GET SET FOR 4 DAYS OF CELEBRATION
Read the May issue Parish Magazine article
Read What's On Saturday 2nd June
Read What's On Sunday 3rd June
Read What's On Monday 4th June
Read What's On Tuesday 5th June
Updated 11th May
On Monday 4th June the residents of McCabe Close and the clubs that run within the centre will hold a street party to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
The souvenir guides came today and delivery to households in the parish will start at the weekend.
Updated 8th May
Fancy Dress Competition
Calling all Kings and Queens: Fancy Dress Parade and Competition – OPEN TO ALL
Chapel Lane Pre-School will be joining in Staplehurst’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations with a Royal Fancy Dress Parade and Competition, to be held on Sunday 3 June at the Picnic in the Park at Surrenden Field. Come dressed up in your most royal attire and with your most glittering crown - Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses all welcome.
There are three categories:
*Up to 5 years
*5 years to 8 years
*A Royal Family
Prize for the best costume in each category.
Please meet for the Fancy Dress Parade on Surrenden Field at 3.30pm.
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Well done also to the children from Chapel Lane Preschool and the Under Fives Playgroup who are making miles of wonderful bunting to decorate the Village Centre and Surrenden Field on Tuesday 5th June.
Updated 7th May
Within a month it will all be over, 11 months of planning and a programme full of events! The 32-page guide part-funded by the Parish Council is cuurently at the printer's. Look out for it dropping through your letterbox during the week starting Mon, 14th May. 2500 copies are being distributed throughout the Parish and there'll be a few spares in case anyone needs more than one, maybe for friends or family that live away or overseas. Send an email if you would like an extra copy or two. 
The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Group had a photo taken outside Sobel Lodge last week for inclusion in the Souvenir Guide. This is the only one where we're all looking at the camera! Since the closure of The Bell we've been meeting every Wednesday by kind invitation of Sobel Lodge.
On Tuesday 5th June we welcome back the French Market to Surrenden Field. Last with us for our Christmas Fair, the traders will be open from 12.00noon until the event closure at 10.30pm (ish). If you missed it here's a video courtesy of Kentscape Photography that gives a flavour of what to expect.
We're delighted to let everyone know that a limited parking area for those with disabilities [and a blue badge] has been set aside just inside the field for use use on Sunday & Tuesday. If you would like to take advantage of this just ask at the control point located inside the Surrenden Road gate entrance and one of the committee will help. A toilet facility for the disabled will also be provided.
Raffle Tickets are still on sale from the Post Office to be in with 
the chance of winning the Lancaster Canvas. This will be personally signed by the BBMF crew who will fly over us on Sunday 3rd June.
The Home Front Bus has confirmed its presence on Tuesday 5th June. A visit to this unique attraction is a must for all ages.
Commemorative Tree Planting
Staplehurst Horticultural Society, in partnership with Staplehurst Primary School Garden Club, are planting a commemorative tree in the school playing field overlooking the A229 on Wednesday 23rd May.
The tree is a Wild Service Tree (Sorbus Torminalis). The fruits, sometimes called ‘chequers’ are edible and taste similar to dates. They were traditionally known as a herbal remedy for colic; the tree’s Latin name, torminalis means ‘good for colic’. Before the introduction of hops, the fruits were used to flavour beer, which may be related to the ancient symbol of a public house being a chequerboard. The flowers are creamy-white in late spring to early summer with russet fruits and spectacular yellow to red leaves in mid to late autumn. A stainless steel plaque will serve as a reminder to future generations of this occasion.
Updated 15th April
Latest News
The BBMF Lancaster has confirmed 14:00hrs on Sunday 3rd June for the flypast. The display line requested will bring the aircraft from over the village, parallel to the railway line to the ALG Memorial, Chickenden Farm. This coincides with the close of the commemoration service at the former ALG.
The 'Fine & Funky Fryer' mobile fish & chip provider is confirmed for 'Music in the Park' Tuesday 5th June.
So too is the 'Westlands BBQ'. The most amazing BBQ you'll
ever see and the only one in the UK. All the food is cooked in
a 'steam loco'! Serving 100% home-reared pork and turkey.
Also on Tuesday 5th - Serving Tea, Coffee and Bread Pudding is an original 1941 Original Mobile Canteen ‘NAAFI VAN’
Joanne works the canteen dressed in wartime NAAFI overalls and original bunting is hung around together with bill boards showing wartime posters. A period radio plays 1940s music bringing back memories to all who see her. She has been in numerous films including Goodnight Mr Tom, Enigma, Charlotte Gray and Colditz. Joanne and the NAAFI Wagon also appeared on Countryfile in May 2008.
Supplied by Austin Motor Co. Birmingham, this vehicle became a mobile canteen in 1941. GGX 765 was registered in London and issued to the National Fire Service for wartime use in the Walworth Road and surrounding areas and then passed to the Auxiliary Fire Service during the early 1950s for use as part of the Mobile Columns of Civil Defence.
She is shown today as an original example of many canteens used by the various support organisations during the Second World War. Being one of five left in existence today, the NAAFI Wagon is fully operational, serving refreshments in period enamel mugs with a wonderful collection of memorabilia including over 50 original cigarette packets, original tins, period enamelware and still has the original urns on show.
A Jubilee Raffle. Win this fabulous canvas.
To tie in with the visit to our village by The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster PA474 on Sunday 3rd June as part of these celebrations the image of PA474 over Greatstone beach pictured below has been donated by photographer Lewis J Brockway as a fundraising idea but more importantly so that someone can have the lifelong pleasure of owning a unique and beautiful piece of art that will forever be a reminder of her visit to Staplehurst to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Local company Iden Signs have printed the 24" x 12" image on canvas and it's displayed in the Post Office for all to see. Raffle tickets can be bought from the counter at £1 each. The winner will be selected at the 'Music in the Park' event on Tuesday 5th June.
Following a discussion with the operations office at The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Coningsby it's likely we can have the print signed by the crew allocated to fly the Lancaster over Staplehurst on Sunday 3rd June.
Updated 4th March
A massive thank you to everyone who supported 'The Right Royal Quiz' evening with John Sandon as question-master on 3rd March. A significant sum was raised towards funding our Jubilee Celebrations.
Following a public meeting in July a group has been formed to coordinate, plan, finance and deliver community events over Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend in June 2012. A number of exciting and innovative ideas have been discussed and remain as ‘work in progress’ but there is scope for more village groups and organisations to get involved. Please email with any suggestions or ideas so these can be incorporated in the ‘big plan’.
In conjunction with the Parish Council, the organising group is producing a 32-page souvenir guide to feature the programme of events planned for the Jubilee period in early June with a particular focus on the community that is Staplehurst and the wealth of history and places of special interest that surround us. This will be delivered to every household in the parish during the week commencing 14th May.
With just three months to go until the celebrations we would like to start informing everyone through this webpage what can be enjoyed on each of the four main days 2nd - 5th June plus some of the activities everyone can join in with either side of this bank holiday weekend. From the very outset it was our intention to provide entertainment and activities for every age group from every part of the community so everyone could join in and feel good about being part of this wonderful village. With the unstinting generosity shown by those who have supported our fundraising events and the businesses listed below who have made a considerable finacial contribution we're absolutely delighted that all the activities, entertainment and events will be completely free to enter.*
As of 15th May here is the confirmed list of at least 60 things to see and do over the celebration weekend.
Witness the Commemorative tree planting at the primary school
Watch the regal entrances of our King, Queen and Royal Family in the fancy dress competition
See what’s included in the Primary School time capsule
Listen to 60 minutes of bell ringing at the church
Take a vintage bus history tour of the village
Visit Brattle Farm
Visit the Hammond Micro Car Collection
Enjoy a cream tea at Copp William – the oldest house in the village
Attend the ALG memorial service at All Saints Church
Participate in the Commemoration service at the ALG, Chickenden Farm
Watch the Battle or Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster Display
Enjoy bacon butties and afternoon teas at the Village Centre
View the Creative Staplehurst exhibition at the Village Centre
Watch one of the artists work at the Creative Staplehurst exhibition
Meet ‘Winston Churchill’
Be fascinated by the Staplehurst History Society display at the Village Centre
Discover the site of the WW11 doodlebug crash
Discover the site of the village windmill
Learn about the Viking door at the Parish Church
Discover the route of PLUTO (and what PLUTO stands for)
Hear about armoured vehicles being tested for their resistance to water prior to D Day
Learn about the Opodium
Learn about the site of the Roman bridge 
Learn about the WW1 airfield at Pagehurst
Enjoy a tour of Copp William, the oldest dwelling in Staplehurst, c1340
Learn about the WW11 air raid shelter, the only one of its kind remaining
Hear about the WW11 Hurricane crash at Grave Lane
Read and enjoy the free souvenir brochure
Learn why there is a brass plaque at the railway station
Discover what the memorial at the crossroads is all about
View the location of Dickens' famous rail crash
Meet Col. Charles Shiff, a USAAF veteran who served at our ALG in 1944
Visit the ALG Memorial with Ted Sergison, WW11 aviation expert
Discover the site of the village watermill
Enjoy a local food and produce fair at the Village Centre
Enjoy Smith's Carnival Funfair on Surrenden Field
Now confirmed as Funfair £1 a ride on Sat 2nd (dodgems £1.50)
Meet members of and handle the kit of the living history group 'Yanks & Limeys'
Join the Staplehurst Footpath Group for a 7 1/2 mile Jubilee Ramble
Enjoy a taste of continental living as the French Market visits again
Discover the Home Front Bus
View the 170 or so tiles that have been painted by our primary school children
Take a Picnic and join the children's tea party on Sunday afternoon
Join in with a VE-Day style sing along
Watch a re-enacted 'skirmish'
Enjoy the concert by Fiona Harrison, the UK's No.1 nostalgic soprano
Dance to the sounds of Glenn Miller as top swing band, The Jon Hamilton Big Band entertains
Enjoy a firework display
Listen to and support a number of local bands who will perform on stage Tuesday 5th
Support the athletes in 2012's 10k road race, or even run it
Enjoy superb entertainment from ABBA CHIC - the hottest ABBA tribute in the UK
Listen to the best 1960's band perform, The Swinging Sixties
Enjoy a free QUEEN tribute concert from the UK's No.1 tribute, The Bohemians
Watch Punch and Judy with your children
Meet Michael Hickmott, Tenterden's Town Crier
Enjoy the bunting and artwork that has been created by the pre-school children in the village
Buy a draw ticket to win one of many great prizes including attraction tickets
Listen to the grand finale of the National Anthem
Follow the New Staplehurst Society walking tour
Wear the Staplehurst Jubilee Polo Shirt – a real bargain at just £16.50!
Buy a raffle ticket to be in with a chance to win a unique print of the BBMF Lancaster Bomber PA 474
Read about people’s memories and recollections on the Nostalgia boards – and even post your own!
Colour in our royal pictures
Listen to a 15-minute presentation from the WWII living history group, 'Toys & Evacuation'
Support our sponsors today and throughout the year (listed below), without whom most of this would not be possible
Enjoy yourself!
Sponsors of
H.M. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Staplehurst June 2012
The committee would like to acknowledge donations from the following businesses in the village without whose generosity the planned four-day celebrations could not proceed.
The Amethyst Group is delighted to be the sole sponsor of the 'Magical History Tour' a free community event to be held on Saturday 2nd June when by 60 year old vintage bus residents can visit a number of 'hidden gems' in our village and learn so much more about the community in which we live. Already confirmed is Brattle Farm, Copp William (the oldest house in Staplehurst, built in 1340 and The Hammond Micro Car Collection plus around twenty sites of special historic interest. An amazing day to be had by all. More info here soon......
www.amethystgroup.co.uk
The Amethyst Group is a recognised leader in the provision of warehousing and distribution services. 
| Head Office |
| Lodge Road |
| Staplehurst |
| Kent |
| TN12 0QW |
| Tel: 01580 892211 |
Temperature Controlled Distribution
Peter Jones, Registered Opticians have been serving the local community for over 30 years. With practices in Staplehurst and Cranbrook, we are highly trained to care for your eyesight and we provide spectacles and contact lenses to suit all needs.
5 Church Hill, Staplehurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 0AX
Telephone: 01580 892269
Whitebox3 is unrivalled as a company providing performing arts equipment for Music, Drama & Dance.
www.mageegammon.com 01233 630000
Magee Gammon are one of the larger firms of Chartered Accountants in Kent and have been helping businesses and individuals since 1992.
Acorn Plant & Tool Hire is a family run local business that has been going for about 25 years, and was taken over by Andy & Louise Glenie in 2006.
They have built Acorn Hire up over the last 6 years to a well organized and substantial sized plant & tool hire company, serving the local community, whether its for a small DIY job or supplying to the trade, all are welcome, they can also deliver to you. They hire out equipment from Diggers, dumpers & cherry pickers to scaffold towers, cement mixers & concrete breakers to a wide range of garden care equipment and loads of other building tools & equipment. Having moved to larger premises about 2 years ago still down by Staplehurst station, they now have a tool shop too selling all sorts of small tools, hand tools & consumables etc. Pop in sometime they’re sure there is something there for you.Tel : 01580 891234
www.acornhire.comEmail : info @acornhire.com
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Acorn Hire |
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Amethyst Group |
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Arron Computer Services |
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Chasing Rainbows |
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Corals |
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Doves |
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Everest Glazing |
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Kim Pullen |
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Kings Head |
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Magee Gammon (Chartered Accountants) |
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Monk Lane Fisheries |
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Pierson Stewart and Partners ( Vets) |
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Radfords |
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Staplehurst Dental Practice |
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Staplehurst Nurseries |
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Staplehurst Tyres |
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Theobolds |
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Whitebox |
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Listings |
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ABA CRYSTAL PRIVATE HIRE |
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ACUTE SERVICES |
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AVM MOTOR EMGINEERS |
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BARRETT AND JARVIS |
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BH MOTORS |
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BRIGHT GREEN DETAILING |
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BUMBLES |
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CENTRAL GARAGE |
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CHASING RAINBOWS |
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CHEQUERS FISH BAR |
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CHITTENDEN FARM SHOP |
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CLEARY and DOWNEY |
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COACHMANS COTTAGE |
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COTTAGE BAKERY |
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DK HOLDINGS |
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EXPRESS CDs |
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HENHURST FARM SHOP |
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HOP ENGINEERING |
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IDEN CROFT HERBS |
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IDEN SIGNS |
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KENT VAN HIRE |
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MICHAELS HAIR STYLISTS |
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PAXMAN PRINTING |
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PETER CRADDOCK MOTOR ENGINEERS |
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PETER JONES -OPTICIANS |
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POPPIES |
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PREMIER APPLIANCES |
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RCV |
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SASH WINDOWS |
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SCISS |
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SCREENTEX |
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SPAR |
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SPUDS AND BUDS |
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STAPLEHURST CHIROPRATIC |
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STAPLEHURST FREE CHURCH |
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STAPLEHURST POST OFFICE |
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STAPLEHURST TRANSITS |
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STATION GARAGE |
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STATION NEWSAGENTS |
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SUE SMITH - PHYSIOTHERAPIST |
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T and S ENGINEERING SERVICES |
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T QUALITY |
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THE BOWER DENTAL CLINIC |
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UNITED BALLOON COMPANY |
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VALUE FRESH |
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WEALD OF KENT SPORTS CENTRE |
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WOODSTOVE TRADING COMPANY |
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YUMMY CHAIN LTD |
*Except the funfair, food and refreshment outlets, purchases from the French Market etc.
One or two venues during the 'Magical History Tour' including the vintage bus will welcome charitable donations.