THE WELL Kemsing Village Magazine with News from Woodlands

THE WELL Kemsing Village Magazine with news from Woodlands

Summer 2017 No 206 See pages 16/17 for Church Hall design

CONTENTS - The Well, Summer 2017 No 206

Lunch Club’s farewell to Lesley 3 Kemsing School Report 21 Vicar’s letter 4 News from Cotmans Ash 23 Church Services 5 The St Edith Hall—History 24 Woodlands News 7 Our two new Parish Councillors 26 News and Notes 9 Family Milestones 28 PCC News 11 25 & 50 Years Ago 28 Kemsing Parish Council News 13 1st Kemsing Brownies 30 Children’s Groups 15 Village Diary 31 Our new Church Hall 16/17 Closure of Post Office counter 19

Editorial Team:- Doreen Farrow, Janet Eaton & Rosemary Banister Advertisement Editor—John Farrow We reserve the right to edit [i.e. cut, précis, alter, correct grammar or spelling] any item published, and our decision is final.

Cover picture of Pyramidal Orchids (anacamptis pyramidalis) by Brian Doe

COPY FOR NEXT ISSUE by 1st August 2017 Please submit any items or articles for the next issue of The Well before then.

THE WELL - is published and distributed free, four times a year by the Parochial Church Councils of St Mary’s Church, Kemsing and St Mary’s Church, Woodlands, to encourage and stimulate the life of the community. The views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent official church opinion or policy.

If you use a computer to type your article, it would be extremely helpful if you could Email it to: [email protected] or send to the Editors c/o Poppies Cottage, 3 St. Edith’s Road, Kemsing , Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 6PT.

For postal subscriptions, contact Debby Pierson—01732 762033

Lunch Club says a fond ‘Farewell’ to Lesley esley Harman has been in charge of the village Age Concern Lunch Club for L several years, but has now retired prior to leaving the village for a new life in the West Country. At a farewell event in April, the members of the Club and other people gave Lesley some gardening vouchers for her new home, plus a vase and some flowers. We are fortunate that running the Club has been taken over by Jackie Chisholm. There are spaces for some new members to come along on a Wednesday and enjoy a two course meal cooked by one of the lunch club teams. You just have to be over retirement age. Telephone Jackie on 01732 763991 for more details.

3 Vicar’s Letter

Dear Friends I was planning to write some more about the epoch-making events 500 years ago known as “The Reformation”. That can wait: We’ve had a General Election, and possibly the outcome is known by the time you read this. I’m not going to bore you with my personal views on the policies of the different parties: We’ve all had enough people try to persuade us, and I’d only alienate half of you if I joined the pundits. Instead, I want to think about what happens when we have an election. Some people in power get to continue; others have to finish. Sometimes there’s a change in the ruling party, other times not. It’s a reminder that both good and bad governments alike do not last forever. That’s a warning not to pin hopes on a good government that they can never be expected to deliver. To expect any government to rescue us from all our problems is most unrealistic; only God can deliver that. It’s also a comfort for those suffering under oppressive and bad governments. Debates about the merits of our different political parties are dwarfed by the cruel and selfish governments endured by the citizens of some countries. Bad governments also will not last forever, even if we may not live to see their end. In Daniel 2 in the Bible, the king of the regional superpower of the day (Babylon) has a dream. He sees a statue with a gold head, silver torso, bronze belly, iron legs and alloyed feet. The golden head represents his empire, the other materials represent those that would come after (Media, Persia, Greece, and Rome). He then sees a rock, “not cut with human hands”, strike the foot of the statue, and the whole thing is smashed. The rock, however, grows to become a mountain that fills the whole earth. God is showing the king that his empire will end, as will those that come after. Kingdoms rise, and kingdoms fall. The rock that grows represents the kingdom of Jesus Christ, who is called “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. All earthly empires, good and bad, will one day pass, leaving only the global kingdom of Jesus Christ. His is the one citizenship that really counts. We sometimes sing the hymn “The Day Thou Gavest Lord has Ended”. The final verse is this: “So be it, Lord, thy throne shall never, like earth’s proud empires pass away: But stand, and rule, and grow forever, till all thy creatures own thy sway.” With every blessing. Your friend and vicar,

James Oakley

St MARY the VIRGIN PARISH CHURCH, KEMSING www.kemsingwithwoodlands.org

Vicar Rev. James Oakley 01732 762556 Wardens Ray Parton 01732 764132 Trevor Mallinson 01959 524725 Parish Office Anita Connelly 01732 761351 Readers Mary Quenby 01959 522079 Philip Walker 01732 761646 Ruth Mason 01959 524486

The Parish Office is now in the St Edith Club, and will usually be open on 4 mornings a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.15 to 12.15pm. Answerphone at other times is 01732 761351. Ring first to make sure Anita, our Parish Administrator, is there. The Parish Administrator’s email address is: [email protected]

Apart from 5th Sunday, the pattern of services is as follows:

08.00 Communion in traditional language 09.15 Sung Communion service (followed by coffee in the Church) 10.30 Morning Service (with coffee in the Church beforehand) Sunday Special in the School on every Sunday apart from 1st Sunday of the month which is the ‘All-Age’ service. 18.30 Evening Service (Evensong twice a month, a number of other formats twice a month)

The service pattern on the 5th Sunday will be:

08.00 BCP Matins 10.00 Combined service with Woodlands at Kemsing 18.30 Evensong. A said Evensong will be held on 30th July.

Would you like to sing in the choir for the special Matins service to be held on Sunday 30th July at 12.00 noon. There will be two half hour practices at 5.30pm on both the 16th & 23rd July. Phone for more details 01732 462333.

SERVICES at St. Mary’s Woodlands 1st Sunday 4.30 Evening Praise 2nd Sunday 11.30 Morning Praise 3rd Sunday 4.30 The Lord’s Supper [Informal Communion] 4th Sunday 11.30 Holy Communion 5th Sunday 10.00 Combined Informal Communion Service for both Churches, usually to be held in Kemsing

Children are warmly welcomed at all of our services. Coffee is served from 10.45 to 11.15am before morning services. Evening services are followed by a light meal.

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NEWS FROM WOODLANDS

Hall Hire Please remember that our newly refurbished Hall is available for hire. Contact Ruth Chatwin, tel: 01959 522311 for details. The Lunch Club Meets every Thursday, details from Anne Shelley, telephone 01959 522986.

Woodlands Cafe—Urgent help required! Woodlands cafe urgently needs more helpers. The cafe opens on Saturdays from 11.30am to 3pm. If you could occasionally spare a few hours for this enjoyable outreach to the community, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ruth Chatwin on 01959 522311.

The north slope of Woodlands Church roof is in urgent need of repair and, unfortunately, we do not have sufficient funds to meet this commitment. If you can help in any way, either financially or helping us to obtain grants, or would like more information, please contact Mike Richards, tel.01959 524113. Copies of our Annual Report are now available in the Church. Please feel free to take one.

The primroses and snowdrops in the Churchyard were amazing this year. Thank you to all who came to the two working parities. The gutters have now been cleaned, and the Churchyard cleared of fallen branches.

Help keep ‘A Game of Bowls’ at Ightham Mote forever ...... The fundraising campaign to enable Ightham Mote to permanently acquire a unique painting of Ightham Mote by the renowned painter John Singer Sargent, has got off to a good start, but we still need £95k! The painting is currently on display in the house where visitors can donate or by calling 01732810378. Celebrating Ightham—Saturday 15th July Ightham village fete with Ightham & District Garden show. Free entry on the day. All children welcome to enter the ‘Dream Garden’ Garden Show class. Workshop for Ightham School children at Ightham Mote in June to inspire them to produce their entries. Murder at The Mote 24th June 7pm a classic whodunit. Performance followed by a two course meal in the Mote Cafe £37.50 call 01732811314 Family theatre on the lawn: Peter Pan 2nd September 5.00pm J. M. Barrie’s family classic tale brought to life by Chapterhouse. £15 adults £8 children. Book from the end of May on 0344 249 1895 or 01732 810378 And do get in touch if you are interested in volunteering at Ightham Mote - There are varied roles available— email [email protected] or call 01732 810378 Ext 130.

NEWS and NOTES ach year, for 17 days, artists and craftsmen/women in the South East open E the doors of their studios to the public. This year the event takes place from 9th to 25th June. There are 264 artists in 148 studios scattered across Kent and East Sussex, according to their guide. Visit South East Open Studios website on: www.seos-art.org for details. ommunity Sing In—Come and join the Community Sing In every C Monday, at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Kemsing. All welcome. ear Fund—the collection for relief in the South Sudan famine raised T £1,319.80. istributors for The Well are needed for “The Chase” and “Pilgrims Way” D south from Childsbridge Lane to the end of Kemsing. If you are able to help, please contact Debby Pierson on 01732 762033. ring and Buy Sale—The sale raised £175.94 towards the new Church B Hall. lot more goes on at Kemsing Library than just the lending of books and A CDs, look at the list below for details of weekly events: Tuesday 10.30-11.30 Coffee & Chat all welcome, no need to book. Wednesday 10.00-10.30 Bounce & Rhyme, musical activities to support children’s speech, language and communication skills, no need to book. Thursday 10.-10.30 Story Time hear stories read by a volunteer, no booking. Saturday 12.00 - 1.pm IT Buddy session. The buddy can assist in gaining basic IT skills, help access on line info. and support people to become confident IT users. Phone Anne or Gamu 03000 41 31 31 to book a place. For occasional talks by Authors see information leaflets at the Library .

The Well is printed by Highland Printers, Unit 1, Church Farm, Church Street, Seal, Kent TN15 0AT, tel.01732 762131, fax 01732 763501 Email: [email protected]

EKW Legacy waiting for pdf document

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ST MARY’S CHURCH, KEMSING (charity no.1131431)

he Annual Vestry Meeting was held on Thursday, 27th April 2017 at 7.45pm T in the Church. The two Churchwardens elected for the year 2017-18 were Raymond Parton and Trevor Mallinson. Ray has been one of our Churchwardens for the past six years, and we are very grateful to him for agreeing to continue for another year. Trevor has already been on the PCC since 2011, and took on the role of Health & Safety Officer. Matthew Trott, who has been our Churchwarden since May 2016, will be taking up a new post abroad from August, and has been a great support to James and the PCC. We wish him and his family well in the future. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting followed on, and the Annual Report & Financial Statements 2016 were received. Copies are available at the back of the Church for those who are not on the Church’s Electoral Roll. James took the opportunity to introduce Deb Goodhead who has been appointed to take up the role of Youth & Children’s Worker in September, part-time with us and with Oak Hall where she is currently involved with their activities. Deb has already been helping John Gadd out with Wednesday Club and will be able to continue with the 11-12 year olds when they move on in the autumn. Although there were four vacancies on the PCC this May, only one was filled by Paul Mayo, as we are waiting for the outcome of the consultation process for the combining of Woodlands with Kemsing parishes. Although it is one benefice which means we share the same Vicar, up until now there have been two separate PCCs. Combining the two will make things easier and simpler and it will be good to have our friends at Woodlands joining with us more in the future. Dr Robert Wickham, acting for the Diocese, is still trying to get planning applications approved with access across the Churchyard for a new Vicarage and Church Hall, but these have been refused by Sevenoaks District Council, and will be subject to appeal. The PCC has received planning approval for its application, ref: SE/16/01398 just for a replacement Church Hall, which has the Parish Council’s support. Wealden Homes have agreed that temporary vehicular access can be used during the Church Hall’s construction. Subject to various conditions, it is hoped that, at long last, we may be able to start building this year. See pages 16/17 for the Architect’s design. Rosemary Banister, PCC Secretary.

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KEMSING PARISH COUNCIL REPORT Mrs. Yolanda Tredoux, Parish Clerk, Tel: 01732 762841 Clerk’s Office, The St. Edith Hall, High Street, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 6NA Email : [email protected] website: www.kemsingpc.kentparishes.gov.uk Normal Office Hours : Monday, Wednesday & Thursday (9 am to 2 pm) Annual Parish Meeting (APM), 22nd March 2017–Thank you to everyone who attended the APM. Reports were made by Kemsing Primary, School, Sir Mark Collet Pavilion, St. Edith Club, West Kent Police, Kemsing Heritage Centre Association, Chairmen of the Parish Council’s Planning, Downland Management and Recreation Grounds Committees. Written reports were received from the District and County Councillors.

Petition for a 20mph Speed limit along Pilgrims Way, Kemsing–Kent County Council rejected residents’ petition in December 2016 after reviewing data collected from a speed count, but some signage improvements were made. Although roads are KCC’s responsibility, the Parish Council recognises that a number of residents remain concerned about safety of road users, particularly pedestrians along the Pilgrims Way, and also in other parts of Kemsing. As a result, a Working Group (comprising 6 Parish Councillors) to explore the viability of putting together a 20mph scheme for Kemsing, was formed. The Group’s first meeting will take place later this month.

Post Office at Dynes Road - The Post Office services will terminate sometime in July 2017. Another Kemsing business may be interested to take over the services.

Bus time table changes–Arriva introduced new time tables to the 452 Monday to Friday services on 2nd April 2017. Go Coach runs a similar service a few minutes ahead of Arriva, causing not only confusion for bus users, but also traffic problems where buses have difficulty in passing each other. A letter was sent asking Kent County Council’s Public Transportation Section to clarify why this is happening.

Overgrown vegetation – Please check your boundary shrubs, trees and hedges and trim back as necessary, particularly where these are overhanging footpaths, etc.

Dog fouling – Dog fouling reports increased over the past few months. It is not just unpleasant to step in but a potential health risk. Dog owners are responsible for clearing after their dogs; it is the law. Thank you to the many dog owners who do so.

Parish Council meetings–Please check village notice boards, the Parish Council’s website or contact the Clerk for information.

Yolanda Tredoux (Parish Clerk)

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ST MARY’S CHILDREN’S GROUPS

WEDNESDAY CLUB, KEMSING his club for 7-11 year olds is currently led by John Gadd. It T meets in Kemsing school hall from 5:45 to 7pm. The programme is designed for this age group with lots of games, videos, craft, guest speakers, Bible stories and quizzes. The most popular evening is Mini Olympics when the children compete in 8 different games for the trophy award which is kept by the winner until the next one 3 months later. In September 2016 three helpers from Oak Hall started to give assistance and leading on several evenings, this is much appreciated. All those working with the children meet the requirements of the current child protection legislation. EXPLORERS, MONDAYS, TERM TIME ONLY 3.30-4.45pm s a fun after school group for children in Key Stage 1, Classes R1 I and 2, organised by St Mary’s, Kemsing. We are so grateful for the use of the Library in Dippers Close. We cannot cook as we used to in the old Church Hall, but we have a great deal of fun decorating cakes and biscuits, sharing them with special adult visitors on occasions. We planted bulbs in the Library garden to say ‘thank you’ and you can see our crafts displayed on the board inside. We won prizes in the Garden Show this year again for crafts. Every week we have a Bible story and related games, and often we can have the Lego out to build things. We go to the residents at The Dynes in Nightingale Road, to share the good news of Christmas and Easter, but this term it is a serious challenge to win at board games! For more details, contact Ruth Mason, tel. 01959 524486

15 DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE—APPROVED PLAN FOR THE CHURCH HALL

16 APPROVED PLAN FOR THE CHURCH HALL

DO YOU OWN A

RENAULT? Ren7oaks Service, Repairs & MOT’s Unit G2, Chaucer Business Park, Kemsing, TN15 6HU

www.ren7oaks.co.uk 01732 761200 The Good Garage Scheme Member

18 Please support our advertisers and mention this publication DYNES ROAD POST OFFICE COUNTER TO CLOSE

r & Mrs Barathan regret to announce the closure of the Post Office counter M in the Kemsing Newsagents in Dynes Road, with effect after the first week in July. The shop will continue to be open as usual on Monday to Friday from 5am to 8pm, and on Saturday from 5am to 9pm and Sunday from 5am to 7pm. Mr & Mrs Barathan had hoped to be able to negotiate with the Post Office to open the counter on a part time basis, but the powers that be would not agree. The Post Office’s attitude was ‘open all hours or not at all’. Mr Barathan praised his staff but pointed out that it is difficult to find staff who can commit to rigorous training and working long hours. At the moment, he is struggling with one delivery driver off sick and another about to go into hospital for an operation. Both our Sevenoaks District Councillor Simon Reay and our MP Sir Michael Fallon have visited the shop and urged Mr Barathan to make every effort to keep the Post Office counter open. The Parish Council also wrote and asked the Post Office to reconsider its decision. Mr Barathan has done his best, but the intransi- gence of the Post Office has defeated him. He regrets having to take this decision, but sees no other option.

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KEMSING SCHOOL REPORT

We had a very successful end to the spring term when we had a visit from Ofsted in March. During their visit, inspectors spoke to staff, pupils and parents. All were overwhelmingly positive about the school and we were particularly pleased with the responses from the children when asked to choose one word to describe Kemsing. “Pupils expressed pride in their school, using adjectives such as, ‘extraordinary’, ‘educational’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘forgiving’ to describe their experiences.” Ofsted 2017

Now that we are well into the summer term, all of the children are swimming each week in our wonderful heated swimming pool. We are so fortunate that support from Friends of Kemsing School and from the wider community has enabled us to maintain this facility. Keeping with the fitness theme, The Daily Mile has also started at Kemsing School. Supervised by parent volunteers, children arrive early in the morning and run laps of the field before the start of morning lessons. As well as improving children’s fitness, this has a positive impact on their concentration and learning. Parent volunteers have been doing a brilliant job of completely refurbishing our KS2 library and outdoor pond/environmental area. The whole area has been transformed and now provides an excellent facility for reading, pond dipping and environmental study. Year 6 is busy preparing for their annual production, which this year is going to be “Abbarella”. This is a slightly different take on the Cinderella story, with songs from Abba. The children will perform for friends and family members on the 13th and 15th of June. Highlights later in the summer include a themed creative week, cycling proficiency lessons, a Key Stage 1 trip to Godstone Farm and a Gardening Club visit to Stonepitts Farm to pick strawberries. Also the Summer Fair will be held on 24th June. All are welcome for some summer fun! Eileen Mumford - Headteacher

All aspects of tree care [planting to felling] Hedge Cutting Stump Removal Over 30 years experience Logs

For help & friendly advice call our office

01959 524 623 The Oast, Preston Farm, Shoreham, Kent TN14 7UD Tel.

Email : [email protected] Website : www.downtoearthtrees.co.uk

THE ST EDITH CLUB

Affiliated to the CIU Evenings 7 -11 p.m. & Sunday Lunchtime 12 -3.00 p.m.

Fridays evenings open at 5pm. Sunday Evening 7 -10.30 p.m.

Why not come along and join us. Membership open to anyone Over the age of 18. Full membership £10.

DARTS QUIZ NIGHTS / LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Please Phone 01732 762 755 for details or call at the door CIU Associate card £3.00

There is a £6.00 refundable door fob deposit. Raffles every Friday night & Sunday Lunchtime. Next to the Village Hall, High Street, Kemsing TN15 6NA.

22 Please support our advertisers and mention this publication NEWS FROM COTMANS ASH –Crinkle Crankle

rinkle Crankle wall” What does it mean? What is a crinkle crankle wall and what is C its’ purpose? Who built it and when? The question came to my mind when I set eyes on a wall unlike any other I had ever seen and I have been wondering ever since – how or why it entered anyone’s head to build bricks in such a pattern! That question of over 50 years ago remains with me to this day whenever I enter the east Lych Gate into St. Mary’s churchyard where I see the wall wandering down north to south enclosing the south churchyard – 6 crinkles and 7 crankles I make it, depending on which side you stand! Vic Bowden once told me he thought exotic fruits, apricots, peaches etc. might have been planted in the zigzags for protection. Vic also said that rumour had it that a man from Otford built the wall but spent a lot of time in the “Wheatsheaf”. There is a young pretender that turns the corner from St Edith Road into Park Lane – its purpose is well served by enclosing an Aladdin’s Cave of rare and beautiful trees and shrubs, including an Indian Bean Tree with pods as long as bootlaces – an Hydrangea that thinks it is an Oak tree and on the wild side a lovely patch of rose pink Pyramid Orchids – Well Done Diana! As I write my note, the Kemsing hills are a glistening carpet of golden yellow cowslips – for so much beauty we must turn back the years to thank the kids from Kemsing School who grew cowslip plants to harvest the seed and eventually broadcast the seed on to the open downland to achieve what you see today and for years to come. Rose pink primroses are well known to us, but orange red cowslips growing at Little Wybournes are a first for me, then red cowslips at the school and on the downland seem as if we are in for a change! There seems to be much excitement at the return of the Red Kite to southern England, and now spreading to the Home Counties – I am now hearing reports of Kites over Kemsing. Not entirely good news. When they were with us before (sixteenth century) they scavenged the streets of London, they also pinched people’s washing off the line to line their nests – there you have been warned, Don’t Feed The Kites! An unwelcome addition to the Kemsing bird count are the ring necked parakeets – they turned up over Noah’s Ark for a while, spent their time plundering the bird cherries here at Cotmans Ash, but their worst crime is evicting bluetits sand other birds from their holes to take possession from them. A little bird that is forever welcome at Cotmans Ash is the turtledove, alas I no longer hear his quiet gentle purring through the oak trees - I think none of the summer birds mean more to me than this gentle little pigeon with his russet grey wings, but as if to compensate, the stock dove has moved in and fills in the background with his crooning and cooing in the early sunshine of a May morning. Brian Doe

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ST EDITH HALL

Although The St Edith Hall came into use in 1911, the Conveyance of the Freehold Premises to the Parish Council by Sir Mark Collet was not finalised until 1924, “Upon trust to permit the same to be appropriated and used in perpetuity as a Parish Hall Institute and Reading Room and for a Working Men’s Club for the benefit of the inhabitants of the said Parish upon the terms and conditions hereinafter expressed”. The management and control of the premises was laid down and is followed to this day with regard to representatives on The St Edith Hall Management Committee. The Architect, Mr Godfrey Pinkerton, was in the happy position of being able to design a building “of notable ornament to the Village and best accommodation”. The original accommodation provided for a Public Hall, a Club with Bar Room that could be used independently, a Caretaker’s Cottage, Public Baths, a fire hose cart shed, a Kitchen, and provision for a miniature Rifle Range. The first Management Committee meeting was held on 13th February 1911, and its first function was to appoint a caretaker. In May 1911 it is recorded: “Baths – Bathing by males and females on the same evening is to be prohibited and only one bath is to be fixed in position.” In October the same year, a meeting was called for 7.30pm when all men over 18 years were asked to attend, the purpose being to form the Working Men’s Club. In January 1912, an application was received from a Mr. Hickmott to hire the Hall for a Suffragette meeting in February. It appears the charge of £2.2s.0d. was too high, and the meeting did not take place. During 1914-18 the premises became a VAD Hospital. In 1924 a Badminton Club was using the Hall. In 1930 the Hall was let for regular cinematograph shows once a week. Sunday opening for the Working Men’s Club was agreed in 1931. In 1932, 85 applications were received for the post of Caretaker, and in 1990 when it was again advertised, 90 applications were received. The Store was built in 1934. A new Flagstaff to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI was erected in the same year. On 13th February 1944, the Kitchen roof was damaged by an incendiary bomb. In 1978 the Council and WMC signed a Lease for the Kitchen and Green Room, and the Club paid the Parish Council £21,500. The new Small Hall, Kitchen and Toilets were completed in 1979. Since then, the only new structural addition has been the Kemsing Heritage Centre which was completed in 2010. Visitors to our village are very interested to see what a magnificent village hall we have, and we should remember that it was thanks to the generosity of Sir Mark Collet when he gave it to the village in perpetuity. Rosemary Banister

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INTRODUCING OUR NEW PARISH COUNCILLORS

eter Dillon has lived in Kemsing P with his wife, Jean, for over 40 years. They have raised two children, both of whom attended Kemsing Primary School. He served on the Scout Committee for many years, and has often been a ‘pair of hands’ at various village events.

Peter has just retired from a career that included telecommunications, computer engineering, scientific programming, and geophysical research, in the oil and gas industry. His recreational interests are running as a member of the Sevenoaks Athletics Club, windsurfing, and small DIY projects.

Peter sincerely hopes that he can make a worthwhile contribution to Kemsing through the Parish Council. +++++++++ atthew Hudson has lived in Kemsing, with his wife Julie-Anne, since 2011. M They have a three year old son who loves both recreation grounds and the routes through the “Forests” to get to them. Matthew can often be seen playing "super heroes" with Hugo at the various play grounds or searching for Gruffalo. Matthew works in IT project management in London. It's a role he thoroughly enjoys as IT is ever evolving and leads to him working with a wide variety of people. His interests are mainly to do with the great outdoors, particularly walking and rock climbing. He also loves music but his wife will tell you he is tone deaf. He loves living in Kemsing, he hopes by serving on the Council he can help maintain the great qualities which the village offer its residents.

This space is available for YOUR advert.. Please contact [email protected] for further details, or telephone the Parish Office on 01732 761351 during office opening hours (see page 5)

FAMILY MILESTONES Baptisms/Thanksgiving Shannon Wright—26th March 2017 Deaths—Rest in Peace Robert ATKINSON (68) 20th January 2017 Roy CHANDLER 19th February 2017 Gwenith STRINGER (82) 22nd February 2017 Valerie (Maureen) WHITTINGHAM (78) 22nd February 2017 John CROUCH (89) 29th March 2017 Chris ARNOLD (62) 30th March 2017 Judy MACHIN Elizabeth LEWIS (90) 25th April 2017 Ann RANDALL (80) 8th May 2017

From “The Well” Summer 1967 Vic Bowden contributed an article about the history of St. Michael’s School and how it came to Kemsing (it is now in Otford Parish as so many parents and boys ended up at Kemsing Station!) The joys of being a commuter to London and the contrast to living in Kemsing were highlighted by Sid Payne. The Scouts had 80 in the Kemsing Troop and were due to hold their annual fete in the school field. Life in Zambia as a VSO teacher was a distinct culture shock but the contributor would willingly go again. From “The Well” Summer 1992 Marion Glock wrote about how she acted as a host for a day for a youngster (Lydia Zigomo) from Zimbabwe who was one of twelve people from Harare visiting the diocese. The centenary of the Mother’s Union in the diocese of Rochester saw 70 banners in the cathedral aisle. Kemsing’s was carried by Jean Dillon and Elizabeth Waters. A Wedding Dress Exhibition was held in the Church – the brainchild of Margaret Goulding who organised it. The children at the School had a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” which went down very well with viewers. Joseph was Rebecca Miles.

Free Home Delivery to Kemsing, Otford & Seal, Minimum Order £15. 3 Course Banquet Night Every Tuesday.

3,The Parade, Dynes Rd. Kemsing TN15 6RE Mob. 07 932 585 094 [email protected]

1st KEMSING BROWNIES

st Kemsing 1Brownies started the year with an international theme to their meetings. They tasted foods from different countries (the Swiss chocolate was a favourite!) did some Aboriginal style dot art and learnt how to use chopsticks, tried on kimonos, and learnt to count in Japanese.

Village Diary June 14th W.I. A special evening with a Royal embroiderer, one of the team who created the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress. St. Edith small hall 7.45. Visitors welcome. 24th School and Village Fete, Kemsing School Field 2pm 30th Heritage Centre talk ‘Rudyard Kipling-His Life and Verse’ by G. Hutchinson, St. Edith small hall 7.30 members free. Non members £2.50 details from Erica Cole 01732 761772

July 8th 2.00 pm ceremony at The War Memorial to remember Harold Avery killed 100 years ago on this date during WWI 8th Kemsing Gardeners Summer Show, exhibits to the school hall between 9.30-11.30am admission from 2.30pm by donation 9th Church Family BBQ after Combined Morning Services, Church Hall Field, tel. Parish Office if you can help, 01732 761351 12th W.I. Visit to a Garden Centre & afternoon cream tea, members only. Details from B.Bond 01959 522166 16th Kemsing Gardeners visit to West Dean Gardens near Chichester details from Mike Davies 01732 762266 28th Heritage Centre talk by Dr. A. Kneif ‘The Bevin Boys’ St. Edith small hall 7.30 Members free, non member £2.50 details from Erica Cole 01732 761772

August 9th W.I. Talk by Stuart Robinson ’Whitechapel 1888-the year of murders!’ 8.00pm St. Edith small hall.

September 9th Kemsing Gardeners Autumn Show, exhibits to the school hall between 9.30-11.30am admission from 2.30 pm by donation. 13th W.I. Talk by ‘Kent Fire & Rescue’ What they do in 2017 St. Edith small hall 8.00 pm 29th 2.00pm ceremony at The War Memorial to remember Harry Nye killed 100 years ago on this date WWI 29th Heritage Centre talk by D. J. Reuther ’The Origin & History of Nursery Rhymes’ St. Edith small hall 7.30 members free. Non members £2.50 details from Erica Cole 01732 761772

Mrs Yolanda Tredoux, Parish Clerk, Tel: 01732 762841 Clerk’s Office, The St Edith Hall, Kemsing, TN15 6NA Email: [email protected] Website: www.kemsingpc.kentparishes.gov.uk Normal office hours: Mon, Tues 12-3pm & Thurs, Fri 9am-1pm Parish Council elections in May 2015 Could you be a Parish Councillor for Kemsing? Are you interested in your local community and would like to voluntarily contribute to keeping Kemsing a good place to live and work? Sounds interesting, what do local Parish Councils do? Parish Councils are the most local part of the democratic system. Kemsing residents elect their local body of thirteen Councillors for a term of four years. As community leaders, Parish Councillors are the voice of our community by representing the objectives and concerns of the residents they serve. The Parish Council can lobby other authorities and influence decisions to the benefit of the residents of Kemsing. What do Parish Councillors do? There are 3 main areas of work which involve decision making, monitoring, and getting involved locally. Every important decision made on your behalf is by majority vote after debate. At these meetings, which are open to the Public, Councillors discuss many issues affecting Kemsing residents. The formal part of the role is to attend monthly Parish Council meetings and some Committee meetings. The less formal part is listening and talking to people, including the local elected members of the District and County Councils. How much time is involved? Parish Councillors generally say that their duties occupy them for about three hours a week, but obviously there are some Councillors who spend more time than this – and less. Am I qualified? You are qualified if: you are 18 years or older and a British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union, your name appears on the current register of Voters list, you have, for the past 12 months, resided in or within 3 miles of the Parish of Kemsing, or Kemsing has been your only place of work during the past 12 months. How do I get involved? Residents who would like to volunteer their time to work as a Parish Councillor to help contributing to Kemsing, can put themselves forward at the next election on 7th May 2015. If you are interested to find our more, please contact the Clerk. Dates of Parish Council meetings 18 February, 18 March, 15 April, 20 May in Small Hall, St. Edith Hall, Kemsing at 7.30 p.m. - Please see website and notice boards for further information) .