NOTICES

Community Group Events

Sounds of the Caribbean engulf St Michael’s!

Despite somewhat unpredictable weather, the sun shone brightly on St Michael’s on Sunday 11th September as hundreds of folk arrived to support the Community Groups 3rd summer Fun Day and what must have been the first ever Caribbean themed fete in the history of the village. Even a short “tropical downpour” did little to dampen the enthusiasm of local residents.

Opened at 12 noon by Harry Hickmott in his capacity as Town Crier, and eloquently compered by Mr John Hoads, musical entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon by headline act Nostalgia Steel band from London’s famous Notting Hill Carnival. As their rhymic beat permeated the recreation ground, four teams fiercely competed in “It’s a Knock out” competition and the now legendary “tug of war” contest; all of which were run in strict military fashion by Tenterden Army Cadet Force’s “B” company. Amazingly, despite being handicapped by “yours truly” the St Michaels Post Office &  Fish & Chip shop( AKA The chippies”)  reigned victorious in both contests over the Crown, the Scouts and  Nostalgia Steel band; a good omen I’m sure for the owners of this new business initiative right in the heart of the village.

Smilies Dance Troupe enthralled the crowd with a stunning professional performance whilst the Dog Show and Face Painting competitions proved more popular than ever; as did the raffle where many valuable prizes were win. Games, catering all age groups and stalls selling locally made goods and produce were in abundance with additional features this year comprising of limbo dancing, fencing and hobby horse jousting. Once more the barbecue and beer tent provided much needed sustenance and refreshment for all.  .

The Fun Day was a great success and thanks must go to everyone who helped make it happen and most importantly to those of you who turned out to support us on the day.

Christmas Lights Switch -on  celebrations - Thursday 1st December

Please join us for our 6th Christmas Lights switch-on celebrations. Festive fun for all the family. Confirmed events are as follows:

6.00pm  Short service in St Michael & All Angels when the church floodlighting will be turned on

6.50pm Carols from St Michaels C of E School choir at the "point" opposite the Crown pub.

7.00pm Christmas tree lights switch-on by the Mayor of Tenterden

7.05pm Father Christmas makes his annual appearance!

7.20pm Carols from St Michaels C of E School choir

7.30pm Grand Raffle Draw for fantastic prizes including Dolls House, Hamper, Hair Dressing tokens and Christmas Cakes

St Michaels christmas cards will be on sale for just £3.50 for a variety pack of 6 cards. Also roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, mince pies, sausage rolls and sabre lights will be in abundance. Any proceeds will go towards Community Group funds

Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations - Shirley Bassey Tribute Nite - Sunday 3rd June 2012

( with supporting goup - The Acropolis)

The Community Group in conjunction with St Michaels Executive Car Hire are hosting a special Shirley Bassey tribute evening to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Drinks bar and dancing 8pm til midnght!

When - Sunday 3rd June 2012

Where - The Tenterden club

Tickets  - £15 each ( available from Sandra Sutters 07798 677777)

Proceeds  - in aid of Kent Air Ambulance & Community Group

 WHY NOT JOIN US???

 If any resident would like to know more about our activities or has suggestions for future sponsorships that would benefit the village in general please do contact us via this site or come along to our open monthly meetings and help strengthen the team.

St Michael's Village Hall

Elected Officers of the management committee for 2012

Chairman - Ken Mulholland

Vice chairperson - Cllr. Pamela Smith

Treasurer - Catherine Hedges

Bookings Secretary - Tracey Pooleman

The Village Hall, one of the best in the county has recently been awarded membership of "Action with Communities in Rural Kent" and is currently preparing for Stage 1 Hall Mark accreditation.  It offers superb facilities for all manner of events including indoor sports and entertainment. It caters on a regular basis for numerous  local clubs and societies whilst  also accepting bookings for "one of" parties or quizzes. Operating close to full capacity the Hall is very keen to welcome new clients whether for  repeat bookings or for a single event.

 For all bookings and further details including cost and availability please  contact:

Tracey Pooleman on 01580 766811   E Mail tracey@pooleman.fsnet.co.uk

Summary of the origins of St Michael’s Village Hall
(Abstracted from details written by George Freeland -  October 1987)
    

George Freeland who was vice chairman of the Hayseeds Dancing Club was looking for a large enough hall to accommodate his club.  All the numerous St Michaels organisations responded favourably to the suggestion of a new hall in St Michaels.  This was the start of fifteen years of fund raising and struggling with beaurocracy.

The then Tenterden Mayor, Stanley Day, called a public meeting in the Town Hall and got a representative from the Ministry of Social Services to come and tell them what the project entailed and what help the Government would give and Mr Freeland was appointed to run the effort.

Sites considered by Mr Freeland were, the corner site now occupied by the Fire Station, the corner site at Shoreham Lane, sites at Wayside, Heather Drive, and Grange Crescent before any development had been started.  The only site offered by the council was the Pond Site (Marshal’s Land) which was originally turned down because of the extra foundation costs.

After many frustrating months with no co-operation from the Council, a Public Meeting was called to reconsider the Pond Site previously offered for the sum of £50.   Finally, despite the extra estimated cost of about £200, it was agreed to purchase the site for the asking price of £50.  The decision to purchase was made!

Donations from Miss Roughton, Mrs Reece and Mr Heaton started the building fund.

The Ministry's Trust deed was signed, making the project a Charity thus authorising the committee to raise funds and entitling them to the grant of £1 for every pound that was raised as public trustees.  Once the position was legalised, the fund raising really began.

Whist Drives, Coffee Mornings, Bridge Drives, Concerts etc.  For twelve years Gymkhanas were held on the first Saturday of each September and a Fete every Whitsun.  Also marmalade was made and sold locally!  The Mayor, Major Chalk, arranged a whole week of events in support.  A profit of £700. On the week was made.

By 1963 there was £2,500. in the building fund, add to this the ministry grant making a total of £5,000. and a decision was made to start the building, anticipating more public support when it was seen to be actually taking place. 

The plans were drawn up by Peter Luckett and approved by the Ministry.  They were then submitted to the Kent County Council and Tenterden Town Council, both of whom approved, and building started. 

We continued to raise money by every means possible.  After much 'discussion' and negotiation
A grant of £3,000 was given, interest free, over a repayment period of fifteen years by Tenterden Town Council. Tenterden had a War Memorial Fund unused since the war ended which was eventually divided equally between Tenterden and St Michaels

As with all village halls, rate relief of 50% was given when the Hall was eventually built.  This was in 1967.  The grand piano was given by Mrs Reece, broadcasting equipment for use at the Gymkhanas was purchased for the sum of £41.13s.0d and the first years bookings amounted to £560.
Mr Freeman gave three flowering cherry trees, three conifers and some flowering shrubs for ground cover for the front of the hall.  As there was no kerb along the front, cars were always parking on the frontage, to the decimation of the trees.  The Committee decided that six feet of the frontage should be offered for a footpath if the County Council would build a low retaining wall.  Again after negotiation the wall was built and the pathway made, This was in 1970.

When Ashford Council took over Tenterden, they made the hall rate free.  This was later reinstated at the previous rate.

Today the Hall is air-conditioned, double glazed and boasts a sprung floor.  It is one of the largest in Kent and finest regarding capacity and amenities.  The Hall is fully booked but will always endeavour to accommodate any new hirers.

This was all achieved by a dedicated and tireless Committee, with a hundred per cent support from local organisations.

Rosemary Dayborn
St Michaels Village Hall Management Committee

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St. Michael & All Angels

SUNDAYS:
1st Sunday of month

Holy Communion - 8.00 am.

Family Service or Family Communion 10.00 am.

All other Sundays - Parish Communion - 10.00 am.

WEDNESDAYS:
Holy Communion - 11.00 am. 

St. Michaels CEP School

  http://www.st-michaels-tenterden.kent.sch.uk/

 Support Group for Carers

Do you or do you know someone who looks after a disabled friend or relative young or old? A Carers Support Group is now started.The next group meets at Westview, Tenterden on Thursday 11th Feb 1-3pm, all carers welcome. Following date for meeting 10th March, same venue. Anyone can call Carers Support during office hours on 01233 66439 or write to Carers Support, Norman House, Beaver Business Park, Beaver Road, Ashford, TN23 7SH. Alternatively E Mail: Keeley Taylor on services@carers-ashford.org.uk

Womens Institute

President: Judy Hillier (01580) 762299
Secretary: Brigitte Watkins
Treasurer:Margaret George Vice Treasurer: Jennie Ellerington

Meetings held in St Michaels Village Hall at 7.30pm on third Monday of each month unless otherwise stated. For further information please contact any of above.

Meetings for 2012:

20th February '12 - Speaker: Sue Scrivens - the rise & fall of a Bee Keeper

19th March '12 - Speaker: Helen Kendall-Tabias - 50 ways to tie a scarf

16th April '12 -Speaker: Jason Hall - An introduction to Astronomy

23rd April '12 - DISTRICT MEETING 2.30pm Speaker: Mr Cooper - Wood Turning

21st May '12 - A.G.M and competition - Something red!

18th June '12 - Speaker: June Faulkner - Growing old disgracefully

16th July '12 - Speaker: Jan Parsons - How not to be a victim to crime

20th August '12 - Speaker: Sue Hollings - Medieval Cooking

17th September '12 -Speaker: Sue Fisher - A dot in the South Atlantic / Life on St Helena

15th October '12 - Speaker: Mr Cooper - Boats and Boat making

19th November '12 - Speaker Chris Wade - Smugglers in Kent

10th December '12 - Christmas Meeting

Coffee mornings at St Michaels Village Hall 10am - 12pm every first Saturday of the month