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.
This Blog will be archived from July 7 2024 following the retirement of Rev Anne Le Bas who has maintained it. Know Your Neighbours will continue however. Please email Marion if you would like to know more!

Saturday, 26 February 2022

KYN update - Feb 27

 

Marion Gilchrist

Fri, 25 Feb, 10:07 (21 hours ago)
to bcc: me
Hello and Welcome to this week's Know Your Neighbours update.
So - a very different day from this time last week. I do hope none of you experienced too much damage as a result of Eunice! (Wouldn't want to be a lady of tht name right now)! 
Here is what we know of what is going on in the village in the near future.

Firstly, news of a fund-raising event for Seal St Lawrence Primary School:-


THERE WILL BE AN AGM FOR SEAL VILLAGE FUND 
This meeting will take place via Zoom on Thursday 17th March at 8pm (please note - this has been put back a little, to give everybody the opportunity to make arrangements to join in). This meeting will include a report of Know Your Neighbours funding throughout the past year.
Those who 'Live, Work or Play in Seal', are encouraged to join the meeting to hear how monies raised by our village are being utilised in our community.

To register your interest in receiving a Zoom meeting invitation, for March 17th, please send your email address to Becky Watson (Seal Village Fund Secretary)

 
SEAL CELEBRATIONS FOR THE PLATINUM JUBILEE. 

Firstly, I have to report that we have received a very generous, annonymous donation of £300 to go towards the celebrations for this event. We are very grateful for this donation, as it will certainly help us to afford more in the way of entertainment at the main event on Sunday June 5th. On behalf of all the village, I'd like to say thank you to the very kind person who donated this money.   
Throughout the whole jubilee celebration period, we are hoping to have a display of Seal through the past 70 years - probably in the Village Hall (to be confirmed) and the library .
David Williams has also kindly offered to guide another of his ever popular historic walks or two! If you would like to take part in these walks, we are starting to take provisional bookings. These are always very popular, so please book early!

Friday June 3trd 12.30-4.30 Seal Village Allotments will hold a Jubilee Picnic. More details to follow.

Saturday June 4th - pm Frances Fish is going to organise another Garden Safari around the gardens of homes in Seal village.(Proceeds ro Kent Air Ambulance). If you have a garden that could be safely shown to others (or know somebody else that does), please let us know. You don't have to have a huge space - in fact sometimes, the smaller gardens are more inspiring, as we realise our small space can accommodate big ideas. If you think you might be able, but feel unsure, just say, and we can put you in touch with others who have participated before. I'm sure they will reassure you.
IF YOU HAVE ANY UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS OR ITEMS THAT MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE< FRANCES IS LOOKING TO PUT SOME RAFFLE PRIZES TOGETHER FOR THIS AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE VILLAGE. Please let me know and we will arrange collection.

Sunday June 5th - The Big Lunch on Seal Recreation Ground, with food outlets being present but you can bring your own picnic if you prefer. We have a fish and chip van and an ice cream van booked at present. There will be games and fun for all ages - competitions, races and general fun activities for all.Annie Fish and Barbara Martin have already started planning our fun activities. If you have any ideas for games or contests, or would like to help with the planning, please get in touch and we will pass your details on.

We hope that many of you will participate in sprucing  up our village beforehand, so look out for dates and times of community litter picks, etc. Also, we felt it would be great to encourage as many people as possible, to decorate/adorn the village appropriately. Here are some ideas:-

Planting your front gardens or outside areas in red white and blue - hanging baskets or borders, etc.
Display a 'Royal Scene' in your windows - rather along the line of Advent Windows, but with a royal theme
Display a royal scarecrow outside your home or in a public area where he/she or it, will be seen.
Decorate your home with red, white and blue bunting and flags
PLEASE DON'T BE SHY - GIVE US MORE IDEAS - WE ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO NEW ONES! WE ALSO NEED PEOPLE TO COME ALONG AND HELP TO ORGANISE THE EVENTS - CO-ORDINATE BOOKING OF  FOOD OUTLETS, SOURCE FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES ETC. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE JUST A LITTLE TIME TO SPARE.
I am aware that some people are already creating and planning for this. We will keep you updated weekly via these emails. 
There will be lots of opportunities for you to get involved in the planning of these events, so please let us know if you are interested to help (before you get press-ganged)!  

Ideas for fund raising were also discussed, as we may need some extra set up costs. One idea, (very popular I might add), was to have a @QUEEN OF PUDDINGS AND QUIZ EVENING' The idea being, to encourage as many people to create their favourite (or new to them) pudding for all to sample, and have 'A RIGHT ROYAL QUIZ' alongside the tasting. Please let me know if you would be interested in attending such an evening, and of course, if you feel you would like to help organise it.
We have our initial planning meeting for this event this week, so more details to follow.

Another idea which has been on the agenda for some time, would be to have an evening of close magic and a supper, in one of the halls. The entertainer we have used for Christmas parties, is very popular, and several people have asked if this would be possible.

The Village Covid Commemoration Tree and Talking Village Benches

These projects are both still very much on the agenda, and wouldn't it be appropriate, to have, at least the tree in place for the Jubilee! 




SEAL PARISH COUNCIL WILDFLOWER PROJECT - REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR NEXT WEEK'S SESSION!

Following on from our wildflower talk from the Kent Wildlife Trust's WILD ABOUT GARDENS team, are running a series of zoom sessions this winter on WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDEN, This is a great way of encouraging wildflowers and pollinators to your garden, This, is combination with our wildflower verges project, will also help create joined up 'pathways' for bees, butterflies and other key pollinators in our parish.
Details of the events can be seen on the Parish Council website, but the zoom sessions cost £5 a session, and are as follows:-
Monday March 7th 7.30-9pm - Wilder Lawns
Sat March 26th 11-12.30 - Using weeds and wildflowers in a garden to attract bees, butterflies and moths.

SEAL HISTORY GUIDE BOOKS
Deniz's coffee shop still has some copies of our Seal Historical Guided Walk books for just £5 a copy. All proceeds go to the Seal Village Fund. A perfect time to walk around our beautiful village and see it through new eyes!

ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH SEAL
Just a reminder that Anne is still making podcasts of the weekly services, so please log on to the church website www.sealpeterandpaul.com to get the link. These were very popular with our KYN readers during lockdown, and we are aware that many are still not comfortable to go to church during the pandemic, and many still benefit from the healing ministry via these podcasts. If you are having trouble downloading, let me know via this email, and I will add you to the list of people I forward them to.

SEAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
We are giving you plenty of time to organise yourselves for this - we will be looking for a small team of people to come forward, to organise the installing of the Christmas lights this year. It is not that arduous, and, of course, I will support whoever takes this on in whatever way you might need. If you would like to lead on this project, please give me a call on 01732 763727 or 07909905975, and we can have a chat. There is no problem with fund raising, as this is already in place (unless you have plans for a much more dramatic display). It will mainly involve getting the lights PAT tested for safety, organise teams to hang ( we already have insurance sorted), and to take back down and store safely for the following year. 

We will be looking to hold another KYN drop-in at the Village Hall later in the spring. So - please organise somebody from your group or organisation to bring along some information and photos maybe, to promote your group, especially to new neighbours! Remember to encourage any new members to our community to come along as well. I will be publishing the date shortly, but it will certainly be for a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, as this worked well for most last time.



SEAL VILLAGE ALLOTMENT DIARY FOR Mar - June 2022

Mar 12th - Spring working party
Mar 19th - Q and A workshop 10.30-12
April 23rd Q and A workshop 10.30-12
May 15th Spring Plant Sale and Open Day 12-3pm
June 3rd - Jubilee Picnic 12.30-4.30.
Oct 15th Autumn Plant Sale and Open Day 12-5pm
Oct 29th Autumn Working Party 9.30-12.00


REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

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 10am-11am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
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 = PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIMES.  Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

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


SLIMMING WORLD
Seal Village Hall Monday evenings at 7pm. Call Lorraine on 0774086058

SEAL CHURCH CHOIRS

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


Seal Over 60s every 2nd Saturday of each month following, from 2.30-4pm at Seal Village Hall.£3 per head for a lovely tea.


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@talktalknet 


SEAL BEAVERS CUBS AND SCOUTS Please contact 9thgsl@sevenoaks.scouts.org.uk for current info during the pandemic.


Dance For Fun Classes - Village Hall - Tuesday mornings -10.30am - contact Luci 07748 008431.


SEAL LIBRARY- Opening  hours - Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm, Thursdays 10am - 1pm, Fridays 10am-3pm and Saturdays, 10am - 2pm.

Derek - the IT Guru/Buddy, is available for appointments on Thursday mornings from 10.15am. If anybody would like any help, please book an appointment in the library.
From Friday October 8th, Rhyme Time at 10.15, followed by Story Time at 10.45, will make a very welcome return, with Clare. 
Book Club First Tuesday of each month 2.30-3.30

There are also plans for a new martial arts group meeting in the Village Hall weekly and a new keep fit class meeting in the Church Hall. If you have any further details of either of these groups, it would be great to share please.


UNUSED LAPTOPS WANTED PLEASE for use of Seal School learners - please contact me and I will collect and deliver to Derek,  for cleansing and prep for use. (Thank you as always Derek).
CHURCH HALL BOOKINGS - Maggie Fox - 01732 762840
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS - Gerry Froggat - 01959 522545


If you are planning, or already running some activity in Seal you would like to share with us, please contact us at this email address, and we will do our best to spread the word. Also, please remember to tell any new neighbours about this group, so that we can add them to our circulation list, or they can use the FaceBook page.

Meanwhile, have a great week.

Marion (on behalf of Know Your Neighbours).

Saturday, 5 February 2022

KYN update - Feb 6


Welcome to this week's Know Your Neighbours 
update.  

Hopefully, many of us have been able to enjoy some late winter sunshine, and even milder temperatures. What a joy to see people sitting outside Deniz's again, without the encumbrance of huge coats, hats and scarves. Lovely to see some bright sunshine to encourage us back out (safely of course), and to plan events for the coming year ahead.
So - here goes!

Today we held our 100 Club draw for February, at Friday Group. This month's prizes are 1st £100 and 2nd of £65, with £165 going to the Seal Village Fund.
This month's winners are:-
No 20 £100 Dave Martin
No 25 £65 Jenni Pascoe
Congratulations to both of you - two of our original members of this scheme!
Please let us know if you would like to take part in this fund raising scheme, and you will be sent joining details. Funds raised go directly to Seal village projects. 
THERE WILL BE AN AGM FOR SEAL VILLAGE FUND AND KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS AT THE END OF THIS MONTH. PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
 
SEAL CELEBRATIONS FOR THE PLATINUM JUBILEE. 
Throughout the whole jubilee celebration period, we are hoping to have a display of Seal through the past 70 years - probably in the Village Hall (to be confirmed).
David Williams has also kindly offered to guide another of his ever popular historic walks or two! If you would like to take part in these walks, we are starting to take provisional bookings. These are always very popular, so please book early!

Friday June 3trd 12.30-4.30 Seal Village Allotments will hold a Jubilee Picnic.More details to follow.

Saturday June 4th - pm Frances Fish is going to organise another Garden Safari around the gardens of homes in Seal village.(Proceeds ro Kent Air Ambulance). If you have a garden that could be safely shown to others (or know somebody else that does), please let us know. You don't have to have a huge space - in fact sometimes, the smaller gardens are more inspiring, as we realise our small space can accommodate big ideas. If you think you might be able, but feel unsure, just say, and we can put you in touch with others who have participated before. I'm sure they will reassure you.
IF YOU HAVE ANY UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS OR ITEMS THAT MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE< FRANCES IS LOOKING TO PUT SOME RAFFLE PRIZES TOGETHER FOR THIS AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE VILLAGE. Please let me know and we will arrange collection.

Sunday June 5th - The Big Lunch on Seal Recreation Ground, with food outlets being present but you can bring your own picnic if you prefer. We have a fish and chip van and an ice cream van booked at present. There will be games and fun for all ages - competitions, races and general fun activities for all.Annie Fish and Barbara Martin have already started planning our fun activities. If you have any ideas for games or contests, or would like to help with the planning, please get in touch and we will pass your details on.

We hope that many of you will participate in sprucing  up our village beforehand, so look out for dates and times of community litter picks, etc. Also, we felt it would be great to encourage as many people as possible, to decorate/adorn the village appropriately. Here are some ideas:-

Planting your front gardens or outside areas in red white and blue - hanging baskets or borders, etc.
Display a 'Royal Scene' in your windows - rather along the line of Advent Windows, but with a royal theme
Display a royal scarecrow outside your home or in a public area where he/she or it, will be seen.
Decorate your home with red, white and blue bunting and flags
PLEASE DON'T BE SHY - GIVE US MORE IDEAS - WE ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO NEW ONES!
I am aware that some people are already creating and planning for this. We will keep you updated weekly via these emails. 
There will be lots of opportunities for you to get involved in the planning of these events, so please let us know if you are interested to help (before you get press-ganged)!  

Ideas for fund raising were also discussed, as we may need some extra set up costs. One idea, (very popular I might add), was to have a @QUEEN OF PUDDINGS AND QUIZ EVENING' The idea being, to encourage as many people to create their favourite (or new to them) pudding for all to sample, and have 'A RIGHT ROYAL QUIZ' alongside the tasting. Please let me know if you would be interested in attending such an evening, and of course, if you feel you would like to help organise it.
We have our initial planning meeting for this event this week, so more details to follow.

Another idea which has been on the agenda for some time, would be to have an evening of close magic and a supper, in one of the halls. The entertainer we have used for Christmas parties, is very popular, and several people have asked if this would be possible.

The Village Covid Commemoration Tree and Talking Village Benches

These projects are both still very much on the agenda, and wouldn't it be appropriate, to have, at least the tree in place for the Jubilee! 


SEAL LIBRARY NEWS

THIS STURDAY 10-11am Talking Village. Look out for the TV table and join Barbara and Coral for a coffee and chat.
 

In February, the library will be highlighting matters relating to the 'Heart'. Please pop in to see the many poems and quotes, some well-known, some not so familiar, which will be the focus of the displays. If anyone would like to contribute a favourite they would like included, please let me know.

 

Clare will start the month off with a Valentine's theme free children's craft session on Saturday the 5th, from 11:00 am-12:30pm. All are welcome with an accompanying adult.

 

On Saturday 12th from 11-11:30 am Tim from ‘Sevenoakscpr’ charity will be providing a demonstration and answering questions on CPR and the use of a defibrillator (there is one located in the old red telephone box outside the village hall in the High Street). There is a signing up sheet in the library to help gauge the number of attendees. Please contact the library if you have any queries or wish to sign up.

 

The Reading Group meet on Tuesday 1st,2:00 - 4pm will be discussing January's book choices:

The Heights by Louise Candlish - a pyschological thriller about revenge and

Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan – a eulogy on teenage friendship.

They will also be collecting the February books.:

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - a best-selling novel about a missionary family, who in 1959 move from the U.S. state of Georgia,USA to the village of Kilanga in the Belgian Congo, close to the Kwilu River.

A Woman made of Snow by Elisabeth Gifford – a recently published mystery set in Scotland in 1949.

 

Clare will be in the library on Friday the 25th (no sessions on 11th and 18th) for Baby Rhyme time at 10:15am -10:45am followed each week by Storytime at 10:45-11:15 am.  All pre-school children are welcome with an accompanying adult/s. 

 



SEAL PARISH COUNCIL WILDFLOWER PROJECT - REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR NEXT WEEK'S SESSION!

Following on from our wildflower talk from the Kent Wildlife Trust's WILD ABOUT GARDENS team, are running a series of zoom sessions this winter on WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDEN, This is a great way of encouraging wildflowers and pollinators to your garden, This, is combination with our wildflower verges project, will also help create joined up 'pathways' for bees, butterflies and other key pollinators in our parish.
Details of the events can be seen on the Parish Council website, but the zoom sessions cost £5 a session, and are as follows:-
Saturday Feb 5th 3pm-5pm - Building and Maintaining a Wildlife Pond
Monday March 7th 7.30-9pm - Wilder Lawns
Sat March 26th 11-12.30 - Using weeds and wildflowers in a garden to attract bees, butterflies and moths.

SEAL HISTORY GUIDE BOOKS
Deniz's coffee shop still has some copies of our Seal Historical Guided Walk books for just £5 a copy. All proceeds go to the Seal Village Fund. A perfect time to walk around our beautiful village and see it through new eyes!

ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH SEAL
Just a reminder that Anne is still making podcasts of the weekly services, so please log on to the church website www.sealpeterandpaul.com to get the link. These were very popular with our KYN readers during lockdown, and we are aware that many are still not comfortable to go to church during the pandemic, and many still benefit from the healing ministry via these podcasts. If you are having trouble downloading, let me know via this email, and I will add you to the list of people I forward them to.



SEAL VILLAGE ALLOTMENT DIARY FOR Mar - June 2022

Mar 12th - Spring working party
Mar 19th - Q and A workshop 10.30-12
April 23rd Q and A workshop 10.30-12
May 15th Spring Plant Sale and Open Day 12-3pm
June 3rd - Jubilee Picnic 12.30-4.30.
Oct 15th Autumn Plant Sale and Open Day 12-5pm
Oct 29th Autumn Working Party 9.30-12.00


REGULAR VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

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 10am-11am. Join us for a coffee whilst out browsing for your library books.
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 = PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIMES.  Coffee, chat, by all means, bring your crafting with you but mostly, enjoy the company.

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


SLIMMING WORLD
Seal Village Hall Monday evenings at 7pm. Call Lorraine on 0774086058

SEAL CHURCH CHOIRS

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


Seal Over 60s every 2nd Saturday of each month following, from 2.30-4pm at Seal Village Hall.£3 per head for a lovely tea.


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@talktalknet 


SEAL BEAVERS CUBS AND SCOUTS Please contact 9thgsl@sevenoaks.scouts.org.uk for current info during the pandemic.


Dance For Fun Classes - Village Hall - Tuesday mornings -10.30am - contact Luci 07748 008431.


SEAL LIBRARY- Opening  hours - Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm, Thursdays 10am - 1pm, Fridays 10am-3pm and Saturdays, 10am - 2pm.

Derek - the IT Guru/Buddy, is available for appointments on Thursday mornings from 10.15am. If anybody would like any help, please book an appointment in the library.
From Friday October 8th, Rhyme Time at 10.15, followed by Story Time at 10.45, will make a very welcome return, with Clare. 
Book Club First Tuesday of each month 2.30-3.30

There are also plans for a new martial arts group meeting in the Village Hall weekly and a new keep fit class meeting in the Church Hall. If you have any further details of either of these groups, it would be great to share please.


UNUSED LAPTOPS WANTED PLEASE for use of Seal School learners - please contact me and I will collect and deliver to Derek,  for cleansing and prep for use. (Thank you as always Derek).
CHURCH HALL BOOKINGS - Maggie Fox - 01732 762840
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS - Gerry Froggat - 01959 522545


If you are planning, or already running some activity in Seal you would like to share with us, please contact us at this email address, and we will do our best to spread the word. Also, please remember to tell any new neighbours about this group, so that we can add them to our circulation list, or they can use the FaceBook page.

And as I finish this newsletter - I feel I am being punished for celebrating the beautiful weather of half an hour ago ðŸ¤”🤔
Never mind - have a great weekend anyway!

Marion (on behalf of Know Your Neighbours).