Christmas - Sevenoaks District Council
Transcription
Christmas - Sevenoaks District Council
inshape www.sevenoaks.gov.uk The newsletter of Sevenoaks District Council ISSUE 96 Winter 2015 T IMPORTAN Inside or f 2 1 e g a p Turn to d n a s a m t s i your Chr use f e r r a e Y New ys a d n o i t c e coll Free festive parking Support your local shops at Christmas page 3 Christmas in the District Tree cycle Yuletide events at our local attractions Our free Christmas tree collection service page 5 page 13 Flexible fitness classes Shape up with yoga lessons page 16 2 Advertisements E ICE FRONESE RV COLLECTI We will collect for FREE your good quality unwanted furniture and electrical items to raise funds for DEBRA. Furniture & Electrical Charity Superstore : 01689 860504 : [email protected] : 363 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Orpington BR6 8NR We offer a house clearance service (charges may apply). DEBRA is the national charity that supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – a painful genetic skin blistering condition which, in the worst cases, can be fatal. www.debra.org.uk We may be unable to accept some items due to safety or quality reasons. Free collection of smaller items is at the discretion of the store manager. Our van drivers will make the final decision regarding the collection of any donations. A charity registered in England and Wales (1084958) and Scotland (SC039654) OPEN 7am – 10pm. Same Day Appointments. 01732 835212 www.theprivategpclinic.co.uk The Private GP Clinic, Mill Lane, Underriver, Sevenoaks TN15 OSQ sdc_newsdesk sevenoaksdc News 3 In the market for excellent Xmas value Over the festive period you can enjoy value and choice that our local markets have to offer, with Swanley market putting on an extra day in the build up to the big day. Swanley Wednesday market This year the ever popular Wednesday market will also run on Monday 21 December as well as on Wednesday 23 December. It will operate as normal between Christmas and New Year with a market taking place on Wednesday 30 December. Swanley market is based in the town centre and is one of the biggest in the south east with up to 100 traders selling fresh food, household goods, clothing, flowers, plants and much, much more. Sevenoaks Saturday market The popular Saturday market will run as usual every Saturday before Christmas with additional markets on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December. But with Boxing Day falling on a Saturday this year, no market will take place on Saturday 26 December. Normal service will resume from Saturday 2 January. This market is located in Sevenoaks High Street, selling mostly fresh foods. Sevenoaks Wednesday market This general market, which is located next to Sevenoaks Bus station, will run throughout the Christmas period without interruption. Markets will take place on Wednesdays 16, 23 and 30 December and 6 January. Sevenoaks Christmas market At the Vine Gardens, Sevenoaks from 10am to 6pm on Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December. Bligh's Christmas market Taking place in Blighs Meadow every day between 9am to 4pm from 12 to 24 December. Edenbridge Christmas market At the Market Yard car park from 9am to 1pm on Thursdays 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 December. Westerham Farmers’ market Market Square from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Sunday 20 December. FREE festive parking You can make the most of the District’s excellent town centres on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 December when all parking will be FREE. W Sencio Community Leisure is joining in by waiving its parking charges in the Sevenoaks Leisure Centre car park on both Saturdays as well. Parking is already free on Saturdays in Swanley and on Sundays in all our towns. Christmas is the busiest and most important time of the year for local traders and we hope the free parking offer will entice more of you to support them. e’re supporting our local businesses and offering extra Christmas cheer by relaxing all charges in our car parks and on-street in both Sevenoaks and Westerham. Ticket machines will be closed off and you will not need a ticket. But please be aware that parking areas will continue to be patrolled and enforced as normal and all other parking conditions, including the maximum stay, will still apply. To view the locations of our car parks and real-time parking space availability visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/carparks www.sevenoaks.gov.uk News 4 ONLY TAKE AWAY WHAT YOU ORDER THIS FESTIVE SEASON! With so many restaurants, bars and eateries across the District it can be hard to choose where to eat out this Christmas. And with several factors to consider, the way things are run behind the scenes can often be overlooked. B ut you can make sure your chosen venue is up to scratch by finding out its ‘Food Hygiene Rating’. The rating, which is between zero and five (zero means urgent improvement is needed and five is very good), has been awarded by one of our Environmental Health Officers, so you can be sure the way the business is being run has been assessed by an independent, impartial expert. Introduced by the Food Standards Agency, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme includes checks on how hygienically the food is handled, the preparation and cooking of the food, including cooling and storing. We will also check for the condition of the premises, pest control measures, hand washing facilities and how the business is managed to ensure food safety is observed and staff understand best practice. You can find out the score of your favourite eatery by visiting ratings.food.gov.uk where you can also download the free Food Hygiene Ratings app. Alternatively look out for the green Food Hygiene Rating sticker, which is likely to be displayed on the window or the door of the food business. Improving your parking experience If you’re planning to visit Sevenoaks town by car this Christmas, why not download our FREE parking app for the latest car parking availability? D eveloped and launched by Sevenoaks District Council, the service provides the current number of parking spaces available in our car parks as well as in the Waitrose and the M&S car parks at the touch of a button. If you’re not familiar with the location of the car parks, the app can help you find your way to the car park of your choice using your phone’s inbuilt GPS. The app also links to the Parkmobile service allowing you to pay for parking via your smartphone. P The parking app is available for free from Apple iTunes and Google Play for Android by searching for the term 'Sevenoaks Parking'. If you have a Windows or a Blackberry phone you can also use the service by visiting our website at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/parkingavailability sdc_newsdesk sevenoaksdc News 5 Christmas in the District Break out the mince pies and put the mulled wine on to simmer – the festive season has arrived in the Sevenoaks District! T here's a multitude of things to see and do right on your doorstep this December, so don’t forget to take a break from the present wrapping and list making to head out and about for some festive family fun. Here is a selection of Sevenoaks District’s seasonal highlights this Christmas… Penshurst Place Little ones can visit Father Christmas in his Narnia woodland setting on weekends up to Sunday 20 December as well as Monday 14, Friday 18, Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December. Tickets are £12 per child and must be pre-booked. Accompanying adults go free. The Christmas Gift Shop is also open daily up to Christmas with a wide selection of hampers and gifts available. www.penshurstplace.com Chartwell will also host a Christmas Family Fun Trail every day until Sunday 3 January (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell December from 3pm to 5pm – £18 per person (£9 per child aged six and under). To book call 01892 872746 or email events@chiddingstonecastle. org.uk. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Quebec House After enjoying an art deco experience at Chartwell, why not head to Quebec House for a Georgian Christmas? The beautiful National Trust house will be decorated for a traditional Georgian Christmas every weekend up to Sunday 20 December. Taste traditional Christmas baking, warm up by the open fire in the drawing room and try playing carols on the grand piano. Chartwell Head to Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s former country home, up to Sunday 20 December for a taste of 1920s glamour this season. See four rooms in the National Trust house decorated as they would have been in the family’s first year at Chartwell. Normal admission charges apply to the garden plus £2 per person to visit the house. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quebec-house Chiddingstone Castle Treat yourself to some early festive indulgence at the gorgeous Chiddingstone Castle this December. Reserve a table in the historic rooms for a traditional afternoon tea in the build up to Christmas on Sunday 13 Hever Castle The idyllic castle will be celebrating Christmas Around The World and invites visitors to discover how different countries celebrate Christmas through a series of displays in the castle and gardens. Father Christmas will also be on site for visits and pre-booking is essential. Christmas Around The World is ondaily from Sunday 13 to Thursday 24 December. Alternatively, enjoy a Twilight Christmas stroll around the grounds on Friday 18, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December and see the gardens lit up, the resident huskies and nativity scene. For more information about what’s on this December log on to www.visitkent.co.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 6 News ‘Suite’ dreams are made of this! Exciting proposals are being drawn up to bring a much needed hotel to Sevenoaks town while increasing car parking close to the station. W e are at the early stages of planning a new hotel, with at least 80 bedrooms, on the site of our Sennocke car park. But before this can happen, the proposal is to deck our nearby Bradbourne car park to increase car parking capacity in the area. Cllr Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, says: "Tourist attractions and local businesses have been calling for a flagship hotel to come to Sevenoaks for many years. With this ambitious proposal we believe we can boost the local economy while at the same time generating income, helping our drive to become financially self sufficient. Local residents will benefit too as additional car parking capacity should take the pressure off some residential roads." sdc_newsdesk For many years there has been a severe shortage of local hotel accommodation. Despite having many internationally renowned attractions, Sevenoaks District has the second lowest number of hotels in Kent. We have already identified two potential partners to help deliver the hotel project: a developer, with an excellent track record for building largescale, high quality developments, and a nationally recognised hotel chain. compared to the current combined capacity of Bradbourne and Sennocke. The proposal will provide parking for hotel guests, additional capacity for current and future commuter demand and could reduce all day parking in some nearby residential roads, which are used by commuters. During the works, existing season ticket holders would be offered alternative parking in the town. We would fund the building works with the hotel chain leasing the facility for 25 years once construction has finished. Both schemes will be subject to planning consent when you can comment on the proposals as part of the planning process. Before any hotel construction works begin, we intend to add a two-storey deck to the existing Bradbourne car park, increasing capacity to some 450 spaces, an extra 150 spaces when A planning application for the car park is expected early in the New Year and if approved, work could begin next autumn. Work on the hotel is not expected to begin until 2017. sevenoaksdc Advertisements 7 WE’RE ALWAYS HERE ne this Christmas Nobody needs to feel alo Talk to us any time you like, in your own way and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. 116 123 FREE This number is FREE to call 01892 532323* (Local) 07725 90 90 90 Standard text rates apply [email protected] visit us – 7 Lime Hill Rd Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LJ. Open daily 9am–9pm. *Local call charges apply. A registered charity. Tunbride Wells Caller Awareness Advert A6 Christmas.indd 2 10/11/2015 16:43:25 The advantages of live-in care from The Good Care Group over employing a private carer directly • Professional, employed carers trained to the highest standards • References and Criminal Checks done for you • Fully managed service for family peace of mind and 24/7 support • Holidays and sickness managed with seamless carer cover provided • Specialists in medical conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, stroke rehabilitation, cancer and palliative care • Quality assured and service regulated by the Care Quality Commission Call one of our expert care advisors today: 01732 441098 [email protected] www.thegoodcaregroup.com @goodcaregroup Kent Advert_Oct 2015.indd 1 06/11/2015 14:42 www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 8 News Blueprint for Swanley Swanley and Hextable residents will soon be asked for their views on open spaces, leisure facilities, retail and business space, transport and new homes as part of exciting proposals to regenerate Swanley and Hextable. W e have started work on a new planning policy to shape future improvements in Swanley and Hextable. The work will lead to a 'Masterplan', which would identify what could be built and where in the future. But before any plan is drafted, local people and businesses will be asked for their views on where development should happen and what services are needed to support them. Cllr Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, says: "We have big ambitions for the area and we believe the time is right for regeneration to bring about improvements for local people. A regeneration of Swanley town centre could provide more shops and restaurants while helping to fund improvements to open spaces, leisure and transport for the benefit of all Swanley and Hextable residents.'' sdc_newsdesk "Given how close we are to London, with excellent transport links, Swanley and Hextable residents should benefit from the investment they deserve." Swanley town centre in particular is recognised as being in need of regeneration. Swanley shopping centre was built during the 1970s with an update in the 1990s. While there have been minor improvements over the past decade, much of the town centre is in need of a major overhaul. The Masterplan would decide where new housing, including new homes for first time buyers, could be built along with improvements in transport, retailing, health and education and the replacement of Swanley's ageing leisure centre with a modern, purpose built facility. The White Oak Leisure Centre was built earlier in the 1960s and is now in its fifth decade of operation. It is a busy, well-used facility that is open for around 100 hours every week, 52 weeks of the year, but is now in need of major investment. Sevenoaks District Council has been approached by U + I Group (formerly called Development Securities), the major landowner in Swanley town centre, which has expressed an interest in redeveloping the centre with a mix of retail and business space as well as much needed new housing and a new hotel. Such a development could pave the way for a new leisure centre in the town centre. Consultations are expected to take place early in the New Year and will be well publicised, including on our website at sevenoaks.gov.uk/swanley&hextable. Cllr Peter Fleming adds: "I'm urging local people to support and get involved in the consultation and the development of the Masterplan, which could bring a once in a generation opportunity to change the area for the better." sevenoaksdc News 9 Remembering the District’s wartime efforts Photographs, letters, diaries and stories from World War One (WW1) are being sought as part of a project by a local historian. M atthew Ball is asking for residents to get in touch about family members who served in WW1 and survived and those who supported the war effort. Matthew, who lives in Cobden Road, Sevenoaks says: “Last year I published a book about the 226 men listed on the Sevenoaks War Memorial who lost their lives in the war, but I’m now looking for information about people who survived the conflict. “I'm looking to hear from anyone with a story about the Sevenoaks District – a grandparent who fought, or there maybe medals, letters and diaries of the time which will help me build a picture of what life was like for local people during the war. “I'm also looking at the role of women who nursed, worked in factories or supported the war effort in other ways. I'm also researching how the war changed life in the Sevenoaks District, for example how the people at home were affected by their loved ones being away or by the influx of Belgian refugees who arrived in 1914.” Matthew first became interested in the impact of WW1 in Sevenoaks and its surrounds after moving to the District in 2008. He says: “When I moved here I was trying to find out more about the area and stumbled across some stories online about a number of men who had lived on the same street as myself and who had died in the war. “I always remembered this and when a friend of a friend wrote a book about his local war memorial I tried to find out more but soon realised there wasn’t a book out there on Sevenoaks, so I decided to write one.” The 42-year-old adds: “Local residents were able to help with information about the men on the memorial and I hope they will be able to again with stories of others affected by the war. One person who got in touch recently had carefully preserved letters written by his uncle who had fought in 1914 but was injured the following year and lost a leg. Many people may have thought that was the end of his war, but he went on to join the Royal Flying Corps as an observer and later worked in Russia and China. “I want to find those stories out there and to show people they haven’t been forgotten.” For more information or to get in touch with Matthew visit http:// sevenoaksww1.org or e-mail matt@ sevenoaksww1.org. You can also follow Matthew’s research on twitter @7oaksmemorial www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 10 Environment Be a star this Christmas and recycle Christmas is the time of year when we produce the most waste. But the good news is we can now reuse and recycle more than ever, helping to reduce our impact on the environment. Christmas cards Leftover food Reuse old cards by making them into gift tags for next year, or place them in your clear recycling sacks. Enjoy it later, don’t throw it away! View tasty recipes for leftover festive fare at www.lovefoodhatewaste. com/recipes. Glass jars and bottles Wrapping paper Reuse or recycle in your clear sacks. Sorry, but we cannot recycle wrapping paper with waxy, plastic or foil layers so put them in your black sacks instead. Christmas trees Save money, buy a live tree and plant it outside after Christmas and let it grow, let it grow, let it grow! We also collect real trees for free throughout January – details on page 13. Save for your homemade preserves or take them to one of our 45 recycling sites. Visit the ‘bank locator’ at www.recycle-more.co.uk. Packaging Cardboard Place into your clear recycling sacks. Larger boxes can be left flattened under your recycling sacks for collection or brought to one of our recycling sites. sdc_newsdesk Please rinse your cans and tins, aluminium containers, food and drink cartons and plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays and put them in your recycling sack. sevenoaksdc News 11 The number eight is great for Sevenoaks Sevenoaks has a new hourly bus service, the No 8, serving the town centre and it's surrounds. T he service, which started in November, goes via the bus and train stations, Sevenoaks School, Tesco in Riverhead, St Johns and Sevenoaks Hospital and Seal Hollow Road. It’s been given the No 8 name as it follows a figure of eight route around the town. Sevenoaks No 8 is an all year round service operating Monday to Saturday and costs just £2 for a single journey or £4 for a day ticket. Normal concessions apply and the bus is fully accessible. The service came about following a consultation by Sevenoaks Town Council, which found access to the town centre by public transport was seen as a concern. Following work by the Town Council and the Sevenoaks Town Partnership, an agreement was reached with Kent County Council and Go Coach to run the service. The No 8 bus service is being funded for the next three years with money from housing developers secured by Sevenoaks District Council. It is hoped the service will be used sufficiently to make it financially viable in the coming years. For routes and times of the service, visit www.go-coach. co.uk or call Go Coach on 01732 469800 New Year’s resolution to save some cash? Saving money always seems to be a popular New Year’s resolution, be it for a rainy day or for something special. But instead of just saying you’ll save the pennies, we can really help you make this a reality! W e launched the independent energy comparison service, Sevenoaks Switch and Save, last year and so far it has helped dozens of residents to save on average £278 a year on their combined gas and electricity bills. Unlike many comparison services, which only compare tariffs from the biggest energy suppliers, Sevenoaks Switch and Save is impartial, looking at all the prices from all the UK energy suppliers. It’s easy, quick and simple to use. Find out more at www. sevenoaksswitchandsave.co.uk or call the free phone number 0800 410 1147 or 01732 227111 from a mobile phone. Westerham Switch and Save surgery Our Switch and Save team hold regular events across the District where you can find out about Sevenoaks Switch and Save. Our next event will be held at Westerham Town Council offices on Tuesday 15 December between 10am and 2pm. Our staff will be on hand to help guide you through the switching process helping you to get the best deal possible. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 12 Christmas refuse Following the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, there will be changes to your refuse and recycling collections. And if you use our garden waste collections there will be changes to this service too. ou will not miss out on a refuse and recycling collection over the festive period, but some collections will take place a few days later. Y We do ask that you put your refuse out by 7am on your collection day to help prevent attracting animals and the build up of litter. A normal service will resume on Monday 18 January, so please keep hold of this information until then. To view your revised refuse collections online visit www. sevenoaks.gov.uk/collectiondays Monday collections Your normal collection day Your revised refuse and recycling collection day Your revised garden waste collection day Monday 21 December Monday 28 December Monday 4 January Monday 11 January Normal collection Wednesday 30 December Wednesday 6 January Tuesday 12 January Normal collection Monday 11 January Normal collection Normal collection Your normal collection day Your revised refuse and recycling collection day Your revised garden waste collection day Tuesday 22 December Tuesday 29 December Tuesday 5 January Tuesday 12 January Normal collection Thursday 31 December Thursday 7 January Wednesday 13 January Normal collection Normal collection Normal collection Normal collection Your normal collection day Your revised refuse and recycling collection day Your revised garden waste collection day Wednesday 23 December Wednesday 30 December Wednesday 6 January Wednesday 13 January Normal collection Saturday 2 January Friday 8 January Thursday 14 January Normal collection Normal collection Normal collection Normal collection Your normal collection day Your revised refuse and recycling collection day Your revised garden waste collection day Thursday 24 December Thursday 31 December Thursday 7 January Thursday 14 January Normal collection Monday 4 January Saturday 9 January Friday 15 January Normal collection Normal collection Normal collection Normal collection Your normal collection day Your revised refuse and recycling collection day Your revised garden waste collection day Friday 25 December Friday 1 January Friday 8 January Friday 15 January Tuesday 29 December Tuesday 5 January Monday 11 January Saturday 16 January Friday 8 January Saturday 2 January Normal collection Normal collection Tuesday collections Wednesday collections Thursday collections Friday collections sdc_newsdesk sevenoaksdc IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FESTIVE RUBBISH COLLECTIONS | Pull out and keep this page until Monday 18 January Your Christmas and New Year rubbish collections News 13 Our Christmas office opening times Sevenoaks Office • OPEN as usual Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December 8.45am to 5pm • CLOSED Thursday 24, Friday 25 and Monday 28 December • OPEN Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December 8.45am to 5pm Edenbridge Local Office (Thursdays only, 1.30pm to 4pm) Swanley Link • OPEN as usual on 17 December • CLOSED Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Monday 28 December • CLOSED on 24 and 31 December • OPEN as usual from 7 January • OPEN Thursday 24 December 9am to 3pm • OPEN Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 December 9am to 6pm and Thursday 31 December 9am to 4pm • CLOSED Friday 1 January • CLOSED Friday 1 January • OPEN as usual from Monday 4 January from 8.45am • OPEN as usual from Saturday 2 January from 9am To contact us in the event of an emergency when our offices are closed, please call 01732 227000. Your tip opening times Your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (better known as the tip or the dump) will be open as usual over the festive period but will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The tip is run by Kent County Council (KCC) and for opening hours please visit www.kent.gov.uk or call KCC on 03000 41 73 73. Unfortunately your clear recycling sacks cannot be recycled at the tip. Instead please keep your clear sacks until your next refuse collection day. Tree-cycle this Christmas After this year’s festivities have ended we can collect and recycle your real Christmas tree for free throughout January. W e will take any tree with a trunk of up to 90mm (3.5 inches) in diameter with our Garden Waste Collection Service until Friday 29 January. Simply leave your tree by the boundary of your property (where you’d usually put your rubbish and recycling sacks) by 7am on the day our Garden Waste Collection Service visits your road. If you’re not sure when the service is scheduled for your area visit www. sevenoaks.gov.uk/collectiondays and search for your road then look for your garden waste collection day. The good news is all the trees we collect are turned into environmentally friendly compost. For this reason we cannot take trees which are decorated or in pots or stands. If your tree is too big for this service, you can take it to one of Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Waste Recycling Centres. Visit www.kent. gov.uk or call KCC on 03000 417373 for the locations and opening times. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 14 News Leisure You drop, you shop…they play Even the most organised people can find the round of festive chores a race against time. If that’s you and you’re in the Edenbridge area then the town’s leisure centre has the answer! C hristmas Drop and Shop arrives on 21 December and gives youngsters the chance to get involved in sporting, creative and artistic activities while Mum and Dad attend to those last minute seasonal arrangements. There is a two hour morning session for children aged between five and 12 or the option of a full-day camp (8.30am to 4.30pm) for those aged eight to 12. For details call Edenbridge Leisure Centre on 01732 865665. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised. “Don’t get too hung-up on what you’re eating and drinking! If you exercise regularly, why not get the big day off to a healthy start with a run.” “Christmas dinner and a nap go well together. But you’ll find a nice brisk walk will set you up for the rest of the day.” Shape up with revolutionary new exercise machines at White Oak Swanley’s White Oak Leisure Centre has taken delivery of 12 new state of the art exercise machines designed to provide an alternative, low impact way to exercise for those who may have health or mobility concerns. D esigned to suit those who aren’t drawn to gyms or who may have health or mobility concerns, Shapemaster toning tables offer a complete workout with minimal effort. Each toning table is designed to match an individual user’s profile, offering an all-round exercise programme that is both personalised and effective as well as - and more importantly - kinder to joints. “The crucial thing is that this isn’t a gym; you don’t even have to change your clothes” says Sencio Community Leisure chief executive Jane Parish. “This isn’t about ‘fitness’ as many of us traditionally view it, it’s about a variety of low impact exercises ideal for people with joint problems, osteoporosis, poor posture, mobility concerns and other health conditions. “Our Shapemaster toning tables are power-assisted so users do some of the work while the machines does the rest. They are designed for anyone to use, although they will appeal more to those who feel the gym isn’t quite for them.” sdc_newsdesk Shapemaster can be used at White Oak Leisure Centre for £28 per month. The cost includes unlimited classes provided by a fully qualified instructor. Members will also receive the extra benefit of free swimming. SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER – JOIN BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2015 AND RECEIVE ONE MONTH MEMBERSHIP FREE. For further information call 01322 662188 or visit sencio.org.uk sevenoaksdc Leisure 15 Sevenoaks gets new community handball club Sencio Community Leisure is planning to set up a new club for people interested in playing the Olympic sport of handball. T he move, which follows taster sessions held at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre in October, will see Wildernesse Sports Centre host a club aiming to appeal to both junior and adult players. Handball is a cross between water polo without water, lacrosse without sticks, football using your hands, and basketball with a three-by-two metre goal instead of a 10-foot-high hoop. It uses all the body’s general motor skills – running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s described by its governing body, the England Handball Association, as a game that moves fast, with lots of scoring and with shots that can reach speeds of 80 mph. Rob Hutton, deputy manager at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, says: “Handball is one of the most popular sports in continental Europe as well as attracting significant participation in Brazil, North Africa and the Far East. This new club represents a great opportunity for local people to experience this exciting and dynamic Olympic sport.” “Eat plenty of vegetables. A colourful plate is a healthy plate.” “Have a tipple (or two) and drink plenty of water. It’ll help you feel full-up and ward-off that sleepy feeling that often happens as the day goes on.” Archery arrives at Lullingstone Following the success of archery at White Oak Leisure Centre, staff took the sport out to the community – and specifically to Lullingstone Park Golf Course – in October. The open day, which was aimed at youngsters aged eight and over, made use of the course’s driving range to give them the chance to try their hand at something that has, over the past year, proved hugely popular at the Swanley centre. For further details on archery courses call White Oak Leisure Centre on 01322 662188 or visit www.sencio.org.uk Anyone interested in the new club should contact Tom Middleton at Kent Handball Development on 07710 772533 or e-mail [email protected]. Christmas in the bag If you’re still searching for Christmas present inspiration then how about giving someone a gift to start 2016 on a healthy note? Sencio Community Leisure has two ideas to help solve those last minute shopping dilemmas. Winter Fitness A month’s gym membership is on offer for £44 or £199 for a six-month package at Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and White Oak (Swanley) Leisure Centres. The membership will need to be activated by 10 January 2016. Off to a Tee How about a gift of five rounds at Lullingstone Park Golf Course? The voucher is valid until April 30, 2016 and can be purchased in the professional shop at Lullingstone or over the phone (01959 533794) and mailed to you. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 16 Health ‘Yoganna’ enjoy our flexible fitness classes Yoga originated in India around 5,000 years ago and focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing and, according to one Sevenoaks District resident, can help change your life. T his ancient form of exercise has become commonplace across the world and classes can be found in leisure centres, hospitals, community centres and many more places. Sonja Ellis attends our over 50s class every week in Dunton Green Village Hall. The classes, which are led by yoga expert Sabine Smith and run by Sevenoaks District Council, offer a friendly environment with gentle yoga and relaxation techniques. Retired Sonja, who lives in Park Lane, Kemsing, says: “I have some joint problems and was told by various doctors to try out yoga and, as soon as I did, it changed my life! “It’s helped to reduce my pain and discomfort by half and if I don’t go to a class I can really feel the difference. It’s kept me going mentally, is relaxing and makes me feel really good afterwards.” The NHS says that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. It also says there's some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains – including lower back pain – depression and stress. Sonja has been attending one of Sabine’s yoga classes for around six years, having started the classes after moving to Kemsing from Cornwall. She adds: “Attending the class has just given me another outlook. I’ve even opened a B&B, which is something I would not have done before! “Sabine is a fantastic teacher and very diligent, watchful and mindful sdc_newsdesk Your local yoga classes when dealing with older people. We always have a laugh and I’ve made some like-minded friends as well.” There are three classes held every week, with one of the classes offering informal chats on lifestyle information led by guest speakers. All abilities are welcome and there is no need to book, you can just turn up and enjoy the class! For more information visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/yoga • Dunton Green Village Hall – Wednesdays 3pm to 4.30pm – £2.50 per person • Shoreham Village Hall – Wednesdays 1pm to 2pm – £2 per person • South Downs Retirement Village – Tuesdays 10.30am to 11.30am – £2 per person The over 50s yoga classes are funded by Kent Public Health. sevenoaksdc Health 17 Get active in 2016 If you’re looking to start the New Year with a new activity, look no further than ‘Be Inspired Be Active’. The programme aims to encourage you to try something new while keeping fit at the same time. Sportivate archery Eight week course for 11 to 25 year olds every Tuesday, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, from 12 January at Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks. Adult archery Every Sunday, 10.30am and 12pm, from March at Horton Kirby Scout Hut and Shooting Range. Ballroom and Latin dancing Children’s Street Dance Ten week course on Mondays, 8pm to 9pm, from 11 January in West Kingsdown Village Hall. Classes for six to 17 year old dancers of all abilities. Wednesdays, 5.15pm to 7.15pm, from 13 January at West Kingsdown Village Hall. Chair Yoga Back to Netball Six week introduction to yoga for adults from January in Farningham and West Kingsdown. Introduction to netball for women aged 18 and over. Mondays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, from 11 January at the Longfield Academy. To find out more, including the cost which usually is between £2 or £3 a session, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/beinspired, call us on 01732 227000 or e-mail [email protected] West Kingsdown’s Dancing Queen Local resident Maria Ness recently took up ballroom and Latin dance sessions as part of our ‘Be Inspired Be Active’ project and is now a regular on the dance floor! M aria says: “I found out about the course almost by accident, but as a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, I wanted to find out if I was capable of learning these dance styles. It’s fun, challenging and rewarding and I’ve met new people in the process. “Our teacher is fantastic, she is so patient with everyone and the atmosphere is great and the course is really enjoyable.” Like many of the programmes, they are structured over a number of weeks, with the ballroom and Latin course running for one hour a week for 10 weeks. Maria adds: “I’ve completed three and am currently on the fourth course, I’ve learnt so many dance styles, including the waltz and the tango. “At first I went by myself but then I asked my husband Jason to try it out with me to see if he liked it. People always think of dancing as a physical challenge, but it’s the intellectual challenge that he enjoys.” And since starting the course Maria has also seen a positive difference in her stamina and overall health. She adds: “I feel my muscles are more toned and I am more aware of my posture. My back also feels stronger and I’m much happier and feel more energised. I even look forward to Mondays now”. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 18 Community Safety Sevenoaks District Community Safety Unit To report or receive advice on: anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, graffiti, licensed premises, abandoned vehicles, environmental and noise nuisance, crime reduction, neighbourhood watch and other community safety issues, call 01732 227000 or e-mail [email protected] Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership Keeping you safe this Christmas With Christmas just around the corner, your thinking will no doubt be turning to presents, family and celebrations, but not everyone will be thinking along the same lines. I n Shape spoke to Cara Sillett who works in the Council's Community Safety Unit, to find out more. “I’ve worked in my position for 11 years so have seen quite a pattern in how anti social behaviour can change in the run up to Christmas and after it. “All too often there is a spike in this type of behaviour around the festive period. But there are quite a few things residents can do to protect themselves and their home. “This includes making sure alarms and lights are in good working order. Sometimes residents go away and leave lights on to make it look like someone is home. But when the lights are on all day it makes it obvious that people are not around. “The solution to this is to use a timer set to switch on a light from dusk to dawn or use a special light bulb which only turns on during the hours of darkness.” Another issue Cara has seen during the festive period is the increase in people getting into trouble and acting out of character. sdc_newsdesk Cara adds: “Obviously there are lots of parties in the run up to and during Christmas and many people can find they have drunk too much which can lower their inhibitions and they may end up getting into trouble, which may include being verbally abusive or violent. “People who are drunk can also take risks with their safety that at other times they would not do so, like driving under the influence. So, another tip is to plan how you’re going to get to and from your Christmas do in plenty of time and making sure you stay with your friends or family and do not walk off alone. And does Cara have any tips post Christmas? “Yes! Another thing people don’t think about is putting out rubbish after Christmas, empty present boxes highlight to potential criminals what residents have in the house. The simple way to avoid this problem is to put your refuse and recycling out on your revised collection day.” To report anti-social behaviour in your area contact the Community Safety Unit on 01732 227000 or via e-mail community.safety@ sevenoaks.gov.uk sevenoaksdc Community Safety 19 Reporting crime Social media Tackling domestic abuse To report a crime that is taking place, always call 999. If the incident has passed, call Kent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 For the latest community safety news follow us on Twitter visit @sdc_csp For support and advice for all victims of Domestic Abuse call the Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service on 01892 570538 For the Community Domestic Abuse Programme for men call 07933 359210 Legal highs – it’s no laughing matter With Christmas just days away, many of us will be planning to celebrate the festive season in style. B • Increased likelihood of paranoia, coma, seizures and in rare cases, death In recent months there has been a reported increase in the number of so called legal highs, in particular nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, with nitrous oxide canisters found in some public areas. But many people do not realise the dangers of legal highs. • Even drugs that look similar or have similar names may be of varying strengths and have different effects. ut some may choose to celebrate with potentially dangerous substances often referred to as legal highs. The risks of legal highs The NHS says that legal highs can carry serious health risks as the chemicals they contain are unlikely to have been tested or used in drugs for human consumption. This means they could be unsafe. There are other risks, including: • Increasing the risk if you combine alcohol with any legal or illegal drug • Reducing your inhibitions, so you do things you wouldn't normally do • Because the chemical ingredients can be changed without you knowing, the risks are unpredictable When to get medical help If you or someone you know does choose to take legal highs and experience a serious negative reaction, or problems that do not settle with a little time out, fluids and fresh air, please get medical help straight away by going to the accident and emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital. Legal highs and the law Many drugs which were previously sold as legal highs are now controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, including Mephedrone (also known as meow meow or m-cat), Naphyrone, BZP and GBL. This means they are illegal to possess or supply to others. As In Shape went to press the Government was debating the Psychoactive Substances Bill, which if passed, would make it illegal to supply or sell any psychoactive substances. To find out more about legal highs, visit www.talktofrank.com Preventing terrorism Sevenoaks District Council is helping to tackle terrorism by supporting the Government’s Prevent programme. This means we work closely with partner agencies to identify and support vulnerable people who maybe at risk of radicalisation by any extreme group. If you are worried about someone or feel someone is acting suspiciously, please contact Kent Police on 101 or call the UK anti-terrorist hotline in confidence on 0800 789321. For more information on what we are doing around Prevent e-mail [email protected] www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 20 xxxxxxxxxxxx Councillors Your councillors Sevenoaks District Council’s priorities and policies are decided by 54 Councillors who were elected by local people. The Sevenoaks District is divided into 26 smaller areas, known as wards and each ward is represented by one or more District Councillors. You are very welcome to contact the District Councillors to express your views and to ask for their help on local issues. Conservative (C) Cameron Clark (C) Ash and New Ash Green [email protected] 01474 874526 Independent (I) Claire Pearsall (C) Ash and New Ash Green [email protected] 07710 625854 Matthew Dickins (C) Stephen Lindsay (UKIP) Cowden and Hever [email protected] 01342 850872 Alan Layland (C) Edenbridge South and West [email protected] 01732 864140 Pat Bosley (C) Fawkham and West Kingsdown [email protected] 01474 852924 sdc_newsdesk Crockenhill and Well Hill [email protected] 01732 452375 Labour (L) Alan Pett (C) Liberal Democrat (LD) Anna Firth (C) James London (C) Brasted, Chevening and Sundridge [email protected] 01959 534267 Brasted, Chevening and Sundridge [email protected] 01732 464678 Brasted, Chevening and Sundridge [email protected] 01732 455355 Kim Bayley (C) Cameron Brown (C) Stuart McGregor (C) John Scholey (C) Dunton Green and Riverhead [email protected] 07919 050065 Dunton Green and Riverhead [email protected] 01732 740654 Edenbridge North and East [email protected] 01732 865559 Ingrid Tennessee (C) Philip McGarvey (C) Gary Williamson (C) Larry Abraham (C) Edenbridge South Eynsford Farningham, Horton Farningham, Horton and West [email protected] Kirby and South Darenth Kirby and South Darenth [email protected] 07815 483891 [email protected] [email protected] 01732 227000 01732 227000 01732 227000 Faye Parkin (C) Robert Piper (C) Ash and New Ash Green [email protected] 01474 872650 Margot McArthur (C) Michael Horwood (C) Fawkham and West Kingsdown [email protected] 01474 879425 UKIP John Grint (C) Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount [email protected] 01959 532809 Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount 01959 532370 Edenbridge North and East [email protected] 01732 865197 Ian Bosley (C) Fawkham and West Kingsdown [email protected] 01474 852924 James Gaywood (C) Hartley and Hodsoll Hartley and Hodsoll Street Street [email protected] [email protected] 07899 656022 01474 702106 sevenoaksdc xxxxxxxxxxxx Councillors John Kelly (C) Darren Kitchener (I) Hartley and Hodsoll Street Hextable [email protected] [email protected] 07879 607130 07496 818558 John Edwards-Winser (C) Michelle Lowe (C) Otford and Shoreham Otford and Shoreham [email protected] [email protected] 01959 522503 01959 525109 Elizabeth Purves (LD) Andrew Eyre (C) Sevenoaks Eastern [email protected] 01732 463041 Sevenoaks Kippington [email protected] 01732 464865 Peter Fleming (C) Simon Raikes (C) Sevenoaks Town and St John’s [email protected] 01732 227240 Sevenoaks Town and St John’s [email protected] 01732 451707 Michael Hogg (L) Laurence Ball (C) Swanley St Mary’s [email protected] 07764 950944 Swanley White Oak [email protected] 07515 770220 Dee Morris (C) Simon Reay (C) Lorraine Stack (C) 21 Peter Lake (C) Hextable [email protected] 01322 669030 Kemsing [email protected] 01732 762761 Kemsing [email protected] 01732 458516 Leigh and Chiddingstone Causeway [email protected] 01892 740400 Paddy Cooke (C) Roddy Hogarth (C) Julia Thornton (C) Edward Parson (C) Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone [email protected] 01892 853983 Avril Hunter (C) Sevenoaks Kippington [email protected] 01732 453292 John Barnes (C) Seal and Weald [email protected] 01732 760325 Seal and Weald [email protected] 07831 234449 Merilyn Canet (LD) Jonathan Krogdahl (C) Swanley White Oak 01322 660929 Graham Clack (C) Sevenoaks Northern [email protected] 01732 461397 Sevenoaks Northern [email protected] 01732 227000 Sevenoaks Town and St John’s [email protected] 07769 644576 Robert Brookbank (C) Tony Searles (C) Lesley Dyball (C) Nina Rosen (C) Diana Esler (C) Swanley Christchurch Swanley Christchurch Swanley Christchurch and Swanley Village and Swanley Village and Swanley Village [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01322 669440 01322 662637 James Halford (C) Sevenoaks Eastern [email protected] 07860 626343 Swanley White Oak [email protected] 01732 227000 Westerham and Crockham Hill [email protected] 01732 465089 Swanley St Mary’s [email protected] 01732 227000 Kevin Maskell (C) Westerham and Crockham Hill [email protected] 07966 171398 How to contact your District Councillors We have provided your District Councillors’ phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If you would like to write to them, their postal addresses are available on our website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/councillors or by calling us on 01732 227000. If you are unsure which ward you live in, please call us on 01732 227000. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 22 Business Take a lead in boosting your business with EU funding Rural businesses have the chance to boost their potential by applying for a share of £1.8m of EU funding. T ogether with three neighbouring councils we have secured the money, which is available to farmers, growers, foresters and rural businesses and communities through the West Kent LEADER programme. The last round of funding saw £1.25m being made available to 62 projects generating more than £3.4m for the West Kent economy while creating 35 new jobs. He says: “This funding provided our collaborative lavender venture with some much needed financial assistance to grow and meet market demand. Business initiatives in the rural sector so often need that extra financial leg up when starting a new project or expanding an existing enterprise. I commend others to examine how the funding may help them.” Grants ranged from £587 to £55,350 and projects were diverse. LEADER funding was also instrumental in setting up a new community shop in Ide Hill. When the village shop closed in July 2011, local people clubbed together to set up a new general store run by volunteers. They secured £20,000 in LEADER funding to help kit out the new facility. One business that benefitted from the funding was Castle Farm in Shoreham, which specialises in lavender production. In partnership with two other farmers, £27,000 in LEADER funding was used to purchase specialist harvesting equipment to ensure the best oil yield could be obtained from the crop. Another project that benefitted was Crockham Hill based business, the Westerham Brewery. William Alexander, whose family own and run the farm, says the LEADER funding helped make the project viable and enabled them to provide a harvesting service to other lavender growers. Robert Wicks, who set up the business, says: “This funding undoubtedly helped us grow. The equipment has helped to improve efficiency and expand production by 25% enabling us to take on three extra staff.” sdc_newsdesk In 2012, £33,000 in LEADER funding was used to purchase 500 casks, a cask racking system and a malt mill for the business that brought a tradition of brewing back to the area. Community Shop Committee chairman, Andrew Edmonds, says: “The new community shop means so much to Ide Hill residents because it removes a seven mile round trip to buy basic commodities. It just goes to show that, with a little help from projects like LEADER, communities can change things if they work together for a common goal.” To find out more about LEADER funding visit www.westkentleader. org.uk or e-mail Caroline Lingham at [email protected]. LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) managed by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). sevenoaksdc News 23 Help land your new home With a lack of affordable housing, rising private rents and changes to welfare payments, some people are finding it very difficult to find somewhere to live. B ut help is at hand thanks to Flying Start, a new service which provides free information and advice sessions for local residents to help them successfully land a tenancy. All sessions are free and what’s more you’ll receive a free lunch, a free childcare voucher*, up to £10 towards your travel costs* and a 30% discount voucher for Abacus Furniture Stores*. Land a rented home with our Flying Start team FREE lunch and child care vouchers* FREE 30% off Abacus Furniture discount* FREE £1500 landlord payment* Cash deposit & rent advance available* Flying Start sessions are taking place in Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and Swanley over the next 12 months with the next one taking place in January. The sessions offer advice and information on all aspects of securing and retaining a tenancy, including how to search for a home, maximising income and, once you’ve secured your new home, what to do in the event of a problem. Flying Start is run by West Kent Extra and Sevenoaks District Council. *T&C’s apply If you would to like know more about the next workshops please e-mail [email protected] or call 01732 749964. *Subject to qualifying criteria Sevenoaks District Council at your fingertips Main Office Leisure centres Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Tel 01732 227000 Open Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm. Emergencies (outside office hours) 01732 227000 then listen to the options. Ash Green Sports Centre* 01474 707164 White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Swanley*** 01322 665571 Edenbridge Leisure Centre** 01732 865665 White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley** 01322 662188 Lullingstone Park Golf Course** 01959 533793/533974 Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks** 01732 451437 Swanley Link Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre*** 01732 451889 London Road, Swanley BR8 7AE Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Tel 03000 421254 Edenbridge Local Office – Thursdays only Adjoining Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5LU Tel 01732 227000 Benefits surgery from 1.30pm to 4pm. The Olympic, Swanley* 01322 669201 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre** 01732 470700 * Operated by the local town or parish Council ** Operated by Sencio Community Leisure, Head Office 01732 746010 *** Operated by independent limited companies In Shape is published and distributed by Sevenoaks District Council to inform local residents and businesses about the work of the Council. Editor Daniel Whitmarsh Editorial Assistants Vicki Foster and Alison Osborne e-mail [email protected] Tel 01732 227000 Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG In Shape is available in an audio format for residents with visual impairments and can be explained in other languages by calling 01732 227000. Design & print www.whateverdesign.co.uk Printed on environmentally friendly paper. 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