PUBLICATION This is the second in a series of five books planned to cover enterprising farming families, whose success shaped the village of Crockenhill.

Previous publications have been sold out, so be sure to purchase a copy soon. £12 (+ £2 if posted) for 132 pages and numerous photographs.

Contact the Parish Office or Susan Pittman, 27 Old Chapel Road (01322 669923).

Memories of working for John Wood of The Mount and his successors:

The history of this farming family is being written up. If anyone has information/photos especially about the workforce, please contact Susan Pittman.

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All information provided in this newsletter is given in good faith – the Parish Council cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. The list on page 20 is compiled by Crockenhill Parish Council. Please advise Clerk on 01322 614674 of any changes or additions to the information sheet on page 20.

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PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council meets on the second Thursday monthly except August at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Everyone welcome.

CLERK TO THE COUNCIL Mrs K Lane, Council Office, Village Hall, Stones Cross Road. BR8 8LT. Answerphone - office open part time 01322 614674 E-mail [email protected] Web site: www.crockenhillpc.org.uk

COUNCILLORS: Rachel Kite (Chair), Stephen Jenkins (Vice Chair), Rachel Waterton, Paul Riches, Michael Holmes and Yaci Cook via Parish Office

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR (Crockenhill and Well Hill ward) Mrs Rachel Waterton [email protected]

KENT COUNTY COUNCILLOR ROGER GOUGH (Sevenoaks North and Darent Valley) Treetops, East Hill Road, Knatts Valley, Sevenoaks, TN15 6YB, Email: [email protected] 01959 525109

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (Sevenoaks constituency) - Michael Fallon, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

CHURCHES All Souls (CofE): Vicar –Rev Keith White - The Vicarage, Eynsford Road 01322 662157 Crockenhill Baptist Church: Pastor: Mark Drury 01322 663995 St Botolph, Lullingstone (CofE): Parish Church for part of Daltons Road & Park Gate area The Rectory, Pollyhaugh, Eynsford - Rev. Gary Owen 01322 863050 Book of Common Prayer at all services – see www.efl-churches.org for service times

POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Emergencies phone 999 Non Emergencies and PCSO 101 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator: Mr R Myers, email [email protected] 01322 663666 Crime Stoppers freephone 0800 555111

CLINICS/HOSPITALS Foot Clinic: (sponsored by Age Concern & Parish Council) Village Hall on Fridays (twice monthly). For senior citizens resident in Crockenhill. Appointment via Mrs Murrin 9am-6pm Mon-Fri 07982835251 Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Queen Mary’s Hospital 020 8302 2678

VILLAGE HALL Stones Cross Road Bookings: 01322 686424, Option 1 SCOUT CABIN Stones Cross Road - bookings (daytime for all, evenings for children’s functions only), Neil Baxter 01322 667988

MOBILE LIBRARY Every other Thursday, Church Road 12.10-12.40. Visit our website or the noticeboard to find out which week. COMMUNITY LIBRARY – CROCKENHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL Tues 3.20-4pm term-time. VILLAGE MARKET Every Friday , 1.30-3.30pm 07813016511

YOUNG AND YOUTH Crockenhill Primary School The Green, Crockenhill 03000658300 Crockenhill Pre-School Mon-Fri 9.15-11.45am Mrs I. Waterton, Village Hall, 07742 132299

Guides/Rangers Mon, 7.30-8.30 pm Village Hall Leader: Miss J.Best, 01322 666151 Brownie Guides Mon, 6.15-7.15 pm Village Hall Leader: Mrs S Feist, 01322 663937 Rainbows Mon, 5.00-6.00 pm Village Hall 01322 663937 Scouts Weds 7 – 8.30 pm at Scout Cabin- Richard Taylor 01322 666117 Cub Scouts Tues. 6.30 – 8.00pm, as above Explorers Mon 7.30-9pm, as above Beaver Scouts Thurs. 6pm-7.15pm, Frances Taylor 01322 666117

ORGANISATIONS AND CLUBS British Legion Swanley, Secretary: H Chapman 01322 662548 Hextable & Crockenhill Crockenhill Football Club Chairman and Secretary – Steve Cullen 07702 886966 www.crockenhillfc.co.uk for teams and training Eynsford & Crockenhill Programme of weekend & summer evening walks Rights of Way Group Regular Monday morning walks from Village Hall at 9.30 am Mike Riches 01322 667654 Thursday evenings during summer – Alan Hayward 07970 144821 Farningham Guitar Club 1st Thurs in month, 7.30-10pm Village Hall Mr N Sivyer 01322 666566 Farningham & Eynsford Dr S Pittman 01322 669923 Local History Society (includes Crockenhill) Radio Society (Darent Valley) 2nd & 4th Weds. 8-10pm in Village Hall Mr Wyeth 01322 663804 Women’s Institute 1st Weds in month, 7.45 for 8pm Village Hall Mrs Sue Dodd, 01322 660266 Crockenara 2nd Monday of the month, Village Hall 07957 117660

OTHER ACTIVITIES Chequers Public House Monday evening quiz 01322 662132 Line Dancing Weds. afternoons in Village Hall 2pm – 4pm 07958 399290

USEFUL SERVICES Free extra black/clear sacks Parish Office and Dr S Pittman (01322 669923) 01322 614674 Sevenoaks District Council www.sevenoaks.gov.uk Main switchboard & 24 hr emergency number 01732 227000

Flytipping email [email protected] 01732 227000 Kent County Council Main switchboard or www.kent.gov.uk 03000 414141 Highways 03000 418181 Footpath issues email [email protected] Tree Warden Dr S Pittman 27 Old Chapel Road 01322 669923 20