CHARITIES FAIR
The Lyminge Association will once again be hosting the Charities Fair in the Village Hall on Saturday 4th March 2006 from 9.00am - 2 noon. Charities wishing to book a table for this event should telephone Mary Bennett on 01303 863057

THE LYMINGE MULTI-TERRAIN RUN/FUN RUN
SATURDAY 11th MARCH 2006
Beat the blues and think about improving fitness and losing those extra pounds we all put on over the winter. Watch his space for further details in the February newsletter

Thank You From Ezra Fryer-Kelsey
I'd like to write and thank everyone who recently contributed towards my new Pacer Gait Trainer. It's a really smart, lightweight walker that means I can stand tall in the playground with my friends.
My mum says it will keep me healthier for longer as it keeps me upright to keep my chest clear and helps with my muscles by aiding my mobility.
 Everyone includes all those at Lyminge Primary School (both friends and parents), the local Church and Lions, the Bowling Club and the Rotary Club.
So thank you all once again and from me to you I wish you all to Keep Happy and Healthy for the New Year.
Love Ezra xxx.
 

Your Letters

Dear Editor:
I would just like to say how great it is to hear about the recreational facility that is in the process of planning. I think this is a great idea and exactly what we kids of Lyminge need. In this growing time of fast food and fat kids it's perfect for us all to keep active and make new friends who share the same interests. I really hope this all goes through, as so far, there is no place in Lyminge for us all to hang out safely and without annoying other people. I would love to prove to people that we "youths" are not bad people we just need a place for you to hide us!
This area would be good for everyone as the young kids could play in the Adventure Playground, older kids in the Skate Park, all whilst their parents could use the Cycle and Fitness Track or, simply watch their kids having the time of their lives.
I think the facility would be great for Lyminge and the people in it.
A Youth!
Name & Address Supplied

Dear Editor:
Lyminge Youth Action has submitted plans to fully utilise an area in the village designated and acquired for the recreational use of ALL residents of Lyminge and its Parish. In partnership with the Parish Council and with the authority of Parish Plan results, a Public meeting and extensive communication via the newsletter (Parish News) we feel the vast majority of residents both young and old alike support our exciting Leisure Facility Plans. The facilities will provide a much-needed focal point and activity centre for an enormous number of people and age ranges. Our County Councillor and ward representative Cllr Susan Carey; The Play Group, The Church, Police, Kent Community Warden and the Full Parish Council have fully supported this application recognising the need to provide high quality leisure facilities whilst contributing and enhancing our village for all members of the community.
Unfortunately any innovative plan such as this will not please every resident and unfounded fear and prejudices raise their heads. A "not in my back yard" mentality has been voiced by a minority of residents in Woodlands Road and their concerns have been noted and steps taken to minimise the concerns raised.
I was disappointed to read The Chair of the Village Hall letter last month as we have met with him and the fundraising committee of the Village Hall where he agreed that Lyminge Day would continue and that we would need to discuss Bonfire Night further to allow this excellent event to also take place. I'm sure that the Parish Council and Lyminge Youth Action will hold discussions with the Village Hall and be able to resolve this unfounded concern.
Lyminge Youth Action intend to hold family days and other events on Jubilee Field next year and will endeavour to ensure that a full range of activities are available to young people in the village over the summer holidays 2006.
We will need to raise a considerable amount of money to facilitate these facilities and will welcome the continued support of the majority of residents in the Parish.
Glenn Floyd
Chairman Lyminge Youth Action

Dear Editor:
I agree with Mr Caldow when he states there appears to be a feeling by residents that a skate park and possibly a tennis court would be a desirable asset to the village community. But these facilities should be provided without adversely affecting other very successful programmes we have running in the village, namely Lyminge Day and the Fireworks.
Also I am confused regarding the situation of the proposed cycle track. I note the plans submitted include a cycle track. But the minutes of the Parish Council meeting of the 26th September specifically states they have plans to implement Bye Laws banning (I quote) "no motorised vehicles - music, cycling, ghetto blasters, on Jubilee Field."
To overcome the number of concerns expressed by residents I suggested a way forward would be as follows. A couple of representatives from the various interested organisations in the village i.e. Village Hall, Bowls Club, Lyminge Youth Action, Dramatic Society, Residents adjoining Jubilee Field, Sibton Park Cricket Club, Lyminge Association, etc, all get together and thrash out an acceptable compromise plan to accommodate ALL the required facilities for the village. I believe a suitable chairman for this forum would be Mr David Monk, provided he could be persuaded to take on the role. Then whatever democratic compromise plan agreed could be taken to the Parish Council, who would have a true consensus of opinion for all residents, prior to making their final decision.
Some residents might argue this was agreed at the Public Meeting of the 5th August, but most residents were not aware of this meeting until the August Newsletter was delivered, probably the 2nd/3rd August. This of course was insufficient notice of such an important meeting They certainly would have not been aware of the full impact until the plans had been prepared. Nor would they have been made aware of the full impact until the plans had been prepared. Nor would they have been made aware that our K.C.C. representative was supporting an application of £20,000 in grant aid in spite of a predicted increase in Council Tax of 8% for next year.
R. Gore

Dear Editor:
I would firstly like to v congratulate the Village Hall committee for another excellent Bonfire Night. Fireworks to music have been tried before at other locations but not with the success we enjoyed in Lyminge this year. Now I wish to address the debacle envisaged for the area behind the Village Hall and raise the following points:
1. Who is going to manage and maintain this proposed project?
2. Who are the trustees of the Charity carrying out the fund raising for this project?
3. Why are there no security cameras being fitted?
4. Is there a vandal proof cash box to be fitted at the Tennis Court?
5. How is the Skateboard Park to be soundproofed? (See Kentish Express 27th October 2005)
6. What practical physical steps are to be taken to prevent motor bikes and quad bikes using the cycle track? This is a problem we have already experienced.
7. Is the underground tunnel a good idea considering that needles have already been found behind the Village Hall?
8. When is the Chairman of the Parish Council going to acknowledge my letter regarding these proposals, sent to him on September 2005?
9. Finally, are the proposals of this scheme hoping to gain benefit, and perhaps some form of recognition from some higher authority.
J. Fentiman

Dear Editor:
I am glad that in last month's Newsletter you asked for a response to the letter from the Chair of the Village Hall Fund Raising Committee about future outdoor events at the Village Hall. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is pleased to respond.
The PCC is 100% behind the proposals to create a leisure facility behind the Village Hall. The plans drawn up are both imaginative and creative and will appeal to all ages to provide much needed opportunities for families as well as individuals to enjoy outdoor activities. To limit the criticism to the skate board facility is to demonstrate a disregard for the other activities on offer. Of course the Pre-School will enjoy the cycle track and the play area, just as teenagers will enjoy the 5-a-side pitch and the skateboard ramps, and some adults will enjoy the tennis court. It will also be a very pleasant place to sit for all ages.
Lyminge has a reputation for NOT being united as a village community and this divisiveness is so unnecessary and counter productive. The whole ethos of wanting to live in a village is to enjoy working together for the greater good. The Parish Plan asked us all what was needed - and overwhelmingly this was activities for young people, with the skateboard facility being number 1. A group of people have got together to start making this a reality, and deserve full support.
Let's aim to provide a first class facility which we can be proud of. St Nicholas Fair has been a great event to unify us all pre-Christmas. All ages, varied activities, and Lyminge Youth Action are right in there raising money. Let's share our collective talents and start building relationships which promote village life for all. Bonfire Night and Lyminge Day should not be affected if we work together to find a way. It would be really good if the Village Hall Fund Raising Committee was to lead from the front and offer their support to this new venture on their doorstep.
I am writing on behalf of the PCC and as a committee member of Lyminge Youth Action.
Jenny Tomlinson

Sitting on the Fence
by Katie Guy

Of course no one is accusing a school en masse of being badly behaved in a public area. The school in question has traditional high standards in all aspects.
Last week I asked a boy - he was quite large -if he would like his mother to use the seat next to my own, where he had placed his feet. He ignored my comment but 2 girls observed and spoke to him. He moved his feet from the seat quite reasonably.
There are always examples of young people acting well to compensate for the less considerate. Hopefully the good students will prevail, and manage it without aggression. I admire the action of the students who cared enough for the good name of their school to try to make amends for any lapse in standards, and also for their courtesy in offering apologies where due.
We may need to be reminded, as in this case, that the school children have been working hard and concentrating for several hours, and they enjoy meeting and chatting with their friends. It is good to witness their joy and shared good spirits.
Contrast this with the life of the children in say the Sudan, Nigeria, Columbia and so many other places. Yet, in spite of the many privileges on hand for them, it is a fact that our children are growing up in a difficult world with many problems facing them, and they will need all the understanding and encouragement possible. May 2006 bring happy and comfortable travelling for all of us. Happy New Year to all people!

St Nicholas Fair 2005

Thank you to everyone who came to St Nicholas Fair on December 10th, for braving the freezing temperatures to be entertained, wined and dined, and to spend your hard earned cash on all the stalls! This year we raised a magnificent £3,000 on the day. A special thank you to the stall holders who worked for months to make and bake and create such tempting crafts and goodies, to the St Nicholas Band who fiddled and drummed and sang for us, to St Nicholas Players who reminded us what the medieval players were like, to Offcundums who danced for us, and to those who were up at 5 in the morning to prepare the hog roast for us to eat at lunch time.
The plans for 2006 are taking shape and it promises to be DIFFERENT! Think of a Christmas market - which you would have to go a long way to enjoy - right here in Lyminge! With all the familiar St Nicholas Fair character, but bigger and better and with every village organisation able to be involved if they want to? Watch this space for information on how your organisation could be involved.
St Nicholas Fair Steering Committee 2005
 

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

JANUARY BEETLE DRIVE
Come & join us at
Rhodes Minnis Village Hall
Saturday 28 January
Starts at 7.00pm
Adults £2.00
Children 50p
Includes refreshments
There will be a raffle

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.

ST. MARY & ST. ETHELBURGA. LYMINGE.
SERVICES FOR JANUARY

PLEASE NOTE: The Thursday morning Holy Communion services will in future be held at 10.30am. If you are not able to get to one of the Sunday services of Holy Communion, but are free on a Thursday morning, please do come along. It is hoped that this later time will enable more people to attend.

SUN 1st 8.00AM HOLY COMMUNION
             10.30AM 'WOW SERVICE
WED 4th 7.00PM ALPHA EXTRA
THU 5th 10.30AM HOLY COMMUNION
             2.00PM PRAM SERVICE
FRI 6th 7.30PM THANKSGIVING COMMUNION SERVICE (Gill & Gerald Mack)
SUN 8th 10.30AM HOLY COMMUNION [NO HEALING SERVICE THIS EVENING]
WED 11th 7.00PM 'OPEN HOUSE'
                9.15PM WEDNESDAY SILENCE
THU 12th 10.30AM HOLY COMMUNION
SUN 15th 10.30AM MORNING PRAYER /HOLY COMMUNION
WED 18th 7.00PM 'OPEN HOUSE' [NO WEDNESDAY SILENCE]
THU 19th 10.30AM HOLY COMMUNION
SUN 22nd 8.00AM HOLY COMMUNION [NO 10.30AM HOLY COMMUNION]
                11.00AM SERVICE AT THE METHODIST CHURCH (ENDS WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY)
               6.30PM SUNDAY SILENCE
WED 25th 7.00PM 'OPEN HOUSE'
                9.15PM WEDNESDAY SILENCE
THU 26th 10.30AM HOLY COMMUNION
SUN 29th  10.30AM MATTINS followed by Holy Communion

GILL & GERALD MACK
Gill and Gerald Mack will be leaving us in the New Year, and we will be holding an EPIPHANY THANKSGIVING COMMUNION SERVICE on Friday 6ch January at which we will have the opportunity to thank them for everything they have done in the Benefice during their time here. The service will be followed by a party afterwards in the Church, to which all are welcome.

MOTHER'S UNION - SUNDAY TEAS
Our Sunday afternoon teas continue (IN NAILBOURNE COURT LOUNGE, 3 - 5 PM) on: SUNDAY 8th JANUARY (please note: For this month only, the tea will be held on the second Sunday of the month (on the 8lh) not on the first.) In February, the tea will return to the first Sunday of the month, and will be on SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT LUNCH.
Our next lunch will be on Thursday 19th January, 12.00 for 12.30pm at The Coach and Horses, Lyminge at a cost of £6.50 per head. If you would like to book a place, please contact Vanessa on 862432.
 

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 January are
Jan. 1st No Service.
Jan. 8th Rev. Derek Hancock (Holy Communion)
Jan. 15th Mrs. Valerie Peel
Jan.22nd *10am All Age Service *- Mrs. Valerie Redding
Jan. 29th No Service.

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
Sun 15th January - 10.30am United Service at the Parish Church. Preacher Mr Peter Ellis
Sat 21st January - 7.00pm New Year Party at Village Hall. All invited. Bring and share supper. Impromptu entertainment.
Sun 22nd January -11.00am United Service at Methodist Church led by Dudley Simpson Preacher Rev. Peter Ashman.
Sun 29th January - 11,00am Covenant Service including Holy Communion
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

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)

THE CHALLENGE YOUTH GROUP

The group based in Stelling Minnis has been offering young people the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities and undertake the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for the past 5 years. Equipped with its own minibus, a range of camping and expedition equipment, as well as Canadian canoes, young people aged 3 to 8 years can enjoy various activities in places from Kent to Exmoor, North Wales or Scotland.
It is the only voluntary youth group in East Kent, other than uniformed organisations, giving young people the chance of achieving the Duke of Edinburgh's Award including all the necessary training to undertake an expedition with others of similar age.
The group is just starting a programme for 2006, which is an ideal time to get involved. Anyone aged 13 to 18 can join.
If you would like more information, please telephone 01227 709847 or E-mail challengeyg@yahoo.co.uk

ETCHINGHILL W.I.

Our new President, Joy Bartley, chaired the Christmas Party meeting.
Mr Hutchinson was the speaker who related about the Squire of Brightling. It was a very interesting and informative talk made all the more interesting as he was dressed and acted as the Squire.
Pat Kent won the competition for a hand-made Christmas card.
We then had tea and what a wonderful spread it was (I am sure that nobody went home hungry). After tea Barbara came round with her gift bag and we all had a little present. After the distribution of cards we came to the end of another very successful and happy year. We are hoping that 2006 will be a repeat of 2005.
Our next meeting will be on 17th January. A warm welcome to any visitors who would like to join us to meet and make new friends. We meet at Etchinghill Village Hall at 2.30pm. Further information can be obtained from Joy at 01303 862538, Barbara at 01303 265239 or Dottie at 0303862141.

LYMINGE LIBRARY

Hopefully by now the repairs are complete and we are ready to be painted outside this month.
The second reading group meeting went very well with lots of views for and against the Graham Green novel 'End of the Affair'. At present we are reading John Le Carre, The Constant Gardner'. Next month is Amy Tan The Hundred Secret Senses'.
Nanny and Toddler Rhyme Time starts on the 5th January.
We have two new collections of non-fiction books of true crime and war, these will be at the library for the next few months.
Following a suggestion about the library magazines, I am introducing a magazine 'swap box'. Put an old magazine no longer required by you into the box and take another.
Happy Reading     Happy New Year

FOR SALE - PUSHCHAIR
Fairland navy with brown check border cum carrycot, pushchair and carrying seat
with shopping tray and bag plus cosy toes. For £45.00 ono. ring 01303 863267

Lyminge Dramatic Society - Humble Boy

Our Spring production is the play "Humble Boy" by Charlotte Jones. This is a tragi-comedy about broken vows, failed hopes - oh, and bee keeping! The dates of the production are Wednesday March 29th to Saturday March 1st at Lyminge Village Hall. Performances will start at 7.45pm and tickets will go on sale in early March. More news in the next newsletter.
 

The St Nicholas Band, consisting of local musicians, who you may have heard over the Christmas period, have released a CD of music called Sortie. This album is eclectic yet most relaxing and hopefully will help you await the arrival of spring. It consists of the music the band played during last summer's concerts which ranges from organ music to folk songs to show tunes
Proceeds will be given equally to Folkestone Rainbow Centre and Christian Aid. The album costs just £5-00 is available from Alistair Bailey (864235) and Roger Davenport (862463) and has been produced by the local churches.
BUY IT NOW!

THE KENT & MEDWAY BIOLOGICAL RECORDS CENTRE

Kent Wildlife Recording Calendar 2006 A Unique calendar can be purchased from KMBRC for just £8.00 (plus postage). This calendar has been specifically designed to help you record the wildlife species you see in your garden. The lower set of dates can be used to record the wildlife you have seen each month, then fill in your details on the back and return your records to KMBRC. To place your order, contact KMBRC, at: Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3BD or Telephone 01622 685646/685780 E-mail: info@kmbrc.org.uk

 
NEW CLASSES
STARTING
February 2006
Monday 7pm and Tuesday 10am.
Come and have some fun painting ceramic items. Anything from your own dinner service, mugs etc. Garden ornaments. Fun items, figures, vases and more.
No previous experience necessary, you don't even need to be artistic.
A VERY REWARDING HOBBY
Classes, £7.50 per session. Excluding materials.
 A few places remaining. Phone Katherine now on the above number to book your place and avoid disappointment.
Ceramic Parties also available in your own home. Adults and children. Price on application.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Children In Need
May I take this opportunity to thank all the local people who donated so generously to this worthy cause. Also Christine and Ken from the Coach & Horses who collected £40.00 which they put in our collection. In total we collected £249.41. Many thanks from Eileen Walters, Michell and Dave.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My wife & I would like to say a very big thank you to the person or persons who found the bunch of keys & placed them on the post situated at "The Stile, New Barn". Also to Lyminge residents, Margaret Kedge & Molly Walker, who spotted them on the post and returned them to us. Once again, Thank you all, very, very much. Jean & Keith Falkner

LYMINGE JUDO CLUB
Lyminge Judo Club has vacancies for anyone over the age of 6 years. We would particularly like more teenagers & young adults - an opportunity to learn self-defence skills and improve fitness. Why not come and visit us on a Monday evening at Lyminge Village Hall. Time/age related groups from 6.15pm to 9.00pm. Next meeting Monday 9th January.
For further information please call Debbie on 01303 862210

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 Lyminqepreschool@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 I 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@invercot.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