UPDATE ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTING - THIS WEEKEND
A huge thank you to those of you who turned out last Saturday, to get our High Street and Zambra Way lit up. A few other areas, such as The Greens in Church Street , Bentleys Bungalows and School Lane are also lit, with thanks to our volunteers. It was an incredible turn out this year - over 30 people, to whom we are very grateful. It was particularly good to meet some new neighbours, who got involved in this. It is always a great community effort, and each year, it just keeps getting better. We achieved a new record this year - finished by 11am - we did start an hour earlier, but finished 2 hours earlier!
We must also say a big thank you to Erman and Janine, who pulled out all the stops to make 30 odd bacon or egg sandwiches! Much appreciated every year!
Our intention is to take the lights back down on the morning of Saturday January 7th, so if you have an hour or two to help out then, we would be very happy to see you.
On a health and safety issue, it was pointed out that the traffic was particularly busy, and we should wear hi viz jackets. This is a very valid point, and whilst we do have about 12, we will put our minds to accessing some more for Sat Jan 7th and beyond.
LIGHTS ON TOMORROW -4pm SATURDAY DECEMBER 10th
If you would like to be there when the lights come on for the first time in 2022, please join us as we sing just a few carols with the Over 60's in the Village Hall at 3.45. This is their last meeting before Christmas, so they will have had some beautiful carols sung by Seal Church Choir - this is our chance to join them all, and bring them back to Earth! 15 minutes of carol singing, a mince pie and some mulled wine, then out to see if our timers have worked this year!
WITH THE PROSPECT OF A VERY COLD SNAP THIS WEEKEND, THE DOORS TO THE FRONT OF THE VILLAGE HALL IN THE HIGH STREET, WILL BE CLOSED. PLEASE JOIN US IN THE HALL VIA THE SIDE DOOR IN ZION STREET. EVERYBODY IS WELCOME!
WE ARE HOPING TO HOLD A FAMILY PARTY IN EARLY JANUARY
We will also need organisers for this event please, so again, please let me know via this email if you can offer your assistance in any way. This will not be possible unless others come forward to help, and this is a good opportunity to bring families together after Christmas, for a free party. WE HAVE THE FUNDS - JUST NEED THE ORGANISERS!
SEAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS DATES
TOMORROW CHRISTINGLE SERVICE 10am THIS SUNDAY FOLLOWED BY SALE OF CAKES AND FESTIVE GIFTS
For many families, this is a beautiful start to Christmas, a beautiful family Advent service with children learning about the Church of England Childrens' Society, and the work they do, whilst sharing the Christmas magic of candle-light and the meaning of the Christingle
PLEASE DO JOIN US FOR THIS EVENT. IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE SERVICE, THE MINI CHRISTMAS SALE WILL BEGIN AROUND 11.15AM FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.
Carol Service 6.30pm on Sunday December 18th.
A beautiful service with choral contributions from Seal's amazing choir, and the sharing of familiar carols for the whole congregation.
Crib Service 4pm Christmas Eve.
A very much more informal service, where families meet - children share the Christmas story by adding the nativity characters to the crib as the story progresses. Lots of familiar carols for all to sing (sometimes with great exuberance). A wonderfully uplifting service with lots of Christmas Eve excitement, but a very timely reminder of what it's all about.
These are all very popular services so please put those dates in your diary.
SEAL ECO CHURCH
St P& P’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) & Lise Michaelides (07570 125115).
SEAL LIBRARY NEWS
Unfortunately, I am starting with a moan!
A reminder to people not to park across the library gate. The library car park is for library users only when the library is open but even when the library is shut access is required at all times for deliveries and maintenance. Thank you.
Storytime this week, is Christmas themed again- both stories and some songs. This is the last week before schools break up, so we will have some crafts and nibbles afterwards. (Fridays 10.30am)
Lots of Christmas books are now on the shelves and proving popular already, lots of romance and crime for adults and some great picture books and stories for children.
The library book sale started from the 6th December for 2 weeks.
I have also requested some stock of the large, printed bags which make great Christmas presents and save on wrapping paper at £5.50 . They come in a variety of prints and if anyone would like a specific one please let me know and I can order for delivery at the library. They can be seen on https://www.facebook.com/
Hope everyone has a great week.
Regards
Jillian
SEAL COMMUNITY LUNCH IS BACK
A free lunch of homemade soup, bread and a hot pudding will be served at Seal Church Hall at 1pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Arrive any time after 12.30pm. Join the team for a warm welcome and meet friends.
A NEW LOCAL PLAN FOR SEVENOAKS DISTRICT
A consultation is in process for you to have your say to help shape the future of the district. The consultation has been running since November 16th - January 11th. Although the drop-in sessions have already taken place, there is the opportunity to join an online Zoom session on Wednesday January 4th at 2.30 and again at 5.30. Please contact SDC if you are interested.
REMINDER - PLANNING FOR SEVENOAKS QUARRY
We have received emails regarding this application, raising concerns over changes regarding the access to Childsbridge Lane. It would appear that the footpath/cycle track that had been proposed, is now worded vehicular access. Of course, this is vastly different, and would mean a very different impact being made to traffic, both in Childsbridge Lane and to the village generally. If you would like to check this out with Sevenoaks District Council the planning application number is 22/00512/OUT
I feel sure Seal Parish Council are on the case, but individual comments will all help.
2023 - JUST PUTTING IT OUT THERE!!!
Just a thought, we know there will be a very big day to celebrate in May next year - King Charles' Coronation.
As a village, we will clearly want to celebrate this in a big way, but, once again, we will need people to take on the organisation of this community event. Those of us that have taken on these events over the past years/decades, are feeling somewhat jaded, and really need new blood to take over. We would like to suggest that plans are started early, maybe put your good selves forward (maybe individuals or several groups of friends). I am happy to compile a list of names and introduce you to each other. We know there are loads of skilled young people out there - we need you!!
Again, we will have some funds thanks to our 100 Club revenue, but, undoubtedly, more will be needed. We can help in this way, but we really need you to come forward and take over please!
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