CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN

HARVEST THANKSGIVING
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2ND 10.00AM

WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

Since last year’s General Election we have heard a lot of talk about the ‘Big Society’. It seems that our political leaders are concerned that many of us are too pre-occupied with ourselves that the idea of community has been lost. The recent riots have unnerved many and have shown that at times there can be a very thin line between civil peace and sheer brute anarchy.

I remember once asking a young adult what was different since she had become a worshipping member of her local church - she replied ‘It’s like a great big second family’. The Church, a former Archbishop of Canterbury once remarked, is the only society that exists for the benefit of its non-members - it is the original big society.

It’s always been there, it has never gone away. It’s not just about what happens in the building on a Sunday morning. Check out the volunteers in the prison, the hospice, the charity shops. It’s remarkable how many of them are practising Christians. Go to some of the most troubled dangerous spots on our planet and who do you find still caring for the weak and the vulnerable? Invariably they are Christian. They don’t volunteer because the Government has told them to - they do it because of their love for and faith in Jesus Christ.

It is an enormous privilege for me to lead the local church here in this community - our passion at St Peters is to be a place where anyone can feel at home - an open community not a private religious club. We believe that the good news of Jesus Christ is still the most urgent and thrilling message to hear and to share.

We would love to welcome you. Ross Terranova Rector of Ditton
Telephone: 01732 842027 or email: ross.terranova@hotmail.co.uk

Operation Shoe Box

Last year as a community we filled 100 shoeboxes to be distributed to children in Eastern European countries that have little hope of receiving Christmas gifts.
We will be collecting boxes at the church and schools up until the 12th November again this year through the Samaritans Purse agency.
If you would like to contribute or want further information or a leaflet giving the instructions please ring 01732 841257.

A REPORT BY JOHN NEWTON
KCC COMMUNITY WARDEN

The Youth Centre: Please come along and see for yourself the progress so far. The biggest thanks go to Floyd Risby, for his time and commitment to this project. Not only has he worked extremely hard painting etc, he has provided countless examples of dedication with his marathon running, chairing the meetings, to name a few, and all voluntary. My thanks go to the all committee members, past and present and Nigel Newman’s sister Natalie who, although behind the scenes, has taken an active part in the computer side of the project e.g. ‘Facebook’. Also, I thank the young people of Ditton, for their understanding that this was not going to be an ‘overnight project’. We have light, and not by divine intervention, this was by a team of electricians from ‘Strike Electrical’ who will be returning to complete the extra power points when needed. I am delighted to say that the loos have been tiled and it looks great, thanks to ‘Garner Tiling’ a local company who worked very hard and produced a fantastic effect, only the kitchen to finish. Floyd still needs your help on Monday evenings decorating. We are happy to pass on details to prospective clients, of any trades person who works on the project - if you are interested in helping, please call me on the number below.
General: It’s been a quiet period and I’m happy to report that throughout the rebuilding of the Papas establishment there were only a couple of ‘minor’ instances of crime. I wish the management of PAPAS all the best for their new future.
Thanks go out to all the residents of Ditton, who regularly contact me with their concerns. This is a vital party to ensuring Ditton remains a great place to live. Please tell me of any problems or observations made in Ditton that may be on your mind. Something you think of as ‘minor’ could be a vital part of a bigger picture. Let me decide, I work closely with Kent Police, particularly, PC Becky Ballard and PCSO Robert Sayer and we can discuss your concerns and take the correct course of action as necessary. As an example you may have noticed that illegal motorcycles have declined, this was a direct result of many residents giving large and small parts of information, which meant we were in the right place at the right time which lead us to speaking to parents of the riders.
Stranger Danger: I did a ‘stranger danger’ talk in Ditton Infants School with a colleague, prior to the end of term. I hope your children told you and it gave you a chance to underline the dangers of young people talking to persons unknown to them.
Ditton Nature Reserve: The Ditton Nature Reserve is becoming a concern as some mindless youths are still lighting fires, participating in under age drinking and some pointless destruction of the trees. I want everyone, young and old to enjoy the Nature Reserve for what it is, a beautiful, peaceful, enjoyable place to go, either just out for a walk or walking a dog. Any information on the above problem will be treated as confidential but it will be gratefully received.
Alcohol: Young people are still drinking alcohol under age on New Road and Kilnbarn recreation grounds and the Nature Reserve. What I need to know is where they are getting it from. Can I remind you about the article I placed in a past edition of the Ditton Gazette about possible problems that alcohol can cause to ‘minors’ bodily organs. Watch this space - I have a new project about to start to benefit young to old …. And it will fit in nicely to the area.
For help and advice from John please contact him on: 07813 712081.

DITTON BOWLS CLUB

The club started their 25th Anniversary week with a club competition on the Saturday when some sixty members and past members enjoyed a wonderful sunny afternoon in a very competitive but friendly game. The afternoon started with a funny hat competition that was won by the club secretary, Robin Deere and then the members took part in a ‘Spider’, this is where the Jack is placed in the centre of the green and all the players spread themselves around the green with one foot in the ditch and on a signal all launch (bowl) their wood towards the Jack. The winner is the person whose bowl finishes nearest to the Jack, but usually the Jack is moved by more than one bowl so it is a matter of luck who wins. The prize that afternoon was a bottle of Champagne.
After the match the members and several retired guests enjoyed a very fine buffet that was supplied by the club which included wine at the table. After this there was entertainment by a DJ who kept us all in fits of laughter by asking us for dates which could be an anniversary, birthday etc, within seconds he produced a CD for that week and then played the Top Tune of that week, sometimes the tune seemed very appropriate, such as when one member asked for a date when it was his honeymoon night, and the tune was ‘I can’t get none!’ but at the same time he produced joke after joke after joke for some hour and a half, in fact he was so good we have invited him to come along to our Presentation Dinner in January.

The following Saturday was another celebration day, when the club played against six other clubs from the local area and further afield, namely APM/KC, Bearsted, Clare Park, Wrotham, Headcorn and Swanley (who were also celebrating their 25th anniversary).
Another spider was played for and another fine afternoons bowling was produced and enjoyed by all those taking part.
The match was followed by a sit down dinner when guests, which included Mike Porter (Chair of Ditton Parish Council) and his wife Ann, together with Beverley Emmerson (Sports Development Officer for Tonbridge & Malling BC), joined in the celebrations. The dinner was excellent and the club members who produced it were congratulated on their efforts. Several short speeches were made by the President Lin Goldsmith and Captain Tony Mulcuck followed by the presentation of trophies to the winning four players and of anniversary pennants to the six visiting clubs.
We now look forward to another 25 years of bowling at Ditton Lawn Bowls Club and hope that the club continues its very successful bowling and social atmosphere which has culminated in us being the first Lawn Bowls club in Kent and the second in the country to attain the new Club Mark certificate. For further information please contact the secretary Robin Deere on 01732 321085.

NEW ALLOTMENTS FOR DITTON

The Ditton Parish Council has for some time been looking into the prospects of having some additional allotments installed for the residents who are on the allotment waiting list.
It had a site earmarked but the cost of having the ground cleared and then top soiled was very prohibitive and Members were looking for ways to reduce this expenditure.
Many ways of achieving this were considered and after many investigations, contacted Messrs Gallagher, who very kindly agreed to do the work free of charge.
This work should have been undertaken last year but due to the very wet weather in the Autumn of 2010 the work had to be delayed until this year. But as you can see, if you are a walker in the Ditton Nature Reserve, the work is now underway and we should, if all things go as planned, have the new allotments ready for use by early next year.
Some considerable work is still required to fence the area in, the laying out of the allotments and to install a system of pathways but the Ditton Parish Council, if it can find the necessary funding, are determined to achieve their target.
These new allotments will be half size and will be offered to parishioners on the waiting list first before any spare ones go on offer to other applicants.

When the lady in charge of the Troupe of Majorettes came to hear of this, she asked if her group could also perform for us. That was two years ago, but for various reasons, the plan could not be successfully arranged for 2010. However, the idea was kept afloat, and after discussing the matter with senior representatives of St Peter’s Church, it was agreed that the Community Day would be an ideal occasion to bring the plan into being.
Arrangements for the forthcoming event were formulated over a period of some months, almost up to the day itself. The venue had to be the large hall at the Community Centre because of its capacity, and because of the numbers involved, a local catering firm was engaged to provide the food and appeals went out for French speakers to act as interpreters on the day, and we were not disappointed.
As we now know, the day dawned bright, sunny and very warm, and two coach loads of Les Rangeois drove up almost to the minute of their expected arrival time. Their party comprised the musicians of L’Harmonie Independente and the Majorettes with their families and friends, all led by Monsieur Colette, the Mayor of Rang-du-Fliers and some members of his Council. After initial greetings the entire party, including organisers and volunteers sat down to a generous and varied selection of food, naturally with sufficient liquid accompaniment.
The Twinning Committee has never before hosted such a large party from our twin community, and that part of the day’s activities were a complete success. The Association is grateful to all and everyone who made a contribution. After lunch, the remainder of the Community Day’s activities continued with even greater success, the highlight being the presence of the new Bishop of Rochester, Rev. James Langstaff.
  

LE MARCH

After the very nice and well presented lunch enjoyed by all who attended, the guests from Rang-du-Fliers and the residents gathered together in the Community Centre car park for a march down to the village green for an open air service.
The march was led by the Chairman of the Ditton Parish Council Cllr Mike Porter accompanied by Monsieur Collette the Mayor of Rang-du-Fliers (top photograph). During the march spectators were entertained by a show of baton twirling and throwing by the Majorettes and also by English and French tunes played by the Rang-du-Fliers town band.
On arrival at the village green the guests and residents were welcomed by the Rev’d Ross Terranova the Rector of St. Peter’s Church and Rev’d Priscilla Payne Assistant Minister of St. Peter’s Church.

 
Great to be part of a Community!
The joint event organized by St Peter’s Church and Ditton Parish Council had a extra bonus this year with the Ditton Twinning committee pulling out all the stops to enable Rang-du-Fliers brass band and Majorettes to be part of this event. I would like to thank them and Ditton Parish Council for the tremendous support they have given to make this day such a success. On the 26th June the sun shone brightly and 300 people gathered for the open air service. The band accompanied the singing and the new Bishop of Rochester James Langstaff gave his talk in fluent french to the delight of our visitors. Many commented on the relaxed atmosphere and the way they were made to feel so welcome.

The display of flowers in the church depicting the themes on Hymns was greatly appreciated by those who visited the Church.

FUN AT THE SCHOOL

If you missed out on the fun this year make a note now of next years date on Sunday 24th June 2012 we would love you to come along and share in the fun.

This year there will be, once again, two services. The first short service will be held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of November at the War Memorial at Ditton Corner at 11.55 am.The second service will be on Sunday 13th November, at the Community Centre, commencing promptly at 9.45 am. The Parade will then assemble and march to the
War Memorial where a further short service will take place including the two minute silence at 11.00 am.All are welcome. If you require any further information, please contact the Parish Office on 01732 844749.

Coming events at Ditton Community Centre

SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER
DITTON TWINNING BOOT FAIR
STALLS £6.00 ENTRY 50pence 9.00 am - 12.00 pm
Contact Tony Mulcuck 01732 844195
SUNDAY 30th OCTOBER
DITTON HERITAGE BOOT FAIR
STALLS £6.00 ENTRY 50pence 9.00 AM - 12.00 pm
Contact Tony Mulcuck 01732 844195
FRIDAY 25th NOVEMBER
ZUMBA-THON
In aid of the HEART OF KENT HOSPICE
Tickets £5 from 01622 790195 - 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm
SUNDAY 27th NOVEMBER
DITTON TWINNING CHRISTMAS FAIR
STALLS £10.00 ENTRY 50pence
CHILDREN FREE 12.00 - 4.30pm
Contact Tony Mulcuck 01732 844195

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE 2012
How would you like to celebrate the Queens Jubilee?

 
As you may be aware next year is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Parish Council would like to mark this historic occasion. What would you like to see in the village by way of a celebration? Possibly a Grand Community Picnic at the Kiln Barn Recreation ground? If you have any ideas please forward them A.S.A.P to the parish office:- clerk@dittonparishcouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01732 844749. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please remember that if you are planning a street party you MUST apply to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for the road to be closed, do this as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Sunday Evening Quizzes - with Quiz Master, Andy Peel

25th September 2011; 30th October 2011; 27th November 2011
 
Christmas Quiz 18th December 2011
 
For other events, please see noticeboard outside The Kilnbarn
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Sky Sports & ESPN

Now in the Kilnbarn, come and join us for all the top games

A Warm welcome awaits you

 
The Ditton Show

Ditton has its fair share of talent, at least in horticulture, cookery, craft and floral art. The skills needed in these areas were clearly on display at this year’s show and exhibitors certainly deserved the praise they received from the judges. The show was well attended and appreciated although the number of entries was a little down on last year.
The show is early in the season for plants and 2011, with a dry April and a hot, dry June did not help growers. In spite of this there was a good display of vegetables. The judge was especially complimentary of the potatoes which showed that the adverse conditions had not beaten our intrepid gardeners. The flower classes as ever proved very popular with beautiful vases of individual blooms and mixed flowers. The planted containers added to the colour and the bonsai were show stealers.
Peggy Baker made a clean sweep of the flower arranging classes with wonderful arrangements. What a pity only two classes were entered.
The cookery entrants produced delicious looking items, including those that required them to follow set recipes. They obviously tasted pretty good too if the judge’s expressions were to be believed.
The Results:
Best in sections:
Vegetables: Mark Webb Collection of three vegetables.
Fruit: Ted Brown Raspberries.
Flowers: Pat Wickwar Planted Container.
Flower arranging: Peggy Baker A Summer’s day.
Cooking: Carol Wellbelove: Chutney
Craft: Carol Wellbelove Picture.
The Len Mace Challenge Cup:- Ted Brown 55 points.
(Most points in fruit and vegetables class)
Most points for cookery: - Chris Acott 18 points
Most points in show: - - Ted Brown 55 points
Best in show: - - - - Eleanor Pitman

Ten year old Eleanor Pitman was awarded “Best in Show” for her monster made from natural materials. Well done Eleanor. What a pity hers was the only entry in the children’s class. Thanks are due to Mike Porter, Parish Council Chairman, who presented the prizes; without the Council’s support there would be no Show.
It would be wrong not to conclude this report without thanking all the exhibitors for their efforts and time in making or growing their craftwork, cookery and garden products.
 

DITTON MINORS U16s WIN VINTER’S TOURNAMENT

Ditton Minors U16s took a very strong team to the Vinters’ 5-a-side football tournament on Saturday 2nd July. The team of Mitch Worsley, CJ Mahoney, George Bunn, Jacq Dennison, Oli Clarkson, Tom Wooldridge and Joel Attwood made it through to the final where they met local rivals Holtwood Rangers.
The final was a very close game with Holtwood taking the lead early on, but Ditton equalised on the final whistle through CJ Mahoney to force extra time. They again came from behind through Joel Attwood to force a penalty shoot-out. Ditton finally won 2-0 to finish off a very successful season.

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A NEW SECRETARY FOR DITTON MINORS FC

Ditton Minors FC have said goodbye to Judith Darby after her second stint as Club Secretary, and have welcomed on board Alan Geddes following their recent AGM.
Alan is a Ditton resident and has been involved with the Ditton Minors as his son, Liam, plays for the U14s team.
When he was asked by Club Chairman, Stuart McLellan, if he would take on the Club Secretary position, he felt it would be a challenge, but one that he would like to embark on.
 
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Ditton Minors FC u18s win Chatham Colts Tournament

Ditton Minors u18s team won the Chatham Colts 11-a-side tournament on Sat 27 Aug.They met the hosts in the final and won 4-1 with goals from Josh Walker, Jamie Everden, Tom Wooldridge and a late penalty from Jacq Dennison.Team: Mitch Worsley, Ethan Ansell, Jamie Everden, Sam Smith, Oli Clarkson, Reece Smith, Harry Clapp, James Delaney, Carl Lokko, Tom Wooldridge, Sam Madden, Josh Walker, Jacq Dennison and Steve Baber.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!

Whether you have lived in Ditton a long time, or whether you have recently moved in, you could believe that you know a great deal about the village. You may see Ditton as just another collection of houses built on either sides of the A20 and M20 and having no particular identity of its’ own.
Well be prepared to be surprised during the National Heritage Weekend on Saturday and Sunday the 10th and 11th September. Come along to the Ditton Heritage Centre in New Road Ditton which will be open from 10.00 am until 3.00 pm when a new and up to date book on Ditton is being launched.
The author Alan Dodge, who was born in Bradbourne Lane, will be signing his new book ‘Ditton: The Story of a Kentish Village’ and copies will be on sale for £10. It relates the story of the transition of Ditton from a rural farming community to the village it is today. This important book will put Ditton squarely on the map alongside the other villages in this area.
We know you are not thinking about Christmas yet, with this lovely warm and sunny weather, but if you are lost for ideas, why not buy this beautifully written book as a surprise present for your family and friends.
If you wish to learn more do try and come and visit the Ditton Heritage Centre but if you can’t then do please ring either Tony and Maralyn Mulcuck on 01732 844195 or Liz and John Day on 01732 840937 and we will try to arrange a time for you to visit.
(PS: If this edition of the Ditton Gazette is delivered after the 10/11 September the book is available from the persons mentioned above).

Not a very pretty site you will agree.
 
The Ditton Parish Council have for some two years been holding talks with the Kent Highways Authority to have the unsightly concrete blocks removed and replaced with iron posts, of a similar design to the ones in the ford railings.

But, after nearly two years, we have only managed to have the railings and a lamp post painted.

In October of 2009 at a site meeting we were assured that the installation of new posts and the clearing out and tidying up of the stream would be done by Christmas, once the Medway Rivers Authorities had been contacted to find out when would be the best time to undertake the work so as not to damage the ecological system in the stream.

Since then we have had more meetings and correspondence and we are now very worried that with the financial downturn we are all experiencing this project may disappear into the mists of the future.

If you feel disappointed and let down, please accept the apologies of the Parish Council who are trying to do their best to get this matter sorted out and why not telephone the KCC and express your concern that the only Ford in the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council area is let to slip into this sad state. Remember this is as stated the only Ford in the Borough and therefore is an important site not only visually but ecologically as well. The number to ring is: 0845 824 7800.

We would also ask those residents who have properties that back onto the stream if they can arrange to have the overhanging growth cut back to allow more light into the stream area. This has now become very dense and is a danger to the balance of the ecological system of the stream and the fish that are part of this system.

If you require any further assistance in finding a company who can undertake this type of work for you please contact the Parish Office on 01732 844749.

B & D Dance Club: Sec: Tel: 01233-628298
Ditton Active Retirement Club: Sec: Tony Mulcuck: Tel: 01732 844195
Email: anthony.mulcuck@sky.com
Ditton Bowls Club: Sec: Robin Deere: 01732 321085
Email: robdeer@blueyonder.co.uk
Ditton (Bowls Club) Short Mat: Sec: Win Cooper: Tel: 01732 843608
Email: robwin1939@talktalk.net
Ditton Brownies: Sec: 331 Lunsford Lane, Larkfield, ME20 6HZ Tel: 01732-845401
Ditton Church: The Rectory, 2 The Stream, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6AG
Ditton Church Hall Pre-School: Sec: Church Hall, New Road, Ditton, Aylesford
Ditton Gardening Club: Mr Gary Smith, 5 Cherry Orchard, Ditton ME20 6QS Tel:01732 844892
Ditton Guides: Sec: 79 Woodlands Road, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6EF Tel: 01732-845692
Ditton Heritage Centre Ltd: Sec: Mrs Maralyn Mulcuck: Tel: 01732 844195
1st Ditton Scouts (Beaver Section): 1 Gorse Crescent, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6ER
Ditton Infants School: Sec: Pear Tree Avenue, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6EB
Ditton Junior School: Sec: New Road, Ditton, AylesfordME20 6AE
Ditton Minors Football Club: Sec: 9 Acorn Grove, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6EJ Tel: 01622 716280
Ditton Scouts: Sec: 34 Albert Reed Gardens, Maidstone, Kent ME15 8JY.
Ditton Short Mat Bowls Club: Sec: Mrs Jean Banks: Tel: 01622 200910
Email: mjbanks@virginmedia.com
The Kilnbarn: Ditton Community Centre, Kilnbarn Road, Ditton Aylesford ME20 5EF Tel:01732-844749
Ditton Petanque Club: Sec: 37 Fernleigh Rise, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6BS Tel: 01732-840699
Ditton 2374 Air Training Corps: Sec: 552 Tonbridge Road, Barming, Maidstone ME16 9DH Tel: 07889-437721
Ditton Toddlers: Sec: 19 Primrose Drive, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6EG Tel: 01622-715866

Ditton Twinning Association: Mrs. Eileen Jones, 21 Fernleigh Rise, Ditton. Tel: 01732 842458
St. Peter & St. Paul’s Pre-School: Sec: 44 Ragstone Court, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6AJ
Tel: 01622-710985
Ditton Youth Group: Sec: Mr John Newton . Tel: 07813-712081

LOCAL AMENITIES

Larkfield Library: Martin Square, Larkfield ME20 6QW Tel: 01732 842339
Open Mon—Friday 9.00am—6.00pm Sat 10.00am—4.00pm Closed Wednesdays.

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