"Know Your Neighbours" in Seal

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!

Sunday, 28 August 2022

KYN update: Aug 26

Hello Everybody,

Welcome to this week's Know Your Neighbours Update.

I can't help but talk of the weather again - Sorry! WOOHOO! Lovely, lovely rain! Who knew it would ever be so welcome?? That's it - just had to be done -over!

REMINDER!

So, it's that time of year again, and we are looking for your opinions please! SCARECROW TIME!!

We want to continue with our Scarecrow Festival , but we need your ideas to ensure we are doing this in a way which suits you!

We have tried several ideas previously, and have come up with some new ones, but please say which you prefer, or come up with alternatives:-

1-In the past we have had a competition, where people pay a small entry fee to Seal Church, make and display their scarecrow, we organise a map and trail, find a judge and the prizes are awarded at the Church Harvest celebrations. We could go back to this.

2 - Have two levels of entry - Individual households and organisations.

3 - Last year, we just had a list of contributors with no competition.

NEW IDEAS:-

1 - Make a date for a picnic mid- to late September, on the recreation ground, where people bring their own equipment (and we can help out with bits too),

then we all construct our own scarecrows together, and have the competition and prizes awarded on the rec. The scarecrows are then carried/wheeled/dragged home, ready to out out until October 9th, which is Harvest Festival day!

1a - If you don't want to make your scarecrow on the rec, you could construct it at home and just bring down for the judging.

2 - (which can be combined with above) Rather than have a trail around the village, we could arrange to exhibit the scarecrows at various points on the Main Road, and Childsbridge Lane, ensuring they are all seen and loved!

PLEASE GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS BY THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND, OR THERE MAY BE NO SCARECROW ACTIVITY THIS YEAR!

Thank you to those of you who responded to this request last week. This will be the last week to give your comments as we need to get organising!

Many thanks to those who have already responded to this - your comments have been welcomed!

TALKING VILLAGE

A reminder that Deniz's is closed for a very well earned break. The cafe will re-open on Monday September 5th.

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO MONDAY TALKING VILLAGE ON AUG 29th.

There will be the normal monthly session in the library on Saturday from 10.15-11.15

SEAL LIBRARY NEWS

There are always some craft/art things to do set up to keep children occupied during the holidays so please do pop in. The Summer Reading Challenge with Gadgeteers is still going strong and it is not too late to sign up and take part. I have been able to do a few celebratory dances with the early finishers and look forward to doing more!!

The new colour photocopier printer is now installed and can print up to A4 from the library computer, a smartphone, laptop or tablet using the free library wi-fi or from home using bit.ly/WifiPrinting. Full instructions are provided. Colour printing is 50p and Black &White 15p

I am thrilled to say Jenni Pascoe (known to many children and families from Seal School), has kindly offered to become a volunteer for Storytime which will begin again on Friday 2^nd September at 10:30am -11 am and continue each week during term time. We look forward to welcoming pre-school children accompanied by an adult. Sessions are free and you don’t need to book.

Unfortunately, no-one has signed up as a volunteer for Baby bounce so these sessions will not now be running. If anyone would like to volunteer to run a session, please let me know as they were very popular, and it is a shame they will no longer be available.

We would also like to have a volunteer/s to help with the Home Library Service specifically with visits to Lavender Fields. If anyone is interested again, please either pop into the library, email me at seallibrary@kent.gov.uk or give me a call 03000 413131

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather – it is definitely the time to relax with a good book (as always) and I am getting deliveries every Friday. We have had a new stock of audio books too if listening appeals more.

Thanks Jillian

REMINDER OF IMPORTANT NEWS FROM SEAL PARISH COUNCIL

The area in the North end of the Recreation Ground, a large area of the woodland, the parish council have organised for our contractors to work on staking the area in preparation for chestnut paling to surround the area. This will remain in place for a period of 5 years to treat the Japanese Knotweed and to contain it and with no access, completely enclosed. We are asking for the public to stay well clear of the area, our contractors will be working today to fence it off appropriately, the stakes are to remain in place. If anyone sees anything suspicious or any criminal damage to any of the stakes then please report to the police.

EVERY STEP COUNTS WAKING AND SOCIALISING GROUP IN KEMSING-

Another Kemsing group, EVERY STEP COUNTS, run by Martin and Yvonne Watt, takes place on Friday mornings from 10.30 each week (rain or shine)!. The group meets in the Kemsing village car park, and walk the common field, which takes about half an hour. They then take coffee in The Bell, where Yvonne passes around a jug for voluntary contributions. If this sounds more like your level, just turn up in Kemsing Village car park for 10.30am any Friday morning and you will be added to the group. All welcome, including dogs!

SEAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL FARM - MAKE THE MOST OF FARM ACTIVITIES DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

Thank you for supporting us at Seal community school farm.

We have new open days this August you may want to check out.

Why not walk one of the baby hillside goats around our woodland?

Stroking piggies suits you better? no problem!

See the website for latest updates and for purchasing tickets:

www.sealcommunityschoolfarm.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you!

The Farm Team.

(Do follow the activities on the farm through their FaceBook page, or Instagram).

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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 IN THE CHURCH HALL 3pm-4.30

Sept 18th

Oct 16th

Nov 20th

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. This takes place during term time only.CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

JESSIE'S YOGITRIBE

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

JuJitsu Seal Church Hall at various times during the week - contact Adam - hello@adamwattsbjj.co.uk

Seal Allotments - Contact Zoreen - zoreengibbens@gmail.com

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.

Fridays Rhyme Time at 10.15, followed by Story Time at 10.45, (please see note above).

Book Club First Tuesday of each month 2.30-3.30

Tea Set - Fourth Tuesday of the month - 2.30 - 3.45 - Tea, cakes, good company and an interesting speaker at each session.

CHURCH HALL BOOKINGS - Maggie Fox - 01732 762840

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS - Gerry Froggat - 01959 522545

Have a great week everybody - it looks to be another sun filled one! Enjoy the last week of the holidays!

Best wishes,

Marion (on behalf of Know Your Neighbours).

Monday, 30 May 2022

Big Lunch

KYN update May 30

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

JUST A REMINDER, WE HAVE REQUESTS FOR THE FOLLOWING DONATIONS PLEASE;-

Old dresses - the larger the better (that you may not get returned)

Small old fashioned (40's/50's style) handbags

Hobby horses - YES - I did say hobby horses - these will be returned.

Soft toys which could be mistaken for corgis.

DO NOT ASK! ALL WILL BE REVEALED AT THE FAMILY FUN DAY ON THE RECREATION GROUND ON SUNDAY JUNE 5TH!

If you can help with any of these requests, please contact me by email or call 07909905975 or see Barbara Martin or Annie Fish.

We now have several more names of helpers to assist with the games and contests on the day, but more of you are still needed please. Again, please contact Barbara, Annie or myself if you can spare a little energy on the day,

DETAILS OF JUBILEE WEEKEND IN SEAL

EXHIBITION OF SEAL THROUGHOUT THE PAST 70 YEARS.

There will be a display of Seal through the past 70 years in the Village Hall .After the Jubilee weekend, the exhibition will be moved to the library .

The exhibition in the hall, will be open during the following times:-

Thursday June 2nd from 2pm-6pm

Friday June 3rd from 10am-2pm

Saturday June 4th 10am - 2pm

Sunday June 5th 10am - Noon

If you can spare an hour or two during these times, to help man the exhibition, please let me know via this email.

THIS EVENT WILL BE OPENED BY OUR OWN CENTENARIAN (PLUS 1) BARBARA ARNOLD, AT 2PM ON THURSDAY JUNE 2ND IN SEAL VILLAGE HALL.

THE OPENING WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A HISTORY WALK WITH DAVID WILLIAMS UNTIL APPROX 3.30pm. THE WALK IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE BOOKED. THESE WALKS ARE VERY POPULAR, BUT WE HAVE A FEW SPACES SO PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR YOUR PLACE. COST OF THE WALK IS £5 PER HEAD TO INCLUDE GUIDE BOOK.

marionjgilchrist@gmail.com

GARDEN SAFARI

Saturday June 4th - pm Frances Fish is organising another Garden Safari around the gardens of homes in Seal village.(Proceeds ro Kent Air Ambulance). We now have all the gardens in place, so tickets are now on sale very soon! This is a great opportunity to explore local private gardens and get ideas for your own!

Tickets are available from Ahmed in Seal Supermarket.

BIG LUNCH AND FAMILY FUN DAY TO CELEBRATE OUR QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE

is being held on the recreation ground, on Sunday June 5th from midday to 4.00.

You can, of course bring your own picnic, but we will also be having the fish and chip van (already well known by some in Seal), who will be providing portions of their excellent fish and chips at a cost of £8 per portion. WE HAVE HEARD FROM THE PROPRIETOR OF THE FISH AND CHIP VAN, THAT IF WE DO NOT REACH 50 ORDERS, THE COST WILL HAVE TO BE £10 PER PORTION, SO PLEASE, IF YOU WANT FISH AND CHIPS, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ORDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.Clearly, the proprietors of this business need to know that there will be a certain amount of portions served, so if we could give some idea of numbers to them, that would help immensely. Please could you just send me an email if you are likely to purchase fish and chips from the van, so that we can guarantee their presence, Thank you for your help with this.

IF YOU DO NOT PRE-ORDER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU NEED ON THE DAY.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU BRING WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOURSELVES AND YOUR FAMILY, BY WAY OF FOOD, DRINKS, CHAIRS, BLANKETS, ETC. THERE WILL BE NO TEA AND CAKE SERVED THIS YEAR,

There will also be an ice cream van, who will pop in and out of the rec throughout the afternoon.

THERE WILL BE BOUNCY CASTLES, FUN FAMILY GAMES, TODDLERS' PLAY AREA, MESSY CHURCH, AND SOME COMMUNITY GAMES AND CONTESTS DURING THE AFTERNOON.

PLEASE SUPPORT THESE EVENTS - THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES AND MOST TASTES, SO JOIN US AND GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS!

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 EVENT AS WELL!

AND NOW - BACK TO VILLAGE LIFE AS WE NORMALLY KNOW IT!

We would like to thank Seal Village Allotments for inviting us (Seal Know Your Neighbours), to their open day last Sunday. It was a great opportunity to meet old friends and meet new ones, and spread the word about what KYN dos in our community.

Looking for an Allotment?

We have a large vegetable garden – four beds of around 55sq metres each, been well tended over the years but we are now looking for someone who would like to take them on, on an allotment basis.

We live in Underriver. Tel Fidelity Weston on 01732 463372 for more information.

SEAL VILLAGE HALL

will hold their AGM (in Seal Village Hall) on Monday June 13th at 7.30pm.

SEAL LIBRARY NEWS.

May’s theme in the library reflects National Walking Month, with a selection of books relating to walks near and far.

Next month’s talk on Tuesday June 28^th will feature local historian David Williams talking about Seal during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Details of the next 6 months activities will be available from the end of May.

David has also curated a lovely display of art by local artists of the village as it was in the 1950’s and 2000’s and these will be on show together with his exhibition in the village hall which will be moving into the library after the Jubilee weekend.

Leading up to and for the Jubilee I will be displaying bunting decorated by the community in the library windows. The bunting template is available in the library and several community groups are taking part. If you would like to join in, please ask for a template .

During half term there will be Jubilee craft activities during opening hours including corgis, puppets, paper chains and culminating in a crown making session on Sat 4^th June ready for the village picnic and fun day on Sunday 5^th June.

Thank you to everyone who is using the library facilities and attending our events.

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!

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.

For further information, please email me or visit our KYN table at the Allotments Open Day on Sunday.

marionjgilchrist@gmail.com

SEVENOAKS URBAN AREA LOCAL WALKING AND CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN (LCWIP).

This has been recommended by Matt Durling, so if you are a keen/interested walker, hiker, or cyclist, please spend a moment to take a look. Matt says the mapping tool is brilliant!

If you would like to participate in this local survey, please click on the link below:-

Sevenoaks Walking and Cycling Network | Sustrans Community Mapping Tool

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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

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

May 15th (and all following dates) 3-4.30pm Seal Church Hall

June 19th

July 17th

Aug no Messy Church

Sept 18th

Oct 16th

Nov 20th

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.