Parish Newsletter

October 2020 Issue 555 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: £100 full page, £60 one half, £40 one quarter,

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

2 FROM THE RECTOR For all we know the Rule of Six may change quite soon. We shall welcome any change that will lead in the end to healing and hope. But meanwhile 6: not a particularly prepossessing number, compared with 3 - ‘the perfect number, ex- pressive of beginning, middle and end, and therefore a symbol of the Deity’. Seven has been considered from time immemorial a mystic and sacred number. For example the seven gifts of the spirit (they might come in useful during the present crisis) - wisdom, understanding, counsel, power or fortitude, knowledge, righteousness and godly fear. Nine is another mystical number - a trinity of trinities etc.

As for six - there is nothing so special. To be at sixes and sevens suggests con- fusion. We are all caught up to some extent in that image taken from gambling. Six of one and half a dozen of the other. There is nothing to choose between the two of them, and they are both wrong anyway!

One is important and more colourful than Six. That number is hidden for example in the old prayer book. A prayer ‘In the time of any common plague or sickness’. Have pity upon us……that like as thou didst then (the rebellion in the wilderness against Moses and Aaron) accept of an atonement, and didst com- mand the destroying Angel to cease from punishing, so it may now please thee to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sickness.

The important word there is Atonement, at - one -ment. In later Christian theolo- gy of course Atonement came to be understood as the completely central and crucial sacrifice of God in Christ that returns us to being at one with him.

I wonder if we can create a Rule of Six - out of this very special One. One Day. One day all will be well, and once again the D.A. (Destroying Angel) will have... Passed Over.

One Day - at a time. In difficult and worrying times each day also contains hope and opportunity.

One and all. Instead of looking out only for number one - oneself, we are going through this moment together - in care and thoughtfulness. Again on the subject of sacrifice: Our Lord to the pharisee who asked him What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Mark chapter 10: Then Jesus beholding him loved him and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell what- soever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.

Psalm 27. One thing have I desired of the Lord….that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me: he shall set me up upon a rock.

3 Ephesians 4: We are members One of another. And so on! But if we were take just one out of this particular rule of six, we might do well to go back to the first. All will be well.

Tom Holme

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.

LUNCHEON CLUB WILL OF COURSE NOT TAKE PLACE AT PRESENT

For more information please contact Mrs Kate Hargrave Tel 861047

CHURCHYARD TIDYING

NO CHURCHYARD AT PRESENT

Helen Morrison 740211 CHURCH COFFEE MORNING

NO COFFEE MORNINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT PRESENT

Christabel Sworder 740345

WI Hello everyone,

CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO WI MEETINGS

PLANNED Best wishes Angie

4 FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS PEW

Church Services Unfortunately our Church is still shut for the present. Covid 19 apart, as ex- plained previously, some of the lime render on the arch, which supports the bells at the end of the chancel, has a crack and may be dangerous and subject to fall- ing. A few years back some render did fall and we stripped off the rest which was not well attached. We could do this again but we feel we should do a permanent repair The roofer has checked the flashing as the tower penetrates the roof as water ingress may have caused the problem. We are now arranging for scaffold- ing so that the render can be renewed. Weekly said Holy Communions are taking place at Penshurst at 10am each Sunday Parish Organisation Work is continuing slowly on the setting up of an enlarged benefice with the Chiddingstone Parishes. The final official provisions will be published when they have been completed St Peter’s Fellowship - Peter Waghorn The remaining monthly Fellowship meetings for 2020 will not take place. Discus- sion topics published in the 2020 schedule will be carried forward to when we are advised it is safe to resume our meetings. Support for the Parish Volunteers Volunteer support is still in place to help anyone in need of help with shopping, collecting medication, running errands and importantly perhaps having a chat. If you or anyone you know needs help please do not hesitate to contact me, my details are below, or our other Church warden Peter Waghorn. Email list I have a village Email list of 69 so that village and virus related information and the Parish Newsletter can be disseminated If you would like to be included on the list please do make contact with me

Barbara Benson Barbara’s ashes will be interred with those of her mother in the Churchyard on Wednesday 14th October at midday. If any of her friends would like to attend they will be most welcome.

Best Wishes Mike Gilbert 740371 [email protected]

5 District Councillor’s article for October Parish Magazines

I am writing this as we enjoy an Indian summer heatwave, thinking it’s a pity our Council finances are not as good! The impact of Covid reaches everywhere so to get a better idea of where we stand SDC have accelerated the normal budget cycle by four months – and the numbers are not pretty. Parking income alone is going to be down £2.5m this year and we don’t expect this to be fully reimbursed by central government so we are dipping into our reserves….which in turn will mean less investment income in the future (but at least we are not having to borrow). Even when we spread the impact over several years we are going to have to find savings, or new revenue streams, of nearly £1m pa if we are to maintain our 10 year balanced budget and I worry that as we are already one of the most efficient councils in the country this will inevitably hit services. More positively, residents will be pleased that there are no plans to solve this conundrum with a ‘Covid increase’ on Council Tax.

There has been a huge increase in flytipping nationally during the lockdown (as people have had clear-outs just when tips have been restricting numbers) and locally I’m working to keep waste disposal charges down, because if they be- come a revenue raising target the disfigurement of our landscape is only going to get worse. We also need much heavier flytipping fines (stick as well as carrot) and SDC is lobbying magistrates on this.

Last month I mentioned the Planning White Paper, to which SDC will be responding in October, but you may have read also that already the government has greatly extended permitted development rights and made changes of use easier. Fortunately, from my perspective, these relaxations don’t apply within AONBs - so Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone are not going to see a rash of ugly upward extensions being built without planning permission! Whilst on the topic of housing (which we do need as SDC is still looking for permanent accommodation for 26 rough sleepers for instance) the Council have applied for funding from a £11.5bn government fund created to support new affordable housing – fingers crossed.

Ending on a positive note, I have been involved in my People & Places role in planning a new ‘place making’ brand image for the district and am also exploring with colleagues the possibility of creating a co-working hub in our area (for people who can’t go into the office but want to have an option not to work from home – sound familiar?!). As always, do get in touch if you need help.

Sue Coleman, 870435

7 Newsletter Printing As mentioned last month Leigh Church has decided to cease print work. Next month printing will be carried out by the same company that prints the Penshurst magazine. Print quality should be better and the front cover will be in Colour which, with a change of format, will allow some colour pictures. However, costs will be greater by about £700 per year. We will increase the advertising charges next year and are seeking a grant from the Parish Council but this probably will not fully cover the extra cost. Although the Newsletter is available on the church website and is sent out digital- ly, it is delivered free of charge to every household in the village and it is felt that it is important for this to continue so that everyone is in touch with what is going on in the village and surrounding community. If anyone would like to make a small annual donation (say £5-10) towards the production costs this would be gratefully received. A Bank Transfer can be made to the P.C.C St. Peter’s Ford- combe account, sort 30-98-77 account 01192666 marked with the reference “Newsletter”. Alternatively a cheque, again made out to “P.C.C. St Peter’s Ford- combe”, can be sent to the treasurer Paul Reeves the address of whom is in the inside cover of this Newsletter. Very many thanks to those who have already helped with donations

HELEN BOUCHER BSc(HONS), SRP, MCSP, AACP STATE REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST (13 years experience)

Specialising in the treatment of: · Sports Injuries

· Back and Neck pain

· Rehabilitation following joint replacements, surgery and fractures

· Arthritic pain

· Acupuncture

The Hawthorns, Powder Mill Lane, Leigh, TN11 8QD (Parking available) Tel: 01732 833297 Mob: 07939646030

GARAGE SERVICES SPRING HILL FARM SPRING HILL FORDCOMBE TN3 0SB

SERVICING FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS

M.O.T’s — EXHAUSTS — TYRES

DIAGNOSTICS — REPAIRS

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COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE

FREE VEHICLE COLLECTION & RETURN (WHEN WORK UNDERTAKEN)

VEHICLE RECOVERY

FULLY EQUIPED TYRE FITTING BAY

GEARBOX RE-BUILDS

01892 740006 www.gdasportscars.co.uk

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

C TOWNSEND ELECTRICAL SERVICES Domestic Installer Friendly local service, no job too small Part P Registered

Call Chris on : Tel : 01892 740386 Mob: 07748645206

Email: [email protected]

Property for sale - Chafford Lane, Fordcombe Offers in the region of £675,000 to £700,000

This beautiful property has recently been refurbished with an extension and roof conversion to an extremely high finish with a new boiler, heating, roof, windows and doors. All of which have a guarantee of 8 years or more remaining, new plumbing and wiring all to 2020 building regulations. Externally the property also boasts a subtle grey KRender finish both too the house and garage, with further parking for 3 extra vehi- cles. As you enter the gardens that surround the property through the wrought iron gates beside the garage, you approach the house along the black sand stone path that complements the new roof perfectly, you will notice the secluded and private patio area to your right presently occupied by a hot tub and awning. To the rear of the property the garden is mainly laid to lawn with views across the countryside with a large decked area for entertain- ing leading from the elegant kitchen dinner with attached utility room. The property also boasts 3 double bedrooms and a further single bedroom/office, 2 bathrooms one of which has separate shower and Jacuzzi bath, 3 W/C’s a comfortable lounge and an entrance hall large enough for a baby grand piano.

For further information about this property please contact Tanya Murphy on: 07739 377963

Edenbridge Accident Repair Centre specialise in vehicle accident and mechanical repair as well as servicing for both cars and vans.

We offer: - Free estimates - Collection and delivery service - Courtesy vehicle from our own fleet of cars and vans big or small - MOT

Please email or call for more information.

Kind regards Nic... 07704055501

Edenbridge Accident Repair Centre Enterprise Way Edenbridge Kent TN8 6HF Telephone: 01732 866 908

Email: [email protected] 15 Fordcombe Primary School

Moving on up

It was with a mixture of pride and sadness that the school said farewell to the fifteen 2019-20 Year 6 pupils in July with a socially distanced production on the school field. With songs from each decade from the 1940s onwards, outgoing pupils sang their way to the last decade. Everyone at Fordcombe wishes this super group of children all the very best at their respective secondary schools. They have all dealt maturely and confidently with the unusual end to their primary schooling and we are confident that they will flourish like those who have transitioned through the school before them.

Back to the “new normal” If you saw some cars and lights at the school towards the end of the summer it wasn’t just the cleaners. Our committed staff were in school over the last few weeks of the holidayspreparing for the new term and are very pleased to be back and looking forward to getting on with a sense of normality. Staff have discussed learning aims and exciting themes and topics and also how to make sure that any gaps in learningthat have arisen since the March lockdown are quickly identified and then promptly filled. All staff attended an INSET (training) day before pupils returned to be trained on the systems and procedures put in place to keep everyone safe at school. The school iscontinuing to take a cautious, measured approach to school opening. Staff have constantly looked carefully at all the ever- evolving government guidance and taken steps to mitigate the risk posed by the potential transmission of an infection at school. This approach saw around 60% of the school back in the last full week of the summer term and almost every child back at school during the July transition afternoons. Class Dojo (an online teaching resource) worked very well for most pupils and parents during lockdown and the school aims to maintain the system for elements of homework and also should it be needed for any future lockdown periods. New faces – well mostly! The school welcomes three new members of staff to Fordcombe:

Mr David Meacham (Elm class teacher);

Mrs Shan Hart (Learning Support Assistant);

and

Mrs Mags Shackleton (finance officer - based in the school office). Mrs Shackleton was deputy chair of governors for many years, championing music at school and her sons are recent ex-pupils. Welcome back Mags.

New pupils have also joined the school community. Welcome to the Alder, Ballach and Davidson families.

Places There are some school places currently available as people move in and out of the area. Contact the school office on 01892 740224 or email of- [email protected] and please spread the word as even a marginal increase in pupil numbers can have a very positive impact. Core government funding is proportionate to school headcount and changes in pupil numbers in a small school can have a great impact.

Frederik Jurriaanse

We were sorry to learn that Frederik who has lived in both Fordcombe and Penshurst and was deputy head teacher at Huntleys and head of Ridgeway school, died peacefully in Thailand on Friday 11th September. A cremation has taken place in Phuket and a memorial service will be held locally when Covid restrictions have been lifted. Further information from Fiona Carter 0892870420 or Helena Maltby 07824507268

Pre-School and Breakfast /After School Club 2020 Survey

We are looking at the need and possibility of providing Pre-School and Break- fast/ After School provision within the New Fordcombe Village Hall.

Please only fill out this survey If you have children that require childcare in or outside school hours between ages 0-14 yrs. Please tick or answer questions as required below.

How many children do you have that require childcare? Please state number

——————————————————————————————————- 1. What days would you like or require childcare for ?

Monday am pm Tuesday am pm Wednesday am pm Thursday am pm Friday am pm

2. What age is/are your child/children tick as many as appropriate.

0 to 2 / 2 to 5 / 5 to 11

3. What hours or child care would you require ?

9.00am -5.00pm if other please state ______

4. Would you require child care during the following?

Term time only / All year round care

5. If you have age 5 to 11 child /children would you require?

Breakfast club from 7.30am -9.15am After school club from 3.30pm- 5pm or both

18 6. Would you like to be able to access the following?

To use childcare vouchers 15 hours free care if applicable 30 hours free care if applicable

Youth Club

If a youth club was available 6-8pm every Friday ages 11-14 would your child use it?

Yes/ No

Would you be interested in being youth club volunteer?

Yes / No

If you are interested in a place for your child at Fordcombe Pre-School in Sept 2021 and would like to register your interest or you are interested in being a youth Club volunteer please leave your name and email address below.

Pre-School/ Youth club ———————————————————-delete as appropriate

Please detach this center page and return, together with any thoughts or comments on a separate sheet, to Janice Byrne, “Brandon Chafford Lane” or Cordeilla Wade, “The Gables The Green”

19 New Village Hall News

Another amazing drone shot of the roof. Kieran Smith reports that the carpentry work is now completed and the insulation is going in the rafters and the roofers have started work despite the recent rain. Updates are posted on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ fordcombevillagehallproject We are already getting enquiries about using the new hall. Jan Byrne is the person to contact about potential bookings: [email protected]

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2020 Due to Covid-19 the Poppy Appeal will be very different this year. Unfortunately collectors will not be able to knock on each door in the Village as they have done hitherto. The British Legion is having to focus on other ways to make collections. These are still being finalised by the Legion. However at the time of writing the position is as follows: there will be no door to door collections any- where: Poppies will be available at all the main supermarkets, e.g. Sainsburys, probably from their tills; there will be facilities at Banks to donate contactless. You can also donate online at rbl.org.uk/poppyappeal. In addition, I will have some poppies for sale from “Wayside Spring Hill” ( 0pposite the Church), if anyone wants to arrange a donation this way, either by money or by cheque: cheques to be payable to “The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal”. Alternative- ly the donation can be made to the Fordcombe branch. If you would like to use this route, please let me know so that we can arrange this together (01892 740283). On specifically the ‘Remembrance Day Service’ we are hoping to have one, but the arrangements will be different this year; more about this later. If there are any changes to the above I will let everyone know. Mike Arnold

FOOD SUPPLIES TO THE VILLAGE

The Chafford Arms Tel 740267

Paul and Jackie continue to do a great job in providing essential supplies such as fresh veg, fruit , milk, eggs, bread, meat, cheese . They also can arrange provision of meat and have some general grocery products so if you need anything please have a word with them. Orders will be available on Thursday with orders placed by Tuesday. They can be delivered to you if required. Pub Now Fully Open The pub is now fully open for meals as normal Tuesday until Sunday but you do need to book first please ———————————————-

Florent Gacon (residence St Peter's House) The French Comté Borough Market As many will know Florent has arranged for a lorry to visit the village each Saturday 9am until 1pm and supply a range of fresh produce . It is not possible to bring everything that is available in the lorry but pre ordered items can be brought along or delivered in two days. A list in Excel or Word is included on the church website (http://fordcombechurch.org) . For any information , questions or to place an order call Hugo: 0717 752 747 or Warehouse: 0207 231 9091 or on-line at www.londonfoodathome.co.uk

KEEPING UP TO DATE There is a village Email list to which update messages will be posted. If you are not on it and you would like to be please contact Mike Gilbert On [email protected] The updates will also be posted on the Church website http://fordcombechurch.org)

IF HELP IS NEEDED OR YOU NEED A CHAT PLEASE CONTACT MIKE 740371 SO YOU CAN BE PUT IN TOUCH WITH A VOLUNTEER

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.

CANCELLED Blackham Village Hall For free Estimate Contact Mervyn Smith 10am – 12:30 pm on 01892 740773

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.

PENSHURST PARISH COUNCIL- Extracts from the Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 14 September 2020 at 7.30 pm in Penshurst Village Hall

Matters Arising: Penshurst Village Hall Surgery/Disabled Toilets & Access Project: No further information available currently. Refuse Collections: Bulk Freighter service will not be available until next year, no further collections will be possible during 2020. Lengthsman: Cllr Rees was dealing with a possible contractor, a risk assess- ment and proof of suitable insurance would be required prior to appointment. Affordable Housing Survey – ED reported that an approximate cost of the parish carrying out an affordable housing survey would be £3,000. It was proposed by Cllr Campbell and unanimously agreed that, in view of the timescale involved in waiting for SDC to work with the Parish on this project, funding would be ap- proved for a survey to be carried out, ED to action with ARCK. PLANNING: SE/20/01852: Penshurst Alms House, Rogues Hill, Penshurst: Addition of new infill single storey extension within part of an existing recessed section of existing building for form new drying room, draught lobby to main entrance, together with a new level ramped landing for a disabled access entrance pathway, with a new external quality oil fired boiler set at first floor level on an existing flat roofed recessed area. PC Response: PC support. The Alms Houses are an important amenity within the parish and these alterations will be an improvement for the residents SE/20/02267: Annexe at Tender Meads Fordcombe Road Fordcombe: Change of use and conversion of existing annexe to dwelling with alterations to fenestration including dormers. Erection of single storey extension with the ter- race. PC Response: PC object. We note that a similar application was refused under 16/01784. Whilst the PC supported that application, at the time we were not aware of all the previous increases to the original building. We believe that the current application should be refused for the same reason as 16/01784. REPORTS: Kent County Councillor - Peter Lake provided the following written report: I am still talking to my Parish Councils in my division, Sevenoaks Rural South, before launching yet another attempt to get the Cabinet member for Kent High- ways to see common sense and accept that we want to get the installation of 20 mph through all our villages including Penshurst and Fordcombe. We seem to be beset with heavy lorries criss-crossing our roads, particularly in Fordcombe, and I would like to see weight restrictions on our bridges in an attempt to bring them under control. Again, they are travelling far too fast for our country roads and are a danger to those walking or cycling.

28 I suspect that, due to Coronavirus restrictions, we are going to have problems getting children to their schools on public transport. I need to know if there are any serious concerns so that I can report these to KCC as it is so important to get every child back to school as soon as possible. Kent Highways seem to be spending more time filling potholes and patching our roads which is good news, but please continue to report problems on line as they can be properly logged and tracked up to the repair stage. As some of you know I am standing down at the Election next May, but in the meantime I am utterly determined to fight our corner to ensure that we get good value for money from our taxes. Sevenoaks District Councillor - Mrs Sue Coleman reported the following for October 2020:

Finance: SDC have accelerated the normal budget cycle by four months – and the numbers are not pretty. Parking income alone is going to be down £2.5m this year and we don’t expect this to be fully reimbursed by central government so we are dipping into our reserves which in turn will mean less investment income in the future (but at least we are not having to borrow). Even when we spread the impact over several years we are going to have to find savings, or new revenue streams, of nearly £1m pa if we are to maintain our 10 year balanced budget and I worry that as we are already one of the most efficient councils in the country this will inevitably hit services.

Fly-tipping: As mentioned in previous reports, there has been a huge increase in fly-tipping nationally during the lockdown. We need much heavier fly-tipping fines and SDC is lobbying magistrates on increasing the fines they award for this.

Planning: I have mentioned previously the Planning White Paper, to which SDC will be responding in October. I will be attending briefing sessions on this later in the week and hope to update you more fully at the next meeting, but I am person- ally very unhappy with the plans to remove democracy from local people. With effect from September 1st the government has greatly extended permitted development rights and made changes of use easier. Amongst other things, people can now add two storeys to their two-storey property without planning permission though they do need prior approval. They can even knock the whole property down and rebuild into flats etc with the extra two storeys added. These relaxations do not apply within AONBs or to listed buildings/ new builds - so Penshurst is not going to see a rash of ugly upward extensions being built without planning permission! I can provide further information on the changes to anyone who is interested. Enforcement: Sadly, Stephen Whitehead has now left the Council, but he made some good progress on the enforcement cases within the villages before leaving. He asked me to pass on his apologies that he will not be able to see the cases Continued on page 30

29 through to their conclusion. The Chief Exec, Pav Ramewal, has promised that enough resource will be allocated to enable issues to be followed through to a conclusion. I will let you know when a new Officer has been appointed. (Cllr Mrs Coleman would check whether a possible new appointee would be starting the following Monday.) Housing and Home working: SDC is still looking for permanent accommodation for 26 rough sleepers and have applied for funding from a £11.5bn government fund created to support new affordable housing. Funding has also been applied to enable further insulation work to be done on Park Homes within the District including Hedge Barton but there is no guarantee that we will get this. I will keep you posted. I have been involved in my People & Places role in exploring with colleagues the possibility of creating a co-working hub in the District (for people who can’t go into the office but want to have an option not to work from home. If any of you know of any buildings, [possibly under used farm buildings] that could be converted please do let me know. Keep Britain Tidy: Cllr Mrs Dianne Broad is happy to receive calls from anyone who wishes to undertake Litter Picking in the parish, please contact her on 01892 870680 to get further information. A number of Fordcombe residents has assisted during the recent Keep Britain Tidy campaign, Cllr Mrs Broad reminded everyone that litter picking could be undertaken at any time conditions were suitable. Neighbourhood Watch: Cllr O’Shea reported no crimes had been recorded recently, Cllr Townsend advised that a handbag had been stolen that day from someone’s home, parishioners were reminded to vigilant especially in warm weather when doors were left open. HIGHWAYS: 438630: High Street, Penshurst: Update on reinstatement of bricks being stored by homeowner. 515411: Ensfield Road: Post and rail fencing stolen adjacent to road from length protecting cycle path. Website indicates work completed as of 21 July 2020. 512837: Glebelands to Shop: Problem with encroachment of earth from a garden and overgrown hedge between Glebelands and shop. Enquiry being investigated by Highways. Website indicates work completed as of 4 July. 11204970: Glebelands, Penshurst: Damaged drain. Works completed 15 July 2020. 512956: New Road – Damaged sign. Request for sign to be removed as damaged by lorry, if required request made to site further along the road. No further work planned. 515977: Coopers Lane: Broken drainage pipe opposite Chapel, water/mud running along road. Enquiry under investigation. Works being programmed as of 24 July 2020

30 517416: Fordcombe Opposite Village Hall: Debris left on road after car fire attended by Fire Brigade. Smarts Hill, Coldharbour and Nunnery Lane: Complaint submitted to High- ways via KCCllr Lake regarding quality of potholes filled. KCCllr Lake and ED were advised that the repairs were only temporary until resurfacing could be carried out. A programme of anticipated dates for the work has been requested, there was no response to this. Penshurst Junction: Cllr Townsend raised the issue of a problem recognised as dangerous outside the Penshurst Village Hall which was identified after a meeting with Highways over 18 months previously. He noted that the work had still not be undertaken. FINANCE: Fordcombe Parish Magazine: PC approached to consider financial contribu- tion towards printing costs of Fordcombe magazine which is delivered to all households in the village by hand. Cllr Jolly would look into the costs of printing and report back with any options/suggestions to members. Cllr Horsford had spoken with Mike Gilbert regarding the magazine, advertising revenue to support the printing was minimal in the magazine as it was considered to be a service for the village, it had previously been printed by Leigh church authorities. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Speeding: The possibility of providing a speed indicator sign for the area near the school in Fordcombe was raised, ED to check whether these were still available. Planning Restrictions: Cllr Horsford asked whether the permitted use time limits had been extended on caravans being permitted to remain on a site had been increased from 28 to 56 days. (Cllr Mrs Coleman checked with the SDC Planning Officer who had confirmed that there had been no increase and that 28 days is still the limit) Date of next meeting – To be advised (Provisional Date 7 December 2020)

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 undertake 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

martindungey75 @gmail.com

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 Sally Jolly 740932 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