ISSN 2053-2059 (Print) Hawkhurst Village Magazine →Hawkhurst Remembers Poppy fall In St Laurence – each individual poppy was made by pupils in Year 5 and 6 at Hawkhurst and in the centre of each is a small drawing of the maker. Anne Wheelhouse →

Ceremony of remembrance at 11th November Year 8 pupils Isabella Dransfield and Ben Fox laid a wreath and Will Pitt (also Year 8) played the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’. Headmaster Martyn Ward read from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ and 2 minutes’ silence was observed by the Prep school.

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 FREE →Hawkhurst Remembrance Sunday There was a magnificent level of support in the village at the annual Sunday service on 9th November and at the processions up and down the village. The uniformed organisations well represented from Scouts, Guides through to the Fire Brigade. John Hunt and Jeremy O’Keefe deserve thanks for many of the photographs that are presented here. Mike Appelbe

2 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 The Editor → I wish our readers a very happy Christmas at this special time of the year. There are lots of activities that have been organised to enjoy in the village by the Parish Council and of course the Churches and local societies so try to get out and meet your friends and neighbours. Mike Appelbe, editor

Chairman → The week (starting 10th Nov) when I am The Craft Centre writing this has turned out to be very 01580 752904 significant in term of defining the future housing developments in Hawkhurst. Foam Supplies Local residents together with the Parish Cushions cut to size and shape. Council have presented at several committee DIY Upholstery materials, tools etc. meetings of the TWBC in the Town Hall. We Knitting wools and accessories, are now feeling very much at home in the haberdashery etc. Council Chamber! Open 9am ‘till 3pm The Studio Closed all day Wed. Cranbrook Road Hawkhurst now has only 66 dwellings to be approved out of its original Closed 1pm Sat. Hawkhurst allocation for 240 new houses between 2006 and 2026. Of this remainder, TN18 4AR there are 20 applications currently outstanding in the planning approval system. This represents a considerable success story in itself, and is the best performance of any parish or town in the Borough. The planning department of TWBC has been intent on satisfying the remainder of our allocation by a single large development of 62 houses on the Circus Field site on Highgate Hill. We have been consistently opposed to this, preferring to develop small previously built sites distributed over the village. We managed to defeat the outline application for Highgate Hill back in July. There have been 3 significant meetings recently. Firstly there was a meeting of the Planning Committee to approve 14 houses on the Station Garage site at Gill Green. This is a good example of the sort of development the Parish Council and the local people want to see, and we were in favour of this development. But the Planning department was opposed, and the Planning committee voted to reject it because it is remote from the centre of the village and part of the site impinges on Rachel Tidd green land. counsellor (MBACP) Secondly, I have spoken before about the Allocations Development I am a qualified counsellor and Plan Document (DPD) that TWBC Planning Department produces have experience in helping people to define our future building sites, up to 2026. The only site remaining with a range of issues in a safe, to be decided in this document is off Highgate Hill; Birchfield site has compassionate and confidential environment based at Stonerock already been approved. This document has to be approved by the TWBC Dental Surgery, Hawkhurst. Cabinet on 4th December. The Cabinet Advisory board, who makes For more information visit recommendations to Cabinet, met on Monday this week. We were www.racheltiddcounselling.co.uk successful in persuading them NOT to recommend Highgate Hill to be or call 07715 438710 or included in the DPD. We are thankful to several of the TWBC email [email protected]

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 3 councillors in supporting Hawkhurst. We will attend Where the culture is or for centuries has been → The Cabinet meeting on th4 Dec to again try to make Christian, or at least predominantly Christian, church sure it is removed from the DPD. people tend to see themselves as the father in the prodigal son story – simply there to give everyone Lastly on Wednesday evening this week, the a warm welcome back into the warm embrace of detailed planning application for the Highgate Hill home when they have wandered far from God and development was to be decided by the Planning his church. Committee. Again it was being supported by the Planning Department and it was absolutely critical Where Christianity is predominant, the Church is that we presented a strong opposition. We were part of the establishment, those who do not go supported by some of the TWBC Councillors, and to worship regularly are viewed simply as sheep the vote was incredibly close - the application was wandering from the fold, family members who do refused by only one vote. If one councillor had not bother to come to family dinner or visit their voted differently, the result would have approved the mother. The Christian attitude in societies where Highgate Hill development, and we would have been the church has been part of the establishment is landed with a housing estate. that of the benevolent and merciful reconciler. In this model everyone in the population is either This is not the end of the story. We still have to make Christian or they at least understand and by default, sure the Highgate hill site is removed from the DPD accept the general moral and doctrinal teachings document. The developers will take their Planning of the Christian Church. Basic evangelisation is not Application to appeal, and this could still approve the necessary because they have been baptised. They development. Again representatives of Hawkhurst and just need to come home. the Parish Council will be working hard to make sure we get the right result. They need a little encouragement. They are good people. They will come back eventually. When they I hope this gives a view of the amount of work we have do come back, all they need to do is go to confession, been doing to challenge the Planning Department get a little penance and then they are home. We in support of the village. I hope when we have the know they are good people. We know they really Fireworks on Circus Field this month, people will love God deep down even though they have strayed, realise how important it is to protect the green fields made some mistakes and if they are in a mess over around Hawkhurst, and that it will continue on that that, we do not want to beat them with the legalistic site for many years. stick. We welcome them to the table. We welcome Peter Dartnell, Chairman, Hawkhurst Parish Council them in, knowing that with a warm embrace and welcome they will want to be closer to Jesus. I can very readily see that this method works well Dear friends enough in a culture that is basically Christian. This → I heard a very smart is the mindset we call “liberal”. It is the mindset of a comment some lot of the cradle Christians and Christian leaders. If time ago: “So-called they were brought up in a largely Christian city and conservative Christians culture, then they too breathe a Christian air and want to convert the people they minister to are all Christians or they people by arguing with assume they know the basic Christian teachings. them. And so-called The problem with this model is that the cultural liberal Christians want situation for most Christians around the world to convert people by nowadays is not one in which the whole culture is agreeing with them.” It is a pithy comment indeed. Christian. In Africa and Asia, where the church is I can see the distinction, but I am not sure it is merely growing fastest, the culture is not predominantly a “conservative-liberal” clash. Underlying the tensions Christian and historically speaking, it is only recently within the Christian Church is more an underlying that it is even tipping over to be predominantly clash in the way one understands the Christian Christian. In many countries it is not there yet. Church’s relationship to the surrounding culture. Furthermore, in case anyone has not noticed, most

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Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 5 of the developed countries of Europe, Britain and at the gate for the boy to come home. He is going → North America are certainly not predominantly out to find him. That is what we celebrate again at Christian and are increasingly not even Christian. Christmas – God coming to us in search of us that The Christian Church is therefore in a state of we may be found by and in Christ forever. O come transition around the world, and we need to wake let us adore him! up to the fact. Fr. Rodney

Many Christians’ home turf is still predominantly → culturally Christian, but in many places around the world this “Just come back to the Church” approach to pastoral care simply does not always work. It does not always work because there is increasing Foodbanks evidence that a huge proportion of the population Although it has been talked about in the past there (indeed a huge proportion of the nominal is no foodbank in Hawkhurst. On the third Sunday Christians) do not understand or accept the basic of each month at 11.00 there is a collection of gifts moral and theological teachings of the church. They of food just inside St Laurence Church. This is taken cannot come home to the Church because they to the well-organised foodbank in Hastings for the have no idea what that means or why that would benefit of those in need. be desirable. When we talk of giving them a warm welcome and not judging they do not hear this with the ears of a penitent Christian prodigal. →

Whether it is in countries that have never been Christian or that were once Christian but are drifting Networking the Weald fast to secular atheism, the model that is necessary now is conversion – not the model of just come back Businesses far and wide, great and small, benefit from to the Church. face-to-face networking, often supplemented with the virtual world of Facebook, Linkedin or TWBC This is difficult for the old style cultural enterprise, etc. And in Hawkhurst, Alison of www. Christians. They simply do not get it, and that is flying-feet.co.uk has set-up Sole Traders of The Weald understandable. But we had better get it soon to meet on the last Thursday of the month to build because in a culture that needs the conversion business networks, encourage support discussions and model, the come back to the Church model does share enthusiasms. not always work well at all. In a culture that needs conversion the father of the prodigal stands at the Professionals and traders, self-employed and gate waiting, but the prodigal, indulging in his enterprising individuals meet for an hour or so at orgies and high life does not even know that the Lunch Belles tea room (in High Banks Garden Centre, father is waiting. He has no memory of the father’s Gills Green) for their 9.15am network venue on house. He does not even know he is a prodigal and the last Thursday of each month. The friendly and why he wakes up miserable in the morning empty informal exchange of ideas and activities takes place and alone. He does not know what he is missing so over a cup of coffee; or, there’s a full English breakfast he can’t even begin to know that he needs to make if you are hungry. the long journey home. In the developed countries One group – see their table conference photo – soon where Christianity once flourished and in the parts began exchanging new business ideas and marketing of those countries where Christianity once reigned methods, even though work activities were very we are still driving on the fumes of a tank that is varied. That group included a reflexologist & reiki now empty. Already we are living in a culture that practioner, a family matters legal group solicitor, an demands the conversion model, not the come back architectural building technician, an ethical creative to Church model. The call to conversion is not done marketing enthusiast, and a freelance reporter (out with a heavy hand against sin. Instead it is done with of picture taking the photograph). Can you work out a joyful heart, a firm conviction and a clear message. who does what? The father of the prodigal is not so much waiting Networking face-to face enables rapid exchanges

6 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 of ideas and information to take place, which this → group of Sole Traders of The Weald obviously enjoy at Lunch Belles – email Alison for details of the next session. Also, there’s the TWBC enterprise interface on their website www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/business/ enterprise where you can explore free ‘support and advice for creative success in Kent’. Bon voyage to The Weald and beyond. John Dawes →

Hawkhurst British Legion in Crisis! This much-loved organisation is in something of a crisis since unless volunteers can be found to run its committee it might close. I am talking about The Branch not the Club which is a largely separate business but also this cannot legally exist without the existence of The Branch. The problem in The Branch This is run by a local committee. It desperately needs more members and a new Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer since these are retiring. This local committee is responsible for the main mission of the national British Legion, which includes:- l support for local current or ex-servicemen and their close relatives who have become injured, either physically or mentally, for example suffering post traumatic stress disorder, or who simply through old age may need help and support, for example need equipment such as a wheelchair. For

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 7 The Club has a pool table, a sizeable meeting room and of course a bar. Although affiliated with The Branch its rules state that it has to be managed separately from The Branch. So it must cover its costs and have its own small committee. For more information please contact Vince Gould on 754898 or [email protected]

Christmas comes to Hawkhurst

current servicemen the support includes for On Saturday 6th December Santa will arrive in → example arranging flights to extricate an injured Hawkhurst at noon, to signal the opening of servicemen back to the UK or to fly relatives out to Hawkhurst Christmas Festival. This annual event a servicemen in a foreign hospital. is organised by the Fete Committee, which is a sub-committee of Hawkhurst Parish Council. The l organising the local Remembrance Parade and committee is made up of Parish Councillors and the Poppy Appeal in Hawkhurst (including members of the public, working together to put on an Sandhurst and Newenden who are embraced by event for the whole community. We are very pleased the Hawkhurst Branch) to have some new committee members this year, This mission is well recognised both nationally and which means we have had some new ideas to make locally, but without an active committee none of this event even more successful. this work can happen. The committee work for most members is not onerous: a short meeting once a month, so if you are interested in its continuation now is the time to get involved.. Our Legion is one of many that were set up in 1925 all over the UK. The needs for looking after servicemen are much less now numerically than they were then, but the needs are greater with IUD injuries and stress related conditions, so less people are in need but the costs can be much greater. In the past when there was an Army Cadet Force in the village it was more natural for young people to get involved and as they got older eventually take an interest in helping to run The Hawkhurst Branch. So this is an invitation to the public to think of how you might spare a little time to continue this work or at least come up with ideas for the future. What is the British Legion Club? Hawkhurst is lucky in that it has a building to act as a meeting place and to run events. It is not as busy as it has been partly as a result of changes in attitudes towards drinking and smoking. There is also no proper kitchen which limits the opportunity to provide income from providing and selling food it being more profitable than drink sales alone.

8 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 The purpose of the Festival is not only to entertain our local residents, but to support our local traders. The centre of the village will be decorated with lights and Christmas trees, as in past years, but the committee is very pleased to extend the lighting, at least down Cranbrook Road, so that those traders are also included. We would like to thank Jean, the widow of Dick Pratt, for very kindly giving us the large Christmas tree in his memory, that will be outside the Royal Oak, this year. So what can you expect? As before there will be a Christmas market in the Royal Oak car park with Charity stalls along the Colonnade, but venture down Cranbrook Road and see what is on offer down there! Budgens has kindly agreed to host some small childrens rides, as well as parking for some monster trucks and agricultural machinery. Local farmers are bringing vehicles along so that youngsters can see them close up. In return they will be collecting donations for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Fete committee will match any donations. → Remembering that Christmas is for children there will be some games for them, provided by St Laurence Church, a treasure hunt around all the local traders, Celebrating Marlborough face painting and of course Santa will be in his grotto, House School Year 8 pupils in the Royal Oak. In the ‘presentation’ photo, Mr James Marjoribanks, For grown-ups, apart from the stalls there will be Hog Headmaster of Holmewood House is presenting the roast and hot chestnuts, hot soup and barbeque food, award to Marlborough House pupils. mulled wine and cider and mince pies, galore! We will be entertained with live music by Prickly Pear, Andy Head of English comments on the inter-school and his band and our own local choir, Hawkhurst debate: Harmonies. Ecstatic members of the Year 8 Marlborough House Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without the turkey. School debating team returned victorious from Our event will be compered by our Christmas turkey their first successful Inter-school Debate, held – whose identity is a closely guarded secret! at Holmewood House School in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday 14th October. The debate, organised by As usual we are having a grand raffle. Harry Roffey Holmewood House’s Head of English, Bronwen Jervois, Holidays is giving a weekend in Paris for two people gave Marlborough House children the opportunity to for the first prize, with a New Years Eve Champagne pit their wits and verbal dexterity against opponents dinner for two at the Royal Oak as the second prize from Holmewood House and St Ronan’s, in Hawkhurst. and £100 cash for the third, and many other prizes The Marlborough House School children: Guy Butler- donated by local traders. Tickets are on sale in various Felton, Myles Denbow, Oliver Hall, William Pitt and outlets in the village and will be available on the day. Louis Reedman, teamed up and worked in pairs. They The draw will take place at 8pm that evening in the received their proposed motion and were given 15 Royal Oak. minutes to prepare their arguments before the battle of words ensued. Our festival finishes at 5pm when there will be a fantastic firework finale which will be provided by The topics included some very thought provoking Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society. proposals: “This House believes that the voting age Carole Williamson, Fete Secretary should be lowered to 14”; “This House Believes that

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 9 enthralling talk on “Doodlebugs and Rockets” at our November monthly meeting ◆ Pitting our wits against each other in our Bridge interest group (thanks for your expert tips, Pam!) ◆ Sampling delicious wines at Jonathan’s and Peter’s Wine Appreciation groups ◆ Getting lots of fresh air and exercise in a walk through the beautiful grounds of Sissinghurst Castle ◆ Using our creative powers to improve our painting, drawing and photography skills ◆ Reading “A Man for All Seasons” in our Play Reading group ◆ Polishing up songs to be aired at our December Christmas party (a keenly awaited performance by the Gentlemen Songsters!) ◆ Visiting Farley Farm in Chiddingly (home of the Surrealists) and Charleston near Lewes (the Bloomsbury Group) – two wonderful places for the the monarchy should be abolished “ and “This House last two autumn outings by the Country Houses group → believes that England should be given independence ◆ Enjoying delicious coffee and cake at the Sandhurst from the rest of the United Kingdom.” They also Tea Rooms on our latest coffee morning debated the motion “Children should be seen and not ◆ Working hard on learning Latin and Italian (thanks heard!” Marlborough House children were certainly for your patience with us, Lionel and Dido!) heard, very clearly, as they swept the board, winning If you like the sound of what we do, why not have a not only the Debating Cup but also the Plate. The look at our website www.hawkhurstu3a.org.uk ? You judges, members of each of the schools present, were can contact our Membership Secretary, John Read, on greatly impressed with the clarity, confidence and 01580 753535 or via the website for more information. strength of conviction of the Marlborough House Ruth McChesney team. A delighted Katrina Atkins, Head of English at Marlborough House said “This is a great achievement and honour for our Debating team. We are thrilled to have won this award in the face of some very challenging competition, and we are very much looking forward to our next exchange which will take place next term at St Ronan’s, where we hope we will manage to retain the title!” Mrs Claire Stockham → Hawkhurst U3A Happenings How busy the past few weeks have been – and what fun too! Let’s take a look at what some of our Hawkhurst U3A members have been doing: ◆ Visiting the Kent Air Ambulance at Marden (we even got to see the helicopter taking off on its next mission) ◆ Being informed and entertained by Bob Ogley’s

10 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 → CANTATE DOMINO: it’s fun and uplifting, even in Latin St Laurence Church Choir As many readers will know, I run the music at St Laurence Church. “Cantate domino” is Latin for SING TO THE LORD. One Friday evening yonks ago a little boy, aged 6, turned up to Friday choir practice. News to me! – but I did my best to continue. A professional teacher, I knew I had to involve this “little boy”, even though we were working on a tricky Tudor motet by William Byrd – with Latin words. The result was, my 6-year-old chorister sang – in Latin! – and came back to us. Actually, he’s been with us ever since and loves singing in Latin. Now at and beginning Latin himself, he tells me that one of his favourite pieces is still that very William Byrd piece. Product of Hawkhurst Church of England Primary School, he is, I believe, now learning several languages. He’s even looked at some Greek – a language of which his poor old choirmaster knows NOTHING AT ALL! Many of you will, of course, know the boy concerned but, these days, it’s probably better, not to name our fine, loyal J.: I hope he knows that we are proud of him! CHILDREN SINGING; CHILDREN LEARNING TO LOVE SINGING! FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH at St Laurence Church: For a while now our fine village primary school has been working closely with St Laurence Church so that our monthly family service is a genuine shared service. Believe me, these family services are really special: please take the risk and join us! As a former governor of the primary school, I’m proud to see church and school working so well together. But, as former (now retired) Head of French at Marlborough House, I’d also love to see our two village prep schools turning, likewise, to their village parish church and, maybe, contributing, occasionally, to these notable “first Sunday of the month” services. K e& m p Partners Ltd. This brings me back to CHILDREN SINGING. We’d certainly be delighted to receive visiting school choirs to lead our worship? Just a l MOT’s, Servicing, thought … Repairs, Tyres & Exhausts The fact is that presently, singers from our village primary school are l All Makes & Models joining our St Laurence choir … and their parents come too for Sunday l Fully Trained Technicians worship (or to sing in the choir). We love it! l Courtesy Cars OUR CHOIR MISSION l Free Delivery & In fact, one of our new, young choristers has recently decided to be Collection Service Open: Monday- Friday 8am-6pm baptised so she can (she says) be “part of it”. I invited her to choose an Saturday 8am-1pm anthem for “her” service and she chose a piece by an English composer, Thomas Attwood (who lived about 200 years ago). One of the first pieces 01580 850405 Central Garage, Rye Road, Sandhurst TN18 5JW she ever learned with us.

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 11 August August th Andrew Davis Andrew richard_briden@ anniversary of the commencement anniversary of the commencement December 2014 Issue No.45 th

m Flat 2, All Saints’ Lodge, Rye Road, Hawkhurst Lodge, Rye 2, AllSaints’ Flat 01580 752954 [email protected] the reverse of the mount board is the name Mrs board of the mount the reverse be a Sanchan and the name St which may Turner Squeak known as Pip, medals are The house name. may that information has any If anyone Wilfred. and they please contact Richard the sailor would identify email on 01580 753947 or by hotmail.co Richard Briden is trying to identify the WWI sailor in Richard Briden is trying the identify to on the 4 the picture which he discovered 2014, the 100 picture he disassembled a framed when of the war, Colonnade, The Shop in Green The from purchased Hawkhurst. On behind a reprint. found was photograph The Lodge (directly opposite the Colonnade shops). shops). the Colonnade Lodge opposite (directly meet beforehand we 10 a.m. but services at Sunday are the music. run to over church at (9.20 a.m.) …! me … e-mail me … phone a chat have and Come meet on Friday evenings, 7 to 8 p.m., at All Saints’ All Saints’ at 8 p.m., 7 to evenings, Friday meet on

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KU O SUD congregation. us, with a sing have to fancy coming all, if you Above We un-threatening! TOTALLY are we adult, or child craft: a chorister’s progress through the programme is programme the through progress chorister’s a craft: whole our of recognised in front proudly and formally We are members of the Royal School of Church Music Music Church School the of Royal of members are We allowing programme teaching a structured so have learn their to the children!) ONLY (not choristers our WE’LL GIVE YOU A FREE MUSICAL TRAINING A FREE MUSICAL WE’LL GIVE YOU Friday evening choir practices (see below) are always always practices (see are below) choir evening Friday FUN. fun: easy but never but work hard I was quite wrong: my young choristers seem to LOVE seem LOVE to choristers young my wrong: quite I was our myself that pride I indeed, And, stuff. the old have to adjust our repertoire: I thought, NO Latin; NO I thought, repertoire: our adjust to have to myself resigned … and too old/classical NOTHING stuff. contemporary jolly, of LOTS When I first started receiving young children into into children young receiving started I first When would I that I assumed ago, months some choir our We also have another, slightly older, chorister who chorister older, slightly another, also have We at a service be to confirmed shortly is in Canterbury her. of all so proud Cathedral: we’re As choirmaster, I can only say what a JOY it is to to is it a JOY what say only I can choirmaster, As youngest (current choristers young our introduce the superb to singing, choral to old) seven years – just more and, 500 years covering repertoire choral joy- our the idea to that else, anything than important St to Laurence is important our singing, offering, worship. Sunday As a retired teacher I believe that nothing is lost by by lost is nothing I believe that teacher a retired As responding! are these children highsetting standards:

12 and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths no maths There’s 1-9. the digits and every contains 3x3 box and logic. the puzzle with reasoning solve You involved. How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column every so that in the grid row, Fill play to How ✱ ✱

%Prayer for Christmas God asks us to share his mission and like Mary and Joseph as they awaited the birth of Jesus, we need to prepare. Preparation is a manifestation of faith and a statement of trust. The whole We have a new club! The club is run by Mr. Fifield Christmas story tells us that Mary and who is teaching Green Class (Year 4) whilst Mrs Joseph endured more than their fair Robles is on maternity leave. In a few short weeks the club has interviewed, written and edited their articles share of trials while they awaited the in order to produce the first edition of the Hawkhurst arrival of their precious baby. Times. This is an eight page newspaper about life at Hawkhurst C. E. Primary School. You can read some of the items in this month’s edition of the Hawkhurst But they prepared and endured it all Village Magazine. as part of the great mission God has E. Hatcher asked them to carry out with him. This Excerpts from ‘Hawkhurst Times’ was greater than any carpenter’s family Brian Moses visited our school and it was the school could imagine. As you look forward to reporters’ job to interview him and to take some pictures. Most of his poems made everyone laugh Christmas and all that God has in store (including the teachers!). for your family in the New Year, maybe He also came into the upper classes of the school and you could challenge yourself to prepare in did a workshop with Year 4 to 6. Everyone wrote a high standard of war poetry, as Brian has just released the following ways: a new poetry book called What Are We Fighting For? (Reporter: Polly Coxeter) ❅ How can we help ourselves to keep an eye LUCINDA’S INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN MOSES on Jesus as we prepare for his coming? Q: Do you like story-telling or poetry? A: Poetry. I tell my stories in short bursts. Q: Where do you get your ideas from? ❅ How has this last year been for us? Can A: Anywhere and everywhere – I become an ideas detective. we share with each other how God has Q: Do you like writing stories and poems? carried us through all our difficulties, A: I like poems for two reasons: firstly, because I like the rhythm and secondly because it can say a lot in a little. and how can we prepare for future Q: How many writer friends do you have? challenges as we await Jesus’ return in A: Lots of children poets and my mates. We all know each other. glory? Q: What is the hardest book you’ve ever read? A: Probably a book called WAR AND PEACE by Leo ❅ Tolstoy. Teach us this Advent to anchor our hope Q: What do you like about visiting schools? in you, to receive Emmanuel and eagerly A: I love meeting children and enthusing children with poetry. dance to your tune. Q: Have you ever been in a band?

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 13 A: I used to be in a band which was a mixture of poetry → and rock and roll. I did it for 6 years. Q: Have you ever been interviewed by a child like me? A: Yes

Harvest Festival On Monday the 30th of September Year 3 did the special apple assembly – Henry’s apple. On Tuesday 1st October Year 4 did the olive tree with Logan pretending to be the olive tree. On Wednesday 2nd Year 5 did a story about grapes. They painted pictures of grapes and Jude pretended to be ill and was fed grapes to make him feel better. On Thursday rd3 October Year 2 did the fig tree and lots of the children watered and looked after a paper fig tree. On Friday 4th Year 1 did a story about people whose crops fail and who don’t have a lot of food and how we can help them. On Sunday 6th Year 6 did the story of when Jesus rose from the dead. Leo was Jesus and he wore a big brown coat. When he lifted it up he was wearing a brightly coloured cloak that some of Year 6 had decorated with glitter, chalk and paints. (Reporters: Lauren Fenton and Polly Coxeter) Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), prepaid funeral plans

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14 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 →

Graham Goodbrey It is with deep sorrow that I have to report the death of Graham, who died after a severe heart attack on Thursday, 9th October. He collapsed at his home with William (Leah) and was taken by Air Ambulance to Treliske, Royal Cornwall Hospital. William was able to spend a short time with him there and after treatment to relieve the pain Graham took his leave of us in a most loving way, giving himself to his loving Father. Painting ‘Graham walks the dog’ by William Leah Graham was born in Norwich on 9th July 1947. He was educated at the private Bracondale School. After In 1983 he went with William to St Ives. There not school he went immediately into the health service, being, in his view, much in the way of gardening, as a clerk in the Treasurer’s Office at the Norwich and he went into catering – and opened “the nicest Norfolk Hospital. He met William in January 1968 Cafe in St Ives – Polly’s” where he served all home- and eventually joined him at Westminster Abbey, cooked Wholefood and Vegetarian dishes. He again where William was a Minor Cannon. Graham joined helped William in the Parish – organising the servers, the Treasurer’s Office at Westminster Hospital, and becoming Parish Treasurer, Deanery & Diocesan over the next seven years moved gradually up the Synod Member. grades to the rank of Senior Administrative Officer. He had a cheerful and very happy disposition – with He enjoyed travelling around the hospitals in the much laughter wherever he went. He quietly helped Westminster Group as a Work Study Officer in ‘Time all kinds of people in many ways. When William & Motion’ etc. retired Graham returned to gardening and had When William moved to Hawkhurst Vicarage in 1974 several long-standing customers. One of them wrote Graham joined him – commuting daily to London to William – by rail. Eventually he tired of that and wanted to stay “He displayed an enviable expertise not only in solving and enjoy Hawkhurst – so he took up weaving (!), problems, but also in the sphere of human relations. but finding it didn’t produce enough to live on, he He was very sensitive to other people’s needs – the very became a gardener, having inherited the talent from soul of kindness and compassion. He had, moreover, his father. a lovely sense of humour – by turns was: gentle, witty – mischievous – but always warm – which bespoke his He became much involved in church affairs kindness towards, and love for, other people. He was a – forming the happy band of servers, and impressed most engaging companion – his visits never failed to everyone with his skills in swinging the incense produce much fun and laughter.” censor! He enjoyed taking part in various dramatic efforts at church, most notably as the Perpetual For me (William) he was always the most loving Curate in the Hawkhurst Pageant on The Moor, and caring companion. He macro managed our beginning as a Benedictory Monk at the beginning affairs, keeping up-to-date with computers as well of the church’s history in Britain and going through as always producing wonderful meals! There was all the varying historical times. laughter and enjoyment all the time – and he has left wonderful, happy memories to be thankful for. He enjoyed the nine years at Hawkhurst very much May he rest in peace and rise in glory. and outside the church he was the Treasurer of the Hawkhurst Guild of Arts and Crafts. William Leah, 1st November 2014

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St. Laurence Church Council Policy on Dogs in the Churchyard Dogs have always been welcome in the Churchyard but the PCC has reluctantly made the decision that in future they must be kept on a lead. Finding dog mess on a loved one’s grave is a very distressing experience. Dog owners are asked to help keep the Churchyard a pleasant place, where everyone can walk and reflect, by picking up after their pets and either taking the → bag away or putting it in the bin outside the gate. → Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Remembrance Sunday Sandhurst Concert results It was incredibly inspiring to see so many people turn out to pay their respects to our fallen heroes and we could see that in places the crowds There was a good audience on were 6 or 7 deep, many with young children to witness the annual hand to welcome back the Taneyev thanksgiving. Trio, who last played at St.Nicholas Alan Bullion in 2012. The music was beautiful and I was pleased to see several children on hand. My thanks go to Victoria Meyritz, Monique and Eloise Edmonston who dealt with tickets and programmes and to Maureen Sadler who organised refreshments, assisted by Alan and Ruth Fagg. Anne and Helen ran the raffle which raised £125 for St.Nicholas. In addition, half the ticket sales amount to £225, bringing the grand total for St. Nicholas to £400. Hospice in the Weald shared the ticket sales, which brought their total from my musical efforts in 2014 to £1,110. Apart from raising money, we have had some delightful musical experiences. Thank you all for your support. Gillian Davis

16 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 2 tbsp red-wine vinegar optional a handful of roughly chopped parsley To finish Recipes 6 tbsp crème fraîche optional extra-virgin olive oil Gardeners’ vegetable gratin (serves 4 to 6) Peel the onion, cut it in half from root to tip then into thick slices. Warm the oil or butter in a large casserole 4 courgettes trimmed and sliced then add the onion and cook over a low to moderate 250g (9oz) baby plum tomatoes halved or other heat for 15 minutes or so, until soft and pale gold. tomatoes quartered Meanwhile scrub and dice the carrot and stir into the 1 medium aubergine halved lengthways and thickly onion. sliced 2 Romano peppers deseeded and sliced (or ordinary Peel the garlic and slice thinly. Pull the leaves from red bell peppers) the rosemary stems and roughly chop, then add to the 3tbsp extra virgin oil softening onions with sliced garlic. When all is soft, 2 cloves of garlic chopped sweet and lightly coloured, tip in the lentils and a litre Handful of basil leaves of the stock. Drop in the bay leaves. Bring the mixture 75g (3oz) white breadcrumbs to the boil, then lower the heat so that the lentils 4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan or pecorino simmer gently for 45 minutes. 30 g (1½ oz) of dried mixed seeds (sunflower, Meanwhile, peel and seed the pumpkin and cut the pumpkin etc) optional flesh into large, meaty chunks. I make these large Freshly ground black pepper and salt enough that you will have to cut them to put them Preheat the oven 220˚C or gas mk7. Toss the in your mouth. Any smaller and you may find vegetables with the olive oil, garlic, basil and they dissolve into the soup. seasoning. Arrange in an oiled 1.5 litre gratin Add the pumpkin to the lentils and leave to dish or roasting tin. Cook the gratin for simmer until the squash is thoroughly tender 30 to 40 minutes until the veg are – about 15 minutes. This slightly charred. Mix the breadcrumbs is also the point to with the parmesan, and seeds, and add seasoning. scatter over the veg, baste with the juices to moisten, return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the top is golden. Serve with a leafy salad. Jean Shill

Lentil and Pumpkin Soup-stew from Nigel Slater’s Guardian column It will need salt and black pepper, and the red-wine With Halloween celebrations and Pumpkins still in the vinegar. Stir in the parsley. vegetable drawer; something to try out for the family Remove two large ladles of the stew and blitz to Serves 4-6 a purée in a blender or food processor with the 1 medium-sized onion 1 remaining 250ml of stock. (You can beat it to a pulp 2 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil (or a thick slice of butter) with a potato masher if you prefer.) Return the puréed 1 large carrot mixture to the pan and stir gently. 2 cloves of garlic To serve, pile into wide bowls or deep plates. Drop a a bushy sprig of rosemary heaped tbsp of crème fraîche on to each portion of stew, 250g small green lentils, such as Le Puy then pour a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top. 1.25l vegetable stock 2 bay leaves The dish will keep for a day or two in the fridge. 1.5kg (weight before peeling) pumpkin or butternut Reheat gently, adding a little more stock if necessary. Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 17 Christmas Risk Assessment During this festive season, I would like to remind will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary you that any employees planning to dash through action will be taken against those found guilty of the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the this offence. fields and laughing all the way, are advised that a Point of Work Risk Assessment will be required While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a addressing the safety of an open sleigh. common practice in various parts of the world, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is This assessment must also consider whether it subject to our bribery policy and all gifts must be is appropriate to use only one horse for such a registered. This applies regardless of the individual, venture, particularly where there are multiple It is particularly noted that direct gifts of gold is passengers. I would also advise against “dashing” specifically precluded, while caution is advised and would recommend a maximum speed of regarding other common gifts such as aromatic 10MPH unless seat-belts are fitted. resins that may evoke allergic reactions, such as frankincense, myrrh and other well known High Please note that permission must also be obtained Street body & bath oils. in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered. Finally, in the recent instance of an infant found tucked up in a manger without a crib for a bed, To avoid offending those not participating in Social Services have been advised and will be celebrations, we would request that laughter arriving shortly. is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by anyone working as shepherds during this festive season and are planning or required to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. This must be briefed to all shepherds and copies of signatures recorded.

The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.

Following last year’s well-publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr R Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games

18 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 The Advent at All Saints Lodge → Thursday 29th January Tree 12noon Cathedral Prayer Time, St Gabriel’s Chapel Canterbury The beginning of December will mean that HAWKHURST MARKET SALE Advent is upon us and the Apologies for having to cancel the November Sale Advent giving tree will appear at because of the building work at Dunks, but thanks the back of the Church. As usual you are asked to for everyone’s support through the year. It is hoped put your gift in the envelope provided and hang to restart the Thursday market sales in Dunks Hall in it on the tree. This will then be replaced by a star the New Year. Proceeds all go to charity. and the proceeds will be sent to Sight Savers International. HAWKHURST HARMONIES British Legion Hall every Wednesday morning 10:15 This is one of the world’s leading charities – 12:00 for over 50s to meet up socially to sing. combating blindness in developing countries. It METHODISTS works with partner organizations in poor and Every Tuesday morning Coffee and Tea served in poorly-served communities to help establish and Dunks Hall 10:30 to 12 noon. An evening Christmas support permanent activities that prevent and Carol Service will be held in Dunks Hall on 14th Dec cure blindness, restore sight and provide help for at 6.30pm those who will never see. It is one of the founding members of “VISION 2020: the Right to Sight”, an Hospice in the Weald international collaboration of eye care agencies Light up a Life Service on 6th December at 6pm, St. committed to eradicating avoidable blindness by Laurence Church, The Moor, Hawkhurst. See poster the year 2020. on page 24. We look forward to seeing the tree covered in stars! Alison Jones →

What’s happening locally HAWKHURST VILLAGE SOCIETY VILLAGE WALKS 4th December meet at Budgens car park entrance 11th December meet at *St Laurence Church, The Moor 18th December meet at Budgens car park entrance *for these walks, (hopefully) cars or mini-bus provided

MOTHERS’ UNION For Hire Registered Charity No. 250124 Old London Bus 1953 bus and crew in period uniform Tuesday 2nd December l Weddings 11am Advent Service. In The Quire of Canterbury l Civil Partnerships l London Tours Cathedral l Anniversaries l Races th Tuesday 9 December l Film, Television 12noon Bring & Share lunch and Christmas Social at and Photoshoots All Saints Lodge. l Corporate use l Trips to France No Cathedral Prayer time in December. Old London Bus Hawkhurst TN18 4AX Tuesday 13th January 01580 754253 11.45am New Year’s Social with Bring & Share lunch www.oldlondonbus.co.uk

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St. Laurence Church Wed. 24th The Eve and Vigil of Christmas 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Calendar for December 17.30 Crib service All services at St Laurence Church unless stated otherwise 23.30 Midnight Mass Thur. 25th Christmas Day - st Mon. 1 St Andrew, apostle, martyr the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge 08.00 Holy Communion nd Tues. 2 10.00 Family Communion Service 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Fri. 26th St Stephen, the first Christian Martyr rd Wed. 3 Francis Xavier, missionary, 1552 09.30 Holy Communion 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge th Fri. 5 Sun. 28th 1st Sunday of Christmas 09.30 Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion 08.00 Holy Communion th Sat. 6 10.00 Parish Communion 18.00 Light up a Life Service Tues. 30th Josephine Butler, worker among women, 1905 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge th nd Sun. 7 2 Sunday of Advent Wed. 31st John Wycliffe, theologian and reformer, 1384 08.00 Holy Communion 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge 10.00 All Age Family Communion 18.30 New Year’s Eve Holy Communion at All Saints th Mon. 8 Richard Baxter, priest, theologian, 1691 Lodge 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge Tues. 9th Holy Men of the Old Testament 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Hawkhurst Baptist Chruch Wed. 10th Thomas Merton, spiritual writer, 1968 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Special Christmas Services Thur. 11th Octavius Hadfield, Bishop, 1904 14 December 18.00 Marlborough House School Carol Service 18.30 Carols by Candlelight Fri. 12th 21 December 09.30 Holy Communion 16.00-17.30 Christmas Messy Church 25 December Sun. 14th 3rd Sunday of Advent 10.00 Christmas Praise 08.00 Holy Communion 28 December 10.00 Parish Communion 10.30 as normal, but no evening service Mon. 15th 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge Tues. 16th Marianne Williams, missionary, 1879 This is the time 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge to enjoy the Wed. 17th O Sapientia anticipation of 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge bringing together Fri. 19th our own families 09.30 Holy Communion at Christmas time. Sat. 20th to Sun. 28th We particularly Christmas Tree Festival in St Laurence celebrate gift Church of The Holy Family consisting Sun. 21st 4th Sunday of Advent of the Child Jesus, 08.00 Holy Communion the Virgin Mary, 10.00 Celtic Style Parish Communion - Loaves and and Saint Joseph. Fishes Sunday 18.30 Village Carol service Tues. 23rd 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge

20 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 St Laurence Church Wed. 28th Thomas Aquinas, teacher of the faith, 1274 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge → th Calendar for January 2015 Fri. 30 King Charles of England, 1649 09.30 Holy Communion Fri. 2nd Seraphim of Sarov, mystic, Russian, 1833 09.30 Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion registers Sun. 4th Epiphany 08.00 Holy Communion Baptism: rd 10.00 All Age Family Communion 23 November Deanna Katherine Pogson th Tues. 6 Funeral: 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge 17th October Maureen Anderson Wed. 7th 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Fri. 9th 09.30 Holy Communion Hawkhurst Baptist Church Sun. 11th Baptism of the Lord Toddler Train 08.00 Holy Communion 1-3pm every Tuesday. Baby Clinic at the same time st rd 10.00 Parish Communion but only on 1 and 3 Tuesdays each month. Mon. 12th Who let the Dads out? 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge For male parents and carers with their children Tues. 13th Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, teacher of the faith, 10:30-12:30 on 2nd Saturday each month (bacon c.367 butties provided!). 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Wed. 14th Sava, founder and first Archbishop of the Methodist Services Servian Church, 1253 Methodists at 10:30 in All Saints Lodge 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Minister Revd. John Butt (01622 871332) th Fri. 16 Lay Worker Mr Phil Staddon (01892 725447) 09.30 Holy Communion Sunday Services at 10:30 in All Saints Lodge. Sun. 18th 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 08.00 Holy Communion Other churches Sunday services 10.00 Celtic Style Parish Communion - Loaves and Roman Catholics at 08:30 in St Barnabas Church Fishes Sunday Contact Revd. Victor McClean telephone 01580 Mon. 19th 211268 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge Baptists at 10.30 in the Baptist Church Tues. 20th Contact Gill Knox (754562) 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Wed. 21st Agnes, child-martyr of Rome, c.304 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Fri. 23rd 1 7 8 6 9 3 2 5 4 09.30 Holy Communion 9 3 6 4 2 5 1 7 8 Sun. 25th 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 2 4 5 1 7 8 6 9 3 08.00 Holy Communion 7 8 3 9 1 2 4 6 5 10.00 Parish Communion Mon. 26th Timothy and Titus, companions of Paul 5 1 9 8 4 6 3 2 7 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge 6 2 4 5 3 7 8 1 9 Tues. 27th John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, teacher of the faith, 407 3 9 7 2 8 1 5 4 6 19.30 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge 8 6 2 7 5 4 9 3 1 20.00 PCC meets at All Saints Lodge

SUD O KU November Answers 4 5 1 3 6 9 7 8 2 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 21 →

Hawkhurst Parish Council THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE HAWKHURST Vicar: Fr. Rodney Dreyer, M.Phil. A.K.C. Obl. O.S.B Meetings will commence at 19:45 The Vicarage, Moor Hill (office 753397, home 754459) e-mail: [email protected] th Full Council meeting on Monday 8 December Church website: www.stlaurence.co.uk will be held in Copt Hall. Secretary: Alison Mitham, All Saints Lodge, Rye Road, Hawkhurst Full Council meeting on Monday 12th January TN18 4ET 753397 2015 will be held in Copt Hall. Churchwardens: Irene Poole 753515 Stephen Ringer 879710 Hon. Treasurer: Alison Parsons 753240 The dates are provisional and should be checked on Organist & Choirmaster: Andrew Davis 752954 the noticeboards or the Council website. Parents & Toddlers: Peggy Stone 755569 Children’s Church: Felicity Robinson 752102 Youth Group: Alison Jones 755705 Useful Contacts Other churches → Methodists - HAWKHURST PARISH COUNCIL Contact Ken Barnes 753769 Chairman: Peter Dartnell, Yew Tree Oast, Slip Mill Lane, Gills Roman Catholics - Green, Hawkhurst TN18 5AJ (752172) [email protected] Revd. Victor McClean telephone 01580 211268 Deputy Chairman: Margaret Brinsley, Duvals Farm, Whites Lane Baptists - TN18 5DD (752242) [email protected] Contact Gill Knox 754562 Parish Clerk: Mrs Nicole Malem, Office at The Moor TN18 4NT (752058) [email protected] Akeomai Project Website: www.visithawkhurst.org.uk (Hawkhurst Council of Churches): Chairman of the Trustees: Stan Acland, 12 Oaklands Rd (753325) Buildings Committee Chair Hawkhurst Bonfire Society Brian Fitzpatrick 753498 [email protected] Robin Palmer 01580 753933 Glyn Davies 752895 [email protected] Julia Newman 752057 [email protected] Hawkhurst Church of England Barbara Weeden 753458 [email protected] Primary School: Paul Whittle 753723 [email protected] Liz Hatcher Head Teacher (753254) Land Committee Chair Hawkhurst Horticultural Society Colin Williamson 752370 [email protected] Pat Westgate 01580 753895 Mike Appelbe 752367 [email protected] Hawkhurst Pre-School Margaret Brinsley 752242 [email protected] Peter Dartnell 752172 [email protected] Sarah Waugh, Manager (754226) John Hunt 753041 [email protected] HAWKHURST U3A Phil Jones 752729 [email protected] Michael Robertson 753330 [email protected] John Read, Membership Secretary 01580 753535 Hawkhurst Village Society WRAP Grove Mills Peter Emberson (Chairman) 753010 League of Friends Secretary Jane Hoole, 752193 www.hawkhurstlof.co.uk MAGAZINE CONTACT DETAILS Grove Mills Day Care, Carole Williamson, 755869 Editor: Mike Appelbe, Barretts Green Farmhouse TN18 4DP The Green Shop, Marieanne Lechley, 752768 (752367) [email protected] Next deadline: Advertising: John Mears (754001) [email protected] 14th January 2015 for February 2015 or contact the Editor Illustrator: Emma Faulkner 11th February for March Layout: Kate Chitham (291597) Chairman of Parish Council: Peter Dartnell, Yew Tree Oast, Slip The Village magazine is stocked at: Mill Lane, Gills Green, Hawkhurst TN18 5AJ (752172) l Local Schools [email protected] l Library l If you have any articles, photographs, information about Shops l forthcoming village events or issues you would like to raise Churches please send them to the Editor. We cannot guarantee they will be l view on line at www.visithawkhurst.org.uk published but we will do our best to include them. We have now begun distributing beyond Hawkhurst, by agreement with Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors to the magazine suitable premises, in villages who use Hawkhurst as a hub: Hurst Green, are not necessarily the views of the editor. Sandhurst, Flimwell and Bodiam.

22 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 Highgate Hill, Lorenden looking north over the whole site →

Highgate Hill Development Rejected There was an interesting meeting on 11th November in the Council Chamber at Tunbridge Wells, in front of the Planning Committee to consider the planning application to build on the site. it. What has been so encouraging is the community spirit this engendered and it might be said that in this Once again there was good support in a public gallery Hawkhurst has found its heart. packed with the massed pipes and drums of the Hawkhurst residents and our speakers once again This will be the last Save Our Village news for the spoke well and put across a reasonable and convincing time being. There will be more battles in the future case for rejection of the Highgate development. There but we think everyone is entitled to have a rest for the was a prolonged discussion amongst the Committee moment. So once again, well done Hawkhurst, and a members and the upshot was that after some three Happy Christmas to you all. hours the application for the proposed development Be vigilant, on the Highgate site was rejected. Alec Travers, Save Our Village This is not the end of the war: developments, like Tour de France riders, never die they merely get recycled, Wishing everyone a very and there will inevitably be an appeal, but for the moment as with the Site 64 saga, we can at least rest on Happy Christmas and a our oars and take a deep breath. To see off two major developments in one year is no small achievement and prosperous 2015 acknowledgement should be made to all the residents who contributed to what is a very satisfactory result. It should also be remembered that this all came about Thank you for supporting the because some five years ago a small group noticed that inappropriate developments were being proposed all Village Magazine this year. over Hawkhurst and decided to do something about

Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45 23 If you would like to advertise in this magazine please contact Mike Appelbe 01580 752367 [email protected]

24 Hawkhurst Village Magazine December 2014 Issue No.45