Chilham
Chilham is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Kent due to the large number of timber-framed medieval and Jacobean cottages that front the square and adjoining streets. Chilham is rich with history and was given by Henry VIII to his courtier Henry Cheney in 1542. Henry VIII’s hunting lodge still stands in the village but the main attraction is Chilham Castle, the Italian Renaissance mansion constructed by Sir Dudley Digges (Master of the Rolls for James I) in 1616. At the other end of the square is the 14th century St Mary’s church with its majestic tower. Chilham is alleged to be the last known resting place of the bones of St Augustine following the destruction of his shrine in Canterbury by Henry VIII’s orders in 1548. The village today retains its medieval look and charm and welcomes visitors to its pubs, cafe and other local businesses.
Old Wives Lees
The village of Old Wives Lees is a very friendly and family orientated village, with a children’s play area and an outdoor gym on the village green.
Our village hall is the hub of most of the activities, and the Village Hall Committee is a very vibrant and hands on committee. Some of the things they have organised in the hall have been the showing on a big screen of the Royal Family Wedding and an England International Rugby match.
There has also been a World War 2 remembrance sing-along, a village picnic with games, and a regular monthly Big Breakfast on Saturday mornings. Added to that, there is also a ukulele group, a recorder group, flower arranging classes, Yoga, Quiz Nights and Curry Nights in the hall.
Christmas Carol singing, by the village community choir, raises funds for local charities.
Obviously these activities are unable to take place during the COVID crisis, but will hopefully start again when it is safe to do so. During the COVID 19 lockdown the hall committee also organised and ran the village food bank, with donations coming from our villagers.
We are very proud of the community spirit that shined brightly in our village during these unpredictable times.
Shottenden
Info coming soon.
