News
downsmail.co.uk Boiler failure leaves hall at risk
SUPPORTERS of Sutton Valence village hall have launched a campaign to help raise funds to replace a failing central heating system,which has threatened its closure, writes Jade Schopman. Its five committeemembers say
they do not have the £30,000 needed to complete thework. The hall,which is run by volun-
teers, is currently financed by user fees, grants, donations and fundraising events. Concerns are growing that use
of the hall could drop during the wintermonths if the heating does notwork efficiently. Peter Newing, chairman of the
village hall since 2015, said: “We have received a grant of £5,000 fromThe Foyle Foundation, along with another large contribution of £2,000 fromKentCountyCouncil, authorised by Cllr Eric Hotson. “We have been using electric
heaters for the time being, but whatever happenswe have book- ings set for across the year and have many future fundraising events in place. “The heating has been an issue
for two years, sowe decided to do something about it nowor unfor- tunately we will be stuck in the same position nextwinter.We are planning to get the heating sorted
Healthy walk HEADCORN Health Walks is inviting residents to a four-mile trek on January 22. Hikers should meet at The
Street in Pluckley Village, be- tween the primary school and St Nicholas Church, at 9.30am for a 9.45am start. The route will go to Little Chart and back, in a round trip. Walkers will pass through
fields and orchards with gentle slopes, tracks and some stiles. For more information, contact
Barry Walker on barry@water-
sideoast.com
Concert date THE Sutton Valence Music Soci- ety is putting on a concert at Sut- ton Valence School. Amalia Hall, 2016 Tunbridge
Wells International Violin Com- petition winner, and South Ko- rean pianist, Somi Kim, will be performing. The event will be at 2.30pm on
Sunday, January 27. For more information, email
suttonvalencemusicsociety@gmai
l.com
4 Shelter for hedgehogs
PUPILS at Staplehurst School have been learning about the predicament facing the hedgehog in thewild. As numbers plummet, the students have been trying to give shelter to
the hibernating animals. The school, in associationwith the conservation charity RSPB and a building firm,will “give a hog a home”with a custom- made shelter, food and bowl. It is estimated that hedgehogs have declined in numbers by up to two
thirds in the past 20 years Jack Tate, lead teacher in the project at Staplehurst School, said: “We
feel that it is our responsibility to develop children’s awareness and un- derstanding of theworld that surrounds them. “We are grateful for the opportunity…as the children are able to ex- perience nature first hand, and learn about preserving it.”
Maidstone Weald January 2019
raise enough money to fix the heating issues by looking into various funding streams. “The hall is an important part of
the community as it is connected to the recreation grounds around the back and the parish council car park right next door. “They do really need to find a
solution, since the hall is used by somany people. I’ve been to some really good dance events there and I went to the recent Remem- brance Sunday service, which proved to be very popular.” The December edition of the
and installed next year.” Mr Newing aims to get the re-
mainder of the money needed through grant applications and fundraising. The village hall was built in
1978. Mike Fitzgerald, chairman of
The Royal British Legion, is a reg- ular user of the hall and says it is an important community asset. He added: “I am looking for ways to support the hall and help
local parish newsletter carried an advert and a poem (right) urging local people to make use of the hall or risk its closure. The advert said: “Please sup-
port your hall, without you, it may have to close. “We are looking for fundraisers,
committeemembers ormore local people to use the hall. That way we can ensure that if remains open for all in future.” If you can help, please call 01622 842024.
I opened my doors in Seventy- Eight, Bright and shiny – I looked great. But time relentlessmarches on, Now I need help, or I’ll soon be gone.
I amrelied upon to be Availablewhen you needme. Other times youwalk right by, You could come in – give us a try.
Without support I cannot live, And yet I have somuch to give. Could you find time within your day, To give support to helpme stay?
My heating systemwill not last, It cannot fight thewinter’s blast. The cost tomend is far too high, I needmore help to getme by.
No fundingmeans that Iwill fail, My roofwill let inwind and hail, The doors will close once and for all, AndSuttonValencewillhave –NO VILLAGE HALL.
Cleaning up
their village VILLAGERSwill be taking part in an early spring clean in Linton. The Grand Linton Litterpick
has been scheduled for Saturday, February 2. Organised by Linton Parish
Council, the litter picks have cov- ered all the roads in the village and many of the footpaths, amassing more than 140 bags since they started four years ago. The fifth litter pick will cover
the lanes east of the A229: Lod- dington Lane, Stilebridge Lane, ButtGreen Lane, aswell asHeath Road and Linton Hill, starting from Loddington Farm at 10am and finishing atmidday. All equipment is provided and
refreshmentswill be available. Parish councillor JulieUrquhart
said: “We get a lot of positive comments from volunteers – it is surprising just how satisfying it can be to fill a couple of bagswith litter, and look back at a beautiful country lane that once again looks theway it should.” Email Julie Urquhart_1@hot-
mail.comto get involved.
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