Welcome to the December 2025 January 2026 issue of Rostrum
DECEMBER 2025 JANUARY 2026
Rostrum wishes all readers
A Merry Christmas and A Happy, Peaceful 2026
Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers for their help in 2025 and specially to our street distributors for delivering the magazines promptly to their neighbours.
VILLAGE DIARY
December
2 Parish Council Meeting – 7.30pm - Hall Upper Room
5 Voices Across the A20, Bit of a Christmas Sing – 7.30pm - Church
7 Footpaths Walk – 2pm - outside hall
10 WI meeting – 7.30 to 9.30pm – Village Hall
15 Footpaths Walk – 10am - outside hall
17 History Soc Social Evening with quiz, etc – 7.45pm - Hall
17 Free Christmas Film Night – 7.30pm - Church
18 Carols by Candlelight – 8pm – Church
21 Village Market – 10am - Hall
24 Crib Service – 5pm – Church
25 Family Communion – 10am - Church
31 New Year’s Eve party - 7.30pm - Wateringbury Social Club
January
4 Footpaths Walk – 2pm - outside hall
6 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm – Hall Upper Room
9 Coffee Morning – 11am - Hall back room
14 Footpaths Walk – 10am - outside hall
14 WI meeting – 7.30 to 9.30pm – Village Hall
18 Village Market – 10.30am - Hall
21 Darnley Family of Cobham Hall talk – 8pm - Hall
February
1 Footpaths Walk – 2pm - outside hall
3 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm – Hall Upper Room
9 Brownies Bingo night – 6.30 for 7 pm. - Hall
Come along to Wateringbury Church and enjoy
A BIT OF AN EARLY CHRISTMAS SING
PRESENTED BY VOICES ACROSS THE A20
Friday 5th December at 7.30pm
Christmas Songs, Carols and Readings
No tickets £7 on the door - children free
Refreshments available
FREE FILM NIGHT –
WEDNESDAY 17TH DECEMBER
Do go along to the church at 7.30pm on 17th December to enjoy
BRUCE ALMIGHTY
starring Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston.
Festive refreshments too.
WATERINGBURY SOCIAL CLUB
The Wateringbury Social Club offers a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. We have the cheapest bar prices in the area and have regular quiz, bingo and other social events each month. All major sports are shown on our large TV and with a snooker table, pool table, dart boards and fruit machines, there is lots to entertain. Children and well behaved dogs are always welcome and the children even have their own room! Walk in as a stranger and leave as a friend. 2026 membership opens 1st January, but please pop in and give us a try through December. Tony Garrett
1ST WATERINGBURY BROWNIES – BINGO NIGHT!
1st Wateringbury Brownies will be hosting a fundraising Bingo evening at the Village Hall, Wateringbury on Saturday 7th February 2026 Doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Price per person will be £6 (for a card of 6 games of bingo). The evening will include a raffle and a cake sale. Come along for a fun packed evening - lots of prizes - open to all (including children).
All funds raised will be to support activities for the Brownies in 2026 (including a residential trip in the summer). Please come along and support us! To book your place, you may contact us by emailing: 
1stwateringburybrownies@gmail.com
VILLAGE PEOPLE Please let us have your news and tributes by 17th January for our February magazine. Entries are free.
Email www.rostrum2@hotmail.com
RIP
Margaret Jean Fyfe (14th February 1928 – 17th September 2025)
Margaret was born and grew up in Rio de Janeiro and was therefore a fluent speaker of Portuguese. It was there she met and married her husband Ivor. Work later took them to Scotland where their sons David and Kenny were born. When she came south Margaret worked at the Brazilian Embassy in London and gained Brazil’s highest award the Order of the Southern Cross an award given for significant service to the nation. In her long, active life she was married for 42 years and a widow for 32. She was positive, with a sense of fun which enabled her to always celebrate what she had. She will be sadly missed.
Doreen Parks
It is with great regret we announce that Doreen Parks sadly passed away on 21st October 2025. Doreen lived in our village for 47 years and will be greatly missed by not only her family but her friends in the village and church too. Doreen leaves her husband of 61 years, Sidney and her daughters Julie and Angela as well as her 6 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
As 2025 draws to a close, the Parish Council would like to wish all residents a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year.
We are very grateful for the strong sense of community that makes Wateringbury such a special place to live. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to parish life this year — whether through volunteering, attending local events, or simply supporting neighbours.
Together we look forward to another year of community spirit and please join us at our Parish Council meetings in 2026 or visit the Wateringbury Parish Council Website for further details of our plans recorded in the meeting minutes: https://wateringburypc.org.uk
HISTORY SOCIETY
Our meeting on 17th December starts a little earlier at 7.45pm and is a Social evening. There will be some Christmas themed readings and a table-top quiz to do while enjoying a glass of wine or juice and nibbles. The Society’s publications, which make easy to post Christmas gifts, will be on sale, most are £3.50 each. Our first meeting of 2026 is on Wednesday 21st January at 8pm when Paul Kingman will tell the story of the Rise and Fall of the Darnley Family of Cobham Hall. The Darnleys were noble and powerful, but things didn't always go as they intended. Free tea or coffee from 7.45pm. We welcome visitors to both meetings £7 (cash), members are free. Christine Byron
VILLAGE MARKETS
Unfortunately, despite every effort, we were not able to hold our market in November. The next market is Sunday 21st December. Starting at the earlier time of 10am. Last opportunity to buy your Christmas gifts. Do continue to support your local Village Market. Entry is free and we will have lots of Christmas goodies - and even Mulled Wine and mince pies!! Sue Collins
RAINBOWS have been very busy with their Take Action Theme work this term with being kind and helpful at home, in our meetings and within the community. They have been looking at where they can make a difference. As a reverse Advent Calendar, we hoped to collect 24 donations between us for a local food bank. But we collected an amazing 63 items. You might be receiving one of their Thank you cards that they are sending out to the local community. We will be rounding off this year with a special Sparkle and Shine Christmas morning and then looking forward to lots more fun and adventures in 2026. For more information about Rainbows contact WateringburyRainbows@outlook.com Tiffany, Leader
The Swan on the Green at West Peckham (ME18 5JW), dating back to the 16th century and featuring in The Larkins TV series, has since April this year been owned by a "not for profit" Community Benefit Society with over 450 shareholders. It is offering until 4th January a Christmas menu (3 courses plus coffee and mince pie) for £40 per person. The full menu is available online at swan-on-the-green.co.uk.
To book call 01622 812000.
WATERINGBURY TODDLER GROUP
We are a friendly group that welcomes all parents, carers, grandparents, childminders etc with children from 0 - 5. We run every Wednesday 10am-12pm during school term time. The cost is £3.50 for the first child and adult and then £1 for every additional child 8+ months. The large hall is set up with lots of toys for free play, a craft session is included and then a snack and drink for the children. We finish with a music session and lots of footballs. Adult's drinks and biscuits are included. We also have a baby area for younger children. Like our Facebook Page (Wateringbury Toddler Group) for any important information/messages.
Email: wateringburytoddlergroup@gmail.com
Our last session is Wednesday 3rd December 2025 before the Christmas break (Wednesday 10th December is our party – ticket admission only) and we then return on Wednesday 7th January 2026.
FOOTBALL NEWS
Girls’ football at Wateringbury continues to flourish across our U10, U12 and U13 age groups, with all three teams showing fantastic development.
Our U13s are making club history as the first girls’ team to play at this age group for Wateringbury. They have made an excellent start to life at 11-a-side, currently joint top of the table with five wins from six, and have already travelled far and wide this season - from Margate to Chiddingstone. Their progress reflects the foundation built over several years and the players’ commitment to growing together as a team.
Our U12s have also begun the season in superb form, winning seven out of seven. But the success we are most proud of is not simply the results, but the way the girls play: working hard for each other, moving the ball confidently, and showing resilience and character every week.
At the entry point to our pathway, the U10s are developing brilliantly, and we are currently looking for a goalkeeper to join the squad. With our previous Girls’ Development Academy group now having “graduated”, the club is planning to relaunch the academy to continue nurturing young players and expanding opportunities for girls’ football in the village.
New players of all abilities are always welcome - come and get involved Tony Garrett
WATERINGBURY FLOWER CLUB
It was lovely to be back at Nettlestead Village Hall on 19th November. Our first meeting back was an inhouse workshop making Christmas tree table arrangements. There were two designs to choose from and members had already had a heads up previously so they knew what to bring. We welcomed several visitors and hope that they will join us as members. On Area news at the Kent Floral Art AGM, we were proud to have three of our members take up Area posts - Jean Schofield as the new Area Speakers Rep, Karen Card as the new West Kent Club Rep, and Dee Samways as the new Area Treasurer. Many congratulations to all.
December is a social evening with members enjoying eats/drinks and committee members and our President making arrangements for the enjoyment of members and donating them to the raffle. There is still time to sign up for our Christmas Door Swag Day on our email - wateringburyflowerclub@hotmail.com
January is always a quiet time for members, we do not meet then but we are back on the 19th February with the AGM and our new programme for 2026 which looks amazing! We will be holding demonstrations, workshops for all abilities and always welcome new members. Not sure if it’s for you? Come as a visitor for £7 and see. Doors open at 7pm for a prompt 7.45pm start. Tea and biscuits available, when we have a demonstration all the flowers are raffled off, tickets just a £1. What more could you ask? Jean Schofield - President WFC
WATERINGBURY CHURCH SERVICES
DECEMBER AND JANUARY
Benefice website www.mwwpchurches.org
DECEMBER
Let’s celebrate Christmas together
Saturday 6th December – 3-5pm – Messy Church
Sunday 7th December – 10am Morning Praise led by Barry Fisher
Sunday 14th December – 10am – Holy Communion led by Rev Gary
Tuesday 16th December – 2pm - Wateringbury School Carol Service
Our school celebrates the Christmas message.
Wednesday 17th December – 7.30pm – Christmas Film Night (It’s Free)
Come and enjoy Bruce Almighty starring Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston
“If you could be God for one week, what would you do?”
Thursday 18th December - 8pm - Carols by Candlelight
Come along and sing well known carols and enjoy traditional readings.
Sunday 21st December – 10am – Messy Church All Age Service
Come with the family for an all-age service and watch the film made by the children at Messy Church ‘The Grumpy Inn Keeper’.
Christmas Eve – 5pm – Crib Service
A service for all ages where young children can help to fill our stable with the traditional visitors, well-known carols for all to sing.
Please note the Benefice Midnight Communion Service will this year be in West Peckham Church starting at 11pm
Christmas Day – 10am – Family Communion
A less formal Communion and Blessings service. Children, please bring a favourite gift.
Sunday 28th December
10am – Benefice Service of Holy Communion in Wateringbury Church
Mereworth Church - Monday 22nd December – 7pm – Empty Chair
A reflective service for those missing their loved ones at Christmas
JANUARY
Saturday 3rd - 3-5pm - Messy Church
Sunday 4th - 10am - Matins led by Barry Fisher
Sunday 11th - 10am - Holy Communion with Rev Gary Townsend
Sunday 18th - 10am - All Age Worship
Sunday 25th - 10am - Benefice Holy Communion with Rev Gary in Wateringbury Church
IN OUR JOYS AND SORROWS – From the Parish Registers
Funeral:
23rd October - Margaret Jean Fyfe
WATERINGBURY WI
Christmas is coming so at our November meeting we spent the evening making lovely decorations with Annette Friend from Teston. She brought along some Oyster shells from Whitstable and with a bit of help from Annette we turned them into lovely decorations for the tree. There were a few other projects to master which kept us busy and chatting all evening.
10th December is our next meeting and brings "The Magic of Christmas" with Nigel Roberts who is a magician and will come along to share a few trade secrets and show us some magic tricks. On the subject of sharing, our members will be bringing along some tasty nibbles and mulled wine to share with everyone. So Ladies if you fancy putting a little bit of magic in your life please join us.
On 14th January we will have Tony Harris dressed in full Costume as King Henry VIII with some stories of what it's like at the Palace and he will probably mention a wife or two!! Tony is an amazing, funny speaker and will probably raise an eyebrow as well as a laugh. So shrug off those Winter blues and come along and see.
The Committee would like to wish all our members and visitors that have come along through 2025 to see what happens at our WI evenings and all the residents of Wateringbury a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026.
The WI meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month at the village hall. Visitors over 18 £3. Refreshments £1 Raffle £1. For more information email Wateringbury@wkfwi.org.uk
Sharon Goshawk - President Wateringbury WI
TESTON AND WATERINGBURY PRESCHOOL
As I write this article the children are busy practising for their Christmas concert. This is always such an exciting time of year for the children, and we are starting off with a visit to Teston Church in early December to listen to a story by Will North. Thank you to Teston church for the warm welcome every year.
We will be starting the new year reading our termly book ‘A superhero like you’ by Dr Ranj. This uplifting picture book celebrates doctors, teachers, paramedics, scientists, recycling truck drivers and carers. Discovering the amazing work these real-life heroes do using their incredible super powers of kindness, care and love.
Next year we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary, opening our doors for the first time in 1966. We would like to mark the occasion by producing a memory book and wondered whether any of our readers ever attended or worked with us during the 60s? If so it would be lovely to hear what it was like, maybe you have some photos or personal memories you could share? If you can then please get in touch.
Our last day of term will be Friday 19th December, and we return on Monday 5th January. On behalf of all our staff and children, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
We still have a few places left, so if you would love your child to be part of this amazing preschool family please contact
Tina Driver: 07805 796353 testonpreschooladmissions@gmail.com Facebook too!
NEWS FROM OUR BOROUGH COUNCILLORS
Local Plan - This is the consultation detailing where housing development will take place until the 2040s. The Government set the housing target for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and ours is just under 20,000 – a hugely unrealistic target in our view, but one the Government have imposed on us. The new ‘greybelt’ definition is also hugely threatening for our village as it gives a route to removing greenbelt on land immediately next to the village boundaries. If we don’t get a Local Plan in place we are very vulnerable to speculative development as other villages, such as Hadlow, have seen recently. This is what Croudace are trying to do with the horses’ field.
To meet that the Council has asked for land to come forward over recent months. In our village there is just one allocation for 30 homes east of Red Hill. The horses’ field that Croudace wish to get planning permission isn’t considered for inclusion.
On Monday 15th December 2025 Matt will be hosting a virtual meeting explaining the process and how you can respond, please contact us using the details below if you would like the link for this meeting. You can view all the information on the Local Plan at www.tmbc.gov.uk/local-plan where you can see how to respond too. There you will also see a Q+A, a virtual exhibition which shows all of the planning policies being consulted, and a map of the sites across Tonbridge and Malling.
This consultation is very important and the more you can share with us, the better we will be able to work with Councillors across Tonbridge and Malling to achieve the best outcome for Wateringbury.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged and responded so far.
matt.boughton@tmbc.gov.uk sarah.hudson@tmbc.gov.uk
WATERINGBURY FOOTPATHS GROUP
In November we walked in the woods between Wateringbury and Kings Hill. After a short walk along the Tonbridge Road we turned along the uphill footpath opposite the top of Love Lane. At a junction of paths we went left towards Canon Lane, along a flatter section, enabling us to enjoy the extensive views to the south as far as Brenchley and the High Weald. We turned up Canon Lane, followed the track to the right at the top and carried on into the woods. There is a maze of small tracks, but we stuck to the main ones. On the longer weekday walk we went up to the boundary fence and Teston Road before taking the footpath back into the woods. On both walks we ended up following the white pipeline markers that were renewed a couple of years ago, which are easy to follow along the footpath back down to Love Lane.
You are very welcome to join us on our walks over the festive season. Walking is a great way of getting some exercise, enjoying the natural world and walking in a group enables you to have an easy chat if you want. We will be leaving the village hall at 2pm on Sundays 7th December, 4th January and 1st February and 10am on Monday 15th December and Wednesday 14th January.
Is your New Year’s Resolution to be more active or to make new friends? Come and join us! Lisa Dean 077 5953 9032
WATERINGBURY CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
What a fabulous first term we are having! By the time you read this the school will be full on festive singing. Our school loves singing and takes part in lots of musical events every year including carol singing at the residential homes, attending Young Voices at the O2 and our annual summer concert in which all children get to perform.
We have been showing large numbers of parents around who are looking for school places now as well as for reception in September 2026. All of our visitors have commented on the happy family feel in school. We will be leading a few more tours in the new year on the 6th and 7th January. Please contact the school office to book your place.
Our Ofsted report was published in late September and we are so proud of the levels we have achieved (especially considering that the inspection took part on the hottest day of the year!). We were judged to be securely good in all areas apart from personal development (looking after children, families and staff) in which we were deemed to be OUTSTANDING! Please take a look at our website to read the whole report. Here are a few highlights from the report:
“Pupils love learning” “Pupils achieve well”
“Pupils become highly active citizens in the school and beyond.”
“Pupils work hard in lessons and listen carefully to teachers.”
“A sense of calm and purpose pervades the school.”
“Opportunities benefit every child in the school deeply”
“Staff have high expectations” “Pupils feel happy and safe in school.”
“The school’s work on personal development is exceptional.”
From all of the pupils and staff at Wateringbury, we wish you a very Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. We cannot wait to see what excitement 2026 brings for us. Debbie Johnson (Headteacher).
NETTLESTEAD AND WATERINGBURY PRESCHOOL
The children have enjoyed exploring all the donated natural materials, these were collected over the half term and now, following the Curiosity Approach, the children are using these within their daily routines. Through our Curiosity Approach journey, we continue to promote recycling and sustainability, teaching the children the importance of looking after the environment. The children created their own Autumn/Halloween enterprise, making and selling decorated biscuits, learning about money, seeing what the different coins look like and understanding how they can be used. The children made a makeshift till from a recycled box, raising £45 that we have put back into the setting to get the children some new resources.
The children have also been busy rehearsing for their Christmas Concert this term, doing very well learning the lines of all their favourite Christmas rhymes with some fabulous actions. This will be held in Nettlestead Village Hall,.
We will be running our February 2026 half term holiday club
Tuesday 17th – Thursday 19th February 9am-4pm. Please email enquiries@nwps.org.uk for further information and booking forms.
We would like to wish all our families and children a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2026! See you all next year!
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
The unusually warm Spring has resulted in there still being a few bumble bees and even butterflies present in our gardens. They are looking to feed on the remaining plants still in flower such as cosmos and dahlias before hibernating for the Winter. However, their diet may also include some shrubs that are just coming into flower such as the mahonia with its bright yellow flowers brightening up the dullest of days.
This is a good time of year to plant shrubs and if carefully chosen they can provide pollen and nectar for insects from attractive blossom in the Spring, followed by good cover for birds from their leaves in the Summer and then fruits, nuts or hips in the Autumn. A win for both wildlife and people!
This abundance of fruit means that our garden birds are well provided for at present, although, as I write this, a cold snap is forecast so we can help supplement this by putting up feeders in our gardens, keeping them topped up so the birds can rely on them throughout the coming months. It is important however, to clean them regularly with a mild disinfectant to avoid the spread of diseases such as avian flu.
It is tempting to cut everything back at this time of year but leaving some stems and seed heads will not only benefit wildlife by providing food sources and shelter but will also provide a structure to the winter border which can look particularly attractive when encrusted with frost, viewed from the inside of a warm house! Pauline Knutton
WATERINGBURY GUIDES
Guides had a fun evening with Sam and all things Indian. We learnt how to put on and wear a sari, how to do Indian dancing and of course, most importantly for guides, we tried a selection of Indian snacks. Thank you very much to Sam, and to Sharon for organising the evening. After half term we had an evening of self-defence with Adrian and Immy. The girls had an energetic and fun evening and were given some techniques on how to keep themselves safe.
We had an excellent turnout for the Remembrance Service at Wateringbury church and were very proud of how smart and respectful the girls were. Annabelle K, Anabelle, and Lucy were our colour party carrying the flag and Millie read some of the names of the fallen, with Sophie laying a wreath on behalf of the unit. I was very honoured to be selected to be a volunteer at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. While it was a very long day leaving home before 6am and not returning until after 9pm, it was a day I shall never forget and I am truly grateful to Girlguiding for the opportunity.
Sheena Stewart and team.
HELP FOR UKRAINE STILL NEEDED
Imagine leaving your home just with what you can carry that is what thousands of Ukrainians have had to do as a result of a war now 3 years old. I continue to collect so please call me on 07875 262659. Unwanted human and animal medication even partly used and out of date can be given to animals. Walking aids, medical boots, wheelchairs, tools, towels, animal food and accessories. All will be transported directly to the most deprived areas. If not sure, please contact me. Thanks so much for your generous donations so far- please continue
Sue Collins
REV GARY WRITES
The Rectory,
72 The Street, Mereworth
ME18 5NA
( 01622 813178
gary.rev@outlook.com
The Grumpy Inn Keeper!
If you get yourself along to the 10am service at Wateringbury Church on the 21st December you’ll be guaranteed a treat! The children and leaders of Messy Church have made a nativity film called ‘The Grumpy Inn Keeper’. Messy Church meets every first Saturday in Wateringbury Church for games, craft activities, a Bible story, prayers, songs and tea! But this month they’ve been hard at work making their own film. It will be shown at the All Age Service in Wateringbury Church at 10am on 21st December.
Without giving too much away I’ll tell you that the grumpy inn keeper in the story changes into quite a different man when he discovers the Son of God has been born in his stable. And that of course is why God sent His Son into the world – to affect a deep and lasting change in us. I like to talk of Jesus’ mission as being God’s way of getting us back to source; of bringing us back to where we come from. That source is God himself, our creator.
A great Christian writer called George MacDonald liked to think of us as being God’s ideas; we are what God has thought up and brought into being. And it follows that we shall not really come to know and understand ourselves until we are face to face with the one whose thoughts we are. We put up barriers between ourselves and God through wilfully disregarding Him and the more we do so the further away from Him we move and so the further we are removed from knowing the contentment and peace which we can only find in the one who made us. Jesus came to turn us around and bring us back to the source of our being, to his and our Father in heaven. For this the Son of God was born as the baby in the manger and from the very moment his birth was announced hearts began to change.
As we approach Christmas and move on into a new year, I do hope that you take the opportunity to consider afresh the point and purpose of Jesus and perhaps watching a home grown children’s film about how a grumpy man was changed will be a good way to do that.
Rev Gary Townsend
Rector of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham
COFFEE BREAK 3rd & 17th December, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th January in the Church Social Area - 10.30am-12.30pm
On 19th November the church was filled with friendship and chatter for Macmillan Cancer Care Coffee Morning. Thank you to all Coffee Break members who donated such delicious home-made cakes and to all who donated items for the raffle or items for the White Elephant Stall. And of course, a big thank you to all who came along on the morning and made generous donations to aid the work of Macmillan.
In December we meet fortnightly in the church social area on Wednesdays 3rd and 17th. However, because so many find January a difficult month we will be meeting on more Wednesdays. Do come along to the church social area between 10.30am-12.30pm and enjoy good coffee, cake and company. Suggested donation £1.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT BAZAAR THANKS
The annual bazaar is a happy community event which also helps to raise funds for the running costs of the village’s ancient church building. There was a fantastic selection of stalls to browse in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way.
TIME TO REMEMBER
Sunday 1st March at 2.30pm
in the church of St John the Baptist Wateringbury
We all experience the loss of beloved family and friends. No matter how recent or long ago the event, anniversaries and special dates cause us to pause and reflect.
On 1st March there will be an opportunity to come to church and light a candle and have time to reflect and celebrate the special times we shared with those we loved who have passed from this world. We all grieve in our own way. We all heal in our own time.
BENEFICE ADMINISTRATOR WANTED
to help Rev Gary Townsend with admin tasks for the
Benefice of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham
24 hours a month (averaging 6 a week) working from home
For further details please email gary.rev@outlook.com
NOTES ON NOVEMBER PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Allotments - Work is continuing to up-grade the site which is in Old Road. Mrs Lamb (adjoining land owner) was thanked for the work carried out on the boundary hedge with the allotments. There are five plots available to rent of varying sizes. Please look on the parish website wateringburypc.org.uk for details of sizes, rental costs and application form.
Councillor Reports - KCC – Sarah Hudson reported that KCC Councillors met with Southern Water for a presentation over sewage issues in Kent – what they are doing and hoping to do to reduce pollution and improve services.
TMBC Councillor Matt Boughton – Preparation of new Local Plan - Matt is now visiting Parish Councils and taking questions from residents in Public Meetings over any concerns. The deadline for comments is 7th January 2026. It is important for residents to comment as the plan will identify areas/land where homes will be built to meet National Government targets and will not be reviewed until 2042. Land suitable for 30 homes in Redhill, Wateringbury is included. (To help residents Wateringbury Parish has captured all current information received in connection with the Local Plan on their Website.)
In an effort to reduce the costs of disposing of kerb-side rubbish bin collections an investigation had been carried out into the contents of residential black bins. 51% of those investigated contained food waste which could have been put into the food waste bins. It is much more expensive to dispose of this waste (£47.1 million) whereas for all recycled waste the cost was £1.2 million. So to encourage residents to recycle their food waste correctly, stickers have now been added to black bins and leaflets from TMBC distributed to give residents guidelines on what goes into bins.
Cemetery - Various matters were discussed including the rules for placing memorial benches in the cemetery. It was unanimously agreed to adopt the suggested new rules for memorial benches and headstones.
Coffee mornings - It was agreed to continue with the monthly coffee mornings which are held in the village hall rear room on the second Friday of each month. These events give residents a chance to get to know others in the village. The next meeting will be at 11am on 9th January 2026.
Christmas – Sarah Hudson requested help from fellow councillors to erect the village tree at the cross roads. The lights on lamp posts will be in place and operational from 15th November for all to enjoy.
Christmas Lunch - Sarah wondered if Senior Citizens in the village would be interested in holding a Christmas Lunch similar to the one organised by Hadlow Parish Council which charges attendees £10. It was obviously too late for 2025 but councillors agreed to investigate the possibility for 2026.
Crime - The Police Report received by the Clerk for October showed a total of 28 calls to the Wateringbury area. A number of calls were made regarding an abandoned vehicle on Bow Road. (At the meeting it was reported the vehicle had now been removed). Some calls related to a suspicious person looking into vehicles. PC Holding recommended residents ensure vehicles are locked/secured when parked. Residents should report any suspicious activity either online to Kent Police or via 101, or 999 in an emergency.
One call reported potential poison/poisoned dog food being left around Love Lane. The Kent Police rural team are currently investigating the incident. Residents walking dogs in the area are advised to be cautious and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The TMBC Anti-Social Behaviour Team made 3 visits to the village last month.
Planning – The application was considered 39 Livesey Street - Proposed ancillary garage building including solar panels and two roof lights.
Playing Fields - Play equipment Councillors accepted estimates for repairs to the zip wire and for weed clearance.
Sports Pavillion – A review of the running costs had been carried out. It was estimated that over a year the Cricket Club used the facilities for 10 weeks and the Football Club for 36 weeks. It was proposed to charge sports clubs £27 for each week they used the facilities to off-set the running costs.
The next meetings of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesdays
2nd December and 6th January at 7.30pm in the upper room of the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings. Minutes of council meetings are published on the Parish Council website www.wateringburypc.org.
