Sevenoaks News

KOS MEDIA
Appeal to save historic wildlife reserve
A major appeal has been launched in a bid to raise £100,000 to protect a wildlife reserve.

The Kent Wildlife Trust this week called on the county to help fund a major restoration programme to ensure the continued success of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve – a site of special scientific interest – and a pioneering site in the history of wildlife conservation.

The trust’s reserves officer, Dave Hutton, said: “More than 50 years ago, this remarkable site made history when many local volunteers started to make it the first of its kind in Britain – a gravel and sand quarry transformed into a site for nature conservation.

Today, it is hard to imagine that where there are now five beautiful lakes, reed beds, ponds and woodland, and home to more than 2,000 recorded species – was once a sterile industrial landscape." [more]

More About The Appeal & How You Can Donate Now.

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Professional Pantomime returns to The Stag Theatre after six year break!
Way back in the deepest depths of 2003, when Sevenoaks’ cinema goers were flocking to the third and final instalment of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, theatregoers were flocking to the Stag Theatre Sevenoaks to see Cheryl Baker in ’Aladdin’. And not since then has Sevenoaks played host to a professional pantomime.

Fast forward to 2009, and after a turbulent time for the town’s much loved theatre venue, The Stag has reopened, and is gearing up for a star studded Christmas season once again, presenting the traditional family pantomime, ‘Dick Whittington’.

Cre8ive Pantomimes, the show’s producer, has secured an all star line up for the show. Michelle Gayle, best known to soap fans as Hattie from ‘Eastenders’, and to music fans as the chart topping singer whose most successful hit was ‘Sweetness’, will headline as the wicked Queen Rat. Lucy Dixon, currently starring as Danielle Harker in the BBC’s smash hit drama ‘Waterloo Road’, will play Alice Fitzwarren. Poet, playwright, and Oliver Award Nominated actor Tony Haygarth, who played Mick Naylor in ‘Emmerdale’ and Vic Snow in ‘Where The Heart Is’, will star as Alderman Fitzwarren. Nineties pop star Lolly (aka Anna Kumble), was the most successful British female artist of 1999, with her chart topping hits including ‘Hey Mickey’, and joins the cast as Fairy Bowbells. And alongside them will be local comic and DJ Ant Payne playing Silly Billy, and one of the country’s best up and coming dames, Robert Pearce, as Sarah the Cook.

And as for the title role? Heart 103.1 & 102.8 is helping the Stag find a local star, to the fill the role of Dick Whittington. Local performers will be entering the ‘Panto Factor’ competition, as the producers search for a star to play the lead role in the panto.

Local dancers will also be given the opportunity to take part in the show. Dance auditions will be held in late September, and forty-eight young dancers, aged 6-18yrs+ will be given the chance to perform alongside the talented cast.

The writer and director of the pantomime, Jamie Wilson, says of the show “We are so excited to be a part of the re-launch of the Stag. The venue has been given a new lease of life thanks to Sevenoaks Town Council, and we hope that the pantomime will become a must see yearly trip for the people of Sevenoaks. Christmas isn’t Christmas without panto!”.

Cllr Andrew Eyre, Chairman of the Stag Shadow Trustees said: “It is wonderful for the people of Sevenoaks and the wider district that the success of the Stag is reflected in the quality of the pantomime coming to the town. I am looking forward to the show and especially to making a Sevenoaks Star in the role of Dick Whittington.”

Further Information available from Gabrielle Stapleton, Stag Marketing & PR: Tel: 01892 825157 Mob: 07887 812346 Email: gmppr@aol.com

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Sevenoaks Town Council agree to sign the 25 year lease for Stag Community Arts Centre at last night’s meeting
For the past couple of months productive negotiation has been taking place between Sevenoaks Town Council and Sevenoaks District Council regarding the future of the Stag.

Sevenoaks District Council has provided Sevenoaks Town Council with the Heads of Terms for the 25 year lease and last night with unanimity Town Councillors agreed to sign up to the document.

In considering this matter the Town Councillors took into account the significant progress of the venture during its initial months of operation and that signing the lease was in the best interest of the local community for the following reasons:-
• Retaining an iconic building in the town and preserving its traditional features
• Retaining a valuable social and leisure facility for performers and audiences
• Enabling the development of youth services both in performing arts and youth outreach services
• Assisting the sustainability of the local economy of the town particularly the nighttime economy and tourism economy.

Cllr Andrew Eyre, Chairman of the Shadow Trustees stated: “ This is wonderful news for everyone across Sevenoaks District whether stage performers or artists, theatre visitor or cinema enthusiast. This is a big step forward to preserving the long term future of the Stag. I am looking forward to working with everyone at the Stag, the Town Council and the District Council together to ensure the Stag’s success.”

Linda Larter MBE Chief Executive 15th September 2009

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Santa Claus coming to Donnington Manor Hotel!
Hold onto your Reindeers…………
There is a snow storm coming……….....
Santa Claus is coming to Sevenoaks Town on Wednesday 23rd September from 12pm – 2pm!

Santa & his team of elf’s are heading your way, bringing Christmas cheer and mince pies to all of Sevenoaks to promote the festive events at Best Western Donnington Manor Hotel.

It’s never too early to book for Christmas……….some of our Stars in Your Eyes Party Nights are already fully booked!

This year our Christmas Festivities include:

‘Stars in your Eyes’ Christmas Party nights where we will be having an extremely popular tribute act line up from Abba 2 Nite to Elvis, Grease is the Word and Take That to name but a few. The evening will begin with a 3 course meal, followed by Coffee and Mince Pies, a disco and tribute act… all in one night! These evenings are a great idea for staff parties or groups of people that wish to absorb the festive atmosphere. Due to popular demand tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis…. so don’t delay and buy your tickets today! Prices start from £22.95 per person.

Here at the Best Western Donnington Manor Hotel we are also able to organise Christmas Luncheons for any time in the week leading up to Christmas for £18.95 per person to include a 3 course meal followed by Coffee and Mince Pies. We will also be offering our Christmas Day Menu and our New Years Eve Gala Dinner and Disco.

All that is required in order to book the above events mentioned, is a £10.00 deposit per person and £25 for Christmas Day & New Years Eve. A free place will be given to organisers of parties over 20. Discounted Accommodation is also available from £70.00 per Twin/Double including breakfast. To book please call: (01732) 468510 or for more info go to www.donningtonmanor.com.

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Kikodo Clinic in the News!
Kikodo Clinic was mentioned in an article in the Sevenoaks Chronicle, Business section, on Thursday 27th August 2009....see article attached.

Kikodo Clinic is also pleased to announce that Dan Graham, Osteopath, specialised in cranial osteopathy, practicing every Thursday morning at St John's Hill Surgery, has recently joined Kikodo Clinic. Dan works at the clinic every Thursday afternoon. For more information visit our website www.kikodo.co.uk or to book an appointment call 01732 451839 or email us on info@kikodo.co.uk.

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OVMH Fundraising Events - 1940's Style Tea Dance
Sunday 11th October see the first of a series of fundraisers aimed at improving the facilities at the Otford Village Memorial Hall. The Trustees will be hosting a 1940’s style tea dance in the Hall. Music will be provided by Jeff who regularly hosts swing dance parties in our Hall and he will provide a variety of music for ballroom and swing dancing to suit all tastes. We hope that as many people as possible will support us on this occasion as the Hall is a vital part of our community providing a venue for so many of our local clubs and societies. Come along just to listen and enjoy the atmosphere or join in! (1940’s dress is optional) Entry will be £5 in advance or £6 on the door which includes free tea/ coffee / squash and a doughnut – all profits will go to the hall funds. The event will run from 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm and tickets available in advance from Pam or Ron Dullage on 01959 525181 (hall booking line) or by e-mail on ovmh.manager@otford.net.

Watch out for further details of more fundraising events coming up including a 60’s and 70’s disco (date to be confirmed) and a show by Ian Keable, the Winner of The Magic Circle Comedy Award 2008/09 taking place on 20th February 2010.

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Quiz evening - Kent Association for the Blind
Quiz evening with fish and chip supper, £10 per head, Friday 25th September, 2009, 6.45 for 7.00, Red Cross Hall, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, in aid of Kent Association for the Blind. Teams of 6 or individuals welcome, contact Phyllis Styles apstyles@ctlconnect.co.uk, 01732 461623

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Kent Adult Education - Think Again!
Look what you can experience with us!
Are you interested in learning languages for travel or business? We offer French, Spanish, Italian....Something more exotic? Try Japanese or Russian. Is DIY more your thing? Bricklaying Taster courses are available in Swanley Adult Education Centre. If like many you have green fingers or would like to spend more time in the garden, our Grow your own Vegetables courses may be for you. Do you have a passion for sailing? We can offer you the chance to complete your RYA Yachtmaster! For those of you who are more comfortable on dry land you can join one of our many Walking courses. Along with theses courses we have a multitude of Creative Skills courses from Stained Glass to Flower Arranging.