Index
Link goes to the first news item of that date
5K Construction Ltd 1/4
All Saints' Church 1/6, 15/9
Arthritis Research 24/6
Ash Parish Council 7/3
Ash Road 5/2, 20/5, 29/9
Axton Chase School 22/1, 5/2, 11/3, 26/5
Battle of Hartley 1554 11/3
Black Lion 8/9
Bruce, Clive 13/5, 1/6
Buses 26/1, 5/2, 19/2, 11/3, 18/3, 25/3, 1/4, 20/5, 8/7, 21/10, 25/11
Carmelite Way 4/3
Cavendish Square 18/3
Caxton Close 28/8
Cherry Trees 5/2
Church Road 28/5, 15/9
Cigarette smuggling 19/2
Community Church 15/4
Community Warden 21/10, 25/11
Conservatives 8/9
Country Club 21/10
Cricket 30/9
Crime 29/1, 1/4, 19/5, 29/7, 8/9
D Day Memories 6/6
Dartford - parking 13/10
Development Plans 3/4
Dickens Close 13/5, 26/5
Downs Valley 8/7, 5/8, 12/8, 9/12
Elections 17/6
Electoral Review (KCC) 28/10
Fairby Lane 5/2
Fawkham 29/1, 12/8, 2/9
Fawkham CE School 15/4
Fireworks 4/3, 11/3, 25/3
Football 5/8, 2/9
Friends of Hartley Countryside 23/1
Gorse Way 8/9
Gorsewood Road 13/10
Hartley Fete 5/2
Hartley Players 2/12
Hartley Primary School 19/2
Hartley Wood 28/1, 16/9
Health 30/9
History 4/11
Holmes, Kelly 13/10
Horticultural Society 1/4, 7/10
Kent County Council 27/4
Longfield 1/4, 27/5, 5/8, 8/9
Longfield - Cllr Bassam 4/11, 11/11
Longfield - Chemist 30/9
Longfield - De Flavas 28/10
Longfield - Station Rd 15/9, 29/9
Manor Drive 5/8
Merton Avenue 29/4, 8/9
Mid Kent Water 21/11
Milestone School 24/6
New Ash Green 13/4, 6/10, 18/11
NAG Clinic 4/3
NAG Farm Holt 9/12
NAG Pre-School 22/7
NAG Primary School 27/5, 22/7, 29/7
NAG Redhill Wood 7/10
New Barn (Oval) 17/11
Northfield 7/3
Our Lady of Hartley School 13/5
Parish Council 8/1, 19/2, 29/4
Parliamentary Boundaries 6/6, 24/11, 2/12, 9/12
Phone Boxes 3/6
Phone Mast 8/7, 12/8, 9/12
Police 19/2, 17/6, 6/10
Post Office 26/5
Quaker's Close 20/5, 14/6
Rail 28/1, 5/2, 23/4, 29/7, 21/11
RC Church 15/1, 1/6, 29/7
Rectory Meadow 22/1
Rotary Club 13/5
Schools (other) 22/1
Sevenoaks Council 2/12
Skateboarding 8/1
Spam e-mail 12/2
Springcroft 16/9
Stoate, Dr (MP) 30/9
Tennis 21/10
Thameside Development 29/9
Water 21/11
Weather 28/1, 12/2
Woodin, Dr Mike 9/7
Woodland Avenue 5/2
Youth Activity Day 29/4
9 December 2004
Villagers will battle ahead
(Dartford Messenger, Caroline Chick, p11) Residents, parish councillors and local schools combining to oppose Phone Mast application by Orange at Downs Valley (picture).
Injured cat to be put down
(Dartford Messenger, p5) Cruel attack on cat from Farm Holt, New Ash Green, thought to be linked to another similar case.
Village divided over border
We don't want our boundaries changed
(Dartford Messenger, pp8, 13) Villagers criticise last week's parish council release, and put the case forcefully for remaining in Dartford constituency by pointing out the many links to the borough. (previous news)
2 December 2004
Spending is cut by £2.9m
(Dartford Times, Martin Sawden, p13) Cash strapped Sevenoaks Council to cut budget by £2.9 million, a move condemned by Labour.
Confusion reigns over change to boundaries
(Dartford Messenger, Caroline Chick, p16) Press statement by Clerk to Hartley Parish Council claims councillors are unhappy to remain in Dartford constituency (however when this was discussed at the next council meeting, no member spoke against the decision). Sevenoaks MP said he was sorry to lose Hodsoll Street, but acknowledged the support in Hartley for staying in Dartford constituency. (see Nov 24th for more)
Fantastic evening
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck, p 21) High praise for Hartley Players' production of "Absurd person singular".
25 November 2004
Community Warden
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck, p19) Bus routes K14 and K15 likely to be withdrawn from Hartley
Community Warden
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck, p19) It now appears the Community Warden announced earlier (see 21 October) will not be for Hartley alone.
24 November 2004
Final approval for Hartley to remain in Dartford Constituency
(Boundary Commission's website) The Boundary Commission has now completed its review of the parliamentary constituencies for Kent, and confirmed that Hartley is to remain in Dartford Constituency. The new boundaries will be brought in when they have finished reviewing the whole country, which must be before 12 April 2007. This means they will probably not be in force for the next election. (See article 6.6.04 for more details)
21 November 2004
Regulator silenced over rail successes
(Mail on Sunday, Tom McGhie, Financial p1) Claims that pressure is being put on the Strategic Rail Authority to hush up the success of state owned South Eastern Trains, which run the service to Longfield, because it would strengthen the case of those who want to keep it in the public sector.
Former chief ready to bid for Mid-Kent
(Mail on Sunday, Lucinda Kemeny, Financial p 12) Hartley's water company Mid Kent is being put up for sale by German bank WestLB, Keith Tozzi, the bank's former chief executive is expected to bid.
18 November 2004
Court quizes PC about lunchtime maggot claim
(Dartford Times, p12) Trial of Met Police PC from New Ash Green accused of perverting the course of justice enters 7th week.
17 November 2004
Children get into swing of things at playground
(News Shopper, p26) Official opening of new Oval Playground at New Barn, including swings, slides and a bike track (picture). See also "It's playtime - at last" (Dartford Times, Emma Durdle, 18 November 2004, p9 and "Reshaping the Oval" (Dartford Messenger 18.11.04, p21)
11 November 2004
Mayor's car trouble again
(Dartford Messenger, p8) Letter further to article of 4 November.
4 November 2004
Make way for mayor
(Dartford Messenger - Nick Lillitos, p1,3) Neighbours of Longfield councillor Bassam annoyed after he asked fire engine to move, while it was attending a shed fire. He said road was blocked by both engine and car on other side, who also refused to move.
Photograph memorabilia
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p22) Gerald Cramp's exhibition of post war Hartley is now in the Library.
28 October 2004
De Flavas is voted de best
(Dartford Times - Emma Durdle, p17) De Flavas Restaurant in Longfield voted best restaurant in the Kent Life Taste of Kent Awards (picture). See also "Restaurant wins prestigious award" (Dartford Messenger 4.11.04, p5)
Electoral Review of County Council Seats Completed
(Boundary Committee website) The Boundary Committee have been reviewing the boundaries of the seats for county councillors in Kent. At present Sevenoaks district has 8 county councillors, but because of population changes this will be reduced to 7, meaning all the boundaries needed to be redrawn. So for the next election in May 2005 the wards of Hartley and Hodsoll Street, Ash, and Fawkham and West Kingsdown will be one county council division (this is the same as present, but with the addition of West Kingsdown). The Committee rejected the county council's proposals as it would involve splitting wards. The statutory instrument bringing the changes into law is made today.
21 October 2004
Wardens "Really Make Difference"
(Dartford Times, p9; additional reporting FHC) KCC announce 10 new community wardens for the Dartford and Sevenoaks area from March 05, including one each for Hartley and Longfield. The KCC press release says "The Kent Community Safety Partnership between KCC and Kent Police aims to reduce crime and fear of crime, to address anti-social behaviour and low level crime and to help build strong communities. Distinctively uniformed and badged, wardens are a very visible presence and focal point for people's concerns."
Passengers taken back in time
(Gravesend Reporter, p18) Feature on the Gravesend Classic Bus Day, sponsored by the paper, where vintage buses drove once again on their old routes - including Hartley and Ash. See FHC report, and also "A bus trip down memory lane" (News Shopper 27 Oct 2004, p8)
Veteran Tennis
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck, p21) Country club players compete for Great Britain in the World Championships in Philadelphia.
13 October 2004
Kent Gold for our Kentish Golden Girl
(KCC press release) KCC chairman and Hartley councillor Kent Tucker presents double olympic medallist Kelly Holmes with first ever "Kent Invicta Award".
Price hike is "outrageous"
(News Shopper, Lucy Brinicombe, p9) Gorsewood Road resident complains at new charges for parking at the Orchards Car Park in Dartford, which have in some cases risen from 50p to £5. Council spokesman said they would ask for a review of pricing, which they understood was to deter commuters parking there.
7 October 2004
Horticultural Autumn Society Show
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck, p26) B Richards, R Trace, Mrs J Robinson, Mrs J Roberts, Mrs J Wood and Mrs M Gilbert were all winners.
A leap into fund raising
(Dartford Messenger, Donna Skelton, p13) 16 year old Wilmington Hall School pupil, from Redhill Wood, New Ash Green (pictured) planning a parachute jump for RNIB, as part of a "phenominal 94 hours of volunteering in just 2 weeks".
Property Market
(Dartford Messenger, Property p2) Hartley Estates have 3/4 bedroom house in Hartley Bottom Road for £495,000; 3 bed bungalow in Woodland Avenue for £395,000; 4 bed house in Fairby Lane for £360,000 (in the "semi-village" of Hartley); and a 5 bed house in Church Road for £650,000.
6 October 2004
Policewoman goes on trial (News Shopper, p5)
Cop on Trial for faking crimes (Dartford Times 7.10.04, p 6)
Bexleyheath based PC who lives in New Ash Green is currently on trial, accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice and other offences, which she denies.
30 September 2004
Saying goodbye to Saturday Service (Dartford Messenger, p2)
Saturday surgery ends (Dartford Times, p7)
Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley Primary Healthcare Trust launch new scheme where local Saturday surgeries will be replaced by out of hours service. Patients will contact local surgery first to get number to ring.
The pressure's on nationwide
(Dartford Messenger, p20) Dartford MP Dr Stoate pictured visiting Lloyds Chemist in Longfield to support National Blood Pressure Awareness Week.
Hartley based team are ladies cricket champions
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p27) Invicta Ladies CC, who play at the Hartley Country Club have become national cup winners. (Click here for club website)
Horse owner sought after riding accident
(Dartford Times - Eric Randolph, p2) 13 year old girl from Small Grains, Fawkham, badly injured after fall from horse at Billet Hill, Ash. The family say King's College Hospital where she was treated were "absolutely superb". It is claimed the woman who offered a ride on the horse did not have insurance.
Council leader welcomes top Tory's blueprint for North Kent
(Dartford Times - Martin Sawden, p3) Conservative leader of Kent County Council "has welcomed" the plans of John Redwood for development in North Kent. However they are opposed by Chairman of Southfleet Parish Council, Noreen Salway.
Prescott praises planning division
(Dartford Times, p14; additional reporting FHC) Sevenoaks Council planning department, which covers Hartley and New Ash Green, praised by Office of Deputy Prime Minister, only a few years after being criticised as being one of the slowest in the country.
Norway walker retires injured at 940 miles
(Dartford Times - Ashley Rogers, p10) Rob Okey (pictured) of Main Road, Longfield retires from sponsored walk the length of Norway with severe back pain, but he was well past the half way mark. He has still raised money for the Royal Marsden Hospital.
29 September 2004
Desperate for Truth
(News Shopper, p1) Plight of the family of Denis Brigden, who was killed in a road crash on Ash Road last year. Because of all the legal problems surrounding the case they have been unable to get a death certificate or to sprinkle his ashes (family pictured)
75,000 house plan is "barmy"
(News Shopper, p10) Plans by Conservative shadow cabinet minister John Redwood for new city stretching from Swanscombe to Southfleet given thumbs down by Dartford MP Howard Stoate and Longfield conservative councillor Jeremy Kite. (See also "Fury over Tory plans to build a new city" - Dartford Messenger, 30 Sept, p8)
Parking problem could get worse
(News Shopper, p27) More on the parking at Longfield. Another writer blames the councils involved and the fact that people are unaware they can use the Waitrose car park.
22 September 2004
More on Longfield Traffic Wardens
(News Shopper, p22) Two letters in support of the wardens. One puts illegal parking down to "laziness". The other correspondent thinks there is plenty of parking spaces in Longfield, which they say is a relaxed place to shop.
16 September 2004
Greyhound bitten
(Dartford Messenger, p3) Greyhound needed 40 stitches after being attacked by an alsatian in a Hartley wood.
Tide finally going out
(Dartford Messenger, p17; additional reporting FHC) After 30 years of flooding, Sevenoaks Council are acting to sort out the drainage at Springcroft by clearing out the silt and looking at the underlying problems. (The matter was raised at Hartley Parish Council at their April meeting by Cllrs Andrew Tremain and Jane Burns, after meeting the residents at a surgery. The article thanks them for this)
15 September 2004
Riding to raise church funds
(News Shopper, p3) All Saints' Church had 31 cyclists aged 5-75 raising £700 for Kent Churches (picture).
Traffic review to finally go ahead
(News Shopper, p6 and 33 ) Dartford Council will be looking at possible new parking schemes in Longfield. The letters page has a letter from someone who has shopped in Longfield for 24 years but no longer does so after being ticketed. However another writer is in favour, saying people had parked just anywhere in the past.
Property Market
(News Shopper, p51 ) Profile on 5 bed house at north end of Church Road, on market with Hartley Estates for £650,000.
8 September 2004
Two sought in violent attack
(News Shopper, p10) Man attacked and robbed while walking to Black Lion on 13 August. Police seek 2 men in their twenties.
MP's widow claims selection a sham
(News Shopper, p4) Janet Dunn has resigned from the Dartford Conservative Association, after the selection of Gareth Johnson over Dartford Council leader Kenneth Leadbeater, citing "flaws" in the selection process. Central Office acknowledged mismanagement but refused to rerun the election. The paper says Central Office has brought in Madonna's mother in law Shireen Ritchie as a new chairman.
Warden scaring customers away
(News Shopper, p20) Longfield traders claim over-zealous traffic wardens are driving away customers with trade 15% down. One letter supporting the traders, another saying "village life belongs to a past age".
Review of Black Lion Pub
(News Shopper, p29) Review in the paper's pub spy series.
Property Market
(News Shopper, property 1, 9) Imoya, Gorse Way - 5 bed house built 2002 on market for £620,000 with Wards. They also have 3 bed bungalow in Merton Avenue for sale at £259,995.
2 September 2004
Addicks teach children a few footie tricks
(Dartford Messenger, p22) Charlton Athletic Community Scheme teaches football skills at Corinthians, Fawkham.
28 August 2004
Auction of house at Caxton Close
(Estates Gazette, advertising supplement) Auctioneers Clive Emson have 3 bed house in Caxton Close in their 14 September auction. It is currently let to Moat Housing Society for £5,993 pa, but they reckon it could be £7,200 when the 2 year lease expires in 2005. Their estimate is £110-115,000. (at the auction it realised £126,000)
12 August 2004
Sevenoaks refuse Downs Valley Mast Application
(FHC) After hundreds of objections, including one from FHC, Sevenoaks Council have refused the third application by Orange for a telephone mast at Downs Valley. Their reasons were:
- "The proposed installation, by reason of its siting and design would be seen as a visual intrusion in this rural location within the Green Belt and be detrimental to the character, appearance and openness of the locality", contrary to the local development plans
- It would detract from residential amenity
- Threat to trees and vegetation contrary to interests of nature and habitat conservation.
£1 million wind-fall
(Dartford Times, p15) Chairman of KCC and Hartley councillor Kent Tucker praises KCC and Heritage Lottery funding for Kent Windmills, including Meopham which received £125,000 worth of repairs.
Lock car doors
(Dartford Messenger, p5) Theft from parked car at Manor Lane, Fawkham
5 August 2004
Raising mast complaints
(Dartford Messenger, p10) Hartley Parish Council support locals' objections to Downs Valley telephone mast application.
Kicking off to football fun
(Dartford Messenger, p6) 50 boys take part in Grassroots Soccer School at Milestone School, Ash Road, Hartley (picture).
Vandalism at Northfield
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p23) A new noticeboard at the Ash Road entrance has been covered with graffiti, which was removed but then the plastic cover was smashed by vandals and more graffiti added.
Do you recognise these booze thieves?
(Dartford Times, p15) CCTV pictures of suspects of theft of £158.16 worth of drink from Longfield Threshers published (see also Dartford Messenger, p6 - "Police release images of suspects in drink theft").
Properties for sale
(Dartford Messenger - Property, p2) Your Move has a 4 bed house in Manor Drive for £520,000
29 July 2004
Huge rail project well on track
Huge rail project well on track
(Dartford Messenger, p4) Government gives go-ahead to Crossrail, which should see trains running from Heathrow and Kingston to Ebbsfleet.
Safety figures 'cooked up'
(Dartford Times - Ashley Rogers, p4) Crime rises by 1% in Sevenoaks District, but falls 20% in New Ash Green
Schools say fond farewells
(Dartford Messenger, p4) Retirement of Brenda Giffard (pictured), midday supervisor at New Ash Green Primary School since 1971.
Properties to rent
(Dartford Times - Property, p4) Ashton Burkinshaw has 4 bed house in Hartley to let for £1,350 per calendar month (pictured) and 5 bed house for £2,350 pcm.
Many thanks
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p23) RC Church fete raised £7,000.
22 July 2004
Spacious family home
(Dartford Messenger, p Prop 3) 4 bedroom family home on market for £510,000 with Your Move (picture and description).
Youngsters bear all
(Dartford Messenger, p 27) Picture and article about New Ash Green Pre-school's teddy bear's picnic
Speeding to a reduction in injuries
(Dartford Messenger - Helen Wagstaff, p 27) Kent and Medway Safety Cameras Partnership claim success in reducing accidents at camera sites with the number of deaths or serious injuries at 14 camera sites in Dartford and Gravesham reduced by two-thirds since introduction.
Competition 'shows kids care about community'
(Dartford Times, p7) Prize winners from New Ash Green Primary School crime prevention poster competition pictured
9 July 2004
Obituary of Green Party leader, born in Hartley
(Green Party website) Obituary of Dr Mike Woodin. He was born in Hartley in 1965, and later became a don at Oxford University in Psychology. He was the first green councillor for Oxford in 1994 and since then the party has helped to achieve less traffic congestion, 100% recycling and 50% affordable housing. He was for many years one of the party's "principal speakers" (joint leaders). Current leader Caroline Lucas said: "At a time when our elected representatives are increasingly viewed as cynical and self-serving, his political career was an inspiring reminder that honesty, intelligence and humanity can still thrive at the heart of public life."
8 July 2004
Fury as reduced bus fares get the red light
(Dartford Times, p12) 20p concessionary bus fares abolished by Sevenoaks Council from 1 July. Pensioners' leader said "Sevenoaks Council believes in money before people. This is an entirely political decision". Council claimed they did it to balance the books. Background from 11 March
Mobile firm has third attempt at installing phone mast
(Dartford Messenger, p3) Orange are applying again for a phone mast at Downs Valley, which is opposed by local residents and Dr Stoate, our MP.
24 June 2004
Proud parents watch kids perform a children's classic
(Dartford Times, p7) Children at Milestone School, Hartley perform Jabberwocky (picture).
All that jazz in field
(Dartford Times, p5) Arthritis Research Annual Jazz Party at Manor Field on 26th.
23 June 2004
Smokers get help to give up the habit
(News Shopper, p7) 1,042 have given up smoking in the year ended March 2004 in the local Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Healthcare Trust area.
17 June 2004
Euro result puts the Tories on top
(Dartford Messenger, p15, additional reporting by FHC) In the European elections the Conservatives won 4 of the 10 South East region seats, followed by the UK Independence Party and Liberal Democrats with 2 each, Labour and the Greens also took a seat a piece. Each local authority area gave their results separately, the Conservatives will no doubt be pleased to have "won" our Dartford constituency but a general election result will be much closer. Hartley falls in the Sevenoaks Counting area for this election but is likely to be part of Dartford constituency for the general election.
One party that did better locally than regionally were the fledgling English Democrats, who are campaigning for a parliament for England. They fielded a number of local candidates, including Hartley's own Lyndon Newins, a former independent parish councillor.
| Party | Dartford | Sevenoaks | SE Region | |||
| BNP | 1171 | 5.5% | 1010 | 3.2% | . | 2.9% |
| Christian Peoples Allce | 198 | 0.9% | 168 | 0.5% | . | 0.5% |
| Conservative | 6426 | 30.2% | 12518 | 39.7% | . | 35.2% |
| English Democrats | 529 | 2.5% | 504 | 1.6% | . | 1.3% |
| Green | 1128 | 5.6% | 2285 | 7.3% | . | 7.9% |
| Labour | 4797 | 22.5% | 3559 | 11.3% | . | 13.7% |
| Liberal Democrat | 1727 | 8.1% | 4215 | 13.4% | . | 15.3% |
| Peace | 104 | 0.5% | 147 | 0.5% | . | 0.6% |
| Pro Life | 62 | 0.3% | 70 | 0.2% | . | 0.3% |
| Respect | 103 | 0.5% | 105 | 0.3% | . | 0.6% |
| Senior Citizens | 302 | 1.4% | 401 | 1.3% | . | 1.9% |
| UK Independence | 4628 | 21.8% | 6485 | 20.6% | . | 19.5% |
| Philip Rhodes | 34 | 0.2% | 59 | 0.2% | . | 0.3% |
6 June 2004
Hartley remembers D-Day
(The Hart, June 2004) This month's Hart features articles from Molly Cory (who saw the build up in Cornwall as a child), Jenny Oakshott (her father was on Gold beach with the Hampshires and won the MC), John Williamson (on naval escort duty) and Richard Jones (Royal Berkshires).
The Hart is available in the Library, or copies can be purchased in the Churches - why not take out a subscription!
Parliamentary Boundary Review Recommends Hartley Remains in Dartford
(Kent on Sunday, p62. Additional reporting - FHC) The Boundary Commission has made its final recommendations on the boundaries of the parliamentary constituencies in Kent, following a public enquiry held last November. They now recommend that Hartley and Hodsoll Street ward be part of Dartford Constituency.
The commission initially suggested that the Dartford Constituency should be the borough of Dartford and the Sevenoaks ward of Horton Kirby, South Darenth and Farningham. Hartley and Hodsoll Street was to go into Sevenoaks Constituency. But because of the number of objections to this and other proposals in the county a public enquiry had to be held.
At the public enquiry the three main parties were well represented, constituency boundaries after all being of vital importance to them when it comes to winning them at election time. The (national) Conservatives argued that the Dartford constituency should include both Horton Kirby and Hartley wards. Labour argued the boundary of the Dartford seat should be the same as the borough, which our labour MP agreed with. The Hartley Conservatives (and by extension the parish council) agreed with the Commission's initial proposals. The last option - to include the Hartley ward (instead of Horton Kirby) with Dartford was put forward most forcefully by Dartford Borough Council. The chairman of the enquiry said it "was a model example for all to follow: indeed a paragon. It really was most helpful and persuasive". The FHC were also at the enquiry to argue for Hartley being in Dartford constituency, the commissioner kindly praised the "enormous amount of thorough research" in its "invaluable report". He also called attention to the contribution from 81 year old Hartley resident Mrs Sharp for taking the trouble to come to Ashford to speak.
Boundary reviews have rules that must be adhered to, and the commissioner believed that keeping Hartley in Dartford not only matched the numbers of the two seats better, but also meant less inconvenience in moving people from one constituency to another. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats gladly agreed with this view, Labour somewhat less so. It should also be noted that no-one from the Horton Kirby ward spoke in favour of being in Dartford constituency, in stark contrast to Hartley.
See also "Voting goalposts move" (Dartford Times 17.6.04, p18)
3 June 2004
Mobiles starting to make call boxes a thing of past
(Dartford Times, p11) BT plan to close phone box opposite Longfield Station and 5 others in Dartford borough. Phone customer services team on 0800 252745 for details.
1 June 2004
Parish Pilgrimage to Canterbury
(Town and Country Post, June 2004, p1) To celebrate the 1,400th anniversary of Rochester Diocese, 50+ walkers from All Saints' Church took part in a pilgrimage to Canterbury (pictures).
Choir's 10th anniversary concert
(Town and Country Post, June 2004, p36) Concert by St Francis de Sales Choir (pictured).
Sevenoaks Council elects new chairman
(Town and Country Post, June 2004, p41) Clive Bruce, Conservative councillor for New Ash Green (pictured).
More details on the Church Website.
28 May 2004
Property Market
(Dartford Times, homes p2) 2 bedroom bungalow in Church Road near Gresham Avenue on market with Hartley Estates for £389,995.
27 May 2004
Excellent report for school
(Dartford Messenger, Jon Kaila, p13) New Ash Green Primary School wins praise for its curriculum in latest Ofsted report (photo).
Graffiti artists get blank wall
(Dartford Messenger, p13) Longfield Parish Council gets £48,000 grant to transform Oval Playspace in the way residents had requested in a survey.
26 May 2004
Council considers relocating school
(News Shopper, Lucy Brinicombe, p4) KCC want to replace "dilapidated" Axton Chase school, and have got Dartford Council to change their district plan to allow them to build a new school and houses on the existing site. Picture of school and chairman of governors Cllr Bertie Bassam.
See also "Build Plan for School" (Dartford Messenger, Sarah Lee, p 11 - includes photo)
MPs condemn 'worst-class post'
(London Metro, p9) DA postcode 4th worst in country for post arriving on time (84.3%) according to survey, but still a lot better than worst code - NN, at 73.3%
25 May 2004
My victory for the common-law wives left with nothing
(Daily Mail - Peter Allen, p21; additional reporting by FHC) Hartley property involved in landmark legal decision on the rights of common-law partners. Elayne Oxley and Allan Hiscock bought a house at 35 Dickens Close for £127,000 in 1991. The house was in Mr Hiscock's sole name who had paid £60,700 of the purchase price and taken out a mortgage for £30,000, but Mrs Oxley had contributed £36,300 or 28% of the purchase price. They split up and the house was sold for £232,000 in 2001 of which about £40,000 was paid to Mrs Oxley.
Mrs Oxley filed a claim in Bromley County Court, which ruled Mrs Oxley was entitled to a half share of the proceeds of sale and ordered Mr Hiscock to pay her £72,056. Mr Hiscock appealed. The Court of Appeal (Lord Justices Chadwick, Manse and Scott-Baker) disagreed with the County Court judge's findings that just because a house was intended to be owned jointly, that it must have been in equal shares. Indeed Lord Justice Chadwick said "In my view to declare that the parties were entitled in equal shares would be unfair to Mr Hiscock." However they did rule that because Mrs Oxley had made a full contribution to household running costs "it would be fair to treat them as having made approximately equal contributions to the balance of the purchase price" - that is the £30,000 mortgage. Therefore her share becomes 40% and they adjust the county court order accordingly.
Where the judgement is thought to be novel is in the issue of what can be counted as contributions to a share in the ownership in trust law. Up until now only payments towards the purchase price or home improvements had been allowable, but now general household bills may be included too in the calculations.
The Mail article has pictures of the parties and the house, while you can read all 26 pages of the judgement on the British and Irish Legal Institute website. See also Dartford Times 27 May 2004, p5 - "common law wife sets legal history over house".
20 May 2004
MP's free travel for elderly bid
(Dartford Messenger, p15) MP Dr Stoate campaigning for free off peak travel for all, not just metropolitan areas.
Very des res for family
(Dartford Messenger, p Prop 3) 6 bedroom house in Ash Road, built in 1927 with swimming pool for sale with Wards (picture and description). Also Your Move has 3 bed bungalow in Quakers Close for £335,000 and 4 bed house on Hoselands Hill for £395,000
19 May 2004
Overall Crime Figures rise by 11.7%
(News Shopper, p2) Year ended 31 March 2004 shows increase in crime in North Kent. Violent crime was up by 15.9%, burglary from houses up 11.2%, but the numbers of vehicle crime and other burglaries fell.
Hiding whole history of secrets
(News Shopper, p10) Feature on former nuclear bunker at Woodlands Park, Gravesend, which runs tours every fortnight. In there is a map showing that a 1950s nuclear bomb dropped on Gravesend would have caused destruction up to Longfield.
13 May 2004
Exam pupils breakfast like kings
(Dartford Messenger, p5) Our lady of Hartley RC school run SAT exam breakfasts (pictures).
Rotary club lends support to Indian projects
(Dartford Times, p20) Longfield parish councillor and rotarian Stewart Grainger visits India for projects supported by Darent Valley Rotary Club (picture).
Clive picked as new chairman
(Dartford Times, p4) New Ash Green councillor Clive Bruce is new chairman of Sevenoaks Council (picture and profile).
Property Market
(Dartford Messenger, Prop 32) Your move advertises house for sale in Dickens Close for £367,000 and bungalow in Quakers Close for £335,000.
29 April 2004
Activities galore keep crowds entertained
(Dartford Messenger, p11) Report of Hartley Parish Council Youth Activity Day, includes picture. Councillor Andrew Tremain thought "It was a resounding success.... we're already thinking about maybe doing it again".
Property News
(Dartford Messenger, property) 3 bedroom bungalow in Quakers Close on market with Your Move for £345,000, and three bedroom bungalow in Merton Avenue for £285,000
27 April 2004
County Council "constituencies" announced
(Boundary Committee for England) The government body charged with making sure each councillor represents roughly the same number of people has reported for Kent. They propose the council should remain at 84 seats, but because of population changes, Sevenoaks District is only entitled to 7 members instead of 8 at present.
The result of this is that the current seat of Hartley, Ash and Fawkham is expanded to include West Kingsdown also. This was not what the county council wanted, as they proposed that instead of West Kingsdown, we should be joined with Horton Kirby. However the committee did not like this because this would mean splitting two district council wards.
Unfortunately it appears that we will be the second largest ward in Kent because the 2006 population figure supplied to the Committee appears to be over 700 less than both previous projections, and the population as it is now.
23 April 2004
Consultation closes on Longfield Rail Proposals
(Strategic Rail Authority Consultation Document, and Dartford Messenger 15.4.04, p7) The SRA has been consulting on their proposals for rail services in Kent, when the Channel Tunnel raillink is opened in 2007. The service for Longfield is similar to today, but Farningham Road faces big cuts in services. Click on the link for further details.
15 April 2004
Crowds flock to church service
(Dartford Times, p15) North Kent Community Church has so many worshippers at their Sunday morning meeting at Axton Chase school (350+), they are starting a 6pm evening service at New Ash Green Primary School from 25 April.
The wonders of wildlife
(Dartford Messenger, p4) Environmental area opened at Fawkham CE primary school (pictured).
13 April 2004
New Ash Green Domain Name for sale on Ebay
(Ebay Auction ending 14 April) The domain name www.newashgreen.co.uk is up for sale on internet auction site ebay at a starting price of £1,000. The vendor wishes to sell because he no longer lives in the area.
3 April 2004
Homes in the South East? Get radical
(Estates Gazette, p130-1) Article by Steve Scrivens, who ran an advert in the Times in 2002 proposing a new city for North West Kent. His argument is that "in the near future" some 2 million people will want to live in the south-east, meaning an extra 500,000 houses above what is planned. Even at high 50 houses per hectare density this will mean an area of 77 square miles being required. He thinks "the only area that can accommodate a large new settlement is north-west Kent in the Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley area." He rejects expanding other Kent settlements because it would destroy countryside there. The rest of the article is his ideas of how the houses might be built and run in a "green" way.
The article refers to his website www.hydrotechnology.net
1 April 2004
Runaway bus ploughs into front door
(Dartford Times, p1) Bus rolls down Station Road, Longfield into house at 9am yesterday (picture).
see also (Dartford Messenger, p2) "Lucky Escape as bus rams home (picture)
Security session success
(Dartford Messenger, p4) 30 attend crime prevention session at All Saints' Hall.
Building firm in liquidation
(Dartford Messenger, p3) 5K Construction Ltd, whose directors live in Hartley in Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation.
Flower power
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p56) K and E Scott, B Richards, and R Fisher among winners at Horticultural Society Spring show
Community on track for country life
(Dartford Messenger - advertisement feature, p26) Feature on Longfield with pictures of the Church and Library
25 March 2004
20p trips a pass to freedom
(Dartford Messenger, p8) Letter from Ivy Sharp writes to express her disappointment that Hartley's councillors all voted to abolish the pass, in spite of receiving 2,000 objections. Money spent by the council on space consultants and generous early retirement packages would have more than covered the cost.
Fireworks battle wins my support
(Dartford Messenger, p8) R A Nightingale of Farningham and Jim Dunn of Hartley write to support petition for ban on sale of fireworks to the public, referred to on 11 March.
18 March 2004
Rural Bus Subsidies may run out
(Dartford Messenger, p7) Kent County Council urge parish and district councils to promote bus services, or they will be lost.
Inquest on road tragedy
(Dartford Messenger, p3) Verdict of accidential death recorded by Gravesend Coroner on Marjorie Gamble of Cavendish Square, Hartley.
11 March 2004
Bid to ban fireworks
(Dartford Times - Michael Adkins, p11) Jess Southerton of Carmelite Way (pictured) got 750 signature petition asking for a ban on the sale of fireworks, which was presented by MP Dr Stoate to parliament.
Further Reading: Hansard entry for 25 February with text of petition.
Class Act
(Dartford Times - Martin Sawden, p12) Feature and picture on Axton Chase School, Longfield. Headmaster Kevin Stokes outlines "enrichment" programmes run by school.
Pensioner fears for pals as bus discount is axed
(Swanley Times, p5) Ivy Sharp of Church Road criticised Sevenoaks Council's decision to axe the 20p scheme for pensioners, believing councillors have gone back on their word and have ignored the public. She said being able to get out and about is vital to pensioners' well being. Hartley Councillor James Gaywood said "it had already been decided before the vote had taken place"
Further reading: previous news item of 19 Febuary.
Fascinating Fact - the Battle of Hartley 1554
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p30) Account of battle in the Hart - "this great little publication can be seen in any of the Hartley Churches or you can have a copy delivered". (Link to article)
Comedy Revue
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p30) Favourable review of "Radio Days and TV Times" by The Time of Our Lives Music Theatre.
4 March 2004
Clinic staff fury over yellow lines
(Gravesend Messenger, p15) Nurses at New Ash Green mother and baby clinic complain at new yellow lines outside the premises, Sevenoaks Council said they were necessary for road safety.
Call for ban on sales of fireworks
(Dartford Messenger, p9) 750 signature petition against over the counter sale of fireworks presented to MP by Jess Southerton of Carmelite Way.
7 March 2004
Northfield Councillor disqualified
(Kent on Sunday, p56) Notice from the Adjudication Panel for England. Ash parish council member of the Northfield joint committee with Hartley parish is disqualified from holding public office for a year. The panel found after a hearing, that the councillor had failed to declare a prejudicial interest at 5 meetings of the committee, and had sought to improperly influence decisions at 4 of them.
19 February 2004
Tax dodgers' plea rejected
(Dartford Times, p10) Appeal of Longfield company director against 21 month sentance for evading £209,000 tax on 1.4 million cigarettes, refused.
See also "Tobacco pair lose sentence appeal" (Dartford Messenger, p4), and previous news on 18 September 2003
Clifford's big day
(Dartford Messenger, p4) Clifford the big red dog visits Hartley Primary School Book Fair (picture).
Hartley Council supports 20p bus pass
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p20) Councillor Tremain's motion to support the scheme was approved by the council
Further reading: Council meeting; previous news item of 13 Nov 2003.
Police raise tax to make streets safer
(Dartford Times, p7) Kent Police raise council tax by 11.3% to make a budget of £245.8 million.
12 February 2004
E-mail porn disgusts me
(Dartford Times, p8) Letter from Hartley resident, Barbara Tailor, protesting at disgusting spam e-mail.
Month of Heatwave and frosts
(Dartford Times, p15) Another temperature record for Gravesend as it hits 17.9 C (64.2 F).
5 February 2004
Icy weather's snow excuse for rail delays!
(Dartford Times, p6) South Eastern Trains apologise to Cheryl McGill of New Ash Green (pictured) after a "dusting" of snow caused her husband's 6.11 train to be delayed for 4 hours.
Kids Left Stranded
(Dartford Times - Martin Sawden, p14) School buses from New Ash Green to Axton Chase School axed. Arriva claimed fewer pupils were using it. KCC now pay for a minibus for the 8 pupils entitled to free bus travel, but did not want to support the route.
Delight at Ofsted praise
(Dartford Messenger, p20) Ofsted say Axton Chase school in Longfield is an "effective school where the good quality of teaching and learning is ensuring that students achieve well".
Hartley Fete 2002
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck, p 29) Age Concern detail where some of the money has been spent from Hartley's last village fete in 2002. No fete is being planned this year.
Property Market - Hartley almost breaks £1m barrier
(Dartford Messenger) Hartley Estates has The Birches, Ash Road for sale at £965,000 with Hartley Estates. Meanwhile Your Move has houses for sale in Fairby Lane (£355,000); Cherry Trees (£289,500); and Woodland Avenue (£245,000)
29 January 2004
Safety talk success
(Dartford Times, p11) 50 Fawkham residents attend North Kent Crime Prevention Panel advice day at Fawkham Memorial Hall.
28 January 2004
Days to get ready but Tube still fails as the freeze arrives
(Evening Standard - Dick Murray, Finian Davern, p17) Chaos in our area as first train of the morning breaks down at Meopham
26 January 2004
Cuts in local bus services
(Arriva Public Notice) The local bus company Arriva published a new timetable for the 423 bus to Dartford and the 489 bus to Gravesend.
On the 423 route there is little change in buses to Dartford, but the first two buses of the morning from Dartford on Mondays to Fridays (6.13, 6.53) and Saturday (7.26 and 8.25) will no longer run. On the plus side the 17.15 bus from Dartford on a Saturday is now extended from Longfield to New Ash Green.
On the 489 route the 7.38 bus from Gravesend on weekdays, along with the 15.40 from New Ash Green to Gravesend will no longer run. In addition the 8.20 and 15.20 buses from New Ash Green to Longfield will no longer run.
Click here for the 423 timetable or the 489 timetable
23 January 2004
Friends of Hartley Countryside make donation to preserve Blean Wood
The FHC are members of the Kent Wildlife Trust, and we were pleased to be able to support their appeal to purchase it. Click here for letter (33kb PDF file).
22 January 2004
Volunteers begin campaign to save green from weeds
(Dartford Times, p4) Feature on the efforts of the North West Kent Countryside Project to promote a more diverse chalk grassland at Rectory Meadow.
20 January 2004
Death in Hartley Woods
(This is Local London Website) Coroner records verdict of suicide on Hartley man, who suffered from years of depression and agoraphobia, who was found in Hartley Woods.
15 January 2004
Is Daniella's vow to quit UK just another publicity stunt?
(Dartford Times - Emma Durdle, p4) Profile on local resident Daniella Westbrook including her plans to move to the US. Local resident Roy Glover said she has been a good neighbour.
15 January 2004
Is Daniella's vow to quit UK just another publicity stunt?
(Dartford Times - Emma Durdle, p4) Profile on local resident Daniella Westbrook including her plans to move to the US. Local resident Roy Glover said she has been a good neighbour.
Soap Star seeks new life in USA
(Dartford Messenger, p3) Local celebrity Daniella Westbrook is said to be moving to the US.
Pastures New
(Dartford Messenger, Colin Senneck) Rev David Moss of RC Church is moving to Yorkshire.
8 January 2004
Parish council admit £26 debt
(Dartford Messenger - Colin Senneck, p 22) In a press release the parish clerk admits the council owe the sum of £26, which they are currently being sued for in Gravesend County Court.
Skate boys slope off to mobile park
(Dartford Messenger, p18-19) Local youth enthusiastic about temporary skate park in New Ash Green car park. A spokesman for the local youth group HAWK said Northfield would be an ideal location for a permanent park, which is something local children have been asking for years (6 picture feature).