So we go into week 11 of lockdown, albeit with some easing. I hope everybody in the
village is still well and not too frustrated with confinement … although there must be a
lot worse places to be confined when the weather is like this!
A big thank you to everybody who has been helping neighbours and keeping our community together – makes it a special place to live.
So another shortened update rather than a Hamlet – please get in touch if anybody has problems.
Alec Pelmore
Diary dates
Virtual Pub Quiz (via Zoom)
Monday 1 June 8pm
There will be another informal virtual quiz Monday 1 June at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to join; it’s just for fun! You need to bring five general knowledge questions and click on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84053740627
Fete update
The fete was scheduled for 30 June but I’m guessing it will have to be postponed.
However, I suspect few of us will be going away in July/August and since it takes very little preparation and organising, we can make a decision to hold it at very short notice.
So I am planning that we try to have some sort of fete gathering in July or August – watch this space.
Community News
Village Sign
Our village sign and seat (erected for the millennium) are in need of repair; the sign has been rivalling the leaning tower of Pisa since soon after it was installed but is set in a large lump of concrete – so it may all need to be removed so we can start again – anybody have access to a digger that can lift it out?
Golden Green 250 Club Lottery
All prizes £25
February 2020
Alexander Charnock
Howard Rogers
Katie Dale
March 2020
Julian Hill
Brian Randall
Rachel Dale
Bye, bye Comfort
We’ve bid a fond farewell to Comfort the bear and partner-in-crime Tig(g)er, whose antics have been keeping us amused for the past 55 locked-down days. Victoria Road resident Heidi Cummings has been brilliantly inventive in devising daily scenarios for the pair. For those missing their regular soaps, Comfort has been a worthy substitute – having been rescued from a ‘fire’, ridden on a tractor, litter picked, protested and even had a whirlwind wedding. Comfort was named in last month’s Facebook competition, and was so called because s/he has provided comfort for many in these worrying times. We’ll miss you, Comfort, but Heidi assures us there’ll be occasional appearances for the fans, so hopefully ‘we’ll meet again’ (we can ‘bearly’ wait).
Julian Hill
We have to report the sad passing of Julian Hill – a wonderful man who will be sorely missed.
Buddy System
If you’re part of the Hadlow Community Voluntary Assistance Scheme (“Buddy scheme”), please let your buddy know that it finishes this month, although volunteers can continue to provide assistance if they wish on an unofficial basis. A heartfelt thanks from Hadlow PC to all who volunteered for the scheme.
If you need help, please contact:
Tonbridge and Malling Community Hub (01732 876152) – Register for support including food parcels and befriending.
Kent Together (03000 41 92 92) – 24-hour Kent County Council helpline for vulnerable people who need urgent help, supplies or medication.
East Peckham’s Lockdown Dinners
Local chef David Marsaud is serving up his final home-delivery meal on Wednesday 3 June – fish pie. Order via his Facebook page.
Hadlow Hospital Transport Service
This is still being run by Mike Harvey to take residents of Hadlow & Golden Green who
need help to get to clinic appointments. Tel 01732 851881, mob 07464 548448.
Further advice
COVID-19 Scam Advice
Be aware of the various ways that criminals can target you, exploiting your fears about Coronavirus. Watch this video from KCC Trading Standards Safeguarding Officer: or visit KCC’s Public Protection website.
Funeral Service Attendance Numbers
The Kent Resilience Forum has published guidance about funeral services, including the maximum numbers that could attend a service, which is currently still 10. The document is the Kent and Medway Funeral Standards: A guide to assist celebrants, friends and families during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic.
Water use – from TMBC
As temperatures soar, so does our water use – so it’s more important than ever to use it wisely. From leaving lawns brown to not washing your car, simple steps can make a big difference in making sure there’s enough water for everyone. Visit South East Water‘s website to get the lowdown on saving water, and to get your hands on some free water- saving goodies.
Compiled by Anne Waddingham and Alec Pelmore © 2020