VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
September 2000
For
Doddington, Newnham & Wychling
From The Vicarage
Dear Parishioners
As I was going into the K& C Hospital the other day a man sitting on a bench outside shouted out to me. "Padre," he said, "congratulations about your chapel." I went over to him and said that I was not the hospital Chaplain, just visiting a parishioner. He then told me why he had called me over. Apparently he had been very ill, in his words, 'it had been touch and go.' Well he recovered from whatever it was. His wife said that there was lovely chapel in the hospital and that he ought to go in and say 'thank you.' Rather reluctantly he went in and sat down. He did not know where to start or what to say, 'like most men,' he thought. Anyway as he sat there he began to be able to sense God's presence and was able in his own words to "let it all out," and he came out of the chapel really uplifted. He then said how wonderful it was to be able to talk to the Lord. I felt great joy for him and was amazed that he spoke in such terms. "Now you know why I do this job!" I said. His cheeky reply was "Well you don't do it for the money!" I told him that the person I had come to see was in great pain and was very poorly and asked if he would pray for her, and he said he would.
In that chapel he had experienced God's presence. Sometimes people ask me to 'prove' that there is a God, and this of course is impossible because we are talking about the unknowable - the 'ground of our being,' the 'first cause-' quite beyond our comprehension. As Isaiah puts it we are the clay and he is the potter, how can the clay ever question what the potter does or does not do?
But what happened to the man at the K&C is not uncommon. Many people have had what they would describe as 'a religious experience.' Many of these were involuntary but there are ways in which we can prepare ourselves for an experience of God. Many find that communing with nature is one way. Another is to sit quietly in one of our lovely churches. Other way is actually attending the church services held week by week. (When I first started going to church it was because I was made to go by my parents, so as soon as I could, I stopped going! When I returned to going to church it was different. I found that I 'needed to be there. If for some reason I was not able to go then I knew something was missing).
Jesus said "seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be open for
you, ask and you will receive." You will only know whether it is true that
there is a God by entering into a relationship with him. As St James says "Come
near to God and he will come near to you." Do that and you will not be
disappointed. Rooted and grounded in love, you will begin to discover 'how
broad and long, how high and deep, is the love of God for you in Christ.
Want to know more? Then sign up for the Confirmation Classes which will be
staring in September, or for one of the Weekly House Groups in Newnham, Lynsted
or Norton.
May God Bless You All
Roy Kilford
Harvest Celebrations
Wychling - Sunday 24th September at 10-30am
Norton -
Sunday 1st October at 10-30am (Harvest Supper on Friday 29th September)
Doddington - Sunday 1st October at 11-30am followed by the Harvest lunch in the
Village Hall
Lynsted - Sunday 1st October at 6-30pm with rededication of
the church by Bishop Stephen
followed by Food and Wine in church
Newnham - Sunday 8th October at 6-30pm
Confirmation Service
On Sunday 8th October Stephen, Bishop of Dover will be coming to Doddington to conduct a Confirmation Service for people for all five parishes. I shall be starting confirmation classes early in September for adults and young people over the age of twelve. Please give the Vicar a ring on 886265 for more details.
CHURCH SERVICES DURING SEPTEMBER
Sunday 3rd September
8-OOam Lynsted Holy
Communion BCP
lO-3Oam Norton Family Service & Baptism
lO-3Oam
Doddington Family Service in Village Hall
Sunday 10th September
8-OOam Wychling Holy
Communion BCP
9-00am Norton Holy Communion Rite B
10-30am Lynsted
Family Service
10-30am Doddington Holy Communion Rite A & Baptism
6-30pm Newnham Sung Evensong
6-30pm Lynsted River Praise
Sunday 17th September
8-00am Doddington Holy
Communion BCP
9-00am Norton Holy Communion Rite B
10-30am Lynsted Holy
Communion Rite B
10-30am Newnham Family Service
Sunday 24th September
8-00am Newnham Holy
Communion BCP
9-00am Norton Holy Communion Rite B
10-30am Lynsted Holy
Communion Rite A
10-30am Wychling Harvest Thanksgiving
12noon Lynsted
Baptism
From the Registers
Weddings
Mark Ockenden and Margaret Harrison
on 29th July at Newnham
David Brazil and Susan Beale on 29th July at
Norton
Craig Seymour and Kelly Broad on 29th July at Lynsted
Richard
Green and Wendy Thomas on 5th August at Lynsted
Jery Prinn and Nicky Friday
on 12th August at Lynsted
Blessings Nigel and Donna Moon on 29th July at Norton
Baptisms Owen Nathan Harrison on l3th August at
Lynsted
Funerals
Lucy Maims on 11th August at Vintner's
Park
Stephen Huggins on 21st August at Charing
PAGE 2.
DODDINGTON CHURCH FLOWER ROTA
3rd September and 10th September Mrs Martin.
17th
September and 24th September Mrs Pilcher and Mrs Cheesman.
CLEANING ROTA
9th September Mrs Cuthbert and Mrs Witherden.
23rd
September Mrs Hanson and Mrs Hawkins.
NEWNHAM CHURCH FLOWER AND CLEANING ROTA
2nd September Mrs K. Phillips
9th and 16th September
Mrs J. Conway (NF.Wedding)
23rd September Mrs C, Swain.
30th September
Mrs F, Cassell.
BRASSES. Mrs Smith and Mrs Clark.
DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL.
Meeting held on 14th August in the Village Hall.
A resident took the
opportunity' in the 10 minute public discussion to point out that a sign on
Chequers Hill is obliterated by the hedge. Graham Cuthbert offered to cut back
growth. Swale Borough Council have been asked to keep the Parish Council
informed of forthcoming road works through the village. From the second week in
September there will be traffic lights through the village due to Transco
reconnection work, the work will involve houses from Chequers Hill through The
Street to Church Hill.
Swale Borough Council provided the grant for the purchase of Football nets as requested by young people in the village. The nets have been handed over but the metal parts are being awaited. It is hoped these will be in place before the end of the month. Ian Woodhouse proposal for a 4 year plan was discussed, it was agreed that Alastair Clinton would provide an outline for this and further discussion would take place before the next Parish Council meeting.
A letter has been sent to Swale Borough Council from the Parish Council oposing the planning application for a Telecommunication mast and base station at Palace Farm. A planning application for removal of a tree at Santa Christina met no objections. Last month it was reported that a meeting would be held between Mr Harabar, Swale Borough Council and concerned residents of West End and Dully Hill about speeding traffic coming down Wychling Hill. Unfortunately' the meeting was cancelled at short notice by SBC. A new date has been proposed by Parish Council.
Swale Borough Council has adopted the Swale Borough Local Plan. The Plan can still be seen at Swale House in Sittingbourne.
A letter has been received from Swale Borough Council introducing the New Recycling and Minimisation Officer, Peter Chegwidden. It was agreed that Doddington Parish Council would ask if assistance could be provided to reinstate the Green Waste site at Palace Farm. The bin which had been destroyed by fire in the playing field was replaced but as this too has been destroyed it was agreed; that it would not be replaced, as the cost is around £200.
The Kent Probation' Committee us looking to recruit members of Local Boards which will be responsible for the operations of the National Probation Service from 1 April next. Full details of posts are currently' being advertised in the National Press. If anyone is interested further details can be obtained from Eileen Tretheway. Parish Clerk on 886808.
It was agreed that Swale Borough Council would be asked to take action about cars which have been abandoned at the front of Northdowns. It was agreed that the abandoned cars created an eyesore for residents and visitors alike. Local residents will receive a hand delivered invitation to come to next months meeting on Monday 11th September to discuss a possible solution to the problem.
DODDINGTON SERVICE STATION
The following items can now be bought from the Service Station:
Bread.. Milk,, Yogurt.. Sugar.. Tea.. Coffee.. Variety of Juices.. Eggs..
Bacon.. Cheese.. Butter.. Margerine .. Variety of Crisps.. Pate.. Ice Cream ..
Variety of Soft Drinks .. Frozen Goods.. Sweets.. Toilet Rolls .. Kitchen Rolls
...... Cat Food .. Dog Foods Agents for Dry-Cleaning ..... Stamps... Papers by
Order...
Any other items please inquire and we will try and help.
PAGE 3.
STOP PRESS... STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS
PLAYING FIELD SAFETY.... The Parish Council has been informed that HALF
METAL CANS have been embedded at times round the picnic tables.
PLEASE do
not walk barefoot in the playing field.
DODDINGTON & DISTRICT VILLAGE SHOW. SATURDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER 2000.
The last date for getting your entry forms to Mary Chastney, Woodstock,
The Street, Doddington is 7pm on Thursday 31st August 2000.
The show opens
to the public from 2pm to 4.3Opm and the prize giving will be at 4.15pm. The
committee is delighted to announce that Graham Cottington former Northdown
resident who is organising' the reunion at the school later in the evening has
agreed to present the prizes, so if you can't meet him at the school come to
the show! Come to the show anyway besides all the exhibits there will be a
raffle, sales table and refreshments. We look forward to seeing you.
EXHIBITORS don't forget that this year, vases will be provided for all except the flower arranging classes, so you can put your jam jars to better' use in the cookery classes!
DODDINGTON SCHOOL RE -UNION.
Graham Cottington who is organising the re-union has had a very good
response from the pupils of Doddington School.
The original target years
for attending the reunion was 1950 to 1970, however some other ex pupils have
expressed a wish to attend and Graham has welcomed them along.
The re-union
will take place on September 2nd from 6pm, please bring a bottle and a plate of
food. If you have any old school photogtaphs please bring them along. If you
intend to come on Saturday 2nd please contact Graham on 01303 274536 or you can
E mail him on Graham@plod3700.freeserve.co.uk
If you have any family members who attended the School and might be interested
please tell them. If you want more detail contact Graham on the above
number.
We look forward to seeing you at the School on Saturday 2nd
September at 6pm.
SPONSORED BIKE RIDE.
Doddington Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored Bike Ride will take place
on 9th September 10am to 6pm. Any money raised will be divided between Friends
of Kent Churches and Doddington Church. Don't forget that younger children can
cycle/walk from Doddington to Newnham Church through the grounds of Doddington
Place and older children could do laps. Sponsor forms are available from
Heather Parry 886 331, Janet Howell at All Stars Trailblazers and Lazer or
Periwinkle Press.
If you think you can spare an hour on Saturday to help
man the church please let Heather know on 886 331.
ALL STARS, TRAILBLAZERS and LAZER.
This Christian Sunday Morning club is for children aged five to eleven
plus. It is held on the second, third and fourth Sunday of each month at
Doddington Village Hall. We start at 1O.15am and finish at 11.3Oam.
We have
Bible stories, christian teaching, games, art and crafts activities and a
singalong. The children are also given a drink of squash and a biscuit. There
is no charge for attendance but we always welcome donations of paper, crayons
and paints etc.
We start again after the summer holidays on Sunday 10th
September. Any child between the ages of five and eleven plus is very welcome
to join us. If you would like to find out more about All Stars, Trailblazers
and Later please phone me, Janet Howell on 886259.
DARBY & JOAN CLUB.
We start the Autumn Season with a kind invitation to the home of Mr
& Mrs Tom Harris at Bunkers Hill, Wychling on September 8th. Transport will
be arranged. leaving Newnham at 2pm and meeting in Doddington (AT Joan's) at
2.10 for anyone not knowng the way.
Please let Mary or Myself know if you
are unable to come.
We then start once again' at the Village Hall in the
Billard Room' at 2pm on ths 22nd September. With the smaller numbers it is very
cosy also easier for members to use the back entrance with no steps.
New
members would be welcome any one on their own and not quite a pensioner will be
welcome Good laughs with playing whist, scrabble, or crib. Followed by
tea/coffee, raffle and bring and buy. If interested just come along you will be
welcomed. Subscribtion £1.50 per year.
PAGE 4
WILDLIFE NOTES
Plenty of Glow-worms at West End in early August - at least half a dozen
along the side of Dully Hill, a few on front lawns, a couple at the top of the
playing field and one in a garden on Sunnyside.
Although it seems summer
has just arrived, the autumn bird migration has already started On 24 July, I
saw two Whimbrels - smaller relatives of the Curlew - flying roughly south over
the village. These birds are always amongst the earliest, migrants. Nan Dalton
reports a Buzzard which passed over Margaret Manor on the 11th. It is almost
certain that this bird was 'on passage'. However Buzzards hare just been found
to be breeding again in Kent (near Sevenoaks) after 200 year absence, so who
knows?.
There has also been a notable insect migration over the last
month, but in this case it has been northward from the continents I've seen a
large number of Migrant Hawker dragonflies, which are largish, fairly slim and
blue around the village. Silver Y moths have also appeared: these are
medium-sized brown moths with a prominent, white "Y" mark on the upper wings.
Both these insects migrate northward into Britain in late summer, and have
recently arrived in good numbers. Some of the Painted Lady butterflies which
you can see feeding on Buddleia bushes around the villages may have arrived
with them.
Also on the insect front, this is a good time to look for
grasshoppers and the larger bush-crickets. You may find the green wingless,
rather spidery Speckled Bush-cricket coming indoors. Outside you may well have
noticed the chirps of the Dark Bush-cricket coming from hedges and brambles,
unlike most other species, the Dark Bush-cricket keeps chirping on warm nights.
In long grass that has not been cut for years (as in the planted area next to
the car-park at Doddington Church) you might hear the long, continuous buzz of
the less common Roesel's Bush-cricket. Look out too for the brown Field
grass-hopper, which has a white 'X' mark behind the head and the green
flightless Meadow grass-hopper. You may even see the delicate, green, and
winged Oak Bush-cricket or ( and you'll need a book for this one) the
Long-winged Conehead, a bush cricket which has just arrived in Kent, and whose
rapid spread may be a result of global warming.
EXTRA....Come
and do your bit for wildlife at Doddington Churchyard on Sunday 10 September
starting at 1pm. We will be making hay while (we hope) the sun shines, and
generally tidying up. Bring gardening gloves, a rake, and secateurs if you have
them. See you there !!.
WEATHER REPORT
All news to follow in next month.
FRIENDS OF THE EARTH.
Swale calling all Green People. The incinerator campaign has been a
great success, and over 5.000 letters of objection have been received by K.C.C.
who are planning a meeting in October or November to decide whether to call for
a public enquiry, or give the incinerator the go ahead.
All credit goes to
Ian Woodhouse who has been a key mover and shaker, together with Tricia Carr
and others in the fight against the incinerator.
Anyone with time to spare
and with strong feelings about this cause should phone Ian Woodhouse on 886
251
We have our next meeting on 4 September at The Chequers.
BRING
PARTY' ANIMALS..... We had our Summer Meeting ar Bar -b-que in Dully Hill.
Members provided the music and we all had a good time.
CLEMATIS RAILWAY.
Paul & Thelma Newman, Lewson Street, Norton Railway Coffee Morning -
23rd Septmber 10am - 1pm
Coupled with an Exhibition of Thelma's Tapestry
and embroidery. The Clematis Railway is a Garden model railway in G Scale -
45mm gauge and a full train service will run, weather permitting.
PROCEEDS
TO NORTON VILLAGE HALL FUND.
FUND RAISING.
The two weeks held recently in Newnham Village Hall The Trash and
Treasure, and the refreshments at the picture sale raised £152.00 helping
to fund Alexanders recovery.
Many thanks to all who helped to make this
possible
Joan Tuckey.
PAGE 5
PANTOMIME - ALADDIN.
Following our summer break, rehearsals will resume on 12th September and
the 26th September at - 7.3Opm.
As a result of last months newsletter we
have already started taking bookings for tickets.
Performance dates
are:
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th January 2001 - (Two evening and two
afternoon performances.)
We will be holding scenery workshops during the
autumn. If you would like to be involved and help with this aspect of the panto
please contact Leslie on 01795 886332.
Ticket bookings can be made on the
same number or from Doddington Service Station.
BISHOP GAVIN REID.
As you know Bishop Gavin will be retiring in the autumn and moving to
Norfolk.
There will be a presentation to him at the Diocesan Songs of
Praise Service in the Cathedral at 6.3Opm on Sunday 15th October and if PCCs (
or individuals) wish to make a contribution to that presentation, cheques made
payable to CDBF should be sent to Miss Rosemary Collins here at Diocesan
House.
Mrs Olive Waters and Family - thank everyone who kindly sent cards and letters of sympathy, after the loss of a Dear Husband and Father.
DODDINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH.
There is very little to report this month apart from the incident of a unique handmade banjo stolen from Faversham. This happened between 19/23 August from a house in Selling Road, Fav. The banjo described as being a gold tone mandolin banjo, large and heavy construction from blonde maple. It was in a larger banjo case with gold coloured fittings. It is estimated to be worth in the region of £ 700. If you have any information please contact Sittingbourne Police on 477053.
DODDINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB.
The new football season for Doddington Club will be starting on Saturday 9th September 10am - 11.30am at Sharsted Sports club, Newnham. We are open to boys and girls between ages 6 to 11yrs. Subs are £1. per child per season. If you need more information please contact Ian Pateman on 886815, Steve Shrimplin on 886340 or Mark Tompkins on 886 252.
NEWNHAM MOTHERS & TODDLERS.
We meet every Wednesday in Newnbam V/Hall 10 -11.3Oam. All are welcome -
Mums, Dads, Grandparents,Carers - to hare a tea/coffee and a chat.
Give
your baby or toddler an opportunity to play with others.
On Wednesday 6th
September we have a photograph session the photographer has an excellant
reputation - so do come along and get your Christmas photos done !
If you
would like to know more please ring' Sheila Memanus on 01622 850535.
SHARSTED SPORTS CLUB.
Not a lot has happened on the Social side of the club. The cricketers
had a grand win against the old rivals Norton in the Village League but have
lost heavily since, but it looks as though the club will not be relegated this
season.
The football section have played some pre-season friendlies and
have been quite successful
The season starts soon so good luck lads and
enjoy it
PAGE 6.
DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALL.
Dates for your diary... Our Autumn Auction will take place on Sunday
22nd October. 2000.
Items can be left for booking' in from 10am on Saturday
21st October
NO Electrical or Gas Appliances will be accepted unless they
have a certificate of inspection.
Booking Officers will NOT accept
clothing, bicycles or books/magazines as they are difficult to display
effectively.
A 15% commission will be levied on sales,
Refreshments
will be available on Sunday from 10am.
Viewing will take place on Sunday
from lOam.
FIREWORK DISPLAY
At Doddington School on 4th November 2000.
Following approaches by
nearby residents we will not be having an opening sequence by' the Engish Civil
War display team.
The cannons and muskets were very noisy and young
children found the noise excessive.
We hope to make the display more visual
than usual with some new ideas.
Tickets will be available in due
course.
Prices will be £ 4.00 for adults and £ 1.50 for
children.
Refreshments will be available on the night.
There will be a
Grand Raffle. Tickets as usual will be available thoughout the village.
Advance tickets will be on Sale at £ 3.50 for adults and £ 1.50
including a free drink for children.
Gates open and a Bar-B-Q starts at
6pm.
Bonfire display starts at 6.45pm and the main Firework display starts
at 7.30pm
W.I. REPORTS.
DODDINGTON & DISTRICT REPORT.
September 14th at Doddington Village Hall at 2.15pm
Speaker Mrs Brooker' on a talk 'Millinery'. The competition a decorated Hat
Visitors always welcome.
NEWNHAM VALLEY W.I.
September' 21st at Newnham Village Hall at 7.3Opm.
There will be no Speaker as it is their Birthday' Meeting.
Again visitors
welcome.
DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALL.
To all committee members please note their will be a meeting at the hall on September 4th at 8pm
If any one wants clean 1lb jam jars (not been used for pickles) please either call or ring Joan at Victoria Bungalow phone 886896.
DODDINGTON BUDDIES
A new club for 0-5 year olds with their carers.
Doddington School Hall
Thursdays 1.30 - 3pm
Starts Thursday 7th
September
Come and play, make new friends, meet old ones!
Babbies,
toddlers, pre-schoolers, mums, dads, grandparents, childminders - all
welcome!
For more information call Lis Bayford on 01795 886 392
CLOSING DATE FOR OCTOBER
24th SEPTEMBER at
6pm.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Plum Cobbler
Victoria plums have arrived, bringing with them the first taste of autumn. Plum cobbler is uncomplicated and easy to make. so perhaps the children will enjoy a little cooking before school begins again.
You will need
One and a half pounds (700g) Victoria plums. halved and
stones removed
Perhaps a little sugar to taste
Cobbler Mixture
5 oz (150g) self-raising flour
1 oz (25g) caster
sugar
3 oz (75g) butter
5 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons chopped or
flaked almonds
To finish
A little caster sugar
A 9- or 10-inch ovenproof plate, enamel or Pyrex is fine
How
to make it
Pre-heat the oven to 180 Deg.C. 350 Deg.F gas mark
4.
Arrange the plums evenly on the plate, and sweeten with a little sugar if you think they need it.
Now make the cobbler topping. Put the flour and sugar in a bowl and rub in the butter. Add the milk, and mix well - the mixture will be quite soft and sticky. Spoon dollops over the plums - there is no need to completely cover them. Then sprinkle with the almonds.
Bake in the centre of the oven for about 40 minutes until the top is brown and crusty, and the plum juices bubble round the edge. The surface will look a bit like cobblestones - hence the name.
Sprinkle with caster sugar. and serve warm with custard, cream or ice cream.
Serves 4.
MASSAGE FOR RELAXATION.
BOOK two treatmants between October 31st 2000 and December 31st 2000 and the third treatment is free. Ring Joan Tuckey... 01795 890688 for details.