Swanley War Memorial Restored Fitting Tribute to Swanley Resident Joseph Gedge, the First British Officer Killed in WW1, and Others Who Gave Their Lives See Page 5

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

inThe newsletter ofshape Sevenoaks District Council ISSUE 90 Summer 2014

Swanley war memorial restored Fitting tribute to Swanley resident Joseph Gedge, the first British officer killed in WW1, and others who gave their lives See page 5

August refuse Summer youth Green scheme New Chairman’s Your revised scheme Make the most in her element collection of our popular Prepare for Meet Cllr Jill times garden waste four weeks of Davison service free fun! Inside page 3 page 4 page 7 page 8 2 Advertisements

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Get summer off to a rolling start...... Discover the secrets of Knole's ancient landscape and enjoy tours, music and food at our Archaeology and Community Day on Tues 22 July, 3-8pm. Free entry. ... Beat holiday boredom with our Family Mondays, with fun for all the family, every Monday from 28 July to 1 Sept, 11am-3pm. Summer 01732 462 100 at Knole nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Follow us on Twitter News 3 Summer Bank Holiday refuse collections Following the Summer Bank Holiday, on Monday 25 August, your refuse and recycling collections will be one-day later than usual for the rest of the week.

o collections will take place on Monday Garden waste collections will also be one day later than with Monday’s collection taking place on usual during this week. Tuesday instead and Tuesday’s collection Please put your sacks out by 7am on your collection day. Nhappening a day later on Wednesday until the end of the week when Friday’s collection takes For further information visit place on Saturday. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/refuse. Meet ‘The Exterminators’

Our Pest Control Team, better known as ‘The Exterminators’, has a simple motto: ‘We’ll be back”!

hat’s because, unlike most pest control contractors, their prices are fully inclusive of multiple visits Tto deal with persistent problem pests.

Our pest control experts, John Felgate and Mark Evans, have over 50 years of experience between them helping rid residents of wasp nests, rats, mice, cockroaches, fleas, ants, bedbugs and even grey squirrels.

John, who leads the team, told In Shape: “One of our biggest selling points is that customers pay a one- off fee, which includes multiple visits “We really pride ourselves on providing a For a no-obligation pest control to deal with a particular problem. first-class service, perhaps that’s why our quote or for pest control advice, We’ll keep coming back until the customers come back to us when they call the Pest Control Team on job is done! This is especially good have a problem.” 01732 227000 or e-mail direct. value if we’re tackling rodents as we [email protected]. may have to make up to four visits to “As well as dealing with infestations, we totally eradicate the problem. In this are always happy to give advice over the If you claim certain means-tested industry, this type of commitment is phone about how to prevent pests from benefit, you may qualify for a extremely rare.” taking hold in the first place.” discount. 4 News Prepare for a summer of fun! If you’re looking for fantastic, free activities over the school holidays, look no further than our Summer Family Fun Days!

unning across the Sevenoaks District for four weeks from Monday 28 July to Friday 22 RAugust, the summer holiday favourite is bound to be as popular as ever with children and parents.

Summer Family Fun Day activities include everything from crafts and face painting to games and sport in a friendly, safe environment. Best of all they’re totally free and open to all, no booking is needed, just turn up and take part!

Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times and some activities may not be suitable for younger children. Activities are generally aimed at children under the age of 12. See our full schedule of events: All activities are weather dependent Monday 28 July, 10am to 2pm, Monday 11 August, 10am to 2pm, so please ensure children have both Common Field Recreation Ground, Swanley Recreation Ground, St waterproof clothing and sun block. Kemsing Mary’s Road

We do advise that you check our website Tuesday 29 July, 10am to 2pm, Tuesday 12 August, 10am to 2pm, before setting off as the programme may Shoreham Recreation Ground Horton Kirby & South Darenth Village Hall, South Darenth be subject to change at short notice. Wednesday 30 July, 10am to 2pm, Brasted Recreation Ground Wednesday 13 August, 10am to For more information visit Thursday 31 July 2pm, Halstead Recreation Ground www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/summerfun , 10am to 2pm, Knockholt Recreation Ground, Thursday 14 August, 10.30am Main Road to 1.30pm, King George’s Field, The Summer Family Fun Days are Westerham funded and organised by Sevenoaks Friday 1 August, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, District Council and run by VAWK. Leigh Green Friday 15 August, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Local town and parish councils are Chiddingstone Causeway Sports Field Monday 4 August, 10am to 2pm, kindly supporting the days by providing Otford Recreation Ground Monday 18 August, 10am to 2pm, the venues. Seal Recreation Ground Tuesday 5 August, 10am to 2pm, Gamecock Meadow, West Kingsdown Tuesday 19 August, 10am to 2pm, The Minnis, New Ash Green Wednesday 6 August, 10am to 2pm, Woodland Avenue, Hartley Wednesday 20 August, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Greatness Recreation Thursday 7 August, 10am to 2pm, Ground, Sevenoaks Hextable Gardens, College Road Thursday 21 August, 10am to 2pm, Friday 8 August, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Harvest Park, Crockenhill Fordcombe Cricket Ground Friday 22 August, 10.30am to 1.30pm, Chipstead Recreation Ground

Follow us on Twitter News 5 Council restores war memorial to mark local centenary link This year marks the centenary of the First World War, and to remember this landmark occasion we have restored Swanley War Memorial, which includes the name of local resident Joseph Gedge, believed to be the first officer to be killed in the war. taff Paymaster Gedge was just 36-years-old when he and 150 other men lost their lives on 6 SAugust 1914 after their ship, HMS Amphion, struck enemy mines in the Thames Estuary. War had been declared just 32 hours earlier.

In honour of Joseph Gedge and others who lost their lives in the first and second world wars, we have spent £14,000 restoring Swanley War Memorial, located by St Mary’s Church, which features Officer Gedge’s name.

The restoration work took place earlier this year and lasted three weeks and saw six men helping to bring the war memorial back to its former glory. The work included cleaning the Portland stone and carrying out minor repairs as well as recoating the bronze statue along with the plaque which was also corrected as one of the listed names was spelt incorrectly.

The memorial was unveiled in 1922 at a cost of £970 by the wife of the Reverend Edmond Gedge, who was Officer Gedge’s mother. It is believed she was given this honour as she lost not only Officer Gedge, but also his two brothers, Peter and Basil, through serving in the war. In honour of Gedge’s service to the Although Officer Gedge was originally Royal Navy the ‘Gedge Medal’ was from the Midlands, it’s believed he restored. Cllr Ayres says: “I realised introduced. To this very day it is spent part of his life in Swanley and the significance of the memorial in awarded annually to the officer who according to probate records one of relation to Staff Paymaster Joseph has passed the examinations to the his brothers, Basil, lived at an address Gedge as I was researching for The rank of lieutenant at the first attempt in Birchwood Park, now believed to be Imperial War Museum. I went about with the highest overall examination Birchwood Park Avenue. making enquiries to obtain the funds score amongst their peers. to have the memorial refurbished as Swanley Christchurch and Swanley I thought that it was in a pretty poor There will be events across the Village Cllr, Leslie Ayres, has been state. It was a long journey but we country in August to mark the researching the story of the former have achieved it before the centenary centenary year, including a officer for the past two years and in August, for which I am very pleased rededication ceremony for Swanley campaigned to get the memorial and grateful”. Memorial at 3pm on Sunday 3 August. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 6 NewsAdvertisement

SEVENOAKS

Shopping Days Out Visiting Friends Appointments What is Buses 4U? A  exible local bus service; routes and timings are determined by passenger requests.

Who can use Buses 4U? Paid-up members of Buses 4U Sevenoaks, available to residents in Sevenoaks District who do not have access to other bus or rail services. The buses are fully accessible by means of a passenger lift or ramp.

Where do Buses 4U go? Anywhere within the Sevenoaks District plus destinations just over the western boundary in Surrey.

When do Buses 4U run? Mondays to Fridays from 09:30 to 15:00 (school days) and Mondays to Fridays 09:00 to 17:00 (non school days) Buses 4U is operated in Sevenoaks District by the East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership with the support of Kent County Council. No Transport? Want the loan of a moped for up to a year to help you get to work, education or training? This moped loan scheme includes rider training, a helmet, padded re ective jacket and gloves. For more details and an application form please call or email the number or address below:

Endorsed by Kent Fire & Rescue Service and funded by Kent County Council. West Kent Wheels 2 Work is a project of East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership.

For further details on Buses 4U or West Kent Wheels 2 Work, please call 01883 732791 email:[email protected] or visit www.buses4u.org.uk; www.eastsurreyrtp.org.uk Company Reg. No. 05698314 VAT No. 885980750 Charity No. 1121750

Disposing of your grass What’s more, all of your garden And if the bin is too big for your waste is taken to a local facility and needs alone, there’s nothing and hedge cuttings, turned into compost, which is great stopping you from sharing the leaves, flowers, weeds news for the environment! benefit of a green bin with your neighbour should you wish to. and branches has Our collection schemes never been easier with We offer two ways to help you Garden waste sacks our Garden Waste dispose of your unwanted greenery You can buy garden waste be it a little or a lot. collection sacks from our offices Collection Scheme. and 26 other approved outlets. Green bin The sacks, sold in bundles of 25 ore than 7,500 homes have For £43 a year we will loanloan youyou for £13, hold up to 75 litres of already signed up to our a 240 litre green bin forfor allall youryour garden waste and can be used as convenient Garden Waste garden waste. We’ll emptyempty itit everyevery and when you need them. MCollection Service, which collects two weeks, usually onon thethe samesame your garden waste from the boundary day that your refuse isis collected,collected, Like the bins we’ll collect of your property every two weeks, and we’ll contact you whenwhen youryour your garden sacks every two saving you time and the hassle of a subscription is ending soso thatthat youyou weeks, usually on your refuse trip to the tip. can renew your permit. collection day.

Call us us on on 01732 01732 227000 227000 to sign to up sign for aup garden for awaste garden permit waste or e-mail permit [email protected]. or e-mail [email protected]. You can also find more about our garden waste scheme, garden waste collection days and outlets for our garden Youwaste can sacks also at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/gardenwaste find out more about our garden waste scheme, garden waste collection days and outlets for our garden waste sacks at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/gardenwaste

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 8 News

New Chairman Jill is in her element Cllr Jill Davison, an analytical chemist by profession, is confident she has the right elements to bond with residents as the Council’s new Chairman. fter moving to Edenbridge the quality of life for many, often taking a leading role in setting up West in 1979, Jill showed there vulnerable, people. Kent Housing Association and helping was chemistry between local to get Edenbridge swimming pool and Aresidents and herself. She was Jill has been married to Richard, also a the Edenbridge Relief road built. elected to the Council just four years District Councillor, for the past 52 years later, representing Edenbridge North and together have two children and are Jill was elected Chairman by District and East, and has been a Councillor proud grandparents of four. Councillors at the Annual Meeting of ever since. Jill is now our longest the Council on 13 May and will hold serving Councillor. Cllr Jill Davison says: “It is a great the post for a year. privilege to be elected as Chairman of Before joining the Council, Jill the Council. It promises to be a busy The Chairman is the First Citizen of the studied for a Chemistry degree at year! I will do my very best to raise the Sevenoaks District. Jill is the District’s Southampton University and followed profile of our local voluntary and charity principal ambassador representing a career in analytical chemistry before groups who make a huge contribution the 114,000 residents of the District, becoming a teacher. to improving our local lives and meeting as well as the Council, at local and as many local residents and hearing regional events. She also chairs Full Outside of the Council, Jill's interests their stories. I am very much looking Council meetings. include travel, cooking and gardening forward to representing and showcasing which is perfect as one of her first the Sevenoaks District.” The Chairman welcomes jobs as the Chairman will be judging invitations to attend community this year’s Sevenoaks 'In Bloom' Jill is also an Edenbridge Town events. To invite Jill, please visit competition in a few weeks’ time! Councillor, a volunteer with Edenbridge www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/chairman Voluntary Transport Service and Royal or call 01732 227165. As Chairman, Jill has pledged to shine Voluntary Service and sits on the board You can also follow the Chairman a light on the work of local voluntary of Sencio and High Weald AONB. Her on Twitter at @sdc_chairman. and charity groups who improve District Council achievements include, Follow us on Twitter Health 9 Be Inspired, Be Active! Residents in Farningham, Horton Kirby, South Darenth, Fawkham and West Kingsdown are embracing our latest sports project ‘Be Inspired, Be Active’ in their droves.

e’re running an exciting Even more activities are in the programme of free sport pipeline such basketball, volleyball, taster sessions and sports table tennis and badminton. Wcourses after we secured £60,000 of external funding from Sport England. All the programmes take place in community venues in Farningham, And we’ve had a fantastic response. Horton Kirby, South Darenth, Launched at the St George’s Day fete Fawkham and West Kingsdown in Horton Kirby, more than 200 people and are completely free. have already tried their hand at a variety of activities, from archery and You can find out more and street dance to pad-boxing and the sign up to courses at www. Paralympic Games sport of Boccia. sevenoaks.gov.uk/beinspired. Alternatively call us on 01732 There are many courses on offer 227000 or email healthyliving@ including archery, football, netball, sevenoaks.gov.uk. street dance and even Boogie Buggy Fit for mums with young children. Let’s talk about dementia Dementia affects more than 820,000 people in the UK and many of us may know someone who is affected by this life changing disease.

e are working closely with launched earlier this month to engage dementia and the support available. Kent County Council, the more people across the District. We are leading the way and we have Sevenoaks District Seniors already trained over 100 of our staff WAction Forum, support organisations Everyone can play a part in supporting and partners as ‘Dementia Friends’. and local communities to make the people with dementia and their carers. We are also looking at physical District a more dementia friendly place. As part of this work, we continue to changes to our building signage to be run ‘Dementia Friend’ training more dementia friendly. Local people with dementia have told to help people to understand us they want to maintain their social If you would like to take part in networks, feel they belong in their Dementia Friend training or would community and continue to live the life like to get involved in Dementia they had before their diagnosis. Friendly Communities Forums please call us on 01732 227000 or e-mail The Swanley Dementia Friendly [email protected] Communities Forum started last August. As part of the Forum, local If you have any questions or people are working to make facilities concerns about dementia, you can in Swanley and the surrounding call the dedicated Kent Dementia area more accessible to people with Helpline anytime on the freephone dementia. The Sevenoaks Dementia number 0800 500 3014 or visit Friendly Communities Forum was also www.alz-dem.org

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 10 Community Safety

Sevenoaks District Community Safety Unit To report or receive advice on: anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, graffiti, licensed premises, abandoned vehicles, environmental and noise nuisance, crime reduction, neighbourhood watch and other community safety issues, call 01732 227000 or e-mail [email protected] Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership Freedom from domestic abuse Domestic abuse is estimated to affect one in four women at some point in their lives. All too often it is an under-reported crime. However, the Freedom Programme offers a way out to women who have been a victim or who are affected by domestic abuse.

he Freedom Programme is a Support can cover issues such as The Freedom Programme is open to 12-week course, which runs for personal safety, legal and housing all women and is free of charge. Free two hours each week in various matters. Participants are put in crèche facilities are usually available, Tlocations across Sevenoaks District, touch with other organisations that although they must be booked in and can be joined at any point. can offer help. They may include advance. Sanctuary for those who require It is led by professionals all of whom practical or emotional support or A safety assessment will be carried out have experience in supporting women housing support from a housing before anyone begins the programme. affected by domestic abuse. association. Details of the Freedom The programme aims to help women to Women participating can share as Programme can be found on improve their self-esteem, confidence much or as little of their experiences www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk and most crucially help them move as they choose and everyone has or by calling 01732 749400 or on to abuse free lives and how to to agree from the outset to keep all 07855 749694. In an emergency recognise future signs of abuse. discussions confidential. always dial 999.

Reporting crime Social media Tackling domestic abuse To report a crime that is taking place, For the latest community safety For support and advice for all victims of always call 999. If the incident has news follow us on Twitter visit Domestic Abuse call the Domestic Abuse passed, call Kent Police on 101 or @sdc_csp and like our Facebook Volunteer Support Service on 01892 570538 Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 page Sevenoaks District For the Community Domestic Abuse Community Safety Partnership Programme for men call 07933 359210 Demystifying legal highs So called ‘legal highs’ have been around for many years. Most of us have heard of them, but how much do we really know about these mind-altering substances and the potential harm that they can cause? What is a legal high? A legal high is a substance taken to produce an altered state of mind that is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and is therefore legal to possess.

However, it isn’t legal to sell them. These substances are unregulated by the Medicines Act, which makes them normally illegal to sell, supply or advertise for human consumption.

Legal highs have not been tested. This is why they may have ‘not for human consumption’ on their packaging. Often they are described as bath salts, incense or even plant food. They are generally bought across the internet, from shops that specialise in drug paraphernalia and legal highs, or from individuals.

Are legal highs safe? Legal highs carry serious health risks. Drugs intended for human consumption undergo rigorous testing to ensure they A starting point is to let them tell an opportunity to begin the are safe. Few, if any, legal highs have you what they know about drugs. discussion. ever been tested on people and can be harmful to health. Users can never be Although there is no set age to talk If you have concerns contact certain what they are taking and what to your child about drugs, research the Kenward Trust on the effects might be. suggests that children from the age of 01622 816081 or visit www. nine should begin to be educated about kenwardtrust.org.uk or call KCA What can you do as a the risks of drug and alcohol use. young people Services on 01795 590635 or visit www.kca.org. parent or guardian? Schools usually cover these issues uk. Alternatively visit the Talk to Make sure your children understand and understanding what they are FRANK website www.talktofrank. what legal highs are and the risks. doing can provide you with com for useful information. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 12 Leisure Make this summer, The Summer We’ve all done it! The days get longer, the evenings more productive, the weather better (if we’re lucky) and, hopefully, the beach or pool beckons. And with the imminent arrival of summer comes – for a lot of us – an understandable desire to shed a few pounds. f that’s you, then the Sencio Community Leisure Centres are offering a helping hand, both in Iterms of cost and in providing support and encouragement.

This year’s Summer Shape Up campaign is offering a one month membership for £44 and three months for £99. The package includes the use of the gym and pool at Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and White Oak Leisure Centres as well as access to the centres' programme of group exercise classes featuring everything from yoga, Pilates, circuits and spinning to aqua fit, zumba, body pumpTM and body attackTM.

But as Kyle Gurney, fitness manager at Swanley’s White Oak Leisure Centre says, getting and staying fit is far easier, and more enjoyable, when viewed as a lifestyle choice rather than a quick fix.

“We love to see new customers in so, by all means, use the summer to Summer Shape Up packages must our centres at any time of year and kick-start your new healthier lifestyle be booked and paid for by 31 always do our very best to help people but try and see it as something you’re August 2014. For further details achieve their goals. However, the best going to do into the future. You’ll contact your nearest Sencio results come from regular exercise find that approach more productive, Community Leisure centre or visit and a good diet over the long-term rewarding and fun.” www.sencio.org.uk NR-Gize your summer at Sencio centres If previous years are anything to go by then leisure centres in the Sevenoaks District will once again be transformed into a hive of activity for young people this summer. he NR-Gize programme, which But this summer’s diary of events at runs from 24 July to 2 September Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and White Oak has a long tradition of offering leisure centre is likely to feature everything Tyoungsters a wide choice of sporting, from sports to the performing arts, ballet and artistic and creative sessions, workshops dance to go-karting, and a Creepy Crawlie and coaching programmes during the Show to a series of activities designed year’s longest school holiday. especially for those of pre-school age.

Sencio Community Leisure was putting The NR-Gize brochure is now available the finishing touches to the NR-Gize from Sencio leisure centres and can also programme as In Shape went to press. be downloaded at www.sencio.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter Leisure 13 Mike’s support for young swimmers will live on Sevenoaks Leisure Centre manager Mike Radford sadly passed away in March after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, leaving behind his wife, Vicki and two young daughters, Molly and Flo.

he 41-year-old spent his whole that sport can do so much to enrich career in local leisure services our lives in many ways. Mike was a having started out as a pool great colleague, a good friend and a Tattendant, and was a key part of fine ambassador both for our work Sencio since the trust was set up a and for the huge influence for good decade ago. that sport can have across local communities. During his career he taught generations of children the skills and “Mike was known to all those he confidence required in and around worked with as ‘the gentle giant’ and water, whether it be for safety or as that large persona and his many part of a sporting pursuit. personal qualities are going to cast an impressive shadow over our work Jane Parish, Chief Executive of Sencio for years to come.” Community Leisure, says: “Mike was extremely hard working and had Sencio is currently looking at ways the ability to deal with people at all Mike Radford in which to mark Mike’s legacy in levels with enormous warmth and 1973-2014 providing swimming coaching over charm, and had an unfailing belief two decades.

Sencio launches swim academy Accidental drowning accounts for a third of all fatalities among British children while the obesity levels and general fitness of the UK’s youngsters give continued cause for concern.

n a bid to play its part, Sencio Community Leisure has relaunched its programme of swimming lessons to encourage young people to be more active and to Iimprove their safety in and around water. teaching water safety is to save lives by reducing the Working in partnership with the Swimming Teachers number of deaths from drowning. Association (STA), a charity that promotes the teaching of swimming, life-saving and survival techniques, Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and White Oak leisure the Academy will offer a programme featuring water centres offer extensive programmes of swimming confidence and stroke improvement activities for lessons and coaching, catering for parents children and adults. and babies through to adults, regardless of age, The STA is the only organisation that incorporates who’ve never learned a comprehensive safety element into its swim to swim. For full details programmes, believing the number one reason for visit www.sencio.org.uk

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 14 News Parking proposal is just the ticket

Hundreds recently turned out to comment on our plans to increase parking provision in Sevenoaks town. e’re planning to install a 70% said they wanted the car park to work in the town. We believe having two-storey deck on the be clad in cedar wood in three or more adequate parking spaces is vital to the existing Buckhurst 2 car sides so the proposed structure would town's future economic success. Wpark, close to Sevenoaks Leisure fit in sympathetically with existing Centre, to provide up to 300 extra buildings. A number of people raised In recent years there has been a long-stay parking spaces. concerns about the phasing of the reduction in private and public long traffic lights by Suffolk Way, which stay parking and an increase in new Residents got a first glimpse of how leads to the proposed car park. homes and businesses putting extra the car park could look and were asked strain on existing parking resources. how it could be used, the materials we A summary of the consultation could use to help it fit in amongst its responses will be published on our Local businesses, traders and season surrounds and landscaping. website shortly. ticket holders are telling us that it's increasingly difficult to find long-stay More than 250 people took part in The car park will be subject to gaining parking spaces and at the moment the three week consultation that ran planning permission. A planning we cannot issue new season tickets to from 5 to 26 June and included three application will be submitted in the workers or resident parking permits as exhibition events. coming weeks once we've thoroughly there are more than 100 people on our considered everyone's comments. waiting lists. As In Shape went to print we were still We’re proposing to increase parking considering the comments in detail. But as, quite simply, there are not enough For more information and updates in broad terms the majority of residents car parking spaces in Sevenoaks, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ were in favour of the car park. Around especially long-stay for those who buckhurst2

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www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 16 Local attractions Thriving accommodation community helps visitors find great places to stay With its historic centre, picturesque villages, superb heritage attractions and outstanding countryside within easy reach of London and an international airport, it is not surprising that Sevenoaks District is a tourism honeypot. nd local residents tend to be very popular when their friends and relatives in other parts of Athe country are seeking a short break or gathering for a celebration.

Fortunately, the District has a thriving community of B&B, self-catering and hotel accommodation providers determined to provide high quality places to stay and help accommodate the friends and families of local people.

Penny Cracknell, heads the Sevenoaks District Accommodation Forum (SDAF),

which brings Jacqui and Ken Wilcox at Becketts accommodation providers together with other tourism businesses such as restaurants, cafés and shops, to promote a warm Sevenoaks welcome. And working together ensures that For Penny the main strength of SDAF “I can take a maximum of eight everyone is kept up to date with the is the local knowledge accommodation guests at a time – with twin and latest information about the many providers are able to share with visitors double rooms, one with a beautiful attractions, accommodation and before they arrive. antique four-poster bed, in our leisure opportunities in their area. converted barn, and a further double Penny adds: “If someone calls in room in our neighbour’s house with “We are promoting our area and our looking for somewhere to stay because all breakfasts served at Becketts. places to stay in partnership with Visit they have a special event to attend, Kent and Sevenoaks District Council or people to visit, we can recommend “My husband and I have met so and celebrating the popularity of the accommodation near to where they many people with many different Sevenoaks District as a destination in need to go. We also know, for example, interests. We really enjoy telling them its own right,” says Penny. which hospitality providers can welcome about the area and special places to babies or young children and who is able go that we know they will enjoy. We “Anyone coming to stay in the District to accommodate people with particular really want to make sure they get the is in beautiful countryside with all the special requirements.” best experience possible out of their leisure activities that it offers from visit to this stunning area. walking and cycling to beautiful golf Adding value through her local knowledge courses, and there are more than 19 of places to visit and sites not to be “One weekend we will be entertaining historic gardens and houses on the missed, to suit all tastes, has been the wedding guests and even the doorstep. The range of gastropubs key to success for Jacqui Wilcox. Jacqui bride and groom or visitors from and restaurants with speciality menus has been assisting guests visiting the overseas while another week it will featuring local produce is growing all Sevenoaks area from her B&B at Becketts, be environmental specialists heading the time.” just outside Cowden, for 15 years. out at night to observe newts.”

While Jacqui has noticed that many somewhere that we would enjoy more people now prefer to book their staying ourselves when on a short Find out more: accommodation online and request break or holiday,” says Neil. Sevenoaks District access to wifi during their stay, their Accommodation Forum requirements as guests have not really “When we were setting up we took Penny Cracknell changed since she opened for business. advice from Peter Birnie, of the Visit 01732 8841 Kent Tourism Business Advisory www.sevenoakspartnership. “Our recipe for success has not Service, and we joined the Kent org/business-networking- changed. The ingredients are a warm Breakfast scheme serving all our groups/sevenoaks-district- welcome, high quality accommodation guests a varied breakfast containing accommodation-forum with en suite facilities, a good more than 60 per cent local produce. www.visitkent.co.uk breakfast menu, well prepared and served with a smile in a beautiful “Not having been in this business home,” says Jacqui. before we were uncertain about the Becketts B&B response we would receive but it has Jacqui Wilcox Neil and Margaret Crabtree only opened been very encouraging. 01342 850514 their B&B – in a former recording www.becketts-bandb.co.uk studio – at Oak End Lodge, Knole Road, “We have welcomed guests from Sevenoaks, just one year ago and it has France, Germany, Holland, India, Oak End Lodge proved a resounding success. China, Russia, the USA and Canada Neil and Margaret Crabtree alongside people visiting children 01732 461511 The IT and software specialists at Sevenoaks School, attending www.oakendlodge.co.uk decided that they had no real need weddings and enjoying a short break for the soundproofed studio attached with nearby family and friends. One to their house by the former owner overseas guest even emailed us after Tourism Business Advice Service and set about converting it into visitor their visit to say it was definitely the www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk accommodation. best accommodation they had stayed in during their trip to the UK.” “We are in an excellent location for people visiting central Sevenoaks Advertisement and keen to explore the surrounding areas. We aimed to make the accommodation self contained, spacious and really comfortable – Before and After School Club school Postcard from the District holidays Invite your friends and family to stay in the lovely District of Sevenoaks by sending them an e-postcard too!! via from www.wishyouwereinkent.co.uk where you Junior can access lots of special offers when they visit. You can also win a two-night stay for up to 10 people in Junction Age a Mulberry Cottage. Club Club 3-11 Breakfast & Evening Meal Options FREE SCHOOL DROP-OFF Varied Activities & & PICK-UP Homework Support TO & FROM SCHOOLS Qualified Childcare ACROSS Professionals SEVENOAKS & SURROUNDING AREAS CALL 07775 773321 juniorjunctionclub.co.uk WE’RE RECRUITING NOW TOO! www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 18 News Music to the ears of older people In this issue of In Shape we speak with Frank McConnell - an influential local businessman and accomplished musician - about the Sevenoaks District Seniors Action Forum. rank was an early member of the forum for the over 50s, which recently celebrated its fourth Fbirthday. Since the turn of the year its membership has swelled by some 40% to 500 people. Why was the forum set up? Older people make up a large and growing proportion of the population, vote, and they spotted an opportunity to make their collective voice stronger. I think politicians and decision makers realise the importance of knowing what older people feel about local services. What did it set out to achieve? How often and where What has been the The big objectives were to gather forum’s greatest information on issues that concern does it meet? older people, and communicate this to We meet across the whole District achievement so far? everyone in our age group, and also, every two or three months but we That’s easy: the grants we received very importantly, to the powers-that- happily attend meetings of other to install defibrillators. These be, whoever they might be, to improve groups to talk to them about SDSAF. lifesaving devices are springing local services. We ask movers and shakers to our up in key locations throughout the AGMs: the Chief Executive of the District. We’re also proud of our What’s the best thing District Council this year, the Police other successes in Dementia and about being a forum and Crime Commissioner in 2013. highlighting hospital transport. member? Why should I join? It’s the chance to really influence How does the forum work? Apart from the fact that it’s totally free, things. We pass on the opinions and We gather information for members no one twists your arm to ‘volunteer’ concerns of all our members and we and decision makers. For example, we and there’s an opportunity to make don’t ignore a single opinion or alter met people at Hartley, listened carefully new friends, you know that your anything they say. to them, wrote a report, and sent it to opinion will carry weight. And we will all the people responsible for the issues do our best to keep you informed on that were raised, people like the MP, everything that is going on that might the County Council, the hospital CEO, be useful to you if you are 50 plus. and the police. Their responses were circulated to our Hartley members. We go back to people who don’t respond. How can I join? Simply visit our website www.sdsaf. org or text or phone Roger Bryan, our Membership Secretary, on 07867 360879.

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Conservative (C) Labour (L) Liberal Democrat (LD) UKIP

Cameron Clark (C) Carol Clark (C) Alan Pett (C) Anna Firth (C) James London (C) Robert Piper (C) Ash and New Ash Green Ash and New Ash Green Ash and New Ash Green Brasted, Chevening Brasted, Chevening Brasted, Chevening [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] and Sundridge and Sundridge and Sundridge 01474 874526 01474 874526 01474 872650 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01959 534267 01732 464678 01732 455355

Chris Neal (C) Stephen Lindsay (UKIP) Kim Bayley (C) Cameron Brown (C) Jill Davison (C) John Scholey (C) Cowden and Hever Crockenhill and Well Hill Dunton Green Dunton Green Edenbridge North Edenbridge North [email protected] [email protected] and Riverhead and Riverhead and East and East 07855 421530 01732 452375 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 07919 050065 01732 740654 01732 863588 01732 865197

Richard Davison (C) Bob Orridge (C) Michael Horwood (C) Ingrid Chetram (C) Philip McGarvey (C) Ian Bosley (C) Edenbridge South Edenbridge South Eynsford Farningham, Horton Farningham, Horton Fawkham and West and West and West [email protected] Kirby and South Darenth Kirby and South Darenth Kingsdown [email protected] [email protected] 07815 483891 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01732 863588 01732 863672 01732 227000 01322 862870 01474 852924

Pat Bosley (C) Faye Parkin (C) John Grint (C) Gary Williamson (C) Larry Abraham (C) James Gaywood (C) Fawkham and West Fawkham and West Halstead, Knockholt Halstead, Knockholt Hartley and Hodsoll Hartley and Hodsoll Kingsdown Kingsdown and Badgers Mount and Badgers Mount Street Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01959 532370 [email protected] [email protected] 01474 852924 01474 879425 01959 532809 07899 656022 01474 702106

Brian Ramsay (C) Barbara Ayres (C) Dee Morris (C) Mark Butler (C) Lorraine Stack (C) Alison Cook (C) Hartley and Hodsoll Street Hextable Hextable Kemsing Kemsing Leigh and Chiddingstone [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Causeway 01474 707928 01322 409785 01322 669030 01732 667881 01732 458516 [email protected] 01732 832168

John Edwards-Winser (C) Michelle Lowe (C) Paddy Cooke (C) Roddy Hogarth (C) Julia Thornton (C) Elizabeth Purves (LD) Otford and Shoreham Otford and Shoreham Penshurst, Fordcombe Seal and Weald Seal and Weald Sevenoaks Eastern [email protected] [email protected] and Chiddingstone [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01959 522503 01959 525109 [email protected] 01732 760325 07831 234449 01732 463041 01892 853983

Roger Walshe (LD) Andrew Eyre (C) Avril Hunter (C) Matthew Dickins (C) Paul Towell (C) Ann Dawson (C) Sevenoaks Eastern Sevenoaks Kippington Sevenoaks Kippington Sevenoaks Northern Sevenoaks Northern Sevenoaks Town [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] and St John’s 01732 454769 01732 464865 01732 453292 01342 850872 01732 227000 [email protected] 01732 457716

Peter Fleming (C) Simon Raikes (C) Leslie Ayres (C) Robert Brookbank (C) Tony Searles (C) Mark Fittock (L) Sevenoaks Town Sevenoaks Town Swanley Christchurch Swanley Christchurch Swanley Christchurch Swanley St Mary’s and St John’s and St John’s and Swanley Village and Swanley Village and Swanley Village [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01322 665026 01732 227240 01732 451707 01322 409785 01322 669440 01322 662637

John Underwood (L) Laurence Ball (C) Angela George (L) Janet Sargeant (L) Elaine Bracken (C) Kevin Maskell (C) Swanley St Mary’s Swanley White Oak Swanley White Oak Swanley White Oak Westerham and Westerham and [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Crockham Hill Crockham Hill 07958 547129 07515 770220 01322 668937 07931 317804 [email protected] [email protected] 01732 452853 07966 171398 How to contact your District Councillors We have provided your District Councillors’ phone numbers website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/councillors or by calling and e-mail addresses. If you would like to write to them, us on 01732 227000. If you are unsure which ward you their postal addresses are available on the Council’s live in, please call us on 01732 227000.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 22 News West Kent celebrates 25 years A housing association set up by the Council recently celebrated an important milestone when it reached its 25th birthday. n 1989, we took the bold step of setting up a separate organisation to manage our housing stock. In Idoing so this new organisation would have greater freedoms allowing it to innovate and provide more than just rented homes.

So on 23 March 1989 some 6,300 homes were transferred to the fledgling not-for-profit business called West Kent Housing Association. At the time this was one of the first large-scale Council Leader Cllr Peter Fleming and Chairman Cllr Jill Davison pictured with Colin Wilby and Frank Czarnowski, the Chairman and Chief Executive of West Kent Housing Association respectively transfers of council housing.

West Kent’s mission was to provide Not only does it manage more homes summer activities for children, youth homes for those who struggled to than ever, but it has set up ‘West work, funding for individuals and afford them while helping to create Kent Extra’, a charity that delivers groups, workshops, tenants' days, prosperous, strong and sustainable projects and activities in partnership volunteering projects and more! communities. with residents to improve the local quality of life. And the future? West Kent has its Since its inception, West Kent has sights set high by providing new gone from strength to strength and is Its work is vast and includes enterprise affordable homes and becoming a now one of the most financially secure projects, a second-hand furniture leader in meeting the accommodation housing associations in the country. outlet, work experience programmes, needs of older people in Kent. Gear up for more free cycle rides Five more free guided bikes • Sunday 14 September, 10am – • Wednesday 20 August, Penshurst area (Challenging) rides have been added 10.30am – Brands Hatch, West • Sunday 16 November, 10am – Kingsdown (Steady) to our already packed Penshurst area (Challenging) • Wednesday 20 August, 2pm – programme of pedal We’re also running our own free leisure Brands Hatch, West Kingsdown (Easy) powered outings giving more rides. These are led by qualified bike • Sunday 7 September, 10.30am – instructor Ollie Ireland from Track 'N' Knole, Sevenoaks (Challenging) opportunities to explore the Trail Biking and most take place on • Sunday 7 September, 2pm – Knole, area on two wheels. traffic-free routes. Sevenoaks (Easy) Sunday 14 September hese cycle excursions are known These rides are planned for: • , 10.30am – as ‘Sky Rides’ and are run by Penshurst (Steady) • Thursday 31 July, 10.30am – British Cycling and they’re taking Sunday 14 September Brands Hatch, West Kingsdown • 2pm – Tplace on the following days: (Intermediate) Penshurst (Challenging) • Sunday 3 August, 10am – Knole • Thursday 7 August, 10.30am – Park (Easy) All the rides are completely free Penshurst (Steady) but places are limited and they • Sunday 17 August, 10am – Knole • Thursday 7 August, 2pm – must be booked in advanced. Park (Easy) Penshurst (Easy) For further information visit • Saturday 30 August, 10am – • Thursday 14 August, 10.30am – www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/cycling Knole Park (Easy) Knole, Sevenoaks (Easy) or call us on 01732 227000.

Follow us on Twitter News 23 Pop Up Business School The District’s first ever ‘Pop up’ business school came to Swanley last month to help locals become their own boss. early 40 budding businessmen school was one of the best courses and women attended an I’ve ever attended. Not only has intensive series of free it provided me with skills and the Nworkshops at Swanley Youth and knowhow to run a small business, Community Centre designed to help it’s given me practical help, including them set up their own company. setting up a website. Swanley resident, Terry Wilcox, says he has benefitted from the Pop Up business school This was a unique opportunity for “I’m feeling inspired and much more would-be entrepreneurs to access confident and I’m now in a position professional help to set them on the to push forward with my business. The project was funded and run road to becoming their own boss, start My next steps are to improve my online by West Kent Extra and West Kent their own business or to develop an marketing and getting my products Housing Association in partnership with existing idea. noticed by potential customers.” the Kent Housing Group, Moat Housing and Sevenoaks District Council. Swanley resident Terry Wilcox, who’s This is one of a number of schemes in the early stages of setting up a that we support to help people access If you’d like advice about setting up company to provide pod garden offices free business advice while encouraging your own business, please call us on and rooms, attended the course. more start-up businesses and the 01732 227000 or e-mail business@ Terry says: “The Pop Up business creation of jobs in the District. sevenoaks.gov.uk Sevenoaks District Council at your fingertips Main Office Leisure centres Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Ash Green Sports Centre* White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Swanley*** 01474 707164 Kent TN13 1HG 01322 665571 Tel 01732 227000 Edenbridge Leisure Centre** White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley** Open Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 01732 865665 01322 662188 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm. Lullingstone Park Golf Course** Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks** Emergencies (outside office hours) 01959 533793 01732 451437 01732 227000 The Olympic, Swanley* then listen to the options 01322 669201 * Operated by the local town or parish Council Swanley Contact and Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre*** ** Operated by Sencio Community Leisure, Information Centre 01732 451889 Head Office 01732 746010 Swanley Library & Information Centre, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre** *** Operated by independent limited companies London Road, Swanley BR8 7AE 01732 470700 Tel 01322 614660 In Shape Council Tax payment facility is published and distributed by Sevenoaks District Council to inform local residents and businesses about the work of the Council. open Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Friday 9.30am Editor Daniel Whitmarsh Editorial Assistants to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm Vicki Foster and Alison Bytheway e-mail [email protected] Edenbridge Local Office Tel 01732 227000 – Thursdays only Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Adjoining Edenbridge Leisure Centre, In Shape is available in an audio format for residents Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, with visual impairments and can be explained in other Kent TN8 5LU languages by calling 01732 227000. Tel 01732 227000 Benefits surgery from 1.30pm to 4pm Design & print www.whateverdesign.co.uk Printed on environmentally friendly paper. Published July 2014.

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