Excerpt: Notes of an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of The Lyminge Association
– Monday 13th November 2006
By Liz Coleman

Introduction Linda Willcox, the acting Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting, which had been called because lack of attendance of the AGM held on 17th September had left the Association without a functioning committee. Linda encouraged the meeting to consider the Constitution. The Lyminge Association (LA) does much more than produce this Newsletter. The aims and objects were read out. These had been the ideals of the past, but if the population did not want or need the LA to undertake these tasks in the future then changes could be made. In the past, the LA has organised “one-off” events to mark the VE Day, the Royal Jubilee, the Tour de France coming through the village, the Lyminge Festival and so on. But where do we go from here?

It was necessary to qualify the area which the LA covers: the CIVIL parish of Lyminge. This is why the Newsletter is delivered to Etchinghill, Postling and Rhodes Minnis as well as the village of Lyminge. At the September AGM it was apparent that the residents of Etchinghill were not aware of this.

Questions and Statements from the Audience
David Hunt-Cook suggested that the Parish is splintering, especially since Etchinghill became larger and more self-contained with its new village hall. Perhaps the constitution should just cover the village of Lyminge.
     Linda felt that the LA is still needed to cover community events. The LA distributes monies to local organisations. Often these organisations are known to committee members. More monies could be distributed to other local organisations if they did but make a bid to the LA. Despite saying that monies are available people still do not come forward. Jeff Turnbull concurred with this and felt that since monies are distributed to various groups in the area, not just Lyminge village residents, then the LA should still cover the civil parish.
     Wendy Preston (Etchinghill Residents’ Association) said that Etchinghill residents felt excluded. The LA title should be changed, e.g. to the Lyminge Parish Association. (The LA name will be reviewed.)
     Honor Hunt-Cook said that the majority of groups fund-raise themselves. Younger people are not aware of LA and are not involved in local activities. A lower profile results in not so many core members. If an organisation has few core members then there is a limit to what that group can achieve. Den Huntly said that there are only so many people who are “doo-ers” (there will always be a limited pool of people).
     Gareth felt very strongly that the LA suffers from a lack of communication. The more communication about LA activities, the more new blood would be encouraged, he felt. A new resident of the parish concurred with this. He was on holiday when the AGM took place. He knew nothing about what the LA does.
     A resident complained that the flow of letters to the Newsletter from independent sources has dried up. These need to be encouraged.
     Another resident complained that the village is in a mess and asked why people are not doing anything about it.
     Following queries regarding the fund-raising activities of the LA, Linda pointed out that many events are not planned to make a profit, for instance the Charities’ Coffee Morning and the Father Christmas Run. Den Huntley commended the good-will factor events which are good for the village and which do not clash with fund-raising by other clubs and societies.
     There was a complaint from a local businessman that he could not advertise in the Newsletter at the size he wants. He was so “disappointed” about this that he now does not advertise at all. There ensured an explanation as to how the Newsletter is “built” every month. The emphasis is on the “News and Events”, not the advertising. Those business people present felt that more advertising could be accommodated – and that larger adverts would be more effective for them. They would not mind paying more. However, many people felt that the Newsletter should not echo the Hawkinge Advertiser, which was felt to be a boring read. There is a limited distribution of the Newsletter, but Gareth felt that the website was likely to be more powerful. As the meeting was about securing the future of the LA, it was felt that matters concerning the Newsletter and the Website could be better aired at a subsequent sub-committee.

The Future of the Lyminge Association
The LA needs a clear vision for the future if it is to survive. Mike Foxon pointed out that if a core committee was formed eventually, then sub-committees could be created for individual events and tasks to which interested people could join, just for the duration of the event planning. Mike also suggested that the Newsletter could have dedicated correspondents, e.g. for the Environment, for Young People etc.
     Penny asked what sort of time commitment was required. This was difficult to answer as it would depend on the calendar of events which could be selected. In the past the LA committee has met every 6-8 weeks (more frequently when planning a particular event).
     It is obviously very important that any renewed LA should keep communicating its aims and objectives through the medium of the Newsletter. It was felt that there should be more effort put into making sure newcomers to the village know about the LA. Liz Coleman suggested that a coffee morning could be arranged once a month with a talk from a member of the core committee on Lyminge and its association – to include an explanation of the village sign.

If you would like to contribute a few hours a month/year to help make things happen in your community please come along to the next LA committee meeting on Tuesday 12 December at 7:30pm at the Lyminge Village Hall.

LYMINGE YOUTH ACTION FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE PROUD OF

10 Young people along with committee members Glenn Floyd, Pam Wooding, Fiona Lester and Julie Murphy presented their case for funding towards the Jubilee Field Skateboard and leisure facility in October 2005. We were up against 34 groups and organisations from across Kent but our young people were congratulated on the quality and professionalism of their presentation. A combination of power point presentation and spoken contributions from 8 young people before a panel of 13 officials was a daunting prospect. Lyminge Youth beat off the competition and we secured funding of £38,000. Well done James Hussey, Sacha Millen, Daisy Murphy, Joe House, Jason Roberts, Andrew Lester, Brodie Murphy and Hannah Bedford. Without their hard work and skill we could not have achieved this fantastic result. 1 would ask all residents young and old to congratulate these young people. They represented our village well and prove that the majority of young people deserve the facilities we are striving to provide.

LYA have to date raised an impressive £73,000.00 this is a massive achievement and places us well on our way to achieving our goal. We are confident, determined and dependent on a pending grant we are scheduled to commence ground works this winter. We still however, need your support, remember - Together we can!

BOXING DAY DIP 2006
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Following the success of last year's fundraising event organised by Pam Wooding, a group of "mad" young people and adults are dressing as Cowboys & Indians to brave the seas of Folkestone on Boxing Day. We will be raising money for Folkestone Lions Club Charities and half for Lyminge Youth Action. Please support us and other worthy local causes by sponsoring us. Large or small all amounts do count! Forms and collection points kindly provided at Lyminge Coffee Shop and Gills Hardware Lyminge. If you are mad enough to join in or require further information please call Glenn Floyd 01303 862 732 or Pam Wooding 01303 863 283. Remember: Together we can!

Christmas Opening Hours

Please click here for a the opening hours of the businesses
in Lyminge this Christmas and New Year.
 

Join us for a
Christmas Celebration
Jam Tomorrow present
seasonal words and music
With Derek Boughton,
Jane Buss,
Helen Lipton,
Nigel and Cicely Thomas
and the Tim Vinall Trio
Refreshments
In St Mary's at 7.30pm
On Friday 8th December
Tickets £7.50, families £17.50
from PO and Valley Store
Bring your own cushion

Why not visit
The Lord Whisky Centre Tea Rooms
at Rhodes Minnis
Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am - 4pm
 Christmas 3-course Lunch £14.00
Delicious, freshly cooked food
Also Open on Mondays December 4th, 11th and 18th from 12-3pm
For pre-booked Christmas Lunches
Parties Welcome
To book, ring 01303 862349
 

Rudolph has had his annual wash and brush up and he and Father Christmas will be making their annual pre-Christmas visit to Etchinghill and Postling on Tuesday 12th and Lyminge on Saturday 16th. 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 anyone. If you can spare just a few hours please ring Neil on 01303 862837
Our visits include:

Sellindge                                     Sun 3rd. Dec.from 4.30 p.m.
Stelling Minnis and Bossingham    Mon 11th. Dec. from 5.30 p.m.
Etchinghill & Postling                   Tue 12th. Dec. from 5.30 p.m.
Elham                                         Thu. 14th. Dec from 5.30 p.m.
Hawkinge                                    Fri 15th, Mon 18*, Tue 19th ,& Wed 20th Dec. from 5.30 p.m. 
Lyminge                                      Sat 16th Dec. from 4. 30 p.m
                                                  Thanks for your support in 2006

CHRISTMAS BEETLE DRIVE
Come &join us at
Rhodes Minnis Village Hall
Saturday 16 December
Starts at 7.00 pm
Adults £2.00 Children 50p
Includes refreshments.
There will be a raffle

IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH
CHRISTMAS DART KNOCKOUT
Come and enjoy a fun night as a player or supporter.
Enter the RAFFLE and munch the NIBBLES whilst supporting our excellent charity.
at The COACH & HORSES
on Saturday 16th December - 7.30pm
£2.50 entry for players

NEWINGTON VILLAGE HALL
Registered Charity 302812
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
WE PROVIDE THE VENUE & MUSIC
YOU BRING YOUR DRINK & NIBBLES
& HAVE A GOOD TIME!
SUNDAY 31ST DECEMBER
7.30pm 'TIL LATE
TICKETS £5 PER PERSON
Numbers for this event are strictly limited & tickets must be purchased in advance by MONDAY 18th December (there will be no tickets for sale on the door)
FOR TICKETS OR INFO CONTACT:
TERRY & KAREN LLOYD - 277950
 MARK & KIRSTY HOWARD - 272056

SEASONS GREETINGS
FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council would like to wish all residents and visitors to the parish a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the coming year. Recently the perception of people from outside and within our parish must be pretty negative. On the whole however, you will I am sure agree that we do live in a wonderful area that benefits from beautiful countryside, low crime and when it matters, a real sense of community. Take time to look around you and compare your surroundings to more urban centres in Shepway. Reflect on the virtually non existent reports of crime in our area. Recognise that when a real issue arises that has a detrimental effect on our parish the community joins forces and succeeds in reversing negativity. On the whole apart from a few minor issues we do live in a wonderful rjarish and should hold that thought at this festive time.

We should also join in thanking the many residents that give up both large and small amounts of their time for the good of the Parish. We do not always agree and at times some become quite hot under the collar but, on the whole all have good intentions and should be applauded for their commitment.

If you don't like what you see or, disagree with how an event, service or activity is organised take part! The rewards of making a difference are fun, rewarding and help to maintain the area as an excellent place to live in.

Go on, join a club, society or the Parish Council. Protect and develop what matters to you and your community.

LYMINGE CAR PARK FREE

The Parish Council are delighted that Cllr Monk and Shepway District Council have removed all charges on the car park in Lym-inge. The shops and businesses have reported an upturn in business immediately. We received support from Elham, Sellinge and other surrounding villages in our campaign to remove the charges, demonstrating the rural need to maintain a free car park. This will also help to ensure the survival of our local businesses whilst providing accessible services for a wide rural community.

The Parish Council would request on a practical note that all employees of businesses in Lyminge Refrain from parking all day in the car park as this can restrict your customers from parking and subsequently using your business. Well done to all those who campaigned to remove the charges and thank you Cllr Monk and Shepway District Council for listening to your community.

PARISH COUNCIL VILLAGE CLEAN UP

A community spirited group of two Parish Councillors and twelve and a half village residents gave up an hour and a half on Sunday 26th November to have a general tidy of Lyminge Village, The Junior Playground and surrounding areas were given a quick tidy up and sweep. Over sixteen bags of rubbish, wood and weeds from the Junior Play Area were collected. Thank you to all who gave up their time and to little Georgia who was a great leaf picker! We will organise another tidy in February 2007. It has been suggested that we concentrate on an area and really hit it with all we have. We will welcome the helpers this time again but request that more people lend a hand. Unfortunately the School have ended their agreement to empty the lower Tayne Field Bins and unless they re consider we will have to remove the bins permanently. We hope they may reconsider as we cannot arrange any other collection. Watch out for the next clean up session in the February newsletter.

LYMINGE ZEBRA CROSSING
WORK STATION ROAD

The Parish Council are pleased to announce that the much needed Zebra Crossing work is under way. Although this does contribute to the urbanisation of Lyminge Village, the Parish Council have campaigned for this vital safety feature for some time. With the support of our County Councillor Susan Carey Kent County Council have agreed to place a Crossing on Station Road. We did investigate placing the crossing near the shops however, due to traffic safety this would not be possible. The site between Mayfield Road and Wentworth Close will provide a safe crossing for the elderly residents of the village, people visiting the Doctors Surgery, Age Concern and also provide a safe crossing for children going to school from Lyminge and Etchinghill. This should also act as a further traffic calming measure for the Village of Lyminge. Providing a safe link between Etchinghill and Lyminge takes a step forward. Broad Street House footpath update to follow shortly.
 

CONTACTS & FUTURE MEETINGS