Doddington Newsletter November 2004

Nov 2004 newsletter front cover

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Ecelesiastes 3.1

Have you ever stopped to think just how much of our lives is governed by time. Whenever we want to know what of day it is we only have to look at our clock or watch to know if it is breakfast time, or dinner time, or tea time, or if it is now time to watch our favourite TV programme.

When we were babies we had to be fed at a particular time, or we soon let the world know. At school we soon learnt to be in class in time, and if we misbehaved we may have found ourselves kept in after time. Then when we started work most of us had to clock - in at a particular time, and some of us may have found that we were paid by the hour, or the length of time we worked.

All this means that time organises how we spend our lives, but really it should be the other way round, we should learn to organise time so that it becomes our servant and not our master. At theological college when 1 was training for the Ministry we were given a lecture on how to organise our time only to find at the end that the lecturer hadn't left time for our questions

There is a story of a man who had worked hard all his life who was asked what he would do in retirement. "For the first month," He said, "I'll sit on the porch in my rocking chair" "And then what - " he was asked. "Then I'll start rocking - slowly," he answered.

Why do we find it so hard to organise our time - We often rush around from one thing to another. We show each other full diaries, shake our heads and wish we had more time, but secretly we enjoy the thought that the world can't get along without us. But this constant activity leaves us little time to look at who we are or where we're going. No time to think. A wise writer in the bible said that there's a time for everything under the sun - and that must include the time to release ourselves, let go and recharge our batteries.

"Be still and know that 1 am God the Psalmist advises. It means, relax and know, take time to ensure that our busyness does not crowd God out of our lives and push him to the edge. Take time out today, relax and give God the chance to make himself felt and remember that the time we have is his gift to us.

DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

A new reporting line that will allow residents to report anti - social behaviour has been
launched in Swale. The reporting line, which has been funded by Swale Borough Council,
will make reporting incidents simple and fast. The information reported will then be used to
target specific areas for this type of behaviour. The council in partnership with the Police, local residents and other local agencies is determined to combat anti - social behaviour in our streets. No one should live with it and with our combined commitments we can make a difference. When calling the reporting line, residents will be asked to provide as much information regarding the event that they can, including descriptions of the people committing the act, times and dates etc. Information will be treated in confidence and not given to anyone other than the partners of the Community Safety Partnership who include the Police and other agencies.

Members of the public are reminded that this is not a fast response line and that any serious incidents should be reported to the Police in the usual manner.

The line will be open from 9am - - 5pm Monday to Wednesday - 9am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday and 2pm to 9pm on Sundays (answer phone outside these hours.

For further information about the Community Safety Partnership contact Peter Tong, Environmental Response Manager on 01795 417295.

Co-option of new councillor .Two applications were received, following a secret ballot Mrs Amicia Oldfield was elected.

Cesspit Sunnyside -SBC has inspected cess pit. They propose to take off the top and fill it in when funds are available.

Discovery Club Shrub Planting It will be necessary to submit an application to SBC to vary the original planting scheme.
Swale Folly SBC granted permission for removal of T 1 tree and refused permission For T2 tree.
Paddock Kennels SBC granted permission for new kennel block.
Forge House SBC granted permission to extend neighbours dropped kerb.
2 Brewster Cottages - Change of use from agricultural to pony paddock and erection Councillor Prescott advised that permission has been granted.

Youth Issues ClIr Bayford presented outline proposals for a Development Opportunities for young people in the parish.

A Housekeepers Assistant/Laundry person is required to join the Country Care team to help keep our house and laundry clean. We also need a weekend cook - Saturday and Sunday or one or the other. Own transport essential due to location. Hours and salary to be arranged. Call Sally on 0 1795 886220..

Don't forget New Firework Regulations came into force at the beginning of August this year, which makes it an offence for the under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place, and there is a total prohibition for anyone possessing professional use only fireworks. Anyone caught breaching the regulations can be given an on the spot fine of £80. It is a] so now illegal to let off fireworks between 11 pm and 7am, the only exceptions being rig November 5 h , New Years Eve, Diwall (November 12th) or Chinese New Year (February 9th to 1112005). Police are advising that if people wish to hold their own firework event they should be responsible and observe the Firework Code. Anyone who can help the police in their investigations into the illegal sale of fireworks should contact them on (0 1795) 47705 5.

This years pantomime is an adaptation of a 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. We welcome back Alistair Clinton as writer/director of this family favourite. The pantomime will be on Saturday 11 th and Sunday 12th December with two performances each day, 2.00pm and 7.30pm. Tickets Adults £3.50 and children £1.50. To book tickets please contact 01795 886332.

CHARITY FUN QUIZ NIGHT - 12th NOVEMBER - BAPCHILD VILLAGE HALL In aid of the Mayoress of Swale Charities. On Friday 12th November at Bapchild Village Hall 7.30pm for 8.00pm. £5 per person to include cheese, pate and bread. Bring your own wine and glasses. Teams of 8 - bring your own team or join a team on the night. Please register your team with the Chairman of Mayoress Charity Committee, telephone 01795 476086.

Traditional Norway Spruce, netted for your convenience
And also small potted Norway or Blue Spruce.
Wreaths. crosses,, tree stands., pots,, natural decoration etc.

Parish Grants Scheme

Doddington Parish Council are inviting local groups/organisations/ clubs to initially express an
interest in applying for a community grant under the Parish Grants Scheme. .

The Parish Grant Scheme forms part of the Swale Borough Council Subsidiarity initative, which has a stated aim of devolving civic decision - making to the appropriately competent tier of local government closest to the individuals who make up the community. The operational scope of the scheme in 2004/5 is those works and projects that would have formerly fallen within SBC Community Grants and Highways Special Budget Items.

CRITERIA: Applicant groups should be able to demonstrate to the parish council that they
have made proper provision for financing their project.

Applicant groups should have a management committee, with terms of reference and
identifiable banking facilities.

APPLICATION: (initially the PC is inviting an expression of interest. - but for information please find listed below items that must accompany an application) Latest audited accounts.

Full details of what the grant is required for and how any shortfall will be funded.
Details of the clublorganisation for which the grant is being sought.
The estimated cost of the project, supported by quotations.
Copies of constitution or terms of reference.
Necessary additional supporting information.

NOTES:. Grants can range from 50% - 75% of the project costs.
Grants for projects may be considered for:
Sports facilities
Arts related projects involving the community
Community Safety work linked to crime reduction or road safety
'Green' informal recreation or conservation areas
Information and interpretation for residents and visitors
Improvement of indoor community facilities
Information technology for public use in community buildings
Childrens Play schemes
Preservation or improvement of historic, public amenties or features
(Applications should demonstrate they have considered the relevance of Local Agenda 21 issues to their proposed project)

Grants will not normally be approved for statutory organisation such as c ~,' Authorities or health services. Pre
school groups are also not normally eligible for grants.

Groups are invited to register their expression of interest in writing
by 30th November 2004

To Doddington Parish Council Clerk Mrs P Vousden
Little Lodge, Church Lane, Doddington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 OAZ

After a rather wet August, September gave us a gentle transition into autumn; daytime temperatures remained high in the first two weeks, with a maximum of 29.13C on the 4th but then declined in the second half of the month, never exceeding 20C after the 19th and only

reaching 13.18C on the 25th Minimum overnight figures varied considerably, 16.36C on the 7th 4.8C on the 25th on twelve nights the temperature fell below 1 QC.

Rainfall was low, just 32.3mm and 49% of the long - term mean for the month. 12.2mm fell on the 13th the remainder was in small amounts, though some showers were heavy but not prolonged; there were 16 dry days. 6 days had no sunshine at all, and a total of 108.11 sunshine hours was recorded. A wind gust of 34.55mph was recorded on the 14th, and there were several blustery days around the middle of the month.

With the gradually declining temperatures and the very noticeable reduction in daylight hours, leaves are losing their summer colours and beginning the annual fall. However, the grass seems to have responded particularly energetically to the cooler moist conditions, requiring continued regular attention. John Howell.

Proceeds to the Knitwits, still knitting blankets for overseas, teddies for tragedies and knee blankets for local hospitals and retirement homes.

Donations of wool are always much appreciated. Just leave it in the porch at Woodstock, The Street , Doddington. The Knitwits look forward to seeing you for coffee in Newnham on Saturday 13th November.

Many thanks all those who contributed to this years Salvation Army Annual Appeal. We are delighted to tell you that Doddington Village raised £153.66. Thank you for your generosity.

Come to a coffee morning at The Tapsters Wine Bar, Newnham on Friday 19th November from 10.00am. Small items for sale and raffle. All in support of DemeIza Childrens Hospice. Any enquiries or donations, please contact Zoe Hewett on 8905 0 1.

Terry Corrin would like to thank everyone who sponsored him on The Friends of Kent Churches cycle ride. He visited twenty churches and raised a total of £125. Many thanks.

Creda Mirage Electric Cooker. Ceramic Halogen hob, fan overn. Guaranteed until 2006. £650 new - will accept £250 ovno. Tel: 01795553092.

3' wide divan bed base and mattress with two matching headboards (pink). Tel: 01795 886259.

Newnham Parish Council

A summary of matters discussed at Newnham Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 26th August 2004

Present Cllrs. Gunner, Kirby, Llewellin, Meakins, Monk & Richards, Clerk Mrs. J. Mazzocchi and fan Lewis of Kent Highways.

Highways: fan Lewis was able to advise from records that 12 crashes had occurred within a mile radius of the centre of Newnham over the last 10 years. Loss of control on the rural lanes accounted for 3 of these but no common type or cause for the remainder, which makes determination of remedial measures very difficult. Various options were discussed and a suggestion for a gateway scheme at the entrances to the village was put forward by fan Lewis. It was agreed that he put together a scheme for 2005 and in the meantime he hoped that the Pew scheme being implemented in Doddington would have a knock on effect in Newnham.

Confirmation had been received from Kent Police that arrangements for speed checks were being put in hand. Leaflets regarding speeding and road safety were being obtained for distribution throughout the village.

The Parish Council will be discussing how this fund can be spent over the next few meetings. This grant could help with road safety, additional maintenance within the village or organisations with projects in mind. If a project were to cost more than the annual grant, 9 would be possible for funds to be carded over to following years. It would be greatly appreciated 9 any residents who have ideas on projects or other works within the village could attend the meetings or contact councillors with their comments.

No replies had yet been received from the Club regarding the use by trespassers on the field. ClIr. Monk reported that the new gate access on Faversham Road was for the use of ambulances only in the event of an emergency.

Wineycock Play Area The refurbishment facilities will be discussed at the next meeting, when replies from the owners of this strip of land had been received.

Village Hall At the AGM in July, Jeff Kirby, Auriol Moat and Derek Little joined the existing committee and Sue Kirby had become the second trustee, along with John Davies. A decision had been made to replace the curtain by a door to the store area and redistribution of cupboard space was being carried out for the various groups to store their belongings. Estimates are being obtained for the internal redecoration of the hall and floor. Consideration is also being given to upgrading the kitchen and current regulations associated with this are being studied. A list is also being drawn up for future repairs and renewals. The current funds stood at approximately £21,000.00. The next Wine and Wisdom dates were 2nd October and 20th November 2004.

XSEnergy Project Cllrs. Gunner and Kirby agreed to attend a meeting on C October at Sittingbourne Police Station to receive feedback on the scheme and can now report that a proved to be a worthwhile exercise. The young people who attended, their communities, the Police and other organisations involved, gained many advantages. It was hoped to continue with something similar next year.

Date of Next Meeting 28th October 2004 at 8.00p.m. in the Village Hall - All residents welcome.

Chris Dartnell - 890461, Sue Gunner - 890627, Jeff Kirby - 890095, John Llewellin - 890358,
Mike Meakins - 89043,7, David Monk - 890645 and Angus Richards - %Wig

Remember 7.00am deadline. The CD produced by the Youth group is now
available priced £8 from the Christian
NEWNHAM CHURCH CLEANING/ Bookshop in Sittingbourne or via Jo Sidney.
FLOWER ROTA
6th & 13th November Mrs S Boucher. NE wnham KEEP FIT
20th November Mrs C Platt. Every Wednesday in Newnham Village Hall.
27th November Mrs R Llewellin. 8pm - 9pm. Friendly class, offering low
Brasses: Mrs J Danbridge. impact exercises to music with stretching and
4th December Mrs Dorothy Davies. relaxation. Further info contact Ros Taylor
on 07870 636448.
DODDINGTON CHURCH CLEANING
ROTA TRAILBLAZERS
vember Mrs H Pateman & Mrs E Christian based teaching, activities etc for
Ba ford. children aged from 5yrs upwards. In
28th November Mrs N Lord and Mrs J Doddington Village hall from 10. 15am -
Howell. 11. 30am 1st and 2nd Sunday of the month.
5 th December Mrs J West and Mrs A Mills. See Church Services Notice for dates.
Barbara Roberts on 886332.
NEWNHAM TODDLER GROUP
Every Tuesday at Newnham Village Hall NEW7VIL4MBROWNIES & GUIDES

a chat, while the little ones 0 - 3 years, watch, Tuesday (term time only).
learn and play. For further information Brownies 5.30pm to 7.00pm.
contact Sue on 0 1795 890633. Guides 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

BUDDIES PARENT& TODDLER GROUP - -
Meet every Thursday ~ time) 10. 00am - DARB Y & JOAN CLUB
11.30am in the Green Discovery Club Doddington Village Hall
building next to Doddington School. Dates for 2004 meetings:,

All children aged 0 - 4years and their carers are November 5th and meeting for 19th
very welcome. £1.50 per family - Craft November now changed to 12th November.
Activity and Refreshments included. For December 3rd
further information contact Lis Bayford on Further info from Miss Boucher 886896 or
01795 886392. Mary Chastney 886245.
DODDINGTON YOUTH CLUB NEWNHAM 97
Meets every Friday in Doddington Village Next meeting Newnham Village Hall
Hall 7.00pm - 9.00pm. For children aged Thursday 16 'September 7.30pm.
from 9 years. Contact Les Roberts on 0 1795
886332 for further information. AD VER TISING SPACE
Currently one space available, please contact
Miss Boucher on 0 1795 886896.

Update

Since our last update in the newsletter we are pleased to announce that Ian Lewis Swale Highways Principal Engineer (Transportation), and his colleague Ruth Butcher have been. designing the Traffic Calming Scheme for our village.

The scheme has been designed taking into consideration the earlier consultation with residents carried out by Doddington Traffic Calming Group (DTCG), and is based around the outline proposals submitted in DTCG's report published in 2003.

Since June in addition to designing the scheme Ian Lewis has already consulted DTCG and having taken into account a number of points raised by the group is currently finalising the consultation with the Parish Council who have also raised a number of points for consideration.

The final stage of the consultation before the scheme is implemented in early 2005 will be a presentation in the form of an exhibition at the village hall to enable all residents to view and comment on the proposed scheme.

The exhibition is planned for Friday 19th & Saturday 20th November shortly before this every household will receive a leaflet outlining the main proposals, confirming the date of the exhibition and informing residents of how to submit comments or concerns regarding the proposals to Mr Lewis.

Once this final consultation exercise has been completed the scheme will be finalised and should be implemented in the early part of 2005.

The aim remains to provide effective long term traffic calming measures that have been agreed in consultation with residents and which complement rather than detract from the rural environment.

We are confident that while there will doubtless be individual concerns (as there would be with any scheme), that residents will endorse the scheme which is so desperately needed to reduce vehicle speeds through our pleasant rural village.

Recipe of the month

Gingerbread Men

Bake a few of these little chaps on a grey November day.
Good therapy - they will cheer you up no end.

4oz (100g) butter.
40z (1 00g) light soft brown sugar.
1 small egg.
1 tablespoon golden syrup.
8oz (200g) plain flour.
1 teaspoon baking soda. 'Ark
1 teaspoon cinnamon.
2 teaspoons ground ginger.
A few currants.
Gingerbread man cutter.
Preheat the oven to 1800C, gas mark 4.

Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then beat in the egg and syrup. Now sift in the flour, soda, cinnamon and ginger and mix to a dough. It will be fairly soft so pop the dough into a polythene bag and chill in the fridge for an hour or so before rolling out.

Flour the work surface and roll the dough to about one eighth of an inch thick. Dip the cutter in flour and cut out as many men as you can. Gather up the bits and reroll to cut more.

Press in currents for eyes and three coat buttons, then mark a little mouth with the handle end of a teaspoon.

Use a fish - slice to lift the men onto a greased baking tray and bake for 10 - 12 minutes.

The Trustees of the Newnham Parochial Charities are anxious that all residents of Newnham should be aware of the existence of funds available to help the needy of the parish.

At this time of year, a distribution is made to all parishioners of pension - able age who have been resident in Newnham for at least a year, but at other times help can also be given to students pursuing full - time education beyond the age of eighteen, and also persons whose particular circumstances may be causing them hardship.

Obviously, if the Trustees are not aware of any difficulties people are suffering, they are not in a position to help, so we do rely on information passed on to us.

So if you, or anyone you know, is experiencing difficulty which a small financial grant might help to solve, please get in touch with any of the under mentioned people. Each case is looked at very carefully on its merits, and any communication is treated in total confidence. Details would only be passed on to the other Trustees for discussion.

The Trustees are Charles Clark (Tel 890395), Dorothy Davies (Tel 890566) Tony Humphrey (Tel 890424) and Elaine Barry (Tel 890279)..

Small two bedroom unfurnished cottage for rent.
Rural location - between Doddington and Lynsted.
Off - road parking.
No pets. No smoking. References required

Lenham IT Project Opens

The IT room is equipped with 10 work stations. Broad Band internet access. printers, copier and presentation aids of - projector and interactive white board. All of this equipment will he offered to local people together with training courses for total beginners and improvers in most popular topics. The plans include, morning casual sessions, day time courses, evening courses, a Problem Solving Clinic for ,!,5 computer owners and special after school sessions for young people. All of these facilities will be available at a modest charge. The purchase of these facilities has been made possible by grants from 'MidKent Leader + Awards for All'. BT and others.

However the operation is now in the hands of local volunteers who will man the Community Centre from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Thursday and on Saturday mornings. These people deserve the support of the whole community, if you have. not already visited the Community Centre please do so, join clubs or groups that appeal to you and sign up for future courses. We are greatly indebted to Swadelands School for their advice and practical support in the design and installation of our network and server systems. We look forward to significant collaboration in the future.

Every one is welcome to drop in and, Access the Internet, Send or Receive emails. Make use of the low rates charged by the Copy and Print Shop. 1 lam to 12:45pm and 1:30pm to 3:30. Daily except Friday. Saturday 9 am to noon Problem Solving Clinic. Come for internet, gaming or just to explore.

Lenham ' IT' is held in The Lenham Community Centre Ashford Road. Phone 01622 859 834 for course details.

Doddington Primary School

This month Bramley Class(YrR/1/2) have been working on the idea of healthy meals and as part of a project have designed, planned, made and eaten!! a range of healthy foods. They would like to share their instructions with you. The class has also worked on endings using 'ing' in the form of poems.

1 . Pour milk in a glass.
2. Cut up the brown bread.
3. Put the ham in the brown bread.
4. Cut the cucumber, lettuce, tomato salad and onions. Put the salad on the ham.
6. Put the bread on top and cut in half.
7. Cut the fruit
9. Put the fruit in a bowl and pour the juice over.

You will find ... Ten cars stop stop stopping, Nine children play play playing Eight birds pass pass passing, Seven bus drivers doze doze dozing Six toddlers wobble wobble wobbling, Five mums wait wait waiting Four teachers come come coming, Three trees wave wave waving Two gates open open opening, one Mum walk walk walking written by Catherine

Diary Dates: School Closed 1st November 2004 - staff Training
School Photos 4th November 2004
School open Morning 10th November 2004 9.30 - :L:L.W

(But please note that the raffle will be drawn and various winners announced at 1.30pm when
Father Christmas will also be leaving)

CHRISTMAS TREES AND WREATHS
CHRISTMAS GIFTS and DECORATIONS
CHILDREN'S TREASURE HUNT
PUZZLE STALL
CAKE AND PRODUCE STALL
RAFFLE
BRIC A BRAC
BOOKS, VIDEOS and CDs
BOTTLE STALL

GUESS THE WEIGHT OF THE CAKE
MORNING TEA/COFFEE
LIGHT LUNCHES (soup and rolls plus mince pies)

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
Children are invited to enter a competition for the best Christmas Cards. The entries
will be displayed on the day and the judge will be Mr. Roger Woodall.
Details of the competition will be widely distributed.

Had Andrew Lloyd - Webber composed a sequel to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", it should have been called "Moses and the Amazing Snake Stick". One of Jacob's twelve sons, from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. Joseph is freed because of his ability to interpret dreams and rises to a position of considerable influence. His brothers join him in Egypt after God chooses Joseph to preserve the nation of Israel from severe famine. The Book of Genesis concludes with Joseph's death at the ripe old age of 110. The story of Israel continues in the Book of Exodus which tells how Moses leads God's chosen people out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

Over many generations the Israelites multiplied and prospered in Egypt to such an extent that they became to be perceived as a threat by the indigenous people. Rather than ethnic cleansing, the Egyptians tried putting the Israelites into slavery to suppress them. When this strategy failed, the king issued a command to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile. In an attempt to preserve her infant son's life, a mother hides him in basket of reeds amongst the bull rushes at the water's edge. Moses, as the boy came to be known, was found there by the king's daughter. She subsequently adopted him. (Moses sounds like the Hebrew for "Pull out")

As an adult Moses took ~cc into his own hands and killed an Egypt - tan who had killed a Hebrew. He was forced to flee to Midian on the far side of the Sinai Peninsular. There God revealed himself to Moses and tasked him with leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the land promised by God to Moses' distant ancestor Abraham in around 2070 BC. Understandably Moses was somewhat sceptical about his ability to persuade an entire nation to up sticks and emigrate alone get the lung to release them. So God told Moses to throw his stick on the ground., it turned into a snake. Moses grabbed the snake's tail and it turned back into a stick. Moses was able to demonstrate this and other miracles in front of others to give credence to his claim that he was being directed by God. He won over the Israelites but his arguments didn't cut much ice with the king who simply increased the workload on the slaves. God punished him for his intransigence by sending the ten plagues against Egypt; turning the Nile into blood frogs, gnats, flies, death of the animals, boils, locusts and darkness. In each case the Israelites were spared. The tenth plague entailed the death of the every firstborn soli, both human and animal. God instructed Israelites to identify themselves by daubing animal blood on their doorposts so that the plague would pass over them; this was the first Passover. The king was finally persuaded to release the Israelites by the death of his own son.

By the time of the exodus in around 1250BC, the Israelites had lived in Egypt for 430 years. Rather than leading them out via the coast God led them into the wilderness by the Red Sea. The Egyptians had a change of heart and sent out an army of 600 chariots to bring them back. God created an escape route for the Israelites by parting the Red Sea which closed over their pursuers once they had reached the other side. Safe from the Egyptians, the Israelites wandered the barren, deserts of the Sinai Peninsular where God sustained them with manna, described as a small white seed tasting of biscuits made with honey.

Two months after leaving Egypt the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai where God set out to Moses the rules by which they must abide as their side of the bargain, or covenant, regarding the Promised Land. Exodus sets these rules out in considerable detail but the main points are encapsulated in the Ten andments which set out a code of conduct m two parts:

Relationship with God
1. Do not worship any God except me.
2. Do not make anything into an idol. (Material wealth for example)
3. Do not misuse God's name.
4. Remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy and resting. (Keep Sunday Special)

5. Honour your father and mother. 6. Do not commit murder. 7. Do not commit adultery. 8. Do not steal. 9. Do not lie. 10. Do not long to have what others have.

Taken literally, Exodus is rather anachronistic as it discusses treatment of slaves, donkeys and so on. For example it stipulates that "whoever curses his father or his mother is to be put to death". This seems a W extreme by today's standards. However, the moral principles behind this code of conduct can be applied now as then subsequently Jesus re - iterated the rules summarising them m way that is easy to understand:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Local singing group Cantiana are once again holding a Christmas Concert in Newnham Church. They will be performing songs and readings to celebrate the festive season. The concert takes place on Wednesday 22nd December at 7.30pm in Newnham Church. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Lis Bayford on 886392 or any choir member.

6th November Doddington Firework Display Doddington School
12th November Mayoress Quiz Night Bapchild Village Hall
13th November Knitwits Coffee Morning Newnham Village Hall
19th November DemeIza Hospice Coffee Morning The Tapster, Newnham
4th December Christmas Fayre Newnham Village Hall

11 th& 12th December Panto 'Christmas Carol' Doddington Village Hall
22nd December Cantiana Christmas Concert Newnham Church

Shona Forrest sent this recipe from Scotland, Shona, Simon and Harriet moved from Newnham to Scotland last year. She wants to know what this recipe comes out like!!
For Braw Scots - Clootie Dumplin - As Big as Fitba - Ingredients. punna' self - raisin' floour punna' currants A big pincha saut quartera punna' suet Haunfa o' raisins some milk Haufa punna' granulatit sugar fower wee teasponnsfa o' mixed spice

Method: Rummle up the hale jing - bang in the boul, addin' a wee tate mulk so's ye get a
dough that's stiff an' no' runny. Tip some biling watter oot the kettle, inty the fit o' the basin
an'spread the cloath or floot pan tap o' the watter. Coup the hale o' yur dough oot the boul
an' oan tae the cloot in the basin. Draw the coarnurs o' the cloot the gither an' tie wi' the
string. Don't tie the string too tight or dumplin might burst an' y'll be in a mess. Noo ye've a
big bag o' dough aboot the size o' a fitba. Nixt ye pit a plate in the fit o' the big poat. Then
gently ye lower the dumplin oan tae the plate. Efter that poor as much bilin' watter inty the
poat as will cover yur dumplin. Efter at this cairry - oan ye'll mibble wannt a cuppa tea or
even a wee lie - doon. Anyway, whitivver ye dae, don't let the dumplin' simmer fur mair than
three - an - a - hauf oors. Efter that time, wheech 11 oot the poat an' oan tae a plate. Peel aff the
cloot an' therr ye huv a dish fit tae set afore a big Heelander.

Now that autumn's arrived, small flocks of redwings can be seen. Their high - pitched calls are characteristic once you pick them up, and the white eyebrow is a good field mark. Don't try to spot them by their red underwings - these show up well in books, but are actually hard to see in the field.

Mild weather has meant insects still about, and the buddleia in my garden has seen red admirals well into October, and even a humming bird hawkmoth on October I". A large buff - tailed bumblebee was feeding on fuchsia flowers as late as 18th October. The late - flying insects may explain the serotine bat seen over the centre of Doddington at sunset on 18th October. Serotines are large bats with broad wings, and are one of the species which frequently roost in buildings. Although still reasonably common, they are declining in the south - east, and are a cause for concern for bat conservation organisations. For those with internet access, the Bat Conservation Trust website (www.bats.prg.uk) has lots of information; a selection of books on bats is available from the Kent Wildlife Trust's shop at Tyland Barn (0 1622 662012).

Ladybirds have been in the news with the discovery of the harlequin ladybird at a site in Essex. This is a . voracious species originating in Asia, and which is used widely in North America as a biological control for pests. If it gets established in Britain, it may pose a threat to other ladybird species by competing with them for food. The harlequin ladybird has been found at Canterbury, so it may turn up here, though its variable colouring and patterning means it is actually quite difficult to identify: live, or dead specimens are needed.

There are some 24 species of lad bird in Britain. Some are red with black spots, some black with red
spots (the very variable 2 - :spot ladybird can be either, in a range of patterns), while others are yellow
with black spots. All but one of Britain's ladybirds eat aphids and other small insects. The exception is
the 24 - spot ladybird, which feeds on plants: this is a small red ladybird, with black spots, and covered in
short, downy hair. All ladybird,s spend the winter in hibernation, so why not look out for them as you
work in the garden -

Richard Moyse 2 West End Cottages, The Street, Doddington. Tel. 886421 (not after 9pm)

If you wish to continue with the Newsletter for 2005, the annual subscription is remaining at £1.00. Postage for 12 months will be £5.00. If you know of any new neighbours who wish to receive the newsletter, then please let me know. It would be very helpful if all subscribers could complete the tear - off slip below and include £1 subscription fee in an envelope and hand to me, or give to the person who delivers your newsletter. Please mark your envelope with your name and address. It would be appreciated if all subscriptions could be made before end of January 2005. Thankyou. Miss Boucher, Victoria Bungalow, The Street, Doddington. Tel: 01795 886896.

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1 wish* / do not wish* to continue my subscription to the Newsletter
Please find enclosed my £1 subscription fee* £5.00 postage*
*Delete as necessary
Cheques to be made payable to Miss E J Boucher

DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL