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VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
October 2000

For
Doddington, Newnham & Wychling

From The Vicarage
October 2000

Dear Parishioners

What's right? Just before I went away on holiday the parents of Jodie and her Siamese sisters were awaiting a decision from the high court about whether doctors should be allowed to go ahead with an operation to separate them. The parents, were staunch Roman Catholics and wanted to leave things as they were, knowing that both children would die in the near future if no operation took place, and one would have a good chance of surviving if the operation was done. But an operation would kill the other baby

One of the appeal judges said that he had had many sleepless nights trying to decide what was best. This is surely not surprising. Should anything be tried to save life even if it means destroying another life in the process? What weight should be placed on the 'rights' of parents to decide the fate of their children, particularly if they have strong religious beliefs? (In America both Christian Scientists and Jehovah Witnesses have been imprisoned for refusing to allow doctors to operate or give blood transfttsions on their children, who have subsequently died). We live in times when the ethical dilemmas are becoming more and more complicated and difficult to resolve. Just think for a moment about some of them.

Should abortion be allowed on demand? Have women the 'right' to do what they want with their own bodies? Originally abortion were only to be done under certain strictly defined circumstances, but year by year the number of abortions is rising and it has almost become another form of birth control. Many people, and I include myself in this, have grave doubts about this. As chaplain of a small cottage hospital in Herne Bay I was prepared to resign over a proposal to set up a unit there to perform some 200 abortions each week. At the William Harvey Hospital I had seen the distress experienced by both Father and Mother when their baby was stillborn or there was a neonatal death. We held a special service for anyone who was still grieving about this or about miscarriages and a great many people came and were helped by this. Yet in another part of the hospital 'terminations' were being routinely performed, almost on demand. There was some account paid to the need for proper counseling, but there was never any religious input to this. I met many women who later deeply regretted having been 'talked into' having an abortion by perhaps the doctors, their parents, the father. For them it was a case of 'out of sight and out of mind!'

What about euthanasia? After all if we love our pets, the kindest thing we can do sometimes is to have them put down, 'to put them out of their misery.' Surely then we should do the same for our nearest and dearest. Again I could not go that far. But it is a difficult problem. When my father was dying with lung cancer I knew that taking too high a dose of his pain-killing morphine would shorten his life. But the alternative was to condemn him to intolerable suffering (this was before the wonderful work on palliative care now possible at the hospices and in the hospitals)

What next? As more and more medical and other scientific discoveries are made the moral or ethical problems will be even more difficult for ordinary folk, like you and me to unravel. What do you think about GM crops? And what about the genome and the possibilities of 'growing spare parts from discarded embryos? How are these issues to be decided? Some would prefer to leave it to various aithoritative' bodies -Jhe BMA for example or a panel of top scientists. Others look to the Churches to give clearer guidance. These days people will not be told, they want to make up their own minds. What worries me, though, is that they sçem to be influenced more by the media, through what happens on the 'Soaps,' or on the various so-called 'studio discussion' shows.

St Augustine said "Love, and do what you will." But he did not mean by that 'Do whatever feels right to you.

God Bless You All
Roy Kilford

CHURCH SERVICES DURING OCTOBER

Weddings

2nd September Ryan Manwaring at Liesl Chetwynd-Bircher at Norton
15th September Matthew Northover and Melanie Coombs at Lynsted
16th September David Smith and Francesca Church at Newnham.

Baptisms

3rd September Amy Made Lewis of Teynham at Norton
10th September Zoe Hazel Rhoda Downey of Kingsdown at Doddington
24th September Poppy Amelia Price of Etriott Wood at Lnsted

Funerals

25th August Maureen Hubbard of Teynham at Norton & Vintner's Park
30th August Carolyn Gabb of Faversham at Doddington
1st September George Cross of Kingsdown at Vintner's Park
11th September Harold Hope of Wychling at Charing
20th September David Pearson of Doddington at Doddington

PAGE 2.

DODDINGTON CHURCH FLOWER ROTA
1st October Harvest Festival.

CLEANING ROTA.
7th October Mrs Roberts and Mrs Doe. ... 21st October Mrs Payne and Mrs Waters.

NEWNHAM CHURCH FLOWER AND CLEANING ROTA.
7th and 14th October Mrs E. Perry. .... 21st and 28th October Mrs 3. Hempstock.
BRASSES Mr and Mrs C. Clark.

ALL STARS. TRAILBLAZERS AND LAZER SUNDAY SCHOOL.

We were glad to welcome the children back on 10th of September and to see some new faces. From time to time I put out a request for materials for our Sunday School, to which people always respond most generously'? Here is another one, this time our priority need is for pencil crayons and, as always, A4 plain white paper and larger sizes for painting are also needed.
FORTHCOMING DATES ..
1st October No Sunday' School because it is the Harvest Festival at Doddington Church at 11.30am
8th October. NO Sunday School so that the children will be able to attend the Confirmation.. Service at Doddington church at 10.30 a.m.
15th October Sunday' school at 10.15 a.m. as usual.
22nd October. NO Sunday School (Half Term).
29th October. Sunday School as usual at 10.15 a.m
5th November. Family Service in the Village Hall.
12th.... 19th.4.. 26..... November Sunday School as usual at 10.15 a,m.
For any further information about the Sunday School please contact me, Janet Howell on 886 259

DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL.

The Council met on Monday 11 September 2000, the first item on the agenda was the question of the grassed area in front of 1 and 2 Northdown which belongs to Swab Borough council and has become an unauthorised car park/dumping area. All the residents on Northdown and those facing it had been invited to attend bit disappointingly' only 4 of those invited with 2 other village residents attended. Ms Martin front Swale Housing Association was welcomed, due to a misunderstanding no representative of Swale Borough Council attended, but Mr Haratbar Highway. Manager had indicated that there was no money available but that they' would welcome suggestions to improve the area.

The problem was very fully' discussed and the suggestion put to Ms Martin that all Northdown houses should have their own driveway, and incidentally that the hammer head area at the top might be used as a play area. She will be looking into both these suggestions but- stressed that again money was the problem. Cllr- Chastney' remarked as had been said at previous meetings that the village already had a very' good playing field which was well maintained. The problem was not resolved but the main suggestion was that the area should be made into a formal car parking area with some landscaping round the edge. Councillors felt that Swale Borough Council were unlikely to agree event if funding could be found as there would-be no turning circle, but the idea is to be put to them. Their answer and any further ideas that residents may have wi3l be discussed at the next meeting.

The meeting continued with Cllr Chastney thanking Cllr Cuthhert and David Hawkins and Richard Moyse for clearing greenery round the 30mph sign on Chequers Hill and the direction post at West End revealing a flight of steps, which had also been cleaned? This and other voluntary help is much appreciated The proper authorities are to be contacted about the serious concerns over the unacceptable level of low flying aircraft noise, particularly that on 51 August which terrified children in the playing field, causing one to have an asthma attack.

Mr Haratbar Highways Manage SBC had met with Cllr Chastney and Woodhouse to discuss various problems including speed of traffic through the village and the possibility' of imposing a weight restriction on the Faversham Road from the A20 to the A2, also the possibility of slowing traffic entering the village from Wychling Hill, because of lack of money' none of these items are likely' to be addressed in the near future. However it was agreed that the pavement from Chequers Hill to West End would be Latched as necessary, the stretch of pavement from the lay' by at the playing field to primrose Cottages would be resurfaced and the entrance to Dully Hill which has an almost permanent puddle would be made up and resurfaced, hopefully' in this financial year. The Kent Wildlife Group is looking for volunteers and the Personal Service Group for Volunteer drivers (details elsewhere in the newsletter).

Doddington Parish Council continued on PAGE 3.

PAGE 3

DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL (cont).

A donation has been received for playing field equipment and Groundwork have been notified that a 50% grant is available, it is hoped to combine the two and get something the young people want, a basket ball net has teen suggested, we would welcome further suggestions. Lenham Parish Council is to be asked for their support to try to get the white lines on the Faversham Road from Wychling to Lenham rewhited as the season of mist and fogs is nearly' upon us making driving very difficult.
The next meeting will' be held on Monday 9th October 2000 at 8pm in the village hall.

STOP PRESS. Swale Borough Council planning committee met on Thursday 14 September and unanimously' rejected the planning application by Vodaphone for a telecommunications base station at Palace Farm Doddington.

COFFEE MORNING.

In aid of BREAKING THROUGH BREAST CANCER.... Barbara Roberts is holding a Coffee Morning at Pump Cottage, Doddington(next to Doddington Service Station) on friday 15 October from 10.00 a.m. - the event will continue into the afternoon - closing at 2.50 p.m. Come along and support this worthwhile cause, money raised will help Breakthrough Breast Cancer Fund Vital research, which aims to fund methods of prevention, and ultimately', a cure for the disease.
If you are unable to attend but woild like to make a. donation - please contact Barbara on ( 01795) 886 -332.

NEWNHAM CHURCH APPEAL.

Newnham Church needs nearby' £ 20,000. for restoration work over the next two years and a fundraising campaign will be launched on 7t'th October 2000. The work included roof strengthening, extensive plasterwork, redecoration, new steps and other works. Thanks to the promise of certain grants and donations, the campaign has already got off to a good start. To launch the Appeal, but definitely' NOT a fundraising evening, everyone is invited to come and have a glass of wine or soft drink to listen to some super music and see the church decorated for Harvest Festival. The musicians will include the ever- popular Tony Richards from The George, our highly talented Margaret Woodall and some well - known singers From 6 p.m. to 8p.m..... There will be no charge.
We hope that friends and neighbours from all around and from other villages as well as all Newnham residents will call in and help make it a happy' start for our fund raising work over the next year or two.

DARBY & JOAN CLUB.

We would like to thank Mr & Mrs Harris, of Bunkers Hill, for a delightful afternoon at their garden, with a lovely tea followed by a new type of Jigsaw cuttings taken from magazines and putting them together. It was great fun, and the weather was beautiful. We are now back in the village hall at Doddington. Next meetings in October are on the 6th and 20th. New members are welcomed just come along at 2pm.

RELAXATION.

Massage for Relaxation Book 2 Treatments between October 31st, 2000 and December 31st 2000 and the. third treatment is free.
Ring Joan Tucky' 01795 890688 for details.

DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALL.

To all members of the village hall the next committee meeting is to be held at the hall on October 16th at 8pm.

PAGE 4.

PERSONAL SERVICE GROUP

The group provides a Voluntary Car Service to take people from Faversham and the surrounding villages to Hospital Appointments or to visit relatives in Hospital. We are desperately' short of drivers. We do not charge our passengers a set sum but most people do give us a donation. We are entitled to claim a mileage allowance from the group Funds. Drivers are not expected to be available on a regular basis but if anyone feels that they may have time, if only occasionaly. I shall be very' pleased to hear from them. I will give further details on request.
Please contact me if you think you can help...Mrs J. Young, 37 Ashford Road, Faversham.ME15 8XN 554075.

SHARSTED SPORTS CLUB.

The cricket season finished and it was a low note with the club not able to field a full Xl's in their last two fixtures, but they managed to avoid relegation. Football has got under way; with the 2nd Xl winning their first fixture versus Swalecliffe. Other results have not filtered through yet. We all wish both teams all the best for the coming season. Keep going lads. The club's Annual General Meeting takes place on Monday 9th October 2000 at 8pm in the Club House. Everyone welcome to see how the club is surrounding. It is good to see Doddington friendly teams enjoying playing at the club ground, and we all wish them every success in the season.

TRICK OR TREAT?.

Halloween (51 October) will soon be upon us. 'this is the time of the year when ghosts and witches are said to be on the prowl, and is associated with the old English traditions such as apple bobbing, Jack O'Lanterns, fancy dress and jumping over lighted candles, some of which date back to pagan times.

However , a more recent and less welcome Halloween custom is that of 'trick or treat' . In North America, where the custom originated, young children go from door to door in fancy dress, usually accompanied by adults and are given sweets. In the UK it has evolved into a more sinister form, and involves gangs of masked or hooded older children and youths going from door to door demanding money, the unspoken threat being if they are not paid they will do some minor act of mischief or vandalism. This is not confined to Halloween, but can take place several days beforehand. Technically' this is blackmail, but the police are usually' powerless to act because there is insufficient evidence of a crime being committed, or by' whom. Police advice is that you should not give money to Trick - or - treaters , and that you should watch them until they have left your property. If you give them money, you are encouraging them to continue doing it. You may also be making life difficult for your neighbours., particularly those who are elderly' or living on their own, who may not want to give money but may be pressurised to do so for fear of reprisals.

The police also advise parents to discourage their children from taking part in trick - or treat both for the above reason and from the child's safety angle. With all the current scares about child abductions and child abuse, how comfortable do you feel about your children knocking on strangers' doors? So this year, why not give your trick - or - treat money to a good cause such as your local Church or Parish Council? That way it will benefit the whole community. Lets make this year's Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone.

YOUTH FACILITIES IN NEWNAM.

Newnham Parish Council is currently investigating ways and means of improving facilities for our young and teenage residents. To this end, attached to this newsletter (for Newnham: residents) is a questionnaire. It is essential to hare input from the people concerned and it would greatly' help us to have the thoughts and opinions of children and their parents on this subject. To allow us to process the comments in time for the November Parish Council meeting the questionnaire should be returned by 30th October' 2000. It is hoped to have a guest speaker on youth facilities at this meeting and all Newnham residents are welcome to attend. Thank you for your assistance with this project... Newnham P/Council.

PAGE 5.

DODDINGTON VILLAGE SHOW

Saturday 2nd September ... In spite of a much reduced entry this was another good show, maintaining our usual high standard. The judges were very impressed, particularly' with all those entrants who had taken the trouble to use white lids on the preserves! They certainly looked very professional, as did the colourful floral entries using all the same (provided) vases instead of a collection of individual containers.

The red ribbon for excellence in horticulture went to Richard Moyse for an exhibit of onions The winner Of the hard fought for Savill Cup in the craft and photography' classes was Kathy Friend - just one first prize, 5 points separated her from the runner up Gemma Breakell. The prize for the Judges Choice in flower arranging went to Joyce Ansell for a beautiful exhibit depicting the Millennium and the Tiny cup for the men's cookery class was won by Tony Clark the judge remarking that he would have been snapped up by a school canteen in her' day when Gipsy' Tarts were all the rage' The Cuthbert Cup for the man gaining most points in the show and the Village Show cup for moat points in the vegetable classes went to Henry Cuthbert and 'the Birtles cup for the lady' gaining most points in the show and the May cup for cookery went to Win Cuthhert. Terry Ansell won the Irene Gaze Memorial cup for the most points in the floral classes and the Filkins cup went to the gentleman gaining most points in the craft9 cookery and photography' classes was won jointly by Leslie Roberts and Ronnie Cole, Many congratulations to all. The judges praised the disappointingly small number of children who entered the children's classes for the high standard of their work, particularly in the 7 and under class where the tine entries all gained first prize for their exotic animals made from vegetables.

A good after noon was happily rounded off by the presentation of cups and children's prizes by' Graham Cottington an ex resident of the village who had spent an hour- renewing old friends

It seems that most people would like the show to continue next year so there follows a list of Judges comments/helpful hints.

Most importantly make sure you read the schedule! It is always disappointing to have an exhibit marked NAS (not according to schedule) as happened twice in the floral classes where too many blooms were in a vase.

In the cookery classes it is suggested that items dipped in Chocolate should be dried on waxed paper so that they are easily' removed when set.

Next time we have a class for sweets we will include the box in the judging as we told this is normal practice and certainly' enhances the exhibit.

The screw top jars for preserves do not med a wax disc, but if a cellophane top is used a waxed disc must be used and must completely cover the surface of the preserve and both this and the cellophane must be put on .when the jar is still hot.

Lemon curd not being a true preserve must have a 'breathing' top, a waxed disc and a cellophane top. Curd does not reach a high enough temperature for- the wax to seal it but the disc and cellophane form a double dust cover.

It you do use a commercial top - which you shouldn't! Make sure it does not still smell of curry paste, it does not improve your preserve !

You may' think that all this is a dreadful fuss, but the judges often have a difficult job to' separate excellent entries so presentation us very important.
By the way' the committee hopes you like the special prize cards incorporating the village sign and specially designed for us by Alistair Clinton,- also the pads and pencils given to the children as prizes, lastly my' thanks to the committee and the helpers without you all we could not stage a show.
Mary Chastney'... Chairman of the Show Committee.

WINE AND WISDOM..

Saturday 18th November.... Doddington Village Hall..... 7 for 7.30 start....
Teams of 6 or 8 welcome.... at £ 4.50 a head...... In aid of Doddington School PTFA funds.
To book. a table contact Barbara Roberts on 886 332.

JUMBLE SALE

Saturday 2nd December at .... Doddington School... from 10a.m. ... Admission.20p. Jumble can be left at the School on Thursday 30th November and Friday 1st December after 3.15 p.m.

Please do come and join us in the church for a glass of wine or a soft drink, hear some music from talented local musicians and help us to launch the Appeal

This is not a fundraising evening There will be no charge.
Highlights of the evening will he some musk' played by Tony Richards our well known landlord of The George,
by Margaret Woodall, our distinguished organist, and by talented local singers.
See the church decorated far the Harvest Festival the following day

Over the next year or two, the church will need nearly £20, 000 for roof' Reinforcement, replastering, redecoration, new steps and other works~ Our Architect, Roger Turner, will he there to explain.

The Newnham Village Appraisal, 1998:
Is the Church important to you?color>
The great majority of people in the village, churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike, said that they valued the church for one reason or another.

Do please come and join us on 7th October any time
between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Steering committee.

Sarah Boucher, Charlie & Edna Clark, Diana Davies, Sheila Gambell, Duncan Hempstock, Peter Howard, Roger Moate, Peter & Liz Platt, Brian Seath, David Wood, Roger Turner (Architect - ex officio) , Roy Kilford (ex officio)

DVH
DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALLsize>
Registered Charity No. 1055616color>

Doddington Village Hall - Auction Sunday 22nd October 2000

We are pleased to be able to advise you that Doddington Village Hall will be holding another of its successful auctions on Sunday 22nd October 2000.

This time, in order to try and improve the efficiency of admitting goods on the Saturday we have decided to start taking lots at 10.00am and have enclosed some blank forms for you to complete before you arrive.

The Managing Committee have decided that whilst the auctions have been successful we need to try and raise the quality of goods accepted for auction and to cut down on the number of lots so that people's interest is maintained.

To this effect we will not be accepting any

gas or electrical items unless they have a certificate of inspection
no bikes or pushchairs
no items of clothing
no books or magazines - as they are difficult to display effectively.

The booking in officers wi1l exercise discretion on Saturday as goods arrive and vendors will not be allowed entry into the hail until their goods have been seen.

We hope this will allow the auction on Sunday to proceed more quickly and also improve the quality of goods offered for sale.

If you have any queries, please contact Les Roberts on 01795 886332

We look forward to seeing you once again.

Yours sincerely

Sara Jones Secretary

Are your tomatoes ripening faster than you can eat them? This is a good opportunity to make your own tomato sauce for pasta. Make a double quantity if you can - it freezes well.

Put them in a large bowl and cover completely with boiling water. Leave for about a minute, then drain. They will simply shrug off their skins. Next roughly chop the tomatoes - I usually cut out the little core at the top.

Put the oil in a saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Cook with the lid on for about 10 minutes, until soft and beginning to colour. Now add the tomatoes, salt and pepper, and most of the basil, keeping a few leaves to toss in at the end.

Leave the pan on a low heat, and just let it simmer gently - this time without a lid - for about an hour and a half The sauce will be much reduced by this time, and fairly thick.

Taste the sauce, and add a little more salt and pepper if necessary. You might even find it needs half a teaspoon of sugar. Stir in the reserved basil leaves.

Serve piping hot, spooned over your favourite pasta. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan at the table

Serves 3.

Page: 6.

WEATHER -NOTES.

A summary of August's weather .... Maximum 30.7c on the 6th and the 12th.
Minimum temperature 10.7 c on the 29th
. Total rainfall 37.66mm, most fatling in three seperate thunderstorms on the 2nd, 7th, and 21st.
Winds generally~ light - August was a pleasant month overall after a rather uncertain June and July'.
SEPTEMBER . So far a very typical Autumn/late Summer month, with cool damp mornings often developing into hot sunny' days - but the days are noticeably shorter and cooling down by 5pm. Maximum temperature 32.3c on the 10th but reaching 29.3c on the 11th, 29.2c on the 12th, and 28.3 on the 23rd. Minimum overnight temperatures creeping down, with 8.6c on the 4th and 8.7c on the 21st. Total rainfall to the 24th is 64,65mm, with 26.5mm in the storm' of the 15th, 18mm of this falling in less than one hour - just when I was out walking with the dog! Unfortunately for the gardens a lot of the rain simply runs off the surface, and you may have noticed how dry' the soil is just 4 or 5cms deep. In general the months of April to September have a 'moisture deficit', with evaporation and transpiration exceeding rainfall, it is not until mid - October that there is likely to be a surplus of water in the soil.
John Howell.

WILDLIFE NOTE,

It's warm' and sunny as I write this, but as far as the birds are concerned, autumn is already here. Mick Barry notes some very large gatherings of swallow and martins, these birds getting together and feeding up before heading south. Mick has also been watching large numbers of birds feeding on flying ants, including 30 common gulls (they have an obvious, white wing- tip) and 200 black- headed gulls(smaller with narrow wings) but without their black heads during winter.

Last month's work party' at Doddington Church went well, hat there's still more to do. A second work day will be held on Sunday 22 October starting at 1pm. As before , please bring work gloves, rakes and secateurs. Doddington Churchyard has been declared a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (otherwise known as a County wildlife Site), as it is one of the best. churchyards in Kent for lichens arid mosses. Some of these grow on the ancient tombstones, the types of lichens present varying with the type of stone used: lichens are very sensitive to chemistry of the rock they grow on. Other mosses and lichens prefer the old lime mortar of the churchyard wall, or the ancient, lime- based plaster of the church wall itself. Few lichens are able to grow on cement- base mortars or rendering.

The churchyard is alive with wildflowers from winter to late summer, Snowdrops are followed by great drifts of wild daffodils and then spring and summer wildflowers such as ox-eye daisy', lady's smock and common knapweed, The flowery grassland is allowed to grow during the summer, but is cut in early autumn, and all the cuttings carefully raked of. By doing this we can prevent a big thatch of dead grass building up and smothering the flowers, and open up patches where seeds can germinate. It also prevents the whole place turning to woodland and shading out all the flowers, mosses and lichens. So if you want help keep Doddington Churchyard one of Kent's best spots for wildlife, join us on the 22 October
Richard Moyse.

YOUTH CLUB.

Following the summer break the club has re-started, a rumor had been circulating that the club closed, but. Leslie, Pam and Martin can confirm. that it is business as usual.
The club is open- to young people from the ages of 9 to 15 years of age.(current members can continue after that age if they wish).
The subs remain at .5Op per evening' and sweets and drinks can be purchased. For new members the club meets at the Doddington Village Hall on Fridays at 7pm and closes at 9pm.
If any parent would like to help occasionally please let either Leslie, Pam or Martin know.

DODDINGTON AUCTION EXTRA.

The Auction takes place on Sunday 22nd October 2000. Items can be left for BOOKING IN on Saturday 21st from 10.00a.m.
A 15% commission will be levied on sales.
Refreshments will be available on Sunday from 10.00am.
Viewing will take place on SUNDAY at 10a.m.

PAGE 7.

DODDINGTON AND DISTRICT W.I.

Report for August and September...There was no monthly meeting in August. Instead a mini- coach took members of Doddington and District also Newnham Valley W.I.'s on an outing to The Pines gardens and tearooms at. St. Margarets Bay. The weather was kind and a pleasant time was enjoyed by all.

September Meeting' the members and visitors were welcomed by our president Mrs Ann Martin, Birthday Sprays were handed out. and the recording of the last meeting read at the start of the meeting... E.K.F.W.I.'Stretch a Fiver' scheme was well supported. members handing in Smarties containers refilled with coins. A Bring & Buy table was held, instead of monthly sales table. Our President reminded us of the Group Meeting at Teynham on September 28th 2pm start., also that Greenhythe, our Link Institute has invited us to lunch and their meeting on 4th October. Members forwarded names to go.

We received a letter thanking us for gifts given for the recent Fete at Faversham Cottage Hospital. On the 15th October Doddington W.I. members will be providing tea for 70 members of 'the Men of Kent. trees' organisation, in Doddington Village Hall Members volunteered to help, Craft Classes restart on Wednesday' 27th September.

Harvest Lunch is on Thursday October 5th 12pm for 12.3Opm. Bookings are now being taken, Our Speaker was Mrs brooker', a Millener who has a shop in Teynham, specialising in hand made hats gave us a short history of her career . Starting with her 3 years apprenticeship in a firm in London and how she rose to become an expert Millener in a well known London Milleners who served the rich and famous, Royalty included. She gave a fascinating account of a hat that she made for The Duchess of York, and of Princess Diana's visits. As a great treat we were invited to try on any of her collection of Hats that were on display, they were really beautiful. We all became Duchesses or Princesses for a while, Miss S. Gambell thanked Mrs Drooker warmly.

This month there were two competitions, one a Lavender Bag won by Mrs Maud Godden this to go forward to the Group Competition. The second for a Decorated Hat had only two entries both were given 10 points' gains the place of equal first. Flower of the Month competition was won by Mrs N. Charlton with an Aster, second Mrs R. Wildash with a rose.

Mrs Martin announced that Rev Christopher Veazey who retired from Doddington 20 years ago as our Vicar was, with his wife Joan celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today. A card was signed by us all and has been posted to them.

The next meeting is on October 12 at 2.l5pm at Doddington Village Hall.
The Speaker is N. Osbourne on 'History of Magic'.
Competition 'A Key of any Sort'.
Visitors or prospective New Members are most welcome.

NEWNHAM VALLEY W.I.

Our meeting this month was our Birthday Meeting and members enjoyed a relaxing evening partaking in- a buffet provided by the committee. This was followed by. Fruit Cake and Coffee. cake and delicious ice cream. Thank you to all who provided it.

Next months meeting is our Annual Meeting to be held on October 19 at 7.3Opm in Newnham V/Hall. It is the time of year when we have to collect together a committee for the coming year. How about allowing your name to go forward, the more we have the easier the workload. This year we have had some very interesting outings and speakers and to round our year of November meeting is all about Food Additives presented by Dr. Lawrence Mulheirn. The competition is for 200grms of Handmade Fudge.

Decembers meeting is our Christmas meeting when we will be entertained by Faversham Handbell Ringers. The competition. is for an Unusual Bell. October meeting starts at 7.3Opm on October 19th in Newnham Village Hall,

SANDHURST FARM FORGE.

We are holding an Exhibition and Sale if Craftsmanship on Sunday October 15th from 10.00 to 3pm at Sandhurst Farm Forge, Seed Road, Newnham. Come and have a pre - Christmas browse of the various crafts and start your shopping early, or put an order ready for Christmas. Enquiries... Kate Dickinson on 01795 886 854.

PAGE 8

DODDINGTON FIRE.WIORK DISPLAY.

Since the last newsletter some changes have been made to the timing of the programme.
The gates will open. at 5.3Opm with the bonfire being lit at 6.3Opm.
A special children's display will start at 6.45pm and the main display at 7pm.
A special designated area will be available for sparklers which will be on sale at the event. As usual the car parking will be free opposite the School (Please avoid parking in the' road near the school).
Tickets will be available from local outlets as usual at £ 3.50 for adults and £ 1.50 for children which includes a free drink.
Entrance on the night will be £ 4.OO adults and £ 1 .50 children.
Bar - be - Que and liquid refreshments will be available and a raffle Will be held
Firework will as usual be professionally fired by Bangers and Flash

PANTOMIME.

Bookings for Aladdin are going extremely well as are the rehearsals. Once again we have some excellent costumes and Judy Potts is helping with our wardrobe this year. So far the seats are mainly sold for the first afternoon performance and the second evening but there is still time to book and seats are available.
Last. year we did a charity performance before the main evening and we have been asked to do so again this year.
Our first public performance is on Saturday' 6th January 2001 at 2pm and then at 7.3Opm. Our second performance are on Sunday 7th January at 2pm and 7.5Opm. Tickets £ 3.00 Adults and £ 1.00 Children. Children under 16 years to be accompanied by an adult.
Telephone 01795 886 332..... or from Doddington Service Station.

Neighbourhood Watch news and Doddington Football news to follow next month.

Jenny Pearson and Family would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers and donations after the loss of a dear Husband and Father. The help and support I have received from friends has helped us beyond belief.

NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL.

Resume of minutes of last meeting 7th September 2000.... Village Matter:
1. Cllr Dartnell reported that the'e would be a delay in the production of the Village Amenity Board, owing to Tribune Graphics' failure to complete work on schedule.
2. There had been no report from the Parish Paths Project coordinator on the state of local foot paths..... 3. Cllr Llewellin confirmed that the Highways department had trimmed over hanging trees on the Newnham - Doddington Road.
4. The questionnaire regarding the provision of street lighting in Wineycock was supported by at least 50% of the residents, the over cost and its effect on the Parish Council Tax would be investigated.
5. A parishioner' expressed concern about the condition of stiles and footpaths ( see item 2 above).....
6. Cllr Meakins reported that a new cleaner for the Village Hall had been appointed and that to date he was very good.
7. Cllr Adgie reported that the problems of road sweeping in Newnham Lane had been resolved.
8. Planning applications for the development of 18, The Courtyard had been refused. An appeal against this decision has been lodged.
9. A member of the public suggested that Newnham should adopt the practice of 'Village Clean up Days' as presently in operation at Doddington Volunteers would be sought.
1O.'Youth Shelters and Sports System' Cllr Gunner is actively pursuing the possibility of erecting a 'Youth Shelter' foot local youth. A specific questionnaire appeals elsewhere in the newsletter - Please give youth views.
Date of the next meeting: The next Ordinary Parish Meeting will be held at 7.3Opm on the 5th October 2000.

CLOSING DATE FOR NOVEMBER . 24th October at 6pm

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