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Shepherds call towatch flocks
A CALL for volunteer shepherds hasbeenmadeahead of Christmas to guardWest Malling’s flock from dangerous dogs. The parish council, which owns Macey’s Meadow – the scene of a dog attack in which a ewe was mauled – says it is keen to make any goodwill gesture that will help pro- tect the animals as they prepare to give birth. Parish council chairman Trudy
Dean described the difficult situa- tion the dog attack has presented for villagers, with Macey’s Meadow specifically created for the public to use. On the afternoon of the dog at- tack, the townwas packed with vis- itors celebrating the Christmas lights being switched on in the high street and no one has stepped for- ward to claim responsibility. However, with the sheep in lamb
and particularly vulnerable, and with signs warning the public to have their dogs under control, she hopes volunteer shepherds forming a rota towalk through the field at set times could be the answer and avoid any more radical move, such as the pregnant sheep being re- moved until after they give birth. Cllr Dean said: “Iwas just lying in
bed thinking of what could be done to help and came up with the idea of shepherds watching over their flocks – not by night, but you know what I mean? “If residents were willing to take
a turn in looking over the sheep at certain times during the day, this could offer that further protection.” The subject will be discusssed
with the volunteers who manage the orchard for the council, but could provide further reassurance to Christine and Alan West whose animals have been attacked, requir- ing one to be stitched for a wound on its head. Cllr Dean said: “Unfortunately,
we’ve had a couple of episodes of dog-worrying since our decision to graze the meadow with sheep. We won’tknowif this is the worst until it becomesclearhowmanysheephave aborted. The sheep are much-loved bythecommunityandwewouldnot want to risk them beingmoved else- where, even while they are in lamb, whichis for quite achunkof theyear, simply because of one inconsiderate act by a dog owner.”
Volunteer shepherds can callWest Malling Parish Council on 01732 870872 or Trudy Dean on 843119.
Chips are down at panto
OH yes it is! It’s that time again when members ofWest Malling’s com- munity theatre group, Chip Productions, are putting the final touches to their pantomime. This year theywill be performing Willy’sWonky Factory, an adaptation
of Dahl’s well-loved tale, written and directed by Julian Jacobs. The panto takes the audience to the start of Willy’s well-known eccen-
tric journey, but due to an innocent misunderstanding, things go from bad to completely chaotic. Performances are at West Malling village hall in Norman Road, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays, December 10 and January 7, and at 2.30pm on Sundays, December 11 and January 8. There will be drinks, home-made cakes and a raffle in aid of the air am- bulance. Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for children and seniors, with discounts for group bookings. Go to
www.chipproductions.co.uk, or email
chip.productions@
hotmail.com or call 07720 851865. The group would also like to hear fromanyone who is interested in join- ing them, fromnovices to experienced performers, or backstage helpers.
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sbiproducts.co.uk Malling December 2016
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