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£65k grant to keep worshippers dry


PARISHIONERS at Offham have had their prayers answered with a grant of £65,000 for urgent repairs to the historic church’s leaky roof. Grade I-listed St Michael’s, which


dates from the 11th century, re- ceived the cash boost from the Her- itage Lottery Fund (HLF) Aswell as roof repairs, the scheme will include re- placing all the guttering. The project will also help to make the building more available to the local commu- nity, with plans to digitalise the


photographic archive and provide a programme for schools. St Michael’s is an almost complete


late 11th or 12th century church with important architectural features. It appears in the Textus Roffensis, a document written in 1122, and Offham is in the Domesday Book. The HLF had already provided


£7,600 of development funding for archaeological, environmental and other surveys. The first phase came in on time and under budget, with a


total cost of £12,000. Villagers raised the rest through donations and fundraising events including a harp concert, a heritage lecture and a dog party for local dog-walkers. Alongside the Na- tional Lottery money promised, the final bill for both phases is expected to be more than £90,000. The Rev David Green, priest-in- charge, said: “Just as the local peo- ple of Offham have been so supportive, theHLFhave been great partners throughout the project and we’re now able to look forward to seeing our beautiful and atmos- pheric ancient building restored.” Stuart McLeod, head of HLF


South East, said: “We’re delighted that we can support St Michael’s Church to save their historic build- ing for future generations.”  St John the Baptist church atWa- teringbury has received a pledge of up to £15,000 from the Rochester Bridge Trust towards the £70,000 cost of replacing the wooden shin- gles on the spire. The Friends ofWa- teringbury Church continue to raise funds for the project – events in- clude a Pimms tent at the fete on June 4.


News Car tax dodgers face bills


MOTOR tax dodgers in Tonbridge and Malling have had their vehicles clamped,with a bill of £260 each to release them, following a joint operation by Kent Police and the DVLA. A total of 16 vehicles


were clamped on March 29, as part of an ongoing monthly initiative run by the two organisations. The action targets motorists leaving vehicles parked on public roads without valid road tax. Those who fail to pay a


release fee of £260, risk having their vehicles seized by the DVLA. Areas visited included Offham,Wrotham and Tonbridge. PC Colin Eade, from the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety


Unit, said: “We act upon concerns raised by members of the public, and partner agencies such as the borough council and housing associations, to penalise motorists who are breaking the law. “It would not be fair on law-abiding motorists if those who fail to pay


their tax go unnoticed, and that is one reason why we regularly carry out this enforcement action. “This is also a useful way of deterring criminals, who are known to use untaxed vehicles while committing crime.”


Policeman’s talk at WI meeting


AYLESFORD and Eccles WI will meet in the Brassey Rooms, Station Road, Aylesford, at 7.30pm onWednesday, April 26, for a talk entitled “A Policeman's Lot ... can be quite an interesting one” by Neil Sadler. There will also be time for tea and a chat and a chance to find out


about planned visits. The competition will be for anything coloured blue, and there will be a bring and buy stall. Visitors are welcome. Call Eileen on 01622 715205 or see the Facebook page.


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