Your Sherwood October 2013

YOURSHERWOODNEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013

Young carersWho cares for them?

pages 18-19

Lake and woodsAutumn arrives

pages 12-13

Sherwoodregeneration

Progress reportpages 6-7

TN2’s heroes need your

supportpages 10-11

YOUR SHERWOOD OCTOBER 20132

welcome......to October’s edition of ‘Your Sherwood’

As ever, this issue’s packed with local news, events and features – there really

is so much going on in and around Sherwood sometimes it’s difficult to fit it all in!

It seems like only yesterday that the old Kemble Close flats were being demolished but it was actually over a year ago and the first new homes of the Lakewood development are due to be completed very soon. We give you the latest on that in here as well as what’s happening at the lake and woods.

The new Temple Grove Academy has also officially opened now, see the photos on page 5. We have a look at forthcoming seasonal events – Halloween and Bonfire Night – and, even though it may seem a way off yet, we also look ahead to Christmas and how you can make sure you don’t spend beyond your means.

We also focus on our own ‘heroes of TN2’ and tell you about Two Worlds – a project for ex-Service veterans, conceived and created by Town & Country.

Don’t forget we are always looking for ideas for articles. So if you do have any suggestions please get in touch by emailing yoursherwood @tchg.org.uk or calling 01892 501446.

Steve Mandaluff Your Sherwood Editor

News bitesCommunity organisers to make things happen for SherwoodFive hundred Community Organisers are being recruited to help make things happen for local people. Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK) has been successful in its application to host two of these new Community Organisers.

They will be available to anyone in Sherwood who would like help to have their opinion heard or to develop the community in some way – examples from other areas include setting up new social or lobbying groups, organising street parties and setting up competitions.

The Community Organisers will be out and about from the beginning of November, so keep an eye out for them.

DID YOU KNOW...?According to the 2011 census, the population of

Sherwood is 7,300? And it’s made up of 49% males

and 51% females.? The average age is 37.

The census also asked people about their religion.

While the majority classified themselves as Christian

(57.1%), 26 people identified themselves as a Jedi

Knight and two people said they believe in Heavy

Metal!

for more information... contact Wendy McGeachy, Community Development Manager at VAWK.

01892 530330 [email protected]

Be quids in!Despite signs of an economic recovery, cuts to benefits and services are still putting pressure on households that were already struggling to keep their heads above water.

The Quids In! website provides some much needed help and advice on borrowing money, boosting your income, job hunting, cutting back your spending and generally making the most of your income.

For more information visit www.quidsinmagazine.com

£££££££

£££££££

OCTOBER 2013 YOUR SHERWOOD 3

Barbecue and bikes – a day to remember others

Every year West Kent YMCA sets aside a memorial day to remember and celebrate the lives of those they have worked with who have sadly passed away.

This year West Kent YMCA and the Horizon Project joined together

for a cycle ride around Bedgebury Forest followed by a hearty barbecue, which gave everyone a chance to share their stories and reflections of those who have been lost.

The day was a fantastic success, with people from different walks of life coming together to remember others and celebrate life while having fun in the great outdoors.

Volunteer drivers needed!Do you have a spare hour in the week? Would you like to have a positive impact and help others in your community? Would you like to help reduce older people’s isolation and loneliness?

Dial 2 Drive is a community transport scheme for people unable to access public transport due to older age, illness or mobility problems. Volunteer drivers – men and women of all ages – use their own cars to take people to medical and social appointments and expenses are reimbursed from the driver’s home and back.

They currently have 168 clients in Tunbridge Wells – but not enough drivers to match the growing need. If you feel that you would like to support your community in this way, they would be only too pleased to hear from you.

Call Dial 2 Drive on 01892 553123 or email them at [email protected]

Local buddying project

changes livesA new project by Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK) is changing the lives of young people in the area.

The ‘Be Our Buddy’ scheme provides befrienders for young people in the local area with mild to moderate disabilities

With the project now well established, young people are accessing a club or group they are interested in with a buddy. For some it is the first time they have attended a social activity and the benefits for them are huge.

The volunteer buddies give young people one-to-one support for as long as they need it. The project encourages them both to build a relationship and, as the young person becomes more confident, they are able to move towards attending their chosen activity independently and forming new friendships with other young people.

VAWK needs more local volunteers to give even more young people a fantastic and life-changing opportunity. It’s rewarding for the buddy too:

I love being a buddy because it’s great fun. I never feel like I’m working because I’m doing something I enjoy. The reward I

get is unmatched in any other aspect of my life because I know I could be making a real difference to a young person’s life.’ (Feedback from a ‘Be Our Buddy’ volunteer)Full support and training is provided. If you would like to volunteer please contact Leah Harris on 01892 530330 or email [email protected]


Just a short walk away from Sherwood is the town’s oldest public green space, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. The park is a hidden gem and very much valued and enjoyed by many in the local community.

These are exciting times for the park as we wait to hear whether the Heritage Lottery Fund considers a bid for funding put forward by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council deserves its support.

Back in July 2012 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the Council some money so it could develop the plans and do the work needed for a bid for further funding. In the year that followed the Council’s parks team worked very hard, along with members of the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park group, to talk to people and find out what they wanted. The plans were prepared and last month the bid went in.

Lottery funding would mean that the park can be restored and enhanced and its future secured as an important local amenity without cost to the Council. Other money would come from developer contributions.

Among the works planned if the funding is given the go-ahead are improvements to the pavilion, making it more suitable for community use, and improvements to the toilets and café. A volunteer base would be created within the park. Lighting would be upgraded with safety in mind.

Lottery funding for Grosvenor

and Hilbert Park improvements?

Hilbert Woods would be managed in a way that maintains and enhances the woodland habitat and there would be plenty of opportunities for people to get involved with this and all other aspects of the park’s management. The plans include the cost of a ranger/activity co-ordinator to work in the park for the next five years. The lake would be dredged, restored and generally improved and the grottoes with their fernery would be brought back to life.

The plans also allow for new wetlands, community orchard and a space for teenagers – pretty much something for everyone. It’s now a tense couple of months until news about the bid is announced. We should know the outcome by the end of 2013 and, if it’s positive, things could start happening in the New Year. So keep your fingers crossed!


Temple Grove Academy has now officially been opened and the start of the new school year has been a busy time for staff and pupils.

All the children released balloons in the academy’s new colours, and its oldest and youngest pupils unveiled a commemorative plaque at the official opening on 10 September. Guests including the Town Crier and the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells joined the children, staff, governors and parents at the event.

Temple Grove Academy, in Friars Way, opened its doors to local children on 1 January this year, but it was decided to hold the official opening in September to coincide with the new academic year and the introduction of the new uniform. September also saw the introduction of an extended day for children in years 3 to 6 and a new enrichment programme so that all children can benefit from a wide range of activities, including art, sport, music, languages and educational visits.

Temple Grove Academy seeks to inspire in children a love of learning and to prepare them for their life ahead.

It’s official!- Temple Grove Academy is open

We want our children to be proud of who they are, what they can do and who they might become’ explained Chris McGovern, Chair

of Governors. ‘We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead a new primary academy in Tunbridge Wells. We intend to make a real contribution to educational provision in the town and look forward to working with the community to create an academy of which we can be proud.

The Academy is sponsored by Temple Grove Schools Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to inspiring excellence in primary education. The Trust provides additional resources to the Academy to ensure all children can benefit from as wide a range of outstanding educational enrichment activities as possible.

get involved... Temple Grove Academy is looking to appoint two parent governors to the Governing Body. If you have a child at the Academy and are interested in hearing more about this role, please contact Suzanne Burgess. Or if you are considering Temple Grove Academy for your child, please do call to arrange a visit.

01892 520562 www.templegroveacademy.com


Town & Country’s plans for Sherwood took another significant step forward in the summer. This is what’s been happening over the past few months...Phase one progressLittle over a year since local resident Jenny Bays brought the first flats at Kemble Close crashing down, the first new homes will be ready! In total 63 homes are being built on the Kemble Close site.

Homes for saleThe first four homes for private sale are due to be completed next month. Prices start at £200,000.

If you are interested in a property that is for sale contact Savills by calling 01892 507005 or emailing [email protected]. You can also visit www.lake-wood.co.uk.

Homes for sale by shared ownershipFour shared ownership properties are also due to be completed next month. Shared ownership can be the ideal way to get a foot on the property ladder if you can’t afford to buy on the open market. You take out a mortgage to buy part of the house (usually 25% to 75%) and pay a discounted rent on the other portion.

The shared ownership units available are four 2-bedroom houses from £200,000 and five 3-bedroom houses from £245,000.

If you are interested in a shared ownership property contact Town & Country Housing Group’s Sales and Marketing Department by calling 01892 501677 or emailing [email protected]. You can also contact Homebuy on 0845 359 6161 or by visiting www.homebuyoptions.co.uk.

Homes for rent at LakewoodAs part of phase one there are 30 homes for affordable rent. If you want to be considered for one of one of these homes you need to be on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s housing register.

To get on the housing register:

Call - 01892 554606

Email - [email protected]

Website - www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Or visit Tunbridge Wells Gateway (8 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells)

Homes are let through Kent Homechoice, a Choice Based Lettings scheme. Rather than Town & Country allocating empty homes, applicants who want to move into one of the homes or to transfer to another Town & Country home in the

Sherwood regeneration update


area can ‘bid’ for the properties they are interested in.

When you put your name on the housing register you will receive a user guide and welcome pack, and once you have received this you can start to bid on properties available on the Kent Homechoice website.

For more information on the Kent Homechoice website visit www.kenthomechoice.org.uk.

New roads - new namesThe names for the two new roads that will be created as part of phase one have also be chosen. They will be Bluebell Close and Lynes Place. Lynes Place has been named after Kevin Lynes – a local councillor and a great champion for Sherwood and its people – who passed away last year.

Phases two and three progressPlans for phases two and three of the new Lakewood development were approved by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Committee in August. Amongst others, a special thanks goes to local resident Jenny Bays who spoke in support of the application at the meeting.

The plans provide for 122 new homes to be built, including 40 homes for older people. The homes will be set in traditional streets with private gardens and secure parking.

Other parts of the planning application include:

• An enhanced TN2 Community Square – improving the community square and making it the heart of the neighbourhood

• Neighbourhood Park – providing a variety of spaces with different play and amenity facilities for all ages

• ‘Activity Route’ – creating a pedestrian friendly route that links the TN2 Community Square with the Neighbourhood Park.

Phases two and three are adjacent to phase one, covering Silwood Close and the area up to TN2 Community Centre, including the community square.

Town & Country will be working on phases two and three with Hill Partnerships, who they worked with on phase one. Demolition of the existing properties at Silwood Close has now started and the new homes will be completed by Spring 2015.

Burslem and Clifton RoadAlso in August permission was granted for plans to replace

Sherwood regeneration update

If you have any queries about the development please do not hesitate to contact Hill’s Resident Liaison Team on 0800 032 6760 or email [email protected]

eight flats in Clifton Road with five 3-bedroom houses. Work is planned to start in the winter.

Finally, a planning application to provide six homes and allotments on the Burslem Road garage site has been submitted. We hope for a decision by the end of autumn or early in winter.

Lake and WoodsWith the new spillway installed, a new path to the Lake created, the water at a stable level, and the woods and shrubs that were overgrown cut back, the lake and woods are now in great shape. We’ve even had a good summer to make the most of them! Further work is planned and Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP) has obtained funding to carry out desilting to increase the depth of the lake.

They also have their usual array of activities, events and conservation work planned over the next few months. Turn to pages 12-13 to find out more.

Improvements to the rest of the estateTown & Country is currently running a phased two year improvement programme on the Sherwood Estate. It started this summer and will run alongside the kitchen and bathroom replacement programme.

The works involved will include redecoration of previously painted areas externally and communal internal areas, clearing out of gutters and downpipes, washing down of UPVC windows and doors and ensuring surrounding boundary structures are in a sound maintained condition.

Additionally, blocks of flats have been identified for internal refurbishment – for instance flooring replaced, upgraded lighting, main entrance doors upgraded and, where applicable, bin storage areas created.

For more information call Town & Country on 0845 873 1 321 or 01892 501480 or email [email protected]


In the last issue we told you about local resident and Councillor Bob Backhouse’s exciting project to trace the history of Sherwood and some of the people who live here. Here’s how he’s getting on:

‘I had a fantastic response to my request for help in the last issue of Your Sherwood, and I’d like to thank everyone who got back to me. I’ve already unearthed some terrific stories and fascinating bits of information.

But I’d like more still and it’s not too late. I would especially like stories from people who moved here in the 1950’s and 1960’s, but any story – no matter how old or how recent, how big or how small – will be welcome.

I can be contacted every Wednesday, from 9.30am to 10.30am, when I hold my weekly surgery at the TN2 Centre. If I’m not there, material can be left at the TN2 Centre or I will be happy to see people in their own homes.

A historic peep across ‘Sherwood Park’One response that Bob received following his request for stories in the last issue was a copy of a water colour painting. It was painted in 1914 by G.A.J.Robertson and called ‘A peep across the park at Sherwood, Tunbridge Wells’.

get involved... If you can help Bob with this history project then please do get in touch for an interview or to share a story

01892 535086 [email protected] 23 Blakeway, Sherwood, TN2 3DF

Tracing the history of our Sherwood

It was sent to Bob by Graham Way, who moved to Sherwood around five years ago. Originally from Manchester, he became aware of Sherwood as a result of the picture which hung in his family home for many years.

Mr Way also found some letters from his grandmother to her son (Mr Way’s uncle), that touched on Sherwood, with a letter dated 7 September 1930 saying: ‘Sherwood Park was considered as one of the show places of the south, a lake in it, a large winter garden and four lodges etc... Inman, the liner man (William Inman 1825-1881) owned it and lived there.’

A pe

ep a

cros

s the

par

k at

She

rwoo

d, Tu

nbri

dge

Wel

ls’ -

G.A

.J.R

ober

tson


If you’re a football lover sickened by the big salaries and even bigger egos in the world of professional football, come and watch your local team for a down-to-earth grass-roots game.

Tunbridge Wells FC plays at the Culverden Stadium in the Southern Counties East Football League. Last season the team achieved local, regional and even national fame when they reached the FA Vase Final at Wembley, beating off 544 other teams before eventually losing 2-1 to Spennymoor FC in the final.

The team would need to win nine promotions to be alongside the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League:

Premier League

p Football Championship

p Football Championship League One

p Football Championship League Two

p �Skrill Premier (more commonly known as the Conference)

p �Skrill South (more commonly known as the Conference South)

p Ryman League Premier

p Ryman League Division One South

p Southern Counties East Football League

And for those of you who think the FA Cup only starts in January, Tunbridge Wells’s first fixture in this year’s competition was on 17 August when they played Pagham in the Extra Preliminary Round! To get to the final they would need to win 13 games.

Tunbridge Wells is also one of the few teams in their league that do not pay their players, so if you want to see some real grass-roots football, with plenty of passion and commitment, get down to the Culverden. Your local team deserves your support!

Come and support

your local team!

Ticket prices .....................................

Adults £6 Culverden Stadium

Concessions £3 Culverden Down

Under 16s £1 Tunbridge Wells

Kent

TN4 9SG

For more information visit www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

or drop into the clubhouse on a match day!


West Kent YMCA is looking for help to allow them to continue to support two of TN2’s young heroes who have been coaching and mentoring the young people of Sherwood.

Jason Whybrow and David Atkin, who have been mentoring Sherwood’s young people on YMCA’s Horizon Project at TN2 Community Centre, both suffered horrific injuries while serving in Afghanistan. Since January 2012, thanks to funding from the Poppy Factory, West Kent YMCA has been able to support their rehabilitation as they aim to become fully qualified youth mentors.

But that funding has come to an end. West Kent YMCA is appealing to local businesses, sponsors and individual donors to help them continue supporting these two remarkable young men who have become role models of what individuals can aspire to and achieve, even in the face of apparently insurmountable difficulties and disadvantage. (Read their stories below).

No surrenderBoth Jason and David have worked hard to fight their way back from life-changing injury and are not afraid to take on the most arduous of challenges. They both got through the tough selection process to join other ex-Service veterans when they climbed to Mount Everest Base Camp in March

We need your help for TN2’s Heroes!this year to raise funds for Help For Heroes – an amazing achievement for both considering their injuries.

Give our young heroes your backingRob Marsh, Chief Executive for West Kent YMCA is hoping for Jason and David to be able to continue their valuable work: ‘Jason and David are so proud to have this opportunity to support and challenge young people and, in so doing, help them raise their aspirations, manage their anger, achieve vocational and life skills and turn their lives around’ he said. ‘We really want to help the two of them to further develop their skills, continue their journey and improve their level of rehabilitation over the next few years, and are looking for

Jason joined West Kent YMCA in April 2012 as a mentor to the Horizon Project TN2 in Sherwood. He works with two groups helping them with their plumbing and metalwork. Jason is currently completing his City and Guilds in plumbing.

‘I was deployed to Afghanistan on 4 October 2009 and was blown up four days later. My best mate died instantly right next to me, but I escaped with massive brain injuries and shrapnel wounds but, thankfully, with my limbs intact.

For a month I was on a life support machine, during which time I died six times and for another three weeks I was in intensive care. When I eventually regained consciousness I’d forgotten everyone and everything. I spent another six months in a wheelchair because I’d forgotten how to walk. Altogether I spent two months in Selly Oak Hospital and another year at Headley Court being treated for my injuries.

At first I couldn’t walk or remember anyone – I didn’t even recognise my own mother – and I could barely hold a conversation. I couldn’t even remember being in the Army or in Afhganistan. After four months my memory slowly started to return, but even now I have no memory of two weeks either side of the blast and whole bits of my life are still missing. It’s over three years since it happened, but I’m still receiving treatment.’

These are their stories...


Ex Armed Forces?

Join us!Service life is tough enough. But the challenges you face when you’re back on Civvy Street can be just as hard in other ways. And when you’re no longer a member of the Forces family where can you turn to for support when you need it? Go to www.fromservicetocivvystreet.org. uk and you’ll find that you’re not alone. From housing to health, employment to relationships, others have been there too. Join our online community of ex-Service veterans, led by veterans for veterans, and you can read inspiring personal stories of how others have pulled through in the end. But more than that, you can find links to other veterans and specialist Service organisations who understand what it means to have served and can give you the support you deserve.

www.fromservicetocivvystreet.org.ukveterans@fromservicetocivvystreet.org.uk

We need your help for TN2’s Heroes!

give your support… 07941 388852 01892 542209 [email protected]

find out more…

www.fromservicetocivvystreet.org.uk [email protected]

From Service to Civvy Street – Two Worlds Both Jason and David featured in the first exhibition of the ‘Two Worlds’ trilogy earlier this year. The Two Worlds project highlights the problems faced by many Servicemen and women as they return to civilian life. The next exhibition will take place in Tunbridge Wells in January and February 2014, and will feature a sculpture created by Service veterans celebrating their post-Service achievements.

The Two World Project welcomes all ex-Service veterans to share their experiences and stories online or find out where to get support on the Two Worlds website at www.fromservicetocivvystreet.org.uk

any help we can get from local organisations or individuals to fund this worthy ambition.’

If you know any business owners or organisations who might be interested in enabling David and Jason to continue with their valuable work and their own recovery, please do get in touch with Rob Marsh.

These are their stories...David joined West Kent YMCA in January 2012 and after a while at TN2 is now mentor to the Horizon Project in Cannon Lane in Tonbridge. Since starting David has completed his Level 1 Carpentry City and Guilds and is now able to assist in teaching the qualifications.

‘I was deployed to Afghanistan in January 2010. Five weeks into the tour I was in the rear vehicle of a routine vehicle patrol and, being the last to cross a deep ditch, ours got bogged in the churned-up mud. I had to sit on the metal gun platform because my seat had been removed and, as the driver put his foot down to manoeuvre out of the ditch, I was catapulted straight up into the air and back down again with a crash. I was in agony and couldn’t feel my legs. It was a medical emergency and I had to be airlifted back to base by a US army helicopter as a category 1 injury.

There a CT scan confirmed that I’d broken my back. Two days later I was flown back to the UK, to Selly Oak hospital, where my wife and mother were told I may never walk again. I endured a string of operations on my spine and weeks and weeks of intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation at Headley Court before being sent home. Although I can now walk again, surgery has left me with nerve damage in my legs and I’m still in constant pain and taking ultra-strong painkillers.’


Join in our autumn activities If you feel like making the most of autumn outdoors, KHWP will be organising more woodland fun for you to join in with. As well as a session of fungi hunting and a morning of ever popular wild art activities, they’ll be rustling up a range of campfire treats with more outdoor cooking sessions. All events are fun, free and aim to keep the kids entertained for hours!

- Wild at Art – Friday 1 November, 10am to 12pm Draw on your natural surroundings, and make some wonderful woodland art! A fun and family-friendly session for all.

- Wild Cooking – Saturday 16 November, 10am to 12pm Learn how to make a meal of your surroundings. All food will be provided for this fun and informative family-friendly session.

- Christmas Crafts – Wednesday 18 December, 1pm to 3pm As part of their last practical task of the year, KHWP will be making Christmas wreaths out of natural materials gathered from the woods. Join them from 10am for the practical task or from 1pm just to weave a wreath of your own!

- Wild Child Workout – Saturday 15 February, 10am to 1pm A special practical day fit for all the family. Get ready to get busy in the woods, giving wildlife a helping hand. All tasks tailored to suit the ages and skills on show!

Autumn arrives!

FoSL’s Fab Efforts, Sausage Success, and Paths to Enlightenment!

Summer is always a tricky time for Sherwood Lake, as algal blooms threaten to swallow up the oxygen that’s vital for the survival of fish and other wildlife. Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Sherwood Lake, and with a small helping hand from some giant barley straw sausages, the lake did better than many other fisheries in the South East this year, and no fish deaths from heat stress or low oxygen levels were recorded.

With winter now on the way and longer term solutions for the lake’s water quality in sight, our focus is turning to construction tasks and woodland work. As ever, KHWP is looking for help with this through a practical task programme of path and glade clearance. Don’t be shy - there’s a warm welcome for everyone, and all tools, training, tea and biscuits are provided!

Conservation work continues...

A fiery show of colour signals the changing season at Sherwood Lake. As the end of summer passes, and warmer weather makes way for fresh, crisp frosty mornings, there’s no better time to go out exploring, gathering chestnuts, and watching for overwintering wildfowl touching down on the lake.

at Sherwood Lake and Woods


Digging into historyThe results of a history and archaeology study of Sherwood Lake and Woods have revealed some interesting findings, several of which will help to shape the work that will take place over the coming months.

By examining the lumps and bumps throughout the woods, Dr Nicola Bannister has been able to trace the path that the Victorian electrical pioneer Sir William Siemens used to walk from Sherwood Park House down to the lake. This Victorian garden path, which is still lined with horse chestnut and pine trees, has now become very overgrown with rhododendron. In fact an aerial photograph of the woods, taken during the 1940s, shows just how much more open the site once was.

The fascinating study also explains a number of circular and square brick structures within the woods, thought to be water tanks that would have once serviced the gardens of the estate.

Councillor Bob Backhouse is currently gathering stories of people’s memories of living in Sherwood. Read more about his historical project on page 8 and perhaps you can contribute your own recollections to it.

Help make Sherwood Lake safer for allTunbridge Wells Borough Council is working with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to reduce water pollution in Sherwood Lake to make it safer for people and wildlife.

To play your part please remember not to pour fat, oils or grease down sinks, drains or toilets as it can cause pollution by solidifying in the pipes and blocking them.

Help us keep the lake clean and healthy!

Sir William Siemens

Get involved with local conservationJoin in on any of the following days, and help to make Sherwood Lake and Woods even better for wildlife:

- Thursday 10 October, 10am to 3pm Willow coppicing and rhododendron clearance.

- Thursday 7 November, 10am to 3pm Time to whip the barley sausages out of the lake!

- Thursday 28 November & Thursday 12 December, 10am to 3pm Path restoration within the historic grounds of Sherwood Park.

- Wednesday 18 December, 10am to 3pm A Christmas task! Bonfires, Bangers and Christmas wreath weaving.

- Thursday 9 January & Thursday 23 January, 10am to 3pm Path restoration within the historic grounds of Sherwood Park.

at Sherwood Lake and Woods

Where did the word come from?

The word Halloween was first used in the 16th century and is a Scottish variant of the phrase ‘All Hallows’ Eve’, which is the night before All Hallows Day. All Hallows Day, also known as All Saints Day, is a celebration of all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own, in many Roman Catholic, Anglican and Protestant churches

What are its origins?

Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (pronounced ’sah-win’).

The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. Samhain was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and prepare for winter. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31 the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped and the deceased would come back to life and cause havoc such as sickness or damaged crops.

The festival would frequently involve bonfires. It is believed that the fires attracted insects which, in turn, attracted bats

to the area. These are additional attributes of the history of Halloween. Masks and costumes were worn in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or appease them.

The American influence

These days we automatically link Halloween and America together. However it was not until the mass Irish and Scottish immigration in the 19th century that Halloween was brought to North America in earnest. And it wasn’t until the first decade of the 20th century that it was being celebrated coast to coast by people of all social, racial and religious backgrounds.

Trick-or-treating

An early form of trick-or-treating was first recorded in Scotland in 1895 and in North America in 1911. At that point it was known as ‘guising’. The earliest known use in print of the term ‘trick or treat’ was in Canada in 1927. Trick or treating doesn’t seem to have become a widespread practice until the 1930s. The first appearances of the term in USA came in 1934. The custom had become firmly established in popular culture by 1952, when Walt Disney portrayed it in the cartoon Trick or Treat.

Halloween creeps closer!Love it or loathe it, at the end of this month it’s Halloween. Your Sherwood looks into the history and stories behind this 500 year old tradition…

Guy Fawkes Night– the night that goes with a bang5 November is Guy Fawkes night. Read on to find out what the fireworks are all about and how to enjoy the spectacle safely and responsibly.

Gunpowder, treason and plot

‘Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. We see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot’(Guy Fawkes rhyme)

It all began with events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords with the intention of killing the Protestant King James 1 and replacing him with a Catholic head of state.

Celebrating the fact that King James 1 had survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London. Months later the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot’s failure.

Initially the day carried strong religious overtones and became a focus of anti-Catholic sentiment. However, by the 1850’s, changing attitudes meant that much of the anti-Catholic feeling had subsided. By the 20th century Guy Fawkes Day had become an enjoyable social commemoration, and had also become known as Bonfire Night.

Guy Fawkes Night in Kent

The biggest bonfire night display in Kent is in Edenbridge, when effigies of Guy Fawkes and Anne Boleyn are paraded by torchlight through the town. It culminates in a unique firework display where as well as ‘Guy Fawkes’ you will also see a celebrity guy – a newsworthy national or international figure set alight. Both effigies are around 30ft tall. In previous years Lance Armstrong, Wayne Rooney, Katie Price, Jonathan Ross and Cherie Blair have all been ‘burnt’ in Edenbridge.This year’s event in Edenbridge is on Saturday 2 November.

In Tunbridge Wells the Dunorlan Park firework display will also take place on Saturday 2 November. Gates open at 5.30pm and the event starts at 7pm. Tickets on the gate are £8 for adults and £5 for children (under 5’s go free). Advanced tickets go on sale in the Calverly Precinct from 19 October for £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Remember…fireworks can be fun but have consideration for others and stay safe!

Have a safe bonfire nightFirework safety for home displays

Fireworks can be let off until 11pm, except on Bonfire Night when they can be let off until midnight.

On the night, you will need:• A torch• A bucket or two of water• Eye protection and thick gloves• A bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in• Suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off

catherine wheels or rockets

Make sure you take all the necessary precautions and don’t drink any alcohol before handling fireworks according to their instructions:• Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand

well back• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from

fireworks• Never return to a firework once it has been lit• Don’t put fireworks in the pockets of clothing and never

throw them• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

Disposal of fireworks

Never put fireworks, even those which are fully used, on a bonfire. Put fully used fireworks (but not misfired or partly spent fireworks) in bins. Don’t bury them in the ground.

Soak misfired or partly used fireworks in a container of water in an area where they cannot be tampered with (preferably away from the display site) and contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice on correct disposal.

Sparklers

Sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil. They are not toys and should never be given to a child under the age of five.

Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves and holds the sparklers at arms length while they are alight.

When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water to fully extinguish it.

Neighbours and Animal Welfare

Let your neighbours know if you are planning a fireworks party, they may have pets that need to be kept indoors. In rural areas this could include larger animals such as horses and donkeys in nearby stables. Remember to keep your own pets indoors as well.

It would also be courteous to let elderly neighbours and families with young children know there may be some loud bangs for a while.


Unless we’re very careful, Christmas can end up costing us more than we can afford. For many families the festive season is spoilt by the worry of how they are going to pay for all the extra spending. But there are ways to ensure that we don’t let Christmas leave us in debt.

Top tips for a debt-free Christmas

1. Reach an agreement. Talk to your partner, family and friends about Christmas spending. Chances are they want to keep the costs down too, so you can all agree to spend less on each other.

2. Plan a budget for all your festive spending, not just the presents. Think about what worked and what didn’t last year. How many of those ‘stocking fillers were abandoned or broken two minutes later? And how much of all that ‘bargain’ festive food was thrown away, or put in the freezer and forgotten?

3. Manage your children’s expectations – there may be different ways to achieve what they want. Perhaps you can afford to pay half the monthly payment on that smartphone if they get a Saturday job to pay the rest?

4. Buy bargains ahead of time. Think ahead and use the sales to buy items that can be stashed away and given as Christmas gifts.

5. Treat credit with caution. If you think you will need to use credit for Christmas spending, plan it carefully. Read the small print on any credit deals, make sure you know exactly how much you will have to pay off each month and what it will cost you in the long run.

6. Know the cost of credit. Always find out the total cost of something if you’re thinking of buying on credit. The cost of something you buy on monthly instalments sky-rockets when you take into account the interest you have to pay.

7. Start saving early for next year! It might seem a long way off, but the sooner you start saving for Christmas 2014 the better. Many credit unions run

Need advice on managing money or debt?Free advice is available from these sources if you are having problems managing your finances:

• If you are struggling with your debts, contact a free, independent debt advice charity such as Debt Advice Foundation. Their helpline is 0800 043 4050 or click on www.debtadvicefoundation.org

• If you are a Town & Country tenant and need help to manage your rent and other bills contact Town & Country’s Income Support Team. If you want help budgeting and claiming any benefits you are eligible for contact their Money Support Officers. Call 0845 873 1321 or 01892 501480. Alternatively you can email [email protected] or visit www.tchg.org.uk

• The Citizens Advice Bureau runs regular surgeries in Sherwood offering free, independent and confidential advice from a trained adviser. No appointment is necessary, you can just turn up. Surgeries are held at TN2 Community Centre on Greggs Wood Road midday to 2pm on alternate Tuesdays (check exact dates with the CAB). Call 01892 533880 or email [email protected]

Christmas savings schemes. And if you save with a credit union you may become eligible for a low cost loan if you need it for a future emergency.

For more information call Kent Savers Credit Union on 0333 321 9050, email [email protected] or visit www.kentsavers.co.uk

Keep your Christmas spending under control


Sweep clean this autumn!As the nights start to draw in make sure your chimneys are swept before lighting an open fire or wood-burning stove as a build-up of soot and ash left over from last winter can lead to the chimney catching fire.

Last year Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) attended 311 chimney fires in Kent and Medway, 23 of which were in the Tunbridge Wells area alone. Many of these incidents could have been

easily avoided if the chimney had been swept.

Follow these simple steps to protect your home and your family from chimney fires:

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year – more frequently if you burn wood

• Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly

• Only burn suitable fuels• Avoid storing items in the roof space close to your

chimney• Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted

as an additional safeguard against the build up of poisonous fumes

• Fit a smoke alarm on each floor of the building, check the batteries weekly and change the batteries every year to ensure they’re still fresh

Find a certified chimney sweep

Check out these websites for more information on chimney fire safety or to find a certified chimney sweep:• Institute of Chimney Sweeps:

www.instituteofchimneysweeps.com • National Association of Chimney Sweeps:

www.nacs.org.uk • Guild of Master Sweeps:

www.guild-of-master-sweeps.co.uk

Make a stand against

NUISANCE MOTORBIKES!Just like in the rest of the country, the inappropriate use of mini-motos – miniature, petrol-driven motorcycles and scooters which can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour – is a growing problem in Sherwood. Used wrongly, mini motos can disturb a community, damage the environment and put people’s safety at risk, and incidents of this are becoming more frequent.

In the last year Tunbridge Wells Police have seized six bikes and given three warnings just in the Sherwood area. But they need the help of residents to stop this problem from getting out of hand.

The legal positionIt is illegal for anyone under 16 to ride a motorbike anywhere except on private land with the landowners permission. As landowner of the woods, Town & Country does not give permission for motorbikes to be ridden here. No-one under 16 should be riding these anywhere in Sherwood. It is also illegal for anyone over 16 to use these bikes on a public road, footpath, public area (the woods, for example) or cycle route unless they are licensed, taxed and insured. If they are being ridden illegally then the Police have the power to seize the bikes and they can be crushed. Offenders can be fined £1,000 and prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act.

The anti-social effectBut riding motorised bikes in this way is not just illegal. It’s also extremely dangerous – especially to the elderly, the very young, and those with mobility problems or pushing buggies. It’s time to make Sherwood safer by taking a stand against this antisocial behaviour and turning the riders in.

Take actionIf you witness this kind of behaviour make a note of the time, location, and a description of the rider and bike. If possible, take a photo with your mobile phone. Then report it to the police on 101.

If you have any information please ring Kent Police on 101, or speak to your local officer PCSO Karl Coomber. All information will be treated as confidential.

SAFETY FIRST!SAFETY FIRST!

find out more... for more information on fire safety contact the community safety team

0800 923 7000 www.3breaths.info


Young carers are children or young people, aged between 5 and 18, who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or a substance misuse problem. Many of the UK’s young carers live without the security and support that most of us would consider priceless. Family circumstances mean that from an early age they are expected to care for someone else. Often this is because parents work long hours, or are victims of domestic violence, depression or substance abuse. Other parents are simply too ill to look after things themselves.

For many, their days start early and end late, if at all – they have little time to themselves or for themselves. When they’re at school they spend their time worrying about what might be happening at home, and in the home they maybe relied on to perform physically, emotionally and mentally demanding tasks that leave them tired and stressed. They carry a burden of responsibility way beyond their young years.

In taking on the practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that an adult would normally do, their experiences may include:

• Physical tiredness, due to lifting or helping their relative or doing lots of housework

• Needing to feed and care for other family members

• Worrying about their parent’s health and future wellbeing

• Having to give medication or helping with personal care such as toileting and bathing

• Having to communicate with services or the authorities on behalf of their parent

• Coping with a parent’s changes in mood, unpredictability or difficulties in parenting

• Not having time for schoolwork or relaxation

Who cares foryoung carers?


• Feelings of embarrassment or shame at having a relative with problems

With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being ‘different’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. They are often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.

While some young carers cope well with caring, especially with the support of other family members, others may find caring for a relative very stressful at times. They might develop depression, anxiety or low self-esteem. They may even feel angry with their relative at times, and then feel guilty for it. And they may feel nobody cares about them.

Support for young carers

There a number of organisations nationally and websites that can offer advice and support to help young carers deal with their own feelings and issues. These include:

www.youngminds.org.ukwww.childrensssociety.org.ukwww.caringalone.org.ukwww.barnados.org.uk

find out more... Young carers, their families, or welfare professionals can contact Kent Young Carers to register a young carer – or to help with fundraising ideas

0300 111 1110 (costs the same to dial as a standard landline number, including from mobiles, but check with your provider first)

[email protected] @KentYoungCarers Kent Young Carers www.kentyoungcarers.org.uk

Help for the young carers of Kent

Kent Young Carers is a new service that operates throughout the county to enable young carers to take a proper break from their caring responsibilities, socialise with others of their own age and situation, and to receive support tailored to their own individual needs and circumstances.

They will be running Chill Clubs – social gatherings where young carers can come together and meet others in similar situations to themselves, share experiences and problems, and have some fun. The Chill Clubs will offer opportunities to take part in cookery, arts and crafts, sports and games – or just to relax and chat.

Young carers can also join in a range of organised events ranging from barbeques to pantomime trips. There are also a number of fun days and day trips planned, as well as the ‘Young Carers Festival’, where young people can enjoy themselves for a while without the worry of their caring responsibilities.

But what is there locally to help the young carers of Sherwood who need support on their doorstep?

• There are more than 175,000 young carers in the UK

• There are 29,000 young carers who care for up to 50 hours a week

• Approximately 13,000 young carers care for more than 50 hours a week

• The average age of a young carer is 12

• More than half of young carers live in one-parent families

• Almost a third of young carers care for someone with mental health problems

• Young carers are more likely to be bullied by their peers

• Young carers are more likely to live in low-income families (Source: Barnardos)


St Philip’s church celebrates an important milestone next year. Ailsa Hemsley looks at how Sherwood’s church has evolved and what’s planned for the future.

Next year, 2014, will be an important year for St Philip’s Church. We celebrate ten years as a parish church serving our local communities, which now comprise Sherwood, Sandown, North Farm, Home Farm and Knight’s Park.

The past ten years have seen incredible growth both in the Church and in the communities we serve, and if newspaper reports of the development of Knight’s Park are to be believed, there is a lot more growth to come. We are pleased to say we are more than ready for the exciting times ahead! We have a new curate, Simon Taylor, who has now completed his training and who took his first communion as a fully-fledged priest at the 8am service on September 15.

We also have a new website – take a look at www.stphiliptunbridgewells.org.uk and let us know what you think!

A look forward and back at a

decade of St Philip’s Church2014 also marks the launch of a new KidzKlub, which will be based at St Philip’s Church, and will offer once-a-week after-school fun and games for our local primary school aged children. Through messy games, competitions (with prizes), pantomime, singing and dancing, the club aims to promote the Christian faith and good citizenship.

As you can see, St Philip’s is not a Church to stand still and let time and its community pass it by! There will be celebrations a-plenty during the year as well as we reach this important milestone in our history. It’ll be a wonderful, happy time, and we’d be delighted if you’d like to join us.

Our history

Those of you with a few years under your belt as residents of, or around, the Birken Road area may be aware that there has been a Church at the current St Philip’s Birken Road site since May 24,

Rev. Simon Taylor


1972. But how many of you remember the Church’s original name?

In 1972 the Church was not known as St Philip’s. When it opened its doors it was called St James’ Church Centre, Sherwood. The new Church was run as a ‘daughter’ Church of St James’ Church and, in fact, was part of a Tunbridge Wells parish called St James with St Philip. The Church didn’t have its own Vicar; it was staffed by a Priest-in-Charge, who reported to a Parish Rector. Perhaps, you might remember one or two of the Priests who have served you? (See box below for some helpful hints!)

As time went on and the Church gained its own congregation and identity in the growing community of Sherwood, as it was then, it increasingly became clear that it would need its own identity. In October 1981, St James’ Church Centre was renamed ‘St Philip the Evangelist’, a name it retains to this day. Between 1985 and 1987 the SPACE Project – St. Philips Action to Care for Everyone – saw extension to the Church building including adding a day centre, kitchen, chapel, offices, meeting rooms and toilets.

As the identity of the Church developed, its status was changed, and in 1997 St Philip’s Church became a Team ministry with St James. The Team ministry was led by a Team Rector, based at St James, with a Team Vicar based at St Philip’s.

The Church continued to develop and in April, 2004 St Philip’s formally set up a Ministry Leadership Team and on August 1, 2004 separate parishes of St Philip the Evangelist, and St James were created. This was a big moment for the church – a real recognition that the area we serve should have its own parish church and that St Philip’s could stand on its own two feet.

The Team Vicar appointed in 1998, Rev. Brian Senior, took over the post of Vicar of St Philip’s in 2004 – a post he is

delighted to take forward into the Church’s second decade. He was joined in 2012 by Rev. Simon Taylor, who, following his ordination in September this year, becomes the latest Priest to join the St Philip’s clergy team.

Our windows

Readers of Your Sherwood magazine may also remember seeing some extensive building work to the front of the Church, taking place in November, 2010. This work has redeveloped the Chancel (roadside front) area. The flat roof of the Chancel has been replaced with an apex roof to allow the incorporation of three stained glass windows and the external cross has been relocated to the wall adjacent to the Chancel.

Completed in February, 2011, this work has completely transformed both the external and internal appearances of the building.

The stained glass windows in the Chancel were designed and made by Isobel Ackary and incorporate ancient symbols for the Trinity into a modern design with each window having a Trinitarian theme.

Each of these windows brings wonderfully uplifting colours and shafts of light into the Church on a sunny day. Why not come and join us one Sunday and see for yourself? Services run each Sunday at 8am and 10am.

Previous ministers of St Philip’s: Who do you remember?

Rev Godfrey Taylor (1964 - 1967) Rev Hugh Craft (1967 - 1970) Rev Brian Cave (1970 - 1972) Rev Alan Kemp (1972 - 1975) Rev Clifford Goble (1975 - 1979) Rev Canon Reg Bartle (1980 - 1983) Rev Stuart Dyas (1983 - 1991) Rev David Abbott (1991 - 1997)


Improving your environment..........Plans are afoot for Doorstep Green and the grass verges alongside Oak Road. The popular play area and the adjacent road are set for some upgrading.

Kent High Weald Partnership carried out a consultation last month about what local people would like to see. The plans are to replant the circular planters at Doorstep Green that are now past their best and also introduce natural play areas – the idea being that a tree that has been removed from Dunorlan Park could be used at Doorstep Green to create these play areas.

There are also proposals to introduce wild flowers along the Oak Road verge to make the area look visually more enticing.

Further along Oak Road, on the corner with Sandhurst Road, the plot of green land there is also being looked at. However this will take a little more time, because of the slope of the bank.

We hope to give you more news on these projects in the next issue of Your Sherwood.

In the meantime if you know of any other ‘grot spots’ in Sherwood that you would like to see improved please let us know!

Bring the Happy to Sherwood!Our photo shows local resident Jenny Bays sharing her memories of Sherwood as part of the ‘Bring the Happy’ project.

The project is an ongoing national project about happiness, at the heart of it is an attempt to map the moments and memories of happiness of the UK and beyond. If you have any happy memories in Sherwood you want to share you can still do so.

Go to www.invisibleflock.co.uk/bringthehappy and click on the map tab. Find the location where your happy memory occurred and add it!

Access All Areas!A partnership project between a number of agencies will provide IT skills and pre-employment support to up to 400 local residents in Sherwood.

Access All Areas sees Town & Country Foundation, Working Futures, Counselling First, St Phillip’s Church and St Gregory’s School working together to deliver weekly two hour training sessions.

Six students from St Gregory’s School will provide ICT training, Working Futures will offer pre-employment advice and Counselling First will focus on building self confidence and dealing with any mental health concerns or issues.

The sessions have been put on following feedback from local residents who participated on Working Future’s programmes.

The Access All Areas sessions take place every Wednesday from 12noon to 2pm at St Philip’s Church. They are open to anyone to attend, so if you want to find out more just turn up on the day!

contact... Steve Mandaluff at Town & Country

01892 501446 [email protected]


Profile on…

John is a familiar face to everyone in Sherwood, which is not surprising as he has lived on the estate for 45 years!John has tried his hand at a few different jobs over the years. After spending three years in the Army from 17 he worked on building sites until, in 1970, he went to work at the Great Hall Club in Tunbridge Wells. The club had a snooker hall where he regularly saw some of the top snooker players of the time.

In 1973 he went to work at Pembury Hospital as a cleaner. Whilst there the Hospital started up its own social club. Using the experience he’d gained at the Great Hall Club John swapped cleaning for running the Pembury Club.After six years at Pembury Hospital John left to work as an assistant manager of a hospital in North London, dealing with a budget of £1.4million. He then worked as a caretaker at Sussex Road School in Tonbridge for nine years before retiring in 1992.

John’s hard work has seen him take the Sherwood Leisure Group from strength to strength since starting it in 1998. He is the Group’s Chairman and its membership has grown from 15 to 60 people in his time there. They meet every Wednesday and Friday.

John is also a member of TN2 Community Trust as well as doing much more in the local area.

What is the best thing about Sherwood?There is a real diversity of people that live here and it is the people that make it a special place.What is the best advice you have received and who gave it?Not a specific piece of advice but Kevin Lynes (the local councillor), was a wonderful guy who called a spade a spade. He offered me plenty of good advice. What is the best ‘advice for life’ you would pass on to your children/grandchildren/future generations?To understand and appreciate that everyone is different and make an effort to get on with the people you live with in the area you live in.What aspect of ‘the old days’ would you like to see brought back again now?

It is a cliché, but you used to be able to leave your door open and not worry about it, which I miss!

What has been your greatest achievement and/or proudest moment?Building the Sherwood Leisure Group up from scratch almost, and making it as popular as it is now.What is the trait you most dislike in others?When people are nice to your face, but then talk about you behind your back. Thankfully this is something I don’t often encounter much in Sherwood, but it did happen a lot when I was in the army.

What is the trait you most dislike about yourself?Maybe sometimes I have a tendency to think I know more than I really do!

What has been your most embarrassing moment?I have lots of embarrassing moments, but I generally get most embarrassed when I am thanked for something I have done to help the area.What would you buy if you won the lottery?I would make sure my family were looked after and then take a trip to the Grand Canyon in America, which I have always wanted to visit.What was the first song/record bought? When and where did you buy it? How much did it cost?I bought ‘Rock Around the Clock’ by Bill Haley and the Comets in Camden Road for about 10 shillings!Where would you most like to live in the world?America or Jamaica, but I am very happy where I am!

John Beadle

If you would like to suggest someone we could profile in the next issue please email [email protected] or call Steve Mandaluff on 01892 501446

WWW.SHERWOODPLAN.COMYOUR SHERWOOD is brought to you by the Sherwood Plan partners: Town & Country Housing Group, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council; the agencies leading on key themes – K College, Kent High Weald Partnership, and the Primary Care Trust and the Team Sherwood resident representatives who we thank for their time and enthusiasm.

Desi

gned

by

writ

emes

sage

.co.

uk a

nd sa

ndst

onec

reat

ive.

com

Regular eventsTuesdays 2pm to 4pm TN2 Library

Work Club If you are looking for work why not take advantage of free access to computers and the internet for job searching. And borrow books that can help you in your search for work

Tuesdays 10am to 10.30am TN2 Centre

Baby Bounce and Rhyme A fun way to help your baby or toddler (aged under 3 years) develop a love of language. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and includes the opportunity to join in with nursery rhymes and action songs

Alternate Tuesdays12noon to 2pm TN2 Centre

CAB surgeries Get free, independent and confidential advice from a trained advisor. Call 01892 533 880 for exact dates

Tuesdays (term time only)5.30pm to 8pm TN2 Centre

TN2 Youth Group If you are 11 to 17 come along for sports, board games and arts and craft

Wednesdays 9am to 11.30am St Philip’s Church

Cyber Cafe Improve your IT ability with a free cyber café. A crèche is also available

Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.30pm TN2 Centre

Housing Surgery Turn up to discuss any tenancy related issues you may have with your Housing Manager. No appointment necessary

Third Wednesday of event month 12.30pm to 2.30pm Little Forest Children’s Centre

Kinship Carers Support Group The group provides help for those raising children in their families that are not their own, due to the actual parents being unable to do this themselves. Come along for a chat and support

Thursdays 2pm to 3pm TN2 Centre

Hop, Skip and Jump The Hop, Skip and Jump sessions are great fun and use resources such as parachutes, trampolines, slides and rockers, tunnels and tents, etc. They are for children between 0 and 5

First and third Thursdays of the month 7.15pm to 8.45pm TN2 Centre

Socialize discos For adults with disabilities and take place on the first and third Thursday of each month. The dates for the next discos are: 17 October, 7 November, 21 November and 5 December. £3.50

Alternate Saturdays11am to 4pm TN2 Centre

Lakewood Community Market and Bootfair Local products, hand made items, face painting and computer advice are all on offer

Second Saturday of each month 12noon and 2pm St Phillips Church

‘Ladies of a certain age’ This group of ladies over 50 meet to share a spot of lunch and some spiritual discussions

Sundays 11am to 1pmTrebilco Close herb garden

Help at the herb garden! Help look after the community herb garden at the bottom of Trebilco Close – new volunteers always welcome!

Special datesThursday 10 October, 10am to 3pm

Willow coppicing and rhododendron clearance at Sherwood Woods and Lake

Thursday 24 October, 6pm to 8pm

YMCA Open Evening at TN2 Community Centre, all welcome

Friday 1 November 10am to 12pm

Wild at Art, Sherwood Woods and Lake Draw on your natural surroundings, and make some wonderful woodland art! A fun and family-friendly session for all

Saturday 2 November Edenbridge Firework Display and Guy Fawkes Night

Saturday 2 November 7pm Tunbridge Wells Firework Display Dunorlan Park

Thursday 7 November, 10am to 3pm

Help the KHWP whip the barley sausages out of Sherwood Lake

Saturday 16 November 10am to 12pm

Wild Cooking, Sherwood Woods and Lake Learn how to make a meal of your surroundings. All food will be provided for this fun and informative family-friendly session

Thursday 28 November & Thursday 12 December, 10am to 3pm

Path restoration within the historic grounds of Sherwood Park

Wednesday 18 December, 10am to 3pm

Christmas Crafts, Sherwood Woods and Lake Make Christmas wreaths out of natural materials gathered from the woods. Join from 10am for the practical task or from 1pm just to weave a wreath of your own!

Thursday 9 January & Thursday 23 January, 10am to 3pm

Path restoration within the historic grounds of Sherwood Park

Dates for your diaryA

LL E

VEN

TS A

RE F

REE

UN

LESS

STA

TED

Documents

Your Sherwood October 2013