Roy Kilford
VILLAGE
NEWSLETTER
October 2001
For
Doddington, Newnham &
Wychling
From The Vicarage
Dear Friends
"Let us build a city with
a tower that reaches the sky,
so that we can make a name for ourselves "
This quotation comes from the Bible, from the book of Genesis, chapter 11 verse 4, and refers to the building of the Tower of Babel. This was to be a symbol of mankind's strength, unity and independence. No longer would there be warfare; no longer would it be necessary for men to think of themselves as 'creatures,' who should acknowledge and worship their 'creator'. No they were going to 'make a name for themselves.' These verses came into my mind when I saw those horrifying pictures of the twin towers of The World Trade Centre in New York. That too was built as a powerful symbol of mankind's achievement. Then, in less than 60 minutes, the entire edifice collapsed, tragically causing the loss of many thousands of lives. This was caused by the actions of just a few evil men who were intent on making a name for themselves and their cause.
"The world has changed," said the media. That is clearly not true! Throughout history there have been countless examples of similar inhumanity. Just think of the Holocaust, or the massacres in Africa, Serbia and Russia during the last 50 years. Or, nearer home, just think of Omagh and the IRA bombings in London and elsewhere. What happened in America was truly shocking but it was not 'new The truth is that mankind has always had an inherent tendency towards evil. We avoid facing this truth about ourselves by only comparing ourselves with people such as murderers child abusers, wife beaters, robbers and so on. This enables us to say to ourselves 'I may not be perfect, but at least I'm not as bad as them.' I suspect that this is one reason why certain types of TV programmes are so popular. They help us keep up this deceit.
The Christian view of man is that despite being capable of many good deeds, such as heroism and other acts of self-sacrifice, "we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of the Son of God" Furthermore we are unable to help ourselves by our own efforts. This is why God, in the form of Jesus Christ, came among us and was willing to suffer the horror of death on the cross. By his death we can be freed from our sinful tendencies and can begin to realise our true potential as loving human beings. Wanting 'to make a name for ourselves' always results in us being prepared to harm others, in the belief that 'the end justifies the means.' Trying to lead 'good' lives too is also doomed to fail, if we rely on our will power alone. We might be able to keep up the pretence for a while but eventually our true self, our dark side, will begin to assert itself That is why so many of our 'heroes,' be they politicians, pop stars or what ever, turn out to be no more than 'men of straw'.
The situation, however, is not hopeless. Paul, writing to the Romans, says the situation can change if we will accept Jesus as our Saviour and then "Offer ourselves as a living sacrjfice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. Do not," he says, "conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of mind" Of course, the nations of the world must do whatever they can to try and eradicate terrorism, but do not imagine that they will succeed. Terrorism will always exist whilst men seek to 'make a name for themselves' and ignore God and his will for their lives
May God Bless You All
Roy Kilford
From the Registers
The following were welcomed into the Church through
Baptism:
Alice Louis Dickenson at Norton on 26th August
Deckan
Marcus Hopper at Lynsted on 9th September
Victoria Loines and baby Brendon
Loines at Newnham on 16th September
Max & Eleanor Barten at Wychling on
23rd September &
Callum Harrison at Lynsted also on 23rd September
"SHINE AS A LIGHT TO THE WORLD"
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Association
Puppy Walking A practical way of helping to train guide
dogs for blind
The Association started its puppy walking programme in 1956 to help ensure a regular supply of suitable dogs for training as guide dogs for visually impaired people. The scheme proved very popular and successful and there are now puppy walking schemes in many parts of the country (including our villages). It has been proved beyond any doubt that puppies brought up in private homes under the Association's guidance make the most suitable guides and companions. Puppy walkers are needed to take puppies from around six weeks old into their homes for basic education until they are about one year old, when they are transferred to a training centre for more specialised training.
The type of home required for a puppy is one in which it will be welcomed and understood by all the family. The puppy should be reared with the blend of affection, control and supervision normally given to a young child. Homes in built up areas are preferred in order to condition the puppy to all aspects of busy town life. Living in a village you will be required to go to town most days and have access to a car during the day. The puppy will need to be taken into shops and introduced to public transport. Experience with children, other pets and usual household activities are essential in helping to provide the right environment for the developing puppy. Generally speaking, the wider the pup's experience of varying situations, the more able it will be to cope in a relaxed way with its future working responsibilities.
It is essential that an adult should be at home most of the day. This will ensure there is enough time to feed, exercise and educate the puppy, which must not be left on its own for longer than three hours each day.
Gardens must be enclosed with secure fencing and preferably have an area set aside for house training and relief purposes.
The role of the puppy walker is to provide basic education and care for the puppy during its first year, enabling it to pass the three Cs - calmness, concentration and confidence. This will include house training, social behaviour, basic obedience, lead education, and introduction to all aspects of the environment in order to prepare it for its future life as a guide dog.
A representative of the Association will call on a regular basis to check on the puppy's progress. Give practical advice to care and education and help with any difficulties being experienced. Because of the need for these visits, puppy walking schemes operate only in areas within reasonable distance of the Association's training centres. The Association will provide basic equipment, such as leads, collars, identification medallion, brush and comb, as well as covering all veterinary fees and a feeding allowance while the puppy is in your care. If you are temporarily unable to care for your puppy or an emergency occurs, the Association will ensure your puppy is looked after.
It should be remembered that puppies could well cause damege in the home, or even personal injury, unless they are carefully supervised and controlled. Thoughtful precautions reduce these risks and the puppy walking supervisor is there to advise and guide you. This will ensure that puppy walking is a rewarding experience for all the family.
The breeds most commonly used as guide dogs are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Labrador x Golden Retrievers and German shepherd dogs.
Once the puppy has been returned to the centre to commence its formal training, you receive regular updates on its progress. When the puppy qualifies after training with its new owner, a framed colour photograph of the two together is presented to the puppy walker as a token of appreciation. Puppy walking is a vital part of the Association's work and although you would be participating on a voluntary basis, it will take up a lot of time for both you and your family. The rewards for a year's commitment to puppy walking are immense and in turn the Association can train more guide dogs, providing increased independence and mobility to someone who is visually impaired.
If you are interested in becoming a puppy walker please phone 020 850 61515 if living in Kent or for other areas phone 011 898 35555.
Mary Chastney and crew are kindly running the next village coffee
morning in aid of Guide Dogs on Saturday 13 October, full details elsewhere in
the news letter.
Why not come along and meet the puppies with their
walkers.
Thank you for reading this article. Graham & Liz Stevens.
Coffee Morning for Guide Dogs for the Blind sponsored by Douwe
Egberts
Saturday 13 October 2001 in Doddington Village Hall from 9.3Oam
to 11.3Oam
Please come to meet your friends and have a natter over a cup of
coffee (or tea). There will be various stalls including cakes and preserves,
trash and treasure, Jeans Knit and Sew and the Guide Dogs for the Blind trading
stall which will include Christmas cards and stocking fillers. We hope to have
a Guide Dog puppy and a retired brood bitch for you to meet, a Tombola, Pick a
straw and of course a raffle! Look forward to seeing you there.
Doddington Village Show 2001
Another excellent show despite the difficult weather conditions, the
entries were up on last year, and it was pleasing to see a number of people who
had not entered before being so successful. Also a lot more people came to see
the exhibits, many more than previous years, the ball was full all the
afternoon and plenty of people were there at the end to see Mrs Janet Harris,
Head Teacher at Doddington Schoolpresent the major awards and the childrens
prizes. Many thanks to the committee and other helpers for all their bard work.
Major award winners were:
The Birtles
Cup for the lady gaining most points in the show Miss Janet Bell
The
Cuthbert Cup for the gentleman gaining most points in the show Ron Cole
The Village Show Cup most points in the vegetable classes Ron Cole
Irene Gaze Memorial Cup most points in the flower classes Mrs Win
Cuthbert
Tiny Cup men's cookery Ron Cole The judges remarked that it
was one of the best Bakewell Tarts they had tasted!
Filkins Cup gentleman gaining most points in
craft, cookery and photography
Joint winners Ron Cole and Les Roberts
May Cup most points in the cookery classes Mrs Win Cuthbert.
Savill Cup most points in craft and photography Miss Gemma Breakell
Best Horticultural Exhibit Award Ron Cole
Judges Choice
for flower arranging Mrs Elaine Bastable
Next years show will be on Saturday 7 September 2002
A highly embarrassed Mary Chastney would like to thank everyone who has been kind enough to congratulate her on winning the BBC Radio Kent Commitment to the Community Award, she will be donating the £50 prize given to her for a charity of her choice to the Doddington organ fund.
DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALL
Registered Charity No. 1055616
Doddington
Village Hall - Auction Sunday 14th October 2001
We are pleased to be able to advise you that Doddington Village Hall
will be holding another of its auctions on Sunday 14th October 2001.
Booking in will be from 12 noon on Saturday 13th..
The Managing
Committee have decided once again that to ensure the quality of goods we will
not be accepting any - gas or electrical items unless t.hey 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 will exercise discretion on Saturday as goods arrive and vendors
will not be allowed entry into the hail until their goods have been checked.
We would be more than happy to receive donated goods and if the items
are not sold we could dispose of them for you and save you the trouble of
collecting unsold items. We intend to operate a £2.00 minimum bid. We
hope this will allow the auction on Sunday to proceed more quickly and also to
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.
WANTED. Musical instruments or pa systems (Microphones, mike stand,. amplifiers) and anything electronic for sound effects for the Valley Players to help in the groups productions including this years Pantomime, The Wizard of Dodd. Goods need to be in good working and we are asking for donations rather than goods for sale. Collection can be arranged. Please contact David on 01795 886376 or 07976 206880M.
NEWNHAM VILLAGE STUDY. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have completed my questionnaire which was distributed last month. All results and comments have been recorded and will be used as part of my research on the changes within the village. Thank you all for those who have taken time to talk with me about the village and for the use of photographs... Hannah Curtis.
KENT VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2001
By Linda Lumsden
For many years Doddington entered the Best Kept Village of the Year competition, about four years ago it was decided to change the name of the competition to Kent Village of the Year. It was felt that there was a lot more to judge villages on than how 'pretty' they were. It was then decided to split the categories into 'small villages' (less than 1000 population) and large villages'.
There are 5 categories: Older people, Young people, Community Life, Business and Environment. Villages can enter all categories or less. This year Doddington entered 3 categories, Older People. Young People and Community Life.
The entry forms for each category have several headings. For Older People we were asked, "What local services and facilities are available for the elderly and who runs them? What help is available to the housebound? What part do senior citizens play in the life of the village? The forms are submitted at the end of March.
The judges usually visit the villages anonymously and then by an arranged visit. I was contacted by two Judges in June who were judging the Older People category. I showed them around the village, the Village Hall, introduced them to the Butchers and to Ethel Sage. They seemed impressed, but were giving nothing away.
A week later they contacted me again to ask about Mary Chastney as they said "it is impossible to visit Doddington and not hear the name Mary Chastney". 1 was asked whether 1 could write a piece on Mary to be put forward for the Commitment to the Community Award. I had to keep this a secret until the awards ceremony on the 1 8th September.
Mary and I usually go to the awards, myself as the person that submits the entry and Mary as Chairman of the Parish Council. We were thrilled when we were announced as Runner Up for the Young People category and flabbergasted when we won the Older People category. The next award was a wonderful surprise - Mary Chastney had won the Award for Commitment to the Community. Thirty people in Kent had been put forward for this award. Mary was interviewed by Radio Kent - broadcast on Thursday 20th September and the ceremony itself was broadcast on Sunday 23rd September.
The judges commented that Ooddington is "a lively, caring village where everybody is involved in making it a happy place for older people. The local doctor holds a surgeiy in the Village Hall twice a week and there is also a car service run by members of the Church available to anyone unable to get to hospital appointments. The local butcher delivers to residents and keeps an eye out for anyone in need. There are a lot of activities for older people and to quote there entry form 'their drive and enthusiasm gets everyone involved'. An 86 year old runs the Darby and Joan Club, and writes, produces and delivers the village newsletter!"
The certificates will be displayed in the Village Hall and a lovely Brass Plaque with a Ornamental Malus will be planted in the Autumn in the Village.
WELL DONE DODDINGTON.
DARBY & JOAN CLUB.
The first meeting in
September took place at the home of Nrs N. Harris, Bunkers Hill. After a wander
around the garden in the beautiful sunshine with plenty of flowers to admire, a
tea was provided followed by a guessing game of how rnany articles places on a
tray. The number 20 this was won by Jean Witherden totals of 17. Thank you very
much Nickie. Our next meeting was in Doddington Village Hall starting with the
usual whist, and scrabble, followed bT tea/coffee, bring and buy and raffle.
The meetings in October are the 5th and 19th in the village hall at 2pm
NEWNHAM TODDLER GROUP.
Parents, Toddlers and Babies WELCOME, every Wednesday (term Time)
from 10am in NEWNHAM VILLAGE HALL for play, activities, coffee and a chat. For
more information please call..... Mel Jordan 01795 890152.
BUSY MUM OR DAD.
Are you a busy Mum or Dad?
Would you like your child picked up from School and looked after for a couple
of hours a day? Or even all day?. If you live in the Doddington, Newnham,
Lynsted, or Milsted area, please contact Clare Connolly~ on 01795... 886 292
AUCTION.
Doddington Village Hall on October
13/14th. Booking of items for the Auction will be from 12 NOON on Saturday 13
and the Auction will start at 12 Noon on Sunday 14th. ... VIEWING will be on
Sunday 14th from lOam. A 15% commission will be levied on Sales. ...
Refreshments will be available from lO.3Oam on Sunday.
Recipe of the month
Kentish Apple Cake
A very
simple 'pudding cake', which becomes even more moist the day after baking.
You will need
3 oz (75g) raisins
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice,
completely' optional
5 oz (125 g) self-raising flour
5 oz (125 g) light
inuscovado sugar
1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 fi.oz (I 001ff)
vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 large Bramley apple, weighing about 8oz
(200g)
1 tablespoon caster sugar for sprinkling
A shallow baking tin.
Win x 7in, and one and a half inches deep
How to make it
Preheat the oven to 1800C, 3500F, gas mark 4.
For extra-plump raisins, soak them for several hours in the orange juice before making the cake. Otherwise use straight from the pack.
Put the flour, sugar and cinnamon into a bowl. Make a well in the centre, and add the oil and eggs. Beat or whisk it all together until thoroughly blended. Now peel and core the apple, and cut into half-inch chunks. Then fold the apple and the soaked raisins into the mixture. It will be quite soft.
Spoon into the tin, and spread evenly. Bake near the centre of the oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Sprinkle with caster sugar and leave in the tin to become cold. Cut into 18 squares, and store in a lidded plastic box.
TIP This recipe also makes a good pudding. Cut it hot from the tin and serve with custard or ice cream. Leave the remainder to get cold and serve as cake the next day
CONCERT AND CANDLELIT DINNER
Did you attend last year s
concert in Newnham Church? Well, it was so successful it's happening again!
This time the Maridadi. Singers, from Canterbury, are coming to perform in the
church, on Saturday 1 December 2001, in aid of the Church Restoration Appeal
and the Malawi Project. The programme will include a range of music from all
over the world, from Ghana to South Africa, Israel, New Zealand,USA and
Georgia. Don't miss the chance of hearing such a varied and interesting
repertoire, performed with great gusto!
Following the concert, a candelit
dinner will be served in the village hail. Tickets cost £15 including
dinner and wine, or £5 for the concert only. Contact: Catherine or
Geoffrey Bockett on 890291 or Diana Davies on 890408.
GRAND CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY NEWNHAM VILLAGE HALL
Saturday 8
DECEMBER 10am- 5pm Come and buy delicious home-made jams, jellies, marmalade,
chutney, Christmas puds and cakes, biscuits and sweets Also gifts, candles and
decorations and much much morel! Freshly made ground coffee, home-made soup and
teas served all day. FATHER CHRISTMAS will be in attendance!
Proceeds to
Newnham Church Fabric Fund
DODDINGTON & DISTRICT W.I.
W.I. Meeting
13th September 2001. .. After the break in August the September meeting with
Mrs Martin presiding, started with the singing of Jerusalem during which we
were asked to remember the many people who lost their lives in the terrorist
attacks in America. Some of the victims being our own Countrymen.
In
our business session we were told of the 'Yorkshire Teas Challange' involving
tokens, and a chart, also a money prize and other gifts! Small packets of tea
bags were handed to each member.
There is to be a Coffee Morning in aid
of 'Guide Dogs for the Blind' on Saturday 13th October 9.30 to 11.3OaM in the
Village Hall. A request was made to members for Produce, Cakes, Jam etc for the
stall.
The Harvest Lunch will be on 4th October 12noon for 12.3Opm. Our
Speaker for the afternoon was Mr Palmer talking about a 'History' of Farming
entitled Parsonage Heritage' Going back several generations of his family' all
on the same Farm this was illustrated by some excellent slides and a collection
of old farm tools. Mr Palmer told of time of long ago. One old custom, the
privy down a path at the end of the garden and all it entailed on a dark winter
night, or in the rain, certainly' won't be missed. A fascinating talk. Mrs
Waters thanked Mr Palmer.
There were no entries for the competition, an
arrangement using corn, barley',oats and grasse The ~roup Meeting competition
was for a bookmarker o As there were only two entries it was decided to druw
for which one should go forward for entry' to the Group Meeting on the 24th
September next.
The Flower of the Month was won by' Mrs Wildash with
Mrs J. Cheesman coming a close 2nd. The raffle brought the meeting to a close
and our President wished everyone a safe journey home...
The next
meeting will be on October 11th in Doddington V/Hall 2pm fpr 2.l5pm. The
Speaker Mrs Jean Ambers who will speak on 'Disasters of Toy Making? A warm
welcome will be given to anyone wishing to attend.
1st NEWNHAM BROWNIES. On Sunday' 23rd September 9 Brownies came
with me to Shepherds Park in Sheldwich for Brownie Revels ~ -7pm..... Nearly
100 Brownies from Faversham Division' joined in B/Revels. The theme this year
was Pirates. Our Colour was Pale Lilac and we had to make a flag for 1st
Newnhan with Skull and Crossbones and we all wore scarves of the same colour
which we decorated. We then played Pirate games and Pirate activities..... Pin
the tail on the parrot .. Pirate tag foot and starboard.. string maze.. Pirate
ship construction.. Treasure trove & make pirate accessories comprising of
; eye patches.. telescopes. binoculars., shoulder parrots .. belts and
cutlasses. We then had a picnic tea. Then we all walked a plank and fired water
cannons, followed by' a Pirate Camp Fire and sing song. Great fun was had by'
all. We went home at 7pm.
BROWN OWL. BUDDIES .
BABY AND TODDLER. The Group will restart on Thursday' 6th September from 1.30 - 3pm in' Doddington School Hall, We are a very informal and friendly' group and would be delighted to welcome any more children aged from 0 - 5 with their carers. It's a great opportunity' for the children to play and mix with others and for carers to chat and a cuppa. We usually' have a simple craft activity' available and an outing once a term. Enquiries to Lis on 886 392.
DODDINGTON & NEWNHAM TRAFFIC CALMING GROUP
A traffic
calming group has been set up to investigate the best means wher necessary to
slow down traffic throughout the stretch of road from the A20 to the
A2
Members of the group come from Newnham, Doddington, Wychling, &
Lenham. There main aim is to find ways to make our roads safer by stopping
traffic speeding trhough the villages and preventing unnecessary traffic - cars
& heavy vehicles - from using our roads as a short cut from one motorway to
the other.
If you would like to know more or have any useful comments
please contact:
Doddington 886 251 or Newnham 890 627
  |
SHARSTED SPORTS CLUB. The football 1st Xl have made a very good start to the season,
winning their first three matches, 3 .2 v Tyler Hill, 2 - 0 v Crusaders, 18 - 0
v Ash. |
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR.
You are invited to a Christmas Bazaar and
Coffee morning on Saturday 3rd November from 10 to 12 noon in Newnham Village
Hall.
All proceeds for Alexander Spunil1 Trust. Stalls to include
Aromatherapy, Jewellery, Wood Turned products, Fancy goods, Cakes etc. Further
information' next month or please contact Joan Tuckey.
DODDING TON PARISH COUNCIL
Summary of the meeting held 10th Sept 2001 Report by Alistair Clinton
All 7 Parish Councillors were present & Cllr. C Prescott (SBC representative), and 4 members of the public.
Overhanging shrubbery along the Lenham Road was still
causing a problem -
PLEASE DO CUT BACK OVERHANGING SHRUBBERY ON ROAD &
FOOTPATHS TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE & HAZARD TO PEDESTRIANS.
CESSPOOL CHARGES - This was included on the agenda of the recent Swale Area KAPC (Kent association of Parish Councils) meeting. It had been agreed that the KAPC secretary would obtain further information regarding charges and report back.
BUS STOP - This being an eyesore due to vandalism
(mainly on the windows) the front and possibly side window panels will be
removed.
POST BOX - A new post box has been provided by the Post
Office outside the village hall as requested.
GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Anyone with ideas
for how Doddington should celebrate the Golden Jubilee
Please contact the
Parish Council (See notice board outside village hall)
TRAFFIC CALMING - Ian Woodhouse reported the Traffic
Calming group are pursuing several avenues including a road weight limit,
identifying possible environmental enhancements. They have identified danger
points in Newnham & Doddington & are currently researching traffic
calming measures. Leaflets encouraging locals to reduce their speed thereby
slowing down other traffic will be distributed shortly. The Traffic Speed
Indicator Device (SID) has been booked for Doddington during the first Week of
October
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
SW/01/0574 1 Forstal Cottages,
Doddington - application had been refused.
SW/01/0820 Court Lodge Farmhouse
- retrospective application - the Parish Council raised no objections although
were concerned as it was a retrospective application.
HIGHWAYS - Ian Woodhouse reported items completed in the last month, e.g. filling numerous potholes in Brewster Road, Homestal Lane, and the road to Lynsted. Concerns were raised about white lining the road from Doddington to Lenham, which Ian would continue to pursue.
Transport (By Sarah Jones)
School Transport -
Replies have been received from KCC and Cllr. J Newman responding to our
concerns about KCC's policy on home to school transport. Unfortunately they
have been unable to provide any solutions and KCC continue to support their
decision that pupils living in Doddington have Sittingbourne Community College
and Highstead or Borden as their nearest designated schools for which they will
provide free school transport. KCC have stated that both Service 345 and 662
are subsidised by the County Council, which means that school children can buy
season tickets at a discount. Passes for 4 weeks or more effectively give half
fares before 9am. The season tickets can be bought from the bus company.
Rural Fund - the Parish Council have requested a bus service to Lenham and KCC have stated they will consider the request in future planning.
Recycling - SBC are to be asked if the kerbside recycling collection can be extended to include Chequers Hill and the houses beyond.
Date of the next Parish Council meeting
8th
October 2001 at 8.00pm Doddington Village Hall .
THE WEATHER SEPTEMBER 2001.
As we have been on holiday for the past two weeks I only have
summary details of September's weather so far. There have been at least two
thunderstorms directly over this area causing damage to telephones, computer
modems and demolishing established trees quite spectacularly.
My rain
gauge recorded 53mm of rain, but had overflowed, so I cannot give a more
precise figure.
Temperatures are showing the expected seasonal drop,
especially overnight, often falling into single figures - 7.3 the lowest
recorded at present. Most days have been pleasantly mild, in the low 20's, but
the intense heat of summer is now fading into memory.
There have been
some localised severe gusts of wind evidenced by the debris on the roads and in
the garden, although the anemometer has only recorded a maximum of 28mph.
Whilst away we experienced a range of weather; we were in the southern
parts of France and had the benefit of daytime temperatures exceeding 25
degrees on several days with bright sunshine. There were several windy days -
in the eastern Pyrenees and near Perpignan the full impact of the Tramontane
was noted. At the summit of Mont Aigoual in the Cevennes (l700metres) the air
temperature was 5 degrees, but with a wind speed approaching 50mph the wind
chill factor gave an apparent temperature well below freezing! I hope it will
be some weeks yet before we have our first frost here arid that we can enjoy
the autumn flowers for some time to come.
WILDLIFE NOTES.
Wildlife Notes In the mild weather of early autumn, good numbers of insects
are still about. These include a number of dragonflies which can be spotted
hawking their insect prey in almost any sheltered, sunny space. I have noticed
two species around the village in recent weeks: the medium-sized, blue-bodied
Migrant Hawker, and the smaller, red-bodied Common Darter. Both these species
have long flight seasons, with the adults hatching anytime between July and, at
least in the case of the Common Darter, as late as October - although
individual adults live only a few weeks. Also still active (and for some weeks
yet) are the brown, grasshopper-like Dark Bush-crickets which can be heard
chirping from amongst bushes and brambles. Interestingly, another late-summer
bush-cricket, the weirdly named Long-winged Conehead was added to the
species-list for Doddington Churchyard this year. Until very recently. this
species was found only between Dorset and West Sussex, but over the last few
years it has spread rapidly, and can now be found all over Kent, possibly as a
result of climate change. It is noticeable that almost all the House Martins
and Swallows have now gone for the winter, although there are still a few
individuals about.. October should see the arrival of the first winter visitors
- look out for Redwings in berry-bearing trees and bushes, and listen for the
harsh 'chuck-chuck-chuck' call of Fieldfares as they fly over.
Mick Barry reports a Sparrowhawk over Lady's Wood in Newnham on the
evening of 17 September. I also spotted one a few weeks back on Chequers Hill,
where it was lifting off with a freshly killed starling. Ian Pateman has
reported a possible further sighting of the Red Kite at the beginning of the
month: the bird was picking at carrion on a quiet back-road. Just as exciting
is Graham Cuthbert's sighting of a Short-eared Owl hunting over fields near
Palace Farm on the evening of the 6 September. Although this day-flying owl
mainly breeds on heathland, there are a few pairs on the North Kent Marshes.
The marshes are also used as winter feeding ground by birds from Northern
Britain and Northern Europe. So was Graham's bird local, or an early winter
visitor?
Richard Moyse
2 West End Cottages, The Street,
Doddington 886421 (not after 9pm) .
FUTURE DATES ..
November'. DODDINGTON SCHOOL
P.T.F.A. Wine and Wisdom' - Saturday' 17th NOVEMER - Doddington Village
Hall. 7'.for 7.3Opm. Teams of 6 or 8 Welcome at £ 4.50 a head....
Includes wine and refreshments to Book a table please contact Barbara Roberts
886 332.
Another date for your diaries - BARN DANCE Doddington
Village Hall on SATURDAY 26th JANUARY 2002... 7.30 to 11.OOpm. Caller Jane
Dryden in aid of P.T.F.A. Funds, more details next newsletter. To reserve
tickets contact Barbara Roberts 886 332
P.T.F.A. annual General
Meeting OCTOBER 16th ... 3.2Opm. in School. Parents and supporters WELCOME.
PANTOMIME.
The
Valley Players will be presenting for your delectation 'THE WIZARD OF DODD'
This has been loosely' adapted from the Wizard of Oz by' our' director
Alistair Clinton. So far the rehearsals have been a lot of fun' but we are sure
that will soon stop.
The performances will be on Saturday' 5th January'
2002 and Sunday 6th January at 2pm and 7.30 Tickets will be available from
Doddington Service Station and Reservations can be booked on 01795 886 332.
Adults... £ 3.50 Accompanied Children £ 1 .50. Book early to avoid
disappointment. Performances
will be in Doddington Village Hall which will
benefit from this fund raising.
DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALL Committee members a meeting in the village hall on 22nd October 2001 at 8pm.
WANTED. Maths Tutor' for my' son age l2years.....(year8) 1 hour
per week.
Please phone 01795 886 531.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING.
To Mike and Pauline Gaston.
Winsgate, Bistock... A gift of a Son. .Matthew.. born at Kent and Canterbury
Hospital on August 25th 2001. We wish the Family' well
To Tom and Olivet
Pilcher wish to thank their Family' and many friends for the lovely' flowers
and many cards on their 65th Wedding Anniversary' on the 19th September. The
wedding took place at Doddington Churxh. We wish them many more happy years.
In this small space I would like to thank all the people who do the Front Page. We have had many' congratulations on how they blend in with each month of the year.
Now may I once again ask you not to make your news and designs in solid ink the machine just does not print it well so please use a sketching. Thank you. .
CLOSING DATE FOR ADVERTS. October
20th
CLOSING DATE FOR NOVEMBER 2001. OCT 24th .............at 6pm.