DELIVERED TO HOMES IN IN THIS ISSUE , Volunteer for a Lympne LYMPNE NEWINGREEN, project, Councillor Vacancy COURT-AT announced, new footpath STREET AND NEWSLETTER proposal MARCH 2021 ROAD And much more! Lympne Playing Field Redevelopment Update. Although it has been difficult with Covid and the weather, the last of the trees have been planted on the east side of the field in line with the overall plan. We have chosen native species: silver birch, hazel, hawthorn, alder, field maple, crab apple, rowan, wild service tree, aspen, holly, goat willow, small leaved lime, bird cherry and wild cherry. The money for these trees was from a grant from and Hythe District Council obtained by the tree group of Georgina Donaldson, Iona Watts and Rosemary Granthier. The next stage of the plan is to raise the money for an all weather path around the Playing Field. Until this money is raised we intend to mark out the track by mowing it slightly lower than the rest of the grass. Around this path we plan to position various benches. This is something we could do before the all weather track is in place so that they can be enjoyed this summer when we may still feel more comfortable meeting outdoors. To make this happen we are suggesting that the benches could be sponsored. Durable benches range in price from about £400 for a normal bench to about £600 for a picnic bench. Our team of volunteers would install them. As a thank you all donating FULL DETAILS PAGE 6 would have their name (or another of their choice) to acknowledge their generous donation added to a plaque fixed to the bench.

If you are interested in sponsoring or part NEWS LETTER DIRECT TO YOUR sponsoring a bench please contact our Chair, IN BOX? – SAY NO Megan on [email protected] or call MORE 07588 227773 If you would like to receive this The Village Hall Playing Field Working Party. newsletter direct to your email each month please copy the following link into your preferred browser and subscribe to our E-newsletter service. SERVICING, MOT’S, BRAKES, CLUTCHES, TIMING BELTS http://eepurl.com/hfeE9v AIR CONDITIONING, TYRES, WHEEL ALIGNMENT Alternatively scan the QR code to be taken to the & VEHICLE ELECTRICS subscription form. Only a first name and an email are FOR ALL MAKES OF VEHICLE required. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP SPECIALIST HELP THE COUNCIL SAVE SOME TREES AND SOME SEAT SKODA AUDI VOLKSWAGEN MONEY If you subscribe to the e newsletter and wish to be COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE removed from the hand delivery service please CAESARS WAY, FOLKESTONE, , CT19 4AL 01303 275 795 send your name and address to the Council Clerk at [email protected] A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS TRADING FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Green Shoots in Lympne As we come out of lock down(we hope)are we going to lapse back into taking our green beautiful village for granted? Should we be building a greener community which will ensure our youngsters have a lovely healthy and friendly environment to grow up in ? We already have two great initiatives on hold at the moment but going ahead soon. The Playing field development and the Airfield Memorial Park. But what about others which have been suggested?

Revamping the Trim Trail Renewing the paths and access to Millennium Wood. Establishing a footpath from Castle Drive to Shepway Cross. Joining the Churchyard to the Gods Acre Charity and establishing it as a nature reserve as well as a valued lovely burial ground.

If you are interested in getting involved let the Parish Council know by sending your contact details to [email protected]

FAULT REPORTING It is very easy to report a fault in the road or footpath or to get some action with overgrown verges etc. Just visit - www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem You will receive a reference number and be able to track the progress of the issues you have reported.

THIS ARTICLE IS RUBBISH !

What I meant to say was this article is about rubbish. The rise in visitors to our village, the encouragement to use our open spaces by resident and having to book a slot to deposit waste at the KCC waste sites; all well meant but have had a knock effect on the volumes of litter being found. As the picture shows here, attempts are being made to use the public litter bins but even when faced with a full bin the thought of taking the rubbish home for disposal seems to pass many by, Lympne Village Hall Committee. leaving our WE NEED YOUR HELP - volunteers and the authorities to clear up BOOKING CLERK REQUIRED. an unsightly and unhygienic mess and

With the hope of some normality in sight we are others to observe when using our walks and now in need of a new Booking Clerk to help us as open spaces. we slowly reopen to hirers. One resident has witnessed people using the

ARE YOU HANDY WITH A SPREADSHEET & HAVE A public bins to dispose of what appears to be COUPLE OF HOURS A household waste which apart from being WEEK TO SPARE? unnecessary increases the strain on the Our efficient booking system is all in place and can be accessed from home. capacity of the public bins. This is the perfect time to get to grips with it while things are quite in the hall and our departing clerk Please, if you are a resident, consider taking is still on hand. your rubbish home for disposal. If you can help out your Village Hall Committee. If you see any overflowing bins, these can Please contact us for more information be reported to the District Council on the Tania 07779983654 or following email waste.recycling@folkestone- [email protected]

STUDYING HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY IN LYMPNE (SHAL) One of our members was trawling through the art section of the Victoria and Albert Museum and came across this etching of St Stephen’s Church. It faces west with Romney Marsh on the left and indicates very rundown buildings immediately to the east of the church in what is now part of the churchyard. Unfortunately no information was recorded and in subsequent searches this etching has not come to light again, so we do not know what date this would have been or who the artist was. Obviously artistic licence has to be taken into account! However, if the etching is fairly accurate and the artist was overlooking the buildings as is shown, was there a much taller building or tower close by (or was he sitting in a tree)? If anyone has any ideas or is able to share any light on this, we would be very interested to hear. Due to a clash with Kent Archaeological Society online talks and discussions, SHAL will be moving its meetings to the 3rd Tuesday of the month, currently online and continuing at 7.30pm. Please contact Fiona Jarvest for further details on [email protected] or phone 01303 237143.

LYMPNE AIRFIELD HISTORY SOCIETY Since the February issue of the Lympne Newsletter in which I featured the Lympne Trials, I can now report that Sydney Camm, the designer of the Hurricane was definitely here at Lympne. A photograph of him on the airfield in 1925 with his first design, the Hawker Cygnet and its pilot George Bulman confirms this. This was not a Lympne Trials year, which took a break in 1925 returning in 1926 when the Cygnet was the overall winner. Lympne and Reach for the Sky By John Simpson Most of the UK population must surely have heard of the exploits of Douglas Bader, through the book and 1950’s film biopic Reach for the Sky. His loss of both legs in a flying accident in 1931 has been well documented. Little is known of the part that Lympne Airfield played in the real events of his return to flying in the RAF in June 1932. The book Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill told that story. The film did not. Sir Philip Sassoon, Under Secretary of State for Air invited Douglas to spend a weekend at Port Lympne House. He suggested he bring a friend from his Squadron. So he brought Pilot Officer Peter Ross, his friend down to Lympne in his MG sports car. That Saturday afternoon they spent their time lying by the swimming pool. Overhead 601 Squadron Hawker Demons flew from the airfield as part of their summer camp activities. Bader was heard to say, ‘By God I wish I were up there again’. He went on to say to Sassoon that it would be easier than driving his MG with less footwork. To his pleasure, Sassoon asked him if he would like to have a go at it in an Avro 504 trainer. He was so excited, as he replied that he would. Sassoon promised to set it up with the CO of 601 Squadron. At Dinner that night he was told it had been arranged for the Sunday morning. In the morning, together with Peter Ross in the other cockpit, they prepared to fly to RAF Kenley in Surrey. He told Ross to do no more than switch on in his cockpit and not to touch anything, as he would be operating the Avro 504 all by himself. He turned away from the hedge at the Aldington Road b boundary and opened up heading north down the grass airfield until at 55mph he lifted the aeroplane off the ground. It all felt so familiar and surprisingly easier that he’d anticipated. He could sense the rudder pedals in a shin in one leg and a thigh in the other. All the old smells of oil, dope, leather and metal were a real comfort to him. They circled the airfield and set course for Kenley. He made a perfect three point landing at Kenley and taxied to the squadron’s hangar. Ross turned to him and said, ‘Not bad, not bad at all. I couldn’t do much better myself’. Harry Day came to them and suggested that Peter Ross had been giving him a lesson. Douglas quickly replied that it was the other way around; he was giving the lesson to Ross. They enjoyed a cheery lunch and flew back to Lympne, again making a text book landing. Sassoon asked him how he had got on. Douglas was so happy and told him how it was all so like before. He asked Sassoon if he would put a word in for him ahead of his medical board. He promised he would and told them he had flown once again with no problems whatever. Sadly for Douglas he was turned down and invalided out of the RAF in 1933. At the outbreak of war six years later this would all change as pilots were badly needed for our ‘Finest Hour’. The rest as they say, is history! Bader would again visit Lympne Airfield after the war when working for Shell as a pilot.

For more information about Lympne Airfield History Society, please contact John Simpson on 01303 265078 or email [email protected]

ST STEPHENS CHURCH, LYMPNE HELP FIGHT

COVID SYMPTOM-FREE COVID TESTING Rapid-result coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for people who don’t have symptoms continues in Kent. You can book an appointment at one of the many sites across Kent to help try to reduce the rates of COVID-19. These sites are in addition to the regional and local testing sites for people who have symptoms. The With the ongoing risk of infection, although this symptom-free testing will find people who don’t is now lessening, St Stephen’s will remained currently have symptoms, who may be unknowingly closed during March. However, we hope and plan to welcome you back into the church for Easter spreading the virus in the community. Sunday, 4 April with full Covid protocols in place, Symptom-free testing sites have been set up using and hopefully to continue with weekly funding from central government to support local services thereafter. councils and help reduce rates of COVID-19. Please check the website for further details. https://www.lympne-st-stephens.org.uk/ You can find the link to book at test by searching for In the meantime the weekly benefice service is symptom free testing Kent on the internet or if you being live-streamed from at 10.00 am are reading the electronic version click here. The site each Sunday. Please visit our website: https:// closest to Lympne is Folkestone Library 2 Grace Hill www.lympne-st-stephens.org.uk/ for regular updates. Folkestone CT20 1HD.

NEW FOOTPATH PROJECT How many of us have taken our life in our hands dodging the traffic whilst walking from Berwick Lane to Castle Close.

A resident has made contact with our Kent County Councillor Martin Whybrow and the Parish Council with a plan to put in a footpath from Castle Close to the Shepway Cross through land partly owned by the County Council and a private owner (shown in the above photograph to the South of Aldington Road). Initial responses to the idea seem positive. The path itself will be of a natural construction and weave its way through the woodland to form a safe and picturesque route. Volunteers will be recruited to assist in clearing the area should permission be granted by those involved. Let us know what you think of this idea by contacting the Parish Clerk at [email protected]

10% Discount for Lympne Residents at

MATTERS ARISING - NEWS FROM THE COMMITTEE ROOM. It was with sadness that Cllr Ian White announced his resignation from the Council at the most recent meeting. Ian has been an enthusiastic and active member and not just within the Council but throughout the village. He has decided to move on and he was wished all the best for his future adventures. In another full meeting members discussed concerns over the lack of planning of the infrastructure supporting the Otterpool development and are arranging to meet with the implementation team. A new and interesting project moved a little closer which is to try and establish a footpath between the Shepway Cross and Castle Close. Land ownership has now been confirmed and permission to move forward will be sought. A resident wrote into the Council to ask if there were any plans to establish allotments in Lympne. If requested by enough people then the Council would be duty bound to identify an area to establish allotments, but the demand must be there before they can move forward. The Otterpool Garden Town plan does identify areas for allotments but a solution is hoped for closer to the village and more sooner. The next meeting of the Council is on Wednesday 7th April. All are welcome look out for details of how to attend on our website.

OTHER CONTACTS DISTRICT COUNCILLORS- [email protected] KCC WARDEN JON LODGE Cllr Doug Wade– KENT COUNTY COUNCILLOR 07969 583915 [email protected] MARTIN WHYBROW [email protected] Cllr John Wing– Email [email protected]

LYMPNE PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY PARISH COUNCIL With the resignation of a Parish Councillor you will have seen on page CONTACT DETAILS one the official notice which starts the procedure to fill the casual vacancy which now exists. If no election is called for by the If you have any queries electorate, the Parish Council can use its powers to co-opt someone regarding local issues, or any on to the Council. Could this be you? Being a councillor is a rewarding and fulfilling position. If you are over 18 and live or work in the parish other matters you September and want to serve the community you can apply. wish to raise, you can contact If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor please contact Lympne Parish Councillors as the Parish Clerk for details on [email protected] follows: OPERATION SUNSHINE TRY OUR WEBSITE You can contact us in writing The collector for the above using the Clerks address worthy cause is Joan Clemens. www.lympne.net below: If you have any donations big or small please contact her on Sally Edwards – Chair, 260 116 Jo Howes – Vice Chair, Rob Auger REFUSE COLLECTION DATES Kerry Boyland-Wood MARCH/APRIL 2021 Claire Yates and Recycling (Purple Lid/Black Box) and Food Waste will be collected Michael Boor on: Tuesday 30th March and All Correspondence should be 13th/27th April. sent to the Non-Recyclables (Green Lid) and Clerk: Jeff Lawrence Food Waste will be collected on: 29 Honeywood Close Lympne Tuesday 23rd March and 6th and 20th April. Garden Waste will Tel: 01303 230 525 e-mail: be collected on and 17th/31st March [email protected] and 14th and 28th April. Please do not put the lid on the Black Box—use the food waste container or a heavy object .

Non-emergency calls CONTACTING THE POLICE For all other calls to the police please telephone 101. If you are deaf, deafened, Emergency calls — In an emergency please telephone hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, a text phone is available on 18001 101. You should use these non-emergency numbers to: 999. If you are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or have a • Report a crime not currently in progress - for example a stolen car, burglary, or speech impairment, a text phone is available on 18000. Use these numbers if: damaged property. • A crime is happening right now. • Report a minor traffic collision. • Someone is in immediate danger, or there is a risk of serious damage to • Give information to the police about crime in your area. property. • Speak to the police about a general enquiry. • A suspect for a serious crime is nearby. • Contact a specific police officer or member of staff. • There is a traffic collision involving injury or danger to other road users. The total cost of a 101 Non-emergency call is 15p. ALDINGTON OSTEOPATHY WILCO PLUMBING & HEATING Experienced local primary school The Surgery, Goldwell Close, Central Heating Installations & teacher Aldington, Ashford TN25 7DY Repairs. Gas and oil boiler repairs Places available for help with maths, We provide effective treatment for and replacements, LPG, Solar and literacy, reading many conditions including: Back unvented hot water specialist. Kent Test Preparation and and Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Landlords Gas Safety Inspectors, confidence building local experienced engineers. Sports Injuries, Whiplash, Contact Linda Franklin Headaches, Ligament Sprain, Emergency plumbing 24/7 call out. Trapped Nerves, Arthritis, K 01303 260452 nee Problems,Sciatica,Neuralgia, Registered with the Institute of Tension. Also available: specialist Plumbing, Gas Safe Registered, osteopathic clinics for pregnancy OFTEC Registered, KCC Trading BENSKO related conditions and cranial Standards Approved. PEST CONTROL Proud members of the National therapy for babies.Early morning, 01303 862 173/07860 452640 evening and weekend appointments Pest Technicians Association. are available. Call to book an www.wilcoplumbing.co.uk Family run business, appointment: 01233 720 160. HOMEWISE HANDYMAN All pests covered. CLEAN SWEEP Phil Carter, a local man for local Honest,friendly,reliable Chimney sweeping service. Fully needs. A prompt, professional service at reasonable prices. insured and registered Member of service for all your home and garden 01303 487 401 or 07857 344 770 Institute of Chimney Sweeps. CCTV maintenance needs. inspections, nests cleared, cowls TAXI IN THE VILLAGE. fitted, chimneys rebuilt and all Tel: 07512 312 516 or 01303 266839 Short, long or any distance. general chimney maintenance. Airport, docks, etc.Ask for a quote. Call 01303 267 859 or PUNCH & JUDY PLAYGROUP 07540159743 At Lympne Village Hall. Quality care Speak to Geoff and learning for 2-4 year olds. Open Phone 07703 444 814 Monday to Friday during term time. DN PLASTERING SERVICES 830-3pm Weds 830-1245 LOCAL BATHROOM and Local, Trustworthy & Reliable Call 07527 111 584 or visit. KITCHEN FITTER Over 25 Years Experience OFSTED RATED GOOD IN ALL AREAS Reliable, professional,20 years Call Darren 07932 002 442 experience fitting bathrooms, tiling, [email protected] PROFESSIONAL MOBILE plumbing and general building work. Call Andrew on 07788 728 787 for a HAIRDRESSER free estimate. Cuts, Colours, Perms and Drying. Salon products used. 30 years experience. Fully Accountant in the Village insured. Call Cheryl on 07949 120 915 or Bookkeeping, CIS and VAT Returns email [email protected] for a Sole traders, partnership and 07745 532075 price and appointment. companies accounts preparation Mobile Foot Health Practitioners. Personal Tax, Business Tax and Treating and managing foot and nail STAR TUTORING Corporation Tax conditions, corns, callus, fungal, Boosting confidence and self-esteem Tel:Mariana Mackenzie: fingernails, diabetic foot care fulfilling potential 07723 070 879 www.eastkentfootcare.co.uk Maths English Phonics ReadingKS1 and KS2KentTest Experienced Primary School Teachers CURTAINS Please call 07531 737428 GEMS LYMPNETED Ladies & Gents Hairdressers Handmade curtains,blinds and soft 1a Belcaire Close Lympne furnishings. Under new ownership Curtain alterations. ACC ELECTRICAL 50% OFF your first appointment Call Valery Wren—01303 237 755 Fuse board changes, Tel 01303 267 877 cctv,alarms, PAT testing, smoke WRAIGHT'S MOWERS alarms,landlord safety checks, THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE NEWINGREEN (A20) BOWEN THERAPY IN LYMPNE Servicing,Repairs,Sharpening security,lighting,rewires, smoke Back pain, arthritic pain, asthma, Spares and Sales detectors and much more! digestive disorders, migraine, all makes of petrol & electric mowers. Benham Water Farm, Free Quotations and friendly practically any problem can Ashford Road (A20) reliable service potentially be addressed. Newingreen, CT214JD Lynne Rodgers, Cert ECBS. Opposite old race course 01303 211 011/07595336880 Tel 07733293315 Call 01303 268 910 or [email protected] [email protected]

LYMPNE VILLAGE HALL can be hired for meetings, parties, concerts and other functions. Lympne residents LOCAL TRADES pay a reduced hire charge. To make a booking please call Also find us online at www.lympne.net 07497 370290 or email: [email protected] EXPERIENCED MATHS TEACHER RICHARD AJ THOMPSON LTD HANDYMAN AND KS2-GCSE Plumbing & heating engineer BUILDING MAINTENANCE Available for private tuition. Gas Safe Registered-No 513449, Roofing, Guttering, Plumbing, For details contact Rosie on 22 years experience. Drains, Painting, Decorating, 01303 268 333 Central heating boiler servicing, Plastering repairs and installations. Free Estimates BENSKO All domestic plumbing repairs, Water softeners, gas fires, cookers References available CHIMNEY SWEEPS and water heaters. Proud members of the National Landlord’s Safety Certificates. Contact 07836 665382 Association of Chimney Sweeps. Tel 01303 266 273 Family run business. All types Mob 07540 333 250 BED & BREAKFAST of fires swept. Corner House Bed & Breakfast Bird’s nests removed, EX-JOB AND DOGS Aldington Road cowls fitted. Retired local police officer offering Lympne, Kent CT21 4LF Friendly, reliable service at Dog Walking,Dog Day Care Two double, one twin, all en-suite reasonable prices. Boarding in Home Environment Telephone: 01303 268 108 Please call: 01303 487 401 Home Watch Service Long/short term Including Cat Care Mobile: 07857 344 770 PLUMBER Contact Kerry City & Guilds qualified with your requirements Affordable, Reliable and Local DILTON MINI SKIP HIRE CONTACT 07791 095 895 Ballast, hardcore, sand, [email protected] All work fully insured and guaran- topsoil supplied. Registered waste teed. Wide range of hot and cold carrier. water services. See website for Phone 01303 812 448, or further details, rates and customer Mobile 07799 433 754 SPOTLIGHT feedback. PEST CONTROL Call now on 07899 034 695 Young’s Accountancy Services SERVICES LTD for a no-obligation, free quote Accountancy, Bookkeeping, British Pest Control or visit our website: Payroll & VAT Services. Association member. www.condicoplumbing.co.uk Mob: 07561 112 178. General pest control including rats, mice, moles, wasps, ants, Tel: 01303 259 734 KENT TEST TUITION [email protected] fleas, bird spikes and general proofing Fast, friendly and Qualified, experienced teacher reliable. available for private tuition in Contact Dave on 07715211899. English, maths, etc. [email protected] Tel. 01303 265 253 www.spotlightpestcontrolkent.co.uk CN ELECTRICAL PAINTING, DECORATING & DOMESTIC & HANDYMAN RESIDENTIAL Interior and Exterior — All types New Sockets, Fault undertaken. FREE ESTIMATES. Finding, 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Rewires, Lighting, Call Mick Cockburn Consumer units and much more! Mobile 07769 221 871 NICEIC REGISTERED ELECTRICAN Contact Chris Housework and Ironing YOUR COMPUTER PROBLEMS Mob : 07826 505671 Reliable lady for housework and/or SOLVED ww.cnelectrical .co.uk ironing Call out service. PC/Laptop References supplied if required repairs, slow running, broken ASHTON TREE CARE screens, memory upgrades, virus Hedge cutting , stump grinding , tree Please call surgery Audrey or Nom removal, data recovery. Enquiries welcome. All work fully insured 01303 269299 Contact 07929 627 622 After 7pm Call Rob Gardener 07807 180 906 [email protected] John Williams & Company Roofing and Building Maintenance Slating, Tiling, Flat Roofing, Lead- ADVERTISE HERE work Gutters, Fascias and Soffits Brickwork, Carpentry, Plastering Contact the editor on Free Quotations and Advice [email protected] Call: 01303 265198 Stone Street, Lympne, CT21 4LD www.johnwilliamsroofing.co.uk