MARCH 2017Forthcoming Events

Wednesday 1st MarchAsh Wednesday Service at St Luke’s see page 2 and 12

Thursday 2nd and Friday 17th MarchToddler Services see page 8

Friday 3rd MarchWorld Book Day see page 4

Friday 3rd and Friday 17th MarchYouth Club see page 10

Saturday 4th MarchPenshurst Farmers’ Market/Blackham Village Market see page 18Memorial Service in St Mary’s see page 6

Tuesday 7th MarchChiddingstone WI Meeting see page 10

Thursday 9th MarchIndoor nets start at Holmewood for Stonewall Park Cricket see page 22

Saturday 11th MarchMusic at the Queen’s Arms see page 21

Sunday 12th MarchConfirmation Service in St Mary’s see pages 2 and 12

Monday 13th MarchChiddingstone Causeway WI meeting see page 9

Monday 13th and Saturday 25th MarchHealthcare in Edenbridge Consultations see page 5

Wednesday 15th MarchParish Council Meeting see page 5

Saturday 18th MarchAnnual Markbeech Book Fair see page 18 A Peal of Bells in Celebration of the Life of John Lee see page 6The Kemp Quiz see page 14

Sunday 19th MarchWedding Fair at Chiddingstone Castle see page 16Stonewall Park Gardens open see page 8

Tuesday 21st MarchThe Chiddingstones Over 60’s meeting see page 8

Wednesday 22nd MarchMAGAZINE COPY BY 12 NOON PLEASE! see page 6

Friday 24th MarchChiddingstone Causeway Village Hall AGM see page 17Meeting re Broadband at Leybourne Village Hall see page 17

Friday 24th and Saturday 25th March‘Joseph’ at St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge see page 20

Saturday 25th MarchChiddingstone Litter Pick see page 5Bulk Refuse Freighter to Chiddingstone see page 5‘Mostly Mozart’ at Tonbridge School Chapel see page 21

Sunday 26th MarchPoint to Point

FROM THE RECTORY“Dance and games are frivolous, unimportant on earth; for an earth is not their natural place. On earth, they are a moment’s rest from the life we are placed here to live. But in the world of heaven everything is upside down. Joy is the serious business of heaven.” C S Lewis “Letter to Malcolm”For Christmas 2015, the Parish very kindly gave Ruth and I the generous gift of a night’s stay at ‘The Old Parsonage’ in Oxford. Before we sat down to a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant, I promised myself that I would walk a short distance to see for myself the nearest pub, ‘The Eagle and Child’.This was not just because I could enjoy a pint of Brakspear’s, brewed locally at Henley on Thames, but because ‘The Bird and Baby’, as it was colloquially known, was the place where C S Lewis, J R R Tolkein, Charles Williams and others used to meet. The ‘Inklings’ as they became known, were Christians, writers and academics. The pub, with its refreshment, informality and availability was an excellent venue for their meetings.Tolkein was not then as famous as he is today. An English Don who specialised in Anglo Saxon, Tolkein was himself a Roman Catholic but Lewis, also a teacher of English at Magdalen College was a member of the Church of Ireland. But it was their shared Christian faith that they were able to explore in their conversations as well as literature, history, politics, their own writing and of course the beer!Many of you will be more familiar than me with the novels of Tolkein and some of you will also have deeper familiarity with the spiritual writings of Lewis. But both have, in different ways, been influential in my own spiritual journey.As we begin Lent together on Wednesday 1st March, we may use some of the time to call to mind with gratitude other Christians who have influenced our own thoughts and feelings and inspired within us the faith that we profess. With my best wishes for Lent, Martin

CONFIRMATIONYou will notice that we are having a Service of Confirmation on Sunday 12th

March.As you pray for the candidates, please also remember that the service will take place at 10am on that day at St Mary’s.

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SCHOOL NEWSThe pupils in Year 5 have been studying Henry VIII and other British monarchs. As part of this topic, the children visited Hampton Court Palace to explore what life was like in a royal palace. They took part in a drama workshop to learn about Henry VIII’s early life, before his jousting accident when he possibly suffered some form of brain trauma. The children used the trip as inspiration for their writing which included a newspaper report and a diary entry.

Beautiful Boleyn Becomes BeheadedToday Beautiful Anne Boleyn will be beheaded in the Tower of London. The reason for this event is Henry VIII was angry with her because she did not produce a son. When this event occurs, Henry VIII's second wife will be killed through the brutal beheading procedure, common to the Tudor times.As Thomas Wyatt said, "This is a very big problem for me because Anne Boleyn was a very kind, gentle and most of all very beautiful woman. I love her company on peaceful walks and at parties." A secret commission, including Anne's father and Uncle, arrested Anne Boleyn on charges of adultery. She has been spared the mercy to be executed by a French swordsman. She will be executed later today at the Tower of London. It will be two hours before sundown, come and see."Anne Boleyn was a cheap cut for a wife!" said Henry VIII. "I am happy that she will be punished for what she has done. She did not provide me with a son and I will not accept that." Our writers disagree with Henry VIII's comment. They wish to remain nameless for personal protection reasons. Ben Grainger Year 5

Life in the Court of Henry VIII‘My day started like any other. I was awoken by the luxurious sight of my bedroom window and what wonder lay beyond. Immediately, the sight I know so very well appeared before my eyes. In an instant, a kaleidoscope of colour swept wildly across the garden as if perfected by an artist; every detail immaculate, every bird, every tree, just a pigment of the painting of my life. Every colour how I remembered it before; the azure sky which stretched forever more and gradually turned to the darkest shade of anthracite, the dense yews which had leaves the shade of evergreen which eventually changed to auburn brown. Every day, I could see their branches swinging to and fro in the breeze like a mother nursing her baby in a crib, ever so slightly moving back and forth, the baby asleep in the peace. Suspended from the ceiling, I narrowly avoided hitting my head against an ancestral chandelier. I could feel the candle light with its welcoming warmth and florescent glow, illuminating the room with pride. Proceeding quickly down a corridor, I could see the gnarled doors embroidered with priceless gold. Strutting proudly through the barrelled doors, I joined the tumultuous crowd which smothered the hall. As always, the fair King Henry VIII’s choice was a flamboyant band playing with all their hearts.’

Daniel Leppard Year 5

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Year 2 took a trip to Chislehurst Caves as part of their creative topic, ‘Tunnels, Turrets and Towers’ where the children learnt about the interesting and varied history of the tunnels and caves. They also went to Bodiam Castle - during the day they enjoyed a tour of the castle and grounds and learnt all about what it would have been like to have lived and worked there during the 14th Century. We will be celebrating World Book Day on Friday 3rd March by holding a Biblical day. The children will come to school dressed as their favourite Biblical character. The money raised will go towards the Brain Tumour Research, a charity which is Funding the Fight.We look forward to our Easter celebrations on the last day of term with the annual Bonnet and Boot parade followed by the Easter service in the church.

CHIDDINGSTONE PARISH COUNCIL1. Planning: the following applications have been determined by Sevenoaks District Council:- SE/16/03494/LBCALT: The Rock Inn, Hoath Corner, Chiddingstone Hoath – internal upgrading to manager’s flat. Application approved.- SE/16/03698/FUL and SE/16/0699/LBCALT: The Wheatsheaf, Bough Beech - fire escape, fire detection measures and internal alterations. Application approved.- SE/16/03803/HOUSE: Post Office Cottage, Chiddingstone Hoath – erection of a single storey detached double garage within the rear garden. Application approved.- SE/16/03487/CAN: BT Telephone Box 50m north of The Castle Inn, Chiddingstone - removal of BT Public Payphone. No objection lodged.SE/16/03488/CAN: BT Telephone Box east of 1 Post Office Cottages, Tonbridge Road, Chiddingstone Causeway - removal of BT Public Payphone. No objection lodged. 2. Removal of Heritage BT phone boxes: BT has approval from Sevenoaks District Council to remove the telephone equipment from the phone box in Chiddingstone, near The Castle Inn, and in Chiddingstone Causeway, outside the shop. The Parish Council has applied to adopt both of these phone boxes, in order to retain these important heritage assets. It will be down to the Parish Council to maintain and clean these two phone boxes, but we might need some help! If you are keen to see these two boxes retained, and might be willing to lend a hand, please let me know. Cont/……

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3. Chiddingstone Litter Pick: The Parish Council has arranged a litter pick on Saturday 25 th March meeting at 9.30am at various locations. High visibility waistcoats, gloves, litter picks and bags will be provided, all we need is some willing volunteers! If you can spare an hour or so, please let me know and I’ll let you know where to meet. Thank you.4. Bulk Refuse Freighter: the freighter will visit on Saturday 25 th March , stopping at:

Chiddingstone Hoath (Rock Inn): 09.45-10.30Bough Beech (Wheatsheaf): 10.45-11.30Chiddingstone Causeway (Richards Close): 11.45-12.30

A list of what will be accepted is on our website www.chiddingstone.org. Please do not leave any rubbish unattended.5. UK Power Networks: vulnerable people can receive help quickly in the event of a power cut if they sign up to a Priority Services Register held by UK Power Networks. Please contact me for more information and a form that can be completed either for yourself or anyone in the parish who you know would benefit from access to free extra support during a power cut. 6. Healthcare in Edenbridge: A consultation on options for a brand-new combined hospital/surgery in Edenbridge has been launched. The West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group, GP Partnership at Edenbridge Medical Practice and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust believe the best option for Edenbridge is a combined hospital/surgery in a new building on a site on the Four Elms Road. The proposal does not include in-patient beds which has been such a lifeline in the past for local people. You can attend one of the following consultation events:- Monday 13th March 4pm to 5pm at the Eden Centre, Four Elms Road- Saturday 25th March 11.30am to 1pm at the WI Hall, Station Road (hosted by Tom Tugendhat, MP)- Tuesday 25th April 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Edenbridge Leisure Centre.Please respond to the consultation at www.westkentccg.nhs.uk/edenbridge future. 7. The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th March at 7.30pm in Chiddingstone Village Hall. Please come along.Louise Kleinschmidt, Parish ClerkSalehurst Barn, Oak Lane, Blackham, Kent. TN3 9UB. Tel: 01892 740753.Email: Louise.clerk@chiddingstone.org www.chiddingstone.org

View forthcoming events on-line at www.chiddingstonechurches.org/calendarTo have an event listed please contact Stuart Notholt.

Email: post2016@chiddingstonechurches.org; Voicemail: 01892 871662

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NEXT EDITIONThe April edition of the Magazine goes to press on Monday 27 th March. All contributions by 12 noon on Wednesday 22 nd March. Please put the date in your diaries immediately so that I don't have to chase people! Copy can be left in Chiddingstone Village Shop, posted to me at 6a High Street, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7JB or: magazine2016@chiddingstonechurches.org

MEMORIAL SERVICEYou are invited to join a Memorial Service at St Mary’s church on

Saturday 4 th March at 6pm This is an opportunity to take time and light a candle in memory of and give

thanks for all those that we love and missDo come and join us

BELLS ON SATURDAY

A full peal (which takes 3 hours) is to be rung at St Mary’s Church Chiddingstone on Saturday 18th March beginning at 1pm.

The peal called “Julie McDonnell New Bob Triples” is to celebrate the life and Ministry of our late Rector, John Lee, who served from 1984 to 1998.

We shall be raising money for “Strike Back Against Blood Cancer” (SBABC) which gives patients a second chance with stem cell transplants currently not offered by the NHS.

If you remember John, wish to support the charity, or simply enjoy hearing the ancient and evocative sound of church bells ringing out over our lovely Kent countryside, then please come along.

Tea will be served in Chiddingstone village hall from 3pm onwards.

Donations can be made on line at ‘Just Giving’ or cheques to “SBABC” or at the church on the day. Hilary Allen Tel: 01732 463382

6WEEKDAY SERVICES

Morning Prayer in St Mary's every day at 8am and Eucharist in St Mary’s on Tuesdays at 9.30am. Evening Prayer in St Luke's at 5pm every day and Eucharist in St Luke's on Thursdays at 6.30pm.

COFFEE MORNINGThank you to everyone who came along to The Rectory on Saturday 18 th February for our Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy.Your generosity was most appreciated as were your donations and gifts of produce.We raised £384 towards the cost of replacing the recently broken window in the Parish Room at St Luke’s.Thank you on behalf of the Churchwardens and the PCC. Martin

ST MARY’S SPRING CLEAN

SATURDAY 1 ST APRIL AT 9AM (Not an April Fool )

Calling all, the young, the old, the middle aged!Are you able to give us a hand to clean, please?

WE DO NEED YOUR HELP

If you can offer an hour or so,

we would love to see you -

the more the merrier!!

PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU CAN HELP BY 25TH MARCH SO THAT

WE HAVE SOME IDEA OF NUMBERS

Can you please bring any cleaning materials/utensils/gadgets

which you think might help?

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Teas/coffees will be available

Bob Golds Tel: 01892 870429 email: bob@rngolds.co.ukChris Bell Tel: 01732 866222 email: cpjbell@gmail.com

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TODDLER SERVICESOur story was called “Hey I Love You”. It was about a big and a small mouse. We are very lucky to have Family who love us and we always remember that Jesus loves us and we try to remember to say thank you to Jesus in our prayers.We love the birds in our gardens so we made some bird feeders to take home.Our next Toddler Service is on Thursday 2nd March 9.15am – 10.15am in the Parish Room and Friday 17th March in St Mary’s.Do come and join us for some fun and games, a story and refreshments. Carol Benton

STONEWALL PARK GARDENSSunday 19 th March 2pm - 5pm

The woods and hopefully a sea of daffodils will be open in aid of The National Gardens Scheme. All the money raised by the Scheme goes to Nursing and Gardening Charities, with the lion’s share being given to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Help the Hospices. There will be Teas in aid of St Mary's Chiddingstone and The Sarah Matheson Trust.  It would be lovely to see you! Everyone is welcome and dogs and children are free!  Teas and coffees and homemade cakes will be for sale in the conservatory. Any offers of cakes for the teas would be gratefully received. Plants will be for sale as well.As it could be muddy, gum boots would be a good idea!  Hopefully the daffodils will be at their best. Many thanks, The Fleming Family

THE CHIDDINGSTONES OVER 60'sWhat is quickly becoming an annual event, the Over 60's met in St Luke's Parish Room for this year’s lunch of hearty soup, rolls and a selection of delicious desserts. With a few added friends, a jolly time was had by all.Next month’s meeting on Tuesday 21st March is at a favourite location as we have been invited to Heather’s for tea. There will also be a Bring and Buy table. Pick up time as usual at 2.15 pm.

Elizabeth Fleming Tel: 01892 870224

Alice Peterkin Tel: 01892 8705038

NURSERY NEWS

Following the children’s interests, we have made some houses and bird feeders out of fir cones to go in our courtyard and garden and then made binoculars to watch the birds eating. The home corner has been changed from a Chinese take away to a garage work shop. The children have been interested in volcanoes so we watched real volcanoes erupting on our Smart Board and then went outside and made our own!For our letter sound ‘o’ we discovered how we can switch things on and off and enjoyed operating our Bee Bot remote control cars.We will celebrate World Book Day and the children will be invited to bring in their favourite stories and rhymes to share. The school children will be coming to visit us and will read to the Nursery children.We are now allocating sessions for the Summer Term. If any parent/carer would like to visit the Nursery and collect a prospectus and registration form, please ring to make an appointment. For more information about the nursery, please visit our nursery website at: www.chiddingstonenursery.co.uk Mrs J McCoy, Chiddingstone Nursery Tel: 01892 871315

CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY WIAt our meeting on Monday 13th February, Carol, our Chairman, welcomed everyone and our speaker Mrs Jane Streatfield. Jane, with a tablecloth as a screen, introduced the subject of the NGS,She gave us a brief history and showed us via power point, a variety of gardens in Kent which will be open in this 90th anniversary year.The NGS was founded in 1927 when William Rathbone and Elsie Wagg were two people who saw the need for District Nurses to go to people’s homes to help with nursing care.In 1927, 609 gardens opened charging one shilling per head. Later the Queen’s Nursing Institute was set up. The Royal Gardens at Sandringham were one of the first to open with the Queen as Patron. Prince Charles is now Patron, following on from his late grandmother. Of the original gardens opened in 1927, there are still eight open in Kent this year.The photos shown were beautiful and Jane was assisted by her friend and fellow NGS worker, Jacqueline Anthony. The usual business meeting followed our refreshment break. Future events and dates were discussed and we were reminded that next month our meeting on Monday 13 th

March at 8pm would be our Party Event but owing to our restrictions, it would be for our members only, who are invited to bring a small plate of food to share.

Diane Heasman Tel: 01892 870794

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Our February meeting was a very interesting and informative talk from a member of Matfield WI. Her talk was titled the Roaring Twenties. What a fascinating time it was for the young members of society if you had time on your hands and plenty of money to enjoy yourself and have fun. Her excellent slides brought back many memories for us all with fashion, cosmetics, films, film stars, dancing styles and music. However, there were darker times with The Great Depression, The General Strike, The Great Wall Street Crash and The Prohibition.

************************************Member’s votes have been counted and our submission to Federation is in favour of the Resolution – Alleviating Loneliness. Whether this is the Resolution that finally goes before the National Federation to be debated, we await to see.

**************************************Our CRAFTERNOON sessions continue to be popular with ladies not just from WI. We all get together in St Luke’s Parish room for a time to chat, have a cup of tea then knit or sew. One of our ladies has learned all about quilting and has nearly completed a double bed size cover. This was a lady who had never stitched before. So, what an inspiration she is to us all.

********************************************Our next meeting is on Tuesday 7th March when our speaker will be Geoff Taylor talking on Women of the Air Transport Auxillary.We meet on the first Tuesday in the month at Chiddingstone Village Hall at 7.30pm, so if you wish to know more about our evenings, wish to make new friends or know more about WI - just give our President Janie Ramsay a call on 01892 870283.

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CHIDDINGSTONE YOUTH CLUBYouth Club is for young people Year 7 and upwards and meets at the Village Hall from 7.30pm - 9.30pm every other Friday. Why not come and join in, meet friends and chill out?The next dates are Friday 3rd and Friday 17th March.

For more details, contact Chris, Trish or Nicky. chrispounds@btinternet.com

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SERVICES FOR MARCH 2017

Wednesday 1st March – ASH WEDNESDAY6.30pm Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes St. Luke’s

Chalice – Carol Benton

Sunday 5th March – LENT 18.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St. Mary’s

Chalice – Christine Grainger10.00am Family Service St. Luke’s

Intercessions – The McIlwham Family

Sunday 12th March – LENT 210.00am SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION

within the Eucharist St. Mary’sChalices – Sally Carroll and Chris Bell

6.00pm Compline St. Luke’s

Sunday 19th March – LENT 38.00am Holy Communion St. Mary’s

Chalice – Sara Turner10.00am Family Eucharist St. Luke’s

AND SUNDAY SCHOOLIntercessor – Mervyn StreatfeildChalices – Carol Benton and Dennis Ward

Sunday 26th March – LENT 4MOTHERING SUNDAY

10.00am Sung Eucharist St. Luke’sIntercessor – Stuart NotholtChalices – Louise Kleinschmidt and Christine Grainger

6.00pm Compline St. Mary’s

Sunday 2nd April – LENT 58.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St. Mary’s

Chalice – Sara Turner10.00am Family Service and

Holy Baptism St. Luke’sPrayers arranged by Sunday School

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SIDESMEN FOR 10AM SERVICES Sunday 5th March Tim and Verity French

12th March Rita Ibbotson19th March Debbie Keeler26th March Hilary Lambert Lambeth2nd April Amanda Johnson

A list of the main services will be displayed at the back of the church. Please volunteer to be sidesmen by signing up on the list.

ST LUKE'S ROTA FOR MARCHCleaning Brasses Flowers

Ready for Sunday:5th March Louise Biddle Penny Beare LENT

Liz North12th March Helen Barnes Ginny Lloyd LENT19th March Helen Barnes Ginny Lloyd LENT26th March Ali Pounds Claire and Robert LENT

Hunt2nd April Ali Pounds Claire and Robert LENT

Hunt

ST MARY'S FLOWER ROTA FOR MARCHReady for Sunday:

5th March LENT12th March LENT19th March LENT26th March LENT2nd April LENT

ST MARY'S POLISHING ROTA FOR MARCHReady for Sunday:5th March Hilary Lambert Lambeth and Karah Templeton Brasses12th March Debbie Keeler Polishing19th March Barbara Hale Polishing26th March Sally Carroll and Christine Bell Brasses2nd April June Glover Polishing

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CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY VILLAGE HALL REDEVELOPMENT: BULLETIN 54

You have probably noticed that the Hall is taking shape and looking good. In fact more than good – it is a splendid example of a community pulling together to provide something that will last for many years for everyone’s use and it is all down to you in the whole of Chiddingstone parish and beyond.The building will be completed and handed over by the contractors in May. The official opening is planned for Saturday 3rd June with a series of events being organised for the following week. Just one event will take place in the Hall before the official opening, the Annual Parish Meeting on 24th May. This has been organised for some months. It is a public meeting and will enable anyone interested a sneak preview of the new building.Inevitably fundraising continues to cover contingency requirements. These are not unusual in a project of this nature – material costs increase, unexpected items occur often due to Building Control requirements and the weather can turn nasty. The ‘Kemp Quiz’ above is just one example of such a fundraising event but there are many more planned for the year which will be widely advertised. Please do watch out for these and come along. Your support is still needed!

Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall Redevelopment Group.For further information about the project email causewayhall@gmail.com, or

call Dennis Ward (01732 700185) or Andrew Hutchinson (01892 870222

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Quizzes come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and intellectual levels. This one, designed and written by the Kemp family, will be

challenging, balanced and fun. Make a note of it now and book early to avoid disappointment.

Ideally tables of six but if you can’t make this number we will mix and match on the night!

Chiddingstone Village Hall on Saturday, 18th March 2017

THE KEMP

CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY 100 CLUB DRAWJanuary £20 Sandra Giles

£10 Taz c/o Sally PocockFebruary £20 Shirley Hobden

£10 John Broad

BABY SALEThe Baby Sale in January raised £345 for the Causeway Hall Rebuild.

THE TULIP TREEMother's Day is coming up fast, so why not do something a bit different this year. We are offering a 'Mother's Day Prosecco morning tea' from 9am-11am on Sunday 26th March. This is essentially a breakfast version of an afternoon tea and will include: Soft boiled egg with hollandaise and 'soldiers', Ham and cheese croissant, Blini with cream cheese and smoked salmon, Granola with Greek yoghurt and berries, Muffin, Pastries, Fresh orange juice, unlimited tea or cafetière of coffee, glass of chilled Prosecco. Plus the Mother will receive a bunch of tulips. All for just £20 a head for adults and £10 for children. We will also be serving Mother's Day traditional afternoon tea, or savoury tea with Prosecco and tulips for the Mother from 12.30 onwards on Sunday 26th

March. You could even have this as a takeaway if you fancy enjoying it as a picnic or in the comfort of your own home. Please see our website or email me for more information. Booking is essential for all 'teas'.I am planning to get some bespoke greeting cards made of the village, local land marks, scenes etc. I have managed to get a supplier to do this for me in minimum quantities of 6 cards per picture and will be selling them at just £2.20 each. If you have any great local pictures that you'd be happy to lend to me, please either email them to shop@thetuliptree.biz or drop them in. Similarly, you may like a batch of 6 cards that are specific just to you, such as a picture of your family or home. I can add this to my order as long as you buy all 6 of that card. I can show you an example of the quality, just pop in and ask.Would you like a little job in the shop working either every Sunday or approximately two Sundays a month from 10am-5pm? Please email me if you might be interested and want to know more. You must be at least 21 and have a friendly, helpful nature.

Shop 01892 870326 Tea Room 01892 871504Tea@thetuliptree.biz  www.thetuliptree.biz

T: @TheTulipTreeTea  I:@thetuliptreetea  F:facebook.com/ thetuliptreetea 15

IT’S ALL ABOUT BOOKS & WEDDINGS AT THE CASTLE!Once again, we are thrilled to be hosting the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival over the first May Bank Holiday Weekend. Visit the Castle’s website to see that we have something for everyone in our impressive line-up this year - authors of biography, memoir and musings; writers of fiction, historical and heroic; stories for children of nature, family and friends; lively storytelling shows and a musical theatre performance for all the family. From the making of the British landscape to the history of the Great War, from good mood food to coping with bereavement, from Brexit and Trump to great lives well lived. With 22 authors appearing over the three days of the festival, highlights include appearances from Terry Waite, Rev Richard Coles, Artemis Cooper, Nicholas Crane and prize-winning children’s authors Piers Torday, Lauren St John and A F Harrold. Appropriately for our Tudor village - Sunday 30th April sees a literary exclusive for Chiddingstone Castle with the launch of Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession; the latest in Alison Weir’s Six Tudor Queens series. The programme on Sunday 30th April is designed to appeal to adults, whilst Bank Holiday Monday 1st May is for every member of the family. Tuesday’s Schools Programme celebrates the joys of reading with appearances from a number of wonderful children’s authors. Come for one event or stay all day. Enjoy an array of vintage food vans serving delicious fare, coffee, tea and cakes from our Tea Room and a full bar in the White Rose Drawing Room. Tickets to the festival are on sale NOW and include free entry to the Castle and Collections, available online via: www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literary-festival Whilst thinking about all things literary – thank you to all those in the village who have so generously donated books for our Second Hand Bookshop. With the new season commencing very soon, we would be delighted to take more books off your hands. Please call 01892 872746 to arrange a delivery time towards the end of March.Also coming soon – don’t forget our annual Wedding Fair on Sunday 19 th March ; visit us to learn more about our exclusive, award-winning weddings. Meet our recommended suppliers and see our marquee too. Free admission.The Castle, Collections, Tea Room, Gardens and Grounds will re-open to the public for 2017 on Sunday 2nd April and then every Sunday to Wednesday plus Bank Holidays until 31st October (11am to 5pm). For more information on any aspect of Chiddingstone Castle – from weddings and private functions to educational visits or curatorial enquiries - visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk, email: events@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or call 01892 870347.

Denys Eyre Bower Bequest; Registered Charity no. 291203

16CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY VILLAGE HALL AGM

Friday 24 th   March at 8pm at St Luke’s Parish Room, Chiddingstone Causeway

Everyone welcome – drinks and nibbles afterFurther details from either Sue Kibblewhite Tel: 01892 870933 or

Rowland Pocock Tel: 01892 870743

LEIGH SCOUTS GROUPAs you may know, there are quite a few children from Chiddingstone who go to the Leigh Scouts Group. We have very healthy, happy Beavers, Cubs and Scouts memberships and there is a waiting list to join, which is a good sign. Each of these three groups have fantastic, dedicated leaders and assistant leaders who do give the children something in Scouting that I don't think they can get anywhere else. However, in July, our Scout Leader David Bennie is retiring after 20 odd years and we need to find a new leader and hopefully an assistant. Do you feel this is something you could offer? It can be a parent, aunt, uncle or friend. You will receive all the training and the uniform and you can come along and help the present leaders to get an idea of the position.If you do like the idea of giving something to the children and helping the community, please do contact me (Chairman) or Peter Penn (Group Scout Leader).Our email addresses are: Leebransby@aol.com Peterpenn@uwclub.net

A NOTE FROM YOUR MPEnough is enough. I’ve had so many complaints about rubbish broadband in every part of our community, and even brought a few myself. Whether it is a rural village like here in Chiddingstone, or a thriving economic hub like Kings Hill, our broadband desperately needs to improve.That’s why I'm hosting a public meeting with many of the providers to find solutions. I will be joined by senior representatives of BT and others, to explain what they are doing to improve our speeds. This is a chance for them to respond to the challenges that we face. I’ve spoken a lot about poor broadband speeds across our villages but the situation in many is still not improving. That’s why I’m holding this meeting. Broadband is as important to modern day life as electricity. We rely on it for so much of our lives, both work and entertainment. The meeting will be at Leybourne Village Hall on Friday 24th March at 7.30pm and complimentary refreshments will be provided on arrival. If you suffer from slow speeds, or if you know someone who does, then please come along. I want every provider to know how much this impacts on our lives. I’d be grateful if you could e-mail: tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01732 441563 if you can attend.

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Saturday 4 th March 9.30am — 12 noon

Penshurst Place Visitor Car ParkMarch sees the first signs of spring returning to the countryside and the market. Penshurst Place is now open for the new season (weekends only), so why not combine your shopping trip with a walk around the garden to see the beautiful spring bulbs and a trip to the adventure playground for the kids? Foraging fans will be out gathering wild garlic and nettles this month - but if foraging isn’t your thing, then how about a visit to the Wild at Heart stall to pick up some Nettle Pesto or Wild Garlic Mayonnaise? Shoppers with a sweet tooth will welcome the return of guest stall ‘One in the Oven’ Bakehouse with their gorgeous, indulgent doughnuts.

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitterwww.kfma.org.uk/Penshurst

BLACKHAM VILLAGE HALL MARKETSaturday 4 th March 10am - 12.30pm

in Blackham Village HallLocal produce for sale will include: bread, free range eggs, home bakery, preserves,

special fruit and veg, Fresh Willetts Ice Cream,Also available: Fairtrade goods, Phoenix Cards and Aloe Vera Health products,

Handmade jewelleryplus delicious fresh coffee, tea and cakes at the Stage Café

THE ANNUAL MARKBEECH BOOK FAIRon Saturday 18 th March 10.30am – 3pm Coffees, cakes and soup will be served

Hardbacks, Paperbacks and Children’s BooksTo donate, please contact Anna Hopwood

annamart23@gmail.com or Tel: 01342 850690

CHIDDINGSTONE SPORTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL QUIZon Saturday 1 st April in

Chiddingstone Village Hall 7.30pm for an 8pm startThe usual twelve sections with only two sports related ones! There will be a Licensed Bar and Raffle.Tickets £10 a head including supper. Tables up to a maximum of six.Please contact either Martin Keeler Tel: 01732 700516 or Mark Streatfeild Tel: 01892 870851 to reserve a table. 

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I am sure everyone who has visited the Farmers’ Market over the past years will be so sad to hear that our great plantsman, Sir John Wells, passed away peacefully on 8th February. He had a fall at the end of November and broke his hip and his arm and was recovering slowly, but sadly, he picked up an infection after Christmas. The Market Team and everyone involved in the Farmers’ Market will miss him dreadfully. A true gentleman of great wisdom who we and all our customers have come to love and respect in equal measure. We know that for the last month Sir John would have been itching to tell you when his lovely garden at Mere House, Mereworth, would be open. By the time you read this, the snowdrops will have all but finished, I guess, but the daffodils will be lovely in March. What better way to remember him and his family than by visiting on one of their Charity Open days on 26th March and 9th April. They are fabulous and so well worth a visit, and only just up the road. www.mere-house.co.uk We started the year a little quietly, but the Market quickly gathered pace and we are already looking forward to Easter! As I write this we are in between months - it is just too early for me to let you know how our Cookery Demonstration and Pancake Races fared in February, but also too early to fill in the details for our Easter Holiday ‘Chicken Fun’ days. But make a note of 4th and 11th April to come along ready to join in. On the fish front, it’s a really good time especially for sea bass, haddock, mackerel and sardines but Mike always has a much bigger selection than just these and ask him for roes, scallops or crab – perennial favourites. We felt it might be a good idea to be able to tell you when a couple of our monthly stallholders are due:‘And Sew to Thread’ Caroline Brown with her range of household items in pretty

country textiles - last Tuesday of each month‘Knife Ninjas’ Sharpening the blades for anything: mowers, shears, scissors etc - first Tuesday of each month I’m definitely not going to say anything about Hi Viz waistcoats again this month – just a shame that more people still don’t wear them!!

Hildenborough Farmers’ Market is held EVERY Tuesday 9am – 11am at St. John’s Church Centre. The 402 bus stops outside.

Info. Janet Richardson Tel: 01732 838903. www.hildenboroughfarmersmarket.co.uk

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Planning of The Club Games is under way with members signing up for the various competitions to keep you entertained for a few evenings over the next couple of months. Fancy yourself as a snooker player? No? then maybe cribbage or dominoes is more your style. Darts with ladies and gent’s singles, doubles or mixed pairs is always popular. Winners of each competition receive a trophy presented at the Presentation day later on in the year.Interested? Come to the club to sign up for as many events as you wish and join in the fun for just £2 per person.The Club also has Bingo every other Tuesday at 7.30pm in the club room and a darts team that plays in the Sevenoaks League again on alternate Tuesday evenings during the winter months.Forthcoming Events in the Club12th March – Seafood Sunday - £5. Please book in advance at The Club25th March – Quiz - Teams of 4. £5 per person on the night 29th April – Quiz8th May – Golf Day 3rd June – Derby Day trip. Details coming soonIf you have any suggestions of other events you might like us to hold, or even run yourself, please let us know.And don’t forget, the club-room is available for any village clubs or groups as a regular or one-off meeting place, so if you need a place to meet come in and see us.If you would like to receive regular updates about The Club and its events, just drop us a note with your email address to contact@leighrbl.comWe all look forward seeing you in the Club over the coming weeks. Jan McWhinnie – Secretary secretary@leighrbl.club

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatCome and enjoy this fun-filled musical!

on Friday 24th at 7.30pm andSaturday 25th March at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

St. Peter and St. Paul, Church Lane,Tonbridge TN9 1DA.Entry by ticket only

Tickets are free and available from:Email: Parishoffice@tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk

Tel: 01732 770962 Ext 24

Donations welcome at the performance20

EDENBRIDGE U3AThursday   9 th March   Coffee morning at the Old Eden at 10.30am.  Tuesday 28 th March   ‘A Walk Across Africa’ at 2pm - 4pm at Crockham Hill Village Hall. 

A warm welcome for anyone retired.

THE QUEEN’S ARMSCowden Pound

‘Elsie`s Band’ have the pleasure of hosting the following evening:Saturday 11th March from 8pm Martyn Wyndham – Read Jon Wigg

and Iris Bishop. No intro needed here! Our evenings welcome all, performers or audience. Our beer is Larkins with free sausage rolls and the usual pork hind leg raffle. I will update you as and when more dates and guests are finalised. John Hills (Elsie`s Band) www.elsiesband.com

MOSTLY MOZARTTonbridge Philharmonic Society on Saturday 25 th March at 7.30pm

in Tonbridge School ChapelConductor Matthew WillisCherubini: Overture in G

Mozart: Piano Concerto 22 in E flat with soloist Marina Koka, winner of 2014 Tunbridge Wells International Young artist competition

and the Mozart RequiemTickets: £15 Adults, £14 Senior citizens over 60, £7 students

Tickets from box office www.tonphil.org.uk/tickets

CHIDDINGSTONE VILLAGE HALLManagement CommitteeAnnual General Meeting

Wednesday 19 th April at 7.45pm in Chiddingstone Village Hall

All are welcome to attend so come along and find out what the future plans are for the Hall, following the very successful refurbishment.Please also consider joining this friendly committee which meets once a quarter in order to ensure this lovely hall is kept up to standard and available for everyone to use. Contact Bob Golds, Chairman if you would be interested Tel: 01892 870429

21STOP PRESS!

STONEWALL PARK CRICKET CLUBIt's that time of the year when many cricketers are climbing up into their lofts, grabbing their kit bags (hoping that the mice haven't chewed through their pads, again!) and are blowing off the cobwebs in readiness for the season ahead. Pre-season is in full swing for many club cricketers and at Stonewall, it is no different. Indoor nets at Holmewood House start up again on Thursday 9th March and run for 8 weeks with the slightly later start time of 8pm to 9pm. Current and new players are all welcome. We would like to thank Peter Gilbey for all his hard efforts organising the Sunday side over the years but this season his responsibilities are being shared out amongst select individuals, using a system called Match Managers. If you would like to play a game of friendly cricket for us this season on a Sunday, please get in touch via email to stonewall@live.co.uk. Our now Annual 15 Over Tournament has a slightly earlier date this year than in 2016, taking place on Sunday 28th May. Hopefully we will be in for some sunnier weather than the deluge we received last time. It is a bank holiday weekend so come along and enjoy the bar, BBQ and some swashbuckling cricket before we head to our second home, The Rock Inn, for live music. Junior cricket also returns in the coming weeks with our annual Easter courses taking place from Monday 10th to Thursday 13th April and we are once again offering soft and hardball cricket. And following the success of our weekly hardball training last summer, we have arranged for 12 weeks of coaching every Thursday evening starting on 20th April. Our summer junior courses will be running from Monday 24th to Thursday 27th July, with all of our bookings to be done through bookitbee.co.uk, using a search for 'Stonewall Park'. AK

WOMEN PAINTING WOMENLocal artists Cathy Bird and Helen McKenna-Menges

are hosting an exciting exhibition at Jessops Farm Studios,

from 8th April for two weeks, where we will display a visual commentary on

Women painting Women. Also featuring artists Georgina Roberts and Margaret Devitt.

We look forward to welcoming you there…BIRTHPeter and Heather Brightwell of Lords Cottage, Chiddingstone Causeway are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Josephine Eleanor, on Wednesday 11th January 2017, at Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, weighing 7lb 10oz. We send them our congratulations.

22FOR SALEHigh chair – very good condition. £10 donation to the Causeway Village Hall. Nan Tel: 01892 870463Two matching sofas – good condition. Colour soft terracotta. 6’ long x 3’ deep. No charge but a donation to The Causeway Village Hall Fund.  Buyer collects.  Tel: 01892 871181 or 07875 262170Would anyone be interested in a set of Children’s Encyclopaedia Britannica (12 books) in very good condition?   Not quite free – just a small contribution for St Mary’s.   Tel: 01892 870212

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYSaturday 1st April

St Mary’s Spring Clean see page 7Chiddingstone Sports Association Annual Quiz see page 18

Sunday 2nd AprilChiddingstone Castle reopens see page 16

Saturday 8th to Sunday 23rd April‘Women Painting Women’ Exhibition see page 22

Monday 10th to Thursday 13th AprilStonewall Park Junior Cricket course see page 22

Good Friday 14th AprilThe Chiddingstone Real Football Match see page 11

Wednesday 19th AprilChiddingstone Village Hall AGM see page 21

Thursday 20th April

Cricket coaching begins every Thursday for 12 weeks see page 22Saturday 22nd April

Point to Point23

Sunday 30th April, Monday 1st May and Tuesday 2nd MayChiddingstone Castle Literary Festival 2017 see page 16

Saturday 20th MayBarn Dance at Bore Place

Wednesday 24th MayAnnual Parish Meeting see page 14

Friday 26th May‘Sing for Haiti’ at St Luke’s

Sunday 28th MayStonewall Park Annual 15 over Tournament see page 22

Saturday 3rd JuneOFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CAUSEWAY HALL see page 14

Saturday 24th June Bough Beech Village Party

Sunday 25th JuneVintage Fair at Chiddingstone Castle

Sunday 9th JulySt Luke’s Fete

Monday 24th to Thursday 27th JulyStonewall Park Summer junior courses see page 22

Sunday 10th SeptemberCountry Fair at Chiddingstone Castle

Saturday 25th NovemberChristmas Fair at Chiddingstone Castle

Sunday 17th DecemberCastle to Castle Walk ay12th and Sunday

If any organisation has any further dates to add to this diary, please contact the editor. Hopefully, by publishing and keeping an ongoing list of planned events, we can avoid a clash of interests.