Thank You for visiting Rostrum Wateringbury Village Free Magazine
Some find it easier to read the magazine in the Past Issues section
Welcome to the June edition of Rostrum
Welcome to the Summer issue covering both July and August
VILLAGE DIARY
JULY
3 Teston & Wateringbury Pre-School 60th Anniversary Sports Day – 11am – Teston Village Green
5 Footpaths Walk – 2.30pm – outside Hall
8 "Tales of a Film Props Man" – WI talk – 7.30pm - Hall
15 History Society - Blenheim Palace trip with ‘Claire’s Days Out’
15 Wateringbury Flower Club – demo – 7pm - N’stead Hall
19 Village Market – 10am-1pm - Hall
21 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm – Hall Upper Room
AUGUST
1 Coffee with a Copper – 10am – The Wateringbury
16 Village Market – 10am-1pm - Hall
Please note the Parish Council do not meet in August
VILLAGE MARKETS Third Sunday of each month 10am-1pm Village Hall 19th July, 16th August and
20th September
June market had 24 sellers, including two new sellers with unique items. We now have 42 regular sellers, nevertheless not all sellers come every month. Therefore, no chance of having the same sellers every month! Each month so far, we’ve had at least 2 new sellers. We now also have 2 amazing local bakers - so feel free to pop in for a drink and treat and catch up with your neighbours. Please support your local market - you won’t be disappointed!
Sue Collins
ROSTRUM’S VILLAGE AMENTIES FUND
The fund is open for applications to contribute to specific projects which benefit the village. These could be related to education, youth or senior services, heritage, worship, environment or sport, but others will be considered. It is unlikely that any individual grant will exceed £1,000. Applications should be made in writing to 
rostrum2@hotmail.com describing the project in no more than 200 words. On the basis of this initial proposal further information may be requested. Proposals should be received by 30th September for a decision shortly afterwards.
Terry Bird, Rostrum Treasurer
VILLAGE PEOPLE Please let us have your news and tributes by 17th August for our September magazine. Entries are free.
Email rostrum2@hotmail.com
Milestone birthday congratulations to Christine Byron who will celebrate her 80th birthday on 17th July.
Diamond (60th) Wedding Congratulations to Alastair and Christine Byron who celebrate this milestone in August. They were married at Mottingham Methodist Church on 13th August 1966 and moved to Wateringbury with their family in May 1979.
Well done and Thank you to the organisers of our village fete and to all stallholders and entertainers. It was a truly enjoyable ‘country village’ event. We look forward to 2027!
SCHOOL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
This year marks a special milestone for Wateringbury Primary School: 50 years at its current site on Bow Road. Over that time, the school has been at the heart of many lasting friendships between pupils, parents and teachers/staff, past and present. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, FoWPS (The Friends of Wateringbury Primary School) will be holding a birthday party on 19th September 2026 (12:00-15:00), and all former and current pupils, parents and teachers/staff are warmly invited to join the celebrations.
If you have any old photos or memories of the school, please share them with us. We hope to create a Memory Wall so everyone can look back and reminisce.
If you are in touch with old friends who have moved away from the village, please let them know about the event. It would be lovely to see as many familiar faces as possible.
If you would like to share memories or photos, please send them to fowpschairman@gmail.com.
COFFEE WITH A COPPER – Saturday 1st August – 10am in The Wateringbury
Do go along for a relaxed Coffee with a Copper and meet our local police officer, Dan. It’s a great opportunity to pop in, enjoy a coffee, have a chat and discuss anything you’d like. Whether it’s local issues, questions, or just to say hello.
MESSY CHURCH IS A FREE FUN AFTERNOON
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
4th July, 1st August, 5th September, etc
3-5pm
First Saturday of the month, every month. Last session was SUPERHERO WEEK! We made shields, masks, designed our own superheroes from rubbish, gave prizes, watched Disney's Hercules, had a gladiators tournament and most importantly threw buckets of gunge over our leaders! If you are up for a lot of noise and mess this might be the place for you. Come and join us for messy games, food, tea and coffee, crafts, bible lessons and much more! First Saturday of the month, every month at Wateringbury Church. If you'd like to come or know a bit more, get in touch with us at messychurchwateringbury@outlook.com
COFFEE BREAK –
1st, 15th and 29th July 12th and 26th August
Church Social Area - 10.30am - 12.30pm
All welcome to come along and join a friendly group in the church social area for tea/coffee, cake and good company– Suggested donation £1. Just pop along.
New Garden open under National Gardens scheme
St Helens Lodge, Lower Road,
East Farleigh ME15 0JT
22nd August from noon - 5pm.
Jill, who sings in Wateringbury Church choir, is opening her delightful garden under the National Gardens Scheme.
Admission is £9 which includes refreshments.
Also, plants for sale.
Parking on the drive for people with mobility issues,
otherwise park in Lower Road towards West Farleigh.
Cash or card accepted.
CREAM TEAS IN
MEREWORTH CHURCHYARD
SUNDAYS 12th, 19th and 26th JULY
2nd and 9th AUGUST 2-5pm
Always a good selection of delicious home-made cakes in a delightful setting
SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER – 2pm
JAZZ ADVOCATES CHARITY CONCERT
in Wateringbury Church
WATERINGBURY WI meets on the 2nd Wednesday of most months at 7.30 to 9.30pm at the village hall.
We started June with a very busy Village Fete. Our lovely members kept turning up with an amazing array of cakes for us to sell. We had a great day on our stall chatting to so many people from the Village who came to buy what we had on offer. And we were so lucky with the weather. Thank you to everyone who donated and purchased cakes from us.
On Tuesday we had a lovely cream tea at "Where Memories Meet " fresh scones and a great selection of teas are available, and if you’re looking for a unique gift for someone you might find it in there.
Our Speaker for June was Janie Ramsay a very talented lady who used to work at Sotherbys. She entertained us with a bit of roleplay in how to get your items valued and sold. (It seems sometimes the first offer could be your best offer!!) I think we all learned a lot from her.
On 8th July Guest Speaker will be Peter Benson with "Tales of a Film Props Man". Interested? Come along a see what happens behind the scenes on a film set.
We won't be having a meeting in August but we will be back on 9th September with "A bit of River Cruising". Enjoy the Summer everyone.
For more information email Wateringbury@wkfwi.org.uk
Sharon Goshawk, President
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
The ‘Big Butterfly Count’ takes place between 17th July and 9th Auust. Results last year were an improvement on the previous wet Summer’s but are still causing concerns as numbers haven’t recovered as hoped. Butterflies need good weather and a healthy environment to thrive and whilst we can do nothing about the first requirement, we can help with the second. Firstly, we should avoid using pesticides and instead investigate natural processes or biological controls. Secondly, grow as many nectar-rich flowers as possible and aim to have something in flower from March through to November. At the moment, alliums, lavender scabious and all herbs fit that bill, with buddleia and sedums following on. Pale coloured flowers will attract moths at night, and these include common jasmine, evening primrose, night scented stock and honeysuckle. Mine is in flower at the moment which not only attracts moths at night is also popular with bees during the day and smells wonderful!
More information about the ‘Big Butterfly Count’ is on their website if you would like to take part. Identification sheets are provided and it only takes 15 minutes to complete.
The same group of flowers that attract moths also attract bats. In Wateringbury, the most common species is the pipistrelle and this tiny, flying mammal can eat up to 3,000 midges a night. So worth encouraging!
Pauline Knutton
WATERINGBURY FOOTPATHS GROUP
Janet chose and led our walks in June and some walkers visited the village fete before joining the Sunday walk. The route went along the bridleway from Bow Road before going round the pond and along Old Road to cross the Tonbridge Road and going uphill towards the golf course. The permissive paths taken from there skirt the western edge of the course and then turn across it to the footpath to Canon Lane. The walk was brightened by summer flowers as well as the companionship of the walkers. This route was repeated on the following Friday morning for those who couldn’t make the Sunday walk or who simply wanted to do it again with different people and different weather.
Unfortunately, I am unable to lead the walks for a while. So currently we won’t be planning a weekday walk but will try to keep going with the group’s traditional walk on the afternoon of the first Sunday in the month. I have volunteer leaders for 5th July and 6th September. If you would like to volunteer to plan and lead a walk for 2nd August or future months, please contact me. I can let the walkers know our plans via our WhatsApp group.
If you are interested in walking for up to 5 miles around the village with friendly local people, please contact me and I’ll add you to the WhatsApp group.
Everyone is very welcome to join our sociable group walks.
We will be leaving the village hall at:
2.30pm on Sunday 5thJuly
2.30pm on Sunday 6th September.
Lisa Dean 07759 539032
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
The Society’s annual outing this year is on 15th July to Blenheim Palace in conjunction with Claire’s Days Out. Anyone wishing to go should contact Claire direct on info@cdogrouptravel.com
Christine Byron
NETTLESTEAD AND WATERINGBURY PRESCHOOL
Summer holiday club (2-11 years)
Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July
Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th Aug
Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th Aug
Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th Aug
9am – 4pm, half days (9am -12.30pm or 12.30pm-4pm).
For a booking form please email enquiries@nwps.org.uk
Wateringbury Flower Club
On the 17th June the club had a private garden tour with permission from the Tucker family and their Head Gardner - the money raised will go to charity. We had a wonderful tour around the gardens and the rain held off - what a fabulous place to have on our doorstep and such a diverse mix of plants from the walled garden to the sunken garden and all the architectural features from the ceiling in the undercroft to the magnificent magnolia tree at the edge of the house, roses in the walled garden mixed with clematis and other borders planted in a mix of wonderful bedding and perennials. After our tour we met back at Nettlestead Village Hall for tea, cake, scones with jam and cream. A truly wonderful evening, thank you to Roy and Annabel Tucker for allowing us to visit their wonderful garden.
On 15th July we have the delight of Donna Palmer - A woman for all seasons - a fabulous demonstration - Donna from Maidstone is also a newly qualified demonstrator for Kent and she is not to be missed!
On 19th August we will have the delightful Graham King with his title Beauty in Sculpture. famous for his wonderful sculptures and containers, he is always a joy to watch.
Guests are always welcome at any of our events. Come along to the club at Nettlestead village hall - 7pm for 7.45 start, £10 including tea and biscuits. Raffle tickets £1 to win any of the flowers.
Jean Schofield, President WFC
News from Matt Boughton, Councillor
At the Annual General Meeting of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council in May, a significant change was made to the way planning applications are determined across the borough. For more than 50 years, planning applications have been considered by one of three Area Planning Committees. Our area fell within Area 2, covering communities from our area, around West Malling through to Borough Green and Ightham. These committees allowed locally elected councillors to play a direct role in planning decisions affecting their communities.
However, new Government regulations mean these committees have now been abolished. The Government has introduced a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions and a requirement that planning committees must have no more than 13 members. The former Area Planning Committees all had 14 members each or more.
The regulations also introduce a new approach to determining planning applications. Smaller applications, including householder developments, minor commercial proposals and residential developments of up to nine homes, can now only be decided by planning officers under delegated powers. There is no ability for any Planning Committee to take a decision on these schemes.
Only larger applications, generally those involving ten or more dwellings, may be referred to a planning committee, subject to specific criteria. For the largest planning applications (150 dwellings or more) all the Council will do is make a recommendation, the Secretary of State has given himself the power to decide these. As a result, Tonbridge & Malling has established a single Planning Committee made up of 13 councillors from across the borough. This committee will determine those applications that meet the new criteria. We are pleased Sarah has been appointed as one of the 13 members.
It is important to note that the Government's regulations will come into force nationally on 31 October 2026. However, the single Planning Committee comes into force now. Had the Council not acted quickly to shape what it could from the committee, the changes would have been imposed in October.
In our view, this represents a significant reduction in local democratic involvement in the planning process. Planning decisions shape the future of villages like ours, and there should be local democratic involvement in this process. We believe residents should have a strong local voice in decisions that affect their area, but sadly it is now harder for that voice to be heard. We will continue working to ensure we can influence development proposals within the new system.
Matt Boughton, Leader, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Councillor for East Peckham, West Peckham, Mereworth and Wateringbury
TESTON AND WATERINGBURY PRESCHOOL
As we approach the end of the school year, it is with mixed emotions that we prepare to bid farewell to our children who will be leaving us to go to primary school in September. While it is always difficult to see them and their families leave, we take great pride in the care and nurturing we have provided during their time with us. This transition is an emotional time for our staff, but we extend our heartfelt best wishes to these children for their continued educational journey.
We are currently preparing end-of-year reports for all the children and welcoming teachers to our pre-school to meet those starting with them in September. The children are also practising for our sports day on Friday 3rd July on Teston Village Green.
This year marks our 60th anniversary since opening in 1966—an extraordinary milestone for a small village pre-school. Join us after sports day on 3rd July from 11am on Teston Village Green for a tombola, cake stall, marble run, hook-a-duck, coconut shy and bumper raffle. All are welcome.
As the school year ends, we would like to thank Chris Douglass and the village hall committee for their continued support. We would also like to thank Teston Farm Shop for providing high-quality, locally produced fresh fruit for the children’s snacks throughout the year.
We still have a few places left for September enrolment so if you would love your child to be part of this amazing pre-school family please contact:
Tina Driver: 07805796353
testonpreschooladmissions@gmail.com Find us on Facebook too
Wateringbury Rainbows
Rainbows have been busy since half term with lots of team work and games for our various badge activities. We planted seeds to hopefully brighten up the HQ garden. Our Young Leader, Arctic Fox, is doing her Queen's Guide Award and helped lead activities all about horse riding which she is doing as part of her personal development challenge. We had lots of fun and riding games with our hobby horses. Our Rainbow helper, Tiger, is completing her Guide Gold Award and challenged herself to lead us all in some drumming using old sweets tubs. We will round off this term with a visit to Ightham Mote and a Teddy Bear's Picnic after our awards and promise ceremonies. For more information about us contact: WateringburyRainbows@outlook.com
WATERINGBURY GUIDES
Our trip to Lower Grange Farm was great fun with the girls thoroughly enjoying body zorbs and climbing. Some of the girls were nervous but with plenty of encouragement they pushed themselves outside their comfort zone and came home buzzing with their achievements. One of our leaders – Emily, has just got married and the girls had a great time dressing the bride and decorating wedding cakes for her guide hen night.
Some of us went to Blacklands, East Grinstead for KWAC – Kent Weald Activity Camp over the May bank holiday weekend and we absolutely roasted. It was not ideal camping conditions, but we made the best of it with most of the activities in the shade. We tried Leap of Faith, Low Ropes, Bushcraft, wide games, bungee trampolining, gladiator challenge and a ‘silent’ disco. It’s a bizarre experience with lots of girls all wearing headphones listening to the music but nobody else can hear it, but the girls are singing at the top of their voices! They loved it.
We had a calmer week with home-made skin care and face masks, along with mocktails and we have a canal boat weekend for the older girls very shortly. More on this next month. Fingers crossed for the weather.
If you have a daughter who would love to join these activities, there are still spaces in Brownies (aged 7-10), and a few in 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.
Wateringbury Surgery
We receive anonymous feedback from our Friends and Family Test and appreciate patients’ suggestions for improvement
Our response to feedback from May 2026.
We have reviewed our telephone welcome message and shortened it. We have setup messages for repeat prescriptions and test results to be played whilst on hold.
Patients do not need to listen to the full recorded message; you can press 1 or 2 to connect you directly to the Wateringbury or Larkfield Surgery. We also offer a callback facility, so you can retain your place in the queue without needing to wait on the line.
We encourage patients who are able to complete an Anima online form to do so, which ensures that those who cannot access online services can be supported by our reception team over the phone. This helps us use our telephone lines more effectively, particularly during busy periods.
With regard to appointment availability, our GPs now offer 15-minute appointments, which allows time to address more than one issue where appropriate, particularly when problems are related. However, demand for appointments remains very high across all GP practices nationally, which can sometimes lead to delays for routine care.
In terms of calling patients from the waiting room, we have chosen to continue this approach. It enables clinicians to assess mobility and wellbeing as patients walk to the consulting room. It also provides an important opportunity for clinicians to briefly step away from the consultation room between patients, supporting staff wellbeing during long clinic sessions.
Where appropriate, patients will receive test results via text message or, if a discussion is required, a phone call. However, we do not have the resources to ring every patient to give them their results. We encourage patients to use the NHS App, where results and GP comments are available. Patients are informed to check the NHS App at the time of their blood test.
We are committed to continually improving our service and value constructive suggestions from our patients.
Suzanne Large, Practice Manager Tel: 01622 814466
From our MP Tom Tugendhat
Following the heatwave at the end of May there were a number of households who went without water for days, in Mereworth, Platt, Offham and West Peckham.
The water supply issues at the end of May were another instance of appalling performance from South East Water failing to provide basic water supply. Sadly, it isn’t the first time.
These issues require leadership to fix and quite frankly we haven’t seen that coming from the top of South East Water with their CEO due to leave the company ‘at the end of summer’ after repeated outages and mismanagement.
The response on the ground was not any better. Many residents were left without water and without communication about what the situation was and when their water would be back. Access to bottled water was only implemented 36 hours after the water supply ran dry.
So, when it came to my question in Parliament there was a lot that
I had to say. But it came down to the importance of leadership, the lack of investment in infrastructure and the need for a plan for any future outage to continue to provide a service.
The Minister agreed and has said that she will be in contact with South East Water as well as the local resilience forum to ensure that the plans are in place and that they are communicating with Members of Parliament and the council to ensure that they are ready for what may well be another hot summer.
There is also a further question - if we are struggling with our water supply now, how would it cope with future development? Our village is facing some profound questions about future development - anyone who has ever attended one of the meetings run by Matt Boughton, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Leader, will know about that.
If you’d like to be kept up to date with this issue, please send me an email: tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk
ITEMS FOR UKRAINE
The following items are still urgently needed and will be sent to Ukraine directly on a regular basis: Medical human and animal items (part used can be administered to animals). Clean towels, toiletries, good and complete toys, cooking utensils as well as clean clothes and blankets. Thanks for your continued generosity over the last 4 years.
Sue Collins 07875 262659
WATERINGBURY CHURCH SERVICES IN JULY AND AUGUST
Benefice website www.mwwpchurches.org
A friendly welcome awaits you at all Sunday Services which start at 10am and last for about an hour. Each service has an easy to follow booklet. Refreshments are served after these services please stay for a chat if you can.
Saturdays 4th July and 1st August 3-5pm Messy Church (for children and their carers) – Bible Story, Action Songs, Prayer time, lots of crafts and
ending with afternoon tea. All welcome
Sunday 5th July – Morning Praise led by Barry Fisher
Sunday 2nd August – Matins led by Barry Fisher
Sundays 12th July and 9th August - Holy Communion led by Rev Gary Townsend
Sundays 19th July and 16th August - All Age Worship
Sundays 26th July and 23rd August – Benefice Holy Communion with Rev Gary Townsend
Sunday 30th August – Benefice Holy Communion in West Peckham Church led by Rev Gary Townsend
This being the fifth Sunday in the month we take the opportunity to worship in another of the Benefice churches. This will be the only morning service in the Benefice today.
REFRESH – Praise, Prayer and Discussion
26th July - 5-6pm in Mereworth Church
An informal service in which we explore some fundamental questions about the Christian Faith. The topic will be Christian Behaviour Part 5 Hope from C.S. Lewis' book, Mere Christianity.
DAVID GARLAND WRITES
Summer Initiatives
I am writing this piece on a glorious summer’s day, following all our heavy rain. I am a Pastoral Assistant at Wateringbury church and have just started a new prayer initiative. I lead the monthly All age service and really love walking. Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to enjoy walking holidays in the Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps and recently I have started playing table tennis in our Wateringbury club.
I am happily married and have been a Christian most of my life and having two grownup sons and their wives and two grandchildren. Prayer has always been important to me and during my life, I have seen many God co-incidences, which cannot be easily explained. Two bible verses I have tried and tested are: “Cast all your cares on the Lord & he will sustain you” and “Nothing is impossible with God”. …….Yes, I certainly still have ups and downs, but for me it’s all about relying on and trusting God!
The church is open most days from 09:30 for anyone to go in and pray or just enjoy a quite space but if you’d like someone else to be there or even pray with you, you could join me for my new prayer initiative. Every Monday (excluding Bank Holidays) 9.30- 10.00am I’ll be in the church for prayer. This invitation is for anyone who, like me, feels the need for a time of quiet prayer in the church.
If you would like to chat about anything I have said, you will find me in church most Sundays, where you will be made most welcome. And don’t forget I’ll be in church most Monday mornings for half an hour of prayer. Whether you’re a regular at church or not, if you feel the need to pray and would like someone there with you, you’re very welcome to join me.
David Garland - Pastoral Assistant
St John the Baptist Church, Wateringbury
Funeral Services in Wateringbury Church
20th April – Edwin Lawrence Scarlin
10th June – Dennis Patrick Lynch
CHURCH THANKS
Churchyard Plant Sale Many thanks to all who contributed in any way, but especially to Bijou Nursery for their generous plant donations, to this annual event which despite the rain raised £678.50p.
JUNE PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
Ken Hutchinson has been unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of the Council for the coming year and Sarah Hudson will be vice chairman.
Allotments two more plots have become available and it was agreed to have these plots clearly redefined before being rented out. Anyone interested in a plot should contact the Clerk.
Borough and KCC Councillor Sarah Hudson reported that fly tipping continues to be a problem. She had contacted Clarion Housing requesting they clear the pathway which runs parallel to Bow Road of nettles and brambles. KCC has decided to raise the cost of school children’s annual bus passes by £35 per child. The cost of each bus pass to KCC is about £1300. It will be possible to pay monthly.
Christmas Meal For Residents – It was agreed to hold a lunch for residents at The Railway on Monday 7th December. The cost to residents will be £20. Those wishing to attend should contact the Parish Clerk.
Christmas Lights It was unanimously agreed to accept the Gala Lights quote for lights to be erected in Red Hill, Bow Road and Tonbridge Road.
Financial Matters Rebecca Maindonald, the Council’s Responsible Financial Officer attended the meeting on-line since she does not live locally. Detailed discussions took place regarding meeting statutory requirements regarding dates for submission of various documents and returns. A valuation of Parish Council Assets will need to be carried out next year. To meet statutory requirements certain financial documents, need to be available for any interested party to view. Notices to this effect will be placed on the parish website and notices put in the council notice boards in the village. These documents need to be available from 18th June to 9th July.
Planning Recent applications considered by Councillors
The North Pole Inn, 434 Red Hill, Wateringbury, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BJ.
Change of use and conversion of existing public house outbuilding to 3x ancillary B&B guestrooms (Class C1) to include internal alterations and addition of fenestration.
5 The Orpines: Lawful Development Certificate for proposed work including removal of garage door and door between garage and house. Installation of windows at ground floor level removal of external staircase and installation of bi-folding doors to rear.
QE2 Playing Fields
Boundary Fence with the School is in need of replacement. This legally is the responsibility of the School who have asked if the Parish Council would be able to contribute to the costs. Councillors agreed to obtain quotes and they will then be able to make an informed decision.
Multi-Use Gym Equipment Following a site meeting with equipment providers discussions took place about the options available and the siting at the fields. More information is needed before a decision can be made.
Play equipment Inspections have been carried out and 2 quotes have been received for the repairs needed.
The track from Fields Lane had several potholes and it was agreed to obtain quotes for these to be filled.
Next meeting is Tuesday 21st July at 7.30pm in the Hall upper room.
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