208 June 2020

WESTWELL EYET H

E

Takeways and Fresh Groceries at THE WHEEL ON WHEELS

Please find attached our BBQ Takeaway Menu and Fresh Grocery Menu!We are delighted to say that we are fully operational.. we have a good stock of

everything!

Pages 19 + 3 - The FRESH GROCERIES deliveries are as follows Wednesday to Saturday 10:30-17:30 for orders and delivery!

As much notice as possible is appreciated. Prices may vary as some items are increasingly difficult to get hold of.

Page 3 -Our TAKEAWAY MENU - BBQ ONLY is available to order for collection ONLY Fridays 5 - 8pm, Saturdays 12 noon - 2:30pm, and

Sunday Roasts 12:30 - 18:30!

Thank you everyone for your continued support keeping Leah and me busy! Please call us on 01233 712223 for orders, leave us a message or email James on

info@thewheelinnwestwell.co.uk! Arrangements are frequently changing - depending on alteration of the rules - so please keep an Eye on Facebook - if you do it, - if not ring or email James at the Wheel, or look at

Westwell Events or the Parish website Best wishes,

James and Leah

75thAnniversary

VE Day

From the Editor’s DeskIn spite of the fact that life is very different the months seem to go by as fast as ever. I can’t believe that this is the third virtual edition of the Eye. Watch this space I think we might have one more, it depends whether we are allowed to meet inside – thereby allowed to collate and fold the Eye.

The weather is amazing, wall to wall sunshine day after day, we’ll be complaining soon because that’s what we Brits do!!

Life has changed permanently for a lot of people, my son Guy reckons he’ll be working from home for another six months to a year, as he says “Why would one go on a train and/or underground, from choice?” He was saying today that he would be surprised if he ever went to the London office more than three times a week again, hence they got a puppy two weeks ago!

Four of my eight grandchildren are going to school next week which will be strange in many ways, but we all think the right move.

The Take Away menu together with days and times have changed see page 3.

Enjoy your family and friends!

FuneralAnnette Christine Epps died on Friday 24th April aged 73. Her funeral service took place atCharing Crematorium, followed by burial in Westwell cemetery, on Thursday 1st May.

May God enfold Annette in his tender love and care.

Carolyn Thorneloe

The Wheel on Wheels Grocery MenuProduct Quantity Price Product Quantity PriceSoft DrinksApple Juice 1 £1.50 Orange Juice 1 £1.50Cranberry Juice 1 £1.50 Pineapple Juice 1 £1.50 Fanta 1 can £1.00 Pepsi 1 can £1.00Pepsi Max 1 can £1.00 7up 1 can £1.00Nescafe Coffee 100g £3.00 PG Tips 200g £2.00BeerRed Stripe 1 can £3.00 London Pride 1 bottle £3.50Kopparberg 1 bottle £3.50 Desperado 1 bottle £3.25Corona 1 bottle £3.25WineKiendal Chenin Blanc (SA) Bottle £10.00 Neptune Sauvignon Blanc (NZ)Bottle £12.00Tempus Two Merlot (AU) Bottle £12.00 Quara Malbec (ARG) Bottle £13.00Food - DairyButter 1 £2.00 Milk 1x4L £1.30White Bread 1 Loaf £1.50 Brown Bread 1 Loaf £1.50Cream 300ml £1.50 Cheese 400g £2.50VegFrozen Peas 200g £0.50 Potatoes 1kg £1.00Carrots 1kg £1.00 Broccoli 1 £1.00Parsnips 1 kg £2.00 Onions Red or White 200g £0.50Garlic bulb £0.30 Cherry Tomatoes 200g £2.00Mushrooms 200g £1.50 Peppers 3 £1.00Cauliflower each £1.50 Cabbage each £1.00FruitLemons 6 £2.00 Limes 6 £2.00Oranges 6 £1.50 Apples 6 £1.80Grapes 500g £2.50SavouryEggs 6 £1.50 Noodles 500g £2.00Pasta 500g £2.00 Rice 500g £2.50Paella Rice 250g £2.00 Tuna 4 Tins £5.00Baked Beans 4 Tins £4.00 Chopped Tomato 4 Tins £3.50Veg Oil 1 Litre £1.50 Flour 1kg £1.00Meat and fishMince 500g £2.00 Chicken 200g £2.00Bacon 6 Rashers £2.50 Sausages 6 £2.50Rump steak 10oz £4.50 Sirloin steak 10oz £5.00Ribeye 10oz £6.00Haddock Large Fillet £2.50 Scampi 450g £6.00 Cod Fillet £3.00 Toiletries on page 3

- 19 -- 2 -

The views of any contributor to this publication may not necessarily be those of the editor and team, nor can the Westwell Eye accept any responsibility in connection with any companies or organisations mentioned or any advertiser.Correspondence to: Carolyn Thorneloe, Gaoler's Retreat, 5, Faversham Road, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent ME17 2PN.Tel: 01622 859376, Email: westwelleye@gmail.com

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Copy & payment to be received by the 20th of each month.Payable to:- The Westwell Eye, either direct to bank or cheque

Sue Wood, 14, Sandyhurst Lane TN25 4NSWould you like to receive the Westwell Eye but don’t live in the area?

You can receive it every month by post. For an annual subscription, simply send the editor your name and address and pay £8.55 to Sue Wood, cheque payable to The Westwell Eye

Printed by Print Junction - 01233 624462 - info@print-junction.co.uk - Brunswick Road Cobbswood Industrial Estate, Cobbs Wood House, Ashford TN23 1EP

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Age UK 642094Ashford Volunteer Bureau 665535Ashford Volunteer Car Service 633219Bees (swarming) Andy Bithell 740650 / 07933892413Borough Councillor: Larry Krause 643497CAB 626185Carers Support Group 664393Childline Freephone 0800 1111Cinema: Picture house 0871 9025747 Cineworld 0871 2208000Citizens’ Advice Bureau 626185Cruse Bereavement Counselling 878225Doctors (Charing) 714490 (Hayesbank) 624642Dog Warden 01233 330340Hospital (William Harvey) 633331 CROP 01622 851200Library (Ashford) 03000413131 (Charing) 713177MS Therapy Centre 01227 470876NHS Direct 0845 4647NSPCC 0800 800500Parish Hall Booking 01233 712016 doriscackett@btinternet.comParish Council (clerk, Sue Wood) 623902Parish Office 07395 910317 email : calehillpcc@gmail.comPilgrims’ Hospice (Admin) 504100(Patient enquiries) 504112PCC Secretary (Heather Lister) 712981Police (rural matters only 07980978202Rector see Parish office VacantSamaritans 610000 Shopmobility 621196 Solicitor (Thorneloe & Co.) 01622 859416 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Water Supplies Queries 0333 000 0002Water Leak Line 0333 000 3330Wealden Wheels 01233 840000Westwell Community Website: http://www.westwellpc.kentparishes.gov.uk/

Useful Contacts

CHIROPODISTCHRISTINE GRIFFITHS

MSSCh MBChAHPC reg

FOOT CLINICMon - Sat including evenings

Home visits availableTel:01233 664702

07958 328525

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THE WHEEL ON WHEELSIt’s BBQ time from 1st June... firstly I cannot reiterate enough, people MUST social distance, the food is strictly for takeaway and we will not be serving multiple households at the same time. Anybody seen to be not social distancing will be refused service! There are rules and we need to obey them!

The menu will be as follows...

All come with a side of potato salad, salad or chipsHalloumi Skewers-£6

Vegan burger-6.50Vegan sausage in a bap-£6

Burger 4oz -£6 double up £8 add cheese 50pSausage bap-£6

Lamb kebab-£6.501/4 peri peri chicken £6.50Cajun chicken burger £6.50

Wheel Inn BBQ and Honey Drumsticks £6.50

To Place Orders: call: 01233 712223 or Email: info@thewheelinnwestwell.co.uk

WHEEL GROCERIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19Toilet Roll 4 Rolls £2.00Kitchen Roll 1 Large £2.50Men’s Deodorant 1 Can £2.50Hand Towels 1 Pack £1.00Bleach 1 Bottle £1.00Bathroom Cleaner 1 Bottle £1.00Floor Gel Top up TBCWashing up liquid Top up TBCSponges 2 £2.00All Items are subject to availability. If you require ANYTHING off the list please do not hesitate to ask! Deliveries Wednesday-Sunday 10:30-17:30! CALL : 01233 712223 or E-MAIL info@thewheelinnwestwell.co.uk

Arrangements are frequently changing - depending on alteration of the rules - so please keep an Eye on Facebook - if you do it, - if not ring or email James at the Wheel, or look Westwell Events or the Parish website

AZ CARING SERVICES

For all aspects of care and support work, Daily and Live In

please contact Arthur and his team on 07552 766428

email: arthurzvik@hotmail.co.uk.Excellent local references

- 4 - - 17 -

Thorneloe & Co.Solicitors

Now part of Hallett & CoBased in Lenham, we provide a

friendly, high quality, personal service tailored to your specific needs. For you and your family….. For you and your business…. * Wills, Probate and Tax Planning Agriculture * Trusts and Estate Administration * Commercial Property * Lasting Powers of Attorney * Buying or Selling a Business * Family Law and Employment Law * Business Contracts / Finance * Buying and Selling Your Home * Employment Law * Court of Protection * Dispute Resolution / Property * Dispute Resolution / Property Liigation Litigation * Personal Injury

01622 859 416 Lenham@Hallettandco.co.uk www.thorneloe.co.uk St Mary’s House The Square Lenham Kent ME17 2PH Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Registered Number 50485

Country Funerals

Ashford’s only independantFuneral Directors

For a caring 24 hour servicecontact Leah Hutchinson

01233 71222207708407229

Pre-paid funeral plan availableYonderway, Westwell, Ashford, Kent TN25 4LE

Suzie’s Care Service

Dog Walk Feed all Animals

Personal Care Over Night Care

Personal & House Sit Excellent Local References. CRB Checked

07581 013899 Suzieusher12@gmail.com

JAYO Competitive prices

Aggregate and building supplies

Building sand, sharp sand, MOT type 1,Road planings, crushed concrete, ballast,

shingle, top soil, turf and mulch

Free local deliveryvisit our website for more information

www.jayotransport.co.uk01233 637158 / 07801227884

info@jayotransport.co.ukall materials are delivered loose tipped

- 5 -

David Nicholas Hooper

David made his last journey through Westwell on April 24th. His many friends stood on the triangle as Country Funerals passed by: Westwell gathering spontaneously despite the Covid-19 lockdown united in wanting to pay respects to a much loved Westwellian and in support of Valerie and their family. David was born in Sidcup on December 1940 to Jean and Stan Hooper, the eldest of three boys. The war bombed them out of the family home in Bexley and they moved to Coney Hall, south west of Bromley. Smart, with a sharp, logical and analytical mind, David went to Bromley Grammar school where he excelled at maths. Throughout his life David never used a calculator, he was also gifted with a photographic memory. His thirst and passion for the stage started from a Scouts Gang Show. The family story is that he was so nervous beforehand his father gave him a valium and after a brilliant performance David fell asleep on stage – roused only by the rapturous applause of the audience.David’s first job was at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, always the lead school for epidemiologists, although then it was for the study of chest diseases in the cotton mills and coal mines. David worked alongside famous scientists including Sir Roger Bannister and Heinz Wolff. However the City beckoned with better money than chest diseases. David switched careers to the Stock Exchange, learning fast as a lowly Blue Button, and soon rising to become a stock broker. He always cut a dash in his crisp white shirts, bespoke suits and well polished shoes. Whilst in the City David became interested in politics, joining the Hayes Young Conservatives, later becoming its chairman. David was an inspirational mentor, helping aspiring candidates to find their voice, and was an early supporter of women in the association. Later as the South East Divisional chairman of the Young Conservatives David found himself working alongside MPs and members of the Cabinet. Harold Macmillan was the local MP from 1945 to 1963, latterly as Prime Minister. When he visited his Bromley constituency David would be his driver. One particularly memorable day was lunch and a rainy day walk with the Prime Minister at his official residence, Chequers. Wellies were provided. David led many events for the Young Conservatives including a conference at the Grand in Brighton and a new magazine in 1963. Getting the Beatles to do an interview for it was quite a coup. It was through the young Conservatives that David and Valerie met, working side by side organising fundraisers, jumble sales, barbecues and dances. They tirelessly canvassed together. It was a natural partnership and they were married in April 1967 in Petts Wood. Their first three years were in Grantham in Lincolnshire while David was working for Dagenite Exide Batteries. They were both already excellent golfers: David played off 7- a useful addition to his financial skills. Grantham was an opportunity to learn a new sport as Lincolnshire was also the home of the water skiing champion Mike Hazelwood. David and Valerie took water skiing lessons from Mike’s father. They were bitten. When they returned to Kent and David worked for Barclays, first as a branch manager and then in their training school, he and Valerie had a flat in Petts Wood but their major expense was an offshore power boat they owned for racing and water-skiing on the Medway: a time of many tales and fun. From Barclays, David moved to Wagon Finance, a motor insurance business bought by Abbey National. David stayed with Abbey until his formal retirement at 60, when he became a consultant for several finance companies. Contd overleaf.

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Westwell Players

Exciting News for Westwell Players

Our Pitt Stop has arrived at last and is firmly set on the playing field behind the hall - a beautiful match for the oil tank next door to it! The neighbours, Alan and Irene have been lovely and say that they hardly notice it, Christine Drury and Clive Bainbridge saw the installation through for us and even dug an extra piece so that the doors open easily! We are very grateful to them both. Dougal moved the compost heaps back to their original site and when I spoke to him to say thank-you told me in some very choice words that he was NOT keen on moving them again! Viki and I went to the old leaky rusty container where most of our wardrobe has been for the past few years and brought back about 40 large plastic boxes full of musty, smelly clothes and put them in my garage! I am now systematically going through them – my washing machine is going full pelt most days and my line is always full – thank heavens for this beautiful weather (I am writing on the 19th May).The old container had more than one leak and so everything is covered in a white powdery mould – or if it was in a closed box it still smells of damp and mould. However a good wash with a dash of white vinegar works wonders and we have been so lucky that Doris Cackett heard of my predicament and came round on VE Day with her lovely daughter Tina and keeping well apart we all set to and sorted a good ten boxes between us. Tina and Doris taking a boot full away with them and bringing them back this week smelling sweet and even beautifully ironed in some cases. Give those women a medal! I am so grateful to them, thank you both so much.Players continue to meet through ZOOM on our usual Tuesday evenings and Neil is being a wonderful Chairman – teaching us how to use zoom and also copying scripts and delivering them round Kent so that we can read from the same book! Tonight we are reading a play all about a couple who are cooped up because of Covid 19!!! Very up-to-date and topical! These Cacketts are amazing people and I feel very privileged to know them all. Here’s hoping it wont be very much longer before we can have a little more freedom and can meet in the Parish Hall again, meanwhile my very best wishes to you all and whenever you come past my house – don’t forget to wave; when you live alone, a cheery wave can be like a breath of fresh air!

Mary Anne Pitt

Good citizen - Suzanne Pier

- 6 - - 15-

Airport Transfer & Chauffeur Service

ETM CarsCompetitive Prices

Professional ServiceSafe Comfortable Journey

Bottled Water Provided

01233 629551info@etmcars.co.ukwww.etmcars.co.uk

ANP Security

Supply, install and maintain security systems, including

Intruder AlarmsCCTV

Free no obligation survey and quotation

Andy Peddle 01233 224874 - Westwell

Kilby‛s Chimney SweepAll Types of Fires and Stoves

Swept Using Brush and Vacuum

Pots, Cowls and BirdguardsSupplied and Fitted.

07756 007428 / 01233 840948

ICS Registered - Fully InsuredCertificates Issued

Contd. from previous page.

When Valerie also retired they came to Westwell in 2004. This was a time for David to continue his love of motorbikes started at 16. It was a joy he and Valerie shared and they had all the kit – the first that thing David arranged when they moved into the Old Parlour was the storage for the kit. In a long line of bikes his last was a Triumph Bonneville. David’s lifelong love of performance, singing and dancing sparked by that first Scouts Gang Show was a wonderful contribution: David and Valerie were delighted to discover the Westwell Players and participated together in every show until David’s Alzheimer’s disease made this too difficult. David brought his enthusiasm and wide experience of theatrical entertainment collected over the years from wherever he lived. Always a community enthusiast as well as a generous gentleman David became a Westwell Parish Councillor - his photographic memory a great help in taking all the papers in his stride, and when the Alzheimer’s made that difficult he was appointed Westwell’s Playing Field Warden: he had once also been a warden for Chislehurst Common. That smart young man who had so impressed with his mathematics lived a very full life, during which he discovered and followed The Buddha who said: “your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give whole heart and soul to it”. Valerie wishes to thank everyone who in their many ways have supported her at this difficult time. For Westwell we are all immensely grateful to have known David as a fun loving and charming gentleman in our midst since you both came to live at the Old Parlour, Westwell Court. He will be sorely missed but much remembered.

Christine Drury, with thanks to Valerie and to Claire Richardson for sharing David’s story.

David: as ever well dressed and always a good listener

Making the DifferenceA different and innovative approach to Well-being for

People living with Dementia, using our Model of Care Focusing on enabling our clients to continue as empowered participants and

not just inactive recipients of care* Promoting safe and independent living * Rehabilitation-Goal focused early interventions * Delivering personalised care * Companionship and respite *Mood management and monitoring * Therapeutic interventions

* Cognitive functional and environmental assessments * Support and assistance with Activities of daily living (ADLs)

Paula Larter Occupational Therapist BSc. Hons MRCOT01233 521818 / 07391485101 paula@makingthedifference-kent.com

www.makingthedifference-kent.com

- 7 --14 -

David FarnfieldExcellent Westwell reference

availablewww.davidfarnfield.com

07710 130275/01233 750450

High Quality Painter and Decorator

for all your domestic needs

PARISH HALL RENTAL

Rates:Weekdays £10 per hour Weekends £15 per hourTable and chair hire also available (to take away)

Please contact:Doris Cackett (01233) 712016doriscackett@btinternet.com

Would you like to hire the Westwell Hall for your next event? Equipped with:-

Full Catering Facilities,Stage with lighting and Piano

French PolishingFurniture & Antique

RestorationsSome Upholstery Repairs

Old Furniture RefurbishedGordon Forster

35 years experience

01233 71266507973440309

www.rga-forster.co.ukgordon@rga-forster.co.uk

B & B in WestwellBay Tree Lodge -

at Glebe Cottage TN25 4LQ

Closed until further noticefor more information

Ring Geraldine Bortoli01233 713919/07852 271886

Westwell Community Watch Scheme

As we now enter the third month of CV-19, the sun is shining and we see the first tentative signs of a relaxation of the rules of lock-down. But don’t be complacent the signs that the

criminal fraternity are alive, well and active are all around us. The police are reporting numerous incidents of break-ins and attempted break-ins to both

residential and commercial properties. There are also a number of thefts off and from, motor vehicles, including the theft of the catalytic converters on vehicle exhaust systems.

Boredom is also fuelling incidents of mindless vandalism and although the KCC Waste Disposal sites are offering controlled access the good weather and spare time means more

DIY and garden waste. Fly tipping is on the increase. On-line shopping is encouraging the virtual villains with scams to take your money directly

or, by stealing your identity, by stealth. So, remember NO ONE who is legitimate will EVER ask for your password or card numbers. If in doubt do not proceed.

So, my message is unchanged. Stay vigilant. If you see a crime in progress call 999, if you have a crime to report use 101 or the on-line

facilities including Country Eye. If you MUST have a bonfire, respect your neighbours and keep it safe.

Community Watch Make sure you have your neighbours telephone numbers, and they have yours, so that we can

all keep in contact with one another and we have someone to call in an emergency! If you are self-isolating you can also contact one of these organisations for

help and support:

Age UK 0800 678 1602 Asthma UK 0300 222 5800 BHF 0300 330 3311Diabetes UK 0345 123 2399 Mind 0300 123 3393 Scope 0808 800 3333

The Silver Line 0800 470 8090DON’T FORGET: If you see anything suspicious call 999 (if a crime in progress),

call 101 or report it on-line. Use Country Eye and Farm Watch . Be aware of on-line and phone SCAMS

westwell.community.watch@gmail.com Keep Vigilant & HEALTHYTony Bartlett – WCWS Co-ordinator.

Godinton Houseand Gardens

HOUSE CLOSEDfor Whole SeasonGarden Opening

Under Revue

01233 643854 www.godintonhouse.co.uk.

Left:Judas Tree -Mill House

Right:May tulips - Margery Thomas

- 8 -

Letter to the Parish EtcI chose to write the Minister’s Letter for this month, thinking I would be leaving you at the end of the month, and that it would give me an opportunity to say “Good

bye”, or “We’ll meet again”, or such things. I was going to be ordained in Canterbury Cathedral on the last Saturday of this month, a great and glorious celebration with loved ones and many dear friends present. Then we would have had a lovely tea party and I would have swanned off to Benenden and Sandhurst for my three years of Curacy. That was the plan...The reality now is of course that the Cathedral is closed. The Ordination is postponed, preliminary to the 27 September. Who knows if any relatives or friends will be allowed to be present? Especially those from Overseas? But - I might still be leaving you at the end of this month, although not with a fanfare, but with a small wave and a faint smile...or not? It all depends. If there are physical church services taking place by the start of July, then I will be going to my new parishes, not as an ordained Deacon, but as a lay worker. Not in a ‘dog collar’, but in ‘civvies’, so to speak. If not, I might be with you a bit longer. Funny old world.I don’t want to compare myself to Jesus. Don’t think I would come off very well. But He was also leaving his friends, as he led them out to Bethany on the original Ascension Day. I wonder what He was thinking, as walked the last bit of road, pondering how he was going to say His farewell. They of course had no idea this was the last few minutes they were to spend together. Who could have foreseen that He would be taken up to heaven? In the end, all He did, was bless them. Or so says the Gospel of Luke. In Acts, also written by Luke, we get a little bit more information of that last conversation. There we learn, that Jesus promises them that they will be given the Holy Spirit and become His witnesses to the whole world, but starting with Jerusalem, where they are.And that is a commission that stands for all time. Ascension Day carries on. We are the descendants of those friends of Jesus. We are his witnesses, being sent out. I am being sent to Benenden and Sandhurst. You might be sent to your neighbours, to your work colleagues, to the woman behind the counter in Sainsbury. But wherever we go, we go with His blessing. That is one of the parts of being a priest that I am most looking forward to. Being able to bless. But of course, that is not even this year! Only next year, when I’m priested, will I finally be able to bless. As a Deacon I will be able to do many things, many of whom I can do already. Preach. Lead services. Do youth work. Take funerals. So, where is the difference? Why bother with three years of study, followed by three years of Curacy? It’s the dog collar of course, stupid! I am both tremendously looking forward to, and am in trepidation of the idea of wearing this stiff piece of white plastic. Will it change me? I think, both yes and no. It will certainly change how I am perceived. And this is one of the reasons I need to leave you. Because we know each other too well. I need to go somewhere where I can just be the Curate. The trainee Vicar. The apprentice. Where I can learn and make mistakes, but where no one knows me from before. I very much hope I go with your blessing. I certainly leave you with mine. Even if, for now, if is just the ordinary, non-collared, but deeply heartfelt type. I will return, sooner or later, I am sure, as a fully fledged Vicar. And then it will be a special pleasure to be able to properly bless you, just like Jesus did. God bless

- 13 -

Coffee at The Wheel InnNO Coffee at The Wheel, until further notice.

WAGS – Westwell Art GroupNO art group u ntil further notice

Westwell Book Club Zoom meetingWe met by zoom. Something we became familiar with gradually over the last few weeks. It was refreshing for us all to see friends on a flat surface..not in 3D!The story is about people living in an apartment building in Paris. At a recent time when hypernationalist jingoism clashed with an evident influx of people from non-European origins into the metropole. In Paris, the block of flats has residents from all walks of life who did not know each other. With unfolding events they come to learn about their neighbours. Some, who have been made redundant in these unsavoury economic times, go to meetings which lead them involuntarily into the realms of extreme right groups .The story line is meticulously told. The building is a representation of modern France. Diverse individuals living in the same small space..a bit (albeit much smaller) like Westwell..Or perhaps Wye! There is a young English man, a Muslim (probably Tunisian) couple, and French people of varying political inclinations. Some people blame their misfortunes on innocent others. People living closely can be oblivious of other’s hardships. Then an attack on the Notre Dame is a spark causing the riots where muslim shops are vandalised and innocent homeless people attacked , simply for being at the wrong place at the time.Our next read will be a free choice of any work by Joanna Trollope. Second Tuesday of June..and another zoom, most likely.

Charing Gardeners’ SocietySadly events in June are all cancelled but the committee is monitoring guidance to judge when and how events can take place after that. Gardening has clearly been one of the ways to get through these difficult days. We are missing contact with everyone at our regular events, so are keeping in touch through a regular newsletter, with lots of interesting articles and photos of gardening highlights supplied by members. We are keeping an eye on the carrots sown in buckets by Charing Cubs in early March, the torrential rain we had that night is but a soggy memory and the young carrots need watering regularly now. There are regular posts on the CGS facebook page, which is open to everyone, and plenty of useful information, including how to join this very friendly group, on our websitehttp://charinggardeners.org.uk.

Westwell FirewoodLocal Delivery Available

Save money:- Stock up early for next winter!

Prices from £75 per 0.75m3 bag/bin including local delivery.

Visit westwellfirewood.co.uk for more info and to place an order, or call 07946 755966 to

discuss your requirements.Ylva Blid-Mackenzie

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Parish CouncilThe Parish Council met using Zoom on Monday 4th May. One resident also viewed the meeting. No matters were raised during the Open Forum, and Larry Krause sent his apologies, he had a borough council meeting. This was the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, at which the chairman is elected; Christine Drury (outgoing chairman) was nominated and voted in unanimously. Other business confirmation that the P C is still eligible to use the General Power of Competence, a useful power that gives the P C greater flexibility in projects which can be undertaken and expenditure incurred; appointment of the internal auditor and terms of reference for the role, Mike Jamieson was reappointed as internal auditor.The March minutes were approved and Matters Arising taken. The suppliers of the concrete table tennis table have reduced the price, and is now in line with the P C’s budget.Finance: The C’s Financial Risk Register was amended and approved. The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (the ‘Annual Return’) was approved, this demonstrates that the P C confirms that its financial management is sound and effective and that the annual accounts are accurately prepared; the Annual Return will be sent to the external auditor for examination and published on the P C’s website. Payments were authorised and an update on ongoing projects given: it is hoped that the drainage works on the hall access road and pedestrian access to the playing field from Westwell Lane will be completed during the summer.Planning: Two applications were discussed and both supported. Concerns were expressed at planning permission being granted for a car port in Westwell Lane, contrary to Supplementary Planning Guidance on maintaining building line; these had been raised with the planning officer and the value of such Guidance will be clarified. Bridgewood Farm: the P C submitted objection comments after the March meeting; further comments will be sent in now that the Design and Access Statement is available – this contains a number of inaccuracies, including inconsistencies concerning the family members for whom the new pitches are intended. The application will go to the Planning Committee for decision.The meeting closed at 8.35 pm and the next meeting will be on Monday 6th July in the parish hall if COVID-19 restrictions allow;otherwise it will be a virtual meeting but all meetings are open to the public and instructions on how to join a virtual meeting will be given on the enda. PlansThe following planning applications have been received by the Parish Council and will be discussed at a virtual meeting in early June:20/00606/AS Retrospective application for erection of single-storey flat roof rear extension20/00607/AS 3 Kingsland Lane Retrospective application for single storey timber summer house The following were supported by the Parish Council and a decision is awaited from the Borough Council:20/00377/AS Nash Court, Watery Lane Retrospective change-of-use and conversion of part of an agricultural lean-to for a biomass boiler and wood store20/00462/AS Heskyn, 11 Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell Proposed side and rear extensions; loft conversion

HedgehogsWe have been aware of hedgehogs in the village of Westwell for a while, thanks to the reminder signs to drive carefully and the Hedgehog Awareness Week in May. The hedge pigs are currently very active in various spots in the parish and signs have now been put up around the top of Westwell Lane at its junction with Sandyhurst Lane. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, appearing at dusk and disappearing as the dawn chorus starts, so careful driving at night helps protect them. A hedgehog’s natural defence mechanism is to roll into a ball - no match for a motor vehicle.Other ways to help hedgehogs thrive Avoid using pesticides and slug pellets in your garden, leave them for the hedgehogs to eat. Not only can these harm hedgehogs but also damage their food chain. Use organic methods instead.Make sure hedgehogs have easy access to your garden. Ensure boundary fences or walls have a 13cm x 13cm gap in the bottom to allow hedgehogs to pass through. Keep a corner of your garden wild to offer shelter, protection and natural food for hedgehogs and other wildlife. Don’t move a hedgehog into your garden from another area, as it may well have a nest of dependent young that will not survive if abandoned. Provide a shallow dish of fresh water for all wildlife, and food such as hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food or cat biscuits for hedgehogs, especially during long dry spells. Make or buy a hedgehog home, this offers a hibernation site safe from predators in the winter. It may also be used as a nesting box for a mother and her hoglets in the warmer months. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society can provide a leaflet on building a hedgehog home and sells one in its shop (see www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk or contact details over). Check areas thoroughly for hedgehogs and other wildlife before strimming or mowing. Keep pea netting 22-30cms (9 - 12”) off the ground so hedgehogs can pass under and plants will grow to the netting.Dispose of litter responsibly. Every year hedgehogs are injured by litter and starve to death by getting trapped in discarded rubbish. Bonfires offer a tempting home for a hedgehog. Ideally collected materials should be re-sited just before the fire is to be lit, if this is not possible, the base should be lifted up with poles or broom handles and a torch shone in to look for any wildlife or pets in need of rescue before lighting. Hedgehogs are good swimmers but can become trapped in ponds or pools with sheer sides. Keep water levels topped up, provide a gently sloping edge if possible or place half submerged rocks in the water as an escape for them.Cattle grids can be a problem, hedgehogs fall in and become trapped, a simple ramp placed in the grid will save lives. The surface should be rough to enable the escapee to gain a foothold.There is plenty of information at https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk‘help a hedgehog’ at https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/hedgehogs-after-dark/

Margery Thomas

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June on Hothfield HeathlandsAt the beginning of May a posting by Val Butcher on Hothfield Heathlands flora and fauna Facebook page caused great joy. It was a remarkable set of videos and photos of a tree pipit singing as while perched at the top of a tree. This welcome rare migrant had arrived from Saharan Africa. The tree pipit is on the UK conservation Red List as a species needing urgentaction and is protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.The Heathland with an occasional oak or birches to perch and sing in, bushes, low scrub and open space, is the tree pipits ideal habitat. The sexes look alike, and the male in far-carrying song climbs steeply into the air for a short time then parachutes down, floating to ground or tree with wings raised above its head. Birds are breeding now, in ground level nests of dried grass and hair on a base of moss tucked into grass or heather tussocks, and may have two broods before flying south in August. They forage for insects and sometimes seed among the ground vegetation. The biggest threat to these birds is disturbance from dogs, please keep dogs under control at all times to protect these and other vulnerable ground-nesters. All young birds rely entirely on insects for moisture and protein, so please avoid using insecticides in gardens and wherever possible give space to the wild flowers and longer grass that insects need.Some birds manage two broods in a season. In mid-May I watched a young treecreeper being fed by a parent, the fledgling clinging to the trunk of an oak tree, always facing upwards, the parent flying in with a beak full of insects extracted from crevices in tree bark with its slender curved beak. Both parents will feed the chick for up to 16 days before turning to producing a second brood. Treecreepers can’t climb downwards so learn to fly down to the base of trees and work their way back up foraging for food.Another welcome return in May was the frilly white flowers dasht over slightly with a wash of light carnation (John Gerard) of the bogbean, Menyanthes trifoliata, in the bog near Chapel Lane. The flowers, looking, Sarah Raven says, like frayed nylon string, will continue through June. The fringed inside of the petals probably prevents insects too small to be effective pollinators from reaching the nectar. The elliptic leaflets, in threes, resemble those of broad beans. Bogbean’s floating mats provide egg laying, perching and roosting sites for adult dragonfly and damselfly, whose nymphs then climb up the stems from the water ready for their metamorphosis into adults. Native in sunny bog, marsh and shallow water around the north of the northern hemisphere, and tolerant of a wide range of water chemistry, it is becoming rare in Kent as more land is drained. In many cultures flour from the roots was a starvation food; it was used as cure for scurvy and other ailments; the bitter leaves flavoured beer and schnapps, and were rolled with coltsfoot leaves into cigarettes. Two types of flower are produced, with either a short stigma and long stamens or long stigma and short stamens, which as Charles Darwin discovered through thousands of experiments, promotes cross-fertilisation and optimum production of viable seed, promoting the survival of the species.There is now so much to look for on the Heathland. On 10 May Neil Burt recorded “green and greater spotted woodpeckers, chiffchaffs, blackcaps, 7 garden warblers (4 singing), 2 cuckoos (male & female both calling), common buzzard, sparrow hawk with prey, male bullfinch, a hobby heading north, a singing male nightingale with brief flight views, plus lots of linnets and yellowhammers.” To that list Area Manager Ian Rickards adds whitethroat, nuthatch, green tiger beetles, orange tip butterfly and broad bodied chaser (dragonfly). In June look and listen also for the lizards, myriad insects, more butterflies and moths and the wonderful southern

marsh and heath spotted orchids. And as the volunteers, anxious to get back to work, well know, the bloomin’ bracken and birch are growing well!Ian confirms that visitors are still welcome to visit Hothfield Heathlands as part of their dailyexercise. We have taken most catches off gates so that you can open without using yourhands. Remember that there is still livestock on site so all gates still need to be left closed.Trails are signposted and marked on entrance maps, as is the location of livestock. Thenoticeboard down the main slope from the Cades Road car park gives recent wildlifesightings. Please keep dogs in check, especially around children and livestock, and awayfrom the scrub, heather and undergrowth where they will disturb sensitive wildlife. Pleaseremove dog mess, including in the Triangle compartment and take your general litter home.Be tick aware for dogs and humans throughout the summer; guidance is available frompublichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2014/03/24/tips-and-tricks-to-stay-safe-from-ticks/Enjoy and take care.Margery Thomas

Mary Anne’s Close ShaveLast Sunday morning at 8.a.m I decided to attack some stray hairs on my chin/neck area with a delicate little electric razor bought especially for facial hair! To my horror the moment I touched my face it clamped on some loose skin and would not let go! I managed to turn it off and eventually to detach the battery part from the head but pull as I would it refused to let go of its vice like grip on my anatomy! I gingerly walked downstairs with it swinging gently from my chin and thought……..now who do I telephone. I decided on Sarah, being young and near at hand only to discover she was still in bed! (she had had a very long walk the day before to give her her due!) I then rang daughter Viki who was in Maidstone! While explaining my predicament to my daughter, Sarah rang on the other phone having successfully deduced that I wouldn’t have rung at 8 unless I was in trouble! She came straight round and spent 10 minutes trying to release me when she declared! “ Mary Anne – I think we need to go to the Wm Harvey” !!!As I was not in pain we decided to have a quick drink in our own homes and get prepared but she was back pretty quickly and backed her car right up to my front door, I quickly climbed aboard and she said “Mary Anne, we must think of this as an adventure!! “ Soon we were amazed to see an almost empty car park at the Hospital and no-one waiting in the A & E Department!! The girl on the desk quickly told Sarah she wasn’t allowed to wait with me so she repaired to the nearest bench outside in the sun – later joined by my daughter Viki – come to rescue Mama!Not long to wait and I was ushered into a small side room and seen by not one or two but about 5 different nurses who rifled through numerus drawers and boxes but could not find a screwdriver small enough to fit the tiny screws with a star head!! One nurse suggested ringing the Fire Brigade!! Luckily it was decided to send for a nurse Practitioner who seemed to have the ‘magic’ touch and freed me relatively quickly - after deadening the area with some clever gel. As Bridget handed the offending razor back to me she said ‘I should only use this on your legs in future and not on your face’. I however assured her that it was NEVER going near any part of my anatomy, ever again! Mary Anne