Some sort of periodical is an essential life-line in village such as ours

Welcome to West Farleighs own

LIFELINE
Distributed freely in December 2017 Edition no 495
Editors: Stephen Norman, Helen Swan and Jacky Taylor
Website: www.thefarleighs.co.uk Email: editor@thefarleighs.co.uk
Upcoming Events:
See back page

Christmas Carol Service All Saints,

West Farleigh, Sunday 10 December
at 6.00 pm
In this Lifeline
There will be a candle-lit procession,
singing by The Farleighs Choir Pastoral newsletter.. 2
followed by mince pies and a glass Obituaries 3
View from the Garden 4
of mulled wine.
Farleigh Feathers 5
Parish Council Report 6
View from the Scoreboard 7
Christmas Services are listed in our festive colour supplement inside. Organisations 7
Events 8

Farleighs Fireworks Dont forget to look at our

website for much more
Whizz Pop Bang, what an amazing evening! The information about our village
Fireworks were brilliant, best ever. www.thefarleighs.co.uk

The organisation seemed to go remarkably smoothly, Please contact the editors if you
the weather was great, everyone seemed to enjoy would like an article in Lifeline or
themselves, even more so after a couple mulled on the Website Email
ciders. editor@thefarleighs.co.uk
A great variety of street food and entertainment. The
drummers are now traditional and set the scene.
A record crowd, the gates had to be shut after 1700 people had gone
through the gate for safety reasons.

Thank you to the Sports Club for all their hard work, it is hoped they have
made a significant profit. Roll on next year!!

NEXT WEST FARLEIGH LITTER PICK 3 DECEMBER 2017

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

if you wish to join us, were congregating on The Green by the Good
Intent at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday 3 December. As always, the plan is to spend
an hour de-littering a lane or two, followed by a hot drink and bacon
butties to restore energy.

Please phone Tel on 815267 or Brian on 812341 (brianc@hotmail.com) or just

turn up on the day. We look forward to seeing you!

Deadline for February issue of LIFELINE: 20th January 2018

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Pastoral newsletter

December already! Where has the year gone? I'm sure time passes quicker as you
get older. All clichs we've heard or even said at one time or another. However, in
amongst all the busy-ness that comes in the run up to Christmas, the festivities and
feasting, the presents and partying it is also a time to look back; to reflect upon all
that the year has held for us. As Christians, we are called to take time during the
season of advent to think about all that Jesus birth means for us, to look to the
sacrifice that God made, sending his son to save us from our sins, to show us that
there is another way. Reflection is something that we all like to do, Christian or not, as borne out by the
number of annual retrospectives that appear on our televisions to fill the schedules in that tricky bit between
Christmas and the New Year.

As I begin to look back, I have been thinking about all the people for whom the year has not flown by,
those who have lost loved ones, belongings or have suffered life changing injuries. 2017 has had its fair share
of natural disasters and wars and famine around the globe and closer to home we have had high profile
incidents such as the Manchester bombing and the Grenfell tower fire, as well as many others. These
atrocities had those of us not directly affected glued to news reports wanting to know every detail as the
situations unfolded. We could not help but be moved by the personal stories of loss or sacrifice or bravery
that unfolded in front of our eyes. At the same time as feeling for my fellow man's suffering I was filled with
hope at the stories of those who stepped in to help, the way social media, quite often in the news for the
wrong reasons, was used as a force for good. There are also the numerous personal tragedies, those small
stories that dont make the news, the things that only family or close friends know about. So many things
that can make it hard to look back upon the year, circumstances that make it hard to move on with our
lives or to look to the future too.

But time does move forward, however fast or slow it may seem to be going for us personally, there is no
escaping the fact that Christmas is almost here! And Christmas is a time for hope, for joy, for light. The one
thing I have seen repeated time and again in the aftermath of these difficult situations is pictures of people
standing united in prayer. Prayer can give us hope in the darkest of times. Whether we have a faith or not,
prayer seems to be something in built for us to turn when we seek comfort when we cannot comprehend
the situation that is unfolding around us. If prayer is our default setting, maybe in this season of cheer and
goodwill to all men we ought to look for the things we are grateful for and say a prayer of thanks for all that
we have. A prayer of gratitude for our fellow men who are there for us to turn to in times of trouble. Lets
not leave it to the darkest hours to remember that we stand in unity with others but lets look to the light and
the hope that Christmas can bring across our broken world.

My prayer for you all this December is for health and happiness and hope.
Becky

Services at All Saints

Sunday 3rd December 8.00 am Holy Communion
Sunday 10th December 18.00 pm Carol Service)
Sunday 17th December 9.30 am Morning Prayer (Traditional)
Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve 9.30 pm Midnight Communion!
Monday 25th December Christmas Day 9.30 am Family Service
Sunday 31st December 9.30 am Benefice Service at Coxheath

Our Ministry Team

Rev Peter Callway, Rector: 01622 747570 Call for Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals, not Fridays
Rev David Jones, Hon. Associate Rector 01622 741474. Not Fridays
Rev Eileen Doyle, Associate Rector 01622 204241. Not Mondays and Tuesdays
Becky Parnham, Children and Families Worker 07949 646885

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A sad month in West Farleigh with the loss of 4 villagers

Chris Stockwell
With great sadness, we record the passing of Chris in the early hours of Sunday 12th November
2017. He had fought valiantly and positively against bowel cancer for more than eighteen
months, and maintained his abiding interest in people and events, on which he brought his
sharp humour and sense of the ridiculous to bear, until the very last.

Chris was prominent in village life: an active Parish Councillor; project manager for the
childrens play equipment on the Green; and regular contributor of articles and images to the
Farleighs website. He was a regular reader in All Saints church, and supported and helped with
the Maidstone Villages RNLI activities.

His presence amongst us is irreplaceable; we all miss him greatly, and our thoughts are with Wendy, Richard and Mia.

A funeral service, to which all are welcome, will be held at Vintners Park Crematorium at 11:45 a.m. on Monday 11 th
December.
.
Peter Bissenden 1938-2017

Peter grew up in Broomfield, near Herne Bay. He was an apprentice at a Construction

company, where he became a plasterer. One of the other apprentices took Peter along to
make up a foursome with his girlfriend and his sister, Pam. He and Pam married and lived in
Herne Bay. During a particularly bad winter, when there was little construction work available,
he took a job on a farm at Bekesbourne. So began a life on the land. After 10 years at
Bekesbourne they moved to West Farleigh to work for Don Goodwin. For 12 years they lived in
a cottage behind the church. They then moved to another of Dons Houses in St Helens Lane,
where they have lived for 32 years.

Peter was a keen sportsman and enjoyed football and cricket, playing for both Bekesbourne
and later Boughton Monchelsea, golf, clay Pigeon shooting and fishing.

Peter cheerfully endured his illness for many years and was grateful for all the care he
received. Pam devoted all her time to caring for him in a kind, gentle and cheery way. He will be greatly missed.
Pam, their 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren would like to thank all friends and neighbours for all the
cards and condolences received. Pam particularly is grateful for all the support she has received.
.
Vera Smith 11th January 1923 - 9th November 2017

Vera resided and worked in various parts of West Farleigh for more than seventy years and lived at Byways in Charlton
Lane for over fifty years.

She was a very quiet and private person who for over forty years managed being on her own with regular visits from her
daughter, Maureen. In the last few years she needed a lot of extra help from her friends and neighbours.

Vera served on various village committees and the Parochial Church Council. She was ever present at functions in the
village but not always seen as she was often making the tea. When the Church Stewardship or Harvest Suppers were
held she was usually in charge of the kitchen providing teas and coffee whilst keeping on top of all the washing up
albeit with some support. She was the Verger at All Saints Church for some time and for many years washed the Sports
Club football strip and organised the cricket teas.

Vera leaves two daughters, Maureen and Eileen as well as two grandchildren and a great grandson. Sadly, her son
Colin died in January 1974.

Joyce Annette Board - 18th November 1933 5th November 2017

Joyce Board was born and brought up in Maidstone. Her first job was in a bakery and then she
worked at Woolworths in Maidstone for many years. Joyce also worked at the Maidstone Hospital
as a ward assistant.
She and husband Alf moved to West Farleigh in 1971. Alf was working for the Days at Tutsham
Farm. She leaves her four children Sue, Sandy, Dave and Lyn, 8 grandchildren and more than a
handful of great grandchildren.

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View from the Garden by Jon Fenlon

I hope everybody has had a good and productive year in the garden. From
the Garden team at Smiths Hall we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year.

Now your wisteria should have dropped most of their leaves and are ready to
prune. Cut back to two or three buds and prune out any large sections that
have gotten out of control. Also, if you have climbing roses to prune and tie in
to a frame work, check the temperature as you are much more likely to brake
stems when bending them if it is too cold especially in the mornings.

Now is a great time of year to dig over empty beds as you will break up any
pans and the frost will break up any large clods on the surface. Once dug over
add compost to help keep the soil healthy with nutrients and mulch to help supress weeds.

It is also a good time of year to check all your plant supports and make sure plant tyres are all secure and
still needed. Make sure young trees are checked as the growth rate can be quick and ties can easily cut
in to the tree.

Clearing off beds and cutting back, so they are ready for mulching either now or in the spring, should be
well underway. Make sure any tender plants have sufficient winter protection. Take care to protect
cannas as they are tender and will not survive without help. You could either treat them the same way as
dahlias or give them a thick mulch to help protect the crown of the plant.

A full colour version is on-line www.thefarleighs.co.uk

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Farleigh Feathers by Ray Morris
Two Turtle Doves

But only if you are very lucky. Nowadays, the second day of Christmas gift from
the traditional song is highly unlikely to be given by anyones true love. Apart from
the fact they spend their winters in sub-Saharan Africa, these beautiful doves
have declined by 91% in the last twenty years. Their scientific name Streptopelia
turtur comes from their gentle turr-turr song. You may be lucky to hear one in the
village in the summer, although I havent heard one here for two years now, but
they can still be heard in Kent which is one of its last UK strongholds. The area
between Ashford and Marden has been designated a turtle dove friendly zone
where many landowners are catering for their special needs. They need weedy
patches of bare ground, with tall, thick hedges for nesting - increasingly hard to find in our intensively
farmed and tidied-up countryside. A delayed Christmas gift of seeing a turtle dove next summer would
certainly be one worth waiting for!

A bird that is fortunately still very common is the wren I doubt there is a garden anywhere in The Farleighs,
or in any village from here to the northernmost outpost of the UK, that doesnt shelter this tiny bird. You
probably hear it more often than see it as it tends to keep out of sight in a never-ending search for food,
hence its scientific name Troglodytes troglodytes - the cave-dweller. It too has been the subject of a Boxing
or St Stephens - Day custom for centuries. No-one really knows the origin of Hunting the Wren: a pagan
ritual to mark the winter solstice, or a Christian one to mark the apparent part the birds unusually loud song
played in disclosing the hiding place of the Christian Stephen? As a result, Stephen was allegedly stoned to
death, a fate that used to befall the unfortunate wren captured as part of the ritual. Apparently the
custom is still partly enacted in parts of Ireland, but with a token, not real, wren that is carried from house to
house by children soliciting sweets!

The familiar Robin, of course, is probably the bird most associated with Christmas being featured on
countless Christmas cards, decorations and even a Waitrose TV advert! Many people refer to the one in
their garden as our robin as it is there keeping them company throughout the year. But there is a strong
chance that our robin has moved to warmer parts of Europe for the winter, and its place taken by a
Scandinavian bird enjoying the usually mild Farleighs weather! And if we are lucky, robins will also serenade
us on our post-Christmas dinner walk around the village.

An extended, illustrated version of this article can be seen on www.thefarleighs.co.uk

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 West Farleigh Parish Council Report

Villagers had a lot to say at the open session at the beginning of the
meeting. Confusing signs by the Thatched House 40 and 20 too close
together. A query about the money raised for a village Hall, which is
still held by the Parish Council. A report that the 30/40 sign at bottom
of Charlton Lane has been knocked over.

There were three candidates for two places on the Council. After much deliberation Hugh Pritchard and
Martin Moy were coopted.

The Chairman will be driving around the village with our Highways Steward, as there are concerns about the
quality of new surface in Ewell Lane and the many potholes there are.

The chairman Bruce Scott and Cllr Geoff Martin visited Police Headquarters to meet the Police and Crime
Commissioner Matthew Scott (see above). They discussed the lack of rural policing, lorries on our narrow
lanes and over Teston Bridge. The Commissioner suggested a police car should park by Teston bridge while
PCs had their lunch! They have not been spotted yet.

The state of the Village Green, made worse by vandals driving on the green, was discussed. A quote is to be
obtained to replace all the rotten and broken posts around the green.

The Chairman has been to a Highways meeting. KCC funds are being cut by 66M this year and a further
46M next year. There is no way we can expect any improvement of services from them. The Parishes will
have to do a lot more themselves and it was clear that the Parish Council will need to raise more funds
either from the Village Precept (this added to our council tax) or by other means.

Refreshments were served after the meeting.

Royal British Legion Industries

On Saturday 13th January 2018 Royal British Legion Industries are holding a day at Headcorn Village Hall
to support older Military Veterans and or their dependents and families.

you please help us promote this event through your web site, social media channels and by bringing
the attached to any Military Veterans and any older peoples groups that you may be aware of in your
parish.

Ecclesiastical Home Insurance

To celebrate their 130th Anniversary,

Ecclesiastical is offering to donate 130 to
your church for every new home insurance
policy taken out.

Visit www.ecclesiastical.com/Trust130 or
call 0800 7830130 and quote TRUST130

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View from the Scoreboard by Terry Baines

FOOTBALL: Our 1st XI started well last month beating Ashford 4-2 followed by a hard-fought
victory over St Lawrence 1-0. Unfortunately, our final game brought a disappointing result
losing 4-1 to a good Lordswood Side. Meanwhile our 2nd XI have had a rollercoaster run of
results. Firstly, we lost 3-2 away to Sevenoaks Weald in the dup. This was followed by a 0-0
score line away at Horsmonden, and then another draw, away to Dunton Dragons 2-2,
Gladly we got our first win last month a terrific 6-3 victory in our cup game against Green
Street after extra time. Sadly, we ended up with another cup defeat at 6-3 away to
Hawkingbury.

CRICKET: No real news at the moment only to remind you we have entered two teams in the league next
season so we are looking for new blood in our club. If you or know of anyone who would be interested in
playing next year please get in touch.

Club News: Many thanks for those who supported our recent fireworks party, we hope you all enjoyed it.

Our lucky Ton-Up winners for November were:

No 49 Bill Emptage 30 No 136 Katie Boseley 20 No 63 Matt Smith 10

Finally, In aid of the Sports Club, Christmas trees are available ideally from 11th to 15th December, but will try
to accommodate other dates to suit. Please get in touch if interested. Yours in Sport, Tel (01622 815267)

Evergreens

The Evergreens enjoyed a quiche and salad lunch, followed by entertainment from
Anything Goes (a local group that entertains to raise money for charity). In November, we
had a talk from the granddaughter of one of our members. Tia had been on a trip to
Ecuador to help volunteers already out there building schools and facilities for the local people. Several of
our members had supported her fundraising events and were pleased to hear about her adventures. Primitive
toilets seemed to be mentioned frequently, not for the feint hearted!

At the end of November, members will be enjoying a Soup, crusty bread and apple pie lunch and Mags Zak
one of the helpers will be talking to us.

In December, there will only be one meeting and we will be going to the Hazlitt Theatre to see Cinderella.
Oh yes we will.

We will be having our post-Christmas lunch in the WI Hall on 9th January 12.30.

For more information contact Helen 814445. If you would like to come to either or both of these, please ring
Terry 814561 or Helen 814445 for more information and to arrange a lift if required. Leave a message we may
be away!

Hi All.
We are really busy this month, our monthly meeting was very interesting with Janice
Ramsay, who is an antique dealer. The information she shared with us was about what
to expect, when visiting an antique shop for a valuation. She advised on the different
valuations that can be given and also when visiting an auction house what type of
auction your sale item should be entered into. Also about the fees that you could be charged and what to
check before you put your item in the sale. She made the talk fun, informative and enlightening. Last
weekend we had a Table Top sale, with a variety of items on offer, crafts, silver jewellery, books, Christmas
cards and marks and spencer goods. This Friday, the 17th November we have a pamper night with
Arbonne products, we offer cheese and wine for our guests, all welcome. On the 9th December, we have
a Christmas 60's night with Pete and Co and then our December meeting will be a Christmas Party for our
members. IF you wish to join our WI then please come and meet us on the second Wednesday in the
month at The Farleigh WI Hall, Forge Lane, East Farleigh.

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Events
Date and time Event and venue

Sunday 3rd December EAST FARLEIGH FARMERS MARKET

10.00 am to 13.00 Last Market before Christmas. All the usual stalls but with an emphasis
on Christmas. Go along and enjoy the atmosphere and a bacon butty

Sunday 3rd December LUNCH AT THE WHITE HOUSE

12 noon onwards Pre-booking is essential. Go and give it a try.

Sunday 10th December
18.00 pm onwards
Tuesday 12th December
20.00 pm onwards
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, WEST FARLEIGH CAROL SERVICE
The Carol Service at West Farleigh is a great way to put yourself
In the mood for Christmas. The church will be decorated with trees
and candles. There will be traditional carols and the Farleighs Choir will
lead the singing. Suitable for all ages
CAROLS AT THE GOOD INTENT WITH THE FARLEIGHS CHOIR
The Farleighs Choir will, once again, be leading the singing at this
annual event

Friday 22nd December THE GOOD INTENT CHRISTMAS DRAW

19.00 pm onwards The annual Christmas Draw will take place have you got your ticket?

Friday 22nd December CAROL SERVICE AT THE WHITE HOUSE

19.30 pm onwards Enjoy a Goachers Beer while singing traditional carols

Friday 24th December CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE WHITE HOUSE

19.00 pm onwards Join your neighbours for a Christmas Eve Celebration. Live music,
carols with a local choir, mince pies and mulled wine

Tuesday 26th December TRADITIONAL BOXING DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE WHITE HOUSE
12 noon to midnight There will be Morris Dancers, music and a Mummers Play. Do go along
to this quintessential English tradition

Friday 29th December WIND IN THE WILLOWS HUNTON VILLAGE HALL

18.00 to 19.30 A puppetry based adaption suitable for all the family. Tickets are
10 each for under 18s. 7.50 each for a family ticket (4-5 people).
Call Mike on 01622 820429.

Monday 1st January MORRIS DANCING AT THE WHITE HOUSE

12.00 noon onwards Boughton Monchelsea will be dancing to celebrate the New Year.
Do go along and join them

Saturday 20th January COFFEE MORNING

10.00 am onwards West Farleigh Parish Council will be holding another coffee morning
in the Good Intent. Many of your Parish and Borough Councillors will be
there. Come along for a chat, meet your neighbours, and drink
coffee and eat cake

DO YOU MANAGE A BUSINESS IN FARLEIGHS? THIS IS FOR YOU!

We are going to launch a business directory distributed with Lifeline to promote local businesses. It will
come out quarterly. In addition, you will get a free listing on www.thefarleighs.co.uk with a link to your
business website. For further details, please contact Helen Kirk-Brown at helen.kirkbrown@icloud.com
.

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