E L H A M NEWSLETTE R Published by the Elham Village Hall Association, Charity No 1024757 Also available to read on the EVHA website, www.elhamvillagehall.co.uk. For further information www.elham.co.uk/ visit Elham OCTOBER 2021

Summer Meadow, picture by Hugh Carson, originally sent for ‘Talk on the Wild Side, 2020. What’s On, In and Around ELHAM

Date Event Time Location Contact Page

Saturday 2nd Elham Gardening Society Coffee Doug Martin 01303 tbc Elham Village Hall 13 October Morning and Bulb Sale 840276

Maggie Tappenden Monday 4th October Short Mat Bowls Begins Again 15.30 -18.00 Elham Village Hall 01303 862467 25

Anna Clayton Jim Clements Monday 4th October Table Tennis for All 19.00 25 Room EVH 01303840295

Wednesday 6th Social, Snacks and Cinema Peggy Pike Room Jan Stanyon 19.00 5 October EVHA Elham Village Hall 01303 840820

ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL Nicki’s Garden Design

and Maintenance For parties, for the smaller function Hadlow Horticultural College and for Meetings trained and qualified More than fifteen years experience £12.00 for Mornings and Afternoons Garden Designing and planting from whole garden project to re-designing tired borders £15.00 for Evenings and Saturdays General Maintenance, Weeding, Pruning, Use of Kitchen included Planting, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting Gardening can be provided on a weekly, fortnightly or Bookings: Mrs Pat Holmes seasonal basis 01303 840647 Call Nicki on 07748628993 Email: [email protected]

Do you need a helping hand?

Garden & Domestic Work House & Pet Sitting Small Animal Care

Then please ’phone Fiona Johnson 01303 840507 (working locally for 28 years)

Air Link Cars

Airport, Seaport & Long Distance Travel Specialist The family run business where service really counts. Estate cars and people carriers. Fixed price 24 hrs a day. No extras. Written confirmation of booking. Established 10 years. For the Easy Airport Link, Think Air Link!

Your local reliable Electrician Part P Registered & Elecsa Approved Insured & On Competent Persons Register For a free quotation & advice call James on 01303 766333 www.sunhouse-electrical.com

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Welcome to the Elham Newsletter October 2021

As an Elham resident you will be aware that several events that have been planned in the past year have had to be postponed. The Elham Village Hall Association Committee are continuing to plan for the regular events as well as trying new social opportunities. We hope you will read about them in this month’s Newsletter and be prompted to ‘give it a go’. If you are new to the village come and introduce yourselves. We look forward to meeting you all.

We must thank Hugh Carson for his delightful summer meadow picture that he sent (originally for the Talk on the Wild Side) and invite you to attend in November, the purpose not only to show excellent and interesting pictures taken by Elham Residents, but to raise funds for the Christmas Illuminations.

If you have any suggestions or views or if you are organising an event in November this year that you want listed in ‘What’s On’ please send details to [email protected] before 13th October. This is YOUR Village Newsletter, distributed free of charge by the Elham Village Hall Association for all to read and enjoy. Editor, Renee Bull What’s On, In and Around ELHAM (cont)

Date Event Time Location Contact Page Friday 8th Elham Historical Society Andree Sladden 19.30 Elham Village Hall 9 October Elham Women 01303 840336 Friday 15th EVHA AUTUMN QUIZ POSTPONED October Sunday 17th Chris Jelly Walkers 10.00 East Cliff Pavilion 24 October 01303 862933 Thursday 21st Elham Gardening Society Peggy Pike Room Gerry Newman 19.30 13 October The story of Biddulph Grange Elham Village Hall 01303 840947 Saturday 23rd Royal British Legion Opposite St Mary’s Derek Smith 10.30 9 October Dedication of Memorial Bench Church Hall 01303 862508 Saturday 23rd Sharon Jacob ERA Welcome to Newcomers 14.00 -16.00 Elham Village Hall 14 October 01303 840 Tuesday 26th Chris Jelly Elham Valley Walkers 10.00 Lydden Bell Pub 24 October 01303 862933 Wednesday Marian Hoare Rhodes Minnis Circle Talk 14.30 9 October 27th Village Hall 01303 862913 Sunday 31st Elham V.Hall and Jim Clements Halloween - Dress up 17.00-19.00 8 October Garden 01303 840295 Wednesday 3rd Jan Stanyon Social, Snacks and Cinema 19.00 Peggy Pike Room 5 November 01303 840820 Tuesday 9th Chris Jelly Elham Valley Walkers 10.00 Breach Down 24 November 013 03862933 Saturday 12th Elham Gardening Society Etchinghill Golf 19.00 Jenny Gasson 13 November Annual Dinner Club Thursday 18th Elham Gardening Society Peggy Pike Room Gerry Newman 19.30 13 November Great plants for a small garden Elham Village Hall 840947 Friday 26th Jim Clements ‘Talk on the Wild Side’ 19.00 Elham Village Hall 7 November 01303840295 Sunday 5th Jim Clements ILLUMINATIONS SWITCH ON 17.00 The Triangle 9 December 01303 840295 Sunday 5th Lantern Making and Santa’s Jan Stanyon tbc Elham Village Hall 9 December Grotto 01303 840820 Sunday 12th Elham Farmers’ Market 11.00 - 4.00 The Square Julie Woodgate 11 December Tuesday 25th Jan Stanyon Burns Night and AGM tbc Elham Village Hall January 01303 840820 3

WHO’S WHO and WHAT’S WHERE ELHAM VILLAGE HALL PERSONNEL ELHAM PARISH COUNCIL (all are volunteers) See centre four pages.

President: Jan Stanyon and HYTHE DISTRICT Vice President: Gerry Newman COUNCILLORS Treasurer: Angela Milligan Stuart Peall 07956 110887 Secretary Miranda Weller David Godfrey 07584 304301 Other Committee members: Phillip Martin 07968 406702

Maureen Alexander Renee Bull COUNTY COUNCILLOR Jim Clements Liz Cox Susan Carey 01303 670561 Pat Holmes Gerry Newman MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Registered Office: Elham Village Hall, High Damian Collins 01303 253524 Street, Elham, CT4 6SX DOCTORS Editor and advertising; The Elham Surgery, Old Road 01303 840213 [email protected] The Health Centre 01303 232300 Renee Bull 01303 840295 74 Road, Hawkinge

Distribution: HOSPITALS Pauline and Barry Flanagan 01303 840007 William Harvey, Ashford 01233 633331 Kent & Canterbury, Canterbury 01227 766877 Please email any newsletter copy to the editor th PHARMACY by 9am on the 13 of the month prior to 21 Station Road, 01303 862425 publishing or by hand into the Elham Village Hall bag at Elham Valley Stores. SCHOOL

Elham CE Primary School 01303 840325

Whilst every care is taken in gathering and presenting the LIBRARY information by the volunteers who produce the Newsletter, errors can occur. No responsibility is accepted for any errors Mobile Library is fortnightly in Elham outside the or omissions nor consequential loss or liability. Opinions Rose & Crown - Fridays at 12.35 -13.05. expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the A selection of used books is available to purchase Elham Village Hall Association. We do our best to produce in St Mary The Virgin Church. an interesting, accurate and informative read. VETERINARY

EVHA website: Bourne Vets, 01227 832322 www.elhamvillagehall.co.uk Manor Vets, Folkestone 01303 273203

Hawkinge Vets, Hawkinge 01303 764190 Elham website: www.visitelham.co.uk ELHAM SPORTS CLUB 01303 840485

ELHAM CHURCHES www.elhamchurches.com

St Mary The Virgin, Church of Vicar: Rev Jane Weeks 01303 840219 ELHAM VALLEY STORES Wardens: Peter Swain and 01303 840408 Graham Ernest-Jones 01303 840645 Methodist Church, High Street We are always looking for more volunteers. Minister: Rev Gill Songer 01303 240228 Please contact Martin Turner (01303 840804 or [email protected]) if you would be ELHAM VILLAGE HALL 01303 840128

interested or have any questions. COUNCIL COMMUNITY WARDEN Gary Harrison 07977 982185

Royal British Legion Elham Valley Branch Derek Smith 01303 862508 ELHAM VILLAGE HALL 130 CLUB David Whitethread 01303 840650

SAMARITANS (freefone) 116 123 September Winners

1st Prize (£32) Number 47 Malcolm Allen POST OFFICE 2nd Prize (£20) Number 77 Roger Frost rd in The King’s Arms, The Square. 3 Prize (£13) Number 109 Anne Newman OPENING HOURS

If you would like to take part, Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays please contact Martin Turner 9.30 -12.30 01303 840804 / [email protected] Day to day banking with all major UK banks and an ATM available

© Copyright Elham Village Hall Association 2021 Permission must be obtained for reproduction in any format. 4

Contents

Page 3 Editor’s note / what’s on in Elham Page 4 Who’s who and what’s where / Elham Volunteers needed / 130 Club Winners Page 5 Contents / Elham Village Hall Association events / Pet Calendar Page 6 EVHA Gladrags Garden Party Page 7 Photography competition / EVHA Talk on the Wild Side Page 8 Royal British Legion / Light Up Elham / Rhodes Minnis Circle / Elham Historical Society Page 9 Love Your Landscape Page 10 Elham Farmers’ Market / Electrical Charging / Hawkinge and Elham Valley Practice PPG Page 11 October Nature Notes / Elham Vegan Club Page 12 Elham Gardening Society / Be Busy in Your Garden Page 13 ERA Welcome to Newcomers / Goodbye Adrian Page 14 Wordsearch / Other Idioms / Don’ts for Wives Page 15 Know Your Neighbour Pages 16 -17 Church Pages Page 17 Elham Vegan Group / Elham Primary School / Play for Elham Page 18 County Councillor’s Report KCC Pages 19 - 21 Elham Parish Council: The Green Canopy : Elham Environmental Group : Wellbeing Page 22 Village Forum Pages 23 - 25 Elham Walkers / Elham Petanque / Table Tennis / Short Mat Bowls / Elham Sports Club

Looking After You and Your Family’s Wellbeing / Looking After Your Home and Your Gar- Pages 26 - 40 den / Elham Services

SOCIAL, SNACKS AND CIMEMA! Wednesday 6th October. Doors open 7pm

Continuing our programme of locally shown films for your delectation and delight, this month we are offering an all time classic!

The evening will start with a social get together in the cosy Peggy Pike room at Elham Village Hall. You are invited to come along to catch up with friends and have a pre screening drink and a snack or two. There may even be a lighthearted film quiz for you to try- for fun only!

The film title cannot be puBlished because of our licencing RestrIctions but, as usual, you may bE able to work it out from the inFormation givEN. We are COnfident that attendance will eventually jUstify all the iNvestment and we will be able to make These social evEnings a Regular part of the village hall calendar.

Entry on the door - just £5.00 for Village Hall members and £6.00 for everyone else. Do support this event if you can as we hope to make it a regular part of Elham Village Hall calendar of events.

If you have a suggestion of a favourite film you particularly would like us to show please let Jan know and we’ll check to see if it is possible. Jan can be contacted on 840820/[email protected]

5 Elham Village Hall Association News

Gladrags Garden Party 3rd September

The Elham Village Hall Association hosted an enjoyable event for the Elham community to make use of our wonderful garden and hall. The ‘Gladrags Garden Party’ on 3rd September provided family fun and time to socialise, with games and activities, a well-stocked bar, food, dancing and good live music. It was pleasing that so many came in these difficult times. For some it was their first Elham Village Hall event and for others their first social event for a long time. Friendships were made and renewed in a safe community environment. The afternoon fun began with quoits, bubble fun, and giant Jenga with the Dissentanglers entertaining us with their music… it was great to see folk dancing! Our pictures show (clockwise) The Dissentanglers, younger members of the community on the ‘walking planks’ and making bubbles, dancing Elhamites and Eric running the bar.

More to follow! Jim Clements

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A Village Photography Competition sponsored by Allied Westminster, who insure village halls.

This year Rural Kent have teamed up with the Village Halls Podcast Show to promote the

Photo Competition 2021 celebrating village life and community spirit –

Win up to £1,000 for your local/nominated Village Hall and £500 for the photographer. Plus other cash prizes. They are accepting entries to 21 November 2021. See www.thevillagehallspodcast.com/photo-competition for details of how to enter, pass this on and view the competition gallery. Follow @thevillagehallspodcast and #wonderfulvillages2021 for this year’s entries. They’re particularly looking for pictures that ‘tell a story’. All entries will feature on the village hall podcast website and social media.

A Talk on the Wild Side in support of Elham Village Christmas Illuminations at Elham Village Hall Tickets £6.00 from Jan Stanyon 840 820 / [email protected] Friday 26th November 7.30pm

The perfect venue for every occasion ELHAM VILLAGE HALL

Situated in the beautiful Elham Valley, our modern village hall offers convenient and flexible facilities. Ideal for small or large occasions, happy or sad, from business meetings to christenings, wakes, birthday parties and weddings.

Approved by Kent County Council as a venue for the solemnisation of civil marriages and the formation of civil partnerships. Take a look at our website: www.elhamvillagehall.co.uk Contact Maggie Tappenden telephone 01303 862467 mobile 0774 6790 618 for further information. [email protected] All hiring at competitive rates Friends of E.V.H.A reduced rates

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SPOOKY HALLOWEEN PARADE Sadly there will be no Halloween parade this year. Hopefully next year it will be back. Janene Moat

The Elham Pet Calendar

PETS of ELHAM CALENDAR 2021

Produced by Elham Village Hall Association Ltd Send your pics to [email protected] In the light of comments and requests made about the Elham Pet Calendar for 2021, the calendar this year for 2022 will have MORE DATE SPACE which means fewer pet pictures can be included.

Send your favourite pet picture to [email protected]. before the end of the month. Editor

Halloween Sunday 31st October 5.00 — 6.30

Dress up in your Halloween outfit and come and meet your friends at the Elham Village Hall /Garden … it won’t be THAT scarey!

Free event Treats on sale Bar open Bring a torch (parents/carers accompanying children please note this event is only for age 11 and under)

Full of That Community Spirit?

The Elham Village Hall is run by a committee of volunteers, who try to ensure that our community thrives. If you are interested in helping with Village Hall events or have ideas that you would like to put into practice, please contact a mem- ber of the committee or send an email to [email protected]. Your community needs you!

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Light Up

ELHAM VALLEY BRANCH for Elham OF THE The Elham Village Hall Committee ROYAL BRITISH LEGION are planning a revised street

decoration scheme for 2021 which COFFEE MORNING we hope will enlighten the dark Saturday 23 October 2021 winter days of December. 10.30-2.30 Last year, with your support, we provided 65 trees with lights. This At St Mary’s Church Hall year we would like to purchase up to 100. We are asking Come and enjoy some members of the community who would like a 4’ tree to put up outside their house to be seen from the street to Refreshment and Fellowship contact [email protected]. We are asking for Free entry and refreshments, retiring collection a minimum of £10.00 for each participating household, focussing on the Square, the High Street, the Row, and Cullings Hill, but of course if you live elsewhere and want RHODES MINNIS CIRCLE a tree, please let us know. It was lovely to meet again in August just for a cup of tea and a chat with lots of catching- ‘Switch On Day’ in the village is planned for Sunday up to do! December 5th, including a lantern parade, carol singing On October 27th we look forward to Derek Smith telling us about The Kent & East Sus- and mulled wine. Father Christmas may well come along sex Railway. too! The letter for the competition will be 'M' In next month’s Newsletter read about how you can We meet at Rhodes Minnis Village Hall at 2- 30pm and visitors will be warmly welcomed. attend the Lantern Making workshop, find out about Marion 862913 Santa’s Grotto and how to get your Christmas Tree.

Elham Historical Society Forthcoming Events in Elham Village Hall: Starting time – 8.00 p.m.

8th October - Elham Women (Part 2) Derek Boughton will continue with the 2nd part of his talk

5th November - The Bayeux Tapestry and it’s local connection Imogen Corrigan will give us another of her inspiring talks

10th December - Fashionable Folkestone This talk unfortunately had to be cancelled in September but Hilary Tolputt has kindly agreed to a new date for her presentation.

Entry fees for talks are £3.00 for fully paid up members and £5.00 for guests.

For further details about the above events please contact the Secretary, Andree Sladden at [email protected] or telephone 01303 840336

To join EHS or renew membership (£10.00 pp) by bank transfer (sort code: 523023 Account No: 34762434 Ref: surname and initials) or cash or cheque made payable to EHS – delivered to the Membership Secretary at The Cottage, Cock Lane, Elham, CT4

Love Your Landscape - October Newsletter looks at Scots Pine

The Scots pine – or Pinus sylvestris – is Scotland's national tree. It is a native of the once extensive Caledonian pine forests and is the only timber-producing conifer native to Scotland. It’s known as a pioneer species, due to its ability to regenerate and thrive in poor soils. Scots pine is the only truly native pine in the UK. It thrives in heathland and is widely planted for timber, but is also found in abundance in the Scottish Highlands

Scots pine is an evergreen conifer native to northern Europe. Mature trees grow to 35m and can live for up to 700 years. The bark is a scaly orange-brown, which develops plates and fissures with age. Twigs are green- brown and hairless. The needle-like leaves are blue- green and slightly twisted, and grow in pairs on short side shoots

Scots pine is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers grow on the same tree. Male flowers comprise clusters of yellow anthers at the base of shoots. Female flowers are small, red-purple and globular, and grow at the tips of new shoots. After pollination by wind, the female flowers turn green and develop into cones. They mature the following season, so there are always cones of different ages on the one tree. Mature cones are grey-brown with a raised, circular bump at the centre of each scale.

Value to wildlife The Caledonian forest is a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and is home to rare species such as the creeping lady’s tresses and lesser twayblade orchids; the Scottish wood ant and Rannoch looper; and the capercaillie, crested tit and Scottish crossbill. Mammals include red squirrel, pine marten and Scottish wildcat. Scots pines in southern England are also the main caterpillar foodplant for the pine hawk-moth.

Mythology There’s not much folklore associated with the Scots pine, although there is some history of spiritual significance which can be traced back to Celtic times. It is thought that in England, Scots pines were planted around farmsteads as windbreaks, and clusters of pines growing along old droveways helped travellers find out where they were going in inclement weather.

In 2014, the Scots pine was voted the national tree of Scotland.

Scots pine timber is one of the strongest softwoods available and is widely used in the construction industry and in joinery. It is used in the manufacture of telegraph poles, pit props, gate posts and fencing. The tree can also be tapped for resin to make turpentine. Other uses include rope made from the inner bark, tar from the roots and a dye from the cones. Dry cones can be used as kindling for fires.

Scots pine is susceptible to red band needle blight, root and butt rot, needle cast disease and pine stem rust, which leads to cankers and distorted branches. The pine tree lappet moth can cause serious defoliation of Scots pine and may threaten pine forests in Scotland. The top picture shows a Scots Pine tree in Elham Churchyard. There are 16 such trees there. Info from Woodland Trust.

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ELHAM FARMERS’ MARKET We’re now looking forward to our Christmas market on Sunday, 12 December, and hope you will put the date in your diaries. If you would like a stall at this market, please email [email protected]. Stay safe – and we hope to see you there. www.elhamfarmersmarket.co.uk

Facebook.com/elhamfarmersmarket Julie Woodgate

Electric Car Charging Points

The trustees of Elham Village Hall are considering the possibility of having some electric charging points in- stalled in the car park. We are aware that there are a significant number of homes within the village who would not have the facility to charge an electric car from their premises. If you live in a home where charging a car is not possible can you please answer the following question and send your response and any comment to [email protected]. Would you consider having an electric car within the next five years if there were charging points at Elham Village Hall? The hall already has many measures in place to reduce its energy use – we are very proud of our green creden- tials. If, by having electric charging points within our grounds, we could help protect future generations and preserve our beautiful countryside, we would be very keen to play a part in that. Jan Stanyon

HAWKINGE AND ELHAM VALLEY PRACTICE PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP

It is pleasing to report that the Practice is fully staffed with a team of clinicians GPs and other practitioners including an experienced paramedic. All of these have face to face appointments where appropriate. Nurses have continued during the pandemic to see patients face to face every day. The Practice continues to be a training centre for both Doctors and GPs. Dr Kimpreet Tithh has joined the team.

A reminder to use E Consult where possible for booking appointments. The link can be found on the Practice website. Another reminder that NHS111 is always there to support and guide and can book appointments at an Urgent Treatment Centre of A&E where necessary. There are of course no centres where you can just walk in. A call has to be made to 111 first.

Regular testing – even if you have had both vaccinations please do remember to still get tested regularly. Kits can be ordered online or picked up from some pharmacies. If of course you have Covid symptoms you can arrange a test on gov.uk website at one of the drive-through centres.

The Quality Care Commission visited the Surgery recently and a report will be given in the next newsletter.

The Practice is currently looking at a programme for the flu vaccination and the Covid booster. More news to follow. It is hoped to use the Elham Village Hall once again following the success of the last programme.

Check-ups for long term conditions are now under way again, there being of course a backlog. Extra clinics will be put on to address this.

The PPG need new members and would ask anybody interested to contact the Surgery. Meetings are monthly via zoom at present.

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October Nature Notes On a clear October night a penetrating, whistling ‘tseep’ call heralds the arrival of a flock of redwing. These small thrushes are similar to the song thrush but have a white stripe above the eye and a rusty red flank and underwing. As with many migratory birds, they journey at night; flying across the North Sea from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Siberia, they arrive in the UK in their hundreds of thousands every autumn. They seek open countryside with hedgerows that are rich in berries, particularly those of hawthorn and elder, and will also forage on the ground for soil invertebrates such as earthworms. They are social birds and flocks of redwing will become a familiar encounter for those walking the country lanes and footpaths in the parish from the second half of the month. The larger and more colourful fieldfare will also start to arrive in numbers during October and follows a similar migration route from northern and eastern Europe. Kent based writer H.E. Bates considered October to be, along with May and June, the loveliest month of the English year; ‘a second spring’ when ‘the woods are at their best again.’ The display of colours in a British woodland on a day of autumnal sunshine is one of the finest spectacles in nature’s calendar, and with trees fruiting and leaves falling it is also an excellent time to learn to identify some of the more common species. With a little practice it can be possible to identify trees from a distance by the colour that their leaves turn. Beech and field maple are two of the most eye catching of our native trees in autumn, the former turning a bright copper orange, and the latter a rich buttery yellow. These pigments are produced by two groups of chemicals, carotenoids (which are responsible for yellows and oranges) and anthocyanins (which are responsible for reds). Autumn colours are usually more vibrant in cold and sunny autumns as these conditions stimulate greater production of anthocyanins which are important to protect the ability of a plant to photosynthesise whilst the leaf structure breaks down. October usually brings the peak of the fungi season and on a good day an experienced mycologist might expect to find a hundred or more species in the larger Forestry Commission woodlands to the west of Elham. Many mushrooms are exceedingly difficult to identify, but one species, the fly agaric, is instantly recognisable as the red and white toadstool of paintings and picture books. A poisonous species, it almost always occurs in close proximity to birch trees with which it shares a beneficial mycorrhizal symbiosis. The underground roots and threads of mycorrhizal fungi (such as the fly agaric) are invisible to us, but act as a remarkable network supplying plants with vital nutrients that they would otherwise struggle to obtain (such as ammonia, phosphorus and nitrates) in return for sugars that plants are able to produce via photosynthesis. Many other fungi are decomposers, helping to break down and recycle waste matter including the annual deluge of fallen leaves and decaying wood that autumn brings. Amongst the most recognisable of these decomposing fungi (known as saprotrophs) that you may find on a woodland walk this month are the puffballs, parachutes, fairy bonnets and brackets. Alfie Gay

Elham Vegan Club

Are you interested in forming a group that will meet monthly to try vegan dishes and share recipes? Everyone welcome. Contact - [email protected]

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Life IS looking up - we have now had two regular meetings in the Peggy Pike room, not quite as before but we're getting there. On 19th August, Jim Buttress made a return visit - he is now semi- retired but his talk was absolutely just what we needed for this first meeting. He described his life from childhood to the dizzy heights of running the Royal parks and gardens with a lot of humour and insight - a life lived with enthusiasm and delight in seizing every opportunity for experience, advancement and enjoyment - much enjoyed by the audience.

On 9th September, we had a return visit from Hugh Raggett who completed his history of the Hanbury Gardens. This was a fascinating talk as it involved not only the rather sad decline of the gardens but a detailed history of this amazing family, the members of which amassed extraordinary wealth and used it in such interesting ways. Sadly, the Garden, now run by the University of Genoa, has declined over the years since the War. It is still beautiful but not as it was in its heyday. A very enjoyable talk.

Don't forget the Coffee morning and bulb sale on 2nd October - we have a splendid selection of bulbs for sale and it's always a very jolly event. The tickets for the Dinner in November have now all gone but, undoubtedly, there will be cancellations, so do ring Jenny and put your names on the waiting list for a chance of tickets. The speaker at the meeting on 21st October will be Russell Bowes, a popular visitor who has enthralled us before. Monthly meetings will be held from now on in the Peggy Pike room of the Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30p.m. All members and friends very welcome. Frances Horton 840550.

BE BUSY IN YOUR GARDEN in October Chrissy Upson and Pauline Gladstone Barrett are our guest writers for ‘Be Busy in Your Garden’ for the next few months.

Flower Beds To add winter colour, plant evergreen shrubs, wallflowers and spring bulbs (but not tulips yet) Plant hyacinths to flower indoors at Christmas; make sure to buy bulbs that are labelled 'prepared' Sow sweet pea seeds: cardboard toilet roll middles make excellent pots which reduces root disturbance when planted out Protect your tender and exotic plants

Vegetable Plot Sow broad beans now for an early picking in May and June When you have finished harvesting French and runner beans, cut the plants down to ground level but leave the roots in the soil as they will continue to release valuable nitrogen Harvest squash and pumpkins before the first frosts turn these mushy

Fruit Plant new soft fruit canes Why not plant a fruit tree as there are sizes suitable for even the smallest of gardens?

Garden matters Turf is best laid in October and November Lift pots onto feet to stop water logging during the winter

LOCAL NEWS

Elham Residents’ Association

Welcome to Newcomers Saturday 23 October Welcoming newcomers to our beautiful village of Elham has long been a tradition, one which in recent years has been organised by the Elham Residents’ Association (ERA). For the 40 or so households (our estimate) which have moved into the village over the past 18 months, the village must have seemed a very quiet place. But trust us, now that we are hopefully moving out of the Covid pandemic and back to a sociable life, you will find that this is far from a somnolent community! It is therefore with the greatest joy that ERA can once again organise a Welcome to Newcomers – come and meet people, find out what the village is all about, speak to organisers of our many clubs and organisations, see what our local businesses have to offer. We have booked Elham Village Hall for the occasion. It will take place on Saturday 23 October 2021 from 2 to 4pm. This event is free and open to all, newcomers, old timers, clubs, associations, businesses, from the school to the yoga classes, from the churches to the gardening society, arts classes, playgroups, parish councillors and much more besides. Get acquainted with the Village Hall and discover its many amenities, how it is run and how you could get involved if you wish. We are inviting clubs, associations and businesses to have a table in the hall so newcomers can come and talk to you and find out what you do, what you sell, how they can join. We have made a list of businesses and organisations who may want to be present and will contact you personally. But just in case we have missed anybody, please contact ERA chair Sharon Jacob on [email protected] Welcome to Elham! We can’t wait to meet you PS: There will be cake! Thank you to the Cosy Tearoom for making the goodies

Goodbye Adrian Adrian Key had only lived in Elham for 11 years but in that short time, he managed to touch many people’s lives. He was the dog walker, accompanied by his faithful Midget, who always had a cheery word, a twinkle in his clear blue eyes, a positive outlook on life, with something to say about most things, from space exploration to his latest car (he changed these like people change shirts!), his last holiday, the next one he was planning, and couldn’t resist the odd rant against Boris Johnson and Priti Patel. And yet for eight of those years, he battled against ill health, first with throat cancer, then with multiple myeloma. He never complained, remaining forever optimistic. You wouldn’t have known that fate had dealt him this rotten health card. Travel was his passion, but Covid put paid to that in the past two years. And despite being double vaccinated and taking every care in the world, it was Covid that got him in the end. His poor weakened body, with no immunity left, just could not fight it. The end was so quick it caught everyone by surprise. “A lovely man, a damn fine fellow, a caring person, loved and popular, a genuine nice bloke...” These are just some of the comments I’ve received from the Elham community. I am deeply grateful to all of you for your kind words and offers of help. Thank you for having embraced him in this lovely village. Rest in peace Adrian. 6 June 1957 – 7 September 2021. Anne Leva

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OCTOBER Find these breeds of cattle in the WORDSEARCH wordsearch. Do you know what they all look like?

ABERDEEN AYRSHIRE BELTED GALLOWAY CHAROLAIS DEVON DEXTER GLOUCESTER GUERNSEY HEREFORD HIGHLAND HOLSTEIN FRESIAN JERSEY KERRY LIMOUSIN LONGHORN RED ANGUS RED POLE SHORTHORN WELSH BLACK WHITE PARK

From left to right : Charolais, Limousin, Belted Galloway

OTHER IDIOMS ‘to teach one’s grandmother to suck eggs’

This phrase has been in use since at least the early eighteenth century to reprimand someone who, although young in years and green in experience, thinks it is necessary to lecture an older and wiser person. It has been pointed out that naturally a toothless grandparent would be more successful at sucking the meat from an egg that a grandchild with a complete set of teeth. In later years ‘egg’ became an underworld slang word for a confidence trickster‘s victim, in other words a ‘sucker’.

Information from ‘Idioms’ by Linda and Roger Flavell

DON’TS FOR WIVES’ was a self-help book written by Blanche Ebbutt in 1913 Don’t allow yourself to get into the habit of dressing carelessly when there is ‘only’ your husband to see you. Depend upon it he has no use for faded tea gowns and badly dressed hair, and he abhors the sight of yor curling pins as much as other men do. He is a man after all and if his wife does not take the trouble to charm him, there are plenty of other women who will.

Editor

15 LOCAL NEWS

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOUR Phil Capon is known for wearing a beaten-up straw hat when walking the dog through the village and for his commissioned artwork and painting. You may have heard him telling ‘Alfie’ to be quiet because he constantly barks. He agreed to feature as the neighbour we can get to know this month. How long have you been part of We moved from the Isle of Wight on 24th March 2020, the first the Elham Community? day of lockdown, so the move was a bit of a nightmare, like the flight out of Israel… we didn’t even know if we could get on a ferry! What do you consider your great- Winning a Golden Lion at the Cannes Advertising Festival for est achievement to date? my ‘Drink Drive Campaign’ in 1989, when I was 39. The cam- paign proved to be very effective in saving lots of lives, which is something I am very proud of.

When were you happiest? My mum used to say ’give him some Plasticine or paper and crayons and he’ll be as happy as a pig in s..t’. I have always been happiest when I am making or creating things.

What did you want to be when you I wanted to be one of the ‘Rolling Stones’, but I can’t sing, my were growing up? guitar playing is rubbish and my hair started to fall out at a young age, so that put pay to my dreams!

What keeps you awake at night? The discotheque next door! (Only joking, Helen and Eric!) Maybe it’s the guilty conscience, which I ‘m not prepared to ex- pand on, unless you buy me a drink.

What is the most important lesson Don’t let a guilty conscience keep you awake at night. life has taught you? Which village event do you most I’m not sure because since we moved here, lockdown and reno- look forward to? vating a 16th century cottage has meant either the events have been postponed or I am too exhausted to attend but now both are nearly over we are looking forward to getting more involved.

Tell us three activities that keep *Renovating our cottage you busy? *Working on our fantastic garden *Painting pictures (always interested in taking commissions!) What one change in the village We have fantastic neighbours and everyone we have met is ex- would improve your life? tremely friendly, so there’s not a lot I’d change, maybe a better mobile signal? Cat, dog or goldfish? I love all animals, but I am definitely a dog person.

What is the worst job you have My father was a civil engineer for Kent and Canterbury County ever done? Council and during the school holidays he got me a job helping to lay main sewers. My job was to go down the pipes and clear them of silt before he came down for approval. It was extremely claustrophobic and muddy, even though the pipes had not been used. Tell us a joke. I sold my vacuum cleaner the other day…. it was only gathering dust. What would the people of Elham I was an art director in for over 30 years and when I re- not know about you? tired we lived in France for 10 years before moving back to the UK. Je parle Francais comme a vache Espaniole. Last thoughts, final word. Life is for living and we are so lucky to live in a fantastic village like Elham. Editor 16 CHURCH PAGES

Dear Friends Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give. Jesus’s words to his disciples, embellished in a Christian song, strike a chord during this season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. All around us, nature explodes with its bounty, ripe and abundant. Though we may have resented the rains of the past month, and some crops have been damaged as a result, the profusion in our gardens and fields, on our trees, bushes and hedgerows is magnificent. The abundance of God’s creation is never more apparent than during this season. Abundance that is freely, freely given. And our response? Our first reaction is to marvel at all this beauty, diversity and bounty. And we give thanks with grateful hearts for all of this plenty that has been so freely given. And in our turn, we must freely give. It is easy to give our excess. In fact, we are rather relieved to find a good home for those courgettes that have mysteriously become marrows overnight. Relieving ourselves of excess is not generosity. The generosity- generosity of material things, and generosity of spirit - requires more. Two tumultuous situations are now crying out for our generosity of spirit. We must open our hearts and our minds to the plight of the Afghan refugees who are arriving on our shores. Not only the seemingly deserving who arrive on RAF planes from Kabul, but also the seemingly undeserving who arrive on our beaches in fragile vessels. Freely, freely we have received peace, stability and prosperity in our land, freely, freely we should give. And how freely we have received this fragile world, under threat from global heating as never before. What kind of world do we wish to freely give to our children and grandchildren? The Diocese of Canterbury is asking us to pray for the 12 days leading up to the COP 26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November. We invite you to pray with us: Creator God, sustainer of all things. You have entrusted us to care for your world. In the face of the planet’s distress, rescue us from the paralysis of complacency and defeatism; teach us to blend prayer and activism, hope and determination, that your Church might truly be good news to all creation. Peter & Sarah Le Feuvre St. Mary’s: Services for OCTOBER 3rd 8am Holy Communion BCP 10th 9.30am Eucharist CW1 17th 9.30am Morning Prayer 24th 9.30am Eucharist CW1 31st 9.30am Benefice Family Communion at St Mary & St Ethelburga, Lyminge Every Wednesday 8am – Morning Prayer by Zoom – For details see: www.elhamvalleygroupofchurches.co.uk St Mary’s – the church remains open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm for private prayer and meditation.

Methodist Church – Contact the Circuit Office at [email protected]

Assistance during the Pandemic

Alison Dale ([email protected] 07985025381) has a list of contacts who can help or provide a service to everyone in the Elham Valley Group of Churches, from walking a dog to supplying take-away meals. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more, or wish to make an offer of assistance to others.

17 CHURCH PAGES

Churches Together in Elham

is once again hosting a prayer meeting in the Methodist Hall, open to all persons of any denomination or none. Bi-monthly, on a Saturday morning, at 8.00, half an hour of prayer followed by breakfast at 8.30 (please let David Whitethread know if you are coming – 840650 or 07961053335). The next Prayer Breakfast is 6th November. All welcome, come and join us.

LOOKING AHEAD… Our next music night will be on Sunday 5th December in St Mary's when you will have the op- portunity to sing your favourite Christmas songs and carols. Mince pies and drinks will be served. There is no charge for this event, but donations would be most welcome to help us keep this beautiful church open at the heart of our village.

Back to normal... As we all return to school for a new academic year (2021-2022), we are pleased to say that it seems to be getting back to some sort of normality following the 18 months where the whole world seemed to change because of the pandemic.

‘In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to’ (Dave Hollis).

Many of the directives from the DfE and the Government have gone- we no longer need to remain in ‘Bubbles’. This means that all the children can mix freely together which has always been part of the fami- ly ethos at our school. The classes are no longer arranged in rows and singing can return. Whole school assemblies have also returned after 527 days!

Some of the areas where changes took place have remained like washing our hands often and the route in and out of the school that now cause less congestion.

We are now welcoming back our volunteers for the first time since schools went into lockdown in March 2020. We are still being cautious in many areas as we approach winter but the staff and children are so happy to be together again!

Sensory Walk During the summer holidays, we have had major building work to provide level access throughout the site. The work has gone well and we are now looking to develop the space into a sensory walk. The plan is to plant the space with plants that are nice to touch and eat as well as smell, see and listen to. We are looking to find suitable plants so, if you are a keen gardener and would be able to take cuttings of any plants that you think might be suitable for the space or have anything you might be able to donate, the children would be grateful. Visit our website at www.elhamprimary.co.uk

18 LOCAL NEWS

County Councillor’s report Elham October 2021

I attended Elham Parish Council on 06 September and in the Open Session the applicants and several members of the public discussed a proposed diversion of Public Footpath HE100. The responsibility for making such decisions lies with KCC’s Public Rights of Way team who will consider all the representations they receive and the relevant regulations.

I was in Elham again on 11 September for the annual Streamclean where we clear the River Nailbourne of potential obstructions in advance of the winter rains. Thank you to all who came to help and it was good to see some family groups.

Also on 11 September I formally opened the Green Horizons eco/family day at the village hall. As well as many stalls from village groups such as Play for Elham and Walkers Are Welcome there were electric bikes to try and a Nissan Leaf from KAP in Folkestone. I was particularly delighted to see this as my own Nissan Leaf came from KAP almost exactly three years ago. I have never regretted switching to an all-electric vehicle and if you have a business and want to trial an electric van then please contact KCC about out Kent REVs scheme as we have 50 electric vans which we lend out for up to 2 months at a time for businesses. Thank you to those who organised the event, manned the stands and gave the talks.

I’m delighted to report that KCC has reached a shortlist of five in the category of ‘Climate Response’ for the national awards run by the LGC. There are further rounds of assessment and we’ll know the final result on 04 November.

KCC is once again accepting Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) but I’m sorry to report that the long term issues have still not been resolved and we are reliant on councils in other parts of the UK volunteering to accept a proportion of the number of UASCs arriving in Kent. A mandatory system exists for dispersing adult asylum seekers and families so that no one council has to shoulder a disproportionate share. KCC has now twice had to stop receiving UASCs as our resources (social workers, foster placements etc.) have been overwhelmed and this will undoubtedly happen again unless the Government changes the system.

KCC is making its usual winter preparations which include refilling the salt bins and they will also check if any need replacement or repair. Do please report any that you think need attention. It’s a good time of year for all of us to make similar preparations and as well as salt for our own drives and steps to make sure our cars are winter ready. Elham Observations Susan Carey Where is this in Elham? Member for Elham Valley Check if you are right on Kent County Council page 23. Editor

19 LOCAL NEWS

ELHAM PARISH COUNCIL [email protected] www.elhampc.co.uk

Chairman - Kevin Lamb 01303 840215 Abbreviated draft minutes of the Ordinary Vice Chair - Christeen Chapman 01303 840224 meeting of the Parish Council on 6th September 2021. Brian Swan 01303 840006

Charles Kirchner 07771684239 Those Present: Emily Arnold Newing 07581524402 Councillors: K Lamb (Chair), C Chapman Geoff Clements 01303 840255 (Vice-Chair), G Clements, B Swan, C Kirch- ner, S Jones, S Peall, County Cllr Susan Car- Kevin Allen 01303 862087 ey, 10 members of the public and the Clerk. Steve Jones 07712893362 Apologies: Apologies were received and Stuart Peall 07956110887 accepted from E Arnold Newing and K Allen.

Public Contribution A member of the public – A statement regarding the proposed diversion of footpath HE100(part) at El- ham was read to the room. A member of the Elham Historical Society – An objection letter has been submitted to KCC. Following an impromptu site meeting these objections still stand.

Chairman’s Report The car park at The Gore is now completed. A big thank you to Skeltons Plant Hire, who generously loaned the machinery required. A special thanks to Cllr Allen, Chapman, Jones, Swan and Jane Lamb for all their hard work over the course of the weekend.

Play for Elham have negotiated the use of The Gore, this season, with Barham Football Club whilst their pitch is being re-laid.

Community and Amenities Memorial/ friendship table – It was agreed that a brass plaque would be purchased at the cost of £36.50. Elham Living – The initial survey has now been distributed via the newsletter. The deadline for re- sponses is the 30th September 2021. Bus Shelter – It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange for the bus shelter to be cleaned. The Pound - It was agreed that a maintenance specification for the painting of the railing would be drafted by the C&A committee for tenders. Tenders received with be put to full Council.

Highways In the absence of the Highways Lead, Cllr Allen, a report was read to the room: The Square – A report has been sent to the Street Works Team for them to visit site and hopefully de- fect the entire reinstatement/patching that Southern water had undertaken for the purpose of them replacing all the shocking/damaged carriageway. Bollards – KCC have the removal of the plastic bollards and their replacements programmed in for ap- proximately 4 weeks time. Following a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed diversion of footpath HE100(part) at Elham, it was agreed that the Clerk would write to KCC requesting clarification on the route of the proposed diversion and an extension for comments to be received on this proposal.

Environment Working Groups Following a discussion, it was agreed that the Council would cover costs up to a maximum of £100 for the Green Horizons Eco Day should the costs not be met by donations given at the event. Cont/…….

20 LOCAL NEWS

ELHAM PARISH COUNCIL [email protected] www.elhampc.co.uk

Planning The receipt of received applications was noted and comments agreed: 21/1668/FH - 5 Hunters Bank, Old Road, Elham, Canterbury CT4 6SS – Erection of first floor side extension. Resolved – No objections. 21/1705/FH- Verneys, High Street, Elham, Canterbury, CT4 6TD - Installation of extended flue to serve existing wood burning site. Resolved – No objections. 21/1733/FH - Mount Lodge, Mount Bottom, Cullens Hill, Elham, Canterbury, CT4 6UJ - Erection of

replacement extension following demolition of existing; Loft conversion with 3 no. dormer windows and 2 no. rooflights; External timber cladding. Resolved – No objections. It was noted that one application had been received since the agenda was published. 21/1752/FH/NMA- Verschoyles Farm, Verschoyles Lane, Elham, Canterbury, CT4 6NN - non material amendment to plan- ning permission Y16/0007/SH Erection of a two storey extension, with a new Kitchen and living area to the ground floor and two new bedrooms to the first floor together with two detached double carports

(demolition of single storey side extension) to allow for a single four bay garage as opposed to 2 x two bay garages. Resolved – No Action. The decisions made by Folkestone and Hythe District Council were noted 21/1417/FH - 8 The Orchards, Elham, Canterbury, CT4 6TR - Two Storey Side extension. – Decision Approved with conditions. 21/1471/FH - Cullings Farm, Boyke Lane, , CT4 6XL - Lawful development (proposed) for the erection of rear extension to existing dwelling. – Decision – Lawful. Date of next meeting The next ordinary meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday 4th October at 7.30pm.

“ PLANT A TREE FOR THE JUBILEE”

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Plati- num Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.” Everyone from individuals or groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates will be encouraged to enhance our environment by planting trees from October 2021, when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022. With an emphasis on planting sustainably, the QGC will encourage the planting of trees to honour The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, and benefit future generations. Elham Parish Council has drawn together a consultation party drawn from the Village Hall, the Primary School, Sir John Williams Trust, the Historical Society, the Residents’ Association and the Gardening Society in order to formulate plans to celebrate this important national event. Already a number of exciting ideas have been put forward and the Council is now inviting the wider public to become involved in the development of these plans, or perhaps even investigating other ideas. We are particularly keen to talk with local landowners who might wish to contribute in some way to this project, especially as the Council presently does not have suitable landholdings for this event to be realised. To discover how you might be able to participate in this exciting project please contact the Parish Clerk: [email protected]

21 LOCAL NEWS

ELHAM PARISH COUNCIL [email protected] www.elhampc.co.uk

ELHAM ENVIRONMENT GROUP

Green Horizons/ Family Day 11th September This was a first for Elham in many years. A steady flow of people attended the show, much of which took place outside. Most popular was the plant-based BBQ shown below and Electric bike demonstrations in the top picture, not to mention ‘Turning the Tide on Plastics’ and some delicious local bakery products supplied by Ark Bakery and Country Bakes of Etchinghill.

Huge thanks to Clive Stanyon for his talk on bees, see below, Martin Whybrow for his session on Recycling and Waste and to all those who exhibited and the many volunteers who helped out on the day.

Elham Environment Group

WELLBEING

The last couple of years have been difficult for us all. They have brought many immediate challenges, and for some of us, longer term problems.

It feels like a good time to talk.

So we’ve decided to set up a safe supportive space in our community; a place where we can talk and listen to each other, and share our experiences.

We would be interested in any comments or ideas you may have on setting up the group.

If you’d like to be a part of this friendly group, please contact Chris(topher) (07981 560766), Anni (07768 732045) or Sharon (07734 952135)

22 VILLAGE FORUM

This Newsletter belongs to the people of Elham, all of whom have a view on life. Whilst every care is taken in gathering and presenting the information by the volunteers who produce the Newsletter, errors can occur. No responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions nor consequential loss or liability. Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Elham Village Hall Association. We do our best to produce an interesting, accurate and informative read.

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL 1-2-3 in response to a request from the editor 1. I’m still here! 2. Because I am still here I can see Kent Cricketers team win the semi-final… and the final. 3. Because I am still here I can look after the grandchildren for the weekend, do the school run, take to rugby training and swimming lessons. Tony Drane

DRUG TAKERS! (medicinal of course!)

Sally Greenwood has (temporarily) taken over the recycling of the medication blister packs. Please continue to bring your empty blister packs to the shop.

If you would like to take on the task of ensuring that these packs are delivered to Canterbury Superdrug, please contact Sally 840194 Editor

Helping Wildlife – unintentionally! Several years ago when visiting the recycling centre in Folkestone I rescued a wooden rocking horse from oblivion. It was in a sorry state. Jim Clements worked his magic on it, making it stable, crafting new ears and providing a resplendent tail of coarse string. It has been sitting on my decking since then and giving me enormous pleasure. In the spring months I had been feeding the birds and apart from the cost of constantly refilling the feeds, it had been a joy to observe so many birds in the garden. However one day I noticed that the tail had almost completely disappeared. Couldn’t work out why it had suddenly diminished. Then I noticed two sparrows, one on the tail and one queueing up! They both flew off with string in their mouths and returned several times. Unfortunately, they were so quick I could not get a picture of them! Can’t find a before picture, but here is an ‘after’ one. Sue Winter

INTERESTING DOCUMENTS Some post has arrived addressed to a Mrs. J. Bennett, New House, Elham. This is our address. We opened the post, which contained no letter but some paperwork dating back to 1954 which presumably is of significance to Mrs. Bennett.

If Mrs. Bennett, or anyone who knows her, reads this article, please get in touch with Dick and Barbara Athow at Old Shambles (previously known as New House), In the High Street, telephone 840720.

Thank you Family sayings…

My dad used to say (when speaking about getting work The Sladden family would like to thank done on the farm) ‘one boy is a boy, two boys is half a everyone for their very kind messages boy and three boys is none’. Jim Clements and good wishes for Ian’s speedy recovery from Covid. Send your family saying to [email protected] Hopefully he will be back soon in the village he loves so much. Elham Observations Stay safe everyone! Andree Sladden This is the brickwork in Duck Street.

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ELHAM VALLEY WALKERS

It has never been easier to walk in the footsteps of Saints Ethelburga and Eadburg

With the completion of the Lyminge map Elham Valley Walkers have now filled the catchment of the mighty Nailbourne with walks that they hope you will enjoy. This southern part of our valley has a variety of walks, many with spectacular views from the crest of the escarpment across the Weald and towards the Channel and Romney Marsh and of course northwards over our beautiful valley. If you are looking for a fitness challenge there is another longer 17 mile ring walk: go on try it!

As well a providing such exceptional views this part of our valley is steeped in Anglo Saxon history which its so well presented on the information display boards all around Lyminge village. Most of the walks cross the Tayne recreation field where the archaeologists have uncovered the site of the ‘palace’ of King Ethelbert. You may also walk past the site of the tomb of Queen Ethelburga as you walk round the church.

On our August Sunday walk Andy Cornford gave us a taster of Walk 2 (see map), a strenuous walk but well worth the effort in terms of enjoyment and improved fitness.

We hope that by this edition of the newsletter the map and all seven of its walks will be available to all via our website https://elhamvalleywalkers.co.uk . Lyminge Parish Council are keen to display this resource on a noticeboard in their village. So no excuses then get out there and try them out… and remember we welcome critical feedback, again via the website.

Keep walking. Peter Corkhill

Our new Autumn walks programme

Sunday 17th October. Tour the Triennial Art Works of Folkestone, an easy 3.5 mile walk, of 2.5 hours. Meet 10am at East Cliff Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone. (CT129 6BL)

Tuesday 26th October. A circular hilly walk giving fabulous views, probable brief drinks stop midway at Kearsney Abbey. Meet at the Lydden Bell pub in Lydden, CT15 7EX, (Map Ref TR261455), 10am, 5.70 miles. Allow 3 hours.

Tuesday 9th November. A walk in the northern section of the valley starting 10am at Breach Down, the junction of South Barham Hill with the Elham Valley Road. (Map Ref E203 N465). Walking towards Denton, Broome Court, then the golf course and back to Gravel Castle, 5 miles, allow 3 hours.

Sunday 21st November. A circular walk from Folkestone, initially along the beach towards the Warren then climbing the wooded path up to Capel Le Ferne, past the Memorial and back to the East Cliff Pavillion, our starting point. Meet at 10am in the Pavillion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone. (CT129 6BL)

Sunday 19th December. TBA EXCLUSIVE PET

Please wear shoes/boots suitable for the prevailing ground conditions. Dogs are welcome but please keep under control especially around livestock. There will be stiles on some routes. We look forward to seeing new faces and to welcoming back familiar ones! For details of our twenty-one fantastic Elham Valley self-guided walks or if you want to join us, please go to elhamvalleywalkers.co.uk and send us a message.

For more details contact Chris Jelly 01303 862933, [email protected]

24 LOCAL NEWS

Elham Valley Petanque Club.

The Petanque Terrain was a Millennium Project constructed in 2000 on the EVHA Triangle land. It is an asset for all Elham villagers to use. Over lockdown we were delighted to see that many more people made use of the terrain. It would be great if any of these new players would like to join the Elham Petangue Club. You would be made very welcome.

The Elham Valley Club was formed early in 2001. and members play most Sunday mornings from 10.30 am throughout the year (weather permitting). We have a range of club competitions, which we make as social as possible, inter club matches and an Inter Elham Valley Villages Match once a year, where we compete for the Millennium Shield. We have a link with a French group (Les Amis du Kent), in Montreuil-sur-Mer, and have an annual match with them, one year in Elham and the next in France

If you have any queries, please contact: Ian Sladden – 01303 840336 or Maureen Alexander – 01303 862938

Anyone for Table Tennis? Short Mat Bowls If you would like to re-discover the joys of playing table tennis or would like to give it Short Mat Bowls will a go, contact Jim Clements 840295 or return on Monday 4 email [email protected]. October for all ages at It might be more enjoyable than you Elham Village Hall. think! There is a new time of 3.30pm until 6.00pm.

Wear flat shoes or trainers

Contact Maggie Tappenden 862 457

ELHAM SPORTS CLUB Welcomes New Members

Tennis members can either book and play, or join the friendly club sessions

CONTACT INFORMATION CLUB SESSIONS

Chairman Mike Ridley 01303 840485 Mondays 18.30 [email protected] Gerry: [email protected] Membership Gerry 01303 864295 Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 (10.00 [email protected] winter) Treasurer Clive Stanyon 01303 840820 Rick: [email protected] [email protected] Adult Fun Tennis Tournament: Rick: 01303 863419 [email protected] Badminton: John: [email protected]

Elham Sports Club is a member of the LTA. This offers the opportunity to enter the annual ballot for Wimbledon tickets.

25 LOOKING AFTER YOU and YOUR FAMILY’S WELLBEING

In aid of LORD WHISKY SANCTUARY FUND (Registered Charity 283483) Park House CT4 6AN Tel: 01303 862622 www.lordwhisky.co.uk

End of Year Boot Fair & Clearance Sale THE KINGS ARMS Saturday 2nd October at Park House Animal Sanctuary, Stelling Minnis 01303 840242 Boots from 8am - all boots just £5 Christmas Cards & Puddings ~ Tombola Pub open every day from Midday Refreshments ~ Admission by donation Takeaway Menu Quiz Night - Saturday 18th December All the old favourites with new additions. From 6.30pm at The Lord Whisky Tea Room The menu is available on the web site, £10pp to include a Ploughman’s Supper Facebook and at the pub Teams of up to six ~ Prize for the winning team Food served from Ring 01303 862622 / 862349 to book 12.00 to 2.30 and 5.30 to 8.00, Monday to Friday,

12.00 to 3.00 and 5.00 to 8.00 on Saturdays, The Lord Whisky Tea Rooms 12.00 to 3.00 and 5.00 to 7.00 on Sundays

Gate Lane, Rhodes Minnis CT4 6XY Open daily from 9am to 4pm Delicious Sunday Roasts Delicious breakfasts, lunches, cakes, Cream Teas etc. £9.00 for one course Sunday Roasts (booking advisable) 01303 862349 £11.00 for two courses

Also open Friday evenings 6pm-9pm for Fish & Chips Eat-in or Take-Away BAR and KITCHEN STAFF required. Hours to discuss, good money and working conditions

www.thekingsarmselham

26 LOOKING AFTER YOU and YOUR FAMILY’S WELLBEING

HOME VISITING OPTOMETRIST Providing professional eye care in your own home

Classes in St Mary’s Church Hall, Elham Friday Mornings: 9.30 – 10.30 & 11 – 12 If you are over 60 years of age and no Wednesday Evenings: 7 – 8 (from 29/09/21) longer able to get out on your own, then £ 8 per session you are eligible for a NHS sight test in your own home. Monthly Yin Yoga Workshops in Elham and Barham Please call Join Sharon for gentle, mindful movement to calm Elaine Edwards the body and mind. BSc (Hons) MCOptom Beginners are very welcome. 01303 840541 Booking essential to arrange an appointment Registered with the General Optical Council (01-15421) Sharon Jacob: 01303 840206 or 07734 952135 - Member of the College of Optometrists [email protected]

Amy Mills

COLLINS

(Est 2017)

SUPPORT AND PERSONAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY & ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN YOUR OWN HOME Sports massage is not only a beneficial form of physical therapy for active sports people, but also for those who are seeking We can help you with COOKING, CLEANING, relief from muscle tension brought on by daily life SHOPPING, TAKING TO ACTIVITIES, MEDICATION,

Pain Management BUDGETTING, ETC Sports Injuries Improve Performance REASONABLE HOURLY RATES

General Injuries & Muscle Soreness FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Training Recovery ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP 07908472262 [email protected] PLEASE PHONE PETER ON 07941038343

27 LOOKING AFTER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S WELLBEING

RALPH ALLARD CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush and Vacuum All Chimneys, Boilers & Stoves Swept Woodburning Stoves & Fireplaces Fitted, Chimneys Lined Certificates Issued HETAS & NACS Registered, Fully Insured Member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps Tel: 01303 844465 - Mob: 07813 716654

Park House Sanctuary BARKING BEAUTIES Boarding Kennels and Cattery 01303 840456 / 07866 463660 Unit 11, Barham Business Park Park House, Stelling Minnis Valley Road, Barham CT4 6DQ Brick-built Heated Kennels Fully qualified City & Guilds grooming: Daily Walks – Reasonable Rates All dogs and cats must be fully inoculated Bathing, drying, nail clipping. De-matting. Hand stripping and Heated Cat Chalets in Quiet Area de-shedding. Fully qualified City & Guilds Master Diploma and K9 First Aid To book, or for further information, call us on qualified. 01303 862622 £16 for simple wash and blow dry. or email [email protected] www.affinityandbarkingbeauties.co.uk

Anna Lindley, Elham Dog Training (RVN, Dip.A.Physio) Club Offering physiotherapy All-round dog training service for you and assessment and treat- your dogs, available from before you even ment of dogs, cats and bring your puppy home, in the comfort of small animals. your home and continuing for the first four I use a combination of manual therapy, laser, weeks of your new bundle of joy coming ultrasound therapy, TENS, kinesiology tape and home! exercises to rehabilitate your pet depending on your pets needs. I also address environmental and exercise Fully insured and Kennel Club registered factors that can help your pet with their condition. Classes at Elham Village Hall and one I now have a new treatment room where I can offer to-one sessions available. further assessment of your pet using a stance analyser. This identifies the mildest of lameness and addresses areas of compensation. I also offer home visits. Contact us for more information and to Physiotherapy can help with arthritis and the ageing book a place on a course. pet, post operative orthopaedic surgery, neurological, Lyn Fagg 01303 862820 or spinal conditions and many more conditions. I am fully insured with over 15 years experience working with Sue Coulstock 01303 488797 animals. I am a member of the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT). [email protected] For more information please visit my website: annasanimalphysio.co.uk or feel free to contact me on 07944 606453 or [email protected] 28 LOOKING AFTER YOU and YOUR FAMILY’S WELLBEING

Supporting Your Wellbeing Confidential empathic counselling

Struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sense-of-self, overwhelm or relationships? Enjoy your leisure time, Face-to-face and telephone sessions Call or text Natasha on 07593 794321 Let SuperMaids do your housework! Email: [email protected] Weekly, fortnightly, monthly and one-off cleaning

All messages replied to: QUALITY CLEANING WITH CARE

www.forestlodgecounselling.com For a Free Quotation, Telephone 01227 277033

www.supermaids.co.uk, email :[email protected] Unit 127a, John Wilson Business Park, Thanet Way,

Clinics in Ashford, , Home visits on request 07745 532075 Podiatry, Chiropody, Foot Health. Treating and managing foot and nail conditions, corns, callus, insoles, ingrown nails, diabetic foot care www.eastkentfootcare.co.uk

ELHAM VALLEY STORES Sara’s Fruits

Open Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm Apple and Pear Juice - 1 Litre Bottles Frozen Fruits 500g Freezer Bags (also open Bank Holidays) FRESH BERRIES NOW ALSO FOR SALE

We provide: Raspberries Gooseberries Cherries Blackcurrants Blueberries Newspapers and Magazines Littlegate House, Park Gate, Elham CT4 6NE Fresh Ark Bakery Bread and Rolls Email [email protected] Local Simply Ice Cream 07980911589

Morning Goods

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Groceries and Confectionery

Health and Beauty Products

Off Licence and Tobacco

We accept all major cards.

29 LOOKING AFTER YOU and YOUR FAMILY’S WELLBEING

Independent, fully qualified and insured holistic and beauty therapist with 10 years experience. Open Tuesday - Friday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday by appointment only Treatments we offer: As osteopaths, Adam and Katie can *Facials including Microdermabrasion help patients suffering from a wide *Manicures and Pedicures variety of conditions including arthritic pain, circulatory problems, frozen *Massage including Pregnancy, Post-natal and Oncology shoulder, back pain, sciatica and *Waxing much more. *Threading *Lash and Brow Tinting Please visit our website or give us a call for *Reflexology more information. *Eyelash Lift Appointments available: Tuesday- Friday 10.00- 17.00 AK Healthcare Saturday 10.00- 16.00 Garden Suite Covid-19 safety procedures in place 4 Station Road, Lyminge 01303 840931 2 Cullings Hill, Elham, CT4 6TE www.roserooms.co.uk Tel; 07904311554 / 07980897382 www.akhealthcare.org.uk

Providing private community respiratory physiotherapy, general physiotherapy and rehabilitation to East Kent

T: 07904482097 E: [email protected] W: www.respiratoryrehab.co.uk Kris Bahadur. Chartered Physiotherapist MSc Physiotherapy, BSc (Hons), MCSP, SRP

30 LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME AND YOUR GARDEN FMW Painting & Decorating

Lady Decorator 07846 609002

SARAH de ROUGEMONT UPHOLSTERY Established 1990 Loose Covers - Fabrics - Roman Blinds All commissions considered Tel: 01227 455841 Mob: 07973 377817

CEDAR HOME MAINTENANCE General Builders and Roofing Specialist

Roofing.-.PVC.-.windows/ doors.-.Kitchens/Bathrooms.-.Plastering.-.Electrical- Installations - Plumbing

CALL NOW FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION All Work carried out by Qualified Tradesmen (Fully insured – all areas of Kent covered) Mobile: 07968197613 Office: 01303 230787 Email:[email protected] www.cedarhomemaintenance.co.uk

D.M.B. Plastering All aspects undertaken

Interior, Exterior, Plastering, Rendering, Coving, Ceilings, Walls, Floors

Finest quality assured, CSCS Certified

28 years experience Free estimates - Reliable service - Fully insured

Call David on 07818 607209

31 LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME AND YOUR GARDEN

ANDY MANNERING FLOORING JACKSON PLUMBING SPECIALISING IN AMTICO AND KARNDEAN LUXURY VINYL TILES Also Safety Flooring, Rubber Flooring etc Domestic plumbing & property maintenance Commercial and Domestic Work Undertaken No Job Too Small No job too small Free Estimates and Advice Given Special Rates for O.A.P.s Over 35 years experience Free estimates Fully Insured Telephone: 0797 434 7248 or 01303 863095 Home/evening: 01303 270691 [email protected] or daytime direct line to the proprietor

Please visit my website for further information and to 07773 089398 or 07864 929826 view my Feedback Email: [email protected] www.andymanneringflooring.com

32 LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME AND YOUR GARDEN Luxury German Kitchens at Internet Prices Swanson Plumbing & Heating Local Elham Valley Contemporary and traditional styles Family run local business with the most experienced plumber experienced design team in the area

Built-in appliances from Neff, Bosch, Siemens and Miele

Visit our showroom at: Units 8-10 Kingsmead, Park Farm Ind. Est. Reliable and on time Folkestone CT19 5EU 01303 223322 [email protected] From taps to bathrooms www.tradexltd.co.uk to complete heating systems 24hr emergency service Call 07971090018 / 01303 840177

Email [email protected]

Fincham Plumbing & Heating

Over 30 years experience

Gas Safe, CIPHE, WIAPS registered

local residents

Rosemary and Martin Fincham 07835 851 706

For your bathroom installations from start to finish, tiling, plumbing, gas, heating, radiators, boiler servicing

Free estimates

33 LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME AND YOUR GARDEN

HARMER & SON LTD

FULL LANDSCAPE SERVICE INCLUDING Grounds maintenance, landscape gardening, turfing, fencing FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 01303 893414 or 07831394372

email: [email protected] Groundworks & Landscaping

Excavation Stables Site Clearance Fencing Demolition Drainage Brickwork Concreting Turfing Driveways and Patios

Mob 07894 007660

34 LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME AND YOUR GARDEN

CEDAR CARE

All aspects of tree surgery and hedge cutting We also do stumpgrinding / removal

Seasoned logs available all year round

Fully insured and NPTC qualified

Call Tom on 01227709562

07769 908027/[email protected]

Established in 2001, award winning Hythe Garden Landscapes have been delivering the highest level of service to both domestic and commercial clients for a number of years. K.P. Decorating

We are fully insured members of the Association for Exterior Decorating Professional Landscapers (APL) and encompass every aspect of gardening including: Interior Decorating One-off garden jobs Garden maintenance packages UPVC Spraying Patios and driveways Composite decking Flooring Fencing Planting Tiling Turfing including artificial turf Tree surgery Call: 07956455720

Please take a look at our website www.hythegardenlandscapes.co.uk www.kpdecorate.com to see some of the projects that our professional, reliable team have completed, or call us on 01303 770610 to discuss your requirements and arrange a free quote.

35 SERVICES FOR ELHAM ELHAM ANTIQUES AND ELHAM VALLEY SHEPHERDS’ HUTS

Beautiful bespoke shepherds’ huts, built to last for generations. Fully insulated, wood burner, electrics, etc. Also garden antiques and country furniture. Established in Elham for over 25 years. For further details contact 01303 840874 / 07802 618681 www.elhamvalleyshepherdhuts.com

R.B.W. Need a Van? Then I’m your Man!

KENT’S WATER FEATURE SPECIALISTS For all light removals, furniture, domestic AND POND BUILDING EXPERTS items including house clearances Garden/Pond Design, Building and Refurbishments Avoid expensive deposits, pick-ups and drop-offs Pond Cleaning/Maintenance/Maintenance Contracts Remove, dispose of or recycle all household Child Safe Pond Covers items, including electrical Filtration Specialists appliances Based in Barham Patios-Decking-Fencing-Brickwork-Arbours Reasonable and fair rates Tel. 07563 212858 Free estimates and quotations FREE ESTIMATES and CONSULTATIONS

www.reflectionbywater.com Call Christian on 01227 831639/07771 Email: [email protected] 728080

Tony Wells Your local professional mole catcher Cost-effective traditional mole control Free Survey No call-out fee Fully Insured 01304 611090 / 07518 949587 Member of the Association of Professional Mole Catchers No Mole – No Fee Local mole catcher, offering mole control for your lawns, gardens, paddocks, public spaces and sports fields. Public liability insurance covered.

Call/Text – Keith 07876 686543 Email – [email protected] www.eastkentmolecatcher.co.uk

36 SERVICES FOR ELHAM

Chittendens Funeral Directors and

Monumental Masons

‘WE CARE’

Out of hours service 365 days a year Pre Paid Funeral Plans with no hidden costs

All quotations and advice given with no obligation but in a friendly and personal manner

Old school values with ‘when needed’, CAROL CREES a modern twist. CLEARANCES We are always prepared to go HOUSE CLEARANCE IN SOUTH EAST KENT the extra mile as we are passionate about Based in Folkestone Full/Part House Clearance giving that personal and dignified send Est. over 30 years –Fair Prices Paid off that we so deserve.

Antique/Vintage/Retro/Modern Contact us: 01303 851456 Registered Rubbish Carrier 1 Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone, Kent CT196JJ 1-3 Windmill Street, Hythe, Kent CT216BH Contact SIMON CULLEN 07745 421680 email: [email protected] [email protected]

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SERVICES FOR ELHAM

FAMILY HISTORY Interested in your ancestry?

Lacking the time or expertise to research it yourself?

Then give me a call, or email me, to arrange a free, no obligation, initial chat.

Research is undertaken at very affordable rates to suit your pocket.

Clive Stanyon 01303 840820 / 07771 922192

Badgers Bridge An ‘Outstanding’ Nursery, Forest School and Home CHRIS SHEATHER 5 WHITELOCKS CLOSE Ed Forest Groups. KINGSTON Badgers Bridge has a new setting in Elham which proudly offers an NR CANTERBURY environment of curiosity and kindness at The Gore. KENT CT4 6JG

Children can join us at our new setting in Elham from 18 months. SUPPLY, INSTALL, REPAIRS, DIY ADVICE We also have an Outstanding Nursery, Forest School and offer Home Ed Forest Groups in and Lyminge. 01227 830179 Please see our website for more information! [email protected] We provide an excellent nurturing and learning environment at all of our settings embracing the outdoor learning ethos alongside Jeff’s Computer Services Montessori principles. If you would like your child to attend one of our wonderful caring £20 per hour ‘home from home’ settings then please email badgers- PC setup, software installation, upgrades, [email protected] repairs, computer problems. We offer 15 and 30 hours funding for 3-5 years olds and FF2 fund- Website building and Hosting packages ing for those 2 year olds eligible. (please take a look at www.jeffrmartin.co.uk) Our Home Ed groups are run from our Forest site in Lyminge every App development, tuition and general enquiries Thursday 9.15-2.45pm. These groups are for children aged 4-11 or technical advice. who are being home educated and would like the opportunity of a day of discovery at our Forest groups. For a friendly and local service please call Jeff on: Again, please email us for enquiries. 01303 840838 / 07761299895 We look forward to hearing from you soon! Ofsted EY395128 or email [email protected]

38 SERVICES FOR ELHAM

E L H A M NEWSLETTE R Published by the Elham Village Hall Association, Charity No 1024757 Also available to read on the EVHA website, www.elhamvillagehall.co.uk

If you wish to advertise in the Elham Newsletter the rates below apply. Please contact [email protected] or phone 840295 Advertising rates Page Size Price Per month Eighth £8.00 Quarter £16.00 Half £32.00 Full £63.00 Per Year Eighth £53.00

Quarter £105.00

Back cover Eighth £74.00 Quarter £147.00 Inside cover Eighth £63.00 Quarter £126.00

39 SERVICES FOR ELHAM

For all your household and commercial knife and tool sharpening needs Door to door service at your convenience call Sam on 07787 578124, text or WhatsApp email: [email protected] www.samssharpening.co.uk.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-19:00 Saturday 08:30-13:00 24hour emergency service Hawkinge Veterinary Surgery 9b Defiant An independently owned veterinary Close Hawkinge CT18 7SU surgery for all types of small animals. TEL: 01303 764190 Separate waiting, consultation and www.hawkingevetsurgery.co.uk recovery rooms for cats, small pets email [email protected] and dogs. You’ll find us opposite Lidl supermarket

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