Ditton Gazette - Spring 2010

WHEN the business rate was withdrawn some years ago, it was deeply resented in many of the larger parish/town councils as it took away an essential part of their income.

Speaking for our parish council, this involved half the precept raised at that time.

We believe that the local business rate raised locally should stay local. If it is raised through the local borough collection agency with the parish/town council working with them, they can then realise the return of this money (or part thereof) to the parish/town council.

This draconian move has never been put right and still, to this day, leaves some parishes in a very unenvious position of having some of the largest parish rates in their areas. Ditton, for example, has the highest in the Tonbridge and Malling Borough and through no fault of its own is being penalised twice through this legislation. Ditton now finds itself losing part of its parish because of this inequality of the rates. A new housing estate has recently been built on Ditton/Larkfield land and two thirds of the new housing lies in the parish of Ditton, but the residents of these houses have been encouraged to ask to be moved to the neighbouring Larkfield parish as they have a lower parish rate.

The borough council agreed to this despite our very strong objections. We can see that in the future as more of this land which is to a large extent in Ditton, is changed from industrial to housing land, the residents will also be asking for an alteration to the parish boundary so they can then benefit from a lower parish rate.

We maintain that if there has to be a parish boundary change then there should be some reciprocal change scheme whereby one parish does not lose out financially to the benefit of another.

To make matters worse, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council informed Ditton Parish Council that this movement of boundaries would not take place until the 2011/12 financial year, yet they decided in September 2009 to change this and did not inform us of this fact until very late in November when Ditton Parish Council had already agreed its budget for the year 2010/11.

We are asking the Kent Association of Local Councils to adopt a proposal that “The business rate (or part thereof) shall be returned to the Parish/Town Council”.

Also, we would like KALC to let us know whether the borough council acted properly in changing the parish boundaries outside of a local boundary review.

Join the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership for a fun few hours looking for and identifying our feathered friends and making homes or feeders for them. Suitable for accompanied children age 5-10. One adult per three children minimum please. Please phone Medway Valley Countryside Partnership on 01622 683695 to book.

Chairman’s report
by Mike Porter

Parish Council Chairman

photograph of Mike Porter, Chairman of Ditton Parish Council

WELCOME to the spring 2010 edition of the Ditton Gazette. I do sincerely hope that we have all seen the last of the snow and can now look forward to some Spring weather. I know we all suffered during the heavy snowfalls with estate inclines and footways left untreated.

Snow clearing is the responsibility of Kent Highways and it is also their responsibility to refill salt bins. In the past our grounds staff have helped in the village by salting hills and footways outside senior citizen’s bungalows etc but parish councils were informed this year that they are not permitted to undertake the treating or clearing of snow and ice as their staff are not insured to do so and therefore councils could face huge liability claims.

This matter is to be discussed at the Parish Partnership meeting in March.

The Emergency Self Help Plan for the parish is moving forward but we still need people living in Ditton with specific skills, such as nurses, doctors, policemen etc. to come forward and allow their details to be retained on the database to enable them to be contacted in the event of an emergency.

All such details will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and only made available to members of the Community Response Team and Kent County Council Emergency Officers.

A steering committee has now been formed to work on the Cedar Room youth project and the parish council is fully supporting the project. Members of the council are working with the project steering committee and youths to obtain grants to repair and refurbish the Cedar Room and create a section to house a youth centre.
This is an exciting project and if you would like to train as a volunteer Youth Leader to work with the youths when the Youth Centre opens, or have a skill that would be useful to the project, please contact the parish office on 01732 844749.

I am pleased to report that the council has agreed to make a donation of £500 to the borough council 2010 Y2 Crew scheme which it is organising again this summer for local young people.

Several young people from Ditton attended the scheme last year.

The condition of the war memorial has been the cause of some concern and investigations have revealed that the top section and cross are starting to show signs of wear and will eventually have to be replaced.

The cost of this work will have to be borne in mind when setting future budgets. Currently the council is applying for grants to refurbish the memorial, which needs extensive cleaning. When this work is complete the railings will be repainted by the council’s grounds staff. It is hoped this work will be completed before the Remembrance Day services.

The roof of the changing rooms at New Road recreation ground was replaced during January at a cost of £1,876, because it was leaking badly and the building could no longer be used in its present condition. This work should secure its use for several years to come.

I am pleased to report that as a result of the internal review undertaken last year, the council managed to reduce its precept by £21,419 for 2010/2011 but sadly the council tax will not reflect this because due to the boundary change imposed on us by the borough council, Ditton lost 274 properties to Larkfield. Please see the article on the front page.

Our new councillors
Beverley Houghton		Nigel Newman
I HAVE lived in Cobdown Close for 10 years. I served on the parish council where I lived previously and hope that I will be able to serve this parish as well in the future. I am married and have two grown up sons who have now both flown the nest. My interests are gardening, walking and running. I also enjoy reading, sewing and cooking and hosting dinner parties for family and friends. I do hope you will feel able to stop me if you see me out and about in the village and talk to me about any issues that you may have.		I MOVED to our village in 1991 where I attended both of Ditton's schools before going to Aylesford School. A graduate from Canterbury Christ Church University, I am training to become a chartered accountant. I decided to stand as a parish councillor to be able to give something back to the community. I also hope that being 22 years old, I will be able to reflect the younger generation. I hope to give input to make sure you feel the council is continuing to provide value for money.

Short mat bowling ARE you trying to find an activity to keep yourself healthy and happy? Why not visit the Ditton Short Mat Bowling Club at the Community Centre on either a Monday or a Friday at 1.15pm to try your hand at this very pleasant sport. We have vacancies for some 15 members and would like to see some new residents try their hand at this indoor sport. We have the necessary bowls for you to practice with to see if you like this sport before purchasing your own equipment. All you will require to start with are some slipper type shoes (moccasins) that do not have any heel to them, to protect the mats we use to bowl on. Short Mat bowling is a very social and friendly sport so why not come along and see what it’s all about. We will be only too glad to provide some tuition to newcomers to the art of bowling and we are sure than once you try it you will be hooked and your life will change forever! For more information contact the secretary, Jean Banks, on 01634 711707 or the chairman, Tony Mulcuck, on 01732 844195.

The Big Thank You

Bag it and bin

THAT’s the plea from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. Most responsible dog owners do, of course, but the council’s dog fouling flag and bin results show that 118 bags have been collected from the village, the majority from the footpath behind Cherry Orchard. Only six bags were collected from the Kiln Barn playing field.
Lorraine Baseden, the council’s Dog Warden, is contracted from Animal Wardens. Lorraine is responsible for promoting responsible dog ownership, dealing with micro-chipping, fouling, lost and stray dogs, dangerous dogs and noisy dogs. Any enquiries concerned with animal cruelty or animals in distress should be made directly to the RSPCA on 08705 555999.
You can also report fouling to the council’s Dog Warden on 01732 876181 or by email to dog.warden@tmbc.gov.uk

THERE are many people among us who give exceptional service to the local community. If you would like to nominate someone, say for instance the postman, milkman, carer, neighbour, childminder, shopkeeper or indeed anyone else, then please nominate them for recognition on Ditton’s Community Day at the Open Air Service on the Green. Nomination forms are also available at the Parish Office, One Stop and the Church Office.

I nominate.......................................................................................

for the following reason................................................................

..........................................................................................................

Signed............................................................................................

Name and address......................................................................

News from St Peter's Church
PASSION FOR LIFE March 26-28 A special weekend of events and services at Ditton Church with the express purpose of presenting the Christian faith in a clear and relevant way FRIDAY MARCH 26 Youth event in the Church Centre SATURDAY MARCH 27 Men's Breakfast , Church Centre 8.30am Church Centre 12.30pm, lunch with film Quiz Night, Junior School Hall, 7.30pm with food SUNDAY MARCH 28 Special Service 10am. Speaker , the Rev P. Breckwoldt 6.30 pm Help, Hope & Healing Evening Service 6.30pm You are welcome at any of these events . Please contact Ross Terranova on 01732 842027 or ross.terranova@hotmail.co.uk if you would like more information. Alternatively, contact the Church office on 01732 873798 or dittonchurch@BTconnect.com Monday- Wednesday only ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ EASTER SERVICES Maundy Thursday, April 1 Holy Communion 8pm Good Friday, April 2 Family Worship 10am Love and Forgiveness A special service for Good Friday evening 6.30pm featuring Ditton Community Choir Easter Sunday, April 4 All age Holy Communion 10am Easter Praise 6.30p ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬	After years of ‘uncool’ - how our faith was reignited LIKE a lot of people, as children we regularly attended church and Sunday School but by our mid-teens it was not 'cool' to go to church. What it had given us both, though, was an underlying sense of faith. After the birth of our children, Tom and Emily, we started to attend St Peters regularly where our faith in God was reignited. It was 2002 when my faith was first really put to the test when, as a 38 year old man, I suffered an unexpected heart attack. Nearly a month recovering in hospital gave me a lot of time to reflect on my faith and God's plan. My subsequent recovery and good health leads me to believe that God has included me in his long term plan. In 2005 it was my turn for a life-changing experience. After about six months of denial I finally plucked up the courage to seek medical advice and to my horror was diagnosed with aggressive grade 3 breast cancer. The shock of hearing that news I can only liken to bereavement (and I've had a few of those too!). Before I knew it I was in hospital having extensive surgery, quickly followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and physiotherapy. After the initial shock, I soon found an inner strength and calm which I'm certain was from God, telling me I'd be all right. Added to that, my church friends and family rallied round with amazing kindness. A bunch of flowers here, a cake there, help with housework - every gesture was really appreciated. Invaluable advice from friends who'd experienced the same thing before me created a bond that will always remain. Wholehearted support from my employer enabled me to carry on working as and when I felt able. With this inner strength from God, and support from others, it was even possible for us to sell our house and move to East Malling. We moved into our new home on my last day of radiotherapy. It was the most wonderful feeling - leaving the removal men to install the furniture, and coming back from the appointment to find it all done. We won't pretend it's all been plain sailing over the last eight years but we do realise how lucky we are - by the grace of God we are still here with two children we can be proud of and so much to be grateful for. The two of us have learnt, though, that just because you have faith and trust in God it does not mean that life will always be simple! Ian and Gill Cropper
Can we pray for you? IS THERE someone or a situation you would like us to pray for in our services on a Sunday. We don’t need to know details or if we could be of any help in this way please contact Ross Terranova on 01732 842027or Priscilla on 01732 841257 or leave a message at the church office, tel 01732 873798. If you know of anyone who would be helped by a visit at home or hospital, please contact the above numbers.
No future without forgiveness The Rev Ross Terranova, Rector of Ditton THIS is the title of a book by the former Archbishop of Capetown, Desmond Tutu. It is his personal memoir of the time following the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa when he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This was a pioneering international experiment . Normally when countries move from oppression to democracy they deal with the past in one of two ways; either the leaders of the old order are put on trial or executed, or previous events are swept under the carpet and those who suffered the violence are ignored. South Africa followed a unique third way. Those who had been involved in violations of human rights were offered amnesty in exchange for public disclosure about their crimes. The victims were given the chance to be heard and also the hope of reparations. This remarkable experiment was not without its critics but it did bring very clearly to the surface something all of us know instinctively to be true. Our relationships to others are central to our existence as human beings. Personal relationships matter more than anything else. How, then, do we cope when we are let down? It might be our partner, our children, our boss. How do we respond when we have let someone down? We all know how difficult it is to say the words I’m sorry. We know how difficult it is to admit that we have been in the wrong. But that's where we must start - there is no other way. Forgiveness unlocks the cycle of bitterness and recrimination but genuine forgiveness takes so much out of us - it is costly, almost painful. Is it surprising then that God's forgiveness came at enormous cost to him - it came at the expense of the life of Jesus Christ. From that cross there flows out to all of us the offer of a new start a new hope and a new life. " Why did Jesus have to die ? Couldn't God just forgive us?" No one "just forgives" do they ? Forgiveness means bearing the cost instead of the one who has wronged you so you can reach out in love seeking their renewal and change. That is what God has done for us on the Cross where Jesus died . There surely is no future without forgiveness.	Coping with divorce Back row, Kieron McMahon and Neill MacKinnon; front, Pauline Fisher and Carolyn McMahon WE ALL read about the effects of family breakdown; we all know about the soaring divorce rate in Britain; we all sympathise with those going through it and think it won’t happen to us. But sometimes it does. It happened to me. One Saturday morning in March 2002 my wife announced “we need to talk” – – a bolt from the blue. Less than two years later, and months of anguish and heartache, we were divorced, the house sold, my children gone and I was living in rented accommodation in Maidstone. I was devastated. Divorce is one of the most painful and emotionally draining experiences a person can have. It results in the death of a marriage without the finality of physical death. The vestiges of a former way of life remain to remind and overshadow a present existence. It’s a hurt that goes deep, accompanied by the doubt that it will ever heal. I was very fortunate to be supported by work colleagues, valued and trusted friends and a nucleus of people from St. Peter’s, including the Rev Ross Terranova, all of whom had known us as a family over the previous 15 years. It was through Ross that I heard about Divorce Recovery Workshop and attended one of their residential courses in London. DRW is a registered charity and organised by people who have all been through divorce or a relationship breakdown. Everyone who assists in running the course has been through the workshop themselves. The workshop deals with helping the individual come to terms with a marriage/relationship that has irretrievably broken down using video material and group sharing sessions. Along with three other people (pictured above), we shall be running a Divorce Recovery Workshop in Ditton in the Autumn, more details in the next issue. For information on DRW see their website www.drw.org.uk Neill MacKinnon A choir is born THIS all started with the TV show The Choir when Gareth Malone gave the inspiration to bring people together who enjoy singing. The response to a Ditton Community Choir has been overwhelming. On Wednesday, February 10 at the church centre 35 people came together for the initial meeting and many phone calls since from people who are interested. We began rehearsals at Ditton Junior School on Thursday, March 11. Pauline Fisher, a professional musician, is directing the choir. We will be taking part in the Easter Special service at St Peter's on Good Friday when the theme is Love and Forgiveness. The main event is for the Community Day on Sunday, June 27 on the village green. The choir will be joined by the Junior school choir and performing several songs together. Where will this lead, you never know. This time next year we could be on a world tour. It is good to have a dream! If you want to know more, ring Priscilla on 01732 841257.

Put your heart and soul into helping others...

THE Heart of Kent Hospice is the local hospice caring for seriously ill people and their families from Maidstone, Ditton, Aylesford and surrounding area. The Hospice is a specialist palliative care unit whose purpose is to provide expert care and support for patients with advanced cancer, motor neurone disease, or other life-threatening illnesses where curative treatment is no longer possible. At any one time the Hospice cares for approximately 350 patients through its range of services, including In-Patients Unit, Day Therapy, Family Services and Community Services.Care and support is also given to families of the patients, including their children. Hospice care is free to those who need it, and this year £3 million is required to cover running costs. But with only two per cent generated from statutory funding the Hospice continues to be heavily dependant on the generosity of the local community.

So if you want to help the Hospice, there is a range of exciting fundraising events YOU could be part of.

Skydive -- Sunday, March 28 -- Headcorn

Tandem Skydive from 10,000 feet attached to a professional instructor. No experience is necessary as all training is given.

An evening with Tim Stockdale -- Tuesday, April 6

Hadlow College, 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Tickets in advance, adults £20, children £15.

Bluebell Walk -- Sunday, May 2 -- Harrietsham

A sponsored 8½ mile fun walk for all the family including the dog along the North Downs and through beautiful countryside.
Free Ploughman’s lunch on return, kindly sponsored by the staff of Tesco Grove Green

Pedal for Pounds -- Sunday, June 13 -- Sutton Valence

A sponsored 25 mile bike ride. Each rider will receive a medal.

Vietnam trek 2010 -- Saturday, October 23 to Friday, November 5

Stunning international trek to Vietnam including ascending to Fansipan peak, working on a local project and an overnight trip on a traditional junk around the breathtaking Halong Bay.

For more information about events or to register, please contact Fundraising and marketing on 01622 790195 or email fundraising@hokh.co.uk

Barbecue safety this summer

AS THE weather gets warmer, Kent Fire and Rescue Service is warning the public to take extra care with barbecues.

Larkfield Fire Station manager Colin King said: “With the weather so good for activities, such as barbecues, it’s only natural to want to be outside, enjoying it with family and friends."

But there are dangers that lurk behind such fun pursuits.

“Using petrol to light your barbecue or leaving it unattended are two of the most common mistakes people make. This results in fire-fighters being called to fires caused by barbecues that have got out of control. In some instances, this has led to serious injuries and damage to property.

“My top ingredient for a great barbecue is to make sure that you cook with safety in mind. We really want people to enjoy the opportunities the good weather brings, so follow our simple commonsense advice, and make sure your barbecue runs smoothly.”

Make sure your barbecue is placed on level ground where it will not tip over.

Keep barbecues away from the house, sheds, fences, garden furniture and overhanging trees or shrubs. Don't put the barbecue where people have to squeeze past it.

Only use approved barbecue fuel or fire lighters. Never use petrol or paraffin.

Keep children and garden games well away from the cooking area and if you are the chef, don’t drink too much alcohol while cooking.

Watch out when you are cooking fatty foods. Lots of fat spilling onto the coals might make them flare up.

When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.

Empty the spent ash on to bare garden soil - never put it in the dustbin.

Gas barbecues

IF YOU are using a bottled gas barbecue, make sure the controls and the cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.

Change the cylinder in the open air if you can, otherwise open doors and windows to provide good ventilation.

If you think there might be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over all of the joints and watch out for bubbles. If you find a leaky joint, try to tighten it but don't over tighten it.

When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.

Store your gas cylinders outside and protect from frost and direct sunlight. Don't keep more spare cylinders than you need.

Free fire safety advice is available from Kent Fire and Rescue Service by calling 0800 923 7000 or visit www.kent.fire-uk.org.

And keep an eye on your bonfires, too

FOLLOW these tips to ensure garden bonfires don’t result in injury or property damage.

Larkfield Station Manager, Colin King, said: “Our fire crews are regularly called to out-of-control garden bonfires and sadly people do get burned, sometimes seriously.

“Never use petrol, barbecue lighting fluids or other accelerants on them. Also, never leave any fire unattended and if your bonfire gets out of control, never try to tackle it yourself, you could end up getting hurt. Always call the fire and rescue service.

“Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges

“Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries

“Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out.

“Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire.”

Entertainment at the
Kilnbarn Club

SATURDAY, APRIL 3,
CHARLIE GILHAM

SATURDAY, MAY 15,
FA CUP FINAL BBQ (2pm)

SATURDAY, JUNE 5,

JADE TAYLOR

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7,
JENNY BARLOW

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30,
KIRSTY SWEENEY

Hospital bus service

DID you know there is now a bus service that goes from Woodlands Road to Maidstone Hospital? Bus service no. 158 (Wouldham to Maidstone Hospital and back), also stops in Aylesford.

Mondays to Fridays

Woodlands Road (shops)          10:06          12:06        14:06
Maidstone Hospital                      10:16         12:16           14:16
Maidstone Hospital                      10:44           12:44           14:18
Woodlands Road (shops)          10:54            12:54           14:28

The future’s bright, the future’s Red & Black Stripes

Stepping into the Lion’s Den

THE Ditton Minors under 9s team had a great trip on February 6 to watch Millwall v Norwich City in League 1. Ditton Minors under 15s also attended the match which was won 2-1 by Millwall.
For most of the under 9s team this was the first professional game of football they had attended, and in a near capacity stadium at the New Den it was a fantastic atmosphere. The boys formed a guard of honour as the two teams entered the pitch and had a great day.

A Bank Holiday feast of soccer

DITTON Minors FC are holding their annual football tournament over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 1 and 2. This year the event is open to boys and girls teams from under 7s through to under 18s, and Maidstone Utd FC are helping the club with the organisation of a Disability League on the Sunday. A large number of invitations have been distributed to youth football teams throughout the South of England and spectators are always welcome.

Never too young to be a referee

THREE local boys who all play for Ditton Minors have recently taken the FA referee course, Jack Cornelius from the Under 18s together with his brother Ryan and Jacq Dennison from the Under 15s team are now able to officiate at local matches. They will all be involved with refereeing at our forthcoming tournament.

If you are a resident of Ditton Parish and did not receive a copy of Ditton Gazette, please contact Parish Council Office, Ditton Community Centre, Kilnbarn Road, Ditton, Aylesford, Kent ME20 6AH, telephone 01732 844749 or email clerk@dittonparishcouncil.gov.uk


Spring 2010 Extracts >>Back to Gazette Archive<<