What’s happening where you live...
ALLINGTON
Correspondent: Jean Watson Mob: 07966 361434 Tel: 01622 687053
All that jazz: There will be a night of jazz with Dr Jazz on Friday, July 1 with doors opening at 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church, Poplar Grove. Wine will be on sale. Free entry with a collection for church funds.
Saturday Club: Next meet on Saturday June 18 in St Nicholas Church from 10am-noon
Mums and Babes: Next meet on Friday June 24 in St Nicholas Church from 10am-noon thereafter once a month on a Friday.
Community market: The next market day is on Tuesday, June 28 from 1-4pm in St Nicholas Church Hall, comprising arts, crafts, books, gifts, cards, produce, knitwear and lots more. Tea room selling refreshments and home made cakes. Thereafter monthly on the last Tuesday in the month.
Get Together: Due to the Spadeworks Garden Centre and Gardens outing on Wednesday, June 22, there will be no Get Together meeting in church. Next meeting on Wednesday June 29 at 2.30pm.
Aylesford and Eccles WI: The annual garden party is on Wednesday June 22 at 7.30pm in the Brassey Rooms, Station Road, Aylesford. There will be a Greek theme to the evening with a variety of Greek food and a demonstration of Greek dancing with a chance to join in! Not sure about plate smashing though. There will not be a competition or bring and buy stall but there will be a produce stall to help raise funds to support the WI facility at Denman College. New members or visitors always welcome. For information contact Eileen on 01622 715205. Big Brass Band: Friends of Aylesford Church’ Brass Band Concert is being held at Aylesford Church on Saturday June 25 at 7.30pm where the top brass band, The Aveley and Newham Band, are returning for another rousing concert. The concert will be held in church and tickets are available from Brenda Sladen on 01622 882395 or Anita Keays 719589 or at the door: “Friends” £9, non-members £10 Ticket prices include a cup of coffee in the interval, and wine and fruit juice will be available. HOKH volunteers needed: Just a short walk from the hospice itself, the largest of Heart of Kent Hospice shops situated in Hall Road is seeking volunteers. Volunteers are essential to the running of this store , with help required both in front-of-house and behind the scenes. Do you have time to spare and would like to fill it with something worthwhile and very important? Set in a busy environment, this is a great opportunity to build skills for your CV or to raise money for the Hospice, an independent charity providing specialist end of life care. If the shop scene is not for you and you would like to find out about other ways you can help then visit the Hospice website www.hokh.org/vacancies , contact Laura Woodham on 01622 790195 or email volunteers@hokh.co.uk St Marks: St Mark’s School Eccles will be holding a Country Fair on Sunday June 26 from noon-3pm. There will be lots to see and do, including a dog show, morris dancing, welly throwing, photography and craft competition, tombola, BBQ and cakes and loads more.
The raffle has a top prize of £100 and it’s only 50p to get in and children free.
Summer Fair: The Friars in Aylesford will be holding a summer fair on Sunday June 26 from 11am-4.30pm. There will something for all of the family including a motorcycle stunt show, Essex Dog Display Team, Gary the Clown, live music and dancing, face painting, BBQ, cream teas, a beer tent, craft and gift stalls. There will something for all the family and it costs £4 for adults and under 12s go free. Correspondent: Ron Stubbs Tel: 01622 726962 Fete on the Green: The village’s fete will be held on Saturday, June 18 starting at 2pm. This is a traditional old-fashioned event with such attractions as a coconut shy and the bash for tins. Crafts will be featured and there will be children’s races offering small prizes. Bower power: Bower Grove School in Fant Lane will hold its Summer Fete on Saturday, June 18 from 1-3.30pm, where stalls will offer a wide range of items. A raffle and a tombola will also be there, children will be admitted free with adults charged 50p. Some parking is available on the school’s grounds. Midsummer magic: As midsummer’s day approaches, June 24, the Friends of St Margaret’s have organised a special concert. This is Midsummer Music at St Margaret’s and will feature the St Margaret’s Brass Band with supporting local soloists. The concert will start at 7pm. Tickets cost £7. Surrey with the fringe on top: The Ivy Club has an outing planned for Friday, June 24. Celebrating 70 years since the origins of the club, the party will leave Fant Hall at 10am with the usual other pick-up points by coach. Godalming in Surrey is the destination where, on the river Wey, they will join a horse-drawn barge for a two-hour trip (ploughman’s lunch included). It should be an enjoyable day out. The charge is £26.50 (£29.50 for non-members). This club for the over 60s welcomes new members and offers talks by guest speakers, quizzes, games, sales and the occasional outing. Usually it meets on alternate Wednesdays at 2pm in the hall of St Andrew’s Church. Call Maureen on 01622 721238 for full details. Be there: Celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday, Anne and Michael Passmore (01622 726237) invite – nay – command you to attend a Royal Picnic on Sunday, July 3 at 2.30pm in their garden at Scraces, Rectory Lane. There you will find races, competitions, games, fun for the whole family. Tickets £7 adults; £3 for children or £15 for families with the resultant proceeds going to St Margaret’s Overseas Missions. Take a picnic and a rug to sit on. There is adequate off-road car parking but be careful: Rectory Lane is narrow. Cleaning up: Five teams, each consisting of two people, have been responsible for the cleaning of the interior of St Margaret’s Church but now three of these volunteers want to give up. The point of having five teams has been to allow the work to be spaced out well. So this means that three more volunteers are needed. Can you help? If you can spare a couple of hours every five weeks you will find it is not a difficult task but a very worthwhile one. Details are available by speaking with Zal on 01622 728618 so give him a call now. They say many hands make light work and you can help prove that.
Concert: From England with Love is the title of a concert by the local group, Friends in Harmony and featuring the Fabulous Fants. A bouquet of mostly English anthems and songs by Edward Elgar, Roger Quilter and Henry VIII, the concert will be staged in St Andrew’s Church on Friday, June 24 from 7.30pm. No charge will be made and there will be free teas and refreshments with a retiring collection in aid of the local charity, The Princess Trust.
Market: The Country Market takes place in the WI Hall in The Street on Saturdays from 10am -11.15am selling cakes, savouries, desserts, preserves, cards, plants, crafts, seasonal produce and free range eggs. Orders can also be taken. Fair: The annual Fair on Bearsted Green will take place on Saturday June 25 from 1pm. The carnival will process from Madginford Shopping Parade to Bearsted Green from noon. Choral society: Bearsted Choral Society for it’s spring concert this year had a change from it’s usual venue to the Colyer-Fergusson Building at the University of Kent. The change was necessary to accommodate not only Bearsted Choral Society but also Sittingbourne Orpheus Choral Society and Canterbury Orchestra, all of whom combined to present The Creation by Franz Joseph Haydn. This magnificent work was conducted by Andrew Lowen who is the conductor of Canterbury Orchestra and musical director
of both choral societies. The soloists were Penelope Martin-Smith (soprano), Greg Tassell (bass) and Stephen Charlesworth (tenor). The near capacity audience was treated to a memorable performance of this glorious work and applauded enthusiastically at the end. The next concert by Bearsted Choral Society will be on July 16 at 7.30pm in St Nicholas Church, Leeds and will include The Sprig of Thyme by John Rutter from the Bevarian Highlands by Edward Elgar and settings by George Shearing of some of Shakesphere’s songs.
Toddler Praise: The final Toddler Praise Service before the school summer holidays will take place in the room at Holy Cross Church on Friday June 17 from 1.30pm-2.30pm. A service for parents, grandparents and carers with children aged up to four years including songs, fun, games, craft and refreshments. The service will be followed by a bring-your-own picnic on the field, weather permitting. Everyone welcome to take a packed lunch from 12.30pm.
How’s That: The cricket club’s 1st XI will play Penshurst Park in the league at home on Saturday, June 18 starting at 1.30pm while at the same time the 2nd XI will play Cudham Wyse away in the league. The Sunday XI will play Upchurch in the league at home on Sunday June 19 at 2pm.
Methodist church: The Ladies Fellowship will have a quiz on Tuesday June 21 at 2.30pm at the church. Correspondent: Robert Hanvik Mob: 07900 930824 robert.kentmessenger@ gmail.com Planning committee:
The committee meets on Thursday, June 28 at 7.30pm at the parish office (next to the village hall). To view minutes from recent committee meetings, visit www.boughton-monchelseapc.org.uk Correspondent: Pam Merryweather, 13 Fir Tree Grove, Bredhurst, ME7 3LB Tel: 01634 610011 pamerry@ outlook.com Village Show 2016:
Details and entry forms are available for the Art, Craft and Produce Show on Saturday, September 3, from Mrs. P. Pearson, Meadow Cottage, Dunn Street Road, Tel. 370558 or Mrs. A. Rose, 660 Maidstone Road, Wigmore, Tel. 232617, entries to be received no later than Tuesday, August 30. Classes include vegetables, fruit, flowers, floral art, photography, art, kitchen crafts, craft and a children’s section. Entry is open to all residents of the village, members of St Peter’s Church, the school, Bredhurst Woodland Action Group (BWAG) and all village organisations, including wives, husbands, children and grandchildren. Correspondent: Valerie Underdown Tel: 01622 843232 valerie95@ outlook.com PARISH COUNCIL:
Planning. The following application was considered. Bellfields, Plough Wents Road, erection of double garage. Permitted without referral to planning committee. Decision by the borough council noted, Luck’s Cottage, Hermitage Lane, provision of white painted feather-edge weatherboarding to first floor elevation and replacement of projecting ground floor window. Permitted. The PCSO sent a report of two crimes. Theft of four flower pots from front garden in Marsham Crescent and theft of power tools from Chart Hill Road. Cllr Forknall reported that the gates of one of his fields had been smashed down by joyriders who rode round the field. There was also a lot of police activity in the village by officers chasing a stolen car. It drove across fields and down the bridle path before coming to a halt. One person was arrested at the scene and one was being tracked by a helicopter. The street light in Mercer Way had still not been repaired as parts were not available as it is so old. Cllr Munford knows of an electrician who may be able to help and will speak to him. A discussion as to whether flashing speed indicators have any effect on motorists concluded that they are a deterrent. County Cllr Hotson to be approached with a view to obtaining funding to purchase one of these. Cllr Underdown asked if it would be possible to employ a cleaner to make the pavilion more attractive to possible hirers. It is mainly used by footballers who do not always leave it in a respectable condition. It was agreed to place an advert in the next Village News to see if anyone would be willing to undertake this task. It was noted that the drain cover and framework behind the pavilion had rusted away and needed replacing urgently for safety reasons. Cllr Waring had arranged for this to be done and payment for the work was approved. Members were requested to consider that Chart Sutton’s two Maidstone KALC representatives (councillors Webb and FitzGerald) are mandated to speak and vote on behalf of the parish. This was agreed. KCC will no longer fund support for the parish website and the costs need to be picked up by the parish. The clerk to obtain information regarding this before it was agreed to continue with the current company. Borough Cllr Munford reported that the Rumwood Green development had been reduced from 900 house to 700 and the application was imminent. He reported that the work on the gyratory system had begun and would take about 18 months. He asked Cllr Underdown ( as a member of the Maidstone East Bus group) to ask at the next meeting if the bus timetable for the number 59 could be altered. Due to the above works, the bus was arriving late in town and so cutting down the amount of time for shopping etc. Could the return journey leave later to reflect this. Cllr Forknall reported that he has had several complaints that the verges were so overgrown that they impede motorists’ sight. He explained that whereas there were several contractors covering areas of the county, there was only one to look after all the verges in Kent. The clerk would report the verges to KCC. Cllr Underdown reported that several people have asked if the grass and weeds along the footpath to the playing field could be cut down. During wet weather, they lay across the path, making progress very wet and unpleasant. These are the responsibility of KCC but Cllr Munford said he thoughht there was a local rule which would allow the parish to carry out the work. He would investigate. Cllr Mcloughlin had taken over the monthly check of the defibrillator. The response to the offer of training in the use of the machine had been slow so far. Cllr FitzGerald asked if it would be possible for the Three Suttons to include each other’s events in their local magazines. Cllr Underdown replied that she has had requests from Sutton Valence for inclusions in the Village News. Cllr Ward reported more flytipping in Avalon Lane. The parish council purchased the cabin for the new shop and it was agreed that it should be donated to the shop committee. Cllr Underdown said she had been asked who was responsible for the bank by the bus stop as it was not included when the borough maintain the surrounding areas. It is the responsibility of KCC and the clerk would contact them. Two councillors had been approached by a villager who witnessed a dog walker allowing his pet to foul the verge and making no attempt to clear it up. On speaking to them, he was met with abuse. However, it was cleared up later. It was reported that there is a walker with several dogs who could be responsible for the mess left at the playing field. If this person is there at a regular time, the dog
warden could be asked to speak to them. Correspondent: Jenny Scott Mob: 07785 974951 jscott@ cfsbroadband.co.uk PARISH COUNCIL:
Apparently fibre broadband is available in some parts of the parish. One of the two BT boxes had been upgraded but not the other one. Cllr Barham had been attempting to find out why not, but BT had not been able to provide an answer. County Cllr Stockell had suggested a contact name at KCC for Cllr Barham to contact to clarify the situation. At the parish council meeting on June 13, one of the issues discussed was the continuing issue of lorries driving through the parish. The 7.5 tonne weight restriction seems to be being ignored by many drivers. Resident Maureen Arthur is leading a new initiative to act against drivers and their companies who ignore the ban. A lorry watch session will soon take place at strategic locations within the parish, and PCSO Nicola Morris was organising police attendance. The parish council would be writing to many of the companies whose lorries defy the ban and contacting local and national freight organisations. Anyone interested in helping with the lorry watch can contact Maureen via the parish council at clerk. colllstpc1@btinternet.com A local horse rider also expressed concern about the dangers of riding on the roads. The parish council agreed to try to obtain some KCC road signs alerting drivers to the fact that horses are ridden in the area.
Church concert: Last Saturday evening, a delightful concert, featuring much local talent, took place in the village church. Music from the reigns of Elizabeth I and II was performed by St Margaret’s Singers, soloist Harriet George, Tonbridge chapel organist David Williams, and Emily Bristow on trumpet, to name a few. A small but appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the music and now look forward to the rest of the St Margaret’s summer season. Last weekend: South East Open Studios finishes on Sunday June 19. There is just time this weekend to visit the Riverside Gallery in Yalding, where June and Mel Chapman and Rebecca Laister are demonstrating and exhibiting their work, as well as Carole Robson’s studio in Pikefish Lane, Laddingford and Sue Williams’ at Russet House, Lughorse Lane, Yalding. Much more at www.seos-art.org Pet show: The village school holds its summer fair and pet show on the parish field on Saturday, June 18 from noon-4pm. Why not enter your lovely pet? The pet show starts at 1pm. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, lots of stalls and games, a barbecue and tea tent, along with a raffle with great prizes. All proceeds go towards school facilities, trips and equipment. Hunton fete: The fete takes place on Saturday June 18, following a peal of the church bells at 2pm. This will be a traditional country fete with entertainment from Applause Rural Touring with Octopot, as well as a dog show, bouncy castle, jazz band and beer tent. Details from Annette on 01622 820448. Busy Saturday: A Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturday June 18 from 10am-1pm in Yalding High Street. High quality local produce and hot snacks at the charity refreshment stall in a lovely village setting make this a worthwhile occasion. Yalding Garden Society’s summer show takes place at 2.30pm in Yalding village hall. Pop in and see the lovely exhibits and enjoy the refreshments. Marden walkers: On Saturday June 18, the group will be walking at Sissinghurst. Meet outside Marden library at 2pm to share cars. On Friday, June 24, there is to be a diamond jubilee walk again from the library at 6pm. Flood group: The local flood group for Collier Street, Hunton, Laddingford, and Yalding met at the George in Yalding on June 8, to describe some possible short term measures that could protect the community before the new flood barriers are built. Their plans include widening the river and opening up more arches on local bridges. For information email flood@yalding.com Outside Edge: From Friday to Sunday, June 24-26, this popular comedy will be performed by local thespians in the garden at Parsonage Farmhouse, Hampstead Lane, Yalding. The play is directed by Rachel West and is in memory of Hugh Williams. All profits will be going to Yalding Church Preservation Society. The Friday performance is sold out, but there are still some tickets available for Saturday at 7pm and for the 2.30pm matinee on the Sunday, when you canorder cricketer’s tea. Otherwise, picnics are advisable for the interval. Buy tickets at Yalding Post Office or by application to OutsideEdge2016@ gmail.com Correspondent: Maureen Jopson, 68 Stockett Lane, Coxheath, ME17 4PY Tel: 01622 746086 joplot8@ hotmail.co.uk Hearing aid clinic: HiKent will be holding its monthly hearing aid clinic on Friday June 24 from 1011.30am in the Family Room 1 at The Heathside Centre. No appoint- ment is necessary. Advice is also available about HiKent’s extensive range of specialist equipment, free assessment service for the over 65s and lip reading, sign language and deaf awareness classes and tinitus support groups. History talk: A talk, entitled Not Just the Work House, which is the history of Coxheath, will be given by Deborah Collins on Thursday July 7 at 7pm at the library. Tickets cost £3 each and booking is recommended. Contact 03000 413535 or email coxheathlibrary@kent.gov. uk Correspondent: Jenny Cosgrove Tel: 01622 630462 jenny.cosgrove@ hotmail. co.uk Showground: On Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, the Antique, Vintage and Collectors fair is up at the showground. On Saturday early entry is from 8.30-10am for £6, later entry from 10am-4.30pm for £5, with children under 16 free. On Sunday, entry is 10am-3.30pm for £4. Entrance tickets purchased on Saturday allow free entry on Sunday. For details visit www. b2bevents.info or phone 01636 676531. PARISH COUNCIL: The parish meeting started with planning where a resident voiced their concerns about the Lynch Bank Farm Barn on the left of the A249, which has just had planning for partial demolition of barn and demolition of other outbuilding, conversion and extension of barn to B1 office use, granted with conditions. The parish gave the resident a copy of the conditions in the hope it would clear up any matters of concern. Cllr J. Kennard brought to the council’s attention a tree cut down at the Tudor Gate without planning permission. When she approached the tree surgeon it was stated that they do not need planning permission. This will be investigated by the parish as the property is within the conservation area of the village where all trees have a Tree Protection Order (TPO) and need planning permission before any work can be carried out. If you are unsure whether your property is within the conservation area, there is a map on the Maidstone Borough Council website and information about TPOs. The main meeting started with a discussion about work in The Larches between The Kent Wildlife Trust and a resident with concerns. The concerns raised were in regards to recent activity in the woodland which has resulted in the shutting down of a newly made pathway. The pathway was created by cyclists who have dug out their own jumps, chicanes and cut branches off yew trees. The Wildlife Trust was quick to shut down the path, building makeshift barriers down the track, leaving notices highlighting the damages this causes. A member of the public contacted the trust recently saying they had asked some people who had chainsaws in the woodland what they were doing and were verbally abused in return. The Wildlife Trust welcomes cyclists into The Larches and asks that they be respectful and stick to the existing pathways. There had been a complaint by a resident up along Scragged Oak Road as lots of foreign lorries had been going down the wrong roads and getting stuck. Most of the drivers do not speak English which makes explaining the roads all the more difficult. The parish would look into getting its own “Unsuitable for HGV” signs made, as Stockbury was able to do it not long ago. A note to villagers that the refuse collectors are being stricter with their collection and if they see one item in your recycling bin they can’t accept they can refuse to take your bin that week. Make sure you check the items you put in and no plastics bags carrying recycling get added either. The next parish council meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 5 at 7pm in the committee room of the village hall. Correspondent: Mike Brine Tel: 01732 845825 mbriney.yoda@ hotmail.com Community Day: This will be held on Sunday, June 26 from 3pm on the village green and will be celebrating The Queen’s 90th birthday, commencing with a service on the green followed by activities at the junior school. Visitors are invited to take their own picnic. A jazz band will be playing at the service and at the school. There are some competitions for children. The two pre-schools have been invited to make crowns and the best will be judged on the day. The infant school has been invited to do a portrait of her majesty and these will be judged on Friday, June 24. If you would like a stall or information contact the parish office. Council date: The planning committee meets at the community centre on Monday, June 20 at 7.30pm, followed by the open spaces and amenities committee. Quiz night: The next Kilnbarn quiz is on Sunday, June 26 at 8pm. Teams of up to eight at £2 per head. Correspondent: Martin Hider Tel: 01622 736327 mhider5@ gmail.com Church bellringing: Novice bellringing will take place at St Nicholas Church on Monday June 20 at 7.30pm and there will be a bellringing practice on Wednesday June 22 at 3pm. Phone 01622 861143. Correspondent: Maureen Jopson, 68 Stockett Lane, Coxheath, ME17 4PY Tel: 01622 746086 joplot8@ hotmail.co.uk Farmers’ market: The June market was greeted by wall-to-wall sunshine. A steady stream of customers came and, once again, Teston Bakery sold out completely, despite bringing double the supply of bread. Grandma Bakes stepped in to provide the kitchen treats while Mandy was away for a well deserved weekend break. Unfortunately, stall holders Steve the Fish and Carol May cards were unable to attend due to illness and send their apologies to everyone. The market has made two charity donations recently; £80 from the March market went to Demelza Hospice towards specialised nursing care and £60 from the April market to East Farleigh Brownies for new sports equipment. Choir singing: Ladies, do you like singing? The Farleighs Choir is looking for new members. No audition or need to read music but it helps. They meet on a Tuesday evening and are looking for ladies who enjoy singing a wide range of music. If you are interested, phone Helen on 01622 814445 and she will arrange for you to come to a practice and you can decide if it is for you. Correspondent: Mike Brine Tel: 01732 845825 mbriney.yoda@ hotmail.com Legion invite: Sutton Valence and District branch of the Royal British Legion is holding an Armed Forces Day event on Saturday, June 25 in Sutton Valence Village Hall and grounds and invites residents to both the indoor afternoon tea (ticket donation £5) and the family and friends Picnic in the Park, which include music, entertainment and children’s attractions. If anyone needs transport to get there and back or wishes to book a place for the tea, call Mike or Maureen on 01622 743270. Council date: The parish council meets on Monday, July 4 in the Filmer Hall at 8pm. Correspondent: Fran Smith, 14 Pitt Road, Maidstone, ME16 8PA Mob: 07791 650955 Tel: 01622 720623 fransmith@ talktalk.net Bower Grove Fete: The popular sum- mer fete takes place at the school in Fant Lane on Saturday, June 18 from 1pm-3.30pm. Admission: adults 50p, children free. Everyone welcome to enjoy the Rochester Pipe Band, grand raffle, tombola, stalls, refreshments and all the fun of the fair. Correspondent: Joan Drury, Weirton Villa, Headcorn Road, Grafty Green, ME17 2AP Tel: 01622 853766 jdrury23@ btinternet.com Archdeacon at breakfast: Women I Have Loved is the title of the Archdeacon of Maidstone’s talk at the next men’s breakfast. The Dog and Bear Lenham will be the venue and the event will take place at 8am on Saturday, June 25. Contact the Rev Dick Venn on 01622 858195 for details. Big party: Go to the next Messy Church on Saturday, June 18 from 4pm-6pm at All Saints Church Ulcombe (not the village hall as in last week’s KM). Enjoy the biggest party ever. There will be the usual range of activities, worship and food. This is an event for the whole family. Inquiries to Helen Venn on 01622 858195. Deanery confirmation: The Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott will confirm candidates from the North Downs Deanery on Sunday June 19. The service will be held in Harrietsham church at 10am. This will be the only service in the Len Valley group. Short mat bowls: Grafty Green Short Mat Bowls Club began life nearly five years ago and has gone from strength to strength. Members enjoy the weekly meetings at 2pm on Tuesdays in the village hall. Why not join them? Chris Wheal (01622 858100) is happy to answer questions about this sport. Yoga classes: The forthcoming referendum means that Grafty Green Village Hall will not be available for a yoga class on Thursday, June 23. The regular classes will continue on Wednesdays (7pm8.30pm). Note the date: The summer session of cream teas will begin at St Nicholas church Boughton Malherbe on Sunday, July 3 at 2pm. Correspondent: Mike Bennett Mob: 07470 362801 Tel: 01580 761943 mikebennettkm@ tiscali. co.uk Handbell date: The village Handbell Ringers will be hosting enthusiasts from across the south east with each playing their party pieces and all joining together for a number of pieces. Residents are invited to hear the results in the village hall from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm on Saturday, June 18. Light refreshments will be available. For details of the local group contact Sue Quarenden on 01622 891864. Parish council: All the latest applications for the village lodged with the borough council will be discussed by the parish council planning committee at a meeting, which is open to all residents, being held in the Andred Room at the village hall at 7pm on Monday, June 20. Scouts boost: Despite the overcast and chilly weather, the village Scout Group managed to raise £4,100 for their headquarters fund at the recent May Fair on Day’s Green. Lucky winners: Jennifer Glanfield with £25 and Derek Stubbing £15 are the latest winners of the Friends of the Parish Church Centuries Club monthly draw that supports the upkeep of the historic building. School news: Head teacher Sarah Symonds has announced that Lee Drury has been appointed deputy head of the village primary school and will be joining with several other new faces as they will be fully staffed for the start of the September term. Gardens tour: Residents are invited to visit neighbours in Smarden when the village opens 11 gardens with classic cars on display plus plant stalls, refreshments and the opportunity to climb the church