JUNE 2016 Published by Kennington Community Forum

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Thousands must protest if we’re to prevent 700 homes being built here

T he battle to stop an estate of 700 homes being built in Kennington is approaching

a critical stage. Details of the proposal to build on high grade agricultural land in Willesborough Road — opposite the Little Burton estate — are expected to appear in the Draft Local Plan which Ashford Borough Council will release in mid-June. There will then be an eight-week consultation period when everyone who opposes the plan must respond. If you have already sent letters to the Press or ABC these will not be taken into account. Only responses made to ABC during the consultation period will be recorded.

The Draft Plan will eventually go before a Planning Inspector early next year. “At least 3,000 letters of objection are needed,” said Councillor Winston Michael (Boughton Aluph ward). A previous attempt to build on the land was dropped in 2010 after a huge protest and media campaign. The development would stretch from the Conningbrook Hotel to the bridge over the

railway on the Willesborough Road and north to Orchard Lane. “Despite the hundreds of emails and letters of opposition the planners at Ashford council are insistent Kennington needs a new estate of 700 executive homes,” said ward councillor Phil Sims. “An estate with only ONE road accessing it, and no thought to the chaos the extra vehicles will cause on the already congested Canterbury Road, Willesborough Road and Faversham Road.

“There is a backlog of hundreds of unbuilt houses on land already earmarked for development in the borough. So what is the point of allocating more land for build-ing when we cannot motivate developers to build on land already allocated?

“I shall be delivering flyers containing details of how we can ensure this insane and unnecessary proposal can be effectively opposed, and how to phrase your opposi-tion. Anyone willing to help distribute these flyers, please email me at philip.sims@ashford.gov.uk or call 627603.”

Councillor Michael said: “It is imperative objections are based on national planning policy if it is to carry weight with the In-

spectorate.” He suggests pointing out high grade arable land is crucial to increasing food production for a rising population; there would be significant intrusion into open countryside that will seriously damage the rural/urban edge; it would create a massive impact upon biodiversity and geodiversity as the site is close to the River Stour and open countryside; road infrastruc-ture makes development here unsustain- able; houses will be in the path of the prevailing smell from the near-by sewerage works which at times is obnoxious. Kennington Forum’s Planning Workshops, which looked at all local sites put forward for consideration showed the strength of local concern at the prospect of further large scale housing developments.

Chris Morley, KCF’s chair, said: “There is a real risk of Ashford becoming a dormitory town, dominated by mundane housing es-tates but lacking in other key aspects such as high-skilled employment opportunities.

“It is vitally important all residents read the plan when it is published and respond formally during the consultation period, even if they have already made their views known to the council.”

VANDALS have damaged the Memorial Shelter in

Kennington’s Garden of Remembrance. Part of the baluster was kicked out and thrown in the shrub border. The Shelter was repaired in 2012, funded by residents, War Memorials Trust and grants from Ashford and Kent County Councils.

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The on-the-day appointments system at New Hayesbank Surgery is proving popular. All calls are recorded by a receptionist and a doctor returns the call to discuss the problem. Emergencies are seen the same day. Non-urgent, but needing a visit to the surgery, are seen within 72 hours. All others are offered an appointment later. Advance appointments are not affected and can still be made via personal call, telephone or on-line.

Building work on the surgery extension is progressing well. But there was significant disruption as the extension was linked into the existing building. Regular clinics were temporarily suspended to keep footfall to a minimum. Pre-booked consultations and emergency appointments went ahead as usual. Hospital appointments, cancelled or post-poned by the hospital, have become so numerous the issue has been taken up by the Ashford Patient Participation Group for

referral to the Ashford Clinical Commission-ing Group. The future of the Live it Well Centre in Gore Hill, Canterbury Road, is uncertain. Ashford MP Damian Green is seeking assurances from KCC and the Shaw Trust. The centre is a multi-agency hub providing mental health services and support in the Ashford area. The average pay for GP’s working in the New Hayesbank Surgery in the last financial year was £61,571.

STEER CLEAR OF THE STREET Essential water connections works will start in The Street on Monday 31 May and last for four days. The section of road from the junction with Tritton Fields to the junction with Church Road will be closed. Traffic will be diverted along the A28 Canterbury Road onto the A2024 Faversham Road, and onto Upper Vicarage Road to Ulley Road. Access will be main-tained for residents only. Due to the nature of the work it will not be possible to re-open the road outside working hours. The work will take place while schools are on half-term.

The doctor will phone you back shortly

The new Spearpoint pavilion is on schedule and should be ready for clubs and community groups by September

MAN ACCUSED OF BYBROOK MURDER

A man has been charged with the murder of Lee Walden (above)who was found dead at Cherry Tree House, in Bybrook Road. Mr Walden, 51, was discovered by detectives at 6.40am on Tuesday 17 May in his ground floor council flat. He is believed to have suffered head injuries. Police have charged Darren McKay, 38, of Beecholme Drive, Kennington, with murder. A 32-

year-old woman from Ashford was also arrested and has been bailed until 16 June while further inquir-ies are carried out. It is believed both were known to Mr Walden. Police are trying to trace his next of kin. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101, quoting incident number 17-0125 or call Crimestoppers anonymous-ly on 0800 555 111.

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Join in the fun at Kennington’s 1940s Summer Fayre!

This year’s Summer Fayre will have a 1940s theme to mark the 70th anniversary of Kennington’s Victory Celebrations held in June 1946. It is hoped stallholders and visitors will enter into the spirit and include a wartime touch to the stalls and dress in the style of those days There will be prizes for the best dressed adults and children in 1940s costumes. The PA will play hits of the 40s for visitors to dance to and a Dad’s Army sketch will be performed by the DreamDragons theatre group. There will be more than 30 stalls selling a wide range of goods, a children’s fair,

the little train, ice creams and hot and cold food. Arena events include Maypole dancing by children from Kennington CE Academy, the Downsview infants choir, Towers Cheerleaders, and a Fun Dog Show. Just bring your pet along on the day. The Dog Show starts at 3.30pm. Last year’s Fayre attracted around 2,500 visitors and raised more than £13,000 for the charities and local voluntary organisations that take part. The Big Co-op Clean-Up Team of volun-teers will be on duty throughout the day helping to keep the site tidy.

ADMISSION AND PARKING IS FREE

The Fayre is on Saturday 25 June at the Recreation Ground, Ulley Road, from 12-4pm

F irst prize in the Summer Fayre Grand Draw is four

tickets for a family GoApe Treetop Adventure. Other great prizes: A Magnificent Hamper; A Big Cat Encounter at the Wildlife Heritage Centre, Smarden; A Thrilling Off-Road Driving Experience at Truegrip in Eastwell Park. Many more prizes have kindly been donated by local shops and businesses. Tickets will be on sale at the Big Red Committee Tent, price £1. The draw takes place at 4pm.

Robin Britcher’s book will be on sale at the Committee Tent

If you have any books, CDs or DVDs Kennington Community Forum could sell on its stall please call 01233 634165

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Little Burton park area is to be transformed into a habitat for wildlife, and a learning and leisure resource for the community. Kentish Stour Countryside Partner-ship aims to improve the area by: Restoration of the pond/lake area Clearing the invasive Himalayan balsam from along the stretch of river (task day 22 June). Tree-planting in selected areas for an array of species Woodland management, including new paths Wetland management for key species Creating areas for picnicking and providing better park furniture. “Community engagement in Little Burton is key to the project’s success,” said Jo Hill of KSCP. “We want to work with local schools and hold education days on the site to teach children about

wildlife and habitat. We will also hold community events and work with a range of partners, such as the Kennington Community Forum. “Following the success of the Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve we would like to create a Friends of Little Burton Group. “We want to gather a collection of like minded people together to ensure the well-being and the future of the site. The project has already received £500 in funding from the Kenning-ton Summer Fayre Committee and Kennington Community Forum is planning a similar donation. Jo said: “If you have any sugges-tions on how you would like the area improved or would like to join us on a task day, or even join the Friends Group, please contact the KSCP on 03000 410900 or email me at jo.hill@kent.gov.uk”

St Mary’s Church needs volunteers to unlock and lock up the hall in the evening. Please contact Nigel Adams (335521) or Lorraine Andrews (632766) if you can help. The church is now back up and

running on Twitter@StMaryKen and Facebook.com/stmaryken The Friends of St Mary’s will cele-brate their 75th anniversary with a dinner on Saturday 16 July in the Scout Hall.

CHURCH SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Little Burton project needs more Friends

Stepping out on the repaired boardwalk at Bybrook Nature Reserve

Enjoying a walk on the by HEATHER SILK It was a dry and very pleasant evening when the Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve held their first public event on Wednesday 18 May. Visitors came along for a stroll on the boardwalk and to chat to committee members about future plans for the site. Recently the committee erected a noticeboard by the entrance gate in Nine Acres, just off Bybrook Road. Future events will be publicised here, including the FoBNR stall at the Kennington Sum-mer Fayre on 25 June. There

will be display boards at the stall and information leaflets. The AGM was well supported. There is now one vacancy on the committee which is the position of chair because I am stepping down due to other commitments. If you would like more infor-mation about this vacancy and/or Bybrook Nature Re-serve, please contact Debbie Reynolds, Kentish Stour Coun-tryside Partnership 03000 410900 (Mon-Wed) or email debbie.reynolds@kent.gov.uk

Every spring and summer KCC Highways receives numerous complaints regarding trees, hedges and other vegetation, which overhang the highway from private property. This can pose serious problems for people trying to use the footpaths, especially if they are trying to pass with buggies, wheelchairs and scooters. Please ensure that any trees and hedges bordering the highway are maintained and cut back to your boundary.

HEDGES THAT ENDANGER LIVES

wild side

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T hey are Kennington's youngest litter pickers. Nine-year-old Luke, sisters Mary (9) and Nancy (6), together

with Alex, 6, Ellie, 12, Skye, 9, and Jay, 11, are out every weekend picking up rubbish from the green near their homes in Randolph Gardens. Luke said: “No-one else was doing it so we thought 'Why don't we do it?’ It's mainly sweet wrappers, cans and bottles.” Their inspiration was Mr X, Kennington's Good Community citizen who picks up rubbish on Spearpoint Recreation Ground every day. He wishes to remain anonymous, but his splendid example encouraged the youngsters to knock on his door and ask if they could have a go. He lent them a litter pick and bags and they have been busy ever since. Mr X said: “They do a very good job and their parents are very co-operative." He hopes youngsters in other areas will be encour-aged to set up similar groups. “Some people say the council should pick up all the litter but they can't be expected to do everything. It's up to neighbours to keep their patch clean." Since Mr X has been picking up litter at Spearpoint Rec a lot less has been dropped and people who have seen him at work often follow his example. His one complaint is that some dog owners who clean up after their pets dump the poo bags on the ground instead of putting them in bins that are provided.

The little litter heroes

Luke, Nancy and her sister Mary bag up litter near their homes

Opening hours at Bockhanger library on Satur-days are set to change from 10am-2pm to 9am-1pm, under proposals from Library Services. It says the aim is “to meet the needs of the community and make staffing the library more efficient.”

CO-OP CAN HELP TO CLEAN UP The Kennington Co-operative Local Forum wants to get involved in projects in the area. Organiser Kelly Read said: “I can rustle up a team of volunteers to help with litter picking/shrub clearance or any-thing similar. Please email me at communitykelly @mail.com if you have any ideas. You can follow us on Facebook: Kennington Co-operative Local Forum.”

Blé Boutique on Faversham Road is the new home of Blé Couture Cakes which also specialises in planning luxury weddings. Blessing Enakimio has been working from her home in Kennington for five years but wanted to expand the business which makes amazing cakes for all occa-sions. She said: “We also host tea parties for adults and kids, cupcake parties and hold workshops.”

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NICK UTTLEY BUILDER Bricklaying Carpentry Painting and decorating Plastering

Conversions Extensions Roofing Conservatories and patios

30 years experience Quality Work Guaranteed

Free estimates Tel: 01233 628999

Governors of Downs View Infant School are celebrating their success in obtaining Governor Mark, a national quality accredi-tation award that recognises excellence in school governance. To merit the award the govern-ing body must show it has effec-tive procedures and fulfils its statutory duties and must demonstrate the impact it has on improving the school. Detailed evidence is submitted covering the important roles of the governing body including school improvement, impact on

pupil outcomes and strategic leadership. External assessors then visit the school to interview the governors, the headteacher and the clerk. Felicity Moore, chair of gover-nors, said: “Our team has shown how we all work together to benefit Downs View and we are proud to have been awarded Governor Mark, it is a magnifi-cent achievement. We hope to share our good practice with other schools in the area.” Headteacher Tracy Kent said: “I

feel privileged to have such an amazing team of volunteers who support and challenge the strategic direction of the school. This accreditation acknowledges their continual hard work and commitment to Downs View where the children's needs are always put at the heart of all that we do.” If you feel you have what it takes to be a governor and would like to support the school, please contact Felicity Moore at Downs View School for more information.

School governors win national award So proud: Vice-chair Izzy Hammond and chair Felicity Moore with their fellow governors

Barry’s garden services

Lawn mowing and strimming,

shrub trimming,

seasonal pruning,

fence work, weeding

Call Barry on 07915 665428 / 01233 661107

A flat screen TV has been donated to Kennington CE Academy by estate agents Andrew and Co. It will be used in the lobby to show forthcoming events and information to par-ents and visitors. Andrew and Co’s Andy Neil and Matt Skipper visited the school to hand over the television. In addition, if parents and staff complete property sales using the firm, the school will receive a donation from the company. School publicity officer Ruby Ramful said: “We are very thankful to our local benefactor for their long-standing support by providing yet another gener-ous donation.” The school has introduced ‘themed weeks’, where the children learn about a given topic chosen by pupils in the school council. Ms Ramful said: “English lessons are very popular as children have the opportunity to be im-mersed in literature, history, culture and language. The lessons focus on giving chil-dren interesting experiences to inspire their writing.”

TV GIFT FOR KENNINGTON CE ACADEMY

C hildren were shown how to use the inter-net safely when the Google Legends visited

Phoenix Community Primary School. Each pupil was handed a giant foam figure with a red and a green side which they used to show their answers. Year 5 and 6 learned to think before sharing any personal pictures or messages and to nev-

er give out information such as passwords, addresses and locations. Eileen Naughton, Google UK’s Managing Direc-tor, said: “Working with leading online safety organisations we’ve developed the Internet Legends programme to help kids be safe online, so they can get the most out of all that the internet can offer.”

ANOTHER plea for speed cameras in Faversham Road has been rejected. Checks were carried out by Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership after resident Chris Hone expressed fears over speeding traffic near Towers School. Mr Hone was told: “Although there have been a number of serious injury crashes excess speed does not appear to have been a contributory factor in any of them. If concern over the perception of excess speed continues then perhaps the formation of a Community Speed Watch group for the area is the most appropriate solution.”

GEOFFREY FOSTER, the first headmaster of Towers School, has died, aged 91. Mr Foster was head from 1967-1985. He was instrumental in the development of the school and helped design a new arts block and humanities suite. Mr Foster was passionate that girls and boys should learn the same subjects such as domes-tic science, woodwork and metalwork. He was awarded an OBE on his retirement for services to education and was often invited back to the school for prize-giving and other ceremonial events.

THE MAN WHO MADE TOWERS

7 KENNINGTON WI are busy preparing for the Summer Fayre on 25 June and are collecting bottles for the tombola, jewellery, and as usual will be selling delicious cakes. We have recently visited the Beth Chatto gardens, the Tiptree jam factory and the Brick Lane Music Hall. Our gardening group enjoyed Hole Park Gardens and the splendid bluebells. The Craft and Home Economics Group were entertained with a fashion show at Bybrook Barn with outfits from the Edinburgh Woollen Mill modelled by our own ladies Our Catering Group have been busy with several bookings, from an 80th birthday party to funerals. We are looking forward to celebrating the Queen's 90th Birthday with our friends from St. Mary's Church with cream tea in the WI Hall when we hope

to welcome some of the veterans who feature in Robin Britcher's book, Kennington at War 1939-1945. In July ten of our members are visiting Manchester to spend the weekend with our link institute This will be the second visit there so we know we can be assured of an enthusiastic welcome and an action packed weekend with lots of chatter, eating and drinking! We welcome visitors and new members to our meetings which are on the second Monday of every month at 7pm in the WI Hall, Faversham Road. Further details from Pat Owen-Smith on 630134 or www.kenningtonwi.co.uk and on Facebook. GW

Call Barry on 07915 665428 / 01233 661107

Bybrook WI Plans have been made for several out-ings including a visit to the Marlowe Theatre to see Singing In The Rain, a trip to Bilting House Gardens and an evening walk and meal in Hythe. Dates were also confirmed for the annual garden party, and local walkabout. Several members are planning some retail therapy at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, so there’s much to look forward to, including our stall at the Kennington Summer Fayre. Our May Meeting was members’ night and after hearing all about the music hall star Marie Lloyd and singing some of her well-known songs members enjoyed a tea to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday with dishes which would have been eaten in the 1920s, the bread pudding proving very popular! Our monthly meeting is on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Community Centre Rylands Road. We also have a monthly walk, and craft and Scrabble groups. If you would like to try a WI please come along as our guest, you will be made most welcome. The next meeting is on Tuesday 14 June when Martin Newcombe will be talking about “The Countryside Environment”. DB

The Writers' Group recently launched their latest publication with a cham-pagne cream tea. A Way with Words can be obtained from Judy Skinner 01233 623613, price £5.

Wartime mystery

E agle-eyed aviation historian Alan Wright made an interesting discovery when he examined this picture of a Heinkel bomber

that crash-landed in Kennington soon after mid-night on 11 May 1941. To the left of the tail he spotted a little girl standing outside Phyllis Villas, in Church Road. She is wearing white socks. The plane came down in what is now Spearpoint Recreation Ground. The wings were jammed between two trees at the end of the garden belonging to air raid warden Frank Field. His house, Chantry, is directly behind the plane. Alan said: “I am sure another chap appears to the right of the child, wearing a peaked cap.” If anyone knows who they might be please contact Alan at mustang111@sky.com Neighbours dragged the injured crew from the wrecked plane. The full story is told in Robin Britcher’s book Kennington at War 1939-1945 available at Bella’s Newsagents, Faversham Road and Bybrook Post Office, price £5.

A NEW planning application to build a two-storey detached dwelling on land behind Tree Shadows, The Grove, Kennington has been submitted to Ashford Borough Council. The site is in a con-servation area with many trees, some with protection orders. The previous applica-tion was for a bungalow. Kennington Forum objected to that application and it was withdrawn after ABC indicated the footprint of the bungalow was too large.

Information COUNTY COUNCILLORS: Andrew Wickham (Ashford Rural East) 01233 840902 andrew.wickham@kent.gov.uk

Jim Wedgbury (Ashford Central) 01233 503272 jim.wedgbury@kent.gov.uk

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS:

Kennington: Phil Sims 01233 627603 philip.sims@ashford.gov.uk Bockhanger: Luke Powell 01233 713384 lukejpowell1@gmail.com Bybrook: Andrew Buchanan 01233 627696 andrewjohnbuchanan@hotmail.com Little Burton: Marion Martin 01233 628811 marionmartin168 @btinternet.com Boughton Aluph: Winston Michael 01233 636644 winston.michael@ashford.gov.uk.

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE : Call 101 to be put through to the neighbourhood officer best placed to deal with your call PARKING PROBLEMS: 01233 330641 KENT HIGHWAYS: 03000 418181

NEW HAYESBANK SURGERY: 01233 624642 LATE NIGHT CHEMIST: Sainsbury’s, Simone Weil Avenue 01233 662819 MEDICAL HELP BUT NOT AN EMERGENCY: 111 (available 24/7) A&E OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY: William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

ST MARY’S CHURCH: 01233 664820

STAGECOACH BUSES: 08456 002299

KENNINGTON FORUM: Chris Morley, chair, 01233 611196 chris.f.morley@gmail.com Sandra Dunn, secretary, 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com

Kennington News is published in March, June, September

and December. Editor Robin Britcher

01233 634410 kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk

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Kennington Community Forum takes an active role in looking after the interests of the people and the environment of our area. We hold six public meetings a year and publish the Kennington News supplemented by web and social media sites. The Forum is run by volunteers. For more details contact Chris Morley 01233 611196. Find us on Facebook or at www.bit.ly/kennington

NEXT OPEN MEETINGS Tues 31 May, Tues 26 July

St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm

Printed by Geerings Print Ltd, Ashford 01233 633366

by GRAHAM OXLEY

After gaining promotion last year Kennington had a brilliant season in the Kent County League Premier Division finish-ing runners-up to Faversham.

Manager Dan Scorer won the Manager of the Month award from the County League on two occasions and the quality of football played was a joy to watch. Both on and off the field the lads were a credit to the club and hopes are high for next season next year we hope to be returning to the Julie Rose Stadium for our home games. The Saturday Reserves found life difficult since stepping up to Division Two East and a run of poor results saw them strug-gle to field teams and we also lost our manager. We were on the brink of having to withdraw from the league before an eleventh hour rescue from club stalwarts Keith Rice and Brad Russell kept the team going. Although things improved

a little there was too much ground to make up and the side finished bottom. Because of the difficulty in finding players to commit every Saturday for County League football the club is looking to re-structure its reserve side with it possibly playing in a local league. Our Sunday side failed to make an impact in Division One of the Ashford Sunday League but in the cup competitions they shone. They were narrowly beaten after extra time in the Division One Cup, but it was in

the Ashford Charity Trophy where they achieved their greatest triumph. They defeat-ed Market Hotel of the Premier Division 4-3 at Homelands to provide one of the shocks of the season. We are always looking for new people to join the club. We are proud that Kennington FC is the oldest club in Kent, and having been founded in 1888 is one of the oldest in the country.

However, like every club we rely on volunteers to keep go-ing, and with some officers stepping down at the end of this season we are looking for new recruits to help take the club towards the next 100 years.

We are particularly looking for someone to fill the role of treasurer as Graham Jordan is stepping down after many years of service. If anybody would like to be involved, in any capacity, please contact the club via the contacts page on our website www.kenningtonfc.co.uk or our Facebook and Twitter pages.

High-flying Kennington are Premier runners-up

Dan Scorer won two awards

KENNINGTON cricket club’s facilities are available to hire by anyone in the com-munity for parties and social gatherings. Contact Terry Deary on 01233 624905. The club will be holding a quiz night on 17 June which is open to all. Entry by tick-et, call 01233 642859. The bar will be open. Other social functions will appear on the club’s website www.kenningtoncc.com