What is "Know Your Neighbours"?

"Know Your Neighbours" is a grass-roots community group in Seal, near Sevenoaks in Kent. The group is made up of anyone in the village who wants to get involved - individuals, clubs and societies, businesses, church and schools, parish council,and many others.
We organise local events through the year - fetes, street parties, Christmas events etc. - and we hold social gatherings, just so that people can get to "know their neighbours". There's no "committee" - anyone who turns up for meetings is welcome to help in any way they are able.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE, OR BE ADDED TO THE EMAIL LIST, contact Marion Gilchrist , who coordinates the group, or Anne Le Bas, who maintains this blog.

Saturday 8 July 2023

Know Your Neighbours update: July 2023

 Welcome to this week's Know Your Neighbours Update.


We are heading closer to that time where the schools, colleges and unis all break up, and, and our routine goes out of the window for a few weeks. In the meantime, life goes on, and to prove it, we held our July 100 Club Draw this morning at Friday Group.
We have a 2 new members of the pack, so next month we should be be drawing from 68 numbers, giving us a 1st prize of £100 and 2nd prize of £70. This puts a healthy £170 in the Seal Village Fund. If you wish to join this scheme, it means setting up a monthly standing order for £5 per number, and registering with me. If you are interested, please email me at marionjgilchrist@gmail.com, and I will send the joining instructions. This month, we drew from 66 numbers, so 1st prize of £100, 2nd of £65 and £165 in the fund.
FROM NOW ON, ALL MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME WILL HAVE TO PAY BY STANDING ORDER, AS WE HAVE REACHED A SITUATION WHERE WE CANNOT COPE WITH ODD PAYMENTS BEING MADE. WE DO HOPE YOU ARE OK WITH  THIS, AS IT IS QUITE A COMPLEX PROJECT TO SET UP, AND MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM ALSO TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLES' TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. 
The Seal Village Fund, finances such village projects as lighting the centre of the village at Christmas, other special village events, as and when they occur, and awards small amounts to village organisations to fund specific projects which have to be applied for at our AGMs in March of each year.
This month's winners are:-
1st prize no 50 Georgina Taylor
2nd prize no 12 - Annie Lewis (A lucky streak going on here!).

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH.

This week, I have included the Kent County Council newsletter. I won't do this regularly, but there did appear to be quite a few issues this week which may be of interest. If you are interested in receiving their regular updates, go to the KCC website and sign up for the residents' e-newsletter.

SEAL VILLAGE HALL

You may have seen the appeal for help to keep
our Village Hall open and thriving.
For several years now, only 2 gentlemen have been running this facility, with no proper committee to speak of.
We believe that as a community, we still need a hub in the centre of the village, to accommodate village organisations as well as activities run by local people to enhance the wellbeing of our community.
Thankfully, there has been some response to the notice outside the hall, but to ensure there is a well run, usable, popular hub in our village in the future, we need to see a good group of people willing to put themselves forward to help with this.
If enough people were to do a bit, this would not be an arduous task, and who knows?? You may make new friends and enjoy the challenge!
If you could spare just a little time, say an hour or two each month, please contact me marionjgilchrist@gmail.com and together with the current hall team, we will get a date to meet up to move ideas forward.  
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

NEWS FROM SEAL LIBRARY

We were sorry to hear that our lovely librarian, Jillian Marsh, has left the post. She will be greatly missed, as in a relatively short time with us, she has done so much to promote community in her role.She was always welcoming and positive, and worked so well to introduce new neighbours to our ever expanding group. We wish her well for her future.

WEST KENT RURAL GRANTS  -FUNDED BY THE RURAL ENGLAND PROSPERITY FUND
Up to £25,000 capital only support for rural businesses and communities. Now open for applications - DEADLINE TUESDAY AUGUST 15TH.
CONTACT ruralgrants@sevenoaks.gov.uk

OTFORD PATIENTS' PARTICIPATION GROUP

Otford Patient Participation Group

June 2023- Newsflash

24 HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS

A number of the Blood Pressure monitors have been loaned out by OMP to patients. However, the practice have not yet received them back.
Some of these monitors were funded by the PPG to reduce the need for patients to go to Pembury.
Could we please ask patients to return them to Otford Medical Practice if they have them at home.

ARE YOUR PATIENT CONTACTDETAILS UP TO DATE?

As OMP invest in new technology to improve access to appointments, it’s vital that the surgery have your contact details to call you back or let you know
when test results are back.
Please check with the practice that your mobile, landline and email address is accurate, so that they can contact you

A LITTLE LOCAL TRIVIA

Amidst the conversations this morning, the question arose of why our Kent insignia is of a white horse.

So - here is what Google has to say.
'The white horse of Kent is the old symbol for the Jutish Kingdom of Kent, dating from the 6th-8th century. The white horse relates to the emlem of Horsa, brother of Hengest, who, according to legend, defeated the King Vortigern near Aylesford.



NEWS FROM KENT COUNTY COUNCIL

Applications are now open to apply for the KCC Travel Saver and 16+ Travel Saver for your child's transport in September 2023.

The KCC Travel Saver is a bus pass that can save parents and pupils up to 50% on the cost of travel to and from school and college.

The passes are available for any resident of Kent (whose household pays Council Tax to a Kent district or borough council for Kent County Council services).

To apply for a KCC Travel Saver your child must be:

  • at school in years 7 to 11, whether they go to school in or outside of Kent.
To apply for a KCC 16+ Travel Saver your child must be:
  • 16 to 19 years old and in academic years 12 to 14 (to be eligible your date of birth must be between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2007)
  • attending a participating school, college, work, learning provider or apprenticeship provider.

For most, these passes will save you around 50% of what you might pay if you bought an annual season ticket from a bus operator.

Apply for a KCC Travel Saver or KCC 16+ Travel Saver

Summer fun at Kent Country Parks

Four young children kneeling on the side of a bridge pushing rods into a lake with smiles on their faces having fun.

Kent Country Parks have some fantastic events lined up throughout the summer suitable for all ages. 

Including:

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!
See what adventures you can have at our Kent Country Parks

Tell us your thoughts on transport in Kent

An overhead view of a busy junction. A bus pulling into a bus stop with people waiting and cars driving past.

We would like to hear your views on our emerging Local Transport Plan.

Your feedback will help us to understand the transport challenges faced in Kent and ensure our ambition for the future of Kent’s transport network is stretching but realistic, focusing on the right outcomes and objectives to make journeys better within our county whilst supporting the delivery of net zero by 2050.

We must develop policies for the promotion and encouragement of safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport. Your feedback will help us to develop proposals for how and where in Kent we should focus on improving transport.

Tell us your views on our emerging Local Transport Plan

Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge

Summer reading challenge promotion, showing two character and their mascots

The Reading Agency and libraries are excited to introduce this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Ready, Set, Read!

Every year we launch the free Summer Reading Challenge, produced by The Reading Agency, for children aged 4 to 11 years. This year, join our superstar team made up of six young friends: Naveen, Naomi, Noah, Sophia, Ollie and Alesha and their animal mascots as they weave their way through a summer obstacle course.

Children can visit the library to take part, or visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to take part digitally.

Or why not attend an events across one of our libraries during the Summer Reading Challenge.

Get Ready, Set Read! Take part in the Summer Reading challenge!

Are you interested in fostering?

An image of a very smiley young girl

If you're interested in fostering a child, why not attend one of our information events?

Our information events are a great way to find out more about what's involved in fostering children.

Hear from our foster carers, supported homes hosts and social workers who will be available to answer any questions you have. If you live in Kent and think you have what it takes to change a child’s future or support a young person, please join one of our online events to find out more.
Attend a fostering information event near you

Advice on how to make your home more efficient

A cartoon look of a house split down the middle showing the different rooms of the house with the coloured energy ratings (A to G) coming out.

Are you looking for expert advice on making your home more sustainable?

We, alongside other local authorities in the area, are offering free in-person events from experts from the University of Greenwich across the county in July.

The experts will provide independent information on; insulation, building fabric, heating systems, smart buildings, self-generation and much more

Attend a free in-person event

We want your views on inclusive education

a young girl and a boy in school writing on paper at their desks

We are keen to understand more about your child’s experience of their school.

Why not take part in our parent survey to tell us your views so we can identify trends and take steps to make improvements?

Your views will not be shared with your child's school.

Read our SEND inclusion statement and take part in the survey

Do you know your score?

Campaign graphic showing the words Know You Score stacked with an emphasis on "your" and placed next to an illustration of a nearly full pint glass.

Many people don't know how much they drink and how it might be affecting their health, work and relationships.

Do you find yourself having one or two alcoholic drinks after work?

Are you drinking more regularly at home and worried it might be having an impact?
Take the Know Your Score quiz and learn how to limit your drinking

National Highways and Transport survey 2023-24

Tell us your views on the National Highways and Transport network survey

We have been asked by the National Highways and Transport Network to get your views on what you think of transport and highways services in your area.

There are six independent surveys in total - feel free to take one or all of them. Each survey will only take a few minutes of your time.

Find out more the National Highways and Transportation survey

Join our Environment & Circular Economy team

Blue dot job alert icon with the word Environment highlighted. Background photo is blurred, showing a wheat field.

Are you ready to start the most meaningful work of your life?  

Kent, The Garden of England, is home to awe-inspiring landscapes, coastline and wildlife. This diverse natural environment is vital for the livelihoods, health and quality of life of the millions of people that choose to live, work or visit Kent. We are facing increasing pressures as a result of the climate emergency and so our work to protect and enhance our unique natural spaces and vibrant communities has never been more urgent.

We are investing in Kent’s future by expanding our Environment and Circular Economy division to tackle these challenges and explore opportunities to develop our green economy. We are looking for diverse, innovative and driven people, to represent our varied communities and catalyse the action needed to meet our ambitious environmental aims.  

We are stronger together and we want you to thrive in your new role. Our inclusive and flexible approach and dedicated and supportive colleagues will support you to do your best work yet. 

Find out more about our roles and apply today

KCC are warning of reports of various scams:-
Fake emails saying you have undelivered bank or credit cards
Cold callers stating they are staying in a nearby AirBnB trying to get your wifi code
Fake letters threatening court action after you have purchased an item.from EBay

There is also news of Asda recalls on some baby/toddler sleep bags. 

Please click on the link below to see what KCC is telling us about current scams. Have a read and stay ahead of the scammers!
https://mailchi.mp/kent.gov.uk/scam-alerts-6132542?e=455f3a8369




SEAL DANCE FOR FUN FOR OVER 50s

Luci has some spaces at this very popular weekly activity, on Tuesday mornings, 10.30 - 11.30  at Seal Village Hall.  It is pay as you go, so you literally only have to pay for the sessions you attend. Contact Luci 07748 008431 or lucinapleton@googlemail.com


NEW U3A IN BOROUGH GREEN AND WROTHAM

I know many people from Seal, belong to the Sevenoaks U3A. This organisation is now open to all people no longer in full time employment, providing a wide range of opportunities to come together, to learn for fun. This is a nation-wide organisation and there are many different areas of interest on offer.Do look at their website u3a.org.uk


The Launch of a new u3a at Borough Green & Wrotham will take place at the BG Village Hall, High Street, Borough Green TN15 8BJ

on Monday 10th July at 2.30pm; 



CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS

So, now we have seen what some of the village talent can achieve, by way of our magnificent pillar box topper, Chris is making a request - well in advance - for anybody to come forward, to

 make as many poppies as they possibly can please. She says the more the merrier, as we will be needing an awful lot of this this November, so if you get started now, we will be in with a

 chance of receiving sufficient. I believe these will be used on the pillar box, and to decorate our church for Remembrance Sunday too. Chris says, you can use any pattern you can find - always

 good to have some diversity - but abundance is the keyword. Sounds like this will be another terrific show.



SEAL ECO CHURCH


St Peter and Paul's  Church Seal, is now a registered Eco Church, working towards a bronze award at this time of accelerating climate change and species loss. We warmly welcome anyone

 along, with an interest in protecting nature, and caring for God's Earth. (A Rocha UK). Hope to meet you soon. Babs Bartholomew 07973 478968 and Lise Michaelides 07570 125115.

We are to become the Community Printer Ink Recycling Post with a small box currently located inside the church (to the left of the main door, and a larger box is on its way.

Old cartridges will be collected for recycling, which will also attract some money for the Church. PLEASE DO USE THIS RECYCLING SERVICE.

Babs and Lise.


Please also remember to contribute to the Loaves and Fishes Foodbank by donating food to the box at the back of church.



HEVER FESTIVAL THEATRE


Alison, who lives in Seal, is the PR Manager for Hever Festival Theatre. They have a great programme lined up between May and August of this year, so please look at their website

 - www.heverfestival.co.uk to find that event/show, that will delight you this summer. A brilliant setting, and not too far to travel, for that special evening.


FINALLY

If you are planning any event or activity in Seal and would like to spread the word, please contact marionjgilchrist@gmail.com and I will add your news to the newsletter.

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REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES AND INFO (This section is repeated every week, so please feel free to skip if you don't need it this week).

TALKING VILLAGE
Monday afternoons between 2pm and 3.30 in Deniz's on the High Street. Buy a cup of tea or coffee and join us on the Talking Village table, for a chat and to make new friends, or catch up with old ones!

Saturdays - First Saturday of each month in Seal Library from 10.15am-11.15am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.(Please note change of timing)
At both these venues, there will always be two hosts to welcome you, and we look forward to meeting with you and getting to know each other better.

FRIDAY GROUP
Meets each Friday morning in the Church Hall between 10.30 and 12.30   Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

MESSY CHURCH

July 16th
Aug no Messy Church
Sept 17th
Oct 15th
Nov 19th

SEAL TIDDLERS
 In Seal Church Hall £2 per session pre schoolers and parents/Carers Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 tea drinks snacks for children art activities singing.

JESSIE'S YOGITRIBE
Seal Village Hall Saturday mornings plus much more - see www.yogitribe.com or call Jess 07976 522726

QIGONG IN SEAL
Seal Village Hall Wednesdays 7pm and Fridays 9.15am. www.bewellwithannabel.co.uk or 07784 181151

SEAL ALLOTMENTS
Please contact sealvillageallotments@gmail.com

SEAL CHURCH CHOIRS

Adult and junior choirs looking for new members - practice Wednesday evenings -sealpandp@gmail.com


SEAL CHURCH BELLRINGERS

Have you ever had the urge to ring the church bells? If you are interested, we are always looking for new ringers, so please contact Paul Thompson paul.h.thompson@hotmail.co.uk


SEAL OVER 60s

2nd Saturday of each month 2.30-4pm.Seal Village Hall. £4 per head, for a delicious tea, interesting speakers and great company. Call Chris 01732 763585 or 07759 808814


.

SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB

Thursday evenings Seal Village Hall contact Alan Davies jandadavies@hotmail.co.uk


SEAL SEQUENCE DANCING -

Village Hall Tuesdays 8pm -10pm contact awatts@talktalk.net


SEAL SCOUTS, CUBS  AND BEAVERS.

Please contact 9thgslsevenoaks.scouts.org.uk for current information.


DANCE FOR FUN FOR OVER 50's
- Village Hall - Tuesday mornings -10.30am - contact Luci 07748 008431.


SEAL LIBRARY-

Opening hours - Tuedays 2-5pm, Thursdays 10am - 1pm, Fridays 10am - 3pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.
Thursdays -Derek - the IT Guru/Buddy, is available for appointments on Thursday mornings from 10.15. If you would like some help with your computer skills, please book an appointment through the library.
Fridays 10.30-11am  Story Time with Jenni  
Book Club first Tuesday of each month 2.30-3.30
Tea Set - Fourth Tuesday of each month - 2.30-3.45 - An interesting speaker at each session, with tea, cakes and great company!
Free Drop-in Crafts for children -  first Saturday of each month.


CHURCH HALL BOOKINGS - Maggie Fox - 01732 762840
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS - Gerry Froggat - 01959 522545

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