2

Last Words... The selfishness of time.

Time can be so selfish

Never giving back what`s been taken Leaving only memories

Of what might have been Of days and years and moments -

Good, bad and gone…

Time can be a sneak thief Stealing the small and valuable. Scattered fragments remaining

To tease and frustrate Or to humble and sadden:

`if onlys` and `I-miss-yous` - Lost, taken, absent….

And yet…

Time can be a saviour

Lifting our hearts and healing our vision, Drawing us into new hopes:

Onwards and upwards, A new day and a new life -

Of now, what next, where to and when…. ©Garrie C Griffiths 2012

Diz

Forever in our warm and loving memories

Desiree Margaret Bernal

(1929 - 2014)

Congratulations!

On 8th June, a special service was held celebrating Canon Derek Carpenter’s 50th year since being ordained Priest. After studying theology at Kings College, London, he was ordained deacon in 1963 in St. Paul’s Cathedral serving his first curacy in the Parish of Friern Barnet, North London. Ordination followed in 1964 and he became the youngest priest at that time in the Church of England. 3 years later he began his second curacy at the Old Church, Chingford Mount, Essex. His next move was to Kent, starting his first incumbency at St. Albans, Dartford staying 9 years before moving to St. Paulinus, Crayford as Rector, later becoming Rural Dean of Erith. In 1990 he moved to St. Georges, Beckenham and in 1997 he became an Honorary Canon of Rochester. He retired in 2002, moving to East Malling with his wife Pam, but has remained extremely busy helping out in the Benefice and in the Diocese ever since. In 2003 he instigated and became the first Chairman of The Friends of St. James the Great and in 2007, became Hon. Chaplain to Bishop Brian of Tonbridge. He is now Chairman of the Institute in East Malling, as well as Executive of Malling Scouts having helped to raise considerable funds to purchase Comp Wood Camp Site. He is a strong supporter of women’s ordained ministry, having recently retired as Secretary of the Rochester branch of WATCH (Women and the Church). 3 years ago, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship (a Rotarian International award) for his community work. We are extremely fortunate to have Derek as a member of our community and wish him a continuing, long, happy and healthy retirement.

4

Fresh Perspectives for 2018! Like so many, I am a part of a generation who knew folk who had experienced fighting in World War I, family and friends etc. Both my grandfathers, whom I knew well, survived the fighting. One grandparent was a Royal Marine who survived the sinking of HMS Vindictive during the raid on Zeebrugge (involving many casualties), whilst another grandparent was in the trenches in the Battle of the Somme. His knee was shot to pieces and I understand the pain of such an injury forced him to stand up in the trenches in the hope he would be killed by enemy fire. This didn't happen (quite obviously!) and he lived the rest of his life in pain and having to use a walking stick. My grandparents were like many who survived and lived their lives with pain and discomfort reminding them of the horrors of war on a daily basis. Of course, they were incredibly fortunate as so many simply did not return. You don't need me to remind you that this year sees the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War or, as contemporaries called it, The Great War. In commemorating the First World War we must remember the complex and international conflict that it was. We are all familiar with images of the Western Front and that was a central and horrific part of the War, but we must not forget that it also had an Eastern Front and that fighting took place in the Middle East, in Africa and even in the Far East. We must perhaps also remember that it was the first ‘Total War’ and that it had a Home Front of which Wateringbury was certainly part. Its commemoration leaves us no place for shallow patriotism or the glorifying of war.

St James the Great - East Malling You are warmly invited to a

Baby and Toddlers Group Every Wednesday at 1.30pm

In Church Lots of fun for all Children

& Babies to school age.

Come along and catch up with Parents, Carers & Guardians.

Singing & Dancing with Musical instruments,

Refreshments & Parties, Stories & Puppets Presents & Outings and lots lots more!

St James The Great, East Malling You are warmly invited to a

Baby & Toddlers Group

Every Wednesday at 1.30pm

In Church

Singing

Dancing

Stories

Puppets

Musical instruments

Lots more!

Fun for Children

Babies to school age

Parents and Carers chat

Refreshments

Outings

Parties

Presents

All Very

Welcome!

St James The Great, East Malling You are warmly invited to a

Baby & Toddlers Group

Every Wednesday at 1.30pm

In Church

Singing

Dancing

Stories

Puppets

Musical instruments

Lots more!

Fun for Children

Babies to school age

Parents and Carers chat

Refreshments

Outings

Parties

Presents

All Very

Welcome!

It also cannot be about just remembering the past, but also about learning the lessons it has for the future. As the historian Hew Strachan says ‘If we do not emerge at the end of the process in 2018 with fresh perspectives, we shall have failed.’ We have marked the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in a number of ways at St James. Apart from our services on the 3rd and 4th August (the Mayor attending on the 3rd), it will, of course, be central to our thoughts as always on Remembrance Sunday. You are all most welcome to join us for this annual service at 10am in church. This is an opportunity to remember our relatives and those whose names appear on our village War Memorial. They are all deserving of our continued thoughts and prayers. Let us pray for a "Fresh Perspective" for 2018! God Bless Revd Jim Brown Remembrance Service Sunday 9th November - 10am - St James the Great Church

6

The Diocese of Rochester The Church of St James the Great, East Malling

VICAR CHURCH WARDENS The Rev’d Jim Brown David Chambers The Vicarage, 2 The Grange, 01732 842582 East Malling, ME19 6AH 01732 843282 Sue Payne Please note that Friday is the 01732 841585 Vicar’s day off - Thank you ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR For Baptisms, Weddings and Belinda Hunter other arrangements with the Vicar, 01732 843319 please attend the Parish Office at The Vicarage on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.15pm READER parishofficeemwt@gmail.com Alan Bramley 01732 846800 SECRETARY to the PCC TREASURER to the PCC Sue Payne Michael Rogers 01732 841585 01622 718375

From the Registers to end of July 2014 Baptisms - Liane Elizabeth Bagley, Cain Edward Bagley, Eden Elizabeth Bagley,

Jessica Jenkins, Eloise Grace Canham, Stanley Alan Philpott and Joseph Charlie Gilroy.

Weddings - Rachel Victoria Martin and Christopher James Muller, Helen Elizabeth

Barling and Andrew Ure Mclennan, Chantelle Marie Capeling and Clive David George Austin, Michelle Louise Rees and Simon Malcom Kenneth Clarke, Fiona Jane Maltby-Stone and Stuart Reynolds, Toni Read and Andrew Nelms, Gemma Sian Webster and Robert Ashley Rook, Marie Antonette Dino and Neil Graham Marshall and Kerry Ann Hicks and Mathew Carpenter.

Funerals - Desiree Margaret Bernal (Diz), Valerie Ann Roberts,

Joan Chapman, Jean Skinner and Ronald Bowen.

St. James the Great

www.stjames.eastmalling.net

Opening and Services Times

St. James the Great is Open to Visitors Tuesdays &Thursdays 10.00am-12.00 noon 2.00pm-4.00pm

There are occasions when the Church cannot open due to unforeseen circumstances. If you are travelling, please check

that the Church will be open by telephoning Shaun Gurteen 01732 521831

Service Times First Sunday in the month 9.45am – Family Service Second, Third & Fourth Sunday in the month 9.45am – Parish Eucharist (with Sunday School and Crèche) Second & Fourth Sunday in the month 8.00am – Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) Wednesdays 1.30pm - Baby and Toddlers Group Thursdays 9.00am – Holy Communion When there is a Fifth Sunday in the month there is only one service within the Benefice of East Malling, Wateringbury & Teston. The service is always at 10.00am and rotates around the 3 parishes. Please check the notice boards for details. For Baptisms, Weddings and other arrangements with the Vicar, please attend The Parish Office at The Vicarage, Wednesdays 6.30pm -7.15pm

t: 01732 843282 or parishofficeemwt@gmail.com

Available from the Church `A Guide to the Parish Church of St. James the Great.` by Canon Derek Carpenter. A Comprehensive Guide to the History and beautiful Architecture of the Church with Superb Photography. Available for just £2.50

Liane Elizabeth Bagley, Cain Edward Bagley, Eden Elizabeth Bagley,

Jessica Jenkins, Eloise Grace Canham, Stanley Alan Philpott and Joseph Charlie Gilroy.

Rachel Victoria Martin and Christopher James Muller, Helen Elizabeth

Barling and Andrew Ure Mclennan, Chantelle Marie Capeling and Clive David George

Gemma Sian Webster and Robert Ashley Rook, Marie Antonette Dino and Neil Graham

Desiree Margaret Bernal (Diz), Valerie Ann Roberts,

8

Why not visit us at St James the Great Church for all your local church events

and to meet new friends?

There`s also a `Guide to - `St James the Great` booklet available to buy in

the church on its fabulous and informative history along with many other great books and gifts!

The church is also open some weekdays -

Please see page 7 for details.

The Friends of St. James` fundraising helps to maintain and preserve our lovely church. If you would like to join the Friends and be kept up-to-date with all our activities or,

would like some more information, please contact Father Derek - 01732 874420

Dates for your Diary & Special Services St. James the Great, East Malling Harvest Festival Sunday 5th October - 9.45am. Please bring gifts of produce - (tins, jars or packets are all acceptable).

East Malling Singers Concert - Mozart: 18th October - (see pages 18 & 19) Requiem, Concerto for Flute & Harp, and Ave Verum Corpus

Thanksgiving & Remembrance Services Sunday 2nd November - 2pm & 4pm - St James the Great To enable everyone to pray and give thanks for those we love and for those who have departed this life, there will be two Services of Thanksgiving & Remembrance (principally for those bereaved during the last year). Invitations will be sent to all those who have recently been bereaved, but everyone is most welcome to attend these services.

Remembrance Sunday Sunday 9th November - 10am, then we process to the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance at 11am

Choral Evensong - Sunday 9th November - 6pm

Toy Service - Sunday 7th December - 9.45am.

Christmas Market - East Malling Village Hall 29th November - see page 15 for details!

Deanery confirmation Service - All Saints, Snodland Sunday 26th October - 6.30pm

Benefice Service - St John the Baptist, Wateringbury Sunday 30th November- 10am

Pilsdon Community at Malling There are always lots of interesting events all held at Pilsdon, Everyone is welcome! Please see page 22 for details.

10

Kent Community Warden Service

The Kent Community Warden Service is a Kent County Council initiative that has been in place since 2004. The scheme has teams of Wardens in all districts across Kent that work closely with partnership agencies such as Kent Police, Trading Standards and Kent Fire & Rescue to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) within the community. Wardens are dressed in a distinctive uniform with black trousers and a green jacket and tie. Wardens can work between 07.30am and 22.00pm every day to provide a visible presence in an area and be the ‘eyes and ears’ of other agencies. Wardens also provide reassurance and welfare visits to vulnerable residents and give personal safety advice to groups and individuals. Wardens can also assist with community based events and activities when required. The KCC Community Warden for East Malling is Mandy Harris (pictured above), if you have an issue that you would like to speak to Mandy about or would just like to know more about what the service can offer, please

contact Mandy on 07813 713035 or email mandy.harris@kent.gov.uk

Alternatively you can contact Martin Smith, the Area Supervisor for the

Tonbridge & Malling Community Warden Team on 07969 584173 or by

email martin.smith@kent.gov.uk. By courtesy of Mr Mat Honeysett, Kent Community Warden Service Area Manager: Mob:07740 184006 - 03000 413392

PRINT DEADLINES

1st November ‘14 - for the Christmas edition 1st February ‘15 - for the Easter 2015 edition 1st May ‘15 - for the Summer edition 1st August ‘15 - for the Harvest edition

ADVERTISING COSTS ¼ page : £21 ½ page : £31

Full page : £50 For Inside Covers and Back

Page, Please Contact Jean - Advertising.

EDITORIAL NOTE

Hi Everyone! Firstly may I thank Jean and Clive (Spinks) for expertly organising the advertising in our In Touch magazines, never forgetting all the volunteers who tirelessly contribute their free time to deliver the In Touch to your doorstep and, to you for supporting your St James the Great Church and

all our local and fundraising events. Thank you !

If you do have anything you would like to be considered for your magazine, then please get in touch, perhaps you have a special day in your life or a funny story you would like to

share. We always look forward to hearing from you!

All we ask is that you contact us before the print deadline to save disappointment.

Did you know your `In Touch` is delivered to more than `2,200` East Malling households

four times every year!

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the PCC and its agents cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, or subsequent alterations. The articles featured in this publication do not

necessarily represent the views of the Vicar, the PCC or the Editor.

Mark Francis - Editor- markfrancis20@virginmedia.com Jean Spinks - Advertising - clivespinks@aol.com

Cover Print Designed and Donated by Diane Brazier www.dianebrazier.co.uk

12

SUMMER FAYRE AND FLOWER FESTIVAL 26TH AND 27TH JULY 2014

With the help of the glorious weather, The Friends’ Summer Fayre and Flower Festival was a resounding success. The theme for the Festival was “Our Village” and six beautiful displays depicting different aspects of East Malling were created by a team of talented ladies who are to be congratulated for producing some of the finest exhibits ever seen in St. James Church. Representing the W.I., Adele Stewart-Lord and Susan Gransden gave us a taste of bygone East Malling, creating a tranquil cot-tage atmosphere complete with flower-edged garden path. Blacklands Scout Group were represented by a camp fire, imagina-tively created by Elaine Greenwood, using all sorts of blooms and grasses which really did resemble flames (pictured above). The East Malling & Larkfield Parish Council provided a lovely display created by Councillor Pam Ayrton, supported by photographs alongside smaller arrangements showing different parts of East Malling Village for which the Parish Council is responsible. Hannah Fletcher created an inspired exhibit (left) for the Institute – a colourful wreath from which coloured ribbons hung showing names of groups who regularly use the Hall (left).

The King and Queen Inn (above) Was represented by an amazing exhibit by Pauline Raymond, Louise Savage, Dave Drury and Emma, creating a bar in the chancel area, complete with beer taps and barrels and a champagne bottle exploding with a shower of beautiful flowers.

Finally, The Flower Arrangers of St. James - Jan Evenden, Valerie Green, Christine Gliddon, Marilyn Jennings, Sue Payne, Pauline Raymond, Barbara Trimmer, Elaine Welch and Jean Wilkinson created three exhibits in the Baptistry, depicting baptisms, weddings and funerals, strikingly arranged in white blooms. If only our supporting photos did the displays the credit they deserved. In addition to their display, the St. James Flower Arrangers decorated other parts of the Church with “teacups”. The Festival theme of “Our Village” inspired them to involve the whole community sending out requests to children in particular to create arrange-ments in teacups or small receptacles. All ages responded and teacup arrangements adorned the window sills along with larger contributions sponsored in memory of loved ones. The Brownies made their flowers in advance from coloured paper. These made a delightful show on the High Altar. The “teacups” were a real community effort and the St. James Flower Arrangers would like to acknowledge all the lovely “teacups” with a big “Thank You”. For the Fayre, both the Church and Institute were used for many stalls and this year, there were also some on the Village Green, all helping to create a wonderful at-mosphere which visitors and stallholders thoroughly enjoyed. A magnificent sum of £2,521.43 was raised which w ill certainly help The Friends continue to support the upkeep of the fabric of the Church and fund future projects. A huge vote of thanks must go to all those involved in the success of the weekend, to the sponsors of the flower arrangements, to individuals and businesses who generously donated Raffle prizes and to all those who came and supported this worthwhile Village event. Jean Spinks and Barbara Trimmer Our Flower Arrangers welcome new members, no experience necessary. Tel: Sue Payne 01732 841585 or Barbara Trimmer 01732 847257

14

Village Event hits the right note!

Choirs came from all over Kent to sing at our East Malling Village Hall. Stuart Millson was

there for an afternoon of music - and Pimm's... The Maidstone Music Festival probably would not exist, but for the tireless commitment and determination of Robert and Sue Greenham (right), who are also both stalwarts of the East Malling Singers. Currently in its 43rd season The East Malling Singers is a mixed choir of approximately 95 voices and perform a varied series of concerts throughout the year. Rehearsals and concerts take place in the Church of St James the Great, East Malling. In order to raise vital funds for the Festival, and to give local singers and the village community an excellent day out, it was decided to host a `Choir Showcase` at our Village Hall. Instrumental in arranging this choral cavalcade was Dawn Constable (left), who did a fine job in introducing each of the participants. Hosted by and presided over by conductor and choral-trainer, Manvinder Rattan, the

day gave groups such as Innominata, the Vigo Singers, a band of mothers who call themselves Mumma Mia, and even, The Front Room Ladies a chance to perform a number of popular, folk and spiritual items. A Women's Institute choir wittily named WiTunes, also made a contribution, as did the Dawn Chorus, Harmony, Mixed Blessings, Energize and Local Vocals - not forgetting our own East Malling Singers. Manvinder Rattan

As the voices soared, so did the tempera-tures on that Sunday afternoon in late June. Fortunately, Kim Hitchcock of the East Malling WI and her team did a highly-commendable job in ensuring a plentiful supply of Pimm's and cool wine, although you cannot beat a cup of tea as a means to cool you down and, fortunately, there

was plenty of the latter liquid.

What better use of the Village Hall (thank you - Parish Council) and what better way to spend a wonderful summer's Sunday than sitting back and listening to such beautifully talented choirs…

The East Malling Singers Events to look forward to; Saturday 18th October 2014 - Mozart: Requiem, Flute & Harp Concerto and Ave Verum Corpus Saturday 20th December 2014 - A traditional Christmas Concert including Ralph Vaughan Williams`Fantasia on Christmas Carols

All concerts begin at 7.30pm and take place in the church of St James the Great in East Malling (unless otherwise stated), by kind permission of the Vicar and Churchwardens.

Tickets and details are available from Sue Greenham 01622 750943 or on the door - (subject to availability).

For membership details - membership@eastmallingsingers.co.uk Or visit us at - www.eastmalling.co.uk

Tickets are available from Sue Greenham tel 01622 750943 or

on the door subject to availability.

16

The Pilsdon at Malling Community

From time to time you may have walked down Water Lane in West Malling, looked through our gate and seen geese and ducks in the stream, and sheep grazing in the pasture or bought a plant or fresh vegetables from the stall just inside our gate.

You may have wanted to come into the peaceful setting and see more but weren’t sure if you’d be welcome. So just what is The Pilsdon at Malling? Pilsdon is a Christian community that offers a place of safety to many who have been in crisis, giving them a home to rebuild their lives. We live in the former Ewell Monastery in part of the grounds of West Malling Abbey, and together we care for our livestock, tend the flower and vegetable gardens and, try to keep the old buildings in good condition. Pilsdon is our home and we always welcome visitors, especially to events such as concerts, open days and the not-to-be-missed Indian bazaar each Summer and Winter.

Here are some more events coming up at Pilsdon and everyone is welcome!

13th - 14th September - Heritage Weekend 21st September - Pilsdon at Malling 10th Anniversary Celebration

26th September - Music@Malling Lunchtime Concert 31st October to 9th November - Bazaar

Our Eucharist services are: Noon- Wednesdays & 6pm - Sundays.

To find out more Telephone 01732 870279 - www,pilsdonatmalling.org.uk 27 Water Lane, West Malling, Kent. ME19 6HH

`O Ye! O Ye!`

Useful Numbers — CHILD LINE- 0800 1111.www.childline.org.uk

Kent Police -101. TMBC - 01732 844522. RSPCA - 0300 1234999. PAYDENS Chemist - 01732 843203. AGE CONCERN 01732 873977

Beware!.. Don't let

Strangers into your home -

Lock Away your valuables!

There are always

activities at

St James the Great!

Why not come along

and get involved?

Choir, Bell ringing.

Quiz nights,

Barn dances. Concerts,

Church holidays.

Men's breakfast club,

Markets and Fairs.

Talks and Lectures

and much ,much more!

Do you

have a

charity

event for

The

Notice

Board?

Do You have Fly-tipping, Litter-louts, Dog Fouling, etc. in your area ? - its called Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)

call Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council - (tmbc) - East Malling Community Warden

07813 713035 - Ms. Mandy Harris See page 10 for more details about

your Community Warden.

`REMEMBER—REMEMBER` 5th November!

Be Safe with Fireworks. ALWAYS read the labels &

keep your pets indoors!

Wine a bit - and you`ll feel

Much better!

Make a date with us and come along to the

2014 Christmas Market! See page 35 for more details!

The Friends of St James Harvest Supper Dance! East Malling Village Hall

with `The Connections` (see ad page 37)

Strictly Tickets Only! - Please book early 4th October -7.30pm. Tickets - £12 available from: Jean 01732 870722, Maureen 01622 717476

or Pat 01732 522355 For details on how to join the `Friends`

see page 42

18

East Malling Brownies

For girls aged 7-10 years

Why not come along and join us for lots of fun

and adventures!

We meet every Tuesday during term-time

Contact Dawn Archer

01634 681606

Bell ringing practice!

Everyone Is welcome.

We practise every Thursday 8pm at St James the Great

church. (East Malling)

Come along and join us - We look forward to meeting you Please ask for

Sue Payne

Do you enjoy singing? Could you sing in a

Church Choir?

Perhaps you can play a musical instrument - would you like to

play in our Choir? We practise every Friday at St James the Great church

For more details please contact:

Belinda 01732 843319

Blacklands Scouts Group Mill Street, East Malling

Blacklands Scouts Group provides scouting activities and

lots of fun for - Boys and Girls aged 5 to 14 years.

We meet in our own hut at the rear of Vigor Close -

(entrance from Mill Street).

*Cubs 8-10yrs meet Mon 6.30-8.00pm & Wed 6.30-8.00pm

*Beavers 5-8yrs meet Tues 5.30-6.45pm

*Scouts 10-14yrs meet Thurs 7.00-9.00pm

If interested please contact:- Carole Dudley - Group Scout Leader

07779 301 946

caroledudley47@gmail.com

20

Wisteria….. is a funny thing!

It either loves its situation or it doesn’t. And if it doesn’t, no amount of ten-der loving care will persuade it to flower – as my brother-in-law in France has found to his cost. He has lavished care and attention on his wisteria for years and never once has he been rewarded by so much as one bud. Even more galling is the fact that he often drives past a wisteria in the neighbouring valley that smothers a garden fence with fragrant blooms every May and June. We are fortunate enough to have a wisteria that loves its situation and every year the front of the house is blessed with the fragrance from masses of flowers. Mind you, even when it likes where it is, a wisteria still needs some TLC, according to Mick, who helps us in the garden (or perhaps that should be the other way round!) September is the time to cut back all those long whippy shoots that have developed during the Summer. Mick also recommends cutting back from the tip again, leaving just two leaf shoots on each stem in December or January if the weather is all right. However, if it is frosty it is best to leave this second trim. In Spring and Autumn the plant w ill benefit from a top dressing of potash (or wood ash) and a fertilizer such as chicken pellets. But in the end, you just have to hope that your wisteria will decide to reward your efforts and produce flowers for you. Whilst the harvesting and preserving of vegetables may be winding down, September is the time when the jam making kit is at its busiest! It’s also a time when I start to move away from fresh fruit and cream and turn to more comforting puddings to match the colder evenings. One of my favourites for this time of year is an apple crumble topped with a biscuit-like mixture of sugar and spice. The smell of it cooking fills the kitchen with warmth: it’s just the thing to eat in front of a glowing fire as the nights draw in. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

`The secret of success is to go from mistake to mistake without losing your enthusiasm`

Candy Apple Pudding 125 g (4 oz) flour 125 g (4 oz) soft brown sugar 125 g (4 oz) butter ¼ tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 6 sharp dessert apples or a mix of dessert and cooking apples Method: Pre-heat the oven to 180 c (170 c in fan assisted oven)/Gas Mark 4 Sift the flour and baking powder together then stir in the sugar and cinnamon, mixing well. Cut the butter into small chunks and work in with the fingers or place everything into a food processor and give it all a quick whiz. Peel, core and slice the apples into a baking dish. Cover with the above mixture (don’t press it down too much or it will become too hard) and cook until the apples are done – about 30 minutes. Serve with cream. Elaine Gordon

22

China

Land of the Dragon – Country of Contrasts

It is hard to know where to begin writing about China. You don’t want statistics or an essay on the economic developments, nor the political rights or wrongs! So I shall share some of our experiences of this fascinating and contradictory country. Our tour began in Beijing - This city has a population of over 21 million people. It appears crowded and impossibly busy, especially on the roads. We saw it as gritty and foggy with industrial pollution and sand from the nearby Gobi Desert reducing all vistas and covering everything with a fine film of dust. We visited Tiananmen Square, an incredibly large concrete space surrounded by monumental buildings and revolutionary statues: our feelings of insignificance and insecurity compounded by the presence of armed guards – all very young and wearing uniforms they will one day grow into. We posed for the obligatory group photo beneath the giant portrait of Chairman Mao before passing through the Tiananmen Gate into the Forbidden City. This is a huge complex of Imperial Palaces, forbidden for 500 years to those outside the Imperial family or its servants. We should have been impressed, but were awed instead and slightly disappointed by its empty hollow feeling and the pall of dust. It is an amazing area of palatial buildings, ornately carved and decorated, painted in red and gold. But it was curiously devoid of spirit and it left us puzzled. 12 km away in another part of the city is the Summer Palace, a cool retreat on the shores of an artificial lake, created by the labours of 10,000 men. There is also an artificial hill and all the harmonious elements expected by the Chinese of rocks, water and trees. In between the two palaces is the Temple of Heaven, built for the leisure of the Emperor and as a sacred site to offer sacrifices to ensure a fruitful harvest. Nowadays it is surrounded by a public park where hundreds of elderly people seek companion-ship and comfort away from their utilitarian, unheated flats. Here they do Tai Chi, dance or play chequers, cards and mahjong, covertly gambling. No visit to China is complete without experiencing The Great Wall. We travelled in the early morning traffic jams out of the city to the Juyongguan Pass, where the wall has been rebuilt to show how it was originally, although there have been several walls built at various times in the last 2000 years. As land was acquired beyond the wall it soon outgrew its purpose and the materials were reused. Nonetheless, it is an amazing structure and strides magisterially across the mountains as far as the eye can see and beyond! From Beijing we flew to Xian, one of the ancient capitals of China, and the beginning of the fabled Silk Road. Today it is the hub for visitors to see The Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging for a well, only a fragment of the site has been excavated. There is an eerie quality to this army, frozen in time, standing rank upon rank prepared for battle in another world. Each face is unique and the details of the armour exquisitely fashioned. From the findings, forensic historians are piecing together details of the lives of these extraordinary warriors buried with their emperor 2000 years ago.

From Xian we travelled South again, leaving behind the cold northern winter and reaching sub tropical South China. From Wuhan airport a five hour coach journey brought us to Yichang on the Yangtze River. This is where the mighty Three Gorges Dam Project began. The dam, built with unimaginable amounts of concrete strides for 2.3km across the valley, holding back the waters of the Yangtze. The project was and remains very controversial. Its purpose was fourfold: to prevent flooding and loss of life lower down stream, to provide a reservoir of much needed water, to enhance navigation and to provide electric power from the turbines in the dam wall. There is no doubt that it has had a profound impact on everyone who lived in the Yangtze basin. In comparison with the bustle of the cities, the cruise along the river was calm, but it was odd because the water level has been raised by over 100 metres, so you are that much higher up the valley! The Three Gorges themselves were beautiful, but you could still be surprised by coming to a heavily industrialsied city just around the next bend. Many places had to be rebuilt above the new waterline and many ancient sites were lost. Our cruise finished in Chonqing, an enormous mega-city of uncompromisingly ugly concrete, with a population of 29million people. Our boat was unloaded by porters with bamboo poles slung across their shoulders and cases or boxes hung from the ends by rope. Because many of the flats in this hilly city have no lifts, this is the way everything has to be carried up flights of stairs! We visited Chongqing zoo to see the pandas and they were a highlight for everyone! They all obligingly posed for photos and we could have happily stayed all day! Our next stop was Guilin and a cruise down the Li river to Yangshuo where we watched the age-old ritual of night fishing with trained cormorants. We rode alongside Mr. Wu on his bamboo raft in our own raft. He had 9 cormorants which swam and fished and brought their catch back to him - an amazing sight! Afterwards we repaired to a tapas bar in Yangshuo, which served Shepherd Neame beer! Our tour ended in Shanghai, another mega city, and probably the most cosmopolitan that we saw. It has a long history of trading with the West and you can see a number of old buildings, particularly on the Bund and in the French quarter to remind you of home. One place of special interest was the Peace Hotel, a particularly splendid Art Deco building of grandiose proportions, with a jazz band playing for afternoon tea!! In Shanghai we went to the top of the Jin Mao Tower, 88 floors up in a super fast lift! The view from the top was amazing! The next thrill was a ride on the Maglev train, the fastest in the world, but so expensive there may never be another. Reaching a speed of 431kmph, the 31km out to the airport took just 6 minutes! It seemed a far cry from the bamboo rafts on the Li River. The following day it took our coach over two hours to deliver us to the airport on our way home. What a journey it had been! China has changed rapidly in the last 20 years, even in the last 10, speaking to a friend who was there then. Gone are the swarms of bicycles, replaced by scooters piled high with people and goods or cars which seem to have no regard for any rules of the road. Gone too are the drab uniform Mao suits, replaced by western clothes, often cheap ’knock-offs’ of well known designer goods. Sadly not gone is the habit of spitting in the street, to our eyes and sensibilities, an unacceptable practice. Chinese civilisation may date as far back as 5000 years, and there are truly remarkable achievements but in my mind it is the many contrasts and anomalies which will live with me for years to come!

Kate Adds

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The way you register to vote is changing. A new voter registration system has been launched throughout the country. If you are already registered, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council will have recently written to you to tell you whether you need to do anything. You may have seen adverts on the radio, television, newspapers and on posters to tell you about this. If you are not registered, there is a new way to register to vote. You might need to move to the new register. We will be matching the details of every registered elector against central government databases. Where there is a match, you will be moved to the new register. We will write to you to tell you if you have been successfully matched. There is nothing else you will need to do. If your details do not match we will write to you to tell you. You will need to tell us your National Insurance number and date of birth in order to stay registered to vote. We will send you a form to do this, or you can complete a form online. If you do not complete the form and move to the new register, you will not be able to vote by post or by proxy but will have to vote in person at a polling station. You can apply to register to vote by completing the form at www.gov.uk/register -to-vote. Registration is quick, free and simple. You will need to have your National Insurance number and date of birth to be able to register. If you do not have internet access, you can ask us to send you a paper form by calling us on 01732 876022 A number of households will have already been sent a Household Enquiry Form. We have to send this to you to find out who is living in your property so we can invite them to apply to join the register of electors. The new rules about registering to vote mean that if we send you a form, you must fill it in by law. If you do not we will send you a reminder and, if we still have not heard from you, we will send someone to visit you to help fill in the form. Please help us to keep our costs down by filling in any form you receive from us quickly. If you need any help please do not hesitate to email or call us using the details on the form. The next scheduled elections are on 7 May 2015. On that day, we will be voting in borough, parish and a parliamentary General Election. To be able to vote, you must be registered. If you receive a form from us, please fill it in promptly. If you have not heard from us (either to say you have been moved to the new register, or asking you to complete a form), then you are not registered and will not be able to vote. Please visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to apply.

More information can be found at www.tmbc.gov.uk/voting. or contact us by email voting@tmbc.gov.uk.

www.tmbc.gov.uk

Make a date with us

Saturday 29th November and come along to the

`Christmas Market ` You can also meet

Father Christmas! All at the East Malling Village Hall

Opens at 1.45pm, all children in fancy dress come in for free! There will be lots of stalls including games, toys, tombola ,

bric-a-brac, cakes and much much more!

Don’t forget your ticket for the `Grand Draw` Teas, Coffees, Biscuits & Cakes will be available.

`It’s a funny world ` *The best things in life are free. The rest are too expensive! *A bargain is something you can’t use at a price you can’t resist.

*The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replace-ment.

*You can trust your dog to guard your house but not your dinner. *Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing, right in your ear! *Long time ago I used to have a life, until someone told me to create a Facebook account.