January Church and Community News

Transcription

1 January 2018 HILDENBOROUGH PARISH MAGAZINE New and amended advertisers for with index! Church and Community News

2 Hilden Park Chartered Accountants Support and solutions for your accounting and business needs - working with you throughout the year, not just at year end! Xero certified advisors Hilden Park Accountants - Making Your Life info@hildenparkaccountants.co.uk Hildenborough This space could be advertising your service to the village. Contact Pieter on to arrange. 2 43

3 ORGANISATIONS Community Groups AFTERNOON WI Mrs Betty Mackay ( ) EVENING WI Mrs Christine Gray ( ) GARDENERS SOCIETY Secretary. David Haugh ( ) GUIDES (Hildenborough)...Louise Neale ( ) SCOUT GROUP BEAVERS (Ages 6-8 Thursdays p.m.) Andy Hay ( ) HILDENBOROUGH CONSERVATION GROUP Mrs Lynne Flower ( ) HILDENBOROUGH HISTORY SOCIETY...Judith McQuillan ( ) HILDENBOROUGH YOUTH CLUB...Temporarily suspended HOSPICE IN THE WEALD Thelma Fairs ( ) PARISH COUNCIL HILDENBOROUGH C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL... ( ) FOR THE STOCKS GREEN PRE-SCHOOL DETAILS SEE AD ON PAGE 39 MUSICAL BUMPS Margaret Lewin ( ) VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Mrs Anne Davies ( ) VILLAGE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION David Vanns ( ) KENT POLICE (Non-emergency calls) 101 PCSO TONI MATTHEW PCSO KIM HOCKEY Church Groups TUESDAY MORNING TEA AND COFFEE CORNER Church Centre ( ) HOUSE GROUPS.. Simon Braid ) HILDENBOROUGH MEN S GROUP George Gorham ( ) PRAYER CHAIN Cynthia Fawcus ( ) SUNBEAMS (Mums and Babies)...Sue Gorham ( ) SPARKLERS: 3-7 (Y2 at school) Ann Mallett ( ) TRAILBLAZERS: (7-11 year) Marcus Hockley ( ) PATHFINDERS: (11-14 years) Marcus Hockley ( ) NEW GENERATION (14 plus)...mark Packer ( ) or Margaret Wooding-Jones ( ) Hildenborough Sports BADMINTON: Kathryn Stewart ( ) HILDENBOROUGH INDOOR (SHORT MAT) BOWLS CLUB David Chambers ( ) HILDENBOROUGH CRICKET CLUB Barry Webb ( ) HILDENBOROUGH FRIENDLY BADMINTON CLUB... Ivan Kirkpatrick ( ) HILDENBOROUGH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB (SUNDAYS) Pat King ( ) STOOLBALL CLUB Bill Richardson ( ) TENNIS CLUB (membership) Jo Garrett ( ) HILDENBOROUGH SPORTS ASSOCIATION (Running Races) Mark Taylor ( ) KENT & SUSSEX SPORTS MOTOR CYCLE CLUB Paul Lane ( ) THE OAKS BRIDGE CLUB...Marilyn Starkey ( ) KEYS ADVERTISING Please note that the PCC cannot be held responsible for the quality of the services on offer. For any serious complaint, contact our advertising co-ordinator, Pieter Kooiman. The Keys Magazine needs your input; please contact: David Haugh (Editor), ( ) or keysmag@hotmail.com Deputy Editors - Caroline Candler ( ) and Claire Rawlinson ( ) The deadline for an entry is the 13 th of the previous month for typed or legibly handwritten entries and the 15 th for contributions. For all ADVERTISING contact Pieter Kooiman on Dear Friends, I hope you all have had a joyful Christmas. This is the season for visiting the theatre, whether it s a local pantomime or even a trip to London. One new play that has taken the West End by storm is the Broadway musical, Hamilton. It s about one of America s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, who was Washington s right hand man and helped him to win the war of Independence from the British. This may not be something one would expect to go down so well in London. But it tells the story of a man from humble beginnings, who faced trials and challenges to help create a new nation almost from scratch. Hamilton bubbles with outrageous hope at the myriad of possibilities he can see. Such a storyline contrasts starkly with the predominant British attitude towards the issues facing us. If America s prevailing characteristic is optimism, the UK s often seems to be cynicism - any show of enthusiasm tends to be ridiculed as naïve. As we look forward into 2018, there s no doubt that we ve got some huge challenges to work through as a nation, but it can be striking how few voices are heard offering any sense of hope. And it s easy to let these feelings infect our own situations too. One theme of Hamilton is that of the stories that shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Often we listen to stories of darkness and despair, yet the story of Christmas God s story is summed up by the prophet in Isaiah 9:2: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. The message of Christmas is that we need not fear the future, because Jesus has come. He is Emmanuel, which means God with us. In 1939, the country faced a much darker prospect following the outbreak of the Second World War. In his Christmas radio broadcast, George VI quoted from a poem: I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown, and he replied, Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be better than light and safer than a known way. Jesus is the Light of the World. With our hands in his, we need not feel helpless faced with our own needs and those of our nation, because we have a God who can, will and does make a difference. Perhaps 2018 is the year in which to take that step and place our trust in him. And if you do get to see Hamilton, do let me know what it s like! God bless 3 Simon

4 MONTHLY DIARY OF SOME OF THE Church Centre "OPEN TO EVERYBODY SUNBEAMS - new times! "It is as easy as ABC to come along with your pre-school child. A for Adults, B for Babies and C for Children." Every Monday p.m. from April. Contact: Tina Lewis TEA & COFFEE CORNER "Meeting friends and making new ones" Weekly - Tuesdays a.m. Contact: Church Centre From the Registers Wedding Blessing: Gregory and Daisy Elliot - Nov 28th 4 WHO LET THE DADS OUT? For Dads and young children. Hildenborough Church Centre Second Saturday of the month 10am MEN S GROUP "Wine, cheese, fellowship, discourse and discovery all at our monthly meeting. All Hildenborough men welcome." Contact: George Gorham PLUS: once a term, at 8 a.m. on a Sat, a Men s Breakfast with a guest speaker. Hildenborough Friends Group for Hospice in the Weald would like to thank all those who helped at and came along to the Creative Christmas event on 2nd December which resulted in 1, being sent to the Hospice. Start 2018 on the RIGHT foot!!! Join us for a NEW YEAR S DAY walk 4 ½ miles around Sevenoaks Weald. MEET Weald Village green a.m. or a.m. St. John s Church Hildenborough Car Park to share transport. Soup/Bread & Cheese lunch to follow if required. EVERY ONE WELCOME. Further info from Bill Richardson Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra After-dinner Classics Concert on Wednesday 31st January at 8.30 p.m. in the STAG. Music by Mozart, Beethoven, and more, plus the fabulous Adagio by Albinoni and a complimentary glass of wine! hold an Eggy Morning with Pancakes instead. Put a note in your new diary to make sure you come that morning, and all will be revealed next month. However, there will still be the usual free pancakes to have with your coffee, so no change there. We are very happy to report that Mrs Lesley Kitchener was the lucky winner of the TLC monthly draw for November not the first time either so just remember, you have to be in it to win it. Lastly, as ever, time for a little reminder of high viz waistcoats. Would you believe there are still people walking up and down our unlit lanes without a reflective jacket? So hard for motorists to see them even in the day time when coats and hedges merge in the gloom or when low winter sun hits the windscreen. So, see and be seen PLEASE. High Viz waistcoats always available at the Farmers Market only 2.50 a steal. Hildenborough Farmers Market is held EVERY Tuesday am at St. John s Church Centre. Contact: Janet Richardson, Manager jrichardson46@talktalk.net. Find us on or on Facebook or Twitter. A Farmers Market Recipe for January To redress the balance of the excesses of the past month a simple Fish Pie. Mikey has all the fish you need and you can vary the fish according to your taste. If you ve never tried this before, do give it a go. Very simple and much quicker than it sounds. 400g skinless white fish fillet 400g skinless smoked haddock fillet 600ml full fat milk 1 small onion quartered 4 cloves (optional) 2 bay leaves 4 eggs small bunch parsley leaves only 100g butter 50g plain flour Pinch grated nutmeg 1Kg floury potatoes peeled and cut into 50g cheddar, grated pieces Poach the fish. Put the fish in the frying pan and pour over 500ml of the milk. Stud each onion quarter with a clove, then add to the milk, with the bay leaves. Bring the milk just to the boil you will see a few small bubbles. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 mins. Lift the fish onto a plate and strain the milk into a jug to cool. Flake the fish into large pieces in the baking dish. Hard-boil the eggs. As they come to the boil, turn the heat to simmer. Set the timer for 8 mins, cook, then drain and cool in a bowl of cold water. Peel, slice into quarters and arrange on top of the fish, then scatter over the chopped parsley. Make the sauce. Melt half the butter in a pan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 min over moderate heat. Take off the heat, pour in a little of the cold poaching milk, then stir until blended. Continue to add the milk gradually, mixing well until you have a smooth sauce. Return to the heat, bring to the boil and cook for 5 mins, stirring continually, until it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, then pour over the fish. Assemble and bake. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Boil the potatoes for 20 mins. Drain, season and mash with the remaining butter and milk. Use to top the pie, starting at the edge of the dish and working your way in push the mash right to the edges to seal. Fluff the top with a fork, sprinkle with cheese, then bake for 30 mins. Make up to a day ahead, chill, then bake for 40 mins. This serves 4 and only has 40g of fat per serving (unless, like me, you add cream to the mash! 41

5 Happy New Year everyone and would you believe it looking forward to celebrating our 10 th Anniversary in June. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and aren t already regretting that some of those goodies proved much too tempting. So it s back to proper eating, and better quality food and where else would you go but to our Tuesday Market. Please make 2018 the year you really look at your prices, especially things like meat and fish. Compare the price per kilo, not just look at the pack price, and I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. However many times we say this, it seems most people are convinced that a farmers market is an expensive place to shop, just come and give us a try, then go home and do your supermarket comparisons on the net. You ll also be impressed at the range. The next few months are for casseroles and warming foods ideal for a bit of batch cooking. Instead of making enough for one meal, make three at a time and freeze them ready for a quick meal on another occasion. I find plastic takeaway type boxes brilliant for this as they hold enough for two meat portions, stack well in the freezer and are reuseable. As well as stews, what about the butternut squash and lentil bake with cauliflower, potato and cheese mash we gave you a while ago that freezes very well and is a good veggie option. (Let us know if you need the recipe.) For a more special occasion don t forget the beef with red wine and chocolate we gave you in October and which also freezes well. So what was going on in the Market in December? You missed a great treat if you didn t hear any of the choirs from our three village Schools Fosse Bank, Hildenborough and Stocks Green. They each performed in the weeks running up to Christmas when they seem to go from strength to strength, and all power to their music teachers who are brilliant at getting such wonderful music from such little people. Their energy and enthusiasm never fails to amaze us. They all sing with such exuberance and are a great delight. Thank you all. We have also been happy to welcome years 5 & 6 from Hildenborough School during November and December who have been working on a project in support of Help for Heroes. They have designed, produced and packaged their own Christmas cards and have very enthusiastically run a stall to sell them, all in aid of this great cause. Well done all of you, what a fantastic idea. We look forward to knowing your final total. The last Market before Christmas is always special presents have been bought, menus settled, visits arranged so our customers can just shop or buy those last minute gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere with free mulled wine and mince pies and take time over their coffee before the final run up to the Big Day. And of course, Christmas wouldn t be Christmas without Father Christmas himself would it? As usual he turned up just in the nick of time to meet all the children who came to help with the shopping. They all greet him differently Ooo er! ; I don t like him ; some with big smiles; some peeping out from behind Mum but they usually come round in the end. We just know that Father Christmas is glad to be in the warm that morning rather than in the car park!! And what s coming next? This year Shrove Tuesday on 13 th February co-incides with half term, so we have decided to take a break from our usual Pancake Day Races and 40 WHO S WHO IN THE CHURCH CLERGY: Vicar: Revd. Tim Saiet Tel: or Mobile: Associate vicar: Revd. Simon Braid ( ) Revd. Elizabeth Toy ( ) CHILDREN S CO-ORDINATOR Marcus Hockley ( ) READER: CHURCH WEBSITE: Sue Trowbridge ( ) WARDENS: Peter Thomas ( ), Chris Mileham ( ) ARCHIVIST: Terry Barton ( ) PCC SECRETARY: Amanda Willmont ( ) (NB Parish Council tel. is on p 42) TREASURER: David Wood ( ) KEYS Magazine Editor: David Haugh ( ) Deputy Editors: Claire Rawlinson ( ) keysmag@hotmail.com Caroline Candler ( ) Distribution: Stewart Tapsell ( ) Advertising: Pieter Kooiman ( ) CHURCH CENTRE BOOKINGS: Cynthia Fawcus ( ) cafawcus@hotmail.com PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Sal Hamlyn, Church Office, St John's Church Centre, Foxbush, TN11 9HT, ( ) stjohnshboro@btinternet.com (Term time - Mon , Tues 10-1, Thurs 10-1) (School Holidays - Mon 10-12, Tues 9-11, Thurs 10-12) YOUTH WORK: See organisations list on page 42 January Services Sunday 7 January 9.30 a.m. Kidz Service a.m. Holy Communion ST JOHN S CHURCH Sunday 14 January 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion BCP Sunday 21 January Sunday 28 January a.m. Morning Worship 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion BCP a.m. Holy Communion 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion BCP a.m. Morning Worship Keys is printed by Imprint Colour, Aldershot, Hants, GU12 4QP 5

6 Afternoon: We gathered for our December meeting and started with a Soup and Pudding lunch; unfortunately the cooker hob was out of order but with a bit of ingenuity with the microwave the committee managed to serve up a delicious soup made by a member and a lovely cheesecake for pudding, so it was all enjoyed in the end. We had a quiz ready to try after the business, but time ran away with us, so after tea and shortbread Evening: Our Christmas meeting was a delightful and informative talk on the work of ENSA, the organisation set up during World War 2 to entertain and keep up the morale of the armed forces and the general public. Travelling the country, groups of artistes gave performances in all sorts of locations including, of course, the London Underground. They are probably best remembered for entertaining the troops overseas, although they never knew where they were being sent until they arrived so had to travel with (food again, isn't that what WI is well known for?) we drew the raffle prizes and all made our way home. Most of our members are partaking of a Christmas lunch at the White Rock pub later in December. No meeting in January but we look forward to our February Meeting on the 7th when Mrs Julia Rhodes will be our speaker. All visitors will be welcomed. We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. clothes for every climate. The work continues to this day under a different name, the CSE (Combined Services Entertainment), celebrities still travelling to conflict zones to visit and entertain our serving soldiers, sailors and airmen. In January our meeting on Tuesday 9 th will be our New Year Party with games and quizzes to keep the little grey cells tuned up. Visitors are always welcome; 7.30pm in the Family Room at St. John s Church Centre. Money Worries What will be your New Year s resolution this year? Stop smoking, stop eating chocolates, get more exercise? How about resolve get your get your finances in order, sort out your money. Of the clients who see us at WKDA (now called Crosslight), two thirds have more than four debts. For most they have used their credit card to the full, then had an emergency. This may be an accident or an illness - it may be that they lose their job. For these clients, their income has changed suddenly and what was just manging with cards paid off at the end of most months turns to not quite manging. If this happens to you and you have only been making minimum payments then you are on a slippery slope. If you are living dangerously juggling minimum payments on lots of debts you are not prepared for life s little wobblies. The Credit Card companies thrive on your debts. The more debt you have the more you pay them. Have you noticed that when you are near your credit limit, how eager they are to offer you the chance to get into more debt? We have upped your credit limit should read we are about to take more money from you. The credit card is wrongly named - it should be called a borrowing card or even a debt card, then perhaps it would remind you that you still have to pay the bill. Rob Parsons in his book The Money Secret has a whole chapter on the proper use of Credit Cards; he calls the chapter A House of Cards. In his book he shares the secret of managing money and the amount of stress this removes. 6 Mummy and me drop in ballet classes for toddlers aged 18 months & over in Hildenborough Village Hall. Come & join us! See our website for class times & prices: or call Hildenborough s new addition for selling or letting your home Call our friendly, experienced team on or pop in to our office in the Village next to café Offices in Hildenborough & Tonbridge, Associated Park Lane, London office, Members of the Guild of Property Professionals

7 FREE LOCAL CALL OUT OPENING TIMES Tuesday 9am-4pm and 7.30pm-8.30pm Thursday 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-4pm COMPETITIVE PRICES Alistair Colenutt Repairs to Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Dishwashers, Electric Cookers, Fridges and Freezers Evening and Weekend Calls Welcome Mobile Landline RJL Computing Solutions For all your computing needs For Private Homes and Businesses No Fix, No Fee No Callout Charge Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm Tonbridge Based HUGE RANGE OF DISCOUNTED NEW TOYS AND GARDEN PLAY EQUIPMENT QUALITY USED TOYS AND BIKES BOUGHT AND SOLD IMMEDIATE CASH FOR YOUR TOYS Meopham Bank Farm Leigh Road Hildenborough Kent TN11 9AQ PAVILION FLOWERS Tonbridge (opposite Sainsbury s) cut flowers, plants, sundries we can also take special orders for any occasion Telephone Rob on Moving On The year has gone so quickly, the days and months have flown And yet it seems a lifetime since you left me on my own. I miss not having someone here to share the things I do, It s very different being one and not one half of two. But now that I am by myself and facing empty years, I find that time, however long, is filled with hopes, not fears. No longer am I lover, nurse, companion, cook or wife, So now it s up to me to make the best of my new life. The chance to be Miss Universe has sadly passed me by, But who can say what glory days ahead of me may lie? My youth is far behind me; I m no spring chicken, it is true, My body may be sixty-one, but in my head I m twenty-two. My greying hair no longer shines like rays of rising sun; If there are wrinkles on my face, I ve earned them, every one. The passing years will take their toll, in this there s no disgrace; When I look in the mirror now I see my mother s face. My knees and hips are stiff, and I have trouble now with stairs, I ve bingo wings, my bosoms sag, my chin is sprouting hairs, I ve given up the battle to contain my growing girth, But I know there s still time to make my mark upon this earth. I ll never travel to the moon or win Olympic gold, But there is plenty still to do before I get too old. I ll act and sing and learn to paint, and write a book or two! I ll die regretting what I did, not what I didn t do. I ve left too many things to gather dust upon the shelf, And now I ve none to answer to, I m free to please myself. Life s too short to put off things until another day, So look out world, for here I come at last I m on my way. This was the winning entry in the West Kent Federation of WI s Emmie Shipman award for creative writing. It was written by Hilary Ayshford of Horsmonden Twilight WI. The theme was Embracing Change. 38 7

8 Hildenborough Farmers Market Application for occasional licence Notice is hereby given that: Mrs Janet Richardson of Riding Lane, Hildenborough, has applied to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for a Licence for stallholder(s) to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises for Hildenborough Farmers Market at St. John s Church Centre, situated at Foxbush, Hildenborough, Kent. Any person wishing to submit representations about the proposals should make them in writing to: Licensing Services, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4LZ giving in detail the grounds for objection by 5th February It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is 5,000. M Yeoman Plumbing Above All Bathrooms Bathroom Installations Emergencies Repairs info@aboveallbathrooms.co.uk Hildenborough Butchers MARKET GARDENS, RIDING LANE, TN11 9LH, OPENING TIMES. TUES WED - FRI SAT Or meet us at Hildenborough farmers market. Specialising in home grown and locally produced meat FRESH CUT MEAT ALL WEEK. Kent Wildlife Trust, West Kent Local Group Illustrated talk by Dr. Nikki Gammans, Bumble bee expert "Gardening for Insect Pollinators" Monday, 15th January 2018 Hildenborough Church Hall Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm Entry by donations includes refreshments SPECIALIST IN COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC FLOORINGS, WINDOW BLINDS & CARPET CLEANING SERVICE Hildenborough Library Happy New Year to you all. Here at Hildenborough Library we would dearly love to start up a Baby Bounce & Rhyme Session. If you would be interested in helping us organise this event, we would love to hear from you. Ideally this would take place on a morning and the session would last approximately minutes. If you are interested please feel free to stop by and ask any questions or alternatively you can directly apply online via Thank you for all your support over the last year and hope to see you all in An excellent New Year s Resolution for everybody Here is something very easy, and very good, for you to do this year: simply eat more slowly. It could save your life. Recent research in Japan has found that diners who gobble their food quickly are five times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, the name for a cluster of dangerous health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Those of us who eat quickly are also more than three times more likely to gain weight. Scientists believe that eating quickly prevents the brain from noticing when the body has taken in too many calories. Unused calories are then stored as fat, which places pressure on the heart. Eating fast also appears to cause spikes of blood sugar, which can stop insulin from working effectively. Metabolic syndrome affects one in four adults in Britain. The Pharmacy 50 years Service to Hildenborough Village NHS + Private prescriptions dispensed Home deliveries by arrangement Open Mon-Fri , Sat Smoking cessation support available from trained assistants. Equine and other veterinary products supplied. Thompsons Pharmacy, 1a Riding Lane. Tel: This space is available to give your business the exposure in Hildenborough it needs and deserves. Call Pieter on to arrange it. 8 37

9 D. Sands Services Plumbing and Heating Free estimates and design Discounted rates for Hildenborough residents Mob: Tel: Reg. No Orchestral Concert 17 February pm Tonbridge School Chapel Barber: Adagio for Strings Copland: 'Fanfare for the common man' Shostakovich: Symphony No 7 IAN HOLLOBON HEATING & PLUMBING All Domestic Plumbing Full Heating Design & Installation Landlord certificates & safety inspections Unvented Cylinders and Accumulators Tel: hollobon@virginmedia.com TRAVIS PLUMBING Plumbing & Bathroom Design & Build Flooring and General Maintenance 36 No job too small WRC Accredited Call Simon on: or mobile: Tickets 16, 15 concessions, students 8, and season tickets at HILDENBOROUGH SPEEDWATCH AND ROAD SAFETY NEWS Six local people were trained to be Speedwatch volunteers by Kent Police in December. This means that they will now be able to record speeders in 20mph, 30mph and 40mph areas of the village. Kent Police will need to approve the sites that have been put forward. One bicycle user in Hildenborough met one of the volunteers and said that he was mowed down by a speeding motorist at Watts Cross last year, a notorious crash hotspot in the early afternoon. The driver did not give him adequate space between the bicycle and his car. Unfortunately, this incident was a hit and run. If you have any information on the registration number, etc. please contact Kent Police. It is really important that drivers look out for vulnerable people using the roads in the village. Despite this, according to the latest Kent Police crash map statistics for 2017, serious injuries reported on the B245 have reduced since the speed limit was lowered to 30mph from 40. This is very welcome news and we will keep an eye on it. In addition we noticed that at Morley s Roundabout, reported injuries had also fallen in 2017, after we campaigned for better safety there. Kent Highways had made various safety alterations. Our MP Tom Tugendhat has also helped try to make the roundabout safer. There are still crashes at the bend on the A21 and some by the junctions and slip roads but there clearly has been some improvement. Finally, we would like to thank Alan of Kent Police for the training and to those volunteers who are helping to make Hildenborough a safer place to live in. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jonathan on jonathan.ashton.fundraising@gmail.com. 9

10 A story of physical transformation! Early in 2017 after a season marked by too much chocolate and Christmas cake and with my weight approaching 17st I decided something had to change. I dropped dairy products from my diet and joined my wife Margaret at Beginners to Runners in Tonbridge. I was very unfit but joined a group of people of all ages, and sizes who were determined to run 5kms in 10 weeks of gentle and progressive preparation at Longmead Stadium. With excellent, supportive coaching I really enjoyed my beginners group and managed to run 5km at the end of March, which was a great feeling of achievement. However I didn t stop and with the incredible sense of affirmation, support and encouragement from B2R managers, coaches and members I have continued to be at Longmead most Monday and Thursday evenings enjoying the opportunity to run with others who have graduated from the beginners group. As the end of my first year nears I am amazed to report that I am still really enjoying my running - I completed the Hildenborough 5 miles in May (hopefully 10 miles in 2018) and the Canterbury Half Marathon in August (Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon in February 2018 and Beachy Head Marathon in October 2018 both already booked) and I can report that I weigh 4st less than I did at the start of the year. The photo is when I was awarded most improved runner in 2017 by the club. Whatever your level of fitness I can highly recommend B2R as a way of you getting fitter - see their website for more information - the next beginners group starts in Tonbridge on the 8th or 11th January 2018 at 7.30pm. Andy Wooding Jones water works windows Domestic & Commercial We Purchase Single Items and Complete House Contents Collectables, Antiques & Bric-a-Brac Bought & Sold Fergus Environment Agency Licensed Waste carriers local window cleaner Tel: Mob: Barden Road, Tonbridge Early warning notice of a new LAMPS production of Singing in the Rain Tuesday 3rd Saturday 7th April E.M.Forster Theatre Special early bird booking price - 11 on all tickets. E M Forster Box Office Telephone: or book on line at Book early for the best seats and to avoid disappointment. If you want to know more about Lamps, look us up on our website 10 WINDOW CLEANER Local, trustworthy and very reliable window cleaner, established for 17 years. GILLICKS CLEANING SERVICES CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY HARD FLOORS Tel: or Meadway, Hildenborough gillickcleaningservices@btinternet.com Please phone Gary on Or mobile

11 Live-In Home Care We are an independent, family run agency with many years experience. We provide clients with one to one live-in care in their own home. Tunbridge Wells Local Chimney Sweep * Traditional Brush & HEPA Vacuum * Smoke Testing & Insurance Certificate Included * Fully Insured * ICS Registered * Installation Advice Given Call: E. Coleman on S. L. HAZELL Ltd. DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL Mark Hazell ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR - Part P Registered Mr Shaun Simmons For all your electrical requirements large or small: Consult your local established experts without obligation Your satisfaction is our business 61 Mount Pleasant Road Weald, Sevenoaks TN14 6QB Mob: Tel: Foxbush, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 9HT Tel: Mobile: markthespark@slhazell.com WELD DONE Welding, Metalwork and Ornamental Ironwork For quotations and advice contact Neil Davies on: Tel: / neilwelddone@hotmail.com April Cottage, The Lane, Fordcombe, Kent, TN3 0RP 34 High Hilden Residential Home for the Elderly Established 1946 Tel: * Outstanding value, 24 hour personal care * Fine Edwardian house in beautiful grounds * 38 single bedrooms, some en suite * Warm, friendly atmosphere * Freshly prepared, nutritious meals * Extensive activities programme * Pre-bookable respite care available High Hilden Close, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3DB Registered Charity Number: The Night Sky in Hildenborough January 2018 At 9pm to 10pm around the middle of the month, the bright star that is just a handful of degrees from the zenith (overhead point) is Capella in the constellation of Auriga, the mythological charioteer. Capella is the sixth brightest star in the night sky and is one that never sets from this part of the UK, though it gets close to the northern horizon in late summer. The fact that it is always above our local horizon means that it is classed as circumpolar. The Great Bear, Ursa Major, which contains the Plough, is a circumpolar constellation as are a number of others. If you are looking south, then below Auriga lies the brilliant Orion which is now at its best as it lies due south at 10pm. Extend an imaginary line through the three stars of his belt and upwards to pass close to the bright orange star, Aldebaran in Taurus. A line drawn through the belt stars and downwards toward the horizon will bring you to Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Sirius only appears this bright because it is a near neighbour of ours at a distance of just eight light years. Rigel, the bright star in the bottom right hand corner of Orion, is of comparable brightness to Capella but lies more than a hundred times more distant than Sirius, at 860 light years. A light year, in round numbers, is 9.5 trillion kilometres. Women in Astronomy Vera Rubin (Part 3) Having graduated from Vassar in 1948 as the only astronomer in her year, Vera naturally sought to progress and take her PhD, opting for Princetown University in New Jersey as her first choice. Sadly, this was not to be, because they did not admit women into physics and astronomy programs, something that remained the case until 1971 for physics and 1975 for astronomy. Instead she went to Cornell University where she met and married her husband, Robert Rubin, who was a graduate student in chemistry. It was there that she studied physics under such great scientists as Richard Fenyman and Hans Bethe. She completed her Masters in 1951, though not without a certain amount of controversy because she chose as her thesis the rotation of the universe a theory that was denounced at the time and later proven to be incorrect. Following her Masters Vera left science to raise a family of four children, three boys and a girl, although she never lost contact with developments in astronomy. It was obviously clear to her husband that her interests still lay there because it was he who encouraged her to study for a PhD. The story is that Vera s parents looked after the children whilst Robert drove her to classes at Georgetown University in the evening and sat outside eating a sandwich while she attended lectures. Her doctoral thesis was about how galaxies are not uniformly spread, but clump together in groups and was carried out under the auspices of the famous Russian physicist, George Gamow. As we ll see Vera returned to the behaviour of galaxies a number of times in her career and ultimately it would be her work on them that elevated her into the top tier of the world s astronomers. To be continued... Brian Mills FRAS 11

12 Squadron Leader Brian Goodale D.F.C. and bar and the 75th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, 17th May 1943 On the night of May 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson led 617 Squadron of the RAF on an audacious bombing raid to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley, the industrial heartland of Germany. The mission was codenamed Operation 'Chastise'. The dams were fiercely protected. Torpedo nets in the water stopped underwater attacks and anti-aircraft guns defended them against enemy bombers. In 1942 Barnes Wallis began working on plans for a bomb that could skip across water. He developed the idea by experimenting with bouncing marbles across a water tub in his back garden. Wallis thought the new weapon could be used to attack moored battleships, but research soon focused on using it against the dams that were vital to German industry. The main targets were the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams. The Admiralty and the RAF carried out extensive tests at sites around the country. These revealed that the drum-shaped bomb (codenamed 'Upkeep') needed to be dropped from a height of 60 feet (18m) at a ground speed of 232mph. The bomb would spin backwards across the surface of the water before reaching the dam. Its residual spin would then drive the bomb down the wall of the dam before exploding at its base. All that was needed now was men to fly specially modified Lancaster bombers which would carry the 'Upkeep'. In late March 1943, a new squadron was formed to carry out the raid on the dams. Initially codenamed Squadron X, 617 Squadron was led by 24-year old Wing Commander Guy Gibson and was made up of aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. With one month to go before the raid, and with only Gibson knowing the full details of the operation, the squadron began intensive training in low -level night flying and navigation. From 9.28 pm on 16 May, 133 aircrew in 19 Lancasters took off in three waves to bomb the dams. Brian Goodale was wireless operator in the bomber piloted by Australian FlightLieutenant Dave Shannon. Gibson was flying in the first wave and his aircraft was first to attack the Möhne at 12.28am, but five aircraft had to drop their bombs before it was breached. The remaining aircraft still to drop their bombs then attacked the Eder, which finally collapsed at 1.52am. Meanwhile, aircraft from the two other waves bombed the Sorpe but it remained intact. Of the 133 aircrew that took part, 53 men were killed and three became prisoners of war. Brian Goodale together with Dave Shannon and all his crew survived. Although the impact on industrial production was limited, the raid gave a significant morale boost to the people of Britain. The surviving aircrew of 617 Squadron were lauded as heroes, and Guy Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the raid. The raid also established 12 GORDON PATERSON PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Celebrating 40 years in business Glass replacement inc. broken/misted DG units Maintenance of PVC windows, doors, locks, handles. General property maintenance, painting & decorating. Kitchen refurbishments, DIY SOS including flat pack assembly. Contact Gordon Paterson for quotations on: or gordonpaterson21@gmail.com GLASS EXCHANGE Double Glazing Repairs Having problems with condensation between your double glazed units? We replace just the glass - not the frames We specialize in all types of repairs Door Locks, Door Handles, Letter Boxes Window Hinges, Cat Flaps, Window Keys, Double Glazing, Patio Rollers Free Quotations Tel: London Road, West Malling, ME19 5AE D.R.WARD BUILDERS Your local builder Est. since 1965 Roof work - Guttering - Chimneys Brickwork - Pointing - Extensions Plastering - Carpentry - Painting Tel: drwardbuilders@hotmail.co.uk HALES CONSTRUCTION LTD Local reliable building company Extensions, refurbishments, new builds, garage conversions, kitchens, bathrooms, fascias/soffits & gutters, roofing & glazing FREE ESTIMATES Tel Dan Hales halesconstructionltd@hotmail.com 33

13 C & K Services Painting and Decorating For new builds and extensions we can also offer a full paint spraying service that gives an excellent finish on ceilings and walls or just a mist coat application General Household Maintenance For a Free Estimate call Colin Harris on or P.W.STURMER ROOFING TILING SLATING MOSS CLEARING FASCIAS SOFFITS GUTTERING STABLES GARAGE ROOFS AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL ROOFING Phone PAUL on: or mobile: BUILD AND LANDSCAPE Driveways/Patios Block and Stone Full Landscape and Design Fencing - Panel and Close Board Complete Property Maintenance Free Estimates & Free Advice Tel: For a more professional finish In business in Hildenborough since 1880 McDonnell Plastering & Decorating Ltd Skimming over artex All interior and exterior decorating General property maintenance W ealden surveys & conservation David Vanns - director BSc, Dip Bldg Cons (RICS), P.G.Dip E: surveys@wealdensc.co.uk 4 Fairfield Way, Hildenborough, TN11 9ET Re-skims Coving New Ceilings Contact us for a free estimate on: or patmcdonnell@blueyonder.co.uk 617 Squadron as a specialist precision bombing unit, experimenting with new bomb sights, target marking techniques and colossal new 'earthquake' bombs developed by Barnes Wallis. Brian Goodale was born in Hildenborough, Kent on 12 June 1919 and lived here until he joined the RAF at the outbreak of war. After training as an observer, he became a wireless operator/air gunner and served a full tour of 28 operations in the Whitleys of 51 Squadron, starting in September During this time, he received the DFC and was commissioned. Then, after a period instructing, he was summoned to Scampton to join 617 Squadron as a member of Dave Shannon s crew. Brian became the squadron s Signals Leader in September 1943 and carried on flying on operations with Shannon for another nine months until he was posted out to another training centre. He was awarded a bar to his DFC. He stayed in the RAF after the war and retired as a Squadron Leader in He then had a career in business, including five years working for Short Brothers in Northern Ireland. He died in 1977 in Bury St Edmunds, and is buried at All Saints Church, Hawstead, Suffolk. On 17 th May 2018 the 75 th anniversary of this raid takes place and with the kind permission of the owners, Hildenborough History Society will be commemorating this event by placing a blue plaque on the house in which he lived. There will be a short ceremony of dedication and it is hoped that either Brian s wife (94) or his son Simon will carry out the unveiling. Although there is limited room at the location it is hoped that as many residents as possible will attend. We are immensely proud to have had such an heroic individual come from our village and it is important that we remember him and those other airman who gave the country hope in those dark days of If you would like to be associated with this memorial and make a contribution towards the costs of this plaque, the Society would be very grateful. The staff at Thompson s Chemist, 1A Riding Lane, Hildenborough TN11 9HX have kindly agreed to receive donations. Alternatively, they can be sent to Mr. H. Dolling, Hon. Treasurer, Hildenborough History Society, 1 Derby Close, Hildenborough TN11 9JU. Please make any cheques payable to HILDENBOROUGH HISTORY SOCIETY and mark your envelope Dambusters Appeal. Name: Address: Post Code: I enclose a cheque/cash* for... *Please delete as applicable Please tick box if you would like a receipt: Thank you very much for your support. The historic data relating to the history of the raid is reproduced by the kind permission of Amanda Mason IWM ( 13

14 Tree Fellas Tree Surgery Reshaping Pollarding Stump Removal Hedge Cutting Chris and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents and businesses in Hildenborough a Very Happy and Peaceful New Year. If you require help please contact either of us for any TMBC matter. Outdoor Leisure News During 2017 both Country Parks in the Borough maintained their Green Flag Awards. You might have noticed the new play equipment at Tonbridge Racecourse Sports-ground kindly supported by Tonbridge Lions. It is hoped that finance from Tesco Bags For Life scheme can be obtained for improvements at Haysden Country Park. The Council introduced a new Junior Park Run at Tonbridge Farm Sportsground. Parking News TMBC employ a full complement of 10 Civil Enforcement Officers who patrol the borough. This has helped increase the number of Parking Charge Notices issued, which in turn funds car-parks and street signage. 6,103 PCNs were issued between April and September. The Upper Castle Fields car park has seen improvements to the facility. Taxis are now permitted to use bus stops in the High Street after the last bus has left, hopefully this will help assist in users getting home safely. Leisure News Tonbridge Pool achieved Outstanding Quest Accreditation. 672 leisure passes were issued by TMBC to those on low incomes. TMBC Summer Play scheme operated by private suppliers saw 4,000 places booked across 10 sites. The Heritage Open Day Weekend saw hundreds of visitors enjoying sites throughout the Borough. Street Scene News During ,000 tonnes of residents waste was recycled and composted. Just 4% was sent to landfill. TMBC issued 104 Fixed Penalty Notices for littering, 69 for fly-tipping and other waste offences and 6 offenders were prosecuted for fly-tipping. 90% of FPNs were paid. 242 abandoned cars were reported, however, only 38 were removed. 83 communities involved themselves in clean up events. There were 16 Bag and Flag events to help tackle dog fouling. Medway Flood Action Plan The EA have now published a summary document Plan Together Deliver in Partnership. There now follows an enormous web link uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/663908/ EA.Medway_Flood_Action_Plan.Summary.SinglePages_AW.pdf If you would prefer we can you a copy. Questions to The Council Under the TMBC Constitution, members of the Public are permitted to ask questions at each full Council meeting. Please contact Administrative Services at TMBC for details. TMBC Website lists all meetings. All other Advisory Board and Committee meetings are held in Public and usually start at 19.30hrs at Kings Hill offices. Contact Us Just a reminder, if any resident wishes to contact Chris or myself, our details are found in the following section. We will, however, come and visit any resident who wishes privacy in their own home. Generally speaking, seems to be the preferred method of contact by residents; if you do please can you include your address. Fully qualified and insured Free estimates and advice ABBEY GARDEN DESIGN & BUILD Passionate about gardens for any and every aspect of your garden, please give us a call Garden design & hard landscaping Plant supply & planting Landscape & garden maintenance or Year-round garden management, regular maintenance or a one-off garden tidy/clearance. Complete landscaping projects, such as paths, patios, retaining walls, all types of fencing, turfing/seeding, hedge cutting and hedge laying. please phone Karl on or T R TREE CARE Adam s Gardens ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE UNDERTAKEN Mobile: Home: TomRichardson246@gmail.com Removals Reductions Hedge cutting Stump grinding Planting Let your garden be mine too Professional Gardener Studied at Hadlow (Distinction in Horticulture) FIND US ON FACEBOOK: T R TREE CARE CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM: T_R_TREE_CARE Cllr Mark Rhodes HEVER LANDSCAPES LTD. Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 31 General Maintenance Plant advice/supply One off tidy-ups Expert Pruning or Fully Insured 958

15 P J Richardson Carpenter / General Property Maintenance Tonbridge Joinery Windows Doors Bifold Doors Mouldings Supplied and fitted tonbridgejoinery.co.uk Radiator Cabinets Made to measure from Woodtec. Please ring for prices and information. Telephone/Fax: connolly142@btinternet.com Unit 9 Gaza Trading Estate, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 8PL Gaza Timber Gaza Trading Estate, Hildenborough Timber, Sheet Materials, Doors, Ironmongery, Decking, Fencing, Paint Mixer, Power Tools, Tools, Trade and DIY Welcome. Prompt delivery can be arranged Phone or Fax Experienced Qualified Arborists All Tree & Hedge Works Undertaken Emergency Call Out 5 Million Public Liability Insurance info@hazelwoodtrees.co.uk 30 Borough Councillors Chris Smith Knowsley Way, Hildenborough christopher.smith@tmbc.gov.uk Mark Rhodes Hawden Close, Hildenborough mark.rhodes@tmbc.gov.uk TMBC Kent County Councillor Harry Rayner harry.rayner@kent.gov.uk Contact the Parish Council via: clerk@hildenboroughpc.kent parishes.gov.uk or KCC Report Back Thank you to those of you who took the time to respond to KCC s budget consultation. Most people who took part supported the proposed rise in council tax of just under 4% (1.99% for all services plus a special levy of 2% ringfenced for social care). As explained in this consultation, we still need to make savings to cope with increased costs and rising demand for social care as more of our population reaches frail old age. Our Government grant is also decreasing and will be completely withdrawn by All discretionary expenditure is under scrutiny, including the 7.5m a year we pay to the bus companies for services which do not cover their costs. 97% of the bus services in Kent run without a direct subsidy, although they are indirectly supported through payments by KCC of 17m for travel on concessionary bus passes, as well as a 9m subsidy for travel passes for young people and 7m on home to school transport (these are annual figures). These payments will continue. There will be a specific consultation in early 2018 on the direct 5.7m subsidy for uneconomic bus services with a view to getting the bus companies to pick up more of these services themselves (they have been raising fares above inflation for the last five years) and looking at better ways of providing travel such as community run bus services and car/taxi sharing options. One of the ways we ve been making savings over the last few years is making more of our services available through our website. School admissions are now handled almost entirely this way, and we have over 3,000 web pages covering over 300 KCC services. Each month an average of 216,000 people contact the site and view 880,000 pages. There s been an increase in use of the website by 36% over the last 5 years and more people are using their mobile phones to view the website. Please use the website for reporting problems you see on the highways. There s an interactive map which makes it easy to pinpoint a problem such as a pothole and you ll be given a reference number which helps if you need to get me involved. Emergencies such as a tree blocking a road should be reported by phone to or if you think someone is in immediate danger, then call the emergency services on 999. This is the time of year when we face some of the coldest and wettest weather so please allow yourself more time for your journey, and for up to date information on Kent s roads look at Kent Highways 15

16 The Happy Old Men's Grumpy Table Group By a Happy Old Fellow For those who are unfamiliar with this Table, we meet on a Tuesday morning at the Hildenborough Farmers Market. This establishment is a long running meeting place and the group has been very informative and forward thinking. The Table was set up when I noticed that men of mature age looked left out of things when their wives were going ninety to the dozen talking to their friends. It only seemed right to bring all the men together to sit down and discuss topics of today's concerns. We talk of many things. Why is it that the council take 3 to 4 months constructing a new traffic crossing then put up a sign saying New Traffic Crossing. Heavens knows why they put the sign there; we know it's there, we've seen the crossing take shape for the last 3 to 4 months. Those who are new to the area think the crossing has been there since creation. Drop the signs! The fellows were all for the speed limit being dropped from 40 to 30 mph. The request was first made to the council in At last we have the sign. But, Why, O Why! do they place a small red sign half way up a lamp post and so insignificant you can hardy read it. Saying the speed limit has changed from what to what?. One of the fellows sits in his front room and watches motorbikes go along the road between 40 to 50 mph in the morning. At that speed they cannot read the sign. Still no action. The fellows on the table do not talk about Dagger s Dangerous Junction. That's forbidden! On to lighter things. The fellows on the table have some very interesting hobbies. One of the fellow's hobby is the Vikings and all that surround them. In the past he has made spears and articles of war and he is also a great archer. He has started on a project which will take a few years to complete. Yes, it's going to be a long boat with oars and a sail. We have been informed that the project is well on its way. He has presently managed to hide the long boat at the bottom of the garden from his wife with a large sheet of tarpaulin. The difficulty has come trying to explain to his wife why their bank account has decreased and the expense for a large amount of wood has taken its place. We shall wait and see. Another fellow has two addictions, not like a woman who can multitask and do two things at once. His first affliction is stick barometers of all shapes and sizes. So far he has collected 34 types, ranging from standard domestic barometers, ship military barometers, mining barometers, contra-barometers, ordnance survey barometers, Admiral Fitzroy's barometers, etc. The nicest thing is that most of them are on his staircase wall. As he walks up the stairs by looking at the barometers he can see the weather change, from ground floor to 16 Your Local Family Pub Everyone welcome including Children and Dogs. Serving Seasonal Food and Local Ales Opening Times: Wednesday to Friday 12-11pm, Saturday 12-3pm and 6-11pm, Sunday 12-9pm, food served until 7pm For weddings and events our barn is available any day of the week. Follow us on Facebook and plough at Leigh for up to date information and photos info@theploughatleigh.com or phone Hazel & Mick on AT THE WHITE ROCK INN UNDERRIVER ( FREE HOUSE ) A traditional, family run Pub & Restaurant, just 2 miles outside of Hildenborough towards Sevenoaks. We have a large & varied selection of local real ales, and our Chefs offer a wide selection of food ranging from home cooked traditional pub food to our popular A La Carte Restaurant. Booking is advised. Also, why not try our new Poundstretcher Menu, available Monday to Thursday am/pm and Friday a.m. in bar areas. The pub games of Petanque and Bat & Trap can be played in our large garden. Christenings, Weddings, Birthdays & any other social functions are regularly catered for. Frank, Maria and Staff look forward to welcoming you at The White Rock Inn. Tel: The Half Moon Sky Sports BT Sports Sunday Roasts now available from 12-4pm Why not pop in and see our newly refurbished bar and conservatory! Check our Facebook page for live entertainment details or call: Vince , Kim vince@comptonpubcompany.com 144 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, TN11 9HJ, Indian Bar & Restaurant Alongside Hildenborough Station Reservations & Take-away: TheCinnamonSquare.com 29

17 T A X I Carriage Private Hire PRIVATELY OWNED Punctual Pre-booked Service Estate and Six-Seater Vehicles Airport and Seaport Transfers Hospital Travel Waiting Service Long Distance Trips Contact: carriageph@gmail.com Carriage Private Hire THE BRILLIANT CAR CLEANING CO. LTD. Keith Walters C R S Travel Services Airports / Theatre / Weddings Any Occasion Social or Business 4 & 8 Seaters Tel: crs.travel@btinternet.com Tonbridge the first floor. He is under pressure by the fellows to exhibit them. His other addiction is slightly insane, digging up buried air raid shelters around Hildenborough. From his last dig he recovered 1000 rounds of ammunition and 20 milk bottles. The dig he is presently on is going deep. So far he has dug down one set of concrete stairs, about 8 feet - another 8 feet to go to find the main entrance. Next year he might get there, but he has still a few more air raid shelters to find. Our fellow celebrity on the table has appeared on TV in Sharpe and Pride and Prejudice ; he has been a re-enactor for the last 34 years. His tailoring skills are quite surprising. He makes his own outfits from Trafalgar/Waterloo to World War 2. His latest project is to make a complete 1900s cycling outfit in heavy tweed. This is so he can join the Bexhill Cycling Club. I hope that he does as good a job of sewing the tweed together as he has on his other outfits. His sewing and needle work is one of the best I've seen on my travels in the sweat shops in the East End of London. He obtained a vintage bicycle some years ago whilst on a venture holiday visiting skips in Lewisham, London. As you can see we have fellows with many hobbies, but we do look forward when a fellow of the religious following comes and sits down and recites one of his many poems and limericks. His favourites are Flanders and Swann songs which he had learned in his spare time at university. We fellows always look forward to the schools Christmas carol singing from the four primary schools in Hildenborough. As some of the children sit and watch Celebrity Come Dancing, we the fellows will be similarly judging the singing. Each of us will have cards from 1 to 10 to give points on their singing. Their scores will be added up and the school will win a prize. The prize has not been decided yet. Some of the children have made suggestions; all of them have been impractical. Finally, due to EU regulations there are some ladies who are honorary visiting members. A few days ago I was coming out of the BP petrol station with my 4 pints of milk and was asked by a driver with a family in the back of the car with 2 moaning kids Could I tell him where Gate House Nursery was? They were new to the area and wanted to find a place where they could place their kids for the day. I directed him in the direction of the nursery. Walking back home I thought Why are they taking the kids to a plant nursery? Empty chairs are available for any mature men wishing to join in our conversations. Diet If you make a New Year s resolution to eat a healthy diet, and you keep it, you won t actually live longer, but it will seem longer

18 Charlotte Sullivan Foot Care I hope everyone has had a good Christmas holiday and is now ready for another busy and, hopefully, exciting year ahead. We have already had our first taste of snow in the area; fortunately, not enough in Hildenborough to cause difficulties travelling or walking along the footways. There is advice on our noticeboards and website for those who use the grit/salt mix in the bins in Riding Lane, near to One Stop and in Brookmead. I write this just after the final Parish Council meeting in It has been a busy year for us and much has been achieved or is in the process of being achieved. Many residents, schools and other organisations helped with the Spring Clean, collecting numerous sacks of rubbish. The residents who took part also undertake litter clearance on a regular basis. Their work was recognised in an award received by a representative at a recent ceremony in the Castle, presented by the Mayor. The PC would like to thank all the residents who help in this way to make the Village a more attractive place to live. In partnership with Hildenborough Conservation Group, the PC worked with KCC on a flood alleviation scheme, just started in West Wood. The aim is to build up brash bunds which the Conservation Group have begun during their November coppicing sessions - later peak flow barriers will be inserted into the streams which cross the woodland, to slow down the run off after heavy rain. Other measures are being taken further upstream to help protect houses subject to flooding in the area. Another issue which is causing concern to a number of residents is the proposal by KCC to reduce the budget allocated for bus subsidies. Although the services to be affected are not yet known, threats hang over a number of subsidised routes passing through Hildenborough or those used by residents from Tonbridge or Sevenoaks. Some of the subsidised routes which could be affected are: 204 to Underriver, 210 to Leigh, 235 via Weald to Sevenoaks and the commuter bus, 200. KCC is to consult on this in 2018, starting on 17 January and finishing on 20 March. If you, or someone you know, will be affected, please do respond through the official channel (the consultation will be available on KCC website) and do please let the Parish Council know your views, so they can frame their response as a true reflection of residents views. At this time of year in particular, no one wants to be the victim of a house breakin or burglary so this could be a timely reminder to make sure you protect your property as best you can. Kent Police recommend that you: keep keys, cash and expensive items out of view use timer switches on lights and radios to make your home look occupied keep gates locked and boundaries secure lock away bikes, tools and garden items which could be stolen or used to break into your home Don t forget you can take similar steps to keep your car safe (remove expensive items, lock and alarm it, store keys safely out of sight). Other measures you could take are: security mark items such as bikes, mobiles and laptops; keep a note of serial numbers, receipts; photograph expensive or unique items; install a safe bolted to the ground or similar; register important items for free on the national Immobilise-data base. Be warned, recently burglars/house breakers have been active in Hildenborough. Talking about safety, speed was again discussed at the PC Meeting in December. The Speedwatch volunteers have now been trained and will begin moni- Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy Qualified with a level 5 BTech diploma Phone: Charlotte_massage@mail.com Clay Shooting Lessons for Beginners & Experienced Shots Pre-Stag/Hen parties - Corporate events - Mobile facilities. Located at Eridge Green (3m Tunbridge Wells) Vouchers for The Perfect Present, also Monthly Open Competition Shoot Fletching (3m Uckfield). Call for details: meadowheadshooting@hotmail.com WATERCOLOURS Painting Classes with Professional Artist Please contact Hazel Kelly Tel: Mobile: Alice Neale (nee Hannan) BSc (Hons) MChS Health & Care Professions Council registered Chiropodist / Podiatrist Tel: Local resident A caring and gentle approach to your feet Snippits Unisex hair salon Tonbridge Road Hildenborough TN11 9HP 18 27

19 The well-renowned and well-respected aesthetic skin clinic right on your doorstep. Regulated and accredited with Save Face. Wrinkle-relaxing injections, Dermal Fillers, Soprano ICE virtually pain-free hair removal (50% off facial hair removal prices for clients with PCOS), skin rejuvenation lasers, Obagi skincare systems, chemical peels. Nurse/Doctor injectors. Please check out our website or ring to book a free consultation. OSTEOPATH Ian Clutton BSc (Hons) Ost. At Integrated Health Ian uses manipulation, cranial and soft tissue techniques (massage). Not just backs... Arthritic Pain Sciatic Pain Sinus Problems Headache Acute Injury Nerve Compression Jaw Dysfunction Sports injuries Elbow / Knee Pain Achilles Pain Frozen Shoulder Constipati on Whiplash Tinnitus Disc Damage Rehabilitation Antenatal Babies London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AP 26 HELEN BOUCHER BSc(Hons), SRP, MCSP, AACP (15 years experience) State Registered Physiotherapist Specialising in the treatment of: Sports injuries. Back and neck pain Rehabilitation following joint replacements, surgery and fractures. Arthritic pain. The Hawthorns, Powder Mill Lane, Leigh, TN11 8QD (Parking available) Tel: Mob: Hilden Therapies Full Body Massage (ITEC Level 3) Back Neck and Shoulder Massage Hot Stones Pamper Parties Contact Emma: emma_keeleygrant@yahoo.com toring speed at specified points in the Village in the New Year. (They can always do with more volunteers, so please contact me if you can help contact details below.) The PC is also investigating more signage to remind drivers of the 30mph limit along the B245, and are seeking permission from KCC to have these erected at critical points. They are also looking into similar signage for Stocks Green Road. It is felt that the reduction in the speed limits both has been effective, but there continue to be a number of drivers who ignore the speed limit or just forget it is there. We have been chasing, frequently, the Belisha beacon failure near to Coldharbour Lane. This has not been working for many weeks and could lead to drivers not being aware of the crossing. Currently an engineer has been on site but failed to get the beacon alight. Members agreed to make a donation towards the erection of a plaque to commemorate Sqn.Ldr Brian Goodale DFC, who took part in the Dambusters Raid during World War II. This is in response to an appeal by Hildenborough Historical Society, which wants to erect a blue plaque (on the house where he lived) during the year of the 75 th anniversary of the raid. Work has begun on identifying suitable play equipment to extend West Wood play area and replace the roundabout in the Recreation Ground. Local children will be consulted on the final selection early next year. The toddler swings in the Recreation Ground have been removed, as they leech a black substance in wet weather. These will soon be replaced. Have you noticed the additional Rowan tree recently on the Village Green? This was planted on 5 December and the other Rowan tree was professionally secured, following gales which destroyed its original fixing. Fortunately the tree seems to have survived this battering. What a difference the LED lighting has made along Noble Tree Road and Rings Hill. Hopefully this will result in less frequent failures in that area, as well as providing a brighter, clear light. Confirmation has been received by the PC that the extension to the Leigh Flood Barrier and Hildenborough bund are going ahead and should be completed by This will give added protection to a number of houses in Hildenborough, but please be aware that currently there continues to be a risk of flooding following heavy rain. Make sure, if you are at risk, you have signed up for warnings/ alerts from the Environment Agency. One final plea responsible dog owners are using the dog waste bins throughout the village but it has been noticed that one (or maybe more than one) is bagging up the waste deposits from their dog(s) and then throwing the bags into the woodland in West Wood. If you know who this is, please let us know, as this practice may well endanger wildlife and is not at all pleasant for residents using the area. Don t forget we still have a few copies of the Parish Council s publication Hildenborough from A to Z at a cost of 9.50 and copies are available of our latest publication Tales from a Kent Village, Hildenborough, as seen through the Parish Archives at a cost of 10. These are available from me or at the Farmers Market. As always, you can contact me on (leave a message if I do not answer and I will get back to you as soon as possible), by clerk@hildenboroughpc.kentparishes.go v.uk or by letter to the usual address. Two PC members will be attending the Farmers Market on Tuesday, 9 January They will have copies of the publications, timetables and other information leaflets as well as noting any queries, problems or ideas for the Council to address. I wish everyone a happy and successful Pam Gow

20 Cromer Beachcomber Guest House We offer twin, double and family en-suite rooms for your stay in this lively, unspoilt seaside town. Look forward to a wonderful break in a peaceful guest house that is just a minutes' walk from the beach and near the town centre. Owner: Jill Boyle Phone: From the Editor This issue marks our first foray into the world of colour printing. It will make KEYS look more attractive, and these first issues are the steps towards having the whole magazine printed in colour. However, the downside is the additional cost over black and white, and it remains our intention to keep KEYS free at the point of issue to all. We do hope you enjoy the new look, and will expand the use of colour as soon as it is financially feasible. Don t forget to mention KEYS when you contact any of our supporting advertisers then they will know how you found them. Brookmead estate residents remain on watch for excessive rainfall and possible flooding. The Leigh Barrier improvements are funded and in the bureaucratic planning/approval process, but will not be fully delivered (with the bund on the Hawden Stream) until 2022/23. Make sure you have signed up for EA warnings and remember you can view the situation at the barrier online ( and leighbarrier.dyndns.info/). The long awaited TMBC Local Plan should come out for public display in February, and will identify the sites that are earmarked as potential development areas. Whilst some development in the village is expected, any increase in flood risk to existing tenants will not be appreciated. Advertisers Pages Automobile and transport Building/decorating/ architects B&B and guest houses Care homes Carpenters/joiners/timber Children and schools Electricians Finance and professional services Food/catering/market Gardening services Hair stylists Miscellaneous home services Medical and treatments Plumbing services Restaurants and pubs Teaching and activities Tree work and logs 23, 28 24, 32, 33, , 34, , 38, , 43, 44 24, 25, 37, 22, 30, 31 24, 27 22, 24, 25, 34, 35, 37, 38 26, 27 2, 36, 37, 28, 29 27, 38, 39, 22, 30, info@cromer-beachcomber.co.uk Local Country Cottage For two people Central heating Off Street Parking Wi-Fi available No Smoking or Pets Holiday or short term rental Telephone Lucinda Lewis Sarah s Paintbox Beautiful Hand Sewn Curtains and Blinds Competitively Priced Locally Based BA (HONS) TEXTILES TAILOR MADE CURTAINS & BLINDS Contact SHARON on or Mobile Shop at 1 Riding Lane, Hildenborough sarahspaintbox@btconnect.com Woodies is a passionate and creative catering company offering quality catering at competitive prices. Excellent service and customer satisfaction is our main goal. Our team are on hand to help you plan your event whether you need chefs, waitresses or the food just delivered we can provide to your requirements. For more information please visit our website, or contact Victoria on or by at woodiescatering@hotmail.com 25

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