Sevenoaks News

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Young Volunteer of the Year revealed!
The voluntary work of a number of young people from the District was recognised recently at the second ever Young Volunteer of the Year award ceremony.

The winner and two runners up were presented with their prizes at Sevenoaks District Council Offices by the Chairman of the Council, Cllr Felicity Broomby. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Cold callers frozen out in Brasted and Sundridge!
A new initiative which aims to stop cold callers making uninvited visits to residents was unveiled in the District this week.

Brasted and Sundridge became the first ever "Cold Calling Control Zones" in the District following the successful launch of the scheme at Brasted Pavillion on Monday (19 May). [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Cuts to rail service set to affect rural communities
Sevenoaks District Council has expressed its disappointment at hearing of a reduction in a train service that will affect residents of Edenbridge, Chiddingstone, Penshurst and Leigh. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
District residents encouraged to ‘go wild’ this summer!
Residents of Sevenoaks District with an interest in the natural world can enjoy some free wildlife treats in the next two months.

Wildlife Walks will be held on Wednesday 18 June and Wednesday 16 July, both start from Lullingstone Park Visitors' Centre at 2.30pm. The free walks will be lead by a wildlife expert and will provide an opportunity to look at meadows and wildflowers, and veteran trees and woodlands. There is no need to book in advance, anyone can just turn up on the day.

Then the following month, on Thursday 24 July, a Summer Wildlife Workshop will take place at Sevenoaks Community Centre, starting at 7pm. Places are limited and people are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. [more]

OTFORD VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The ‘Transition Town’ idea is a community initiated and led movement with a fresh new way of looking at Climate Change and the energy crisis without getting depressed. The idea is to look at where we are as a community now and prepare and adapt positively so we can cope and thrive on fewer fossil fuels and ever changing climate.

Imagine your dream village or town, now get together with other members of the community to make that happen. For example, we probably all want a safer, cleaner, friendlier place with healthier food, less noise, less traffic and a better quality of life with more time to do things we enjoy.

A Transition Town would draw up a plan of how to get to the ideal scenario and the community would work together to achieve it. There are 40 towns in UK that have already begun and 600 more thinking about it. If you want to find out more look up www.transitiontowns.org.

The film ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ will be shown on Tuesday June 17 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall, to reserve a seat email susanfallmann@hotmail.com. Watching the film is free but it is £2 each to cover hall hire charges. Discussion follows with free refreshments. Telephone 01732 454820 for any more information.

KINO AT THE STAG
Education and Theatre for the Community
Download the Creative Arts Programme at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks.

For more information, please call 01732 450175.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Photographer who spent 60 years at Sevenoaks Chronicle dies

Friends and colleagues this week led tributes to regional press photographer Alex Watson who worked for more than 60 years at the Sevenoaks Chronicle and died aged 81.

Until he died peacefully last weekend Watson still helped out at the Northcliffe paper he joined, as its first ever full-time photographer, in 1947.

Chronicle community editor Ian Read said: “Alex had been a huge part of not just the Chronicle, but Sevenoaks itself for so many years that his death has left a huge hole. He was not just a valued colleague but a perfect gentleman and nobody had a bad word to say about him. He was a model employee who simply loved the industry and the fact that he was about to start getting to grips with digital scanning is a sign of how committed he was to the paper. He had touched many thousands of lives during his remarkable career and we will ensure that his legacy lives on through his wonderful photographs” [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Dog theft warning plea
Warnings are needed in popular dog walking spots to alert owners to the risk of dog nappings, a pet owner who uses the sites has said.

Having seen warning posters about stolen and missing pets at her vets, Ide Hill resident Linda Stiles is trying to get similar posters put up on National Trust land at Limpsfield Chart and Toys Hill.

She said: "There's no gain for me, I'm just trying to help other people who'll be upset if their dogs are taken." [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Take extra steps to get fit in Edenbridge
Edenbridge residents looking to get fitter will have even more choice when an extra dance class starts in the town next month.

The weekly line dancing class that currently runs from 12.30pm from 2.30pm will split into two separate classes from Friday 6 June.

From 12.30pm to 1.30pm there will be an ‘absolute beginners’ class and from 1.30pm to 2.30pm there will be an ‘improvers’ class. They will still be held at Edenbridge Leisure Centre at a cost of £2 per session.

The class is run by professional dance teachers Barbara and Karen from Scuffs and Struts Line Dancing Club, and everyone who attends, regardless of age or ability will be made to feel very welcome and is guaranteed to have fun. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Talk a health walk to fitness!
Sevenoaks residents looking to stay healthy, meet new people and enjoy some picturesque surroundings are being reminded they can take part in a free weekly health walk in the town.

The Sevenoaks town health walk, which lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, takes place every Thursday, meeting in the café at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre just before 10.30am.

The beautiful scenery of Knole Park provides the backdrop for the walk, which is suitable for any age or ability. People in wheelchairs or with pushchairs can also attend and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace.

It is suggested people dress appropriately according to the weather and sensible, comfortable footwear is a must.

Newcomers are welcomed every week and are asked to arrive a few minutes beforehand to fill in a short health questionnaire. Walkers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Sevenoaks benefit cheat caught out
A Sevenoaks woman who deceived benefit staff to claim more than £2,500 that she wasn’t entitled to was successfully prosecuted last week. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
£15,000 benefit fraudster caught!
A woman who tried to cheat tax payers out of almost £15,000 of their money after failing to declare an inheritance of £35,000 was successfully prosecuted last week. [more]

KOS MEDIA
KCC's new chairman will act as Kent's 'ambassador'
A councillor representing Sevenoaks South has become Kent County Council’s latest chairman.

Cllr Peter Lake is replacing Sandwich member Leyland Ridings, who stood down at the authority’s annual meeting. “This is an enormous honour and a privilege and I will take on the task to the best of my ability. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Blueprint for Blighs
The redevelopment of the western side of Blighs could be a step closer after design principles for the site were approved by Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet.

In the coming months, the Council, which owns the majority of the site, will be consulting with local people to refine its concept designs, which includes homes and green open space, before a planning application is lodged and the Council enters into an agreement with a developer.

Sevenoaks District Council has been working in association with the Kent Architecture Centre, to develop a blueprint for Blighs.

The proposals consist of five blocks up to a maximum of four to five stories in height made up of about 100 residential dwellings, a proportion of which will be affordable housing, commercial and retail units. Floor space has been earmarked for the Sevenoaks Club. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Walk your way to health for free in Kemsing!
Kemsing residents who are not used to physical activity, or who want to walk and talk can benefit from a new free health walk starting in the town next month.

The Kemsing Health Walk will take place every Tuesday from 17 June, at 10.30pm, starting and finishing at the free car park on the High Street next door to the Wheatsheaf pub. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Help others enjoy a healthy lifestyle!
There is an opportunity for residents of the District to help others enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle at a free training day next month.

Sevenoaks District Council is holding a free Health Walk Leader Training Day at the Council Offices in Argyle Road, on Monday 30 June from 9am to 4.30pm.

Completion of the course will enable participants to assist with existing health walks currently taking place in the District, or set up their own walking group in their local community. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Help shape a new look Holly Bush play area
Local people are being asked for their views on how Holly Bush play area could be improved in the coming months as part of a six-figure refurbishment programme.

Sevenoaks District Council has earmarked £80,000 to improve the exiting site and is keen to hear from those who use it, what new equipment should be installed and which existing equipment should stay or go.

Local people can have their say on-line at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/playgrounds. Alternatively paper copies of the questionnaire are available at the Holly Bush Lodge. Questionnaires can be e-mailed or posted to residents. E-mail parkingandamenity@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call the Council on 01732 227000.

The consultation ends on Friday 13 June 2008. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
New Chairman's healthy message
Sevenoaks town resident Cllr Felicity Broomby, who has lived in Kippington for the past 25 years, was elected as the Chairman of Sevenoaks District Council last night (13 May 2008).

The Chairman is the Council's principal ambassador representing the over 110,000 residents of the District, as well as the Council, at a wide range of local and regional events and supporting local charities and voluntary organisations. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Heritage Centre - 'From Poke To Pocket'

How many children have asked you: “What’s an oast house for?” From Saturday 24th May, for two months, there will be a new exhibition at Otford Heritage Centre titled “From Poke to Pocket”*.

It tells the story of how hops - the mainstay crop of the village for centuries, were dried, pressed and stored ready for market. Old & new photos of the all the Otford oast houses will be on display as well as old parish maps showing the location of the hop gardens. Centre of the exhibition will be a doll’s house-style model of a working oasthouse where children and adults can look inside to see how the whole Poke to Pocket process took place.

Otford Heritage Centre Open week-days from 9.30 - 1; and weekends from 2.30 – 4.30.
*(A Poke is a sack of freshly harvested hops. A Pocket is the 6ft tall sack of pressed dried hops that went to the brewery.)

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Help keep your community safe
Residents are being reminded of the important role they play in keeping anti-social behaviour to a minimum in the District.

Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership is asking residents to advise the District Council, police or housing associations of any problems they may be experiencing, so they can be active in ensuring the District remains a safe place to live.

One of the most effective ways of tackling anti-social behaviour is when communities come together and work with local agencies, for instance talking to neighbours to see if they are experiencing similar problems. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Cold callers set to get a frosty reception!
The first areas in the District to launch a new initiative aimed at giving residents the confidence to say no to uninvited door step traders are set to be unveiled next week.

Brasted and Sundridge are set to become the first ever “Cold Calling Control Zones” in the District when the scheme is launched at Brasted Pavillion at 12.30pm on Monday 19 May.

A Cold Calling Control Zone is an area which seeks to deter people from calling on residents face-to-face, at their doors, without having first made an appointment. It also warns cold callers that they are being watched. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
DJ sacked for Boris bias
An outspoken talk show host from Ightham has been sacked from a national radio station.

James Whale was a regular presenter on TalkSport since it launched as Talk Radio in 1995, and presented the 10pm to 1am slot from Sunday to Thursday.

But the 57-year-old, who is known for his strong opinions, has been sacked from the show after he urged listeners to vote for Boris Johnson in the London mayoral election. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Police can't break up 'too dark' raves
A police force has admitted it is powerless to break up illegal raves - because it is too dark when they are in full swing.

Chief Inspector Gill Ellis, of Kent Police, blamed the lack of action on 'health and safety' regulations when tackled by locals who are fed-up with all-night raves in a wooded area near Sevenoaks.

Chief Supt Ellis said that it was not safe to disperse revellers in remote locations when it was dark - insisting safety regulations meant officers had to wait until sunrise to break up the bashes.

And the force said it could also be dangerous to disperse ravers because they may get into their cars to drive home while still high on drink and drugs. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Young Volunteer of the Year set to be announced
The commitment and achievement of a number of young people across the District is set to be rewarded next week.

Sevenoaks District Council’s second ever Young Volunteer of the Year is set to be named at an award ceremony to be held at the Council Offices on Thursday 15 May from 5pm to 6.15pm

A shortlist of eight nominees has been drawn up and there are three prizes on offer on the evening. The nominees come from Seal, Kemsing and Sevenoaks.

The winner of the Young Volunteer of the Year will receive £100 in high street vouchers, with another £200 going to the nominating organisation. Two runners up will each receive £50 in high street vouchers, and a further £100 going to the nominating organisation. All nominated young people will be presented with a certificate on the evening. The Council's Chairman will be presenting the prizes. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Edenbridge fraudster prosecuted
An Edenbridge woman who claimed nearly £8,000 worth of benefit she was not entitled to in a nine month period was successfully prosecuted last week. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Laughter's the best medicine
Men from the Sevenoaks area are being offered a free health check with the promise of a few laughs thrown into the bargain.

Award winning comedian John Ryan will be performing his stand-up show Hurt Until It Laughs at Kino, Sevenoaks next month and a host of health professionals will be on hand to give the male contingent an MOT. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Enjoy a day in the country!
Residents looking to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the countryside can enjoy a free guided walk in one of the most naturally attractive areas of woodland in the District later this month.

Forestry expert Jonathan Webb will lead the walk around Oxenhill Shaw and Meadow (near Otford) on Saturday 24 May and elaborate on some of the history, features and management of the site.

Meeting at the gate at the end of Tudor Drive in Otford at 2pm the free walk should last no longer than two hours, dogs on leads are welcome and there is no need to book in advance. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Hundreds complete Worthing's Three Forts Challenge
'Go the extra mile' was the message from organisers of this year's Three Forts Challenge – and that is exactly what some runners did. The Three Forts Challenge, held on Sunday, included a 27-mile marathon visiting the Iron-Age forts of Cissbury Ring, Devil's Dyke and Chanctonbury Ring; a half marathon, a 10-mile hike and a five-mile family friendly walk.
The full marathon was won by Tim Short, 26, from Sevenoaks who finished in two hours, 55 minutes and nine seconds – a new course record. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Young people get their skates on!
More than 100 young people look set for a cool day tomorrow when they take a trip to the South East’s premier ice skating rink.

The young people, most of whom are members of the three 8 to 12’s projects that run across the District, will visit Gillingham Ice Bowl on Wednesday 7 May. The group will also include some children from the Swanley Town Council Passport to Leisure scheme. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Hextable Parish Council election results
Following the Hextable Parish Council election on Thursday 1 May 2008, the Hextable Independent group won all nine seats on the Council. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Swanley Town Council election results
Following the Swanley Town Council elections on Thursday 1 May 2008, the Labour group won the majority seats on the Council. The breakdown by party is: Conservative - 6 seats, Labour - 10 seats. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Line up for dance classes in Sevenoaks!
Sevenoaks residents have just over a week to get in line for new dance classes that are starting in the town. A new Strictly Line Dancing class starts at Kino, Sevenoaks on Monday 12 May and will run every Monday thereafter from 1pm to 3pm at a cost of £3 per class. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Roads "disgraceful"
Two separate attacks have been launched over the state of the roads in the neighbouring villages of Knockholt and Halstead. Parish councillors from both communities have called upon Kent County Council to re-evaluate its approach to fixing potholes. They believe temporary repairs do not work and claim the roads need to be completely resurfaced.

Speaking at Halstead Parish Council's annual parish meeting, Cllr Geoff Baldwin said: "The roads here are disgraceful, they really are. These roads need resurfacing, but they can't afford to do it so they come out and patch it."

Similar problems were identified by Knockholt Parish Council chairman Cllr Barry Page at the village's annual parish meeting the previous evening. Cllr Page said: "Potholes aren't repaired as quickly as we'd like. These repairs don't seem to last long until they reappear." [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Laughter is the best medicine at health event next month
A health extravaganza next month will attempt to explore the reason why 3.5million men in the UK are risking a long-term medical condition through fear of going to the doctor.

An award winning comedian will be joined by a plethora of health professionals and organisations offering men’s free health MOTs when the special event comes to the STAG Theatre in Sevenoaks on Saturday 14 June.

The main feature of the night will be a stand up act by the comedian John Ryan. His warts-and-all ‘Hurt Until It Laughs’ show looks at what makes men tick when it comes to uncomfortable health matters and asks the question ‘Why do man hate going to the doctor?’.

Before the show and during the interval health professionals will be available offering the men’s free health MOTs, including cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose checks. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Get in gear for new parking restrictions
Around 3,500 residents in Sevenoaks can expect to receive details of new parking restrictions in their area over the coming days as one of the biggest ever reviews of on-street parking in the town reaches its culmination.

The new restrictions, which are expected to come in to effect on Monday 16 June, are aimed at better regulating parking facilities for commuters whilst minimising inconvenience to residents by trying to prevent the displacement of commuters in to residential roads.

Letters explaining the new regulations are currently being sent out to all those living in affected roads, and the relevant signing and lining work is now starting in the roads concerned.

The restrictions represent the result of nearly two years of work which has seen local residents and businesses twice consulted on proposals to improve local parking arrangements. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Third gap year death shocks town
A young man who grew up in Sevenoaks has been killed on his gap year as he cycled on a notorious highway in Bolivia known as the Road of Death. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Child safety fears prompt action call
Parents and teachers from a Westerham school are determined to improve road safety over fears children's lives are being put at risk by reckless motorists.

A campaign has been launched by Churchill Primary School to upgrade a zebra crossing, in London Road, to a pelican crossing, which would be controlled by pedestrians. Headteacher Judy Duffield is leading the campaign, which has received the backing of Westerham Parish Council. She said: "This was asked for before, many years ago. It has always been an issue." [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Box of ducklings key to family rescue
They say cats have nine lives and it seems Sevenoaks ducks have at least two. That would be a fair conclusion to draw from Friday's excitement, when a mother duck, followed by her brood of nine ducklings, nonchalantly waddled up Plymouth Drive, crossed the busy Seal Hollow Road and dived into the pond at Sevenoaks Vine Gardens. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Vicar brings 15 years' experience
A new vicar has joined the parish of Otford.

The Rev Richard Worssam took up his new position at St Bartholomew's on Monday when the Bishop of Rochester, The Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir Ali, inducted and instituted him.

Mr Worssam, 47, has moved from the parish of Fawkham and Hartley where he was rector for 10 years. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Golf-gloved robber given 12 years' jail
The man responsible for a series of armed raids in Sevenoaks town centre has been given a 12-year prison sentence. [more]