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VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
March 2001

For
Doddington, Newnham & Wychling

From The Vicarage

Dear Friends

"What is this life if full of care," W H Davies. We have no time!

Everyone I meet these days seems to be in a mad rush, me included! I have a recurring dream when things are beginning to get on top of me. It usually starts in somewhere like a hotel or airport lounge. We are leaving and I have to pack my things to start the journey home. But there is always something missing. The people I am with leave, and I am left - rushing about trying to find whatever it is that I have lost. Sometimes I find it and then hurry to catch up the others. But I get lost and I cannot find them. I seem to be going round and round in circles. Then I wake up, usually quite hot, and have to get myself a glass of water before I can get back to sleep.

Whenever this happens I know that I need two things. I need peace and quiet! Once upon a time I was able to get this by taking the dog for a long walk. Being outside here in the country is a wonderfully healing experience, but unfortunately Goldie is not the dog she was and we cannot go very far. So I find that I just must make time to sit down quietly somewhere and just be 'still.' Of course this is not always easy to do, the phone always seems to ring or someone comes to the door or there is something on the TV I want to watch etc etc. Being still means not thinking about all those things that I ought to be doing and that too is difficult. How can we stop thinking about them all? Some people I know find that it helps to have a lighted candle to look at. This seems to enable them to empty their minds of all the clutter. Others find it useful to have a phrase, which is repeated. By concentrating on this the mind gradually lets go of all the other thoughts which have been buzzing around. I often use this method, and I find that the "Jesus Prayer' is very helpful. It is widely used by monks in the Orthodox Church and they repeat it silently many, many times. As you breathe in you say quietly "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God" and as you breathe out. you say "have mercy on me a sinner." Keep repeating this silently and you will find that you become 'still' and relaxed. After sitting like this for a little while you will feel refreshed and ready to get on with things. It is also helpful when you are in bed and cannot get to sleep.

Of course it is more than just an aid to relaxation it is a "prayer." It causes us to think deeply about who Jesus is. He is "Lord," and the "Christ," he is from the Father but lived among us. He came to free us from the effects of our sin and has promised be near us and to help us.

The weeks between now and Easter are called Lent and Christians are asked to use this time as a time for reflection. We can be helped to do this by fasting, that is where the idea of 'giving up something' for Lent originated, by reading and meditating on God 's word, by self-denial and by prayer. These are some of the spiritual disciplines which can help us draw closer to God and to enable us to enter more fully into the great happenings of Holy Week, Good Friday and of course, of Easter day itself To me it is an exciting time of the year and I can be helped to put aside many of the things which clutter up my life. So it is time of liberation and I find that I have much more time, and not just "to stand and stare" with W H Davies' "sheep and cows" Why not make time to join in with our special Lent activities in Doddington, Lynsted and Norton?

CHURCH SERVICES DURING MARCH

THANK YOU

Thank you
to everyone who contributied to the retiring collections for the earthquake victims in El Salvador & Northern India.

Thank you
to everyone who gave donations to enable the restoration work at Newnham to take place after Easter.

Thank you
to Gordon Sherwood for his help every month and to Les Roberts, David Wood & David Bage for taking services whilst Diana and I were away.

A Special Thank You to Jean Waters for playing for us at Lynsted.
Jean would like to step down if another organist could be found. Any offers? Do you know a friend who might be interest to play for a small fee? Please let me or the churchwardens know.

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DODDINGTON CHURCH CLEANING ROTA
3rd March Mrs Payne and Mrs Waters.... 17th March Mrs Howell.

NEWNHAM CHURCH FLOWER AND CLEANING ROTA.
No Flowers.
3rd March Mrs A. Sutton... 10th March Mrs S. Hawkes and Mrs V. Tombs. 17th March Mrs S. Hawkes and Mrs Tombs. 24th and 31st March Mrs E. Platt.
BRASSES Mrs Charter.

DODDINGTON SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Please note that from Sunday 18th March the Sunday school will no longer meet at Doddington Village Hall on the third Sunday each month. That is because we shall be meeting at Newnham church instead. We shall start off our session by being in church with the rest of the congregation and then the children will go over the road to Newnham Village Hall to continue with their usual All Stars, Trailblazer and Lazer activities. After that we shall rejoin the adults in Church. I must point out that it is only on the third Sunday each month that we are making this change and that the arrangements for the other Sundays remain the same. If this presents transport problems for anybody please contact me,
Janet Howell on 886 259.
Dates.
March 4th Family Service at. Doddington Village Hall at 10.30am.
March 11th Sunday School at Doddington Village Hall at 10.l5am.
March 18th Church Service and Sunday School at Newnham at 10.30am.
March 25th Mothering Sunday, Church Service.

DODDINGTON & DISTRICT W.I.
The meeting February 8th started promptly at 2.25pm with Mrs Martin in the chair. Mrs D. Allibone stood in for secretary for the afternoon. The business included finding a delegate for the forthcoming Annual Council Meeting at Margate on the 27th March also finding volunteers to run the raffle. We were reminded that the next Group Meeting will be on March 22nd at 7.3Opm at Newnham when the speaker will be Mr. Tim Brinton subject 'The Spoken Word'. Our Birthday Meeting will take place on March 8th and will include guests from other Institutes. The speaker will be Mrs Proctor telling us about 'Grandmothers Needle Work Box' The competition An unusual Sewing Item. Today's speaker was Miss Sarah Parker who gave a moving account of the work carried out at Demelza House. A children's Hospice in Sittingbourne, she was thanked by Mrs J. Griffiths. After tea entries for our limerick competition were read. Mrs Banyard was the winner, 2nd Mrs Hawkins and 3rd Mrs Wildash. Mrs ~n~rards entry- will go forward to above Group Meeting Competition. Mrs Jennifer Cheesman won the Flower of the Month competition and supplied a beautiful table arrangement which was ultimately added to the raffle prizes which meant there were Liv five lucky winners this month. Our next meeting is on Thursday March 8th. Visitors most welcome however please ring our Secretary Mrs Wildash 886-886 in order that there is enough food for everyone at the Birthday Tea..... Thank you.

AUCTI0N
This years spring Auction will be in April. Back by popular demand it will be held on the week end of APRIL 21st and 22nd. We will be accepting items for Auction entry at lOam on Saturday 21st. Viewing items for sale will be from lOam on Sunday and the Auction will start at 12noon on 22nd April...... As before we will NOT accept Bicycles, Clothing , Books, Magazines, or Electrical or' Gas Appliances without a certificate. The Vi1lage Hall Committee will retain a 15% commission on items sold. Refreshments will be available on' Sunday and Catalogues will be on sale on the day of the Auction.

DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2001

APOLOGIES Colin Prescott, Jean Newnam

In the 10 minutes public discussion time a member of the public drew to the attention of the Parish Council that wheelie bin cleaning companies were pouring dirty water and debris from the bins into the gullies causing a greater problem than we already have with gullies and drains. There is also a problem with drain grills having large stones stuck in them. Parish Councillors promised to look into this.

Planning application on Hopes Hill, applicant was asked whether he wished to make any comments also a letter was read out supporting the application. Councillors, although sympathetic to application, gave reasons why they felt as representatives of the Village that they could not support the application. The Village appraisal was taken as a point of reference, also opinion of villagers who had contacted the Parish Council about setting a precedent if planning permission was to be given outside the village envelope. The Parish Council pointed out that they were only asked an opinion of planning applications and had no power to approve or reject applications. Parish Council said that although they could not support this application they would write to Swale Borough Council with a proviso that were an application to be submitted to extend the property on Downs Court Road it would be looked at sympathetically. Chairman Mary Chastney pointed out to the public that this had been an extremely difficult matter for all Councillors.

Change of use for Village shop to be turned into a restaurant has been rejected by Swale, although not confirmed in writing.

The vacancy arising from resignation of Mr West is to be filled at the march meeting by co-option as Swale had not received request for election. All candidates are to be asked to submit a letter asking why they wish to become a councillor and what they feel they could bring to the Parish Council.

A reply had been received from Swale Highways Dept. regarding several ongoing problems with gullies, non-gritting of roads etc. Mr Haratbar from Swale B.C. saying that Wichling Hill was a secondary route on the gritting programme as was Chequers Hill. Mary Chastney asked whether SBC were aware that Chequers Hill was a bus route. Councillor Ian Woodhouse to find out. We were also informed that all gullies had been cleaned out recently, Ian Woodhouse and Mary Chastney think that some may have been missed, to be investigated. Highways also said that flmding for traffic calming measures should be availbale in 2002 -2003. A reply was received from Police re; incident on Wichling Hill. It was decided that Parish Council would not pursue further except to clarify the boundary of Swale and Maidstone.

It was decided to ask for a replacement School sign as one of the existing signs is damaged. Ian Woodhouse has arranged an open meeting with Mr Haratbar and others to be held on Monday 26w" April at 7.3Opm in Village Hall. Everyone wecome.

Kent Energy Centre are looking for volunteers in this area to become advisors to the elderly and well less off on grant schemes and general energy efficiency. Anyone interested in further details please contact Kent Energy Centre on 01233 646663.

Parish Council will write to Morrsisons regarding the debris from the recent roadworks over the road between Doddington and Newnham. It was also reported that plastic rubbish had been dumped in Doddington Place, Transco to be informed

Next Parish Council Meeting to be held on Monday 12th March 8 00 pm in Village Hall Everyone welcome

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DODDINGTON VILLAGE CLEAN UP DAY SATURDAY 7th APRIL FREIGHTER WILL BE OUTSIDE THE CHEQUERS AT 9.3OAM.
PLEASE CONTACT A PARISH COUNCILLOR IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP ON TIlE DAY.
THANK YOU.

PLEASE NOTE PARISH CLERKS NEW TELEPHONE NO FROM MARCH 1ST: 01795 530161.
Chairman Mary Chastney 886245. Vice Chairman Graham Cuthbert 886365. Stuart Doughty 886807. Linda Lumsden 886376. Alastair Clinton 886843. Ian Woodhouse 886251.

Discovery Pre-school
OPEN DAY

MAGIC SHOW, BALLOONS, PLAY, CAKE & DRINKS

Monday 5th March 9.30am to 11.15am
In Doddington School Hall
ALL CHILDREN UNDER 5 & THEIR CARERS WELCOME FREE!

We will be holding sessions initially on Mondays and Fridays from 9.3Oam to 11.15am
in Doddington School Hall.
We plan to extend our services once additional qualified staff are in post
and still further when our mobile is erected in the school grounds and an After School Club is started.

If you wish your child to attend, you would be interested in working for the Pre-School
or you are a keen volunteer please
contact: Nicky Lord Tel: 886473 or Doddington School Tel; 886298

Children's Recipe of the Month
Apple Popovers

If you have enjoyed making pancakes recently you may like to try these popovers, which are made from the same batter.Ask a grown-up to stand nearby while you cook.

You will need:
1 egg Pinch of salt
125m1 (5f1.oz.) milk 50g
(2oz) plain or self-raising flour - it doesn't matter which
1 small Bramley cooking apple
Oil or cooking tat for greasing the tins
Caster sugar for sprinkling
A 12-hole tart tin - non-stick if you have one

How to make them
First put the oven on at 2200, 425F, Gas Mark 7

Crack the eggs into a basin and add the salt. Then add 2 tablespoons of the milk. Weigh the flour and carefully tip it into the basin. Now beat it all together with a wooden spoon or whisk until the mixture is smooth and thick. Gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking all the while. The batter will then be quite thin, with no lumps. Pour it into a jug and pop it in the fridge while you prepare the apple.

Cut the apple into four. Take out the core, and peel each quarter carefully. Cut each quarter into three - making twelve pieces, then cut each piece in half. Now you have 24 small pieces of apple

Generously grease each separate hole in the tart tin, and put the tin in the oven near the top to get really hot. Meanwhile, take the batter from the fridge and give it a quick whisk. When the tart tin is smoking hot, take it from the oven -ask a grown-up to help. Carefully pour the batter into the holes, not quite filling them. There will be exactly the right amount for twelve popovers. Put two pieces of apple into each pool of batter, then put the tin back into the oven.

The popovers will puff up and turn golden brown in about ten minutes. Take them out and slip quickly onto a warm plate. Sprinkle them with the caster sugar, and eat them straight away.The are also lovely with golden syrup trickled over instead of the sugar. For a special treat, serve with a dollop of ice-cream.

PAGE 3.
NEWNHAM VALLEY W.I.
Our meeting this month was chaired by Mrs Pam. Hawkins. Vera Adgie is to be our delegate for the Annual Council Meeting held at Margate on 27th March. Newnham is to host the Uroup Meeting' on 22nd March and members are asked to bake biscuits as we are expecting about sixty people. There will, be a Bring and Buy' and this year it has a Gardening theme.

The Competition is for a Limerick to start: There was a Newsreader called Tim. Newnham isalso responsible for organising' the Top Team Quiz, The proposed date being May' 24t Members were reminded that subs are due, having said that I think I am guilty. Our speaker this month was Mr Williams who gave us a talk on the History of Gardens. It was a slide talk showing different Garden Styles that had been popular during the last few decades. Showing the use of a HaHa, where the garden will suddenly drop with a wall to a lower level, but from the house surroundings the view is a continuous one, thus it could look as though the cows are in the garden He showed how gardens could be made into individual rooms with the use of Vistas(small doorways in hedges). Competition winners this month were: Flower of the month, equal points Jennifer Cheesman and Joyce Winn.

Competition Photo of a Garden was won by Rita Sampson second Joyce Winn.

SPRING MEAL March 8th ---7,3Optm for 8.OOpm The Red Lion, Milsted. Next months meeting is on March 15th at 7.3Opm at Newnham Village Hall. Our ~peaker will be Mrs Bexter talking about Roumanian Orphans
The Competition is for a Childs Toy or Game.

NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL.
Resume of minutes of last meeting' 1st February 2001.....Recreation.
1.Youth Facilities Swale Housing Association had replied to Cur Gunner concerning the land previously' used for sewage treatment. SHA expressed willingness for the Council to use this land for the Youth Project, would continue to maintain it, and retain liability for it. Cllr Gunner had prepared a draft application to the Kent Peoples' Trust for funding. Lightning of the play - area would hopefully be covered by' any' street lighting that might be installed in the Wineycock area. Enquiries were also being made regarding any requirement for Planning Permission in respect of the Youth Shelter' project. It was considered that the probable cost to the Parish Council would be nil.
2. Parish Paths and Nature Trails. Cur Llewellin and Roger Tuckey (Parish Pathways Co-ordin- ator) had identified several possibilities for Nature Trails, these and matters concerning funding were outlined. This matter will be reconsidered once a firm proposal has been made.

Other Village Matters...
1. Footpath fouling by dogs. A significant reduction of this nuisance has been observed of late.
2. The concerns of villagers about blocked drains, damage due to excessive rainfall, local flooding has been forwarded to Idr Harabar of the Hiphways Department by Cur Adgie.
3. Hawkeye Camera project;Cllr Gunner awaits a reply on this project. The Parochial Church Council have agreed to install such a device adjacent to the Church porch.
4. The footpath between Newnham anti DoddingtOfl has,at last, been cleared.
5. Cllr Seath reised the matter of problems caused by- the Scrambling Club. Although many councillors had orginally- supported this activity, the increasing number of unofficial meetings together with the mud deporited on the road after these and other events, are becoming a problem. The Club will be contacted for a listing of 'Official' meetings, and the planning Enforcement Officer informed of the council's concern.

Date ofthe next meeting..
The next ordinary Perish Meeting will be held in the village hall at 7.3Opm on the Thursday 1st Marck 2001.

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH.
For the Planet. .For the People.. Swale Local Group. Our last meeting was on 5th February in the Chequers. We had a talk James MacGowan on the activities of Local Agenda 21.
The next meeting' will be in Faversham at the Elephant Public House in The Mall, at 8pm on the 5th March.
Kent County Council have turned down planning application by SITA at Ridham Docks for a massive incinerator.
It is so good that so many people are re- cycling cans and newpaper at the School and in the - ~bottle bankadjacent. Any further information please phone Sue on 886 382

THE WEATHER.. FEBRUARY 2001.
The month began quite cold with the lowest temperature of 2.5c overnight of the 31st January 1st February. Since then, daytime temperatures have steadily increased, reaching 13.6c on the 6th, 11th and 15th. There have been 5 ground frosts and 3 air frosts. The first 14 days of the month were wet - 105.3 mm falling up to the 15th, but relatively dry since.
There are two special weather features this month
1. 19.5mm' of rain fell in just 4 hours on the afternoon of the 12th and
2. on the 16th, 17th 18th atmospheric pressure reached 1042 m - the highest since the late 1970's

WILDLIFE NOTES.
What a busy month. Ive received lots of exciting information, so apologies if I cannot find space to mention everything that has been sent to me. Peter Dobson tells me that in January, he saw two Brown Hares in orchards near Elverland Lane, while Roger Woodall spotted a Badger near Newnham waterworks. Both are good sightings of hard - to - see (Though fairly common) animals. The other unusual mammal of the month was a small bat (probably a Pipistrelle) which I saw flying over Doddington School in broad daylight at 4pm on 31st February: presumerbly the warm weather' that day aroused the animal from its hibernation.

Lady's Wood in Newnham has been turning up some good birds recently, most notably a Firecrest spotted by Jonathan Abbs. Firecrests are cousins of the Godcrest they are just as tiny, but have a bright white stripe over the eye. Firecrests are rare winter visitors (and even rarer breeding birds) in Kent. Mick Berry-also reports a Hawfinch from Lady's Wood, where it was bathing with some Chaffinches. Towards the end of the month I went to look for Hawfinches (without success) but did spot a flock of Siskins, high in a Larch tree, feeding on cones.

Amongst the more exciting visitors to local bird tables have been the Bullfinches reported by Peter Dobson, and Marsh Tits in Mick Berry's and my own garden. One has visited my bird table every day this month much to my delight . Mick has even had a Siskin visit his bird bath, Nan Dalton has sent a long and mouth watering list of her regular garden birds, which include Yellowhammers, Coal Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and even the occasional Little and Tawny Owl.

Nan is especially pleased to be visited by a party of Long - tailed Tits which come to a special squirrel-proof feeder set into a hedge. Not garden visitors but very close were 3 Treecreepers which were feeding on the tree on the green at Sunnyside. Spring is creeping towards us. I have seen frogs paired-up in the pond at Doddington School, have heard the songs of the Little Owls, Stock Doves, Mistle Thrushes, Song Thrushes Great Woodpeckers.in the middle of February Primroses, Sweet Violets and Lesser Celandines were starting to flower at Doddington Church. Next Month the first summer visiting birds will start to appear, and we will know that the winter is past..... Richard Moyse.

DARBY & JOAN CLUB.
March 9th is our big meeting of the year. ~ it is our 59th Birthday and we will be celebrating it by having a lunch at Doddington Village Hall please note 12.30 pm for 1pm. After a short bit of chatter and some entertainment we will have the Birthday cake with a cup of tea.
On the 23rd of March. we will be having oinr usual meeting at 2pm in the village Hall.

EARTHQUAKE APPEAL.
For three Sundays in February the churches in our villages including Lynsted and norton have had collections for the earthquake appeals, to date the magnificent sum of £ 789. has been eai'sed. Thanks to all who contributed.

A total donation's from Claire and Anthony's shop for Indian Earthquake Fund was £ 77.67 Thanks to all who donated.

BUDDIES BABY & TODDLER GROUP
The Group will be holding a Sale of outgrown baby and toddler clothes on Thursday 8th March from. 1.45 to 5.pm; in Doddington School Hall. All are welcome.

DODDINGTON COFFEE MORNINGS.
Coffee Mornings January, February and March 2001. Thanks to everyone who made the January and February coffee mornings such a success both financially and socially, we made £156. for the Knitwits in January and a massive £ 360. for Demelza House Children's Hospice in February' quite beyond my wildest dreams to thank you all again for your support & generosity Please do the same for the March coffee morning, which will be in aid of the After School Club' project for Doddington Primary School. This is a project to provide a much needed good quality, affordable and accessible after- school club in this area.
Saturday 17th March l0am - 12noon in the village hall, as usual there will be a raffle and various stalls, cakes, bric - a 4rac, and craft items including knitted goods. Mary- Chastney.

PERIWINKLE PRESS.
The last day' of Newspapers/Bread,4Milk etc., will be SATURDAY 3rd MARCH.
From the 4th March you have the opportunity to continue with paper deliveries by contacting Roger Patel of Macknade Stores (01795 538688). Mr Patal will be happy to deliver fresh milk, groceries also.

We have revised our opening hours for Periwinkle Press Framing and Books as follows: Monday to Saturday... lOam to 5pm...... CLOSED all day' Sunday.
As from 5th March we are having a BIG RELOCATION SALE don't miss the bargains and bring along your Chirstmas list!

SHARSTED SPORTS CLUB.
The weather has been playing havoc with local football the club reserve team have played one game in the last month, when they; defeated Canterbury. Post Office Res. 2 - 1 . The 1st team have had a mixed month losing in the Kent County Cup drawing in the league and winning through to the next round at the Faversham Charity Cup. March and April will be busy" for both teams. Keep it up lads.

The Charity Ball was a great success with the club and a Children's Cancer Fund both receiving £ 1,200. Well Done to all those who took part and helped with these events It is still good to see the Doddington Friendly team going strong, and the club hope they are still enjoying their football.

WINE AND WISDOM.
Our popular Wine & Wisdom evening returns on Saturday MARCH 24th in Doddington Village Hall 7 - for 7.30pm start. Teams of 6 or 8 welcome at £ 4.50 a head. To Book a table please call Barbara Roberts 886 332 in aid of PTFA Funds.

JUMBLE SALE.
Advance warning of a Jumble Sale to be held in Doddington School Hall on Saturday' April 28th from 10. to 11am. Jumble can be left at the school on Thursday 26th or Friday 27th April af after 3.l5pm.

URGENTLY. Needed urgently mature dog lover - - ., to walk or mind 3 small dogs daily Monday to Friday, Newnham area.... Hours and payment negotiable. PhoneOl795 890362. Ansphone.

FOR SALE NOTICES.... Yeoman Multi Solid Fuel Log Burner..... £ 175. Phone 886 247.
1 Rowing Machine - hardly used - £ 80.00....
1 Range Rover - 1976, log MOT/TAX £850.00 For Both Items please phone.. 01795 886 259.
Shower_Screen.. 4 Folding Panels .. as new £ 30. Phone 01795 890362 (Ansphone.)

Kerbside recycling collection dates for March 13th and 27th.

New Year Resolutions going well so..

CLOSING DATE FOR APRIL 2001.
24th APRIL

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