"I hope people are pleased with the clean up job we did at the stream. We took a ton of rubbish out of it, everything from fence posts, tree trunks, planks of wood, bottles and litter to metal poles, a ladder, a signpost, bricks, an old bicycle, barbed wire and a few other bits and pieces that I'd sooner not mention. At least this year the ducks will stand a much better chance of getting from one end of the stream to the other. On the Thursday we piled all the rubbish up on both sides of the bank with the intention of getting rid of it the following day. When went back on the Friday - most of it had been thrown back in! Learning from our mistake, we took it all out again and this time got rid of it a bit quicker. We also cleaned up the surrounding areas, cut back much of the growth and did a few running repairs to the fencing around the small play area. The plan next month is to do the whole thing again!
I was thinking about running some sort of competition involving local children and the stream with prizes etc. but I'm not sure what. The idea is to get kids (and possibly their parents) more involved, attached and aware of the area. Any ideas for a competition?"   
Mike Domville, Lyminge

"You must all by now be aAvare of the decision by Shepway District Council to close all public toilets in the District - a decision that has provoked unprecedented outcry.
However, I have been negotiating with SDC who have agreed that I, and my fellow villagers, may accept full responsibility for the toilets behind the Post Office in Lyminge which are, once again, open for use. We now have the task of ensuring they are properly maintained and I am appealing to you all and our local business community to help in any way you can to sustain this vital convenience.
Our thanks go to Gill & David Broadley at Lyminge Newsagents who have so generously offered to open and close the toilets at 7am and 7pm every day - a huge commitment for which we should all be extremely grateful. In addition, Stennings have offered a generous discount should we be required to insure the premises privately. All we need now is a) money/sponsorship to pay the utility bills and buy supplies and b) volunteers to join me on a maintenance rota to replenish supplies and keep the premises clean.
Until such a rota is operational, I have full assumed responsibility for this, but obviously we need good hearted, community spirited people to ease the burden - the more volunteers we get, the less we will all have to do.
Please - if you feel you can help either financially or physically - contact me on 01303 863803 or 07774 693856 or dd.monk@virgin.net. I am going away from 5th - 12* May so I really need people in place by then even if only to cover my holiday."  
Cllr. David D. Monk
Shepway District Councillor - North Downs West Ward

"I believe we have a man in Lyminge with good knowledge of the countryside. I am sure I have heard him speak on Radio Kent. If he is still living here, could he please tell me what happened to all my frogs? We have had a very healthy pond for about 15 years and every year have had a noisy chorus of frogs and a toad or two, who provided my goldfish with that first feast of the year. This was followed with a garden full of baby frogs, who, as they grew, did good work on the slug front. This year, not a single frog has been seen. Also I did not see any at the bottom of the road. I know they have been steered away from the road but there were always a few who took a wrong turning and became victims on the road. However, not this year. Some years our pond has been so full of spawn that we have moved bucketfuls to other ponds in the area. Our pond is still healthy. I gave 70+ goldfish away last year and the twenty we left in situ, have already become more than fifty."
Joan Ralph, Etchinghill

"1 understand from recent Parish Council news that there has been a problem with car tyres being dumped in the Rhodes Minnis area. We have all been asked to be alert to the problem of dumping and report anything suspicious. However, it is not easy to dispose of car tyres. I was asked to acquire some tyres for a childrens' activity weekend - it was not a problem. After a fun weekend I could not get rid of the tyres. The person from whom I acquired them did not want them back. I now know why! I took them to the recycling centre at Shepway District Council and was told they do not take tyres. Similar enquiries elsewhere produced the same answers. I will not dump them but in the meantime they are still in my garden. What can I do with them? I recently bought an outside doormat, which was made from recycled car tyres -so why do we not have a recycling point for them?"   
Name and address supplied

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

Income & expenditure 2003/4
Reported by Cllr Glenn Floyd
A brief summary of the income and expenditure for the last financial year. A full display of audited accounts will be displayed on the village notice boards in the coming months. Precept per household £20.80 per year.

INCOME


NOTE: As you can see the Parish Council's modest investments like our own did not return the interest we expected but our predicted income to actual was on target.

EXPENDITURE


NOTE: The Parish pays for and facilitates the cutting and strimming of grassed leisure areas and some verges and walk ways within the Parish. The new equipment includes a Parish notice board for Etchinghill (on order) the new flower trough at the entrance of Lyminge and a new litterbin. Grants included £5,000.00 to the Etchinghill Village Hall construction and £1,000.00 to Age Concern, Lyminge Parish Church £400.00. The largest expenditure was incurred for the new safety surface of the junior playground and for Etchinghill Village Hall. The Council are pleased that both of these facilities are making valuable contributions to the quality of village life and certainly well used.
As detailed in my last report Shepway District are removing the grant money (concurrent Services), which we claimed for grass cutting and as part payment towards facilities like the safety surface. Along with many other Parish Councils in the district we do not see why we should pay as people in Folkestone do as part of our main Council Tax for services once and then have to pay again (in your Precept) for a second time in our Parish Precept. This extremely unfair double taxation is currently being challenged by your Parish Council and we will report with any progress in future reports.

OVERHEADS

NOTE: Due to new legislative demands the role of the Clerk now requires a high level of knowledge, skills and attendance and as such the increase in salary/costs reflects this.

TOTALS

NOTE: With our reserves/contingency funds we are on budget although a few increases on budgetary requirements did require use of these reserves. Legislation continues to increase the costs of running a Parish Council but your Council is working towards value for money services whilst achieving a fair percentage from both District and County funds. This brief budget statement for 2003/4 is part of the Parish Council's drive to keep all Parishioners informed.
The budget for 2003/4 and the new budget for 2004/5 was presented and approved by full Parish Council at their meeting held 15th December 2003.

OTHER BUSINESS
Due to the budget report and restrictive space other business will be reported on next month.

PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY (Lyminge Ward)
Due to a recent resignation a vacancy has arisen on the Council please contact The Clerk with expressions of interest by 14th May 2004.
Clerk: Julie Bayley, 01303 862802, jabayley@tiscali.co.uk

Lyminge Handbell Ringers
The Lyminge Handbell Ringers are now back in action after a busy spring rehearsal programme. So if you need charmingtraditional music for a special local occasion, played onrefurbished handbells, please contact us. We now have alarger repertoire than ever before, including music written inthe 16th Century and earlier, previously not played on handbells. Weekends and evenings only please and with as
much notice as possible. All we need is a large table and a minimum donation of £35, which goes to The Pilgrims Hospice Call Ro Edmond on 863201 or Stuart Hunnisett on 862530. Alternatively you can e-mail me at stuart@hunnisetts.freeserve.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 nights 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 Joy Bartley a call on 862538 to discuss your
requirements.

Lyminge Village Hall Management Committee
Annual general Meeting
11th May at 8pm in Lyminge Village Hall
All welcome
Your chance to find out how the village hail is run. If you are interested in joining the committee in any capacity, phone Steve on 862775

Lyminge Bowls Club
Our pavilion has at least three things which other similar venues may not have.
The first is a fully licensed bar with drinks at 'club' prices. The second is the stunning countryside views. The third is YOU, your family, friends or club mates who appreciate a quality venue for your special event(s). Call Wendy on 863495 or Andrew on 238402 to book your memorable occasion, or for more  information.

Lyminge Bowls Club
Ever thought of trying Bowls?
Lots of us have and we have found it was among the best things we have ever done! Now it is your chance! From Sunday, 2nd May for 6 weeks between 10.30 and 12.00 encouragement and free tuition will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself and a pair of flat-soled shoes. We will provide the rest. For more information call one of our three
coaches: Harry Storey on 862044, Sue Foster on 862779 or Tim Sodden on 892177

Fun for All
Lyminge Community Football to be held at
the Lyminge Recreation Ground 3 Wednesday Soccer Leagues are being staged at the Lyminge Recreation Ground over the following dates: April 28th - May 19th, May 26m - June 23rd, June 30th-July 21st The leagues are open to players of all abilities and will cater for the following age groups:
3.45 - 5.45 Boys and Girls aged 5-11 years 6.00 - 7.30 Boys only aged 12-13 years 6.00 - 7.30 Girls only aged 12-13 years The cost for each player will be: £12 per league, age group 5-11 years £10 per league, age group 12-13 years
For further information and an application form please phone 01303 263778.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Chris and family wish to thank family and friends for their support, cards, flowers and donations on the loss of her mother, Barbara Green, who passed away on 17th March.

GARDEN TIPS FOR MAY
Provided by the Gardeners Society
A count of house sparrows in Kensington Gardens, London, in 1930 registered 2603 birds. In 2000 just 8 were seen. The decline has been repeated countrywide. In rural areas modern farming methods have seen one of the causes of their decline. In our gardens, cats, the grubbing up of hedges and the urge for pest free gardens are some of the reasons. To reverse the trend, provide shelter and nesting sites by planting dense shrubs and hedges; leave a patch of weeds in the garden and create a pond which will encourage inlets for the sparrows to feed on; fix a nesting box on the east side of the house and position a bird table well out of the reach of cats. If a cat owner, fit it with a bell so that any birds have a warning of it's approach or keep it indoors just after sunrise and just before sunset when the birds feed.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!
No, not that one! OUR President - Bert Lewis, President of the Lyminge Association. The Village Hall was packed with family and friends a couple of Sundays ago, all of whom were there to celebrate Bert's 90th Birthday - and as a true reflection of Bert's management skills, he organised it all himself. It was a wonderfully happy occasion, with good food and drink, good music and a fascinating range of photographs to look at. Members of the Ethelburga Quilting Group combined to make a wall-hanging which celebrated Bert's love of music. It is hoped to borrow this back to exhibit during May.
The Committee of the Lyminge Association are delighted to join with the chorus of birthday wishes and very many happy returns, and thank you Bert, for all that you have done for Lyminge.

For Sale
Beautiful "Mamas and Papas" moses basket, fully lined in cream fabric, with matching hood and quilt. Complete with rocking stand. Good condition. Only £20 inc. stand. Tel: 862775

STOLEN
House name from bottom of drive
Reads: GREEN RIDGES in black lettering on white
background. £10 Reward for recovery
Tel: 862455

At the Lord Whisky Centre. Rhodes Minnis
GIFT SHOP AND T-ROOMS
Open each day from 28th July
for school holidays 10am - 4pm
AGILITY CLASES
Starting Saturday 1 March at 12 o'clock, with Rosie Philbeam. Dogs must be over 12 months.
8 week courses, £40.00.
Starting Sunday 2 March, A.P.D.T. Instructor.
3.00pm Puppy Classes under 6 months
4.00pm Beginners' Obedience
All dogs must be fully inoculated.
To book, and for details of fundraiaing events etc.
call in at the T-Rooms.
To adopt an animal, please phone 862622

Lyminge Short Mat Bowls Club
Ever thought of trying Short Mat Bowls?
We are a friendly club of mixed ages and abilities who play at the Village Hall on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.45pm every week, all year round. A pair of flat soled shoes is alf you need - we have bowls available for beginners. If you would like to give it a try, then come along one Tuesday or Thursday evening, or phone Vicki our Secretary on 862293.

Lyminge Pre-School Playgroup
Reg Charity No 1029226
A safe & welcoming place for your child to make friends, play & make a smooth transition to school whilst being supervised by trained & experienced staff. Sessions are weekdays during term time at Lyminge Village Hall from 9am to either 12 noon or 1pm. We have recently expanded our sessions to 2.45pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. These expanded places are funded by the European Social fund. Packed lunch should be provided if you child stays to either 1 pm or 2.45pm.
Current standard session to 12.o'clock is £6.75, to 1.00pm £9.00 and 2.45pm £13.00. Fees for funded children - 12 noon to 1.00pm £2.25, and from 12.00pm to 2.45pm £6.50. Children may start at 2½ years old, preferably toilet trained.
The pre-school is a member of the Pre-School learning Alliance & meets standards set by K.C.C. and OFSTED. The most recent, excellent Ofsted report stated, "in this thriving playgroup the children are making good progress towards the Early Learning Goals. There is a strong partnership with parents and carers which contributed positively to the children's good progress". We also have a very close liaison with the local primary school. Further information cam be obtained from Lynn Hussey on 862831 (Admin) or Julie Murphy on 862634 (Supervisor)

RHODES MINNIS TODDLER GROUP
Need something to do with our baby or toddler on Thursday mornings? Why not come to our Toddler Group at Rhodes Minnis Village Hal! from 10am - 12 noon (Term time). Make friends while your child plays. Come along and see for yourself or 'phone 863096. £1 per session, first session free.
NEW TERM STARTS 6™ MAY

ETCHINGHILL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
The Quiz Evening ... 03.04.04 ... was greatly enjoyed by the many who attended. Watch this space for the date of the next one!
Easter Tea ... 10.04.04 ... a lot of hard work by a few made this a most successful and happy event for all the families who joined in. This will definitely be repeated next year.
Money raised from the above events takes us a little nearer to getting a 'multi-sports' facility for Etchinghill.
Safety Surgery ... The Rt Hon Michael Howard QC MP paid us a surprise visit to congratulate the organisers of such a worthwhile event. It was held in direct response to the "Three Wishes" campaign undertaken by the Parish Plan Committee and was well attended. We all learnt many things, not least of which was that if you have any concerns regarding matters of safety, dangerous situations, possible illegal acts, etc. then please report them to the non-emergency Police number - 850055 - or the Rural Community Warden on 07811 27103. Only if they are made aware of our concerns, will they be able to act appropriately.
Etchinghill Website ... by the time this newsletter goes to press our website should be taking shape

Lyminge Dramatic Society - Summer Variety
We are planning a new Variety show which will go on
tour during the month of July. Dates for your diary are
9th July at Saltwood Village Hall, 10th at Elham Village Hall and 16th and 17th at Lyminge Village Hall. The show starts at 7.45pm each evening. The show will comprise the usual mixture of sketches, songs, dance routines and one act dramas. The June newsletter will contain details of where to obtain tickets so watch this space!
We are looking for a pianist to accompany the various
musical acts. There are few rehearsals involved and we will remunerate the person appropriately. Anyone
interested should contact Brian Edmond on 863201.

Etchinghiil Golf have the following vacancies:
• Part-Time Course Wardens
to include early mornings and weekends
• Bar and Waitressing Staff
part-time and full-time
• Part-time Cleaner
to work 6pm - 8pm 5 days a week
(seasonal position)
All applications in writing to:
Stuart Hopkinson, Etchinghill Golf,
Etchinghill, Folkestone, Kent CT18 8FA

FOR SALE
Cream leather recliner armchair - 3 positions Excellent condition — as new £150
Black leather swivel office chair
Deluxe model - as new £50
Carlton travel case - trolley style
Large, black double pocket
used only a few times £12
Please telephone 01303 862172

Jacquelines Hair Salon
New owners will be taking over the salon within the next few weeks. Everything will stay the same and all
the staff will be kept on.
I would like to thank my clients for all their support over the four years I have been here, and I hope that you will support the new owners in the same way.
Thank you.
Jackie

Please don't forget...
Just incase it slipped your mind from the front cover, the Lyminge newsletter now urgently needs a new editor. If you can spare any time then please, please help. Phone Sarah on 862775 to find out more. Please don't wait for someone else to do it!