Lights, windows, tree festival, school bazaar – all this means it must be Christmas time in Riverhead
RIVERHEAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: This year the ceremony for the switching on of the village lights will be held by the Christmas tree in the courtyard at the Village Hall, rather than in the area under The Heights. Meet outside the village hall at 5.45pm on Thursday, 28 November. for the countdown to 6pm. There will be mulled wine, mince pies and carol singing led by members of St Mary’s Church choir. Plus, the possibility to move indoors should the weather prove inclement.
CHRISTMAS WINDOWS: Once again Riverhead’s shopkeepers and businesses are being invited by Riverhead Parish Council to decorate their windows – the theme this year is Father Christmas. District Councillor Kim Bayley will be the judge this year, touring the village on Wednesday 11 December and awarding prizes to the winners.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: St Mary’s Church will again be holding this popular event on 7 & 8 December. Invitations have been sent out to previous participants, but any clubs, school groups, families, individuals, charities and businesses are all welcome to display a tree which could depict their organisation or hobby, especially where it serves people in the Church Parish community of Riverhead and Dunton Green. Voluntary donations will be invited, to be shared by Hospice in the Weald and St. Mary’s Church. For more information email: christmas-tree-fest@stmaryriverhead.co.uk or follow the link at www.stmaryriverhead.co.uk
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: The legendary Amherst School Christmas Bazaar will be taking place on Saturday 7 December from noon until 3.30pm. In addition to the Silent Auction (a signed & framed Jonny Wilkinson rugby shirt is up for grabs!), Santa’s Grotto and Grand Draw, there will be craft activities, toys, festive gifts, cakes and biscuits, games, Christmas hampers, refreshments and lots more. This is Amherst’s biggest annual fund raiser so do support them. All proceeds will go towards the cost of a new building needed by the school.
RESTART A HEART: Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers free CPR and defibrillator training. The next event at Sevenoaks Fire Station will be on Tuesday 26 November. For more information phone 01622 69212 or go to www.kent.fire-uk.org and click on ‘News’.
SENIORS’ COFFEE MORNING: An impressive 28 people attended the second 60+ coffee morning at the Bullfinch on 31 October and all enjoyed the company of friends they met as well as new faces including two people who are new to the area. This event takes place on the last Thursday of each month so the next date will be Thursday 28 November from 10-11.30am. The Bullfinch pub makes everyone feel most welcome. Excellent coffee (and tea), biscuits and cakes for £3. If you are over 60 or know someone in Riverhead who you think might enjoy this event do go along and take a friend.
SCOUTS’ FIREWORKS: Despite the very wet weather earlier in the day the rain ceased and there was an excellent turnout for the Scouts’ Fireworks on Saturday 2 November. The colourful display was greatly enjoyed, as were the food and drink. Thanks go to everyone who attended and of course everyone involved in organising this valued community event which raises money for Scouts to provide year-round activities for over 200 young people (girls as well as boys) led by 30+ leaders.
RIVERHEAD PARISH COUNCIL:All Riverhead residents are always welcome to attend the monthly meetings of Riverhead Parish Council, the next of which will be on Monday 18 November at 7.30pm in the committee room at Riverhead Village Hall. If there is a local matter that you would like to raise, do contact the council beforehand on 01732 461278 or at clerk@riverheadparishcouncil.org.uk or via the website below so that councillors can give you an informed response at the meeting. The Parish Council agenda are posted about a week beforehand on the village noticeboards and also on the council website at www.riverheadpc.kentparishes.gov.uk as are those for meetings of the planning committee. More about Riverhead Parish Council and its responsibilities as the most local rung of local government can be found on the website.
PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS: The Parish Clerk has an office in the Village Hall which is open to visitors Mondays and Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30pm. Messages are picked up frequently at other times. You can phone Riverhead Parish Council on 01732 461278 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 for 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
