The future of Weald Cricket Club discussed at extraordinary meeting

A good crowd of supporters were at the village recreation ground to watch Weald cricket club’s recent triumph over Luddesdowne CC in the Kent County Village League – Division 4.

But the win was overshadowed by fears that this could be the last game the team plays for the foreseeable future because of a lack of players. There has been a suggestion that the team may have to join with another club to stay in existence. An extraordinary meeting was due to be held on Sunday 1 September, chaired by Graham Fenn, to discuss the possibilities.

For more information email: wealdrecassoc2015@gmail.com

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?: A small iron bench has been installed outside the Weald Community shop on The Green by the Parish Council. The seat has a long history and appears in a picture in the book, ‘Tom Tiddlers Ground’, by Wyn Ellis; her memoire of growing up in Weald.

In the late 1960s, Frank Bathurst salvaged the bench when the A21 Sevenoaks by-pass was being built and Hubbard’s Hill was being re-routed to connect with the bridge over the new dual carriageway. It was repaired and placed in the front garden of No.1 Beachmont Cottages and later moved to 10 The Wickets when Frank’s mother moved into the flat around 1982/3.

Peggy Walker of 6 The Wickets has confirmed that this is the very same seat as the one that was on Hubbard’s Hill as she used to live in one of the cottages on Hubbard’s Hill that was demolished to make way for the A21 by pass so she knew the seat well.

The design of the seat has raised many questions. The shape of the nearby Gracious Lane Bridge which won a design award bears a striking resemblance to the form of the Lovers’ Seat – the two uprights and the decorative tie arch underneath – is it possible that the architect who designed the bridge took his inspiration from this seat?

The seat is of welded construction – could it have been made at the old forge in Weald and made from what look to be recovered wrought iron bars with odd holes in the ends? Shane Bathurst believes this is now an important artefact in the history of Sevenoaks Weald and presented it to the village.

Ken Hocking had the seat in his garden while a suitable location was found. Weald Parish Council have had the seat powder coated and positioned it outside the community shop based in the former Wesleyan Chapel on the village green.

WANDERFUL: A total of 18 beautiful lavender wands were made at a workshop recently held in the community shop. The ladies who attended were taught the techniques of weaving ribbon between lavender stalks and binding the stems. Once they had accomplished this technique, doing wands two and three was plain sailing. They rewarded themselves with tea, cake and lavender shortbread. Everyone left with lavender wands in their hands and a scent of lavender in the shop. £37 was raised for shop funds.

FAMILY DOG SHOW: Riverhill Gardens will be hosting its ‘end of season’ fun, family Dog Show on Sunday 8 September. There is a category for nearly every kind of dog, including waggiest tail, fluffiest coat and the always hilarious Sausage Obedience Challenge. Entries are £1 for each dog and will be accepted from noon with judging taking place from 1pm.

Proceeds from all class entries will go to The Canine Partners, a charity that train assistance dogs and then match them with clients. ‘Ringside’, a street food van, will be providing a bar and refreshments.

Entry forms need to be taken to the secretary’s tent by the main arena. Early entry advised as classes are strictly limited to 20 per class. Although the organisers hope many dogs and their owners will come, they say that dogs are not compulsory and spectators are also welcome.

This is usually the last event before Riverhill closes for the season but this year, for the first time, the gardens will be staying open during October to make the most of the gorgeous autumn colour. At the end of October Riverhill will host a Pumpkin Festival.

BACK TO SCHOOL: There is an INSET day on Monday 2 September for the Weald Community Primary School staff and the first day for pupils is Tuesday 3 September.

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 it to her at: wealdnews@hotmail.com