MARCH 2014 Published by Kennington Community Forum

DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES

How’s that for progress! Kennington Cricket Club’s new pavilion should be completed by mid-March: See Back Page

Kennington Community Forum

Phil Sims, Kennington Ward’s Independent councillor, has joined the Conservative group on Ashford council. He won the seat in 2011 from the Tories standing as a candidate for the Ashford Independent Group. Cllr Sims resigned from the group a year later to become an independent councillor, unaligned to any party. He said: “When I was elected I, and the Independent group, had grave concerns over the willingness of the Conservative Group on the Council to fully engage with residents in a practical and timely manner. “I have spent three years as Kennington Ward member and now understand that my initial impressions were not entirely correct. “Also, issues around the Council's engagement with residents has significantly altered since the implementa-tion of the Localism Act. “I now believe I can best represent my constituents’ views and raise matters of concern from within the Conservative group rather than from outside it.”

Phil: Why I’ve joined the Tories

POWER TO THE PEOPLE! Kennington Community Forum has launched a campaign to set up a Com-munity Council to give residents a more powerful voice in local affairs. Community councils are democratically elected and represent the community. They have a num-ber of statutory rights, such as being consulted on planning matters. They work towards improving community wellbeing and can help to provide and maintain a variety of important local services such as crime prevention measures, cycle and footpaths, community centres, leisure facilities and support for local groups. There are currently 39 Community or Parish Councils in Ashford borough who have these rights, but almost all are in rural areas.

TIME FOR A CHANGE Chris Morley, KCF’s Chair, said: “One of the Forum’s original purposes was to find out whether residents want to have more formal representation. “As rights and responsibilities continue to be de-volved to local communities, we feel it is right to ask Ashford Borough Council to look again at representa-tion across the town. “A great deal of work was done by KCF in 2006 and 2007, but funding from the Government’s New Coun-cils Programme and assistance from the Kent Associa-tion of Local Councils has acted as a catalyst to take a fresh look. “We believe it is time our community had an equal voice, and hope that residents will support our cam-paign by signing our petition.”

Community groups in Central Ashford, North Willes-borough, and South Willesborough & New Town are also campaigning for community councils.

DON’T FORGET TO SIGN

We need 1,000 signatures on our petition for the Kennington Campaign for a Community Council to succeed and ensure that ABC undertakes a Community Govern-ance Review. Leaflets have been delivered to every home in the area, and more information can be found at www.kenningtoncf.kentparishes.gov.uk

The campaign makes headlines in the Ashford Herald, above, and the Kentish Express, left

PLEASE BACK OUR CAMPAIGN

Ralph Morley, 21, from Kennington, captained Trinity College Cam-bridge to a semi-final place in University Challenge. They beat the School of African and Oriental Studies by 280 points to 105. “Another very impres-sive score,” remarked Jeremy Paxman.

A class act

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New measures to reduce the number of accidents in Faversham Road between the Post Office and Towers school should be in place very soon. There will be new warning signs and SLOW will be painted on the road on either side of the Post Office junction. Similar markings will be on either side of the entrance to the school. Several existing signs will be removed and

others replaced. It is hoped the improvements will make the stretch of road safer following many accidents involving motor-ists and pedestrians. A proposal to ban all parking between the Post Office and the school was rejected by Ashford

Joint Transportation Board last year following objections. The new plan, by Kent Highways engineer Steve Darling, was approved at a site meeting attended by county councillor Andrew Wickham, Kennington Ward councillor Phil Sims, residents Peter Powell and Sandra Blackmore, Philip Carter (Towers School) and Robin Britcher (Kennington Forum).

MIKE SUTTON has joined Nikki Relf as a Police Community Support Officer in Kennington. He will cover Canterbury Road, The Ridge area and Little Burton.

Kennington residents will be able to catch a new bus service to the William Harvey Hospital from 6 April. It will run every 30 minutes from Mondays to Saturdays. The bus will also stop on Willesborough Road for the Julie Rose Stadium and Conningbrook Country Park. While it will benefit Kennington residents the main purpose of the service is to provide alternative transport for William Harvey staff

following a massive increase in the cost of parking at work. East Kent Hospitals Trust has been negotiating with Stagecoach to provide alternative transport. It is hoped the service will reduce congestion in roads around the hospital and encourage staff, patients and visitors to use public transport. Some existing journeys on the C- Line will now be called “H” (for Hospital) and continue beyond

Towers View via Upper Vicarage Road and The Street to Willes-borough Road, the Hospital and Hythe Road to the Station and Bank Street. Buses will run every half hour in both directions. There will be adjustments of 5-10 minutes to some journey times. An hourly “H” service will run on Sundays. Stagecoach commercial director Jeremy Cooper said: “I have been involved in running buses in Ashford for 13 years and I know there has been a long-held aspiration to link Kennington directly to the Hospital. As roads become more congested and car travel more expensive many people are using buses, so at last there is a business case for provid-ing this link. I hope everyone in Kennington will support it.”

Hold tight! There’s a new bus service to the hospital

‘Slow down’ markings at accident blackspot School will help parents pay for Freedom Pass

Kennington Community

Forum takes an active role in

looking after the interests of

the people and the environment of

our area and enables the community

to voice opinions on local matters

which affect their lives and wellbeing.

We hold six public meetings a year

and publish the quarterly Kenning-

ton News supplemented by web and

social media sites. The Forum is run

by volunteers. For more details

contact Chris Morley 01233 611196

or visit our website bit.ly/kennington

NEXT MEETING: 25 MARCH

at St Mary’s Community

Centre, Rylands Road, 7.30pm

Towers School is offering help to pay for the Freedom Pass. It will pay half the £200 fee for those starting at the school in Septem-ber. Those eligible for a conces-sionary charge of £100 will have the whole amount paid. Many parents had expressed con-cerns about whether they could afford the new bus pass. The decision by Towers’ Principal Richard Billings applies only to Year 7 pupils and could cost the school £23,000. KCC has made a U-turn over its plan to place a £350 cap on the pass but is doubling the price to £200. Principal’s aims: Page 4

PROPOSALS to redevelop Bockhanger Square will go to Ashford Borough Council soon. Councillor Andrew Buchanan (Bybrook Ward) said costs were being “revisited” as they have risen. There has been concern in the area about the lack of action. The future of the library is still undecided.

DAMAGED speed humps in Ulley Rd have been repaired or replaced.

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Kennington Community Forum

The youngest person remem-bered on Kennington’s First World War Memorial War was 16. The oldest was 48. The stories of those who died are told in Kennington at War 1914-1918, by Robin Britcher. The book also recalls life in the village from the day war was declared until the Memorial was unveiled in June 1922. There are pictures of many of

those who died and the last letters sent home by 18-year-old sailor Arthur Taylor and Alex Jennings who was in the Royal Flying Corps. Among the stories recalled are acts of bravery which won Norman Hight the Military Cross and Albert Knight the Military Medal. Robin Britcher said: “I hope that by telling their stories we will

keep the memory of those who died alive in our community.” The book is available from Bella’s Newsagent, Faversham Road and from the Post Office, Bockhanger Square, price £3. It is available by post from the author at 169 Faversham Road, Kennington, Ashford TN24 9AE. Cheques to Robin Britcher, £4.50, includes postage and packaging.

Wartime tales of village life and frontline heroism

I think the book is excellent. There were several things

that were new to me — not least Charley Wood’s cricket exploits in Salonika. Alex Jenning’s letter and Arthur Jenkin’s poems were also highlights. I hadn’t seen the photo of the Martin family, I knew Harry as an old man and he gave me many of the Cricket Club archives includ-ing Percy Vidler’s school prize The Romance of Modern Inven-tion. The book includes a chap-

ter on the machine gun and I often wonder if he died by means of one of the modern inventions that fascinated him.

— Dr Peter Grant, President of Kennington Cricket Club and Senior Fellow in Grantmaking, Philanthropy and Social Invest-ment at the Cass Business School, City University London

Peter Grant’s book Philanthro-phy and Voluntary Action in the First World War is published this month by Routledge.

It is a great read and historical record, a must have! David Smith, Mayor of Ashford

I bought a copy from Bella’s. It’s packed full of information . . . a fascinating book and one for my collection. Simon Ludbrook, Kennington

I found many items new to me not least that my grandfather W. G. Peters built the war memorial. Richard Peters, New Romney

Fred Bishopp who is mentioned in the book left his signature on one of our bedroom walls! Chris Jackson, The Street, Kennington

Well worth getting a copy. Carol Wigston, Kennington Junior School

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES As a ‘Kennington Boy’ I felt sure I would know of the families involved and their links with the village. How true this proved to be. My mind went back to my very young days when I saw the picture of Upper Vicarage Road and the house where my mother was raised and where the family all returned each Christmas. The references to Kennington School were of great interest as I remember Mr Exton the headmaster and we all knew it was wise to do what we were told! Miss Robertson, who is mentioned, is the teacher my mother had in 1918 and who taught me when I joined in 1948. Fred Keeler, Singleton, Ashford

Tom Lynds is running around our streets as part of his training for the London Marathon on 13 April. Tom, of Lenacre Street, Eastwell, will be raising money for the National Osteoporosis Society because of close family illness. Osteoporosis

is a bone disease and leads to many fractures among the elderly. Tom’s target is £1,800 and he is hoping residents will donate to his charity by going to www.justgiving.com/tom-lynds and select the link to National Osteoporosis donations.

Victor Allin has had the fiver he lent a friend more than 50 years ago repaid . . . with interest. He received a cheque for £175 from his old Army buddy David Keegan now living in Australia. Mr Allin, 74, of Faversham Road, Kennington, said: “It was such a nice shock. I’m pleased ‘Taffy’ has salved his conscience as he told me it often played on his mind! But he had no way of contacting me because I moved away after leaving the Paras in 1962.”

Mr Keegan wrote: “Please accept the en-closed £5 at 7% compound interest over 51 years in the spirit in which it is offered!”

The former comrades made contact again after Mr Allin and his wife Margaret decided to look for Mr Keegan when they were on holiday in Prestatyn, North Wales, last year. They knew he had once lived there and an ad-dress for Keegan turned out to be the home of David’s brother. He immediately Skyped David in Sydney. Mr Allin said: “The first words he said to me were ‘I still owe you a fiver’. I had no memory of it.” Mr Keegan is visiting Ashford later this year and Victor and his wife plan to spend the money on a meal for the three of them.

Army pal repays fiver — with 50 years’ interest

TOM’S MARATHON MISSION

CONCERN FOR WILDLIFE AS AREA IS CLEARED

Winifred Cheal celebrated her 104th birthday at The Grange in Kennington. Winifred who was born in Francis Road, South Ashford moved into the home when she was 99. Her daughter Elaine Jefferies, 69, of Towers View said: “The Grange did a buffet tea which mum really enjoyed as she’s got a bit of a sweet tooth and a few days later we had a posh afternoon tea at Dobbies. She likes a tipple so we toasted her with a bottle of sherry.” Winifred has six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

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The new Principal at Towers School and

Sixth Form Centre has high expectations I am proud to take on the leadership of Towers School and Sixth Form Centre, writes Richard Billings.

The school has huge potential. My vision is to make it the first choice school for all parents in both the Kennington area and the Ashford community beyond.

We will be offering specialised pathways, both academic and vocational, to ensure that all of our students are well prepared for future employment.

Smoking ban My dedicated team of senior leaders, teachers and support staff are already ensuring that my planned improvements are taking place.

These include a total ban on

smoking outside the school gate, mobile phones are not allowed to be used in lessons or throughout the school day and a ruling of no obvious make-up.

I am pleased to be able to report that I have received an excellent level of support from both the students and their parents on these issues.

Other changes will take place over the next year and these will be visible to the community and all of its stakeholders.

I have high expectations for the school and the journey to good and then outstanding will be fast and effective.

I look forward to meeting the people of Kennington in due course.

Proud: Richard Billings

Many residents are concerned about the work carried out at Bybrook Nature Reserve. It is felt too much of the area has been cleared. Trees on the Bybrook Road side have been pollarded but not the ones threatening gardens in Nine Acres. The aim of the scheme is to encourage woodland and wildlife and return the reserve to a managed wood. Phil Cook, Arboricultural Officer at Ashford Council, said no funds are available at present for additional work. Anyone wishing to discuss the scheme should call the tree officer on 01233 330206

This gaily decorated elephant was one of the attractions at Kennington Junior School’s art exhibition. Pupils used many mediums including plaster of Paris, intricate craftwork, photography and water colours. Local author and artist Penny Bill was guest of honour. The choir entertained visitors as they admired the exhibits and enjoyed refreshments. The Coffee Morning Club ran a picture stall with all funds raised going to the school.

The school is collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers to obtain equip-ment for cooking and PE. Parent Governor Ruby Ramful said: “We will be creating a wish list which will be posted on our noticeboard along with the number of vouchers needed/received.”

Jolly jumbo

Landscape Services braved the elements to plant Kennington’s tree that commemorates the birth of Prince George. The Service Tree, which has cream flowers in early summer and good foliage colour in autumn, was supplied to Kennington Community Forum from Palmstead Nurseries of Wye. It is on the Recreation Ground and probably won’t need watering for a while!

A SOGGY START FOR THE PRINCE’S TREE

CHRIS MORLEY

Follow the Forum on the web at bit.ly/kennington

POTHOLE PERIL 5

Picture: KENTISH EXPRESS

Kennington WI’s pantomime Cinderella played to packed audiences. It was written by WI member Judy Skinner and starred Mary Sharp as Cinders, Shelia Jackson and Lesley Sanders as the Ugly Sisters and Ray Jones and Roger Marshall as beauticians Flossy and Bubbles. Members of a local dance class were in the three performances. A young magi-cian entertained the WI at its 96th birthday celebrations in February. The East Kent WI annual council meeting is at Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, 26 March. Speaker: John Craven.

Cinders plays to packed houses

POTHOLES and flooding have made parts of Bockhanger Lane almost impassable. Some gardens have been flooded following work on the footpath. KCC has agreed to tackle the problem when contractors are onsite to start work on the footpath to the cinema.

Potholes should be reported to Kent Highways online at www.kent.gov.uk/highways maintenance If it is an emergency call 03000 418181.

WORK will begin shortly on eight three-bedroom homes in Randolph Gardens. ABC building surveyor David Burford said: “Lakehouse Ltd will be erecting hoardings, securing the access to the site with appropriate gates, ready for the construction of the new properties.” Residents who have any concerns regarding the work should contact site manag-er Mark Parmenter 01708 758800 or David Burford 01233 330348.

Brakes of Enterprise House, Eureka Science Park, has applied for planning permission to create 130 extra parking spaces to bring the total number of spaces up to 480. The firm employs 550 staff.

A planning application for two five bedroom houses with car barns for three cars each on the rear plot of 75 Lower Vicarage Road Kenning-ton has been submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

Dog wardens have stepped up patrols in Bybrook cemetery follow-ing complaints of pets running wild and fouling graves. People tending graves have also been disturbed by dogs. An Ashford council spokesman said: “We have increased patrols to monitor issues and advise visitors. Wardens can issue on-the-spot fines to owners who fail to clean up after

their dogs, but we have no powers to enforce people to keep their dogs on leads.” One woman said she regretted having her husband buried there after being chased by dogs. Betty Croucher, 77, she was now too afraid to visit the grave. Ashford BC dog warden Colin Leek can be contacted on 01233 330340.

Dog patrols stepped up

PUPILS at Kennington Junior School put their business and maths skills to the test when they were given £50 and chal-lenged to make a profit. Year 6 pupils used the money to organ-ise a jumble sale and raised more than £400. It was good experience for a new project where they will learn about profit, stock and pricing.

IF YOU have difficulty using or accessing public transport a car service is available. Call Volunteer-ing Ashford on 01233 633219.

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KCF

AGM

A woodland willow pathway, a sensory garden, a log shelter and a mini-beast hotel are among the attractions in Downs View Infant School’s Woodland learning area. It has been created by parents and teachers in the school field partly shared by Kennington Jun-iors. Tracy Kent, interim head teacher, said: “We are also lucky enough to have a fantastic tepee which is used on a regular basis during our learning. The children have thrived from exploring new experiences in the outdoors and have been involved in a range of exciting activities.”

Residents will have an oppor-tunity to work with council planning policy officers at a community workshop on 5 April. This will be a further chance to discuss aspects of ABC's Local Plan to 2030, which will be com-pleted by the end of 2014 and will determine how the most sustainable and deliverable pattern of growth can be achieved within the borough. Developers and landowners have put forward a number of sites for inclusion in the plan, including two potentially large develop-

ments at Ashford Golf Club and east of Canterbury Road, and land at Ulley Farm and Ashford Rugby Club. Submitted sites will be assessed by ABC and balanced against projected housing and employment needs. KCF’s Chair, Chris Morley, said: “It is really important that resi-dents take this opportunity for

their views to be heard by our council. The plan covers new employment sites and homes to 2030, as well as leisure, retail, visitor and tourism facilities. “Our previous community work-shop in September highlighted some recent developments that participants thought had worked well, as well as proposals that met strong opposition.” The workshop is at St Mary's Community Centre, Rylands Road from 10am-12, starting with a short presentation from ABC. Refreshments will be available.

Seven sites put up for housing

Under the present Local Plan some 12,000 homes with planning permission remain unbuilt. So why does Ashford need more homes, asks Councillor Winston Michael (Boughton Aluph). He said: “With the current build rate of 500 per annum this represents a supply far beyond 2030. But perhaps the biggest question is whether Ashford has enough

roads, hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, school and water and sewerage systems to support substantial development. I urge all residents to make their voices heard at every level. “Parties with a vested interest continue to advo-cate phenomenal growth rates for Ashford. Let us not sleepwalk into another Chilmington Green.”

Come and have your say about the future growth of Kennington

Kennington News December 2013

‘Let’s not sleepwalk into another Chilmington Green’

Hotel home for the mini-beasts

T he first Born to Shine show at Phoenix Primary School “was a roller-coaster for

everyone,” said Sofia who sang Je ne Regrette Rien in French with fellow pupil Melissa and Mrs Nation, the head teacher. Ten staff members had been chosen to work alongside a child for two weeks to learn a new skill. Mrs Nation said: “The judging panel of three teachers were harsh and critical and this meant that Mrs Davis who worked on a superb tap dance with Charisma (Year 6) was a very worthy winner.” Other acts included Georgia and Miss Ogden on the clarinet; Miss Jones playing the flute with Tamsin; Miss Hills dancing with Lily to Troublemaker; Mr Miles (complete with tattoos) rapping alongside Ellie, and Miss Poynton playing the ocarina with Erin. By far the most popular act was Mr Cotter and Chantal who danced in their onesies. Mrs Nation said: “Mr Cotter really does need to improve his cartwheel at the end of his act.”

Thirty teachers and children from Poland, Slovenia, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic will be visiting the school from 1-4 July. If anyone is able to offer accommodation please con-tact Mr Garvey on 01233 622510.

Triumphant: Charisma and Mrs Davis

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Follow the Forum on the web at bit.ly/kennington

A FORUM for carers who look after a friend, neigh-bour or relative will be held at The Holiday Inn Central, Canterbury Road on Thursday 20 March. It has being organised by Carers’ Support, an independent charity, funded through the Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group and KCC. There will be a free sit-down lunch. Call 01233 664393 to register your interest and to book lunch.

Please trim back hedges and branches that overhang pavements as they are a hazard for guide dog owners and partially sighted people. Pavements obstructed by parked vehicles and bins are also a danger.

NEW LIONS ROAR IN

What am I doing here? What’s it all about? Is this it? A chance for you to ask and get answers to the big questions in life. Alpha is an inter-nationally-renown course being held by St Mary’s, Kennington. It is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life and find out more about Christianity, Jesus and God. Contact Lynne 01233 664820 or email alpha@kennington-st-marys.org.uk

The Rev Richard King writes: “How did you get on with your New Year resolutions? Easter

is a time for ‘New Beginnings’, too, so please feel most wel-come to come and join us in our growing community at St Mary’s, Kennington as we cele-brate the new beginnings that Easter brings. It is a time of

new life and a fresh start through the amazing work of God in raising Jesus from the dead. Our lives are different because of it. So come and celebrate with us. Our main service on

Easter Day (20 April) is at 10am. There are activities for all ages on the day and in the build-up, too. All details, including activities for Mothers’ Day, 30 March, will be on our website www.kennington-st-marys.org.uk We look forward to seeing you!”

A new Lions club has been formed in Ashford to raise funds in the area. Projects include health and youth initiatives and help for the disabled, the elderly and the blind. Money will be raised through a range of events. The club is looking for members. e-mail lionjacquieprebble@yahoo.co.uk

Plans for this year’s Kennington Summer Fayre are already underway. Saturday, 28 June is the date for your diaries. Jill Britcher, Chair of the organising committee, hopes all fund-raising records will be broken. The Fayre is always a great day out for all the family and provides an opportunity for local organisations and charities to raise money. For more details: kenningtonfayre@gmail.com

Set Fayre for summer!

Kennington Summer Fayre

If you have any books, CDs or DVDs the Kennington Community Forum can sell on its stall please call 01233 634410

VANDALS ripped out chestnut fencing protecting the Communi-ty “fruiting hedge” at Spearpoint recreation ground. ABC kindly carried out the repair — but a needless extra expense was caused by a thoughtless few.

Hopefully we’ve seen the last of this. There has been no more flooding by the

railway bridge in Willesborough Road since KCC carried out a temporary fix. The perma-nent solution, which includes laying a new drain across the road, is scheduled for April. The problem started a year ago after vibra-tions from the railway line caused a drainage pipe to crack. Leaking water resulted in flooding on the line which could have caused a derailment. The drain had to be capped while a solution was found which did not involve digging up the railway tracks.

If you would like to publicise a local event on Kenning-ton Forum’s Notice-board in Upper Vicarage Road please send details to 169 Faversham Road, Kennington, or email kennington.news@ hotmail.co.uk

When children from China visited Goat Lees primary school the Kennington pupils were amazed to learn there are 60 to a class in China. Head teacher Teresa Adams said: “We arranged activities in each class and all the 60 visiting children joined in. “This was a challenge as there were some language barriers but this was quickly overcome as the children were fascinated to learn what they could about each other.” The Chinese visitors stayed at Kingswood Activity Centre.

Goat Lees pupils took part in a drama workshop led by Ian Crosher of the KIC Theatre group. Activities were based on class themes for the year which included animals, the Great Fire of London, explorers and the Aztecs. THE Christmas fair raised over £500 towards buying a stage.

Bybrook WI meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except August), 7.30pm-10pm at St Mary’s Community Centre, Rylands Road, and would welcome new members. Next meetings: 11 March, talk by Donald Wilks Bluebells, Buttercups and Beasts. 8 April, talk by Veronica Ashby Waste Not, Want Not.

SORRY SIGN OF THE TIMES The toppled cycle route sign at Spear-point junction is a godsend, says Ted Prangnell of Canter-bury Road. He said: “For years it has been directing cyclists the wrong way to Wye and Canterbury along the dreaded A28 when it should be directing them to the National Cycle Route 18, via Blackwall Road and Wye.”

Sharing fun with children from China

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.sims01@gmail.com Bockhanger: Michael Claughton

01233 635969

michael.claughton@ntlworld.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 : PCSOs Nikki Relf and Mike Sutton. Call 101 to be put through to the neighbourhood officer best placed

to deal with your call

PARKING PROBLEMS: 01233 330641

KENT HIGHWAYS: 08458 247800

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

REV RICHARD KING: 01233 623334

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

@kenningtonnews

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Printed by Geerings Print Ltd, Ashford 01233 633366

Plans for the new community building on Spearpoint recreation ground have been finalised and an application for planning permission will be submitted by Ashford council in the next few weeks. It is hoped work will begin in the autumn. The design was approved at a site meet-ing attended by representatives from the council, Kent FA, the Football Association and the Football Foundation.

Great support Encouraging progress is being made with various applications for grants. Geoff Stanborough, President of the Ashford and District Sunday League, and a member of the steering group set up to oversee the project, said: “The £2,000 raised by the Kennington community, letters of support for the project, plus 106 development money from ABC

have played a massive part in supporting the applications for grants. If all goes to plan the project could be approved by October and work could begin soon afterwards.” The building will provide first class facilities for football, rugby and tennis clubs. It will also be available to community groups. There will be six changing rooms, a social room and a kitchen. It will be adjacent to the existing pavil-ion which will be demolished when the project is completed. At present the pavilion is being used by Ashford Barbarians Rugby Club. In return for a peppercorn rent to Ashford council the club has been caretaking and improv-ing the amenities until the new building is completed. www.ashfordbarbarians.co.uk

Despite the appalling weather work has continued to progress on Kennington Cricket Club’s new pavilion and it is hoped the building will be completed by the middle of March. The club was recently successful in applying for additional funding from the England and Wales Cricket Board to help with com-pleting the project. Club President Peter Grant said:

“This financial support is a clear indication of their support for what we have achieved at the club over the last few years. We now have a thriving Junior section with around 100 local children who will help to ensure the longevity of the club.” More information on the pavilion project and the club in general can be found on the website www.kenningtoncc.com

The club has finalised arrange-ments to provide cricket coaching at three local schools thanks to a generous donation from Better Sounds Consultancy Limited. Kennington CC is keen for the new pavilion to be of use to the local community and any organisation interested in hiring it should contact John Cunningham on 01233 612162.

Spearpoint Project: Work could start in the autumn

MORE FUNDING FOR CRICKET PAVILION

TAKE part in the Sport Relief Ashford Mile on Sunday 23 March at the Julie Rose Stadium. Run, jog or walk round the track. Enter a one, three or six mile event online at my.sportrelief.com/search/event THE WEATHER has played havoc with Kennington FC’s fixtures. Only a few games have been possible since the middle of December.

A QUIZ night at Ashford Hockey Club in Ball Lane raised over £400. www.ashford-hockey.co.uk

No�ce is hereby given that KENNINGTON CRICKET CLUB has

applied to Ashford Borough Council for the GRANT of CLUB

PREMISES CERTIFICATE for the supply of alcohol and record-

ed music for seven days a week from 10am to 11pm for the

cricket pavilion situated at Ulley Road, Kennington TN24 9HY.

A register of licensing applica�ons can be viewed at the

Licensing Sec�on, Ashford Borough Council Civic Centre,

Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PL 01233 330721

by appointment.

Any person wishing to submit representa(ons to this

applica(on must give no(ce in wri(ng to the address shown

above, giving in details the grounds of objec(on by

13 MARCH 2014

Dated 11 February 2014 JOHN CUNNINGHAM

The council will not entertain representa�ons where the

writer requests that his iden�fy remains anonymous.

Copies of all representa�ons will be included in the papers

presented to the Licensing Panel and will therefore pass into

the public domain. Representa�ons must relate to one or

more of the four Licensing Objec�ves:

THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND DISORDER, PUBLIC

SAFETY, THE PREVENTON OF PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND

THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM HARM.

It is an offence liable on convic�on to a fine up to level 5 on the

standard scale (£5000), under Sec�on 158 of the Licensing Act 2003

to make a false statement in or in connec�on with this applica�on.

Water sports clubs hope to start using the lake at Conningbrook Country Park by the end of May. “The exact date depends on completing an access road from the Julie Rose Stadium and the installation of a floating pontoon, storage facilities, signage and safety equipment,” said Simon

Harris, Sports Projects Manager at Ashford Borough Council. “We hope to start work during April and it will take around six weeks. Once the park is open people will be able to walk around most of the main lake, although no for-mal footpaths will be constructed during the early years as these

will be enabled from the pro-ceeds of the housing develop-ment.” Three hundred homes will be built. ABC has been work-ing with stakeholders including Brett, Kent Wildlife Trust, Ashford Leisure Trust and water sports clubs to provide early access for local people.

Conningbrook lake ready for clubs by May