Take a closer look at some of the news stories from the Parish Council this August
To contact the Parish Council please email clerk@headcornpc.org.uk
Parish Council News
Community Liaison Officer's Update
It’s not just Headcorn that has a problem with anti-social behaviour in general and catapults in particular, it’s a national problem. But Stuart is doing what he can to help. The HPC CCTV is already doing its job. It’s providing excellent, clear footage that can be used for legal proceedings. Beyond that the public reporting (and doorbell cameras) make a significant difference too. Having footage of something can only be used if the culprits can be identified and to that end we need more people to report what they see. HPC acknowledges everyone's frustrations of having to constantly report behaviour with little or nothing seeming to happen as a result. But it matters and it helps. Without it even less would get done. So please help him to help you by continuing to report what you see.
Stuart also reports that the new Dementia Cafe was successfully launched last month. It is held regularly on the second Tuesday of each month at the Heart of Headcorn, with the next one being Tuesday 5th August 2025 between 10.15am and 11.45am. More info here: info@ageukmaidstone.org.uk.
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Need to reach Stuart? You can contact him by email: communityliaison@headcornpc.org.uk
Natural Burial Ground
For a number of years there has been a plan in the pipeline to provide a natural burial ground for the community. This ambition is being realised on a small parcel of land - formerly Redhill Stables - on Lenham Road which is in the process of being developed as a natural burial ground for the community.
If this planning application is passed then HPC will take ownership of the land with an holistic, eco-friendly funeral director ready to take on the running of the site and all that this entails. Once the burial portion of the land is full and decommissioned then the site will be turned over to HPC as a natural wildlife park with any business infrastructure removed leaving just the parking and a shelter for people to come and reflect and be a part of nature with their lost loved ones. This will be financed by a fund set up to provide ongoing maintenance of the site.”
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The details of the application are on the link below and if you wish to support this then a pro-forma reply is also below.
Neighbourhood Plan
Thank you to everyone who voted in the Referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan. It was supported by 599 votes with 52 against. Some who voted against commented on the wording of the referendum question being misleading but this is defined by electoral services so is not something we have any influence over.
As a result of the positive outcome we should see an improvement to the planning process, in terms of its compliance with the Plan.
Headcorn in Bloom
Headcorn in Bloom judging took place during July and we were delighted to have the task of visiting them all. The winning gardens can be viewed on a video which you can watch using the link below. Full list of winners:
Garden category:
1st: Carol Rockall
2nd: Sarah Wilson
3rd: Graham Newton
Pots category:
1st: Thelma Hollamby
2nd: Jean Taylor
3rd: Kathryn Toovey
Highly Commended:
The residents of Culpeper Court
Annie Hawkes
Our thanks to Headcorn Hardware for sponsoring the prizes this year.
Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE and VJ Day in Headcorn
Well that was quite something! Thank you everyone for supporting this event and to the musicians and stallholders who played their part. Without exception we have received such positive feedback that we feel this kind of family-friendly community event should be repeated next year. Once we’ve reflected on it all we’ll start to make a plan!
Local Charity Support
Headcorn Parish Council is delighted to be supporting local charity Veterans Operating Base (VOB) for the coming 18 months. This Headcorn-based charity is a national first, aiming to provide our veterans and their families with a welcoming and safe facility for support. The organisation is led by veterans, including onsite mental health specialists. Veterans with suicidal thoughts receive immediate assistance, eliminating the typical 6-12 week wait. In addition, partnering with the local veterans’ charities means they are able to provide more comprehensive support covering everything from housing to job-seeking.
HPC will be providing opportunities to help raise the profile of the charity and assist with training programmes where needed.
