Return of the Village Diary
Happy Friday, and welcome to my Village Diary, a week in my life in and around Rusthall, a village near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. It’s been a busy week and I’ve spent quite a bit of it veering between shivering and overheating because I can’t judge the weather at all.
First, here’s a picture of my unkempt garden at the start of the week - I adore this moment in the spring when the bluebells and apple blossom coincide. I don’t embrace the dandelions so much, but since I still haven’t got round to mowing my lawn this year, I remind myself that they are good for the bees and other insects. They also remind me of the time two years ago when I foraged from my garden to make Dandelion honey - certainly my peak lockdown 1 moment!
Bluebells, apple blossom and dandelions
Monday night was the Rusthall Parish Council Environment Committee meeting when we discussed the idea of getting a thermal image camera for the village so that residents can check out where their houses are leaking heat and be empowered to find ways to reduce their heating bills. I’m loving being part of this committee, learning a lot, and becoming the kind of person who takes pictures of random vans parked on my street because they look like an exciting sign of heat pump installation.
On Tuesday I took my nine year old to the Climate Husting brilliantly organised by Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth to put pressure on the local parties standing for election to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council about what they would do to reduce carbon emissions. It was only when I sat down next to my daughter and looked at the line up of seven men and no women that I realised what a terrible introduction to politics I had chosen. We need urgent action towards gender and social equality as well as saving the planet - the status quo isn’t enough. You can read more of my thoughts on this event on my Instagram post here.
I took a walk to Langton Green on Wednesday, as my thoughts turned towards the next issue of Langton Life. it was a bit overcast for many pretty pictures, but I did stop off at Langton’s Bakery for a chat with talented cook Hannah. She knows that many older people like a destination for their walk, and a rest when they get there, so she’s made a lovely corner for people to stop and chat for a little while. She has also begun a lending library of recipe books people can borrow from, or leave ones they don’t want anymore. It’s such a great idea and reminds me of my dream of starting a book swap in Rusthall. Hannah also has loads of advice on how to make a food budget go further, so she’s definitely worth talking to if you want some meal inspiration.
Thursday was a sad day for many in the Rusthall St Paul’s School community, as we said goodbye to one of our own, a dear friend and fellow decade-long school-run Mummy, Lauren Welch. The hundreds who attended the beautiful funeral service her close friends and family put together are a testament to how much Lauren was loved. She had a special joy in life, didn’t judge people, had a smile for all and was funny, kind and thoughtful at an individual level. She was also the most extraordinary raffle prize conjurer and tireless fundraiser for the school. Her loss is most painful for her children, husband and parents, but she will be keenly missed by everyone who knew her. The service and later the wake at the Red Lion reminded me how fortunate I am to live in such a warm, caring community as everyone came together to celebrate Lauren’s life, and offer support to her family and each other.
The evening saw my daughter and I out once again at the Pantiles, for the launch of the Ethical Emporium at the Zero Waste Company. I love this destination shop that champions packaging-free goods, and yummy cakes and coffee. It was great to see them reinvent their business model renting out shelves to independent ethical makers and creatives. My daughter played hide and seek with new friends and tried out the chocolate lolipops by Mimi Coco. I raised a glass of Prosecco to Lauren, and caught up with Rusthall resident Molly of the Molly and Grace Collective, who make the best lipbalms I’ve ever used! I was also happy to meet Langton resident Nette Browne whose crystals are being stocked in the shop. I can’t wait to interview her for the June issue of Langton Life when I meet up with her next week at Fine Grind in the new Amelia Scott Centre, where she has painted a mural and is part of the Strong Female Lead team bringing a Festival of Female Empowerment to town on 7th May.
The shiny new copies of the May issue of Rusthall Life were delivered to Jenny Blackburn’s house this morning, and as the person who normally helps her sort them into piles for the wonderful army of volunteers who deliver the magazine was away on holiday, I went over to help her out for a bit. It was great to get an insight into a different side of the hard work that goes into making a community magazine. If you live in Rusthall, expect your copy through the door in the next few days!
Over the weekend, I’m hoping to get to the Amelia Scott for a look around - I’m absolutely beyond excited about this, as I used to work in the library and can’t wait to see how it has been transformed - I am expecting to be wowed! I’m also going to go to the Spring Serenade Concert at All Saints’ Church in Langton Green, a lovely event for a great cause raising money for Ukraine.
Wishing you all a lovely bank holiday weekend, whatever you do.
Jayne x
