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Doddington, Newnham & Wychling

Village Newsletter

September 2003

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Parsonage Farmhouse, The Street Newnham.(890408

SEPTEMBER, a time to give thanks!

Dear Friends,
It is a year now since since Roy and Myrtle Kilford left our parishes. There is still no sign of a new minister although the post will be advertised again in the church press this month. Looking back over the past twelve months we have a lot to be thankful for: a gradual growing together of our church communities with the churchwardens of each of the five parishes meeting together regularly, the emergence of new gifts among members of our congregations ... we now have a small choir to sing at weddings in the benefice; a prayer group meets each week in Wychling;Trailblazers, a Sunday school continues to flourish,we share of our financial responsibilities, and, best of all there is greater participation in shared worship across the benefice. We continue to give thanks for the wisdom and ministry of the Rev Gordon Sherwood. Although retired!!? Gordon has led our worship week by week, conducted funerals weddings and christenings and has helped us with administration. Our Wardens and PCC members have worked hard too and special thanks go to those who lead worship at our family services, and provide music and singing. Perhaps we began the year with trepidation but we can now see how God has used this time to bring into growth and fruition many of the Iseeds'sown in previous years. You will see that September brings the annual round of harvest thanksgivings Worship comes from an ever growing realisation of all that God has given us.Think of all the blessings you have received and come along to join in grateful praise in your village church...

Yours, Diana.

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SERVICES DURING SEPTEMBER
Sunday, September 7 9am Holy Communion BCP LYNSTED,
10.30am Holy Communion Doddington, Family Service at Norton

Sunday, September14 (Holy Cross Day) 9am Holy Communion Norton,
10.30aniFamily Holy Communion Newnham
10.30amHARVEST FESTIVAL Family Service at Lynsted

Sunday, September 21(St Matthew) 9.am Holy Communion BCP Newnham
10.30am Holy Communion Norton,
10.30am.HARVEST FESTIVAL Family Service at Doddington

Sunday, September 28 9am Holy Communion Doddington
10.30am Holy Communion Lynsted,
10.30am HARVEST FESTIVAL Family Service at Newnham,

Doddington Parish Council
There was no meeting of Doddington Parish Council this month, but following the destruction by fire of the paper bank and a bottle bank at the recycling site in front of Northdown at 4am on Tuesday 5 August it was decided to ask Swale Borough Council to remove all the recycling facilities on the site pending discussion, and a final decision on recycling facilities in Doddington at the next Parish Council meeting on September 8. We have also been asked to consider removing the bus shelter. So that the decision we take can reflect the wishes of all residents, we would appreciate your comments, either in person at the meeting or by contacting the clerk Pier Vousden on (0 1795) 886836 or the Chairman Sara Jones on (0 1795) 886857 or any other Councillor. We would particularly like to receive your suggestions for alternative sites which might cause less problems for the neighbours! The closure of this site does not affect other recycling facilities in the village, please continue to support the paper, tins and silver paper/foil sites at the school and the paper collection on alternate Tuesday mornings. The next Parish Council meeting is on Monday 8 September at 8pm in the village hall, all residents are welcome to attend.

SUN bus services or Swale)
ADial a Ride and Car Hire services f Following the withdrawal of the bus service to Faversharn for shopping, the rule that to use the SUN bus service one has to live more than 500 metres from a normal bus route has been relaxed for Doddington and Newnham. residents. For more information and application forms please contact Mary Chastney (01795) 886245.

Doddington & District WI
There was no meeting in August. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 11 September at 2.15pm in the village hall, when the speaker will be Mrs Irene Hall, her subject the Citizens Advice Bureau and Disability Projects. Visitors are always welcome. Members please note, the Group meeting will be on Wednesday 24 September 2003 at 7.30pm at Hernhill Village Hall the invitation is for 4 members, and we will be organising the Bring and Buy stall the theme for which is Harvest. The competition at this meeting will be for "A decoratively folded fabric table napkin, displayed on a plate or in a glass" this will be the competition at our meeting on 11 September so that we can choose the napkin to go forward to the Group meeting.

Heritage Open D@ys 12-15 Sgpi~mber 2003
Doddington Church will be open on all these days, from 10am to 6pm except on Sunday when it will be open from 12noon to 6pm, if anyone would like to help to man the church on Friday, Sunday or Monday Mary Chastney (0 1795) 886245 would be pleased to hear from you. Just an hour would help!

Doddinglon & District Village Show Saturday 30 August 2003 In the village hall , open to the public 2pm -4pm. Prizegiving 4. 1 5pm. Refreshments, raffle and sales table, we look forward to seeing you there. If this news letter reaches you in time, and you were thinking of entering any of the classes, schedules are available from Mary Chastney in Doddington also the Service Station, and Charlie Clark in Newnham. But, don't forget Mary Chastney must have your completed entry forms by 7pm on Thursday 28 August.

Darby &Joan Club
Meeting for the first and hopefully not the last time since March, at 2pm on Friday 5 September in Doddington Village Hall. We look forward to seeing all our "old" members and any others who are interested in Joining us for the afternoons activities, Whist, Scrabble, Crib or just come for a natter and a cup of tea, raffle and a bring and buy. Also it is a meeting to discuss whether it really will be possible to carry on our fortnightly meetings which we all so enjoy. Information from Joan (01795) 886896 or Mary (01795) 886245.

Newnham Parish Council
Summary of matters discussed at Newnham Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 7th August 2003

Present: Clirs. Gunner, Llewellin, Forrest and Dartnell Apologies were received from Clirs.Thorpe, Meakins, Richards and the Clerk Sheilagh Larrett The Chairman welcomed all present and thanked Jenny Beavis for taking the minutes

Proposal of new councillor - Clir Thorpe had accepted a new teaching post and was unable to continue as a Parish Councillor. Susan Clark had offered to be co-opted to fill this post and was accepted unanimously.

KAPC Councillor's Information Day - Clir Llewellin had attended this and gave a report. He found it extremely useful and felt that the Parish Council as a whole would benefit if all councillors were able to attend the next or subsequent events. The copies of presentations and other publications received on the day would be circulated to the rest of the councillors. Clir Llewellin was thanked for his effective summary.

Proposed Community Area - a letter had been received from Paula and Jonathan Abbs advising that land offered was no longer available for sale. Clir Llewellin would review the availability of other land and approach the landowners for their comments and report back to the PC.

Village Hall Committee - although not present at the meeting Clir Meakins had passed on a report confirming that a quote for decorating the outside of the Hall had been accepted and a window cleaner had been arranged for regular visits. The replacement of lino for the kitchen and toilet areas was still at quotation stage. The matter of adequate cleaning of the hall was discussed by the PC and later during the Open Forum Adjournment. There was general dissatisfaction with regard to this and the purchase of a vacuum cleaner was suggested. Clir Llewellin queried if the main problem was finding someone to clean the hall properly, as he felt funding should not be an issue in finding a solution to this. The Village Hall Committee will be advised of the feelings expressed.

Treasurers Report - The account stood at £3,427.45. Clir Dartnell informed the PC that VAT would be refunded from the billing for Councillors' Information Day seminars and Parish Clerk Course (once a new clerk had been found). There had been no feedback from the recent Audit carded out.

Clerk's Report - a) Clir Gunner had been advised by SBC that the bottom of Sharsted Hill would be repaired during September/October and should also include installing extra drains along The Street to help with floodwater. b) The (new) Practitioners' Guide 2003 received will be circulated to all councillors and would be discussed at the September meeting. c) The MOD had replied to a query regarding low flying aircraft in the area recently. Although Kent was not listed as a main training area, from time to time when weather and other conditions put the usual sites out of use, suitable valleys, such as ours, were used instead but that the military aircraft should not fly lower than 250 feet. d) A letter from Mid Kent Water confirmed that, whilst there was no current shortage of water and no immediate plans for a hose pipe ban, the public were urged not to use sprinklers and to use water wisely. e) Swale Volunteer Centre is looking for drivers (please refer to the item at the end of this report). f) KCC Annual Plan 200314 and the Local Transport Plan had been received - these documents will be circulated to councillors for their comments at the next meeting. g) Information on a new SBC website - www.boredinswale.co.uk had been received - see item below. It was agreed to pass on this information to the Discovery dub at Doddington.

Any Other Business -a) It was felt that the recent road re-surfacing work was sub-standard, although it was pointed out the work had been carded out in extremely hot conditions. It was agreed a letter would be sent to SBC to record the general feeling of the parishioners. b) Clir Dartnell reported that a survey of footpaths had been carried with the KCC Rights of Way officer. He was in agreement with the majority of the PC recommendations and indicated that funds could be available for repairs to be carded out. The officer would contact the landowners concerned to obtain approval so that the work could be carried out and funded by KCC.

Date of next meeting - Thursday, 4 th September at 8p.m. in the Village Hall.

Would you like to be a Volunteer Driver? People unable through age or disability to use public transport require to be driven to appointments at dentists, doctors and hospitals. If you con offer your help in this way, please contact Swale Volunteer & Community Development Centre on 474828

Kids & Parents - looking for things to do during the Summer holidays? Go to ww-~v...O.Oredinswa!e.p,c,.u,,~ for information on activities and clubs in this area - watch out for new
-7 ~~_ information as the site is currently being updated.
THE WEATHER - JULY 2003
Although the month began cool and wet, with 27mm of rain in the first 5 days, teTperatures climbed in the second week giving us our first heat wave. Between the 7'l' and 22' the maximum temperature exceeded 25C every day, the highest on the 15t,', 32.22C. This figure has been exceeded in August; I recorded 36.67C on the 10 August but more of that next month. The minimum overnight temperature was on the 12'1'113th,just 10C. The month was very sunny, 173.7 hours recorded, sunniest day the 13th with 13.89 hours. Total rainfall was 57.46mm, with 18 dry days, both the beginning and the end of the month being rather damp. There were three thunderstorms. Now we have experienced a second and even hotter heat wave; it is worth noting that these heat waves have nothing to do with global warming, they have occurred at irregular intervals throughout earth's history, just as have particularly cold periods, and will continue so to do. (John Howell).

MALAWI LUNCHEON PARTY
Many thanks again to Jean and Angus Hewitt for hosting what was yet another successful event in support of the people of Malawi. Thirty three guests enjoyed a first class gourmet Italian cuisine in a charming cottage garden setting. Perfect weather crowned a perfect afternoon. Over £300 was raised and is rising still as our 'talents' scheme get underway. Based on the Biblical parable, the C.O.A.P. committee are offering to give £10 to who ever promises to return it in three months, with interest! Many people have already taken up the challenge to increase their assets as much as they can before the closing date of October 25'h 2003. Why not have a go yourseIP. There are prizes to be won for the most money made. Just phone Tim and Jo for details. 01795 521714.

FREENDS OF KENT CHURCHES - ANNUAL BIKE RIDE
The annual bike ride to raise money for Kent Churches will take place on Saturday 13'h September. If you wish to take part in this event, please contact Heather parry on 886331 for a sponsor form and list of churches that "I be open. If you would like to assist in manning the church on the day, please also let Heather know. Dodt forget you can also be sponsored for manning the church on the day!

DISCOVERY CLUB
Good news, by the time you read this the club building should be on site and taking shape. Pre-school will re-open on Monday 81 September, five mornings a week 9.30am - 11. 15am £4 a session. Application forms from Dawn Tompkins on 0 1795 886252. After School Club "' 1 start on Thursday 0 September, every school day from 3.15pm - 5.30pm £5 a session, Application forms from Joan Tuckey 0 1795 890688.

DISCOVERY CLUB - VACANCY
Do you have what it takes to run an After School Club? Experience with 5-12 year olds, certificate in Play work or similar qualification (training can be provided to suitable applicant). Term time only. Be in at the beginning of this new venture. Application form or further details from Joan Tuckey on 0 1795 890688.

FOR SALE
Pine Welsh Dresser - £40. Telephone 886439.

Wildlife Notes
This seems to have been an excellent summer for butterflies. Mick Barry has seen all of the following this year in Newnham. large white, small white (both these white butterflies will attack cabbages, and are therefore often called 'cabbage whites'), orange tip, hedge brown (also known as gatekeeper), meadow brown, brimstone, red admiral, small tortoiseshell, peacock, comma, and painted lady. This has certainly been an exceptional year for painted lady butterflies (I recently saw a dozen or more on a buddleia bush by the butcher's), probably a result of the hot weather and southerly weather systems. Painted ladies do not spend the winter in Britain, being unable to hibernate. So all the painted lady butterflies in Britain have migrated northwards from their permanent home in North Africa and the Middle East. Most of the red admirals in Britain are also migrants, this time from central Europe. However, in this case, the milder winters of recent years have meant that more and more have been able to hibernate here.

Other butterflies to look out for locally include the grassland common blue; the speckled wood (brown with cream spots) which can be found in small, sunny spots in woods; and the holly blue (blue-grey underwings), which can be seen in gardens, as it lays its eggs mainly on holly or ivy.

There also seem to have been quite a large number of humming-bird hawk moths this summer. These are fairly large moths, with a wing-span of a couple of inches, and a big, fat body. These mothsgften fly by day. and very much live up to their name, hovering in front of flowers, which they probe for nectar with a long, thin proboscis. Like the red admiral and painted lady, these insects are immigrants to Britain, and do not spend the winter here.

Spotted flycatchers have nested in Val Tolliurst's garden in the Street, Doddington, and a pair together with one young bird was seen on Dully Hill; the same birds, perhaps? In the last month, I've twice seen a hobby over Doddington, but these are the only ones that I've seen locally this year. The first one, in late July, upset the local house martins, and it was their annoyed chirrups which alerted me.

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

Recipe of the month

Quick Pasta & Bacon _Serves two.

5oz (125g) spaghetti. 6oz (1509) fresh broccoli - cut into small florets. 3oz (75g) frozen petit pois, 6oz (1 50g) rindless streaky bacon - snipped into narrow strips. 1 large slice white broad - cut into little dice. 1 tablespoon oil. Freshly ground black pepper. 1 heaDed tablesooon arated Parmesan cheese. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta, bring back to the boil and cook for 8 - 9 minutes. Add the broccoli and peas to the pan and cook for a further 3 - 4 minutes until the spaghetti is tender and the vegetables just cooked.

Whilst the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in the oil turning frequently. Add the diced bread and continue to fry for a minute or so until both are golden and crispy.

Drain the spaghetti and vegetables. tip back into the pan and stir in the crispy bacon and bread. Season well with black pepper then fold in the Parmesan.

Opens on Tues 9th Sept

and every Tuesday 10.30-12.00

a.m.. in Newnham Village Hall.

While the little ones 0-3 years,

watch. learn & play.