December 2015

80p (£9 per year) 1 UNITED BENEFICE OF ST. MARY, WITH CHRIST CHURCH, Vicar: Revd Hugh Nelson The Vicarage, Back Lane Goudhurst, , TN17 1AN Tel: 01580 211739 Email: [email protected] Please note the Revd Hugh’s day off is Monday Assistant Curate: Revd Craig Huxley Email:[email protected] Benefice Administrator: Becky Addis, (Monday to Friday 9am-12 noon) Benefice Office, The Vicarage, Back Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1AN Tel: 01580 211739 Email : [email protected] GOUDHURST Church Wardens: Tim Wormington Tel: 01580 211369 [email protected] Angela Pakenham-Walsh Tel: 01580 211610 [email protected] Sunday Club: Huthrie Copplestone Tel: 01580 211902 [email protected] Church Room Bookings: Rosemary Southon Tel: 01580 211791 Ready Call: Norma Neal (Chairman) Tel: 01580 211870 Mrs Anne Torry (transport) Tel: 01580 211306 Parish Hall Bookings: Judith Farnfield Tel: 07760181645 [email protected] KILNDOWN Church Wardens: David Denton Tel: 01892 890244 Tina Gallagher Tel: 01892 890426 Flower Arranging: Veronica Stacey Tel: 01580 211239 Village Hall Bookings: Tracy Roberts Tel: 01892 891122 PARISH MAGAZINE Editors: David Denton Tel: 01892 890244 [email protected] Magazine Advertising: James Cooke [email protected] Subscriptions & Distribution: Pam Stubbs (Goudhurst) Tel: 01580 211013 Hilary Bird (Kilndown) Tel: 01892 890554 www.gkchurch.org.uk 2 WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER 2015

Rev Craig’s First Holy Communion

Rev Craig Huxley has been our Assistant Curate at St. Mary’s and Christ Church for the last few months and on Wednesday, 2 December at 7:30 he will be presiding over this first Holy Communion at St. Mary’s following his ordination. This will be a very special occasion and Craig would love as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the evening with him.

Christmas Eve Nativity Service, 4:30 at St. Mary’s

If you have primary school aged children who would like to take part in the Nativity Service this year, please contact Amanda Hall as soon as possible by emailing her at [email protected]. Anyone wanting to be involved needs to be available for two rehearsals - 12:15-1:00 on Sunday, 6 December and 10:45-11:45 on Sunday, 20 December.

Christmas services at St. Mary’s and Christ Church

Please refer to the church calendar in the magazine for a complete list of services. Included in these is the Advent Carol service at Christ Church on Sunday, 6 December at 6:30 when the choir will be joined by choristers from Rochester Cathedral. The service of Nine lessons and carols will be on Sunday, 20 December at 6:30 in St. Mary’s. Midnight mass will be start at 11:30pm on Christmas Eve in both churches, and then everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas Day with services at 10:00 in St. Mary’s and Christ Church.

There’s lots more going on and you can find out about it all on our website www.gkchurch.org.uk

3 FROM THE VICAR Dear Friends Well, it’s on it’s way again and all the familiar Christmas traditions and events are in full swing; the carols, the smell of the Christmas tree, the Nativity set, the rushing around, the Christmas card lists and the mince pies. And in the middle of it all the story of a young woman and her new husband, setting off to travel a dangerous journey to an unknown future, full of risk and uncertainty. And this year, that story has particular resonance, as we continue to read about and watch the reports of the tens of thousands of people making dangerous journeys across the Middle East and Southern Europe to unknown futures. As they travel in flimsy boats, lorries, trains and on foot we are watching the greatest movement of people since the Second World War. We might think that the world has changed a lot over the centuries, but what we see on our screens and in our newspapers today is not that different to the journey that lies at the heart of the Christmas story. And that can help us to have a richer sense of just what a risk God took in coming into the world this way - presumably he could have been born into a royal family, surrounded by the very best medical care and provided with the safety and security of a royal palace - and that would have been much more worthy of one who was to go on to declare himself to be the Son of God. But that’s not what God did. He came amongst us in the danger, poverty and suffering of a refugee family who had nowhere to stay. A family who facied the same risks as those struggling through the Mediterranean today. And if we reflect on that, we might find it changes our sense of who God is, and what He’s like. He isn’t up in his heaven, looking down on us from far. He is the one who answers our question ‘where are you Lord?’ by showing us a fragile baby, born in the mess and suffering of life. But that’s not all. The refugees that are on the sea and road today, even as you read this magazine, should also help us to see something else. If God was willing to be on the road all those years ago, we can be sure He’s out there today as well. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell the Christmas story, with Mary and Joseph, and angels and shepherds, but John’s gospel doesn’t. He starts instead from a different point, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” And then he goes on to say that “The word became flesh and dwell among us. “Literally translated, the word that we read as ‘dwelt’ means ‘pitched his tent’. Jesus came and pitched his tent amongst us. And we can be sure that isn’t meant to make us think of a beautiful camping tent, lightweight and waterproof. It’s a refugee tent, made of whatever can be found by the road - oil drums, canvas, old ropes and plastic. God pitched his tent 2000 years ago, and He’s out there now, taking the risk again, in the dirt and the uncertainty and suffering of those who have nowhere to lay their head. This Christmas, as we enjoy all those wonderful seasonal traditions, let yourself be reminded that the original Christmas story was much more like the experience of those on the road today, and let the God who pitched his tent amongst us, come into your life again. Happy Christmas and God bless Rev Hugh 4 Kilndown Community Choir Christmas Concert Kilndown Church 12th December 7.30 pm

Please come along and enjoy some festive songs and mulled wine and mince pies - no entry fee but donations for local charities (to be decided) welcome!

visit our website www.kilndownchoir.org.uk Visit

5 CALENDAR Please note - re: 8.00 am Communion Service in St Mary’s – order two from the Book of Common Worship, Traditional Language is used. Weekday parish prayers: Morning prayer is at 8.30 am on Tuesday at St Mary’s and on Friday 8.00 am at Christ Church. Evening prayer is at 5.30 pm on Friday at Christ Church when the prayers for Compline will be used. See weekly sheet for Bible readings. Wed 2 7.30 pm Rev Craig Huxley’s first Holy Communion, St. Mary’s Thurs 3 10.00 am Holy Communion St. Mary’s 7.30 pm PCC meeting, St. Mary’s Fri 4 9.00 am Café Toddler, St. Mary’s Sat 5 10.00 am Choir Practice, St. Mary’s Sun 6 Advent 2 8.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s 9.15 am Holy Communion, Christ Church 10.45 am Family Service, St. Mary’s 12.15 pm Nativity Service rehearsal, St. Mary’s 6.30 pm Advent Carol service, Looking for the Light, Christ Church Thurs 10 7.30 pm Music & Mystery, Churches Together, Sacred Heart Fri 11 9.00 am Café Toddler, St. Mary’s Advent Sleepover, St. Mary’s Sat 12 10.00 am Choir Practice, St. Mary’s 3.00 pm District Bell ringer Carol Service, St. Mary’s 7.30 pm Kilndown Community Choir’s Christmas concert, Christ Church Sun 13 Advent 3 8.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s 9.15 am Holy Communion, Christ Church 10.45 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s with Sunday Clubs – followed by a farewell party for Jeffrey Gray, organist at St. Mary’s 3.00 pm Lighting of the Kilndown Christmas tree, Kilndown Village Hall 6.30 pm Tunbridge Wells Choral concert, St. Mary’s Mon 14 6.30 pm Friends of St. Mary’s carol singing around Goudhurst Tues 15 10.30 am Goudhurst Pre-school Christmas service, St. Mary’s Thurs 17 10.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s 6.30 pm Friends of St. Mary’s carol singing around Goudhurst Fri 18 2.00 pm G&K Primary School Christmas carol service, St. Mary’s Sat 19 10.00 am Choir Practice, St. Mary’s

6 Sun 20 Advent 4 8.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s 9.15 am No service at Christ Church 10.45 am No service at St. Mary’s – but there will be a Nativity Service Rehearsal at 10.45 3.00 pm Family Carol Service, Christ Church 6.30 pm Nine Lessons & Carols, St. Mary’s Thurs 24 4.30 pm Nativity Service, St. Mary’s 11.30 pm Midnight Mass, Christ Church 11.30 pm Midnight Mass, St. Mary’s Fri 25 Christmas Day 8.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s 10.00 am Holy Communion, Christ Church 10.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s Sun 27 Christmas 1 8.00 am Holy Communion, St. Mary’s 9.15 am Holy Communion, Christ Church

FROM THE REGISTERS FUNERAL / BURIAL: We commend into God’s loving care: Brian Wilson Charles Downes Maureen Such June Daw

ST. MARY'S QUIZ AND SUPPER SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

Time was, in years gone by, that Kilndown was the “King of Quizzes” and much to be feared. That was before Richard Vinton waved his wizard’s wand and created a magical formula for a fun-packed Quiz and supper evening for St. Mary’s Church, which seems tailor-made for the winners, Phil Kirkby and his team, who appear to be warming up for Only Connect.

Our sincere thanks go to Richard, Andrea and Christopher Vinton, ably assisted by Maddie and Millie Davies, Ethan Pearson and Jacob. Also to James Wickham for running the bar.

The evening was an early sell out and much fun and brain teasing was enjoyed by all. The Churchwardens

7 REPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY MEETING

The very well attended Community Meeting on 13 October identified four areas for future action: a Community Pub, Meals on Wheels, the Ready Call transport services and visitors, and a “Handyman” service. Since then hard work has been undertaken, and there is exciting progress to report. All who came to the October meeting, all who regretted missing it, and everyone else who is interested, are invited to come to the Social Club on 14 January at 7:30 to share a glass of wine and find out more.

READY CALL Ready Call has been helping people in Goudhurst, Kilndown and since 1981 when a few kind people realised that there were many who needed assistance in all sorts of ways. For Ready Call is not there purely to take people to hospital or doctors’ appointments. Ready Call is pleased to arrange visits to housebound people, to help with shopping, light household tasks or gardening, plus any task where elderly, sick or injured people need help. This also includes collecting medicines from the chemist or taking people to functions such as the fortnightly lunch club for single people in Goudhurst Parish Hall or leisure times in Hawkhurst or elsewhere. Elderly people are not the only ones who can benefit from the services of Ready Call. When newcomers arrive in the village, this can be a stressful time. A friendly visit from a neighbour to let them know about various activities that take place or even where the nearest doctors or hairdressers are is always helpful, and Ready Call can assist in this. Young people who have to get to an appointment, but who have no-one to transport them can call for assistance. None of these things can happen without the help of willing people. If you think you can help in any way, perhaps as an organiser for lunch club attendance or with visitors or handymen, either with transport or by giving time for shopping, etc, please ring Norma or Brian on 01580 211870 or if you would like more details about the Goudhurst lunch club, the person to contact is Jo Santini on 01580 212215. Diners or transporters would be very well received. Vera Hawkins, Ready Call Secretary

GOUDHURST AND KILNDOWN RECORDED MUSIC SOCIETY

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, 10th December at 7pm (please note earlier time) in the Church Room when we will hold our AGM. Afterwards there were will be seasonal refreshments and the usual Christmas programme of Members' Requests. Members come free and guests are welcomed at £5. Further information from Quentin Rappoport 01580 893430/079342 24832.

8 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

The branch is most grateful for the support given by Goudhurst and Kilndown during this year’s Remembrance season. This was shown by the exceptionally large attendance at the services on 8th November and at the War Memorial on 11th November and provides strong evidence that there is still a deep appreciation of the sacrifice of those who have given their lives or been wounded and concern for their families in conflicts going back 100 years. Special mention must be made of the large number from Goudhurst Primary School at the Armistice Day event.

The branch would also like to offer its thanks to all who contributed to the Poppy Appeal as donors, collectors and counters and particularly to Barbara Stafford who organised it all.

There are no Goudhurst men to remember on the 100th anniversary of their deaths in December, but commemoration will begin again on 7th January when we will remember the first of those who fell in the Mesopotamia (present day Iraq) campaign.

Members are reminded that the AGM will be held on Monday 23rd November at 2 30 pm in the Star and Eagle. Robin Mitchell

THE POPPY APPEAL 2015

The tins and boxes have been gathered in and the counting is under way. More news in the January magazine.

A wonderful team of volunteers never seem to tire of going out in all weathers. We aim to call on every house in the parish but sometimes this is not logistically possible or we don’t find people at home. There is always the opportunity to find the poppy boxes at as many shops, pubs, clubs and public places that I can think of. I am always very grateful for the tremendous support of all these helpers.

This year fifteen wreaths were laid at St. Mary’s and four at Christ Church during the Remembrance Day Services. They are all displayed at the respective War Memorials in respect and remembrance of the sacrifices of so many of our local people. Barbara Stafford RBL Poppy Appeal Organizer

9 VILLAGE ECHOES

Following the damage caused to St Mary’s Church by the blast from parachute mines in November 1940 (November’s Village Echoes), windows were temporarily boarded up until such time as circumstances were favourable for their proper restoration. In 1944 the window layout was circulated to various church members in order to garner opinion on which windows should be re-glazed in clear glass and which repaired, and in January 1945 the Church Windows Committee commissioned a report from Martin Travers, a well-regarded British stained glass artist, in order to understand how much work would be involved in the restoration. His comments on the condition of the windows, and his recommendations as to the work needed, were received favourably.

Some effort was made to contact family members of those commemorated in the hope that they could be persuaded to contribute to the costs of repair. Of the two replies which have survived, both correspondents expressed surprise on learning that their ancestors had a commemorative window in the church. One declined on the grounds that money was short, and Lord Cranbrook replied that, based on other windows installed elsewhere by his Victorian ancestors, the aesthetic merits of the Ridgway windows were unlikely to warrant saving. Despite this, the committee voted to repair the Ridgway windows which were so badly damaged that they had to be sent to London for repair.

A decision which had been taken in January 1945 to re-glaze only four of the windows with plain glass was later overturned, and Bowman glassworks were commissioned to re-glaze 14 windows in all. This elicited a strongly worded letter of complaint from an (unknown) member of the committee suggesting that the wishes of both the committee members and the parishioners they had consulted had been ignored.

A window commemorating Edith Gunning, designed by Paul Woodroffe and installed in 1907, had been only slightly damaged. However, Travers felt that it was “sickly in colouring”, and he wanted to remove some of the coloured glass (especially the purple grapes) to make the whole thing more in keeping with the historic nature of the church. In the end, neither Travers nor one of the committee who disliked the window so much that he wanted it removed altogether, got their way: the window was repaired, albeit without the original commemorative inscription to Edith and her parents, Thomas and Frances Reeves, who had commissioned it. Travers eventually withdrew his services.

In December 1945 James Hogan, another eminent stained glass designer who worked for James Powell & Son at their Whitefriars glassworks off Fleet Street, was approached for help with the destroyed east window. After some delay and with a few minor amendments, his design for the Te Deum window was accepted in November 1946, and the finished window was unveiled by the Venerable Julian Bickersteth, Archdeacon of Maidstone, on 18th July 1948.

Pieces of broken glass from the windows damaged in 1940 were later collected and 10 sorted, the Victorian pieces were discarded, and the ancient glass was made into a panel which is now in the Bedgebury Chapel. Local History Society Email: [email protected] Website: www.goudhurstlocalhistorysociety.org Tel: 0158 0 211711

BURGESS STORES

Burgess stores is now open with limited stock, waiting for final planning permission. The official opening should be the First or Second week in December.

Lamberhurst, Horsmonden and Marden can support a village stores. We must make sure that we support ours. It will be open 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm, Sundays 10 am to 4 pm.

As you can see a lot of money has been invested we must all make sure it doesn't close again. Sobham, the owner, has said, if there is anything you want that is not in stock just ask him and he will get it for you. Dennis Knight 11 Parish Priest Fr. Victor McClean - The Presbytery, Beresford Road Goudhurst TN17 1DN Phone: 01580 211268 Email: [email protected] Website http://www.rcgoudhurst.org.uk

Masses Saturday: 5.30pm Sacred Heart Church, Goudhurst Sunday: 8.30am St Barnabas, Hawkhurst 10.30am Goudhurst Monday to Thursday: 9.30am Goudhurst Friday: 10.00am Goudhurst Baptisms and Confessions by arrangement

Parish Contacts Chris Roome 01580 891686 Churches Together

HOSPICE IN THE WEALD OPEN GARDENS SCHEME

In 2015 Hospice in the Weald raised £29,458 through their Open Gardens Scheme. Twenty four garden enthusiasts opened their gardens to visitors but next year we’d like to do even better. Do you have a passion for gardening? Is your garden your pride and joy? Is it especially beautiful at a particular time of year? Your garden does not need to be huge, as long as you feel you have something that would be of interest to visitors then we would love to hear from you. If you need, we can give plenty of support in how to run an open garden and also promotional materials for the day. If you’re interested in opening your garden in 2016 please contact the Community Fundraising Coordinator on 01892 820502 or [email protected] by Friday 15th January 2016.

12 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH GOUDHURST and HAWKHURST CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2015

Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December Midnight Mass - Sacred Heart Church, Beresford Road, Goudhurst TN17 1DN The service will start at 10.30pm with carols and readings before the Mass which will begin at 11.00pm.

Christmas Day Friday 25th December 8.30 am mass - St Barnabas Church, High Street, Hawkhurst TN18 4AH 10.30 am mass - Sacred Heart Church, Beresford Road, Goudhurst TN17 1DN

CARAVAGGIO COMES TO KILNDOWN Friday 15th January 2016 Kilndown Village Hall

Andy Ash will give a presentation on his recent whistle stop tour to see every Caravaggio painting in the world in three weeks! An evening not to be missed! To include an Italian supper. Put the date in your diary now! More details to follow or from Tina Gallagher [email protected] (01892 890426)

This will be the first event to celebrate the 175th anniversary of our village Church. Lots more to come!

13 WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Amenity Lorry (Cory) will be at these locations: Goudhurst, Balcombes Hill Car Park, 8.00 am to 11.00 am 29 November 13 December no service at Christmas or the New Year weekends Kilndown, Beresford Close, 12 noon to 1.45 pm 29 November Curtisden Green, Outside Bethany School 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm 29 November no service at Christmas or the New Year weekends This service is meant for the disposal of small household rubbish items. No trade waste please. If you have large items for disposal such as bulky furniture, old cookers, washing machines and fridges, or potentially hazardous items, please phone Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (01892 526121) for advice and to arrange a special collection (for which there is a small charge). Everybody is invited to use the Recycling Facilities at: Balcombes Hill Car Park – glass Bethany School – glass, cans, paper and cardboard Finchcocks – glass, cans, plastic bottles, paper and cardboard. Please note that the Finchcocks facility is open during daylight hours only and domestic rubbish should not be left there. The Peacock – glass and textiles Globe & Rainbow, Kilndown – glass and cans Goudhurst & Kilndown CE Primary School (big yellow container) – clothing including socks and underwear, paired shoes, belts, handbags, soft toys, perfume, cosmetics, net curtains, towels and aprons. This facility is a school fund raiser. Harpers Farm, Summerhill, Curtisden Green – textiles and shoes. This is a charity facility. Please phone Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 01892 526121 if you have any queries about waste collection and recycling. 14 GOUDHURST PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Perhaps December is the time to reflect on our plans and hopes from a year ago and what we have achieved. As a result of changes to central government funding, a number of services previously financed through TWBC were to be withdrawn, unless locally funded or the Parish Councils were willing to take them on. Following our “conversation with the village” at our 2014 open night, the Parish Council voted to take ownership of the Car Park and the Public Toilets from 1st April 2015. To lose the car park would create even more congestion than there is at present in the Village. Nor did we want to lose the public toilets since the Goudhurst conservation area is a popular tourist destination with visitors, coaches and walkers bringing useful trade to our community. Well, all seems now agreed, though the legal issues are taking time and we expect ownership early in 2016. Our first actions will be to put the car park into good repair and smarten up the toilets. All is budgeted. The Parish Council had plans to renovate the picturesque pond in Goudhurst in 2015 as it has become much silted up, but in an effort to spread the financial impact, this project is now on course for 2017. Christmas is upon us once again and as last year we have deceptively mild weather making it feel that it has come round quicker this time. In Goudhurst there will be plenty of Christmas activity starting with the Friends of St Mary’s Christmas Fair on the evening of Friday November 27th where there will be many stalls with delightful offerings supported by the businesses and hotel on Goudhurst High Street. Lit by the Christmas lights along the High Street provided by your Parish Council. Now all that is needed is that the holders put them up AND remember to turn them on at night! When all are lit they provide a wonderful Christmas welcome to our village. Goudhurst Parish Council held its November meeting in the Village Hall on Monday 9th. The new Councillors who took up their responsibilities in May were introduced to those present. It was a special open meeting where members of our community were invited to join us, listen, comment and advise on matters of interest with the added incentive of parish tea, coffee and biscuits. Councillors were able to outline progress on many issues discussed the previous year. The key issues were the retention of Balcombes Hill Car Park, the public lavatories, the planned eventual acquisition or lease of the Glebe Fields from the Diocese and the de-silting of the Goudhurst Pond. There followed further discussions on the issues being tackled by the various committees: Amenities (Chequer Field football pitch & outfield and a Defibrillator in the old Telephone Box in Kilndown), Highways and Footpaths including arrangement for improving traffic flow and safety throughout the village, progress on the Bedgebury Road speed reduction, interactive speed signs, HGVs and the St Mary’s Churchyard wall, footpaths maintenance and other matters), Planning, Broadband (Kilndown reception), upgrading the CCTV and Youth matters. Finally your council wish you a very happy and healthy Christmas 2015. Alan, Angela, Antony, Barry, Carol, David, Georgia, Guy, Phil, Sean, Stephen, Tom. 15 GOUDHURST PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS Dates for forthcoming Parish Council meetings are: Planning Committee Tuesday 01 December 6.30 pm Jessel Room Amenities Committee Tuesday 01 December 7.30 pm Jessel Room Parish Council Monday 14 December 7.30 pm Jessel Room Planning Committee Tuesday 15 December 6.30 pm Jessel Room Parish Council Monday 11 January 2016 6.30 pm Jessel Room Planning Committee Tuesday 12 January 6.30 pm Jessel Room All are welcome to attend these meetings at which time is set aside for questions from the public. Anthony Farnfield, Clerk 01580 212552 [email protected] www.goudhurst.co.uk

FINCHCOCKS Richard and Katrina Burnett bought Finchcocks in 1971, thinking it would be the perfect base for the Adlam-Burnett building company and as a home for Dick’s ever increasing collection of period instruments. These he started collecting in 1965 and by 1971 were rapidly taking over his and Katrinas’s home in Pimlico. The House was surrounded by scaffolding for nearly five years whilst restoration took place. In 1976 a concert was held and a ‘bright spark’ thought a Museum might be a good idea! (Dick’s and Katrina’s respective families thought they were crackers when they agreed). The first Open Day attracted scores of visitors, there was no dishwasher, all the crockery had to be taken from the cellar, upstairs to the kitchen sink and washed by hand and so the Finchcocks Musical Museum evolved. It has been announced that the Museum will close on December 31. As one of the largest collections in this country, and with around 30 keyboard instruments in playing condition, it is not unsurprising that as the Museum became known of, that enquires were soon coming in from television and film companies needing authentic instruments for period dramas and films, and so then started the hiring out of pianos and , most of these travelled up and down the country rather unceremoniously in the back of a Ford Transit van. Over the years various instruments have either been seen or heard on large and small screen, including twelve Jane Austen productions, with perhaps the best known being Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, for which no less than nine instruments were hired. Maybe the funniest hiring was of the whole building for the skit of Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French, when we all got a taste of BBC ‘chuck wagon’ food and rubbed shoulders with some famous faces. The most recent hiring has been for a Disney production of Beauty and the Beast, due to be released in 2017. Many musicians have made recordings at Finchcocks, live BBC Radio broadcasts, filming for the Antique Roadshow and Flog It, there has been the occasional visit by ‘pop stars’ (including the groupies), Concerts, Galas and Crafts Fairs have taken place, many weddings and so much more. A lot of goings on in the last four decades of this 290 year old house, to add to its already colourful history. 16 In a ‘downsize’, a core collection of instruments will be kept and the Finchcocks Charity for Musical Education will carry on, details of where, how and whatever have yet to be decided. Music and Mince Pies takes place on Saturday December 5, a special Christmas Concert, with David Warwick and Trio Lavolta, a cocktail of words and music, with extracts from Dickens, Dylan Thomas, Benjamin Zephaniah’s hilarious ‘Talkin’ Turkeys’ and much more. Performances at 11am and 2.30pm, with the Cellar Restaurant open from 10.30am – 5pm for morning coffee, café style lunches, teas and snacks. Advance reservations for lunches is advised. Tickets £12. 50 adults, £7.50 children, to book call 01580 211702 or online at www.finchcocks.co.uk On Sunday, December 13 at 3pm there is a Primavera Concert, presenting Beethoven Variations with Piano Trios by Beethoven and Chausson. Tickets are £26 to include wine or soft drink are available from www.primavera-ensemble.co.uk or by phone on 01233 622971. The Cellar Restaurant will be open from 12 noon for café style lunches and light refreshments, teas will not be available post-concert.

QUARRY CENTRE

To begin with a few dates:

On Saturday December 5, we shall be celebrating our Birthdays – the building is 135 years old, being officially opened by the Revd. Henry Harrison in 1880, the Quarry Centre 35 years old and the Saturday Shop 15 years (+ a few months). There will be mince pies and nibbles and we’ll be decked out for Christmas and a few festive odds and ends for sale. The Saturday Shop will be open on Christmas Eve, which is a Thursday, orders are welcomed for collection on that day, so please note, we shall NOT be open on Saturday December 26, Boxing Day.

Thank you to all our customers who support the Saturday Shop and we hope to see you all in 2016, which will be a busy year with fundraising for the exterior refurbishment. Lynda and Richard 17 OLD PARSONAGE SURGERY Patient Participation Group Newsletter No 12 PPG Member - Mr Bryan Wilson It is with great regret that we note the recent death of Bryan Wilson. Bryan was a loyal member of the Group and we will certainly miss his happy and positive presence at our meetings. Our condolences go to his family. Surgery Closures/Xmas & New Year Arrangements The arrangements across this period are as follows: Christmas Eve: 08.30 – 10.00 (Open Surgery) Afternoon – Emergencies only (Book on the day) Christmas/Boxing Day/Mon Dec 28th : Surgery closed Tue Dec 29th – Thu Dec 31st: 08.30 – 10.00 (Open Surgery) Book on the day afternoon Surgery New Years Day: Surgery closed Note that Brenda will operate an appointments only system across the Xmas/New Year period Friday Evening Surgery Please note that the above is primarily intended for patients who cannot get to the Surgery easily on other days due to work commitments. Patients are asked to avoid attending unless the issue is urgent and cannot wait until Monday. Vaccination Protocols Shingles: we now have this vaccination in the Surgery. If you are 70, 78 or 79 years of age then please contact the Surgery to check if you are eligible for this vaccination. Meningitis (ACWY): If you are aged 19-24yr and are registered with the practise you may wish to contact the Surgery to arrange to have this vaccination. Surgery Equipment Fund The Surgery team would like to again express their gratitude for the generous donations to the above. The fund allows the purchase of items not directly funded by the NHS budget but which contribute to the quality of care offered to patients. The recent purchase of nebulisers which can be loaned to patients in need is a typical example. Defibrillator Units in the Community Plans are underway to install a new unit in Kilndown village and further information is awaited. Patients are reminded that within Goudhurst there is a unit on rear wall of the Star & Eagle in the car park area. 18 We would like to welcome new attendee, Felicity Martin, to pre-school life which is Goudhurst Village currently very much focused Pre-school on Christmas preparations involving glitter, gifts, costumes and lots of singing. The children are busy creating all kinds of goodies for their Christmas boxes, rehearsing their parts in the Nativity play and cooking up festive treats.

Our Nativity Pageant will be held on Tuesday 15th December at 10.30 a.m. in St Mary's Church, providing a perfect opportunity for all the parents and extended family to come together, delight the children with their presence in the audience and mingle over a cup of tea and a mince pie. This event will be followed on Friday 18th - our last day of term - with a Christmas party for all attendees. There will be party food, games and singing and a visit from you know who!!!

Thanks to all the staff and children for making our Open Day a success. If you missed it and are interested in popping by to see what we do then feel free. If you would like to enrol your child with us please call Jo Galloway on either 01580 212777 or 07896 890370. You can also visit our website www.goudhurstvillagepreschool.co.uk to download an enrolment form and find out all the information you may need. We return for the new spring term on Tuesday January 5th.

We would like to thank all our supporters within the local community whose donations, resources and help have been instrumental in us having a truly successful and enjoyable second year: the PCC, trustees Sheila Klopper, Jo Meyer and Alison Clarke, Reverend Hugh Nelson, Ready Call, Tea Club, Goudhurst and Kilndown Primary School, all those who participated in and helped with our fundraising events, all our pre-school parents, our dedicated and brilliant staff and of course to all the children, some of whom are now in their Primary Reception Year.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday and New Year celebration. All Christmas photos and news can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/GoudhurstVillagePreSchool

FARMERS MARKETS IN HORSMONDEN VILLAGE HALL Back Lane Fridays 4th and 18th December 9 to 12 Lots of varied stalls including fresh fruit and veg, fresh bread and free range eggs, olives, jams and preserves, cakes, cold meats, pates, local produced pork joints and sausages. A range of crafts including cards, mittens, small Christmas presents and a range of metal ornaments in the form of farm and domestic animals also picture framing Please try and support your local farmers market for two weeks in December. Refreshments available 19 WEALD DEANERY EVENTS

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH, MARDEN SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER, 2015 09.30am - 4.00pm – CHURCH A Marden at Christmas Event ST. NICHOLAS TREE FESTIVAL View the trees and receive free pumpkin soup and a roll. Enquiries about displaying trees to Rev. Ali Duguid, 01622 831379 7.30PM – CHURCH ANTIPHONY in Concert in aid of the 3T’S PROJECT Another chance to enjoy this local groups’ repertoire. Tickets:- £10.00 including a glass of wine available from Graham Codling, 01622 832622, or email: [email protected]

SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER, 2015 3.00pm - VESTRY HALL CAROLS, CAKE and A CUPPA Come along and enjoy singing your favourite carols followed by tea and cakes. 6.30pm – CAROLS AT THE OAST (Little Mill Farm, Underlyn Lane, Marden) An evening of carols, accompanied by Kevin Deacon on the old church organ, followed by mulled wine.

SATURDAY 9th JANUARY, 2016 – 8.30am – VESTRY HALL MEN’S BREAKFAST Come along and enjoy a FULL English Breakfast in good company and listen to our Guest Speaker. Free Admission but donations welcome towards cost of food. Please let Alec Noakes, 01622 832211, know if you will be coming to ensure sufficient food is available.

SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY,2016 – 7.00pm for 7.30pm – MEMORIAL HALL, MARDEN FRIENDS of MARDEN’S HERITAGE 70 YEARS QUIZ A quiz based on the last 70 years with refreshments, raffle, bar. Tickets: £9.00 per person or £50.00 for a table of 6 people. Tickets available from Committee members, The Heritage Centre, The Village Stores, West End Stores.

20 ST MARY’S CHURCH, FRITTENDEN SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2015 6.00pm IN CHURCH COME AND SING HANDEL’S MESSIAH St Mary's Frittenden will be holding a performance of Handel's Messiah from scratch – a truly scratch Messiah; no rehearsal, open to everybody, just turn up and sing. For everyone – doesn’t matter if you’ve never sung Messiah before. Some copies available on the door, refreshments included. Singers £2 Audience £3. For more information, phone 07943 902745

FLOWERS FOR CHRISTMAS by Lynda Shepherd

Ideas for the Christmas Table – without breaking the bank!

Thursday, 3rd December, 7.45 p.m., Kilndown Quarry Centre

Christmas is the time when we most want to impress with our table decorations and who better to demonstrate new and affordable ideas than our chairman, Lynda, who is an acknowledged florist.

This is a great opportunity to try something new this Christmas or to just enjoy watching a great expert at work.

The Club will go into hibernation after this evening until 3rd March 2016

Tea, coffee and chat afterwards while our great raffle is called. Visitors always welcome - £2.00 Barbara Stafford

21          1 2 3 Local History Society St Mary’s Kilndown Gardening Club Origins and History of Rev Craig Huxley’s Flowers for Christmas Nursery Rhymes First Communion Quarry Centre 7.45 Church Room. 7.15 St Mary’s PCC Mee>ng 10 9 7 8 Goudhurst and Kilndown Goudhurst Tuesday KniPng Group Recorded Music Society Club. 8pm Star & Eagle AGM and Members’ Choice 10am weekly Church Room 7pm

G&KCP School Keystage 1 Performance

14 15 16 17 Friends of G&KCP School University of the Third Age Friends of St Mary’s St Mary’s Assemby Halls visit “History in Comic Verse.” Carol Singing Carol Goudhurst Village GPH 10.30 Singing G&KCP School Pre-­‐School G&KCP School Christmas Disco NaPvity Pageant Christmas Lunch St Mary’s 10.30 Goudhurst WI GPH 7.30 24 CHRISTMAS EVE Filling Sta>on. 21 Quarry Centre 9-­‐12 Kilndown Village Hall

22 23 Na>vity Service St Mary’s 4.30pm The Hop Farm Last chance to visit Midnight Mass Father Christmas St Mary’s & Christ Church 11.30pm 28 29 30 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE

22      5 4 Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club 6 Café Toddler Christ Church “Next GeneraPon Electric Cars” @ St Marys Advent Service Garry Barker 8.45 “Looking for the Light” DOGKS Quarry Centre 6.30pm Decemberr beer 135th Birthday Finchcocks Mince Pies & Nibbles 9-­‐12 Jazz Evening 7.30 Finchcocks David Warwick & Trio Lavolta 11 11 & 2.30pm 13 G&KCP School Big Kilndown Keystage 1 12 Christmas Tree Spectacular Performance Quarry Centre KVH 3pm 9-­‐12 Bedgebury Finchcocks Late Night Tree Kilndown Community Choir Primavera Concert 3pm Shopping Christmas Concert Christ Church 7.30 20 18 Christ Church Goudhurst Village 19 Family Carol Service 3pm Pre-­‐School Quarry Centre Shop St Mary’s Christmas Party Taking orders for Christmas Eve Service of 9 Lessons and Carols 6.30

25 26 CHRISTMAS DAY! BOXING DAY 27

St Mary’s & Christ Church Christmas Day Services 10 am WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER dates may change!

23 HOSPICE IN THE WEALD A pioneering innovation in healthcare in Kent and Sussex is set to be launched with Britain’s first neighbourhood cottage hospice, bringing expert palliative care to terminally ill patients at the heart of their own community. One of a chain of three planned by Hospice in the Weald, it is expected to open its doors in 2017 on a site in East Sussex. The 10-bedroom cottage hospice is intended as a community hub, with drop-in day activity facilities for patients as well as ground-breaking training courses to teach families and carers the skills to look after their loved ones who want to be cared for in their own home. Rob Woolley, chief executive of Hospice in the Weald, said: “We are not trying to replace or duplicate the work of our existing hospice at Pembury. That will always be there for people who need high-intensity medical care and nothing will change. But we want to build on the work of our Hospice in the Home service which currently looks after 700 patients in their own homes. “Cottage hospices will have more engagement with their local community. We have chosen East Sussex for our first site because 20% of our patients come from that area, and we want to create a facility which they will find easier to access. “Ideally, in the long run we would like to see three cottage hospices dotted around our patch. We know there is a need, because surveys show that one in three people over 75 in the South-East would prefer to die in a hospice. Hospices can try to ensure that people can die where they choose and in a way that has compassionate, individualised, holistic and supportive palliative care at its core 24/7, whereas the palliative care teams in three out of four hospitals only work during office hours.” The new cottage hospice will provide residential suites for terminally ill patients where relatives or carers will have the chance to stay with their loved ones round the clock and care for them through their final days with the as much or as little help from nursing staff as they need. “Where we really aim to reach out into the community to touch the lives of as many people as possible will be through the drop-in services we offer to patients and their carers during the day and the new training courses and development programmes we are designing,” said Mr Woolley. Daytime activities for terminally ill patients will include a wide range of feel-good, esteem-raising personal services such as luncheon clubs, pampering sessions, creativity workshops and complementary therapy as well as specialist counselling. A key innovation will be the training unit where hospice staff will prepare families and carers for the physical and emotional challenges as well as teaching them a range of skills to enable them to play an active role at the bedside of their loved one, whether the person is admitted to the cottage hospice or chooses to die at home. Mr Woolley said: “We are passionate about making the remaining time for patients, families and carers as fulfilled and comfortable as it can be. We believe cottage hospices, based at the heart of their local community, are the big way forward.”

24 Terry Fuller and Sue Collins receiving a cheque on behalf of Goudhurst Ex-Servicemen’s Club

Goudhurst Ex-Servicemen’s Club has been presented with a cheque for £300 by Peter Rolington and Roger Joye of Great War Battlefields Limited, which is based in the village. In September, some members of the club had been on an overnight guided tour of the 1915 battlefields at Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge and Loos organised by the company, which operates on the basis of paying out the available profits by way of donations to charities and other good causes which have provided fare-paying customers for its visits to the Western Front. This particular cheque will go towards the club’s Restoration Fund for repairs to its oast-house premises. Previous beneficiaries have included registered charities such as Crimestoppers and the Weald of Kent Protection Society, as well as a local golf club which, for two years running, has been able to pass on its reward to its chosen charity of the year.

Each tour run by Great War Battlefields Limited is made unique by giving special attention to the fate of some individual soldiers who came from a particular community or whose relatives are present on the tour: the September tour included particular attention to the six soldiers from Goudhurst and Kilndown who died in the Battle of Loos. The company welcomes approaches from other organisations which may be able to benefit from its method of raising funds for good causes. Peter Rolington can be contacted on 01580-212920 and [email protected].

25 GOUDHURST AND DISTRICT Enquiries: 01580 212457 U 3 A Email: [email protected] Website: http://u3asites.org.uk/goudhurst THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE Brenchley & Matfield, Curtisden Green, Goudhurst, Horsmonden, Kilndown, Lamberhurst

History in Comic Verse By Geoff Hutchinson Wednesday, 16th December, 2.30 p.m. Goudhurst Parish Hall

Author and local historian Geoff Hutchinson was born in Hastings in 1942 and has lived in East Sussex all his life. He has a tremendous enthusiasm for local history and the colourful characters associated with it. He also has a passion for drama and his ability to combine the two has proved a successful formula. His personal crusade is to make history lively and vibrant. His books, talks and impersonation of local worthies have proved popular with all ages and have led to him making many contributions to radio and television. He has, over the last 10 years, built a considerable reputation as a lively, entertaining speaker and guide. Seasonal Treats will be served - Non-members welcome - £2.50 Future Talks: 17th February “Acting – The Profession and Personal Experiences” by David Kerby-Kendall 16th March “Running a different race – people with intellectual disabilities and the Paralympics” by Jan Burns 20th April “Bruges - It’s More Than Just Chocolate” by Melanie Gibson-Barton Outings: Saturday, 5th December. 2.30 p.m. at Finchcocks, Goudhurst. “Music and Mince Pies”. David Warwick and Trio Lavolta will play Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky and carol medleys. £12.50. Tuesday, 12th January. 12.30 p.m. “Tour of the BBC London” at Portland Place. £13.00. Travel at own expense. Interest Groups: There are nearly twenty Groups to choose from for study, enjoyment and friendship. We are also following up suggestions for new Groups Find details for Interest Groups, Outings and Booking Forms from the links above

26 DECEMBER COVER PICTURE The photograph is of the Gunning window, details of which you will find in the Village Echoes article. A few years ago when I was in St. Mary’s a visitor started talking to me about this window. I was told that it is one of very few windows depicting a rainbow. I have not looked into this to see if that is the case. Are there any window experts out there who can let me know? David Denton

FROM THE EDITOR Please note that in December the deadline for the January 2016 issue of the Magazine will be Saturday 12th December NOT 15th. This earlier time is to allow as many Magazines as possible to be delivered before the Christmas/New Year holidays delay the delivery teams. Any items sent by the usual date will not be included. David Denton

Cranbrook Choral Society Christmas Concert 19 December 2015 6.30pm St Dunstan’s, Cranbrook

ENTRANCE FREE

Carols, music and light hearted readings Refreshments

27 28 29 MATERIAL FOR THE JANUARY 2016 ISSUE should be left at Goudhurst Newsagents by SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER. Thank you. Keep your contributions coming in!

Little Jack Horner sat in the corner Eating a Christmas pie. He put in his thumb, and pulled out a plum, And said, “OMG, what does this all mean?”

Come early, 7.15 pm on Tuesday 1st December for a glass of mulled wine and a Christmas ‘mince’ pie before Dr John Reuther reveals the surprising truth behind “The Origins and History of Nursery Rhymes”. Come to The Church Room, Back Lane, Goudhurst. Special Offer Entry: free for Why not join now? members, just £2.50 It’s just £7.50 pp for all for non-members. the season’s meetings?

For more information visit www.goudhurstlocalhistorysociety.org

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