The Lyminge Association wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. We look forward to producing many more interesting Newsletters and thanks to all our advertisers and contributors for their support. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our faithful band of deliverers who go out in all weathers to provide you with local information. THANK YOU ALL!

Will Father Christmas be visiting you on Wednesday 21st December? He will certainly be in and around Lyminge on that evening. Look out for the elves who go along to help him as he is very busy at this time of the year. Don't forget Father Christmas may be hungry and thirsty - he usually has lots of children (and grown-ups) to visit and might not have had time for tea! Let's hope you all receive something you really want and don't forget to write those thank you letters as soon as possible afterwards.

Please clearly label and drop off parcels at Haxton's or Stenning's during their opening hours before 5 pm on the 20th December. There is a charge of one pound. If you would like Father Christmas to visit early for small children please advise us when depositing the parcels.

Remembrance Day
On Friday 11th November at 11am we remembered the soldiers, sailors and airmen who gave their lives in the two wars, also those who have since given their lives for us in conflict.
In Lyminge the children from the primary school came to the service at the War Memorial and laid crosses for each of the members of the forces whose names appear on the memorial, it was a very moving ceremony and one which we're sure will remain in everyone's thoughts.
Sincere thanks to the Rector and Mrs Steel, deputy headteacher of the school and staff for their help and assistance.
The Elham Valley Branch of the Royal British Legion in Lyminge collected £1,372.47, including the collection in the church on Remembrance Sunday. With grateful thanks, well done.
Alan Boughton and John Bain, Royal British Legion

Lyminge Library News
By Jane Pace (The Librarian)
Due to window replacements, woodwork and guttering repairs the library will be CLOSED from Monday 12th December. REOPENING Thursday 22nd December 9.00 - 12.00 & 2.30 - 7.00. Sorry for the inconvenience. Books will be stamped until after Christmas and extra can be taken if required.
The first reading group meeting went very well. This month the group has chose: The End of the Affair by Graham Greene. Next month it is The Constant Gardner by John Le Carre. The next meeting is on 6th December 10.30 am.
A reminder you can also recycle your printer cartridges here, put them in the box in the porch. This benefits Christchurch Children's Project, a Folkestone based charity that provides support for children with special needs in Shepway.

Acknowledgement & Gratitude
Betty Guy 4th August 1923 - 29th October 2005
The family of Betty, husband Jim (Roly), children Peter and Judy, sister Peggy Banks and brother Ron Hook (from Canada) would sincerely like to thank Betty's many friends for their cards, love, support and generous donations to The Pilgrims Hospice.
Betty lived in the vicinity of Lyminge for over 60 years. She had worked in the local doctor's surgery and then at St Mary's, Etchinghill, until her retirement.
Her love of Lyminge and its people was shown in her enthusiasm for her voluntary work which included delivery of meals on wheels, flowers lady at Lyminge Church, bed making at St Mary's and helping out at Age Concern.
The large congregation at The Service of Thanksgiving for her life paid tribute to a much loved woman who will be sadly missed by many.
Thank you. James R Guy

Where have all "the flowers" gone?
by Katie Guy
Do you remember our Sunday schools which were an intrinsic part of our lives, as we, of my generation, grew up? The last Sunday school in Romney Marsh closed recently, which has happened in to many places of our childhood days.
There are many good dedicated people who are happy to offer to our children a safe, secure and interesting life. Our children today have other interests and hobbies. Where do they hear the lovely stories of Jesus and his goodness? There is a difference in that we are now a multicultural country aware that other faiths exist, with the same purpose in life and with the same rights and responsibilities.
We enjoyed our Sunday school days for all manner of reasons such as companionship with friends, dressing up in 'Sunday best', singing and listening to age-old and modern Bible stories, with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss matters which could influence our own thinking and lives.
Our parents may have looked forward to the Sunday school hour as it 'took the children from under their feet' in the knowledge that they would be with people who cared that their children should grow up aware of the Bible and its teachings. One of many reasons given!
Of course Sundays are different and more so in the light of Sunday shop opening hours, due to be extended making for 'Sunday shopping' instead of Sunday school precedence, and valid reasons are offered.
Think of the lovely stories of Sunday school days! My friend was walking alone the sands of Dymchurch, at peace with the world, and aware of his foot prints in the sand. He came upon a protruding rock where the footprints ceased as he negotiated the potential barriers.
"Oh, what to do," asked my friend. "Where are the footsteps? Why am I alone?"
"Not so," returned a voice. "You are not alone when the footsteps were not visible, I was carrying you. You were safe."

Your Letters

Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to the notice which was posted in last month's newsletter about the behaviour of the pupils from the Folkestone School for girls who travel on the no. 17 bus. I think that it is fairer to judge situations such as these from an alternate point of view and although I do not believe I was one of the girls acting inappropriately in this incident, I was present and know the girls well. I do not believe it was necessary to write two letters of complaint, addressing all of the pupils from our school who travel on this bus, when the situation applies to three individuals. I find it even more unnecessary to publish a complaint such as this in the local newsletter, presenting us all in a bad light, after already informing our Head teacher and personally addressing the girls involved.

While not everyone agrees with some of the letters published on this page, this Newsletter is a place for people to express their opinions, whether we agree with them or not. This is why we publish all letters and responses.

Dear Editor:
On behalf of Lyminge Village Hall Fundraising Committee, I would like to thank everyone who came and supported our annual Bonfire Night and Firework Display. Every year we aim to make it a safe, exiting and spectacular event, and this year was no exception. Unfortunately if the proposed skate park facility goes ahead, we will not be able to carry on with our tradition, as there will be no space left on Jubilee Field. Without fundraising events such as Bonfire Night and Lyminge Day, the village hall will close, and all the clubs and societies that use the hall will have to find somewhere else to go. So it was interesting to read in last month's newsletter that the Pre-School are so in favour of the skate-park development; perhaps they are planning to become free-range!
Steve Huntley

Like many in the village I appreciate the hard work the Lyminge Village Hall Fundraising Committee does to benefit our community. I too enjoyed bonfire night. However, I am sure there must be a way to have both a skate park and a bonfire night. A skate park seems to be a desired facility, and as this is an important issue for everyone in our village perhaps others would like to respond? Graham Caldow

RHODES MINNIS TODDLER GROUP
Come and join our small, friendly group and have a tea/coffee while your children play. We are at Rhodes Minnis Village Hall from 10am –2 noon every Thursday during term time.
Everyone welcome – Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Friends.
Ring Elaine on 863096 if you need further details.

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER
NEW YEAR PARTY
Saturday 21st January 2006
7.30pm
LYMINGE VILLAGE HALL
Come prepared to
• take part in inpromptu entertainment
• join a bring and share supper
• have fun
ALL WELCOME

SAMUEL JACOB HAIR SALON
Sara, Helen Sue, Jackie, Sharon, Amy and Jessica would like to wish our clients a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy, Bright New Year.

Etchinghill Village Hall
New Year SOCIAL SUPPER
Our third supper will be held on
Saturday 28th January from 7.00pm
This is a very enjoyable evening and all are welcome.
Everyone brings an item towards the three-course meal – first course provided
(bring a bottle for own consumption)
Come alone or bring a friend(s)
Good conversation – excellent food – book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are just £1.50 for more information and to book a place
Phone Pam 01303 862501 (eve) or Daphne 862172.

In Aid of Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Saturday 3rd December 10am – 1pm
at
Lower Hardres Village Hall, Nr Canterbury
(turn side of the Granville Pub on B2068)
FATHER CHRISTMAS
Tombola * Large Raffle * Gifts * Books * Videos
Toy Bargains * Home-made Jams & Cakes
Bring a Tin of Pet Food for free raffle ticket
Admission by donation
01303 862622

CHRISTMAS FAIR
at
ELHAM VILLAGE HALL
3rd December
10am – 2pm
Father Christmas
Fruit & Vegetables Gifts Refreshments
Meat Pet Foods Cards
Jams Raffle
Pickles Cakes Tombolas
White Elephant Toys
Tel: 01303 893401
Friends of St Martin’s Church, Acrise

COACH & HORSES
Church Road, Lyminge
01303 862694
KARAOKE NIGHT 10th DECEMBER
BINGO NIGHT 14th DECEMBER
MEALS NOW BEING SERVED THURSDAY – SUNDAY
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY….DISCO & BUFFET …
£5.00 A TICKET
We would like to say a big thankyou to everyone who has supported and encouraged us in our challenge over the past 6 months. The refurbishments are almost complete. The feedback we have received has been greatly appreciated, the big talking point being the new toilets !!!!!!
COMING VERY SOON…….SUNDAY ROASTS
Please call for details

LYMINGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Tuesday 6th December 2005
TALK on TREASURE TROVE FOR THE HISTORIAN
For the final Talk in 2005 we are fortunate to welcome the Manager of the Kent C.C.’s East Kent Archives Centre at Whitfield, Dover, Alison Cable, who will Talk on the Treasure Trove for the Historian to be found in the Kent Archives at Maidstone, Canterbury and Dover. The Methodist Hall will be open from about 7.05pm. Members and Visitors should arrive between 7.15 and 7.45pm when proceedings will commence.
Non-Members and visitors are welcome to attend at £2. per person. Tea and coffee will be provided, with festive nibbles’ after the Meeting when time is available to talk to the Speaker and for discussion. Any queries to Mary Button on 862371 or to Bob Gay on 862574

Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent
Wed 7th Dec
Xmas Coffee Morning Usual stalls plus seasonal surprise offerings. Lots of fun with bumper Raffle. Trinity Church Hall, Sandgate Road, Folkestone.
10am to noon

Have a break from Xmas jobs
never been, not been for a while
 come & join us for an evening of
Ballroom, Latin & Salsa General Dancing
on Thursday 15th December 2005
7.30-10.00pm
Etchinghill Village Hall
Adults £5, 12-16 years £4
Accompanied Children under 12 £3
Details: phone Lynn on
01303 279504/07967979610

PRAM SERVICE: Our monthly service for pre-school children will be held on 1ST DECEMBER starting at 2pm in the Church. The service will finish in plenty of time to collect older children from school.

CHURCH OFFICE
Open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Tel: 862345

RHODES MINNIS METHODIST CHURCH
This small Chapel in beautiful countryside surroundings holds a weekly Sunday Service normally at 9.30am
Followed by coffee and biscuits
A warm welcome is extended to any visitors
The Preachers for December are: -
4th December Rev. John Lines
(Holy Communion)
11th December Mrs Ruth Leutner
18th December Mr David Foreman

Food for Your Soul
Audio tapes and messages from Grace Chapel in Folkestone available free of charge or by post. The messages deal with the main themes of the Bible in an easy to follow manner and are suitable for all.
Tel: Tom Drion on 01303 252527(ans/phone Or 07834 277307(mobile)

LYMINGE METHODIST CHURCH
Family worship takes place every Sunday at 11am Including Challengers for young people
Visitors are very welcome and invited to share fellowship after the Service and a cup of tea/coffee
Sunday 4th December – 11am Service includes Holy Communion.
Friday 23rd December – 7pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day – 11am Service conducted by our Lay Worker, Dudley Shipton
Come & Celebrate
Monday Fellowship weekly 2.30 – 3.30pm (except Bank Holidays)
For Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals, please contact the Minister, Rev Derek Hancock.
Tel: 01303 266281

Saturday 10th December – 7.30pm
Kent Police Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert Programmes £5. From Chris Blanche (863832) or the Post Office. The boat is on its way to the Sudan and our sincere thanks again for the wonderful support, raising over £2000.

LYMINGE PRE-SCHOOL
We are a friendly, experienced pre-school with opening hours 9 – 3pm every weekday and operate in term time.
Our latest OFSTED report, where were given the highest results, said “the teaching is of high quality, staff work positively and enthusiastically with all children, encouraging them to be confident, independent and very self-assured”. We hold our sessions at the Lyminge Village Hall, Woodlands Road.
Please feel free to pop in for a visit at any time for a chat and a coffee! Or telephone Julie on 01303 862634 or Lynn on 01303 862831 Email address Lymingepreschool@aol.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
 

RHODES MINNIS VILLAGE HALL
Are you looking for a hall in which to hold practice sessions, private party/function or meeting?
Rhodes Minnis Village Hall has the capacity to take parties of up to 100 and has kitchen facilities at no extra cost.
Rates: Sun – Fri £12.00 per session £30.00 per day. Sat £18.00 per session £25.00 evening session £48.00 per full day .
Session Times:
AM session 8.30am – 12.30pm
PM session 1.30pm – 5.30pm
Evening 6.00pm – 11.45pm
A £25.00 returnable deposit is payable in advance. Electricity will be charged at 10p per unit. Regular users will be given a special reduced rate.
For further details contact Mick or Dorothy Athow

LYMINGE METHODIST CHURCH
HALL HIRE
Hall
1 June to 30 September £5 per hour
£17 per 4 hour session
£32 full day
1 October to 31 May £7 per hour
£24 per 4 hour session
£42 full day (includes heating)
Parlour
£4.50 per hour all year with use of Electric over heaters if required
Overnight Stays
1 June to 30 September £30
1 October to 31 May £40
(Including heating)
 Contact Mrs J. Strange
01303 863039 for bookings

Sibton Park Cricket Pavilion Club
Having a party? Need a local venue?
Why not take advantage of Sibton Park Cricket Club’s lovely pavilion?
We have a bar with club price drinks & friendly, efficient staff.
There is capacity for up to 100 guests. For further information or to make a booking please
Contact Lesley Kirk, tel 01303 862366
email address lesley@invervcot.fsnet.co.uk 

Lyminge Village Hall
Built for us all to use
Birthday Parties only £12.00 weekday afternoons (bring your own paper plates and cups)
Friday night could be quiz nights £45.00
Fundraising? At our popular Saturday nights £45.00.
Club Room for smaller functions from £11.00
Committee venue needed? £7.00
Give Jacqui Storey a call on 862044 to discuss

Lyminge Bowls Club
Our new and well- equipped pavilion is available for hire where you may
• Celebrate weddings, anniversaries or birthdays
• Hold fund-raising events, such as quizzes and bingo
• Stage a family reunion or other special occasion
Fully licensed bar with drinks at ‘club prices’
Catering available if required. Call 862855

RHODES MINNIS EVENING CIRCLE
At our November meeting we welcomed visitors and members alike. We were entertained by Peter Vincent who reminisced with his memories of dairy farming life in Kent man and boy. We were shown a selection of lovely slides of his dairy herd, sadly no longer in existence, there was even a picture of triplet calves, a very rare sight.
The competition – a farm animal was won by Ann Laker.
We shall be holding our Christmas Party on the 14th December 2005 at the Rhodes Minnis Village Hall at 7pm.
The competition for this meeting is a “Favourite Fridge Magnet.”
We look forward to seeing you all there.

LYMINGE GARDENERS SOCIETY
Our last meeting of the year was our A.G.M. where the election of Officers was as follows: -
President Mr Chris Blanche
Chairman Mr Peter Taylor
Vice-Chairman Mr John Parker
Treasurer Mrs Chris Guyett
Secretary Mrs Diane Long
Show Secretary Mrs Marjorie Joyce
Committee En Bloc
It was decided to increase the Membership fee to £5.00 per year to take into consideration affiliation to the Royal Horticultural Society and Insurance should any of our members have an accident when on outings organised by Lyminge Gardeners Society
Our first meeting for 2006 will be on Tuesday 21st March when Mrs Jackie Holt, Landscape Gardener, will present slides and a talk on ‘Planning a Garden’

HO! HO HO!
Elham Valley Lions’
Father Christmas visit to Lyminge
Father Christmas will be making his annual pre-Christmas visit to Lyminge on Saturday 17th. December, so remember to listen out for him. As usual your local Lions Club will be collecting for funds to enable them to give Christmas parcels to elderly people this Christmas.
We have 16 visits to make in December and would welcome help with collecting from any members of the public. If you can spare just a few hours please ring Neil Hope on 01303 862837.
Our visits include:
Stelling Minnis and Bossingham
Wed 7th. Dec. from 5.30 p.m.
Sellindge
Sun 11th. Dec.from 4.30 p.m
Etchinghill & Postling
Tue 13th.Dec. from 5.30.
Elham
Thu. 15th. Dec from 5.30 p.m.
Hawkinge
Fri 16th, Mon 19th & Tue 20th Dec. from 5.30 p.m.
Lyminge
Sat 17th Dec. from 4.30 p.m.
Thanks for your support in 2005

Demelza House
The annual coffee morning for Demelza House held on 22nd October raised a wonderful £671.60. The name of the bear was “Sam” and was won by James Hopper.
On behalf of the children and families at Demelza House a big ‘thank you’ to Sibton Park Cricket Club, to all our willing helpers and to those who supported us.

ETCHINGHILL W.I.

As we approach our A.G.M. we can look on a very happy and successful year. All events such as outings, coffee mornings and cream teas have proved very popular. We are very proud of being renowned for the lovely teas that we have at the end of meetings. Always a scrumptious spread.
Several members went to the Federation Day at the Rare Breeds Centre. One of the speakers told us of the work put into the centre by the Canterbury Oast Trust, a most informative day, which ended with a delicious lunch. There was then time to look around the grounds and observe what wonderful work is done there.
The overall competition winner for the year was Mary Hickmott who will be presented with the cup when it has been engraved.
At our November meeting we were joined by Mrs Bexton a V.C.O. for our A.G.M. Joy Bartley was elected our new President with Barbara Syrett and Gill Le Cras as Vice Presidents. Our new Secretary is Dottie Cross and Treasurer Anne Morgan. The November competition was won by Barbara Syrett.
Our next meeting will be on 13th December when we will have our Christmas Party. The trading stall is to be anything “ Christmassy” and the competition is for a home-made Christmas card.
We send Greetings to all readers of the Lyminge newsletter

ETCHINGHILL VILLAGE HALL

NEW YOUTH CLUB

After a very encouraging level of interest at our recent Annual General Meeting, we are optimistic that a new Youth Club will be established at the Village Hall early in the New Year.
We have had an excellent response from local adults willing to supervise the sessions and the interest from local youngsters already suggests that the venture will be well supported – with a likely age range of 8 upwards.
In response to enquiries from Lyminge area, we would like to clarify that the Club will not be exclusively for Etchinghill youngsters and we will welcome interest from anywhere in the Parish. So, if you would like to volunteer as a helper (about once every six weeks) or would simply like to register an interest on behalf of you children as possible members, please give us a call – Andrew/Tina on 01303 863181

HALL & EQUIPMENT HIRE

For that family party or Xmas celebration, remember that the Hall hire charges are from £13 per session – including kitchen, heating, crockery, cutlery and glassware. Maybe you are having lots of visitors over Xmas – then why not hire any extra tables and chairs that you will need!

PLEASE SPONSOR THE PIRATE POSSE!

A brave group of Valley dwellers and myself have decided to quite literally take the plunge, entering ourselves for the Folkestone Lions Club Charity Boxing Day Dip. On Monday 26th December, rather than relaxing and letting our Christmas Turkey digest, we will be dressing-up as pirates and splashing into the bracing English Channel along with many other charity fundraisers. The Lions Club have organised this traditional event for a number of years and for 2005 have chosen to give the money raised to "Home Start Shepway" and "Headway" brain injury association. On request, half the sponsor money of individual fundraisers can be donated to a nominated cause or charity, so we have decided to give half of our sponsorship to the Lyminge skatepark fund to complete the inspired efforts of Mrs Eileen Hall. Obviously we would love to hear from anyone who would like to sponsor us, as well as anyone else who fancies joining in with us. Every £1 sponsorship will give you a chance to win a bottle of bubbly! Come and support us on the day at The Sunny Sands, Folkestone (just along from the fish markets). Registration is 10-11am, fancy dress parade at 11am and The Dip at 11.15am. There will be a Local Band, Local radio and Folkestone Herald coverage and Hot Toddy's served. Please post any sponsor money (with your name for the draw) To Pam Wooding at Dane Rise, Dog Kennel Lane, Lyminge, CT18 8ER any time up until the 26th Dec. Thank you!