Lenham Enhancement

At our last meeting we were able to finalise arrangements for the new Winter/Spring planting – so you can look forward to 3,000 more daffodils, bluebells and wood anemones in the verges and banks around the village.

We were also able to take stock of our first year in operation – examining the setbacks and the successes.

The major problem has been, as it has for all gardeners, the long drought and extreme heat. Whilst the trusty geraniums have stood up well, other plantings failed. We were able to get sufficient water to the plants but plans are in hand to improve on that situation for next year.

Thank you to the many people who have weeded, deadheaded and watered throughout the summer. As a result of this independent voluntary help, it has been decided to set up an ‘Adopt a Planter’ scheme. There will be no cost involved to those who adopt, just the initial planting out with plants provided by the LEA, weeding, dead-heading and watering.

The average age of the LEA membership is 60+ so it would be good to have the energies and strength of younger villagers in lending a hand

Those willing to help can contact Gerry Collins on 850219.

LENHAM ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION

Litter Pick. Following the first newsletter there was a very succesful ‘litter-pick’. Successful in that so much litter was collected but disturbing that there was so much of it! Once again the hot spots were identified and other areas long untouched by a ‘litter–pick-stick’. The area in Ham Lane on the boundary of Lenham Storage was particularly bad with vast quantities of what was clearly ‘continental’ litter. There was also a particularly bad area in Maidstone Road.

Planters. The Planters are all now burgeoning with geraniums and should produce a glorious show. Initially the Planters were replenished with good top soil and fertiliser and 150 plants collected from Grafty Garden Centre. This is the first year of summer planting and it was decided to use a very simple and uniform scheme, to give impact. This is, of course a joint effort and if you would like to propose a scheme for winter or even next summer, your proposals would be most welcome.

Work Schedules. Chris Weal is preparing work schedules for watering and maintenance of the Planters and the ‘float’ is being prepared for the conveyance of water. Although not wanting the LEA to become bureaucratic it is apparent that some members do wish to make themselves available but are not aware of activities taking place, hence Chris’s work schedules.

Country Market. It is generally felt that it is helpful to show LEA’s presence in the Sunday Markets and the ‘float’ is always an attraction. Volunteers are invited to give an hour or two of their time once a month so if you are willing and able, please contact Chris Weal on 01622 858100 or Gerry Collins on 01622 850219. It is not an arduous job and you do get to talk to nice people!

Thank you. To the Dog and Bear – the front of the hotel is a picture! Shepherd Neame have already given a very generous donation and this display is a beautiful enhancement to the village.

To Simon Miller and Co. the new estate agents in the High Street for their generous and unbidden donation to LEA funds and any other help they are able to give.
To Lenham Working Mens Club for their liaison on the installation for their new sponsored planter.

To Borough Councillors, Tom and Janetta Sams, MBC and LPC for working with LEA on the installation of a car parking area in Honywood Road.
To LEA Members – for all their work in enhancing Lenham for the delight of others.

December: 2,500 bulbs planted, and counting
It may be winter now but LEA is looking forward to spring. Already members have planted over 1,500 bulbs around The Glebe Pond and will shortly be planting over 1,000 bulbs at the corner of Faversham Road and the A20. A backbreaking job now will be rewarded in the spring by the wonderful sight of all these lovely flowers. Are we ready yet to enter the Flowers in Bloom competition again?

To be successful LEA needs more help, please phone Chris Wheal on 858100 or Gerry Collins on 850219

November: Days long gone! The days when the 'custodian' Council kept villages and towns immaculate are sadly long gone. It seems 'council rates' these days barely keep the minimal essential done, so if we want better, as I am sure most of us do without a massive hike in rates, the remedy is in all our hands to do just a little.

The Lenham Enhancement Association (working closely with the Parish Council although totally independent) is making in-roads into improving our Village, all by voluntary effort. We are very keen that our efforts are 'enhancement' and 'not instead of'; we will be monitoring closely the work that should be done by County, Borough and Parish Council's, is done and to a satisfactory standard. Litter and dog fouling are without doubt two of biggest 'moan factors' - if we are all conscience of this, things will improve. Glebe Pond is now very much better for some TLC and shortly 1000 bulbs, kindly donated by a Lenham resident, will be planted. Work is being planned throughout the Village as indicated in the following summary; team leaders are formulating plans for agreement with the Parish Council before implementation.

If you can spare a little time, or would like to sponsor or donate then we would like to hear from you - ring one of the project leaders (see table below) or leave a note at Marriott's (High Street Newsagents) or Lurcocks (Lenham Square Grocers).

Our sole objective is to again make Lenham one of the best-kept villages.
Lenham Enhancement Association

Volunteers working for a better environment

PROJECT PROPOSED WORK PROJECT LEADER
Pond Old Ashford Road, On-going clearing and tidying
Maidstone Road Car Park Hedge and planting area maintenance
Cemetery Ancillary clearing
St.Mary's Churchyard Ancillary clearing Chris Wheal 858100

Street Cleaning Litter etc.
Highway Maintenance Verges, hedges, gulleys
Footpaths and Open Spaces General Maintenance
Lenham Square Trees and Planted Areas Carol Robinson 858345

Lenham High Street Planted and Grass Areas Joan Marriott 858262

Faversham Road/A20 Planting etc.
Old Ashford Road/A20 Planting etc. Pauline Appleton 858011

Maidstone Road/A20 Planting etc.
Ham Lane/A20 Planting etc Ceri Rees 859417

A20/Bypass Clearing/enhancement Gerry Collins 850219

October: The feet of our volunteer, ad hoc,steering and/or focus group have rarely touched the ground since 25 July. A final major effort took place at the pond over the weekend of 15/16 September and we are getting advice on the ecological and conservation aspects of this effort. You really must have a look at the 'transmogriflcation' of our pond!

A thousand daffodils will arrive shortly and will be used mainly to liven up the approaches to the village, If they have not all been planted by the time you read this, look out for the notices or signs of activity and turn up with a bowel to claim your place in history.

Have you noticed the improvements in general tidiness in and around the Square? Our tanks are due to the stalwarts who are getting on with this sometimes backbreaking job. If on the other hand, everyone would pick up the occasional piece of paper or maybe a tin, or didn't drop it in the first place you never know!)

We have a list of twenty or so projects to be undertaken as time permits and all will require time and toil to see them through. 1 can use all the help that we can get, so if you can spare a few hours please leave details at Marriott's newsagents or phone Chris Wheat on 01622 858100.

We have applied for affiliation to the British Trust for Nature Volunteers (mercifully now known as BTNV) and for a grant to cover joining costs and insurance for volunteers. We are also in touch with a number of other organisations that can offer advice and hopefully some financial support.

Naturally everything takes a bit longer than you would wish but we are encouraged by the reception we are receiving everywhere We are planning to make a local appeal for funds and hope that you will be able to support us. Almost daily we are seeing or learning of new ideas. which would benefit our local community. And finally our last piece of ixtrmation for October After much debate and in pursuit of clarity and brevity we have decided this group should be called the Lenham Association We feel this suggests a wish to develop a 'sense of community' in our village and promote co-operation between the many organisations which exist here.

There will be a second public meeting on Wednesday 10 October at 7.45pm in the Village Hall

Jack King

September: Lenham and Boughton Malherbe Parishes
The meeting on the 25th July attended by 21 people included Cllr. Andrew Barr, Chairman of the Parish Council. Introduced by Chris Wheal and after lively discussion 7 people volunteered to form a Steering Committee and collect ideas and organise their implementation.

Among matters raised it was pointed out that the various responsibilities of the Kent, Maidstone and Parish Councils for the provision of services should be clarified. Where necessary, the various authorities should be prompted. E.g. the streets need to be kept clear of weeds and litter.
It was suggested that Spring Bulbs, Summer Flower Boxes and Shrubs to attract visitors would enhance the entrances to the village from the A.20 into Maidstone Road and the Old Ashford Road. There had already been an offer of 1000 Daffodil Bulbs for next season.

It was observed that, until a few years ago, there had been a 'LENHAM SOCIETY' and that its resurrection might provide a suitable organisational 'umbrella'.

Work has already started with volunteers busy in The Square and High Street pruning trees and clearing weeds. It had been found that although the Council Refuse Collectors emptied all the Litter Bins every Monday, those in The Square were overflowing by the following weekend so that debris was carried off by the wind.

However Volunteers now empty these bins midweek. Work is also in progress clearing the open space and the pond in Old Ashford Road. More work is planned and the number of volunteers available will determine the speed of progress. Volunteers can register by leaving their names, phone numbers, suggestions and details of any special skills at MARRIOTT'S NEWSAGENTS in the High Street. Alternatively they can phone

Chris Wheal on 01622 858100.
Ian Dunbar, 105 Robins Close, Lenham. ME17 2LE

Lenham Enhancement Scheme Background

About twelve months ago this initiative was floated, but for various reasons shelved. Now, following discussion with the new Chairman of Lenham Parish Council, Andrew Barr, it has been decided to revive the project.

Much has been written about Lenham in recent times, some good, some not so good. Overall the view seems to be Lenham has erred towards scruffiness with litter, uncared for planted areas, roadside verges etc.

Almost without exception everybody likes the reality and ideal of living and working in a nice or idyllic place. Lenham and the surrounding areas certainly can meet the criteria to the full, however effort by all is needed and it affects all of us in one way or another - it reflects increased property prices, a constant property demand, tourism and much needed spending enabling village shops, pubs and hotels to survive to benefit us all; focal attention can also bring about a host of other benefits.

Whilst it is readily acknowledged we pay Council Tax for various basic amenity services there is much more we, as a community, can do.

The scheme will concentrate on a number of topics:

1	General cleanliness and tidiness, encouraging everybody to be sensitive about litter, and dog fouling landscaped/planted areas/roadside verges generally;
2	Planting and upkeep of open spaces, verges etc;
3	Developing tourism to support local businesses;
4	Self-regulation of parking in Lenham Square and adjoining roads, a long-running and emotive subject which is still far from resolved with the latest Borough scheme and Maidstone Parking Attendants;
5	To enhance Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the area.

How will all this happen?

Firstly all of the projects mentioned will require volunteer team leaders or project managers, each working with a group of volunteers. Some might like to work or co-ordinate in their immediate area or road, others no doubt may prefer to be involved with tasks of a more general nature. Then of course there will be the volunteers doing the work. Any amount of voluntary time, administrative or manual, no matter how much or how little, is valuable and essential to the viability of the project.

Many resources from outside organisations are available to us, particularly in the form of working parties. However we should not and must not rely solely on these groups. There is also a need to ensure we receive our full entitlements from both Borough and County Councils.

The organisation will need funds to cover personal insurance for volunteers, publicity and administration, and costs associated with various operations like the planting and verge/grounds maintenance. Monetary donations and sponsorship of projects or items will be necessary.

Work has already started and the more volunteers, no matter how small the input, the more achievable our goals - please remember everybody will benefit. We look forward to entering and winning some recognition and awards for the village.

A public meeting will be held in the Village Hall on WEDNESDAY 25th JULY AT 7.30PM, meantime the work has already commenced. Please don't wait till the meeting before offering your help.

Should you require further information at present, or wish to discuss volunteering, sponsorship, or donating please telephone the Project Co-ordinator, Chris Wheal, on 01622 858100 or leave a scribbled note, including your name, address and telephone number and/or address to:

Marriotts (Newsagents) 11 High Street, Lenham
or Grafty Green Post Office Stores
or post to: PO Box 814, Lenham, ME17 2AP

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