Eynsford and Farningham churches prepare for their Christmas festivities with a fayre and a market

CHRISTMAS IS COMING: The churches in Eynsford and Farningham are both preparing for Christmas. St Peter and St Paul’s is holding a Christmas Market in Farningham Village Hall on Saturday 30 November from 11am – 3pm and St Martin’s is holding its Christmas Fayre on Saturday 7 December from 11am – 3pm in the Eynsford church.

There will be many stalls at Farningham 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.

In Eynsford on 7 December 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 contact holysmoke@talktalk.net  or information from Joscelyne Hynard at jos.hynard@talktalk.net

FARNINGHAM FIRE: An investigation has been launched to identify how a fire at Farningham Oak was caused. Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to the large fire at rhe furniture store on the High Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Eight fire engines were sent to the incident and The Pied Bull pub opened its doors for the crews to use its facilities.  There were no reported injuries from the fire, which also damaged some neighbouring property.

COFFEE & CRAFT IN ST MARTIN’S, EYNSFORD is now every last Wednesday each month, 10 – 12.30. The next one will be on 27 November. After that its 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.

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

FARNINGHAM GUITAR CLUB is holding two Musical Charity Concerts in aid of Gravesham & Dartford Phab Club (Physically Handicapped & Able Bodied) Club at Farningham Village Hall on Saturday 9 November and Saturday 16 November – 8pm – 11pm (doors open at 7.30pm). The club promises a couple of hours of entertainment containing an eclectic mix of folk, rock, pop & blues music (with a bit of humour thrown in). The audience is invited to take along their own refreshments. More info by emailing: enquiries@farninghamguitarclub.co.uk and to order tickets at £9 go to: www.wegottickets.com/FarninghamGuitarclub

POLYCHOR CONCERT: St Peter and St Paul Church in Farningham will be filled with music on Saturday 16 November during a Polychor Concert. The programme starts at 7.30pm and includes two of Handel’s ‘Coronation Anthems’ and Britten’s ‘Ceremony of Carols’. Interval refreshments will be available. Admission is £10 (U18s free) and tickets are available from: Norman’s the Butcher in Eynsford, Wadard Books in Farningham, or by emailing: polychormus@gmail.com Tickets can also be bought on the door.

FARNINGHAM AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The AGM and supper are on Friday 22 November (NOT 20 Nov as previously promoted). New members are very welcome. Email: b_garrad@tiscali.co.uk

EYNSFORD GARDENER’S CLUB: The next horticultural show is Saturday 16 November at 2pm in Eynsford Village Hall. This is also the date for the club’s AGM. More information about this show, our other shows, and how to become a member can be found on the club website: www.egclub.org

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

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

FRIENDS OF FARNINGHAM is a group of volunteers who meet for just an hour twice every month to help tidy the village. For more information email Cllr Carol Salmon on: carolsalmon46@gmail.com or Jane Grey on: farninghamparishcouncil@gmail.com

WALKING INTO FRIENDSHIP AND FITNESS: Regular walks start from Eynsford Riverside at 9.30am on Monday mornings. There is no need to book, just turn up and meet the group and the leader. Usually walk are around five miles long. For more information contact Mike Riches on 01322667654 or email: richesma@aol.com Alternatively look on the website: www.canderamblers.org.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