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HawkHurst Village Magazine april 2015 issue no.48 Free

Hawkhurst Village MagazineISSN 2053-2059 (Print)

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Hawkhurst girl Emma Santer –a racing successEmma now living near Hythe has won herself a new appointment as Chief Executive of Plumpton

Will Clarke Point to PointWill Clarke son of Andy Clarke from the Colonnade Butchers, who had his first ride at the Charing course last year, was again in action at the winter meet on 22nd February 2015 where he had a strong performance in the second race of the day with a second place on “Country Foolery” owned by Ms Sarah Hall.

Will only started riding at age 13 and after several seasons hunting with the Ashford Valley Tickham Hunt and competing at Tetrathlon with the Ashford Valley Pony Club he decided that he wanted to pursue a career in racing. After finishing his GCSEs he spent three months at the British Racing School in Newmarket and now works as second jockey forPoint to Point trainer Nick Pearce, based in Mayfield East Sussex. Anne Clarke

Will is, at this stage, leading the race.

2 HawkHurst Village Magazine april 2015 issue no.48

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Racecourse. She was general manager of Folkestone Racecourse prior to its closure in 2012 (sadly the owners sold it for housing development).

Before joining Plumpton Emma was general manager of Freedom Leisure, successfully running three fitness centres in Kent.

Plumpton chairman Peter Savill said: “I am delighted Emma has been appointed chief executive. She brings strong and diverse experience from both the racing and leisure sector which will prove invaluable.”

Our congratulations to Emma in taking on another challenging executive role.

Mike Appelbe

Letter to the Editor,Having read your article on Fuel Poverty last month. I have long thought that there would be merit in organising a thermal-imaging survey of the houses in Hawkhurst to identify where heat is being wasted. I am sure that Home-owners and Tenants alike would appreciate knowing where their money goes, and in the latter case to involve public and private sector landlords in carrying out remedial work. I know that several communities in Kent have done this already, there has been equipment available on free loan from KCC and Local Authorities. Anyone out there, particularly with thermal-imaging experience, but any volunteers would be welcome, take a look at this website www.transition-hythe.

com it gives an idea of what is involved and I do not think they had any “professionals”. Any one interested please contact me with a view to organising a group to carry out a survey next winter, my email is [email protected] and telephone 01580 752193.

Peter Hoole

HawkHurst Village Magazine april 2015 issue no.48 3

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EditorI look forward to some beautiful photo entries again in this year’s Flix and Pics. If the entrants can send me digital images of their entries I will make a selection and include these in the May magazine to give the most people a chance to enjoy them.

It is very sad to see that Wood & Sons, the Butcher at The Moor, is closing this month after 80 years through lack of support from customers. It is especially frustrating when it has such a high reputation as a butcher, for its meat and its service. I suppose the closure is partly a knock on effect of The Spar closing.

Mike Appelbe, editor

ChairmanHawkhurst has a very strong history and heritage going back a few hundred years. Much of this still remains and is visible in the buildings of the village. It is very interesting to see the different styles of architecture as you walk around the village or through the countryside. Many of the buildings go back to the 19th century or earlier and have classic Georgian or Victorian design and features. It is very important that we look after these buildings to maintain the character of the village. In the countryside there are farmhouses and oasthouses which are relics of the past farming industry. These form part of the visible character of the countryside which we as residents treasure and is greatly appreciated by visitors to the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Parish Council has a duty to look after the character of the village and as part of this we get the opportunity to review all planning applications submitted within the village. This is probably the most important of our responsibilities. We are very thorough in assessing all applications and have to make a judgement on behalf of the community as to whether the style of architecture is appropriate for the village. We will support modern architecture when we believe it is suitable to a particular location. However there have been several applications recently where a modern styled extension is proposed for a historic character building and we have felt it is out of sympathy with its context.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to get our local views taken into account. Recently, for example, a very popular 16th century pub in the village which has previously built extensions in line with the character of the building was granted permission for a square flat roofed side extension, contrary to the unanimous opinion of the Parish Council. Perhaps it is assumed that the extension will not last as long as its parent building, but will certainly degrade its character for the time being. This

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Many of you will have heard of our venture to produce a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) for Hawkhurst. This programme is gathering steam and we have now employed a consultant company to work with us. The NDP committee is built up from Parish Councillors and some local residents. They have had initial meetings and published the timescale of events to get the NDP compiled during this year. It is important that as many residents as possible contribute to the plan, in particular all age groups including those still at school. You will see a number of events publicised over the spring and summer and I would recommend everyone should get involved. The NDP is seen as particularly important in defining how Hawkhurst will develop. For example we need to develop our Village Halls, where there has been no significant expenditure for many years. We have already held an initial public meeting relating specifically to Village Halls or a Community Centre, the results from which will help to inform the NDP process.

We were able to quote our emerging NDP when challenging the inclusion of the Highgate Hill site for housing development in the Site Allocation Development Plan Document. The great majority of residents want to develop Brown Field sites in the village before building on agricultural land. The NDP is becoming an increasingly important vehicle in the planning process, please take part in forming it.

Peter Dartnell, Chairman, Hawkhurst Parish Council

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Dear friendsWhen children spin around, they become dizzy, and perhaps fall down on the grass or on a carpet – all in fun. Most of us do not like to spin, either on our feet or especially in a vehicle, and we certainly do not enjoy dizziness, which usually indicates an inner ear problem or other malady. We prefer to have control over the direction of our movements, and to maintain our balance.

But sometimes we become “dizzy” enough to “fall down” in a heap of amused almost disbelief at how an external or internal experience can be silly, different or otherwise out of our control and at the same time cause true joy and inner peace. We humans are subject to occurrences of a deeper form of clear direction and balance than that which is normal for us, and which seem directed towards our welfare even though we have no part in planning them. We can reflect on some of the events that come to mind when we try to recall instances of something akin to “joyful confusion” or “dizzy with happiness.” If we are able to remember one or more incidents, we will recognise that we did not cause the experiences, but we are glad that they happened. Just as we value good balance and normal, non-spinning movement while walking or standing, we also desire emotional and spiritual stability in our relationship with one another and with God. When our usual patterns are disturbed, we might become anxious or otherwise concerned, until we determine whether or not there is real cause for alarm. Most of us have found that we are sometimes surprised by unplanned occurrences or encounters where we are definitely not in control, yet we experience a playful kind of joy once we pay attention to the present realities instead of trying to avoid, deny, or stop them. We are like children who have spun around a bit, but our dizziness is from new ideas and their associated feelings which enliven us rather than upset us.

We might, for example, read about some recent discovery in the field of natural science and find that we are suddenly able to accept a new point of view that is quite different from what we had previously


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held, which causes delight rather than confusion or anger. Or, we could be challenged by a comment we hear, or an experience we have, that is at variance with a long-held perspective and yet discover with some exhilaration that we can incorporate the remark and the experience into an expanded outlook that is quite clearly life-changing for us. We are capable of being spun about without losing our balance, and actually finding that we are standing more firmly and confidently than before.

God has some surprises for us in our lives which are often experienced at first as unusual, simply because they take us out of our habitual ways of thinking or acting, not because they actually cause us even a bit of harm. These events that occur in our lives might be the kind of “spins” which, if we do not give in to fear, open us to interior growth.

Children sometimes ask to be spun around for the fun of it. We can trust God to open our minds and hearts to widen our perspectives, even if the experience might make us a bit “dizzy” at first. Not unlike those disciples who were the first to encounter the risen Christ.

A happy and blessed Easter to you.Fr. Rodney

end of a shopping eraThe Woods family has been running a successful butchers in Talbot Road Hawkhurst since 1932, David was even born here. At times there have been at least four generations of the family working together here.

The rot really set in when the Primary School closed, but the shop is now simply in the wrong place. Housewives go to work and expect to be able to do their food shopping all in one place. At Highgate all your shops are within a few minutes walk from each other.

The photo taken in 1966 shows how things were. Steve is now unable to take an income out of the shop, so he is effectively working for nothing. The last thing he wants to do is to keep going until he gets into debt. He would rather accept the situation and stop now, closing on 4th April, so this year for the last time there will be the chance to buy local lamb in the shop for Easter, grown on their farm.

Emily will continue working on the farm. She is going to run a stall in an established farmer’s market selling

her farm produce. The farm used to have at least 2½ acres, part of the Springett’s estate. The butchers was added as a lean-to shop. In 1880 the brick building was a built, housing the slaughterhouse and shop, the brickwork matching many other Springett buildings in the village. It will no doubt eventually become a very attractive house.

Mike Appelbe


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It’s fun to learn with Hawkhurst U3A Members of the History of Art and Country Houses groups recently visited the amazing place that is Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery. There is so much to see and to learn about in this museum – and when was the last time you went there? We had a most interesting talk about the Museum’s Egyptology collection (no, I didn’t know either!) and had the chance to get really close to some amazing exhibits – mummified arm of crocodile, anyone? We learned that the fine pre-dynastic pots in the Museum (around 5,000 to 6,000 years old) were recently visited by British Museum staff, since they originate from a tomb near another that is currently being excavated. Later we saw the rather touching mummy of Ta-Kesh, a 14-year old girl. The Museum is housed in a lovely Elizabethan manor house, right in the centre of Maidstone (just behind the House of Fraser) and is a real treat. Its website www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk will whet your appetite.

Fine pre-Dynastic Egyptian pot in Maidstone Museum

This was only one of the learning experiences that Hawkhurst u3A members are enjoying – there are so many more to be had. Have a look at our website www.hawkhurstu3a.org.uk to find out about our monthly meetings with great speakers, social events, fascinating outings and our many other interest groups. If you’d like more information or are interested in joining, do contact our Membership Secretary, John Read, on 01580 753535 or via the link on the website.

Thursday 2nd April 2015, 10.00am Michael Smith presents a fascinating talk entitled ‘Antarctic Explorer’, about the life and exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The venue will be the British Legion Hall. The talk will be followed by coffee, and visitors will be most welcome.

Ruth McChesney

The Artichoke GalleryHawkhurst Artist, Louisa Crispin recently became a partner in Artichoke Gallery, Ticehurst. ‘Sculptor Vicki Atkinson opened her first Gallery in Burwash in 2002; I regularly visited and exhibited there before she moved briefly to Germany and we seemed to share the same taste in art and craft, I wanted to buy everything in the exhibition! So when she invited me to join her and Stitcher Liz Moys at their new venue in Ticehurst I knew we would work well together.

Whilst providing an obvious outlet for our own artwork, we are also keen to bring fresh artists to the area. For example our next exhibition opening on 1st April will showcase the work of 5 young jewellers, all trained at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Schools of Art, all recently shown at the prestigious Goldsmiths Fair in London. Their diverse, experimental jewellery will be an exciting addition to the work on show in the local galleries. At the other extreme we have paintings from Penzance by renowned artist Paul Wadsworth, providing us with the opportunity to see his vibrant land and seascapes alongside those of Paul Evans from Lavenham and Leila Godden from Halland.

And talking of local Galleries, at the suggestion of Marie Prett from Singing Soul Gallery in Cranbrook, we are joining together to create a Gallery Trail: from Wing Gallery in Wadhurst to West End House Gallery in Smarden, “FourArt” will bring added tourism value to the area with leaflets widely distributed and a website (FourArt.uk) highlighting what else is available to do locally. This is all still in progress but we hope to launch soon.’

Artichoke is currently specialising in Painting and

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Original Prints, Sculpture, Jewellery and Ceramics with a selection of regular exhibitors and four featured exhibitions each year. Tucked just off the main Flimwell to Wadhurst road in Church Street (opposite The Bell Inn), it is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. There is lots of information on the website: www.artichokegallery.co.uk. The gallery houses a lovely selection from small creative businesses and is well worth a short trip across the border!

Louisa Crispin

We have our own local gallery in Hawkhurst:- the Kino reception area. The editor

Speedwatch UpdateThe Hawkhurst Community Speedwatch Group carried out another week’s observations at the beginning of March. The results are yet to be published, but we confidently expect them to continue with the sorry story of regular excessive speeds.

At one site there were 60 speeding vehicles recorded in under 60 minutes on two separate mornings between 07:00 and 08:00 hours. The site is on a 30 MPH stretch of road and the fastest recorded speed was 54!

On 12th February we attended the Rural Roads Speeding meeting in Maidstone where workable

solutions were agreed to the problem of speeding on rural roads across Kent. Not just in Hawkhurst but across the county and a co-ordinated strategy is what is required. We do not expect miracles overnight but with everyone working together we should be able to reduce speeding and this will reduce accidents and hopefully avoid serious injury and even deaths on our roads.

Hawkhurst Parish Council is looking into extra signage to help with making our roads safer. We very much hope this initiative will continue and bear fruit.

The Police, Kent Safety Camera Partnership and members of the Speedwatch team have met once already, and have another meeting to be organised shortly. The police have already started to identify suitable sites for positioning a Mobile Camera van to carry out enforcement sessions. Once Hawkhurst has had visits from the Mobile Camera van at random times on all four of the roads into and out of the village; this will enable prosecutions to be made, this being the most effective way of curbing excessive speeding. We shall report back on this in future updates.


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We shall continue to keep the village informed of progress and results from future sessions. As always we would love to see more people coming forward to assist, so if anyone would like to join us to continue this necessary work, then do please contact the Parish Magazine for further details of who to contact.

Hawkhurst Community Speedwatch Team

WELCOME NEWS FOR CYCLISTSMEPs have voted in favour of life-saving changes to EU lorry design rules in a move that has been welcomed by cycling groups and safety campaigners.Current length restrictions force lorry manufacturers to design short cab fronts with dangerous blind spots and blunt cabin fronts, increasing the risk of serious accidents with cyclists and pedestrians.

The new rules will allow these length restrictions to be relaxed in order to design safer and more aerodynamic vehicles, including through rounded cab fronts, crumple zones and improved visibility.

Statistics show that Lorries are disproportionately responsible for cyclist deaths. From 2009-2013 only 5% of road users were Lorries, yet they caused 23% of cyclist deaths.

The Commission has now been tasked with coming up with details of the safer design requirements by the end of 2016. They will then have to be approved by the European Parliament and national ministers, after which there by a 3 year delay until they come into force.

Our Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder said:“Too many lives have been lost on our roads due to unsafe lorry designs. These small changes will make an enormous difference by helping to get rid of the dangerous blind spots that cause so many accidents with pedestrians and cyclists. I will now be keeping up the pressure to ensure that these safer designs are proposed and implemented as soon as possible.”


With Easter almost upon us the school has been thinking of other people throughout the period of Lent. Last week we held sponsored class events and the amount of money raised was just amazing!

The youngest class, Rainbow Class, held a sponsored jump, whilst the Year 1, Red Class, held a sponsored race. Next came Orange Class, Year 2, and somehow they managed to be SILENT for twenty minutes. It was so peaceful! Yellow Class pupils, Year 3, were sponsored to stand on one leg and Year 4, Green Class, opted for a sponsored run. The upper classes, Blue and Violet were sponsored, respectively, to skip and to write with the wrong hand. Our fundraising carries on with a cake sale and a raffle but so far the school has raised the magnificent amount of £1,400. Parents, families and friends have been extremely generous.

We all had fun during World Book day when children came to school dressed as a favourite Book Character. I hope you enjoy our photos of some of the creative costumes.

I am also delighted to report about the recent Ofsted inspection of Hawkhurst Pre – School which is situated on the school premises and works closely with the school.

At the beginning of February the Pre – School was inspected. Notice is not given these days and Mrs Waugh was


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(pleasantly?) surprised one morning to hear that Ofsted was due to arrive in half an hour. Needless to say, all went well and the Pre–School was given a glowing report.

Ofsted found that The Quality and Standards of the Early Years Provision is Good.

The judgement about how well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend is Good.

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children is ouTsTAndinG.

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision is Good.

The inspection found that staff provide a stimulating and nurturing environment which engages and interests children and that all children make good progress.

Well done to Hawkhurst Pre–School. E. Hatcher

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Pray at EastertideEaster is a time for new life. Think for a moment about the research carried out by the church which has shown overwhelmingly that children have an innate spirituality that is often missed. They do not have the language skills or vocabulary to describe their sense of the other. Those of us who are older who have the language ability are outpaced by the experience of our young people because we have been conditioned by our up-bringing to suppress and even disregard our own inherent spirituality. Let us pray for the rediscovery of our own spirituality which is key to recognising and encouraging it in the children and young people we serve.

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Pause for ThoughtThinkers can question whether or not reality is only a mental projection. We know well that the decisions we make in life have real consequences for ourselves and for others. At the same time, and probably quite connected with this view of reality, we are in possession of an essential complementary truth that arises from our spirituality. That is, for those of us who exercise the gift of faith and trust in God, our understanding of, and relationship with reality, is appropriately influenced by that faith, and vice-versa. We do not have to reason or talk about such things in order to live a meaningful life. But reflecting a bit on faith and reality might help us to more deeply appreciate our perspectives on life, and to think, speak and act with fuller awareness of who we are.

Some scientists would say that reality consists only in what we can measure, which leaves both God and love outside that understanding of all that we experience. What a difference it makes for us to accept that God is real, and that all of reality exists in God, who is love, and that our love is real. That understanding of reality is also an expression of our spirituality. Both are gifts from God, in whom we exist, and in whom we have a destiny and a meaningful purpose which vastly transcends the limitations of our intelligence.

As humans, we do not need to have a clear definition of love to know when we are loved. But if we do not believe that we are loved, we might as well not be, as far as our experience is concerned. No one can prove that any one of us is loved, indicating how very deeply our spirituality affects this most important reality of life. Trusting God or trusting other people is not a physical measurable quality of our lives, but it is a gift of God enabling us to participate in the reality of love. Rather than always taking for granted that we are loved and that we love others, we might reflect on the splendid gift of spirituality that is ours, through which we are able to believe in love where it really exists in us and around us.

We cannot force anyone to love us, as we might have learned if we had wanted this or that person to have a special regard for us, when he or she did not. But we will never be lacking what we need of love if we bring our faith to bear on this most important reality of our lives. Rather than demanding or asking


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that someone else relates with us according to our desires, we can tell God that we are not feeling the support we think we need at this time. At the moment of telling, as long as we are not merely talking to ourselves, we are already in the presence of God who knows us and loves us as we are. Sometimes, merely calling to mind this belief in the presence of God’s love can be healing.

At other times, thinking about God as loving us does not satisfy our discontent. We might then try “backwards logic” as a quite human and perhaps amusing movement of mind and heart: consider the possibility that God created us and then completely and uncaringly forgot about us. That is such a negative thought that it can provide an opening for a shared joke with God, and lead us to acknowledge that we are loved, even if at this particular time we experience feelings of loneliness or lack of appreciation by others.

Feelings come and go. But our faith makes the reality of love ever more complete and fulfilling.

Fr. Rodney

inFoPoinTWhat’sLocal is an information point intended to provide information to the local community. Come and use the new installation by the Post Office in Budgens. It is hoped to be useful both for local people and for visitors. The cost is covered by local advertisers.

Nigel PooleyContact: [email protected] or

07771 99110→

Burrswood EventsSaturday 25th April Mayor’s Charity ConcertSt John’s Church, Tunbridge Wells 7.30pmA wonderful evening of music featuring pupils from Bennett Memorial School, Jubilee Singers and the Police Band. £10 Tickets Sunday 26th Aprilsponsored dog Walk 1pmIn conjunction with Pets as TherapyA fun family event for dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners. Walk through Burrswood’s grounds and surrounding countryside. £5 registration fee

Sophie Minoprio

sTAGeCoACH 2 For 1 oFFers Are BACK THis eAsTer Anyone getting out and about this Easter can take advantage of 2 for 1 offers at local attractions if they travel there by bus. Local bus company Stagecoach has announced that its special offers for bus passengers are back for another year, just in time for the Easter holidays.

The company’s ‘Big Bus Guide’ details all the attractions offering discounts to bus users. There are a range of activities available, from days out for the whole family, to more grown up destinations such as art galleries or the Shepherd Neame Brewery. There are also several new attractions taking part this year, with offers including:

§ 2 for 1 films at the Gulbenkian, Canterbury§ 2 for 1 entry to Canterbury Roman Museum§ 2 for 1 entry to Dover Museum§ Children go free at the Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch nr Tenterden§ 10% off at the Turner Contemporary shop & cafe, Margate§ 2 for 1 entry to Pevensey Castle, East Sussex§ Discounted entry to Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings§ Children go free on the Cliff Railway, Hastings§ 2 for 1 entry to Jerwood Gallery, Hastings

Full details of all the participating attractions and the offer details can be found online atwww.stagecoachbus.com/BigBusGuide.

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For additional information contact:Divene Anderson, Marketing [email protected]: 01227 828118

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About Stagecoach:• Stagecoach is one of the biggest bus operators in the UK, running around 7,000 vehicles in nearly 100 towns and cities in the UK.

• Stagecoach Group’s headquarters are in Perth, Scotland, where it began operating in 1980 with just two buses. The company floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1993 and now has an annual turnover of around £1.3 billion.

• Stagecoach South East is made up of Stagecoach in East Kent and Stagecoach in East Sussex and is one of 18 locally managed companies within Stagecoach Group.

• Stagecoach South East headquarters are in Canterbury and the company currently runs nearly 440 buses, employs over 1250 staff and carries more than 46 million passengers per annum. www.stagecoachbus.com/southeast


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Brian davies A Tribute spoken by Jonathan at his Dad’s Remembrance Service

The following words were written about Dad in 1951 by Major Hannell RE, Chief Leader of the British Schools Exploring Society’s Expedition to Central Iceland. “An admirable fellow in every respect. Redoubtable on the march and an excellent companion who could always be relied upon to give of his very best. Under particularly trying conditions he was always cheerful and ready to help those of lesser moral strength.” The words perfectly describe the Dad I knew. He was, first and foremost, a family man. An adored youngest son, a little brother to Colin and Paul, 8 and 10 years his senior respectively a husband, simply Dad to Lucy, Dominic and I, and Grampa to James, Alex and Dani. He was also a teacher to numerous trainee Doctors over many years and a supporter of the family, his students, Barts, Arsenal and any English national sportsman, woman or team. He was in his youth a sportsman himself and an adventurer. He was a quiet and measured presence. I do not remember him losing his temper although I know that Dominic and I certainly tested that in the way teenage sons do. Comfortable in any company but never seeking to be the centre of attention, he was a kind and gentle man, except by all accounts when he stepped on to a rugby pitch. Brought up in Bromley, part of a close family built around his mother. From the moment he could walk he apparently spent much of the time trailing around behind his older brothers.

The war was to disrupt this childhood, not least on the occasion of his 8th birthday, the day in 1940 on which Goering chose to switch the Battle of Britain from the airfields of the Home Counties to London and in the process interrupted Dad’s celebration garden party with a full fly over from the Luftwaffe. Evacuated reluctantly to Surrey with the Prep school run by his godmother DA, on one occasion he was found flushing his cap down the toilet at Waterloo Station in the hope that without it he would be forced to return to his mother. Paul had joined the Navy and wasn’t seen until after the war. Colin would eventually join the Engineers

but, in the meantime, the Family lived through the air raids, the build-up to D Day and finally the V bombs and Doodlebugs. After the war, he gained a place at Sir Roger Manwood’s School in Sandwich, where he was to excel in the classroom, on the sports field and the athletics track, Captaining the Hockey and Rugby teams, being selected for County squads and taking part in the aforementioned Schools Exploring Society’s expedition to Iceland – a country he would always say was the most spectacular of any he visited. He completed his National Service in the Royal Artillery, where he learnt to drive in a five ton truck. He never took a driving test, something that never came as a surprise to anyone driven by him. After moving back to Bromley, he enrolled at UCL where once again he excelled on the sports field. He joined Beckenham Rugby Club and starred on many occasions earning rave reviews in the Bromley Times as a strong and fast wing forward.

When visiting Beckenham with one of my boy’s teams, I have always been proud to take them to see his photos on the wall – even if they were so high in the clubhouse that initially they had to sit on my shoulders to be able to see them. He was invited to play for Blackheath and later to Captain Beckenham but declined both because, in his words, he couldn’t be doing with all that midweek training.

He travelled to Sweden and then the Andes on research expeditions and completed his PHD. By now he was working at Barts, where he was to become a very popular Lecturer and Tutor with a much appreciated ability to present the complicated in a simple and easily understood manner; he taught Physiology at Bart’s Medical School. He loved the closeness and familiarity of the day to day contact with the students around Charterhouse


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→ Square and Barts Hospital was to be a major part of his life. If ever I hear of it on the news or see the Hospital buildings or Smithfield Square as part of a film set, I automatically think of Dad and always will. Around this time, in 1962 he met Mum at the West Kent club in Bickley and they married in 1964. Last year, 50 years, and with the three of us later, we quietly celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. As a child lucky enough to grow up in a secure and loving family there is an unfortunate tendency to take your parents relationship for granted. Regrettably, it is only when you see it under real pressure, such as recently from Dad’s deteriorating health, that you really understand the strength of that relationship. By this time, the whole family had returned to Bromley and was living within a three mile radius. Growing up, we were genuinely a family of three brothers and seven cousins, our grandmother and Aunt Molly. I still remember with great fondness the family get-togethers on Boxing Day and at other family events.

Dad was also always a loyal supporter of the whole family and others who had been important to him in his youth, such as my Grampa, my Mum’s sister Gilly, DA and his much loved Nanny Winnie.It is the little day to day glimpses that I will remember about him: Walking down the garden on a Sunday night after his weekly bonfire of garden waste in his unique gardening outfit. Strolling happily back up Highfield Drive of an evening, swinging a battered leather briefcase. Manhandling the caravan whilst the rest of us nudged it gently or setting off up a mountain in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales carrying all our kit. Wrestling with his Leica camera to a chorus of abuse from the family – a role I have inherited with my own family – albeit I use an Iphone. Or just sitting quietly in our lounge surrounded by his stamp collection.

Retirement brought him to rural Kent in Hawkhurst, then finally to Cranbrook. New friends, a much bigger garden and a sit-on lawn mower, Theatre and Cinema trips, wood carving and the Choir here in this church. Travel to Australia, South America and particularly Chile - a shared favourite place for him and Mum. He was very content.

Parkinson’s disease was to destroy that contentment. If the news of his passing was a shock to you, it is a credit to my Mum’s efforts to keep him living at home for as long as possible. I have no doubt that the mercifully limited time he spent in Iden Manor is a reflection of his practical approach to life and a lifelong wish to be with Mum and the family. I would like to thank you all for being here today and for the part you played in his life and for the final word, I return to Major Hannell. Although he is writing about Dad’s contribution to their expedition, the words are to my mind very appropriate to his life as a whole. He concluded: “A very responsible boy with a fine sense of leadership and one who was a real asset on all occasions.”

Opening soon Krishnas South Indian CuisineThe previous Indian restaurant owners in Hawkhurst have now left after doing business in Hawkhurst for 20 years, serving their Bangladeshi food. The new owner Santosh Nair runs restaurants in London and comes with years of experience in traditional fine dining. He is now busy transforming the Hawkhurst building and once he is ready to open really looks forward to welcoming all ages to experience Southern Indian food with its many delicious fish dishes. Southern India is home to Krishna temples and his restaurant plans to capture the whole experience of food and music from this area. There will be more to read about in the May magazine.

Mike Appelbe


→A letter to SIR THOMAS DUNK of Hawkhurst (died 1718)When Sir Thomas Dunk died in 1718 he left instructions in his will that a school should be established, with almshouses for four poor people from Hawkhurst.

Hawkhurst residents in 2015 are, of course, very familiar with Dunk’s, the fine building erected by Sir Thomas’s executors (opposite Budgen’s).

Sir Thomas’s 21st century Trustees have recently made some changes, refurbishing and improving the facilities and for this reason I’ve decided to write to Sir Thomas with an update.

Dear Sir Thomas:

Thank you for your generosity. When you died in 1718 you left money to our village and on your instructions your executors duly caused to be built four Almshouses plus a school. Nearly 300 years later we are still here.Did you imagine that your bounty might last several centuries? Few would doubt that what you provided remains one of the finest features of our village, the building erected by your executors being, quite simply, superb.

In your will, Sir Thomas, you also provided a school. You paid for a schoolmaster too – and even gave him somewhere to live above his schoolroom.

I wonder what you would have made of your school over the years, Sir Thomas? We know that your school (for boys) was closed down by KCC in the 1930s. Village historian Wag said that one 20th century schoolmaster was known for his brutality. I wonder, Sir Thomas: would you have approved of Hawkhurst boys having their learning literally beaten into them? I’d like to think “no” – but educational methods do change!

So, although we have no school here now (sorry, Sir Thomas), your educational bequest continues to allow your Trustees to support local young people (boys and girls) in ways which you couldn’t have imagined. We feel privileged and proud to be able to report to you what is

being done in your name.

Firstly, you set up FOUR homes. In 2015, we now have 14 homes here at Dunk’s.

Secondly, though your Dunk’s school no longer exists, the schoolroom remains a valued, well-used facility for the village. Classes are still held, Sir Thomas … but in Yoga, Pilates (I won’t even try to explain!).

Good stewardship of your generous bequest has meant that while still supporting young people in practical ways, your Trustees have also been able in recent months to tackle a major refurbishment project. True, things weren’t always very easy while the work was done … but the result is very fine and we believe you would be pleased.

l Hall redecorated; improved storage facilities providedl New kitchen (fridge, cooker, extractor fan, much more space)l New, easily-accessible lool New Trustees’ office

Sir Thomas: I think you would be proud of the work your Trustees are doing and beg to remain, therefore,Sir Thomas, your obedient servant.Andrew DavisClerk to your Trustees 2015

Dunk’s Hall is available for hire. Preference is given to local organisations. Rates and conditions of hire may be obtained on application to Andrew Davis, Clerk to the Trustees.

The Trustees are holding an Open Afternoon on Saturday, 18th April from 2 to 6 [email protected] 388973 (answering machine)


Cranbrook & district Amnesty GroupOn Saturday 7th February members of the Group agreed, reluctantly, to close the Group. It has proved difficult to attract new members and, as many original members grow older, energy and leadership has resulted in less activity.

It is sad to see the closure of a local organisation which we believe to have been running for about 50 years. Our local bank account has been closed and £596.66 sent to Amnesty International UK.

Thank you to all members and supporters who helped to raise the profile and funds for this Human Rights organisation.

Muriel Wilson

Remember what Amnesty stands for:“At home and abroad, human rights are about real everyday human lives, dignity and freedom. The Human Rights Act brings our rights home – rights people fought for and won often at great cost, but maybe now take for granted. If we lose them in the UK, we will have a tough job getting them back. Amnesty welcomed the Human Rights Act when it was born and Amnesty defends it vigorously now. The UK’s proud human rights tradition has always faced threats from those in power. We need a greater sense of public ownership and support for our Human Rights Act. Significantly, now that we have the Act, British citizens with a human rights case can go first to courts in the UK, while using the European Court as an essential safety net.”

Geraldine van Bueren QC→


sT. lAurenCe CHurCH CAlendAr For MArCHAll services at St Laurence Church unless stated otherwise

Wed. 1st Wednesday of Holy Week 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge 14.30 End of Term Primary School Service 19.00 Passover Supper at Marlborough House SchoolThur. 2nd MAUNDY THURSDAY 20.00 Solemn Eucharist with Foot Washing, Stripping of Altars and watch until Midnight at the Altar of reposeFri. 3rd GOOD FRIDAY 09.30 Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross and Procession from St Laurence to St Barnabas 11.30 Good Friday Service and Procession of Witness from St Barnabas to Dunks followed by: Lent Lunch at All Saints LodgeSat. 4th EASTER EVE 18.00 Evening Prayer round the Easter Garden 20.00 Easter Vigil with Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Sun. 5th EASTER DAY 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 All Age Family CommunionTues. 7th Tuesday of Easter Week 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints LodgeWed. 8th Wednesday of Easter Week 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Fri. 10th Friday of Easter Week 09.30 Mothers’ Union Corporate CommunionSat. 11th 09.00 Mothers’ Union Breakfast Meeting

Sun. 12th 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Parish Communion Tues. 14th 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints LodgeWed. 15th 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge Fri. 17th 09.30 Holy Communion

Sun. 18th 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Celtic Style Parish Communion - Loaves and Fishes Sunday 18.00 Monthly Prayer Hour at All Saints LodgeMon. 20th 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints LodgeTues. 21st 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints LodgeWed. 22nd 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge

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HAWKHursT BAPTisT CHurCHToddler Train1-3pm every Tuesday. Baby Clinic at the same time but only on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month.

Who let the Dads out?For male parents and carers with their children 10:30-12:30 on 2nd Saturday each month (bacon butties provided!).

oTHer CHurCHes sundAy serviCes

Roman Catholics at 08:30 in St Barnabas ChurchContact Revd. Victor McClean telephone 01580 211268

Baptists at 10.30 in the Baptist ChurchContact Gill Knox (754562)

MeTHodisT serviCesMethodists at 10:30 in All Saints LodgeMinister Revd. John Butt (01622 871332)Lay Worker Mr Phil Staddon (01892 725447)

Sunday Services at 10:30 in All Saints Lodge.

Please note Methodist preachers at All Saints Lodge1st March Miss Janice Ansty, 8th March Mr Martin Brightman, 15th March Mr. Kenneth Barnes,22nd Revd. John Curnow, including Holy Communion

Fri. 24th 09.30 Holy Communion

Sun. 26th 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Parish Communion followed by the Vestry MeetingMon. 27th 09.30 Parent & Toddler Fun All Saints Lodge Tues. 28th 18.30 Holy Communion at All Saints LodgeWed. 29th 11.15 Holy Communion at All Saints Lodge

reGisTersFUNERAL: 9th March Leslie Corfield

BAPTISMS: 1st March Holly Eyre Howells 1st March Elspeth Mary Howells


→What’s happening locallyvillAGe WAlKs Thursdays at 2pm

2nd April meet at *St Laurence Church, The Moor9th April meet at Budgens car park entrance16th April meet at *St Laurence Church, The Moor23rd April meet at Budgens car park entrance30th April meet at *St Laurence Church, The Moor

*for these walks, (hopefully) cars or mini-bus provided

BulK reFuse ColleCTion in Fowlers Car ParkSunday 12th & 26th April 08.00 – 11.00

HisTory soCieTyWed 22nd April at 7.15pm Talk on Leeds Castle by dr Ann Kneif at the Royal British Legion hall. All welcome. Why not come and join us. This will be our last winter meeting, but we hope to have a few summer visits before our next very interesting winter programme starts again in October.

Sylvia Golding (Hon Sec) HLHS

MoTHers’ unionRegistered Charity No. 250124

Friday 10th April 9.30am Corporate Communion at St Laurence Church.

Saturday 11th April 9.00am Breakfast Meeting at the Queens Inn, Rye Road. Speaker damiele Ligneu-Wilton will talk on her experiences in Rwanda. Cost £7 per person, sign-up lists will be available at St Laurence Church and at All Saints Lodge. Everyone Welcome.

Thursday 30th April at 12 noon. Cathedral Prayer time in St Gabriel Chapel, lasting approx. 30 minutes. All welcome

THe AlPHA Course

Explore the meaning of life, starting on 29th April at 7.00 pm in the Baptist Church Hall. For more information please contact 753382/752237

HAWKHursT HorTiCulTurAl soCieTy Saturday 4th April

SPRING SHOW in the Primary School Hall, Rye Road at 2.30pm. Admission by donation – Plants, Produce Raffle, Giant Tombola, Refreshments and homemade cakes.

Monday 6th AprilMeeting in Copt Hall. Copthall Avenue at 7pm – The speaker is Mr Roger Hills on Wood and Woodturning.

A demonstration with treen for sale, Raffle and Refreshments served. Non-Members also very welcome. Pat Westgate

HAWKHursT MArKeT sAleThe Thursday market sales in dunks Hall will start again once the weather has improved a bit.

PoliCe surGery AT THe liBrAry13th April 10-11am20th April 6-7pm

HAWKHursT u3AThursday 2nd April, 10.00am.

Michael Smith presents a fascinating talk entitled ‘Antarctic Explorer’, about the life and exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton at the British Legion Hall. The talk will be followed by coffee, and visitors will be most welcome.

MeTHodisTsFriday 17th April

Coffee and Tea morning served in dunks Hall 9:30, in aid of the Parkinsons desease society.

HAWKHursT HArMoniesBritish Legion Hall every Wednesday morning 10:15 – 12:00 for over 50s to meet up socially to sing.

8 9

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How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

Sud

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2

9

4

6

6

8

5

2

41

6

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94

6

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Recipes

l MOT’s, Servicing, Repairs, Tyres & Exhaustsl All Makes & Modelsl Fully Trained Techniciansl Courtesy Carsl Free Delivery & Collection ServiceOpen: Monday- Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 8am-1pm

Central Garage, Rye Road, Sandhurst TN18 5JW

K e m pPartners Ltd.

&

01580 850405

Heavenly Lemon CheeseCake on Ginger Crust100g (3½ oz) ginger biscuits, crushed 50g (1¾ oz) butter, melted2 x 250 tubs of mascarpone325g jar of luxury lemon curdJuice of 1 small lemonFresh raspberries and blueberries to decorateIcing sugar, to dust

You will need a 20cm (8in) round loose bottomed cake tin, greased and base lined with baking paper.

1. Mix biscuits with butter in a bowl, then press into base of tin (not up the sides)2. Put mascarpone, lemon curd, lemon juice in a bowl and beat with a spatula until smooth.3. Spoon biscuit base and level top. Chill in fridge for between 4 and 24hrs to firm up.4. To serve remove cheese cake from tin removing baking paper and place onto a suitable plate. Decorate with fruit and dust with icing sugar.

Barbara Goad


AKeoMAi ProjeCT(HAWKHursT CounCil oF CHurCHes):Chairman of the Trustees: Phil Staddon, 3 Orchard Crescent Horsmonden TN12 8LB (01892 725447)

→useful contacts

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HAWKHursT PArisH CounCilCouncil Meetings will commence at 19:45 unless stated otherwise.

FULL COUNCIL meeting on Monday 13th April will be held in Copt Hall.

BUILDINGS COMMITTEE meeting on Monday 20th April will be held in the Parish Office.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY on Monday 27th April will be held in Copt Hall.

The dates are provisional and should be checked on the noticeboards or the Council website.

HAWKHursT PArisH CounCilChairman: Peter Dartnell, Yew Tree Oast, Slip Mill Lane, Gills Green, Hawkhurst TN18 5AJ (752172) [email protected]

Deputy Chairman: Margaret Brinsley, Duvals Farm, Whites Lane TN18 5DD (752242) [email protected]

Parish Clerk: Mrs Nicole Malem, Office at The Moor TN18 4NT (752058) [email protected]

Website: www.visithawkhurst.org.uk

Buildings CommitteeChairBrian Fitzpatrick 753498 [email protected] Davies 752895 [email protected] Newman 752057 [email protected] Weeden 753458 [email protected] Whittle 753723 [email protected]

Land CommitteeChairColin Williamson 752370 [email protected]

Mike Appelbe 752367 [email protected] Brinsley 755554 [email protected] Hunt 753041 [email protected] Jones 752729 [email protected] Robertson 753330 [email protected]

MAGAZine ConTACT deTAilsEditor: Mike Appelbe, Barretts Green Farmhouse TN18 4DP (752367) [email protected]

Advertising: John Mears (754001) [email protected] or contact the EditorIllustrator: Emma FaulknerLayout: Kate Chitham (291597)Chairman of Parish Council: Peter Dartnell, Yew Tree Oast, Slip Mill Lane, Gills Green, Hawkhurst TN18 5AJ (752172)[email protected]

If you have any articles, photographs, information about forthcoming village events or issues you would like to raise please send them to the Editor. We cannot guarantee they will be published but we will do our best to include them.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors to the magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor.

THe PArisH CHurCH oF sT. lAurenCe HAWKHursT Vicar: Fr. Rodney Dreyer, M.Phil. A.K.C. Obl. O.S.BThe Vicarage, Moor Hill (office 753397, home 754459)e-mail: [email protected] website: www.stlaurence.co.uk

Secretary: Alison Mitham, All Saints Lodge, Rye Road, Hawkhurst TN18 4ET 753397

Churchwardens: Irene Poole 753515 Stephen Ringer 879710

Hon. Treasurer: Alison Parsons 753240 Organist & Choirmaster: Andrew Davis 752954Parents & Toddlers: Peggy Stone 755569Children’s Church: Felicity Robinson 752102Youth Group: Alison Jones 755705

oTHer CHurCHesMethodists - Contact Ken Barnes 753769

Roman Catholics -Revd. Victor McClean telephone 01580 211268

Baptists -Contact Gill Knox 754562

HAWKHursT BonFire soCieTyRobin Palmer 01580 753933

HAWKHursT CHurCH oF enGlAndPriMAry sCHool:Liz Hatcher Head Teacher (753254)

HAWKHursT HorTiCulTurAl soCieTyPat Westgate 01580 753895

HAWKHursT Pre-sCHoolSarah Waugh, Manager (754226)

HAWKHursT u3AJohn Read, Membership Secretary 01580 753535

WrAP Grove MillsLeague of Friends Secretary Jane Hoole, 752193www.hawkhurstlof.co.ukGrove Mills Day Care, Carole Williamson, 755869The Green Shop, Marieanne Lechley, 752768

nexT deAdline: 8TH APril For MAy 13TH MAy For june

THe villAGe MAGAZine is sToCKed AT: l Local Schools l Library l Shops l Churches l view on line at www.visithawkhurst.org.uk

We have now begun distributing beyond Hawkhurst, by agreement with suitable premises, in villages who use Hawkhurst as a hub: Hurst Green, Sandhurst, Flimwell and Bodiam.


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Bowles lodge building complication – storks or Cranes?Storks had already started nesting on the crane at the building site in All Saints Road – but appear now to have left again.

HAWKHursT’s residents start on their neiGHBourHood develoPMenT PlAnHAWKHURST has fought off several large developments in the past year and won several important battles. To ensure that local people set the policy for future development plans we have started the process to produce our own Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

The Localism Act (2011) gives local people a leading role in neighbourhood planning. Almost 1,300 communities in the UK are producing an NDP, 52 of which have passed their local referendum and have now become planning policy.

Unlike many of the parish, village or town plans produced in the past, an NDP becomes a formal part of the planning system. It forms part of the Local Development Plan and sits alongside the Local Plan prepared in our case by TWBC. A Neighbourhood Plan which has had a successful examination (one of the prescribed process steps) and has been approved by a majority of those voting on it in a local referendum (another process step) MUST be approved by the local authority.

It is important to remember that an approved NDP is a powerful planning tool – it will be used to determine future planning applications.

The Parish Council has chosen a supplier, Feria, to steer us through the process and produce our Plan. They have excellent experience in producing NDPs including one for Staplehurst and others in Kent and Sussex.

The next step in the process, and an opportunity to meet Feria will be a Visioning Event on 30th April. Invitations will be sent out to many local groups, organisations and societies to come along and represent their particular interests in the future of our lovely village of Hawkhurst.

Julia Newman

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if you would like to advertise in thismagazine please contact

Mike Appelbe 01580 [email protected]

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