Kent County Council Refuse Or Clear Recycling Sacks

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

inThe newsletter ofshape Sevenoaks District Council ISSUE 85 Spring 2013

Grant scheme’s a hit with residents

Holiday refuse Garden waste services Healthy Nordic collections Get ready for spring walking style with our garden Easter and Sandra puts Shape up May bank waste collection her best foot service Nordic holiday refuse forward with style arrangements a health walk Inside page 3 page 6 page 9 page 16 2 Advertisements

Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk News 3 Easter and May Bank Holiday refuse collections Following the Easter and May bank holidays, there will be changes to your refuse and recycling and garden waste collection days Your revised collection days are:

●● Good Friday, 29 March – collections take place the next day, Saturday 30 March

●● Easter Monday, 1 April – collections this week will be one-day later than usual until Saturday 6 April

●● May Day Bank holiday, Monday 6 May – collections this week will be one-day later than usual until Saturday 11 May

●● Spring Bank Holiday, Monday 27 May – collections this week will be one-day later than usual until Saturday 1 June Please put your black and clear sacks and garden waste out by 7am on your collection day.

New Council Tax collection dates From April, our Council Tax collection dates will be changing. From this date, you can choose to pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit on the 1st, 8th, 15th or 23rd of the month. Collections on 3rd and 28th will no longer be available. If you currently pay by Direct Debit on the 3rd of the month your Council Tax will be collected on 8th, unless you tell us otherwise. If you pay on 28th of the month your collection date will move to the 1st, unless you ask for another date. You will, for one year only, be offered instalments from 1 May 2013 to 1 February 2014 instead of 1 April to 1 January. If you pay by cash, cheque or debit card your payment date will also change from the 15th to 1st of the month form April. If you’d like to pay for your Council Tax by Direct Debit, please visit www.sevenoaks. gov.uk/counciltax or call us on 01732 227000 and we can set up your payments over the phone.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 4 News

Big Community Fund is a hit with residents Kemsing Boxing Club looks to be going the distance since it opened its doors last May thanks in part to a grant from our Big Community Fund.

The Club was the brainchild of life- long boxing fan Kenny Libretto. His vision was to set up a club that was accessible to young people from every background.

Kenny contacted one of his local District Councillors, Lorraine Stack, and last April she secured £3,000 from Sevenoaks District Council’s Big Community Fund to pay for “I’ve been overwhelmed by the The Big Community Fund was equipment, including head guards, community’s support. Many locals launched in 2011 to offer local gloves and punch bags. are giving up their time and raising people, groups and town and parish money and without them, the club councils funds for local improvements. The Club meets three times a week would not be possible. at St Edith Hall and has 25 regulars Since its beginnings, we’ve made aged eight to 26 charging just £2 a “We’re now running at full capacity nearly £100,000 available to 53 local session, making it affordable for most so we’re looking at options to projects. Applications are made via people. Sessions are run by qualified expand to keep up with demand. a local District Councillor and grants boxing trainers, including Kenny and In less than a year we’ve already worth up £3,000 for individual projects his fitness trainer Simon Kingy. produced winners and in January we are available. Neighbouring Councillors held our first ever boxing tournament bid for up to £6,000 for joint projects. Kenny Libretto told In Shape why he for clubs in the area.” set up the club, and why it’s proving To be successful, applications should so popular: “Being local I could see Cllr Lorraine Stack adds: “This demonstrate the benefits to the there was a need for extra activities has been one of my most proud community, value for money, how for youngsters and, with my love of achievements since I was elected in locals have been involved and long- boxing, this seemed the ideal thing. 2005. The Club appeals to many and term sustainability. is affordable and accessible to most “We offer youngsters a fun, safe children, whatever their parents’ For details of the Big Community environment where they can channel income or background.” Fund visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ their energy in a positive and bcf. To contact your local District constructive way. Thanks to the two The club is also popular with the Councillor go to www.sevenoaks. councils’ funding, the young people community, including the local PCSO, gov.uk/councillors or call us on do not need their own expensive and since it began there’s been a 01732 227000. specialist equipment - they can just reduction in anti-social behaviour in turn up and train. the village.

Big Community Fund is a hit with residents

Major changes to In just a few days’ time, Government welfare reforms will begin, affecting many working age Housing and Council Tax people who claim benefit. These changes, which begin on 1 April, will NOT affect you or Benefit just days away your partner if you’re aged 61 and six months or more on 1 April.

Under-occupation reduction Changes to Council Benefit cap If you claim Housing Benefit and rent Tax Benefit The Benefit Cap is being phased your home from a housing association Council Tax Benefit will be in from April to September 2013. or other social landlord, you may see replaced by ‘Council Tax The maximum benefit allowable a reduction in your benefit if you have Support’ and the amount you will be £500 a week for single one or more spare bedrooms. can claim will be reduced. If parents and couples with or you currently claim Council Tax without children or £350 a week Housing Benefit could be reduced by Benefit, even if you pay nothing for single people unless you or 14% for one spare room or by 25% for at the moment, you will pay at your partner receive working two or more spare bedrooms. Local least 8.5% of your bill. tax credit or you, your partner housing associations are contacting or a member of your household tenants who are likely to be affected If you are liable to pay Council receive a relevant disability to offer support and advice. If you Tax, please do not ignore your benefit. think you’re affected, and you’ve not bill as doing so could result in yet been contacted, please speak legal action. Please contact If your total benefit exceeds the with your housing our Revenues maximum amount association as Team on 01732 allowed your soon as possible 227000 to Housing Benefit MAX £500 MAX to discuss your discuss payment payments will be £350 options. options. reduced.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 6 Environment Garden waste collection service April 2013 to April 2014 Fortnightly Garden Waste Collection Service Calendar April 2013 - April 2014 2013 2014

Our popular fortnightly Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr garden waste collection Mon 1 1 service is a convenient Tue 2 2 1 1 way to dispose of your Wed 3 1 3 2 1* 2 grass cuttings and other Thu 4 2 4 1 3 2 3 compostable garden waste. Fri 5 3 5 2 4 1 3 4 Six thousand five hundred residents Sat 6 4 1 6 3 5 2 4 1 1 5 already subscribe to our green bin Sun 7 5 2 7 4 1 6 3 1 5 2 2 6 permit scheme and more than 140,000 Mon 8 6 3 8 5 2 7 4 2 6 3 3 7 garden waste collection sacks are purchased from us every year. Last year Tue 9 7 4 9 6 3 8 5 3 7 4 4 8 we composted nearly 4,000 tonnes of Wed 10 8 5 10 7 4 9 6 4 8 5 5 9 garden waste with the service. Thu 11 9 6 11 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 6 10 To use the scheme you must purchase Fri 12 10 7 12 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 7 11 garden sacks from us or one of our Sat 13 11 8 13 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 8 12 approved outlets or hold an annual permit. Sun 14 12 9 14 11 8 13 10 8 12 9 9 13

Garden waste collection sacks and Mon 15 13 10 15 12 9 14 11 9 13 10 10 14 green wheelie bins are collected Tue 16 14 11 16 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 11 15 fortnightly from the border of your Wed property on your collection day and 17 15 12 17 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 12 16 should be put out by 7am. Thu 18 16 13 18 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 13 17 Fri 19 17 14 19 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 14 18* Call us on 01732 227000 or e-mail [email protected] to join Sat 20 18 15 20 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 15 19 or find out if you are week 1 (green) or Sun 21 19 16 21 18 15 20 17 15 19 16 16 20 week 2 (blue) collection (as shown on the Mon 22 20 17 22 19 16 21 18 16 20 17 17 2*1 calendar) and your collection day. Tue 23 21 18 23 20 17 22 19 17 21 18 18 22

Wed 24 22 19 24 21 18 23 20 18 22 19 19 23

Thu 25 23 20 25 22 19 24 21 19 23 20 20 24

Fri 26 24 21 26 23 20 25 22 20 24 21 21 25

Sat 27 25 22 27 24 21 26 23 21 25 22 22 26

Sun 28 26 23 28 25 22 27 24 22 26 23 23 27

Mon 29 27 24 29 26 23 28 25 23 27 24 24 28

Tue 30 28 25 30 27 24 29 26 24 28 25 25 29

Wed 29 26 31 28 25 30 27 25* 29 26 26 30

Thu 30 27 29 26 31 28 26* 30 27 27

Fri 31 28 30 27 29 27 31 28 28

Sat 29 31 28 30 28 29

Sun 30 29 29 30

Mon 30 30 31

Tue 31

Week 1 Week 2 Bank Holiday *Christmas, New Year and Easter 2014 refuse collection schedules will be published nearer the time. Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 8 Environment Don’t let your sharp, dangerous waste injure your refuse collectors

You can help keep your refuse it next to your sacks on your referred by your GP or district nurse collectors safe, so they can continue collection day and you’ve arranged a collection to provide an excellent service, with us. Sharps collections take ●● Knives, scissors and other sharp or by refraining from putting sharp, place on a Saturday. Under no large metal objects should be taken dangerous objects in your black circumstances should they be to your nearest Kent County Council refuse or clear recycling sacks. placed in your sacks. Household Waste Centre where Please follow our advice when metals can be recycled. If you are If you’re still unsure about how to disposing of sharp items: unable to do so, place it alongside dispose of sharp items, or you’d like your sacks in a clearly marked and to know more about our medical ●● Place broken glass, pottery and sealed container waste collections service, the like in a sealed container, such visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/refuse, as an ice cream tub or plastic ●● We can collect syringes and EpiPens call us on 01732 227000 or e-mail milk bottle, clearly marked as in special ‘sharps boxes’ provided [email protected]. containing broken glass. Place by your chemist once you’ve been Capture the District’s green scenes Nestling in Kent, ‘the garden of England’, Sevenoaks is one of the most protected districts anywhere in the UK with 93% of the area in the Green Belt. To celebrate our promise to protect our Green Belt for future generations, we’re asking you to send us your photos of your favourite District scene. The Green Belt exists to protect [email protected]. land from urbanisation. We’ve The photographs will be showcased on our promised to protect the Green Belt social media sites, including on our new from inappropriate development and Pinterest account. whenever possible to find alternative sites for the District’s future housing Council Leader, Cllr Peter Fleming, will and development needs. choose what in his opinion are the best images and these photos will be Green Belt land doesn’t necessarily published in the summer issue of In have to be of a high environmental Shape magazine. value and can include previously developed sites, but having this land The deadline to upload your images is protected helps to safeguard areas of Monday 15 April 2013. The competition great beauty from urbanisation. has two categories: one for under 18s the other for over 18s. Full terms and We want you to celebrate this with us conditions can be viewed at by sending us your favourite photos www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/vision of the District’s superb scenery. Just upload your favourite view of the District For more information, contact Katie onto our Facebook page (Sevenoaks MacKinnon in our Communications District Council Official), tweet us at Team on 01732 227309 or e-mail @SDC_newsdesk on Twitter or e-mail [email protected].

Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk Health 9 Sandra puts her best foot forward with a health walk Sixty-three year old Sandra Smith from West Council, in partnership with NHS Kingsdown is one of the many residents who West Kent. are taking steps to improve their fitness and Walks last about one hour and are a great way to start exercising, wellbeing with a local health walk. especially for those recovering from an illness or operation. n her local walk, not only does gained weight. I’m certainly a lot fitter she rub shoulders with the than before and find it much easier to You can just turn up at any of the likes of Robert Redford and keep up with the grandchildren!” eight walks taking place at: OPhil Collins (both residents of West Kingsdown and not to be confused with “The best thing about the walks is ●● Otford – Mondays, starting at the Hollywood actor and the former not just the health benefits but the Otford Memorial Hall at 10.30am Genesis singer and drummer), she opportunity to socialise and meet gets to socialise with many other locals new people. ●● Lullingstone Park - Mondays, whilst improving her overall fitness. starting at the Visitor Centre “I moved to West Kingsdown seven at 2pm The Grandmother of three told In Shape years ago and it’s such a wonderful ●● Hartley – Tuesdays, starting at why she joined and what she enjoys place. But, like many rural areas, the Library at 10am most about her local walk. “After I people often get about by car, so retired I felt the need to take up exercise meeting others can be a challenge. ●● Swanley – Tuesdays, starting at and, after considering my options, I took the Café at White Oak Leisure up walking. It was the cheapest and “Thanks to the health walk I have Centre at 2pm best form of exercise for me.” made many new friends from the ●● New Ash Green – Wednesdays, village” starting at New Ash Green Library “I joined the West Kingsdown health at 10.30am walk two years ago and since then I’ve The District’s health walks are run lost about half a stone. I’m convinced by local volunteers who are trained ●● West Kingsdown – Wednesdays, that had I not joined, I would have and supported by Sevenoaks District starting at the Pavilion Library Car Park at 10.15am

●● Edenbridge – Wednesdays, starting at Edenbridge Leisure Centre at 9.30am

●● Sevenoaks – Thursdays, starting at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre café at 10.30am

We are currently recruiting volunteer walk leaders for new and existing walks. Full training will be provided.

If you’d like to know more about your local health walk or starting up a new walk, call us on 01732 227000, e-mail healthy. [email protected] or visit Sandra Smith, left, is fitter and healthier since joining her local health walk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/health.

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 Step up your shed security While many of us take precautions to protect our homes, we often forget the value of the items stored outside.

Garden sheds, outbuildings and even ●● Disable lawn mowers and other ●● Ensure the screws are not garages packed with tools, machinery large machinery when not in use accessible when using a hasp and and other valuable equipment can and chain items together to a solid staple lock or pad bolts offer easy pickings for thieves. anchor point ●● Prevent unwanted visitors from Each year householders lose ●● Record details of your property entering your garden by maintaining thousands of pounds worth of (make, model, serial number hedges and fences and identifying marks) and take equipment, which is easy to sell on ●● Close your garden gate and lock it and often untraceable. photographs for easy identification from the inside

Here are a few pointers to reduce ●● Register your valuables on the ●● Use lockable hanging baskets your chances of falling victim to this National Property Database or secure the baskets to their type of crime: www.immobilise.com brackets

●● Always put your tools and equipment ●● Use close shackle padlocks to ●● Avoid leaving house doors and away safely. Items left lying around secure sheds and install shed windows open or unlocked when outside could be stolen or used to alarms and security lights working in the garden help a thief break in Hearing the truth about prison The reality of prison life is being Caley says: “Meeting inmates brought home to young people, some has a big impact on the young of whom may have already had a people. Many are shocked when brush with the law, at innovative they hear about the harsh reality of workshops based in Swanley. losing your liberty from people of a similar age.” Run by Kent Police’s Family Management Officer, Caley Walden, Cara adds: Many young people and Cara Sillett, the District Council’s believe that prison will never Anti Social Behaviour Officer, the happen to them. But when they ‘Prison workshops’ give young hear what life is really like inside people the chance to meet face-to- many are shocked and want to Caley Walden and Cara Sillett who run face with inmates serving time. They change their ways. It’s proving workshops with inmates to tell young get to hear what it’s really like to to be a powerful and effective people about prison life spend time behind bars. deterrent.”

Tackling domestic abuse Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service for support and advice for all victims of Domestic Abuse call 01892 570538 The Community Domestic Abuse Programme for men call 07933 359210 Extended opening times for Domestic Abuse One-Stop-Shop Sevenoaks District’s Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop is now open every week offering advice to all victims of domestic abuse.

The one-stop-shop is based at Swanley Children’s Centre (Sure Start), Northview, Swanley BR8 7BT, just around the corner from White Oak Leisure Centre.

Here you can receive free, confidential advice and support from Women’s Aid, Domestic Abuse Voluntary Support Services, Kent Fire & Rescue Service, housing associations, Sevenoaks District Council and the police.

The shop is open every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11.30am and no appointment is necessary.

The Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership also works with partner agencies to deliver other domestic abuse services, including the Freedom Programme for women survivors of domestic abuse and a male perpetrators programme.

For further details, please contact the Community Safety Unit on 01732 227000 or e-mail [email protected].

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 12 Local attractions

It’s 110 years since American multi- millionaire William Waldorf Astor bought Hever Castle and 50 years since his grandson, Gavin, opened the doors to the public. If that’s not enough to celebrate, it is also 30 years since the Guthrie family Glorious days bought the Hever Estate. est known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this out on your season the castle is celebrating Bthe Astor years with an Upstairs, Downstairs exhibition recapturing the doorstep fascinating family and its servants. Letters, photographs and touch screen displays tell the story of the restoration of the castle and creation of the magnificent award-winning gardens.

Parts of the Astor’s rare archive collection of home movies will be Grand houses and glorious gardens shown while visitors take advantage of everyday objects such as period abound across the District and telephones to listen to interviews with former below stairs staff. Find this spring, you’ll be spoiled for out more about the exhibition and the full calendar of special events at choice for days out exploring www.hevercastle.co.uk. new attractions and exhibitions There’s a medieval flavour throughout 2013 at Penshurst Place – which alongside traditional favourites recently starred as the French Court in Sam Mendez’ adaptation of and natural wildlife paradises. Shakespeare’s Henry V.

Hever Castle and Gardens Medieval dressing up fun this Easter at Penshurst Place

In real life it was two of Henry’s Find out more about all the special countryside. Explore Kent is a one-stop younger brothers, the Dukes of Bedford events this spring, including guided shop for everyone seeking great days and Gloucester, who owned Penshurst walks and an opportunity for all the out in country parks or following cycle during the 15th century. They made family to dress up as Tudors, at www. routes and walking trails throughout substantial additions to the Place that nationaltrust.org.uk/knole. Look out Kent. Discover new routes and today form the main upper state rooms. for the vintage bus that will operate destinations, including details about between Knole and the town centre. accessibility and good refreshment During the Easter holidays (Good points, at www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent. Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April), Visitors to Riverhill Himalayan younger visitors can make their Gardens, near Sevenoaks, will be the Pleasant walks with the opportunity to own medieval bonnets and become first to enjoy the restored old Walled discover rare and unusual species as well noblewomen and knights while Garden, which is being opened to the as more common plants and animals in a hunting for dragon eggs. Meanwhile, public. And this destination, with its range of different habitats are easy to find the story of Lambert Simnel, the vast range of fun activities, is always through the Kent Wildlife Trust’s extensive sparing of his life and how he a favourite with families. To discover network of nature reserves. For invented Simnel cake will feature in the history of these fascinating example, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve the Easter Bank Holiday Tales (31 grounds and opening times, go to and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre March 31 to 1 April). www.riverhillgardens.co.uk. include five lakes and a mixed habitat of ponds, seasonal flooded pools, reedbed Check out all the Penshurst Place Events are a great way to connect and woodland. Facilities on site, information, including details of with the many historic houses including the visitor centre, gift shop, its monthly farmers’ market, the in Sevenoaks District: Stroll café, picnic areas and toilets, ensure an progress of its stunning gardens and into spring with a ramble on the enjoyable and relaxing day out. upcoming garden tours alongside the Chartwell Estate in April; enjoy delights to be savoured in the Garden some family fun Egyptian Days in Go to www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk to Restaurant and new café at May at Chiddingstone Castle (www. discover more about all the fascinating www.penshurstplace.com. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk) or take flora and fauna at Sevenoaks Wildlife part in a Celebration of Heritage Reserve and the nearby sites at At Knole, restoration work continues Plants in June at Lullingstone Castle Kemsing Down, Fackenden Down, and it is a perfect time to discover (www.lullingstonecastle.org.uk). Polhill Bank and Bough Beech. more about this historic treasure house, its colourful history and its royal The distinctive landscapes of the For information about days out across connections. And every visit, whether Weald and the memorable views from Kent and all the places to stay from to the house or an exploration of its the Greensand Ridge offer numerous boutique hotels to cosy B&Bs and medieval deer park, is always well opportunities for gentle, circular walks self-catering cottages, go to rewarded with a visit to the tearoom. and invigorating treks through the www.visitkent.co.uk.

Knole in Sevenoaks Kemsing Down managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 14 News Budget breakdown Everyone seems to be feeling the squeeze in the current tough economic climate and we're no exception. As part of the Coalition Government’s pledge to reduce the national deficit, our support grant from Government has been cut by £2.6m, or 40%, in the last three years.

overnment support makes up a large part of our budget – it used to be as much as half of the total, but in just a Gfew years has reduced to about one-third.

Put another way, we receive one of the lowest levels of financial support from Government per head of population of any UK district council. By next April our grant would have reduced from £55.64 to £30.83 per person in just four years, making it the lowest in Kent.

Despite this significant reduction in funding, we are still committed to providing quality services across the District.

We are making savings of £300,000 a year through a management restructure, and additional savings through partnership working whilst protecting our frontline services. In the last three years we have saved £4.6 million from our budgets.

There have been no rises in our council tax for the last three years. But to ensure we can continue to protect our services in the face of on-going reductions in funding, we have increased our share of the council tax by 1.98% from April.

This means we are asking the average household, who currently pay £181.89 annually for our share of the council tax bill, to pay an extra £3.60 a year or an extra 7p a week.

Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk Business 15 Speeding up the District We know that broadband is a vital amenity for both residents and businesses, which is why we’ve been working with our partners to improve the service throughout the District.

We have been working closely with colleagues at Kent County Council to encourage our residents to sign up to its Make Kent Quicker campaign www.makekentquicker.com. This project aims to bring broadband to every property in Kent, so that most people will have access a superfast service.

The County Council has £20m of public and private funds to improve broadband services throughout the County. The funds will be allocated to the areas with the highest demand as registered by residents on its Make Kent Quicker campaign website. You can help by logging onto www.makekentquicker.com and registering. We also recently submitted a bid to DEFRA’s Rural Community Broadband Fund for funds to upgrade the most rural areas with superfast broadband.

Residents and businesses themselves have also been forging ahead in looking for new and innovative ways of improving their local broadband. Residents and businesses in Underriver and surrounding rural areas are working independently with a company specialising in broadband provision to deliver an ultrafast fibre optic broadband network.

If you live in Underriver, Stone Street or Seal visit www.gigaclear.com/communities/ underriver or alternatively e-mail info@ ultrafastunderriver.co.uk for more information. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 16 Leisure Get walking, Nordic style! Keeping fit and healthy is vital – we all know that. But let’s be honest the gym isn’t for everyone and if you’re going to stick with an exercise regime then every expert will tell you the secret is finding something you’ll want to do on a regular basis.

alking is one of the best ways to stay in trim but Nordic Walking takes it to a different level and comes with a range of health benefits, as Becky Bowen, Sencio WCommunity Leisure’s Sports Development Officer, explains: “Nordic Walking is an activity performed with specially designed poles similar to those you would use in skiing. The crucial difference is you use more body parts and a greater level of intensity so both heart and energy consumption are increased and upper body muscle endurance rises.

“It’s a great way to become more active, lose weight, train for a specific sport or challenge, overcome a medical condition or just enjoy the great outdoors, meet people and have fun,” says Becky. “It is also proven to help ward off medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and another for those walking for health benefits type 2 diabetes and stress.” and who are up for more of a challenge. There will also be free taster sessions available. Nordic Walking sessions have now been launched in the Sevenoaks For further details contact Becky Bowen by District with two classes – a wellness e-mailing [email protected] or calling walk for people getting back into fitness 01732 747304. Easter holiday fun for the young Take a look inside any of the or artistic and creative. NR-Gize also Sevenoaks District leisure centres offers parents exceptional value for during school holidays and you will money with a full day of activities see large numbers of young people for a child from less than £14 as bouncing on trampolines, learning well as a choice of one-hour themed how to cook, perfecting their dance sessions from as little as £2. moves, acquiring valuable skills in the pool or taking up a new sport. The Easter programme runs from 2 to 12 April. Full details of all the It’s all part of the NR-Gize activity activities can be found in the programmes organised by Sencio NR-Gize guides available in Community Leisure and designed the centres or which can be to inspire the District’s youngsters, downloaded at www.sencio.org.uk. whether they be sporting and active

Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk Leisure 17 In the prime Sencio Community of your life Leisure appoint new alk into Swanley’s White Oak Leisure Centre on a Monday Chief Executive or Thursday morning and you’ll Wbe in no doubt that pursuing an active Sencio Community Leisure has appointed Jane retirement is high on the agenda for Parish as its new chief executive. She succeeds many residents. Mark Whyman who set up the not-for-profit The PrimeTime club which was launched leisure trust in 2004 and is retiring on 31 March. eight years ago and now attracts upwards of 70 participants each session has urrently its Commercial Services Director, Jane, has been a been a resounding success, providing key member of the team since the trust was formed and has opportunities for the retired or those with a long track record in leisure and fitness, in management, more time on their hands to both take Coperational and front-line delivery roles. part in a range of activities and benefit from what has also become an equally Jane will be in charge of a staff of 380 responsible for managing vibrant social scene. Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre and White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley, as well as Lullingstone Fred Rowland, PrimeTime facilitator, says: Park Golf Course, Wildernesse Sports Centre (Sevenoaks), a “The club is thriving with new members grounds maintenance operation and a programme of sporting and joining all the time. Badminton is by far community activities. the most popular of our activities but we also offer short mat bowls, table tennis, Jane Parish comments: “With a successful and inspiring Olympic swimming and a low impact aerobics and Paralympic year behind us and with issues such as increasing workout. Some members do a variety of levels of obesity in the UK, especially among the younger things each session and the mornings generation, the challenge for Sencio is to engage people of all ages usually end with everyone staying for coffee. in sport, leisure and healthy living now and in the years ahead.”

“I am delighted with the way the social side of things has developed. Friendships have been forged and people meet up away from the centre for other activities, lunch or to pursue a shared interest. They are a great bunch of people and I love running this group for them.”

PrimeTime sessions take place at White Oak Leisure Centre on Mondays and Thursdays between 9am and 12 noon. Membership is free and sessions cost £4.75 and include access to all the activities on offer.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 18 Your District Focus on… Eynsford

The picturesque village of Eynsford sits in the ● north of the District nestled in the Darent Valley.

● There are many places to visit including historic ● pubs, castles, a Roman villa, a countryside park ●

and a bird of prey centre. ● ● ●

● Fact File ● ● ● ● ● • Eynsford dates back to at least Roman times ● ● ● ● ● • It’s first mentioned in writing in 864 ●

● ● • In 1801 the village had the highest ● ● population in the area with 841 people.

Today some 1,700 people live here ●

● ●

● ● ● ● ● ●

Historical Eynsford ● Experts cannot agree how the name Eynsford came about. ● One theory is the village took its Saxon name from Aegen’s ford. It ● ● was also first mentioned in writing in 864 as Egenes home, which ● in Old English could mean ‘river-meadow, enclosure’. ● ● ● Many historic buildings have survived, including the 16th-century Plough Inn and the Old Mill. Walking up Station Road and the ● High Street you would see Norman, Saxon, Tudor and Victorian architecture, much of it protected by planning policies. ● Visiting Eynsford

Eynsford Castle Dating from 1088, Eynsford Castle is one of the most complete Norman castles in England. It was ransacked in the 14th Century and consequently fell into decay. There was an earlier building on the site, but little is known about it other than it was the focal point of a Saxon settlement. The curtain wall of the Castle was built between 1085 and 1087 and it is believed that the builder was William de Eynsford I. The Castle ruins are open to the public.

For details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/eynsford Eynsford village ford

Lullingstone Castle Lullingstone Castle is a stunning manor house built in the 15th Century, frequented by King Henry VIII and Queen Anne, who were believed to be regular visitors. Set within 120 acres of beautiful countryside, the Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Doomsday.

Lullingstone was also home of a famous silk farm, established in the 1930s, which produced silk for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation robes and wedding dress.

Within Lullingstone Castle’s grounds is the wonderfully crafted ‘World Garden’ designed and created by the Castle’s current heir, Tom Hart-Dyke.

Tom was captured by guerrillas and held hostage for nine months in the Panamanian jungle in Columbia, whilst on a plant hunting expedition. It was during this time that he thought up the idea of a ‘World Garden’ and on his release in December 2000 he started work on the project.

For details visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Lullingstone Roman Villa Lullingstone Castle’s gateway Lullingstone Roman Villa is one of the most outstanding surviving Roman villas in Britain. The build of the villa is said to have begun as far back as 100 and was at its peak in the 4th Century.

Most of the main villa house and circular shrine are still accessible for visitors along with a display of mosaics, Roman artefacts and fun activities for children such as dressing up in Roman clothing.

For details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/lullingstone

Eagle Heights Eagle Heights opened in 1996 housing just 30 birds. Today Lullingstone Roman Villa it is one of the UK’s biggest bird of prey centre’s holding a collection of around 150 raptors and many other animals. Here you can enjoy bird flying displays, educational sessions, superb views and a tea room.

Visit www.eagleheights.co.uk

Lullingstone Country Park Lullingstone Country Park is set in the Darent Valley with breathtaking views and stunning walks.

It is internationally important for its collection of ancient trees, with over 300 veteran oak, beech, ash, hornbeam and sweet chestnut, some of which are thought to be 800 years old. The park is also famous for its spectacular displays of orchids and other wild flowers in spring and summer. Adorable Snowy Owl chicks at Eagle Heights For details visit www.kent.gov.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 20 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) Labour (L) Liberal Democrat (LD)

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) Jenny Dibsdall (L) 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] cllr.j.dibsdall@sevenoaks. and Riverhead and Riverhead and East and East 07855 421530 gov.uk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01322 667358 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] democratic.services@ [email protected] [email protected] 01474 852924 01474 879425 01959 532809 sevenoaks.gov.uk 07899 656022 01474 702106 01959 532370 Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk Councillors 21

Brian Ramsay (C) Barbara Ayres (C) Dee Morris (C) Mark Butler (C) Lorraine Stack (C) Alison Cook (C) Hartley and Hodsoll Hextable Hextable Kemsing Kemsing Leigh and Chiddingstone Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Causeway [email protected] 01322 409785 01322 669030 01959 523239 01732 458516 [email protected] 01474 707928 01732 832168

John Edwards-Winser Michelle Lowe (C) Paddy Cooke (C) Roddy Hogarth (C) Julia Thornton (C) Elizabeth Purves (LD) (C) Otford and Shoreham Penshurst, Fordcombe Seal and Weald Seal and Weald Sevenoaks Eastern Otford and Shoreham [email protected] and Chiddingstone [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01959 525109 [email protected] 01732 760325 07831 234449 01732 463041 01959 522503 01892 870043

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 01322 667620 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 Council’s website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/councillors or numbers and e-mail addresses. If you would like to write by calling us on 01732 227000. If you are unsure which to them, their postal addresses are available on the ward you live in, please call us on 01732 227000.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 22 News Election time With County Council elections taking place on Thursday 2 May, you’re being reminded not to miss out on having your say on who should run Kent’s services.

ent County Council is responsible for Postal voting many of your local services, including roads and highways, schools and You can apply to vote by post rather Keducation, libraries, social services, buses, than attend the polling station. the tip and many, many more. Contact us to request a postal vote Kent is made up of 84 councillors and one application form. Please note that this or more Councillor represents a ‘division’. form is not available on our website. The Sevenoaks District area has seven If you have moved home and are divisions each represented by one Kent already re-registered to vote and you County Councillor. previously had a postal vote, you must These elections take place every four years. re-apply for your postal vote for your Polling cards indicating where and when to new address. vote will be sent to you a few weeks before The deadline for registering for a election day. postal vote is 5pm on 17 April. Registering to vote To contact us… If your name does not appear on the register of electors because, for example, you’ve moved ●● e-mail [email protected]. home since the register was updated last autumn, you will need to re-register to vote. ●● For enquiries about registration call 01732 227188 You can download voter registration forms on our website at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ ●● To apply for a postal vote call elections or contact us and ask for a form to 01732 227243 be posted to you. ●● For general enquiries call The deadline for registering to vote is 01732 227000 17 April. Debt advice on your doorstep West Kent Debt Advice is a free, It has at its disposal a team of 90 repossessions and action by bailiffs, independent, non-profit making people comprising experienced staff to clients bombarded by persistent charity supported by a partnership and volunteer advisers. They are phone calls and letters from creditors of 20 local churches and others. trained to help people in debt through and debt collection companies. a process of investigating their money It exists to serve all in the issues and working with them to Their website www.wkda.org.co.uk community from centres in develop solutions to help them return contains more information including Sevenoaks (at the Vine Evangelical to a sound financial footing. help with about budgeting. Church) as well as bases in West Kent Debt Advice can see Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Issues regularly seen by advisers clients by appointment by calling Paddock Wood. range from potential home 01732 300425.

Follow us on Twitter @sdc_newsdesk News 23 Save time and money with our planning advice service If you’re thinking of extending your home or carrying out building works that need planning consent, you may benefit from our pre-application planning advice service.

he service has helped hundreds ●● Help reduce the time spent by your Further details are available at of applicants save time and professional adviser on your plans www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/planning money. The advice we give can: or by calling 01732 227000 ●● Let you know early on if specialist T (select option 3 for Planning and ●● Help you understand how our advice is needed Building Control and then option planning policies would apply to ●● Help you to prepare a better planning 4 to speak to the duty planner). your proposal so you can identify application so we can give you a and resolve any problems before quicker decision Some small scale proposals do submitting your application. This not need planning permission. can prevent costly, time-consuming Charges for the service depend on the The Government’s Planning Portal changes complexity of your proposal and whether a website www.planningportal.gov. ●● Let you know at an early stage if meeting is involved. For example a half-an-hour uk/permission contains helpful your plans have little or no realistic meeting to discuss a house extension with a visual guides to show whether chance of success written response would normally cost £50. permission is required. Sevenoaks District Council at your fingertips Main Office Leisure centres Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Ash Green Sports Centre* White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Kent TN13 1HG 01474 707164 Swanley*** 01322 665571 Tel 01732 227000 Edenbridge Leisure Centre** Minicom 01732 227496 01732 865665 White Oak Leisure Centre, (text telephones only) Swanley** Lullingstone Park Golf Course** Open Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 01322 662188 01959 533793 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm. Emergencies (outside office hours) The Olympic, Swanley* * Operated by the local town or parish 01732 227000 01322 669201 Council then listen to the options Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre*** ** Operated by Sencio Community Leisure, 01732 451889 Swanley Contact and Head Office 01732 746010 Information Centre Sevenoaks Leisure Centre** *** Operated by independent limited 01732 470700 companies Swanley Library & Information Centre, London Road, Swanley BR8 7AE Tel 01322 614660 In Shape is published and distributed by Sevenoaks District Council to inform local Council Tax payment facility residents and businesses about the work of the Council. open Monday to Thursday Editor Daniel Whitmarsh 9.30am to 5.30pm, Friday 9.30am Editorial Assistants Alison Bytheway and Katie MacKinnon e-mail [email protected] to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm Tel 01732 227000 Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Edenbridge Local Office – Thursdays only In Shape is available in an audio format for residents Adjoining Edenbridge Leisure Centre, with visual impairments. Call 01732 227177 for details Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, This publication can be explained in other languages by calling 01732 227414. Kent TN8 5LU Tel 01732 227000 Design & print www.whateverdesign.co.uk Benefits surgery from 1.30pm to 4pm Printed on environmentally friendly paper. Published March 2013.