“Some sort of periodical is an essential life-line in a village such as ours”

Welcome to West Farleigh’s own

LIFELINE
The village has come back to life! It’s great to get out again!

The Village Picnic

Refreshments after the Treasure Hunt Celebrating 40 years of Evergreens

Distributed freely in October 2021 Edition 537 Editors: Stephen Norman Helen Swan and Jacky Taylor
Website: www.thefarleighs.co.uk Email: editor@thefarleighs.co.uk
Deadline for the next issue is 20th October 2021

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 The

The Farleighs WI
Presents

A Musical Sing Along

Fish and Chip supper

Saturday 16th October

7pm-10.30pm

Bring your own drinks and glasses

Everyone welcome

Regular Meal £12

Small meal £10

Contact Thefarleighs@wkfwi.org.uk for tickets

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PASTORAL LETTER by Becky Parnham

This October it feels a bit like we’re playing a waiting game – our country has
begun to return to a more regular pattern of life, there are no longer restrictions
on meeting and visiting friends and family; schools are returning to a more usual
pattern of education; clubs and activities are re-opening but we’re all holding our
breath to see if it remains this way or whether everything will need to come to a
halt again.

It is quite possible that this October school holiday will give us a clear indicator as
to how robust the current situation is and whether there will need to be closures or restrictions on our movements
again.

There is a feeling of fragility to our interactions that didn’t exist before the pandemic, that feeling that life can
change in an instant in ways that we have no control over. As this feeling arises from a place of fear it is easy for us
to become inward looking, thinking only about how things are affecting us and what we want to do. It takes courage
to look out from our personal situations and emotions to see what is going on around us, to see how our neighbours
are affected by our actions and to think about what we are doing to benefit others.

Personally, I have held onto the anchor of my faith in an unchanging God who knows how difficult it is to be human
because they’ve walked in our shoes. No matter what chaos and tumult is going on in life around us there is still this
one thing that never changes – God’s love for us, no matter who we are and what we do.

So while we wait to see what, if any, further disruption this pandemic will bring to our lives we can step out daily
knowing that somethings hold firm no matter what happens and that even when we feel fear we can find courage to
look outside ourselves if our anchor is true.

Little Angels is back, starting on Fridays, 1pm to 2.30pm. All parents/childminders with children under
school age welcome! Phone Becky on 07949 646865.
All Saints Services
9.30am on October 10th Harvest Festival with David Jones
9.30am on October 23rd Morning Worship with Lorna Faulkner

Remembering Sunday – October 31st 2021 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, All Saint’s West Farleigh will be open
for people to come and to remember and to light a candle. Invitations will be sent to those relatives
whose families we have details of and if anyone else would like to come or would like their relatives or
friends name listed would they please contact Rev David Jones 01622 741474
or davidjones.coxheath@gmail.com by Thursday October 28th at the latest please.

HARVEST SUPPER
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Delicious food, donations Bar, Raffle

Music by Pete and Co

Tickets (£15) from Sue 07429 491022

West Farleigh’s Social event of the year! Not to be missed!

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WEST FARLEIGH IN BLOOM:

The Bloom group are very happy this month. Not

only were we able to award the prizes to our
winners of the tallest sunflower competition - a
highly prized trophy and a big box of chocolates,
but we also found out our results of the Village
and Churchyard competition.
The wonderful picture of our winners with their
gigantic sunflower display includes Poppy Oscar
Zack and Tilly. Congratulations again to them.

Our Bloom judge this year was Nick Hagon who

had very complimentary words to say about West
Farleigh, "A picturesque rural village on the River
Medway with magnificent views across the valley,
impressive buildings, scenic features, delightful
walks, historic properties and well-informed
interpretation boards for the visitor are located at
several points of the village. There is evidence of a shared desire and determination to improve the village
appearance and encourage others to participate in various activities such as litter picking and planting."
One of his main feedback points was regarding the trees on the village green which needed a little more
'tender loving care' as they had outgrown their stakes and needed the grass removed from underneath
their bases. He also suggested some possible additional nature friendly trees such as a crab apple.
In the Churchyard he praised the poppies in the war graves, the wildflowers and the new grass cutting
regime but suggested a more suitable place for the large compost heap at the rear.

The results were a very warmly received Silver Gilt for the Village and also a Silver Gilt for the churchyard.
Thank-you to everyone who helped along the way.
MANY THANKS TO THE TREASURE HUNTERS

Despite the threat of rain, the weather was kind to us on Sunday and I believe an enjoyable afternoon was had by
everyone who took part in the car rally. The sum of £370.10 was raised for All Saints Church, and there was an
abundance of donations of food and toiletries for MADM - which will go to those in need in and around Maidstone.

A big thank you must go to everyone who took part, from the car parking marshals, the raffle ticket sellers and
folders, those who donated cakes and prizes, those who served refreshments and created a warm welcome in the
church upon our return, and of course Sue O’Donnell for her invaluable help. Finally, thank you to everyone who
gave up their Sunday afternoon to take part in the rally.

When marking the answers, it became obvious that the children taking part were the most observant! Most of the
adults failed to see the green chicken on the church noticeboard at the very start of the rally! However, most rose to
the occasion and took a variety of ‘selfies’ in different poses to gain extra points – some of which will be put on the
website.

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REPORTS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

SPORTS REPORTS:
Football:
Our 1st XI started with a cracking victory over Bearsted 3-0, this was followed up the
following week with a 3-1 win in the Cup versus Locomotive (Canterbury). However, we
came unstuck against early leaders, Minster, going down 3-1. We suffered another defeat
against Cinque Ports 2-1, losing with the last kick of the game! A similar story when we
played Staplehurst, we were 1-0 down for most of the game, then we scored two late goals,
only for Staplehurst to score again, with the last kick, drawing 2-2. Our 1st XI ended this month with a much-
needed morale boost, blasting Deal Rangers in a thrilling 6-3 victory.
Meanwhile our 2nd XI started with a fine victory over Ightham 2-1, but we were brought down to earth the
following week losing 5-0 to Halls Utd Finally this month we went down 3-1 away to Roseholme.

Cricket:
Our season is almost at a close for another year. Over all it has been a good campaign.
Farleigh were the only team in the league not to call off a fixture due to the weather! Well
done to all concerned and especially to our long standing and hard -working Groundsman,
Tony Williams, for his work on the square.
Last months results, for our 1st XI, a defeat versus Horton Kirby, beating Wytherham and
finally losing to Pembury. While our 2nd XI lost to Locksbottom and our in final league match, we beat
Horsmonden. Our fixture away to Hadlow was cancelled. We lost our friendly against Oxley. And we lost by
only 9 runs against Teston. The last fixture to be played, away to Rolvenden, is on the 25th.

Netball:
Our girls start their new winter season on the 21st September. Good Luck to all
concerned. Hopefully a successful and enjoyable season lies ahead.

Ton Up Club. Our lucky ton-up winners last month were:

28 Joe Pollard £30 150 Keith Dalton £20 3 Dom Cross £10

FIREWORK/BONFIRE PARTY

FRIDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

ELMSCROFT PARK CHARLTON LANE

Tickets now available on line (www.westfarleighsportsclub.com)

ADULT £10 CHILDREN £5 FAMILY TICKET 2 ADULTS +3 CHILDREN £25

Please book early as numbers are limited and no sales can be made on the night.

PS If you have any wood/timber we could have for the bonfire, let us know.
We can collect.

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 EVERGREENS
The Evergreens celebrated 40 years, with afternoon tea in the church. The closest they
could get to the original venue, Court Lodge, which was the home of Sue and Philip
Morlock. Marion Greensill played the organ to add atmosphere and make the
afternoon special.
The Evergreens meet on the 2nd Tuesday for afternoon tea and 4th Tuesday for lunch.
If you would like to join them, as a member, helper, or driver, ring Helen 814445.
Next Meeting 12th October in The Farleighs WI Hall.

Our Members and Visitors enjoyed a relaxing art demonstration at our

September meeting, when artist Allen Colledge shared hints and tips on
Watercolour painting inspiring future budding artists.
We also held a Macmillan Coffee morning in the hall, to raise money for
this worth-while cause.
On Wednesday 29th September we have an Open Evening -6:30pm – our
speaker will be enlightening us on The Mysteries of Crop Circles. This meeting is open to everyone so
come along bring your partner or friend and enjoy the talk with refreshments for £3 for members and £5
guests.

We have a Sing along with Fish and Chip Supper planned for October 16th October – if you would like to
come along, please contact TheFarleighs@wkfwi.org.uk for tickets.

Next Month is our annual competition evening when members

have the chance to display their talents in Baking, craft,
photography, floristry and verse. The overall winner gets to keep
the coveted plaque for a year. It’s not compulsory to take part
and you can just come along for a friendly chatter and catch up
on the news.
If you would like to make new friends, learn something different
or want to know more, then come along and see if the W.I is for
you. Contact TheFarleighs@wkfwi.org.uk for further details. Diane Scott – President

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Page 7 of 12
FARLEIGH FEATHERS by Ray Morris

THE PURPLE WORLD OF THE BLACKCAP

September and October is the peak period for blackcaps passing through
gardens and along straggly hedgerows – which landowners will hopefully leave
intact for as long as possible so the birds and insects can make full use of the
food they contain. How do I know this? Well, I could refer to the scientists at the
BTO who spend their time studying birds but, as we all know, we’re tired of
experts. It’s easier to observe that other icon of modern Britain, the shiny car on the drive – or even the
washing line.Just as the scientists now track the movements of birds in much the same way Tesco tracks its
trollies, by fitting them with a tag that is picked up by a receiver as they fly over it on key migration routes,
savvy non-expert Brits can track them by searching the droppings on their car for the tell-tale purple
deposits of blackcaps. This species is now one of our commonest summer birds, their loud song provides
the background to spring’s dawn chorus and continues into mid-summer as they have several broods when
breeding conditions are good.
They are also migrants. For eons they have bred in northern
and central Europe taking advantage of the longer daylight
hours to gather their insect prey, migrating back to the
Mediterranean climate of Iberia and north Africa for the winter.
However, some of them now stay in Britain for winter (climate
warming) and some of the central European population too
now come here to take a chance on our increasingly mild
climate and the abundance of food available during short
winter days (garden bird feeders).
This avian commuting is fuelled by berries – principally elder
and bramble – hence their dependence on untidy hedges and
patches of scrub. When these are exhausted the inconspicuous,
but hugely important for wildlife, ivy berries come into their
own.

So why not take a break from regular car-washing, strictly in the

interests of science of course, by allowing the droppings to
accumulate. Sit back, relax, then check on the proportion of purple amongst them. The Farleighs’ own
Archimedes – but in an armchair, not a bath.

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 LOCAL TRADES LISTINGS (neighbours who can help you)

Business
Business name service Website Contact name Phone no email
Firefly Payroll
Services Payroll www.fireflypayroll.com Jason Hart 01622 934110 enquiries@fireflypayroll.com
Professional
and affordable
No Muck'in cleaning
About services Sarah Dunn 07885 634559 nomuckinabout@outlook.com
Heathside
Electrical Electrical www.heathsideelectrical.co.uk Sam Sephton 07976 895001 heathsideelectrical@gmail.com
Bespoke
SF Carpentry & carpentry and
Joinery joinery www.sfcarpentryandjoinery.co.uk Spencer 07710 477570 sfcarpentry@mac.com
Plumbing &
Heating
D. Ward services Darren Ward 07973 314266 darren@dward.biz
01622 842481 or
Pest Purge Pest Control www.pestpurge.co.uk Richard Lee 07758 615101 richard@pestpurge.co.uk
Top Dog Fencing and
fencing Gates Sam Morton 07709 530166 Topdogmaintenance@icloud.com
Castle Portable
Loo Hire Ltd Events http://www.castleportableloohire.co.uk/ Steve Millsom 07990 606067 castleplh@gmail.com

Contact space@thefarleighs.co.uk to list your trade

Any more news about the Spitfire?

Over the past 4 months, we've been covering the search for Frank Cale's plane by the Battle of Britain
museum. Now on www.thefarleigh.co.uk you will find a number of fascinating documents unearthed by
Brian Cushing during this search, and a fictional but gripping account of that fateful day in August 1940
when Frank Cale was shot down over the Medway. The fictional account is not for the faint hearted!!

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 What is on the Horizon?

Photo courtesy of Candy Martin

Dates for your diary

Wed 29th Sept 6.30 WI Open evening: The Mysteries of Crop Circles. This meeting is open to
everyone so come along bring your partner or friend and enjoy the talk with
refreshments for £3 for members and £5 guests.
Sat 9th Oct 7pm Harvest Supper £15. See page 3 for more details.
Sun 10th 9.30am Harvest Festival. Non-perishable food stuffs for MADM
Everyone is welcome.
Sat 16th Oct Sing-a-Long with Fish and chip supper See page 2
Sun 31st Oct 2.30-4.30 Remembering Sunday in church. See page three
Fri 5th Nov Sports Club Firework/Bonfire Party Elmscroft Park

DANDELION TIME NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children?

Are you looking to give something back to your local Community?
Then come and volunteer for us at Dandelion Time!
We are now looking to recruit the following roles for Autumn 2021.
Volunteer Support Worker.
Volunteer Kitchen Support Workers.
• Volunteer Shop Assistants to help in Dandelion Time’s NEW charity shop in Maidstone

MINIMUM OF 5 HOURS A WEEK

For more information have a look at our website: www.dandeliontime.org.uk,
or call Caroline Fish, Volunteer Coordinator on 01622 814001

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IN THE GARDEN by Sara Cushing
This last month has really shown we're moving into Autumn now. Though we have some beautiful
warm days still, the evenings and mornings are getting colder, and it seems to be a final push on
getting the last flowers out of the Summer bedding while lovely Autumnal plants like Echinacea,
Chrysanthemum and Aster are coming through, which will give zingy
colours for the next few weeks. These can be lifted and the clumps split,
once they've flowered, and put in other parts of the garden.
Dahlia and Canna will still give flower and structure in a garden through to the first frosts, but I
would recommend lifting the tubers once the frosts have hit, because you get a better start on
them for next year. Once lifted, shake off as much soil as you can, then store upside down to dry.
Pack in a box and cover with dry compost and store in a dry, frost-free space til March. Or you can
cover with a thick layer of mulch and hope we don't get a very wet winter, in which case, they can
rot in a poorly drained soil.
Which leads me nicely to mulch! At this time of year, the one thing we have huge amounts of are
leaves. If these can be collected and bagged, and left for six months, the ensuing leaf mould makes
Echinacea Purpurea
a fab mulch. Applied as a thick layer to your borders, this will suppress annual weeds and breaks up
awful soils when dug in.
Roses need to be cut back to half, and any shoots that are weak and spindly, or growing into the middle
of the shrub need to be removed. Be brave! Autumn winds will unsettle roses, leading to Wind Rock
which can destabilise the plant. If you continue spraying with an anti-fungicide treatment throughout
winter, and clear any affected leaves, it should help any outbreaks of blackspot next year. I use Sulphur
Rose, because it doesn't affect pollinators. And we love our bees!
This month is the month I plant tulips! My favourite last year was Yellow
Valery, a frilled vibrant yellow and looking to pair this with a tangerine
colour called Shogun this year. Looking forward to Spring already.
The last of the annual seeds can be collected and stored in envelopes. And
labelled! My absolute downfall. Shogun
And in the veg patch, garlic and onion sets can be planted and you can get a
great start on next year by planting broad beans, Aquadulce Claudia is a very reliable Autumn-sown
variety which produces long pods of white beans.
Clear any areas and sow green manures such as Alfalfa. These will grow over the next two-three
Yellow Valery
months and can be dug into the soil to increase nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential for all
plants!

Happy Autumn gardening!

NEW FARLEIGHMEN

Alex and William Norman, of Elmscroft, with baby,

Lucas Joseph Easterbrook Norman.
Zoe and Jon Fenlon, of Garden
Born 6.8.21 weighing 7lb 13 oz. Cottage Smiths Hall, with baby
Neo.
Born 8.7.21, weighing 6lbs 3 oz.

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