Town Talk Slow worms halt station work


WORK which started on the exten- sion to the car park at Snodland railway station in preparation for the high speed service to London which begins on January 12 was held up – due to slow worms. A spokesman for Southeastern confirmed there was an issue with slow worms. "It was investigated and nothing


more was found," he said. A new ticket office and con- course at the station are planned and the car park extension work will recommence shortly, although the spokesman did not have dates when the Downs Mail went to press. The Dhaka Tandoori Bangladeshi take-away at the station has closed and this will become the ticket of- fice.


The spokesman added: "Come


January 12, when our timetable comes into effect, we will be ex- tending the high speed service to serve more stations, and this in- cludes Snodland.


June saves poppy appeal


THE poppy appeal in Snodland went ahead successfully after June Miners, who had retired after 17 years as the organiser, agreed to continue for this year. Town Talk reported in February


that June (pictured), of Gorham Close,


who


started selling poppies in Malling Road in 1986 and became the hon- orary organiser in 1996, decided to retire and the Royal British Legion appealed for someone to take over. In the last issue Jane Ayers, RBL fundraiser for West Kent, warned there was a danger of there being no poppies in Snodland this year. June was so concerned that she offered to help. "Althoughwe have been trying to find somebody, no- body has offered," she said. "If there is a volunteer to become or-


ganiser for next year I will be more than happy to help." Jane told Town Talk: "Despite


some very kind offers of assistance to help with the Poppy Appeal we still have no onewilling to take over the poppy distribution for Snodland from June. "June decided to continue to or- ganise the appeal this year, albeit slightly scaled down, and Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is very grateful." Liz Burbridge, who lives in Snod-


land and is the organiser for West Malling and Kings Hill, has offered to help with counting and banking. Jane said: "I am surprised that


with so much focus on the com- memoration of the beginning of World War I that someone has not felt inspired to take responsibility for continuing the work that June has so selflessly committed to. “June has built this up to be a very successful area.”


"The timetable specifies that


there will be three morning peak trains and three evening peak trains. There will be no off-peak services."


Local news for Snodland and Halling


A Downs Mail supplement produced in conjunction with the Snodland Chamber of Commerce.


Work on the new car park at Snod- land station in preparation for the high speed service was held up by slow worms, but is now going ahead


The services to St Pancras from Monday to Friday are at 0701, 0731 and 0801 returning at 1716, 1746 and 1816. Journey times will be cut to 45 minutes.


SNODLAND'S oldest person, Henry Skinner, has celebrated his 102nd birthday. Henry has lived in Rectory


Close for six years. He is pic- tured at his birthday party with nieces Marion Lamb and Rosann Saunders as well as residents and members of staff. He told Town Talk: "I love it


here and I can't thank the carers enough for looking afterme."


Henry celebrates 102nd birthday Henry, one of seven children,


was born in Snodland, and lived inHamHill until he retired, when he moved to Nevill Place. He worked at the brickworks in Ham Hill, and joined the Army before working as a grounds- man for Reed Paper Mill, Ayles- ford. He enjoyed gardening and playing darts at Ham Hill Club and the Freemasons Arms.


St Katherine’s School Nursery offers stimulating


opportunities for learning through play within our spacious, inviting environment.


St. Katherine’s Lane, Snodland ME6 5EJ www.stkatherineskent.co.uk


01634 240061


Come and meet our qualified and dedicated staff and see the wonderful facilities we can offer. With places available now for children aged 3.


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