The Elves will be out in the Riverhead Parkland after Twelfth night so make sure you collect your baubles if you want them back

PARKLAND ELVES: Thank you to all who have been assisting the Christmas Elves by hanging baubles and decorations on some of the trees in the Parkland over Christmas. If you want to retrieve them, do remember to do so by Twelfth Night (5 January) as the Elves will then return to remove them and keep for next year.

EVERY STEP COUNTS: For some gentle well-being walking in 2020, or if you know someone who might benefit, try this weekly supported 30-minute walk at 10am on Tuesday mornings. Meet outside the Costa window at Riverhead Tesco. (Possibility of coffee and chat at Costa after if you want to stay, also toilets available at Tesco.) The first date for this walk in 2020 is Tuesday 7 January. For more information contact: irene.collins25@gmail.com

SENIOR COFFEE MORNINGS: In the autumn Riverhead Parish Council set up a new monthly Seniors Coffee Morning at the Bullfinch Pub which takes place on the last Thursday of each month between 10am-11.30am. The events have proved very successful and the Bullfinch really does make everyone feel most welcome. Excellent coffee (or tea), biscuits and cake for £3. Easy free parking too. The first coffee morning of the New Year will be on Thursday 30 January. If you feel that you would enjoy some company do go along. Or if you know someone in Riverhead who you think might benefit from attending these coffee mornings, do let them know about this venture. More information available from Riverhead Parish Council (see contact details tiwards the end of this column).

PARKLAND RESOLUTION? The Riverhead Parkland Working Party (composed of Riverhead Parish Councillors and a few local residents) would welcome more help in 2020 for a couple of hours on the second Wednesday morning of each month. Riverhead is very fortunate to have this beautiful open area in the centre of the village with its footpaths which enable children and parents to walk to school without any traffic. Dog owners can also walk their dogs and everybody can enjoy the tranquillity. But more volunteers are always needed to keep the area looking good. The next Working Party will be on Wednesday 8 January from 9.30am-11.30am. Tools and refreshments are provided but do come appropriately clad, including sturdy footwear and gardening gloves. None of the tasks are very arduous, and in return you will get fresh air and good company. The group meets at the entrance to the Parkland off St Mary’s Drive at 9.30am. Just turn up or why not just take a stroll through the Parkland on the morning of 8 January to chat with the working party and learn more? More information about the Parkland and its history and the 2020 dates of working parties can be found on the Riverhead Parish Council website (see below). Click on Community, then on Riverhead Parkland.

CHIPSTEAD WI: The first 2020 meeting of Chipstead WI, which always welcomes Riverhead residents, will be on Tuesday 14 January when Marcia Barton will give a talk entitled ‘Marianne North – a Happy Life’. Marianne was a Victorian biologist and renowned botanical artist. The competition that night is for a photo of a flower and the sales table theme will be unwanted gifts. The meeting starts at 8pm and the venue, as always, is Chevening Parish Hall, Homedean Rd, Chipstead (TN13 2RU). For more information about Chipstead WI call Janet Sharp on 01732 452715 or email: barjansharp@tiscali.co.uk

SCOTTISH DANCING: Chipstead Scottish Dancing Group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 8-10pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, Riverhead. Beginners welcome (no partner needed). As well as yhe enjoyment from dancing, it is a good way to get exercise! Contact Diana Goymer on 01959 523351 or Margaret Lee on 01732 455127.

PARISH COUNCIL: Riverhead Parish Council is the most local rung of local government and is involved in local planning decisions and highways matters, and also owns and runs the Village Hall, the Riverhead Parkland and two areas of allotments. The Parish Council also organises the colourful planters in the village centre, the Christmas lights and the new senior coffee mornings among many other good things. Their next meeting is on Monday 20 January at 7.30pm in the Committee Room at the Village Hall and residents are always welcome to attend to find out what goes on.

The Parish Clerk has an office at the Village Hall which is open to visitors on Monday and Thursday mornings 9.30am – 12.30pm. Messages are picked up frequently at other times. You can phone Riverhead Parish Council on 01732 461278 any time or email clerk@riverheadparishcouncil.org.uk 

The Riverhead Parish Council website is at www.riverheadpc.kentparishes.gov.uk and you can also keep up to date with local events by following ‘Riverhead Parish Council’ on Facebook and Twitter @RiverheadParish. The Village Hall and Committee Room are available to hire for parties and meetings. 

The Riverhead village news is compiled by Maggie Miles. If you have any news or events you would like her to consider for the My Sevenoaks Community village column you can email it to her at: maggiejmiles@gmail.com