The good news is that Father Christmas will once again be visiting Lyminge on the evening of 23rd December. If you would iike him to visit your house, please clearly address your parcels and deliver them to Stennings, during their opening hours, or Sunny Cottage (behind the old newsagents) in The evenings. These two venues have kindly offered to be collecting points. There is a charge of 80p per address and parcels should be at o collecting point by 5.00pm on 22nd December. If you wish Father Christmas to visit early to small children please advise us when delivering your parcels.

The not so good news is that unfortunately the people who deliver the Newsletter in the Rhodes Minnis area are no longer able to do this, so the December issue will be the last one to be distributed. If you feel able to volunteer your services it would be appreciated. It could be split between two or three people. How about The dog walkers in The area? If you can help, please phone Debble Marsh on 863192.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Lyminge Newsletter!

 

I am pleased to receive letters for publication & welcome correspondence for future issues. Please note that a name & address must be supplied, although these need not be published. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse tetters. The views expressed here are not those of the Lyminge Association or the editor.

"Dear Editor,
You may have seen in last month's newsletter the announcement of a vacancy on the Parish Council: this arose because I have resigned, I am writing to explain why.
Liz Coleman resigned from the Parish Council in 2001 (you can find her explanatory letter in the March 2001 edition of the newsletter, in the back issues section of www.lyminge.org.uk) I stood for election to the vacancy she left. saying in my leaflet "I'm standing for election because I would like to play a part In opening our Council to greater scrutiny and involvement." I was successfully voted on to the council, and this year was elected Vice-Chairman.
Being on the Parish Council means taking collective responsibility for decisions, whether you agree with them or not. To do so, you need to be satisfied that the Council goes about its business in an open and proper way. On a number of issues I have felt very uncomfortable with the way matters have been dealt with, to the extent that I longer feel able to continue to serve as a parish councillor.
In resigning, I wrote to the Chairman of the Parish Council setting out my reasons. As I understand it. my letter has not been shared or discussed with the rest of the Council, nor have ! received a reply. If you would like a copy, you can email me at the address below.
I said In the letter that I was sorry not to have achieved more of what I set out in my election leaflet but that I'm pleased with the Initiatives I have supported like the Parish Plan, the establishment of a Youth Council, more regular updates In the Lyminge Newsletter about Council business (and hence a published contact name), and the successful campaign to improve the school bus service to Folkestone.
I'm particularly pleased that new people with different points of view have wanted to come forward to Join the Council, However, at times I and others new to the Council have met with hostility. The risk is that the Parish Council becomes inward looking, rather than doing what It should, which Is to represent the interests of everyone in the community.
Thank you for having elected me to the Parish Coundi, and I wish my successor well."
                                                             James Butcher - james.butcher@work-wilhout-walls.co-uk

"Dear Editor,
I was really pleased to see that the trees in Tayne Fieid have been attended to and I am sure that the villagers who use the field appreciate it as I do.I trust that the vandals will now leave the trees and shrubs alone - so as to enhance the appearance of our village to locals and visitors alike." Mrs P Ross, Lyminge

"Dear Editor,
A message for the dogs who are walked in Westfield Lane, Etchinghill. Please ask your owners to remove your poo from the road, the grass verges in front of the houses and especially from the gateway at the end of the bungalows where cars have to be parked The whole area is becoming revolting, so come on dogs - tuck a plastic bag in your collar before you go out." Name and address supplied

"Dear Editor,
The Etchinghill residents appreciate the new footpath surface and are grateful to the County Council for improving it. It makes pushchairs and walking so much easier. I do feel though that If children wish to cycle to school or a friend's house in Lyminge or vice versa, they should be permitted to use the footpath responsibly as to cycle round the road is far too dangerous.
As for avoiding the 'school run', when the weather is fine and time or other commitments permit, we do walk to school. However I feel it would be more Important to address those parents who live in Lyminge, close to the school, who still insist on driving their child/children to and from school. This congests the car park and causes much dangerous parking outside the school It is only a matter of time before the nice green verges at the entrance become a muddy mess because some parents Insist on parking on them. So, come on Lyminge parents, walk your children to school and give those of from outside the village a chance to park.'
                                                                                                    Name and address supplied

"Dear Editor,
We would like to congratulate everybody involved in the BP Show last month for putting on a most entertaining, evening, full of laughter and community spirit. We re looking forward to the next one!"
                                                                                                    Anthea and Philip Wilson, Lyminge

A Parish Plan for Rhodes Minnis, Lyminge, and Etchinghill
(and all the places in-between)

The build-up to Christmas is already well underway, and before we know it we'll be into another year. So what would be your New Year's wishes for the community you live in? Next month in the newsletter we'll be giving you a chance to say just that, in our Three Wishes ' campaign. This is all part of the Parish Plan, a project to set out what priorities we as a community have for our future. As the Parish Plan develops, we'll start to turn everyone's three wishes into more concrete plans for the future. To get your thinking going, here's what some people we asked already had to say,..

Year 3, Lyminge Primary School:
More sweetshops and toyshops and bookshops... more pavements... a zebra crossing... a swimming pool and a football pitch on Tayne Field... things to help elderly people...

Harold Coppins, Etchinghiil:
To sort out the speed of traffic going through the village... to make a footpath at the end of the golf course to meet the other path into Lyminge... To build a few houses on the old nursery group.

Ray Hill, the milkman:
The drainage needs to be done at the entrance to the Village Hail car park... There are lots of old people - at night it is very lonely for them. It would be nice if something can be done for them... A club - a big place for 5-a-side football, netball, 10-pin bowling, snooker and pool tables where young and old can enjoy it.

Year 4, Lyminge Primary School:
Better public transport... litter to be removed from the stream... places to ride bikes more activities for young people...

Julie Road, Etchinghill
Better condition of roads... reduce speed of traffic through the village... planning permission for affordable housing so that local people can live here.

The Youth Council:
A skate park... a pub for under 18's... and respect from adults

Jas, the Lyminge Chemist:
Broadband... more housing development so that young people can afford to live here... to run an anti-coagulant clinic, instead of people having to go to the hospital for treatment.

Year 6, Lyminge Primary School:
Shelters from the rain... more litter bins... better public toilets... better toddler facilities... a rugby pitch... a skateboard park... a horse riding school...

Thanks to those who contributed, and to the Lyminge School Council, who interviewed their fellow pupils. We also asked people what they liked best about living in the parish: find out what they had to say next month.

And look out for the sheet in next month's newsletter which you can use to
contribute your Three Wishes...

For more information about the Parish Plan, you can contact:

Catherine Hughes 863281 hughescatherine@yahoo.co.uk

James Butcher 863581 james.butcher@work-without-walls.co.uk

 

LYMINGE LIBRARY IN DECEMBER
The exhibition during December will be of paintings by Lyminge artists Audrey Auld and Jack Simmons, Shepway councillor David Monk will be holding surgery at the library on Saturday 6th December from 9.30 - 10-30am
A representative from the pensions dept, will be at the library on Thursday 11th December from 10.00am - 12 noon to advise on any pension problems you may have.
Susan and Janet would like to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
Library dosing times for Christmas - Thursday 25th
Friday 26th - Saturday 27th December and Thursday 1st January 2004.

Tuesday 2nd December
Lyminge Historical Society
Mau Man in Kenya
Many of us will have forgotten the Mau Mau, those secret anti-European terroists during the 1950s, in Kenya before it achieved Its independence. Many Europeans and Kikuyu were murdered. Derek Morris will be giving an illustrated Talk at the Methodist Church Hall at 7,45pm on Tuesday 2nd' December and Visitors will be welcome to attend at £2.00 per person Tea. coffee and seasonal bites will be available after the Meeting. Any questions to Bob Gay on 862574. The next interesting Programme of Speakers wilt commence on Tuesday 2nd March 2004. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

PILGRIMS HOSPICES IN EAST KENT
Dec 3 Christmas Coffee Morning 10- 12noon
Holy Trinity Church Hall. Folkestone
Dec 5/6 Collection at Sainsburys, Town Centre,
Folkestone
Dec 19/20 Collection Waitrose, Hythe

Acrise Church
Christmas Fayre
At Elham Village Hall
On Saturday 6th December
11 am-4pm
Father Christmas, various crafts, gifts, preserves,
refreshments, bric a brac.
For booking tables, call 01303 893401

In aid of the Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary
Come and join our
Christmas Celebration
At Park House Animal Sanctuary, Stelling Minnis
On Saturday 13th December at 2 pm

10th December 2003
Rhodes Minnis Evening Circle
Rhodes Minnis Village Hall
The December meeting is our Christmas Party, a surprise entertainment has been arranged for our members. The competition Is a "Decorated Wrapped Wine Bottle (or similar size). Lots of entries please.
If you would like to know more about the Rhodes Minnis Evening Circle please contact Elleen Sless on 863081.

HAWKINGE FARMERS' MARKET
Saturday December 13th, 20th
January 6th, 13th, 20th
9-11am
In aid of St Luke's Church, Hawkinge there will be a weekly farmers' market In the new Community Centre (behind the small row of shops on the Canterbury Road). We are looking for both traders and customers. As a special offer traders can have the first two weeks for £10 We are looking for all types of fresh produce and home crafts If you are interested, please ring Stewart on 01303 892369 Look forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Beetle Drive
Come & Join us at
Rhodes Minnis Village Hall
Saturday 13 December
Starts at 7 00pm.
Adults £2.00, children 50p,
includes refreshments.
There will be a raffle.
Please bring Festive Nibbles.

Lyminge Dramatic Society - Aladdin
A few tickets are still available for our pantomime "Aladdin" which will run each evening from 2nd to 6th December at Lyminge Village Hall, There will be matinee performances on both Friday 5th at 4.45pm and Saturday 6th December at 4pm, Tickets are available from Haxtons Estate Agents, Lyminge along with Aladdin badges, on sale at 50 pence each. Badges will also be given away free of charge with the purchase of every child ticket Laughter, pathos, songs and audience participation - the usual pantomime mixture is there!
Our Spring production will be Alan Bennett's hilarious play Habeas Corpus which will run from March 22nd to 27th at Lyminge Village Hall. Written in 1973, the story, set in the 1960s, pokes fun at the new sexual wareness discovered by the English middle classes In the 60s. More news in the next newsletter.

In aid of the Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary
We are holding a Christmas Bazaar at
Beltinge Memorial Hall,
Reculver Road, Home Bay
On
Saturday 6th December
9am-12.30pm
Father Christmas Face Painting
Christmas Cards and Gifts - stocking fillers
Cakes - Refreshments - and much more
The draw for our Christmas Raffle with over 100 prizes will take place in the morning
Admission is bv donation .....

Etchinghill W.I.
The meeting on 9th December will be our Christmas Party. Entertainment wilI be by Mrs Banks and Ladies
'On Wings of a Song' The competition is for a favourite Christmas Tree Decoration

Christmas Carols and an Animal Blessing Service
With Rev. David Houston
Crib Scene with our donkey. Patience
Mince pies and wine
Bring the family - pets welcome
Tel: 01303 862622

Thursday 18th December 2003
MUSIC FOR A CHRISTMAS NIGHT
BY CANDLELIGHT
The Old Mill, Lyminge
A magical evening of Christmas music by local musicians
Hct meal and mulled wine
Tickets £12.50 per person from:
Gill Monk: 01303863803 or 07968233890 or
gillym.monk@virgin.net
Ann Nichols: 01233 750272
North Downs West Conservatives

HO! HO HOI
Elham Valley Lions
Father Christmas visit to Lyminge
Father Christmas will be making his annual pre-Christmas visit to Lyminge on Monday 22 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:
Etchinghill - Fri 5 Dec,
Hawkinge - Tue 16 to Thu 18th
Sellindge - Sun 7 Dec.
Elham - Fri 19 Dec
Stalling Minnis/Lyminge - Mon 22 Dec
Bossingnam - Fri 12 Dec.

New Year Social Super
At the New Etcninghlll Village Hall
Saturday 31st January, 7pm for 7.30pm
Beat the January Blues and join us for a Supper (3 courses) and Chat - come with friends or family or on your own. Bring a plate of food and a bottle,
Tickets (incl. First course and coffee) £2.00
Contact Pam on 01303 862501 {evenings/ weekends)