Delivered to every home in the Parish—free of charge

http://fordcombechurch.org May 2019 Issue 538

Parish Newsletter

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ST. PETER’S CHURCH, FORDCOMBE fordcombechurch.org

Rector of Penshurst & Fordcombe The Revd. Tom Holme, MA. The Rectory, Penshurst 870316

CHURCHWARDENS

Mike Gilbert Rockydene, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe TN3 0SH Email mikegilbert371@gmail.com 740371 Peter Waghorn Woodpeckers, The Green, Fordcombe, TN3 0RY Email peter.waghorn@talk21.com 740645

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Hon. Secretary Linda Naidu 740724 11 The Drive Hedge Barton TN3 0SL Treasurer/Gift Paul Reeves Queens Spinney, Ashurst Road 740837 Aid Recorder Ashurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9SU Deanery Synod Representative John & Christobel Sworder 740345 Electoral Roll Officer Vacant

PCC. MEMBERS

June Gilbert 740371 Helen Morrison 740211 Cath Baker 740225 Isobel Smith 740404 Organist & Director of music Bob Wilson 01732832444 St. Peter’s Fellowship Peter Waghorn 740645 Sunday Club Leader Mrs Hayley Collins 01892544458 Church Flowers Mrs. June Gilbert 740371 Mrs. Sandra Arnold 740283 NEWSLETTER - PLEASE NOTE THE COPY DATE IS 16th OF EACH MONTH Newsletter copy by e-mail please to: fordcombenewsletter@gmail.com Neither the Editor nor the Newsletter can be held responsible for its content. Editor and Advertising: Mike Gilbert. Rockydene, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe. TN3 0SH 740371 Advertising rates per annum: £80 full page, £45 one half, £30 one quarter, Printer: St. Mary’s Church, Leigh 01732-832236

ALL PHONE NUMBERS ARE PREFIXED 01892– ... UNLESS OTHERWISE SHOWN

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FROM THE RECTOR Out of respect and love for French cathedrals in general I have been looking at my Thames and Hudson book on the subject: Jean Bony and Martin Hurlimann, original edition 1951, revised 1967. As we come towards Ascension Day - 30th March - we can be reminded that while English cathedrals tend to be long and relatively low, French ones are often very tall. Perhaps the one tradition looks forward to eternity, the other upwards to heaven and the Ascended Lord. But as an assessment of different building motivations this is not very deep, and there are many exceptions. At Beauvais, north of Paris, I for the first time understood the pleasantness of a glass of champagne or two half way through the morning, sitting in the sunshine outside a local auberge. Perhaps it was the effect of the champagne, but looking at the great cathedral of Beauvais in the distance, I could not help noticing that it was extremely tall but definitely lacking a large component of what we normally expect of such a building. The Thames and Hudson book explains it all - with a flair for tragi-comedy it probably did not know it possessed. The cathedral, a building of huge proportions, was begun in 1225. The vault is the highest in Gothic architecture - about 155 feet. In 1284 the vaulting fell in. When rebuilding was begun, the piers were doubled in the choir. In 1374, when the choir was complete, work was suspended. It was not taken up again until 1500, when Maitre Martin Chambiges undertook the erection of the south transept, which was finished in 1548. The central tower collapsed in 1573. The nave was never built. The cathedral suffered relatively little damage when the surrounding part of the town was destroyed in 1940. So after 350 years of hard work and many set backs there was no energy and moral determination left to finish the building and give it a nave. Who can possibly blame them? But when the bombs came in 1940 one can feel sure that the inordinately tall choir of Beauvais stood there as a symbol of hope. There the glorious triumph waits, Lift your heads, eternal gates! Christ hath vanquished death and sin; Take the King of glory in. Alleluya!

Tom Holme

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FORDCOMBE LUNCHEON CLUB

Fordcombe Luncheon club usually meets on the second Thursday of each month at 12-30pm. We have space for new members to come and join us for food and pleasant conversation with old and new friends.

The next meeting is 9th May 2019 Please let Kate know if you are not able to come, preferably at the beginning of the week of the lunch meeting. For more information please contact Mrs Kate Hargrave Tel 861047

CHURCHYARD TIDYING Thanks so much to those who turned up last month to weed the memorial garden and to sweep up a few more leaves. We will be meeting again on Saturday 11th May, between 10am and midday. If you could spare some time to help us we would be delighted! Helen Morrison 740211

CHURCH COFFEE MORNING We are invited to meet again for coffee and a chat on Wednesday May 8th 2019 10-30 to noon by Gordon and Beryl Fenner “Canasta” Chafford Lane. All are welcome do come along. Please ring Christabel on 740345 if transport is required.

Christabel Sworder 740345

REGISTERS FOR MARCH Baptism Thomas Ensor Ophelia Poppy Willow Madge Eve Marie Reichhelm Amelia Charlotte Hart Charlotte Jane Philippa Vickers Marriage Lewis James Crowhurst & Beverley Rose Funnell Interment at Poundsbridge Martin Alleyne Thorp Funeral Service at Penshurst Jack William Haycraft.

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FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS PEW Services Services in May follow the normal pattern with 9am Communion on the first and sung Eucharist on the second Sunday. The fourth Sunday 26th May is Rogation Sunday and instead of the Family Service, with thanks to Frances Lyle, there will be a Rogation Service and walk at Walters Green Farm starting at 10-30am. This is a great country service which is always most enjoyable. St Peter’s Fellowship Our next meeting takes place at 8pm on Wednesday 22

nd May 2019 at

Woodpeckers. Our topic of discussion will be “The Road to Emmaus”. Everyone is welcome, do come along. Annual Church Meeting. Our annual Church Meeting took place last month but attendance was very poor. Apart from P.C.C. members there were only two other people present. This was particularly disappointing as the council reported and wanted to seek views on the discussions which are underway on the possible formation of a larger benefice including Chiddingstone and Chiddingstone Causeway Parishes. We are concerned about the year on year fall in attendance at all services, accept the Christmas Eve Carol Service. We also have two unfilled positions on the P.C.C. This reduction of active involvement in our Church is very sad and does not help our position with the discussions on the future shape and arrangement of parishes. The P.C.C. very much wants to understand if there is anything that could be done in connection with the type and timing of our services and worship which would better fulfil the needs of the village. In the future we intend to contact parishioners to seek their views but if anyone would like to give their views now please do contact us. Meal and a pint As we are now entering the summer season we take a break from Meal and a Pint until September. Best Wishes

Mike Gilbert 740371 mikegilbert371@gmail.com

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Age concern have been running an exercise class in conjunction with Over 60s. Now that Over 60s is finished these will continue at Angie Ventins home The Orchard Chafford Lane 1-30 until 3-00pm. Friday 26th April, 17th May and 21st June

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OVER 60s FOOT CLINIC AS YOU WILL ALL BE AWARE THE VILLAGE HALL CLOSES FOR THE REBUILD VERY SOON THE OVER 60s FOOT CLINIC WILL BE CLOSING AT THE SAME TIME ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS ARE :- -CHRIS WILLIAMS TUNBRIDGE WELLS CLINIC 01892 676214 -AGE CONCERN TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 522591 -EMMA THE FOOT LADY 07759476912 Thank you for your support over the years for Over 60s

summer party Saturday 15 June

In light of the fabulous sums raised for the new village hall, the current hall will not be standing in September, and the village green will be a building site. As such the fete committee intends to hold an alternative, more low key event earlier in the year, but still aimed at all village residents and visitors, with food and drink, so we can all celebrate together. We would therefore like to invite you to a summer party on Saturday 15 June which will take place on the village green in lieu of the usual autumn fete which will return in 2020 to christen a new village hall! Please save the date and see the insert in this issue. Many thanks Lorna Holgate Fordcombe Fete and Flower show Committee

Village Hall AGM As the Village Hall AGM is just after the deadline for entry into the Magazine, a full report will be in next month’s issue. John Morrison

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VILLAGE HALL MONTHLY DRAW APRIL

IF YOU ARE NOT IN IT - YOU CAN’T WIN IT!

“If you want to join please ring Bob on 01892 740307"

Prize Ticket No Name

First £30 245 Mrs McGloin

Second £15 352 N. Turtschi

Third £10 454 T Geal

Fourth £5 314 Mrs Cahill

Fifth £5 559 S Thompson

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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

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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

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LINE DANCING

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

AC GROUNDWORK

Groundwork Landscaping Foundations Drainage Water Connections Please call for advice or free quotations

Alex Colegate T: 01892 870168 M: 07752 479747 Email: acgroundwork@gmail.com

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AIRPORT CAR SERVICES

07799604405 (01892)731221

bookings@twacs.co.u www.airport-car-services.co.uk

WELD DONE Welding, Metalwork and

Ornamental Ironwork For quotations and advice

contact Neil Davies on:

Tel: 01892 740432 / 07962 502914 Email:

neilwelddone@hotmail.com April Cottage, The Lane,

Fordcombe, Kent, TN3 0RP

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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: townsendc@hotmail.co.uk

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Fordcombe Primary School

New faces

Michelle King has joined the Fordcombe team and will be supporting Mrs Howard in organising and running the school. Seeds of Knowledge Mrs Philpott was in school to support pupils in their learning about plants and life cycles. With an array of seeds from the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest and most valuable was the Coco de Mer, so unusual it would cost you £5000 to purchase one. With other seeds with names like the Devil’s Claw and Lucky Beans, the pupils had a great session learning about how plants reproduce. Many thanks to Mrs Philpott and Wakehurst Place for loaning us the specimens for the morning. Hair-raising fundraising Many thanks to all those parents that prepared pupils’ crazy hair ready for Comic Relief’s Red Nose day. Pupils had a great time looking at each other’s hair, adding a colourful, creative dimension to our whole school celebration assembly on Friday morning. Pupils and parents raised almost £100 for Comic Relief, which will go to help children and families in the UK and aboard. A special mention to year 6 pupil Isaac who raised £19.25 for comic relief by holding a raffle. This took the total raised by the school to £114.75. Getting closer to the target Parents and grandparents were in school for a coffee morning in Elm class.

Flapjacks, cakes and a cup of tea were on offer and the rest of the school bought the sweet offerings at playtime. Many thanks to all those mums, dads and grandparents that baked. Elm class currently has a running total of £149 towards funding a whole toilet block in a developing-world school that will be twinned with our toilets. The target is £240 by July! Charity also begins at home Everyone connected to school is very grateful for the continued generosity of parents when it comes to donating to the School Charity Fund. We have already used just over £5,000 of this money to up-grade the server this year and will be using another chunk to re-carpet Elm and Oak classes and the school office in the very near future. As the squeeze on school funds continues nationally, having the support of the local community and parents means that the school can better maintain the fabric of the building – something that we would struggle to do if it was not for this generosity. If you would like to contribute to the Fund, either as a one-off or a regular payment, please complete a gift aid form. Alternatively, you can set up the payment yourself via internet banking: Fordcombe Church of England School Charity. Account No. 32231026. Sort Code 40-44-37 Mummies day Mrs Pearce and Elm class were at Chiddingstone last week to continue their

Egyptian themed learning. After making Egyptian death masks on Thursday (the

most famous example being Tutankhamun’s death mask), pupils then had an

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immersive experience at Chiddingstone. Behaviour was immaculate, everyone was enthralled by the presentations and all learnt more about this fascinating topic. Many thanks to those parents that came to support on the day as well as all those that ferried children back and forth to Chiddingstone Castle itself. Come on you blues! The Year 5 and 6 pupils will be wearing a brand-new football kit on Wednesday when they play over at Edenbridge. We are very grateful to Paul and Olivia Harding and Chevening Financial who have kindly sponsored a new football kit.

Going swimmingly Many thanks to Tara Davies and Robert Middleton who once again took it in turns to drive the mini-bus (kindly loaned by Hever School) back and forth to Holmewood House. This is the fourth time that we have swum at school in this way: It cuts down travel time and optimizes teaching time. Pupils get a lot more swimming each day (45 minutes) with three professional swim teachers working with groups ranging from very competent swimmers to complete beginners.

David Jepps

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Coffee with the Commissioner

Matthew Scott PCC and Sue Coleman,District Councillor for Penshurst, Fordcombe & Chiddingstone invite you to a Coffee Morning to talk about local policing issues.

Matthew will talk about his role as your Police and Crime Commissioner and you can ask him any questions you have. You can also raise any other District Council matters with Sue.

Venue: Penshurst Village Hall,

Time: 10am until midday

When: Wednesday 15 May 2019.

Find out more about your PCC at kent-pcc.gov.uk

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PENSHURST ALMSHOUSES REGISTERED CHARITY 211205 ALMSHOUSE ASSOCIATION

MEMBER 339

FLAT VACANCY A ground floor flat comprising bedsitting room with kitchen and bathroom will be available shortly suitable for a single person at the Almshouses, Rogues Hill, Penshurst. There is a small communal garden area and car park Low income persons of good character who have lived in the Ancient Parish of Penshurst, which includes Fordcombe and part of Chiddingstone Causeway for not less than two years are eligible to apply. Residents make a weekly contribution, which covers maintenance, water, sewerage and heating costs. Council Tax and electricity costs are the resident’s responsibility. Applications in writing, please, to:

The Clerk to the Trustees Miss Jan Roberts Squirrels Hollow

9 Latymers Penshurst

Kent TN1 8DE Please supply details of name, age, and any occupation, and be prepared to provide financial details and references. We regret pets cannot be accommodated.

Thomas Holme Chairman of the Trustees

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UNITED BENEFICE OF PENSHURST AND FORDCOMBE

CALENDAR OF SERVICE May 2019

5th The Second Sundayafter Easter 9am Holy Communion Fordcombe

10am sung Eucharist Penshurst 12th The Third Sunday after Easter 8am Holy Communion Penshurst 10am Sung Eucharist and Sunday school Fordcombe

19th The Fourth Sunday after Easter 10am Sung Eucharist Penshurst 26th The Fifth Sunday after Easter and Rogation Sunday 10-30am Rogation Service and Walk at Walters Green Farm With grateful thanks to Frances Lyle

June

2nd The Sunday after Ascension Day 9am Holy Communion Fordcombe 10am Sung Eucharist Penshurst

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DIARY

May 2019

4th Blackham Market page 23 4th Penshurst Farmers Market page 32 8th Church Coffee Morning page 4 9th Luncheon Club page 4 11th Churchyard Tidying page 4 13th Parish Council Meeting page 29 15th Village Quilters meeting (2-4pm) 16th Newsletter copy deadline date 17th Age concern exercise classes page 5 25th Blackham Quiz Night page 26

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District Councillor’s Article ; May 2019

I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter and that you won’t all be disappointed that this is a very short article this month! You will no doubt be aware that local elections are to be held on 2

nd May and this means the council goes into ‘purdah’

beforehand……….so nothing much has happened at SDC for me to tell you about! Electors will have received a letter from SDC informing them that in our Ward both the District Council and Parish Council candidates were elected unopposed, the letter didn’t give names but I am pleased to say that I will continue to represent you as your District Councillor for the next 4 years. I have enjoyed being able to help residents with local issues and very much look forward to continuing to do so during my new term of office. Two quick plugs; - I have arranged for Matthew Scott, the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, to hold a coffee morning in Penshurst village hall (please see separate advert for details); if you have anything you would like to raise with him (or me) do please come along. Rural concerns don’t always have sufficient profile, so this is a chance to make your views known! - The next Age UK coffee pop-up that I’m hosting at the Old Rectory,

Chiddingstone is on 16th May at 1.30pm.

Sue Coleman

(01892-870435)

PENSHURST PARISH COUNCIL-—Abstract from the minutes of the Parish Council held on Monday 1st April in Penshurst Village Hall. MATTERS ARISING:

Fordcombe Play Area: It had been agreed that the willow tunnel would be

replaced with a new item of equipment as it had persistently been infested with

wasps which made the play area difficult to access for the children. Cllr

Townsend provided information on options chosen by the parents for a suitable

replacement, he would measure the site to find maximum capacity for a

replacement for the tunnel and liaise with ED.

OPEN SESSION: Litter Picking: A parishioner, Dianne Broad, had volunteered to organise a litter

pick in the parish in view of the current nationwide scheme. ED had provided

information for the local magazines to advertise the project, one family had

already responded expressing interest.

Continued on page 28

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BLACKHAM MONTHLY SATURDAY MARKET in village hall

(the first Saturday of every month)

NEXT MARKET

SATURDAY 4th May 2019 Blackham Village Hall

10am – 12:30 pm

Kirby Builders

Painting, Decorating and all Home Maintenance including

roofing.

For free Estimate Contact Mervyn Smith

on 01892 740773

2 St Martins Ashurst

Kent E Mail

kirbybuilders@hotmail.co.uk

Everyone Welcome! Blackham Village Hall market is the

original local market in the area, known for its friendly atmosphere and

genuine locally sourced fare.

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HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR COMPUTER?

For Friendly & Inexpensive Help, Repairs,

Networks, Upgrades, Maintenance & Internet

Problems Call: Phil Young 01892 861888

www.FixMyComputerKent.co.uk info@fmc-itsupport.co.uk

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Planning Applications: SE/19/00239: Land North of Swaylands School, Penshurst Road, Penshurst: Erect single dwelling house, restore gardens with associated landscape works. Convert listed boat house to guest house. PC Response: No Objections SE/19/00430LBC: Colquhouns, High Street, Penshurst: Proposed replacement/repair of existing windows and doors. PC Response: No Objections Decisions: SE/18/03936: The Sheiling, Coopers Lane, Penshurst: Erect single storey brick and glass extension to the northwest elevation house. Creation of roof terrace accessed from master bedroom on the roof of single storey extension. GRANTED SE/19/0025: Holt Farm, Coopers Lane, Penshurst: Convert existing loft space with dormer windows and rooflights. GRANTED Tree Surgery: SE/19/00478: 2 Stone Row, The Green, Fordcombe: Cut back trees in rear garden by 3-4m due to overhanging adjacent gardens. REPORTS: a. Kent County Councillor: Cllr Lake advised members he had enjoyed being a District Councillor and felt SDC was the best council in the country. He had received a comment of appreciation from a Parishioner in relation to the recent resurfacing work carried out at Poundsbridge. He would be meeting Emily Kinsella in the parish to discuss any drainage problems, he asked that he be emailed with any specific drain issues to pwalake27@gmail.com Cllr Lake confirmed that the tax increase would be 5%, 3% due to essential services and 2% to social care, there had been a 15% increase over the last 3 years, this was on top of fuel, post and water/utilities increases. There had been a £600m reduction in funding from central government and a refund due for Kent’s costs in relation to dealing with unaccompanied minors entering the country had still not been paid resulting in a deficit showing at the end of the year, this had not happened under the Labour administration. Operation Brock had been prepared in view of the current Brexit situation. Dog waste bins would no longer be required for waste removal as standard litter bins could be used instead. More information on the possibility of a 20MPH limit in the villages would be available after May. Cllr Townsend reported that a road name sign erected in Fordcombe had been installed level, ED confirmed SDC would have carried out this work, not KCC. Cllr Lake confirmed KCC Officers were responsible to KCC Members recorded outstanding drainage problems: The Lane, Springhill – Colliersland, Fordcombe, drains between the school and Petresfield – High Street, Rogues Hill, Coldharbour Road, Penshurst. The question was also raised as to whether contractors had been paid for clearing the drains when it was obvious the work had not been carried out and reported as such. b. Sevenoaks District Councillor: Cllr Mrs Coleman reported that Steven Whitehead was dealing with the enforcement issues on the Courtland site, the Environment Agency was also involved. She was trying to arrange a police meeting as requested. The Dogs’ Trust had arranged an event in

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Swanley to provided free micro chipping, poo bags etc. members felt it might be beneficial to have one in Penshurst. Help could be provided with the current Spring Clean campaign by Amy in the SDC Communications Department, ED reminded member Dianne Broad was trying to generate support for this locally. Neighbourhood Watch: Mr Johnson advised only one crime had been reported during March, this involved two large stickers being superglued to a car window parked in St. Peter’s Row which proved very difficult to remove. Mr Johnson had been contacted by a farmer requesting parishioners be reminded to keep their dogs on leads whilst walking in the countryside, particularly when sheep were in the fields. Sheep had been disturbed, injured or even killed by dogs not kept under control. It was also important to keep dogs on leads if walking on the roads in view of the fast-moving traffic. Mr Johnson advised members that he had been involved with the Neighbourhood Watch organisation in the Parish and surrounding areas for about thirty years. He retired from work approximately 20 years ago and now felt unable to continue in the post, consequently he felt he should retire and asked that someone take his place and become involved in the Neighbourhood Watch. He would be happy to arrange to hand over the responsibility, his son currently receives the Police Reports and passes them on and he felt sure this duty could be handed over together with information on the procedures. FINANCE: Defibrillator: The defibrillator would need to be moved from the redundant village hall in Fordcombe due for demolition. ED had made a request to install the unit at Fordcombe Primary School site, electrical supply to be arranged and cost met by PC. School had approved the defibrillator being externally installed at the school, contractor making necessary arrangements to carry out work. Next Meeting Monday 13th May Fordcombe

Annual Parish Assembly 15th April Chairman's Report on last year. This year was marked by the sad death of Cllr John Cass. John joined the Parish Council in May 1972, serving continuously throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s, before joining the Council again in 2011, and was Chairman for 9 years in total. As well as his service with the Council, John was involved with, amongst others, Fordcombe cricket club and village fete for many years. John always had the best interests of the parish at heart and left a substantial sum to Fordcombe village hall which will be rebuilt shortly. In a further change to the Parish Council, Cllr Simon Frederick is not standing for re-election this May. Simon has been a Parish Councillor for over 20 years and his experience will be missed. For the forthcoming elections due in May, there are only nine candidates who are therefore automatically elected unopposed. From May, the Parish Council will comprise the existing Councillors, plus the return of Mrs Dianne Broad who will replace Cllr Frederick. It has been a quiet year for the Parish Council, with no contentious planning applications, no progress on affordable housing for local people, and little or no progress on the introduction of 20mph speed limits.

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When I reported on affordable housing last year, it was anticipated that we would ask Sevenoaks District Council to identify every site within the Parish which meets the criteria for affordable local housing, regardless of ownership or availability. There has since been a change in national planning policy which means that this may not be feasible. Previously, affordable local housing had to be located within or adjoining a village and with safe pedestrian access or public transport links to local services. Cross-subsidy i.e the inclusion of houses for sale at market value to fund the development was not allowed. The latest National Planning Policy Framework states: 77. In rural areas, planning policies and decisions should be responsive to local circumstances and support housing developments that reflect local needs. Local planning authorities should support opportunities to bring forward rural exception sites that will provide affordable housing to meet identified local needs, and consider whether allowing some market housing on these sites would help to facilitate this. 78. To promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. Planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services. Where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby. These changes may lead to more potential sites becoming acceptable and available. As part of the new Local Plan, Sevenoaks District Council issued a call for sites for housing development. This was not just for affordable housing, but also to enable them to meet the house-building targets set by the government. The sites put forward in the Parish were: Land south of Spile Bank, New Road Forge Field, High Street, Penshurst Land East of New Road and South of Fordcombe Road Land West of New Road and South of Smarts Hill Allotment gardens, Fordcombe Road, Penshurst Elliotts Farm, Rogues Hill Whilst none of these sites have been carried forward into the Local Plan, they may well be acceptable for affordable local housing under the new rules for the “rural exceptions sites” policy. In my view, we should seek the opinion of the local Planning Authority regarding the acceptability of these sites (and any others which may be suggested), then contact the landowners to see whether they are willing for the land to be used for affordable housing, and then make a decision as to whether or not we wish to proceed with the project. Regarding traffic calming measures, as I said in my report last year, we are dealing with Kent Highways so progress is understandably slow. In summary, Kent County Council can authorise a 20mph speed limit or zone, but will only do so if there is a record of accidents, hence they will not authorise 20mph in Fordcombe or Penshurst. However, the local Kent County Councillor, Cllr Lake, Continued on page32

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can do so from his own member’s allowance. Cllr Lake has therefore funded a survey to provide data of the speed of all traffic, 24 hours a day, for a continuous period of seven days, as required by Kent Highways. Kent Highways happily took the money, produced a report, then said Department for Transport rules did not allow 20mph speed restrictions on B roads. What a farce! They knew very well that it would not be allowed, so why didn’t they say so at the outset? Kent County Council are shortly due to look into the issue of 20mph limits through villages and outside schools, so we await their findings. On a more positive note, the pothole situation is considerably improved and there has been extensive patching and resurfacing of our roads, including Poundsbridge Lane, Poundsbridge Hill, Rogues Hill, Saints Hill and New Road. Our biggest problem is blocked drains and gulleys which, unless dealt with, cause extensive damage to the road surface. In many cases it takes months for Kent Highways to address drainage issues. There are also instances where we have reported these problems to Kent Highways, who then claim the necessary work has been done when they have, in fact, done nothing at all. I would like to thank Evelyn, our Clerk, for her fortitude in this endless battle. In the past year, there were around 40 planning applications for us to comment on. In the majority of cases, the Parish Council continue to comment based on the plans and other paperwork and only carry out a site visit for the more complex or unusual applications. And finally, I must mention Neighbourhood Watch. Our organisation is unusual in that it was instigated in 1986 by the Parish Council, rather than by local residents. Peter Johnson has been involved in the local and wider organisation since that time. As well as being the contact point for local residents, his work has involved collecting data and presenting it the Parish Council (which he has done every month for the past 14 years), liaising with the police to provide information to parishioners on ways to protect their property and families, and raising awareness of current trends in fraud and other crimes. After more than 30 years, Peter has announced that he is retiring from his role and we will hear his final report later. I hope that someone will come forward to take on this important work, it would be a great pity if Neighbourhood Watch were to suffer the same fate as our local Speedwatch.

Saturday, 4th May 9-30am—12 noon

Penshurst Place Visitor Car Park

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HOLIDAY IN MENORCA

Spacious apartment, sleeps

up to six people.

Gardens, pool, overlooking

Mahon Harbour.

Ideal for family holiday or

quiet off season break.

For more details call: Dianne Broad 01892 870680.

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS

H.J.JOHNSTON & SON Penshurst

A Family Undertaking Since 1932

Penshurst 01892 870372 Langton 01892 863317

ROGUES HILL LODGE, ROGUES HILL, PENSHURST TONBRIDGE, KENT. TN11 8BB

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FORDCOMBE ORGANISATIONS AND CONTACTS

FORDCOMBE Cof E Primary School Office 740224

PARENTS GUILD (Fordcombe School) Helen Jenner fordcombepg@gmail.com

CRICKET CLUB Ashley Worcester 740641

FORDCOMBE FETE COMMITTEE Tara Davies 740847

FORDCOMBE PRE-SCHOOL GROUP

Monday 9am to 2pm, Wednesday 9am to 3pm Doris Punnett 740616

Friday 9am to 1pm

THE FORDCOMBE SOCIETY Mike Arnold 740283

HEDGE BARTON RESIDENTS’ ASSOC’N Sally Jolly 740932

LUNCHEON CLUB (Pre-booking necessary)

Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 12.30 pm Kate Hargrave 861047

OVER SIXTIES CLUB Christabel Sworder 740345

Monthly 3rd Friday : 2 – 4 pm

PENSIONERS’ FOOT CLINIC June Roff 860559 Monthly, 3rd Friday at 2 pm

ST. PETERS’ MUSICAL TODDLERS Not meeting at present

R.S.P.C.A. Local Representative Sheila Oliver 740270

STOOLBALL CLUB Sue Ailles 740751

TABLE TENNIS CLUB, Every Monday 7:45pm -9:45pm pm from October to March contact via Email alfie@barnett1234.plus.com Elaine Barnett 740512

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Meetings on last Wed.

in March & October or as required Richard Fry 740431

VILLAGE HALL Sec. Vacancy

Bookings: Janice Byrne bookingsclerk@gmail.com 740393

VILLAGE QUILTERS

Monthly, 3rd Wednesday, 2-4 pm (ring for venue) Sally Hill 740365

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 7.45 pm Fay Blanchard 536405

FORDCOMBE PARISH COUNCILLORS Andrew Campbell 871500

Parish Council web site Vacant

www.penshurstpc.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

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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