PolyChor celebrates Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year with concert in St Martin’s Church, Eynsford

The locally based PolyChor choir is uniting with the Southwark Sinfonietta to present, in Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year, two of his compositions, the Mass in C, and Symphony No 5 in C minor.

The performance, which is being conducted by Rupert Bond, will take place at St Martin’s Church in Eynsford on Saturday 4 April starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (under 18s free) and are available from Normans Butchers in High Street Eynsford and Wadard Books in Farningham High Street. Alternatively, you can buy tickets on the door or order them in advance by emailing: polychormus@gmail.com

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) created an extraordinary output of beautiful music, reaching the outer limits of human brilliance. His personal life was tragic – unlucky in love, he was hampered by his commoner status, and also by his short temper, constant feuding, dishevelled appearance and outspokenness.

Later in life he endured a fearful struggle against deafness. Courage and creative need kept him from total despair, and some of his greatest works were composed during the last 10 years of his life, when he was quite unable to hear.

It has been said that his music glows with radiant humanity, that he was about love, joy and celebrating the essence of what it is to be human and that “We need Beethoven now. His music reminds us that we have hope, and that obstacles, however immense and crushing they may seem, can be overcome”.

ART & CRAFT SALE: St Martin’s Church in Eynsford is holding an Art & Craft Sale on Saturday 14 March, in the church, from 11am to 3pm. With Mothering Sunday on 22 March, it’s a good opportunity to find that special gift. Lots of craft stalls and some local artists too, plus second-hand books on art. Tea, coffee, cake and light lunches available. £1 entrance, children free. Proceeds to St Martin’s Church. For more info contact Jan Thompson by emailing: holysmoke@talktalk.net

FARNINGHAM AND EYNSFORD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY meets on 28 February (7.30pm for 8pm start) at Farningham Village Hall when Ed Thompson will give a presentation on Villages of the Upper Darent – a journey from Westerham to Lullingstone, using his vast photographic collection. Light refreshments will be available. More info from Helen Smith on 01322 864234.

TODDLER GROUP: Farningham Tiny Tots, Baby & Toddler Group meets at Farningham Village Hall every Wednesday at 9.30- 11.30am. Toddlers of all ages have fun, socialise, play together, and learn something new. The warm spacious hall is great for lots of play and other activities including an Art and Craft table. Parents and carers can also meet up and make new friends. The entrance fee is £2 per child which includes tea, coffee, juice, and biscuits. For more info contact 07584902914 or email: tinytotsgroupfarningham@gmail.com

AXSTANES PANTO: This year saw Alice tumble headlong through the long windswept tunnel of the White Rabbit into the glorious Wonderland of the rival Queens of Hearts and of Spades. The audiences were enterained by fantastic costumes, zany behaviour and absurd reversals of everyday expectations that had even the youngest in the audience transfixed with delight and totally engaged. Great fun was had by all, thanks to the excellent work of the cast and production team.

EYNSFORD JUMBLE SALE is being held on Saturday 22 February from 1.30pm. Money raised will go towards the new village hall. Adults £1 and under 14s free. For jumble collections call 07802 426360 or drop off Friday 21 February between 6-8pm or Saturday 9am-noon.

RNLI CHARITY: A fundraising event is being held in Farningham Village Hall on 6 March (7.30pm for 8pm start) when musical entertainment will be provided by U3A Acoustic Band (Knights on White Statins) and friends. The £12 tickets include a Fish and Chip supper. There will be a prize draw and guests are invited to bring their own nibbles and drinks. Tickets and info available from Ray Craddock 07834 643813 or email: raycradd@gmial.com

FARNINGHAM VILLAGE HALL 81^st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The Hall is run by a committee of volunteers elected at the AGM each year. The AGM on 17 February, 7.30pm start, is open to the public and is being held in the Jessica Albury room in the hall. Everyone is welcome. We are hoping that at the meeting one or two members of the community will volunteer to help us organise some fun events to raise funds towards the maintenance costs of the hall. Volunteering helps develop skills and make new friends and also helps the community to keep its village hall in good use for the whole community. Mail vivienneparker@aol.com for more information or go to the website www.farninghamvillagehall.co.uk

EYNSFORD IN BLOOM: Volunteers welcome to join all working parties. They meet at back of main village car park opposite the church at 9.30am on Saturdays – the next is 7 March, and Tuesdays – the next are 11, 18, and 25 February. For more info call Pauline Penny on 01322 864751.

WALK YOUR WAY TO HEALTH: If you love walking in our wonderful countryside, or want some incentive to get fitter, why not join a group of friendly Ramblers who meet in the area? There’s plenty of choice throughout the year, with walks ranging from two to 10 miles or more, and from easy to moderate capability depending on the terrain. All the walks are free and you can be sure of a warm welcome. For example, Tonbridge & Malling Ramblers issue three programmes a year, each covering four months with many walks in the area. Full details can be found on the Kent Area Ramblers website www.kentramblers.org.uk

COFFEE & CRAFT IN ST MARTIN’S, EYNSFORD is now every last Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12.30pm. The next one will be on 26 February. Come and join the group for coffee, cake, craft & chat. Bring your knitting, sewing, crafting or just yourself. There are jigsaw puzzles for you to try, or just come and socialise in a friendly atmosphere. Pop in when you can or stay the morning, and it’s all FREE. Information from Joscelyne Hynard at: jos.hynard@talktalk.net

FARNINGHAM FRIDAY CAFÉ is held every Friday morning in the Shand Hall just behind Farningham Church, 10am – noon. Everyone is invited to come and share a coffee or tea with old friends or new. For info email: farninghamcfc@outlook.com

TEA AND CHAT: This friendly group meets every Thursday at Farningham Village Hall and offers a supportive and enjoyable break to anyone who is lonely or perhaps just needs a little time away from their house, or would like to meet some new friends, chat and share some cake and tea. Lifts may be arranged if you telephone 01322866325 or contact: stella.baggaley05@btinternet.com

The Eynsford & Farningham Village news is compiled by Viv Parker. If you have any news or events you would like considered for the village column you can email them to: vivienneparker913@gmail.com