Chestfield Parish Plan 2006

Serving the local community

The Paddocks, after the old barn was split in two and converted.

Contents 1. Introduction

2. Why have a Parish Plan?

3. How Chestfield Parish Plan was produced.

4. The History of Chestfield.

5. The present Civic Parish

6. Local Churches and photos

7. Organizations within the Parish.

8. Other Amenities within the Parish

9. Listed Buildings.

10. Conservation area.

11. The results and analysis of the questionnaire and Open Day.

12. Recommendations for the Action Plan

13. Acknowledgements.

14. Members of the Steering Group and additional volunteers.

Introduction by the Chairman

The Parish of Chestfield is very fortunate in its location, lying on the outskirts of

Whitstable on gentle slopes south of Swalecliffe, with easy access to Whitstable, Herne Bay and Canterbury. Major road routes are also nearby via the A 2990. To the North the Parish is bounded by the Thanet to London Railway line, with its own

Chestfield and Swalecliffe station. To the south there is a large area of mainly ancient

native woodland, some of which is designated a Sight of Special Scientific Interest. The delightful North Kent Coast is less than a mile away. As will be seen from the

results of the questionnaire, the majority of residents appreciate how lucky they are to live in Chestfield and are keen that it should remain as it is, with the green, tree- lined appearance of the older parts of the Parish, its large houses and gardens

and green open spaces. Lack of community spirit has been a recurring theme in many residents‟ comments, let us hope that this might improve in future with the advent of more young families. I would like to thank all members of the Steering Group for their hard work and

commitment to the production of this Parish Plan, also Amanda Sparkes of Canterbury City Council, Victoria Lawson of Action for Communities in Rural Kent and Linda Livingstone, Clerk to Chestfield Parish Council, for all their help and

advice. I would also like to thank Linda Wickins of Galleon Promotions for her help in the production of the printed material.

Sheila Finch

Why Have a Parish Plan

Parish Plans were first initiated following a government Rural White Paper

Purpose of Parish Plans

To produce a survey of the local community by the community, highlighting what is good and what is bad about living in the area.

To analyse the results and set out people‟s views on what changes are needed to improve

the things that are bad and to maintain those that are good. To make the community aware of what is currently available.

To provide a means of communication between the community and the authorities To influence local authorities by providing evidence of what is most important to people in

the area.

To use the survey to produce recommendations for an Action Plan

How the Parish Plan was Produced

Following the interest shown in the talk by Mrs. Kathie Budgen at the 2004 A.G.M., the Parish Council decided to form a Steering Group (comprising interested residents and members of the P.C.) to produce a Parish Plan for Chestfield.

This Group was formed in September 2004 with the aims and objectives of:

evaluating assets and ensuring that they are maintained and enhanced where possible,

representing the views of the whole community, identifying areas of need, concern and aspiration,

providing a basis for action and a vehicle for partnership with other groups, such as the Police, the K.C.C, and the C.C.C..

With advice from Amanda Sparkes from C.C.C. and Victoria Lawson from Action for Rural Communities in Kent, a questionnaire was drawn up to obtain opinions of the residents.

Questionnaires were delivered by hand to all households, 1317 in total, during November 2004 and collected a few days later. 641 (approximately 49%) responses were received. Computer experts on the Steering Group then collated the numerical data and devised a suitable spread

sheet for the narrative data. These results were displayed at a Parish Plan Open Day on 7th.May 2005, held in the Swalecliffe and Chestfield W.I. Hall. 124 residents attended showing considerable interest in the presentation and their views were noted. They also completed a questionnaire on

how they would allocate an imaginary sum of money to be spent in Chestfield.

Recommendations for an Action Plan were then produced, based on the results of the

questionnaires, with a view to carrying out the wishes of the residents where possible. Finally the Parish Plan was printed and distributed to all residents and to relevant authorities, to be used for reference purposes and when applying for funds for future projects.

The current work is funded by grants received from Canterbury City Council‟s „Can Do Fund‟, Kent County Council‟s Small Grants Fund (Courtesy of Councillor Mike Harrison), Chestfield Parish

Council and a few donations from individuals. To all these people the Steering Group is extremely grateful.

The Bishop‟s Crosier represents Odo,Bishop of Bayieux to whom the manor belonged at the time of the Doomsday Survey. The four stars represent the four farms,which historically made up the manor i.e. Chestfield, Bodkin,

Highgate and Bolsar Street

The History of Chestfield

There has been a settlement here in Chestfield since pre-historic times - beside the brook which runs into the sea at Long Rock. We have relics of Neolithic, Iron Age and Roman occupation. The

latter indicating a field system.

Our parish church of St John the Baptist records the names of rectors since 1296 and the

Chestfield Manor Farmhouse and adjacent barns are also of ancient origin, although much altered over the years. Probably the best known family to have owned the Manor were the Ropers of Canterbury. Margaret Roper married Thomas Moore who was beheaded upon the orders of King

Henry VIII and later - much later - canonised.

The twentieth century found the parish little changed from Tudor days - a scattering of farms and

workers cottages.

At the outbreak of the first World War the total population of the parish amounted to no more than 120 souls. Of these, twenty were lost in the conflict - a large proportion of the able bodied

menfolk. Their names are recorded on a memorial in St Johns Church.

During the inter-war years a bungalow estate was developed at the Swalecliffe end of the parish

and a mock Tudor housing estate was built in Chestfield. Meanwhile the railway and Coastal road tended to divide the community as never before.

At the beginning of World War II many families left the district fearing a German invasion of the coast. The Battle of Britain was fought in the skies above our heads. We lost to enemy action Max Williams our Air Raid Warden and Sidney Paget our Church sidesman. Most able bodied young

men were called up. Some of the troops who were billeted here married local girls.

Although sharing with Swalecliffe many institutions, such as Church, Community Centre, Schools,

Railway Station and Women's Institute, Chestfield has developed as a separate entity. The Parish Council, Chestfield Society, Golf and Cricket Clubs etc tend to reinforce the distinctive 'feel' of the place.

Genuine historic landmarks have a habit of being overlooked among the mock tudor properties and converted 'tythe' barns; but they are there. The sheep dip in the Ridgeway, the Oast Houses,

Reeves Green where the hunt once met and shepherd‟s cottages that were old when the earliest photographs were taken.

Road names give clues to their connections. The Drive and Polo Way are good examples. Gardeners digging below recently introduced topsoil may well find relics of former times: horse shoes, clay smoking pipes, wartime bullets, even ancient flint tools. Oh yes, Chestfield has a story

to tell which goes back beyond the mists of time. Tony Blake - June 2005

Reeves Green - Molehill Road

The Civic Parish of Chestfield

As late as the First World War there were only five farms and 12 residences in Chestfield, but in

1920 the late George Reeves bought „The Manor‟ and 700 acres of land for £11000. He then set about developing the area to match his vision of the aspirations of affluent citizens who wished to live in a semi-rural setting, with a variety of sporting facilities on the doorstep. Many of the houses

were large, mock tudor and imposing, set on large plots of land. Smaller houses were set around greens, to give the impression of a village within a village. To these were added the Cricket Club, the Golf Club, tennis courts, a bowling green and to judge by the name of one of the roads, a

projected polo ground. A railway station was built by public subscription, for the convenience of those who commuted to their offices in the City. The village spreads on either side of Chestfield Road, becoming more modern as the distance

increases, with new estates that have been built recently. To the West of Chestfield Road is the Primrose Way Estate, where the planned high density housing did not anticipate the space required for car parking. To the East of the Parish, the Churchwood Estate, Birkdale Close and

Carnoustie Close provide sensitively designed, low-density housing. Within the village there is a rash of house extensions and building on any plot of land permitted by the planning authorities. There is a central Conservation Zone in which any development is strictly monitored.

At one time there were small shops, which have now closed and a parade of shops near the middle of Chestfield Road. The last, a newsagent, has closed within the last ten years. The parade now comprises a dental surgery, a printers offices and a computer repair shop.

The only church is the Roman Catholic St.Josephs, which is of modern construction. There is no school, the only pub is the Barn and the only meeting place is the W.I.Hall, which is small and

largely devoted to W.I. activities, although it is used for a variety of other things such as the Parish Council Meetings, „Streetrunner‟, which is organised for teenagers every other week and the table tennis club.

At the Northern extremity there is a Sainsburys Supermarket, a B & Q, a car wash, a MacDonalds, two petrol stations and a proposed fast food outlet. The railway line forms the Northern boundary,

with the Brook being the North Western limit of the parish. Within a few hundred yards of the parish boundary there is the John Wilson Business Park and under the railway bridge, a useful selection of shops at Swaleciffe. The nearest Primary School is also at Swalecliffe. Within recent

years the Health Centre has been constructed to ease the strain on that at Whitstable and already it has had to be extended to cope with the demands of new facilities and the number of patients.

For sport there are the Rugby, Cricket and Golf Clubs, a recreation ground with football and cricket pitches and a play park with equipment for young children, but no specific activities for the teenagers. Much of the parish is covered by ancient woodland with good paths connecting with a

section of the „Crab and Winkle Way‟, going to Canterbury one way and Whitstable the other. It is a parish without a nucleus; few clubs or associations, no school and no dedicated Village Hall.

Consequently there has been little sense of a community, something that the Chestfield Society (formed in 1966) tried to remedy, although they found that they were swimming against a tide of apathy. In search of a little more authority and influence, the Chestfield Society decided to apply

for parish status, which was granted in 1988.

Chestfield Parish Council

Chestfield is designated as an „Urban Parish‟, as opposed to the „ Rural Parishes‟ , which were those in existence in Bridge Blean Rural Council in 1974, when they were taken over by

Canterbury along with Whitstable and Herne Bay. This means that Canterbury City Council together with Kent C.C. are responsible for the maintenance of roads, street lighting, playing fields, street cleaning and so on. Our Parish Council checks all planning applications, deals with

any problems from residents and works through Canterbury to see that the village is kept in good order, as well as working to make any improvements that are needed.

The Parish Council meets on the fourth Monday of every month, except August, at 7.30 pm in the W.I. Hall. Plans for current planning applications are available from 7 p.m. and there is an opportunity for residents to raise problems at one stage in the evening.

In order to carry out such works as providing benches, bus shelters, partly defraying the cost of Community Wardens, planting flower beds, supporting „Street Runner‟, helping with the setting up of new clubs, paying the Parish Clerk‟s salary and office expenses, paying the subscription to the

Kent Association of Parish Councils and more, it is necessary to produce a budget to set the Precept. This sum of money is collected from the householders by Canterbury City Council as an addition to the Council Tax.

The Kent Association of Parish Councils is a professional organisation which provides training for parish clerks and councillors, as well as being an authority on all matters concerning the

administration of parishes and in particular, legal advice. Every year the KAPC has an A.G.M. which will consider any motions advanced by individual parishes and raise them at national level, if they are considered to be worth it.

The Parish Councillors are elected every four years with a full election procedure if there are more candidates than the nine that are required. The current councillors are:

Len Claisse Chairman David Fitzpatrick Vice Chairman Keith Dabson

John Finch Pearl Freeman

Hilary Roberts

Sue Shillam Mick Shorter Linda Wickings

The Clerk to the Council, who is responsible for the administrative work and ensuring that the correct procedure is followed, is: Linda Livingstone Chestfield Parish Council Website : www.Chestfieldpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

The Whitstable based Canterbury City Councillors are: Jennifer Samper Ian Thomas

Pat Todd The Whitstable based Kent County Councillor is: Mike Harrison

Local Churches Parish Church of St.John the Baptist

Most of the Civic Parish of

Chestfield falls in the Ecclesiastical

Parish of St.John the Baptist,

Swalecliffe, which is consequently

the Parish Church of Chestfield. St.

John's is one of six churches which

comprise the Anglican Church in

Whitstable. The present building

dates from 1876, although an earlier

building existed from the 11th C.,

with traces of an earlier Saxon

structure. The Church has survived

many vicissitudes, including losing

its wooden shingled spire in 1928.

Currently an appeal has been launched to raise £100,000 for work on the vestry and a new porch

extension. Work on the vestry is almost complete, but the Church Council is seeking a further

design for the porch, which will be more in keeping with the original building. The church yard is

still open for burials, although it is almost full. In recent years a new church hall, St. John the

Baptist Church Centre, has been purchased, thanks to a bequest from Avril Efford, who had been a

worshipper and Lay Reader at the church. The centre is used both for worship each Wednesday

morning at 10.00am and for social activities and it is a valuable resource to the whole community.

Activities include: a weekly coffee morning each Tuesday and a monthly morning market on the

first Saturday of the month. Sunday services are mainly held in the church, although on the first

Sunday of the month at 10.30 a.m. we join with the Swalecliffe Free Church (Baptist) in Herne Bay

Road. We offer Holy Communion (BCP) on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 8.00 a.m. Our

main Communion Service is at 10.30 a.m. and on the 3rd Sunday we have, in addition, a Family

Service at 9.15 a.m. Evening services are held on a Sunday in church at 6.30 p.m. except on the 4th

Sunday, when we meet in the W.I. Hall in Chestfield. Details of all services can be found on the

church noticeboards or notice sheets, which can be obtained from the Church or Church Centre.

There is a Junior Church which meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in term time and we have strong

links with the 6th Whitstable Scouts. We meet as a whole church family on the 5th Sunday of the

month.

St.Joseph’s Catholic Church

St.Joseph's Church is what is known in Catholic parlance as a "chapel-of-ease", looked after from the parish church, Our

Lady Immaculate, Whitstable. In the late fifties and early sixties most people travelled on foot, by bike, or by public transport and a church was sought by

parishioners for Chestfield, in those days before car ownership spread. Father Basil Harvey was the Parish Priest who brought

the project to fruition, St.Joseph's being opened in late 1964. It was of partial prefabricated construction, with a

maximum capacity of around 90 people.

Nowadays Mass is celebrated there on a Sunday at 8:30am and on the Eve of Holydays (e.g All Saints) at 7:00pm. Attendance on Sundays is around 70 people who come from other parts of

the parish as well as Chestfield The grass area in front of the church is home to a form of orchid called "Ladies Autumn Tresses"

and for a few weeks each year the grass looks unkempt as mowing is suspended to allow the orchids to spread their seeds. An ecumenical event, a Christmas Carol Service, takes place outside the church near the

Christmas tree each year a few days before Christmas.

Father Kevin St.Aubyn

Swalecliffe Free Church (Baptist)

Swalecliffe Free Church was established as a congregation in the 1960‟s, with the main building being opened and dedicated in March 1966. Although the church is affiliated to the Baptist Union

and hence the Kent Baptist Association, it has always welcomed a wide range of people who have made it their spiritual home. Informality, friendliness, inclusiveness, with mutual care and support, are key aspects for us, as we seek to experience and reflect God‟s love in Jesus Christ. Believers‟

Baptism by full immersion is encouraged, but this is not a requirement for Membership or full participation in church family life.

The church enjoys a close and productive link with the local Parish Church of St. John‟s and we

hold a Combined Service, at the Baptist Church, once a month. The Church is an active member of Churches Together in Whitstable.

The spiritual, pastoral and worship aspects of church life are led by a Ministry Team. Ministry Team

Terry Rees 01227 275261

Revd. Guy Laurence (Pastoral Minister ) 01227 794734 Web site: www.swalecliffe-free-church.com

e-mail: webmaster@swalecliffe-free-church.com

Chestfield Clubs and Societies

The Chestfield Society

Initially known as the Chestfield Preservation Society, the Chestfield Society was formed in 1966 in

response to residents‟ worries about the amount of development in the Parish. It scrutinised planning applications, concerned itself with the state of footways, roads and drainage and acted to register Molehill Green and Green Leas as Village Greens, under the Commons Registration Act. It

also pressed for the establishment of Preservation Orders on major trees and groups of trees. Additionally it maintained footpaths, instigated a drainage scheme for Grasmere Road and tried to reinstate the shelter on Chestfield Station.

It then took the logical step of applying for Parish Council Status, which came to fruition in 1988. With many of its functions transferred to the Council, the Society concentrated more on

encouraging community spirit through social events. These have included Front Garden Competitions, Summer Fetes, Village Markets, an Annual Dinner and more recently, a Scarecrow Competition and a Christmas Lights Competition, both of which have attracted many entrants.

Perhaps the most popular event is the Christmas Carol Service, which is held round a Christmas tree in front of St. Joseph‟s Church, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the W.I. Hall.

A quarterly newsletter, the Chestfield Herald is published and delivered to all members ( now a considerable number) by a network of contact members

The Swalecliffe with Chestfield Women’s Institute In 1931 Mrs. Richardson of Chestfield Road,

whilst visiting relatives in Canada (the birthplace of the W.I. movement), visited a W.I. and decided to start one in Chestfield.

The small population of Chestfield at that time made it essential to combine efforts with Swalecliffe and on 9th.December that

year the first meeting took place. Difficulties in finding a satisfactory venue meant that the only solution was to build their own hall. A building fund was set up and meeting in

the Barn Tea Room, members‟ houses and gardens, their various activities raised a sum of £50, which they considered to be

sufficient to enable them to start looking for a site for their hall. Luck was on their side as their first president, Mrs. Faunch, lived in the North Oast next to George Reeves, who donated a plot of land for the hall. Having had a hall designed which should cost £400, three local builders quoted

prices in the region of £1000. Fortunately one of them, Mr. Barton, offered to build the hall, to his own design, for £400 with an extra £50 for drainage and even loaned the WI £250 so that building could go ahead. By 1935 the Hall was in use

In the realms of public service ; during the war the WI produced vast quantities of jam, bottled

fruit and pickles as well as raising funds to buy wool ,which was knitted into garments for the Royal Navy. The Hall was used as a rest centre for evacuees after the Whitstable floods in 1952 and before the Chestfield Health Centre was built , doctors‟ surgeries took place there.

The Hall was extended in 1952 and again in 1963 when both the kitchen and Committee Room

were enlarged. With 190 members in 1952,the membership was becoming too large and 30 were

persuaded to form the South Street WI. With continued growth, another group formed the

Swalebrook WI in 1973. However Swalecliffe with Whitstable W.I. are still eager to welcome new

members.

Currently the members engage in social events, table tennis, dress making and craft, but the hall is used by the wider public for children‟s parties, wedding receptions, Yoga, „Street Runner (for teenagers), the Table Tennis Club, Art, Parish Council meetings and Community Warden‟s

surgeries.

The Radfall and Broomfield Gate Amenity Society

The Society, more commonly referred to by its acronym RABGAS , was established in 1990, by an enthusiastic group of residents, to create a community spirit by means of a small calendar of social events, thus creating a forum for involvement in matters affecting our area. Initially the most important matter was the planned New Thanet Way and its effect on our residential area. Funds

were raised enabling proper legal and specialist technical representation at the various official meetings. Although the fight to keep the new route to the old Thanet Way was unsuccessful, we were able to provide assistance with noise level monitoring. Many residents were able to use the

results for compensation. We also liaise with our Parish Council, Canterbury Council and Kent County Council to try to protect and enhance our local environment. In the past our social events have included celebrations of National Events, garden parties,

barbeques, cross country walks, including pub lunches and our annual Christmas Buffet

Maydowns Road Residents’ Association

(A short history of a long road) In the late 19th. C. there were just a few farm workers‟ cottages in Maydowns Road, with no electricity or bathrooms. Electricity and water was installed up to the end of the road in the 1930‟s

and by 1948 dwellings had increased with the addition of 18 semi-detached chalet bungalows. Gas was then installed in various dwellings up to the second bridge and water up to the top of the hill.

In October 1948 Whitstable Urban District Council deferred making a resolution to make up the road and subsequently the residents decided to take matters into their own hands and form an Association for the purpose of collecting funds to finance the cost of materials. The annual

subscription was two shillings and sixpence from all residents. Using wheelbarrows and hardcore a working party gradually filled in the potholes to the top of the road. The ladies played their part by supplying tea and biscuits. At this time a strong community

spirit existed in the road, which has since declined due to apathy and lack of common purpose. The road was resurfaced properly in 1966 and again in 1983 using existing funds and voluntary

payments from residents. Since then the Association has taken on the additional responsibility for the footway and has invested in new street lighting as well as continuing to maintain the road. Several members have provided expertise and equipment for the work and have organised fund

raising events. In 2004, in the interest of pedestrian safety, the footway was extended at the entrance at a cost of £4070.00; a marked improvement for both pedestrians and vehicles.

The current Treasurer, Mary Field, has lived in the road for 50 years and has been in the Association for 48 years, organising many fund raising events

Chestfield Rotary Club

Did you know that we have a Rotary Club in Chestfield? Chestfield Rotary Club started in November 2003. We were officially Chartered in May 2004. We are a friendly Breakfast

Club with 28 members, who meet weekly at the Chestfield Golf Club between 07:00 a.m.

and normally finishing about 08:30.a.m. (Yes, we really do start that early, but that means that our members are free to continue their business for the rest of the day). We are mixed gender (or even metrosexual to be more p.c.). I'm sure you know that Rotary is a

registered charity and we've already been involved in supporting many international projects, including eradication of polio in developing countries, Mercy ships, New Orleans and many others. You may already have seen some of our members at the Open Day for

the Chestfield Plan, on the slopes at Tankerton for the Trafalgar Weekend, our mulled wine stall at the Tankerton Fair or even the Bar-B-Q on the beach last August (don't worry we're planning to be there this year too!) Isn't it time we all had a serious event just

within Chestfield? A summer fair maybe?

Our aims are simple: Working for the Community, locally and around the world. We've

already had a number of successful organised social events and are looking at many more for the current year, including a Valentine's Ball, a Rugby tournament for the local youth

and many more. We will be putting the events on our website (when it's finished).

Our personal objectives are making friends and having fun.

We always welcome visitors / new members from the local community. Please think of this as an invite to attend, just call me in advance so that we can lay extra settings for the

breakfast

Colin Gaunt email: coling@eclipseassociates.co.uk

Neighbourhood Watch

The Neighbourhood Watch network which was once established in Chestfield has decayed over the years as many co-ordinators have given up, due to age and have not been replaced. Currently

there are four„Watches‟ based on Maydowns Road, Shepherds Walk South, Radfall Road and recently formed Plantation Road. Many residents have believed in the past that they belonged to a „Watch‟ because the old signs had not been removed, hopefully this has now been accomplished.

Three more people have volunteered to start new Watches, but the Police Constable who liaised with the Neighbourhood Watch for many years retired and there was a gap of some months before his successor, P.C. Dale Lowes, took over his duties in November 2005. Dale is now very

active in setting up new Watches. The basic premises in the scheme are that residents should keep an eye out for strange vehicles or

people or unusual happenings in the area, check on homes when people are away and keep a neighbourly eye on older people, who may have such problems as persistent salesmen or ill health.

All the Watches in the area are administered by the Canterbury and District Neighbourhood Watch Association, which has an office with the Public Safety Unit in Herne Bay. This office receives

details of local crimes, missing persons etc. from the Police. Kent Trading Standards provide information on local „dodgy‟ door-to-door traders and all the schemes dreamed up by ingenious criminal minds, with the object of parting you from your money. More and more of these are arriving by mail or e-mail sometimes with nasty little attachments. This information is sent to the

co-ordinators who select what is relevant and put it into a newsletter. These are delivered periodically with the help of „links‟, each of whom is responsible for ten or so houses. Since the

N.W. Office is manned every week day it is possible for information to be passed on very rapidly, if

it is urgent, by co-ordinators and links There are other „perks‟ to membership, including reduced house contents insurance, cheap, but

very good, security equipment, identification kits for cycles and electronic equipment and much more – all of which help to reduce crime.

Chestfield Cricket Club The club was formed around 1947, but the early history is a little sketchy; however, three original members are surviving. One

of the guiding lights behind the creation of the Club was Bernard Quinton-Jones, who died only a few years ago.

Early games were played behind the Plough Public House at Swalecliffe, but later the Club moved to Grasmere Road, used until

then by Whitstable. The ground is beyond the brook in Grasmere, where cricket has been played for many years. Neglect in the

war years caused decay, but in 1948 the newly formed Chestfield Club became

tenants and began the long task of developing the area into the condition in which it can be seen

today. The ground originally had a timber and thatched pavilion of Edwardian design, picturesque, but the home of insects and not suitable by modern standards. In 1955 Bernard Quinton-Jones became Club Secretary and successfully negotiated the purchase of the freehold and the

construction of a modern pavilion. Today the club and its facilities are ranked with the best in East Kent and visitors appreciate cricket in a genuine country environment. Until the introduction of league cricket in the 1970s, all the games played were friendlies and it was then that the

club was accepted into the East Kent League; ambitions were always there to reach a higher standard and at the end of the 1980s Chestfield was admitted to the Kent League proper, to play such teams as St Lawrence and Ashford on such grounds as the Rectory Field (Blackheath) and the Neville Ground (Tunbridge Wells).

At that time there were three Saturday sides and two Sunday teams, such was the level of interest; however, the results on the field were disappointing, leading to difficulties in team selection. Sadly, this resulted in both first and second XIs withdrawing from the league during the

1998 season. A number of players remained and in the close season we regained membership of the league at the lowest level, Division III, (realistically the fourth division and among the lowest 18 clubs out of 56); progress was made and on the brink of the new season the club has advanced

to Division II, thanks to the keenness and enthusiasm from the current members. This is further up the league than it appears, for all divisions comprise 10 clubs, who play each other twice on a “home and away” basis. In effect, we are somewhere between 20 and

30 in the county. The closest clubs are Hartley and Harvel, both just over 40 miles from home. We are the only club in our

division east of the Medway. The future is bright; we field two senior teams and four juniors: under 9s, 11s, 13s and 15s.The more members we can attract, the larger the pool of potential players and in turn we will be able

to revert to the third Saturday side and the second Sunday side; this means that we should be able to advance promising youngsters to give them better chances of playing at a higher level. Better still we would then hope to attract more experienced players, eager to play for us.

We have had some famous members: the most prominent of these is Vince Wells, who has played

for England B, as well as Leicestershire and Durham. James Knott has appeared for Bedfordshire and Surrey II, while Darren Scott (now returned) has turned out for Kent as has James Golding (as well as Wiltshire). Chris Russell has represented a number of sides, the Army, Sussex II, as well as

clubs around the county, including the Mote. Alex Tudor, England fast bowler, visited Chestfield in the early 1990s as an eager 14 year-old, playing for Old Castletonians, the travelling section of the Spencer Club of the Surrey League.

Chestfield Golf Club

The ground upon which Chestfield Golf

Course was built, Chestfield Manor, is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as a gift from William

the Conqueror to his half brother Bishop Odo – hence the reason why the Club emblem is a Bishop‟s Mitre. The Clubhouse dates from

the 15th century and has been carefully restored to provide an attractive beamed lounge bar, a good size Spike bar and Trophy

Room and a restaurant overlooking the 18th green and fairway. The Men‟s Locker Rooms have recently been extended and

refurbished. The thatched timber cowsheds, to the front of the property, house the thriving Junior Section and administrative offices, while a purpose built Professional‟s Shop is situated close to the rear car park.

The construction of the course, originally known as Shrub Hill, began shortly after the First World War at the instigation of George Reeves, a local builder. He commissioned two well known

professionals, James Braid – five times Open Champion – and Abe Mitchell to design the course, which was opened for play on 16th April 1924. In 1938 the Club was purchased by millionaire ship owner Jack Billmeir, a local boy. When he died in 1963 the course and buildings were acquired by

the members. Since then the course has improved beyond recognition, culminating in the Club hosting the Kent County Championship in 1993.

Significant changes to the course were made when the A299 was re-routed. The new layout, designed by the internationally renowned golf architect Donald Steel and comprising six new greens and five new tees, opened in the summer of 2000.

Chestfield Golf Club is not just about history. No club of any kind can survive without appealing to a broad cross-section of the public and Chestfield thrives by keeping this in mind. The Club caters for golfers at all levels. A year- long programme of midweek and weekend competitions is on offer

and all the various sections of the Club organize both friendly and competitive matches against other Clubs in the area.

The Professional and his staff also provide advice and lessons for both the aspiring and the experienced golfer. The social side is not neglected, with a full programme of events running throughout the year.

For any information please contact the Secretary – Nick Pout – on 01227 794411

Whitstable Rugby Club Whitstable Rugby Club regularly fields 3

teams on a saturdat and the occasional Veterans team on Sunday afternoons. The 1st XV plays within the league structure.

There are also Junior, Mini, and Midi sections

New players are always welcome Email

Info@whitstablerugbyclub.cp.uk Or Tel; 01227 794 343

Radfall Recreation Ground.

The Recreation Ground, which is administered by Canterbury City Council

is used by Whitstable Labour Cricket Club in the summer. Various senior and junior football clubs, including many

teams from Whitstable Juniors, use it in the football season. Canterbury City Council, in conjunction with the Football

Association, has been considering the possibility of improving the present dilapidated pavilion

Chestfield Youth Club (formerly known as 'Street Runner')

Background

Street Runner was launched in March 2003. The initiative was established in response to consultation with young people during the early stages of the Children's Fund, this revealed a lack of accessible activities for 10-18 year olds

across the district. Parents and young people particularly wanted activities provided at neighbourhood level so the initiatives are designed specifically to take services to

communities. Specific aims of the initiative

To provide a mobile youth facility to engage young people across the district who live in areas of deprivation and young people who do not have adequate access to other local facilities. To develop an understanding of the issues and concerns of young people aged 11-18 living in the

Canterbury District and to identify their needs and issues To provide increased access to recreational facilities and to give young people living in these areas a voice. To provide a safe and desirable alternative environment for young people to meet instead of on the streets. To increase the access to local community facilities for young people. To encourage young people aged 10-18 to have an active involvement in the council's youth participation programme. In April 2006 Chestfield Youth Club became independent of Canterbury City Council and has had to put many things in place in order to continue to provide a range of activities including arts and crafts, sports and games. Summer sessions particularly focus on sports and games. Now organised and run by local qualified volunteer youth workers, the team ensures their work complements the work of Kent County Council's Youth & Community Team. Each of the volunteers have attended various courses run by K.C.C. including First Aid, Child Protection, Health and Safety and have worked in close liaison with the children since the start of the project. Many hours of training on a volunteer basis have been given to this project including setting up the background requirements of K.C.C. and other agencies, so it is hoped that the Club will enjoy the continued support of the Parish Council and the residents, in providing a really worthwhile activity for our young people in Chestfield. Going from strength to strength it is hoped that eventually the group will enjoy the benefits of larger premises and along with affiliating to Kent Youth, that a variety of facilities will then become more available for the children's enjoyment. We are always looking for more volunteers for this project, so if you are interested in giving some of your time please contact Linda Wickings on 01227 794580 for more information. If you are a young person wishing to join the club then please just come along (in the first instance with a parent) on either the 1st or 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the W.I. Hall in Chestfield Road.

Chestfield Table Tennis Club The Club was established in June 2005 by John and Linda Wickings and is open to all residents regardless of age or ability. Initially sponsored by the Parish Council and Galleon Promotions, the Club got off to a very good start and has managed to sustain a regular number of players of all standards and ages. The Club has recently won a grant from the Awards 4 All scheme to help support the club and along with other donations from well-wishers, the Club has been able to enter a team representing Chestfield in the Canterbury Summer Leagues. This is the first time there has been a team representing Chestfield in the local leagues. During the course of the coming year we will be introducing coaching and next summer we are hoping to include junior members in the team. The ethos behind the club, is to encourage both adult and younger players to play a sport which can be both enjoyable and sociable and allow the two generations to interact and show mutual respect. The aim of the club is to encourage people to play, without necessarily taking it too seriously. Many people find that they enjoy playing but all too often when you join a club the emphasis is on competitiveness, which not everyone enjoys.

Sessions are on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month 7pm - 10pm. Light refreshments are provided by the sponsors and are included in the entrance fee. If you and/or your children are interested in playing then please contact John/Linda Wickings on 01227 794580 For more information on either of the above activities please check the website:- www.chestfield.net

Other Amenities in Chestfield

Chestfield Medical Centre

Chestfield Medical Centre is part of Whitstable Medical Practice and is committed to providing a high quality range of primary care services to its patients. There are six General Practitioners at Chestfield and a well trained support staff.

Full details of all services and much useful information can be obtained from the web site :- www.whitstablemedicalpractice.co.uk or from the reception desk at the

Medical Centre. General Enquiries Tel :- 01227 794555 Address :- Chestfield Medical Centre, Reeves Way, Chestfield, Whitstable. CT5 3Q

Chestfield House Nursing Home

As it is now. Compare it with Tony Blake‟s old photo below.

Dental Practice – G. Hamill. 41, Chestfield Road.

The surgery was set up in the late 1980s to meet a need for patients in the area. It is a small family practice with two dental surgeries and provides a range of treatments on the premises and

can also refer. Treatment is available on weekdays including some evening surgeries and also on Saturday mornings. The practice is owned by Dr George Hamill, and operated by him as well as Dr Mark Osborne and Dr Tack Chew. Currently NHS treatment is provided for children and some

exempt adults, the majority of adults being seen privately. A wide range of treatments are carried out, including: routine examinations, scaling and polishing, as well as more complex periodontal treatments, X-rays, fillings in both metal and cosmetic materials, crowning and bridging, dentures,

orthodontics and cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening. Despite major changes coming in the form of new NHS contracts it is hoped to continue providing a range of treatments to the local residents.

Chestfield Barn

Local Pub & Restaurant In recent years, the

Old Barn has been converted to serve as a combined pub and restaurant. The Barn nestles neatly between the old Oast

House and Chestfield Golf Club to provide a wonderful setting for a drink or a meal.

Listed Buildings

1. Statutary Listed Buildings are of special architectural or historic interest –can cover buildings, lampposts, telephone kiosks, railings, bridges etc. and have special statutory

protection.

Chestfield Road :- Chestfield Golf Club,

The Barn Gas lanterns and columns outside 105

and 107, Chestfield Road

Shepherds Cottage The Drive :-

The Old Farm House

North and South Tythe Barn

The Paddock

Paddock South

The Drove :- Willowdene

Molehill Road :- Molehill Cottage Sparrer Court

Thanet Way :- Bodkin Farmhouse

2 .Locally Listed Buildings are buildings that make a positive contribution to the

character of the area, usually in the conservation area, but do not have additional statutory

protection..

Chestfield Road :- North Oast and South Oast

The Drove/Drive :-

Sea View Alcrest Kennel Meadow Cottage

Huntsman Cottage

Chestfield Conservation Area

Most of the older part of Chestfield is partly protected as it was designated as a „Conservation Area‟ in 1989.This means:

Special procedures for planning applications. Control of demolition and felling of trees. Possible stricter controls over advertising.

The Conservation Area includes: Chestfield Road, excluding Radfall Cottage and „The Oaks‟.

The South side of Maydowns Road; Plantation Road and Share and Coulter Road between Chestfield Road and the footpath.

Green Leas, The Leas and Fairlawn.

The first three houses on the North side of Polo Way. The Drive and The Drove Molehill Road including three houses beyond the Drove Junction.

Shrub Hill Road. The Ridgeway up to Fern Close

Willow Way

Grasmere Road, up to the Cricket Ground on the South side, but including the three houses opposite the Cricket Ground on the North side.

Cherry Orchard: the first house on each side from Chestfield Road.

Village Greens Molehill Green and Green Leas are registered as Village Greens under the „Commons registration

Act.

The sketch map above is a representation of the Chestfield Conservation Area. For full details of individual roads see the previous text. The sketch is by courtesy of Louise Foreman.

The Analysis and Results of the Questionnaire and Open Day There were 1317 questionnaires delivered and 49% were completed and returned.

This high percentage was largely due to the fact that the questionnaires were delivered and collected by hand. It is a much higher percentage than the national average for similar surveys

and therefore the results can be taken as representative for the area.

Age profile of the residents

Nearly 26% of respondents are in the over 65 age group. Nearly 51% are in the 30 to 65 group. 10% are between 16 and 30 and 13% are under 16.

The length of time residents have lived in Chestfield.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

M =717 41 24 32 44 42 97 250 139 48

F =760 34 25 41 35 29 115 289 125 67

0 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 30 31- 45 46 -65 66 -75 76 +

The length of time they have lived here is an indication of how well the locality is liked and the

uptake of recent development. Nearly 28% of households have lived in Chestfield over 20 years. Nearly 26 % have lived here 10 to 20 years

Over 15 % have lived here 6 to 10 years 15 % have lived here 3 to 5 years Nearly 16 % have lived here less than 3 years

Environment

The built up part of the parish is partly surrounded by Blean Woods and farm land. This quiet, semi-rural setting and the easy links to the surrounding town amenities have induced more and more people to settle here. Over 400 people commented that the rural setting was what they

liked about the village. The preservation of this way of life is a paramount concern for many. There is an overwhelming view that the village maintains its boundaries and that no more houses should be built. The questionnaire showed that many residents had strong feelings that the open

spaces should be preserved; these help to maintain the village feeling and are enjoyed by all.

The following table shows the response to the question: “Do you think more housing is needed in

Chestfield? If so, please indicate below what you think this should be”.

Young People’s Houses

Large Houses Retired

people’s Houses

Housing for Local People

Low Cost Housing

No More Houses

4.6% 0.7% 3.6% 6.6% 2.2% 82.1%

In the past flooding has been a problem and many residents are still concerned, but only 11% have stated they are actually affected. Recent improvements to the drainage system should help to alleviate future problems. The village does become almost an island after heavy rain, with

flooding occurring under the A299 Bridge on Chestfield Road and by Swalecliffe Bridge. Many people consider litter and dog fouling to be problems, which spoil the look of the village. At

the Open Day held in May 2005 residents were asked to show where more litter and dog bins are needed and a request for more bins has been made to C.C.C.

On the whole lighting was considered to be about right in the village with only a few places needing more light.

Residents’ Comments Things liked: Rural but not remote. A quiet and safe place to live. Being separated by open spaces from Whitstable, Herne Bay and Canterbury. Freedom from heavy industry. The individual houses and lovely trees and gardens. The many walks Well layed out estates with good mix of housing. Nothing I dislike. That‟s why I live here. Things disliked:

Rising crime and antisocial behaviour i.e. vandalism and dog fouling. Increasing development – village is merging into South Tankerton, Swalecliffe and Greenhill. Vandalism often discovered on Saturday and Sunday mornings – road signs, plant pots and fences knocked over. Litter and damage caused by youths in Health Centre and Maydowns area. Too many householders cutting down trees.

Leisure and amenities

Although the results of question 12 showed that the majority of residents considered that there are sufficient sport and leisure facilities, comments on the questionnaire and at the Open Day indicate that an improvement in the provision for teenagers is warranted. One

suggestion, particularly supported on the Open Day, was a ballpark that would incorporate various ball games. Question 13. The residents were asked how important they believed the following services and facilities would be to the village of Chestfield. The results placed footpaths and bridleways first, the playpark second, a village hall third and the recreation ground fourth.

0 100 200 300 400

Fast Food Outlets

Library Mobile

Library Fixed

Public House(s)

Pre-School

School

Tennis Court

Nursery

Church

Cricket Pitch

Football Pitch

Shop

Post Office

Recreation Grnd

Village Hall

Play Park

Footpaths Bridleways

Lack of community facilities and activities. One of the most common comments and dislikes mentioned in questions 27 and 28 was a lack of a sense of community. Many comments were also made about the lack of a focal point to the village

and that a village hall might solve both these problems.

Residents’ Comments

Things liked: A good WI and Medical Centre. Small size of village hence can walk to various amenities. Access to numerous halls to hold events. Pleasant walking available. Things disliked: Little to encourage youngsters. Lack of community facilities and activities. Lack of community spirit. No Village Hall. Not enough leisure facilities. Lack of “proper” Village Hall. Teenagers using play park in the evenings. Increasing vandalism – we don‟t feel that we can use the play park after 5 pm (summer) because of loitering, foul-mouthed youths. Lack of leisure facilities for young and old. Lack of community centre to focus on issues that effect us all. Lack of feeling of community exacerbated by lack of church, village hall or similar focus for community events. Too little in the way of facilities for our younger people. Residents’ suggestions for Sport and Leisure Facilities: More facilities for teenagers.

Youth Club needed to keep teenagers off the street. Anything a disabled person can do to join in with able-bodied people More facilities for children 10 to 16. Something / somewhere for teenagers to meet. They can be a nuisance now, but they have nowhere to go. Improvements in the field next to the children‟s play area. Clubs for the young and retired. Community centre for youths for sport and leisure. The recreational facilities are under used at present. Basket ball, squash and tennis.

Chestfield Health Centre.

74% of respondents use the Chestfield Medical Centre and of these 94% were satisfied with the standard of service. The majority of complaints were about the new appointment system or the loss of Saturday morning appointments.

Many Residents‟ comments reflect how lucky Chestfield is to have Chestfield Medical Centre on its doorstep.

Some Residents’ Comments: Things liked. Compared to other areas we are superbly served by a very dedicated and caring team of Doctors and Support Staff. Excellent surgery Hard pressed staff mainly do their best They provide an excellent range of services More than acceptable- we have an excellent G.P ,booking system works, good repeat prescriptions, plus chemist in Swalecliffe provides an excellent service. We have received excellent care. It is excellent. The best I have ever used. Very busy ,but staff mainly helpful.

Things disliked The current appointment system does not suit working people who need non urgent appointments.By 8 a.m. we are already in Canterbuy..

The out-of-hours service covers too large an area to be effective and safe. Service at Chestfield medical Centre was excellent until revised by the new system. Now they do their best.

Highways and Byways The responses to the questionnaire relating to road and footpath issues (Q11,13,17,22,27,28) revealed several key points which will need to be considered both by the Parish Plan Steering

Group and the Parish Council. It is widely accepted that Chestfield Road now forms one of the primary routes to and from Canterbury and this is reflected in the responses to some of the questions posed. Similarly, over half of the questionnaire respondents indicated that their

household had the use of at least 2 cars and therefore, as residents, responsibility for some of the required actions appears to be in our own hands.

A major concern within the parish is the speeding traffic along Chestfield Road with 79% of replies believing this to be a problem. The majority of parishioners were aware of the Speedwatch campaign, initially set up to counteract this, however over half of the replies wanted traffic calming

measures to be introduced. Many comments at the Open Day and on the questionnaires supported

the introduction of Reactive Speed Control Signs Given how busy Chestfield Road has become, many residents felt that there is a need for

additional safe crossings to be installed, particularly to assist children when crossing to the play park and all those who have to cross the road due to the lack of a continuous footpath along the whole of Chestfield Road.

Chestfield is relatively close to the Crab & Winkle Cycle Way, which runs from Whitstable to Canterbury. This appears to be sufficient for just under half of the residents, who thought that cycling facilities were adequate. However it was noted that there also appears to be a demand for

more specific cycle routes from Chestfield to either link with the Crab & Winkle Way or to have specific way-marked routes to Canterbury or Whitstable.

Throughout Chestfield there are many footpaths and bridleways and approximately 41% of those who replied use them at least once a week. However 83% rated them as important or quite important to have within the village.

There were many comments about the poor maintenance of the footways and roads.

Residents’ Comments. Things liked: The many walks. No through traffic in some areas – safe for children. Pleasant walking available about the village. All of Chestfield apart from fast traffic. Things disliked: Many residents complained about the poor state of the roads and footways. Poor road safety (A2990 crossing is dangerous)

Maydowns Road exit to Chestfield Road is worse since the crossing was put in. Lack of footpaths along Chestfield Road. Having to cross the road between Cherry orchard and the Play Park because no pavement on that side of the road. Lack of continuous walkway in Chestfield Road. Inconsiderate parking on the main road. Selfish parking outside St. Joseph‟s on Sundays. Difficult pedestrian access to the village from Broomfield Gate. Speeding on Polo Way is increasing and a serious accident is not far away The speed the traffic comes up Molehill Road and lack of a mirror opposite the Drove to see oncoming traffic and golfers Not enough Pedestrian crossings No cycle path to Canterbury ,Whitstable or HerneBay Congestion caused by W.I. meetings There is sufficient room for a continuous path in Chestfield Road .We all need one. There is no pavement along most of Molehill Road and it is dangerous to walk along. I would like to reinforce the very real need for a footpath and cyclists‟ provision on Radfall Hill All paths are uneven. I get tipped about in my wheelchair. No crossings. Cars over paths. Residents’ suggestions for traffic problems: The most efficient form of speed control for villages such as ours is to have a sign that lights up warning of excess speed. An actual cycle track that could connect safely to the Crab and Winkle route. Do something to avoid cycles on paths. The speed of traffic on Chestfield Road. As a previous resident of Herne I am impressed by

their efforts at controlling speed through the village.Clearly marked controls. Perhaps Chestfield could look at this. Main roads do need a safe cycle lane – perhaps one pavement – it could be shared, so few people walk. Footpaths could be widened to include bikes/pedestrians. Because of speeding vehicles I feel unsafe on my bicycle on the main Chestfield Road, so sometimes use the path. Better crossing East of the roundabout on the A2990 is still needed. I have campaigned for this for 8 years.

Some of the traffic problems along Chestfield Road

The exit from Maydowns Road onto Chestfield Road is difficult for traffic due to the close proximity of the roundabout . It has been suggested that a larger five-legged roundabout, as at Greenhill, would make this safer.

The island near the Play Park is too small to accommodate an adult with a pushchair and an accompanying child.

Cars parked at the Recreation Ground can cause a problem if parked on both sides of the road. A larger car park is needed in the Recreation Ground.

A continuous footway is needed along one side of Chestfield Road. At the moment life is very

difficult for anyone in a wheelchair or with a pushchair and hazardous for pedestrians. The east side of the road is most suitable, but the photo shows one of the problems. There are no safe crossings to the short piece of footway seen on the west side.

Transport For those who have cars, Chestfield is well positioned, with easy access to motorways and Canterbury only a 20 minute drive away. In today‟s society the majority of homeowners have a

least one car. Chestfield is no exception; with only 4% of those households that returned the questionnaire having no car compared to 50% of owners with 2.

For those that do not have access to a car, Chestfield is served by an hourly bus service to and from Canterbury. Unfortunately the results from the questionnaire on bus transport were inconclusive and gave a mixed picture as to whether the service was satisfactory, although the

numbers would seem to show that those who actually use the buses think they are not sufficiently frequent. General feedback in comments from the questionnaire was that the cost was high and the service poor in early afternoon with no service after 7p.m.

Over 50 children travel to Swalecliffe school and the possibility of a walking bus was discussed at the Open Day, but there was a lack of response to this idea, chiefly due to the lack of a continuous

path, no safe crossings in Chestfield Road and the difficulty in crossing the road once under the railway bridge.

Chestfield has its own railway station (which is partially manned), allowing trips to London and Thanet. Half of Chestfield residents use the trains, with adults being the main users. The main reason for using the train is work or trips to London. 18% are children that use the trains primarily

for school and shopping.

Transport to hospitals acceptable?

170

28

252

215

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Canterbury Ashford/Margate

Yes

No

The above bar chart is the response to the question: “Is transportation to available hospitals acceptable?”

With Kent and Canterbury Hospital‟s A and E Department now reduced to a 24 hour Emergency Care Centre and with various other services only available at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen

Mother Hospital, Margate or the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, many people find transport to the hospitals (particularly Ashford and Margate) unacceptable if they are unable to use a car.

Residents comments

Things liked: The new Triangle Bus Service is very welcome I am happy with the 4/6 bus service, now even half hourly on Sundays and the 5 is a better service than it has ever been, except in the evenings Whitstable volunteer Bureau are very helpful with their transport scheme

Things disliked: Lack of regular public transport Bus service not frequent enough Everything to do with the station .No car park, Station not manned, building dilapidated Lack of public transport in the evenings to Canterbury and Whitstable I am sure it would be difficult to get to Ashford or Margate Hospitals without your own transport. Better shelter needed at the railway station

School university

6%

W ork28%

Shopping21%

Other44%

Train use

Policing and Security

Over 83 % of residents would like to see more active policing and very many would support Special Constables and Community Wardens.

47 % of residents consider that they are members of Neighbourhood Watch, but 76 % would like to be members if it were available in their area. When asked what would make their community feel safer nearly 80 % would feel safer with more

policing. 10 % consider that an active Neighbourhood Watch would make them feel safer and 10% would feel safer if there were traffic calming on Chestfield Road. Many residents‟ comments stated that they already felt very safe.

Some Residents’ comments on what would make them feel safer. Moving on the gangs of teenagers who loiter on street corners. Build up stronger community spirit. Enforcing speed limit more effectively in Chestfield Road. A more vibrant Neighbourhood watch It does feel safe Control of the hooligan element Be more alert to strange faces I have never had cause to feel that Chestfield is unsafe in my 41 years here. We should be more positive and thankful and not induce fear. More community social interaction and more lighting. Police presence on foot near the Total Garage on Friday and Saturday nights For children - keeping the playgrounds free of litter, graffiti, broken glass and other signs of nuisance/abuse of facilities or substances. Speed cameras in Chestfield Road - urgent. Stop cycling on pavements. As the Parish Plan goes to press a Speed Reactive Sign has been purchased by the Parish Council

and 10 volunteers are about to be trained by the police to monitor it.

Questionnaire Results

You and Chestfield

Q.1. Please complete the box below for all of the people normally resident in your household.(In the boxes please state how many in each age category)

Age profile 0 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 30 31- 45 46 -65 66 -75 76 +

Male =717 41 24 32 44 42 97 250 139 48

Female =760 34 25 41 35 29 115 289 125 67

Total 1477 75 49 73 79 71 212 539 264 115

Q.2. How many years have you lived in Chestfield?

<1 1- 2 3 - 5 6 -10 10 - 20 20 >

39 62 99 98 164 178

Housing Q.3.Do you think more housing is needed in Chestfield? If so, please indicate below what type you think this should be.

Young Peoples‟ Large Retired Local Low None

32 5 25 46 15 566

Transport Q. 4. How often do you /your family use the bus service in or out of the village ?

Daily Once a Week Twice a Week Once a Month Rarely Never

57 22 20 55 529

Q.5. Are you happy with the frequency of the bus service to and from the village?

Yes No

245 137

Q.6 How many cars /light vehicles do you have regular access to in your household?

None 1 2 3 4 +

26 241 342 50 20

Buses

Q.7. Who, in your household, use the buses?

No one Children Me/partner Other

433 85 159 7

Q.8. For what purpose do you use the buses?

School/ University

Work Shopping Other

56 24 154 35

Q. 9. Who, in your household, use‟s the train?

No one Children You / Partner Other

337 72 309 6

Q. 10. For what purpose do you use the trains?

School/

University Work Shopping Other

24 108 82 171

Traffic Q. 11.

Yes No

Is traffic speeding through the village still a cause for concern 506 132

Are you aware of the speed watch campaign? 547 103

Are you in favour of traffic calming? 341 301

Are the facilities for cyclists adequate- e.g. cycle paths 224 294

If “NO” ,please state where and what you feel improvements can be made.

Cycle

paths are required

at

Chestfield Road

South Street

To Canterbury

To the

Crab and Winkle Way

From

Swalecliffe to

Whitstable

Other routes

59 12 25 13 19 16

Are there enough pedestrian crossings in Chestfield Road?

Yes No

254 395

Sport, Leisure and Facilities

Q . 12 Are there enough activities and sport/leisure facilities in the village/within 3 miles of the

village?

Yes No

480 131

If “ NO”, please specify where and what, you feel, improvements can be made.

Comments were grouped by category as follows:-

Facilities for the Disabled

Indoor

facilities for all ages

Outdoor

facilities for all ages

A Village Hall Keep fit

2 56 58 23 11

Q. 13.How important do you believe the following services and facilities would be to the village of

Chestfield? Please rate each item from 1 to 5 (Where 1 is important and 5 is unimportant)

Q 13 Village Facilities

1 Important 2

Neutral 4

Unimportant No Opinion

Shop 261 104 158 9 94 23

Post Office 292 95 135 11 101 17

Village Hall 330 121 128 5 56 12

Church 200 96 229 6 63 45

Public House(s) 143 127 185 21 145 21

School 171 96 199 13 97 50

Recreation Ground 328 154 93 12 39 15

Play Park 349 152 77 11 34 20

Football Pitch 226 152 154 14 57 34

Cricket Pitch 210 157 169 12 51 36

Tennis Court 177 141 197 19 63 28

Footpaths Bridleways 372 171 80 3 12 15

Library Fixed 143 102 201 21 101 25

Library Mobile 136 163 201 15 71 27

Fast Food Outlets 16 24 95 19 460 27

Nursery 178 111 210 20 65 58

Pre-School 154 114 213 18 59 55

Crime and anti-social behaviour

Q.14

Yes No

Are the police sufficiently active in the parish? 99 500

Would you support the introduction of Rural Special Constables? 611 36

Do you support the Community Warden Scheme? 486 114

Is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme available in your area ? 457 139

Are you a member of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme? 291 325

Would you participate in a neighbourhood Watch Scheme? 414 133

Q. 15 What do you think could be done to make your community feel safer? Comments were grouped by category as follows :-

More visible Police

C.C.T.V. Traffic

calming

Keeping the play park

clean

Active Neighbourhood

watch

220 11 14 3 28

Q 16. Do you consider the street lighting in Chestfield to be as follows:-

About Right? 545

Too Much? 15

Too Little? 110

If too little - please state where you think improvements should be made.

Molehill Road Grasmere

Road Radfall Road

General problems

10 2 10 57

Countryside and environment

Q. 17. How often do you use the public footpaths/bridleways of Chestfield Parish?

Daily Once a week

Twice a week Once a month

Rarely / Never

182 96 79 128 194

Q.18.

Yes No Are there sufficient dog-waste bins in the village? 194 268

Are there sufficient litterbins in the village? 195 319

If dog fouling is a problem, please state where. The comments were for the following areas

Footpaths e.g. Polo Way to Maydowns Road

The Play park The Football Ground

59 20 17

Health Q.19.

Yes No Do you use the Medical Centre in Chestfield? 503 176

Q. 20.

Yes No Do you find the standard of service at the Chestfield Medical Centre acceptable?

471 26

Comments were grouped by category as follows:-

Good to excellent service

Booking appointments

difficult

Regret the loss of Candoc

Miss Saturday morning

appointments

Poor service

91 41 16 14 6

Q. 21

Yes No Is Available transport acceptable to Kent and Canterbury Hospital?

170 252

Is available transport acceptable to Q.E.Q.M. Hospital Margate and William Harvey Hospital, Ashford

28 215

Q.22. The following changes to the Parish have been suggested by a range of people within the Parish.

Yes No An hourly bus service in the evening to/from Canterbury? 464 75

Should there be parking at Chestfield Station? 409 108

An improved cycle-way from Chestfield to Canterbury? 442 116

An improved cycle-way from Chestfield to Whitstable? 458 100

More adult education classes in the day/evening? 366 154

A welcome message/system/pack for newcomers to the village? 387 176

More flowers in the village? 446 126

Improved road maintenance- signs and surfaces? 515 76

More evident policing? 580 45

More low cost housing? 110 467

Should more housing of a type between a large family house and warden assisted housing be built for the active, energetic

retired to free up larger family homes? 261 303

Communications

Yes No Do you read the Parish Council notice boards? 389 253

Do you receive and read the Parish Magazine? 649 20

Do we need a village web site? 227 321

Are you happy with the postal service? 423 227

Are you happy with the quality of T.V. reception? 301 348

Would you like Freeview (with a good signal)? 427 133

Flooding Q. 24.

Yes No

Are you concerned about flooding in the village? 373 281

Are you affected by flooding? If yes, please state which road you live in.

62 493

Areas affected were as below:-

Chestfield Road under the A.299

Grasmere Road Shepherds Walk

area

Maydowns Road/Plantation

Road

16 9 15 22

Q. 25. Should anything be changed/preserved about the local environment? (Consider wildlife, open spaces, trees, woodland, hedgerows and habitats. Are there any buildings or features that should be protected?) Comments were grouped by category as follows: -

Preserve “AS IT IS”. Keep all green spaces.

No housing development

Preserve the Barn/Golf Club

Request A. 299 noise reduction

249 73 33 4

Q. 26. Please state up to 2 things that you like about Chestfield. Comments were grouped by category as follows:-

Quiet, peaceful and rural

The residents of Chestfield

The location of the village

The location of local amenities

402 161 170 131

Q. 27. Please state up to two things that you dislike about Chestfield. Comments were grouped by category as follows:-

Some of the people

Noise from the A.299

Lack of community

spirit

The volume and speed of

traffic on Chestfield

Road

Inconsiderate parking near st. Joseph’s Church and the W.I. Hall

33 55 57 126 13

Litter and rubbish dumping

The noise from

fireworks

The lack of signage in the village

The lack of a village hall

Poor recreation

facilities and poor

maintenance of those we

have

54 5 3 32 27

The building of too many new

houses

Aircraft flying over the area

Insufficient road crossings and

poor condition of some pavements

88 8 39

Q. 28. Please use the space at the end of the Questionnaire for any comments you may

wish to make that have not been covered elsewhere in the Questionnaire. Comments were grouped by category as follows:-

Lack of disabled

facilities and dropped

curbs

Lack of continuous

pavement on Chestfield

Road

There is a need for car

parking at the station

The derelict site near

McDonalds is an eyesore

Too much litter dropped

around

3 31 7 4 10

Too many speeding cars on

Chestfield Road

Too much noise from the A 299

Positive comments on

the survey

Negative comments on

the survey

29 12 16 20

Positive comments on the

Parish Council and

communication within the Parish

Negative comments on the

Parish Council and

communication within the Parish

Too much housing

development

Lack of community spirit

9 10 24 22

Chestfield - Action Plan – Recommendations

The following are some of the key points of the Action Plan produced by the Steering Group,based

on the results of the Questionnaire and Open Day

Highways and Byways The topic of controlling speeding traffic without speed bumps can be tackled by means of roundabouts, reactive signs, crossings and possibly by restricting the width of the road in places which would also enable gaps in the footway to be filled.

A survey of the footways along Chestfield Road showed them to be woefully inadequate; extensive work is needed to provide a safe, continuous footway.

Roadworks are carried out by Kent County Council who produce an Annual Traffic Review towards the end of each year. A number of the projects in the following recommendations have previously

been suggested by the Parish Council and some items from the Recommendations have already been added to this list to avoid waiting for another year. Chestfield Parish Council can ask and pressurise, but if/when the work is completed depends on the judgement of KCC Highways and

the finance available. Minor works, such as faulty footways, loose drain covers, pot holes etc. can be dealt with more rapidly by reporting them to the Parish Clerk or more directly, to the Highway Inspectors of the

KCC. There is now a scheme of „County Lengthsmen‟, a group who travel around the County sorting out footway problems. The Parish Clerk collects a list of problems to give them when they are due in the district.

Ideas for cycle routes have been proposed, but these may well depend on legal right-of-way considerations .

Transport

With more families moving into the area there is an increasing amount of school traffic travelling along Chestfield Road. At the Open Day the walking bus scheme was mentioned, however there was little uptake. The main reason was the poor footways, no continuous footway along Chestfield

Road and the dangerous footway under Swalecliffe Bridge. Unless these problems are improved there will continue to be a flow of traffic towards Swalecliffe Community Primary School. With the increasing pressure of local and central government to produce healthier and greener ways of getting children to school, it is recommended that this be used in evidence of the real need to

improve the footways and crossings. Even though there was a mixed response to the questions relating to the bus service, there were

some clearly defined areas of improvements to be made. These were the provision of an early evening service, bus shelters and improved access to the bus stops. A survey carried out recently at the Cherry Orchard request stop showed that it was dangerous, as there was no footway or

hard standing to enable disabled access. This was not the only stop to be found with inadequate access. The stops along Chestfield Road, by Grasmere Road and the Ridgeway, only have a footway on one side. Crossing the road at these points is dangerous. It is therefore recommended

that these areas be considered for improved footways, along with the recommendation for a continuous footway along Chestfield Road and for improved crossing facilities.

Chestfield and Swalecliffe Station is used by adults to travel to London as well as school children to

travel to Faversham and Thanet. Parking around the station is a problem and there were comments by residents in the questionnaire regarding the need for a car park. Both Chestfield and Swalecliffe suffer from on street parking. Obtaining a location for a car park is difficult and

would need to be addressed by both communities.

Environment A request for more litter and dog waste bins was made to Canterbury City Council in 2005 and some success has been achieved in this area with the installation of additional litter bins and the

identification of sites for more dog waste bins, although C.C.C. will not install some of these until residents living nearby have approved the sites.

From the questionnaire our footpaths were rated as very important and therefore it is recommended that the council look into ways of maintaining them. Residents can also help by supporting the P.C. on their footpath clearing days, which are organised several times a year. The Parish Council can also use evidence contained in this Parish Plan to support the residents‟

wishes for „no more housing‟ and to maintain our borders, preventing us merging with surrounding towns.

Residents can also help our environment by reporting lighting, drainage and footpath problems to the parish council so that action can be taken.

Policing & Security This section is one that because of its nature is largely outside of local control, however, much can

be done with some encouragement of the parishioners… Sharing information as quickly as possible and ensuring that relevant information is acted on with

the appropriate care and diligence, should be the goal. This can be greatly helped by more ACTIVE Neighbourhood Watch schemes being created throughout the village. Then, by making best use of these watches, enable co-ordinated information to be gathered and ensure that the

appropriate actions are carried out. Also by ensuring that, where appropriate, the local Policing activities are given the right level of publicity so that many residents actually know what is happening in the village?

From the above, the actions required are:

More active watches need to be created by encouraging villagers to become co-ordinators for their street or part of a street.

A regular contact needs to be created with the local police officers and specials in order to build an understanding of the issues within the village An appropriate route created for the passing of information for publicity of police activities affecting our village.

Activities and Leisure

The Parish Council is investigating possible sites for a Parish Hall. If a suitable site can be found, the next step will be to consult residents. If it is decided to go ahead a working party or Steering Group will be set up to carry the project forward.

Try to build up more local activities, which will encourage villagers to get together on a frequent and regular basis in order to create a better community spirit, which would also be engendered by providing a “ Welcome Pack” for new residents.

Encourage enthusiasm from people who might have an interest in starting a village activity.(N.B. An excellent example is the table tennis club set up by Linda Wickings, which has been highly praised by the wide age range of those attending)

To remedy the poor provision for older children and teenagers at the Play Park, the possibility of a ball park was investigated, but Canterbury City Council informed us that the site was not suitable

due to the appearance of ball parks and the noise that they create. The Parish Council hope to replace the old football goal posts with 5-a-side football goals and nets. Eventually a basket ball net with disabled access and a „teen‟ shelter, where teenagers can sit and chat, is being

considered.

Chestfield Parish Plan - Action Plan and Recommendations

Recommendation

Ideas for action/How will it be done

When Who Funding Possibilities

1. Highways and Byways

To attempt to prevent speeding vehicles throughout the village.

To investigate provision of Flashing Speed Indicator signs and/or speed cameras

2006 Chestfield Parish Council C.P.C. Kent County

Council

Increase overall awareness of problem via Parish Magazine, website.

2006 C.P.C. via web-site and magazine

To investigate other traffic calming measures (mindful that majority of residents said they do not want traffic humps.)

Parish Council to make enquiries to KCC Highways re: Marking of road to reinforce 30 mph limits. Roundabout at Molehill Road and fish tail markings from there to Golf Club

Five-leg roundabout at Maydowns Road See recommendations under continuous footway

Annual Transport Review K.C.C.

Highways

K.C.C.Highways K.C.C.

To ensure that there are sufficient “safe” methods of crossing Chestfield Road

Parish Council to investigate: A zebra crossing to be placed in the area of Radfall Recreation Ground. (Football at weekends now includes one if not two juvenile football teams with attendant families. Plus a lot more dog walkers using Radfall Rec. because Grasmere Pastures is shut to them.) A crossing at entrance to the playpark to ensure

children can access safely.

Annual Transport Review K.C.C.

Highways

K.C.C.Highways

K.C.C.

To ensure that, where identified, repairs are carried out on footways in a timely manner.

Identify particular areas where repairs are required. Establish forum so that deficiencies can be easily reported to Parish Council.

Ongoing

Ongoing

Residents

Parish Council

FOR INFORMATION: Footpaths and carriageways - repairs do get done on an ongoing basis but major schemes go into a yearly bidding pot. Inspections are carried out: Main roads = monthly Estate roads = twice yearly Footpaths = yearly But if a member of the public complains then an additional inspection is organised. Ring the district council and ask for Highways inspectors.

Ongoing

Ongoing Ongoing

KCC Highways

KCC Highways Residents may highlight repairs

That Chestfield should have a continuous footway along the Chestfield Road

Recommend that this should be on the East side A.T.R. K.C.C.

Highways

K.C.C. Highways

K.C.C.

Footway in front of 143, to produce a constriction in the road and help reduce traffic speed. By the Oast Houses either compulsory order on front gardens or build footway to produce constriction or move the road over to the West.

Alternatively: Provide controlled crossings at No 143 and the Oast Houses and extra footwayto link them on the Western side of the road.

A.T.R. K.C.C.

Highways

K.C.C. Highways K.C.C.

Dropped kerbs where pavements end to enable crossing to opposite footways.

To investigate dropped kerbs at: The entrance and exit to Golf Club car park. Opposite the end of the footway South of Willow Way ( Very High Kerb) Footway on the West side from bus stop to Primrose Way

On the West side - Primrose Way and Ridgeway,East side –south of Willow Way opposite termination of footway.

A.T.R. K.C.C.

Highways

K.C.C. Highways K.C.C.

Footway needed on Radfall Hill and Molehill Road

A.T.R. K.C.C.

Highways

K.C.C. Highways K.C.C.

Desire for more parking at the recreation ground.

Increase present parking area. Hedges to be kept low to reduce night time activities!

Ongoing Canterbury City Council C.C.C./ Football Association Grants

To increase the number of safe routes available to cyclists within the village, ensuring, where possible, that links are made to other cycle routes.

Suggest: mark a cycle route – Grasmere Road- Lismore Road- Rayham Road to the Crab and Winkle cycle route. Preferably: Provide a dedicated cycle route along the North side of the recreation ground to join footpath CW 27 then CW 27A to Rayham Road for Whitstable via the Crab and Winkle line. For Canterbury: after crossing the Brook on CW 27 turn left onto CW 21 to South Street to join the Crab and Winkle route going South.

2006 K.C.C. Cycle route adviser

K.C.C.

Cycle route marked on Chestfield Road to reduce road width to help prevent speeding.

K.C.C. Cycle route adviser

K.C.C.

Investigate attempts to reduce noise from new Thanet Way ( A 299)

Silent road surfacing for the new Thanet Way. Identify areas for planting to develop natural noise barriers.

Next re-surfacing

K.C.C. Highways K.C.C.

Footpaths. Try to form a village rambling group to waymark and keep open village footpaths. Use parish website and magazine to publicise

need to keep footpaths cleared.

Ongoing Chestfield Society Residents

Web-site and magazine

2. Transport

Consideration be given to decrease the volume of traffic through Chestfield at school run times

Discuss possible Walking Bus scheme

Investigate a mini bus service as an alternative to walking bus

May open day.Done.

Ongoing

Little interest shown. C.P.C & School

To investigate residents‟ desire for bus shelters

Locations of stops needing shelters. Ongoing C.P.C./ C.C.C./ K.C.C./Stagecoach

C.P.C./ C.C.C./ K.C.C./ Stagecoach

Evaluate bus stops to ensure that they comply with new regulations for disabled users

Determine which stops need improved paving (ie hard standing, kerbs or relocation) Cherry Orchard is a request stop - check with users if either (i) re-siting or (ii) a path to the stop or (iii) Request for a permanent stop here is warranted

Ongoing Stagecoach C.C.C./ K.C.C./ Stagecoach

Consideration for a car park at the train station to alleviate on-street parking in roads near the station

(Dependent on station remaining open.) Discuss the need /size for a car park .Train users survey to determine the need

C.C.C. S.E. trains

C.C.C. S.E. trains

Support to be given to maintaining Chestfield station and keeping it open

Representation at meetings regarding closure. Consideration that children travel by train to Faversham & Thanet schools.

C.P.C. S.E. Trains

Consideration be given to a bus service to Whitstable station if Chestfield closes

Feasibility study to be carried out if the need arises

K.C.C. K.C.C.

Consideration be given to an early evening bus service to Canterbury and Whitstable

Feasibility study to be carried out Questionnaire via parish magazine

Stagecoach C.C.C. K.C.C.

3. Environment

Installation of more litter bins Locations decided at May Open day event Request and install

Done Steering group C.C.C.

Installation of more dog bins Locations decided at May Open day event Request and install

Ongoing

Steering group C.C.C.

Investigate ways to combat dog fouling and enforce dog-messing violations

Residents to monitor the area in which they live and to report to wardens. Dog owners to patrol their walk areas and to monitor times that fouling is occurring and to inform wardens Wardens to patrol areas at given times and hand out fines.

Residents CCC Dog Wardens

Environment and Street Scene

C.C.C.

Consideration for more and improved street lighting

Identify locations for more street lighting Light pollution to be minimized where possible Old lights to be replaced by anti-light pollution ones

May open day. Lights now along Molehill Road

Residents should report problems to Parish Councillors. Wardens also do this

Consideration be given for the request for more trees

Location(s) to be decided 2006 Parish council to decide with residents

Residents C.P.C.

Support be given to the request by residents for no more housing

Under the local plan no more housing has been allocated for this area up until 2010

Parish plan to be used to support the residents and

council

Overgrown hedges blocking footpaths .

Residents to report locations Investigate cost for a local contract

C.P.C.

C.P.C.

company to do work Possibly use community/Probationary service Possible ramblers club to be set up to help clear paths Request be given for help to dog walkers who use the paths

Advert in parish magazine regarding a ramblers club, discuss with WI, Chestfield society, and rotary club.

Investigate blocked ditches in Grasmere road

Establish responsibility for the ditches and ensure they are regularly cleared

Ongoing Riparian Owners

Investigate the problem of flooding under Swalecliffe bridge and A299 bridge

Discuss with highways the need for better drainage of surface water at these locations, if necessary.

C.P.C. K.C.C.

K.C.C.

4. Policing and Security

To see more visible signs of Police activities (Police patrols may be happening BUT are not as evident as could be)

Publicise as many of the activities as we can via village magazine and Web site and via neighbourhood watch representatives A regular contact needs to be created with the local police officers and specials so as to build an understanding of the issues within the village An appropriate path created for the passing of information for publicity of police activities affecting our village.

Regular ongoing

Chestfield now has a S.P.C. and a P.C. and two

Neighbourhood Wardens They attend Parish Council meetings and the Wardens

hold monthly surgeries. Information on the web-site

and magazine

Activities for school children after school / holidays-to reduce vandalism,graffiti etc.

Gather enthusiasm from people who would have an interest in starting a village activity Introduction of more village activities/ clubs Continuation of the Street Runner Local constable and / or Special to be encouraged to attend

2006 Advertise in the Parish Magazine and the Parish Web-

site C.P.C.

Residents

Action against anti-social behaviour. Control of the hooligan element

To continue initiatives to combat problems via the Community Wardens, Police, Public safety Unit Community Development activities, Street Runner etc. Publicise what activities are available in the area

Ongoing C.P.C. C.C.C. K.C.C.

Parish Magazine and Web-site

C.P.C. C.C.C. K.C.C.

FOR INFORMATION: All residents can report in confidence any instances of anti-social behaviour, vandalism, graffiti, neighbour disputes to The Public Safety Unit, Gordon Road, Herne Bay on 01227 289260, email public.safetyunit@canterbury.gov.uk

Keep play grounds free of litter, glass, graffiti and other signs of nuisance or substance abuse

Clear signs. All users to be encouraged to keep clean. Place visible phone number for council action for removal of unsafe items

Ongoing

Report to C.P.C. C.C.C.

Wardens or Environment and Street Scene

C.C.C.

Ask young people to respect the village to conserve what we have

Ongoing Residents

We recommend villagers comply with the advice of Police to report to them all incidents, crimes and any suspicious behaviour.

Remember crime rates in Chestfield are low. The fear of crime does exist although most villagers feel safe. Recommendation that the Parish Council publicise details of how to report crimes – to either the local Police and /or the Public safety Unit so that a true picture of the

village may be obtained.

Ongoing

Parish Magazine and Web-site

Wardens taking more pro-active part in the activities of youths and children. They need to be available out of business hours!

NB Wardens do attend Parish Council meetings and report on their activities. They hold monthly surgeries and sometimes attend Streetrunner.

Ongoing

Neighbourhood watch / Be more alert to strange faces

A continuous campaign is required to start more watches throughout the village.

Ongoing Any resident wishing to become a coordinator for their street or part of street to contact Parish Council

Amenities and Activities

To support the desire for a Community Centre in the village

Locate suitable landsite Chestfield Parish Council to invite the formation of a Working Party/Steering Group to investigate the whole issue of a possible Village Hall, by advertising in the magazine and Web-site and local papers.

Ongoing

2006

C.P.C.

C.P.C.

Grants C.P.C. C.C.C. K.C.C.

Fund raising Donations

To support the development of the Play Park, with particular regard to the older children

To look at multi-sports park and netting, although these are popular with teenagers there is a site problem due to noise and alternative equipment may be needed. Consult local teenagers. Look at ways of stopping unwanted gatherings and drug use by providing security lighting. Get plans drawn up of proposed development Apply for planning permission Make application for grants and funding Replace picnic table Replanting

Ongoing

Done

C.P.C. C.C.C.

C.C.C.

Grants

Fund raising

That consideration is given to options for local shops and post office

Contact large grocery chain companies to look at whether or not they would be interested in opening in Chestfield.

2006 C.C.C.Economic Regeneration

New clubs/classes/activities/ groups to be setup in village

Any resident interested in setting up a new class or group please contact the Parish Council for publicity and support.

2006 Residents Awards for All

To develop a “welcome pack” for new residents

Produce post card, which could be left at Estate Agents, to give to new residents with

their keys. These post cards could then be sent to the Parish Clerk, who would send a welcome pack to the new resident. Link with website Develop links with local estate agents

2006 Steering Group C.P.C.

Acknowledgements

For Support and Funding Chestfield Parish Council for support and funding. Linda Livingstone (Parish Clerk) -for much advice.

Amanda Sparkes (Canterbury City Council) for unstinting support throughout. Victoria Lawson (Action for Communities in Rural Kent)for her support and help with grant applications.

Eddie Peters (C.C.C.) For advice on the Playpark. Mike Harrison (Kent County Council) for support and funding. CanDo Fund (C.C.C.) –grant.

David Fitzpatrick- donation . Anonymous Donor Questionnaire prizewinner- donation

For their Written Contributions Tony Blake (History of Chestfield, and for the use of his old photos) Revd. Amanda Evans ( St. John‟s Parish Church) Father St. Aubyn ( St.Joseph‟s Roman Catholic Church)

Tony Reece (Free Church- Baptist) The Chestfield Society The Swalecliffe with Chestfield Women‟ Institute

Chestfield Golf Club Chestfield Rotary Club Maydowns Road Association

Radfall and Broomfieldgate Amenity Society Linda Wickings for all her help with the printing of the Parish Plan, Questionnaires and fliers

The Steering Group Many thanks to all members of the Steering Group and volunteers for their commitment over the long period of the production of the Plan.

Sheila Finch (Chairman) Louise Foreman (Vice Chairman) Philip Lennard (Secretary)

Sue Cochraine (Treasurer) Len Claisse (Parish Councillor) John Finch(Parish Councillor) David Fitzpatrick(Parish Councillor) Lesley Goldsack Peter Goldsack

Deborah Johnson Brian Pain Carolyn Raychawdhuri

Mick Shorter (Parish Councillor) A very special ”Thank You” to Louise Foreman, Philip Lennard and Mick Shorter for the collation of all the data, in spite of all having a very busy life. Also to Sheila and John Finch for providing the venue for meetings and for editing the plan.

Our Volunteer support

Mike Battson, Colin Harrison, Jean Major, Judy Packwood and all the other people, who helped with delivery of Questionnaires and (hopefully!) the completed Parish Plan

Chestfield Golf Club

Chestfield Parish Council