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Parish Newsletter
APRIL 2015
Issue 483
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 Rectory, Penshurst
June Gilbert
Mike Gilbert
The Revd. Tom Holme, MA.
870316
CHURCHWARDENS
Rockydene, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe TN3 0SH
Email [email protected]
740371
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Hon. Secretary
Treasurer/Gift
Aid Recorder
Linda Naidu
11 The Drive Hedge Barton TN3 0SL
740724
Mel White Hickmans Farm Fordcombe TN3 0RL 740593
Deanery Synod Representative
Electoral Roll Officer
PCC. MEMBERS
740017
Helen Morrison
740225
Tara Davies
740587
Molly Peel
Cath Baker
Helen Milner
Organist & Director of music
Sunday Club Leader
Church Flowers
John & Christobel Sworder 740345
Vacant
Bob Wilson
740211
740847
01732832444
Mrs Mags Shackleton
740256
Mrs. June Gilbert
Mrs. Sandra Arnold
740371
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
Mike Gilbert. Rockydene, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe. TN3 0SH
740371
Advertising:
Ian Clarkson. Yew Tree Cottage, The Lane, Fordcombe, TN3 0RP
Advertising rates per annum: £80 full page, £45 one half, £30 one quarter,
Printer:
St. Mary’s Church, Leigh
740367
01732-833470
ALL PHONE NUMBERS ARE PREFIXED 01892- .. UNLESS SHOWN OTHERWISE
2
FROM THE RECTOR
Soon after Easter we come to St Mark's Day - 25th April, and the great first
Gospel and its author - or authors - has inspired a splendid Prayer Book
Collect rather appropriate for our present age. Firstly it thanks the Almighty for
the 'heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark', and then asks for grace that
'being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be
established in the truth of thy holy Gospel'. There are blasts not only in the
Prayer Book but also in hymnody and
the Old Testament.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
The Easter Hope dealing with blasts from various quarters is surely not
something that St Mark wishes us to consider lightly. It seems to be prefigured
also in one of the more memorable Old Testament blasts. Isaiah 25:
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his
distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the
terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. And in this mountain shall the Lord
of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees,
of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy
in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil
that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.
Tom Holme
Registers for February
Baptism Wedding -
TENNYSON WILLIAM DENIS WELCH
PATRICK WILLIAM BAREHAM &
HAYLEY LOUISE METCALFE
Funerals and Memorials
GEORGE WILLIAM STREETER
JOSEPHINE DAPHNE WHITTAKER
YVONNE RITA SARAH NOLAN
3
CHURCH COFFEE MORNING
We are pleased to accept the kind invitation from Angie and George Ventin to
join them for coffee and a chat at their home, The Orchard, Chafford Lane,
Fordcombe on
Wednesday 8th April from 10.30 am untill 12 noon.
If you need transport, please ring me on 740463.
Audrey Dover
OVER 60s LUNCHEON CLUB
T
he Over 60’s Luncheon club meets on the second Thursday of each
month at 12-30pm. We have space for new members to come and join us
for food and pleasant conversation with old and new friends.
The next meeting is 9th April 2015
For more information please contact Mrs Kate Hargrave Tel 861047
CHURCHYARD TIDYING
As we have the Easter break during April it has been decided not to have
any churchyard this month. Normal service will be resumed in may
.
Helen Morrison 740211
FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS PEW
‘Meal and a Pint’
The next, possibly the last of the winter season, is set for Monday 28th
April (See the advert on page 19)
Services
The Mothering Sunday service with its baptism was an extremely well attended
and happy event. The children played a key role in the service with their
mothers song, readings and prayers.
There is a full range of Easter Services with the Devotional hour at midday on
Good Friday and sung Eucharist on Easter Sunday at 9-15am. Families with
children are very welcome at the Service.
4
Annual Church Meeting
The Annual Church meeting has been set to take place in the village hall on
Wednesday 22nd April. It is a chance to hear what has happened over the year
and the plans for the future and importantly it an opportunity for you to give your
views about our Church. Do come along.
Fund raising
The joint Parents Guild and Church Quiz Night was a well attended event and
raise some £1200 which was split equally . A big thank you to those who came
along to the evening and all those who worked so hard to make it successful
and of course to Nick Byrne our Quiz Master.
Apart from our usual end of June Garden Party we are developing plans with the
Village hall committee for a 2 day open gardens event, 20/21st June, to coincide
with Fathers day Cream Teas.
Best wishes
June & Mike Gilbert 740371 [email protected]
3 April Richard of Chichester - wanting God more clearly,
dearly and nearly
Ever wonder where the prayer … ‘May I know thee more clearly, love thee more
dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day’ comes from? Richard of
Chichester, a bishop in the 13th century, wrote it.
He began life as Richard de Wych of Droitwich, the son of a yeoman farmer. But
Richard was a studious boy, and after helping his father on the farm for several
years, refused an advantageous offer of marriage, and instead made his way to
Oxford, and later to Paris and Bologna to study canon law.
In 1235 he returned to Oxford, and was soon appointed Chancellor, where he
supported Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his struggles against King
Henry III’s misuse of Church funds. After further study to become a priest,
Richard was in due course made a bishop himself. He was greatly loved. He was
charitable and accessible, both stern and merciful to sinners, extraordinarily
generous to those stricken by famine, and a brilliant legislator of his diocese.
He decreed that the sacraments were to be administered without payment, Mass
celebrated in dignified conditions, the clergy to be chaste, to practise residence,
and to wear clerical dress. The laity was obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and
holy days, and to know by heart the Hail Mary as well as the Lord’s Prayer and
the Creed.
And, of course, he is author of that famous prayer, now set to popular music,
which runs in full:
“Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for me. O most merciful
redeemer, friend and brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more
dearly and follow thee more nearly, day by day.”
Article from Parish
5
WI
NEWS
Hello Everyone
You'll all be very pleased to hear that in my usual efficient way I have managed
to mislay my notes from our committee meeting so this should be a brief insight
as to what's been happening and what's going on in WI at the moment.
Early in March several of us attended the Village Hall AGM where we heard
about and voted on the new Constitution for the Village Hall. It was a very well
attended meeting and will hopefully bring us a tiny step closer to a brand new
village hall.
The following night a quiz was held in aid of the school and the church. The WI
team, aptly named the WI/Washer Uppers Inc, were able to hold their heads up
high for finishing a very worthy 3rd.
Evelyn organised a short walk in the grounds of Burrswood. We started off in
the tea room for coffee at 11am and finished (surprise, surprise) in the tea room
for lunch. Now that's my sort of walk!! Another walk has been planned for 25 th
April to see the bluebells at Arlington and finishing with a pub lunch. Needless to
say I shall be there.
That brings me to our March Open meeting when we had lots of visitors to hear
Richard Snow give a talk about some of the 'Ten Brave Men & True' who had
associations with the borough of Tunbridge Wells and had been awarded the
Victoria Cross for the highest act of valour in the face of the enemy. There is a
permanent memorial to these ten men at the Victoria Cross Grove in Dunorlan
Park near the Bayhall Road entrance.
As I have mentioned before 2015 is the 100th birthday of WI and there will be all
sorts of celebrations going on throughout the country all year and as part of
these celebrations there is going to be a Special Garden Party at Buckingham
Palace in June attended by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. Every WI in the
country has been invited to send one person to attend the event. It was decided
at our Committee meeting that the names of anyone interested in going would be
put in a hat and our speaker, Richard Snow, could pick out the winning name.
This was done and the winner is: Fanfare...............OMG! It's Jenny Dawes.
Never heard of her.
Dates for your Diaries:
7 April: Committee Meeting at Bakery Cottage (my place)
9 April: Nevill WI - 'It's a Knockout' 7.30 St Mark's Hall Di & Helen +
Supporters
21 April: WI Meeting Speaker Joe Mendell on 'Bob Newhart Rides Again'
Hostesses: Carole, Jill & Kay
25 April: Bluebell lunch, I mean walk!
That's All Folks
Jenny
6
7
FORDCOMBE VILLAGE HALL
MONTHLY DRAW
MONTH APRIL 2015
Prize
First
£30
Ticket No
Name
132
J Horsford
Second
£15
338
Mr Buckley
Third
£10
578
Mr Russell
Fourth
£5
379
Greenshield
Fifth
£5
608
Mr Sleigh
Many thanks to everyone who has supported us this year. You've enabled us to
make a donation of £945 towards the upkeep of the Village Hall
IF YOU ARE NOT IN IT - YOU CAN’T WIN IT!
“If you want to join please ring Bob on 01892 740307"
8
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
Catering for all occasions
T: 01732 451468
www.allstarcatering.co.uk
Quality menus from £5.50 for weddings, parties, club events,
christenings and funerals.
Also Crockery hire available for your private use at home or a
function
Allstar Catering,
Blue House Farm, Scabharbour Rd,
Weald, Sevenoaks,
KENT. TN14 6NN, Tel 01732 451468
9
GARAGE SERVICES
SPRING HILL FARM
SPRING HILL
FORDCOMBE
TN3 0SB
SERVICING FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS
M.O.T’s — EXHAUSTS — TYRES
DIAGNOSTICS — REPAIRS
AIR CON SERVICING
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
DRUM LESSONS
Professional drummer with very
busy stand alone teaching
studio has limited spaces for
students
Full twin kit local studio
All styles, ages, grades &
abilities catered for
www.maxondrums.co.uk
0793 2020822
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]
11
Ian Dolwin
AIRPORT CAR
SERVICES
07799604405
(01892) 731221
[email protected]
www.airport-car-services.co.uk
12
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]
13
Fordcombe Amateur Gardening Society.
We are a very casual laid back gardening group that enjoy visits to not so well
known gardens, have talks given and visit nurseries. So please come along and
meet like minded people and enjoy!!
Suzanne [email protected] 07850 477270
Schedule For 2015
This hopefully will be the plan for 2015, we need to arrange the visits and dates
may change, but this gives you an idea of what we have planned and dates for
your diaries!!
April 28th Tuesday, High Beeches, woodland and water garden near
Handcross.
May 20th Wednesday, Sissinghurst, near Cranbrook.
June TBA Monday. Pashley Manor, Ticehurst. Roses, Raspberries and
Radishes.
July 22nd Wednesday 10.30. Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead. Tour of garden,
£10.00 minimum of 15 people. Please let me know if you can come.
August. Summer holidays.
September 21st Monday. Great Comp, Comp Lane, Platt, Sevenoaks.
October, date TBA. Sussex Prairie Garden, near Henfield.
November. Talk TBA.
December. Annual Wreath making at Taras'! Mitre Oast, Fordcombe.
Fordcombe Primary School
Monday 2nd March was the start of the eagerly awaited book
week and there was a great week of activities. It started with a
visit from Rob Parkinson, a storyteller, poet and fiction writer and
finished with parents coming in in the Friday to watch the children parade in their
Book Week costumes. All the pupils had made the effort to dress up for the day,
coming in a range of outfits from classic children’s characters of the past, to
bang-up to date characters like Elsa and The Boy in the Dress. The book safari,
where pupils had the chance to pair-up one afternoon with another member of
the school community, choose a book from anywhere within the school, then go
and read it somewhere in the school grounds was a great success as was the
book swap afternoon. Everyone at school can’t wait for Book Week 2016!
14
Oak class spent a day at the Sikh Gurdwara in Gravesend as part of their
Religious Education topic on Sikhism. They spent the day observing how
another culture worships, finding out about a different way of life and
experiencing first hand, another place of worship. This was an educational
experience that prompted some interesting discussion about faith and other
cultures both at school and at home. The visit was an interesting window into
another culture and the diversity that forms part of living in modern Britain.
The Pupil Council organised a treasure hunt to raise money for Comic Relief
and the children came to school dressed in red for the day.
For Mother’s Day the children of Beech and Ash classes invited their mums to
school to partake in afternoon tea. Pupils across the school then played a
significant role in the Mother’s Day service at the church where they helped with
the readings and prayers and sung a lovely song.
The new data dashboard which aims to give parents a snapshot of a school’s
performance year-on-year for the past three years has been published by Ofsted
and is on the school website. The dashboard makes very pleasing reading this
year with Fordcombe comparing extremely favourably with other schools
nationally, and with other schools in a similar context.
Ensuring pupils achieve well is a team effort. Teachers and teaching assistants
are accountable for the day-to-day progress that pupils make at school, but as
important are those members of staff who ensure playtimes and lunchtimes run
smoothly so that pupils are focused on learning when they are in class, those
adults who run clubs at lunchtime and after-school, the office staff who ensure
the school runs smoothly, the governors who support the work that the school is
doing through volunteering their expertise and time, as well as the raft of parents
who support the education of pupils through attendance on trips, supporting the
work of the Parents’ Guild or as volunteers in school. We are very lucky to have
such a great team at Fordcombe.
15
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
The Annual General Meeting of The Village Hall
Committee took place on Thursday 5th March 2015.
Among the various matters that were discussed, the
Committee proposed three motions
That, in the light of the wishes of the present Trustees to retire, the Village
Hall Committee be empowered to transfer ownership of the Hall and
Recreation Field either to The Official Custodian at the Charity
Commission, or form a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This
motion was proposed by Mike Gilbert, seconded by Nick Weaver, and
unanimously supported by all present.
That, in view of the inadequacy of the present Constitution, that the Village
Hall Committee be authorised to proceed with the assistance of Action
for Rural Communities in England (ACRE) to adopt a new constitution
that is relevant to current requirements. This motion was proposed by
John Cass, seconded by Rebecca Reeves and carried unanimously by
those present.
That the Village Hall be authorised to proceed in principle with the demolition
of the existing hall and the building of a new one. This motion was
proposed by Nick Weaver and seconded by Jenny Dawes. With one
exception, the motion was carried unanimously.
John Morrison ( committee Chairman)
Ideas for fund raising were collected at the AGM and these include:
Regular activities for children in the holidays
Sponsored Marathons, Walks, Bicycle Rides, Swimming, Sky Jump, Slimming
Events,
Fun Runs,
Treasure Hunts,
Fashion Show
Table top (boot fair) sale @ £10 per table,
Cake & Coffee mornings
Summer Village Party, Fordcombe Bake Off
Village BBQ
Weekend Breakfast Club (bacon butties, tea, coffee)
Race Evening
Whist or Beetle Drive
Card Game Night
Dinner Parties
Duck Race
Film Nights
Selling a brick in the new building
If you are interested in any of these and can offer help, or you have any other
ideas do please contact us.
Two of our group will be attending a Village Hall Convention later in March and
will feed back on any advice or help it gave us.
The Race Night planed for April has been postponed until November.
Elaine Barnett
[email protected]
16
01892 740512
The Quiz – an apology
I would like to apologise for giving the wrong answer to one of the ’11 plus’
questions in the Quiz on Friday 6th March. That’ll teach me to copy questions
from the Daily Telegraph, rather than setting my own ..... I was hoping I could
lay the blame squarely on the editor of that newspaper, but sadly I just copied
the answer down incorrectly. At the time, a number of people asked me how the
answer was arrived at – but as you know, some people aren’t keen on
unnecessary delays in the quiz, so I’ll take this opportunity to put the matter
straight. The question is repeated below:
Three of the four words below have been given in code. The codes may
not be in the same order as the words. By working out the fourth code,
find the code for the word 'DRAB'.
A. 5621
B.5261
C.2651
D.1562
I’m sure there are many ways to arrive at the answer, but the one I used was to
note that the first and last numbers of one of the number codes – 5621 –
correspond to the last and first numbers of one of the other number codes –
1635. These are the only two number codes for which this is the case, and there
are exactly two of the words – BRED & DRAB – for which the first and last letter
of one corresponds to the last and first letter of the other. So these two numbers
must correspond to these words – and as only 5621 (and not 1635) appears in
the answer options, then (A) must be the answer. Hope that’s all clear – any
questions please direct to my wife. I will try to do better next time – which will
hopefully be in June, when we hold the second annual instalment of Brain of
Fordcombe. Date still to be confirmed, but we are looking at Friday June 19 th at
this stage. —- Nick Byrne
OLD CHINA WANTED
Thanks to its huge popularity, the china smashing stall at our annual
village fete has run out of stock. If you have any old or unwanted
china between now and September, please do donate as this stall is a
great attraction and valuable fundraiser. Please call Rebecca on
740731 or Tara on 740847 with any donations.
17
UNITED BENEFICE OF PENSHURST AND FORDCOMBE
CALENDAR OF SERVICES APRIL 2015
2nd
7.30pm
3rd
12 noon
Maundy Thursday
Holy Communion Penshurst
Good Friday
Service for Good Friday
5th
Easter Day
9.15am Easter Sung Eucharist
10.30am Easter Sung Eucharist
Fordcombe
Fordcombe
Penshurst
12th
8am
10am
The First Sunday After Easter
Holy Communion
Penshurst
Sung Eucharist and Sunday School
19th
10am
The Second Sunday After Easter
Sung Eucharist
Penshurst
26th
9am
10am
4pm
The Third Sunday After Easter
Holy Communion
Poundsbridge
Family Service Fordcombe
Cafe Church (Locusts and Honey) Penshurst
29th
7-30pm
Eve of St Philip and St James
(Penshurst) Organ Recital and Meditations
Followed by reception and conversation with
The Bishop of Tonbridge—as part of Visitation
To the Deanery of Tonbridge.
Fordcombe
All most welcome from Penshurst and Fordcombe
.
18
DIARY
April 2015
4th
4th
7th
8th
9th
13th
15th
16th
21st
21st
22nd
25th
25th
28th
28th
Penshurst Farmers Market
Blackham market
Parish Council Meeting
Church Coffee Morning
Luncheon Club
Annual Parish Assembly
Patch work group meeting
Newsletter copy deadline date
WI Meeting ( open meeting)
Churchyard Tidying
Annual Church Meeting
WI Bluebell Walk
Bulk Refuse Collection
Meal an a pint
See below
Amateur Gardening Society meeting
page
page
page
page
page
23
31
4
4
31
page
page
page
page
page
6
4
5
6
21
page 14
A MEAL AND A PINT
(or equivalent drink)
A SOCIAL EVENING
at
THE CHAFFORD ARMS
Tuesday 28th April 7-00pm for 7-30pm
Chilli with vegetarian option and a pint £12
To help with catering, Please contact Mike and June Gilbert or
Paul and Jackie at the Chafford if you would like to attend.
19
Fordcombe Primary School
Mid-day Supervisor Vacancy
to start 22nd April 2015
Wednesdays 11.45 – 13.45
and Thursdays 11.45-13.45
Term time only, 43 weeks/year inclusive of holidays.
Additional hours may also be available.
Annual salary approximately £1,204 (pro rata to £13,512
for a full time appointment)
We are looking to recruit a Mid-day Supervisor who
is reliable and trustworthy and has the ability to
uphold the school's positive image with parents and
members of the local community. It is essential that
you are able to work as part of a team, that you are
enthusiastic and have good communication skills
with children and adults. You also need to be
physically fit as some lifting is involved.
A Disclosure and Barring Check will be required.
Please contact the school office on (01892) 740224
or [email protected].
20
BULK REFUSE COLLECTIONS
Bulk refuse collections will take place in Fordcombe at about
8-30 to 9-00am outside the village hall
25th April
18th July
17th October
21
Tel: 07947686175.
22
LINE DANCING
E ?
ER
H
SE
ER
!
V
AD
TH
N
T
O
MO
YN
ER
P
WH
50
£2Y
L
ON
Come and join us at Fordcombe
Village Hall for an hour of
enjoyable exercise. The Line
Dancing class is 7pm-8pm
on Wednesdays
(with a few exceptions)
and the cost is £6 per person.
If you are interested please telephone
PAULINE
Telephone: 01892 740575
BLACKHAM
MONTHLY SATURDAY
MARKET in village hall
Kirby Builders
NEXT MARKET
Painting, Decorating and all
Home Maintenance including
roofing.
SATURDAY 4th April
2015
For free Estimate
(the first Saturday of every month)
Contact Mervyn Smith
on
01892 740773
Blackham Village Hall
10am – 12:30 pm
2 St Martins
Ashurst
Kent
E Mail
Meet other villagers ~ enjoy
refreshments of Filter Fresh Coffee,
Tea and Homemade Cakes at “The
Stage” café!
[email protected]
23
COBWEBS
&
MORE COBWEB CLEANING SERVICES
Tired of Housework?
Let us help you!
25 Years Experience
Competitive Rates
Own Products and Equipment
Professional, Reliable and Confidential
Fully Insured
Weekly, Monthly or Spring Clean. Tailored to your needs.
Call Cobwebs on
01892 864680
HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR
COMPUTER?
For Friendly & Inexpensive Help, Repairs,
Networks, Upgrades, Maintenance & Internet
Problems Call:
Phil Young 01892 861888
www.FixMyComputerKent.co.uk
[email protected]
24
work
25
Dog Walker
Sally Stanbury
Group or individual walks available
during weekdays in and around the
village.
1 hour - £10 per walk
M: 07910 745 270
Email:
Foot Clinic
Please could non
members of Fordcombe
Over 60s Club who
wish to take advantage of the foot
clinic held at The Village Hall on the
3rd Friday of each month either
phone June Roff on 01892860559 or
E mail [email protected] or phone
Christabel Sworder on 740345 during
the week prior to the clinic to check
availability as places are limited.
01892740232
26
St. PETERS
MUSICAL TODDLERS
PHG
Plumbing & Heating
Phill Godden
In the Church
1a The Drive. Hedgebarton
Fordcombe. Kent TN3 0SL
Tel: 01892 740518.
Mob: 07835 688007
Email:[email protected]
For all your plumbing and heating needs.
From boiler servicing including LPG
Park Homes, to complete heating
installations/replacement boilers.
From tap washers to complete
bath/shower rooms, including tiling.
Every WEDNESDAY
2:00 pm until 3:15pm
All under 5’s welcome
Music, Movement
and Craft activities
Free Estimates
Price £1 per child this includes a snack
Enquiries to Rebecca 740731
27
Neighbourhood Watch – April 2015
Extract from Peter Johnson’s report
This report covers eight Police Reports received between 13 th February – 10th
March
Fordcombe was not mentioned and Penshurst just once in the 3 rd March report.
Between 9.00am on Sunday 22nd February – 6.57am on Friday, 27th February
various items were stolen, including jewellery from a property along a lane
leading off Grove Road, Penshurst.
Theft from houses in this area is a rare event but if you go out please remember
to lock the doors and close the windows and switch on the house alarm
Unwanted Visitors to a Farm in the Walters Green Area
(Not raised by the Police Report)
I received a call reporting a car containing two males about 20 years old who
drove
into a farm yard and proceeded to look around. When the owner’s children
appeared they immediately got in their car. Made faces at the children and
quickly drove away, but not before the registration number and make of car had
been noted. I was asked to report the incident to the Police who also requested
the farm’s postal code which I was unable to supply so I passed on the contact
telephone number.
Please be aware of knowing the postal code if you are in a similar situation.
Peter Johnson
PENSHURST PARISH COUNCIL
Abstract from the Minutes of the Parish Council held on Monday 2nd March 2015
in Fordcombe Village Hall (full Minutes on Fordcombe Village Hall notice board)
or the Parish Council website
http://www.penshurstpc.kentparishes.gov.uk/
OPEN SESSION
Clerk confirmed the Headteacher of Penshurst Primary School had advised the
request for yellow lines to deter dangerous parking would be best painted on the
corner opposite the school, cars parked on this bend created a dangerous
situation as passing cars were forced to pull out into oncoming traffic. The
yellow lines would also deter parents from parking there and letting their children
out into the road to cross to the school, despite requests to the contrary. The
PC noted comments with regard to the school coach used for swimming which
parked blocking the road adding to the problems. Members supported the
provision of yellow lines in principle but were conscious of the affordable housing
28
issue affecting Forge Field which, should this come to fruition, would alter the
configuration of the road; this should be borne in mind.
PLANNING Applications:
SE/15/00277: 1 Pumping Station, Saints Hill, Penshurst: Demolition of
outbuilding. Erection of single storey front extension, two storey side extension
and a single storey rear extension with two velux windows to side, a dormer
window, a roof lantern and a flue to rear. Assuming the 50% rule is not
breached the PC support.
SE/14/03773: The Bungalow, Daneby Hall, The Lane,
Fordcombe: Notification from SDC application no longer valid. Summary of
invalid reasons: Red line boundary needs to match 2009 application, correct
plans and conformation of uses.
SE/15/00339: The Willows, Walters Green Farm, Walters Green Road,
Penshurst: Proposed window alterations.
Decisions:
SE/14/03892: Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst Road: Proposed plant
room, fisheries lodge, welfare facilities, workshop and a below-ground fuel store
to replace existing structure. GRANTED
SE/14/03955: Woodside Kennels, Penshurst Road, Penshurst: Demolition
of existing outbuildings within the residential cartilage of Woodside Kennels and
construction of new outbuilding and garden wall, with amendments to the soft
landscaping. GRANTED
SE/14/03819: April Cottage, The Lane, Fordcombe: Erection of single storey
side extension. GRANTED
SE/14/03418: The Sheiling, Coopers Lane, Penshurst: Erection single storey
extension with chimney to SE elevation (side) and erection single storey
conservatory to NW elevation (side). Alterations to fenestration. GRANTED
SDC/Affordable Housing Enabler: 2nd Stage Survey: Two site visits
undertaken on 6 and 13 February, update awaited from SDC on suitability/
availability of sites visited. Cllr Cass confirmed information was now awaited
from Becket Trust on the sites they had identified which were being included in
the process. Land at The Glebe had been put forward, a meeting was being
held on site at 2.30 pm on Friday, if Cllrs Broadhead, Carson or O’Shea could
not attend the clerk would. A further site on New Road might be Penshurst
Estate land. To date 25 sites had been put forward but a number were probably
not available and would therefore be penalised by the SDC scoring policy
assessment. Letter received from Mr Harley of Becket Trust requesting
information of availability of the PC allotment site adjacent to Bottle House was
discussed. Cllr Cass was aware that allotment land could be put forward for
affordable housing but the fallow field adjacent to the worked site at Bottle House
had no access. Clerk confirmed that selling or giving allotment land for building
required agreement of the Secretary of State and, in view of the previous refusal
for this on at least two occasions in 1990 and 2014, unless the criteria had
changed since the previous year it was doubtful it would be successful this time.
MATTERS ARISING:
Cont over leaf
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Long Bridge Project: Cllr Pearman advises that unfortunately the bad
weather has prevented surface work on virtually all roadways, particularly if the
work entails road closures; these arrangements are required weeks in advance
so it is now anticipated that this work will be postponed until April or May, if not
June. Secondly the Highways directorate has been re-organised during the past
few weeks in readiness for 1 April new regime, a new Member has been
appointed; Matthew Balfour, further information under Cllr Pearman’s
report. Cllr Pearman has now approved expenditure on the Long Bridge Project
(14MHF-SE-61) – Priority Give-Way Signage - £3000. Clerk was unsure what
the final design of signage had been, Cllr Pearman was unable to obtain
information regarding the officer in charge. Members were advised that SE
Water were commencing work on the alignment of the water pipe on 30 March.
Litter Bins – Rectory/Leicester Square: Cllrs Carson and O’Shea had been
able to find a volunteer to undertake the painting work to the litter bins, clerk had
some paint that had been donated but, if this was unsuitable, she would obtain
an alternative. Work would be undertaken when weather conditions permitted.
Bus Service – Fordcombe: Clerk forwarded information to Mr Mike Gilbert
received from Graeme Smith, Public Transport Planner at KCC in response to
queries regarding the Services 231 & 233:
The reason the timetable had to change was that it was unsustainable in its
previous form. Discussions were had with Metrobus about how they could alter
the timetable as little as possible, but still make the services more sustainable for
the longer term. Most of the changes are small and have little effect on the
travelling public, however some evening peak services have been
amalgamated. Whilst the vast majority of users have another option to their
destination, the last service via Fordcombe from Tunbridge Wells is now at the
earlier time of 17:05.
The timetable will continue as it is in the attached document. The change to the
timetable was given sign off by the KCC cabinet member for transport and was
apparently communicated with local members in advance of the change.
REPORTS:
Sevenoaks District Councillor Paddy Cooke:
Government Planning Policy Changes: Cllr Cooke advised that building
small scale housing developments across Kent will be easier after the
government made planning policy changes. The move will help smaller
regional house builders and landowners by exempting most developments of 10
homes or fewer, from making contributions towards affordable housing and other
planning payments.
The new rules also establish a lower threshold of five
dwellings in areas of outstanding natural beauty, but local planning authorities
are free to work to the higher figure. It was quoted that ‘this change to legislation
presents new opportunities for rural landowners to look again at sites which were
unviable previously and to make effective use of their existing assets in and
around towns and villages. The requirement to provide the contributions
following completion , on developments of six to ten in AONB will help the
developer’s cash flow and increase delivery in these areas making sites more
viable. The government estimates that the policy will save an average of
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site specific infrastructure, such as improving road access, where it is
appropriate to make a site acceptable in planning terms. The change will be a
big step forward in providing housing in rural areas and will help bring forward
sites which up to now have been considered unviable or marginal in these
areas. It should be noted that the planning criteria for affordable housing in the
Metropolitan Green Belt remains unchanged.
Kent County Councillor Clive Pearman:
There was a very fulsome written report which is reproduced in the full copy of
the minutes
Gatwick: HWCAAG & Penshurst Parish Council responses both submitted by
due date to Gatwick air. Cllr Cass reported on the meeting with Charles Kerwyn
Taylor from Gatwick Airport Ltd (GAL). Clive Pearman had attended, as had
Richard Streatfield – Chairman of the HWCAAG. GAL recognized that they
were not on good terms with the Parish, District, Borough and County
Councils. It had been made plain that the councils wished the pain to be spread
across the area and that a second runway was not considered necessary and
that noise and night flights needed addressing. Minutes of that meeting are
attached to these minutes with attendees. The result of the Davies commission
group considering the cases put forward by Gatwick and Heathrow for an extra
runway would be available after the election. Note:- Full minutes of GAL meeting
25th February are attached to full copy of the Parish Council Minutes.
HIGHWAYS: Reported Faults Update:
Kerbstone – Junction Penshurst Road/High Street: Highways contacted
again regarding date for highlighting of kerbstone around corner, no response
received by date of meeting.
136309: Outside 6 Glebelands: Gully drain sinking and blocked. Site
inspected, metal replacement required, job raised for action.
Penshurst Bus Shelter: Clerk notified bus shelter glass vandalized again,
arrangement being made to repair.
FINANCE:
Verge Work: Possible extra cut suggested for 2015 season, costs being
checked for discussion. Decision to be made when costs available, conditions
to be taken into consideration.
Fordcombe Churchyard Paths: Request for financial assistance with the cost
of repairing the pathways in the churchyard. Clerk to obtain further quotations
for work involved and report to PC.
Bulk Freighter Date Options: Dates for attendance at villages 25 April, 18
July and 17 October, these dates miss the school holidays. Clerk to confirm
with SDC Dunbrik Depot and provide information for village newsletters.
Next Ordinary Meeting 7th April, Penshurst Village Hall 7-30pm
Parish Annual assembly 13th April, Fordcombe village Hall 7-30pm
A
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SERVICES
 Mowing of all sized gardens
 Leaf clearing
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Contact details:James Horsford
Phone number:
01892 740032
Mobile:
07581292628
Email:
[email protected]
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FORDCOMBE ORGANISATIONS AND CONTACTS
FORDCOMBE Cof E Primary School
PARENTS GUILD (Fordcombe School)
CRICKET CLUB
Office
740224
Helen Jenner [email protected]
Ashley Worcester
740641
FORDCOMBE FETE COMMITTEE
Tara Davies
740847
FORDCOMBE PRE-SCHOOL GROUP
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am to 1pm.
Tusday 9am to 12pm
Doris Punnett
740616
THE FORDCOMBE SOCIETY
Mike Arnold
740283
HEDGE BARTON RESIDENTS’ ASSOC’N
LUNCHEON CLUB (Pre-booking necessary)
Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 12.30 pm
OVER SIXTIES CLUB
fortnightly, 1st. and 3rd Friday : 2 – 4 pm
Graham Parsons
740776
Kate Hargrave
861047
June Roff
PENSIONERS’ FOOT CLINIC
Monthly, 3rd Friday at 2 pm
860559
Christabel Sworder 740345
ST. PETERS’ MUSICAL TODDLERS
Weekly, Wed. 2.0--3.15 pm in the Church
R.S.P.C.A. Local Representative
STOOLBALL CLUB
Rebecca Reeves
740731
Sheila Oliver
Sue Ailles
740270
740751
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:
Helen Jenner [email protected]
VILLAGE QUILTERS
Monthly, 3rd Wednesday, 8 – 10 pm (ring for venue)
Sally Hill
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 7.45 pm
Fay Blanchard
FORDCOMBE PARISH COUNCILLORS
Parish Council web site
740362
740365
536405
Andrew Campbell 871500
John Cass
740423
www.penshurtpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Jonathon Horsford 740032
Bruce Townsend
740451
LINE DANCING Most Wednesday evenings
Pauline
740575
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Mike Arnold
740283
ALL PHONE NUMBERS ARE PREFIXED 01892- .. UNLESS SHOWN OTHERWISE
VILLAGE WEB SITE http://www.fordcombevillage.co.uk twitter — @fordcombeinfo
35
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
36