Parish Newsletter

January 2020 Issue 546 http://fordcombechurch.org

Delivered to every home in the Parish—free of charge

ST. PETER’S CHURCH, FORDCOMBE fordcombechurch.org

Rector of Penshurst & Fordcombe The Revd. Tom Holme, MA. The Rectory, Penshurst 870316

CHURCHWARDENS Mike Gilbert Rockydene, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe TN3 0SH Email [email protected] 740371 Peter Waghorn Woodpeckers, The Green, Fordcombe, TN3 0RY Email [email protected] 740645

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Hon. Secretary Linda Naidu 740724 11 The Drive Hedge Barton TN3 0SL

Treasurer/Gift Paul Reeves Queens Spinney, Ashurst Road 740837 Aid Recorder Ashurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9SU

Deanery Synod Representative John & Christobel Sworder 740345 Electoral Roll Officer Vacant

PCC. MEMBERS June Gilbert 740371 Helen Morrison 740211 Isobel Smith 740404 Vacancy

Organist & Director of music Bob Wilson 01732832444

St. Peter’s Fellowship Peter Waghorn 740645

Sunday Club Leader Mrs Hayley Collins 01892544458

Church Flowers Mrs. June Gilbert 740371 Mrs. Sandra Arnold 740283

NEWSLETTER - PLEASE NOTE THE COPY DATE IS 16th OF EACH MONTH Newsletter copy by e-mail please to: [email protected] Neither the Editor nor the Newsletter can be held responsible for its content.

Editor and Advertising:

Mike Gilbert. Rockydene, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe. TN3 0SH 740371 Advertising rates per annum: £80 full page, £45 one half, £30 one quarter,

Printer: St. Mary’s Church, Leigh 01732-832236 ALL PHONE NUMBERS ARE PREFIXED 01892– ... UNLESS OTHERWISE SHOWN

2 FROM THE RECTOR

At this time of the year one might think of the sermon by Lancelot Andrewes - and the poem it inspired by T.S.Eliot - The Journey of the Magi. ‘A cold coming we had of it’ etc. I have always imagined Andrewes (1555 - 1626, Bishop of Ely then Winchester) to be a rather withdrawn and remotely academic character, but speaking of sermons and the sometimes desperate attempt to stay awake during them, I recently found an account of his obvious warmth and practical kindness. John Aubrey (1626 - 1697): There was then at Cambridge a good fat alderman that was wont to sleep at church, which the alderman endeavoured to prevent but could not. Well! This was preached against as a sign of reprobation The good man was exceedingly troubled at it, and went to Andrewes his chamber to be satisfied in point of conscience. Mr Andrewes told him, that it was an ill habit of body, not of mind, and that it was against his will; advised him on Sundays to make a more sparing meal, and to mend it at supper. The alderman did so, but sleep comes on again for all that, and was preached at; comes again to be resolved with tears in his eyes. Andrewes then told him he would have him make a good heartie meal as he was wont to do, and presently take out his full sleep. He did so, came to St Mary’s, where the preacher was prepared with a sermon to damn all those who slept at sermon, a certain sign of reprobation. The good alderman, having taken his full nap before, looks on the preacher all sermon time, and spoiled the design.

In our new year - we hope perhaps of healing and mending - the person we don’t really need is that intolerant preacher at St Mary’s! Meanwhile one of the intercessory prayers of Lancelot Andrewes ends with these words: Remember those who love us and those who hate us; Remember those who through ignorance and forgetfulness we have not mentioned. Pour out your rich pity and save all your people, O Lord.

Tom Holme

Registers for November 2019

Baptism Sophie Grace Hancock

Marriage Mark James Wheeler & Maria Andreea Ciobanel

Funeral services and Interments Rodney Stephen Smith Brian Markham Cooper

3 FORDCOMBE LUNCHEON CLUB Fordcombe Luncheon club usually meets on the second Thursday of each month at 12-30pm. We have space for new members to come and join us for food and pleasant conversation with old and new friends. The next meeting is 9th January 2020 Ashurst Village Hall

Please let Kate know if you are not able to come, preferably at the beginning of the week of the lunch meeting. For more information please contact Mrs Kate Hargrave Tel 861047

CHURCHYARD TIDYING

OH MY GOODNESS -how heavy are sodden leaves?!! But thanks to our wonderful helpers we managed to clear the lych gate area and paths. Let’s hope the wind doesn’t find any more leaves to blow into the churchyard!! Coffee, mince pies and stollen were enjoyed while watching the Christmas tree decorators work! then back for a bit of weeding - - gosh, it was time for the pub!! Thanks so much to all our helpers over the year and a very Happy New Year to you all. We’ll meet again on the 11th January so if you do have a couple of hours to spare to join our little sweeping/weeding gang we’d be delighted to see you!! Helen Morrison 740211

CHURCH COFFEE MORNING

We are invited to meet again for coffee and a chat on Wednesday 8th January 10-30 to noon by John and Chris Sworder Thorpe House Chafford Lane. T All are welcome do come along

Please ring Christabel on 740345 if transport is required.

Christabel Sworder 740345

4 FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS PEW Services On the second Sunday in December the Sunday School joined us at the end of our Eucharist. They explained about Christingle and the symbolism of the or- ange and its candles which they all lit up. It was lovely to see so many children. Services for January are as follows :- 9am Communion on the first Sunday and 10am family service n the fourth Sunday .On the second Sunday, 12th January, Our Rector Tom is away on family business so we have decided not to have our usual service at Fordcombe but to join with Chiddingstone for their service at Chiddingstone Causway. We have done this once before and we were made very welcome and it helps us to get to know our neighbours. Do try and come along St Peter’s Fellowship Our first meeting of the year takes place at 8pm on Wednesday 22nd January 2020 at Woodpeckers. All are most warmly welcome. Meal and a pint The next ‘Meal and a Pint’ meeting is set for Tuesday 28th (see the advert on the middle page ). If you have not come along before why not give it a try. It’s usually a good evening and a chance to meet old and make new friends.

Best Wishes Mike Gilbert 740371 [email protected]

Fordcombe Luncheon Club Christmas 2019.

Thanks to our wonderful Dinner Ladies who provided a great Christmas meal & Presents for All

5 WI

Happy New Year everybody!

In December we had our Christmas dinner at the Chafford Arms. Many thanks to Paul and Jackie for a delicious meal. In January we have our subs and social meeting. Please bring a cheque or cash for £43 in an envelope with your name on it. Cheques payable to Women’s Insti- tute. We have booked our speaker for March. Mary Smith, a retired headmistress of Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, is giving a talk about school girls during the war. An air raid shelter has been discovered with sketches and drawings made by some girls during the war, about their experiences after being evacuated from London. Even if you are not a member of the WI please do feel free to come along to this talk, which I’m sure will be very interesting. Date for your diary Tuesday 21st January 2020 - meeting at the school. Please remember your mug! Friday 24th January - Age Concern meeting at The Orchard from 1.30 until 3pm. Please come along to this very happy social meeting.

Best wishes Angie

Keep Us Flying High – Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex Would you like to know more about the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex or maybe even get involved? Learn about how the charity works, innovates and saves lives with one of our informative talks. Book one of our volunteer speakers to visit your group for free and find out more about our life-saving work. Contact [email protected] or call 01634 471957.

Volunteer for one or more of our varied roles and help us go above and beyond. Contact [email protected] or 01634 471900 If you’d like to find out more please get in touch – we would love to hear from you.

VILLAGE HALL MONTHLY DRAW OCTOBER

Prize Ticket No Name First £30 665 Mrs Lightowler

Second £15 295 Mr Topliss Third £10 673 S Gable

Fourth £5 676 Prifti

Fifth £5 59 P. Barnett

IF YOU ARE NOT IN IT - YOU CAN’T WIN IT!

“If you want to join please ring Bob on 01892 740307"

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10 LINE DANCING

Sadly the The Line Dancing Class in Fordcombe has been Discontinued indefinitely due to lack of numbers

AC GROUNDWORK Groundwork Landscaping Foundations Drainage Water Connections

Please call for advice or free quotations

Alex Colegate T: 01892 870168 M: 07752 479747 Email: [email protected]

WELD DONE Welding, Metalwork and Ornamental Ironwork AIRPORT CAR SERVICES For quotations and advice 07799604405 contact Neil Davies on: (01892)731221 [email protected] www.airport-car-services.co.uk Tel: 01892 740432 / 07962 502914 Email: [email protected] April Cottage, The Lane, Fordcombe, Kent, TN3 0RP

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13 Fordcombe Primary School

General election Thursday 12th December The school was used as a polling station due to the village hall being out of action pending the re-build. Well done to all the pupils, staff and parents for working round this particularly with Christmas plays in full swing. Beech class into battle Beech Class had a super day out at Battle Abbey at one point storming the castle walls as knights of the realm. The weather held, the tour was great and the children had a thoroughly good time. Cookie Henge

Using a variety of biscuits, children worked in groups to create a replica Stonehenge. This was after lots of research about how it was originally made. Parents then visited the class to see all the hard work the pupils have completed on this topic and to eat their way through the biscuit Stonehenge models!

If you go down to the woods today… Elm Class undertook a variety of activities at Wilderness Woods. They built shelters which were then tested for strength, being waterproof and whether eight children could fit in it; they all passed! Also, using material they found in the wood, pupils made paint and created pictures in the style of the Stone Age cave paintings. After having free play time, they all returned home very tired and muddy! Victoriana Oak class has been busy creating Victorian artefacts as part of their homework. As anyone who has watched a Horrible Histories song about the Victorians will tell you, it is quite amazing what the Victorians invented and how they changed the world so that it looks very much like the world we live in today. Oak class are currently learning about Brunel and the impact that he had on Britain during the nineteenth century.

14 Oak class also visited Preston Manor near Brighton dressed as Victorian gentle- men, ladies and trades people to immerse themselves in Victorian life for the afternoon. The jobs up for grabs were either footman at £28 per annum, cook, £20 per annum, fourth maid, £18 per annum or ‘oddman’, £12 per annum. All service personnel were allowed one afternoon off per week (women on Wednes- days and men in Thursdays) and then one full day per month. All food would be included. With the alternative being the workhouse or poverty, the jobs on offer would have been much sought after – something that was impressed on all the young people in Oak. A great day. Many thanks to Mr Ockelford for organising this excursion and those parents that came to support on the day Sport at Fordcombe All good. Wins in the run up to Christmas for both the Football and Netball teams and pupils achieving new belts in their Judo gradings. Places There are some school places currently available as people move in and out of the area. Contact the school office on 01892 740224 and please spread the word. Even a small increase in pupil numbers can have a positive impact as core government funding is proportionate to headcount.

David Jepps

Exploring Creativity An evening once a month enjoying creative demonstrations from local artists. Glass making Painting Contemporary textiles Silversmithing Pottery Knitting and crochet Christmas crafts Meet new people over a cup of tea and cake at Silcocks Farm in Fordcombe. No fee but donations welcome in aid of The Hospice in the Weald. Next evening held on Wednesday 29th January 8.00 - 9.30 pm Fused Glass

Places are limited, so please call Sally to book your place on 01892 740365 15

CONSTRUTION OF NEW VILLAGE HALL IS ABOUT TO START

After many months of waiting the Village Hall Committee and Trustees are delighted to confirm that we plan to make a start on the provision of The New Hall in January 2020. A good omen for the new decade! Initial work will involve the removal of the asbestos in the present building, and we then plan to proceed with the demolition of the existing building, and the construction of the New Hall. Would you please note that there will be NO parking available at the Hall from the New Year onwards. We will keep you up to date as things proceed.

John Morrison Village Hall Chairman

16 District Councillor Village Magazine Article – November 2019

By the time you read this I hope those ‘over-indulgent’ Christmas feelings will have been replaced by optimism for the New Year ahead, but families will have re-dispersed and instead you might be feeling a little sad, so how might Seven- oaks District Council give you grounds to be optimistic for 2020? Well firstly we have ‘good hearts’ and look to support local communities proac- tively, so I’m really pleased to start this article with a bit of good news. I have been working for some months as Deputy Chair of the Housing & Health Com- mittee to help almshouses in the District, of which we have 12, become more financially sustainable and SDC have made two £25k grants, one for Penshurst Almshouses (where it will be used to create a new laundry room to reduce con- densation in the flats) and one for the Margaret Hyde Almshouses in Wellers Town. The Council are keen to help almshouse charities with advice and support too, and are organising a networking event at the end of March to facilitate Boards of Trustees share their ideas. A second reason to be optimistic is that the Council is not bleating that it’s some- one else’s job to tackle climate change but are getting on with practical initiatives locally. For example we have been working on a mixed use development in Swanley to provide 14 electric car charging spaces which will be the base for an innovative new ‘Electric Car Club’ where people can book vehicles just when they need them, like Boris Bikes but for electric cars. The Council is developing its action plan to become carbon neutral by 2030 and is drawing on local government best practices from across the UK and as far away as NZ (and no, there are not going to be any fact-finding flights there!!) whilst a Green Summit will be held in Summer 2020 to bring together different groups, organisations and experts so that local ideas can be shared too. And a third ‘reason to be cheerful’ is that we have the best local authority Chief Executive in the country; with Pav Ramewar being given this accolade in the 2019 Investors in People Awards. Although councillors determine policy, it is the often unheralded officers who are so important in delivering resident services, and we have some of the very best! Since I’m writing this article just before the General Election I can’t comment on how the results might affect local council services and plans but as you can tell from the tone of this piece I do hope 2020 will be a positive year for Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone. Happy New Year!

Sue Coleman 01892 870435

17 UNITED BENEFICE OF PENSHURST AND FORDCOMBE CALENDAR OF SERVICE JANUARY 2020

5th The Second Sunday after Christmas 9am Holy Communion Fordcombe 10am Sung Eucharist Penshurst

12th The First Sunday after Epiphany 8am Holy Communion Penshurst 10am Mattins at St Luke, Chiddingstone Causeway - everyone warmly welcome.

19th The Second Sunday after Epiphany 10am Sung Eucharist and Baptism Penshurst

22nd St Peter’s Fellowship Meeting

26th The Third Sunday after Epiphany 8am Holy communion Poundsbridge 10am Family Service Fordcombe

18 DIARY JANUARY 2020 4th Penshurst Farmers Market page 32 8th Coffee Morning page 4 9th Luncheon Club page 4 11th Churchyard Tidying page 4 16th Newsletter copy deadline date (no later please! ) 21st WI Meeting page 6 22nd St Peter’s Fellowship page 5 24th Age Concern Meeting page 6 28th Meal and a Pint see below 29th Craft meeting — Fused Glass page 15

A MEAL AND A PINT (or equivalent drink)

A SOCIAL EVENING at THE CHAFFORD ARMS

Tuesday 28th January 7-00pm for 7-30pm menu is Mild Chinese Curry and includes a vegetarian option To help with catering, Please contact Mike Gilbert or Paul and Jackie at the Chafford if you would like to attend.

19 Preventing Vehicle Crime Becoming a victim of any type of crime can be a distressing experience, which can leave you feeling angry, upset and vulnerable. One of Kent Police's core aims is to help ensure that the people and communities it serves are kept safe and free from crime. By taking some simple steps you can increase your person- al safety at home, in public and on the roads. Vehicle Security – Cars *Keep your car keys somewhere out of sight in your home where they aren’t visible from windows or doors. When you go to bed, take keys into your bed- room to make them less accessible to intruders. Frustrated car thieves are turning their attention to stealing car keys rather than tackling sophisticated security devices on vehicles. They will use methods such as ‘Hooking theft’ where wire, cane or fishing rods are fed through windows or letterboxes to retrieve keys hanging close by. *Use anti-theft device on your car. Get one that is Sold Secure approved. You can search for suppliers on www.securebydesign.com and your insurance com- pany may also be able to advise you on approved security devices. *Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle. Anything left on roof- racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it. For further information and advice, visit Sold Secure Crime statistics indicate that the average car thief would wish to spend no longer than 2½ minutes gaining entry to a vehicle and driving off. Bikes *When parking away from home make sure your bike or motorbike is locked to a heavy duty piece of street furniture and where possible with the lock or chain off the floor. *At home, lock bicycles and motorbikes in a secure garage or shed if you have one, using good quality u-lock or chain and padlock to a ground anchor. *Fit an alarm to your motorcycle *Mark your bicycle frame with your postcode in 2 separate locations if possible, one of which should be hidden. *Register your bike for free with www.immobilise.com. This will help police to find it if it gets stolen. The immobilise website also has some useful tips about bike security. *Take a photo of your bike and keep it with the insurance details. Make a note of the make, model and serial number. Preventing Theft from Vehicles *Try to park somewhere open and well-lit, in a garage, or in view from your home.

20 *Lock your vehicle, including the boot. Close the windows and sunroof. *Take all valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. Don’t leave anything on show in your car when you park – not even a coat or empty carrier bag. *If you have a removable sat-nav, remove it and take it with you if possible when you park up, even if only for a short time. Remove the mounting, polish any marks off the windscreen and hide the cable and mounting from view. * Store car ownership information at home, not in your car glove box. *Do not programme your sat-nav ‘Home’ as your correct home address, use a neighbours or a road nearby as it could be a risk if your house keys are stolen or if a crime happens to your vehicle while you are out then the offender knows where you live and that you are not home. *Number plates are often stolen for criminal use. Use plates secured with anti- theft screws, available from car accessory stores. Safety tips for driving in winter Vision *Keep the windscreen and other windows clear – if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows you could face a poten- tially heavy fine. Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows as this can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view. It can be a hazard to other road users as well. *Dazzle from a low winter sun can also be a problem when trying to see the road. Visibility *Make sure that all bulbs are working and that lenses are clean for safety and to be legal on the road. When roads are really mucky you might need to clean lights after every journey. Keep the number plates clean too, as you can be fined if they are dirty and illegible. *f you have to clear snow from the car it's important to clear it from the lights - front and back - as well as from the glass and roof. *You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights but these must be switched off when visibility improves as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights. Tyres *t is recommend at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring, and defiantly no less than 2mm. *Don't reduce tyre pressures to get more grip – it doesn't work, and reduces sta- bility. *Consider changing to winter or all season tyres – these have a higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions. Continued on page 28

BLACKHAM MONTHLY SATURDAY Kirby Builders

MARKET in village hall Painting, Decorating and all (the first Saturday of every month) Home Maintenance including NEXT MARKET roofing.

SATURDAY 2nd February For free Estimate 2020 Contact Mervyn Smith Blackham Village Hall on 01892 740773 10am – 12:30 pm 2 St Martins Ashurst Everyone Welcome! Kent Blackham Village Hall market is the E Mail

original local market in the area, known for its friendly atmosphere and [email protected] genuine locally sourced fare.

HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR COMPUTER? For Friendly & Inexpensive Help, Repairs, Networks, Upgrades, Maintenance & Internet Problems Call: Phil Young 01892 861888 www.FixMyComputerKent.co.uk [email protected]

27 Continued from page 21 Safety checks before your journey *Get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car. Don't drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer. *Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock. Don't breathe on the lock, as the moisture will condense and freeze. *Plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted. *Put safety before punctuality when the bad weather closes in. Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared for the inevitability of being late for work due to unexpected delay. *Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving - stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow. Who to contact to report suspicious activity or a crime? If there is a threat to life or public safety, or a crime may be in progress dial 999 To report a crime other than a crime in progress call 101. To report a crime other than a crime in progress you can also go to https:// www.kent.police.uk/ro/report/ to report your crime online.

PSE 61170 Pria Webster Volunteers & Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer West Kent Police Police Station, Palace Avenue, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6NF Tel: 01622 604395 / Mobile 07980 684029 Email : [email protected]

PENSHURST PARISH COUNCIL-—Abstract from the minutes of the Parish Council held on Monday 2nd December in Penshurst Village Hall MATTERS ARISING: Litter/Dog Waste Bins including Leicester Square, Penshurst. Cllr Horsford had removed damaged redundant dog waste bin by Latymers, Penshurst and the one outside Fordcombe Village Hall. Litter Bin: Delivery date advised as 16 December, one-hour notice of delivery will be provided on the day. ED to contact Cllr Rees as soon as time available for delivery slot to arrange final details. Sentinel Unit: New unit will not be available until new-year, units are only made to order and previous one under construction was needed urgently by another Parish Council who had purchased same. Drainage Works: Information provided by KCC Drainage department ad- vising that the only problem site now listed for action was The Lane,

28 Fordcombe. Information received that The Lane would be closed from 2 Decem- ber for clearance work to be completed, Cllr Horsford aware. New Road: Problem also submitted due to flooding of property, information received providing option for work to be carried out. Civils crew to attend site and during the closure dig out and replace any gully grates that the cleansing crew are unable to lift. It was anticipated that this would be done within 90 days, ED asked that this be brought forward in view of existing flood problem, it was hope completion might be earlier. ED had contacted Conway (KCC approved contractors) for a quotation to clear gullies at Rogues Hill and The Lane, to supply a 2 in 1 Gully unit with High Pres- sure Water Jetting and Vacuum facility to clean all roadway gullies within the two areas to ensure clear running and drainage fit for purpose, charge of £650.00 charge quoted for both jobs. In view of the current work at The Lane, only Rogues Hill required clearance. ED advised this was now a H&S issue, pedestrians using the route for access to the village/ school were being affected as water running down the hill during the recent cold weather was turning to ice. In view of this issue it was agreed that ED seek an updated cost for the work, Cllr Horsford approach Emily Kinsella to check timing for clearance work and ED advise members of outcome. It was agreed that the PC could instruct contractors to carry out the work if there were to be delays in view of the urgency. Oak Tree – Chafford Lane: Cllr Carson confirmed he had checked the trees and it appeared the problem had been caused by vehicles cutting into the verge and removing the soil from the root system. There did not appear to be any seri- ous impact currently but Cllr Carson would discuss issue with Cllr Campbell and the area would be monitored. OPEN SESSION An update on the Penshurst Surgery confirmed that a meeting was being arranged with Warders during December to obtain opinions on strategy regarding the upgrade. Some drawings were available but not finalised, copies of same to be forwarded to ED. Bulk Freighter was due for the last time in 2019 on 7 December, times shown under Finance 9 (v) Mobile home now sited on plot along New Road had been reported to SDC En- forcement and was being monitored. PLANNING: Planning Applications: SE/19/02507: Land North East of Gardeners Cottage, Poundsbridge Lane, Poundsbridge: Erection of building for ancillary purposes ancillary to the existing equestrian use. GRANTED SE/19/02494: Woodside Kennels, Penshurst Road: Removal of shed and greenhouse. Replacement with store and greenhouse. SE/19/02732: Annexe at Tender Meads, Fordcombe Road: Change of use of the existing outbuilding to a residential dwelling including a modest sized dormer window at first floor level. Continued on page30

29 REPORTS: Kent County Councillor: Cllr Lake confirmed Highways no longer wished the SID unit to be used. He advised that the suggested meeting with Michael Payne and Catherin Rankin – Cabinet Member and Deputy Member for Highways and Transportation would be arranged after the election. The issue of the 20MPH speed limit by schools was still important to both Penshurst and Fordcombe. Cllr Lake had concerns for pedestrians walking in the village during the current dark evenings without torches. The chestnut paling fencing by the bridge at the bottom of Rogues Hill was broken away and was a hazard to those using the area to walk. The Environment Agency had cleared the overflow at Chafford Bridge. 50% of Ash Trees in Kent were suffering from dieback. Sevenoaks District Councillor: SDCllr Mrs Coleman reported on the following: Local Plan: The Council have now sent a detailed, evidence based, response to the Planning Inspector showing that the Council’s duty to cooperate has been met. In addition, some Parish Councils, former Planning Inspectors and Developers have written in to support the Council’s position. Although not a political organisation, the Inspectors office will not engage further until after the General Election. Nor will they provide the Council with the codes necessary to upload extra documents on to the Local Plan Library during purdah. However, detailed information can be found on the ‘News and Updates’ section of the SDC website. In practice, it is unlikely that anything will happen until after Christmas. The likely outcome is that the Inspector will not back down and nor will the Council withdraw the Plan so it will be published unfinished and it will then go through the court process. CIL: The six short listed applications for funding will be heard by the CIL Spending Board on December 9th. There was a lot of competition this year. One application, if approved, could benefit our rural community as it is to provide funding for a demand responsive bus service through a partnership between Go Coach, Go taxi hire, Age UK and SDC. Fire Safety: Following my visit to the House of Commons when the Grenfell Report was debated, I have made enquiries about our position locally. Only two high rise buildings caused any concern and on further investigation, neither were using the same kind of cladding which caused the Grenfell tragedy and are considered safe. The Big Sing: The Council will be hosting the next Big Sing on May 4th and groups have until 28th February to register. Climate Change: The Council are working toward net zero by 2030 and a working group has been set up to develop an action plan. We will be looking at what other countries are doing as well as what other Districts are doing in the Continued on page32

31 UK.1 The Council is limited by National planning policies as to what can be done but local policies can be changed which are within the Council’s control. A Green Summit will be held in Spring/ Summer 2020 to bring together different, groups, organisations and experts so that ideas can be shared. Investor in People Awards: The Council were finalists in the category for organisation of the year and our Chief Executive, Pav Ramewar, was awarded Leader of the Year – a well-deserved achievement! Sewage: I have continued to follow up a local sewage issue engaging with complainants, witnesses and Offic- ers to progress matters. FINANCE Fordcombe Village Hall: Information received from Fordcombe Village Hall Trustees that they would not draw funds until all costs were known and total funding had been secured for the project, it was anticipated this would be early in the New Year. ED relayed the thanks of Fordcombe Trustees for the support of the PC and their venture to replace the old village hall. Replacement Play Unit – Fordcombe Play Area: SDC had advised ED the PC had been unsuccessful with its bid for funding towards the new Seesaw, fund would therefore be used from the depreciation fund currently held. 2020 Parish Council Meeting Dates: Penshurst: 3 February, 6 April (Incorporating APM), 1 June, 3 August, 5 October, 7 December; Fordcombe: 2 March, 4 May, 6 July, 7 September, 2 November. Bulk Freighter: Provisional dates set for Bulk Freighter collection 2020: 7 March, 13 June, 12 September & 5 December; times would be: Latymers, Pens- hurst 7.45 – 8.30 am & Village Hall, Fordcombe 8.45 – 9.15 am. Bulk Freighter ANY OTHER BUSINESS. Pothole: Broad Lane between first and second corners on road towards Ashurst. 12/18” wide, approximately 4/5” deep. ED to report to Highways (Reported to Highways 468235)

Next Meeting 3rd February Penshurst Village Hall

Saturday, 4th January 9-30am—12 noon

Penshurst Place Visitor Car Park

32 HOLIDAY IN MENORCA

Spacious apartment, sleeps up to six people.

Gardens, pool, overlooking Mahon Harbour.

Ideal for family holiday or quiet off season break.

For more details call: Dianne Broad 01892 870680.

Grab Hire – Aggregates – Groundworks – Landscaping Waterscapes

JH Countryside Services Ltd based in Tunbridge Wells covering London and the South East home counties of Kent, Sussex and Surry offers Grab Hire and Aggregate sales services and can un- dertake Groundworks, Drainage, Land- scaping and any type of excavation

Springhill Farm, Fordcombe, Kent TN3 0SB E: [email protected] W: www.jhcountrysideservices.co.uk M: 07581292628

33 FUNERAL DIRECTORS

H.J.JOHNSTON & SON Funeral Directors Penshurst

A Family Undertaking Since 1932

Penshurst 01892 870372 Langton 01892 863317

ROGUES HILL LODGE, ROGUES HILL, PENSHURST TONBRIDGE, KENT. TN11 8BB

34 FORDCOMBE ORGANISATIONS AND CONTACTS

FORDCOMBE Cof E Primary School Office 740224

PARENTS GUILD (Fordcombe School) Helen Jenner [email protected]

CRICKET CLUB Ashley Worcester 740641

FORDCOMBE FETE COMMITTEE Tara Davies 740847

THE FORDCOMBE SOCIETY Mike Arnold 740283

HEDGE BARTON RESIDENTS’ ASSOC’N Sally Jolly 740932

LUNCHEON CLUB (Pre-booking necessary)

Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 12.30 pm Kate Hargrave 861047

ST. PETERS’ MUSICAL TODDLERS Not meeting at present

STOOLBALL CLUB Kim Smithh 740184

TABLE TENNIS CLUB, Every Monday 7:45pm -9:45pm pm from October to March contact via Email [email protected] Elaine Barnett 740512

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Meetings on last Wed. in March & October or as required Richard Fry 740431

VILLAGE HALL Sec. Vacancy Bookings: Janice Byrne [email protected] 740393

VILLAGE QUILTERS Monthly, 3rd Wednesday, 2-4 pm (ring for venue) Sally Hill 740365

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 7.45 pm Fay Blanchard 536405

FORDCOMBE PARISH COUNCILLORS Andrew Campbell 871500 Parish Council web site Vacant www.penshurstpc.kentparishes.gov.uk Jonathon Horsford 740032 Bruce Townsend 740451

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Mike Arnold 740283

ALL PHONE NUMBERS ARE PREFIXED 01892- .. UNLESS SHOWN OTHERWISE VILLAGE WEB SITE http://www.fordcombevillage.co.uk twitter — @fordcombeinfo

The Chafford Arms

TRADITIONAL HOMECOOKED FOOD SERVED ALL DAY AWARD WINNING ALES ALL OCCASIONS CATERED FOR PARTIES WEDDINGS ETC OUTSIDE BAR AVAILABLE ON REQUEST AT VILLAGE HALL

TAKE AWAY SERVICE NO LONGER AVAILABLE

TELEPHONE 740 267 www.chaffordarms.com