www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk sevenoaksdc
InTHE NEWSLETTER ShapeOF SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL NO.101 SPRING 2017
WILL YOU GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR DEMENTIA?
Join our Knole Park charity run on 14 May Page 3
EASTER AND MAY GOING BATTY FOR WILDLIFE WHAT A YEAR! REFUSE COLLECTIONS Council and The Chairman’s Your bank holiday Sevenoaks Shed year in pictures refuse arrangements Project make new homes for bats Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 2 ADVERTISEMENTS
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www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk
Greenwood Mobility Ad v4.indd 1 08/03/2017 14:40 NEWS 3
Will you go the extra mile to defeat dementia? You are invited to put on event. You’ll even be presented with Registration is open now at www. a commemorative medal when you sevenoaks.gov.uk/runwalkpush. your running shoes and cross the finishing line! Alternatively, call 01732 227000 sign up to a new charity run for a registration form. taking place in Sevenoaks. Registration for the 3k and 5k runs is £10 for people aged 16 and older and £5 Cllr Michelle Lowe, Sevenoaks District ‘Run, walk or push against dementia’ for under 16s. Both distances are suitable Council’s Cabinet Member for health, is taking place in Knole Park on the for beginners, children and people with says: “With three distances on offer, morning of Sunday 14 May to raise pushchairs. Under 4s go free. families who are new to running right money for local dementia services. through to experienced runners can Registration for the 10k run is £15. enjoy this event, with the added bonus With timed routes of 3, 5 and 10 This run is for seasoned runners and of the stunning backdrop of Knole kilometres on offer, this event is is not open to under 16s or people Park, Kent’s only remaining ancient perfect for families and beginners, with pushchairs. deer park.” through to seasoned runners. Higher prices will apply after 7 May. “But with only 500 places available, I’d Once you’ve registered, you’ll advise runners to be quick off the mark.” receive a voucher offering a 10% All money raised from the event will discount in the ‘Up and Running’ go to the Sevenoaks Area Community “Dementia is now one of the shop in Sevenoaks High Street. You Dementia Forum. leading causes of death in the UK. can also take advantage of free, But this event gives residents an professionally led running classes The 10k run will begin at 10am, the 5k opportunity to raise money for by Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers and run will start at 10.15am and the 3k run people affected by the disease Oaks Blokes as you prepare for the will begin at 10.30am. while improving their own health.” sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 4 NEWS
Do you know an unsung hero? Time is running out to nominate in our ‘Making It Easter and Happen’ Community and May bank Voluntary awards. Now in their third year, the awards holiday refuse celebrate residents and collections organisations who go out Following the Easter of their way to help others. and May bank holidays, This year the awards are the biggest there will be changes and best yet as we debut two to your refuse, new categories; Best Healthy and The winners will be unveiled at an Improved Eatery and Best Family awards ceremony on Wednesday 14 recycling and garden Friendly Business. June at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks. waste collection days.
There are 11 award categories and Nominate your heroes at www. Your revised collection you can nominate in more than sevenoaks.gov.uk/communityawards days are: or call 01732 227000 for an one category before the Friday 14 • Good Friday, 14 April – this application form. April deadline. collection will take place the next day, Saturday 15 April • Easter Monday, 17 April – Please keep your collectors safe all collections this week will Your refuse collectors take pride in providing an be one day later than usual until Saturday 22 April excellent weekly service. • May Day Bank Holiday, Monday 1 May – all collections this week will be one day later than usual until Saturday 6 May • Spring Bank Holiday, Monday 29 May – all This large knife was found projecting from a black sack and collections this week will could have caused serious injury to our refuse collectors be one day later than usual until Saturday 3 June. But from time to time they suffer serious cuts, as some residents leave sharp, dangerous items in their sacks. These injuries may require stitches and can result We do ask that you put your in our staff being unable to work. So please think of their safety when disposing refuse out by 7am on your of sharp objects. You can keep your collectors safe by following our advice: collection day to help prevent attracting animals and the • Put broken glass, ceramics or sharp metal objects in a sealed container (such build up of litter. as an ice cream tub) clearly marked next to your sacks on your collection day
• Knives, scissors and other sharp metal objects can also be taken to a Kent To view your refuse County Council Household Waste Centre (also known as the tip) collection times online visit www. • We collect syringes and EpiPens in sharps boxes, provided by your chemist, sevenoaks.gov.uk/ once you’ve arranged a collection with us. Never put them in your sacks. collectiondays For further advice, call us on 01732 227000.
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk ADVERTISEMENTS 5
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Our professional carers provide highly trained, person- • Fewer hospital admissions centred care at home, enabling loved ones to stay • Ameliorated decline in function in people with dementia independent and continue a full life in their community, • Enabling couples to stay securely together, and all loved ones whilst enjoying companionship and secure support. to keep in touch with friends, family and community We understand it can be difficult for elderly people and families to The Good Care Group provide 24-hour live-in care services make the right care choice, especially at a time of crisis. But the nationally, and have won many awards for our care. We offer truly cost of care at home is now comparable to that of residential care, personalised support, including caring for complex conditions making it a viable option for all. such as Dementia, Parkinson’s, MS and Stroke rehabilitation. 97% of older people want to stay in their homes1, preferring the Our small teams of carers, all employed and trained by us, form freedom to make independent decisions and continue to live life real relationships with our clients. This ensures your loved one has as they want, rather than lose their control and choice in a care companions who understand their individual needs, support them home. Evidence shows live-in care has significant benefits over in everything from household tasks to medication, and promote residential care: their sense of self. • Improved sense of wellbeing from higher quality of life at home Our expert care advisers are happy to discuss how we can help • Reduction in falls you – please contact us for more information and friendly advice.
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sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 6 NEWS Going batty for wildlife Council owned land could become a haven for wildlife with the introduction of bat boxes. The Sevenoaks Kent Shed project has made 20 bat box roosts, which will be fixed to trees on Council land including car parks, woods and open spaces under guidance from the Kent Cllr Roddy Hogarth, our Cabinet member for Community Development, Bat Group. and Allen Lancelet, Sevenoaks Shed project’s very own bat man!
The small wooden boxes, all recycled We are lucky enough to have 18 species of things for the community. Its from waste materials, could eventually of bat living in the UK, that's almost members meet every Tuesday at 10am become home to 40 or more of the a quarter of our indigenous mammal at the Abacus Furniture Warehouse, small, virtually blind, flying mammals. species. But sadly, bat populations have Greatness Lane, Sevenoaks. suffered during the past century as they The roosts will provide a place for are losing their habitat. If you’d like to get involved in the the bats to live and breed during the Shed, please call us on 01732 227000 warmer lighter months and a place to The Sevenoaks Kent Shed, which built or email communities@ hibernate during the winter. the boxes, makes and repairs a variety sevenoaks.gov.uk
Commuters in the driving seat Doing our bit to with increased station parking help hedgehogs! Sevenoaks rail commuters will have a ‘lot’ more We’re proud to have been choice when it comes to station parking with the added to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society’s ‘Roll of reopening of Bradbourne car park on 10 April 2017. Honour’ for displaying warning The car park closed in August while The car park benefits from two stickers on our gardening the site was decked to increase electric vehicle charging points, 10 machinery, including strimmers. capacity from 216 to 430 spaces. blue badge bays and 20 extra large premium bays. The stickers act as a visual Charges remain unchanged from last reminder for our grounds staff year with a daily fee of £7 and an It is also designed to be innovative and to keep a sharp eye out for our annual season ticket charge of £1,110. kind to the environment with smart prickly friends. LED lighting that dims down during off To find out what you can do to peak periods, only working on full look after hedgehogs in your Sennocke car power when movement is detected. garden, follow @hedgehogsociety park to close on twitter or visit www. Finally, the car park has been designed Sennocke car park will close from britishhedgehogs.org.uk to Parkmark Secure Car Park Safer 9 April with its season ticket holders Parking standards and benefits from moving to the newly opened CCTV coverage. Bradbourne car park on 10 April.
This is to enable the development For more information, including of a much needed hotel on the season ticket availability, please Sennocke car park site. call us on 01732 227000 or email [email protected]
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk
8 NEWS The Chairman’s busy year When Cllr Simon Raikes Since taking the reins, Cllr Raikes has To invite the Chairman to one attended more than 200 events and of your events, please e-mail was elected as our met dozens of residents. [email protected] Chairman in May, he or call 01732 227165. promised to shine a light The Chairman is the first citizen of the District representing some 117,000 You can also follow the chairman on the District’s attractions residents at local and regional events. on Twitter at @sdc_chairman and the importance of He was elected by District Councillors local businesses. and holds the title for a year.
Growing into the role – An early Ain’t no mountain high enough – engagement was presenting awards at Welcoming back Cllr Anna Firth (in the Sevenoaks in Bloom competition orange) who climbed Mont Blanc in aid of West Kent Mind Flying the flag – Joining local veterans and serving military personnel for Armed Forces Day
Ahoy there! – Raising a flag in honour Business is blooming – A visit to Castle of the British Merchant Navy’s Farm, Shoreham, a thriving business contribution in WW2 that’s benefitted from our LEADER Remembrance with the next funding generation – With pupils from St John’s School, Sevenoaks on Armistice Day, 11 November
Wheely good time – Cllr Raikes joins Wild times – the Chairman one of our free cycle rides in Knole Hop to it – Helping out at the Hartley helps to promote the Sevenoaks Park on a unicycle! Family Fun Day Wildlife Reserve
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk ENVIRONMENT 9
Two blooming good ideas to put a Looking for a way to spring in the step of your garden! reduce the waste your household produces? Grab a great deal to help your garden blossom. These could be just for you! Home composting Garden waste collection service
• Convenient • Endless supply • Easy to use of compost • Perfect for budding • Enriches your garden gardeners! • Environmentally • Only £45 for 12 friendly month’s use of a • Only £17.98 for a 240L bin or £30 for 220L bin or £19.98 a 140L bin for a 330L bin! • £14 for a bundle of 25 garden waste collection Fill with… Fill with… • Cardboard sacks • Lawn cuttings • Eggshells • Flowers • Teabags • Leaves • Fruit and veg • Hedge trimmings peelings • Weeds • Grass cuttings • Small branches • Uneaten fruit and veg
Sign up now Go to www. by calling getcomposting. 01732 227000! com to get your bin now!
sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 10 ENVIRONMENT
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 11
Rural businesses urged to apply for LEADER funding The Government has confirmed that LEADER funding, worth nearly £1.5 million, will continue to be available to West Kent businesses to help them develop and grow. Following the EU referendum last year, there was concern whether businesses could still apply for LEADER money, which comes down from the European Union via the Government body Defra.
But Defra has confirmed businesses and communities in rural West Kent will continue to have access to this important source of funding.
Grants are available for rural small businesses, farmers, foresters and communities to help fund capital projects that create jobs and grow the rural economy. and asparagus, timber harvesting being advised to make an application equipment, a gin distillery, farm sooner rather than later. So far, 12 projects in West Kent are diversification projects, a winery and benefitting from LEADER funding a brewery expansion and shop. To find out more, call Caroline creating 18 jobs in the process. These Lingham on 01732 227282, e-mail include a village community shop, Although applications are open until [email protected] irrigation equipment for soft fruit 31 March 2019, business owners are or visit www.westkentleader.org.uk Supporting Syrian refugees In March we agreed to resettle a Syrian refugee family in the Sevenoaks District after we identified a property that has been vacant for more than a year. The six bedroom home in Eynsford believe helping a Syrian family has been adapted for people with settle in the District is a good Community Sponsorship Scheme disabilities but the landlord, West outcome for everyone. We will Recently the Government launched Kent, has been unable to find a help a refugee family escape the Community Sponsorship suitable family as there is currently from a terrible situation. At the Scheme to encourage local no local need for a property of same time we will keep a social organisations to have a greater role this size. rented home in public hands that in Syrian resettlement. otherwise could have been sold West Kent had considered splitting and would no longer be available The Scheme enables local the property into smaller homes, through the Housing Register." community organisations, including but this option was too expensive. charities and community interest They had also considered selling the We are keen to hear from local companies, to take on the role of home, but there was no guarantee landlords who would consider sponsoring a refugee family to settle the money would have been making property available to a in the local community. reinvested in the Sevenoaks District. Syrian refugee family. Call us on To find out more, call us on 01732 227000 or e-mail refugee. 01732 227000 or e-mail refugee. Cllr Michelle Lowe, our Cabinet [email protected] for [email protected] member for housing, says: “I firmly more information.
sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 12 ENVIRONMENT Right waste, right place! Help us recycle more and cut down waste by using the right sack for the right waste
Think before you buy! A fifth of food waste found in your black sack is uneaten, still in its packaging. Please don’t buy more than you need! Did you know that food frozen on its ‘best by’ date can be eaten the day it’s defrosted?
Your black sacks are for: • Non-compostable cooked food waste • Soiled paper and card • Black plastics • Plastic bags • Pet food pouches • Paper plates and cups • Disposable nappies • Crisp packets
Bottle up and make a cracking change! Glass has no place in our black or clear sacks. Please recycle your glass bottles and jars at one of our 35 recycle sites. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/glass
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk ENVIRONMENT 13 Right waste, right place! Help us recycle more and cut down waste by using the right sack for the right waste
Don’t put your sack to waste. Almost a fifth of waste in your black sack could be recycled if it was put in a clear one. Dump those old habits, clue up on where to put each item and make sure your waste is going to the right place.
Your clear sacks are for: • Paper and cardboard • Drink and food cartons • Plastic bottles • Plastic pots, tubs and trays (but not black plastic) • Aluminium packaging • Aluminium cans and clean kitchen foil • Metal food cans, tins and metal jar and bottle tops. Please empty and rinse all your containers
For more information visit www.sevenoaks. gov.uk/recycling
sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 14 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Spring into Easter Spring flowers, wildlife and warm days mean that Easter is a wonderful time to get out and about in the District. There are a host of holiday events going on, so why not get your family out ‘eggs-ploring’ this Easter!
Photo courtesy of Chris Walker Penshurst Place Chartwell Hever Castle The Rabbits, Riddles and Rhymes The former home of Sir Winston Beautiful Hever Castle was the childhood event runs from 1 April to Easter Churchill remains much as it was when home of Anne Boleyn. There will be family Sunday and includes an Easter he lived in the property. This Easter, entertainment throughout the Easter trail around the garden and craft an Easter Egg Trail will encourage holidays from the beginning of April workshops in the Old Coach House. your children to explore the beautiful to Easter Monday including an Easter On Easter Sunday and Monday, hillside garden and woodland. The trail bunny hunt, Easter trail, bonnet-making Aardvark Productions will be is £2 and available up to and including workshop and best bonnet parade. storytelling in the main house. This Easter Monday. 650-year-old building showcases a www.hevercastle.co.uk marvellous mix of paintings, tapestries www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell and furniture from across the centuries. It also has a terrific toy museum.
www.penshurstplace.com
Easter fun at Knole This Easter, Knole has Cadbury’s Bunny Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Easter trails for children to encourage Join in with the Bunny Hunt from exploration through the parkland and 12 April to Easter Monday from courtyards to the orangery. The trail Chiddingstone Castle 10.30am to 4pm every day and earn is available from Saturday 1 April to yourself some delicious chocolate Monday 17 April and costs £3. The hunt The Castle re-opens for its 2017 egg rewards. This historic hillside takes place in the free areas of Knole season just in time for Easter. garden is renowned for its carpets but normal admission prices apply if you Enjoy exploring its collections of of bluebells and spectacular array of want to explore Knole’s showrooms. artefacts left by former occupants rhododendrons and azaleas, as well www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole and drink in the wonderful as magnificent views of the Weald of views from the 35-acre gardens. Kent. Riverhill’s Bluebell Festival begins Chiddingstone Castle opens on on Wednesday 19 April and includes To find out more about what’s Bank Holidays and Sunday to Bluebell Walks, an art exhibition and taking place in Sevenoaks District Wednesday from 11am to 5pm. bluebell-inspired crafts. this season and throughout the year, visit www.visitkent.co.uk www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk www.riverhillgardens.co.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk LOCAL ATTRACTIONS 15
A glimpse into the past at Knole It’s not unusual to find a little relic of the past when you’re redecorating. It can be thrilling to find a newspaper article about a long-forgotten event. But you’ll have to scale that feeling up a few times to understand how Jim Parker felt when he found some letters under the floorboards – as the papers he found had not been seen for 400 years. Jim was volunteering with the Premises and Archaeology Team at Knole House when he made the discovery. The team were working in one of the attics at the 600-year- old National Trust property when Jim spotted the relics and earned himself a new nickname.
He says: "I was very excited to see some pieces of paper hidden underneath some rush matting. The first piece was folded and very dusty. We realised it was a letter and there was writing on it which looked like a seventeenth century hand. I was nicknamed ‘Jimdiana Jones’ after that!”
The letters dated from May 1603 and October 1633 with the latter one being a request for items to be sent from Copt Hall in Essex to Knole, the result of the marriage between Frances Cranfield, daughter of the Earl of Middlesex who owned Copt Hall, to Richard Sackville the 5th Earl of Dorset and owner of Knole.
These fascinating documents aren’t the only 17th century letters to have been found during the on- going five-year Heritage Lottery- Funded building and conservation project. A third letter, this one from wiring and nails or things visitors The collection at Copt Hall was 1622, was found in another attic by have dropped such as cigarette moved to Knole during the early building contractor Dan Morrison. packets and ticket stubs. These eighteenth century and forms a letters are significant as artefacts substantial part of the collection All three letters were written on but also for the insights they give us now in its showrooms. rag paper, a high-quality popular into the correspondence of the early parchment, and shed light on seventeenth century." In addition to the house, you can domestic life in the 17th century. explore Knole Park, the county’s last The letters have been carefully medieval deer park, with a wild herd Nathalie Cohen, National Trust restored and are now on display at of over 350 deer. Archaeologist, adds: "At Knole the Visitor Centre at Knole which is our typical finds relate to the free to enter and open 10am to 4pm For more information on Knole visit maintenance of the house such as seven days a week. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 16 LEISURE Spring into fitness If longer days and lighter evenings, not to mention the thought of summer, have you thinking about fitness, Sencio Wellness manager, Pete Burnside, offers his seven steps to a healthier future – and one that’s sustainable.
STEP 1: Decide what motivates you STEP 5: Diets rarely work! If weight and what you enjoy – it could be a loss is your goal and you want to get group class, using weights or being ready for summer – start now and eat outdoors. And remind yourself regularly a well-balanced range of foods and of why you started, whether that was drink plenty of water. to feel fitter, lose weight, tone-up or simply have some “me” time. STEP 6: Aim for at least three sessions a week – and remember even STEP 2: Get a professional to devise a 15-minute brisk walk or getting off a plan for you and ask them to help the bus a stop earlier can really help. you track your progress.
STEP 7: Don’t be scared of using STEP 3: Get a gym buddy. You are gym weights. The benefits include more likely to stick to exercise when making your bones stronger, toning you can motivate each other. the body and aiding inch loss.
STEP 4: Don’t expect miracles and be For further information, contact your realistic. Start with gentle sessions of nearest Sencio Community Leisure 20 to 30 minutes and build up. centre or go to www.sencio.org.uk Tee-off for spring on the greens As Lullingstone Park Golf Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we caught-up with course manager and head professional Mark Watt.
How will you be marking the I used to love golf but just don’t club’s 50th anniversary? find the time these days. We’re working closely with the club Our Twilight rate makes playing on a and marking the occasion with four nice spring or summer’s evening more days of competition from 19 to 22 suited to those with busy schedules – July. The course will be in pristine and is also great value. condition so it’ll be a perfect time to join and get some competitive play Why should those who haven’t under your belt. played at Lullingstone give it a go? You can really get away from it all and What are you doing to attract the enjoy some wonderful golf requiring a next generation of golfers? variety of shots. We’re offering free coaching for juniors this spring as well as introducing a joint For further information call 01959 green fee for adults and juniors. 533793 or go to www.sencio.org.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk LEISURE 17
Physically, socially and mentally, White Oak’s feel good suite is a winner Since taking delivery of 12 new pieces of exercise equipment last year, White Oak Leisure Centre has made a difference to the lives of around 120 people.
The Feel Good suite at the Swanley facility has helped a For further information call Liane Brown at White Oak range of users from a 13-year-old with Cerebral Palsy to Leisure Centre on 01322 662188. an 88-year-old double hip replacement patient. ADVERTISEMENT Since opening its doors, the suite has won many devoted fans, including Gillian Dridge (66) from Hextable, who says: “I saw the advertisement, did a free seven-day trial and loved it. It has really helped with my type-two Diabetes. My HbA1c level has reduced and, along with swimming, so has my weight. The staff are absolutely lovely - always friendly and helpful and it also makes for a great social experience.”
Sylvia Searles (62) from Swanley came to Feel Good to improve her fitness but also to broaden her social circle: “The place is fantastic. It’s really welcoming with a great atmosphere. Everyone is chatty and we have a good laugh. I come here five times a week and go swimming and I definitely feel the benefits, physically, mentally and socially.”
White Oak is now keen to encourage local groups to try the facilities by attending free “taster” sessions with a view to addressing specific needs and eventually providing exclusive use during quieter periods.
“These machines offer low impact exercise for those with medical conditions or mobility problems,” says instructor Liane Brown. “Unlike some routines that strain the body these are biomechanically matched to it, offering an all-round programme that is kinder to joints and muscles. And we’re also the perfect place for people who hate gyms!” sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 1818 IDCOMMUNITY ET ASIM QUE SAFETY MOS ARCHIT
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
West Kent Mediation marks two decades of bringing people together Last year West Kent Mediation celebrated its 20th birthday having helped thousands of households to resolve neighbourhood disputes since it was founded.
Neighbourhood disputes are a sad fact of life. Noise or a minor property problem can quickly snowball into harassment, anti-social and even abusive behaviour. You only need to look at primetime television to see the raft of programmes devoted to the subject. For those involved, a neighbourhood dispute can take over their lives. It can lead to depression, anxiety and a complete loss to know what to do next.
Problems are made worse as communication between people breaks down, escalating bad feelings and creating even greater problems. People who find themselves in such conflicts often spend time and money seeking legal advice and going through the court system. But mediation can Here to help. West Kent Mediation staff and volunteers be a more effective approach. District. Sevenoaks District Council between parents and their teenage The good news is help is at hand in the continues to fund them today. children. We also offer restorative form of West Kent Mediation. Their justice, homeless and workplace trained volunteers can bridge the gap The service proved to be such a mediation and restorative practices between warring neighbours, starting success that just three years later it within schools. a conversation and building trust. In was expanded to cover the whole most cases, given time, this leads to an of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & “Over the last 20 years we have agreement that benefits everyone. Malling Boroughs. helped thousands of troubled people resolve problems through West Kent Mediation was founded West Kent Mediation CEO, the mediation process. We have an in 1996. Initial funding was provided Amanda Bell, says “We offer a free, excellent success rate and if all those by Sevenoaks District Council and confidential, impartial mediation involved in mediation want it to work, West Kent Housing Association with service to all those trying to cope then life can be made a lot easier”. contributions from West Kent Tenants’ with neighbourhood problems, across Association, Kent Police and local town the West Kent area and a specialised To contact West Kent Mediation, visit and parish councils in the Sevenoaks service to help better communication wkm.org.uk or call 01732 469696. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk ID ET ASIMCOMMUNITY QUE MOS ARCHITSAFETY 19
Reporting crime Social media Tackling domestic abuse To report a crime that is taking place, For the latest community For support and advice for all victims of always call 999. If the incident has safety news follow us on Domestic Abuse call the Domestic Abuse passed, call Kent Police on 101 or Twitter visit @sdc_csp Volunteer Support Service on 01892 570538 Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 For the Community Domestic Abuse Programme for men call 07933 359210
Keeping your West Kent Mediation marks two children safe online E-safety is about good parenting decades of bringing people together not just technology. The same parenting skills apply online as they do offline – so don't let the Internet scare you into not protecting your children.
If your child sees something unsuitable it’s best to get them to tell you. If they’re punished by removing Internet access, it can result in your children being afraid to confide in you.
Your child should never tell strangers where they live, their phone number or where they go to school, online. Only friends and family should know this. Photos courtesy of the Stag Community Arts Centre It’s advisable to use a nickname (sometimes known as a username Live production educates or handle) online so people who chat to and play games with your pupils on Safer Internet Day child don't know their real name. Over 800 year five and six pupils in the District Your child should never share pictures with people they do not know. watched a live production at the Stag Theatre as part of Safer Internet Day on 7 February to help Many things put online may remain accessible for years to come. them stay safe on the Internet and on social media. Sometimes known as a digital footprint, this applies to social Sevenoaks District Council funded the The Stag Youth Theatre put on two networking. Information could Stag Youth Theatre to write and produce powerful 50 minute performances be seen by prospective colleges, the ‘Real Life’ play, which covered topics by their talented cast aged 11 to universities or even employers. such as sexting, cyber bullying and 14 years old. talking to strangers online. Finally, install and set parental Safer Internet Day is celebrated controls and make sure you have The production also focused on globally and aims to raise awareness good antivirus, firewall and anti- educating children about the risks of of staying safe online, as well as spyware on your devices and sharing intimate pictures via phone providing advice and support to ensure they are kept up to date. after reports found almost half of 13 to children, parents, carers and schools. 17 year olds said they had seen nude For more information visit pictures of someone they know being Find out more by going to www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/esafety shared around their school or community. www.saferinternet.org.uk sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 20 YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Your Councillors Sevenoaks District Council’s priorities and policies are decided by 54 Councillors who were elected by local people. The Sevenoaks District is divided into 26 smaller areas, known as wards and each ward is represented by one or more District Councillors. You are very welcome to contact the District Councillors to express your views and to ask for their help on local issues.
Conservative (C) Independent (I) Labour (L) Liberal Democrat (LD) UKIP
Cameron Clark (C) Claire Pearsall (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 07710 625854 01732 227000 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01959 534267 01732 464678 01732 455355
Matthew Dickins (C) Stephen Lindsay (UKIP) Kim Bayley (C) Cameron Brown (C) Stuart McGregor (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 01342 850872 01732 452375 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01732 458556 01732 740654 01732 865559 01732 865197
Alan Layland (C) Margot McArthur (C) Michael Horwood (C) Ingrid Tennessee (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 864140 01732 227000 01732 227000 01732 227000 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
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS 21
John Kelly (C) Darren Kitchener (I) Dee Morris (C) Simon Reay (C) Lorraine Stack (C) Peter Lake (C) Hartley and Hodsoll Hextable Hextable Kemsing Kemsing Leigh and Chiddingstone Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Causeway [email protected] 07496 818558 01322 669030 01732 762761 01732 458516 [email protected] 07879 607130 01892 740400
John Edwards-Winser (C) Michelle Lowe (C) Paddy Cooke (C) Roddy Hogarth (C) Julia Thornton (C) Edward Parson (C) 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 07860 626343 01892 853983
Elizabeth Purves (LD) Andrew Eyre (C) Avril Hunter (C) Merilyn Canet (LD) Jonathan Krogdahl (C) Graham Clack (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 463041 01732 464865 01732 453292 01732 461397 01732 227000 [email protected] 07769 644576
Peter Fleming (C) Simon Raikes (C) Clare Barnes (C) John Barnes (C) Tony Searles (C) Lesley Dyball (C) 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] 01732 227000 01732 227240 01732 451707 01732 227000 01732 227000 01322 662637
Michael Hogg (L) Laurence Ball (C) James Halford (UKIP) Nina Scott (C) Diana Esler (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] 01322 660929 [email protected] Crockham Hill Crockham Hill 07764 950944 07515 770220 01732 227000 [email protected] [email protected] 01732 465089 07966 171398
How to contact your District Councillors We have provided your District Councillors’ phone website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/councillors or by calling numbers and e-mail addresses. If you would like to write us on 01732 227000. If you are unsure which ward you to them, their postal addresses are available on our live in, please call us on 01732 227000.
sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 22 NEWS
Sevenoaks scoops highest honour in public sector awards Sevenoaks District Council construction on a hotel in the summer. More recently we purchased another office took the top spot at the block in Sevenoaks and an office and shop recent Guardian Public complex in Sevenoaks High Street.
Service Awards. This income comes at a time when our The Guardian Awards are recognised support grant from Government ceased as the gold standard for organisations from 1 April 2017. that deliver outstanding services in the public and charity sector. David Brindle, the Guardian’s public services editor and co-chair of the judging At a ceremony in London on 29 panel, says: “Sevenoaks has blazed a November, we picked up the Finance trail for all of English local government. award, for our work to become Ministers plan to phase out central grants financially self sufficient, and the Cllr Peter Fleming, Council Leader, and Dr Pav by the end of the decade, but the detail prestigious ‘Overall Winner’ award. Ramewal, Chief Executive, proudly show off is still being thrashed out. the Council’s Guardian award trophies
The Guardian judges were impressed The achievement was in part thanks “While others haggle over the numbers, we had become England’s first to the income generated from our Sevenoaks has picked up the ball and financially self-sufficient local property investments. These include a run with it. What it has achieved has authority, despite unprecedented convenience store and petrol station taken vision, initiative and nerves of steel public sector cuts threatening the and an office block. We have just at a time of unprecedented uncertainty future of our services. built a decked car park and will begin for town halls.” Election time! With County Council elections taking place on Thursday 4 May, residents are being urged not to miss out on having a say about who should run Kent’s services.
Kent County Council is responsible Are you on the electoral register? for many local services, including You can only vote if your name appears roads and pavements, schools, on the electoral register. You can apply libraries, social and care services, quickly and easily at www.gov.uk/ buses, the tip and more. register-to-vote or you can request a registration form by calling us on 01732 Call us on 01732 227000 for an It has 81 councillors and residents 227000. The deadline to register to application form. This form can in the Sevenoaks District will elect vote for this election is 13 April. also be downloaded from six of them. www.yourvotematters.co.uk Postal voting These elections take place every four You can apply to vote by post rather Applications to vote by post for years. Poll cards indicating where and than attending a polling station in the elections on 4 May must be when to vote will be sent out before person. This is perfect if you’re away received by our Electoral Services the election. on the day of the election. team by 5pm on 18 April.
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 23
Community transport is just the ticket! If you’re aged over 60, Edenbridge Voluntary Transport drivers. For more information, call Service uses volunteer drivers to 01322 294600. or you have mobility help residents from Edenbridge and problems, there are many surrounding villages attend medical Dial 2 Drive helps people who cannot local transport schemes appointments. This service is run for access public transport, because of those who do not have their own old age, illness or disability, to get to to help you get to medical vehicle and cannot access public medical and social appointments. The appointments, day centres, transport. For more information, service is managed by Imago with lunch clubs and more. call 01732 865353. volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles. Find out more by calling Kent Karrier Service is operated by Sevenoaks Volunteer Transport 0300 777 1200. Compaid throughout the District. You Group helps elderly, infirm or disabled pay an annual membership fee and a residents, who do not have their If you are unsure which service might subsidised fare for each journey you own transport, to attend medical be best for you, please call us on make. For an application form, call appointments. This service is also 01732 227000. 0300 333 5712. provided by volunteer drivers. Call 01732 458931 for details. Age UK Sevenoaks & Tonbridge operate a service for older residents, living in North West Kent Volunteer Centre Sevenoaks and the south of the District, operate a service for elderly or for trips to its day centres and lunch disabled residents in Swanley and clubs. For details, call 01732 454108. the outlying villages using volunteer Sevenoaks District Council at your fingertips Main Office Leisure centres Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Ash Green Sports Centre* Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre*** Kent TN13 1HG 01474 707164 01732 451889 Tel 01732 227000 Edenbridge Leisure Centre** Sevenoaks Leisure Centre** 01732 865665 01732 470700 Open Monday to Thursday 8.45am to Lullingstone Park Golf Course** 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm. White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Swanley*** 01959 533793/533974 01322 665571 Emergencies (outside office hours) The Olympic, Swanley* White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley** 01732 227000 01322 669201 01322 662188 then listen to the options.
Swanley Link * Operated by the local town or London Road, Swanley BR8 7AE parish Council ** Operated by Sencio Community Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm Leisure, and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Head Office 01732 746010 *** Operated by independent limited Tel 03000 421254 companies
In Shape is published and distributed by Sevenoaks District In Shape is available in an audio format Council to inform local residents and businesses about the work of the Council. for residents with visual impairments and Editor Daniel Whitmarsh can be explained in other languages by Editorial Assistants Alison Osborne and Owen Thompson e-mail [email protected] calling 01732 227000. Tel 01732 227000 Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Design & print www.whateverdesign.co.uk Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Printed on environmentally friendly paper. Published April 2017.
sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 24 ADVERTISEMENTS
www.sencio.org.uk
NO SET UP FEE. JOIN SENCIO AND SAVE £15! EDENBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5LU 01732 865665 | [email protected]
SEVENOAKS LEISURE CENTRE Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1LW T&CS APPLY: OFFER VALID 01/04/17 – 01732 470700 | [email protected] 31/05/17. Usual cost of Set Up Fee will be waived. Usual cost is £15. WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE Only applicable on All-in-One Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, Kent BR8 7BT 6 month committed memberships. 01322 662188 | [email protected] See www.sencio.org.uk for more details.
www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk
All InShape W90mm x H128.5mm.indd 1 23/02/2017 16:25