Vandalism leaves Riverhead Parkland open to illegal occupation

PARKLAND VANDALISM: The hefty combination padlock on the big gate at the St Mary’s Drive entrance to the Riverhead Parkland was found smashed to pieces on the morning of Friday 11 October. This left the Parkland vulnerable to illegal entry/occupation. Another padlock has had to be bought as Riverhead Parish Council is required to demonstrate to insurers that this gate is secure at all times. If you heard or saw anything or have any information about this incident, which would have required considerable force, you are asked to get in touch with Riverhead Parish Council (contact details at the end of this column).

RIVERHEAD FIREWORKS: The 3rd Sevenoaks Scouts are once again organising a firework display on Saturday, 2 November at the Scout Hut on Bradbourne Vale Road.

The display is particularly suitable for families. The gates open at 6pm so that people can enjoy a burger/hot dog, soft drink, mulled wine, hot chocolate etc and the first rocket is at 7pm.

Tickets can be bought in advance from Batchelors Butchers in The Square and The Bullfinch pub. Prices are £5 for a single ticket or £15 for a family of four in advance. Tickets will also be available on the gate on the night – £7 single and £20 family. Under 3s are free. Prices are unchanged for the third consecutive year. If you prefer to pay by card, contactless machines can be used for advance tickets and for payment on the night.

Some parking will be available and anyone who is not keen on the noise can watch from inside the scout hut. This is one of the Scouts biggest fund raisers so do support them.

SENIORS’ COFFEE MORNING: Following the success of the inaugural 60+ coffee morning organised by Riverhead Parish Council at the Bullfinch pub in September these will continue on the last Thursday of each month so the next dates will be 31 October and 28 November from 10-11.30am. The Bullfinch pub made everyone feel welcome. While everyone enjoyed a good chat, the staff served excellent coffee (and tea), biscuits and cakes. If you are over 60 or know someone in Riverhead who you think might enjoy this event do join in this event. The cuppa, cake, biscuits and company costs £3.

EVERY STEP COUNTS: These gentle well-being walks continue every Tuesday morning. Meet outside the Costa window at Tesco. The walks are led by qualified and dedicated volunteers who will support and encourage you all the way. The walks will vary in time and distance to accommodate people’s abilities and initially will last around 30 minutes, although there will be the option to do more for those who wish to and are able. There is also more opportunity to socialise over coffee and refreshments in Costa afterwards. For more information contact: everystepcounts17@gmail.com or o to the Every Step Counts website.

WILDLIFE EVENTS: There are two events at the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on Sunday 3 November. A guided walk between 10.30am -12.30pm will introduce you to the history of the reserve and how various management styles have shaped the area into the impressive facility you see today. Booking is essential and for more information go to www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Also on the same day from 10am – noon there will be a Fungal Foray led by Martin Allison. This event (which is NOT a foraging event) is organised by the Sevenoaks Local Group of the Kent Wildlife Trust must also be booked in advance either by calling 07910 506996 or by email: davidwnimmo@tiscali.co.uk. A suggested donation of £3 would be welcome to cover the cost of this event. More information about these and all other upcoming events at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve can be found at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: St Mary’s Church will once again be holding this popular event on 7 & 8 December. More information will follow in future Riverhead news columns.

RIVERHEAD PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Clerk has an office in the Village Hall which is open to visitors Monday and Thursday mornings. 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 and Committee Room are available for hire. The next meeting of Riverhead Parish Council will be on Monday, 18 November.