About Us

Heather Dunford – chair

I moved to Lyminge in 2018 with my husband Bob, having lived in Bristol for 40+ years.  Prior to moving here, we had enjoyed several holidays in the village and grown to love the area.  My working life was spent as an Insurance Broker giving advice to companies large and small.  After retiring I had several voluntary roles in Bristol including at Bristol Botanic Garden and with the Support Though Court charity.

Plants and gardening are my passion and since moving to Lyminge I have been actively involved with Lyminge Gardeners’ Society where I am now Vice Chair and Publicity Officer.  I also help with the local Stroke Support Group and I previously served on the Parish Council.

I joined the Lyminge Association committee in 2023 and acted as Minutes Secretary until taking over a Chair in October 2025.

Peter Barnes

Working for Pfizer Central Research in Sandwich brought me to this part of England in 1978 via York, Cardiff and my home city of Bristol and moved into the Lyminge area in 2001. Currently, vice chair of The Lyminge Association and editor of the Lyminge Newsletter. I get great pleasure from making a positive contribution to our communities as a volunteer. I’ve been the newsletter editor since 2011 and now need to identify a suitable replacement to breathe some fresh thinking into the monthly publication.

My other voluntary work over the past 40+ years has been with the Scout Association and currently I’m vice-president of Kent Scouts.

Robin Mackonochie

Although we only moved to Lyminge in 2021 I have always believed in contributing to the community wherever we live. I was head of communications for a trade organisation before I retired and have been able to use the skills I needed for that job to help promote local organisations. While living in our previous village I was a parish councillor, churchwarden, and trustee of a charitable fund and for a number of years, I organised and ran the local fete.

Now, I hope to contribute in whatever way I can to the life of the village.

Marian Chubb

Moved to Lyminge in 2004 and joined the Association in 2006. A founder member of Lyminge Friends in 2008. Also belong to other village groups. Married to Richard for 36 years.

Richard Chubb

Moved to Lyminge 18 years ago and joined the Association in 2006. Currently Newsletter Distribution Co-ordinator. I joined the Lyminge Historical Society in 2007 and am currently Treasurer. Also a member of several village groups. Married to Marian for 36 years.

Gillian Heywood

I came to Lyminge in 2003 after living in South East London for 40 years. I am interested in both the built and natural environment and hoping to improve or enhance them, with particularly emphasis on mitigating climate change. I joined L A soon after I came here, and set up “Page 3”, the What’s On page to help to coordinate events in the village. I help with L A events and liaise with the Parish Council.

Janet Fry

I moved to Kent in 1975 from Birmingham to take a post as a Physiotherapist in East Kent Hospitals Trust. I now live in Rhodes Minnis and have been involved with a variety of local groups over the years. I am married with two children and two grandchildren.

I am currently treasurer of the Lyminge Association, active with the Scout Association and the Lyminge Bridge Club.

Penny Stephens

I have lived in Lyminge since 2004 I have been involved with the Association for a few years and I’m also on the village hall committee. I’m retired from 40 years as a social worker and now work on a sessional basis with Canterbury Christchurch University, currently assessing students on the social work degree course.

I live with two dogs, two horses, 2 chickens and one cat who make very good companions and give me someone to talk to that don’t disagree with what I have to say. I have a daughter who lives locally with her partner and spend time with her and my son and his wife who have two children currently at university.

Derek Smith

Has lived in Lyminge since 1995 on leaving the RN with 29 years service. Spent a further 16 years in HM Coastguard before retirement. Church Warden of the Parish Church.

Parish Councillor for 12 years and joined Lyminge Association committee in 2005.