Page In this month’s edition: Regulars: A diamante; St Mary Magdelene Service dates; W.I. note; Poet’s Corner; Gardeners; NSY Club; Reports/Articles: Crime Report; ; Notices & Dates: SOUTHERN WATER ROAD SOUTHERN WATER ROAD RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS Changed dates rubbish collection and date for freight clearance ; Deadline dates 2015; Community Bus schedule; Library; Book Club; Maidstone SO concerts ; Pilates; Cherry Orchard request for historic photos; Rubbish Rhyme EVERYTHING CHANGES! by John Cockett Welcome to the nice New Year Winter’s weather at last is here We have now entered another era. The village Observer has got a new steerer Our new editor will be Brendan Someone whom we will depend on January 2015—Editor’s notes Diary for January All events at the Memorial Hall unless otherwise shown Tues6thBowls2.00‐4.00pmWed7thPilates9.30‐10.30amThur8thBowls7.30‐9.30pmFri9thDancingClub8.00‐10.30pmSun11thDogClub ‐ Field10.00‐11.00amTues13thBowls2.00‐4.00pmWed14thPilates9.30‐10.30amWI2.00‐4.00pmThur15thBowls7.30‐9.30pmFri16thDancingClub8.00‐10.30pmSun18thDogClub ‐ Field10.00‐11.00amTues20thBowls2.00‐4.00pmWed21stPilates9.30‐10.30amWI1.00‐3.00pmParishCouncilMeeting7.00‐9.30pmThur22ndBowls7.30‐9.30pmFri23rdDancingClub8.00‐10.30pmSun25thDogClub ‐ Field10.00‐11.00amTue27thBowls2.00‐4.00pmThur29thBowls7.30‐9.30pmFri30thDancingClub8.00‐10.30pmSat31stPrivateBookingAlldayStockbury Parish Council Minutes The minutes for a parish council meeting will be approved at the following meeting and will then be published on www.stockbury.org.uk within 5 days of the meeting at which they were approved To contact the editor: Email: [email protected]All stories, notices, letters, recipes, articles and pictures welcome. All contributions must have a genuine name and contact ... (continued on back page) RUGBY WORLD CUP WARNING 2015 HACAKA AGGRESSIVE CHALLENGING RUNNING SHOVING HUFFING MEN CHANTING AS A TEAM JUMPING HOLDING STRIKING ARTICULATE PACED PROFESSIONAL Our immense thanks to Sue Gardener for all her work in being past editor of the Great Stockbury Observer, reminding all good folk involved to send in their articles on time and in spending hours and hours and hours putting it all together. in a very, very presentable document. Thanks you Sue.
Transcript
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In this month’s edition: Regulars: A diamante; St Mary Magdelene Service dates; W.I. note; Poet’s Corner; Gardeners; NSY Club; Reports/Articles: Crime Report; ; Notices & Dates: SOUTHERN WATER ROAD SOUTHERN WATER ROAD RESTRICTIONSRESTRICTIONS Changed dates rubbish collection and date for freight clearance ; Deadline dates 2015; Community Bus schedule; Library; Book Club; Maidstone SO concerts ; Pilates; Cherry Orchard request for historic photos; Rubbish Rhyme
EVERYTHING CHANGES!
by John Cockett Welcome to the nice New Year Winter’s weather at last is here We have now entered another era. The village Observer has got a new steerer Our new editor will be Brendan Someone whom we will depend on
January 2015—Editor’s notes Diary for January All events at the Memorial Hall unless otherwise shown
Tues 6th Bowls 2.00‐4.00 pm Wed 7th Pilates 9.30‐10.30 am Thur 8th Bowls 7.30‐9.30 pm Fri 9th Dancing Club 8.00‐10.30 pm Sun 11th Dog Club ‐ Field 10.00‐11.00 am Tues 13th Bowls 2.00‐4.00 pm Wed 14th Pilates 9.30‐10.30 am WI 2.00‐4.00 pm Thur 15th Bowls 7.30‐9.30 pm Fri 16th Dancing Club 8.00‐10.30 pm Sun 18th Dog Club ‐ Field 10.00‐11.00 am Tues 20th Bowls 2.00‐4.00 pm Wed 21st Pilates 9.30‐10.30 am WI 1.00‐3.00 pm Parish Council Meeting 7.00‐9.30 pm Thur 22nd Bowls 7.30‐9.30 pm Fri 23rd Dancing Club 8.00‐10.30 pm Sun 25th Dog Club ‐ Field 10.00‐11.00 am Tue 27th Bowls 2.00‐4.00 pm Thur 29th Bowls 7.30‐9.30 pm Fri 30th Dancing Club 8.00‐10.30 pm Sat 31st Private Booking All day
Stockbury Parish Council Minutes
The minutes for a parish council meeting will be approved at the following meeting
and will then be published on www.stockbury.org.uk within 5 days of the
All stories, notices, letters, recipes, articles and pictures welcome. All contributions must have a genuine name and contact ... (continued on back page)
RUGBY WORLD CUP WARNING 2015 HACAKA AGGRESSIVE CHALLENGING RUNNING SHOVING HUFFING MEN CHANTING AS A TEAM JUMPING HOLDING STRIKING ARTICULATE PACED PROFESSIONAL
Our immense thanks to Sue Gardener for all her work in being past editor of the Great Stockbury Observer, reminding all good folk involved to send in their articles on time and in spending hours and hours and hours putting it all together. in a very, very presentable document. Thanks you Sue.
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The services in January are as follows:- 4 January - 3.0pm Sung Communion 11 January – No service 18 January - 3.0pm Sung Communion 25 January – No service Changes may be made if the weather is very bad so check with Liz Cox if uncertain. Details of the range of services held within the benefice of the six parishes, to which Stockbury belongs, can also be found on the parishes' website – www.thesix.org.uk. or contact The Revd Liz Cox .01795 435184 For Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals Penny Stevens—PCC secretary
St Mary Magdalene Church Stockbury
Not So Young Club
.On arriving at the Village Hall on the 2nd December to set the tables for our Christmas Dinner (the 49th) I wondered if I had made a mistake with the date !. Not a decoration in sight, very disappointing. Having spent many evenings in the distant past putting decorations up with my husband, Mary & Peter Clarke and our children. I know what a task it is (The decorations originally were made by the Not So Young Club members 50 years ago, led by Ron Pearson). They were updated by Mary. I thought what has happened to Christmas !, things got worse when our caterers were held up, due to an accident on the A249 for two hours, a Secretaries nightmare. The members and guests eventually arrived and were very helpful in preparing the tables. The caterers did a wonderful job, for which I thank them. The evening's entertainment was the best ever with 'Unique' lifting our spirits with their singing and jokes. The Christmas Fayre was very successful. Many thanks to Rosemary, Pam and Carol for their help. Happy New Year from all the members. We return on the 3rd February 2015. Shirley Moss
STOCKBURY WI . Just a little note to say the Christmas Carols on the green 12th December 14
was a great success as usual our thanks to everyone involved, children’s nativity, Salvation Army, recitals and thoughtful poems. All loved any enjoyed.
Brenda Mace
MAIDSTONE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Concert Dates
to be held in Mote Hall Leisure Centre Mote Park, Maidstone ME15 7RN
31st January 2015 commencing at 7.30 p.m. Conductor, Brian Wright
The programme consists of three works: Weber - Overture, Der Freischutz Taffanel orch. Winstanley - Fantasy on themes from Weber's Der
Single concert tickets are £10, £20 and £25 Full time Students with a student card £5 Season tickets (5 tickets) are £45, £85 or £105 Children up to and including 18 years of age are FREE
All tickets available from the Membership Secretary, Alan Veal on 01622 735830 (cash or cheque only)
Tickets can be collected on the concert evening at Mote Hall
Bookings can also be taken using the form on www.mso.org.uk
MSO Registered Charity No. 287986 Future concert dates for your diary:
21st March 2015 16th May 2015
THE BRUSSEL LOVER’S SONG
Well I used to like potatoes
But now I’ve changed my mind I like plenty of Brussels Their the hidden kind
I eat them in the morning I eat then at dinner as well I eat them in the evening
Gee what a gorgeous smell Oh yare gee what a gorgeous smell
I went down to my Aunties Now she's a real good cook
She also likes Brussels Their in her cookery book
Oh yare, their in her cookery book
SEE PAGE 5 BOTTOM FOR THE FINALE
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Visit us on: www.stockbury.org.uk
You get more with the
on-line Stockbury Observer!
We’re in Colour! More photos!
Available after the 1st of each month
LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL
DRAIN CLEANING, CESSPOOL EMPTYING, INTERCEPTOR WASTE, OIL AND
SLUDGE REMOVAL,
CAMERA SURVEYS, FORECOURT CLEANING,
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
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Crime Report—January 2014
Please be aware of the following scam; We have been informed that patients from a practice in Aylesford near Maidstone are being telephoned by someone claiming to be from a pharmacy offering to deliver medication to their home address, and requesting bank details for payment of this service. The caller claims that the GP practice is recommending this service, which is not the case. As you are aware local pharmacies offering this service do not charge for collection and delivery services. Patients are being asked not to part with their bank details. If any patients visiting your pharmacy makes reference to this scam, please ask them to contact the police and speak with their GP practice.
Watch Liaison Officer for West Division If you suspect a crime is being committed, please call the following numbers:
Police – Emergency only 999 Non-emergency 101 & ALL General enquiries Crimestoppers (confidential) 0800 555111
Saturday Freighter Service Stockbury Village Hall The next collection date is 28th February from 10:15 to 11:00 am
For more information : http://www.maidstone.gov.uk and search for Saturday Freighter Service Dates
The Coach House, 39b High Street, Sittingbourne ME10 4AW We also have a Practice in Gillingham
if you would like more details contact us in Sittingbourne [email protected] 01795 435060
(Established 20 years in Sittingbourne High Street)
Make every day a
‘day against’ pain...
Mobile Library The mobile library stops out the front of Stockbury Village Hall every Thursday
between 10.00 and 10.20 am.
Post Office hours
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 9.00 am—5.00 pm
Wednesday
9.00 am—4.00 pm
Saturday 9.00 am—12.30 pm
M B Farms Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 8.00 am—5.00 pm
Sunday
8.00 am—3.00 pm
National Lottery now available Find us now on Facebook!
STOCKBURY BOOK CLUB— JANUARY REPORT
As has become our tradition now, we met this month to watch the film of The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak having read the actual book during the last month. Having shared some delicious food and (all the better when you don't have to cook it all too), we settled down to watch the film. Despite this normally being a smooth and slick operation our chief technical operator (otherwise known as Alan) seemed to have lost his touch this year, with the sound not so much home cinema as .......muffled grunting! Despite lots of switching on and off of lights and diving across the lounge to try and rectify the problem, most of us 'of a certain age' couldn't here a thing and 'ordinary telly dvd won out in the end! Most of us thought the book was better than the film, but as is not unusual, there were fairly wide ranging views over that too. It scored an average of 7. The book tells the story of Leisel who is fostered by an older couple in her native Germany, as the second world war begins, her parents having been taken away to concentration camps. Whilst living in Himnel Street, Leisel (who cannot read when she arrives there) starts to steal books as her love of them grows. The story centres around her life in that street and how Nazi Germany and allied bombing affects that. Most of the group liked the characterisation feeling it had a different slant on being German at that time and that they were well drawn and believable. Some found it quite moving and one of the best books that we have read. However one or two of us found it dark. The fact it is narrated by 'death' did not endear it to some! Whatever our differing views it was a very enjoyable evening and as the year draws to a close, the Book club celebrates another good year. Merry Christmas everyone
Moira Cooke
Stockbury Cherry Orchard We’re tripping down the Stockbury Cherry Orchard Memory Lane end of February. and would like to borrow your old photographs, video and cine film that you have lurking, lying forgotten in your draws, cupboards and dusty attics, of the cherry orchard, Stockbury village and the surrounding area. They don't have to be of the ancient past, recent memories of cherry picking or village events held In the orchard over the past years are just as welcome, as we are trying to build a visual history of the orchard and village to the present day for an evening of remi-niscing and tall tales, details of which will be advertised next month. Please contact either Chris Porter, Jill Brooks or Fiona Moody.
Roy and Di wish you a warm and hearty welcome to The Harrow, a 200 year old public house. We hope you enjoy your meal, if you do then please tell others, if you don’t then please tell us!
We pride ourselves on providing quality food, not fast food, using local producers whenever possible.
See us on Facebook or shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/sittingbourne/TheHarrow . We carry a wide range of beers,
wines and spirits many of which are not on show so please ask if you
cannot see your favourite.
Our Opening Times are:
Mon 11.00 am – 9.00 pm Tues –Sat 11.00 am – 11.00 pm Sunday 12.00 pm – 9.00 pm Sunday lunches served from 12-5 pm
PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR OUR SPECIALS BOARD AND OTHER THEME NIGHTS
THE NEXT FISH & CHIP NIGHT WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY 16TH JANUARY PLEASE BOOK TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Opening times over Christmas: and New Year Christmas Day & Boxing Day 12—3 pm New Year’s Eve—see notice in the pub
A Rubbish Rhyme
A Tale by Roger and Irene
We volunteered one fateful night to litter pick a road and started with enthusiasm and collected quite a load
our haul was varied with bottles and cans and even a couple of toilet pans
McDonalds containers we were pickin along with bones from Kentucky fried chicken
fish and chips and mushy peas Indian and Cantonese
a plethora of food detritus but only one thing could excite us
our regular supplier who as to work or school they go will open up their window and every morning throw
a wrapper or two of a Chewy bar which they neatly tie in a knot
before they eject it from their car to despoil this beautiful spot
who is this phantom wrapper knotter who litters wide and far
we think you are a dirty rotter and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE
and we politely ask you along with all the rest to keep your rubbish in your car
and don’t be such a pest.
THE BRUSSEL LOVER’S SONG CONTINUED
Well she brought them from the oven Now they were piping hot
But she tripped as she came with them And the cats scoffed the lot
Oh no, the cats scoffed the lot
We had a great big party With plenty of stew
But the beast thing me and the cats liked Were the Brussels to chew
Oh yare, the Brussels to chew
Sorry Sue, in accordance with your instructions I tired to avoid wasted space.
Food is served every day. Monday –Saturday 12.00pm-8.00pm Sunday 12.00pm-5.00pm
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STOCKBUR Y COTTAGE GARDENERS
January 2015
The latest trip to the Falklands took place in early December, if you recall the report on my last visit mentioned the seasons are opposite that of our own. As we go into a winter the Falklanders are heading into summer. The weather can still be volatile and very often is, while I was there for the week we had horizontal rain with wind enough to stop even the largest aircraft from taking off, this was due to 80mph crosswinds. I can report that on Christmas day the population of Stanley and surrounding areas will have enjoyed the annual races alongside the traditional Christmas festivities , this is not bad for the whole population of the West and East island is only around two thousand. Sadly this visit for me did not involve any wildlife spotting or plant observation. What was noticeable was the private greenhouses were full to bursting, they all have “tie down”systems to stop them blowing away!! Back at home the gardeners this month do not meet as it is January, and Stockbury is just too cold, but we have our first meeting on the first Thursday of February. Things mainly to do in this month, planning and sowing early crops in the warm greenhouses. I have sown my exhibition onion seeds and some early salad leaves. Prune roses , take chrysanthemum and carnation cuttings, fruit trees and bushes should be pruned, sowing of exhibition sweet peas should take place now, leeks can be sown in the greenhouse at the end of the month. Greenhouses even if heated should be “double glazed ” by lining with 25mm bubble wrap this will ensure that the heat is kept where it will benefit the plants The gardeners can benefit from purchasing at a special rate a very good quality Humax compost from MB farms, this rate is for members only, so another benefit of being a member of the gardeners. Please advise me how many you will require. This month I am sure we should all say a big thank you to Sue Gardener for all of the work that she has done over the last few years chasing me to get the copy in on time to meet the print schedule. Also we welcome our new editor Brendan who has taken over from Sue. Finally a Happy New Year to all you gardeners. Chris Spree
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Community Bus Weekly Schedule
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Thursdays – Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre (Savacentre)
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PILATES PILATES PILATES Feeling sluggish? Do you need to tone those muscles ? There’s nothing better for you (well almost nothing) than a gentle session of Pilates.
There is a class available to you right here in the village. (How very convenient that is...) Our tutor gears her sessions to each one of us and works to our strengths and weaknesses. As we all know exercise staves off all sorts of ills and the bonus is that you feel much better after getting the muscles moving and the blood and oxygen circulating.
If you can manage an hour of your time, once a week, it will do you so much good. Equipment is provided so just come in relaxed dress (no lycra necessary ! ) 9.30a.m. – 10.30a.m. each Wednesday during school term time, in Stockbury Village Hall. It will cost you £9 for each session and you pay on the day you turn up. Ladies and gentlemen welcome.
Most of us are over 60 so believe me there is no rivalry, only admiration for achievements and much friendly laughter over inadequacies.
Ann Rich
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SOUTHERN WATER WORKS NOTICE Plans to re-start water work on A249 Plans are being finalised by South East Water to re-start work to upgrade an old, unreliable water main buried under the A249. The pipeline has burst five times over the past few years causing flood damage to the carriageway and leaving up to 83 homes and businesses in Stockbury and along the busy A249 without water. Last year the Company tried to replace the water main twice, once in January then again in September, however unrelated traffic problems in the area put extra pressure on the major road which meant work had to be stopped. Following previous attempts to install the pipeline the Company has worked to further reduce disruption to motorists and has put forward changes to its plans which propose that both lanes on the northbound carriageway can be used during the evening rush hour. Lane closures and speed reductions will still be necessary at times to provide a safe working area for the Company’s contractor and to ensure that vehicles can pass at a safe distance. At the time of writing the plans were still being finalised by Kent Highways, however the proposed dates, dura-tions and traffic management measures are detailed below. Phase-Location-Start date-Duration-Traffic management Phase One NorthboundA249 Sittingbourne Road between the Hayes Lane and Steps Hill Road junctions 12 January 2015 Five weeks One lane closed every day 05:00 - 15:00.Between 15:00 and 05:00 inside lane will be narrowed, the outside lane will be unaffected. A speed restriction of 50 mph at all times. Phase Two Southbound A249 Sittingbourne Road just past the junction with Steps Hill Road 2 February 2015 Two weeks One lane closure and a speed restriction of 50 mph, Mon-Fri 9:30-15:30. Outside of this time, both lanes will be open. Phase Three Steps Hill Road, Stockbury16 February 2015 One week Temporary road closure. Further information can be found at southeastwater.co.uk/A249 If customers have any queries, South East Water can be contacted on 0333 000 1100
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USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION Cricket Club—Mike Lee 01795 842532 Church Matters—St Mary Magdelene Revd Liz Cox 01795 435184
[email protected] South Green Methodist Church Steward—Freddie Davey 01795 842978 Community Bus—Booking line 07551 454702 Dancing Club—Sue Carey 01634 387478 Dog Club—Mick Bingham 01795 842480 Electricity Problems 0800 7838866 Environment Agency—Incident hotline 0800 807060 Fly Tipping & Waste Collection Including bulky items 01622 602162 Gardeners—Lex Levermore 01795 842741
[email protected] Golf Society—Jeff Hall 01795 843296 Hall Bookings—Sue Porter 01795 843715 Maidstone BC Councillor Daphne Parvin 01622 673209 07967 224839 MB Farms stores and Post Office 01795 842401 Neighbourhood Watch— Local co-ordinator—Tony Kerr 01795 844077 Not So Young Club—Shirley Moss 01795 842691 Kent Messenger correspondent Claire Adams 01795 841140 [email protected] Parish Council - Sherrie Babington 01634 867173 Pétanque Club—Mick Bingham 01795 842480 Photographic Club—Tim Arnold 01795 843049 [email protected] Stockbury Observer Editor 07944811668
Brendan Ferrill—[email protected] Police – Emergency only 999 Non-emergency 101 & ALL General enquiries Police Community Support Officer for Stockbury PCSO 58782 Ryan Waring 07969 584213 [email protected] Crimestoppers (confidential) 0800 555111 Public Footpaths & bridleway (problems with) [email protected] 03000 41 71 71 Roads, potholes etc (manned 24 hours) 03000 41 81 81 [email protected] RSPCA 0300 1234999 Short Mat Bowls—Tony Russell 01795 842738 or Angela Russell 01795 842738 South East Water emergency 0333 000 0365 South East Water Leak line 0333 000 3330 W.I.- Brenda Mace 01622 884746
OIL BOILER SPECIALISTS
A big thank you to all my loyal customers. I have been doing a lot of training
and readying my company for the new RHI launch and to this effect we can now offer you biomass boilers
(log, pellet and woodchip) and thermal Solar panels. All design and installs in-house
and this will allow you to gain the MCS payment from the government to cover the cost of installation.
I will still be the best oil technician I can be for you all and keep your oil boilers running at their best.
These are generally the 3rd Friday of the month. Please send your submission as soon as you can—no need to leave it to the last minute. Many thanks for your consideration:
Views expressed by contributors are those of the author and not those of the Editor or Parish Council. The Editor reserves the right to pub-lish, shorten articles letters and notices.
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Bulky Collections will be suspended from Monday 29 December 2014 until Saturday 10 January 2015
Clinical collections will continue as normal
RUBBISH COLLECTION DATE If your collection is due on…
