DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES

FEBRUARY 2013 Published by Kennington Community Forum

Follow the Forum at www.kenningtoncf.kentparishes.gov.uk and on Facebook

Shabby Spearpoint is set for big change

A SCHEME has been designed to tackle dangerous and obstructive parking in roads near Downs View Infants and Kennington Junior School. It is proposed to put double yellow lines around junctions, bends, where the road is too narrow, and where passing bays are necessary in Ball Lane, Church Road, The Street, Ulley Road and Upper Vicarage Road. Existing “School keep clear” markings in Ulley Road, Upper Vicarage Road and Ball Lane would remain to protect pedestrian crossing points. Under the proposals there would be very little parking space at the Church. PCC treasurer Mike Wharrad said: “We agree the junctions should be kept clear but there are too many double yellow lines proposed between the church and Ball Lane.” A decision will be made at a special meeting of the Joint Transportation Board on 19 Feb-ruary. To see the proposals go to: www.ashford.gov.uk/amendment-25

WHEN Bockhanger library needed more shelf space for children’s books Kennington Forum offered to buy extra shelving. But the response from Kent Libraries was that rather than increase the amount of shelving they would

reduce the number of books in stock. The library needs volunteers to act as Computer Buddies, Ancestry Buddies, Home Library Service Couri-ers, Local Sporting Heroes and Talk Time volunteers. Call 01233 624308

LIBRARY’S AMAZING ANSWER

THE dilapidated pavilion at Spear-point Recreation Ground could be replaced within the next two years. The tennis courts would also be renovated. Discussions are taking place with the Football Foundation and Sport England to obtain the necessary grants. Kent County FA rate the scheme “top priori-ty” and have given it their full support. The projected new building would have six changing rooms, a social area and a kitchen. It would be available for hire to groups and organisations.

Dangerous parking near schools may soon be outlawed

A Wicked moment for Madeleine

Snow White meets the Wicked Queen Picture: KERRIE RICE

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Madeleine Lunn played the young Snow White in the WI pantomime that was co-written by her grandmother a few months before she died. She was enchanting in her scenes with Sheilagh Jack-son, who was as wicked as they come as the royal step-mother. The three perfor-mances attracted enthusias-tic audiences who enjoyed

every minute and laughed in all the right places!

Lesley Sanders was the grown-up Snow White, Mary Sharp played The Mirror and her husband Ron was the accompanist. The pantomime, with its splendid cast of more than 20, was produced and co-written by Judy Skinner.

More panto pictures on the Kennington Community Forum Facebook page.

COUNCILLOR Michael Claughton still has several hundred pounds available for community projects in Bockhanger ward. Contact him on 01233 635969

Brenda’s dream: Back Page

Geoff Stanborough, President of the Ashford and District Sunday League, said: “This is a very encouraging and positive step forward for Kennington and the local sports communi-ty. It’s also pleasing that this badly needed project has now moved from being on a wish list to becoming a practical reality.”

Spearpoint pavilion was built about 50 years ago and is owned by Ashford council. It was once a flourishing concern and used by crick-et and football clubs, by a playgroup and for functions.

Owing to vandalism over the years it is now

used only as changing rooms by Sunday soc-cer sides. The five pitches are in good condi-tion but several clubs have moved to other grounds because of the poor facilities.

Kennington Community Forum has being urging the council to take action before the pavilion is deemed unfit for use.

It is hoped the new building will attract more clubs and become an attractive venue for summer tournaments.

A steering group has been set up to oversee the project under ABC facilities manager Ben Moyle.

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Silent supporters lose out

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY

MANY people who supported a controversial plan to ban parking on a dangerous stretch of Faversham Road failed to make their views known. County councillor Andrew Wick-ham, who chaired the Joint Transportation Board that reject-ed the proposal, said: “I have heard since that those in favour didn’t write in. “It is important with a consulta-tion for people to comment whether in favour or against, otherwise we will only hear one side of the argument.” Kent Highways Services wanted to ban all parking between Lower Vicarage Road and Towers School following 14 accidents in the past four years. But the Board thought removing cars could encourage drivers to go faster on the straight stretch of road and

rejected the proposal. Defending the scheme Highways engineer Steve Darling said parked cars had been involved in several accidents and double yellow lines would be the best solution. Nineteen residents objected to the plan and Kennington WI submitted a petition with 81 signatures. One of the few com-ments supporting the scheme came from Stagecoach. Peter Powell, a leading cam-paigner for safety measures, was disappointed by the decision. He said: “It was not about speeding

but about reducing accidents, particularly as this stretch has been identified as a Crash Site with accidents caused as a result of parked vehicles. It seems to me there was lobbying by people who are not local residents and that’s completely wrong.” Mr Darling told the Kennington News: “The scheme is under review. If alternative proposals come forward they will be discussed with local councillors prior to any public consultation.” Several people have called for a fixed speed camera as the road has a 30mph limit. But to meet the criteria there must have been four fatal or serious accidents in the last three years. Sandra Blackmore, who lives near Towers school, said: “I hope it doesn’t take the death of a child before something gets done.”

NEW signs now point the way to St Mary’s Church. County Coun-cillor Andrew Wickham said: “This is a direct response to a request by a Church warden who said outsiders coming to weddings and funerals get lost and drive around the area un-necessarily. The signs were funded by my Member Highway Fund which fast tracks highways issues of local importance.”

BUSY BEES nursery in Eureka Place has been rated “good” by Ofsted. Children are well behaved and build good relationships with adults and their peers, said the report. The environment is bright and welcoming and there is a very well resourced outside play area. Inspectors said the nursery, which supervises 65 youngsters between 7.30am to 6pm, is led by a well-informed and organised manager, Karen Povey. She said: “I’m very proud of my team. We have worked very hard to gain this amazing Ofsted outcome.” Ages taken: 0-5. Tel: 01233 663386

A RACE night at The Kennington raised nearly £400 for the Baby Memorial Garden in Ashford. It was arranged by Amy Pitcher in aid of SANDS, (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity).

WORK is continuing to improve the Bockhanger Lane cycle path. The experimental solar light has not always been working. Pot-holes have been filled in but are being washed out by the rain.

It’s important for people to comment whether in favour or against, said Cllr Wickham

BUSY BEES ARE ALL OF A BUZZ

THE proposal to create Con-ningbrook Lakes country park will result in an intolerable in-crease in traffic say many local residents. Givaudan are con-cerned for the safety of staff who walk or cycle to work on the narrow Willesborough Road and Premier Foods say traffic issues could have a detrimental impact on their operations. The planning application from the Brett Group includes a 300-home lakeside village to fund the park.

ROUND-UP

POLICE community support officers have been tackling anti-social behaviour in Dexter Close, Guernsey Way and Bockhanger Lane and say matters are improving.

A TENANT has been found for the Tritton Fields bungalow bought by Kennington Parochial Charities. The trustees are now planning to buy another bunga-low that they can let.

LITTER dumped near the Rugby Club in Kinney’s Lane is from passers-by and lorry drivers who use the area for overnight parking says the club. It will tidy up the site as a gesture of goodwill.

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TARGET DATES FOR HOMES

TERESA ADAMS says being in Girlguiding UK will help her as headteacher at the new Goat Lees Primary school.

She said: “There may be many chal-lenges but I am sure that Girlguiding has equipped me with a range of skills that will be invaluable.”

Mrs Adams takes an active part in the association and runs the 1st Whitstable Guide unit.

She said: “The next few months will be very busy as we see the project develop and the school starts to take shape.” It should have

opened last Septem-ber but was delayed for a year because of a legal dispute over ownership of the land. It resulted in KCC paying £470,000 to the Goat Lees develop-ment consortium.

Mrs Adams said: “It is my responsibility to ensure the school inspires the local community and be-

comes a wonderful source for all.”

Mrs Adams has more than 15 years expe-rience as a senior member of staff and was deputy head at Joy Lane Primary, Whitstable.

Family information afternoons were held at the Goat Lees Community Centre in December and January.

CHRISTMAS collections at St Mary’s Church raised £1,000 which was shared between Crisis and The Salvation Army. Proceeds from the Christingle Service went to the Chil-dren’s Society. A further £100 was raised for the Pilgrims Hospice as churchgoers made dona-tions instead of sending each other cards.

KENNINGTON Junior school’s Christmas bazaar raised £1,600.

TOWERS Sixth form Christmas Fayre raised £500 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Pilgrims Hospice.

THE attacker who brutally beat up former Kennington headmaster Michael Thompsett is still at large. Police have not had any response to a plea for witnesses. Mr Thompsett, 70, lost an eye and suffered a

broken wrist and head injuries when he was knocked to the ground and kicked in the face as he returned to his car in Broadhurst Drive at 8.30pm on 21 August. Anyone with information is asked to call 101.

Attacker still at large

ASHFORD council aims to have its eight new homes in Randolph Gardens completed by March 2014. The planning committee approved the application unanimously despite objections from some residents. Cllr Paul Clokie noted that the ward member Cllr Marion Martin (who was not present) had not commented on the proposal. The scheme includes 28 additional parking spaces and landscaped gardens.

NEW Phoenix primary head Frances Nation took up teaching 10 years ago when she was 41. She said: “I decided to change my life and it was the best thing I have ever done.” Mrs Nation began teaching at St Stephen’s Juniors in Canterbury and was head of school before moving to Phoenix in January. She said: “I love the building, it’s an amazing environ-ment and I’m really excited. I’m all about opportunities for children and I love creativity — thinking about things in a slightly different

way.” Mrs Nation wants to set up a Parents, Teachers and Friends Associa-tion and get the community involved in the school. Mrs Nation, who lives in Canterbury has two children, aged 23 and 20, and worked part-time for a housing association before becoming a teacher. She said: “My interest outside of school is

the sea. My husband sails and we have a small house on the seafront at Whit-stable where we go most weekends. You will find me there working or reading good children’s liter-ature which I love.” Fifty ambassadors from STEMNET, which creates opportunities for children in sci-ence, technology, engineering and maths, took over the school for a day in January and children were shown how to make bath bombs. Former Phoenix head Rob Juniper is now head of Knockhall Primary, Greenhithe.

CHILDREN’S CHAMPION

IT may be many months before the latest application to demolish Little Acre, 80 The Street, and build six homes on the land reaches ABC’s planning committee. Carol Ridings, fast track manager, planning and development unit, said: “The appli-cation is invalid because of the lack of an ecology survey and incom-plete plans. I am awaiting further

information from the agent and it may be months before this is sub-mitted.” Skillcrown Homes’ first application, three years ago, was for 11 homes. This was rejected by the council and a second applica-tion for six homes was dismissed after an appeal hearing. More than 100 residents and councillors have objected to all the proposals.

Plan for Little Acre is ‘invalid’ WORK began in January to replace 650 metres of gas pipes between the Faversham Road/Canterbury Road junction and The Ridge, via Burton Road and Warwick Road. The new pipes should last for 100 years.

Head’s guiding force

A NEW style of church is flourishing at the Commu-nity Centre in Rylands Road. On the second Sun-day of each month fami-lies join in with activities such as icing biscuits and gluing and sticking. After “Action Songs” and a short message children have tea. Messy Church is led by Graham Nunn from the Church Army, who plays guitar and performs tricks, assisted by Hannah Seal, along with Richard the vicar and others. Just turn up between 4-6pm.

ENJOY planting flowers, vegetables and herb seeds, some for your garden and some for the Sure Steps garden in Belmont Road. Call 01233 624857 for details

Information COUNTY COUNCILLORS: Elizabeth Tweed 01233 714689 elizabeth.tweed@kent.gov.uk Andrew Wickham 01233 840902 andrew.wickham@kent.gov.uk

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS: Kennington: Phil Sims 01233 627603 philip.sims01@gmail.com Bockhanger: Michael Claughton 01233 635969 michael.claughton@ntlworld.com Bybrook: Andrew Buchanan 01233 627696 andrewjohnbuchanan@hotmail.com Little Burton: Marion Martin 628811 marionmartin168 @btinternet.com Boughton Aluph: Winston Michael 636644 winstonmichael@aol.com NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE : Kennington: Tom Knight 07772 226032; Little Burton: Fergus Mackay 07772 225992, Bockhanger: Jason Brett 07772 226047. Bybrook: Covered by all of the above. IF NONE IS AVAILABLE DIAL 101 PARKING PROBLEMS: 330641 KENT HIGHWAYS: 08458 247800 NEW HAYESBANK SURGERY: 624642 LATE NIGHT CHEMIST: Sainsbury’s Simone Weil Avenue 01233 662819 NHS DIRECT: Medical advice 24/7 0845 4647 ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICE OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY: William Harvey Hospital Kennington Road, Willesborough 01233 633331 REV RICHARD KING: 623334 WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE: Brunswick Road, Cobbs Wood Indus-trial Estate. Temporary facility while the main site is being extended KENNINGTON FORUM: Chris Morley, chair, 01233 611196 chris.f.morley@gmail.com Sandra Dunn, secretary 01233 634165 sandradunn@sky.com

Kennington News is published quarterly. Editor Robin Britcher

01233 634410 kennington.news@hotmail.co.uk

@kenningtonnews

FRANK ACOTT Kennington, and in particular St Mary's Church, has lost one of its stalwarts with the death of Frank Acott. Despite indifferent health he continued right up to the end to organise the Drop-In at Rylands Road and the community use of the church minibus. But his pas-

sion was the Rylands Road Cen-tre. By continually championing the case for the church to provide additional activities for the com-munity Frank was the driving force behind the extending of the centre which has allowed the wide variety of new activities that now take place. CP

NEXT MEETINGS

29 January 7.30pm

27 March 7.30pm

BRENDA’S DREAM Brenda Lunn loved writing and was one of the contributors to A Way with Words, an evocative collection of memoirs by the WI creative writing group. Brenda described how she planned to make her dreams of visiting exot-ic islands come true after a life devoted to family, work, and being her husband’s carer for 10

years before he died. Then she found she had cancer. Brenda died in October aged 62, and the book is dedicated to her. The anthology spans many decades and recalls the joys and sorrows of family life, childhood during the war, adventures and the excitement of Christmas. Copies, price £5, can be obtained from Ursula Jones 01233 620620.

FOLLOWING last year’s exciting pro-motion Kennington Cricket Club’s first team has gained a place in the Kent Regional Cricket League Champion-ship-East division. For the first time in its history, the Club has entered a second team into the same league and has been placed in Division 2B-East. The full league line-ups and fixtures are at www.kenningtoncc.com.

Anyone interested in playing for, or supporting, the club please contact the secretary, Terry Deary on 01233 624905 or email terry.deary@kenningtoncc.com.

Junior coaching sessions will be held throughout the summer, both midweek and on Sunday mornings. Registration for new players will be on 14 April from 11am at the Ulley Road ground — all welcome. Please contact Junior Manager, John Cunningham, 01233 631672 john.cunningham@kenningtoncc.com

VOLUNTEERS of all ages helped plant a hedgerow of hazel, black-thorn, crab apple and elder at Spearpoint recreation ground. The Woodland Trust awarded 105 plants to Kennington Community Forum. The event was managed on behalf of the Forum by The Conservation Volunteers.

CLUB MOVES TO STADIUM KENNINGTON football club is using the Julie Rose Stadium for its county league teams this season. Chairman Graham Oxley said the move would help its chances of playing in the Invicta League. Mr Oxley said: “When I took over as chairman a year ago I was determined to take this club forward and with the use of the facilities at the stadium we can do that. The move has gone better than anyone could have hoped.” The club — the oldest in Kent — runs three Satur-day teams, two on Sunday and two under-18 sides, one that plays in the coun-ty league.

WINTER REMINDER: Salt in the KCC salt bins is not for use on private drives.