Welcome to Rostrum, the free magazine for Wateringbury Village
with a print run of 950 copies
which is delivered to each home in the village 10 times a year.
Some find it easier to read the magazine in the Past Editions section
We hope you enjoy reading about the happenings in the village
DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 .
A Merry Christmas and
A Happy, Peaceful New Year.
Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers for their help in 2024 and to our street distributors for delivering the magazines promptly to their neighbours.
VILLAGE DIARY
December
1 Footpaths Walk - 2pm – outside Village Hall
3 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm - Hall upper room
8 Christmas Disco – 7.30pm – Wateringbury Social Club
10 Footpaths Walk – 10am – outside Village Hall
11 WI – Christmas evening – 7.30pm - Hall
13 Coffee Morning – 10.30-11.30pm - Hall
15 Village Market – 10.30-1pm – Hall and car park
18 History Society Social evening – 7.45pm - Hall
January
5 Footpaths Walk - 2pm - outside Village Hall
7 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm - Hall upper room
8 Going Nuts – WI talk – 7.30pm - Hall
10 Coffee Morning – 10.30-11.30pm - Hall
13 Footpaths Walk – outside Village Hall
15 History Society talk - 7.45 for 8pm - Hall
17 Village Market – 10.30-1pm – Hall and car park
31 Puss in Boots Panto – 7.30pm – Hall
February
1 Puss in Boots Panto – 2.30pm and 7.30pm – Hall
2 Footpaths Walk – 2pm – outside Village Hall
Warm Space + Soup and Roll every Friday – 12 -1pm – Hall
Seasons Greetings from The Wateringbury Players :
Panto season is nearly upon us and we are enjoying our rehearsals for our 2025 Panto Puss in Boots .The panto will be performed at Wateringbury Village Hall. Tickets will be on sale from Saturday 7th December at Wateringbury Post Office and The Handy Store . Cash Only.
All evening tickets are £12. Child concession tickets available for matinee only £6. (16 and under).
Friday 31st January - 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm)
Saturday 1st February Matinee 2pm (doors open 1.30pm)
Evening 7.30pm (doors open 7pm)
Look forward to seeing you all there.
FREE FILM NIGHT –
TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER
Do go along to the church at 7pm on 17th December to enjoy
The Christmas Candle
Festive refreshments too
VILLAGE PEOPLE Please let us have your news and tributes by 17th January for our February 2025 magazine. Entries are free.
Email 
www.rostrum2@hotmail.com
Congratulations to Terry and Ela Bird on the marriage of their son, Michael, to Valerie Yuen. The marriage took place on 23rd November in London. The happy couple will be living and working in Boston, USA..
Best Wishes to Suzanne and Tudor Price who recently left Canon Lane where they lived happily for 30 years and raised Owen and Bethan. They have crossed the parish border to a new home not far away so they will still maintain their close links with village life.
Jo, Harry and Charlie would like to thank you all for the love and support that has been shown to our whole family after the devastating loss of Jamin. We are absolutely heartbroken but take comfort in the incredible support that we have received. Thank you xx
RIP Barbara Kathleen Calcagni -
26th April 1930 to 9th October 2024
Long term resident of Old Road, Barbara Calcagni was buried in Wateringbury Cemetery on a beautiful November morning after a service attended by relatives, friends and neighbours. Barbara, and her friend Andrea, moved into the village nearly 50 years ago after an international embassy career starting at Australia House, London. From there she was sent to a number of overseas embassies, before ending up with UN in Geneva. In Wateringbury she sought a more simpler life in her small cottage with two large allotments for self-efficiency and was employed as the village post lady - and hence she knew everyone. In later years she visited Sainsbury every week by taxi, and when this became too much she bought a lap-top for home deliveries, which she soon mastered with the help of neighbours. Although, sometimes the deliveries failed to show and neighbours were again summoned to press "send" for her. Last seen in public when the "road" sang "Happy Birthday" on her 90th outside her cottage, because shortly afterwards Barbara became bed bound and was looked after by careers. Barbara died aged 94. A highly intelligent and nice lady we were all privileged to know.
Remembering Roy Williams - 14th April 1931 to 3rd October 2024
Roy Williams and his wife Christine joined the Wateringbury GP Practice early in 2022 as Patients and although Roy was already in his 90s he immediately joined the Wateringbury Patients Participation Group (The PPG).
With Roy’s life and business experiences he was able to immediately contribute to the PPG as the new triage systems were being introduced at Wateringbury and all the other GP Practices locally. He made insightful representation as to what the elderly in our Community needed from a growing GP Practice services and what help and guidance was required to access the services as the new systems were introduced and established.
Roy was able to join the August PPG meeting where the first few months of the new system were reviewed with the Practice Management where once again Roy’s contribution were valued as he made good suggestions regards future Patient access considerations and development of the new procedures.
Martin Miller - Patients Participation Group
HISTORY SOCIETY
Our meeting on 18th December starts a little earlier at 7.45pm and is a Social evening. There will be some Christmas themed readings and a table-top quiz to do while enjoying a glass of wine or juice and nibbles. The Society’s publications which make easy to post Christmas gifts will be on sale most are £3.50 each. As usual we welcome visitors at £7 (cash), members are free.
On 15th January at 8pm our evening will be a trip down memory lane for many and a happy learning curve for our younger members Michael Grillo’s theme for the evening is The Day the Music Died, the History of Rock and Roll. Free tea or coffee from 7.45pm.
A BIT OF A CHRISTMAS SING
PRESENTED BY VOICES ACROSS THE A20
SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER AT 7.30pm
WATERINGBURY CHURCH
Come and enjoy
Christmas Songs, Carols and Readings
No tickets needed suggested donation £7 children free
Refreshments available
COFFEE BREAK 4th and 18th December and 8th, 22nd and 29th January – Church Social Area - 10.30am-12.30pm
In late October the church was filled with friendship and chatter and the fantastic sum of £447.36 was raised by the group for Macmillan Cancer Care, a charity close to many hearts. Thank you to all Coffee Break members who donated such delicious home-made cakes and to all who donated items for the raffle or items for the White Elephant Stall. And of course a big thank you to all who came along on the morning and made such generous donations to aid the work of Macmillan.
In December we meet fortnightly in the church social area on Wednesdays 4th and 18th. However, because so many find January a difficult month we will be meeting on more Wednesdays. Do come along to the church social area between 10.30am-12.30pm and enjoy good coffee, cake and company. Suggested donation £1.
On 15th January we will be having an outing for a coffee (venue not yet decided). Gillian (01622 813076)
CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT BAZAAR THANKS The annual bazaar raised a fantastic £1,390 to help with the running costs of the village’s ancient church building. There was a fantastic selection of stalls to browse in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way.
WATERINGBURY FOOTPATHS GROUP
During the days of early November when the weather was dry and still but very cloudy there was a big turnout for the Sunday walk. Six people returned along with other walkers for the weekday repeat walk. They must have enjoyed it! Our route took us along footpaths through the fields from the village pond to Gibbs Hill and Pizien Well Road and on to the Wateringbury Stream waterfall and Old Road. The grey conditions meant we didn’t see the best of the views but, as usual, the walkers were happy to be out in the countryside walking and chatting. After the weekday morning walk some of us finished back in the village hall for the free soup and a roll. There we also had the chance to meet other villagers who don’t come out walking with us, so it was even more enjoyable. Our walks over the festive season will be leaving the village hall at:
2pm on Sunday 1st December, · 10am on Tuesday 10th December
2pm on Sunday 5th January, · 10am on Monday 13th January
2pm on Sunday 2nd February. Everyone is always welcome! Please contact me if you want any updates or more information. Lisa Dean 077 5953 9032
WATERINGBURY WI.
2ND WEDNESDAY 7.30 PM TO 9.30PM WATERINGBURY VILLAGE HALL.
Our November meeting was a great success there was lots of chat and laughter, making Christmas decorations. Everyone went home with something they had made. A big thanks to Annette from Teston who gave a demonstration and provided craft materials.
Our next meeting is on 11th December and is titled.
CHRISTMAS JUMPERS and SPARKLES.
It is Christmas party night. Please bring a plate of snacks to share if possible: soft drinks will be provided, bring your own alcohol if you like a tipple!!
January's meeting on 8th January 2025 is titled GOING NUTS !!!
Our speaker will be Jacqueline Aviolet who will have some plants to buy on the evening.
We will be having a raffle every month with some great prizes.
Wateringbury WI sends Seasons Greetings to you all. We look forward to welcoming new members 18 to 100 years in 2025.
Sharon Goshawk - WI President.
SECURE STORAGE FACILITY SOUGHT: clean, dry, lockable and accessible storage required for private use in Wateringbury or area (small garage or room). Please contact Dee-anne dee.stereck@gmail.com
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF – WELLBEING HINTS AND TIPS
In praise of the robin, and being a part of nature
Earlier in the year we had that blanket of grey lasting practically a whole month. There were few instances of the sunlight that usually dances on the branches and the autumnal leaves. Hopefully December and January will deliver some picture post card wintry scenes that can be good outside and also when viewed from the inside with a warm electric blanket and possibly a cup of coco, or something a little stronger! At the moment the birds are very busy.
I have always been fascinated by small birds - especially robins. They zip in to a nearby hedge or fence ridge and look at you as if weighing you up and down and then speak some sort of ‘judgement’. I was once clearing a patch of land that needed digging over. I was raking and raking and raking, turning the soil over and picking out the stones and bricks coming up. Every 20 minutes or so I would stop and catch my breath and then a robin would swoop down and tuck into the grubs and worms I had disturbed. I would then move and he would nip back up to his perch. What was surprising was that if after 20 minutes I did not pause I would get some pointed chirps, repeating until I stopped. I would step back so he could come in and tuck into his side of the bargain. Maybe you have had a moment like that?
In those moments, when a wild animal interacts with you in a communicative way, you feel a curious connection, a kind of balance with it, with nature. The word ‘nature’ offers something different from ‘the environment’ which is out there - not me. Nature is something I am a part of – Altogether - Connected. Nature gives a sense of being a part of something bigger and that’s not a bad tonic.
Bob Bowie
THE OAST THEATRE, TONBRIDGE
“ARABIAN NIGHTS” BY DOMINIC COOKE
7TH – 14TH DECEMBER 2024
As a delightful change from the traditional Christmas shows, the Oast Theatre is presenting the “Arabian Nights”, the magical tale of a young Queen spinning a dazzling array of stories to keep King Shahrayer from putting her to death, as all the young brides before her.
It features such stories as Ali Baba, Es-Sindibad the Sailor and the Little Beggar, magical adventures with talking birds, giant beasts and crafty thieves. With a wonderful array of sumptuous colours, this production is definitely one not to be missed.Performances: 8 p.m. (Sunday 3 p.m.)
Tickets: £14 Book online at www.oasttheatre.com
Credit card bookings 0333 666 33 66 (booking fee applies)
KENWARD TRUST, KENWARD ROAD, YALDING,
ME18 6AH
We have such a FAB Christmas planned and really want the locals and families to enjoy
30th Nov/1st December - Our very first
Kenward Art Fair
20 super talented Kent Artists will be exhibiting 10am - 3pm both days in our Sinden and Valentines Rooms. Residents will also be showing some art, and Sian's Kettle Bridge Constina group will be playing Christmassy tunes Saturday morning.
7th , 14/15th and 21st December Extra Special Christmassy Alpaca Meet Greets for kids.
Sunday 8th December 10am - Wreath Making - book your space
Sunday 22nd December - Meet Santa Claus at Kenward
Book your kids a place at https://www.kenwardplace.co.uk/christmas202
WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL wish all residents of Wateringbury and surrounding area a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Council thanks you for your support in 2024. Please feel free to come along to a Parish Council Meeting in 2025 if you would like to hear what goes on or you have any matter that you would like to put to the councillors.
Visit our web page: https://wateringburypc.org.uk/ and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WateringburyParishCouncil
SAM AND DAVE AT THE HANDY STORES wish all customers A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and remind us of their Christmas and New Year operating Times: Tuesday - 24th - 7am-6pm, Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th - Closed,
27th & 28th - 7am-8pm, Sunday 29th - 7am-2pm, Monday 30th - 7am-8pm, Tuesday 31st - 7am-6pm & Wednesday 01st Jan - 7am-2pm. From Thursday 2nd Jan back to normal opening hours from 7am-8pm.
JAZZ TO ENJOY while you shop at Farmers’ Teston Farm Shop -
Monday 23rd December - 11am-1.30pm.
Jazz Advocates Concert on Sunday 23rd March - 2-4.30pm in Wateringbury Village Hall . Tickets £7 on sale nearer the date
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
Autumn has been relatively mild this year and some of our wildlife is still active in our gardens including bumble bees and even the occasional butterfly. However, as colder weather approaches, many animals will move into hibernation. This includes frogs that may choose long grass so please be careful if strimming and try to leave some areas untouched until the Spring as tis will also benefit other wildlife.
Toads choose not to hibernate but overwinter in damp, shaded places such as log piles or burrow into mud or compost whilst continuing, during milder spells, to feed on worms, slugs and insects. These amphibians, if threatened or scared, secrete a vile tasting substance from the warts on their backs and can also puff up, both of which help to protect them from predators.
Now is a good time to clean out bird boxes as they be used as a shelter during the Winter, with the occupants returning in the Spring to nest. This is also the time to dig up any dahlias you might have and store them somewhere frost-free for the Winter. Any gaps can be filled with early Spring flowering plants or bulbs which will provide pollen for any emerging insects and give us something to look forward to. By the time the next issue comes out, we should be able to see the first snowdrops and winter aconites emerging. Pauline Knutton
WATERINGBURY SOCIAL CLUB NEWS
The Wateringbury Social Club held their eagerly anticipated village ‘Pool’ championship on Saturday 16th November. An excellent attendance and a jolly day of fun was had by all, which eventually concluded deep into the evening. Paul Larchet and Dickie Dickety were crowned the champions (and the bragging rights) for the year.
Events at the club through December are:
Saturday 7th December - (in conjunction with Wateringbury Football Club) Christmas Party. Children 4pm-7pm, Adults 7pm-11pm. Children £10 including meeting Father Christmas and a gift, Adults £5.
(Contact Penny 07860 388850 for tickets and further information).
Saturday 14th December - Christmas Quiz 8pm
(Just turn up on the night - no need to pre book tickets)
Tuesday 31st December - New Years Eve Disco 7pm till late
(Ticket information on request - Tony 07890 053921)
Christmas Opening hours:
Christmas Eve: 5:00pm - 11pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 2pm - 9pm
We open up our yearly membership from 1st January 2025 - For details contact Tiff 07764 770782 or Mick 07595 253464
NETTLESTEAD AND WATERINGBURY PRE-SCHOOL
The children have enjoyed exploring all the donated natural materials, these were collected over the half term and now following the Curiosity Approach, the children are using these within their activities every day.
The children created their own Halloween enterprise, making and selling decorated biscuits for a fundraising opportunity for the setting and the children raised £60.
The setting is continuing with our journey of the curiosity approach accreditation and promoting recycling and sustainability. We have recently signed up to Bags2school where families give in any preloved items and then they are collected, and all monies again get donated back into the setting. Whilst the clothes/toys etc are sent to where needed.
The children have also been busy rehearsing for their Christmas Concert this term, doing very well learning the lines of all their favourite Christmas rhymes with some fabulous actions. This will be held in Nettlestead Village Hall, located next door to the setting. We are once very lucky to be getting a special visit from the big man himself, Father Christmas.
We will be running our February half term holiday club Tuesday 18th – Thursday 20th February 9am-4pm. Please email enquiries@nwps.org.uk for further information and booking forms.
We would like to wish all our families and children a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2025! Looking forward to seeing all the little Looking forward to seeing all the little ones in the new year and finding out about all the fun they have had!
Kay Severn (Manager) A GOOD READ FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
Robert Verity who lived in the village for over 30 years and now living in France, has had his debut novel ' French leave' published this year in the UK. He was involved in various writing groups when living here and won poetry prize at the Tonbridge Arts Festival in 2012.
VILLAGE BOOK CLUBS Rostrum has received an enquiry about joining a village book club. Any local clubs looking for a new member are asked to email Rostrum who will pass on the details (rostrum2@hotmail.com).
THE WARM SPACE INITIATIVE is on every Friday at Wateringbury Village Hall (downstairs back room) between 12 and 1pm. Join us for a bowl of homemade soup and a roll - donated by Plaxtol Bakery. The soup is made by Donna and The Railway Pub. Come and meet neighbours and make new friends. It would be lovely to see you Sarah Hudson
TESTON AND WATERINGBURY PRE-SCHOOL
As I write this article the children are busy practicing for their Christmas concert. This is always such an exciting time of year for the children, and we are starting off with a visit to Teston Church on the 5th December to listen to a story by Will North. Thank you to Teston church for the warm welcome every year.
As we continue reading our book ‘It’s meant to be’ by Yuval Zommer, we are talking about what the word ‘Alone’ means as our tree has been left alone in the forest whilst others were chosen to be taken indoors for Christmas. How do you think the little fir tree feels to be alone? What does ‘Kind’ mean as the forest animals decorate the lonely tree in the forest and makes the tree feel loved and happy again surrounded by his animal friends. This book also helps us explore winter and what we need to wear to keep us warm. How do we look after the animals when the weather is cold and there is very little food for them? We will be making bird feeds for our gardens and looking at animals that hibernate during the colder months. We will be taking the children for walks around the village looking at different size, height and shape of the trees around us and making clay hedgehogs to take home.
Our last day of term will be Friday 20th December, and we return on Monday 6th January. On behalf of all our staff and children, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.‘How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it’
iif you would love your child to be part of this amazing preschool family please contact Tina Driver: 07805796353 testonpreschooladmissions@gmail.com
NEWS FROM WATERINGBURY SURGERY
Christmas Closures
Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December 2024 – Closed
Boxing Day Thursday 26th December 2024 – Closed
New Years Day Wednesday 1st January 2025 – Closed
RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It’s recommended during pregnancy (around 28 weeks) and for adults aged 75 to 79 (turning 75 on or after 1st September 2024). We have started to invite patients to attend for a vaccine, however, if you know you are eligible please contact the surgery to book your appointment now.
If you’re aged 80 and over
If you turned 80 on or after 1st September 2024, you’re eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31st August 2025. You’re not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 before the 1st September 2024. For further information visit: RSV vaccine - NHS
Well Being Garden
The next step in our project is to begin the process of referring patients to the well being garden. However, we do require volunteers who would be happy to come along during the week to supervise for an hour or two whilst patients attend to the garden. If you are interested and want to know more please email gp.g82200@nhs.net.
We are in need of four wooden pallets that we can make into compost bins for the garden. Please email gp.g82200@nhs.net if you can assist.
Suzanne Large Practice Manager
WATERINGBURY GUIDES
We’ve been busy this term making Christmas craft items for the Wateringbury Church Christmas bazaar and also made lots of homemade fudge and truffles to sell. We built our own guys and despatched them on a good fire before toasting marshmallows. Some girls took the opportunity to create a guy with a message of making America great again (who says today’s youth aren’t interested in politics?!) while others burnt their guy with a mental image of people in their lives that they found challenging.
We had an excellent turnout at Remembrance Day and it was our turn to carry the Union Flag this year so we had the honour of leading the parade. Shortly we’ll be trying to bake fairy cakes in cardboard ovens, and cook pancakes over candles. Intrigued? I’ll let you know later how it went.
Our run up to Christmas gathers pace with wide games in the orchard (in the dark), a Zumba and fitness evening and finally ending the term with a visit to Prison Island and Prison Putt.
There are now spaces in rainbows (aged 4-7), brownies (aged 7-10), and guides (aged 10-15) in Wateringbury so please register your daughter on https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child/
Sheena Stewart and team.
NEWS FROM OUR MP TOM TUGENDHAT
As I write my final column of the year, I wanted to reflect on how momentous 2024 has been, both in Wateringbury and across the country too. My year has hardly been quiet - a General Election in which I am honoured to have had so much support, and a leadership election that was, well, less successful!
We have also seen a change of Government and some unexpected outcomes from elections around the world, including most recently in the US. Many of these results have happened for similar reasons - economic outlooks are challenging, and we need to support those building a future. Now that I am no longer in Government, I am looking forward to bringing even more attention to the communities that we share and the needs that we have in our corner of Kent. Our future, our security and our prosperity are all dependent on the choices that we make. I look forward to continuing to play my part.
I hope everyone across the village enjoys a restful Christmas and New Year period. After an intense few years, I am looking forward to spending some time with my family. As always, I will remain available to help anyone in need throughout Christmas and into the New Year. My contact details are as follows:
E-mail – tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk
Phone – 01732 441563 Social Media - @TomTugendhat
FLOWER CLUB
Wateringbury welcomed Gill Smaggasgale for a fabulous Christmas demonstration truly winter sparkle! Gill created spectacular designs and members had a fabulous evening with several members taking them home! Members get together in December for our Christmas dinner and January has no meeting -
February is our AGM on the 19th where we vote in our new Chairman and committee.
Jean Schofield Chairman WFC
WATERINGBURY CHURCH SERVICES IN
DECEMBER AND JANUARY
Benefice website www.mwwpchurches.org
DECEMBER
Sunday 1st – 10am – Morning Praise
Saturday 7th - 3-5pm - Messy Church Nativity
At 4.15pm we invite everyone to come along and enjoy watching the children perform their version of the First Christmas and to stay for a cup of tea and a mince pie.
Sunday 8th – 10am – Communion Service
Sunday 15th – 10am – All Age Worship
Tuesday 17th – 2pm – School Carol Service
Our school celebrates the Christmas message.
Thursday 19th - 8pm - CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
A candlelit service with well-known carols and traditional readings.
Sunday 22nd - 10am – Communion Service
Christmas Eve
5pm – Crib Service led by Barry Fisher
A service for all ages where young children can help to fill our stable with the traditional visitors. Well-known carols for all to sing.
11pm – Midnight Communion led by Rev Gary Townsend
A service that brings us into Christmas Day with Blessings and Communion
Christmas Day – 10am - Family Communion led by Rev
A less formal Communion and Blessings service. Children are invited to bring a favourite gift.
Sunday 29th – 10am - Joint Benefice Communion Service in West Peckham Church
JANUARY
Saturday 4th – 3-5pm - Messy Church
Sunday 5th - 10am – Matins led by Barry Fisher
Sunday 12th – 10am - Holy Communion with Rev Gary Townsend
Messy Church on Sunday meets in the vestry during this service
Sunday 19th - 10am - All Age Worship
Sunday 26th - 10am – Benefice Holy Communion with Rev Gary in Wateringbury Church
Refresh Benefice Services in Mereworth Church at 5pm For those who enjoy less formal worship will be held on:
1st , 8th (Scratch Nativity) and 15th December
5th, 12th, 19th and 26th January
REV GARY WRITES
The Rectory, 72 The Street, Mereworth ME18 5NA
gary.rev@outlook.com( 01622 813178
For a child has been born for us … and he shall be called … Prince of Peace. Isaiah ch 9 vs 6.
I write this article, with Christmas and New Year in mind, at a time when Archbishop Justin Welby has just resigned following the publication of the Makin Report. You may have followed this in the media back in November. Being a strong believer in prayer and discussion I like to make myself available to anyone who needs to reflect and talk. Please get in touch with me if you want to chat about anything to do with the archbishop’s resignation and especially if you have concerns about the terrible things disclosed in the report.
The news is often full of things that are deeply shocking and the huge amount of news that we are exposed to every day can lead to mental anxiety. I think the mental health of our nation is now a matter of great concern and it seems to me that being in a right frame of mind is essential if we are to safely receive and process all the terrible things that are reported in the media. I believe we need peace of mind but how can we achieve that whilst surrounded by so much that disturbs?
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and join in the tradition of regarding the birth of this child as a moment that occurred in the stillness and calm of night. Actually, there was very little calm and stillness because Mary and Joseph were compelled to go to Bethlehem by the Roman authorities and the place was so crowded that Mary had nowhere to lay her child to rest other than a feeding trough for the animals. And more upheaval was to follow as the family had to flee to Egypt to escape the massacre of little children in Bethlehem at the hands of King Herod. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly sing ‘Silent night … all is calm, all is quiet …’ because I believe this child’s coming into the world amidst all the upset, worries and fear that must have surrounded his family is a picture of where most of us have to try and find peace – in the midst of the unpeaceful! I believe we can find it there if we do as the shepherds did and go looking for Jesus. Attending a service this Christmas, reading the four Gospels in the Bible, seeking to show kindness, compassion, forgiveness and generosity – all these things are ways of seeking the Prince of Peace. But most of all, when we pray in the name of Jesus, to His Heavenly Father and to ours, it is then that we are most opening up our minds and hearts in search of Him. If you have time this Christmas look up in a Bible Philippians ch 4 vs 4 – 8.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year
Gary Townsend – Rector of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham.
NOVEMBER PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
Co-option of new Parish Councillor There were 3 candidates for the vacancy on the Parish Council. At the start of the meeting each candidate was given 5 minutes to tell the meeting a little about themselves and the reasons they wanted to become a councillor. Existing councillors were then given 5 minutes to question each candidate. At the conclusion of the presentations the candidates and all members of the public attending the meeting were excluded while councillors considered who to co-opt. After about 20 minutes all rejoined the meeting and it was announced that Lee Webster was the chosen candidate. He then joined councillors for the remainder of the meeting. Lee lives and works in the village.
Crime report Three crimes were reported on the police website for the village in October. Number plates were stolen from a car parked in Bow Road, theft of Petty Cash and attempted damage to a residential property.
Highways A meeting had been held with KCC about the damaged speed indicator on the A26 near The Orpines. Members felt that it was important to reinstate this sign as soon as possible since many children cross the road nearby to catch buses for school. Councillors unanimously voted to purchase a replacement sign and post using funds allocated to its Highways fund. The clerk was asked to liaise with KCC regarding the purchase and installation.
Speedwatch During October volunteers operated for 11.75 hours during which time 5862 vehicles passed by. 321 vehicles were exceeding the speed limit. 21 letters have been sent by the police to repeat offenders and 3 letters to those travelling in excess of 45 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Vacancy for Parish Clerk Four people had shown an interest in the post. It was hoped to hold interviews before the end of November. The present clerk agreed to continue in post for a little longer to ensure a smooth transition.
Report from Borough Councillor Matt Boughton Matt reported on several planning matters. T & M were in the process of reviewing and setting fees and charges for the coming year. The rises would broadly be in line with inflation. There was a proposal to increase the cost of the brown garden waste bins to £60 a year which would equate to £2.31 per collection.
Planning Owing to the time taken to co-opt a councillor it was agreed to consider the following planning applications at the annual Finance meeting which was scheduled for Monday 25th November at 7.30pm.
Single storey side extension with hard and soft landscaping to the side and rear of the property at Lower Beck 18 Mill Lane
Minor material amendment to planning permission TM/22/01965/FL erection of three detached three bed dwellings at land at junction of Red Hill and Barming Road
Demolition of existing garage structures and erection of a single storey two bedroom self-build dwelling at 430 Red Hill
Tree notification Conservation Area lift to 6m above ground level
1 x lime and 1 x silver birch land adjoining 115 Tonbridge Road (close to mobile phone mast at traffic lights).
Replacement of four windows with Timberlook Heritage Casements and a door at Streamside Oast, 8 Love Lane
Proposals to amend various planning permissions for four homes at former Cromar Nursery, Livesey Street
Replacement and repair of brick boundary wall and new metal estate fencing and also Listed Building Consent at
Westbery Manor, Old Road
The next meetings of the Parish Council will be on Tuesdays 3rd December and 7th January 2025 at 7.30pm in the village hall upper room, to which residents are welcome.
Minutes of the council meeting will be available on the Parish Council website www.wateringburypc.org.uk in due course
KCC AND BOROUGH COUNCILLOR SARAH HUDSON
One of KCC’s statutory responsibilities is Adult and Children’s social care, whether it be children’s homes, foster care or nursing homes. Of the money raised in council tax, just under 74% is spent on providing these services. This is to 3% of the population of Kent. As you can see, this doesn’t leave a lot to deal with potholes, waste recycling centres, libraries and their other responsibilities. Until Central Government finds a way of dealing with social care, local government budgets are going to be stretched even further. It’s not that there are more people in the adult social care system, but that their needs are far more complex, and we are all living much longer.