www..gov.uk sdc_newsdesk sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil

THE NEWSLETTER OF COUNCIL NO.113 WINTER 2019

Your Christmas

rubbish and You won’t miss a festive collection, but there recycling will be changes to some collections of your usual days. Page 3 for full details

FREE FESTIVE PARKING GOING THE EXTRA MILE ROYAL HANDOVER

Another reason to Charity event New owners for shop locally this returns to former Tudor Palace Christmas Sevenoaks next year

Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 2 ADVERTISEMENTS

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Total peace of mind, a better quality of life

The Good Care Group difference Our clients are 60% less likely to suffer a fall than in a care home1 Safe Outstanding Our clients are 8 times less likely to suffer serious injury due to falls compared to a care home2 Effective Outstanding Our clients are 4 times less likely to acquire a pressure sore Outstanding 3 Inspected and rated Caring than in hospital Outstanding Responsive Outstanding Our professional carers are trained to detect infections, such as UTIs, and to check vital signs, further reducing hospital Well-led Outstanding admissions Our unique dementia care makes our clients twice less likely to require anti-Psychotic medication than those in a care home4

For complete peace of mind, our care advisors are on hand to guide you through how best we can support conditions such as dementia, Parkinsons, MS and palliative care 01732 441098 as well as support for people who need general care to remain in their own home

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References from ‘The Good Care Group: Client Outcome’ Copyright @ 2018 1 & 2: Help the Aged (2006), Preventing Falls. Managing the risk and effect of falls among older people in care homes. http://tinyurl.com/6l5pve8 3: NHS Safety Thermometer Data, May 2018 4: http://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/81575/6/szczepura.bmjopen.2016.pdf

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 3

Your festive waste and COLLECTIONS recycling collections ON 23, 24 & 25 DECEMBER Not only are we the only council in with weekly WILL BE EARLIER waste pickups, our staff will be working extra days over THAN USUAL Environment Christmas and New Year so you don’t miss a collection. Council Plan

Most collections will take place a day later or on the same day. Your usual collection day Your revised collection day Monday 23 December Saturday 21 December The exceptions are collections on Monday 23 December, which are two days earlier on Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) Monday 23 December Saturday 21 December, the Christmas Eve Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) Tuesday 24 December collection on Tuesday 24 December, a day earlier on Monday 23 December, and Christmas Day Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day) Friday 27 December collection on Wednesday 25 December, a day Friday 27 December Saturday 28 December earlier on Tuesday 24 December. Monday 30 December Usual collection day The changes will apply to our garden waste Tuesday 31 December Usual collection day collection service too. Wednesday 1 January Thursday 2 January Please put your sacks and bins out at 7am on your revised collection day to help prevent Thursday 2 January Friday 3 January attracting animals and the build-up of litter. Friday 3 January Saturday 4 January

To view your refuse collection days online, visit Monday 6 January Normal service resumes www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/collectiondays FREE FREE festive parking Make the most of our excellent town centres with FREE shoppers’ parking in Sevenoaks and over two weekends before Christmas.

Our car parks and on-street parking will be free on There will be no need to show a pay Saturdays 14 and 21 December in both Sevenoaks and display ticket, but we will continue and Westerham. to patrol the car parks over these busy weekends, helping to ensure they Blighs car park in Sevenoaks will be free on operate as smoothly as possible Sundays 15 and 22 December too. in the lead up to Christmas.

You can park for up to three hours For our car park locations and in Blighs and longer in our other facilities, visit car parks helping to spread the www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/carparks Christmas cheer as widely as possible.

Parking is already free at weekends in our other town centre car parks, including in Swanley.

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 4 NEWS

Will you go the extra mile for charity?

‘Run, walk or push against dementia’ returns to the stunning Wellbeing surroundings of Knole Park on Sunday 10 May 2020 giving you

the chance take part and raise money for a great local cause. Council Plan Five-hundred places are available with the option of 3k, 5k or 10k courses. And, as the name suggests, you can run or walk your chosen course or push a pram or wheelchair round at your own pace, it’s up to you!

The 2019 ‘Run, walk or push’ sold out in record time so we’re encouraging residents to be quick off the mark to secure their spot in next year’s event.

Run, walk or push is being organised by the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community (SADFC), which includes ourselves. Not only is it a fun day out for the whole family, SADFC use the money raised to run dementia- friendly cafés, signing groups, cinema screenings and wellbeing days as The 2019 event raised £7,318.27, but Chairman of Sevenoaks District well as funding other dementia next year the aim is to do even better as Council, Cllr John Edwards-Winser, groups. SADFC helps hundreds of Co-founder of SADFC, Elaine Murray, adds: “It’s always a privilege to be people living with dementia and explains: “We want to make ‘Run, walk involved with ‘Run, walk or push’. It’s their families every year. or push’ 2020 the best yet and we’ve set such a brilliant cause that makes a big ourselves a target of raising even more difference to the lives of our residents What’s more, SADFC gained charity money from sponsorship. Thanks to the not to mention a great day out for status earlier this year so it can work of our dedicated volunteers, we everyone who takes part.” generate even more money for local make the money our residents raise go dementia services by qualifying for a long way, providing services that are a Register your place at www. gift aid on most public donations. lifeline for people living with dementia.” sevenoaks.gov.uk/runwalkpush Looking out for future generations In early November we and Kent County Council hosted a Youth Conference to make sure we heard the views of young people. More than twenty representatives from Knole Academy, Walthamstow Hall School, Sevenoaks School and Broomhill Bank School came along for a day’s worth of talks and activities at our Sevenoaks offices.

The aim of the day was to re-establish a forum for young people to say what is important to them, what services they would like to see and their priorities for the future. Topics covered spanned from bullying to mental health, the environment and lots more.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk ADVERTISEMENTS 5

sevenoaksdc www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 6 NEWS Right Royal handover A crown jewel of the District’s heritage, the Signing over the tower to it new owners remains of the Archbishop’s Palace in , has Insert – scale model of how the Archbishop’s been transferred to a local conservation trust. Palace may have looked in the 16th century Once as grand as Hampton Court, the four-acre Tudor Palace dates back to 1514 and was owned by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. It stood on the site of three former palaces, which, from 821, were home to 52 archbishops of Canterbury. Then, in the 17th century, the Palace fell into ruin.

Today, only the North-West Tower, part of the Gatehouse and a few isolated remains exist. Over the years, people removed building materials from the Palace and many of the historic buildings in the village incorporate some of its remains.

The North-West Tower and Gatehouse came into the ownership of Sevenoaks Rural District Council in 1964 and, together with the extensive site, are listed as a scheduled ancient monument. to the newly-crowned leaseholders, the Archbishop’s While under our control, the iconic building underwent Palace Conservation Trust. This former Royal House has an several major improvements. Most recently, these included incredible history and we look forward to seeing the Trust a new roof and extensive work to the masonry ‘throne’ in open up these majestic remains to the public.” order to preserve the structure, ensuring it was in good stead for its new owners. Nick Rushby, one of the Trustees, adds: “For many years, there has been an aspiration to conserve the Palace, one The new owners, the Archbishop’s Palace Conservation of the most iconic buildings in the area, and create a centre Trust, signed a 99-year lease in September. The Trust has of which the community can be proud. Now the lease is the ambition of converting the Tower into an interpretation signed, we can forge ahead with our plans and start to centre for the Otford and the Darent Valley. raise the funds needed to realise our vision.”

Cllr John Edwards-Winser, the Council’s Chairman, says: For the full story of Otford’s Hidden Palace and the project, “It’s a royal farewell as we hand the reins of Otford Tower visit https://otfordpalace.org Council Christmas opening times

Sevenoaks offices Swanley Link Monday 23 December – Open 8.45am to 5pm Not all organisations will be available at the Link during the Tuesday 24 December – Open 8.45am to 5pm festive period. Wednesday 25 December – Closed Monday 23 December – Open 9am to 5.30pm Thursday 26 December – Closed Tuesday 24 December – Open 9am to 12.30pm Friday 27 December – Closed Wednesday 25 December – Closed Monday 30 December – Open 8.45am to 5pm Thursday 26 December – Closed Tuesday 31 December – Open 8.45am to 5pm Friday 27 December – Open 9am to 6pm Wednesday 1 January – Closed Saturday 28 December – Open 9am to 1pm Thursday 2 January – Open 8.45am to 5pm Sunday 29 December – Closed Monday 30 December – Open 9am to 5.45pm Many of our services are available 24/7 on our website Tuesday 31 December – Open 9am to 4pm www.sevenoaks.gov.uk. You can still call us in an Wednesday 1 January – Closed emergency when our offices are closed on 01732 227000. Thursday 2 January – Open 9am to 5.45pm

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk HEALTH 7

Make 2020 the year to change your life! You may think One You is there to help improve your physical health but, as Sevenoaks resident Ertan Ali-Faik found out, it can help with mental health too… Sixty-year old Ertan signed up to One You last year. Sadly, Ertan lost FREE his wife suddenly back in February 2018. This tragedy was not the first in his life. Ertan was diagnosed with cancer himself in 2013 and lost his older brother in the same year as his wife. Ertan couldn’t cope and stopped taking care of his health.

“My GP was worried that I was drinking too much. She had been concerned about my health for some years and referred me to the practice nurse,” says Ertan. “She was very sympathetic about my problems. We discussed the One You programme and decided it was the right support for me.”

Initially Ertan began Why Weight, our 12-week weight management course that involves a weekly group meeting to discuss nutrition and healthy eating, followed by half an hour of gentle exercise. But he soon realised that One You could help him with more than just weight loss. “I am now better at managing my refer themselves to One You. Ertan soon signed up for meals and drinking issues,” comments The support and guidance is crucial counselling to help his depression Ertan. “I feel stronger so I have joined in improving physical and mental and attended Riverhead health walks. the gym and started doing Pilates, health. I am now able to laugh As Ertan lives near the Sevenoaks Yoga and Aqua classes. The difference and enjoy time with my beautiful Wildlife Reserve, One You also is that I can understand my issues daughters and two gorgeous referred him to several programmes and have the tools to manage them grandchildren. My life is once there, including wildlife monitoring better. I am not out of the woods, again brighter and happier.” and mindfulness. but I am on the way to recovery. If you’d like to know more “Through these programmes, I started “I would advise people who are call 0300 020 0636 or visit opening up, making friends, helping suffering to speak to their GP or www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/oneyou others, getting my confidence back and being more active,” says Ertan. New you! Now Ertan is feeling more positive If you’ve decided it’s time to make a change about himself, he is starting to help to your health, we have a new Why Weight others who have been going through programme starting in January. The 12-week similar problems and is even making a courses run across the District for adults who short film to encourage men to speak are two or more stone over weight. If you’d like up about depression. He has also to know more, please email healthy.living@ taken part in awareness events for sevenoaks.gov.uk or call us on 0300 0200636. prostate cancer.

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 8 TOURISM

Christmas in Sevenoaks District From twinkling trails to sightings of Santa Claus himself - it’s all going on in the District this season, and we’d just hate for you to miss out!

Economy

Council Plan

Hever Castle’s heavenly Christmas A Georgian Christmas at Santa in space This Christmas, head to Hever Castle Quebec House Grab your kids as you prepare to head to enjoy a fun, Alice in Wonderland Ever wondered what Christmas was on an ‘out of this world’ adventure themed extravaganza. From like in the Georgian period? Well, you with Santa Claus this season! decorated castle rooms to twinkling won’t need to wonder for much longer Christmas trees, Hever Castle is one as National Trust’s Quebec House On 14 December, enjoy an adventure not to miss-out on this season. will be holding a Georgian themed like no other at the beautiful Pamoja Christmas trail between now and Hall at Sevenoaks School. Featuring From now right through to 15 December. music from Star Wars and Santa Christmas Eve, bring the family himself, Kidenza presents a fun down to experience a themed One of the traditional games played at Classical concert for children of all interactive trail, with your very own a Georgian Christmas shindig is Hunt ages. This festive programme is sure visit to Santa Claus (so you better the Slipper, which you and your family to put you in the Christmas mood! get writing that wish list!) to top will have the opportunity to try out. off this fun-filled day. And, if you thought that was exciting, And, make sure you wrap up warm, there’s more! Before the concert, a After all the excitement, take a as you can also enjoy Quebec’s 18th percussion workshop will be available stroll through Hever’s award- century gardens and take in the beauty for little ones wanting to explore winning gardens, which will be of the flowers and plants that were more about the world of music, and illuminated in the evening, making around during this period. little music makers will even have the these glorious grounds even more chance to perform before Santa sets serene than they already are. Enjoy the history while spreading off on his musical adventure. the Christmas cheer and visit For more information and ticket prices, www.visitsevenoaksdistrict.co.uk Visit www.kidenza.co.uk/christmas- visit www.hevercastle.co.uk and search for ‘Christmas Trail: concerts-2019 for more information Hunt the Slipper’ for more details. and to book your tickets.

For information on Yuletide events, head over to www.visitsevenoaksdistrict.co.uk

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 9

Wellbeing

Holding out for a HERO Council Plan Our unique HERO service, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, has been given a fresh lease of life with two new staff members joining the team. The HERO (Housing, Energy, Retraining and Options) service supports residents through difficult times.

The team will look at your circumstances as a whole. Help can be wide-ranging covering housing advice, making sure you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to, budgeting and help getting into work. Our HERO officers can even make sure you’re Our HEROes - Jason, Charlie and Jessica with Senior HERO officer Caroline getting the best energy deals and can point you in the direction towards a Applying for help from a HERO officer healthier lifestyle. people at risk of becoming homeless. is free and is completely confidential. Our newbies Jessica and Charlie joined As well as being based at our Sevenoaks To find out more about our HERO existing team members Jason and Caroline. offices, the HERO team now operate two days a week in Swanley – service and to book an appointment, Jessica has an in-depth knowledge of Wednesdays at The Link and Fridays visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/hero, benefits while Charlie has a wealth of at The Citizen’s Advice Bureau by email [email protected] or experience in housing law and helping appointment. call 01732 227000. ADVERTISEMENT © Pho t N a og r tional ap h T y rust 2 0

© N a tional 1 9 . R e T gis t rust Im a e r e d C g hari t e s / C hris L y n o . 2 0 a c e 5 y Winter adventures 846.

made at Chartwell

5 January* and the Outdoor Art Trail begins 11 January. Even better, the treehouse, swings, seesaw and wild play are available every day* for a quick visit to the outdoors. Normal admission prices apply. *Chartwell is closed 24 and 25 December.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 10 NEWS

Tree-cycling, easier than ever before! Environment Getting rid of your Christmas tree is probably everyone’s least favourite task at the end of festive season, but our Garden Waste service is here to help! Council Plan You don’t need to be a Garden Waste permit holder not be potted or on a stand and must be free of to participate, the service is free to all Sevenoaks decorations before being put out. District residents. If you’re unsure of when the service is visiting Trees with a trunk of up to 90mm (3.5”) in diameter your road, go to www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ will be collected by the service from Thursday collectiondays or call 01732 227000. 2 January until Friday 31 January 2020, which ensures all the trees are turned into Trees with a trunk exceeding 90mm can environmentally friendly compost. be recycled at one of Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Waste All you need to do is put your tree by the Recycling sites. Visit www.kent. boundary of your property, visible from the gov.uk/recycling or call KCC on road, by 7am on the day of our fortnightly 03000 417373 for locations Garden Waste Collection. Trees should and opening times.

you tried to share your thoughts, your 70 other services that our residents Our budget, your say email may not have got through. want. We’ll generate income from our We’ve extended our commercial properties to help pay for We want to make sure everyone has our work while investing in exciting budget consultation giving the opportunity to have a say so we’ve new projects, such as a new leisure extended the consultation until 6 centre in Swanley. you more time to have a January 2020. say on our finances. But we’re keen to hear what you think. As ever, we will look to provide If you have a view on our spending outstanding services and innovation, During October and November, we priorities, email budget@sevenoaks. achieving the best value for money and asked for your views on our spending gov.uk or write to The Chief Officer finding more efficient ways of working. priorities from next April. Unfortunately – Finance and Trading, Sevenoaks we experienced one or two problems We’ll continue to provide weekly waste District Council, Argyle Road, with our emails during this time, so if and recycling collections and at least Sevenoaks TN13 1HG. Be a star and recycle this Christmas At this time of year, we produce more waste than ever. But the good news is you can recycle most of this extra material using our convenient, clear sack scheme.

Making it even easier to do your bit for the environment, we’ve produced a short video showing you what can go in your clear sacks and what to do with the rest, together with tips on how to reduce and reuse your waste.

Visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ festivewaste to view the video.

And don’t forget, you won’t miss a collection over the festive period, so your sacks won’t be hanging around too long either!

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 11

Sports Council on board to support local talent The Keech family from Sevenoaks propelled themselves into the history books after Patrick joined his brother Jack in winning the oldest rowing race in the world.

Patrick Keech celebrates after he won the Jack Keech with the Lord Mayor of London after he won the Doggett’s race in 2017 Doggett’s race earlier this year

In July, Patrick won the prestigious “When I was a junior, I trained at occasionally in Chiswick to get some Doggett’s race, which dates back to the Royal Docks in London and with tidal experience. 1715, following the same route as Jack Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club. who won the race in 2017. “The Sports Council funding has been “The Sports Council’s funding was immensely helpful. It has enabled me to The race is renowned to be one of the really important. It helped me to pay entry and travel to events together toughest rowing competitions with attend a training camp in Belgium for with kit and recovery aids. This year I used participants rowing for nearly half-an- two weeks just before the race. the money towards some new oars. This hour upstream on the Thames from meant that I did not have to use the club London Bridge to Chelsea, the best “When I won Doggett’s the feeling communal ones, which were not correct part of five miles. was indescribable. It was a massive for my weight and the way I row.” relief as the build-up and pressure To help launch the brothers towards was enormous. The Sevenoaks District Sports sporting success, both received Council provides grants for up- funding from the Sevenoaks District “But When Patrick won this year, the and-coming sporting talent. As Sports Council, which is funded by us. feeling was even better. I coached him for two years and to see all his hard well as the Keech brothers, it has Twenty-four year old Jack, a school work pay off was amazing! supported double winter Olympic Rowing Coach, says: “All our family gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold and work on the Thames and I have Patrick, a recruitment consultant who dozens of others. been on boats since I was very small. turned 22 in November, also took For more information about the I began rowing when I was seven to the water early and says: “I was Sports Council, email Edward because my Dad used to take me five when I first took up rowing Oatley MBE janandedward@ when he went. It was either sit on the with my dad and older brother Jack. btinternet.com. pontoon and wait or go and have a go. I would train at the Albert Docks and

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 12 NEWS

Prepare for winter As the weather turns colder and wetter, now is the time to start thinking of the steps you can take to keep you and your family safe and warm.

Flooding Flooding is a very real threat for many people and can become a problem very quickly, but you can prepare by taking the following steps:

• Find out if you’re at risk and sign up • Prepare for a flood, including creating to the free flood warnings at a flood plan www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk. www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding

Pavements and roads: Keep-up-to-date For details of winter gritting and snow and clearance, visit Kent County Council’s website at www.kent.gov.uk/highways www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

Waste and recycling collections: sdc_newsdesk During freezing weather, our collections may be cancelled. If we’re unable to collect your sacks, please take them inside and put them out again  @sevenoaksdc the following week on your usual collection day, unless we advise otherwise. 01732 227000

Keeping warm Preventing falls If you’re aged 65 or older, At this time of year, people are at greater risk of or have an ongoing health trips, slips and falls, especially older residents. condition, it’s important to keep your home warm. A healthy indoor temperature, especially the living For advice and support on how to manage the risk room, is around 21oc. It’s OK to keep the bedroom of falling, please call 01732 227000 or email slightly lower. You are at greater risk of health [email protected]. problems if your home falls below 16oc. Seek help if you’re feeling unwell Reducing your winter bills At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just You could reduce your gas and electricity bills by a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist checking our independent energy comparison service, before it gets more serious. Sevenoaks Switch and Save, which has helped When you need urgent healthcare, but it is not residents to save, on average, £291 a year on their an emergency, ring 111, 24 hours a day, seven bills. Visit www.sevenoaksswitchandsave.co.uk or days a week. call for free on 01732 227111. Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell for more information. If you’re on a low income, or having difficulty paying your water bills, you may be entitled to help. Find out more at www.ccwater.org.uk/households/help-with- my-bills or call 0300 034 2222.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk BUSINESS 13

Economy

Shop local challenge! Council Plan One of the best things you can do to support your local community is to shop locally and with Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start! We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to independent and chain retailers. So this festive season, make it a challenge for you and your family to shop locally supporting your local businesses!

Historic Sevenoaks is home to top- name retailers as well as independent shops selling arts, antiques, books, designer clothes, locally produced food and drink and more.

Westerham too is a delightful shopping destination with its quirky independent shops offering gifts, jewellery, arts, crafts and furniture.

You can find an eclectic mix of independent shops in Edenbridge and Swanley Square is a popular shopping Finally, if you’re looking for a wow And if all that shopping works up destination. Many of our villages have factor gift this Christmas, why not an appetite, indulge yourself at our their own specialist shops from local treat your friends and family to a day fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs. bakeries to antique dealers. out at a Sevenoaks District tourist If you’re looking to have the best attraction. Most offer vouchers A great way to support local home-grown produce on your dinner for tours and experiences. On our businesses further is to spread table this year, why not start at your doorstep we have Hever Castle, the word! Tell as many people nearest farm shop or farmers’ market. Chartwell, Lullingstone Castle, The as you can and like and share They also sell lots of products that Mount Vineyard, Place, their posts on social media. are ideal for gifts. Knole Park and much more. Xmas markets ‘Tis the season to visit your local festive Edenbridge market market to discover excellent value and Join in the fun in Edenbridge at the Market Yard car park every Thursday before Christmas. great gifts for friends and family.

Swanley Market Sevenoaks High Street Saturday market Selling fresh foods and other festive treats, this market This popular general Wednesday market will take is running every Saturday from 9am to 4pm before place two days earlier than usual on Monday 23 Christmas plus an extra day on Monday 23 December. and Monday 30 December over Christmas. Blighs Christmas market in Sevenoaks Sevenoaks Wednesday market Get the perfect present at Blighs Meadow market This popular general market, next to Sevenoaks every Saturday before Christmas and every day bus station, is open as usual every Wednesday from 16 to 24 December, 9am to 4pm. before Christmas.

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 14 NEWS

Music to the ears of singing groups

It’s back! The Big Sing, which showcases our local musical Wellbeing talent, returns to the Stag Theatre on Monday 4 May 2020.

It’s sure to be a ‘Thriller’ with choirs, Council Plan quartets, schools and singing groups of every description invited to take part.

Singing groups can enter for free from 16 December. Application forms are available by emailing communities@ sevenoaks.gov.uk or calling 01732 227000. You will need to submit your entry by Friday 28 February 2020.

Tickets to watch the singing spectacular cost £5 and will be available from Saturday 1 March 2020 from Stag Theatre Box office and at www.stagtheatre.org.uk

Mental health is a top priority for us so all the proceeds will fund mental health services across the Sevenoaks District.

Kelly Webb, our Community Safety Manager, says: “The Big Sing gives local signing groups a chance to perform in front of hundreds of people. Singing is known to reduce stress and anxiety and improves mental wellbeing, so we want to see a packed-out Stag to help raise as much money as possible for local mental health services.” Accelerating your dropped kerb application If you’re intending to build a dropped kerb from your home on to a public road, you’ll need approval from Kent County Council (KCC). In some cases, you’ll need planning permission from us too, which could put the brakes on your work. But we’ve revved up the planning permission before application process by introducing you apply to KCC. If you’re thinking of building an off-road a new online service so you parking area, you may require planning If your road is unclassified or a can check if you need planning permission, even if planning permission private road, you do not need permission in an instant. is not required for the dropped kerb. planning permission. If this is Simply log on to www. the case, download our self- For further advice, including how to sevenoaks.gov.uk/droppedkerbs assessment letter (confirming you apply for planning permission, visit www. and search for your road. If do not need planning permission) sevenoaks.gov.uk/planning or call our it’s classified as an A, B, or C and send it with your application to helpful Planning Team on 01732 227000. road, you’ll need to apply for KCC and the finishing line’s in sight!

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 15

Music to the ears of singing groups Take a bow… and arrow Health Our incredibly popular archery course is back this January in Edenbridge! Council Plan Starting on Wednesday 22 January, everyone there was very friendly and our six-week course is aimed at adults welcoming. Best of all, he enjoyed the and young people over 12 who are course so much, he has now joined beginners to the sport. Archery is the North Downs Archery Club! brilliant for improving your hand- eye coordination and building upper Iain says: “The instruction given body strength. It’s also great fun, a was excellent and it certainly good way to meet new people and reawakened my interest in the sport. improve your confidence. To anyone thinking of signing up, I’d say give it a go. Archery is a sport that Last year, In Shape’s archery article is fun, satisfying and suitable for all caught the eye of Iain Lynam from sizes, shapes and ages.” Sevenoaks who thought the course This year’s beginner’s course takes would be a good way to get some The six-week course cost just £36, exercise and meet new people. Iain, 67, place every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Edenbridge but places are limited so booking had tried archery as a child but hadn’t is essential! taken up the sport in a long time. After Leisure Centre. The course is led by a making the decision to sign up, Iain qualified instructor and coach from If you’d like to learn a new skill in came along to the course by himself, the North Downs Archery Club and 2020 email communities@sevenoaks. which he said wasn’t a problem as all equipment is provided. gov.uk or call 01732 227000. ADVERTISEMENT

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sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 16 LEISURE

Sencio golf day raises £1,150 for Cystic Fibrosis As part of its annual support of a local charity, a golf day organised by Sencio Community Leisure (SCL) has raised £1,150 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The money, collected as a result of the event at Lullingstone Park Golf Course in August, was added to £735 raised earlier that month by Sencio staff taking part in a triathlon and will be further increased by other fundraising events before a presentation is made to the charity in the new year.

For further information on Lullingstone Park Golf Course, go to www.lullingstonegolfcourse.co.uk

Don’t be sad Calendar girls With the advent of colder, shorter days – not to mention that festive season come-down – many of us will be affected by mild depression. And, although it’s easy to dismiss the And there’s another weapon against feelings as ‘winter blues’, the condition the seasonal slump - keeping active. They might not be channelling their - which impacts millions - is known inner (or outer) Dame Helen Mirren Dr Andrew McCulloch is former as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). but a group of customers from the chief executive of the Mental It’s also backed-up by sound evidence ‘Feel Good’ suite at White Oak Health Foundation. He says: to support the idea the seasons can Leisure Centre have teamed- affect our moods, with most scientists “There’s convincing evidence 30 up to produce a 2020 calendar believing the problem is related to the minutes of vigorous exercise three to raise money for Macmillan way our bodies responds to daylight. times a week is effective against Cancer Support. depression, and evidence lighter The mental health charity Mind says The Feel Good suite features a exercise will have a beneficial one theory is light entering the eye range of power-assisted exercise effect, too. If you have a tendency causes changes in hormone levels. equipment suitable for people living towards SAD, outdoor exercise In our bodies, light functions to stop with limited mobility, older people will have a double benefit because the production of the sleep hormone and for those managing long-term you’ll gain some daylight.” melatonin, making us wake up. It’s conditions including multiple thought SAD sufferers are affected The Sencio Wellness Team can sclerosis, stroke, fibromyalgia, by shorter daylight hours in winter, give you advice on all forms of diabetes and arthritis. producing higher melatonin, causing exercise. However, if you feel you The calendar is available from lethargy and symptoms of depression. may be suffering from anxiety, stress White Oak Leisure Centre for £8. or depression then you should always If the winter blues is about lack For further details on Feel Good, talk to your GP or a healthcare of daylight, it’s no surprise that go to professional first. For more information www.sencio.org.uk/white- treatment usually involves getting oak/feel-good more, especially on bright days. visit www.sencio.org.uk.

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk LEISURE 17

Health

Council Plan New year revolutions We all know that sticking to your New Year’s resolutions can be tough. So in this issue of In Shape, we asked Sencio staff for their tips on how best to improve your health in 2020 without breaking your promises.

“A diet is for life, not just for January. “Want to lose weight? It’s this “If, once you hit your stride with In fact, banish the word from your simple - expend more calories exercise, you fall off the wagon vocabulary all-together and, instead, than you consume.” (it can happen to us all) don’t beat just think about a balanced diet based yourself up. Just re-set and get on healthy eating most of the time. You Connor Reid, duty manager back to things. It’s no big deal. can, and still should have, treats.” Unless you keep doing it!” “Find out what type of exercise suits Maxine James-Horne, Wellness manager Karren Halil, centre manager you. You might be someone for whom an hour in the gym by yourself, away “Life’s too short to deprive yourself from all of life’s pressures, is bliss. “Gyms aren’t for everyone and of all the things you enjoy. If you Or that could be your idea of ‘hell’ there are many ways to keep fit. like a drink, stick to having it as a and you’re better suited to a more Walking is excellent. And swimming weekend treat. And remember there structured class environment with is great, especially if you’re less are less waist-busting options. For the camaraderie of others.” mobile or have an injury or certain example, a gin or vodka with slimline medical conditions.” tonic has fewer than a half the Molly Cope, fitness instructor calories of a pint of lager.” Georgia Bedford, fitness instructor “Forget getting fixated on dates such Phil Wyatt, Wellness manager as a wedding or holiday. You’ll most likely be setting yourself unrealistic “Just don’t even bother with resolutions goals and are probably unlikely to is my view, especially when it comes stick with it. Try and think of exercise For details of fitness packages, to fitness. The best advice I can give and healthy living as a lifestyle choice. group exercise classes, personal anyone is find exercise you’ll enjoy. And small, progressive changes are training and much more go to If you enjoy it, you’ll stick with it.” the best way forward.” www.sencio.org.uk James Arnold, Wellness supervisor James Davis, leisure attendant/lifeguard

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 18 COMMUNITY SAFETY

Sevenoaks District Community Safety Unit To report or receive advice on: anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, graffiti, licensed premises, abandoned vehicles, environmental and noise nuisance, crime reduction, neighbourhood watch and other community safety issues, call 01732 227000 or e-mail [email protected] Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership

The service for adults is located in the Mind are on hand at each session. Drop in for help Citizens Advice Bureau, next to Wilko, They offer advice and may refer you in Swanley Square on Wednesdays to other services who can help and, as The mental health of our from 4pm to 6pm. you would expect, all discussions are confidential. residents is a top priority Our young person’s emotional for the Community wellbeing service is based in the Please don’t suffer alone, come to our Safety Partnership. Swanley Youth Hub on St Mary’s Road friendly drop in service. every Thursday from 3pm to 5pm. If you need help before the next drop So if you or someone you know needs You do not need an appointment for in session, call Kent Mental Health help right away, our Mental Health either service, just come along. Matters on 0800 107 0160 or the Drop in Services in Swanley are a Samaritans on 116 123. good place to start. Mental Health experts North Kent

Keeping you safe Safety Over the past couple of months, we’ve been busy working Council Plan on residents’ priorities to make the District safer.

We’ve carried out high-visibility We will have many more events like this Usually mounted by the front door, policing, tackled speeding in known in 2020 and we’re happy to meet with these ingenious devices give a verbal hotspots and run community events. resident groups and schools to discuss reminder when they detect movement. all aspects of keeping safe. They can be set up so they remind the At the most recent events in Fawkham, homeowner to keep the chain on and Westerham, Sevenoaks and New We’ve also been working to protect what to ask before opening the door. Ash Green, we gave away free safety vulnerable residents who may be targeted gadgets. These included shed alarms, by rogue traders and bogus callers. If you’d like the Partnership to speak purse chains, panic alarms and credit With funding from the Police and Crime at an event, or for safety advice, email card protectors. We also spoke with Commissioner, Matthew Scott, we have [email protected] residents about their concerns. handed out Memo Minder Voice Reminders. or give us a call on 01732 227000. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk COMMUNITY SAFETY 19

Reporting crime Social media Tackling domestic abuse ToGet report a crimeback that is taking on place, yourFor the latest bike community with For support and advice for all victims of always call 999. If the incident has safety news follow us on Domestic Abuse call the Domestic Abuse passed,free call Kent ‘Ride Police on 101 Skills’ or Twitter visit @sdc_csp Volunteer Support Service on 01892 570538 Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 For the Community Domestic Abuse Programme for men call 07933 359210

Looking out for you this Christmas Over the festive period, there’s a lot to celebrate. But, if you’re unfortunate enough to experience crime or anti-social behaviour, you should still report it for action.

If it’s a non-emergency, or the event If it’s an emergency, call 999. If you have a Council emergency has passed, call the Police on 101. over Christmas, when the offices You can report non-emergency crime And to report crime anonymously, are closed, you can still call out-of- online at www.kent.police.uk/report visit the Crimestoppers website hours on 01732 227000. https://crimestoppers-uk.org. Mate crime Most friends really are friends, but sometimes people might pretend to be a friend so they can exploit you. On the surface, it appears to be a harmless Safety friendship. But, it can lead to violent or aggressive Council Plan behaviour, bullying and ultimately theft. Spot the signs The name given to this behaviour • There may be a change in the victim’s behaviour or appearance is ‘Mate crime’. It can happen to • They might have unexplained injuries anyone, but children, adults with • The victim may have had money or possessions taken learning difficulties and older people are most at risk. • They may have become more isolated and gained a new friend

The person committing the crime Report it could be acting as a carer, friend or Mate crime is taken seriously by the Community Safety Partnership and family member, but they go on to you shouldn’t standby if you believe you or someone you know is a victim. exploit the relationship. Report mate crime at www.kent.police.uk/report, call the Police on 101 Often people do not realise they or report it at your local police station. are victims of mate crime and If you’d prefer not to report it directly to the Police, you could: they may defend the relationship. • Log your concerns through TrueVision at www.report-it.org.uk Other times they may be • Call Victim Support on 0300 303 0156 frightened to tell someone • Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. about it and feel isolated.

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 20 YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

Your Councillors Sevenoaks District Council’s priorities and policies are decided by 54 Councillors who were elected by local people. The Sevenoaks District is divided into 26 smaller areas, known as wards and each ward is represented by one or more District Councillors. You are very welcome to contact the District Councillors to express your views and to ask for their help on local issues.

Conservative (C) Independent (I) Labour (L) Liberal Democrat (LD) Sevenoaks Independent (SI)

Claire Pearsall (C) George Pender (C) Alan Pett (C) Anna Firth (C) James London (C) Robert Piper (C) Ash and New Ash Green Ash and New Ash Green Ash and New Ash Green , Chevening Brasted, Chevening Brasted, Chevening [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] and Sundridge and Sundridge and Sundridge 07710 625854 01474 491123 01732 227000 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01732 227000 01732 464678 01732 455355

Matthew Dickins (C) Rachel Waterton (I) Kim Bayley (C) Cameron Brown (C) James Barnett (C) Stuart McGregor (C) and Hever Crockenhill and Well Hill Dunton Green and Edenbridge North Edenbridge North [email protected] [email protected] and Riverhead Riverhead and East and East 07910 328110 01732 227000 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 07919 050065 07950 266746 01732 227000 01732 865559

Alan Layland (C) Margot McArthur (C) Alan Cheeseman (C) Brian Carroll (C) Philip McGarvey (C) Maxine Fothergill (SI) Edenbridge South Edenbridge South Eynsford Farningham, Horton Farningham, Horton Fawkham and West and West and West [email protected] Kirby and South Darenth Kirby and South Darenth Kingsdown [email protected] [email protected] 07840 844545 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01732 864140 01732 227000 07968 391247 01732 227000 01732 227000

Lynda Harrison (C) Faye Parkin (C) John Grint (C) Gary Williamson (C) Larry Abraham (C) Penny Cole (C) Fawkham and West Fawkham and West Halstead, Halstead, Knockholt Hartley and Hodsoll Hartley and Hodsoll Kingsdown Kingsdown and Badgers Mount and Badgers Mount Street Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01474 854412 01474 879425 01959 532809 01959 532370 01474 706690 07540 668751

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS 21

Perry Cole (C) Christine Hudson (SI) Darren Kitchener (SI) Dee Morris (C) Simon Reay (C) James Osborne-Jackson (C) Hartley and Hodsoll Hextable Hextable Kemsing Leigh and Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Causeway [email protected] 01322 662271 07496 818558 07799 885795 01732 762761 [email protected] 07834 768315 01732 227000

John Edwards-Winser (C) Irene Roy (C) Sue Coleman (C) Roddy Hogarth (C) Julia Thornton (C) Tony Clayton (LD) Otford and Shoreham Otford and Shoreham Penshurst, Fordcombe Seal and Weald Seal and Weald Sevenoaks Eastern cllr.edwards-winser@ [email protected] and Chiddingstone cllr.hogarth@ cllr.thornton@ [email protected] sevenoaks.gov.uk 01732 227000 [email protected] sevenoaks.gov.uk sevenoaks.gov.uk 01732 451087 01959 522503 01892 870435 01732 760325 07831 234449

Elizabeth Purves (LD) Andrew Eyre (C) Avril Hunter (C) Merilyn Canet (LD) Irene Collins (C) Graham Clack (C) Sevenoaks Eastern Sevenoaks Kippington Sevenoaks Kippington Sevenoaks Northern Sevenoaks Northern Sevenoaks Town and [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] St John’s 01732 227000 01732 464865 01732 453292 01732 461397 01732 227000 [email protected] 07769 644576

Peter Fleming (C) Simon Raikes (C) Laurence Ball (C) Clare Barnes (C) Melissa Foster (C) – Lesley Dyball (C) – Sevenoaks Town and Sevenoaks Town and Swanley Christchurch and Swanley Christchurch andSwanley Christchurch and Swanley St. Mary’s St John’s St John’s Swanley Village Swanley Village Swanley Village [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01732 227000 01732 227240 01732 451707 07515 770220 01322 613595 01732 227000

Jackie Griffiths (L) Sarah Andrews (C) Glynnis Darrington (C) Paul Darrington (C) Diana Esler (C) Kevin Maskell (C) Swanley St. Mary’s Swanley White Oak Swanley White Oak Swanley White Oak Westerham and Westerham and [email protected] [email protected] clllr.g.darrington@ cllr.p.darrington@ Crockham Hill Crockham Hill 01732 227000 07810 342998 sevenoaks.gov.uk sevenoaks.gov.uk [email protected] [email protected] 01732 227000 07788 197205 01732 465089 07966 171398

How to contact your District Councillors We have provided your District Councillors’ phone website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/councillors or by calling numbers and e-mail addresses. If you would like to write us on 01732 227000. If you are unsure which ward you to them, their postal addresses are available on our live in, please call us on 01732 227000.

sevenoaksdc sevenoaksdistrictcouncil 22 NEWS

Ash Dieback – what you need to know Ash Dieback is a nasty tree disease that has swept through the Sevenoaks District over the last year.

The fungal disease, also known as notice some major landowners felling ‘chalara’, originates from eastern Asia ash trees on their properties. In and has been widespread in continental recent months, we too have felled Europe for the past 30 years. diseased trees close to footpaths in woods we manage. European ash populations have been devastated as they have no natural If you think one of your trees may defence against the disease. have Ash Dieback, the first step to take is reporting it to Forest Research. Ash Dieback was first discovered in You can submit a report at www. the UK in Buckinghamshire in 2012. forestresearch.gov.uk/treealert Sadly, it is now present in most of the country. It kills younger plants and weakens more established trees, How to spot if a tree has Ash Dieback? making them vulnerable to other infections. In extreme cases, diseased • Leaves develop dark patches in the summer. trees could become unstable. • They wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early. The Forestry Commission advice is to • Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer. fell diseased ash if they pose a danger to people. There is evidence that some • Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often trees can tolerate the disease and it is diamond-shaped and dark brown. believed some may even recover. • Inner bark looks brownish-grey under the lesions. As the disease gets a foothold in • New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk. the Sevenoaks District, you may

Are you extending or altering your home next year? If the answer is yes, we can help! When it comes to building works, we’re on your side! Whether the job is big or small, our award-winning building control team can ensure your project is built to the right standard.

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Visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/buildingcontrol, email [email protected] or call 01732 227000 and ask to speak with the Building Control Partnership

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk sdc_newsdesk NEWS 23

New owner in the saddle for Price’s Wood Dunton Green residents have been busy helping to transform an unloved wood into a bike trail and nature reserve.

Price’s Wood, off Poundsley native plants were removed Road, attracted fly-tippers and and trees pruned. had a problem with dog’s mess. It was overgrown and introduced The bramble was cut back plants were widespread. allowing light into the woodland floor, encouraging native But all this changed after the flowers to bloom in the spring. Wood was given to Dunton Green Parish Council by a ‘Live Biking’ were enlisted to help private landowner earlier this with the bike trail, which is suitable year. We worked with them for young children through to to draw up plans to improve teenagers with mountain bikes, the site. BMXs and balance bikes. The trail was opened in October. Work got into top gear during October and with help from Dunton Green Parish Council local volunteers and contractors, will continue to maintain the site was cleaned up, non- Price’s Wood.

Sevenoaks District Council at your fingertips Main Office Leisure centres Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Ash Green Sports Centre* Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre*** Kent TN13 1HG 01474 707164 01732 451889 01732 227000 Edenbridge Leisure Centre** Sevenoaks Leisure Centre** 01732 865665 Open Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 01732 470700 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm. Lullingstone Park Golf Course** White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Swanley*** 01959 533793 01322 665571 Emergencies (outside office hours) The Olympic, Swanley* 01732 227000 White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley** 01322 669201 then listen to the options. 01322 662188

Swanley Link * Operated by the local town London Road, Swanley BR8 7AE or parish Council ** Operated by Sencio Open Monday and Tuesday 9am to Community Leisure 5.30pm, Wednesday to Friday 9am to *** Operated by independent 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. limited companies 03000 421281 In Shape is published and distributed by Sevenoaks District In Shape is available in an audio format for Council to inform local residents and businesses about the work of the Council. residents with visual impairments and can Editor Daniel Whitmarsh be explained in other languages by calling Editorial Assistants Amy McGauley and Alison Osborne e-mail [email protected] 01732 227000. Tel 01732 227000 Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Design & print www.whateverdesign.co.uk Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Printed on environmentally friendly paper. Published December 2019.

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