SUMMER 2020 Parish Cake YOUR SLICE OF CRANBROOK & LIFE

COMMUNITY FREE CENTRE SPECIAL

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EDITOR: welcome Trisha Fermor [email protected] HAVING TAKEN over the reins as editor of Parish Cake, I would like to thank former councillor Brian Clifford for coming up with the idea for DEPUTY EDITOR: this great magazine and for his expertise as a former parish councillor Mignon Brian for Sissinghurst. He reluctantly stood down due to ill-health and I am [email protected] sure everyone will wish him well for the future. As I write we are all in lockdown, most of us confined to our homes YOUTH EDITOR: because of the coronavirus. The pandemic has stopped every-day life Zachary Phillpot-Brian as we know it. A large number of much-loved local events, from Nuts in May to centenary celebrations for Cranbrook Operatic and Dramatic ADVERTISING SALES: Society, have been forced to cancel. Roads are almost empty of traffic, Mignon Brian people having to abandon the daily commute and stay at home. Our 07779 185870 streets are eerily quiet. [email protected] It is heartening to know that there are people in our parish who have formed groups to look after the more vulnerable. Many of our councillors have worked together to produce guidelines on what SPONSORSHIP: people need to know to cope with these unprecedented times. Graham Holmes No-one knows how long this situation will last. But Cranbrook and Sissinghurst will come back to [email protected] life and with a vengeance. We look forward with optimism to the Sissinghurst Fete in August and the Cranbrook Folk Festival a month later and, more importantly, a parish back to normal. Stay Safe, PRODUCED BY: Tally Wade Cllr. Trisha Fermor, editor, Parish Cake Coffee Shop Media Ltd 01580 848555

PUBLISHED BY: Cranbrook and Sissinghurst contents ISSUE 13 SUMMER 2020 Parish Council 01580 713112 www.cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk REGULARS 39 Aerodrome – its 14 Q&A – responses from the 4 Directory fascinating role through community centre survey FRONT COVER: history 5 Chairman’s View 15 Helen Grant – support Sculpture made by Cranbrook Iron 40 Kitchen and Garden 16 Letters from our MP as a celebration of the NHS. – cucumber soup and 22 Parish News wellbeing outside 24 Club News FEATURES 41 Pick for Britain! – how to 27 Event News 19 A Fond Farewell – Brian help with the harvest 37 Youth Comment Clifford steps down as editor 42 Storytime - can Chief of ‘the Cake’ Mouser Larry foil a plot to 20 Fight for Turnden – COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL blow up the windmill?! responding to plans for 168 Whilst every effort 6 Strategic Thinking – an 45 100 Years of CODS – online is made to ensure update on the community houses at Turnden celebrations and plans for accuracy, the centre project 28 Local Heroes – Clare Saxby more Cranbrook and 8 Medical Centre – support pays tribute Sissinghurst Parish Council, editor for a new surgery 30 Helping Hands – the parish’s 47 High Flyer – Caitlin and authors cannot be held 9 Cranbrook Library Covid-19 support network Lawrence, a trampolining responsible for published errors. star in the making – a new home for our 31 Surviving Coronavirus – The views or opinions expressed do services? Tim Jefferys shares his story 49 A Pandemic Comparison not necessarily reflect views of the 11 Options – considering – Sean Holden on the Black Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish 33 Home Runs – Jude Holden new community facilities Death Council. Inclusion of any advertising on lockdown home fitness material does not constitute a 12 Site Specifics –Wilkes 34 Food Banks – Mignon Brian 50 Local Legend – we pay our guarantee or endorsement of any Field, a suitable site? on poverty in the parish respects to Philip Mummery products or services or claims made.

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 3 The Parish Cake list of useful contacts directory in Cranbrook and Sissinghurst

directory USEFUL CONTACTS Ode to Phil Mummery CHURCHES Congregational Church, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Cranbrook: 01580 388070 Parish Council St. Dunstan’s, Cranbrook: The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, 01580 715861 Cranbrook, TN17 3HF St. Theodore’s RC, Cranbrook: Clerk – Mrs. L. Ham 01580 713364 Deputy Clerk – Mrs. L. Thirkell 01580 713112 / clerk@ Strict Baptist Church, Cranbrook: cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk 01580 713212 Trinity Church, Sissinghurst: BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILS 01580 852275 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Vine Church, Cranbrook: 01580 712620 01892 526121 www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk SCHOOLS AND PRE SCHOOLS CE Primary: Kent County Council 01580 211335 03000 41 41 41 www.kent.gov.uk Cranbrook CE Primary: 01580 713249 Cranbrook Children’s Centre: USEFUL NUMBERS 03000 41 10 35 UTILITIES Cranbrook School: 01580 711800 Electricity: 0800 727282 (24 hrs) Dulwich Preparatory School: Gas: 0800 111 999 01580 712179 Water: South East Water (drinking water) : 01580 712754 0800 0283399, Southern Water (waste water) 0800 820999 (24 hrs), Emergency leak 0800 Rainbow Pre School, Cranbrook: 0283399, Floodline 0845 9881188 (24 hrs) 01580 715570 Sissinghurst CE Primary: 01580 713895 CRIME Woodpeckers Pre School, Cranbrook: Non-Emergency Police: 101 01580 720195 Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111 DOCTORS KCC Community Warden: Adam Osborn Jockey Lane Surgery, Cranbrook: 07813 695741 01580 713032 PCSO: Simon Humphreys - 07980 924877 Old School Surgery, Cranbrook: Neighbourhood Watch Area 01580 712476 Co-ordinator: 01622 604395 Orchard End Surgery, Cranbrook: 01580 713622 ROOMS & HALLS TO HIRE St George’s Institute, Sissinghurst: Ursula DEFIBRILLATORS O’Connor 01580 713938 Cranbrook Fire Station The Parish Room, Sissinghurst: Sue Crowe Cranbrook Medical Centre, Cranbrook 01580 712567 Cricket Club, Sissinghurst [email protected] Parish Council office The Vestry Hall, Council Chamber and Sissinghurst Castle Garden Addison VC Room, Cranbrook: St. George’s Institute, Sissinghurst 01580 713112 (10am-12pm weekdays). Tennis Club, Sissinghurst A full list of over 30 venues for hire in the The George Hotel, Cranbrook parish is available from the parish office The Milkhouse, Sissinghurst

4 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 Chairman’s Comment Planning for the Worst - Hoping for the Best

MUCH HAS changed since the last A NEW MEDICAL CENTRE COMMUNITY CENTRE – WE edition of Parish Cake. In response Longer term, there is NEED YOUR VIEWS to the most serious threat to also the imperative of As you know, residents have public health in generations future medical care, the long reported the need for a new we are rightly concerned about importance of which community facility in the town. our health, work, family and has been thrown into As the lockdown eases we will neighbours. sharp relief in recent reinvigorate work to consider this, However, the community has months. By 2024 all our which has been on hold for the last shown great resilience. Over 200 GPs will have retired, so months. There are options to build people have volunteered to help we risk there will be no new community facilities or to vulnerable neighbours should health service in Cranbrook. repurpose an existing building. the need arise, although luckily Dr Charlesworth writes of this later ABOVE: Cllr. Kim There are many options, and this thus far only a small number of in this edition, and how to attract Fletcher. edition of the magazine is asking volunteers have actually been new GPs. This requires decisions to you for your ideas and views. needed. The community has be taken right now. Please take this opportunity to also shown great respect for The parish council owns the have your say about what you think the legislation requiring social recognised best site for a new is right for our community. distancing and lockdown. surgery. We need your view on Key workers from the council, building a new surgery on Wilkes DEVELOPMENT OF THE and in local shops have kept us Field site. CRANE VALLEY fed, emptied our bins and cleaned Finally, planning applications are the streets. There have been coming in for the development great acts of community kindness of the Crane Valley. Many local - the Kebab shop and Mumtaz people are unaware of these due to restaurants providing over 100 the lockdown. The parish council free meals weekly to NHS staff at is working alongside interest the end of their shifts, offers of groups to ensure that local views financial support from Rotary and on development are heard loud private individuals. and clear at TWBC planning On behalf of the parish council department. If there is to be and our entire community, I want development, then we must make to thank those key workers and it as pleasant as possible, and limit volunteers. its impact on the rich but delicate It seems that in the coming ecology of the Crane Valley. weeks the government will So despite the lockdown, it’s a announce a phased easing of the busy time at the parish council. lock down measures. So we turn My thanks again to all those who our thoughts to the immediate have volunteered and to all key future when local shops will need workers. us all to shop locally so the High Stay safe!

Street can rebound. STATEMENT / BERKELEY HOMES DESIGN & ACCESS TWBC PLANNING PORTAL Kim Fletcher, chairman

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 5 COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL

Introduction from the Chairman Strategic Thinking Cllr. Kim Fletcher, chair of the parish council, gives an update on the community centre project and addresses concerns about cost

THANK YOU for all the feedback might lead you have given us about to a rise in improving our community the parish GETTY IMAGES facilities - about how you precept (the want to use better facilities small element of all our from central and local government and your concerns about the council tax bills that is paid bodies proposals. to the parish council). As 4. Although we have not yet started You’ve told us about many parishioners and tax-payers fundraising, we have already received different uses for better facilities: ABOVE: Cllr. ourselves, the parish council is several significant pledges of support • Lunches for elderly local residents Kim Fletcher. acutely aware of our responsibility to from local charities and business through Age Concern ensure value for money from council organisations • Potentially, longer opening hours for the funds, particularly in these unexpected 5. We may seek to access a limited and library and difficult economic times, so I want to long-term Treasury loan on preferential • Better adult education through address these concerns very directly. interest rates, predicated on future organisations such as U3A Our intention is to fund any revenues from the community centre • Clubs such as cookery lessons, book improvements with no increase in the (not upon any increase in the precept) clubs and knitting circles, to name but a tax bill. We would only consider raising 6. Lastly, once we have selected a strategic few. the precept for this (or indeed any other option and begun the process of If we progress to a new build option, the reason) if (a) all other funding avenues had detailed planning, we will run targeted land between the centre and the Crane been exhausted and (b) it was abundantly fundraising campaigns. could become a ‘town square/meeting clear that there was overwhelming support place’ to create more of a community from the large majority of parishioners to So, before fundraising begins in earnest, feeling, for markets, open air concerts etc. do this, which we would test through a poll. we can already see sufficient capital to Equally, we may find another building to Instead, we intend to fund improvements make a handsome contribution to the costs ‘repurpose’ if it’s possible at a reasonable from the following sources: of improving our community facilities. cost. 1. A new medical centre is likely to be built As we progress with this work, we Please keep your ideas coming to inform on parish council owned land. Whilst we will keep you fully informed both of our our plans as we develop them and select don’t intend to make undue profits from progress in delivering the option selected, the strategic option that works best for our NHS use of parish land, it will unlock and on what that means in terms of cost. town, which we hope to take to an architect some funding To be clear, we will not consider raising for further development this summer. 2. The parish council has some funds set the precept without first consulting local aside for this kind of capital development people through a poll. COST CONCERNS already Of course, Covid-19 may change people’s One area of concern we’ve heard loud 3. We have also received a grant from views entirely but, as we have not started and clear is about the cost of improving Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the building plan, a change of mind will community facilities and whether this will be looking for other grant funding not cost us any money.

6 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 Commun ok ity ro Ce nb n a tr r e C We Need Your Views… GETTY IMAGES The new group planning the community facilities needs your views. We cannot hold public meetings, or stop you in the street, so this is your chance to tell us what you think.

Please email us at: [email protected] Call on 01580 713112 (Parish Office) Drop us a note at: The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, Cranbrook TN17 3HF Join in the chat on: ‘Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Chat’ on Facebook Do you have the time to help us? Get in touch! COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL GETTY IMAGES Support for a New Surgery Dr Justin Charlesworth on the need for a new medical centre for an expanding parish CRANBROOK GPS are moving forward with plans to “ALL OF THE areas. There will be immediate benefits to patients develop new GP premises. For many years patients GENERAL as they continue to have excellent patient-centred in Cranbrook have been well served by having PRACTITIONERS care but provided in a modern purpose built dedicated GPs working in three separate surgeries. surgery. Over time patient numbers have grown and the IN CRANBROOK In the longer term this will improve the chances range of services being provided by general practice AGREE THAT A of further successful recruitment of the brightest has multiplied which has resulted in cramped NEW SURGERY and best younger GPs into Cranbrook so that the buildings that are no longer fit for purpose. IS NEEDED TO care you receive now can continue into the future. Our initial proposal for a new surgery building was RESPOND TO The GPs in Cranbrook are working closely with supported at the end of last year by the NHS West THE EXPECTED the parish council in drawing up plans for how Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (now NHS Kent this project can be achieved within a reasonable and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group) and we POPULATION time frame. This is the first of many steps in are now focused on developing our more detailed GROWTH IN communicating and engaging with our patients plans for review and consideration by the CCG. OUR PRACTICE on this exciting and necessary project. This is an All of the general practitioners in Cranbrook AREAS” exciting time for general practice and we look agree that a new surgery is needed to respond to the forward to working with all of our patients to expected population growth in our practice areas. provide the best care we can for the future. Between the three practices we currently have c 9,300 registered patients and we are expecting this to increase considerably over the next five to 10 years. We want to provide a building with more consulting rooms, improved clinical treatment rooms, better staff facilities and clinical meeting

8 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL

New Home GETTY IMAGES for the Library?

The Libraries, Registration and Archives (LRA) considers the option to relocate library services in Cranbrook to the proposed new Community Centre

LRA SERVICES in Kent run by Kent County OPPORTUNITIES parking, access into the building) Council (KCC) and are highly valued LRA has made a commitment to maximise • Prime ground floor location community services. They deliver a wide use of its community buildings, working in • The minimum space for a registration range of physical, digital and outreach partnership with others. The opportunity to office services to anyone who lives, works, co-locate with a range of other services at • Synergy with other services that will help studies or visits Kent. the Cranbrook Community Centre fits with to deliver KCC and LRA outcomes. LRA’s Strategy 2019-2022 sets out five this commitment. Similar co-locations have service ambitions: been achieved across Kent, for example in CRANBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE • Everyone is welcome Gateway buildings at Ashford, Margate, PROPOSAL ADVANTAGES • Enriching peoples’ lives Tenterden, Swanley and Edenbridge. Other • A good location near to the High Street • Resilient and connected communities co-locations include with a Children’s potentially offering more footfall • Sustainable and innovative Centre at Bockhangar, with Community • Good road and pedestrian access • Helping everyone to live well. Learning and Skills (CLS) at Broadstairs • Sited with new GP practice will encourage and Dover, and with Adult Social Care’s footfall Cranbrook library and birth and death Good Day programme at Dartford. • Opportunity to bring a range of services registration services are currently Similar schemes are in development for under one roof delivered from the library in Carriers Southborough, Tunbridge Wells and Dover. • Customer use of the library will be Road, Cranbrook. A ‘tier 3’ library (located These models of service delivery offer available outside of the 28 hours per week in smaller towns and operating fewer up the opportunity to bring more services library staffed hours. Access to self-issue, days), it is open for 28 hours per week and under one roof to meet customer and public PCs, Wi-Fi and study facilities will delivers library and registration services community needs. They also help KCC to be available during the community centre from 262m2 of floor space that includes an use buildings fully, ensuring they are used opening hours. art gallery. to their maximum for local people. Core services include, book and The conformation of Cranbrook Library audio loans, access to a local studies LRA PRIORITIES moving to the community centre is subject collection, free public access PCs, public LRA considers proposals to co-locate to: Wi-Fi and birth and death registration. A its services, either by moving into a new • Design development of the community range of activities are delivered weekly development, or releasing space at an centre including baby rhyme time, talk time, existing site on a case by case basis, starting • Library and registration space allocation book groups, class visits, and the summer with: and position within the building reading challenge. There is a pool of 10 • Location within the community it serves • Other services that will operate from the volunteers, including home library service (high street, busy thoroughfare with centre volunteers, IT buddies, talk time hosts other shops/services close by) • Shared back office space and a Kent history champion. • External access (transport links, ease of • Customer/community engagement.

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 9 SPONSORED FEATURE

Baxall Delivers How local contractor Baxall is putting the community first in delivering the Southborough Hub

SOUTHBOROUGH HUB is an exciting as quickly as possible. decorating the site hoardings which have new scheme which will provide modern As a long-standing local contractor, been entered into the national Considerate facilities to the residents and local Baxall are enforcing a policy of Constructors Scheme ‘Ivor Goodsite’ communities of Southborough and localism and direct support to the local competition. Support to the school in Kent. The project is communities. The Southborough Hub has been greatly received through the transforming the former town council project is generating apprenticeship and volunteering of staff, time and materials offices and Royal Victoria Hall into a employment opportunities through both to convert the old computer room into a community hall and rooms, NHS medical the Baxall Academy and our local supply modern, multi-media STEM learning hub. centre, library, football pavilion and council chain partners, in addition to opportunities The next stage will encompass facilities. for work experience and Continuing completion of the NHS medical centre As the preferred design and build Professional Development. which is an off-site modern methods contractor, Baxall have been on board of construction (MMC) solution. The from an early stage engaging with the COMMUNITY FIRST frame has been precision designed and numerous stakeholders, design teams and Community engagement is a key element manufactured in a factory for delivery and local community groups. Working openly of the project and Baxall are ensuring erection over a matter of weeks rather than and collaboratively, we have established open and regular communication and months (compared to a traditional build). and considered all end-user requirements, updates. The team are issuing monthly The complete scheme is scheduled culminating in best value solutions and newsletters by post and e-mail to over for completion in Spring 2021 when the ultimately, a Hub designed and built fit for 250 local residents and businesses in doors will be formally opened to the local purpose. addition to a bespoke Twitter account community. Officially launched in 2019, the scheme demonstrating progress photographs and was temporarily halted whilst we assessed site news. An open door policy means the the implications of Covid-19. The site project manager is on hand to personally is now back up and operating in full answer questions and queries; this will be more accordance with Government and industry extended in the forthcoming months to info guidelines. Reflective of this, the NHS arranged site tours and demonstrations medical centre is the priority build. We for the benefit of community groups, Baxall Construction are working closely with the NHS and our end-users, West students and 01892 831000 [email protected] supply chain partners and, subject to safety schools. www.baxallconstruction.co.uk and welfare restrictions, are collectively The pupils of nearby Southborough CoE aiming to deliver this essential NHS facility have enjoyed designing and

10 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL Options, Options, Options The parish council has a lot to consider and needs your input, writes Cllr. Carl Meewezen

EVER SINCE the closure of the old TWBC offices at the top of the High Street in Cranbrook, residents have been asking for improvements to community facilities so that once again the town has somewhere for clubs and meetings, and the many other functions that a community centre would fulfil. Parish council work to address this had been paused whilst we focused energies on our local response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but now that the peak has passed we are reinvigorating our plans. We are currently developing a long list

of options, which include: GETTY IMAGES 1. Redeveloping an existing site, such as the Vestry Hall complex, or potentially can see the following potential sources raising the parish precept (the element of the old community medical centre on of income: TWBC council tax that goes to the parish) Jockey Lane car , which is being 1. Grant funding from KCC, TWBC and in order to do this. sold other central government sources Each of these options carries a different 2. Building something new on the 2. Donations from local charities, interest risk profile and this too will be part of our Wilkes Field site which has been groups and individuals considerations. generously gifted to the parish for such 3. In the event that we select a new build It would be great to have feedback use, potentially alongside a medical option, leveraging the future value of from local residents on which of these centre to give fit for purpose facilities the Wilkes’ land through a PFI-style options will work best and where you for a new generation of GPs when development deal have concerns. Cranbrook’s current GPs retire in three 4. Taking out a long-term loan perhaps In a future edition of Parish Cake, years over 50 years at preferential Treasury we’ll set out which options have made 3. Doing nothing and making do with rates, predicated on future revenues our shortlist, what the financial and existing facilities. from the community centre and economic implications of those options medical centre. We are also considering how best to are, and seek your further input on more finance and deliver the project. Here we The parish council is not considering detailed proposals.

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 11 COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL Feel good, Site Details fly high Cllr. Colin Gilbert, parish council vice-chairman, describes and comments on the Wilkes Field site for a community centre

WILKES FIELD is the proposed site for the new Cranbrook community centre. Central to Cranbrook, tucked behind the High Street, it sits between the two main Cranbrook car parks with level walking from the High Street to the Frythe bridge. The western boundary runs from the Co-op Regal car park down to the eastern boundary at the dulwichprepcranbrook.org Tanyard car park. The southern boundary is located from the Frythe and Crane to the northern boundary towards the High Street. It is a sloping site which falls from the Co-op car park down to the Crane Valley. It benefits from excellent access for pedestrians from all of the four boundaries, from the Frythe Estate, Stone Street, the “GIVEN THAT WE HAVE BEEN GIFTED THE ACTUAL Tanyard car park, Co-op car parking and SITE THIS IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY AT LAST TO the High Street. Vehicle access can be MAKE AN INCREDIBLE DIFFERENCE TO CRANBROOK gained from the Co-op car park and could AND SISSINGHURST” also be gained from the Tanyard carpark, off St David’s Bridge. we know what parishioners would like, i.e. gas, water, drainage, electricity. The The NHS has already identified the site but the surveys done to date indicate the site is also of a suitable size to consider as its preferred option for a new multi GP possibilities. sustainable energy solutions for any medical centre. Should the option to also proposed building, for example heat build community space be chosen by the A REMARKABLE PUBLIC SPACE pumps. parishioners, the site lends itself to that Environmental surveys previously Given that we have been gifted the actual purpose, being centrally located in the completed in the area can be incorporated site this is an exciting opportunity at last to town and of a suitable size to accommodate into the plans and there is the possibility make an incredible difference to Cranbrook the anticipated parish’s needs. to use landscaping to create a remarkable and Sissinghurst with this community The sloping land can, depending on public space. The parish council is centre building proposal. requirements, be incorporated by an purchasing the old Tanyard dental surgery, The configuration of the centre will be architect to suit access on potentially two so the additional area will provide disabled fully addressed once all local comments levels. The position of the building within or medical staff parking and the provision and opinions have been evaluated and the slope could also be adjusted to allow of a public ‘market square’ space running discussed. Often a new build is actually a good, gentle, ramped disabled access from up to the Frythe Bridge. more economic and sustainable proposal, both car parks. This would have to be This site has the benefit of all the main and potentially more viable, than determined by topographical surveys once services required for connection nearby, refurbishing existing buildings.

12 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 Feel good, Site Details fly high Cllr. Colin Gilbert, parish council vice-chairman, describes and comments on the Wilkes Field site for a community centre

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Parish Cake • Summer 2020 13 COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL Q&A Cllr. Lee Hatcher presents answers to some responses from a recent survey on the proposed Cranbrook Community Centre

EARLY IN February the Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council initiated a survey asking what Comment: Suggest that rooms in the centre could be divided by parishioners would want in a community centre, folding screens or perhaps better to have one large space with a giving people a chance to start shaping any future stage and three to four smaller rooms of varying sizes large enough building, and also raise any concerns they might for an exercise class or small enough for a group of have. Here are just a few of the comments received 12 studying art or playing cards. along with some of our answers. Answer: Great ideas! Do we need a stage? Or just space where a temporary stage could be erected? Do others think folding screens could work? That may offer more Comment: Everything you propose already flexibility, but would it be private enough? has a home in Cranbrook - what will you do with the empty properties that you make?

Answer: A community centre would add to the wonderful facilities that Cranbrook has to offer the town and the surrounding villages. Comment: Concerned about costs being There is room for both the current and new, put on people who won’t use it. while offering facilities that current spaces don’t have. Answer: The proposed centre will likely include two tenants, a library and a medical centre. That would mean, along with various grants, money from TWBC etc., any borrowing should be covered by regular rental income. We aim to not increase the parish precept to pay for the community centre. GETTY IMAGES

14 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 COMMUNITY CENTRE SPECIAL

Comment: Parking.

Answer: Any proposal will include provision for additional parking, this will be especially The Heart important when the building will likely also be used as a medical centre and library as well a community centre. of a Town “Speak up and get involved,” encourages Helen Grant MP, Member of

Comment: Great Idea - I'm sure Wendy will be promoting Parliament for Maidstone and the Weald lots of events e.g. comedy nights, music events, book clubs, children's reading clubs, Santa’s grotto, food ON BECOMING your festivals and antiques fairs! Conservative candidate for Maidstone and the Weald in 2008, one of my very Answer: Brilliant. We can see all first conversations of these types of events happening was about the here, or at the Vestry Hall? Does need to improve anyone reading this have an idea community facilities for an event or club? in Cranbrook. Community facilities are the heart of any town. They provide a central meeting place Comment: Would where we can come together as be amazing to have Answer: Thank you. a community and engage in clubs, wellbeing groups, a space that could We want to make sure that family events and local or national celebrations. They be used by the any proposed building is a) enable vulnerable members of our communities to community. That is something that is needed access essential services, such as childcare or support safe, has places to and wanted, b) is suitable services for our elderly residents. And they provide an sit and that would for the whole community, ideal location for non-essential health services to be encourage people c) will service everyone in delivered. to come together. Cranbrook, Sissinghurst and the This kind of infrastructure is central to the Accessibility seems surroundings, d) can become Conservative philosophy for unleashing the potential to be lacking in much the centre of parish life, and e) of vibrant local communities and economies. Improved of Cranbrook, so think is truly something the whole community facilities will mean many more people that should be high on parish can be proud of. once more coming into Cranbrook. This in turn will the agenda for older play an important role in re-establishing a busy and people, those with diverse, flourishing high street. disabilities and those So I was delighted to hear of the latest progress in with prams/buggies. making this a reality. I’ve asked the parish council to keep me closely informed on future progress. And I would warmly encourage all Cranbrook and Sissinghurst residents to speak up and get involved by letting the project team know about what you require from improved facilities and indeed about what your more Please keep an eye out in Parish Cake, on Facebook (@CranbrookCC) and the Parish concerns are and how you would like to see these Council website for further updates. addressed.

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 15 letters The Dangers of Stone Street Benefice, Borough DURING THE pandemic Stone Street safer for Green to make it lockdown, traffic in the pedestrians, eventually safer, so why can’t and Parish Pull centre of Cranbrook somebody would be they accept that the has been reduced to badly injured or worse. question of safety Together a trickle. For those There have been could also be applied residents taking their plenty of near misses. to Stone Street? Should THE UNITED Benefice of Sissinghurst with daily walk along Stone Everyone was clear we have to wait for a Frittenden, led by the new Rector Rev. Pete Street or engaged in about the dangers serious injury to occur Deaves, myself and Tony Staples, chairman a shopping trip might except the highway before action is taken? of Frittenden Parish Council, joined forces at have noticed that they authority itself, KCC. In terms of vehicles an early stage to help those in need during are suddenly at less On each occasion driven on pavements, the COVID-19 crisis. This initiative mobilised risk of encountering the matter has been the law is a grey representatives from the church and councils vehicles mounting raised, sympathetic area, suggesting that and produced a postcard flyer that was the pavement as they noises were heard such action might delivered by hand to all households in the attempt to squeeze and the odd survey be acceptable in the ward area. past each other. undertaken, but the event of an emergency. We had convened by mid-March and Most people will, outcome has always Arguably a vehicle managed to get to every home well ahead of of course, be familiar been the same - no coming towards you anticipated requests for help and assistance. with this problem action. taking up much of The flyer not only offered help to those in because it has existed During debates the road width might vulnerable or “shielded” groups, but also for at least the past parish councillors be construed as an requested volunteers to come forward 20 years or more. have offered a number emergency. if they were able to help. In excess of 80 Regularly during this of solutions, ranging Stone Street was were recruited and briefed as to their roles, period it has been from a priority built for the horse responsibilities and best practice. debated by successive system, traffic lights and cart, not today’s We have had many calls for help. Most have parish councillors and bollards, to traffic levels These involved shopping, prescription collection together with our pedestrians-only and a are destined to get and delivery. We have also had requests elected representatives one-way system, all to worse once the new for dog walking and even keeping an MOT on Kent County no avail. Interestingly housing developments appointment for a key worker, before the Council. in 2018, KCC was are finished, so come government offered the extension period. The issues were persuaded to carry on KCC, help us find a Wellbeing calls have also been a vital service to clear, until something out alterations to the solution now! some appreciating a chat every now and then. was done to make junction at Wilsley Graham Holmes Referrals from TWBC helplines have been a success. Myself and some other volunteers have also joined the army of 750,000 on the GoodSam App voluntary service to ensure we Please send your letters to don’t miss anyone who needs help. [email protected] or by post to Parish Cake, A massive thank you to all involved Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, The Old Fire Station, especially the co-ordinators who take the calls and allocate tasks. Stone Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HF. Andy Fairweather, borough councillor, Please note, letters may be published in a shortened Frittenden and Sissinghurst Ward form at the discretion of the editor.

16 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 Clap for the NHS then Street Party? LONG LIVE LOVE AS A local of Cranbrook for over 30 years, I am disgusted by the amount of reports I have heard and even witnessed concerning street parties on Thursday nights after locals come out Humphry Evatt, Cranbrook poet, of their homes at 8pm, to clap for the NHS! cook, gardener and cello player, I’ve heard of neighbours going into each other’s homes after the clap to socialise. I’ve has joined Parish Cake to bring heard of and seen people getting together in groups after the national clapping to then a little joy at this strange time. have a knees-up on their street for hours afterwards. Drinking and having a good old gossip Readers of a certain age will be in close range of each other. Their kids running around playing with other kids. Normally, able to sing Sandy Shaw’s tune this would be fine, but as our Prime Minster, who nearly died from Covid-19, tells us we are while reading these lines. battling an invisible enemy! LONG LIVE LOVE Why oh why clap for the NHS, then do the very opposite thing that could see the spread of after Sandy Shaw, 1965 this wretched virus? The very thing the NHS is begging us not to do?! (Verse 1) I say - don’t clap for the NHS if you are not abiding by lockdown rules. Don’t clap if you are I have waited a long long time using said clap to get together for a party afterwards. It makes you a hypocrite, a spreader For somebody to call mine and frankly, I think the NHS and other keyworkers would prefer not to have your clap! And at last she's come along Mrs T Jameson (an appalled local) Baby oh nothing can go wrong (Chorus) When we were in lock down the needs and wants of the range of possibilities is being We couldn't go down to town Do we need people. discussed, including a new I just wrote this little verse In Cranbrook and build option that may appear a New-build And hoped things wouldn't get Sissinghurst we are fortunate superficially attractive but worse Community in having the historic which may prove difficult and beautiful Vestry Hall and expensive. Would it not (Verse 2) Centre? complex, incorporating the serve our community better It's only a kiss I asked IN TOWNS and villages up Old Fire Station and council to modernise and improve But she made me wear a mask and down the land parish chamber, as the seat of local the Vestry Hall complex I asked her every day councils traditionally administration. This sits before even considering a new But she kept two metres away offer community space for within a wider campus of building? (Chorus) local groups. Such space is heritage and community The answer to this Now at last she's really mine typically found in modest assets, including the Grade question seems obvious - The tests show we're both fine parish halls and other simple I listed St. Dunstan’s, such improvement would Hard toil I never shirk buildings and can usually Cranbrook School and the be relatively simple and But we still can't go to work be booked for a small fee. local museum, and is located affordable, and would deliver Such facilities coexist with at the meeting point of the high quality community (Verse 3) doctors’ surgeries, dental town’s principle streets in the space within a shorter time- I bring her tea at eight practices, public libraries heart of the conservation area. frame than a complicated And we don't get up till late and other services. They It is both an architectural new building, so should be To get out we need a shove complement, but do not treasure and a substantial and favoured. This would not Long, long live love capacious community asset. extinguish the possibility of compete with, the village pub, (Finale) We are now being asked a new building catering for post office or cafe. A balanced Mmm by the parish council to any future unmet demand, community may include all Long long live love of these things, familiar and consider the future provision if and when this can be reassuring to the resident, of community facilities demonstrated. and together catering for under its stewardship. A Cllr. Matthew Hartley

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 17 Frame Place is OPEN! It has been a long OPEN! eight weeks for every business in Cranbrook; for those of us with new and young businesses Lockdown has been especially trying. But, I am still here and, at last, back in the workshop on Dorothy Avenue, three days each week initially. Classic frames, with or without mounts Box frames Consultations and collections are by Float frames appointment so that we can maintain Trays responsible distancing guidelines. I’d be Original art, prints, photography, objects, delighted to see you Monday – Wednesday memorabilia, sports shirts (Saturday by prior arrangement) to help with any and all your framing needs – original art, prints, photography, objects, memorabilia, sports shirts…anything! I have a wide range of frame styles for you to choose from…something for everyone.

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2892_RL_Parish_Magazine_Advert_TunbridgeWells.indd 1 21/01/2019 09:09:06 18 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 news feature Parish Cake Editor Bids Farewell

SUMMER 2017 IN ASSOCIATION WITH IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SPRING 2018 Former parish councillor Brian Parish CakeParish CakeIN ASSOCIATION W YOUR SLICE OF CRANBROOK & SISSINGHURST LIFE YOUR SLICE OF CRANBROOK & SISSINGHURST LIFE ParishITH Cake Clifford, who came up with YOUR SLICE OF CRANBROOK & SISSINGHURST LIFE SPRING 2020 FREE the idea of its Parish Cake

Beautifully designed, magazine, has stepped down elegantly put together Phoenix Design & Construction after three years as editor Look closer. Go further. FREE Put the Kettle onDulwich Prep Cranbrook The launch issue is here! IN 2017, following discussions PUBLISHED BY CRANBROOK AND SISSINGHURSTPUBLISHED PARISH BY COUNCIL CRANBROOK ANDFREE SISSINGHURST PARISH COUNCIL with the parish council, it was PUBLISHED BY CRANBROOK AND SISSINGHURST PARISH COUNCIL decided that its work should be reading and which was a joy for shared more with parishioners me to edit.” and together with Graham Parish council chairman Cllr. Holmes and Nancy Warne, the Kim Fletcher, said: “Brian was a “Cake” was created. long standing parish councillor After a career in newspapers, and excellent chairman of including The Sun and the Daily the Burials and Properties Mail, Brian went on to the BBC committee. where he ultimately became “He will be best remembered head of corporate promotion. He for creating Parish Cake, TOMPSETT LANDSCAPING won several awards including a gathering a talented group of gold from the Royal Television local people to create a truly Society. local magazine which is held up Brian, a long-time Sissinghurst in other areas as the best in the resident with his wife Linda, said: business. “I wanted Cake to publish not “All his journalistic and PR only parish council business but skills have created this on- also to create a communications’ going tribute to him, and the platform for residents in communities he loves. Cranbrook and Sissinghurst “I would like to thank him for whose previous activities had his deep affection and support become the world’s best kept for Sissinghurst, the hard work he secret. put into being a councillor, and Tompsett landscaping is a family run business “I was certainly not a one-man of course his fete commentaries. band. Tally Wade of Coffee Shop “Very little got past him and he which takes pride in offering a quality, Media was responsible for design insisted on the highest standards professional, friendly and reliable service at for the parish and of his fellow and production, Cllr. Trisha competitive rates for all aspects of garden Fermor, features editor and chief councillors. I wish him well in his feature writer who produced retirement.” maintenance and landscaping. thousands of words for each If you have anything you addition, supported by Mignon would like to share with the Brian selling advertising space, team, please contact us via all made major contributions www.cranbrookandsissinghurst- which I hope you have found to parishcouncilpc.co.uk or call Please contact us today for your free no obligation quotation be informative and interesting 01580 713112.

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 19 news feature

Anger at Plans to Build 168 Homes on Protected Land TWBC PLANNING PORTAL / BERKELEY HOMES DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT / BERKELEY HOMES DESIGN & ACCESS TWBC PLANNING PORTAL Major developer Berkeley Homes has been accused of using lockdown to push ahead with plans for 168 homes on an area of outstanding natural beauty in Cranbrook, writes Trisha Fermor

OPPOSITION TO build 168 homes on land He went on: “The land is a greenfield site He went on: “The major proposal on adjoining Turnden on Hartley Road has grown totally contained within the High Weald Area agricultural land will have a significant after TWBC said it was unlikely to refuse the of Outstanding Natural Beauty and outside detrimental impact on both the physical application. the limits to build….. geography and ecological networks.” In an eight-page letter to borough “The National Planning Policy Framework Large scale movement of top soil would planning case officer Richard Hazelgrove, (NPPF) states that AONBs `have the highest significantly alter and destroy features of the Cllr. Garry Pethurst, on behalf of the local status of protection’…..planning permission historic landscape including ancient field Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering should be refused for major development patterns and cause ecological harm, including Group, outlined growing objections to the other than in exceptional circumstances pollution of water courses. The development development. and, where it can be demonstrated that the is very close to the source of the Crane Valley On the timing of the application, Cllr. development is in the public interest. and its nature reserve as well as ancient Pethurst said: “Notwithstanding the “Neither ‘exceptional circumstances’ nor woodland. questionable judgement behind bringing what ‘public interest’ this proposal is serving Increased surface run off could potentially the application forward at a time of national have been established and, therefore, cannot cause flooding to the Hammer Stream and and international crisis, when the attention be measured.” the at and Headcorn of the public is diverted elsewhere, and the Cllr. Pethurst said without a full respectively. opportunities for proper consultation are independent and transparent viability With regard to the danger to trees, absolutely denied, the proposal should be assessment it is impossible to know much of Cllr. Pethurst said the NPPF states: “… refused…” the potential benefits of the development. development resulting in the loss or

20 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 news feature

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P L A N N IN G P O R T A L / B E R WHAT YOU CAN DO - KE LE Y H NOW - FROM HOME OM ES DE SIG ENT STATEMENT / BERKELEY HOMES DESIGN & ACCESS TWBC PLANNING PORTAL N & ACCESS STATEM

deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran “consulting,” but more frequently they were trees, should be refused unless there are “informing”. wholly exceptional reasons.” Traffic and highway safety is also an issue, To the north of the proposed site lie particularly the plan for six entrances/exits Guy Dagger from local residents group, Brick Kiln Farm and Corn Hall which have within the 200 metres between the junction SaveTurnden.org.uk, says: “We ask that you spend permission for 240 homes. Berkeley Homes of the High Street, Cranbrook, and Angley five minutes to get in touch with your councillors has already got permission to build 36 homes and MP asking what they intend to do. Why is this Road and the access to Turnden phase 1. on the Turnden site. development is being forced through by TWBC There are also concerns about children Cllr. Pethurst said: “The cumulative staff under so little scrutiny? Specifically, we ask crossing the road to get to High Weald impact of these proposals would be the you to email or write to: Academy. addition of more than 400 dwellings which, • Our Member of Parliament, Helen Grant: helen. Cllr. Pethurst concluded: “If Cranbrook in effect, would create a large, unsustainable [email protected] is to have more housing it should seek to urban sprawl housing estate to the south of • To the parish council: clerk@cranbrookand- integrate it into the existing community. Cranbrook and thus merging with the hamlet sissinghurstpc.co.uk This proposal seeks to provide a “village” of Hartley. • Stephen Baughen, head of TWBC Planning: atmosphere but actually delivers yet another “This would compromise the historic [email protected] isolated housing estate excluded from the • Your local councillors: nancy.warne@ settlement character of Cranbrook, Hartley wider community whilst, at the same time, tunbridgewells.gov.uk, andrew.fairweather@ and, indeed, the farmstead of Turnden. destroying so much of what makes the town tunbridgewells.gov.uk, sean.holden@tun- “…Permission passed in November 2018 what it is.” bridgewells.gov.uk, linda.hall@tunbridgewells. for 36 dwellings and the restoration of the Asked why Berkeley Holmes had chosen gov.uk, [email protected] Grade II listed farmhouse [later destroyed such a sensitive site on which to build, a “It is the legal obligation of the public bodies by fire] was on the understanding that spokesperson said: “The proposals have been and statutory undertakers such as the Forestry the character of the farmstead would be in development for almost a year and there Commission and Historic England to have regard respected.” was extensive engagement with residents for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty On the question of community of the AONB - but in this crisis they have been prior to the submission of the application. engagement, Cllr. Pethurst said: “At no point found wanting as the TWBC Planning Department “The council is now consulting the local has the community supported development has been forcing this through - so it is up to us, community and it would not be appropriate on this site, however, it has sought to engage the residents of Cranbrook to hold the authorities for us to comment on responses during this with the developer during the period leading and developers to account and stop the trashing process.” to their public exhibition in December 2019, of the AONB which supports the timing of which was questioned so so many local tourism and hospitality jobs. Garry Pethurst is a member of Cranbrook We are, however, most pleased to say that all close to Christmas and the opportunity to and Sissinghurst Parish Council but local TWBC councillors have come out against comment was severely time-constrained.” wrote on behalf of the Cranbrook and this development and we will be posting their Cllr. Pethurst said during the period Sissinghurst Neighbourhood Development statements at SaveTurnden.org.uk” of engagement the feeling was that the Plan Steering Group. applicant was rarely “engaging with” or

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 21 News and views from newsbites Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Rainbow of Colours for NHS Staff

A MASS of rainbow logos showing colleagues across the NHS by the public’s support for NHS dedicating a rainbow window to workers has brought a splash of them.” colour to the reception area of Staff from the hospital have Hospital, been helping NHS colleagues in Dozens of them, coloured by the fight against coronavirus. the families and friends of the A team of theatre staff from hospital’s staff and members of the CQC-rated “Outstanding” the public living nearby, are being independent hospital have been displayed in the giant windows of seconded, or have volunteered, the hospital’s reception area. to work at the William Harvey Claire Harley, director of Hospital, Ashford. patient services, said: “The Jane Abbott, chief nurse at rainbow has become the symbol Benenden Hospital said: “I’m of public support for NHS worker immensely proud that we have and we wanted to show our own a team supporting our nursing appreciation of the incredible colleagues in the NHS at this efforts being made by nursing difficult time.” TF

So Popular – They Came by Coach! THE REV Peter Deaves was so travelled extensively and “Everyone has been very popular in his last parish that taught English in Belarus and friendly. If this is not the a coachload of fans travelled Kazakhstan as part of the right place for me and my to his installation as rector of International Fellowship of family I don’t know where is.” Sissinghurst and Frittenden. Evangelical Students. He described the combined Trinity Church in He said: “I did English parishes as “buy one get Sissinghurst was packed with at university and rather one free” and said it was the villagers and members of his blagged my way into teaching first time in 40 years a rector former flock in Rudgwick, English.” with children had lived in West Sussex, for the service His life also involved Frittenden. conducted by the Rt Rev Rose biblical studies at Sheffield A keen cyclist - “I want to Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop University and he said: “I cycle everywhere” - he said of Dover. have always been fascinated his new pride and joy was an Mr Deaves met his wife-to- by the Bible. God has a sense electric moped. He would still be, Claire, during Latin and of humour and got me into cycle to places but the moped ballroom dance classes. The the RE route.” couple now have three young After three-and-a-half would get him to Sissinghurst daughters, Jemimah, Phoebe years’ studying religion, he quicker, especially on service and Mollie. He said he was was ordained in Chichester mornings when he did not delighted the rectory was and became a curate at want to be late. opposite Frittenden Primary Rudgwick, the first one in He added: “It is an exciting School so they would not living memory, working with time for the parish. I want have far to take them. the vicar the Rev Martin King. to extend a welcome to The former teacher, who Of his new combined everyone and their families.” was brought up as a Baptist, parishes, Mr Deaves said: TF

22 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 news

Tarot Rats Disband IT IS with heavy hearts that we have to bring you the news that Tarot Rats won't be continuing as a band. A key part of a successful band is a close working relationship between all the members, and ours hasn't been there for quite some time now, despite our efforts with continued gigging and recording. Once it's been lost, it's very hard to that we'll cherish for life. Radio presenters, get back to the level of cohesion required and we promoters, managers, studio producers, artists, collectively feel we've now reached a point that photographers, fan page organisers, venue we cannot come back from. owners, bar staff, other bands & artists and crazy Further Covid-19 It's been a heartbreaking and painful decision rock fans- we're truly grateful for everything to make and we could only have been on this you've done for us. We would also like thank our Support beautiful journey with your incredible support, previous rat brothers for their important roles in AS WE go to press, Tunbridge whether it be at our live shows, online, various helping the band evolve and grow. Wells Borough Council has voting polls, and of course buying, listening to We've had the adventure of a lifetime, but now announced further support to and enjoying Tarot Rats music, all of which we're it's time to focus on our families, our health, and help people affected by Covid-19. very proud of. whatever the next chapter in our lives may bring. 1. Business support grants - some Along the way, we've enjoyed meeting some Thank you everyone, it's been an absolute blast. discretionary new cash is available truly amazing people and made some memories Johnny, Tim, Adrian & Alex for bed and breakfast places, charities, traders, businesses in shared space (such as the Hive). Thursday night Details on the TWBC website. 2. The civic amenity vehicle singalong For NHS service will start up as soon as the A TEENAGE aspiring actor has joined the weekly garden waste service is running singalong in Cranbrook to praise NHS employees– satisfactorily – there has already by playing a trumpet. been a huge increase in tonnage Max Hatcher, 17, is the son of keen Cranbrook since it started again on 18 May. Operatic and Dramatic Society stalwarts, Lee and 3. Living after lockdown: there Annie Hatcher and has appeared on stage in some are proposals for one-way of their productions. systems for narrow pavements During the lockdown, people in Cranbrook – (e.g. Stone Street), stickers on including The Hill where the family lives – have pavements, along with other been turning out every Thursday night to clap, ideas being generated by the sing, play the trumpet or beat their saucepans to Business Improvement District of say thank you for looking after people during the Tunbridge Wells, to be shared. pandemic. 4. Shops to indicate which way to Max, a pupil at Cranbrook School, who is off to queue outside and perhaps offer drama school in September – “he’s always wanted sanitiser etc. to be an actor” said his mum - has played all sorts 5. Parking enforcement will be of tunes. returning – I have asked for a Among them has been It’s a Wonderful World, heads up before it starts. Over the Rainbow, and You’ll Never Walk Alone with mum singing the words with neighbours. Mrs Hatcher, who is chairman of CODS as well as a director and singer, said she sang every week and Cllr. Kim Fletcher, chairman people were now putting in requests for their favourite songs. Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Videos of the Thursday night singalongs can be seen on the CODS and Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council Chat Facebook pages. TF

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 23 A round-up of news from Cranbrook and Sissinghurst clubs, clubnews groups and associations

small town or village where there are times when Social Services are Age is a lot of personal contact on a unable to fill the void. daily basis. From my personal Our parents, and particularly experience as “an oldie” I have our grandparents, are the Concern been touched that so many friends responsibility of Cranbrook’s and neighbours have readily younger generations blessed with can Help offered any help I may need in my a greater degree of immunity. isolation. Age Concern Cranbrook and THERE ARE almost 1,000 people House, Major Clarke House But that may not be everyone’s District continues to offer the in the area who may - or indeed or Horsley Place, which have experience, particularly those who vital service of distributing NHS may not - think of themselves as dedicated wardens. Others live live “a bit out of the way”; it would hearing aid batteries in the area elderly; our oldest known resident with relatives, or independently. be good to think that every elderly and is able, during the pandemic, is 99. What they have in common citizen has got a guardian angel: to access a hospital repair service About 200 of them will appear is government advice that they relative, friend or even nodding for defective aids. It also provides on the list that the government should all isolate themselves. acquaintance who is on hand contact with local volunteers, has released of vulnerable elderly This has implications for us as when needed. The elderly are not and a listening ear. We can be requiring special care. Some in a community and our approach always forward in asking for help, contacted on 01580 715516. their age group live in communal to caring for each other. In many especially from family, but these Roni Summers accommodation such as Evernden ways we are fortunate to live in a

Cranbrook carer wins virtual competition The Word

AFTER PICKLEBALL champion Jibin Palouse won an online tournament he said he did it for of 2020? Cranbrook and the little disabled girl, Mary, whom IT'S UNPRECEDENTED. Unexpectedly, life he looks after. was turned upside-down, the changes and With the closure of the Weald Sports Centre challenges affect us all. Social distancing and all clubs across the country, Pickleball separated families and delayed education. Businesses have taken a England decided to hold its own virtual hit and even some health care was put on hold. tournament inviting the top players in the From the beginning the Christian tradition has centred around country to take part. The contest also attracted entrants from the USA. togetherness. We meet to worship in churches, chapels, homes and The tournament, which took place in May, consisted of various heats halls. How can we practise our faith when this is taken from us? At to test players’ paddle skills. The challenge included different formats The Vine, we moved our services online. Whilst it has limitations, such as consecutive reverse paddle shots and maintaining momentum we can use technology to come together even when we're apart. of the ball on the paddle edges instead of the face. The final involved a However, there's another side to the story; Christianity is also head-on challenge of three different trick-shot keepy uppies in a row, one inward. of which consisted of keeping the ball up solely on the thin handle of the God is not subject to social distancing measures and isolation paddle. Jibin, representing Kent and the Cranbrook Pickleball Club, had can help us look to Him. He's just as happy to speak to you in your three straight wins in the finals and was crowned champion. home as in a church. Jesus said, “My peace I give you… Do not let Jibin, originally from Kerala, India, is also a keen tennis players, and your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” It's often in stillness joined the Cranbrook club, based at the sports centre, just over a year and isolation that we learn to know His peace. ago. The club was started almost five years ago by Martin Hobbs and Jibin Psalm 23 famously says, "Even though I walk through the valley is part of the first team and one of the top players. of the shadow of death I will fear no evil". This is the peace Jesus Team captain Janin Campos said: “He is a carer appointed to look after offers us. Now that really is unprecedented. Molly, a severely disabled child, which in itself deserves compliments Chris Goodchild, Vine Church from all well-wishers along with congratulations on his victory. As Jibin commented, he did it for Cranbrook as well as for Molly.” Janin Campos

24 Parish Cake • Summer 2020

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26 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 event news

CRANFEST 2020 – THE CRANBROOK TOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL WE ARE delighted to announce that a one-day music festival is being organised in Cranbrook to take place on Sunday 13 September. The aim of the event is to promote the town and its businesses, and raise funds for local charities. The principal venues for the music will be The Hive, The George Hotel, Larkins' Alehouse and The White Horse, all of whom Breretons (contemporary folk), Jumbo further news! Keith Stockman and will provide free music covering a variety of Gumbo (Cajun), The Geoff Everett Band Wendy Waters genres throughout the day, plus the Vestry (blues), Petty Thieves (reggae), Unit 48 Hall which will host local school bands plus (soul), Hope In High Water (Americana/ two headline ticketed events. folk), and Café Society (jazz). We hope In addition to the music, there will be that the wide variety of music on offer will save the stalls in the White Horse car park and in appeal to everyone, whatever their personal date the lower end of the High Street offering taste or age. workshops, a range of food and community The full programme of events can be Fairport Convention was due to give its found on the website, www.cranfest. project outlets. second concert in St Dunstan’s Church co.uk, together with ticketing details for Artists booked to date include the two in June but due to the corona pandemic headliners, folk legend Richard Digance the headline events. It promises to be a have switched the date to 17 October. plus indie rockers Treetop Flyers, plus terrific occasion so please remember to save Fortune Favours (classic rock), The the date in your diary and do look out for

First-ever Virtual Flower Show?

SISSINGHURST FLOWER Show Society was entries from 54 entrants including children. We determined it would be “business as usual” with really had absolutely no idea whether anyone a twist for its spring show. would respond so really are pleased with the Following government advice to stay at outcome. home and socially distance, the committee was “We have had some great feedback from determined the coronavirus outbreak would parents especially who have said it had given not stop its show. It decided on a virtual event, their children a creative focus in this first week believed to be the first of its kind. at home. I would like to thank everyone for Photos of entries were emailed from the entering, especially the children for a wonderful comfort of people’s own homes and uploaded display of decorated hard-boiled eggs and spring onto the society’s website. They were judged cupcakes and who even won prizes in some of by RHS judges, Edward and Marion Stevenson- the adult classes too.” Rouse, who took up the difficult challenge of The entries and results can be found on the judging from photos only. show’s website: www.sissinghurstflowershow. The popular village society has been running wordpress.com/virtual flower show for more than 110 years and attracts a large Due to the success of the spring show, the number of entries for classes including flowers, society will be holding a similar summer show on vegetables, fruit, flower arrangements, cookery, Saturday 13 June. handicrafts, photography and the children’s Entrants can send their pictures to SFSS@ classes. Mail.com by 5.30pm the day before the show. Ruby P, age 5, Commended in the Chairman Mitzi Newsom said: “What an Entry will be free but there will be no prizes or ‘Daffodils – Growing in the Garden and amazing result! The virtual show had about 90 trophies awarded. TF Vase’ category

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 27 COVID-19

and handwash to those in need. Many folk instinctively contacted their neighbours to offer help, strengthening the “kindness groups” created by Wellbeing in the Weald since its inception. Fifteen stout locals pounded the parish's streets over the Easter weekend, leafleting more than 2,500 houses in the first push by the parish council to contact every household. Since then, close to 200 people have volunteered to help make sure that the vulnerable are being supported, with a phone line manned daily, a prescription collection service and emergency food parcels distributed where needed. Even when no practical help has been requested, a friendly chat can make all the difference and checks are regularly made on those living alone In an extraordinary effort, dozens of enthusiastic local sewers have joined forces, organised by Chloe Newman’s Tenterden group, to provide a huge number of facemasks and other vital personal protection equipment (PPE) kit for NHS and care home workers across the parish and far beyond. Fancy Pants LOCAL HEROES Emporium’s very own Anna Nield Clare Saxby pays tribute to our fantastic community which and Benenden curtain-maker has pulled together during the COVID-19 pandemic Sally Streeten have been supplying DURING THE unprecedented crisis caused by prisons, hospitals COVID-19 there have been good news stories and hospices across the world to cheer us all, not least in with masks and our own small corner of the planet. Locals headbands, across the parish have been quietly stepping working around the up to help where they can and, although clock. Sally Streeten it would be impossible to list them all, the Food outlets, following is a snapshot of the great work done by our community. Peter Williams Jo Thomson From the incredible NHS hospital staff Among those keen and able to reach out daily risking their own lives, care home once lockdown began on 23 March, was an workers, GP surgeries, pharmacists, food action group set up in Sissinghurst to support banks, churches, the bus drivers and refuse the vulnerable with volunteer shoppers and collectors keeping local services going, farm phone lines. Local residents Peter Williams shop and supermarket workers and the and Jo Thomson organised Facebook posties still walking their beat, there are so groups to swap lockdown information, many we clap for every Thursday. recruit volunteers and offer excess food ABOVE: M&S Kebabs

28 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 COVID-19

LEFT: Mumtaz Mahal faced with an uncertain future, have been impressively generous. Cranbrook favourite M&S Kebab has donated and delivered hot meals to workers in hospitals, pharmacies and care homes across the region, Indian restaurants Mumtaz Mahal and the Prince of Kent in have prepared hundreds of complementary meals for NHS staff and the elderly, and the Milk House in Sissinghurst has been giving free meals to shielded members of the parish and frontline workers nominated by locals. Despite the lows of lockdown our community has come together in so many ways during a time of global anxiety, creating bonds that will remain and flourish, long after the pandemic is just a bad memory. ABOVE: The Milk House

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Parish Cake • Summer 2020 29 COVID-19

“WE HAVE SET UP AN EMERGENCY HOTLINE THAT VULNERABLE PEOPLE OR THOSE VOLUNTEERING CAN USE TO CONTACT THE CENTRAL TEAM”

held daily meetings to prepare for the worst. We have had emergency food parcels delivered from TWBC in the event that they are needed. We have set up an emergency hotline that vulnerable people or those volunteering can use to contact the central team. And we have structured the several hundred volunteers into geographical units with a volunteer leader so that, in the event of a need arising, we can respond rapidly. “Blown Away” While many have been profoundly affected by the virus, happily the worst extremes that many feared have thus far been avoided. And by Support during the lockdown, the needs of many vulnerable members of We are living through an extraordinary time in which many our communities have been and are being met by neighbours residents have been worried about their health and that of their and friends. families and vulnerable neighbours, writes Cllr. Garry Pethurst So while it's great to be prepared for the worst, I'm AS PART of the national Cranbrook group by me. those who need it most. pleased and relieved that thus effort to combat Covid-19, In both cases we've been Given the relative size of far, the emergency measures the parish council set up two blown away by the volume Cranbrook, the work of my team we've put in place have largely groups to coordinate support of people who have selflessly has required more structure not been needed. for vulnerable members of stepped forward to help others. than has been needed in Sincere thanks go to all those our community who do not Over 200 local residents - Sissinghurst. For most of the who have volunteered to help. have existing support. Our equivalent to one in every period of the lockdown parish For help, contact Sissinghurst group is led by 10 households - have put councillors and members of [email protected] Cllr. Andy Fairweather, and the themselves forward to help local interest groups have 03007 702262

30 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 COVID-19

KEEN MARATHON RUNNER SURVIVES COVID-19

CRANBROOK OPTICIAN Tim Jefferys is went to bed.” thankful to have “dodged the bullet” by Bed-ridden and in “solitary confinement” surviving Covid-19. for two weeks he suffered pain, lethargy, Tim, 63, is convinced he survived the virus lost his sense of taste and smell and because he is a keen runner, having taken continually felt nauseous. During the whole part in numerous marathons, including ordeal he ate only a few cream crackers and London and Brighton. subsequently lost a lot of weight. His wife “I was doing a lot of running prior to Chris joined him by self-isolating at their catching coronavirus as I am an avid runner. home. I believe my lungs were in good shape which The virus had a knock on effect by forcing helped me through,” he said. Tim to cancel a trip to Kuala Lumpur to A partner in Peter Jones’ Opticians in meet his first grandson, Miles, born in Stone Street and , he remains in January to son, Anthony, and his wife who the dark about how he contracted the deadly live there. virus. Tim added: “The virus showed me the “The shop was extremely busy and I also prospect of mortality. I was certainly very take my boys to football, I could have picked unwell which is unusual for me. It did make it up anywhere. One Sunday I started feeling me re-evaluate things. It has put a spring in strange with my temperature going up so I my step having dodged the bullet.” TF

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32 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 COVID-19 Home Runs Jude Holden, former Cranbrook School student now studying theoretical physics at Edinburgh University, shares his take on staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic

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Parish Cake • Summer 2020 33 feature Food Poverty in Cranbrook Local foodbanks are helping feed those facing financial difficulties. Mignon Brian looks at poverty in the area and how to get help

CRANBROOK AND the surrounding areas living in ‘extreme poverty.’ This means they may find themselves living on just £94.25 are generally considered affluent, so we live on just 11 per cent of the UK median government funded sick pay, a week. Before can sometimes feel sheltered from the income, leaving them with approximately, housing costs. realities of poverty. But we are not immune. £215 a month to live on after they The need has increased but donations Statistics taken by Kent County Council have paid for rent/mortgage. have declined. With people feeling anxious before the coronavirus crisis revealed Single mothers are disproportionately far about food supplies for their own family, that about 23 per cent of children in the more likely to experience hunger on a day leaving the house, or the lack of stock of Cranbrook area are living below the poverty to day basis due to skipping meals so that certain food items, folks are less inclined to line. their children can eat. drop items in supermarket foodbank bins. This is why most foodbanks and So, who typically finds themselves in CORONAVIRUS AND FOODBANKS supermarkets such as the Co-op have set need of a foodbank? The Covid-19 crisis has led to a rapid up online cash donation facilities. That way Almost anyone can. However, the majority increase of those finding themselves people can donate what they can afford are lone mothers/fathers with their needing a foodbank. From those self- and in the safety of their home during children, and single men and women. isolating with no one to shop for them, lockdown. Shockingly, one in seven people who turn to being made redundant or on furlough, foodbanks are in full time employment. the need is greater than ever. Example, So where can foodbank donations those working in the temporarily banned be made? What are the root causes of industries, such as pubs and restaurants, • St. Dunstan’s Church - due to coronavirus food poverty? and social distancing measures the Studies reveal that Universal Credit (UC) church is temporarily shut, however Rev. is the main driving factor for the spike in Ann Pollington has given permission for poverty over the past 10 years. For those donations to be left on the front door of who suddenly find themselves in need her vicarage of welfare or are transferred from their • Tesco, Hawkhurst – both supermarkets previous welfare to UC, they can expect to have foodbank donation bins wait a minimum of five to eight weeks for • The Queens Inn, Hawkhurst their first payment. • Nourish Foodbank in Tunbridge Wells – UC is also gradually replacing Child Tax donations to Nourish can be made at Big Credit and other means-tested benefits Yellow Self Storage on the North Farm meaning many vulnerable households have Industrial Estate in Tunbridge Wells, or considerably less money coming in. The Lloyds Bank in Tonbridge withdrawal or refusal of Disability Benefits • The Hygiene Bank – when it comes has seen a massive increase in poverty, plus to grocery poverty, many forget that zero-hour contracts and low wages in an hygiene products such as deodorant, environment of high rent and cost of living. razors and shampoo are also desperately Half of those who use foodbanks suffer needed. Hygiene donations can be made with poor mental health. The majority of in Cranbrook at The Weald Leisure food parcel recipients are considered to be Centre, Co-op and Nationwide.

34 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 feature

What types of donations are needed locally. Nourish offers a lifeline in the form the most? of a delivery service, which includes the Foodbank websites are constantly updating Cranbrook area or you can call Trussell Useful numbers the list of items that they desperately need Trust or The Hygiene Bank and they may be and contacts or already have a surplus of. Typically, the able to deliver to a local area access point. items most needed are tinned fish/soup/ So please don’t go hungry – there is vegetables/tomatoes/fruit, sugar, cereals, discreet help available. Nourish Tunbridge Wells: instant mash, noodles, rice, squash, long 01892 548892 / life milk, tea, coffee and biscuits. Non- www.nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk perishable treats for children are also most welcome. Household cleaning products, Trussell Trust Hastings: toilet paper, nappies, baby wipes, soap, 01722 580180 / 07526 066 435 / toothpaste and shampoos are needed along www.hastings.foodbank.org.uk with ‘Bags for Life’ for packaging. Hygiene Bank Tenterden: www.thehygeinebank.com In need of a foodbank or hygiene-bank? Please note, to prevent abuse of the system, Rev Ann, St. Dunstan’s Church: foodbanks are not self-referring. First you [email protected] need to speak to the DWP, GP, Citizen’s The Parish Council office: Advice, health visitor or the local clergy and The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, ask for a foodbank voucher. Cranbrook TN17 3HF / 01580 713112 The Cranbrook Parish Council can also give you guidance on how to obtain help

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36 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 out & youthabout YOUTH COMMENT Zachery Phillpot-Brian has his say

LIFE IS a bit different is certainly not helping the nowadays! We are all trapped already stressful mental inside our houses and only state that most of us are allowed to leave for the basics. experiencing. Personally, I Although these new rules think that is why some people are all for the right reasons are ignoring the rules. Perhaps sometimes it’s alright to feel they are in denial and just cold about it. Especially those trying to cling onto normal with mental health issues or life. I am not saying this living alone. I don’t care how is right; it’s not. But that’s much of an introvert you are, simply how some people mainline media are using. through this and it’s okay to we all need person to person cope in times like this. So You may have noticed be scared. But we shouldn’t contact fairly often or flat out rightly, now the police have TV news channels and dwell on fear because if we do your mind will just start to been given the power to stop newspapers are constantly then it’s only going to make shut down. us in our tracks and ask us reporting on how many have us weaker in every way and This same logic applies to where we are going and why. died and rarely on how many less-equipped to deal with life how our lives are more a less Something I never thought I have actually recovered from when we eventually get past on a temporary pause. On one would experience in my life this virus. Believe me, that all of this. hand it can feel good not to time, especially here in the number is a lot higher than Some may think it’s easy have any responsibilities, to UK. the death rate. for me to say all of this about just sit back and relax staying So, what can we do to Also, try to keep busy in coronavirus as I’m “young indoors. Then, on the other help ease the pain that is all this lockdown. Binge TV or and healthy” - but trust me. hand, it can feel unsettling around us? gaming sessions on your own My age is not a recovery- to have things such as jobs, Look for good news about can be fun but eventually guarantee equally as being education, events or even this pandemic. Believe it or becomes mind-numbing. Try elderly or already sick is not a driving tests (which have all not, there is some. Go online exercising indoors. There are guaranteed death sentence. affected me personally), on and search for chat boards lots of workouts available on So do your own research, pause… yet time keeps going like Reddit and other social Youtube. Maybe write that stay inside and don’t let on as normal. media forums/chat rooms. book you’ve always thought the news scare you. This Watching the news about These platforms are regularly about or hell, even do a bit unprecedented crisis will pass the Covid-19 pandemic discussing coronavirus and of late spring-cleaning. The and we will get through this. which caused this lockdown without the scare tactics the point is that we will get In the UK, we always do.

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A different kind of funeral director for a changing world. At Holly’s Funerals we treat all our customers as individuals. We’ll work closely with you to help you achieve exactly the kind of funeral that’s right for you. For more information please feel free to call us at any time or look online. 01580 389184 www.hollysfunerals.co.uk From love comes beauty Hartley Dyke, Cranbrook • Coombe Lane, Tenterden feature

PANDEMIC BATTLE ALAN FORD CLOSES AERODROME Graham Holmes on Headcorn Aerodrome’s history and role in the fight against COVID-19

HEADCORN AERODROME, an largest private collections of essential base for the RAF and aviation relics in the country the United States Air Force including a fully-restored, during the Second World War, piloted version of the German has been used in the fight V1 Doodlebug, otherwise against coronavirus. known as the Fieseler All flights ceased and it was Fi 103R-4. turned into a Covid-19 drive- On reopening, the museum through assessment centre, a will continue to promote move which saw the closure the Wheels of Time project of its Lashenden Air Warfare Museum for the first time since for young people as well as it opened in 1970. ALAN FORD special mid-week openings famous P51 Mustang aircraft. flight experiences in a twin This is a suitable time to for schools and youth groups. They undertook an important seat Spitfire. There are regular consider the aerodrome’s It will carry on its community role during D-Day, escorting events such as the Battle of fascinating history. It was engagement programme aircraft towing troop carrying Britain Show, Combined Ops requisitioned by the Royal by providing speakers for and Classic Car Shows and, for Flying Corps at the outbreak of gliders into the invasion families, the field alongside groups and societies. The the First World War in 1914 as a area. The 354th moved to the runaway provides a great interesting website, www. flight training school until 1918 France at the end of June A different kind of funeral director vantage point to see the lashendenairwarfaremuseum. and, during the Second World 1944 and Lashenden was for a changing world. aircraft and enjoy a picnic. co.uk, contains more useful War, it was again requisitioned, derequisitioned in 1945. The aerodrome is part of The museum has one of the information. At Holly’s Funerals we treat all becoming RAF Lashenden. It was one of a cluster of Shenley Farm Estate and our customers as individuals. advanced landing grounds in has been in the Freeman THE WRIGHT WAY family since 1927 when it We’ll work closely with you to Kent created to provide support both before and during the was purchased by Edward J. Painters & Decorators help you achieve exactly the kind Freeman the great- great- D-Day landings. In August 1943 All aspects of Internal & External Decorating undertaken to grandfather of the present of funeral that’s right for you. Nos 403 and 421 Squadrons of the highest standards by our team of specialists. We offer a owner, Jamie Freeman. He the Royal Canadian Air Force professional service and competitive prices. For more information please feel free arrived with their Spitfire Mk.9s inherited the business from to call us at any time or look online. and began regular bomber his father, Chris. Telephone Office: Telephone Mobile: escort duties. Usually, the aerodrome is 01580 713599 07856 947840 01580 389184 They were replaced in April a very busy place. There is a Website: Email: 1944 by the 354th Fighter sky diving club, a cafe, a bar/ www.the-wrightway.com [email protected] www.hollysfunerals.co.uk Group of the U.S. 9th Air restaurant and recently, Aero Free Written Quotes Fully Insured Force which operated the Legends, who specialise in From love comes beauty Hartley Dyke, Cranbrook • Coombe Lane, Tenterden Parish Cake • Summer 2020 39 In the Garden Let’s Cook! Gardening to Beat the Gloomies PERHAPS THERE is one positive message to have come out of this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and that is the chance to find more time for solace in nature. Whether we grow just vegetables, herbs CUCUMBER SOUP or flowers, the enforced AS I write this recipe, in my mind’s home-alone rule allows eye, I am sitting on the terrace on us to find a new calm by a balmy summer evening eating a getting closer to the earth delicious starter. This was one of my mother’s favourite summer treats and what grows in it. that the rise in stress was magical. They are and everyone used to ask her for No matter how big or and depression is due great plants for children the recipe. small your garden, or even to our loss of contact to try and the leaves, just a window box, the with nature. Getting out flowers and seeds can Cold cucumber soup must be chance to harvest herbs, in the garden restores liven up a salad. one of the best recipes for lunch or supper, in the garden or stuck runner beans or a bunch our wellbeing and once Think wildlife too. Put indoors when it rains. It is very of sweet peas are three of this pandemic is over up bird boxes in sheltered refreshing and a great starter for a the greatest achievements we should all head into areas, dig a pond – even richer second course. to better health, not the countryside where an old washing up bowl just physically but also peace and quiet mixed flush with the ground emotionally. with birdsong are great will provide water but do INGREDIENTS Getting outside and antidotes to the gloomies. include an escape ramp Serves 4 back to nature boosts At home, one of the first for small creatures who 1 large cucumber 1 clove of garlic endorphins in the brain jobs we can do is find a fall in. Sow wildflower 1 large pot of full-fat or 0% fat plain which make you feel on spot to sit, a little corner, plants to make the garden yoghurt cloud nine. Gardening where we can just relax attract pollinators such Small pot of single cream is as good as a work- and take in the sounds as bees and butterflies 2tbsp chopped apple mint 2tbsp tarragon vinegar out at the gym. One and smells. Cut yourself and grow herbs – great Salt and pepper of the benefits I have off from the world and for pots if space is at a particularly noticed while leave your mobile phone premium. Peel the cucumber (optional) then tending the beds is my indoors! If you don’t have a coarsely grate into a large bowl. Add mind being 100 per cent Growing plants from garden think of getting an the garlic, yoghurt and cream. Blend taken up with whatever seed is wonderfully allotment in Cranbrook then add the vinegar and seasoning. Just before serving add the apple mint. I am doing. Black Dog, therapeutic. I remember or join the Wellbeing in Serve with a sprig of mint on top. as Churchill called it, the first time I grew the Weald group where Bon appetite! completely disappears as nasturtiums. I must have members work together Emma Fraser if by magic! been about five and the on their allotment to grow A friend of mine, who is sight of the seedlings all manner of lovelies! a Buddhist, is convinced poking through the soil Penny Royal

40 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 feature Kent’s Land Army – come and pick for Britain!

GROWERS WHO rely on seasonal workers to grow, pick and pack our fresh fruit and veg are extremely concerned about their ability to recruit this essential workforce this season. Farms across the country are looking to recruit from their local area to pick for Britain and help bring in our fruit and veg harvest. It’s been fantastic to see such a positive response from the public already with thousands of people registered to take on farm work in 2020. As we get towards the peak harvest period growers have PICK FOR BRITAIN been working closely with Defra Farmers are different types of fruit and veg. to ensure that farms are able to incredibly proud to • The sector has a 50% return rate each find all the local workers they be producing food year and requires the experience and need. A national website has been for the nation at this skills of returnee workers to maintain launch www.pickforbritain.org. crucial time but there productivity levels. uk where people can register and are challenges and the • The UK horticulture sector is worth over find out more about jobs near them. support of the British £3.5 billion to the economy (Defra) In Kent we also have a very popular public is incredibly valued. • In 2019 farmers couldn’t recruit enough Facebook page, Kent’s Land Army. It people, 12% of roles were left vacant, has 10,000 followers and is sharing job THE FACTS AROUND THE JOBS: rising to 25% in October – that is why opportunities from local growers as • The British horticulture sector alone some orchards didn’t get picked. well as links to national campaigns and requires around 70,000 seasonal workers • The average pay for a seasonal worker is opportunities. a year to grow, pick and pack over 300 between £12 and £15 per hour.

FAQS ABOUT WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PRESS… Does a lack of pickers mean the average hourly wage actually recruit locally but due to the crops rotting in fields or well above that. There are volume seasonal nature of the work, the shortages on shelves? incentives which can see workers rural location and often long With the support of the press earn far higher than that too. hours, there has been a lack of interest from local people. we are mobilising a British Can workers suitably social However, this is not a UK- workforce to harvest this year’s distance on farm? specific issue. Every first-world crop and ensuring that our iconic Yes, comprehensive social economy relies on overseas British produce continues to fill distancing measures are in place workers to grow, pick and pack supermarket shelves. on every farm business. their produce. America, Canada, Aren’t jobs on farms low paid? Why are farms so reliant on Germany, to name a few, are in Workers are all paid the National migrant workers? the same position as us.

KENT’S LAND ARMY Living Wage as a minimum, with Growers have always tried to Sarah Calcutt

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 41 storytime

THE VIEW TO A MILL BY MIGNON BRIAN A SISSINGHURST-BASED AUTHOR

n 2011, Larry the cat was employed as Chief Mouser to the Prime Minster and Her Majesty’s Government. He resides in 10 Downing Street, where he, an official civil glass. With the other paw, he freed himself from his bungee rope servant, catches mice. But does he? Like all Chief Mousers harnesses. before him, Larry is far, far more… He’s a spy! Both paws gripped the pistol and looking like a cat-pendulum, IJUNE 2020, THE DR DOO COMPOUND, KENT, ENGLAND Larry swung side to side. He pawed a yellow button on the pistol Do cats even need to bungee jump? We always land on our feet, which made a whirring sound as the barrel sucked the cord back right? Larry pondered this as he stared down the steep drop of into the pistol, propelling Larry upwards. the forty-foot wall that surrounded the, Doo Compound. The Now at the window, he stowed his pistol back in his belt, then public believed Dr Doo created and printed humorous Birthday with effort, dug all claws, from all four paws, into each side of the Cards, but Larry knew better… plaster that surrounded the glass pane. He was now spread-eagled “Chief Mouser” and Special Agent Larry C07, dressed from ears across the glass. It was not lost on Larry, that if someone inside to tail in a black combat bullet proof uniform, complete with a the factory passed by the window, Agent C07 for Her Majesty’s utility belt, decided he didn’t want another telling-off from the Secret Animal Service, would look like a Garfield the Cat, suction Prime Minister. He had gone on about “ridiculous risks” and cup toy, stuck to a car window. Luckily his vest held what looked like a tiny telescope, but was “don’t you dare make me the PM who has to inform the Great in fact a highly sophisticated laser. British Pet Loving Public, that, the adorable Larry, (this was said “Activate, cut glass,” said Larry. A round beam of red light shot sarcastically), has unfortunately used up all his nine-lives!” from his vest and penetrated the glass. In seconds, a perfect Larry smirked. He supposed the PM had a point. The ladies did 360-degree hole was formed. The glass inside the hole cracked, find Larry adorable… shattered then disintegrated into tiny shards that fell to the Committed to the task, Larry buckled the bungee loops to ground making only the slightest tinkle of sound. Larry loosened his back paws and the waist harness around his torso. He then his claws from the plaster, then head first and only like a cat can, hooked the metal latch of the rope to the metal railings of the silently slipped onto the window ledge. wall, then slipped through them. He stood on the edge of the He took in his surroundings. It was the compound’s toilet block wall, took a deep breath then jumped. and it was filthy. The white tiles were covered in mould and other He sailed downward and in seconds felt the jolt, meaning stuff he didn’t even want to think about. the rope had come to its end. Bobbing up and down in the air Larry heard a scratching sound coming from the left. He like a yoyo, Larry unhooked his pistol from his belt and fired. A snapped his head in the direction of the noise, simultaneously long cord with a huge suction cup spiralled from the end of the pulling his utility pistol. barrel, and struck its target - a window of the compound. The It was another cat! A Ginger Tom, wearing a security pass suction cup found purchase making a ‘smuck’ sound as it hit the

42 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 Reasonable price Electrician? New Fuse Boards - L.E.D Lighting Rewires – Extra Sockets – Fault Finding Smoke Detectors - New Builds & Extensions

GARDEN LIGHTING AND POWER

attached to his collar. So, he was with Dr Doo. Even worse, he was squatting in a litter tray and staring straight at him. Larry had to act and fast. He sprang off the ledge. The ginger cat’s yellow eyes bulged, then he hurriedly scratched at the kitty-litter to cover his droppings. Unsatisfied with the job, ginger scratched more, a bit more, then in desperation sprayed litter everywhere – then he sprinted towards the door. Larry, now on the ground, pawed the orange button on his utility gun. A tranquillizer dart shot out and hit ginger, directly on his upright, puffed-up tail. Doo’s cat arched his back - then fell onto his right, like a sack of potatoes. “Sorry old chap,” murmured Larry. He slunk up towards the unconscious cat who was now snore-purring. “My sudden appearance must have knocked you sideways.” He pulled the dart out of the ginger tail. “But I think you get my point.” Larry crept from the bathroom, entering the hallway. He twitched his ears. Humans were talking. They were laughing as they discussed how their stealth-mini-missiles were finally ready for launch. First target – the Union Mill in Cranbrook. Larry’s intel had informed him of illegal missile making, but why target the Union Mill? Well, Larry would soon find out… Suddenly, and making Larry jump, a robotic, disembodied female voice, echoed around the factory. “Activate missile countdown.” Larry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “There are some things that just aren’t done,” whispered Larry to himself. “Shop- brand cat-food, milk with lactose, and spraying missiles all over Kent!” Larry pulled his utility pistol. “Now - let’s play cricket…” To be continued….

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 43

feature 100 Years of CODS Cranbrook Operatic and Dramatic Society: 1920-2020

AFTER THE curtain fell on the CODS’ charity Christmas pantomime, New Year’s Eve 2019, Fiddler on members began to celebrate the society’s the Roof centenary year. “To help us celebrate, we enjoyed sending cheques to three charities, Hypo Hounds, Friends of Urambo and Mwanhala and a large donation to Hospice in the Weald. This was in memory of our beloved friend and honorary mayor, Phil Mummery,” said One of CODS’ society secretary Sharon Pickles. founders, Daisy Allen “I might also add, he was brilliant in the 2019 Christmas pantomime playing the Comedy Christmas Tree and as Robin the Robber in the production of Treasure Island. I am so pleased to say he enjoyed every A puppet built for next year’s Arabian Nights minute, as did we at CODS as well as the audience!” Alice in Wonderland Anna Karenina In February the society held a celebratory meal to bring together the many members, old and new. A century of CODS display board was filled with pictures of many of those who attended, in costume or working in production, which proved great fun. Phil Mummery on stage With the coronavirus crisis, further plans to celebrate a 100 years have been put on hold. However, CODS has continued “WE ARE MORE THAN OUR PRODUCTIONS AND its celebrations online. Pictures and SHOWS. EVERY MEMBER IS FAMILY, EVERY information can be found on its website AUDIENCE MEMBER A FRIEND” www.cranbrookods.org.uk or the CODS Facebook page. Features include the news of the most promising junior, which was awarded to debut of our amazing CODS puppets!” Flora Wynn-Carter and information on The staging of Kipps – the new Half a Treasure Island future celebratory events and “pencilled in Sixpence Musical - will be postponed to dates” for shows. 2021. Auditions and performance dates will When permitted, CODS plans to be advertised by CODS as soon as permitted. commence with the Centenary Concert Sing In the words of all the members of 100, in St. Dunstan’s Church. This will be CODS: “We are more than our productions combined with a celebratory high tea event and shows. Every member is family, every in the heart of Cranbrook. audience member a friend. New members The National Theatre’s play, Arabian and volunteers are always welcome. So, Nights, which was due to be staged at the for those who wish to get involved in the end of May, will be postponed until spring/ future, on stage, behind stage or at the front early summer 2021. of house, please contact - cods.secretary@ “This will be a spectacular show,” said gmail.com, and thank you Cranbrook, for Sharon, “with a colourful and energetic your 100 years of support.” Annie Hatcher

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 45 WRONG HOUSES Wrong Place

JOIN THE FIGHT! www.saveturnden.org.uk feature High Flyer Looks for Sponsor Aged just 11, Caitlin Lawrence is on her way to becoming a top-class athlete and her teachers are already asking if they can have tickets when she competes at the Olympics!

I STARTED trampolining when I was about six years old - I think it was just to wear me “I TOOK PART IN THE out so I would sleep at night! NATIONAL AND KENT In about February 2018 I moved to a SCHOOL COMPETITIONS competitive club as I was really keen to FINAL WHERE I CAME compete and the club got me ready for FOURTH AND FIRST my first competition in September 2018. RESPECTIVELY AND I entered the large hall and it was all very REPRESENTED MY SCHOOL, overwhelming, the nerves got the better of CRANBROOK PRIMARY” me at this first competition but this WRONG just made me more determined for the next one. I am pleased to HOUSES say the following competitions went well and I was on Wrong Place the podium every time, the majority of the time in first place. My club Skybound [based at sites between and Folkestone] school competitions final decided I could where I came fourth and first enter a national and respectively and represented my league competition. school, Cranbrook Primary. They This was different have been very supportive and to my previous my teachers know how much competitions as I I love it too. They have asked if I can get was given points depending where I came them tickets if I compete in the Olympics! and if you are in the top 24 you are invited Sadly, with the coronavirus I cannot to the final. compete, but the league decided on the As I entered the competition hall in idea of filming entrants to be judged Burgess Hill, East Sussex, there were remotely. Technology is great! I am very amazing new trampolines as well as keen to get to the finals this year as it is can you amazing talent. It was completely different being held at the Olympic Park in London; help? to what I had experienced, however, I tried what an amazing experience! my hardest and scored some points. Next, I My thanks have to go to Michelle and I am seeking funding to help me compete went to Cardiff and as a result of two jumps Tony Fricker from Skybound trampoline and if a local company would be interested I was invited to the final which was held at club who have travelled with me all over that would be fantastic. Please contact me via Parish Cake, The Old Fire Station, Stone JOIN THE FIGHT! the Derby Velodrome. I came 19 out of the the country to watch me compete and Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HF. 24 girls in my league. encourage and support me at I took part in the National and Kent every competition. www.saveturnden.org.uk Parish Cake • Summer 2020 47 Formerly known as Hartley Dyke Farm Shop

Doe your garde nee wor? Mowing, hedge-cutting, weeding, pruning, tidying and other general garden maintenance. Fresh Fruit & Vegetables • Flowers • Plants •Shrubs • Hot & Cold Foods • Drinks Call Steve on 07498 232117 • Groceries & Delicatessen Over 40 years of gardening experience, reasonable Charity Farm, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, TN173PS rates and local to the Cranbrook area. Tel: 01580 712546 www.cranbrookfarmshop.co.uk

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48 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 out &feature about

Thoughts from Pandemics Seán Holden Now and Then

WHEN LIFE turns upon us, snarling, like now, like in wars, unexpected fellow feelings may bloom for hitherto distant folk across the world and across time. A friend forged such generational links with our 20-times great-grandparents when his lockdown dog walk log noted his photo of “a Black Death Church”. It loomed like a tombstone among fields and trees, a memorial to another pandemic in the self-same landscape as ours. The ordeal of 1348, though, was fiercer when history’s worst plague marooned churches in meadows, I found, making a 1998 Meridian ITV film for its 650th anniversary. Foreshadowing today’s financial worries, gradual economic destruction rather than instant pandemic devastation left many churches standing sentinel above grassed-over settlements. People freed from feudalism’s hold in a dramatically altered economy, moved PICTURED ABOVE: Medieval medicine – dandelion puffs INSET: PPE of the Plague Doctor away. Villages, like economic certainties, fell in upon themselves. youngsters worst. poisoning’ Jews, duly massacred in Ironically, the Black Death began in Self-isolation saved one privileged thousands. China in 1346. It struck Iceland in 1350, 14th Century practitioner. Pope Clement Today cranks, smug about divine killing in passing perhaps a third of VI kept to Avignon Palace continually vengeance for unbelief; gay marriage humanity. Chronicles show the exact day, burning incense which maybe kept rats etc. and Jews (again) are updated by 24 June 1348, it found England. A Gascon socially distant too. How his incense, loo- conspiracy maniacs, burning Covid-19’s ship docked with dying and dead crewmen roll equivalent and food suppliers fared is ‘real’ cause - G5 phone mast radiation. at Melcombe Regis, in Dorset. Plague- unknown. Brutally mixing isolation and We understand but like our ancestors carrying fleas sprang from ship’s rats and social distancing did cut deaths in Milan. haven’t a cure. Ironically, plague infection invaded hamlet, town and city Families were boarded up instantly when is curable - unless antibiotics fail. until half the English were dead. ‘tested positive’. Equating these mortalities would be Few villages were wholly destroyed Plague doctors’ famous, scary personal glib. Respecting sadly those lost in 2020 because terms we know, like ‘herd protective equipment, PPE, broad- we, fortunately, won’t know the scale of immunity’ took effect. Genetic chance brimmed hats, gowns and bird-beaked horror endured centuries ago, so bleakly spared about a third infected by flea- masks holding anti-plague herbs are 17th chronicled: borne bubonic and septicaemic plague Century not 14th. “No bells tolled; nobody wept, no but the pneumonic plague variant, We understand what causes our matter what his loss, because everyone spread by coughs and sneezes, invariably latest pestilence. Our ancestors only expected death and said, and believed, killed. Unlike Covid-19, plague ravaged saw a wrathful god or, in Europe, ‘well- ‘this is the end of the world’.”

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 49 Remembrance Phillip Mummery Farewell Mr Mayor, writes Trisha Fermor An extra pair of hands when you need them! JUST 13 days after people celebrated Phil Mummery’s investiture as the first honorary mayor of Cranbrook, they were saddened to hear of his death on what would have been his 77th birthday. Despite his frailty, he entertained the Vestry Hall • Bookkeeping Are you drowning in paperwork ? audience with his usual wise- DAVID MEREWETHER cracking with wife Val at his side. They were married in 1969 “WHEN PHIL APPEARED IN THE • Credit control Pink Gira es o er administrative and and had two children, Cathy FIRST-EVER PARISH CAKE IN THE and Stephen. business support services to help you to The go-to man in the town, SUMMER OF 2017, HIS HUMOUR • Data entry Phil will always be remembered WAS AS BRILLIANT AS EVER” use your time more cost e ectively. as the first to volunteer for • Back o ce support community events, throwing first-ever Parish Cake in the Enterprise business himself in to organising summer of 2017, his humour initiative, the Scouts, and Our help enables you to do what you everything from family fun was as brilliant as ever. Born treasurer of the Cranbrook days to the Apple Fair. in Ashford on - “February 27 Royal British Legion, among love, after all it is probably the reason Not only a great asset in raising or was it the 24?” – His first many others roles. He was money for good causes, Phil ...and more you started your business! job was in a department store also part of the tower rota would always make people in the town where “I was too at St. Dunstan’s Church. smile with his vast array of short to see over the old- Phil had said he did not fancy dress costumes he wore fashioned counters”. Asked if want flowers at his funeral at the events. Whether it be as he preferred cats or dogs he so a large wheat wreath and a Danish Viking, a monk, or a said: “Black Labradors, that’s an apple, at his request, Victorian lady he could be seen why we have two cats…” And took pride of place at his parading around and jollying so it went on… cremation. Because of everyone along. Phil gave up so much of his lockdown, the number of When he wasn’t making time to lots of organisations mourners was restricted to people laugh, Phil will also be in the town from the windmill, 10 and they had to sit six remembered for his Phillip’s where he volunteered, to feet apart. Man’s Shop in Cranbrook High being a governor at Cranbrook A memorial service is to Street, a popular haunt for Primary School and at High be held at St. Dunstan’s if the service you are looking for isn't here please call us youngsters and adults alike. Weald Academy. He was Church, Cranbrook on 5

When Phil appeared in the DAVID MEREWETHER a supporter of the Young October. T. 01580 848190 E. enquiries@pinkgira es.co.uk

50 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 www.pinkgira es.co.uk An extra pair of hands when you need them!

• Bookkeeping Are you drowning in paperwork ? • Credit control Pink Gira es o er administrative and • Data entry business support services to help you to use your time more cost e ectively. • Back o ce support Our help enables you to do what you love, after all it is probably the reason ...and more you started your business!

if the service you are looking for isn't here please call us T. 01580 848190 E. enquiries@pinkgira es.co.uk www.pinkgira es.co.uk storytime

T EN NM ER OV G ’S TY S JE A M R E H THE VIEW TO A MILL BY MIGNON BRIAN A SISSINGHURST-BASED AUTHOR

n 2011, Larry the cat was employed as Chief Mouser of the wall, then slipped through them. He stood on the edge to the Prime Minster and Her Majesty’s Government. of the wall, took a deep breath then jumped. He resides in 10 Downing Street, where he, an official He sailed downward and in seconds felt the jolt, meaning civil servant, catches mice. But does he? Like all Chief the rope had come to its end. Bobbing up and down in the air Mousers before him, Larry is far, far more… He’s a spy! like a yoyo, Larry unhooked his pistol from his belt and fired. A long cord with a huge suction cup spiralled from the end of IJUNE 2020, THE DR DOO COMPOUND, the barrel, and struck its target - a window of the compound. KENT, ENGLAND The suction cup found purchase making a ‘smuck’ sound as Do cats even need to bungee jump? We always land on it hit the glass. With the other paw, he freed himself from his our feet, right? Larry pondered this as he stared down the bungee rope harnesses. steep drop of the forty-foot wall that surrounded the, Doo Both paws gripped the pistol and looking like a cat- Compound. The public believed Dr Doo created and printed pendulum, Larry swung side to side. He pawed a yellow button humorous Birthday Cards, but Larry knew better… on the pistol which made a whirring sound as the barrel “Chief Mouser” and Special Agent Larry C07, dressed from sucked the cord back into the pistol, propelling Larry upwards. ears to tail in a black combat bullet proof uniform, complete Now at the window, he stowed his pistol back in his belt, with a utility belt, decided he didn’t want another telling-off then with effort, dug all claws, from all four paws, into each from the Prime Minister. He had gone on about “ridiculous side of the plaster that surrounded the glass pane. He was now risks” and “don’t you dare make me the PM who has to spread-eagled across the glass. It was not lost on Larry, that inform the Great British Pet Loving Public, that, the adorable if someone inside the factory passed by the window, Agent Larry, (this was said sarcastically), has unfortunately used up C07 for Her Majesty’s Secret Animal Service, would look like a all his nine-lives!” Garfield the Cat, suction cup toy, stuck to a car window. Larry smirked. He supposed the PM had a point. The ladies Luckily his vest held what looked like a tiny telescope, but did find Larry adorable… was in fact a highly sophisticated laser. Committed to the task, Larry buckled the bungee loops “Activate, cut glass,” said Larry. A round beam of red light to his back paws and the waist harness around his torso. He shot from his vest and penetrated the glass. In seconds, a then hooked the metal latch of the rope to the metal railings perfect 360-degree hole was formed. The glass inside the hole

42 Parish Cake • Summer 2020 Reasonable price Electrician? New Fuse Boards - L.E.D Lighting Rewires – Extra Sockets – Fault Finding cracked, shattered then disintegrated into tiny shards that fell Smoke Detectors - New Builds & Extensions to the ground making only the slightest tinkle of sound. Larry GARDEN LIGHTING AND POWER loosened his claws from the plaster, then head first and only like a cat can, silently slipped onto the window ledge. He took in his surroundings. It was the compound’s toilet block and it was filthy. The white tiles were covered in mould and other stuff he didn’t even want to think about. Larry heard a scratching sound coming from the left. He snapped his head in the direction of the noise, simultaneously pulling his utility pistol. It was another cat! A Ginger Tom, wearing a security pass attached to his collar. So, he was with Dr Doo. Even worse, he was squatting in a litter tray and staring straight at him. Larry had to act and fast. He sprang off the ledge. The ginger cat’s yellow eyes bulged, then he hurriedly scratched at the kitty-litter to cover his droppings. Unsatisfied with the job, ginger scratched more, a bit more, then in desperation sprayed litter everywhere – then he sprinted towards the door. Larry, now on the ground, pawed the orange button on his utility gun. A tranquillizer dart shot out and hit ginger, directly on his upright, puffed-up tail. Doo’s cat arched his back - then fell onto his right, like a sack of potatoes. “Sorry old chap,” murmured Larry. He slunk up towards the unconscious cat who was now snore-purring. “My sudden appearance must have knocked you sideways.” He pulled the dart out of the ginger tail. “But I think you get my point.” Larry crept from the bathroom, entering the hallway. He twitched his ears. Humans were talking. They were laughing as they discussed how their stealth-mini-missiles were finally ready for launch. First target – the Union Mill in Cranbrook. Larry’s intel had informed him of illegal missile making, but why target the Union Mill? Well, Larry would soon find out… Suddenly, and making Larry jump, a robotic, disembodied female voice, echoed around the factory. “Activate missile countdown.” Larry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “There are some things that just aren’t done,” whispered Larry to himself. “Shop-brand cat-food, milk with lactose, and spraying missiles all over Kent!” Larry pulled his utility pistol. “Now - let’s play cricket…” To be continued….

Parish Cake • Summer 2020 43