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Cheriton

Shepway Ward Profile May 2015 East North Downs East

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Brief introduction to area...... 4

Map of area...... 5

Demographic...... 6

Local economy...... 9

Transport...... 13

Education and skills...... 14

Health & wellbeing...... 16

Housing...... 21

Neighbourhood/community...... 23

Planning & Development...... 24

Physical Assets...... 25

Arts and culture...... 29

Crime ...... 30

Endnotes/websites ...... 31

-3- North Downs East North Downs East ‘Predominantly a rural area’

North Downs East ward is situated within the North Downs, a ridge of hills designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) It is predominantly a rural area, and comprises Ottinge, Exted, North Elham and . The six Parish or Town Councils, with the town of village benefits from a picturesque village square and the village of Elham being the adjacent to the Parish Church of St Mary, and principle settlements. several food outlets including two traditional village public houses. The largest settlement in the ward is Hawkinge, which falls within the remit of Hawkinge Town Parish is located to the east of the ward, Council. This area has an electorate of 6,307 and with an electorate of just 267. The Parish is very comprises three smaller wards; Fernfield, Uphill rural and the community is centred around St and Churchill. Martin’s Church.

Fernfield is the largest area geographically Parish has 911 electors and is home and encompasses most of Old Hawkinge and to the English Heritage asset of St John’s surrounding rural areas. Uphill is the most densely Commandery Chapel. populated and contains the village’s original shopping precinct, Hawkinge Community Centre The smallest Parish within the ward is , and Hawkinge Village Hall. Churchill ward includes with an electorate of just 28; the smallest electorate the greatest volume of the village’s newer properties of all Parishes in Kent. Despite its size, Paddlesworth and infrastructure, including some retail outlets, has a functioning Parish Church of St Oswald’s, and such as Lidl’s Supermarket. The Cat and Custard Pot public house.

In addition to the Community Centre and Village Newington Parish has an electorate of 304 and Hall, Hawkinge benefits from a sports pavilion, borders the Parishes of Acrise and Paddlesworth. a variety of retail outlets, two primary schools, Newington Parish was formerly part of the Tolsford preschool provision, and good transport links to Ward and includes the village of Peene, which hosts both and . The town also has the Line Trust Railway Museum significant links to the , and hosts the and Countryside Centre, as well as The Channel Battle of Britain Museum. Tunnel Terminal.

The Parish of Elham to the north of the ward has a population of 1291 and comprises the village of Elham, as well as several smaller hamlets, namely

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-5- North Downs East Demographics

The statistical information was primarily drawn from the 2011 Census, unless otherwise stated. Other sources include:

• 2013 Midyear population estimates from the Office of National Statistics1 • Acorn Customer Insight Profiler2 • Kent and Public Health Observatory3 • Kent County Council Research and Intelligence Team4

Some of the data within this profiler was specially commissioned by Shepway District Council so it may not be publically available elsewhere in the displayed format. The data will evolve and expand as government agencies recalibrate their data publishing to the new ward boundaries within Shepway.

The population of North Downs East in the 2013 mid year population estimate by the Officer of National Statistics was 5,910. This was constituted of 3,030 males and 2,880 females. The ward has a higher proportion (than Kent) of children and young people aged under 19 and a greater proportion of people aged 40-49; this indicates there are probably more families in the area.

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Marital status and living arrangements (2011 census)

There are 4,766 married couples in North Downs Married 4,766 East, which equates to 54% of the adult population. Cohabiting 1,168 This is a higher proportion than is found across Same-sex civil partnership or cohabiting 65 Kent. There are lower proportions of single people, Single (never married) 1,640 widowers and divorcees. Married or in civil partnership 79 Separated (but still legally married) 168 Divorced 480 Widowed 395

Ethnicity

Most people (92.7%) in North Downs East indicated on the 2011 Census indicated their ethnicity was English, Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish. The second largest ethnic group is ‘other white’ but as a proportion of the total population it is less than Shepway or Kent. The ‘Other Asian’ ethnic group is proportionally smaller than the district average but above the figure for Kent.

North Downs East Shepway Kent English/ Welsh/ Scottish/ NI 10,454 92.7% 90.8% 89.1% Irish 43 0.4% 0.7% 0.7% Gypsy or Irish Traveller 18 0.2% 0.2% 0.3% Other White 251 2.2% 3.0% 3.6% White and Black Caribbean 35 0.3% 0.4% 0.4% White and Black African 16 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% White and Asian 46 0.4% 0.4% 0.5% Other Mixed 42 0.4% 0.3% 0.4% Indian 34 0.3% 0.4% 1.2% Pakistani 2 0.0% 0.1% 0.2% Bangladeshi 3 0.0% 0.2% 0.2% Chinese 31 0.3% 0.3% 0.4% Other Asian 232 2.1% 2.5% 1.2% African 14 0.1% 0.3% 0.8% Caribbean 12 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% Other Black 14 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% Arab 7 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% Any other ethnic group 24 0.2% 0.2% 0.4%

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Length of residence in the UK

The majority of residents (92.5%) in North Downs East have lived in the country since birth. The proportion of residents who have lived in the UK for less than 10 years is similar to local and county levels

North Downs East Shepway Kent Born in the UK 10,432 92.5% 90.8% 90.9%

Less than 2 years 119 1.1% 1.2% 1.2%

More than 2 years and less than 5 years 98 0.9% 1.6% 1.5%

More than 5 years and less than 10 years 147 1.3% 1.6% 1.8%

10 years or more 482 4.3% 4.9% 4.6%

Main Languages (residents ages 3 and over)

96.5% of people in North Downs East regard English as a first language. More than fourteen other languages are spoken, including five residents who regard sign language as their primary language.

North Downs East Shepway Kent English 10,457 96.5% 95.1% 95.5% French 24 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% Portuguese 9 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% Spanish 73 0.7% 1.4% 1.8% Other European Language (EU) 73 0.7% 1.4% 1.8% Other European Language (non EU) 4 -5 0.1% 0.1% Russian 11 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% Turkish 25 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% Arabic 4 - - 0.1% West/Central Asian Language 2 - 0.1% 0.1% South Asian Language 185 1.7% 2.3% 1.2% East Asian Language 20 0.2% 0.3% 0.4% African Language 7 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% Sign language 5 - - - Other Languages 6 0.1% 0.0% 0.0%

-8- North Downs East Local economy

There are a range of shops, public houses and other businesses operating throughout the ward. A selection of local businesses are set out below, Densole General Store, in the Swingfield Parish, under their geographical areas. provides residents with a local option to purchase groceries and household goods. Densole also benefits Hawkinge from The Black Horse public house, which serves a variety of food and beverages. As the largest settlement, Hawkinge offers the widest range of shops, including a supermarket, general Swingfield store, equestrian shop and hairdressers. Hawkinge benefits from both the Lidl Supermarket and a Tesco Coach Road in the Swingfield Parish is home to Express, providing a range of groceries and household four businesses; haulage firm Icon Freight Ltd, G goods. At the Airfield retail site is Zesta’s coffee shop, Shorter providing plant hire and leasing, landscaping as well as Lloyd Adams6, which provides a range of contractor Harmer & Sons Ltd16 and Lounger Pools spa, hair and beauty treatments. who specialise in swimming pool equipment.

The modern Mayfly public house7 at the Hawkinge The Macfarlane’s Garden Centre and Nursery17 is Airfield site offers a selection of food and beverages, also situated in Swingfield Parish and is home to The as does the traditional White Horse Inn public house8 Red Admiral Restaurant and The Teapot Tea Room. on Canterbury Road. Canterbury Road also hosts Macfarlane’s also offer falconry displays and sell a three ‘take-away’ establishments; Happy Star, Garam range of plants and shrubs as well as larger items Masala and Hawkinge Fish Bar. In the same precinct such as water features and log cabins. Close by at are equestrian retailer The Saddle Rack9, gift and is Kent 4x4 Centre18, an independent Land flower shop Serendipity Florist10, and a branch of Rover specialist. Browns Estate Agents11. Acrise The Forge Meadow business units, located close to Canterbury Road host businesses including J Steed There is a small group of businesses operating from Building Services12, toy retailer Gate Trading, and Rush Acrise, namely KM Horse Boxes, Smith Windows It UK13 who specialise in the sale of garden furniture Systems, and Leadsham Trading Co Ltd19 who provide and related products online. refrigerated haulage services.

Hawkinge Crematorium14 is located on Aerodrome Paddlesworth Road, adjacent to the large cemetery there. There is a chapel on site, and a range of services can be offered Paddlesworth is the home of the Cat and Custard Pot to suit different cultural and religious beliefs. public house20, which provides a varied food menu in a rural setting, as well as the East Kent Mower & There are several local magazines and newsletters Chainsaw Centre. promoting local businesses, including the Roundel, Hawkinge Local and the Hawkinge Gazette15.

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Elham

Elham benefits from a village store, as well as a hotel, tea rooms and public houses. Local produce is available to purchase at the Elham Farmers Market21, currently held twice per annum. The markets also sell produce of Elham Gardeners Club, and are supported by a number of local volunteers.

The village is well served for guest accommodation, with rooms available at both the Abbot’s Fireside Inn & Restaurant22 and The Rose and Crown Public House23. Both establishments also offer a varied menu and are located in a historic and picturesque setting.

The Kings Arms Free House24 is located in the historic village square and serves pub food with regular special offers. The Kings Arms also hosts the village Post Office two mornings each week. The Cosy Tea Rooms are located on the High Street, and serve meals and cakes.

Also in Elham is Victoria’s Hair and Beauty Salon25 on Cullens Hill, and Essential Beauty in the High Street, which offers reflexology and aromatherapy as well as other beauty treatments.

Newington

Within the Newington Parish is The Eurotunnel26 Terminal, running train services to Calais.

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Household Income

The graph is from the Acorn customer profiling software and it shows how far above the UK average the North Downs East population is (a score of 50, means the proportion within North Downs East is 50% the size of the UK average). The data shows that North Downs East is underrepresented in the proportion of households earning under £20,000 than the UK; and North Downs East is significantly overrepresented for households earning over £60,000.

Economic activity

North Downs East has a larger proportion of its working age population (aged 16-65) in full time employment than the county average. The majority of the population is in full time, part time employment or is self employed. Approximately 15% of the working age population is retired.

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Employment by sector

The major employment sectors for residents of North Downs East are construction, vehicle repair, public administration, education and health/social work. The ward has a larger proportion of its working population employed in public administration.

-12- North Downs East Transport

The ward has some excellent transport links, connecting to Folkestone, Canterbury and .

The A260 runs from Folkestone to Canterbury, via Hawkinge and Swingfield. Local bus company Stagecoach27 run the regular number 16 service along this route.

The Elham Valley road also links Folkestone and Canterbury, offering a picturesque route through the Elham Valley villages, including Elham. Stagecoach also operate a regular service on this route, via the number 17 service.

The ward also benefits from good access to the to Ashford and , or the A20 to Dover, predominantly via junction 13.

There are no train stations within the ward. Residents of the ward can access train services from Folkestone or Canterbury.

There are no taxi ranks within the ward. Taxi companies in nearby Folkestone cover the ward.

-13- North Downs East Education and skills Primary Schools Secondary Schools

There are four primary schools within the ward, two There are no secondary schools, Further or Higher of which are in Hawkinge. The others are located in Educational establishments in the ward. The majority Selsted and Elham. of secondary school pupils living in the ward, travel to Folkestone, Dover or Canterbury for schooling. Elham Church of Primary School28 is based in the heart of the village of Elham, and admits up to 20 Nurseries and Preschools children each year. The school prides itself on their caring and Christian ethos, defined by six values of There are several preschools and nurseries operating kindness, humility, forgiveness, perseverance, wisdom in the ward, giving parents a wide choice of Early and faithfulness. The School also offer some active Years provision. afterschool clubs for its pupils such as football and gym club. Within the ward, there are two nurseries operated by Kid Ease Ltd32, namely in Hawkinge and Swingfield. Selsted Church of England Primary School29 is a small, Kid Ease Swingfield offers places for approximately rural school, set in a charming historic building. The 60 children aged up to 6 years. school admits up to 15 children into their reception class each year. As a smaller school, Selsted Primary Kid Ease Hawkinge is located on Haven Drive, describes itself as being ‘like a family’. The sports Hawkinge. Operating on weekdays with opening hall, built in 2005, is offered for hire to the local hours from 7.30am until 6pm, the nursery aims to community out of school hours. ‘provide a high level of high quality childcare’.

The Churchill School30, Hawkinge, was opened in Little Oaks Kindergarten33, is located on Canterbury 2001 to accommodate additional children moving to Road in Hawkinge. They offer full and part time care, the town, as housing provision has been expanded. with ‘Beach School’ and ‘Woodland’ sessions which The school admits two reception classes, totalling 60 enable children to explore and learn in these different children, each academic year. With modern facilities, environments. the school is able to offer good provision for children before and after school, with both breakfast and after Elham Village Hall is home to Elham Preschool34 school clubs. which operates as a charity. The preschool is open in school hours, term-time only. In addition to the Hawkinge Primary School31 is a medium sized primary hall itself, the preschool has access to generous school11 located in a historic building close to the outside space. centre of the town. There are thirteen classes at present, some with mixed year groups. The school Hawkinge and the surrounding areas benefit from the offers additional provision both before and after Hawkinge and Rural Children’s Centre35 in Canterbury school, including a range of clubs such as dance Road, which runs various groups and activities. and science. Regular sessions include messy play, baby massage and music and movement. The service is provided by Kent County Council and is available to all families.

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Children and Young people Age No. There are 3,100 children and young people aged 0-4 750 under 19 in North Downs East. There are greater 5-9 800 proportions of males and females under 19 than the 10-14 760 county average 15-19 790

North Downs East Kent Male Female Kent Male Kent Female 0-4 3.4% 3.0% 3.1% 3.0% 5-9 3.6% 3.3% 3.1% 2.9% 10-14 3.3% 3.2% 3.0% 2.9% 15-19 3.6% 3.2% 3.3% 3.1%

-15- North Downs East Health and Wellbeing

Sports clubs/societies/activities East Kent Hunt Kennels41 are situated on Cullens Hill, Elham, and provide a variety of services and activities, Making good use of the open spaces and facilities including the hunt itself. available, there are a number of activities available for those wishing to keep active in the ward. Selsted School Community Sport Hall42 hosts a number of sporting activities which include Zumba There are a range of public rights of way and routes classes, badminton and table tennis. Selsted Cricket offering scope for walking and cycling. Please see Club43 offers a range of cricket fixtures and social section 12 (v) for more information on major walking events for players and spectators alike. and cycling routes and section 12 (i) for open spaces. In Swingfield, there is a football pitch, as well as a Elham has a branch of the Walkers are Welcome36 recently installed BMX Racing Track. group who maintain footpaths and stiles in the area, helping to ensure the accessibility of the surrounding Hawkinge Community Centre44 host a range countryside. The White Cliffs Countryside of sporting activities and clubs. These include Partnership37 also assist with maintenance of these badminton, short mat bowls, dance classes and facilities. several martial arts groups, including judo and tai chi. The centre also hosts two separate Roller Disco St Marys Church in Elham runs the Arc Angels Events, one catering for adults and one for children group38, who meet at the Arc, North Elham on a and families. monthly basis and run various sporting activities and day trips. The Hawkinge Village Hall has been recently refurbished and now boasts a sprung dance floor. The Elham Valley Cricket Club39 are based in Elham. The hall hosts dance classes and exercise courses. club has a rich history dating back over a hundred years and is committed to the development of Hawkinge Town Football Club45 compete successfully younger players. They have an active ‘Colts’ section in two Kent County leagues. The football club, and involving all ages groups playing in local leagues and their youth team Hawkinge Youth Football Club both weekend practise sessions throughout the season. make use of the new Sport Pavillion. The Club are currently playing friendly matches and league cricket, with an open invitation for new Hawkinge Cricket and Social Club46 compete in members to play or to spectate. local leagues and offer a coaching service for the under 15’s. They also host a number of social events Elham Sports Club and Community Sport Centre40 annually. make use of facilities within the Elham Village Hall and two all weather courts within its grounds. The Folkestone Rugby Club47 in located in Newington at hall is used for badminton and table tennis, whilst the dedicated premises, comprising several pitches and outdoor courts host tennis and other games. Both club house. They currently have several senior and courts are floodlit and available all year round. In junior teams, catering from the under 7’s up to the addition, Elham also has a football pitch. eldest senior team, affectionately known as The Fossils.

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Organisations Delivering Walk-In-Centre/Accident and Health Services Emergency

There are two General Practice Surgeries in the ward, There are no walk-in-centre or Accident and one in Elham and one in Hawkinge. Emergency facilities in the ward. The closest walk- in-centre is based at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Elham Valley Surgery48 is located on Old Road, in Folkestone, and the closest Accident and Emergency Elham and Hawkinge Health Centre in Canterbury unit at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Road, Hawkinge. The two practices are linked and patients are welcome to visit either location. Both Care Homes surgeries offer a number of nurse-led clinics, as well as District Nursing services. Hawkinge House50 at the Airfield Site in Hawkinge was established in June 2011 by the Graham Care Dentists Group, who also own other care homes in the county, and farther afield. The home offers 90 places, Pennypot Denta49 is an established NHS registered catering for those with physical frailty and mental dentist with five branches in Kent. One of these illness and also has a day centre to support those branches is located in the North Downs East ward, at living locally. Hawkinge. This dentist offers a wide range of services in both general and cosmetic dentistry.

Health

The graph is from the Acorn customer profiling software and it shows how far above the UK average the North Downs East population is (a score of 125, means the proportion within North Downs East is 25% higher than the UK average). North Downs East residents are less likely (than UK average) to suffer a heart attack, have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 (classified as obese) have diabetes and have asthma. They more likely to have high blood pressure.

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General Health

The 2011 Census required people to give a self assessment on how they feel about their health. 84.3% indicated they are in good, or very good, health; which is slightly lower than the county average. Only 4.6% felt in bad/very bad heath, which is above the county average.

North Downs East Shepway Kent Very good health 49.1% 42.2% 46.7% Good health 35.2% 36.1% 34.9% Fair health 11.1% 15.2% 13.3% Bad health 3.5% 4.9% 4.0% Very bad health 1.1% 1.5% 1.1%

There are 1,286 people providing unpaid care in the ward, which equates to 11.4% of the population; this is broadly in line with the levels for Shepway and Kent.

North Downs East No. % Shepway Kent People providing unpaid care 1,286 11.4% 11.4% 10.4% People providing no care 9,992 88.6% 88.6% 89.6%

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Usage of health services

The following health indicators suggest the frequency with which people from North Downs East use health services for certain conditions or ailments. They have been selected because Shepway varies from the Kent average and they indicate that residents in this ward are in good health, for example:

• Emergency admissions for COPD and diabetes are among the lowest in the district. • Mortality for under 75s from respiratory conditions are the second lowest across Shepway. • Life expectancy at birth is the second highest in the district.

North Downs Shepway Kent East Breastfeeding prevalence51 45.7% 36.4% 39.3% Emergency admissions for AMI52 (aka heart attack) 123.49 142.09 128.46 Emergency admissions for COPD53 42.51 78.05 77.58 Emergency admissions for diabetes54 671.37 751.30 839.00 Emergency admissions for falls55 21,042.01 22,682.60 23,170.16 Emergency admissions for over 65s56 130.21 140.22 131.09 Under 75 cancer mortality57 62.63 77.42 70.31 Under 75 circulatory mortality58 12.57 35.77 16.78 Under 75 respiratory mortality59 84.40 81.77 81.73 Life expectancy at birth60 78.09 81.77 81.73

Emergency admissions for COPD

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Emergency admissions for diabetes

Under 75 respiratory mortality

Life expectancy at birth

-20- North Downs East Housing

75% of all properties in North Downs East are detached or semi detached. This is above the county average and reflects the rural and low density nature of the built environment across the ward. Accordingly there are less terraced properties, and a much smaller proportion of flats.

Shepway Kent

Detached houses or 27.0% 25.1% bungalows Semi-detached houses 24.1% 24.8% Terraced houses 26.3% 18.7% Flats, maisonettes 0.6% 0.9% Caravans or other 0.6% 0.9% temporary structures

Detached houses or bungalows 47% Flats maisonettes or apartments 4% Terraced houses or bungalows 21% Semi-detached houses or bungalows 28%

Housing tenture

Three-quarters of all residents in North Downs East are owner occupiers, and most people own their property with a mortgage. There are less people who rent in the ward compared to Shepway and Kent.

North Downs East Shepway Kent No. % % % Owner occupied households 3,255 75.2% 64.8% 67.3% • Owns outright 1,438 33.2% 35.3% 33.1% • Owns with a mortgage or loan 1,817 42.0% 29.5% 34.2% Shared ownership 40 0.9% 0.5% 1.0% Rented households 991 22.9% 33.4% 30.4% • Rented from a local authority 161 3.7% 6.9% 5.8% • Rented from an housing association 235 5.4% 4.3% 8.1% • Privately rented 485 11.2% 20.2% 15.1% • Other rented 110 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% Living Rent Free 44 1.0% 1.3% 1.3%

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House prices

There is a larger proportion of high value properties in North Downs East (over £250,000) compared to the UK as a whole, and there is a far smaller level of properties under £125,000.

Housing size

As a proportion of all homes, there are far more properties in North Downs East that are 4-5 bedroom than the found across the UK. There is a much smaller share of properties with less than three bedrooms.

-22- North Downs East Neighbourhood/community

As a predominantly rural ward, there are many wide range of environmental issues. Elham Gardening groups dedicated to the preservation and care of Society66 are also very active in the area. Elham the environment and wildlife, particularly in respect Village Hall Association67 is central to village life, of the . The White Cliffs Countryside administering the use of the village hall. They also Partnership61 and Kent Wildlife Trust62 are two arrange funding initiatives in order to maintain the such organisations. offer many hall, including quiz nights. volunteering opportunities, and produce the Green Gang newsletter highlighting events and activities Elham Historical Society68 meet monthly to share focussed around wildlife and conservation. knowledge of local history, and preserve historical artefacts and monuments from the area. The Society Hawkinge also maintains an online database of historical information on the village and its surrounding area, as The Hawkinge Town Council63 play a key role in well as people who have lived there. community life along with a large selection of groups and societies operating in the town. These groups Acrise Parish is in a very rural setting with St Martin’s include Brownies, Hawkinge Spitfires over 60’s Church at its heart. Further details on this church Club, Hawkinge Patchwork Group, Hawkinge Arts and its activities and services are available at Group, Hawkinge District Gardeners Society and section 12viii. Bingo. There is also the established WI branch of Hawkinge, Acrise and Paddlesworth who have met Selsted School plays a key role in the community, in the area since the 1930s. St Lukes (Hawkinge & with their community sports hall providing a social Densole) Youth Club operate from St Luke’s Church meeting point. Hall in Hawkinge, linking young people from Selsted, Hawkinge and Churchill Primary Schools. The group Swingfield no longer has a village hall and the main offers a range of games and craft activities for young area for recreation is the football pitch and BMX track people in a safe environment. close to where the old village hall stood. The Parish Church of St Peter in Swingfield is also redundant. Elham In Paddlesworth, The Cat and Custard Pot public Elham Parish Council64 hold monthly meetings, to house provides a ‘home from home’ feel in a which the community are invited in order to be part welcoming environment. St Oswald’s Church is also of the decision making process. Based in The Square central to this small community. in Elham, St Marys Church is also a focal point for the community, organising a number of lunches There are also a number of charities operating in the throughout the year, as well as other activities. ward, an example of which are the Folkestone, and Further details on the churches and their activities and Hythe branches of Age UK69. These two in the ward are listed in section 12viii. branches between them cover the North Downs East ward and offer various support services, including The Elham Circle is an active community group who meals, day centres, and subsidised gardening and meet regularly to voice any concerns affecting the handyman services, amongst others. village and surrounding area, and deliver initiatives for improvement. Elham Environment Group65 are a group of likeminded volunteers whose work tackles a

-23- North Downs East Planning & development

Visit the Shepway District Council planning portal for information on planning applications in this area: http://searchplanapps.shepway.gov.uk/online-applications/

-24- North Downs East Physical Assets

Designated spaces (e.g. Sites of Special and includes rare plant species, including orchids. Scientific Interest) The area also supports varied and rare insect life.

The Kent Downs were nationally designated an Peene Quarry72 is a park and picnic site managed by Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Kent County Council, with views over Folkestone and 1968. This encompasses the entire North Downs towards the Channel. East ward. The purpose of the designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Park Gate Down73 in North Elham is a nature reserve area, whilst considering the needs of rural industries managed by The Kent Wildlife Trust. The reserve and local communities70. includes chalk grasslands and woodland and supports a variety of bird species. There are three Conservation Areas within the ward. Conservation areas are designated by the local The ward also benefits from several areas of authority, to help protect areas of special architectural woodlands, to which the public have access. These or historical interest. There are additional restrictions include Reinden Wood on the outskirts of Hawkinge, placed on certain types of development within which is owned by the Ministry of Defence, and conservation areas. The Conservation Areas in North Elham Park Wood, which is located close to Rhodes Downs East include most of the village of Elham, as Minnis and . well as parts of and Newington. Play areas and parks Within the ward, there is one area of Common Land registered with Kent County Council. An area Hawkinge has several newer play areas serving the of common land is owned by a person or group recent housing developments. These are located of persons, but others have a right to use the land at Stombers Lane, Campbell Road, Proctor Walk, in specific ways, such as walking, running and Kettle Drive, Haven Drive, Millfield, St Luke’s Walk, birdwatching. The small area of Elham Pound within Megone Close, Heron Forstal Avenue, Harvest Way, the Parish of Elham has this status. and Blenheim Drive. The facilities range from location to location, but include outdoor fitness equipment, There are three areas within the ward with the status swings, slides, climbing equipment and adventure of a Village Green with Kent County Council. play equipment, catering across the full age range. A Village Green is designated for sports and recreation, as opposed to the ‘right to roam’ for King George V Play Area is a fenced site located in common or access land. The Green at the Butts is Elham, and benefits from a range of modern play a small area in the centre of Elham. Swingfield and equipment to suit all ages. There are flat, cradle and Acrise Recreation Ground at Swingfield Minnis, and basket swings, two slides, climbing areas, zip slide the nearby Green at the Street are also designated as well as seating and picnic areas. There is also a Village Greens. football pitch with goals.

One large site in the ward is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Folkestone to Etchinghill Escarpment71 has protected status, restricting activities that can be carried out there. The area comprises chalk grassland, scrub and woodland,

-25- North Downs East

Allotments The ward has several church, village or school halls which act as venues for clubs and societies, libraries There are three allotment sites in the ward, namely and private functions. in Elham, Hawkinge and Newington. Hawkinge Allotment Society74 is an active group, having Hawkinge Village Hall opened in 1933 and is located campaigned for allotment provision in the town, in the heart of the town. Within the hall itself, there which opened in 2010. The allotments in Elham are is a quilt hanging which depicts the various clubs and also a fairly recent addition to the ward, having been societies that convene there, as well as hosting the opened in 2012. town’s library. In recent years, the Hall has since been extensively refurbished and now boasts a sprung Toilets dance floor, fully equipped kitchen and improved disabled facilities. There are public toilets available on the High Street in Elham, adjacent to the Rose and Crown Public House. Hawkinge also benefits from the modern Community There are no other public conveniences in the North Centre78, which boasts free wifi, a large sports/ Downs East ward. concert hall, community hall, two committee rooms and a well-equipped kitchen. There are well Walking routes/bridle paths appointed male and female changing rooms and baby changing facilities as well as disabled toilets. As a predominantly rural area, there are many The space is available to hire and has the capacity to footpaths and bridleways proving excellent hold large events as well as smaller groups. There is opportunities for off-road walking, cycling and horse a resident beautician and confectioner at the Centre riding. Kent County Council maintain a register of all and the Hawkinge Baptist Church occupies the public rights of way across the district, which can be first floor. St Luke’s Church in Hawkinge also has an viewed on their website75. adjacent church hall.

One major walking route that crosses the North The Centre hosts a range of sporting activities, clubs Downs East ward is the Elham Valley Way, which and events, including a number of rehabilitation and is 22.5 miles in length and runs from Canterbury to support groups to assist those coping with illness, Hythe, through the Elham Valley76 and the village such as the Stroke Association and East Kent Brain of Elham. Tumour Support Groups. An NHS stop smoking group also commune here. The adjoining green hosts Buildings/heritage assets regular bootfairs.

Some of the most impressive historical buildings in Elham also has a modern village hall79 which offers the ward are the churches, some of which are Grade convenient and flexible facilities. The hall hosts Elham I Listed. For more information on these churches, Preschool, and is available to hire for events and please see section 12. (viii) below. private functions. The site has some lovely views over the valley, and benefits from car parking on site. St At Swingfield Street is St John’s Commandery77, an Marys Church Hall is also located in the village and English Heritage site open to the public. The building available to hire for smaller functions and meetings. itself is a flint-walled chapel, dating back to the 13th Century.

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The Scout Association Headquarters are located The Lighthouse Church85 is based at St Luke’s Church adjacent to Reinden Wood in Densole, and hosts in Hawkinge, and offers family-friendly worship and 3rd Hawkinge Scout group80. The group comprises KidzQuest Sunday School for children. Services Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. offered are either traditional Anglican services, with Holy Communion, or more informal services that can Newington Village Hall offers a hall with stage, include a band and dancing. smaller buffet room, toilets including disabled facilities and on site car parking. The building can St Nicholas Church, Newington, is a 12th Century cater for up to 130 people seated and is available to building, located on School Lane. The Church holds hire by the local community. The hall hosts the annual regular services on a Sunday morning. summer fete81. The historic St Peter’s Church in Swingfield was Car Parks declared redundant in 2000.

As a predominantly rural area, specific public St Oswald’s Church originated in the 12th Century provision for car parking is limited, with private car and serves the small community of Paddlesworth. parking and on street parking being largely sufficient. Situation in a quiet, rural setting, St Oswald’s is linked to three Parish Churches in the neighbouring North Places of worship (combined stats on Downs West ward, namely St Mary & St Eltheburga religion) in Lyminge, St Mary and St Radigund in and All Saints Church in Stanford. Services are The Hawkinge Baptist Church82 operates from the held fortnightly and include Holy Communion and Hawkinge Community Centre and holds a regular Evensong, both of which are family-friendly services. Sunday service, coffee mornings, discussion group, afternoon fellowship and Jump for Joy Club for Elham Methodist Church holds weekly Sunday younger members of the community. services, as well as Bible Study and Friday Fellowship groups. The Church is located on the main St Mary’s Church83, Elham is a 13th Century, Grade I thoroughfare through the village of Elham and also listed building located off of the village square. There benefits from an adjacent Church Hall. are regular Sunday services and a Sunday School, as well as prayers on weekday mornings.

St Martin’s Church, Acrise is located in a small rural community, and offers family-friendly Sunday worship, often with refreshments. The Church also hosts the established two-day St Martin’s Flower Festival. The Friends of St Martin’s Church84, a charity, raise money for the maintenance of this historic Grade I listed building.

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Religious beliefs

The 2011 census indicated that all major religions are practised in North Downs East. The majority of people (60%) stated they were Christian and 25% indicated they had no religion. The ward varies slightly from the county average for the proportion of people identifying as: Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and having no religion.

North Downs East No. % Shepway Kent Christian 3,441 60.1% 62.3% 62.5% Buddhist 118 2.1% 0.9% 0.5% Hindu 208 3.6% 1.4% 0.7% Jewish 3 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% Muslim 29 0.5% 0.7% 1.0% Sikh 2 - - 0.7% Other religion 32 0.6% 0.5% 0.4% No religion 1,441 25.2% 26.5% 26.8% Religion not stated 449 7.8% 7.6% 7.3%

-28- North Downs East Arts and Culture Events

The ward hosts a variety of events each year, of Elham was voted Kent Village of the Year in 2011, attracting both the local communities and visitors and has developed a website specific to visitors to to the area. A selection of events and venues are the area88. The Walkers are Welcome group run given below. guided walks led by members from Elham and the surrounding area. Hawkinge Community Centre host events such as live wrestling, which proves popular. SRP Toyfairs86 In Hawkinge, the Kent Battle of Britain Museum89 Toy and Train Shows are also held here, as is the links to the memorial of the same name in nearby Shepway Military Modelling Society87 annual show. Capel. The museum hosts the largest collection of Bootfairs are also held on the green adjacent to Battle of Britain artefacts on show in the country and the Centre. attracts local visitors and those from further afield. The museum is privately run by enthusiasts and The Cricket and Social Cub in Hawkinge hold live volunteers and is administered as a charitable trust. music events including a summer music festival and autumn Fireworks Night. Hawkinge Cemetery is located close to the site of the museum and most of the 95 Second World War In nearby Acrise, the two-day Flower Festival is held casualties buried there were airmen, some of whom in St Martin’s Church, and has been run for over were killed during the Battle of Britain. Most of the 30 years. war graves are in a special plot east of the chapel, including 59 German graves, which are together in a The Newington Village Hall run monthly themed group at the south-eastern corner. bingo and various events throughout the year including a summer fete, hog roast and Halloween A key visitor attraction in the ward is located in party, as well as its facilities being available to the Peene, within Newington Parish. The Elham Valley wider community. Line Trust Railway Museum and The Elham Valley Line Trust Countryside Centre90 were set up in the Elham Village Hall also hosts a number of regular and 1980s to capture the history of the Elham Valley special events, including talks and lectures, musical Railway Line, which had been closed some years entertainment and a Harvest Supper. Other events earlier. The Countryside Centre is hosted in a 290 are held in the village square, including food and craft year old barn, which was relocated to its present site fayres, and the annual Boxing Day Hunt Meet. when the was built. On the site is a tea room, play area, railway display and memorabilia, Tourist attractions and miniature railway ride as well as a picnic area and duck pond. The barn showcases a number of The rural nature of the ward attracts visitors to the traditional crafts, which can also be purchased. In area for walking and outdoor activities, and there is terms of events, the Museum and Centre host both good provision in terms of cafes, public houses and summer and Christmas craft fayres as well as food overnight accommodation. In particular, the village fayres throughout the year.

-29- North Downs East Crime

Detailed crimes statistics for each local area are available from: www.police.uk. Shepway District Council officers and councillors can access mapped crime data from the Atlas GIS under the ‘Statistical Information’ layer.

-30- North Downs East Endnotes/websites

1. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/pop-estimate/population-estimates-for-uk--england-and-wales--scotland-and- northern-ireland/2013/stb---mid-2013-uk-population-estimates.html 2. http://acorn.caci.co.uk/ 3. http://www.kmpho.nhs.uk/ 4. http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/information-and-data/Facts-and-figures-about-Kent/area-profiles 5. The figure to small to be displayed as a percentage 6. Lloyd Adams website http://www.lloydadams.co.uk/ 7. The Mayfly Public House website http://www.mayflypub.co.uk/ 8. White Horse Inn Public House website http://www.whitehorsehawkinge.co.uk 9. Saddle Rack website http://www.saddlerack.co.uk/ 10. Serendipity Florist website http://www.serendipityflower.co.uk/ 11. Browns Estate Agency website http://www.brownscountryproperty.co.uk/ 12. J Steed Building Services website http://www.steedbuilding.co.uk/ 13. Rush It UK website http://www.rush-it-uk.com/ 14. Hawkinge Crematorium website www.dignityfunerals.co.uk 15. Hawkinge Gazette website http://www.hawkingegazette.co.uk/ 16. Harmer & Sons website http://www.harmerandsons.co.uk/ 17. Macfarlanes Garden Centre and Nursery website http://www.macfarlanesgardens.co.uk/butterflies.php 18. Kent 4x4 Centre website http://www.kent4x4centre.co.uk/ 19. Leadsham Trading Ltd. Website http://www.leadshamtrading.co.uk/ 20. Cat and Custard Pot Public House website http://www.catandcustardpot.com/ 21. Elham Farmers Market website www.elhamfarmersmarket.co.uk 22. Abbot’s Fireside website www.abbotsfiresidehotel.co.uk 23. Rose and Crown Public House website www.roseandcrown.elham.co.uk 24. Kings Arms Freehouse website www.kingsarmselham.com 25. Victoria’s Hair and Beauty website www.victoriashairandbeauty.com 26. Eurotunnel website www.eurotunnel.com 27. Stagecoach website www.stagecoachbus.com 28. Elham Primary School website www.elhamprimary.co.uk 29. Selsted CEP School website www.selstedschool.org 30. The Churchill School website www.thechurchillschool.co.uk 31. Hawkinge Primary School website http://www.hawkingeprimaryschool.co.uk/ 32. Kid Ease Nurseries website http://kidease.co.uk/nurseries/ 33. Little Oaks Kindergarten Website www.littleoakskindergarten.com 34. Elham Preschool Website www.elhampreschool.co.uk 35. Hawkinge and Rural Children’s Centre www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/childcare-and-pre-school/childrens- centres/shepway-childrens-centre/hawkinge-and-rural-childrens-centre 36. Walkers are Welcome website http://www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk/ 37. The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership website www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk 38. Arc Angels information available at http://www.elhamchurches.com/Pages/Youth.aspx 39. Elham Valley Cricket Club website http://www.elhamvalleycc.com/ 40. Elham Sports Club website http://www.elham.co.uk/VillageHall/Sports.aspx 41. East Kent Hunt website www.eastkenthunt.com 42. Selsted School Sports Hall website http://selstedschool.org/wp/?page_id=77 43. Selsted Cricket Club http://selsted.play-cricket.com/ 44. Hawkinge Community Centre website http://hawkingecommunitycentre.co.uk/ 45. Hawkinge Town TC website http://www.hawkingefootball.co.uk/ 46. Hawkinge Cricket and Social Club website http://hawkinge.play-cricket.com/

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47. Folkestone Rugby Club website www.folkestonerugbyclub.co.uk 48. The Hawkinge and Elham Valley Practice website www.elhamsurgery.co.uk 49. Pennypot Dental website www.pennypotdental.co.uk 50. Hawkinge House website http://hawkingehouse.co.uk/ 51. Percentage of mothers either exclusively breastfeeding or partially breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks, 2012/13 52. Emergency admissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction, age standardised rate per 100,000 population, FCE=1, 2011/12 to 2013/14 53. Emergency admissions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, age standardised rate per 100,000 population, FCE=1, 2011/12 to 2013/14 54. Emergency admissions for diabetes, age standardised rate per 100,000 population, FCE=1, 2011/12 to 2013/14 55. Emergency admissions for falls, age standardised rate per 100,000 population, FCE=1, 2011/12 to 2013/14 56. Emergency admissions for people aged 65+, age standardised rate per 100,000 population, FCE=1, 2011/12 to 2013/14 57. Mortality from cancer, persons aged under 75, 2010 to 2014, age standardised rate per 100,000 population 58. Mortality from circulatory disease, persons aged under 75, 2010 to 2014, age standardised rate per 100,000 population 59. Mortality from respiratory disease, persons aged under 75, 2010 to 2014, age standardised rate per 100,000 population 60. Based on 2010-2014 deaths, population (2010 to 2013, 2013 used twice as an estimate for 2014) 61. White Cliffs Countryside Partnership website www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk 62. Kent Wildlife Trust website www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk 63. Hawkinge Town Council website www.hawkingepc.kentparishes.gov.uk 64. Elham Parish Council website www.elhampc.kentparishes.gov.uk 65. Elham Environment Group website http://elhamenvironment.co.uk/ 66. Elham Gardening Society website http://www.gardeningsociety.elham.co.uk/ 67. Elham Village Hall Association website http://www.elhamvillagehall.co.uk/ 68. Elham Historical Society website http://www.ehs.elham.co.uk/ 69. Age UK website http://www.ageuk.org.uk/ 70. Shepway District Council website http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200179/211/ 71. Details of the SSSI designation for the Folkestone to Etchinghill Escarpment http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/ citation/citation_photo/1003661.pdf 72. Peene Quarry information at Kent County Council website http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/parks- and-outdoor-activities/other-country-parks/peene-quarry-picnic-site 73. Kent Wildlife Trust website www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk 74. Hawkinge Allotment Society website http://www.hawkingeallotments.org.uk/ 75. Kent County Council Rights of Way map http://webapps.kent.gov.uk/KCC.ExploreKent.Web.Sites.Public/Default.aspx 76. Explore Kent website www.explorekent.org/activities/elham-valley-way 77. English Heritage website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-johns-commandery/ 78. Hawkinge Community Centre website http://hawkingecommunitycentre.co.uk/ 79. Elham Village Hall website http://www.elhamvillagehall.co.uk/ 80. 3rd Hawkinge Scout Group website http://www.3rdhawkinge.co.uk/ 81. Newington Village Hall website http://www.newingtonvillagehall.co.uk/index.html 82. Hawkinge Baptist Church website www.hawkingebaptist.co.uk 83. St Marys Church website www.elhamchurches.com 84. The Friend’s of St Martin’s Church website www.stmartinsacrise.co.uk 85. The Lighthouse Church website www.lhch.org.uk 86. SRP Toyfairs website http://www.srptoyfairs1.co.uk/ 87. Shepway Military Modelling Society website https://shepwaymilitarymodelling.wordpress.com/about/ 88. Visit Elham website http://www.elham.co.uk/visit/ 89. Kent Battle of Britain Museum website http://www.kbobm.org/ 90. The Elham Valley Line Trust Railway Museum and Countryside Centre website www.elhamvalleylinetrust.org

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