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LIFELINe
Distributed freely in November 2019 Edition no 516
Editors: Stephen Norman, Helen Swan and Jacky Taylor
Website: www.thefarleighs.co.uk Email: editor@thefarleighs.co.uk Upcoming Events:
See back page
Pastoral newsletter…. 2
Village in Bloom……… 3
The Detectorist ……... 4
In the Garden…………5
Farleigh Feathers ….… 6
Organisations……….. 7
Events…………………. 8
The trip itself was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, both physically
and mentally. I met some incredible people and were lucky enough to experience Do look at our website
some once-in-a-lifetime moments, including a surprising helicopter ride back to and look at weekly
Kathmandu, but that’s another story altogether! activities.
PS. More about my trip coming on the website if you that are interested. You will be amazed what
goes on.
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PASTORAL LETTER
Dear Friends
Well, here we are almost at the close of another year. November is the last month
of Autumn and we will soon move on to winter. I have to say I am one of those
people who really loves the season of Autumn. The landscape takes on those
beautiful autumnal colours, red, brown and orange. I love the crisp sound of
walking on the frosty and fallen leaves, the nights drawing in rapidly and the call of
a warm fire to snuggle up to.
Of course there are things that we leave behind until 2020. The warm sun on our
backs, the beauty of the emerging flowers in spring, the trees filling out as their new
growth turns skinny branches into well rounded foliage and the cool summer
evenings to sit and enjoy a well earned refreshing drink.
I know that as I look at the changing seasons I am in awe of their diversity, their beauty and the pleasure that each
can bring. I am also in awe of the hand of the creator who planned in detail the changing seasons, each necessary
for sustaining the planet and indeed all living things.
Traditionally November is the time we tend to look back and remember, which is important. Our memories and
experiences are part of not only our past, but also who we are today. This November may I suggest we spend some
time, not only remembering and looking back, but also spend some time appreciating our present, savouring each
day and look for the signs of beauty that surround us. Yes we need to look back, but watch out that you don’t blink
and miss the blessings and beauty of the present given by God daily to us.
HARVEST SUPPER
There was an excellent buffet supper, including a whole enormous salmon! A donations bar, serving quality wine,
no wonder there was a great atmosphere, In the church.
Entertainment was provided by Pete and Co, always enjoyable. A London themed sing song was appreciated,
judging by the singing and applause.
The Tickled Trout kindly donated a token for a meal for 2, which was won by Ann Ayears. We are grateful for their
support. A big thank you to all those who donated Raffle prizes and brought along gifts of dry food for MADM
(Making a Difference in Maidstone) which runs a food bank.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
On Sunday 10th November we will be holding a service of Remembrance in the church. Village
organisations will lay wreaths at the War Memorial in the Church. Everyone is welcome. Do come
along and share in 2 minutes silence to respect and thank those who lost their lives. The Service will
be led by Laura Faulkner, our new curate, assisted by Hugh Grainger.
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HERE’S HOPE FOR THE FUTURE!
Meet Hope Ann Morley, a sister for Isaac. Hope was very keen to come into this
world, a very speedy delivery meant there was not time for planned childcare to
arrive, (Isaac was passed over the fence to Sarah next door!) She weighed in at
6lbs 9 oz.
Clare and Ian chose Ann as a middle name as it has many family connections.
Congratulations to Clare and Ian of Charlton Lane.
If you have a new arrival, or have recently moved into the village and would
like to be introduced, Email the editors.
Jungle drums not always reliable!!
The West Farleigh in Bloom team have been hard at work over the past month in preparation for next
year’s competition. With 2 silver medals this year our hopes of further success are high in 2020.
At the start of the month we worked on the triangle at the bottom of Ewell Lane. A new planter
underneath the road sign was filled with Skimmia and ornamental grasses and the middle section dug
over in preparation for wild flowers. The area does look much neater, however a car has already driven right across
it. This is a regular occurrence but we will keep on trying.
We also had a working party on the bank next to Goulston bungalows that leads down to the Hollow. It was
thoroughly weeded and planted up with daffodils for spring. We would like to add some shrubs there too for all
yearround interest. At the same time, we planted many more daffodils by the bus stop and around the village
noticeboard. We look forward to the colour these will bring next year.
Both the bank by Goulston Bungalows and the Daffodil planting round the bus stop and notice board were ideas
sent us to by neighbours in the village. If anyone else has any ideas for us please do let us know via the email
address 'Bloom@TheFarleighs.co.uk'. We would especially like to plant some fruit trees but would appreciate
suggestions where!
To keep up to date with our progress do 'like' TheFarleighs on Facebook where we always post pictures and
progress updates.
The next meeting is at 7:30pm on 30th October at the Good Intent. Please do come along and join us
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FARLEIGHS DETECTORISTS
News:
Registration: We have applied to the National Council for Metal Detecting to register
The Farleighs Detectorists as an affiliate member of the council. This puts us on the
map, hopefully encourages new members and ensures that our members abide by
the organisations code of conduct.
Helpline
A detecting friend of mine contacted me late one night with a very distressing tale. “Hi, I need your advice on a
serious problem, I’ve suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs: If the
phone rings and I answer, the caller hangs up. She goes out with ‘the girls’ a lot, and lets me go detecting whenever I
want. I try to stay awake to look out for her when she comes home, but I usually fall asleep. Anyway, last night about
midnight, I hid in the garage behind the car. When she came home, she got out of someone’s motor, adjusted her
dress and proceeded to walk nonchalantly to the front door. It was at that moment, crouched behind the car and in
amongst my detectors, that I noticed a hairline crack in the detectors coil. Is that something I can weld with some
kind of Epoxy resin, or do I need to replace the whole unit? Please advise.”
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THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN by Jon Fenlon
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FARLEIGH FEATHERS by Ray Morris
What would HE have done about the birds?
In the wake of the recently published State of Nature 2019 report – a summary of how
wildlife is faring on our island, and one that shows a continuing decline – I decided to
look at my own records for my garden birdwatching. Although I’ve lived in The
Farleighs thirty-seven years it was only on retirement that I found the time to keep
regular records, so I compared totals from the last three months in 2019 with the same
months in 2012.
To my surprise, the numbers of species recorded were identical: thirty. But closer
examination revealed small changes, and reflected those in the national report.
I no longer see spotted flycatchers making their circular, loop-the-loop forays to catch insects from my garden
trees; being long-distance migrants their numbers have dropped catastrophically as a result of a warming climate
(they can’t evolve fast enough to cope with the changing weather patterns) and lack of insects (overuse of
chemical insecticides is largely to blame). Sadly, there is a strong likelihood of their imminent extinction in the UK.
On the other hand, there has been an increase in predators recorded: kestrels, for example, normally associated
with open fields and motorway verges, and the woodland specialist sparrowhawk, while still declining nationally
are coming to my garden more frequently. But is this because gardens support more birds for the predators to
hunt than the countryside? For some species, such as goldfinch, there is clear evidence that garden feeding has
helped their population increase and I rarely record fewer than four individuals at a time on my feeder.
But, overall, the consensus is that we are now rapidly changing our climate and destroying the natural
environment on which humans depend. We
aren’t destroying the planet of course, it will
continue spinning through space whatever
happens – it’s just that we won’t be on it!
Had He been alive today, would Jesus have
joined the group of The Farleighs villagers at
the Extinction Rebellion protests? It seems He
wasn’t one to shy away from controversial
action where moneylenders and tax collectors
were concerned, so would He also be rebelling
against the destruction of His creation by
inconveniencing their modern day equivalents
in Westminster and The City.
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PS. See the SPECIAL FEATURE ON www.thefarleighs.co.uk for the complete article about DOG POO!
The October meeting was very hectic but enjoyable. We had a competition for the members,
we gave them 5 categories: poem, cakes, flowers, knitted chicks and something unusual, we
were overwhelmed with the turnout. Whilst the produce was being judged we had arranged
for tables to put out for the members to make Christmas crafts. There was a buzz in the hall
that night with everyone enjoying the evening. Our winner of the shield was Linda Bolton and
photo has been put on our Facebook page. Please visit our Facebook page W.I. Farleighs and
see what is happening. We had our Macmillan Coffee Morning and made £302.50 thank you
to all who came along to make it a success. If anyone wishes to join us please come along on the second
Wednesday in the month to the W.I. Hall in Forge Lane, East Farleigh at about 7.15, We will make you very welcome.
EVERGREENS We had lunch at the Sage and Thyme café at Kenward House. We were
given a warm welcome and they had set up one of their beautiful meeting rooms for us.
Great décor and a fantastic view towards the Medway, although not visible!
We were to have a light lunch, or that is what we thought. Members had a choice of Jacket
potatoes, with a vast selection of toppings. Also, on offer were sandwiches plain or
toasted, with salad and crisps. Some of us chose a salad thinking it would be the lightest
option. The portions were very generous-too much for some! Members enjoyed browsing round the shop and
many came away with “bargains”. If you have not been we recommend it.
We have also had Peter Callway, our rector, who came along with many artefacts from Biblical times. He uses
photos of the Holy Land and references to Bible stories to add history to his coins and pottery artefacts. Mostly
genuine, but he lit a reproduction Roman oil lamp for demonstration. He was very entertaining and his talk was
much enjoyed as was the afternoon tea which followed.
We will be enjoying Afternoon tea on the 12th November and a luncheon the 26th. The charity which raises money
for school in Gambia will be coming along to tell us about their work and bringing along their trade store. Your
Christmas shopping starts here!
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any more members at present. But, if you would like to go on a waiting list,
phone Terry 814561 or Helen 814445
NETBALL:
Our new Farleigh Swifts have continued to compete in every game so far this season picking up at least a
point in every game. Last months results were two defeats, one draw and our first ever win.
Yours in Sport
Tel (815267)
PS. If anyone has spare timber/wood you don’t want, I hope to build the BEST bonfire this year. Give me a ring!
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LITTER PICKING Sunday 3rd November – come and join us!
Meet on the Green at 9am . Bacon butties and coffee at 10am.
All equipment provided. If you have not been before, do go and join them, they are an
interesting bunch.
The village is very grateful for all that they do to keep our very special village clean and tidy.
VILLAGE EVENTS
Friday Nov 1st Village Fireworks Party organised by the West Farleigh Sports Club
Gates open 6pm Fab fireworks, bonfire, extensive refreshments and entertainments.
Sat Dec 21st The Promise and the Gift contemporary worship for Christmas 6.45 West Farleigh Church
editor@thefarleighs.co.uk
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