Did the fire that destroyed Farningham furniture store start in a nearby waste bin?

Police detectives are asking Farningham villagers to check their home CCTV systems in an attempt to gather more information into the fire at the Farningham Oak furniture store in the early hours of 6 November 2019.

INVESTIGATION: The exact cause of the fire at Farningham Oak is still being looked into.

An investigation into its cause of the blaze that destroyed the historic building in Farningham High Street remains ongoing.

It is believed the fire may have initially started in a dog waste bin – which was attached to a lamppost – before it spread to the building, engulfing the site along with its entire stock and other contents. Damage was also caused to neighbouring properties.

Police officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries and CCTV and forensic checks are also continuing. Anyone who saw anything suspicious is being urged to contact Kent Police. Residents and nearby businesses, who officers have yet to speak to, are also being asked to check for any CCTV footage they may have.

If you have any information contact the west Kent appeals lines on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/214022/19.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

COMMUNITY AWARD: Eynsford Parish Council is participating in the Kent Association for Local Councils Community Award scheme again. The award is to acknowledge and give recognition to those that have made a significant contribution to their local community.

Residents are invited to nominate a person or group who has made a difference to Eynsford’s community. Parish councillors will then choose who will receive the award from those nominated. Past winners have been Audrey Gee, Ken Baker, Pauline Penney, Margaret Newbold and Sally Coston.

Nominees must live or work within Eynsford parish. Examples of possible contribution could be: Long and sustained service to the community or part of it; achievements or actions of an inspiring nature to the local community; activities which have brought benefit or credit to the parish.

The award is a certificate signed by the KALC Chairman and the High Sheriff of Kent and will be presented at Eynsford’s Annual Parish Meeting in 2020.

People can use these headings below to make a nomination which should be sent by email to: info@eynsfordparishcouncil.org.uk by 8 January 2020.

Name of person or group:

Reason for nomination:

Your name:

Alternatively, you can write to Eynsford Parish Office, Priory Lane, Eynsford DA4 0AY by 8 January 2020.

FARNINGHAM CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET: St Peter and St Paul’s is holding a Christmas Market in Farningham Village Hall on Saturday 30 November from 11am – 3pm. There will be many stalls and refreshments will be available. Donations for stalls may be left in the church porch or call Barry for collection on 07398 094536 or email: farninghamcfc@outlook.com Proceeds from the Christmas Market will go the church.

FARNINGHAM & EYNSFORD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY will be showing old films of the area during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s in Farningham Village Hall on Friday 6 December. Members free, non-members £2. Enquiries via email: archives@felhs.org.uk or website: www.felhs.org.uk

ST MARTINS CHURCH EYNSFORD CHRISTMAS FAYRE is on Saturday, 7 December from 11am – 3 pm in the church. There will be crafters’ stalls with children’s and adults’ gifts, jewellery, scarves, cards, book-marks etc. Plus, other stalls will offer home-made jam, food hampers and chocolate-filled mugs. There will also be a prize draw, a soft toy tombola and a chocolate tombola plus the ever-popular as-new gift stall as well as the beautiful Lights of Love Christmas trees. Refreshments include mulled wine, cakes, tea/coffee & sandwiches. Entrance is £1 for adults (children free) and you get a free tea or coffee. Stall holders email: holysmoke@talktalk.net or for information email: Joscelyne Hynard at jos.hynard@talktalk.net

FARNINGHAM VILLAGE HALL INDOOR BOOT SALE is on 18 January 2020. Why not start the New Year by supporting this village hall fund raiser?  All seller’s tables are taken and it’s an ideal time of year to cruise around in Farningham’s warm and comfortable hall looking for those special items at bargain prices. The Boot Sale runs from 10am-1pm at the village hall to raise funds to contribute towards maintenance costs. Buyers are admitted free and refreshments will be on offer. So please add this date to your calendar. More information contact: carolsalmon46@icloud.com or 01322 860983

FARNINGHAM FLORIST APPEAL: Can you help share some space. A budding young wedding florist living in Farningham who is out growing her workshop needs a bigger space, ad hoc with a water supply (no heating necessary!) and easy access for a van – Barn, large garage, out buildings ideal. Contact email: george@gchapmanflowers.com or 07904 036403

COFFEE & CRAFT IN ST MARTIN’S, EYNSFORD is now every last Wednesday each month, 10 – 12.30. The next dates are 2 January, 8 February and 29 March. Join the group for coffee, cake, craft and chat. Bring your knitting, sewing, crafting or just yourself. There are jigsaw puzzles for you to try, or just come and chat in a friendly atmosphere. Pop in when you can or stay the morning, it’s all free.

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

TEA AND CHAT: A 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. For more information email: stella.baggaley05@btinternet.com

FARNINGHAM VILLAGE HALL needs a volunteer social secretary to help plan and run one or two fund raising events to contribute towards the running costs of the hall. Volunteering can help develop your skills and enable you to meet new people and helps the community to keep its village hall in good use for the whole community. Contact vivienneparker@aol.com for more information or see the website www.farninghamvillagehall.co.uk

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