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Molly rewarded for her commitment to village


IF it’s enthusiasm you seek, then one villager has put her energy to good use – earning the coveted community award from the Kent Association of Local Councils. Molly Poulter was nominated for


the KALC title in recognition of her “hard work, commitment, and en- thusiasm” which has been the inspi- ration for dozens of successful projects over the last 50 years. Now84, her achievements include helping to raise more than £1m for the Heart of Kent Hospice, and insti- gating community groups and events with appeal to everyone from horse fans to dog owners, young mums to church-goers. Mrs Poulter moved to Ulcombe in


1966 and, in spite of having two small children and her husband Bill at work, tirelessly set about instigat- ing community projects and raising money for good causes. Her work has embraced organisa-


tions in her village and as far afield as Maidstone andAylesford. At home, she started Ulcombe playgroup, the baby-sitting group, and the village hall committee, the Friendship Club and Ulcombe His-


which became a significant event from 1981-94, raising money for the primary school and church. She edited the monthly Ulcombe


Parish Newsletter and partly wrote Ulcombe's Story, an illustrated 255- page history of the village, which was distributed to villagers. Peter Titchener, chairman of Ul-


combe Parish Council, said: “Mrs Poulter is one of those very rare peo- ple who succeed in transforming a community, for the benefit of every- one, through their vision, hard work and enthusiasm. “Although she is now in her 84th


tory Society – organising talks and coach trips for both every year. In re- cent years she founded the Friends of All Saints' Church and, as a for- mer churchwarden, the deanery synod representative for All Saints' Church and Lay Chair of the North Downs Deanery Synod, Molly re- mains actively involved on the Parochial Church Council. According to Ulcombe Parish Council, which nominated Molly for the award, she helped re-start and then run the Ulcombe Horse Show, Dog Show and the village fair,


year she continues, indefatigably, with all of her current activities in spite of her deteriorating health and has just published her memoirs, ‘Of Such Things’. “Mrs Poulter deserves this recog-


nition andwe are delighted that she has received this award.” The award was presented at the council’s annual parishmeeting and formally, by the High Sheriff of Kent, George Jessel. He congratu- lated her on her achievements and presented her with a book about Kent and its Lieutenancy.


News Burial ground


to be garden A REDUNDANT burial ground in Headcorn will become a garden, but with public access. The ownership of the old Baptist


burial ground in Love Lane will transfer to the owner of old chapel house, along with the responsibil- ity for keeping it in a safe condition. The decision to hand over the


burial ground has been taken by the Baptist Union Corporation, trustees and Headcorn Baptist Church. When the church community


moved into the village and built a new chapel in Station Road in 1819, the burial ground – a mile outside of Headcorn – was retained by the Baptist Church. The old chapel house became a home, and some of the landwas sold. The cemetery has not been used


for burials for over 50 years and had become overgrown, in spite of a neighbour’s efforts to tend the site.


The responsibility for keeping


the burial ground as a garden site will now change hands after more than two centuries in the owner- ship of the Baptist Church. Development of the site will not


be permitted and public access will be safeguarded so that those fami- lies who may wish to visit graves in the burial ground can do so.


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