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VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
December 2000

For
Doddington, Newnham & Wychling

From The Vicarage
December 2000

Dear Parishioners

"You should be" say the Jehovah Witnesses. What with Global warming, the terrible floods and violent storms affecting not just this country but countries all over the world and the threat of Aids, BSE, CJV and other life threatening diseases, which seem to be affecting vast numbers of people? And what about the threat of war in the Middle East? Might this be the start of World War III?

JWs believe that the world is going to end very soon! Mind you they have been wrong before. They said it would happen in 1914, 1918, 1920, 1926, 1941 and more recently in 1975. These predictions were based on a belief that Adam was created in 4026 B.C. and that the end would come 6000 years later. When this did not happen in 1975, many thousands of their disillusioned followers left. I read an account by two high ranking JWs who sold their house and gave up their jobs in order to devote themselves full time to warning people about the end. They left the JWs not just because the prediction was wrong but because of the cynical way in which the leadership subsequently 'doctored' and rewrote many of their earlier pronouncements. The JWs now say that the 6000 years was set to begin with Eve's creation. But how long that was after Adam is an interval not yet revealed by the Witness leaders so no actual date has been given as far as I know. Still, members are encouraged to believe that the end is not far off for this is good for business!

I feel sorry for these basically decent folk who knock on our doors (it is estimated that 740 house calls are required to recruit each of the 200,00 new members each year). Records are kept of the number of calls each Witness makes and they must complete a certain number each week if they are to 'safeguard their place in paradise' when the end comes. For them, salvation has to be 'earned. Not so for Christians, for us it is offered as a free gift from God because of Jesus and the cross.

The JWs have to purchase a certain number of copies of the various magazines such as The Watch Tower, either to sell or give away, because they belong to a vast publishing business. (Way back in 1988 the Witnesses' publishing complex in Brooklyn, New York was churning out 100,000 books and 800,000 copies of its two magazines every day, making it a very profitable business!)

I also feel sorry for them because they are being misled about the nature of God. This is because a 'modified' Bible, called The New World Translation, is used. On Christmas night and morning we shall be reading form St John's Gospel chapter 1 "In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God" and "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." The JW version says 'the Word was a god," introducing the Witness belief that Christ is the Archangel Michael and was created by Jehovah. Jesus is thus stripped of his divinity and his appearance of Jesus on earth was not an incarnation but an example of human perfection in response to Jehovah's moral law. That is why to gain salvation; witnesses must strive to 'earn' it by doing what they are told by their leaders. Of course it is also the reason why the JWs do not recognise nor celebrate Christmas. It was that which prompted me to write this piece for the December magazine.

As we celebrate Christmas - the birth of Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, let us pray for the Jehovah Witnesses, that they may see how they are being used and misled, that they may discover the truth. Arid the truth is that God is love, and this was revealed to us in the life and death of Jesus.

God Bless You All
Roy Kilford

From the Registers

Funerals
7th November Peg Packman at Vinter's Park
15th November Tom Harris at Wychling & Charing
17th November Gladys Wilkins at Lynsted & Charing
17th November Doris Amos at Charing
23rd November Jenny Vaughan at Lynsted

CHURCH SERVICES IN DECEMBER

PAGE 2.

DODDINGTON CHURCH FLOWER ROTA
December 3rd........10th.................17 ..... Advent 24/31st Christmas

CLEANING ROTA.
2nd December Mrs Howell.
15th December Mrs Pateman and Mrs Smith.
29th December Mrs Cuthbert and Mrs Witherden.

NEWNHAM CHURCH FLOWER AND CLEANING ROTA.
2nd December Mrs P. Cassell N.F.
9th December Mrs I, Merrett and Mrs 2. Johnson N.F.
16th December Mrs Tuckey N.F.
23 December Christmas Decorating, 30th December Mrs D. DavIes,

BRASSES Mr & Mrs Smith.

NEWNHAM ROTA.
Very many thanks to everyone who has helped to keep the church looking bright and well cared for durine the past year.
Your help with flower arranging, cleaning and brass polishing has been greatly appreciated.. If anyone, who is not on the rota, would like to have their name added for next year, please centact Rosemary Llewellen. Telephone 890358.

DODDINGTON_SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Sunday School continues to thrive and has now passed it's second birthday. We are, as alwavs happy to welcome new members. We have three age groups, All Stars 5 - 7 years old. Trailblazers 8 - l0 years and Lazers 11's. If you would like your child to join us come arm see us at Doddington Village Hall where we meet on the 2nd - 3rd - and 4th Sundays of each month from 10.15am. to 11.30am. or phone me Janet Howell on 886 259.
The children are looking forward now to receiving their oranges, decorated with fruit, sweets and candle at the Christingle Service at Doddington Church at 10.30am on December 3rd. This will also be a Parade Service. There will be a collection for the Children's Society.
On December 17th. We are having our Christmas Party, with a difference between 10.15/12.30, At the Crib Service at 5pm on Christmas Eve at Doddington Church the children will be reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas. The Sunday School will not have a session on 31st of December.

NEWNHAM VALLEY W.I.
This months meeting on November 16th was chaired by our new President Mrs Pam Hawkins. Arrangements were made for our Christmas meeting on December 14th. Then we will be entertained by Faversham Handbell Ringers.
Members are asked to provide a Plate of Buffet Style food for the meeting and also this year to provide a small Christmas Present wrapped (no more than about £ 2.) so that members may have a Lucky Christas Dip. Our speaker for November was Dr Lawrence Mulheirn talking about Food Additives. A very interesting and quite complex subject.
Competition winners for the month were Jennifer Cheesman for the Flower of the Month - a Red rose, and Edna Clarke for the plate of Chocolate Fudge. Our Christmas meeting will be on Thursday December 14th (one week early) at 7.3Opm in Newnham Village Hall.
The competition is for An Unusual Bell.

PERSONAL SERVICE GROUP.
Barbara Roberts is the local liason person for the above group. If you require transport to and from Hospital or your Doctors Surgery -- please contact her on 01795 886 332, and we will pass your details to the Personal Services Group, and a driver will then be arranged.

Page 3

DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL.
The Parish Council met on 13th November 2000. Apologies from Mr. Clinton, four members of t the public attended. One member of the public took the opportunity in the 10 minute publtc discussion time to say that the letter printed in the Parish Newsletter complaining about children going out on Halloween was unfair to teenagers. It suggested that children were intimidating residents into giving out sweets and treats. The member of the public went on to say that in fact Halloween had gone very well with several people commenting on how polite the children were.

Councillor Graham Cuthbert suggested that a scheme used in areas in France where a sticker could be displayed in windows of homes willing to take part in Halloween could be used next year. It was agreed that this was a very good idea and It should be implemented next year. The Council were asked to look into the letter but unfortunately as the writer Is unknown this has proved impossible.

A member of the public also asked that the parking problems experienced particularly by Northdown residents on Bonfire night were addressed. It was agreed that next year a sign would be put on the entrance to Northdowns saying 'Residents Parking Only'

Ian Woodhouse questionnaire as reported in last months Parish News was agreed . The Questiomnaire to he delivered this month.

Picnic bench in the playing field has been repaired but the concrete bench which has been irreparably damaged will not be replaced until the spring.

Graham Cuthbert reported on 'Playgroung equipment safety' found a few minor problems easily solvable. Graham to turf an area where wood is protruding above safety mat level.

The bus shelter cleaning contractor has informed the P/C that the bus shelter is badly marked and that cleaning it monthly is not making a great deal of difference to the amppearance Two members of the public volunteered to organise the cleaning as and when necessary, which was accepted from the Parish Council.

An amended application had been submitted for change of use of shop which now incorporates 10 parking spaces. The Parish Council felt that the objections put forward against the original spnlication were still the view of the public and therefore the Parish Councils objections to the change of use are unchanged. It was also' decided that the Parish Council would ask to see scale drawings of the proposed parking area.
Swale Borough Council Faversham Area held on 31.10.2000. Mary Chastney attended andreported that there was 30 mimutes public discussion dealing with complains about drainage problems in Teynham and Faversham.

Mary Chastney attended the Newnham Parish Council by invitation to listen to discussions with Alan Bayford and the Crime reduction and Architecture Liason officer about Teenage Shelters. There was a positive response from teenagers in Newnham, and there is a possibility that something similar could be looked into for young people of Doddington and Newnham.

Reply received from Mr Edwards - Senior Kent Highways re: several concerns about highways in Doddington. Grassed area at Northdown reported as car dump can he landscaped by Doddtngton Parish Council as long as growth does not restrict visibility from Northdewns. The foot - way resurfacing from Chequers Hill to The Retreat is programmed for the next financial year. The interim works by Dully Hill and the footway by the lay - by is being arranged for completion this year. A vehicle weight restriction for Doddington is to be included in funding for next years budget.

'Two residents of the village sent letter to Kent highways regarding Gulleys and pits in the Old Lenham Road which are non maintained and cause severe problems to residents of The Street particularly after the extremely heavy rain we have experienced. Kent Highways are to clean Gulleys out immediately as a short term measure and look into general improvement for the long term.

Several Villagers are experiencing problems with sending their children to schools and discovering that they are not entitled to bus passes as the schools are deemed not to be the nearest school. If you are one of these parents can you please let a member of the Parish Council know as we are currently looking into this. Thank you. Next Parish Council meeting 11th December at 8pm in the Village Hall,

KENT POLICE.
Special Constabulary are now looking for Parish Constables ... If you are interested or want to know more please contact... Sgt Richard Watson on 01795 584166.

PAGE 4.

DODDINGTON & DISTRICT W.I.
The annual Meeting 9th November 2000. President Mrs Ann Martin welcomed members also V.c.0. Mrs Jean Ambers who would conduct the ballot of President later in the afternoon.

Birthday sprays were handed out and notice of the forthcoming Christmas Lunch was given. This year it will. take place at The Tun, Vine and Press, Newnham 12 noon for 12.30 on Thesday 12th December.

An invitation received from Painters Forstal for three people to attend their Birthday Party in January was read.

Mrs Pam Hawkins then gave a report on the Yearly Council Meeting at Margate which she attended as our delegate.

With the ordinary business concluded it was the turn of our Treasurer to read this years financial statement. The Institutes Annual Report was read by Mrs R. Wildash. She highlighted many successful aspects of our year starting with 'The Easter Fair' and concluding with the tea arranged for the 'Men of Trees.' Mention was made of our continuing Autumn/Winter Craft meetings also most successful.

Individual members and the committee were thanked by Mrs Martin for their work and support given during the past twelve months and enabling our Insttute to thrive. She felt it had been a busy and productive year.

A short talk from Mrs Ambers followed. She then conducted the ballot for President and Mrs Martin was returned in the chair for a further year . Committee members are as last year with one addition Mrs Betty Price.
So ended the business of this years Annual Meeting.

There were eight entries for the competition all were awarded 5 points. The winner of the Flower of the Month competition was Mrs M. Charlton.
Our Christmas Meeting is on Thursday 14th December at 2.15 in Doddington Village Hall. The competition is a chocolate log. Visitors are most welcome please contact Secretary on 01795 886 886.

DARBY & JOAN CLUB.
Here we are at the end of another year and although our members are not all that large it has been very successful especially we have moved into the Billard room which not only is warmer hut we are able to come in the back way saving the steps.
(If course we would like more members to join us with whist , scrabble, crib ending with a cup of tea/coffee with biscuits. Raffle and bring and buy. Our subscription is £1.50 per yr.
Our December meetings are on the 1st and 15th at Doddington Village Hall 2 - 4pm. On the 15th we will have only our usual meeting with extra refreshments. Our didder is now held on the Birthday falling this year on 9th March 2001,

PANTOMIME.
A few tickets -are still available for both afternoon performances on 6th and 7th of January. The scenery is almost completed and the cast are beginning to learn their words. HA - HA. Tickets are available from Doddington Service Station or telephone 01795 886 332, for details.... Booked tickets are ready' for collection.

YOUTH CLUB.

We will be taking an early Christmas Break arri will resume after the New Year. This is due to other commitments for the Supervisors.

FIREWORK DISPLAY.
Doddington School P.T.A. and Village Hall Committee would like to thank everyone who helped to make the evening such a success, after weeks of rain we were very fortunate to have two dry days in a row which made preparations and parking easier.
The Organisationc will share over £ 2,600. for their respective fund raising projects.

SHARSTED SPORTS CLUB.
Results are not coming through very good, but hearing on the grapevine both teams are doing quite well when weather allows.
The 1st Xl have reached the next round at the Kent Cup. Keep going lads.
The Club Wish an early Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
Just hope that the weather is kind so that the Charity Ball can take place and is a good success.

PAGE 5.

DODDINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH.
Keep your eyes open for a silver/grey Subaru estate pert registration F233, seen in the Doddington and surrounding rural areas with four male occupants. Any sightings should be reported to the Neighbourhood Watch Office on 01795 584143 or phone Sittingbourne Police on 01795 477055 if you see any suspicious circumstances. Shed break-ins are still major problems in our area and there have been a number locally over the last few weeks.

St Peter and St Paul's church in Newnham was broken into on Friday 17th November and a cassette recorder taken. Any information please phone Sittingbourne Police 0175 477055.
Ian Pateman. Neighbourhood Watch Co - ordinator.

SWALE FRIENDS OF THE_EARTH.
CALLING ALL GREEN PEOPLE. It is crunch time, Kent County Council Planning Committee will decide upon whether to build the Ridham Incinerator at their planning meeing in the morning of Tuesday December 12th.

Despite well over 5,660 letters of protest the chances are that this incinerator may well be built and pollute the air in Swale for the next 25 years. it is not too late though to write a letter expressing your concerns to the Councillors who will make this decision, or even better still turn up on the day.

For information on how to protest against this INCINERATOR please contact Ian Woodhouse on 886 - 251 and he will tell you what you can do to help stop it. Unfortunately with all enwironmental issues it relies on people campaigning and protesting, it will be too late after December 12th.

There will be a meeting as normal on 1st Monday of the month in The Chequers Inn in December as we are having our Christmas do. Have a Green Christmas and where possible support your local businesses...
Sue Hanson... Membership Secretary.. 886 382.

NEWNHAM FOLK DANCE GROUP.
Friday November 10th 2000 we held our nineth Birthday party on Friday 20th October 2000. A good time was had by all. We had some very lively dances, called by Jane Dryden, who was ably assisted by her friend Linda.

Everyone brought a plate of food for the American Supper, which provided a marvelous feast. Then the cake was cut to the singing of Happy Birthday to us and the evening ended with a raffle and three cheers for the caller.

We would love to welcome some support from local people to our club, after all it is Newnham folk dance group. If you' enjoyed country dancing at school you will enjoy folk dancing. You do met need to bring a partner and everyone helps if you do not know the steps show everyone what to do. Lastly it is great fun and good exercise.

So why not come as our guest for an evening and give it a go. Friday evenings Newnham V/Hall.
Frances Hampshire Secretary.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL.
NEWNHAM CHURCH RESTORATION APPEAL, up date from Appeal Co - ordinator - Roger Moate. There has been a splendid response so far to our Appeal for £ 20,000 for much needed works for the resptoration of the Newnham Church and a full financial report will be given soon. At this point however some special thanks are due.- About 100 people came to the Launch Party at the Church on 7th October to hear superb music, to share refreshments to hear the Architect describe the work needed and to enjoy a very happy evening. We are deeply grateful to Tony Richards and Margaret Woodall who played for us and to Gill Wilson and her son Tom, who sang for us and all who helped and to all who came.

The Tun Vine and Press our new and popular village Bistro has sent a cheque for £173. They had a party on 5th November and held a collection for the Appeal. The added donation sent to us with this cheque and we feel that people would want us publicly to acknowledge this generous contribution.

PRIVATE DONATIONS in the first month total oner £ 4000(four thousand paunds). This is an amazingly generous - hearted response from the village and a tremendous encouragement for us all to reach our target and carry through the programme of work as soon as possible.

NORTON VILLAGE HALL.
Christmas Crackers., at Norton Village Hall on Saturday 2nd December 10am to 2pm.
Make your own Candles, Home made sweets, White Elephant, Craft - Raffle- Cakes. Refreshments and Lucky' Dip.

PAGE 6.

THE WEATHER ... NOVEMBER 2000.
October ended with a total rainfall of 247.43mm. just under 1O".
This was certainly a very wet October, but it was worth noting that there have been at least 10 wetter Octobers in the past 200 years.

November has continued the rather wet weather with 13Omm so far,just over 5" and almost twice the monthly average. According to my readings there has not been a completely dry day for 55 days but overnight dew is also counted as rainfall and has occured a low 3 or 4 nights. Although we have seen ho really cold spells yet, temperatures have continued to 'fall and we have seen 6 ground frosts sp far this month.

Air temperatures have remained above freezing., the minium being O.9c on the 14, - 16c was reached during the day on the 1st, the 20th was the coldest day when the maximum of 9.3c was recorded.

Winds have been between South and West every day so far with gusts of 58mph on the 12th and 21st. Incidently the high winds at the end of October only reached 57mph; the great storm of 1987 exceeded 68mph.

It would seem that the changeable weather is likely to continue into December, but we should not be too surprised to suddenly find ourselves in a cold dry spell or in the depth of winter snow - true to form Britian's climate continues to provide a fascinating topic for conversation.

WILDLIFE NOTES.
Fieldfares have arrived to join the redwings which arrived in early October, although not, apparently in big numbers.
Mick Barry reports just a few from Newnham and I've seen it a few at Doddington above Gaze's Farm (where there have also been a small munber of Meadow Pipits) Mick does however report large numbers of Jackdaws and Rooks- up to 550 of each.. in Newnham and several people have commented on the large number of Goldcrests about recently.

These tiny birds almost certainly breed locally - I've heard their song from trees along Doddington Street - but numbers are boosted in autumn by migrating birds from mainland Europe, So little groups of four or six twittering about in trees and hedgrows over the last month had aleady crossed the North Sea, and are probably now much further South.

Paula Abbs reports seeing a late - flying Red Admiral butterfly on the 4th November which reminds me that John Adgie spotted a Humming bird Hawk Moth earlier in the autumn. These large moths hover in front of flowers especially Honeysuckle, from which they drink the nectar through long tongues. Humming bird Hawk Moths do not over winter in Britian, so this one had been carried over from the Continent on warm winds.

I'ts amazing how many insects do come to us from across the sea. These include the Clouded Yellow Butterfly, numbers of which turn up all across Kent this year.
Did anyone see one in Doddington , Newnham , or Wychling this summer? I didn't so I'd be interested to receive any records.

I'm also interested in any sightings of Tree Sparrows. These slightly brighter relatives of the House Sparrow have declined massively in numbers over recent years and there are very few left in the borough. Please let me know if you've seen any locally over the last few years.
Richard Moyse

DODDINGTON COFFEE MORNINGS 2001.
Once again in the 3 months after Christmas there will be coffee mornings on the third Saturday in Doddington Village Hall from 9.3Oam - 11.3Oam. in previous years these have been very happy social occasions and have raised money for a variety of causes.

On Saturday 20th January 2001 the event will be to raise money for the Knitwits to purchase wool to enable tnem to continue to knit blankets, total to date... 715 for OXFAM, Teddies for Tragedies total to date 3,500, jumpers and knee blankets for local hospitals.

On Saturday 17th February 2001 we qill be raising money for Demelza House Childrens Hospice in Sittingbourne.

Last coffee morning will be Saturday 17th March 2001 the cause yet to be decided.

If anyone would like to have a stall at any of these events on a 10% to the charity the rest to yourself basis. Please contact Mary Chastney 01795 886 245.

PAGE 7.

DODDINGTON PLACE.
Christmas Shopping from 25th November to 9th December 11am to 4pm DAILY. Bargains Galore 5% off clearance sale..
tea room is open for lunch and afternoon tea.
Pre Booked Candlelight suppers on Friday 1st and 8th December. For bookings call Joan on... 01795 886 287.

FOR__SALE.
Electric Cooker (Tricity white rose)...good condition.... can deliver. (Offers invited)
Toddler Tricycle.. (blue red trim') .... suit 3 - 4 year old... £ 10.
Ciildrens video selection.... (Postman Pat. Thomas etc) .....£2. each. Doddington Village ...O1795 886 108.

Irene and Fiona.. would like to Wish Kate.. Roger.. and Joan a very Happy Christmas and a BIG THANK YOU for all the help. kindness and support you showed us during the sad loss of Steve.

Thank you for the many kind expressions of sympathy extended to all my family following the death of my dear Mother .. Josephine Driscoll on 10th November....
Liz Cuthbert

To all readers and people who provide the news not only each month but through the year, and who supply the front page of the Newsletter.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM
Joan and Leslie.

CLOSING DATE FOR JANUARY 2001. 29th DECEMBER 2000.

FOUND.
AFTER BONFIRE NIGHT AT DODDINGTON SCHOOL
1 ARSENAL SCARF. 1 CHILD'S LADYBIRD MITTEN.
PHONE 01795 886 298

These little pies, with their fruity almond filling, are a delicious alternative to traditional mincemeat. A good way of using up any marzipan left over after icing the Christmas cake.

First make the pasty. Rub the butter lightly into the flour, and using as little water as possible, mix to a firm dough. Roll out the pasty quite thinly, and cut 40 rounds - 20 to line the tins, and 20 for the tops. Line the tartlet tins, pressing. the pastry well down.

Now peel and core the apples, and cut into small chunks. Then cut the marzipan into tiny dice. Generously fill each tartlet with the apple and marzipan pieces, making sure there is an equal distribution of each.

Brush both sides of the pasty lids with milk, and cover each tartlet sealing the edges. Don't worry if the apple pieces push through the pasty - it makes them look invitingly home-made.

Bake near the top of the oven for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown. Sprinkle liberally with caster sugar, and leave for a few minutes in the tins before lifting them out.

Serve warm, perhaps topped with a spoonful of whipped cream
Makes about 20.

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