July/August 2016


Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling


Carole steps down after two decades


WEST Malling’s parish clerk Carole D’Silva is stepping down from the role in which she has devoted 23 years to the community.


Originating from north London, Carole moved to Larkfield in 1972 after studying at Hull University where she gained an honours degree in maths.


After working for consulting actuaries in Croydon, she decided to concentrate on being a mum to daughter Jessica, who now works for Kent County Council, and son Jonathan, a personal trainer with a fitness company. However, Carole still enjoyed part-time work as an Avon lady and was a helper,


and eventually supervisor, at a playgroup in Leybourne, now still running as a pre-school.


She completed a re-training course at Mid-Kent College and then successfully applied for the job of parish clerk at West Malling Parish Council.


“It was in good nick when I took it


over,” said Carole. The work has grown for all parish councils over the years and what is expected of the clerk is very different. “West Malling is now a very active parish council. If it happens in West Malling, the parish council is most likely to be involved, if not actively directing operations.”


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THE East Malling Centre is based in the former primary school in


Chapman Way and is a charity which offers a wide range of facilities for the community.


These include a community café, keep fit, yoga and dance classes, Brownies, craft and chat, outside picnic area, as well as a large hall and meeting rooms for hire at competitive prices.


The centre currently receives no outside funding and relies on a band of volunteers and trustees. More volunteers are urgently needed, particularly people who can help in the office, write bids for funding or who can help design posters and other advertising material. Help in the kitchen is always appreciated too.


If you could spare a couple of hours a week on a rota basis, please email lizsimpson55@outlook.com or pop into the centre any day and ask to speak to Angela or Liz.


Lime tree loss


THE lime tree beside Rotary House on the cricket ground in Norman Road, West Malling must be felled. The parish council has had to authorise this work as the tree had been found by two tree experts to have significant fungal infection which is weakening the base and killing it. Replanting will take place in autumn.


Carole, who has just


celebrated her 73rd birthday, said she had thoroughly enjoyed her years at the parish council, with Cllr Trudy Dean as


chairman throughout that time. “I have had a few health issues and am looking forward to taking things easier”, said Carole. “I have made many good friends over the years and hope those relationships will continue.”


DO you know a Shirley


Ann Davies? AUTHOR Marion Hebblethwaite, who is compiling a definitive series of books on holders of the George Cross, believes that a certain Herbert Reuben Henderson GC, had a daughter of that name who lived in Mill Street, East Malling.


Perhaps she still does? Or somebody remembers her?


Marion would love to get in touch with Shirley – or her children if she has them – and is desperately trying to track her down.


If you can help, please email her on marionhebblethwaite@gmail.com


Marion has written 13 books in the series - One Step Further - those whose gallantry was rewarded with the George Cross – which is the most comprehensive series of books on all the recipients of the George Cross.


The George Cross is the highest gallantry award for civilians, as well as for members of the armed forces, and takes precedence over all other orders, except for the Victoria Cross.


A Malling Action Partnership publication


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