Hollingbourne &

May 2021

Church & Village News www.hollingbournepc.co.uk

Parish Directory

The Clergy Team Churchwardens Val Lurcock, 1 Tilefields 880694 Christine Jones 688830 Bellringers Nigel Baker (Tower Captain) 07778 691 343 Pam Nash 880309 Borough Councillor Patrik Garten, Kingswood House, Pitt Orad, ME17 3NR 807907 Bourne Musicians Beccy Stroud, 1 Musket Lane 880377 Cardwell Pavilion 07932 164839 Cricket Club Ian Gutteridge 730388 Cubs Jane Newsome 862558 Doctor Yeomans Lane : Repeat Prescriptions 630415 / Appointments, etc. 737326 Downs Mail Editor 734735 Football Club Mike Bedwell 880353 Garden Society John Ross 737080 Hospitals: 729000 Eye, Ear & Mouth Unit 729000 Preston Hall 710161 9am – 5 pm Messenger Correspondent Vacant Maidstone Volunteer Bureau 01622 756662 Meadows Trust Ben Williams 07968.123165 or880584 Neighbourhood Contacts June Pockett [email protected]/07767.367611 Parish Council Chairman Adam Ward [email protected] Vice Chairman Simon Hulme 07808 300 840 Parish Clerk Vickie Smith [email protected] 07856.180003/880526 Pre-School Christine Judges 07864 065753 Police PCSO Ryan Waring 101 Railway Enquiries 0845 748 4950 Reading Group Barbara Lloyd 880282 Dawn Perry 880634 Royal British Legion Derek Davison 880650 School Mrs. Helen Bradley-Wyatt, Headteacher 880270 Scout Group Alan Poulton 843019 Short Mat Bowls Peter Lee 880580 Village Hall Barbara Tremble 880216 Village Shop Julie & Martin Woods 880338 Women’s Institute Barbara Gibbs 880652 Sue Roberts 07867.691393 Hucking WI Sharon Lee 07714.756354 Kate Blacker 07760.905416

Magazine Contributions should be in by the 10 th of the month latest to the Editor : Carole Findlay, 1 Pimpernel Close, , Kent ME14 4QQ. 01622.583636 Email: [email protected]

Magazine Subscriptions for the year £6.00 were due by 1 st April, 2020. (suspended) Subscriptions are usually collected by Magazine Distributors. For advertising please contact Phil Smith at [email protected] Single Copies 60p available from Woods of Hollingbourne (when available) and in All Saints Church Magazine available on line at Hollingbourne Parish Council website 2 “It is far better to give.....”

Have you ever been influenced by someone? A parent, grandparent, teacher, colleague, even a Church minister? For me, I am always reminded of Grandma Bateman (my Mum’s mum). She had a tremendous influence over the whole of the family and still today, long after her death, I hear her name mentioned or remember things she used to say. Grandma Bateman was a devout Christian. For her, church meant 3 times on a Sunday, no television or newspapers and walking to church if possible. More important than those customs was her example as a woman who lived out her faith. As a family, we still maintain a real sense of wanting to live out our Christian lives. What an influence!

Christians are stewards of the gifts and abilities God has given them. In the Bible, 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he (or she) has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” And we must use those gifts and abilities to serve others.

There’s a saying, “The thief says, ‘What’s yours is mine, I’ll take it.’ The selfish man says, ‘What’s mine is mine, I’ll keep it.’ The Godly man says, ‘What’s mine is a gift from God, I’ll share it.’

As I write this article and put down my thoughts, my mind goes to all those lives lost over the days, weeks and months of the pandemic. Sadly, all we see are numbers and we are very grateful that those numbers of people dying are getting smaller. But to those who are still losing loved ones, those individuals are loved, mourned and missed They, in their own way, have been influential to those they came into contact with, those around them.

I love reading about people’s lives. At the moment I’m reading ‘Remarkable People’ by the broadcaster and journalist, Dan Walker. He tells us about people from different walks of life who have influenced his life. Some well known, some not. A few of the stories are from an individual’s faith perspective, but others are from the person’s love of humanity, wanting to make a difference.

Different people with different personalities, but all with so much to give and use all that God had given to them. t’s lovely to receive from others, but lovelier to give in return.

We may not be a Captain Sir Tom Moore or a Sir Lenny Henry, but we can still be inspired by the Grandma Bateman’s of this world. Because it is true – it is far better to give than to receive!

Captain Graham Bibby, Team Missioner, Team.

3 SERVICES 2020/21 (YEAR B) MAY 2021

2nd May Easter 5 Service Hollingbourne 11.00 am Eucharist Readings Acts8: 26-40; John 15: 1-8 9th May Easter 6 Service Hollingbourne 11.00 am Eucharist Readings Acts 10: 44-48; John 15: 9-17 13 th May Ascension Day 16 th May Easter 7 Service Hollingbourne 11.00 am Eucharist Readings Acts 1: 1-21; John 15: 26-27, 16.4b-15 23 rd May Pentecost Service Hollingbourne 11.00 am Eucharist Readings Isaiah 6: 1-8; John 3: 1-17 30 th May Trinity Sunday Services Hollingbourne 11.00 am Eucharist Hucking 2.00 pm Eucharist Readings Isaiah 6: 1-8; John 3: 1-17

If you wish to attend a church service at All Saints Church you MUST register in advance with the Churchwardens – Val Lurcock - 880694 or Christine Jones - 688830.

The Church will be open for Private Prayer between 10.00 am and 2 pm on Wednesday and Sunday.

Revd. Mark Pavey will be conducting a service online at 10.00 am each Sunday.

The following links are the links for Mark Pavey's services - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KnCwLrj4ACApkv_UEyXvg or if you are on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/northdownschurches/

LEEDS SERVICES

2nd May Leeds 11.00 am Communion 9th May Broomfield 3.30 pm Communion 13 th May Ascension Day 16 th May Leeds 11.00 am Eucharist 23 rd May Kingswood 11.00 am Family Communion 30 th May Leeds 11.00 am Area Communion

4 EDITOR’S NOTES

Well, we seem to be moving ahead. The opportunity to indulge in conversation while having a meal and a drink has coincided with some half-way decent weather, although, of course, this has been accompanied by a sharp wind. It reminds me of the battle between the wind and the sun as to which could make someone take off their coat. The wind blew colder and colder, but the person just pulled their coat tighter round them. The sun shone, the person became too warm and took of their coat! Just a few more days and we should be able to take refuge inside the , restaurants and coffee houses. Will we remember how to converse?

Church services have resumed, with a service at All Saints each Sunday at 11.00 a.m. Robin Gill will be taking services on 30 th May at both Hollingbourne and Hucking. If you wish to attend any service, please contact a Churchwarden to book a place.

Local elections take place on 6 th May – use your vote, it was hard won.

We have Bank Holidays before and after the end of Lockdown 3. How different will they be? I’m still waiting for those ‘three things I want to do after lockdown’ articles.

I am still hoping to get information on revitalised village activities. Trawling the websites, I see that the Garden Society is hoping to hold their Autumn Show some time in September and their Annual Supper during October. Watch this space. The WI has a meeting pencilled in for 17 th June (not the usual Thursday). Confirmation to come. The diary is looking distinctly flabby, but I have noted that the Mobile Library is due to come round once a month, stopping (on a Wednesday) at the Village Hall.

The church is now open for services on Sundays and Private Prayer on Wednesdays. It could do with some help in keeping it clean and decorated. If you would be willing to do some cleaning (not very often) or help arrange some flowers (again not very often) contact Katie Brice (880520 or 07941.263479) for cleaning or Val Lurcock (880694) for flowers.

Looking forward to receiving your contributions.

Carole Findlay [email protected] 01622.583.636

5 Take part and make Maidstone Borough Bloom

For the first time ever Maidstone Borough Council is launching a Maidstone Borough in Bloom competition and is inviting anyone who enjoys creating beautiful gardens or pots to enter.

Working with Coolings Garden Centre in Bearsted, the competition opened on Thursday 22 April and will be open for entries until Monday 5 July. Judging will take place during the last two weeks of July and the Awards Ceremony will be held in September.

There are three categories, residential, commercial and community and any household entering will be given a £5 voucher to spend at Coolings. A trophy will be awarded for the winner and runner up in each category. All winners in each category will also receive a prize of £25.00 Coolings gift voucher as well as two adult annual tickets for .

Andrew Williams, Parks and Open Spaces Manager at Maidstone Borough Council said: “We are thrilled to be working with Coolings Garden Centre on this new competition and look forward to seeing all the wonderful gardens and flower display entries. We hope this also encourages businesses to show off their premises, particularly as many will be opening for the first time since being locked down.

“It would be great if in the future, it might be possible for Maidstone to progress to enter the South In Bloom competition which would help tie in the use of public space and community activity all year round.

“We are also working with Kent Wildlife Trust to help give advice on creating pollinator, wildlife friendly gardens as we know people may be interested in how to make their gardens more biodiverse. Our partners at Leeds Castle are very kindly providing prizes, which are very much appreciated, and their specialist gardening consultant will be giving gardening tips in a monthly blog, so look out for that.”

Coolings Head Judge Neil Jackson said: “I look forward to appreciating the beautiful gardens and environmental contribution made by the residents and businesses of Maidstone Borough. Every garden, pot, trough and community project makes the world a better place to live in and it’s important this work is recognised properly.”

…/... 6 Burst water pipe on Eyhorne Street

A burst water pipe on Eyhorne Street has meant that the road had to close for up to 7 days to allow South East Water to effect repairs.

Thought to have been caused by heavy traffic and, in particular, trucks, driving through the village following the closure of the A249 on Tuesday, 20 th April, the water pipe added to a multitude of traffic issues.

MOBILE LIBRARY DATES

The Mobile Library will visit the Village Hall between 12.10 and 12.40 pm on the following Wednesdays.

19 th May 16 th June 14 th July 11 th August 8th September

A group of lads took a trip to France and decided to attend Mass in a small town, even though none of them understood French. They managed to stand, kneel and sit when the rest of the congregation did, so it wouldn't be obvious they were tourists. At one point, the priest spoke and the man sitting next to them stood up, so they got up, too. The entire congregation broke into hearty laughter.

After the service they approached the priest, who spoke English, and asked him what had been so funny. The priest said he had announced a birth in the

The Maidstone Borough in Bloom categories are:

Residential Categories Commercial Categories

Best Front Garden Best Commercial Garden Best Back Garden Best Commercial Planted pot trough Best Planted pot trough or hanging basket or hanging basket Best vegetable garden or allotment Best pollinators garden Community Categories Best Community Environmentally Garden Best Community Ornamental Garden

To enter please complete a Coolings Garden Centre entry form through the Maidstone Borough Council website here: https://maidstone.gov.uk/ maidstone-borough-in-bloom 7 HOLLINGBOURNE READING GROUP

Spring seems to be a time to celebrate books. Schools have World Book Day in March and children usually dress up as book characters. April has World Book Night with hundreds of events on-line. This year Kazuo Ishiguro gave an on-line talk about his new book ‘Klara and The Sun’.

This year World Book Night revealed a survey stating that we are a nation of re readers. 53% of people have re-read a book in the last 12 months. For me it is ‘Pickwick Papers’ and ‘Anne of Green Gables’ . Some may might class this as a children’s book, but I do not like to categorise books in this way.

Two interesting books published this month are: ‘Philip’ by Giles Brandreth and ‘Power of Hope’ by Kate Garraway.

A Gallup poll has said there are more over 65’s reading than ever before. Top of the best sellers remains ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ .

Happy Reading

Dawn Perry Hollinobourne Readino Group

Many thanks to Kathy and Chris for all their work in the garden at the church. It is looking spectacular.

8

St. Margarets Church Hucking

Dates for services to be held throughout 2021. The Corona Virus emergency has seriously disrupted our plans for services at St Margaret’s this year .

Next Service 30 th May 2-00 pm Holy Communion

To meet the very stringent Covid 19 guidelines and to ensure that social distancing can be maintained during the service in this very small church building it is essential that anyone wishing to attend contact the following at least 24 hours before: -

David Silsbey 01622 884631 St Margaret’s Church

9 HOLLINGBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS

The Next Meetings are to be held on Monday, 10th May Monday, 14th June Monday, 12th July Via Microsoft Teams Video Link, at 7.30 pm. These are public meetings, but, due to COVID-19 Government Guidelines on the gathering of people together, it will NOT be held at the Cardwell Pavilion. Residents and representatives of the media interested in joining the video link should contact the Clerk via [email protected] . The Parish Council’s aim is to include them within the meeting.*

The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in the dark.

During a game, the coach asked one of his young players: "Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?" The little boy nodded yes. "Do you understand that what matters is winning together as a team?" The little boy nodded yes. "So," the coach continued, "when a strike is called, or you are out at first, you don't argue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand all that?" Again, the boy nodded yes. "Good," said the coach. "Now go over there and explain it to your mother."

The Moving Finger writes, and, having writ, moves on. And so, I stare and wonder - where does the ink come from?!

HATCHESTMATCHEST&TDESEATCHEST

A welcome to the village to Angela and Patrick Zimmerman, together with their children, Luciana and Logan, who have recently moved into Hasteds. We hope they will enjoy the activities of the village when they restart.

10 Music Notes May 2021

The lockdown rules still won’t allow live local concerts in May, but I believe Maidstone Choral Union may be planning a concert in July (if conditions permit) and other musicians are planning events in October. Watch this space! Meanwhile, I will continue to regale you with musical anniversaries, this time for May. There are lots so here are just a few, of the more well- known musicians:

2nd May 4th anniversary of the death of Norma Procter, English operatic contralto, aged 89. 17 th May 100 th anniversary of birth of Dennis Brain, British virtuoso horn player 21st May 180th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Parry, Welsh composer and musician. 22 nd May 207 th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner, German composer and conductor 23 rd May 187 th anniversary of the Death aged 76 of Charles Wesley junior, English organist and composer.

Joseph Parry was, as far as is known, no relation to the English composer Sir Hubert Parry. Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, he is best known as the composer of "Myfanwy" and the hymn tune "Aberystwyth", on which the African song "Nkosi Sikelel' Afrika" is said to be based. Parry was also the first Welshman to compose an opera; his composition, Blodwen, was the first opera in the Welsh language.

Charles Wesley junior was an English organist and composer. He was the son of Sarah and Charles Wesley (the great hymn-writer and one of the founders of Methodism), and the brother of Samuel Wesley, also an organist and composer. He is usually referred to as "Charles Wesley junior" to avoid confusion with his more famous father. Although much less well known than his brother Samuel, he was, like Samuel, regarded as a musical prodigy in childhood, and he was playing the organ before the age of three. He became a professional musician in adulthood, and Matthews (1971) quotes the European Magazine of 1784 as reporting that "his performance on the organ has given supreme delight".

BJH

By popular request the alphabet continues: p Piano – soft (the neighbours have complained) pp Pianissimo – VERY SOFT (the neighbours are at the door) f Forte – lomd (the neighbours are out) ff Fortissimo – VERY LOUD (sucks to the neighbours)

11 Leeds & Kingswood Scout Group WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A LEADER OR HELPER?

Did you know YOU could become n Benver, cubs or scout volunteer nnd help us to improve the lives of locnl boys nnd girls nnd help them to develop nnd fulfil their future nmbitions?

Leeds & Kingswood Scout Group is run from the Scout Hut locnted nlongside the plnying field on the Lenhnm Rond, Kingswood. Ench section meets one evening n week nnd cnrries out n vnriety of nctivities both in the hut nnd outside.

After mnny yenrs, our two cub lenders nre retiring nnd our two scout lenders nre moving nwny, hnving successfully Boined the RAF.

We urgently need volunteers, both ns lenders nnd helpers, to ensure the continued success of the group. All trnining nnd uniforms nre provided nnd it is nn idenl opportunity to develop your own skills nnd nmbitions while giving something bnck to the locnl community.

I would be delighted to provide nny more informntion you mny need to mnke your decision to Boin us.

I very much look forwnrd to henring from you.

Yours

Alan Poulton

This happened recently and is an important lesson for our friends and family in the older age group. A friend had his second doze of vaccine at the vaccination centre. Shortly afterwards he began to have blurred vision and struggled to get home.

He rang the vaccination centre and asked if he should go straight to the hospital for help. He was told NOT to go to the hospital, but instead to return at once to the vaccination centre and pick up his glasses….

12 Leeds and Kingswood Scout Group

Hope you are all well and not too bored.

With the pandemic we are not being able to have face to face contact, so the leaders have arranged meetings via Zoom. This has let the individual sections keep in touch with each other.

Not having the meetings at the hut has given us the opportunity to decorate the hut and freshen it up.

You may see in the magazine we are seeking for leaders and helpers for beavers, cubs and scouts. If you like working with children, this will give them your expertise in helping them. If you are interested, please give me a ring at the telephone number at the bottom.

For our funds to keep the group running, we run a 100 club. We have four prizes a month, comprising 1 x £20, 2 x £10 prizes and a £5.

This is £12 a year (£1 a month). If you are interested in joining, please call me on the number below.

In the meantime, stay safe and well and look after yourselves

Alan Poulton

13 Hollingbourne Meadows Trust News Bulletin May 2021

The Trust relies totally on regular donations from members and specific funds from other organisations. It does not receive funding from the Government or the Local Authority.

Now that the government has eased the coronavirus restrictions, we can look forward to the coming spring and summer, when we can all enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery surrounding our village. We must still follow the guidelines in order to keep safe and healthy, keep the coronavirus under control and to avoid another lockdown.

We have purchased around 950 various tree whips to plant in around the Meadows. The plan is that half will be potted to be planted later in the year, while the other half are to be used this spring to fill some of the gaps in the hedgerows. Those of you who have been around the Meadows recently will have noticed that some of these tree whips, planted in Culpepper Meadow, once established will grow and fill these hedgerow gaps. A new crossing point in the ditch is planned to be constructed, in line with the Avenue of Remembrance. To give the trees a chance, we ask that everyone keep to the designated crossing points and we can then look to improve the environmental conditions of the ditches and hedgerows. This work has been led by Ben Williams, ably assisted by several volunteers to whom we are also indebted.

We have other plans – which will be carried out once sufficient funds are available – such as improving the surfacing of the Hasteds entrance, in order to make this more suitable during all weathers.

We are now looking for a suitable replacement Finance Director to replace Liz Jordan, who has decided to step down. If you, or someone you know of, would be interested in helping the Trust with financial compliance or would just wish to be involved in the management and organisation of the Trust then please either contact a member of the Trust or post or email your details. Your valued input is much needed!

The Hedge of Hope involves the provision of biodegradable wooden discs which can be decorated and hung, using hessian, on the hedge in Godfrey Meadow. This has allowed people to display inspirational and hopeful messages for all to read. The Trust is being supported by Woods of Hollingbourne, who are holding a quantity of bio-degradable wooden discs. While this has been successful, there are still a quantity of discs available to be collected: all we ask is for a donation to cover the costs although this is not mandatory. A sum of £2 is suggested.

14 Following the success of the Miles 4 Smiles campaign, which we ran in No- vember last year, we are aiming to run this again to promote people getting out and walking for charity. Watch this space and the HTML website for details which will be released nearer the time

If you are not currently a Member or ‘Friend of the Meadows’ and would like to support this asset which is for the whole community or if anyone is interested in sponsoring a tree which would make a great present for a loved one, then please visit www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk or any member of the Trust . There is more information on the HMT website together with details of other projects and this can be found on www.hollingbournemeadowstrust.co.uk , on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/Project100HMTL/ and there is also a website where dona- tions can be made at https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/ hollingbournemeadowstrust .

NOTICE OF POLL

The Police & Crime Commissioner Election and the Kent County Council Elections are being contested along with a third of borough, couple of parishes and neighbourhood plan referendums on Thursday 6 May 2021.

Cardwell Pavilion – Station 65 incorporates the electoral register of numbers: TV1 to TC 63, TB-1 to TB-822, TC-1 to TC-48

Playground damaged again – Clatterbridge closed

Unfortunately, the Clatterbridge at Hollingbourne playground at Lance Memorial Playing Field has been damaged again – not long after it was recently repaired.

It is therefore off limits whilst another repair is scheduled.

The Parish council would like to appeal to any witnesses who may have seen the vandalism. The clatterbridge was only replaced on Tuesday, 30th March 2021, and if anybody has seen any suspicious behaviour around the playground, between Tuesday evening and Sunday, 4th April 2021 it would be good if they could tell us about it.

15 Hollingbourne residents join 20’s plenty campaign

In a bid to reduce the speed limit in Hollingbourne Local residents have joined the nationwide campaign 20’s Plenty.

Speeding is one of the myriad of traffic issues causing problems for residents.

Whilst councils rarely reduce speed limits without high crash numbers the residents are hoping to address the problem before a fatal crash and hope that the banners and notices will encourage safer and slower driving through the village.

Along with the new resident volunteer speedwatch and the highway improvements in Upper Street it is hoped that these will combine to lead into some more long term solutions for the village.

A teacher posed the following problem to one of her maths classes: "A wealthy man dies and leaves ten million pounds. One-fifth is to go to his wife, one-fifth is to go to his son, one-sixth to his butler, and the rest to charity. Now, what does each get?"

After a very long silence in the classroom, one little boy raised his hand. With complete sincerity, he ventured, "A solicitor?"

Hollingbourne Speedwatch

The parish council have managed to source a SID (speed device) so the next step is to collate the list of volunteers who would like to help with the speed check campaign.

There will be training organised on use of the speed gun before we take to the village streets to start monitoring.

Anyone interested in volunteering or just happy to help promote positive traffic safety changes in our village please join the following what’s app group https://chat.whatsapp.com/CAa5iD3OXgP7qPCZsifu1u

16 A client brought a litter of Golden Retriever puppies to the local veterinary clinic for inoculations and worming. As the look-alike pups tumbled over and under one another in their box, the experienced vet realised it would be difficult to tell which had been treated and which hadn't. So, the vet turned on the water tap, wet her fingers and gently moistened each dog's head as she finished giving it the necessary shots.

After the fourth puppy, the vet noticed her hitherto talkative client had grown silent and was looking rather reverent. As the animal doctor sprinkled the last pup's head, the owner leaned forward and whispered, "Thank you so much. I hadn’t realised you baptised them, too.”

Traffic Chaos in Hollingbourne

There was traffic chaos in Hollingbourne on the morning of 20th April as the traffic from the closed A249 southbound was diverted through the ancient village, causing anger and, once again, residents call for safer roads in the village.

Details of the Speedwatch and 20’s Plenty campaign currently in action can be found at the whatsapp site opposite.

I asked my mother if I was a gifted child. She said I must be, because they certainly wouldn't have paid for me.

Hollingbourne Station improvement

The Kent Community Rail Partnership which is hosted by Sustrans – www.sustrans.org.uk works with local authorities, organisations and communities to support local railway lines.

The community rail partnership aims to ensure communities get the most out of their railways and have an action plan for building regeneration and use. One of the proposals which was accepted is the Hollingbourne Railway Station improvement.

MBC North Downs Ward Councillor Patrik Garten put forward ideas for refurbishment and opening of the closed station building for community use.

Next step will be a site visit to the railway station to actually assess the available opportunities and their viability. A site visit for all interested parties, volunteers and businesses is planned for May. Anybody who may be interested in this project please contact the Parish Clerk on [email protected]. 17 20/04/2021

Welcome to my latest newsletter. There are quite a few items this month, which I would like (and need) to draw to your attention:

Urgent Action required

Swale Borough Council goes currently through their Regulation 19 consultation for their latest Local Plan. I am very concerned about increased rat-running through the North Downs AONB. Increased developments in Swale will inevitably lead to an enormous increase of commuter traffic through the villages of Hollingbourne and . I envisage that the latter will become worse before getting better, during the forthcoming construction works at M2 junction 5. I, therefore, contacted Swale Borough Council and requested that they implement measures in their Local Plan to discourage rat-running through the AONB and to take all available measures to guide traffic via the trunk road network. Please take the opportunity to respond to their public consultation and reiterate my concerns: https://swale-consult.objective.co.uk/kse The consultation ends 30 April.

Businesses with reduced footfall urged to apply for grants

Throughout the pandemic MBC has successfully administered a range of mandatory and discretionary grant schemes to support local businesses, with over 8,867 awards made to the value of £46million.

Maidstone Borough Council is calling on businesses that may have been unsuccessful previously in applying for a business grant or not felt they qualify to try again this time as a new ‘hardship’ category has been introduced. The deadline for Maidstone businesses to apply for the ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’ (ARG) has also been extended until Friday 30 April.

The grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. If you are a Maidstone business that has suffered financial loss and not been able to claim other grants, then we urge you to apply.

Businesses that qualified for a grant between 5 January to 16 February and continue to meet the criteria for the scheme will be automatically awarded a further grant with no need for a further application.

The grants full eligibility criteria and online application form is available on the Maidstone Borough Council website: https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/ other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/advice-and-help-for- businesses/additional-restrictions-grant

18 Mandatory injunction in place to stop harm to AONB

Continuing its fight against harm to an area of outstanding natural beauty, Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has taken further action and obtained a Full Injunction in both prohibitory and mandatory terms against a land- owner in . Mr Langley Beck of Bell Lane, Boxley previously ignored requirements of an Enforcement Notice to stop living on the land and the unlawful disposal of waste/car parts etc and to restore the land. MBC began legal proceed- ings to prevent further serious harm to the site that is located within an AONB, a designated Ancient Woodland and covered by a Tree Preserva- tion Order. The Council initially obtained a High Court Interim Injunction earlier this year and has now secured a Full Injunction.

Support for on-street electric vehicle charging points

The Transport Secretary recently confirmed that the Government’s On- Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme will continue in the 2021-22 finan- cial year, with a £20 million budget. The scheme is available to all UK local authorities, to fund 75% of the capital costs of installing residential EV chargepoints.

New legislation

The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) will be coming into force on 4 May, 2021. An individual who has debts must take professional debt ad- vice from a debt adviser to be considered for Breathing Space. The debt adviser will consider whether the individual is in problem debt and whether there is an ability to repay all debts. An individual must agree they will con- tinue to pay ongoing liabilities. (There are separate arrangements for any- one who has been referred by the NHS due to mental health problems). The standard Breathing Space allows an individual 60 working days where their debts are effectively 'frozen'. Debts that are likely to be qualifying debts, include Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing benefit Overpayments, credit or store cards, loans, overdrafts, utility bills, and mortgage arrears. A decision will be made within 60 days as to what the best option is to get a person's finances back on track. At this point, the creditors can no longer start any action or legal proceedings against the debtor, must put all exist- ing debts on hold and is not able to contact the debtor regarding the Breathing Space debt. Breathing Space is not a payment holiday. Whilst creditors must pause action during Breathing Space, a debtor is still legally required to pay their ongoing debts and liabilities. Certain debts such as Council Tax and Business Rates are considered 'ongoing liabilities' during a standard Breathing Space. The debtor needs to keep paying these as this is a requirement for continued protection. If they stop paying, the standard Breathing Space may be cancelled. At the end of Breathing Space, it is anticipated customers will enter into a Statutory Debt Repayment Plan (SDRP), which is a formal agreement with creditors to repay ALL their debts over a manageable time period (based on individuals surplus income). 19 Moratorium On Possession Proceedings

Since the end of March, 2020, there have been various regulatory edicts that have extended the notice period that landlords must give their tenants; stays on possession hearings in the Courts; and a halt to eviction warrants being executed by bailiffs.

MBC housing officers are aware of a small number of occasions where land- lords in the borough have attempted to evict tenants; although our staff inter- vened when made aware, none of these incidents has resulted in a prosecu- tion. Most of the time once the officers have explained the legal position to the landlord, they reach a more reasonable outcome.

And finally:

Please don’t forget on 6 th May you will be asked to vote for your Kent County Councillor, the Police and Crime Commissioner and your Maidstone Borough Councillor.

It will be vital that you make your voices heard and give your mandate to the candidate who shall represent you for the next four years.

Five minutes of your time will mean a lot to the candidate of your choice.

PATRIK GARTEN MBC Councillor for North Downs Ward (Conservative) Phone: 01622-807907

As I left a meeting at our church, I could not find my car keys. They were not in my pockets. They were not in the church. Then I thought – I’ve left them in the car! As I burst through the doors of the church, my heart sank: the church car park was empty.

With a heavy heart I called the police, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then I made the really difficult call: “Darling,” I began (I always call her ‘darling’ at moments like this). “Darling, I have left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen."

There was a little gasp. “You did not have the car . I dropped you off. Remember?”

My heart sang as relief flooded through me. “Of course! Thank God! Well, come get me quick – I am already running late... what is keeping you?”

My wife replied with ominous calm: "What’s keeping me? I’ll tell you what’s keeping me. The police are here. They think I’ve stolen our car...” 20 Universal Credit guidance

Due to the impact of Coronavirus over 5.5 million people are claiming Universal Credit. Many of them are new to claiming Universal Credit having been negatively impacted by Coronavirus.

Please find a guide on their website and social media to help navigate claiming Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. Universal Credit is being rolled out to replace Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment & Support Allowance and Income Support. The full rollout of Universal Credit is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Find out more about Universal Credit using our Universal Credit guide . It covers who can apply, how to apply, how much money you can claim, a glossary to help with Universal Credit terminology and more. To be eligible to receive Universal Credit, you must:

Be aged between 18 and the state pension age (exceptions apply). Be unemployed or on a low income. Have savings lower than £16,000. Not be studying full time, like in university or doing a training course (exceptions apply).

Universal Credit Helpline Telephone 0800 328 9344

CHURCH CLEANING HELP!

Once again another year has passed and it will soon be time for me to draw up the new rota for our band of church cleaners. Sadly this year some people have had to drop out through ill health or other reasons.

Is there anyone in the village who would be prepared to give an hour or so three times a year to help us maintain this wonderful building?

Please give me a ring on 880520 or 07941263479 if you are able to help.

Katie Brice

21 Compassionate and caring service For the bereaved day or night

Michael Lawrence Funeral Director

Rik Moore 6 Marlborough Parade, Beverley Road, , Maidstone, ME16 9JN. Tel: 01622 920300 [email protected]

Karan LeQuelenec 4 Cavendish Way, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME15 8PW. Tel: 01622 920305

Gary Tickle Conservation bricklayer/ Fire Wood

builder Logs All building works undertaken Kindling

Specialising in :- Seasoned firewood Alteratisns, chimneys Brickwsrk, lime msrtar suitable for all fires from & flint wsrk local coppiced woods.

Mobile: 07710 096506 Please call Norman Home: 01795 881784 07733.328715

Email: Gary- [email protected]

22 23 Sheds and Shelters Ltd

Hollingbourne Maidstone uent

Manufacturer of all types of garden buildings All buildings made to order Prices inc VAT, Delivery & Erection

Tel. 01622 880031 www.shedsandshelters.co.uk

Pest Control Services All Pest Problems Dealt With Inoluding: Rats Mice Moles Rabbits Insects Wasps Squirrels Bee Swarms Removed

Disoreet And Prompt Servioe Fully Insured Andy Pink 01622.884774 or 07761.559744 A D Pink Electrical Local Family Business All types of electrical installations Full rewires to single sockets Garden and security lighting Fully insured NICEIC Part P Domestic Installer Tel 01622 884774/07761559744 Email: [email protected]

24 Church Road, Hucking, Kent ME17 1QT. Tel : 01622.880272

Here at The Hook and Hatchet Inn we have a number of desirable amenities other than just our fabulous bar and dining area - paired with a wide selection of beers, ales, spirits and wines and also fantastic homemade food!

We are a dog friendly pub and also have an area for horses to be tied up and watered free of charge outside too!

With regular events and on site camping we pride ourselves on being able to offer a country pub experience different from the

REGULAR EVENTS

ALTERNATE MONDAYS - QUIZ NIGHT AND BINGO NIGHT 8.00 PM

TWO-WHEELED TUESDAY

DARTS ON TUESDAY 8pm

THURSDAY OPEN MIKE WITH JOSH ROOTS & CO 9.00 pm

CLASSIC CAR FRIDAYS (1st Friday)

CLASSIC BIKE FRIDAYS (3rd Friday)

SADDLE UP SATURDAYS (2nd Saturday)

MUSIC QUIZ (3rd Saturday)

BABK HOLIDAY WEEKEBD 1 - 3rd MAY Gardens, Lorna’s Garden Bar & Burger Shack Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10 am – 7 pm Live Music with ‘Sneaky Beakies’ Sunday from 2 pm

BAR RESTAURABT & CAMPIBG OPEBIBG 17 th MAY Monday – Thursday 12 pm – 9 pm Friday 12 pm – 11 pm Saturday 10 am – 11 pm Sunday 9 am – 9 pm

Food Finishes Sunday – Thursday 8 pm Friday & Saturday 9 pm

25 All in the month of MAY

It was:

200 years ago, on 5 th May, 182,1 that Napoleon Bonaparte , Emperor of France (1804 – 1815) died of stomach cancer, aged 51. He was in exile on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic.

175 years ago, on 30 th May, 1846, that Peter Carl Fabergé was born. This Russian goldsmith and jeweller was best known for his fabulously decorated Fabergé eggs.

150 years ago, on 11 th May, 1871, that John Herschel , British astronomer, mathematician, chemist and pioneering photographer died. Amongst other things, he named seven of Saturn’s moons and investigated colour blindness. He was also President of the Royal Astronomical Society three times.

100 years ago, on 3 rd May, 1921, that Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland (now known as the Republic of Ireland).

Also 100 years ago, on 15 th May, that the British Legion was founded.

90 years ago, on 1 st May, 1931, that the Empire State Bu ilding in New York City was officially opened.

80 years ago, on 1 st –7th May, 1941, that the German Blitz on Liverpool left nearly 3,000 dead and 70,000 homeless. Liverpool was the second most heavily targeted British city, after London.

Also 80 years ago, on 10 th May, 194,1 that the last major attack on London during the Blitz caused heavy damage to many important buildings, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James Palace and Lambeth Palace, several railway stations and hospitals, the British Museum and the Old Bailey. More than 1,300 people were killed on one night. At one point during the Blitz, London was bombed for 57 nights in a row.

75 years ago, on 11 th May, 1946, that the first CARE packages for Europe arrived in Le Havre to help people who were starving after WWII. The first CARE packages were actually surplus US Army rations.

70 years ago, on 3 rd May, 1951, that the Festival of Britain and the Royal Festival Hall in London were opened. The aim of the Festival was to lift the nation’s spirits by celebrating British industry, arts and science.

Also 70 years ago, on 9 th May, 1951, that the Lake District National Park was established. It was Britain’s second national park.

Also 70 years ago, on 25 th May, 1951, that the British spies, Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean, fled to Moscow. They were members of the infamous Cambridge spy ring and their whereabouts remained unknown until 1956.

65 years ago, on 24 th May, 1956, that the first Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland. It was won by Switzerland.

26 60 years ago, on 1 st May, 1961, that betting away from racecourses was legalised in the UK and the first betting shops opened.

Also 60 years ago, on 28 th May, 1961, that Amnesty International was founded in London.

40 years ago, on 13 th May, 1981, that Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded by a Turkish gunman in an assassination attempt in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.

30 years ago, on 16 th May, 1991, that Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the US Congress.

25 years ago, on 30 th May, 1996, that Prince Andrew , Duke of York, and his wife Sarah , Duchess of York, were divorced.

20 years ago, on 7 th May, 2001, that Great Train Robber, Ronnie Biggs , returned to the UK from Brazil, where he had lived as a fugitive for 36 years. He was immediately arrested and sent to prison to complete his sentence. Released on compassionate grounds in 2009, he died in 2013.

10 years ago, on 2 nd May, 2011, that Osama bin Laden , Saudi Arabian-born terrorist, died. Founder of al-Qaeda, he was thought to have masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the USA. ,He was shot dead in Pakistan by US forces .

07814.536173

27 CARDWELL PAVWLWON

FOR THAT SPECWAL PARTY OR MEETWNG. WE CAN CATER FOR YOUR NEEDS

Please call 07932.164839

28 Pest Purge Ltd For all your pest problems

Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Bedbugs, Fleas Wasps, Rabbits, Fox and Birds No job too small, same day support Talk to your local, friendly Pest Control Business

call 01622 842481 or 07758 615101

Architectural & Interior Design

Residentinl Commercinl Extensions Alterntions New Builds Bldg Regs LA Plnnning & Listed Buildings

Tel: 01622 880006 / 07785 544255

PORTICO ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS 6 Tilefields, Hollingbourne, ME17 1TZ E-mail: [email protected]

29

Harrietsham Computers Computer Problems? Need an upgrade or a new machine? Just want some extra tuition? For local, friendly, experienced help, call Mike Cuerden on 01622 -859442 or 07963 020092 No call out fee Reasonable rates Private and commercial work No job too small Computers

30 The Rectory St James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

On reflection, inviting your parishioners to join in our annual Rose Queen celebrations may not have been entirely wise. It was cheering to see that your people arrived on carnival floats, although it was less happy that some of them should have chosen to dress up as coronavirus bugs, full of those nasty spike proteins – that startled some of the timid residents in our community.

Once the procession started, your drivers did not seem to have grasped the fact that the vehicles were expected to tour the village slowly, for the benefit of spectators, instead of treating it as a competitive race. I noticed that numbers on your floats gradually diminished as they were flung off while careering round corners. Those who had a walk of several miles back home while dressed as pirates and ballerinas had my sympathy. Our tea ladies, however, were less sympathetic when one of your hay bales was spun off on a tight corner and went through our Women’s Guild like a row of skittles.

The local police normally use the afternoon to do a little gentle point duty, while drinking gallons of sweet tea; this year, the number of tickets issued for speeding, and not social distancing, should boost our constabulary’s figures for the next 12 months.

I must concede that the group who decided to make a papier mache swan for one of your floats showed great imagination. It was such a pity that they did not know a 15-foot-high swan would be driven under a 12-foot bridge. The drama of its emergence, headless, was only exceeded by the following float which appeared to have a group of Brownies being savaged by a demented, bodiless, vulture.

I am sure that some of your people’s offers to help this year’s Princesses campaign for election for Rose Queen next year were well-meant. However, I don’t think our parish really wants a full-blown social media campaign for next year’s Rose Queen, and so we will have to decline your offer.

The crowning of the Rose Queen is always a high point to the afternoon, but could I point out that the ‘gold’ crown is only metal foil, and the ‘diamond’ sceptre is only a piece of glass? So, whoever it was in your crowd who walked off with them, please may we have them back before next year?

Your loving uncle, Eustace

31 32 Little Pyne Trees For All your gardening needs *Regular weekly / fortnightly* *One off jobs* Friendly Lady Gardeners 07816.539696 [email protected]

Domestic Cleaning

We Clean So You Don’t Have To!

01622 880031

Local professional mortgage advice and recommendations to include…

Purchases/Re-mortgages/First-Time-Buyers Buy-To-Let/Let-To-Buy/Right-To-Buy Commercial Mortgages/Equity Release Building & Contents/Life Protection Critical Illness Protection/Income Protection

Please contact GREG on 07956 549488 or Email: [email protected] CeMAP & CeRER qualified

Braemar Mortgage Services Limited is an independent mortgage adviser and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA No. 495806 33 34

CARPETS, VINYL & NATURAL FLOORING ALL LEADING BRANDS SUPPLIED & INSTALLED ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ QUALITY, RELIABILITY & VALUE AS STANDARD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A FAMILY RUN BUSINES FOR OVER 25 YEARS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SAMPLES BROUGHT TO YOUR HOME

CHOOSING CARPETS 01622 880596 FULLY INSURED

To advertise in this magazine, please contact Phil Smith on 01622.880.680 philip.smithsmith@ btinternet.com

when replying to an advertisement, please mention this publication

35 VILLAGE DIARY May 2nd 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 3rd May Bank Holiday 6th Local Elections 9th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 10 th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line 13 th Ascension Day 17 th Lockdown Step 3 19 th 12.10-12.40 pm Mobile Library Village Hall 23 rd 11.00 am Eucharist – Whit Sunday/Pentecost All Saints Church 30 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 2.00 pm Eucharist St. Margaret’s, Hucking 31 st Spring Bank Holiday June 6th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 12.00 pm All Saints Church APCM All Saints Church 13 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 14 th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line 16 th 12.10-12.40 pm Mobile Library Village Hall 20 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church Fathers’ Day 21 st First Day of Summer Lockdown Step 4 22 nd 7.30 pm W.I. Meeting Village Hall 27 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church July 4th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 11 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 12 th 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting On Line 14 th 12.10-12.40 pm Mobile Library Village Hall 18 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 20th 7.30 pm WI Meeting Village Hall 24 th Hollingbourne Village BBQ Lance Memorial Field 25 th 11.00 am Eucharist All Saints Church 31 st Tax Payments Due August 2nd Bank Holiday 11 th 12.10-12.40 pm Mobile Library Village Hall 30 th Bank Holiday If you wish to attend a church service at All Saints you MUST register in advance with the Churchwardens – Val Lurcock - 880694 or Christine Jones - 688830. New additions in red. Please send information for Village Diary and Regular Meetings to Carole Findlay 01622.583636 [email protected] 36 REGULAR MEETINGS

After school Club: Schooldays to 6 pm Cardwell Pavilion Bellringing Practice Mondays 7.30 - 9.30 pm All Saints Church Tower Bourne Musicians (3 months - 5 years): Fridays 9.30 - 11 am Village Hall Brownies: Wednesdays 6.00—7.15 pm Cardwell Pavilion Cubs: Fridays 6.30 - 7.45 pm Kingswood Scout Hut Explorers: Thursdays 7.00 - 9.00 pm Kingswood Scout Hut Hucking WI 3rd Thursday 7.00 pm Little Budds Farm Mobile Library Wednesdays (fortnightly) 11.55 am – 12.25 pm Village Hall Parish Council: 2nd Monday (except Amgmst) 7.30 pm Cardwell Pavilion Pilates Classes Thursday mornings Village Hall Pre-School: Every School Day 9.15 am – noon Cardwell Pavilion Reading Group : Monthly Contact: Barbara Lloyd 880282 Dawn Perry 880634 School Terms 2021 Term 5: 19th April - 28th May Term 6: 7th June - 16th July Term 1: 1st September—22nd October Term 2: 1st November—17th December 2022 Term 3: 4th January—11th February Term 4: 21st February—11th April Term 5: 19th April—27th May Term 6: 6th June—22nd July Scouts: Wednesdays, 7.00 – 9.00 pm Kingswood Scout Hut Short Mat Bowls: Mondays (not 2 nd ) 7.30 – 9.30 pm Village Hall Thursdays 7.30 – 9.30 pm Village Hall WI Meetings: 3rd Tuesday (Not August) 7.30 pm Village Hall Other Tuesday (July-September) Boules 6.30 pm Cardwell Pavilion

Carole Findlay at [email protected]

37 Hollingbourne Neigbourhood Contacts are able to put you in touch with friends living in Hollingbourne who will be happy to drive you to the doctor’s surgery or hospital.

Ashford Road Sarah Leggat 630226 Athelstan Green Pete Brown 07977.134771 Bourneside Terrace Janice Butler 880382 Broad Street Vacant Claygates & Godfrey House Vacant Copse End & Culpeper Close Vacant Eyhorne Green Vacant Eyhorne Street (North side 1-53 Vacant (North side 57-103) Janice Butler 880382 (North side Godfrey Meadow) Christine Maynard 880613 (North side railway- school) Vacant (South side Cotuams - 40) Vacant (South side 42-54 & 78-88) Janice Butler 880382 (South side 56-66) Judi Mills 880378 (South side 104-126) Vacant Firs Lane Sarah Leggat 630226 Greenway Court Vacant Hadley Gardens Vacant Hasteds Judi Mills 880378 Hollingbourne Hill Katie Brice 880520 Hospital Road Jean Wellman 880598 Manor Lane June Pockett 880763 Musket Lane Pete Brown 07977.134771 Pilgrims Way Pam Nash 880309 Road Katie Brice 880520 Tilefields Vacant Troys Mead Christine Maynard 880613 Upper Street J une Pockett 880763

For Hospital transport arranged through Maidstone Volunteer Bureau Phone 01622 756662 at least 3 days before your appointment.

Advertising space is sold in good faith. No responsibility can be taken for the quality of goods or services offered.

Any opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Editor or Parochial Church Council. We reserve the right to edit, and the right not to print: no reason will be given. Contributions will not be printed anonymously.

38 39 WOODS OF HOLLINGBOURNE 52 EYHORNE STREET, HOLLINGBOURNE, ME17 1TS Tel : 01622.880.338

WE nre SERVING: •FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE AND CONVENIENCE ITEMS •FINE WINES, SPIRITS AND CRAFT BEERS

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.WOODSOFHOLLINGBOURNE.CO.UF OPEN MONDAY / TUESDAY 8 AM - 2 PM WEDNESDAY- SATURDAY 8 AM - 6 PM SUNDAY 8 AM - 1 PM

As n result of the unfolding Covid-19 crisis, we currently prioritising the supply of fresh, locnl products to members of Hollingbourne nnd the surrounding community. We nre currently receiving deliveries of • Fresh bnked brend nnd cnkes • Milk nnd dniry products • Fresh ment from Doughty Butchers • Locnl free-rnnge eggs • A rnnge of Fruit nnd Vegetnbles hns been significnntly incrensed

We nre nlso offering n FREE locnl delivery service (3 mile rndius) for those who nre self-isolnting or those who nre unnble to lenve their property.

Plense cnll us on 01622.880.338 to orgnnise n delivery.

CAR PARKING AVAILABLE BEHIND THE WINDMILL PUB

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