Hollingbourne & Hucking February 2021
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Church & Village News www.hollingbournepc.co.uk
Parish Directory
The Clergy Team Churchwardens Val Lurcock, 1 Tilefields 880694 Christine Jones 688830 Bellringers Nigel Baker (Tower Captain) 07778 691 343 Pam Nash 880309 Borough Councillor Patrik Garten, Kingswood House, Pitt Orad, ME17 3NR 807907 Bourne Musicians Beccy Stroud, 1 Musket Lane 880377 Cardwell Pavilion 07932 164839 Cricket Club Ian Gutteridge 730388 Cubs Jane Newsome 862558 Doctor Yeomans Lane : Repeat Prescriptions 630415 / Appointments, etc. 737326 Downs Mail Editor 734735 Football Club Mike Bedwell 880353 Garden Society John Ross 737080 Hospitals: Maidstone 729000 Eye, Ear & Mouth Unit 729000 Preston Hall 710161 9am – 5 pm Kent Messenger Correspondent Vacant Maidstone Volunteer Bureau 01622 756662 Meadows Trust Ben Williams 07968.123165 or880584 Neighbourhood Contacts June Pockett [email protected]/07767.367611 Parish Council Chairman Adam Ward [email protected] Vice Chairman Simon Hulme 07808 300 840 Parish Clerk Vickie Smith [email protected] 07856.180003/880526 Pre-School Christine Judges 07864 065753 Police PCSO Ryan Waring 101 Railway Enquiries 0845 748 4950 Reading Group Barbara Lloyd 880282 Dawn Perry 880634 Royal British Legion Derek Davison 880650 School Mrs. Helen Bradley-Wyatt, Headteacher 880270 Scout Group Alan Poulton 843019 Short Mat Bowls Peter Lee 880580 Village Hall Barbara Tremble 880216 Village Shop Julie & Martin Woods 880338 Women’s Institute Barbara Gibbs 880652 Sue Roberts 07867.691393 Hucking WI Sharon Lee 07714.756354 Kate Blacker 07760.905416
Magazine Contributions should be in by the 10th of the month latest to the Editor : Carole Findlay, 1 Pimpernel Close, Bearsted, Kent ME14 4QQ. 01622.583636 Email: [email protected]
Magazine Subscriptions for the year £6.00 were due by 1st April, 2020. (suspended) Subscriptions are usually collected by Magazine Distributors. For advertising please contact Phil Smith at [email protected] Single Copies 60p available from Woods of Hollingbourne (when available) and in All Saints Church Magazine available on line at new Hollingbourne Parish Council website Take a look at yourself
I’ve been impressed by the number of experts we have in this country. Every time you turn on the TV, or radio, or look at your paper or electronic devices, you see, or hea,r a professor of something or a doctor of something else. I think it is great that we can gain so much information from people who are in the know. But it all depends on what we do with that knowledge ….. A young man had a really annoying habit. He criticised everybody and everything. He really did think he knew everything about everything. But, one day it backfired on him. He was waiting for a bus, standing with a crowd of people, looking in the window of a taxidermist shop. The shop window was full of stuffed animals and in the centre of the window was a large owl that attracted the attention - of all who passed by. The self-appointed expert began to criticise what he - saw. 'If I couldn’t do better than that', he said pompously, 'I’d find another 6 business. Just look at that owl, the head is out of proportion, the pose of the - body is unnatural, and the feet are pointed in the wrong direction.'
- Just then, the owl turned his head and gave the young man a broad wink. - - The crowd laughed as the critic quickly slid away.
- We all know people like that, don’t we? Those individuals who think they - know better than anyone. How do they make us feel? I wonder. They can really get our backs up; they make our blood boil; they can upset us all too easily. It is in those situations when we should forget what the other person is doing and, without condemning ourselves, take a look at our own lives. What are the things in our lives that others see, which need to be put right? After a long, wet, windy and cold winter we are, at last, well on the way to 6 spring. The spring flowers are poking through the earth and all around us are signs of new growth and new life. After the dreariness of winter and the long : dark nights, our spirits are raised as we see the colours of spring appear. Especially after the last year of the pandemic, we need those signs that things are getting better.
6 Six weeks before Easter, we enter the season of Lent, which begins on Ash ଏ Wednesday (this year 17 February). The word ‘Lent’ comes from an old 6 English word Lenten which means spring or the lengthening of days. The : season of Lent has come from the early days of the Church when it was time of preparation of candidates for Baptism and a reminder of how Jesus spent nearly six weeks in the desert being tempted. Lent became a time of praying and fasting. Nowadays, it can be just an excuse to give up something, but its real purpose is to draw us closer to God and to be renewed in faith.
ଏ Lent gives us an opportunity to take a look at our own lives, to look at what is 6 important to us, to think about what we believe and to come before God to 6 say sorry for what is wrong in our lives.
6 ...4... ଏ SERVICES 2020/21 (YEAR B) REGULAR MEETINGS
FEBRUARY 2021 After school Club: SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL Schooldays to 6 pm Cardwell Pavilion FURTHER NOTICE Bellringing Practice Mondays 7.30 - 9.30 pm All Saints Church Tower 7th February 2nd Sunday Before Lent Bourne Musicians (3 months - 5 years): Readings Proverbs 8: 1, 22-31: John 1: 1-14 Fridays 9.30 - 11 am Village Hall 14th February Sunday Next Before Lent Brownies: Wednesdays 6.00—7.15 pm Cardwell Pavilion Readings 2 Kings 2: 1-12; Mark 9: 2-9 Cubs: 17th February Ash Wednesday Fridays 6.30 - 7.45 pm Kingswood Scout Hut 21st February Lent 1 Explorers: Thursdays 7.00 - 9.00 pm Kingswood Scout Hut Readings Genesis 9: 9-17; Mark 1: 9-15 Hucking WI th 28 February Lent 2 3rd Thursday 7.00 pm Little Budds Farm Readings Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Mark 8: 31-end Mobile Library Wednesdays (fortnightly) 11.55 am – 12.25 pm Village Hall
Parish Council: The Church will still be open for Private Prayer 2nd Monday (except August) 7.30 pm Cardwell Pavilion between 10.00 am and 2 pm on Wednesday Pilates Classes Thursday mornings Village Hall and Sunday. Pre-School: Every School Day 9.15 am – noon Cardwell Pavilion Revd. Mark Pavey will be conducting a service online at 10.00 am each Reading Group : Sunday. Monthly Contact: Barbara Lloyd 880282 The following links are the links for Mark Pavey's services - Dawn Perry 880634 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KnCwLrj4ACApkv_UEyXvg School Terms Term 3: 4th January - 12th February or if you are on Facebook - Term 4: 22nd February - 1st April https://www.facebook.com/northdownschurches/ Term 5: 19th April - 28th May
Further information will be posted when arrangements become clearer. Term 6: 7th June - 16th July Scouts: Wednesdays, 7.00 – 9.00 pm Kingswood Scout Hut Short Mat Bowls: Mondays (not 2nd) 7.30 – 9.30 pm Village Hall Thursdays 7.30 – 9.30 pm Village Hall WI Meetings: 3rd Tuesday (Not August) 7.30 pm Village Hall …/… Other Tuesday (July-September) Boules 6.30 pm Cardwell Pavilion Think about that young man in the story. If only he’d thought before he said something! Carole Findlay at [email protected]
As we prepare for Easter, and remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, let us use the six weeks of Lent to take a good look at our own lives.
GRAHAM BIBBY. Team Missioner, North Downs Team. 2021 EDITOR’S NOTES
February Another month rolls by. Reports reach me that a number of the older village th 8 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line residents have already had their first ‘jab’ and the surgery seems to be th 14 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church expanding their targets to include 70-75 year olds. A glimpse of better things Valentines Day to come? Reports indicate that the latest lockdown has had some effect on th 15 Shrove Tuesday the spread of the disease, although numbers in hospital and deaths are not th 16 Ash Wednesday reducing as fast as one might like. Fingers crossed for the future. 21st 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 23rd 7.00 pm Hollingbourne Meadows AGM On Line Let us hope that this month will have good times – Valentine’s Day on the 14th 28th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church and Shrove Tuesday on the 15th. Little hope of shifting those ‘lockdown March pounds’ after indulging in chocolates and pancakes!
1st St. David’s Day Note that The Meadows Trust is holding its AGM (on-line) on 23rd February. 7th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Congratulations to those villagers who took part in the Miles 4 Smiles walk in 8th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line November. Funds are always precious. What an honour to be selected as a 14th 11.00 am Eucharist – Mothering Sunday All Saints Church case study for The Lottery Community Fund. A fine reward for all the hard 17th St. Patrick’s Day work of the Trustees and volunteers. 20th First Day of Spring 21st Census Day Early warning – there has been zero publicity that I have seen, but I caught a 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church hint that there is a Census due this year. The last paper one, but it can also st 28th British Summer Time Begins be completed digitally. Sunday, 21 March, is the day everyone in the 11.00 am Eucharist – Palm Sunday All Saints Church country has to declare where they spent the night. Reading of some of the First Day of Passover strange places in previous years (Emily Davison - who died under the hooves April of the King’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby - spent the night in a broom 1st Maundy Thursday cupboard in the House of Commons so that she could declare that she was 2nd Good Friday Bank Holiday resident in Westminster on that day) and the fact that some 330,000 declared 4th 11.00 am Eucharist – Easter Sunday All Saints Church themselves as ‘Jedi Knights’ in the 2011 Census, it will be interesting to find out th this year’s ‘unusuals’. 5 Easter Monday Bank Holiday 11th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Please keep me informed of any activities that organisations have in mind. 12th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line All contributions – gardening tips, cooking hints, leisure pursuits – will all be 13th First Day of Ramadan considered for inclusion in future editions. 18th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Carole Findlay 23rd St. George’s Day 01622.583636 25th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church [email protected] May 2nd 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Woods Local deliveries for the vulnerable Excitingly Woods of Hollingbourne has been 3rd May Bank Holiday nominated for a Kent foods retailer of the A reminder that Woods of 6th Local Elections year award. Hollingbourne are still offering local food th 9 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church deliveries to the vulnerable in this Invaluable during the lockdown providing a th 10 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line Lockdown. Please do get local hub for the 13th Ascension Day in touch if you are in need community as well as 23rd 11.00 Eucharist – Whit Sunday/Pentecost All Saints Church or know of anyone else delivering food boxes to 30th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church that needs assistance. local residents show your
st support for the Village 31 Spring Bank Holiday A Thank You also to the store for all their shop by voting for them If you wish to attend a church service at All Saints you MUST register in advance with hard work and support for the village over to win at the Churchwardens – Val Lurcock - 880694 or Christine Jones - 688830. the Pandemic.
Tasteofkentawards.co.uk Please send information for Village Diary and Regular Meetings to 01622.880.338 Carole Findlay 01622.583636 [email protected] Woodsofhollingbourne.co.uk COUNTRY NOTES are taking a break for a while.
S P R I N G
Pet sheep killed in Dog Attack at Hollingbourne Hill
Friendly hand reared pet sheep have tragically been attacked and killed on farmland at Hollingbourne Hill on 20th January. The farmland has a public footpath that runs through the land, however the sheep, who had been hand reared were very friendly and used to being close to humans and animals. The dog owners have not come forward and if you have any information on the incident then please do contact the Parish Council.
It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. In some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep. It is every dog’s instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient and good with other animals however chasing by dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them. The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs. Dogs chasing ewes and lambs can cause mis-mothering issues, with lambs dying from starvation or hypothermia when they become separated from their mother and fail to find her again. Dog bites can cause death in sheep or necessitate them being put down at a later date. It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.
This is particularly important as the lambing Season is in full swing. Sheds and Shelters Ltd Hollingbourne Maidstone uent - 6 6 Tel. 01622 880031 www.shedsandshelters.co.uk
Pest Control Services Cocker spaniel missing All Pest Problems Dealt With Inoluding: 6 Rats Mice Moles Rabbits Insects Daisy, a brown and white cocker spaniel, was lost on 18th January on Wasps Squirrels Hollingbourne Hill. Dash cam footage has emerged from a passing motorist of 6 Bee Swarms Removed Daisy being put in a flat-bed van yesterday morning around 8:50am on
Hollingbourne Hill. Any information gratefully received. She belongs to an 6 Disoreet And Prompt Servioe Fully Insured elderly couple in the village. Andy Pink 01622.884774 or 07761.559744
If anyone has any information, please contact Pam on 880309.
Hollingbourne Meadows Trust - News Bulletin February 2021 The Rectory The Trust relies totally on regular donations from members and St James the Least of All specific funds from other organisations. It does not receive funding from the Government or the Local Authority. My dear Nephew Darren,
We hope that you are managing to keep safe and healthy. We send our best I appreciated your recent concern when you heard one of our parishioners wishes to all our members and supporters and look forward to seeing you had slipped on a gravestone. Your desire to help was entirely soon. commendable, and I do know that sending your own church’s health and safety officer to give us some advice was kindly meant. But the 200-page The Trust had originally planned to hold the Annual General meeting in report was not welcome. If we implemented even half of your officer’s November, but, due to the restrictions in place, this was postponed. The Trust suggestions, life would become unbearably safe. has an obligation to hold this AGM by the end of February 2021. This is now confirmed and is now to be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021. St James the Least of All has survived perfectly well for the last 600 years However, due to current restrictions preventing public meetings, the AGM will without gutter cleaning inspections, path degreasing and electrical safety now be held online: invitations (together with copies of the agenda, previous certificates, so I think we may survive a little longer without them. As far as I minutes, financial report, how to access the meeting and ask questions if not am aware, the only disaster to hit us was when Cromwell’s soldiers stabled able to attend,) will be sent directly to Members and Friends by early February. their horses in the nave – which I suspect a few of our oldest members still The details of the meeting and copies of the financial accounts for 2019 will be clearly remember. available on the HTML website for all to see. The shock the sidesmen sometimes get when switching on the lights occurs
Our current Finance Director, Liz Jordan, who last year moved out of the only occasionally, is relatively mild and soon over – and if it happens when village, has expressed a desire to step down from this role. We are now preparing for the 8am Service, helps to wake them up. The weight of the looking for a suitable replacement. If you, or you know of someone, would be Duke of Clumber’s marble sarcophagus is slowly detaching the south aisle interested in helping the Trust with financial compliance or would just wish to from the rest of the church, but it is very slow – and the pews in that area are be involved in the management and organisation of the Trust, then please used only once a year when his relations visit from America to either contact a member of the Trust or post or email your details. Your valued commemorate his death at Agincourt – which is probably just beyond input is much needed! remembrance of the oldest of our congregation.
In November, we ran the Miles 4 Smiles event, which encouraged participants Leaks from the ceiling in the north aisle are solved with a row of buckets – to pledge to walk target distances to raise much-needed funds for the Trust. and even you must concede that the fungi on the oak beams look really The event was well supported and generated over £600. Our special thanks rather attractive when the sun catches them. The sapling growing out of the go to Woods of Hollingbourne and Diana Turner, General Manager at The spire is certainly an issue – although it looks so attractive in Spring when in Windmill PH, for their support with this event. The aim is to run this event again blossom. As for our fire extinguishers, they were serviced when my during this year, probably in the spring when, hopefully, the weather will be predecessor-but-two was in office, and I have the certificate to prove it. much more enjoyable. So, do thank your health and safety officer for all his work and tell him we will
We are planning in spring on creating a Hedge of Hope, using the Godfrey bear his recommendations in mind. Also tell him I was so sorry he slipped Meadow hedge. This project is to provide biodegradable wooden discs and broke his leg in our choir stalls while he was with us. But that bit of floor which can be decorated and hung on the hedge using hessian ties. The aim has been out of alignment since 1748, and it seems a shame to disturb it is for people to display inspirational and hopeful messages for all to read. In now. If only he had arrived encased in bubble wrap, it would never have order to prevent harm to the environment no other articles will be allowed happened. Perhaps you could put that on the agenda of your next health other than those provided by the Trust. and safety meeting.
The Trust has been selected by the Lottery Community Fund to be used as a Your loving uncle, case study. This will provide the Trust with much-needed publicity, which may include social media, radio, or television articles. This arrangement will also help to develop further the Trust’s relationship with the Lottery Community Fund, which has continued to provide financial support. If you are not currently a Member or ‘Friend of the Meadows’ and would like to support this asset which is for the whole community, or if anyone is interested in sponsoring a tree which would make a great present for a loved one, then please visit www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk or any member of the Trust. There is more information on the HMT website together with the details of other projects and this can be found on www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk, on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/Project100HMTL/ and there is also a website where dona- tions can be made at https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/ hollingbournemeadowstrust Church Road, Hucking, Kent ME17 1QT. Tel : 01622.880272 -
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The best prayers have often more groans than words. - John Bunyan Endurance is the ability to stand up under adversity; perseverance is the ability to progress in spite of it. - Jerry Bridges
February, 2021 Dear Residents,
It’s been quite a while since I drafted a news update, and, although I am forced to socially distance from the community who I represent, I am more than ever busy fighting for you. For several hours daily I sit in front of that box and participate in Skype and Zoom meetings. I swear that I never spent as much time in Townhall, in the old days! So, what happened recently? We set up a politically balanced Covid (and Brexit) emergency panel, which meets weekly, on Thursday mornings, with senior officers, to discuss the latest developments. I am a member of this small panel. So, if there is anything, which you feel I should raise or query at this weekly meeting, please let me Little Pyne Trees know by Wednesday evening. For All your gardening needs
I elaborated in my last newsletter about the Local Plan Review, which is *Regular weekly / fortnightly* currently in progress. At that time, there was serious talk that government *One off jobs* may force an increase of almost 80% of new homes upon us. Since then, the Friendly Lady Gardeners Government sort of backtracked on the latest figure, but the danger is not over. I will continue to vote for every trick in the book to avoid excessive 07816.539696 housing numbers. The battle continues 2021, so watch this space…… [email protected] In December officers proposed to the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee (ERL) to cancel the contract with Parkwood Leisure, the contractor who runs the Hazlit theatre. It is fair to say that Parkwood’s financial performance was not brilliant prior to Covid. With the theatre now closed for over 10 months, a £250,000+ annual subsidy with taxpayers’ money seemed a valid savings target for shrewd council officers. ERL granted their wishes, but the Conservative Group called-in ERL’s decision to Policy and Resources. P&R is the committee, which oversees the Council’s purse. With a little help from the Detling councillor who, not long ago, jumped our ship, we got the ERL decision overturned. Officers were given a new brief to renegotiate with Parkwood and to consider all possible alternative solutions. Work is in progress and the ERL January meeting has already been deferred because of it. A new report will be presented next week to ERL .
Which brings me to my last item, the MBC budget. Things at MBC don’t look quite as bad as you might expect, but the obligatory 2% Council Tax increase seems pretty much on the cards. At an inflation rate of below 1% this may appear excessive, but, considering that these are indeed strange and unpredictable times, I won’t predict that the Conservative Group will oppose this. So far, I have not heard any indication by the other groups. Please bear in mind that only approx. 12% of your council tax goes to MBC.
PATRIK GARTEN MBC Councillor for North Downs Ward (Conservative) Email: [email protected] Phone: 01622-807907 • Arts, music, culture or sporting groups Covid Information • Finding IAPT psychological therapies in your area (correct as of 17 January)
You can contact Live Well Kent by phoning 0800 567 7699 or visiting https:// There are currently 1190 active cases in the Borough of Maidstone. The livewellkent.org.uk/ lockdown appears to be having a strong effect on infection rates, with the number of new cases slowing. However, case rates in Kent and Medway are Mind Wellbeing still higher than the South East average and lockdown measures are still Line is now open if you need to talk to please call 0808 196 3898. Open Friday, needed to reduce rates further. Saturday, Sunday 6-10pm.
Samaritans Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected] for 24-hour support. They also offer support by email, letter and face-to-face. Visit: https://www.samaritans.org/ Highway improvements in Hollingbourne
Kent County Council plans to undertake road safety improvements on Hollingbourne Hill on the approach to Pilgrims Way crossroads. The scheme will comprise the installation of new countdown markers, new warning and speed limit terminal signage. New paintwork will be installed to highlight the reduced speed limit coming into the village and a new village gateway will be installed on the approach.
The scheme is designed to highlight the approaching hazards to road users and make the road environment clearer and safer.
This scheme has been developed in consultation with Hollingbourne Parish Council and has the support of the County Member, Shellina Prendegast and aims to enhance and highlight the existing gateway features and speed limit as you enter the village of Hollingbourne. This scheme is being funded by the County Member, Shellina Prendegast.
The works are due to start on Sunday 31 January 2021. See Parish website for Vaccinations are now being rolled out successfully but social distancing must diagram of works. still be maintained and the rules must not be relaxed. There is no proven evidence whether or not vaccinated persons can still continue to spread the Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will disease AND it will take several weeks until the vaccine fully takes effect. sit in a boat and drink lager all day. Anybody can now be tested. There are different sites and procedures for If I wanted to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, I'd put shoes on my cat. testing of people who have any symptoms and people who feel no effects at
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. all.
Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from If you have any symptoms go here: bad judgment. https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/
‘Most cars on our roads have only one occupant, usually the driver.’ (BBC test-and-trace-and-self-isolation reporter) To book a symptom free COVID-19 test:
I really don't mind getting older, but my body is taking it badly. https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/ book-a-symptom-free-covid-19-test I thought getting old would take longer. The Testing Centres at Detling and Sessions House are now up and running. Cleaning is just putting stuff in less obvious places. These sites will only test people WITHOUT any symptoms.
Plans have been implemented to cope with the high number of deaths as a NHS 111 online result of COVID. Temporary mortuaries cool stores and cremation capacity are Help and support available online https://111.nhs.uk/ sufficient to cope with the high demand. MBC bereavement services are working with all parties involved to take care of the situation. NHS talking therapies NHS talking therapies services are also known as Improving Access to Businesses that have ceased trading due to the new national restrictions from Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. Talking therapies, or psychological 5 November 2020, can apply for a local restrictions support grant even after therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained the restriction period has finished. The MBC business team proved very and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health efficient throughout the crisis. problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
More information can be found here: A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/ therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP. advice-and-help-for-businesses For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-
Please contact your local MBC Councillor should you need further assistance. depression/free-therapy-or-counselling/
PATRIK GARTEN Kent Together MBC Councillor for North Downs Ward A 24-hour helpline has been set up to support vulnerable people in Kent who Email: [email protected] Phone: 01622-807907 need urgent help, supplies or medication. It provides a single, convenient point of contact for anyone in the county who is in urgent need of help during the Coronavirus outbreak. If you are vulnerable and have an urgent need Hot off the press, following my newsletter at the weekend: that cannot be met through existing support networks, you can contact the
With a Conservative Members' sponsored amendment of supporting the reo- Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on pening of the Hazlit Theatre asap, the ERL Committee tonight unanimously 03000 41 92 92. agreed to keep the current contract in place. Children and young people’s mental health services
Kind regards Contact North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) children’s Single Point of Access on 0800 011 3474 if you need to get help for a child or young Patrik Garten person. MBC Cllr for North Downs Ward (Cons.) The Single Point of Access (SPA) is a team of clinicians who review your
“With an amendment to the 2 recommendations in terms of supporting emotional and mental health concerns and help establish the best way to support you. reopening asap, we have all unanimously agreed to keep the current contract in place. Visit https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-kent-children-young-peoples-mental- health Martin Round (my Vice !!!) and I will be meeting with Parkwood in early February to reboot our relationship into a positive one talking about arts Live Well Kent and culture and how we can work together to take over the rest of the Live Well Kent can support you with: contract the Hazlitt Arts Centre to be come the jewel in our crown and • Managing your money, including debt and benefits to enhance further our town and borough’s cultural and artistic life.” • Housing support and guidance • Improving your relationships Paul Harper • Accessing counselling. Labour Councillor for Fant • Basic advice on healthy living and helping you set some goals to make Chair Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee positive lifestyle changes Deputy Leader Maidstone Labour Group • Supporting you to access a range of free resources including apps and things that are happening in your local community Repentance is the process by which we see ourselves, day by day, as we • Putting you in touch with support to help you quit smoking, lose weight really are: sinful, needy, dependent people. - Charles Colson reduce your drinking or drugs intake and look after your sexual health. • Volunteering To get the world right, start with yourself. - Anon • Community projects Mental health support in Kent HATCHESTMATCHESTANDTDESEATCHES T
Are you feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you? Marjorie Noar, of Hollingbourne, aged 76, passed away on 10th January, Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support? after a long illness. The Kent and Medway Safe Havens are run by Mental Health Matters and She was born in Sunderland in 1944, where she lived some of her childhood offer face to face mental health support for those living in Kent and Medway before moving to Sittingbourne, Kent, with her family, where she attended to anyone aged 16+. No appointment or referral needed. the local convent school. The Safe Havens will remain open every day 6pm – 11pm. They will also now After finishing school, she worked as a secretary at the Shell Research be offering virtual consultations via “One consultation”. Centre, near Sittingbourne, before moving to London to work for the If you are attending any one of the Safe Havens below please ensure you are Federation of Engineering Contractors. Here she met, and worked for, following government guidelines and attend wearing a face covering. Michael Noar. They married in 1966.
Maidstone They lived in St Albans until 1980, when they moved to Hollingbourne with • Email [email protected] their first two children, Toby and Charlotte. They purchased the Mill House at Church Green in a near derelict state, and, over the years, they Mental Health Matters renovated the house and restored the garden, creating flower borders and The Mental Health Matters phone line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a haven for nature. a day, 365 days a year. The service is provided by an independent charity. Call 0800 107 0160 to speak to someone in their highly trained and Marjorie set up and ran her own business ‘Around Canterbury’, with a experienced Mental Health Matters team. friend, an adverting magazine which was distributed to businesses in the Visit https://www.mhm.org.uk/ surrounding areas. She was an active member of the Hollingbourne WI, Release the Pressure doing a stint as president. She worked as a secretary at Maidstone Call 0800 107 0160 to release the pressure if you’re feeling stressed for free Hospital, and then spent many happy years working as the secretary to confidential support at any time. You can also text Kent to 85258 for 24-hour the Headmaster at Sutton Valence school, a job she very much enjoyed. mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers. She was a keen member of NADFAS - the National Association of This service is provided by SHOUT and you can visit their website https:// Decorative Fine Arts Society - and enjoyed her stint as Chair. www.giveusashout.org/ She was a passionate gardener and a natural cook. She was an avid Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) reader and a skilled seamstress, making clothes for herself and the family, as For adults of Kent and Medway, call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111 if well as making soft furnishings for the home. She and Michael grew their you need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance. own vegetables and did all their own DIY. Later in life she found a For under 18s and residents of Kent and Medway call the 24-hour Single Point renewed interest in silver work and found great joy in attending of Access on 0800 011 3474 (select option one, then option three). classes and making silver jewellery - another creative outlet. She was also a If you are a KMPT patient and you need urgent help Monday to Friday devoted and much-loved mother and grandmother. Though sometimes between 9am and 5pm, contact your Community Mental Health Team reserved, she was kind and gentle in nature with a wicked sense of humour,
(CMHT). compassionate, thoughtful and a loyal friend to many.
At other times, contact your local crisis team, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week She is predeceased by her husband, Michael, and son, William. She leaves • Dartford Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 01322 622222 behind her son Toby, daughter Charlotte, and 5 grandchildren. She will be • Medway and Swale Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 01634 sorely missed, but always lovingly remembered. 968460 A small committal will be held for immediate family at Vinters Park • North East Kent Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 07554 050 242 Crematorium on Friday, 5th February, from 9.30-10am. Her family hope her • South East Kent Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 07553 814499 friends will take a moment to think of her during that time, and that they will • West Kent Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 01622 725000 be able to join them later in the year for a celebration of her life. No access to a computer? Call 01322 622222 and ask for the team you need. If you cannot remember your team’s name call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111.
It was:
200 years ago, on 23rd February, 1821, that John Keats, the poet, died of tuberculosis, aged 25.
125 years ago, on 1st February, 1896, that the premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Boheme, took place in Turin, Italy.
75 years ago, on 11th February, 1946, that The Revised Standard Version of the New Testament was published. It was the first major English-language update of the Bible since the King James version published in 1611.
70 years ago, on 27th February, 1951, that the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified. It limits the President to two terms in office.
65 years ago, on 11th February, 1956, that two members of the Cambridge spy ring, British diplomats Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean, announced that they had defected to the Soviet Union. They had both vanished in mysterious circumstances in 1951.
50 years ago, on 15th February, 1971, that the UK’s currency was decimalised.
40 years ago, on 24th February, 1981, that Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
30 years ago, on 28th February, 1991, that the Gulf War ended at midnight, when a ceasefire came into effect.
25 years ago, on 15th February, 1996, that the oil tanker, Sea Empress, ran Domestic abuse codeword scheme aground near Milford Haven, Wales, causing a major oil spill along the The Home Office launched a new ‘Abuse Codeword Scheme’ on 14 coastlines of Wales and Ireland. January. The scheme provides a simple and discreet way for people 20 years ago, on 19th February, 2001, that the first case of foot-and-mouth experiencing domestic abuse to signal that they need immediate help from disease in the 2001 UK outbreak was detected at an abattoir in Essex. The EU the police or other support services, using a codeword in their local subsequently banned all British meat, milk and livestock exports. pharmacy. The Ask for ANI scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access support. 10 years ago, on 22nd February, 2011, that the Canterbury earthquake in New
Zealand took place. 185 people were killed and up to 2,000 injured., and there was widespread damage across the city.
A small boy went to church with his grandmother and joined her when she quietly slipped off the pew to kneel and pray. He even copied her example of burying her face in her hands. But after a few seconds his curiosity got the better of him. “Who are we hiding from, grannie?”
Carole and Jim Findlay would like to thank everyone who sent the kindest messages of support and comfort in the days following the death of their infant granddaughter. These have been of immense solace to us and to her parents. We were given permission to travel to Texas to be with them for the funeral on 18th January. Temporary Road Closure – Church Road, Hucking – 1st February 2021 HOLLINGBOURNE READING GROUP - FEBRUARY 2021
Kent County Council has made an Order to temporarily prohibit through Two things are in my mind as I write. traffic travelling on Church Road, Hucking from 1st February 2021, with The first is to mourn the death of Marjorie Noar. Dear Marjorie was one of the estimated completion by 5th February 2021. founder members of this group in 2004. She really enjoyed our meetings and The road will be closed in the general vicinity of Hucking Court, to the extent always had things to say. indicated by signs and barriers on site. The second is the amazing poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ by Amanda Gorman, The alternative route for any through traffic is via Church Road, Hook Lane, that was part of The Inauguration of President Biden. What a brilliant young Rumstead Lane, Rumstead Road, Old Forge Lane, South Lees Lane, Admiral woman. The final words ring true:
Road and vice versa. “When day comes we step out of the shade The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while water The new dawn blooms main connection works are undertaken by South East Water. For there is always light If only we’re brave enough to see it.” For information regarding the closure please contact South East Water on 0333 000 0001, who will be able to assist with the scope of the works. This month I have been reading other people’s thoughts on reading. Jeremy Vine, writing in The Waitrose magazine, said he felt he should read Jon Le This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any Carre’s famous book, ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’, but found it rather dry, so went, other road users who may be affected. Every care is taken to ensure the instead, to the film, but found that also dry – as did I. accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors. The Duchess of Cornwall gave a list of her favourite books. Number One was ‘Restless’ by William Boyd. I then decided to read this and followed it quickly Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with with ‘Love is Blind’ and ‘Trio, all of which I enjoyed. alternative names given where known. When I enjoy a book, I tend to read others by that author. This was true of For details of roadworks, please see www.roadworks.org Victoria Hislop – having been reading ‘The Island’, ‘One August Night’ and ‘Those Who Are Loved’. I now intend to read another favourite, Kate Mosse, with her new book ‘City of Tears’.
Christmas books have long been finished – Monty Don’s ‘My Garden World’ and Richard Osman’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which I felt was rather disappointing. So, now is the time to re-read Dickens – and ‘Pickwick Papers’ awaits.
We hope that 2021 will mean that we can meet in the garden again and we will drink a toast to Marjorie.
Dawn Perry Hollingbourne Reading Group 889634
Seen on a birthday card:
Forget about the past, LEEDS SERVICES
You can't change it. 7th February Leeds 11.00 am Eucharist
Forget about the future, 14th February Broomfield 3.30 pm Communion You can't predict it. 21st February Leeds 11.00 am Eucharist 28th February Kingswood 11.00 am Family Communion Forget about the present, I didn't buy you one. As with all church services during ‘lockdown’ these are ‘hoped for’ services. Further information will be made available when it is known.
Music Notes February 2021 – Well, I wasn’t too pessimistic about the chances of live music locally in January – perhaps not pessimistic enough! There is now plenty of music to - find on the internet in one form or another, and we did get the New Year’s Have Your Say! Day concert from Vienna on the TV (without an audience), but there will be nothing live locally this month. I will, therefore, continue on my quite Maidstone Borough Council are consulting on their draft five year Road different theme, as promised last month . Here are some of the significant Safety Strategy for Kent and their 30 year vision. musical anniversaries in February: They need your views to ensure their proposals meet the needs and 8th February – 100th anniversary of death of Georges Gillet, French oboist expectations of Kent’s residents, businesses and communities. and music educator. Have your say on Kent County Council website. th th 13 February – 100 anniversary of birth of Eileen Farrell, US opera singer and music pedagogue. 22nd February – 210th anniversary of the birth of Frederic Chopin, Polish One way to find out if you're old is to fall in front of a group of people. If they composer and pianist. laugh, you're young. If they panic and start running toward you, you're old. 22nd February – 375th anniversary of birth of Johann Ambrosius Bach, German musician (trumpeter and organist) father to Johann Sebastian Bach. A minister had agreed to step in and take a funeral at short notice. He said a British audiences may not know of Eileen Farrell, so I will quote from few general words of comfort, and then added: “As I did not know the Wikipedia to give a biography: deceased, is there anyone here who would like to give a few words of
‘Eileen Farrell was an American soprano who had a nearly 60-year-long tribute?” career performing both classical and popular music in concerts, theatres, There was silence for a few moments, and then a voice from the back on radio and television, and on disc. It was said that 'She possessed one of observed: “His brother was far worse.” the largest and most radiant operatic voices of the 20th century.' Her career was mainly based in the United States, although she did perform internationally. The Daily Telegraph stated that she 'was one of the finest American sopranos of the 20th century; she had a voice of magnificent proportions which she used with both acumen and artistry in a wide variety of roles.' And she was described as having a voice 'like some unparalleled phenomenon of nature. She is to singers what Niagara is to waterfalls.'
Farrell started as a member of the CBS Chorus on CBS Radio and in 1941 she got her own program, Eileen Farrell Sings, on which she performed both CARDWELL PAVWLWON classical and popular music. In 1947 she launched her career as a concert soprano and nine years later began performing on the opera stage, leading to five seasons performing at the Metropolitan Opera from 1960– FOR THAT SPECWAL PARTY OR 1966. She performed and recorded both classical and popular music throughout her career and is credited for releasing the first successful MEETWNG. WE CAN CATER crossover album: I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues (1960). She continued FOR YOUR NEEDS actively up into the late 1990s. She also practised as a voice teacher, both privately and for nine years at Indiana University.’
The Musicians’ Dictionary : Please call Orchestra – the result of musicians having discovered that there is safety in numbers 07932.164839
BJH
Shrove Tuesday: Who’s for pancakes?
by David Winter
Why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, as we call it today? And what is Shrove Tuesday? And why do thousands of people feel it rewarding to race along a street somewhere tossing pancakes from their frying pans as they go?
Well, the answer to the first question is that it is the day before Lent begins and for well over a thousand years that has meant it was the last chance to enjoy meat, fat and other tasty dishes until Easter Day. The ‘Lent Fast’ was widely and strictly observed. The food in the larder wouldn’t keep for six weeks so it had to be eaten. With all these rich foods no wonder the French call it ‘Fatty Tuesday’ – Mardi Gras.
So, what have pancake races got to do with all this solemnity? ‘Shrove’ is an old word for ‘forgiven’ and in those days to prepare for the rigours of Lent people would want to confess and seek forgiveness – not quite what you want at a party. The answer is quite simply enjoying yourself while you can! So, on Shrove Tuesday this year let’s have some fun and make it last as long as possible. The most convincing (and amusing) of the explanations of pancake races is of outwitting the Sexton who rang the curfew bell that marked the start of - - Lent. He was reluctant to do it while the race was unfinished. So, the revelry caused by dropped pancakes, postponed the inevitable. Symptom-free coronavirus testing sites open at the Kent Showground Since the Reformation it has not been so rigorously observed in Britain, but still in Detling people will resolve to ‘give up something for Lent’. Six weeks is about right as a duration and Sunday has always been exempt but make the most of those Kent Showground has been transformed into a military operated mass pancakes. They may well not reappear until April 12th! coronavirus testing centre.
The site in Detling is one of 14 new symptom-free testing stations, available to people who live and work in Kent, which have opened in a bid to drive down infection rates.
On arrival people have their temperature taken by military personnel before sanitising their hands, registering online and then going onto the self-testing booths.
Once people have had their tests, the results are sent through to their phones within an hour.
If positive, they will be told to self-isolate, follow the national guidance and instructed to have a further test to confirm the positive result.
If they are negative, they must continue to observe social distancing guidelines, wear a mask in public and regularly wash hands.
To book a symptom-free Covid-19 test near you, use this link: kcc.healthit.org.uk
If you have symptoms, book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test Lost Black Cat!
A local resident has a small black cat who has made its home in their garden for the last few days. They have tried to coax it into a cat box to take it to the vet to see if it is chipped but without success.
Please call us if they belong to you!
Parish Clerk 07856 180003
A February Rose
My love, she likes a red, red rose Of deep magenta hue, A gift for Valentine that shows That someone’s love is true.
But think on this, my bonnie lass, As you admire the bloom – That flower’s been forced on under glass You ought to wait till June!
By Nigel Beeton
Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives
With the rise in transmission rates across the country recently, and with increasing pressure on the NHS, now more than ever it is essential that people stay at home. This is the single most important action we can all take.
A young clergyman, fresh out of training, thought it would help him better understand the harsh realities his future congregations faced if he first took a job as a policeman for several months. He passed the physical examination; then came the oral exam to test his ability to act quickly and wisely in an emergency. Among other questions he was asked, “What would you do to disperse a frenzied crowd?”
He thought for a moment and then said, “I would pass an offering plate.” He got the job.
Those who go against the grain of God’s laws shouldn’t complain when they get splinters. – Anon.
14th Feb: The very first Valentine card, a legend Gary Tickle Harrietshai Coiputers The Roman Emperor Claudius II needed soldiers. He suspected that marriage made men want to stay at home with their wives, instead of Conservation bricklayer/ Coiputer Probleis? fighting wars, so he outlawed marriage. builder Need an upgrade or a new iachine? A kind-hearted young priest named Valentine felt sorry for all the couples All building works Just want soie extra tuition? who wanted to marry, but who couldn’t. So secretly he married as many undertaken couples as he could - until the Emperor found out and condemned him For local, friendly, experienced help, call to death. While he was in prison awaiting execution, Valentine showed Specialising in :- love and compassion to everyone around him, including his jailer. The Alteratisns, chimneys Mike Cuerden on 01622-859442 or jailer had a young daughter who was blind, but through Valentine’s Brickwsrk, lime msrtar 07963 020092 prayers, she was healed. Just before his death in Rome on 14th February, & flint wsrk he wrote her a farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine.’ No call out fee
So, the very first Valentine card was not between lovers, but between a Mobile: 07710 096506 Reasonable rates priest about to die, and a little girl, healed through his prayers. Home: 01795 881784 Private and coiiercial work No job too siall Email: Gary- [email protected] Harrietshai Coiputers
The latest report from the Kent Police Rural Task Force.
The report covers :
Rural Theft / Operation Galilea (Poaching and Hare Coursing) / Operation Travers (Fish Poaching) / Wildlife / Animal Welfare / Livestock / Heritage / Operation Assist (Fly Tipping) / APNR Activity / Straying Horses. Fire Wood
There has been a spate of reports of horses being loose on the highway and Logs on the on the 23 December two horses were hit by a car in the Ashford area. Unfortunately, one of these horses had to be Put To Sleep. This is a prime Kindling example off the risk posed to the horses and motorists and why, for the safety of all concerned, horses will be seized by Kent Police if found straying on the Seasoned firewood highway. Horse owners need to be aware that there are costs associated to the return of a horse. They are urged that all those who have horses ensure suitable for all fires from that they are securely kept and that the perimeter of fields and stables are local coppiced woods.
The report includes details of an occurrence when RTF Officers stopped a vehicle that had known connections to poaching offences in the Lenham Please call Norman area. The driver and vehicle were searched and found that the driver had in 07733.328715 their possession a lock knife and herbal Cannabis. The driver also failed a drugs wipe test and was subsequently arrested. The driver also disclosed that they had no insurance on the vehicle. The driver was reported for the offence of no insurance and had been released under investigation for the drug drive offences. The vehicle was seized and impounded.
Not many offences are in our area, but all very interesting! NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTACTS
With the various lockdowns the importance of keeping an eye on friends and neighbours has become ever more important.
Unfortunately, a number of the co-ordinators have had to give up their role and there are now several vacancies. B These are : Broad Street; Claygates and Godfrey House; Copse End and Culpeper Close; Eyhorne Green; Eyhorne Street (northside) between the railway and - - - the School; Eyhorne Street (southside – nos 104-126; Greenway Court; - - - - - - Hadley Gardens; Tilefields.
June Pockett took over this valuable service in 2019 and says that she would 6 be grateful to hear from anybody who would be willing to join the team and 6 6 6 cover these areas. Volunteers are most often required to drive other villagers to various Doctors/dentist/hospital appointments and being a ‘helping hand’ nearby. The Parish Magazine has a list of all the contact volunteers in the village. People requiring the service should telephone, in the first instance, the ଏ contact listed for your area of the village. If the volunteer for your area is - unable to help, then please telephone JUNE POCKETT – 01622.880763 or – 07767.367611. email: [email protected]. In the event of me not being available when required, then you can phone Maidstone Volunteer Bureau on 01622 756662 at least 3 days before an appointment. There is a modest charge for their service.
Yard and building for rent from National Rail at Station Approach
There is a great opportunity for a rare slice of commercial lease land at Station approach.
National Rail are leasing 450sqm of Yard Space with building next to Hollingbourne Station.
This could be a great opportunity for a local business, with a great location next to the station and no immediate neighbours it could even make a great Skate Park!
B The listing is available from National Rail. B
1 1 1
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTACTS
With the various lockdowns the importance of keeping an eye on friends and neighbours has become ever more important.
Unfortunately, a number of the co-ordinators have had to give up their role and there are now several vacancies. B These are : Broad Street; Claygates and Godfrey House; Copse End and Culpeper Close; Eyhorne Green; Eyhorne Street (northside) between the railway and - - - the School; Eyhorne Street (southside – nos 104-126; Greenway Court; - - - - - - Hadley Gardens; Tilefields.
June Pockett took over this valuable service in 2019 and says that she would 6 be grateful to hear from anybody who would be willing to join the team and 6 6 6 cover these areas. Volunteers are most often required to drive other villagers to various Doctors/dentist/hospital appointments and being a ‘helping hand’ nearby. The Parish Magazine has a list of all the contact volunteers in the village. People requiring the service should telephone, in the first instance, the ଏ contact listed for your area of the village. If the volunteer for your area is - unable to help, then please telephone JUNE POCKETT – 01622.880763 or – 07767.367611. email: [email protected]. In the event of me not being available when required, then you can phone Maidstone Volunteer Bureau on 01622 756662 at least 3 days before an appointment. There is a modest charge for their service.
Yard and building for rent from National Rail at Station Approach
There is a great opportunity for a rare slice of commercial lease land at Station approach.
National Rail are leasing 450sqm of Yard Space with building next to Hollingbourne Station.
This could be a great opportunity for a local business, with a great location next to the station and no immediate neighbours it could even make a great Skate Park!
B The listing is available from National Rail. B
14th Feb: The very first Valentine card, a legend Gary Tickle Harrietshai Coiputers The Roman Emperor Claudius II needed soldiers. He suspected that marriage made men want to stay at home with their wives, instead of Conservation bricklayer/ Coiputer Probleis? fighting wars, so he outlawed marriage. builder Need an upgrade or a new iachine? A kind-hearted young priest named Valentine felt sorry for all the couples All building works Just want soie extra tuition? who wanted to marry, but who couldn’t. So secretly he married as many undertaken couples as he could - until the Emperor found out and condemned him For local, friendly, experienced help, call to death. While he was in prison awaiting execution, Valentine showed Specialising in :- love and compassion to everyone around him, including his jailer. The Alteratisns, chimneys Mike Cuerden on 01622-859442 or jailer had a young daughter who was blind, but through Valentine’s Brickwsrk, lime msrtar 07963 020092 prayers, she was healed. Just before his death in Rome on 14th February, & flint wsrk he wrote her a farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine.’ No call out fee
So, the very first Valentine card was not between lovers, but between a Mobile: 07710 096506 Reasonable rates priest about to die, and a little girl, healed through his prayers. Home: 01795 881784 Private and coiiercial work No job too siall Email: Gary- [email protected] Harrietshai Coiputers
The latest report from the Kent Police Rural Task Force.
The report covers :
Rural Theft / Operation Galilea (Poaching and Hare Coursing) / Operation Travers (Fish Poaching) / Wildlife / Animal Welfare / Livestock / Heritage / Operation Assist (Fly Tipping) / APNR Activity / Straying Horses. Fire Wood
There has been a spate of reports of horses being loose on the highway and Logs on the on the 23 December two horses were hit by a car in the Ashford area. Unfortunately, one of these horses had to be Put To Sleep. This is a prime Kindling example off the risk posed to the horses and motorists and why, for the safety of all concerned, horses will be seized by Kent Police if found straying on the Seasoned firewood highway. Horse owners need to be aware that there are costs associated to the return of a horse. They are urged that all those who have horses ensure suitable for all fires from that they are securely kept and that the perimeter of fields and stables are local coppiced woods.
The report includes details of an occurrence when RTF Officers stopped a vehicle that had known connections to poaching offences in the Lenham Please call Norman area. The driver and vehicle were searched and found that the driver had in 07733.328715 their possession a lock knife and herbal Cannabis. The driver also failed a drugs wipe test and was subsequently arrested. The driver also disclosed that they had no insurance on the vehicle. The driver was reported for the offence of no insurance and had been released under investigation for the drug drive offences. The vehicle was seized and impounded.
Not many offences are in our area, but all very interesting! Lost Black Cat!
A local resident has a small black cat who has made its home in their garden for the last few days. They have tried to coax it into a cat box to take it to the vet to see if it is chipped but without success.
Please call us if they belong to you!
Parish Clerk 07856 180003
A February Rose
My love, she likes a red, red rose Of deep magenta hue, A gift for Valentine that shows That someone’s love is true.
But think on this, my bonnie lass, As you admire the bloom – That flower’s been forced on under glass You ought to wait till June!
By Nigel Beeton
Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives
With the rise in transmission rates across the country recently, and with increasing pressure on the NHS, now more than ever it is essential that people stay at home. This is the single most important action we can all take.
A young clergyman, fresh out of training, thought it would help him better understand the harsh realities his future congregations faced if he first took a job as a policeman for several months. He passed the physical examination; then came the oral exam to test his ability to act quickly and wisely in an emergency. Among other questions he was asked, “What would you do to disperse a frenzied crowd?”
He thought for a moment and then said, “I would pass an offering plate.” He got the job.
Those who go against the grain of God’s laws shouldn’t complain when they get splinters. – Anon.
Shrove Tuesday: Who’s for pancakes?
by David Winter
Why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, as we call it today? And what is Shrove Tuesday? And why do thousands of people feel it rewarding to race along a street somewhere tossing pancakes from their frying pans as they go?
Well, the answer to the first question is that it is the day before Lent begins and for well over a thousand years that has meant it was the last chance to enjoy meat, fat and other tasty dishes until Easter Day. The ‘Lent Fast’ was widely and strictly observed. The food in the larder wouldn’t keep for six weeks so it had to be eaten. With all these rich foods no wonder the French call it ‘Fatty Tuesday’ – Mardi Gras.
So, what have pancake races got to do with all this solemnity? ‘Shrove’ is an old word for ‘forgiven’ and in those days to prepare for the rigours of Lent people would want to confess and seek forgiveness – not quite what you want at a party. The answer is quite simply enjoying yourself while you can! So, on Shrove Tuesday this year let’s have some fun and make it last as long as possible. The most convincing (and amusing) of the explanations of pancake races is of outwitting the Sexton who rang the curfew bell that marked the start of - - Lent. He was reluctant to do it while the race was unfinished. So, the revelry caused by dropped pancakes, postponed the inevitable. Symptom-free coronavirus testing sites open at the Kent Showground Since the Reformation it has not been so rigorously observed in Britain, but still in Detling people will resolve to ‘give up something for Lent’. Six weeks is about right as a duration and Sunday has always been exempt but make the most of those Kent Showground has been transformed into a military operated mass pancakes. They may well not reappear until April 12th! coronavirus testing centre.
The site in Detling is one of 14 new symptom-free testing stations, available to people who live and work in Kent, which have opened in a bid to drive down infection rates.
On arrival people have their temperature taken by military personnel before sanitising their hands, registering online and then going onto the self-testing booths.
Once people have had their tests, the results are sent through to their phones within an hour.
If positive, they will be told to self-isolate, follow the national guidance and instructed to have a further test to confirm the positive result.
If they are negative, they must continue to observe social distancing guidelines, wear a mask in public and regularly wash hands.
To book a symptom-free Covid-19 test near you, use this link: kcc.healthit.org.uk
If you have symptoms, book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test Music Notes February 2021 – Well, I wasn’t too pessimistic about the chances of live music locally in January – perhaps not pessimistic enough! There is now plenty of music to - find on the internet in one form or another, and we did get the New Year’s Have Your Say! Day concert from Vienna on the TV (without an audience), but there will be nothing live locally this month. I will, therefore, continue on my quite Maidstone Borough Council are consulting on their draft five year Road different theme, as promised last month . Here are some of the significant Safety Strategy for Kent and their 30 year vision. musical anniversaries in February: They need your views to ensure their proposals meet the needs and 8th February – 100th anniversary of death of Georges Gillet, French oboist expectations of Kent’s residents, businesses and communities. and music educator. Have your say on Kent County Council website. th th 13 February – 100 anniversary of birth of Eileen Farrell, US opera singer and music pedagogue. 22nd February – 210th anniversary of the birth of Frederic Chopin, Polish One way to find out if you're old is to fall in front of a group of people. If they composer and pianist. laugh, you're young. If they panic and start running toward you, you're old. 22nd February – 375th anniversary of birth of Johann Ambrosius Bach, German musician (trumpeter and organist) father to Johann Sebastian Bach. A minister had agreed to step in and take a funeral at short notice. He said a British audiences may not know of Eileen Farrell, so I will quote from few general words of comfort, and then added: “As I did not know the Wikipedia to give a biography: deceased, is there anyone here who would like to give a few words of
‘Eileen Farrell was an American soprano who had a nearly 60-year-long tribute?” career performing both classical and popular music in concerts, theatres, There was silence for a few moments, and then a voice from the back on radio and television, and on disc. It was said that 'She possessed one of observed: “His brother was far worse.” the largest and most radiant operatic voices of the 20th century.' Her career was mainly based in the United States, although she did perform internationally. The Daily Telegraph stated that she 'was one of the finest American sopranos of the 20th century; she had a voice of magnificent proportions which she used with both acumen and artistry in a wide variety of roles.' And she was described as having a voice 'like some unparalleled phenomenon of nature. She is to singers what Niagara is to waterfalls.'
Farrell started as a member of the CBS Chorus on CBS Radio and in 1941 she got her own program, Eileen Farrell Sings, on which she performed both CARDWELL PAVWLWON classical and popular music. In 1947 she launched her career as a concert soprano and nine years later began performing on the opera stage, leading to five seasons performing at the Metropolitan Opera from 1960– FOR THAT SPECWAL PARTY OR 1966. She performed and recorded both classical and popular music throughout her career and is credited for releasing the first successful MEETWNG. WE CAN CATER crossover album: I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues (1960). She continued FOR YOUR NEEDS actively up into the late 1990s. She also practised as a voice teacher, both privately and for nine years at Indiana University.’
The Musicians’ Dictionary : Please call Orchestra – the result of musicians having discovered that there is safety in numbers 07932.164839
BJH
Temporary Road Closure – Church Road, Hucking – 1st February 2021 HOLLINGBOURNE READING GROUP - FEBRUARY 2021
Kent County Council has made an Order to temporarily prohibit through Two things are in my mind as I write. traffic travelling on Church Road, Hucking from 1st February 2021, with The first is to mourn the death of Marjorie Noar. Dear Marjorie was one of the estimated completion by 5th February 2021. founder members of this group in 2004. She really enjoyed our meetings and The road will be closed in the general vicinity of Hucking Court, to the extent always had things to say. indicated by signs and barriers on site. The second is the amazing poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ by Amanda Gorman, The alternative route for any through traffic is via Church Road, Hook Lane, that was part of The Inauguration of President Biden. What a brilliant young Rumstead Lane, Rumstead Road, Old Forge Lane, South Lees Lane, Admiral woman. The final words ring true:
Road and vice versa. “When day comes we step out of the shade The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while water The new dawn blooms main connection works are undertaken by South East Water. For there is always light If only we’re brave enough to see it.” For information regarding the closure please contact South East Water on 0333 000 0001, who will be able to assist with the scope of the works. This month I have been reading other people’s thoughts on reading. Jeremy Vine, writing in The Waitrose magazine, said he felt he should read Jon Le This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any Carre’s famous book, ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’, but found it rather dry, so went, other road users who may be affected. Every care is taken to ensure the instead, to the film, but found that also dry – as did I. accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors. The Duchess of Cornwall gave a list of her favourite books. Number One was ‘Restless’ by William Boyd. I then decided to read this and followed it quickly Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with with ‘Love is Blind’ and ‘Trio, all of which I enjoyed. alternative names given where known. When I enjoy a book, I tend to read others by that author. This was true of For details of roadworks, please see www.roadworks.org Victoria Hislop – having been reading ‘The Island’, ‘One August Night’ and ‘Those Who Are Loved’. I now intend to read another favourite, Kate Mosse, with her new book ‘City of Tears’.
Christmas books have long been finished – Monty Don’s ‘My Garden World’ and Richard Osman’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which I felt was rather disappointing. So, now is the time to re-read Dickens – and ‘Pickwick Papers’ awaits.
We hope that 2021 will mean that we can meet in the garden again and we will drink a toast to Marjorie.
Dawn Perry Hollingbourne Reading Group 889634
Seen on a birthday card:
Forget about the past, LEEDS SERVICES
You can't change it. 7th February Leeds 11.00 am Eucharist
Forget about the future, 14th February Broomfield 3.30 pm Communion You can't predict it. 21st February Leeds 11.00 am Eucharist 28th February Kingswood 11.00 am Family Communion Forget about the present, I didn't buy you one. As with all church services during ‘lockdown’ these are ‘hoped for’ services. Further information will be made available when it is known.
It was:
200 years ago, on 23rd February, 1821, that John Keats, the poet, died of tuberculosis, aged 25.
125 years ago, on 1st February, 1896, that the premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Boheme, took place in Turin, Italy.
75 years ago, on 11th February, 1946, that The Revised Standard Version of the New Testament was published. It was the first major English-language update of the Bible since the King James version published in 1611.
70 years ago, on 27th February, 1951, that the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified. It limits the President to two terms in office.
65 years ago, on 11th February, 1956, that two members of the Cambridge spy ring, British diplomats Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean, announced that they had defected to the Soviet Union. They had both vanished in mysterious circumstances in 1951.
50 years ago, on 15th February, 1971, that the UK’s currency was decimalised.
40 years ago, on 24th February, 1981, that Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
30 years ago, on 28th February, 1991, that the Gulf War ended at midnight, when a ceasefire came into effect.
25 years ago, on 15th February, 1996, that the oil tanker, Sea Empress, ran Domestic abuse codeword scheme aground near Milford Haven, Wales, causing a major oil spill along the The Home Office launched a new ‘Abuse Codeword Scheme’ on 14 coastlines of Wales and Ireland. January. The scheme provides a simple and discreet way for people 20 years ago, on 19th February, 2001, that the first case of foot-and-mouth experiencing domestic abuse to signal that they need immediate help from disease in the 2001 UK outbreak was detected at an abattoir in Essex. The EU the police or other support services, using a codeword in their local subsequently banned all British meat, milk and livestock exports. pharmacy. The Ask for ANI scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access support. 10 years ago, on 22nd February, 2011, that the Canterbury earthquake in New
Zealand took place. 185 people were killed and up to 2,000 injured., and there was widespread damage across the city.
A small boy went to church with his grandmother and joined her when she quietly slipped off the pew to kneel and pray. He even copied her example of burying her face in her hands. But after a few seconds his curiosity got the better of him. “Who are we hiding from, grannie?”
Carole and Jim Findlay would like to thank everyone who sent the kindest messages of support and comfort in the days following the death of their infant granddaughter. These have been of immense solace to us and to her parents. We were given permission to travel to Texas to be with them for the funeral on 18th January. Mental health support in Kent HATCHESTMATCHESTANDTDESEATCHES T
Are you feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you? Marjorie Noar, of Hollingbourne, aged 76, passed away on 10th January, Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support? after a long illness. The Kent and Medway Safe Havens are run by Mental Health Matters and She was born in Sunderland in 1944, where she lived some of her childhood offer face to face mental health support for those living in Kent and Medway before moving to Sittingbourne, Kent, with her family, where she attended to anyone aged 16+. No appointment or referral needed. the local convent school. The Safe Havens will remain open every day 6pm – 11pm. They will also now After finishing school, she worked as a secretary at the Shell Research be offering virtual consultations via “One consultation”. Centre, near Sittingbourne, before moving to London to work for the If you are attending any one of the Safe Havens below please ensure you are Federation of Engineering Contractors. Here she met, and worked for, following government guidelines and attend wearing a face covering. Michael Noar. They married in 1966.
Maidstone They lived in St Albans until 1980, when they moved to Hollingbourne with • Email [email protected] their first two children, Toby and Charlotte. They purchased the Mill House at Church Green in a near derelict state, and, over the years, they Mental Health Matters renovated the house and restored the garden, creating flower borders and The Mental Health Matters phone line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a haven for nature. a day, 365 days a year. The service is provided by an independent charity. Call 0800 107 0160 to speak to someone in their highly trained and Marjorie set up and ran her own business ‘Around Canterbury’, with a experienced Mental Health Matters team. friend, an adverting magazine which was distributed to businesses in the Visit https://www.mhm.org.uk/ surrounding areas. She was an active member of the Hollingbourne WI, Release the Pressure doing a stint as president. She worked as a secretary at Maidstone Call 0800 107 0160 to release the pressure if you’re feeling stressed for free Hospital, and then spent many happy years working as the secretary to confidential support at any time. You can also text Kent to 85258 for 24-hour the Headmaster at Sutton Valence school, a job she very much enjoyed. mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers. She was a keen member of NADFAS - the National Association of This service is provided by SHOUT and you can visit their website https:// Decorative Fine Arts Society - and enjoyed her stint as Chair. www.giveusashout.org/ She was a passionate gardener and a natural cook. She was an avid Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) reader and a skilled seamstress, making clothes for herself and the family, as For adults of Kent and Medway, call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111 if well as making soft furnishings for the home. She and Michael grew their you need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance. own vegetables and did all their own DIY. Later in life she found a For under 18s and residents of Kent and Medway call the 24-hour Single Point renewed interest in silver work and found great joy in attending of Access on 0800 011 3474 (select option one, then option three). classes and making silver jewellery - another creative outlet. She was also a If you are a KMPT patient and you need urgent help Monday to Friday devoted and much-loved mother and grandmother. Though sometimes between 9am and 5pm, contact your Community Mental Health Team reserved, she was kind and gentle in nature with a wicked sense of humour,
(CMHT). compassionate, thoughtful and a loyal friend to many.
At other times, contact your local crisis team, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week She is predeceased by her husband, Michael, and son, William. She leaves • Dartford Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 01322 622222 behind her son Toby, daughter Charlotte, and 5 grandchildren. She will be • Medway and Swale Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 01634 sorely missed, but always lovingly remembered. 968460 A small committal will be held for immediate family at Vinters Park • North East Kent Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 07554 050 242 Crematorium on Friday, 5th February, from 9.30-10am. Her family hope her • South East Kent Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 07553 814499 friends will take a moment to think of her during that time, and that they will • West Kent Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team – 01622 725000 be able to join them later in the year for a celebration of her life. No access to a computer? Call 01322 622222 and ask for the team you need. If you cannot remember your team’s name call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111.
Plans have been implemented to cope with the high number of deaths as a NHS 111 online result of COVID. Temporary mortuaries cool stores and cremation capacity are Help and support available online https://111.nhs.uk/ sufficient to cope with the high demand. MBC bereavement services are working with all parties involved to take care of the situation. NHS talking therapies NHS talking therapies services are also known as Improving Access to Businesses that have ceased trading due to the new national restrictions from Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. Talking therapies, or psychological 5 November 2020, can apply for a local restrictions support grant even after therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained the restriction period has finished. The MBC business team proved very and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health efficient throughout the crisis. problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
More information can be found here: A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/ therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP. advice-and-help-for-businesses For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-
Please contact your local MBC Councillor should you need further assistance. depression/free-therapy-or-counselling/
PATRIK GARTEN Kent Together MBC Councillor for North Downs Ward A 24-hour helpline has been set up to support vulnerable people in Kent who Email: [email protected] Phone: 01622-807907 need urgent help, supplies or medication. It provides a single, convenient point of contact for anyone in the county who is in urgent need of help during the Coronavirus outbreak. If you are vulnerable and have an urgent need Hot off the press, following my newsletter at the weekend: that cannot be met through existing support networks, you can contact the
With a Conservative Members' sponsored amendment of supporting the reo- Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on pening of the Hazlit Theatre asap, the ERL Committee tonight unanimously 03000 41 92 92. agreed to keep the current contract in place. Children and young people’s mental health services
Kind regards Contact North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) children’s Single Point of Access on 0800 011 3474 if you need to get help for a child or young Patrik Garten person. MBC Cllr for North Downs Ward (Cons.) The Single Point of Access (SPA) is a team of clinicians who review your
“With an amendment to the 2 recommendations in terms of supporting emotional and mental health concerns and help establish the best way to support you. reopening asap, we have all unanimously agreed to keep the current contract in place. Visit https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-kent-children-young-peoples-mental- health Martin Round (my Vice !!!) and I will be meeting with Parkwood in early February to reboot our relationship into a positive one talking about arts Live Well Kent and culture and how we can work together to take over the rest of the Live Well Kent can support you with: contract the Hazlitt Arts Centre to be come the jewel in our crown and • Managing your money, including debt and benefits to enhance further our town and borough’s cultural and artistic life.” • Housing support and guidance • Improving your relationships Paul Harper • Accessing counselling. Labour Councillor for Fant • Basic advice on healthy living and helping you set some goals to make Chair Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee positive lifestyle changes Deputy Leader Maidstone Labour Group • Supporting you to access a range of free resources including apps and things that are happening in your local community Repentance is the process by which we see ourselves, day by day, as we • Putting you in touch with support to help you quit smoking, lose weight really are: sinful, needy, dependent people. - Charles Colson reduce your drinking or drugs intake and look after your sexual health. • Volunteering To get the world right, start with yourself. - Anon • Community projects • Arts, music, culture or sporting groups Covid Information • Finding IAPT psychological therapies in your area (correct as of 17 January)
You can contact Live Well Kent by phoning 0800 567 7699 or visiting https:// There are currently 1190 active cases in the Borough of Maidstone. The livewellkent.org.uk/ lockdown appears to be having a strong effect on infection rates, with the number of new cases slowing. However, case rates in Kent and Medway are Mind Wellbeing still higher than the South East average and lockdown measures are still Line is now open if you need to talk to please call 0808 196 3898. Open Friday, needed to reduce rates further. Saturday, Sunday 6-10pm.
Samaritans Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected] for 24-hour support. They also offer support by email, letter and face-to-face. Visit: https://www.samaritans.org/ Highway improvements in Hollingbourne
Kent County Council plans to undertake road safety improvements on Hollingbourne Hill on the approach to Pilgrims Way crossroads. The scheme will comprise the installation of new countdown markers, new warning and speed limit terminal signage. New paintwork will be installed to highlight the reduced speed limit coming into the village and a new village gateway will be installed on the approach.
The scheme is designed to highlight the approaching hazards to road users and make the road environment clearer and safer.
This scheme has been developed in consultation with Hollingbourne Parish Council and has the support of the County Member, Shellina Prendegast and aims to enhance and highlight the existing gateway features and speed limit as you enter the village of Hollingbourne. This scheme is being funded by the County Member, Shellina Prendegast.
The works are due to start on Sunday 31 January 2021. See Parish website for Vaccinations are now being rolled out successfully but social distancing must diagram of works. still be maintained and the rules must not be relaxed. There is no proven evidence whether or not vaccinated persons can still continue to spread the Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will disease AND it will take several weeks until the vaccine fully takes effect. sit in a boat and drink lager all day. Anybody can now be tested. There are different sites and procedures for If I wanted to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, I'd put shoes on my cat. testing of people who have any symptoms and people who feel no effects at
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. all.
Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from If you have any symptoms go here: bad judgment. https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/
‘Most cars on our roads have only one occupant, usually the driver.’ (BBC test-and-trace-and-self-isolation reporter) To book a symptom free COVID-19 test:
I really don't mind getting older, but my body is taking it badly. https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/ book-a-symptom-free-covid-19-test I thought getting old would take longer. The Testing Centres at Detling and Sessions House are now up and running. Cleaning is just putting stuff in less obvious places. These sites will only test people WITHOUT any symptoms.
February, 2021 Dear Residents,
It’s been quite a while since I drafted a news update, and, although I am forced to socially distance from the community who I represent, I am more than ever busy fighting for you. For several hours daily I sit in front of that box and participate in Skype and Zoom meetings. I swear that I never spent as much time in Townhall, in the old days! So, what happened recently? We set up a politically balanced Covid (and Brexit) emergency panel, which meets weekly, on Thursday mornings, with senior officers, to discuss the latest developments. I am a member of this small panel. So, if there is anything, which you feel I should raise or query at this weekly meeting, please let me Little Pyne Trees know by Wednesday evening. For All your gardening needs
I elaborated in my last newsletter about the Local Plan Review, which is *Regular weekly / fortnightly* currently in progress. At that time, there was serious talk that government *One off jobs* may force an increase of almost 80% of new homes upon us. Since then, the Friendly Lady Gardeners Government sort of backtracked on the latest figure, but the danger is not over. I will continue to vote for every trick in the book to avoid excessive 07816.539696 housing numbers. The battle continues 2021, so watch this space…… [email protected] In December officers proposed to the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee (ERL) to cancel the contract with Parkwood Leisure, the contractor who runs the Hazlit theatre. It is fair to say that Parkwood’s financial performance was not brilliant prior to Covid. With the theatre now closed for over 10 months, a £250,000+ annual subsidy with taxpayers’ money seemed a valid savings target for shrewd council officers. ERL granted their wishes, but the Conservative Group called-in ERL’s decision to Policy and Resources. P&R is the committee, which oversees the Council’s purse. With a little help from the Detling councillor who, not long ago, jumped our ship, we got the ERL decision overturned. Officers were given a new brief to renegotiate with Parkwood and to consider all possible alternative solutions. Work is in progress and the ERL January meeting has already been deferred because of it. A new report will be presented next week to ERL .
Which brings me to my last item, the MBC budget. Things at MBC don’t look quite as bad as you might expect, but the obligatory 2% Council Tax increase seems pretty much on the cards. At an inflation rate of below 1% this may appear excessive, but, considering that these are indeed strange and unpredictable times, I won’t predict that the Conservative Group will oppose this. So far, I have not heard any indication by the other groups. Please bear in mind that only approx. 12% of your council tax goes to MBC.
PATRIK GARTEN MBC Councillor for North Downs Ward (Conservative) Email: [email protected] Phone: 01622-807907 If you are not currently a Member or ‘Friend of the Meadows’ and would like to support this asset which is for the whole community, or if anyone is interested in sponsoring a tree which would make a great present for a loved one, then please visit www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk or any member of the Trust. There is more information on the HMT website together with the details of other projects and this can be found on www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk, on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/Project100HMTL/ and there is also a website where dona- tions can be made at https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/ hollingbournemeadowstrust Church Road, Hucking, Kent ME17 1QT. Tel : 01622.880272 -
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The best prayers have often more groans than words. - John Bunyan Endurance is the ability to stand up under adversity; perseverance is the ability to progress in spite of it. - Jerry Bridges
Hollingbourne Meadows Trust - News Bulletin February 2021 The Rectory The Trust relies totally on regular donations from members and St James the Least of All specific funds from other organisations. It does not receive funding from the Government or the Local Authority. My dear Nephew Darren,
We hope that you are managing to keep safe and healthy. We send our best I appreciated your recent concern when you heard one of our parishioners wishes to all our members and supporters and look forward to seeing you had slipped on a gravestone. Your desire to help was entirely soon. commendable, and I do know that sending your own church’s health and safety officer to give us some advice was kindly meant. But the 200-page The Trust had originally planned to hold the Annual General meeting in report was not welcome. If we implemented even half of your officer’s November, but, due to the restrictions in place, this was postponed. The Trust suggestions, life would become unbearably safe. has an obligation to hold this AGM by the end of February 2021. This is now confirmed and is now to be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021. St James the Least of All has survived perfectly well for the last 600 years However, due to current restrictions preventing public meetings, the AGM will without gutter cleaning inspections, path degreasing and electrical safety now be held online: invitations (together with copies of the agenda, previous certificates, so I think we may survive a little longer without them. As far as I minutes, financial report, how to access the meeting and ask questions if not am aware, the only disaster to hit us was when Cromwell’s soldiers stabled able to attend,) will be sent directly to Members and Friends by early February. their horses in the nave – which I suspect a few of our oldest members still The details of the meeting and copies of the financial accounts for 2019 will be clearly remember. available on the HTML website for all to see. The shock the sidesmen sometimes get when switching on the lights occurs
Our current Finance Director, Liz Jordan, who last year moved out of the only occasionally, is relatively mild and soon over – and if it happens when village, has expressed a desire to step down from this role. We are now preparing for the 8am Service, helps to wake them up. The weight of the looking for a suitable replacement. If you, or you know of someone, would be Duke of Clumber’s marble sarcophagus is slowly detaching the south aisle interested in helping the Trust with financial compliance or would just wish to from the rest of the church, but it is very slow – and the pews in that area are be involved in the management and organisation of the Trust, then please used only once a year when his relations visit from America to either contact a member of the Trust or post or email your details. Your valued commemorate his death at Agincourt – which is probably just beyond input is much needed! remembrance of the oldest of our congregation.
In November, we ran the Miles 4 Smiles event, which encouraged participants Leaks from the ceiling in the north aisle are solved with a row of buckets – to pledge to walk target distances to raise much-needed funds for the Trust. and even you must concede that the fungi on the oak beams look really The event was well supported and generated over £600. Our special thanks rather attractive when the sun catches them. The sapling growing out of the go to Woods of Hollingbourne and Diana Turner, General Manager at The spire is certainly an issue – although it looks so attractive in Spring when in Windmill PH, for their support with this event. The aim is to run this event again blossom. As for our fire extinguishers, they were serviced when my during this year, probably in the spring when, hopefully, the weather will be predecessor-but-two was in office, and I have the certificate to prove it. much more enjoyable. So, do thank your health and safety officer for all his work and tell him we will
We are planning in spring on creating a Hedge of Hope, using the Godfrey bear his recommendations in mind. Also tell him I was so sorry he slipped Meadow hedge. This project is to provide biodegradable wooden discs and broke his leg in our choir stalls while he was with us. But that bit of floor which can be decorated and hung on the hedge using hessian ties. The aim has been out of alignment since 1748, and it seems a shame to disturb it is for people to display inspirational and hopeful messages for all to read. In now. If only he had arrived encased in bubble wrap, it would never have order to prevent harm to the environment no other articles will be allowed happened. Perhaps you could put that on the agenda of your next health other than those provided by the Trust. and safety meeting.
The Trust has been selected by the Lottery Community Fund to be used as a Your loving uncle, case study. This will provide the Trust with much-needed publicity, which may include social media, radio, or television articles. This arrangement will also help to develop further the Trust’s relationship with the Lottery Community Fund, which has continued to provide financial support. Sheds and Shelters Ltd Hollingbourne Maidstone uent - 6 6 Tel. 01622 880031 www.shedsandshelters.co.uk
Pest Control Services Cocker spaniel missing All Pest Problems Dealt With Inoluding: 6 Rats Mice Moles Rabbits Insects Daisy, a brown and white cocker spaniel, was lost on 18th January on Wasps Squirrels Hollingbourne Hill. Dash cam footage has emerged from a passing motorist of 6 Bee Swarms Removed Daisy being put in a flat-bed van yesterday morning around 8:50am on
Hollingbourne Hill. Any information gratefully received. She belongs to an 6 Disoreet And Prompt Servioe Fully Insured elderly couple in the village. Andy Pink 01622.884774 or 07761.559744
If anyone has any information, please contact Pam on 880309.
COUNTRY NOTES are taking a break for a while.
S P R I N G
Pet sheep killed in Dog Attack at Hollingbourne Hill
Friendly hand reared pet sheep have tragically been attacked and killed on farmland at Hollingbourne Hill on 20th January. The farmland has a public footpath that runs through the land, however the sheep, who had been hand reared were very friendly and used to being close to humans and animals. The dog owners have not come forward and if you have any information on the incident then please do contact the Parish Council.
It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. In some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep. It is every dog’s instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient and good with other animals however chasing by dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them. The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs. Dogs chasing ewes and lambs can cause mis-mothering issues, with lambs dying from starvation or hypothermia when they become separated from their mother and fail to find her again. Dog bites can cause death in sheep or necessitate them being put down at a later date. It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.
This is particularly important as the lambing Season is in full swing. 2021 EDITOR’S NOTES
February Another month rolls by. Reports reach me that a number of the older village th 8 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line residents have already had their first ‘jab’ and the surgery seems to be th 14 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church expanding their targets to include 70-75 year olds. A glimpse of better things Valentines Day to come? Reports indicate that the latest lockdown has had some effect on th 15 Shrove Tuesday the spread of the disease, although numbers in hospital and deaths are not th 16 Ash Wednesday reducing as fast as one might like. Fingers crossed for the future. 21st 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 23rd 7.00 pm Hollingbourne Meadows AGM On Line Let us hope that this month will have good times – Valentine’s Day on the 14th 28th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church and Shrove Tuesday on the 15th. Little hope of shifting those ‘lockdown March pounds’ after indulging in chocolates and pancakes!
1st St. David’s Day Note that The Meadows Trust is holding its AGM (on-line) on 23rd February. 7th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Congratulations to those villagers who took part in the Miles 4 Smiles walk in 8th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line November. Funds are always precious. What an honour to be selected as a 14th 11.00 am Eucharist – Mothering Sunday All Saints Church case study for The Lottery Community Fund. A fine reward for all the hard 17th St. Patrick’s Day work of the Trustees and volunteers. 20th First Day of Spring 21st Census Day Early warning – there has been zero publicity that I have seen, but I caught a 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church hint that there is a Census due this year. The last paper one, but it can also st 28th British Summer Time Begins be completed digitally. Sunday, 21 March, is the day everyone in the 11.00 am Eucharist – Palm Sunday All Saints Church country has to declare where they spent the night. Reading of some of the First Day of Passover strange places in previous years (Emily Davison - who died under the hooves April of the King’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby - spent the night in a broom 1st Maundy Thursday cupboard in the House of Commons so that she could declare that she was 2nd Good Friday Bank Holiday resident in Westminster on that day) and the fact that some 330,000 declared 4th 11.00 am Eucharist – Easter Sunday All Saints Church themselves as ‘Jedi Knights’ in the 2011 Census, it will be interesting to find out th this year’s ‘unusuals’. 5 Easter Monday Bank Holiday 11th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Please keep me informed of any activities that organisations have in mind. 12th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line All contributions – gardening tips, cooking hints, leisure pursuits – will all be 13th First Day of Ramadan considered for inclusion in future editions. 18th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Carole Findlay 23rd St. George’s Day 01622.583636 25th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church [email protected] May 2nd 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Woods Local deliveries for the vulnerable Excitingly Woods of Hollingbourne has been 3rd May Bank Holiday nominated for a Kent foods retailer of the A reminder that Woods of 6th Local Elections year award. Hollingbourne are still offering local food th 9 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church deliveries to the vulnerable in this Invaluable during the lockdown providing a th 10 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line Lockdown. Please do get local hub for the 13th Ascension Day in touch if you are in need community as well as 23rd 11.00 Eucharist – Whit Sunday/Pentecost All Saints Church or know of anyone else delivering food boxes to 30th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church that needs assistance. local residents show your
st support for the Village 31 Spring Bank Holiday A Thank You also to the store for all their shop by voting for them If you wish to attend a church service at All Saints you MUST register in advance with hard work and support for the village over to win at the Churchwardens – Val Lurcock - 880694 or Christine Jones - 688830. the Pandemic.
Tasteofkentawards.co.uk Please send information for Village Diary and Regular Meetings to 01622.880.338 Carole Findlay 01622.583636 [email protected] Woodsofhollingbourne.co.uk Take a look at yourself
I’ve been impressed by the number of experts we have in this country. Every time you turn on the TV, or radio, or look at your paper or electronic devices, you see, or hea,r a professor of something or a doctor of something else. I think it is great that we can gain so much information from people who are in the know. But it all depends on what we do with that knowledge ….. A young man had a really annoying habit. He criticised everybody and everything. He really did think he knew everything about everything. But, one day it backfired on him. He was waiting for a bus, standing with a crowd of people, looking in the window of a taxidermist shop. The shop window was full of stuffed animals and in the centre of the window was a large owl that attracted the attention - of all who passed by. The self-appointed expert began to criticise what he - saw. 'If I couldn’t do better than that', he said pompously, 'I’d find another 6 business. Just look at that owl, the head is out of proportion, the pose of the - body is unnatural, and the feet are pointed in the wrong direction.'
- Just then, the owl turned his head and gave the young man a broad wink. - - The crowd laughed as the critic quickly slid away.
- We all know people like that, don’t we? Those individuals who think they - know better than anyone. How do they make us feel? I wonder. They can really get our backs up; they make our blood boil; they can upset us all too easily. It is in those situations when we should forget what the other person is doing and, without condemning ourselves, take a look at our own lives. What are the things in our lives that others see, which need to be put right? After a long, wet, windy and cold winter we are, at last, well on the way to 6 spring. The spring flowers are poking through the earth and all around us are signs of new growth and new life. After the dreariness of winter and the long : dark nights, our spirits are raised as we see the colours of spring appear. Especially after the last year of the pandemic, we need those signs that things are getting better.
6 Six weeks before Easter, we enter the season of Lent, which begins on Ash ଏ Wednesday (this year 17 February). The word ‘Lent’ comes from an old 6 English word Lenten which means spring or the lengthening of days. The : season of Lent has come from the early days of the Church when it was time of preparation of candidates for Baptism and a reminder of how Jesus spent nearly six weeks in the desert being tempted. Lent became a time of praying and fasting. Nowadays, it can be just an excuse to give up something, but its real purpose is to draw us closer to God and to be renewed in faith.
ଏ Lent gives us an opportunity to take a look at our own lives, to look at what is 6 important to us, to think about what we believe and to come before God to 6 say sorry for what is wrong in our lives.
6 ...4... ଏ Take a look at yourself
I’ve been impressed by the number of experts we have in this country. Every time you turn on the TV, or radio, or look at your paper or electronic devices, you see, or hea,r a professor of something or a doctor of something else. I think it is great that we can gain so much information from people who are in the know. But it all depends on what we do with that knowledge ….. A young man had a really annoying habit. He criticised everybody and everything. He really did think he knew everything about everything. But, one day it backfired on him. He was waiting for a bus, standing with a crowd of people, looking in the window of a taxidermist shop. The shop window was full of stuffed animals and in the centre of the window was a large owl that attracted the attention - of all who passed by. The self-appointed expert began to criticise what he - saw. 'If I couldn’t do better than that', he said pompously, 'I’d find another 6 business. Just look at that owl, the head is out of proportion, the pose of the - body is unnatural, and the feet are pointed in the wrong direction.'
- Just then, the owl turned his head and gave the young man a broad wink. - - The crowd laughed as the critic quickly slid away.
- We all know people like that, don’t we? Those individuals who think they - know better than anyone. How do they make us feel? I wonder. They can really get our backs up; they make our blood boil; they can upset us all too easily. It is in those situations when we should forget what the other person is doing and, without condemning ourselves, take a look at our own lives. What are the things in our lives that others see, which need to be put right? After a long, wet, windy and cold winter we are, at last, well on the way to 6 spring. The spring flowers are poking through the earth and all around us are signs of new growth and new life. After the dreariness of winter and the long : dark nights, our spirits are raised as we see the colours of spring appear. Especially after the last year of the pandemic, we need those signs that things are getting better.
6 Six weeks before Easter, we enter the season of Lent, which begins on Ash ଏ Wednesday (this year 17 February). The word ‘Lent’ comes from an old 6 English word Lenten which means spring or the lengthening of days. The : season of Lent has come from the early days of the Church when it was time of preparation of candidates for Baptism and a reminder of how Jesus spent nearly six weeks in the desert being tempted. Lent became a time of praying and fasting. Nowadays, it can be just an excuse to give up something, but its real purpose is to draw us closer to God and to be renewed in faith.
ଏ Lent gives us an opportunity to take a look at our own lives, to look at what is 6 important to us, to think about what we believe and to come before God to 6 say sorry for what is wrong in our lives.
6 ...4... ଏ Parish Directory
The Clergy Team Churchwardens Val Lurcock, 1 Tilefields 880694 Christine Jones 688830 Bellringers Nigel Baker (Tower Captain) 07778 691 343 Pam Nash 880309 Borough Councillor Patrik Garten, Kingswood House, Pitt Orad, ME17 3NR 807907 Bourne Musicians Beccy Stroud, 1 Musket Lane 880377 Cardwell Pavilion 07932 164839 Cricket Club Ian Gutteridge 730388 Cubs Jane Newsome 862558 Doctor Yeomans Lane : Repeat Prescriptions 630415 / Appointments, etc. 737326 Downs Mail Editor 734735 Football Club Mike Bedwell 880353 Garden Society John Ross 737080 Hospitals: Maidstone 729000 Eye, Ear & Mouth Unit 729000 Preston Hall 710161 9am – 5 pm Kent Messenger Correspondent Vacant Maidstone Volunteer Bureau 01622 756662 Meadows Trust Ben Williams 07968.123165 or880584 Neighbourhood Contacts June Pockett [email protected]/07767.367611 Parish Council Chairman Adam Ward [email protected] Vice Chairman Simon Hulme 07808 300 840 Parish Clerk Vickie Smith [email protected] 07856.180003/880526 Pre-School Christine Judges 07864 065753 Police PCSO Ryan Waring 101 Railway Enquiries 0845 748 4950 Reading Group Barbara Lloyd 880282 Dawn Perry 880634 Royal British Legion Derek Davison 880650 School Mrs. Helen Bradley-Wyatt, Headteacher 880270 Scout Group Alan Poulton 843019 Short Mat Bowls Peter Lee 880580 Village Hall Barbara Tremble 880216 Village Shop Julie & Martin Woods 880338 Women’s Institute Barbara Gibbs 880652 Sue Roberts 07867.691393 Hucking WI Sharon Lee 07714.756354 Kate Blacker 07760.905416
Magazine Contributions should be in by the 10th of the month latest to the Editor : Carole Findlay, 1 Pimpernel Close, Bearsted, Kent ME14 4QQ. 01622.583636 Email: [email protected]
Magazine Subscriptions for the year £6.00 were due by 1st April, 2020. (suspended) Subscriptions are usually collected by Magazine Distributors. For advertising please contact Phil Smith at [email protected] Single Copies 60p available from Woods of Hollingbourne (when available) and in All Saints Church Magazine available on line at new Hollingbourne Parish Council website Hollingbourne & Hucking February 2021
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Church & Village News www.hollingbournepc.co.uk