Sevenoaks News

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Stonepitts Farm - Open every day 9am to 6pm
Hi guys - we are now open for picking!!

We have six delicious varieties of strawberry. Visit www.stonepitts.com for details and directions. We have punnets but please be green and bring your own containers !!

We look very much forward to seeing you - there is also a series of live acoustic folk musical sets on Thursday evenings - see below for details.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" - Live music at Stonepitts 6pm to 9pm starting Thursday 18 June
This year we will be presenting a series of extended opening, open-air live musical gigs on most Thursdays throughout the season introducing some of the best local and London based folk talent and hosted by our son Dan and me.

Dan is shortly to release his new CD and downloads, published by George Martin Publishing - the famous Beatles producer!! Hear some of Dan's music by clicking on www.myspace.com/danclews

Watch out for our Thursdays' playlist here on www.stonepitts.com and bring your own wine and picnic - the perfect accompaniment to Stonepitts sweet "Strawberry Fields Forever"!!

"Farm news - "Strawing Up"
In the run up to our opening we "strawed up" about three weeks ago and managed somehow to dodge the showers!! This involved six people, two dogs, two tractors, two trailers, a specialist strawing up machine, one million cups of tea and around 700 bales of the best wheat straw from last year's harvest. I will be putting pictures of all this on the website.

See you soon
Martin & Jackie Clews
Stonepitts Farm Tel: 01732 763123 Fax: 01732 763798 info@stonepitts.com www.stonepitts.com

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Two local theatre companies in Sevenoaks, The Written Voice Theatre Company and Stag Theatre Company have teamed up for this year's Sevenoaks Summer Festival to present a unique evening which sees local actors performing a series of original plays, poems, stories and monologues.

Staged at the Plaza Suite at the Stag Theatre, it is an opportunity to enjoy the talents of local actors and writers.

The Written Voice Theatre Company exists to give actors and writers the chance to rehearse and experience new theatre writing and is supported by the company which originated at Sevenoaks' local theatre.

Different Voices will be performed on Sunday 21 June at 8pm. Tickets are £10 and available from Stag Box Office on 01732 450175. Tickets include a two course summer buffet.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Stag Community Arts Centre - Celebration Weekend & Official Opening
This week The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks will be officially re-opened as The Stag Community Arts Centre by Sevenoaks Town Mayor, Cllr Pam Walshe. To celebrate the occasion a weekend of special events have been planned to showcase the facilities and exceptional talent of local community arts groups. Celebrity performers are also supporting the week’s celebration events.

The Town Mayor’s charity dinner on 23rd April takes place in The Plaza Suite and is followed by a Gala Celebration Evening on the 24th in the 450 seat theatre auditorium.  Members of eight local amateur dramatic and performing arts groups will perform alongside TV personalities, Cheryl Baker and Michelle Gayle. Cheryl will introduce a medley of songs from her recent Disney musical, performed by members of her youth theatre, Bullfrog Productions. Michelle Gayle will perform two numbers, “Sweetness” and “Woo (You Make Me),” which featured on the TV show to select the UK’s entry to the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.

Actor, Graham Cole, (The Bill), will make a special appearance in his role as King Water Rat, the ‘president’ of The Grand Order of Water Rats, the performing arts charity. Speaking about his support of The Stag he says: “The people of Sevenoaks are to be congratulated for the hard work and determination they have shown in getting The Stag Community Arts Centre open. May the curtain never fall on The Stag.”

Other members of the programme include musician, Emma Pears, and actress/singer Cathryn Short, who will perform “The Wizard and I”  as ‘Elpheba’ from the West End hit musical “Wicked”. Close up magician and mind reader to the stars, Robert Pound, will delight the audience with his animal magic antics and magic tricks. Pupils from St Lawrence School in Sevenoaks and Temple Academy of Performing Arts in Bromley will also star in the variety line up.

On Saturday 25th (10am – 4pm), the Friends of Stag host a free art exhibition and silent auction in The Plaza Suite. Since the Council’s formation in 1974, each Town Mayor has purchased a piece of painted artwork by a local artist, depicting a local scene. This will be the first showing to the public of this special collection.

There will be free cinema and theatre entertainment on Saturday afternoon (12 – 4pm) which will include a selection of short films and a chance to see an open rehearsal by Sevenoaks Philharmonic Society and The Jean Bentley Dance Band. Celebrity cast members of The Stag’s forthcoming Panto, Dick Whittington, will be in the theatre to meet the public. ‘Trojan’ from Gladiators, Sophie McDonnell from CBBC and ‘Lolly’ aka Anna Kumble will be there. It promises to be a great day out for all the family.

On Sunday, G2 Definitive Genesis plays in the theatre, capturing the sound, energy and atmosphere of early Genesis with passion and a spectacular light show.

Speaking about the official opening of The Stag Community Arts Centre, Councillor Andrew Eyre, Sevenoaks Town Council says: “I would like to thank everyone who is supporting The Stag and urge them to keep up the momentum. I hope we can together continue to provide and enjoy entertainment of the highest quality for many years to come.”

Details of the celebration events, forthcoming shows & films are available on www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk.
The Stag’s first What’s On Guide (May – Aug 2009) is also now available, featuring Sevenoaks Summer Festival events. Tickets are available from The Stag Box Office. Tel: 01732 450175.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
FREE weight management courses for Sevenoaks, Edenbridge & Swanley
The Why Weight Plan, organised by Sevenoaks District Council, has been running successfully throughout 2008/09. I'm pleased to announce that a further three Why Weight courses will be running in Swanley, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge, to start in April.

The 'Why Weight Plan' is a FREE 12 week weight management programme which encourages men and women to learn how to balance a healthy diet with regular exercise. The course will have weekly weigh-ins, nutritional advice, practical solutions to losing weight and 30 minute motivational exercise class.

The courses will be run at the following venues and must be booked in advance by calling the relevant dietician:

White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley - Thursday 23rd April, 1pm – 2.30pm (call 01322 622132)
Sevenoaks Leisure Centre - Friday 24th April, 10.30am - 12pm (call 01732 885776)
Edenbridge Leisure Centre - Monday 20th April, 9.30am - 11am (call 01342 414445)

The programme, which is for those who live or work in the Sevenoaks District, is run by NHS dieticians and each person who calls the dietician will be assessed over the phone regarding their suitability for this course.

This initiative has been organised by Sevenoaks District Council, in partnership with Sencio Community Leisure and is jointly funded by NHS West Kent as part of the National Choosing Health agenda which aims to make healthy choices easier.

I would be grateful if you could forward this information to your staff, colleagues , friends and partners who work or live in and around the Sevenoaks Town area.

Additionally if you would like some posters and postcards, to display and distribute in your organisation, just let me know, I'm happy to send them onto you.

Thank you for your assistance.
Pauline Todd Community Development Officer (Health)
Community & Planning Services, Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG
Tel: 01732 227246 Fax: 01732 742339 www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Sevenoaks Stag - News Release
Stag Community Arts Centre - What’s On Guide Launch
The Stag Community Arts Centre is delighted to present its first What’s On Guide for the coming summer season. The programme, which gives details of events between May and August 2009, offers a wide variety of entertainment to appeal to most tastes.

Events suitable for young children, youth, families and discerning music lovers have been included. Comedy fans are in for a treat with monthly events hosted by resident comedian Maff Brown. Some of the names already seen at The Stag include Omid Djalili and Lee Mack. Rufus Hound and Russell Kane, amongst many other well-known names, will be making an appearance.

There is plenty of choice for both Popular & Classical Music lovers. Tribute bands like ‘Letz Zep’, ‘Magic – A Kind of Queen’ and ‘Fire & Water’ will feature, as well as   ‘Wishbone Ash’ with original band member, Martin Turner. Leading female singer of the late 70s, Elkie Brooks, will perform in concert in June. Hip Hop, Swing, Jazz and Classical Music events including Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra, Sevenoaks Philharmonic and The Lydian Orchestra will all be performing over the summer.

Musical Theatre lovers will enjoy the spectacle of big Broadway shows such as ‘42nd Street’ presented by Sevenoaks Entertainers. ‘Footloose The Musical’ is looking for local performers to join the production, with two public performances at the end of August.

There are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved in theatre life at The Stag Community Arts Centre. As well as Bullfrog Productions’ summer workshop and youth group, the launch of The Stag Youth Theatre (in association with Cre8tive Youth) starts on 20th April. Suitable for 11 – 18 year olds, SYT will give young people a chance to try something different, meet new people and have fun. Workshops over ten weeks will cover all aspects of acting and theatre. A summer Film Project will give young actors and film-makers the opportunity to write, shoot and act in a feature film over five days, then attend a premiere and see the finished film on the big screen at The Stag Community Arts Centre at the end of August. This exciting new club will give young people skills and experience which will last a lifetime.

For adults there is a film course starting on 20th April which will teach film-making techniques including camera and editing skills, acting for camera, storyboarding and production.

Tickets for all these clubs and events featured in the What’s On Guide are available from The Stag Box Office Tel: 01732 450175. More details can be seen on the website:   www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

There are also two cinema screens at The Stag which show a weekly choice of latest release films each day, suitable for different age groups. Listings can be seen in the local press and on www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive, Sevenoaks Town Council said: “The Town Council re-opened the venue on the 2nd January 2009 and during its first two months of operation has already hosted an impressive programme of events with approximately 14,000 people buying tickets. We hope that people will find something to suit their taste form the wide variety of events on offer.”

Events range from £1 (Shoe Baby Puppet Show on Saturday 20th June) to £28 (Cabaret & Dancing with dinner on Friday 26th June). There are 16 Sevenoaks Summer Festival events being held at The Stag Community Arts Centre, the largest number for any one venue.

Further press information:                        
Gabrielle Stapleton             
Tel: 01892 825157

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Fox Archers
Fox Archers is a small archery club located in the pretty village of Otford in North Kent.  Our practice days are on a Sunday from 10.00am, on a Saturday afternoon and also on Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm onwards at St Michaels School, Row Dow Lane, Otford, TN14 5SE.

We run two beginners course each year, one in April and the other in May and the courses last for four weeks. During the two and half hour sessions all equipment is provided and you will receive instruction from one of our GNAS qualified coaches. The course costs £40 and this includes membership of our club if you decide to join. If you are interested then a beginners application form can be downloaded from our website.  More information can be obtained by contacting Lynn Archer by telephone 01322 866444 or email lynnarcher54@googlemail.com.

Our website address is as follows: http://www.freewebs.com/foxarchers

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
New Events at Sevenoaks Music Centre
Sevenoaks Music Centre is launching two products this term at its centre in Sevenoaks County Primary School.

Theory of Music Classes take place on Tuesdays from 4.30pm until 5.00pm. The classes are suitable for pupils up to Grade 5 or those wishing to improve their knowledge. Theory of Music is an aid to instrumental learning and can be especially useful for those people taking exams. Classes are free (when four or more students join) and are running currently.

From April 28th there will be a fantastic chance to take part in a new ensemble for all string players up to Grade 3. The Sevenoaks Junior String Ensemble is on Tuesdays from 4.35pm until 5.05pm and the first term is FREE. This is an opportunity for children to learn how to work as part of an ensemble and no experience is necessary.

For further information on any of these classes and to register please call Sue Marlow, Centre Coordinator on 07936 428426. Web: www.kent-music.com

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Free ZingZone Lesson for all 0 - 2 Year Olds at Sevenoaks Music Centre
ZingZone is an exciting new music programme for all pre school children that will begin a life long love of music. ZingZone classes are the perfect start to a child’s musical journey. They are small, up to 10 children, friendly and stimulate your child’s imagination and creativity.

On Tuesday 5th May, Kent Music will be offering a free ‘taster’ session at Sevenoaks Music Centre which is based in Sevenoaks County Primary School, Bradbourne Lane, Sevenoaks. All children aged between 0 – 2 years old can attend and bring their parents along. The class will take place at 3.45pm until 4.15pm and, in order to obtain your free place, you need to register your child’s name and date of birth by calling 01622 358400.

ZingZone classes will start the following week on Tuesday. There is a variety of songs, rhymes, dances and activities that are perfect for pre schoolers.

Prices are £5.00 a session and discounts are available for more than one child from a family attending. All we ask is that you sign up for a minimum of five sessions.

In order to find out more about when classes are on and availability simply call Kent Music on 01622 358400. Web: www.kent-music.com

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Cricket's first centurion - by Martin Williamson
The man who entered the record books for scoring the game's first recorded hundred.

Although cricket can be traced back with certainty to the seventeenth century, most of the early contests are lost in the mists of time. Occasional snippets survived, but with scoring and newspapers very much in their infancy, individual feats are rarely recorded.

In 1744 the first laws were drawn up, 10 years after cricket had been played at Sevenoaks Vine in Kent. In that same year the first full scorecard can be found.

A partial scorecard of a match played at The Vine on August 31, 1769 is one of the earliest to survive, and from it the honour of being the first man to score a hundred was given to John Minshull.

The game, between the Duke of Dorset's XI and Wrotham, was not a major match, even by the rather confused standards of the day, but no batsman before had been reported as making a century. Dorset, like his father, was a renowned patron of the game.

Minshull, or Minchin as he was called on the scorecard, made 107 in Dorset's second innings - he also top-scored in the first with 18 - which included 34 singles, 15 twos, nine threes and four fours, the latter all-run. Other details of the match are sketchy - Wrotham's scores are not even mentioned - but his was the first stroke-by-stroke record of any major innings.

To put his achievement into context, it was an era where it was relatively rare for a team to reach a total in excess of 100, and a batsman who got into double figures was considered to have done well. Pitches were little more than an area selected on a field that would have been kept in trim by sheep. The playing surface would have been uneven, and bats were unsprung and little more than carved wood.

Dorset, who three years later donated the ground to the Sevenoaks Vine club, recognised Minshull's talent, and as was often the way, subsequently employed him as head gardener at Knole House, his Kent estate, at 20 guineas a year. While Minshull reportedly fulfilled that role diligently, a major part of his job also involved playing cricket for the Duke and the club. [more]

YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISER MAGAZINE
Your Local Advertiser - April 2009
Your Local Advertiser Magazine for April 2009 is now available online in 'page turning' digital format.

VINE MAGAZINE
Vine - April 2009
Vine Magazine for April 2009 is now available online in 'page turning' digital format.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Community Cycle ride
Hi there,
Safe Cycling in Sevenoaks
Saturday 25th April
open to all - families, adults etc
meet 10.30 at Kent Wildlife reserve
leave 11 am after speech by Pam walshe & M Fallon
up to town via Lambarde Rd, Bosville Ave,  via station, up st Boltolphs to Vine then on to Blighs. Twice round town and then up to knole park for picnic (bring your own) at Knole Park about 1pm

Organised by Sevenoaks Cycle Forum & Transition Town Sevenoaks :Call  Reg Oakley : 01959 523257 for more info.
Free to all!
riders come at their own risk.
kind regards
Susan Fallmann
www.transitiontownsevenoaks.org

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Sevenoaks Rotary 10k Run & 2k Fun Run
At last the weather gods smiled on us, and we enjoyed a sunny day that felt like the first day of Summer. Conditions were soft but generally ideal for the 3rd running of this event, which has become a popular and major event on the runners' circuit.

There were almost 800 entries, an increase of 60% over last year and the record field was greeted by glorious sunshine. This year we had even more Marshalls and Course signage to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Spirits were high and the atmosphere cheerful. Large numbers of spectators watched the race from the many vantage points in the Park.

Entries were received from Leeds, Nottingham and all over Southern England, a tribute to the Event marketing and reputation. We were honoured to have present, 78 year old Sir Christopher Chataway, who ran as pacemaker in the first 4 minute mile with Sir Roger Bannister and then became 5000 metre and 3 mile World Record holder. He obviously retains his talent and fitness, finishing in the first half of the entire field in just over 50 minutes.

Robert Sackville West, Lord Sackville kindly came along with his family to talk to spectators and competitors and he welcomed them all before starting both the 10k and the 2k races.

Prizes were presented by Sir Christopher Chataway and current Rotary President, the well known local personality Bob Ogley.

First race to finish was the 2k Fun Run, won by 13 years old Alistair Bishop from Sevenoaks, 2nd was 10 years old Leigh Robertson, and 3rd was 9 years old James Puxty. Excellent results from a record field of over 60 runners, including many Mums and Dads who couldn't quite keep up with the youngsters.

Winner of the 10k this year was Sam Coombes of Dartford Harriers in a new record time of 33.13 minutes, 2nd was James Buchanan of Croydon Harriers who was 1 minute 14 seconds behind with Mark Clayton of Beckenham Running Club a further 2 minutes away in 3rd place. 4th was Luke Armitage of Kent AC a further 20 seconds back.

First lady was Maria Heslop from Tonbridge, in the fast time of 40 minutes 39 seconds, with 17 year old Jennifer Hamer from Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, 1 minute back in 2nd place and Claudia Harrison from London, was 3rd lady a further 24 seconds behind. Kerry Holland from Southend on Sea was 4th.

The Mens' and the Ladies' Team prizes were won by Beckenham Running Club.

The Marshalls around the Entry area and on the Course, who were mainly Sevenoaks Rotarians and friends including 4 helpers from the Sevenoaks Volunteer Bureau and 7 Explorer Scouts and leaders from Kemsing, all did an efficient job. Race Chairman Brian Brauns and Race Director John Walker supported by a few stalwarts have devoted a massive amount of time and effort to make the event a great success. They were amply rewarded by the enormous turn out.

Principle beneficiaries of the event this year are Kent Air Ambulance and Chipstead Lake Cheshire Home. It is hoped that the Run will show a surplus of approx. £7,000, all for charity.

Main Sponsors were Knocker & Foskett, and Ibbett Moseley for the 3rd successive year, as well as Davis Garage who provided field transport and manpower. Main prizes were donated by Boots of Sevenoaks, support facilities from Sencio at the Sevenoaks Leisure Centre and results services from Sevenoaks Computer Shop. Healthy energy bananas were kindly provided by Dole Fresh UK of Dartford. There were none left at the end!

The essential Website www.sevenoaksrotary10k.co.uk and computer produced address labelling was provided and maintained by John Hubbard of Otford.net.

Join us next year on Sunday, 14th March 2010.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
12 Men In Trunks
Hello All,
As you are probably aware today is Red Nose Day. Jason and the Better Body Shop Team are endeavoring to make a difference to the amount raised this year to go towards many admirable causes.

12 Men In Trunks!!

Tonight undercover of darkness, 12 brave men (Jason included) will venture to the Better Body Shop for a group photo, baring chests and knees, clad only in their trunks! The 12 brave individuals will then embark upon a month long process of healthy eating and rigorous exercise. 4 weeks from now they will meet again for their "after" photo, hopefully showing their transformation into the Adonis of Sevenoaks!! Following this we will produce a calendar from which sales will be donated to the Red Nose Day cause.

Please sponsor our brave men whose pain, although great, will only be minimal compared to the suffering of many individuals less fortunate than ourselves.

Please sponsor their efforts through the official Red Nose Day web page: www.myrednoseday.com/TeamPage
Kind Regards, Alison and the BBS Team. xxxx

Update: the BEFORE picture! A couple of gents were detained at work, so please spot the substitute to make it 10 men in trunks!

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Sevenoaks Rotary 10k Run & 2k Fun Run
The 3rd Annual Sevenoaks Rotary Knole Park 10k Run on 15th March in aid of Kent Air Ambulance and Chipstead Lake Cheshire Home is going to be the best yet.

There are already over 500 entries from the South East, London and the Midlands. The Run is growing in stature and this year, total entries should exceed 600, easily a record.

Knocker & Foskett and Ibbett Moseley are again the main sponsors and the Run will be started by Lord Sackville at 10.30 am. in Knole Park.

Among the many entries is a notable one from 78 year old Sir Christopher Chataway, pacemaker in the first 4 minute mile and former World record holder for 3 miles and 5000 metres. We hope he will come to Sevenoaks and run at Knole Park.

The 2k Fun Run will again take place along the flat Knole straight. This year we will have twice the number of entries compared with previous years.

There will be special medals for all runners who finish and prizes for the first 3 Men and Ladies Individuals and Teams, plus the first 3 in the 2k Fun Run.

A number of strong teams from local and some more distant Athletic Clubs will be competing for the Team prizes. Beckenham Running Club are using the Run as one of their Club Grand Prix events.

Spectators are encouraged to come along to watch and support from the many viewing points.

The Organisers are hoping for good weather this year, after the rain and wind of 2008.
Web: www.sevenoaksrotary10k.co.uk

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Charity Dinner in Sevenoaks with 1966 World Cup Hero George Cohen MBE
Have dinner with a World Cup winning hero.

Football fans have the chance to team up with one of England’s famous 1966 World Cup winning heroes at a special dinner in Sevenoaks on Tuesday, 10 March.

George Cohen MBE, described by manager Alf Ramsay as the greatest right back ever to play for England, is guest of honour at the event which will be raising funds to support disabled football in the Sevenoaks area. The former Fulham player appeared for England 37 times and was an integral part of the famous 1966 World Cup team that lifted the Jules Rimet trophy after beating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley.

The evening is being hosted by Sevenoaks Town Junior FC and Access Sport International at the Slug & Lettuce in Sevenoaks and will include a sports quiz and auction of sporting memorabilia. There will also be a Q&A session when guests can ask George about the 1966 World Cup experience and his opinions on the modern game.

Tickets for the dinner cost £15 and are available from the Slug and Lettuce (01732 465058) and Access Sport International (01732 779811).

OTFORD PARISH COUNCIL - NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Charlton Athletic has invited Otford residents and their friends to make a very special visit to The Valley. On Saturday 7 March 2009, for a total cost of £43 per person, the club will -

• provide a coach to take us to and from The Valley,
• in the morning arrange a one-hour tour of the stadium followed by a brief audio-visual presentation about the club and its history,
• serve us a three-course lunch in one of their restaurants overlooking the pitch, and
• give us seats together to watch the Championship game versus Watford.

We have only 53 places and these will be allotted strictly on a first come, first served basis. To book a place or places, please contact the Parish Office at School House, High Street, telephone 01959 524808 or email otfordpc@btinternet.com, on or before 11th February 2009.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Easter holiday children's Music Theatre course
There are still a few places on the Easter holiday children's Music Theatre course run by Anthony Dawson. This year the culmination of the four day holiday course will be a performance of Our Mighty Mikado, based on The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan.

The course runs from Monday 6 April to Thursday 9 April 2009 at Bradbourne Auditorium, Bradbourne School, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks and is open to young people aged 8 - 14.

Application forms are available from Anthony Dawson, 67 The Rise, Sevenoaks TN13 1RL.

Children are invited to join the Play & Sing holiday course with the members of the Sackville Children's Choir who are already rehearsing. They will spend three days learning the music and dances and playing drama games and having fun. On the fourth day they will have a dress rehearsal and a public performance in the evening. Previous productions by the same team have been at the Stag Theatre, and have included Peter Pan - the Musical; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Magician's Nephew.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Kemsing Singers
Read about their upcoming concert events in a Kemsing Singer's post to the new Sevenoaks Community Forum [www.sevenoaksforum.com]

Here you can announce news, discuss topics, tell a joke, etc to the whole community. You do need to register before posting entries, but then your news or discussion topic is online immediately, as posted. You can include links to websites, upload documents, pdf's, style the post with colour, font changes, etc and make use of the Sevenoaks Forum facilities to have regular e-mail notification as new entries are made.

With your help the Sevenoaks Community Forum can be an informative and interactive addition to the very popular What's On Calendar database that now provides the most comprehensive listing of events happening in Sevenoaks and the surrounding towns and villages. You can post your own event too.

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Stag transfer agreed
Sevenoaks District Council last night (Tuesday 11 November 2008) agreed to transfer the Stag arts complex to Sevenoaks Town Council as part of a long term lease agreement.

After Kino Holdings Ltd ceased operation of the Stag on 8 July 2008, the District Council received two proposals from local authorities, one from Kent County Council and the other from Sevenoaks Town Council, to operate the facility. On 28 August, the District Council agreed a set of criteria to assess the two proposals and gave the councils until the end of September to submit detailed plans to operate the Stag.

Following careful evaluation of the proposals, Full Council decided to hand over the Stag to Sevenoaks Town Council on a 25 year lease. Initially Sevenoaks District Council will enter into a short term lease allowing the Stag to open early in the new year. The long term lease will be agreed thereafter. [more]

VINE MAGAZINE
Vine - November 2008
Vine Magazine for November 2008 is now available online in 'page turning' digital format.

BBC KENT
'Ross and Brand' to be set alight
A twin effigy of Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand will be set on fire as part of a Kent bonfire society's Guy Fawkes celebrations.

The celebrity guy depicts Ross clutching a BBC contract in his right hand and holding a dog with Brand's head under his left arm.

Brand resigned from Radio 2 and Ross was suspended after making lewd prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs.

Edenbridge Bonfire Society will burn the effigy in Edenbridge on Saturday. [more]

BBC KENT
Rapist jailed after 1995 attack
A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for raping a woman at a railway station in Kent 13 years ago.

Jason Clark, 37, of Mount Pleasant Road, Dartford, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to attacking the woman, who was 27 at the time.

Sentencing him, Judge Michael Lawson QC said Clark had destroyed the life of a "decent young woman".

Clark was arrested over the attack in Otford railway station car park after advances in DNA technology. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Stag transfer moves forward
Sevenoaks District Council has agreed to further examine Sevenoaks Town Council's proposal to run the Stag theatre and cinema.

At last night's (Thursday 30 October 2008) meeting of the Full Council, which is made up of all 54 District Councillors, it was agreed that Councillors will look at the Town Council's proposal in greater detail at their next meeting on 11 November in 11 days time. As part of the meeting, Sevenoaks Town Council will give a presentation setting out its vision for the Stag over the coming years. [more]

SEVENOAKS TOWN COUNCIL
Sevenoaks Skatepark Grand Opening
Thursday 30th October 12.00pm – 4.00pm FREE EVENT

Sevenoaks Skatepark, Greatness Park, Mill Lane, Sevenoaks

FREE skate coaching and demos from TRIBE Watch pro riders get some air on the new ramps!

Please bring your own boards, bikes and skates. Safety equipment available.

Music, shelter and refreshments available all day Prizes and give-aways - WIN a brand new BMX from Bikes Bikes Bikes.

Skaters and riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer. This event is subject to photography and filming and photos may be used in publications or on the Council website. If you do not wish to be photographed, please tell a member of staff on the day.

Skatepark designed by Skaterham consultants and Young People’s Design Team. Ramps built by Fearless Ramps. Funded by Sevenoaks Town Council and The Big Lottery Fund.

For more information contact Sevenoaks Town Council on 01732 459953 or send a text with ‘SKATE’ and your message to 07799 732732. (messages charged at normal rate)

View the flyer: www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk/20081030SkateparkOpeningFlyer.pdf

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Sevenoaks Town Council's Stag Theatre dream stays alive
Sevenoaks Town Council has cleared a major hurdle in its bid to take control of the troubled Stag Theatre.

District councillors last night paved the way for the town council to operate the arts complex by dismissing Kent County Council's rival proposal.

The Stag closed on July 7 when previous operator Kino Holdings abandoned its 25-year lease after just nine months.

The town council wants to set up a charitable trust to reopen the building, complete with both cinemas, the theatre, studio and bars, and run it as a community amenity from January. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Crossing gets the go-ahead
A pedestrian crossing which Seal residents and parish councillors have spent three years campaigning for will go ahead, according to a highways leader. At a Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board meeting, Kent Highway Services manager of transport and development for Sevenoaks Alan Ash confirmed a zebra crossing would be installed on Childsbridge Lane. The 30mph limit road runs through a residential area with Seal Primary School nearby. [more]

KOS MEDIA
Builders chosen for Turner Contemporary project
The oldest construction company in the country has been chosen to build the £8.1 million Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate. Kent County Council picked the 400-year-old R Durtnell and Sons, which is based in Brasted near Sevenoaks, because of its wide-ranging experience with new projects and specialist restoration and renovation works. [more]

Kent Messenger
Assault: Do you recognise these men?
British Transport Police are appealing to Kent's commuters following a serious assault at London Bridge last night. A 33-year old man is in hospital with a head injury following an altercation near the ticket barriers to platforms 1 to 5. BTP has released these CCTV pictures of two men they want to question. They were last seen boarding the train to Sevenoaks. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Orange Crush
Orange Crush is a new Catering Company serving Sevenoaks, TN1 and ME1. Available for Private or Corporate Functions. We do children’s parties, cocktail receptions, birthdays, product launches, engagement parties, lunch boxes and breakfasts.

View our Catering Menu [Digital Version] or PDF [2.2mb]

Other Menus: Set Menu | Christmas 2008 Menu

Special Promotion: 5% discount on all orders confirmed by 10 November 2008

Contact us for any request and further information

(T) 07958 148 676, (F) 0871 827 437 or (E) dawn@orangecrushcafe.co.uk.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Keep busy with library volunteering this autumn
Kent Libraries and Archives has a range of volunteering opportunities at libraries in Sevenoaks and surrounding villages. The activities include helping library customers using computers and family history; supporting staff with baby-rhyme, story-time and craft activity sessions; investigating and collating local history information; helping the Museum Friends with fundraising; and delivering books to customers at home.

CSV’s Nic Browne, who manages Kent’s Time2Give library and archive volunteering programme said ‘September is often a time when people reassess their interests, and Kent Libraries and Archives has a menu of volunteering opportunities on offer. Times and levels of commitment can be tailored to suit busy life-styles, and we welcome volunteers of all ages, including young people on schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh award.’

She added ‘most volunteering is library or archive based, but we are looking also for Celebration Volunteers, to help staff at community based events which highlight libraries and archives and promote reading and information services’.

For more details about Time2Give, call into any Kent library for an application and information pack. Alternatively contact 01622 696468 or email libraryvolunteers@kent.gov.uk. Additional information about volunteering vacancies can be found at www.kent.gov.uk

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Bridge for Beginners
* Learn a fascinating new skill
* Stimulate your mind
* Join a whole new social world

First course starts in January 2009 at Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre

7022 SEV 08 S Bridge – Beginners Part 1 11 weeks from Thu 8 Jan 19:30-21:30 Special price £64.00 – one week free!!

7022 SEV 08 T Bridge - Beginners Part 2 10 weeks from Thu 7 May 19:30-21:30 Price £64

For more information, contact: Sally Norgate, Customer Services Officer, Kent Adult Education Service, Sevenoaks Centre 01732 585312 x 221

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Reflexology for Beginners
Learn how to work naturally on reflex points within the feet.

6026 SEV-07-A 5 week course starting 4/11/08 Tuesdays 10 am to 12 noon Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre £35.00 To enrol call 0845 606 5606 or visit your local centre.

For more information, contact: Sally Norgate, Customer Services Officer, Kent Adult Education Service, Sevenoaks Centre 01732 585312 x 221

VINE MAGAZINE
Vine - October 2008
Vine Magazine for October 2008 is now available online in 'page turning' digital format.