A stitch is just in time as Weald gets sewing to make PPE supplies for local surgeries and care homes
SEWING SUPPORT: Dr Nicki Perry has been overwhelmed by the support she has received for the pleas that went out for people who sew to get their needles, thread and machines out to stitch some PPE for local doctors surgeries, nursing and care homes.
Several Weald residents came forward following the plea from the GP at the Hildenborough & Tonbridge Medical Practice, which covers the village, and were provided either with a copy of a dress pattern or cut out pieces ready to sew. They also trawled their own linen cupboards and donated sheets.
In week one Dr Perry received more than 200 gowns which were delivered as follows:
Tonbridge Covid hub x 60; Chestnut Lodge nursing home, Tonbridge, x10, Hospice in the Weald x 20, Home treatment service (this is the hospital at home service for those who can’t go to hospital) x15 IC24 (out of hours doctors and nurses) x40, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust x37, Sevenoaks Covid testing hub x20. Heart of Kent Hospice near Maidstone also requested and were sent six.
Since that first week another 300 gowns have been made and received by Dr Nikki and her team. Theyare being sent to:
Emily Jackson, Sevenoaks, x20, Lavender Fields, Seal, x40, Gloucester House, Sevenoaks x40, Kippington Care Home, Sevenoaks, x25, Alpine Residential Care Home x16; Tonbridge House Care Home x30, Harpwood Residential, Wrotham x15, Westwood Medical Centre x20, Beulah Lodge, Tunbridge Wells x20, Stanholm Residential Care Home, Edenbridge x20, West Kent Urgent Care x20, Heart of Kent Hospice x20, Sevenoaks Covid testing hub x30.
Dr Perry said: “How amazing to be able to provide our area with PPE like this. You are all totally fantastic and I can’t thank you enough. A massive thank you. This is incredible.
“And we are going to look so stylish thanks to all your hard work. I feel very honoured to work in such an amazing community.”
If you would like to contribute to the effort email village correspondent Susan Gidman using the details at the foot of this column.
KENNETH HOCKING: The members of Weald Parish Council learned with great sadness of the death of Ken Hocking who was a long standing and active member of the Council and served as Chairman of the Parish Council for 10 years up to his retirement in 2009. He was widely known and much respected within the village.
Throughout his tenure on the Parish Council Ken was an eloquent spokesman on behalf of the residents of Weald and, in particular, fought to protect Weald against inappropriate development which he believes would have spoilt the unique character of the village.
Following his retirement from the Parish Council Ken remained active in support of village organisations and pursued many outside interests with his usual passion and commitment.
Ken was a member of Weald History Group Book Committee which successfully published ‘The Changing Face of Weald’, the definitive history of Weald in 2017.
Over the last few years, despite poor health, Ken delighted in his walks through the village, that meant so much to him, and with his wife, Sheila, enjoyed nothing better than a sunny afternoon on the allotment. Ken Hocking was a great servant of Weald and the Parish Council owes him a huge debt of gratitude for his service to the full community.
The Parish Council sends sincere condolences to Sheila and the other members of Ken’s family.
John Caird, Parish Clerk
TAKE-AWAY MEALS FROM VILLAGE PUB: The Windmill pub near the Village Green is now offering a take-away service on a Friday and Saturday from 5pm -9pm and Sunday from noon – 5pm.
You need to phone to order (01732 463330) to arrange a collection time from the front door of the pub. Collections are at 15-minute intervals.
The Friday and Saturday menu is: main course £10 / children £5; dessert of the day £5; beer battered cod and chips served with tartar; Windmill burger and fries (add cheese £1); baked mushroom, pesto and halloumi burger and fries; home-made marinated chicken kebab with pitta bread, salad, fries in a garlic mayo sauce; salmon and cod fish cake with sweet potato fries, salad and tartar; marinated chicken breast with mixed salad.
Sunday Menu: main course £12 / children £6; desert of the day £5. roast sirloin of beef; roast leg of lamb; roast chicken supreme; nut roast wellington (all served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, gravy and seasonal vegetables – add cauliflower cheese £4); beer battered cod and chips served with tartar sauce. A selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, chocs, crisps also available.
COMMUNITY SHOP: The Community Shop next to The Green in Weald is still open for business and able to offer fresh vegetables, bread, papers and a wide range of packet and tinned goods. Plus, thanks to WEald CAREs, villagers in isolation or who are being shielded can get help and support.
The Weald Village news is compiled by Susan Gidman. If you have any news or events you would like her to consider for the village column you can call her on 01732 454222 or email: newwealdnews@outlook.com
